Beastmaster of the Ages

Although the Outer Yin was calmer than the Inner Yin they had just left, it was still more violent than the Inner Yin during the calm season. It was simply not a place meant for human survival.

”Is she feeling better?” Tianming asked Suishen Jiguang as he looked at the crimson-haired woman beside her. The woman’s eyes were closed, but her face was rosy, and she was full of vitality.

”She should be fine. Once her soul stabilizes, she’ll wake up,” the eminent said, gently stroking her face, her eyes filled with concern.

”Good.” Tianming said no more. He didn’t head toward the Lumistar Formation, but stayed nearby. The Yin-Yang World’s barrier could block others, but it couldn’t block the Blissful Union. The door of the astralship opened directly on the barrier.

The door extended outward, and as Tianming stood at its threshold, he could already see the starlight of the astralscape outside. The storm was behind him. In the distance, the stareye was also clearly visible. The sight of it also made Eminent Jiguang finally realize that, after going through so many twists and turns, she had survived.

Tianming thought for a moment and said, ”By the way, remember that guy who was lurking at the Lumistar Formation waiting for you? Be careful of him when you return to Myriadpath Valley.”

”Do I need you to remind me?” Suishen Jiguang’s eyes coldly flashed. She was a major-zenith cultivator now, and any debts owed would be repaid without missing a single one.

”There’s one more thing,” Tianming said.

”Go ahead,” Jiguang replied.

”When you get back, you’ll find that the valley lord will claim that he obtained all the treasures of the Yin-Yang World, including this astralship and that existence similar to the Source Progenitor,” Tianming said, looking at her.

”That can’t be, right?” Jiguang frowned.

”Last time, something happened on this astralship that I didn’t tell you about,” Tianming said.

”Tell me now,” Jiguang demanded.

”Nine minor zenith and above members of House Yumo, along with Valley Lord Qitian and Qitian Muyu, fought for the control core of this astralship. House Yumo’s senior madame died, and it was the valley lord who first ambushed her. Ten years may have passed, but Myriadpath Valley is likely not peaceful now. Be careful when you go back, and hurry to your house to check things out,” Tianming explained. He told her that to warn her that if the situation in Myriadpath Valley had worsened, there could be trouble when she returned.

”You mean the valley lord won? Then why’s this thing in your hands? And why’s he pretending?” She stared at Tianming, clearly skeptical of what he was saying.

Tianming chuckled, ”Because what they were fighting over wasn’t the real core, but a toxic celestial pattern! The valley lord absorbed poison from my Yin-Yang World and it’ll take decades to purge it. During that time, his strength will be greatly diminished.... But the grudge has already been born, so he has no choice but to swallow it and put on a brave face.”

Suishen Jiguang blankly stared at him. The astralship before her proved everything was true. She never imagined that, for the inheritance of the Yin-Yang World, internal strife had torn apart the Three Exalted Houses.

”The valley lord ambushed and killed the senior madame?” The senior madame held a position similar to Suishen Jiguang’s father; she was a pivotal figure that was more than just a powerful warrior. She was the face and dignity of her clan!

It was indeed a big deal. It was even possible that a life-and-death struggle had already occurred in Myriadpath Valley.

House Qitian’s putting on airs, which might intimidate House Yumo and my father. The situation may have worsened, but there may not have been a full-blown battle yet....

Thinking that, she glanced at Tianming and coldly said, ”Why’re you telling me this? Do you want me to go back and expose the valley lord’s weakness, igniting a civil war in Myriadpath Valley for you to reap the benefits?”

Tianming pursed his lips and said, ”I want you to know the truth so you can avoid danger in advance and ensure your safety.”

Eminent Jiguang listened, her gaze lingering on him for a while. ”Alright, I’ll believe you for now.”

Ten years had passed, and she wasn’t sure how the situation in Myriadpath Valley had progressed. Knowing the truth in advance would allow her to wisely navigate, helping House Suishen avoid danger and being manipulated. She understood that House Suishen might discern the valley lord’s condition, but wouldn’t necessarily announce it. Keeping the knowledge to themselves would be their greatest advantage. Tianming had essentially given her critical intelligence that could determine the life and death of her house, and she couldn’t help but look at him with different eyes.

”You really are something. Your combat power’s no higher than an eminent, yet you’ve managed to manipulate the Three Exalted Houses like puppets in your hands.”

Tianming sheepishly smiled and said, ”It’s embarrassing. I merely took advantage of the fact that this is my Yin-Yang World. Naturally, I had some home-field advantages.”

Eminent Jiguang looked at him for a long time. ”Thank you,” she said.

”No need to thank me.” Tianming nodded.

An awkward silence fell; it was time for farewells. At first, she had been resolute, as if she didn’t want to say goodbye.

They walked a few more steps through the stars.

”Will we ever meet again?” Tianming asked from behind her.

Suishen Jiguang stopped but didn’t turn around, her voice cold and distant as she said, ”No. It’s best to forget.”

”That... might be difficult,” Tianming muttered under his breath. He was speaking the truth; her grace and allure had long taken root in his heart.

Suishen Jiguang turned around, her eyes slightly trembling and a bit red.

Seeing her like that, Tianming felt heartbroken. He quickly said, ”Alright, I can forget it. I won’t mention it again. We won’t meet again. You’re free now.”

She lightly bit her red lips and suddenly asked, ”What’s your name?”

Tianming was taken aback. After a brief pause, he looked down at himself and replied, ”You can call me Little Purple.”

”Little Purple? Fine, then I’ll be Little Pink,” she said, seemingly a bit frustrated as she looked at him.

”Little Pink.... Uh, that does suit you....” Tianming’s eyes began to burn a little.

But before he could say more, she glared at him, her voice filled with exasperation as she grit her teeth and said, ”You... you’re the worst! The worst person in the world!” With that, she turned around, taking the red-haired woman with her and leaving without looking back. In an instant, she disappeared from Tianming’s sight and reappeared at the stareye.

”I’m the worst?” Tianming helplessly chuckled. ”Alright then.” Watching her retreating figure, though he felt reluctant, the thought of soon reuniting with her as Li Tianming filled him with excitement. ”Auntie, from now on, there’ll be no bad guys, only your innocent nephew-in-law, Little Li. Wait for me, I’m on my way!”

***

At the stareye, Suishen Jiguang stood between the shining stars and looked back once more at a shadow beneath the storm of the Yin-Yang World.