That night, Qin Xijun sat cross-legged on the cliff.
No one could have slept peacefully with this day upon them.
Countless thoughts filled her mind, leaving her unable to find calm.
From her birth in the Qin Household and her first meeting with that old Wandering the Clouds Daoist, to her later cultivation at the Dongyuan Sect, and all the way to the present.
Looking back, it all seemed like yesterday.
After an unknown stretch of time, Qin Xijun suddenly felt a stirring in her heart.
She opened her eyes and looked east, toward the waters embraced by Yang Valley Cliff.
There lay an immense chasm.
There was no telling how wide or deep it was. All the waters of the Eastern Sea seemed to be drawn toward it.
Between heaven and earth, a current of clear Qi gradually began to stir.
As though a breeze had brushed past her, Qin Xijun felt her hairs stand on end, and she grew a little more alert.
The sun was about to rise.
Just then, the old Daoist and Phoenix approached from either side and came to stand beside Qin Xijun.
The old Daoist said, "Your cultivation is low. Even with my help, you cannot remain near the Great Sun Golden Crow for very long."
"But there is no need to rush. Simply follow what I told you before, step by step. There is enough time, and Phoenix will help you too."
Qin Xijun nodded.
At that very moment, a speck of golden red suddenly appeared above the great chasm.
A slender line emerged between sky and sea.
The sky over Yang Valley abruptly brightened.
"Let's go," Qin Xijun said.
Phoenix said little. She merely spread her arms gently and assumed her demon form.
Her golden-red wings unfurled layer upon layer in