Chapter 2274: The Gate of Destiny
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The Celestial-Hunting Festival was held once every thousand years.
A banquet was held before the Celestial Hunt.
According to tradition, the location of the festival was Destiny’s Creek, a river located at the foot of Mount Destiny.
If one wanted to reach Destiny’s Creek, they had to pass through the Gate of Destiny first.
At this moment, outside the Gate of Destiny, a large group of cultivators from the ten clans had gathered in Tungsten Square. Saint Chariots, Bone Palanquins, Ghost Ships… They were densely parked; moreover, they were all releasing powerful Supreme Saint auras to display their strength.
The ten clans were clearly divided.
When Bloodsky Clan arrived, they attracted the attention of many cultivators.
Among them, Sevenstar Imperial Palace, carried by the eighteen Six-Tribulation Ghost Lords, was the most eye-catching. It caused the various factions to be shocked and exclaim.
Ming, Ghost Master’s eighth son, said with a cold expression, “Bloodsky Clan is clearly provoking Ghosts by ordering the Six-Tribulation Ghost Lords to carry the palace. They are not afraid of being suppressed by us.”
“In the past Celestial-Hunting Festivals, Bloodsky Clan suffered losses in our hands. This resulted in them being ranked last among the major ten Immortal Vampire clans and receiving the least amount of resources.
“The entire Bloodsky clan, from their deities to the low-level cultivators, has grievances against us.
“It’s very normal for Wargod BloodXimius to make such arrangement,” Xu smirked.
The grudge between Wargod Bloodximius and Ghost Master was well-known in Infernal Court.
Hence, Dishastan cultivators deliberately targeted Bloodsky Clan at every Celestial-Hunting Festival.
Although Ghost Master’s strength was not as strong as that of Wargod Bloodximius, Dishastan’s strength was far greater than that of Bloodsky Clan.
It was worth mentioning that Dishastan was ranked third among the nine Ghost Cities of the ghost clan. It was only second to Fengdu1 and Impermanenton2.
Ghost Master was the ruler of Dishastan. He ruled the 72 Netherrealm and 100,000 Ghost Planets.
Xu stared at Sevenstar Imperial Palace, “It seems that the last few Celestial-Hunting Festivals have angered Wargod Bloodximius. He’s actually lost his mind and placed all his bets on Zhang Ruochen, who has made countless enemies.
“This year’s Celestial-Hunting Festivals will destroy Wargod Bloodximius’ reputation. Bloodsky Clan will be thrown into the abyss and continue to sink for thousands of years.”
“Don’t forget that Bloodsky Clan has Lord Xia Yu with strength that can make her the top ten Hundred-Shackle Realm cultivators who achieved Great Perfection. I’m afraid the clan won’t be as easy to deal with as before,” said Ming.
“But this year, Dishastan has me.”
In the past Celestial-Hunting Festivals, the top elite in Ghost Clan was either from Fengdu or Impermanenton. This year was an exception. Xu had become the top elite of Ghost Clan.
It could be said that he represented Dishastan and the entire Ghost Clan. He was the most talented and powerful existence that had stood out from millions of Ghost cultivators in the past thousand years.
…
Sevenstar Imperial Palace landed on Tungsten Square. Zhang Ruochen sat in the palace. The palace door was wide open. He could see the Gate of Destiny in the distance when he looked up.
The gate was made of tens of thousands of stellar cores. There were all kinds of runes carved on it. Some burned like lava, and some flowed with blood-red lines.
The Gate of Destiny emitted white light, forming a light curtain.
The light on the light curtain seemed to be able to travel to the past and the future. It gave people a mysterious, unfathomable feeling.
“This is the legendary Gate of Destiny!”
Lian Xi, Zhou Zhen, Yan, and Shentu Yunkong all felt like they were in a dream. In the past, they did not dare to imagine that they, as Celestial Court cultivators, would one day stand below Mount Destiny and look up at the Gate of Destiny at close range.
“Legend has it that as long as you cross the Gate of Destiny, you will be baptized by Destiny. The Precepts of Destiny will automatically be born in your body, and you will become a cultivator of the Path of Destiny.
“There are very few cultivators who are qualified to enter the gate of fate in Infernal Court. Are we going to be qualified today?
Not only them, but all the servants, maids, relatives, and friends who came to the festival along with the attendees showed joy on their faces. They could not calm down their excitement.
Screech!
At this time, a golden Saint Chariot arrived next to Sevenstar Imperial Palace.
It emitted an elegant and charming fragrance.
Lady Wind wore a golden silk mask. Her fair skin was faintly discernible. A pair of blood-red eyes as bright as amber peeked out of her veil. She stared at Zhang Ruochen in the palace and said, “Supreme Saint Ruochen, we meet again!”
Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly at her in response.
Lady Wind did not show any displeasure because of his indifference. “Supreme Saint Saint Ruochen, you are the leader of Bloodsky Clan in this festival, but you have never participated in the Immortal Vampire council for the festival. You have even rejected my invitations and visits many times. Staying aloof is bad for our cooperation at the Celestial-Hunting Festival.”
Zhang Ruochen admired Lady Wind’s shrewdness and character.
No matter how he treated Lady Wind, she could maintain a friendly attitude. There was no trace of dissatisfaction or hatred. She simply showed the soft and tender temperament of a woman.
However, the more this was the case, the more wary Zhang Ruochen became of Lady Wind.
A woman’s mind was difficult to read.
The mind of a powerful woman who could perfectly hide her true emotions was even more difficult to read.
Since he had agreed to Wargod Bloodximius to fulfill the two conditions given by Immortal Vampire deities, it was impossible for Zhang Ruochen to ignore Lady Wind like before.
At the very least, the two of them would work closely together at the Celestial-Hunting Festival.
Countless thoughts flashed through Zhang Ruochen’s mind. “It was my fault before. If you don’t mind, you can come to Sevenstar Imperial Palace. Is it too late for us to discuss now?”
“It’s my honor to be invited by Supreme Saint Ruochen.”
Under the gaze of countless cultivators, Lady Wind walked into Sevenstar Imperial Palace.
Whoosh
Dense Supreme Saint inscriptions and divine inscriptions appeared on the walls of the palace, preventing other cultivators from probing.
The cultivators from the other clans of Immortal Vampires looked angry. They felt that Lady Wind had placed too much importance and tolerance on Zhang Ruochen. She should teach someone as impudent and rude as Zhang Ruochen a lesson instead of trying to get close to him and pander to him.
Of course, they were angry because they were jealous.
All Immortal Vampires dreamed of taking the beautiful Lady Wind as their wife. However, no matter how hard they tried, Lady Wind did not spare most of them a glance.
Only the leaders of the major clans knew that Lady Wind had no choice.
They had received news that Zhang Ruochen would become the only cultivator in the Immortal Vampires to wield the Supreme Artifact. In this way, his status in the Immortal Vampires would become very important.
Although Lady Wind represented the interests of the lower three clans, Asura and Rakshasa clans competed with the Immortal Vampires for their own interests. Hence, their support for Lady Wind at the Celestial-Hunting Festival would definitely be limited.
Therefore, Lady Wind had to fight for the biggest support within the Immortal Vampires.
Zhang Ruochen had become the target she had to win over.
Lady Wind was a very attractive woman. Although she was wearing many pieces of jewelry, they didn’t make her look unsophisticated. Her classy temperament and elegant demeanor would make men feel a strong desire to conquer her.
Lady Wind was tall. Her skin was as delicate as a water lily. She stood straight in the center of the hall and looked into Zhang Ruochen’s eyes.
The limelight in the entire hall gathered on her.
Lian Xi was known as one of the most beautiful women in Celestial Court. She was the dream goddess of countless cultivators. However, at this moment, she felt that her limelight had been snatched away by Lady Wind. She faintly felt a sense of inferiority.
Lady Wind went straight to the point and said, “At the Celestial-Hunting Festival, I need full support from you. Our interests are tied together. No interest among cultivators is more closely related to ours.”
Zhang Ruochen put down the scroll he was reading and said, “Oh? Lady Wind thinks so highly of me, a cultivator with only half of the Immortal Vampire bloodline?”
Lady Wind’s eyes were as bright as the stars, but her tone was a little sad. She said helplessly, “Even Wargod Bloodximius thinks highly of you. How can I Look down on you? Besides, you are my only choice. Whether I’m willing or not, I have to place my hopes on you.”
Zhang Ruochen smiled. “Is that what Lady Wind says to every supporter?”
Lady Wind shook her head and said sadly, “Supporters? Who are you talking about?”
“Doesn’t Lord Bladehell count?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Lady Wind said, “Qitian Clan that Lord Bladehell belongs to is ranked first among the major ten Immortal Vampire clans. Yellowsky Clan is ranked second or third. Therefore, Yellowsky Clan that I belong to is a potential competitor to Qitian Clan.”
“Even if Lord Bladehell supports me, he must first ensure that Qitian Clan is ranked above Yellowsky Clan. With this limitation, his support will be greatly reduced.”
“Supreme Saint Jin Kun of Azuresky Clan and Yue Tinghai of Puresky Clan also compete with Yellowsky Clan for the same interests.”
Zhang Ruochen’s eyes were indifferent. He continued, “What about Mad Whitejade Lion of Stone Clan? As far as I know, his love for you has reached madness. It once said that it would be willing to be your mount.”
Lady Wind shook her head with a smile. “Regardless of whether his so-called love is true or not, he is far inferior to Bloodsky Clan in terms of strength alone. Besides, can a cultivator of Stone Clan really be completely trusted?”
“Then why should you trust me, Lady Wind?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Lady Wind said, “Bloodsky Clan is ranked the bottom among the major ten clans. Even if Bloodsky Clan wins first place in the Celestial-Hunting Festival, Bloodsky Clan won’t be ranked top three and won’t pose a threat to Yellowsky Clan.
“Therefore, there is no competition between the two clans
“Second, I believe that Wargod Bloodximius, has already told you about the conditions set by the Immortal Vampire deities. Therefore, I have reason to believe that you will do your best to help me.”
Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly and smiled. “Then, let me ask a selfish question. If I help you with all my might, what benefits will I get?”
This time, Lady Wind took off her golden mask, revealing her flawless face. Her red lips were moist and crystal clear, and her nose was straight and delicate. In terms of beauty, she was no less beautiful than Lord Xia Yu and Lian Xi.
She gave a stunning smile. “As long as you do your best to help me take the position of Scioness, I can marry you in a thousand years. Even if you fail the mission, and I fail to take the position of Scioness, I can still marry you.”
If other cultivators heard this, they would be ecstatic. They would want to sacrifice their lives for Lady Wind.
However, Zhang Ruochen only raised his eyelids slightly. He seemed indifferent.
He didn’t think that Lady Wind would break her promise.
He thought of what Supreme Saint Qingsheng had said, “If you can condense two Grade Two Saintwills, I’m afraid that the forces of Infernal Court who held grudge against you will have to put down their hatred… They might even want to offer their favorite daughters of their clan to you as brides…”
Zhang Ruochen hadn’t broken through to Hundred-Shackle Realm yet, but he had condensed a quasi Grade Two Saintwill.
The deities of Yellowsky Clan and Lady Wind most likely knew about this. If Lady Wind failed to be the Scioness of the Fane of the Destiny, marrying Zhang Ruochen, a Supreme Saint with a Grade Two Saintwill, would be a great option.
If she succeeded in the competition and became the Scioness, she would have to give up her feelings and desires for a thousand years.
And who could say for sure what would happen after a thousand years?
Hence, Lady Wind’s promise might seem alluring, but in fact, it was not at all disadvantageous for her and her clan.
It was very likely that the deities of Yellowsky Clan had set up some strategy.
“Lady Wind, are you trying to use a honey trap on me?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Lady Wind smiled sweetly and put on the golden mask again, “I just want to tell you, Supreme Saint Ruochen,” she said, “As long as you desire, no matter what the result is, I will be your wife. I will be your closest friend.”
“Among the three Scioness candidates, of course, you will choose your own wife to be the Scioness, right?”
After Lady Wind walked out of Sevenstar Imperial Palace, Moyin snorted coldly. “The candidates for Scioness chosen by the Fane of Destiny are just so-so. She wants to win master’s support with her beauty.”
Lian Xi said, “Indeed, she is not fit to be a Scioness.”
Zhang Ruochen glanced at Lian Xi. Suddenly, she thought of something and quickly lowered her head. A sad and painful look appeared in her eyes. As a deity’s daughter, she had been reduced to a handmaiden in Zhang Ruochen’s harem. How could she judge Lady Wind?
How could she be qualified to be the future ruler of Soul Realm?
Zhang Ruochen had a different feeling at this moment.
As his cultivation became more profound and he proved himself with absolute strength time and time again, his voice among Immortal Vampires became more and more powerful. Now, even a peerless Supreme Saint like Lady Wind had to lower herself and flatter him.
Infernal Court was indeed a very realistic place.
As long as one was powerful, they could get everything they wanted.
Lady Wind returned to her golden Saint Chariot. Yan Beijun immediately went in to pay his respects.
The golden Saint Chariot was spacious. Lady Wind’s exquisite figure stood in the center. Her fair left arms were behind her slender waist. She was in deep thought.
Yan Beijun was annoyed, his eyes cold. “Senior, you are ranked 12th on the list of Hundred-Shackle Realm’s Great Perfection achievers. You are also a Scioness candidate chosen by the Fane of Destiny. Why should someone as powerful and noble as you lower yourselves to pay your respects to Zhang Ruochen, who’s only in Neverwilt Realm?”
“How will other cultivators think about you?”
“Pan Ruo and Supreme Saint Yanhong are probably laughing at you in secret.”
Lady Wind, standing with her back to him, said, “There are some things that you don’t understand.”
Yan Beijun sighed and said, “Senior, with the support of Lord Bladehell, Supreme Saint Jin Kun, and Mad Whitejade Lion, you still have a great chance to seize the position of Scioness. Why do you have to put yourself through this?
“Although Zhang Ruochen was able to escape from the hands of Xu and Supreme Saint Yanhong, it only proves that the Scion of Time and Space is skillful in escaping. That’s all.
“His battle strength might not even be comparable to an ordinary warrior who achieved Great Perfection at Hundred-Shackle Realm, let alone an elite like you.”
Lady Wind turned around and stared at him with a cold gaze that Yan Beijun had never seen before. She said, “You know nothing about Zhang Ruochen. From now on, he is our closest ally. You’d better not offend him.”
Yan Beijun was frozen by Lady Wind’s gaze. He didn’t dare to speak again.
But his dissatisfaction grew stronger. He felt that Zhang Ruochen didn’t deserve such treatment. Compared to Lord Bladehell, Supreme Saint Jin Kun, and Mad Whitejade Lion, Zhang Ruochen was still far inferior.
He felt that his senior must have been blinded to make the wrong decision.
“Get Out!” said Lady Wind.
After Yan Beijun exited the golden Saint Chariot, Lady Wind sighed. “Zhang Ruochen has a demigod physique, and he has condensed a Grade Two Saintwill. Even if I become a Scioness, I may not be able to compete with him in the future.
“Zhang Ruochen may not be strong now, but he has Lord Xia Yu and a Supreme Artifact by his side. No matter what, I have to make a bet. I should not lose if I follow Wargod Bloodximius.”
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
…
A bell rang nine times in succession throughout the Divine Domain of Destiny.
The Gate of Destiny opened, revealing the towering outline of Mount Destiny and the Fane of Destiny. An ancient and mysterious aura surged out at all the cultivators.
The cultivators from the ten clans rode on their mounts and Saint Chariots and entered through the Gate of Destiny one after another.
Sevenstar Imperial Palace was getting closer and closer to the Gate of Destiny with the help of the eighteen Six-Tribulation Ghost Lords. A strange thought emerged in Zhang Ruochen’s mind.
Looking at the Gate of Destiny, he felt like he had stood in the void space of the universe and seen Death’s Door up close.
Why did he have such a feeling?
Zhang Ruochen shook his head and cleared the thoughts in his mind. He carefully comprehended the energy released by the Gate of Destiny. He wanted to know if the legend was true. Could it be that he could condense the Precepts of Destiny just by walking through the Gate of Destiny?
Was it that simple?
The moment he passed through the Gate of Destiny in Sevenstar Imperial Palace, Zhang Ruochen had yet to experience the Precepts of Destiny. However, a strange image appeared in his mind. It was as if he had seen his own fate and the future.
It was in the most luxurious hall of Xue Jue Residence. It was decorated with red lanterns, red umbrellas, and red curtains. It was a wedding night.
He was wearing a red suit. As the groom, he was standing opposite a woman wearing a veil. It seemed like they were bowing to each other.
…
The joyous scene flashed past.
It was supposed to be a happy thing, but Zhang Ruochen became gloomy. He couldn’t help but clench his fingers.
He was sure that the scene he saw wasn’t a man-made illusion.
On the contrary, like what he had seen in Destiny Pool, he felt a sense of familiarity from his own experience, as well as a sense of strangeness and terror.
Why would he feel familiar with something he had never experienced?
Was everything in the world really pre-destined? Had fate arranged everything?
“Was it the power of the Gate of Destiny that allowed me to see my future? The location of the marriage was in the Xue Jue Residence. Who was that woman? Lady Wind?”
Zhang Ruochen unconsciously thought of what Lady Wind had just said. The two seemed to have a causal relationship.
If Lady Wind failed to be the Scioness, and the deities of Yellowsky Clan want her to marry Zhang Ruochen, would Wargod Bloodximius agree?
Wargod would definitely agree.
Perhaps the deities of Yellowsky Clan and Bloodsky Clan had already decided everything and arranged his fate.
“In that case, Lady Wind, it’s better for you to be a Scioness.”
Zhang Ruochen hated being controlled, planned, and bound. His eyes were cold. He decided to go against his destiny and break the fate that the Gate of Destiny had shown him.