Chapter 171: Courting Death

Yuntian Strait, Jiang Imperial City

Jin Guangshan and Su Lin led their respective groups into the bustling streets of Jiang Imperial City. The grandeur and prosperity of the city seemed to have little effect on their arrogance. Standing amidst the crowd, Jin Guangshan turned to Su Lin.

“Elder Su, what’s the status?” he asked.

Su Lin held the tracking orb in his hand. After confirming its direction, he nodded firmly. “No mistake. The Third Princess is in the Jiang Imperial Palace.”

“Haha!” Jin Guangshan laughed, his face full of contempt. “Good! Let’s go. We’ll storm the palace and take her directly. What can a mere Jiang Dynasty do to us?”

Without hesitation, Jin Guangshan and Su Lin led their forces, deliberately unleashing their powerful auras as they soared toward the imperial palace. Their approach left the citizens below trembling, but they paid no mind to the chaos they caused.

On a peak outside the imperial city, Leng Su and two female elders of the Ziwei Divine Sect observed the scene. One of the elders frowned in confusion.

“Isn’t that Jin Guangshan of the Golden Elephant Clan and Su Lin of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan? What are they doing in the Jiang Dynasty? And with such fanfare, openly releasing their auras as they head for the imperial palace… Are they trying to pick a fight?”

Leng Su narrowed her eyes, watching the spectacle. “I recall Su Lin was tasked with tracking down the Third Princess of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan, who fled an arranged marriage. If he’s here with Jin Guangshan, it’s likely the princess is in the Jiang Imperial Palace.”

The second elder gasped. “You mean… Su Lin’s Third Princess is one of the emperor’s consorts?”

Leng Su nodded slightly. “It fits. I’ve heard that Emperor Jiang HuanYu has a consort called Concubine Su. While it’s unclear if her real name is Su Baijie, the chances are very high.”

The first elder remarked, “If that’s true, then a clash between Jin Guangshan, Su Lin, and the Jiang Dynasty seems inevitable. Should we intervene?”

Leng Su shook her head, her expression calm. “The situation in Jiang Imperial City is still unclear. No one knows the full extent of Emperor Jiang HuanYu’s strength. Jin Guangshan and Su Lin may be walking into trouble. Let’s wait and see. If they’re defeated, it will reveal much about the Jiang Dynasty’s capabilities.”

The two elders nodded, agreeing to let Jin Guangshan and Su Lin test the waters while they observed from a safe distance.

Inside the Jiang Imperial Palace

Jiang HuanYu sat in a side hall, gently rocking the cradle of his newborn daughter, Jiang Liyue. The baby slept soundly, surrounded by a protective barrier set up by Jiang HuanYu himself. The growth rate of the child continued to astonish everyone. In less than two days, she was already the size of a two-month-old infant.

Jiang HuanYu and his consorts speculated on the cause, eventually concluding that it must be related to Jiang HuanYu’s Time-Space Physique. The time energy infused in his bloodline likely accelerated their offspring’s growth.

As Jiang HuanYu and the women marveled at Liyue’s development, a shadow guard appeared silently in the hall, kneeling respectfully.

“Your Majesty,” the guard said.

“Speak,” Jiang HuanYu replied casually, his gaze still on his sleeping daughter.

“The Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan and the Golden Elephant Clan have entered the city. They are approaching the palace with their auras fully unleashed. Their leaders are two Ninth-Heaven Immortal Realm warriors. Shall we suppress them immediately?”

Jiang HuanYu’s expression remained unchanged, a soft smile on his lips as he looked at his daughter. However, Su Baijie’s face turned pale. She hadn’t expected her father to send such high-level cultivators to bring her back. When she had fled, her cultivation was far from even reaching the Saint King Realm. Now, sending Immortal Realm experts left her with no hope of escape.

Jiang HuanYu finally spoke. “Send Feipeng and the Arrow God to deal with them. Capture them all alive. Do not kill them yet. Bring everyone to the main hall.”

“Understood!” The shadow guard vanished like smoke.

As the intruders approached, Jiang HuanYu continued to focus on his daughter. In his heart, he felt no concern. If the fools wanted to storm his palace, they would quickly realize the depths of their folly.

Chapter 172: The Pitiful Jin Guangshan

At the gates of the Jiang Imperial Palace, Jin Guangshan and Su Lin stood with their entourage, their auras unleashed, creating a suffocating pressure over the area.

“Everyone in the Jiang Dynasty, kneel before me!” Jin Guangshan roared arrogantly, his voice carrying into the depths of the palace.

Their group of over twenty advanced toward the palace entrance with haughty confidence. However, two figures appeared before them, blocking their path.

One was Feipeng, clad in silver-white armor, his expression icy and impassive. He stood motionless, his sword sheathed, his cold gaze locked onto Jin Guangshan and his followers as though they were nothing more than jesters. Beside him was Arrow God, equally composed.

“Hmph, courting death!” Jin Guangshan sneered, releasing a blast of energy from his palm aimed directly at the two.

Feipeng smirked coldly. With a simple step forward, a wave of Heavenly Fate Realm energy rippled outward, enveloping the entire area like an oppressive domain. The energy from Jin Guangshan’s attack dissipated instantly upon contact with Feipeng’s field, leaving his group in a state of shock.

The wave of energy didn’t stop there. It surged forward, binding and suppressing Jin Guangshan and his followers, forcing them to the ground. Cries of pain erupted as Feipeng’s oppressive power shattered half the bones in their bodies, rendering them limp and broken.

“Ahhh!”

Jin Guangshan and Su Lin’s faces twisted in horror. They struggled against the invisible force pinning them, their minds reeling.

“A Heavenly Fate Realm cultivator?! Impossible! How can there be someone at this level in the sea region?!” Jin Guangshan gasped.

This unforeseen development shattered their arrogance. The Jiang Dynasty—a supposedly fledgling power—had a Heavenly Fate Realm expert in its ranks? This revelation was more than they could process.

Desperate, Jin Guangshan tried to plead. “Good sir, we’ve made a mistake. Please accept our apologies and let us go. We truly meant no harm!” His voice quivered with fear, exposing his cowardice.

Feipeng, unmoved, didn’t dignify him with a response. Instead, he and Arrow God calmly rounded up the group, their bodies glowing momentarily before all were transported into the palace.

Jiang HuanYu sat regally on the throne, flanked by Su Baijie and Xiao Qingli, who occupied seats to his left and right. They had been waiting.

Moments later, Feipeng and Arrow God materialized in the hall, unceremoniously tossing Jin Guangshan, Su Lin, and their entourage onto the floor. The battered group groaned in pain, their broken forms sprawled pathetically.

Su Baijie’s expression softened slightly upon recognizing Su Lin. Despite her icy demeanor, she couldn’t entirely ignore the familiarity of her clan.

Jin Guangshan and Su Lin struggled to kneel upright, their shattered bones barely allowing the movement. Looking up, Su Lin’s face lit with mixed emotions as he saw Su Baijie.

“Th-Third Princess! So you are here!” he exclaimed, equal parts relieved and regretful.

“Su Lin,” Su Baijie replied coldly, “it’s been a while. So you’ve come to drag me back under my father’s orders, haven’t you?”

“I…” Su Lin stammered, unable to refute her words. “Third Princess, I… had no choice. The clan leader himself issued the order. I couldn’t disobey.”

Her gaze grew colder, tinged with disappointment. She didn’t respond but glanced away, her emotions carefully masked.

From the throne, Jiang HuanYu’s voice suddenly rang out. “A moment ago, I heard someone demanding that everyone in my Jiang Dynasty kneel. Who said that?” His gaze swept over the group, his tone light yet laced with menace.

The hall fell into dead silence. Jin Guangshan averted his gaze, his face pale. The other members of the Golden Elephant Clan were equally terrified, none daring to speak.

Jiang HuanYu’s eyes landed on Jin Guangshan. “You. Raise your head,” he commanded.

Jin Guangshan reluctantly complied, trembling. “Y-your Majesty, it was a slip of the tongue. I spoke in error! Please spare my life! I am at fault, and I deeply regret my words!”

He slapped himself repeatedly, tears streaming down his face. “Your Majesty, you are magnanimous, a ruler whose generosity spans worlds. Please, grant me mercy!”

Jiang HuanYu watched his pitiful display with a calm smile. “Your eloquence is commendable. But, since you’ve admitted you deserve death, how can I bear to disappoint you?”

Turning to Feipeng, he issued his decree. “Take every member of the Golden Elephant Clan. Roast them. Feed them to my consorts for nourishment.”

“Understood, Your Majesty,” Feipeng replied without hesitation.

The Golden Elephant Clan members, including Jin Guangshan, erupted into cries of terror.

“Your Majesty, please spare us!”
“We surrender! We’ll serve you loyally!”
“Kill us if you must, but don’t insult us like this! Our clan leader will avenge us!”
Their pleas turned to screams as Feipeng dragged them away.

Among the group, a few maintained their dignity, meeting their fate with silence. The rest, like Jin Guangshan, groveled until the end, their fear overriding all pride.

With the Golden Elephant Clan dispatched, Jiang HuanYu shifted his focus to Su Lin and the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan members.

Meeting Jiang HuanYu’s gaze, Su Lin’s fear deepened. He hastily spoke, “Your Majesty! You mustn’t eat us!”

Jiang HuanYu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And why not?”

Su Lin, desperate, blurted out, “Because… because we’re too pungent!”

The hall fell silent for a moment before Su Baijie’s face twitched in embarrassment. She almost rolled her eyes.

“Too pungent?” Jiang HuanYu repeated, before bursting into laughter. “Fair enough. I’ll take your word for it.”

His laughter softened the tense atmosphere. Turning to Su Baijie, he added, “It seems your clan has its share of quick thinkers. What do you say? Should I spare them?”

Su Baijie sighed, recognizing his jest. “Do as you wish, Your Majesty,” she replied softly, though relief flickered in her eyes.

Chapter 173: Huh? Special Talents?

At this moment, Su Lin, who was previously trembling with fear, felt a strange sense of relief when he saw Jiang HuanYu smile. Confusion flooded his heart—he couldn’t decipher what the emperor’s smile meant. Before he could dwell on it, Jiang HuanYu turned serious and spoke to Su Baijie.

“My dear consort, these are your clansmen. The choice is yours. Do you want them to live or die? You decide.”

Jiang HuanYu had no personal stake in Su Lin and his group’s lives, leaving their fate in Su Baijie’s hands.

Hearing this, Su Lin caught onto a critical detail: Jiang HuanYu had called her “my consort”! The realization struck him like lightning. The Third Princess had married the ruler of the Jiang Dynasty! If this news reached their clan, it would cause an uproar, and the younger generation, especially the Golden Elephant Clan’s heir, would likely explode in fury.

Despite his shock, Su Lin dared not speak out. His life still hung by a thread.

Su Baijie gazed at her clansmen with a mixture of emotions. Finally, she said firmly, “Elder Su Lin, return to Central Zhengshou. Tell my father that I will come back soon to resolve everything with him and the Golden Elephant Clan.”

Su Lin immediately bowed deeply. “Yes, Third Princess!” He wasted no time gathering his people and retreating from the Jiang Imperial Palace as quickly as possible.

After they left, Su Baijie sighed deeply, her conflicted emotions evident. Xiao Qingli, sitting nearby, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You’ve done well. Some things in this world are beyond our control, no matter how hard we try.”

“I understand,” Su Baijie replied, shaking her head with a trace of helplessness. “But I never thought it would come to this between me and my clan.”

Jiang HuanYu pulled her into his embrace and spoke softly. “Baijie, you have me, your child, and your sisters here with you. You’re not alone. Rest if you’re tired. As for the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan, leave it to me.”

Jiang HuanYu was many things to many people: a ruler both revered and feared, a man capable of mercy or massacre. But to his consorts, he was their anchor, their protector.

“I’m fine, Your Majesty,” Su Baijie murmured as she leaned against him.

Jiang HuanYu stroked her hair gently. “Don’t overthink the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan. Everything will resolve itself in time. As for the Golden Elephant Clan, they’ve already crossed the line. Leave them to me—they won’t trouble you again.”

Jiang HuanYu’s resolve was absolute. The Golden Elephant Clan’s attempt to reclaim Su Baijie had crossed a line. Their fate was sealed.

As the matter was settled, Jiang HuanYu turned to Xiao Qingli. “Inform Medusa and have Yanran bring Xinrou as well. Tonight, we’re feasting on divine beast meat. It’ll be great nourishment for all of you, especially those who are pregnant or recovering.”

Xiao Qingli smiled and left to gather the others. Soon, the consorts joined Jiang HuanYu in the imperial garden, where a grand feast awaited.

Golden Elephant meat roasted to perfection adorned the table, its golden skin crisp under the fire’s glow. The rich aroma wafted through the garden as Jiang HuanYu and his consorts dug in with relish.

Nearby, a small white tiger dragged a roasted Golden Elephant leg to a long table, sharing it with two icy white spirit dragons.

Han Wanxiang, nibbling on a Golden Elephant trunk, struggled with its size. “Your Majesty, why is this elephant’s nose so huge?”

Jiang HuanYu chuckled. “Wanxiang, you don’t understand. For males, whether beast or man, having a big nose is a source of pride and significance.”

Wanxiang paused mid-bite, puzzled. “Why, Your Majesty? What special talent does a big nose represent?”

Jiang HuanYu’s eyes glinted mischievously as he grinned. “Oh, it’s a very special talent. Eat first, and when we’re done, I’ll show you what it symbolizes.”

The consorts exchanged knowing smiles while Wanxiang blushed, uncertain whether to press further or drop the subject.

On a mountain overlooking the Jiang Imperial City, Leng Su and her fellow elders from the Ziwei Divine Sect remained in their hidden observation post. Their Great Elder had not yet arrived, and they chose not to enter the city without reinforcements.

“It’s been three days,  and there’s no sign ofthe Golden Elephant Clan leaving,” one elder remarked. “When Su Lin and the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan left, they all looked pale and terrified. It’s likely Jin Guangshan and his group have met their end.”

“This Jiang Dynasty is a true dragon’s den,” she added.

Leng Su nodded in agreement. The events of the past few days had revealed the Jiang Dynasty’s overwhelming strength.

As the trio continued their discussion, a sudden voice echoed in their ears, startling them.

“Even a dragon’s den must bow before the Ziwei Divine Sect.”

The chilling declaration sent a shiver through their spines as they whipped around, searching for the speaker.

Chapter 174: Yin Lan Arrives!

The moment the powerful voice echoed, the space itself began to twist and tear apart. Out of the rift stepped Yin Lan, the Great Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect, accompanied by thousands of female disciples. Her majestic presence cast an overwhelming pressure over the mountain peak.

“Great Elder, you’re here!” exclaimed Leng Su, along with the two other elders. Their faces lit up with relief. With Yin Lan’s arrival, they no longer had to linger uncertainly on the mountain.

Yin Lan’s sharp gaze swept over them briefly before turning toward the direction of the Jiang Imperial City. “What’s the situation? Has the Asura Clan made an appearance?”

“Reporting to the Great Elder,” Leng Su replied, “so far, we have not detected any Asura Clan activity. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that they are hiding within the imperial palace. Additionally, a few days ago, members of the Golden Elephant Clan and the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan entered the city. They…”

Leng Su proceeded to recount the events involving the two clans, including her speculation that the Third Princess of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan, Su Baijie, was now a consort of Emperor Jiang HuanYu.

Yin Lan, hands clasped behind her back, listened intently. After a moment, she spoke. “So, they were here to retrieve Su Linfeng’s daughter, Su Baijie?”

Su Linfeng, Su Baijie’s father, was the current clan leader of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan.

“Yes, Great Elder. The emperor’s consort, Lady Su, is very likely Su Baijie,” Leng Su confirmed.

Yin Lan pondered briefly, then issued her command. “Very well, I understand. Gather the disciples. We are entering the Jiang Imperial Palace.”

Her tone was calm and unwavering, carrying the confidence of someone with immense power. As a Ninth-Heaven God-Severing Realm cultivator, Yin Lan was one of the most formidable experts in Central Shengzhou, second only to Eternal Realm powerhouses.

“Great Elder, should we investigate further before making our move?” asked one of the female elders.

“There’s no need for such caution. It’s just a mere Jiang Dynasty. With me here, any unforeseen complications can be dealt with easily,” Yin Lan replied confidently, trusting fully in her unparalleled strength.

“Understood!” the elder responded without hesitation.

Under Yin Lan’s command, the group of over a thousand disciples marched into the Jiang Imperial City, heading straight for the imperial palace.

Inside the Jiang Imperial Palace

Jiang HuanYu had already been informed of their arrival through his Shadow Guards. When he learned that a cultivator of unfathomable power was among them, he decided to personally intervene.

Yin Lan and her disciples reached the palace gates, but just as they were about to cross the threshold, the space around them distorted violently. The entire group was abruptly pulled into a void-like dimension.

“What is happening, Great Elder?!”
“Where are we?!”

The disciples panicked, glancing nervously at their unfamiliar surroundings.

Yin Lan stood at the forefront, her expression calm but her brows slightly furrowed. “Someone has manipulated the spatial energy here to transport us elsewhere. Stay calm. Let us see who dares to act against us.”

Her composed demeanor reassured the group. Moments later, the void gave way, and they found themselves inside the grand hall of the Jiang Imperial Palace.

The sudden appearance of such a large group caused some disciples to spill into the hallways outside. Inside, Jiang HuanYu sat on the dragon throne, flanked by Xiao Qingli, Su Baijie, and Xiu Luo Yanran. Below them stood Feipeng, Wanjian Shen, and Chonglou.

As Yin Lan and her group took in their surroundings, her sharp gaze swept over the individuals present. Her eyes briefly lingered on Jiang HuanYu before moving to Xiu Luo Yanran. Her pupils contracted slightly as realization dawned.

“An Asura!” Yin Lan thought. “The Jiang Dynasty is colluding with the Asura Clan. This is a grave crime worthy of death!”

Her expression turned cold as she prepared to confront them.

Before she could speak, Feipeng stepped forward, his voice as frosty as his demeanor. “Who are you, and what business do you have with the Jiang Dynasty?”

Jiang HuanYu remained seated, his gaze focused on Yin Lan. He had already assessed her strength—she was indeed a Ninth-Heaven God-Severing Realm expert, stronger than Wanjian Shen and Xiu Luo Haocheng. Her poise and bearing marked her as a seasoned warrior, but Jiang HuanYu’s sharp eyes also noticed subtle signs of hardship and age.

Her attire, adorned with a Ziwei Flower, confirmed her identity.

“Ziwei Divine Sect,” Jiang HuanYu mused. He had heard of their renown.

His expression grew faintly amused as a particular memory surfaced: Zuo Xuanqi, one of his loyal ministers, had recently expressed his admiration for Yin Lan, even requesting Jiang HuanYu’s assistance in proposing marriage to her.

Jiang HuanYu had agreed to help, but the opportunity had not yet arisen. To his surprise, Yin Lan had come knocking on his door instead.

“Interesting,” Jiang HuanYu murmured to himself.

Breaking the silence, one of the elders accompanying Yin Lan stepped forward. “We are from the Ziwei Divine Sect in Central Shengzhou. This is our Great Elder, Yin Lan.”

“Ziwei Divine Sect’s Great Elder?” Jiang HuanYu’s expression turned slightly enigmatic.

Both Su Baijie and Xiao Qingli shifted their gazes to Yin Lan, recognizing her as one of the most powerful figures in Xuanzhou. Xiu Luo Yanran, however, stiffened, fully aware that her Asura heritage might provoke a deadly confrontation.

Meanwhile, Jiang HuanYu’s mind raced with thoughts of Zuo Xuanqi’s romantic ambition. Suppressing a grin, he spoke, his tone measured and calm. “Ah, the Ziwei Divine Sect. To what do we owe the honor of your visit to the Jiang Dynasty?”

Chapter 175: Zuo Xuanqi’s Springtime

“You must be the ruler of the Jiang Dynasty, Jiang HuanYu?” Yin Lan’s piercing gaze locked onto Jiang HuanYu as she spoke with an assertive tone.

“How dare you!” Feipeng immediately rebuked, his cold voice echoing in the hall. Wanjian Shen narrowed his eyes, his aura sharp as a drawn sword, ready to act if necessary.

Yin Lan ignored them, her focus unwavering on Jiang HuanYu. “This woman is of the Asura Clan. Don’t you think you owe an explanation? Colluding with a race from the Demon Realm is a grave sin. That alone is enough justification for me to annihilate your entire Jiang Dynasty!”

Her words were cold and domineering, underpinned by the confidence of her cultivation as a Ninth-Heaven God-Severing Realm expert. She believed her power was enough to handle anything the Jiang Dynasty could throw at her.

However, Yin Lan gravely underestimated the true strength of the Jiang Dynasty. While the dynasty had yet to make a name for itself in Central Zhongshen, its hidden power surpassed imagination. Even a figure as renowned as Yin Lan, or even the leader of the Ziwei Divine Sect, would be at the mercy of Jiang HuanYu if they dared to act recklessly in his domain.

Jiang HuanYu, seated on the dragon throne, listened to Yin Lan’s audacious declaration without anger. Instead, a faint, amused smile appeared on his face.

“Great Elder Yin Lan, what arrogance!” he said with a chuckle. “To speak such bold words in my palace—you’re the first to do so. Tell me, how exactly do you plan to annihilate my Jiang Dynasty? With your God-Severing Realm cultivation?”

His tone was laced with mockery, his disdain for her evident.

Yin Lan’s expression changed instantly. “You… you can see through my cultivation?!” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

She hadn’t released her aura since arriving, and the remote sea region was unlikely to house anyone capable of discerning her level of power. Yet Jiang HuanYu had casually revealed it, as if it were the most trivial detail.

Before Yin Lan could fully process this, Jiang HuanYu raised his hand slightly, and an overwhelming force descended upon the hall. The power, radiating from the Eternal Realm pinnacle, swept down like a divine hammer from the heavens. A field of unparalleled might enveloped the space, shaking the very foundations of the palace.

The sheer intensity of this aura was enough to unleash catastrophic tsunamis across the sea region if unchecked. Its oppressive weight forced Yin Lan to her knees, her God-Severing Realm strength rendered utterly useless under its pressure.

Thud!
Yin Lan fell heavily to the ground, her face ashen.

“Great Elder!” cried Leng Su and the other disciples of the Ziwei Divine Sect, their faces pale with terror. They had not been directly targeted, but the residual force of Jiang HuanYu’s aura was enough to send shivers down their spines.

“This… this can’t be!” Yin Lan stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief. “You… your cultivation is at the Eternal Realm?!”

Her words sent shockwaves through her entourage. Leng Su and the others could barely keep their composure. An Eternal Realm cultivator in the sea region? Such a phenomenon was inconceivable given the spiritual energy scarcity of the area.

Jiang HuanYu’s faint smile deepened. “Yin Lan, is this the extent of your arrogance? A mere God-Severing Realm cultivator dares to shout my name in my hall? According to the laws of my dynasty, you should be executed for your insolence.”

He paused, his tone turning mischievous. “But… I have a better idea.”

Yin Lan’s heart sank. Despite her situation, she summoned what remained of her courage. “What… what do you intend to do?” she asked, her voice faltering as she struggled under the crushing weight of Jiang HuanYu’s aura.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Jiang HuanYu replied with a cryptic smile.

Moments later, Zuo Xuanqi entered the hall. His expression turned to one of confusion as he noticed the large group of women and the oppressive atmosphere. As his gaze swept over the scene, it froze on Yin Lan.

“Yin… Yin Lan?!” Zuo Xuanqi’s face lit up with both shock and joy. Yin Lan had been the object of his admiration for years—his unattainable dream. And now, here she was, kneeling in the Jiang Palace.

After a brief moment of elation, Zuo Xuanqi regained his composure and bowed to Jiang HuanYu. “Your Majesty, your loyal servant pays his respects!”

“No need for formalities,” Jiang HuanYu said with a calm smile. “Zuo Xiang, do you recognize this woman?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Zuo Xuanqi replied earnestly. “She is Yin Lan, the Great Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect.”

Jiang HuanYu nodded. “A few days ago, you asked me to help you propose marriage to her. It seems the situation has resolved itself. Today, Yin Lan has come to us instead.”

He continued, his tone light but firm. “Yin Lan trespassed in my palace and acted presumptuously. By the laws of the dynasty, she deserves death. However, in light of your request, I will grant her a reprieve.”

“From this moment on, Yin Lan is your wife, Zuo Xiang. Later, visit Danchen to collect some of our finest medicinal pills. Make sure you consummate the marriage tonight. Do you understand?”

Zuo Xuanqi was momentarily stunned before breaking into a grin. “Yes, Your Majesty! Your servant is eternally grateful!”

Yin Lan’s face turned pale as her mind struggled to process the sudden turn of events.

Chapter 176: Since You’re Here, Don’t Leave

At this moment, Zuo Xuanqi stood in the grand hall, momentarily stunned after hearing Jiang HuanYu’s words. For a brief moment, he froze in place.
The next second, his expression changed, and he burst into an excited and joyous smile.

“Your servant obeys!!”

Immediately after, Zuo Xuanqi turned around with a big smile on his face, his gaze locking onto Yin Lan.

“Scoundrel!” Yin Lan spat. “Jiang HuanYu, you may kill me, but you will not humiliate me!”
“If you dare treat me this way, my Ziwei Divine Sect will never rest until your Jiang Dynasty is utterly destroyed!”

Yin Lan didn’t know what “Da Chu specialty” referred to, but she wasn’t a naive, inexperienced girl. She immediately understood the underlying meaning of Jiang HuanYu’s instructions to Zuo Xuanqi.
In her agitation, she shouted in defiance.

Zuo Xuanqi suddenly strode toward her and covered her mouth without hesitation. His expression remained composed, even with a faint smile. “Oh, my dear wife, how foolish you are.”
“You are the mistress of my Prime Minister’s Residence, which means you are naturally one of His Majesty’s subjects. As for the Ziwei Divine Sect? Isn’t it just another force under our Jiang Dynasty?”

“It’s alright, it’s alright.”
“There’s no need for panic. Once we return, I’ll carefully explain everything to you.”

While speaking, Zuo Xuanqi firmly held her mouth, maintaining his gentle, comforting smile.

“Mmm… Mmm… Mmm!” Yin Lan protested desperately, her muffled voice incomprehensible as she struggled wildly.

Jiang HuanYu had already withdrawn his power, but a trace of eternal realm energy remained within Yin Lan, sealing her energy channels. This rendered her entirely powerless, no different from a cripple.

Even with Zuo Xuanqi’s lackluster cultivation level, subduing a Yin Lan who couldn’t use any of her power was an effortless task.

The female disciples and elders of the Ziwei Divine Sect, watching Zuo Xuanqi handle Yin Lan so disgracefully, were all seething with anger and helplessness.
Yet, they dared not act.

They understood clearly that even if they took action, it would achieve nothing. On the contrary, it might provoke Jiang HuanYu further.

At this moment, Yin Lan’s eyes were full of unbridled hatred as she glared at Zuo Xuanqi. This old man was utterly shameless. Holding her mouth in the grand hall while spouting such indecent words—it was simply too much!

No matter how much she struggled, however, it was futile. Her resistance had no effect.

Jiang HuanYu watched Yin Lan’s futile defiance with great satisfaction. He gestured lazily, saying, “Alright, take her away.”
“Discipline her properly. Considering what she said today, I’ll let it slide this time for your sake. But don’t let it happen again, understood?”

Zuo Xuanqi nodded seriously and bowed deeply. “Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will take my wife back and strictly discipline her. She will never act this way again!”

“Hm…” Jiang HuanYu nodded lightly.

With that, Zuo Xuanqi carried away the still-muffling Yin Lan. Outside the hall, the old man even adjusted his grip, transitioning to an embrace, taking full advantage of her.

“Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!” Yin Lan’s eyes burned with murderous rage as she struggled desperately.

Yet the more she struggled, the wider Zuo Xuanqi’s grin grew. “Hehehe, my dear wife, let’s first retrieve the Da Chu specialty. Once we’re home, I’ll properly teach you!”

“Mmm! Mmm!” Yin Lan continued protesting helplessly as she was taken away.

Back in the grand hall, Leng Su and the remaining Ziwei Divine Sect members stood frozen, their worry for Yin Lan’s safety mixing with the helplessness of their own situation.

Jiang HuanYu’s gaze now rested on them.

“You are all members of the Ziwei Divine Sect. Tell me, what do you think this emperor should do with you?”
“You stormed into my Jiang Imperial City with your Elder, brimming with hostility.”
“Had it not been for the profound strength of my dynasty, the situation could easily have been reversed.”
“If you belonged to any other force, this emperor would not hesitate to eliminate you. But since you are of the Ziwei Divine Sect, I might consider sparing your lives.”

Jiang HuanYu’s face held a mysterious smile.

“You… Your Majesty, would you truly spare us?” Leng Su stammered in disbelief, a glimmer of hope lighting up her eyes.

“Wrong.” Jiang HuanYu’s smile widened.
“You are family; there’s no such thing as sparing or not sparing.”
“Since you’re here, why not stay for a while in The Jiang Dynasty?”

“Feipeng, arrange accommodations for them. Let them get to know our soldiers better.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Feipeng bowed and left to carry out his orders.

Leng Su and the others, stunned by this apparent mercy, hesitated before offering a polite, almost disbelieving, “Thank you… Your Majesty.”

Jiang HuanYu’s magnanimity seemed completely at odds with the terrifying rumors that surrounded him.

Xiao Qingli, seated beside Jiang HuanYu, however, had a faint smile on her lips.

She understood clearly: now that these women had been ordered to stay in The Jiang Dynasty, it would be near impossible for them to return.

Most of these women were orphans taken in by the sect, with little experience in romantic relationships. Jiang HuanYu’s suggestion that they “mingle” with the soldiers was not subtle in its implication.

Feipeng soon arranged for them to stay within the military training grounds of the dynasty. Nearly a thousand women, completely unaccustomed to close proximity with men, suddenly found themselves surrounded by them day and night.

Over time, it was inevitable that suppressed emotions and desires would surface, leading to “unexpected” developments.

After dismissing the others, Jiang HuanYu remained in the hall with only three women present.

“Your Majesty, do you plan to turn all the women of the Ziwei Divine Sect into allies?” Shura Yanran was the first to break the silence, clearly seeing through his intentions.

Jiang HuanYu smiled faintly. “It’s not about turning them into allies; this is an opportunity for them—a chance for the Ziwei Divine Sect.”

“The Jiang Dynasty’s expansion is inevitable, and the status of our soldiers will only rise. For those women to join with them is an honor.”

“Besides, they are the ones who wronged us first. My choice to spare them is already an act of great kindness.”

Jiang HuanYu’s expression was resolute. As the ruler of an empire, he would not allow any force to stand in the way of his ambitions. If they had value, he would use them. If not, he would eliminate them without hesitation.

Chapter 177: Zuo Xuanqi’s Joyful Night

“Your Majesty, what Elder Yin Lan said earlier wasn’t entirely wrong.”
“After all, my identity as a Shura makes me part of the demonic race, and the Demon Realm and Heavenly Realm have always been mortal enemies.”
“If word of us being together spreads, it might…”

At this moment, Shura Yanran appeared despondent.
She worried that her racial identity might bring endless troubles to the Jiang Dynasty, making it a target for countless forces. If that happened, she wouldn’t know how to make it up to Jiang HuanYu.

“Yanran, there’s no need to feel guilty,” Jiang HuanYu replied.
“Love is always a matter between two people, not just one.”
“From the moment I chose you, I was fully prepared for any consequences.”
“Rest assured, as long as I’m here, no one can harm the Jiang Dynasty.”

At this, Xiao Qingli, standing nearby, spoke up to comfort her:
“Yanran, His Majesty has made his choice. With him here, even if the entire world targets the dynasty, they cannot shake us.”

She understood well how terrifying a legendary secret realm’s resources were. Even if the Jiang Dynasty became a universal target, no one could truly harm them.

Jiang HuanYu smiled faintly, his calm demeanor unshaken. “That’s right, Yanran. Listen to the Empress.”
“As long as I’m here, no storm will ever harm you.”
“Now, let’s go visit Xinrou and Liyue. Those little ones are growing so fast; soon, they’ll be able to walk!”

With a warm smile, Jiang HuanYu rose, a fatherly affection lighting his face at the thought of his daughters.
Accompanied by the women, Jiang HuanYu headed toward Qian Xinrou’s chambers.

A Night of Celebration in the Prime Minister’s Residence

Under the dark, windy night sky, the Prime Minister’s residence bustled with festivity.

In Zuo Xuanqi’s chambers, however, chaos reigned.

“Cough… cough!”
“Pah!”
“What on earth did you make me drink, you scoundrel?!”

Bound to the bed, Yin Lan struggled violently, her face growing increasingly red as she angrily confronted Zuo Xuanqi.

“Oh, my dear wife,” Zuo Xuanqi replied calmly, setting down the empty bowl he had just drained.
“Rest assured, I mean you no harm.”

“Pah!” Yin Lan spat. “Who’s your wife?! Look at yourself, you old fool!”
“You think you deserve me?!”
“All men are unfaithful animals who can’t keep their promises. Once their lust is satisfied, they turn into ungrateful beasts. You men are worse than animals!”

Bound to the bed, Yin Lan lashed out in a fit of anger, unleashing a torrent of insults on Zuo Xuanqi.

Yet Zuo Xuanqi didn’t get angry. He simply stood there, watching her with a calm expression.

When Yin Lan finally ran out of words, Zuo Xuanqi spoke, his tone even and measured:
“My dear wife, I know you were hurt by a man in the past, and that’s why you harbor such hatred, believing all men are the same.”
“But love has existed in this world since ancient times—true love that lasts a lifetime.”
“I truly care for you, and I promise you, now and forever, that with you by my side, I will never look at another woman.”

Yin Lan snorted coldly after hearing this. “Hah!”
“Do you think I’d believe you?”
“What a joke!”
“You think I’m some naive little girl who can be tricked by sweet words?”
“Listen closely! If I, Elder Yin Lan, willingly let you touch me tonight, I’ll change my surname from Yin!”

Zuo Xuanqi’s eyes lit up with excitement at her words. “Oh, now that’s interesting.”
“Since you’ve said so, why not raise the stakes?”
“If you willingly surrender tonight, from this moment onward, you’ll devote yourself completely to me, Zuo Xuanqi, without a trace of disloyalty. How does that sound?”

His heart raced with anticipation, hoping she would agree.

“Hah!” Yin Lan sneered.
“Fine! I’d like to see you try. With your old, frail body, if you dare come near me, I’ll kick you so hard you’ll end up in the hospital!”

Though Yin Lan’s hands were bound, Zuo Xuanqi hadn’t restrained her legs. For the sake of convenience, after all.
Though her energy was sealed, her powerful physical strength as a martial artist at the Severing God Realm remained intact.

A single kick from her could leave Zuo Xuanqi half-dead.

But Zuo Xuanqi wasn’t foolish. Standing nearby, he smiled faintly, waiting patiently.
To him, this was a golden opportunity.

He had great faith in the medicine he had administered. Originally, he had planned to fetch some refined pills from the alchemy pavilion, but Jiang HuanYu had taken most of the Da Chu specialty pills for his own amusement.

Thus, Zuo Xuanqi resorted to using a crude, powdered version instead.

Just 30 grams dissolved in water was enough to affect even an emperor-level expert, let alone someone at the Severing God Realm.

It didn’t take long for the effects to manifest.

Yin Lan, lying on the bed, began trembling. Her toes curled tightly, gripping the sheets beneath her.

“Ahhh!” she gasped. “Zuo Xuanqi… You shameless old fool!”

Her face turned as red as an apple, resembling someone who had drunk too much alcohol.

Zuo Xuanqi watched her intently, his calm smile betraying a trace of satisfaction.

As time passed, Yin Lan’s voice grew more desperate.

“Hurry… Hurry up already!” she shouted, her tone filled with frustration.

Zuo Xuanqi chuckled smugly. “Hmm? Hurry with what? I don’t understand.”

“You old bastard!” she snapped, her voice trembling with both anger and shame. “Fine! I give up! You win! Just… hurry up!”

Zuo Xuanqi grinned triumphantly. “Heh heh. Remember, I’m not forcing you. This is all of your own free will.”

With that, he finally approached her.

— (Content Omitted: Approx. 3,333 words) —

Central Sacred Continent: Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan

In the Central Sacred Continent, nine towering divine mountains stretched endlessly into the clouds. Immortal mist enveloped the peaks, and the spiritual energy here was so rich it was incomparable to any place in the maritime realms.

On these nine peaks stood snow-white palaces, pavilions, and gardens. This was the sacred home of the illustrious Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan.

Atop the ninth mountain, in a grand palace, Elder Su Lin, who had previously led the mission to capture Su Baijie, knelt before the clan leader.

The clan leader, Su Linfeng, sat at the head of the hall. His snow-white hair framed a stern face, and his sharp eyes radiated the commanding aura of a superior.

This was none other than Su Baijie’s father, the patriarch of the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan.

Chapter 178: Xiao Qingli Gives Birth!

“You’re saying there’s someone in the Jiang Dynasty with cultivation at the Celestial Realm, and they’re merely one of Jiang HuanYu’s subordinates?”
Su Linfeng’s brow furrowed as he listened to Su Lin’s report. A trace of doubt was evident in his tone.

“Patriarch, this is absolutely true! I would never dare fabricate such a thing,” Su Lin replied earnestly.
“The Third Princess also mentioned that she plans to return to the clan soon and resolve all unresolved matters.”

“Oh?” Su Linfeng’s tone shifted slightly. “She intends to come back willingly?”

“Yes! These were the exact words of the Third Princess,” Su Lin confirmed.

After a moment of thought, Su Linfeng nodded. “Very well. If that’s the case, we’ll wait for her return. There’s no need to send anyone else for now.”
“As for the Golden Elephant Clan, send them a message explaining the situation. Whatever course of action they choose is their business.”

“Yes, Patriarch!” Su Lin responded immediately.

Jiang Dynasty, Prime Minister’s Residence

Thanks to the effects of the Da Chu specialty and Zuo Xuanqi’s diligent “guidance” throughout the night, the Grand Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect, Yin Lan, had no choice but to keep her promise.
She reluctantly accepted her new role as Zuo Xuanqi’s woman and began to settle into her life at the Prime Minister’s residence.

As time passed, nearly a month went by.

Jiang Liyue had grown rapidly and now appeared to be a young girl of about ten years old.
Her intellectual and spiritual development had also progressed at an extraordinary pace, showing learning abilities far beyond her peers.

In just one month, Jiang Liyue had reached the Fifth Stage of the Saint Realm in her cultivation. Her innate talent and rapid progress were nothing short of astonishing.

At this moment, in a garden within the imperial harem, Jiang Liyue was playing with a small white tiger.
Her sweet features were adorned with a small braid, and her bright, sparkling eyes were filled with joy as she rode on the tiger’s back like a horse.

The white tiger, carrying Jiang Liyue, bounded excitedly through the garden.

“Hahaha!” Jiang Liyue laughed heartily as she rode.

“Liyue, come down now. Your father has summoned us,” Qian Xinrou called out from the edge of the lawn.

“Alright, Mother!”
“I’ll bring Little White along, and we’ll see who gets there faster!”

Jiang Liyue’s playful spirit remained strong as she urged the white tiger to race toward Jiang HuanYu’s location.

Qian Xinrou shook her head with a smile. “This child…”

She then flew toward Xiao Qingli’s chambers, as Jiang HuanYu’s summons had a special reason.

Xiao Qingli’s water had broken, and she was about to give birth. The imperial family eagerly awaited the arrival of the newborn, wondering whether it would be a crown prince or the second princess.

Inside Xiao Qingli’s Chambers

“Your Majesty, push harder!”
“Aahhh!”
“I can see the head! Just a little more, Your Majesty!”
“Come on! You’re almost there!”

With one final cry of exertion, the sound of a baby’s wail filled the chamber.

Jiang HuanYu immediately pushed open the doors and strode to the bedside.

The midwife, holding the newborn wrapped in swaddling cloth, approached him with a beaming smile.
“Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Empress has given birth to a dragon son!”

Jiang HuanYu gazed at the newborn, his face alight with joy. Before he could say anything, the familiar voice of his system chimed in:

[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host! Xiao Qingli has successfully given birth to a son. A child-rearing gift pack has been sent to your system inventory. Please check!]

Jiang HuanYu’s face radiated happiness. He turned to the midwife and instructed, “Good. Take the child to the outer hall for now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” The midwife, adept in her duties, carried the child out.

Outside the chambers, Qian Xinrou, Jiang Liyue, Medusa, Murong Xue, and the other women surrounded the newborn with curiosity and excitement.

“So this is Sister Xiao’s child?”
“Look at his eyes—they’re the spitting image of His Majesty’s!”
“Such a strong protective aura… Is this… the aura of a Saint Emperor?”
“Oh my goodness! Born as a Saint Emperor? This child’s talent is terrifying!”

The women were utterly astonished. While Jiang Liyue’s innate status as a Saint had already been remarkable, Xiao Qingli’s son had surpassed even that, being born as a Saint Emperor.

It was beyond extraordinary.

Moreover, being a boy with such monstrous talent meant he would undoubtedly grow into one of the most formidable forces of the Jiang Dynasty.
He even held the potential to become an emperor in the future.

Jiang Liyue approached the baby, her curious, wide eyes fixed on the bundle in the midwife’s arms.

“Mother, is this my little brother?”
“Why does he look so small?”

It was Jiang Liyue’s first time seeing a newborn, and her inquisitive gaze examined the baby thoroughly.

Qian Xinrou chuckled and patiently explained, “Every child is this size when they’re born.”
“Just a month ago, you were only this big too.”
“Give it some time. When your brother grows up, you two can play together.”

“Yay! That sounds fun!” Jiang Liyue clapped her hands in excitement.

After letting the women see the baby, the midwife carried him away to rest.

Inside the Bedchamber

Jiang HuanYu sat on the edge of Xiao Qingli’s bed, wiping the sweat from her forehead. He leaned down and kissed her gently.

“My beloved, you’ve worked so hard,” he said tenderly, holding her hand.
“You’ve given birth to a dragon son for me. Once you’ve recovered, I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded.”

Xiao Qingli, her voice still weak, responded with a faint smile. “Your Majesty… I have a request. Please, you must grant it.”

At this moment, Qian Xinrou, Han Wanxiang, and the others entered the chamber to check on Xiao Qingli.

“What is it, my love? Speak freely,” Jiang HuanYu replied gently.

“Your Majesty, I want to change our child’s name,” Xiao Qingli said earnestly.
“The name ‘Jiang Wangteng’ is unpleasant. It sounds unlucky and invites ridicule. Please, give him a better name.”

Jiang HuanYu paused, considering her request.

“Your Majesty, Sister Xiao went through so much to give birth. Please grant her this wish,” Han Wanxiang chimed in.

“She’s right, Your Majesty. If the Crown Prince of the Jiang Dynasty were named Jiang Wangteng, it might invite mockery behind our backs,” Qian Xinrou added, gently nudging Jiang Liyue.

Jiang Liyue immediately understood her mother’s intention. She stepped forward, grabbed Jiang HuanYu’s hand, and pleaded adorably.

“Father, please listen to the Empress! Give my little brother a new name. Pretty please?”

As the saying goes, daughters are their fathers’ little treasures. Jiang HuanYu, softened by Jiang Liyue’s sweet demeanor and the women’s persuasion, finally relented.

“Alright, alright,” he said with a resigned smile.
“We’ll change the name. My love, do you have a name in mind?”

His gaze softened as he looked at Xiao Qingli, giving her the honor of naming the child she had brought into the world.

Chapter 179: Jiang Jiuyou!

Xiao Qingli lay on the bed, her face pale from exhaustion but relieved. Hearing Jiang HuanYu agree to her request, she took a moment to think seriously.

Soon, she said, “Your Majesty, this child is the Crown Prince of the Jiang Dynasty, the first child born of our union—a symbol of our love.”
“In the past, I was given the title of ‘Jiuyou.’”
“So, why not name him Jiang Jiuyou?”

“Jiang Jiuyou…” Jiang HuanYu murmured, repeating the name as he considered it carefully.

The other women present also mulled over the name in their minds.

“Jiang Jiuyou—what a fine name!” Shura Yanran was the first to express her agreement.
“It’s not only elegant but also carries an air of nobility.”

“Very well,” Jiang HuanYu finally declared.
“If that’s what my beloved wishes, then from this moment forth, this child shall be named Jiang Jiuyou!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Xiao Qingli said with a weak but content smile.

“Alright, my dear. Rest well and recover,” Jiang HuanYu said gently, stroking her hair. “Once your body is healed, we’ll celebrate properly.”

He and the other women left the room, allowing Xiao Qingli to rest peacefully.

Later, in a Side Hall

Jiang HuanYu entered a quiet chamber alone.

“System, open the Child-Rearing Gift Pack!” he commanded without hesitation.

[System: Opening Gift Pack…]
[Ding!]
[System: Congratulations, host! You have received the following rewards:]

[System: Rewards have been sent to your system inventory. Please check.]

Hearing the system’s notification, Jiang HuanYu could already sense the rewards in his system warehouse.

“System, what kind of technique is the Jiuyou Xuantian Celestial Manual? And what does the Great Perfection of the Six Paths of Reincarnation mean?”

[System: The Jiuyou Xuantian Celestial Manual is a supreme celestial-level cultivation method, far surpassing emperor-level techniques. It is designed specifically for those who have mastered the power of Jiuyou, namely Xiao Qingli and her newborn child.]

[System: Xiao Qingli currently cultivates the Jiuyou Emperor Sutra. If she transitions to the Jiuyou Xuantian Celestial Manual, her combat strength can increase threefold.]

[System: The Great Perfection of the Six Paths of Reincarnation allows the host to elevate the comprehension of the Six Paths of Reincarnation to the peak stage.]

[System: Once perfected, the host will gain full control over the Gate of Reincarnation, enabling the following abilities:]

Jiang HuanYu’s eyes gleamed as he listened to the system’s concise explanation.

“The Jiuyou Xuantian Celestial Manual is clearly meant for Xiao Qingli and Jiang Jiuyou,” he mused. “But the Great Perfection of the Six Paths of Reincarnation—that’s a real game-changer!”

“System, does this mean that if I achieve Great Perfection, I can use the Gate of Reincarnation to locate the souls of powerful figures from past eras? And even reconstruct their bodies to bring them back to life?”

[System: Correct!]

“Hahaha!” Jiang HuanYu burst into laughter.
“This is incredible! If I can bring back the ancestors of sects like the Ziwei Divine Sect or the Heavenly Palace, I can make them work for me. Bloodline suppression alone would render those forces powerless against me.”

Imagining such a scenario, Jiang HuanYu’s mind raced with excitement.

“If I could use their own ancestors to subdue them, what could they do? They wouldn’t dare rebel or betray me, lest they commit acts of betrayal against their forebears.”

His thoughts wandered further.

“Not to mention, countless remarkable women from past eras must also exist within the Gate of Reincarnation. Empresses and peerless beauties who once ruled… If I restore their souls and bodies, wouldn’t my harem grow exponentially?”

“Moreover, those who ascended to the level of Empress or beyond must possess extraordinary constitutions and talent. They’d easily meet the system’s requirements.”

Just as Jiang HuanYu reveled in his fantasies, the system’s voice brought him back to reality.

[System: Host, even if you achieve Great Perfection, you will only be able to extract remnants of souls up to two major realms above your current cultivation level.]
[System: With your current Eternal Realm cultivation, you would be limited to summoning remnants of Emperor-level experts at most.]

[System: Additionally, extracting and restoring these souls will require significant energy, and there is a risk of failure. Stronger souls might resist control or even pose a threat to the host.]

The system’s stern reminder tempered Jiang HuanYu’s excitement.

“Alright, fair enough,” Jiang HuanYu muttered, regaining his composure.
“With my current strength, summoning souls beyond Emperor-level would indeed be dangerous. But even Emperor-level experts are sufficient for now.”

“System, use the All-Party Advancement Opportunities and activate the Great Perfection of the Six Paths of Reincarnation!”

With his decision made, Jiang HuanYu wasted no time in utilizing the rewards.

As the effects of the rewards began to manifest, Jiang HuanYu felt a surge of power course through him.
The mysteries of reincarnation unfurled in his mind, and the Gate of Reincarnation seemed closer than ever before.

He couldn’t wait to see how this newfound strength would transform his reign and elevate the Jiang Dynasty to unprecedented heights.

Chapter 180: Eleven-Star Eternal Realm

[Ding!]
[System: Activating rewards…]

Jiang HuanYu utilized all three All-Party Advancement Opportunities at once.
In an instant, his cultivation surged, propelling him to the Eleven-Star Eternal Realm.

Simultaneously, his mastery over the Six Paths of Reincarnation reached the Great Perfection stage. His entire aura underwent an earth-shattering transformation.

Raising his left hand, faint blue light emanated from his palm, illuminating the mysteries of reincarnation and discerning all beings.

“So, this is the power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation,” he murmured.
“Even without the Gate of Reincarnation, this force alone is a formidable weapon.”

Jiang HuanYu marveled at the power swirling in his palm. He tallied his current abilities: the power of Chaos, Time, Space, and now Reincarnation.

“Well, well,” he mused. “At this rate, I might as well be collecting the Twelve Fates to master every mystical force in existence.”

“System, show me the cultivation panel of the summoned individuals!”

[System Panel:]

After reviewing the cultivation levels of his summoned individuals, Jiang HuanYu nodded in satisfaction.

He was especially pleased with Wan Jian Shen, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Severing God Realm, just a step away from the Eternal Realm.

“Good, very good,” Jiang HuanYu said.
With a plan in mind, he decided to visit his newborn son, Jiang Jiuyou, spend some time with the women, and later delve deeper into the mysteries of the Gate of Reincarnation.

Zhongshengzhou, Golden Elephant Clan

Within a grand hall of the Golden Elephant Clan, Patriarch Jin Xiangnan sat on the main throne, a communication scroll clenched in his hand.

After reading its contents, he furiously crumpled the scroll into pieces.

“Outrageous!” Jin Xiangnan roared.
“The Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan dares to insult us like this?!”
“Jin Guangshan went with Su Lin to the maritime realm to capture Su Baijie, and yet only the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan’s members returned. Su Linfeng dares to shirk responsibility and claim it was the fault of the Jiang Dynasty?”

His massive figure radiated anger, shaking the hall with his fury.

“Patriarch, please calm your anger,” said an elder seated beside him.
“The Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan has betrayed our trust more than once.”
“Ever since Su Baijie fled her arranged marriage, causing us to lose face at the wedding, Su Linfeng has conveniently gone into seclusion, leaving his subordinates to handle the fallout.”

“Now, with our people dead in the maritime realm, they push the blame onto some supposed Jiang Dynasty? Ridiculous!”

“Do they take us for fools?” the elder scoffed. “Claiming a remote maritime power has Celestial Fate Realm cultivators? Preposterous! Su Linfeng must think we’re idiots to believe such nonsense!”

This elder was Jin Moxia, the Great Elder of the Golden Elephant Clan and one of their few Severing God Realm experts.

Many in the hall nodded in agreement with Jin Moxia’s assessment.

The maritime realm’s spiritual energy was pitifully scarce compared to the Zhongshengzhou. Even the most talented individuals would struggle to reach the Immortal Realm there. The idea of a Celestial Fate Realm expert from such a backwater was laughable.

“Patriarch, I request permission to lead an expedition to the maritime realm and annihilate this so-called Jiang Dynasty!” Jin Moxia declared.
“Once I bring back the head of this Emperor HuanYu, I’ll see what excuses the Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Clan has left!”

Jin Xiangnan pondered briefly before nodding. “Granted. Great Elder, you shall lead one million warriors of our Golden Elephant Clan to the maritime realm and wipe out the Jiang Dynasty. But take care to properly dispose of the bodies. Ensure the Demon Realm’s seal remains intact.”

“Rest assured, Patriarch,” Jin Moxia replied confidently.
“However, a million warriors to destroy a mere Jiang Dynasty is excessive. I need only a hundred thousand.”
“After we crush the Jiang Dynasty, I’ll establish a puppet regime to rule the maritime realm in our stead.”

Jin Moxia’s tone brimmed with confidence.

“Very well. Go,” Jin Xiangnan said with a nod.

Just as Jin Moxia was about to leave, a young voice echoed from outside the hall:
“Father, I want to go to the maritime realm too!”

A young Golden Elephant Clan member entered the hall with a woman from the Ancient White Tiger Clan at his side. The young man’s golden hair and elephantine features were unmistakable: he was Jin Sanyao, the clan’s heir and the man Su Baijie was once betrothed to.

“Sanyao, what brings you here?” Jin Xiangnan asked, his tone indulgent.
“What business do you have in the maritime realm?”

It was clear from his reaction that Jin Xiangnan doted on his son, despite the young man’s lack of decorum in barging into the hall unannounced.

Jin Sanyao’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Su Baijie is in the Jiang Dynasty, isn’t she?”
“That wretched woman humiliated me at the wedding by fleeing. I must avenge that insult!”
“She’s now the consort of this Emperor HuanYu, isn’t she? Then I’ll kill them both myself and end this farce once and for all!”

His face darkened with malice, and his tone dripped with sinister intent.

Jin Sanyao’s twisted thoughts ran wild. If Su Baijie now belonged to someone else, he had a special way of dealing with such situations: he would defile her in front of her lover.

The psychological torment and devastation it would bring were, in his mind, the most fitting punishment for her betrayal.

Jin Xiangnan, ever indulgent, nodded. “Very well. Go with the Great Elder to the maritime realm.”

Turning to the woman beside Jin Sanyao, Jin Xiangnan’s gaze grew curious.
“Is this young lady from the Ancient White Tiger Clan?”

The Ancient White Tiger Clan was one of the four great demon clans of the Zhongshengzhou and undoubtedly the strongest. Their lineage, second only to purebred white tigers, was revered.

“Father,” Jin Sanyao said with a sly grin, “this is Mengmeng, the love of my life. She’s the daughter of the Ancient White Tiger Clan’s patriarch!”

“What? Tianfeng’s daughter?!” Jin Xiangnan and the elders were visibly shocked.

For the Golden Elephant Clan, securing a relationship with the Ancient White Tiger Clan was an unimaginable honor. Jin Sanyao’s achievement was met with pride and admiration.

“Our young master truly has outdone himself!” Jin Xiangnan exclaimed, his previous anger replaced with joy.