The emergence of the colossal hand cast a faint shadow over the Ancient Demon Wasteland, as it not only loomed above everyone, but also weighed on their hearts.
Countless people watched on with shock and horror. Regardless of their cultivation level—be it Qi Refining, Foundation Building, Nascent Soul, or Enlightenment Realm—every cultivator instinctively understood that the owner of this hand was undoubtedly a First Rate Sect Leader.
Only a First Rate Sect Leader would dare to seize the inheritance that Senior Yun He was passing to Ouyang Xuanzhen in front of countless Profound Immortals. It was clear to even the most oblivious onlooker that the stone bead was linked to significant karmic consequences; even a First Rate Sect Leader had to intervene to snatch it away.
Ouyang Xuanzhen’s expression darkened considerably. Without even considering the implications, he dropped his arm, relinquishing any desire he had for the stone bead.
Fang Chen’s gaze grew grim. “Could this stone bead also be connected to the Realm of Three Thousand Dao?”
He hadn’t anticipated that a second Stone Bead would exist. It was even one Senior Yun He had on his person and bestowed to Ouyang Xuanzhen. What was more unexpected was the sudden appearance of a First Rate Sect Leader seeking to seize it.
If this First Rate Sect Leader were to obtain the Stone Bead and it was indeed connected to the Realm of Three Thousand Dao, would he not eventually encounter him there? With the time feature of the Three Thousand Dao Realm, such a strange phenomenon would surely mean that whether one was a First Rate Sect Leader or not, they wouldn’t want outsiders to possess it.
Ancestor Qingmu furrowed his brow, taken aback that his master had ultimately chosen Ouyang Xuanzhen. He hadn’t anticipated that a First Rate Sect Leader would make an appearance midway through the process.
For countless years, rumors had circulated that First Rate Sect Leaders showed no interest in those two anomalies. However, what was happening right now proved otherwise.
After a long silence, Heavenly King Zhen slowly transmitted his thoughts. “Is the Heavenly Cloud Emperor really a remnant soul?”
Heavenly King Zhen was bewildered and uncertain.
Or perhaps the Heavenly Cloud Emperor knew this and still pretended to be mad, waiting for the next First Rate Sect Leader to take the bait?
But what grievance could he possibly have with the First Rate Sect Leader to act this way?
Countless mixed thoughts flooded his mind, and he realized that his heart was confused; he wanted to hear the opinions of the other Immortal Kings. However, when the others heard his transmission, they fell into further silence. They were still shocked by the earlier scene.
The First Rate Sect Leader had chosen to cut off their own arm to slip away….
This event was enough to shake the Central Continent, Celestial Heaven, and Northern Dipper!
“Everyone, shall we end this matter now? Huh? Why is that stone bead still here? It seems the Heavenly Cloud Emperor really values you.”
Wang Zhenlong stared at the stone bead at Ouyang Xuanzhen’s feet with astonishment.
As everyone heard his words, they quickly snapped out of it, their gazes becoming incredibly serious.
Ouyang Xuanzhen glanced at the stone bead on the ground but didn’t pick it up for a long time; what was supposed to be a highly anticipated inheritance now felt like a hot potato.
He didn’t even know if the stone bead truly had extraordinary properties or if it was merely an illusion.
“Daoist Ouyang, since it was granted to you by the Heavenly Cloud Emperor, it would be improper for us to take it from you,” Heavenly King Zhen said with a light sigh. “You should take it back with you.”
“I…” Ouyang Xuanzhen stiffened for a moment, then suddenly cupped his fist in a bow. “Everyone, I’m feeling a bit tired and will take my leave!”
With that, he transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the horizon, not even glancing at the stone bead at his feet.
Wang Zhenlong glanced at the stone bead, smiled faintly, and bid everyone his farewell. “Everyone, it seems this matter has come to an end. I’ll be leaving as well.”
With that, he flew off toward the leader of the Extreme Sword Peak and others.
Monarch Qing Xiang asked with a strange expression, “Lord Gai, how shall we handle this item?”
Heavenly King Zhen contemplated for a moment and replied, “Let Sir Zhao take it back and show it to the Desolate Academy.”
Sir Zhao fell silent for a few breaths, then slowly nodded, picking up the Stone Bead and putting it away without examining its extraordinary properties at that moment.
“Let us… withdraw first,” Heavenly King Zhen said, waving his hand.
With this motion, the Immortal Boat disappeared back into the void.