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Translator: Fate
Translation Checker: Silavin
“The past no longer holds weight in my heart… It matters not where he came from or what his past was. All that matters is that Changge treats me very well now, and that is enough for me.” Jiang Chuchu continued to meticulously prepare the tea, the gentle smile that spread across her face revealed a pair of dimples on her fair cheeks.
Her smile was a rare sight to behold, and even Wang Zijin could rarely catch a glimpse of her smile. In the past, Jiang Chuchu was perceived as an unapproachable and aloof Saintess, appearing almost ethereal and otherworldly.
A century could pass in the blink of an eye for a powerful cultivator, and in that time, Jiang Chuchu had undergone a remarkable transformation. Wang Zijin knew Jiang Chuchu very well, and she had never seen her wear such a look of contentment and delight before. It appeared as though her current life was a form of bliss for her.
Wang Zijin rested her arms on the stone table and buried her face in them, allowing her hair to fall around her face.
“What a happy little fool. If Gu Changge truly deceived you, then he’s a heartless monster,” she muttered in a barely audible voice.
Only the sound of tea being boiled could be heard in the silent palace. Jiang Chuchu glanced at her curiously and asked, “Hm? Did you say something?”
“No, just continue brewing the tea,” Wang Zijin replied gloomily, not bothering to lift her gaze to meet hers.
Jiang Chuchu was not a fool either, she could kind of guess what was going through Wang Zijin’s mind. During her time at the Immortal Academy, Wang Zijin had persistently inquired about her relationship with Gu Changge, but Jiang Chuchu had never thought much about it and dismissed it as mere curiosity. In hindsight, she realised that Wang Zijin was probing for information.
The palace grew quiet as the two women were lost in their own thoughts. Wang Zijin stared at the steaming cup of tea, feeling a sense of unease for no apparent reason. She lifted her gaze and slapped the table. “Do you have any wine? Maybe we should have that.”
“No, I’m not a good drinker.” Jiang Chuchu outright refused her.
Wang Zijin scoffed, “Who are you trying to fool? I recall you were the one who first got me into drinking. You were daring enough to steal the Secular Wine that Third Elder brewed and told me to drink with you. That was the first time you had done something so rebellious.”
“Really? I’ve forgotten.” Jiang Chuchu responded calmly, but her cheeks were slightly flushed as she refused to acknowledge what Wang Zijin said.
“I’m in a bad mood today. You’re going to drink with me, whether you like it or not.” Wang Zijin glared at Jiang Chuchu with a sour expression. She produced a bottle of wine out of nowhere and opened it. The rich and fragrant aroma of the wine immediately wafted through the air, filling the hall with an intoxicating scent. The wine was pure and clear, like the finest immortal wine. It shimmered like emerald jade, capturing all the essence of the world in a single bottle.
“What wine is this?” Jiang Chuchu was surprised.
“A wine that only Immortal Kings are qualified to taste.” A smile spread across Wang Zijin’s face. This was the immortal wine she requested in the name of Gu Changge before departing from the Queen Lunar Residence. She vividly recalled being intoxicated for seven days and nights with just one sip, and her cultivation had significantly improved after that.
When she approached the Queen Lunar for it, Queen Lunar was visibly distressed. She had only reluctantly provided a bottle of it to Wang Zijin after Wang Zijin persuaded her under the guise of Gu Changge.
“A wine that only Immortal Kings are qualified to taste?” Jiang Chuchu was filled with curiosity but remained sceptical.
Wang Zijin smiled mischievously and said, “You’ll understand after drinking it.”
As an old friend, Wang Zijin knew what type of drunk Jiang Chuchu was. She would often spill truths after getting drunk, and Wang Zijin saw an opportunity to use this to her advantage. If Jiang Chuchu refused to cooperate, she would have to use the photographic stone that she had prepared earlier. She was confident that if she showed it to Gu Changge, Jiang Chuchu would have no choice but to come clean.
With a sly smile, Wang Zijin took out the sound transmission stone she had demanded from Gu Changge, which allowed her to contact him at a moment’s notice.
“Come to the Mortal Palace,” she said and did not wait for Gu Changge’s response. Her words were succinct, leaving no room for further elaboration.
The rich aroma of wine soon filled the palace. Suddenly, a ripple spread through the void and Gu Changge took a step forward, materialising in the hall.
“Did you call me over to clean up this mess?” He surveyed the scene in the hall that was filled with the rich aroma of wine.
Wang Zijin and Jiang Chuchu had indulged in their fair share of drinks, their eyes glazed over with a drunken haze. One lay sprawled across the stone table, while the other displayed her valiant spirit by tilting her head back and pouring wine down her throat.
Under normal circumstances, Gu Changge would have found this sight quite enchanting but the sight before him left him with a throbbing headache. The drunk turned out to be Wang Zijin and Jiang Chuchu was the one pouring wine down her throat.
……
Meanwhile, an unexpected guest arrived at the residence of the Immortal Wang Family.
“Greetings, the Young Master of the Immortal Wang Family.” Many Ancestors of the Immortal Wang Family appeared in the grand hall, looking shocked. Other high-ranking figures, like Elders, also rushed to the scene. Outside the hall, other members of the Wang Family looked inside with shock and curiosity.
A young man, dressed in a blue gown, stood in the hall with his hands clasped. He exuded an air of elegance and kindness, his smile radiated humility and courtesy. Immortal Energy surrounded him, and wisps of radiance came out of his hair, making him appear otherworldly.
Beside him stood an old man, who, despite being suppressed by World Principles, still emanated the aura of a True Immortal. Though his true strength was restrained, his presence alone was enough to command respect from all in the Upper Realm.
The arrival of such figures at the Immortal Wang Family Residence immediately alarmed everyone. Numerous hidden experts also arrived to pay their respects, being careful not to disrespect these prominent guests. The other Family members were also filled with enthusiasm and their eyes sparkled with excitement. After all, this was the Young Master of the esteemed Immortal Wang Family.
Many aeons ago, the Ancestors of the Wang Family led numerous Family members to ascend to the Immortal Domain. Whatever was left behind became the Legacy of the current Immortal Wang Family of the Upper Realm.
According to the young man who identified himself as the Young Master of the Immortal Wang Family, the Immortal Wang Family was presently a truly Immortal Family presided over by two Ancestors who were Immortal King Realm.
Lady Wang Zijin, who had returned to the Upper Realm from the Immortal Domain, also corroborated this fact, so it had become common knowledge among the whole Immortal Wang Family.
The two bloodlines had not been in contact for countless years, and despite belonging to the same Wang Family, their bloodline had definitely diluted over time. Therefore, the members of the Immortal Wang Family had not entertained the idea of searching for their Ancestors in the Immortal Domain.
The presence of the young man claiming to be the Young Master of the Wang Family from the Immortal Domain sparked excitement and anticipation among the members of the Immortal Wang Family. If this connection led to the merging of the two bloodlines, the Wang Family’s power would undoubtedly experience a significant boost. They would become an immortal Family presided over by two Ancestors who were Immortal Kings! Currently, in the Upper Realm, there were no other Force housing Immortals except the Divine Empire.
“Please, everyone, no need for such formalities.” The young man standing in the hall graced the room with a gentle smile, reassuring those present that there was no need to be overcautious.
He was none other than Ni Chen, who had hastily made his way to the Immortal Wang Family Residence after taking over Wang Wushang’s body.
Although the Upper Realm’s World Principles made him uncomfortable, and even difficult to sense his Starry Sky Incarnation, he took comfort in the fact that there were no Immortals who could defy the suppression of the World Principles here.
Besides, he was accompanied by a True Immortal, so he was not too concerned about his safety.
He had come all the way to the Immortal Wang Family Residence with the sole purpose of meeting Wang Zijin to discuss some matters. If she had not rescued him on the battlefield in the Boundless Expanse, he would not be where he was today. In any case, he had some matters that he must speak to her in person.
When he was in the Immortal Wang Family Residence, he had heard much about her background. He learned that she hailed from the Upper Realm and had been brought to the Immortal Realm by an Immortal King Ancestor of the Wang Family.
Her elegance and grace stirred something within Ni Chen’s heart that had long been dormant. He knew that he could not give up on her so easily.
“What brings you here to the Upper Realm, Young Master Wang?” The Ancestors of the Immortal Wang Family wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. The rest of the Family was equally curious, eager to uncover the purpose of his visit. Even Wang Wushuang, the Little Brother of Wang Zijin, was also staring at the Young Master of the Wang Family.
Ni Chen smiled and replied, “I came here to find my dear Cousin, Zijin, for a matter of great importance.” For now, he was Wang Zijin’s Cousin, in name.
“You’re looking for Zijin?” The entire Immortal Wang Family was momentarily stunned before reacting with surprise.
“Not surprising.” Many within the Family appeared to have already anticipated his answer. After all, Wang Zijin had been living in the Immortal Domain for more than a century. It was not surprising that she would cross paths with the Young Master of the Wang Family.
The Ancestors present exchanged glances with each other, then cupped their fists respectfully. “In all honesty, Zijin is not here with us. Upon her return from the Immortal Realm, she did stay with us for a brief period of time. Regrettably, she has departed once more and her whereabouts currently remain unknown to us.”
Ni Chen was taken aback by the revelation. The smile on his face faded into a frown as he asked, “She’s not here? May I inquire about the possible locations Cousin Zijin may be headed towards?”
Despite having resolved the affairs of the Immortal Wang Family, Ni Chen knew that there were still important matters that needed his attention and careful planning. Therefore, he had no desire to stay too long in the Upper Realm.
The Ancestors of the Wang Family had troubled looks on their faces because they were not very familiar with Wang Zijin. After they had exited their seclusion, Wang Zijin had already been taken to the Immortal Domain. When she returned to the Upper Realm, she did not engage in much conversation with them. Their relationship could only be described as lukewarm, not even reaching the level of acquaintanceship.
“My Sister may have gone to the Mortal Palace,” said Wang Wushuang, the Wang Zijin’s Little Brother. The young man from back then was a lot more mature now.
He noticed that his Older Sister had been inquiring a lot about the events that had occurred during her absence upon her return to the Wang Family Residence. Apart from that, the topic that surfaced most frequently was the Mortal Palace. Having spent over a decade cultivating within the Mortal Palace, it was understandable that his Sister held deep-seated affection for that place.
“The Mortal Palace? What kind of Force is that?” Ni Chen’s brow remained furrowed. Prior to departing from the Immortal Domain, he had taken the initiative to inquire about the various Forces in the Upper Realm. Apart from the Divine Empire, which had been established by the Demon Lord during his time in the Upper Realm, there were several other Forces that were not to be underestimated.
Unfortunately, he had not come across any mention of other Forces, and Mortal Palace happened to be one of them.
“It was the Sect that Zijin joined when she was young. It holds a revered status in the Upper Realm…” A Family Elder of the Wang Family replied respectfully. Despite being unaware of the reason behind ‘Wang Wushang’s’ search for Wang Zijin, he tried his best to be helpful.
Upon hearing this, Ni Chen nodded and without waiting for the Family Elder to finish speaking, he waved his hand. “In that case, I shall not trouble all of you any longer. I will take it upon myself to go to this Mortal Palace and search for my dear Cousin Zijin.”
Turning to Wang Wushuang, who had just provided him with an answer, Ni Chen inquired, “May I ask, who are you in relation to Zijin?”
He heard him refer to Zijin as ‘Sister’ earlier.
“Wang Zijin is my Older Sister,” Wang Wushuang replied rather respectfully. After all, Wang Wushuang was the Successor of the Immortal Wang Family. This elevated status set him apart from the rest of them in a significant way.
“Excellent, then you shall lead me there,” Ni Chen replied with a nod, not giving Wang Wushuang an opportunity to decline. Despite being Wang Zijin’s Little Brother, Ni Chen deemed him unworthy of his consideration as he was merely another resident of the Upper Realm.
The countenances of each member of the Wang Family, Wang Wushuang included, changed slightly. It was a well-known fact that men were strictly prohibited from entering the Mortal Palace. Such a rule also extended to the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the Mortal Palace was intricately linked to Gu Changge, the current ruler of both the Upper Realm and Immortal Domain.
Despite the Family Elder’s attempt to clarify the situation, his explanation was cut short by a dismissive wave from ‘Wang Wushang’. Everyone could only exchange helpless glances.
Subsequently, a golden pathway emerged from the Wang Family Residence, with the resounding echoes of Dao reverberating throughout the universe.
The phenomenon left many in the surrounding Star Territories astonished.
Ni Chen stood on the golden pathway, looking otherworldly as his entire being was enveloped by an ethereal glow.
The True Immortal stood beside him silently, his demeanour icy and indifferent, regarding all those around him disdainfully like they were nothing more than insignificant ants.
Although there was a significant number of True Daoists in the current Upper Realm and experts from various Forces were still continuously becoming True Daoists, those who had become Immortal remained exceedingly scarce.
There was no easy way to become Immortal, except for surrendering one’s Soul to the Divine Empire’s Immortal Selection List. If they did so, they would immediately ascend to become Immortal.
Unfortunately, following the Immortal Domain and Upper Realm moving next to each other, and connecting, a drastic change in the environment occurred. This change had resulted in a drastic decline in the number of cultivators choosing this method.
Aside from the Divine Empire, no Immortals came into existence in the other Forces.
The golden pathway shimmered in the starry sky, passing over the Immortal Wang Family’s territories, drawing the attention of many Forces.
“That’s Wang Wushuang from the Wang Family, but who is that young man beside him? That’s not a familiar face. Could he be someone important from the Immortal Domain?”
“The old man next to him must be an expert beyond the Nirvana Realm. Even the World Principles around him are distorted…”
“He actually has an old servant who is a True Immortal? What is the background of that young man?”
Many cultivators were astonished and shocked. While it was true that numerous beings from the Immortal Domain had descended upon the Upper Realm to train with the younger generation, they always did so discreetly and without drawing attention. It was exceptionally rare to see them creating such commotion, such as using a golden pathway in the sky.
This naturally sparked a flurry of conversations among the cultivators, who were all eager to unravel the mystery behind the mysterious young man.
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