Chapter 231: The Young Master of the Sacred Qilin Clan!

At this moment, the Sacred Qilin’s expression was one of shock and contemplation.

A being with the Space-Time Constitution—to cooperate with such an individual was to hold hope for their future vengeance.

Though collaboration would mean stooping to work with others, even the most prideful of their kind, like the Ancestral Qilin, would have no grounds to hold their heads high before someone with the Space-Time Constitution.

If they seized this opportunity, not only could they achieve their revenge, but they might also soar to unprecedented heights in the future.

“Esteemed Emperor HuanYu, I am willing to cooperate with you,” the Sacred Qilin said, his tone deliberate.
“Furthermore, I have no objection to us joining your Jiang Empire. However, I have a small, selfish request.”

The enormous Sacred Qilin lowered his proud head slightly, speaking cautiously to Jiang HuanYu.

“Speak.”

Jiang HuanYu maintained his composed and confident demeanor as he addressed the Sacred Qilin.

The Sacred Qilin’s gem-like eyes shifted toward the grand seven-star palace.

“Young Master, come out,” the Sacred Qilin called gently.

From the palace emerged a smaller Sacred Qilin, no larger than Xiao Bai.

The young Qilin had a soft and fluffy appearance, exuding an innocent and pure aura. Judging by its demeanor, it seemed to have the intelligence of a child no older than ten in human years.

The sight of the small Qilin was a stark contrast to the grandeur and ferocity of the Sacred Qilin, making them appear as polar opposites.

The members of the Void Secret Realm turned their attention toward the young Sacred Qilin, their expressions filled with surprise.

Even Jiang HuanYu’s companions, aside from himself, were taken aback. None of them had expected the magnificent seven-star palace to house such a young Sacred Qilin.

Despite its youth, the aura surrounding the young Qilin was undeniably at the Quasi-Emperor level—a truly astonishing feat.

Moreover, the term used by the Sacred Qilin to refer to the young one caught their attention: Young Master.

Could this small Sacred Qilin be the young master of the Sacred Qilin Clan in the Celestial Realm?

Xiao Bai blinked in curiosity, his innocent eyes fixed on the young Qilin.

The young Qilin, equally curious, returned the gaze with wide, innocent eyes.

The towering Sacred Qilin broke the silence.

“Emperor HuanYu, this is my condition.”
“I humbly ask that once we join your Jiang Empire, you prioritize nurturing our Young Master.”

“The Young Master carries our master’s hopes. When he grows, he will have a destiny to fulfill—to avenge the countless princes and our master who were brutally slaughtered.”

Hearing these words, Jiang HuanYu rested a hand on his chin, contemplating.

He turned to Qian Xinrou and asked calmly, “What do you think, my dear consort?”

“Your Majesty, this doesn’t seem unreasonable,” Qian Xinrou replied.
“However, I believe it’s prudent for Your Majesty to first learn about their identities and experiences before making a final decision.”

With her awakened Heavenly Wisdom Constitution, Qian Xinrou had become Jiang HuanYu’s trusted advisor for matters requiring deep thought.

In Xiao Qingli’s absence, Qian Xinrou’s response left Jiang HuanYu quite satisfied.

Indeed, it would be wise to understand their background before proceeding.

“Nurturing your Young Master is a condition I can accept,” Jiang HuanYu said.
“However, this emperor needs to know your origins and why you are hiding in the Abyssal Forbidden Zone.”

His gaze rested on the majestic Sacred Qilin as he spoke.

“Of course.”

“My name is Qiyuan Ling. Our Young Master is Qitian Xing. As for my master—Young Master’s father—his name was Qiyun Hao, the third patriarch of the Qilin Clan in the Celestial Realm…”

As Qiyuan Ling recounted their story, Jiang HuanYu and his companions began to piece together the events that had transpired.

The Qilin Clan was a significant and powerful force in the Celestial Realm, second only to the long-lived Celestial Families.

Within the Qilin Clan, status was determined by bloodline rank.

Since the bloodline of the Ancestral Qilin had long since disappeared, the Sacred Qilin bloodline was considered the highest tier within the clan.

The Qilin Clan was divided into five factions, each led by a patriarch referred to as “Lord.”

The head of the first faction held the highest seniority and was called Great Lord, while Qiyun Hao, Qitian Xing’s father, was the third faction’s patriarch and was known as Third Lord.

The five patriarchs of the Qilin Clan were all at the Quasi-Celestial Emperor level, making them legendary figures capable of commanding the Celestial Realm.

The five patriarchs were as close as brothers, and the Qilin Clan had long enjoyed a harmonious unity.

However, this peace was shattered centuries later.

Qiyun Hao, the Third Lord, had formed a bond with a mysterious woman, resulting in the birth of a Sacred Qilin egg—Qitian Xing.

Sacred Qilins, unlike other divine beasts, were born from eggs that required centuries to incubate before hatching.

The higher the bloodline rank, the longer the incubation period.

At first, everything seemed normal. The birth of a Sacred Qilin egg in the Third Lord’s lineage was a cause for celebration.

However, ten days after the egg’s birth, an unexpected event occurred.

While Qiyun Hao was away from the clan on urgent matters, the egg underwent a remarkable transformation.

Its shell turned a brilliant golden hue, and the aura of its bloodline intensified to an unprecedented level.

The phenomenon alarmed the entire Qilin Clan, prompting the four other patriarchs to gather and investigate.

After careful analysis, they reached a stunning conclusion:

This was the sign of bloodline atavism!

The Sacred Qilin inside the egg had the potential to become an Ancestral Qilin—the mythical progenitor of their clan.

The Third Faction celebrated ecstatically, cherishing Qitian Xing as a divine gift.

An Ancestral Qilin was the legendary founder of their clan. If Qitian Xing were to grow and mature without interference, he would become the next Ancestral Qilin, restoring the clan’s former glory and elevating them to rival the Celestial Families.

However, the other four patriarchs didn’t share the same vision.

While Qiyun Hao was away, the four patriarchs convened in secret and made a decision that would ignite the fury of the entire Third Faction…

Chapter 232: The Tragedy of the Third Faction

After deliberating, the patriarchs of the four factions decided to place the unhatched Qitian Xing on a sacrificial altar for research. They hoped to uncover the cause of his bloodline atavism.

However, this process would inevitably sacrifice Qitian Xing.

Naturally, the Sacred Qilins of the Third Faction vehemently opposed this decision. High-ranking members of the Third Faction stood firm, fiercely protecting their young master.

Unfortunately, with their patriarch Qiyun Hao absent, they were powerless against the combined pressure of the other four factions. The four patriarchs acted decisively, forcefully taking Qitian Xing away.

Qitian Xing’s mother, in a desperate bid to protect her child, threatened to take her own life. However, her pleas fell on deaf ears. She ultimately died in front of the four patriarchs, who remained indifferent to her sacrifice.

With Qitian Xing in their hands, the four patriarchs prepared to carry out their plan, leaving the Third Faction in despair. The death of their matriarch and the loss of their young master plunged the faction into darkness. Many princes of the Third Faction were filled with grief and frustration, powerless to act.

At this critical moment, Qiyun Hao returned.

Upon learning of his wife’s death and the betrayal of his sworn brothers, who intended to sacrifice his son for research, Qiyun Hao was consumed with rage.

He rallied the Sacred Qilins of the Third Faction and led them in an assault against the First Faction, confronting the four patriarchs head-on.

The two sides clashed fiercely, but the Third Faction was no match for the combined strength of the other four factions. From the outset, they were suppressed.

Cornered and desperate, Qiyun Hao resorted to the Qilin Clan’s forbidden art, burning his bloodline to boost his power.

With this technique, he managed to drive back the First and Second Patriarchs and severely wound the other two patriarchs. Ultimately, he reclaimed Qitian Xing.

After breaking through the encirclement, Qiyun Hao fled with his son. The Sacred Qilins of the Third Faction fought valiantly to cover their escape, sacrificing themselves one by one.

Despite their efforts, the four factions relentlessly pursued them.

With no other options, Qiyun Hao entrusted Qitian Xing to his trusted subordinate, Qiyuan Ling.

Qiyuan Ling, though gravely injured, fulfilled his mission and escaped with Qitian Xing from the Celestial Realm.

Eventually, they reached the Abyssal Forbidden Zone in the Heavenly Extreme Realm, where they found refuge.

In the safety of the Forbidden Zone, Qiyuan Ling focused on recovering while protecting the Sacred Qilin egg.

Years later, Qitian Xing finally hatched.

Due to his bloodline atavism, over 70% of his bloodline was that of the Ancestral Qilin. At birth, his cultivation was already at the peak of the Eternal Realm.

In the years following, as he matured, he broke through to the Quasi-Emperor Realm.

After listening to Qiyuan Ling’s recounting, Jiang HuanYu felt a strange sense of familiarity.

“Damn it, why does this plot sound so much like… the backstory of someone with a Supreme Bone?”

“A rare natural gift leads to jealousy, then betrayal, the father swoops in to save the day, only to end up hunted himself.”

The more Jiang HuanYu heard, the more convinced he became that Qitian Xing was a textbook protagonist.

All Qitian Xing needed was an opportunity to rise—at which point he could fully awaken his bloodline, evolve into the only living Ancestral Qilin, and embark on a path of revenge against the Qilin Clan for his parents and the Third Faction.

Jiang HuanYu could practically write the rest of the story in his sleep.

However, there was one crucial difference: Qitian Xing’s opportunity would stem from Jiang HuanYu and the Jiang Empire!

Jiang HuanYu and Qian Xinrou exchanged glances after hearing Qiyuan Ling’s story.

Breaking the silence, Qian Xinrou asked, “Are you certain everything you’ve told us is true?”

“Every word is true. If there is a single falsehood, may I suffer eternal damnation, my soul plagued by inner demons!” Qiyuan Ling solemnly vowed.

Reassured by his sincerity, Jiang HuanYu and Qian Xinrou finally let down their guard.

“Very well.”

“In that case, I accept your terms.”

“As long as you pledge allegiance to the Jiang Empire, I promise to nurture Qitian Xing and help his bloodline fully awaken, allowing him to evolve into an Ancestral Qilin!”

Jiang HuanYu spoke firmly, his tone brimming with confidence.

This alliance was a deal he could not lose.

He was well aware that Qiyuan Ling and Qitian Xing’s willingness to submit stemmed largely from the display of his own constitution and the aura of mystery surrounding him.

“Qiyuan Ling thanks Emperor HuanYu!”

The Sacred Qilin lowered his massive head, expressing his loyalty with a voice full of respect.

“Alright. Since we’re all on the same side now, there’s no need for formality.”

“Qiyuan Ling, move the seven-star palace into the Void Secret Realm. I intend to anchor the Void Secret Realm firmly at the core of the Abyssal Forbidden Zone.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

With a wave of his claw, Qiyuan Ling transferred the seven-star palace, along with Qitian Xing, into the Void Secret Realm.

Shrinking his form to human size, Qiyuan Ling followed them inside.

Jiang HuanYu manipulated the Void Secret Realm, settling it securely in the Forbidden Zone’s core region.

He then sent Xiao Bai, Bai Mengmeng, and his children to accompany Qitian Xing, with Qian Xinrou keeping watch over them.

Meanwhile, Jiang HuanYu and Qiyuan Ling conversed within the seven-star palace.

From Qiyuan Ling, Jiang HuanYu learned that the Abyssal Forbidden Zone was once known as the deadliest place in the Heavenly Extreme Realm due to the core region’s soul-disturbing mist.

This mist could affect even Heavenly Emperor cultivators, causing them to harm themselves or perish.

After Qiyuan Ling’s arrival, he restructured the core area, placing the seven-star palace at its center and eliminating the soul-disturbing mist.

With Qiyuan Ling guarding the core, the Forbidden Zone became an even deadlier trap.

Over the centuries, several Great Emperors ventured in, only to meet their demise at Qiyuan Ling’s hands.

Eventually, the Forbidden Zone’s lethal reputation discouraged further intrusions.

“By the way, Your Majesty,” Qiyuan Ling added,
“When I dealt with those intruders, I collected their storage bags. Many resources were left behind by the fallen Great Emperors. I’ve gathered them all in hopes they might be of use to you.”

Qiyuan Ling retrieved nearly twenty bulging storage bags and presented them to Jiang HuanYu.

Chapter 233: Thanos’ Seven Gems

Jiang HuanYu accepted the storage bags from Qiyuan Ling and probed their contents with his spiritual sense.

After confirming what was inside, a smile spread across his face.
“Well done.”

“These items will be of significant help to the Jiang Empire at its current stage.”

Jiang HuanYu reviewed the resources within the storage bags.

As expected of Great Emperor-level cultivators, their reserves were abundant.

Among the treasures, Jiang HuanYu even found two imperial weapons. These resources were more than enough to elevate the strength of the Jiang Empire’s higher ranks.

Qiyuan Ling smiled lightly, seeing Jiang HuanYu’s satisfaction.
“As long as Your Majesty is pleased. These items are of no use to me, but in Your Majesty’s hands, their value can be maximized.”

Jiang HuanYu nodded appreciatively and asked,
“By the way, how is your injury? Do you have any hope of recovery?”

Qiyuan Ling sighed softly.
“Your Majesty, my injuries have shaken the very foundation of my being. Unless I can find some legendary heavenly treasure capable of healing one’s foundation, I can only rely on time to recover slowly.”

Jiang HuanYu absorbed this answer calmly, having mentally prepared himself for such a response.

He then asked,
“Can you still fight if needed?”

Qiyuan Ling replied seriously,
“In theory, yes. However, the spatial barriers of this lower realm are too fragile. If my celestial aura were to spread unchecked, the consequences could be catastrophic. I’ve been suppressing my celestial powers with all my might for this very reason.”

“Moreover, there is another critical concern. If my aura were to leak recklessly, it could attract the pursuit of the other factions of the Qilin Clan from the Celestial Realm.”

“This is the primary reason I chose to stay in the Abyssal Forbidden Zone.”

Jiang HuanYu understood the rationale behind Qiyuan Ling’s caution.
“Fair enough. Since that’s the case, focus on recuperating in the Void Secret Realm. Here, even if your aura leaks, the realm’s heavenly energy will seal it, preventing it from spreading. You can rest assured on that front.”

“As for Qitian Xing, with his potential to evolve into an Ancestral Qilin, you can trust that this emperor will ensure his development. Those who are valuable to me will always receive the care they deserve.”

Standing before the Seven-Star Palace, Jiang HuanYu crossed his arms and gazed into the distance as he spoke.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“By the way, there is something else I should inform Your Majesty about,” Qiyuan Ling added suddenly.

“Oh?” Jiang HuanYu turned to him with mild curiosity.

“It’s about the Seven-Star Palace.”

“What about it? Is there something special about this palace?”

Qiyuan Ling smiled faintly.
“Your Majesty, the palace itself holds no special secrets. However, the seven radiant gems adorning its peak are the greatest treasures of our Qilin Clan.”

“Hmm?” Jiang HuanYu’s gaze shifted to the seven glowing gems atop the palace.
“Explain.”

“These seven gems have individual names,” Qiyuan Ling began.

“These seven gems were passed down from our ancestor, the Ancestral Qilin, and are the most treasured artifacts of the Qilin Clan—unmatched in value.”

“Each gem contains immense power and unfathomable mysteries. When embedded within a living being, they can significantly enhance that being’s corresponding abilities, even granting them miraculous capabilities.”

“Our ancestor once said that if these seven gems were placed into the legendary Qilin Gauntlet, the resulting power would be enough to alter time and space and overturn the laws of origin. Even the Celestial Realm’s Heavenly Dao would have to bow before it.”

“However, the Qilin Gauntlet is a mythical artifact. No one has ever seen it, nor does anyone know how to find it.

“When my master, Qiyun Hao, led our escape, he entered the ancestral grounds and retrieved all seven gems. During our flight, he entrusted them to me along with the Young Master.”

“This is the story behind the Seven Gems.”

Jiang HuanYu listened intently, his expression becoming slightly bemused.

“Seven gems? A gauntlet???”

“How did this mystical world suddenly turn into a Marvel crossover?”

“With these seven gems in my possession, am I supposed to become Thanos now?”

For a moment, Jiang HuanYu marveled at the uncanny resemblance to his homeland’s Hollywood blockbusters.

Thanos snapped his fingers to destroy the world.
Iron Man snapped his fingers to sacrifice himself and save the world.

“And me?” Jiang HuanYu mused.
“Am I destined to snap my fingers and challenge the Heavenly Dao itself?”

“No, no, no!”

“It’s too early to think about this. Without the Qilin Gauntlet, these seven gems can’t possibly unleash their full potential.”

Jiang HuanYu turned back to Qiyuan Ling.
“By your account, taking these gems from the Qilin Clan must have driven the other patriarchs mad.”

“That’s their just desserts!” Qiyuan Ling replied firmly.
“They used the Young Master for experiments, drove the madam to her death, and left the master’s fate uncertain.

“For daring to commit such fratricidal acts, they deserve to suffer the consequences of their actions!”

Jiang HuanYu could see the unwavering loyalty Qiyuan Ling held for Qiyun Hao. Such a subordinate was unquestionably trustworthy.

“Even without the Qilin Gauntlet, can these gems be used individually?” Jiang HuanYu asked, his curiosity piqued.

He was eager to explore the miraculous powers of the seven gems.

Chapter 234: Researching the Formation

Jiang HuanYu, who had been excited to experience the power of the seven gems, was quickly doused with a dose of reality by Qiyuan Ling.

“Your Majesty, these seven gems contain celestial power. To wield even one, one must at least have reached the Celestial King Realm,” Qiyuan Ling explained.

“Celestial King Realm!”

Jiang HuanYu’s enthusiasm was instantly sobered.

The gap between his current cultivation and the Celestial King Realm was vast. As someone who wasn’t even in the Void Celestial Realm yet, such a goal would take considerable time.

“Forget it.”
“You can leave now. Rest and recuperate. If there’s anything, I’ll inform you.”

Jiang HuanYu waved Qiyuan Ling away.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Qiyuan Ling said, turning and entering the Seven-Star Palace.

Standing before the palace, Jiang HuanYu looked toward the Jiang Imperial City in the distance.

“If my calculations are correct, my consorts should have arrived by now.”

“With everything settled here, I can finally proceed with my grand plans and bold actions.”

Jiang HuanYu’s gaze sharpened as his thoughts coalesced. His figure disappeared from the palace moments later.

After returning to the imperial city, Jiang HuanYu summoned the empire’s high-ranking officials.

In the hall, Jiang HuanYu sat on the throne, with Qian Xinrou, Murong Xue, and Medusa seated beside him.

Below stood the empire’s key figures: the Sword God, Chonglou , Zuo Xuanqi, King Jiang, Tie Poyun, Danchen, and the Arrow God. They stood solemnly, awaiting Jiang HuanYu’s command.

Among the high ranks of the Jiang Empire:

This level of strength placed the Jiang Empire among the most powerful factions in the Central Saint Continent, rivaled perhaps only by entities like the Purple Star Divine Sect or the Light God Sect.

“With the Jiang Empire firmly established in the Abyssal Forbidden Zone, bolstered by the Void Secret Realm’s protection and the region’s natural defenses, our rear is now fully secure,” Jiang HuanYu began.

“Now that the foundation is stable, it is time to expand the empire’s influence.

“For our first campaign in the Central Saint Continent, I aim for more than just a flawless victory.”

“I want to ensure that the entire continent remembers the unparalleled might of the Jiang Empire. Our name should become the nightmare of all those who dare resist us!”

Jiang HuanYu’s tone was cold and resolute as he addressed his subordinates.

“Long live His Majesty!”

“All who oppose the Jiang Empire will meet only one fate: complete annihilation!” Zuo Xuanqi declared with unwavering conviction.

“Your Majesty, I am willing to personally lead the troops into battle!” the Sword God volunteered, stepping forward.

“No matter the enemy, I will ensure a victory that pleases Your Majesty!”

“We too are willing to lead the troops!” declared King Jiang and Tie Poyun in unison.

Jiang HuanYu smiled faintly, understanding their eagerness.

However, he already had candidates in mind for the campaign.

“I understand your determination and your loyalty to the empire,” Jiang HuanYu said.
“However, the first campaign is of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly. I already have a plan.”

“Sword God, Zuo Xuanqi, step forward!”

The two men came forward together.
“Your Majesty!”

“I command the two of you to immediately set out with three million imperial soldiers. Your mission is to eradicate the Golden Elephant Clan completely. Leave no loose ends!” Jiang HuanYu ordered.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The Sword God and Zuo Xuanqi accepted their orders and left the hall to prepare their forces.

“King Jiang, Tie Poyun, Chonglou, step forward!”

“Your Majesty!”

“You three will be led by the Imperial Consort Medusa. Take another three million soldiers and destroy Heavenly God Island.

“Once the island is secured, compile its territorial and intelligence information and report it to the Virtuous Consort for integration into the empire.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Medusa rose gracefully, leading the three officials as they left to execute the campaign.

Jiang HuanYu’s gaze shifted to Dan Chen.
“Danchen, how goes the production of the specialty pills from Great Chu? Are there enough in stock?”

“Your Majesty, the alchemy pavilion has prepared 37 crates containing 3,700 bottles, totaling 185,000 pills,” Danchen reported earnestly.

Jiang HuanYu stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Not bad. Reserve 50,000 pills for emergencies.”

“As for the rest, incorporate them into a formation. Work with Snow Consort to create a Dream Illusion Array infused with these pills’ effects.”

Murong Xue, hearing this, couldn’t help but blush. She whispered telepathically to Jiang HuanYu,
“Your Majesty, what are you planning this time?”

“Have you already grown bored of the usual approaches?”

“Do pills no longer satisfy you, and now you need to add formations to spice things up?”

Jiang HuanYu’s face twitched slightly as he replied telepathically,
“My dear consort, what are you thinking? This formation is to be used against enemies, not you!”

“Besides… I’ve had you all switch roles and outfits daily, and I’ve never grown tired of it. You should know me better than that by now.”

Realizing her misunderstanding, Murong Xue blushed deeply and remained silent.

Chapter 235: Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s Hatred

After receiving Jiang HuanYu’s orders, Danchen departed the hall. Murong Xue, having no immediate tasks, followed him to the pavilion to collaborate on the research for the formation that Jiang HuanYu had commanded.

Jiang HuanYu, in turn, summoned the Shadow Guard commander who had recently broken through to the peak of the God-Breaking Realm. He tasked the Shadow Guard with infiltrating the Zhongsheng Continent’s core regions to establish an advanced intelligence network.

Intelligence, the Eyes of a Faction

Jiang HuanYu understood the critical importance of intelligence for any power. Without it, a faction would be as blind as a man without eyes.

The Shadow Guards, with their natural disguises and unique abilities, were ideal for this mission. They could reach places others could not, ensuring the seamless establishment of a covert network.

Once he had issued all his orders, Jiang HuanYu left the hall with Qian Xinrou, heading toward the imperial garden to find Xiao Bai and Bai Mengmeng.

Xiao Bai’s Barbecue Gathering

Xiao Bai was grilling meat in the imperial garden, entertaining his new friend Qitian Xing. Bai Mengmeng was also present, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Jiang HuanYu wanted to see how far Xiao Bai’s barbecuing skills had advanced, so he brought Qian Xinrou along to witness the culinary display.

Meanwhile, in the Celestial Hall of the Xuanyuan Family

Xuanyuan Jiuyou sat at the center of the grand hall, sipping tea. His expression was calm but contemplative.

“Are there any updates from the Seventeenth Elder or Yun Xiaoyao?” he asked, looking at his tea cup.

Several Quasi-Emperor elders from the Xuanyuan family sat around him.

One elder stepped forward to answer.
“Third Young Master, the Heavenly Palace has dispatched all its spies to conduct a carpet search of the Zhongsheng Continent. We’ve covered nearly half the territory already, and we should have leads on Yun Zixian soon.”

“As for the Seventeenth Elder, we haven’t received any news since he departed. It’s peculiar,” the elder added thoughtfully.

Another elder chimed in,
“Do you think the Seventeenth Elder has been restrained by the Jiang Empire?”

“How absurd!”

“Old Wu, you’re overthinking things,” a third elder interjected.
“With the Seventeenth Elder’s strength, how could a mere Jiang Empire possibly contain him? He’s likely already succeeded and is on his way back to report directly to the Third Young Master.”

Xuanyuan Jiuyou calmly rotated the tea cup in his hand, his demeanor remaining composed.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared in the hall.

Everyone turned to see the Seventeenth Elder.

The Seventeenth Elder Returns

“Seventeenth Elder!”

The elders rose in unison, visibly pleased to see him return.

“You’ve returned! How did it go? Where are the Jiang Empire’s people? Are they alive?”

Xuanyuan Jiuyou, sensing the importance of the elder’s return, set his tea aside and immediately pressed him for answers.

However, the Seventeenth Elder’s expression was somber, his brows furrowed deeply. His mood was heavy, and he shook his head slowly.

“I didn’t encounter anyone from the Jiang Empire.”

“What?”

“What do you mean?” Xuanyuan Jiuyou asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

“The Jiang Empire has completely vacated the Sea Domain,” the Seventeenth Elder explained.
“When I arrived and found no trace of them, I turned to one of their subordinate factions, the Murong Ancient Clan. From them, I uncovered critical information.”

Critical Information

Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s eyes narrowed. “What critical information?”

“The Jiang Empire has shifted its focus. Their target is the Zhongsheng Continent -Central Sacred Continent.

“Jiang HuanYu has led his forces to advance into the continent!”

“But that’s not the most significant part.” The Seventeenth Elder’s tone grew graver.

“Third Young Master, do you know the name of Jiang HuanYu’s empress?”

The Seventeenth Elder’s expression was solemn as he stared at Xuanyuan Jiuyou.

Xuanyuan Jiuyou, sensing an ominous revelation, asked,
“What’s her name?”

“Jiang HuanYu’s empress is named Xiao Qingli.

“Additionally, one of his consorts is Murong Xue, the eldest daughter of the Murong Ancient Clan!”

The names struck like thunderclaps in the hall.

“Xiao Qingli! Murong Xue! Is this a coincidence, or are they truly alive?” the Xuanyuan elders exclaimed, their faces filled with astonishment.

Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s expression darkened instantly. His brows furrowed tightly, and a mix of hatred and killing intent flashed in his eyes.

The Name That Haunts Xuanyuan Jiuyou

Xiao Qingli.

The name alone was enough to stir Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s deepest hatred.

In the Celestial Empire, it was widely known that his father, Emperor Xuanyuan Fen, had been infatuated with the beauty of the Nine Nether Empress, Xiao Qingli.

However, Xiao Qingli never reciprocated his father’s feelings. Heartbroken, Xuanyuan Fen settled for a substitute—Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s mother.

But after Xiao Qingli’s supposed death, his father’s affection for his mother waned, leaving her to wither under the weight of neglect and emotional anguish. Eventually, she succumbed to her grief and passed away.

For Xuanyuan Jiuyou, this pain was compounded by the whispers of others.

Though people treated him with respect on the surface, he knew the truth. Behind closed doors, he was mocked as the “substitute’s offspring.”

No matter how extraordinary his talents or achievements, he could never escape this stigma.

This had become the most profound and repressed source of hatred in Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s heart.

He loathed his name, “Jiuyou,” given by his father in homage to Xiao Qingli’s Nine Nether title.

But more than anything, he despised Xiao Qingli herself.

In his eyes, she was the root of all his suffering.

And yet, he also harbored a deep-seated resentment toward his father for failing to protect his mother and for allowing her to suffer.

These tangled emotions—hatred for Xiao Qingli, resentment toward his father, and disdain for his name—had festered in Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s heart for years.

“Whether or not she is truly the Nine Nether Empress…

“If her name is Xiao Qingli, she must die!” Xuanyuan Jiuyou declared coldly, his voice filled with unwavering resolve.

Chapter 236: Xiao Qingli Reaches Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain

Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s voice carried a heavy tone of hatred as he spoke. His gaze turned toward the Seventeenth Elder, and he asked directly,
“Seventeenth Elder, since the Jiang Empire is planning to advance into the Zhongsheng Continent, where are they now?”

The Seventeenth Elder frowned and replied seriously,
“Third Young Master, this is what puzzles me the most.

“I learned from the Murong Ancient Clan that Jiang HuanYu and his forces left the Sea Domain quite some time ago.

“By all accounts, I should have encountered them on my way to the Sea Domain. However, I didn’t see even a shadow of the Jiang Empire’s people.

“Afterward, I carefully searched the border areas between the Sea Domain and the Zhongsheng Continent.

“Yet, there wasn’t a single trace of them.

“In other words, once the Jiang Empire left the Sea Domain, it was as if they vanished into thin air, leaving no tracks behind!”

“Vanished into thin air?”

“How is that possible?”

“The Jiang Empire is a massive force, numbering in the millions. How could so many people disappear without a trace?” a Quasi-Emperor elder exclaimed in disbelief.

Xuanyuan Jiuyou sat silently, deep in thought. Finally, his face hardened as he made a decisive conclusion:
“Vanishing into thin air is impossible.”

“The most likely scenario is that they’ve already entered the Zhongsheng Continent and are hiding somewhere.”

“Alternatively, they may have allied with a faction in the continent and are concealing themselves within that faction’s ranks.”

The Seventeenth Elder seemed to recall something and added,
“Third Young Master, there’s one more thing to note.

“The Jiang Empire’s chancellor, Zuo Xuanqi, is married to Yinlan, the Grand Elder of the Ziwei Divine Sect.”

“Could the Jiang Empire have ties with the Ziwei Divine Sect?”

The Seventeenth Elder’s insight immediately shifted Xuanyuan Jiuyou’s focus to the Ziwei Divine Sect.

Xuanyuan Jiuyou furrowed his brow, deliberating carefully before his expression hardened.

“Seventeenth Elder, take Wu Elder and Bai Elder with you to the Ziwei Divine Sect.

“If you find anyone from the Jiang Empire there, suppress them immediately and notify me at once.”

“Yes, Third Young Master!”

“What if the Jiang Empire’s people aren’t in the Ziwei Divine Sect?” Wu Elder asked cautiously.

“If they’re not there, detain all the sect’s high-ranking members and force them to reveal their connection to the Jiang Empire.

“If they resist… I permit you to use extreme measures!”

Xuanyuan Jiuyou had already made up his mind. He was convinced that the Ziwei Divine Sect was connected to the Jiang Empire.

After all, with their Grand Elder married to the Jiang Empire’s chancellor, it was highly plausible that the two factions were secretly allied.

“Yes!!”

The three elders responded in unison, then turned and left the hall to head toward the Ziwei Divine Sect.

Meanwhile, in the Zhongsheng Continent

On the deck of a warship, Zuo Xuanqi stood beside the Sword God.

Suddenly,
“Achoo!”

Zuo Xuanqi sneezed abruptly, catching even himself off guard.

“Good heavens,” he muttered.
“Why am I sneezing out of nowhere? Which turtle bastard is cursing me behind my back?”

Zuo Xuanqi wiped his nose, grumbling irritably.

The Sword God, arms crossed, glanced at him indifferently before remarking,
“Your brow is dark, but there’s a faint red glow. It seems you’re destined for an encounter.”

“An encounter? What kind?” Zuo Xuanqi asked curiously.

“Women,” the Sword God replied flatly.
“A fortune of countless women.”

“Really?!”

“Hahaha! Excellent! Excellent!”

“If there are too many, I’ll share a few with you!” Zuo Xuanqi laughed heartily.

The Sword God raised an eyebrow and smirked faintly.

He had only mentioned that Zuo Xuanqi would encounter many women. He had never said whether this fortune of women was a blessing or a curse.

Watching Zuo Xuanqi’s elation, already dreaming of taking concubines, the Sword God chose not to clarify.

Time would tell, after all.

Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain

The Nine-Tailed Fox Clan’s sacred land, the Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain, was situated in the northernmost region of the Zhongsheng Continent. The area was perpetually covered in snow, creating a pristine white landscape.

The mountain was shrouded in misty clouds, with a colossal statue of a nine-tailed fox atop its peak. The nine tails fanned out magnificently, glowing brilliantly against the snowy backdrop.

Xiao Qingli, Su Baijie, and Jiang Xingyun arrived at the foot of the mountain. Behind them, Feipeng held a snow umbrella, shielding them from the icy wind.

Su Baijie gazed at the familiar sight of the Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain, her memories flooding back.

Though it had once been her home, today’s visit marked a moment of closure with the people she had once held dear.

Fate, it seemed, had an ironic sense of humor.

“Mother, are we going up?” Jiang Xingyun asked innocently, holding Su Baijie’s hand and looking up with wide eyes.

“Yes, Xingyun. We’re going up.”

Su Baije smiled at her child, then resolutely began ascending the mountain, holding Jiang Xingyun’s hand tightly.

Xiao Qingli accompanied them, her expression calm as they climbed the sacred path.

Before reaching the summit, Xiao Qingli transmitted a message to Feipeng:
“No matter what happens, your priority is to protect Su Consort and the prince. Leave everything else to me.”

“Yes, Empress!” Feipeng replied with unwavering resolve.

Chapter 237: Granny Su Qing

Su Baijie, accompanied by Xiao Qingli, Feipeng, and Jiang Xingyun, ascended the Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain and arrived at the gates of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan’s sacred grounds.

The guards stationed there were stunned upon seeing Su Baijie. One of them exclaimed,
“Third Princess! You’ve returned?!”

Su Baijie remained expressionless as she said,
“Go inform my father and the elders. Tell them that I, Su Baijie, have returned today to have a talk with them.”

“Yes! Please wait a moment, Third Princess!”

One of the guards immediately ran off to report to the clan’s leadership. It wasn’t long before he returned.
“Third Princess, the Clan Leader and the elders are already waiting for you in the grand hall. Please, follow me.”

The guard then escorted Su Baijie and her group up the mountain to the ninth peak, leading them to a snow-white palace.

Upon arrival, the guard did not enter the hall and withdrew, leaving Su Baijie, Xiao Qingli, and Feipeng standing before the doors.

Su Baijie, holding Jiang Xingyun’s hand, entered the hall with a composed and steady demeanor. Xiao Qingli and Feipeng followed closely behind her, ever-vigilant.

As they stepped inside, Jiang Xingyun blinked his curious eyes, glancing around the grand hall with childlike wonder.

Su Baijie and Xiao Qingli’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the six figures seated within.

At the center sat a middle-aged man with snow-white hair, clad in white robes, exuding an air of dignity. This man was the Clan Leader of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan and Su Baijie’s father, Su Linfeng.

To his sides sat five others: four elderly men and one elderly woman.

The four elders were members of the clan’s council:

Each of these elders was at the Broken God Realm in cultivation.

The elderly woman, known as Granny Su Qing, was the clan’s guardian elder. She had been Su Baijie’s only supporter among the clan’s leadership during her most difficult times.

It was thanks to Granny Su Qing’s protection that Su Baijie had been able to “coincidentally” escape her arranged marriage.

As Su Baijie entered the hall, her gaze swept across the room before resting on Granny Su Qing.

A genuine smile lit up her face as she greeted warmly,
“Granny Su Qing, it’s been so long. How has your health been?”

Granny Su Qing chuckled heartily.
“Ah, my dear Baijie, this old woman is still as strong as ever. I can still stand tall and protect you if needed.”

Her words were resolute, unafraid of the disapproving gazes of the other elders.

Despite the council’s longstanding disdain for Su Baijie, Granny Su Qing had always cherished her like a granddaughter, and nothing could change that.

“Thank you, Granny,” Su Baijie said sincerely, her heart warmed by the elder’s unwavering support.

Afterward, her gaze moved past the other elders and settled on Su Linfeng.

“Father,” she said softly, her smile fading into a calm expression. “I’ve returned.”

Su Linfeng met her gaze, his expression neutral. Before he could respond, however, the Fourth Elder, Su Heiyang, interjected with a scornful tone.
“Hmph! Su Baijie, so you still remember your way home?

“As the Third Princess of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, we arranged for you to marry the Golden Elephant Clan’s young master to strengthen ties between our clans.

“And what did you do?!”

“You ran away, humiliating our clan and causing irreparable damage to our reputation! Do you even realize the extent of the harm you’ve caused?

“How dare you return now?!”

Su Heiyang’s outburst clearly stemmed from long-standing resentment. It seemed he had rehearsed this speech, waiting for the day he could lash out at Su Baijie.

Su Linfeng remained silent, showing no intention of intervening. His attitude toward Su Baijie had always been lukewarm, viewing her as an inconvenience due to her mother’s humble origins and her perceived lack of talent.

Granny Su Qing, however, was not one to hold back. She retorted sharply,
“Fourth Elder, you dare spew such nonsense?

“Baijie never agreed to that marriage in the first place. If you and the others hadn’t tried to force her into it, would she have been driven to run away?

“Besides, what’s the point of dwelling on it now? The matter is already settled.

“If you’re so keen on repairing relations with the Golden Elephant Clan, I hear they still have a few elderly female elephants available. Why don’t you marry into their clan instead? Let’s see if you’ll be crying or laughing then!”

Su Heiyang’s face turned red with anger at Granny Su Qing’s bold words.

“Su Qing! How dare you insult me like this?!” he bellowed.
“Don’t think I don’t know it was you who helped Su Baijie escape back then!

“If you don’t behave today, don’t blame the council for taking action against you!”

Granny Su Qing remained unfazed, her eyes glinting with defiance.
“Oh? Planning to throw your weight around as a council member now, are you?

“Well, bring it on! This old woman may be past her prime, but I’d love to see how much ‘authority’ you lot think you have!”

Her fiery spirit silenced Su Heiyang, leaving him seething but unable to retaliate effectively.

“Enough!”

Su Linfeng’s stern voice finally broke the tension.
“All of you, behave yourselves! We have guests here. Do you intend to disgrace the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan by turning this into a public spectacle?”

Both Su Heiyang and Granny Su Qing reluctantly fell silent.

Xiao Qingli, who had been observing the exchange, let out a derisive chuckle. Stepping forward, she addressed Su Linfeng directly.

“Clan Leader Su, we’ve been standing here for quite some time.

“Is this how the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan treats its guests?”

Her words carried a sharp edge, and the air grew tense as all eyes turned to her.

Su Linfeng’s gaze narrowed as he studied Xiao Qingli. Though she exuded no discernible aura, her mere presence radiated an unshakable confidence and authority, on par with his own.

Chapter 238: Elder Sister Su Meiya and Elder Brother Su Wang

As Su Baijie, Xiao Qingli, Feipeng, and Jiang Xingyun took their seats, Su Linfeng remained silent, only giving a brief command:
“Please, have a seat.”

Xiao Qingli, unbothered by the terse invitation, sat down gracefully beside Su Baijie and Jiang Xingyun. The child, sitting between his mother and Xiao Qingli, looked around the hall with wide, curious eyes.

After a moment, Su Linfeng glanced toward Xiao Qingli and asked,
“May I know who this lady is?”

Xiao Qingli’s expression remained cold as she responded,
“I am the Empress of Jiang Dynasty and Baijie’s elder sister. This man here is our Grand General, Feipeng.”

Her tone carried an air of authority that made everyone present pay closer attention. It was clear to all that Su Baijie was not alone—she had returned with powerful allies.

However, despite their high status, the elders and Su Linfeng were unimpressed. They thought that even if Su Baijie brought the Empress and a general, what could they possibly do here on the Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain?

The silence was soon broken by the Grand Elder, Su Tianmo. He turned his gaze to Su Baijie and asked,
“Su Baijie, who is this child?”

Su Baijie’s eyes turned icy as she replied,
“He is my son, Jiang Xingyun.”

“Your son?!”

Her words sent shockwaves through the hall. Even Su Linfeng furrowed his brows, processing the revelation.

Su Baijie, who had fled the arranged marriage, not only found a partner outside the clan but now even had a child. This was a blatant violation of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan’s strict regulations, and her actions alone were punishable under their laws.

At that moment, two figures entered the hall—a man and a woman dressed in luxurious attire, bearing a slight resemblance to Su Linfeng.

“Father, we heard that our third sister has returned,” the woman said mockingly, her eyes fixed on Su Baijie. “My brother and I came to see what this fugitive has become after all these years.”

Su Baijie’s expression darkened as she recognized them. The man was her elder brother, Su Wang, and the woman was her elder sister, Su Meiya.

Unlike Su Baijie, they were born from Su Linfeng’s official wife and enjoyed the favor of the clan. Their privileged position allowed them to torment Su Baijie during her youth, and they had always viewed her as a stain on the family.

Their presence in the hall was not out of concern or curiosity—it was to ridicule her.

Su Meiya smirked as she stepped forward, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“What’s the matter, little sister? You’ve been away for so long, and now that you’re back, you won’t even greet your elder siblings?

“How rude. If all Nine-Tailed Fox Clan members were as ill-mannered as you, we’d be the laughingstock of the entire world.”

Su Wang, standing beside her, chimed in with feigned concern,
“Third sister, you’ve always been so headstrong.

“Now that you’re back, if you truly want to make amends, you should willingly accept the clan’s punishment.

“Of course, that’s if you can even survive it.”

His tone was calm, but his words carried a chilling weight.

Su Baijie remained silent, her gaze steady. Xiao Qingli, seated beside her, reached out and gently held Jiang Xingyun’s hand, signaling for Su Baijie to stay calm.

Su Baijie no longer stood alone. She had Xiao Qingli, Feipeng, and the entire Jiang Dynasty behind her. There was no need for her to endure the oppression she once did.

Taking a deep breath, Su Baijie locked eyes with her siblings and spoke with conviction,
“Enough with your games.

“If you came here to see me punished, you’ll be disappointed.

“I returned today with my son to sever all ties with the clan. Once this matter is resolved, I will leave and never set foot on this mountain again.”

Her tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

Su Linfeng’s brows furrowed slightly at her declaration, but he remained silent.

Su Meiya, however, burst into laughter.
“Sever ties with the clan? Su Baijie, are you daydreaming?

“You think you can come and go as you please?

“Let me remind you: you violated the clan’s rules by fleeing an arranged marriage. That alone is enough to sentence you to the dungeon for life.

“And now, you’ve given birth to an illegitimate child with some wild man. Do you—”

SLAP!

Before she could finish her sentence, a resounding slap echoed through the hall.

Su Meiya was sent flying across the room, her face twisted in shock and pain.

Xiao Qingli, who had delivered the slap, stood with a chilling expression.
“How dare you call my nephew an illegitimate child?”

Her voice was calm, but the underlying fury sent shivers through everyone present.

Su Meiya lay on the ground, struggling to speak as blood dripped from her mouth, several teeth missing.

The hall fell silent, the oppressive atmosphere making it difficult for anyone to breathe.

Even Su Linfeng, who had remained indifferent thus far, now realized that this Empress was not someone to be trifled with.

Chapter 239: Severing Ties

“How dare you! You actually dared to hit me?!”
Su Meiya, clutching her swollen face, glared at Xiao Qingli with a mixture of rage and disbelief, her expression like a wild beast ready to pounce.

Xiao Qingli’s cold eyes bore into her. “You think you’re qualified to insult anyone from the Jiang Dynasty?” she asked icily.

“I spared your life because I’m merciful. But if you dare utter those words again, I promise you’ll see your brains splattered in front of your very eyes before you die.”

Her tone was devoid of emotion, yet every word carried a bone-chilling finality.

“How dare you!” thundered the Grand Elder, Su Tianmo, standing abruptly. “Even if you’re the Empress of Jiang Dynasty, you have no right to strike a member of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan in our own hall!

“You truly think our clan has no one to stand against you?”

He turned to two elders seated nearby. “Elder Fourth! Elder Seventh! Capture her immediately!”

“Yes, Grand Elder!” responded Su Heiyang and Su Tianxi in unison.

The two elders, their cultivation at the God-Severing Realm, unleashed a surge of overwhelming energy that filled the hall as they charged toward Xiao Qingli.

Granny Su Qing, seeing the impending clash, rose swiftly, preparing to intervene.

“Granny Su Qing,” Su Linfeng’s cold voice rang out, stopping her in her tracks. “Don’t act rashly, or…”

His words, though unfinished, carried a clear warning. As the clan leader, he couldn’t tolerate an outsider attacking his family without consequence.

Su Qing Granny’s hands clenched into fists, but she reluctantly sat back down, her heart filled with helpless frustration.

Su Wang, supporting the injured Su Meiya, sneered.
“Let this be a lesson: you don’t mess around here. What do you think this is, Jiang Dynasty? Ridiculous!”

He glanced at Xiao Qingli with disdain, confident that the two elders would subdue her easily.

However, the next moment shattered their expectations.

Xiao Qingli’s expression didn’t waver. Instead, she smirked disdainfully and raised a single finger, around which swirled a faint, dark blue energy—a remnant of Nine Nether Force.

With a casual flick of her finger, two beams of Nine Nether Light shot forth, piercing the air faster than lightning.

Bang! Bang!

The beams struck Su Heiyang and Su Tianxi before they could even react, cutting through their protective auras like a hot knife through butter.

Their imposing God-Severing Realm energy, which could have leveled a city, crumbled instantly before the Nine Nether Light.

“Ahhhh!”

The two elders let out screams of pain as they were thrown backward, their bodies slammed against the far wall. The force of the impact cracked the surrounding stone, leaving them pinned and immobilized, their faces filled with terror and disbelief.

“Fourth Elder! Seventh Elder!”

“Impossible! What kind of power is this?”

“You—what is your cultivation?!”

Su Tianmo and the other elders were dumbstruck. Two elders of the God-Severing Realm had been subdued with a mere flick of Xiao Qingli’s finger.

Even Su Qing’s  was stunned, though her expression held more admiration than shock.

Su Linfeng, however, looked deeply troubled. Not only was Xiao Qingli’s strength terrifying, but she hadn’t even revealed her true cultivation. The sheer control and precision of her attack hinted at an unfathomable depth of power.

Su Baijie took her son’s hand and stood up, breaking the tense silence.

“Father,” she said, addressing Su Linfeng directly. “You’re the same as always, unchanged.

“Since this is how things stand, I will make myself clear.

“I know you’ve never cared for me, all because of my mother’s background.

“Growing up, I endured bullying from both the elders and my siblings while you turned a blind eye.

“But I’ve never done anything to wrong the clan.

“Now, it’s time to end this once and for all.”

Turning to Jiang Xingyun, she said softly, “Kneel with me, my son.”

Confused but obedient, Jiang Xingyun knelt beside his mother. Together, they kowtowed three times toward Su Linfeng.

The elders and Su Wang sneered, interpreting this as an act of submission.

When they finished, Su bAIJIEstood, her expression calm but resolute.

“These three kowtows are my repayment for the kindness of raising me,” she declared. “From this moment on, neither I nor my son have anything to do with the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.

“After today, I will no longer be a member of this clan. My son and I will never set foot on Nine-Tailed Divine Mountain again.”

Her words carried the weight of finality, shocking everyone in the hall.

Su Linfeng’s face darkened with fury.

“You wish to sever ties with me?!” he demanded, his voice rising.

“Very well!”

“You think that just because you have Jiang Dynasty behind you, you can act like this? Do you really think they’re enough to back you up?”

His tone grew colder, more menacing.

“Today, neither you nor your son will leave this mountain alive!”

Su Linfeng’s words sent a chill through the air, his anger erupting into killing intent.

Chapter 240: The Unveiling of Power

At that moment, Su Linfeng, unable to suppress his anger any longer, struck out with a forceful palm. The overwhelming aura of Eternal Realm energy roared toward Su Baijie and Jiang Xingyun.

Su Linfeng, the patriarch of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, had recently ascended to One-Star Eternal Realm, and he intended to use his power to subdue them, intending to imprison Su Baijie and her son.

Su Baijie, facing her biological father’s attack, stood calmly in place, showing no intention to dodge or defend.

Then, Xiao Qingli intervened. With a simple wave of her sleeve, a beam of Nine Nether Light surged forward, completely obliterating Su Linfeng’s attack and reflecting the force back at him.

“Pfft!”

The counterforce struck Su Linfeng with such intensity that he felt his internal organs shatter. His face turned pale as he coughed up blood, his body trembling from the impact.

“Patriarch!”
“Father!”

The elders and Su Wang, along with Su Meiya, shouted in alarm. Their expressions were a mix of shock and disbelief as they witnessed Su Linfeng being injured so easily.

An Eternal Realm cultivator had been overwhelmed without effort. How was that possible?

Their gaze turned toward Xiao Qingli, the icy aura surrounding her sending chills down their spines.

Before anyone could react further, Xiao Qingli released her aura fully.

A terrifying Imperial Aura swept through the hall, suffocating everyone within. The sheer weight of her presence made their faces pale, their limbs tremble, and cold sweat drip down their foreheads.

“Im-Imperial Aura!”
“Y-you… You’re a Quasi-Emperor?!”

Su Heiyang, still pinned to the wall by the Nine Nether Light, looked at Xiao Qingli with wide eyes filled with fear. His voice quivered as he spoke, barely able to form the words.

Su Linfeng, Su Tianmo, and the other elders were equally shaken.

Imperial Aura!

There was no mistaking it—this was the hallmark of a Quasi-Emperor.

An Eternal Realm cultivator’s power was insignificant in the face of such overwhelming might.

“Who… who are you really?” Su Tianmo stammered, his voice trembling. “How could a sea-based force like the Jiang Dynasty possibly possess a Quasi-Emperor?!”

Xiao Qingli sneered.

“Frogs at the bottom of a well,” she said coldly. “You judge the strength of a faction solely by its origin? No wonder you missed the treasure standing right before you—a Sacred Physique in your midst.”

“A group of shortsighted fools. If not for the fact that you share the same bloodline as Baijie, I would have eradicated your entire clan without hesitation.”

Her words were like a sharp blade, cutting through their pride and leaving the elders speechless.

Su Wang and Su Meiya, unable to withstand the pressure of Xiao Qingli’s aura, collapsed to their knees. They trembled like leaves in the wind, their faces ashen with fear.

“Sa-sacred Physique?”

Su Linfeng’s brows furrowed in confusion, his voice heavy with uncertainty.

“What… what do you mean by that?”

Xiao Qingli smirked coldly.

“Baijie,” she said, turning to Su Baijie, “show them. Let them see the treasure they squandered.”

At her words, all eyes turned to Su Baijie.

Taking a deep breath, she activated her Extreme Ice Sacred Physique.

Suddenly, the temperature in the hall plummeted. A powerful wave of icy blue energy surrounded Su Baijie, shimmering like thousands of crystalline needles. The frigid force stabbed into the hearts of everyone present, freezing their courage and leaving them speechless.

“Y-you… you have the Extreme Ice Sacred Physique?!”

Even Granny Su Qing, though overjoyed, couldn’t hide her surprise.

“If only you’d told us sooner…”

Sacred Physiques were rare treasures in the Heavenly Extreme Realm, revered for their unparalleled potential.

The Nine-Tailed Fox Clan had only ever produced two individuals with Sacred Physiques in their history.

Su Baijie’s revelation should have been a moment of pride for the clan, yet it was mired in regret and bitterness due to their fractured relationship.

Su Baijie turned to Granny Su Qing, her expression softening.

“Granny,” she said, “I didn’t know either. It wasn’t until I fled my arranged marriage and experienced a stroke of fortune that my Sacred Physique awakened.”

As the weight of Su Baijie’s words settled over the hall, Xiao Qingli added another bombshell.

“Xingyun,” she called, turning to the boy. “Show them your power.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Jiang Xingyun responded, stepping forward.

He activated his innate Divine Physique, radiating a golden light so brilliant it filled the hall.

Behind him, a majestic golden dragon’s shadow coiled upward, its presence so overwhelming that it seemed capable of shaking the heavens and reversing the stars.

“Th-this is… a Divine Physique!”

Su Linfeng and the elders’ jaws dropped in unison.

Even Granny Su Qing, despite her familiarity with Su Baijie’s physique, couldn’t hide her shock at Jiang Xingyun’s.

Divine Physiques were the pinnacle of natural talent, a rarity even among the strongest clans.

Seeing the boy’s power and recognizing what they had lost, Su Linfeng’s heart filled with regret.

He realized that his treatment of Su Baijie had not only cost him a Sacred Physique but also a Divine Physique in the form of her son.

Now, he could only watch helplessly as these extraordinary talents slipped further from his grasp, their ties to the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan severed forever.