Chapter 557 Endless Tribulations
Chapter 557 Endless Tribulations
Upon returning to Divine Realm, the daily morning worship of Divine Emperor at seven o'clock was inevitable.
Even the likes of Ignatius or Tristan had to pay their respects as long as they were within Divine Realm. That being said, Divine Emperor was a reasonable person. He would not force anyone not within Divine Realm to attend the worshipping.
If one had other things to attend to, they just had to leave Divine Realm the night before.
Jonathan and Catherine woke up promptly at six thirty in the morning. They quickly finished their morning routines and then left Sunny Condo.
The weather that day was splendid, with the sun shining brightly.
Divine Realm was abundant with green plants and trees. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a beautiful glow on the ground. Such splendid weather was truly intoxicating and delightful, allowing one to be in a good mood even without having to do a thing.
Inside and outside Olympus, people from all directions had gradually gathered.
Oswald's faction, Gideon's faction, Richard's faction, Miguel Sampson, Ignatius, and Gabriel had arrived.
All the big shots from various quarters had come together.
Catherine followed Jonathan, and the two of them made their way to Richard's side.
Standing beside Richard were Gregory and Beatrix.
“Master!” After Jonathan respectfully called out, he turned to Beatrix and Gregory, greeting them, “Beatrix, Gregory!”
Beatrix and Gregory both smiled and returned his greetings.
Richard greeted Catherine, “Catherine!”
Catherine also greeted Richard. Meanwhile, Oswald, Gideon, and the others on the other side didn't even glance toward Richard, maintaining their indifference. Ignatius and Miguel didn't bother to look that way either.
The core powers within Divine Realm seemingly got along with each other well but were actually at odds. The internal strife and intrigue among them were beyond the comprehension of outsiders.
Following that, several individuals of master-level stature proceeded to pay their respects. Ignatius and Miguel were both considered master-level status.
However, Jonathan was in a different situation. Even though he was Richard's disciple, he was still one rank below his master. Therefore, while Richard and the others could enter, he could not.
As Richard was about to enter, he noticed that Catherine wasn't following. He then invited her, “Catherine, let's go together.”
Catherine declined. She said, “I'll go with Jonathan later, Richard. Please go on!”
“This...” Richard wanted to say that this was not according to the rules, but after taking another look at Catherine, he thought to himself that Catherine was not like ordinary people. Not to mention, she was the direct disciple of their master. So he decided to let it go and let her do as she pleased.
After that, he turned around and walked away.
After the group of masters entered the temple, Jonathan gave Catherine a wry smile and said, “It seems I've weighed you down again.”
Catherine held Jonathan's hand. She said, “You've never complained about me weighing you down before.”
Jonathan smiled.
The morning worship concluded in a serene and tranquil manner. No one dared to cause a disturbance during this solemn act of paying homage to Divine Emperor.
Afterward, Divine Emperor issued a decree. The three masters, Catherine, and Jonathan were ordered to enter Olympus for an audience!
Divine Emperor allowed the three masters and Catherine to enter, which was quite normal. After all, those people were all considered Divine Emperor's direct disciples. However, the fact that Divine Emperor also let Jonathan in was simply inconceivable to Ignatius, Miguel, and Gabriel.
Regardless, Jonathan successfully made his way into Olympus.
It was ten in the morning, and Olympus still maintained its solemn grandeur.
The statue of Divine Emperor stood tall and proud in the center of Olympus, its expression solemn and unchanging.
The quintet stood side by side, their expressions filled with utmost respect.
Undoubtedly, the feelings in Gideon's heart at that moment were complex. He had desperately schemed against and marginalized Jonathan in the past, but now, Jonathan was able to stand in Olympus just like him. Consider this. Jonathan and Catherine were originally part of my faction, but I've orchestrated all that happened and personally expelled the duo. What a foolish thing I've done!
At that moment, in front of the statue of Divine Emperor, molecules began to shift, and the magnetic field started to change.
Subsequently, the magnetic field and molecules became visible to the naked eye, appearing like black particles forming a kind of vortex.
Gradually, the black particles transformed into a massive vortex, large enough to accommodate three people entering at the same time.
Jonathan and the others couldn't help but pale at that sight. They saw that the vortex had turned into a massive passage. Where the statue of Divine Emperor should have been, there now seemed to be an endless void.
Meanwhile, the voice of Divine Emperor echoed throughout the entire hall. “Come in!”
The five of them immediately understood, and they stepped into the vortex one after the other. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
After entering the vortex, Jonathan felt a light curtain appear before him. Behind the curtain of light, he could see a forest and a cave.
Everyone stepped forward with force and crossed the light curtain.
Immediately after, all the whirlpools disappeared, and all the strange phenomena vanished.
Everyone looked up at the sky and found they were in the midst of a forest.
The sky was very blue and the sunshine was bright.
It was still ten in the morning, indicating that everyone was still in the boundless universe. However, they had arrived at another place through the vortex passage. That could be described as traveling through The Void.
It could also be described as an alternative form of wormhole jumping.
The five couldn't help but wonder what was Divine Emperor's purpose in bringing them there.
And it was at that moment that the voice of Divine Emperor echoed again. His voice came from all directions as if he himself was the universe. “This place is Mount Quilandra, and ahead lies a cave where I once cultivate. Please, go in first.”
“Yes, Master!” everyone responded.
Afterward, the five of them proceeded toward the cave.
Before long, everyone entered the cave. Inside, it was a paradise, featuring a waterfall that cascaded like a curtain of water, a stone table laden with divine fruits, and an array of stalactites, among other wonders.
“Please, take a seat!” The voice of Divine Emperor echoed once again.
Everyone sat down cross-legged as instructed.
Divine Emperor began uttering, “I have already foreseen another great tribulation. Whether it's all of you or me, we will all encounter endless tribulations in this lifetime. The tribulations become even more formidable, especially when you transcend the normal lifespan and abilities of living beings. Although I possess infinite power, I face three hundred minor tribulations and ten major ones every year, and every thirty years, a demonic tribulation occurs. Now, I must venture into The Void to overcome a major tribulation. Only after this tribulation has passed will I be able to confront the demonic tribulation.”
Jonathan couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine. He exchanged a glance with Catherine. Both their eyes filled with shock.
Jonathan had always revered Divine Emperor as his idol, believing that Divine Emperor represented the pinnacle of life.
However, he never imagined that behind the glorious facade of Divine Emperor, there were so many tribulations entwined. He was living like a person plagued with countless ailments!
Divine Emperor continued, “I may be gone for a few years, or perhaps as long as a decade. There's even a chance I may dissipate and cease to exist, no longer a part of this world. However, all of you are too weak. You're not strong enough to deter the Cadmans nor to intimidate the dark magicians of the outside world. That's why I plan to enhance your abilities today!”
At that point, Divine Emperor shifted the topic, saying, “However, the three of you lack the necessary fate and ultimately cannot escape the danger of death. The enhancement of your abilities today is merely to buy some time for the rising young talents. When these young talents rise, it will be your time to step back. You must remember to act according to your abilities and be wise to retreat in time when needed. Otherwise, your lives will be at risk!”
As soon as those words were spoken, Richard, Gideon, and Oswald were all taken aback.
Oswald couldn't help but ask, “May I know who are the rising young talents you're referring to, Master?”
Divine Emperor said, “This is Heaven's secret, and it must not be revealed!”
Oswald said, “Yes, Master. I spoke out of turn.”
Subsequently, Divine Emperor said, “Jonathan, you must be very curious as to why I have summoned you here, aren't you?”
Jonathan respectfully said, “I am indeed curious. I kindly ask for your guidance, Divine Emperor!”
Divine Emperor said, “Among those present, your fate is ridden with the greatest possibilities. If I were to reveal the identity of one of the rising young talents, you would certainly be one of them. However, even I would find it difficult to assist you with your destiny. You are now of the vampire ancestor,
Leahra, and even I cannot help you solidify your Destino Fruit. Therefore, you must seek your own opportunities!”
Unable to hold back, Jonathan asked, “Divine Emperor, where should I go to find this opportunity?”
Divine Emperor said, “Even I cannot foresee that.”
Jonathan said, “It's surprising that there are things in this world that even you cannot foresee, Divine Emperor.”
Divine Emperor said, “The universe is vast and human capabilities have limits. It's not surprising that I can't see through everything.” He paused, then added, “You were able to break my Glacial Frostbind in Moranta, so you are indeed quite impressive.”
“I've been impetuous. I hope you won't take offense, Divine Emperor!” Jonathan hastily said.
Divine Emperor said, “That's not a problem.” He continued, “I've called you and Catherine here today because I have a task for you. Later, when I'm enhancing the abilities of my three disciples, an old acquaintance will attempt to intrude. I've already set up the Celestial Machina Formation here, and it will take him three hours to break through. To get in earlier, he will send a Thraumorn Puppet. This Thraumorn Puppet knows no magic, but its combat force is extremely formidable. I need you and Catherine to either repel or stall this Thraumorn Puppet. After three hours, I will return. Remember, this concerns the life and death of my three disciples and your future survival. If this process is disrupted, endless tribulations will follow, which I fear you youngsters may be unable to withstand!”
“I understand. I will certainly give it my all!” Jonathan immediately replied. He then asked, “Divine Emperor, if you are going to face the tribulation this time, what about Catherine?”
Divine Emperor said, “Catherine can stay by your side. You don't have to worry.”
A wave of joy washed over Jonathan. Indeed, he was reluctant to part ways with Catherine.
A glint of joy also flashed in Catherine's eyes.
Subsequently, Jonathan couldn't help but say, “Divine Emperor, I still have some questions I'd like to ask.”
“Go ahead and ask!” said Divine Emperor.
Jonathan asked, “Is it the Demon Emperor, Tristan, who intends to attack?”
Divine Emperor said, “No. As of now, Tristan and his son are still scheming within Divine Realm. Tristan wouldn't dare to cross me, let alone make these underhanded moves behind my back.”
“Who could it be, then? Who would have the audacity to disturb you?” Jonathan couldn't help but wonder.
“This old acquaintance has accumulated too much resentment toward me, so he won't have any fear,” said Divine Emperor. “He is Asura Emperor, Magnus Scholten!”