Alright, compared to this matter, if the Ying Province people want to stir up trouble, let them be.

The variables within the Qilin Immortal Palace are far too many.

If luck doesn't favor us, human history might meet its end this year.

"But there's no need to worry excessively. Even if the Qilin Venerable is alive, their condition won't be good. Over the years, the Candle Dragon Venerable also faced problems. With Huai Yin guarding Peak City, they might not descend into reality."

Taihua paused: "However, the You Ying Group lurking outside is still eyeing fiercely—it displeases me greatly."

"Understood, I'll begin preparing to activate the Heavenly Person's Wedge immediately."

Chen Xingli stated solemnly: "When the time comes, teacher, please coordinate with me!"

After speaking, his figure suddenly vanished.

The numerous ministers also bowed deeply and said, "We will prepare immediately."

As figure after figure disappeared, the temple once again sank into absolute silence.

Finally, just as Lu Zijin bowed and prepared to leave.

"Zijin, you stay."

Taihua suddenly spoke.

Amid the disturbance of light and shadow, Lu Zijin froze in place, pointing at herself: "Me?"

She said sweetly, "Teacher, I haven't been misbehaving or causing trouble lately, you can't punish me casually!"

Taihua turned, his dignified and solemn expression devoid of emotion, looking down at her condescendingly with a majestic voice: "You're plenty old enough—why would I punish you?"

Lu Zijin pouted coquettishly: "Then why keep me here?"

Among the thirteen ministers, she was practically just a slacker who rarely managed anything.

"Gu Ci'an's son—isn't he someone you brought up?"

Taihua glanced at her.

Lu Zijin's smile remained on her face, but her heart stiffened.

That damn brat.

The trouble you stirred actually left me to take the blame!

"Well, technically, it was my brother who brought him up."

She replied with a grin: "Nothing to do with me."

Taihua raised an eyebrow: "Is that so? You should know—this is someone Huai Yin values. Though I see no possibility within him, Huai Yin aims for him to become king of this Omega Sequence."

Lu Zijin found it utterly absurd hearing this: "At his age, what king could he become? Chair-Slaying King?"

Indeed, it seemed highly improbable—the timing was far too tight.

The boy's talent was remarkable, yes, but advancing post-Superdimension wasn't something to be trifled with.

Even extraordinary talent must heed certain rules.

Back when Gu Ci'an was alive, he had been such a prodigy—and yet, he never became king either.

Taihua snorted coldly, his gaze filled with contempt: "If you claim he has nothing to do with you, then should he ever be crowned a king, your brother's accomplishments will undoubtedly shine the brightest."

Fine!

Lu Zijin braced herself and admitted: "Alright, it's me. This kid's got this nature—always mocking others on sight. At the time, he didn't even know you were the honorably esteemed master of Qing's King—please don't take it personally!"

Taihua scoffed again: "Sorry to disappoint you—I'm just a barbarian myself."

Lu Zijin suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.

"That little one from my family arrived at Black Cloud City three days ago too."

Taihua said faintly: "The child lacks discipline. As a Vulgar Master, I'm out of solutions—might as well let our Newcomer King guide him for a bit. Perhaps it'd spark some kind of chemistry."

Lu Zijin's beautiful eyes quivered slightly: "You're certain?"

Taihua paused for a moment: "Certain."

·

·

A red sports car sped onto the cross-sea bridge.

Lin Wanqiu was driving, wearing black sunglasses. Her alluring and refined features danced amid strands of hair flowing with the wind.

Gu Jianlin glanced at her, his thoughts clear.

The identities of the five figures were already mostly confirmed.

The Pharmacist and the Scholar weren't worth mentioning—they were already under control, their backgrounds mundane.

While the Butcher was indeed his Tiger General, he was nothing but a wandering outlander.

The most intriguing figures remained—the Moon Princess and the Sea Demon.

The former was now cohabitating with him, though the term sounded ambiguous—it was exactly as it implied.

The latter, the Sea Demon, has had her identity revealed.

However, when Gu Jianlin unleashed his Life Perception, all he heard were enchanting melodies like a spring breeze.

As an Ascender along the Priest pathway, his condition regarding health was virtually impeccable.

No hereditary illnesses, no risk of cancer, no worries about things like high blood pressure, or gout.

Food always tastes delicious.

Choosing the Priest pathway generally ensures lifelong health and happiness.

"Uncle Mu once said, do not overly rely on profile and Life Perception. This is a Transcendent world, full of unknown methods—you can't deduce everything with conventional logic. Not sensing traces of a Fallen on Lin Wanqiu doesn't mean she isn't corrupted. Especially since she's chosen the Priest pathway."

"If Lin Wanqiu turns out to be the Sea Demon, then everything would click. Also, her close ties to the Judgement Court—her current rush to seek a new protector probably stems from fear of exposure."

"If I were to truly utilize her, she might hold value that rivals the Pharmacist's."

Gu Jianlin pondered silently.

Suddenly, the sky dimmed, clouds billowing ominously overhead.

The world's colors shifted—darkened and hollow.

They had entered the Forbidden Zone in Black Cloud City!

"Will you first go check on Mu Feng and his group?"

Lin Wanqiu asked reservedly.

Although her offer to become a Guardian had been rejected, she wasn't giving up.

The driver's role she fought tooth-and-nail with the deputy minister to obtain—she wouldn't let it go to waste.

If need be, she'd simply invest time, treating it like chasing a younger boyfriend; with perseverance, even a needle could wear down into nothing.

"Yes."

Gu Jianlin nodded slightly.

At that moment, the sky trembled violently.

The sky dome seemed to tear, golden light pouring like a waterfall, engulfing the darkened world!

The dazzling Golden Realm descended from above, like Heaven's Gate swinging open—a miracle enveloping the entire city!

Heavenly Person Realm!

Gu Jianlin felt raging fury surging in his mind. The Black Qilin instinctively shrank away, overwhelmed by the discomfort, and retreated into slumber.

At the same time, his breathing became effortless.

Breathing in harmony with heaven and earth.

"Such a wide-scale coverage... Is the association going all out this time?"

Gu Jianlin murmured softly: "Are they targeting the Qilin Venerable—or the Kui Dragon Ancestor?"

In this instant, amidst the brilliance of the realm, there emerged a splendorous, unmatched phantom of majesty.

Her figure adorned with a phoenix crown, a phoenix robe flowing regally.

Cold, impassive eyes akin to smoldering suns surveying the land below.

[ps: This work debuts on Qidian Reading App, next update at 11:30 PM tonight]