Although the Han Family was one of the most powerful forces in Qingyao, they were utterly powerless in the face of this unforeseen surprise. The only one aware of the situation was Han Yucheng.
One day earlier, when assassins had already set their sights on Feng Qi, Bai Lanyue had appeared out of nowhere in his chamber, and in that instant, he became nothing more than an object under her command. First his body, then his Inner Qi, and gradually, even his consciousness began to fade, slipping from his own control.
"Damn it! Curse you!" he shouted.
Tian Ming and the entire Tian family were slowly falling into her trap, completely unaware.
Han Yucheng remained conscious, but there was nothing he could do—his movements, his voice, everything was under the control of that woman. What kind of technique was this?
This was no ordinary technique. The talisman she wielded carried a will unfathomable, one that surpassed the Heavens themselves. And even as just a fragment, it could dominate living beings with mere words.
The power to seize control of someone's body… how strong must one be to accomplish such a feat?
It was not only the Han and Tian families—anyone harboring grudges, anyone scheming to seize power through the fall of the Bai Family, was gradually becoming nothing more than a puppet for Bai Lanyue.
Even with the limitations imposed by her capacity to activate the talisman, it was enough to destroy eighty percent of the strength and wealth of these clans and sects.
Bai Lanyue did not concern herself with the fall of Qingyao; her focus was on her family, her servants, and her allies. For her, it was more than time to break free from the chains of the Southern Region. Even the Imperial Court—or the Emperor? She cared little for life or death; in the end, all were the same, struggling for resources in a world of endless war. Each fought for status and wealth—it was every man for himself on this long path.
Back in the strange place, it became clear that this was, in fact, a small artificial world.
Bai Lanyue walked the rest of the path alongside the young Su Yuer.
The scenery was breathtaking, unlike anything known in the ordinary world. A strange aura permeated the air—a presence of harmony.
Far beyond the massive temple lay a sprawling city on the hill. Tens of millions resided within it, and it was exceptionally wealthy. Countless people and flying artifacts drifted through the sky, some riding the backs of Spiritual Beasts.
Beside the enormous temple was a vast spiritual garden, tended tirelessly by countless servants.
As they approached the circle of friends, a stunning young woman stood among them, as beautiful as Bai Lanyue herself—a true fairy.
"Lanyue!"
"Bai Lanyue?"
"She's here?"
Suddenly, many turned in surprise. Everyone knew Bai Lanyue, so her presence was no shock. In fact, everyone here knew each other; countless stories had been exchanged, and people from all corners of the world—and even other races—gathered here.
"Bai Lanyue, welcome back! You should visit more often—the Master always complains," said a young lady of the Lingmu race. Descendants of the World Tree, her people possessed an extraordinary affinity with the Law of Wood. Her skin was pale, with subtle veins of wood barely visible. Her emerald-green hair shone like gemstones, and her eyes brimmed with vibrant life.
The Lingmu were born when the Celestial Qi of Life touched the first forest of the world. Unlike mortals, they did not birth—they sprouted from the World Tree, carrying in their cores the eternal pulse of growth.
"Welcome back… Lanyue." A young man of unusual appearance spoke with intimacy. He belonged to the Hailin race—the Spirits of the Sea. His skin shimmered with a faint pearlescent glow, like wet shells. Long hair flowed like seaweed in the wind, deep azure in color. His translucent eyes resembled the depths of the ocean, reflecting spiritual light. Though seemingly human, faint scales appeared along his arms, neck, and back whenever he channeled power.
The Hailin were born from the first breath of the ocean, when Celestial Qi met the primordial tides. Each carried the eternal rhythm of the waves in their blood, as ancient as the sea itself.
Many other races were present, and all knew and respected one another. After all, they were disciples of a single existence.
"Are you here to stay, Lanyue? We've been practicing the Soul Purification Sutra and the Celestial Harmony Sutra—the results are remarkable," said the beautiful fairy hovering amid the group. Her name was Mu Qingye, draped in flowing blue silk that matched the Infinite Sky. Her voice was delicate, her gaze penetrating, as though she could see through Bai Lanyue's very soul, uncovering every secret.
She was a Nascent Soul powerhouse, on the cusp of breaking through to the Soul Transformation.
"It's true, Lanyue. I have attained enlightenment in my cultivation and am about to surpass the Qi Refinement barrier," said Su Yuer, playfully demonstrating by forming a fist-sized sphere of energy and launching it against a nearby wall. The impact was terrifying. "Even my Qi control has improved!"
"Well, you little rascal! Now get back to training…" Bai Lanyue replied, approaching the central figure. "Senior Sister, how have you been?" Her manners here were far more refined than in the Bai Mansion.
"No merits or demerits—just teaching the basics to the children. And you? I see you have managed to build your Foundation."
"That's nothing to boast about in front of you," Bai Lanyue said, cupping her hands and bowing lightly to Mu Qingye.
"Do not belittle yourself, dear. You were not chosen by the Master for nothing."
A faint smile graced Bai Lanyue's lips. She seemed genuinely content here—perhaps it was the people, or the aura of this place.
"After all, where is the Master? I need to speak with her," Bai Lanyue said softly.
"The Master is at the peak of the temple," Mu Qingye replied, pointing to the structure behind them. "I've already sent a mental message to her. Go ahead and ascend."
Suddenly, the woman in question raised her index finger, and a portal engulfed Bai Lanyue from head to toe. In an instant, she was walking through the corridors at the temple's peak. Though the place was enclosed and dim, Bai Lanyue navigated it effortlessly.
At the summit, a woman stood, gazing solemnly across the horizon, where skies and clouds seemed to bend to her will. Her eyes radiated profound wisdom, as if she had lived through the world and eternity itself.
Her name was Ye Xianrong.
"Master, how have you been?" Bai Lanyue did not bow, but knelt to show her utmost respect.
"Lanyue… I have told you not to kneel before me. Rise!" said Ye Xianrong, her expression gentle.
"Master, you are practically a goddess. I insist on paying my respects this way. Please understand." Bai Lanyue's pride was unshakable—it would seem absurd to kneel to anyone—but in this case, it was different. The woman before her embodied the pinnacle of power in the world.
A Spiritual King.
Sighing, Ye Xianrong replied, "Do as you wish…" Her gaze returned to the horizon. To ordinary eyes, she might seem to watch the clouds, but in truth, her vision pierced far beyond.
Ye Xianrong sought something in the vast world below. Even in this enclosed place, her sharp vision could penetrate the boundaries of this small world.
"…I have been contending with the Will of Heaven to preserve my life—that is all I have done in recent times. Even the smallest movement risks the wrath of Heaven… it is truly vexing!" said the Spiritual Queen. She lowered her gaze from the horizon to examine her palm, centuries of stories etched into her existence. "Tell me, little Lanyue, how long do you think a Spiritual King can live?"
"Madam…?" The question was odd and sudden. Bai Lanyue measured her words carefully, taking a deep breath as vast streams of information surged through her mind. With unwavering resolve, she replied:
"Great Master! I have never received precise information, but since it is your question, I shall answer! A Body Refinement Warrior may live up to 120 years; reaching Qi Refinement extends life to 150. Breaking Qi Condensation allows a cultivator to live 200 years; Establishing the Foundation, 300 years… this is the lifespan I have ahead of me…" Suddenly, Bai Lanyue realized how fleeting her life truly was, and a deep contemplation overcame her.
"And beyond that?" Ye Xianrong inquired.
"…A Core Formation cultivator may live 500 years; refining to a Golden Core adds 100 years. A Nascent Soul lives a thousand years. I do not know the lifespan of a Soul Transformation, but estimating from previous increases, perhaps around 5,000 years… As for the Transcendent Realm and the Spiritual King Realm, I cannot fathom their vastness, Master… maybe 100,000 years?" Bai Lanyue felt an existential tremor—if her cultivation were ever halted, death would await. "Could it be that the Master…"
"Soul Transformation… they may live for ten thousand years," Ye Xianrong explained. "A Transcendent lives for fifty thousand years, and a Spiritual King lives for five hundred thousand."
"Master…"
"I have lived for 102,000 years, and to imagine that my time is slipping through my fingers… it fills me with unease! Do you understand what all of this means, Bai Lanyue?"
"Master… I… I am sorry, but I cannot imagine it. Please, enlighten me."
"To prepare yourself, Bai Lanyue. Prepare yourself, for time waits for no one. It will pass… and in the end, only the world remains. Even our souls… will no longer be the same after death."
"But Master, you will live for a long time yet. Perhaps one day, you will discover a way to elevate your cultivation further." Bai Lanyue pondered this. For someone considered a prodigy, reaching the Golden Core on her own was not impossible in her lifetime. Now, with the guidance of such a powerful Master, things would be different. She could live for thousands, even tens of thousands of years—there would be no fear if she could attain the Nascent Soul Realm.
"Even if I live for a long time, it is impossible to cultivate beyond the Spiritual King Realm."
"May I ask why, Master?" Bai Lanyue's curiosity was piqued. What prevented Spiritual Kings from advancing further? No books or scrolls contained the answer.
The Spiritual Kings themselves did not reveal this secret, making it a profound mystery. Theories existed, but no certainty.
"You will understand naturally, perhaps someday, when you reach Soul Transformation," Ye Xianrong said. She would not dare reveal more. Her disciple understood well enough not to question her. "What you must always remember is this: persistence elevates one to unimaginable heights. Without it, we would remain confined to the small region where we were born. Always remember this, little Lanyue."
"Yes, Master…" Bai Lanyue suddenly seated herself in the lotus position, gazing deeply inward, analyzing every detail of her life, every memory, every technique, and new knowledge. She refined herself, perfecting her being to elevate her cultivation.
After the time of four incense sticks passed, Bai Lanyue achieved enlightenment and advanced to the second layer of Foundation Establishment.
"It is not enough!" Ye Xianrong cried, observing her with affection.
She placed her palm on her disciple's back, guiding her cultivation, strengthening both her Upper and Lower Dantian. Massive energy surged into Bai Lanyue's body, while countless techniques and secrets she had cultivated flooded her mind like an overwhelming tidal wave.
And so, within the time of one incense stick, Bai Lanyue advanced to the third layer.
"That is enough. Now you must put into practice what I have taught."
"Yes, Master! I will obey!"
"By the way, I heard you were seeking me. What happened?" asked the Spiritual Queen. Both walked the temple's peak, observing the artificial sun of the small world set.
With deep anguish, Bai Lanyue said, "Master, matters below are unfavorable for my family, and the Chenyang Empire is about to fall into the hands of the Immortals of the North. If that happens, it will be catastrophic—they are known for enslaving all they consider inferior…" She struggled to voice her thoughts. "Could the Master handle this?"
Suddenly, the sunset vanished, the day ended, and night descended—dark as pitch and swift as lightning. It was so abrupt that even the people in the city below were startled.
It seemed that Ye Xianrong was furious.
"Disciple, the problems of the world do not concern me. Besides, have you forgotten? Even my slightest movement would defy the Will of Heaven. If I dared act without sufficient reason, I would pay dearly. The other Spiritual Kings are always watching. To intervene is to draw the attention of these elders. This problem… it is yours to resolve. It is your Destiny."
Bai Lanyue's expression was pained; her gaze fell to the ground. Instantly, she knelt, begging forgiveness. Such an act could be considered insolent, disrespectful to her Master. What did she think her Master was—a servant to solve her problems?
The young girl felt ashamed, yet she tried, her heart whispering: "One never knows unless one tries."
"Please forgive me, Master! I do not know what I was thinking."
Ye Xianrong looked upon her with pity, sighing. "It is not that I do not wish to help, but it is impossible. If I intervene, I will pay dearly. The Will of Heaven is ruthless, and the other Spiritual Kings lie in wait, seeking to benefit from the fall of one. If I fall, do you think the Floating Islands Region could survive even a moment?"
"No, Master. We would not last a single day. Even with Transcendent Realm guardians, the other Spiritual Kings would exploit your fall to seize our islands. Our future would be miserable. Forgive my arrogance, Master," Bai Lanyue said, shocked. She had never imagined such a reaction from her Master, leaving her crestfallen.
"Very well… but that does not mean I cannot send someone." Ye Xianrong's heart softened at the sight of Bai Lanyue's sorrowful expression.
Suddenly, a spark of joy lit Bai Lanyue's face, followed by a bright smile.
"Thank you, Master!"
Bai Lanyue explained the situation. She revealed her deep dissatisfaction with the Emperor's governance and the long Dynasty, detailing her bold plans and intentions.
As the night unfolded across the Small World, Bai Lanyue continued her discussion. Soon, a topic arose:
"Sanskrit inscriptions?" Ye Xianrong asked.
"Yes, Master. There are Sanskrit inscriptions across his body, and we do not fully understand them. I have heard of an ancient artifact containing Sanskrit inscriptions—could there be a connection?" Bai Lanyue was curious and revealed the secret of Young Qi to Ye Xianrong.
"That is strange… Sanskrit on the body? I must investigate this further." She had an inkling of what it might be but would not jump to conclusions.
"He is still unconscious. His injuries were severe. But Master, can you see him from here?"
"The Bai Mansion, is it? I have located it." Her scanning speed was incomprehensibly fast. Her eyes swept across every direction until she quickly found the Bai Mansion. Instantly, her gaze traced all the rooms, locating Young Qi.
At that moment, to Bai Lanyue's astonishment, her Master's eyes widened as if witnessing something impossible. After all, what could possibly surprise such an existence?
"Master?!"