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Chapter 22

Scolded by Feng Chiyue and pressured by the other members of the feathered race, Bi Feng lost all his enthusiasm. He felt like all his efforts were for nothing. He decided to just give in to Feng Chiyue and stamp all the documents she sent him. As for those who were dissatisfied with the decisions, they could take it up with Feng Chiyue!

Feeling vindicated, Bi Feng returned to Danxue Mountain with a spring in his step. However, before he even reached his clan’s territory, he was intercepted by a group of Heavenly Immortals from the feathered race. Those who served the Heavenly Court were called immortal officials, including those who were still in the selection process and hadn’t been assigned a position yet. They were waiting to become attendants, and the attendants were hoping to be promoted to emissaries. All these transitions were handled by the Heavenly Mechanism Department. Feng Chiyue’s sudden transfer to the Celestial Feather Ministry had given them hope that Bi Feng could pull some strings, but he had turned out to be useless!

Bi Feng’s smile vanished under their barrage of accusations, his smugness replaced by a different emotion. He couldn’t understand what he had been thinking before.

Back in Dong’e Mountain, Zhu Wan was also asking Feng Chiyue about the situation at the Celestial Feather Ministry.

She was truly afraid of another incident like the Morning Sun Assembly’s siege. Last time, they had been in the wrong, targeted for their own misdeeds. But if it happened again, would they be so lucky? Zhu Wan pondered for a moment and arrived at an answer: They might actually be.

Feng Chiyue’s cultivation was more profound than she had imagined. And if her Master wasn’t dead… she would probably twist the heads off anyone who dared to offend Feng Chiyue. As for reason and logic, those were meaningless.

Feng Chiyue glanced at Zhu Wan, her expression impatient. However, she had already vented her anger outside and was still in a relatively good mood, so she didn’t bother scolding her.

Zhu Wan knew from that look that she was being annoying. She quickly shut her mouth, not wanting to provoke Feng Chiyue. To her surprise, however, Feng Chiyue didn’t mock her. She sighed in relief. Then, Feng Chiyue’s lazy voice reached her ears.

“Are you asking how I made Bi Feng obey?”

Zhu Wan’s eyes lit up, her curiosity piqued. She nodded vigorously.

Feng Chiyue extended her hand.

Zhu Wan stared at it, confused. “Your fist?” she murmured.

“Cinnabar Jade,” Feng Chiyue corrected.

Zhu Wan: “…” Her first thought was that Feng Chiyue had bribed Bi Feng, but then she remembered that no one, except her Master, could actually use her money. So she was asking for Cinnabar Jade? Zhu Wan pondered for a moment, then took out a piece of Cinnabar Jade and placed it gently in Feng Chiyue’s palm.

Feng Chiyue closed her hand, not complaining about the small amount. She patiently explained, “All birds pay homage to the Phoenix. The Phoenix lineage possesses a technique called ‘Virtuous Sound.’”

Zhu Wan took out another piece of Cinnabar Jade. “If it’s so powerful, why are the Phoenixes in such a state?”

“The power of the technique depends on the strength of both parties.” Feng Chiyue paused, then chuckled disdainfully. “Besides, those Phoenixes… what could they possibly achieve?”

Zhu Wan blinked. It was clear that Feng Chiyue still held a grudge and didn’t hide her disdain for Phoenix Mountain. But even now, wasn’t Phoenix Mountain still somewhat reliable? Taking advantage of Feng Chiyue’s good mood, Zhu Wan couldn’t help but voice her thoughts.

Feng Chiyue smiled. “Besides the dead, nothing is reliable.”

Zhu Wan: “…” Were they talking about the same thing? Was this “dead person” a reference to her Master? Although Feng Chiyue didn’t show it, she must be missing her Master dearly. Otherwise, why would she suddenly go crazy and cause trouble everywhere? Her gaze softened with sympathy. She sighed and said sincerely, “Immortal Monarch, Master must still be alive. Even facing the Demon Sovereign, Master wouldn’t lose, let alone anyone else. She must be trapped somewhere we haven’t found yet.”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Do you know who the Demon Sovereign is?” After the previous Demon Sovereign, Ming Ji, was slain, the Demon Abyss was in chaos, with no leader. The Heavenly Court avoided talking about those matters. Someone like Zhu Wan, a clueless nobody, couldn’t possibly know what was happening in the Demon Abyss.

Zhu Wan had blind faith in Ming Jian Su. “No matter who it is, they wouldn’t be a match for Master.”

Feng Chiyue fiddled with the two pieces of Cinnabar Jade for a while before speaking. “The current leader of the Demon Abyss is a fox. She wasn’t born a demon.”

Zhu Wan was surprised. “A fox? From Qing Qiu?”

“Yes,” Feng Chiyue confirmed. She took another piece of Cinnabar Jade from Zhu Wan and continued, “A purebred nine-tailed white fox from Qing Qiu. Her name is Tushan Liusu. She was the Holy Maiden of Qing Qiu before she fell into darkness.”

Zhu Wan was puzzled. “Why did she fall?”

Feng Chiyue said slowly, “That lecherous old fool wanted to force her to become his Heavenly Consort. So…” She trailed off, looking at the gossip-hungry Zhu Wan with an expression of amusement.

“So what?” Zhu Wan asked.

“So the second war between immortals and demons is inevitable. If you don’t want to die, stop wandering around and focus on your sword practice. There won’t be another Phoenix to sacrifice for a ‘Fall of the Phoenix’ pact between the two realms.” A hint of mockery flickered in her eyes. She looked at the horrified Zhu Wan and said coldly, “But perhaps a ‘Sacrifice of Heaven’ pact is possible.”

Zhu Wan wasn’t completely stupid. Hearing the emotionless tone of that last sentence, she quickly realized that “Heaven” referred to the Heavenly Emperor. She had no respect for him. She looked around, making sure no one was listening, and lowered her voice. “If the Heavenly Emperor becomes a captive, who will be the new Emperor? Do you want to be Emperor?”

“Why would I bother?” Feng Chiyue said impatiently.

Zhu Wan chuckled awkwardly, thinking to herself, wasn’t that exactly what she was doing? Even her documents were being reviewed by Undefeated.

Undefeated truly lived up to its name. It was unique in the entire Immortal Realm.

It could handle documents and decapitate enemies. When would her own sword reach such a level?

After sending Zhu Wan away, Feng Chiyue didn’t watch plays on the Chaos Mirror. Instead, she stood by the window, gazing at the enormous peach tree outside.

The wind blew, scattering peach blossoms on the ground, covering the green grass. A few petals landed on the windowsill, trembling delicately.

Ming Jian Su had planted this peach tree. It bloomed all year round.

Feng Chiyue flicked her sleeve, brushing away the petals that had fallen on the table. She frowned slightly.

Enjoying the flowers together was romantic. Doing it alone was… pathetic.

Ming Jian Su had promised to watch the flowers bloom and wither with her. It was all a lie.

On the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms.

Ming Jian Su’s ears felt hot. She rubbed her forehead and continued searching for a suitable location to stage her “unfortunate demise.” Her efforts paid off. After days of searching, she finally found a crevice near the Demon Abyss. A wave of turbid energy washed over her, making it difficult to breathe. Suddenly, she sensed a faint trace of sword intent, pure and righteous, unlikely to belong to a demon.

Could it be that a fellow immortal had fallen here? She muttered to herself and cautiously followed the sword intent. After walking for about a hundred feet, she saw a headless skeleton impaled by a simple-looking six-foot-long sword. Three phoenix feathers were tied to the pommel, swaying gently in the wind.

Ming Jian Su’s eyelids twitched, her mind filled with questions.

Whose sword was this? The demonic energy lingering on the skeleton was faint. The flesh had completely decayed, indicating it had been here for centuries.

Chapter 21

The Celestial Feather Ministry was located in the southeast corner of the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s complex.

Feng Chiyue left early that day, deliberately taking a detour past the heavenly gates. Seeing her former colleagues’ ashen faces brought a smile to her lips as she drove her chariot towards the Celestial Feather Ministry. The main office of the Heavenly Mechanism Department was mostly staffed by humans, but the Celestial Feather Ministry was different. Hardly any humans could be found there. It was filled with members of the feathered race: Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, Swan Geese, Bifangs… They bowed to her reluctantly, their faces grim. Feng Chiyue didn’t care about their true feelings. Seeing their displeasure brought her joy.

It turned out that watching others seethe with resentment was quite satisfying.

Second only to being with Ming Jian Su.

Upon entering the main hall of the Celestial Feather Ministry, Feng Chiyue saw Bi Feng sitting at the head of the table, dealing with documents. He didn’t even look up. Immortals had sharp senses. Unless someone deliberately concealed their presence, how could he not sense her arrival? He was doing this on purpose, trying to intimidate her. His mind wasn’t on the documents. He was secretly wondering how long it would take for Feng Chiyue to lose her temper.

But after a long silence, he still hadn’t heard anything. He frowned, about to look up, when a sharp “crash” echoed from outside the hall. It wasn’t Feng Chiyue’s voice. Was she throwing a tantrum outside? He waited, expecting the commotion to escalate, but instead, an eerie silence fell. After a quarter of an hour, Bi Feng couldn’t hold back any longer. He stood up and walked outside.

There was nothing unusual.

But the expressions on the faces of the immortal attendants were strange.

Bi Feng followed their gazes and looked up. The large plaque above the main hall was gone! He questioned them and learned that Feng Chiyue had taken it down! Stunned, he rushed towards the direction they pointed. He found the plaque, with the three characters “Celestial Feather Hall” written in bold calligraphy, hanging above the side hall. As for the original plaque of the side hall, it lay abandoned on the ground.

Bi Feng: “…” He had imagined all sorts of scenarios, but this was beyond anything he had anticipated. He took a deep breath, suppressing his boiling rage, and strode into the hall. The first thing he saw was a gleaming sword resting on the head table! Its tip was carefully dipped in ink, swiftly writing on the documents. The resentment emanating from the sword transformed into sharp sword intent that filled the hall, shaking the surrounding formations. Bi Feng had no doubt that if he took another step forward, he would be pierced through the heart. He discreetly retracted his foot and followed the sound of laughter to Feng Chiyue’s couch.

She was reclining on the couch, playing with the Chaos Mirror. She seemed to be watching something amusing, laughing heartily. Bi Feng suddenly felt like he should bring her a plate of fruits and melon seeds.

“Minister!” he finally snapped.

“Is something the matter?” Feng Chiyue frowned, interrupted from her entertainment. She glared at Bi Feng, her expression annoyed. Undefeated on the table hummed in response, its cold light flashing like snow. The single sword hum triggered a chorus of responses from the sword intent within the hall. It wasn’t just one sword. It felt like thousands upon thousands of swords, swirling like a meteor shower. Bi Feng, chilled to the bone, quickly withdrew his hand from the doorframe. He didn’t want to lose a finger!

“You’ve just taken office, Minister. You might not be familiar with the affairs of the Celestial Feather Ministry. Would you like me to give you a tour?”

In Feng Chiyue’s mind, his words translated to two simple words: “Work.”

“No, thank you,” she refused curtly. She glanced at Undefeated and said, “These documents were given to me by the attendants. I’ve already reviewed them. You can take them back and stamp them.”

Bi Feng: “…” Reviewed by her? Did she think he was blind? It was clearly the sword that had reviewed them. But how had the East Abode Master trained her sword? Why could it do her work for her? Before he could ponder further, a stack of documents flew towards him like snowflakes. He hastily reached out and gathered them in his arms. It wasn’t until he returned to his own quarters that he remembered the plaque incident. And Feng Chiyue hadn’t mentioned the Minister’s seal. The excuses he had prepared were useless.

“Junior Minister, what should we do?” an attendant asked anxiously.

Bi Feng didn’t answer. He sighed and took out the Minister’s seal. He opened a document and saw that there were no written comments, only check marks or crosses. Because Undefeated had handled them, the documents were imbued with sharp sword intent. Bi Feng was dissatisfied with Feng Chiyue’s decisions. All the personnel changes from Danxue Mountain had been rejected. Was she deliberately opposing them? He couldn’t stamp and issue these documents. He closed the file with a frown.

Suddenly, the sword intent within the document surged, transforming into a blinding sword light that shot towards his face. Even with his quick reflexes, a long, thin cut appeared on his cheek. His pent-up anger exploded. He jumped to his feet and roared, “Feng Chiyue!”

A timid knock came from the door. Another attendant entered cautiously, bowed to Bi Feng, and stammered, “T-The Minister asked me to inform you, J-Junior Minister, that the M-Minister’s seal can suppress the sword intent.”

The implication was clear. Every document was imbued with sword intent. If he didn’t stamp them, the sword intent would lash out. Did Feng Chiyue think this would make him submit? Bi Feng chuckled coldly, wiping the blood from his cheek and bringing it to his lips. He pointed at the attendant. “Come here,” he said, his voice menacing.

The attendant shuffled forward nervously and, under Bi Feng’s orders, opened and closed a document. The sword intent within surged, filling the hall and rushing towards Bi Feng! As long as a single trace of sword intent remained in the document, every time it was opened and closed, it would activate, targeting him specifically! Bi Feng’s face darkened as he realized this.

Who could have imagined that Feng Chiyue would use such a method against him?

Fine, he would just ignore the documents! Did she think she could control him like this?

Bi Feng enjoyed his freedom for less than two days before Feng Chiyue showed up at his door.

Her expression was calm, her demeanor regal and elegant.

“I heard you haven’t issued any documents these past two days. What’s the matter? Are you getting old and forgetful? If you can’t handle the workload, we can find a younger official to replace you.”

“I thought you were experienced and capable, but it seems you’re just another incompetent fool, wasting your position and disappointing my expectations. How disappointing.”

Bi Feng’s ears buzzed, his vision blurring. He felt like he truly was an incompetent and useless immortal.

It wasn’t until the clear, articulate scolding ended that he snapped out of it.

Wait a minute, what right did Feng Chiyue have to criticize him?!

How had he been swayed by her words? Her tone was different from before. Could she be using the Phoenixes’ “Virtuous Sound” technique? Impossible. The Phoenix lineage rarely mastered this royal technique, and someone as wicked as Feng Chiyue couldn’t possibly use “Virtuous Sound.”

Chapter 20

Although her past impressions had been shattered, Ming Jian Su believed that she was still the person who understood Feng Chiyue the best in the entire Immortal Realm.

Feng Chiyue was arrogant and self-centered. She would never get along with the other immortal officials. The Heavenly Court was full of pompous old fools. If Feng Chiyue encountered one, she might humiliate them mercilessly—or rather, she might make them disappear from her sight. After all, she wasn’t hiding anymore, and she had Undefeated to protect her.

Ming Jian Su channeled her consciousness into the Chaos Mirror and carefully searched for the announcement from the Heavenly Mechanism Department.

It wasn’t a rumor. The Star Monarch had promoted Feng Chiyue from Morning Sun Emissary to Minister of the Celestial Feather Ministry. Within the Heavenly Mechanism Department, apart from its main office, there were three major departments: the Celestial Feather Ministry, the Four Seas Ministry, and the White Tiger Ministry. They managed the promotions of non-human immortals from the feathered race, the aquatic race, and the beast race, respectively, and had a high degree of autonomy. The Ministers held a position second only to the Star Monarch and his deputy, the Junior Monarch. It was a coveted position, often leading to power struggles and infighting. For the past thousand years, the position of Celestial Feather Minister had always been held by a Heavenly Immortal from the Vermilion Bird lineage. The Star Monarch promoting Feng Chiyue to this position was clearly a malicious act.

He wasn’t senile. He was deliberately being cruel! Damn him! Why were there so many villains in the Heavenly Court?

She had to return.

But if she went back like this, Feng Chiyue would definitely mock her. And the Heavenly Court might force her to write a ten-thousand-word report explaining her absence. It would be different if the Heavenly Court came looking for her. She could arrange a suitable location, and the officials would understand what had happened without her having to say a word. But they all believed she was dead and wouldn’t bother searching for her. She needed to leave a clue on the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms.

After a moment of contemplation, Ming Jian Su took out a brush and paper and wrote five characters.

She infused the paper with several layers of magical power and embedded numerous formations to protect it from the elements.

In South Vermilion Mountain.

Chang Li sat on her jade throne, her gaze fixed on the center of the hall. Nine lamps burned silently, their flames flickering in the wind, casting long, distorted shadows of the figures seated behind the bronze table, making them look like monstrous creatures lurking in the darkness.

“The Heavenly Mechanism Department has already made the announcement. Both the Star Monarch and the Heavenly Emperor have stamped their seals. The matter is settled and cannot be changed,” Chang Li said calmly.

However, the Vermilion Bird elders weren’t as calm. “Didn’t we agree that the position of Celestial Feather Minister would be reserved for Zhu Yuan Yuan?” one of them asked through gritted teeth. They had swallowed their pride when Zhu Huai Xuan was kidnapped because mere insults were harmless. But this was different. Feng Chiyue’s existence threatened their interests in Danxue Mountain!

“I can’t interfere with the decisions of the Heavenly Mechanism Department,” Chang Li said, opening her eyes slightly.

“What if Feng Chiyue can’t take up the position?” another elder asked, looking up suddenly. His face flickered in the dancing candlelight.

Chang Li chuckled briefly, leaning forward slightly. “Are you confident that you can intercept her in Dong’e Mountain or Kunlun Mountain?” she asked.

The Vermilion Bird elders fell silent. They had been waiting to watch the show, but the Morning Sun Assembly had turned out to be so useless, wiped out by the Emperor’s Daughter alone. It made them, who had always feared the Morning Sun Assembly, seem incompetent.

“She has Undefeated,” Chang Li murmured.

The very name “Undefeated” reeked of arrogance, but Ming Jian Su truly had the skills to back it up. Among all the Human Immortals who had ascended to the Heavenly Court, perhaps only one could compare to her. Distant memories flooded back, a recurring nightmare haunting her mind. Chang Li’s expression hardened. She massaged her forehead and said, “You all know what happened on the Morning Sun Continent. Feng Chiyue broke the unspoken rules, and the other gate emissaries couldn’t tolerate her, so they transferred her to the Celestial Feather Ministry.” She suspected that the Star Monarch was trying to get back at her, but she didn’t need to tell the elders that.

“So you’re saying that if the officials in the Celestial Feather Ministry refuse to cooperate, we can kick her out?” one of the elders asked, an idea forming in his mind.

“Why not try?” Chang Li said.

“The Junior Minister of the Celestial Feather Ministry is from the Bifang lineage.”

“Phoenix Mountain has no significant officials in the Celestial Feather Ministry. It’s all our people from Danxue Mountain. We can just isolate Feng Chiyue and leave her with an empty title.”

…

The Vermilion Bird elders discussed their plans, while Chang Li’s figure, like a dying flame, slowly faded away.

In Danxue Mountain, within the territory of the Bifang lineage, they were also discussing the new Minister of the Celestial Feather Ministry. Bi Feng, their leader, was the Junior Minister, the deputy to the Minister. He had assumed that with the position vacant, he would be promoted, but the Vermilion Birds had other plans, intending to install one of their younger members. Bi Feng was unwilling to be subordinate to a junior. The Bifang had joined the Vermilion Birds in their rebellion, but they hadn’t become their servants. It wasn’t until the Vermilion Birds offered him a sufficient quantity of “Fire Li Stone” that he relented.

Who could have imagined that Feng Chiyue would suddenly appear, ruining the Vermilion Birds’ plans?

But compared to being under the thumb of the Vermilion Birds, having a Phoenix as his superior was even more unbearable. The word “betrayal” was etched into their souls. Seeing a Phoenix made them feel inferior. The shame and guilt that had festered for a thousand years, mixed with hatred and envy, had slowly transformed into ruthlessness and killing intent. Only by crushing the Phoenixes could they, as victors, truly find peace.

“Senior Brother, I believe you have the Minister’s seal?” a young Daoist priest, who looked no older than thirteen or fourteen, approached Bi Feng and asked.

Bi Feng nodded, his narrow eyes half-closed, a shrewd glint hidden behind his lazy demeanor. Since the previous Minister had been promoted, he had been handling all the affairs and keeping the seal, waiting to hand it over to the new Minister.

“Are we going to give it to her?” the young Daoist priest asked.

Bi Feng smiled but didn’t answer.

The position of Celestial Feather Minister had become a focal point of intrigue and hidden agendas.

Feng Chiyue, the new Minister, slept soundly until dawn, listening to Ming Jian Su’s voice.

Zhu Wan, however, hadn’t slept a wink. She was filled with unease. It was said that “the tree that stands out in the forest will be the first to be struck by the wind.” The Immortal Monarch’s rapid promotion from Emissary to Minister was unusual. If she had achieved some great feat, it would be understandable. But what had she done as the Morning Sun Emissary? She had obliterated all ascending cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent and gone around filing complaints against the other gate emissaries… Technically, she hadn’t violated any laws, but blending in and avoiding trouble was the way to survive.

Seeing Feng Chiyue walk out of the Dharma Hall, a confident smile on her face, Zhu Wan couldn’t help but offer some advice. “Immortal Monarch, ‘water that is too pure has no fish*,’” she said earnestly.

“Fish? What fish?” Feng Chiyue looked at Zhu Wan in surprise. “I don’t like fish. You can keep them.”

Zhu Wan: “…”

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

Water that is too pure has no fish*: this idiom might suggest that a relationship or situation that is too perfect or too idealized can be unrealistic or unsustainable.

Chapter 19

Feng Chiyue left a parting remark, flicked her sleeve, and departed, as if she had merely been passing by.

Throughout the day, the other gate emissaries had been thoroughly spooked, their complaints echoing through the heavens. However, they didn’t have the time to deal with Feng Chiyue. The immortals who had previously bribed them with Cinnabar Jade and rare fruits were also furious. They refused to listen to any explanations and demanded the return of everything they had given, along with compensation for their losses. It took several days for the gate emissaries to resolve the situation, their faces covered in soot and ashes.

Seeing Feng Chiyue’s carefree and contented demeanor, their resentment grew. They joined forces and submitted a petition to the Heavenly Mechanism Department, demanding her removal from office. They couldn’t use the rules against her, as their own actions had been improper. Instead, they accused her of negligence, laziness, and not fulfilling her duties as a gate emissary.

The Star Monarch of the Heavenly Mechanism Department had long wanted to get rid of Feng Chiyue. However, the Morning Sun Assembly, on whom he had placed his hopes, had been completely wiped out. He could only find another way. Receiving the petition from the other gate emissaries, he seized the opportunity and summoned Feng Chiyue to the hall for questioning.

Feng Chiyue, as always, showed no respect for authority. Upon arriving at the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s Dharma Hall, she casually pulled up a chair and sat down, looking even more imposing than the Star Monarch. The Star Monarch was furious, but he needed her cooperation. He forced down his anger and said sternly, “You’ve been accused of negligence. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Have I? I wasn’t aware.”

The Star Monarch: “…” He had never met an immortal with thicker skin than Feng Chiyue. He gave a signal, and an official beside him cleared his throat. “Since you became the Morning Sun Emissary, not a single cultivator has ascended. This is unprecedented.”

Feng Chiyue glanced at the official, her fingers tapping the armrest of her chair. “Does the Immortal Monarch think the Emperor’s Daughter has too much free time and needs some new members for the Morning Sun Assembly to practice on?” she asked casually.

The official was speechless. He tried again. “By registering their names and keeping them in the Heavenly Mechanism Department until they’re assigned a position, we prevent them from falling astray.” He sounded unconvincing, not even believing his own words. They had kept a few ascending cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent in the past, but without exception, they had all run away after a few months, showing no respect for authority.

“Alright,” Feng Chiyue said, as if she believed him. She stood up and said slowly, “I personally handled every ascension at the Morning Sun Gate, following the instructions of the Merit Mirror without any deviation. If there are no ascending cultivators from the Morning Sun Continent, perhaps they should reflect on themselves. The standard is set by the Heavenly Dao. How is it too strict? After all these years of cultivating their bodies and minds, have they truly been sincere in their efforts?”

The official: “…” He had no response. He turned helplessly to the Star Monarch.

Who actually followed the rules these days? Those who were too exemplary were the odd ones out.

“The Heavenly Mechanism Department punished some gate emissaries before, but they knowingly violated the rules. It seems they didn’t take the Star Monarch’s words seriously,” Feng Chiyue added, her tone icy, her intention to sow discord clear.

The most disobedient person in the entire Heavenly Mechanism Department was Feng Chiyue!

Disgust welled up inside the Star Monarch. He glared at the officials below, annoyed by their disobedience. At a time like this, they couldn’t even restrain themselves. Were they idiots, or were they doing this on purpose? His gaze slowly shifted to Feng Chiyue, and he deliberately released a bit of his aura. However, it was immediately met with a surge of sharp sword intent. With a loud crack, the Star Monarch’s seat shattered. Everyone gasped, including the Star Monarch himself. He stared at Feng Chiyue, who remained calm and composed. A buzzing sound filled his ears. He saw a blue sword hovering beside her.

It was Ming Jian Su’s Undefeated.

The Star Monarch’s pupils constricted. He masked his fear and said, “As the Morning Sun Emissary, you shouldn’t leave your post during your duty.”

Feng Chiyue replied calmly, “Then add that rule.” There was no strict attendance policy in the Heavenly Court. After all, some immortals sent their avatars or disciples to handle their duties while they stayed in their secluded retreats, focusing on other matters. She was the most dedicated and well-versed in the law.

The Star Monarch: “…” He felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. His desire to get rid of Feng Chiyue intensified. After a moment of thought, he said, “Immortal Monarch Feng, being a gate emissary is a waste of your talents.”

Feng Chiyue looked at him, surprised. “Is the Star Monarch planning to step down and yield his position?” she asked, offering him a sweet smile. “How self-aware of you.”

The Star Monarch felt dizzy with anger, regretting his decision to handle this personally. He should have just delegated the task to his subordinates. Now he was stuck facing Feng Chiyue, unable to argue or fight back. He forced a smile onto his stiff face. “The previous official in charge of the Celestial Feather Ministry has been promoted, and the position is currently vacant. We haven’t been able to find a suitable candidate. Would you be interested, Immortal Monarch Feng?”

The Celestial Feather Ministry was a department within the Heavenly Mechanism Department that managed the affairs of the feathered race. It oversaw the appointments and transfers of all feathered immortals and had a high degree of autonomy. The claim that they couldn’t find a suitable candidate was a lie. In reality, the feathered race had been fighting tooth and nail for this position. It had originally been promised to the Vermilion Birds, but Chang Li had played him, and he intended to return the favor. They wanted to fight? Fine, let the feathered race sort it out themselves!

Feng Chiyue knew the Star Monarch’s malicious intentions. She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Very well.”

The Star Monarch: “…” Just get rid of her already.

Although Feng Chiyue hadn’t been completely kicked out of the Heavenly Mechanism Department, at least she wouldn’t be causing trouble at the heavenly gates anymore. The other gate emissaries sighed in relief. They had lost their desire for revenge and were now eager to see what new drama would unfold. The position of Celestial Feather Minister had always been held by a Heavenly Immortal from the four feathered lineages of Danxue Mountain. Now, for the first time, it had fallen into the hands of a Phoenix. Would the Vermilion Birds accept this?

When the news spread, the Vermilion Birds were indeed furious.

However, no one in Phoenix Mountain was celebrating either. They would have been happy with any other Phoenix taking the position.

But it was Feng Chiyue…

This wasn’t an opportunity for the Phoenixes to rise again. It was a nightmare they didn’t want to relive.

“Why her?” Feng Yao complained. After being scolded by Feng Chiyue before, she refused to go to Dong’e Mountain again. Feng Chiyue was doing just fine. She didn’t need their help. She had told the elders about Feng Chiyue’s words, but they had fallen into an eerie silence. Feng Yao realized that the past might not be as she knew it. The truth might shatter their understanding—but what did that have to do with Feng Chiyue? What right did she have to say those things?

In Asura City.

Ming Jian Su took out the Chaos Mirror as usual.

Many people were still discussing Chu Yi’s annihilation of the Morning Sun Assembly. No one mentioned her.

She searched for news about Feng Chiyue. Good, there were no rumors about the Emperor’s Daughter being entangled with her junior sister.

As she read, Ming Jian Su suddenly noticed something was amiss.

Why had Feng Chiyue been promoted? Had the Star Monarch gone senile?

Chapter 18

The annihilation of the Morning Sun Assembly was a cause for celebration.

Before the East Sea’s official report even reached the Heavenly Emperor, the Chaos Mirror was already abuzz with discussion. A wandering immortal living in seclusion on the East Sea even uploaded an image of the devastated Morning Sun Island.

— As expected of the Emperor’s Daughter! But is the spiritual energy of Morning Sun Island completely depleted? Is the Emperor’s Daughter truly that terrifying?

— The world has suffered under the Morning Sun Assembly for far too long!

— Haha, I was hoping to see Feng Chiyue suffer, but the Morning Sun Assembly turned out to be so useless. Wouldn’t it have been better if they had waited a few more days?

— Has anyone noticed that anyone who offends Feng Chiyue always suffers a terrible fate? It goes without saying when the East Abode Master was alive, but even after her death, Feng Chiyue’s life… is still quite comfortable.

— Is there something strange about Feng Chiyue? The Heavenly Court should investigate her!

Some people always wanted to see those in power fall from grace, but Feng Chiyue, carefree and content, shattered their fantasies with her strength.

They might as well dream if they wanted to see her suffer.

Zhu Wan, after finishing her sword practice, should have urged Feng Chiyue to go to the Morning Sun Gate early for her duty. However, seeing Feng Chiyue peacefully munching on melon seeds, her lips moved, but a different sentence came out. “I suspect Master isn’t dead.”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow, a small flame flickering from her fingertip to incinerate the melon seed shell. She turned to Zhu Wan lazily and asked casually, “What makes you think that?” When the news of Ming Jian Su’s death had arrived, Zhu Wan had been the one crying the loudest. They hadn’t even found a body, yet they had declared Ming Jian Su dead. It was… typical of the Heavenly Court’s hasty judgment.

“The Morning Sun Assembly is dead,” Zhu Wan said, frowning. She looked at Feng Chiyue, who was sitting on the veranda. The morning sun bathed her in a golden glow, making her seem almost holy. Her brows were delicate, her eyes captivating. As long as she didn’t speak, she was a pearl of beauty, worthy of her title as the “Most Beautiful Woman in the Immortal Realm.”

“Didn’t they say Chu Yi killed them? What does that have to do with Ming Jian Su?” Feng Chiyue asked.

No insults. Zhu Wan sighed in relief. “If the Heavenly Court had the ability to eliminate the Morning Sun Assembly, why would they let them run rampant? They even interfered with the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s recruitment process. The Emperor’s Daughter also clarified on the Chaos Mirror that she wasn’t involved.” She paused, then added, “If there’s anyone in this world capable of doing such a thing, besides Master, I can’t think of anyone else.”

Feng Chiyue was in a good mood. She stretched lazily, grabbed Undefeated, and lightly swiped it across the ground. Without responding to Zhu Wan’s words, she summoned her golden chariot and flew out of the mountain.

Zhu Wan stared at the mark left by the sword intent. It was as if the sword intent had come to life, twisting and turning like a miniature figure demonstrating sword techniques. It was the exact move she had been practicing, the one she had been stuck on for a long time. She quickly replayed the movement in her mind, and suddenly, everything became clear. She practiced the move a few times, finally breaking through her bottleneck. Perhaps the Immortal Monarch wasn’t so bad after all.

At the Morning Sun Gate.

The two immortal attendants trembled, not daring to move without Feng Chiyue’s orders. The rumors about her on the Chaos Mirror were getting more and more outlandish, exceeding the realm of Heavenly Immortals and portraying her as some kind of terrifying monster.

Feng Chiyue found their incompetence irritating. Out of sight, out of mind. “Notify me when someone ascends,” she said before leaving.

The two attendants exchanged glances, relieved that the oppressive aura had lifted.

“Where is the Immortal Monarch going?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not us who’ll be bullied.”

The “monster” they had sent away didn’t return to Dong’e Mountain to laze around. Instead, she went to the nearby Vermilion Bright Gate, which received ascending cultivators from the Vermilion Bright Continent. When she arrived, a female cultivator had just successfully ascended after enduring the tribulation lightning. The Vermilion Bright Emissary was eloquently describing the wonders of the Heavenly Court, eager to register the female cultivator and send her to the Heavenly Mechanism Department.

He caught sight of Feng Chiyue out of the corner of his eye and remembered her previous actions. He couldn’t help but feel annoyed. It was something the Heavenly Mechanism Department had tacitly approved, but after she exposed it, she was rewarded, while they were penalized three months’ worth of salary. How could he not be angry? But if he started arguing with Feng Chiyue now, the duck he had almost caught would fly away. He had to suppress his anger.

“Wandering immortals might be free and unrestrained, but they have to find their own blessed lands and treasures. They wander the world, exposed to the elements. It’s a hard life. Being an immortal official in the Heavenly Court is different. You’ll be granted an immortal residence, attendants to take care of your needs, and access to countless scriptures and Daoist texts in the Wen Qu Treasure Pavilion–”

“Indeed,” a wistful voice interjected. The Vermilion Bright Emissary’s heart sank, but before he could stop her, Feng Chiyue’s laughter rang out.

“The ‘immortal residence’ is a tiny shack the size of a stable. The ‘attendants’ are yourself. As for your salary, after all the deductions, the amount of Cinnabar Jade you actually receive depends on your ability to flatter and fawn. And the Wen Qu Treasure Pavilion? Its doors might always be open, but you won’t be allowed in unless you’re there to clean.”

The newly ascended immortal was initially confused, then shocked and horrified. She had occupied an entire mountain in the mortal realm, with dozens of disciples serving her. Now, in the Heavenly Court, she would have to start as a cleaning maid? The immortal officials at the gate didn’t seem that much stronger than her. Glancing at the Vermilion Bright Emissary’s changing expression, she understood. She grabbed a brush and paper and wrote down two large characters: “Wandering Immortal”! This Heavenly Court wasn’t suitable for someone as straightforward as her.

Fury built up inside the Vermilion Bright Emissary. When he saw that the female cultivator had vanished, his anger reached its peak! He slammed his fist on the table, ready to unleash a torrent of curses, but when he looked up, Feng Chiyue was gone.

The wind whistled through the corridor, scattering the clouds.

Feng Chiyue, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, moved on to the Evergreen Gate.

There were no ascending cultivators here. The Evergreen Emissary and his attendants were happily playing with the Chaos Mirror. Feng Chiyue frowned, slightly bored. But just as she was about to leave, the Merit Mirror above the gate suddenly erupted in a brilliant light. The Evergreen Emissary and his attendants snapped out of their reverie.

“Who’s ascending this time?” the Evergreen Emissary asked without even bothering to look at the Merit Mirror.

“A cultivator from the Evergreen Sect. They sent a message earlier,” the attendant replied.

The Evergreen Emissary snorted and finally glanced at the Merit Mirror. After a moment, he exclaimed, “How many evil deeds did he commit? If we unleash the full force of the tribulation lightning, he’ll definitely die.”

“That’s why they asked you to be lenient,” the attendant said.

The Evergreen Emissary frowned, sighing heavily. “If we reduce it by thirty percent, do you think he’ll survive?” He paused, then shook his head and muttered, “Cinnabar Jade is so hard to earn. I wonder when I’ll be able to make up for the losses I suffered because of Feng Chiyue.”

“I-I-Imm–” the attendant stammered, his face pale.

“Stop stuttering!” the Evergreen Emissary snapped.

Feng Chiyue chuckled. “Perhaps he’s calculating how much more Cinnabar Jade you can afford to lose.”

The Evergreen Emissary looked up and froze, his expression as if he had seen a ghost: “…”

His hand trembled, and he accidentally increased the tribulation lightning by thirty percent instead of reducing it. In the blink of an eye, the ascending cultivator was obliterated, leaving no trace behind.

Why was that menace Feng Chiyue here?!

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.