Yu Xian'er gazed excitedly at the seed in her hand, then held it against her chest and said earnestly, "I understand, Lady Arbiter of Life! I'll take good care of myself and my child."
Ayinai nodded, then gently touched Yu Xian'er's forehead with one finger. "I've heard that giving birth is dangerous. This bit of power will keep you safe when the time comes."
"Thank you for your blessing, Arbiter of Life!"
The Palace of Existence
The two mortals and the goddess had just returned to the Palace of Existence, and Qingzhu and Xiahou Chan were still excited as they talked.
The news of a newborn had been so momentous that it had spread throughout the Xianzhou in just a few hours.
Yu Xian'er naturally became the focus of protection for the entire Xianzhou. Some of its top chefs had even called out on the spot for Muyun to return to the Manifest Existence Army and let them care for mother and child.
Muyun said that was out of the question. Naturally, he would take care of his own wife.
"At last, the panic has subsided on its own."
Xiahou Chan spoke, and Qingzhu nodded. As members of the upper leadership, they were well aware of the Xianzhou Daiyu's problems over the years. Although its people held Ayinai in deep respect and faith,
the fear caused by more than ten years without a newborn had left them deeply worried about the Xianzhou's future. Now, however, that worry was gone, because the birth of a newborn meant the Xianzhou Daiyu's future would not be cut short.
"Yes, the people of the Xianzhou can finally rest easy."
Seeing how relieved they looked, Ayinai coughed softly to draw their attention back.
"Qingzhu, Xiahou Chan, I've thought about your request. Yes, the Xianzhou Daiyu can return to the wider universe."
Qingzhu sprang up in excitement. "Lady Arbiter of Life, do you mean it?"
Ayinai nodded. At the sight, not only Qingzhu and Xiahou Chan but everyone in the Palace of Existence was overjoyed.
They had long wanted to fly off this planet and explore the world beyond. As for seeking medicine, the other Xianzhou had all found theirs, so why should they keep looking? Wasn't it better to stick to the path of Existence?
At least they had a leader who cared for her people.
That day, an announcement from the Palace of Existence rang out across the entire Xianzhou Daiyu.
"Following deliberation, it has been decided that starting tomorrow, the Xianzhou Daiyu will officially leave the planet and return to the routes of the wider universe, following the path of Existence. May the goddess's blessing protect us all."
"Hold fast to what is real, never fall into Nihility, and let all things exist forever!"
"Hold fast to what is real, never fall into Nihility, and let all things exist forever!"
As the slogans rang out, the Xianzhou Daiyu, which had lain dormant here for so long, slowly rose. The airflow generated by the enormous starship flattened every tree around it.
Before long, the towering, massive Xianzhou Daiyu floated in the sky. Its emerald-green hull trailed streams of light as it flew away from the planet, breaking through the atmosphere.
All the people of the Xianzhou watched on the large screens as they left behind this place of sorrow and new life.
What awaited them next were greater trials and a vaster universe!
"We've left. We've left the place that held our sorrow and our new life."
Qingzhu looked at the planet on the screen as she spoke, and Xiahou Chan nodded.
"I suppose we paid a little rent. I hope the Xianzhou technology we left behind can help the new civilization on that planet."
As the two reflected, a young woman jogged over and handed Qingzhu the documents she was carrying.
Xiahou Chan leaned over and asked curiously, "What's that?"
Qingzhu rolled her eyes at him. The fool knew nothing but how to lead troops into battle. "It's information on the faiths of the other Xianzhou. Their beliefs are all over the place. Some worship Qlipoth of [Preservation], some Xipe of [Harmony], some Aha of [Elation], and some Fuli of [Remembrance].
"Ah! This makes me furious! How come there are even people who worship Yaoshi of [Abundance]? Don't they know that the Denizens of Abundance who attacked the ancient kingdom worshipped Yaoshi of Abundance?!"
Xiahou Chan cut in. "Well... fighting the Denizens of Abundance and worshipping Yaoshi of Abundance don't seem to be mutually exclusive."
Xiahou Chan received another eye roll from Qingzhu. The next moment, she flew into a rage.
"Damn it! How come there are even people who worship IX of [Nihility]?! Are they tired of living?!"
As a Pathstrider of Existence, it was impossible for her to have any fondness for Nihility, a being opposed to Existence in every way! Indeed, if a Pathstrider of Existence met a Pathstrider of Nihility, they were more likely to come to blows because the other walked the path of Nihility.
Xiahou Chan raised his long halberd. The weapon gleamed coldly, dangerous and ruthless.
"Which Xianzhou are those bastards on? I'll go kill them right now!"
"All right, all right, come back. We still need to decide on a course. Hmm... how about here? The Itasumai Star System. They say it's The Family's territory. The Family worships Harmony, so I imagine it should be a peace-loving organization."
Xiahou Chan put away his halberd and looked at the star system. A moment later, he nodded. "Yes, no problem at all."
As a military commander, all he had to do was nod. Matters like safety could be left to Qingzhu; he only needed to be a dependable top-notch fighter.
"Since you agree, then our destination is the Itasumai Star System! Set off!"
A huge wormhole appeared in front of the enormous starship. This was its warp capability, though as things stood, it would take three days to reach their destination from the starting point.
During the journey, Xiahou Chan returned to the barracks to drill the new recruits. Golden and emerald-green armor gleamed under the artificial sun.
Battle cries rang out, accompanied by the whistling of molecular cutting blades. A fierce fighting force was beginning to take shape. What they needed most now was a battle, one that would be enough to demonstrate their strength.
The three days passed quickly. During that time, Qingzhu prepared the trade goods aboard the Xianzhou Daiyu, while Xiahou Chan drilled the recruits in the barracks. And what of our goddess Ayinai?
At that moment, Ayinai lay on her side in her bed, the contours of her graceful figure visible even beneath the covers.
Her breathtaking sleeping face was like a masterpiece crafted by heaven itself, impossible to look away from. Unfortunately, no one saw the beautiful sight.
Planet Morixi, the main planet of the Itasumai Star System
This was where The Family was based, the center from which it governed the star system.
"We've reached our destination."
Looking at the coordinates on the map, Qingzhu directed the transport workers to place the prepared goods at the Jade Gate. She would receive The Family's local representative there.
As an Emanator of Existence, she had her pride. She would bow to no one but the goddess Ayinai. I'm an Emanator of Existence! Even if we're to meet, The Family should come to me!
She could also take the representative on a tour to show off their strength. After all, this was their first meeting, and the best approach was to deter them with force. If the other party truly wanted to fight, negotiations would be of no use.
As Helmsman, she was responsible for everyone on the Xianzhou. Like Xiahou Chan, he favored deterrence through force over persuading others to submit with words. This was not stupidity, but absolute confidence in their own strength.
One Xianzhou with two Emanators-such combat power was enough to make others dare do no more than look, wherever they went. As for attacking them... Are you crazy, or am I?