The Fire Kingdom

The only way now was to find that peacock from back then and have him help repair the formation. He truly was well versed in array arts and had already unraveled some of this formation's mysteries all those years ago.

However, Yun Canghai and the others had not realized it at the time. They only discovered it later, but by then it was too late. The peacock had gone straight into hiding in the Hundred Broken Mountains.

"Ying, it's up to you two now. Take some spirit medicines and precious medicines with you, and try to trade for as many formation materials as possible."

Before they departed, Yun Canghai gave the two of them his instructions.

"We understand, Grandfather," Yun Xi said with a nod.

"Grandfather, what exactly is the relationship between that peacock and our Heavenly God Mountain? It must be something unusual, right?" Yun Ying asked.

Yun Canghai looked at his granddaughter and sighed helplessly. "You'll understand once you meet that peacock."

Seeing that Yun Canghai did not want to explain, Yun Ying did not press him. His reaction had already revealed a great deal.

Afterward, Yun Ying and Yun Xi left Heavenly God Mountain with a Divine Servant and several clansmen, heading for the Fire Kingdom.

Several days later, their chariot entered the Fire Kingdom's capital.

Meanwhile, the Fire Kingdom Princess announced that she would host a banquet at a Royal Villa for the powerful figures of the various races from beyond the region.

A few days earlier, word had spread that Shi Hao had apparently appeared in the Fire Kingdom Imperial Capital. Some dismissed it, while others believed it was true. Yun Xi and Huo Ling'er, for instance, both considered it highly likely.

"First Young Lady, Second Young Lady, the Fire Kingdom Princess has announced that she will host a banquet tomorrow for the powerful figures of the various races from beyond the region."

In a courtyard, Heavenly God Mountain's Divine Servant spoke respectfully.

"She must have guessed that Shi Hao was here too. That's why she's doing this," Yun Xi said with complete certainty.

Rumors had long circulated that Shi Hao and Huo Ling'er were close, so many creatures from beyond the region had come to the Fire Kingdom, hoping to learn about Shi Hao from her.

Little did they know that Huo Ling'er also wanted to find out how Shi Hao was doing now, so she had simply decided to hold a gathering.

"The Desolate Region is on the verge of turmoil, and more and more creatures from beyond the region are appearing. This truly is an autumn of troubles," the Divine Servant could not help remarking.

As he spoke, he looked at his clan's two young ladies again, pride shining in his eyes.

Yun Ying went without saying. She was already invincible among the younger generation, her sword intent without peer, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Ancient Gods. She had already earned the name Sword Immortal, and the world called her the Sword Immortal Maiden.

Yun Xi was no less impressive. She was already an expert at the king-marquis level. Even in this era when powerful young talents emerged one after another, she still shone brilliantly, inferior to no one.

"Make some preparations. We'll attend the gathering tomorrow and see whether we can trade for some rare materials."

Early the next morning, Yun Ying and the others left their courtyard and headed for the Royal Villa where the gathering would take place.

"Oh? Aren't those the two immortal maidens from Heavenly God Mountain? They've come to the Fire Kingdom too. It looks like they're going to the gathering."

Their appearance immediately drew the attention of many cultivators.

Both the local cultivators of the Desolate Region and the creatures from beyond it recognized Yun Ying and her companions. Those from beyond the region had clearly gathered intelligence beforehand.

"Come on! Even Heavenly God Mountain's Sword Immortal is here. Perhaps Little Shi will show up too. There'll be another spectacle to watch."

People guessed at what might happen and began discussing it.

"That's Heavenly God Mountain's Sword Immortal Maiden? She certainly deserves to be called a peerless beauty, but doesn't she seem a little ordinary? I don't sense any strength from her at all."

Some creatures from beyond the region looked at the purple-robed figure, first struck by her beauty, then puzzled.

Since she had set such a record in the Void God Realm, she had to be an indisputably powerful expert. How could she seem to have no imposing presence at all?

"Shh, keep your voice down! What the hell do you know? Her cultivation has long since surpassed what ordinary people can imagine. You can't see it with the naked eye. That's what makes her so terrifying," someone hurriedly interrupted.

At their companion's reminder, those creatures from beyond the region promptly shut their mouths and said no more. They had exposed far too much of their ignorance.

Outside the Royal Villa stood a bronze gate, with Fire Kingdom soldiers stationed silently on either side.

"It's actually a Minor Teleportation Formation. They were often used in ancient times to select elite disciples. I never expected to see one here."

Some creatures from beyond the region were surprised. Then they stepped onto the Teleportation Formation outside the gate and vanished, entering the villa directly. Those whose cultivation was insufficient were turned away.

Yun Ying and the others also stepped onto the Teleportation Formation and entered the villa. A moment later, they appeared outside a courtyard.

The grounds were vast, with many courtyards. Quite a few cultivators had gathered in many of them, some from beyond the region and some from the Desolate Region, all extraordinary.

After arriving, Yun Xi looked around for Shi Hao. Unfortunately, despite scanning a large crowd, she did not see him.

"These are troubled times, and many people are looking for him. He can't possibly show himself in his true appearance. There's no rush. Once he arrives, we'll naturally know," Yun Ying said.

Hearing that, Yun Xi realized she was right and smiled a little sheepishly. Her behavior just now seemed rather easy to misunderstand.

"When it comes to feelings, things often turn out in ways you never expect. That's what it means to say love arises without knowing where it began," Yun Ying said calmly.

Yun Xi immediately blushed. "Oh, Ying, stop it! I don't feel that way."

Seeing how easily her older sister grew shy, Yun Ying could only shake her head helplessly. It had happened again and again; how could that mean she felt nothing?

"Let's trade our precious medicines and spirit medicines for some rare materials first. We can discuss the rest later."

Then they entered a larger courtyard. Many creatures from the Primordial Sacred Mountain were there, along with experts from beyond the region. Some were young and some old, and they were conversing with one another.

The creatures from beyond the region were quite willing to befriend those from the Primordial Sacred Mountain, because there were Primordial Sacred Mountains beyond the region as well.

"Oh, it's the Sword Immortal Maiden and Immortal Maiden Yun Xi!"

At that startled exclamation, many Pureblood Creatures immediately came forward to greet them. Even the creatures from beyond the region were no exception.

They were all very enthusiastic. Both Yun Ying and Yun Xi were honored as goddesses among the Primordial Sacred Mountains. Many Pureblood Creatures had come to propose marriage, and the two were immensely popular.

Unfortunately, Yun Ying paid no attention to such matters. Instead, her older sister Yun Xi had stepped forward to turn down many of them.

Even when the young prodigy from Roc Sacred Mountain had paid a visit, Yun Ying had not shown herself. She simply went her own way.

In the eyes of the world, there was probably hardly anyone worthy of this Sword Immortal Maiden. Even beyond the region, they feared no suitable match could be found.

There was still some chance with the Sword Immortal Maiden's older sister, Immortal Maiden Yun Xi. The requirements would not be quite so high.

"Immortal maidens, please take a seat," some young experts said, beginning to lavish them with attention.

"Thank you for your kindness, but there's no need. We came here to exchange precious medicines and spirit medicines for some valuable artifact-forging materials. If you have any, you're welcome to trade with me."

After thanking them for their kindness, Yun Xi stated their purpose directly.