Time flowed by quietly, and a year had passed in the blink of an eye.
With Liuli's intervention, the pressure and restrictions on the immortal mountain were reduced to their lowest. The leaders of various factions, along with their core disciples, entered the immortal mountain to train and, more importantly, to search for the ethereal essence of immortals.
According to Liuli's account, anyone who could find and absorb the immortal essence would not only break through their limits but also possess infinite possibilities to change their very foundation.
For a time, the immortal mountain was bustling with activity throughout the year. Of course, more importantly, the disciples of various factions experienced immense growth, which further strengthened their reverence for Liuli.
Meanwhile, within the River of Time, Li Xuan's aura was nearing complete fusion with it. Now, without the Great Emperor of Time's guidance, the surrounding temporal energy naturally flowed into Li Xuan's body as if drawn by gravity.
Li Xuan's eyes were gently closed, his mind completely immersed in the fusion of his sword intent. The immense temporal energy weaved through his sword intent with utmost naturalness.
Even the Great Emperor of Time, who had been guarding him, was somewhat astonished. Li Xuan's current realm had astonishingly reached the level of the Great Emperor of Time.
Moreover, this realm was not similar to Jian Nancang's Temporal Realm but was almost on par with the Great Emperor of Time himself.
"As expected of a fated individual. Perhaps after exiting seclusion, he could even contend with me," the Great Emperor of Time remarked with emotion.
"You've given him the source of temporal power. Aren't you afraid the owner of the Celestial Brush will seek trouble with you later?" Liuli's voice suddenly echoed.
The Great Emperor of Time hurriedly turned around. Upon seeing Liuli, he felt a slight relief and then said with a wry smile, "My master has not appeared for a long time. Since I am the sovereign who governs the River of Time, it is not unreasonable to lend some of its temporal power to this young friend."
"You are truly generous," Liuli said, casting a deep glance at the Great Emperor of Time before turning her attention back to Li Xuan without further words.
"Senior, if you were to intervene, wouldn't it be enough to end this battle? Although the young friend has made significant progress, facing someone with the power of a Great Emperor of Destiny, his chances of victory are still slim. Wouldn't it be troublesome for you to have to act then?"
The Great Emperor of Time hesitated for a moment before finally posing the question.
Liuli chuckled upon hearing this, "If it weren't for his need to train and improve, would I care about these matters? Moreover, as I said before, my master does not permit me to act arbitrarily. All I can do is help him achieve his utmost potential. The rest is beyond my purview."
"If not for him, the existence of this world and even the universe would be meaningless."
After speaking, Liuli turned around, and a sentence then resonated in the Great Emperor of Time's mind.
"When he awakens, have him go to the immortal mountain."
The Great Emperor of Time stood frozen in shock. After a long while, he looked at Liuli's retreating figure and murmured, "Just how strong is your master? Is she perhaps stronger than my master?"
Liuli, who had already walked a considerable distance, curled her lips slightly. "Your master is alive, but my master only recently fought him."
"Holy crap!"
The Great Emperor of Time couldn't help but let out a vulgar exclamation. He had no reason to doubt Liuli's words, as her strength was evident, and such a being would not stoop to falsehoods. However, the implications of her statement were truly terrifying.
In the Great Emperor of Time's understanding, no one had ever been his master's equal. Otherwise, the order of the myriad beings and even the Heavenly Dao would not have been established by his master. Yet, Liuli's words now implied the existence of someone stronger than his master!
"My master hasn't appeared for so long; could he have been suppressed by this senior's master?" the Great Emperor of Time mused inwardly. In the next moment, an aura surged towards him.
"Holy crap! M-master!"
The Great Emperor of Time's eyes spun, and he then collapsed.
In the world of gods, within a palace beneath the starry sky, a graceful figure suddenly appeared.
Boom!
The instant the woman materialized, a thunderous roar echoed through the starry sky.
This figure was Tian Zhi. She looked up and with a wave of her hand, dispersed the dark, overcast sky.
"Congratulations. I didn't expect you to ascend to Chaos Divine Spirit so quickly," Liuli's figure suddenly appeared, and she said to Tian Zhi with a smile.
Tian Zhi's eyes flashed with a hint of solemnity as she looked at Liuli.
"You know so much about our divine race!"
Liuli smiled, "If I told you I've even met your divine race's ancient ancestor, would you believe me?"
Tian Zhi's expression changed slightly, and she said in a deep voice, "Who exactly are you?"
Liuli chuckled, "I am merely a servant. There's no need for you to be so tense. Well, well, out of respect for your divine world's ancient ancestor, I've come with only one message for you."
"What message?" Tian Zhi asked with a slight frown.
Liuli sighed softly and said, "Do not entertain any ideas about my young master. Otherwise, even if your ancient ancestor were to revive, your divine world would likely not be able to be preserved. That is all I have to say. The choice is yours."
With that, Liuli vanished from the spot. Tian Zhi stood there in silence for a long time, then moved and disappeared into the palace.