Chapter 68
Amidst the recent turmoil, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, the two at the center of it all, remained unfazed, as if it were none of their concern. However, the Chaos Mirror was in an uproar.
After Yunze Young Lord’s passionate speech at the Celestial Pivot Department, the immortals had also subtly criticized the Heavenly Emperor. However, they had assumed that, at most, he would be forced to back down under pressure. They hadn’t expected Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue to be so audacious, attacking the new Danxue Mountain, completely disregarding his decree.
In this brief but bloody confrontation, the Celestial Feather Ministry had unequivocally sided with Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue. As for their nominal leader, the Celestial Mother, she hadn’t even appeared, which was unsettling. The Celestial Feather Ministry’s reforms had been a process of separating from the Heavenly Court. After the Phoenix Sovereign’s fall, the feathered lineages, or rather, the Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, and their allies, had been forcibly integrated into the Heavenly Court. Now, they were being separated once more.
“You’re all behind the times. This isn’t about ‘defending their innocence.’ It’s the Phoenix Sovereign returning for revenge,” a well-informed individual wrote on the Chaos Mirror, then vanished, ignoring the ensuing chaos.
The Phoenix Sovereign—this ancient title, almost forgotten by many, had finally resurfaced. Due to various reasons, the immortals hadn’t dared to mention the “Fall of the Phoenix,” but now, they could no longer ignore it.
The battlefield between gods and demons was also in turmoil, but no one paid attention to the conflict there. After all, the battle on Kunlun Mountain was much closer to home.
Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue enjoyed only a single day of peace.
At noon the next day, Que Chenyi arrived at Morning Phoenix Mountain, her heart heavy with worry.
After breaking with the Immortal Realm, the Celestial Feather Ministry naturally couldn’t remain on Kunlun Mountain. They had relocated to Danxue Mountain, but new problems had arisen. Although Chang Huai could utilize the fire to construct the training ground, she couldn’t extinguish the mountain’s flames. The entire Ministry felt cramped within the fiery landscape. In just a short time, three puppet servants had been incinerated by the intense heat and malicious energy, costing them a considerable amount of Cinnabar Jade.
Que Chenyi wanted to move the Ministry to Morning Phoenix Mountain, but she knew Feng Chiyue would never agree. Her temper was indiscriminate. If she dared to move the Ministry there, everything would be reduced to ashes by the next day.
Under Feng Chiyue’s impatient gaze, she hesitantly brought up the matter of Danxue Mountain.
Feng Chiyue remained silent. Ming Jian Su thought for a moment, then asked, “How many lineages have contacted your people since the incident?”
Que Chenyi sighed. “Apart from those vicious lineages who were fiercely loyal to the Vermilion Birds, everyone has been asking about the Sovereign,” she said. “If they all relocate here, there won’t be enough space for them in the current Danxue Mountain.” A thousand years ago, Danxue Mountain had been the phoenixes’ home, accommodating far more lineages than during the Vermilion Birds’ reign. After that disaster, the feathered lineages had split, and each lineage had moved out, leaving it to the Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, and Bifang.
“Even if the flames subside, Danxue Mountain is still covered in ashes,” Feng Chiyue said coldly. Despite her words, she took out a phoenix feather and handed it to Que Chenyi. It was one of the feathers they had obtained from Tu Shan Xiu Rong. Since they were going to fight the Heavenly Emperor to the end, it was best for those loyal lineages to gather in one place. Otherwise, the smaller tribes wouldn’t be able to withstand the Heavenly Court’s attacks.
Que Chenyi accepted the feather and thanked her. However, she didn’t leave immediately but seized the opportunity to mention another matter. “Qing Xun seems to be about to undergo Nirvana,” she said. Qing Xun was young, and she needed an elder to guide her. The Azure Dragon lineage in Phoenix Mountain had already sent someone to inquire, offering to assist her. However, considering their relationship with Feng Chiyue, Que Chenyi, after consulting with Qing Xun, had declined their offer.
“She was born with an incomplete immortal body,” Ming Jian Su said, frowning. “She needs to undergo Nirvana to achieve completion. If she fails, she’ll be incinerated.”
Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Is the Azure Dragon lineage in Phoenix Mountain extinct?”
Que Chenyi remained silent. Judging from Feng Chiyue’s undisguised malice and disdain, if she had accepted their offer, Qing Xun would be ostracized.
Ming Jian Su pondered. Her junior sister didn’t want to get involved in the affairs of the feathered lineages, and she couldn’t possibly oversee their rise and fall forever. They needed a new leader. With some guidance, Qing Xun might be suitable for the role. She waved her hand, and Eternal Sword, adorned with three phoenix feathers, shot forward, landing beside Que Chenyi.
Feng Chiyue glanced at Ming Jian Su, then turned to Que Chenyi. “My Elder Sister’s sword is enough,” she said lazily. “If you’re still worried, you can watch over her. Perhaps you’ll learn something from her Nirvana.”
Que Chenyi agreed and, clutching Eternal Sword, left Morning Phoenix Mountain, sighing in relief.
Although Feng Chiyue’s attitude was still unfriendly, she had achieved her goals.
Not long after Que Chenyi’s departure, the Celestial Mother discreetly sent the Merit Mirror.
Ming Jian Su, who had been holding onto the Minor Realm’s nascent Heavenly Dao, immediately placed the blood feather, now imbued with its power, into the Merit Mirror. After a moment, a vortex appeared before them, a Heavenly Gate manifesting within the mountain. However, the phoenixes in the Minor Realm hadn’t accumulated enough merits yet. They couldn’t ascend through the Merit Mirror.
The mirror’s surface was smooth and bright, reflecting countless worlds. The Merit Mirrors hanging above the various Heavenly Gates on Kunlun Mountain were mere reflections, existing between reality and illusion. “During peaceful times, the Heavenly Mechanism Department relaxed their restrictions, allowing their personal preferences and biases to override the Heavenly Dao’s will, granting ascension to unqualified individuals,” Ming Jian Su said, her lips curving into a cold smile. “Now, with chaos brewing, the Heavenly Emperor needs those ascending immortals even more.”
Those who could trigger the Merit Mirror were naturally powerful enough, but their character was questionable. The Heavenly Gate guardians controlled the Ascension Platform. If they had been impartial, the consequences of one’s actions would have determined their fate, life or death during the ascension tribulation. But now, the Heavenly Gates prioritized “profit.” If a vicious individual had a powerful backer who bribed the guardians, or if the guardians needed to meet a quota, they could escape death and ascend. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what kind of immortals they would become. The corruption in the Immortal Realm was largely the Heavenly Mechanism Department’s fault.
She flipped the Merit Mirror over.
A Taiji symbol, yin and yang intertwined, was engraved on its back, but it was covered in cracks, like a spiderweb.
She remembered Feng Chiyue’s words and asked, “What would happen if the Merit Mirror shattered?”
“It contains three thousand worlds,” Feng Chiyue replied casually, propping her chin on her hand. “If its fragments scatter, it could reverse life and death, blur the lines between reality and illusion, or even cause complete annihilation. In the end, no immortal would escape death.”
Ming Jian Su frowned. “Don’t they know the consequences?” The Merit Mirror had been passed down through generations of Heavenly Emperors. It hadn’t been in this state during the previous reigns.
“Perhaps they used their own magic power to nourish it, slowing down its decay?” Feng Chiyue said. “After all, the Mandate of Heaven, the Heavenly Constitution, and the Merit Mirror are all connected to the Heavenly Dao. They can repair some of the cracks.”
Ming Jian Su hummed. She had no recollection of the previous Heavenly Emperors. First, she had mostly lived in seclusion. Second, those former rulers, upon ascending to the Upper Realm of the Realm Beyond Heaven, had completely severed their ties with the lower realms. Their presence in the world would gradually fade until they were forgotten. The Mandate of Heaven was truly a ridiculous thing. The first Emperor, with his great merit in establishing the Heavenly Court, had left behind an enduring legacy. The Mandate had been passed down through his bloodline, balanced by the Great Yin, maintaining harmony between yin and yang, pure and turbid. But even the greatest legacy would eventually fade. The changes within the Great Yin were a clear sign.
After a moment of silence, she said, “The Heavenly Emperor is conscripting soldiers in the Immortal Realm. Some wandering immortals will likely join him.” There had also been wandering immortals who had participated in the war between gods and demons a thousand years ago. Although they didn’t hold official positions in the Heavenly Court, they still played a role. Those with guilty consciences, fearing retribution, would have no choice but to join the Heavenly Court. As for the others, they were simply seeking profit. They were unaware of the shifting Mandate of Heaven and believed that emperors only abdicated voluntarily, ascending to the Realm Beyond Heaven. They had never seen an emperor expelled from Kunlun Mountain.
Feng Chiyue chuckled. “The Heavenly Emperor won’t place his hopes on them.”
“You’re right,” Ming Jian Su agreed. “His greatest reliance is on the Star Monarchs in the Realm Beyond Heaven. Should we take this opportunity to cut down the Jianmu tree and sever the connection between the realms?” Before Feng Chiyue could respond, she added, “No, that wouldn’t do. If the realms are separated, those criminals will escape punishment!” She wouldn’t let any of those responsible for that past betrayal escape!
Feng Chiyue listened attentively, then, reaching out, she smoothed Ming Jian Su’s furrowed brow. “What is the Celestial Mother doing?” she asked. “She can’t just close her palace doors, refuse to support the Emperor, and consider the matter settled, can she?” They were allies. Her Elder Sister couldn’t possibly bear such a heavy burden alone.
“She sent a lot of moon essence,” Ming Jian Su said. Moon essence, the essence of the Great Yin, was a valuable ingredient for crafting healing elixirs.
Feng Chiyue scoffed. “As if she’s giving alms to beggars.” To the Great Yin Celestial Mother, moon essence was as common as water.
Ming Jian Su choked. “And the Celestial Pivot Department.” After Yunze Young Lord and his disciples resigned, only Dao Ling Star Monarch’s loyal followers remained. The Heavenly Mechanism Department had attempted to appoint new officials, but their request had been rejected by Dao Ling Star Monarch. Si Li Star Monarch was helpless. It was a chaotic time, and he had countless matters to attend to. He had no time to deal with her.
“I don’t care,” Feng Chiyue said, rolling over in Ming Jian Su’s embrace and blinking. “Either she finds a way to stop the Realm Beyond Heaven, or she summons her Twelve Earthly Branches manifestation to assist the Celestial Feather Ministry.” The Twelve Earthly Branches were manifestations of the twelve months, formed by the moon’s waxing and waning. Within their formation, life and death cycled endlessly. As for how much magic power the Celestial Mother would have to expend, Feng Chiyue didn’t care.
“She cultivated the Taiji Dao Body, didn’t she? Sun and moon sharing the sky, ten suns, twelve moons… she can manifest them all, can’t she? I’m not asking for much,” she added, convinced of her own kindness and consideration.
Ming Jian Su chuckled, knowing that her junior sister was simply looking out for her. “I’ll tell her,” she said, nodding.
In the East Sea.
After the appearance of the phoenix manifestation, the Four Seas Dragon Lords had gathered to discuss the situation.
They had no particular allegiance. They would support whoever offered them the most benefits.
A chariot, its bells tinkling, approached from the horizon. With a neigh, the Heavenly Court emissary emerged from the carriage, holding a jade scepter.
He was about to pay a courtesy visit to the East Sea when a thick fog suddenly descended, obscuring his vision.
He became wary and, taking out a small, exquisite glazed lamp from his sleeve, flicked his finger, sending a pulse of magic power into it. A halo of light spread outwards, but it only reached a few feet before encountering an obstacle. He frowned and, bowing towards the empty fog, called out, “Emissary from the Heavenly Court, requesting an audience with the East Sea Dragon Lord.” He repeated this several times, but there was no response. After a moment of thought, he raised his scepter, and several beams of green light shot forward like lightning.
Amidst the whistling wind, he finally heard a hiss.
He raised his lamp and saw a faint, white figure, ethereal and graceful, standing on a reef.
The figure held a coral flute, and a piercing melody, as loud as crashing waves, suddenly filled the air, its power sweeping outwards.
He was startled. He channeled his magic power into the scepter, sending dozens of beams of light towards the figure. A series of clangs echoed through the air as the light clashed with the sonic waves, sparks flying.
“What is the meaning of this, Fellow Daoist?” he shouted.
But the figure didn’t respond, her attack intensifying. The sonic waves transformed into arrows, shooting towards him like meteors.
He used the same tactic as before, but this time, the powerful energy didn’t dissipate. It struck his scepter, sending a jolt through his arm. His expression changed, and he was about to retreat to his chariot when the sea surged, waves rising like a charging army, towering above him.
The entire East Sea trembled, even the Crystal Palace shaking.
The four Dragon Lords, discussing matters within the palace, assumed they were under attack.
“What’s happening?” the South Sea Dragon Lord asked, her face cold.
The East Sea Dragon Lord had a suspicion. His eye twitched, and he was about to send someone to investigate when the tremors suddenly stopped.
Moments later, a shrimp soldier arrived, reporting that the Dragon Princess had returned.
East Sea Dragon Lord: “…”
“Cunxin’s travels are quite impressive,” the South Sea Dragon Lord said, glancing at him, surprised.
He groaned inwardly. That wasn’t Ying Cunxin’s doing. It was clearly the manifestation of the Pearl that Calms the Seas. What had she done this time?
As he pondered, Ying Cunxin returned.
She was followed by a small aquatic soldier, carrying a severed head, its face pale and lifeless.
“I saw a Heavenly Court emissary provoking us by the sea on my way back,” she said, her eyes unwavering. “I killed him.”
“A Heavenly Court emissary? You just… killed him?” After a moment of stunned silence, the East Sea Dragon Lord exclaimed.
“Yes,” she confirmed, nodding, then added regretfully, “Unfortunately, his soul escaped back to the Heavenly Court.”
The Four Seas Dragon Lords: “…” With that level of power, how could his soul possibly escape? She had clearly let him go deliberately. They had been discussing how to handle the situation, but now, she had killed the emissary, directly offending the petty Heavenly Emperor.
“Prepare for war,” the South Sea Dragon Lord said calmly, her face impassive.
Ying Cunxin smiled faintly.
She hadn’t returned to the Crystal Palace after leaving Kunlun Mountain but had been waiting for the right opportunity.
Instead of wasting time arguing, it was better to cut off all ties and eliminate the Heavenly Court’s emissary.
What could the Dragon Lords do then? Hand her over to the Emperor?
The emissary’s soul, after a harrowing escape, returned to the Heavenly Court and, upon meeting Si Li Star Monarch, dramatically recounted the East Sea’s hostility. Enraged, Si Li Star Monarch detained his soul and went to see the Emperor.
The Heavenly Emperor was in a good mood. He had contacted those in the Realm Beyond Heaven and had obtained a powerful artifact from one of his father’s former retainers. He was fantasizing about using it to crush the feathered lineages’ rebellion. However, before he could even refine the artifact, Si Li Star Monarch arrived with bad news.
Although he had long been aware of the Four Seas’ rebellious nature, the brutal killing of his emissary still enraged him. He felt his authority challenged. His eyes flashed with anger, and he thought, “I’ll test this artifact on the Four Seas first.” He suppressed his fury and said coldly, “I understand,” then, with a flick of his sleeve, dismissed Si Li Star Monarch.
He took out the artifact, which resembled a bracelet, and, with a wave of his hand, wiped away the dark aura clinging to it, slowly channeling his magic power into it. He hadn’t known what it was initially, but as he refined it further, understanding dawned upon him. This artifact, called the “Blood Sun Devouring Ring,” was limitless. Theoretically, the more sacrifices offered to it, the greater its power. He only needed to offer an initial sacrifice, then feed it with his spoils of war. Its power would continuously increase, without any limit. It was a vicious weapon, which was why the Star Monarch who had crafted it had taken it to the Realm Beyond Heaven instead of leaving it in the Heavenly Court’s treasury.
He wouldn’t sacrifice his own magic power, and he couldn’t use the other Star Monarchs. He needed them to deal with Ming Jian Su and her allies. After much deliberation, he decided that newly ascended human immortals were the most suitable candidates. The prisoners in the Senluo Prison would have been ideal, but they had been killed by Dao Ling Star Monarch. He spent half a month refining the artifact, then immediately sent a decree to the Heavenly Mechanism Department, ordering Si Li Star Monarch to gather all recently ascended human immortals in the Purple Empyrean Palace.
Upon receiving the decree, Si Li Star Monarch naturally urged the Heavenly Gate guardians to act.
He had been too busy with recent events to pay attention to the ascension of human immortals. He had estimated, based on past experience, that they could at least find twenty powerful candidates. However, he waited for a long time, but no list was presented. He assumed that the Heavenly Gate guardians were also rebelling.
Only after summoning them and questioning them did he exclaim in disbelief, “Not a single ascension from three thousand Minor Realms?”
“There’s been no activity on the Merit Mirror,” a Heavenly Gate guardian said, his face pale. It wasn’t that they had been too strict with their judgments, but there simply weren’t any ascending cultivators. What could they do?
“Impossible!” He glared at them suspiciously. If one or two were deliberately concealing information, it would be understandable, but they were all saying the same thing. Had something gone wrong with the Ascension Platform at the Heavenly Gate? Afraid of facing the Emperor’s wrath, he went to a Minor Realm with abundant spiritual energy and personally guarded its Heavenly Gate, but even after several days, the Merit Mirror remained silent. There was no sign of anyone attempting to ascend.
Fear and anxiety overwhelmed him. He couldn’t hide this any longer. He transformed into a beam of light and rushed towards the Purple Empyrean Palace.
The Celestial Mother had been observing the situation in the Immortal Realm and was aware of the turmoil within the Heavenly Mechanism Department.
She chuckled coldly. Now that she had the Merit Mirror, she would naturally control the ascension of immortals from the Minor Realms. Why would she allow the Heavenly Mechanism Department to interfere? The true Heavenly Gates had been discreetly relocated. The Heavenly Emperor’s hopes of using those ascending human immortals to bolster his forces were a delusion!
Dao Ling Star Monarch was also present in the palace. “Are you truly going to reveal your Twelve Earthly Branches manifestation during the battle?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.
The Celestial Mother nodded. “Some sacrifices are worth making.” She wanted to become the ruler of the Immortal Realm, and Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue desired revenge. They all had to give it their all. After a moment of thought, she added, “The Realm Beyond Heaven has sent a vicious weapon. The Emperor’s reputation will soon be shattered.”
In Morning Phoenix Mountain.
Ming Jian Su received a message from the Celestial Mother about the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. Her expression turned serious.
Feng Chiyue opened her eyes slightly and glanced at it. “The Celestial Mother is well-informed,” she said.
“Many Star Monarchs have gone to the Realm Beyond Heaven over the past thousand years,” Ming Jian Su said. “If the Celestial Mother has been planning to usurp the Mandate of Heaven, it’s not surprising that she has some people there.” She thought for a moment, then added, “That Blood Sun Devouring Ring is a vicious weapon. It needs sacrifices to activate. The Emperor won’t use his own people. He’ll either capture human immortals from the Heavenly Gate or find them elsewhere. I wonder if he’ll choose the aquatic lineages from the Four Seas or the feathered lineages?”
Feng Chiyue lowered her gaze and asked casually, “Has the fire in Danxue Mountain subsided? Have the feathered lineages all relocated there?”
“Almost,” Ming Jian Su replied, then, remembering their allies, she said, “Inform Ying Cunxin.”
Feng Chiyue nodded, summoned the Chaos Mirror, and sent a message to Ying Cunxin. “There’s another option for ‘sacrifices,’” she wrote.
Ming Jian Su’s eyes narrowed. They were thinking the same thing. The Vermilion Birds, Bifang, and other lineages in Danxue Mountain hadn’t been completely eradicated. Many young Heavenly Immortals remained. They couldn’t return to the feathered lineages and had no desire to side with the Emperor. In his eyes, they were now useless, perfect for sacrifices. If he hadn’t chosen them, it wasn’t out of compassion but simply because he had forgotten about their insignificant existence.
“But I don’t want to help them,” Ming Jian Su said. A thousand years of hatred and resentment entangled her heart. She wouldn’t show any kindness to the descendants of those criminals. Her voice held a cold indifference. “Either they become sacrifices, or the Emperor uses his own people. He’ll definitely use that Blood Sun Devouring Ring.” They would have to face those artifacts eventually. Since the outcome was the same, why bother wasting their energy saving them? They had spared Yuan Wuxin’s life as repayment for her help. That was enough.
Feng Chiyue understood her reservations. She embraced Ming Jian Su and smiled. “There are also Vermilion Birds and Golden Pheasants in the Realm Beyond Heaven,” she said. “Would they allow their lineages to be eradicated? Driven by the desire to preserve their dwindling bloodlines, they won’t stand idly by.”
“We’ll use them to create conflict in the Realm Beyond Heaven, exploit their value, then kill them. Wouldn’t that be better?”
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