Moonlight Mystique

The two powerhouses from Jingyou Mountain and Cold Spring Palace waited outside Purple Moon Mountain for a full day without seeing Tian Qi. Instead, all the precious treasures they had brought were collected one by one by Divine Lord Zi Han of Purple Moon Mountain.

Zi Han relayed Tian Qi's imperial decree: "The True God is in seclusion for cultivation. Do not disturb Purple Moon Mountain without reason. For important matters in the Yao Realm, follow the previous orders of Yao Emperor Hong Yi."

This meant the position of Yao Emperor would still be decided through martial competition at Chongzi Palace ten years later. Though Chang Mei and Zhen Yu privately wondered what a True God of Tian Qi's status could possibly gain from seclusion, they both sighed in relief upon learning he wouldn't interfere with the Yao Emperor selection, then comfortably withdrew from Purple Moon Mountain.

In the main hall of Purple Moon Mountain stood a Soul Suppression Tower half a zhang tall, with emerald flames blazing inside. Tian Qi stood beneath it, cradling a tiny soul fragment in his palm.

Zi Han, still in his young dragon form, struggled into the hall carrying a massive log taller than himself, panting heavily with the exaggerated diligence of a model worker.

Tian Qi glanced at him and snorted lightly.

Immediately, Zi Han's steps became lighter. Carrying the ten-thousand-year divine wood obtained from Shang Gu in the Divine Realm, he scurried over to Tian Qi on tiptoe, presenting it high with fawning enthusiasm.

"Divine Lord! I've brought the ten-thousand-year divine wood you requested!"

Without a word of praise, Tian Qi casually accepted it.

The chubby little dragon pouted, then sidled up to Tian Qi with ingratiating curiosity. "Divine Lord, are you planning to use this divine wood to forge a body for Divine Lord Yue Mi?"

Tian Qi gave him a sidelong glance. "Her divine form deserves far more than mere divine wood."

Zi Han's large eyes widened in shock. Judging by the Divine Lord's words, did he intend to use his own divine power to forge Yue Mi's body? Creating another deity's form through divine power would likely consume half of even a True God's strength. Zi Han cautiously observed Tian Qi, not daring to speak further.

"Then what is this divine wood for...?"

"When I forge Yue Mi's body, my divine essence will be completely sealed. Until her form is complete, the soul flames in the Soul Suppression Tower must not extinguish. This divine wood will bear half of my divine power to protect Purple Moon Hall."

Hearing this, Zi Han immediately looked aggrieved and protested loudly, "With me guarding Purple Moon Hall, who would dare intrude and disrupt your forging of Divine Lord Yue Mi's body?"

Tian Qi glanced at him indifferently. "As I recall, you make regular excursions through the Three Realms on the first and fifteenth of each month to gather... donations?"

Dragons love gold and silver. As an ancient dragon, Zi Han grew restless if his hoard didn't increase every ten days or half-month.

Zi Han choked on his words, blinking guiltily with visible embarrassment. Then it occurred to him that having this divine wood infused with the Divine Lord's power might be useful—it could safeguard Purple Moon Mountain during his occasional outings.

"Divine Lord, once you seal your divine sense, it will likely take several thousand years, won't it?"

"Three years will suffice," Tian Qi said calmly. With a wave of his hand, the divine wood split into eight pieces, arranged around the tower in a protective formation.

Three years! Zi Han gasped audibly. The little dragon dropped his act, transforming into a young man who stepped between Tian Qi and the tower in alarm. "Divine Lord! You mustn't!"

Tian Qi's violet eyes flashed a warning.

The words died in Zi Han's throat under that gaze. He shuffled aside, shoulders slumping as he retreated behind Tian Qi.Refining the body of a High God typically takes a thousand years. But to accomplish it within three years, the one performing the refinement must personally enter the Soul Suppression Tower and sacrifice half of their Divine Power Origin within the Soul Suppression Flames.

This meant that the Divine Lord would not only have to offer half of his demonic divine power and Divine Power Origin for High God Yue Mi, but he would also have to remain inside the tower until Yue Mi emerged. Should the refinement fail, the Divine Lord's Divine Sense would be trapped within the Soul Suppression Tower, enduring the torment of scorching flames for a thousand years.

Tian Qi raised his hand and sent a surge of Divine Power into the tower. The previously calm Soul Suppression Flames within the tower suddenly surged several meters high, radiating thick Soul Power.

A violet demonic divine power emanated from his forehead, flying toward the eight divine trees guarding the Soul Suppression Tower. Once everything was prepared, he cradled Yue Mi's tranquil Divine Sense in his palm and stepped toward the tower.

"Divine Lord!" Just as Tian Qi was about to cross the threshold of the Soul Suppression Tower, Zi Han couldn't hold back and called out to him.

"Even if we wait another thousand years, High God Yue Mi will still be reborn. Why must you go this far?" Zi Han's voice was hoarse as he stared at Tian Qi's retreating figure.

Having stood by Tian Qi's side for a hundred thousand years, weathering every storm and calamity together, he couldn't bear to see Tian Qi sacrifice half of his Divine Power and Origin for the sake of a mere thousand years. True Gods had boundless lifespans, but losing half of one's Divine Power Origin meant that if one couldn't restore their cultivation to its current Realm in the future, they would forfeit the privilege of living as long as the heavens.

Tian Qi paused in his steps. After a long moment, he lowered his gaze to Yue Mi's Divine Sense resting in his palm.

"Ah Han, even that fool Yuan Qi knows that a thousand years is too long."

In a place where Zi Han couldn't see, Tian Qi's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Besides, those three carts of wine in my temple have been waiting to be opened for far too long."

With that, Tian Qi stepped into the Soul Suppression Tower, leaving behind only a solitary azure silhouette.

From that day onward, the Violet Moon Mountain returned to its usual tranquility, with only a little (old) fat (mouth) Dragon guarding the mountain gate, waiting for the three-year mark when the Soul Suppression Tower would open.

Three mortal years passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Bai Shuo had snuck out of the Grand General's mansion countless times, only to be dragged back each time by her Marshal father from some remote mountain corner. If not for the young master of the Left Minister's household accompanying her every time, Bai Shuo's backside would have long been bruised.

The two elder Masters were endlessly frustrated by Bai Shuo and Chong Zhao's stubborn obsession with seeking immortality and cultivation. However, as both were the youngest in their families and still young themselves, their antics were dismissed as mere childish mischief, earning them only a few reprimands. Only Bai Xi watched her younger sister with deep, unspoken worry in her eyes.

Days passed in this cycle of mischief and reprimands. In two more days, it would mark the three-year anniversary of Tian Qi's entry into the Soul Suppression Tower. Zi Han carefully inspected the eight divine trees, confirming that their demonic divine power was abundant and fully capable of protecting the tower. Satisfied, he descended the mountain to "borrow" supplies—this time from the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea in the Immortal Realm. Being of the same clan and a distant junior, the Dragon King's hoard of treasures ensured Zi Han wouldn't return empty-handed. The journey from Violet Moon Mountain to the Eastern Sea took no more than a day and a half, so he would return just in time for Tian Qi's emergence from the tower.

With Zi Han gone, the divine trees stood silently guarding the Soul Suppression Tower, maintaining peace.

Yet, outside the tranquil Violet Moon Mountain, a white figure streaked across the sky atop a celestial Sword, followed closely by a massive serrated Sword that suddenly transformed into a net, aiming to ensnare the white figure as it neared the mountain's barrier.At the very moment the immortal net enveloped the white figure, a surge of red demonic Qi descended from the sky and struck the net. The net, heavily impacted, transformed back into an immortal Sword and plummeted downward. A golden figure appeared mid-air, catching the falling giant-toothed immortal Sword. This Immortal Lord wore a crown of purple myrtle and stood upon seven-colored auspicious clouds—none other than Immortal Lord Jin Yao.

Now, he should be addressed as Divine Lord Jin Yao. Jin Yao had once been the foremost among the upper immortals of the Immortal Realm during the era of Mu Guang. After Feng Ran ascended to the throne as the Heavenly Emperor, Jin Yao secluded himself in the Immortal Realm to focus on cultivation. Centuries ago, when Feng Ran achieved Ascension, Jin Yao coincidentally succeeded in his Tribulation Transcendence, transforming into a demi-god. Feng Ran specially summoned him to govern the Immortal Realm in her stead. Under his rule over the past century, the Immortal Realm had flourished. Now, his usually gentle eyes burned with fury as he glared at the red and white figures not far away, his brows knitted in authority.

"Fu Ling, come here! Return with me to the Immortal Realm!" Divine Lord Jin Yao's gaze swept coldly over the red-clad figure before softening slightly as it settled on the white-robed lady.

The white-robed lady shook her head, a quiver of demonic Qi-laden spirit arrows strapped to her back. Her delicate face showed no hesitation. "Father, my mind is made up. I will follow Divine Lord Zhen Yu to the Cold Spring Palace."

Beside her, the red-clad figure had sharp brows and a cold demeanor, yet his youthful appearance belied his age. He shrugged, raising an eyebrow at Divine Lord Jin Yao with a smug expression.

Who would have thought the mysterious and formidable master of the Cold Spring Palace in the Yao Realm would turn out to be this carefree red-clad youth?

"Outrageous!" Divine Lord Jin Yao roared. "You are of the immortal race, my daughter! What business do you have in the Yao Realm?"

"The immortal race?" Fu Ling's lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. "The daughter of a mighty demi-god, yet after five thousand years of cultivation, I remain nothing but a lower immortal. Father, apart from you, who doesn’t mock me behind my back as a half-immortal, half-demon freak?"

Divine Lord Jin Yao stiffened, his grip on the giant Sword trembling.

The red-clad youth remained amused, arms crossed, clicking his tongue.

He had long heard that the ruler of the Heavenly Palace, Divine Lord Jin Yao, had a daughter—one not born to his deceased immortal consort, but rumored to be the child of a Yao Race woman. Recently, this daughter had come to him alone. Zhen Yu discovered that the girl possessed immense demonic Qi, forcibly suppressed by a layer of immortal power, which explained why she remained a lower immortal after five millennia. The Cold Spring Palace welcomed all Yao Lords of strength, and Fu Ling, despite her unusual origins, held boundless potential. Moreover, taking her in would be a blatant slap to the face of the immortal race and Jin Yao himself—an opportunity Zhen Yu would never pass up.

After a long silence, Divine Lord Jin Yao looked at his daughter. "Fu Ling, stay with me in the Heavenly Palace. From now on, I will personally guide your cultivation every day—"

"No need! What would I do in the Heavenly Palace? Spend my days addressing my mother’s murderer as uncle?" Fu Ling coldly cut him off, her eyes blazing with hatred.

Fu Ling’s mother was the Blood Mist Demonic Flower, also known as Lady Zhao Hui. Millennia ago, Divine Lord Jin Yao descended to the mortal world to undergo tribulation and was instantly smitten by Lady Zhao Hui. Unaware of Jin Yao’s true identity due to her weak demonic Qi, she fell in love with him and bore Fu Ling. Only after Jin Yao returned to the Heavenly Palace upon completing his tribulation did he recall the mortal affair and realize he had not only loved a Yao Race woman but also fathered a child.At that time, Divine Lord Jin Yao's immortal consort had already passed away, so there were no moral constraints. However, the Immortal and Yao Races had long been hostile toward each other. Despite immense pressure, Divine Lord Jin Yao reported the mortal affairs to Heavenly Emperor Mu Guang, willing to relinquish his high position in the celestial court just to bring back Zhao Hui and their daughter. But Lady Zhao Hui was a proud and fierce member of the Yao Race. With her entire clan slaughtered by Immortals, she adamantly refused to return to the Immortal Realm with Jin Yao and even barred him from seeing their daughter again. Left with no choice, Divine Lord Jin Yao returned to the celestial court in despair.

Over a decade later, the Immortal and Yao Races clashed at their border. The battle resulted in countless casualties on both sides, and Lady Zhao Hui perished in the chaos, slain by the Immortals of the celestial court. After her death, Jin Yao ventured into the Yao Realm, seeking their youngest daughter among the Blood Mist Blossom clan. By then, Fu Ling was old enough to remember. Upon hearing of her mother’s death from the clan members, she fainted—only to be found by Jin Yao, who took her back to the Immortal Realm. From that moment, Fu Ling became the daughter of Immortal Lord Jin Yao.

Many Immortals were aware of this, but given Jin Yao’s revered status and immense authority—and Fu Ling’s weak spiritual power and young age—they turned a blind eye, allowing her to live in the celestial court. Years ago, Fu Ling followed Jin Yao into seclusion. It wasn’t until eight hundred years later, when Jin Yao returned to the celestial court, that she reappeared before the Immortals. The battle back then had been fought by Divine Lords Yu Feng, Yan Huo, and others against Lady Zhao Hui, leaving those high-ranking lords deeply remorseful. As a result, they treated Fu Ling with exceptional kindness, which only fueled the envy and resentment of the younger generation of Immortals. With her feeble spiritual power and half-Yao heritage, Fu Ling endured countless hidden humiliations over the years.

Divine Lord Jin Yao, preoccupied with governing his realm, neglected his youngest daughter. By the time Fu Ling grew up, she could bear it no longer. She left the celestial court and defected to the Cold Spring Palace in the Yao Realm.

"Do you even know why I left the celestial court?" Fu Ling’s voice was icy as Jin Yao remained silent. "I’ve always been a half-Immortal, half-Yao freak. Their mockery and insults mean nothing to me. You know exactly what I care about! You want me to return? Fine—I’ll agree, but only if you execute Divine Lords Yu Feng, Yan Huo, and the other two to avenge my mother!"

Jin Yao’s voice was heavy with sorrow. "Fu Ling, the conflict between the Immortal and Yao Races thousands of years ago was inevitable. Many lives were lost on both sides. I cannot hold Lords Yu Feng and the others accountable for the consequences of a war between two races."

"Hypocrite! Coward!" she spat. "Back then, you were just a high lord—powerless to avenge Mother. I endured humiliation all these years in the Immortal Realm for one reason: to seek justice for her! Now you’re a demigod, wielding life-and-death authority over the celestial court, yet you let her killers roam free. I refuse to acknowledge you as my father! If you won’t kill them, I’ll rip out my immortal bones, shatter my core, and become nothing but a pure-blooded Blossom Yao!"