Ling Xiao noticed Wu Xiang’s complex expression but didn’t pry. If someone wanted to share their secrets, they would. Forcing it was pointless.
“This jade flying knife was a gift from a friend. I promised to return to Moonflower Sect, report to my master, and meet her on Shenhuang Continent. But as you know, things went wrong after I returned, and I fell into ruin. After all these years, I don’t know if she still remembers me,” Wu Xiang said with a bitter smile, shaking his head. “If you’re ever in a bind, seek her out with the Fire Phoenix Clan. If she still has any feelings for me, she might help. But don’t expect too much.”
“Understood, Senior Brother Wu,” Ling Xiao replied.
Everyone has a past they’d rather not revisit, and Wu Xiang was no exception.
“Also, Shenhuang Continent has two major academies: Shenhuang Academy and Qingxu Academy. They tower above all sects, incredibly powerful. Unlike sects, you can study there even if you’re affiliated with one,” Wu Xiang continued. “Shenhuang Academy is the imperial academy, backed by the Shenhuang Empire, the continent’s strongest power. Qingxu Academy, equally formidable, is independent, unaffiliated with any nation.”
“Are you suggesting I study at one of these academies, Senior Brother?” Ling Xiao asked.
“Exactly. Not just you, but the others too. Your achievements will depend on your talents,” Wu Xiang nodded. “When I studied at Shenhuang Academy, I went from early Heaven Realm to Cave Heaven Realm in just three years, unthinkable on Tianlong Continent.”
Ling Xiao and the others’ faces lit up with excitement. This was worth pursuing.
“I met her at Shenhuang Academy. Her name is Feng Mingxiao. Remember it,” Wu Xiang added.
Still uneasy, he wrote a letter and handed it to Ling Xiao. “Take this for good measure.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Ling Xiao said.
He’d faced many enemies but also gained many friends. Without Yuan Zun, Old Yang, Moon Lady, Wu Xiang, and others, he wouldn’t be where he was. Their kindness was etched in his heart.
“Enough talk. I’m giving you the Moonlight Treasure Ship. It can fly or sail, no problem. I hope you reach Shenhuang Continent safely,” Wu Xiang said, gifting the ship as a final aid.
Shenhuang Continent wasn’t safe.
With heavy blockades, leaving was a challenge.
The Moonlight Treasure Ship would at least offer some security.
“Let’s go!” Ling Xiao stood, addressing his companions. “To avoid leaks, don’t return to your quarters. We leave now. I have everything we need.”
With potential spies in the Chosen Academy, a leak could trap them.
They boarded the Moonlight Treasure Ship and vanished into the sky.
Within two days of leaving North Han, the news leaked.
The True Demon Empire issued a bounty on Ling Xiao, higher than that for Cave Heaven Realm warriors.
After injuring Yin-Yang Demon King and Lightning Demon King using the Nine Cauldrons Illusion, Ling Xiao had become a thorn in their side.
His death was their only peace.
The bounty brought trouble.
But with his Mountain and River Martial Soul, Ling Xiao’s World Eye helped them evade danger. Whenever tracked, they struck first, leaving no chance for reports.
Among these geniuses, Ling Xiao wasn’t the only formidable one. Ji Mingkong, a tough foe as an enemy, was a reliable ally.
After killing trackers, they’d speed away on the Moonlight Treasure Ship, long gone by the time they were discovered.
The ship lacked combat power but was astonishingly fast.
…
Shenhuang Continent.
Shenhuang Empire.
Outside the imperial city, a ragged group looked like beggars.
Yet their faces beamed with excitement.
“We made it! The Shenhuang Empire’s capital—Phoenix City!” one said, wiping a dirty face.
“Never been to Shenhuang Continent. I didn’t know the empire was this vast, on par with Tianlong’s Holy Dynasty,” another remarked.
“Don’t get too excited. Reaching the Shenhuang Empire is just the start. Our goal is to enter Shenhuang or Qingxu Academy to advance our cultivation. Avoid trouble if you can,” said a boy of fifteen or sixteen, mature beyond his years.
Despite tattered clothes, his black hair was strikingly clean.
His eyes seemed to hold the entire world, deep and bright.
“Got it, Senior Brother Ling!” Leng Hao stuck out his tongue.
Yes, this was Ling Xiao and his group.
Their journey was arduous, facing multiple ambushes and pursuits, some nearly fatal.
But they survived, thanks to Ling Xiao’s World Eye and Ji Mingkong’s strength, reaching their destination.
The Shenhuang Empire’s capital resembled the Holy Dynasty’s Holy City in scale and style.
This wasn’t surprising. At its peak, the Holy Dynasty was revered by all clans across the Mysterious Realm, including Shenhuang’s clans.
Back then, it was a time of universal homage.
Now, alas, those days were gone.
The imperial city had four main gates—east, south, west, north—plus eight smaller ones.
The smaller gates were usually closed, opened only for special occasions.
The main gates, made of special metal with divine rune arrays for reinforcement, could withstand even the strongest warriors’ attacks.
Armoured soldiers patrolled the city walls.
The gates were heavily guarded, with suspicious individuals thoroughly questioned.
Outside, the area was far from empty; it bustled with activity.
Vendors and makeshift stalls lined the roads.
