The Post Sky Tipping Era
Chapter 611 - 436: Entering the Imperial Court

Chapter 611: Chapter 436: Entering the Imperial Court

Two hundred miles outside Dao Court City lies another city. It rose from the earth during the End of Dharma era, built around a verdant jade palace. Square in structure, its expanse stretches across hundreds of miles, resembling a colossal jade seal pressed upon the boundless land. It symbolizes supreme power and reveals the Tianyi Sect’s ambition to establish governance through imperial authority and dominate all directions.

With Dao Court declining, the Imperial Court rose to prominence.

Today, within the Imperial Court City, the clamor of voices fills the air, radiating a spectacle of prosperity. Visitors from all directions arrive incessantly. Meanwhile, each day, Daoists from Tianyi Sect lead squads of armored soldiers to venture out, expanding territories—breaking mountains, razing temples, demolishing legacies, severing inheritances, slaughtering rogue Daoists, and annihilating old enemies.

Among their targets is the Heavenly Dao Sect entrenched within Dao Court City.

As humanity flourishes and Daoist powers dwindle, the Imperial Court’s endeavors yield abundant rewards every time.

But today.

A massive auspicious cloud rose from Dao Court City, soaring a hundred zhang into the sky and swiftly heading toward this place. Such a phenomenon immediately captured the attention of many.

"It is the Heavenly Dao Sect’s Cloud Soaring Technique; the Daoist skill masters of the Heavenly Dao Sect are heading to the Imperial City."

Atop the towering city walls, a Daoist sat cross-legged on a prayer mat. Although he lacked mana, as a direct disciple of the Tianyi Sect charged with guarding the city, he kept watch over distant Dao Court’s aura. When he spotted that immense cloud, his expression changed abruptly. He summoned a squad of armored soldiers and ordered the Copper Bell to be struck, releasing the warning sound.

The Copper Bell rang six times—a dire signal signifying an approaching Dao skill master.

Yet, just as the bell’s resonating peals began, Li Yi’s cloud had already entered the city.

"Taiyi, look at the jade palace in the center of the city—that’s Tianyi Sect’s Tianyi Palace. It’s a Middle Grade Dao Artifact, preserved even during the End of Dharma era. Take it later and rename it Taiyi Hall," Xiang Xiangzi’s eyes sparkled. She’d long coveted Tianyi Palace but had never had the chance.

Now that they had infiltrated the Imperial Court, she wasn’t planning to miss this opportunity.

Li Yi glanced at her and then at the palace, immediately understanding why this Immortal wanted to gift it to him. She was stirring chaos with her suggestions. Tianyi Palace was effectively the Imperial Court’s palace—if taken, Tianyi Sect’s retaliation would be relentless.

"Xiang Xiangzi, coming to the Imperial Court inevitably means a fierce battle. Quickly restore your mana," Li Yi urged.

From atop the cloud, Xuan Yuezi sat in meditation, surrounded by Spirit Stones. The stones dissolved into streams of pure spiritual energy that poured into her body, accelerating her recovery.

She also consumed a Mana Pill—a treasure Li Yi had obtained from Golden Core Cultivator Zhang Yihua’s Storage Spirit Device—which aided in rapid mana replenishment.

With the combined efforts of Spirit Stones and the Mana Pill, Xuan Yuezi’s cultivation level soared quickly.

Xiang Xiangzi did the same, clutching Spirit Stones and swallowing a Mana Pill to restore her strength.

Yet, in this End of Dharma era, cultivation levels had plummeted drastically. Even with spiritual energy surging into them, regaining their peak strength in a short time was impossible. However, as former Tri-Floral Realm masters, regaining combat capabilities was manageable.

Meanwhile, as the Dao Bell’s reverberations continued.

After the sixth ring, alertness had already spread to the jade-like Tianyi Palace. Tianyi Sect cultivators within the palace became instantly vigilant. Having established the Imperial Court and waged wars across realms, Tianyi Sect had slaughtered countless cultivators and obliterated numerous sects, gathering endless enemies. Constant preparation against revenge was an inevitability.

The sight of Li Yi bringing two Immortals to confront the Imperial Court wasn’t unprecedented, but such attempts had always been suppressed by Tianyi Sect’s top cultivators before. After all, among the three former sects of Dao Court, Tianyi Sect had deep foundations. Its overall power, bolstered by accumulated resources even in the End of Dharma era, allowed it to retain several sect-protecting masters with ease.

In mere moments, no fewer than nine Daoists emerged together, ascending into the air to form a nine-pointed defensive array against external threats.

"They’re here—Tianyi Sect’s ’Ten Dao Masters,’" Xuan Yuezi remarked, her eyebrows furrowing. "The Ten Dao Masters’ peak strength rivaled us Seven Immortals—but why, during the End of Dharma era, haven’t any of them succumbed to mortality? Even now, one of their top Three Flowers remains intact? And what’s more—they have the excess resources to nourish Tianyi Palace. Meanwhile, we struggle to uphold the Xuanhuang Seal; it’s far more precarious."

"I’ve long suspected something unusual. The Tianyi Sect’s foundations were similar to our Heavenly Dao Sect’s. After so many years of the End of Dharma era, logically speaking, both sides should be in similar dire straits. Yet Tianyi Sect has managed to create the Imperial Court, maintain its Daoist heritage, and find renewed glory during the End of Dharma era—all of which seem wholly unreasonable," Xiang Xiangzi said, her brow knit tightly in unease.

"Regardless of the reason—one battle will reveal everything," Li Yi responded calmly.

He studied the nine Daoists—each undeniably an elite Tri-Floral Realm master. If placed on Earth, they could effortlessly overturn an entire world. Fortunately, in this End of Dharma era, while the Tri-Floral Realm might appear imposing, its actual combat strength had waned significantly.

Nonetheless, they remained highly formidable threats.

Li Yi then extended his hand, seizing Tianjiangzi and flinging him forward.

"It’s Tianjiangzi—he’s been captured!"

"Damn it! These leftover remnants of the Heavenly Dao Sect dare retaliate even on the brink of death!"

"Release my senior brother immediately! If you do, I may spare your lives—otherwise, you are doomed today!"

Instantly, the nine Daoists were enraged, itching to strike down Li Yi and the two Immortals to completely annihilate the Heavenly Dao Sect. Yet, they hesitated, wary of Tianjiangzi’s life.

Li Yi spoke calmly, "I am Taiyi, representing the Heavenly Dao Sect in negotiations with Tianyi Sect. Esteemed Daoist elders, who among you can speak for Tianyi Sect and the Imperial Court?"

Taiyi?

At the mention of this name, the nine Daoists’ anger promptly cooled.

"So, it truly is Taiyi—the Divine Son of the Heavenly Dao Sect—who achieved the Five Qi Realm during the End of Dharma era. Remarkable indeed. My Dao Machine senses suggest this person poses a significant threat to the Imperial Court," one Daoist transmitted telepathically using mana.

"I heard Taiyi’s name before and felt something unsettling. Seeing him now in person, coupled with the Dao Machine’s detection, it seems prudent to let matters rest peacefully. We mustn’t act rashly."

"The Dao Machine manifests danger—a sign of potential calamity. A confrontation is inadvisable."

"The name ’Taiyi’ implies infinite transformation. Could it mean that while the Heavenly Dao Sect was shattered, it never fully extinguished? Tian Jizi, senior brother—would you be willing to negotiate with Taiyi and discern his intentions? If things go awry, then we’ll handle it."

After a brief exchange, an elder named Tian Jizi was selected as their representative to engage in talks.

"Very well. For the sake of Junior Brother Tianjiangzi’s safety, I’ll speak with them," Tian Jizi agreed. Clad in the Purple Mist Robe and stepping on golden light, he strode forward.

"Divine Son Taiyi of the Heavenly Dao Sect, I am Tian Jizi of Tianyi Sect, here to negotiate the matters of today."

Li Yi saw this and prepared to step forward.

"Taiyi, be cautious. Tian Jizi reached the pinnacle of cultivation, having unlocked Three Flowers Gathering at the Top—a true Tri-Floral master, capable of Five Qi Chaoyuan. Though his current state isn’t clear, if his Grand Perfection Realm remains unscathed, he surpasses all of us in strength. However, should he dare attack, Xiang Xiangzi and I will fight to the death alongside you—at worst, we perish together," Xuan Yuezi warned using mana transmission.

"Indeed, Xuan Yuezi speaks truth. In the End of Dharma era, victory hinges on mana reserves. If a fight breaks out, we won’t be outdone," Xiang Xiangzi affirmed.

Li Yi nodded silently, taking Tianjiangzi with him as he ascended on his cloud.

"Old Daoist Tian Jizi greets Taiyi, fellow cultivator." Tian Jizi’s aged face remained composed as he offered a polite bow. "Taiyi’s name is indeed well-earned. To achieve the Five Qi Realm amidst the End of Dharma is genuinely admirable. However, given the long-standing animosity and deep-seated grudges between our two sects, reconciliation seems impossible. I must ask, fellow Daoist Taiyi—what brings you to the Imperial Court today for negotiations?"

"Tian Jizi, as a senior cultivator, you undoubtedly understand that the Heavenly Dao Sect has met its demise and no longer holds the strength to rise again. Even I cannot single-handedly overturn the heavens. Nonetheless, all things contain a thread of hope. If Tianyi Sect insists on extinguishing every remnant of the Heavenly Dao Sect, I won’t hesitate to join forces with the two Immortals to obliterate the Imperial Court and render Tianyi Sect’s decades of efforts into nothingness," Li Yi’s silver eyes bore into Tian Jizi’s as polite words masked his bold threat.

"If fellow Daoist Taiyi is confident in destroying the Imperial Court, then feel free to test it," Tian Jizi responded, a flicker of killing intent stirring in his gaze.

"Should the three of us perish in battle, exchanging our lives for the Imperial Court’s ruin and the depletion of Tianyi Sect’s foundation, then after the battle concludes, how many among your ten Daoist elders would live past their robes’ return to the earth? Care to wager—who gains, who loses?" Li Yi countered.

At his words, the killing intent in Tian Jizi’s eyes gradually receded as he closed them briefly, envisioning the stark possibilities.

Slaying two Immortals and one Divine Son at such cost hardly seemed worthwhile.

The Imperial Court preferred gradual attrition—killing one member of the Heavenly Dao Sect now, another tomorrow—to systematically deplete its legacy over time without significant losses.

"Indeed, haste leads to missteps. The emergence of Taiyi has thrown plans into disarray, causing one error to cascade into many," Tian Jizi mused inwardly.

Yet outwardly, he maintained his calm demeanor, speaking evenly, "Fellow Daoist Taiyi—what are your intentions?"

Li Yi replied, "I seek to depart Dao Court, leading the remaining disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect, along with the Immortals here, to the seas for sanctuary. If Senior Tian Jizi agrees, I’ll release Tianjiangzi. In return, Tianyi Sect will free all captured disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect, thereby settling the score between our factions. How does that sound?"

"Should the Heavenly Dao Sect’s disciples regain strength after their release, rising anew, then what?" Tian Jizi’s gaze shifted slightly. "Doesn’t the wise saying go—’Remove weeds wholly to prevent regrowth?’ Taiyi, do you not understand this principle?"

"The Imperial Court’s dominance is established; would it fear a handful of Heavenly Dao Sect disciples?" Li Yi retorted.

Tian Jizi replied, "The Court doesn’t fear those disciples—it fears you, Taiyi, alone. You are young and achieved cultivation during the End of Dharma. Given enough time, you’ll surely outlast us elders, standing as the invincible force of this era. How could the Court feel secure while you remain alive? If Taiyi were to fall here today, Tianyi Sect could finally sleep soundly."

"Then let today be the day the Imperial Court crumbles," Li Yi said, his silver eyes emanating lethal intent.

"Fellow Daoist Taiyi jests. A mere Five Qi Realm cultivator talks of overthrowing the Imperial Court—it’s rather audacious. Even the two Immortals beside you wouldn’t dare make such boasts," Tian Jizi remarked. "Were my junior brother’s safety not a concern, you wouldn’t even qualify for a negotiation."

"Nonetheless, if you release my junior brother, I’m willing to offer an exchange," he continued.

With that, Tian Jizi reached into his sleeve, producing a delicate birdcage. Inside was a blood-stained woman clad in a Daoist robe.

Li Yi glanced at her, frowning—he didn’t recognize her.

Behind him, Xuan Yuezi and Xiang Xiangzi cried out in shock, "The Goddess!"

"It’s the Heavenly Dao Sect’s Goddess, Yun Feizi! She led several Taoist Nuns and protectors to duel against the Imperial Court recently but was defeated and captured," Tian Jizi explained. "I was planning to execute her then, but upon hearing Taiyi’s name and sensing its significance through the Dao Machine, I refrained, knowing the Heavenly Dao Sect’s fate wasn’t entirely sealed. Today, it seems keeping her alive was indeed worth it."

Tian Jizi’s words flowed deliberately, carrying weight and authority.