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Category: The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 74

    Chapter 74 – End

    The joy of escaping everything and ascending to the Realm Beyond Heaven, a realm of carefree existence, only lasted a moment before being replaced by uncontrollable terror and pain, his expression twisting into a grotesque mask of fear. A wave of dread washed over him. He tried to channel his magic power to resist, but his limbs, pinned to the ground, wouldn’t move.

    “I… I’m the bearer of the Mandate of Heaven! You… you…” He stammered, desperately searching for a way out. He didn’t need to go to the Realm Beyond Heaven. He didn’t need to be the Heavenly Emperor. He would even settle for being a wandering immortal, a life he had once scorned.

    Ming Jian Su looked down at him, her eyes filled with mockery. Even the arrogant and invincible Heavenly Emperor could fall from grace. Even if he still held the Mandate of Heaven, she would kill him. If the Mandate intervened, she would shatter that “Heaven” that opposed her will! The sword beams pinning him transformed into countless starlight, piercing his body.

    He felt the restraints on his limbs loosen and felt a surge of hope, but as he channeled his remaining magic power, a powerful force slammed him back into the ground. The countless starlight, guided by her will, rained down on him, the brilliant light swallowing any trace of blood.

    “You deserve to suffer death by a thousand swords,” she said coldly.

    Feng Chiyue turned away from the dying Emperor and looked at Ming Jian Su. “Are we done with all this now?” she asked.

    Ming Jian Su turned her gaze to her, the coldness melting away, replaced by a gentle warmth. “We don’t have to worry about it anymore,” she said softly. The Celestial Feather Ministry was the feathered lineages’ responsibility. Rebuilding the Heavenly Court was the Celestial Mother’s task. It had nothing to do with them. They were free. She let out a breath, the resentment that had been building for a thousand years finally released.

    “But we still need to visit the Realm Beyond Heaven,” Feng Chiyue said. Those Star Monarchs’ artifacts had shattered upon their deaths, but their abodes in the Realm Beyond Heaven remained. They must be filled with treasures. It was only fair compensation. Even the Celestial Mother wouldn’t object.

    Ming Jian Su knew what she was thinking. “Indeed,” she agreed, nodding.

    Before ascending to the Realm Beyond Heaven, she extracted the Emperor’s soul and obliterated it, leaving no chance for reincarnation. She didn’t know how the Celestial Mother intended to deal with him. She had avenged herself. She didn’t want the Celestial Mother to be swayed by the pleas of immortals or Chu Yi. She wouldn’t accept any outcome other than his complete annihilation.

    A beam of light shot out from the Endless Sword Case.

    “Undefeated,” she said, stroking the blade, “deliver his head to Tu Shan Liusu.” His body had already been reduced to dust.

    The sword trembled, scooped up the severed head, and, transforming into a streak of light, flew towards the Demon Realm.

    When Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue arrived in the Realm Beyond Heaven, the Celestial Mother and the feathered immortals had already pushed the barrier to the former site of Kunlun Mountain.

    Not all the Star Monarchs from the Heavenly Court and the Realm Beyond Heaven had been defeated. Some, not relying heavily on the Blood Sun Devouring Ring and constantly vigilant, had managed to survive its explosion.

    But the Heavenly Emperor’s fate was uncertain, and they were now merely fighting a losing battle.

    “They want to surrender,” Que Chenyi said, frowning, a flicker of malice in her usually gentle eyes.

    If the Celestial Feather Ministry’s opinion differed from the Celestial Mother’s, she would still follow their own principles. They thought they could simply bow their heads and be forgiven? No way! Those Star Monarchs were delusional.

    The Celestial Mother’s expression remained calm, but her voice was cold and unforgiving. “Spare no one,” she said.

    Que Chenyi smiled, her brow relaxing. “Saves Immortal Monarch Ming and Ministry Head Feng the trouble,” she said.

    On the battlefield between gods and demons.

    Tu Shan Liusu received the Heavenly Emperor’s severed head from Undefeated.

    Her revenge fulfilled, even those incompetent demons seemed more pleasing to her now. She immediately ordered her generals to display his head on a banner, parading it before their army.

    The immortals, their perception of the Mandate of Heaven less acute, were still filled with fear and uncertainty. Seeing the severed head, their eyes widened in horror, finally realizing the true extent of the upheaval.

    “Aren’t you going to give him a proper burial?” Ming Yuheng asked Chu Yi, glancing at the pale head curiously.

    Chu Yi frowned. The demons’ actions were a clear provocation. She could imagine the revelry within their ranks. But she had no intention of retrieving his head. “Why bother burying him when he’s already dead?” she muttered, then turned away, ignoring the demons. The battle in the Heavenly Court was over, but they hadn’t yet established a new pact with the demons. She couldn’t leave yet. She returned to her room, took out the Chaos Mirror, and focused her consciousness on it, but many areas were still blank. She shook the mirror, frustration rising within her.

    When would this interference end? When would the Chaos Mirror be fully functional again? The Heavenly Court’s turmoil was over, but what about the East Sea? Had anyone been hurt?

    A few days later, she finally received a decree from the Heavenly Court. As expected, her mother ordered her to negotiate a “pact” with Tu Shan Liusu. The Heavenly Court’s terms were simple: a ceasefire, with the Sui River remaining the boundary, separating pure and turbid. Tu Shan Liusu had no desire to conquer the Immortal Realm. With her revenge fulfilled, she had become lazy.

    She had no reason to object to a ceasefire. However, she also made a request: to allow the demons to join the Chaos Mirror network, lifting the restrictions on interaction between the two realms. Under the previous Demon Sovereigns, a deep chasm had been created between gods and demons. But apart from their appearance and cultivation techniques, she couldn’t see any significant difference. The Immortal Realm was a mess, and the Demon Realm was even more backward. She had brought her Chaos Mirror from Qingqiu and had to use it secretly to avoid revealing her identity. She had wanted those clumsy demons to create their own Chaos Mirrors, but it was a hopeless endeavor.

    “Won’t this cause chaos in the Demon Realm?” Chu Yi asked, her tone diplomatic.

    Tu Shan Liusu understood her meaning. “Those who supported the previous Demon Sovereign are all gone,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Do you think there are many warmongers left in the Demon Realm after all those skirmishes with the Immortal Realm, Heavenly Princess?”

    Chu Yi: “…” So the Immortal Realm had been a convenient tool for eliminating rebels. After relaying the message to the Celestial Mother and receiving her reply, she gave Tu Shan Liusu her confirmation. Peace between the two realms was undoubtedly a good thing. As for the potential arguments on the Chaos Mirror… they could worry about that later.

    Even after the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the battlefield, Chu Yi still couldn’t go to the East Sea.

    With Kunlun Mountain destroyed and the Heavenly Court in ruins, everything needed to be rebuilt.

    She couldn’t avoid getting involved.

    The Heavenly Gates reappeared, the Merit Mirror hanging high above them, not a single Heavenly Gate guardian remaining.

    But regardless of the turmoil in the Heavenly Court, the Minor Realms remained unaffected. They continued cultivating, striving to ascend, their progress unimpeded. The officials in the Celestial Pivot Department were now juggling multiple roles, compiling lists of convicted criminals, guarding the Heavenly Gates… they were overwhelmed. They even had to request assistance from the Celestial Feather Ministry and the Four Seas Department. After all, those two factions had suffered the least casualties in this war.

    “Using the Celestial Pivot Department’s executioners as Heavenly Gate guardians is a good idea. They uphold the Heavenly Dao’s laws, showing no mercy. But the Heavenly Mechanism Department, which was previously responsible for selecting candidates, will have to be placed under the Celestial Pivot Department’s jurisdiction.”

    “No, we don’t even need that. We’ll simply reorganize the Heavenly Mechanism Department, incorporating the Celestial Feather Ministry’s assessment methods into the selection and promotion of officials.” The Heavenly Emperor and those Star Monarchs had been obstacles, but now they were gone. This was the perfect opportunity to implement these new policies.

    “We need to establish clear boundaries between the Heavenly Court and the Realm Beyond Heaven. Those cultivators from the Lower Realm are forbidden from entering the Heavenly Court without permission.”

    …

    One task after another, like a tidal wave. Chu Yi had always believed she could endure any hardship in her cultivation, but she was now exhausted, overwhelmed by the endless paperwork.

    Her resentment was palpable. She finally finished her work and could finally visit the East Sea.

    As she was leaving, she ran into Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, walking side by side, chatting and laughing.

    After looting the Realm Beyond Heaven, they had secluded themselves in Morning Phoenix Mountain, avoiding public appearances. Their cheerful smiles were a testament to their carefree life.

    Ming Jian Su looked at her in surprise. “It’s only been a while, Fellow Daoist,” she said, “but you look so haggard.”

    Chu Yi pursed her lips, remaining silent.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at her and smiled. “Are you going to the East Sea?” she asked. “If you’re looking for Ying Cunxin, you’ll be disappointed. Some busybodies have turned the battle in the Heavenly Court into a play. The Chaos Network hasn’t fully recovered yet. Communication is still intermittent. Ying Cunxin went to see it herself.”

    Chu Yi: “…” See what? Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue slaughtering their enemies?

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue continued walking, leaving her standing there.

    The wind carried their conversation to her.

    “Feng Shuo and the others still want me to be their Sovereign,” Feng Chiyue said. “Look at poor Chu Yi, working so hard, her skin sallow and thin. What a pity.”

    “I did her a favor, Elder Sister, saving her a trip. But she didn’t even thank me. How rude. Just like before.”

    Feng Chiyue dared to say it, and Ming Jian Su dared to agree. “People are malicious. After all, not everyone is as kind and gentle as Junior Sister.”

    Chu Yi gritted her teeth, seething with anger.

    Feng Chiyue was still Feng Chiyue. How was she anything like the legendary Phoenix Sovereign? What did they gain by infuriating her?

    After leaving Morning Phoenix Mountain, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue strolled through the newly established Heavenly Court.

    The Celestial Mother was busy, Chu Yi was busy, Que Chenyi was busy… almost everyone they knew was immersed in their new, hectic lives, filled with hope for the future.

    Returning to Morning Phoenix Mountain, they sat side by side on a high platform, watching the sunset.

    The sun rose and set every day, but the whispered conversations between two people, their bodies intertwined, made each day unique.

    “I still find it incredibly satisfying to watch others work,” Feng Chiyue said with a smile.

    “Does that include me?” Ming Jian Su asked.

    Feng Chiyue glared at her. “Are you ‘others’?” she asked. Those hateful matters were stealing away their precious time together!

    “Who am I, then?” Ming Jian Su asked, playing along.

    Feng Chiyue understood her intentions. She could have easily deflected the question, but why not indulge the one she loved? She leaned close to Ming Jian Su’s ear and whispered, “My beloved.” Then, nestled in her embrace, she laughed. She wasn’t thinking about anything in particular. She was simply happy.

    As the sun set, a cool mist rose, stars twinkled in the sky, and lanterns were lit in Morning Phoenix Mountain’s palaces and pavilions. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows, creating a soft, ethereal glow on Feng Chiyue’s face.

    Suddenly, something occurred to her, and she sat up, looking down at Ming Jian Su with a frown. “If the Celestial Mother asks you for help, don’t agree,” she said. The new Heavenly Court was being rebuilt, and the Celestial Mother was desperate for laborers, even suggesting that they could use manifestations and avatars. She was afraid the Celestial Mother might target her Elder Sister.

    “She won’t,” Ming Jian Su said, meeting her gaze, then gently pulled her back into her embrace. Their crimson robes, overlapping, created a vibrant splash of color. “I told her that if I helped, my junior sister would burn down the Heavenly Court.”

    Feng Chiyue twirled a strand of Ming Jian Su’s hair around her finger, feigning displeasure. “Would I do such a thing?” Before Ming Jian Su could answer, she burst out laughing, her face filled with pride. “Yes, I would.”

    She wanted her Elder Sister all to herself!

    Ming Jian Su chuckled, listening to her declaration. They were so close, their breaths mingling. She couldn’t resist leaning down and kissing her eyelids. Feng Chiyue’s breath hitched, and she pressed closer, her whispers filled with tenderness and seduction.

    But then, a memory surfaced. “Elder Sister,” she said softly.

    Ming Jian Su suppressed the desire that was wrapping around her heart like vines, her gaze fixed on Feng Chiyue, her voice gentle. “I’m here,” she said.

    “You doubted me back in the Abyss of the Milky Way,” Feng Chiyue said, her voice soft, a hint of accusation. “How could you?”

    Ming Jian Su didn’t argue. “It was my fault,” she agreed.

    Feng Chiyue’s hand rested on her waist, her fingers playing with the jade pendant hanging from her sash. “I demand compensation,” she said matter-of-factly.

    Ming Jian Su chuckled. She took Feng Chiyue’s hand and placed it over her heart. “Anything you want, Junior Sister,” she said softly.

    Moonlight met her gaze, shimmering. The shadows shifted, leaving only the lantern swaying gently beneath the eaves.

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue were gone.

    Ming Jian Su, embracing Feng Chiyue, sank into the soft silk sheets, kneeling above her.

    She looked down at her, her fingers tracing her skin, light as snowflakes.

    Feng Chiyue’s eyelashes fluttered. In Ming Jian Su’s deep, calm eyes, she saw an enduring, unwavering love.

    As the shadows danced, she whispered, “Come.”

    Come, let us transcend time and space.

    Come, let us traverse mountains and rivers.

    Come, let us love freely and without restraint.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 73

    Chapter 73

    Even though they had known this outcome was inevitable, the feathered immortals still felt a pang of sorrow.

    Feng Chiyue didn’t care about their sadness. She would continue moving forward, never looking back.

    After everyone left, Que Chenyi glanced at Qing Xun and said slowly, “The pressure is on you now, isn’t it?”

    Qing Xun frowned slightly. As a member of the younger generation, although she had heard many stories about the Phoenix Sovereign, that figure was merely a historical figure. She couldn’t equate her with Feng Chiyue. The Phoenix Sovereign was like a hazy shadow, while Feng Chiyue was a vibrant, living being. She looked at Que Chenyi, confused.

    But Que Chenyi didn’t elaborate, only a hint of pity in her eyes. After the war, Feng Shuo would definitely take their future leader under her wing and hone her skills. As for Phoenix Mountain, they wouldn’t miss this opportunity either. It would be a fierce battle for Qing Xun’s allegiance.

    In Kunlun Mountain.

    The Blood Sun Devouring Ring, hanging above the palaces like a blazing sun, cast a crimson glow on the clouds, tendrils of fire trailing from it.

    A Daoist priest from the Realm Beyond Heaven emerged from its shadow. He stared ahead, holding a pearl, which he placed beside him, channeling his power into it. Within the Blood Sun, dozens of figures sat, watching him intently.

    Que Chenyi, Chang Huai, and the others at the barrier tensed up.

    Although there were no Heavenly Soldiers charging at them, the aura emanating from that Daoist priest was far more dangerous. After all, with all the soldiers sacrificed to the artifact, its vast power was now concentrated in him. Before he could even launch his attack, several figures shot out from the barrier, their speed breaking the sound barrier.

    Feng Shuo led the charge. She was also from the Phoenix lineage, and “Feathers United” protected her as well.

    The others included Nine-Tailed Fox immortals from Qingqiu, wandering immortals who had joined their side, and true dragons. The latter, lacking the protection of “Feathers United,” were far more vulnerable. The Daoist priest from the Realm Beyond Heaven waited until the pearl was fully charged, then launched it. It wasn’t particularly fast, but with the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s enhancement, it shot forward like a meteor.

    But just as it was about to hit one of the dragons, a soft moonlight descended, and the Celestial Mother’s twelve manifestations appeared.

    While the Heavenly Court’s Blood Sun Devouring Ring was like a raging sun, the moonlight at the feathered lineages’ barrier was gentle and ethereal, like flowing silk, but it wasn’t as fragile.

    The Daoist priest’s attack missed. He felt a pang of regret, but he had known that the Celestial Mother had turned against the Heavenly Court. This wasn’t just the Phoenix Sovereign’s revenge but also the Celestial Mother’s attempt to seize power. He channeled his magic power, meeting the incoming attacks, and a deafening explosion reverberated through the air. He glanced at the Blood Sun Devouring Ring behind him, and moments later, his comrades emerged, ready for the final battle.

    It didn’t take long for all the Daoist priests within the Blood Sun to join the fight.

    Feng Chiyue stood atop the barrier, and with a flick of her sleeve, she walked forward as if strolling through a garden. When a beam of golden light, an attack from one of the Realm Beyond Heaven immortals, shot towards her, she simply brushed it aside, deflecting the artifact hidden within. Her aura surged, and she drew a crimson sword, its blade shimmering.

    A phoenix cry echoed through the sky, blending with the humming of the sword.

    Wherever she walked, flames erupted.

    The one who intercepted her wasn’t a feathered Star Monarch but a Daoist priest from the Realm Beyond Heaven, one of those who had agreed to sacrifice the Phoenix Sovereign for “peace” all those years ago. Seeing her, he hesitated, bowing slightly, remaining silent. At this point, all “righteous” justifications were meaningless. Only strength mattered. He channeled his magic power, and a green aura, vast and boundless, enveloped him. He cultivated wood-element techniques. As long as a single trace of this aura remained, it would regenerate endlessly. Compared to his comrades, his techniques weren’t as aggressive, but their endurance was unmatched.

    Feng Chiyue ignored his courtesy, not even looking at him directly. A crimson light blazed behind her, a wave of searing heat surging forward, clashing with the green aura. In an instant, the entire world turned crimson.

    His wood energy had reached a level where it was impervious to fire and water. He watched calmly as the two forces collided, but then he frowned slightly, realizing that he was being overpowered. He flicked his dust whisk, and the solid green aura transformed into countless tiny needles.

    Feng Chiyue raised her sword, and the crimson light behind her flashed, lunging forward like a volcanic eruption, overwhelming his needles. With a humming sound, the light surrounding her slashed towards him. Alarm bells rang in his head, and he hurriedly summoned the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power to protect himself. The sharp sword beam struck his protective aura, leaving a deep gash. He sighed in relief, but just as he was about to counterattack, he noticed a spark landing on his robes, a tiny ember burning a small hole. He quickly brushed it away, but then countless crimson lights flashed, and a magnificent phoenix manifestation emerged from the flames, filling half the sky. With a flick of her sleeve, a wave of Karma Fire crashed down on him, colliding with the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power.

    He felt as if he were trapped in a raging inferno, unable to escape. He desperately channeled the artifact’s power, hoping to draw more strength. He wished his comrades would come to his aid, but they were all occupied, unable to help him.

    “Elder Sister,” Feng Chiyue called out suddenly.

    His heart skipped a beat. He realized that Ming Jian Su hadn’t appeared yet. Where was she hiding? When would she unleash that deadly sword strike? His focus wavered, and a flaw appeared in his defense. He had drawn a vast amount of power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, but it needed to be channeled through him. It couldn’t compensate for his weakness. Thus, in his final moments, he saw Feng Chiyue’s cold, mocking smile.

    “So foolish,” she said, raising an eyebrow. Her Karma Fire Sword sliced through his defenses, and she slapped him across the head, his skull shattering, blood and flesh splattering.

    The battle didn’t end quickly. The Heavenly Court’s Star Monarchs were being defeated, but the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power continued to grow. Initially, one or two feathered immortals could handle a single Star Monarch, but now, it often took several to hold one back. After all, not everyone was as powerful as Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.

    Feng Chiyue had already killed many Star Monarchs. Her opponents kept changing, and she noticed that their connection to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was becoming increasingly tight. Sometimes, her senses, incredibly sharp, would detect danger before it even manifested, and she would instinctively block the incoming attacks.

    These enemies were troublesome, but not invincible.

    Their cultivation levels varied. Not everyone could handle that vast power. Even with ten percent of its full potential, a weakling could only utilize three or four percent. She slashed forward with her Karma Fire Sword, severing everything in her path, flames raining down like meteors, an endless sea of fire. The sword beam, a fleeting flash of light, crossed the crimson sky, so fast it seemed as if it had never existed. When it landed, time and space froze.

    The Daoist priest, unable to react, was obliterated.

    A phoenix’s Nirvana was a rebirth from the ashes of death. Naturally, she was more powerful now.

    Moreover, she had undergone Nirvana in the Abyss of the Milky Way, the origin of primordial energy, drawing upon the very foundation of both the Immortal Realm and the Demon Realm. How could she not be powerful?

    In the Purple Empyrean Palace.

    The Heavenly Emperor had been observing the battle coldly.

    He noticed that the golden barrier was advancing towards Kunlun Mountain.

    He was now the master of the Blood Sun Devouring Ring and could sense its growing power.

    Ming Jian Su was absent for some reason. Perhaps this was an opportunity to eliminate Feng Chiyue!

    He made a decision and finally emerged from his hiding place.

    Seeing the twelve moon images, he felt a surge of disgust. He wanted to kill the Celestial Mother himself, but Feng Chiyue was the priority.

    “Long time no see, old friend,” he said, his body enveloped in a blood-red aura. He had borrowed power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, reaching a level of cultivation he had never achieved before. Behind him, the artifact flickered, like a raging river, its flames swaying.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at him and, without hesitation, slashed towards his face.

    He scoffed and, with a simple hand seal, deflected her attack. He had been conserving his strength, and now he unleashed it, striking back with a blinding beam of light. The world trembled, and countless sparks flew. He was surrounded by a blinding radiance, which gradually faded. He looked ahead and saw Feng Chiyue standing unharmed, her phoenix manifestation shielding her from all attacks.

    His smile faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. This was just the beginning.

    The Blood Sun Devouring Ring had been crafted by Qing Hong Star Monarch. He was technically its master, but to enhance its power, he had sacrificed himself, transferring ownership to the Heavenly Emperor. As its sole master now, his connection to the artifact was stronger than any other Daoist priest’s. He could draw even more power from it. As for the consequences for those Star Monarchs fighting on the front lines, he didn’t care.

    He channeled his magic power again, feeling it surge even higher. He could unleash several more attacks like that. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t know when Ming Jian Su would appear. He had to use his full strength to suppress Feng Chiyue. His eyes were cold and sharp. But she simply stared at him, her expression indifferent, as Karma Fire rained down, incinerating everything.

    He focused his will, unleashing another powerful attack, a torrent of energy surging towards her. Her eyes flickered. She didn’t need to withstand this attack directly. Her eyes turned a brilliant, pure gold, and she activated a teleportation technique, a mystical ability she had gained after Nirvana. She rarely used it. With a twist of her power, his attack missed, all its energy diverted elsewhere.

    That “elsewhere” was the Abyss of the Milky Way, where she had undergone Nirvana.

    The Abyss of the Milky Way was located underground, its countless branches connecting to the entire Immortal Realm, its primordial energy separating into pure and turbid, flowing towards various paradises. And the greatest paradise in the Immortal Realm was naturally Kunlun Mountain. His attack, upon reaching the Abyss of the Milky Way, followed the path of pure energy, and moments later, a deafening explosion reverberated through the air. Kunlun Mountain, shattered, collapsed into ruins.

    Countless eyes turned towards the source of the commotion. The Blood Sun Devouring Ring hung in the sky, but the palaces and pavilions that had stood for millennia were gone, reduced to dust and rubble, not even a single broken wall remaining.

    The Heavenly Emperor’s face darkened.

    “So the Heavenly Court, like the Vermilion Birds’ old nest, was also built by an incompetent fool?” Feng Chiyue said casually. “It collapsed so easily.”

    The Heavenly Court was protected by powerful formations. Breaching them from the outside wasn’t easy. He didn’t know how she had done it. He only knew that, with the destruction of the Purple Empyrean Palace, his authority as the Heavenly Emperor was shattered. Even if he retained power, he would become a laughingstock. His hatred towards her intensified, and he roared, his attacks becoming even more focused and powerful.

    But this time, she didn’t use her teleportation technique.

    Because before she could act, a sword intent sliced through the air.

    A brilliant sword beam, trailing a river of sword energy, swept forward, all obstacles—wind, clouds, even his magic power—melting away like snow. The sword intent didn’t stop after shattering his attack but continued towards him.

    He felt a moment of disorientation, a flaw appearing in his defense. The sword beam struck, and he froze, his body suddenly heavy. Countless golden sparks flew from him as a protective robe shielded him from the attack. He snapped out of his daze and, channeling his magic power, erected layers of defenses. The sword beam didn’t retreat but split into seven, slashing relentlessly. However, the previous impact had weakened its power. It couldn’t advance any further.

    “Ming Jian Su!” he snarled, his eyes filled with venom.

    Emerging from the river of starlight, she didn’t even glance at him. She simply went to Feng Chiyue’s side and, seeing that she was unharmed, sighed in relief.

    “You should have seen it, Elder Sister,” Feng Chiyue said, smiling. “The way Kunlun Mountain exploded.”

    Ming Jian Su chuckled. “It’s fine. We can always blow it up again.”

    Feng Chiyue nodded. “You go, Elder Sister,” she said, smiling. “I’ll deal with the Heavenly Emperor.”

    Ming Jian Su nodded, her gaze fixed on the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.

    In her previous life, her main weapon had been the Endless Sword Case. As for the swords themselves, she had used and discarded them, never truly merging them with the case. And during her reincarnation, she had encountered Undefeated. Although Undefeated liked the case, their connection was distant. This refinement was to achieve a perfect “fusion” between the case and the swords. They would become one, “united” when combined. During this process, she had also comprehended a new Heavenly Dao sword technique—One Sword, Endless!

    She raised her hand, and the seven sword beams returned, merging into one. She stared at the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. They claimed it was limitless, capable of devouring everything. Then she would see if it could withstand her endless sword energy! She dashed forward.

    Seeing her move, the Emperor’s heart skipped a beat, and he was about to give chase, but Feng Chiyue’s attack intercepted him. “This artifact can devour any attack,” he scoffed. “Do you really think you can destroy it?”

    “Why not?” she retorted, meeting his furious gaze. “Just because you’re a useless fool, don’t assume everyone else is like you.”

    Restrained by Feng Chiyue, he couldn’t interfere with Ming Jian Su. Si Li Star Monarch and the others, emerging from the ruins of Kunlun Mountain, tried to stop her, but they quickly found themselves paralyzed. She activated the “Heavenly Dao’s Authority” technique, and a wave of sword energy swept across the world, everything returning to its origin, reduced to dust!

    She stopped when she was about a mile away from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.

    The wind billowed her robes, the embroidered cranes spreading their wings, their figures elegant and ethereal.

    The merged sword still resembled “Undefeated,” its two primordial black and white branches, yin and yang intertwined, tightly bound together.

    The light flowing across its blade was a pure, azure blue.

    As she unleashed her sword, waves of sword intent surged forward like waterfalls, converging into a vast river in the sky.

    The crimson light that had filled the world was replaced by a clear, azure blue, not the color of the sky itself, but endless sword intent! Wherever it passed, it left behind an enduring trace, constantly generating new sword energy. Vast and majestic, it shimmered like countless shooting stars. Those who witnessed this breathtaking sight quickly averted their gazes, lest their souls be injured by its brilliance.

    The moment the surging energy collided with the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, its aura intensified.

    The Star Monarchs connected to it felt the power they could draw increase.

    The feathered immortals, Fox immortals, and true dragons felt the pressure mounting. “Feathers United,” transformed into a single feather, covered the barrier, swaying precariously, as if it were about to shatter.

    Que Chenyi, Chang Huai, and the others watched, their hearts pounding.

    Within the Twelve Earthly Branches Formation, the clear light surrounding the Celestial Mother’s manifestations gradually dimmed, as if she were losing her grip on the formation. But then she channeled her power once more, and behind the twelve moons, ten suns slowly rose. She stepped into the formation, her twelve manifestations merging with her, vanishing. However, the formation remained intact. On the contrary, a brilliant light erupted, depicting a magnificent scene of sun and moon sharing the sky. They revolved endlessly, stabilizing the situation!

    The Heavenly Emperor’s expression darkened, but then he realized that Ming Jian Su’s attack on the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was also a form of sacrifice, and he felt a perverse sense of satisfaction. However, a sudden change occurred. The artifact trembled violently, as if unable to withstand the endless sword energy. Its flames formed a barrier, but it couldn’t stop her attack. A sword beam pierced through it, followed by the rest of the sword energy. While absorbing everything, the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s true form remained hidden. But now, having reached its limit, it revealed its “true self.”

    A crisp sound echoed through the air.

    It wasn’t as loud as thunder, but it seemed to be the only sound in the world.

    Alarm bells rang in his head. As the artifact shattered with a deafening boom, he had already activated a teleportation technique, fleeing towards the Jianmu tree.

    Not all the Star Monarchs on the battlefield were as perceptive as him.

    With the Blood Sun Devouring Ring destroyed by “One Sword, Endless,” its power dissipated. The Star Monarchs lost their borrowed strength, their auras weakening, their protective shields, once formidable, now as thin as paper.

    In an instant, over a dozen figures exploded into bloody mist.

    Ming Jian Su summoned the Endless Sword Case and chased after the Heavenly Emperor.

    She herself turned and walked towards Feng Chiyue.

    Feng Chiyue embraced her. “Are you happy now, Elder Sister?”

    “It’s not over yet,” Ming Jian Su replied.

    Her sword heart was clear, her sword like an eye. She saw the Emperor fleeing towards the Jianmu tree. Was he planning to abdicate and escape to the Realm Beyond Heaven?

    A wave of sword energy stripped away his protective auras.

    She and Feng Chiyue chased after him, their attacks relentless, but they always held back, leaving him alive.

    After realizing that the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was useless, his first thought had been to escape to the Realm Beyond Heaven. If he couldn’t stay in the Lower Realm, he would go to the Upper Realm. He couldn’t let go of his power, but his life was more important.

    After sacrificing several protective artifacts, he finally reached the Jianmu tree.

    He started climbing, looking back at Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, wanting to laugh.

    Suddenly, Ming Jian Su raised her sword, as if to cut down the tree.

    His eyes widened in terror. But after a clang, the towering tree remained unharmed.

    He sighed in relief and finally laughed.

    So what if he had lost? What could they do to him?

    But just as he was about to escape to the Realm Beyond Heaven, he smelled a faint fragrance of lotuses.

    Several lotuses flashed before his eyes, and he felt a heavy pressure pinning him down. He couldn’t control his body and fell.

    He crashed into the ground, creating a deep crater.

    Before he could even get up, several sword beams pinned him down, his limbs pierced.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at him and clicked her tongue. “What?” she asked. “Even the Realm Beyond Heaven doesn’t want its trash back?”

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 72

    Chapter 72

    Ming Jian Su knew Feng Chiyue well. Seeing her smile, she understood her true meaning.

    Whether before or after Nirvana, her junior sister’s obsession with “beauty” wouldn’t change.

    “I was wondering if all wandering immortals lived such carefree lives,” Feng Chiyue said.

    Ming Jian Su recalled her past life. It had indeed been carefree. Practice swordsmanship, practice swordsmanship… she had let her sword practice on its own. She lay down on a rock, scooping up water and gazing at the moon. “You didn’t tell me who you were back then,” she said, glancing at Feng Chiyue, a hint of reproach in her voice.

    “Because it wasn’t important,” Feng Chiyue replied, raising an eyebrow. “If I had told you I was the Phoenix Sovereign, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy true freedom.” The title “Phoenix Sovereign” was an honor, but it was also a responsibility, a shackle. The feathered lineages expected her to be a certain way, and she had to conform. It was an image constructed by the collective will of the entire lineage, but Feng Chiyue was simply herself.

    “I wouldn’t have restricted you,” Ming Jian Su said earnestly.

    “I know,” Feng Chiyue said lazily. Her later interactions with Suxin had proven that. Suxin hadn’t treated her differently because of her status, but their arguments about it had increased. She herself couldn’t break free from those shackles, couldn’t overcome that mental barrier. “Should I be grateful for their betrayal?” she asked suddenly.

    Ming Jian Su heard a hint of amusement and delight in her voice, but the memory of that devastating betrayal still pained her. Freedom was Feng Chiyue’s birthright. Why should she have to endure such suffering before finally breaking free? Feng Chiyue might not care, but she did. She tightened her embrace, not making any promises, simply holding her close, savoring this rare moment of tenderness amidst the chaos.

    In the Celestial Feather Ministry.

    The elders from the Phoenix, Azure Dragon, Chongming, and other lineages were all present.

    They watched as the phoenixes ascended from the Minor Realm, their memories stirred by the familiar names.

    They were reincarnations of their fallen comrades.

    Some had perished on the battlefield, others during the disaster at Danxue Mountain, clearing the path for the Phoenix Sovereign. She had taken their souls and, using some unknown method, had allowed them to be reborn.

    The immortals from Phoenix Mountain had always felt abandoned by the Sovereign. Now, their feelings were confirmed.

    Their Sovereign didn’t lack followers. They, the traitors, the cowards, didn’t deserve her attention.

    The phoenixes from the Minor Realm weren’t cold towards them, but they weren’t welcoming either. They lacked the usual warmth between members of the same lineage.

    After learning about the situation in the Immortal Realm, they left. However, as they were leaving, they glanced at Qing Xun, who was sitting quietly, her lips pursed, a hint of curiosity in their eyes. Their Sovereign had no interest in these matters. According to the Celestial Feather Ministry’s description, this young Azure Dragon was their new leader.

    Only after they were gone did Qing Xun relax, sighing in relief. “It’s a bit strange,” she said, turning to Que Chenyi.

    Que Chenyi didn’t care about their internal conflicts. “They won’t fight now,” she said. If anything were to happen, it would be after they had defeated their enemies. What would their Sovereign do then? Perhaps she would simply execute them all, turning them into obedient followers.

    Despite their different feelings about the past, their hatred towards the Heavenly Emperor and the Immortal Realm was shared.

    The war was far from over. The air was thick with the scent of blood and violence.

    In the Heavenly Court, the Emperor, his face grim, dispatched several Star Monarchs, including those feathered immortals from the Realm Beyond Heaven. The previous Star Monarchs had been too afraid to accept the power offered by the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, but after witnessing their comrades’ defeat, they had no choice. They could only rely on the artifact’s protection, carefully guarding their lives.

    After the initial sacrifice, the Blood Sun Devouring Ring had erupted with a blinding light. Now, that light was even more intense, engulfing Kunlun Mountain in flames, shaking the very fabric of reality. Those with weak cultivation levels felt their minds reeling, as if being pulled towards the artifact, just from glancing at it.

    “He’s sent five Star Monarchs at once, and they’re all connected to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring,” Ming Jian Su said, frowning. They could naturally rely on the barrier and stay on the defensive, but three of those five were feathered immortals from the Realm Beyond Heaven. She would hunt them down to the ends of the earth!

    As the five approached, they channeled their magic power, their combined energy pressing down on the barrier, stripping away its protective light. Suddenly, a beam of light flashed across the sky, slicing through their combined attack. The pressure on the barrier eased, and it quickly recovered.

    “Junior Sister,” Ming Jian Su whispered to Feng Chiyue.

    Feng Chiyue nodded and raised her Karma Fire Sword.

    “There are five of them. We’ll take them on,” Feng Shuo, who had ascended from the Minor Realm, said.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at her. “There’s no way they won’t send Star Monarchs to attack the main army,” she said calmly. “You and the Feather Guards stay here.” With a flick of her sleeve, she transformed into a beam of red light, shooting towards the battlefield. A phoenix manifestation appeared behind her, and she immediately activated her “Virtuous Sound” technique.

    The three feathered Star Monarchs from the Realm Beyond Heaven, anticipating her attack, had already channeled power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, amplifying their strength. The “Virtuous Sound” suppression couldn’t be completely negated, but it was minimized.

    She scoffed and turned her gaze to the two Star Monarchs from the Heavenly Court. Their expressions were grim, their eyes wary.

    As for Ming Jian Su, her gaze remained fixed on the three feathered Star Monarchs. She possessed many swords but usually only used Undefeated. However, this time, to eliminate any chance of their survival, she summoned several swords from the Endless Sword Case. They circled her, shimmering like starlight.

    The feathered Star Monarchs had intended to fight Feng Chiyue, but now, seeing Ming Jian Su blocking their path, their expressions changed slightly.

    They felt a wave of sword intent, as if… it was the same chilling energy they had sensed when their connection to “Feathers United” had been severed. They didn’t hesitate any longer, unleashing their most powerful techniques. The battlefield erupted with thunder and lightning.

    Ming Jian Su attacked relentlessly. A whirlwind of sword energy swept across the sky, countless tiny blades shooting towards the three feathered Star Monarchs like lightning strikes.

    One of them, skilled in mist manipulation, scoffed and channeled his magic power, enveloping the area in a dense fog, infused with fire, concealing their auras. Another Star Monarch summoned a barrage of arrows, raining down like a swarm of crimson locusts.

    Ming Jian Su’s eyes narrowed. Before the arrows could reach her, the sword beams circling her shot forward, weaving a net of light, intercepting them with a series of clangs. The fog thickened, and the arrows flew like waves, but the three feathered Star Monarchs remained hidden, their auras concealed. She made a decision, her eyes flashing with killing intent. She channeled her power, and a muffled boom echoed through the air. The countless sword beams converged into a single, blinding light. A deafening roar, like the heavens and earth shattering, filled the air, and she raised her sword, a brilliant aura appearing behind her. Sword energy surged like a tide, and she unleashed it, washing away the fog like a raging torrent. The sword beam swept through the mist, and in an instant, clarity returned to the world.

    The Star Monarch who had summoned the fog stumbled back, clutching his chest, coughing up blood. He stared at the sword beam in horror, desperately channeling his magic power, the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s light bathing him. But then, to his horror, he saw cracks appearing on his body, sword wounds that wouldn’t heal no matter how much power he channeled. The sword intent invaded his soul, and moments later, he shattered like glass, leaving behind only dust scattered by the wind.

    The remaining two, terrified, exchanged glances and drew power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. They looked at Ming Jian Su, their expressions grim.

    She scoffed and raised her sword. “Please, depart,” she said. She had cultivated two lifetimes. After escaping the Demon Abyss, she had known that her power wasn’t enough for revenge. She had reincarnated in the lower realm, severing her past ties to the Immortal Realm, experiencing mortality and tribulation, perfecting her Dao. The Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power had increased, and these two had indeed drawn strength from it, but countless Heavenly Soldiers were also drawing from it. Perhaps the power gained by a single soldier was insignificant, but what about their combined strength? These Star Monarchs likely had less power than they thought. The Heavenly Emperor probably knew this, but the more he sacrificed, the more power he would gain in the end. He wouldn’t stop them. After all, he was a selfish and ruthless emperor.

    By the time they realized this, it was too late. They shifted positions, unleashing bursts of fire, but it was futile. The sky turned blood red. A mournful cry echoed through the air, and a Bifang, transformed into his true form, fell from the sky, torn to shreds by a fierce wind before he could even reach the ground.

    The last feathered Star Monarch turned to flee. He glanced back and saw that the two human Star Monarchs weren’t doing well either, screaming in agony amidst the raging flames, desperately trying to draw power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring to resist, but their fate was sealed. They would either be burned alive or consumed by the artifact.

    He used a scapegoat technique, leaving behind a single feather, imbued with half his life force, while he instantly teleported miles away. As he fled the battlefield, he sighed in relief, but then a sense of dread washed over him. He looked up and saw a river of starlight blocking his path. The brilliant light lasted only a moment, then Ming Jian Su emerged, her body surrounded by a faint glow, starlight trailing behind her. She held a sword, its blade shimmering with a pale blue light, her robes billowing in the wind.

    She glanced at him coldly, then, with a single swing of her sword, obliterated his soul. Only then did she turn and leave.

    Since the start of the war, the Heavenly Court’s Star Monarchs had been losing. Those officials still loyal to the Emperor were terrified.

    Amidst this chaos, the Emperor unexpectedly laughed. He ignored the commotion in the hall and sent a message to the Realm Beyond Heaven.

    Qing Hong Star Monarch, who had been meditating in his abode, finally made a move. He gathered all the Heavenly Court Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven and decided to descend to the Immortal Realm.

    Bi Xiao Star Monarch naturally wouldn’t join them. She also didn’t try to stop them. Her cultivation was already sufficient to ascend to the Upper Realm and sever her ties with the world, but she still had unfinished business with the Celestial Mother.

    “Aren’t you going to revisit your old home, Sister Bi Xiao?” a fellow Star Monarch asked with a smile.

    A strange glint flashed in her eyes. “No,” she said, chuckling.

    She would stay here and prevent those Star Monarchs from returning!

    Thirty-six beams of light descended from the sky, converging on Kunlun Mountain. Their combined aura rivaled the ever-expanding Blood Sun Devouring Ring.

    There were no Star Monarchs on the battlefield yet, but the Heavenly Soldiers continued fighting fiercely.

    Upon meeting the Heavenly Emperor, Qing Hong Star Monarch said only one thing: “Turn them all into sacrifices.” His withered appearance and cold words sent chills down everyone’s spines. Even Si Li Star Monarch, who had always been loyal to the Emperor, felt a shiver of fear.

    But the Emperor didn’t hesitate. He agreed without a second thought.

    Within the barrier.

    The Feather Guards, seeing the Heavenly Soldiers exploding into bloody mist, assumed something had gone wrong and cautiously retreated. However, even after they withdrew, the soldiers continued marching towards their deaths. Some of the less experienced Feather Guards couldn’t understand, but Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue saw clearly. A Daoist priest sat within the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, his aura merging with the artifact, his power surging. The artifact’s power was being channeled into him, leaving very little for the soldiers. If they couldn’t control it, they would become sacrifices, their energy absorbed by the ring.

    As for the Daoist priest, constantly exposed to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s aura, he had no chance of survival!

    This was clearly a suicidal sacrifice, but would they really sacrifice a powerful Star Monarch for nothing? No! Ming Jian Su’s eye twitched. “Chang Huai,” she said sharply, turning to the artisan. “Activate the barrier’s formations at full power!”

    Chang Huai also realized something and replied solemnly, “Yes!” As she and the other artisans worked to reinforce the barrier, a blinding light erupted, consuming their vision, as if everything else in the world had vanished. The Daoist priest, his power reaching its peak within the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, was charging towards them.

    Ming Jian Su’s eye twitched, and she unleashed a wave of sword energy. The Daoist priest’s power, at its zenith, was unfathomable, her sword energy melting like ice under a scorching sun. She continued attacking, tearing through the blazing flames. Feng Chiyue also unleashed several bursts of Taiyi Karma Fire! It seemed like an eternity, yet also a mere instant. The Daoist priest crashed into the barrier, shaking the heavens and earth. Cracks appeared on its surface, and he reached out, trying to insert the artifact into one of the cracks and destroy the formation, but then a barrage of sword beams descended, tearing him to shreds.

    Que Chenyi and the others, stabilizing themselves, stared at the scene, their hearts pounding.

    If every Star Monarch in the Heavenly Court attacked like this, the barrier wouldn’t hold.

    A Star Monarch in the Heavenly Court, witnessing this, sighed. “What a pity, Fellow Daoist Qing Hong,” he said.

    The Emperor smiled faintly. “Which of you would like to try next?” he asked.

    Silence filled the hall. His expression darkened. After sacrificing the Heavenly Soldiers, his authority over the Heavenly Dao had been weakened. He couldn’t control those in the Realm Beyond Heaven, and now he couldn’t even command the Star Monarchs in his own palace with the Heavenly Constitution Seal. They were only united by a common enemy.

    After a moment, he said casually, “With your help, Fellow Daoists, the Heavenly Court will surely crush these rebels.”

    However, their relief was short-lived. A series of messages arrived.

    “The White Tiger Department failed to intercept the Nine-Tailed Fox Nation. Several wandering immortals from Qingqiu have arrived at Morning Phoenix Mountain.”

    “The army sent to quell the rebellion in the East Sea has been completely defeated. The Celestial Mother has raised her banner, declaring herself the true bearer of the Mandate of Heaven.”

    They might have been able to maintain their composure after the first message, but the second one shattered their facade. They all stared at the Emperor.

    This level of chaos was unprecedented.

    The Great Yin was supposed to assist the Emperor. Even if there were disagreements, they were always resolved privately. How could it escalate to a struggle for the Mandate of Heaven?

    In contrast to the Heavenly Court’s gloom, the Celestial Feather Ministry was jubilant.

    Que Chenyi had been worried about the Realm Beyond Heaven. After all, they were still outmatched in terms of raw power.

    But then the Nine-Tailed Fox immortals from Qingqiu arrived, followed by the dragons from the Four Seas, and even the Celestial Mother’s Twelve Earthly Branches Formation appeared on their side.

    What was there to fear from the Realm Beyond Heaven?

    With the arrival of their allies, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue had to make an appearance, regardless of their past relationships.

    After the initial excitement, the immortals returned to their duties. Only Tu Shan Xiu Rong from Qingqiu hesitated.

    Feng Chiyue, her chin resting on her hand, glared at her, her impatience growing. Why was this fox so persistent? Couldn’t she just leave and let her and her Elder Sister enjoy their time together?

    Tu Shan Xiu Rong shifted uncomfortably. After a moment of hesitation, she said, “Sword intent.”

    Ming Jian Su had almost forgotten. Why had this Nine-Tailed Fox immortal intervened on someone else’s behalf? She lowered her gaze and, with a casual wave of her hand, erased the sword intent she had implanted in Tu Shan Xiu Rong.

    But she still didn’t leave.

    Feng Chiyue frowned. “Is there anything else?”

    Tu Shan Xiu Rong sighed heavily. “Does the Celestial Feather Ministry have any ointments for hair growth or hair beautification?” she asked.

    Ming Jian Su looked at her in surprise, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. Feng Chiyue’s expression also softened slightly. It was a pity that she was losing her fur at such a young age.

    “Go ask Que Chenyi,” Feng Chiyue said.

    Tu Shan Xiu Rong understood their gazes, but she swallowed her explanation.

    She had been angry and, unable to find Tu Shan Liusu, had used the depilatory cream on Tu Shan Bi instead. To avoid trouble, she had hidden herself for a long time, returning only when she thought her fur had grown back. However, the cream had been so effective that Tu Shan Bi was still bald, looking listless and dejected. She felt a twinge of guilt, but when she visited Tu Shan Bi, she was beaten up and forced to swear an oath to find a cure, or else she would also lose her fur.

    After Tu Shan Xiu Rong left, Feng Chiyue immediately leaned against Ming Jian Su.

    “We have allies now,” Ming Jian Su said softly, looking down at her. “We can push towards Kunlun Mountain. I want to find a way to destroy the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.”

    “Do you have a plan?”

    “I don’t believe that artifact is truly limitless.”

    Feng Chiyue blinked.

    “I have six swords now,” Ming Jian Su continued, “but I feel like something is missing. Perhaps I need to merge them into one. Isn’t the Endless Sword Case also a sword?”

    “Do as you see fit,” Feng Chiyue said, nodding.

    She trusted Ming Jian Su.

    “It will take some time,” Ming Jian Su said softly. “You’ll have to work hard, Junior Sister.”

    She had wanted to handle everything herself, but now, her junior sister was also involved.

    Feng Chiyue stared at her and nodded solemnly. “It is hard work,” she agreed.

    Ming Jian Su chuckled and leaned down, kissing the corner of her lips.

    Feng Chiyue reached up and wrapped her arms around Ming Jian Su’s neck. Their breaths mingled, their soft gasps filled with tenderness.

    Ming Jian Su didn’t hide the fact that she needed time to refine her swords.

    She had always been the one making decisions in the Celestial Feather Ministry.

    Que Chenyi, upon hearing the news, wasn’t worried about the war but rather those trivial matters. Should she continue sending them to Feng Chiyue?

    Knowing her, she wouldn’t even bother looking at them.

    Perhaps she should discuss it with Zhu Wan and the others first?

    But then, Feng Chiyue, who had rarely appeared in Ming Jian Su’s absence, entered the Celestial Feather Hall.

    She was dressed in white.

    The wind blew, as if stirring a cloud of snow, and within the cloud, a golden phoenix, its wings spread wide, soared gracefully, its aura noble and elegant.

    Her usual laziness had vanished, replaced by a cold, frosty aura.

    Que Chenyi didn’t dare to look at her directly.

    The phoenixes, Azure Dragons, and other feathered immortals in the hall also remained silent, but the tears shimmering in their eyes betrayed their emotions.

    They had never imagined that Feng Chiyue was the Phoenix Sovereign. After all, they hadn’t seen any trace of their former leader in her.

    Nirvana could be a continuation of the past or a new beginning, depending on one’s choice, but it shouldn’t erase everything.

    They had finally understood. That disaster had crippled Phoenix Mountain, and it was only natural for the Sovereign’s personality to change.

    Feng Chiyue walked straight to the main seat, her gaze sweeping across the room. “One last time,” she said.

    She would resolve her Elder Sister’s inner turmoil and sever her ties with the past.

    She wasn’t the feathered lineages’ Sovereign. She was simply Feng Chiyue.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 71

    Chapter 71

    Compared to the ever-present Heavenly Emperor, this Celestial Mother was a distant figure, spending most of her time in seclusion. She had intervened in the Celestial Feather Ministry’s affairs, confronting the Emperor, then had disappeared from public view, leading everyone to assume she had returned to her palace and secluded herself once more. She hadn’t emerged during the war between gods and demons a thousand years ago, so naturally, no one expected her to appear now.

    The Twelve Earthly Branches Formation enveloped the East Sea. The Heavenly Court officials stared at those manifestations, their faces frozen in terror. They couldn’t harm anyone within the formation until it was broken. Could the power borrowed from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring rival the Celestial Mother’s? The Star Monarch’s mind raced. He hesitated, then, gritting his teeth, ordered the remaining officials to attack! But as their combined power clashed with the ocean’s currents, he felt his own strength being suppressed. His eyes widened in horror.

    A massive seal, radiating purple light, appeared above the Twelve Earthly Branches Formation, its Heavenly Dao power swirling like lightning. It was the Celestial Mother’s “Heavenly Law Seal”! Like the Heavenly Constitution Seal, it could suppress immortals. Under its influence, channeling his magic power was several times more difficult. After a moment of hesitation, his magic power surged, his connection to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring established. But as his power flowed, his body became translucent, like a wisp of smoke, something being forcibly extracted from him! He instantly realized that he had exceeded the artifact’s limit and was now becoming its sacrifice. However, unlike the previous Daoist priest, he wasn’t instantly devoured.

    He acted decisively, severing his connection to the artifact, but the powerful aura that had enveloped him vanished. The East Sea Dragon Lord, sensing his weakness, unleashed a wave of magic power, attacking him relentlessly. The entire sea trembled, powerful energy surging, threatening to shatter the heavens and earth. Forget about conquering the East Sea, he didn’t even have a chance to escape.

    The Heavenly Court’s attack on the East Sea had failed.

    News of the Celestial Mother’s twelve manifestations appearing in the East Sea spread, sending shockwaves through the Immortal Realm.

    Was she angered by the Heavenly Emperor’s attack on the East Sea, confronting him, or was she siding with the Celestial Feather Ministry? Those who had been wavering had second thoughts, regretting their involvement. If it were simply a conflict between the Heavenly Court and the Celestial Feather Ministry, it could be considered a “clan feud,” but if the two rulers of the Heavenly Court were at odds, the resulting turmoil would engulf the entire Immortal Realm. They would face a major upheaval, its consequences even more devastating than the war between gods and demons a thousand years ago.

    In Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Ming Jian Su was not only monitoring the situation within the Celestial Feather Ministry but also paying attention to the outside world. “With the Celestial Mother protecting the East Sea, we don’t have to worry about them,” she said. “However, the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power has increased. After all, it absorbed those defeated immortals.”

    “We can’t wait until the Heavenly Court runs out of sacrifices. By then, its power will be unimaginable.”

    Feng Chiyue pondered for a moment. “It’s not a Dao artifact created by the Heavenly Dao itself. The artifact itself must have flaws,” she said. “Does the Celestial Mother have any ideas?”

    Ming Jian Su shook her head.

    Although the Celestial Mother knew its origin and function, she didn’t know how to destroy it.

    Feng Chiyue clicked her tongue, looking at Ming Jian Su. “They’re so useless. You have to worry about everything, Elder Sister,” she said.

    Ming Jian Su chuckled. “Once these matters are settled, we’ll finally have peace,” she said, her spirits lifting. Then, with no distractions, she and her junior sister could finally enjoy a carefree life. After indulging in this fantasy, she returned to the present, embracing Feng Chiyue. “They claim it’s limitless, but the only thing truly limitless is the ‘Dao.’ Is it truly without boundaries?” She didn’t mean to belittle the Star Monarchs, but if their Dao was truly profound, they would have already ascended to the Upper Realm of the Realm Beyond Heaven. Why would they remain in the lower realms, troubled by trivial matters?

    “The Blood Sun Devouring Ring is in the Heavenly Court’s Purple Empyrean Palace,” Feng Chiyue said. “If we want to target the artifact itself, we’ll have to overcome the Heavenly Court’s defenses.”

    Ming Jian Su raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Then let’s fight!”

    The Heavenly Emperor had a vast army under his command, equipped with powerful weapons, forming a formidable barrier. Those soldiers would be dealt with by the Feather Guards. Their opponents were the Star Monarchs.

    A fierce wind swept across the clouds.

    Under the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s blazing light, the clouds melted like snow under the scorching sun.

    The stalemate on the battlefield and in the East Sea continued. The Heavenly Emperor’s plans hadn’t succeeded. The Blood Sun Devouring Ring hadn’t reached the level of power he desired. But regardless, with the feathered immortals attacking, they had to fight. There was still a way to enhance the artifact, but the “price” had shifted from outsiders to their own people.

    “The feathered lineages’ artifact can share both life force and magic power,” a Star Monarch in the Heavenly Court said, having observed the effects of “Feathers United.” He suppressed his anxiety. “But their numbers are limited. There are only a few thousand Feather Guards, even with reinforcements from Phoenix Mountain. They’re far outnumbered by our Heavenly Soldiers.”

    “Indeed, the most powerful among the feathered lineages are mostly from the Five Phoenixes and Three Feathered Birds,” Si Li Star Monarch said. “But Phoenix Mountain has been suppressed for so long, and the Vermilion Birds, Bifang, Golden Pheasants, and other lineages have been weakened by their internal conflict. Those Feather Guards are all from minor lineages with ordinary bloodlines. How strong could they be?” His words seemed more like an attempt to reassure himself.

    It wasn’t just the Heavenly Court. Even within the Celestial Feather Ministry, there were concerns. The Feather Guards had been reestablished recently. Their training time was limited. Even with the help of spiritual fruits, those feathered immortals couldn’t possibly transform into phoenixes in such a short time. They might be born Heavenly Immortals, but their bloodlines limited their potential. Even if the Heavenly Court eliminated all their unqualified members, they still had more soldiers.

    “Don’t worry,” Ming Jian Su said simply.

    The Minor Realm that had appeared in the Cold Prison was now connected to the Immortal Realm. Its inhabitants were the souls of those feathered immortals who had perished fighting for the Phoenix Sovereign a thousand years ago. She and her junior sister had left behind many spiritual fruits. Those phoenixes who were on the verge of ascension would surely break through, and during their tribulation, they would awaken to their past lives.

    Those who had departed would return. What had been lost would be reclaimed.

    After the initial skirmishes, the attacks intensified. Some officials in the Heavenly Court were optimistic, believing that the power borrowed from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was enough to shatter the feathered lineages’ artifact, but they were soon disappointed. Unfamiliar auras appeared within the feathered lineages’ ranks. They were stronger than they had anticipated.

    During the days of fighting, the feathered lineages, protected by their artifact, suffered no casualties. The Heavenly Court, however, was different. They could only “borrow” from the Blood Sun, not share the burden of life and death. Moreover, they had to be careful not to exceed its limit. Otherwise, they would become its sacrifices!

    The Heavenly Emperor didn’t care about these “sacrifices.” He even felt a perverse sense of satisfaction, believing that their deaths would only enhance the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power. He knew this would damage his reputation, but he could no longer afford to care. As long as he eliminated all potential successors, the Mandate of Heaven would eventually return to him.

    “Your Majesty, if this continues, they might lose their will to fight,” Si Li Star Monarch said, his voice filled with worry.

    A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He summoned a decree and affixed the Heavenly Constitution Seal. With his Mandate waning, the Heavenly Dao power within the seal had also diminished. Immortals like Bai Guchan and Ming Yuheng could break free from its constraints, but those with lower cultivation levels were powerless to resist!

    Si Li Star Monarch, accepting the decree, sighed inwardly.

    He envied those carefree wandering immortals who could live in seclusion.

    But he had no choice but to obey. His name was definitely on Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue’s list.

    The Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power, when amplified to a certain level, was too much for those with low cultivation levels to handle.

    They were being sent to their deaths. Resentment filled the Heavenly Court, but under the Heavenly Constitution Seal’s authority, they couldn’t even protest.

    “Seeing such a tragic outcome, don’t you feel any remorse, Fellow Daoist?” Three Star Monarchs, their hair white but their faces youthful, stood before Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue. The one in the middle looked at Ming Jian Su intently, attempting to sway her with words.

    But she was unmoved. She scoffed. “Why should I pity my enemies?” She summoned her sword and, unleashing a wave of sword energy, attacked. After a brief exchange, she realized that these three, valuing their lives, were being cautious. They hadn’t connected their auras to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. Then she wouldn’t hold back! Her eyes narrowed, and three swords shot out from the sword case. She formed hand seals, activating the “Heavenly Dao’s Authority” technique, freezing time and space. Within this frozen moment, the “Heaven and Earth Reunited” technique surged forward, shattering the obstacles before them.

    The three Star Monarchs were startled. Their protective robes, shimmering with light, weakened the incoming sword energy.

    But then, they saw sparks landing on their robes. The sparks ignited, crimson flames, laced with a dangerous black fire, silently devouring the protective light.

    Feng Chiyue, no longer a mere spectator, smiled faintly, a crimson sword in her hand. She slashed forward, and a flash of light blinded them. The void darkened, then, with a phoenix cry, a burst of flames rekindled it. The most talkative Star Monarch, caught in the inferno, was incinerated without even a scream.

    This scene terrified the remaining two, but seeing the waves of sword energy crashing towards them, they realized that, with their protective artifacts and auras burned away, they were powerless to resist. They had initially avoided connecting to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, but now, desperate, they realized it was their only hope. In a flash, they made their decision, channeling their consciousness.

    But Ming Jian Su wouldn’t give them a chance. These three Star Monarchs hadn’t been connected to the artifact. Their deaths wouldn’t enhance its power. Sharp sword cries echoed through the air, and a blinding sword beam descended, reducing the remaining two to ashes, scattering them in the wind.

    Sparring matches between Star Monarchs could drag on for ages, but life-or-death battles were often swiftly decided. Countless techniques might have been exchanged, but to outsiders, it might have seemed like a single instant.

    The Star Monarchs in the Heavenly Court, witnessing their swift defeat, were terrified. If they didn’t borrow power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, they would be no match for Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, but if they did, they might lose control.

    The Heavenly Emperor’s expression was grim. Before him, a river of starlight flowed, a soaring phoenix hovering above it, as if trying to consume the entire world. The Heavenly Soldiers, although empowered by the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, were being held back by the Feather Guards. The battle in the East Sea had been lost, with the Celestial Mother’s intervention. And on the battlefield, his decrees had been ignored – it was as if everyone had abandoned him. He could only rely on his Star Monarchs. He hadn’t wanted to rely too heavily on the Realm Beyond Heaven, but now, it seemed he had no other choice.

    Suppressing his rage, he continued sending Star Monarchs to fight Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, determined to keep them away from Kunlun Mountain. He himself returned to the Purple Empyrean Palace. He sent a decree to the battlefield, ordering the Heavenly Soldiers guarding the border to return, then contacted his father’s former retainers in the Realm Beyond Heaven.

    He needed not only artifacts but also powerful Star Monarchs! For now, only Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue were truly formidable opponents.

    On the battlefield between gods and demons.

    The Heavenly Emperor’s decree, bearing the Heavenly Constitution Seal, carried an irresistible will of the Heavenly Dao. At least, those who were loyal to him or lacked sufficient cultivation couldn’t defy it. This decree disrupted the initial peace, causing chaos in Asura City.

    Tu Shan Liusu had simply been stationing her troops at the border. Her agreement with Ming Jian Su had only been to keep some of the Immortal Realm’s forces occupied here. As for killing the Heavenly Emperor, she didn’t need to do it herself. She desired revenge, but she didn’t particularly want to kill him personally. The mere sight of his face disgusted her. As long as he was dead, she didn’t care how. But now, seeing the Immortal Realm tearing itself apart, she wouldn’t be polite anymore. She ordered her demon army to attack.

    “The Heavenly Emperor’s decree,” Chu Yi said, her eye twitching. She could ignore it, but some of the officials under her command couldn’t. The moment the decree arrived, chaos erupted in their ranks. Some had already abandoned their positions, heading towards Kunlun Mountain.

    Bai Guchan sat on a chair, twirling her prayer beads, her eyes downcast, her expression indifferent.

    Ming Yuheng smiled faintly. “Forgive me,” she said, then, summoning her sword, she attacked those fleeing towards Kunlun Mountain.

    Her justification was simple: “Those who desert shall be executed.” However, when those officials were attacked by the demons, none of her sword intent was directed towards them. How could they not understand her stance? Terror and despair filled their hearts. Like headless flies, they turned to Chu Yi for help.

    She looked at Tu Shan Liusu, who was approaching calmly, her nine-tailed fox manifestation appearing behind her, its fluffy tails swaying in the wind. She didn’t assist Ming Yuheng, but she also didn’t interfere. She simply pretended not to notice. “Pure and turbid are separated, gods and demons divided by the Sui River,” she said to Tu Shan Liusu. “Are you dissatisfied with this arrangement, Your Majesty?” She thought, “Those rumors about Ming Jian Su colluding with the demons on the Chaos Mirror aren’t baseless after all.” But while Ming Jian Su could make deals with the demons, she couldn’t.

    Tu Shan Liusu smiled. “That old fool humiliated me,” she said. “I cannot let this grudge go unpunished.”

    “What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?”

    “We can negotiate,” she replied without hesitation, “but I want the ‘Heavenly Emperor’ as a ‘sacrifice’ to appease our alliance.”

    Hearing these words, Chu Yi’s suspicions were confirmed. This situation mirrored the Fall of the Phoenix, but this time, Tu Shan Liusu wanted the Heavenly Emperor.

    She couldn’t agree, at least not in front of the other officials.

    She pretended to be powerless, sending an official back to the Immortal Realm to inform the Emperor, but her message was clear.

    She would do her best to hold back the demons. Although they hadn’t truly engaged in battle yet, who knew if the negotiations would collapse? The immortals couldn’t retreat from the battlefield. She had already dealt with those deserters. As for that “decree,” she didn’t mention it.

    The Heavenly Emperor was furious with Chu Yi’s attitude. After the news spread, some wandering immortals praised her for her sense of duty.

    Meanwhile, the Emperor, after unjustly provoking the demons, driving Ming Jian Su and the Celestial Feather Ministry to rebel, and antagonizing the Four Seas, causing the Celestial Mother’s anger… wasn’t this all his own fault? Instead of finding a solution, he had summoned that Blood Sun Devouring Ring, using immortals as sacrifices. This was unacceptable.

    In the Realm Beyond Heaven.

    The Star Monarchs aligned with the Heavenly Emperor, upon receiving his plea for help, were restless.

    Qing Hong Star Monarch, hearing about the feathered lineages’ powerful artifact, immediately thought of those feathered Star Monarchs. Had they switched sides after their previous disagreement? But they had also been involved in forcing the Phoenix Sovereign’s hand! Would she forgive them? After all, she had abandoned the entire Phoenix lineage for their inaction.

    He sent a message to inquire.

    The Bifang Star Monarch, relying on self-deception, had suppressed his anxiety, believing that their artifact would eventually be returned. However, upon receiving Qing Hong’s message, his expression changed drastically. Fear and panic washed over him, leaving him dizzy and trembling.

    He was both shocked and enraged. With trembling hands, he took out a talisman and contacted Bi Xiao Star Monarch. Moments later, she appeared before him, clad in green, a smiling Star Monarch beside her, their conversation lighthearted and cheerful, as if discussing something amusing. He vaguely caught the words “feathered lineages” and “foolish,” his mind buzzing. His blood surged. After a long moment, he finally found his voice. “Fellow Daoist Bi Xiao, that artifact…”

    She smiled apologetically. “I did give it to the Celestial Mother,” she said, “but I didn’t expect her to give it to the Phoenix Sovereign. I apologize, Fellow Daoist.”

    A deafening boom, like countless thunderclaps, echoed in his ears.

    His eyes were bloodshot, his lips trembling. He couldn’t speak.

    She, ever so thoughtful, said, “Why don’t you go and ask for it yourself, Fellow Daoist? You’re all members of the feathered lineages. Surely you can work things out?”

    Staring at her smiling eyes, he couldn’t hold it any longer. He coughed up blood, his body shaking like a withered leaf in the wind.

    Hatred burned within him, but he had no time to settle the score with her. He hastily contacted his fellow feathered Star Monarchs, searching for a solution.

    Another message arrived from Qing Hong, urging them to act. After some deliberation, they could only “reconcile” and continue cooperating with him.

    Qing Hong was relieved. The Heavenly Emperor was pressing him, and he persuaded those feathered Star Monarchs to go to Kunlun Mountain with them.

    However, after leaving the Realm Beyond Heaven, they realized that Qing Hong had only brought one other person!

    “That artifact being used by the Celestial Feather Ministry was crafted by you, Fellow Daoists,” a Star Monarch from the Realm Beyond Heaven said with a smile. “Surely you have a way to recall it, right?”

    The feathered Star Monarchs: “…” Their connection to the artifact had been completely severed. What could they do?

    Within the barrier outside Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue returned to the formation to recuperate after slaying several Star Monarchs.

    Suddenly, Ming Jian Su’s eyelids twitched, and she snapped out of her meditative state. Meeting Feng Chiyue’s puzzled gaze, a cold glint flashed in her eyes. “Those feathered immortals from the Realm Beyond Heaven have descended!” she said, her voice filled with hatred. She hadn’t had the strength to kill them after returning from the Demon Abyss. She had delayed for a thousand years! This time, she would make them pay, no matter where they were hiding!

    Feng Chiyue hummed noncommittally, not concerned about those Star Monarchs.

    She sat beside Ming Jian Su and popped an elixir into her mouth.

    The Celestial Feather Ministry had alchemists, and their skills had improved considerably, fueled by Cinnabar Jade.

    But Feng Chiyue would never allow anyone else to handle the elixirs meant for Ming Jian Su.

    “Seeing your medicine cabinet filled with elixirs, I had assumed you were an alchemist,” she said with a chuckle.

    After a thousand years, her alchemy skills hadn’t improved. Ming Jian Su had long abandoned those “lofty” ambitions. She coughed awkwardly, averting her gaze. Suddenly, something clicked, and her eyes lit up. “Junior Sister, you…”

    Feng Chiyue blinked and smiled. “I remembered a little,” she said. In the grand scheme of things, there weren’t many things worth cherishing. Those memories she had forgotten, upon resurfacing, no longer carried the same pain. “You might not know this, but the second time I visited your cave, I was planning to scold you, not just point out the flaws in your elixirs.”

    “What made you change your mind?” Ming Jian Su asked. Their second encounter had been their first meeting.

    Feng Chiyue caressed her face and whispered in her ear, “What do you think?”

    Moonlight had illuminated the flowing river, dew clinging to her clothes, fireflies dancing among the trees.

    A pale hand, as white as snow, dipped into the cool water, scooping up a handful. As she raised her hand, crystal clear water droplets, reflecting the moonlight, scattered, creating ripples in the pond.

    Heaven and earth concealed her name. The Sovereign was nameless.

    But at that moment, she had given herself a name—Feng Chiyue.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 70

    Chapter 70

    Within the Realm Beyond Heaven, the feathered Star Monarchs gathered at the Bifang Star Monarch’s abode, demanding an explanation.

    They had jointly crafted that artifact, intending to keep it for their own protection. Only after much persuasion from the Bifang Star Monarch had they agreed to lend it to the Celestial Mother, hoping to contribute to the resolution of the chaos in the lower realms without allowing the Heavenly Emperor to benefit. However, shortly after the artifact arrived, its connection to their souls had been severed. This was highly unusual.

    “What happened, Fellow Daoist?”

    “Can we retrieve the artifact?”

    “From the looks of it, we can forget about getting it back. Isn’t that sword intent terrifying? If its master comes to the Realm Beyond Heaven, will that intent harm us?”

    Their voices, overlapping and agitated, filled the air like a bustling marketplace. The Bifang Star Monarch’s eye twitched, his face darkening. He also regretted giving the artifact to Bi Xiao Star Monarch. He had been consumed by anger after their encounter with Qing Hong Star Monarch and hadn’t thought things through carefully.

    “Quiet down, everyone,” he said. “Let me ask Fellow Daoist Bi Xiao first.” There was no Chaos Mirror network in the Realm Beyond Heaven, but fortunately, Bi Xiao had given him a communication talisman. He channeled his magic power into it, and after a moment, her image slowly materialized.

    “Fellow Daoist,” he greeted her, suppressing his anxiety. “Has ‘Feathers United’ reached the Celestial Mother?”

    She returned the gesture, smiling faintly. “Yes,” she said.

    “Why can’t we sense its presence anymore?”

    His words were subtle, but she easily understood his meaning. “Don’t worry, Fellow Daoist,” she said calmly. “The Celestial Mother will return it after the matter is settled. As for erasing your marks and refining it anew, it’s to enhance its control. Otherwise, its operation will be hindered, and it will be vulnerable to attacks.”

    Seeing his silence, she continued, “Don’t forget, Fellow Daoist, it’s her we’re dealing with. Surely she understands the feathered lineages better than you?”

    “But…” He was still skeptical. He stared at her calm expression, searching for any sign of deception. However, no matter how hard he looked, she remained serene and composed, her demeanor betraying no lies.

    “Fellow Daoist Bi Xiao, when did the Celestial Mother start cultivating sword techniques?” a Star Monarch from the Vermilion Bird lineage couldn’t help but ask. “Isn’t she a cultivator of the Great Yin, manifesting the full moon?”

    “Perhaps she has a sword cultivator under her command,” she replied, then added, “Don’t you trust the Celestial Mother?”

    “This…” They hesitated. The Celestial Mother had been in seclusion for many years. Those who had arrived in the Realm Beyond Heaven later weren’t familiar with her. They only knew that her relationship with the Heavenly Emperor wasn’t harmonious. This was one of the reasons they were willing to support her and make things difficult for him. As for any deeper conflict, they hadn’t considered it. The Great Yin and the Heavenly Emperor were supposed to complement each other. They had no concept of the Great Yin rebelling.

    “We’ll trust you for now, Fellow Daoist,” the Bifang Star Monarch said. He had no other choice. They could go to the Immortal Realm themselves and try to retrieve the artifact, but if they did, they would face the Phoenix Sovereign’s wrath. They weren’t willing to return yet. Since they couldn’t retrieve the artifact, they could only assume the worst. At most, their Dao hearts would be shaken. He wouldn’t admit his mistake.

    Bi Xiao Star Monarch said gently, “Don’t worry, Fellow Daoist. I won’t deceive you.”

    He relaxed slightly. She was well-connected in the Realm Beyond Heaven and had a good reputation. He couldn’t imagine her colluding with the Celestial Mother to deceive them. He dropped the subject, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, he ended the communication.

    In Bi Xiao’s abode, a game of Go was left unfinished on a stone table in a secluded pavilion.

    A Daoist priest in blue robes sat on one of the stone benches, chuckling softly. “You have a good reputation. Are you planning to squander it all at once?”

    Bi Xiao, no longer maintaining the dignified demeanor she had shown to the feathered Star Monarchs, shrugged. “After they’re dead, who will know that I deceived them? Might as well use my reputation while I can.”

    The Daoist priest didn’t argue. He picked up a black stone and placed it on the board. “Continue,” he said.

    The storm had already begun, but the flames hadn’t reached the Realm Beyond Heaven. This was a rare moment of peace.

    While the Blood Sun Devouring Ring hung above Kunlun Mountain like a blazing sun, a sturdy barrier, formed from interconnected flying ships, protected the area between Morning Phoenix Mountain and Danxue Mountain. The black gold used to reinforce the barrier’s weak points had been provided by the Heavenly Princess. Chang Huai and the other artisans, working tirelessly day and night, had finally achieved their goal.

    “Why is the Chaos Mirror so quiet?” Chang Huai asked, taking a break, her arms crossed.

    “The spiritual energy is being blocked. Some messages can no longer be transmitted,” Que Chenyi replied casually. This meant that the calm before the storm wouldn’t last much longer. Soon, they would face their most important battle.

    “What did they send from Morning Phoenix Mountain earlier?” Chang Huai asked.

    “Some spiritual fruits for the feathered lineages to consume,” she replied, then, after a moment of silence, added, “Fresh ones.”

    Those extinct fruits had reappeared. She should have guessed her identity sooner. Rumors were truly misleading. Who would have thought that the legendary Phoenix Sovereign, after Nirvana, would be like Feng Chiyue?

    “I wasn’t talking about the fruits.” Chang Huai had no interest in the feathered lineages’ favorite treats. Apart from a few that were useful to her, she only sampled the others out of curiosity.

    Que Chenyi eyed her warily, afraid she might be plotting to dismantle the artifacts.

    Chang Huai looked at her innocently.

    After a long moment, Que Chenyi finally said, “It was an artifact.” She explained its functions, then raised an eyebrow and smiled. “It overlaps with your barrier in some aspects, but our current barrier can’t achieve the same level of power concentration.”

    “Given enough time, I can create such a formation too!” Chang Huai said, her competitive spirit ignited. She lost interest in the Chaos Mirror and, rushing out of the hall, resumed her research on artifacts and formations.

    Qing Xun, who had been silent, glanced at Que Chenyi. “Why didn’t you tell her that it took those feathered Star Monarchs a thousand years to craft it?” she asked. Under the protection of the Zhenyu Sword, she had successfully undergone Nirvana, her body growing taller, the childishness fading from her face, replaced by a sharper, more determined look.

    Que Chenyi glared at her. “I was motivating her,” she said matter-of-factly.

    Qing Xun: “…” She was learning.

    With the spiritual energy blocked, only local news appeared on the Chaos Mirror.

    Tension filled the Immortal Realm, and even those wandering immortals living in secluded paradises felt a sense of unease.

    This anxiety lasted for a month, then, with a deafening boom, as if countless thunderclaps had exploded in the sky, a blinding light erupted from the crimson sun above Kunlun Mountain. Moments later, a Daoist priest emerged from the radiance, his aura powerful, his body enveloped in a crimson glow, connected to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.

    He was an idle Star Monarch, the first sent by the Heavenly Emperor to fight.

    Although the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was incredibly powerful, the Emperor wasn’t willing to test it himself. He didn’t know what would happen if his aura merged with the artifact.

    In Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue saw the Daoist priest emerging from the light. They flew to the barrier but had no intention of fighting him. He might be a Star Monarch, but his own cultivation was mediocre. He was only powerful because of the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.

    A Feather Guard from the Gale lineage stepped out from the barrier.

    He didn’t bother greeting the Daoist priest and, channeling his magic power, attacked.

    Many were watching this battle. Some bold and reckless wandering immortals had hidden themselves nearby, eager to witness the spectacle.

    This was the first time the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was being used, and the Heavenly Emperor had high hopes for this Daoist priest.

    However, after observing for a while, he noticed something was wrong. With the Daoist priest’s cultivation level, enhanced by the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, suppressing that Feather Guard should have been easy, but for some reason, his attacks seemed ineffective. Despite his powerful aura, he was being pushed back.

    Ming Jian Su’s eyes flickered. “This ‘Feathers United’ artifact is quite good,” she said with a smile. It appeared as if the Feather Guard was fighting alone, but “Feathers United” had been activated at the start of the battle. The Daoist priest wasn’t facing a single Feather Guard’s attacks! If it weren’t for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, he would have been crushed in an instant.

    The Daoist priest realized he was in trouble, but he couldn’t retreat.

    The Heavenly Court hadn’t sent any further orders. He had to fight to the death.

    But then, things got worse. He felt the power he was drawing from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring reaching its limit. But he couldn’t withdraw his power. He needed it to protect himself. He tried to draw more, but his eyes widened in horror. Instead of replenishing his strength, the artifact was draining him! The crimson light that had enveloped him transformed into a ravenous beast, devouring him, its energy returning to the ring.

    The crimson sun blazed even brighter, a sinister aura emanating from it.

    The Feather Guard’s attack missed, and he stared blankly ahead, then, after a moment, transformed back into his true form and returned to the barrier.

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue hadn’t moved.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. “This artifact releases as much power as it absorbs,” she said casually. “But if someone tries to take more than its limit, they become its sacrifice.”

    “But the Blood Sun’s power has increased,” Ming Jian Su said. “The next person will gain even more from it.” She paused, then added with a smile, “But fewer immortals will be willing to risk it.”

    In the Purple Empyrean Palace.

    The immortals, witnessing the Daoist priest’s demise, didn’t dare to breathe.

    Even the Heavenly Emperor hadn’t anticipated this side effect. He felt a surge of relief. If he had used its power, would he have been able to resist drawing more when faced with danger?

    “Your Majesty, this artifact…”

    Before the speaker could finish his question, he interrupted. “Have the Heavenly Soldiers form a pact with the Blood Sun Devouring Ring,” he said. As for the Star Monarchs, who were more powerful, it was best not to connect their auras to the artifact until it was “satiated.” His words clearly meant sacrificing those soldiers, but no one objected. They had long been accustomed to indifference towards matters that didn’t affect them personally.

    “They likely also possess a similar artifact,” a Star Monarch said in a deep voice. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to withstand the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power. But what it was, they didn’t know yet. They needed to investigate.

    “Use our military might to suppress them first.”

    He listened to their discussion, his expression unreadable.

    In his mind, the most important task now was to enhance the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power. If Feng Chiyue possessed a similar artifact, breaching their barrier and seizing sacrifices wouldn’t be easy.

    “I intend to attack the Four Seas,” he said when the discussion subsided. He had dismissed this idea earlier, but now he brought it up again.

    The clever ones in the hall instantly understood his intentions. But if he needed “sacrifices,” wouldn’t the Demon Abyss be a better target than the peaceful Four Seas?

    “The East Sea might have slain our emissary, but they haven’t made any further moves,” a Star Monarch said after a moment of thought, bowing to him. “They’re neutral. Why should we disrupt this peace? Why don’t we unleash the Blood Sun Devouring Ring on the battlefield?” If they had had this artifact a thousand years ago, the outcome might have been different.

    “Yes, the Heavenly Princess is still on the battlefield. She’ll handle the situation there.”

    Hearing these words, he wanted to scoff. The Mandate of Heaven was shifting, wavering between him, the Celestial Mother, and Chu Yi. As for his other children, they were insignificant. Unless all three of them were dead, his other children wouldn’t have a chance. Seeing his own Star of Destiny dimming, his desire to eliminate Chu Yi intensified. His good daughter must be thinking the same thing. How could she possibly help him? As for Bai Guchan and Ming Yuheng, he couldn’t fully trust them either. But since they had suggested it, he might as well try. “Alright,” he said. “We can’t let go of the Demon Abyss or the Four Seas.”

    The other Star Monarchs didn’t understand why he was targeting the Four Seas, but Si Li Star Monarch had a suspicion.

    The Heavenly Prosperity Department, under Yu Gao’s leadership, was in chaos. Their treasury, once filled with treasures and artifacts, had been looted.

    Who would have thought that he was so greedy!

    With the Heavenly Prosperity Department a hollow shell, they had to find resources elsewhere.

    And the Four Seas were known for their wealth. If they could conquer them, they wouldn’t have to worry about sacrifices for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring or future supplies.

    In the East Sea.

    Although they had decided not to ally with the Heavenly Court, the East Sea Dragon Lord was still furious about Ying Cunxin’s actions.

    “The Heavenly Court isn’t exactly friendly towards us,” she said. “What do we gain by siding with them? Do you really think we’ll receive any benefits? I think we’ll end up like the Vermilion Birds and Bifang lineages, becoming sacrifices for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.”

    Hearing the word “sacrifices,” the East Sea Dragon Lord also frowned. That artifact, hanging in the sky, resembled an eternal sun. As its aura intensified, even the rising and setting sun seemed to dim in comparison.

    “If I were in charge, I wouldn’t hesitate to simply take what I wanted from the Four Seas,” Ying Cunxin said.

    Even if she hadn’t said that, the Dragon Lords would have been prepared.

    The closer they were to danger, the calmer the seas.

    One day, a golden scroll descended from the sky, countless talismans swirling around it, forming a net that swept towards the sea.

    The water boiled, and massive waves, several feet high, crashed against the reefs, a thunderous roar echoing through the air.

    A black dragon claw emerged from the sea, swiping at the scroll, tearing a hole in it. Moments later, the tear healed, and a Star Monarch, holding a book, his hair tied with a scarf, appeared on the golden surface, followed by countless Heavenly Soldiers. He bowed towards the sea. “By the Emperor’s decree,” he said, “I’ve come to capture the one who killed the Heavenly Court’s emissary. I hope the Dragon Lord will cooperate.”

    This was just an excuse.

    The East Sea Dragon Lord would never hand over Ying Cunxin. He wouldn’t even sacrifice a shrimp soldier as a scapegoat.

    The Heavenly Emperor knew this but still needed a “justification.”

    As the Heavenly Court dispatched troops to suppress the East Sea, Chu Yi, Bai Guchan, and Ming Yuheng, stationed on the battlefield, received a decree from the Heavenly Court, ordering them to have their subordinates sign a pact, drawing power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. The Chaos Mirror was practically useless now. They hadn’t yet learned about the Daoist priest who had become a sacrifice after exceeding the artifact’s limit. Chu Yi immediately destroyed the decree. Ming Yuheng casually tossed it aside, her smiling face betraying no emotion.

    Bai Guchan, however, calmly accepted it.

    If the immortals stationed here grew stronger, they could eliminate the demon threat.

    She had been away from her abode for too long. It had been a while since she had visited Mount Sumeru.

    Chu Yi stepped forward, blocking her path. “What are you doing, Fellow Daoist?”

    “Ending this quickly,” Bai Guchan replied calmly.

    Chu Yi frowned. “There’s always a price to pay for power. Just because it’s not your life being sacrificed, do you not care?”

    Bai Guchan didn’t answer, simply staring at her calmly.

    Chu Yi knew that her words wouldn’t persuade her. She lowered her gaze and said, “Mount Sumeru.”

    A deafening tiger roar echoed through the air. Bai Guchan’s serene eyes transformed into golden slits, radiating a dangerous aura. A fierce wind whipped around her. Chu Yi dodged, and Ming Yuheng, who had been maintaining a neutral stance, stepped forward, intercepting Bai Guchan with her sword. “What are you two doing?” she asked with a smile, trying to mediate.

    “You have no intention of fighting the demons,” Bai Guchan said coldly. In the past, whenever conflict arose between the two realms, neither side would back down until they had exacted revenge. Both sides had amassed large armies on the battlefield. But months had passed, and there had been no major clashes, not even any skirmishes. Apart from both sides being restrained, she couldn’t think of any other explanation. And what was the purpose of this restraint? She hadn’t wanted to get involved, but she was now utterly disgusted by the battlefield.

    “If you wish to see your friends, Fellow Daoist, I’ll send someone to bring them here,” Chu Yi said, meeting her cold gaze.

    Bai Guchan, no longer caring about the decree, her aura fierce and menacing, attacked Chu Yi without hesitation. Ming Yuheng tried to intervene, but both of them were relentless, as if they harbored a deep-seated hatred towards each other. She was even attacked when she got too close. She endured it, retreating from the fight, and only when they were both injured did she seize the opportunity to strike, hitting each of them.

    “I indeed have no intention of fighting the demons,” she said, answering Bai Guchan’s accusation. She had initially come to defend against the demon invasion under the Heavenly Emperor’s orders, but after a long period of inactivity from Tu Shan Liusu and hearing about the situation in the Heavenly Court, she had understood. She didn’t want to conflict with Ming Jian Su, and the battlefield was a suitable place for her. Keeping Bai Guchan occupied here was ideal.

    Chu Yi nodded, lying shamelessly. “The Heavenly Court is in chaos,” she said. “Since the Demon Abyss hasn’t attacked, why should we provoke them? If we get involved in the war, the Heavenly Court might not even have time to request our assistance.” She had changed her tune, as if she hadn’t just threatened Bai Guchan with Mount Sumeru.

    Bai Guchan frowned, her aggression undiminished, her expression impatient.

    Chu Yi remained wary. This white tiger didn’t care about sides. She only obeyed the Heavenly Dao’s decrees.

    If that Blood Sun Devouring Ring was unleashed, and a war between gods and demons erupted, there would definitely be demon prisoners used as sacrifices. Wouldn’t that strengthen the artifact, giving it the power to suppress her mother and Ming Jian Su?

    Her mind raced.

    Bai Guchan gradually calmed down. “Where are they?” she asked.

    “The Great Yin Palace,” Chu Yi replied, meeting her gaze.

    Bai Guchan chuckled. “Is this the Phoenix Sovereign’s revenge, or a conflict between the Heavenly Emperor and the Celestial Mother?”

    Chu Yi raised an eyebrow, remaining silent.

    It could be both.

    She watched as Bai Guchan took out the decree and tore it to shreds. She finally sighed in relief.

    As expected, those with weaknesses were the easiest to manipulate.

    But her relief was short-lived. A message arrived, informing her that the Heavenly Emperor was attacking the East Sea. The reason: the East Sea had slain a Heavenly Court emissary. Having spent time in the East Sea, she knew the Dragon Lord’s personality. He wouldn’t have acted so decisively. It must have been Ying Cunxin’s doing. She had promised her.

    With the spiritual energy blocked, the Chaos Mirror was useless. She couldn’t contact Ying Cunxin to check on her.

    She briefly considered going to the East Sea, but then she thought about Bai Guchan and the other immortals on the battlefield who would obey the Emperor’s decrees, and she suppressed her impulse. She sent messages to Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.

    In Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Feng Chiyue read Chu Yi’s message and snorted. “She’s so nosy,” she said.

    It had been half a month since the battle in the East Sea began.

    Ming Jian Su glanced at the message, folded it, and had it sent to the Great Yin Palace. The East Sea was the Celestial Mother’s responsibility.

    Her goal was clear: to target the Heavenly Emperor and the Realm Beyond Heaven. She had no time for other matters.

    Waves surged in the East Sea, and thunder rumbled.

    The Heavenly Soldiers, empowered by the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, had injured several dragons.

    But the “sacrifices” and treasures he had obtained from the East Sea weren’t substantial.

    He wasn’t just facing the Four Seas Dragon Lords but also Dao Ling Star Monarch and the officials from the Celestial Pivot Department, who were stationed on a thunder chariot.

    Their magic power seemed inexhaustible.

    The Heavenly Court Star Monarch, refusing to believe it, made a sudden decision. He connected his aura to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. The number of Heavenly Soldiers behind him dwindled, but his power surged!

    Just as he channeled his magic power, unleashing his most powerful attack, twelve moon images suddenly appeared before him, each with a different Daoist figure beneath it, their forms hazy and ethereal, like reflections on water.

    The Great Yin governed time. In a month, it manifested as the moon’s phases. In a year, it manifested as the Twelve Earthly Branches.

    Those figures were clearly the Celestial Mother’s twelve manifestations! Within their formation, time cycled endlessly, and life and death were intertwined!

    The Celestial Mother wasn’t in seclusion? She had come to assist the East Sea?!

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 69

    Chapter 69

    Feng Chiyue wasn’t trying to defend those young immortals. Their lives were irrelevant to her. She simply didn’t want Ming Jian Su to feel conflicted. She spoke calmly, then, under Ming Jian Su’s attentive gaze, added, “Have Que Chenyi contact them.”

    “Will the feathered immortals in the Realm Beyond Heaven really stand up for their juniors?” Ming Jian Su asked, skeptical. After all, the elders from Danxue Mountain had summoned Star Monarchs from the Realm Beyond Heaven, and they had agreed, but in the end, they had only sent two pathetic manifestations. It was clear that they valued their lives more than anything else.

    “How could they ignore the potential eradication of their lineages?” Feng Chiyue said with a smile. “And those in the Realm Beyond Heaven, whether human or otherworldly, are all afraid of death. They’ll be happy to just talk.”

    Ming Jian Su nodded, considering her words. They made sense. If those Star Monarchs had been bolder, they would have already come to the Heavenly Court instead of just sending the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. The cultivators in the Lower Realm of the Realm Beyond Heaven were difficult to categorize. Those who had truly severed their ties with the world and were solely focused on their cultivation had ascended to the Upper Realm. Those who remained had abandoned their positions in the Heavenly Court but were unwilling to completely erase their presence, still influencing it in various ways. They desired both the peace of the Realm Beyond Heaven and the authority they had held in the Immortal Realm. With such conflicting desires, the various factions in the Realm Beyond Heaven wouldn’t truly fight each other.

    However, if those Vermilion Birds and Golden Pheasants in the Realm Beyond Heaven learned about the “sacrifices,” they would definitely approach those aligned with the Heavenly Emperor, hindering their plans. In a battle, it wasn’t the enemy’s strength that was most dangerous, but their unity. If they were united, with no internal strife, they could focus all their efforts on the external threat.

    Having made a decision, Ming Jian Su sent a message to Que Chenyi, instructing her to protect the feathered immortals in Danxue Mountain and subtly warn those scattered throughout the Immortal Realm. Then, she and Feng Chiyue discussed how to deal with the “Blood Sun Devouring Ring.” This artifact’s unique characteristic was its limitless capacity to absorb and release power. If the Heavenly Emperor was ruthless enough to sacrifice the entire Immortal Realm, it would unleash unimaginable power. If he wielded that power, it would be incredibly difficult to defeat him.

    “Once activated, this artifact will constantly devour everything,” Feng Chiyue said. “Any attack against it will be distorted or absorbed. It’s pure yang energy, extremely powerful and aggressive.”

    Ming Jian Su raised an eyebrow. “So we can’t destroy it, only seal it?” she asked. She thought for a moment, then, growing tired of thinking, said, “It’s their toy. Let the Celestial Mother worry about it.”

    Seeing her lazy attitude, Ming Jian Su stopped talking, not wanting to bore her with such matters.

    Feng Chiyue yawned, covering her mouth with her hand, then looked up at Ming Jian Su. “I’ve been having some dreams lately,” she said.

    “What kind of dreams?”

    “Old dreams,” she said with a smile. “Dreams with you and me.” Her Elder Sister was Suxin’s reincarnation, but her memories contained no trace of Suxin. She had initially decided to let it go, but seeing Ming Jian Su’s wistful expression, she had patiently searched for any relevant clues.

    Perhaps that long wait had been too agonizing. Both the good and the bad had been buried deep within her.

    There had been no need to remember in the past, but now, she had a reason to retrieve those memories.

    In the Celestial Feather Ministry.

    Upon receiving the message, Que Chenyi subtly warned the feathered immortals. Most of them had a few close friends and quickly spread the news about the “Blood Sun Devouring Ring.” It didn’t take long for the wandering immortals to learn about it. However, their reactions varied. Those who had been wavering, believing that the Emperor’s possession of such a weapon meant victory, were persuaded by the officials and abandoned their seclusion. But others were filled with fear.

    After all, a similar “sacrificial” event had occurred a thousand years ago. How could they be sure that they wouldn’t be the next victims?

    In the new Danxue Mountain, after the deaths of the elders from the Vermilion Bird, Golden Pheasant, and other lineages, only those wandering immortals who hadn’t been close to them remained. Although they had survived, they were still traumatized by that day’s events. They had no time to worry about others and ignored the Heavenly Court’s recruitment efforts.

    Yuan Wuxin was in this state when she saw the news. The word “sacrifices” triggered her anxiety, and she quickly imagined the worst-case scenario. She ventured out, exploring the area around Danxue Mountain, and noticed many unfamiliar officials. Her sense of foreboding intensified. She gathered the young immortals from various lineages and informed them of the Emperor’s intentions. They were shocked and outraged.

    “Let’s join the Celestial Feather Ministry,” a Bifang immortal suggested.

    Yuan Wuxin smiled bitterly. “Haven’t you noticed that they’ve also rejected Phoenix Mountain?” she asked. What hope did they have, the descendants of traitors? She took a deep breath, looking at her bewildered companions. “We can only ask our ancestors in the Realm Beyond Heaven for help,” she said coldly.

    The feathered Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven had already learned about the Phoenix Sovereign’s return and her slaughter of the traitors. Thus, when the Heavenly Court requested their assistance, they had unanimously agreed to deal with the Celestial Feather Ministry. After all, they had also been involved in that past incident. If the Sovereign sought revenge, none of them would escape. They had united to suppress her a thousand years ago. They could do it again.

    They were willing to help the Heavenly Court, but they wouldn’t tolerate the Emperor using their descendants as sacrifices for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, attempting to eradicate their lineages. They approached Qing Hong Star Monarch, a former retainer of the previous Heavenly Emperor, who had once been in charge of the Heavenly Prosperity Department. He was the one who had crafted the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. He hadn’t participated in the Fall of the Phoenix, having spent most of his time in seclusion, refining the artifact, but upon hearing about the shifting Mandate of Heaven and the Celestial Mother’s Taiji Dao Body, he had emerged from seclusion to assist the current Emperor.

    Upon arriving at his abode, they were met with a withered figure in purple robes, his hair white as snow, his skin dry and shrunken, as if all flesh and blood had been drained, leaving only a thin layer of dark skin clinging to his bones. They were startled. In their memories, Qing Hong Star Monarch had been handsome and elegant. How had he become like this?

    He ignored their surprised expressions. Crafting the Blood Sun Devouring Ring had come at a price. He himself had been its first sacrifice. Compared to the stability and continuity of the Heavenly Court, his life was insignificant. “What brings you to my humble abode, Fellow Daoists?” he asked. His voice was still youthful and clear, but coming from that withered body, it sounded distorted and eerie.

    They composed themselves. “We’re willing to help the Emperor suppress the rebellion,” a Star Monarch said coldly, “but is it appropriate for him to use our descendants as sacrifices?”

    Qing Hong Star Monarch raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. “Why wouldn’t it be appropriate?” He was willing to sacrifice his life for the greater good. Why couldn’t those juniors?

    “He’s already crafted that artifact. Why are you still trying to reason with him, Fellow Daoist?” a Star Monarch from the Bifang lineage asked, his tone impatient. He glanced at Qing Hong Star Monarch, his gaze critical, then added maliciously, “I think he’s suffering from the artifact’s backlash.”

    Qing Hong Star Monarch didn’t get angry or argue, maintaining his smile, which seemed even more unsettling now.

    “Fine,” the Bifang Star Monarch said, his voice filled with anger. “If you insist on doing this, don’t blame us for interfering. Do you think you’re the only ones with artifacts?”

    Qing Hong Star Monarch’s eyebrows twitched. He stopped smiling, his expression turning blank. “What do you intend to do, Fellow Daoists?” he asked.

    “Find any sacrifices you want,” the Bifang Star Monarch declared, “but if you touch our descendants, we’ll retaliate.” His words, imbued with power, echoed through Qing Hong Star Monarch’s abode, reaching not only him but also the other Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven. There were many human Star Monarchs there. They wouldn’t care about the potential eradication of otherworldly lineages.

    The commotion in the Realm Beyond Heaven naturally reached the Heavenly Emperor’s ears.

    Upon learning that there were no ascending human immortals, he was furious. Only after Si Li Star Monarch’s reminder did he remember those forgotten descendants of the Vermilion Birds, Bifang, and other lineages. They had been rejected by the feathered lineages and lacked a strong leader. They were scattered and vulnerable. But just as he was about to act, a warning arrived from the Realm Beyond Heaven.

    Everyone on the Chaos Mirror was talking about the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. He had never revealed its existence. How did they know? Had the information come from the Realm Beyond Heaven? The Star Monarchs there were never truly united. Who was Chang Yi’s informant?

    “What should we do, Your Majesty?” Si Li Star Monarch asked. There were no newly ascended human immortals, the Vermilion Birds and Bifang lineages were protected by the feathered Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven, and the wandering immortals were scattered and elusive. Finding enough sacrifices to activate the artifact wouldn’t be easy. They could sacrifice some of their own officials and attendants, but that would cause chaos in the Heavenly Court. Such a method was too cruel.

    The Emperor’s eyes flickered. “What’s the situation on the battlefield?” he asked coldly. “Are there any captured demons?”

    “After the West Sea Lord and the Polaris Lord went to the battlefield, the demons stopped advancing,” Si Li Star Monarch replied, his head bowed. “We’re at a stalemate. We captured a few demon generals initially, but the Heavenly Princess, after arriving, exchanged them for the immortals who were captured in Asura City.” Now, everyone was praising her kindness. The most volatile area, after the initial deployment of troops, had unexpectedly become peaceful. No one could predict what would happen next.

    Hearing this, the Emperor was furious. Everyone was making things difficult for him.

    “Should we target the Four Seas?” Si Li Star Monarch asked.

    His previous emissary had been killed upon arriving in the East Sea, a blatant disregard for the Heavenly Court’s authority. He wanted to punish them, but the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was special. He had to set aside that thought for now. He couldn’t touch people yet, but he couldn’t wait any longer for sacrifices. He thought for a moment. “Gather all the rare birds and beasts kept by various departments,” he said coldly. These creatures were otherworldly but hadn’t developed sentience. They weren’t born Heavenly Immortals. He would use them as the initial sacrifice, testing the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power.

    Si Li Star Monarch sighed in relief and hurriedly agreed. He had been afraid that the Emperor would demand human sacrifices. Where could he find enough immortals?

    A few days later, a ring suddenly appeared above Kunlun Mountain, flames swirling across its surface, its aura growing stronger, overwhelming the pure light of the Heavenly Court’s palaces. All the immortals sensed it and, glancing up at the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, felt a pang of fear, as if they were about to be consumed by that blazing sun.

    The wandering immortals on the Chaos Mirror had already learned about the artifact. Now, seeing it activated, hanging in the sky like a miniature sun, they were both awestruck and puzzled.

    This Blood Sun Devouring Ring could only be activated with sacrifices. Who were the first victims?

    Soon, a series of questions appeared on the Chaos Mirror.

    “Has anyone seen my friend who often comes to play Go with me?”

    “So I’m not the only one whose friend has disappeared? I have a friend from the Bifang lineage. Of course, she wasn’t involved in those evil deeds. Now, she’s vanished without a trace.”

    “Hey, has anyone seen my Golden Pheasant friend?”

    …

    More and more people reported missing friends. They didn’t need to say it explicitly. Everyone naturally thought of the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. Had their friends been captured by the Heavenly Court and used as sacrifices? If the Heavenly Court was treating them this way, who would be next?

    In Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Zhu Wan withdrew her consciousness from the Chaos Mirror. She preferred participating in online discussions to practicing swordsmanship.

    The voices of doubt were growing louder. Even the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s attempts to clarify the situation were useless.

    A smile of satisfaction spread across her face. Her cultivation might be lacking, but this was her true battlefield.

    Although their Cinnabar Jade was rapidly depleting, it didn’t matter. Soon, she would be counting their new spoils of war.

    Her Master, no, she was now a Phoenix Immortal Monarch, would never let their treasury run dry.

    In the new Danxue Mountain, Yuan Wuxin and the others, seeing the messages on the Chaos Mirror, felt a mix of emotions. As the “friends” mentioned, if they revealed themselves, they could easily debunk those rumors. But if they did, Ming Jian Su would kill them before they could even become sacrifices.

    “Don’t leave the mountain, and don’t use the Chaos Mirror,” Yuan Wuxin warned her companions. But after a moment of thought, she realized that even the mountain wasn’t safe. The Heavenly Emperor had been falsely accused. Wouldn’t he come to investigate? She was about to speak when a full moon silently appeared in the sky. A flash of light blinded them, and they lost consciousness. By the time the Heavenly Court’s emissaries arrived, the new Danxue Mountain was deserted.

    The Heavenly Court immediately suspected Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.

    Feng Chiyue, under the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s accusatory announcement, wrote boldly, “If we wanted to kill them, we would have done it already. Why bother with such elaborate schemes?”

    The Celestial Mother had abducted those immortals. What did it have to do with them? This time, she was truly righteous.

    In the Great Yin Palace.

    The Celestial Mother stood before the hall, her hands clasped behind her back.

    She hadn’t abducted them without reason. First, she needed to ensure the credibility of those “rumors.” Second, she was protecting their lives. The feathered Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven were closely monitoring the situation. When they discovered that they couldn’t contact their juniors, they would panic. Then she would spread a few more rumors, and those aligned with the Heavenly Emperor in the Realm Beyond Heaven wouldn’t be able to rely on the feathered Star Monarchs anymore.

    Things unfolded as she had predicted.

    The feathered Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven, upon receiving the news, were furious and confronted Qing Hong Star Monarch.

    He didn’t care about the fate of those feathered immortals. The impatience and mockery in his voice as he tried to appease them only fueled their suspicions. After a heated argument, they parted ways on bad terms.

    They might be angry enough to confront Qing Hong Star Monarch and his allies, but they wouldn’t risk their lives for those juniors. However, they couldn’t shake their frustration. Even after returning to their abodes, they remained restless.

    “If you continue to appease them, Fellow Daoist, they’ll only become bolder,” a voice, clear and crisp like flowing water, said from beside him as the Bifang Star Monarch sat in meditation in his abode. He was startled. “Who’s there?” he asked, grabbing his sword, his aura surging.

    The newcomer, wearing a golden crown and a green dress, held a lotus bud in her hand, her aura ethereal and elegant.

    He relaxed upon recognizing her, his aura subsiding. “So it’s Fellow Daoist Bi Xiao,” he said. Bi Xiao was well-liked in the Realm Beyond Heaven, friendly with both human and otherworldly Star Monarchs. He had engaged in philosophical debates with her before. It was she who had informed them about their descendants becoming sacrifices. He trusted her more than that creepy Qing Hong Star Monarch.

    She bowed to him. “I apologize for my intrusion, Fellow Daoist,” she said, smiling.

    “I haven’t thanked you yet,” he replied, returning the gesture. “That old Qing Hong is truly despicable. He doesn’t respect us at all!”

    “He was indeed in the wrong,” she agreed. “There are so many artifacts. Why did he have to choose that vicious weapon that devours everything?” She paused, then added, “The chaos in the Immortal Realm needs to be addressed, but not with such methods.”

    His eyes flickered. “Do you have a better idea, Fellow Daoist?” He didn’t want the Heavenly Emperor to lose, but he also didn’t want to swallow this humiliation. That old Qing Hong was two-faced. He had promised to help them, but he had still betrayed them. Using feathered immortals as sacrifices… wasn’t he implying that they were useless?

    She smiled faintly. “The Heavenly Court doesn’t have only one ruler.”

    He immediately understood. The Celestial Mother was also born from the Mandate of Heaven. Qing Hong Star Monarch and his allies wouldn’t reveal her cultivation of the Taiji Dao Body, so the feathered Star Monarchs were unaware that the Emperor and the Celestial Mother had parted ways. He pondered for a moment, then bowed deeply to her. “We have something,” he said, “an artifact crafted by all of us after entering the Realm Beyond Heaven. Would you deliver it to the Celestial Mother?”

    She understood their intentions. They still didn’t want to directly confront Qing Hong Star Monarch and his allies. But that was fine. Obtaining the artifact was a good thing. She hesitated, claiming that she didn’t want to take credit for such a great deed. He had to spend a considerable amount of effort persuading her before she finally agreed.

    A few days later, Ming Jian Su received the artifact from the Celestial Mother.

    “May I ask who your allies are in the Realm Beyond Heaven?” she asked curiously.

    The Celestial Mother didn’t reveal any names. “The one who gave you the map of the Lower Realm when you entered the Realm Beyond Heaven,” she said simply.

    Ming Jian Su was surprised. It hadn’t been a random act of kindness but rather the Celestial Mother’s arrangement.

    She turned her attention to the artifact. This collaborative creation, called “Feathers United,” was a small, white feather, only a few inches long.

    She glanced at it, then handed it to Feng Chiyue.

    “This artifact contains the auras of various feathered lineages,” Feng Chiyue said. “It was likely crafted using their blood essence. It can unite the power of the feathered lineages or act as a protective shield, sharing the burden of any attack. As long as it’s not a force capable of instantly killing everyone, this artifact can withstand it, and those under its protection won’t be harmed.” She casually tossed the artifact onto the table and, suppressing her disgust towards those Star Monarchs, added fairly, “It’s a decent artifact.”

    Ming Jian Su nodded. “It’s best for Que Chenyi and the others to use it.” She paused, then, looking at Feng Chiyue, she said, “It bears the marks of those feathered Star Monarchs. If they descend from the Realm Beyond Heaven, they can easily recall it. It’s a potential risk.”

    “But if we erase their marks, they’ll sense it, and it will complicate things for the Celestial Mother.”

    Feng Chiyue blinked. “Then we’ll just apologize to her?”

    Ming Jian Su pondered. She still had a sliver of conscience. She wouldn’t deliberately betray the Celestial Mother. “We are allies,” she said. “We should inform her first. Perhaps she can ‘borrow’ other useful artifacts from those Star Monarchs?”

    The Celestial Mother chuckled upon receiving the news.

    Did they think powerful artifacts were as common as cabbages? With the Dragon Cauldron Palace in the Heavenly Prosperity Department providing artifacts, the immortals rarely bothered crafting them themselves. Their skills were mediocre, and naturally, no exceptional artifacts were created. As for those from the Heavenly Prosperity Department, they enjoyed endless benefits regardless of their skills. Why bother putting in any effort? With such laziness, what powerful artifacts could they possibly create? If Qing Hong Star Monarch hadn’t been from the Heavenly Prosperity Department, hadn’t been in charge of the Dragon Cauldron Palace, and hadn’t possessed exceptional talent, he wouldn’t have been able to craft the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. As for those feathered Star Monarchs, they had been driven by fear, diligently studying the art of artifact crafting to defend themselves against the Phoenix Sovereign’s potential revenge. They were naturally gifted with fire manipulation. It was only logical that they had stumbled upon some unique techniques.

    Seeing her reply, a single word, “As you wish,” Ming Jian Su was relieved.

    If her junior sister acted, using her phoenix fire to meticulously erase those marks, they might be able to prevent the Star Monarchs from noticing.

    But she didn’t want her junior sister to be burdened by such a trivial matter.

    She simply swept her sword energy across “Feathers United,” severing its connection to the Star Monarchs.

    It was theirs now. There was no reason for it to be returned. It was “Feathers United”‘s honor to be in their possession.

    The moment the marks were erased, the feathered Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven were jolted awake from their meditation.

    The artifact was connected to their souls. They had felt that chilling sword energy, as if it had passed through their hearts. Fear and alarm filled their faces.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 68

    Chapter 68

    Amidst the recent turmoil, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, the two at the center of it all, remained unfazed, as if it were none of their concern. However, the Chaos Mirror was in an uproar.

    After Yunze Young Lord’s passionate speech at the Celestial Pivot Department, the immortals had also subtly criticized the Heavenly Emperor. However, they had assumed that, at most, he would be forced to back down under pressure. They hadn’t expected Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue to be so audacious, attacking the new Danxue Mountain, completely disregarding his decree.

    In this brief but bloody confrontation, the Celestial Feather Ministry had unequivocally sided with Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue. As for their nominal leader, the Celestial Mother, she hadn’t even appeared, which was unsettling. The Celestial Feather Ministry’s reforms had been a process of separating from the Heavenly Court. After the Phoenix Sovereign’s fall, the feathered lineages, or rather, the Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, and their allies, had been forcibly integrated into the Heavenly Court. Now, they were being separated once more.

    “You’re all behind the times. This isn’t about ‘defending their innocence.’ It’s the Phoenix Sovereign returning for revenge,” a well-informed individual wrote on the Chaos Mirror, then vanished, ignoring the ensuing chaos.

    The Phoenix Sovereign—this ancient title, almost forgotten by many, had finally resurfaced. Due to various reasons, the immortals hadn’t dared to mention the “Fall of the Phoenix,” but now, they could no longer ignore it.

    The battlefield between gods and demons was also in turmoil, but no one paid attention to the conflict there. After all, the battle on Kunlun Mountain was much closer to home.

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue enjoyed only a single day of peace.

    At noon the next day, Que Chenyi arrived at Morning Phoenix Mountain, her heart heavy with worry.

    After breaking with the Immortal Realm, the Celestial Feather Ministry naturally couldn’t remain on Kunlun Mountain. They had relocated to Danxue Mountain, but new problems had arisen. Although Chang Huai could utilize the fire to construct the training ground, she couldn’t extinguish the mountain’s flames. The entire Ministry felt cramped within the fiery landscape. In just a short time, three puppet servants had been incinerated by the intense heat and malicious energy, costing them a considerable amount of Cinnabar Jade.

    Que Chenyi wanted to move the Ministry to Morning Phoenix Mountain, but she knew Feng Chiyue would never agree. Her temper was indiscriminate. If she dared to move the Ministry there, everything would be reduced to ashes by the next day.

    Under Feng Chiyue’s impatient gaze, she hesitantly brought up the matter of Danxue Mountain.

    Feng Chiyue remained silent. Ming Jian Su thought for a moment, then asked, “How many lineages have contacted your people since the incident?”

    Que Chenyi sighed. “Apart from those vicious lineages who were fiercely loyal to the Vermilion Birds, everyone has been asking about the Sovereign,” she said. “If they all relocate here, there won’t be enough space for them in the current Danxue Mountain.” A thousand years ago, Danxue Mountain had been the phoenixes’ home, accommodating far more lineages than during the Vermilion Birds’ reign. After that disaster, the feathered lineages had split, and each lineage had moved out, leaving it to the Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, and Bifang.

    “Even if the flames subside, Danxue Mountain is still covered in ashes,” Feng Chiyue said coldly. Despite her words, she took out a phoenix feather and handed it to Que Chenyi. It was one of the feathers they had obtained from Tu Shan Xiu Rong. Since they were going to fight the Heavenly Emperor to the end, it was best for those loyal lineages to gather in one place. Otherwise, the smaller tribes wouldn’t be able to withstand the Heavenly Court’s attacks.

    Que Chenyi accepted the feather and thanked her. However, she didn’t leave immediately but seized the opportunity to mention another matter. “Qing Xun seems to be about to undergo Nirvana,” she said. Qing Xun was young, and she needed an elder to guide her. The Azure Dragon lineage in Phoenix Mountain had already sent someone to inquire, offering to assist her. However, considering their relationship with Feng Chiyue, Que Chenyi, after consulting with Qing Xun, had declined their offer.

    “She was born with an incomplete immortal body,” Ming Jian Su said, frowning. “She needs to undergo Nirvana to achieve completion. If she fails, she’ll be incinerated.”

    Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Is the Azure Dragon lineage in Phoenix Mountain extinct?”

    Que Chenyi remained silent. Judging from Feng Chiyue’s undisguised malice and disdain, if she had accepted their offer, Qing Xun would be ostracized.

    Ming Jian Su pondered. Her junior sister didn’t want to get involved in the affairs of the feathered lineages, and she couldn’t possibly oversee their rise and fall forever. They needed a new leader. With some guidance, Qing Xun might be suitable for the role. She waved her hand, and Eternal Sword, adorned with three phoenix feathers, shot forward, landing beside Que Chenyi.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at Ming Jian Su, then turned to Que Chenyi. “My Elder Sister’s sword is enough,” she said lazily. “If you’re still worried, you can watch over her. Perhaps you’ll learn something from her Nirvana.”

    Que Chenyi agreed and, clutching Eternal Sword, left Morning Phoenix Mountain, sighing in relief.

    Although Feng Chiyue’s attitude was still unfriendly, she had achieved her goals.

    Not long after Que Chenyi’s departure, the Celestial Mother discreetly sent the Merit Mirror.

    Ming Jian Su, who had been holding onto the Minor Realm’s nascent Heavenly Dao, immediately placed the blood feather, now imbued with its power, into the Merit Mirror. After a moment, a vortex appeared before them, a Heavenly Gate manifesting within the mountain. However, the phoenixes in the Minor Realm hadn’t accumulated enough merits yet. They couldn’t ascend through the Merit Mirror.

    The mirror’s surface was smooth and bright, reflecting countless worlds. The Merit Mirrors hanging above the various Heavenly Gates on Kunlun Mountain were mere reflections, existing between reality and illusion. “During peaceful times, the Heavenly Mechanism Department relaxed their restrictions, allowing their personal preferences and biases to override the Heavenly Dao’s will, granting ascension to unqualified individuals,” Ming Jian Su said, her lips curving into a cold smile. “Now, with chaos brewing, the Heavenly Emperor needs those ascending immortals even more.”

    Those who could trigger the Merit Mirror were naturally powerful enough, but their character was questionable. The Heavenly Gate guardians controlled the Ascension Platform. If they had been impartial, the consequences of one’s actions would have determined their fate, life or death during the ascension tribulation. But now, the Heavenly Gates prioritized “profit.” If a vicious individual had a powerful backer who bribed the guardians, or if the guardians needed to meet a quota, they could escape death and ascend. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what kind of immortals they would become. The corruption in the Immortal Realm was largely the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s fault.

    She flipped the Merit Mirror over.

    A Taiji symbol, yin and yang intertwined, was engraved on its back, but it was covered in cracks, like a spiderweb.

    She remembered Feng Chiyue’s words and asked, “What would happen if the Merit Mirror shattered?”

    “It contains three thousand worlds,” Feng Chiyue replied casually, propping her chin on her hand. “If its fragments scatter, it could reverse life and death, blur the lines between reality and illusion, or even cause complete annihilation. In the end, no immortal would escape death.”

    Ming Jian Su frowned. “Don’t they know the consequences?” The Merit Mirror had been passed down through generations of Heavenly Emperors. It hadn’t been in this state during the previous reigns.

    “Perhaps they used their own magic power to nourish it, slowing down its decay?” Feng Chiyue said. “After all, the Mandate of Heaven, the Heavenly Constitution, and the Merit Mirror are all connected to the Heavenly Dao. They can repair some of the cracks.”

    Ming Jian Su hummed. She had no recollection of the previous Heavenly Emperors. First, she had mostly lived in seclusion. Second, those former rulers, upon ascending to the Upper Realm of the Realm Beyond Heaven, had completely severed their ties with the lower realms. Their presence in the world would gradually fade until they were forgotten. The Mandate of Heaven was truly a ridiculous thing. The first Emperor, with his great merit in establishing the Heavenly Court, had left behind an enduring legacy. The Mandate had been passed down through his bloodline, balanced by the Great Yin, maintaining harmony between yin and yang, pure and turbid. But even the greatest legacy would eventually fade. The changes within the Great Yin were a clear sign.

    After a moment of silence, she said, “The Heavenly Emperor is conscripting soldiers in the Immortal Realm. Some wandering immortals will likely join him.” There had also been wandering immortals who had participated in the war between gods and demons a thousand years ago. Although they didn’t hold official positions in the Heavenly Court, they still played a role. Those with guilty consciences, fearing retribution, would have no choice but to join the Heavenly Court. As for the others, they were simply seeking profit. They were unaware of the shifting Mandate of Heaven and believed that emperors only abdicated voluntarily, ascending to the Realm Beyond Heaven. They had never seen an emperor expelled from Kunlun Mountain.

    Feng Chiyue chuckled. “The Heavenly Emperor won’t place his hopes on them.”

    “You’re right,” Ming Jian Su agreed. “His greatest reliance is on the Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven. Should we take this opportunity to cut down the Jianmu tree and sever the connection between the realms?” Before Feng Chiyue could respond, she added, “No, that wouldn’t do. If the realms are separated, those criminals will escape punishment!” She wouldn’t let any of those responsible for that past betrayal escape!

    Feng Chiyue listened attentively, then, reaching out, she smoothed Ming Jian Su’s furrowed brow. “What is the Celestial Mother doing?” she asked. “She can’t just close her palace doors, refuse to support the Emperor, and consider the matter settled, can she?” They were allies. Her Elder Sister couldn’t possibly bear such a heavy burden alone.

    “She sent a lot of moon essence,” Ming Jian Su said. Moon essence, the essence of the Great Yin, was a valuable ingredient for crafting healing elixirs.

    Feng Chiyue scoffed. “As if she’s giving alms to beggars.” To the Great Yin Celestial Mother, moon essence was as common as water.

    Ming Jian Su choked. “And the Celestial Pivot Department.” After Yunze Young Lord and his disciples resigned, only Dao Ling Star Monarch’s loyal followers remained. The Heavenly Mechanism Department had attempted to appoint new officials, but their request had been rejected by Dao Ling Star Monarch. Si Li Star Monarch was helpless. It was a chaotic time, and he had countless matters to attend to. He had no time to deal with her.

    “I don’t care,” Feng Chiyue said, rolling over in Ming Jian Su’s embrace and blinking. “Either she finds a way to stop the Realm Beyond Heaven, or she summons her Twelve Earthly Branches manifestation to assist the Celestial Feather Ministry.” The Twelve Earthly Branches were manifestations of the twelve months, formed by the moon’s waxing and waning. Within their formation, life and death cycled endlessly. As for how much magic power the Celestial Mother would have to expend, Feng Chiyue didn’t care.

    “She cultivated the Taiji Dao Body, didn’t she? Sun and moon sharing the sky, ten suns, twelve moons… she can manifest them all, can’t she? I’m not asking for much,” she added, convinced of her own kindness and consideration.

    Ming Jian Su chuckled, knowing that her junior sister was simply looking out for her. “I’ll tell her,” she said, nodding.

    In the East Sea.

    After the appearance of the phoenix manifestation, the Four Seas Dragon Lords had gathered to discuss the situation.

    They had no particular allegiance. They would support whoever offered them the most benefits.

    A chariot, its bells tinkling, approached from the horizon. With a neigh, the Heavenly Court emissary emerged from the carriage, holding a jade scepter.

    He was about to pay a courtesy visit to the East Sea when a thick fog suddenly descended, obscuring his vision.

    He became wary and, taking out a small, exquisite glazed lamp from his sleeve, flicked his finger, sending a pulse of magic power into it. A halo of light spread outwards, but it only reached a few feet before encountering an obstacle. He frowned and, bowing towards the empty fog, called out, “Emissary from the Heavenly Court, requesting an audience with the East Sea Dragon Lord.” He repeated this several times, but there was no response. After a moment of thought, he raised his scepter, and several beams of green light shot forward like lightning.

    Amidst the whistling wind, he finally heard a hiss.

    He raised his lamp and saw a faint, white figure, ethereal and graceful, standing on a reef.

    The figure held a coral flute, and a piercing melody, as loud as crashing waves, suddenly filled the air, its power sweeping outwards.

    He was startled. He channeled his magic power into the scepter, sending dozens of beams of light towards the figure. A series of clangs echoed through the air as the light clashed with the sonic waves, sparks flying.

    “What is the meaning of this, Fellow Daoist?” he shouted.

    But the figure didn’t respond, her attack intensifying. The sonic waves transformed into arrows, shooting towards him like meteors.

    He used the same tactic as before, but this time, the powerful energy didn’t dissipate. It struck his scepter, sending a jolt through his arm. His expression changed, and he was about to retreat to his chariot when the sea surged, waves rising like a charging army, towering above him.

    The entire East Sea trembled, even the Crystal Palace shaking.

    The four Dragon Lords, discussing matters within the palace, assumed they were under attack.

    “What’s happening?” the South Sea Dragon Lord asked, her face cold.

    The East Sea Dragon Lord had a suspicion. His eye twitched, and he was about to send someone to investigate when the tremors suddenly stopped.

    Moments later, a shrimp soldier arrived, reporting that the Dragon Princess had returned.

    East Sea Dragon Lord: “…”

    “Cunxin’s travels are quite impressive,” the South Sea Dragon Lord said, glancing at him, surprised.

    He groaned inwardly. That wasn’t Ying Cunxin’s doing. It was clearly the manifestation of the Pearl that Calms the Seas. What had she done this time?

    As he pondered, Ying Cunxin returned.

    She was followed by a small aquatic soldier, carrying a severed head, its face pale and lifeless.

    “I saw a Heavenly Court emissary provoking us by the sea on my way back,” she said, her eyes unwavering. “I killed him.”

    “A Heavenly Court emissary? You just… killed him?” After a moment of stunned silence, the East Sea Dragon Lord exclaimed.

    “Yes,” she confirmed, nodding, then added regretfully, “Unfortunately, his soul escaped back to the Heavenly Court.”

    The Four Seas Dragon Lords: “…” With that level of power, how could his soul possibly escape? She had clearly let him go deliberately. They had been discussing how to handle the situation, but now, she had killed the emissary, directly offending the petty Heavenly Emperor.

    “Prepare for war,” the South Sea Dragon Lord said calmly, her face impassive.

    Ying Cunxin smiled faintly.

    She hadn’t returned to the Crystal Palace after leaving Kunlun Mountain but had been waiting for the right opportunity.

    Instead of wasting time arguing, it was better to cut off all ties and eliminate the Heavenly Court’s emissary.

    What could the Dragon Lords do then? Hand her over to the Emperor?

    The emissary’s soul, after a harrowing escape, returned to the Heavenly Court and, upon meeting Si Li Star Monarch, dramatically recounted the East Sea’s hostility. Enraged, Si Li Star Monarch detained his soul and went to see the Emperor.

    The Heavenly Emperor was in a good mood. He had contacted those in the Realm Beyond Heaven and had obtained a powerful artifact from one of his father’s former retainers. He was fantasizing about using it to crush the feathered lineages’ rebellion. However, before he could even refine the artifact, Si Li Star Monarch arrived with bad news.

    Although he had long been aware of the Four Seas’ rebellious nature, the brutal killing of his emissary still enraged him. He felt his authority challenged. His eyes flashed with anger, and he thought, “I’ll test this artifact on the Four Seas first.” He suppressed his fury and said coldly, “I understand,” then, with a flick of his sleeve, dismissed Si Li Star Monarch.

    He took out the artifact, which resembled a bracelet, and, with a wave of his hand, wiped away the dark aura clinging to it, slowly channeling his magic power into it. He hadn’t known what it was initially, but as he refined it further, understanding dawned upon him. This artifact, called the “Blood Sun Devouring Ring,” was limitless. Theoretically, the more sacrifices offered to it, the greater its power. He only needed to offer an initial sacrifice, then feed it with his spoils of war. Its power would continuously increase, without any limit. It was a vicious weapon, which was why the Star Monarch who had crafted it had taken it to the Realm Beyond Heaven instead of leaving it in the Heavenly Court’s treasury.

    He wouldn’t sacrifice his own magic power, and he couldn’t use the other Star Monarchs. He needed them to deal with Ming Jian Su and her allies. After much deliberation, he decided that newly ascended human immortals were the most suitable candidates. The prisoners in the Senluo Prison would have been ideal, but they had been killed by Dao Ling Star Monarch. He spent half a month refining the artifact, then immediately sent a decree to the Heavenly Mechanism Department, ordering Si Li Star Monarch to gather all recently ascended human immortals in the Purple Empyrean Palace.

    Upon receiving the decree, Si Li Star Monarch naturally urged the Heavenly Gate guardians to act.

    He had been too busy with recent events to pay attention to the ascension of human immortals. He had estimated, based on past experience, that they could at least find twenty powerful candidates. However, he waited for a long time, but no list was presented. He assumed that the Heavenly Gate guardians were also rebelling.

    Only after summoning them and questioning them did he exclaim in disbelief, “Not a single ascension from three thousand Minor Realms?”

    “There’s been no activity on the Merit Mirror,” a Heavenly Gate guardian said, his face pale. It wasn’t that they had been too strict with their judgments, but there simply weren’t any ascending cultivators. What could they do?

    “Impossible!” He glared at them suspiciously. If one or two were deliberately concealing information, it would be understandable, but they were all saying the same thing. Had something gone wrong with the Ascension Platform at the Heavenly Gate? Afraid of facing the Emperor’s wrath, he went to a Minor Realm with abundant spiritual energy and personally guarded its Heavenly Gate, but even after several days, the Merit Mirror remained silent. There was no sign of anyone attempting to ascend.

    Fear and anxiety overwhelmed him. He couldn’t hide this any longer. He transformed into a beam of light and rushed towards the Purple Empyrean Palace.

    The Celestial Mother had been observing the situation in the Immortal Realm and was aware of the turmoil within the Heavenly Mechanism Department.

    She chuckled coldly. Now that she had the Merit Mirror, she would naturally control the ascension of immortals from the Minor Realms. Why would she allow the Heavenly Mechanism Department to interfere? The true Heavenly Gates had been discreetly relocated. The Heavenly Emperor’s hopes of using those ascending human immortals to bolster his forces were a delusion!

    Dao Ling Star Monarch was also present in the palace. “Are you truly going to reveal your Twelve Earthly Branches manifestation during the battle?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.

    The Celestial Mother nodded. “Some sacrifices are worth making.” She wanted to become the ruler of the Immortal Realm, and Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue desired revenge. They all had to give it their all. After a moment of thought, she added, “The Realm Beyond Heaven has sent a vicious weapon. The Emperor’s reputation will soon be shattered.”

    In Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Ming Jian Su received a message from the Celestial Mother about the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. Her expression turned serious.

    Feng Chiyue opened her eyes slightly and glanced at it. “The Celestial Mother is well-informed,” she said.

    “Many Star Monarchs have gone to the Realm Beyond Heaven over the past thousand years,” Ming Jian Su said. “If the Celestial Mother has been planning to usurp the Mandate of Heaven, it’s not surprising that she has some people there.” She thought for a moment, then added, “That Blood Sun Devouring Ring is a vicious weapon. It needs sacrifices to activate. The Emperor won’t use his own people. He’ll either capture human immortals from the Heavenly Gate or find them elsewhere. I wonder if he’ll choose the aquatic lineages from the Four Seas or the feathered lineages?”

    Feng Chiyue lowered her gaze and asked casually, “Has the fire in Danxue Mountain subsided? Have the feathered lineages all relocated there?”

    “Almost,” Ming Jian Su replied, then, remembering their allies, she said, “Inform Ying Cunxin.”

    Feng Chiyue nodded, summoned the Chaos Mirror, and sent a message to Ying Cunxin. “There’s another option for ‘sacrifices,’” she wrote.

    Ming Jian Su’s eyes narrowed. They were thinking the same thing. The Vermilion Birds, Bifang, and other lineages in Danxue Mountain hadn’t been completely eradicated. Many young Heavenly Immortals remained. They couldn’t return to the feathered lineages and had no desire to side with the Emperor. In his eyes, they were now useless, perfect for sacrifices. If he hadn’t chosen them, it wasn’t out of compassion but simply because he had forgotten about their insignificant existence.

    “But I don’t want to help them,” Ming Jian Su said. A thousand years of hatred and resentment entangled her heart. She wouldn’t show any kindness to the descendants of those criminals. Her voice held a cold indifference. “Either they become sacrifices, or the Emperor uses his own people. He’ll definitely use that Blood Sun Devouring Ring.” They would have to face those artifacts eventually. Since the outcome was the same, why bother wasting their energy saving them? They had spared Yuan Wuxin’s life as repayment for her help. That was enough.

    Feng Chiyue understood her reservations. She embraced Ming Jian Su and smiled. “There are also Vermilion Birds and Golden Pheasants in the Realm Beyond Heaven,” she said. “Would they allow their lineages to be eradicated? Driven by the desire to preserve their dwindling bloodlines, they won’t stand idly by.”

    “We’ll use them to create conflict in the Realm Beyond Heaven, exploit their value, then kill them. Wouldn’t that be better?”

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 67

    Chapter 67

    Ming Jian Su nodded seriously. She would agree with anything Feng Chiyue said.

    Zhu Wan and Que Chenyi, standing behind them, exchanged glances, unsurprised by her words.

    The Star Monarchs were speechless, exchanging uneasy looks. They couldn’t utter a single word. Anyone with eyes could see that the Heavenly Emperor’s accusation of Ming Jian Su colluding with the demons was baseless, a trumped-up charge. But with their attitude, could it be that they truly had dealings with the Demon Abyss? Had they given that Minor Realm to the demons, abandoned Chang Li, and, in exchange, received the demons’ support on the battlefield?

    No, that didn’t make sense. After the “Fall of the Phoenix” incident, hadn’t those greedy demons from the Demon Abyss been even more despicable? Ming Jian Su, while stationed at the battlefield, had slain countless demons. Why would she help them now? The current situation was the Heavenly Emperor’s fault. As the East Abode Master, Ming Jian Su had made many contributions to the Immortal Realm. He had stripped her of her position and even forced the Celestial Pivot Department to frame her just because she had failed in a single task. This was clearly a personal vendetta. But Ming Jian Su wasn’t one to back down. She had caused endless turmoil in the Immortal Realm.

    “This… this is a misunderstanding,” a Star Monarch stammered, staring at the sword beams flashing through the mountain. Most of the feathered immortals in Danxue Mountain were dead or injured. There was no saving them. They should be more concerned about their own situation. Although they had many Heavenly Soldiers, the Feather Guards had formed a powerful formation, the “All Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix” phenomenon lingering, and reinforcements from Phoenix Mountain had arrived. Escaping unscathed would be incredibly difficult. Not only those who had been hesitant but even the Star Monarch who had been loyal to the Emperor, ordering the Heavenly Soldiers to draw their bows, fell silent.

    “What misunderstanding?” Feng Chiyue asked. “Didn’t he even use the Heavenly Constitution Seal?”

    “We’ll return and explain the situation to the Emperor,” a Star Monarch said, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

    A cold chuckle was his only response. Ming Jian Su flicked her sword. “Since you’ve come,” she said, “don’t leave.” A deafening boom echoed through the air, and the brief lull in the battle ended. Sword beams, like a flood breaking through a dam, swept across the mountain. She was determined to eliminate all those involved in that past betrayal. She ignored the Heavenly Soldiers, her focus solely on hunting down the remaining elders.

    Their expressions changed drastically. They had already humbled themselves, even ignoring her slaughter of the feathered immortals right before their eyes, but she remained unyielding. This couldn’t be resolved peacefully. If they wanted to survive, they had to fight. Their faces hardened, and with a single command, a rain of arrows descended upon them. The Feather Guards instantly reacted, their sharp cries piercing the sky. The flying ships formed a formation in mid-air, an impenetrable barrier. As the arrows, imbued with spiritual energy, struck, a series of clangs and blinding flashes erupted, the sound deafening, but no one was injured.

    “What are those ships made of?” the leading Star Monarch wondered. He looked up, his gaze meeting Feng Chiyue’s smiling eyes, and his heart skipped a beat. He now knew that she was the former Phoenix Sovereign, and alarm bells rang in his head.

    But she didn’t move. She stood there calmly, then, her gaze shifting, she followed Ming Jian Su’s movements, her expression focused. Despite the thunderous explosions and the blinding flashes of sword light and fire, she seemed oblivious, as if she were in a world of her own.

    “If we can’t capture Ming Jian Su, it won’t be easy to explain to the Emperor,” someone whispered, snapping him out of his thoughts.

    He turned to his companion. “The Heavenly Constitution Seal couldn’t restrain them,” he said. “The Feather Guards have formed a powerful formation. What are our chances of winning?”

    His companion didn’t answer but simply took out a silver ring, its surface cold and gleaming. After a moment of hesitation, he tossed it to the Heavenly Soldiers behind them. The ring, called “All Manifestations United,” could absorb the magic power of others, enhancing its user’s strength.

    As expected, the moment the ring landed, the air around him seemed to boil, invisible ripples distorting the space. He roared, his aura surging, and a golden armored manifestation, several feet tall, appeared behind him, its eyes fixed on the Feather Guards on the ships with malice. As its massive body moved, waves of power rippled outwards. If they didn’t dodge quickly enough, they would be torn to shreds. It raised a sharp axe and slammed it down towards the barrier formed by the ships!

    Chang Huai’s expression changed slightly. She landed on one of the ships and activated all the protective formations. She had supervised the construction of these ships. The Feather Guards, although they had been training in Danxue Mountain, hadn’t been there for long. Their chances of winning a direct confrontation against the Heavenly Soldiers were slim. They had to rely on the ships to enhance their strength. If the barrier was breached, their casualties would be heavy.

    Seeing a layer of light suddenly appear on the barrier, making it even more impenetrable, the golden armored manifestation snorted and, with a flash, sprouted three heads and six arms. Various weapons descended, their attacks intensifying, as swift and relentless as a downpour, like a rapid drumbeat on the battlefield. The Feather Guards, protected by the barrier, also emerged from the ships, engaging in a fierce battle. As the golden armored manifestation lost an arm, two ships were destroyed, crashing to the ground with a loud boom.

    “Your barrier doesn’t seem very effective, Fellow Daoist Chang Huai,” Que Chenyi said, glancing at her.

    Chang Huai glared at her. “That Star Monarch is using the silver ring to absorb everyone’s magic power and focus it on the barrier,” she said. “Of course, it’s difficult to withstand. Give me enough time, and I can create an even stronger barrier.” However, this battle had revealed the weaknesses of their current design. The ships’ movements, merging and separating, disrupted the flow of the formations, leaving gaps. If their enemies exploited those momentary weaknesses, the barrier would struggle to repair itself. But they couldn’t change the ships’ movements. She could only focus on strengthening the weak points. She wondered where she could find enough black gold.

    “Tsk.”

    Feng Chiyue had finally looked away from Ming Jian Su.

    She looked up at the golden armored giant, its eyes like glowing lanterns, and a look of disgust crossed her face. She had always disliked such ugly creatures. She waved her hand, and a red light, tinged with black, shot forward, engulfing the manifestation. In an instant, the light vanished. The manifestation’s head had been severed, and its charred body was engulfed in flames, its fragments, burning brightly, falling to the ground, forming a sea of fire.

    Manifestations were typically composed of magic power and energy, not physical matter. Once destroyed, they would dissipate like dust. But this golden armored manifestation was different. Its fragments resembled chunks of flesh and blood. The Star Monarch who had summoned it looked surprised, then a wave of pain, as if his skin were being burned, washed over him. He looked down and saw that his body had been severed from his head, mirroring the fate of his manifestation. His soul, still clinging to consciousness, tried to escape, but a flaming arrow pierced it. In his final moments, he saw the phoenixes, their bows drawn, their eyes filled with hatred, staring at him.

    Flames danced in the wind.

    Terror and despair filled the hearts of the surviving Star Monarchs. Their bodies were engulfed in black flames, impossible to extinguish. The flames devoured their magic power and life force, like a ravenous beast gnawing at their very essence. In their panic, some summoned their protective artifacts, desperately trying to escape. But as they rose into the air, they were completely enveloped in flames and, moments later, exploded into showers of sparks.

    Seeing their leaders perish, the Heavenly Soldiers lost their will to fight. They dropped their weapons and surrendered.

    By the time Ming Jian Su had eliminated all those hateful traitors from the feathered lineages, the battle against the Heavenly Soldiers was over. The wind dispersed the stench of blood. Feng Chiyue’s red sleeves billowed like flames, a brilliant sight. Ming Jian Su frowned, her lips pursed, her face filled with regret. She had been too slow, forcing her junior sister to act.

    She had promised to avenge her junior sister, and yet, she had still allowed her to get her hands dirty.

    “What’s wrong?” Feng Chiyue asked, noticing her dejection.

    Ming Jian Su sighed. “I’m still too weak,” she said.

    Que Chenyi, Zhu Wan, and the others who had gathered around them: “…” They were speechless.

    Feng Chiyue smiled, her eyes twinkling. “Not at all,” she said without hesitation. “In my heart, you’re always the strongest.” She didn’t give Ming Jian Su a chance to dwell on it. “Did something happen in the mountain?” she asked.

    Ming Jian Su nodded. There was indeed something that had delayed her. “Some lineages have wandering immortals residing in the mountain,” she said seriously. “They’re all young and weren’t involved in the events of a thousand years ago. I was planning to eliminate them all, but Yuan Wuxin pleaded for their lives.” Yuan Wuxin, a wandering immortal from the Golden Pheasant lineage, had helped them with the “Heavenly Phoenix Fruit” incident. They had to repay that favor.

    “Do whatever you want,” Feng Chiyue said.

    “I’ll spare those who were unaware,” Ming Jian Su said. “Their future will depend on their own actions. But those who are close relatives or disciples of the elders, as well as those who harbor resentment… none of them will be spared.”

    Feng Chiyue didn’t care about the fate of those feathered immortals. She took Ming Jian Su’s hand. “Is this all you have to say after a battle?” she asked. “These boring matters?”

    Ming Jian Su blinked and, pulling Feng Chiyue closer, embraced her, her lips brushing against her forehead, then trailing down her eyebrow, her cheek, finally reaching her lips. With others present, she restrained her desire, the kiss brief and chaste. But even this small gesture was enough to attract attention, drawing a series of gasps.

    “My Master and her junior sister have always been ‘in their own world,’” Zhu Wan whispered, transmitting her voice.

    Que Chenyi glanced at her, thinking, “Zhu Wan, working in Morning Phoenix Mountain, is truly the most pitiful one.”

    Those two wouldn’t hesitate to abandon her if necessary.

    After holding Feng Chiyue for a moment, Ming Jian Su finally released her.

    Her eyes were like a clear autumn lake, their surface rippling in the breeze.

    “Let’s go home,” she whispered, ignoring the ruined new Danxue Mountain, the flying ships, and the Feather Guards. They transformed into streaks of light and vanished.

    After a moment of silence, Zhu Wan spoke. “We need to cover this Danxue Mountain with our flags,” she said. Her Master had given her detailed instructions beforehand. She had been puzzled, thinking it was unnecessary to mention so many details, but now she understood. Her Master had no time for lengthy discussions. After a merciless slaughter, all she needed was Feng Chiyue.

    The feathered immortals from Phoenix Mountain had also arrived. “We’ll handle it,” Feng Yao said to Zhu Wan. Although she had learned the truth from the elders, seeing that awe-inspiring phoenix manifestation had still stirred her heart. However, amidst her joy, a sense of unease and sorrow lingered. Phoenix Mountain’s thousand-year-old history had taught them that they were followers of the Phoenix Sovereign, and that she would one day lead them to glory.

    But now, she had returned, and she didn’t want their loyalty.

    How could she explain their past hesitation to the younger generation? How could she explain their betrayal, born out of selfishness or forced by circumstances?

    Zhu Wan looked at her. She had a good impression of Feng Yao.

    More helpers meant less work for her.

    However, she didn’t answer directly but turned to Que Chenyi.

    Que Chenyi was unaware of that buried past. But after spending time with Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, she had learned to be more observant. The Phoenix Sovereign distancing herself from her lineage – this was clearly not a simple matter. If they allowed Phoenix Mountain to get involved, she might end up like that Swan Goose, hanging outside the Celestial Feather Ministry.

    She placed her hand on Qing Xun’s shoulder, forcing a smile. “Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist,” she said, “but this is a simple task. Qing Xun can handle it alone.”

    Qing Xun, lost in thought, looked at her blankly.

    Seeing that phoenix rising from the flames had sparked a desire within her to undergo Nirvana. She had diligently studied the scriptures given to her by Feng Chiyue, but she hadn’t grasped the key. But recently, she had a breakthrough, believing she was now capable of it. Preoccupied, she hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation.

    Que Chenyi’s voice hardened, her smile turning “friendly.” “Right?”

    Qing Xun nodded vigorously. “Right.”

    Feng Yao pursed her lips. The young feathered immortals who had accompanied her wanted to say something, but a single glare from her silenced them. They hung their heads, dejected.

    “Those from Phoenix Mountain look so pitiful,” Zhu Wan whispered, watching them.

    Chang Huai didn’t understand the intricacies of their relationships, but while repairing the flying ships, she still had time for gossip. “Based on my experience in the mortal world,” she said, “it’s mostly their own fault. Why would a ruler abandon their people? They must have done something terrible.”

    Que Chenyi agreed inwardly, casting a sympathetic glance at the dejected phoenixes. They exchanged greetings and went back to work.

    Although they had won this battle, the matter wasn’t settled. The Heavenly Court wouldn’t let this go.

    In the Purple Empyrean Palace on Kunlun Mountain.

    Learning that none of the Star Monarchs or Heavenly Soldiers had returned, the Heavenly Emperor flew into a rage.

    He had been forced to fight the Celestial Mother in the Great Yin Palace. Thankfully, he had come prepared. Otherwise, he would have been trapped there.

    If he had known that she had cultivated the Taiji Dao Body and was attempting to usurp the Mandate of Heaven, he would never have gone there.

    The Star of Destiny’s light was dim but hadn’t completely vanished. This meant there was still a chance.

    He had to eliminate all potential successors. The Great Yin Celestial Mother herself was born from the Mandate of Heaven. The Heavenly Emperor could only achieve a complete Mandate by uniting with the Great Yin. Apart from her, his own descendants could also seize it. His eyes darkened. “Where is Chu Yi?” he asked coldly. He had no valid excuse to target his daughter, but using her against Ming Jian Su would be beneficial, regardless of the outcome.

    “She’s gone to the battlefield under the Celestial Mother’s orders,” Si Li Star Monarch replied quickly.

    The Emperor frowned. “Aren’t Bai Guchan and Ming Yuheng enough?”

    An official stepped forward and sighed. “The Kingdom of Qingqiu has reappeared.” After their internal conflict, Qingqiu had closed its borders, limiting contact with the outside world. The immortals had suspected that they had connections with the Demon Abyss, and now, their suspicions were confirmed. Feathered immortals from Qingqiu were supporting the demons. They finally had evidence of their collusion, but it seemed useless now. Qingqiu, like a sharp blade, had stabbed the beast lineages from behind, causing chaos in the White Tiger Department. The Heavenly Court wasn’t winning on the battlefield.

    These events had all occurred within a short time, perhaps deliberately concealed, so the news reached the Heavenly Court in a delayed and fragmented manner.

    His eye twitched. He suppressed his anger. “What about the Four Seas?” he asked. “They’ve always wanted to break free from the Heavenly Court’s control. Promise them anything as long as they capture Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.”

    “But Ming Jian Su only attacked Danxue Mountain and those who tried to stop her. She hasn’t declared war on the Heavenly Court,” an official said boldly. “They acted impulsively and made a mistake. If Your Majesty pardons them, perhaps there’s still room for reconciliation.”

    “Reconciliation?” he scoffed, a metallic taste filling his mouth. He glared at the officials. “Feng Chiyue is the Phoenix Sovereign,” he said. “She’s back to seek revenge! You’ve all deluded yourselves into believing that she willingly went to the Demon Abyss for the sake of the greater good. No, she was forced! How many died in Danxue Mountain and the Heavenly Court to capture her? Don’t you remember?! If she’s returned with a vengeance, none of you will escape!”

    “We need to win over the Four Seas, recruit wandering immortals, and relax the restrictions at the Heavenly Gate,” he continued. “Conscript all those who ascend into the Heavenly Army! And if that’s not enough, we still have the Realm Beyond Heaven!” His final words reassured the anxious officials. They still had those Star Monarchs cultivating in the Realm Beyond Heaven. Some were even stronger than Yuan Yao. Even if one wasn’t a match for Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, what about two, three, or even more?

    “Open the Heavenly Prosperity Department’s treasury to the Heavenly Soldiers,” he said. “Give them unlimited access to Cinnabar Jade, elixirs, and artifacts.” He was no longer stingy.

    In Morning Phoenix Mountain.

    Ming Jian Su received a jade slip and several Qiankun bags from a puppet servant.

    She scanned the slip with her divine sense and immediately understood their origin.

    They were from Chu Yi, sent before she went to the battlefield.

    Feng Chiyue rummaged through the bags. Some contained Chu Yi’s personal belongings, but many bore the Heavenly Prosperity Department’s emblem. “Did she rob them?” she asked curiously.

    Since Yu Gao’s appointment as the Head of the Heavenly Prosperity Department, it had been dysfunctional. Their records were a mess. Chu Yi’s move was ruthless. She had effectively cut off an important source of elixirs and artifacts for the Heavenly Soldiers. After all, with the Department’s officials incompetent, they were heavily reliant on their treasury.

    “We should have some peace and quiet now,” Ming Jian Su said thoughtfully. This was likely the calm before the storm. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to continue, but the Celestial Feather Ministry needed time to refine elixirs, craft barriers, and forge weapons. She wanted a decisive victory, not a pyrrhic one.

    Feng Chiyue hummed noncommittally. Time only mattered when she was with Ming Jian Su.

    As night fell, mist shrouded the high platform, and bright stars twinkled in the vast expanse above.

    They didn’t return to the Dharma Hall but sat side by side on the platform’s railing, chatting.

    Feng Chiyue had grown tired of hearing about Ming Jian Su’s life in the mortal world. Instead, she listened to her tales of Suxin’s “cultivation.”

    “Phoenixes excel in fire, but very few are alchemists. My alchemy skills must have come from you,” she said, stating the obvious, turning to look at Ming Jian Su’s profile, bathed in moonlight. “Your alchemy was terrible. You said you didn’t have many close friends. Was it because of those elixirs?”

    Ming Jian Su chuckled awkwardly, remembering the lingering poison with a twinge of guilt.

    Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Even if you’re bad at everything, you’re still my favorite Elder Sister,” she said.

    Ming Jian Su felt a strange warmth. This was her junior sister’s unique way of offering comfort, with a hint of teasing.

    Seeing that she was silent, Feng Chiyue realized her words hadn’t been sufficiently sweet and reassuring. “It’s a great honor for those herbs to be refined into elixirs by you,” she said.

    Ming Jian Su chuckled and pulled her into an embrace.

    When had her junior sister become so considerate, so skilled in saying sweet things to please her?

    The moon shone brightly, and their sashes fluttered in the gentle breeze.

    It was a peaceful and serene night.

    Ming Jian Su lowered her gaze, meeting Feng Chiyue’s clear eyes.

    “What are you thinking about, Junior Sister?” she asked softly.

    Feng Chiyue, never one to hide her feelings, replied simply, “You.”

    She thought about her when they were apart, and she thought about her when they were together.

    Feng Chiyue stared at her, as if lost in a sea of stars. She knew the answer, but she still asked, “What about you, Elder Sister?”

    Ming Jian Su leaned down and kissed her eyes. “I love you,” she said sincerely.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 66

    Chapter 66

    Fear, confusion, then terror and anxiety washed over the feathered immortals gathered on the mountain.

    After the Phoenix Sovereign’s fall, the feathered lineages had split. The Vermilion Birds of Danxue Mountain had claimed to be the lords of all feathered beings, but it was merely wishful thinking.

    Who, besides the Phoenix Sovereign, could truly be considered their ruler?

    What did Ming Jian Su mean by those words?

    Fragmented memories coalesced, and a thought struck them like lightning. They had assumed, based on their knowledge of the Phoenix Sovereign, that Feng Chiyue couldn’t possibly be her. She was lazy, extravagant, aloof, and indifferent towards Danxue Mountain—but what if her personality had changed drastically after that disaster?

    If Feng Chiyue was the Phoenix Sovereign, then Ming Jian Su’s actions against Danxue Mountain suddenly made sense.

    She had forcefully pushed for reforms within the Celestial Feather Ministry for the Sovereign’s sake. She had expelled the feathered lineages from Danxue Mountain, mercilessly eliminated those who resisted, and now, she had arrived with a vengeance, seeking to settle that ancient grudge!

    The elders of the Vermilion Bird, Swan Goose, and other lineages turned to look at Feng Chiyue.

    They couldn’t find the coldness of a snow-capped mountain in her eyes, nor the righteousness and innocence they had once seen. Her expression was filled with a bright, radiant smile, as dazzling as a thousand blooming peach trees. But they felt no sense of kinship, only a widening gulf, an insurmountable chasm.

    After the Phoenix Sovereign had abandoned them, she wouldn’t care about their fate. This was a merciless slaughter.

    The leading Vermilion Bird’s face contorted with a mixture of emotions, a grotesque mask of fear and anger. He struggled to find his voice. “The events of the past have already been settled,” he said, his voice strained. “We respect our Sovereign’s noble sacrifice. I…” Before he could finish his defense, a sharp sword hymn pierced the air, and a blinding sword beam, unstoppable, swept towards them.

    How could they simply wait for their deaths? They summoned their weapons and, uniting their forces, faced the attack.

    Seeing their unity, Ming Jian Su’s anger surged like a tidal wave. They had used the same tactics against the Phoenix Sovereign, hadn’t they? They were remarkably united when it came to protecting their own interests.

    Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue’s attack on the new Danxue Mountain was a grand spectacle.

    The Heavenly Emperor, already enraged by Yunze Young Lord’s words on the Chaos Mirror, was now even more furious upon hearing about Ming Jian Su’s actions. His eyes were bloodshot. The Celestial Pivot Department, controlled by the Celestial Mother’s faction, was useless. If they intervened, not only would no one in Danxue Mountain survive, but Dao Ling Star Monarch would also find a way to exonerate Ming Jian Su.

    The officials in the hall were also shocked. Si Li Star Monarch’s eye twitched. He bowed and said, “Ming Jian Su is wreaking havoc in the Immortal Realm. Why don’t we ask the West Sea Lord and the Polaris Lord to capture her and then interrogate her?” Ming Yuheng, the Polaris Lord, had ascended from the lower realm and had been close to Ming Jian Su. He couldn’t be trusted. But Bai Guchan, the West Sea Lord, would obey the Emperor’s orders.

    The Emperor, his face grim, issued decrees to both Ming Yuheng and Bai Guchan.

    But at this critical moment, news arrived from Asura City: the officials sent to negotiate with the Demon Abyss had somehow offended Tu Shan Liusu, and the talks had completely collapsed. The demons, with remarkable speed, had gathered their forces, a vast, black cloud advancing towards the battlefield!

    The Immortal Realm had stationed troops in Asura City, but they were only sufficient for dealing with minor skirmishes. They couldn’t withstand the full might of the Demon Abyss. If they didn’t mobilize their armies, the demons would overrun the battlefield, cross the Sui River separating the two realms, and invade! Compared to this, Ming Jian Su’s conflict with Danxue Mountain seemed trivial. In the past, whenever the battlefield was threatened, the four generals had taken turns defending it. But now, with Ming Jian Su rebelling and Chang Li imprisoned, only two remained. Until he found suitable replacements, the Emperor had no choice but to send them to the battlefield.

    He still resented Ming Jian Su and, wanting to accuse her of colluding with the demons, said in front of all the officials, “What a coincidence. As soon as she rebels, the demons invade.” This was a common tactic, attempting to discredit her morally.

    The officials didn’t dare to argue, but some thought, “When else would the demons invade if not when the Heavenly Court is in turmoil?” Fear and anxiety filled their hearts. They were afraid that they would be the next ones sent to the battlefield. With Bai Guchan and Ming Yuheng both going, who else would the Emperor appoint?

    He did indeed have a plan. His gaze, cold and menacing, swept across the officials. “Those feathered immortals in Danxue Mountain are innocent,” he said. “With the West Sea Lord and the Polaris Lord absent, are there no others in the Heavenly Court capable of capturing them?” He paused, then named five Star Monarchs, affixing the Heavenly Constitution Seal to his decree, ordering them to arrest Ming Jian Su!

    Seeing the seal, the officials knew that the Emperor was serious. There was no room for negotiation.

    They had assumed that the decree presented by Si Lu Star Monarch from the Heavenly Prosperity Department had been forged, unaware that Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue possessed the ability to erase the Heavenly Constitution Seal. Now, holding the Emperor’s decree, they finally felt a surge of confidence.

    With the power of the Heavenly Dao to restrain them, this task shouldn’t be too difficult, right?

    When the Star Monarchs, bearing the Emperor’s decree, arrived at the new Danxue Mountain, they were met with a scene of devastation.

    The stench of blood filled the air. Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue stood in mid-air, their hands clasped behind their backs, while the feathered immortals lay scattered, dead or injured.

    The leading Vermilion Bird, barely clinging to life with the help of a secret artifact, was overjoyed to see the Star Monarchs and the Heavenly Soldiers. He felt a surge of relief and, with his last ounce of strength, shouted, “The Phoenix Sovereign has returned! She’s here for revenge!”

    The Phoenix Sovereign? The Star Monarchs’ eyelids twitched, a sense of foreboding washing over them. They stared at Feng Chiyue, who was playing with the bells and jade pendants on her waist, speechless.

    If the Phoenix Sovereign was involved, things would get complicated! The Heavenly Court’s peace would be shattered.

    “The Phoenix Sovereign isn’t dead!” the Vermilion Bird continued shouting. “The phoenix undergoes Nirvana. She’s already back!”

    Ming Jian Su didn’t bother stopping him. Her junior sister was the Phoenix Sovereign, and she would reclaim her vengeance on this very land! She wasn’t afraid of the Heavenly Court finding out. Only after the Vermilion Bird had finished his panicked rant did she scoff. “How noisy,” she said. Her sword flashed, unleashing the “Heaven and Earth Reunited” technique. Not only the Vermilion Bird but also the other defeated feathered immortals standing near him were instantly reduced to dust, scattering in the wind.

    The officials’ expressions were beyond “terrified.” Their faces contorted with a mixture of emotions. After stammering for a moment, they finally took out the decree bearing the Heavenly Constitution Seal and declared, “Ming Jian Su, a wandering immortal from Morning Phoenix Mountain, is rebellious and defiant, repeatedly violating the Heavenly Court’s laws, colluding with the demons, and harming her fellow Daoists. Her crimes are unforgivable…”

    The Heavenly Constitution represented the will of the Heavenly Dao. Its words were law, absolute and undeniable.

    Ming Jian Su listened, unfazed, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.

    Seeing that she wasn’t attacking, the officials sighed in relief.

    But suddenly, a flash of light blinded them. The decree had been snatched away, too quickly for them to react.

    Feng Chiyue held the decree, a smile playing on her lips.

    “Junior Sister?” Ming Jian Su frowned slightly, remembering the previous incident. Even though it had been harmless, merely causing temporary sleep, she still felt uneasy.

    “It’s fine,” Feng Chiyue said, sensing her worry. She didn’t do anything more but simply handed the decree back to Ming Jian Su. “The Mandate of Heaven is shifting,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “The Heavenly Constitution Seal has lost its power. It seems the Heavenly Court is about to have a new ruler.” Her voice was calm, but her words were shocking. The officials, hearing such blasphemy, exchanged uneasy glances, their throats constricted as if they had swallowed hot iron. They couldn’t utter a single word.

    Ming Jian Su pondered for a moment, then summoned Undefeated.

    She held up the decree, and the sword, with a flash of light, tore it to shreds.

    This wasn’t just defiance. It was a blatant humiliation of the Heavenly Emperor.

    A strong wind blew, swirling clouds around them, its sound filling the air.

    The Star Monarchs who had come under the Emperor’s orders felt a surge of fear.

    If the Heavenly Constitution Seal couldn’t restrain Ming Jian Su, what could they possibly use to fight her? Their own heads? And was Feng Chiyue telling the truth? Was the Mandate of Heaven shifting, the Emperor about to be overthrown? Was this the will of the Heavenly Dao? Confusion filled their eyes. Their own safety was at stake. They had to be cautious. However, one of them, completely loyal to the Emperor, glared at Ming Jian Su and, waving his hand at the Heavenly Soldiers behind him, roared, “Draw your bows!” At his command, countless arrows were aimed at Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.

    “You might be incredibly skilled, Fellow Daoist,” he said, “but can you truly escape from thousands of enemies alone?”

    “You’re wrong,” Ming Jian Su said calmly. She looked at the Heavenly Soldiers and smiled faintly. “Who said we’re alone?”

    They hadn’t rebuilt the Feather Guards for nothing!

    A long, sharp bird cry pierced the air, and dozens of flying ships, like shooting stars, appeared in the sky. Each ship was as large as a small mountain, its length exceeding two hundred feet. A six-story pagoda stood on its deck, its bells tinkling in the wind. Two flags, each bearing the image of a phoenix, fluttered on either side, billowing in the wind.

    Que Chenyi, Qing Xun, Chang Huai, and Zhu Wan were the first to leap off the ships, bowing to Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.

    Ming Jian Su wasn’t reckless. Before coming to Danxue Mountain, she had given Que Chenyi orders.

    Knowing that chaos was inevitable, Que Chenyi hadn’t asked any questions and had immediately made arrangements. Within a single night, she had assembled the Feather Guards, eliminating any potential dissenters among the Vermilion Bird and Swan Goose lineages’ followers. The Feather Guards on those ships were now loyal to the Celestial Feather Ministry!

    Feng Chiyue looked up at the phoenix flag.

    The golden phoenix, meticulously embroidered, seemed to be taking flight.

    But this wouldn’t do. She raised her hand and, with a gentle tap, sent a red light towards the phoenix’s eye, bringing the flag to life. Flames erupted, engulfing the flag, and a phoenix phantom, with a piercing cry, soared into the sky! One, two… Flames spread to hundreds of flags, phoenixes merging and intertwining, gradually forming a massive phoenix manifestation that covered half the sky!

    The entire Immortal Realm witnessed this spectacle.

    The human immortals were awestruck, while the feathered lineages were filled with excitement. They gazed at the phoenix manifestation, and the clan leaders summoned their own manifestations. The heavens and earth churned, thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed. Beams of light shot upwards, transforming into various bird forms, bowing before the phoenix.

    Waves surged on the sea, and the aquatic soldiers stared at the sky in wonder. Soon, the Four Seas Dragon Lords gathered, emerging from the water, their gazes fixed on the radiant heavens.

    “What are the feathered lineages doing?”

    “All birds pay homage to the phoenix. There’s no one in Phoenix Mountain capable of such a feat. It must be her.”

    “The Demon Abyss is invading, and the Heavenly Court is in chaos. What should we do?”

    The East Sea Dragon Lord, knowing some of the details, sighed deeply. “This isn’t just a conflict between gods and demons,” he said. “It’s also a power struggle between those at the very top.”

    “I heard that Cunxin is still in the Heavenly Court. Has she sent any news?” the West Sea Dragon Lord asked.

    “The chaos hasn’t reached us yet. Let’s wait and see.”

    The sudden change in the heavens alerted the Heavenly Emperor even before any official could report it.

    He vanished from the Purple Empyrean Palace and reappeared before the Great Yin Palace. However, the soft moonlight emanating from the palace filled him with uncertainty. He couldn’t cross that barrier. His eyes narrowed, and he raised his hand, a wave of magic power surging forward. Only after a series of chimes echoed through the air did he see the figure emerging from the moonlight. “You knew all along, didn’t you?” he asked coldly.

    “Are you satisfied now that the Mandate of Heaven is in disarray and chaos reigns?”

    The Celestial Mother smiled faintly. “You make it sound like it’s all my fault. I have an idea to resolve this conflict.”

    His mind was in turmoil. “What idea?” he asked impatiently.

    “The Heavenly Emperor steps down, and the most capable takes his place.”

    He glared at her. “What nonsense are you spouting?” he roared. “Don’t forget, you’re the Great Yin, bound to me by the Mandate of Heaven.”

    She didn’t answer. She cupped her hand, gathering a wisp of moonlight, and gently blew on it. The moonlight, like a delicate thread, floated before her, then, with a burst of light, it blazed like the sun. Above the palace, behind the waxing and waning moon, a full moon suddenly appeared, its light shifting from pale to crimson.

    “Do you see? The Taiji manifestation, yin and yang revealed, sun and moon sharing the sky!” With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a wave of energy towards him, her killing intent clear.

    He had been wary of her and had come prepared. A golden light flashed around him, deflecting her attack. He hadn’t expected her to cultivate such a technique. If he wasn’t careful, it could lead to his demise. His vision blurred. “It was you!” he said through gritted teeth. No wonder she had been in seclusion for a thousand years. This technique was too dangerous to be revealed!

    She didn’t answer. She knew that he had come prepared and that she couldn’t capture him, but she had still attacked.

    Only when he was away from the Purple Empyrean Palace would Chu Yi have an opportunity to replace the Merit Mirror!

    In the Purple Empyrean Palace.

    After the meeting adjourned, the hall was empty.

    Chaos reigned in the Heavenly Court and on the battlefield, but here, peace and tranquility prevailed, as if separated from the world’s turmoil.

    Chu Yi knew where the Merit Mirror was kept. After discreetly replacing it, she didn’t linger, silently retreating from the hall.

    Only when she returned to the Azure Sovereign Hall, unnoticed, did she sigh in relief.

    “Aren’t you worried about the current chaos?” Ying Cunxin asked. The imbalance between yin and yang could be devastating to the Immortal Realm.

    “I am,” she admitted, then added, “But I trust my mother.” She took out the Merit Mirror. A single thought was enough to reveal the situation at the various Heavenly Gates. The conflict was limited to Danxue Mountain. The guardians were still diligently performing their duties. Afraid of attracting attention, she didn’t examine it closely. She withdrew her consciousness and, flipping the mirror over, frowned. “This Merit Mirror is a Dao artifact created by the Heavenly Dao itself. Why are there so many cracks on its back?”

    Ying Cunxin, born a Heavenly Immortal, had no interest in the Heavenly Court’s Merit Mirror. She glanced at Chu Yi and said with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, “Perhaps it’s retiring along with its former master. When the new master appears, I wonder what grand gift the Mandate of Heaven will bestow.”

    “The Celestial Mother said that the Mandate will fall upon you,” Ying Cunxin continued. “Does this mean that something will happen within the Great Yin? Will you then welcome your destined partner, and I’ll finally be able to return to the East Sea?” She couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought. She didn’t look at Chu Yi. “We’ve already crossed the line. You don’t have to worry about me betraying you. I should leave now.”

    Her words jumped from one topic to another, leaving Chu Yi momentarily confused. She put away the Merit Mirror and frowned. “Why are you in such a hurry?” There wasn’t any dragon waiting for her in the Four Seas.

    Ying Cunxin chuckled. “Can’t I miss home?”

    Chu Yi glared at her. “You’ve become quite bold lately.”

    Ying Cunxin dropped the pretense. “This is my true nature,” she said. It would be best if Chu Yi grew tired of her and they parted ways.

    Chu Yi: “…” She remained silent, simply rolling up her sleeve, revealing the bite mark left by Ying Cunxin in her dragon form. “You’re quite sharp-tongued,” she said pointedly.

    Ying Cunxin felt a pang of guilt, but a strange defiance spurred her on. “You flatter me,” she retorted.

    Chu Yi lowered her sleeve. “I’ve used many ointments, but the scar won’t fade.”

    It was a dragon bite. How could it fade easily? Ying Cunxin thought to herself. She lifted her eyelids, her gaze finally returning to Chu Yi’s face – she could maintain her aloofness when they weren’t looking at each other, but a single glance stirred her sympathy.

    “The Celestial Mother has the Celestial Feather Ministry, the Four Seas Department, and the White Tiger Department under her control,” she said seriously. “The Celestial Feather Ministry is on her side, and the White Tiger Department has gone to the Demon Abyss with Bai Guchan. You know the Four Seas Department’s stance. They won’t get involved unless there’s sufficient profit.”

    “The Heavenly Emperor has the officials and the Realm Beyond Heaven on his side. If a war breaks out, the Celestial Mother might lose. The Mandate of Heaven is shifting, but what if he eliminates all potential successors? Where will it go then? I’ll return to the East Sea and persuade them to support you.”

    Ying Cunxin, analyzing the situation, finally resembled the future ruler of the East Sea. Chu Yi looked at her, her expression turning serious.

    But she didn’t agree. “You said many sweet things to me on the Chaos Mirror,” she said. “Now I realize that most of it was just to appease me. What about now?”

    Ying Cunxin bristled. “I was busy and still took the time to reply to you. Is that considered appeasement?”

    “Busy doing what?” Chu Yi asked calmly. “Busy admiring those stronger than you on the Chaos Mirror? Or busy thinking about how to delete my name seal?”

    Ying Cunxin frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, then, after scolding her, she softened her tone. “I’m not lying to you. I swear.”

    The Four Seas’ allegiance wouldn’t be determined by their personal relationship but by their interests. Chu Yi wouldn’t make her swear an oath. However, she wasn’t going to let her off the hook either. “Write down your promise and affix your name seal,” she said casually. “If you break it, I’ll expose you on the Chaos Mirror and let everyone see what kind of person the East Sea Dragon Princess truly is.”

    Ying Cunxin: “…” Feng Chiyue hadn’t lied. Chu Yi was truly vindictive. Wasn’t this a bit too cruel?

    Unlike the lighthearted atmosphere in the Azure Sovereign Hall, the air near the new Danxue Mountain was thick with tension.

    The Star Monarchs, bearing the Heavenly Emperor’s decree, had arrived with their Heavenly Soldiers, but they were met with a formidable force of feathered guards.

    The phoenix manifestation loomed above, surrounded by a multitude of birds, symbolizing the unity of the once scattered feathered lineages. Their swords were pointed at the Heavenly Court.

    This was a civil war!

    “What is the meaning of this, feathered lineages?” a Star Monarch asked through gritted teeth, his heart filled with icy rage.

    Ming Jian Su chuckled. “We don’t have to fight,” she said casually.

    “What are your terms?”

    “There was the Fall of the Phoenix in the past. Now, there will be the Fall of Heaven. What do you think?” As she spoke, Undefeated flashed, its sword beam severing the head of a feathered elder from Danxue Mountain.

    Undefeated had been with her since the lower realms. It didn’t know about that tragic past. It had initially been feeling down, but realizing that it was still her master’s preferred weapon for killing, it felt a surge of pride.

    It didn’t matter if it hadn’t been in the spotlight before. As long as it was the one to display its power from now on, that was enough.

    “This will only give the demons an opportunity!” a Star Monarch, unwilling to fight, pleaded. “You also guarded the battlefield once, Fellow Daoist. You were an enemy of the demons. Surely you don’t want to see them cross the Sui River, invade our territory, and disrupt the balance?”

    Ming Jian Su didn’t answer, her eyes cold.

    Feng Chiyue flicked her hand, deflecting a stray sword beam. She tucked a strand of Ming Jian Su’s hair behind her ear, ignoring the ugly immortals before her. “But aren’t we on the same side as the demons?” she asked casually.

  • The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm 65

    Chapter 65

    Moonlight flowed like water, gentle and serene.

    Lotus blossoms bloomed on the surface, pristine and pure.

    As they approached the palace, Chu Yi whispered to Ying Cunxin, who was coiled around her wrist, “I’m going to see my mother.”

    Ying Cunxin felt utterly humiliated. Chu Yi was so unreasonable! If she had known that the West Sea would teach her that spell, she would have been prepared. How had she ended up in this situation?! She could have transformed back into her human form upon returning to the Azure Sovereign Hall, but imagining the countless stares, she had preferred to remain in her dragon form. And now, Chu Yi had brought her to the Celestial Mother’s palace!

    The Celestial Mother’s Dao was profound. Unwilling to embarrass herself further, Ying Cunxin remained silent, plotting her revenge against Chu Yi.

    Chu Yi had visited the palace many times. She crossed the moonlit river, her figure bathed in silvery light, and entered the palace, bowing to the Great Yin Celestial Mother seated on the platform. “Mother,” she said.

    The Celestial Mother looked down at her. “You have doubts?” she asked.

    Chu Yi nodded. The decree she had received instructed her to obtain the Merit Mirror. It was a Dao artifact created by the Heavenly Dao itself, currently in the Heavenly Emperor’s possession. The mirrors hanging above the various Heavenly Gates were mere reflections. With her current cultivation, she couldn’t control the Merit Mirror. Moreover, she didn’t understand why her mother wanted it.

    The Celestial Mother knew her thoughts. She smiled faintly. “Look up,” she said. A lunar image hung in the vast, starry expanse above the Great Yin Palace, surrounded by twinkling stars. This was a star chart similar to the one in the Purple Empyrean Palace. Amidst the chaotic starlight, Chu Yi easily spotted the Star of Destiny, its light dim.

    “The Mandate of Heaven,” the Celestial Mother said, “is to carry out Heaven’s will and uphold its laws. But now, everything is in disarray, and the Mandate is wavering. Both the Heavenly Emperor and I are manifestations of the Mandate. I entered seclusion to cultivate the Taiji Dao Body, the fusion of yin and yang. He has disrupted the Mandate. You and I are the closest to it. Go and retrieve the Merit Mirror. It won’t harm you.”

    Chu Yi pondered for a moment, then nodded. “I understand.”

    Ying Cunxin, listening from within her sleeve, was alarmed. She knew that the Heavenly Emperor and the Celestial Mother had conflicting Daoist beliefs, but she hadn’t realized it had reached this point. It seemed that the Heavenly Court would soon be plunged into chaos. What choice should the Four Seas make? The reformed Four Seas Department was now distant from the Heavenly Court. Their only connection was the Heavenly Princess sent to supervise them. But in this conflict between the Emperor and the Celestial Mother, Chu Yi clearly sided with her mother.

    “You seem to have a good relationship with the East Sea Dragon Princess,” the Celestial Mother said suddenly, her gaze subtly sweeping over Chu Yi’s right hand, as if she could see everything.

    Chu Yi’s expression stiffened, and Ying Cunxin froze. She had overheard a “big secret.” The Celestial Mother had discovered her. Would she ever be able to return to the East Sea? She cursed Chu Yi inwardly. They had already distanced themselves. She had even deleted her name seal. She shouldn’t have reconnected out of fear of Chu Yi’s anger and revenge.

    After a moment, Chu Yi said, “We hit it off at first sight.”

    The Celestial Mother chuckled but didn’t say anything more. She closed her eyes and resumed her meditation, moonlight draping her in an ethereal veil, blurring her features.

    Chu Yi bowed and retreated from the palace.

    Relieved, Ying Cunxin rubbed her sharp teeth against Chu Yi’s wrist but, restrained by reason, didn’t bite down.

    Upon returning to the Azure Sovereign Hall, she peeked out from Chu Yi’s sleeve. As she hesitated, Chu Yi’s voice rang out.

    “We’re alone.”

    She sighed in relief, and with a flash of white light, she transformed back into her human form. However, a blush stained her usually pale cheeks, melting the coldness of her features.

    Chu Yi stared at her, momentarily stunned. “You should return to the East Sea,” she finally said.

    Ying Cunxin avoided her gaze and rolled her eyes. She had already lost all dignity in front of Chu Yi. She no longer bothered pretending. “After learning such a major secret, do you think you can just let me go?” Chu Yi had seen the decree. She knew what they had discussed in the Celestial Mother’s palace. Bringing her along in such a hurry… she clearly had other motives. Those immortals in the Heavenly Court were truly treacherous and cunning.

    Chu Yi pretended not to understand her sarcasm. She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Are you saying you want to stay in my hall?”

    Ying Cunxin: “…” She knew that Chu Yi had never intended to let her go.

    The dimming of the Star of Destiny naturally alarmed the Heavenly Emperor the most.

    He hadn’t received the good news of Ming Jian Su’s death. Instead, he had been met with a devastating blow.

    With his Mandate of Heaven waning, he could no longer fully command the power of the Heavenly Dao. His Heavenly Constitution Seal might not be enough to control the immortals anymore.

    Was the shifting of the Mandate due to the Celestial Mother’s machinations? Or the movements of the Demon Abyss? Or perhaps the changes within the Celestial Feather Ministry and the Four Seas Department?

    He swept a glazed lamp off his desk in a fit of rage, its shattering echoing through the hall.

    With a flick of his wrist, the Heavenly Constitution Seal appeared before him, its Dao flowing, its light blinding.

    He wouldn’t wait any longer. He wrote a decree, affixed his seal, and ordered it to be delivered to the Celestial Pivot Department.

    He had to punish Ming Jian Su before the Mandate shifted completely!

    In the Celestial Pivot Department.

    Yunze Young Lord, adjusting his robes, accepted the decree from the Purple Empyrean Palace, his expression grave.

    “Young Lord?” The official beside him was also filled with anxiety.

    Dao Ling Star Monarch had emerged from seclusion but was equally uninvolved in the Department’s affairs. They still followed Yunze Young Lord’s lead, but they could sense that things were different now. They could no longer use the Arrest Warrant recklessly.

    “The Heavenly Emperor has decreed,” he said through gritted teeth, “bearing the Heavenly Constitution Seal, that we must convict Ming Jian Su of colluding with the demons. We are to release those criminals imprisoned in the Senluo Prison and send them to capture her, allowing them to atone for their sins.” His mind was in turmoil, his head spinning. He should have submitted his resignation along with that report. Why had he clung to that foolish hope?

    “Should we retrieve those criminals from the Senluo Prison?” the official asked.

    She had been cleared of suspicion, and yet the Emperor insisted on convicting her on false charges. How could they defy him?

    “The Heavenly Constitution Seal is on this decree. How can we resist?” He forced a smile, his voice suddenly turning sharp. “To the Senluo Prison!”

    The officials in the hall, seeing his pale face, gasped. They looked at the decree, their hearts heavy. They had no choice but to obey the Emperor’s orders.

    The Senluo Prison held the most vicious criminals, those who acted without restraint. They were a sharp blade if wielded correctly.

    Yunze Young Lord didn’t send any officials. He decided to go himself. The Senluo Prison was filled with a heavy, oppressive aura of death and bloodshed. Ordinary officials couldn’t withstand it.

    Thunder rumbled, and black dragons roared.

    Although he had already made his decision, he delayed until midnight before finally setting out.

    Faint lamplight illuminated the two imposing stone mythical beasts guarding the Senluo Prison, their shadows large and menacing.

    He looked up at the massive bronze gate, and just as he was about to step forward, he heard a heavy thud.

    The gate creaked open, revealing a blinding light and slow, heavy footsteps that echoed like thunder.

    The moment he saw the figure emerging from the light, his expression changed dramatically. A sharp sound, like a plucked string, echoed in his mind, followed by a jarring silence as the string snapped.

    Dao Ling Star Monarch had already crossed the threshold. Her Daoist robes were as white as snow, her aura pure and untainted by the evil and malice of the Senluo Prison. She glanced at him briefly. “Why are you here, Young Lord?” she asked calmly.

    A sense of foreboding washed over him. He bowed. “I’m here under the Emperor’s decree to retrieve the criminals imprisoned in the Senluo Prison,” he said.

    She made a noncommittal sound, not objecting. She flicked her sleeve, ignoring him, and turned to leave.

    The officials who had accompanied him sighed in relief. “She’s finally gone,” one of them said. They had been afraid that the two lords would clash, leaving them caught in the crossfire.

    Yunze Young Lord felt no relief. His face was grim, his legs heavy as lead. He stepped into the open gate, as if entering a dragon’s lair or a tiger’s den. The officials behind him hurriedly followed, their lamps illuminating the path.

    The faint light dispelled the darkness of the Senluo Prison, revealing chains extending from the walls, piercing the prisoners’ bodies, suppressing their magic power. The silence was eerie. In the past, whenever someone entered, the chains would rattle, and roars, like those of wild beasts, would echo through the prison. But now, there was nothing.

    He signaled to the officials, stopping before a cell, peering inside through the lamplight.

    The prisoner, clad in rags, was sitting cross-legged on the ground, his usually proud head hanging low, his body devoid of any sign of life.

    His eyes widened in horror.

    The criminal was dead.

    It wasn’t uncommon for prisoners to die in the Grand Court of Justice, unable to bear the endless torture, but at this juncture, he couldn’t help but overthink it.

    His footsteps echoed through the silent prison. The deeper he went, the greater his fear, and by the time he reached the end, his face was contorted with terror.

    The officials behind him didn’t even dare to breathe.

    The Heavenly Emperor had ordered them to retrieve the criminals, but they were all dead, every single one!

    Remembering Dao Ling Star Monarch’s departing figure, he suddenly understood.

    She had done it! She had killed all the prisoners in the Senluo Prison! How dare she?!

    No, this couldn’t be her own decision.

    An image of the moon flashed in his mind, and terror gripped his heart.

    He took out the Emperor’s decree, his hand trembling as if he were holding a hot potato.

    “What should we do?” an official asked, his face pale with fear.

    His mind raced. He thought about Feng Chiyue, his destroyed abode, and the seemingly insignificant yet eternal moon in the sky. He threw the decree to the ground.

    “All my disciples,” he said through gritted teeth, “resign from your positions in the Celestial Pivot Department!”

    During Dao Ling Star Monarch’s seclusion, he had been in charge of the Department. He had countless disciples and followers. If they all resigned, the Department would be half empty.

    The Heavenly Mechanism Department was usually responsible for personnel matters. Si Li Star Monarch wouldn’t normally interfere with others’ decisions, but hearing about the commotion in the Celestial Pivot Department, he frowned and sought out Yunze Young Lord, who was rebuilding his abode on Cloud Marsh Mountain.

    “What are you doing, Fellow Daoist?” he asked. The Heavenly Prosperity Department was already in chaos. If the Celestial Pivot Department also fell apart, people would think the Heavenly Court was crumbling.

    “The Emperor’s decree,” Yunze Young Lord said calmly. “I’m unable to fulfill it. I hold a high position, but I’ve failed in my duty. I’m deeply troubled.”

    Si Li Star Monarch didn’t believe him. “Is that the only reason?” He glanced at the ruined Cloud Marsh Mountain, his eyes flashing coldly. “Are you being threatened?”

    Yunze Young Lord’s eye twitched imperceptibly. The threat wasn’t just from Ming Jian Su. It was also a deep-seated fear of the impending collapse. He concealed his emotions and shook his head. “No,” he said, then, seeing that Si Li Star Monarch was about to argue, he added, “The Celestial Pivot Department has its Star Monarch. Her disciples are capable of taking over. You don’t have to worry about it falling apart.”

    “But Dao Ling Star Monarch…” He trailed off. It wasn’t about whether there were enough people in the Department. It was about whether there were enough people loyal to the Emperor! With Yunze’s resignation, his disciples and followers would also leave. Wouldn’t this embarrass the Emperor? He tried to persuade him, but Yunze Young Lord remained unmoved. Finally, he lost his patience. He glared at him and said coldly, “You’re on your own, Fellow Daoist!” Then, he transformed into a beam of light and vanished.

    Yunze Young Lord smiled bitterly.

    He had craved fame, power, and wealth, but now he understood the appeal of being a carefree wandering immortal.

    “Losing such an impartial and just official is truly a great loss for the Celestial Pivot Department,” a mocking voice said. He snapped out of his thoughts, startled. He turned and saw Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue standing nearby. He had no idea when they had arrived. If he had agreed to Si Li Star Monarch’s request and returned to the Celestial Pivot Department, what would have awaited him? Would he have been torn to pieces like his abode?

    He quickly composed himself and forced a smile. “My humble abode is in ruins. I have nothing to offer you, Fellow Daoists. Please forgive me,” he said, bowing.

    Ming Jian Su looked at him and smiled faintly. “We were colleagues once,” she said. “Hearing that you’ve resigned, we came to check on you.”

    Who was her colleague? Who needed her concern?! He was furious but didn’t dare to show it. He simply repeated the excuses he had given to Si Li Star Monarch.

    “Is that all?” Ming Jian Su asked.

    “I thought you resigned because you couldn’t bear to be associated with those villains,” Feng Chiyue said coldly.

    Yunze Young Lord: “…” They were openly calling the Heavenly Emperor a villain, but although they dared to say it, he didn’t have the courage or the power to agree. His smile became even more strained. “This humble Yun has made many wrong judgments, failed to uphold justice, and has been negligent in his duties, betraying the trust placed in him. Now, I’ve finally seen the error of my ways and no longer wish to perpetuate these wrongs.”

    “What wrongs have you committed, Fellow Daoist?” Ming Jian Su asked. “Isn’t it those who forced you to act unjustly who are truly at fault?”

    He couldn’t even force a smile now. Her words weren’t praise but a blade at his throat, urging him towards the Yellow Springs. He gave up struggling. “Why have you come to Cloud Marsh Mountain?” he asked.

    Ming Jian Su raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Seeing that you’re as steadfast as a pine tree, unyielding to the wind and frost, choosing to abandon your position rather than tarnish your reputation… such righteousness shouldn’t be buried,” she said. “Of course, our fellow Daoists on the Chaos Mirror will know the truth.”

    He was horrified.

    He had known that their appearance wouldn’t be a simple social call.

    They wanted him to expose the Heavenly Emperor’s intentions on the Chaos Mirror? How could he possibly do that? Did he have a death wish?

    “You overestimate me, Fellow Daoist.”

    Feng Chiyue was impatient with his excuses. Ignoring his fear, she turned to Ming Jian Su. “Elder Sister, stop wasting your breath,” she said. “We can achieve our goal even if we force him.”

    Ming Jian Su sighed. They hadn’t come to Cloud Marsh Mountain to negotiate. They were here to get what they wanted. She bowed to him. “Forgive me, Fellow Daoist,” she said, then, with a flash of sword light, several beams shot towards his face.

    He was no match for her, especially with Feng Chiyue beside her. If they wanted to kill him, he wouldn’t even have a chance to dodge. He frantically dodged the chilling sword beams. “Wait!” he cried. “I’ll do it!” If he didn’t obey them now, he would instantly perish. And if he exposed the Heavenly Emperor on the Chaos Mirror, he would still have time to escape before the Emperor could react.

    Ming Jian Su stopped pretending. She didn’t sheathe her sword. “Claim that the feathered lineages in Danxue Mountain colluded with the Heavenly Emperor to frame us for colluding with the demons,” she said, looking at him.

    He glanced at her and pursed his lips.

    There was no evidence of Danxue Mountain’s involvement. After the deaths of their elders, they had been surprisingly obedient. They had been hoping for Chang Li’s return to seek revenge, but now she was a prisoner of the demons.

    He didn’t dare to object and, following her instructions, posted the story on the Chaos Mirror, reluctantly attaching his name seal.

    The Chaos Mirror was already abuzz with discussions about Ming Jian Su and Chang Li. Yunze Young Lord’s message was like a bombshell, causing an uproar. The immortals, both officials and wandering, were skeptical but still bombarded him with questions, demanding confirmation. He didn’t respond. Soon, the Celestial Pivot Department posted an announcement: Yunze Young Lord and his disciples had resigned from their positions. This convinced most of the doubters.

    “Why would the Heavenly Emperor frame Ming Jian Su? Isn’t he sabotaging himself and giving the demons an advantage?”

    “Don’t forget the disaster a thousand years ago,” a bold immortal wrote.

    The Heavenly Emperor did have a history. It wasn’t impossible for him to have collaborated with Danxue Mountain to suppress Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.

    In the new Danxue Mountain, the Vermilion Birds, Bifang, and Swan Goose lineages were furious upon seeing this unexpected accusation.

    They defended themselves on the Chaos Mirror. They had antagonized Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue many times, and with the previous incident of the Vermilion Bird Elder colluding with the demons, their denials only fueled suspicion. People began to wonder if they were the true culprits.

    Zhu Wan, who had been monitoring the Chaos Mirror, seized the opportunity and had someone spread a rumor: Chang Li had actually become a general under the Demon Sovereign.

    The Chaos Mirror descended into chaos.

    The feathered immortals in Danxue Mountain were enraged, cursing those who spread such lies.

    Zhu Wan’s shamelessness was legendary. Why should she play fair against enemies? She had spent a considerable amount of Cinnabar Jade on this. It was a valid tactic.

    While the younger generation in the Vermilion Bird and Bifang lineages were busy arguing on the Chaos Mirror, the elders who had witnessed the disaster a thousand years ago were deeply troubled.

    If it were just a war of words on the Chaos Mirror, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but they feared this was just a prelude to a more serious conflict.

    “We can’t rely on those from the Realm Beyond Heaven.”

    “Many of our elites have perished. If Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue seek revenge, what can we do?”

    “This is the Heavenly Court. Yunze’s words aren’t a decree. Surely they wouldn’t dare to attack us directly.”

    “Yes, if they do, the Heavenly Soldiers will stop them.”

    …

    Their feeble words did little to ease their anxiety.

    A day later, with a deafening boom, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue proved that they indeed dared to attack.

    Those from Danxue Mountain, along with the Heavenly Emperor, had falsely accused them of colluding with the demons, pushing them to their limit. What better justification for rebellion? Who would dare to stop them?

    The wind howled, and clouds swirled around Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue’s robes.

    Looking at the feathered immortals scrambling out of the mountain, Ming Jian Su remembered the battle she had witnessed in Feng Chiyue’s memories, her former comrades turning against her, urging her to sacrifice herself. But on what grounds? Because they were stronger? She lowered her gaze and raised her hand.

    Undefeated, sensing her intent, shot out from the sword case, its intertwined branches glowing with a soft light, emitting a faint blue radiance.

    “What do you mean by this, Fellow Daoist?” the leading Vermilion Bird asked, frowning, bowing to her. “We haven’t left the mountain recently, and we’re unaware of the rumors on the Chaos Mirror. It was someone else who slandered you.” He had no idea why Yunze had implicated them.

    Ming Jian Su didn’t even bother with formalities. She looked at the stone monument bearing the inscription “Danxue Mountain” and, with a downward press of her hand, a deafening explosion echoed through the air. The monument shattered into pieces.

    Amidst their gasps, she looked up, a chilling smile spreading across her face. “Ming Jian Su, Dao companion of Feng Chiyue, Lord of the feathered lineages in Danxue Mountain,” she declared. “For a thousand years of hatred, I’ve come to claim your heads!” Her sword blazed with light, its aura menacing, as if concealing a powerful storm. Amidst the commotion, her sword intent, like a clear chime, gradually drowned out all other sounds.

    Feng Chiyue glanced at her, not objecting.