The Heaven Emperor is dead, pinned to the highest peak of Manghei Continent by the Immortal Sword, yet he's not truly dead. The Celestial Realm still exists, allowing him to resurrect through it, albeit with weakened power, losing a profound level of strength.
This is the method of a Great Emperor who has transcended the perception of the Grand Interface, though it's not necessarily a good thing.
With one less profound level, he now has four, meaning that if Chen Xia wishes, he could lurk in the Celestial Realm and kill the Heaven Emperor again, this time even more easily, almost bordering on a massacre.
However, no cultivator currently cares about the Heaven Emperor's fate. All eyes are fixed on the green-robed figure at the Heavenly Gate.
What does achieving the status of Pseudo-Emperor mean for Chen Xia?
Is it like adding wings to a tiger, or water to a fish?
No, these metaphors fall short. It's a qualitative change.
The Pseudo-Emperor's accomplishment has transformed Chen Xia, and coupled with his fusion with the primordial East Jia State, he is no longer inferior to any Great Emperor with five profound levels. If anything, he might even surpass them.
If he takes another step forward, such as becoming a Great Emperor with five profound levels, could he challenge the Supreme beings?
The Great Emperors in the Immortal Realm ponder this possibility, though they're uncertain. After all, there are only three Supreme beings now, with the Martial Emperor being uniquely powerful among them.
Even if Chen Xia becomes a Great Emperor, he would at best be able to challenge Supreme beings like Daoist Suppressing Heaven, far from the Martial Emperor's level.
They glance back at the Heavenly Gate, where the green-robed figure takes a step forward, extending his left hand, thumb pointing down, and tapping towards the Heaven Emperor's corpse.
Everyone is stunned.
Is he mocking the corpse?
The mockery doesn't even end, as Chen Xia's body suddenly collapses, falling from the heavens like a tattered cloth, uncontrollable.
Hum!
A figure instantly catches Chen Xia, and numerous others appear by his side. The Big Yellow Dog takes the lead, unleashing all its spiritual energy, and gravely states, "Take him back to the mountain gate."
Everyone braces themselves, swiftly transporting the unconscious Chen Xia back to East Jia State.
The other Great Emperors make no move, having already discerned a crucial fact.
Chen Xia's merger with East Jia State surpasses them all, making him deeply integrated with the primordial land. He receives the full protection of East Jia State, making him incredibly hard to kill within its bounds. Let alone the presence of Daoist Suppressing Heaven within East Jia State.
Though unspoken, this news reaches all the Great Emperors in the Immortal Realm, deepening their wariness of East Jia State.
There's no need to take the risk of killing Chen Xia, as their own continents haven't fully resonated yet. Why provoke East Jia State and bring trouble upon themselves?
The Heaven Emperor’s incessant battles are purely an act of madness.
The Immortal Realm settles back into tranquility, and Chen Xia begins his recovery.
The Heaven Emperor’s corpse remains pinned by the Immortal Sword on Manghei Continent's highest peak, with spiritual energy still circulating and divine abilities flickering, like a dying centipede that refuses to perish.
The days of recovery are dull. Chen Xia sits on a small stool, often glancing at the corner of the mountain gate during casual talks with others, then falling into a momentary daze.
He still recalls the moment he and his inner demon first established the Heaven Pill Gate, starting with just the two of them. Gradually, it grew, expanded, reaching its current scale.
But now, only one remains.
Is it a sense of loss, or a sigh of the times?
Chen Xia doesn't know, only that he often reminisces about these past events, remaining silent.
Most cultivators have sensed this, so they don't disturb him or bring up topics that might sadden him.
"Chen Ge, what about that mysterious person who always wore a hood and didn't talk much? Can't see him anymore. What's his relationship with you? I've been curious for a long time," Emperor Capital suddenly asks with a laugh, being somewhat tactless.
Chen Xia is taken aback.
Qiu Li slaps Emperor Capital's head and incessantly signals him with his eyes.
"Why the hell are you hitting me? Are you having eye problems? Should I flinch your eyes away!" Emperor Capital exclaims angrily.
Until Chi Yu and others also signal Emperor Capital, he realizes the gravity of the situation, exclaiming in shock,
"He's… dead?"
...
Everyone is at a loss for words, their expressions collectively showing disdain.
Returning to his senses, Chen Xia gently shakes his head and corrects,
"He's not dead, just tired and resting, awaiting the future."
"Oh, not dead, that's good," Emperor Capital hurriedly nods.
"Truly, becoming a Great Emperor has melted your brain," Qiu Li remarks bluntly.
"Absolutely," everyone agrees in unison.
Chen Xia stretches, stumbling to his feet. His injuries haven't fully healed, forcing him to limp towards the mountain gate steps, then turns back to smile at everyone.
"Initially, there was nothing here. I was new to this place, then gradually, the Heaven Pill Gate formed, slowly making the entire East Jia State, the entire Immortal Realm, know of me. Now, the entire East Jia State is mine…"
"I’m not saying this to prove how powerful I am, only to show that I will take one step at a time to stand at the pinnacle of all realms, becoming the sole Supreme."
Daoist Suppressing Heaven, listening from the innermost part, eyes glimmering, involuntarily chuckles, his puppet-like form displaying subtle amusement. If Chen Xia truly intends this, it’s undoubtedly a good thing.
"Chen Xia, hurry over here. The steps are so high, and your injuries aren't healed. What if you fall?" Xu Zhen’s voice, laced with a hint of annoyance, calls out.
"Exactly, come back quickly, be good, and listen. Wait until your injuries are fully healed to play." Huang Qingyue chimes in, instantly appearing before Chen Xia, her watery eyes narrowing as she smiles brightly.
"Come, let me carry you over."
"You go to the side," Xu Zhen grabs Huang Qingyue’s hand, stopping her.
"Why can't I carry Chen Xia? I have a cushion, do you?" Huang Qingyue sniffs disdainfully, then glances at Xu Zhen's chest, grinning cockily.
"You simply can't carry him." Xu Zhen is firm, unyielding.
Well, the favorite pastime of watching drama unfolds once more.
Chen Xia has quietly retreated to the corner, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.
Hmm, it's not quiet here.
But he can see the entire mountain gate, the faces of everyone, and feels an inexplicable sense of peace.
Weixi Town, Blue Sky Sword Sea, boundaries of different realms, all condensed into one place.
This is my hometown.
Sweet dreams, and a warm farewell.