The leading Dao child murmured as he stared at Patrick, beads of sweat slowly rolling down his face as fear, anxiety, and uneasiness washed across his face. But unnoticeably, the Dao child quickly resumed his previous impassive expression as he acted as if unaffected. Turning his head sideways, he sent mind messages to his group.
'Listen, change of plans, it seems the One Above is more powerful than expected, so our goal now is to gather as much information about him and Athos as possible, his strength and weaknesses, who are the women with him, information about the so-called god fairy and who is that tall red-haired man. And as for you, little Dao brother, you dare not cause commotion any longer, let alone challenge the One Above. I shall shatter your cultivation core if you go against my orders. Are we clear?!'
'Why the sudden change, elder Dao brother? Wasn't it your idea to provoke the Athos and see if the One Above is as strong as the rumors, so why the sudden change?'
One of the females among the Dao children asked with a baffled look; the others had the same expression. The sudden change of attitude of their elder Dao brother was quite baffling. Hearing the female's question, the other Dao children stared at the leading Dao child, expecting an answer. But then, the leading Dao child spoke.
"Because the rumors are true, so causing any commotion would be tantamount to suicide; even master would find it extremely difficult to save us by then."
"...."
The Dao children had shocked faces upon listening to their elder Dao brother; they couldn't help but look at the fearful beings in the sky; fear and respect slowly seeped into their hearts as they developed caution towards the One Above. But unknowingly to the other Dao children, the burly Dao Child with the arrogant attitude scoffed as he thought.
'Hmph, what a bunch of cowards! You may be the Ancient Elder's prime disciple, but you are unqualified for that title. I will challenge the One Above and show you how wrong you are.'
The Dao children then shifted their attention to Patrick; Patrick hovered over the cultivators as he continued his speech. All the interactions and thoughts between the Dao children took five seconds.
"... Athos shall be open to the public for a week as an inauguration ceremony. During that time, you can learn about the various items and gain access to knowledge far exceeding the scope of the cultivation universe. I also permit the usage of items, facilities, and any resources necessary to improve your cultivation..."
The cultivators trembled with excitement as they listened to Patrick. Most cultivators instantly assumed ecstatic faces as they expected the One Above to finish his speech. But unexpectedly, Patrick paused with a "But," this one word sent countless cultivators in anxious and suspensive states as they attentively stared at Patrick, listening to hear what the One Above was about to say. Patrick continued.
"But... attempting to cause any disturbance or chaos will lead to a fate worse than death. That includes respecting the laws of Athos and maintaining order within the facilities. With that, I conclude the inauguration ceremony; everyone is welcome to celebrate and party to their heart's content. Have a fortunate stay."
Patrick finished his speech. He maintained his impassive face as he stared at the cultivators below; he glanced through the trillions of cultivators as his eyes crossed the seven Dao children, including the leading Dao child. Without even sparing the group a second glance, Patrick spoke, his words directed to Fairy Marine.
"Lady Marine, I leave the rest to you. Also, you may already know, but we have an uninvited guest, pay him no mind now, but he plans on making some fuss."
"As his Lordship commands."
Fairy Marine bowed as she replied.
Then, Patrick's figure vanished from the scene; the three goddesses also began fading away, but as if noticing something, the three goddesses had their eyes in the sky as if looking at someone. Athena smiled, and so did her sister-wives. The three goddesses smiled as they vanished from the scene, with Athen murmuring something after.
"Welcome, dear sister."
The cultivators watched as the One Above and his group left the scene; some were still stuck in their suspensive states. But then, "TREMBLE!!" The crowd erupted into commotion as the trillions of cultivators busted out with excitement; without so much hesitation, countless groups of cultivators darted in different directions of Athos as they vanished from the scene. Some left to continue their cultivation, and others to utilize the facilities. But regardless of destination, most of the cultivators were already gone from the scene.
While most were eager to enjoy the infinite pure Qi and cultivate, some groups remained at their spots, and one of these groups was the three Overlords. The North, South, and Eastern Overlords stood as they watched the realistic hologram which previously portrayed Patrick, the fat Overlord expressed with frowned brows as he spoke.
"Just how strong does one has to be to threaten countless ancient powers, including hundreds of Saint Ancestors? And he even said it would be a fate worse than death."
"Look around you; everything here shouldn't exist, yet here we are in a realm filled with unlimited pure Qi mixed with magical essence; and beings so powerful that any one of them can easily wipe out ancient families who have existed for eons. Are you that surprised by their threatening?"
The masked Overlord spoke in reply to the fat Overlord. He continued.
"Since we have a week to spare, I will be checking the facilities first; let's see how heaven-defying Athos truly is."
Done speaking, the masked Overlord steadily rose from the ground as he vanished from sight. The fat Overlord and the North Overlord also vanished from the scene.
In another branch city, the Head General looked up as he contemplated something; he spoke to his sister.
"How are we supposed to get an audience with the god fairy? Many other ancient powers should already be trying to get an audience with her. ... Forget it; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; we should get our men to cultivate and break through to higher realms as earlier as possible. Sister, what about you? What do you intend to do?"
"... I want to visit the library facility the One Above mentioned; I want to see what knowledge could be beyond our scope of reality. I might even learn a thing or two about the items in Athos. See you a week later. And please, brother, no matter what you do, don't offend the Athosians."
"You worry too much, little sister; even I am not that stupid to be that arrogant."
The Head Manager spoke as he watched his little sister disappear into the distance.
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