Chapter 627: Chapter 442: Space-Time Marrow Crystal

“Shan Clan?”

Upon hearing the name Shan Clan, Chu Zheng’s brow slightly furrowed, and a shadow passed through his eyes.

The shadow left by the Shan Clan on him was immense, a humiliation he feared he would never forget in this lifetime.

“Indeed, it’s someone from the Shan Clan, they’ve brought the Master’s order, saying they have important business with you.”

Hao Qing nodded and said, “Subordinate has confirmed the order is genuine, and the person is still waiting on the outskirts of the Cosmic Edge for over fifty years now.”

Upon learning that the visitor carried the Moonlight Immortal Ancestor’s order, Chu Zheng’s thoughts stirred, and he asked:

“How many from the Shan Clan have come?”

The Moonlight Immortal Ancestor had previously mentioned to him the matters concerning the Shan Clan, saying that a resolution would be sought on his behalf.

It seemed now that the Shan Clan’s explanation had arrived.

No matter what compensation was brought, it would be some extra gain for him.

“Only one person, a Great Immortal Venerable.”

Hao Qing pondered for a moment and then added: “It is a woman.”

“Understood.”

Chu Zheng nodded, then spoke again, “Has there been any major event in the Great Universe lately?”

During this seclusion, nearly a hundred years had passed in the Great Universe, and there would be some changes.

“Subordinate has been at the Cosmic Edge with few friends outside, thus hasn’t obtained much useful information, only heard some rumors occasionally.”

Hao Qing looked slightly embarrassed and after pondering for a while, said:

“From those monitoring the Myriad Realms, some news has emerged, indicating there is a faint sign of union among several Taoist orthodoxies in the Myriad Realms. They have started exchanging Taoist Scriptures, sharing Secret Techniques, and even coordinating the allocation of Cultivation resources together.”

“The rusty sword buried in the Sword Tomb of the Myriad Realms has been taken, rumored to be the reemergence of the long-lost Sword Ancestor, but no one has seen it firsthand. There are also rumors that a young man took it instead, not the Sword Ancestor himself.”

“The Taiqing Daozu of the Qi Refining Lineage returned to the Thirty-Three Heavens and met with the Ancestral Dao, but what they discussed remains unknown. However, all Qi cultivators under the Daoist Sect have since gone into hiding, disappearing without a trace.”

Listening to these ambiguous reports, Chu Zheng understood the activities of the Myriad Realms, all of which hinted at an impending storm. Clearly, the Myriad Realms were also preparing for a true Dao War.

This was different from the minor skirmishes of the past; this was preparation for a decisive battle.

The Second-fold Immortal Martial currently each hold twenty-five percent, and if the Dao War truly starts, it’s highly probable they will first join forces to annihilate the Myriad Realms before engaging in the final battle.

With the two paths of Immortal and Martial Arts combined, they already have fifty percent of Heavenly Fate, Myriad Realms have no choice but to face the battle, with no option to avoid it.

If the Myriad Realms were to fight independently as before, the outcome is self-evident–a path to certain death.

As for the Qi cultivators all retreating into hiding, it’s likely to avoid calamity.

For Qi cultivators, losing the Chaos Sea as a place for incarnation tribulations is undoubtedly a significant impact.

Being of the same Qi Refining Lineage, Chu Zheng understands all too well the troublesome nature of Tribulation Qi.

Without the chance to undergo tribulations through incarnation, the path of Qi cultivators becomes fraught with peril.

While speaking, Hao Qing seemed to suddenly remember something and spoke again:

“There is also some news about Shang Cangyun, saying he has been spotted in the Myriad Realms, with several Taoist Orthodoxies pursuing him.”

“Shang Cangyun? Do you know the specifics of the situation?”

Upon hearing the name Shang Cangyun, Chu Zheng immediately pursued, “Do you know how Shang Cangyun is faring now?”

Since their brief meeting across the universe, he and Shang Cangyun had not met again.

If not for Shang Cangyun’s several instances of assistance, he wouldn’t have survived until today. Though he never found the chance to repay the favor, Chu Zheng had always remembered them.

“The specific details are not entirely clear to me, but I heard that Shang Cangyun seems to have dug up the tombs of several prominent figures and is still on the run, yet to be captured.”

Seeing Chu Zheng so concerned, Hao Qing dared not delay and immediately spoke:

“If the Heavenly Judge wishes to know more, give subordinate some time, and I will inquire more thoroughly for you.”

“Thank you, please help me investigate further,”

Chu Zheng clasped his hands in respect. He had no connections within the Immortal Alliance and couldn’t hear any news, so he had to rely on Hao Qing for specific information.

Regarding Shang Cangyun’s grave-digging activities, it seemed likely it was for cultivation. His path was far more arduous than Chu Zheng’s now.

Just breaking free from the bloodline chains of Cangyun Realm was no simple task.

“Relieving you of worry is a duty of mine, not something I dare claim credit for.”

Upon hearing this, Hao Qing immediately clasped his hands deeply in salute and spoke with sincerity:

“I have been at the Cosmic Edge for many years, though with limited capabilities, I have come to know quite a few outstanding individuals, some of whom now hold important positions, likely knowing more profound secrets. I will do my utmost to inquire for you.”

Chu Zheng nodded, and after a moment of silence, spoke softly:

“What news from the Martial Hall?”

Regarding news from the Martial Hall, Chu Zheng actually had several channels for acquiring information.

Aside from the incarnation still hiding within the Martial Hall, he could directly inquire with Song Lingxue.

However, in many matters, Song Lingxue obviously concealed them from him.

The reasons were unclear to him now, and he could only seek more avenues to understand, at least to gain more real information.

“In the Martial Hall, recently there haven’t been any major changes… The biggest change is presumably the increase in new forces, with the number of Martial Saints and Great Saints rapidly rising, mostly sourced from living creatures extracted from the Chaos Sea.”