Jian Feng's entire body was drenched in cold sweat. His hands trembled uncontrollably, his sword nearly slipping from his grip.
Mo Yongcun—a genuine True God who had fought against the Celestial Pavilion for centuries—had just been annihilated like an insect.
Lan Huiqian herself knew she stood no chance against Mo Yongcun in direct combat, yet Yun Lintian had erased him with nothing more than a flick of his finger.
What kind of power was this?!
Jian Feng's face turned ghastly pale. For the first time, he realized the terrifying monster he had been provoking this entire time. If Yun Lintian wished it, Jian Feng would have been reduced to dust long ago.
Yun Lintian shifted his gaze to Lan Huiqian, his voice indifferent.
"In fact, you didn't have to test me ."
Lan Huiqian's breath hitched.
She had been exposed.
She had deliberately left traces behind, allowing Mo Yongcun to track them—all to test Yun Lintian's true strength.
Swallowing hard, she immediately bowed her head. "This junior admits her mistake!"
Yun Lintian watched her calmly.
Lan Huiqian continued, her voice steady despite the tension. "Senior Yun, this one only wished to confirm your capabilities... because I wanted to invite you to join the Celestial Pavilion's mission."
Jian Feng's lips twitched. He wanted to protest, but after witnessing Yun Lintian's power, he didn't dare utter a single word.
Yun Lintian raised an eyebrow. "What mission?"
Lan Huiqian gestured toward the tea room. "Please, allow me to explain in detail."
Back in the guest chamber, Lan Huiqian poured tea for Yun Lintian herself this time, her movements respectful.
"Senior Yun, the Celestial Pavilion, along with several other major factions of the Central Divine Region, has jointly launched an expedition," she began. "Our target is the Ruins of Forgotten Time—a place rumored to be the dwelling of the Creator."
Yun Lintian's fingers paused around his teacup.
That word alone was enough to pique his interest.
Lan Huiqian continued. "The ruins are shrouded in the power of time itself. Countless experts have ventured inside, but none have returned. Even True Gods have perished within its depths."
Yun Lintian took a slow sip of tea. "And you want me to join this suicide mission?"
Lan Huiqian shook her head. "No. We believe that only someone of Senior Yun's caliber can survive the ruins and uncover its secrets. In return, the Celestial Pavilion is willing to offer any reward within our means."
Jian Feng, standing stiffly nearby, clenched his fists but remained silent.
Yun Lintian's gaze turned thoughtful. If this ruin truly had ties to the Creator, then it might hold clues about the Primordial Gods' legacies—or even the Abyssal Ghost Knight.
"Who else is participating?" he asked.
Lan Huiqian answered promptly. "The Stormborn Sect, the Earthrend Valley, the Heavenly Sword Sect, and the Netherworld Palace have all sent representatives. There are also seven rulers of the God Ascension Divine City. Each faction is sending their strongest experts."
Yun Lintian nodded slowly.
Before he could respond, Jian Feng suddenly spoke up, unable to hold back any longer.
"Elder Lan, even if he is strong, we cannot trust an outsider with this mission! What if he betrays us inside the ruins?"
Lan Huiqian's eyes turned frosty. "Jian Feng, do you truly believe Senior Yun needs to resort to treachery to deal with us?"
Jian Feng's face flushed, but he had no retort.
Yun Lintian chuckled. "You're right. If I wanted to kill you all, I wouldn't need to wait for some ruins."
Jian Feng's expression darkened further, but he wisely shut his mouth.
Lan Huiqian bowed slightly. "Then, does Senior Yun accept?"
Yun Lintian set down his teacup.
Time passed swiftly as the fleet sailed across the Eastern Sea, finally arriving at the magnificent Celestial City.
The city was a sight to behold—its towering white walls stretched endlessly, adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beasts.
The massive wharf buzzed with activity, countless ships coming and going, their sails emblazoned with the sigils of various factions.
The grandeur of Celestial City was no less than that of God Ascension Divine City, radiating an imposing aura that spoke of its power.
As the ship docked, Lan Huiqian immediately arranged for the rescued captives to be taken care of.
"Those who wish to return home may contact my people," she announced. "The Celestial Pavilion will ensure your safe passage."
The former slaves bowed deeply, their voices filled with gratitude. "Many thanks, Elder Lan!"
Lan Huiqian then turned to Yun Lintian. "Senior Yun, please follow me."
Under her guidance, Yun Lintian and his group—Linlin, Qingqing, Yue Zhihe, Su Xinyue, and Xiao Lan—made their way through the bustling streets toward the northern district.
This area was the private territory of the Celestial Pavilion, guarded by elite disciples in white jade armor. The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted—quieter, more refined, yet brimming with hidden power.
Jian Feng, who had been silently fuming the entire journey, suddenly excused himself.
"Elder Lan, I must report to the First Elder," he said stiffly before swiftly disappearing into the pavilion's depths.
Lan Huiqian sighed. "Senior Yun, I must apologize once again. Jian Feng has repeatedly offended you, yet you have tolerated him."
Yun Lintian smiled indifferently. "I couldn't be bothered with him. But if he tries again… I can't guarantee he'll remain alive."
His tone was casual, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.
Lan Huiqian nodded solemnly. "Understood."
She then led them to a secluded courtyard within the pavilion's grounds—a tranquil space surrounded by ancient trees and a small lotus pond. The architecture was elegant, the air filled with the faint scent of spiritual herbs.
"This will be Senior Yun's residence during his stay," Lan Huiqian said. "If there is anything you need, simply inform the attendants."
Yun Lintian glanced around before nodding. "Acceptable."
Lan Huiqian bowed slightly. "Then, I shall take my leave to report to the Pavilion Master. The expedition will begin in three days."
With that, she departed, leaving Yun Lintian and his companions in the courtyard.
Once alone, Su Xinyue hesitated before speaking.
"Senior Yun… do you truly intend to enter the Ruins of Forgotten Time?"
Yun Lintian turned to her curiously. "Why do you ask?"
Su Xinyue bit her lip. "It's just… everyone among the top factions in the Central Divine Region knows about that place. It's filled with bizarre environments—some say time flows differently inside. Many who enter never return. Those who do… often lose their minds."