Divine Emperor of Death

Davis searched the Aurora Cloud Gate's Main Sect Grounds for clues leading to the Research Department.

He didn't want to disturb Elder Aradiel Furiose unless it was required, as he was getting too much help from this person.

He explored the Aurora Cloud Gate, going to places he hadn't visited yet.

He had no luck in the Main Sect Grounds, so he went around, visiting islands that were reserved for disciples to train, like Energy Array Chambers that were used for cultivation, Trial Grounds that allowed disciples to test themselves and even comprehend Laws that were available there, Training Fields that allowed disciples to spar and hone their combat skills.

There were some places he couldn't go anymore due to not being a disciple, like the Sect Library, Forbidden Areas and Ancient Ruins that only open once in a period of years but certainly not in his time, and Divination Hall that kept even the slightest bit of karmic attacks away, disallowing karmic luck to fade and the massive Herb Gardens that supported the economy of the Aurora Cloud Gate.

Nonetheless, he continued to search.

He came across spiritual pools filled with heaven and earth energy and could hear the laughter of a lot of beautiful female sect disciples, causing him to instantly turn around and leave. He traversed across many courtyards and tranquil gardens present in the islands of the Elders.

He even saw Beast Taming Grounds that allowed disciples to bring their wild mounts and pacify them here with a wide variety of herbs available.

Davis was interested but not as much as searching for Guardian Elysian Veritas now.

On the way, he saw many statues and altars. The statues were particularly those of the Guardians, but Davis guessed those gazing at them certainly wouldn't be able to identify them unless they'd previously met the Guardians.

'An ingenious concealment formation is woven into these statues that distort the perspective of the viewer, disallowing them to recognize the Guardians easily…'

There were also some statues that he couldn't recognize, so Davis imagined that they could be previous Guardians of the Aurora Cloud Gate who chose to ascend or have died for a cause.

But while he was looking at them for a few seconds, he noticed someone was watching him from behind.

Turning to look around, he saw an azure-robed man with black hair floating a few centimeters above the ground.

The azure-robed man with black hair exuded an otherworldly aura, his robes flowing gently as if caught in an unseen breeze. His attire, a striking azure hue, seemed to shimmer with hints of ethereal patterns woven into the fabric, evoking the vastness of a clear sky on a serene day.

Clearly, the luxurious look of this robe was far more than anything he had seen in the Aurora Cloud Gate, which gave him some clues as to who this person could be.

However, what truly captivated Davis's attention was the two-colored dragon mask that adorned his face. Crafted with meticulous detail, the mask bore the intricate likeness of a dragon, its scales intricately carved with exquisite precision. One half of the mask shimmered with a radiant gold hue, while the other gleamed with a deep, iridescent silver, making him appear like quite the mystery.

Looking at this person's enigmatic gaze, Davis narrowed his eyes.

"Do you have something to say to me?"

"…"

The azure-robed man stared at Davis, not answering the question.

Davis saw that there was no response even after three seconds and turned to look around, continuing to view the history of the Aurora Cloud Gate through the statues of its Guardians. However, his eyes suddenly narrowed as he stepped to the side.

*Rip!~*

A glowing spear ripped the space beside him as it shot straight toward the statues.

As soon as the glowing spear neared, a barrier lit up, trying to protect the statues.

*Bang!~*

The spear clashed with the barrier but was deflected by the barrier as it was sent flying.

Just as Davis turned to look around, the azure-robed man with the mask of a dragon came swooping down on him as the glowing spear appeared in his hand. Light energy overflowed from his body and concentrated to the end of his hands and slid into the glowing spear, its aura turning even more powerful as its spear blade became a bright sun.

Even the space the blade tore made the surroundings darker, but the light exuded by it was so blinding as it filled the entire space.

"Heh~"

Davis chuckled as he clenched his fist and threw a punch at the spear with his bare fist.

The spear unleashed an overwhelming light, but even amidst that light, Davis was able to pinpoint where exactly the spear would land. His fist connected with the spear, and the blade tip made contact with this knuckle.

*Bang!!*

But instead of the spear piercing through his fist, the clash resulted in a loud metallic bang before the spear bent and caused a rebound, causing the azure-robed man's eyes to turn shocked before he was sent flying by his own spear that was unable to pierce his opponent's fist.

However, the azure-robed man flipped mid-air twice and seemed to regain balance as he used wind arts to maneuver the rebound.

"I couldn't believe it until I felt it for myself…"

He landed on the ground and struck the spear on the ground, causing it to stand alongside him as he cupped his hands.

"The monstrous strength you have is beyond my comprehension, Emperor of Death."

On the other hand, Davis looked at his knuckle. The bone wasn't injured, but there was a nick left on the skin that caused a tiny drop of blood to flow out before the tiny wound healed quickly by itself.

"I honestly didn't expect someone in the Aurora Cloud Gate to have the capability to cross nine levels above in the Immortal King Stage."

Davis raised his head and blinked, "Why didn't you come to the secret realm with us?"

He was slightly astonished to confirm what he sensed. The man before him was a Level Nine Immortal King Stage Cultivator but, at the same time, possessed a prowess that was nine levels above.

He didn't unleash his chaotic energy as that would kill or grievously injure the other person.

But even at nine levels higher, his bare skin wouldn't be easily harmed, so he guessed that this person's comprehension of Light Laws must be at a high level or the spear that was at Mid-Level Immortal Emperor Grade was truly a high-quality armament.

"How can I when I'm the Patriarch?" The azure-robed man shrugged, "Besides, I was secluded for the past decade, so only my soul body was barely running the sect."

Davis nodded.

It was just as he guessed.

The person before him was none other than the Sect Master, the Patriarch of the Aurora Cloud Gate.

"Are you also a Divergent?"

"Hmm… you could say that."

The azure-robed man turned to look around and gestured, "Follow me. I'd like to treat you to some wine in my residence."

"But I'm busy, and I don't drink wine."

Davis shook his head, causing the azure-robed man to come to a stop before he turned around.

"Then tea."

"Perhaps later."

"Aiyo, I don't know when I will be able to meet you again as you will be leaving, and I will also be busy. Come with me. I swear you won't regret it."

The azure-robed man raised his hand and waved, causing Davis to inwardly grumble as he didn't have time to be swept away in this sudden event.

However, he quickly thought otherwise.

The other party was a Patriarch, so he guessed that he could use this occasion to ask about Guardian Elysian Veritas's whereabouts. At least, he felt that it should be better than searching around aimlessly.

"Alright."

"Perfect!"

Nodding his head, Davis followed the Patriarch to his residence, which was just two islands away.

It could be seen that the Patriarch probably got wind of his strange aura and came to see him.

On the Patriarch's Island, the mansion seemed to be situated atop a hill, surrounded by lush, towering trees that cloak the mansion in an air of secrecy. The architecture was naturally similar to that of all the other mansions in the Aurora Cloud Gate, but the structure was a blend of elegant azure and ebony hues.

The courtyard was encircled by stone walls adorned with ancient runes and protective formations. A tranquil pond was on the way when they passed by a small bridge, shimmering with azure water, while there were also cherry blossom trees and exotic flora lining every other pathway.

Davis noticed there was not a single guard, which meant that there should be some kind of formation spirit looking after the residence. However, there were quite a few servants who received them, so he guessed the Patriarch was the Patriarch for quite some time.

They reached the main hall, and Davis was made to be seated there before the Patriarch brought some exotic tea herbs from the storage deep in the mansion.

Just as Davis was starting to sip the tea with much boredom, he was taken aback as this tea felt like a delicacy instead of a beverage. It was even good for his soul, causing Davis to be full of approval as he nodded his head thrice.

"I knew you would like it! This is…"

As the Patriarch began explaining the origin of this tea herb, which Davis had no interest in and wanted to move on to some other topic, two people walked into the hall without any notice.

Instantly, the Patriarch stood up and cupped his hands towards them.

"Father, mother. Did you two have a good look at the mansion?"

"Not bad," The other man said, "There's also- wait. Emperor of Death, you have also paid a visit to my third son?"

"…"

Davis blinked as he turned his gaze to both parties, wondering what the hell was going on.

The Patriarch of the Aurora Cloud Gate was the third son of Guardian Elysian Veritas and Guardian Zera Nullheart...?