Chapter Sixty-Four: Time Moved Forward

"The Sacred Art of the Seven Emotions and Six Desires? Could the Free King explain this?" Chancellor Liu's gaze was dark as he looked at the Free King. He, too, had heard of this ancient sacred art—its power was said to be immense. There were only two possible outcomes for cultivating such a sacred method: either one succeeded and became a master who commanded the seven emotions and six desires, or one lost all feelings and became utterly emotionless.

Ninety-nine percent of those who practiced this art ended up in the latter state. This young man, having trained in such a technique and still so entangled with Liu Yan, made Chancellor Liu's heart twitch with unease.

"Well..." The Free King looked awkward, his eyes wandering evasively as he stammered.

A flash of golden light burst from the central mirror, and Zhou Zui, shrouded in brilliance, appeared in the grand hall.

The Free King let out a quiet sigh of relief—he would take any chance to escape scrutiny.

Zhou Zui opened his eyes and, seeing the scene before him, addressed the assembly, "Greetings, Your Majesty. My respects to all honored elders."

The Qin Emperor nodded slightly before speaking, "This time, the elite—" He went on at length with customary formalities before finally announcing the official end of the competition. Someone came to lead Zhou Zui away to receive his champion’s reward.

Zhou Tian did not know what the ordinary competition’s prizes were, but from the earlier discussions among the powerful figures near him, he had gleaned some information about the elite tournament’s reward. It seemed to be something called the Spirit Essence Pool, said to be a condensation of the world’s vital energies—an extraordinary rarity, not easily found. It was of great value, particularly effective for accumulating the power of the Divine Aspect, and could greatly shorten the distance to sainthood.

With the ceremonies concluded, everyone departed—each to their own affairs. Zhou Tian and Zhou Yi had arrived together, but now only Zhou Tian remained, as Zhou Yi had been detained by the Qin Emperor. Not only Zhou Yi, but representatives of several other major factions were also kept behind, shrouded in secrecy, as if something urgent required discussion.

After Zhou Tian departed, the grand hall fell quiet. The Qin Emperor sat at the highest seat, a divine light flickering in his eyes as he began, "Gentlemen, what are your plans regarding that supermassive world in the void?"

"Our plans? What do you mean, plans?" The Daoist feigned confusion, taking a sip of wine as he asked.

"Let’s not play riddles," the Qin Emperor continued, "My Heavenly Qin’s vanguard has already crossed the world’s barrier and entered that realm. Though their movements are limited by the world will’s patrols, some information has reached us..."

He glanced at the silent delegates from the great powers and pressed on, "That world is not something any single faction among us can claim for itself. I propose we begin by exchanging intelligence."

The hall fell silent. The Qin Emperor cursed inwardly; these people would never reveal their hands without seeing clear advantage. Still, he knew he would behave the same in their position—matters involving the interests of great powers were not to be answered lightly.

"I’ll begin, then. The other world is currently suffering a cataclysm of the highest order—they call it the Calamity of Deification."

No one responded; this was common knowledge, already widely known.

"There are seven beings at the half-step Sovereign level there. We are still investigating whether any stronger entities exist," the Qin Emperor offered more substantive information.

After a moment, the representative of the Fools’ Society stirred and spoke, "We have reliable intelligence—a Sovereign-level being exists in that world. On their home ground, their power is no less than the mightiest Sovereigns."

The Grand Preceptor nodded ever so slightly at this; they had planted this informant precisely so that information sharing would not stall.

"There are three races in that world—the Human race is dominant, with two others known as the Witches and the Demons. In ancient times, those two races suffered heavy blows and now dwell in semi-seclusion, but their foundations remain formidable and should not be underestimated," Fergus added. His backers had already determined what could safely be revealed, and he hurried to speak before someone else seized the chance to disclose critical news.

"Three of the half-step Sovereigns are on the same side, apparently transformed from the legacy of a supreme entity who created this world," the Daoist of the Dao Alliance said.

"This catastrophe’s main battlefield centers on the rise and fall of two Human kingdoms," Li Lingyi contributed. Though he had lost face in Heavenly Qin, he could distinguish between personal grievance and the greater good.

"Several ancient names of powerful individuals have been passed down, likely their strength rivals the half-step Sovereigns," the white-hooded assassin known as Lietian stated.

"It appears that a half-step Sovereign is secretly fanning the flames of this disaster," the monk Zhi Kong intoned quietly.

"The Calamity’s Host has likely already appeared," said the stout man from the Treasure Pavilion.

After one round, silence settled again; everyone realized these basic facts were known to all.

"This is a good start," the Qin Emperor said unconcernedly. Trust, after all, is built step by step, and this was a solid beginning.

"According to the Astrologers of the Fools, the calamity’s force has already grown dense and may erupt soon. Let us share what we know, so no one misses the optimal moment!"

Everyone shot the Fools’ representative a sidelong glance. Scheming hypocrite—always cursing Heavenly Qin in public as if they were mortal enemies, yet here they were, exchanging covert glances when it suited them. Shameless!

"There is one more matter. The Fools have just measured that the time of destiny’s emergence in the Unclaimed Lands has suddenly advanced. It will now occur within the next two years, so the date for the Eight Provinces Tournament must be moved forward," the Fools’ representative announced calmly, ignoring the looks from the others.

This news genuinely caught the assembly off guard, for they had not received any such message. When it came to divining fate, few could match the Fools.

After a brief exchange of glances, the Daoist said indifferently, "Then let’s set a date. We have no objections."

"How about half a month from now?" the portly man from the Treasure Pavilion suggested cheerfully. The sooner it began, the sooner they could profit—nothing could please them more.

"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"…"

The others quickly concurred; such matters were within their authority to decide without consulting their backers.

"Then it’s settled—half a month from now," the Qin Emperor concluded, as the sole leader present.

"This fluctuation in the emergence of destiny is extremely strange. It’s highly likely someone from the ancient Ninth Province is meddling behind the scenes, so we must be vigilant this time."

"If they dare extend their claws, I’ll cut them off!" Fergus’s eyes flashed coldly, countless data scrolling across his tactical visor. He was a war fanatic, always eager for battle.

The others felt likewise; if they could rout their enemies once before, they could do it again.

The Qin Emperor said nothing further—he had merely offered friendly warning. Whether they took it to heart was their affair. He glanced at Zhi Kong, but ultimately did not mention the matter of the Sacred Demon.