Chapter 455 155: Ancient Three Saints, Demon Abyss Guardian Families, Jealous?

Combining the conversation he had just overheard with his knowledge of the plot, he had roughly determined the objective of the Barbarian Race.

Upon hearing this, both Emperor Xia and Xia Jin frowned deeply. Neither of them believed Jiang Lan's words were groundless.

"Those damned Barbarians... to think they'd ignore the devastating consequences and insist on destroying the seal on the Demon Abyss..."

Emperor Xia's eyes turned cold, her fists clenched tightly.

Although she was loath to admit it, she had always trusted everything Jiang Lan said.

'The Demon Abyss is guarded by the three great Guardian Families, but it's been many years since the last Demon Calamity. It's impossible to know the exact state of the seal...'

Xia Jin felt a flicker of surprise. She hadn't expected Emperor Xia to accept Jiang Lan's words without a hint of doubt.

'After all, it's just speculation. There's no proof yet.'

'She trusts him that much? It seems I'll need to re-evaluate the various rumors and speculations I've heard.'

"The Barbarian Race has gotten smarter. They won't rely on brute force like they used to. Wasn't their collaboration with the Blood Immortal Sect during the Southern Hunting—where they summoned a projection of the Barbarian God—the best proof of that?"

"Your Majesty, if you continue to deal with the Barbarian Race based on past experiences, you will suffer a major setback sooner or later," Jiang Lan added, his tone somewhat placating.

"I am aware."

For once, Emperor Xia didn't refute him. She looked at him and asked, "Then what should we do? If we send people to the Demon Abyss, we risk tipping them off."

"The Barbarian Race's intentions aren't hard to guess. But in any case, the Demon Abyss is home to the Guardian Families established by the three Saints of old. Destroying the seal there will not be easy."

"Unless..." Jiang Lan seemed to be thinking aloud.

"Unless what?" Emperor Xia asked.

"Unless the three Guardian Families have already been in contact with the Barbarian Race?" Jiang Lan speculated with a slight frown.

"If even the three Guardian Families are colluding with the Barbarian Race, then this matter will be a huge problem." Emperor Xia's brow furrowed instantly.

"The three Ancient Saints of old cared for all under heaven. The Guardian Families they established have always abided by their mission to protect the world and guard the Demon Abyss. It's unlikely they would do something like this," Xia Jin said, finding the possibility remote.

Jiang Lan nodded. "There are always exceptions, and the hearts of men are fickle. However, we cannot jump to conclusions. The three Guardian Families have stood guard over the Demon Abyss for generations, preventing the Demon Race from running rampant and the Demon Calamity from erupting. Their contributions are immeasurable. If we were to falsely accuse them, would it not break their spirits?"

"Feng Jun is absolutely right," Xia Jin said. "This is no small matter. The three Guardian Families hold an extraordinary status, not just in the Celestial Central Province, but across the entire Nine Provinces Land. Their position is quite detached. If we don't investigate this thoroughly and instead make baseless accusations, I fear it will stir up widespread resentment..."

The Demon Abyss was located on Immortal Ascension Island. Legend had it that a phenomenal event once occurred on the island: an Immortal ascended to the heavens amidst radiant clouds in the Void as Spiritual Springs erupted from the earth and golden lotuses bloomed in the sky, leaving behind countless tales.

Afterward, it was occupied by numerous Immortal Sect Families. Later, as the world underwent a great change, the sea level dropped, and Immortal Ascension Island expanded to over a hundred times its original size.

At its center, a terrifying and boundless rift valley appeared, from which Demonic Qi billowed, blotting out the sky. Countless Demon Calamities had erupted from this chasm, plaguing the world.

Some said it connected to a Different Dimension Space-Time, and that the Demon Race used this gateway to descend upon the Nine Provinces Land, seeking to occupy this fertile, spiritually abundant world beloved by the heavens.

In the plot as Jiang Lan knew it, Immortal Ascension Island was about to become the focal point for all the major powers and Dao Lineages.

An outbreak of the Demon Calamity would not only plunge the Celestial Central Province into chaos and destabilize the Great Xia empire, but it would sweep across the entire Nine Provinces Land.

Of course, wherever a calamity arose, a corresponding Child of Fortune was bound to emerge to stand against it.

The Celestial Dao sought balance; this was a natural law proven time and again throughout history.

Hadn't the Ancient Three Saints appeared for the very reason that a Demon Calamity was ravaging the world?

'If Jiang Lan wanted to further cultivate his Destiny Dao Fruit, these Children of Fortune and other chosen ones would be the perfect nourishment.'

In the plot he knew, deep within the Demon Abyss lay a Free Ancient Talisman. It had formed over untold ages, colliding, contracting, and collapsing within the dimensional planes, absorbing countless essences, Residual Souls, and Blood Essences.

"Your Majesty, regarding the Demon Abyss, I will dispatch my most trusted people to investigate thoroughly. Nanmo Province is adjacent to the Southern Wilderness Province and not far from my own territory. If any unusual movements occur, I will be able to detect them immediately."

Xia Jin was well aware of how severe a Demon Calamity would be. Whether there were signs of it or not, it was best to nip the problem in the bud.

She immediately requested permission to dispatch her people to investigate.

Emperor Xia nodded slightly. With a wave of her hand, ripples spread through the Void, and a brilliant golden Token landed in Xia Jin's palm.

She commanded, "Take our golden token. If anyone obstructs your investigation in secret, you have our authority to execute them on the spot. Upon seeing this token, the Observatory and the Immortal Suppression Bureau will also follow your orders."

In recent times, she had reached some sort of agreement with the Observatory and the Immortal Suppression Bureau. These two departments, originally outside the Royal Family's jurisdiction, were now beginning to heed her commands.

The feeling of gradually taking full control of her power welled up within her.

"Yes. In that case, I will take my leave." Holding the golden token, Xia Jin did not linger and respectfully withdrew.

Jiang Lan watched with a spark of interest as Xia Jin's figure vanished beyond the hall's entrance.