Chapter 241: Playing the Emotional Card

Su Wang and Su Meiya stood silently to the side, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief, with jealousy burning deeply in their hearts.

Why?

Why would a daughter born of a lowly, almost slave-like status within the clan turn out to possess a Sacred Body?

Meanwhile, the two of them, the legitimate offspring of the main wife, had absolutely no connection to such divine phenomena.

The jealousy within their hearts surged uncontrollably. However, because of the presence of Xiao Qingli, whose quasi-emperor aura loomed over them, they could only suppress their envy, not daring to show it outright.

At this moment, Su Tianmo, Su Lu, and the other senior elders of the clan also had extremely complicated expressions on their faces.

Su Baijie’s Sacred Body, coupled with her son’s rumored Godly Body, could have been a blessing to the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan. If not for their earlier actions, their clan might have had a chance to ascend to the peak of power in the Middle Saint Continent, with both a Sacred Body and a Godly Body under their banner.

But now…

Silence gripped everyone in the hall. No one dared to speak, all lost in thought.

“Old geezer, if you don’t show yourself soon, don’t blame me for dragging you out myself,” Xiao Qingli, who stood beside Su Baijie and had become the center of attention, suddenly spoke. Her words seemed directed at the space before her, though they baffled most of those present.

At her words, Su Linfeng and the others raised their heads.

A deep sigh, filled with resignation, echoed through the hall.

“Sigh… Fate, such is fate.”

The space in the center of the grand hall cracked open, and the figure of a tall, thin elder emerged. His face was etched with bitterness and helplessness.

“Ancestor!”

Su Linfeng and Su Tianmo greeted the elder with barely restrained excitement.

This elder was none other than Su Wushan, the spiritual pillar of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.

Su Wushan, a twelve-star Eternal Realm expert, was considered among the absolute elites of the Middle Saint Continent.

Xiao Qingli regarded him with an expressionless face.

The moment Xiao Qingli had displayed her imperial might, Su Wushan had already been present, hiding in the folds of space. He had witnessed everything, including the revelation of Su Baijie’s Sacred Body and Jiang Xingyun’s Godly Body.

Thus, he understood the gravity of what the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan had lost. His bitter expression reflected his regret.

“Twelve-star Eternal Realm,” Xiao Qingli remarked. “You haven’t even reached the Myriad Laws Stage. It seems the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan’s potential ends here. Your shortsightedness led you to drive away the very people who could have elevated your entire clan to unprecedented heights. How does that feel?”

Her cold, mocking gaze swept across the elders of the clan, whose expressions turned uglier by the moment.

Su Wushan let out a deep sigh and turned toward Su Baijie. His tone was earnest as he said, “Child, would you consider returning to the clan?”

“If you return, I guarantee you will be the next head of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan. Furthermore, your mother’s grave will be moved into the ancestral tomb, where she will be honored as the main wife.”

“With me here, I promise that no one in the clan will dare to bully you again. All the clan’s resources will be prioritized for you.”

Su Wushan’s resolve to win Su Baijie back was clear.

Su Linfeng’s expression flickered, but he remained silent.

“No!”

The eldest son, Su Wang, could no longer hold his tongue. “Ancestor, you’ve promised me that I would inherit the position of clan leader! How can you go back on your word—”

“Silence!”

Su Wushan cut him off with a cold glare and struck him without hesitation.

“Ah—!”

The blow did not kill Su Wang, but it left him severely injured, with over half his bones broken. His soul trembled under the assault, and he collapsed unconscious.

“Brother!” Su Meiya rushed forward, pale-faced, to support him.

“Take him away,” Su Tianmo ordered.

After Su Meiya carried Su Wang out, Su Wushan suppressed his anger and turned back to Su Baijie. “Child, please return to the clan. As both a concubine of the Jiang Empire and the head of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, your roles can coexist without conflict.”

Standing beside Su Baijie, Xiao Qingli watched Su Wushan’s seemingly sincere appeal, a cold smile playing on her lips.

His true intentions were painfully obvious to her.

But sadly, some opportunities, once missed, are lost forever.

Holding Jiang Xingyun’s hand, Su Baijie’s expression remained calm. Her voice was firm as she replied, “It is said that people live for dignity, not bread.”

“While I may be a woman, I am not as cheap as you seem to think.”

“From childhood, I have never felt a shred of familial love from this clan. If not for Granny Su’Qing protecting me, I would have followed my mother to the grave long ago.”

“For a clan that prioritizes benefits above all else, a clan that discards sentiment when it is convenient, what value does the position of clan leader hold?”

“Even if you offered me the position of clan ancestor, I would never return.”

“My ties with the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan have already been severed. No matter what conditions you offer, I will never come back.”

Her unwavering tone and resolute gaze made her stance clear.

“But child, no matter what, Linfeng is still your biological father. Can such ties truly be severed so easily?”

“Enough!”

Xiao Qingli’s voice cut through. “Still clinging to your charade, old man? How much longer will you keep up this facade?”

Chapter 242: Destroying the Ancestral Graves and Departing

At this moment, Su Wushan attempted to use Su Linfeng’s identity as Su Baijie’s father to play the emotional card.

However, Xiao Qingli’s frost-like, cutting words immediately interrupted him.

Su Wushan’s words faltered, and his expression turned solemn.

“What does Your Majesty mean by this?” he asked, attempting to defuse the situation. “This old man’s intentions are genuine. I only wish for Baijie to return to the clan, with no malice whatsoever.”

“Ha!” Xiao Qingli sneered.

“Su Wushan, as the patriarch of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, you are not someone who remains secluded in retreat all year. Are you truly unaware of what goes on within the clan?”

“When Baijie held no value to any of you, you treated her like a mere bargaining chip, shamelessly marrying her off in an arranged union.”

“Now that her worth surpasses your wildest imaginations, you shamelessly beg her to return to the clan.”

“Tell me, is it wrong for me to call you a hypocrite?”

Xiao Qingli’s sharp words left Su Wushan speechless, unable to argue.

She gazed at him, her eyes filled with disdain.

“Enough of this charade in front of me. You don’t have the qualifications for it.”

“And you,” she turned her icy gaze on Su Linfeng. “As Baijie’s father, you know better than anyone how you treated her from the moment she was born.”

“She was bullied by her peers, despised by her elders, and you, her own father, turned a blind eye. Worse yet, you despised her yourself!”

“You’re unfit to be a father—no, you’re unfit to be a man!”

“From today onward, Baijie will have no further connection with you or the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.”

“If you are unwilling to accept this, you may declare war on the Tianyan Empire. We will gladly meet you on the battlefield!”

Xiao Qingli’s commanding presence overwhelmed everyone in the hall. She exuded an indescribable charisma, her imposing stance a clear show of support for Su Baijie.

Su Linfeng was left utterly speechless, bowing his head in shame.

“We’re leaving,” Xiao Qingli said, turning to Su Baijie and the others.

She led them out without hesitation, having given the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan one last opportunity for Baijie’s sake.

She had no desire to massacre them in front of Baijie, but if there were a next time, she vowed that Su Linfeng and the others would pay with their lives.

Suddenly, not long after Xiao Qingli and the others left, a deafening explosion rocked the rear mountains of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.

“What’s happening?!”

“Did they attack the rear mountains?!”

The hall erupted in alarm, with Su Tianmo speculating in panic.

At that moment, Su Meiya rushed in, her face pale with terror.

“Something terrible has happened!”

“Ancestor, Father! The empress of the Jiang Empire… she destroyed all of our ancestral graves! And… and she took Su Baijie’s mother’s grave with her!”

“What?!”

“She flattened the ancestral graves?!”

“This is outrageous! This woman has gone too far! Our Nine-Tailed Fox Clan will fight her to the death!” Su Tianmo shouted, his eyes blazing with rage.

“Enough,” Su Linfeng suddenly spoke, his tone complex, filled with remorse and self-reproach.

“She is a quasi-emperor. Even if our entire clan exhausts all its resources, we are no match for her. What can we possibly use to fight against her?”

His words silenced the room.

Perhaps it was only after losing so much that Su Linfeng finally understood the pain of his actions.

Xiao Qingli’s scornful words had humiliated him, pierced him, but also awakened him.

If not for his drunken lust in the past, Su Baijie’s birth would never have happened.

Ultimately, Su Baijie was innocent. Her mother was even more innocent.

The one truly at fault was him.

Although Su Linfeng had come to this realization, it was too late.

“Clan Leader, what do you mean by this?”

“That was our ancestral grave!”

“The hatred of our forebears being desecrated is irreconcilable!”

“She’s a quasi-emperor, so what? The Jiang Empire is merely a sea-border power. How could they possess such a strong quasi-emperor without ulterior motives?!”

“We should report this to the Celestial Palace and let them deal with it!” Su Tianmo, still unrelenting, declared.

At this, Granny Suqing, who had remained silent until now, finally couldn’t hold back.

“Su Tianmo, you’re utterly shameless!”

“All of you elders are cut from the same cloth. If the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan continues to operate under your guidance, it won’t be long before it’s destroyed!”

“The empress of the Jiang Empire is right.”

“If a clan bases its treatment of family on benefits and worth, neglecting the bonds of kinship, then such a clan is not worth staying in!”

“Ancestor, Clan Leader, as of today, I, Suqing, will retire to the Mountain in seclusion. From now on, I will no longer concern myself with worldly matters. Farewell!”

Granny Suqing didn’t wait for a response and left decisively.

Meanwhile, Su Heiyang and Su Tianxi, who had been restrained against the wall, were freed and staggered forward.

Su Wushan watched as his clan crumbled before him, his expression filled with complex emotions.

In the end, all his thoughts could be summed up in a long sigh filled with regret.

Regret for his inaction.

Regret for valuing profit over familial bonds.

Regret for his own choices.

He had become everything he once despised as a young man.

And now, it was far too late to change anything.

Chapter 243: Old Zuo Takes Action – “Sword, Come!”

Zhongshengzhou, within the Golden Elephant Clan’s territory, the atmosphere was initially calm.

In the grand hall of the Golden Elephant Clan, Clan Leader Jin Xiangnan was seated, discussing internal matters with a few Deity Severance Realm elders.

Suddenly, BOOM!

A deafening explosion reverberated through the air, like the collapse of ten thousand mountains. The sound shook the entire grand hall, causing everyone inside to feel the tremors.

“What’s going on?!”

Jin Xiangnan’s expression changed immediately, his voice sharp with alarm.

The elders exchanged bewildered glances, equally at a loss.

It was broad daylight, and such an event was unprecedented.

Before they could make sense of it, a Heaven’s Fate Realm elder from the Golden Elephant Clan burst in, pale and terrified.

“Clan Leader! Terrible news!!”

“The Jiang Empire’s army… they’ve come to attack the Golden Elephant Clan!!”

“What?!”

“The Jiang Empire?!”

“They’ve reached the Middle Saint Continent?!”

This revelation sent shockwaves through the room. Even the typically stoic elders were visibly shaken.

“How many are there?!”
“What about the defensive array?!”
“How long can it hold?!”

Jin Xiangnan quickly composed himself, his tone steady but urgent as he questioned the elder.

“Their warships are packed with soldiers—at least a million strong!”

“The defensive array… it’s already been breached. The lead warship unleashed a supreme sword aura that destroyed it in a single strike!” the elder reported, his voice trembling.

“What?!”

“One strike to destroy our defensive array?!”

“Such power… it must be at least Eternal Realm!”

Jin Xiangnan gritted his teeth and made a swift decision.

“There’s no time to waste! Go summon the patriarch and the Supreme Elders from their seclusion. We need their strength to repel this invasion!”

“Yes, Clan Leader!”

An elder immediately flew toward the rear mountain to summon reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Jin Xiangnan led the others out of the hall, heading for the Golden Elephant Clan’s main plaza.

The scene outside was absolute chaos.

“Kill!”
“Ahhh!”
“Nooooo!”

The once-glorious Golden Elephant Clan was now a battlefield. Magnificent palaces crumbled into ruins, one after another, as the fighting spread.

The Jiang Empire’s forces, led by their generals, clashed fiercely with the Golden Elephant Clan’s warriors.

Amid the chaos, Zuo Xuanqi stood against thirty high-ranking elders of the Golden Elephant Clan.

These included Heaven’s Fate and Heaven’s Law Realm cultivators.

Yet, Zuo Xuanqi merely smirked coldly.

Lightning crackled in his palms, its terrifying power under his control.

With a wave of his hands, the lightning transformed into three massive Thunder Beasts. Their enormous forms radiated blinding golden lightning, and their eyes glowed with an electrifying golden light, exuding overwhelming might.

“One Thunder to Break the Heavens!”

Zuo Xuanqi pushed his palms forward, sending the Thunder Beasts barreling toward the elders.

In an instant, the sky transformed into a sea of golden lightning.

The Thunder Beasts surged forward with the force of tidal waves, their golden lightning crashing like tsunamis against the heavens.

“Ahhh…!”

Though some of the thirty elders were at the peak of the Heaven’s Fate Realm, their combined power was utterly inadequate against Zuo Xuanqi, an Eternal Realm cultivator.

The Thunder Beasts tore through them, engulfing the elders in the sea of lightning and annihilating them completely.

“No!!!”

A heart-wrenching roar echoed from the distance—it was Jin Xiangnan.

He and several elders had just arrived at the plaza, only to witness the destruction.

The thirty elders, the backbone of the Golden Elephant Clan, had been obliterated in an instant by Zuo Xuanqi’s lightning.

This wasn’t just a heavy blow; it was a catastrophic loss that severed the clan’s leadership structure.

“Jiang Empire!!”

“You will pay for this!!”

Jin Xiangnan’s eyes burned red with fury as he watched the Jiang Empire’s soldiers mercilessly slaughter his people.

“Haha…”

“Just you and your Golden Elephant Clan?”

“Unfortunately, you’re not qualified to make me pay.”

Zuo Xuanqi’s gaze fell upon Jin Xiangnan, his tone dripping with disdain.

With a flick of his hand, a powerful attack, radiant as divine light, shot toward Jin Xiangnan.

Jin Xiangnan’s face remained defiant, his fury unrelenting.

“You dare invade the Golden Elephant Clan… who gave you the courage?!”

Before the attack could land, a booming, aged voice echoed across the sky.

From above, the patriarch of the Golden Elephant Clan appeared, clad in golden robes, standing protectively in front of Jin Xiangnan.

Flanking him were four Supreme Elders, the strongest forces of the Golden Elephant Clan.

The patriarch lightly tapped the air, sending golden ripples that effortlessly neutralized Zuo Xuanqi’s attack.

“Hmph!”

“Patriarch, that’s him!” Jin Xiangnan spat, his eyes filled with hatred.

“Thirty of our top elders, including Jin Lemang, all killed by his hand! These invaders must not be allowed to leave alive!”

The patriarch’s gaze turned icy, and murderous intent filled the air.

“A mere three-star Eternal Realm cultivator dares wreak havoc in my Golden Elephant Clan?”

“Today, your head will serve as a blood sacrifice for the fallen of my clan!”

The patriarch’s aura surged, his twelve-star Eternal Realm power spreading across the sky.

The four Supreme Elders revealed their own power, all at five-star Eternal Realm, surrounding Zuo Xuanqi completely.

The combined aura of the five Eternal Realm experts bore down on Zuo Xuanqi, suppressing him.

Despite the overwhelming pressure, Zuo Xuanqi’s expression remained calm.

“Oh? Relying on numbers to bully me?”

“Tell me… have you ever heard of the phrase, ‘Sword, come?’”

He clasped his hands behind his back, standing as though he were a sage from beyond the mortal realm.

Though his weathered face gave him an elder’s appearance, Zuo Xuanqi exuded the demeanor of a youthful master—bold and confident.

With the winds swirling around him, he seemed ready to deliver a performance that would be remembered for generations.

Chapter 244: The Golden Elephant Clan and Celestial Island Annihilated!

As Zuo Xuanqi’s seemingly nonsensical words rang out, the Golden Elephant Clan’s patriarch and the four Supreme Elders regarded him with disdainful sneers, their expressions filled with mockery.

“Sigh.”
“It seems you still refuse to believe me.”
“Very well, then.”
“Allow me to show you… how lonely invincibility can be.”

“Sword, come!!” Zuo Xuanqi suddenly shouted.

He remained motionless, his hands not making any overt movements.

From the clouds above, five streaks of sword light descended like waterfalls from the heavens, piercing the brows of the five Eternal Realm powerhouses of the Golden Elephant Clan.

The patriarch and the four elders’ expressions instantly froze, their faces reflecting utter disbelief.

Their Eternal Realm auras were abruptly extinguished, and their vitality drained from their bodies at an unimaginable speed.

“How… could…”

The patriarch of the Golden Elephant Clan tried to speak, but before he could finish, their lifeless bodies fell from the skies and landed heavily on the cold ground, becoming notable additions to the battlefield’s sea of corpses.

Each of their foreheads was still impaled by a streak of sword light.

It was this sword light that severed all life from their souls and bodies.

Golden Xiangnan and the other Deity Severance Realm elders stood frozen, their jaws practically dropping to the ground. Their movements were paralyzed with shock.

They couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed.

Zuo Xuanqi, a mere three-star Eternal Realm cultivator, had summoned five sword lights with a single command, instantly killing the clan’s patriarch and four strongest elders.

This was the entirety of the Golden Elephant Clan’s foundation!

And with a single command, “Sword, come,” Zuo Xuanqi had obliterated it.

At this moment, from the Jiang Empire’s warship, a figure emerged from the cabin and stepped onto the deck.

With a flicker, Wan Jian Shen (God of Ten Thousand Swords) appeared beside Zuo Xuanqi, hands clasped behind his back.

It was Wan Jian Shen’s power that had supported Zuo Xuanqi’s dramatic display. The sword lights that executed the Golden Elephant Clan’s elders had all been unleashed by Wan Jian Shen.

As a quasi-emperor, annihilating several Eternal Realm cultivators was as effortless as lifting a finger.

Wan Jian Shen had only gone along with Zuo Xuanqi’s flair for theatrics; otherwise, he would have obliterated the Golden Elephant Clan’s mountain retreat in a single strike, leaving no chance for their patriarch and elders to even appear.

Standing beside Zuo Xuanqi, Wan Jian Shen’s expression was calm as he surveyed the battlefield.

“Stop wasting time,” he said coldly. “Finish cleaning up the battlefield and return to the empire to report to His Majesty.”

As his words fell, Wan Jian Shen raised his hand toward Golden Xiangnan and the remaining elders.

The massive hand exuded overwhelming force, crushing down with the weight of countless mountains.

“Ah…!”

Golden Xiangnan and the others had no means of resisting. They were lifted into the air by Wan Jian Shen’s power, their bodies surrounded by his sword aura.

Wan Jian Shen’s immense power probed their souls, forcibly extracting their memories.

Their screams echoed across the battlefield, chilling those who remained alive to their cores.

Meanwhile, Zuo Xuanqi wasted no time, assisting the army in rounding up the remaining Golden Elephant Clan members.

Wan Jian Shen, his long hair flowing freely, stood high in the sky, controlling the battlefield with one hand as he extracted the memories of Golden Xiangnan and the others. With his other hand, he unleashed a powerful suction force from his palm.

From the Golden Elephant Clan’s treasury in the rear courtyard, an entire vault of treasures was forcibly uprooted and absorbed into his grasp.

In less than half an incense stick’s time, the battle at the Golden Elephant Clan was over.

The clan’s base was reduced to ruins. Broken corpses, shattered weapons, and rivers of blood were scattered across the battlefield.

The Golden Elephant Clan was annihilated.

Wan Jian Shen destroyed the souls of Golden Xiangnan and the other high-level members after extracting their memories, leaving nothing behind.

As Wan Jian Shen stood on the warship’s deck, the Jiang Empire’s army began boarding the ships, ready to depart.

Zuo Xuanqi approached him.

“How was it?” Zuo Xuanqi asked, curiosity evident in his tone. “Did you find anything of value in their memories?”

Wan Jian Shen smirked faintly. “More than valuable.”

“After the death of the Grand Elder, Golden Xiangnan intended to use a third-party force to deal with the Jiang Empire. However, those forces will likely find themselves chasing shadows.”

“The intelligence and spies from the Golden Elephant Clan will be of great interest to His Majesty.”

“Let’s go. Back to the palace.”

With that, the Jiang Empire’s fleet gathered its forces and headed back to the Tianyuan Forbidden Zone.

Meanwhile, Heavenly Island, one of the Three Great Islands of the Middle Saint Continent, was engulfed in chaos.

Once a vibrant island filled with towering palaces and grandeur, it was now nothing more than a wasteland.

The destruction on Heavenly Island even surpassed that of the Golden Elephant Clan’s stronghold.

The entire island was flattened, surrounded by burning cyan flames.

Everyone on the island, from the highest-ranking elders and patriarchs to the lowliest disciples, had perished without exception.

Some had been sliced apart, while others were reduced to ashes by the cyan flames, leaving no trace behind.

Above the ruins of Heavenly Island, the Jiang Empire’s warships hovered.

On the deck of one ship, Medusa stood gracefully, her figure exuding both beauty and menace. Beside her, Chonglou observed the battlefield while Tie Poyun organized the troops returning to the warships.

Deep within the island, King Jiang looted every treasure, returning to the ship with over 300 spatial rings hanging from his belt and a satisfied expression.

“Your Highness, all the treasures from Heavenly Island have been gathered without a single omission!” King Jiang reported excitedly.

“Good,” Medusa replied with a nod.

“Return!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Back to the palace!”

The Jiang Empire’s warships departed from the devastated remains of Heavenly Island, carrying their spoils and leaving behind a broken battlefield that would never rise again.

Chapter 245: The Frustration of the Ziwei Divine Sect

In the Middle Saint Continent, the Ziwei Divine Sect was in turmoil.

The three sect members who had been sent to investigate the Jiang Empire’s activities had returned, and the sect’s grand hall was now filled with tension.

Jian Lanxin, along with Elder Feng Xi and Elder Zi Ran, sat solemnly in the hall, reporting their findings to Sect Master Meng Bingyun.

Second Elder Kong Zhiying sat nearby, listening intently.

“You’re saying that the Jiang Empire has already arrived in the Middle Saint Continent?”

Meng Bingyun frowned, her delicate brows knitting together. “By the timeline, they should have arrived long ago. Why, then, has there been no word of their presence on the continent?”

Jian Lanxin and the other two elders exchanged puzzled glances.

They had assumed the sect would already know about the Jiang Empire’s arrival, especially given its scale and significance.

Yet upon their return, they found that no news had reached the continent about this powerful force.

It made no sense—such a massive army should have caused ripples wherever they appeared.

“What about the Grand Elder? Any news from her?” Meng Bingyun asked again, her tone laced with concern.

This was the sect’s most pressing issue.

The Grand Elder, Yin Lan, had previously sent a message confirming that everything was normal. But her failure to return, along with the thousand disciples and elders she had taken with her, was deeply troubling.

Jian Lanxin responded solemnly:

“Sect Master, we searched many places in the sea domain and used the unique aura-detection methods of our sect. Based on our findings, the Grand Elder and her group are no longer in the sea domain.”

“This leaves us with two possibilities:

“Since we’ve already returned and there’s still no word from her, we can likely rule out the first possibility.”

Her words carried a heavy weight, and her expression darkened.

Meng Bingyun’s frown deepened. “You’re saying it’s almost certain that the Grand Elder has fallen into the hands of the Jiang Empire?”

“Essentially, yes,” Jian Lanxin confirmed, her tone grave.

At the mention of Yin Lan being in danger, a pair of wide, innocent eyes peered nervously from the doorway.

The young girl, Bai Ranan, stepped into the hall, her face full of worry.

“Sect Master! Elders! You have to save my master!”

Bai Ranan’s voice quivered as she knelt in the center of the hall.

“Please, you must save her! I don’t want anything to happen to my master!”

Her youthful face, filled with pure desperation, tugged at the hearts of the elders.

Bai Ranan had been an orphan adopted by Yin Lan and saw her as her only family.

Meng Bingyun sighed softly. “Ranan, get up. Don’t worry. Your master is the Grand Elder of our sect. If she’s truly in danger, we will do everything in our power to rescue her.”

Jian Lanxin walked over and lifted the girl gently, offering a comforting smile.

“Don’t worry, Ranan. Your master will return soon. She’s strong and won’t fall so easily.”

The girl clung to Jian Lanxin, her small face buried in the elder’s shoulder, and nodded slowly.

“Ranan, we need to discuss how to save your master now. Why don’t you go rest with the Second Elder for a while?” Jian Lanxin said gently.

Bai Ranan hesitated but finally agreed.

Kong Zhiying stepped forward, extending a hand. “Come, Ranan. Let’s go.”

She took the girl from Jian Lanxin’s arms, prepared to escort her out.

BOOM!

Before they could leave, a powerful force shook the hall.

The doors and windows slammed shut, sealed by an overwhelming energy.

Three figures appeared in the center of the hall, their auras suffocating.

Leading them was the Seventeenth Elder of the Xuanyuan Family, flanked by Elder Wu and Elder Bai, two quasi-emperor-level powerhouses.

“Impudence!”

“Who are you to trespass in the Ziwei Divine Sect?! Do you know where you are?!”

Kong Zhiying’s expression turned cold as she glared at the intruders.

Her words barely left her mouth before the Seventeenth Elder turned his gaze upon her.

SLAP!

A single blow sent her flying into the wall, leaving her grievously injured and unconscious.

The young Bai Ranan was flung into the air as Kong Zhiying fell, but Jian Lanxin managed to catch her just in time.

“Second Elder!”

“An emperor’s aura?!”

“You… you’re a Great Emperor?!” Meng Bingyun’s face paled as she and the others felt the oppressive force radiating from the Seventeenth Elder.

The imperial might he exuded far surpassed that of a quasi-emperor.

This was a true Great Emperor—a being of immense power.

Meng Bingyun suppressed her anger and cautiously addressed him.

“May I ask who you are? If the Ziwei Divine Sect has wronged you in any way, we are willing to discuss reparations. But to injure our Second Elder so severely—surely this wasn’t necessary?”

Jian Lanxin and the two Supreme Elders stood tense, not daring to act rashly.

A Great Emperor was far stronger than even their sect’s ancestors. Their lives were entirely at his mercy.

Chapter 246: The Calamity of the Ziwei Divine Sect

“Hmph,” the Seventeenth Elder of the Xuanyuan Family sneered coldly.

“If I had truly used force, do you think she’d still be alive?”

“Your Ziwei Divine Sect may be a notable force in the Middle Saint Continent, but on the grand scale of the Heavenly Realm, you’re insignificant.”

“Even your ancestor, the Ziwei Emperor, was nothing more than a humble figure bowing before me.”

“You, her disciples, are truly doing her a disservice.”

His icy gaze swept across Jian Lanxin, Meng Bingyun, and the other sect members.

The mention of the Ziwei Emperor caused Meng Bingyun and Jian Lanxin to freeze in shock.

This person knew their sect’s ancestor, the legendary Ziwei Emperor?

Could he hail from the prestigious Imperial State?

“Senior, we meant no offense,” Meng Bingyun said respectfully, clasping her hands in a gesture of peace. “Please put yourself in our position. If strangers suddenly intruded upon your home, wouldn’t your response be the same as ours?”

The Seventeenth Elder chuckled coldly.

“Put myself in your position?”

“You? Do you think you’re worthy of such reasoning with me?”

“Stop wasting my time. Tell me where the Jiang Empire’s forces are, or I’ll ensure you regret your defiance.”

The elders of the Ziwei Divine Sect looked at one another, baffled.

Why is he asking us about the Jiang Empire?

“We have no connection with the Jiang Empire, nor do we know their whereabouts,” Jian Lanxin said cautiously, shielding Bai Ranan behind her.

“Hmm?”

SLAP!

A burst of energy sent Jian Lanxin flying, slamming her to the ground.

“Ah…”

She coughed up blood as her internal organs were severely damaged, her face turning deathly pale.

“Elder Jian!”

“Waaa…”

Bai Ranan, trembling and on the verge of tears, rushed over to help Jian Lanxin up, her small hands shaking.

“Your actions are excessive, don’t you think?”

“While the Ziwei Divine Sect may not be a top-tier force in the Heavenly Realm, we are far from insignificant. To grievously wound two of our elders without provocation—doesn’t this tarnish your status as a Great Emperor?”

A deep, aged voice rang out, breaking the oppressive silence in the hall.

Suddenly, the energy sealing the grand hall shattered under the radiance of a purple imperial light.

Eight figures descended in streams of light, landing before Meng Bingyun and the other sect members.

“The Grand Elders!”

Meng Bingyun’s expression eased slightly at the sight of the reinforcements.

The newcomers included five elders of the Myriad Laws Stage, all Supreme Elders like Feng Xi and Zi Ran.

The remaining three exuded the power of quasi-emperors and were the Ziwei Divine Sect’s three quasi-emperor grand elders.

At the forefront stood the leader of the grand elders, holding the Ziwei Orb—a legendary imperial artifact left behind by the Ziwei Emperor herself.

The orb radiated a rich imperial aura, its surface glowing with cascading purple light. It was the ultimate safeguard of the Ziwei Divine Sect, capable of warding off enemies in times of great crisis.

However, even with their numbers and the unveiling of the Ziwei Orb, the Ziwei Divine Sect remained at a disadvantage.

Their opponent was a true Great Emperor, far beyond their power.

The Seventeenth Elder’s companions, Elder Wu and Elder Bai, crossed their arms and smirked, clearly enjoying the show.

“Do you think possessing an imperial artifact gives you the right to challenge me?” the Seventeenth Elder sneered.

“Even if you are a Great Emperor,” the elder holding the Ziwei Orb said, her expression stern, “wanton slaughter and oppression will not reflect well on your reputation should this matter reach the Imperial State.”

“If you have business with the Ziwei Divine Sect, we are willing to assist, but such coercion is unjust.”

“Enough talk,” the Seventeenth Elder said dismissively. “I’ve already made myself clear: reveal the whereabouts of the Jiang Empire and your connection to them.

“If you lie or stall, even the Ziwei Emperor’s legacy won’t save you.”

“We truly have no connection with the Jiang Empire and don’t know where they are,” Meng Bingyun said, her tone firm. “Why don’t you believe us?”

“Believe you?”

“The Jiang Empire’s Prime Minister’s wife is none other than your Grand Elder, Yin Lan.

“Do you think I’m a fool, or are you the fools here?” the Seventeenth Elder retorted, his gaze sharp.

“The Prime Minister’s wife? Our Grand Elder?”

“That… that’s impossible!”

Meng Bingyun and the others stared in disbelief, their minds reeling.

How could Yin Lan, their Grand Elder, have become the Prime Minister’s wife of the Jiang Empire?

Seeing their confusion, the Seventeenth Elder frowned, sensing something amiss.

He extended a hand without hesitation, releasing a powerful energy to forcibly soul-search Meng Bingyun and Kong Zhiying.

“You dare?!”

The grand elders of the Ziwei Divine Sect roared in unison, pouring their strength into the Ziwei Orb.

The artifact erupted with radiant purple light, forming chains of energy and a vast net of imperial power, aimed at restraining the Seventeenth Elder and saving their sect members.

“Hmph.”

“With just this?”

Chapter 247: Shockwaves Across the Middle Saint Continent

The Seventeenth Elder faced the struggling remnants of the Ziwei Divine Sect with a disdainful smile.

With a flick of his palm, a surge of immense power condensed and crashed down upon the massive spiritual net formed by the Ziwei Orb.

Rip!

The net, painstakingly woven from the energy of the Ziwei Orb, shredded like fragile paper under the overwhelming force. The shockwave not only obliterated the net but also sent the sect’s grand elders and Supreme Elders flying, grievously wounding them.

“Pfft!”

The grand elders spat blood as they crashed to the ground, powerless to resist.

Even the Ziwei Orb slipped from their hands, falling unceremoniously to the floor.

Jian Lanxin’s anguished voice rang out. “Elders!”

The faces of the Ziwei Divine Sect’s grand elders were pale, their expressions filled with despair and terror.

“Seventh Layer of the Great Emperor Realm!”

The Seventeenth Elder’s attack had fully revealed his strength, far surpassing that of the Ziwei Emperor by two minor realms.

Even if the Ziwei Divine Sect united all its forces, they would still be hopelessly outmatched.

Jian Lanxin, seeing the devastation, realized that today would mark the sect’s greatest calamity.

Seizing the moment while the Seventeenth Elder soul-searched Meng Bingyun and Kong Zhiying, she secretly sent out a distress message, her heart heavy with despair.

As Meng Bingyun and Kong Zhiying screamed in agony, their souls were forcibly probed. When the process was complete, the Seventeenth Elder frowned and, without hesitation, crushed their souls entirely.

Their bodies fell lifeless to the ground, their cold expressions reflecting their brutal ends.

“Sect Master!”

“Second Elder!”

“Bingyun!”

The cries of Jian Lanxin and the others were filled with grief and rage, their hearts torn apart by the tragic loss.

Bai Ranan, trembling with fear, was turned away by Jian Lanxin, who shielded the young girl from witnessing the brutal scene.

Two Supreme Elders crawled to the bodies of Meng Bingyun and Kong Zhiying, their eyes brimming with sorrow as they held the lifeless forms.

The Ziwei Divine Sect was in utter ruin.

The elders, though consumed by hatred, were unable to act. They were gravely injured, and even the Ziwei Orb was now in the hands of Elder Wu, who toyed with it mockingly.

“Elder, any clues from their souls?” Elder Bai asked, breaking the tense silence.

The Seventeenth Elder shook his head. “These people weren’t lying. They genuinely don’t know the whereabouts of the Jiang Empire.”

“It seems the issue lies solely with Yin Lan herself.”

Hearing this, Elder Bai and Elder Wu understood—they had wrongfully targeted the Ziwei Divine Sect.

However, as members of the esteemed Xuanyuan Imperial Clan, they would never apologize. Their arrogance and status placed them above such considerations.

“What now?” Elder Wu asked. “Do we eliminate them? Or would that be too disrespectful to the Ziwei Emperor?”

The Seventeenth Elder smirked.

“The Ziwei Emperor?” he sneered. “She’s not even qualified to carry the shoes of someone from the Xuanyuan Imperial Clan.”

“If I show her face, she accepts it. If I demand her to kneel, she kneels.”

“Still, let’s follow the Third Young Master’s orders. Seal off the Ziwei Divine Sect, suppress its elders and disciples, and imprison them. I’ll return to report and await further instructions.”

“Understood, Elder!”

The Seventeenth Elder unleashed beams of light, sealing the powers of the Ziwei Divine Sect’s remaining elders and leaders.

The sect members, now aware of their aggressors’ identity, were struck with despair.

The Xuanyuan Imperial Clan!

This revelation hit them like a bolt from the blue.

The Xuanyuan Imperial Clan was the undisputed ruler of the Heavenly Realm, with unparalleled power and influence.

Not only did they control the only path to the Emperor’s Road, but they also held sway over who could ascend to the Great Emperor Realm. Those without their favor would be forever stuck at the quasi-emperor level, regardless of talent.

For the Ziwei Divine Sect, there was no hope for vengeance.

The remaining high-ranking members of the sect were imprisoned in their own dungeons. The sect’s disciples and elders had their powers sealed and were similarly confined.

The Ziwei Divine Sect was now completely sealed off. Elder Wu and Elder Bai remained as overseers while the Seventeenth Elder, carrying the Ziwei Orb, departed swiftly for the Celestial Palace.

Not long after, two explosive pieces of news shook Zhongshengzhou:

“Did you hear?”
“Heavenly Island and the Golden Elephant Clan have been destroyed!”

“What nonsense! Stop spouting such drivel in broad daylight.”

“It’s true! The entire Xuanzhou region is in an uproar. Both forces were annihilated within an hour of each other!”

“I heard that even the Ancient White Tiger Clan, the Radiant God Sect, and the Celestial Palace have dispatched experts to investigate.”

“No way! Those were two of the most powerful factions in the continent. Who could possibly destroy them back-to-back?”

“Details are scarce, but some rogue cultivators claim to have seen a fleet of warships leaving the area near Celestial Island shortly after its destruction.”

“What kind of warships?”

“Apparently, they bore two golden characters—‘Jian Yan.’”

“The Jiang Empire? Could they be behind this?”

“It’s still under investigation, but with the Celestial Palace involved, we should know more soon.”

The destruction of Heavenly Island and the Golden Elephant Clan left Zhongshengzhou in shock, their fate serving as a chilling reminder of the unstoppable power now at play.

Chapter 248: The Blue Star Legacy

The sudden annihilation of the Heavenly Island and the Golden Elephant Clan, two major powers of Zhongshengzhou, sent shockwaves rippling across the continent.

The Ruins of Heavenly Island

The once-majestic island was now a desolate wasteland. The air was thick with the stench of blood, and the remains of Heavenly Island’s disciples and elders littered the landscape. The surrounding sea was dyed crimson.

Hovering above the ruins, a group of figures surveyed the aftermath. Among them were:

These influential figures, along with their entourages, were investigating the scene.

A Radiant God Sect elder approached Nine Huonan, reporting gravely:

“Great Elder, we’ve scoured the entire island—there are no survivors.

“The Heavenly Island’s patriarch’s corpse was reduced to ashes by the blue flames. As for their treasures and resources, everything has been taken.”

Nine Huonan nodded grimly. “I see. Continue the search for any traces or clues.”

“Yes, Great Elder!” The elder flew off to resume the investigation.

Bai Qingyun and Du Mengxi stood alongside Nine Huonan, their faces equally grim.

“The timing of Heavenly Island and the Golden Elephant Clan’s destruction is nearly identical,” Du Mengxi observed. “It seems like two separate groups were responsible. But whether they belong to the same force remains uncertain.”

“Blue flames…” he added, looking to his companions. “Do either of you recognize this type of energy?”

Bai Qingyun shook his head. “I’ve never encountered it. There are many flame cultivators in Xuanzhou—sword flames, thunder flames, even ice flames—but this blue flame is entirely unfamiliar to me.”

“I questioned a few rogue cultivators on the way here,” Nine Huonan interjected.

“They claim to have seen several warships bearing the characters Jian Yan’ departing the vicinity of Heavenly Island after its destruction.

“I suspect the Jiang Empire may be involved.”

Du Mengxi frowned. “The Jiang Empire?”

“We’ve already received reports of their arrival in Zhongshengzhou, but they’ve been elusive. No one has seen them since they left the sea region.”

“Why would they suddenly appear here and destroy Heavenly Island? While targeting the Golden Elephant Clan might make sense, what motive could they have for attacking Heavenly Island?”

Nine Huonan and Bai Qingyun both fell into contemplative silence.

Suddenly, the space above them cracked open.

From the rift emerged a scholarly man holding a folding fan. His refined demeanor and commanding presence immediately captured their attention.

“Vice Palace Master!”

The trio of great elders bowed respectfully.

This was Zhuge Ning, the Vice Palace Master of the Celestial Palace and a renowned strategist throughout Zhongshengzhou.

“No need for formalities,” Zhuge Ning said, his gaze sweeping over the ruins. “What have you discovered?”

“Vice Palace Master,” Nine Huonan reported, “we have yet to find definitive evidence, but rogue cultivators claim to have seen Jiang Empire warships leaving the scene.

“It’s highly likely they are responsible.”

Zhuge Ning stroked his chin thoughtfully. “The Jiang Empire again… This is the third time I’ve heard their name recently.

“If they truly destroyed Heavenly Island and the Golden Elephant Clan, they must be more formidable than we anticipated.”

He turned to the elders and issued his instructions.

“Very well. Leave the matter to the Celestial Palace. We will handle this investigation. You are dismissed.”

“Yes, Vice Palace Master!”

The elders departed, while Zhuge Ning returned to the Celestial Palace to consult with Xuanyuan Third Young Master, sensing that the mysterious Jiang Empire warranted deeper scrutiny.

Void Secret Realm – Jiang Imperial Palace

Inside the grand hall of the Jiang Imperial Palace, the atmosphere was far more relaxed.

“Killers like Li Feiyu, revered by thousands, and saints like the Immortal Sovereign, paragons of mercy…”

“Better to face the Flame Emperor than cross the Twin Gods…”

Jiang HuanYu sat in a commanding position, holding a thick book titled Blue Star Chronicles.

He was narrating the tales of his youth and imparting life lessons to his children.

Three little ones—Jiang Jiuyou, Jiang Liyue, and Jiang Huailan—sat at his feet, utterly captivated by their father’s stories.

Nearby, several women—Qian Xinrou, Han Wanxiang, and Xiuluo Yanran—listened with equal fascination. From time to time, their eyes lit up with admiration at the more thrilling parts of his tale.

Jiang HuanYu’s storytelling brought a sense of warmth and unity to the imperial palace, in stark contrast to the chaos brewing across Zhongshengzhou.

Unbeknownst to them, their actions were already leaving an indelible mark on the continent, with ripple effects that were only just beginning to unfold.

Chapter 249: Rising Prestige and Long-Awaited Rewards

“Alright, that’s enough storytelling for today,” Jiang HuanYu said, closing the thick book filled with tales of Blue Star’s unique culture and legends.

“Next time, I’ll continue the story for you.”

“Father, all the heroes in your stories have golden fingers (cheat abilities). Can we have those too?” asked Jiang Jiuyou, curiosity sparkling in his young eyes.

“Golden fingers, huh?” Jiang HuanYu chuckled, a meaningful smile spreading across his face. “Jiuyou, golden fingers are for protagonists. Do you think you’re the protagonist of this world?”

The child blinked, looking puzzled. “I don’t know, Father.”

“Ha ha ha!” Jiang HuanYu laughed heartily.

“Alright, all of you, go play with Xiao Bai and the others for now. I’ll answer that question another time.”

“Yes, Father!”

With that, Jiang Liyue, Jiang Jiuyou, and Jiang Huilan obediently left the hall.

Once the children were gone, Jiang HuanYu turned to his queens, Qian Xinrou and Murong Xue, handing them a glowing orb of information.

“Xinrou, Xue’er, the Shadow Guard has delivered intelligence regarding the Celestial Palace, Ziwei Divine Sect, Radiant God Sect, and their upper echelons.

“Additionally, the Celestial Palace spies are conducting a massive search for Yun Zixian throughout Zhongshengzhou.

“Make the necessary arrangements. If Yun Zixian’s whereabouts are discovered, inform me immediately.”

Jiang HuanYu suspected that the Celestial Palace’s sudden interest in Yun Zixian was linked to the Xuanyuan Family. But to him, Yun Zixian was already a marked treasure—neither the Celestial Palace nor the Xuanyuan Family could lay a hand on her.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the two women replied in unison.

Jiang HuanYu’s gaze then fell on Xiuluo Yanran, whose pregnant belly was noticeably larger.

Interestingly, through Jiang HuanYu’s relentless “efforts,” Murong Xue and Qian Xinrou had also conceived recently, marking the beginning of new life for the Jiang Empire.

Jiang HuanYu gently placed a hand on Xiuluo Yanran’s belly and asked warmly, “Yanran, how is your grandfather’s physical reconstruction progressing?”

“Your Majesty, my grandfather’s progress is down to the last third. It won’t be long before his body is fully restored,” Xiuluo Yanran replied.

Jiang HuanYu nodded, pleased.

Once Xiuluo Wuyuan’s body was fully reconstructed, his return as a peak Great Emperor of the Xiuluo Clan would be a tremendous asset to the Jiang Empire.

Ding!

Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed in Jiang HuanYu’s mind:

“Congratulations, Host! The annihilation of Heavenly God Island and the Golden Elephant Clan has increased your Prestige Points by 60,000!”
“Current total: 165,320 Prestige Points!”
**“You have earned:

“System upgrade? One million Prestige Points?”

Jiang HuanYu was intrigued by the system’s mention of an upgrade.

“What would an upgraded system look like? Would it have a physical form?” he wondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.

Though the thought excited him, he also realized that achieving one million Prestige Points was no easy feat. Even unifying Zhongshengzhou might not suffice.

“Alright, you may leave. I have matters to attend to,” Jiang HuanYu said, dismissing his consorts.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The women left the hall, their understanding and grace evident.

“System, open the two packs!”

Jiang HuanYu commanded internally.

Ding!

“Opening packs…”
**“Congratulations, Host, you have received:

Jiang HuanYu’s excitement grew as he reviewed the rewards.

“An Emperor’s Path! With this and the pieces I’ve already gathered, I can finally complete a full Emperor’s Path!”

The Emperor’s Path was the foundation for creating Great Emperors. With it, the Jiang Empire would soon be able to mass-produce Great Emperors, significantly enhancing its power.

The cultivation cards were another boon, enabling the rapid elevation of his empire’s strongest warriors.

Finally, his attention turned to the Evil Celestial Demon Sword. Holding the weapon, he was struck by its ominous aura—a black blade emanating terrifying demonic energy, as though it were sealed with a slumbering god of destruction.

“What’s with the ‘Fragmented’ label? Is this sword incomplete?” Jiang HuanYu asked, his brows furrowing.

**“Host, this sword was once the personal weapon of the Lord of Chaos. It suffered catastrophic damage during an ancient battle, leaving it weakened and its spirit in deep slumber.

“However, even in its current state, its power surpasses that of standard imperial artifacts and rivals celestial-grade weapons.”**

Jiang HuanYu was stunned.

“Chaos Lord’s weapon? No wonder it’s so intimidating!”

Though fragmented, the sword’s immense potential made it a treasure of unparalleled value. Jiang HuanYu’s mind raced with ideas for how to restore its full glory.

With these rewards in hand, Jiang HuanYu felt a surge of confidence. His empire’s future was brighter than ever, and his ambitions stretched even further into the vast realms beyond Zhongshengzhou.

Chapter 250: Yun Zixian Arrives at the Heavenly Forbidden Zone

“System,” Jiang HuanYu asked curiously, “you said the Evil Celestial Demon Sword is at only a fraction of its original power. Is there a way to restore it?”

System:
“There is only one method: sword-feeding.

“The Evil Celestial Demon Sword has a unique ability—it can devour other swords to enhance its power.

“The swords it devours must be of imperial grade or higher, with no upper limit. To restore its original strength, the host must use this method.”

“Sword-feeding?” Jiang HuanYu’s eyes widened at the concept.

The requirement of imperial-grade swords as a starting point intrigued him.

He pondered for a moment before concluding, “I heard the Radiant God Sect’s imperial artifact is the Sword of Radiance, symbolizing the power of light. That would be a good start to feed this demon sword.”

Satisfied with his decision, he stored the Evil Celestial Demon Sword and shifted his focus to other matters.

Preparations in the Void Secret Realm

Jiang HuanYu placed the Emperor’s Path in a carefully chosen location within the Void Secret Realm. The cultivation cards, meanwhile, would wait until Xiaoqingli, King Jiang, and the others returned.

Outside the Heavenly Forbidden Zone

The outer regions of the Heavenly Forbidden Zone were shrouded in white mist, obscuring vision and creating an eerie atmosphere. This area was largely desolate, with no signs of human activity.

Through the mist, two figures cautiously advanced—Yun Zixian, veiled and graceful, and her guardian, Madam Meng.

Their movements were deliberate, their wariness palpable. The Forbidden Zone’s deadly reputation weighed heavily on them. Even Great Emperors had perished within its depths, and neither of them dared to relax their vigilance.

“Miss, now that we’re inside, at least we won’t have to worry about being spotted by prying eyes,” Madam Meng said. “Let’s find a safe spot to rest.”

Yun Zixian nodded. “Alright.”

The journey had been fraught with peril, dodging the Celestial Palace’s spies at every turn. Finally reaching the Forbidden Zone, they sought a moment of respite.

Madam Meng found a massive ancient tree, under which she set up a cloaking array. The two settled within its protective boundary, momentarily safe.

What they didn’t know was that their every move was being monitored.

Inside the Jiang Imperial Palace

In one of the grand halls of the Jiang Imperial Palace, Qian Xinrou stood before a floating crystal orb. The orb projected an image of Yun Zixian and Madam Meng resting beneath the ancient tree.

The projection was thanks to a surveillance array set up by Wan Jian Shen and his team at Jiang HuanYu’s request. The white mist that enveloped the Forbidden Zone served as the array’s perfect disguise.

“Summon Lady Xue, Protector Bai, and His Majesty,” Qian Xinrou instructed a shadow guard hidden in the room.

“Yes!” came the reply, and the guard disappeared.

Shortly after, Jiang HuanYu, Murong Xue, and Bai Mengmeng arrived at the hall.

“Xinrou, you summoned us. What’s the matter?” Jiang HuanYu asked.

“Your Majesty, look,” Qian Xinrou said, gesturing to the crystal orb’s projection.

Jiang HuanYu’s gaze fell on Yun Zixian.

The veil had been removed from her face, revealing her stunning features. Her fair skin, exquisite figure, and violet hair made her an unforgettable beauty.

“Who is this woman? And why is she in the Forbidden Zone?” Jiang HuanYu asked, his curiosity piqued.

Murong Xue raised an eyebrow at him. “Your Majesty… don’t you recognize her?”

“What do you mean?” Jiang HuanYu asked, confused.

“She’s Yun Zixian, daughter of the Evil Emperor Yun Che,” Murong Xue explained. “You mentioned her to us before—said you were interested in her. Are you telling me you’ve never actually met her?”

“Yun Zixian!” Jiang HuanYu’s eyes widened.

Realizing he’d been caught, he chuckled awkwardly. He couldn’t exactly explain that the system had flagged her for him without him knowing what she looked like.

Now, as he studied her more closely, his interest grew.

She was indeed exceptional—a rare gem whose beauty and demeanor matched her reputation.

Her aura was entirely different from the other women in his life. Where Xiaoqingli and Su Bai Jie exuded maturity, and Qian Xinrou displayed a composed elegance, Yun Zixian radiated a youthful intellect and grace that was refreshingly unique.

Jiang HuanYu’s mind began to race with ideas for how to bring Yun Zixian into his fold, knowing she could become both an asset and a partner.

The game had just become more interesting.