Zi Mo Xiāndì had calculated everything perfectly.
Although she'd tentatively trusted Yun Jin, once the Sky City returned to the void, she'd completely lose control over Yun Jin for the next five years.
That wasn't what she wanted.
The best solution…
Was to let Yun Jin get severely injured. She could retreat and recover her own strength, and five years would pass in a blink of an eye. She wasn't worried that Yun Jin would fail the challenge. She'd make sure her injuries would just about recover after five years.
With her around, Yun Jin and Wushuang Sect would definitely succeed in the challenge. Once she took control of the Earth Ruler…
This top human genius would have no choice but to obediently become her stepping stone.
"Yes, thank you, Immortal Emperor," Yun Jin said, seeming completely unaware of the scheme, tears of gratitude welling in her eyes.
Zi Mo Xiāndì spoke softly, "I'll call you once the main cities converge. You go take care of your own matters for now."
Yun Jin responded respectfully and turned to leave the central plaza. Then, she immediately resumed chatting and laughing with the other sects as if nothing had happened.
Zi Mo watched for a while before finally withdrawing her gaze.
Only then did Yun Jin's back slowly relax, sensing the peculiar feeling of being watched disappear. That had been the calculation of an Immortal Emperor!
If she thought she felt no pressure at all, that would be a lie.
But…
Fortune favors the bold.
If she could resolve this crisis, the benefits she'd gain would be beyond imagination.
"Sect Master Yun," Lu Shen, the current head of Qingxiao Pavilion, approached with a complex expression. "I wonder how Master Xuan Kong is doing now…"
Yun Jin smiled, "Xuan Kong has already passed Wushuang Sect's entry test. He's currently training new disciples in their secret realm. You don't need to worry about him."
Lu Shen felt a pang in his chest.
Even though everyone knew Wushuang Sect had surpassed the four great Holy Lands, it was still strange for a Holy Land's leader to willingly become an ordinary disciple at Wushuang Sect, and to do it willingly.
This news would elevate Wushuang Sect's status to an entirely new level.
Still, regarding Yun Jin, they were completely convinced.
Lu Shen soon relaxed and quietly said, "As long as Master Xuan Kong is happy, that's enough."
He and Xuan Kong had been friends for years. He understood his friend's suffering and struggles. Now that Xuan Kong had escaped his cage, he could only silently wish him well.
Yun Jin nodded, "Don't worry."
Lu Shen looked toward the distance.
The four great main cities were closing in faster and faster. The day of convergence was almost here. As the cities drew near, everyone began sensing a subtle, yet oppressive, aura.
Weaker cultivators had to leave Sky City early; they couldn't bear the increasing pressure.
Once the four main cities fully converged, the oppression would vanish, and they could return.
Yun Jin didn't move.
She simply watched the three approaching cities in silence.
Each of these three main cities had a statue.
Three Immortal Emperors.
These would be the enemies she'd face in five years.
During this convergence, she'd get a close look at these future threats.
As the main cities slowly approached, unusual phenomena appeared in the sky.
Above Qingxiao Main City, a streak of purple lightning shot straight into the heavens.
Yun Jin's pupils shrank. Such immense power in the lightning!
Could this be the power of Zi Mo Xiāndì?
The other three cities' Immortal Emperors weren't holding back either.
Kunlun Sword Sect's Main City.
A massive sword appeared, majestic and domineering.
Within it lay a terrifying sword aura compressed to its limit.
Beastmaster Sect's Main City.
A monstrous beast opened its mouth, releasing a deafening roar.
Xuandan Sect's Main City.
A golden alchemy furnace rotated slowly. Its mouth opened, revealing what seemed like an entire hidden world inside.
The four main cities!
Officially converged!
Yun Jin's expression turned serious. The abilities of these four Immortal Emperors seemed deeply tied to the Holy Lands they represented.
Or, to put it another way, the four Holy Lands were completely shaped and controlled by these Immortal Emperors.
They first ensnared the world's Luck through Immortal Artifacts, then secretly passed down cultivation techniques, controlling the Holy Lands' development.
What they wanted…
Was the entire small world!
Did the Heavenly Dao… know about this?
It probably did.
That ultimate secret it mentioned must have something to do with the four Immortal Emperors. Apart from such an ultimate secret, what in a small world could be worth four Immortal Emperors scheming for?
Yun Jin suppressed her shock, letting admiration appear in her eyes. She couldn't reveal anything about the four Immortal Emperors until Sky City returned to the void.
This secret, she'd have to bear alone.
With a tremendous roar,
The four main cities officially merged into an immense city.
The four statues gathered in the central plaza, exuding a terrifying presence!
For a full half hour,
The horrifying phenomena slowly faded, and the statues returned to stillness.
Cultivators from the four main cities gathered together.
Ji Wusi and the others found Yun Jin.
They had no idea about the hidden horrors within Sky City, only laughing and chatting about the upcoming contest.
"Xiao Jin, lucky your Wushuang Sect isn't participating, or there'd be no contest at all," Ji Wusi said with a smile.
Qing Yun shot him a glance, "Wushuang Sect not participating doesn't mean you'll win. Let me tell you, don't underestimate it. Xiao Jin has passed down the Medicine Pill Codex, and many alchemists have already made combat pills. You'll get a surprise, trust me."
Liu Li smiled, "With our ties to the Spirit Beast Forest getting closer, it's easier for Beastmasters in our area to contract spirit beasts. This time, we've gained many powerful spirit beasts, so we're not afraid of you."
"Don't underestimate Qingxiao Zone either," Lu Shen said. "Sect Master Yun helped improve many manuals, so our combat strength has increased a lot too."
Previously, Kunlun Sword Sect had won five consecutive championships.
This time, the other three zones had all grown stronger, ready for a big showdown.
Ji Wusi frowned at Yun Jin.
After all the calculations,
The other three zones had grown stronger thanks to Yun Jin.
Only Sword Sect's area hadn't changed much.
Yun Jin had intentionally made him more opponents.
She lightly cleared her throat, "Just fight among yourselves. Everyone knows who the real strongest is anyway."
Everyone turned to look at Yun Jin.
True to her style, her words cut straight to the heart.
As they chatted,
Zi Mo Xiāndì's voice echoed in Yun Jin's mind again, summoning her to the central plaza.
Yun Jin's eyes flickered, she smiled, bid the others a brief farewell, and headed back to the central plaza.
This time,
She'd face not just Immortal Emperor Zi Mo.
But all four Immortal Emperors.