The aftermath of the great battle still lingered with the lingering aura of destruction. Spatial rifts hung like dark scars in the sky, and the shattered mountains and crumbling earth silently testified to the devastation of the earth-shattering war that had just taken place.
Just as this broken world gradually returned to silence, a soft yet extremely pure light suddenly appeared on the distant horizon. The light was not dazzling, but it seemed to slowly spread from the depths of the sea of clouds, like a moon descending from the void, causing the surging chaotic atmosphere around to calm down a bit without anyone noticing.
As the light drew closer, a figure slowly appeared from the void. She was tall and slender, her steps light and deliberate, as if descending step by step from the sky on invisible air staircases.
The woman wore a pale silver dress, the hem of which swayed gently in the breeze. The edges of the dress seemed to be inlaid with tiny starlight, shimmering with faint patterns of light as she moved. Her long hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, its color a pale silver, almost like moonlight, reflecting a soft and mysterious glow in the fading light of the battlefield.
Several exquisitely crafted crystal hair ornaments adorned her hair, each seemingly imbued with an ancient spiritual charm. Her face was serene and elegant, her brows carrying an innate air of composure. Her eyes were as clear as a deep, starry lake, yet subtly exuded an imposing aura that made it difficult to look directly at her.
That wasn't an aura deliberately released, but rather a natural aura formed from long-term exposure to high positions and immense power. Her aura wasn't violent, but extremely solid, like a cold moon quietly suspended between heaven and earth, giving anyone who got close an invisible pressure.
When she finally landed on the ground, the previously chaotic space subtly stabilized, and the remaining turbulent currents of law automatically bypassed her a few feet away, as if the heavens and earth themselves were making way for her.
The moment Ye Wuhen saw that figure, the tension on his face finally eased. Despite his severe injuries, he bowed slightly and said with obvious respect and relaxation, "Fairy Chi, you've finally arrived."
Chi Ninghua's gaze first calmly swept across the entire battlefield. She saw the shattered earth, the fallen cultivators, and the lingering aftershocks of the laws. Her expression didn't change much, only a faint chill flashed in her eyes. Then, she nodded slightly.
Her tone was calm and composed. "Wuhen, thank you for your hard work." With that, she gently flipped her slender fingers, and a pure white pill appeared in her palm. The pill emitted a soft spiritual light, with faintly visible flowing patterns, clearly indicating it was no ordinary object. She handed the pill to Ye Wuhen and said softly, "Take this first."
Ye Wuhen quickly accepted the pill with both hands, his expression respectful. "Thank you, Steward Chi." He then immediately swallowed the pill, and after it entered his body, his previously disordered breathing immediately calmed down considerably.
Only then did Chi Ninghua turn her gaze to Qin Yu beside her. She glanced at him briefly, seemingly observing something, before softly asking, "And who is this?"
Ye Wuhen immediately said respectfully, "Fairy Chi, this is my dear friend Qin Yu. We have encountered danger several times along the way, and it is thanks to Brother Qin Yu's help that we were able to turn the tide. If it weren't for Brother Qin Yu's valiant fight against Hua Feiting brother today, I would probably have perished long ago."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yu slightly clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said humbly, "Junior Qin Yu greets Steward Chi."
Chi Ninghua watched him quietly for a moment, a faint hint of approval gradually appearing in her eyes. She nodded slightly and said, "Hmm, not bad. With only the cultivation of the Realm Breaking Realm · Middle Stage, he dared to confront Hua Feiting and Hua Jingmeng head-on, and even managed to drag the battle out to this extent. He is indeed a rare talent."
She paused, then said softly, "Qin Yu, will you participate in the competition at North City · Stele Forest Imperial City? If you are interested, I can personally introduce you to my Lineage leader."
Qin Yu remained calm and humble, cupping his hands in response, "This junior does indeed intend to participate, thank you for your guidance, Steward Chi."
Chi Ninghua nodded gently, then turned her gaze back to Ye Wuhen and said, "Wuhen, you suffered heavy losses this time while escorting the goods. I will report this matter to the Lineage truthfully, and the clan leader will give you appropriate compensation."
You should go back and rest now. I've already sent a message to the Lineage disciples; someone will come to take over the goods and continue escorting them shortly."
Upon hearing this, Ye Wuhen quickly bowed again. "Thank you, Fairy Chi. We will take our leave now."
Qin Yu also clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Farewell." The two then turned and left the battlefield, which was now a scene of utter devastation.
After they gradually moved away, a light yet meaningful voice suddenly rang out in Qin Yu's sea of consciousness.
"Little Qinzi, that woman is no ordinary person." The voice belonged to Xiao Yue. Qin Yu paused slightly, replying calmly, "I know."
Xiao Yue chuckled softly, her tone slightly teasing. "That's not her true form, it's just a Yingling."
Qin Yu's gaze darkened slightly, then he slowly said, "Yes, I noticed that too. Just a Yingling already possesses the cultivation of the True Annihilation Realm · Initial Stage."
He looked up at the sky gradually being swallowed by the night, his voice lowering slightly. "I wonder what her true form... is at what level."
After leaving the desolate ancient forest that still reeked of battle, the two slowed their pace. The distant sky had been swallowed by night, and the shattered clouds drifted slowly in the high sky, as if the earth-shattering battle just now was only a brief but intense dream.
As the medicinal effects of the pill within Ye Wuhen's body gradually dissipated, his previously disordered breathing stabilized considerably. He turned to look at Qin Yu, a genuine smile on his face, and said with a touch of admiration and respect, "Brother Qin, Steward Chi's evaluation of you today is exceptionally high. Given her status and perspective, it's extremely rare for her to praise someone so highly. Brother Qin, I must congratulate you in advance."
Qin Yu merely smiled faintly, his expression remaining calm and humble. He gently shook his head and said, "Brother Ye is too kind. No matter how much Steward Chi values me, I will ultimately have to rely on my own strength to succeed. Her willingness to recommend me is indeed a good thing, but the real competition will ultimately depend on myself."
Upon hearing this, Ye Wuhen couldn't help but sigh, then laughed heartily, "Brother Qin, you're too modest. With the strength you displayed today, even figures like Hua Feiting and Hua Jingmeng couldn't gain a complete advantage. You're already an extremely rare existence among those in the Realm Breaking Realm."
Although the competition at the North City · Stele Forest Imperial City is full of experts, I think it will be no problem for you to stand out. Becoming a disciple of the Chi Lineage will probably be a natural outcome.
As they talked, the two entered the eastern city area along the wide ancient road. As they got closer to the city, the surrounding lights gradually appeared. In the distance, the city walls stood tall and majestic, and huge array patterns appeared and disappeared in the night sky. The entire city was like a giant beast, quietly coiled on the earth.
This is Returning Light Heavenly City, an extremely prosperous area in the eastern part of the city. The city's streets crisscross, and spiritual lights hang between high-rise buildings and long corridors. Countless cultivators shuttle back and forth, and from a distance, it looks like a flowing galaxy.
Ye Wuhen led Qin Yu through several wide streets with familiarity, and soon they arrived in front of an extremely magnificent building. The building occupied a vast area, with its gate towering like a palace. A huge plaque hung above the main entrance, on which were engraved five ancient characters in a flamboyant style: Taotie· Myriad Worlds Remains Hall.
The entire building was crafted from black gold spirit stones and ancient beast skeletons. Two enormous statues of ancient ferocious beast remains stood on either side of the entrance. Although they were inanimate objects, they still exuded a chilling aura. The hall was brightly lit, and the guests coming and going were all cultivators with considerable cultivation. Clearly, this was one of the most prestigious restaurants in Returning Light Heavenly City.
Looking at the familiar restaurant, Ye Wuhen finally showed a relaxed expression. He gently patted Qin Yu's shoulder and said with a touch of hearty enthusiasm, "Brother Qin, I owe this battle to you. Otherwise, I would have been completely Annihilation by the Hua Lineage siblings long ago."
"It's all thanks to you. Although Junior Brother Gu Linfeng and dozens of disciples perished, the dead cannot be brought back to life, and we must not lose our fighting spirit because of this. The Chi Lineage will get justice for us sooner or later. We were too rushed that day and didn't have time to properly entertain you. Now that we've returned to the city safely, let's drink our fill here."
Qin Yu laughed heartily upon hearing this, his heroic spirit rising. "Very well! Today I will risk my life to accompany Brother Ye, Bugui!"
The two then entered the restaurant and, respectfully led by a waiter, quickly arrived at an extremely luxurious private room on the top floor.
The private room was extremely spacious, with a soft spirit beast hide carpet on the floor and crystal-clear spirit stone lamps embedded in the walls, casting a warm and bright glow throughout the room. Beyond the huge windowsill, one could overlook the entire night view of Returning Light Heavenly City, where countless spirit lights flowed like a river of stars in the distance, a truly magnificent sight.
Soon, one exquisite dish after another was served. Each dish exuded a rich Spiritual Qi and aroma. There was stewed meat cooked with the essence blood of ancient demon beasts, as well as spirit fish delicacies from the deep sea spiritual realm, and several extremely rare spirit fruits and spirit wines filled the entire long table.
The wine jug contained an extremely precious Wanling Brew, its liquid crystal clear and emitting a faint spiritual glow when poured into a glass.
Ye Wuhen raised his wine cup, looking solemnly at Qin Yu, and said, "Brother Qin, this cup is for you. If it weren't for you today, not only would all the goods have been stolen by the Hua Lineage siblings, but I wouldn't have survived either. I toast you, Brother Qin."
Qin Yu raised his glass in return, and the two glasses clinked together with a crisp sound. The spirit wine was spicy yet mellow, and a warm Spiritual Qi flowed into the body through the throat, even dispelling some of the lingering fatigue.
As the drinks flowed and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively, the two reminisced about the thrilling moments of the day's battle and discussed the upcoming Grand Tournament at the Stele Forest Imperial City. Outside the window, the night deepened, and the Returning Light Heavenly City ablaze with lights, while bursts of hearty laughter echoed from the private room, as if all the life-or-death battles had been temporarily left behind.
As night deepened, the clouds above Returning Light Heavenly City had completely sunk into darkness, but the lanterns hanging between the city walls and high-rises in the distance stretched out like a galaxy, making the entire city appear exceptionally prosperous in the night.
The private room on the top floor of the Taotie· Myriad Worlds Remains Hall was bathed in soft spiritual light. The windows overlooked the city lights, and the table was already laden with delicacies and several jars of fragrant Myriad Spirits Brew. After several rounds of drinks, Ye Wuhen's face was slightly flushed, but his spirits were noticeably better than when he first returned, as the medicinal power of the pills in his body was continuously repairing his injuries.
Qin Yu picked up his wine cup and took a small sip. The wine was pungent yet carried a rich Spiritual Qi that flowed down his throat and into his body. After a moment of contemplation, he put down the cup, looked up at Ye Wuhen, and asked in a calm but curious tone, "Brother Ye, I've heard many people talking about the upcoming Stele Forest Imperial City Competition these past few days. They say the participating cultivators are extremely special, and the rules have changed significantly. I heard the entry threshold has been raised to the Realm Breaking Realm Initial Stage, and even those at the Severed Thought Realm are no longer allowed to participate. Is that true?"
Ye Wuhen was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then nodded, his expression becoming more serious. He first refilled their wine cups before slowly saying, "Brother Qin is absolutely right. This competition is indeed different from previous years. Although the competition was a grand event in the past, the level of the participants varied greatly. People at the peak of the Severed Thought Realm · Supreme or even lower levels could participate, while true experts were less willing to take action."
But this time it was completely different. The rules were suddenly raised to the starting point of the Realm Breaking Realm, and the Severed Thought Realm was directly excluded. It could be said that almost all the true elites of the younger generation in the entire Eternal Nonexistence Limitless Domain were selected.
He paused here, raised his glass and lightly clinked it against Qin Yu's, then continued, "Not only that, I've heard that the format of this competition has also completely changed. The specific details haven't been fully announced yet, but it will probably involve various forms such as secret realm battles, array domain confrontations, and even resource competitions, rather than a simple arena match. In any case, the final decision will be made by the Xuanyuan Lineage and the Nangong Lineage of the Supreme Transformation Primordial Domain."
Qin Yu frowned slightly upon hearing this. He picked up his wine cup but didn't drink it immediately. Instead, he said thoughtfully, "It seems that this competition is more than just a simple selection; it's more like a true trial. However, I still don't understand why, since this is a competition from the Eternal Nonexistence Limitless Domain, the final rules are decided by the Lineage from the Supreme Transformation Primordial Domain?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Wuhen couldn't help but smile. As if he had expected Qin Yu to ask this question, he first raised his wine glass and said, "Brother Qin, come, have a drink first. This matter is much more complicated than it seems."