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  The sudden question surprised Jiang Lan.

  He could feel the other party’s gaze, but it was indeed lifeless.

  Only a strange power had awakened. It did not contain much threat.

  For safety reasons, he observed his surroundings, but nothing strange appeared.

  The person who was about to shatter was indeed a whole body, not a node of an array formation or barrier.

  “Who are you?”


  Jiang Lan asked, not daring to relax in the slightest.

  Meeting someone who could communicate with him in the Ancient Imperial Lower Palace was indeed impressive.

  He didn’t know if others would encounter this person as well.

  He could only rely on his own judgment.

  “Me?” The man in armor seemed to be thinking. Then, he said.

  “Ancient Imperial General Qing Shan.”


  “Were you waiting for me?” Jiang Lan asked again.

  “Yes, and no.” Qing Shan looked at Jiang Lan.

  “I’m waiting for someone who has the Ancient Imperial Lower Palace Deity Position, but you seem to have it yet at the same time, you don’t have it.

  But you can still be considered to have it.”


  “Why do you say that?” Jiang Lan asked.

  He was indeed different from the others. He was not restrained by the Deity Position.

  “Although you have the Deity Position of the Lower Palace, you do not belong to the Lower Palace.

  This is not a bad thing and in fact, it is a great thing.

  With your current strength, you can’t stay here for too long, so it’s best if your aura is stable, because I can only wake up once.

  After this, I will disappear like smoke.

  You’re different. Let me see you more clearly.”


  Jiang Lan lowered his eyebrows. The Deity Position seemed to have a different effect on him.

  Therefore, he would not be restrained, and it would be difficult for his Deity Position to completely fall.

  “Why did the Ancient Imperial Palace get destroyed?” Jiang Lan asked.

  He did not ask about the Deity Position again.

  This might have something to do with the secret on him, although he wanted to know the exact reason.

  But he was not strong enough. It was not the time to talk about this.

  No one knew what this person was thinking.

  Therefore, even if he could obtain some guesses from the other party, he did not dare to take the risk casually.

  he would do so in the future, when his strength could handle the weight of this secret.

  He did not need to worry too much now.

  “Because of the Heaven Realm. The Heaven Realm you see now is not the real Heaven Realm.

  This place has blinded your eyes and senses.

  The night and darkness have covered everything.

  However, this night is about to be broken. This is the reason why you guys can obtain the Deity Position.

  Because the darkness is the last barrier condensed by the Deity Position.

  Only when the barrier is thin and broken would the Deity Positions descend into the Grand Desolate World.

  Only then will the fortuitous opportunities appear in the Grand Desolate World.” Qing Shan looked outside and said.

  “As for what’s under the night sky, you’re not strong enough. You’ll see when you are qualified.”


  So Imperial Lord Xi He and the others knew about it?

  Jiang Lan had an answer in his heart, but he quickly discovered that his answer was wrong.

  “Only you can see it. The others shouldn’t be able to.

  Unless they are as special as you.

  This is because the others can’t leave the Deity Position of their palace. This is a form of restriction and also a form of protection.

  Even if one is strong enough, going out was equivalent to courting death.

  If you find it, it will find you as well.”


  Qing Shan’s words made Jiang Lan break out in cold sweat. So only he could go to the Ancient Imperial Court?

  And he had been walking around some terrifying existences?

  At this moment, he somewhat understood what it meant by the ignorant were fearless.

  If he knew in advance, he definitely wouldn’t have left the Ancient Imperial Lower Palace.

  “When you have sufficient strength, the Deity Position Palace will remind you. It’s not dangerous for you,” Qing Shan added.

  Jiang Lan didn’t say anything. Even though he felt a bit of lingering fear, he still obtained quite a bit from that trip.

  “Is there someone like you in every palace? Are there two in the Lower Palace?” Jiang Lan asked.

  “Pretty much, but I don’t know the exact details of the others. I only know that I was very lucky to have waited until you arrived.” Qing Shan retracted his gaze and looked at the broken sword in his hand.

  “I died in battle back then and preserved some of my strength to return here. At that time, the night was covering everything.

  I knew that our time has come to an end then.

  I don’t know how many years have passed, nor do I know how many experts have appeared.

  However, as long as an expert steps into the palace, they will usually encounter the same thing as you.

  They will see a person, gain more knowledge on some things and confirm some things. ”


  After speaking, Qing Shan looked at Jiang Lan.

  “What things?” Jiang Lan asked.

  “Matters regarding the Deity Position, the responsibilities that come with it, and the gifts,” Qing Shan said.

  Jiang Lan roughly knew about the Deity Position. Then, what were the responsibilities and gifts?

  After he asked, Qing Shan also answered.

  “The Deity Positions descended because the barrier has become weak. The enemy is in the darkness. You don’t know who the enemy is yet.

  But you will know in the future.

  The responsibility will be to take over the role of the Ancient Imperial Palace.

  To continue our war.

  This is nothing worse for you because the Grand Desolate World has already been shrouded in darkness. If the darkness of night disappears, what awaits is the collapse of the heavens and earth.

  As long as you are willing to accept this responsibility, you will receive the Ancient Imperial Palace’s gift.

  This gift was a blessing left behind by all the members of the Ancient Imperial Lower Palace before they died in battle.

  This blessing will embellish your Dao and expand your future path.”


  Jiang Lan raised his head and looked at Qing Shan. He was silent for some time before saying.

  “Even if I can’t stay in the Lower Palace, can I still get it?”


  “Hahaha.” When he heard this, Qing Shan laughed extremely loudly.

  The cracks on his face seemed to increase, and some pieces of his skin even fell. After stopping, he looked at Jiang Lan and said.

  “Can’t stay in the Lower Palace?

  So what if you left the Deity Position?

  As long as you are willing to take up a portion of the responsibility when the world collapses in the future, you will be qualified to receive the gift of everyone from the Lower Palace.

  Don’t think of us as being inflexible.”


  “Then are you willing?” Qing Shan looked at Jiang Lan, his tone fluctuating.

  There was even a hint of pleading.

  “Why did you guys do this?” Jiang Lan asked.

  “Why?” Qing Shan smiled again.

  “There’s no reason. Some things have to be done by some people, and I’m only one of them.

  The Emperor took the lead and we followed. That was all.

  However, slowly, this matter became our mission. We fought for it, sacrificed everything for it, and finally died because of it.”


  Hearing the other party’s words, Jiang Lan thought for a moment and said.

  “I’m only an ordinary disciple of a certain place. My master protects me and teaches me.

  It is my responsibility to protect my master and the sect. I will prioritize protecting that place when the world is about to collapse.

  The Deity Position has given me an opportunity, allowing me to grow much faster. Although I am not the one who seeked for it, the benefits I received are real.

  I will also accept the responsibility that comes with the Deity Position.

  However, my strength is limited. I can only do what I can.

  Is this enough?”


  “Enough, enough.” Qing Shan looked at Jiang Lan.

  “Do you have any other questions?”


  “How much longer do we have?” Jiang Lan asked.

  “A few hundred years.” Qing Shan looked disappointed.

  This was the limit.

  It was unexpectedly short.

  Jiang Lan was a little surprised, but he didn’t feel despair because of this.

  His heart was as calm as ever.

  He only needed to become stronger bit by bit and keep up.

  There was no need to be anxious. He just needed to work hard and be himself.

  Because in the future, hard work might not help him in his cultivation anymore.

  It needed one to be able to comprehend the Dao.

  At this moment, Qing Shan stood up and raised his broken sword, handing it to Jiang Lan.

  “Take this sword and go to the back. You will receive our gift.

  Perhaps it won’t help you much, but this is our limit.

  However, you have to remember that holding this sword is equivalent to taking responsibility.

  If you are not prepared or afraid, it is still not too late to regret.”


  Jiang Lan didn’t say anything. He only walked up step by step.

  He didn’t like being involved in too many things. He always avoided karma tribulation.

  However, dodging was not escaping. He would face the responsibility that belonged to him and accept it.

  The responsibility of the Deity Position was not decided by a single sword, but by accepting the benefits of the Deity Position.

  Whether he held the sword or not made no difference to him.

  So…


  He walked up to Qing Shan and grabbed the sword hilt.

  He didn’t need to worry about responsibility. The only thing he needed to worry about was that the other party was playing tricks with him.

  He just had to be wary of this.

  Jiang Lan didn’t notice anything strange after receiving the sword. Only then did he speak softly.

  “If Senior feels that accepting the sword is accepting responsibility, then I’ll accept it.”


  Qing Shan looked straight at Jiang Lan and smiled.

  “I really like you. If you were born in my generation, I would take you in as my disciple.

  Unfortunately, you’re not, but I’m glad you’re not.”


  Jiang Lan didn’t reply.

  “Go to the back. You don’t have much time here. Your strength isn’t enough.” Qing Shan pointed behind him and said.

  After nodding slightly, Jiang Lan walked backwards with the broken sword in hand.

  Qing Shan sat back down powerlessly. However, just as he sat down, he suddenly called out to Jiang Lan.

  “Wait.”


  “Does Senior need something?” Jiang Lan stopped and turned around.

  He was on guard in case anything unexpected happened.

  “If… if you manage to calm everything down, remember to burn an incense stick for us,” Qing Shan said.

  “Okay.” Jiang Lan nodded.

  Qing Shan waved his hand to let Jiang Lan go.

  There was a gift from the Ancient Imperial Palace there.

  Jiang Lan left the front hall. Qing Shan sat on a chair and looked outside. He felt a bit gratified.

  “Fortunately, I didn’t cower in the end. Otherwise, how could I have the face to face such a person?”


  Finally, he closed his eyes and turned into a stone statue before turning into dust.

  …


  Jiang Lan left the front hall and turned to look at the front hall. That person had said that he could only see him once.

  In other words, by the time he left the front hall, the general had already dissipated.

  He was a person in the dust to begin with. Perhaps it was also a form of rejoice to be reduced to dust.

  It was fine as long as he did not have any regrets and felt comforted.

  Jiang Lan didn’t think too much about it. With the broken sword in hand, he walked inside step by step.

  It was still a small jade path covered in mist ahead.

  After a while.

  He passed through the mist and saw a wide plain.

  Here…


  It was filled with small piles of soil.

  Jiang Lan arrived in front of a small pile of earth and saw a stone tablet on it. On it was written: Treefront Village’s Hanya Cenotaph.

  At this moment, Jiang Lan raised his head and looked at the small piles of soil that filled the sky. In other words, this place was…


  A cemetry.

  At this moment, the broken sword began to emit a weak light, as if it was indicating for the person holding the sword to advance.

  Without stopping, Jiang Lan walked forward step by step.

  After walking for a distance, he suddenly heard a youth’s voice.

  “I won’t retreat. I won’t retreat. It’s just death. I’m not afraid.”


  Jiang Lan didn’t stop and continued forward.

  “We can’t hold them off anymore. I’ll cover the retreat. You guys go back and defend first.”


  “I can’t take it anymore. The defensive line has completely collapsed.”


  “I’m sorry. I can’t suppress their malice. Why? Why didn’t the village send anyone up?”


  “It’s useless. Even if they send people over, it’s just sending them to their death.”


  Jiang Lan moved forward as he listened to these voices.

  “The Imperial Lord has closed the passageway to the Heaven Realm. It’s not too late to go back now. Those whose name have been called, go back.”


  “I won’t retreat. Since I have come, I have no intention of returning alive.”


  “I’m not retreating either. As long as we’re still here, we can last longer.”


  “The passage is about to close. None of the people here will be able to stay alive.”


  “Death is not scary. We are not afraid of death. We are afraid of living.”


  “Let us stay and use our corpses to build a defensive line.”


  “I am about to die, but I am unwilling to accept this. I shall leave behind my Dao mark. If someone can obtain them, I can lend him a hand.”


  “I’ll be leaving first. Don’t come too early. The longer you people hold on, the more preparations the Imperial Lord can make.”


  “Send my Heavenly Saber back. Unfortunately, no one can swing saber anymore. However, there will still be hope.”


  Jiang Lan slowly walked forward.

  The broken sword in his hand became brighter and brighter.

  At this moment, countless piles of soil appeared and responded to the broken sword.

  Meanwhile, Jiang Lan’s Dao World also appeared. The world of the Dao was at nighttime, and the full moon hung in the sky.

  Countless beams of light surged into the night and began to embellish the night.

  The starry sky appeared.

  The Dao World continued to expand.

  The starry sky seemed to contain endless possibilities, as if all things were insignificant before the starry sky.

  Feeling the change in his Dao, Jiang Lan didn’t stop walking. Instead, he walked forward bit by bit.

  He walked to the highest point and stood on the platform. He looked at the countless small piles of soil below and slowly said.

  “Perhaps one day in the future, I will come and give each of you an incense stick.”


  As soon as he finished speaking, all of the piles of soil seemed to respond to Jiang Lan. Endless light began to illuminate the horizon.

  The entire Ancient Imperial Lower Palace glowed brightly.

  As if they wanted to let others see itself.

  However, the light here couldn’t reach too far, because it was definitely possible to illuminate the darkness outside.

  Only Imperial Lord Youdu, who was on the other side of the Ancient Imperial Palace, sensed the light.

  He looked at the other party’s light and felt that he was inferior.

  He had to ask the other party next time.

  There was a deep friendship between them.

  In the Kunlun Main Hall, a middle-aged man was looking at the sky.

  A smile appeared on his face.

  “Amazing, amazing. This is the first person I’ve seen who dares to take on the responsibility so calmly.

  Is it because he’s young?

  It should be his own conviction.

  I wonder which summit he is from.

  However, the West Palace can indeed be handed over to him.”


  The little dragon on his shoulder squeaked in confusion.

  “No one else can occupy the West Palace. Only Kunlun’s people can.

  The gifts inside can only be obtained by people from Kunlun.

  I never touched it because I wanted to leave it for the future generation.”


  The little dragon was still confused.

  “Why did I give it to a junior? The Deity Position is not suitable for the strongest.

  It depends on the compatibility between the owner and the Deity Position itself.

  This person’s compatibility is very high, yet at the same time, very low.

  You won’t understand even if I say much.

  Go on. I’ll leave the selection of outstanding disciples to you. I’ll also prepare to inform the others.”


  The little dragon curled up unwillingly.

  “The person who knocked you didn’t participate this time.”


  Hearing this, the dragon regained its motivation.