The beings involved in the formulation and discussion of the Prime-Origin Covenant this time encompassed almost all the immortal traditions of the current Prime-Origin Civilization, including forces such as the Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata, the Temple of Light and Darkness, the Divine Ascension Cavern, and others.
There were also some ancient fossil-like figures who had not yet appeared, having remained hidden in the shadows all along.
Some of these individuals were of a seniority comparable to Jing Tianyun, the distant ancestor of the Jing Clan, but for various reasons, they had not shown themselves until now.
At this moment, the various factions and clans arriving at this place were discussing and speculating about the contents of the Prime-Origin Covenant, wondering what benefits they might gain from it.
Most of these clans were not qualified to participate in the formulation of the Prime-Origin Covenant, but this did not diminish their enthusiasm for it.
Many small clans had also arrived, led by their ancestral-level figures, bringing along the other powerful members of their clans, rushing here as quickly as possible.
The many elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace, along with the ancestral-level figures of other immortal traditions who had arrived earlier, were maintaining order, ensuring that all the named factions and clans of the Prime-Origin Civilization would sign their names on the Prime-Origin Covenant this time.
Deep within the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, on the towering divine trees, there were grand palace complexes, crystal-clear and glowing with a soft light. The arriving crowds were heading towards these palace complexes.
On the branches that seemed to hold up the cosmos, Ling Yuling and the Saintess Xiyuan stood quietly, their hair fluttering in the wind as they gazed at the streams of divine light crossing the starry sky below, silent and contemplative.
"The creation of the Covenant Golden Book this time was made possible with the help of all of you," Ling Yuling finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"Senior, you are too polite. The Prime-Origin Covenant is a matter for the entire Prime-Origin Civilization. It is only right that we contribute. Moreover, crafting the Covenant Golden Book in such a short time is no easy task. The sooner the Prime-Origin Covenant is signed, the better it will be for everyone," an ancient Ancestral Dao Realm existence shook his head and spoke.
The Covenant Golden Book was a golden tome that recorded the rules of the Prime-Origin Covenant, jointly crafted by many Ancestral Dao Realm existences.
This time, the creation of the Covenant Golden Book alone consumed countless rare and priceless immortal materials and divine resources. Materials such as Dao Source Stones, Chaos Embryos, and Ten Thousand Tribulations Mother Gold were used in the tens of thousands.
Even a typical immortal tradition would not have been able to gather the materials needed to craft the Covenant Golden Book.
"I hope the signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant will proceed smoothly," Ling Yuling nodded, though her eyes still held a trace of worry.
Beside her, the Saintess Xiyuan did not speak, only gazing into the distant starry sky.
Immortal ships and jade boats were breaking through the heavens, arriving one after another. More and more cultivators and beings were rushing to this place.
To ensure the smooth signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant, Ling Yuling had deliberately kept the location a secret from everyone, only revealing it after the contents of the covenant had been finalized.
She was worried that someone might lay traps in advance to sabotage everything.
"The signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant is a major event for the entire Prime-Origin Civilization. I doubt anyone would dare to oppose the entire civilization under such immense pressure at this time."
"I think Senior should relax a little."
Eternal Illumination Dao Lord walked over slowly, a faint smile on his face. He was also one of the individuals involved in the formulation of the Prime-Origin Covenant, and many of its contents had been proposed by him.
He had never been too concerned about the worries of Ling Yuling, the Saintess Xiyuan, and others.
In his opinion, no matter how powerful the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was, it could not possibly oppose the entire Prime-Origin Civilization. The current Heaven-Slaying Alliance did not have the capability to do so.
However, if the Heaven-Slaying Alliance were given tens of thousands of years to develop and gradually encroach upon the Prime-Origin Civilization, the outcome would be hard to predict.
Ling Yuling and the others preparing early was only natural.
"We must not be careless."
Ling Yuling shook her head upon hearing this, choosing not to elaborate further on the matter.
The Saintess Xiyuan, however, glanced at Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, her brows furrowing slightly.
Some time ago, Eternal Illumination Dao Lord had approached her, mentioning the purpose of his return to the Prime-Origin Civilization and deducing that his Emotional Tribulation would fall upon her.
Thus, his return to the Prime-Origin Civilization was also to resolve this Emotional Tribulation, ensuring a smooth path for his future cultivation.
He had requested the Saintess Xiyuan to help him when his Emotional Tribulation descended.
The Saintess Xiyuan did not know what to say about Eternal Illumination Dao Lord's request.
It was not uncommon for cultivators to sense and deduce that a tribulation would descend upon them, manifesting through a specific individual.
However, she had no prior interaction with Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, so the idea that his Emotional Tribulation would fall upon her was indeed somewhat unbelievable.
The Saintess Xiyuan had not directly agreed to Eternal Illumination Dao Lord's request, as she did not know how his Emotional Tribulation would manifest. Would he expect her to become his Dao Companion and resolve his emotional ties?
Such a fantastical notion was something she could never agree to.
However, Eternal Illumination Dao Lord had not forced her, only stating that he would return to seek her help before his Emotional Tribulation descended.
"Although the people left behind by the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's master also participated in the formulation of the covenant, they clearly did not take it seriously. I am worried that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance has other plans. They may have agreed verbally, but what if they suddenly change their stance when it comes time to sign the covenant?"
The sect master of the Prime Sun Heavenly Sect spoke up at this moment.
He wore a black-gold Daoist crown and a purple robe, his eyes extremely profound as he gazed at a grand palace in the distance.
Back at the Imperial Immortal Palace, it was he who had led the confrontation with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, firmly believing that the existence of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance defied the natural order and would inevitably face retribution. He had always advocated for its complete eradication.
His words now caused many present to frown, their worries deepening.
"It's still too early to draw conclusions," Ling Yuling shook her head.
She also looked towards that palace, where many figures stood, led by a tall, slender, and strikingly beautiful woman.
This woman was named Mu Yan. Although her strength was not particularly high, the other Dao Realm existences of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance seemed to follow her lead, obeying her commands.
It was clear to anyone with eyes that this woman, Mu Yan, had an unusual relationship with Gu Changge, the master of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
The black-robed elder who had always followed Gu Changge was now also protecting this beautiful woman.
During the formulation of the Prime-Origin Covenant, this beautiful woman had been present but appeared completely indifferent, not even bothering to carefully read the contents of the covenant.
Her attitude made it clear that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance did not take the Prime-Origin Covenant seriously.
"Boom…"
In the distant starry sky, the sound of violent tremors echoed once more, accompanied by divine light piercing through the cosmos. Numerous auspicious beasts and divine birds carried cultivators, their arrival causing mist to churn and clouds to obscure the heavens.
Behind them, a golden carriage rolled through the vast universe, driven by a child formed from Ten Thousand Tribulations Divine Gold. Surrounding the carriage were many stunningly beautiful women scattering flower petals, creating an incredibly sacred scene.
The child driving the carriage exuded an ancient aura, his face weathered, clearly a Dao Realm existence who had survived multiple Heavenly Decline Tribulations.
The women scattering petals had cultivations no lower than the Immortal Emperor level, close to the Dao Realm.
This scene startled many cultivators and beings in the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, all turning to look.
Even Ling Yuling, the Saintess Xiyuan, and the others were no exception, surprised by such a grand display. No sect master had ever made such an extravagant entrance.
"The second-in-command of Boundary Void Ridge, Shang Chongming. I didn't expect him to come."
Eternal Illumination Dao Lord quickly recognized the newcomer, a smile appearing on his lips.
Boundary Void Ridge was considered a forbidden land within the Prime-Origin Civilization. It was not a sect or faction and was not bound by any rules, existing aloof from the world.
During the formulation of the Prime-Origin Covenant, sect masters had visited such places, hoping to invite the forbidden beings to emerge.
However, few forbidden lands responded, as some were not permanently located within the Prime-Origin Civilization and would drift through the vast expanse over time.
Some of the most ancient forbidden beings rarely awakened, disliking external disturbances.
Many immortal traditions of the Prime-Origin Civilization also dared not disturb these forbidden lands lightly.
However, in the past, some sect masters or ancestral figures, when facing the approach of a Heavenly Decline Tribulation or the end of their lifespans, would seek ways to enter these forbidden lands in search of methods to extend their lives or survive the tribulations. But there were rarely any follow-ups, as most would vanish without a trace.
"It seems Eternal Illumination Dao Lord knows this figure from Boundary Void Ridge?"
An ancient figure was astonished, completely unprepared for the arrival of someone from a forbidden land.
"I have some acquaintance with Brother Chongming," Eternal Illumination Dao Lord smiled slightly, transforming into a divine light to welcome the second-in-command of Boundary Void Ridge.
Seeing this, the other ancient existences and sect masters hesitated for a moment before also following to greet him.
Only Ling Yuling, the Saintess Xiyuan, and a few others remained in place.
The second-in-command of Boundary Void Ridge was a man dressed in colorful robes, handsome yet eerie. One of his eyes was azure blue, while the other was blood red. As they shifted, scenes of universes opening and closing, chaos being born and destroyed, flowed within them, causing hearts to tremble.
He was also a being who had survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations, his origins even more ancient than many of the ancient existences present, having lived through countless epochs.
Eternal Illumination Dao Lord knew him and had been invited by him to witness the signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant.
Soon, more powerful figures arrived. Even one of the Lords of Light and Darkness from the Temple of Light and Darkness, the Lord of Light, arrived in person. Wearing a blurry white mask, he exuded an ancient aura, surrounded by fragments of time, as if he had walked out from an era long past.
Beside the Lord of Light, ancient war chariots followed, blotting out the sky. They were filled with powerful beings from the Temple of Light and Darkness, the chariots rumbling through the vast cosmos, causing stars to tremble. A murderous aura filled the air, making everyone's hearts race.
After the Temple of Light and Darkness arrived, the Buddha Lord of the Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata also sent a clone.
In an instant, vast Buddhist light filled the starry sky, illuminating the previously dark and deep universe as bright as day.
The Mountain of Myriad Wonders was as if struck by a flood, the leaves of the divine trees rustling loudly. He arrived with many monks and Buddhas, their Buddhist light shining like a bright moon hanging high, causing many to feel an involuntary urge to submit and convert.
In terms of mystery, the Buddha Lord of the Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata undoubtedly surpassed many sect masters. Although he had only sent a clone, no one dared to show disrespect.
In just a few short days, the Mountain of Myriad Wonders had gathered the most powerful figures of the current Prime-Origin Civilization.
Other immortal traditions such as the Divine Ascension Cavern also had Dao Masters and sect masters arriving in person, showing great concern for the signing of the covenant.
Beyond the Prime-Origin Civilization, many eyes were also watching, closely following the events.
In the Dawn Civilization, many forces with foundations comparable to immortal traditions were also using their networks to spy on the Prime-Origin Civilization, paying close attention to the outcome of the covenant.
For other civilizations, this might be an extremely valuable and worthy experience to learn from.
Many clans and forces in the vast expanse had already sensed the approach of a great calamity. Preparing in advance would allow them to better face this calamity.
Ancient Treasure Civilization, Central Region.
A towering ancient tree stood here, but it had been severed by some immense and terrifying force, leaving only half of it remaining.
However, even this half of the tree was still vast and boundless, its edges impossible to see. Each leaf was luxuriant and towering, absorbing endless chaos energy and star rivers. Its roots alone extended across countless time and space.
At this moment, deep within the tree's canopy, grand palaces and pavilions stood.
Several figures clad in pure white robes, wearing ancient headdresses, were gathered around a calm, mirror-like lake, dancing in a circle and chanting ancient prayers, attempting to divine something.
Before the calm lake, layers of black mist began to appear, causing ripples to form on the water's surface. The water began to boil, as if some terrifying creature was about to break through and emerge.
Boom!
Finally, with a deafening roar, radiant light surged, and the earth and heavens seemed to shake. The boiling lake calmed, but all the surrounding palace structures collapsed, turning to dust and rubble.
The terrifying creature on the other side did not break through. Instead, a single burning black feather slowly drifted down from the sky.
"Did that great one fail to cross over to this side…?"
The figures in white robes paled, many collapsing to the ground in exhaustion, their eyes filled with fear.
"The time for the Grand Sacrificial Ritual of the Epochal Tribulation has not yet come. No being is allowed to cross over to this side. If discovered, the consequences would be far worse than death."
"Even if this great one is a servant of that supreme existence, they must still abide by the rules."
"This time, for some reason, this great one attempted to cross over, and we were forced to intervene."
"This will bring disaster upon our Jichan Clan."
An ancient figure clad in white robes, exuding an aura of endless time, was helped forward by others, his aged face filled with sorrow.
The white-robed figures, hearing his words, also showed expressions of unwillingness and fear.
They naturally knew this, but they dared not resist or refuse.
"Back then, the Epoch Mother Tree absorbed much of the fortune and origin energy of the vast expanse, angering that supreme existence on the other side. With a single terrifying hand, they severed the Epoch Mother Tree, cutting off all its fortune and vitality."
"Our Jichan Clan became the sinners of the entire Ancient Treasure Civilization. Over these epochs, we have been trying to atone for our sins, but it seems we still cannot quell the wrath of that existence."
"This time, that great one attempted to cross over but failed. The other side will surely discover this, and the consequences are something our Jichan Clan cannot bear."
The ancient figure gazed at the burning black feather falling from the sky, his face filled with despair and bitterness.
Not far away, a silver-haired girl bit her lip, watching this scene, wanting to speak but hesitating.
"Eldest Sister, who replaced Ninth Sister and was sacrificed to the other side… Can we try to find the High Priest and ask her to contact Eldest Sister on the other side, so she can find a way?"
A black-robed woman walked over, her expression cold and aloof, her body exuding an icy aura that made her difficult to approach.
"But Eldest Sister has long since disappeared. We don't know her situation on the other side. Although her soul lamp still burns and her life force has not vanished, you know as well as I do that the other side is far more terrifying than the vast expanse."
"Moreover, asking the High Priest for help would come at a great cost. After that incident, the High Priest has been very dissatisfied with our Jichan Clan. She might not even agree to see us."
The ancient figure looked at the black-robed woman, a bitter smile on his lips as he shook his head.
Hearing this, the black-robed woman frowned, feeling somewhat helpless.
"Third Sister, leave this matter to me. I will beg the High Priest for help."
"What happened back then was because of me. It's only right that I resolve it."
At this moment, a green-robed woman suddenly walked over. Her face was elegant, her brows like a painting, her entire being exuding a serene and ethereal aura, as if bathed in a soft, holy light…