Celestial Pavilion – Strategy Hall
Lan Huiqian stood before a massive sand table depicting the Ruins of Forgotten Time, surrounded by the Celestial Pavilion's elite.
"The expedition departs at dawn," she announced. "Remember—no matter what you see inside, do not stray from the group. The ruins distort both space and time."
The disciples nodded solemnly.
Just then, the doors swung open, and Jian Kun entered, his presence instantly silencing the room.
"Elder Lan," he said coolly, "may I have a word?"
Lan Huiqian gestured for the others to leave before facing him. "First Elder?"
Jian Kun's eyes gleamed with a calculating light. "This Yun Lintian... what is his true objective?"
Lan Huiqian remained composed. "He seeks knowledge about the ruins, nothing more."
"Nothing more?" Jian Kun's lips curled. "A man of his power doesn't involve himself without reason." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Be careful, Lan Huiqian. If he turns against us inside the ruins, even you won't survive."
Lan Huiqian met his gaze steadily. "I understand the risks."
Jian Kun studied her for a long moment before turning away. "See that you do."
As he left, Lan Huiqian exhaled slowly, her fingers brushing against a hidden talisman in her sleeve—one inscribed with a single command:
"If Yun Lintian becomes a threat, detonate the ruins."
Yun Lintian strolled leisurely through the bustling streets of Celestial City, taking in its grandeur. Towering pagodas stretched toward the heavens, their golden roofs glinting under the sun.
The air hummed with spiritual energy, and powerful cultivators could be seen everywhere—some clad in luxurious robes, others in simple attire that belied their strength.
Linlin and Qingqing darted excitedly between food stalls, their tiny hands clutching an assortment of snacks.
"Big Brother Yun! Try this candied fruit!" Qingqing shoved a skewer toward him, her cheeks already stuffed.
Linlin tugged at his sleeve. "And this roasted spirit beast meat! It's so good!"
Yun Lintian chuckled, patting their heads. "Eat slowly. No one's taking it from you."
Yue Zhihe followed silently behind them, her expression calm but her eyes sharp, ever watchful of their surroundings.
After a while, Yun Lintian found a simple noodle stall and took a seat. The owner, an elderly man with a kind face, immediately brought over steaming bowls of fragrant noodles.
Yun Lintian glanced at Yue Zhihe. "What do you plan to do?"
Yue Zhihe blinked, then answered plainly. "Master told me to follow you, so I will."
Yun Lintian shook his head. "I don't have the habit of keeping followers. The upcoming expedition will be dangerous. It's best if you go to Nine Firmament City and live freely."
Yue Zhihe fell silent for a moment. "Is that an order?"
"No," Yun Lintian said, picking up his chopsticks. "Just a suggestion."
Yue Zhihe's fingers tightened slightly around her teacup. "Then I wish to enter the ruins with you."
Yun Lintian paused, looking at her.
"If it's too dangerous," she continued, her voice steady, "you can leave me behind. I won't blame you."
Yun Lintian studied her for a long moment. "You want to become stronger?"
Yue Zhihe nodded. "Master died because I was too weak. Even if it's too late… I still want to try."
Yun Lintian didn't respond immediately. Instead, he took a slow sip of tea before finally speaking.
"Then don't slow me down."
Yue Zhihe's eyes brightened slightly, and she bowed her head. "Understood."
Just then, the street erupted in noise.
"Did you hear? There's a battle at the Celestial Arena today!"
"Life-and-death duel! Two Low Gods!"
Qingqing's ears perked up. "Big Brother Yun! Let's go watch!"
Linlin bounced excitedly. "Yeah! It must be exciting!"
Yun Lintian sighed but didn't refuse. After paying for the noodles, he allowed the two little troublemakers to drag him toward the commotion.
The Celestial Arena was a massive coliseum at the heart of the city, its stone walls etched with ancient runes that shimmered faintly with power. The stands were already packed with spectators, their voices rising in anticipation.
Through the conversation of the people around him, Yun Lintian learned that it was a place where people could settle their grudge legally. But it must be a life and death battle.
Yun Lintian found a spot near the front, Linlin and Qingqing squeezing between the crowd to get a better view. Yue Zhihe remained at his side, her gaze scanning the arena floor.
Two figures stood at the center, their auras clashing violently even before the battle began.
One was a burly man with a scar running down his face, his massive axe resting on his shoulder. The other was a slender woman in flowing blue robes, a slender sword gleaming in her hand.
The moment the words left his mouth, the two combatants shot toward each other.
Xiong Ba's axe came down like a mountain, the sheer force splitting the air. Ling Xuan twisted gracefully, her sword flickering like a silver serpent as it aimed for his throat.
The crowd roared as the battle intensified—spells exploded, blades clashed, and blood soon stained the arena floor.
Qingqing cheered, her tiny fists pumping. "Faster! Hit him harder!"
Linlin's eyes sparkled. "Do you think who will win, Big Brother Yun?"
Yun Lintian watched dispassionately. To him, the fight was nothing special.
He turnedd to Yue Zhihe and asked. "What do you think?"
Yue Zhihe stared at the combatants thoughtfully and said. "The woman. She's more agile and her technique is smooth. She seems to hold back right now."
Yun Lintian smiled faintly and shook his head. "No, Ling Xuan will definitely lose."
Qingqing blinked in surprise. "Eh? But she's clearly winning right now!"
Linlin tilted her head. "Big Brother Yun, how can you tell?"
Yun Lintian pointed at Xiong Ba. "Look carefully. That man isn't even trying to kill her."
Yue Zhihe's eyes narrowed as she focused on the battle.
"See his attacks?" Yun Lintian continued. "They look fierce, but he's deliberately slowing them down just enough for Ling Xuan to dodge. He's putting on a show."
Qingqing scratched her head. "But why would he do that?"
Yun Lintian's gaze swept across the crowd before locking onto a handsome young man near the front row. The youth's fists were clenched, his eyes burning with hatred as he stared at Xiong Ba.
"Because he's playing with his food," Yun Lintian said simply.
As if on cue, Xiong Ba suddenly laughed mockingly mid-battle. His axe swept out in a wide arc, forcing Ling Xuan to leap back.
"Long Chen!" Xiong Ba roared, staring straight at the furious young man in the crowd. "Watch closely as I kill your little lover!"