What did she mean by that? No one understood... with the exception of Bai Lanyue.
At that very moment, she looked to her side and gazed at her beloved younger sister, someone she loved deeply, just as she loved her father—the only two people who truly mattered in her life... Her heart pounded fiercely, and an expression of pain appeared on her face.
The rain grew heavier, gradually soaking their clothes. Many took out tools from their Spatial Rings to shield themselves from the rain, while some even used energy shields, demonstrating just how incredible their mastery over Qi was.
"Here, my lord." The Governor's Loyal Servant quickly enveloped everyone in an energy shield, leaving only Bai Lanyuan standing farther behind.
Staring at the pitch-black sky and allowing herself to be drenched by the rain, her expression was neither gloomy nor serene. There was only... pain.
"Big Sister? Let's go!" Bai Lan's expression was no better. Her heart was racing. Too many things were about to happen, especially after what had just occurred. It had clearly been a threat. She wanted to flee—to leave the city and take with her only what was precious to her: her Family.
Meanwhile, Feng Qi caught a glimpse of what it meant to possess power capable of shaking the heavens. His heart raced... What would it be like to possess such overwhelming strength? It was terrifying!
For a moment, all of Qingyao's greatest forces trembled like leaves in the wind as they stood before this person. An aura as vast as the heavens pressed down upon their bodies, leaving them powerless to resist.
Deeply concerned about Bai Lan and her family, Feng Qi also allowed the rain to soak him. Somehow, it eased his worries a little... worries.
'Sigh. "All of a sudden, I've started caring about this Family... Perhaps it's because of how much they care for one another. Or maybe it's simply because they are a... a Family."
In a way, they reminded him of his own Family. Obviously, something told him it wasn't only that. Bai Lanyue... there was something special about this woman that made him feel strange. The feeling was far more intense than what he felt toward Li Yuhuan...
It's something I can't explain, he thought.
There was no unnecessary delay after Qin Xue's arrival. Everyone introduced themselves properly, and Tian Ming immediately took it upon himself to guide her through the city while simultaneously escorting her to his Manor.
"Tian Ming is cunning..." Bai Tianheng remarked.
"He's preparing himself," Bai Lanyue replied. She certainly understood what he was doing.
The following day, the news came to light: the Empire had fallen without a single battle being fought. The Northern Immortals officially announced their takeover of the Empire, and it was now being divided into several new provinces. Each Immortal Master would govern their own territory, while Qingyao, along with all the surrounding provinces, belonged to Qin Xue.
There were no drastic changes. The Bai Family continued to govern the city, but...
"That bastard took control of the city's treasury! We have no funds left except our own reserves to feed the people..." Bai Tianheng was furious and stressed.
Officials from the Tian and Han Families were still wandering around the Bai Family Manor. The reason? It was more than obvious.
"We should leave the city!"
"Father, no!" Bai Lanyue exclaimed. "It's still too early. They're only trying to gain Qin Xue's favor... This afternoon. This afternoon, everything will change drastically." Although resolute, her expression was filled with deep concern. She didn't know how much of the plan would actually go as intended.
Bai Lanyue had expected a large number of the Northern Immortals to be present, yet only this woman named Qin Xue had arrived. Activating her Master's Summoning using the Jade Pendant solely for this situation didn't seem right.
After killing Qin Xue, what would happen? The Immortals from the other territories would fight over these lands, and the problems would never end. She obviously already knew this, which was why she had explained the entire plan to her Master in detail.
The Summoning of the Jade Pendant was no ordinary artifact. She held it tightly in her hands. Her plan depended on the participation of a single person—and that person would solve all of her problems.
"It will be a massacre!"
Pūtōng!
"Huh? What's that?"
In the training courtyard, Feng Qi was training as usual, completely unaware of the problems plaguing the world, focused on a single thing...
Training!
He desperately wanted to leave this place, but there was still some time before he could fulfill his contract.
As the wind blew toward him, Feng Qi looked toward the tree behind him. Beneath it, a silhouette was watching him.
"Bai Lanyue! Miss!" What is she doing here? It was an unexpected visit, much to his surprise.
"There's no need for such a fuss... I'm here to talk to you." The wind swayed Bai Lanyue's long hair, and her breathtaking beauty made Feng Qi feel intimidated.
"How can I help you?"
Sigh. She pondered for a moment before asking, "Where do you intend to go once your contract expires?"
Feng Qi thought for a moment. He seemed somewhat sad before answering, "I don't know. Actually, I intend to head to the Imperial Capital... perhaps that will be my next destination."
"Perhaps?"
"I'm not sure. I'll go wherever my destiny leads me."
"That's very irresponsible of you."
"H-How so?"
"Think about it. The Southern Region has been invaded by outside forces. In a way, this is actually beneficial in the long run. Our resources and experience are mediocre in comparison. The Immortals are gathering talented individuals from everywhere. The Southern Region will be annexed, and before long, many Nascent Soul Immortals will be born right here."
"I don't understand where you're going with this." Feng Qi crossed his arms.
Sigh. "What I'm saying is that you could become the disciple of one of these existences. If you're talented enough, they will provide you with all the resources you need. Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm wouldn't be a distant dream anymore. Why wander the world when you can take a shortcut?"
The weather was growing colder, but it was still beautiful, with immense clouds covering the sky.
"Winter will arrive soon... these lands will be covered in snow," Feng Qi said, gazing at the sky as the wind fluttered his clothes. "It's beautiful. I was born in Qingyao and spent most of my life here, until I was forced to move to the countryside. Living there made me realize just how much there is in this world—so many landscapes, so many people, martial techniques, and hidden secrets... I want to explore the world."
He fixed his gaze on Bai Lanyue, secretly admiring her beauty.
Bai Lanyue, on the other hand, understood part of what he meant. It seemed like a different kind of feeling, and suddenly, she found herself immersed in that aura.
A smile formed on her lips.
"Interesting. Basically, what you want is to live your life to the fullest, without being bound by worldly chains or responsibilities. I once wanted to do something similar..." She gazed at the vast sky once more. "But I was too afraid to face everything alone."
Feng Qi looked at her in surprise. He considered her an imposing woman, someone who possessed even greater authority than the Governor. Seeing her harboring such fear of the world made him question his perception of her.
"I wasn't telling you to give up on your dreams... I simply wanted to understand whether what you truly seek is strength. And, well, what I said still stands. If you want to explore the world, you need power. If you can reach the Core Formation Realm, you'll be able to fly through the heavens, touch the clouds, and perhaps even gaze upon the sun."
Silence descended between them. Both seemed lost in their own thoughts.
Bai Lanyue seemed about to say something, but instead, she decided to change her approach.
"Those symbols on your body—don't let others know about them. In the meantime, you should try to understand how they work. Perhaps you'll discover something interesting."
"I heard Bai Lan say that they're ancient characters. Do you know anything about them?" Feng Qi asked.
"All I know is that they're extraordinary. You should find a way to conceal them."
"Is it possible to hide them?"
"Yes. It's not particularly difficult. When you reach the Capital, find the Masters of the Ancient Runes Pavilion. They should be able to help you. But be prepared to pay a hefty price. Those old men don't work for free."
A charming laugh made Feng Qi's heart beat faster.
"W-Well, perhaps I'll find them..." Feng Qi was visibly embarrassed.
Despite the cheerful atmosphere, Bai Lanyue's happy expression soon faded. With a profound gaze, she said, "Things will become more complicated from now on... Resistance is inevitable at some point. Go to the Imperial Capital. You don't need to remain trapped here. Your work is finished!"
After saying that, she left with a trace of sadness in her expression. Feng Qi was stunned by the sudden change.
What just happened?
Suddenly, a shadow seemed to swallow the sky. Feng Qi looked upward and couldn't help widening his eyes.
Flying vessels filled the skies above Qingyao—around thirty-four of them.
"W-What?! What the hell is that?!"
Bai Lanyue didn't even look toward the sky. She had already expected this. Her expression remained neutral, without the slightest reaction.
The people of Qingyao looked upward and cried out in astonishment. Flying Ships were considered something belonging to the Imperial Court. If they were here, then there could only be one explanation: the Emperor had come personally.
"It's the Imperial Court!"
"The Imperial Court has come again? Blessed be!"
"Incredible! To think the event organized by the Tian Family would reach such proportions!"
"Strange. Why would people from the Imperial Court come here?"
"The last time I saw something like this was during the Governor's Appointment!"
"B-But why are there so many? Even when the Emperor came, there were only five vessels."
The people throughout the city were in an uproar. Even the Elders and Monks of the Isolated Mountain immediately came upon seeing the vessels.
Immediately, all the other officials moved to receive these people, believing them to be from the Imperial Court.
...They were mistaken.
A golden aura, imposing and dense as water, surrounded every vessel. At that moment, Core Formation Elders leapt out and flew toward them. They quickly bowed respectfully and guided them toward the harbor.
Those capable of freely flying through the heavens were regarded as Gods by ordinary people. And it made sense. Experts of this Realm could accomplish things that were unimaginable to mere mortals. Make plants grow rapidly? Construct entire cities in an instant? Anything was possible.
These Elders were responsible for most of the enormous monuments throughout Qingyao. Such people could even surround oceans and destroy mountains as easily as breathing.
These old Elders had not bowed before the Emperor the last time he came, so something was clearly wrong.
Thus, the people of the city were alarmed by the arrival of these ships. There was no announcement from the Bai Family Manor, and so the uncertainty persisted.
Hours later, the event began, and people gradually started arriving. With the invitation sent out by the Tian Family in cooperation with various sects and clans, the event was obviously not going to be small. It would even involve prominent figures from outside the region.
As a result, there were countless delicacies and commercial stalls, while people from all regions and smaller cities gathered in search of better opportunities.
But there was a rumor spreading among the mortals...
That afternoon, during the main event, a woman with long, light-brown hair fluttering in the wind slowly climbed onto the stage, which stood noticeably high above the ground, where countless eyes stared at her.
Beside her were unfamiliar faces radiating the same aura as the newly arrived vessels. Behind them, all the principal figures responsible for the city's most important sectors stood silently...
...some with grim expressions.
There were sect leaders, clan patriarchs, even the Feng Clan had attended the event, along with heads of powerful families, great merchants—everyone...
Except the Bai Family and several other equally important figures who demonstrated their loyalty to the Imperial Crown.
Standing there and facing the crowd, those unfamiliar figures appeared imposing. The population had no idea that these men were sweeping their Spiritual Senses in every direction. Not even an ant could hide from them.
At that moment, it was as clear as day that none of these unfamiliar figures belonged to the Imperial Court.
And the rumor grew even stronger.
The woman at the center slowly exhaled and inhaled before a strange glimmer emerged from her eyes, drawing everyone's attention.
"From this day onward, this city and all the provinces annexed to it belong to me."
Her voice resounded throughout the city like thunder in the heavens.
The Central Plaza was enormous. Hundreds of thousands, even millions of people were present. After that thunderous voice echoed through the city, everyone's attention turned toward the figures standing upon the immense stage.
Many people's hearts began to race. Some already knew what was happening behind the scenes.
"You live beneath the heavens, but I walk beyond them."
With a single snap of her fingers, approximately eighteen mountains, each spanning dozens of li, trembled around thirty-five miles away from the city. Then, an invisible force pulled them toward the heavens.
The city shook from the resulting tremors, but the seismic force was quickly dispersed by one of the people accompanying the woman.
The eighteen mountains gathered above Qingyao, and in complete shock, the entire population stared at the heavens, which were now filled with enormous floating islands.
"HEAVENS!"
"What the hell is happening?!"
"I knew it! There were rumors that the Emperor had been killed!"
"My God!"
"I am Qin Xue! Mistress of the Glacial Lotus Sect! I am the one you call the Northern Immortal. From now on, your city, your Empire, and this entire Region belong to us. I am your new Governor, and I demand the respect I am owed!"
With a smile, her voice shook the ground once more. The people could feel their insides twisting, and some could barely remain standing.
Even citizens who were outside the city at that moment couldn't help but collapse to the ground.
"From now on, all financial and administrative matters will be placed in the hands of the Tian Family. As for you, mere mortals, I only want your finest fruits. Those who possess great talent should come to the Glacial Lotus Sect! There are many powerful Nascent Soul Masters waiting to take promising talents as disciples!"
Qin Xue enjoyed what she saw. That sensation of overwhelming power was intoxicating.
But what truly mattered here was the harvest.
Yes, the harvest.
The younger generation was the most promising. Of course, the older generation also had its value. However, the younger generation would be affected by the Great Changes sweeping through the region, which would contribute to their development.
'Soon, these people will learn what true cultivation is...'
Tian Ming thought this with satisfaction. He was pleased with his decision and had no intention of turning back.
However, not everything went according to plan.
Among the thousands of people gathered there, formation after formation suddenly activated. At that moment, all of Qingyao began to shine...
...with despair.
People began screaming for help. Some ran blindly, others hallucinated, while some...
...melted.
Countless explosions erupted throughout the vast crowd. The death toll easily surpassed tens of thousands within just a few seconds. If it continued, all of Qingyao would be reduced to a lake of blood.
The imposing leaders and patriarchs of the various families and clans were horrified by the scene. They looked around desperately for answers, fearing the worst.
"Find whoever is doing this!" Tian Ming shouted, now the head of the Tian Family. He feared losing so many citizens. That wasn't what he wanted.
After all, what would become of an Empire without its citizens?
Even if ordinary people were insignificant to Nascent Soul Immortals, the men and women who governed the Southern Region still valued their mundane lives. Besides, the greatest talents were often born among these simple people.
"No... no, not my people!" Tian Ming shouted.
Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed throughout the city. Everyone could hear it. Even those burning in flames and melting alive could hear that horrifying laughter, and for a brief moment, their pain subsided.
"The same trick as always. They dared to do this in your capital... and now it seems they're targeting Qingyao. Idiots!" Qin Xue exclaimed disdainfully.
She raised her hand and touched something invisible with her index finger—something that even Qingyao's Old Elders could not perceive.
Then, before their eyes, everything that had happened began to reverse.
Every death.
Every explosion.
Everything began rewinding.
"W-What? What is that?" Han Yucheng, despite being under control, had been forced to attend the event.
"It's going back..." Tian Mochen replied, currently responsible for guiding the current head of the Tian Family.
"What do you mean, going back? Going back to what?!" Han Yucheng shouted once more.
"Time," Tian Ming answered. "That's the Law of Time!"
Indeed, time was flowing backward.
Everything returned to the way it had been. Those surrounding the Central Plaza had no idea that something terrible had just happened.
Meanwhile, those on the stage, terrified by such overwhelming power, slowly stepped backward.
It seemed that a temporal bubble had rewound time to the moment before the explosions.
In the next instant, Qin Xue grasped the wind, and all of the Emperor's spies hidden among the crowd disappeared completely.
They reappeared moments later in a sea of volcanic lava, where they were burned to death.
"Hmph! This is what they do to their own people," Qin Xue said. "They are Demons wearing Human skin. Those who follow them, even the innocent, must pay for their mistake."
"I should have kept the Bai Family as the city's Governors, but their loyalty to the former Emperor is excessive. They dare to conspire behind my back... Therefore, I hereby begin a hunt for all loyal followers of the Emperor. Whoever brings me their heads will receive generous rewards and will simultaneously be promoted to an Outer Disciple of my Sect."
She pointed toward the eighteen floating mountains.
The people didn't understand what had happened, but some were interested in the offer, even though they did not view the Bai Family as enemies.
"By the way," she continued. "I'm changing the city's name to Lingxiao. From this day onward, this shall be the City of the Eighteen Lingxiao Peaks!"
And so...
The story was being written.
The offer seemed incredibly tempting to many.
An Immortal from the North had conquered all of Qingyao with nothing more than her voice, and that same existence was now offering them a rare opportunity...
...Entering a True Immortal Sect was something they had never even dared to dream of.
Many knew about these Sects. They possessed countless powerful masters who could easily crush even the Empire.
"Immortal Techniques..."
"Formations!"
"Pill and Rune Refinement!"
"Can I become an Immortal?"
"If I succeed, will I be able to choose riches as well?"
Everyone was salivating at the thought.
And something terrible was about to happen.
It wasn't only ordinary people who were tempted. Even those who held some affection for the Bai Family felt provoked by the opportunity.
Suddenly, a massive movement formed in front of the Bai Family Manor...
But then, something strange happened.
One by one, most of the members and branches of various families, along with numerous sects and other major forces, clans, merchants, and even some smaller factions simply collapsed to the ground...
Already dead.
Qin Xue's eyes flashed at that moment.
She could sense every breath and every thought within the city. She had even read Bai Tianheng's thoughts and schemes.
However, one strange thing refused to leave her mind.
Bai Lanyue.
This young woman was not normal.
There was no way for Qin Xue to read her thoughts. Likewise, it was impossible to spy on her whereabouts.
It was as if a veil of smoke obscured her vision, preventing her from seeing her in any way.
For the first time in a very long time, what she felt was completely different from anything she had ever experienced.
And now, strangely enough, everyone who had fallen dead could not be brought back—not even by reversing time.
These people had died...
...and their souls had been taken.
"What is happening?!"