The pronouncement echoed, and an uncanny stillness blanketed the assembly. All eyes, once probing Wang Lin’s form, now focused solely on the lineage of Daogu. For the elder’s words held undeniable truth: beneath the Daogu Emperor, save for the Great Heavenly Venerates, all Daogu kin were bound to kneel!

It was a manifestation of Imperial authority, and defiance was tantamount to treason. Within the ancient clan, few offenses rivaled disrespect towards the throne.

Even Xuan Luo, despite his status as a Great Heavenly Venerate, momentarily faltered. Though elevated to such heights, his roots lay within Daogu. Before his ascension, he too had been compelled to offer obeisance before the reigning Daogu Emperor of his era.

The Daogu Emperor, his visage serene, regarded Wang Lin with a smile, though within his heart, amusement danced. His presence today was solely to ascertain if the individual who stirred the incense burners with such fervor was indeed the prodigy, Fei Yuan, of whom he had heard whispers.

If not, he would accept him as a subordinate.

But should the rumors hold true, he would witness, with his own eyes, the source of such extraordinary talent!

“By what right do you stand as Xuan Luo’s disciple, while I was denied? By what right do I possess merely six traces of Ancient blood, while you…you bear ten! Especially the last trace, the blood of souls itself!”

Xuan Luo had silenced all knowledge of this matter, concealing it even from the Daogu clan. He had declared, upon pain of death, that no one would betray his choice, regardless of their station.

Great Heavenly Venerates held no dominion over his fate. Xuan Luo believed his disciple’s standing would sway the approval of the Ancient Dao Great Heavenly Venerate!

“But he cannot be a direct descendant of the Ancient clan. I refuse to believe the Ancient Dao Great Heavenly Venerate would condone this!” The Daogu Emperor’s smile remained gentle, masking a jealousy that had festered for centuries.

This envy had taken root the moment Wang Lin had gained the blood of souls, and now, upon seeing the man in person, realizing he was the famed White-Haired Ascendant Venerate of the Immortal clan, the greatest beneath the Great Heavenly Venerates, it ignited into a roaring flame, yet was fiercely suppressed.

Wang Lin, his countenance tranquil, swept his gaze across the Daogu Emperor, then focused on the elder who had previously dared to reprimand him. A cold light blazed in his eyes.

“What did you say? Repeat yourself.” Wang Lin spoke softly.

Though the elder possessed cultivation on par with an Immortal Ascendant Venerate, even that was not enough to withstand Wang Lin’s gaze. His face paled instantly, his Ancient clan power surging within him. Wang Lin’s eyes held an oppressive force, one that his own power could not bear.

More importantly, as Wang Lin’s eyes bore into him, a tremor ran through his blood. It was as if an unutterably noble lineage flowed through the other man’s veins, causing the elder to tremble.

“Enough! Did you come here simply to demand my disciple kneel before you? He is cherished by me, destined to be a guardian of the Daogu lineage.” Xuan Luo’s displeasure was evident.

The Daogu Emperor smiled faintly, glancing at the elder with chilling intent.

“Withdraw. Xuan Venerate’s disciple is our equal, and it is not for you to judge!”

The elder bowed low, acknowledging the command. His robes were soaked with sweat, whether from the Emperor’s rebuke or the terror instilled by Wang Lin’s gaze, none could say.

“Wang Lin, is it? Your name resonates far and wide. Especially the title of White-Haired Ascendant Venerate of the Immortal clan, which has shaken the Immortal Galaxy! I lamented when I first heard the news, lamenting that no such genius had arisen from my Daogu kin!

But now, my heart rejoices!

Such a powerhouse, the greatest beneath the Great Heavenly Venerates, is of my Daogu clan. This is a great fortune!” The Daogu Emperor smiled, feigning delight.

“Chamberlain!” The Daogu Emperor called out, his smile unwavering. A second elder stepped forward, bowing deeply.

“Your subject awaits!”

“Draft an edict to be proclaimed throughout the Daogu clan: Wang Lin is to be a future guardian of the Daogu lineage, of equal standing to myself. Save for clan rituals, he shall not be required to kneel. Those who disobey or offend him shall be executed at the Meridian Gate!”

“By your command!” the elder responded respectfully.

“Wang Lin, I bestow this upon you. With it, you may enter and exit the Imperial Palace as you please, and visit me at any time. Furthermore, I would have you examine my sons, that you might select a future Emperor for me!” The Daogu Emperor smiled, his right hand lifting to reveal a purple jade pendant, which he offered to Wang Lin.

Wang Lin contemplated the offer. The Daogu Emperor displayed no impatience, simply waiting with a smile.

Xuan Luo, too, was lost in thought. He understood that if Wang Lin was to remain here, he must integrate himself into the Daogu clan and submit to Imperial authority.

Originally, Xuan Luo had not worried about this, as Wang Lin had been weak, fresh from the Realm of the Tears, and more easily swayed to accept the ancient clan’s power.

But Wang Lin’s growth had far exceeded Xuan Luo’s expectations. Though he had observed with approval, a certain regret lingered within him. A Wang Lin of such power would need time to truly assimilate and accept the Daogu’s Imperial rule.

Wang Lin sighed. He understood the implications behind the Daogu Emperor’s words. Without further hesitation, he stepped forward, accepting the jade pendant and bowing deeply to the Emperor.

“This subject…accepts, Emperor…” Wang Lin spoke, his expression unchanged. He retreated, standing once more beside Xuan Luo.

The Daogu Emperor nodded, smiling, and turned to Xuan Luo, offering a similar bow.

“Ye Dao shall take his leave. I am heartened to have met Wang Lin today. Xuan Venerate’s choice honors the legacy of the Daogu clan, and deserves respect!” With Xuan Luo’s nod, the Daogu Emperor swept his sleeve, not even glancing at Wang Lin as he vanished into the purple mist. Behind him, all the guards bowed to Xuan Luo before hastily following.

Soon, the purple mist dissipated, and the sky returned to normal.
Within the Sky-Pit Palace, the spectral form of the Ancient Emperor materialized, standing upon his beloved Jade Pavilion. A cruel smile touched his lips, blossoming into a chilling laugh that echoed through the palace halls.

“So what if you are Xuan Luo’s disciple? What matters that you possess a fraction of the Ancient God’s blood? Even if you held the entire wellspring of that soul-blood, what could you truly do? Wang Lin, before me, you shall kneel!

And not just once, but for all eternity! You dare not defy me! I am shielded by the Great Celestial Ancient Dao himself! When Xuan Luo is reborn, I will show you the extent of my power. To crush you, Wang Lin, is but a flick of the wrist!”

Before the Dao Palace, Xuan Luo gazed at Wang Lin with a sorrowful gaze, his brow furrowed in contemplation.

But Wang Lin, after the Ancient Emperor’s departure, offered a gentle smile and spoke softly to Xuan Luo, “Master, the first gift you promised your disciple upon our union…I have waited three days for it.” The smile in Wang Lin’s eyes only deepened Xuan Luo’s distress.

“You, who reign supreme in the Rain Grand Realm, who stand as the White-Haired Ascendant Venerate among the Immortal clans, the first beneath the Great Celestials! Yet here, in the Ancient Clan, you must bow your head to the emperor’s decree…”

“I knew this was to be, yet now I feel as though I have wronged you, my only disciple…” Xuan Luo lamented, his gaze fixed upon Wang Lin.

“Master, do not dwell on this. It matters not. Since I chose to come here, such superficial displays hold no weight. If the Ancient Clan places such emphasis on imperial authority, and the Ancient Emperor seeks to impose his will and have me kneel, then at every ceremony, so long as he can endure it, I shall kneel.”

“In the Rain Grand Realm, I swore an oath to the Venerates to safeguard the Dao Ancient lineage. That oath…I shall continue to uphold,” Wang Lin replied, his voice calm and reassuring.

Xuan Luo remained silent, lost in thought for a long while. Finally, a decision solidified within him.

“You are my sole disciple. If you find this life unbearable, then cast aside all vows of the past, and leave! No matter your choice, no matter your path, I, Xuan Luo, shall always be your Master!”

Xuan Luo’s words struck Wang Lin’s heart, a warmth blossoming within him, much like the comforting heat of a tea shared three days prior.

He nodded.

“Enough of this. I shall now take you to several places of power. There, you will find aid in your quest to master your origin,” Xuan Luo said, a smile returning to his face. With a sweeping gesture, he enveloped Wang Lin and they soared towards the heavens, vanishing without a trace.

The lineage of the Dao Ancient. The Plain Heaven Prefecture.

A vast grassland, devoid of mountains. Emerald blades of grass carpeted the land, whispering melodies as the wind danced through them, a soothing harmony.

But in the north of this plain, lay a putrid swamp, its fetid aroma a jarring contrast to the surrounding beauty, an abomination that seemed to defy its very existence.

“This place was discovered by the previous Dao Ancient Great Celestial. He erected a protective barrier to preserve its integrity, passing it to me. My initial plan was to use it to forge a treasure of immense power, but upon taking you as my disciple, I realized it held far greater benefit for you. I give it to you gladly!”

“This swamp has existed for ages. I have delved into its depths and discovered that it was once a battlefield of ancient times. The water within is imbued with a terrifying killing intent, an energy that will nourish and strengthen your essence of slaughter!”

“There are other places, each infused with different origins, that await you. Many lie within the territories of the other two clans. However, centuries ago, I reached an accord with their Great Celestials, granting you leave to refine and absorb their power.” Xuan Luo smiled at Wang Lin, gesturing towards the swamp.

He did not tell Wang Lin the price he had paid to secure the approval of those two Great Celestials, but Wang Lin suspected it was a heavy burden indeed.

“Lastly, I wish to take you to meet the ancient ancestor of our clan, the Great Celestial Ancient Dao! His presence alone is what deters the Immortal clans from encroaching upon our lands.

The Great Celestial Ancient Dao remains in perpetual seclusion. However, I informed him of your arrival years ago. He should be willing to meet you.

Perhaps, this will be an unparalleled opportunity for you!” Xuan Luo smiled warmly upon Wang Lin, his eyes filled with affection. He had already paved a grand road for Wang Lin these past few centuries.