Time flies, and another half month has passed.
When the sundial is activated, fifteen years go by.
In a courtyard named Lingxing, located in the northwest of the City Lord’s Mansion in Goddess City, Zhang Ruochen pushed open the door and stepped out. Sunlight fell on his face, warm and comforting, filling him with an indescribable sense of ease.
On this icy, snow-covered planet, sunlight was a luxury, visible only for a few days each year.
After fifteen years in seclusion, Zhang Ruochen had broken ninety-nine of the shackles within his body.
Only the final “Shackle of Desire” remained, and once broken, he would achieve the Great Perfection of the Hundred Shackles Realm. At that point, his demi-god body would be free of all constraints, with divine power surging and vitality soaring, propelling his cultivation and strength to new heights.
The injuries to his Sacred Source had fully healed.
However, his Qi Sea remained unhealed, unable to withstand the impact of the Qiankun Realm’s full power. To harness the world’s energy and deal with the Seven-Handed Elder, he would need to wait a bit longer.
The Shackle of Desire, located within the Sacred Soul and tied to consciousness, often represented a cultivator’s obsessions or desires.
Zhang Ruochen had attempted to break this shackle, but his mind was flooded with distracting thoughts and frequent illusions, with even his inner demons stirring. Images of his father, Emperor Qing, Chi Yao, Chi Kongle, Chi Kunlun, Barbarian Sword Saint, Huang Yanchen, Tianchu Fairy, and others appeared one after another, amplifying his emotions and desires. At times, he laughed uncontrollably; at others, he wept. There were signs of losing control and falling into demonic deviation.
Zhang Ruochen had to retract his thoughts and temporarily abandon his attempt to break the Shackle of Desire.
Though breaking through this final barrier on his own was difficult, he had received a Quasi-Emperor Grade Sacred Pill, the “Desire Pill,” as a reward from the Immortal Temple, which could forcibly aid his breakthrough.
However, the pill’s energy was too potent, and with his injuries not fully healed, he had not yet taken it.
“I’ll wait a bit longer, until my Qi Sea has healed further, then take the Desire Pill,” he decided.
Just one step away from the Great Perfection of the Hundred Shackles Realm, Zhang Ruochen’s heart grew calm, no longer impatient.
Over the twenty years of cultivation with the sundial, his cultivation, sacred techniques, mental strength, and understanding of sacred intent had all made significant progress. He sought not to leap to the heavens in one step, but to advance steadily, step by step, living up to his title as a Yuanhui-level genius.
“Master Xunmu, what’s got you so pleased?” Ji Wenwu asked as he entered the courtyard.
Master Xunmu was not a Great Saint, so he lacked the qualifications to reside in the divine vein cave heavens opened by the Twelve Goddess Pavilions. Instead, he stayed in this courtyard with Ji Wenwu.
Zhang Ruochen looked up at the sky, stroking his beard. “Thanks to a sacred medicine granted by the Twelve Goddess Pavilions, my mental strength has broken through to the fifty-ninth tier. Naturally, I’m delighted. It seems the Great Saint realm is within reach in this lifetime.”
Ji Wenwu was astonished. “You broke through so quickly?”
Zhang Ruochen smiled. “Perhaps the thousand years of arduous cultivation laid a deep foundation. Now, with the aid of sacred medicine, my mental strength has surged forward.”
“This calls for celebration. Shall we head to the Goddess Tower to mark the occasion?” Ji Wenwu suggested.
Zhang Ruochen was about to decline when a thought struck him. It had been half a month, and he was unaware of the current situation in Goddess City. Going out could be a chance to gather information.
Seeing Zhang Ruochen hesitate, Ji Wenwu understood and grinned. “My treat.”
Zhang Ruochen’s aged face broke into a smile as he agreed heartily. “Good! It’s settled then!”
As cultivators under the Twelve Goddess Pavilions and powerful Saint Kings, they enjoyed significant discounts at the Goddess Tower.
That night, Ji Wenwu, familiar with the place, arranged for twelve beautiful young women to accompany them and introduced Zhang Ruochen to several Saint Army powerhouses at the Nine-Step Saint King level.
The dinner was lively, with everyone engaged in cheerful conversation.
After eating and drinking their fill, Ji Wenwu and the Saint Army powerhouses each took two women and retired to private chambers in the rear hall.
Zhang Ruochen, claiming old age and disinterest in women, did not join them.
He left the courtyard, holding a divine envoy staff, and stood by the lake, facing the bright lights on the opposite shore. He listened to the pleasant sounds of singing and dancing, watching people come and go.
How many cultivators knew that behind the laughter and indulgence lay endless dangers?
Zhang Ruochen subtly released his mental strength, cautiously probing and sensing the conversations of passersby.
“There are indeed many Great Saint powerhouses gathered at the Goddess Tower. All the major forces are determined to seize the Source Divine Hall and have come to Ice King Star! Hmm? Why is she here?”
Zhang Ruochen’s eyes snapped open, his gaze fixed on a lotus-shaped palace building. After a moment’s thought, he transformed into a shadow and flashed toward it.
…
Luo Ji wore a scholar’s robe with a green belt, black collar, and cuffs, topped with a silk cap. Her lips were red, her teeth white, and she carried herself with the charm of a refined young gentleman, hands clasped behind her back.
Following her were two towering cultivators, each three meters tall, clad in thick armor that obscured their faces.
As the two armored cultivators passed through the corridor, their aura caused the maids they passed to tremble and kneel.
“Wait outside,” Luo Ji instructed the armored cultivators before pushing open the door and entering the palace building.
The lotus-shaped palace was spacious, capable of holding a thousand people. Eight stunning women of the Saint Realm were dancing gracefully on a circular platform, their movements and figures captivating. They far surpassed the women Ji Wenwu had taken, in both grace and quality.
Another young woman in red, her beauty ten times greater than the dancers, stood alone, holding a pipa. She resembled a red lotus on a lake, her slender fingers plucking a moving melody.
It was an ancient tune, composed by a divine being, capable of stirring the heart and evoking deep emotions, blending the listener into a profound state. Only a master of music could perform it.
As Luo Ji entered, shouts of reprimand echoed through the hall.
But when the Saint Guards saw who had entered, they fell silent, clasped their fists, bowed, and dared not speak further.
Luo Shengtian, seated above, flashed a look of surprise and quickly waved his hand, signaling the dancing women to withdraw.
The pipa music stopped.
The red-clad young woman’s gaze turned toward Luo Ji.
Luo Ji stared at her for a long time before looking at Luo Shengtian, who had regained his composure. “Brother, you seem to be enjoying yourself. Is this how you conduct serious business on Ice King Star?”
Luo Shengtian suppressed his unease and said solemnly, “Ji’er, why are you on Ice King Star? Weren’t you in seclusion?”
Luo Ji’s eyes were cold. “Have them all leave.”
Luo Shengtian waved his hand.
The eight Saint Realm dancers, as if granted amnesty, hurriedly left the palace.
As the red-clad young woman with the pipa prepared to leave, Luo Ji’s gaze fixed on her again. “Lady Shangxia is a top Great Saint of the Twelve Goddess Pavilions and was personally invited by my brother. She’s not an outsider and can stay.”
The young woman smiled gently. “My name is Yipinhong. I don’t know any Shangxia. Your Highness must be mistaken.” She curtsied to Luo Ji.
Luo Shengtian said, “Ji’er, don’t make a scene.”
Luo Ji smiled lightly. “Does Sister Qingli know that my brother has a confidante in the Twelve Goddess Pavilions?”
Luo Shengtian’s expression shifted slightly, and he signaled to the red-clad woman. “You may leave.”
“Farewell,” she said.
The young woman walked gracefully out, closing the palace door behind her.
Her gaze lingered on the two armored cultivators by the door before she disappeared into the night, pipa in hand.
Moments later, the red-clad young woman arrived outside Bai Qing’er’s residence, bowing. “Master, Luo Ji has come to Ice King Star and has seen through my identity.”
Bai Qing’er’s voice came from within the room. “The Tianluo Divine Kingdom is powerful, and the Divine Mother of Tianyin was once the Goddess of Fate. It was only a matter of time before your identity was exposed. But you must ensure that the Divine Prince has truly fallen for you.”
“I understand,” the young woman replied. “Luo Ji was accompanied by two Cold Iron Emperors.”
“Oh?” Bai Qing’er opened the wooden door, dressed in a plain white robe, and stepped into the snowy courtyard. “The Tianluo Divine Kingdom is the foremost divine kingdom of the Raksha Clan, with countless gods. It cannot be underestimated.”
“The Cold Iron Emperors are the personal guards of Emperor Luo Yan, constantly bathed in divine energy and attuned to the mysteries of divine rules. They are among the strongest below the divine realm.”
“As for Luo Ji, it’s said she was exceptionally talented from a young age, brilliant and wise. Even in the Saint Realm, she could lead millions of Saint Army troops to conquer a great world, showing far greater ambition and ability than her brother.”
The red-clad young woman said with concern, “Since the Tianluo Divine Kingdom has sent Princess Luo Ji with two Cold Iron Emperors, other forces will likely send their powerhouses to Ice King Star soon. If these forces unite and exert pressure, Lord Ye may not hold out. Meanwhile, Zhang Ruochen has vanished without a trace, possibly having escaped Goddess City. The situation is growing increasingly unfavorable for us.”
“No. Zhang Ruochen has definitely not escaped Goddess City,” Bai Qing’er said.
After a moment’s thought, she called, “Dang Hu.”
“Present,” an elderly white-haired woman replied, emerging from the shadows. She was thin, with disheveled hair, but her eyes were sharp, with countless rules weaving in her pupils. She was a powerful Great Saint.
Bai Qing’er said, “Your stealth techniques are extraordinary, capable of evading even Supreme Great Saints. Follow Luo Ji discreetly, and you may find the hidden Zhang Ruochen.”
With a rustle, the elderly woman leaped into the air, transforming into a black strange bird and flying toward the lotus-shaped palace.
The red-clad young woman said, “Goddess City has been sealed for twenty days, and the number of cultivators here keeps growing. Conflicts at the Great Saint level are frequent. If this continues, the city’s destruction is not far off.”
Bai Qing’er replied, “No need to worry. Sikong from the Tianyun Division is on his way to Ice King Star with the divine artifact, the Tianzhu Needle. I have an open strategy that will force Zhang Ruochen to reveal himself.”
…
About a quarter of an hour later, Luo Ji emerged from the palace, accompanied by the two Cold Iron Emperors, and left the Goddess Tower in a luxurious sacred carriage.
Zhang Ruochen concealed his aura, hid his form, and quietly followed.
The carriage traveled through three main streets before entering a sacred mansion.
Luo Ji’s tall figure stepped down from the carriage, standing on the pristine snow. Her gaze subtly flicked toward the direction behind her, a slight smile curving her lips, before she entered the room.
The moment she stepped inside, she flicked a spark from her fingertip, lighting the candles hanging on the wall.
In the room sat an aged figure.
It was Zhang Ruochen, disguised as Master Xunmu.
Luo Ji showed no surprise, staring at him for a moment before frowning slightly in disdain. “Change back to your true form already. This look is far too ugly.”
“Everyone grows old, and everyone becomes unattractive. Does Your Highness care so much about appearances?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Luo Ji smiled charmingly, boldly stepping forward and throwing herself into his arms. “Of course I care. To be honest, I was first drawn to your looks. Don’t you prefer women who are beautiful and well-figured? Or do you fancy an old lady?”
Caught off guard by her warmth and softness, Zhang Ruochen’s lips twitched, but he maintained a stern expression. “Where’s Lingxi? Is she on Ice King Star too?”
Luo Ji wrapped her arms around his neck. “Change back to your true form, and I’ll tell you.”
With no other choice, Zhang Ruochen transformed, his appearance and form swiftly reverting to his original, youthful, and handsome self.
Luo Ji studied his features, sniffing lightly. “I smell Jingjing’s unique fragrance on you. Have you been with her?”
Zhang Ruochen’s heart skipped a beat, startled.
His concern wasn’t that Luo Ji misunderstood, but that if she could detect Gushen Jing’s scent, other cultivators likely could too. To have boldly gone to the Goddess Tower and walked out alive was nothing short of miraculous.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Is there still a lingering scent? I made sure to clear any traces before leaving.”
Luo Ji pressed a palm to his chest, her soft form gliding away like a breeze to stand upright in the room again. She huffed. “Men are all the same, running off to flirt the moment they’re let loose. I only tested you, and you exposed yourself.”
Zhang Ruochen let out a slight breath of relief, realizing there was no flaw in his scent. Calmly, he said, “Gushen Jing and I are merely partners in cooperation.”
“Who knows? A Yuanhui-level genius with such a grand reputation must have countless beauties throwing themselves at you. I don’t mind, I’m open about it. A man without the charm to attract admirers wouldn’t catch my eye. But Lingxi might be very disappointed in you,” Luo Ji sighed softly.
Zhang Ruochen stood abruptly. “Where is she?”
“I won’t tell you unless you tell me where Jingjing is,” Luo Ji replied.
Zhang Ruochen answered, “In the City Lord’s Mansion of Goddess City.”
“Not bad, a good hiding spot,” Luo Ji said with a smile of approval.
Zhang Ruochen pressed, “Answer my question.”
“Not unless you answer another one,” Luo Ji said, tilting her head defiantly as if determined to challenge him.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Don’t push your luck.”
“I love pushing my luck, and I love seeing you helpless,” Luo Ji teased. Sensing the room’s temperature drop sharply, she realized she might have angered him and relented. “One last question, truly the last one.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “Ask.”
“Where is the Supreme Source Divine Crystal?” Luo Ji asked, staring into his eyes.
