Reverend Ecstasy

The master returned from the grave, the wife joined the chat and even the disciple refused to stay dead. No matter what, Xinzi had to respect these people's determination to struggle. And as a fan of beautiful tales, our monk could picture the heartbreaking reunion of master, wife and disciple, split by contradictions accumulated through 10,000 years of divergence. Then, in one way or another, they'd surmount their gaps, mend the bridges, and restore their kinship. Or they wouldn't and clash in tragic sword fights. One might get sacrificed along the way, but it'd only make the story that much more complete. 

What a pity that Xinzi was part of the equation—destined to ruin this wonderful tale.

"If Heaven so wills it, I'm powerless to stop it." Our monk sighed in regret, sniffing as he imagined Qiu Meng's tortured look once he realized that his best shot, and knowledge of various futures, were still not enough to bring the Hengye clan down. 

Tieshan couldn't picture the "great conflicts" that took place in Xinzi's mind, but having learned much about him through Shui Haoyue, she firmly believed that, the more saddened he looked, the less serious he was.

Her eyes rolled to the side, and she stomped her foot, calling Xinzi back to the land of the serious. 

"Mhm, mhm! I'm curious, if the Heart-Wrenching Demon Noble is that wary of tits, why do you know all that you do?" Xinzi asked in a half-serious tone. 

"I picked up on some patterns across the centuries. But mostly, he tried to earn my trust by sharing parts of his plans and dreams. Fortunately for me, his true nature leaks out at random, enabling me to see him for what he really is." 

"Fortunately for you, unfortunately for him. This was a very productive session, Princess Tieshan, welcome to the Liberation Temple. Actually, scratch that. You're only half a member. A'Zhi and A'Zhu will bring the 100 Cow Demonesses you select into the Liberation Temple. You know them right? How could you not? The other you that isn't you tried to reduce their lifespan to zero," Xinzi said with a blank look that made it impossible to tell if these playful words carried jest or animosity.

"The next time we meet, I insist on playing with those horns. Until then, farewell. I will miss you...maybe, or not." Without waiting for Tieshan's agreement, Xinzi stood up and walked past her—stepping out of the throne room. 

Only Tieshan stayed behind, her arms folded underneath her voluminous chest.

"I will not." The Cow Demoness grumbled these words and stomped her foot, causing loud vibrations to spread throughout the castle. She then left to meet the Cow Demonesses, and the deserted castle collapsed behind her—returning to dust. 

Tieshan's little outburst didn't bother Xinzi, who couldn't care less about the Bull Demon Prince's former castle.

A part of Xinzi wanted to think about Haoyue and her impending date with death. But the son of Yongye suppressed that part, refusing to allow misguided emotions to make him default on himself. 

'A'Xin, I have a surprise for you! If you don't come soon, I will not be able to keep the surprise in check!' Dong Ling's melodious voice echoed in Xinzi's mind, brimming with mischief, and pulling his attention away from less entertaining matters. 

'Surprise and A'Ling in the same sentence? Yep, I'm flying there,' Xinzi said and soared into the sky racing towards the Liberation Temple. 

Afterward, the Cow Demonesses learned of the new partnership. Tieshan handpicked 100 to join Xinzi's forces, then opened a spatial rift—leading 99,900 Cow Demonesses to march into the Dark Moon Cult.

...

Meanwhile, as the Eastern Continent underwent a complete upheaval, in the Evernight Palace's Ancestral Hall, the Zhen-body's muscles twitched. Boundless quantities of Blood Energy, Immortal Qi and Divine Power erupted from its matchless flesh, with various energy diagrams and a radiant platform forming underneath it. 

In that instant, from the weakest junior to the great elder, all felt their cultivation bases quake and their souls tremble as they confronted energy fluctuations that exceeded anything that they'd met to this point. 

No. 

The senior generation remembered, remembered a time when a cultivation breakthrough triggered such otherworldly energy fluctuations that even the retired elders stirred in torpor. But back then, it was Hengye Wuxin's breakthrough to the Great Principle. 

This time, however, it was just...

"The late-stage of Immortal Foundation! The Greatest One's true body has reached the late stage of Immortal Foundation!"

"Such might! Such might! Praise the Heavens! Praise the Night!"

"Oh, Greatest One, eternal glory is your destiny!" 

Junior, senior, elder, it didn't matter. Once the fluctuations of the Zhen-body's breakthrough reached them, they fell to their knees—tears filling their eyes as they rejoiced and marveled at their God-Monarch's power. 

Even Hengye Baxian struggled to face reality. 

'The late-stage of Immortal Foundation is just equal to the peak of Supreme Clarity. Yet Zhen'er, your energy fluctuations have already exceeded the Great Principle. Peerless talents and Gods aside, who can reach the Great Principle? Zhen'er, how can you be so...terrifying?' 

Baxian had mixed feelings. On the one hand, Xinzi's breakthroughs never failed to please him. But on the other, they implied certain consequences. Right now, Yuemi's Hundred Virtues of the Queen Mother aside, no one could resist the Zhen-body's might—a fact that might not necessarily sit well with Yongye. 

More importantly, Xinzi was the lord of the main clan, meaning that...

At that time, coming from the Ancestral Hall, the chime of loud celestial bells rang throughout the Endless Sea—hypnotizing all lives, regardless of where they stood. 

'Zhen'er has reached the late stage of Immortal Foundation. Even with our boons, a mortal world's resources aren't enough for him to reach the next level within acceptable times for one of such talent. So, as customary for a celestial lord, he must come home to celebrate his achievement and receive the gifts of various Gods to help him accumulate the energies he needs for his next breakthrough.'

This voice, unique in all realms, echoed in all Night Spirits' souls, kindling in them the desire to bang their heads on the floor and worship in complete humility.

Yongye's voice echoed throughout the Evernight Palace. And this time, even Baxian was on the floor, not daring to raise his eyes. 

"As you command, oh Heaven of the Night Pantheon! Your servants will prepare the Celestial Channels, and help the Greatest One return...to the Celestial Paradise!"