Fairy, please don't do this!

Space fragments peeled away and dissipated like glass, and the Yin and Yang energies went out of control and ran rampant, turning into a destructive storm that swept everything away.

Gu Jinzhao pushed his movement technique to its limit, weaving and dodging through the crumbling gaps, narrowly avoiding one spatial rift after another.

Finally, the ancient stone gate appeared in the distance!

Gu Jinzhao, carrying Yuechu'e, crashed headfirst into the stone gate!

Light and shadow shift, the world spins.

Once the two regained their footing, they were back in the Misty Swamp.

The illusory stone gate behind him trembled violently, then shattered with a crash, turning into specks of light that dissipated into the air.

The entrance to the secret realm is now completely closed.

The Heavenly Mother, who had been waiting quietly outside, saw the two return safely, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of her lips beneath her ice-carved mask: "It seems that the two of you are indeed destined to be together."

Gu Jinzhao took the Cold Jade Box out of the mirror and handed it over: "We have done what we promised the Heavenly Mother."

The Heavenly Mother took the jade box, opened it, and examined it. After confirming that it was the Yin-Yang Harmony Flower, she nodded and said, "From now on, the matters of the Moth Phoenix Clan and the [Prison Dragon Vein] will have nothing to do with me."

The words vanished like smoke, leaving no trace.

But the great battle in the sky continues.

Rumble— Rumble—

Sensing the collision of those three terrifying Daoist auras, Gu Jinchao frowned slightly: "Is the time we entered the secret realm different from the outside world?"

He and Yuechu'e went through life and death in the secret realm for five days.

However, after they came out, the battle between Xiao Qingyi, Shi Youming, and Tianmu continued.

This suggests that the flow of time in the outside world seems to have stopped on the day they entered the secret realm.

Yuechu'e said with a melancholy expression, "It must be that master of the secret realm who, in order to cultivate the Yin-Yang Harmony Flower, forcibly reversed the time within the secret realm using the supreme Dao."

"He wanted the Dao Flower to mature as soon as possible to prolong his Daoist partner's life, but who would have thought that human effort could not overcome the will of Heaven."

Just as Gu Jinzhao was about to say something, the voice of the Heavenly Mother suddenly came from the sky: "The Nine Nether Rift has been closed, and there is no point in continuing to fight."

"I will not keep you company any longer..."

As soon as the words were spoken, the moon-white figure stopped lingering, transformed into a stream of light, and vanished into the horizon in an instant.

In mid-air, Shi Youming's gaze swept across the distance, meeting Gu Jinzhao's eyes precisely.

The gaze was initially indifferent, then gradually turned cold.

Undoubtedly, the sudden closure of the Nine Nether Rift is related to this boy.

Although he didn't know what methods the other party used, this directly disrupted his long-planned scheme.

Standing atop a cloud, Xiao Qingyi's luscious lips curved into a smile beneath her lace mask: "Want to fight again?"

"The Empress Dowager is truly cunning!"

Shi Youming snorted coldly, his black robe billowed, and his figure, as dark as ink, merged into the void and disappeared as well.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qingyi turned around, and the space rippled like water.

The next moment, she was already in front of Gu Jinchao, her red lips slightly parted: "Gu Qing did a good job."

Gu Jinchao cupped his hands and said, "Thanks to Your Majesty for holding them back, I was able to complete my plan safely."

Even with the addition of the Moth Phoenix Clan, he alone could not cause any trouble in front of two First Rank cultivators.

Xiao Qingyi gave a soft hum, but her gaze fell on the beautiful woman beside her. She said calmly, "Madam E should know why the Wanhua Chamber of Commerce was able to rise so rapidly in the Cangyue Dynasty, right?"

Yuechu'e raised her eyes to meet the gaze of this peerless Valkyrie: "I understand, of course."

She knew very well that when Xuan Ye made that deal with her, Empress Dowager Xiao Qingyi, who was ruling from behind the curtain, must have known about it and even tacitly approved of it.

Otherwise, how could the Wanhua Chamber of Commerce have received the support of the imperial dynasty?

Xiao Qingyi nodded slightly: "Since Lady E understands, then I will speak frankly."

"My assistance to your Moth Phoenix Clan in obtaining the [Prison Dragon Vein] is also a transaction."

Yuechu'e asked calmly, "What does Your Majesty desire?"

Xiao Qingyi said calmly, "When Lady E becomes the ruler of the Demon Court in the future, she will have to become a vassal state of the Cangyue Dynasty."

After a moment of silence, Yue'e shook her head: "This deal... is not fair."

"Your Majesty helped my clan obtain the Dragon Vein of Hell, for which I am deeply grateful."

"But the treaty of vassal states concerns the fate and dignity of the entire demon race, and I cannot agree to it."

Xiao Qingyi narrowed her pale golden phoenix eyes slightly: "If I hadn't restrained Shi Youming and the Heavenly Mother, would your clan have been able to seize the Prison Dragon Vein?"

"Not to mention using this to steal the fortune of Cangzhou and nourish our people?"

Yuechu'e looked directly at her without any fear: "Even without the blessing of good fortune, I can still lead my people back to the Demon Court after I reach the first rank."

"It's just that it will be a bit slower."

Xiao Qingyi's voice grew colder, and her imposing aura descended like a tangible force: "What I can give you, I can take back at any time."

Yuechu'e's face paled slightly, and she gently bit her lower lip: "If one day I can return to the Demon Court and take charge of all demons, I am willing to establish a lasting friendship with the Cangyue Dynasty and exchange goods and resources."

"Furthermore, half of the province will be designated, and its cities, resources, and trade routes will all be placed under the jurisdiction of Cang Yue."

"This is the limit of what I can do."

"If Your Majesty is unwilling, then take everything back."

The atmosphere immediately became heavy after those words were spoken.

Xiao Qingyi looked at her quietly, her eyes behind the mask deep and unfathomable, as if she were weighing something.

Gu Jinzhao stood aside without interrupting.

This is a power struggle between Yue'e and Xiao Qingyi, concerning the future of the Demon Court and Cang Yue's overall strategy.

He cannot, and should not, interfere.

After a long while, Xiao Qingyi finally nodded slowly: "I can agree, but there is one more condition."

Yuechu'e breathed a sigh of relief: "Your Majesty, please speak."

Xiao Qingyi stood with her hands behind her back, her eyes flashing with cold light: "The Jiaopeng and the other two clans cannot be allowed to live."

Yuechu'e remained unmoved: "Even if Your Majesty doesn't say anything... I will not keep them."

Eliminating all threats at the root is the law of survival for the demon race.

Moreover, the Jiaopeng and Moth Phoenix clans have long been mortal enemies, and there is absolutely no possibility of reconciliation.

As for why Xiao Qingyi would make this condition, it's quite simple!

With the Jiaopeng and Jiaopeng clans destroyed, the Demon Court no longer had the resources to contend with the Cangyue Dynasty.

"I hope Lady E will keep her word."

Xiao Qingyi gave her a deep look, then turned around and gently swiped her hand.

Stab it!

The space was torn apart like a piece of cloth, revealing a deep passage.

Xiao Qingyi turned her head and glanced at Gu Jinzhao: "The Cangmo Hunting Ceremony is about to begin. Gu Qing, please come with me to the Northern Border!"

"Yes."

Gu Jinzhao nodded in agreement, then turned to look at Yuechu'e: "Madam, until we meet again!"

"Take care, Young Master Gu!"

Yuechu'e smiled gently at him, her tone as tender as water.

Gu Jinzhao smiled and then followed Xiao Qingyi into the spatial passage.

Chapter 386, Is the Heavenly Mother not Tantai Xuanji? (3K)

Gu Jinchao followed Xiao Qingyi through the spatial passage and arrived at a temporary palace in Yongzhou in the northern border.

The palace was built on a foundation of bluestone and pillars of black wood. Although it was built temporarily, it was still magnificent and solemn.

A roaring charcoal fire burned inside the hall, dispelling the biting chill of the northern border.

Xiao Qingyi's divine sense returned to her main body, her gaze falling on Gu Jinzhao, and her red lips parted slightly: "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Why did the Heavenly Mother leave early?

Gu Jinzhao had already prepared his answer and replied softly, "The Heavenly Mother sensed the anomaly and sent down a wisp of Daoist energy to probe into the depths of the Misty Swamp."

"Then he threatened me and made a deal with me."

Xiao Qingyi sat languidly on the phoenix throne, her jade-like legs crossed beneath her phoenix robe: "What is the deal?"

Gu Jinzhao continued, "The Heavenly Mother instructed me and Lady E to enter the secret realm to pluck the Yin-Yang Harmony Flower for her."

"In exchange, she will no longer pursue the matter of us hindering her from seizing the [Prison Dragon Vein]."

Xiao Qingyi rested her chin on her slender hand, seemingly intrigued: "What kind of secret realm is this that can nurture such a rare treasure as the Yin-Yang Harmony Flower?"

"According to the Heavenly Mother, it was left by a supreme expert who was half a step into the super grade."

"The yin and yang are out of balance within this secret realm, making it extremely dangerous..."

"After many twists and turns, Lady E and I were fortunate enough to obtain the Flower of Union."

Gu Jinzhao recounted the events that had occurred in the secret realm.

Of course, the intimate moments between him and Yuechu'e in the secret realm are omitted.

Xiao Qingyi picked up a cup of fragrant tea, took a sip, and said meaningfully, "During this trip to the Misty Swamp, we obtained the [Prison Dragon Vein], and the Heavenly Mother obtained a Yin-Yang Harmony Flower. Only Shi Youming got nothing."

"After this battle, he will definitely hold a grudge against you."

"With the Zen Master's concern within and the leader of the Underworld Cult's care without, Gu Qing is truly blessed."

Gu Jinchao said with a hint of helplessness, "Your Majesty, please don't joke with me."

Being targeted by two high-ranking officials is not a good thing.

Of course, this is not the key.

The key issue is that Shi Youming will likely make a move against him beforehand.

To be precise, the goal was to extract the vital energy from his body beforehand and inject it into the body of the Prince of Zhenbei.

In the game, the two's plan to seize the destiny occurred after the Hunting Ceremony in the Azure Desert.

At that time, taking advantage of this opportunity, the Demon Court marched south and launched a joint attack on the western border of the Cangyue Dynasty.

With the help of the Xuanming demon mosquitoes from within and without, the western border almost fell.

At the critical moment, the Prince of Zhenbei led the Azure Dragon Army to provide support, repelled the demon army, recaptured the city, gained great military achievements, and won over a large number of people's hearts.

It is for this reason that Ning Wujiu became the one destined to face the calamity. Once the fortune enters his body, he will be qualified to become the emperor.

With this thought in mind, Gu Jinzhao asked, "Did Your Majesty discern the origins of the Heavenly Mother during your battle with her?"

If the Heavenly Mother is indeed Tantai Xuanji, Xiao Qingyi will inevitably sense some familiar aura or methods when she confronts her directly.

However, Xiao Qingyi shook her head upon hearing this: "The Heavenly Mother is the leader of the Heavenly Mother Sect, a remnant of the previous dynasty. Her whereabouts are mysterious and her origins are shrouded in mystery."

"I only know that she created the 'Heavenly Mother Sacred Heart Technique,' which is adept at manipulating people's hearts and bewitching all living beings."

She paused, somewhat puzzled: "Why do you ask that?"

Gu Jinchao's expression remained unchanged: "I just feel that the Heavenly Mother's technique is strange and has already reached the first rank. Your Majesty needs to be more vigilant."

"You don't need to worry about this, Gu Qing." Xiao Qingyi glanced at him and said unhurriedly, "What you need to do now is to rest well for a few days, and then shine in the Cangmo Hunting Ceremony."

"If you dare to embarrass me, you'd better report to the castration room when you return!"

"I will go back and prepare now."

Gu Jinzhao coughed lightly, then turned and left the palace.

This year's Desert Hunting Ceremony was personally presided over by the royal family and was unprecedented in scale.

The officials of Yongzhou had already received the news and knew that he was a favorite of the Empress Dowager, so they led him to the accommodations that had been arranged in advance.