The Edge of Evermore!
All breathing grew ragged. They hadn’t seen the sword for countless millennia, but its unique qualities and its previous owner’s lingering regality were impossible to emulate.
“That really is the Edge of Evermore!”
“Is he really the crown prince’s reincarnation after all?”
“The son should inherit the father’s throne, should he not?”
“Moreover, the creation token and heavenly dao have not rejected him. They recognize him as the lawful ruler!”
Many vassals were already believers.
“Ridiculous!” Ninecauldrons declared coldly. “The last celestial emperor whisked the token elsewhere in his final days of scrabbling for power. Who can prove that you are his son?”
“I can!” A ringing voice blasted down from the firmament.
The entire palace trembled violently. A bright light rose up outside to meet the unknown newcomer. It was as if the world was crumbling and rebuilding itself.
The terrifying power’s influence soon crept into the palace proper. The light was so blinding that no one could open their eyes.
“Ah! It’s coming from the Divine Prison of Eternity!”
“Is the prison broken?”
“Who does that voice belong to?”
“It’s Celestial Emperor Taiyuan himself!”
“He is finally safe and sound! Hahaha, wonderful! Our realm is saved!”
The freedom of the old emperor allowed some to finally voice their heartfelt thoughts.
Celestial Emperor Taiyuan was a legend, a myth that no one had ever surpassed. His arrival meant the complete rebirth of the realm.
Jiang Chen squinted a little. His face and heart were completely calm. He had dreamed of this day for countless months and years. And yet, his composure was strangely unbroken when the moment actually arrived.
"Father!" he shouted silently to himself.
The collapse of the Divine Prison of Eternity allowed Celestial Emperor Taiyuan to triumphantly emerge like an unchained dragon. He arrived at his palace in mere seconds.
"Hahahaha! Who dares clamor within Taiyuan Sky Palace? Who dares defile Our throne?" His figure emerged into view.
The emperor's majestic form and wild complexion hadn't aged a day. His starry eyes and sweeping strides were utterly familiar.
Everyone felt their heart tremble at the sight. Some were already beginning to tear up and kneel.
"Your Majesty!"
"Thank heavens that you're free!" A large swathe of cultivators fell to their knees.
Jiang Chen strode up with abundant eagerness. "Father, I've missed you for so long!"
Jiang Huan dabbed at the corners of his own eyes, touched by the reunion of parent and child.
Celestial Emperor Taiyuan flashed a gallant grin. "Well done, my child. You haven't fallen short of my expectations. I’m very pleased that you've returned how you did!"
There was no need for excessive words between men.
Father and son exchanged a knowing smile. This look thoroughly connected the relationship of their past lives and the fortunes of their current lives.
"Your Majesty!" Jiang Huan proclaimed emotionally.
"You've done a wonderful job too, Jiang Huan. You far surpassed my meager hopes for you. I hadn’t actually hoped for much when I first sent you out. Your contribution is undeniable!"
The retainer wiped at his eyes. "Why should I take credit for something that is only my duty, Your Majesty?"
Crimsonwaters came forward. "Hail, O Celestial Emperor. We welcome Your Majesty's return. Please, take charge of this realm once again!"
"Your Majesty," smiled Hoarfrost. He followed closely behind.
"You are a good man, Crimsonwaters," sighed the celestial emperor before he glanced toward Hoarfrost. "And you are even better. Both courageous and wise! We owe the most to you for Our freedom."
Jiang Chen blinked. "What, Godking Hoarfrost! Are you the one behind Sectmistress Han?"
The godking chuckled. "Han Shuang, hmm? No doubt she received much help from Your Highness."
The celestial emperor roared with laughter. "Our son gifted even Our Measure of Heaven to her! 'Much' is an understatement."
Jiang Chen laughed as well. However, his expression darkened as he swept his gaze over Ninecauldrons and the others.
"Father, who was the mastermind that staged the coup against you? I will personally avenge you today!" The young man burned with indignation. His gaze darted between Ninecauldrons, Whiteriver, and Greenwood. It must be one of those three.
Celestial Emperor Taiyuan paused. His eyes cast a piercing, impenetrable light.
"We wonder who it is?" he muttered, as if to himself. "We will give you an opportunity to volunteer yourself. If you are brave enough to take responsibility, We may consider giving you a chance."
The three looked at each other skeptically. Each mistrusted the others.
Skypillar and Darknorth were already scared witless by Taiyuan's appearance. The ambition they'd had to steal the creation token was scattered to the four winds.
The trio of suspects were the only ones stuck in a hard place.
"I didn't care much for your refinement of the Sun Moon Pill, Your Majesty," Whiteriver laughed palely. "Though I did oppose you, I've never plotted or conspired against you. I have nothing to do with anything that's happened in your absence."
The godking was evidently being as honest as he could.
"We already know it wasn't you, Whiteriver," Taiyuan retorted coldly. "Nevertheless, you've never been one to submit to authority. The new Taiyuan Plane does not need one such as you. Are you going to leave yourself, or shall We send you off?"
An extremely uncomfortable expression on his face, Whiteriver managed to bite back whatever else he had on his mind. "At the end of the day, it is I who has failed you, Your Majesty," he saluted respectfully. "Whiteriver bids Your Majesty farewell!"
Taiyuan smiled coolly. "Let him go," he commanded. "If he shows himself in Taiyuan Plane hereafter, We will slay him Ourselves!"
Whiteriver was solidly exiled, but his life and liberty was safe. He had preserved himself.
The remaining duo wasn’t so lucky. The beads of sweat on their brows pooled larger and larger.
Attempting to master his fear, Greenwood stammered, "Y-your Majesty, I've no dignity left to face you. You held me in such regard back then and I was jealous of you for no good reason. But, I really haven't done much to further any plots! Neither have I killed any subject of the Taiyuan Plane. The terror that's lingered here is not from me."
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