The message descended from the Immortal Realm—
Not one decree.
But three.
The First Decree — To All Major Sects
Immortal Realm Edict:All sects within the Three Realms must declare allegiance within ten days.
Return to the Immortal Framework.Neutrality is forbidden.Independent systems are prohibited.
The Second Decree — To Mortal Kingdoms
Immortal Advisory:All mortal rulers are advised to assist in clearing "abnormal cultivation systems"to maintain Three-Realm stability.
The Third — A Private Letter
Delivered directly.
To the Mortal Sect.
Council Hall — Mortal Sect
Shen Yan finished reading.
Silence lingered.
"They've removed the middle option."
Su Wan skimmed the first decree and burst out laughing.
"Look at this."
She tapped the line:
'Neutrality Not Permitted.'
"They pretend to give you a choice…"
"…and then cross it out."
"Fake multiple-choice question."
Xiao Xuanyin placed the three documents neatly on the table.
Aligned.
Orderly.
Unshaken.
"Issue my command."
Shen Yan straightened immediately.
"Within ten days, the Mortal Sect will respond to none of them."
Shen Yan blinked.
"…What?"
Su Wan raised a brow.
"Your Majesty?"
Xiao Xuanyin's tone was calm.
"They offer a choice."
"We decline to answer."
The Shockwave
By nightfall—
The news had spread across the Three Realms.
"The Mortal Sect ignored an Immortal Edict?!"
"Have they lost their minds?!"
Inside the Immortal Realm
For the first time—
Real anger surfaced.
"This is provocation!"
"They must be taught a lesson!"
But another faction hesitated.
"They have committed no violation."
"They have attacked no one."
The debate raged.
And then—
The Mortal Sect moved.
Not War. Not Defense.
But a public release.
"Mortal Sect · Cultivation Self-Regulation Charter"
Three clauses only:
No one shall be forced to cultivate.
Cultivation shall not interfere with mortal choice.
The sect shall provide no military service to any realm.
Su Wan nodded approvingly.
"Clean."
Shen Yan frowned slightly.
"Won't the Immortal Realm interpret this as undermining their authority?"
Xiao Xuanyin answered calmly.
"It is not interpretation."
"It is fact."
Meanwhile — The Inner Palace
The Empress gathered the concubines around a massive spiritual logistics chart.
"Here," she said seriously.
"If the sect requires alchemical reserves, the Inner Palace can supply thirty percent."
A concubine raised her hand timidly.
"…What about food delivery?"
The Empress paused.
"…Delivery?"
She cleared her throat.
"That line remains fully protected."
The concubines sighed in relief.
They nodded solemnly.
"We can endure cultivation hardship."
"But we cannot endure no midnight snacks."
The entire scene was recorded by a passing eunuch.
The next day, a new title circulated:
'Inner Palace Cultivation Logistics Division — Officially Established.'
When the Immortal Realm received that report—
They fell silent.
"…They've optimized even their logistics through cultivation?"
Higher Above
A presence that had yet to reveal itself finally spoke.
"If they refuse to choose…"
"Then force them into the light."
"Make neutrality impossible."
Back in the Mortal Realm — Night
Su Wan's phone flickered.
She suddenly looked up.
"Your Majesty."
"They're shifting tactics."
Xiao Xuanyin's gaze sharpened.
"How?"
Su Wan's tone was calm.
But edged like steel.
"They'll target the civilians."
"Spread rumors that cultivation is a crime."
"Convince people that following us means eventual Immortal punishment."
The temperature in the hall dropped.
Xiao Xuanyin stood.
His voice was low.
Steady.
Unyielding.
"Then let them see."
"Whether my people…"
"…were raised to be frightened."