The tension in the arena reached its peak as Nie Tong and Xiong Yu's auras clashed violently. The very air seemed to tremble under the pressure of two True Gods preparing for battle. Spectators scrambled backward, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire.
Just as the situation seemed about to erupt into chaos—
A calm, aged voice cut through the tension like a blade through silk.
An elderly man with a long white beard descended gracefully from the sky, his simple gray robes fluttering gently. His presence carried an air of unquestionable authority, and both Nie Tong and Xiong Yu immediately restrained their auras upon seeing him.
Qin Song—Fourth Elder of the Celestial Pavilion.
"Now, now," Qin Song said with a gentle smile, stroking his beard. "Is this any way for esteemed True Gods to behave in public?"
Nie Tong bowed slightly. "Elder Qin."
Xiong Yu also cupped his fists respectfully. "Elder Qin, this woman—"
Qin Song raised a hand, cutting him off. "I understand the situation." His wise eyes swept over the arena before settling on Ling Xuan, who still knelt trembling. "This child was deceived into the duel, yes?"
Long Chen immediately stepped forward. "Yes, Elder! Xiong Ba lied about his cultivation level to lure her into this battle!"
Xiong Ba snorted. "The rules don't account for deception. Once you enter the arena, you accept the consequences."
Qin Song chuckled. "True, but it would be excessive to demand her life for this." He turned to Nie Tong. "However, since you interfered, Nie Tong, you must offer compensation."
Nie Tong's lips thinned, but she nodded. "Name your terms."
Qin Song looked at Xiong Yu. "Would one million best-grade spirit stones suffice?"
Xiong Yu hesitated. His nephew had been humiliated, but facing Qin Song's authority, he knew when to yield. "Very well. For Elder Qin's sake, I accept."
Nie Tong flicked her wrist, sending a storage ring toward Xiong Yu. "Take it."
Xiong Yu caught the ring and examined it briefly before nodding. "This matter is settled."
Qin Song smiled. "Excellent. Now, let us all—"
"Uncle!" Xiong Ba suddenly protested. "She—"
"Silence!" Xiong Yu snapped. "We're leaving."
With that, he grabbed Xiong Ba's shoulder and flew off, the two disappearing into the sky.
Nie Tong turned to Qin Song and bowed again. "Thank you for your fairness, Elder Qin."
Qin Song waved a hand. "Go in peace."
Nie Tong didn't linger. With a final glance at Yun Lintian—her eyes filled with unspoken wariness—she grabbed Ling Xuan and vanished.
Long Chen bowed deeply to Qin Song. "This junior thanks Elder for upholding justice!"
Qin Song chuckled. "Justice? No, young man. This was simply pragmatism." He patted Long Chen's shoulder. "Now go. Your beloved is safe."
Long Chen's face reddened slightly, but he nodded and hurried off.
Yun Lintian watched the entire exchange with disinterest.
He had hoped for at least some bloodshed, but this old man had ruined the fun. With a sigh, he turned to leave.
"Senior Yun, a moment please."
Qin Song's voice stopped him.
Yun Lintian glanced back. "What?"
Qin Song smiled warmly. "Would you care to join this old man for tea? There are matters I wish to discuss."
Yun Lintian studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Fine."
Qin Song gestured toward a nearby pavilion. "After you, Senior Yun."
Yun Lintian nodded and stepped forward with Linlin and Qingqing, followed closely by Yue Zhihe.
Jian Feng frowned as he saw this scene. With a dissatisfied snort, he turned around and left.
The pavilion was serene, overlooking a tranquil koi pond. A servant quickly brought tea before bowing and retreating.
Qin Song poured the tea himself, his movements deliberate. "This is Celestial Dew Tea—harvested once every hundred years. I hope Senior Yun finds it pleasing."
Yun Lintian took a sip. "Not bad."
Qin Song smiled. "I'm glad." He set down his cup. "Senior Yun, your presence in Celestial City has caused quite a stir."
Yun Lintian responded indifferently. "So what?"
"Indeed." Qin Song's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Killing Mo Yongcun, humiliating Jian Feng, and now intimidating Nie Tong—you've made an impression."
Yun Lintian swirled his tea. "Get to the point, old man."
Qin Song chuckled. "Straight to business, then." His expression turned serious. "The Ruins of Forgotten Time are more dangerous than Lan Huiqian likely explained. Even True Gods have vanished within them."
Yun Lintian's gaze sharpened slightly. "And?"
Qin Song took a slow sip of tea before continuing. "This expedition will involve multiple factions. Nie Tong belongs to the Frost Moon Valley, while Xiong Yu represents the Blood Axe Sect. Currently, our Celestial Pavilion stands alone—which is why Lan Huiqian sought your assistance."
Yun Lintian's fingers tapped rhythmically against the teacup. "And why should I care about your faction's struggles?"
Qin Song sighed. "Senior Yun, I understand the Celestial Pavilion has no right to demand your help. But if you could lend us even slight assistance in times of danger, we would reward you handsomely."
Yun Lintian studied the old man. "Is this your Pavilion Lord's request... or just yours?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Qin Song's face before he chuckled ruefully. "Senior Yun sees through everything. Indeed, this is our Pavilion Lord's will."
"Why didn't your lord come himself?" Yun Lintian asked bluntly.
Qin Song hesitated briefly before answering truthfully. "Our Pavilion Lord was severely injured during her last exploration of the ruins. She is currently in seclusion, recuperating."
Yun Lintian was surprised slightly. So, the Celestial Pavilion Lord was a woman.
"A True God was wounded in those ruins?"
"Not just wounded," Qin Song said gravely. "She barely escaped with her life."
"What exactly is inside those ruins?" Yun Lintian asked.
Qin Song's expression turned solemn. "Time itself is distorted there. Some areas flow faster, others slower. There are... things that shouldn't exist—remnants of ancient battles, fragments of forgotten laws." He lowered his voice. "And at the center... lies what many believe to be the Creator's Throne."
The words resonated in Yun Lintian's mind. He doubted whether it was authentic here. After all, the Creator in every timeline seemed to act in the same way, disappearing without a trace. Why should this timeline be different?
For this reason, Yun Lintian felt even more certain that this timeline was different from any other timelines. Whether it was someone who looked similar to Lin Xinyao, or someone he felt familiar with in Su Xinyue, everything was too strange.
Perhaps the Ruins of the Forgotten Time could give him an answer… and it might be the answer he had been looking for all this time.