The Immortal Gate.
Su Min descended from the sky, landing once more in her small courtyard. With a sweep of her divine sense, she was slightly surprised to find that Xie Yingying and the little Golden Crow had both entered deep seclusion.
"Are they preparing to break through to the Mahayana stage? It seems they won't need the Mahayana Pills I prepared after all."
Looking around, Su Min smiled wryly.
After all, one was a supreme divine beast, and the other possessed the Lunar Sovereign Physique. The Mahayana stage was practically effortless for them. Even without her help, they could advance further.
"Oh? Looks like you're back?"
At that moment, the token at Su Min's waist vibrated again.
"Of course."
The voice belonged to Yao Xian'er—they had long ago established a method of communication.
"The situation isn't bad. That immortal was forced to die by me."
"Forced to die?!"
Yao Xian'er's shocked voice rang out. To her, the immortal realm was something she had dreamed of her entire life—a level she had desperately pursued. Yet now, Su Min had actually forced an immortal to die? This was beyond comprehension.
"The problem is serious. Or rather, they seem to have an innate fear of the Chaos Physique. Unfortunately, I don't know why they're so terrified of it—even though mine isn't even complete yet."
Su Min shook her head helplessly. She felt that their fear of her must stem from some past event. But even if she didn't know the details, it didn't matter. She only needed to know that as long as she continued growing, they would be consumed by terror. They were even willing to sacrifice true immortals just to kill her.
So Su Min knew they would have more schemes—endless ones. But so what? She didn't need to rush. All she had to do was steadily progress to late Mahayana, face the heavenly tribulation, and ascend to immortality. By then, everything would reach its final conclusion—perhaps even the eternal eradication of the Nether Prison and the Burial Lands.
But before that, she had to survive. And the most important thing for survival was to improve her cultivation.
"It seems my guess was right. If they're willing to make an immortal self-destruct, their next move won't be simple. What's even more terrifying is that this move must require the sacrifice of an immortal to execute."
"I know. So I plan to gather a batch of materials to refine a ninth-grade silver pill. At the very least, it'll push me into late Mahayana."
Su Min chuckled. This time, she intended to gorge on pills. Her current preparations were sufficient—she didn't need to worry about unstable foundations.
Or rather, after reaching the Unity stage, that concern no longer existed.
"Then I won't worry. After all, I know nothing about alchemy. If I get the chance in my next life, I might sever my own origin, retaining only the fire element and a trace of wood. That way, I can experience your alchemical path—truly enviable."
"Of course. When the time comes, I'll pass on my legacy to you. The inheritance of a ninth-grade alchemist is something priceless. As far as I know, the only alchemist stronger than me right now is the Glazed Medicine Buddha."
Su Min smiled, and soon their conversation ended.
Clearly, when it came to gathering resources, ten Yao Xian'ers combined couldn't compare to Su Min.
"Lin Yao, come to the back mountain to see me."
After ending the communication with Yao Xian'er, Su Min sent out a mental message. With her cultivation and soul strength, she could easily arrive without alerting anyone. In fact, that was exactly what she had done. Even though Xie Yingying and the little Golden Crow had set up defenses during their seclusion, neither had detected her divine sense sweeping past. Naturally, the entire sect remained unaware.
"Yes, Master."
Soon, a streak of light flashed across the sky as Lin Yao arrived before Su Min. Seeing this, Su Min nodded in satisfaction.
"Late Dao Comprehension stage. How far are you from the Unity stage?"
Su Min was quite pleased with Lin Yao's progress.
"Junior Sister Yang has also reached the Dao Comprehension stage. However, the Law of Karma she comprehended comes with a heavy price each time she uses it, so she's not suited for combat."
"That's just how the Law of Karma is."
Having fused with the Law of Karma herself, Su Min understood its peculiarities.
"No matter. For now, announce to the world the list of top-tier materials I need. Tell them that if they can provide them, I'm even willing to offer an eighth-grade, nine-colored tribulation pill in exchange."
"An eighth-grade, nine-colored tribulation pill?!"
Lin Yao's lips twitched.
This was the kind of pill that could drive the entire world mad with desire—and her master was casually offering it. But when she saw the list of required materials, her eyelids twitched even harder. Some of these ingredients couldn't even be described as "rare"—they were practically mythical.
A few required the nurturing of an entire star system. In other words, Su Min was planning to drain the entire universe this time. Wasn't this a bit too much? Clearly, Su Min was in urgent need of a breakthrough.
"There's no helping it. Right now, the only thing limiting my pill refinement is the lack of materials."
Su Min sighed. Even the most skilled housewife couldn't cook without rice. No matter how strong she was, she couldn't refine higher-grade pills without the proper ingredients.
"I'll make the arrangements immediately and spread the word. Oh, right—Tian Hao returned not long ago and established his own sect. It has a large number of Mahayana-stage experts."
"Let him be. He won't conflict with me."
Su Min waved it off indifferently. Those people were all victims of the Burial Lands and the Nether Prison. Besides, at this point, Mahayana-stage cultivators were practically no match for her.
"Mm."
Lin Yao didn't press further. After all, the moment Tian Hao established his sect, he had come to pay respects to Su Min's faction. He had even taken his wife and child back with him. Lin Yao's comment was merely to inform Su Min.
After all, the sudden appearance of over a dozen Mahayana-stage experts—some even at late Mahayana—was more than a little shocking.
Many were trembling in fear, given how many had once hunted Tian Hao. Without Su Min's alchemical influence, most would have simply avoided conflict. Even if they couldn't let go of past grudges, they'd fight first and then bring gifts to apologize afterward. Su Min's reputation was just that valuable. But Tian Hao was different.
Following Su Min was one thing—obtaining opportunities like the protagonist of a story, snatching treasures from a crowd. But causing too much trouble? That was another matter entirely. Things had gotten quite lively. Thus, when Su Min's proclamation spread, the entire Heavenly Continent erupted in excitement.
"An eighth-grade, nine-colored tribulation pill as the highest reward? This could be the key for this old man to break into the Mahayana stage!"
Many stared at the announcement in a daze. Mahayana Pills were ninth-grade, but they were fundamentally different from other breakthrough pills.
Ninth-grade pills had no fixed effects—even ninth-grade copper pills could be considered Mahayana Pills. Of course, the dark pill Su Min had refined before didn't count—that thing wasn't meant for normal consumption.
Naturally, these major powers had their own accumulated pill recipes—lower-grade pills tailored to their techniques and legacies. Thus, an eighth-grade, nine-colored tribulation pill was already the highest-tier pill they could hope for.
After all, nothing was more practical than having another Mahayana-stage expert in their sect.
"We must secure at least one of these materials. Judging by Master Su's intentions, she plans to refine a ninth-grade pill—perhaps even a ninth-grade gold or silver pill."
The higher-ups of the Heavenly God Sect gathered together, scrutinizing Su Min's conditions. As one of the major native sects of Heavenly Continent, their foundations were deep. If not for the Great Thunder Temple hiding someone like Tian Yang, they could have easily suppressed them even in open war.
Now, the sect's five Unity-stage experts were deep in discussion. A ticket to the Mahayana stage was far too important. After all, they occupied an entire super-realm. But the materials listed made them frown.
"The Eternal Blossom… if I recall correctly, it only grows in extremely unique star systems. Our sect doesn't have any in storage. And the others are similarly rare."
"This Solar Core only forms in the heart of a star. To obtain it, one must dive into a star's core—and that requires at least Unity-stage cultivation. Not to mention, all these materials are scattered across the depths of the universe."
"No matter how difficult, we must find them—and quickly. Fifth Elder, you'll guard the sect. The four of us will personally venture into the cosmos to search."
"Understood."
The Heavenly God Sect wasn't the only one mobilizing. The Great Thunder Temple was in a similar situation, though their conditions were slightly better.
"The three of you are all at late Unity stage. After taking the Buddha's Relic Pill, you can advance to Mahayana."
Tian Yang looked at his three juniors and sighed. Their peak was the Mahayana stage, but even with preparations, breaking through was incredibly difficult.
Even with their experience, it would take at least a thousand years of accumulation. But the world was no longer peaceful—who knew when those people might make another move? Thus, Tian Yang wanted to help them break through sooner. However, even he couldn't make it happen instantly—external aids were necessary.
That was where their ancestral pill came in. But in the current world, only Su Min could refine it.
After all, aside from her, there were only two eighth-grade alchemists. And neither of them could refine an upper eighth-grade Buddha's Relic Pill—they'd be lucky to produce a two-colored tribulation pill.
"But these materials are extremely hard to find. We'll have to delve deep into the universe, and even then, it'll depend on luck. The stars are endless, and our traversal methods will inevitably skip countless planets—there's no way to scan them all."
"No matter. The ability to observe causality isn't limited to the Future Maitreya Mountain. We can use its effects to narrow down a rough range with minimal cost, and I'll search the rest slowly."
"Uncle-Master, we—"
Kong Hui hesitated slightly. Clearly, Tian Yang didn't want them leaving.
"The three of you should focus on cultivation. Leave this to me. If we encounter any troublemakers, I'll deal with them."
"Very well."
It wasn't just these two factions—even Tian Hao had dispatched over half of his Mahayana-stage experts. Of course, they were more than willing. They had personally witnessed Su Min's strength. Despite being only at mid-Mahayana, her combat power far surpassed theirs.
Moreover, she was an incredibly high-level alchemist. Under these circumstances, they were eager to establish ties with her.
Frankly, if Tian Hao were stupid enough to order them to attack Su Min's sect, they'd tie him up on the spot. They owed him favors, but suicide missions were where they drew the line.
And so…
"Even with the entire world mobilized, gathering what I need won't be simple."
Looking at the reports, Su Min could only smile bitterly. Her single proclamation had set the entire world into motion. Nearly every major sect had dispatched their Unity-stage experts. As for Dao Comprehension-stage cultivators? They were useless. Back when Su Min was at that stage, traversing the void had taken her decades. Their efficiency was too low, and they were far more likely to die in the cosmos.
They could move through space briefly, but they lacked the endurance of Unity-stage experts. Dying in the void would be a massive waste, so naturally, no one sent them.
"Little Cauldron, you've followed me for so long. But from now on, it's no longer suitable for you to stay by my side."
Looking around, Su Min retrieved the two innate spiritual treasures from within her—the Medicine King's Cauldron and the Heaven and Earth Qiankun Gourd.
They were no longer suited to accompany her.
This wasn't because Su Min was ungrateful or looked down on them.
Rather, she now needed to absorb vast amounts of turbid energy, meaning she would spend long periods in turbid-rich environments. The Dark Universe was one thing—it contained both turbid and clear energy.
But during her time in the Nether Prison, Su Min had noticed a problem. If they continued following her, their very essence would be damaged.
Thus, she decided to relocate them.
"Heaven and Earth Qiankun Gourd, I'll leave you at the base from now on. As for the Medicine King's Cauldron—do you wish to continue following me, or return to the Medicine Buddha's secret realm? If you choose the latter, I'll send you back."
Given Su Min's current strength, she could forcibly enter the Medicine Buddha's secret realm—she had already surpassed him in power.
===
Hey there! Remember how I mentioned wanting to pick more novels to fill up my schedule? Well, guess what? I've already locked in two—both xianxia! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
The first one was voted by you guys (thanks, polls!), and the second? Totally my personal pick. Because why not?
Now, for my yuri lovers (✿◠‿◠), I've got my eyes on a few ancient-themed gems. And ohhh, I've been tempted to translate a "Become the Empress" kind of story. There are two options brewing in my brain:
1️⃣ Option 1: MC was originally from ancient times, reincarnated as a modern person, died (oops), and poof—back to her first life! (She doesn't remember her 1st life at first, but plot twist—it'll come back later.) Oh, and did I mention? She's the daughter of Qin Shi Huang. Yeah. Big deal. (¬‿¬)
2️⃣ Option 2: MC was a badass policewoman in her first life. In her second life, her memories hit her right as she's escaping her messed-up family. Her so-called "mom's" side wants to use her as a pawn—marrying her off to some powerful creep (hard pass). So she dips, but uh… the empire's a disaster zone (literally). Natural disasters, refugees everywhere, and a civil war? Yikes. But guess what? What starts as a simple escape turns into her accidentally becoming the new Empress. Whoops? (≧∇≦)ﾉ
Sooo… thoughts? Which one sounds juicier? Let me know! (And yes, I'm way too excited about these.)
===
Wei Yunxi transmigrated into the novel she was reading—great, right? Wrong. She's now the tragic female supporting character who exists solely to prop up the flawless heroine, her half-sister Wei Yuqing. The original Yunxi handed over treasures, resources, and even her own cultivation, only to die horribly in the end. Nope. Not happening this time.
Yunxi has a new motto: If it's mine, I'm keeping it. No more playing ATM for the heroine. Especially since Yuqing is the Heavenly Dao's Darling—blessed with insane luck. Try to steal her opportunities? The universe just hands her a better one. Oppose her? Heavenly lightning says bonk.
But Yunxi isn't completely helpless.
First, she snatches the mahogany plaque—her golden finger—right from under Yuqing's nose. Boom! Instant cheat code: a cross-dimensional chat group filled with overpowered allies from the apocalypse, interstellar world, and even the divine realm. Now, Yunxi can trade resources, scheme, and finally fight back.
Too bad the heroine (and the male lead?) won't stop clinging to her. What part of "I'm not your personal loot box" do they not understand?
"Stealing Luck from the Heavenly Dao's Favorite"
===
"They called her the 'Vicious Female Supporting Character'—so she decided to live up to the title."
After her brutal death, Song Wanníng realized she was nothing but a disposable villainess in a twisted fate.
Her childhood sweetheart? Now the female lead's devoted lover.
Her beloved disciple? The male lead who personally crushed her bones and ashes.
And the sect that raised her? Complicit in her family's massacre.
Reborn with the knowledge of her past life, the Three Lives Mirror warns her: "To survive, you must whitewash your image and beg for the protagonists' favor."
Song Wanníng smiles.
Whitewash?
Why play the pitiful victim when she can burn the entire script?
-The Medicine King Sect's inheritance is reserved for the female lead? She shatters the guardian spirit and loots every last treasure.
-The divine beast rejects her for the male lead? She skins it alive and drains its blood—no blessings for traitors.
-The sect sides with her enemies? Then let them all fall from grace, exiled from the cultivation world!
They called her insane, ruthless, a demon in human skin—but so what? If kindness earned her only a blade in the back, then she'd embrace the madness instead.
But power comes at a price. To defy fate, she willingly embraces demonic cultivation, fusing it with her righteous Dao in a dangerous, delicate balance. The Heavenly Dao favors the protagonists with blatant, unfair luck, but Song Wanníng?
She doesn't need luck. She has wrath.
And this time, she'll make sure everyone burns with her.
"The Villainess Refuses to Repent"
===
Both of these novels share a similar theme—they revolve around characters who are forced to face a Darling of Heaven.
But unlike the usual side character vs protagonist setup, their pain, their helplessness, and their bitterness are portrayed in a raw and striking way. The protagonist's plot armor isn't just there to move the story forward—it actually makes us feel the depth of the supporting character's despair.
This is especially true in Song Wanníng's story. Her past life, along with all the betrayal and pain she endured, is woven into every corner of the plot.
Compared to Wei Yunxi, Song Wanníng is clearly the more extreme character.
Yes, Wei Yunxi has her share of hardships, but alongside her future knowledge, she still possesses a kind of golden finger.
Song Wanníng, on the other hand, has nothing—just her memories. And because of all the torture and betrayal she experienced in her past life, her mentality is far more twisted than Yunxi's.
There's another key difference too:
Song Wanníng is an authentic cultivator who was given a second chance at life.
Wei Yunxi, despite everything, originally came from the modern world—whether through rebirth or transmigration. That means her mindset, especially her sense of morality, is more rigid and righteous, like most people from a modern setting.
Even if she kills, just like any cultivator in that world, there's still a line she's reluctant to cross.Her internal restraints and modern values set her apart from the cultivators who were born and raised in that world. (Though, I'm not sure whether she eventually steps into the gray—or even black—area by the end of her story.)