The first to arrive was Shang Xie Zhuo, the Sect Master of the Everlasting Life Palace.
On the third day, he appeared before Su Luo and the others with over a hundred elites from the Everlasting Life Palace, traveling on a flying spirit ship. Before the ship even landed, he was standing on the deck, waving and shouting down, "Son, your father is here! Hahahaha…"
His hearty laughter startled Su Luo and the others. He was truly a sunshine uncle.
Shang Xie Zhuo, with his flowing wide sleeves and a white-haired, fair-skinned face, appeared refined and elegant, like a middle-aged scholar doting on his son. He displayed none of the authority and dominance expected of the Sect Master of the Everlasting Life Palace, one of the six great powers.
As he descended from the deck, Shang Xie Shao Qing, beaming, rushed forward. "Father, you're finally here!"
The father and son chatted and laughed without any reservation.
Shang Xie Zhuo patted his son's shoulder, looking at him with a gratified expression. Shang Xie Shao Qing recounted his recent experiences, winking at his father when he reached a particularly proud moment and raising his voice. Du Wei, as usual, chimed in to praise him, creating a harmonious atmosphere that made the others envious.
Shang Xie Shao Qing then introduced Su Luo and Li Tian Jue and the others to Shang Xie Zhuo. They all paid their respects.
Despite it being their first meeting, Shang Xie Zhuo's approachable demeanor and cheerful conversation quickly earned everyone's goodwill. He also thanked the young people present for taking care of his son, expressing particular admiration for Li Tian Jue.
"It's not just me who has arrived; many other powers have also come."
Shang Xie Zhuo stood with his hands behind his back, looking at everyone. "As I traveled here, I saw many royal clans and sects. However, they dared not approach the Death and Life Chasm, stopping five hundred miles away to wait. I estimate that Madam Yao Guang of the Six Desires Sect might arrive, and also Penglai Island and the Holy Land of the Primordial Beginning will not miss this news."
It had escalated to such an extent that all six great powers were coming!
The hearts of the group were shaken, but upon reflection, it was understandable. After all, the message spread by Mo Luojia was related to achieving godhood. For ordinary smaller forces, it was understandable that they wouldn't dare to aspire to godhood or possess the ability.
But the Sect Masters of the six great powers, were they not all top-tier experts?
They had cultivated their entire lives, constantly breaking through and tempering themselves, with the ultimate dream of one day becoming figures comparable to the Great Emperors, or even achieving godhood. Regardless of whether this news was true or false, even if the Death and Life Chasm was known for its danger, even the most perilous place on the continent, it wouldn't deter them from investigating.
Shang Xie Zhuo looked at Li Tian Jue and, straightening his expression, asked, "Before anyone else arrives, I would like to ask Young Master Li a question. The outside world rumors that the Sect Master of Qing Xu Heaven, Bai Zhang, has been traveling for many years. Is it true that he is indeed within the Death and Life Chasm?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Bai Qi.
No matter how secret the affairs of Qing Xu Heaven were, he had some knowledge of them. Moreover, the events of twenty years ago had caused such a stir that it was almost impossible to keep them hidden. The world believed that Bai Yan Shu had gone to famous mountains and great rivers to search for spiritual medicine for his son's illness, and he had only stated that he was traveling and experiencing the world.
But now, seeing Bai Qi safe and sound, although his complexion was not good, it did not seem like his life was in danger.
Bai Yan Shu had not returned, perhaps there was some issue?
Li Tian Jue pondered for a moment before replying, "Sect Master Shang Xie, we are also unclear about where our master has been since leaving Qing Xu Heaven many years ago. Master has not sent any letters back, nor has there been any other news. If it weren't for the rumors from Fan Mo Luo, we wouldn't have come here."
Shang Xie Zhuo stroked his long beard. "Is that so…"
Su Luo knew that Li Tian Jue simply did not wish to reveal the inside story about their Sect Master, even though the Everlasting Life Palace and Qing Xu Heaven had a good relationship.
This was the greatest secret of Qing Xu Heaven, and he could not speculate about it casually.
Shang Xie Zhuo nodded. "In my opinion, this is likely a conspiracy by Fan Mo Luo. Regardless of whether Sect Master Bai is in the Death and Life Chasm, I fear the Demonic Sect has already laid a trap, using the lure of achieving godhood to make us fall into their snare. We must be on guard."
Even so, he had still come.
He had reached a critical juncture in his cultivation and had made no further progress for years. Shang Xie Zhuo knew that without the advent of an opportunity, he would be stuck at this point for the rest of his life.
But if Bai Yan Shu were indeed in the Death and Life Chasm, even if he knew that achieving godhood was merely a ploy by Fan Mo Luo, he wouldn't give up without certainty and had to come and see.
The second power to arrive was, naturally, the Six Desires Sect.
Half a day later, a bird's cry echoed through the sky. A colorful divine bird, with its wings spread, flew from afar, bathing in a spectacular radiance, with clouds stretching for a thousand miles. The divine bird's feathers reflected vibrant colors, exuding an aura of celestial spirit, as if it had flown from ancient times.
As it flew closer, the onlookers finally saw it was a peacock divine bird, three zhang in length.
Its pressure was like a rainbow, majestic and sacred, with the feathers on its head gleaming with golden light.
On its back sat a peerlessly beautiful immortal maiden whose age was indistinguishable. She was ethereal and noble, her long robes fluttering, her sashes swirling like clouds. Following behind her were four disciples of the Six Desires Sect, who also flew gracefully, appearing as beautiful as celestial beings, astonishing everyone.
"Greetings, Mother," Wen Dai'er bowed from a distance.
Madam Yao Guang alighted from the peacock divine bird, walking with lotus-like steps towards her. Her demeanor was noble, and she spoke with a faint, serious tone. "Dai'er, I permitted you to come out so you could temper yourself and improve your cultivation. Where have you gone to provoke a madman, and you dare to disrespect this Madam?"
Chu Tian Shu, about to step forward to pay his respects, suddenly felt his heart clench with anxiety.
Was she going to settle the score with him?
Before he could speak, Madam Yao Guang's gaze had already fallen upon him, her sharp eyes seeming to pierce his very soul.
Yet, even so, Chu Tian Shu braced himself and stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Junior Chu Tian Shu, the second disciple of Qing Xu Heaven, greets Madam Yao Guang. Auntie, just now I didn't realize it was you. Hearing your tone was unpleasant, I thought you were scolding Dai'er, so I..."
Madam Yao Guang's red lips curled, her beauty captivating and alluring, but her eyes were icy. "It's you, you brat, who dared to call me an old woman? What immense courage!"
Chu Tian Shu was almost scared out of his wits. "No, no, Auntie, you misunderstand!"
Before he could explain further, Madam Yao Guang huffed and ignored him, walking away with Wen Dai'er.
Chu Tian Shu stood rooted to the spot, wanting to follow but not daring. Wen Dai'er sent him a reassuring look, signaling him not to rush. He then took a deep breath and retreated, his face filled with lingering fear.
"Second Senior Brother, it seems even you have moments of fear. This is your first time meeting your future mother-in-law, how does it feel?" Su Luo teased. She had also seen Madam Yao Guang and indeed, she was a stunning beauty.
Although she was Wen Dai'er's mother, if one didn't mention it, she looked completely like her older sister, extremely well-maintained.
Furthermore, Madam Yao Guang's cultivation far surpassed Wen Dai'er's, and she possessed an aura of a mature woman's charm. Her every gesture exuded nobility and elegance. Su Luo had previously thought Wen Dai'er was the most beautiful woman, but compared to her mother, she was immediately inferior.
The others also stared curiously at Chu Tian Shu, laughing and chattering.
Chu Tian Shu's face contorted into a grimace. "Junior Sister, please stop making fun of me. I didn't expect Dai'er's mother to be so formidable. I, I even insulted her. I'm definitely finished..."
"Hahahaha!" everyone burst into laughter. "Where is she formidable? She's clearly a great beauty!"
Now that the matter had escalated and the various powers had appeared one after another, Li Tian Jue and the others could no longer enter the Death and Life Chasm casually, as countless eyes might be watching their movements.
That night, the group retreated three miles and found a relatively safe place to spend the night.