296 - Elasia Saga

Title: The Sword-Wielding Senior Sister (Transmigration) - Chapter 296 As the Heavenly Tribulation dispersed, Yunni Terrace returned to its previous state of daylight. When a long-lost warmth descended gently from the sky, the surrounding cultivators finally had the chance to clearly see the scene on the platform. The vast competition stage was already reduced to a shapeless ruin, its surroundings scorched black by lightning strikes. "What’s happening now? Has she… ascended to immortality?" a curious disciple asked aloud in confusion, gazing intently at the mound of charred remains on the stage where they roughly discerned Fu Yan's location. Someone else, equally uncertain, replied, "Seems like it…" Meanwhile, the members of Frost Flower Palace couldn't help but clutch their hearts tightly, their eyes fixed on the burned-out ruins, hoping to uncover something. "Has the Palace Master… successfully ascended?" Yi Tu swallowed hard. Without a definitive answer, he felt a taut string within him, only managing to speak softly after a while, “Why can’t I… feel the Palace Master’s presence anymore?” Indeed, when the last of the nine Heavens’ heavy thunders struck, it seemed as if all life had vanished from the stage, with not a trace left of the figure meant to undergo the tribulation. His voice trembling, Yi Tu's mention of this brought a pallor to the faces of those on the ship. They found it difficult to imagine the scenario if Fu Yan truly perished while ascending. Only Bai Yue Li remained unmoving, quietly sensing the energy on the platform. She did not believe Fu Yan would fail; she was firm in the conviction that this person would not fail. "Crack—" It was then that Bai Yue Li suddenly heard a small piece of charcoal fall. With a slight pause, she looked over quickly, finally sensing a trace of familiar energy seeping through. It was Fu Yan's presence! That was Bai Yue Li's immediate thought, and she swiftly realized that Fu Yan had succeeded. She had truly ascended to immortality! Understanding this, Bai Yue Li's clear eyes welled up, and a pure teardrop slipped down, but a smile also appeared in her gaze. She struggled to move her lips, looking at Fu Yan’s figure on the stage, and couldn't help but smile. “Wait!” Ming Xi, who seemed to have sensed something too, suddenly shouted excitedly, “I’ve felt Sister Fu Yan’s presence, she’s alive! She succeeded, Sister Fu Yan has ascended to immortality!” “What?” Everyone was startled by this, and once they processed the information, they immediately turned their senses towards the stage. In no time, without exception, they all felt Fu Yan’s presence. “She’s still alive!” “It’s wonderful, the Palace Master succeeded in ascending. Our Frost Flower Palace now has another immortal in residence!” For a while, not only were Yi Tu, Ming Xi, and the others on the puppet ship elated, but so were all disciples of Frost Flower Palace upon hearing the news of Fu Yan’s successful ascension. They burst into jubilant cheers, their excited voices echoing throughout Yunni Terrace. This baffled the surrounding cultivators somewhat. Yet soon enough, seeing the enthusiasm of the Frost Flower Palace disciples, even those who were unaware of the situation quickly pieced it together, each displaying looks of surprise. “So, Fu Yan has truly ascended?” “It appears so. Fu Yan survived the Heavenly Tribulation of nine thunders, maintaining even a faint presence. Naturally, she succeeded. This really strengthens Frost Flower Palace’s standing.” “Indeed, Frost Flower Palace now rivals the great sects and noble families in Zhongdu, despite any lacking in the strength of their disciples, it likely won’t remain an issue for long!” The consensus was clear; after this grand occasion, the name Frost Flower Palace would spread across the continent, inevitably attracting many talented disciples to join. The strength of Frost Flower Palace’s disciples could soon rival sects like the Sword King Sect; it would simply be a matter of time. While everyone regained their senses on Yunni Terrace, two figures of immortal elders suddenly appeared on the platform. Though unfamiliar to most, Ming Xi and her companions immediately recognized them. These were the immortals that Fu Yan specifically invited to oversee Frost Flower Palace: Immortal Zi Xi and Immortal Xue Lu from the God’s Shrine Palace. Upon descending, they first glanced at the charred remains where Fu Yan lay, before turning to communicate silently with the nearby immortals. Whatever they said soon ended as quickly as it had begun. Without further delay, with a gentle wave from Zi Xi and Xue Lu, a soothing force enveloped the charcoal heap. Swish! Swish! In the blink of an eye, under everyone’s gaze, they effortlessly took Fu Yan away, disappearing from Yunni Terrace in mere moments. Although Fu Yan had already ascended to immortality, her immortal body was not yet stable, and she needed to recuperate properly. Zi Xi and Xue Lu’s actions, therefore, didn’t invite suspicion. The air was still electric with excitement, a rarity for many cultivators to behold a successful ascension in their lifetime, stirring intense emotions as they watched an immortal manifest before their eyes. Reflecting on Fu Yan's successful ascension led many to ponder the fate of Fang Yu’s failed attempt at the Sword King Sect. Concerning which, someone remarked with regret, “What a pity for Fang Yu of the Sword King Sect to have developed inner demons upon ascent. Otherwise, today could have witnessed a spectacular double ascension.” “Indeed, the former top genius of Zhongdu, now a source of lament. Yet he can’t blame anyone but himself for his lack of stable will, allowing the inner demons to take hold,” someone chimed in. Sword King Sect disciples, hearing these remarks which mingled sympathy with derision, were naturally displeased. Unafraid, they retorted, “Throughout history, few who attempt ascension succeed on their first try. Brother Fang failed once, but once he conquers his demons, he will surely ascend and reach the peak again!” True enough, several immortals on this continent have ascended only after many attempts, suggesting Fang Yu's issue lay not in his power but his inner demons. Inner demons are indeed the most unpredictable and feared aspect by cultivators, and whether Fang Yu can overcome his remains an open question. The tranquility finally restored on Yunni Terrace, some immortals stepped in to clean up the aftermath. The Heavenly Tribulation’s impact had damaged the stage’s enchantments. Setting up new enchantments posed little challenge for immortals; in just a short while, all enchantments on the platform were fortified. As for the platform where Fu Yan and Fang Yu faced off, having collapsed entirely, it was deemed unnecessary to rebuild and was simply leveled. With this task accomplished, people’s thoughts slowly returned to normalcy. Though Fu Yan’s tribulation was past, the Immortal Sect Grand Ceremony was not officially over. Despite the lingering buzz over Fu Yan and Fang Yu’s duel, the competition needed to proceed. Having confirmed Fu Yan’s successful ascension, Bai Yue Li had planned to send Shui Liuqing and Ming Xi to help bring her back. Unexpectedly, the two immortals from God’s Shrine Palace acted first, which was a relief for Bai Yue Li. With them around, she felt assured that Fu Yan, now immortal, would be fine. With this in mind, Bai Yue Li found no reason to linger on Yunni Terrace. Without informing the others, she quietly left the puppet ship and swiftly departed from Yunni Terrace. Without delay, she made her way to the mountain where Frost Flower Palace had previously rested. With most cultivators still on Yunni Terrace, the mountain was particularly serene. Amongst the tranquil forest, Bai Yue Li’s hurried figure stood out. She knew well where Zi Xi and Xue Lu rested, and pressing ahead without concern for her identity being recognized, she reached their location alone. As Bai Yue Li approached the room's door, she happened upon Xue Lu exiting. While Zi Xi’s presence wasn’t detected, Bai Yue Li had no interest in this, for her heart was entirely devoted to Fu Yan. Until she saw Fu Yan safe with her own eyes, she found it difficult to calm down. “Greetings, Immortal Xue Lu,” Bai Yue Li halted and politely addressed Xue Lu as she approached. As Xue Lu turned around, she noticed a figure standing outside her door. Since Fu Yan had always kept the disguised Bai Yue Li by her side, it was no surprise to Xue Lu to see her there. It wasn’t difficult to deduce that the relationship between Fu Yan and this person was unusual. Moreover, as an immortal, Xue Lu could sense a thick disguise on Bai Yue Li, suggesting her identity was anything but ordinary. However, Xue Lu decided not to delve into it, as this was Fu Yan’s affair, and Xue Lu felt no curiosity. “Are you here to see Fu Yan?” Xue Lu paused momentarily, then directly asked Bai Yue Li, breaking the silence. “Yes, I wonder about the Palace Master’s…” Bai Yue Li replied calmly. Upon hearing this, Xue Lu let out a soft laugh before reassuring her, “Fu Yan has successfully ascended without any problems. She’s currently resting in her room.” It turned out they had already sent Fu Yan back to rest. Acknowledging the answer, Bai Yue Li quickly expressed her gratitude to Xue Lu and then hurriedly made her way to Fu Yan’s room. With a soft creak, the door opened. A peaceful room greeted her as a figure quietly entered from outside. Bai Yue Li swiftly bypassed the outer hall and stepped into the inner chamber, where the familiar figure of Fu Yan lay in bed. Pausing momentarily, she then briskly approached. Fu Yan’s aura had stabilized, and Bai Yue Li could sense a powerful force brewing within her—an aura unique to immortals. Fu Yan’s eyes were slightly closed, her usually fair and translucent face now covered with a faint layer of soot, as if someone had deliberately smudged it, presenting a comically amusing sight. Seeing this, Bai Yue Li felt her heart finally settle, as if she had come back to life with a renewed vigor. “Sister,” Fu Yan whispered softly, having already opened her eyes to gaze steadily at Bai Yue Li beside her. The call stirred Bai Yue Li from her thoughts. “Come over,” Fu Yan urged, shifting inward on the bed to make space, inviting Bai Yue Li to join her. Meeting Fu Yan’s gaze, Bai Yue Li hesitated only briefly before stepping forward, settling gently on the edge of the bed’s outer side. When their eyes met again, they were squashed together on the narrow bed, their bodies pressed intimately close, making turning over a challenging feat. Yet neither seemed to mind. Observing Bai Yue Li’s slightly furrowed brow, Fu Yan paused before gently extending her hand to smooth Bai Yue Li’s brow, softly smiling, “I’ve ascended successfully. Isn’t Sister happy? Why are you still frowning?” “Happy,” Bai Yue Li replied, capturing Fu Yan’s hand and rubbing it gently, looking intently at her, “You did very well. I’m very happy.” “Mm,” Fu Yan acknowledged, her eyes gliding softly. Unexpectedly drawn to the contrast in skin tone, she noticed the difference between her charred hand and Bai Yue Li’s fair one for the first time. Surprisingly, the sight left her momentarily stunned. “What’s wrong?” Bai Yue Li asked quickly, sensing Fu Yan’s distraction, and wondering if it was due to physical discomfort. Fu Yan didn’t answer immediately. She released a strand of divine sense, taking a clear look at her own charred face. Fu Yan: “…” The sight was enough to stun her again. She reflexively withdrew her hand from Bai Yue Li’s grasp and touched her face with a look of grievance. “Sister, I got scorched by the nine heavens’ heavy thunder!” Hearing that, Bai Yue Li naturally reacted, looking at Fu Yan’s innocent eyes with an almost uncontainable amusement. Yet she swiftly wiped away any trace of humor, calmly responding, “Once your power fully recovers, it will disappear.” “Sister, you smiled,” Fu Yan noted, catching the hint of Bai Yue Li’s stifled amusement and teasingly poked her, feigning threat, “I don’t care, Sister has to forget how I look now!” With that, Fu Yan poked Bai Yue Li’s arm again. “Alright, I’ve forgotten already.” Bai Yue Li smiled softly, her gaze towards Fu Yan filled with warmth and affection. Despite her words, Fu Yan sensed the teasing tone, clearly not convinced. “Just a little scorched, Sister isn’t allowed to dislike me.” Unable to do anything else, Fu Yan resigned herself to acceptance, fixing a determined gaze on Bai Yue Li, with a mock-seriousness that said any disdain would be intolerable. Finally, Bai Yue Li couldn’t hold back, releasing a gentle laugh. Her previously furrowed brow had long since relaxed, and she instinctively reached out to embrace Fu Yan. Fu Yan, unprepared for the sudden embrace, found her head nestled into a soft warmth, surrounded by Bai Yue Li’s scent, prompting her to relax. “Enough jokes,” Bai Yue Li whispered, lightly patting Fu Yan’s back. As Fu Yan slightly lifted her head, her chin accidentally brushed against the softness in front of her, causing Bai Yue Li to stiffen momentarily, a subtle blush creeping behind her ears unseen. “Don’t move,” Bai Yue Li instructed, trying to maintain her poise despite the flicker in her gaze. Fu Yan replied innocently, “Sister, you’re hugging too tightly.” Bai Yue Li: “…” Her ears began to warm noticeably. It took a while before Bai Yue Li finally composed herself, discreetly pulling back slightly to ease the earlier sensation. This time, it was Fu Yan who appeared amused. Seeking to swiftly change the subject, Bai Yue Li asked, “During your duel with Fang Yu, did you invoke a law power?” Surprised, Fu Yan hadn't expected anyone to notice when she briefly channeled the law power against Fang Yu. Picking up on her thoughts, Bai Yue Li reassured her, “Don’t worry, besides me, no one recognized the law power.” “Good,” Fu Yan nodded sincerely, acknowledging the significant risks involved, “Law power is a serious matter. Being recognized could mean trouble.” Bai Yue Li agreed. During the duel, everyone's focus was on Fu Yan's victory over Fang Yu. No one noticed the law power, as even seasoned immortals wouldn't immediately suspect such an extraordinary phenomenon. Since wielding law power is beyond the typical scope of reality, exposure was unlikely. “However,” Bai Yue Li began, pondering briefly, “After you ascended to immortality, your spot in the Grand Ceremony's competition for those in the Great Perfection stage is likely forfeit.” Indeed, Fu Yan’s new immortal status rendered her ineligible for the competition. Unperturbed, Fu Yan chuckled, showing little concern, “It doesn’t matter; the goal of participating in the Grand Ceremony has already been achieved. Besides, everyone already has a sense of where I stand.” True enough, under Fu Yan's leadership, Frost Flower Palace was close to flourishing prominently. Acknowledging this, Bai Yue Li nodded, without further comment. Suddenly, Fu Yan winced slightly. Bai Yue Li instinctively glanced down just as Fu Yan’s inner energy surged violently, still not fully stable. Without further ado, Fu Yan quickly swallowed a handful of pills, restoring equilibrium after a moment. “No worries,” Fu Yan assured, gazing at Bai Yue Li with a smile, “I'm just not used to my new power as an immortal." Bai Yue Li knew well that having only just ascended, it may take time for Fu Yan's energy to stabilize, though such cleansing isn’t necessarily negative. “Sister, would you give me a kiss?” Fu Yan's sudden request caught Bai Yue Li off guard, prompting her to pause momentarily before meeting Fu Yan’s gleaming eyes. Unable to resist, Bai Yue Li swiftly leaned down. As their lips touched, their breath mingled intimately. This time, Bai Yue Li held nothing back, passionately weaving between Fu Yan's lips, alternating between soft strokes and firm presses, leaving Fu Yan slightly breathless and inadvertently parting her lips. In a haze, Fu Yan gazed at Bai Yue Li, who was so close, feeling as if her heart was being rapidly filled to the brim. The kiss deepened over time, until both were completely immersed in emotion, as if only they existed in the world, letting themselves sink further into the moment. Performing dual cultivation at this time would greatly aid Fu Yan in stabilizing the turbulent energy within her. With this in mind, Bai Yue Li made no attempt to stop them, allowing the reckless momentum to carry them forward. Fortunately, a shred of rationality remained between them. As their lips and teeth met, they remembered to set up a barrier outside the room. After all, Fu Yan had only recently ascended to immortality. If someone became curious and used divine sense to snoop, it would lead to an awkward situation. Previously, during their long dual cultivation retreat in the Void Desolation Jade Seal, it was always Fu Yan’s consciousness entering Bai Yue Li’s spiritual sea, allowing their souls to intertwine. This time, however, Fu Yan fully opened her spiritual sea, letting Bai Yue Li's divine sense gently enter. With Bai Yue Li's arrival, Fu Yan's previously calm spiritual sea began to stir with excitement. Due to Fu Yan’s cultivation focus on spiritual power, her divine sense was immensely strong. Even with Bai Yue Li's current cultivation level, her divine sense power was no match for Fu Yan's. Thus, as soon as Bai Yue Li’s divine sense entered, Fu Yan’s divine sense eagerly approached, seamlessly drawing Bai Yue Li’s presence to the center of her spiritual sea before she could even react. "Buzz—" With a light ripple through the spiritual sea, waves of divine sense began undulating around them, causing the pair to shiver slightly. Soon, Bai Yue Li's divine sense fused completely with Fu Yan's, the latter welcoming her with exhilaration. Instantly, their divine senses intertwined once more.