"I used to hear tales of those favored by the Heavenly Dao—so-called Children of Heaven. But I'd never seen one with my own eyes. Until today."
In Feng Jiuxiao's understanding, the Heavenly Dao was inscrutable. Though it might show favoritism now and then, it always prioritized balance and rules. Extreme bias like what she had just witnessed simply should not exist.
But remembering how fractured this world was, how the laws of Heaven were no longer complete, she began to understand.
"Hmph. I was hoping to find a worthy heir to help restore this world. Seems like that's unnecessary now."
She was the type to hold grudges. The Heavenly Dao's attempt to strike her down had thoroughly provoked her.
"This legacy, then, can go to that brat."
As she spoke, a beam of light flew straight into Yu Cheng's sea of consciousness, where he was still standing on the seventh level, utterly confused.
He hadn't even had time to help. One moment the tribulation was raging, the next it had vanished.
Now the senior had suddenly passed the legacy to him.
It all felt surreal—like he'd won without even playing. He didn't understand what had happened at all.
Feng Jiuxiao glanced at him with mild distaste. This heir didn't seem all that bright.
Still, she said within his mind, "I originally intended to give the legacy to that girl, but your companion argued so hard on your behalf that I decided to grant her wish. So treasure it. Don't let her down."
He might not be sharp, but he was earnest and dedicated. That was enough for a successor.
Her calm voice hit Yu Cheng like a thunderclap.
He turned to look at Song Wanníng, his heart churning with emotion.
Though they had known each other for decades, their connection was shallow. This time, they'd simply encountered each other by chance and happened to enter the immortal estate together.
But she—who had clearly reached the seventh level before him—had given up the legacy and even risked offending the senior to help him obtain it.
Yu Cheng was deeply moved.
How fortunate he was to have such a companion.
His eyes shimmered with gratitude as he looked at Song Wanníng, silently vowing to repay her kindness no matter what.
Song Wanníng noticed his gaze but offered no explanation. She simply nodded at him.
She could easily guess what Feng Jiuxiao had told him. Otherwise, he wouldn't be looking at her that way. But gaining a reliable ally was never a bad thing.
Besides, without her help, Yu Cheng would never have qualified for the legacy.
She had earned this gratitude.
She turned to Xiao Jiao, picked it up, and quickly returned to the seventh level.
Feng Jiuxiao followed with a faint smile at her lips.
"Xiao Jiao! Are you alright? Xiao Jiao!"
The merfolk rushed to Xiao Jiao's side, tears falling again in worry and fear.
Without hesitation, it began channeling healing energy into the little creature, its eyes filled with sorrow and care.
As the energy flowed, Xiao Jiao's complexion slowly returned to normal. Finally, it blinked open its eyes, dazed.
When it saw the merfolk before it, it let out a loud sob and dove into its arms, weeping uncontrollably.
This was the first time Xiao Jiao had ever trusted a human—and it had learned a painful lesson. The grievance in its heart was overwhelming.
The merfolk held it gently, softly whispering comfort. Only after a while did Xiao Jiao finally begin to calm down.
With everything settled, Feng Jiuxiao looked at Song Wanníng with a complex expression. This woman seemed cold-blooded on the surface, but in truth, she understood people deeply and acted with careful precision.
It was as if everything had been part of her plan—including herself.
But a wager was a wager. Feng Jiuxiao took out a jade hairpin and handed it to Song Wanníng.
"Here. A bet's a bet. This jade hairpin is an immortal artifact. It can break any formation below the eighth grade. It's yours."
With this artifact, no formation in this realm would pose a barrier to Song Wanníng again. May it help her soar to greater heights. Perhaps, someday, they would meet again.
Song Wanníng raised her eyes to meet Feng Jiuxiao's and smiled faintly. "Thank you."
Just as she was about to reach for the hairpin, Feng Jiuxiao beat her to it and tucked it into her hair.
The hairpin was shaped like an orchid, white with a hint of green. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, refined and graceful—perfectly complementing Song Wanníng's peerless beauty.
Feng Jiuxiao looked at her and sighed.
"That man must be blind. Utterly blind. Just like me."
She, too, had once been deceived.
With a self-deprecating smile, she shook her head.
If the Heavenly Dao wanted to toy with her, then it would have to bear the consequences.
Her gaze fell on the still-unconscious Ye Chuxue, a cold glint flickering in her eyes.
"You're a bit smarter than he is. There's still hope for you."
Song Wanníng replied with a small smile, breaking the tense air.
Feng Jiuxiao shot her a glare. "Can't you just go along with my words for once?"
"No."
"..."
Feng Jiuxiao rolled her eyes. Despite herself, she felt a strange sense of kinship.
If only Song Wanníng existed in the Immortal Realm too.
Then maybe her real self wouldn't feel so lonely.
"Alright, enough. You two better get going. If you keep hanging around, I'll end up dissipating."
Her energy had been dwindling already. If she hadn't dealt with those few people, she might have lasted longer.
She waved her hand impatiently. "Go on, get out. Don't waste my time!"
"Senior, I will remember your guidance for the rest of my life. Please accept this bow."
Yu Cheng gave her a deep, respectful bow. Though she was not technically his master, the bond between them was no less than that of master and disciple.
Feng Jiuxiao accepted the gesture without protest. "I expect you to carry my legacy forward. Don't tarnish this Immortal King's name. Understood?"
"Disciple will remember!"
Yu Cheng bowed again, committing her words to memory.
With everything finished, it was time to go.
Song Wanníng turned to leave without hesitation. Just as she stepped forward, Feng Jiuxiao suddenly called out.
"Wait!"
A beam of light shot directly into Song Wanníng's sea of consciousness—it was Feng Jiuxiao's formation legacy.
Song Wanníng turned back and met her gaze.
The two of them smiled at each other.
No more words were needed.
The immortal estate faded into nothingness, and the pearl vanished along with it.
Feng Jiuxiao had chosen not to assign the merfolk as a guardian beast. After all, it was already contracted with Song Wanníng and could not remain at the bottom of the sea.
The pearl turned into a streak of light and flew into the distance, taking Ye Chuxue with it.
Feng Lanxi stumbled out, confused and dazed. She had no idea what had just happened.
Yu Cheng walked over and patted her head with a gentle smile, then turned to give Song Wanníng a deep bow.
"Song Daoyou, I will never forget the favor you've shown me today."