Myth Beyond Heaven

“We are here to see the Divine Light Empress,” Yun Lintian said, stepping forward, his voice firm and resolute. “We have matters to discuss with her.”

Xi Xurou turned towards Yun Lintian, her expression softening slightly. “Of course,” she said, gesturing towards the inner chambers of the palace. “Please, follow me.”

As they walked through the palace corridors, Yun Lintian couldn’t shake off the feeling that they were being watched. The Chaos Knights, though seemingly respectful, exuded an aura of suppressed hostility, their gazes lingering on Yun Lintian’s group a little too long for comfort.

They finally reached the Divine Light Empress’s private chamber, a place of serene beauty and quiet power. Xi Xurou announced their arrival, and they were granted entry.

The Divine Light Empress, or rather the entity impersonating her, sat on her throne, her form radiating a false aura of serenity and wisdom. Her golden eyes, now devoid of any genuine warmth, fixed upon Yun Lintian’s group as they entered.

“You are here,” she said, her voice smooth as silk, yet lacking any real emotion. “Are you leaving?”

Yun Lintian stepped forward, his expression carefully neutral. “Yes, Senior.” he began, his voice respectful yet firm. “We have come to bid you farewell.”

Xi Baihe’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. “I see,” she said, her voice laced with an undercurrent of something Yun Lintian couldn’s quite decipher.

Xia Nongyue and Cai Xieren, sensing the tension in the room, stepped forward, their expressions filled with gratitude. “Your Majesty, Elder Xi,” Xia Nongyue began, her voice soft yet filled with genuine emotion. “We cannot thank you enough for your hospitality and your guidance during our time here.”

Cai Xieren nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the false Empress and Xu Xirou. “We have learned much under your tutelage,” she added. “And we will forever be grateful for your kindness.”

Xi Baihe inclined her head, acknowledging their gratitude with a regal gesture. “You are most welcome,” she said, her voice devoid of any real warmth.

“You have been a great help to us during our stay here, Senior Xi,” Yun Lintian said, turning to Xi Xurou. “We are grateful for everything.”

Xi Xurou smiled faintly, her gaze softening as she looked at Yun Lintian. “It was my duty,” she replied, her voice gentle. “And my pleasure. I have learned much from you as well.”

A brief, almost awkward silence followed, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Yun Lintian, sensing that it was time to depart, broke the silence.

“We should get going,” he said, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of regret. “We have a long journey ahead of us.” freewebnoveℓ.com

Xi Baihe, her gaze fixed on Yun Lintian, nodded slowly. “Indeed,” she said, turning to her disciple, “Xurou. Prepare the Profound Ark. Our guests will need a swift and safe travel.”

“Understood.” Xi Xurou was surprised slightly.

Yun Lintian cupped his fists. “We appreciate your generosity, Senior,” he said, his voice carefully neutral.

Xi Baihe nodded and turned to the Chaos Knights, who had been standing silently in the background, their faces unreadable, their intentions hidden. “You will accompany Elder Xi,” she commanded, her voice ringing with authority. “Ensure the safety of our guests. Protect them with your lives.”

The Chaos Knights bowed their heads in unison, their movements precise and synchronized. “Yes, Your Majesty,” they replied, their voices devoid of any emotion, their loyalty absolute, their obedience unquestioning.

Yun Lintian raised his brow slightly but said nothing.

And so, Yun Lintian, Xia Nongyue, and Cai Xieren, accompanied by Xi Xurou and the Chaos Knights, left the Divine Light Empress’s chamber and boarded the profound ark.

Soon, the profound ark rose and shot into the sky, leaving the Divine Light Kingdom behind. A month had passed since their departure. The profound ark had carried them swiftly across the vast expanse of the void, traversing star systems and nebulae, steadily approaching their destination-the Golden Qilin Kingdom.

During their journey, the group had maintained cautious vigilance. The Chaos Knights, ever- present and silent, were a constant reminder of the potential danger they were in. Yet, despite the underlying tension, the journey had been relatively uneventful. They had encountered only a few stray creatures of chaos.

Finally, after a month of tense travel, the profound ark approached its destination.

Xi Xurou, standing at the helm, turned to Yun Lintian’s group, her expression carefully neutral. “We have arrived,” she announced, her voice echoing across the deck.

Yun Lintian cupped his fists. “Thank you for sending us here.”

Xi Xurou wanted to say something but chose to swallow it back. She nodded gently. “I hope we meet again.”

“We will,” Yun Lintian said with a faint smile. His gaze swept over the Chaos Knights behind her briefly before disembarking with Xia Nongyue and Cai Xieren.

Soon, the profound ark soared into the sky and vanished from sight.

“They are…” Cai Xieren said doubtfully.

“Yes. They are similar to you back then. But the difference is that they have fully embraced the power. Their souls have perfectly blended with those strange creatures,” Yun Lintian said with a hint of concern.

Xia Nongyue and Cai Xieren didn’t say anything further.

Soon, Lan Hanyu appeared with Qi Gang and Long Bing. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Yun Lintian was safe and sound.

“You are back,” she said softly.

“Yes,” Yun Lintian responded with a smile.

Xia Nongyue and Cai Xieren looked at Lan Hanyu curiously. Without a doubt, this must be the

Ice Phoenix, and the man beside her must be the Golden Qilin.

Qi Gang looked at Yun Lintian. “Have you found anything?”

Yun Lintian didn’t answer right away but asked through a voice transmission, “Senior, can we trust Qi Zongwen?”

Qi Gang’s eyes narrowed slightly. “He shouldn’t have a problem, but I can’t be sure.”

Yun Lintian nodded slowly and quickly told them everything he had experienced in the past few months.

After listening to Yun Lintian’s narration, Lan Hanyu, Qi Gang, and Long Bing exchanged solemn glances. It seemed Qi Zongwen and Lan Bingxue couldn’t be trusted either, along with the other regents.

“Let’s go back first. Three people returned not long ago. They should be the Chaos Knights, as you said,” Qi Gang said.

Yun Lintian didn’t say anything further and followed Qi Gang back to the palace…