“Too quiet!”
For several days in a row, no cultivators came to block the path.
The calm was abnormal.
Zhang Ruochen knew that the quieter it was, the more it signified a massive storm brewing behind the scenes. It was highly likely that the Temple of Fate had already set up an inescapable trap in the Oyin Asteroid Belt.
If it were him, he would not continue forward so boldly. He would turn back, return to Ice King Star, and leave from there.
No one knew how terrifying the foundation of the Temple of Fate truly was.
If the Temple of Fate wanted to kill someone, even if that person was truly invincible below the divine realm, it would be hard to escape death.
Despite being injured, Bai Qing’er still pressed forward to the Oyin Asteroid Belt without hesitation, essentially declaring war on the Temple of Fate and the major forces of the Infernal Realm single-handedly.
She wanted to overcome the flaws of the Ten Thousand Deaths and One Life Realm, to reach the heights of Xue Jue and Huang Tian. This was a path she had to take.
She could only advance, never retreat.
Zhang Ruochen stepped into one of the seven palaces, the “Star Art Palace.” He saw that Bai Qing’er was neither cultivating nor healing her injuries. Instead, she was using a bamboo knife to tend the soil of six pots of orchids.
The six orchids were planted in purple sand pots, meticulously cared for, their blooms vibrant and striking.
However, Zhang Ruochen knew that they fed on the sacred souls of Saint Realm cultivators and required the blood of Great Saints and divine beings to thrive. They were six extremely sinister and ferocious plants.
If they launched an attack, they might be even more terrifying than Shang Yue and Shang Xia.
Bai Qing’er said, “I heard you raised a Saint-Eating Flower?”
Zhang Ruochen stopped five steps behind her and said, “My Saint-Eating Flower can’t compare to your six peculiar species that have lived for over a Yuan epoch, but it’s doing quite well.”
“Do you know how to raise flowers?” Bai Qing’er asked.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head with a smile.
Joking aside, he raised the Saint-Eating Flower purely to enhance his combat strength. He had no real leisure or inclination to tend flowers.
The Saint-Eating Flower was also a sinister and ferocious plant, but its ferocity was tightly controlled by Zhang Ruochen, unable to cause harm or wreak havoc on innocent beings.
Bai Qing’er said to herself, “Raising flowers is nice. It’s best not to cultivate a physical body. When they’re still just flowers, they’re at their purest. You can pour out anything to them, and they’ll always listen silently, never asking questions, never mocking you, never arguing back, never betraying you, never abandoning you.”
“How is that any different from talking to yourself?” Zhang Ruochen said.
Bai Qing’er turned around and said, “See, there you go arguing with me!”
“Why can’t you calmly accept someone else’s disagreement? A person who insists on having their way, no matter how powerful, will never be truly happy,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Bai Qing’er asked, “Are you happy?”
Instantly, Zhang Ruochen was left speechless.
“The world is a sea of suffering. No one can be truly happy. The more unwilling someone is to be ordinary, the more pain they endure. Rather than saying cultivation is for immortality, it’s more about crossing the sea of suffering to find a possible paradise on the other shore,” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen noticed that Bai Qing’er was very different today, relaxed and serene, without a trace of hostility, gentle in a way that made one unable to resist feeling admiration.
Like a warm breeze in winter, or a cool shade in summer.
No wonder Gong Nanfeng said that no man in the world could resist Empress Bai.
As Empress Bai’s daughter, Bai Qing’er seemed to have inherited her mother’s unique temperament and charm.
For a woman who killed without mercy and acted with ruthless decisiveness to completely conceal her hostility was an extremely terrifying thing.
Zhang Ruochen said, “I’m not here to debate with you. Where is my teacher? I want to see him.”
“Why should I let you see him?”
Bai Qing’er was cold, continuing to tend to the orchid soil.
“Shang Xia and Shang Yue are in my hands. They’re both Great Saints of the Ten Thousand Deaths and One Life Realm. Exchanging them for a Mental Power Saint King isn’t too much, is it?” Zhang Ruochen said.
Bai Qing’er said, “You’ve miscalculated!”
“Have I?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Bai Qing’er said, “First, Master Shangguan is no longer a Saint King but a Mental Power Great Saint.”
“Second, if I wanted to take Shang Xia and Shang Yue back from you, you wouldn’t have the power to resist. At our current distance, even with the help of the Burial Gold White Tiger, it wouldn’t matter.”
“Third, I haven’t asked you to release Shang Yue and Shang Xia because I was waiting for you to propose an exchange. Since you’ve brought it up, it shows that Master Shangguan is far more important to you than Shang Xia and Shang Yue are to me. So, you need to pay a greater price for me to release him.”
…
“You call him your teacher, so you should respect and honor him.”
Zhang Ruochen had already guessed that Bai Qing’er’s Confucian and Taoist attainments were likely taught by Shangguan Que.
Confucianism teaches, “Education without discrimination.”
A true Confucian scholar would not refuse to teach the principles of Confucianism, whether the student was rich or poor, wise or foolish, good or evil, or even a ghost, beast, or bird.
Nature is similar; habits make us differ.
All beings share a common goodness.
Bai Qing’er said, “Where do you see me not respecting my teacher? Besides, you call me a demoness, so why should I respect my teacher? Can’t I rebel against tradition?”
Zhang Ruochen knew Bai Qing’er’s sharp wit and stopped arguing with her, saying, “What price do you want me to pay?”
“I haven’t decided yet. How about agreeing to do one thing for me?” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen asked, “What thing?”
“I haven’t thought of it yet. When I do, I’ll definitely let you know,” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen firmly refused, “No.”
“Then there’s nothing to discuss! Shang Yue and Shang Xia are both extremely beautiful women. You can do whatever you want with them, just don’t kill them,” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen knew how difficult it was to nurture two Great Saints of the Ten Thousand Deaths and One Life Realm, far beyond the enslaved Great Saints she controlled with her dream techniques.
He never expected Bai Qing’er to discard them so easily.
Or…
Was she pretending?
Bai Qing’er seemed to see through Zhang Ruochen’s thoughts and said, “Girls grow up and their wings harden; they’ll fly away eventually. Shang Xia’s heart is no longer with me; she’s already fallen for a man. As for Shang Yue… her temperament is lacking. Since you captured her, she probably couldn’t outwit you and has likely submitted to you, hasn’t she?”
“Master Shangguan said the hardest thing in the world isn’t fighting others but nurturing them.”
“I agree with that.”
“Even gods can be killed, but shaping a person’s character or influencing the hearts of the world is harder than killing a god. What is good, what is evil, what is right, what is wrong? There are no answers.”
“They’re better off with you! Zhang Ruochen, I’ve come to understand you quite well. Your heart is softer than mine, and you’ll likely treat them kindly.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “You’re talking too much today.”
“Because there are so few people qualified to stand before me and talk with me! I have things in my heart I want to share, but no one is worthy of hearing them. In the end, I can only tell them to my flowers,” Bai Qing’er said, looking at the six pots of orchids.
Clearly, Bai Qing’er had acknowledged Zhang Ruochen’s strength, no longer looking down on him as she once did.
This strength referred not only to his cultivation and talent but also his character, spirit, and wisdom.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Why do I feel like you’re giving a final testament?”
“The path to the Origin Temple is a road to death, yet I must walk it and survive. Who can see the future clearly? What if I don’t make it?”
A trace of melancholy appeared in Bai Qing’er’s breathtakingly beautiful eyes, then quickly vanished.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Aren’t you always so confident?”
“Only the most insecure people show the most confidence. To be honest, I have no certainty at all about reaching the heights of Xue Jue and Huang Tian,” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen’s expression was peculiar. He hadn’t expected Bai Qing’er to say such a thing.
Was this the real her?
Indeed, only through deep interaction could one truly understand a person; otherwise, what one saw was likely just a facade.
“Creating this chaotic situation is like dancing on a knife’s edge; one misstep could lead to utter ruin. But I must be confident and keep telling myself to be confident. Man can conquer fate, can’t he? Compared to death, I refuse to be a timid mediocrity. Compared to being controlled by others, I’d rather control their lives and deaths. Even if a god stands before me, I must move forward, never retreat.”
Gradually, the melancholy and weariness in Bai Qing’er faded, replaced by a rising sharpness, like a rusty sword being honed to pierce the heavens. She said coldly, “Since you’re here, come in!”
Her voice echoed out of the Seven Star Emperor Palace, spreading into the vast universe.
Bai Qing’er walked out of the Star Art Palace and headed to the main hall of the Seven Star Emperor Palace.
Zhang Ruochen’s Heart of Truth sensed something, his gaze complex, and he quickly followed.
“Brother Ruochen, what’s happening? Has the Temple of Fate’s army arrived?” Gong Nanfeng asked excitedly.
Zhang Ruochen initially didn’t want to bother with him but, thinking of something, quickly grabbed him and said with concern, “It’s not the Temple of Fate’s army, but the one coming is no ordinary figure. If a battle breaks out, the shockwaves could kill you without a trace.”
“What do we do?” Gong Nanfeng said in alarm.
“Don’t panic. I’ve got this.”
Zhang Ruochen took out the Purple Gold Gourd and said, “This is a Supreme Saint Artifact. Go inside, and I’ll ensure your safety.”
“Alright! Brother Ruochen, you’re truly a man of great loyalty. I, Gong Nanfeng, will never be able to repay your kindness in this lifetime!” Gong Nanfeng’s eyes reddened, nearly shedding tears of gratitude.
After taking Gong Nanfeng into the Purple Gold Gourd, Zhang Ruochen arrived at the main hall.
There, Fei Zhong held a battle axe, standing to Bai Qing’er’s right, his gaze sharp, staring toward the palace gate.
Outside the gate, it was pitch black, an endless void.
“Clang!”
A resonant sound rang out, and the Seven Star Emperor Palace trembled.
“Clang!”
“Clang!”
…
The palace kept shaking, the sound growing clearer and louder.
Outside the gate, an elderly figure, leaning on a wooden staff, climbed the steps, hobbling toward the main hall. She wore red robes and was hunched over.
Each time her staff struck the ground, ripples of spatial energy spread, causing the hall to quake.
Zhang Ruochen softly called out, “Granny.”
It was Granny Haitang.
She was a Seven-Color Haitang and the guardian of the Sword Pavilion.
Back when Zhang Ruochen entered the Sword Pavilion to study swordsmanship and comprehend the Wordless Sword Manual, Granny Haitang had lectured him for nine days and nights, making her a crucial guide on his cultivation path.
In the hall, the fragrance of flowers wafted, forming petal-like shadows.
Granny Haitang’s wrinkled face beamed with kindness as she smiled at Zhang Ruochen.
Bai Qing’er recognized Granny Haitang’s extraordinary nature and said, “Just a haitang plant, and you dare intrude on the Seven Star Emperor Palace?”
“This Seven Star Emperor Palace belongs to a junior in my family. Why wouldn’t I dare come?” Granny Haitang coughed twice.
Bai Qing’er said, “So, you’re here as a guest?”
“Sort of.”
“If you’re a guest, why bring a helper?”
Bai Qing’er’s gaze turned to the palace gate.
There stood a tall man in white robes, holding a stone sword, his long hair flowing without wind. It was Xue Lingxian in human form, not his snake-headed form.
Just standing there, an ancient, primordial aura emanated from him.
His silver eyes gleamed like two peerless divine swords. Fei Zhong met his gaze for a moment and felt a stinging pain in his eyes, as if his head were being torn apart.
“How are so many terrifying powerhouses suddenly appearing, each one so extraordinary?” Fei Zhong thought helplessly, feeling deeply shaken by this trip to the Infernal Realm.
As a top figure of the dwarf race, he was like a king wherever he went, revered by all, rarely meeting a cultivator who could defeat him.
But these past few days, every cultivator he encountered was beyond his ability to match, and his pride had been utterly crushed.
Xue Lingxian’s gaze fell on Zhang Ruochen and said, “What’s your relationship with her?”
Having met the person he was waiting for, Zhang Ruochen had no interest in continuing to play games and said, “An enemy, I suppose. A powerful one.”
He emphasized “powerful” to remind Xue Lingxian and Granny Haitang not to underestimate Bai Qing’er’s strength.
Fei Zhong’s eyes showed surprise, clearly not expecting Zhang Ruochen, who had always claimed he would “marry Bai Qing’er,” to suddenly reveal his true stance.
Bai Qing’er remained calm and composed, saying, “It’s good that you admit it. I like this honest side of you better. When you’re hypocritical, it’s so obvious, so fake, and quite annoying.”
“Is that so? In the future… if there is a future, I’ll try to be more genuine in front of you, so you don’t look down on me,” Zhang Ruochen said with a chuckle.
Bai Qing’er said, “Since we’re enemies, there’s no need for more talk. Your two elders from the Kunlun Realm are here to back you up. Shall we settle this today?”
Her words carried a hint of mockery and sarcasm, typical of her style.
But Zhang Ruochen seemed oblivious to it and said, “You’ve tried to kill me multiple times, but I was the one who ruined your plans first, so we’re even. I’m still alive and well, so I don’t want to deepen our enmity. If possible, I’d like to turn hostility into friendship.”
No one wants to make an enemy of a Yuan epoch-level genius, especially when the grudge isn’t too deep.
Like those forces with deep blood feuds against Zhang Ruochen, after he integrated his sixth Saint Intent, many began to consider resolving their grudges.
At that time, Zhang Ruochen hadn’t even reached the peak of the Hundred-Shackle Realm and was ranked low on the Divine Candidate List, far from comparable to Bai Qing’er now.
No one wants to be surrounded by enemies.
Bai Qing’er said, “Turning hostility into friendship? I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Don’t you want to take back the Tian Shu Needle and the Supreme Source Divine Crystal?”
“Of course I do, and you need to release my teacher,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Bai Qing’er said, “In the Fate Divine Domain, you caused me to lose hundreds of thousands of divine stones and killed many of my subordinates. How do we settle that? And where is Old Man Seven Hands? Shouldn’t you tell me?”
“Why are you so petty?” Zhang Ruochen said.
Bai Qing’er said, “Hand over the Tian Shu Needle and the Supreme Source Divine Crystal, keep my secrets, and agree to do one thing for me, and I won’t hold a grudge. We can let everything go.”
Upon hearing “Tian Shu Needle,” both Granny Haitang and Xue Lingxian were visibly moved, exchanging a glance.
