In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.
During this month, the events that transpired at White Crane Heavenly Palace spread like a tidal wave, shaking half of the Nine Heavens World.
Countless beings trembled in fear.
"What? A supreme devil from the Tianheng Clan appeared and severely wounded over a dozen peak experts from the three clans at the White Crane Heavenly Palace?"
"Hiss! Those are invincible beings surpassing even Martial Emperors, and yet they couldn't withstand that devil?"
"And that devil fought against a dozen of them at once, sweeping them away. Such ferocity! His power is terrifying!"
"It's over, something big is happening."
"The sky is falling… the sky is falling..."
Suddenly, countless people were filled with despair.
Especially those who knew about the ancient war, or had even experienced it firsthand, felt even more terrified.
Though the Nine Heavens World is prosperous now, that prosperity is only from the past few tens of thousands of years. Back in the day, that war nearly shattered the entire world. Countless strong beings bled, and the ancient heritage accumulated since time immemorial was nearly wiped out.
In short, it was terrifying!
Meanwhile, the Tianheng Clan—at the center of these rumors—was utterly confused and didn't know what to do.
What??
We're making a comeback?
Why don't we know anything about this?
Aren't we hiding well enough? Besides, the higher-ups haven't informed us of any major counterattacks. Where did you hear this from?
Wait, an invincible devil? Has our Tianheng Clan really produced an invincible powerhouse? Is this for real?
Gosh, these big shots, how could they not inform us about such a joyous event? So inconsiderate!
As a result, members of the Tianheng Clan, who were scattered across various corners or disguised as underground agents, started getting excited.
They secretly contacted each other, trying to gather information about the highest-level matters, specifically about this "invincible devil."
However…
Their enthusiasm got the better of them, and their unrestrained communications were detected by the counter-intelligence forces of the three clans… leading to their immediate capture.
Quite a few were caught.
Many hiding places were exposed.
Of course, those captured weren't high-ranking figures, and the Tianheng Clan didn't suffer any serious losses.
At the same time.
In a mysterious, unknown space, a group of imposing figures sat cross-legged, their bodies hidden in the darkness, their faces unclear—like cold statues standing silently in the shadows.
The atmosphere was heavy.
"Do you think that father and son pair might really be members of our Tianheng Clan? Perhaps descendants of one of the true ancestors?"
After a long silence, one figure finally spoke.
"Absolutely not!!"
Another figure immediately retorted angrily:
"That little bastard caused the fall of our Tianshu Palace. He can't possibly be one of us! Who would harm their own clan?"
"If he was enduring humiliation to gain the enemy's trust, that would be one thing. But he's shown no signs of doing so! Instead, the human race, the demon race, and even the beast race are all chasing him!"
"So, this father and son pair are just troublemakers, enemies to everyone! They can't possibly be ours!"
The shadowy figures fell into silence.
In truth, they had hoped, however slim the chance, that this powerful figure might belong to their clan. Who wouldn't want an invincible powerhouse to suddenly appear on their side?
But… it didn't seem realistic.
"Hmm, and his father, the so-called invincible devil, remains extremely mysterious. To this day, we've found no trace of his origins. All we know is that every time he appears, his power seems to have grown stronger."
Another figure spoke up.
"Their actions are indeed strange. I can't understand what their ultimate goal is."
A third figure chimed in.
"Indeed! It's as though they're constantly making enemies, like mad dogs biting anyone they see. Now, they have foes everywhere, with everyone calling for their heads."
A fourth figure echoed in agreement.
"Let's observe for now. Let that father and son duo continue stirring up trouble with the three clans. When they've fought themselves into exhaustion, we can swoop in and take over the Nine Heavens World in one fell swoop, avenging ourselves!"
An ancient voice spoke up.
"Ancient Elder, do you mean our Tianheng Clan is already strong enough to clean up the aftermath?"
One of the shadows asked excitedly.
After all, to reap the rewards of someone else's battle, you must have the strength to do so. Otherwise, you risk a desperate counterattack that could wipe you out.
"Indeed."
The elder, surnamed Cang, nodded. Due to his high status, he was respectfully called "Ancient Elder."
The Ancient Elder's body remained hidden in the darkness as he spoke calmly:
"Our Tianheng Clan has indeed birthed an extraordinary individual. I have quietly watched him grow. His talents are unparalleled, and his strength is unmatched. Now… he is ready to shoulder the burdens of our clan."
"Is that true?!"
"Who is he?"
"Why haven't we heard anything about him?"
"Where is he?!"
The shadowy figures were taken aback, their hearts racing with excitement, blood pumping wildly through their veins.
During difficult times, every race longs for a great leader to stand tall and bear the weight of the clan.
They were no exception.
These past years of hiding, living in the shadows despite being strong, had long worn them down. They were desperate for a peerless figure to lead them.
"Don't rush. He will reveal himself when the time is right. For now… it's not time yet."
The Ancient Elder said calmly.
"Ancient Elder, not even to us?"
One of the shadows asked, somewhat unwillingly.
"Impudent!!"
The Ancient Elder suddenly roared, releasing an overwhelming, terrifying aura that swept through the entire dark space. He said sternly:
"As high-ranking members of the Tianheng Clan, you must learn patience! If I had been as rash as you, this individual might never have had the chance to grow and would have fallen long ago!"
The others immediately fell silent, their fear palpable.
The Ancient Elder glanced around coldly and said, "Never underestimate the Three Clans of the Nine Heavens. The human race's Emperor Qianlong and Emperor Tunyue have both reached the same realm as our chosen one. And within the demon and beast clans, there are also such old monsters. If his identity is revealed, he won't survive."
The group was stunned, but they dared not speak further.
Several other elders of equal standing with the Ancient Elder remained seated with their eyes closed, silent throughout.
The room grew quiet.
After a long pause, the Ancient Elder finally spoke again: "If there are no other matters, let's adjourn the meeting. We will continue to lie low and watch how things unfold."
"Understood."
"Yes."
The others sighed with relief, their figures gradually fading into the darkness, melting away until they disappeared completely.
…
Back at the White Crane Heavenly Palace.
For an entire month, Qin Zi had been standing outside the underground palace, not blinking once—his eyes had not dried.
He stared intently at the stone door.
He hoped that any moment now, the stone door would open, and his father would emerge, radiant, walking toward him with a kind smile.
But his hopes were dashed over and over again. And as time went on, his heart grew heavier.
After all, his father hadn't said how long Nirvana would take, and Qin Zi couldn't help but wonder if his father had already failed in the attempt.
But he didn't dare check!
He feared that his impatience would ruin his father's Nirvana, and if that happened, he would never forgive himself!
So, he continued to wait.
Caught between hope and despair, as if straddling two worlds of fire and ice.
"Junior Brother Qin."
At this moment, Princess Bailu approached. She remained silent for a moment before biting her lip and saying, "Stop waiting. You… probably won't see him again."
"What did you say?!"
Qin Zi whipped around, his eyes bloodshot.
He was like a wild beast suddenly awoken, and the ferocity in his gaze caused Princess Bailu to instinctively take two steps back.
The next moment, he took a deep breath, restrained his emotions, and said solemnly, "My father will come out. He definitely will!"
Princess Bailu pressed her lips together, her eyes showing a trace of reluctance. But still, she said, "My father said… there's no energy fluctuation inside the underground palace, nor any sign of a path of Nirvana."
Qin Zi's body trembled!
Then he gritted his teeth and shouted, "What does that prove?! Maybe your father's wrong! Maybe my father's Nirvana technique is unique and doesn't give off any signs?!"
Princess Bailu hesitated for a moment, then gently placed her hand on Qin Zi's shoulder, her expression complex.
"Junior Brother Qin, have you ever considered… that maybe, there is no Nirvana technique?"
Qin Zi felt as if he had been dealt a fatal blow. His face turned pale, his eyes unfocused, and he staggered back as if all his hopes and strength had been drained. His knees gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.
"No… it's not possible…"
He murmured softly, tears silently streaming down his face. In truth, what Princess Bailu had said… he had already thought of.
But he had been trying to avoid it.
His father had purposely given him hope, without specifying atime for re-emergence, precisely to ensure that Qin Zi would wait outside, allowing time to dilute the pain of losing his father. This way, he could carry on living.
At this moment, with Princess Bailu laying it all out, Qin Zi could no longer deceive himself. He broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Father! Did you really think I wouldn't see through it? I know all your painstaking efforts! I know everything!!"
He threw his head back, crying out in anguish.
But just as Qin Zi was wailing, the stone door in front of him began to rumble, slowly rising. A tall figure in white appeared before him.
"Huh?!"
Qin Zi, who had been howling with grief, froze in place. His expression stiffened, and even his mouth, which had been open in a cry, forgot to close.
"What do you think you know?"
Qin Chuan stood beneath the rising stone door, his white robes flowing gently. He looked calmly at his son, as if puzzled.
Boom!
It felt as if a thunderbolt had struck Qin Zi's mind. His thoughts went blank, and with a sudden thud, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious from shock.
This was, indeed, a case of social death!