452 - Senior Sister Is on Top
Now that the crisis was resolved and peace was gradually returning to the world, it was time to go back. Without a second thought, she nodded. "If those disciples are fine, let them return. This place isn't their home, after all. I'm sure they won't feel comfortable staying here." "I came here today to tell you something important. I've found a way to save Jiang Yin, but there's no guarantee of success. I'll be staying in the Void for a long time to make an attempt. Matters on the island will be left for you all to discuss and manage. If unsure, you can consult the Demon King and Master. If there's an urgent matter, use this token to contact me." Tang Muxi said as she handed a specially crafted communication jade token to Chi Yue. The token contained a trace of spectral energy, allowing communication even within the Void. Chi Yue accepted it in a daze, the words "save Jiang Yin" echoing in her mind. She hadn't participated in that day's battle but knew from the broken contract that Jiang Yin had already shattered his soul and ceased to exist. Could he truly be saved in this way? Chi Yue opened her mouth but ultimately didn't dare to ask, merely responding, "Understood." After giving her the token, Tang Muxi briefly outlined a few more matters. Once she had said enough, she didn't delay further and left. Knowing that this would be mentally exhausting, she specially acquired a small spiritual vein from Wen Mingyu to place in the sky dome jade. With this spiritual vein, there would be no need to worry about damaging the celestial island during the recovery of her strength. She had initially intended to move the divine tree off the floating celestial island for Ming She to nurture, but the latter adamantly refused to leave, insisting on accompanying her in the Void. Unable to persuade Ming She, Tang Muxi conceded and took her along into the Void, considering it a way to relieve boredom. Naturally, she didn't expect to have much free time. Author's note: Delicate and cold, the wintry fragrance repels butterflies—a line from "To the Chrysanthemum" by Huang Chao. Chapter 258 Time passed like a fleeting horse, unbound by day or night. Nine years had elapsed since Tang Muxi bid everyone farewell and entered the Void. The world no longer needed to reverse time, and all things could resume their natural paths, leading to a more prosperous and flourishing realm. The most significant changes occurred in the demon domain, originally the abode of the divine sovereign, favored greatly by the heavens. Nine years prior, the grand battle between gods and demons came to an end. The divine sovereign, with great effort, restored the devastated demon domain, corrected the chaos, and reestablished the natural order. Without internal and external strife, the vast demon domain rapidly developed, enriched with spiritual energy that occasionally condensed into the purest spiritual dew. While it couldn't compare to the abundant spiritual rain of millennia past, it was still a vibrant, thriving land. If development continued at this pace, it wouldn't take long for the world to regain the vigor of the divine era, thanks to the nourishment of all living things. The demons never understood why the heavenly way initially created greedy beings, further degrading an already barren world. But they didn't realize that all things were born of heaven and earth, growing for centuries or millennia before falling, their energy returning to the world. Without countless beings nurturing the land, relying solely on celestial interventions, the world would never improve. As time flowed, Bai Ling's age continued to increase. Nine years ago, she was still in the transformation stage, but now she had entered the early phase of tribulation. Being the last of the heavenly foxes, she bore a gift from the heavens and had gained profound insights from Miao Nu, mastering the laws of the void and the mysterious domain of the main god. Even against Miao Nu, she could hold her own in a fair fight. Of course, this was only when Miao Nu purposely held back. Inspired by her, Wen Mingyu also began serious cultivation. Though her speed and insight were not as impressive as Bai Ling's, she closely followed, reaching the tribulation stage two years after Bai Ling. She didn't focus on refining spells or swordsmanship and seldom delved into talismans or formations. Though her cultivation matched Bai Ling's, their strength differed vastly. If Bai Ling were serious, Wen Mingyu wouldn't last a hundred moves. In these nine years, their relationship had not greatly changed. They spent their days together, eating, drinking, and having fun. Bai Ling had grown taller; once only reaching Wen Mingyu's shoulder, now she could stand face to face, no longer needing to tiptoe to kiss her lips. According to their initial agreement, after twelve years, Bai Ling would decide whether to form a bond or not. Wen Mingyu had asked Bai Ling about it six months before, and the answer was as expected. Unlike others, Bai Ling's affection was gentle. She had a carefree nature, inheriting Miao Nu's lazy demeanor, living freely and unrestrained, even in love. "You ask if I like you?" She still remembered Bai Ling's playful and coy tone when she responded, her pure eyes twinkling with amusement. It seemed natural for foxes to have a knack for capturing hearts. "Of course, I like you. But marry me, and you'll have to feed me for a lifetime. Let's be clear, don't be like Muxi, who disappeared after giving me a meal ticket." Thus, their relationship became official. Without life-and-death calamities, what remained was a long, enduring love. Bai Ling agreed to marry Wen Mingyu, setting the date for this year. The reason was simple—when they last contacted Tang Muxi, she mentioned that her soul would soon be complete, likely in a year. Bai Ling believed her and had been waiting for her friend's return. When her friend married, she was fortunate to be there. Now it was her turn, and she hoped her friend could attend. Bai Ling would never forget when she was imprisoned in the Heavening Realm long ago; it was Tang Muxi who shattered the ice chains and saved her. Not skilled at making friends, she would always cherish this bond. "Why aren't you back yet? Are you going to stand me up again?" Bai Ling leaned against Wen Mingyu, her seven tails drooping listlessly. As Miao Nu had mentioned, Bai Ling had grown two more tails as her cultivation progressed, now having seven. At this rate, once she reached the grand mastery stage, she would become a true nine-tailed celestial fox. Wen Mingyu, feeling her fluffy tails, couldn't resist secretly stroking them. Though the touch was light, the person in her embrace noticed. Bai Ling's body stiffened. She retracted her tails, her ears turning red in embarrassment and annoyance. "Stop touching me! How many times have I told you, but you just don't listen!"