Traveling Between Two Worlds: From Bread for Maids to Fantasy Overlord

In the Taihe Hall of the Great Ming Dynasty's imperial palace, with its glazed tile roof, ceremonial music resounded through the heavens. Celebrities from both realms and envoys from lower realms, all dressed in magnificent robes, stood with their heads bowed below the steps. On both sides, the armor of the legions from both realms gleamed, and spiritual energy and technological light intertwined and swirled—the cold light of laser cannons reflected the swords of cultivators, and the faint light of quantum communicators mingled with the glow of spiritual veins. This was a magnificent scene after the fusion of the two realms, and also the grand investiture ceremony that Huang Yiming had prepared for his five daughters. It was a coronation of honor that was nine volumes late, connecting all the ties from mortals to supreme beings.

Huang Yiming sat regally on the supreme dragon throne, clad in a purple-gold dragon robe. His aura, that of a peak mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, was palpable. His eyes held both the decisive majesty of a warrior and the tenderness of the five women beside him. His gaze slowly swept across the steps below, his mind flashing back to the first nine volumes: Volume One, Black Wind Ridge, where a loaf of bread redeemed Yang Xiu, giving her hope to escape her fate; Volume Two, Qin Family Fortress, where he rescued Qin Yuling, forging a life-or-death alliance with her, and fighting side-by-side on the battlefield; Volume Three, the City, where he encountered Su Qingyue, joining hands to establish trade between the two realms and solidify their foundation; Volume Five, the Holy Land of the Spirit Clan, where he rescued Ling Xi in peril, unlocking the secrets of the Spirit Clan; Volume Six, the Demon Sect's Mountain Gate, where he subdued Zi Yao, purged evil spirits, and made the Demon Sect a guardian of both realms. From a mortal youth to a supreme ruler of both realms, he had overcome countless obstacles, and these five women had been his strongest support, never absent.

The five women below the steps each possessed a distinct figure and a unique temperament. Qin Yuling, clad in silver armor, with the Cold Moon Sword at her waist, stood tall and straight as a pine tree. Her eyes held the sharpness honed by years of battle, the brilliance honed during the Qin Family Fortress breakout in Volume Two, and the aura of the commander of the Two Realms Legion in Volume Nine. Yang Xiu, in a light pink palace dress, held an internal affairs token in her hand. Her eyes were gentle, yet held the steadfastness of years of silent dedication. She retained the purity of their first meeting at Black Wind Ridge in Volume One, but now possessed the composure of someone in charge of internal affairs. Su Qingyue, in a brocade merchant's robe, pointed... Jian, exuding a faint commercial aura and possessing a noble and dignified demeanor, is the powerful business magnate in the third volume of urban business warfare and the helmsman of inter-realm trade in the seventh volume; Lingxi, dressed in a light green spiritual robe with spiritual patterns covering the cuffs, is graceful and elegant, possessing the noble and refined air of a spiritual clan saintess, echoing the bond with the spiritual clan holy land in the fifth volume; Ziyao, dressed in a black demonic robe, her demonic aura is hidden but not revealed, cold and aloof, is the demon lord after the reorganization of the demonic sect in the sixth volume and the sharp blade to cleanse the remnants of the demonic clan in the eighth volume.

"The auspicious hour has arrived—" the master of ceremonies announced loudly, and the music suddenly rose, echoing throughout the entire palace. Huang Yiming raised his hand, and the entire hall fell silent instantly. His voice was deep and powerful, penetrating every corner of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, each word ringing out: "Since failing the college entrance examination, I awakened the [Interdimensional Communication System] in a desperate situation. From a mortal boy in Black Wind Ridge to a supreme ruler who governs both realms, I have experienced life and death, slaying powerful enemies, quelling rebellions, and merging the two realms. If it weren't for the five women who have stayed by my side without ever abandoning me, I would not have achieved what I have today. Today, I hold this investiture ceremony here to honor the merits of my five women and to express my heartfelt gratitude!"

As his words fell, Huang Yiming's gaze settled on Qin Yuling, and his tone was solemn: "Qin Yuling, our bond began at Qin Family Fortress. You followed me in my campaigns, charging into battle, slaying the remnants of the Black Stone Sect, and repelling the invasion of the Celestial Realm (echoing the plots of Volumes 6 and 37), protecting the peace of both realms. Today, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Queen of the Great Ming Dynasty, to jointly govern the court, command the armies of both realms, and grant you a Phoenix Seal, bestowing upon you supreme honor and favor. Stand shoulder to shoulder with me, and together we will safeguard the two realms!"

Qin Yuling knelt on one knee, accepting the Phoenix Seal from the imperial guard with both hands. Her Cold Moon Sword tapped lightly on the ground, producing a crisp sound, and her voice was resounding: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! I will follow you for life, defend the two realms to the death, slay all invading enemies, and never betray your trust and honor!" Her eyes held no fear, only unwavering resolve and loyalty, just as she had sworn when Qin Family Fortress was besieged, "I am willing to follow you through fire and water." The crowd below bowed, shouting "Long live the Queen!" Those who had once looked down on her, citing her branch of the Qin family, now bowed their heads in utter awe.

Then, Huang Yiming looked at Yang Xiu, his tone softening and filled with tenderness: "Yang Xiu, we first met at Black Wind Ridge. A loaf of bread redeemed your life and also captured my heart. Over the years, you have quietly managed the internal affairs, comforted the people, and prepared supplies, relieving me of any worries. Whether it was the internal affairs reorganization after my ascension to the throne in Volume Nine or the logistical support for the inter-realm trade in Volume Seven, you have managed everything in an orderly manner. Today, I hereby confer upon you the title of Consort Shu, entrusting you with the management of the inner palace and the logistics of the inter-realm trade. I bestow upon you the seal of Consort Shu, granting you boundless favor. From now on, I will protect you for a lifetime of peace and security."

Yang Xiu knelt down, tears welling in her eyes, yet her smile was gentle and her voice firm: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! In this life, I wish to stay by Your Majesty's side, to manage everything well, so that Your Majesty has no worries, to protect Your Majesty's peace and prosperity, and to protect the people of both realms so that they may live and work in peace and contentment." The internal affairs token in her hand trembled slightly. This honor was the best reward for her years of perseverance, and the most perfect response to their encounter at Black Wind Ridge in the first volume.

"Su Qingyue," Huang Yiming's gaze turned to her, his tone full of praise, "I met you in the city. You helped me open up trade between the two realms, control the commercial landscape, and stockpile resources, providing a solid guarantee for the integration and conquest of the two realms. In Volume Three, Urban Commercial Wars, you helped me defeat the Zhao family; in Volume Seven, Inter-realm Trade, you established the Trade Alliance, monopolizing resources from lower-level realms; in Volume Thirty-Seven, Preparing for War in the Celestial Realm, you deployed heavy weapons, your contributions were indispensable. Today, I hereby confer upon you the title of Merchant Lord, to govern global commerce in both realms, to command the Trade Alliance, and to bestow upon you the Merchant Lord Token, which allows you to mobilize all commercial resources in both realms, to continue writing a commercial legend!"

Su Qingyue bowed slightly, her noble bearing and gentle yet sharp smile revealing her gratitude: "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! I will do my utmost to expand the commercial empire of the two realms, accumulate wealth, safeguard the prosperity of the two realms, and prepare resources for the conquest of the myriad realms. I will not fail Your Majesty's trust, nor will I fail the position of the Merchant Venerable." The Merchant Venerable token in her hand shone brightly, symbolizing her absolute status as the controller of the commercial empire of the two realms. Those urban tycoons who once mocked her for "the inability of a woman to manage commerce" could only feel ashamed in secret at this moment.

Immediately afterward, Huang Yiming looked at Ling tide, his eyes full of doting affection: "Ling Xi, I rescued you from the sacred land of the Spirit Clan. You bore the mission of the Spirit Clan, protecting the Spirit Veins, purifying evil energy, and assisting in the fusion of the two realms. In the fifth volume, 'Secrets of the Spirit Clan,' you unlocked the traces of the Dragon Clan for me; in the thirty-sixth volume, 'Crisis of Origin,' you purified evil energy and stabilized the Spirit Veins; in the thirty-seventh volume, 'The Battle for the Key,' you risked your life to protect the Dragon Clan's key. Today, I hereby appoint you as the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Clan, to rule the Spirit Clan, to protect the Spirit Veins of the two realms, and bestow upon you the Spirit Clan's jade pendant, which can mobilize all the power of the Spirit Clan to explore the truth of your origins."

Lingxi knelt down, her voice clear and firm: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! Lingxi will protect the sacred land of the Spirit Clan, protect the spiritual veins of the two realms, and together with Your Majesty, protect this prosperous era of the two realms, explore the mystery of our origins, and live up to the mission of the Spirit Clan and Your Majesty's deep affection." The Spirit Clan jade pendant in her hand emitted a faint spiritual energy, resonating with her bloodline. Faintly, the patterns on the jade pendant were somewhat similar to those of the Dragon Clan key, foreshadowing something.

Finally, Huang Yiming looked at Zi Yao, his tone tinged with admiration: "Zi Yao, I subdued you in the Demon Sect. You rectified the Demon Sect, purged evil spirits, and led the Demon Sect disciples to protect the two realms. In Volume Six, you purged the Demon Sect rebels; in Volume Eight, you slew the remnants of the Demon Race; and in Volume Thirty-Seven, you fought against the Celestial Realm. In all these battles, you were at the forefront, displaying extraordinary combat prowess. Today, I hereby appoint you as the Demon Lord, entrusting you with the command of the Demon Sect, to cleanse all evil spirits from the myriad realms. I bestow upon you the Demon Lord's Whip, which allows you to mobilize all disciples of the Demon Sect and promote the righteous path of the Demon Sect!"

Zi Yao knelt on one knee, her tone cold yet loyal: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! I will certainly rectify the Demon Sect, slay all evil spirits, eliminate traitors, and protect Your Majesty and the two realms. If I have any disloyal intentions, I will be struck by lightning and my soul will be scattered!" She held the Demon Lord's Whip in her hand, her demonic energy surging slightly, displaying the majesty of the Demon Lord. The sects of the Azure Netherworld who had once questioned her "Demon Sect background and how she could achieve great things" all bowed their heads now, not daring to utter the slightest objection.

After the investiture was completed, the five women stood side by side below the steps, each dressed in their own prestigious attire, their demeanors distinct yet their gazes equally resolute as they looked at Huang Yiming on the dragon throne, their eyes filled with deep affection and loyalty. Those forces that had once looked down on the five women—a branch of the Qin family, a powerful urban clan, and scattered sects from the Azure Netherworld—now knelt in obsequious worship, their faces full of flattery, desperately clinging to them. This starkly contrasted with their past cold mockery, a slap in the face that showcased the exhilarating sense of triumph, echoing the path of Huang Yiming and the five women's rise to power in the previous nine volumes.

Huang Yiming stepped down from the dragon throne and approached the five women, taking each of their hands in his. His eyes were filled with tenderness, and his voice was gentle yet firm: "Today's investiture is my promise to you, and also my expression of my heart. From Black Wind Ridge to Qin Family Fortress, from the city to the Holy Land of the Spirit Clan, from the Demon Sect to the Taihe Palace, we have accompanied each other through thick and thin, sharing life and death. For the rest of my life, I will protect you, stand shoulder to shoulder with you, guard the two realms together, and explore the myriad realms together. My vow will never waver!"

The five women, their eyes filled with emotion, nodded and smiled at each other. There was no jealousy or rivalry, only harmonious companionship—this had been their way of getting along for many years. Each fulfilling their duties, supporting one another, and assisting Huang Yiming together, from having nothing to becoming the Supreme Being of Two Realms, they had long been each other's closest kin. Seeing this, the crowd below shouted, "Long live the Supreme Being! Long live the Queen! Long live all the Venerable Ones!" The music rang out again, and the festive atmosphere reached its peak.

Just then, a cold and arrogant voice suddenly burst into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, shattering all the festive atmosphere. Like a sharp blade in winter, it instantly made the atmosphere heavy: "Huang Yiming, what a grand display! A supreme being from a low-level realm dares to hold such a grand investiture ceremony? And dares to bestow titles upon these five mortal women? He's simply ignorant of his own limitations!"

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw a figure dressed in the standard black robes of the Hongmeng Realm, accompanied by several guards, appear out of thin air in the center of the Taihe Hall. He exuded the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator, his eyes were cold, his attitude arrogant, and the evil aura surrounding him was of the same origin as the demonic mark of the Heavenly Evolution Sect's ancestor in the eighth volume. A cold glint flashed in Huang Yiming's eyes, and his peak mid-Nascent Soul stage aura instantly erupted. The five women immediately went on alert. Qin Yuling gripped the Cold Moon Sword tightly, Zi Yao activated her demonic energy, Ling Xi condensed spiritual patterns, and Su Qingyue and Yang Xiu were also prepared to respond, their expressions cold as they stared at the newcomer.

The envoy from the Hongmeng Realm sneered, his gaze falling on the Dragon Clan key at Huang Yiming's waist. His tone grew increasingly arrogant: "I am here on the orders of the evil cultivator leader of the Hongmeng Realm to demand the Dragon Clan key! If you know what's good for you, hand over the key immediately and submit to the Hongmeng Realm. Otherwise, the Hongmeng Realm army will immediately invade, raze your Great Ming Dynasty to the ground, kill you and these five mortal women, turn the Qingming Realm into scorched earth, and render all your years of hard work futile!"

Huang Yiming gripped the Dragon Clan Key tightly, his eyes blazing with murderous intent, a cold smile curving his lips: "The Hongmeng Realm? How dare you act arrogantly on my territory? If you want the Dragon Clan Key, you'll have to get past me first! Today, I'll show you that the Qingming Realm is not a pushover, and my women are not to be insulted at will!" A new crisis suddenly descended upon the investiture ceremony, and no one knew that the Hongmeng Realm's true purpose was far more than simply seizing the Dragon Clan Key; it was also closely related to the great war between the Dragon Clan and the Spirit Clan a thousand years ago, planting the biggest hook in this chapter.