Chapter 166: The Ziwei Divine Sect’s Suspicion

The three individuals were all elders of the Ziwei Divine Sect. Among them, the eldest and the last to arrive was named Leng Su. He was an inner sect elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect, with cultivation at the level of the Immortal Realm.

The other two were younger women, though their cultivation levels were also at the Undying Realm. It appeared that, contrary to Nangong Han and the others’ assumptions, the Ziwei Divine Sect took the situation in this coastal region quite seriously.

They had sent an inner sect elder at the Immortal Realm, accompanied by two elders at the Undying Realm, to investigate the situation. After all, the matter concerned the seal of the Demon Realm, a matter that could not be treated lightly. It was likely that the core leadership of the Ziwei Divine Sect dared not overlook such an issue.

“Elder Leng, how is it? Any news?”

At this moment, one of the outer sect elders of the Ziwei Divine Sect spoke up.

Leng Su tossed the man he had captured onto the ground and frowned slightly as he spoke. “This matter has exceeded all of our expectations. It’s very likely that the Demon Realm’s seal in this sea region has encountered a problem.”

Hearing this, the two women were immediately shocked.

“Elder Leng, why do you say so?”

“This concerns the seal of the Demon Realm. May I ask where Elder Leng received such information?” one of the outer sect elders asked urgently, her expression changing.

Leng Su replied, “From this man’s memory, I saw a female Asura who left with the team from the Jiang Dynasty after the Ghost King Sect was destroyed. This Asura woman was exceptionally beautiful and exuded an aura of nobility. If I am not mistaken, her status within the Asura clan is unlikely to be low.”

At these words, the two outer sect female elders were both deeply shocked and filled with alarm.

An Asura appearing in the sea region?

This was no trivial matter. Even if it was just one individual, failing to understand the context and how this Asura arrived in Xuanzhou would leave a lingering threat.

“But Elder, didn’t we already verify the seal of the Demon Realm upon arrival? We confirmed that it was intact. In that case, how could this Asura woman infiltrate the sea region? Moreover, the Asura clan is known for their combative nature, and their women are particularly fierce and resolute. Why would such a person willingly follow the people of the Jiang Dynasty?” one of the female elders asked, clearly puzzled.

Leng Su shook his head. “This issue remains unclear at the moment. However, one thing is certain: the Jiang Dynasty is definitely not as simple as it appears. Investigating this matter with just the three of us will be exceedingly difficult, and the scale of the implications is beyond what we can handle.”

“For this reason, I’ve already sent word to the Great Elder, asking her to bring some of the Ziwei Divine Sect’s experts here. Until they arrive, we will remain in the sea region and avoid acting rashly,” Leng Su said calmly, his expression composed.

It was evident that Leng Su did not underestimate the forces in the sea region, despite being a member of the Ziwei Divine Sect. He understood the principle of “there is always someone stronger, and there is always a higher sky.”

“Yes, Elder!”

The other two elders responded in unison.

Chapter 167: Ziwei Divine Sect’s Great Elder, Yin Lan

Meanwhile, in Central City, tens of trillions of miles away from the sea region, a majestic mountain known as Ziwei Mountain stretched into the heavens. On its peaks stood a series of magnificent palaces, some of which seemed to float above the clouds. Surrounded by a mist of ethereal white clouds, the area exuded an aura of mystery, holiness, and unrivaled grandeur.

This was none other than the renowned Ziwei Divine Sect, one of the most prestigious forces in Central Zhongsheng.

At this moment, within a purple palace in the Ziwei Divine Sect, a stunning woman with a perfect figure stood silently, her cold expression exuding an air of unapproachability. This woman, known as Yin Lan, was the Great Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect and a figure of unyielding power, admired by countless men, including Zuo Xuanqi, for whom she was a dreamlike figure.

Yin Lan was one of the core figures of the Ziwei Divine Sect and a peak expert of the Ninth Heavenly Layer of the God-Severing Realm. After reading a message in her hand, her brows furrowed, clearly troubled by the news.

Beside her stood a sweet and innocent young girl named Bai Ranran. Her pure and naive demeanor betrayed her inexperience with the world. Bai Ranran had been adopted and raised by Yin Lan, and though she was still a novice in cultivation, she had an unwavering loyalty to her master.

Seeing Yin Lan’s expression change, Bai Ranran asked curiously, “Master, is something wrong? Why do you look so strange?”

Yin Lan finished reading the message and replied with a slight frown, “Leng Su sent a message. Something has changed in the sea region. A female Asura was spotted, and she suspects there might be another pathway connecting the sea region to the Demon Realm. She’s asked me to investigate personally.”

“Asura Clan?!” Bai Ranran’s face changed slightly as she exclaimed, “Master, you should go quickly! This is a grave matter. If anything goes wrong with the Demon Realm’s seal, the consequences will be disastrous.”

Despite her youth, Bai Ranran understood the gravity of the situation. She had read extensively about the Demon Realm and its terrifying races during her time in the sect.

Yin Lan nodded. “Ranran, I will leave for a few days. During this time, stay within the sect and do not wander. If anything happens, seek the Second Elder for help. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master! Ranran understands,” the girl replied obediently.

With that, Yin Lan’s figure vanished from the palace. However, she did not immediately head to the sea region. Such a significant matter required the approval of the core leadership of the Ziwei Divine Sect.

In the grand hall of the Ziwei Divine Sect, Yin Lan convened with four other figures. Seated at the center of the hall was a peerless beauty in a flowing purple dress, with an exquisite Ziwei flower imprint on her forehead. This was Meng Bingyun, the Sect Master of the Ziwei Divine Sect.

Meng Bingyun, a true Eternal Realm powerhouse, emanated an air of serene mastery, her aura so restrained it seemed she had returned to simplicity. She was the strongest individual in the room.

Flanking her were Kong Zhiying, the Second Elder, and Jian Lanxin, the Guardian Elder. Yin Lan sat opposite them, having called for this urgent meeting.

“What brings us here at this late hour, Great Elder?” Meng Bingyun asked.

“Sect Master, something has happened in the sea region,” Yin Lan replied directly.

“The sea region? Is it the Demon Realm’s seal?” Meng Bingyun’s face shifted, her composed demeanor briefly faltering.

The other elders mirrored her reaction, immediately suspecting the Demon Realm seal had been compromised.

“No, Sect Master. The seal is intact and unbroken,” Yin Lan reassured them, prompting a collective sigh of relief.

“So, what has occurred?” Meng Bingyun asked calmly, though curiosity and concern lingered in her tone.

“A member of the Asura Clan has appeared in the sea region and seems to be connected to the Jiang HuanYu,” Yin Lan explained.

“What?! The Asura Clan?! How is that possible? If the seal is intact, how could they enter the sea region?” Meng Bingyun’s calm expression gave way to shock.

“This information comes directly from Leng Su,” Yin Lan said. “She believes the Asura may have found an alternative pathway to the sea region or stumbled upon it by accident. She has refrained from taking action and reported the matter to me.”

Meng Bingyun and the other elders fell silent, their expressions darkening. This was no trivial matter. The appearance of an Asura, especially with ties to the Jiang HuanYu, could not be ignored.

After deliberating, Meng Bingyun said decisively, “This matter requires thorough investigation. Great Elder, you will take 1,000 elite disciples and head to the sea region immediately. Investigate the situation with the Asura and the Jiang HuanYu. If you discover any collusion or control by the Asura, leave no one alive. Not even the children. Eliminate the problem at its root!”

“Yes, Sect Master!” Yin Lan responded, her tone resolute. Without hesitation, she left the hall to prepare, summoning a thousand of the sect’s finest for the mission.

Meanwhile, at the edge of the deep sea, dozens of figures floated in the sky above the ocean. Their appearances revealed that they were not human; they radiated the overwhelming aura of powerful beasts.

These figures represented two of Central Zhongsheng’s most powerful beast clans: the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan and the Golden Elephant Clan. Their goal was clear—to capture the runaway princess of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan, Su Baijie.

Chapter 168: Su Baijie’s Worries

Su Lin stood at the forefront of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan’s group, holding a pristine white orb in his hand. He spoke confidently, “Don’t worry, we won’t be wrong. This tracking orb was crafted by the clan leader himself, using his own bloodline combined with the aura of the Third Princess.”

“As long as we follow the guidance of this tracking orb, we will find the Third Princess!” Su Lin’s tone was firm and assured. The artifact in his hand was a treasure personally refined by their Eternal Realm clan leader—how could it possibly fail to locate Su Baijie?

“If that’s the case, Elder Su, please cast the spell quickly. Let’s not waste any more time,” said Jin Guangshan, leader of the Golden Elephant Clan, with an impatient tone. His disdain for the current location was evident from his expression. “This desolate place is nothing compared to the spiritual energy of Central Zhongsheng. Staying here even for a moment makes me uncomfortable. Let’s find the Third Princess and return to report to the clan.”

Jin Guangshan’s words and contemptuous attitude made it clear that he looked down on this region and its inhabitants. His arrogance and superiority complex, born from his Zhongsheng heritage, were apparent.

Su Lin, unbothered by Jin Guangshan’s words, began casting a spell to activate the tracking orb. Like the others, he wasn’t fond of being here either. If not for the clan leader’s command, he wouldn’t have come to such a remote place.

Suddenly, the orb emitted a sharp beam of white light, pointing southeast. Su Lin’s eyes lit up. “Got it! The direction is southeast, near the Yun Strait!”

“Yun Tian Strait? Isn’t that the former territory of the Yun Clan? Could the Third Princess be within the Jiang Dynasty?” one of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan members asked.

After the fall of the Yun Clan, Jiang HuanYu established control over the Void Secret Realm, merging it with the Yun Clan’s former territory at Yun Tian Strait. Now, with the unification of the sea region under the Jiang Dynasty, even ancient clans had either been annihilated or subdued. The Yun Tian Strait had become the new sacred ground of the sea region, home to the Jiang Dynasty’s imperial palace.

This information was well-known throughout the sea region. Although Su Lin and Jin Guangshan were outsiders, they had made an effort to familiarize themselves with the region upon arrival.

“The Jiang Dynasty?” Jin Guangshan turned to Su Lin. “Are you certain, Elder Su?”

After double-checking the orb’s guidance, Su Lin nodded. “It’s definitely the Yun Tian Strait, and specifically its center. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, the Third Princess is not only in the Jiang Dynasty but likely within its imperial palace!”

“Then there’s no time to waste. Let’s head to the Jiang Dynasty immediately and begin the search!” Jin Guangshan made the decision decisively, showing no regard for the sea region’s current dominant force.

This arrogance stemmed from his deeply ingrained belief in the superiority of Zhongsheng’s martial world, leaving him utterly dismissive of the Jiang Dynasty.

“Let’s go!” Su Lin echoed.

With that, the two leaders led their groups toward Yun Tian Strait.

In a serene garden, Jiang HuanYu lounged with several of his consorts, basking in the sun. Nearby, a small white tiger frolicked with two icy white spirit dragons, creating a picturesque scene of leisure and harmony.

However, among this tranquility, Su Baijie, reclining on a chaise in a thin dress, suddenly shivered, her serene expression giving way to concern. A wave of unease swept over her, prompting her to open her eyes abruptly.

“Beloved consort, what’s the matter?” Jiang HuanYu, sipping tea and enjoying the sunlight, immediately noticed her change in demeanor and asked with concern.

“Your Majesty, they’re here! They’ve come!” Su Baijie’s brows furrowed as she spoke urgently.

“They’re here?” Jiang HuanYu asked, puzzled. “Wait, Beloved, you’re pregnant. Normally, women don’t have visitors in your condition, right?”
(Gentlemen, remember this: during pregnancy, it’s basic knowledge that certain things don’t occur. Take note!)

Jiang HuanYu’s misunderstanding made Su Baijie roll her eyes dramatically. The other consorts nearby couldn’t help but giggle behind their hands.

“Your Majesty, that’s not what I meant!” Su Baijie said, exasperated. “I’m talking about my father’s people! I can sense members of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan approaching. The Golden Elephant Clan is likely with them. They’re coming for me!”

Jiang HuanYu chuckled lightly at her words. “Oh, is that all? Let them come. I’ve been itching to test my strength. Slaughtering a few golden elephants and foxes might even be fun.”

“Besides,” he added, smirking, “it’ll be a good source of nourishment for my pregnant consorts. Let them come; I’m ready for them.”

His casual attitude reflected his absolute confidence. With his current cultivation level and resources, even if the clan leaders of the Golden Elephant Clan and Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan came personally, they would still have to kneel before him. In his possession were not only the indestructible-tier weapon Universe Thorn but also the emperor-tier artifact Chaos Bell. Moreover, the imperial palace, still within the Void Secret Realm, rendered him nearly invincible.

“Under immortals, I am unmatched. Against immortals, I trade life for life!”

Hearing Jiang HuanYu’s words, Su Baijie felt slightly reassured, recalling the power and foundation of the Jiang Dynasty.

“Your Majesty, I have no objection to you dealing with the Golden Elephant Clan,” Su Baijie said hesitantly. “But as for the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan… I…”

Her expression turned conflicted as she trailed off. Despite escaping from an arranged marriage, she couldn’t forget the kindness of some elders within her clan.

The lead consort, Xiao Qingli, noticed Su Baijie’s hesitation and spoke up. “Baijie, you’re asking His Majesty to show restraint toward the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan, right? You don’t want to see the elders who were kind to you get hurt.”

Su Baijie nodded in agreement, gratitude evident in her eyes.

Xiao Qingli then turned to Jiang HuanYu. “Your Majesty, Baijie has made her request. What do you intend to do?”

Chapter 169: Qian Xinrou Gives Birth!

Jiang HuanYu gently set down his teacup and spoke slowly, “The Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan has no direct enmity with me. Since my beloved consort doesn’t wish for me to be too harsh on them, I’ll respect her wishes.”

“However!” His voice sharpened. “No one, not even the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan, can think they can oppress my woman without consequences. They must pay a price.”

He continued, “I’ve decided that once our child is born, I’ll send you and the child back to resolve past grievances. With your Extreme Ice Sacred Body and the child’s potential, your clan’s leader will regret everything they’ve done. If they dare to use force to detain you, the Jiang Dynasty’s armies will flatten Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Mountain!”

Su Baijie was deeply moved by Jiang HuanYu’s words, and beside her, Xiao Qingli nodded in approval. “That’s wise,” Xiao Qingli said. “With her sacred body and the child’s gifts, the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan will learn the consequences of their actions.”

“I’ll go with you, Baijie,” Xiao Qingli added. “If anyone dares to mistreat you, I’ll make sure their blood stains the ground.”

Moved to tears, Su Baijie clasped her hands in gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, sister!”

Jiang HuanYu laughed heartily, grasping the hands of Su Baijie and Xiao Qingli. “Once our children are born, it will be time for the Jiang Dynasty to advance into Central Zhongsheng. When that day comes, my beloved consorts will become the most exalted and honored women in all of Xuanzhou!”

Just as his words hung in the air, Jiang HuanYu’s expression suddenly changed. He stood abruptly. “Quick! Xinrou is going into labor! Summon the midwives immediately!”

In the Void Secret Realm, Jiang HuanYu’s consciousness was everywhere. He had sensed Qian Xinrou’s water breaking and her cries for help.

“Xinrou is in labor?” exclaimed Xiao Qingli and the other women. They hurriedly sprang into action, some rushing to summon midwives while others followed Jiang HuanYu to Qian Xinrou’s chambers.

“Your Grace, push harder!”
“Ahhh!”
“The head is out! Just a little more!”
“Ahhh! I’ll fight you all if I must!”
“Almost there! Just one final push!”
“Ahhhhh!!!”
“Waaahh! Waaahh!”

Amidst Qian Xinrou’s intense efforts and the midwives’ guidance, the baby was finally delivered safely.

Outside the chamber, Jiang HuanYu and his consorts anxiously waited. When the sound of a baby’s cries echoed, everyone’s faces lit up with joy. Moments later, a midwife emerged, carrying the newborn wrapped in soft cloth.

“Your Majesty, the consort has delivered a princess! Please take a look,” the midwife said, presenting the baby to Jiang HuanYu.

Looking at the tiny baby crying in the midwife’s arms, Jiang HuanYu saw a striking resemblance to her mother. She would undoubtedly grow into a great beauty one day. Laughing joyously, he declared, “Wonderful! My first daughter—Li Yue, Jiang Li Yue!”

He instructed the midwife, “Take her away and care for her well. I’ll go see Xinrou.”

Entering the chamber, Jiang HuanYu found Qian Xinrou lying in bed, her face pale but glowing with a smile. Taking her hand, he gently kissed it. “My dear, you’ve worked so hard. You’ve given me a wonderful princess.”

“Li Yue,” he murmured, “her name will one day shine as the brightest moon in countless hearts.”

Qian Xinrou, though exhausted, smiled warmly. “It’s my honor to bear a child for you, Your Majesty.”

“Rest now, my love. You’re too weak. I’ll have precious elixirs brought to restore your strength,” Jiang HuanYu reassured her before leaving her to rest.

The baby, Jiang Li Yue, was placed under the care of the midwives, but Xiao Qingli, Murong Xue, Xiu Luo Yanran, and Su Baijie couldn’t resist watching over her, fascinated by the newborn. For some of them, their own time to give birth was approaching, making this moment all the more meaningful.

Though Qian Xinrou’s labor came earlier than expected, Jiang Li Yue was perfectly healthy. In fact, her innate gifts were astonishing.

“This is incredible!” one of the women exclaimed. “She’s born with the cultivation of a Saint! How is this even possible?”

“And her aptitude,” another noted, “is second only to the peerless Lingdao Physique!”

“Most surprising of all is her constitution,” Murong Xue remarked, scrutinizing the baby closely. “It seems… it’s the legendary Lunar Radiance Divine Body!”

Xiao Qingli nodded in agreement. “Yes, it is. This divine body ranks among the most powerful in the Great Thousand Worlds. It allows her to manipulate the moon’s energy to form spatial fields and increase her power exponentially under moonlight.”

“She’s extraordinary,” Xiao Qingli said. “Although Xinrou hasn’t yet awakened her Heavenly Wisdom Physique, Li Yue’s divine body must be a result of His Majesty’s unmatched lineage.”

The others nodded in agreement, marveling at Jiang HuanYu’s unparalleled genetic legacy.

“If that’s the case,” Xiu Luo Yanran said thoughtfully, “then when Xiao Qingli’s child is born, their aptitude and physique will be even more astonishing!”

Chapter 170: The Upgraded Universe Thorn and Offspring Rewards!

Among the pregnant women, Xiao Qingli’s aptitude and talent were undoubtedly the most extraordinary. If combined with Jiang HuanYu’s unparalleled gifts, the child they would produce might possess peerless potential, destined to stand at the pinnacle of cultivation.

“The next to give birth is probably Sister Xiao,” Su Baijie speculated.

“But if it’s a boy and he ends up being named Jiang Wangteng… that name…” Han Wanxiang trailed off awkwardly. It was undeniable that Jiang HuanYu had a habit of giving less-than-ideal names. The prospect of naming the first prince something like Jiang Wangteng was laughable enough to cause ridicule among other powers.

Xiao Qingli, deep in thought, finally said, “If it’s truly my son, I’ll ensure His Majesty changes the name. That name is indeed… odd.”

While the ladies surrounded Jiang Liyue, Jiang HuanYu had retreated to a side hall, seeking solitude.

“Alright, system, show me what you’ve got,” he said internally.

Earlier, when the child was born, the system had already prepared a notification. However, Jiang HuanYu had temporarily suppressed it, prioritizing the well-being of his wife and newborn daughter. After all, Jiang HuanYu wasn’t one to prioritize rewards over the people he cherished.

[System: You’re such a tease.]

Jiang HuanYu chuckled, “Oh, cursing me now, are you? Cut the chatter and give me my rewards!”

[System: Congratulations, Host! You have welcomed a princess! A child-reward package has been issued. Would you like to open it?]

“Open it!” Jiang HuanYu commanded without hesitation.

[System: Opening the reward package…]
[System: Ding!]
**[System: Congratulations, Host! You have received the following rewards:

Jiang HuanYu reviewed the rewards with satisfaction but raised an eyebrow. “What? The middle section? Why not the final section?”

As he inspected the Hongmeng Chaos Divine Art, he realized the reason. It wasn’t a complete version of the technique but rather segmented into three parts: upper, middle, and lower. Despite its current incompleteness, it had already bestowed him the ability to battle across realms, enhancing his combat prowess significantly.

[System: The Hongmeng Chaos Divine Art is one of the supreme techniques of the universe. In its complete form, it surpasses even emperor-tier techniques. Even just the upper and middle sections alone elevate your power to levels exceeding saint-tier techniques.]

Jiang HuanYu sighed, accepting the explanation. “Fine, I’ll work with what I have. Begin cultivating the middle section, and activate the two cultivation advancements!”

[System: Initiating cultivation…]
[System: Applying advancements…]

After approximately half an hour, Jiang HuanYu felt his aura deepen and grow more profound. Mastering the middle section of the Hongmeng Chaos Divine Art had further advanced his cross-realm combat prowess by two levels. He could now defeat opponents five tiers above him among geniuses and up to eight tiers against ordinary cultivators.

The cultivation advancements propelled his base cultivation to the Five-Star Eternal Realm. Without relying on external tools, his combat strength now rivaled and even exceeded most Eternal Realm pinnacle cultivators. Against the prodigious Eternal Realm geniuses, his power was comparable to an Eleven-Star Eternal Realm.

“System, use the epic upgrade for the Universe Thorn,” Jiang HuanYu commanded next.

[System: Executing upgrade…]

The Universe Thorn levitated in mid-air, radiating a growing aura. Its spatial energy intensified as its dull exterior transformed. Once matte black, the weapon now gleamed with a regal purple hue, its tip adorned with a faint crimson glow. Spatial energy rippled around it, exuding both majesty and ferocity.

Jiang HuanYu, standing close, felt an unmistakable pressure emanating from within the weapon. It was emperor-tier might—an aura only found in imperial-grade artifacts like his Chaos Bell.

[System: Upgrade complete. The Universe Thorn has been restored to emperor-tier status.]

Jiang HuanYu clenched the weapon, marveling at its resurgence. The once-dim weapon was now a radiant force of destruction. With it, he could collapse spatial dimensions or create devastating space storms and explosions.

“These offspring rewards are leagues ahead of the achievement rewards,” Jiang HuanYu mused. “And with Qingli, Wanxiang, and Baijie all due soon, I’ll have three more reward packages to look forward to!”

Returning to the others, Jiang HuanYu found Xiao Qingli, Murong Xue, Xiu Luo Yanran, and the rest still doting over the newborn Jiang Liyue. Though premature, the baby’s physical constitution was nothing short of extraordinary.

“Her innate cultivation is already at the Saint Realm,” Xiao Qingli marveled. “Her talent rivals the Lingdao Physique!”

After further observation, Murong Xue declared, “It’s the legendary Lunar Radiance Divine Body!”

Xiao Qingli nodded. “Correct. Among divine bodies of the Great Thousand Worlds, it ranks near the top. It grants unparalleled mastery over lunar energy, enabling spatial manipulation and immense power under moonlight.”

Jiang HuanYu joined the women, pride evident in his expression. With a smile, he thought about the future, knowing his offspring would bring unparalleled glory to the Jiang Dynasty.