Myth Beyond Heaven

The swirling vortex of the grand formation deposited Yun Lintian and Lan Hanyu into a world that was a stark contrast to the icy plains of the Ice Phoenix Kingdom. Golden light bathed the landscape, illuminating rolling hills, verdant meadows, and sparkling streams.

This was the Golden Qilin Kingdom of God, a land blessed by the benevolent aura of the Qilin, a sanctuary of peace and harmony in the chaotic expanse of the Realm of Chaos.

As they stepped out of the formation, a group of cultivators clad in golden robes approached, their faces filled with a mix of curiosity and respect. Leading the group was an elderly man with a long, flowing white beard and kind eyes that twinkled with wisdom.

He bowed deeply, his voice resonating with a gentle warmth. “Greetings, esteemed guests. I am Qi Jun, Supreme Elder of the Golden Qilin Kingdom. On behalf of our Emperor, I extend a warm welcome to our humble realm.”

Yun Lintian returned the bow, his expression courteous. “Thank you, Supreme Elder Qi Jun. We are honored to be welcomed into your kingdom.”

Qi Jun smiled, his eyes twinkling with a knowing light. “We have been expecting you,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of intrigue. “The Emperor has been informed of your arrival, and he eagerly awaits your presence in the capital.”

He gestured toward a magnificent golden chariot drawn by four majestic Qilin, their coats shimmering with radiant light. “Please, allow me to escort you to the capital,” he offered, his voice filled with respect.

Yun Lintian exchanged glances with Lan Hanyu. The Golden Qilin Kingdom was entirely different from what they had expected. Although chaotic energy permeated the air, it seemed a much more comfortable place to live.

They boarded the chariot, settling into the plush cushions, their eyes taking in the breathtaking scenery as they journeyed toward the capital.

The Golden Qilin Kingdom was a land of abundance, its fields overflowing with golden crops, its mountains rich with precious ores, its people radiating an aura of contentment and prosperity.

As they neared the capital, the grandeur of the kingdom became even more apparent. The city walls, crafted from gleaming gold, rose high into the sky, their intricate carvings depicting scenes of Qilin dancing amidst clouds and stars. The city gates, adorned with precious gems, stood open, welcoming all who sought refuge within their walls.

The streets were bustling with activity: merchants hawking their wares, children playing with carefree laughter, and cultivators practicing their techniques with focused determination.

The air was filled with a harmonious blend of sounds and scents, a symphony of life that resonated with the benevolent aura of the Qilin.

Yun Lintian noticed the Primordial Decay on everyone’s body. Even though it wasn’t obvious, all of them were indeed infected.

The chariot came to a halt before a magnificent palace, its golden spires reaching toward the heavens, its walls adorned with intricate murals depicting the history and legends of the Golden Qilin Kingdom. This was the Imperial Palace, the seat of power, the heart of the realm. Qi Jun led Yun Lintian and Lan Hanyu through the grand entrance, their footsteps echoing through the vast halls, their eyes taking in the opulent decorations and intricate artwork that adorned every surface.

They were led to a spacious audience chamber, where the Golden Qilin Emperor, Qi Zongwen, awaited them. He sat upon a golden throne, his figure radiating an aura of authority and benevolence, his eyes twinkling with wisdom and compassion.

“Welcome, Yun Lintian, Lord Ice Phoenix,” he greeted them, his voice warm and welcoming. “I have been expecting you.”

Yun Lintian cupped his fists and said, “Greetings, Senior. I hope our arrival hasn’t disturbed you.”

Qi Zongwen chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Not at all, Yun Lintian,” he replied, his voice warm and inviting. “Your arrival is a momentous occasion, one that we have long awaited.”

He gestured towards the seats arranged before his throne. “Please, be seated,” he invited. “Let us discuss the challenges that lie ahead, and together, we shall find a way to overcome them.”

Yun Lintian and Lan Hanyu exchanged glances and took their seats, their hearts filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

Qi Zongwen took a deep breath and his expression turned solemn as he looked at Lan Hanyu. “Lord Ice Phoenix,” he said softly, “I know you seek news of your friend, the Golden Qilin God. I regret to inform you that his fate is… uncertain.”

Lan Hanyu’s heart sank, her eyes filling with a mixture of grief and apprehension. She had hoped for good news, for a reunion with the one she had lost so long ago. But the Emperor’s words dashed her hopes, leaving her with a sense of dread and uncertainty.

“What happened to him?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Qi Zongwen’s expression grew solemn, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. “The Golden Qilin God,” he began, his voice heavy with grief, “was gravely injured in the battle against the creatures of chaos. He arrived in this land, his life force fading, his spirit wounded.”

He paused, his gaze distant, as if reliving the painful memories. “He knew that he would not survive, that his time in this world was coming to an end. So, he used his remaining power to pass on his legacy, his essence, his very being, to a successor.”

Qi Zongwen’s eyes met Lan Hanyu’s, his gaze filled with a profound sadness. “That successor… was me.”

Lan Hanyu closed her eyes with grief upon hearing this. As a divine beast herself, she was fully aware of what happened when the Golden Qilin God decided to pass down his legacy. There

was no return.

Unlike her, the Golden Qilin God didn’t preserve his life and went hibernate. Instead, he spent everything he had and disappeared.

“But something went wrong,” Qi Zongwen continued, his voice heavy with regret. “As the Golden Qilin God was passing on his legacy, a powerful being intervened, a figure shrouded in shadows, his motives unknown. He disrupted the process, corrupting the Golden Qilin’s essence, twisting his noble spirit.”

Qi Zongwen’s voice trembled with emotion. “The Golden Qilin God, consumed by the chaotic energy, transformed into a monstrous beast, a creature of darkness and destruction. He lost his mind, his memories, his very identity. He became… the Abyssal God Beast.”

“What!?” Lan Hanyu exclaimed in shock.