Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 625 Forced Marriage, Last Wish, Prince
The Alliance of Myriad Paths, Outer Sea Branch, Hall of Deacons.

The hall was bustling with people coming and going.

Guided by a Qi Refining stage attendant, Xianyu and Miaoyin arrived at a side hall, where they waited for the steward in charge of reviewing new member applications.

Not long after.

A middle-aged cultivator, dressed in the standard blue robe of the Myriad Paths Alliance, with a slightly harsh face and a mustache, strolled in.

His gaze swept over Xianyu and Miaoyin, and when he sensed Xianyu's Golden Core stage cultivation, his eyes flickered slightly, but he quickly reverted to his usual arrogant and businesslike demeanor.

"So it's Nanshan Island that wants to apply to join the alliance?"

He casually sat down in the main seat, picked up the application jade slip that Miaoyin had prepared beforehand, and scanned it with his divine sense.

"Indeed, this is Miaoyin, and this is Immortal Jade, who has come to apply on behalf of Nanshan Island."

Miaoyin bowed respectfully and presented the jade slip containing information about the cave dwelling.

The rat-whisker pretended to look at the cave information and then flipped through the qualification review materials of Nanshan Island.

After a while.

He tossed the jade slip onto the table, making a soft "thud" sound.

"Unqualified," he uttered lazily.

Miaoyin frowned slightly:

"May I ask, Steward, what is wrong with my Nanshan Island? My island has two Golden Core cultivators stationed there, which meets the Alliance's minimum combat strength requirements for member islands. Our jurisdictional waters are clearly defined, and resource production is stable..."

"Humph!"

The rat-whiskered deacon interrupted her, pointing to a certain item in the qualification materials:
"Your Nanshan Island is too young, with shallow roots and an unclear history! Who can guarantee that you're not a front for certain forces? Or that you're connected to pirates or evil cultivators? The alliance prioritizes a clean background and long-established forces when accepting members! You are not qualified!"

Xianyu's face immediately turned red with anger.

The rat-whisker-like deacon waved his hand impatiently:
"I said it's unqualified, and that means it! The rules are set by the alliance, and I enforce them! If you're not satisfied, feel free to appeal! Show them out!"

He directly ordered them to leave, his attitude firm and leaving no room for negotiation.

Miaoyin pulled back Xianyu, who wanted to argue, and gently shook her head at her.

Looking at the arrogant and fearless deacon, she understood immediately. This person's harassment must be orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.

"In that case, we shall take our leave."

Miaoyin took a deep breath, suppressing her anger and helplessness, and pulled Xianyu away from the Hall of Affairs.

...

...

Stepping out of that stifling deacon's hall, Xianyu was still fuming, her little face flushed red, wishing she could turn around and go back to confront that rat-whiskered deacon.

Miaoyin, however, was much calmer than her. She grabbed Xianyu and scanned the seemingly ordinary crowd around her with wary eyes.

"Immortal Jade, please calm down."

Miao Yin lowered her voice, her tone carrying an undeniable gravity:
"This matter is by no means a simple failure to pass the review. The deacon's arrogant attitude and deliberate obstruction suggest that someone must be behind it."

Upon hearing this, Xianyu suppressed her anger and, following Miaoyin's example, secretly observed the situation.

With her keen senses, she quickly noticed something amiss—it seemed as if several faint divine consciousnesses, like cold, venomous snakes, were constantly coiling around them, scrutinizing them with ill intent.

"Sister Miaoyin, someone is watching us!"

Xianyu tugged at Miaoyin's sleeve and transmitted her voice, a wary look on her face.

Miaoyin's heart sank; it was just as she had imagined.

She had initially held onto a sliver of hope, wondering if she could find another Alliance steward or introducer unrelated to Sakura Island to resubmit her application. But now it seemed the other party wouldn't even give them that chance.

"They're from Sakura Island."

Miao Yin spoke with certainty, her eyes sharp:
"They not only preemptively made arrangements to cut off our path to self-protection through the alliance, but they also sent spies to monitor us. I'm afraid... they have the malicious intention of keeping us here!"

She took a deep breath and made a decisive decision:
"We cannot stay here any longer! We must leave the Wan Dao Alliance branch immediately and return to Nanshan Island!"

"But... are we just going to let it go like this? What about the cave dwelling..."

Xianyu's face was full of resentment.

Is she really going to give up the opportunity she finally discovered?
"Immortal Jade!"

Miaoyin's tone became more forceful, carrying a hint of earnestness and urgency:

"As long as we're alive, we can always rebuild! The cave is still there; we can't run away. But if anything happens to us, everything will be over! Sakura Island's influence here is deeply entrenched, and we're unfamiliar with the area. If they resort to underhanded tactics, we'll be outnumbered! We must protect ourselves first, and then plan our next move!"

Seeing the unwavering resolve in Miaoyin's eyes, and sensing the increasingly obvious probing divine senses around them, Xianyu knew that Miaoyin's words were true.

Although she has a lively personality, she is not unaware of the seriousness of things.

The little girl bit her lip, and finally nodded heavily:

"Okay! I'll do as you say, let's go!"

Without further hesitation, the two pretended to be nonchalant and blended into the flow of people, quickly heading towards the teleportation plaza on the outskirts of the Alliance branch.

They could feel those divine senses following them closely, like shadows.

Miaoyin's mind raced, and she whispered:

"We can't use the directional teleportation array back to Nanshan Island directly; the target is too obvious, and we might be intercepted. Let's take the public teleportation array to the nearby neutral island 'Bibo Island' first, and then detour back!"

Xianyu nodded to indicate that she understood.

The two quickened their pace, even using a trace of spiritual power, their figures weaving through the crowd like fish, quickly arriving at the teleportation plaza, paying their spirit stones, and stepping onto the public teleportation array leading to Azure Wave Island.

Just as the teleportation array lit up and the spatial fluctuations were about to send them away, Miaoyin keenly sensed that the several divine senses that had been tracking them clearly carried a trace of exasperation, and even a powerful spiritual force was faintly gathering in the distance, seemingly trying to forcibly interrupt the teleportation, but it was ultimately too late.

Om-!
As the light faded, the two figures disappeared into the teleportation array.

Almost at the same time they left, several cultivators dressed in ordinary clothes but with sinister eyes appeared beside the teleportation array. They looked at the empty array plate with grim expressions.

"Damn it, they got away!"

"Quickly! Notify the island that the target has headed towards Azure Wave Island!"

"They can't have gone very far!"

...

...

A flash of light appeared from the teleportation array on Azure Wave Island, and the figures of Immortal Jade and Wonderful Sound emerged.

The two dared not linger for a moment, and before they could even appreciate the sights of this bustling island, they immediately paid their spirit stones and stepped onto another teleportation array leading to a more remote island.

After switching teleportation arrays three times in succession and taking a long detour, the two finally chose a safe island, rented a very fast spirit boat, and sped off towards Nanshan Island.

On the spirit boat, Xianyu watched the outline of the Myriad Paths Alliance branch gradually receding into the distance, her little fists clenched tightly, her eyes filled with resentment and anger.

"Sakura Island... I'll remember this grudge!" she vowed silently in her heart.

Miaoyin stood beside her, her face calm, but a cold glint flashed deep in her eyes.

Through this experience, she realized even more clearly that in this sea area, without strength, the so-called rules and order are nothing more than playthings in the hands of the strong.

Nanshan Island must become stronger as soon as possible!

...

...

Nanshan Island is an affiliated islet.

The once tranquil island is now tense and on the verge of conflict.

Several Golden Core cultivators from Sakura Island, led by Granny Chiyo, hovered in the air. Their powerful spiritual pressure, like dark clouds, made the cultivators remaining on the island, especially the leader, Ayu, feel difficulty breathing and turn pale.

Ayu was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage. Facing several Golden Core cultivators, especially Granny Qiandai at the Pseudo-Nascent Soul stage, she couldn't even muster the slightest thought of resistance. Immense fear gripped her heart. Without hesitation, she crushed the emergency communication jade talisman left by Shangguan Hongyu before her seclusion!
"Buzz!"

A streak of crimson light shot out from the jade talisman and instantly disappeared into the direction of the main peak of Nanshan Island.

Almost immediately, a deafening roar came from the secluded cave on the main peak of Nanshan Island, and the stone door shattered!

A blazing red streak of light streaked across the sky like a meteor, carrying a slightly ethereal yet resolute and sharp aura. In an instant, it landed on the attached island, revealing Shangguan Hongyu's figure.

Her face was slightly pale, and her breathing was still somewhat unsteady, clearly indicating that forcibly breaking through the barrier had caused her considerable backlash. However, her eyes were sharp as knives, fixed intently on Granny Chiyo and the others in the air.

"Gentlemen of Sakura Island, what is the reason for your uninvited arrival and forced intrusion into the territory of my Nanshan Island?" Shangguan Hongyu's voice was icy as she forcefully suppressed the churning blood within her body.

Granny Chiyo scoffed, her imposing aura, at the level of a fake infant, pressing down on Shangguan Hongyu without any hesitation:

"Island Lord Shangguan, let's not beat around the bush. Sakura Island has its eye on this island. If you know what's good for you, take your people and get out of here right now!"

Shangguan Hongyu knew her opponent was far more powerful, and that a direct confrontation would be futile. She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm:

“Since the Grand Elder has taken a fancy to this island, I, Shangguan Hongyu, am willing to cede it.”

Even Granny Chiyo was slightly surprised by these words.

Shangguan Hongyu continued:
"But I have one condition. My disciples on the island must be evacuated safely. They have nothing to do with this matter."

Granny Chiyo's cloudy old eyes swept over Shangguan Hongyu and the trembling Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples behind her, a hint of weighing her options and killing intent flashing in her eyes. She was considering whether to take this opportunity to wipe out this newly promoted Golden Core cultivator along with her foundation, to prevent future troubles.

Shangguan Hongyu keenly sensed the fleeting killing intent, and alarm bells rang in her mind. She took a sudden step forward, her crimson spiritual energy blazing forth, unleashing a fierce and resolute aura, her voice ringing with unwavering certainty:

"If the Grand Elder intends to make a move, I, Shangguan Hongyu, will indeed be doomed today! But I dare to guarantee that before I perish, I will burn my golden core and spread the secret hidden beneath this small island to all the surrounding large golden core islands! At that time, it will be hard to say whether this opportunity will still be exclusively enjoyed by your Sakura Island!"

"How dare you threaten this old woman?!"

Granny Chiyo flew into a rage, raised her withered hand, and terrifying spiritual power began to gather. The pressure of the fake infant descended as if it were a tangible force, causing Shangguan Hongyu to groan and a trickle of blood to spill from the corner of her mouth.

"Great Elder, calm down!"

Sakura Island's master, Sakurai Tsuki, quickly stepped forward and secretly transmitted his voice:
“Grandma, Xianyu has already left the Myriad Paths Alliance and her whereabouts are unknown. If we kill Shangguan Hongyu now, the news will leak out, and Xianyu will definitely retaliate fiercely. At that time, the secret will definitely not be able to be kept! It’s better to agree to her for now. She’s just a few low-level disciples. Let her go. After we’ve exhausted the resources on the island, we can deal with her. It’ll be a piece of cake!”

Upon hearing this, Granny Chiyo paused slightly.

She gave Shangguan Hongyu a cold look, then glanced at the terrified disciples of Nanshan Island below, and finally, the gathered spiritual energy slowly dissipated.

"Hmph, sharp-tongued brat!"

Granny Chiyo snorted coldly, her tone carrying an arrogant, condescending air:

"I'll show you mercy today and spare your lives, you ants! Take your men and get off this island right now! If I see any more people from Nanshan Island on this island, kill them without mercy!"

Shangguan Hongyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but her tense nerves did not relax. She looked deeply at Granny Chiyo and Sakurai Tsuki, as if trying to etch their faces into her heart.

"let's go!"

She turned around and said in a deep voice to Ayu and her disciples.

Under the cold and contemptuous gaze of the Sakura Island cultivators, Shangguan Hongyu, along with her still-shaken disciples, quickly boarded the spirit boat they had come from, transforming into a streak of light and heading towards the main island of Nanshan Island without looking back.

Granny Chiyo watched their departing figures, a cold glint in her eyes, and whispered an order to Sakurai Tsuki:

"Send people to keep a close eye on Nanshan Island, especially on Shangguan Hongyu's movements. Once the island's resources are exhausted, it will be her death day!"

In her view, a newly awakened Golden Core cultivator whose realm is not yet stable is like a turtle in a jar, easily crushed at any moment.

Right now, monopolizing the island's hidden resources is the top priority.

On the spirit boat, Shangguan Hongyu could no longer suppress her injuries and coughed up a mouthful of blood, her face instantly turning deathly pale. Ayu rushed forward to support her, tears welling in her eyes.
"Island owner!"

Shangguan Hongyu waved her hand, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, and looked back at the increasingly distant affiliated island. There were no tears in her eyes, only a cold flame burning within them.

"The humiliation of today will be repaid a hundredfold in the future!"

...

...

The spirit boat sailed away and disappeared into the vast sea.

Sakura Island's master, Sakurai Yue, did not immediately focus his attention entirely on the secret island beneath his feet. His gaze remained fixed on the direction Shangguan Hongyu had gone, his fingers unconsciously stroking his chin, a strange light flashing in his eyes, a mixture of admiration and possessiveness.

Although Shangguan Hongyu always wore a veil, her aloof and elegant temperament, her composure in the face of danger, and her graceful figure all indicated that a stunning beauty must be hidden beneath the veil.

More importantly, she has already successfully formed her core at such a young age, demonstrating exceptional talent and temperament.

A thought sprouted and entwined in Sakurai Yue's heart like a vine.

"Elder," Sakurai Tsuki turned to Granny Chiyo, her tone carrying a barely perceptible eagerness, "don't you think this Shangguan Hongyu is a talented person?"

Granny Chiyo was using her divine sense to probe the island's ley lines when she heard this, and she snorted coldly:
"She's just an ungrateful brat. If it weren't for the fact that the immortal jade would reveal secrets, I would have killed her with my own hands just now!"

"Elder, please calm down." Sakurai Yue smiled slightly, a calculating glint in her eyes. "Killing her would be easy, but it would be a pity. This woman is capable of forming her core in such a barren place; her temperament and talent are both excellent. If we could... bring her to our side, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Granny Chiyo glanced at him with her cloudy eyes, a mixture of understanding and mockery in them:
"Oh? Is the island lord showing appreciation for talent, or... is there some other intention?"

Sakurai Tsuki didn't hide anything and frankly said:
"This woman is an absolute beauty, exceptionally talented. If she could become the wife of the island lord of Sakura Island and share power with me, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? At that time, Nanshan Island would naturally be incorporated into the territory of Sakura Island, without bloodshed, and we would also gain a powerful ally. I'm sure that after witnessing the strength and resources of Sakura Island, she would understand that relying on us is far more promising than guarding that small Nanshan Island. She can cultivate in peace, with no shortage of resources. How could a rootless rogue cultivator like her refuse such a temptation?"

In his view, as the island lord of Sakura Island with a late-stage Golden Core cultivation level and a prestigious position, it was an immense favor for him to extend an olive branch to a female cultivator who had just entered the Golden Core stage and was helpless, offering her the position of his principal wife and cultivation resources. The other party had no reason to refuse.

Granny Chiyo pondered for a moment, then a strange smile appeared on her withered face:

"If that's the case, it would save us some trouble. However, this woman is strong-willed and probably won't be easily subdued."

"No problem." Sakurai Yue waved her hand confidently. "Once the secret realm on this island is dealt with properly, I will personally go to Nanshan Island to propose marriage. I will appeal to her emotions and reason, and promise her substantial benefits. If she is sensible, then everything will be fine. If she is not..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and his unfinished words carried a chilling threat.

Grandma Chiyo nodded:

"Since the island lord has this intention, then so be it. Exploiting the resources of the secret realm is the priority. As for Shangguan Hongyu... let her have some peace and quiet for a few more days."

The two exchanged a smile, as if they already considered Shangguan Hongyu and Nanshan Island as theirs for the taking.

Sakurai Yue gazed intently towards Nanshan Island, his eyes burning with desire. He had already envisioned Shangguan Hongyu removing her veil, standing beside him in her phoenix coronet and wedding gown. In his eyes, it was only a matter of time. To become his wife was a blessing Shangguan Hongyu had accumulated over many lifetimes.

… …

The group from Sakura Island arrived at the reef area on the small island where the strange phenomenon caused by the fairy jade had occurred.

Several accompanying array masters immediately stepped forward to carefully examine the emerging silver rune net.

However, as the investigation deepened, the expressions of the array masters became increasingly solemn, and even fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.

They tried various methods to break the barrier, but the light net remained unmoved. Instead, due to the stimulation, the runes that occasionally flowed out became even more mysterious and difficult to understand, faintly radiating an ancient and terrifying pressure.

The leading elder of the formation wiped his sweat, turned around and stood before Granny Chiyo and Sakurai Tsuki, his face showing disbelief and a hint of fear:
"Elder, Island Lord, the situation... is not good. The restrictions here are not set up by ordinary ancient cultivators. The ancient and complex structure of its runes and the profound power of the laws it contains far exceed our understanding! This... this is very likely an ancient barrier!"

He swallowed hard and continued with difficulty:

"Even with the full strength of our Sakura Island Array Hall, working day and night to deduce and probe, safely breaking this barrier... would probably take far more than a year or two. In fact... it might take even longer, and the slightest mistake during the process could trigger a backlash from the barrier, with unimaginable consequences!"

"An ancient barrier?"

Granny Chiyo's cloudy eyes flashed with a sharp light, a mixture of shock and greed. Ancient artifacts meant greater opportunities, but also greater troubles.

Sakurai Yue frowned, he hadn't expected this cave to have such a significant background.

A year and a half? Or even longer?

The night is long and many things may happen; what if word gets out...

He hesitated for a moment, a resolute glint in his eyes, and looked at Granny Chiyo:

"Elder, since we cannot break this formation in a short time, and this place is of utmost importance and cannot be lost, I propose that we expand the protective formation of our Sakura Island, the 'Thousand Cherry Blossom Illusion Killing Formation,' to completely encompass this island!"

He explained:

"In this way, this island will be connected to our main Sakura Island, protected by the great array, making it difficult for outsiders to spy on or intrude. We can then study this ancient barrier in peace and at our own pace, without worrying about external interference. Although expanding the great array is extremely costly, it is worthwhile compared to the potential benefits of this place!"

Upon hearing this, Granny Chiyo counted on her thin fingers, weighing the pros and cons.

Expanding the island's protective array is indeed incredibly costly, but as Sakurai Yue said, this ancient barrier is worth the investment. Incorporating it into the array's range is the safest approach.

"Can!"

Granny Chiyo finally nodded, her hoarse voice carrying an undeniable authority:
"Immediately mobilize resources and begin expanding the grand formation! The formation masters will be divided into two teams: one to expand the formation, and the other to continue researching this barrier and identifying its weaknesses. Seal the news; anyone on the island who knows anything is strictly forbidden from spreading it. Anyone who disobeys will be executed without mercy!"

"Yes!" Sakurai Tsuki and several elders responded in unison.

...

...

Great Zhou Imperial Capital
Twin Moon Palace, Ice Cave.

The cave was bitterly cold, and the walls were covered with unyielding ice. Only the central futon was a small, relatively comfortable area maintained by an array.

Yu Lian has been in seclusion here for decades.

Her eyes were closed, and her spiritual energy surged and rippled like the tide. Within her dantian, a golden core the size of a longan, perfectly round, radiating a faint icy blue luster and a chilling aura, had already taken shape! On the surface of the golden core, four clear cloud patterns slowly flowed, indicating its extraordinary quality as a fourth-grade golden core!

Fourth-grade Golden Elixir!

In any sect, he would be considered a core disciple, with the potential to achieve great things!
However, once the Golden Elixir is formed, the Heavenly Tribulation also arrives!
Above the Ice Cave, the once clear sky suddenly darkened, and lead-gray tribulation clouds gathered like a giant vortex. Muffled thunder rumbled in the clouds, and a destructive aura locked down below, causing the entire Twin Moon Palace to turn its head in surprise.

"It's Grandmaster Yulian about to undergo the Golden Core Tribulation!"

"To undergo tribulation in an ice cave? The environment there is harsh; wouldn't that be even more difficult?"

"Rest assured, with the 'Mysterious Ice Spirit Protection Array' personally set up by Elder Wuchen, Grandmaster Uncle will be safe and sound!"

Just as the first bolt of silver lightning, as thick as a child's arm, tore through the clouds and struck the icy cave with overwhelming divine might—

"Buzz!"

A massive array covering the entire summit of the snow-capped peak was instantly activated!
Countless mysterious ice-blue runes emerged from the void, intertwining to form layers of thick, crystalline light curtains, like giant ice lotus petals, firmly protecting the ice cave within.

The lightning struck the ice lotus light screen, producing a deafening roar and dazzling lightning explosions, but it failed to shake the light screen in the slightest. Instead, its violent energy was cleverly guided and dispersed by the formation, transforming into pure lightning essence. Threads of this essence were filtered through the formation and merged into the body of the jade lotus below, tempering her golden core and physical body!
This is precisely the brilliance of True Monarch Wuchen's methods! Not only does he defend, but he also uses the power of the heavenly tribulation to nourish himself!

The second, the third… the tribulation lightning bolts grew stronger with each strike, their color changing from silver to pale gold, their power multiplying. But the "Mysterious Ice Spirit Protection Array" remained as steady as a rock, its radiance flowing as it blocked all the tribulation lightning bolts, transforming their destructive power into the purest nourishment.

Sitting cross-legged in the cave, Yu Lian felt streams of pure and gentle lightning energy constantly flowing into her limbs and bones, cleansing her meridians, and refining her golden core. Her realm, which was somewhat unstable due to the recent formation of her core, quickly became stable and solid under the baptism of this heavenly tribulation.

As the last bolt of dark golden tribulation lightning was completely absorbed and transformed by the ice lotus light curtain, the tribulation clouds in the sky slowly dissipated, sprinkling down a sky full of sweet rain containing vitality and Dao essence—

A powerful spiritual pressure surged into the sky from the icy cave! The aura of the Golden Core stage cultivator was no longer concealed; it was icy and pure, sweeping across all directions!

It worked!
Yu Lian slowly opened her eyes, a flash of icy blue light in them. She felt the Dan Yuan magic power within her body, which was more than ten times more powerful and pure than that of the Purple Mansion stage, as well as the icy blue golden core that was slowly rotating in her dantian, providing endless power. An unprecedented sense of confidence and power welled up within her!

She made a breakthrough!

He became a true Golden Core cultivator!

Moreover, he is a genius who has condensed a fourth-grade golden core!
The cave's protective barrier quietly opened, and the eldest senior sister appeared at the cave entrance, a rare smile on her face:

"Congratulations, Junior Sister, on the great success of your Golden Core cultivation! The path to the Great Dao is now within your reach!"

Yu Lian rose and bowed deeply to her senior sister, and even more so to the direction where True Monarch Wuchen was in seclusion atop the snow-capped peak:
"Thank you for your protection, Senior Sister, and thank you for your guidance, Master!"

...

...

After stabilizing her Golden Core cultivation, the longing and yearning that had been suppressed in Yu Lian's heart for decades surged up again like thawing spring water.

What comes to mind are all the little moments I spent with Fu Yongfan in the Fu family when I was young—

Despite his status as the eldest son, he insisted on marrying her, the daughter of a tenant farmer;
He ran around for her, raising contribution points to help her overcome the anxiety and concern during her Foundation Establishment stage... That tenderness had long been deeply ingrained in her bones and blood.

She also remembered the kindness of the Fu family in taking her in and saving her life, which allowed her to embark on the path of immortality. She would never forget this kindness.

Despite the unpleasantness and disputes that followed, decades of seclusion and spiritual practice have given her a much clearer perspective, leaving her with a deep longing and reluctance to let go of the beautiful past.

In the end, she still couldn't let go of her childhood sweetheart relationship, nor could she let go of the person she had once fallen for.

After much hesitation, she finally mustered her courage and came to the Ice Palace where True Monarch Wuchen was cultivating, and respectfully knelt down in worship:

"Disciple Yulian requests an audience with Master."

The palace doors opened silently, and a chill filled the air. Yu Lian stepped into the palace and saw that True Monarch Wuchen was still sitting upright on the ten-thousand-year-old Xuanbing Lotus Platform, his face gaunt and his aura seemed even more restrained than before, even... revealing a trace of imperceptible twilight.

“Master,” Yu Lian knelt on the ground, her voice filled with pleading and a barely perceptible sob, “Disciple…disciple wishes to beg Master to allow me to go down the mountain. Disciple wants to…want to go and find him.”

She was prepared to face her master's wrath.

However, to everyone's surprise, Wuchen Zhenjun did not get angry.

She simply gazed at Yulian silently, her eyes deep, as if she could see through all the struggles and thoughts in her heart. After a long while, she sighed softly, a sigh so light it was almost inaudible, yet it carried an indescribable weariness and vicissitude.

"Get up." True Monarch Wuchen's voice was still cold, but it lacked some of its usual sharpness. "Since your mind is made up, your master... will not stop you."

Yu Lian looked up in astonishment, almost unable to believe her ears.

True Monarch Wuchen continued slowly:
"However, before you go down the mountain, let your senior sister accompany you to Wanxue Mountain to visit an old friend."

She paused, her tone calm, but then uttered a sentence that sent a jolt through Yu Lian's soul:

"Your time is running out. This is one of your few remaining wishes."

"Master!" Yu Lian cried out in shock, abruptly looking up, her eyes instantly brimming with tears and unbelievable pain. She suddenly realized why her master's aura had felt so lifeless! So... so her master...

Overwhelmed by immense guilt, she was submerged like a tidal wave.

Her master had shown her immeasurable kindness, sparing no resources to help her achieve the Golden Core stage and paving the way for her success. Yet, she was only concerned with personal feelings, even contemplating leaving when her master's life was nearing its end! How unfilial she was! How selfish she was!

"Master! This disciple...this disciple did not know you..." Yu Lian wept uncontrollably, kowtowing repeatedly, "This disciple will not go! This disciple will not go anywhere! This disciple will stay in the palace to serve Master!"

Looking at his disciple who was sobbing uncontrollably, a faint, gentle light flashed in his cold eyes, but it quickly returned to its usual calm.

“Foolish child, my path was already destined. Your ability to form your core is the best way to repay me. I will have your eldest sister accompany you on the journey to Wanxue Mountain to fulfill this destiny. Now go.”

"Master!" Yu Lian raised her head, her face still wet with tears, but her eyes were filled with unwavering determination. "After this journey, this disciple will never leave Master's side again!!"

At this moment, her husband and past affections seemed so insignificant in the face of her master's impending demise. All she wanted was to fulfill her filial duty as a disciple in her master's final days.

Wuchen Zhenjun gave Yulian a deep look, and seeing the sincerity in her eyes and her firm resolve, he finally nodded slowly.

"Go."

"Yes! Master!"

Yu Lian kowtowed again, wondering why her master had specifically asked her to go to Wanxue Mountain.

...

...

Kyoto, the residence of the Ninth Prince.

The study was filled with the gentle fragrance of incense, yet it could not dispel the solemnity between the Ninth Prince's brows.

He held a seemingly ordinary letter in his hand, his fingertips turning slightly white from the pressure. He knew the handwriting on the letter all too well; it was the personal edict of his elder brother, the Seventh Prince, who had passed away decades ago!
"This...how is this possible?"

The Ninth Prince muttered to himself, his face filled with shock and disbelief:

"Seventh Brother... died of illness in his fiefdom of Jingzhou decades ago. Even his good-for-nothing son committed suicide years ago because of his collusion with the Western Demonic Sect... Where did this edict come from?"

He abruptly looked up at his trusted steward, who stood respectfully to his side, his voice trembling slightly.

"And the messenger? What did he look like?"

The butler quickly bowed and replied:

"Your Highness, the messenger was a complete stranger, dressed plainly. He left the letter and went, only saying that you should meet him at Wulian Mountain outside the capital as agreed. This old servant... this old servant finds this suspicious. The Seventh Prince has already... Could this be a scheme by the Crown Prince? The Princess and the Crown Prince's faction are currently locked in a fierce struggle, so we must be on guard!"

The butler's words were filled with worry.

The political situation at court is currently turbulent and unpredictable. The eldest princess and the crown prince are vying openly and covertly for the supreme throne, and the prince, being the eldest princess's son, is even more apprehensive.

Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince fell silent.

The butler's concerns were not unfounded. This really did resemble an elaborately laid trap.

However, his gaze fell on the edict again, stroking the familiar handwriting, and images from his childhood floated into his mind.

At that time, their father was still alive, and their seventh brother, as the eldest brother, took good care of him, the youngest brother. He always thought of him first when there was something delicious or fun to play with. When he was bullied by the other princes, it was also the seventh brother who was the first to stand up for him...

Later, because Seventh Brother was involved in an old case that was difficult to explain, he was disliked by his mother, the Eldest Princess, and was exiled to the remote and impoverished Jingzhou.

In order to appear to his mother, the eldest son, that he had distanced himself from his other brothers, he had never visited his brother even once... It wasn't until the devastating news of his seventh brother's death in Jingzhou that he felt deep regret and hated his own cold-heartedness and cowardice.

This is a hidden pain and guilt that has been buried in his heart for decades.

Now, the appearance of this letter, which is suspected to be a handwritten order from his elder brother, is like a needle piercing this old wound.

He took a deep breath, and a look of determination flashed in his eyes.

"No need for further words." The Ninth Prince carefully put away the imperial edict, hiding it close to his body in his robes. "I must personally go to Wulian Mountain no matter what."

"Your Highness! Think it over!" the steward hurriedly advised. "What if it really is a trap..."

"Even if it's a trap, I'll go!"

The Ninth Prince interrupted him, his tone firm and unwavering:
"My brother owed me a great debt during his lifetime. Now, this edict... whether he is a man or a ghost, I must find out the truth! Otherwise, I will never have peace in this life!"

He patted the butler on the shoulder, his tone softening:
"Rest assured, I will bring more guards and secretly arrange for backup. But this trip is imperative."

Seeing that the prince's mind was made up, the steward knew that further persuasion was useless, and could only bow deeply:
"This old servant...yes. I will make the arrangements immediately and ensure the prince's safety!"

...

...

Wulian Mountain, a hidden cave.

The cave was dimly lit, with only a few luminous pearls providing illumination.

The air was filled with a bitter medicinal smell, mixed with the damp, earthy scent unique to the mountains.

Two cultivators, both at the Nascent Soul stage and possessing profound auras, stood silently on either side of the cave entrance, like sculpted statues. Their gazes were fixed on the young man sitting cross-legged in the center.

The young man was thin and wore a slightly oversized plain-colored robe. His face was covered with a thin black veil, concealing his features.

Even through the veil, one could feel the dense, impenetrable aura of death emanating from him, like a candle flickering in the wind, its life force threatening to be extinguished at any moment. His breathing was weak and shallow, each inhale appearing extremely labored.

"Cough cough..." The young man let out a suppressed cough, his voice weak and feeble, "Left Protector, Right Protector... do you think... Ninth Prince... will he really come?"

Standing on the left, the seemingly cold-faced cultivator in the nascent soul spoke in a deep voice, his tone certain:

"Young Master, rest assured. I have personally confirmed that the edict has been delivered to the Ninth Prince. Given his brotherly bond with the old master and his guilt for failing to fulfill his responsibilities as a younger brother, he will surely come upon seeing the edict."

Upon hearing this, the young man sighed softly, a sigh filled with self-mockery and helplessness:
“What good is it now that I’ve come? It’s me… I’ve failed my grandfather’s high expectations.”

He raised his slightly trembling hand, looked at his withered skin, and his voice grew increasingly dejected:

“My grandfather spared no expense to send me away from that small place in Wuzhou, and I was also fortunate enough to receive decades of careful guidance and protection from two Dharma protectors… But I… I have been so disappointing, wasting my time until now, and I haven’t even crossed the threshold of the Golden Core stage… Now, because of a moment of greed, I have accidentally come into contact with evil things and contracted this strange disease, which has caused my two Dharma protectors to accompany me on my journey of hiding and fleeing, exhausting their energy…”

He paused, his voice carrying a hint of desperate calm:

“If…if Ninth Prince Uncle is willing to help out out of consideration for our past relationship, that would be best. If he is unwilling…or perhaps unable to help…the two protectors need not trouble themselves with this useless person. I…I want to go back to Wuzhou.”

The young man's gaze seemed to pierce through the stone wall, looking towards the distant south:
"I want to see my mother one last time before I die, and... my younger brother who has been much smarter and more sensible than me since childhood. I want to return some of the things my grandfather left me to them... that would put my mind at ease."

"Little Lord!"

The seemingly kind-looking fake infant cultivator on the right quickly spoke, his voice filled with urgency and reassurance:
"You must not be so discouraged! The old master chose you because he saw that you are of pure heart and have a solid foundation, and that you are no ordinary person! You will surely turn misfortune into good fortune and overcome this calamity! Although this strange illness is troublesome, there are many capable people in the world, and there may be a solution! As long as there is a glimmer of hope, your subordinates will follow you to the death!"

The cold-faced protector on the left also nodded slowly, his voice cold yet carrying an undeniable firmness:
“Young Master is of the old master’s bloodline and carries the last hope of the Seven Princes’ Mansion. How can you give up so easily? If the old master is watching from heaven, he would never want to see you like this.”

Listening to the two guardians' loyal advice, the young man was filled with mixed emotions, and an indescribable sorrow welled up in his heart.

He murmured softly through his veil, his voice so low that only he could hear it:
"If... if my grandfather had chosen my younger brother back then... with his talent and comprehension, with so many resources poured in, and with the two protectors imparting all their knowledge to him... I'm afraid he would have already formed his Golden Core, and perhaps even... had a chance to reach the Nascent Soul stage by now, right? It was me... it was me who delayed my grandfather's expectations and let down the two protectors' painstaking efforts..."

(End of this chapter)