"How are you feeling?"
"I'm recovering very well. I have to thank the Young Miss for everything."
"Oh, so you've finally learned how to speak properly?"
"Why do you always have to give me a hard time?"
"Hahahahaha."
There was an air of joy between them. Bai Lan, Luo Zixuan, and Feng Qi had grown increasingly close, almost like old friends.
"There will be a 'celebration' organized by the Tian Mansion at the Upper Plaza..." Suddenly, Bai Lan's smile faded as she remembered what was about to happen. "As the Governor's Family, we are special guests."
"Another celebration? What are they celebrating all the time?" Luo Zixuan looked thoughtful, imagining the possibilities. He had finally reached the 9th Layer of Body Refinement and had become incomparably stronger. He felt confident enough to deal with whatever problems might arise.
At that moment, Feng Qi clenched his fist. He remembered the Feng Clan and that strange man he had encountered in the Arenas.
Pūtōng!
But the real problem was the person behind his assassination. It had been troubling him for days.
Han Yucheng... Feng Qi exuded killing intent as he uttered that name.
The Young Miss noticed his nervousness. He appeared to be trembling with fear. Little did she know that the heart of this young man was surrounded by fury.
"Feng Qi... don't worry about it. Big Sister has decided to establish a new rule within the Mansion. Our Bodyguards will have to wear masks during the event. And since this isn't going to be a small gathering, all the Veterans will be nearby. We have nothing to worry about," Bai Lan explained.
She tried to sound confident, but it was difficult. Ever since she learned that the Immortals of the North were coming, her soul had been trembling like a leaf in the wind.
This event was much larger than the previous ones. The entire city had been invited, and even those living in the surrounding areas were welcome to attend.
Something major was about to happen.
"What is there to fear? Tian Ming wouldn't dare do anything to us, right?" Luo Zixuan spoke up.
"He still has to maintain appearances."
Bai Lan frequently glanced at the ring on her finger. The sorrow and anguish in her eyes did not go unnoticed.
Feng Qi stared at her for a moment, but suddenly seemed to realize something.
Why have I started caring about this? Regardless of what happens, I will continue walking my own path. I cannot tie my life to the Fate of this Family...
Even though he was certain of his own path, his heart tightened whenever he saw the anguish on Young Miss Bai Lan's face.
Meanwhile, in another room...
"S-So... this is your plan?"
The Governor stared at his eldest daughter, Bai Lanyue, in disbelief. A dark aura surrounded the room, seemingly cutting them off from the Outside World.
It was indeed a formidable ability possessed by Bai Lanyue. Yet what the Governor could not understand was how his daughter had become so powerful in such a short period of time.
He had never suspected that behind this beautiful woman stood an unfathomable existence guiding her.
"I know it's risky, Father, but if the Northern Region has truly set its sights on us... then we have no other choice."
Bai Lanyue gazed at the city through the window. Her eyes were filled with determination. There was neither fear nor hesitation within them.
"I know, but... Emperor?" Bai Tianheng was hesitant, his heart filled with anguish.
Becoming the New Emperor was the proposal his daughter, Bai Lanyue, had presented to him.
Through some unknown method, she would eliminate the threats and seize power from the current Emperor.
"Everything this Imperial Family has done over the past few centuries has been to ruin the talent of our Region. Do you remember? Ru Lindong, possibly the greatest genius the South has produced since records began, had his talent stolen and his life taken... The Imperial Family had a hand in it. And of course, it wasn't the last time, nor would it have been. Now, after all these years, our weapons against the Immortals of the North... are buried six feet underground."
Bai Lanyue's dark gaze sent a chill through Bai Tianheng's soul.
It was only natural. After all, his daughter had already reached the 3rd Layer of Foundation Establishment, and he had not even been aware of it.
Indeed, Bai Lanyue had always been mysterious, possessing talent far beyond that of her generation. But it was specifically her journey to the Imperial Capital that had changed her so much...
What exactly did she witness during these past few years? Bai Tianheng wondered.
"Dear, we need to consider these matters carefully."
Even if some of her ideas were plausible, ascending the Imperial Throne was far too much to contemplate.
"I have help..."
Bai Lanyue's voice echoed throughout the library.
"And I also have a Master. She has supported me and is willing to send help to you. Father, to the Emperor, your loyalty is worth less than the bark of a wild dog!"
Gradually, Bai Lanyue—the polite and reserved young woman—raised her voice. Her hand eventually slammed against the main table. Due to the immense strength behind the blow, the table shattered as if it were made of glass.
Despite the enormous force, not a single sound escaped the room. The servants outside suspected nothing, and no spy would have been capable of sneaking in.
The dark aura permeated the entire room, protecting, guarding, and watching over them.
Bai Tianheng was visibly frightened. A thought even crossed his mind.
Is this really my daughter?
After what she had done, the atmosphere became heavy. Bai Lanyue realized her mistake and immediately apologized.
After a while, Bai Tianheng straightened his posture. He remembered that he was still the Governor—and above all, Bai Lanyue's father.
With a sigh, he opened his mouth.
"Fine."
Those were the only words he uttered after such a long silence.
What was there left to consider?
Bai Tianheng was no fool. He understood that even though he was a loyal follower of the Crown, his importance within the Nobility was completely dispensable. One could clearly see his true importance whenever he met with the Nobles and, above all, with the Emperor.
The treatment was always the same. Everyone displayed a noble and dignified appearance, but behind their masks, an aura of ingratitude could be felt.
Thinking about it now, the Governor realized that many of the new laws and proposals he had presented had eventually been revoked by the Court.
The Governor was always displeased whenever that happened. Many of his proposals involved sophisticated methods to improve the Region's situation: constructing new areas for cultivating medicinal plants, conducting research into Pill Refinement, and investing in infrastructure, education, and trade.
There were so many ideas that they could not possibly fit onto three or four pages.
Almost all of them had been ignored.
Bai Tianheng felt like a fool.
Sigh.
"Then how do you intend to do this? This help... your Master. How powerful is she?"
Obviously, accomplishing something like this would be impossible if her backer were too weak.
Nascent Soul was not even worth considering. Many members of the upper class knew that the Great Elders supporting the Imperial Family were powers at the peak of Nascent Soul. They were truly Immortals.
Soul Transformation... It must be at least someone at the Soul Transformation Realm to change the course of this war.
Sigh.
Even then, things would not be particularly promising. With a powerhouse of that level, the most they could do was preserve the dignity of the Southern Region.
There was a select group of people within the Imperial Court, including the Emperor, who knew the truth.
It had been impossible to determine the exact number, but there were a total of forty-three Soul Transformation Immortals controlling the Northern Region...
Fighting the Northern Region seemed like a cruel joke.
It was like a child trying to fight an army of warriors.
The Governor's expression was grim. It was easy to understand what kind of situation the Southern Region had found itself in.
Throughout this time, Bai Lanyue simply stared at the hopeless man before her.
She had initially thought convincing him would be difficult, even if she revealed the identity of her Master.
They say true loyalty lasts until death... It seems I was mistaken. Father cares about the Region. To him, duty is greater than loyalty.
"And?" the Governor asked. "Aren't you going to say anything?"
A genuine smile appeared on the beautiful woman's face. She then snapped her fingers.
The incredibly expensive wooden table, which had been shattered like glass, instantly returned to its original state as if nothing had happened. There wasn't even a single scratch on it, and it looked even newer than before.
"This is how we should act during difficult times. Don't worry about my Master. She is someone capable of solving all our problems," Bai Lanyue replied.
"Your Master..." Bai Tianheng sighed. "I only ask that you be careful with what you say. You know that powerful individuals like them aren't willing to interfere with problems they consider trivial. You could end up provoking their wrath."
"Don't worry. I have everything under control. Now, continuing..."
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital...
"Qin Xue!!!"
A thunderous and imposing voice reverberated throughout every corner of the Imperial Courtyard.
"Oh, my... if it isn't Leng Cangyuan, Master of the Glacial Crest Peak. To what do I owe the honor of your esteemed presence?"
A beautiful and imposing woman smiled the moment she was called.
This woman was relatively young among the Immortals of the North, and her talent was considered top-tier.
Her long black hair flowed freely down her back, swaying gently in the breeze. Her beautiful face was always adorned with a calm, almost provocative smile, revealing an absolute confidence in herself.
She did not walk like someone who feared danger, but like someone who had already overcome countless obstacles.
Her presence was majestic, and her aura made it seem as though Heaven and Earth were within her grasp.
However, her frequent smiles often drove most of her rivals into a state of extreme rage.
"What do you think you're doing here? This territory has already been claimed by my Glacial Crest Peak. Don't even think about playing games with me, or I won't let you off so easily!"
The man in question was the current overseer of the Chenyang Empire's territory.
Suddenly, several guards surrounded the beautiful woman, who merely smiled at the entire scene.
This small battalion, composed of eighteen Golden Core soldiers, could easily annihilate several cities like Qingyao.
"Oh? What's this? Am I not even allowed to pay a visit to an acquaintance?"
"You...!"
It was as clear as day that these two did not get along.
For many years, the Glacial Lotus Sect had been competing with Glacial Crest Peak over territory and disciples. The two were irreconcilable enemies.
Even so, they seemed to maintain a certain degree of order and respect toward their neighbor.
"It's a shame. It seems we won't be neighbors anymore. That makes me a little sad," Qin Xue said with a mocking tone.
"Hearing that from your mouth makes me sick! Just tell me what you want!"
On the other hand, Leng Cangyuan had no intention of giving up his newly acquired territory. He would destroy the Glacial Lotus Sect if necessary.
"Leng Cangyuan... why so tense? I'm merely envious of what you just obtained. Congratulations. Unlike you, all I was left with was a small piece of land farther to the west. I'm disappointed. It seems you and the others are favored by the Lord."
This time, her gaze exuded a sinister and murderous aura.
The Imperial Guards instinctively backed away. Fear invaded their bodies, their hands trembling violently. Many of the weapons and artifacts they carried simply fell to the ground as if they had suddenly become ownerless.
The fear in one soldier's eyes was particularly intense.
However, something seemed wrong.
His head suddenly swelled...
And exploded.
"Argh!!!" one of the Imperial Guards screamed.
Meanwhile, another soldier began deliriously convulsing. His eyes rolled at inhuman speeds, and his body trembled violently, as if an earthquake were raging inside him.
Kāchā!
The soldier simply "broke" as if he were made of glass, slowly disintegrating into sand.
It was inexplicable and bizarre at first glance.
But it did not stop there.
All sixteen remaining soldiers died in horrific ways. Some were even dragged into a kind of "hole" in the fabric of space. Another was compressed into a ball of flesh the size of a palm.
The scene was horrifying.
"Oops! Sorry... force of habit."
Her smile only fueled Leng Cangyuan's fury. He quickly summoned a powerful artifact and was about to retaliate.
"The Glacial Heart Sword!"
Qin Xue's expression suddenly became solemn.
At the same instant, she summoned another artifact—a Blade Chain that shimmered with a purplish hue and reeked of blood.
The two collided.
The entire Imperial Palace was blasted into the sky, reduced to countless fragments of stone that scattered like dust.
"My Palace!"
Even though the Emperor had indeed lost most of his authority, seeing his beloved treasure treated like trash by these aberrations left him completely stunned.
"Imperial Father!"
"Your Majesty, please come back with us!"
Relatives and servants tried to persuade him, but the rage was too much to bear.
Just as the Emperor was about to suffer a complete breakdown, his consciousness simply faded, and he collapsed onto the ground as if dead.
"Father!" one of the Imperial Princesses cried out.
"Don't worry. I merely put him to sleep. Quickly, get him out of here before something happens!"
Suddenly, the Fourth Great Elder emerged from behind the fabric of space and took control of the situation.
"Great Elder! Those bastards destroyed our greatest treasure! Please, do something!"
The Emperor's eldest son was still at the Foundation Establishment Realm and therefore had no understanding of the power possessed by the monsters they called Immortals.
"Young Crown Prince, do you still not understand the situation?"
"For many years, we have remained at the top, guiding your family, which carries the bloodline of our Master. But these aberrations in human form are beings that even we Nascent Soul cultivators do not dare provoke."
Sigh.
"Our fate fell into disgrace the moment they set their eyes upon us."
"B-But... Great Elder... that's impossible!"
Nothing could be done in the face of Absolute Strength.
The weak could only watch as their miserable lives fell into the hands of the strong.
The Law of the Jungle spoke louder than anything else!
"But do not worry!"
Even though the situation was catastrophic, the Fourth Great Elder's expression remained solemn.
"Our plan is already underway... We only need a little more patience. Can I ask you for that, Young Lords?"
All the Princes and Princesses looked at him with hopeful eyes.
The Great Plan of His Imperial Majesty was about to take its final step.
The ancient Lords of these lands dreamed big while the two Soul Transformation Immortals clashed.
"I won't let you ruin everything!" Leng Cangyuan shouted.
With a movement of his hand, both of them vanished from sight and reappeared roughly 200 miles away.
At that very moment, the image of a colossal sword tore through the sky and descended upon Qin Xue's head.
With her usual mocking smile, her hands moved rapidly, forming nine different seals.
A strange energy enveloped her.
Her left hand rapidly developed blue scales, and with nothing but her fingers, she caught the tip of the sword, which stood nearly Twelve Li tall and was almost Half a Li thick.
The instant she caught the sword, the entire landscape changed.
The ground beneath them was pushed several hundred meters downward.
Everything within a radius of 20 miles was torn apart—mountains, lakes, and forests. The landscape became utterly catastrophic, with thousands of enormous chunks of earth raining down from the sky, while the land below transformed into a sea of dirt and destruction.
All life within that perimeter was mercilessly destroyed.
In an instant, a silhouette emerged from the dust.
With a casual wave of her hand, all the dust was swept away.
"Wow... what an exaggeration."
Qin Xue looked around and lamented the destruction they had caused.
"This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't done what you did!" Leng Cangyuan exclaimed.
"Hmm... but tell me, Old Cangyuan, what do you think?"
Qin Xue shouted, "I discovered a cave nearly Fifty Li underground. It contained the secrets and techniques of an Ancient Nascent Soul Master who lived thousands of years ago."
"Hmph! I know that appearance... the Hailin Race. You allied yourself with those Beasts?"
Leng Cangyuan's gaze was filled with pure hatred. There seemed to be an irreconcilable grudge between him and this race.
"Oh... what's the problem? They aren't as bad as you think. In fact, their blood smells like that of a child. Unlike yours..."
Qin Xue dispelled her transformation, and her usual smile turned cold.
It seemed that the confrontation had ended.
Neither of them said another word, but Leng Cangyuan remained on guard.
Qin Xue turned her back on her enemy.
Before disappearing, she snapped her fingers.
Something magical happened.
The entire destroyed landscape was reconstructed as if nothing had ever happened. Even the animals and insects returned to life and continued behaving as though they had never noticed anything.
"That woman..."
Leng Cangyuan's expression was grim.
He did not know what she intended to accomplish with this unwelcome visit, but one thing was certain:
She was seeking his death.
Qin Xue was a woman who possessed a Body with special abilities. Therefore, dark secrets could not remain hidden.
The man sighed and took a single step, returning to the ruins of the Imperial Palace.
"Dong Chenfeng!"
Leng Cangyuan shouted.
The former Great Elder emerged from among the shadows of the ruins and materialized. Just moments ago, it was as though he had existed in an ethereal state.
Nervously, he approached and respectfully bowed to his New Master.
"I am here, my Lord!"
"Clean up this mess."
That was all the Northern Immortal said.
He immediately left, seemingly troubled by something.
"Yes, my Lord!"
After he departed, the First Great Elder watched the silhouette of the man disappear before quickly turning his attention back to the ruins.
His expression remained neutral, but inwardly, the Great Elder was consumed by fury to an extent he could not even quantify.
With a simple snap of his fingers, the entire Imperial Palace returned to its original state.
The Elder stared intently at the enormous palace and sighed in defeat.
His heart was shattered, and his mind was still in turmoil. Ever since he had risen to such a prestigious position, being treated like a mere servant felt like a cruel joke.
But it was the truth.
Soul Transformation... I need to find a way to reach that Realm.
He came to this conclusion deep within his heart.
The old man did not dare think any further. These monsters could read his mind as easily as breathing.
At the exact moment he vented his frustration inwardly, he sent a message through a little-known method.
The One Soul Technique!
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Capital...
An Old Matriarch slowly walked toward a small room.
Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, and her pupils dilated.
It seemed she had sensed something.
I understand... I understand. So that's how it is. But don't worry, Old Man. Our plan will not fail.
The old woman continued walking.
Suddenly, something detached itself from her and appeared in front of an abandoned house.
It was only for an instant, but something seemed to move within the darkness of that place.
Deep beneath the Imperial Capital, approximately 800 miles underground, there was an enormous cavern nearly Four miles in diameter.
At its center, enormous stones were arranged in the shape of an almost perfect circle.
The stone circle measured 100 feet in diameter. Runes were engraved upon every block, and each one emitted a faint glow.
Not only that, but the stones radiated different colors—with the exception of a single one.
This was an Ancient and Mysterious Formation.
Around the perimeter of this immense formation stood Nine of the Twelve Great Elders of the Chenyang Empire.
They were the ones who held the reins of order throughout the entire Region, guiding the Imperial Family for hundreds of years.
All Twelve Great Elders were Nascent Soul Immortals, and no force or faction within the Southern Region would dare challenge them.
"How is His Imperial Majesty?" the Third Great Elder asked, concerned about the future of the Dynasty.
"There is no need to worry. The Emperor and the Princes are playing their part. We need to complete the most difficult portion of the plan. How is it going?"
The Old Matriarch asked the question.
Everyone involved sighed collectively.
"It will still take some time," the Sixth Great Elder replied.
"How much time are we talking about?"
A bead of sweat rolled down the face of the Sixth Elder.
"I believe somewhere between four and six months."
The Old Matriarch closed her eyes and sighed deeply.
"Unfortunately, we are not as proficient in the Law of Space as you are. We could gain more time, but we always knew this day would come. We need to move faster... We are being watched."
Her gaze was as sharp as a knife.
Above them, a sinister aura hung over the entire Capital.
Even though Leng Cangyuan was away at that moment, the presence of several other Soul Transformation powerhouses could be sensed by the Nascent Soul Immortals.
At the summit of an immense hill, roughly 35 miles from the Capital, a shadow floated with a majestic presence.
It watched every corner.
Every province.
Every house.
Every person.
Searching for possible fugitives.
Sigh.
"Those rats..."