Chapter 2319: Enlightenment Tea

Under the moonlight, Xuan Huang Continent was peaceful and quiet.

This was the holy land of cultivators, vast and boundless, still shrouded in mystery. Since ancient times, it had been tinged with legendary hues, the birthplace of myths. The one hundred and thirty emperors of Xuan Huang had all sought enlightenment here, and countless ancient inheritances originated from this place, passed down through generations without end.

This night was extraordinary, simply because Di Huang had arrived.

He was still the fully accomplished Sacred Body, yet he moved like an ordinary mortal, stepping across the Xuan Huang Xinghai from the east, landing in Dong Huang, and traversing endless territories to reach Zhongzhou.

News of his arrival spread like wings, fluttering across all of Xuan Huang. All who heard it rushed over, their clothes dusted from travel. Though they had seen Di Huang before, they still came to offer a respectful bow.

The lineage of the Sacred Body was the savior of the world.

Throughout the history of the heavens, whenever the myriad domains and all living beings faced catastrophe, those who turned the tide were, besides the successive great emperors, the ancient Sacred Bodies—such as the first Sacred Body Ba Yuan, the epoch-defining Sacred Body Chen Zhan, the Sacred Body myth Di Huang, and the imperial Sacred Body Ye Chen—all symbols of the ages.

They were the creators of myths, deserving the reverence of the myriad domains and all living beings.

Di Huang was a living myth, having endured the vicissitudes of seas and mulberry fields, carrying the glory of the Sacred Body. He had returned to the world, dispensing justice for the common people and suppressing the Hong Huang with iron-blooded means.

The world knew that, whether in the past or present, without Di Huang, there would be no prosperous future. As a fully accomplished Sacred Body, he was both a witness to history and a guardian of the common people.

In the distance, Di Huang's figure emerged slowly under the moonlight.

He was incredibly powerful; even with his aura fully restrained, the heavens still rumbled under his presence. Wherever he passed, the universe was overturned, and yin and yang reversed. Truly a god who shook the cosmos, every move he made caused the immortal vault to tremble, and with a flick of his finger, he could dominate eternity.

At his side was another person, the remnant soul of the Female Emperor, Zi Xuan. Bathed in the bright moonlight, she appeared as if the Female Emperor had descended, peerlessly elegant, though her stunning features could not hide the weariness of time.

The two stood side by side, like a sacred sovereign and the Dong Hua Female Emperor, a dreamlike couple from myths. Their supreme love had carried beauty since ancient times, but also tears of blood. Their legend was still celebrated today, evoking sighs from the world.

"Seen the senior."

From afar, as soon as people caught sight of him, they cupped their hands in respect. There were many of them, filling the skies and covering the earth, turning that patch of heaven dark.

"No need for formalities."

Di Huang smiled, without a trace of pressure, like a spring breeze.

Before the people could respond, he and Zi Xuan stepped through the void and soared into the ethereal, surpassing the peaks of the universe. Even the laws of space were overturned, faster than an Emperor Dao domain gate.

They left the world with only two fading silhouettes, like illusions from a dream.

"Such speed, we can only look on in admiration."

Many elders sighed with emotion, wanting to follow but held back by their limited cultivation. They might never catch up in a lifetime.

"They're heading toward Zhongzhou's Tian Xu. Going to visit the forbidden zone?"

Someone pondered aloud.

"Most likely."

More people stroked their chins, exchanging glances before summoning their domain gates. A fully accomplished Sacred Body entering the Tian Xu forbidden zone—this day held great historical significance.

As they thought this, even more people opened domain gates. Whether it was true or not, they would soon see.

Once the news spread, it stirred more forces; even the Emperor Dao inheritances sent representatives. Di Huang had been absent for many days, and his visit to Xuan Huang was no mere sightseeing.

As the world had guessed, Di Huang was indeed heading straight for Tian Xu.

"Do you think he'll cause a scene in the forbidden zone?"

The Wu Emperor had arrived, offering this speculation. "The Hong Huang clans rebelled, and the forbidden zone didn't send troops to help. He might demand an accounting."

"It's better if he turns it upside down. With such immense power, it's a waste if he does nothing."

The Cang Long Emperor cursed, ever the one to stir trouble, holding no fondness for the Xuan Huang forbidden zones.

"The Emperor once decreed that without reaching the Emperor realm, one must not enter the forbidden zone."

An ancient clan emperor said leisurely, "Even great emperors dare not act recklessly there. A fully accomplished Sacred Body is likely the same."

"Oh, look who's here?"

Laughter came from afar.

In view came the Kui Niu Emperor and the Sacred Ape Emperor, these two brothers always side by side. One carried a battle-axe, the other an iron staff, looking as if they were ready for a fight to the unaware.

They weren't the only ones; the five great king clans of the Nan Yu had also arrived, with their clan emperors in person.

Beyond that, representatives from the Xi Mo, Dong Huang, and Bei Yue were there too, all backed by major powers. The weakest among them were peak great saints, a lineup of clan emperors, all of noble status.

After the great Hong Huang war, this was the first gathering of Xuan Huang's various forces, all converging on Tian Xu.

Since the Emperor Zun's passing, it had been ten thousand years without a supreme figure to hold the stage. Now, with a fully accomplished Sacred Body coming to visit the forbidden zone, it naturally drew attention from all sides.

Most importantly, everyone wanted to see what Di Huang would do at the forbidden zone—was it just for a cup of tea, or to settle scores? Those who thrived on chaos loved watching such scenes.

Di Huang wasn't an ordinary fully accomplished Sacred Body; even emperors paled in comparison. If he caused chaos in the forbidden zone, it would be quite the spectacle. Those coming to watch might even pick up some treasures.

Of course, what the world truly wanted to know were the secrets of the forbidden zone—what kind of existence it was, its origins, why it had so many Emperor weapons, and why even emperors dared not provoke it.

The Tian Xu forbidden zone remained as dark as ever, shrouded in a veil of clouds, like a twilight world. The starlight reflected there was dim, with countless peaks rising, yet devoid of vitality, like a graveyard of gods—desolate and cold. Ancient bones lay half-buried in the soil, and on many cliffs, rusty ancient weapons were embedded.

Di Huang arrived but did not enter immediately, standing in the void like a stone statue. His ancient, well-like eyes were filled with vicissitudes and traces of daze.

"As if a lifetime has passed."

Zi Xuan murmured softly, her expression mirroring Di Huang's.

In a distant era, the unfinished Di Huang and the unascended Yue Shang had also come to Tian Xu, just like this night. The difference was, back then it was to seek refuge; today, it was a visit.

After endless seas and mulberry fields, returning once more, a flash of ten thousand years had passed. One could imagine their state of mind. Tian Xu was still the same Tian Xu, but they were no longer the Di Huang and Female Emperor of old.

"Look, I told you—they're definitely coming to Tian Xu."

"This time, not going in right away—wondering whether to fight first and talk later, or talk first and fight later?"

"In my view, it's just a visit."

Cultivators from all sides had arrived, more like gearing up for battle than anything else, with a massive lineup. The mountains outside Tian Xu were packed with people; any one casually picked was a clan emperor, and more were still arriving. Their purpose was clear: to see Di Huang and the forbidden zone.

At that moment, even the Ming Emperor of the Ming Realm had his hands tucked away, watching intently.

As Di Huang's supreme good friend, he understood why Di Huang was going to Tian Xu—it wasn't for leisure, but for those ancient secrets.

Under the gaze of all, Di Huang and Zi Xuan entered Tian Xu together.

"This scene is truly moving."

On a peak in Tian Xu, the five great heavenly kings were all present, as if they had anticipated Di Huang's arrival, and had prepared ancient Wu Dao tea as hospitality.

Di Huang walked through the air, heading straight for that peak.

One could see his brows slightly furrowed, occasionally glancing toward the depths of Tian Xu. There was a vague, ethereal aura—ancient and vicissitudinous—that made him feel oppressed.

He had never underestimated the forbidden zone, neither in the past nor now. After staying in the Ming Realm for ten thousand years, he had peered into it more than once, only to be obscured by mysterious forces, impossible to see through.

The secrets of ten thousand years, the Ming Emperor never spoke a word; even as a fully accomplished being, he had no right to know.

Compared to him, Zi Xuan showed no difference.

That oppression could only be faintly felt by someone of Di Huang's level. Hers came more from the Female Emperor's memories—after Di Huang's death in battle, the Female Emperor had also come to the forbidden zone, though that memory had not been passed on, or perhaps could not be.

Di Huang fell silent and landed on the peak of Tian Xu.

"No issues since we last met."

The five heavenly kings smiled in unison, gesturing for Di Huang to sit.

"No issues since we last met."

Di Huang replied with a smile.

This simple exchange etched the traces of many years; only those who had endured the seas and mulberry fields could understand. The forbidden zone's five heavenly kings had granted Di Huang the highest honor—since ancient times, only great emperors had prompted them to gather and brew this Wu Dao tea together.

"This tea is unique to the forbidden zone."

The Tian Xu heavenly king smiled, personally pouring a full cup for Di Huang.

Di Huang said nothing, gently lifting the cup and sniffing it. The Wu Dao tea had a faint aroma, but upon tasting, it was bitterly astringent, carrying a strange power that even made his nose sting.

At his side, Zi Xuan was the same, her beautiful eyes already misted with tears. How was this Wu Dao tea? It was clearly tears of memory. One sip, and in the haze, past hardships emerged.

The five heavenly kings only smiled and said nothing, silently sipping their tea like Di Huang and Zi Xuan.

Tea was like the Dao, full of vicissitudes; different people tasted different flavors.

No one spoke; the peak of Tian Xu fell into tranquil silence. All were immersed in enlightenment, forgetting the passage of time—whether the fully accomplished Sacred Body, the Female Emperor's remnant soul, or the forbidden zone's heavenly kings, they quietly savored the tea, as if sharing an unspoken understanding not to break it.

Suddenly, Di Huang raised his hand, touching his eye corner, where tears overflowed.

He was still composed, but Zi Xuan was tearful, her tears endless.

"Make one cry, and that's one down."

Di Mie muttered softly, hands tucked away, standing with Tian Zhu on either side atop the peak, straight as posts, like two attendants.

"Tears mean there's a story."

Tian Zhu took a deep breath, sighing at Zi Xuan and Di Huang. The Wu Dao tea didn't care about one's cultivation; one cup was sure to bring tears.

The Ming Emperor knew this well; he had drunk this strange tea back in the day. A great emperor like him had cried profusely, quite embarrassingly.

In a way, this Wu Dao tea was even more effective than special products from Da Chu.

To this day, he still didn't understand the tea's nature—why even emperors fell for it.

And under his watchful eye, the scene on Tian Xu's peak became hard to behold.

What was hard to behold referred to the tea drinkers: not just the fully accomplished Sacred Body and the Female Emperor's remnant soul, but even the forbidden zone's five heavenly kings had tears in their eyes.

A perfectly fine tea session had turned into this mess.

It was a good thing no outsiders were here; otherwise, they would be stunned. Just drink the tea—why cry? A fully accomplished Sacred Body, a Female Emperor's remnant soul, and five forbidden zone heavenly kings crying over tea—what a wild sight, as if deeply moved.

"This woman won't flip the table again, will she?"

Tian Zhu and Di Mie both stroked their beards, watching.

And by "woman," they meant Zi Xuan.

Recalling the past, when the Dong Hua Female Emperor came, she drank a cup of Wu Dao tea and, like Zi Xuan now, ended up flipping the table in tears.

Though endless years had passed, that night remained vivid in their memories.

That night, the five heavenly kings of the forbidden zone were thoroughly embarrassed.

Now, with Wu Dao tea again, though Zi Xuan wasn't the Female Emperor, she was her remnant soul. She might have inherited that temper and flip the table once more.

Indeed, history repeated itself: Zi Xuan flipped the table.

The flip was abrupt; not even the five heavenly kings, let alone Di Huang, expected it.

Tian Zhu and Di Mie coughed dryly, hands tucked away, gazing into the distant void.

The five heavenly kings' faces darkened, veins of black lines crawling across them. Drink tea, chat—why flip the table? The Female Emperor flipping it was one thing; she was an emperor. But you, a mere remnant soul, where does this fiery temper come from?

And besides, if anyone should flip it, it should be Di Huang. You, a little great saint, are quite bold!

The atmosphere on the peak grew awkward.

Zi Xuan stood up in a flurry, head bowed and eyes downcast, fingers tightly clenched, like a guilty girl. Her stunning features burned with embarrassment. Flipping the table—she had caused a big mess, especially in front of Di Huang, ruining her gentle image completely.

Heaven and earth as witness, she didn't know what came over her; it just happened.

Di Huang said nothing, his brows furrowing slightly.

"It was the Female Emperor who flipped it."

Why say Zi Xuan was clever? This line was spot-on, carrying a bit of the Dong Hua Female Emperor's essence—or more precisely, the mischievousness of the young Yue Shang.

In front of Di Huang, invoking the Female Emperor was more effective than anything.

Sure enough, with that word, the furrow in Di Huang's brow vanished instantly. He casually brushed off the dust from his shoulder, acting as if nothing had happened.

His action perfectly illustrated: So what if it was flipped?

That was the Sacred Body for you—stubborn as ever. His wife's remnant soul wasn't happy with the tea, so flipping the table was perfectly reasonable. No issues; if you have a problem, take it up with me.

The five heavenly kings' faces turned pitch black in an instant. They had no idea what nerve they had struck by inviting you for Wu Dao tea, only to have the table flipped. So arrogant? Flipped once in the past, and now again—does Tian Xu's table deserve this?

"Who's to blame for this?"

Di Mie felt a bit amused inside, always one for chaos. They had the table flipped once and still didn't learn; inviting people for Wu Dao tea again.

"The heavenly kings' dark faces are quite a sight."

Tian Zhu chuckled, always delighting in their discomfort. If his power matched, he'd flip a table too.

Compared to them, the Ming Realm's figure looked on with a sense of gravity.

How to put it? The Dong Hua Female Emperor had this bad habit—always flipping tables at the drop of a hat. He had seen it too many times in the Ming Realm; wherever she went, there was table-flipping. Like a big sister from a gang, she flipped without hesitation.

Yue Shang flipped tables, and Di Huang started fights; back then, the two were perfectly in sync. Their union wasn't by chance—they were a match made in heaven and earth.

As the Female Emperor's remnant soul, inheriting this flaw was no surprise.