"Yes, of course. How could we forget?" Yan Feixue's voice was calm yet proud. "I, Yan Feixue, Princess of the Nine Flames Empire, do not go back on my words."
"The Corpse Devouring Sect will also fulfill its promise," Yin Mo and Chi Ruo said in unison, their gazes settling on the woman wearing a Rakshasa mask.
The masked woman inclined her head slightly. "But are you certain the token is within Heavenreach Citadel?" she asked, her voice soft but edged with suspicion.
Yan Feixue exhaled slowly. "Yes. At first, I had doubts, but now I'm certain. When one Celestial Token draws near another, it vibrates and tries to fly toward it. That reaction occurred only once and it was in Heavenreach Citadel."
She paused, her eyes gleaming faintly behind her lashes. "The Yaochi Empress must have hidden it somewhere within the city."
"We already hold one token," she continued serenely. "To open the Celestial Gates of the Celestial Sky Realm, two are required.
This secret realm was created by an ancient Celestial Clan and contains resources beyond imagination.
When the Holy Empress of Yaochi and the Sect Leader of the Corpse Devouring Sect first discovered it, they each acquired a token, yet neither dared to enter."
Yan Feixue's tone deepened. "Originally, there were four tokens—one held by Yaochi, one by the Corpse Devouring Sect, a third by the Yunhua Empire in the southern continent, and the fourth… remains unknown. Since our plan in the southern continent failed, our only option now is to target Yaochi."
Yin Mo frowned. "But the Celestial Sky Realm you speak of—even the Yaochi Empress and our Sect Leader never entered it. How can you be certain it holds true benefits?"
Yan Feixue's lips curved faintly. "How do you think our Nine Flames Empire has survived through countless wars?" Her tone was faintly amused.
"Our name comes from my ancestor the First Nine Flame Empress who once stumbled into a Celestial Realm and emerged bearing nine divine flames. From those flames, our empire was born."
Her expression softened briefly. "She also acquired knowledge of that ancient clan's cultivation methods. What I've told you is all I can reveal. Once we enter, you'll understand."
A heavy silence fell. The mist around them seemed to thicken. Finally, the Rakshasa-masked woman sighed. "Everything is prepared. We will proceed according to the plan. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity."
"If there's nothing more, I'll take my leave," she said. "After two days, together with the Shadow Moon Sect cultivators, we'll open the Celestial Gate.
When this token is activated, the other hidden within Heavenreach Citadel—will respond."
Her figure blurred and vanished into the mist, her lingering voice echoing faintly: "We will meet within the city. My people will be hidden there until then."
As her presence faded, Yin Mo and Chi Ruo exchanged glances before departing one after another.
Left alone, Yan Feixue's faint smile faded. Her expression turned tranquil—then cold. The air around her shifted, carrying a quiet pressure.
The Celestial Sky Realm… the greater its grandeur, the deeper its horror. Her gaze grew distant, her voice a whisper.
Even my ancestor, who survived its depths, bore scars that never healed. These fools don't even question why the Yaochi Empress and the Corpse Devouring Sect's leader never entered.
She let out a quiet sigh. I spoke of benefits—but that's only if one returns alive.
The chance of survival within that realm is nearly zero.
With a ripple of soul energy, her figure rose into the clouds and vanished.
Heavenreach Citadel — Shen Yao's Manor
The chill of night gave way to the warmth of dawn. Twilight rays crept over the sky as the stars faded, painting the horizon in hues of gold and crimson.
In the courtyard, a lone figure swung his sword, slicing through the morning air. Each motion was graceful yet sharp—the arc of his blade rippling with faint wind force.
With a final strike, a burst of air spread outward, rustling the pines. Ye Kaishan halted, sweat soaking through his robes. He breathed steadily, then walked to the stone chair beneath a pine tree and sat, gazing at the rising sun.
Morning already… my sword control has improved quite a bit, he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Boom!
Suddenly A surge of soul energy burst from the manor's rooftop.
"Hm?" Ye Kaishan frowned. "What happened? Did Song Yan… break through to late Nirvana Realm? No, that's too soon…"
Creak—
The door opened, and Shen Yao stepped out, his face pale and eyes weary. Ye Kaishan blinked, momentarily stunned. Did he break through? That fast?
Shen Yao's gaze met his, and a faint spark returned to his eyes. "Brother Ye," he greeted warmly, walking over.
"Shen Yao… did you just break through?" Ye Kaishan asked curiously.
"Haha, yes." Shen Yao rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "I got a bit carried away cultivating through the night—and ended up breaking through to the Soul Spirit Realm."
"The Soul Spirit Realm?" Ye Kaishan's brows lifted slightly. Two realms at once? he thought, astonished. Was it because this place is dense with soul energy… or had he been accumulating for so long that it all burst out at once?
"So then, Brother Ye, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading out," Shen Yao said, glancing toward him.
"Do you have some business outside?" Ye Kaishan asked curiously.
"Well," Shen Yao replied with a light sigh,
"you remember that old man who guided you to my manor? He's fallen ill. Yesterday, he asked me for help.
The stubborn fool still worries about his duties even while sick." He chuckled softly. "So I'm going to work in his place. He's helped me a great deal in the past—this is the least I can do to repay him."
"Old man…" Ye Kaishan thought for a moment before nodding. "If that's the case, you should go."
"Alright, Brother Ye. I'll return by nightfall." Shen Yao smiled and left the manor, his figure fading into the morning mist.
Left alone in the courtyard, Ye Kaishan sat on the wooden floor, resting his arms on his knees.
"Hmm… what should I do now?" he murmured, gazing at the manor with calm eyes. "Looks like Song Yan is still cultivating. Knowing her, she won't come out until she reaches late Nirvana Realm."
He sighed softly. "Should I just wander around the city?" After a pause, a faint smile touched his lips. "Not a bad idea. Since Song Yan is cultivating, I might as well explore a bit."
The void around him rippled, and in the next instant, his figure vanished within it.
Heavenreach Citadel — Shopping District
Ye Kaishan stepped out of the void inside a quiet alley. Emerging onto the bustling street, he was greeted by rows of colorful stalls, fragrant aromas, and the chatter of cultivators.
He began to wander leisurely through the district, sampling delicacies and examining the wares displayed before him—everything from simple pots to exotic fruits said to grant immortality, from rare medicinal herbs to luminous spirit tools that shimmered faintly with qi.
The sun climbed higher as he explored pavilion after pavilion, his curiosity leading him deeper into the heart of the city. Eventually, he reached an area lined with open martial stages, each surrounded by lively crowds.
One stage, in particular, caught his attention—a large crowd had gathered around it, their excited murmurs filling the air. Ye Kaishan moved closer, peering through the people.
Five figures stood on the stage, each before a massive cauldron.
"The winner is decided!" announced a soft yet energetic voice belonging to a young girl brimming with life force. "The winner of this alchemy competition is Li Huoyan!"
The crowd erupted with cheers. On the stage, a man with a calm, confident smile accepted the praise with quiet pride. Beside him, four female alchemists stood with envy and frustration clouding their expressions.
"An alchemy competition?" Ye Kaishan muttered, a wry smile forming on his lips. "Damn, I came too late. I would've liked to see the process."
His gaze lingered on the crimson pill hovering above Li Huoyan's cauldron—it pulsed faintly with spiritual energy.
"As the winner is decided," the young host continued, "Li Huoyan shall receive the Black Cauldron of Infused Qi!"
A jet-black cauldron floated toward him, shimmering with runic patterns before settling into his hand. Li Huoyan smiled faintly and stored it within his ring.
"Hey, Li Huoyan! We'll be late if we don't hurry!" a clear voice called out from the crowd.
Ye Kaishan turned and saw a petite girl with emerald eyes and porcelain skin stepping forward. She wore a green robe that fluttered gently in the wind.
"Haha, Ruo Qing, even if we're a little late, it won't be such a big deal," Li Huoyan laughed, leaping down from the stage to join her.
"You're always so carefree," she scolded with mock anger. "Every time something happens, Master ends up blaming me."
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," Li Huoyan replied with a helpless smile. The two walked off together, their laughter fading into the distance.
As the crowd dispersed, Ye Kaishan watched the pair until they vanished from sight. "Looks like they belong to an alchemy sect," he murmured thoughtfully.
A faint sigh escaped him. "If only I could cultivate…" His tone carried a trace of wistfulness before he straightened again, regaining his calm demeanor. "Well, no use thinking about it."
He resumed his stroll through the city, the streets now basked in the warm glow of sunset.
The sun sank toward the horizon, casting its final golden rays across the world.
Cool air replaced the day's heat, and soon, three moons hung high above the heavens, their silver light painting the city in soft luminescence.
Ye Kaishan sat quietly inside a tea pavilion, sipping a warm cup as his gaze swept across the street. Cultivators from various sects and clans filled the area,
their distinctive robes glowing faintly with spiritual essence.
The gentle hum of conversation mingled with the faint sound of zither music drifting from afar, as night gracefully settled over Heavenreach Citadel
Hey everyone, it's your author here!
I've been writing continuously for the past two months, and honestly, my hands and mind are starting to feel a bit numb (-_-) but your support and kind words always keep me going!
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— Author