Chapter 192: Chapter 104 You All, Come Together_1

The plans of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to intimidate the Aquatic Tribe in Cang Province ended in failure. In the end, this cast an extremely negative influence on the entire Tao Conference.

In the following days, the Aquatic Tribe in Cang Province increasingly intercepted and demanded exorbitant amounts from ships in their waters. There were even cases where they intentionally caused waves to capsize cargo ships leading to the direct loss of more than ten crew members.

This incident caused a significant uproar. Initially, the Aquatic Tribe in Cang Province was indeed rampant, but as long as the prescribed tribute was provided, safety could be guaranteed.

But now, due to the failure of the plans from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, the Aquatic Tribe of Cang Province has become increasingly indiscriminate in their actions.

This was the consequence of Sunn Lanyu failing to ascend the Primal Chaos Tower on that day and leaving abruptly at a critical moment.

If the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had succumbed to the pressure from the River Ji Dragon Palace and allowed Sunn Lanyu to ascend the tower that day, the prevailing Aquatic Tribe in Cang Province would have inevitably become more rampant.

Because of this, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau was already in a state of extreme anxiety. The superintendent of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau residing in the Imperial Capital was aware of the deteriorating situation and sent the White Tiger Esteemed Emissary to clean up and intimidate the various aquatic tribes in Cang Province. However, this was still of no avail in terms of the overall situation.

Under these circumstances, the time for the Tao Conference gradually approached.

In Qingping County, beneath the Primal Chaos Tower, Xuan Kong who was healing from his injuries under the care of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, was standing under this magnificent spirit treasure tower.

Looking up at the bustling tower frequented by cultivators dressed in various sects’ attire, Xuan Kong was reminded of the powerful person who had saved his life on the ship.

In Xuan Kong’s mind, only that formidable figure would possess the authority to command a deputy custodian of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

Xuan Kong was not clear about the real identity of the powerful figure, but it could be foreseen that the figure was likely coming for the Tao Conference given the timing of their arrival at Qingping County.

This suggested that this esteemed person might be in the Primal Chaos Tower.

And the possibility that his confrontation with the Multifarious Spirits Faction might fall under the watchful eye of this person excited Xuan Kong.

“I will definitely defeat the Multifarious Spirits Faction and retrieve what belongs to my Xuanming View!”

Xuan Kong clenched his fist and muttered in his heart.

While Xuan Kong was feeling emotional, in the upper level of the Primal Chaos Tower, Shen Yuan, looking at the crowd below, spotted Xuan Kong.

With an amused smirk at the corner of his mouth, Gong Buyu, standing next to him, curiously asked:

“Master, why are you laughing?”

Shen Yuan shook his head, lightly saying, “I’ve spotted a fascinating acquaintance.”

Gong Buyu glanced and noticed Xuan Kong amidst the crowd.

She had a vague recollection of Xuan Kong, but that was about it.

Aside from Shen Yuan and Bai Xue, she was indifferent towards everything else. She merely nodded, not attempting to speak further.

On the other hand, Xue Mingzhi curiously asked:

“Does Sir think highly of this Xuan Kong?

I’ve learned in advance that he came from Xuanming View and was strong-armed by the Multifarious Spirits Faction, two sects that lost their foundations when their blessed land dried up due to Spirit Energy depletion.

Although the Multifarious Spirits Faction and Xuanming View are practically equal in strength, the backing of a Yun Provincial Government army general for the former makes it difficult for Xuan Kong alone to make a stand in this Tao Conference.”

Shen Yuan remained composed and replied: “Since the Tao Conference is hosted by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, naturally, it won’t favor anyone just because of a mere Yun Provincial Government army general.

Moreover, as a high-ranking official of the Great Xia’s Imperial Court, the army general should understand the importance of the bigger picture. He would be unlikely to support the Multifarious Spirits Faction under these circumstances or risk losing his general position sooner or later.

The whole affair comes back to the Tao Conference which reveres strength. Speaking of cultivation base, Xuan Kong is not bad amongst those at the Qi Transformation Early Stage. If he were to challenge the Multifarious Spirits Faction, he has a good chance of winning.”

Xue Mingzhi had a moment of realization and admitted sheepishly:

“I was shortsighted.”

Shen Yuan shook his head, retracted his gaze from Xuan Kong, and inquired Xue Mingzhi:

“The Tao Conference begins today. What are the responses from all parties?”

Upon hearing this, Xue Mingzhi responded with a serious face:

“Sir, due to Sunn Lanyu gaining momentum from the River Ji Dragon Palace incident, which led to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau suffering a setback, many major sects from grotto heavens sacred ground, worried about getting involved, have chosen not to attend.

As for the more influential sects with profound roots, they didn’t intend to attend this Tao Conferenece right from the start.”

This surprised Shen Yuan.

“They didn’t intend to come to this Tao Conference from the start?

Don’t they fear that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau will gain legitimate control and interfere in the affairs of the sects?”

Xue Mingzhi shook his head, “Sir, you should be aware that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau only relies on the Human Emperor Dynasty. Though the dynasty is in its prime, it will inevitably have its downfall.

In the realm of sects, however, there are truly formidable entities that have remained firm in the Primal Chaos Realm with thousands of years of inheritance.

These formidable entities don’t consider worth their time interfere in such minor matters.”

Shen Yuan’s pupil twitched briefly, but he still maintained outward composure: “Are you referring to the 10 Great Grotto Heavens?”

“Exactly, the 10 Great Grotto Heavens, which sit above the 36 Little Grotto Heavens and the 72 Blessed Land!

Throughout the thousands of years of Spirit Energy depletion, we have witnessed the collapse of grotto heavens and the destruction of blessed land, but we never saw the 10 Great Grotto Heavens affected. Because the 10 Great Grotto Heavens, have already transcended worldly affairs.”