Fifteen minutes earlier.
Qingxiao Main City.
If anyone could fly above the city, they'd notice the eyes of the statue flicker slightly. Through layers of clouds, those eyes seemed to be staring all the way toward Qingxiao Pavilion.
Zi Mo Xiāndì saw the Sacred Artifact Earth Ruler, and she also saw Yun Jin standing before it.
She raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yun Jin… What is she up to?"
Suddenly, Yun Jin lifted her gaze, her eyes piercing straight into the sky, as if locking directly with her sight.
She squinted, but she didn't look away. Instead, she continued observing. She'd struggled for so long to find a promising talent, and Yun Jin's existence was incredibly useful to her.
But if…
Yun Jin discovered something too early, no matter how reluctant Zi Mo might feel, she couldn't let this talent remain.
Under her gaze, Yun Jin quickly withdrew her eyes.
Then she sat cross-legged, seeming to start some kind of exercise.
The statue's head turned slightly, as if trying to see more clearly. Her expression shifted subtly, but she didn't say a word and eventually left the underground chamber.
A faint curve appeared at the corners of the statue's lips.
"Oh? This just got interesting. Did Yun Jin discover something she wasn't supposed to see?
No matter. Soon, she'd find out.
And if Yun Jin really did uncover something… She'd never walk out of Sky City again."
-
Months later.
Disciples from countless sects gathered again in Sky City.
The vast city had come alive once more.
The four main cities, originally scattered across the corners of Sky City, were now slowly moving toward the center.
In at most three days, all four main cities would converge. Then it would be a grand event for cultivators from the four regions.
Originally, after the main cities merged, a key event was planned. The top disciples from each region would compete against each other. But this time, the atmosphere was strange.
Cultivators from the other three regions insisted that the competition was unnecessary.
Wushuang Sect was still a super sect. If its disciples joined, would the so-called competition even have any suspense?
Only when Yun Jin announced that Wushuang Sect would withdraw did the final victor regain any uncertainty. While waiting for the main cities to converge, the high-ranking members of the four Holy Lands held another Primordial Soul meeting.
During the meeting, Ji Wusi took the lead, proposing that Wushuang Sect be exceptionally admitted into the ranks of the Holy Lands. If all four Holy Lands agreed simultaneously, Wushuang Sect's name would officially enter the Holy Lands.
All Yun Jin had to do was nod.
And she'd complete the final task of the sect's main storyline.
But Yun Jin refused.
She smiled and said, "Wushuang Sect's already the uncrowned king. There's no rush for a title. Let's just wait for the next Sky City restart and discuss it then."
Yun Jin's refusal puzzled Ji Wusi and the others.
But she was firm, and they didn't insist.
After all, as she said, it was just a title.
In her heart, she knew Wushuang Sect wasn't ready to become a Holy Land yet. The greatest threat was still right in front of her, and she had to survive this first.
"Since Sect Master Yun says so, today's discussion ends here. See you in Sky City in three days," Ji Wusi said.
"See you in Sky City," everyone responded.
Yun Jin exited the Primordial Soul Space.
She looked up once more at the towering Sky City.
Before, she'd gazed at this massive city without fear. Now, she felt only dread.
For this world,
The threat of these five Immortal Emperors was probably more direct than the Polar Night Demon World.
Yun Jin suppressed all her emotions and headed toward Sky City.
The moment she arrived, Zi Mo Xiāndì's voice echoed in her mind.
"Yun Jin, come to me."
Yun Jin remained calm, smiling lightly. "I'm coming."
She walked to the central square, looked up at the massive statue, and respectfully asked, "What instructions do you have, Immortal Emperor?"
Zi Mo examined Yun Jin carefully and asked, "You went to Qingxiao Pavilion to see the Earth Ruler?"
Yun Jin nodded. "Yes. I promised to bring the Earth Ruler to you. The time was set for five years later, but I thought, if I could subdue it early, wouldn't that save some time?"
Zi Mo Xiāndì was slightly surprised. "Oh? You went to get the Earth Ruler… for me?"
Yun Jin bowed respectfully. "Of course! That day, the Demon secretly made a move to use my people as blood offerings. If you hadn't intervened, who knows how many humans would've ended up as prey for the feral beasts! I'll never forget your kindness, and I want to fulfill your request as soon as possible."
Zi Mo's lips curved into a faint smile as she looked at Yun Jin's respectful demeanor. "I see."
She had worried for nothing. Her voice softened, "It's enough that you remember. So, you couldn't subdue the Earth Ruler this time?"
Yun Jin replied, "Yes. I tried, but I couldn't succeed, so I'm a little frustrated."
Zi Mo nodded. Everything aligned.
After examining the Earth Ruler, Yun Jin had shown a displeased expression. She must have realized she couldn't subdue it yet.
Zi Mo smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry. The four Sacred Artifacts are linked to Sky City. Within the city are rules we've established. Just follow them and lead Wushuang Sect to challenge Qingxiao Pavilion. Once successful, as the new head of this region, you'll easily claim the Earth Ruler. Qingxiao Pavilion is currently weakened, and with your ability, in five years, Wushuang Sect will definitely replace it, and you'll certainly be able to claim the Earth Ruler."
Yun Jin nodded. "That's exactly what I was thinking. That's why when they suggested Wushuang Sect govern the former Demon territory and become the fifth Holy Land, I refused immediately. Once we become the fifth Holy Land, there'd be no way to challenge Qingxiao Pavilion or claim the Earth Ruler."
Zi Mo Xiāndì's smile brightened even more. "Good, good. To refuse such a huge temptation, Yun Jin truly valued what I entrusted her with."
Her gaze softened further. "You've done well. Don't worry, once I escape, I won't treat you unfairly."
Yun Jin's expression turned serious. "Thank you, Immortal Emperor. But I don't seek reward. I only know that a person must honor their word. If I promise a Senior, I'll see it through."
Zi Mo's satisfaction grew.
She'd witnessed Yun Jin risking everything to save trapped sect disciples, even though those disciples hadn't been friendly before.
Clearly,
Yun Jin was a true gentleman.
A gentleman always honors his word. Yun Jin was completely trustworthy.
Zi Mo Xiāndì spoke softly, "Don't worry about the Demon. Once the main cities converge, I'll work with the other three Immortal Emperors to give you the strongest blessing. It'll be enough for you to withstand the Demon's full strike. You will get badly injured, though, and will need a few years to recover."