Chapter 191: The Miserable Bing Xingchen

“You think your father, Bing Wanli, can save you?”
“A mere Young Island Master of Heavenly God Island, yet so arrogant.”
“No wonder Heavenly God Island has been declining under your leadership.”

“If your father wants the island to prosper, he’d better disown you and try for another child while he still can… assuming he can even use that thing of his.”

Yin Lan’s words were icy and cutting, mercilessly targeting both Bing Xingchen and his father, Bing Wanli.

Bing Xingchen’s face contorted with fury. “You… wretched woman! How dare you insult my father? You think my father would stoop to acknowledge—”

Before he could finish, Yin Lan struck.

A burst of power smashed his teeth, shattered his jaw, and blinded his eyes, leaving him writhing on the ground in agony, wailing like a tortured animal.

Zuo Xuanqi instinctively moved to cover the eyes of Jiang Liyue and Jiang Jiuyou, unwilling to expose the young ones to such brutal violence.

However, the two children calmly pushed his hands away, watching the unfolding scene intently.

Zuo Xuanqi studied their expressions, expecting shock or fear.

Instead, Jiang Liyue appeared composed, her gaze tinged with curiosity.

Jiang Jiuyou’s reaction was even more striking. He stared at the bloodied, howling Bing Xingchen with an eerie, gleeful smile—his youthful face alight with unsettling excitement.

Zuo Xuanqi sighed inwardly.
“As expected of His Majesty’s children. Their future accomplishments may very well surpass even his.”

“Young Island Master!”
“Young Island Master!”

The restrained members of Heavenly God Island could only shout helplessly as they watched Bing Xingchen’s torment, their faces twisted with desperation and fury.

“You’ve gone too far!” one of the elders roared.
“When the Island Master hears of this, he won’t let you off! Prepare to face Heavenly God Island’s wrath!”

Yin Lan remained unfazed, her expression as cold as ever.

“You’re overestimating your position.” Her tone was flat, dismissive. “I know Bing Wanli. Even if you gave him a hundred lifetimes of courage, he wouldn’t dare cross me.”

“If Heavenly God Island’s army dares to come, they’ll meet only death here.”

The confidence in her voice struck fear into the hearts of the Heavenly God Island group.

Nine-Sword Holy Emperor’s face tightened as doubts crept into his mind. Yin Lan’s calm demeanor and absolute confidence suggested she wasn’t bluffing.

“Who… who are you?” he asked, his voice trembling. “With your strength and knowledge, you don’t seem like someone from the sea regions. Who are you, really?”

Yin Lan met his gaze coolly.

“I am Yin Lan, Great Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect.”

She added, “And I am also the wife of Jiang Dynasty’s Prime Minister, Zuo Xuanqi.”

Zuo Xuanqi couldn’t help chiming in, his arm slipping around Yin Lan’s waist. “You heard that right. She’s my wife.”

The reaction from Heavenly God Island was immediate.

“Ziwei Divine Sect’s Great Elder?!”
“One of the Two Supreme Sects?!”
“This… this can’t be true!”

Nine-Sword Holy Emperor and the others froze in shock. Yin Lan’s name carried immense weight in Zhongshengzhou—a legend who stood on equal footing with their own Island Master.

And yet, she was here in the Jiang Dynasty, claiming to be the wife of an old man?

It was incomprehensible.

Even Bing Xingchen, writhing on the ground, stopped his cries for a moment.
His body trembled with terror as the reality sank in.

Yin Lan’s status as a prominent figure of the Ziwei Divine Sect—a sect known for its merciless treatment of male adversaries—sent a chill down his spine.

The thought of falling into her hands was more horrifying than death itself.

Meanwhile, the members of the Murong Clan stood in stunned silence.

When they finally processed what they’d heard, their gazes toward Zuo Xuanqi were filled with newfound respect.

“Old but not feeble,” someone muttered under their breath. “To win over the Great Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect… truly a remarkable man!”

Realizing the gravity of their situation, Nine-Sword Holy Emperor lowered his head in submission.

“Elder Yin, this… this is all a misunderstanding!” he stammered.

“We meant no offense. On behalf of our Island Master, I plead with you to forgive us just this once!”

“We won’t dare cross you again!”

The other members of Heavenly God Island quickly followed suit, their previous arrogance replaced with groveling pleas.

“Great Elder Yin, please spare us!”
“We’ll never make such a mistake again!”

Faced with Yin Lan’s overwhelming power, all thoughts of resistance vanished.

Chapter 192: The Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone!!

Despite the desperate pleas from Nine-Sword Holy Emperor and his companions, Yin Lan remained unmoved.

Zuo Xuanqi sneered, his tone icy:
“You think too highly of yourselves.”
“After offending the Jiang Dynasty, leaving here alive is but a fool’s dream.”
“We’ll take you back to face the judgment of His Majesty, the great Emperor HuanYu!”

With that, he signaled Yin Lan with a subtle nod, transmitting through sound transmission:
“Madam, please imprison them aboard our flying vessel. We’ll escort them back to the dynasty for His Majesty’s disposition.”

Yin Lan didn’t hesitate.

Raising her hand, she emitted a flash of spiritual light that engulfed Bing Xingchen and all his Heavenly God Island companions.
The next moment, they vanished from the hall.

With the intruders subdued, Yin Lan pointed her finger, shattering the restrictive forces binding Murong Clan’s elders, including Murong Yue.

“Thank you, Prime Minister!”
“Thank you, Elder Yin!”

Murong Yue expressed his gratitude, his voice carrying relief:
“If not for your timely intervention, my Murong Clan would not have escaped unscathed.”

Zuo Xuanqi waved it off casually, replying with a smile:
“Murong Patriarch, you give us too much credit.”
“Your Murong Clan is part of the Jiang Dynasty’s realm and, more importantly, related to Consort Xue. Aiding you in times of need is our duty.”

Murong Yue bowed deeply.
“Regardless, we owe you a great debt. I never imagined the Young Island Master of Heavenly God Island would lead their forces here. This has been an unexpected crisis.”

Zuo Xuanqi was about to respond when he noticed Yin Lan’s expression shift.

“Madam, what’s on your mind?” he asked curiously.

The Murong Clan elders turned their gazes toward Yin Lan, whose face bore a grave expression.

“I’ve been thinking about what the Heavenly God Island people said,” she began.
“The Sun and Moon Pearl contains a fragment of a treasure map—one leading to the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone.”

At the mention of the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone, Yin Lan’s tone grew serious.

“Elder Yin, as far as I know, the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone in the Central Saint Continent is a deadly forbidden land. But surely someone as powerful as you, or His Majesty, could overcome it?”

Murong Yue spoke cautiously, trying to gauge the danger.

Zuo Xuanqi chimed in, attempting to reassure her:
“Indeed, I’ve heard of the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone—a well-known deadly place. But if it truly contains treasures, our dynasty can collect the map and have His Majesty dispatch experts to retrieve the treasures.”

But Yin Lan’s expression darkened further.

“It’s not as simple as you think.”

She explained, “The Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone isn’t just the deadliest place in Central Saint Continent—it’s the number one death zone in the entire Heavenly Extreme Realm.”

“The dangers inside… not even beings at the Eternal Realm, Quasi-Emperor, or Emperor level can guarantee survival.”

“It has another name: The Burial Ground of Gods.”

“Even entities as powerful as gods, emperors, and rulers risk perishing in its depths.”

Yin Lan’s tone was somber as she described the terrifying reputation of the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone, leaving Zuo Xuanqi and the Murong elders stunned.

They hadn’t imagined the place was this terrifying.

“Such danger…”

Zuo Xuanqi furrowed his brow thoughtfully. After a moment, he nodded decisively.
“Let’s return to the dynasty immediately and report this to His Majesty.”

Turning to Jiang Liyue, he softened his tone:
“Princess, we’ve been out for over ten days. It’s time to go back now.”
“When we have more time, Grandpa Zuo and Aunt Yin will bring you out to play again, alright?”

Jiang Jiuyou, too young to understand much, followed obediently behind his sister.

Jiang Liyue, however, had grown more sensible. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she nodded:
“Alright, next time then!”

Zuo Xuanqi smiled warmly, then turned to the Murong Clan.
“We’ll take our leave now.”

“Safe travels, Prime Minister!”
“Farewell, Your Highnesses!”

The Murong Clan bowed deeply as Zuo Xuanqi, Yin Lan, and their party departed the hall.

As they left, Murong Jiuxing couldn’t resist teasing Murong Yue.

“Elder Yue, look at Zuo Xuanqi. He’s married the Great Elder of the Purple Star Divine Sect!”
“Shouldn’t you step up your game and aim for someone like the sect leader herself?”

“…Or maybe even the old patriarch. Sure, she’s older, but you’re no spring chicken either…”

Murong Yue’s expression darkened as he smacked Murong Jiuxing on the head.

“Impertinent brat!” he growled.
“I’m too old for this nonsense. If you think you can, why don’t you give it a try?”

Murong Jiuxing sheepishly rubbed his bruised head, hurriedly shaking it.

Two days later.
Jiang Liyue, Jiang Jiuyou, and their entourage returned safely to the Tianyan Imperial Palace.

The two children immediately went to find their mothers, while Zuo Xuanqi and Yin Lan delivered the captives from Heavenly God Island to the imperial court.

Within the imperial hall.

Yin Lan and Zuo Xuanqi stood at the forefront, flanking the restrained members of Heavenly God Island, who knelt on the icy floor.

On the dragon throne sat Emperor HuanYu, dressed in a resplendent golden robe.
In his hand was the Sun and Moon Pearl, a gift he had once given his daughter.

Rays of sunlight struck the pearl, revealing faint, intricate patterns—half of a map hidden within its depths.

When removed from the sunlight, the map vanished once more.

After several tests, Emperor HuanYu understood the pearl’s secrets.

A fragment of a treasure map to the most dangerous place in all realms…

Chapter 193: The Aftermath!

At this moment, Jiang HuanYu put away the Sun and Moon Pearl, his gaze landing on the subdued members of Heavenly God Island.

His expression remained calm, with a faint smile.

Having captured Nine-Sword Holy Emperor, Jiang HuanYu could now fulfill the promise he made to Sun and Moon Holy Emperor.

He also gained crucial information: the treasure map to the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone hidden within the Sun and Moon Pearl.

But most importantly, Heavenly Void Elixir, a rare resource he had been seeking, was held by Heavenly God Island.

Obtaining this elixir would awaken Qian Xinyou’s Heavenly Wisdom Physique, enabling her to evolve into a master strategist.

And as Jiang HuanYu considered, she could also double as a conversation partner, strategist, and stress reliever when he was tired.

Life couldn’t get more ideal.

Jiang HuanYu’s tone turned serious as he addressed the captives:
“Answer me—where is the other half of the treasure map to the Abyssal Heaven Treasure located? Which high-ranking official of Heavenly God Island holds it?”

The captives hesitated, unwilling to answer.

Jiang HuanYu gave Zuo Xuanqi a subtle glance.

Boom!

Understanding immediately, Zuo Xuanqi made his move. With a flick of power, one of the weaker elders from Heavenly God Island was obliterated into a cloud of blood mist.

“How dare you defy His Majesty’s questions?” Zuo Xuanqi barked.
“Since you refuse to speak, I’ll extract the truth through soul-searching. Your cooperation is no longer needed.”

His hands radiated with energy, a powerful aura of intimidation locking onto the remaining prisoners.

“Wait! I’ll speak!”
“It’s… it’s with our Island Master, Bing Wanli!” stammered Nine-Sword Holy Emperor, terror-stricken.

Jiang HuanYu nodded slightly, unsurprised. A treasure as significant as the Abyssal Heaven map was likely kept close by someone as powerful as Bing Wanli.

“Next question,” Jiang HuanYu continued.
“Does Heavenly God Island still possess Heavenly Void Elixir?”

“Yes! Yes, we do!”
“It’s stored in our island’s treasury!”

Nine-Sword Holy Emperor responded immediately, his lessons learned. There was no hesitation now—he hoped his cooperation might spare him.

Jiang HuanYu’s expression remained composed as he replied:
“Good answer.”

Turning to Yin Lan, he spoke casually:
“Lady Yin, send him on his way.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Yin Lan replied. She directed her focus onto Nine-Sword Holy Emperor, her power manifesting above him.

Nine-Sword Holy Emperor froze.
“Wait! Why?! I answered everything truthfully! Why are you killing me?!”
“You… you’re not playing fair!”

His panic was palpable. He couldn’t fathom why, despite being the most cooperative, he was singled out for death.

However, before he could voice further protests:

Boom!

Yin Lan’s power descended, annihilating the Nine-Sword Holy Emperor completely. His body and soul were obliterated, leaving no trace behind.

The remaining members of Heavenly God Island were filled with despair.

If even the most cooperative among them couldn’t escape death, what hope did they have?

Meanwhile, Bing Xingchen, already brutalized during transit, lay pitifully on the floor. His legs were shattered, his kneecaps destroyed, and his body convulsed with fear.

Blind, toothless, and utterly broken, he now resembled a pathetic worm writhing on the ground.

Jiang HuanYu didn’t even bother sparing him a glance.

In his eyes, someone as insignificant as Bing Xingchen wasn’t even worth his contempt.

Jiang HuanYu shifted his gaze to another elder from Heavenly God Island, a man named Zhang Qi.

“You. What is your name?” Jiang HuanYu asked.

The man stammered nervously:
“Zhang… Zhang Qi, Your Majesty.”

Jiang HuanYu nodded.
“Good. As the highest-ranked among this group, I’ll give you an opportunity to save your people.”

“I’ll let you go. Return to Heavenly God Island as fast as you can and tell Bing Wanli to come here personally.”

“He must bring these four items: Heavenly Void Elixir, Soul God Essence, Ten-Thousand-Year Purple Nether Vine, and Essence of Cang Tree.”

“These are the conditions to exchange for his son.”

Jiang HuanYu’s tone grew colder:
“You have one month. If he doesn’t arrive by then, he needn’t bother.”

“I’ll have Bing Xingchen dismembered and turned into human meat buns before sending them back to him. Perhaps it’ll help him ‘reconstruct’ his son in another form.”

Jiang HuanYu’s words sent shivers down Zhang Qi’s spine. The emperor’s sinister aura, combined with his chilling grin, exuded the aura of an unrelenting deity.

Meanwhile, Bing Xingchen convulsed in terror at the thought of becoming meat buns, his body trembling uncontrollably.

“Y-Yes… Your Majesty,” Zhang Qi stammered, barely keeping his composure.

Yin Lan waved her hand, removing Zhang Qi’s restraints and ejecting him from the imperial palace.

The materials Jiang HuanYu demanded were significant.
Apart from Heavenly Void Elixir, the other three were essential for rebuilding the body of Shura Wuya.

The treasury of the Jiang Dynasty lacked these core resources, but a long-established faction like Heavenly God Island was almost guaranteed to have them.

Jiang HuanYu leaned back on his throne, satisfied with the day’s results.

Chapter 194: Emperor Realm and Heavenly Emperor Realm

After handling the Heavenly God Island prisoners, Jiang HuanYu instructed Yin Lan and Zuo Xuanqi to temporarily imprison them in the Jiang Dynasty’s dungeons.

Around this time, Jiang HuanYu received word from Xiao Qingli that she had fully mastered the Nine Nether Xuantian Immortal Technique, significantly boosting her strength.

Jiang HuanYu went to her chambers, summoning Murong Xue to join them. Together, he shared details about the treasure hidden within the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone.

“Treasure in the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone?”
“Your Majesty, does the Sun and Moon Pearl truly contain a treasure map?” Xiao Qingli asked, her expression marked with surprise.

Jiang HuanYu nodded slightly.
“I’ve inspected it, and it’s true,” he replied.
“The map is concealed within the pearl and only becomes visible under sunlight. As for the other half of the map, it’s in the hands of Bing Wanli, the Island Master of Heavenly God Island.”

“Soon enough, I expect him to personally deliver it to me,” Jiang HuanYu added with a faint smile.

Having sent Zhang Qi back to Heavenly God Island to relay the ultimatum, Jiang HuanYu was confident Bing Wanli wouldn’t dare sit idle. If he wanted to prevent his son from being turned into human meat buns, he would comply.

With Yin Lan’s reputation known, Heavenly God Island would likely avoid a public confrontation and quietly deliver the necessary items.

“Your Majesty, what do you intend to do once the complete map is in your possession?” Murong Xue asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

Jiang HuanYu chuckled.
“What else? With a complete map in hand, I’ll naturally venture into the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone to claim its treasures,” he replied matter-of-factly.

“Your Majesty, I must advise against entering the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone before reaching the Great Emperor Realm,” Murong Xue said, her expression serious.

“That place is known as the Graveyard of Gods—a title not given lightly.”

“Many years ago, several renowned Great Emperors from Han Province and Ying Province attempted to enter the forbidden zone in search of treasures. None of them returned, and their life flames, kept within their respective clans, were extinguished.”

Murong Xue’s cautionary words were filled with concern for Jiang HuanYu’s safety.

“Is that so? How intriguing!” Jiang HuanYu remarked, slightly surprised.

This was the first he’d heard of such events.
Still, he remained unfazed.

“No matter. If the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone truly harbors dangers capable of threatening Great Emperors, I have sufficient cards up my sleeve to deal with them,” he said confidently.

After all, Jiang HuanYu possessed the Void Secret Realm, an ace that could serve as the ultimate fallback.

If worst came to worst, he could unleash the Void Secret Realm within the Abyssal Heaven Forbidden Zone, confident it would outmatch anything the forbidden zone could throw at him.

Xiao Qingli and Murong Xue, recalling the power of the Void Secret Realm, finally felt at ease.

“Since Your Majesty is prepared, we won’t worry further,” Xiao Qingli said.

“By the way, Han Wanxiang is nearing her delivery date—it could happen within a day or two. If you’re free later, why not visit her with us?”

As the harem’s matriarch, Xiao Qingli made an effort to care for the other consorts.

Jiang HuanYu nodded.
“I’ll visit shortly,” he replied.

“Speaking of which, where are those two little ones?” he asked, referring to Jiang Liyue and Jiang Jiuyou.

Xiao Qingli smiled.
“Xinyou took them to see Yanran.”

“Your Majesty, I also heard rumors that you brought back the soul of the Shura Clan’s old patriarch. Is that true?”

Jiang HuanYu nodded calmly.
“It’s true. I plan to help that old man rebuild his body and fully resurrect him soon.”

“With him by my side, I’ll gain another Great Emperor-level ally. If the Shura Clan ever becomes a problem, having Shura Wuyá will save me a lot of trouble.”

“Shura Wuyá is decent,” Xiao Qingli commented.
“While his talent wasn’t exceptional, and he only reached the Great Emperor Peak, his seniority within the Shura Clan is unparalleled.”

“As the father of Shura Motian, his status alone suppresses many within the Shura Clan. With him around, the Shura Clan might eventually fall under the Jiang Dynasty’s rule.”

“Great Emperor Peak?” Jiang HuanYu raised an eyebrow.
“Empress, could you explain the sub-divisions of the Emperor Realm? And you both—what levels were you at in your primes?”

Holding them both in his arms, Jiang HuanYu casually enjoyed their warmth as he asked.

Murong Xue and Xiao Qingli, accustomed to his gestures, showed no discomfort.

Murong Xue began to explain:
“Your Majesty, to reach the Great Emperor Realm, one must first achieve the Quasi-Emperor stage and then wait for the Emperor’s Path to open.”

“Upon ascending the Emperor’s Path, a cultivator must endure 81 Heavenly Tribulations at the end to forge their Emperor Body and awaken their Emperor Soul. Only then can they be crowned as a Great Emperor.”

“Within the Great Emperor Realm, there are ten levels, from One Heaven to Ten Heavens. The Tenth Heaven is the peak of the Great Emperor Realm.”

“Beyond the Great Emperor Realm lies the Heavenly Emperor Realm, reserved for legends. The most powerful beings who governed the Sacred Rivers of the world were all at the Heavenly Emperor Peak.”

“The Heavenly Emperor Realm also has ten levels, from One Heaven to Ten Heavens.”

“In my prime, I reached the Fifth Heaven of the Heavenly Emperor Realm, while the Empress attained the Heavenly Emperor Peak.”

Murong Xue’s tone was matter-of-fact as she detailed the hierarchy.

Jiang HuanYu listened attentively, gaining a clearer understanding of the Emperor Realm’s structure.

“Wait… Shura Wuyá was once the Shura Clan’s patriarch, yet he never surpassed the Great Emperor Realm?” Jiang HuanYu asked, puzzled.

“Only reaching the Great Emperor Peak—how did he manage to become patriarch of an entire clan?”

Despite knowing the Shura Clan was strong, Jiang HuanYu found it odd that someone with “mediocre” achievements held such a prestigious position.

“Even though the Great Emperor Peak is formidable, as a patriarch, shouldn’t he represent the Shura Clan’s pinnacle strength?”

Murong Xue and Xiao Qingli chuckled knowingly at his incredulity.

Chapter 195: The Daughter of the Evil Emperor, Yun Zixian

“Your Majesty may not know,” Murong Xue began, “Shura Wuyá was not born into the royal family of the Shura Clan. On the contrary, he was an ordinary commoner with no family or support during his youth.”

“It was by sheer chance that he became a personal guard to a Shura Clan princess. Over time, they developed feelings for each other, and he eventually became a consort through marriage.”

“Even after becoming a consort, his talent remained mediocre. However, through relentless perseverance and with the support of royal backers, he defied expectations and successfully vied for the position of patriarch.”

“A Great Emperor at his peak, Shura Wuyá is a unique figure in the Shura Clan’s history—no other patriarch has achieved the position with such limited innate ability. His eventual downfall came when he failed to break through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm, hastening his lifespan’s decline and leading to his death.”

Murong Xue’s explanation revealed much about Shura Wuyá’s extraordinary journey.

Hearing this, Jiang HuanYu’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise.

“Well, well. So the old man climbed the ladder by eating soft rice, did he?”

“Still, I have to admit he had skill. Wooing a princess and securing the Shura Clan’s patriarch position is no small feat.”

Jiang HuanYu openly admired Shura Wuyá’s unconventional success.

While many dreams of rising from humble beginnings, few achieve such a feat. Shura Wuyá not only secured power but also elevated his bloodline, making his descendants royalty within the Shura Clan.

“True,” Murong Xue continued. “Though his talent wasn’t remarkable, reaching the Great Emperor’s peak is still impressive. Moreover, his son, Shura Motian, succeeded him as patriarch, solidifying the clan’s strength.”

“Shura Motian’s cultivation once rivaled the Empress’s, standing at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Emperor Realm—a force unmatched within the Shura Clan.”

Jiang HuanYu nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Shura Wuyá’s indirect contributions.

Just then, a familiar mechanical voice echoed in Jiang HuanYu’s mind, bringing exciting news.

[Ding!]
[New Destined Daughter detected: Bai Mengmeng, with a destiny score of 93. Reincarnation of the White Tiger Empress from Imperial Province, possessing pure White Tiger bloodline. Memories have awakened, and she is currently en route to the Sea Domain. The host may consider pairing her with Xiao Bai.]

[Hint: The offspring of two pure White Tigers will also have pure bloodlines, ensuring the glory of the White Tiger lineage for generations.]

[Ding!]
[New Destined Daughter detected: Yun Zixian, with a destiny score of 94. Daughter of the Evil Emperor from Imperial Province, possessing the Violet Underworld Divine Body and extraordinary cultivation talent. She is currently in Zhongshengzhou. The host is advised to foster a connection with her.]

The names Bai Mengmeng and Yun Zixian immediately etched themselves into Jiang HuanYu’s mind.

“Bai Mengmeng is already on her way to the Sea Domain? That’s convenient,” Jiang HuanYu mused.

He had promised Xiao Bai that he’d find him a mate, and Bai Mengmeng seemed like the perfect candidate.

If Xiao Bai and Bai Mengmeng mated, they’d produce a lineage of pureblood White Tigers. The thought of his future children riding majestic White Tigers into the world filled Jiang HuanYu with glee.

His lips curled into a satisfied smile, catching the attention of Xiao Qingli and Murong Xue.

“What are you thinking, Your Majesty?” Xiao Qingli asked, narrowing her eyes.

Jiang HuanYu snapped back to reality and cleared his throat. “Empress, beloved consort, have you heard of the White Tiger Empress of Imperial Province?”

“White Tiger Empress?” Xiao Qingli frowned. “You mean Bai Mengmeng?”

“Precisely! Tell me more about her,” Jiang HuanYu urged.

Xiao Qingli nodded.
“Bai Mengmeng was once at the Fifth Heaven of the Heavenly Emperor Realm, much like Lady Murong.”

“She was one of the Three Sovereigns of Beast Island, representing the White Tiger lineage. However, disaster struck when the island was betrayed by the Azure Dragon Sovereign, who sided with external forces. This betrayal led to the fall of the Qilin Sovereign and Bai Mengmeng, as both were killed in the ensuing conflict.”

“The island ultimately fell into the hands of the Azure Dragon Emperor, who was once the Azure Dragon Sovereign.”

Hearing this, Jiang HuanYu’s brow furrowed.

Murong Xue and Xiao Qingli’s experiences mirrored those of the Qilin and White Tiger Sovereigns. The term “disaster” also caught his attention.

“What exactly happened in Imperial Province to cause such a catastrophe? For so many Heavenly Emperors and Great Emperors to fall… it must have been monumental,” Jiang HuanYu muttered.

For now, he decided to focus on the present. Once the Jiang Dynasty fully consolidated its hold over Xuan Province, Jiang HuanYu would turn his sights to the mysteries of Imperial Province.

“What about the Evil Emperor and his daughter, Yun Zixian?” Jiang HuanYu asked.

At the mention of the Evil Emperor, Xiao Qingli and Murong Xue both stiffened, their expressions turning serious.

“You’ve heard of the Evil Emperor?” Murong Xue asked, her tone laced with surprise.

“Of course. Why? Is there something special about him?” Jiang HuanYu asked, intrigued.

“Special doesn’t begin to describe it,” Xiao Qingli said gravely.

“The Evil Emperor, Yun Che, was once the strongest being in the entire Heavenly Extreme Realm. He ruled the Imperial Province with an iron grip, his name synonymous with invincibility.”

“But his name is now taboo throughout the realm. In Imperial Province, mentioning him is strictly forbidden. The Evil Emperor perished long ago, and his memory has been erased from history.”

“As for his daughter, Yun Zixian, she’s likely been hunted relentlessly. Whether she’s still alive is uncertain,” Xiao Qingli explained.

Jiang HuanYu nodded thoughtfully.
The revelation of Yun Che’s immense power and tragic downfall intrigued him further.

“I see… the Evil Emperor must have been quite the figure to leave such an enduring legacy, even as a forbidden name,” he mused.

Meanwhile, Yun Zixian—alive or not—just became a vital piece in Jiang HuanYu’s grand plans.