Seven years later...
The many top-tier powers and the New Heavenly Court fought each other without much fanfare.
Conflicts between the two sides continued without cease, but continental-scale battles never erupted again.
Their fighting remained confined to the level of top-tier empires.
That year:
Tian Buyu contacted Chu Qing.
"Taboo, make your preparations. We leave tomorrow!"
Hearing the weakness in Tian Buyu's voice, Chu Qing was rather concerned. "You're injured?"
"Can you manage in your current condition?"
Tian Buyu threw back his head and laughed. "I'm merely overworked."
"My condition has never been better."
Chu Qing nodded.
Since Tian Buyu said nothing was wrong, he cared even less.
As for whether Tian Buyu would live or die after going to the gathering, that was beyond his control.
At most, he could look after him a little.
Since he was going on a long journey, he arranged matters at Stone Ridge Mountain.
In truth, over the years, Stone Ridge Mountain had been jointly managed by Mingyue, the Princess Consort, and the others.
The Princess Consort and the others, together with the Otherkin Red Robe, had established a foundation on a rural continent.
Nominally, that foundation belonged to the Otherkin Red Robe, but in reality, it could also be considered part of Stone Ridge Mountain.
Though Chu Qing did not care much about it, they went there every few days to strengthen that foundation.
As Madam Jin put it, "If something goes wrong here one day, we'll still have a way out!"
Chu Qing laughed. "Unless I die, otherwise... nothing will go wrong!"
Madam Jin poked his forehead. "You... are far too confident."
"Don't forget that a Mythological Creature is suppressed beneath Stone Ridge Mountain."
"At the same time, Stone Ridge Mountain may have been transformed from some powerful Otherkin."
"If the