Chapter 1191 - 929: Lost Divine Hall and the Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog (Part 2)
Chapter 1191 - 929: Lost Divine Hall and the Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog (Part 2)
[Sub-quest: Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog]
[Mission 8: Use the Key to open and enter the Lost Divine Hall, urge the contracted pet Ling Di to complete the third trial, completed. Reward: Fragment of Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog’s waist token +1 issued]
[Mission 9: Successfully refine the Divine Power granted by the Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog. Reward: Life Origin +500]
As the system prompts popped up, Jiang Yuan noticed the three fragments of the waist token in the storage bag flying up to merge into a complete, dazzlingly beautiful piece.
"Opening this hall door will allow you to meet the remnant soul of the Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog." He handed over the complete waist token, "This is what you earned through your own efforts, go and open the path to the future."
Ling Di trembled all over with excitement.
Although the process was arduous, nearly costing its life several times, having the master by its side to shield it from mortal danger at the most critical moment allowed it to obtain the pass token. It choked up and couldn’t say a word, but its affection level increased honestly.
It could only stand and give a bow to its master, respectfully taking the token with its front paws, "The great kindness of the master’s cultivation, Ling Di will never forget in eternity!"
Impatiently rushing forward, the grand, magnificent doors of the divine hall, sealed for so long, sensed the token’s aura, and the seal automatically unlocked as the vermilion doors slowly opened.
"After many years, someone has finally come to this place. Enter, far-traveling guests."
As the doors swung open, pairs of candles flared to life.
The empty divine hall had only a grand altar at the deepest end, from which the resonant voice emanated.
[In the battle against the Outer Heaven Demons, the fallen Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog, with its remaining spirit, can tell you about the past events of the Lantian Domain.]
Seeing the details emerging in the glow, Jiang Yuan realized they were about to enter the resolution animation phase. After it finished recounting the story, upon passing on the Divine Power to Ling Di, it would likely disappear completely.
"It’s embarrassing to admit, but back then, to defeat the Outer Heaven Demons, I sacrificed my entire home, which is the divine hall, without even a table or chairs to entertain you." The voice said, and as light flowed, a shadow of a large, beautiful Divine Dog with fluffy, plush fur appeared on the altar.
The man and the dog were momentarily taken aback; the appearance of this Divine Dog was much too adorable compared to what they imagined.
Seemingly aware of their thoughts, the remnant soul of the Divine Dog chuckled, "I am a Demon Beast who ascended, deeply loving my appearance, thus keeping my original form. Our Cloud Dog clan is said to be born from the clouds of the Nine Heavens, resembling clouds with lush and fluffy fur. Many were fond of us back in the day."
"Greetings, Divine Dog!" Ling Di finally reacted. Even without an oppressive aura, the divine light wrapped around it meant it must pay respect upon seeing a Divine Venerable.
Jiang Yuan also offered a courtesy and curiously asked, "How long have you been waiting in the ruins of the Lantian Domain? What happened here? Why can’t the corrupted souls of the Celestial Soldiers be purified and dissipate?"
The remnant soul of the Divine Dog waved its paw, signaling him to calm down, "Cultivators always value Natural Daoist Technique; there’s no need to be overly constrained. Just sit down and listen as I tell the tale."
Being there, they settled down where they were.
The figure also stood, shaking its cloud-like fluffy long fur, descended the altar step by step, squatted in front of them with an expression full of memories, and said, "The God-Demon War has never stopped, sometimes overt and sometimes covert.
After all, whenever a complete world body is born, it draws the attention of the Outer Heaven Demons, a race that survives by devouring Life Energy and would never give up on invading and starving to death."
Lifting its right paw for a gentle wave, a seed-like point of light manifested in the air, which then exploded into a spectacularly colorful nebula.
"Look, this is the scene of a complete world body’s birth. Do you know where the seed that births all worlds comes from?"
Seeing this scene, Jiang Yuan thought, could this be the legendary theory of the Big Bang?
Ling Di, wide-eyed and dog-dumbfounded, shook its head, "Please enlighten us, Divine Dog."
"The energy of a dying Outer Heaven Demon condenses into this seed," the remnant soul of the Divine Dog laughed, "The Heavenly Dao Laws are so; all things are born because of the Outer Heaven Demon’s death, and when all things perish, the Outer Heaven Demons survive.
There are countless complete world bodies and countless Outer Heaven Demons, like all the components of your body constantly dying and growing. Beyond this world lies a greater world and beyond that world lies another, endless and infinite."
"So there are... many Celestial Realms?" The Old Dog, having lived so many years, had never heard of such a doctrine and was utterly bewildered.
The figure nodded in agreement, "Naturally, but the forms of mortals and Immortals in other world bodies are likely completely different from ours."
Seeing their shocked expressions, the remnant soul of the Divine Dog lay down with its eyes half-closed and said, "We’ve digressed. Just consider them different gods of different races, and for now, you need not explore the stories of other world bodies.
Currently, the Three Realms we inhabit are in danger. If we cannot avert the crisis, all Three Realms may perish. Though all life cycles through reincarnation, who would willingly watch countless lives extinguished, including themselves?
Moreover, there was a prophecy: when the greed, evil, violence, and bloodthirst of the Outer Heaven Demons are utterly extinguished, all world bodies will enter a 360,000-year Golden Age.
By then, there will be no evil-doers, no violent actions, and all beings will live in the most beautiful era until the Golden Age passes, eventually giving rise to fallen beings and evil thoughts breeding Outer Heaven Demons again.
Who wouldn’t want to see such a flourishing era? Thus, our battle against the Outer Heaven Demons will never cease, in hope that we can witness that day."
It sighed lightly, "I won’t see it, but you still have hope! Next, I will tell you about the calamity that befell the Lantian Domain, something you must remember to guard against in the future!"
Lantian Domain was once a small world very close to the Celestial Realm.
As they say, being near the water gets the moon first; its Spiritual Energy was almost as rich as Immortal Energy, allowing far more Cultivators to achieve Ascension compared to other small worlds.
This Divine Dog was born in the Lantian Domain. During its Ascension, it was an ordinary Divine Dog, appointed a divine position by the Celestial Realm, diligently serving for hundreds of years. Only after its predecessor fell did it have the opportunity to become the Heaven-Swallowing Divine Dog.
Afterward, it took on the responsibility of repelling the Outer Heaven Demons, fighting unceasingly in the Outer Heaven.
When the Celestial Realm collapsed, the nearby Lantian Domain was affected.
Though it fractured into three parts due to the impact, the presence of the Four Symbols Divine Beasts and their strong Divine Power enabled it to somewhat sustain its operation despite a large rift in the middle.
A small world running on Divine Power naturally couldn’t compare to other worlds; its deficiencies were evident, quickly drawing the attention of the Outer Heaven Demons.
"If attacked head-on from outside, with a continuous influx of ascending cultivators, the Outer Heaven Demons could never break in. So, they craftily sought to invade internally, then spread and sever the road to Ascension.
The Celestial Soldiers and Generals, as well as all Divine Monarchs in the Outer Heaven, would then be powerless to resist." The remnant soul of the Divine Dog said earnestly, "At all times, beware of internal traitors!"
Saying this, its gaze landed on Jiang Yuan, emphasizing, "In the past, we suffered enormous losses because those we trusted were already enticed by the Outer Heaven Demons, leading to the collapse of the Celestial Realm.
Fortunately, we discovered it in time, avoiding further catastrophe. This shows that even Immortals, if their Daoxin is unstable, can be lured into corruption. Therefore, you must ensure all your warriors become Death Warriors, so they can be entrusted with heavy responsibilities!
Foster Good Karma extensively, grow and expand your influence as much as possible. If you find any who are ungrateful, decisively cut them off, never employ them."
Jiang Yuan immediately widened his eyes. No wonder the system tirelessly displayed affection levels. What seemed trivial before now appeared so crucial.
"Can Death Warriors avoid corruption?" Ling Di scratched its ear, perplexed, "The nature of the heart is notoriously difficult to control, relying solely on conscience. Even swearing by one’s Daoxin has limited binding force given the current incomplete state of the Heavenly Dao."
"That is not your concern; he knows what to do." The remnant soul of the Divine Dog continued, "The Outer Heaven Demons targeted the Lantian Domain, and after numerous attempts, finally established a connection with greedy individuals seeking Cultivation Immortality.
These individuals amassed fortunes, constructed temples, propagated distorted Daoist Techniques and teachings among mortals, and gathered hordes of greedy and evil Believers. Ultimately, more and more people, even some Cultivators, were deceived, severing the true path and starting to pray to Outer Heaven Demons disguised as true gods. With the power of worship, they ushered in the Demon’s arrival..."
novelbin