The continent of Chaos, located above the Nine Heavens, has been ruled by the Heavenly Venerable for over a hundred thousand years.
Beneath the Nine Heavens lie ten realms. For over a hundred thousand years, peace has reigned in these ten realms, and the continent of Chaos has been bathed in auspiciousness.
In the hundred and third thousandth year of the Chaos Calendar, a seven-colored light appeared above the Emperor's Palace, drawing all birds to gather as if in a grand audience.
Outside the palace chambers, Heavenly Venerable Xiao Jing Tian paced back and forth, his expression a mixture of joy and concern.
Just then, the tightly shut palace doors suddenly swung open.
An old wet nurse rushed out, her face etched with panic. She prostrated herself before Xiao Jing Tian and cried, "My Lord Heavenly Venerable, the Empress has fallen unconscious. I fear... I fear she may not be able to deliver the Imperial Son successfully."
Xiao Jing Tian's expression changed drastically. He moved like lightning, rushing into the chamber. Unbeknownst to him, as he entered, a sinister smile played on the lips of the old wet nurse.
"Xiang'er..." Xiao Jing Tian's face was grave as he saw Liu Xiang, pale and unconscious.
The four palace maids inside quickly lowered their heads and knelt when Xiao Jing Tian entered. He gently placed his hand on Liu Xiang, sensing that her immortal energy had been greatly depleted.
At that moment, the old wet nurse approached Xiao Jing Tian from behind, bowing and saying, "My Lord Heavenly Venerable, if the Empress's vitality is not restored soon, both the Imperial Son and she will be in mortal danger."
"I understand," Xiao Jing Tian replied. With a thought, his immortal energy flowed from his hand on Liu Xiang's wrist into her body.
A quarter of an hour later, Xiao Jing Tian's face had grown pale, while Liu Xiang's complexion had improved.
The old wet nurse spoke again, "My Lord Heavenly Venerable, the Empress is unconscious and may not be able to give birth smoothly. At this point, external assistance might be necessary to deliver the Imperial Son."
Xiao Jing Tian glanced at the unconscious Liu Xiang and nodded slightly. "Tell me what to do."
The old wet nurse quickly explained, "My Lord Heavenly Venerable, you only need to inject immortal energy into the Empress and, under my guidance, gently envelop the Imperial Son. However, the immortal energy sustaining the Empress's vitality must not cease, or both the Imperial Son and the Empress will be in peril."
Xiao Jing Tian looked at Liu Xiang, who was sweating and slightly pale, and took a deep breath. "Let's begin."
As time passed, a baby's cry shattered the silence. Hearing this cry, a smile instantly bloomed on Xiao Jing Tian's pale face.
"My Lord Heavenly Venerable, the Imperial Son has been successfully delivered. Behold." The old wet nurse, holding the infant, presented it to Xiao Jing Tian with joy.
Looking at the newborn, still slick with amniotic fluid, in the old wet nurse's hands, Xiao Jing Tian was overcome with emotion. Without hesitation, he took the baby with both hands. He then took a jade pendant from his person and placed it on the infant's wrist.
*Boom.*
At that instant, the old wet nurse, who had been looking down, her eyes glinting with coldness, struck Xiao Jing Tian with a palm.
Sensing the danger, Xiao Jing Tian's brow furrowed. Holding the infant, he sidestepped and met the old wet nurse's palm with his own.
*Bang!*
The powerful collision instantly pulverized the surrounding decorations and furniture.
*Puff!*
Xiao Jing Tian spat out a mouthful of golden blood, surprise evident in his eyes. "Who are you! To possess the power of a Divine King!"
The old wet nurse grinned, her voice turning chillingly cold. "I have been out of seclusion for a long time. Have you forgotten me, Heavenly Venerable?"
"I never imagined that the Heavenly Venerable, once so cold and detached, following only the laws of heaven, would now go to such lengths to ensure the birth of this Imperial Son, even to the point of depleting his own foundation. Such a feat is, I must admit, somewhat admirable."
"You... you are Nine Nether Divine King, Nine Nether Ming!" As the old wet nurse's voice changed, a chill ran down Xiao Jing Tian's spine.
He knew that no one from the Nine Nether Realm could possibly enter the Chaos Heaven without his decree. A sense of foreboding washed over him.
The old wet nurse flickered and instantly reverted to her true form, standing before Xiao Jing Tian.
She was cloaked in dark robes, revealing only a grim, ghostly face.
Nine Nether Ming cackled, "The Heavenly Venerable indeed has a good memory. After tens of thousands of years, you still recall me."
Xiao Jing Tian frowned slightly and said coldly, "Nine Nether Ming, your Nine Nether clan has trespassed into Chaos Heaven without my permission. Are you not worried that I will annihilate all your people?"
Nine Nether Ming erupted in laughter. "Heavenly Venerable, your own survival today is uncertain. And you still threaten to annihilate my Nine Nether Realm?"
The chill in Xiao Jing Tian's heart intensified, and his unease grew.
"Brother, you have occupied this position for over a hundred thousand years. It is time for you to abdicate."
At that moment, a man who looked remarkably like Xiao Jing Tian slowly appeared in the chamber.
"Jing Ren, why..." Seeing the newcomer, Xiao Jing Tian closed his eyes in anguish.
He had suspected several people might be involved with Nine Nether Ming's appearance, but he never imagined his own brother would betray him!
"Why? Heh heh, Brother, it's all because you've held the position of Heavenly Venerable for too long. Why should you be the supreme ruler while I can only be a king? For over a hundred thousand years, why!" Jing Ren roared, his expression turning ferocious.
"Jing Ren, I have treated you well. If you desired the position of Heavenly Venerable, I would have given it to you. But why, why did you collude with outsiders and commit such treasonous acts!" Xiao Jing Tian shook his head, profound disappointment in his eyes.
"Brother, every man for himself, or he will be destroyed by heaven. If you surrender, I will raise this child." Jing Ren glanced at the infant in Xiao Jing Tian's arms, a flicker of emotion in his eyes.
"Heh heh, Xiao Jing Ren, I know you too well. If I surrender, I doubt you would spare my child. Eliminating all threats has always been your way. Those outside are your subordinates, aren't they?"
"Come, Xiao Jing Ren, let your elder brother see how much you have improved in these past twenty thousand years." Xiao Jing Tian laughed heartily. He then tore open his sleeve and bound the infant to his chest. With a thought, a long sword appeared in his hand.
"Brother, do you truly insist on this? If so, do not blame me for abandoning our fraternal ties!" Jing Ren's voice turned icy again.
"If I cannot protect my own flesh and blood, what face do I have to be supreme!" Xiao Jing Tian's expression also became indifferent.
"Since that is the case, then let this king experience your strength!" As Jing Ren spoke, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes. He moved, spear in hand, and thrust it forward.
*Boom!*
The clash of sword and spear erupted into a terrifying shockwave. The entire palace was instantly overturned, and Xiao Jing Tian and Xiao Jing Ren appeared above it.
Xiao Jing Tian staggered back over ten steps, golden blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. The previous exertion had clearly taken its toll on his strength.
Xiao Jing Tian looked down and saw over a thousand people surrounding the palace. In the four directions stood four Divine Kings. His retreat was almost completely cut off.
Seeing this, Xiao Jing Tian sneered. "It seems you never intended for me to live. Everything Nine Nether Ming did was merely to deplete my immortal energy."
"Yesterday, you used the border incident to dispatch my subordinate forces, all part of your plan from the beginning, wasn't it?"
"Brother is indeed intelligent. Now you are alone. Coupled with your previous expenditure, your strength must be greatly diminished. Brother, surrender peacefully. My previous promise still stands." Jing Ren spoke again.
"Is that so?" Xiao Jing Tian smiled again, raising his long sword.
"Brother, are you not worried about her safety? Bring her forth!" Jing Ren shouted.
Xiao Jing Tian's heart sank. He looked down and saw Nine Nether Ming bringing Liu Xiang up.
"Xiang'er..." Seeing Liu Xiang in Nine Nether Ming's grasp, the Heavenly Venerable's face turned sorrowful. The long sword in his hand wavered.
"Esteemed Master, do not mind me, take Chu'er and go!" Liu Xiang, held by Nine Nether Ming, had woken up and understood the situation. After struggling for a moment, she cried out to Xiao Jing Tian.
"Brother, I will give you one last chance. Put down the Imperial Sword and surrender peacefully. My promise will be kept." Seeing Xiao Jing Tian's expression change, Jing Ren spoke again.
"Esteemed Master, do not trust him. Go quickly!" Liu Xiang spat, then shouted again to Xiao Jing Tian.
"Jing Ren, release Xiang'er, I... I agree." After a long silence, Xiao Jing Tian finally looked up at Xiao Jing Ren.
"Esteemed Master!" Liu Xiang's face changed drastically.
"I trust my brother's word. Release her." Jing Ren's eyes lit up with joy. He waved his hand, and Nine Nether Ming, who had been restraining Liu Xiang, immediately let go.
As soon as she was released, Liu Xiang shot towards Xiao Jing Tian. As she passed Jing Ren, she madly struck out with her palm. "Xiao Jing Ren, die!"
"Hmph!" Sensing the force behind him, Jing Ren counterattacked with a punch.
"No!" Seeing Liu Xiang sent flying, a flicker of panic crossed Xiao Jing Tian's eyes. He moved swiftly, catching Liu Xiang as she fell.
"Xiang'er..." Xiao Jing Tian's hand trembled as he touched Liu Xiang's face, which had turned as pale as golden paper. Tears of blood slowly streamed down his face. The infant in his arms seemed to sense the unease and began to cry loudly.
A gentle breeze blew, and the sun began to set.
The setting sun cast a long shadow of Xiao Jing Tian.
"Esteemed Master, take... take Chu'er... and go..." Liu Xiang managed a weak smile, her voice fading as her hand, which had been reaching for Xiao Jing Tian's face, fell heavily to her side.
"Xiao Jing Ren!"
Feeling Liu Xiang's body growing cold in his arms, Xiao Jing Tian's face turned icy. He slowly stood up from his half-kneeling posture.
"Brother, you saw it. But she struck first, and I merely defended myself." Jing Ren showed no remorse, looking at the enraged Xiao Jing Tian.
"Good, very good, excellent." Xiao Jing Tian laughed instead of getting angry. The Imperial Sword in his hand seemed to resonate with his master's fury, emitting a sharp hum.
"Xiang'er, I will join you soon." Xiao Jing Tian murmured. Binding Liu Xiang to his back with one hand, his aura surged.
"You! You're burning your life essence!" Jing Ren's face changed drastically as he sensed Xiao Jing Tian's explosive surge of power.
"Xiao Jing Ren, the murder of my wife is an irreconcilable debt! Today, our brotherhood is as shattered as this robe!" Xiao Jing Tian roared. He drew his Imperial Sword and slashed at his sleeve, tearing it in two. Then, he tilted the sword and thrust it at Jing Ren.
Tens of thousands of sword lights flashed, and sword energy echoed, creating myriad sword shadows. They swept through the air, tearing space apart.
"Damn it!" Jing Ren's face contorted in fear. He frantically dodged.
"Kill him!" After evading Xiao Jing Tian's attack, Jing Ren shouted loudly to the Divine Kings around him.
"Old friend, it's been twenty thousand years. We can fight side by side again." Xiao Jing Tian, unfazed by the surrounding Divine Kings and Immortal Generals, gently stroked his Imperial Sword, his expression turning cold. He then swept it horizontally in front of him.
*Boom!*
The might of the Imperial Sword was terrifying!
With a single strike, myriad sword lights flashed. The palace crumbled, and wherever the sword energy passed, all who were struck perished.
In an instant, hundreds of Immortal Kings fell. Witnessing this, even Jing Ren's eyes flickered with fear.
"Cough cough..." After the strike, Xiao Jing Tian's face grew even paler. With a cough, he spat out two more mouthfuls of golden blood.
"Attack! He has burned his life force, he cannot last long!" Jing Ren shouted again upon seeing this.
*Hum.*
As the battle continued, Xiao Jing Tian's complexion grew paler. The infant's cries in his arms grew more urgent.
*Thud!*
After cleaving through the assault of two Divine Kings, Xiao Jing Tian retreated several steps.
Feeling the weakness spreading through his body, Xiao Jing Tian swayed and had to brace himself with the Imperial Sword to remain standing.
*Bang!*
At that moment, Jing Ren, who had retreated behind the Immortal Generals, silently appeared behind Xiao Jing Tian. His spear pierced through Xiao Jing Tian's back, and drops of golden blood dripped from the spearhead.
"Brother, rest in peace." Looking at Xiao Jing Tian, whose heart had been impaled by his spear, a hint of wild joy flashed in Jing Ren's eyes.
*Puff!*
As the spear pierced him, Xiao Jing Tian spat out a mouthful of golden blood. He let out a roar towards the sky, and the Imperial Sword in his hand swung at Jing Ren once more.
Seeing this, Jing Ren quickly retreated.
"Cough cough... Old friend, take good care of him for me." Looking at the fleeing Jing Ren, a flicker of disdain crossed Xiao Jing Tian's eyes. Trembling, he stroked the Imperial Sword in his hand. With a thought, he spat a drop of vital blood and pressed it onto the infant's forehead.
In an instant, a pattern flashed and disappeared.
"Go!"
Having done all he could, Xiao Jing Tian's aura weakened further. However, he bit his tongue fiercely, drew his Imperial Sword, bound the infant to it, and hurled it forcefully towards the void below.
"Stop the Imperial Sword!" Jing Ren's expression changed drastically. Countless Immortal Generals immediately moved to intercept the Imperial Sword. However, even Jing Ren himself was extremely wary of the Imperial Sword's might, let alone these Immortal Generals.
Indeed!
In an instant, the Immortal Generals who had rushed forward were pierced and dissipated by the sword's radiance.
*Hum.*
The Imperial Sword emitted a hum, as if looking back at Xiao Jing Tian, before piercing the void and vanishing.
"The day the Imperial Sword is reforged will be the day of your demise! Xiang'er, I'm coming to join you..." Xiao Jing Tian laughed, and his body slowly fell.
"Lord Xiao, the Heavenly Venerable is dead. And the Imperial Sword..." A moment later, a Divine King approached Xiao Jing Ren, cupped his hands, and said.
"Send people to search. If you cannot find the Imperial Sword, you will have no reason to live." Jing Ren glanced at Xiao Jing Tian, who was still embracing Liu Xiang, and a flicker of anger crossed his face.
"That infant..."
Jing Ren was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Kill him."
As the vision abruptly ended, Li Xuan's consciousness seemed to regain a sliver of clarity.
"That infant... why do I feel a sense of familiarity..."