“Commander Ke…” As Liu Li and the handsome man stepped into Jinluo Tower, someone immediately approached with a fawning tone, indicating that the man, Ke Jianping, held significant status.
“Haha, Lord Yuan, this Eternal Life Conference isn’t just about the event itself, it’s a chance for old friends, separated for years, to reunite,” Ke Jianping laughed heartily, clasping his fists in greeting.
During the Eternal Life Conference, Jinluo Tower, a key organiser, was packed. Even the first-floor hall was crowded with people. Ke Jianping’s words drew nods of agreement, and more came forward to greet him. He responded warmly, showing no impatience or favouritism.
After the greetings, Ke Jianping raised his voice, clasping his fists, “Fellow daoists, I must reiterate my view: this Eternal Life Conference isn’t only about comprehending the Great Path or pursuing eternal life. It’s also about fostering warm connections across our great universe. As cultivators, gathering like this is rare. I, Ke Jianping, as the Third Army Commander of Fanhe World, may not speak for the entire universe, but on behalf of Fanhe’s Third Army, I congratulate the successful hosting of this conference.”
Thunderous applause erupted. Inspired by the enthusiasm, Ke Jianping’s voice grew impassioned, “I also take this opportunity to announce that I will wed Fairy Liu Li of the Burial Dao Sect. I warmly invite all friends to join us, so our great universe may forever thrive in harmony.”
Another wave of applause and congratulations followed. Ke Jianping turned to Liu Li, smiling, “Junior Sister Liu, say a few words.”
Liu Li shook her head, remaining silent.
Seeing this, Ke Jianping continued, “Junior Sister Liu hails from the Burial Dao Sect, a top sect in Fanhe World that has greatly contributed to our world. We were invited by Lady Tianhuan to discuss the dao for days, gaining immense insights. We also thank Lady Tianhuan for hosting our wedding. In half a month, our ceremony will be held at Tianhuan Cloud Hall, and we warmly welcome all friends to attend.”
“Brother Lan, are you going to this Ke fellow’s wedding?” a sudden voice asked beside Lan Xiaobu.
“Friend Gu,” Lan Xiaobu greeted Gu Changjian, then said, “No need for me to attend the wedding. I know the woman. I’ll have a quick word with her to clear some things up, then I’m off to the auction…”
Before Lan Xiaobu could approach, Liu Li spotted him. Staring in disbelief, she confirmed it was indeed Lan Xiaobu. But how could he be in the great universe, let alone in Jinluo Tower?
While Ke Jianping continued inviting guests to his wedding, Liu Li walked up to Lan Xiaobu and asked, “Do I know you?”
She wasn’t entirely sure if this was the Lan Xiaobu from her memories.
Hearing her words, Lan Xiaobu felt a pang of guilt. He knew this Liu Li, though still the one he’d known, had undergone reincarnation.
Because of her reincarnation, she asked such a question; otherwise, she’d have been certain of his identity.
“We knew each other long ago. How is Yu Jue doing?” Lan Xiaobu sighed, asking about Yu Jue. Since Liu Li had reincarnated, he didn’t want to probe into her past, which clearly wasn’t pleasant.
Liu Li froze. She hadn’t expected this to truly be the Lan Xiaobu she knew. How could he be in the great universe, in this place?
Her mind buzzed, overwhelmed. She’d thought she’d never see Lan Xiaobu again in this lifetime, yet here he was, standing before her.
“Junior Sister Liu, is this your friend?” Ke Jianping noticed the exchange and approached, sensing something unusual between Liu Li and Lan Xiaobu.
Liu Li, still dazed, her mind blank, barely registered his words. If there was one scenario she dreaded, it was this one. She’d longed to see Lan Xiaobu, but not like this.
“How can you be here? How is this possible…” Liu Li muttered, as if questioning him and herself.
Seeing Liu Li ignore him, Ke Jianping frowned slightly, suspecting a deeper connection between her and Lan Xiaobu. Turning to Gu Changjian, he said, “You’re the genius from Moru World attending the conference?”
Gu Changjian nodded, clasping his fists, “Gu Changjian greets Commander Ke.”
“And you, also a genius from Moru World for the conference?” Ke Jianping shifted his gaze to Lan Xiaobu.
Lan Xiaobu looked at him calmly, “My path differs from your Burial Dao Sect, and we don’t align.”
Gu Changjian, worried Lan Xiaobu might offend Fanhe World—Ke Jianping was no small figure—quickly said, “He came with me. He’s blunt but means no harm.”
“He’s Lan Xiaobu, just a lackey from Qixing Sacred Path’s trading house. How else could he be in Jinluo Tower?” a voice sneered from the crowd.
Lan Xiaobu instantly recognised the speaker—a Sixth Step Great Path cultivator from True Derivation Sacred Path, always at Guan Chong’s side. This man knew exactly who Lan Xiaobu was, knew he’d joined Shi Changxing to shatter Saint Lord Chong Jiu’s cave restrictions, and still called him a lackey?
A ruthless figure like Lan Xiaobu likely held a higher status in Jinluo Tower than Ke Jianping. Many who knew Lan Xiaobu were puzzled, but he quickly understood. This man was goading Ke Jianping to attack him, aiming to spark enmity between Lan Xiaobu, the Burial Dao Sect, and Fanhe World. True Derivation must have realised they couldn’t handle him alone and were now stirring up rivals for him.
If Ke Jianping attacked, even if he later learned it was provocation, the feud would be set.
Lan Xiaobu sneered inwardly. He and the Burial Dao Sect were already at odds; this provocation was redundant.
Ke Jianping, hearing the taunt, understood. A mere servant like Lan Xiaobu wouldn’t dare say their paths didn’t align unless provoked by his connection to Liu Li. Furious at Lan Xiaobu’s outburst, he thought of Qixing Sacred Path’s trading house. Even their master wouldn’t dare disrespect him, yet this lackey did? Killing intent surged as his domain locked onto Lan Xiaobu, and he swung a palm down.
Lan Xiaobu didn’t move, waiting for the strike. He’d kill Ke Jianping the moment it landed.
If Ke Jianping struck first, Lan Xiaobu could kill him—a commander of a Heavenly Court—and no one could touch him.
“Stop…” To Ke Jianping’s fury, it was Liu Li who intervened.
“Junior Sister Liu, what’s this?” Ke Jianping paused, asking gently, though his killing intent deepened.
After thanking him for stopping, Liu Li turned to Lan Xiaobu, “Brother Lan, though I’ve lived another life, those memories will never fade. Can you tell me how you came to the great universe?”
Instead of answering directly, Lan Xiaobu said calmly, “Isn’t the Second Great Path good enough? Why cultivate that rubbish Burial Dao?”
“Watch your mouth, slave, or you’ll find regret is a luxury you can’t afford,” Ke Jianping snapped, restrained only by Liu Li’s intervention but unable to tolerate Lan Xiaobu insulting the Burial Dao Sect.
Ignoring him, Lan Xiaobu turned to Gu Changjian, “Old Gu, is this Ke Jianping a Burial Dao disciple? I called their sect rubbish, and he acts like I dug up his ancestors’ graves.”
Gu Changjian, aware of Lan Xiaobu’s boldness, chuckled, “Commander Ke’s mother is no ordinary figure—she’s Zang Wuhua, the First Supreme of the Burial Dao Sect…”
“Zang Wuhua? Related to Zang Qionghua?” Lan Xiaobu asked casually.
“She’s the sister of the Burial Dao Lord,” Gu Changjian replied, fearless beside Lan Xiaobu. He knew Lan Xiaobu, though similar in cultivation, was a fierce figure who dared confront Heavenly Emperors and had saved Moru Heavenly Court’s Saint Minister Pang Jie.
Ke Jianping’s killing intent nearly overflowed. If not for Gu Changjian’s status as Moru World’s representative, he’d have attacked. Killing Gu Changjian would mean war between the Burial Dao Sect—or even Fanhe Heavenly Court—and Moru Heavenly Court. No matter how bold he was, he couldn’t make that call.
