Heavenly Continent, Guixu.
Changying stood gracefully on the shore, her deep-blue eyes watching the waves surge across the vast ocean stretching ten thousand miles. She said softly, "Master, even a Primordial White Tiger has appeared. This era truly has crouching tigers and hidden dragons."
The Master of Guixu said, "We are descendants of ancient Immortals, but the immortal bloodlines within us are far weaker than before. The Primordial White Tiger Clan, however, can pass down its bloodline from generation to generation with the greatest possible preservation! Even their immortal physiques can evolve into Saint Physiques! That is the most terrifying thing about Primordial White Tigers."
Changying said, "I once read historical records that said Guixu was already on friendly terms with the White Tiger Clan in ancient times, and together they created many celebrated tales. But later, both withdrew from the world, and after another transformation of seas into mulberry fields, contact was lost. Now that I see the words 'Primordial White Tiger' again, I find myself feeling rather wistful."
The Master of Guixu seemed to sink into some memory. His gaze unfocused for an instant, and he suddenly sighed deeply. "I actually thought of that person from twelve years ago..."
"That person? There aren't many people you keep in your thoughts, Master. A man? A woman?"
"Changying, you've become quite the gossip."
"I naturally remain indifferent to worldly affairs, but when it concerns you, Master, gossip can be a pleasure too."
"That old acquaintance and I... ah, our destined connection was too shallow. Better left unmentioned." A slight ripple passed through the Master of Guixu's eyes. He raised his head and stared at the name "Sushang" on the Heavenly Ranking, lost in thought.
At that moment!
A beam of white light descended to the earth. As the reward for second place on the Heavenly Ranking, it naturally seized countless gazes, some open, some concealed.
But just like the reward for first place, the white light possessed special means that prevented anyone from probing it.
Only the top three could enjoy such a privilege!
Xuanji Sect.
"According to historical records, once descendants of the Primordial White Tiger Clan awaken their bloodlines, their bodies temporarily take on adult form, and this form persists until they truly reach adulthood.
"It is worth mentioning that, after more than a trillion years, the descendants of the White Tiger Clan have evolved toward greater perfection. Like humans, they reach adulthood at eighteen, and possess both the cultivation speed of humans and the endless lifespan of sacred beasts.
"The adult transformation of their bodies is catalyzed by the power released upon awakening. At such times, members of the Primordial White Tiger Clan can unleash highly explosive strength, even exceeding their original cultivation tenfold.
"However, the adult form consumes power extremely quickly and cannot be maintained for long. They must return to their original form to accumulate and store power..."
Xie Feng read aloud as he leafed through a historical tome.
Sushang sat cross-legged beside him, cupping her round face in her hands. Her eyes were half closed, and her head bobbed as she dozed.
"Pay attention!"
Xie Feng rolled up the book and knocked Sushang on the head.
The little girl drew out her words. "O-kay-I-get-it-"
Xie Feng: "..."
Just then...
White light appeared over Xuanji Mountain. It transformed into a flying rainbow and entered precisely between Sushang's brows. The little girl's vision went white, and then she saw the image of a sword in her mind.
It was three feet long, engraved with a sun motif, and golden throughout, radiating golden light for ten thousand feet. Its scabbard was exquisite, with flames like yellow clouds rising around it. Its Sword Qi and Sword Intent were like the fiercest dawn light after sunrise, setting the heavens and earth ablaze with beacon fires in an instant.
The immortal sword, Zhaoyang!
At the same moment, a cultivation method scroll appeared. With a slight stirring of Sushang's mind, it immediately took physical form in her hands.
Radiant Sun Sword Art!
An Immortal Method!
"There's a sword art too! It's so thick!
"Uh, I can't understand it. Mother never taught me swordsmanship...
"Aaah, what do I do?!
"My physique is second on the Heavenly Ranking, but I can't understand a sword art. Won't that make me look stupid?"
Sushang casually flipped through it, but could not understand it. Somewhat dejected, she clutched her head and turned in circles on the spot.
Xie Feng tapped her forehead and shrugged with a smile. "Don't worry, little girl. I'll teach you."
"Yes, Master!"
"Look how happy you are."
"My master is first on the Heavenly Ranking, and he's even teaching me swordsmanship. Of course I... grrr~"
"What was that sound?"
"Master, I'm hungry and want something to eat. Please give me instructions!"
"At the Tribulation Transcendence Realm, you've already reached Grain Avoidance. You can go without food or drink..."
"But eating makes me happy~"
"..."
"Please, please."
Sushang hugged Xie Feng's leg. Helplessly, he poked her between the brows. "You little greedy cat! Come on, let's catch pheasants on the back mountain."
Eastern Continent. Azure Luan Clan.
"Heavenly Maiden, you can find time to refine that Cangwu Divine Huang Source gradually. Focus on obtaining power and strengthening yourself. There is no rush to improve your bloodline.
"The power within it is far too immense. Your current cultivation at the ninth stage of Nascent Soul is still insufficient. You must wait until after Tribulation Crossing before improving your bloodline. You will surely gain more then!"
Inside the room, Gu Chen laid out his plans. Qiuye was brewing tea, and she nodded with a murmur of assent. As the Azure Luan Clan's Heavenly Maiden, and possessing the Azure Luan Immortality physique, she needed Gu Chen to safeguard every step of her future path, so she could safely become an Immortal, or even a sage!
"The Land of Blood Slaughter interests me quite a bit. The Azure Dragon Clan should be on their way there now. However, I have a feeling that Xuan Tugu, worried I might intervene, will very likely come to obstruct and delay me..."
Gu Chen frowned in careful thought. He lifted a cup of tea, just as a guard arrived to report, "My king, Elder Xuan of the Azure Dragon Clan..."
"Clan Leader Gu!
"It has been a long time. Have you been well?"
Before the guard could finish his report, an old woman's figure had already barged into everyone's sight. An enormous hooked nose stood out prominently on her weathered old face.
Xuan Tugu!
Gu Chen nearly spat out his tea.
He really did have a crow's mouth!
Xuan Tugu entered the room leaning on her staff, without the slightest restraint. Clearly, she was accustomed to being rude.
Qiuye frowned with some distaste.
Gu Chen's expression also cooled slightly.
As soon as Xuan Tugu entered, her gaze clung to Qiuye. She smiled in praise. "Is this the Heavenly Maiden Qiuye? Truly extraordinary and unworldly. Clan Leader Gu, you must keep careful watch over such a treasure."
Gu Chen said, "Heavenly Maiden, I have important matters to discuss with our honored guest. Go attend to your affairs."
Qiuye said, "Yes."
Watching Qiuye's graceful figure leave, Xuan Tugu narrowed her eyes. "Are you nervous because of my presence, Clan Leader Gu?"
Gu Chen smiled. "When elders converse, juniors have little to contribute."
Xuan Tugu said, "I never expected such a physique to appear in the Azure Luan Clan. I have come to offer my congratulations!"
Gu Chen said, "Haha, surely you haven't come today merely to congratulate me."
Xuan Tugu said, "We are descendants of dragons and phoenixes respectively. Our clans have stood side by side to this day, with a deep bond of friendship. It is perfectly natural for me to come offer congratulations."
Gu Chen said, "Only now have I learned that you and I actually share a deep bond of friendship."
Xuan Tugu said, "You jest, Clan Leader Gu."
Gu Chen said bluntly, "I have always been straightforward. I know why you have come. Please leave!"
"You're seeing your guest out already?"
"I still have important business. We can speak another day!"
"That gem is quite fine. Gu Chen, you had best watch it closely. After all, many people covet it."
Holding her staff, Xuan Tugu glanced sidelong at Gu Chen and spoke with a smile that never reached her eyes. Her aged cheeks hung loose, her wrinkles like knife cuts. When she opened her mouth, not only was her voice harsh and grating, but the fleshy folds of her face were particularly pronounced, vicious and terrifying.
"Thank you for the reminder, Elder Xuan. I will be even more careful.
"Oh, right. Beautiful though the gem may be, it already has an owner. If anyone truly blind dares lay a finger on it, I will muster the strength of my entire clan and personally put an end to them!"
Gu Chen sneered, his hands behind his back.
The Azure Dragon Clan and the Azure Luan Clan possessed comparable foundations and strength. Even if one clan was stronger, it would not be a completely one-sided suppression.
But Qiuye's appearance would shatter this delicate balance! And this was certainly something the slightly stronger Azure Dragon Clan did not wish to see!
Gu Chen's fierce, ruthless dominance made Xuan Tugu's expression shift slightly. Her face darkened...