Apotheosis

The center of the Bloom Divine Province was circled by massive mountains with razor sharp peaks. As one approached the Vastness Mountain's location, the long and narrow mountain range sloped down sharply.

To the side of the Origin Mountain lay the Dragon City. Its name was derived from how, from a bird's eye view, the mountain range resembled a coiled dragon, poised to strike.

"Konner." Zen cleared his throat. "Since the various super forces all seem to be short on soul crystals, how is it possible that the Oneness Sky Palace would offer crystals as rewards at the Seven Mountains Meeting? They even take out a premium Other Shore Treasure as a reward for the champion!"

The Seven Mountains Meeting was held every three years. Even if the Oneness Sky Palace was wealthy, it entailed huge expenditure to offer such extravagant rewards.

Konnor smiled. "Because, Zen, there isn't much time left."

"Here we go again..."

Zen rolled his eyes. It wasn't the first time he encountered such a remark.

"Zen, what do you think of the situation of this world?" Konnor asked Zen seriously.

"The world is peaceful," replied Zen with a shrug.

It was true that there was unrest in six provinces under the Oneness Sky Palace's rule. Aside from the problem of Mountain Viewing Province, which was quite troublesome to deal with, the skirmishes in the other provinces were not much of a threat. He got such conclusion based on what he had observed along the way when he went to the Mountain Viewing Province.

"Indeed. Not only our Oneness Sky Palace, but also the several major nonhuman races, who were fighting fiercely in the Source World before, have calmed down now. It can be said that in the past hundred years, we are witnessing the most peaceful era in the Source World," Konnor agreed.

"However," he continued in a grave tone, "the situation might appear peaceful on the surface. But in reality, there is great turbulence. While there might be a balance between the super forces now, it is very fragile. The slightest tipping of the scale, and all hell will break loose in the Source World. When the war breaks out, the Oneness Sky Palace could not stay out of it."

Konnor was, after all, a descendant of a noble clan. And since he held a high position, he was aware of the delicate political climate.

"So, with every Seven Mountains Meeting, the rewards grow more and more valuable. This encourages us to grow stronger," Konnor finished with a smile.

"I see..." Zen nodded.

Although Konnor had not explicitly said so, Zen figured that the disputes among the super forces were due to the different ways they chose to take.

Zen rec

rranged in a fan-shaped formation. However, the seats in the front row were empty.

With his curiosity piqued, Zen turned to Konnor and asked, "All the elites of the seven mountains have already arrived. Why there are still empty seats?"

"Those're the seats for the direct descendants of each mountain," Konnor replied.

The direct descendants of the Oneness Sky Palace were the direct descendants of the masters of each mountain. They didn't join any sword sect, and simply enjoyed a high status.

'Direct descendants... Is Dorothy a direct descendant of the Origin Mountain?' Zen pondered silently.

When Zen and Dorothy were bargaining with Wilfred in the Truth Library, she had mentioned her grandmother and the Origin Swordsmanship. If he guessed right, Dorothy might be the direct descendant of the Origin Mountain! Zen quietly wondered whether she would show up today.

Just then, he felt a chill coming from the gate.

Just as he turned to look where the chill was coming from, an elegant woman in a long dress slowly walked in, flanked by ten guards. She looked extraordinarily stunning; but her face was cold as ice, as though she did not know how to smile.

As she walked, cold air surged, causing the ribbons on her dress to dance and flit. The moment she entered, a hush fell over the hall. Everyone turned to look at her in silent awe.

Konnor leaned subtly to Zen and said in a low voice, "That is Elvinia, the youngest daughter of Eastern Emperor Taiyi. It is said that she was brought back from the Divine Lair."

The Oneness Sky Palace had seven branches, which were the seven mountains, but Eastern Emperor Taiyi was the head of the Oneness Sky Palace. Since Elvinia was the daughter of Eastern Emperor Taiyi, she served as the legitimate heir!