Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.
In the blink of an eye, another two years had passed.
*Buzz.*
With a humming sound, Li Xuan's eyes snapped open. A terrifying oppressive aura permeated the surroundings, forcing even the Great Emperor of Time beside him to retreat hundreds of meters in a moment of surprise.
"Congratulations, young friend," the Great Emperor of Time said with a wry smile, his figure moving to Li Xuan's front as he cupped his hands in greeting.
Li Xuan's gaze gradually sharpened, and he then looked at the Great Emperor of Time, cupping his fists in return. "All of this is thanks to you, my elder brother. I offer my deepest gratitude, words cannot express. Should you ever require my assistance in the future, do not hesitate to speak."
The Great Emperor of Time nodded in satisfaction and said, "With your current strength, I fear I am no match for you anymore. Ah, your senior fellow disciple visited earlier. He asked me to tell you to head to the Immortal Mountain on the Immortal Realm Continent once you awoke. I know no further details."
Li Xuan nodded immediately. After bowing to the Great Emperor of Time with cupped fists, his figure instantly vanished from the spot.
"This giant dragon has begun its flight," the Great Emperor of Time murmured, watching Li Xuan depart.
The Great Emperor of Time understood that in time, even he would have to look up to Li Xuan. After all, Li Xuan had achieved such a level of cultivation in just over two years.
Immortal Realm Continent, Immortal Mountain.
*Buzz.*
With a sound of cleaving through the air, Li Xuan's figure instantly appeared.
"Hmm, this Immortal Mountain seems somewhat unusual," Li Xuan, whose strength now rivaled the Great Emperor of Time, sensed the mountain's peculiarity the moment he arrived.
Having cultivated in the depths of the River of Time for over two years, Li Xuan's realm, strength, and even his divine soul and consciousness had improved immensely. To put it bluntly, even Jian Nancang would not be able to withstand a single sword strike from Li Xuan.
"This Immortal Mountain possesses a spirit, and within it lies the essence of immortals. For you, it holds numerous benefits," Liuli's figure also appeared beside Li Xuan at this moment, speaking softly.
"I once heard that no one could enter this Immortal Mountain except the Great Emperor of Time. Now, disciples from various factions are all within this mountain. I assume this is your doing, Senior?" Li Xuan asked with a slight smile.
Liuli nodded slightly. "Indeed, I made the arrangements. Otherwise, when the war breaks out, the Immortal Realm Continent would surely fall. As for you, you have a more formidable opponent. Furthermore, your Sword Sect has some connection to my master. This action is also a form of support."
"A connection to my Master?" Li Xuan asked in surprise. He then looked at the Immortal Mountain, his brow furrowed slightly. "This Immortal Mountain doesn't seem that large. If I recall correctly, they have been within this mountain for quite some time now."
"A mountain's fame lies not in its height, but in the presence of an immortal. A body of water's depth matters less than the presence of a dragon. In all matters, you must look beyond the surface. And some things are often arranged long in advance. You may go now; the five-year deadline has only two years left," Liuli said.
"Understood," Li Xuan replied, nodding. His figure then shot forward instantly.
While the Immortal Mountain was not vast in area, it was sufficient to accommodate tens of thousands of people. Currently, the leaders of various factions had not brought all their disciples with them in a grand display. With nearly a thousand people present, the Immortal Mountain appeared somewhat sparsely populated.
Li Xuan found a mountain stream, then sat cross-legged on a peak, his eyes slightly closed as he regulated his breathing.
Although this Immortal Mountain contained the "essence of immortals" that Liuli spoke of, Li Xuan had no intention of actively seeking it out. Moreover, upon entering the Immortal Mountain, Li Xuan had sensed an inexplicable feeling lingering in his heart. He decided to use this time to thoroughly sense it.
As Li Xuan's divine consciousness extended outward, everything in his surroundings was instantly perceived and integrated into his mind. As time passed, Li Xuan gradually felt a sacred immortal charm emanating from within the Immortal Mountain. This aura was precisely what he had sensed earlier in his heart.
While Li Xuan's mind was fully engrossed in his sensing, Liuli, who was high above, nodded slightly and then vanished.
Divine Realm, Starry Sky Palace.
"You summoned me back solely because of a woman's words?" the Divine Son asked with a frown after hearing Tian Zhi's explanation.
Tian Zhi sighed softly. "Since I ascended to the Chaotic Spiritual Deity, I have sensed an ineffable feeling. If our Divine Realm were to intervene, we would plunge into a life-or-death tribulation. I summoned you back for your own safety."
The Divine Son sneered. "We are both deities. While you are more powerful than me, you cannot dictate my choices. Since you have been intimidated, do not trouble yourself with this matter. Even if there is another tribulation, can it truly obliterate this Divine Son?"
Tian Zhi's brow furrowed. He clearly had not expected the Divine Son's disposition to change so drastically. However, Tian Zhi understood that while the Divine Realm was said to have a "heaven-defying" force behind it, it was more closely tied to the Divine Son. Otherwise, he would not have been protected by that force on multiple occasions.
"I have said all I can. My lineage of Tian Zhi will not intervene this time. If you are insistent on going, your lineage of Di Zhi will bear the consequences!" Tian Zhi remained silent for a long time before ultimately ceasing his dissuasion. He understood that the current Divine Son no longer heeded his arrangements and decisions as he once did.
"Since that is the case, then we shall walk our separate paths. Rest assured, when this Divine Son obtains the destiny of the chosen one, I will not be so petty," the Divine Son said, and then his figure moved, vanishing from the spot instantly.
Tian Zhi looked in the direction the Divine Son had departed, falling into deep silence. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh. In an instant, Tian Zhi sensed that the Divine Son had led the Di Zhi lineage away from the Divine Realm. This battle was now unavoidable.
"May my decision prove to be the right one," Tian Zhi murmured, then waved his hand, instantly sealing off the Divine Realm.
In the River of Time, a figure suddenly appeared. This person was none other than the Divine Son, Di Zhi.
The Divine Son glanced around before speaking indifferently.
"This Divine Son has news of the chosen one. Will you listen or not?"