Chapter Thirty-One: The Palace of Divine Respite

The Divine Abode Palace was founded by a legendary figure of immense power over a millennium ago. Even its own disciples only have a vague understanding that their founding master attained a realm rarely seen in this world, perhaps even ascending to immortality. As for concrete evidence, even the current Palace Master, Shen Nongzi, could not provide a clear answer.

In this world, martial artists are as numerous as the hairs on an ox, but those who truly embark on the path of cultivation are few and far between. The Qi-Refining Realm is the threshold for entering this path, and only those with immense luck and perseverance have the opportunity to break through to the God-Manifestation Realm. This latter realm transcends human limitations, allowing one to develop a divine embryo within, granting a form of immortality, and the ability to project one’s consciousness across a radius of a thousand miles. Such individuals are rare, and each becomes a legendary titan.

Ordinary cultivators know that realms exist beyond the God-Manifestation, but they are beyond imagination. Only those who have reached the God-Manifestation stage have the chance to touch that barrier—a void-like, ethereal state. Perhaps no one in the world can reach such heights anymore; certainly, none have in the last century.

Shen Nongzi had heard from elders in seclusion that their founder was likely a master of that level. Currently, Shen Nongzi is at the peak of the Qi-Refining Realm, poised for a breakthrough. Succeeding would solidify the Divine Abode Palace's standing in the Holy Capital. Yet, it was at this very moment that he received word of the joint provocation by the Sky-Thunder Gang and the Sky-Lifting Sect.

Tong Jin, following Su Tan, finally arrived at the gates of the Divine Abode Palace.

"Junior Uncle Su." The gatekeepers were young boys around the age of ten. Seeing Su Tan, they bowed respectfully.

Tong Jin was taken aback. These boys were only a few years younger than Su Tan, yet they addressed him as "Junior Uncle." However, considering Su Tan’s status within the sect, he quickly understood.

Su Tan said nothing, merely waving them off with an air of cold, arrogant majesty that made Tong Jin look at him with new respect. He thought to himself, *This kid changes his tune quickly.*

Guided by Su Tan, they passed through seven massive gates, each ascending higher along the mountainside. Near the middle of the mountain stood a magnificent hall, with "Divine Abode Palace" inscribed in powerful, vigorous calligraphy on a giant golden plaque.

"Tan’er, you’ve returned?" A deep, gentle, and ancient voice echoed from over a hundred paces away. It felt as if the speaker were whispering in his ear, yet simultaneously from miles away—elusive and unpredictable. Tong Jin marveled at the immense power of the speaker.

Su Tan bowed deeply before leading Tong Jin inside, step by measured step. The hall looked close, but the endless stairs nearly exhausted Tong Jin’s patience; he longed to use his energy to rush inside. Finally, reaching the last step, the interior of the hall revealed itself.

Grand! That was Tong Jin’s first impression. Only by standing within could he truly grasp the scale and solemnity of the structure. Even outside, he had felt a heavy pressure, not from any artifice, but from the very aura of the hall itself.

Apart from towering pillars, the hall was empty. In the center sat a simple, archaic wooden chair facing the entrance. Upon it sat an elderly man with a youthful complexion and long white hair, his eyes slightly closed, with occasional flashes of keen light.

Su Tan stepped forward and knelt. "Greetings, Master. Your disciple has returned." This was the Master of the Divine Abode Palace, Shen Nongzi.

Shen Nongzi stroked his white beard, nodding with a benevolent smile. He then turned his gaze to Tong Jin. "And who is this?"

Su Tan rose. "Master, this is a friend I met on the road, Tong Jin. He has been of great help."

Tong Jin stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Junior Tong Jin pays respects to the Palace Master."

The old man nodded with a smile. "Not bad, a fine talent. At such an age, you have already reached the minor completion of the Qi-Refining Realm, and you understand the art of raising exotic insects. Truly impressive. Since you are a friend of Tan’er, there is no need for such formality."

Tong Jin stiffened, looking up slowly. "Your vision is like a torch, Senior. Even the exotic insect hidden on my person could not escape your senses."

Shen Nongzi laughed, the previous air of authority vanishing. "I know not only that you carry an exotic insect, but that it is a Corpse-Sinking Poison Ant."

Tong Jin felt as if he had been completely seen through; in front of Shen Nongzi, even his clothes felt transparent. He secretly rejoiced that he harbored no ill intent. Had someone with malicious goals infiltrated this hall, they likely would have been apprehended before they could act. He offered a sheepish smile.

Shen Nongzi nodded again and produced a small vial from his robes, which floated through the air to hover in front of Tong Jin. "As this is our first meeting, I cannot be stingy. This vial contains Earth-Spirit Pills, specifically for feeding Corpse-Sinking Poison Ants, and they can also serve as an antidote. Take them."

Tong Jin accepted the vial calmly and thanked him formally.

The Earth-Spirit Pill was made from rare Earth-Spirit Fairy Fruit and other herbs. Tong Jin had read of them in ancient texts. For anyone else, this gift would be cause for ecstasy, but since Tong Jin’s own blood could replicate the effects of the pill, it was essentially useless to him. However, he would never voice this, and he accepted the gift graciously.

Su Tan, standing to the side, was happy for his friend and made a playful face. Suddenly remembering his mission, he said, "By the way, Master, I have brought back important information from my investigation."

"Speak!" Shen Nongzi’s expression turned serious.

Su Tan recounted everything that had happened over the past few days in meticulous detail—naturally omitting the part where Tong Jin had worn a mask to pose as a senior. Meanwhile, Tong Jin took the opportunity to examine the hall, which felt even more extraordinary from the inside.

Soon, Su Tan finished his report. Shen Nongzi fell into deep thought.

The two waited in silence. After a short while, Shen Nongzi opened his eyes, stroked his beard, and stood up. "Tan’er, go notify Lie’er. Have him take men to the docks immediately. He is to have full authority over this matter."

"Yes, Master!"

"This junior takes his leave!"

As they exited the hall, Shen Nongzi slowly closed his eyes once more.

Su Tan led Tong Jin toward a different section of the palace, soon arriving at an imposing cave dwelling. "Brother Tong, wait here for me. My senior martial brother, Chen Lie, has a bit of a temper, and I don't want him to startle you."

Tong Jin shrugged and stopped, while Su Tan walked slowly toward the entrance.

"Senior Brother..." Su Tan called out cautiously from a few paces away.

*Whoosh—* Suddenly, a jet of flame erupted from the cave, followed by an angry shout: "Little Junior Brother! I have warned you many times not to approach when I am practicing! Why have you come this time?"