Although the Epoch Mother Tree had broken and was no longer as luxuriant and boundless as before, as it trembled and rose into the air, it still contained unimaginable divine might.
The commotion was so massive and shocking that even the very atmosphere of the Vast Expanse was trembling along with it, and countless gazes from various cosmic regions looked over.
In this moment, it was as if in the boundless deep sea, an ancient divine tree rose from the ground, subsequently stirring up endless, boundless waves, where even a single ripple could capsize and shatter a True World.
In that place, storms were boundless, as if forming a hurricane of world-force, affecting everything and sweeping through everything. A mere wisp of the aftermath was enough to make Ancestral Dao Realm figures cough blood and retreat, not daring to approach at all.
Because this was the Epoch Mother Tree, also known as the World Tree, containing the many secrets of the Vast Expanse's myriad worlds, endless ages, epoch transitions, all living beings, the functioning of reincarnation, the birth of worlds... It could be said that the Epoch Mother Tree was the cornerstone that nurtured all life in the Vast Expanse.
The foam-like particle matter constantly exhaled from its branches and leaves would scatter and drift throughout the Vast Expanse, taking root in endless spacetime and trillions of plane dimensions, and then evolve into actual microcosmic worlds.
And it was these very worlds that made up the current Vast Expanse, so vast and boundless that its limits were unknown.
Throughout history, the Epoch Mother Tree had been an extremely special existence. The place where it took root could be said to be the core central region of the Vast Expanse, and the fortune resources and various divine creations of the Vast Expanse would all gravitate toward it.
Originally, it would constantly leap through endless spacetime latitudes and planar fault layers. No one could grasp it, and no true world civilization could make it stop and stay.
Because ordinary Supreme True Worlds simply could not bear its power, nor its colossal and boundless fortune.
It was only before the ancient ages that a majestic, supreme, and paramount power descended, intercepted it, and made it take root in the Ancient Treasure Civilization. Only from then on did the Epoch Mother Tree truly come to a halt.
After the Cataclysmic Tribulation, when civilizations were newly born, the broken world wreckage and shattered true world origins all gathered toward the Ancient Treasure Civilization because of the existence of the Epoch Mother Tree.
In this process, the Ancient Treasure Civilization also relied on such accumulation to continuously expand, and even developed into a region far surpassing the Supreme True Worlds.
It could be said that the existence of the Epoch Mother Tree held extraordinary significance, whether for the Vast Expanse or for the Ancient Treasure Civilization.
If the Epoch Mother Tree took root and constantly breathed in world substance, condensing world particle after world particle and evolving them into various cosmic worlds, the benefits in terms of fortune feedback and development for a true world would be absolutely indescribable.
But without supremely powerful and boundless strength, it was absolutely impossible to control the Epoch Mother Tree. Even True Path figures wielding Authorities could do nothing about it, because although the Epoch Mother Tree itself had no will, its life level was definitely comparable to the Heavenly Dao of the Vast Expanse, being a part manifested from the rules.
It was similar to the Reincarnation Sea, which allowed all futures to develop in an orderly manner, being a manifestation of the Vast Expanse's rules.
True Path-level figures controlled Authorities, but they could only infinitely approach that level. They could condense worlds comparable to Supreme True Worlds, but they could not create endless universes matching the Vast Expanse. In their view, this was already far beyond what mortal power could achieve.
Thus, at this moment, seeing the Epoch Mother Tree being gradually shaken and lifted into the air, taken away from the Ancient Treasure Civilization by a vast and majestic power indescribable in words, almost all powerful ancient beings were so shocked that they could not speak.
Even the World Lord and the Lord of Reincarnation had pupils quivering, unable to conceal the shock in their eyes.
Above the Ancient Treasure Civilization, endless spacetime tore open, revealing a blurry passage, boundless and limitless. Any power that entered it would be suppressed. Even the Epoch Mother Tree, as ancient and powerful as it was in the Vast Expanse, was oppressed by that force and was slowly being drawn into it.
Witnessing this scene, no one dared to obstruct it at this moment. Under that immense and boundless force, even Ancestral Dao Realm existences felt themselves to be as insignificant as dust.
If they tried to obstruct it, it would be utterly laughable, just like an ant trying to move a mountain.
All the palaces and pavilions of the Ji Chan Clan, which lived and multiplied on the Epoch Mother Tree, shook violently. Almost all clan members showed astonishment and shock, not knowing what had happened.
Some came out of their cave abodes and quiet chambers, wanting to investigate and understand, but the intense aftershocks, blowing over like ripples, instantly pressed them so hard that they dared not even move.
"Did Ziyi succeed?"
"It seems her choice was not wrong. This boundless majestic power has already reached a level I cannot even imagine."
Ji Xiangmiao, dressed in colorful clothes, stood before the Ancestral Court. Watching all of this, her body brimming with an aura that reached everywhere without limit, she tried to calm the terrified and trembling clan members.
Meanwhile, within the Ancestral Court, many ancient figures of the Ji Chan Clan were also roused from their slumber and seclusion, forced to show themselves.
Such commotion was far too great. Even if Ji Xiangmiao tried to cover it up, it was futile; it was simply impossible to conceal.
"Why has the Epoch Mother Tree become like this? For countless ages since taking root in the Ancient Treasure Civilization, it has never once left..."
One after another powerful figure swiftly appeared outside the Ancestral Court, their bodies emanating a sense of ancient age and vicissitudes, having lived for unknown lengths of time.
Some closed their eyes and attempted to deduce, faintly glimpsing a trace of the cause and effect, their faces filled with shock.
"Ji Xiangmiao, it was you who acted and obscured our perception. This act goes against Heaven's will. The Ji Chan Clan will invite boundless catastrophe. Our clan was born bearing the Heavenly Mandate, nurtured by the Epoch Mother Tree, carrying the succession of epochs, recording the evolution of civilizations throughout the ages, and we have never had any mishap." Someone shouted angrily.
"You are trying to destroy the Ji Chan Clan, causing our ten-thousand-generation foundation to crumble and making us into a true clan of sinners!" These ancient existences, after understanding the origin and course of events, were utterly enraged and shouted in fury.
Ji Xiangmiao's body still radiated light, calming the hearts of the restless Ji Chan Clan members, and said, "Elders, why be so angry? From the moment the Epoch Mother Tree collapsed, our Ji Chan Clan's destiny had already changed. Why stick to old conventions? For countless ages, our Ji Chan Clan has believed in the Heavenly Mandate, strictly abided by heavenly principles, organized world substance, maintained the operation of the Heavenly Dao, and kept the future orderly, never having any error."
"But now, our eldest sister has become a sacrificial offering, her life or death unknown. Our Ji Chan Clan has also become a sinner clan of the Ancient Treasure Civilization, with many clan members conscripted and made slaves of the Five Great Royal Clans. The merits and contributions of our generations have all been erased. The so-called destiny is nothing but a joke."
"If this is the Heavenly Will, then what does it matter if we defy it?"
Although she was a woman, the aura emanating from her at this moment was as towering as mountains, as eternal as the high heavens, suppressing the Ji Chan Clan's elders to the point that they were somewhat speechless.
"Nonsense! Ji Xiangmiao, you have gone mad! Letting you take charge of our clan was not so you could destroy our generations of foundation!" The many ancient existences were furious.
"Xiangmiao, I always thought you could understand our clan, but it seems your heart has long been possessed by demons."
"Why does the Ji Chan Clan exist? It is to comply with the heavenly principles. As the Heavenly Will is, so is the reason for our clan's existence. It cannot be changed; since ancient times, it has never been altered."
Deep within the Ji Chan Ancestral Court, a beautiful woman wearing a crown and a gorgeous palace gown, with a full and graceful figure, appeared. She was none other than the former empress of the Ji Chan Clan and the mother of Ji Xiangmiao and the others.
Her face showed disappointment as she sighed softly, trying to persuade Ji Xiangmiao to turn back from her misguided path.
However, Ji Xiangmiao seemed to have already known it would come to this and, with an unchanged expression, said, "Mother, I am not wrong. It is you who have long been bound by the shackles of destiny."
"Is the disturbance of the Epoch Mother Tree caused by Ziyi? You're just helping her cover it up?" The Empress of the Ji Chan Clan only needed to sense slightly to understand what had happened, and her disappointment deepened.
"It has nothing to do with Ziyi. It was my insistence that made her do so. The fate of the Ji Chan Clan should be held in our own hands." Ji Xiangmiao's tone remained calm.
"Ziyi has been away for many years, and unknown to us, her mind was corrupted and she fell under someone's control. Why have you also become like this?"
"I and the elders have already sensed the unseen Heavenly Will. In the near future, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance will bring boundless disaster upon itself. Violating the Heavenly Will is to reverse the great trend of heaven and earth. From ancient times to now, no matter who it is, they will be turned to dust in that torrent."
"All those who have received the summons will comply with the Heavenly Will and destroy the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. If this succeeds, not only can one gain great merit, but it can also pacify the Cataclysmic Tribulation and mitigate the Reckoning. Don't be emotional." The Empress of the Ji Chan Clan sighed, still trying to persuade.
Ji Xiangmiao said, "Mother, you need not persuade me further. Since you lack the great resolve and boldness, I will do it."
"Ji Xiangmiao, don't be too selfish..."
The many elders of the Ji Chan Clan were furious. They were all figures who had lived for a long time and had thoroughly understood many secrets of this heaven and earth. Any person who resisted the Heavenly Dao, no matter what kind of existence, would ultimately meet their death; there could be no exception.
"It is too late." Ji Xiangmiao's face was calm, even carrying a hint of a faint smile.
Rumble!!!
Heaven and earth quaked. Endless spacetime tore open, and the rift spread out, eroding everything, as if it would swallow the entire Ancient Treasure Civilization.
Under such majestic aura and power, all the elders of the Ji Chan Clan could not even stand steadily; the aura around their bodies became chaotic. It was like autumn cicadas that have always lived on a towering ancient tree trying to shake the great tree—something utterly unrealistic. And now, the power they wished to shake was effortlessly seizing this ancient tree away...
In the Reincarnation Sea, Progenitor Xu, seated cross-legged on a reef, had a flickering gaze, as if he had long anticipated and guessed this scene. However, his shock and astonishment were no less than the others'.
"I knew he left the Master of Fate to serve as live bait. But since no one took the bait, the Master of Fate naturally lost his value."
"In this Ancient Treasure Civilization, the only thing that could catch his attention is probably this Epoch Mother Tree."
Progenitor Xu's figure turned into a streak of light and vanished above the Reincarnation Sea.
"Even you and I are far from being able to control the Epoch Mother Tree, let alone move it. This in itself is a certain manifestation carrier of the Will of the Vast Expanse, representing a part of it. Yet now it is being moved and taken away by someone, as if a fish living in a pond could take away part of the pond. Utterly fantastical..."
"How was this done?"
Both the Lord of Reincarnation and the World Lord were greatly shaken. The two were also very cautious and did not rashly interfere, because they already understood who was taking action. In the current Vast Expanse, apart from that person in the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, who else could do such a thing?
The emotional turbulence in their hearts at this moment could only be described as earth-shattering.
"But once the Epoch Mother Tree is taken away by him, the destiny of the Ancient Treasure Civilization will dissipate for the most part. The Five Great Royal Clans and the Ancient Treasure Imperial Family will not allow it."
"The Epoch Cataclysm is about to arrive. Our great plan lies ahead; we must not act rashly. Even if the Heaven-Slaying Alliance is going against heaven, it is not something you and I need to deal with."
"Observe the changes and wait for the opportunity. If he wants to take the Epoch Mother Tree away, then let him take it." The Lord of Reincarnation's gaze flickered as he forcibly suppressed the impulse to probe.
The World Lord also nodded. In that instant, the two perceived a certain great trend.
At this moment, not just in the Ancient Treasure Civilization, but throughout the Vast Expanse, who knows how many gazes were looking over through layers of void and spacetime.
But soon, the scene in that place blurred, as if boundless chaotic energy had erupted, wantonly engulfing everything.
Within the Ancient Treasure Civilization, countless living beings and cultivators trembled in fear, terrified to the extreme. The entire world was shaking as if in a massive earthquake; it could be said that heaven and earth were turned upside down, as if they had been flipped over.
"Who has awakened me?"
In the Divine Hall of Rituals, an old woman seated on an ancient blue jade divine throne suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze icy and cold.
She wore a robe seemingly embroidered with starlight and a ritual divine crown on her head, looking very ancient. Outside this hall, Ancestral Dao Realm existences trembled as they hurriedly came to report.
"Grand Priest, the Ji Chan Clan has rebelled. They are conspiring with outsiders to take away the Epoch Mother Tree. We beseech the Grand Priest to intervene and stop them, or else our Ancient Treasure Civilization's destiny will decline, and we fear that, like last time, we will suffer the boundless wrath of the other side."
This Ancestral Dao Realm existence spoke rapidly, relaying the situation.
The Grand Priest held a lofty position in the Ancient Treasure Civilization because she had the means to communicate with the other side.
Every time a Cataclysmic Tribulation descended and Reckoning Envoys appeared, it would be she who guided and received them. Even the royal family of the Ancient Treasure Civilization was full of respect for her.
"The Ji Chan Clan, what audacity?"
"We entrusted them to guard and watch over the Epoch Abyssal Ruins and the Epoch Mother Tree, to organize world substance, yet they colluded with outsiders and betrayed the Heavenly Will!"
The Grand Priest's face turned grim as she appeared outside the divine hall. This vast, boundless continent had no end in sight, surrounded by trillions of layers of planar void currents, with auras akin to life and creation colliding every moment.
As she emerged, one figure after another also appeared from the surrounding temples and divine mountains. They were all incomparably powerful, ancient as if eternal and imperishable for ages. With divine light flickering, they seemed to fill heaven and earth, making it hard to breathe.
"The Heavenly Will cannot be defied. The Heaven-Slaying Alliance goes against the heavens, and already it has invited boundless disaster in the unseen."
"Soon the Heavenly Will will issue a decree to destroy the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. This act may perhaps quell the Cataclysmic Tribulation that is about to descend."
The Grand Priest's eyes were immeasurably deep, with countless galaxies intersecting within them. In but an instant, she had comprehended everything that was happening now.
She stared fixedly at the scene deep in the high sky, but she too dared not act rashly. The Epoch Mother Tree was not something she could move. Under this majestic power, no one could block it, unless the Will of the Vast Expanse manifested to resist.
But how vast and boundless was the Will of the Vast Expanse? How could it easily appear? Otherwise, wouldn't heaven and earth be in utter chaos? At this moment, she too was helpless and had no ability to stop it.
Soon, several more terrifying figures appeared beside the Grand Priest. They seemed to no longer have true physical forms. Some wore masks, others wore hoods, surrounded by chaotic light, as if composed only of a mass of substance, freely transforming their forms at will.
"Once the Epoch Mother Tree is taken away, our Ancient Treasure Civilization will likely also incur calamity. We cannot ignore this." One of them spoke, his eyes displaying a cross-shaped shattering pattern, with wisps of auras of world annihilation and cosmos collapse pervading.
"We cannot deal with the Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, but the Ji Chan Clan must pay the price..."
"The Ji Chan Clan attempts to resist the Heavenly Will; this is the consequence."
The Grand Priest's gaze was extremely icy. She instantly pierced through many spacetime dimensions and fixed her stare on the Reincarnation Sea.
As her gaze fell, the originally quiet Reincarnation Sea suddenly stirred up boundless waves. Layer after layer of spacetime twisted like fragments, torn apart by some terrifying force. Her gaze manifested in the sky above, as if transforming into an eternal divine statue, filling every inch of void and heaven and earth, carrying the pressure of imperishable ages, looking down upon everything with indifference.
"Come with me..."
Boundless waves surged within it. Ji Ziyi, dressed in a black dress, her hair flying, stood unmoving like a mountain.
Watching the Epoch Mother Tree slowly tremble and rise into the air, though bearing many wounds, her tone was incomparably resolute.
"Third Sister..."
"What is going on?"
A figure in green robes as still as bamboo stared blankly, still not understanding what had happened. Why had the Epoch Mother Tree suddenly stirred up such a huge commotion, as if about to be seized and taken away by boundless majestic power?
What had happened to the Ji Chan Clan?