312 - Elasia Saga

A month later, in the Southern Domain. At some unknown moment, a spirit ship raced across the snow-filled sky, swiftly making its way from the distant horizon to sweep across the heavens in the blink of an eye. Snow fell heavily as icy winds howled. On the spirit ship, the silhouettes of Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li stood straight at the prow, gazing out over the vast southern landscape below with little visible emotion in their eyes. The two had traveled non-stop for a month, finally reaching the Southern Domain. Despite the swirling snow, the spirit ship showed no trace of moisture. Upon closer inspection, one could see it was enveloped in a thin, warm-colored barrier, perfectly shielding the entire vessel. Pristine snowflakes dropped, only to vanish without a trace. The duo at the ship's bow seemed utterly unaffected, their eyes quietly focused on the pure white below, instilling a sense of inexplicable calm. Calculating the time, it had been over twenty years since the last grand immortals' festival concluded. During that time, the Southern Domain seemed to have remained unchanged, still reminiscent of past memories. Fu Yan's puppet avatar had remained at Frosted Glory Palace, making her feel no unfamiliarity with the place. "We're finally back," Fu Yan remarked calmly, sweeping her gaze over the scene before turning to Bai Yue Li beside her, speaking casually. Bai Yue Li nodded slightly, responding with equal calm, "Indeed, it has been a long time since we last visited Frosted Glory Palace." At this, Fu Yan let out a soft chuckle, then slowly explained, "You might not know, but Frosted Glory Palace has been thriving. It has virtually become a leading sect in the Southern Domain. Ten years ago, Senior Lu and I appointed a vice sect master." Twenty years might not seem long, yet it was neither too short. Since the immortals' festival, Frosted Glory Palace had transformed significantly, with disciples increasing from five or six hundred to nearly three thousand. Only the last three of its twelve peaks remain without a Peak Master. Consequently, for years now, any major or minor gatherings in the Southern Domain are predominantly hosted by Frosted Glory Palace. The children Fu Yan nurtured during the palace's reconstruction had all grown, some showcasing immense potential. Contrasting the bustling heartland, Frosted Glory Palace lacked much fanfare, focusing solely on the interests of its disciples. When Fu Yan learned of the current state of Frosted Glory Palace through her puppet, she was mildly surprised, not having anticipated such a smooth development for the palace. "That's good to hear," Bai Yue Li said with a smile. Bai Yue Li had observed Fu Yan's dedication to Frosted Glory Palace and, upon seeing current results, naturally felt happy for her. As they conversed, a massive snow-capped mountain quickly emerged in the view ahead. With a glance, both recognized the direction of Frosted Glory Palace, bringing faint smiles to their faces. "We're finally here," Fu Yan exhaled softly, turning to Bai Yue Li beside her with a smile, "Shall we disembark, my dear Senior Sister?" Bai Yue Li nodded and, of course, did not refuse. Just as Fu Yan's spirit ship was about to pass through the snow's restriction layer, two figures suddenly appeared in mid-air. Weapon in hand, they stared intently at the unexpected spirit ship. "Who goes there?" A deep voice reached them the next moment. Fu Yan's spirit ship lacked distinct markings, and its sudden intrusion into Frosted Glory Palace's barriers naturally attracted the attention of patrolling disciples. Without hesitation, Fu Yan retracted the spirit ship, landing alongside Bai Yue Li at the palace's entrance. The disciples nearby initially paused upon seeing them, quickly recollecting themselves. They instinctively bowed in unison, greeting, "Greetings, Sect Master!" Fu Yan said little after revealing her identity, swiftly transforming into beams of light with Bai Yue Li, disappearing from sight beyond the entrance. In an instant, tranquility returned to the entryway. The remaining disciples exchanged glances but didn't dwell on it; after all, the sect master had long become an immortal, with comings and goings unbeknownst to them. In mid-air, Fu Yan turned to Bai Yue Li with a smile, offering, "Senior Sister, would you like me to show you around?" "Sure," Bai Yue Li responded. Thus, instead of hastily returning to their own peaks, the two strolled leisurely throughout Frosted Glory Palace, marveling at how it had grown increasingly bustling over the years. Integration-phase disciples could be seen almost everywhere, with grandiose, imposing buildings surrounding them. Fu Yan, far from feeling any unfamiliarity, navigated their walk with ease, sharing in detail the many changes within Frosted Glory Palace. Thanks to secret techniques concealing her identity, no disciples recognized Sect Master Fu Yan. Only in the afternoon did Fu Yan lead Bai Yue Li back to her own Xingyue Peak, now enveloped in immortal mist with vibrant spiritual plants and herbs covering the mountainside. A few celestial cranes rested midway up the mountain. It was a breathtaking scene, akin to a paradise on earth. Xingyue Peak, being the sect master's domain, rarely saw visitors, ensuring a perennial tranquility. "Time flies. Feels like just yesterday I was an outer disciple at Beiyu's Water Plume Sect, and today I've become a sect master," Fu Yan naturally observed upon landing on the peak. She looked around with a hint of nostalgia, smiling as she mused aloud. Hearing this, Bai Yue Li chuckled helplessly beside her, remarking, "No matter what, we will always journey together towards the end." Saying this, she stepped forward to hold Fu Yan by the hand. Fu Yan turned to her, her eyes bright with affection. … Currently, the issue of the continent being bound by the Heavenly Dao remains fairly serious. After spending a night resting on Xingyue Peak with Bai Yue Li, Fu Yan made her way to Wen Zhi Feng. Lu Xiao Wen, scarcely changed over the years, leisurely fed his glistening fish in the courtyard. "Finally decided to come back?" Lu Xiao Wen commented without lifting his head, having sensed Fu Yan's presence. Fu Yan paid no mind to his teasing. She simply sat across from him, glancing at the gleaming fish below. Each one emanated an internal flow of spiritual energy, likely close to developing awareness. Fu Yan was mildly surprised but soon chuckled, teasing, "You've raised these fish well. They're quite the tonic for ordinary disciples." While her jest wasn't entirely unfounded, as these radiant fish had absorbed Lu Xiao Wen's immortal power, turning them akin to spiritual elixirs. Lu Xiao Wen paused his feeding, "..." Apparently worried Fu Yan might target his cherished fish, he hurriedly withdrew his hand. Deprived of food, the fish below dispersed in a sudden rush. "I heard Sword King's Fang Yu has fallen," Lu Xiao Wen continued, sitting up to meet Fu Yan's gaze, asking calmly, "Does this have anything to do with you?" The news of Fang Yu's demise had spread throughout the continent, and Lu Xiao Wen was naturally aware. Reflecting on the dark seed Fu Yan had planted in Fang Yu during the Yunni Platform incident, he sensed this was no simple matter. "Yes and no," Fu Yan replied, also averting her gaze to meet Lu Xiao Wen's with seemingly contradictory words. Truthfully, it wasn't contradictory, considering they had destroyed an incarnation of the Heavenly Dao, not the protagonist Fang Yu. Upon hearing this, Lu Xiao Wen paused but chose not to delve further, and how he interpreted it remained a secret only he knew. As for explaining more about the Heavenly Dao's incarnations, Fu Yan saw no need. Instead, she asked again, "If I recall, Senior Lu ascended nearly a century ago. Are you prepared for your first heavenly tribulation?" Though Lu Xiao Wen ascended before Fu Yan, lacking Xuyou Jade Seal meant his cultivation journey had been fairly conventional. Coupled with wisdom from his past life, he knew formidable tribulations awaited the powerful, so he opted for a leisurely life post-ascension rather than rigorous cultivation. However, as time marched on, it was certain his first heavenly tribulation would occur in the forthcoming twenty years. Reflecting on this, Lu Xiao Wen found Fu Yan's question somewhat puzzling, fixing his gaze on her, "Within the next twenty years, I'll be facing my first tribulation." Tribulation wasn't shrouded in secrecy, and since Fu Yan inquired, Lu Xiao Wen honestly divulged his impending situation. Listening, Fu Yan was unsurprised since it confirmed her assumptions. She sighed softly without replying directly, instead inquiring suddenly, "Two months ago, did you hear about the failed tribulation of a disciple from Zhongdu's Xuan Yuan clan?" Lu Xiao Wen shook his head, having become somewhat of a reclusive immortal. He didn't keep up with news from Zhongdu and indeed hadn't heard of this particular incident. The matter of Fang Yu, however, was so sensational that it had reached his ears. Fu Yan did not hold back and proceeded to explain the situation of the Xuan Yuan disciple's failed tribulation in full detail to Lu Xiao Wen. After hearing it, he fell silent. A single heavenly tribulation, unexpectedly augmented by four additional bolts of Nine Heavens Thunder, was indeed abnormal. "Are you trying to tell me it's best not to rush into my tribulation?" Lu Xiao Wen only pondered for a moment before his brows furrowed, turning to Fu Yan. Fu Yan paused, caught off guard by Lu Xiao Wen's quick realization, but she nodded affirmatively soon after. Seeing this, Lu Xiao Wen sank into deeper silence. "The world has started to go mad; future tribulations won't be so simple," Fu Yan explained after a pause. "Why?" Lu Xiao Wen asked, his brows still furrowed in confusion. From his experiences in his past life, Lu Xiao Wen had sensed something amiss. Why did it become increasingly difficult to ascend the higher one reached, while tribulations grew ever more terrifying? It was as if the path of cultivation had reached an end. Yet nobody could answer why. Long entrusted with his sigh, Fu Yan also spoke with a touch of helplessness, "This is merely the beginning. Soon, all cultivators will notice something's wrong." By then, no one would dare to face tribulation lightly, leaving their cultivation stagnated. Having lived through two lifetimes, Lu Xiao Wen was more at peace with the current state of affairs. After a brief contemplation, he composed himself, gazing quietly at Fu Yan, "I understand." Seeing him recover, Fu Yan steadied herself and then informed Lu Xiao Wen of the promise she had made to Chu Ling Ling. "Since you owe her a debt, then go," Lu Xiao Wen said calmly, showing no hesitation. He did not want Frosted Glory Palace to owe Chu Ling Ling any obligations. With a nod, Fu Yan said no more. After sitting for a while longer, Fu Yan stood and left Wen Zhi Feng. From beneath the pavilion, Lu Xiao Wen watched her retreating silhouette, his clear eyes regaining their usual calmness. Time drifted by, and Lu Xiao Wen suddenly shook his head, chuckling softly as if talking to himself, "This is an unfortunate era, yet perhaps also a fortunate one..." His voice was serene, lingering in the courtyard long after. ... While Fu Yan was set to head to Shen Shu Palace, she didn't rush. Twenty years had already passed, and a few more months wouldn't make much difference. Having just returned with Bai Yue Li, Fu Yan planned to rest for two months at Frosted Glory Palace before seeking out Chu Ling Ling. During those two months, as the sect master, Fu Yan participated in palace events, occasionally offering guidance to promising disciples. Meanwhile, the turbulence in Zhongdu didn't affect the Southern Domain. Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li lived with quiet contentment, akin to a couple enjoying their twilight years in peace. For cultivators, two months passed in the blink of an eye. One day, Fu Yan summoned Chu He Ze to ask, "Would you like to return to Shen Shu Palace?" Chu He Ze, aware of the situation, shook his head and replied, "I went back a few years ago; I'll pass this time. Ling Ling said you may visit Shen Shu Palace whenever you are ready." Hearing this, Fu Yan wasn't surprised, nodding in acknowledgment. Thus, within three days, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li left Frosted Glory Palace again. Fu Yan's puppet remained at Xingyue Peak. Shen Shu Palace was also in the Southern Domain. Familiar with its location from a previous visit, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li forewent the spirit ship, instead streaking across the sky like meteors. Unbothered by the gently falling snow, they journeyed directly to the snowy mountains and precisely located Shen Shu Palace's entrance. Using the secret technique Chu He Ze had given her, Fu Yan swiftly channeled her inner true essence. A soft glow emerged in her hand, and without hesitation, she performed a deft motion with both hands. A buzzing sound filled the space in front of them. In a flash, a bright passage opened before Fu Yan. She paused slightly, then turned to Bai Yue Li and said, "Senior Sister." Bai Yue Li stepped forward in response. In the vast white landscape, Fu Yan took Bai Yue Li's hand and leaped into the glowing portal. In mere moments, their figures vanished from view. As the shimmering subdued, Fu Yan stabilized herself and found they were already within Shen Shu Palace. Surveying the distinct seasonal zones, Fu Yan glanced at Bai Yue Li and said, "Let's go, Senior Sister." Just then, a gentle ripple passed through the air in front of them. Before Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li could react, a familiar figure appeared. It was Zi Xi, the immortal who had assisted them at the immortals' festival. "So it is you two," Zi Xi remarked with a slight smile, as though she had felt their presence a moment before. Fu Yan quickly responded with a friendly nod, "Senior Zi Xi." Beside her, Bai Yue Li politely nodded in greeting. "Is Senior Chu in the palace?" Fu Yan asked Zi Xi directly, disclosing her purpose. "Please inform her that I am ready." "Follow me," Zi Xi replied warmly. Soon, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li followed Zi Xi to an immortal dwelling, where they found Xue Fu was already waiting. After exchanging courtesies, Zi Xi explained to Fu Yan, "You've come at an inopportune time. The Palace Master is in closed-door cultivation and will be unavailable for four or five years." Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li exchanged surprised looks. It was indeed unexpected, but Fu Yan quickly collected herself. Four to five years were no time at all to them, merely a blink. Noticing the surprise, Xue Fu quickly added, "You can return first, and we'll notify you once the Palace Master emerges. Of course, if you wish, you can stay and wait at Shen Shu Palace." "Yes, if you're not in a hurry, you can remain at Shen Shu Palace. There are several cultivation sanctuaries here that might benefit you," Zi Xi added to Xue Fu's suggestion. Turning their gaze to Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li, both women awaited their decision. Pausing briefly, Fu Yan returned to the moment. After pondering, Fu Yan exchanged a glance with Bai Yue Li. With a shared understanding, they made their choice. "Thank you for your generosity; we'll stay," Fu Yan smiled at them. Since they were already there, cultivating at Shen Shu Palace saved them much hassle, so the two decided to remain. Initially thinking Zi Xi's talk of cultivation sanctuaries was just casual, Fu Yan was surprised when these sanctuaries truly opened to them without reservation. Driven by curiosity, Fu Yan readily entered to train. Remarkably, the sanctuaries of Shen Shu Palace were indeed exceptional. Within just half a year, Fu Yan felt she had gained a great deal. While Bai Yue Li cultivated her demonic path, her spirit also grew stronger. Thus, over the next few years, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li dedicated themselves to cultivation. Having roamed for over two decades, they needed this time to process and reflect. Now proved to be an ideal opportunity. Whenever their skills improved, they would mutual train within the Xuyou Jade Seal, progressing significantly in the seven short years that followed. Bai Yue Li, who had previously refined a portion of the Demon Lord's power, already possessed strength beyond ordinary immortals. Through previous trials and current cultivation, she felt she was nearing a breakthrough. Yet, a breakthrough meant facing tribulation. Recently, Bai Yue Li found herself troubled over whether to suppress her breakthrough. Naturally, Fu Yan noticed her unease. "Senior Sister, you don't wish to break through?" Fu Yan suddenly asked. Bai Yue Li paused, then slowly replied, "Choosing to face a tribulation now isn't wise." The last time Fu Yan successfully underwent a tribulation, it was partly because she could harness the power of the laws, and also thanks to the assistance of the Demon Lord and the Sword of Extermination. They both knew how arduous it had been. Momentarily, Fu Yan fell into silence, her brow tightly knitted in uncertainty. Naturally, Fu Yan wanted Bai Yue Li to grow stronger seamlessly, but she couldn't bear the thought of her facing a life-threatening crisis due to a tribulation. Even if there was just a one percent chance of her falling, it made Fu Yan's heart skip a beat. Seeing Fu Yan's troubled expression, Bai Yue Li suddenly laughed. She reached out, cupping Fu Yan's face to meet her gaze, and softly said, "It's alright. Suppressing the breakthrough signs doesn’t harm me. Opportunities will come in time." "Besides, there's nothing wrong with how things are now. With you by my side, no one would dare bully me," Bai Yue Li said, gently caressing Fu Yan’s face, her eyes full of warmth. "Do you think less of me because my strength is lacking?" Upon hearing this, Fu Yan clasped Bai Yue Li’s hands, bringing them to her lips for a gentle nibble—a soft lick more than a bite. "Don’t talk nonsense." "Okay," Bai Yue Li replied, unperturbed, smiling contentedly. Suddenly, Fu Yan embraced her tightly, whispering an apology, voiceless yet clear in its intent. It’s because she felt inadequate. In that moment, Fu Yan had a profound realization: she must shatter the shackles of this world.