An entire week passed. With everything finally settled, Xiao Hua prepared to return to the Moonlit Chaos Mansion with Cai Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, and Ya Fei.
During this time, Xiao Hua had already completed the construction of the wormhole linking the Hua Alliance to the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
As for the two puppets forged from Liu Chang and Wu Zhen, their soulless husks now stood silently at the front gate of the Hua Alliance's headquarters—unyielding sentinels, their very presence a warning.
For security, the main wormhole was built deep within the core of the Hua Alliance, guarded by layers of impenetrable defenses.
At the same time, Xiao Hua quietly constructed a secondary wormhole several hundred meters outside the capital city. This was his safeguard—should the capital ever be sealed or the primary connection severed, he would still be able to move between the two places without obstruction, while also preventing any information leaks.
Only a handful were entrusted with this knowledge: the three Xiao brothers, Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao from the clan's side, Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan of the Primer Clan, and the Grand Elders of the Snake-People.
It was not a matter of trust. Betrayal was the least of their concerns. What they feared most was the Hall of Souls capturing a high-ranking member, prying open their memories, and uncovering the existence of the wormhole. Thus, the truth was confined to a select few—and would remain so.
A dark-black wormhole hung suspended in the air within the vast hall, its slow rotation releasing waves of oppressive spatial fluctuations that rippled outward like an unseen tide.
"So this is a wormhole…"
Xiao Yan, Xiao Ding, and Xiao Li stood in awe, curiosity and disbelief flashing across their faces. For them, this was the first time witnessing such a thing. In the remote northwestern region, wormholes were rarities spoken of but seldom seen.
Cai Lin and Ya Fei, however, remained calm. They had already witnessed Xiao Hua tear open space before his journey to the Central Plains. Even the Little Fairy Doctor did not stir—such feats were no longer new in her eyes.
At Xiao Hua's side, Qing Lin mirrored their composure. She, too, had once seen him shatter space as casually as breaking glass. For her, a wormhole was hardly enough to draw surprise.
And yet, a trace of strangeness lingered in their gazes. They remembered how Xiao Hua had once struggled to construct wormholes, requiring preparation and effort. But now, with a mere flick of his wrist, one appeared—complete and stable. They knew well that wormholes required precise coordinates to link distant points across space. How then could he accomplish it so effortlessly?
The truth, however, was hidden from them. Neither Cai Lin nor the others knew of Flame and Thunder—two genuine bodies born from Xiao Hua himself, sharing the same soul. Since they were not mere avatars but true bodies born of his own soul, they could act independently yet remain wholly him.
Cradling Xiao Yuyan in his arms, Xiao Hua only smiled faintly at their confusion, offering no explanation. He preferred to let the truth reveal itself in due time—when they finally laid eyes on Flame and Thunder, their astonishment would be far greater.
"Well then, Brother Xiao Hua, Cousins. I will take my leave with my wives and Qing Lin. If anything happens in the future, you may send word to the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—there will always be someone to receive you."
Xiao Hua turned to Xiao Yan and the others, a faint smile on his lips. A trace of sadness lingered in his heart that Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan had not come to see him off. Yet he knew both were at a crucial juncture in their breakthroughs, and he would not disturb them.
The three Xiao brothers nodded solemnly. "We understand. Be wary of Hun Tiandi's schemes."
Xiao Hua's smile deepened, but he offered no needless words. With a cupped-fist salute to those present, he took the lead and stepped into the wormhole. His figure vanished in an instant, followed by Cai Lin—now carrying Xiao Yuyan in her arms—then Little Fairy Doctor, Ya Fei, and finally Qing Lin.
Watching the wormhole swallow them one by one, Xiao Yan exhaled softly, his heart heavy with both loss and gratitude. He understood that Xiao Hua had chosen to bear the greatest burden, drawing Hun Tiandi's gaze upon himself, while he, Xiao Yan, could train in relative secrecy and search for his father in the shadows.
He lingered for a moment longer before nodding to his elder brothers and leading their people away. Beneath his sleeves, his fists clenched tight.
'Brother Xiao Hua, I will not fail your expectations. I will save Father.'
But to do so, he had to grow stronger. The North-Western Region and the Black-Corner Region could no longer temper him. His path would inevitably lead to the Central Plains—once Yao Lao awakened, he would set out without hesitation.
…
On the other side of the wormhole, Cai Lin, Ya Fei and Qing Lin staggered slightly as they emerged. They took a moment to steady themselves, the force of spatial turbulence fading from their bodies.
When they finally steadied themselves, their eyes swept across their surroundings—and widened.
They stood upon a mountain peak—its summit sliced flat, clearly reshaped to serve as the anchor point for the wormhole's formation.
Several hundred meters away sprawled a vast city. Yet none of them lingered on its scale, for their eyes were drawn upward.
Though it was day, the sky directly overhead shimmered with countless stars, a boundless night dome glittering with astral light. At the far edge of that strange sky, however, stretched a bright blue sky, white clouds drifting lazily as sunlight poured down.
"Where… exactly is this?" Cai Lin murmured, stunned. It was the first time she had ever witnessed such a phenomenon.
Even Ya Fei and Qing Lin were equally dazed.
As for Little Fairy Doctor and the Elders, they were bewildered—for this was their first time laying eyes on such a city.
They knew they were near the Brightmoon Mountain Range; the peculiar sky alone revealed as much. Moreover, the towering peaks of the range stretched clearly behind the city. Yet, before their departure from the Moonlit Chaos Mansion to the northwestern region, there had been no such city here—certainly not one as bustling and vibrant as this.
Could it be that a city had been erected at the foot of the Brightmoon Mountain Range? But how could it already thrive with such life and prosperity, when barely two months had passed since Xiao Hua's departure?
"Come. Let us head toward the Moonlit Chaos Mansion…" Xiao Hua said with a low chuckle, amusement flickering in his eyes at their astonishment. Even so, he could not entirely conceal a trace of his own surprise, despite having already heard of this city's rise from Flame and Thunder.
Cai Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, Ya Fei, and Qing Lin exchanged a glance before smiling helplessly and nodding. They had all noticed the playful glint in Xiao Hua's gaze yet chose not to comment.
For Cai Lin, Ya Fei, and Qing Lin, anticipation stirred in their hearts at the thought of returning to the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, while Little Fairy Doctor and the elders were more curious about what changes awaited within.
With a wave of his sleeve, a flying boat engraved with the crest of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion emerged. Xiao Hua gave a light nod and stepped aboard, followed closely by the group of ladies. In the next moment, the flying boat streaked across the skies like a ray of light, heading deep into the Brightmoon Mountain Range.
…
After Xiao Hua's group entered the Chaos Realm, they made their way directly to the Mansion Palace, stepping into the Inner Hall where the seat of the Mansion Master resided.
Inside, at the far end of the vast hall, five figures were already waiting. Beside the empty main seat—reserved for the Mansion Master—their silhouettes stood tall, as though silently guarding that place of honor.
"Haha! You've finally returned, little brother."
Wei Jie's hearty laughter rang out, echoing through the hall the instant he caught sight of Xiao Hua.
"More than that…" Li Mei's lips curved into a soft chuckle, her gaze brushing over Cai Lin and Ya Fei. A gentle smile played upon her face as she added, "It seems you've also brought along the two remaining sisters-in-law. If I'm not mistaken, aside from the jade communication we exchanged before, this should be our first time meeting face to face, is it not?"
"Greetings, Sister Li Mei, Sister Xin Yu, Sister Mei Ling."
Cai Lin and Ya Fei inclined their heads respectfully as they greeted Xiao Hua's three sworn elder sisters.
For Cai Lin, this was their first true meeting; she had never seen them before, as they departed for the Central Plains only months after arriving in Wu Tan City.
As for Ya Fei, she had only glimpsed them from afar, never close enough for proper introductions.
"I have long heard tales of the Snake-People's ruthless and unyielding queen," Mei Ling said with a playful glint in her eyes. "I never imagined our little brother would actually win over such a fierce empress."
"Sister Mei Ling, please…" Cai Lin's frosty expression warmed with a faint blush at the teasing remark. Of all things, she hadn't expected this to be the first topic upon their meeting.
"Hehe…" Mei Ling chuckled lightly, clearly amused by the sight of the cold and majestic Snake Queen showing such a rare trace of shyness.
"We have also heard of the Primer Clan's talented Matriarch," Xin Yu added with a gentle smile. "Under your guidance, the clan's wealth and influence have grown tremendously. It seems your skills in business are as remarkable as the rumors suggest."
"It is hardly worth boasting of, Sister Xin Yu," Ya Fei replied with a faint, self-deprecating laugh. "In cultivation, my aptitude is mediocre compared to my accomplishments in trade."
"If cultivation is your concern, leave it to Xiao Hua," Xin Yu reassured softly. Her eyes glimmered with warmth as she continued, "I believe he will spare no effort in guiding you, whether in training or on the path ahead."
"Is she…?"
Ming Cheng's stern expression softened as his gaze fell upon the white-clothed little girl peeking out from behind Xiao Hua's thigh. Those large, dark-black eyes stared at the five figures before her, filled with both caution and curiosity. For the first time, a flicker of surprise and anticipation crossed his usually composed face.
"Yuyan, quickly greet Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, Eldest Aunt, Second Aunt, and Third Aunt," Cai Lin said gently, patting her daughter's small head, her tone full of tender encouragement.
The little girl blinked, her clear eyes glancing hesitantly at Xiao Hua. Only when she saw him smile and nod did she finally muster the courage to whisper softly, "Uncles… Aunties…"
"Ah…"
The five exchanged glances, joy spreading across their faces like spring sunlight. Ever since learning that Cai Lin had given birth to Xiao Hua's daughter, they had eagerly awaited this moment. Hearing her timid yet sweet voice now filled their hearts with warmth beyond words.
"So, her name is Xiao Yuyan… what a beautiful name," Li Mei said in a voice brimming with affection.
"Jade-like skin, gentle demeanor, those mesmerizing dark eyes… she will surely grow into a stunning beauty," Xin Yu remarked with approving nods.
"She's already irresistible," Mei Ling added, poking the little girl's cheek with a grin before throwing a mischievous glance at Xiao Hua. "No doubt plenty of suitors will come knocking at her door in the future…"
"Let me see who dares." Xiao Hua's voice cut in like a blade, his eyes narrowing as a sharp killing intent briefly flickered within. "Whoever stretches out their hand will lose it."
His words were delivered with absolute certainty, the kind of protective resolve that allowed no jest.
Li Mei, Xin Yu, and Mei Ling exchanged amused glances at his overprotectiveness, their smiles brimming with warmth. Stepping forward, they gently lifted Xiao Yuyan into their arms, surrounding her with tender affection. Soon, the little girl's timidness melted away, her bright laughter echoing through the hall like silver bells.
Wei Jie, though overjoyed like his three sisters, suddenly froze as he probed Xiao Yuyan's body more carefully. His expression shifted into one of deep shock. "This child… her constitution and soul are astonishing. Her body carries the might of a dragon and the elegance of a phoenix… and her Spiritual Strength has already reached the Soul State."
"It is because of my race," Xiao Hua replied with a helpless smile, though his eyes still carried a trace of the same disbelief he had felt when he first discovered it. He began to explain some of the abilities he had unearthed from his bloodline.
"From what I can discover, anyone who inherits my bloodline will possess all Dou Qi affinities at their peak purity. Their Spiritual Strength will advance with ease, breaking through without obstacles. Even at birth, their foundation are extremely solid and will surpass that of ordinary children by several realms."
His voice paused slightly before he continued, more thoughtful. "Yet… there are still abilities hidden within the bloodline that I have not fully uncovered. Much remains unknown, and I am still in the midst of researching it."
"That is… truly astonishing."
Ming Cheng raised his brows, his normally steady expression touched by rare amazement. Xiao Hua's race had only just been born, with Xiao Hua as the first ancestor. And yet, even at this early stage, the potential revealed was already enviable. More terrifying still—their full strength and mysteries had yet to be unearthed.
"Even so, who built that city? Why is it so lively and bustling?" Xiao Hua gave a dry chuckle, sharing Ming Cheng's helplessness as he shifted the topic toward the city he had noticed after they left the wormhole.
He was not surprised to see a city erected near the Brightmoon Mountain Range. What unsettled him was the timing. Barely two months ago, he had departed for the North-Western Region to rescue Cai Lin, Ya Fei, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Xiao Yuyan.
Now, countless people filled the streets—wearing robes of all colors and styles, clearly unaffiliated with Moonlit Chaos Mansion. The Mansion itself had limited numbers of disciples and elders; they could never populate a city of this scale.
And yet, in less than two months, an enormous city had risen, teeming with vitality, bustling with noise. Though order was maintained by the Mansion's strength—no killings or chaos—the sheer swiftness of its growth was unbelievable.
"That would be the two of us, Chaos."
A calm voice echoed as ripples of spatial fluctuation spread. A heartbeat later, two figures stepped out of the distortion.
Cai Lin, Ya Fei, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Qing Lin all widened their eyes in shock.
For before them stood two men with Xiao Hua's exact appearance—save for their hair, eyes, and attire.
One bore fiery-red hair, clad in a crimson robe embroidered with golden flames, exuding a scorching aura. The other had silver hair and deep eyes, dressed in a black robe lined with indigo light, emanating a mysterious, oppressive presence.
"This… this… what is this?" Ya Fei's voice trembled, shaken by the sight.
"How could there be two Young Master Xiao Hua?" Qing Lin muttered, staring blankly.
"Clones?" Cai Lin murmured, disbelief weighing heavily in her tone.
"It seems so… but something about them is different." The Little Fairy Doctor's voice was soft, but confusion rippled through her words.
"Each of them is me… My soul possesses four pairs of spiritual wings. By splitting them, I can create clones with their own bodies, allowing them to train freely." Xiao Hua explained, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he savored the stunned reactions of Cai Lin and the others.
"The three of us are one, sharing the same soul and thoughts. You could say we are his avatars," the flame-robed figure said with an easy smile.
"Call me Thunder," the silver-haired one added lightly. "And he is Flame."
"This…"
Cai Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, Ya Fei, and Qing Lin exchanged looks, their expressions shifting from disbelief to complication, then to a strange silence.
"Anyway," Xiao Hua chuckled, deliberately cutting off their turmoil before turning to his avatars. "I can tell you built this city. What I want to know is why it has become so lively."
"After the battle, we cleaned up the aftermath and stabilized the situation," Thunder explained calmly. "But we felt the Mansion needed new blood, so we spread word that we were accepting disciples."
"So that's it…" Xiao Hua's eyes flickered in understanding. Indeed, until now, they had neglected recruitment within Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
"Make sure to choose one of them as your disciple," Li Mei spoke softly.
Xiao Hua blinked, confusion surfacing in his eyes.
Flame let out a dry chuckle, his smile tinged with bitterness. "Elder Sister means that, since we've reached this height, we should take in a disciple or two to pass on our teachings."
"You've already stepped into the ranks of the three strongest on the Dou Qi Continent—defeating one of them at that. Whether you accept a disciple or not, it is no longer strange," Xin Yu added with a calm smile, clarifying their intentions.
"…Alright, alright. But I truly don't know what I could teach them."
Xiao Hua's mouth twitched slightly. Never had he thought the day would come so soon that he would have to take a disciple. For the first time in a long while, he felt uncertain.
"We didn't announce it as you taking disciples, but the talents that gathered far exceeded expectations," Ming Cheng interjected. "It might not be as troublesome as you think. We can even set hidden trials—those who can pass will naturally prove themselves worthy."
"Huaa…"
Before further discussion could unfold, a soft yawn broke the air.
Everyone turned to see little Xiao Yuyan, rubbing her eyes, her small frame swaying with drowsiness.
Smiles softened the mood. The meeting was adjourned, each returning to their abodes.
As Xiao Hua departed with Cai Lin, Ya Fei, and Little Fairy Doctor, Ming Cheng leaned close and reminded him, "The event will take place in ten days."
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