Chapter 190.2: Since We're Already Here

The nearby ancient gods glanced at Qi Yuan, mostly out of envy. Some only looked once before averting their gazes, clearly unimpressed by such indulgent airs.

Qi Yuan and Ye Liuyun entered the palace and casually chose a spot to sit. The North Sea Divine Eye would open once everyone had arrived.

The Four Heavenly Kings had been striking to begin with, but after becoming True Gods, their appearance had only grown more pronounced. Even in a hall full of powerful cultivators, they stood out effortlessly. Other True Gods had relied on talent and cultivation to reach their realm. These four, however, could almost rely on their looks alone.

"

Hm

. I want those," Qi Yuan said lazily, feeling hungry after walking quite a distance. "Go fetch them for me."

Without the slightest hesitation or embarrassment, the Four Heavenly Kings moved at once. Four immortals sweeping through the banquet tables was a sight both surreal and hard to look away from.

Ye Liuyun couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Qi Yuan, you really are a fascinating character."

He had already learned Qi Yuan's name on the way here.

Qi Yuan replied matter-of-factly, "Well, I can't exactly leave empty-handed. Might as well eat more."

The Four Heavenly Kings soon returned with trays of food.

Qi Yuan then turned to the Eighteen Arhats. "You all eat too."

Just then, someone with an aged voice said, "Are you Qiyuann Sovereign of Clearwater Village?"

An elderly man in a yellow Daoist robe stepped forward. The aura he gave off was unmistakably that of Second Step to Heaven. Even among the True Gods present, he ranked among the strongest.

The moment he appeared, the six true gods beside Qi Yuan all stiffened, watching him warily.

Qi Yuan glanced at the old man with mild curiosity. "

Hm

? Here to beg for food?"

The old man wasn’t offended at all. "I am Venerable Twilight, from the Ancient God Alliance. Some time ago, the alliance members offended you. I’ve come specifically to offer an apology."

His gaze toward Qi Yuan was sincere. The sight of such an exalted cultivator lowering himself before someone who wasn't even a True God left everyone speechless.

"I’ve killed the one who offended me. Matter settled," Qi Yuan said casually. "Honestly, I thought this would be one of those cases where I kill the young one and the old one comes knocking. I’m not quite used to apologies."

"We are all ancient gods. We should watch over one another, not slaughter each other," Twilight replied calmly. Then, he glanced at Qi Yuan’s entourage, sending him a private transmission. "

These are all the new God Visualization Arts of yours?

"

Twilight had long heard of Qiyuann Sovereign, and how he had once visualized several powerful God Visualization Arts. Later, he also learned that Feihuang City had survived its great calamity thanks to the same god. No one knew Clearwater Village's strength better than Twilight did. And yet, so many True Gods had suddenly appeared now. Why? The answer was obvious. God Visualization Arts.

His mind immediately turned to the recent phenomenon at Visualization Mountain—the twenty-one flashes of golden light. Combining that with Qiyuann Sovereign’s lineup, Twilight reached a bold conclusion: it had to be him. Someone like that couldn't be offended, but courted aggressively! It was best to establish ties early before others realized the truth!

Meanwhile, the surrounding gods were misled by Twilight's attitude. They were now convinced that Qiyuann Sovereign was some Great Venerable’s descendant.

Qi Yuan replied via transmission, "

Yes, I visualized them.

"

Twilight asked eagerly, his heart surging with excitement, "

Would you be willing to sell some to me? I'll pay any price.

"

Even True Gods and above could make use of God Visualization Arts. Furthermore, for someone like Twilight, advancing further was exceedingly difficult. Powerful Visualization Arts were one of the few paths still open. Of course, compatibility also mattered. He had to visualize a True God closely aligned with his cultivation path, or the technique would be nearly useless.

Qi Yuan shook his head. "

They aren't for sale. I only grant them to my people. If you come to Clearwater Village, I can bestow some upon you.

"

Twilight seemed disappointed. He had mainly wanted to see whether there was a path he could draw inspiration from. Even if not, he could pass them down to his followers. Well, there was no real loss. His cultivation path centered on water manipulation, which was widely practiced. Though finding a suitable technique was difficult, it never hurt to try. Even so, he had no objections to becoming a subject for a visualization art he couldn’t make use of.Still, becoming Qiyuann Sovereign's subject for a Visualization Arts that might not even help him personally was not a line he couldn't cross.

"Hopefully, we'll have opportunities to cooperate in the future," Twilight said warmly nonetheless.

Qiyuann Sovereign had unlimited potential. Such a prodigy was always worth befriending.

At that moment, a female voice rang out clearly. "Since everyone has arrived, please follow me into the North Sea Divine Eye."

A woman in luxurious robes appeared. The gathered gods nodded lightly in acknowledgment. Qi Yuan popped a grape into his mouth and followed the others inside.

Upon arriving, he was greeted by an unusual sight. There was a massive vortex sunken into the ground. Yet what swirled within wasn't water, but space itself.

At the same time, the woman raised a token and swept it across the assembled True gods. After confirming there were no imposters, and that all invitations were valid, she led them inside one by one.

In an instant, the scenery shifted completely. Something akin to an underwater dragon palace unfolded before Qi Yuan’s eyes. Flower buds on the verge of blooming filled his vision. Lush green plants shimmered with vitality. Shells, crabs, squids, and other sea creatures drifted leisurely through the water.

"Do you think there's a Golden Cudgel[1] here?" Qi Yuan blurted out his mind.

His surroundings stared at him oddly. They'd never heard of such a thing.

Ye Liuyun asked, "What is that?"

"A monkey's weapon," Qi Yuan said with a shrug. "Pretty strong. Can stabilize the seas."

According to Journey to the West, the Golden Cudgel wasn't all that extraordinary, but Qi Yuan remembered it as a priceless treasure.

Which man wouldn't want a weapon that could eradicate demons and defeat all foes? Moreover it could grow and shrink at will!

Unfortunately, his evil god spiritual energy was still too weak, and treasures capable of pushing one to the True God realm were far too scarce. Otherwise, visualizing the Monkey King would have been extremely entertaining.

Just then, the woman gleamed with anticipation. "The Hundred Flowers Gathering has begun. I ask all of you to awaken the flowers of the sea."

After gathering upon gathering, two-thirds of the sea of flowers had already bloomed. Once all flowers blossomed, Great Venerable Qionghua would awaken. The Northern Sea Aquatic Clans would finally have a true pillar of support, and no longer had to fear the Dragon Clans' encroachment.

The gods gazed at the buds in anticipation. They were essentially in a treasure trove. Obtaining even one could give birth to a True God, which would improve chances of survival in these chaotic times.

At last, Ye Liuyun said, "Brother Qi, I'll give it a try."

He was clearly eager as well. For a very long time, he had been waiting for the hundred flowers to bloom.

1. Refers to the weapon of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. It was originally owned by the Dragon King of the seas and Sun Wukong went to retrieve it from the underwater palace. It is also known as the 定海神针 (Stabilizing Sea Divine Needle) and was originally used to stabilise the seas. ☜