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

Chapter 17

Chu Yi was unaware of Ying Cunxin’s insults. At this moment, she couldn’t be bothered with anything else. Her mind was consumed by the Morning Sun Assembly. Based on today’s battle and Ying Cunxin’s words, she had a hunch that the Morning Sun Assembly wasn’t as formidable as the rumors suggested. Perhaps they had been powerful centuries ago, but after years of indulging themselves, they might be all bark and no bite. She needed to gather more information. If she could eliminate the Morning Sun Assembly, it would benefit her future claim to the Heavenly Emperor’s throne. Although she was his only daughter in name, her father had a wandering eye. There were probably many illegitimate children out there, and the Mandate of Heaven might not necessarily fall upon her.

Chu Yi wasn’t one to hesitate. Once she made a decision, she immediately left Qingjun Palace, heading towards Morning Sun Island in the East Sea.

Meanwhile, on Morning Sun Island, the initial excitement of seeing an ethereal immortal descending from the moon had vanished, replaced by the terror of facing a demon from hell.

The sea breeze rustled the black robes of the figure walking along the path, the shadows of the trees swaying alongside them. Ming Jian Su didn’t want to reveal her identity. She had disguised herself and was wearing a black veiled hat. She strolled leisurely, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake. The flowers, grass, and trees around her withered instantly, turning to ash and scattering in the wind.

“W-Who are you?” the members of the Morning Sun Assembly demanded, trying to suppress the primal fear that gripped them as they saw the stranger trespassing on their island.

Ming Jian Su casually took out a magic sword from her Qiankun bag and flicked the blade with her finger. A sharp “clang” rang out, and the sword vibrated violently. Ripples of energy emanated from the blade, expanding rapidly and transforming into sharp, powerful sword intent that enveloped the entire island.

Receiving no response, the Morning Sun Assembly was both enraged and terrified. The most short-tempered Daoist priest stepped forward, channeled his magical power, and roared, spewing a torrent of golden fire from his mouth. But with a loud bang, the fire exploded upon contact with the sword intent. The Daoist priest froze, his body locked in place. The sword intent swept over him like a fierce wind, slicing through flesh and bone. His head fell, his limbs severed, and his skeletal frame crumbled into dust, disappearing into the night.

Silence descended upon Morning Sun Island.

They hadn’t even seen how the stranger had attacked. In the blink of an eye, one of their own was dead. His cultivation was similar to theirs, and he hadn’t been able to resist. What would happen if that sword intent struck them? Terror gripped their hearts, their legs trembling uncontrollably.

Ming Jian Su flicked her sword calmly and said nonchalantly, “Farewell.”

She cultivated the “Heavenly Dao Sword Stance,” which had three particularly profound techniques. The first, “Heavenly Decree,” could temporarily disable all magic. The second, “Unfettered Heavenly Edge,” was her most commonly used killing move. As for the last technique, “Heaven and Earth Return to Origin,” it possessed an extremely potent killing intent that violated the harmony of heaven. She had never used it in the Immortal Realm until now. There were many members of the Morning Sun Assembly. Killing them one by one would be too tedious. It was better to send them all on their way at once. The journey to the underworld was long. Having so many companions would be better than traveling alone.

As the thought crossed Ming Jian Su’s mind, her killing intent materialized, sweeping across the island. The sword intent that enveloped Morning Sun Island hummed, then descended like a meteor shower.

The members of the Morning Sun Assembly were terrified, but they were unwilling to surrender without a fight. They hurriedly summoned their magical artifacts. For a moment, the sky was ablaze with multicolored lights, illuminating the heavens like daylight and alerting the patrolling soldiers of the East Sea. However, the energy fluctuations were so intense that they didn’t dare approach, hastily sending a message to the Dragon Palace instead.

When Chu Yi arrived at Morning Sun Island, the island was practically leveled, covered in rubble and debris. She had intended to conceal her presence, but when she saw the last member of the Morning Sun Assembly obliterated and the sharp sword intent directed at her, she sighed inwardly. She had been discovered. There was no need to hide.

“Who are you?” Chu Yi asked, frowning. She had never seen this person in the Immortal Realm. Was she a wandering immortal who had been living in seclusion? Had she wiped out the Morning Sun Assembly because she couldn’t stand their actions? To single-handedly annihilate the entire Morning Sun Assembly… what kind of profound cultivation did she possess?

Ming Jian Su didn’t answer. Her face was expressionless, but a storm raged within her heart. What was the Emperor’s daughter doing here? She had come secretly. The Heavenly Court wouldn’t know about this yet. Earlier that day, she had stood up for her junior sister, but the matter hadn’t been resolved. Could it be that she was here to avenge her junior sister now? But hadn’t she always disliked her junior sister? Why would she risk her life for her? What was going on? Come to think of it, since she had left the Immortal Realm, apart from that first day when Chu Yi had confronted her junior sister, she hadn’t heard anything else. Could it be that they had reconciled? Impossible. The Emperor’s daughter had always despised her junior sister. But then again, she used to hate her junior sister’s arrogance, laziness, and incompetence. If she knew that her junior sister was actually capable, her opinion might have changed… Could it be that Chu Yi… had fallen for her junior sister?!

Her cold eyes were hidden behind the black veil of her hat, but the murderous intent and displeasure were impossible to conceal.

Chu Yi pursed her lips, a chill running down her spine. She went on guard, her eyes filled with wariness.

Ming Jian Su quickly suppressed her killing intent.

Killing the Emperor’s daughter would bring endless trouble. More importantly, her junior sister wouldn’t like someone like Chu Yi. As the Emperor’s daughter, to be labeled an “evil flower” alongside Feng Chiyue, her temper must be even worse. Her junior sister wasn’t someone who only cared about appearances. She and Chu Yi were fundamentally incompatible.

The sound of horns echoed across the East Sea.

The waves shimmered under the moonlight, like silver scales.

The longer she stayed, the greater the risk of exposure, especially since she had no intention of killing.

Ming Jian Su studied Chu Yi one last time, then transformed into a streak of sword light and vanished.

Seeing her leave, Chu Yi finally relaxed.

That person had exuded a more oppressive aura than any immortal she had ever encountered.

Who was she?

And that pressure… it felt strange, especially towards the end, as if laced with a hint of disdain?

Chu Yi frowned, puzzled.

But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. The Dragon Palace of the East Sea had been alerted by the battle on Morning Sun Island. Led by the East Sea Dragon King, Ying Jiao, and his daughter, Ying Cunxin, thousands of aquatic soldiers had arrived at the devastated island.

“Emperor’s Daughter?” Ying Jiao exclaimed in surprise. Before coming here, he had assumed that the Morning Sun Assembly had turned on itself. After all, such internal conflicts weren’t unheard of. This one was just a bit more intense, and perhaps it would benefit the East Sea. He hadn’t expected the Emperor’s daughter to be involved.

Chu Yi responded with a cold nod.

Ying Cunxin stared at Chu Yi intently, a slight smile gracing her lips. “So that’s why you asked me about the Morning Sun Assembly. You were planning to wipe them out. As expected of the most powerful immortal after the East Abode Master’s passing.”

Ying Jiao’s expression shifted repeatedly upon hearing his daughter’s words. Faced with such a feat, he had to reevaluate the Emperor’s daughter and adjust his attitude accordingly. His demeanor became respectful and deferential. “Your Highness has worked hard. Would you care to rest at our Dragon Palace?”

Chu Yi: “…” “It wasn’t me who killed them.”

Ying Cunxin’s admiration for Chu Yi deepened, completely forgetting her previous insults. Powerful yet humble… the rumors about the Emperor’s daughter’s arrogance were clearly false. First, they slandered Feng Chiyue, and now the Emperor’s daughter. The jealousy of the Heavenly Court was truly terrifying!

Chapter 16

As Feng Chiyue left the Heavenly Mechanism Department, she looked up at the Purple Empyrean Palace, located at the heart of the Heavenly Court. The magnificent golden palaces stood tall, connected by rainbows of seven-colored light. Immortal clouds swirled around them, flowing like jade ribbons.

A strange sense of unease settled in Feng Chiyue’s heart. Her gaze was dark and distant, until a buzzing sword hum reached her ears. She looked down and grasped Undefeated’s hilt. “Why is it you who returned?” she asked softly. Her voice was gentle, and a sweet smile graced her lips. However, the sentient sword could sense the subtle hint of disdain hidden beneath the surface.

Why was it this sword? It didn’t understand either!

In Asura City, Ming Jian Su gazed out the window. The water was vast and misty, with a few small boats sailing across its surface.

She reached out and caressed her wine cup, her body radiating a cold, sharp aura that repelled anyone who tried to approach.

Ming Jian Su was troubled, far from the carefree revelry she had imagined. She was squandering her wealth and indulging in drunken stupor in this city, but what about her junior sister? Was she scared? The Heavenly Mechanism Department was a complex place with constant power struggles. Could she handle it?

Ming Jian Su took out the Chaos Mirror and scrolled through the latest news from the Heavenly Court, searching for any information about Feng Chiyue. Suddenly, her eyes caught a small line of text: “The Morning Sun Assembly ambushes Feng Chiyue.” Those few words sent a jolt of fear through her. She shot to her feet, slamming her wine cup down on the table. A moment later, cracks appeared, spreading from the cup and across the entire table. Apart from the initial thud, the table and chairs crumbled silently into dust, scattered by the wind blowing in from the window.

The rules in Asura City weren’t as strict as those in the Heavenly Court. It was a melting pot of different beings, and even demons occasionally slipped in. Fights were common in the inns, so to minimize damage, the innkeeper had spent a fortune collecting precious materials from all corners of the world to craft the furniture, even embedding several formations within them. But now… a single touch had destroyed the table. For a moment, the innkeeper wasn’t sure whether to mourn the loss of his table or fear for his own life.

Ming Jian Su didn’t enjoy senseless violence. She tossed a bag of Cinnabar Jade at the innkeeper and hurried out. She knew of the Morning Sun Assembly’s notoriety. They were like bandits, acting without restraint. The Heavenly Emperor, indecisive, insecure, and eager to please everyone, had never taken action against them. He turned a blind eye, as if ignoring them would make them disappear. If they were targeting her junior sister, they wouldn’t hold back.

Below that small line of text, several immortals who knew more had added their comments.

— The Emperor’s daughter went to help.

— Phoenix Mountain also sent people.

— How interesting. Feng Chiyue slipped away, leaving the Emperor’s daughter and the Phoenixes to fight the Morning Sun Assembly.

— Her ability to make enemies is even greater than before. Who said Feng Chiyue would have to live like a dog after the East Abode Master’s death?

Ming Jian Su scanned the comments and sighed in relief upon seeing that Feng Chiyue was safe. However, the anger and frustration in her heart remained.

She wanted Feng Chiyue to learn from life’s hardships and change her ways, but she didn’t want anyone to actually hurt her! The Morning Sun Assembly deserved to die! Immortal officials had their scruples and wouldn’t fight to the death, but the Morning Sun Assembly was different. She couldn’t let such a “tumor” continue to exist.

On Morning Sun Island above the East Sea.

This place was once a secluded retreat for a wandering immortal. However, the Morning Sun Assembly had taken a liking to its lush vegetation and driven him out, claiming it as their own. Normally, the Morning Sun Assembly would gather here, feasting and making merry. But today, the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

First, Jiang Zi Hua had been captured, and they hadn’t been able to rescue him from Dong’e Mountain. Second, they had fought the Emperor’s daughter and the Phoenixes and hadn’t gained much ground. Their advantage seemed to have vanished without a trace.

“We can’t let this go. Tomorrow, we’ll all go to Dong’e Mountain! Rest up tonight,” the Daoist priest with the highest authority in the Morning Sun Assembly shouted.

However, as his words faded, a clear voice rang out.

“I’m afraid you won’t see tomorrow.”

A full moon hung in the sky, like a silver disc. A dark figure emerged from its silvery light, as if descending from the moon itself.

—

In Qingjun Palace, the more Chu Yi thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong. The Morning Sun Assembly had a notorious reputation, but they didn’t seem to have the power to match it. Her father often complained about the headache they caused him, unsure how to deal with them. He would bring up many past incidents—but those were all in the past. Was the current Morning Sun Assembly still the same as before? If the gate emissaries were deliberately being lenient, could the ascending Human Immortals truly be considered skilled cultivators?

After much deliberation, Chu Yi sought out Ying Cunxin. As they were both in the East Sea, perhaps Ying Cunxin knew more about the Morning Sun Assembly. Although Ying Cunxin hadn’t contacted her since their encounter in the Ethereal Spirit Realm, surely she would answer her questions, considering she wanted her as a Dao companion? Besides, this wasn’t a personal matter. It concerned the safety of the Heavenly Court and the East Sea.

In the Crystal Palace of the East Sea.

Ying Cunxin noticed Chu Yi’s name seal flashing on the Chaos Mirror. A flicker of joy crossed her face. Although she admired strong immortals, she didn’t want to be beaten up. Considering Chu Yi’s impressive magical powers and her extraordinary beauty, she could forgive the previous incident as long as Chu Yi apologized. However, as she channeled her consciousness into the name seal, she found that the message was just a single, cold line of text: “How much do you know about the Morning Sun Assembly?”

Ying Cunxin had heard a lot about the Morning Sun Assembly and Feng Chiyue recently. Although annoyed, she still replied, “They haven’t done anything outrageous in recent years. They just spend their days feasting and drinking, living a carefree life.”

Chu Yi asked, “What about their cultivation?”

Ying Cunxin replied, “If you spent centuries eating and drinking, would you have the nerve to mention your cultivation?”

Chu Yi: “…” This East Sea Dragon Princess was quite aggressive, not at all matching her image of aloof beauty. Remembering her purpose, Chu Yi swallowed her annoyance and asked, “Why haven’t you reported this?”

Ying Cunxin: “.” Her Dragon Palace wasn’t a surveillance outpost for the Heavenly Court. She wasn’t responsible for monitoring the Morning Sun Assembly.

Chu Yi realized her question was inappropriate. “Thank you,” she said before withdrawing her consciousness from the name seal.

Ying Cunxin frowned at the Chaos Mirror. She tapped it a few times, but the name seal remained unresponsive. Chu Yi had already left.

Was she just a tool to be used? Did Chu Yi have any conscience at all?

 

Chapter 15

If Feng Chiyue had any “virtue,” it was definitely the “virtue” of being “wicked.”

Zhu Wan watched the half-dead Jiang Zi Hua with a worried frown, fearing retaliation from the Morning Sun Assembly. But if she didn’t follow Feng Chiyue’s orders, she feared that Feng Chiyue would simply decapitate him with her sword, making the situation even more irreversible.

Feng Chiyue watched Zhu Wan carry out her punishment before returning to the hall to sleep. As she left, she remarked, “That iron urn is quite nice.” Zhu Wan shuddered, convinced that it was a threat directed at her. If the urn needed to be filled with someone, Jiang Zi Hua was indeed a more suitable candidate than she was.

Jiang Zi Hua hadn’t concealed his presence when he attacked, and the commotion was impossible to miss. Many nearby immortals had been alerted, but none of them intervened. They watched from a distance, and only when Jiang Zi Hua was defeated and captured did they withdraw their gazes and turn to the Chaos Mirror to gossip.

— Isn’t the Morning Sun Assembly supposed to be so powerful? Why are they so useless now?

— The Morning Sun Assembly’s strength lies in their unity. They’re more disciplined than the Heavenly Soldiers. This time, they probably underestimated Feng Chiyue and only sent Jiang Zi Hua. If they all came out in full force, even the Heavenly Soldiers wouldn’t be able to handle them. That’s why the Heavenly Court has been tolerating them.

— I’m sick of the Morning Sun Assembly. They’ve taken over several of our immortal mountains and islands.

— Looks like there’s going to be some excitement at the Morning Sun Gate.

The Morning Sun Gate was indeed bustling with activity.

The Morning Sun Assembly, enraged by Jiang Zi Hua’s capture, arrived at the gate before dawn, ready to teach Feng Chiyue a lesson and intimidate the other immortal officials. The Chaos Mirror still hung high in the sky, emanating a strange glow in the dim light of dawn. However, the table and chairs were empty. There was no sign of Feng Chiyue or even her attendants. They waited angrily for her arrival, but even as the sun reached its zenith, she didn’t appear.

“Did she chicken out and hide in Dong’e Mountain?”

“With that formation protecting Dong’e Mountain, it’s the perfect place to be a coward.”

“Senior Brother, I’ll go check on Dong’e Mountain.”

Their voices, overlapping and intermingling, turned the usually quiet Morning Sun Gate into a noisy marketplace.

However, Feng Chiyue wasn’t at Dong’e Mountain. She was seated imposingly in the Heavenly Mechanism Department, surrounded by bruised and battered immortal officials who were bowing and scraping, apologizing profusely. Feng Chiyue pointed at a random official and asked casually, “Is the complaint drafted yet?” The official opened his mouth, unsure whether to say yes or no.

Early in the morning, just as they were preparing to start their day, Feng Chiyue had barged in, declaring that she wanted to file a complaint against the gate emissaries for bending the rules, defying the Heavenly Dao, and allowing unqualified cultivators to ascend. Her words offended more than a few officials. They all did it secretly, but she had to bring it out into the open. How could anyone be so tactless? But then, considering it was Feng Chiyue, they supposed it made sense. They couldn’t let her cause chaos in the Heavenly Mechanism Department, but Undefeated’s sharp sword intent suppressed their own power, making them unable to fight back.

“Immortal Monarch Feng, it’s just common practice,” someone muttered.

“Isn’t the Heavenly Court founded on upholding the Heavenly Dao? When did the rules change? Why wasn’t it announced on the Chaos Mirror?” Feng Chiyue asked with feigned curiosity.

The official immediately shut his mouth. Unlike Feng Chiyue, he couldn’t just say whatever he wanted.

Just because something was customary didn’t make it right. If this reached the Heavenly Emperor, no matter how conflicted he felt, he wouldn’t contradict Feng Chiyue. Chaos reigned in the Heavenly Mechanism Department. The Star Monarch in charge seethed with anger, his head pounding. He silently cursed Chang Li for recommending Feng Chiyue to the Heavenly Mechanism Department. She clearly had no understanding of social etiquette and only knew how to act recklessly. Perhaps she knew she had offended too many people and had decided to just go all out. But while Feng Chiyue could afford to do that, they couldn’t! They still cared about their reputation.

“Star Monarch, this matter needs to be resolved within the Heavenly Mechanism Department. We can’t admit that we condone such behavior. The solution is simple: rewards and punishments. As for everything else, the key is to ‘delay,’” the Star Monarch’s attendant said.

The Star Monarch remained silent for a moment, taking a sip of his spiritual tea. “Of course I know how to handle it, but Feng Chiyue… can we get rid of her?” He shouldn’t have been so eager to watch the drama unfold. Now he was part of it.

The attendant said, “The Morning Sun Assembly will take care of her.” He didn’t believe they would let this slide. He had heard that those fiends were currently laying siege to the Morning Sun Gate.

The Star Monarch’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t respond. He whispered instructions to someone nearby and sent him out to announce the decision. It was just a small reward for Feng Chiyue, something the Heavenly Mechanism Department could afford for now. But before long, the official returned, his face grim. “I-Immortal Monarch Feng is asking how her performance review on the twenty-eighth of each month will be handled,” he stammered. The sixty percent retention rate for Human Immortals was one of the main reasons why the gate emissaries secretly relaxed the standards for the tribulation lightning. As for Feng Chiyue’s Morning Sun Gate… it was highly likely that there wouldn’t be a single ascending Human Immortal, rendering the retention rate a moot point.

A vein throbbed on the Star Monarch’s forehead. “Exempt her from the standard,” he said through gritted teeth.

The official, seeing the Star Monarch’s expression, scrambled out of the hall.

Feng Chiyue, having received confirmation, smiled in satisfaction. “If you had just said so from the start, we wouldn’t have had this whole ordeal.”

The other immortal officials: “…”

“Why is she exempt from the standard?” the other gate emissaries whispered, their teeth clenched. They knew all too well the effort and compromises they had to make to meet their quotas.

“Because… she won’t be around much longer?” someone suggested.

At those words, their resentment vanished.

That was right. Feng Chiyue was the Morning Sun Emissary. She had offended the entire Morning Sun Assembly.

Once she was gone, everything would return to normal.

In Qingjun Palace.

Chu Yi sat up abruptly upon receiving the news. “Did Feng Chiyue just accidentally do something good?” she asked, surprised.

A female immortal beside her spoke up. “Bribery has been rampant in the Heavenly Mechanism Department for a long time, and the Morning Sun Gate is a special case. Could it be that Feng Chiyue acted this way because she didn’t receive any ‘gifts’ from the Morning Sun Assembly?”

Chu Yi: “…” Considering Feng Chiyue’s terrible character, it was highly likely. After all, she had just kidnapped a Vermilion Bird and demanded a ransom from Danxue Mountain. She was utterly shameless.

 

Chapter 14

The Chaos Mirror perfectly displayed the scene unfolding on the Morning Sun Continent.

The two immortal attendants’ faces were ashen, their bodies trembling. A bone-chilling wind, unlike anything they had ever experienced, swept through the heavenly gate, freezing their blood and souls.

Feng Chiyue glanced at them and asked, “What are you waiting for? Record it. This cultivator had mediocre aptitude and couldn’t withstand the tribulation lightning. Ascension failed.”

The attendants: “…” If she had been a little lenient, the cultivator wouldn’t have been obliterated. If Feng Chiyue continued like this, would there be any cultivators left to ascend from the Morning Sun Continent? And if there weren’t any, how could they meet the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s requirements? Their wry smiles deepened. They cursed their lack of wealth and connections, blaming their misfortune on being assigned to the Morning Sun Gate.

“Weren’t you worried about being assaulted by those unreasonable cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent? Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Feng Chiyue said, watching the two attendants shake like leaves with amusement. “Are all immortal attendants this rude? Have you forgotten how to say thank you?”

The two attendants squeezed out a “Thank you” through gritted teeth. They stared blankly at the Chaos Mirror, thinking to themselves that they indeed didn’t have to worry about being caught in the crossfire anymore. Those cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent were now reduced to ashes before they could even ascend.

Over the next few days, Feng Chiyue proved her ruthlessness. The merit calculated by the Chaos Mirror was converted into tribulation lightning, neither more nor less, and rained down upon those attempting to ascend. Unfortunately, after their merits were tallied, the ascending cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent all had more evil deeds than good ones. They were obliterated, and even then, they still owed a few bolts of lightning. The myth of “unfailing ascension” on the Morning Sun Continent was shattered. The cultivators who had reached the threshold of ascension, seeing the lingering tribulation lightning that seemed ready to strike them down at any moment, were consumed by fear. They hastily suppressed their cultivation, no longer daring to dream of ascending.

The two attendants, initially terrified, had become numb. They looked down at the records, seeing nothing but the large, glaring character for “Failure.”

“Is the feng shui of the Morning Sun Continent so bad? Why can’t a single cultivator ascend?” the culprit asked lazily, her legs crossed.

The attendants remained silent. It wasn’t the Morning Sun Continent that was the problem. It was their new Morning Sun Emissary, who seemed to have no understanding of social graces. The other gate emissaries, in order to meet their quotas and curry favor, would show some leniency when activating the tribulation lightning. None of them would be as merciless as her.

It wasn’t yet time for performance reviews at the Heavenly Mechanism Department, so they wouldn’t intervene in Feng Chiyue’s actions. However, the other gate emissaries, upon hearing about her “achievements,” were all waiting to see what would happen. They even started a betting pool on the Chaos Mirror, wagering on her fate. The lack of intervention from the Heavenly Mechanism Department didn’t mean things were calm. The Morning Sun Assembly soon came knocking. They were already suspicious because they hadn’t seen any ascending cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent. Upon inquiring, they discovered that their descendants had all been obliterated during their tribulation! How could they tolerate such a thing? They stormed towards Feng Chiyue, ready to settle the score.

The Golden Crow sank in the west, painting the sky with crimson hues.

Feng Chiyue stood on the veranda, watching nonchalantly as the last rays of sunlight were swallowed by the approaching night.

She casually channeled some magical power into Understanding, and Ming Jian Su’s familiar voice filled her ears. She closed her eyes, her face softening with contentment.

Zhu Wan, carrying a lantern, passed by and was startled by Feng Chiyue’s ghostly voice. She clutched her chest, her heart still racing. “What are you doing outside?” she asked. Usually, this one would be sound asleep before nightfall. Why was she awake and alert tonight? Could doing some actual work have such a profound effect on someone who had been decadent and lazy for centuries?

“Someone’s cursing me,” Feng Chiyue said.

Zhu Wan was even more puzzled. It would be strange if no one cursed Feng Chiyue. She bowed slightly, not bothering to engage further. But just as she was about to leave, a deafening boom shook the night, the ground trembling beneath their feet. Could the Emperor’s daughter be attacking Dong’e Mountain again? Zhu Wan’s face paled.

The lantern swayed, the candle flame flickering as if it might be extinguished at any moment.

Zhu Wan instinctively looked for Feng Chiyue, but the veranda was empty. There was no sign of her. Only the chilling wind greeted her.

Outside the grand formation of Dong’e Mountain, a Daoist priest wearing a black and white Daoist robe and a Hun Yuan Jin¹ stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was grim, his eyes filled with malice and aggression. He channeled his magical power, forming a giant hand that slammed into the formation, another earth-shattering boom echoing through the night. The assault continued until Feng Chiyue finally appeared. The Daoist priest looked at the smiling Feng Chiyue, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before being replaced by a cold fury. He declared, “This humble Daoist is Jiang Zi Hua of the Morning Sun Assembly.”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Does it matter to me whether you’re called Jiang Zi Hua or Hai Zi Hua?” she asked, puzzled.

Jiang Zi Hua’s face darkened. He wasn’t in the mood for idle chatter. “All the disciples from our Morning Sun Continent have perished during their ascension. Do you have an explanation?” he demanded coldly.

Feng Chiyue blinked. “The heavens have eyes,” she said. She looked at the furious Jiang Zi Hua and then laughed inexplicably. “I don’t like the name ‘Morning Sun.’ Perhaps if you changed it to ‘Morning Shade,’ the outcome would be different.”

Jiang Zi Hua frowned, irritated by Feng Chiyue’s nonsensical words. “Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘A wise man submits to circumstances’? The East Abode Master is dead. Sooner or later, you’ll be driven out of Dong’e Mountain. Without the formation, where will you hide?” He had initially tried to break through the formation, but its intricate workings and flawless flow of energy made it impenetrable. Attacking directly at the Morning Sun Gate, which was technically Heavenly Court territory, wouldn’t be wise. If he could persuade her, so be it. If not, he would just have to intercept her on her way back. Thinking of this, a hint of killing intent emanated from him.

“I understand,” Feng Chiyue said, nodding. She looked at Jiang Zi Hua and smiled. “Are you inviting me to step outside the formation? Very well.”

“Immortal Monarch?!” Zhu Wan, who had rushed over, turned pale upon hearing those words. She leaped forward, her fingers brushing against the edge of Feng Chiyue’s robe, but she could only watch helplessly as the red figure vanished from within the formation.

Jiang Zi Hua was stunned, then overjoyed. Feng Chiyue was unpredictable, but that worked in his favor. As long as he captured her and forced her to work for them, they could loosen the restrictions at the heavenly gate. He immediately conjured a giant hand to seize her.

Feng Chiyue didn’t dodge. A playful smile curved her lips.

Jiang Zi Hua’s eyes gleamed with excitement and triumph. But the moment he touched Feng Chiyue, he let out an ear-piercing scream. The hand was formed from his magical power, connected to his mind and soul. At the point of contact, he realized with horror that he hadn’t grasped a person, but a raging inferno. He had heard about Feng Chiyue causing trouble at the Supreme Palace and the West Sea, but he believed his cultivation was superior to theirs and hadn’t been concerned. He had volunteered to come here himself. But now, he was having second thoughts.

Forgetting about capturing Feng Chiyue, he dissipated the hand. However, the searing pain lingered, clinging to his soul, refusing to be dispelled.

Feng Chiyue reappeared silently a few feet away from Jiang Zi Hua, her body radiating a murderous aura. But then, as if remembering something, the killing intent gradually subsided, and she transformed back into the languid, elegant beauty of the Immortal Realm.

“Zhu Wan,” she called out.

Zhu Wan, still shaken, almost burst into tears. But fearing Feng Chiyue’s mockery, she forced them back.

“Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life. I follow the Heavenly Dao and repay evil with kindness,” Feng Chiyue said after a moment of contemplation. “Extract his immortal bone, break his limbs, and throw him into an iron urn filled with snakes, scorpions, and poison.”

“Oh, and take his Qiankun bag. Don’t let it get ruined in the urn. I worked hard guarding the Morning Sun Gate. This is my reward.”

 

***************

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¹ Hun Yuan Jin (混元巾): A type of Daoist headwear, often black and white, symbolizing the balance of yin and yang.

Chapter 13

The appointment of a new gate emissary in the Heavenly Mechanism Department was typically announced on the Chaos Mirror. Usually, there were only a few comments from other immortals. This time, however, lines of text scrolled by rapidly, like lightning flashing across the screen.

— Am I seeing this right? The new Morning Sun Emissary is Feng Chiyue? What qualifications does she have?

— Using someone else’s hand to get rid of an enemy is truly ingenious. Allow this humble Daoist to indulge in a conspiracy theory: The East Abode Master’s cultivation had reached the Transformation Realm. How could she have perished so suddenly and quietly? The Demon Realm has already denied involvement. Could it be that some jealous immortal destroyed her out of spite?

— Fellow Daoist, be careful not to get kicked out of the Chaos Mirror for such dangerous talk.

— Something else happened recently. I wonder if you’ve heard.

— What is it? No need to bring up the Supreme Palace and the West Sea again.

— It’s not that. Phoenix fire rained down on Danxue Mountain, dyeing the sky red.

— Phoenix? Heavens!

…

The Chaos Mirror was abuzz with activity, and discussions could be heard both inside and outside Asura City. Ming Jian Su overheard snippets of conversations, her heart feeling heavy. Finally, she decided to take out the Chaos Mirror, the root of all evil, and see what was going on.

She read through the messages over and over again. The three large characters “Feng Chiyue” confirmed that she wasn’t mistaken.

Her lazy, good-for-nothing junior sister, who would rather sleep for a thousand years, had actually accepted a position in the Heavenly Court?

How could they let her junior sister do such a thankless and laborious task? Why were they so insistent on bullying her? What kind of grievance had caused her junior sister to act so out of character?

Gate emissary… others might think it was a cushy job, but it was far from it! The Heavenly Mechanism Department had quotas. The retention rate of Human Immortals had to be above sixty percent each month, otherwise, there would be penalties.

This meant that out of every ten ascending Human Immortals, at least six had to stay in the Heavenly Court instead of becoming wandering immortals. The quality of Heavenly Immortals was declining with each generation, so the Heavenly Court had to rely on recruiting from the lower realms to maintain its operations. However, they were unwilling to offer too many benefits, so they could only resort to trickery and deception to keep people. The gate emissaries would inevitably be resented by other immortals. For example, she still held a grudge against the gate emissary who had tricked her into staying in the Heavenly Court with promises of endless pleasure and luxury.

What could Feng Chiyue possibly offer to convince people to stay? Her beauty? The thought of it filled Ming Jian Su with anxiety. She wished she could return to the Heavenly Court immediately. She wouldn’t leave again. She would just pamper her junior sister one more time. After all, she had done it countless times before.

No, she couldn’t keep spoiling Feng Chiyue. Without experiencing some hardship, she would never understand that what she said was for her own good. With Undefeated by her side, she wouldn’t be in any real danger. Besides… would she really go to the Morning Sun Gate and fulfill her duties? Ming Jian Su was doubtful. She remembered trying to invite Feng Chiyue out to enjoy the flowers. Feng Chiyue had agreed readily the night before, but the next day, she refused to budge. She even accused her of being inconsiderate and disrespectful, of lacking self-awareness and restraint, and not being more like her. She had completely forgotten that it was she who had clung to her in the first place.

Why was she thinking about Feng Chiyue again?

With that good-for-nothing’s personality, she probably wouldn’t even remember her except at night.

It was so unfair.

As Ming Jian Su grappled with her emotions, many in the Heavenly Court were waiting to see what would happen. It wasn’t just Ming Jian Su who thought this way. Many immortal officials believed that Feng Chiyue wouldn’t actually show up for duty. Even though some of them had never even met her, they couldn’t shake off this premonition.

In Qingjun Palace within the Purple Empyrean Palace.

Upon hearing that Feng Chiyue had become the Morning Sun Emissary, Chu Yi burst out laughing. She had offered to fight Feng Chiyue in the Ethereal Spirit Realm and take care of all her troubles, but Feng Chiyue hadn’t been interested. Would she willingly subject herself to something a thousand times more troublesome? The Morning Sun Gate was a headache for everyone involved.

Amidst the skepticism and doubt, Feng Chiyue gracefully left Dong’e Mountain and took up her post.

Outside the Heavenly Court on Kunlun Mountain, there were thousands of heavenly gates, each corresponding to a different continent in the mortal realm. Above each gate hung a Merit Mirror, reflecting the deeds of mortal cultivators throughout their lives. The gate emissary’s duty was to summon tribulation lightning according to the reflections in the Merit Mirror. As this was an official duty, there was room for negotiation.

Some Human Immortals, hoping to ensure their descendants’ safe ascension, would seek favors from the gate emissaries. However, at the Morning Sun Gate, there were no such favors. The Morning Sun Assembly’s fierce reputation preceded them. Every time the Morning Sun Emissary disqualified an ascending cultivator, they would come knocking, and no one wanted to provoke those thorns in their side, not even the Heavenly Emperor.

As the Morning Sun Emissary, Feng Chiyue had two immortal attendants under her command. They were both trembling with fear. It was common knowledge that if they were injured by ascending cultivators, the Heavenly Mechanism Department wouldn’t compensate them. They would even be mocked by other immortals for being weaker than cultivators from the lower realms. Those cultivators might brag about their strength, but when it came down to it, they were just paper tigers. No one had the right to laugh at anyone else.

“Immortal Monarch…”

Feng Chiyue turned to look at the attendant. After becoming an official, people had started addressing her as “Immortal Monarch” instead of “Master.”

“Aren’t you going to adjust the tribulation lightning?” the attendant asked cautiously. Normally, adjustments to the tribulation lightning needed to be prepared in advance. However, Feng Chiyue had taken out the Chaos Mirror and started watching plays as soon as she arrived, showing no concern for her duties.

Feng Chiyue looked at him curiously. “Why would I do that?”

The attendant: “…” He hadn’t expected Feng Chiyue to be so upright. “If we unleash the full force of the tribulation lightning, that cultivator will either die or be severely injured. It won’t be easy to explain to the Morning Sun Assembly.”

“Oh,” Feng Chiyue said nonchalantly. “You explain it to them. Not me.”

The attendant felt a chill run down his spine. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground.

Feng Chiyue ignored him, engrossed in the Chaos Mirror. It wasn’t until a blinding light erupted from the Merit Mirror that she finally looked up lazily. She glanced at it briefly before activating the tribulation lightning.

On the Morning Sun Continent.

For a thousand years, every cultivator who reached the Ascension Realm had successfully ascended. None had perished from the tribulation lightning.

The might of the tribulation lightning was fearsome, but the cultivators had long since stopped taking it seriously. They laughed and pointed at the cultivator at the center of the storm. “Looks like Senior Brother didn’t even bother preparing a lightning-resistant artifact this time. Is he planning to withstand it with his sword intent alone?”

“It’s not really tribulation lightning. It’s more like a welcoming ceremony from the Immortal Realm. When I reach the Ascension Realm, I’ll swallow that lightning whole.”

In a secluded corner, someone watched the cultivator facing his tribulation with hatred in their eyes. “The heavens have no eyes! Even a villain like him can ascend–” Before she could finish her sentence, an ear-piercing scream rang out. The cultivator’s sword intent, which had terrorized the Morning Sun Continent, crumbled upon contact with the tribulation lightning. Countless bolts of red lightning, tinged with a dark crimson, struck him. Within breaths, he was obliterated, not even ashes remaining.

Silence descended upon the world.

Chapter 12

In the Purple Empyrean Palace on Kunlun Mountain.

The Heavenly Emperor massaged his forehead as he looked at the documents on his desk.

He knew that the news of the East Abode Master’s death would cause some ripples, but he didn’t expect so much trouble in just three days. He did intend to find a new East Abode Master, but he didn’t want to erase all traces of Ming Jian Su so quickly. He cared about his reputation and didn’t want to hear complaints and criticism from wandering immortals. But if he let Feng Chiyue continue like this, who would be the next to come complaining? The Heavenly Emperor couldn’t help but think that Feng Chiyue was being unreasonable.

He had considered ordering the Phoenixes to rein her in, but everyone knew that Feng Chiyue had practically no contact with the Phoenix lineage. She was like a dodder vine clinging to a sturdy tree, inseparable from Ming Jian Su.

When an attendant reported that Chang Li, the South Vermilion Lord, sought an audience, the Heavenly Emperor’s first thought was that she was here to complain. He frowned but didn’t turn her away.

Chang Li entered the Purple Empyrean Palace gracefully and bowed to the Heavenly Emperor. “Is Your Majesty troubled by Master Feng’s recent actions?” she asked directly.

The Heavenly Emperor sighed. “She is, after all, the East Abode Master’s junior sister. I cannot treat her harshly. However, her behavior…” He shook his head, not finishing his sentence. He couldn’t put all the blame on Feng Chiyue. Why did those immortals provoke her in the first place? Was it as if his Heavenly Court couldn’t afford some Cinnabar Jade, elixirs, and refining materials?

Chang Li raised an eyebrow. “In the past, the East Abode Master provided for her, but things are different now. She cannot rely solely on her late sister’s legacy. Why not give her a position? Once she has a foothold in the Heavenly Court, Your Majesty can reclaim Dong’e Mountain or have her buy it back. Then no one can say anything.”

The Heavenly Emperor’s eyes lit up. “Excellent idea!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. But then his expression turned troubled. “The number of official positions is limited, and many Heavenly Immortals are already in line for promotion. I’m afraid there’s no place for Feng Chiyue.”

Chang Li said calmly, “Isn’t the position of Morning Sun Emissary in the Heavenly Mechanism Department vacant?”

The Heavenly Emperor: “…” That was a position that both Heavenly Immortals and Human Immortals avoided like the plague. The Morning Sun Emissary was responsible for receiving cultivators ascending from the Morning Sun Continent and was stationed at the Morning Sun Gate to register them. It was supposed to be a relatively leisurely job. However, the cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent were known for their unruly nature and quick tempers. They were quick to resort to violence, and the Morning Sun Gate had been destroyed several times. Even the previous Morning Sun Emissaries had been seriously injured. They had considered closing the gate, but there were also many wandering immortals from the Morning Sun Continent who had formed a powerful faction known as the Morning Sun Assembly. If they closed the gate and forbade cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent from ascending, they would surely cause trouble, and the Heavenly Court couldn’t afford that.

The Heavenly Emperor sighed. “I’m afraid Feng Chiyue’s cultivation is insufficient for such a task.” He feared that if she took on the position, she would be torn apart by the ascending Human Immortals.

Chang Li smiled. “Although the East Abode Master has fallen, her magic sword, Undefeated, is in Master Feng’s possession.”

The Heavenly Emperor looked at Chang Li in surprise. No one had told him about this. Feng Chiyue alone might not be reliable, but with Undefeated, could she really cause any major trouble? This arrangement would solve two problems at once. Pleased, the Heavenly Emperor immediately picked up his vermilion brush and wrote a decree, ordering a messenger to deliver it to Dong’e Mountain.

After Understanding was repaired, Feng Chiyue didn’t leave the Dharma Hall, as if trying to make up for lost time.

With her not going out and causing trouble, Zhu Wan was relieved. However, deep down, she couldn’t shake off a sense of unease. After all, this peace was borrowed. Sooner or later, Dong’e Mountain would belong to someone else.

She tried to talk to Feng Chiyue about their future plans, but Feng Chiyue had a way of blocking out all unwanted sounds. Compared to her previous taunts and sarcasm, Zhu Wan actually considered Feng Chiyue’s silence a blessing.

As she worried, the Heavenly Emperor’s decree arrived at Dong’e Mountain.

Feng Chiyue… well, Feng Chiyue didn’t even bother leaving the Dharma Hall to see the messenger. Instead, Undefeated shot out with lightning speed, snatching the decree from the stunned messenger’s hands, leaving behind only a white blur.

Zhu Wan: “…” She trembled in fear.

Between apologizing and playing dead, she resolutely chose the latter.

Inside the hall, Feng Chiyue was in a good mood, painting.

After listening to Ming Jian Su’s voice over and over again, a new desire had taken root in her heart. Perhaps insatiable greed was human nature. Now that she could hear the familiar voice, she yearned to see Ming Jian Su’s face. She had tried to get Undefeated to transform into Ming Jian Su’s likeness, but the sword, deeply offended, had refused. With no other choice, she could only resort to other methods, such as bringing her painting to life.

As long as she painted Ming Jian Su and used spiritual objects to nourish the artwork, wouldn’t the painted figure be able to walk out of the paper?

If she couldn’t have the real Ming Jian Su, she would create her own!

After adding the final stroke, Feng Chiyue hung the painting on the wall. However, she only had a moment to admire it before a whooshing sound cut through the air. A flash of silver sliced through the painting, tearing it to shreds.

Her “reunion” with Ming Jian Su was shattered.

Feng Chiyue wasn’t angry.

Undefeated spun around and tossed the decree it had been carrying at her feet.

Feng Chiyue frowned and sighed dramatically. “If only Elder Sister were here, she wouldn’t make me read this. She would read it to me.”

Undefeated buzzed in response, then shot out the window. It returned shortly after, dragging a reluctant Zhu Wan with it.

At first, Zhu Wan didn’t understand. But when Undefeated pointed its tip at the decree, realization dawned on her. This lazy bum couldn’t even be bothered to read a decree. Resigned to her fate, she picked up the decree and scanned through it. Her eyes widened in shock. “Master, the Heavenly Emperor has appointed you as the Morning Sun Emissary of the Heavenly Mechanism Department!”

The gate emissaries held a mid-level position in the Heavenly Court with considerable authority. They were often the target of flattery from ascending Human Immortals because they wrote evaluations in the immortal registry, which could affect their future prospects. Heavenly Immortals and Human Immortals alike would fight tooth and nail for the chance to become a gate emissary.

“Wait, the Morning Sun Gate? The Morning Sun Continent?” Zhu Wan shrieked, her initial delight replaced by a deathly pallor. If the other gate emissary positions were coveted, the Morning Sun Emissary position was a death sentence. The cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent were known for their powerful fists, bad tempers, and lack of ambition. After ascending, they banded together to form the Morning Sun Assembly, a notorious faction among the wandering immortals. Could Feng Chiyue really handle it? Wouldn’t she be injured within two days of taking office? But Feng Chiyue was notoriously lazy. She probably wouldn’t even accept the position, right?

“The Morning Sun Emissary?” Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes.

Zhu Wan’s heart skipped a beat. She wanted to hug Feng Chiyue’s leg and scream, “Don’t do it!”

Feng Chiyue continued, “Elder Sister once said that when she first ascended to the Immortal Realm, she was tricked by one of those gate emissaries. They promised her a carefree life after ascension, but it turned out to be worse than being a servant in the mortal realm.” A bright smile spread across her face. “It’s only right that I avenge Elder Sister!”

Zhu Wan: “…” She didn’t understand. What did other gate emissaries deceiving her Master have to do with Feng Chiyue becoming the Morning Sun Emissary?

Chapter 11

In the East Sea.

Ying Cunxin sat on the edge of a coral reef, fiddling with the Chaos Mirror. Her attendant spoke to her, conveying the displeasure of the East Sea Dragon King, but she ignored it all. After Chu Yi agreed to her request, she didn’t even bother pretending to listen. With a flick of her sleeve, she swept all the irrelevant people out of her palace.

She was interested in befriending Chu Yi, so naturally, she couldn’t refuse her kind invitation. Thus, she channeled her consciousness into the Ethereal Spirit Realm, her illusory form appearing face-to-face with Chu Yi. Although Ying Cunxin admired strength, she also appreciated beauty. She gazed at Chu Yi intently, her eyes filled with admiration.

Chu Yi: “…”

She felt uncomfortable under Ying Cunxin’s intense gaze. She pursed her lips and put on a serious expression. Raising her hand in a gesture of courtesy, she said, “Let’s begin.”

After Ying Cunxin returned the gesture, still unsure of what to expect, Chu Yi immediately summoned her magic sword and slashed at her. Ying Cunxin was startled but quickly realized that Chu Yi wanted to spar. Although she wasn’t fond of fighting, she was willing to humor Chu Yi when she was in a good mood.

However, Chu Yi never treated combat as a game. She showed no mercy, her heart as hard as iron. Within two quarters of an hour, she had defeated Ying Cunxin, ignoring her accusing gaze as she gracefully left the Ethereal Spirit Realm. The discomfort caused by those strange rumors vanished, replaced by a sense of exhilaration. She felt like laughing out loud. Moreover, during her fight with Ying Cunxin, a brilliant idea had struck her.

Whether Feng Chiyue was truly capable or merely benefiting from Ming Jian Su’s legacy, wouldn’t a test in the Ethereal Spirit Realm reveal the truth? Ignoring Ying Cunxin’s subsequent complaints, she sent a request to exchange name seals with Feng Chiyue, her hand trembling slightly. However, the next moment, the name seal shattered before her eyes. This meant that her request had been rejected.

Chu Yi was so angry she almost fainted. She gritted her teeth, utterly baffled by Feng Chiyue’s thought process. Did she think that rejecting her name seal exchange would stop her? With a cold laugh, Chu Yi sought out an immortal official from the Heavenly Mechanism Department. Every immortal in the Immortal Realm, regardless of their status as a Human Immortal or a Heavenly Immortal, had to register and leave their seal with the Heavenly Mechanism Department. Back when Ming Jian Su was still around, she had naturally taken care of Feng Chiyue’s registration properly.

In the Dharma Hall of Dong’e Mountain.

Feng Chiyue tossed and turned on her bed. “Understanding” hadn’t been repaired yet, and she was getting impatient. Just as her frustration peaked, wisps of spiritual energy emerged from the Chaos Mirror. She picked it up and saw that it was a message from the Heavenly Mechanism Department. With a sigh of annoyance, she channeled her consciousness into it. The next moment, Chu Yi’s face, bearing a triumphant smirk, appeared before her.

“Feng Chiyue, I know you’re in a bit of a bind right now. If you agree to meet me in the Ethereal Spirit Realm, win or lose, I’ll take care of everything for you. I’ll protect Dong’e Mountain and make sure those officials don’t bother you again.” Chu Yi spoke quickly, afraid that Feng Chiyue would get impatient and refuse to listen.

Feng Chiyue: “…” She neither turned off the Chaos Mirror nor responded to Chu Yi. A heavy silence fell over the hall, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. Finally, Feng Chiyue spoke. “Repeat what you just said.”

Chu Yi’s fists itched to punch something, but she held back. After all, Feng Chiyue in the Chaos Mirror looked dazed, as if she had just woken up from a dream. Perhaps she really hadn’t processed what was said. Uncharacteristically, she indulged Feng Chiyue and repeated herself slowly.

Upon hearing her words, Feng Chiyue’s confusion deepened. “Did the Heavenly Emperor pass away? Why haven’t I heard the funeral bell?”

Her disrespectful words made Chu Yi’s face darken. Cracks appeared on the mirror screen between them, as if it might shatter at any moment.

Feng Chiyue, however, paid no attention to Chu Yi’s darkening expression. She smiled sweetly and said, “If the Heavenly Emperor doesn’t die, how can the Emperor’s daughter ascend the throne? And if she doesn’t ascend the throne, how can she protect my Dong’e Mountain?”

Chu Yi was so furious that she immediately cut off the connection. Why did she even bother trying to talk to Feng Chiyue?

Feng Chiyue’s mood remained unaffected, her emotions as still as a stagnant pond. But the next moment, Zhu Wan approached with the black box in her hands. It was as if a thousand thunderbolts had struck the still surface of the pond, setting off towering waves. Feng Chiyue didn’t even register what the black box said. She eagerly pulled “Understanding” into her grasp.

She channeled her magical power into Understanding, and subtle fluctuations of energy emanated from the black box. Then, Ming Jian Su’s voice rang out through the hall.

It wasn’t her usual cold and indifferent tone, the one that sounded like she wanted to kill a hundred immortals. Instead, it was a voice filled with longing and affection, as if whispering sweet nothings between lovers, a voice that could bewitch the soul.

Zhu Wan felt a chill run down her spine.

Chang Huai, who arrived a moment later, only caught the last part of the message: “Thinking of you is like seeing you before my eyes, making me wonder if it’s you or the plum blossoms I see.”

Her expression went through a series of changes before settling into one of deep unease. She retreated, retracting the step she had taken forward.

What was this thing? Was this something she was supposed to hear? After the repairs were complete, she had tried to activate the black box, but it had been completely unresponsive. She had begun to suspect that she had made a mistake somewhere, or perhaps Zhu Wan had suggested letting Feng Chiyue try it first before making any adjustments. Now it seemed unnecessary. This black box was shielded from her, no, from everyone, meant only for Feng Chiyue.

Hearing the voice she had longed for, Feng Chiyue’s restlessness and anxiety vanished. A smile bloomed on her lips, so captivating and alluring that it lived up to her reputation as the most beautiful woman in the Immortal Realm. She belatedly remembered that there were still a few irrelevant presences outside. She was in a good mood and feeling generous. Glancing at Chang Huai, she said, “You can have the extra dragon scales and tendons.”

Chang Huai’s heart skipped a beat. She had been working herself to death every day just to earn a few measly Cinnabar Jade. Now, she was suddenly rich! She couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across her face. So what if Feng Chiyue had a bad reputation? Anyone who could make her rich was like her own parents! “If you need anything else, Master, you can come find me again. I may just be a minor immortal in the Dragon Cauldron Palace, but I believe my skills are superior to those master craftsmen!” Chang Huai declared confidently.

Feng Chiyue responded lazily without even looking up, her gaze glued to the Understanding she had finally recovered.

Zhu Wan spoke up. “Master, what about that Vermilion Bird? Should we pay him–”

Feng Chiyue waved her hand dismissively. “Tell Danxue Mountain they can get their clansman back early, but they’ll have to pay a ransom in Cinnabar Jade.”

So, not only did he have to suffer through providing fire, but Danxue Mountain also had to pay for it.

However, Zhu Wan didn’t feel the slightest bit of sympathy for Zhu Huai Xuan. Thinking of his smug face, she wanted to shout, “Serves you right!”

The flames in Danxue Mountain continued to rage, even as night fell.

The Vermilion Bird clan was covered in soot and ashes. In the end, they had no choice but to call upon Chang Li, who extinguished the raging fire.

However, many buildings and plants had been burned to the ground.

“She’s a Phoenix. Perhaps she triggered some ancient formation,” Chang Li said calmly, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Ancient formation? We rebuilt Danxue Mountain. Don’t tell me it wasn’t completely cleansed?” the Vermilion Bird Elder asked, horrified.

“If it weren’t for that incident, would Danxue Mountain have fallen into your hands?” Chang Li glanced at the Elder, her tone meaningful. Everyone said they, the Vermilion Birds, were traitors, but were they the only ones? Everyone had taken a step down that path. It was just that some continued forward, while others, for various reasons, chose to turn back. But did turning back mean they weren’t guilty?

The Vermilion Bird Elder seethed with anger. Just then, news arrived from Dong’e Mountain, adding fuel to the fire.

“She kidnapped Huai Xuan and now she wants us to pay a ransom? How outrageous!”

Chang Li frowned slightly. “Surely, Elder, you don’t want to be the laughingstock of the other immortals?”

The Vermilion Bird Elder: “…” “Are we just going to let her get away with this?”

Chang Li said, “The Supreme Palace and the West Sea are both unhappy. There will be consequences soon enough. Be patient.”

Chapter 10

Undefeated hovered in front of them.

Its sword intent hadn’t even been unleashed, yet it already made the Vermilion Birds flinch.

In the Heavenly Court, there were Heavenly Immortals and Human Immortals. Although there was no explicit distinction between their superiority, the Heavenly Immortals considered themselves a cut above, subtly looking down on the Human Immortals. When Ming Jian Su first ascended to the Immortal Realm, she was just an unremarkable little immortal. After registering with the Heavenly Mechanism Department, she was assigned menial tasks like cleaning and sweeping. Later, when conflicts arose between the Immortal and Demon Realms, she was sent to the battlefield because she had no backing and no valuable Cinnabar Jade to exempt her from duty. It was during that time that she made a name for herself with her swordsmanship, striking fear into the hearts of countless demons.

The Heavenly Emperor wanted to promote her, but all the important positions were already occupied by Heavenly Immortals. No one was willing to give up their seat. At that time, the position of East Abode Master was vacant, but there were countless contenders, and none of them wanted Ming Jian Su to take the lead. However, Ming Jian Su simply unsheathed Undefeated, silencing all those who doubted her. Even Chang Li, the South Fire Lord, commented, “She cannot be stopped.”

Ming Jian Su had fallen, but her reputation remained, and her sword had gained sentience. Who knew if she had left behind any secret techniques?

“Elder, yesterday the Heavenly Emperor decreed that we should avoid conflict with Dong’e Mountain.”

The Vermilion Bird Elder finally found a way out, but his expression remained stern. He glared at Feng Chiyue and said coldly, “Three days. If you don’t return him by then, I will have to report this to the Celestial Pivot Department.”

Three days? Was he implying that it would take her three days to repair “Understanding”? Feng Chiyue stared at the Vermilion Bird Elder, finding him utterly repulsive. “I’ll release him tomorrow,” she said impatiently. She didn’t linger in Danxue Mountain. Grabbing Zhu Huai Xuan, she turned and left.

Meanwhile, Zhu Wan had just found Feng Yao and rushed to the south of Kunlun, panting heavily. When she saw the sky ablaze, her face turned as pale as a ghost. It wasn’t until she saw Feng Chiyue walk out unharmed that she snapped out of her frozen state. In just three days, her heart had become a bucket constantly swinging between hope and despair. She didn’t understand before why her Master, who also ascended from the mortal realm, was so far ahead, beyond anyone’s reach. Now she understood. Her Master’s heart was stronger than anyone else’s.

Feng Yao was concerned about something else. Seeing Feng Chiyue, she hurriedly asked, “You set fire to Danxue Mountain?”

Feng Chiyue glanced at her. “Is there a problem with that?”

Feng Yao: “…” Danxue Mountain was their ancestral land! Didn’t this Phoenix have any respect for their ancestors? She couldn’t help but voice her thoughts.

Feng Chiyue laughed mockingly after hearing her words. “Let me ask you, how many years has it been since the Phoenix was driven out of their ancestral land?” When she said this, the gentleness on her face disappeared, replaced by a sharp, cold glint in her eyes. “A thousand years. You haven’t returned to your ancestral land for a thousand years, yet you still have the gall to claim it as yours? If you don’t have the ability to take back Danxue Mountain, don’t tell me what to do.”

Feng Yao’s breath hitched, and a chill ran down her spine.

Feng Chiyue continued coldly, “You call it ‘biding your time,’ but a thousand years have passed. Tell me, what has your ‘biding’ achieved? Are you still pinning your hopes on the Phoenix Sovereign, believing that she still has a chance, waiting for her to lead you out of this predicament?”

Feng Yao’s expression turned completely cold. She stared at Feng Chiyue and said, her voice icy, “You have no right to lecture us. What have you done for Phoenix Mountain? All you do is cause trouble for us.”

“No, I haven’t,” Feng Chiyue retorted, her expression changing rapidly. The coldness vanished, replaced by a carefree smile. “I cut ties with Phoenix Mountain long ago. Did I ask you to come? Should I be grateful to you?”

“Master Feng!” Zhu Wan exclaimed, frowning. She thought Feng Chiyue’s words were too much. Feng Yao came here with good intentions, yet not only did she not appreciate it, but she also had to rub salt in her wounds. Phoenix Mountain was already in a difficult position. She really felt that Feng Chiyue was hopeless. Besides her Master, who would put up with her? “Since you’ve already borrowed a Vermilion Bird, let’s return to Dong’e Mountain.”

“Yes, let’s go back.” Feng Chiyue smiled in response, not sparing Feng Yao another glance. She had enough materials to repair “Understanding,” and now she had the fire source as well. She could finally fall asleep listening to Ming Jian Su’s voice tonight. It didn’t matter if Ming Jian Su didn’t come back. All she needed was that familiar voice to lull her to sleep.

Back in Dong’e Mountain.

Chang Huai didn’t dare to wander around. She sat in place, fiddling with the black box. That Master was actually going to capture a Vermilion Bird. Was that even possible? Not to mention the numerous formations in Danxue Mountain, those Vermilion Birds were all fierce and powerful. Could she really succeed? If the East Abode Master was still around, she wouldn’t have to worry about such things. But now there was only Master Feng… She regretted it. She should have just said she needed phoenix fire. Just as she was feeling uneasy, Feng Chiyue and Zhu Wan returned.

Chang Huai set the black box aside and said obediently, “Master, Master Chu Yi came earlier.”

“Ignore her.” Feng Chiyue tossed Zhu Huai Xuan onto the ground, not in the mood to deal with Chu Yi. “Hurry up and fix it,” she urged Chang Huai.

Chang Huai: “…” She glanced at Zhu Huai Xuan on the ground cautiously and asked sincerely, “Young Master, may I borrow some fire?”

Zhu Huai Xuan was filled with resentment and anger. After hearing the conversation between Feng Chiyue and Zhu Wan, he already knew their purpose. They wanted him to activate his Vermilion Bird divine fire? Dream on! Zhu Huai Xuan raised his chin, ruffled his feathers, and ignored Chang Huai.

Chang Huai turned to look at Feng Chiyue. “Master?”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Can we use the Vermilion Bird’s inner core to activate the fire?” Without waiting for Chang Huai’s answer, she continued, “We can cut him open, take it out, keep him alive with medicine, and put it back when we’re done.”

Chang Huai’s face paled, and she tried to find a hint of a joke in Feng Chiyue’s expression. But the person in front of her looked as if she didn’t realize the cruelty of her words. She spoke casually, as if she was merely picking a flower or brushing away a speck of dust.

It was Zhu Huai Xuan who was truly afraid.

He wouldn’t die, but if he wanted to further his cultivation in the future, it would be impossible. Having his inner core removed was a cruel torture, and with Feng Chiyue’s arrogance and absurdity, she was definitely capable of doing it. When that happened, the Elder might not stand up for him. After all, the Elder had insisted that he couldn’t be taken away from Danxue Mountain. Weighing his options, Zhu Huai Xuan decided to swallow his pride. “What kind of fire do you need?” he relented.

Chang Huai breathed a sigh of relief. If the Vermilion Bird and Feng Chiyue clashed because of him, she, a small fry from the Dragon Cauldron Palace, would definitely be the first to be sacrificed. After all, she was also abducted in broad daylight, and yet, the Dragon Cauldron Palace acted as if nothing had happened, which was enough to show her insignificant status.

With Zhu Huai Xuan’s cooperation, repairing the black box became much easier.

She had ascended from the mortal realm and specialized in the art of refining tools. She believed that her skills were no worse than those Heavenly Immortals from the Dragon Cauldron Palace. She had thought that ascending would bring her fame and fortune, that immortals would flock to her for her treasures, and that she would enjoy endless blessings. But in the end, she was just working diligently day after day. In the mortal realm, as a master craftsman, she was at least admired. But now, all that was left was a sigh of “don’t mention past glories.” If she could still contact the mortal realm, she would definitely leave behind a message written in blood: “Don’t ascend. Life after ascension is worse than that of a pig or a dog.”

Seeing that Chang Huai and Zhu Huai Xuan were both working, Feng Chiyue smiled in satisfaction. Leaving Zhu Wan behind to supervise, she returned to her inner chambers to sleep.

With Undefeated around, she probably wouldn’t need to do things herself in the future, right? Even if it wasn’t exactly like having Ming Jian Su by her side, it was at least a quarter as good, wasn’t it?

—

Elsewhere.

Chu Yi stormed back to Qingjun Palace, fuming.

Not catching up to Feng Chiyue was already bad enough, but seeing those ridiculous rumors on the Chaos Mirror fueled her anger even further. As if that wasn’t enough, she had originally planned to wait for Feng Chiyue to return to Dong’e Mountain, but her mother summoned her back and asked if she was interested in marrying the East Sea Dragon Princess. She had only glanced at Ying Cunxin once and didn’t even remember what she looked like! And those immortals on the Chaos Mirror dared to gossip about her!

Just as Chu Yi was about to vent her anger, a soft chime sounded from the Chaos Mirror. She channeled her energy into it and saw a request to exchange name seals. On the Chaos Mirror, if immortals wanted to contact each other privately, they could exchange name seals. Who would send her a random request? Chu Yi frowned and looked closely. The name seal clearly read “Ying Cunxin.”

A glint flashed in her eyes. Chu Yi accepted Ying Cunxin’s request and immediately sent her an invitation to the “Ethereal Spirit Realm.” The Ethereal Spirit Realm was a part of the Chaos Mirror. By channeling one’s energy into it, they could manifest an illusion of themselves and engage in combat. This method wouldn’t harm their real bodies, so immortals would often enter the Ethereal Spirit Realm to hone their skills. However, Chu Yi rarely entered it because she believed that knowing her own limitations and knowing that there was no real danger made it difficult to push herself to her full potential. The only true test was on the battlefield. As for the Ethereal Spirit Realm, it was just a game for her amusement.

Since Ying Cunxin wanted to be her Dao companion, she should at least have some skills.

Chapter 9

Ming Jian Su didn’t harbor too much resentment towards being deceived. After all, she and Feng Chiyue were both birds of a feather. She wasn’t shameless enough to confront Feng Chiyue about it. The thought of being tricked only lingered in her mind for a moment before drifting to other things.

— How much grievance did Feng Chiyue suffer to go to the West Sea alone?

— She had only been away from the Heavenly Court for three days, and she was already worrying about Feng Chiyue?

— She refused to go back. With Feng Chiyue’s personality, she wouldn’t apologize at all. She would only drag her onto the bed and into a daze of endless passion.

Ming Jian Su, Ming Jian Su, have you forgotten your aspiration before ascending? Didn’t you ascend to escape from endless troubles? How did you end up deeply mired in them again? Raising her hand to rub her forehead, Ming Jian Su let out a sigh and slammed the Chaos Mirror face down on the stone table. “You’re a real piece of work,” she muttered, cursing Feng Chiyue. If it weren’t for the Chaos Mirror, she could have remained blissfully ignorant, her self-deception reaching new heights.

She stared at the Chaos Mirror for a long time, but instead of looking at the messages, she reached out and grabbed something in front of her. A six-foot-long sword, its entire body flowing with a pale blue light, slowly materialized. The sword wasn’t forged from meteor iron or some rare stone, but from two black and white branches, intertwined like vines. This was the divine wood that Ming Jian Su had found after traveling across the four seas during her time in the mortal realm.

The natural intertwining of yin and yang formed a perfect sword. She hadn’t used heavenly fire to refine it, but purely her own magic power. It took three years to complete, and she named it “Undefeated.” With this sword in hand, Ming Jian Su had never lost a battle. After becoming the East Abode Master in the Heavenly Court, Undefeated rarely left its sheath.

“Go!” Ming Jian Su commanded.

The East Abode Master had fallen, but her sentient sword returned to its former home, Dong’e Mountain. This made perfect sense.

With Undefeated there, there shouldn’t be any more blind immortals looking for trouble, right?

—

Feng Chiyue had no idea that Ming Jian Su was thinking about her even in “death.”

Her heart was set on the black box, and she wished she could hear Ming Jian Su’s voice at that very moment.

Danxue Mountain was located south of Kunlun Mountain, adjacent to South Li Mountain. There was no South Li Mountain originally. After Chang Li became one of the Heavenly Emperor’s generals, she used her magic power to move a mountain and named it “South Li,” residing alone on its peak. Unless absolutely necessary, she would never set foot in Danxue Mountain.

Chang Li’s absence from Danxue Mountain gave Feng Chiyue an opportunity. As a phoenix, her connection to her ancestral land was extremely strong. The formations and barriers set up by the various races couldn’t stop her. She found the place where the Vermilion Bird clan resided and barged in, uncaring of the shocked gazes of the Vermilion Birds. She found Zhu Huai Xuan, slapped him back into his true Vermilion Bird form, grabbed him by the wings, and prepared to leave.

“T-That’s a Phoenix?” Since they occupied Danxue Mountain, they hadn’t seen a Phoenix for a thousand years. There used to be many murals of phoenixes in their ancestral land, but now they had been destroyed one by one, replaced by the glorious history of the Vermilion Bird lineage.

“F-Feng Chiyue? What is she doing here?” The Vermilion Bird stammered, staring blankly at Feng Chiyue as she strode away.

“She took Zhu Huai Xuan!” After a while, the Vermilion Bird finally snapped out of its shock, its face changing drastically as it transformed into a stream of light and shot forward. The Vermilion Bird cried out, and balls of fire fell from the sky like meteors, instantly sealing off the area around Danxue Mountain.

Feng Chiyue stopped in her tracks.

She looked down at the hostile Vermilion Birds and frowned.

“What is Master Feng planning to do?” The Vermilion Birds didn’t attack directly. After all, Zhu Huai Xuan was still struggling in Feng Chiyue’s grasp like a captured pheasant. They had long been enemies with the Phoenix lineage and had initially waited to see Feng Chiyue’s downfall. However, after the incidents at the Supreme Palace and with the West Sea Dragon Prince, they had to reevaluate this “good-for-nothing Phoenix.” Whether she was truly powerful or had inherited treasures from the East Abode Master, the current Feng Chiyue wouldn’t be easily defeated and humiliated as they had imagined.

Feng Chiyue explained casually, “He insulted my disciple from Dong’e Mountain. I’m taking him to apologize.”

The Vermilion Birds: “…” So what if he insulted a disciple from Dong’e Mountain? Even Feng Chiyue herself had been insulted countless times. The entire Immortal Realm was filled with rumors of her wickedness. Was she feeling cocky after defeating the West Sea Dragon Prince and looking for trouble? Even Phoenix Mountain wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant, so what made this fallen Phoenix think she could get away with it?! The Vermilion Bird Elder sneered and said, “You have no proof, Master, don’t spout nonsense. For the sake of the East Abode Master, we will overlook your intrusion into Danxue Mountain. Now, please release our clansman.”

Feng Chiyue glanced at the Vermilion Bird Elder in confusion, wondering if he knew the meaning of “daydreaming.” However, since they wanted evidence, she could be generous, just this once, for the sake of accumulating good karma for her black box. She had sealed Zhu Huai Xuan’s mouth before, but now she released the restriction. Zhu Huai Xuan immediately regained his ability to speak.

“Feng Chiyue, you’re nothing but a deceitful and seductive villain, a disgrace to the Phoenix race!”

His words didn’t faze her in the slightest. She was beautiful, unlike some people. Besides, couldn’t it be Ming Jian Su who was serving her? However, their personal matters were none of these outsiders’ business. She cast another spell, sealing Zhu Huai Xuan’s mouth once more. She raised an eyebrow at the Vermilion Bird Elder, her gaze seemingly saying, “The evidence is right here.”

The Vermilion Bird Elder: “…” This idiotic child, even if he wanted to curse Feng Chiyue, he should at least wait until he was free! Now, he had vented his anger and made himself feel better, but he had also put him in a difficult position. Stroking his beard, the Elder said, “This junior is disrespectful. I will discipline him properly when we return.”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “I’m afraid you’ll be biased. He’s so unruly, he should come to my Dong’e Mountain to be disciplined. As for the cost of his discipline, considering the Vermilion Bird lineage’s servitude a thousand years ago, I’ll waive it.” She deliberately poked at their sore spot. After breaking away from the Phoenix’s command, the Vermilion Bird had always wanted to sever ties with the past. Now that they were above the Phoenix and occupied their ancestral land, they were secretly pleased. However, they couldn’t escape their roots. The more they tried to avoid something, the more it would become a nightmare.

The Vermilion Bird Elder’s expression turned cold, the gentle smile on his lips vanishing. He looked at Feng Chiyue, his voice cold. “Is Master Feng determined to take our clansman away?”

Feng Chiyue retorted, “Is there a problem with that?” She shifted her gaze to the Vermilion Bird Elder and said slowly, “What a pity.”

She was already tired today and didn’t want to fight. Why were these people so unaccommodating? She just wanted to repair her “Understanding Words,” was that such a big deal? They wouldn’t even lend her a Vermilion Bird, so what about the fact that the Vermilion Birds had occupied Danxue Mountain for so long? A faint smile appeared on her lips. The beauty’s smile held no threat, only gentleness and tranquility. The Vermilion Birds easily associated her with the title of “Most Beautiful Woman in the Immortal Realm” and began to wonder if the incidents at the Supreme Palace and the West Sea were just fabricated jokes. Did Feng Chiyue really have the ability to do such things?

“Feng–”

“Quiet, please?” Feng Chiyue interrupted the Vermilion Bird Elder’s rebuke. Fire descended upon the mountain, and clouds of fire erupted, as if two blazing flames were enveloping Danxue Mountain. The Vermilion Bird lineage was naturally adept at manipulating fire. When the heavenly fire descended, they just sneered, unconcerned. They channeled their magic, and power surged towards Feng Chiyue like a tidal wave. Feng Chiyue lowered her eyelids and used Zhu Huai Xuan as a shield. If that dragon-like magical attack landed, this Vermilion Bird would surely die! How could the Vermilion Birds allow that to happen? In a moment of desperation, they stopped their attack and cursed at Feng Chiyue, “Shameless!”

Feng Chiyue snorted lazily. She opened her eyes and looked at the burning Danxue Mountain with interest. It wasn’t just the Vermilion Birds, but also the Golden Pheasant, Swan Goose, and Bifang, the other three lineages occupying Danxue Mountain, who flew out. Their faces were grim, their eyes filled with anger and killing intent as they glared at Feng Chiyue.

All birds pay homage to the Phoenix.

She should be close to these birds, so why did she feel only disgust and murderous intent when she saw them? The malice that welled up inside her almost burst forth like a raging river. Just as Feng Chiyue moved her right hand, about to draw her sword, a whooshing sound rang out. A cold light appeared out of thin air and suddenly landed in front of her.

At first, Feng Chiyue thought someone had drawn their sword. But she quickly noticed something strange about this cold light. It was a long sword, emanating a bright light, that leaped out. Raising an eyebrow, the killing intent in her eyes dissipated slightly.

Feng Chiyue drawled, “Undefeated.” She paused, then added, “Isn’t it ‘As the master lives, so lives the sword; as the master dies, so dies the sword’? How come my dear sister is dead, but you’re still alive and kicking?”

The Undefeated sword trembled, its humming fading.

Undefeated, the East Abode Master’s sword.

No wonder she could deal with the Supreme Palace and bully the West Sea Dragon Prince. So that was it.

It was all thanks to the East Abode Master’s deterrence, to the sword intent of the ruthless magic sword.

The Vermilion Bird Elder suddenly understood.

Chapter 8

Feng Chiyue had no idea that she had disrupted the marriage alliance between the West Sea and the East Sea, and had even affected the Four Seas Alliance.

She went to the courtyard where the immortals of the Dragon Cauldron Palace resided, her arms full of treasures. After a quick glance around, she pulled out a female immortal who looked pleasing to the eye and seemed skilled. Without a word, she whisked the woman away. Thinking too much would only give her a headache, and the process wasn’t important – she preferred to focus on the results.

If Ming Jian Su knew about this, she would definitely have something to say. But Ming Jian Su was nowhere to be found. She had promised to stay by her side, but she turned out to be a liar. What right did she have to judge Feng Chiyue’s actions? She didn’t care about right or wrong. Anyone who stood in her way could just die. After all, no one cared about her anymore.

The female immortal, who had been abruptly captured by Feng Chiyue, was named Chang Huai. Faced with the overwhelming aura of the Phoenix, she felt as insignificant as an ant. She didn’t dare to move, her gaze fixed on the hem of the vibrant red dress. It wasn’t until they reached Dong’e Mountain that she snapped out of her daze, stealing glances at the plants and trees in front of the palace.

“Master!” Zhu Wan breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Feng Chiyue unharmed. Heaven knew how nervous she had been when she discovered Feng Chiyue was gone. In the past, when her own Master was still around, Feng Chiyue wouldn’t even step out of the palace, even going out to play on the swings required coaxing and carrying from her Master. Zhu Wan used to secretly despise Feng Chiyue’s laziness, but now she wished that she was truly bedridden.

But Zhu Wan’s relief was short-lived. When she saw the female immortal being deposited in front of her, her smile froze on her face. Her eyelids twitched violently, and her fingers trembled uncontrollably. The female immortal was dressed in a simple, light blue Daoist robe, her hair in a Daoist bun fastened with a wooden hairpin. On her waist hung a jade tag inscribed with the character “Cauldron.” If she wasn’t mistaken, this was from the Dragon Cauldron Palace, wasn’t it? “M-Master?” Zhu Wan stammered, her tongue tied in knots.

Feng Chiyue glanced at Zhu Wan. “I borrowed her from the Dragon Cauldron Palace.”

“Borrowed” or “abducted”? Zhu Wan felt dizzy. If she stayed on Dong’e Mountain any longer, she feared she would die young!

Feng Chiyue waved her hand, tossing a Qiankun bag to Chang Huai. Then, she took out her precious black box and pointed at Chang Huai. “Fix it.”

As the opening of the Qiankun bag loosened, the dazzling dragon scales inside stunned Chang Huai. There were silver, black, gold – all kinds. Even the Dragon Cauldron Palace didn’t have such a vast inventory. Unable to resist, she reached out and touched them. Besides the scales, she also saw neatly bundled dragon tendons and even dragon bones… Could this Master have raided a dragon tomb? It took a while for Chang Huai to tear herself away from the mesmerizing sight and turn her attention to the ordinary-looking black box.

Feng Chiyue asked impatiently, “What? Can’t you fix it?”

“It’s not that.” Chang Huai shook her head and said earnestly, “I’m missing some materials.”

Feng Chiyue lowered her eyelashes and asked Zhu Wan, “Were there any phoenix feathers among the things sent from Phoenix Mountain?”

Zhu Wan nodded. “Yes.”

Chang Huai added, “I also need fire.” She looked at Feng Chiyue. “How about I take these back to the Dragon Cauldron Palace?”

At the thought of the black box leaving her sight, a wave of anger surged through Feng Chiyue like a volcanic eruption. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by an oppressive aura that pressed down on both Zhu Wan and Chang Huai, making them dizzy and nearly forcing them to their knees.

Chang Huai hurriedly said, “We don’t have to go. Phoenix fire can be used in place of earth fire.” She muttered to herself, Feng Chiyue’s true form is a phoenix, she couldn’t possibly lack a bit of phoenix fire, right?

Feng Chiyue frowned. “Besides phoenix fire?”

Chang Huai replied, “Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Chongming, Bifang… as long as it’s from the Eight Lineages of the Feathered Race, it can replace earth fire.” The Eight Lineages of the Feathered Race referred to the Phoenix, Azure Dragon, Mandarin Duck, Chongming(Mytical Bird), Vermilion Bird, Golden Pheasant, Swan Goose, and Bifang.

A thousand years ago, they were all under the rule of the Phoenix Sovereign. However, after the “Fall of the Phoenix”, Phoenix Mountain was divided. The Vermilion Bird, Golden Pheasant, Swan Goose, and Bifang broke away from the Phoenix and occupied the ancestral land of the Phoenix race, Danxue Mountain. They were close to the Heavenly Emperor, and their situation was completely different from the four races in Phoenix Mountain.

Feng Chiyue smiled at Chang Huai. “Then let’s use Vermilion Bird fire.”

Chang Huai’s eyelids twitched. The Vermilion Bird lineage was extremely powerful now. Their leader, Chang Li, was the South Fire Lord, one of the Four Generals of the Heavenly Court. Touching the Vermilion Bird was equivalent to declaring war on the South Fire Lord. Phoenix Mountain had hated the Vermilion Bird for a thousand years, but they still hadn’t made a move. Could this Master be delusional, thinking she could just ask the Vermilion Bird to provide fire?

Zhu Wan also thought that Feng Chiyue was daydreaming. She stared at Feng Chiyue, afraid that she would disappear in the blink of an eye and cause more trouble. Their relationship with the various departments of the Heavenly Court was already delicate, did they really need to offend everyone? She didn’t expect Feng Chiyue to offer her own phoenix fire. An idea came to mind, and she resignedly said, “I’ll go ask Master Feng Yao for help.”

Feng Chiyue didn’t answer. She crossed her arms and asked, “Do you have a grudge against any Vermilion Birds?”

Zhu Wan shook her head. “No.” She was always cautious in her actions, how could she possibly make enemies? If she had to say, it was Feng Chiyue who had attracted all the trouble.

Feng Chiyue smiled and said gently, “Think again.”

Zhu Wan: “…” There was no one! It wasn’t like she could just come up with a name. But when she looked up, she inadvertently met Feng Chiyue’s deep gaze. Zhu Wan felt a chill run down her spine, and goosebumps erupted all over her body. This was a demand for a name. Zhu Wan racked her brains, and a name suddenly popped into her head. It wasn’t a deep grudge, but that Vermilion Bird had once insulted her. Under Feng Chiyue’s imposing gaze, the three words “Zhu Huai Xuan” tumbled out.

Feng Chiyue nodded in satisfaction. “Very good.” With a flick of her sleeve, she turned and left.

“Master, where are you going?” Zhu Wan panicked. She regretted her words as soon as she spoke.

Feng Chiyue turned her head, her smile radiant and dazzling like a hundred flowers blooming, captivating and alluring.

But her words were not so charming.

She said, “I respect the elderly and cherish the young. I’ll avenge you.”

Zhu Wan didn’t feel the slightest bit of concern. Instead, it was as if she had been struck by lightning, her face etched with despair as if facing impending doom.

“Master, why didn’t you take Master Feng with you when you left? What am I supposed to do?” Zhu Wan muttered to herself.

—

In the Asura City.

After hiccuping, Ming Jian Su continued to watch plays on the Chaos Mirror.

In just three days, she had gotten used to being talked about. Let them talk. It wouldn’t be long before everyone forgot about her. After all, the traces of the “dead” faded with each passing day.

In the middle of a play, Ming Jian Su suddenly felt a wave of discomfort.

The “drunken stupor” she had once longed for wasn’t as enjoyable as she had imagined.

She turned off the play and instead browsed through the messages left by other immortals on the Chaos Mirror. In their spare time, everyone liked to discuss the Dao and gossip about recent events. For instance, at this moment, a wandering immortal who lived by the sea mentioned the “Four Seas Alliance.” There were many comments below, mostly left by wandering immortals from the islands in the sea.

In the past, the Dragon Palace had competed with them for the ownership of the islands, but eventually gave up due to their combined strength. But if the Four Seas Alliance was established and the water tribes joined forces to drive out the wandering immortals from the islands, the situation would become quite unfavorable.

— Good news, the marriage alliance between the West Sea and the East Sea is off. Rumor has it that the West Sea Dragon Prince was defeated by a good-for-nothing from the Immortal Realm. The East Sea Dragon Princess looked down on him and declared that she would only marry an Emperor’s daughter.

Ming Jian Su was sensitive to the words “good-for-nothing.” Her eyelids twitched, and a sense of foreboding arose in her heart. It couldn’t be… Feng Chiyue was lazy to the extreme. How could she possibly travel thousands of miles from Kunlun to the West Sea? She suppressed her chaotic thoughts and continued reading. As expected, someone who didn’t know the details asked for more information. The original commenter hesitated for a moment before vividly describing the battle that took place at sea. It was normal for conflicts to arise between immortals, but the fact that the immortal who set the West Sea ablaze was Feng Chiyue felt off.

— Perhaps the East Abode Master left her some life-saving means before her passing.

Ming Jian Su: “…”

It wasn’t me, I didn’t.

Her heart ached.

So the incident at the Supreme Palace before wasn’t Jing De Immortal Monarch lying for the sake of her seniority, but Feng Chiyue actually beating people up.

If she hadn’t faked her death, wouldn’t she still be kept in the dark? What other surprises did Feng Chiyue have in store for her?