281 - Elasia Saga

The Celestial Sect’s Grand Ceremony is considered a grand event throughout the continent, a day eagerly awaited by all cultivators. With only three months remaining before the official start of the ceremony, people from various factions have already started making their way to the central city, fearing they might arrive late. After all, no one wishes to miss such a monumental occasion. Meanwhile, every disciple and elder within Frost Flower Palace in the southern region is brimming with excitement, having made all the necessary preparations to depart for the central city at any moment. However, the palace master, Fu Yan, is still away, and everyone is left trying to calm themselves. Over the past three years, the disciples and elders chosen for the event have undergone special training, significantly enhancing their skills. At this point, the entire Frost Flower Palace is spirited and ready for battle. Among those selected as one of the five Void-Transformation elders is Shui Liuqing. Two years ago, she went into isolated cultivation on her mountain. Time being of the essence, Shui Liuqing knew it was impossible to swiftly improve her own cultivation. Therefore she decided to seclude herself and enhance her main puppet. Although her puppet is still far from the Transcendent stage, it is exceptionally powerful within the realm of a perfected Void Transformation cultivator. The only flaw of the puppet is its lack of instinct; its reactions might be slightly slower compared to a cultivator. Other than that, it’s hardly different from any other cultivator at the peak of the Void Transformation stage. Moreover, over the two years, Shui Liuqing also crafted a second puppet for herself. Due to time and material constraints, this second puppet's power only barely reaches the mid-Void Transformation stage. Still, having such strength is commendable, especially since it can hold opponents at bay during combat. At the Celestial Sect’s Grand Ceremony, although it’s one-on-one combat, bringing along a puppet or spiritual beast is entirely within the rules, as they are considered part of a cultivator’s capability. Shui Liuqing specializes in puppetry. In this world of cultivation, there’s no such thing as fairness; all that matters is power and the means to achieve it. This realization instilled Shui Liuqing with confidence about participating in the Grand Ceremony. With her two puppets and her own abilities, she felt she could hold her own against many formidable talents. In the dimly lit basement, Shui Liuqing gazed at the two puppets in front of her, exhaling deeply. As the days until the Celestial Sect’s Grand Ceremony drew closer, she was finally prepared. It was time to end her seclusion. With that thought, Shui Liuqing didn’t hesitate. She quickly retrieved her puppets, consumed a collateral elixir to stabilize her strength, and stepped out. Outside her residence on the mountain, the barrier Shui Liuqing had raised for her secluded cultivation now vanished instantly. Within the hour, a beam of light flew across the sky, and Ming Xi landed directly outside Shui Liuqing’s residence. Having a five-headed serpent, Ming Xi was also granted a place in the Void Transformation stage trials. With scant experience in such competitions, she naturally felt anxious. With Fu Yan absent from Frost Flower Palace most of the time, and being unable to locate her, Ming Xi only felt most familiar with Shui Liuqing. Realizing Shui Liuqing had concluded her seclusion, she hurried over immediately. “Sister Shui, you’re finally out!” As soon as Ming Xi stepped into the quiet residence, not yet having seen Shui Liuqing, she exclaimed with glee. Seeing Ming Xi so eager, Shui Liuqing quickly asked, “Are we preparing to head to the central city? Ming Xi, give me a moment.” Saying this, Shui Liuqing began gathering her belongings. Startled for a second, Ming Xi regained her composure and smiled, saying, “No, there’s no rush, Sister Shui. The palace master is still away, and we have three months until the ceremony begins.” Hearing this, Shui Liuqing realized she’d miscalculated while in seclusion. Shaking her head wryly, she invited Ming Xi into her dwelling, changed her clothes, and the two sat under the pavilion in the courtyard. Ming Xi picked up a sweet treat from the table, nibbling while looking at Shui Liuqing excitedly. “Sister Shui, are you all set for the Grand Ceremony?” “Decently so, I don’t think I’ll lose too badly.” Seeing Ming Xi’s childlike delight with the treats, Shui Liuqing chuckled, pushing the dish closer to her. “Sister Shui, with your breakthrough to the later stages of the Void Transformation, and all that time in seclusion, you’ll be fine.” Ming Xi finished her treat, her spirits slightly dampening as she sighed, “I haven’t done such a big contest before, and I’m so anxious. These years, I tried breaking through to the mid-Void Transformation stage but failed.” Remembering how she once broke through just after sleeping, only to stagnate now, Ming Xi felt a bit downcast. Shui Liuqing laughed softly at this. Fu Yan had mentioned before that Ming Xi’s lack of breakthrough was mostly due to her mindset being unbalanced. She needed to undergo some tempering. “Don’t worry, as long as you and Xiao Wu coordinate well, you can surely win this trial.” Shui Liuqing passed her another treat. Xiao Wu was Ming Xi’s five-headed serpent. The serpent’s strength was formidable against most in the Void Transformation realm. Even Shui Liuqing found it daunting, yet Ming Xi lacked battle experience and struggled to effectively coordinate with her spiritual beast. Thus, Fu Yan had crafted a training regimen for her. Over three years, her coordination with the serpent improved a lot, yet she still lacked confidence. “Mm, I’ll be sure to calm myself before the contest. The palace master emphasized how crucial this trial is—I can’t let down Frost Flower Palace,” Ming Xi reassured herself, taking small bites of her treat with a satisfied smile. Shui Liuqing nodded, offering comforting words. Her thoughts drifted to Ji Qingjue, as Flower Spirit Valley must also be attending. Two years ago, she had reached the peak of the perfected Void Transformation stage, and this time, surely she would shine. A trace of joy flickered in Shui Liuqing’s eyes at the thought. She secretly felt the puppet used to communicate with Ji Qingjue, unable to suppress a slight smile. Is she still cultivating right now, Shui Liuqing wondered. After a moment, Shui Liuqing returned her focus to the nearly empty plate of treats, unsurprised, as she asked, “By the way, has the palace master encountered any issues that she hasn’t returned yet?” Three months is a tight window. Most have already started their journey to the central city, yet Fu Yan was still missing, which felt peculiar. Ming Xi paused, trying to recall, then shook her head. “I don’t know either. Senior Lu simply said that once Sister Fu Yan returns, we’ll head to the central city.” It seemed Lu Xiaowen might know something. The thought triggered something in Shui Liuqing’s mind about the entry requirements for the Grand Ceremony. Currently, Frost Flower Palace only has Lu Xiaowen as an immortal. Fu Yan must be working on this matter, which explains her absence. “Perhaps, Sister Fu Yan had previously assured us that the issue would be resolved,” Ming Xi responded to Shui Liuqing’s assumption. Shui Liuqing nodded, holding no doubt in Fu Yan’s word. … Fu Yan had indeed left to resolve the Immortal issue for Frost Flower Palace. However, halfway back, she received a message from Bai Yueli about her second tribulation. Given her special status, Bai Yueli couldn’t undergo her tribulation carelessly. If other immortals discovered it, there could be interference, resulting in a minor failed tribulation, but with significant damage to her foundation. Additionally, the general demon cultivators in the Demon Domain were unaware of the power shift. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Bai Yueli couldn’t work through her tribulation there either. In the end, Bai Yueli turned to Fu Yan for help. After all, Fu Yan possessed the Xuyou Jade Seal, which contained its own realm, free from any concerns. Bai Yueli had successfully completed her first tribulation there before. Upon learning this, Fu Yan was delighted for Bai Yueli. Passing her second tribulation meant a substantial power boost. The time within the Xu You Jade Seal differed from the outside world, so Bai Yueli’s tribulation wouldn't interfere with other matters. With this in mind, Fu Yan immediately made her way to the Demon Domain. Bai Yueli already sensed the chaotic energy within her, heralding the imminent arrival of her tribulation. When Fu Yan arrived, they wasted no time, swiftly entering the realm within the Xu You Jade Seal. After seven or eight days there, the sky finally began to gather dark clouds. "Rumble" In the next moment, a deafening thunder rolled in. Sensing this, Fu Yan quickly stepped aside to give Bai Yueli space to undergo her tribulation, simultaneously advising, “Be careful, sister.” This tribulation was Bai Yueli’s alone. As before, she was to avoid using half of the former Demon Lord’s strength, relying solely on her own power. “Understood,” Bai Yueli nodded at Fu Yan before moving into the skies within the Xu You Jade Seal. With a resounding "crack," a bolt of heavenly lightning suddenly descended. Bai Yueli’s expression sharpened, and without hesitation, she flipped her hand over, confronting the descending bolt head-on. Instantly, the entire sky was abuzz with energy. Having past experience in dealing with heavenly tribulations, Bai Yueli handled the initial stages more smoothly this time. However, the increasing intensity of the lightning later on posed a much greater challenge. "Wooom" Fu Yan watched closely as the demonic aura around the horizon trembled slightly. Her focus remained fixed on Bai Yueli, her brow furrowing instinctively. She didn’t want to miss a single moment. Fortunately, each time the heavenly lightning struck, Bai Yueli managed to avert disaster, only suffering significant energy depletion without any physical harm. As time quietly flowed within the Xu You Jade Seal, Bai Yueli finally encountered the final bolt of her second tribulation. With a booming roar, the thunderclouds rumbled anew, and as the last bolt prepared to strike, Fu Yan felt Bai Yueli’s presence waver slightly. Moreover, this bolt of lightning flashed a frighteningly intense blue-white glow, and even a casual glance could reveal its terrifying power. Enduring this lightning bolt proved no simple task. As the bolt descended, Fu Yan instinctively stepped forward to assist but restrained herself, grounded by rationality. She believed that her sister could overcome this tribulation with her strength! Steeling herself, Fu Yan suppressed her worry and kept her gaze riveted on Bai Yueli’s form. By now, beads of sweat appeared on Bai Yueli’s forehead. Despite depleting much of her energy, she remained undeterred. Her clear eyes were resolute. In the next moment, she moved her hands, gathering all her power before her. An overwhelming demonic aura surged, threatening to engulf half of the Xu You Jade Seal. The powerful lightning still struck directly downward. Bai Yueli’s form darted nimbly amidst her demonic aura, leaving streaking afterimages in her wake. "Boom! Boom!" Soon, the sounds of immense force clashing echoed, and Fu Yan watched as Bai Yueli was pushed back. Blood dripped from her lips, and Fu Yan’s heart tightened in response. Bai Yueli didn't attempt to withstand the lightning in a single go. Instead, she collided with it several times until she finally exhausted its force. The tribulation was at last complete. Without hesitation, Fu Yan appeared mid-air to catch the exhausted and staggering Bai Yueli. “Sister!” Alarmed by Bai Yueli’s bloodless face, Fu Yan was taken aback. Bai Yueli forced a smile, weakly responding, “I’m fine, I’m fine, don’t worry.” Hearing this, Fu Yan quickly acknowledged with a nod. In an instant, she had Bai Yueli settled on the ground, fumbling to get her medicine and elixirs. She supported Bai Yueli as she slowly consumed them. Taking a deep breath, Fu Yan carefully asked, “How do you feel, sister? Can you regulate your breathing?” Bai Yueli gently hummed in response, leaning on Fu Yan’s arm to sit upright, and gradually color returned to her face, “I’m alright, just a bit of internal injury.” Fu Yan nodded, understanding that some internal injuries from a tribulation were common, but seeing Bai Yueli’s weakened state tugged painfully at her heart. The two rested for several hours, and Bai Yueli’s energy slowly restored. She could feel the transformation in the power coursing through her body. “I’m fine now,” Bai Yueli reassured, touching Fu Yan's cheek and smiling. “The Grand Ceremony at the Celestial Sect is about to start. You should return to Frost Flower Palace.” Bai Yueli’s injuries were indeed minor, requiring only a few days of recovery. It wasn’t much of an issue, but Fu Yan knew she should return, though she quietly acknowledged with a hint of reluctance. Seeing this, Bai Yueli couldn’t help but chuckle. Fu Yan grasped the hand on her face, kissed it gently, and fixed her gaze on Bai Yueli. “I’ll leave the Xu You Jade Seal here. You’ve just had a breakthrough, and you need time to stabilize yourself.” Bai Yueli didn’t object to this proposal. As Fu Yan mentioned, having just experienced a breakthrough, her internal power had yet to fully stabilize and indeed required consolidation. She had already planned to secretly attend the Grand Ceremony, so not having the Xu You Jade Seal would cause delays. After ensuring Bai Yueli would rest well, Fu Yan left the Xu You Jade Seal. Without wasting any more time, she hurried back to Frost Flower Palace in the Southern Region, where she immediately headed to Lu Xiaowen’s Wen Zhi Peak. To participate in the Celestial Sect’s Grand Ceremony, Fu Yan had to be at her peak strength. So, she had temporarily withdrawn her mind from her puppet, focussing her power entirely. Hence, after Fu Yan’s departure, neither she nor her puppet was seen in Frost Flower Palace. Atop Wen Zhi Peak, Fu Yan addressed Lu Xiaowen, “We can depart now.” Surprised to see Fu Yan return alone, without other immortals, Lu Xiaowen confirmed, “Everything... is ready?” “Ready,” Fu Yan affirmed with a smile, exuding confidence. “Our Frost Flower Palace’s two other immortals will join us mid-way.” Raising an eyebrow slightly, Lu Xiaowen chose to hold his questions. “Then let’s set off,” he replied nonchalantly. After leaving Wen Zhi Peak, Fu Yan didn't rush to inform everyone to prepare. Instead, she first confirmed the ten disciples and five elders who would participate. The group briefly convened in the main hall for a discussion. Once assured there were no issues, Fu Yan instructed them to spread the word. At dawn tomorrow, they would embark on spirit ships to the central city. The news quickly spread among the disciples. “The palace master is back, and I’ve heard we’re heading to the central city for the Grand Ceremony tomorrow!” “It’s finally happening; I can’t wait to see the legends of the central city and the geniuses it fosters!” “It seems we’re the only ones from the Southern Region participating; other sects are merely watching!” In no time, the disciples were buzzing with anticipation. Fu Yan paid these discussions little heed, returning to her Xing Yue Peak for a good night’s rest. By the early morning, everyone had gathered. Their previous expedition to Yu Xin Lake had yielded numerous resources, including acquiring several large spirit ships—perfect for this journey to the central city. Naturally, not everyone from Frost Flower Palace would attend. Some older elders or deeply dedicated cultivators chose not to witness the event. Except for the participants, it was optional for others. Before long, the two large spirit ships were filled with disciples. Fu Yan glanced at them, signaling the official departure. Meanwhile, Lu Xiaowen stood alone before the grand gates of Frost Flower Palace. He paused briefly, then decisively gestured, unleashing a massive light column. "Wooom" Instantaneously, the entire Frost Flower Palace echoed with a thunderous vibration. Within moments, the shadow over the snowy mountain was sealed away, rendering the palace invisible from afar. With most of the main force gone, they couldn’t afford an attack from the Ghost Sect or others. Thus, Lu Xiaowen sealed it once more. Of course, the disciples inside could leave, but returning to the palace would have to await their return. The Celestial Sect’s Grand Ceremony, lasting at most a few months, wouldn't really affect them. After taking care of everything, Lu Xiaowen swiftly returned to the spirit ship of Frost Flower Palace. He nodded at Fu Yan before retreating to his cabin. The disciples aboard the ship were filled with anticipation for their journey to the central city. Seeing their eagerness reaffirmed to Fu Yan that her plans to rejuvenate Frost Flower Palace were indeed justified. “Fu Yan, sister!” Ming Xi burst into Fu Yan’s cabin from seemingly nowhere. Having known Fu Yan since childhood, Ming Xi still referred to her as ‘sister’ in private, reserving ‘Palace Master’ for formal occasions. Fu Yan, casually seated, glanced up at her. “What is it?” Ming Xi hesitated, her expression conflicted as she appeared to ponder how to start. Fu Yan, sensing this, waited patiently. After a long sigh, Ming Xi finally spoke, “Fu Yan, sister, will the Ming family... also be attending the Celestial Sect’s Grand Ceremony in the central city?” Upon hearing this, Fu Yan paused. She had momentarily forgotten that the Ming family was also in the central city. “Even if they’re not participating, they’ll likely be there to spectate,” Fu Yan truthfully replied. In truth, Ming Xi was reluctant to face the Ming family again. Fu Yan understood, softly adding, “Don't worry. You are your own person and have long severed ties with the Ming family.” Taking a deep breath, Ming Xi's eyes grew firm, “You’re right, Sister Fu Yan. I understand!” As for the Ming family, Fu Yan wasn’t concerned; Frost Flower Palace now rivaled several Ming families in strength. After nearly a month and a half, they finally reached the central city.