Category: A Girl Dies Every Day in Her Dream Life

Chapter 157: You and Nangong Mian Are Impossible, Another Little Princess 

Nangong Mian didn’t emerge from behind the curtain until the end of the banquet, seemingly having a pleasant conversation with the little princess.

As for the Empress, she remained hidden within the purple mist throughout the entire time. No one dared to disturb her.

When the etiquette official approached the curtain and reminded Nangong Mian that the banquet was almost over, Nangong Mian reluctantly emerged.

Before leaving, she waved goodbye to Princess Xue.

“Xue… Your Highness, goodbye. Come visit the Nangong Sacred Land sometime~”

“Okay, Sister Mian, goodbye.”

Luo Xue smiled sweetly, her face hidden behind the veil.

The etiquette official’s face darkened as she watched this. She pulled the giggling Nangong Mian aside and whispered,

“Xiao Mian, what did you and Her Highness talk about?”

“Nothing much,” Nangong Mian, surprised at being pulled aside, looked at the etiquette official. “Don’t worry, Madam, I definitely won’t be a bad influence on her.”

“That’s not the issue,” the etiquette official frowned, then after a moment of thought, asked, “I mean… do you like Her Highness?”

“Yes, it’s rare to find someone I can talk to.” Nangong Mian nodded matter-of-factly. “And Her Highness isn’t afraid of me, hahaha… and she’s also quite cute.”

“…”

The etiquette official looked deeply at Nangong Mian. She knew that the “like” Nangong Mian was talking about and the “like” Her Highness felt were two different things.

Sigh, who would have thought things would turn out like this…

She had originally intended to use Nangong Mian to warn the lords and nobles, but it had backfired, and Her Highness had developed feelings for Nangong Mian.

“You should go back now and don’t come to the Imperial Sacred Land for a while.” The etiquette official said slowly. “And tell Ling’er to come and teach the little princess.”

“Sister Ling?” Nangong Mian was slightly surprised. “She’s already at the Tribulation Immortal Realm, and the little princess is still a mortal… Isn’t that a bit of an overkill?”

“It’s the Empress’s order.”

The etiquette official said in a deep voice.

What she didn’t say was that she had originally planned to have Nangong Mian teach Princess Xue.

If that were the case, Nangong Mian wouldn’t be able to return to the Nangong Sacred Land for a while, and things there could settle down.

Now it seemed… not so appropriate.

The Foundation Establishment juniors of the Nangong Sacred Land would have to suffer for a bit longer.

“Fine,” Nangong Mian shrank back slightly. Since it was the old hag’s order, she couldn’t object. “But with Sister Ling’s personality… Her Highness will probably suffer quite a bit.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, the Empress has her own arrangements.”

The etiquette official rolled her eyes at Nangong Mian. She was troubled and had to explain these things to Princess Xue later.

Fortunately, Her Highness seemed more alert today. There was a period before where she was always dazed and confused.

Forget it, this was a secret between the Empress and the Immortal Emperor. As a servant of the Empress, she wasn’t qualified to know the truth.

After some more complicated court rituals, the lords and nobles and their juniors left.

Although today was the little princess’s birthday banquet, it was also a rare opportunity for the lords and nobles from all over to gather.

They also knew that Nangong Mian’s appearance was definitely approved by the Empress, a warning to them not to play any tricks.

It was well known that the Immortal Emperor doted on Princess Xue. Although he was absent today, the past rumors couldn’t be fake.

This was a rare opportunity. If Princess Xue took a fancy to any of their juniors, the Immortal Emperor wouldn’t be able to object, and they could gain some benefits.

Unfortunately… the Empress wasn’t playing along. They didn’t know if the rumors about their discord were true…

Luo Xue still sat behind the gauze curtain. She was the protagonist of this banquet, at least nominally, and had to stay until the end.

She turned slightly and looked towards the Empress’s throne.

The faint purple mist had already dissipated, and the Empress had quietly left.

“Strange…”

Luo Xue frowned slightly.

Based on her experiences in the previous worlds, by now, her memories of this life should have merged with her own.

It would be as if she had truly experienced these days, etched in her mind, as if she had been reborn into this world.

But the problem was…

Even now, Luo Xue still couldn’t recall much of her past memories.

They were just fragmented pieces.

However, her cultivation hadn’t disappeared, still at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Of course, the etiquette official and the others didn’t realize that Luo Xue wasn’t a mortal, because this part of her cultivation was hidden within her avatar from the Heaven Stealing Sun Shifting Art.

Her previous cultivation was tied to the Eternal Withering Body, so now, as long as Luo Xue didn’t switch to her avatar, she was completely a mortal.

And another thing, although it sounded a bit harsh, but suddenly having parents felt strange…

There were many suspicious points in this life, but Luo Xue could only bury these doubts in her heart for now. After all, the cultivators around her seemed quite powerful…

Even the maids were at the Spirit Condensation Realm, and the etiquette official was probably at Nascent Soul or above, right?

Anyway, she was much stronger than Luo Xue, so strong that Luo Xue couldn’t even sense her realm.

And during her conversation with Nangong Mian, Luo Xue had subtly asked many questions and had a rough understanding of this world.

There was a reason why the nine provinces and four domains called this place the Ancient Demon Lands. There were almost no pure humans here… As Nangong Mian had inadvertently revealed, the Nangong clan had some Phoenix bloodline, and the imperial clan were descendants of the True Dragon.

The other lords and nobles were descendants of various ancient divine beasts, which made Luo Xue apprehensive.

In addition, besides the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, there were two other immortal dynasties, but Nangong Mian didn’t mention much about them, her tone dismissive.

The territory of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty was already vast. Based on the information Nangong Mian revealed, it was at least a hundred times larger than the nine provinces and four domains…

It seemed she had truly come to an extraordinary place…

Nangong Mian was easy to fool. After calling her “Sister” a few times and flattering her a bit, she told Luo Xue everything, even about the time she secretly peeked at the Empress bathing.

She was… a simple and naive girl.

After so many lifetimes, Luo Xue finally had the confidence to call Nangong Mian, who was only about twenty years old, a “little girl.”

Just as Luo Xue was lost in thought, the etiquette official finally approached, her expression worried.

“Madam, what’s wrong?” Luo Xue looked up and asked.

The etiquette official looked deeply at Luo Xue, her gaze so profound and complicated that Luo Xue thought she had been exposed.

But her next words surprised Luo Xue.

“Your Highness, there are some things… that this old servant has to say plainly. You and Nangong Mian… it’s impossible…”

The etiquette official thought it over and decided to be direct.

“Im-, impossible…”

Luo Xue was stunned.

Impossible what?

Wait, could the madam have misunderstood something?

“Not to mention that you’re both girls, this old servant knows that there are indeed relationships between women,” the etiquette official rambled, “but you and Xiao Mian are practically relatives…”

Even if Princess Xue’s biological mother was Imperial Concubine Min, she still had to address the Empress as Mother.

And Nangong Mian’s relationship with the Empress was quite close, calling her Auntie.

“Madam, don’t worry, there’s nothing between Sister Mian and me… we just had a pleasant chat.” Luo Xue smiled wryly and quickly interrupted the etiquette official. “You don’t think I have any other feelings for Sister Mian, do you?”

“Really?”

The etiquette official asked suspiciously.

“Of course not,” Luo Xue shook her head. “Sister Mian and I are like sisters.”

“…”

The etiquette official was silent for a moment, carefully observing Luo Xue’s expression, not seeing any signs of lying.

It seemed Her Highness didn’t have any romantic feelings for Nangong Mian…

Could it be… that she had misunderstood?

If so… it seemed like it wouldn’t be bad to have Nangong Mian teach Her Highness…

Forget it, the Empress had already changed her mind and decided on Nangong Ling as Her Highness’s master. She couldn’t interfere.

However… the etiquette official had initially thought that the Empress changed her mind because of Nangong Mian. Now it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“Your Highness, please return to your palace and rest.” The etiquette official sighed inwardly, her expression calming down slightly. “By the way, Your Highness, what are your thoughts on cultivation?”

“…I’m fine with anything.”

Luo Xue touched her nose. She was already at the peak of Foundation Establishment, what other thoughts could she have?

But she was also interested in the cultivation system of this world, whether the methods used by those with divine beast bloodlines were similar to those of the nine provinces and four domains.

In addition, Luo Xue also had to find time to learn about the caged world, after all, Xiao Yao was still there.

She didn’t ask directly, worried that the matter of the caged world was too sensitive and would cause trouble.

“It’s a pity that Your Highness’s bloodline is so thin… oh, I’m sorry, this old servant shouldn’t mention this.”

The etiquette official quickly lowered her head. “Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine…”

Luo Xue waved her hand dismissively.

She knew why. The few fragmented memories she had mentioned that her biological mother, Imperial Concubine Min, was one of the few descendants without a divine beast bloodline.

Not a regular human, but her bloodline was so thin that it could be ignored.

Therefore, the fact that Princess Xue’s bloodline was almost the same as a mortal’s was already well-known.

Luo Xue didn’t care. After all, she had always been an ordinary human…

After a long day, Luo Xue returned to her palace.

The etiquette official didn’t stay long and left hurriedly after escorting Luo Xue back, seemingly having other important matters to attend to.

Luo Xue was undressed, bathed, and dressed again by the maids, her face expressionless.

Honestly, this was Luo Xue’s first time being served so thoroughly… and it was very uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the maids were professionally trained, acting like robots, which prevented Luo Xue from feeling too awkward.

Finally, under the watchful eyes of a dozen maids, Luo Xue gave up on the idea of leaving the palace and went to bed.

As she drifted off to sleep, Luo Xue, for some reason, seemed to hear sharp, shrill curses again.

“Who do you think you are? You disgusting thing! The sight of you makes me sick!”

“Beat her, beat this bitch to death! If not for your luck… do you think you’re worthy?!”

“…”

“Have they all been dealt with?”

“From now on, you are above all others, the most noble princess of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, Princess Xue.”

…

Long, white hair spread across the bed. The young girl sat before the dressing table, looking at her pale, bloodless reflection in the mirror, and smiled faintly.

Behind her stood a middle-aged man with a dignified expression, a look of heartache on his face.

“Xue’er…”

“Father, you’re here?”

The girl, called “Xue’er,” turned around, a surprised expression on her face.

“Today is your coming-of-age ceremony, how could I not come?”

The Immortal Emperor reached out and stroked Xue’er’s pale hair, his heart aching.

“Xue’er, it’s Father’s fault…”

“No, Father, you’ve done nothing wrong.” A genuine smile appeared on Xue’er’s pale face. “This… is already enough.”

“I can’t bear to see you like this.” The Immortal Emperor sighed. “The banquet outside… it should have been yours.”

“Xue’er has always disliked crowds, Father, you know that.” Xue’er combed her snow-white hair as she spoke slowly. “And since it’s Mother’s arrangement, Xue’er… should obey.”

“…”

The Immortal Emperor was silent. He knew that the Empress’s arrangement wasn’t wrong.

Everyone knew that Princess Xue was born amidst the auspicious snow of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, a manifestation of the dynasty’s fortune, and she should live a happy and fulfilling life.

But…

Only the Immortal Emperor and the Empress knew that Princess Xue was born with a terminal illness, destined to not live past half a jiazi.

How ridiculous!

For cultivators, half a jiazi was but a blink of an eye. Did this mean the Immortal Dynasty’s fortune would only last for half a jiazi?

The Immortal Emperor had tried everything, searching for renowned doctors throughout the land, even inviting the Clan Leader of the Shennong clan, trying to cure Princess Xue’s illness, but to no avail.

“I… can’t call her Xue’er either.”

The Immortal Emperor thought of another “Princess Xue,” his eyes flickering.

The Empress had somehow found a girl who looked similar to Xue’er, also with white hair, and also without a divine beast bloodline, to replace Xue’er and become Princess Xue.

“We have to get used to it, Father.” Xue’er smiled faintly. “And I also want to meet her, but it’s a pity…”

Chapter 156: The Other Side of the Little Princess, Good Sister and Good Little Sister

Upon hearing these words, the entire hall was in an uproar.

The young talents didn’t understand what was happening, but the lords and nobles were surprised.

This Miss Xiao Mian… was so generous?

Like the Sixth Prince, they subconsciously assumed that Nangong Mian was offering a drop of her blood essence.

Although the Desolate Extinction Scripture she cultivated wasn’t much different from other body tempering techniques before Core Formation, except for its higher resource consumption, it was still the blood essence of a body cultivator… equivalent to the most valuable treasure at this level.

However, the Sixth Prince, knowing the truth, could only remain silent. Who would have thought that Nangong Mian was just offering ordinary blood…

After speaking, Nangong Mian took out a short sword and cut her palm.

Then, she clenched her fist, and blood dripped down, falling into a small bottle.

Countless eyes watched, but she continued unfazed, ignoring the increasingly strange gazes around her.

Finally, after filling the bottle, Nangong Mian handed it to the court attendant.

Then, she looked at the attendant expectantly, waiting for a return gift.

“That’s… it?”

The lords and nobles were shocked again.

This wasn’t blood essence… This ordinary, dull-colored blood was just… ordinary blood!

A body cultivator’s powerful regenerative ability meant a strong ability to produce blood. This ordinary blood was practically inexhaustible and therefore didn’t contain much power.

Let alone its value… even if it was stored, it would probably spoil.

The court attendant was experienced, but he had never seen such a thing before.

He stood there dumbfounded, holding the bottle, thinking it wasn’t over yet.

The Sixth Prince felt incredibly embarrassed and could only sigh, taking out a jade pendant and handing it to the attendant along with the bottle.

“This is a protective jade pendant, capable of withstanding a single attack from a Soul Transformation cultivator. In a critical moment, it might save the little princess’s life.”

“Oh…”

The attendant hurriedly took the jade pendant, thinking inwardly that this was a true treasure.

Being able to withstand a Soul Transformation cultivator’s attack wasn’t unusual, but if even an ordinary person could use it… that was truly rare.

In everyone’s eyes, the little princess hadn’t embarked on the path of cultivation, so the gifts given to her couldn’t be something that only cultivators could use.

As for Nangong Mian’s blood from the Desolate Extinction Scripture, the attendant could only accept it with a wry smile, considering it a small addition.

However, under Nangong Mian’s expectant gaze, the attendant still took out a return gift and respectfully handed it to her.

“Yay, how nice!”

Nangong Mian happily accepted the gift, while the Sixth Prince covered his face.

This small incident didn’t attract Luo Xue’s attention, as she was currently focused on the food before her.

These were rare delicacies that could nourish her meridians, something she hadn’t seen much of even in the Peerless Summit Sect. She couldn’t miss this opportunity.

She ate gracefully and properly, but under the etiquette official’s incredulous gaze, she almost swept the table clean.

“When did Her Highness develop such an appetite?”

“Well, a good appetite isn’t a bad thing.”

However, the etiquette official naturally noticed this small episode at the banquet.

But like the Sixth Prince, she couldn’t do anything about Nangong Mian and could only sigh.

But then she remembered that Nangong Mian was the person the little princess liked… and she wanted to sigh even more.

How could Her Highness like such a person?

No, she had to change the princess’s impression of Nangong Mian.

The etiquette official pondered for a moment, then said,

“Your Highness, the gift Nangong Mian gave you… seems a bit special.”

“Hmm?” Luo Xue looked up. “How is it special?”

She remembered Nangong Mian, the one who cultivated the same technique as Nangong Mengxiang, just hadn’t formed her core yet.

Luo Xue’s interest in Nangong Mian was entirely because of Nangong Mengxiang, not because of the etiquette official’s assumptions.

“It’s… a bottle of her blood.” The etiquette official said. “Ordinary blood.”

“Huh?”

Luo Xue was stunned.

This gift… felt a bit familiar.

She seemed to have given someone her blood too… Senior Sister Li. Ahem, also ordinary blood.

Luo Xue still felt guilty about this. She hadn’t known that the potency of her Calamity Poison Body blood would disappear shortly after leaving her body, yet she had confidently told Senior Sister Li that it could be used for a surprise attack.

“She just gave it perfunctorily for the sake of the imperial family’s return gift…”

The etiquette official started to subtly badmouth Nangong Mian, trying to make Luo Xue dislike her and give up on her inappropriate affection.

“It’s… not entirely perfunctory… it’s a bit thoughtful?”

Luo Xue, who had done the same thing, stammered, her gaze flickering with guilt.

If she said Nangong Mian’s action was bad, it would be like criticizing herself…

Hearing Luo Xue’s words and seeing her expression, the etiquette official thought, oh no, the little princess has truly fallen in love.

She could even tolerate such behavior…

Just as the etiquette official was racking her brains, trying to continue badmouthing Nangong Mian and bring the little princess back on track, Luo Xue suddenly said,

“By the way, Madam, can I… meet her?”

After the etiquette official’s words, and considering the possible connection with Nangong Mengxiang, Luo Xue was finally a bit interested in Nangong Mian.

“This…”

The etiquette official’s face paled, and she looked towards the Empress as if seeking help.

But there was no response from the purple mist, still silent.

The etiquette official could only sigh inwardly and say,

“Since it is Your Highness’s command, this old servant naturally won’t stop you… Of course, you can.”

She gave a look to the nearby court attendant, who immediately announced in a shrill voice,

“Summon Nangong Mian, Her Highness Princess Xue requests her presence!”

This instantly attracted everyone’s attention, and Princess Xue sat dignifiedly, a faint smile in her eyes as she looked at Nangong Mian.

What… was going on?

The young talents were in turmoil. They had thought that if the princess took a fancy to any of them, she would summon them for a private conversation.

They had all been waiting for this lucky opportunity, but they hadn’t expected… it would be Nangong Mian?!

Although Mian Wudi’s behavior was rough and her personality unpleasant, worse than most male cultivators, completely lacking the gentleness of a woman… she was still a woman!

Could it be that Princess Xue actually…

Unlike the others, Nangong Mian didn’t think so.

She thought, oh no, the little princess must have remembered her giving ordinary blood as a gift. This was… punishment!

The Sixth Prince frowned slightly and looked towards Luo Xue and the etiquette official.

Seeing the etiquette official’s mournful expression, he couldn’t understand what was happening.

“Can I… not go…”

Nangong Mian whispered.

“What do you think?”

The Sixth Prince had a headache, suddenly regretting bringing Nangong Mian here.

No, if he hadn’t brought her, the Foundation Establishment disciples in the clan would have jointly petitioned.

“Fine.” Nangong Mian reluctantly stood up and gritted her teeth. “But if they want me to return the gift, I absolutely won’t!”

Sixth Prince: “…”

Do you think everyone is like you…

After some hesitation, Nangong Mian, with a nervous heart, followed the court attendant towards Princess Xue’s curtain.

“Your Highness, Miss Nangong Mian has arrived.”

“You may leave now.”

Luo Xue sat properly, carefully examining Nangong Mian.

She didn’t look like Nangong Mengxiang at all, but Nangong Mengxiang was just an adopted orphan, so she couldn’t be her sister or anything.

After entering the curtained area, Nangong Mian also secretly observed Luo Xue.

This was her first time seeing Luo Xue up close. Although she had called her “Xue Meimei” earlier, it was just to provoke the lords and nobles.

This naturally silver-white hair was truly beautiful…

The two looked at each other for a moment, then both averted their gazes slightly, a bit embarrassed.

This scene, in the eyes of the etiquette official, made her heart sink…

How could they… be attracted to each other?

“Madam,” Luo Xue suddenly said, “I would like to talk to Miss Nangong alone, is that alright?”

Luo Xue wanted to ask about the origin of her cultivation technique, and it wasn’t convenient with outsiders present.

The etiquette official’s face paled, but after a moment of hesitation, she nodded with difficulty.

“Please take your time, Your Highness. This old servant will go and prepare other matters.”

She looked back with unconcealed worry in her eyes.

“…What’s wrong with Madam?”

Nangong Mian, seeing the etiquette official’s strange expression, was confused.

“I don’t know, perhaps she’s not feeling well.” Luo Xue replied casually, then looked at Nangong Mian. “Please sit down. There are some things I want to ask you privately.”

“What is it?” Nangong Mian sat down, then as if remembering something, immediately stood up and crossed her arms. “You can’t ask for the gift back!”

“…What are you talking about?”

Luo Xue raised an eyebrow slightly. This Nangong Mian seemed different from her earlier impression…

“Oh, you’re not here for the gift?” Nangong Mian breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down. “Ask away, Your Highness. I’ll answer anything.”

“Is the Introduction to Body Tempering technique very common? Or is it a secret technique of the Nangong clan?” Luo Xue asked.

Since Nangong Mengxiang had told her that the technique she cultivated was the Introduction to Body Tempering given to her by True Person Fengyin, Luo Xue had always thought it was a basic technique, but she hadn’t seen any other body cultivators using it.

“Introduction to Body Tempering… I’ve never heard of such a technique. Perhaps it exists, but it should only be cultivated by first or second-rate sects.” Nangong Mian puffed out her chest proudly. “I’m different. I cultivate the Desolate Extinction Scripture, a technique that only appears once every ten thousand years…”

Before Nangong Mian could finish boasting, Luo Xue interrupted with a strange expression.

“Aren’t you cultivating the Introduction to Body Tempering?”

“Huh… how could I…” Nangong Mian was stunned. “I… how could I possibly… I cultivate the Desolate Extinction Scripture, the inherited technique of the Nangong clan, a technique that only one person is qualified to cultivate every ten thousand years! How could it be a beginner’s technique…”

Nangong Mian’s personality was quite arrogant, and seeing Luo Xue’s doubtful gaze, she added,

“You can go out and ask, what beginner’s…”

“Don’t worry, I’m just asking.” Luo Xue said.

“Oh…”

Nangong Mian suddenly realized that the person before her was the little princess and quickly restrained herself.

Although she wasn’t afraid of anything, she was still afraid of the Empress…

The little princess seemed to be under the Empress’s protection, so she couldn’t act recklessly.

“It seems my earlier guess was correct…”

Luo Xue pondered for a moment, her expression thoughtful.

This world… should be the legendary, sealed Ancient Demon Lands.

Although not within the nine provinces and four domains, it had a deep connection with that world.

And it could finally be confirmed that the geniuses of this world were generally much stronger than those of the nine provinces and four domains, and the spiritual energy here was much purer.

Nangong Mian was only about twenty years old, cultivating the slow-progressing body cultivation technique, yet she had already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

—Of course, if Luo Xue knew that the resources Nangong Mian had consumed so far were enough for more than a hundred cultivators to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, she wouldn’t think so.

However, what was strange was that in her previous two lives, she hadn’t had parents, but now she was an imperial princess… how strange.

Seeing Luo Xue lost in thought, Nangong Mian didn’t disturb her, just sat there, looking around out of boredom.

But after a while, her gaze returned to the little princess.

“Strange… why did the little princess seem so cute before, but now, when she’s thinking, she seems so mature…”

After staring at Luo Xue for a while, Luo Xue finally came back to her senses, blinked, and smiled.

“Sister Nangong, what’s wrong?”

The cute feeling was back…

“No-, nothing… ah, you called me Sister Nangong?” Nangong Mian was surprised. “I… I might not be worthy of such an address…”

She glanced at the Empress. Within the entire Nangong clan, the person she feared the most was this old… ahem, she didn’t dare to think further.

“Didn’t you just call me Xue Meimei?” Luo Xue’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Or… Sister Mian?”

“Hiss…”

This soft and sweet “Sister” almost made Nangong Mian swoon.

No one had ever called her that before. The younger members of her clan were all terrified of her, calling her Mian Wudi, or even Demon King Mian.

—-

Wudi (武帝)-meaning “Martial Emperor.” Is a Chinese term that can refer to a posthumous title for a Han dynasty emperor, this nickname is because of his nearly continual wars to extend China’s boundaries

Chapter 155: The Little Princess Appears, A Familiar Gift

Several young talents had already been defeated by Nangong Mian at the banquet.

She hadn’t even really fought. After her opponents exhausted all their techniques, she simply walked over and patted them on the shoulder.

This meant… these young talents weren’t even qualified to make Nangong Mian fight seriously.

Finally, no more young talents were willing to step forward and be humiliated.

Nangong Mian stood gracefully, looking at everyone with a smile.

“Uncles, Auntie did say that you should bring the best young talents in your clans for Xue Meimei to choose from, but now…”

She made a troubled face. “This… might be difficult.”

The “Auntie” Nangong Mian referred to was the Empress, and hearing her words, the lords and nobles’ expressions darkened slightly.

“Xiao Mian, don’t speak nonsense.”

The Sixth Prince still had a cheerful demeanor. He glanced at the Empress, then looked at the lords and nobles and said,

“This child is still young and doesn’t know any better. Please forgive her.”

“Of course, of course…”

The lords and nobles forced smiles.

Being looked down upon by a junior… Although they couldn’t refute it, they were still unhappy.

Like Zhou Ling, brought by You Wang, the juniors brought by these lords and nobles weren’t the most outstanding in their clans, but those of direct bloodline.

Among the branch families, there were also some talented individuals, even stronger than the direct descendants, but their treatment was definitely much worse.

And for a banquet where they could meet the Empress or the Immortal Emperor, it was even less likely for them to bring these branch family members.

This selfish motive was exposed by Nangong Mian, but the lords and nobles didn’t dare to speak out.

Because… Nangong Mian had mentioned the Empress, even using the intimate address “Auntie”…

“This is probably… the Empress’s intention…”

The lords and nobles all thought of this and realized that they had to reassess the Empress’s attitude towards Princess Xue.

Could it be that she wasn’t deliberately ostracizing her, as the rumors said?

“Is the Empress… standing up for me?”

Luo Xue, behind the gauze curtain, stared intently at Nangong Mian. What the lords and nobles understood, she naturally understood as well.

The Sixth Prince had taken the initiative to give the young talents a chance to show their abilities, but then had Nangong Mian, whose strength was far superior, step forward and humiliate them, embarrassing the lords and nobles.

Luo Xue’s gaze shifted between Nangong Mian and the Empress, lost in thought.

What was this woman, whom she should call Mother, planning?

It was a pity that she had only been awake for about half a day, and many of her memories hadn’t returned yet. And in her memories, she didn’t seem to have seen her father or mother much.

“Your Highness, it’s time for you to appear.”

Seeing Luo Xue spacing out again, the etiquette official quickly reminded her.

Her face was filled with worry, even more certain that the little princess’s attention was completely focused on Nangong Mian.

That Sixth Prince, with so many prodigies in his clan, he had to choose a girl…

No, it was because he was worried that the young princess would fall for someone unsuitable.

Who knew that Her Highness even liked girls…

How troublesome.

The etiquette official already knew about Nangong Mian.

This was deliberately arranged by the Empress, originally intending to do this before the Immortal Emperor, but he hadn’t come.

“I… I have to appear?” Luo Xue was flustered and quickly sat up straight. “Madam, is this alright?”

Luo Xue didn’t understand court etiquette. She didn’t even know what she should or shouldn’t do. Now, suddenly having to face these lords and nobles, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.

This nervousness, in the eyes of the etiquette official, was completely misinterpreted.

Once a misunderstanding started, it would only escalate.

“Her Highness even forgot to put on her veil…”

The etiquette official sighed inwardly and pointed to the thin veil on the table.

“Put this on, Your Highness.”

“Oh, oh, okay.”

Luo Xue nodded repeatedly and hurriedly put on the veil.

After she was ready, the court attendant with the shrill voice stepped forward again and announced,

“Her Highness Princess Xue has arrived!”

This time, the lords and nobles didn’t stand up. The little princess’s status wasn’t high enough for them to rise and bow.

However, the young talents were still looking forward to finally seeing the legendary Princess Xue.

The white gauze curtain slowly opened, revealing a silver-haired girl sitting dignifiedly, with the etiquette official standing respectfully beside her.

Almost all the young talents were captivated by the girl, marveling at how she deserved the title “Princess Xue” bestowed by the Immortal Emperor. Her cascading silver hair was truly impressive.

However, the lords and nobles looked at the etiquette official beside her, their pupils constricting.

“It’s her? Why is she…”

“It makes sense, she’s the Empress’s… It seems that the rumors about Princess Xue are not entirely accurate…”

“The affairs within the imperial family are indeed complicated, not for us outsiders to speculate.”

It was precisely because they didn’t want to get involved that all the other princes and princesses hadn’t returned to the palace to attend their sister’s birthday banquet.

“Your Highness, you have to say something.”

Seeing Luo Xue silent, the etiquette official became anxious and quickly transmitted her voice.

“Say… say what?”

“Greet the Empress and the lords and nobles!”

“Greet them…”

Luo Xue thought for a moment, then raised her hand and waved.

“Hello, everyone~”

Then she looked towards the Empress and waved again.

“Hello, Mother~”

Everyone was stunned into silence, even the figure within the purple mist seemed speechless.

The etiquette official wanted to kneel and apologize. Your Highness, you can’t do this to this old servant! Why did you forget all the etiquette I taught you…

Luo Xue didn’t know the complicated greetings of the court. There were no such things in her memories.

Not that she couldn’t remember, but she had never learned them…

“Good.”

Just then, the Empress’s cold voice came from the throne, easing the awkward silence.

Then, the young talents at the banquet quickly responded.

“This subject, Zhou Ling, thanks Your Highness for your concern, and offers a Nine Nether Ice Lotus, wishing Your Highness eternal health and happiness.”

“This subject, Chen Kangsheng, thanks Your Highness for your concern, and offers a piece of Profound Ice, wishing Your Highness eternal youth, beauty, and prosperity.”

“…”

The young talents, on behalf of the lords and nobles, offered their blessings and birthday gifts to Princess Xue, all of them treasures suitable for female cultivators.

Court attendants came and went, collecting the gifts and returning corresponding gifts, finally bringing the situation back on track.

The etiquette official glared at Luo Xue, but Luo Xue only felt wronged.

You were the one who told her to greet them…

And she did!

“Sixth Granduncle, do we also have to give a gift?”

Nangong Mian looked at the court attendants moving around the banquet hall, her eyes shining, her mouth almost watering, as if she was about to rob them.

If she could use all these treasures, she could at least advance her Desolate Extinction Scripture by half a level!

“Don’t be silly,” the Sixth Prince immediately saw through Nangong Mian’s thoughts and rolled his eyes. “It doesn’t matter whether you give a gift or not. If you want treasures, just exchange them with your Xuanyin Tokens within the clan.”

Xuanyin Tokens were like points, awarded for contributions to the clan or completing missions. Magical treasures, techniques, and heavenly treasures within the clan, unless unique, had to be exchanged with these tokens.

Large cultivation families had many descendants, even several prodigies, so resource allocation was always a problem.

“The gifts from the imperial family seem quite good~”

Although Nangong Mian still stood beside the Sixth Prince, her gaze lingered on the gifts.

“…Let me tell you, I haven’t prepared anything.”

The Sixth Prince’s eyelid twitched. He knew this girl was trying to get something from him.

He had already given her quite a few Xuanyin Tokens as payment for this mission, and she still wanted more.

…No way.

“Oh, but I don’t have anything either…”

Nangong Mian’s expression drooped. She was a body cultivator, the most resource-intensive cultivation path, and she didn’t have any treasures, not even a few spirit stones.

“Then just stand there quietly.”

The Sixth Prince was slightly smug, having finally managed to control this little girl.

Nangong Mian’s reputation within the clan’s territory wasn’t small, but it wasn’t because of her title as Mian Wudi, but rather…

She was infamous, feared by everyone.

Because of the high resource consumption of body cultivation, Nangong Mian was practically penniless, possessing only her unmatched strength within the same realm.

And what could she do with this strength…

Every once in a while, the clan would open small world secret realms for the juniors to train and obtain cultivation resources.

Anyone who had enough Xuanyin Tokens as an entrance fee could enter the secret realm and compete.

Then… Nangong Mian, relying on her invincible strength within the same realm, would rush into every secret realm, sweeping away almost 90% of the resources, beating up all the other juniors.

This left the other juniors with neither training experience nor resources, wasting their entrance fees.

Therefore, after this, almost no one dared to enter a secret realm where Nangong Mian was participating.

Occasionally, there would be a few who didn’t believe it, but after one experience, they learned their lesson.

A secret realm that could accommodate a hundred people, the clan only collected entrance fees from less than ten, a huge loss.

And the clan couldn’t do anything about Nangong Mian. After all, she was invincible at her level. They couldn’t change the ancient clan rules just for her.

The Sixth Prince had brought Nangong Mian to the clan’s main territory, and the happiest were the Foundation Establishment juniors of the same level, practically cheering as she left.

The most worried were the Core Formation juniors…

If Nangong Mian successfully formed her core after this trip, they would be the ones suffering.

As for whether Nangong Mian could be invincible at the Core Formation Realm… after several mid-stage Core Formation cultivators went to challenge her and were beaten back, no one doubted it anymore.

“How about, I give some blood!”

Nangong Mian suddenly clapped her hands, and these words stunned the Sixth Prince.

“Give… give blood? Mian’er… what are you planning?”

“I don’t have any treasures, I can’t just give away my food money for tomorrow, can I?”

Nangong Mian clutched the three remaining spirit stones in her pocket and said seriously,

“Anyway, blood can regenerate, and this is the blood of the Desolate Extinction Scripture! Although it’s useless, it’s something to brag about!”

Those who were qualified and willing to cultivate the Desolate Extinction Scripture, from ancient times to the present, could be counted on one hand.

Firstly, it was a matter of talent. It wasn’t just about having good talent, but having the right kind of talent, a matter of compatibility. Not all geniuses could cultivate the Desolate Extinction Scripture.

Secondly, it was the matter of resource consumption. Although Nangong Mian had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment in just a few years, that was because she had plundered many secret realms…

For cultivators with fewer resources, it might take hundreds, or even thousands, of years.

Finally, the most important thing was…

The Desolate Extinction Scripture could only be considered complete if one achieved Enlightenment Core Formation. Otherwise, it was an incomplete version.

Even the most talented prodigies couldn’t guarantee that they would achieve Enlightenment Core Formation.

In this case, with other top-tier body cultivation techniques available, why choose one that was likely to be incomplete?

Therefore, when Nangong Mian displayed the Desolate Extinction Scripture, the lords and nobles were shocked.

“Huh? Not blood essence?”

The Sixth Prince’s eyes widened slightly. He had thought Nangong Mian was going to give away a few drops of her blood essence, the only thing a body cultivator could condense.

But… she was just giving ordinary blood?

The Desolate Extinction Scripture had a powerful regenerative ability. Ordinary blood was plentiful, and besides carrying a hint of the Desolate Extinction Scripture‘s aura, it was useless.

“Sixth Granduncle, are you confused? I don’t even have much blood essence myself, how can I give it away?”

Nangong Mian glared back, finding the Sixth Prince’s question strange.

A single drop of a body cultivator’s blood essence was equivalent to countless treasures. Giving it away would be a huge loss, how could she earn anything?

She was here to gain benefits, not to give them away.

“Nonsense, this is utter nonsense!”

The Sixth Prince was furious, but Nangong Mian had already made up her mind.

She stepped forward, bowed to the Empress, then looked towards Luo Xue and smiled sweetly.

“This subject, Nangong Mian, thanks Your Highness for your concern, and offers a bottle of blood from the Desolate Extinction Scripture, wishing Your Highness eternal youth and beauty~”

Chapter 154: Your Highness, Please Reconsider, This is Taboo!

Initially, no one noticed the young woman beside the Sixth Prince, as she was just a maid attending to him.

But now, thinking about it carefully, how could an ordinary maid be brought into the Sun and Moon Twin Halls by the Sixth Prince…

This was a rare opportunity to directly interact with the Immortal Emperor or the Empress, an opportunity many longed for!

Even just showing their face and leaving an impression would be enough.

If not for the Empress’s prior announcement, requesting young talents younger than half a jiazi, the lords and nobles would have brought their most outstanding prodigies.

Within the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, only those who reached the Nascent Soul Realm through their own cultivation within five hundred years were considered prodigies.

Those who could achieve this were all top prodigies of their respective clans, appearing only once every few thousand years on average.

This gentle young woman, called “Xiao Mian,” although seemingly unremarkable, was actually the most qualified among the young talents present to be called a “prodigy.”

Xiao Mian stepped forward slightly, her bright eyes and beautiful smile hiding the fact that she was Mian Wudi, the body cultivator known for her extremely violent fighting style.

Even the Empress, within the faint purple mist, couldn’t help but glance at her, after all, she was family.

“What, is there no one who wants to have a spar with Xiao Mian?” The Sixth Prince said cheerfully, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. “You can’t let the Empress and Princess Xue think you’re all just a joke, can you?”

The Sixth Prince’s blatant provocation was quite effective, and several young talents were eager to try.

They had heard of Mian Wudi’s title and knew that she was invincible among her peers.

But what they saw now was just a gentle young woman, without the appearance of a body cultivator, making them doubt the rumors.

Even Luo Xue, behind the gauze curtain, couldn’t help but be a bit interested. After all, she had always been the one being watched during sparring matches, never a spectator.

Now, finally sitting in the front row, Luo Xue relaxed considerably, even wanting to sit cross-legged.

But with the etiquette official beside her, Luo Xue could only suppress the urge, though her posture did relax slightly.

The etiquette official observed Luo Xue’s behavior, her cloudy eyes deepening slightly, then she looked towards the Empress with worry.

Then, as if receiving an order, the etiquette official stopped staring at Luo Xue and closed her eyes slightly, as if dozing off from exhaustion, no longer correcting Luo Xue’s minor breaches of etiquette.

“This ‘Xiao Mian’s’ strength should be above Foundation Establishment… perhaps late-stage or peak? There’s no aura of a Core Formation small world, and she looks only about twenty years old… truly impressive.”

Luo Xue couldn’t help but sigh. The Foundation Establishment cultivators she had seen before were all over thirty years old, and most inner disciples of the Peerless Summit Sect reached Foundation Establishment around sixty.

Besides Xiao Yao, Luo Xue hadn’t seen many who reached the peak of Foundation Establishment at this age.

As for herself, her situation was rather special.

After all, not many Foundation Establishment cultivators had the experience of fighting against Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation experts…

The silver-haired figure behind the gauze curtain stirred slightly, as if interested, which was noticed by some of the young talents.

Many of them started thinking,

“Princess Xue seems… to be looking forward to it? Does she like watching sparring matches?”

“If I’m chosen by the princess, my future will be secured…”

“Even if I lose, so what? I’m losing to Mian Wudi. They can’t make her marry the princess, can they? As long as I perform well, I still have a chance!”

Finally, after a few moments, a young man stepped forward.

Everyone looked closely and saw that it was Zhou Ling, the youngest son of You Wang.

It was well known that You Wang was fond of women and had thousands of wives and concubines, and countless children.

Zhou Ling was his youngest son. Although his talent was decent, it wasn’t top-tier. There were many among his peers who were more outstanding.

But because Zhou Ling’s mother was currently favored by You Wang, he was brought to this banquet.

In other words…

Zhou Ling’s strength was far inferior to Mian Wudi’s.

“This subject, Zhou Ling, greets Your Majesty the Empress, and Your Highness Princess Xue.”

After stepping forward, Zhou Ling first bowed to those above, then looked at Xiao Mian, his expression neither humble nor arrogant.

“Miss Mian, since this is a friendly competition, I, Zhou, will make bold and ask for your guidance… Please be merciful.”

Xiao Mian, seeing Zhou Ling’s slightly affected manner, covered her mouth and chuckled.

“Of course, of course, but Young Master Zhou, you should also be careful.”

“…Naturally.”

Zhou Ling’s face showed a hint of discomfort, but he quickly straightened his back, his gaze firming.

He knew his current status was only because of his mother’s favor.

Once his mother lost favor, he would be worthless in his father’s eyes, lost among his countless siblings.

This was an extremely rare opportunity, and he had to seize it.

Being the first to step forward and displaying his talent, no matter what, he could definitely leave a deep impression on the Empress and Princess Xue.

“Please… instruct me.”

Zhou Ling took a deep breath, circulated his family’s cultivation technique, the Nine Nether Abyss Scripture, and a dark aura enveloped him, the surroundings turning slightly colder.

But at this moment, Xiao Mian just walked towards Zhou Ling casually, without even circulating her energy.

“She actually looks down on me so much?” Seeing this, Zhou Ling felt a surge of anger. “Even if you’re Mian Wudi, you’re still just at Foundation Establishment. How dare you walk towards me so casually, without any defenses… you’re courting death!”

“Nine Nether Descent… Bind!”

Zhou Ling’s eyes widened, and countless evil ghosts appeared around Xiao Mian, dragging chains, binding her.

“It worked!”

Zhou Ling’s face lit up with joy, but the next moment, Xiao Mian easily broke free from the restraints and continued walking towards him step by step.

“Like a mortal’s trick, but skillfully executed.”

Xiao Mian giggled, offering her evaluation.

“How… It’s fine, I still have another move!”

Zhou Ling changed his hand seals, and the evil ghosts lunged towards Xiao Mian.

“Explode!”

The evil ghosts let out shrill screams, then rapidly expanded, until they exploded.

“Boom…”

After a loud bang, the shockwave from the explosion swept through the surroundings, but it was blocked by an invisible barrier.

“This… this time… even you, Mian Wudi, can’t be unharmed, right…”

Zhou Ling panted, a smile appearing on his lips.

This attack wasn’t without a price. He had lost quite a bit of his blood essence and would need three to five months to recover.

But it was worth it.

However…

The next moment, the smile on Zhou Ling’s face froze.

Xiao Mian walked out of the dark mist created by the explosion, her steps light, and arrived before Zhou Ling.

She stood on her tiptoes, patted Zhou Ling’s shoulder, and said,

“Hey, Young Master Zhou, you lost.”

Zhou Ling was actually a head taller than Xiao Mian, but at this moment, the petite Xiao Mian seemed terrifying.

“You, you…”

Zhou Ling stumbled back in disbelief. He couldn’t believe the huge difference in strength between them, both at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

“Why didn’t you attack…”

Zhou Ling asked through gritted teeth.

“I was afraid of hurting you.”

Xiao Mian tilted her head and replied.

Her expression was serious, not like she was joking.

But this serious attitude was an even greater blow to Zhou Ling.

His face turned pale, and only when You Wang frowned in displeasure did he secretly use a technique to pull Zhou Ling back.

The lords and nobles were shocked, but not by Xiao Mian’s strength.

Many prodigies could defeat someone like Zhou Ling, at the peak of Foundation Establishment, upon reaching Foundation Establishment themselves. It wasn’t that surprising.

But… the technique Xiao Mian displayed was astonishing.

“Is that the Desolate Extinction Scripture?”

“The legendary top-tier body cultivation technique that can lead to Enlightenment Core Formation? Is she actually taking that path?”

“But Enlightenment Core Formation is incredibly rare. The Sixth Prince definitely doesn’t lack Heavenly Vein energy, why not choose to form a Heaven Core?”

“Could it be that Enlightenment Core Formation and Heaven Core Formation… are not the same? Is there something special about it?”

And behind the gauze curtain, Luo Xue was also shocked.

Luo Xue looked at Xiao Mian’s back, slightly dazed, her image overlapping with someone in her memory, and she murmured softly,

“Is that… Introduction to Body Tempering?”

The body cultivation technique recommended to her by Nangong Mengxiang, said to be inherited from her master, True Person Fengyin.

But why was it here?

Xiao Mian definitely wasn’t Nangong Mengxiang. Nangong Mengxiang had already reached Enlightenment Core Formation before Luo Xue went to the Blood Sea. Then who was she?

Another disciple of True Person Fengyin?

But… Luo Xue remembered that Nangong Mengxiang had mentioned that her other Senior Sisters were almost all dead.

Not because they were all killed, but because most of them had ordinary talent, around the Spirit Condensation Realm, and few could reach Foundation Establishment.

Even if they luckily reached Foundation Establishment, in the dangerous Demon Abyss, even Foundation Establishment cultivators could barely protect themselves.

It was even less likely for them to appear in this unknown place…

Luo Xue, in her shock, unconsciously murmured these words.

If it were an ordinary person, they wouldn’t have known what she was saying, but the etiquette official was no ordinary person.

Hearing Luo Xue’s words, she almost lost her composure.

“How could Her Highness mistake the extraordinary Desolate Extinction Scripture for a beginner’s body tempering technique…”

Just then, Luo Xue turned slightly and looked at the seemingly dozing etiquette official.

“Madam, may I ask you something?”

The etiquette official opened her eyes, lowered her head slightly, and replied respectfully,

“Please speak, Your Highness. This old servant will answer truthfully.”

However, beneath her calm exterior, her heart was in turmoil.

“Oh no, could Her Highness be interested in this cultivation path?”

Such a delicate princess, how could she endure the hardships of body cultivation…

“Who is this person?”

Luo Xue pointed at Xiao Mian and asked.

Hearing this unexpected question, the etiquette official’s face was filled with surprise, then she replied,

“She is from the Empress’s clan, a direct descendant of the Sixth Prince’s lineage, her name is…”

“Nangong Mian.”

“Nangong Mian, you mean… her surname is Nangong?”

Luo Xue’s eyes widened, thinking, oh no, could she really be Nangong Mengxiang’s sister or something…

“The Empress’s clan… is the Nangong clan,” the etiquette official looked at Luo Xue strangely, as if asking if there was something wrong with her brain. “Your Highness, are you… interested in her?”

“Ah, sort of.”

Luo Xue replied absently.

Thinking about it carefully, she shouldn’t be Nangong Mengxiang’s sister…

Because Nangong Mengxiang’s surname came from her master, Nangong Fengyin, and True Person Fengyin… had a deep connection with Phoenix Venerable.

True Person Fengyin had been in contact with Phoenix Venerable since she was very young, becoming a tomb keeper. It was very likely that the surname “Nangong” came from Phoenix Venerable.

Furthermore, True Person Fengyin’s Introduction to Body Tempering was probably also taught by Phoenix Venerable.

If it wasn’t a coincidence… if her bold guess was correct…

Luo Xue looked towards the Empress again, her face conflicted.

“Could the Empress be… Phoenix Venerable?”

“No, no… that doesn’t seem right either, their temperaments are different…”

“But one thing is certain, this place should be outside the nine provinces and four domains, and very likely… the Ancient Demon Lands that the forbidden area lords keep mentioning…”

But looking around, it didn’t seem very… demonic…

Luo Xue’s conflicted expression was noticed by the etiquette official, especially her glances towards the Empress, which shocked her.

Coupled with the fact that Her Highness had just expressed interest in Nangong Mian…

“Could it be that Her Highness has fallen in love with Nangong Mian at first sight?”

Although she couldn’t be completely certain, it was highly likely.

Especially Luo Xue’s conflicted gaze towards the Empress, the etiquette official could almost read her thoughts.

“I like Nangong Mian so much, but she’s a girl, and so am I, what should I do…”

“And Nangong Mian is also from the Empress’s family… there are so many obstacles between us…”

“If only these obstacles didn’t exist…”

And finally, Her Highness’s lovestruck gaze towards Nangong Mian, it was clear she was a girl in love (actually, she was just spacing out).

This wouldn’t do!

“Your Highness… please reconsider!” The etiquette official said, gritting her teeth. “This is taboo!”

Even if she incurred Her Highness’s wrath, she had to say it!

“What do you mean, reconsider? And what taboo?”

Luo Xue, hearing this and seeing the etiquette official’s resolute expression, was completely confused.

Chapter 153: The Birthday Banquet Incident, Sleeping Beauty Invincible

“That silver-haired girl inside should be Princess Xue, right? I heard she’s His Majesty’s most beloved daughter…”

“Rumor has it that today’s coming-of-age ceremony might also be a marriage selection event.”

“Heh, I know even more… His Majesty’s intentions are unclear, but the Empress has expressed her desire to personally find a suitable husband for Princess Xue.”

“Eh, why the Empress? Isn’t Princess Xue’s mother Imperial Concubine Min? Could it be that Imperial Concubine Min…”

“Shh, be careful what you say, these are the Sun and Moon Twin Halls!”

“What’s there to be afraid of? Not many can hear us. You’re too nervous, Brother Liu…”

Several handsome young men stood respectfully beside their elders, but their private voice transmissions were filled with gossip.

They were the most outstanding disciples of their respective clans, all younger than half a jiazi, and their cultivation had already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. They were all prodigies with the potential to reach the Tribulation Immortal Realm, or even the Sea Crossing Realm.

To find someone with greater talent than them, one would have to look back at least three thousand years within their clans to find a few prodigies capable of becoming pillars of their clans.

And how could prodigies of this level be willing to submit to a political marriage?

Although Princess Xue was the apple of the Immortal Emperor’s eye, it was well known that she had been frail and sickly since childhood, unsuitable for cultivation.

Even with the abundant resources of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, even if her cultivation was boosted to Nascent Soul, her lifespan would only be a few thousand years, not a suitable match for a top prodigy.

Therefore, the young masters of the various clans, upon learning about the princess’s matchmaking event, couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope.

Although they all claimed to have no chance, their occasional glances towards the gauze curtain revealed their thoughts.

What if?

What if, because of their handsome looks or something, they were chosen by the little princess and became the Prince Consort of the Immortal Dynasty?”

Not to mention the Immortal Emperor’s favor, their cultivation path would become smoother, and even their status within their clans would greatly increase. After all, they would be representing the imperial family.

Moreover, according to rumors, the little princess was a great beauty.

It made sense… otherwise, why would the Immortal Emperor dote on her so much?

Thinking of this, the young masters’ gazes became more intense.

“Ugh…”

Luo Xue, behind the gauze curtain, seemed to sense something and shivered slightly.

The elderly etiquette official beside her immediately glared and said sternly,

“Your Highness Princess Xue, please maintain your composure. The banquet is about to begin. Do you want His Majesty and his subjects to see your unseemly behavior?”

“…Understood.”

Luo Xue replied with a bitter face, but under the etiquette official’s gaze, she could only endure.

Although the start of this life seemed much better than her previous ones, even becoming a princess of high status, this torturous court etiquette…

Luo Xue felt like every day was a year, she just wanted to run away.

…It was better to be chased and killed.

However, Luo Xue hadn’t fully grasped the situation in this life yet, and to avoid any trouble, she could only continue to endure… sitting there “dignifiedly.”

The etiquette of the birthday banquet was extremely complicated, especially since this was also the little princess’s coming-of-age ceremony.

After a series of rituals that Luo Xue couldn’t understand, the lords and nobles finally took their seats, but the young masters beside them still had to stand, not even qualified to sit.

In fact, if not for the Empress’s decree, requiring the lords and nobles to bring their most outstanding descendants younger than half a jiazi, they wouldn’t even be qualified to enter the Sun and Moon Twin Halls.

As for their private voice transmissions within the hall… it could only be said that they weren’t discussing anything sensitive to the imperial family, so it was ignored, considered just the chatter of juniors.

The Sun Hall was where the Immortal Emperor discussed important matters with his officials, and the Moon Hall was where the Empress summoned imperial concubines or external officials. The Sun and Moon Twin Halls represented the convergence of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty’s fortune.

Unlike mortal dynasties, the Empress wasn’t powerless, not just a consort to the Immortal Emperor.

After all, the one who could become the Immortal Emperor’s Dao companion, although slightly weaker in strength, wouldn’t be too far behind and was also a powerful figure within the Immortal Dynasty.

The interdependence of the sun and moon was the foundation of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty’s eternity.

After all the lords and nobles were seated, the Sun and Moon Twin Halls quickly quieted down, and an imperial attendant with a dignified expression stepped forward.

He first bowed respectfully three times and kowtowed nine times towards the empty throne, then kowtowed several times towards Luo Xue.

Luo Xue felt a bit uncomfortable watching others kowtow to her, but under the gaze of the etiquette official, she could only endure.

After these necessary rituals, the attendant respectfully took out a scroll made of exquisite immortal silk, lifted it with his head lowered, slowly unrolled it, and read its contents in a high-pitched voice.

The wording was too archaic and obscure, and Luo Xue couldn’t understand what he was saying.

Only after the lords and nobles’ expressions changed slightly did Luo Xue glean some substantial information from these incomprehensible words.

That was…

“My convenient father isn’t coming? The Empress is presiding instead?”

Luo Xue’s expression turned strange. She had heard about how much the Immortal Emperor doted on her, how good he was to her.

And the Empress’s role in all of this… wasn’t very flattering.

Thinking about it carefully, Luo Xue understood. She, Princess Xue, probably wasn’t the Empress’s daughter.

It seemed that palace schemes existed everywhere, even in an immortal dynasty.

But now… the Immortal Emperor, who supposedly doted on his daughter, wasn’t even present at her coming-of-age ceremony, and the Empress, whose attitude was…questionable, was presiding instead?

Did her convenient mother lose the palace power struggle?

Luo Xue muttered inwardly, her expression slipping slightly.

She quickly corrected herself, but she noticed that the usually strict etiquette official wasn’t glaring at her, but instead looking at her with pity.

“The Empress has arrived!”

The shrill voice of the attendant rang out again, and all the lords and nobles stood up, bowing towards the Empress’s throne.

Even the etiquette official was no exception. However, when Luo Xue also wanted to stand up, she was stopped by the etiquette official with a look.

It seemed that she didn’t need to bow to the Empress…

At the same time, a purple mist, impenetrable to prying eyes, enveloped the Empress’s throne in the Moon Hall.

A graceful and languid figure slowly appeared within, a mere silhouette carrying an air of imperial majesty.

The next moment, the Empress’s cold and indifferent voice rang out.

“Rise, my dear subjects, be seated.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The lords and nobles said in unison and sat down again.

Luo Xue, sitting beside the Empress’s throne in the Moon Hall, couldn’t help her curiosity and looked towards the throne.

She immediately felt a sharp gaze directed at her, and an indescribable pressure descended, making it difficult for her to breathe.

This wasn’t pure strength, or deliberately targeting Luo Xue, but rather the heavy aura of someone in a position of power for a long time.

However, the Empress only glanced at Luo Xue briefly, then retracted her gaze, not paying any more attention to her.

Although Luo Xue, as Princess Xue, was the true protagonist of this banquet, the Empress seemed to completely ignore her existence.

…Not even a hint of concern.

Coupled with the fact that the etiquette official, who was usually strict, didn’t correct Luo Xue’s slight awkwardness just now, but instead looked at her with pity, all of this hinted at a hidden story…

The more Luo Xue thought about it, the stranger it felt. Just then, the memories in her mind gradually returned, and the life of Princess Xue began to overlap with her own.

A cold palace, a boring past…

And also various banquets, celebrations, lively scenes…

Extremely fragmented memories appeared in Luo Xue’s mind, and she couldn’t help but rub her temples again, but immediately stopped, remembering the etiquette official.

However, the etiquette official didn’t say anything. Although her expression was still stern, she seemed to turn a blind eye to Luo Xue’s slight breaches of etiquette.

It seemed that after learning that the Empress was presiding over the birthday banquet, the etiquette official had changed her attitude.

It could only be said that…

All of this was probably related to the Empress.

Luo Xue looked towards the Empress again, but this time, the purple mist around the throne blocked her perception—this wasn’t targeted either, the Empress simply found the environment too noisy and had shielded herself with a barrier, ignoring everything.

The lords and nobles seemed to understand the Empress’s personality very well. After learning that the Immortal Emperor wasn’t coming, they relaxed and signaled for the juniors beside them to interact more.

Having a rare opportunity to socialize with other lords and nobles, they found old friends, made new connections, and seemed to have forgotten about Princess Xue, the protagonist of the banquet, though they still occasionally glanced at the silver-haired figure behind the gauze curtain.

The first half of this banquet was just to warm up the atmosphere. If the Immortal Emperor were present, he might have done something on a whim, but the lazy Empress didn’t care about these things.

As for Princess Xue, the protagonist of the coming-of-age ceremony… she hadn’t removed the gauze curtain yet, which could be interpreted as her not wanting to appear at this time, intending to observe first, so everyone just assumed she hadn’t arrived yet.

However, there would still be an opportunity for the juniors to show their talents.

Whether it was the Empress or Princess Xue, if either of them showed any interest, it meant that this junior had a bright future, their path within the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty smooth and unobstructed.

Since the Empress didn’t bother to preside over the banquet, someone with prestige, someone all the lords and nobles could trust, had to step forward.

“Everyone, quiet down, and listen to this old man.”

An old man in luxurious robes slowly spoke, supported by a delicate young woman beside him.

Instantly, all the lords and nobles stopped what they were doing and looked at the old man.

They were all prepared, but no one dared to step forward before the Empress.

However, this old man’s identity wasn’t ordinary. With him stepping forward, neither the lords and nobles nor the Empress would object.

According to the family tree, this old man was a distant uncle of the Empress, a member of the royal family, with the title of Sixth Prince.

Although the Sixth Prince’s status was high, his lifespan was nearing its end, with only two or three thousand years left.

Therefore, he was no longer in charge of clan affairs and had the leisure to attend such banquets.

“This old man dares to propose, with so many talented young people gathered here, why not have a friendly competition?” The Sixth Prince said cheerfully. “It would also allow Princess Xue to see how outstanding the young disciples of our Great Qin Immortal Dynasty are, and perhaps even find someone she fancies.”

Everyone laughed, and the juniors were even more excited.

Although everyone knew this, only the Sixth Prince dared to say it so directly before the Empress.

With that, the Sixth Prince turned and bowed to the Empress.

“Your Majesty… what are your thoughts?”

After a moment, the Empress’s cold voice came from the throne.

“Permitted.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The Sixth Prince bowed deeply again, then turned around, supported by the young woman, and looked at the lords and nobles, a smile appearing on his wrinkled face.

“In that case, this old man will throw a brick to attract jade. Xiao Mian, go and have a try with these talented juniors.”

Xiao Mian? Who?

The lords and nobles were puzzled. The Sixth Prince shouldn’t have brought any young talents with him, right?

With the Sixth Prince’s status, and his relationship with the Empress, it was impossible for him to offer a junior from his clan for marriage to Princess Xue.

This wasn’t just a matter of impropriety, it was practically slapping both the Empress and the Immortal Emperor in the face…

Under everyone’s puzzled gazes, the young woman who had been supporting the Sixth Prince respectfully stepped back a few steps and bowed.

“Yes, Sixth Granduncle.”

The young woman looked up, smiled at the young talents, and said,

“Which fellow Daoist would like to have a try with this little girl?”

The lords and nobles didn’t react, but the juniors beside them were shocked, their faces filled with fear.

“Holy shit, isn’t that Mian Wudi! Why is she here?”

“Peak Foundation Establishment within half a jiazi, a quirky genius who refuses to break through, pursuing the legendary Enlightenment Core Formation!”

“More importantly, those who have fought against her… seem to have all lost limbs…”

And this seemingly gentle girl…

Was a body cultivator…

Chapter 152: A New Dream, Princess Xue, Imperial Daughter of the Great Qin

Luo Xue slowly opened her eyes. After a moment of disorientation, she was once again greeted by familiar darkness.

However, having experienced this before, Luo Xue quickly calmed herself and adjusted her state of mind.

Her last memory was of slaying the deep space behemoth, but it felt like a distant memory, a fleeting moment stretched across a vast expanse of time.

However, Luo Xue couldn’t recall anything that happened in between, only emptiness and silence.

“Phew…”

Luo Xue exhaled softly and sat up.

“Splash…”

The gentle sound of water startled Luo Xue, but after a moment, she realized she was sitting in a shallow puddle.

She could feel the water with her hand.

“…Where is this?”

Luo Xue frowned slightly. The last time she entered this space, it shouldn’t have been empty.

She had previously speculated that this space was either the deep space above the Suspended High Tower or the void within a spatial rift, but now it seemed neither was the case.

However, Luo Xue couldn’t figure it out and gave up after a moment of thought.

There were more important things.

When she heard about “string theory,” Luo Xue had wondered if the Immortal Martial World overlapped with the post-apocalyptic world through a different kind of “string.”

But when she killed the deep space behemoth, she realized that “string theory” was probably wrong.

To discover the truth, Luo Xue had deliberately approached the deep space behemoth to examine it.

And at the moment of their mutual destruction, Luo Xue closed her eyes, focusing all her senses on her surroundings.

She wanted to know how she traveled between worlds, whether it was truly a dream, or a change in “string vibrations.”

Then, Luo Xue discovered that the death of the deep space behemoth did indeed trigger a strong “string vibration” phenomenon, similar to Qualcomm’s experiment in Suspended High Tower 132.

But the “string vibration” didn’t cause her to jump to another world, but instead triggered a more intense space-time collapse, and Luo Xue was caught in it.

The true cause of her death wasn’t the deep space behemoth’s final attack, but being annihilated in the space-time collapse, a death similar to Qualcomm’s, but more complete.

In other words, Qualcomm, the dictator, had been on the wrong path all along.

Even if his fifty-year plan succeeded, the result wouldn’t be salvation, but taking Suspended High Tower 132 to its grave, annihilated in the space-time collapse, without a trace.

“I can only be thankful… that I stopped Qualcomm’s plan. Otherwise, the consequences would have been terrifying.”

Luo Xue breathed a sigh of relief, then her thoughts turned to worry.

“I wonder… what will happen to Ling Ling after I leave.”

Based on her previous experience, the time of her return should be related to the time she spent in the Immortal Martial World.

If it was similar to last time, Ling Ling would probably meet her again in a few years. She should be able to see Ling Ling all grown up, right?

“It should be fine. Ceres promised to take care of her. Qualcomm is dead, so she should be able to have a happy childhood.”

Luo Xue composed herself. Although she looked forward to reuniting with Ling Ling, Xiao Yao in the other world was also waiting for her.

Thinking about it like this made her seem like a bit of a scumbag…

Ahem, better not to dwell on it.

Before entering the dream again, Luo Xue opened the panel and checked her current status.

[Current Realm: Foundation Establishment (Peak)]
[Survival Points: 950]
[Poison Resistance: 100]
[Strength: 100]
[Soul: 100]
[Cultivation Aptitude: Extraordinary Talent (Next Stage: Peerless Aptitude)]
[Divine Ability Aptitude: Barely There (Next Stage: Extraordinary Talent)]
[Obtained Law: Space-Time Sword Intent]
[Currently Possessed Laws: Sword Intent of Withering, Sword Intent of Space-Time]

She had used some survival points in the battle at the Suspended High Tower. Otherwise, she could have upgraded her divine ability aptitude again, which might have upgraded her “Double Pupils” talent.

There was a huge difference between the Calamity Poison Body and the Eternal Withering Body, but the latter’s side effects were too severe.

Although Phoenix Venerable had said that it could theoretically reach the Great Emperor Realm, the problem was… it required a time even Phoenix Venerable considered long.

For Phoenix Venerable, to whom tens of thousands of years were but a blink of an eye, “long”…

Luo Xue couldn’t even imagine how long that would be.

In the final battle against the deep space behemoth, Luo Xue had also comprehended the Sword Intent of Space-Time, the second law she had comprehended at the Foundation Establishment Realm.

If this were known, even the Peerless Summit Sect would revere her as a once-in-a-millennium Sword Immortal.

Although ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators possessed the power to control laws, most were still in the comprehension stage. Someone like Luo Xue, who could use it in actual combat, would have to be at least at the early stage of Nascent Soul.

Besides comprehending laws, Luo Xue’s cultivation had also reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

She had already gained enough comprehension during the battle at the Blood Sea, and with the massive amount of spiritual power from the overloaded disaster engine, her cultivation advancement was natural.

However, since this wasn’t an advancement through the Calamity Poison Body, Luo Xue’s current cultivation was forcibly raised, and she needed some time to consolidate her foundation before attempting to form her core.

After sorting through her current situation, Luo Xue took a deep breath and looked at the option that appeared with her thoughts.

[Do you want to enter the dream?]

[Yes/No]

She didn’t know what would happen in this dream.

Would she awaken with her Eternal Withering Body, or appear in a new body?

And what would her identity be, her past, her experiences?

[Yes]

Luo Xue’s mind drifted, and she lay down, the shallow water beneath her submerging her body.

[“A thousand-year dream, finally awakening.”]

“Born on a rare day of heavy snow, this is an auspicious sign! She shall be named Xue, with the title of Princess Xue!”

—”Who do you think you are? You lowly thing! You disgust me!”

“Your servant greets Your Highness… Your father? Apologies, His Majesty is busy with state affairs.”

—”Beat her, beat this bitch to death! If not for your luck… you think you’re worthy?!”

“Slow down, Your Highness is so playful, this old servant can barely keep up… Wait, you can’t go this way, let’s go back, Your Highness.”

“Who am I?”

“You are, of course, Your Highness.”

“…Really?”

—”Heh.”

…

The heavy snow that had lasted for over a decade finally ended, and the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty welcomed the long-awaited warmth of the sun.

And on this auspicious day, another major event occurred within the dynasty.

Today was Princess Xue’s sixteenth birthday, also her coming-of-age ceremony, and lords and nobles from all over came bearing gifts to celebrate.

The palace complex of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty stood atop a mystical, ethereal mountain, the light of the sun and moon flowing across its domes, like the eyes of a god opening and closing, casting down endless radiance.

Magnificent golden palaces stood among the clouds, surrounded by jade pavilions and towers, like stars embedded in the sky.

Exquisite carvings adorned every palace, showcasing the prosperity and glory of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty.

Ancient auspicious beasts were everywhere, flying and circling amidst the clouds and mist, their every movement carrying an ethereal aura of good fortune.

They were the protectors of the Great Qin Immortal Dynasty, symbolizing its eternity.

The carriages traveling between the palaces were mostly large, spirit-stone-powered celestial boats, almost blotting out the sky, but on the mountain peak, they still seemed small.

The princess’s birthday banquet was held in the Sun and Moon Twin Halls, the heart of the Immortal Dynasty. This was the first time the Great Qin Immortal Emperor had held a banquet here, showing his love for this princess.

Therefore, the lords and nobles all showed their respect, almost all attending the banquet personally.

Within the banquet hall, celestial maidens in flowing robes, holding jade zithers, danced gracefully.

They wore colorful, feathered garments, like butterflies flitting among flowers.

The lords and nobles enjoyed the beautiful scene and chatted amongst themselves.

“Myriad Ghosts King! I didn’t expect you to come. I thought you would use illness as an excuse again.”

“Your Highness You Wang, long time no see… Don’t tease this old man, I am indeed old and frail, but… this is Princess Xue’s birthday, I had to come even if I had to drag my sick body here.”

The surrounding lords and nobles laughed. Everyone knew that the Myriad Ghosts King’s illness was just an excuse.

But this time… he couldn’t use that excuse.

Princess Xue’s name was enough.

Their gazes subtly shifted towards the light gauze beside the throne. The protagonist of this banquet sat within.

“The coming-of-age ceremony of the Great Qin Imperial Daughter… is not something one sees every day, especially since… she is His Majesty’s most beloved Princess Xue.”

Behind the gauze, Luo Xue sat, wearing a rare touch of light makeup, which enhanced her delicate features, adding a touch of elegance.

Coupled with her unusual silver-white hair, she already possessed a breathtaking beauty at such a young age.

But her expression…

Was complicated.

“This time… I’ve been reborn as a princess?”

Luo Xue raised her hand and rubbed her temples.

But she was immediately glared at by the elderly etiquette official, and she quickly stopped, resuming her dignified posture.

Luo Xue had no problem fighting life-or-death battles, but sitting still like a statue for several hours at a banquet… was torture.

In this life, when Luo Xue woke up, she was already in a luxurious palace, lying on a bed several dozen meters wide, surrounded by a dozen maids waiting to attend to her.

Luo Xue was startled, but after searching her memories, she discovered that she was a princess, granted a title at birth.

A titled princess was no ordinary person in the Immortal Dynasty…

This meant that Luo Xue, shortly after birth, had already received her own fief.

She didn’t have to do anything, just sit at home and collect her income.

Luo Xue’s memories were fragmented. She could only recall this much, just like in her previous life in the Peerless Summit Sect. It would take a few days for her memories to fully return.

But… shortly after waking up, she was brought here for her coming-of-age ceremony.

Fortunately, these court etiquettes had almost become instinct, and with the elderly etiquette official correcting her, no one noticed anything unusual about Luo Xue.

“Coming-of-age ceremony, sixteen years old… well, it’s a bit later than adulthood in the post-apocalyptic world.”

Luo Xue sat there bored. Even with the table filled with delicacies emitting a rich spiritual energy, she had no appetite—because she couldn’t eat yet, the banquet hadn’t started.

But where was she?

…Was she still within the nine provinces and four domains?

Probably… not…

Besides her memories, the only people Luo Xue had seen so far were the elderly etiquette official and the maids.

She couldn’t tell the etiquette official’s strength. Perhaps she was an ordinary person, or perhaps a powerful expert, like Nascent Soul or above.

As for the maids, she could tell their strength. They were mostly around Spirit Condensation, having embarked on the path of immortality.

At least within the nine provinces and four domains, Luo Xue had never heard of an empire or dynasty that used Spirit Condensation cultivators as maids.

She had come to the wrong place again…

Luo Xue sighed inwardly, but afraid of being glared at by the etiquette official, she could only endure and continue sitting there.

She was currently behind a light gauze curtain, which seemed to have a restriction placed on it, preventing outsiders from seeing clearly inside, only a blurry shadow was visible.

But Luo Xue could easily see what was happening outside.

“…I can’t tell these people’s strength. They should all be at Nascent Soul or above, right?”

Luo Xue looked at them one by one but didn’t dare to use her spiritual sense. What if she offended some big shot? Would her status as a princess be enough to protect her?

After watching for a while out of boredom, Luo Xue suddenly noticed that these lords and nobles who came to celebrate her birthday all had one or two handsome young men beside them, standing with a seemingly humble yet arrogant demeanor.

They all seemed to be around Luo Xue’s age, probably the descendants of these lords and nobles, occasionally glancing at Luo Xue curiously.

But behind the gauze, these young masters could only see a blurry, silver-haired figure.

Just then, Luo Xue finally realized something, her eyes widening slightly.

“Wait, could this be…”

Coming-of-age ceremony, lords and nobles, young masters…

And their strange gazes…

Damn, the classic marriage arrangement trope for princesses!

This wasn’t a birthday banquet, this was a large-scale matchmaking event!

Chapter 151: How Much Longer, Sister Xue’er? 

The third deep space behemoth crisis was resolved, lasting a total of thirty-two minutes, the shortest duration in history.

The previous two crises had lasted six and four months respectively, with response times of fifteen days and three days.

This crisis also had the lowest casualty rate. Humanity only lost one disaster engine, and about 5% of the population of Suspended High Tower 132 suffered casualties. The tower city itself remained intact.

Qualcomm, the former mayor of Suspended High Tower 132, was convicted of crimes against humanity, crimes against civilization, and mass murder. He should have been sentenced to exile in deep space.

But he had already died in the final battle, his body consumed by the distorted space-time after overexerting his ability, a fate far more cruel than exile in deep space.

Some of Qualcomm’s followers committed suicide after learning of his death, while others faced judgment.

Suspended High Tower 132, now the first ground-based Tower City, was removed from the Suspended High Tower system, its mayor position abolished, and placed under the direct control of the Federal Government, with a governor appointed to oversee it.

The first governor was Wynna Ceres, responsible for the city’s post-war reconstruction.

Only a small portion of the Tower People from the upper three levels left the city for other Suspended High Towers. Most remained, sharing its fate.

The laboratory project proposed by Qualcomm before his death was officially approved by the Federal Government. Governor Ceres temporarily took charge, and three years later, it would be handed over to Ling Ling, the hero’s orphaned sister—the Federation couldn’t employ child labor directly.

…Indeed, after confirming the death of the hero who single-handedly defeated the deep space behemoth, Ling Ling was recognized as her next of kin.

Ling Ling didn’t reveal Luo Xue’s name. To her, Sister Xue’er was just Sister Xue’er, and she didn’t want this name to be known to the world.

Furthermore, Ling Ling, understanding Luo Xue’s personality, knew that she wouldn’t care about these things and even disliked being in the spotlight.

Therefore, Ceres chose Luo Xue’s alias, “Li Guijiao,” as the hero’s name, forever etched in history.

A lone hero was always admired, especially one who died in battle.

A dead hero was the perfect hero.

With the intentional or unintentional promotion by the Federal Council, the name “Li Guijiao” quickly spread throughout all the Suspended High Towers, becoming a saint-like figure.

Even the Wastelanders knew that there was such an amazing girl who, facing unimaginable pressure, single-handedly defeated a powerful being that even the big shots couldn’t handle.

Ling Ling, the hero’s most beloved sister, naturally received a lot of attention and sympathy.

And her identity as Lingxi’s daughter was also deliberately revealed at this time, drawing public attention to the suspicious circumstances surrounding Lingxi’s death.

The Lingxi Laboratory incident was finally reopened for investigation, and the sixteen charges against Lingxi were dropped, his reputation restored.

The rebuilt laboratory received funding from the Federal Council and a large amount of public donations, and research on ability users was once again on the agenda of all laboratories.

Thus, after its momentous historical moment, the ground-based Tower City experienced three peaceful years, until Ling Ling officially took over the Lingxi Laboratory project, once again shaking the entire human world.

Not long after becoming the head of the laboratory, Ling Ling presented a report that shocked the entire human civilization.

—”Disaster Engine Development Report.”

Qualcomm had left behind a lot of data on this, and Ling Ling had been using the necklace, the “Lingxi Remains,” to conduct research and supplement her own lack of basic knowledge for the past few years.

Qualcomm’s judgment hadn’t been wrong. Ling Ling did inherit her father’s intelligence and creativity.

The slow progress in the first few years was because she wasn’t interested and was still too young to understand such complex knowledge.

When Ling Ling decided to focus on the research, her efficiency became terrifying.

More importantly…

She was a cultivator.

The Breathing Technique Luo Xue left behind, although simple and unable to break through beyond Spirit Condensation, was a genuine cultivation method, allowing Ling Ling to sense the existence of spiritual energy.

The disaster engine was essentially a formation. Ordinary people, unable to sense spiritual energy, could only crudely piece together the formation runes, like the High Tower itself.

Qualcomm’s use of his ability and the entire Suspended High Tower to create the “string vibration” device was ingenious, but it was so fragile that even Luo Xue, a complete novice in formations, could easily disrupt it.

Not to mention the disaster engine, the greatest creation of the previous civilization.

Even Luo Xue, a proper cultivator, couldn’t understand the operation of the formation’s core, only able to overload it through the access key until it collapsed.

If it were in the hands of a formation master like Li Guijiao, it could at least exert 40% more power.

Therefore, Ling Ling, through her own perception of spiritual power, combined with the data left by Qualcomm and Lingxi’s thoughts, shortened the path that would have taken humanity at least another hundred years to less than ten.

The development report she presented had already reached the stage of feasibility testing.

Once the feasibility test was completed, it meant… humanity would have the ability to mass-produce Suspended High Tower engines, and human civilization would enter a new era.

At the same time, the awakening potion, which could grant ordinary people abilities, was also developed and entered a small-scale testing phase, with the hope of achieving artificial ability awakening within five years.

And based on the research on the deep space behemoth, the gene potion also saw a breakthrough, Qualcomm’s lifelong wish no longer a pipe dream, Level 10 ability users becoming a possibility.

Of course, the usage of these two potions was much more regulated now. The Federation established corresponding systems to restrict them, preventing another out-of-control incident.

Everything was developing in a positive direction, and the former Suspended High Tower 132, because of these achievements, was designated as the Number 1 Ground-based Tower City by the Federation.

And Ling Ling herself, amidst all this fame, her identity as the hero’s orphaned sister was gradually forgotten, even her father was rarely mentioned. Her prestige within the Number 1 Ground-based Tower City even surpassed that of Governor Ceres.

But Ceres didn’t mind. She would never forget the shock of witnessing the battle against the deep space behemoth.

Compared to that great battle, the authority of managing a small tower city was insignificant, not enough to inflate her ego.

Despite her achievements, Ling Ling never forgot why she had worked so hard.

Just like usual, she came to the observation window and looked up at the sky.

She had grown into a graceful young woman, her figure well-developed at sixteen, although hidden by her plain lab coat.

But… in Ling Ling’s heart, she was still the little sister who followed Sister Xue’er around, tugging on her clothes.

“Sister Xue’er, our last reunion was two years ago… this time, how long will it be?”

Ling Ling rested her chin on her hand, her eyes half-closed, a faint smile on her lips.

Behind her, Ceres watched silently.

Chapter 150: Slaying the Behemoth, The War Ends

Ninth level of the falling Suspended High Tower 132.

Ceres, holding Ling Ling’s hand, witnessed a scene unprecedented in human history, a sight so impactful that she could only feel awe.

She was lucky to be one of the few witnesses to this momentous battle.

Ling Ling, also a witness, was searching for Luo Xue. Unable to find her, a sad expression appeared on her face.

“Where’s Sister Xue’er? Sister Xue’er… isn’t gone, is she…”

Ceres’s gaze lowered slightly, looking at the insignificant speck of light beneath the monstrous, distorted deep space behemoth.

The gradually dimming light indicated that the disaster engine was overloaded to its limit. Even the aircraft had disintegrated, only the bare engine core was still barely operational.

“Miss Luo Xue… should have completed her mission.”

Ceres tightened her grip on Ling Ling’s hand. She didn’t dare to say that Luo Xue’s life was in danger.

Not to mention how long Luo Xue could survive at five thousand meters, facing the wrath of a deep space behemoth, even the war machine patrol fortresses were at risk of being destroyed.

However… Miss Luo Xue had done it. She had protected the entire Suspended High Tower, buying them enough time.

Although she hadn’t completely killed the deep space behemoth, it was still an incredible feat, making her the undisputed strongest human.

“After she’s done, will Sister Xue’er come back?”

Ling Ling looked up at Ceres, hoping for a hopeful answer.

Ceres hesitated, then sighed softly.

“She should.”

“Okay!”

Ling Ling nodded vigorously, then continued looking out the observation window, her small face serious, still searching for Luo Xue.

Seeing Ling Ling like this, Ceres could only sigh inwardly again.

She looked at the dimming speck of light, intending to witness the end of this human hero.

Just then, Ling Ling suddenly tugged on Ceres’s clothes, pointing excitedly towards the deep space behemoth.

“Sister Ceres, look, it’s Sister Xue’er! I found her!”

Ceres followed Ling Ling’s finger and her pupils constricted instantly.

“Miss Luo Xue, how…”

She saw that the dimming speck of light was now shining brightly again, moving even faster towards the deep space behemoth.

“Is she really planning to kill the deep space behemoth? That’s… impossible, right?”

Severing a claw of the deep space behemoth single-handedly was enough to be recorded in human history. If she single-handedly defeated a deep space behemoth… it wasn’t just a matter of recording it, it was something no one dared to even imagine!

“But why hasn’t Sister Xue’er come back yet…”

Ling Ling said, resting her chin on her hand, looking troubled.

Ceres remained silent, holding her breath.

Could Miss Luo Xue really do it?

Was she about to witness history again…

At this moment, the Federal Military, which hadn’t yet reached the battlefield, was even more shocked.

But they admired Luo Xue’s courage even more. After all, not everyone dared to face a deep space behemoth directly, without any protection, and even launch an attack.

As for killing a deep space behemoth… they didn’t even dare to think about it, because no one knew the behemoth’s true strength better than them.

But even so, this speck of light, charging against the tide, would forever shine brightly in the history of the new human civilization.

“She’s getting closer…”

“Five hundred meters, four hundred meters, three hundred meters…”

“Just how close is she planning to get…”

A few hundred meters, for a creature the size of a deep space behemoth, was practically point-blank range.

The distorted monster extended its body, approaching Luo Xue.

The overwhelming stench reminded Luo Xue of her final battle against the Primordial Mother in the Immortal Martial World.

“But you’re still much uglier than her… At least she still looked somewhat humanoid…”

Luo Xue muttered inwardly, gripping the dagger formed from a spatial fold. The surrounding formation runes were collapsing, and the engine core, which powered the entire Suspended High Tower, was reaching its limit.

However… this time, there was no withering aura.

Because Luo Xue’s body couldn’t withstand another use of the Sword of Withering, but this time… she still used a law-level sword intent.

A different law, completely different from withering.

—”Space-Time.”

The Sword Intent of Space-Time.

“Time flies like an arrow…”

Luo Xue swung her sword lightly. It was a simple, unadorned move, but executed with practiced precision, comparable to an inner disciple of the Peerless Summit Sect.

Without any fancy movements, just a simple sword strike, separating day from night.

And where the sword light passed, space began to collapse around the deep space behemoth, even its timeline became distorted.

One moment it was a collection of matter, not yet fully formed, the next it was flesh and blood decaying for hundreds, even thousands, of years.

The distorted space-time devoured the deep space behemoth, its entire being falling into the endless void within the spatial cracks.

“Weng—”

A low, humming sound, the deep space behemoth’s angry roar, echoed through the sky, but it was futile.

“Careful, it’s a mental attack!”

The Federal Military, seeing this, was shocked, and the commander shouted urgently into his communicator,

“Evade immediately! Repeat, evade immediately! Damn it, shouldn’t this be used as a last resort…”

In the Federal Military’s view, they could only see the speck of light disappearing into the deep space behemoth, then the behemoth started struggling, as if in its final throes.

“That kid who called herself an immortal, what did she do…”

Luo Xue wanted to sheathe her sword, but it seemed unnecessary now.

Her sword was essentially a spatial fold, but now, the surroundings were filled with shattered spatial folds and a chaotic timeline, the most chaotic place in the world.

After extracting the spatial fold to form Luo Xue’s dagger, Qualcomm had silently died high in the sky, his body nowhere to be found, perhaps buried within some shattered spatial rift.

Some might call him a hero, some might be willing to follow his ideals, and perhaps he was right…

But he was also a madman, a ruthless executioner with blood on his hands.

Luo Xue could never agree with Qualcomm’s actions. Being buried in the unknown depths of space, along with his ideals, was the best judgment for him.

Now…

The dying deep space behemoth was still trying to invade Luo Xue’s mind, but it didn’t know that this would only hasten its demise.

After using the Sword of Withering, Luo Xue had practically become the embodiment of withering, a being more terrifying than any plague. Nothing could escape withering, even if it could hardly be defined as life.

Countless mental attacks bombarded Luo Xue’s soul, making her slightly dazed, not because the deep space behemoth’s mental attacks were too powerful, but because she didn’t resist.

Because some people could only be seen in the deepest recesses of her subconscious…

The disaster engine had completely collapsed, its core formation disintegrated.

Luo Xue, alone, suspended five thousand meters in the sky, slowly closed her eyes, completing her final sword strike.

The deep space behemoth suddenly thrashed madly, even without sentience, it felt an instinctive fear, trying to escape this area.

The surrounding dark clouds churned, countless substances re-aggregating. The deep space behemoth was willing to pay any price, but it couldn’t stop this sword.

A giant spatial fold slowly appeared, a strong “string vibration” phenomenon occurring, completely tearing apart the deep space behemoth’s body.

“Weng…”

Even its final roar was weak and desperate. The behemoth’s massive body began to split from within, its flesh and blood scattering.

From below, it looked like a brilliant firework made of flesh and blood, perhaps the most beautiful moment in the deep space behemoth’s short life.

The deep space behemoth was dead.

Thirty minutes after its arrival, the crisis was over. Humanity’s only loss was a disaster engine.

When the patrol fortresses finally arrived, they only saw the behemoth’s remains, still floating in the air, gradually falling.

“My god…”

The military commander, personally present at the scene, sensing the aftermath of this magnificent battle, was speechless, only able to express his shock with an ancient exclamation.

Only by being here, facing the terrifying remains of the deep space behemoth, could one truly feel the incredibility of this battle.

She had actually killed a deep space behemoth alone…

This was a monster that even the combined forces of all patrol fortresses would need months to defeat.

Even if it wasn’t fully formed upon arrival, the deep space behemoth still possessed all its abilities: its powerful regenerative ability, its terrifying mental attacks, and its inescapable biological contamination, all weapons that could render humanity helpless.

But before Luo Xue, the regenerative ability was useless against withering, and the mental attacks and biological contamination were also ineffective.

Then, the commander realized the significance of this hero, who had single-handedly defeated the deep space behemoth, and immediately ordered,

“Approach the behemoth’s remains, find the hero!”

Even if it was just her remains…

“But, but…” The adjutant hesitated. “Even after death, deep space behemoths carry a strong mental contamination… Approaching rashly might be dangerous.”

“Overload the patrol fortress engines, activate the full containment system, and approach the behemoth’s remains immediately!” The commander said softly. “We’re already late, we can’t be late again.”

What if the hero was still alive, and their hesitation caused her death…

That was an unacceptable outcome.

The adjutant was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

Soon, several patrol fortresses began cleaning the battlefield before the danger had even completely passed, and the search for the hero’s remains also began.

Whether they found the hero alive or dead, it was of great significance to humanity.

At the same time, after a long descent, Suspended High Tower 132 finally landed, completing a non-standard docking with the ground.

Having lost its disaster engine, the Suspended High Tower couldn’t adjust its position mid-air and could only rely on its remaining docking systems to ensure a safe landing.

Fortunately, the landing site was a plain, and the Suspended High Tower didn’t crash, but the damage exceeded 10%.

There were many casualties among the Tower People on the lower three levels, especially those living near the docking facility, where the casualty rate exceeded 30%.

However, no matter what…

Suspended High Tower 132 had survived this crisis.

But it had also become the first Suspended High Tower without a disaster engine… No, it should now be called just a Tower City.

This might become the first Tower City located on the endless wasteland, and the Tower People within would face the same predicament as the Wastelanders.

Facing the ubiquitous natural disasters and calamities, every day of survival was a blessing.

On the ninth level of the Tower City, Ling Ling stared blankly at the sky through the dusty observation window.

Her gaze was fixed on the deep space behemoth’s remains, which had become a small speck in the distance, hoping that the person she missed would descend from the heavens and return to her.

Ceres sat beside her in silence. She knew… how great Luo Xue’s sacrifice was.

But… the price was that this world had lost a serious and unsmiling girl forever.

“Sister Xue’er… will it be a long time before she comes back?”

Ling Ling finally retracted her gaze and looked at Ceres.

Ceres didn’t speak, just looked at Ling Ling.

She had expected to see hopeful eyes, or perhaps sadness from knowing the truth, but Ling Ling’s gaze was calm.

Ling Ling… seemed to have known all along, and she had already accepted it.

Being looked at by such eyes, Ceres opened her mouth, the prepared words reaching her throat, but she couldn’t say anything, only nodding slightly.

“Yes…”

“Did Sister Xue’er succeed?” Ling Ling asked again.

This time, Ceres nodded vigorously.

“Yes.”

“As expected, Sister Xue’er is the best!”

Ling Ling sighed, walked to the observation window, raised her small hand, and gently touched the glass, as if caressing Sister Xue’er in the sky above.

“Sister Ceres, can you promise me something?” Ling Ling suddenly turned and said.

“…Tell me.”

“Can you… not dismantle the laboratory?”

Ling Ling’s small face was serious. “I want to do something amazing. Even if I can’t compare to Sister Xue’er, I still want her to praise me when she comes back.”

Ceres’s eyes flickered slightly, and she lowered her eyelids.

“Of course… no problem.”

Chapter 149: One Sword

“Patrol Fortress 301 and 313 approaching target area. Patrol Fortress 311, 315, and 322 advancing at full speed. Reinforcements will arrive within three hours.”

“What’s the current status of Suspended High Tower 132?”

“Mayor Qualcomm ordered the separation of the tower and the disaster engine. The deep space behemoth’s target is clearly the tower’s outer shell.”

Hearing this, the Federal Council President’s face darkened, and he pondered.

“Sacrificing the tower to protect the engine core… Although cruel, it’s the best option.”

The outer shell could be rebuilt, and the millions of Tower People could be replenished from the wasteland settlements.

But the loss of an engine core was irreversible. The current Federation couldn’t manufacture them.

The President thought Qualcomm’s decision, although cruel, was understandable.

“He’s already committed crimes against humanity, one more charge won’t make much difference.” The President thought for a moment, then issued another order. “Have the nearby Suspended High Towers prepare to retrieve the engine core.”

The order was sent, but there was no reply.

“Hmm?”

The President was slightly surprised, then his assistant’s trembling voice came from the digital terminal.

“President… Mayor Qualcomm isn’t protecting the engine core. He’s piloting the disaster engine, charging towards the deep space behemoth. It seems he’s planning to… attack?”

“Attack a deep space behemoth?” The President jumped up from his seat, his face filled with disbelief. “Are you sure he hasn’t gone mad? No, wait… he’s always been a madman… a complete lunatic!”

How could a normal person come up with such a crazy plan as using the “string vibration” device for interdimensional travel, and actually carry it out?

But the President also knew that an ordinary Suspended High Tower didn’t have any weapons capable of effectively attacking a deep space behemoth. Qualcomm’s action was like a moth flying into a flame, and it would also waste a disaster engine.

“It’s true… President, he overloaded the disaster engine and is charging towards the deep space behemoth…”

The assistant’s voice trembled. He had seen the real-time video from the patrol fortress’s long-range detection device. Even though the image was pixelated, the behemoth’s terrifying presence was still palpable.

The President’s digital terminal also received the video, and he stared blankly at the bright light, like a firefly flying towards a giant beast, then collapsed into his chair.

“My god…”

This was the President’s first time seeing an overloaded disaster engine, and it would probably be his last.

“Connect me to Qualcomm, immediately!”

The President shouted, gnashing his teeth.

“O-okay…”

The assistant hurriedly connected the communication channel. As the beeping sound rang out, the entire world seemed to fall silent, waiting for the response from the man facing the end of the world.

…

“Beep… beep… beep…”

Amidst the deafening roar of the overloaded disaster engine, the communication signal was barely noticeable.

Qualcomm glanced at the channel, then answered.

“Mr. President, at such a critical moment, what instructions does the Federation have?” Qualcomm asked slowly.

“Qualcomm, you madman… Stop the engine, it’s not too late!”

The President’s furious voice rang out, his urgency evident.

“You know how important a disaster engine is to human civilization… Qualcomm, stop!”

“Thank you for your compliment, Mr. President, I mean, the ‘madman’ part, but I’m sorry,” Qualcomm’s tone was slightly playful, “although I would like to obey your orders, the madman piloting the engine now isn’t me, but another madman.”

“Who?”

The President was stunned. Who else could Qualcomm refer to like this? Could it be his brother, Lingxi?

No, Lingxi was already dead…

“A little girl who calls herself an ‘immortal’…”

Qualcomm shook his head, even he found his own words ridiculous.

“Whoever it is, stop the engine! I want to talk! I want to talk to her!”

“I’m just an immortal. A deity should be on a different level.” Luo Xue’s calm, childish voice rang out.

After Soul Transformation, above Ascension, that was the level of a deity, right?

“It’s all the same, no difference.” Qualcomm shrugged, glancing at Luo Xue. “Why don’t you talk to the President? It’s a rare opportunity to talk to such an important figure, haha… It’s good to leave some last words.”

“Not interested.”

“She said she’s not interested.”

“It’s… a child?” The President was about to explode. “Qualcomm, what are you doing?!”

“It’s not what I want to do, it’s what she wants to do, Mr. President… I’m not joking, charging towards the deep space behemoth was really her decision.”

Qualcomm seemed indifferent. After his plan failed, he seemed to have lost interest in everything, like a mere spectator.

“Whoever it is, stop the engine immediately! I order you! Stop!”

The President’s furious voice echoed. Compared to the lives of a Suspended High Tower and millions of Tower People, he… or rather, human civilization, valued the disaster engine more.

Luo Xue ignored him and closed her eyes.

She needed to be in her best condition to control the power of the overloaded disaster engine.

Seeing this, Qualcomm discreetly closed the communication channel, and the President’s shouts abruptly stopped.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Qualcomm asked casually, bored.

Luo Xue opened her eyes slightly, hesitated for a moment, then said,

“Can you still enter your space-time avatar state?”

“Probably, what do you want to do?” Qualcomm asked. “Let me tell you, I can’t rewind time or anything. The engine is already here, you can’t go back.”

“Of course not…”

Luo Xue looked up at the approaching deep space behemoth and said faintly,

“I just… need a sword, a sword capable of severing a deep space behemoth.”

“You mean…”

Qualcomm’s expression turned serious. He suddenly realized what Luo Xue was planning.

“Your space-time avatar, it can tear space, right? At its limit, can you… extract a fragment of space?” Luo Xue continued. “I think, if you can do that, it should be… the sharpest sword in the world, right?”

Qualcomm was silent for a moment, then nodded.

What he didn’t say was that to achieve this, he would have to reach Level 10.

Or… pay with his life, his body completely eroded by space-time.

Lingxi had once said that for humans, abilities were like a “disease,” and ability users were “patients.”

The higher the level, the more severe the “disease,” until they reached their limit, becoming terminally ill, beyond saving.

Having reached Level 9 and looking towards the Level 10 beyond the limit, Qualcomm felt that Lingxi’s words were incredibly accurate.

He constantly felt the severe erosion of his ability on his body.

The last time he used his ability at full strength, it took his legs, and this time, it had almost paralyzed his entire body. Next time, it would take his life.

But…

What did it matter?

“You… need a sword?” Qualcomm looked up slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Then it has to be… a very, very long sword, right?”

“No, a short sword is fine.”

Luo Xue shook her head.

“Alright,” Qualcomm smiled faintly. “I’ll give you this sword.”

He struggled to stand up, taking his final step.

The distorted shadow reappeared, the laws of time and space completely consuming his body.

Three minutes before the deep space behemoth’s attack, a twisted shadow left the disaster engine.

Less than five hundred meters away from the behemoth’s claw, a visible area of space began to distort, a spatial fold slowly forming.

A minute later, the brightly shining disaster engine approached this area, and the spatial fold fully formed.

It was… a sword.

Then, as the entire world watched with bated breath, the disaster engine began to disintegrate.

More accurately, it was the external structure of the disaster engine that was disintegrating. Only the core formation remained operational, its overloaded light not dimming, but intensifying.

Luo Xue stood at the core, surrounded by collapsing formation runes, an astonishing amount of spiritual power surging around her.

After a few minutes of overloading, the disaster engine… the energy-gathering formation had reached its limit, and power almost equivalent to that of a peak Nascent Soul cultivator was at Luo Xue’s disposal.

If Luo Xue were just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, even if she squandered this massive amount of spiritual power until she was exhausted, she wouldn’t be able to use much of it.

But Luo Xue possessed the Law of Withering, a Nascent Soul level weapon. Its only drawback was its high consumption, difficult even for Core Formation cultivators to withstand.

“I have a sword,”

Luo Xue extended her hand, and the spatial fold, like a giant scar, was folded and condensed until it was the length of a dagger, like a self-defense weapon for women.

But this dagger possessed the terrifying power to cut through space and time.

“Capable of severing the heavens.”

Luo Xue gripped the dagger, and an astonishing sword intent condensed, the Law of Withering even affecting the nearby deep space behemoth.

Before she even attacked, signs of withering appeared on the behemoth’s claw.

This immediately diverted the behemoth’s attention from the Suspended High Tower’s outer shell to the insignificant speck of light beside it, its terrifying eye turning to Luo Xue.

Luo Xue looked up, calmly meeting the behemoth’s gaze.

The next moment, a sword light flashed.

All the spiritual power of the disaster engine converged on this sword strike, the condensed sword intent of withering dimming the surrounding space.

Every inch the sword beam advanced, it was as if it was severing millennia, everything withering in its path, even the deep space behemoth.

“Weng—”

This seemed to be the deep space behemoth’s angry roar, echoing through the sky, but it was futile.

When the sword intent of withering struck, the behemoth’s claw was as fragile as paper, slowly being severed, its constituent matter disintegrating.

The severed claw fell from the sky, and black blood, like rain, poured down upon the earth.

“It… actually severed the deep space behemoth’s claw…”

Everyone watching was shocked, beyond words, even though they could only see a pixelated image.

The Federal Council President stared blankly at the video from the front lines, speechless.

He suddenly realized that the immortals Qualcomm had mentioned jokingly might be… real immortals…

Even the patrol fortresses, equipped with humanity’s strongest weapons, couldn’t achieve such a decisive strike. The Federal Military had been prepared for a months-long battle against the deep space behemoth.

But now…

The military immediately reacted. This was a perfect opportunity.

The deep space behemoth had been severely injured before it could fully form. Such a perfect opportunity would probably never appear again.

“All patrol fortresses on standby, attack immediately! All Suspended High Towers within range, please cooperate! We will launch a swift and decisive strike against the deep space behemoth!”

The military abandoned their plan for a long battle and used all their trump cards, taking advantage of this opportunity to hunt down the behemoth.

However, the deep space behemoth, having lost a claw, wasn’t completely incapacitated. Instead, its true rage was ignited. Its terrifying eye narrowed, fixated on Luo Xue.

It would make the small speck of light that injured it pay the price, even with its incomplete body.

Its twisted and deformed body struggled out of the dark clouds, its massive and tiny limbs pieced together on its grotesque body. This was the first time many humans had seen a deep space behemoth.

The deep space behemoth was completely devoid of beauty. It was simply a crude combination of its understanding of this world, an indescribable monster.

This monster didn’t resemble any beast known to humanity. Its bloated body looked like an irregular tumor, a pair of terrifyingly large eyes embedded on it, along with many smaller eyes of various sizes.

Its extending limbs, some like tentacles, some like claws, were all weaker than the severed claw.

It could be seen that Luo Xue’s sword strike had indeed caused irreversible damage to the deep space behemoth, even forcing it to abandon its prey.

Sensing the behemoth’s rage, Luo Xue’s expression remained calm, even as she was being eroded by the Law of Withering, a dark aura enveloping her.

The surrounding formation runes were on the verge of collapse, their brilliant light gradually dimming.

Only the short sword remained bright.

“It’s not over yet…”

Chapter 148: The Array as a Sword, Pointed at the Behemoth

“Warning! Deep space behemoth forming!”

“Adjusting disaster engine direction! Shifting center of gravity! Activating docking procedure, entering emergency non-ground docking mode!”

“Estimated behemoth attack in ten minutes. Suspended High Tower 132 is in imminent danger…”

Despair spread through the tower, but the control room personnel continued to struggle, trying to avert disaster.

Fortunately, not many could see the outside. If they saw the behemoth’s massive claw reaching for the tower, they would panic.

Ceres was in a similar state, staring blankly at the terrifying claw, her expression wooden.

After hearing part of Qualcomm’s plan, she was starting to doubt her decision.

Was Qualcomm right, or was the Federation?

Had she doomed the tower by stopping him…

But it was too late. The tower’s descent seemed inevitable.

Qualcomm sat in his wheelchair, looking at the behemoth with an appreciative gaze.

“So this is a deep space behemoth… such a beautiful creation…”

The chance to witness a deep space behemoth’s arrival was rare.

Deep space behemoths formed by aggregating matter from the world they entered, their form and attack methods depending on the world, but usually indescribable.

The claw reaching for the tower looked like the flesh of some monstrous creature, yet it also had a metallic sheen.

Luo Xue stared at the behemoth, a sense of familiarity, but she couldn’t place it.

But she was certain that she had never faced such a massive creature in any of her worlds.

Luo Xue looked at the eerie eye in the clouds, her breathing growing heavy.

“Miss Luo Xue, to what extent can you utilize disaster energy?”

Qualcomm suddenly turned to Luo Xue and asked.

“Hmm?” Luo Xue was taken aback. “I don’t know… but my ability is using disaster energy.”

“In that case… perhaps you can be our savior.”

Qualcomm smiled faintly and tossed a formation rune to Luo Xue.

Luo Xue frowned slightly, unsure of Qualcomm’s intentions, but she still caught it.

She examined it. It was a formation rune, but nothing she recognized.

Ceres also looked at the rune, her expression turning serious.

“This is…”

“The access key to the disaster engine. With it, you can completely control the engine.” Qualcomm shrugged. “Oh, some people also call it the Mayor’s Seal, haha… but this is much more useful than a seal.”

“The Mayor’s Seal!” Ceres was shocked. “You… Master Qualcomm, you’re just giving it away like this?”

Qualcomm had tossed the key as if it were nothing.

“It won’t break.” Qualcomm seemed to find Ceres’s reaction exaggerated. “Officer, you should learn from Miss Luo Xue’s composure…”

“Actually, it’s because I don’t really understand the disaster engine.” Luo Xue said honestly.

She had been a Wastelander and hadn’t had much contact with Suspended High Towers. Her understanding came from Ceres.

“Ah… is that so? But it doesn’t matter, if you can use it, it’s yours.” Qualcomm didn’t seem to care. “The disaster engine is essentially a super energy source. As for how to control disaster energy… you know more about that than I do.”

“I can only tell you that Suspended High Towers aren’t allowed to have weapons capable of destroying other towers, so there are no weapons within the tower to fight deep space behemoths. However, the energy supply is definitely sufficient. What you can do is use the disaster engine’s energy to stop the deep space behemoth.”

There were conflicts between Suspended High Towers, and wars occasionally broke out, like the civil war in Suspended High Tower 103, which even involved other towers.

The only forbidden type of war was one that completely destroyed a Suspended High Tower. Therefore, only the patrol fortresses above number 300 could possess superweapons.

Other Suspended High Towers, although possessing massive amounts of energy, could only use it for navigation and maintaining the internal ecosystem, not for war.

Qualcomm hadn’t secretly researched weapons. In his plan, there was no need for them. Having weapons would only attract the attention of the Federation.

“In the current situation, the patrol fortresses will need at least another hour to reach Suspended High Tower 132, but the deep space behemoth will arrive in less than ten minutes.” Qualcomm continued.

“I believe humanity now has the ability to defeat a deep space behemoth, but unfortunately, Suspended High Tower 132 doesn’t… So, can you save this tower, Miss Luo Xue?”

Qualcomm knew this detailed information without any reports, solely based on his familiarity with the routes of the Suspended High Towers and the patrol fortresses. This showed his incredible control over Suspended High Tower 132.

Ceres also looked at Luo Xue with hope. She hadn’t expected this girl to have such a peculiar ability.

An ability to control disaster energy… simply unheard of.

Luo Xue held the Mayor’s Seal, was silent for a moment, then said,

“I can, but… I’m not entirely sure.”

Controlling power far beyond her own, Luo Xue did have some experience.

Back at the Blood Sea, using the Blood Sea’s power to fight against the four forbidden area lords, even almost killing one of them, this was valuable experience.

However, Luo Xue had used a trick back then, using the Eternal Withering Body to control the will of withering, to barely contend with the peak Soul Transformation forbidden area lords.

The current Luo Xue didn’t have the Eternal Withering Body, but she still retained everything else, including the sword intent of withering, which carried the Law of Withering.

This was a sword intent she had comprehended herself, unrelated to her physique or inheritance.

But with her current cultivation, it was difficult to use this sword intent.

After all, laws were something only Nascent Soul cultivators and above could comprehend. She wasn’t even at Core Formation yet. Using it once at Foundation Establishment would probably drain all her power.

Moreover, Luo Xue didn’t know if the sword intent of withering would harm her, so she hadn’t used it in previous battles.

Now it was different. According to estimates, the energy stored within the disaster engine was close to that of a Soul Transformation cultivator, just slightly lower in quality.

Such powerful energy could naturally support the use of the sword intent of withering.

However…

A look of hesitation appeared on Luo Xue’s face.

Whether the sword intent of withering would harm her was still unknown, and for the ordinary people in the Suspended High Tower, even the slightest touch of the Law of Withering could be fatal.

Qualcomm saw her hesitation and said in a low voice,

“Is there something you’re concerned about?”

“…”

Luo Xue didn’t speak.

“We can separate the Suspended High Tower from the engine. The remaining docking systems should be enough to complete the docking, but there’s some risk.” Qualcomm, seeing Luo Xue’s hesitation, offered a solution. “In the Suspended High Tower’s emergency docking procedure, the disaster engine is only used for adjusting the docking position and final braking. Without it, there might be some accidents during docking, but there are solutions. It’s still better than being torn apart by a deep space behemoth.”

“…Indeed, it’s better than being torn apart by a deep space behemoth.”

Ceres murmured, looking at Luo Xue with pleading eyes.

Although this was her first time in Suspended High Tower 132, her love for human civilization… was evident.

She firmly believed in the concept of a shared human destiny, and even though she, as a Tower Person, might look down on Wastelanders, she had treated Luo Xue with kindness from their first meeting.

Luo Xue gripped the access key to the disaster engine, exhaled, looked at Ceres, and said,

“Take care of Ling Ling. I’ll be back soon.”

Ceres opened her mouth. She had intended to go with Luo Xue, but Luo Xue stopped her with a look.

After a moment of hesitation, Ceres nodded.

“Sister Xue’er…”

Just then, Ling Ling, who had been silent and worried, reached out and tugged on Luo Xue’s clothes.

Having finally reunited with Sister Xue’er, she didn’t want to be separated so soon.

“Be good, A’Ling, Sister Xue’er is just going to carry out a very important mission.” Luo Xue smiled, rubbing Ling Ling’s hair and straightening her lab coat. “Saving the world, have you heard of it? It’s a very rare opportunity.”

Ling Ling’s face was filled with conflict. She looked at Luo Xue, then at Qualcomm and Ceres, and finally let go of Luo Xue’s clothes.

She lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly.

“When Sister Xue’er comes back, let’s not live in the Suspended High Tower anymore. Let’s go back to the wasteland, back to our home, okay?”

Luo Xue glanced at Qualcomm, who shrugged, saying nothing.

“Of course… no problem.” Luo Xue smiled. “As long as A’Ling likes it.”

“Although I don’t want to interrupt your sisterly affection, I have to say,” Qualcomm said faintly, “there are only seven minutes left.”

“…I’ll be going then.”

Luo Xue said in a low voice. She knew that there was no time to waste.

However, just as Luo Xue was about to use the spatial jump device within the tower to reach the disaster engine on the first level, Qualcomm pushed his wheelchair and came to her side.

“I’ll go with you.”

“Hmm?”

Before Luo Xue could refuse, Qualcomm continued,

“Without me, do you know how to pilot the aircraft carrying the disaster engine?”

Luo Xue didn’t. She hadn’t learned anything about this, and even if she could control spiritual power, it didn’t mean she could operate the aircraft.

“But if you do this, you’ll die.” Luo Xue reminded him.

“Miss Luo Xue, are you joking?” A forced smile appeared on Qualcomm’s face, then quickly faded. “The moment my dream was shattered, I was already dead.”

…

Three minutes later, under the mayor’s authority, Suspended High Tower 132 successfully separated from the disaster engine.

The remaining structure continued to fall towards the ground, while the aircraft carrying the disaster engine ascended, facing the claw of the deep space behemoth.

The disaster engine wasn’t actually that large. This miraculous creation, which powered the entire Suspended High Tower and maintained its internal ecosystem, was actually smaller than the ninth level.

The other large structures were for controlling and utilizing the energy converted by the disaster engine.

Standing directly on the disaster engine, Luo Xue finally confirmed that this was definitely a creation of the Immortal Martial era.

“Formation cores, formation patterns, barrier runes…”

They were all familiar to Luo Xue.

These were all carved on materials that could store the most spiritual power, maximizing the formation’s efficiency.

Even Qualcomm, the top expert, didn’t dare to modify the disaster engine. This miraculous creation was beyond their understanding.

“It should still be able to operate for a few thousand years…”

Luo Xue estimated roughly. This ingenious formation wasn’t eternal, but its lifespan far exceeded that of the current human civilization.

She looked up at the sky, staring directly at those terrifying eyes.

Witnessing the arrival of a deep space behemoth at such close range wasn’t something everyone could withstand.

The deep space behemoth’s target wasn’t the engine. Its claw was still reaching for the falling Suspended High Tower, its body still forming.

Qualcomm silently controlled the aircraft, calmly flying towards the deep space behemoth.

At this moment, only Luo Xue and Qualcomm were here. No one else in the world could hear their conversation.

“Mr. Qualcomm, have you ever heard of… immortals?”

Luo Xue suddenly asked, her gaze still fixed on the deep space behemoth.

“You mean those gods? An illusory and beautiful hope of the lower-level Tower People and the Wastelanders, unfortunately, it has been proven that they don’t exist.” Qualcomm said faintly.

“No, immortals… do exist.” Luo Xue slowly walked to the formation’s core and sat down cross-legged. “I am an immortal, a… Sword Immortal.”

As her voice fell, Qualcomm was shocked to find that the disaster engine was operating at an unprecedented speed, even the most advanced devices couldn’t overload it to this extent.

Looking from mid-air, it was like a blazing sun.

“The array as a sword, pointed at the behemoth.”