Chapter 118: If Only You Had Never Appeared from the Start (Please Subscribe)

As the hundred generals of Da Chu charged forth, the thunderous beating of drums filled the air. Beside him, Wu Qiche suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; the overwhelming might and bone-piercing killing intent of the Da Chu generals made his scalp tingle and cold sweat break out on his back.

“Protect His Highness!” The Da Yuan strongmen beside Wu Qiche swiftly surged forward, positioning themselves before him as they charged at the Da Chu generals.

Boom!

The moment they clashed, a burst of vital energy exploded, shaking the air violently. It was as if the heavens and earth had gone deaf, drowning out all other sound. Only the clashing of blades and the struggle of flesh and blood could be seen.

Cheng Guang’s hair fluttered gently in the breeze, his exquisitely handsome face calm and unshaken. The strength of the Da Chu hundred generals was formidable, and with the morale boost from the General’s Talisman, even if they had suffered losses from their summoning from the land of the dead, they posed little difficulty to Wu Qiche and his group.

Cheng Guang merely glanced at Wu Qiche, who was protected by the Da Yuan strongmen, then lifted his gaze to the sky above.

High in the heavens, the figure who had long hidden behind the scenes—the one who had expended so much effort and scheming—what was their true purpose? To drive Princess Ning into a desperate corner?

Thoughts surged in Cheng Guang’s mind. No matter what, as long as he could thwart the plans of the one behind the curtain, he would not remain idle. Sooner or later, he would reveal himself.

While Cheng Guang pondered, the Da Chu hundred generals charged forward on horseback, blades drawn, engaging fiercely with many of the Da Yuan strongmen. Their powers were evenly matched, and the intensity of their battle surpassed even the recent tumult caused by the Lantern Division.

Wu Qiche faced this eerie force of the Da Chu generals with eyes wide in shock, utterly unable to comprehend how Cheng Guang, the heir to the title of Duke of the Nation, had summoned the Da Chu hundred generals—who had perished many years ago—from the realm of death.

He mused in his heart, a vague sense of helplessness washing over him. Without intervention from the Celestials, it seemed likely that Cheng Guang and Princess Ning could escape, relying on the Da Chu generals.

Wu Qiche felt utterly powerless. He had no solution against the strange Da Chu generals. Moreover, if he continued to send his subordinates to clash with them, he would likely gain nothing and suffer heavy losses.

Such an outcome was unacceptable to him. He began to consider whether withdrawal was the best option, to regroup and devise a new plan against Cheng Guang and Princess Ning.

Just as Wu Qiche was caught in this turmoil, high above in the clouds, a figure dressed in white robes, seated amid mist, lowered his gaze toward Cheng Guang with mild surprise. Stroking his beard thoughtfully, he then fixed his eyes on the Da Chu hundred generals surrounding Cheng Guang.

“Why does this Prince of Da Chu possess so many strange treasures?” he mused. “He even wields the General’s Talisman… not by conjuring soldiers from the earth, but summoning them from the land of the dead…”

The white-robed figure furrowed his brows slightly, sensing the complexity of the situation. Everything had been progressing smoothly until the appearance of this Duke’s heir; now, one complication followed another.

Hesitating briefly, he raised his hand, ready to personally intervene and slay all the resurrected Da Chu generals below—even if it risked revealing his presence. But if the Da Chu prince escaped with Princess Ning thanks to these generals, all his previous plans would be in vain.

Just as his hand was about to fall, he suddenly paused, looking toward the distant sky. He seemed to have seen something intriguing and slowly withdrew his hand, stroking his beard with a smile.

“Seems I need not step in after all.”

In the distant sky, sudden streaks of light appeared. Powerful auras rapidly approached—those unmistakably belonging to the Celestials. Eyes followed the movement.

Wu Qiche, preparing to retreat, abruptly lifted his head toward the heavens. There, standing out of thin air, was an elderly figure clad in armor, wielding a bloodstained long blade, as if just returned from the battlefield without time to change.

The old man’s gaunt face radiated an icy, commanding presence, and the aura of a powerful Celestial emanated from him. Even without approaching, Wu Qiche could feel the old man’s immense strength.

Though strong, the elder seemed exhausted in both body and spirit, his weariness spreading like tangible mist around him.

Wu Qiche studied the old man’s face, and a name surfaced in his mind:

“Duke of the Nation of the Great Zhou Dynasty—Cheng Shiyuan!”

The name made him freeze slightly. This Celestial, who commanded the iron-blood Northern Expeditionary Army of Great Zhou, instinctively filled Wu Qiche with dread.

He had not expected the Duke of the Nation to come personally to Great Yan. The distance between Great Zhou and Great Yan was vast—thousands of miles—and even for a Celestial, traversing so far was no small feat. No wonder the Duke looked so exhausted.

Upon seeing Cheng Shiyuan’s arrival, Wu Qiche suddenly realized something and quickly turned to look at Cheng Guang.

He knew that once the Duke of the Nation arrived, the chance of killing Cheng Guang—the apparent Duke’s heir but in truth the Da Chu prince—was slim.

Furthermore, besides Duke Cheng Shiyuan, several other Celestials had also appeared. He wondered if his own father had come.

Regardless, only the Celestials had the authority to intervene now; others could only watch. This might be a good opportunity to observe the unfolding drama.

Wu Qiche shifted his gaze from Cheng Guang and ordered his subordinates, “Fall back, all of you!”

At his command, the Da Yuan strongmen retreated one after another, withdrawing from the assault of the Da Chu hundred generals, faces pale with fear.

Clearly, the pressure from the Da Chu generals was immense.

Cheng Guang was not surprised by Wu Qiche’s order to withdraw, knowing that even if they did not retreat, it would make little difference.

At the same time, Cheng Guang noticed Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s arrival the moment he appeared. He shifted his gaze from Wu Qiche to the Duke, feeling a complex mixture of emotions.

He had often wondered how he would face them if his true identity were ever exposed. He had not expected that day to come so soon.

Raising his eyes, he met Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s gaze calmly. After a moment’s hesitation, he refrained from bowing or calling him “Grandfather” as before.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s cold, stern expression showed no change as he scrutinized Cheng Guang, his tiger-like eyes trembling slightly. He seemed unable to believe what he saw, or perhaps thought he had misjudged.

He stared for a long time, finding no trace of familiarity in Cheng Guang’s aura.

“When did this happen?” the Duke finally asked in a hoarse, sorrowful voice.

Cheng Guang understood immediately: he was being asked when he had replaced the original Duke’s heir.

“About a month ago,” Cheng Guang replied thoughtfully. “Not long ago.”

Duke Cheng Shiyuan took a deep breath, closed his tiger eyes, then asked quietly, “And my grandson? How is he now?”

Cheng Guang shook his head. “He’s dead. If he lived, I could not.”

Upon hearing this, the once upright and imposing Duke suddenly seemed to stoop, his face aged further. His weary expression appeared stunned, and his body trembled faintly as a terrifying, vast aura surged from him.

Opening his eyes, he looked coldly at Cheng Guang and laughed bitterly, tears glistening in his tiger eyes.

“Good. Truly worthy of being the Da Chu prince. Such spirit is beyond ordinary men. If it were me, I would have wiped out all traces—no survivors left.”

“Well done, well done indeed.”

At that moment, Cheng Guang felt as if caught in a raging storm. Should Duke Cheng Shiyuan will it, he would die instantly.

Though tears streamed from his eyes, the Duke still laughed.

“My whole life, I have been ruthless and decisive, treading over countless corpses and seas of blood to reach today.”

“All I have done over the years was not for fame or wealth, only to secure the safety of my family.”

“To protect my son, my grandson, to spare them the cruel struggle of this world.”

“But in the end…”

“My grandson still died.”

“Once, I stormed the Da Chu palace. Today, you have killed my grandson—is this how you repay a debt of gratitude?”

His voice grew softer until barely a whisper, yet all could hear clearly. Many sensed that beneath his calm tone lay unbearable grief and rage beyond words.

He seemed like a volcano on the verge of eruption—one wrong move away from exploding.

The air fell silent. None dared disturb Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s furrowed brow. Even the Celestials nearby held back, watching quietly from the shadows.

Under Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s gaze, Cheng Guang felt his pressure multiply exponentially compared to others. His breath caught.

Just the weight of the Duke’s eyes felt like a mountain crushing him. His flesh and sinews trembled. Reaching out with his right hand, energy surged, honed by years of dual cultivation of martial and spiritual paths, strengthening both body and soul.

Without this, his spine might have snapped under the Duke’s gaze, unable to stand upright or meet his eyes with calm.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s cold face stained with tears, stared down at Cheng Guang. He seemed unable to distinguish whether this was truly his grandson’s face or the Da Chu prince’s.

After a deep breath, without further words, he struck out a palm toward Cheng Guang.

A terrifying aura accompanied by surging spiritual energy formed a hand seemingly able to blot out the sky, descending directly on Cheng Guang.

Celestials nearby flickered in their eyes, ready to intervene as the Da Chu prince seemed doomed.

When the Da Chu royal family was crushed, they had no chance to react or uncover its secrets. Now, if this surviving prince died, it would be a tragic loss.

Noticing the Celestials’ restlessness, Duke Cheng Shiyuan barked coldly, “Get out of my way!”

Those intending to act hesitated, faces darkening but taking no further steps.

The Duke’s palm struck Cheng Guang’s body. Cheng Guang, caught like lightning, was frozen on the spot.

A single strike made him feel as though his body was torn apart. His spirit dissolved, blood flowed from his orifices, and he trembled before collapsing.

Yet Duke Cheng Shiyuan showed mercy, leaving Cheng Guang’s body intact. Otherwise, Cheng Guang’s form would have been utterly obliterated.

As Cheng Guang’s life faded, his once radiant face dimmed.

Silence fell.

“Is… he dead already?”

Voices exchanged bewildered glances. None expected Duke Cheng Shiyuan to strike so decisively, nor that Cheng Guang, the Duke’s heir, would die so quickly.

Seconds passed. No sign of life appeared on Cheng Guang’s body—it was death undeniable.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s gaze on the fallen prince was icy and unmoving. Though his expression seemed calm, his trembling hands betrayed his great effort to strike down Cheng Guang.

The resemblance between Cheng Guang and his real grandson was uncanny. The time spent together had forged genuine bonds, even if Cheng Guang’s identity was false.

Closing his eyes in anguish, the Duke waved his hand, dispersing Cheng Guang’s body completely.

Some who sought Cheng Guang’s corpse sighed in disappointment as it vanished.

Nearby, Qing Luan’s aura faltered abruptly; she emitted a sorrowful wail and collapsed as if her feet had lost ground.

Her entire body slackened on the ground, tears streaming from her beautiful eyes, lips parted yet no words came forth.

Before Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s arrival, she had thought escape possible. Yet with his presence, Cheng Guang was slain by a single blow.

The Da Chu hundred generals, once a potent weapon against the Da Yuan’s Third Prince Wu Qiche, were now useless.

Beside Qing Luan, Princess Ning’s starry eyes flickered continuously. Since Cheng Guang had entrusted her with the yellow flower, she seemed lost in a daze—until his death snapped her back.

Her heart struck as if hammered, pain piercing to the core. Clutching her jade hand tightly to her chest, she was left bewildered and helpless.

The world before her seemed dyed in blood.

“He’s dead… dead…”

“Now only Jing’er remains…”

“Father, mother, what shall Jing’er do, what shall she do…”

Her heart ached violently, and a biting chill seeped into her limbs uncontrollably.

Princess Ning watched the many strong figures around her, fixating on the spot where Cheng Guang had stood.

Only tattered fragments of his embroidered robe remained.

At the moment of Cheng Guang’s death, the Da Chu hundred generals nearby stiffened. Their lifeless eyes brimmed with unbearable sorrow.

“Where the general goes, we shall follow!”

Their unified cry sounded as they raised swords and charged through the dust and smoke toward Duke Cheng Shiyuan, who stood suspended in midair.

The Duke’s cold, numb gaze landed on them. Raising a hand calmly, he struck down.

The Da Chu generals halted abruptly, a breeze passing through. Their bodies crumbled like sand, scattered by the wind, vanishing completely within moments.

After shattering the Da Chu generals with a single palm, Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s gaze shifted to Princess Ning nearby.

His eyes narrowed, stepping forward to strike her.

But the Celestials who had been watching finally could no longer remain silent.

“Great Zhou Duke, we have no quarrel with you for killing the Da Chu prince, but you must not touch Princess Ning.”

“Killing her would sever the Da Chu royal bloodline.”

“The prophecy on the Golden List—how can the rise of Da Chu and the unification of the realm be fulfilled if this happens? We will never know the true cause.”

Figures emerged from the void beside Duke Cheng Shiyuan.

He paused, eyes resting on the newcomers.

Glancing at them, his gaze finally settled on the Great Zhou Emperor.

The Emperor shook his head helplessly. He too wished to kill Princess Ning, but with so many Celestials present, even he dared not act.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan relented, eyes falling on the disheartened princess. He sensed that sparing her now might cause future trouble.

Unbeknownst to him, the white-robed figure in the clouds smiled as he relaxed his stance.

“Great Zhou Duke, the pinnacle of Celestial cultivation, your strength is considerable. Yet your ruthlessness binds you in karma. Your journey may end here.”

The white-robed elder’s words cut through the gathered Celestials and emperors as he turned his gaze to Princess Ning.

He stroked his white beard, eyes gleaming with insight. “It should be enough. The death of the Da Chu prince and the loss of kin should awaken her primal essence.”

Princess Ning’s eyes were filled with confusion, like a lost child. The hopeless despair under the watchful eyes of the Celestials sealed her mind.

A faint light flickered between her brows.

An aura of supreme nobility began to stir from her forehead—at first imperceptible, but quickly drawing the attention of the Celestials around.

The Great Yan Emperor, Li Longhu who had just returned, the Great Zhou Emperor, the Duke of the Nation, the Great Yuan Emperor, the Great Wei Empress, and the hidden Celestials all focused their gaze on Princess Ning.

The Great Yan Emperor’s aged eyes trembled. “What is this?”

“The aura from the long-lost Da Chu princess is unsettling—there’s a suffocating pressure I can feel.”

The Great Zhou Emperor’s stern gaze fixed on Princess Ning, his brows furrowing slowly.

He sensed something terrifying brewing within her.

Though previously indifferent to the remnants of Da Chu, the Emperor now felt a flicker of caution.

He pointed a finger, sending a golden light drifting toward Princess Ning.

At first, the emperors had sought to uncover the secrets of the Da Chu royal bloodline, but sensing her strange transformation, their intentions shifted.

Princess Ning radiated an aura so noble that even the emperors and empress bowed their heads.

This was alarming.

None understood what had changed in Princess Ning.

Since the Great Zhou Emperor was willing to test her first, the others decided to let him try.

At his command, the golden light manifested into a war god and charged at Princess Ning.

A gentle breeze passed.

The divine form conjured by the Great Zhou Emperor’s power solidified when it met the wind, then crumbled like weathered stone, vanishing with her breath.

The Great Zhou Emperor’s face froze, sensing something as he glanced toward the clouds above.

He spotted a figure seated among the clouds.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan and other Celestials also looked up to see the person.

The white-robed figure no longer hid, smiling as he rose and descended through the mist to stand before the gathered Celestials.

“Everyone, she is not to be harmed yet.”

Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s cold, numb gaze flickered upon seeing the white-robed elder.

“I know you,” he said.

But the Great Zhou Emperor and many others looked on in confusion, unsure of who this elder was.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan ignored their stares and asked the elder, “Senior, were you the one who exposed my grandson’s identity?”

The elder smiled and nodded, “It was I.”

The Duke pondered briefly and nodded. “That figures. If he could hide from me, only a senior capable of piercing the secrets of heaven could see through his identity.”

The elder gave no reply, standing with hands behind his back, fixing his gaze on Princess Ning.

“You cannot act against her now. If you wish to later, I will not stop you. Will you grant me this respect for now?”

Their conversation reached the ears of the Great Zhou Emperor, Great Yan Emperor, and the surrounding Celestials, who were stunned.

They had learned the identity of the mysterious white-robed elder: the fabled Sage of Heavenly Secrets, a figure shrouded in mystery and centuries old.

Few had ever seen him; if not for Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s recognition, they might never have known.

The Great Yan Emperor’s aged eyes gleamed. “If the elder requests, we shall grant him this respect.”

From the Great Yan Emperor’s viewpoint, Princess Ning’s strange transformation was unsettling but not critical.

They could wait a moment until her aura stabilized before acting.

With many Celestials present, the Great Yan Emperor doubted any could overpower a mere princess.

After a moment of silence, all eyes returned to Princess Ning.

Under their gaze, her aura grew stronger, a golden radiance blossoming between her brows.

Around her, celestial music seemed to play, as if an immortal crowned her.

A miraculous spectacle unfolded.

Princess Ning slowly rose, her appearance transformed as if the world itself had turned upside down.

Her once youthful face now bore an unspoken nobility and resolute expression.

Her posture was proud, like an empress.

Golden flames burned in her starry eyes. She scanned the surroundings, initially confused, then narrowed her gaze upon the white-robed elder.

Raising her hand, images flooded her mind, making her press her palm to her forehead. After absorbing all memories, she appeared wistful.

“So much time has passed,” she murmured.

Looking at the elder, her starry eyes gleamed with authority and dignity. “Is it you who has orchestrated all that has happened to me recently?”

The Sage of Heavenly Secrets stroked his beard with a smile.

“Your awakening as Empress is fortunate. Rebirth and awakening defy the natural order; without some measures, who knows how long it would have taken.”

Princess Ning was silent for a moment, then suddenly struck out with a palm.

The elder’s eyes flickered as he hastily waved his sleeve.

Boom!

A barely audible roar followed by a terrifying shockwave radiated outward.

The powerful elder was flung away by Princess Ning’s strike, his destination unknown.

Princess Ning’s expression was indifferent. “Mind your own affairs.”

She then fixed her calm gaze on the surrounding Celestials, hands poised gracefully before her, her bearing noble and composed.

“You were just talking about attacking me, weren’t you?”

“Now you may.”

Her words seemed to invite all nearby Celestials to strike.

Having just seen her repel the Sage of Heavenly Secrets, the stunned Celestials paled, staring in disbelief.

They could not fathom how the princess’s strength had soared so dramatically, enabling her to strike the Sage.

After hesitation, none dared move.

The Great Yan Emperor, confused by the situation, lowered his aged eyes in thought.

From her conversation with the Sage, he saw they were acquainted.

Moreover, the Sage addressed her as “Empress.”

Empress?

Of which dynasty?

Who could be called Empress by the Sage of Heavenly Secrets?

The Great Yan Emperor was deeply puzzled.

Others too sensed this, their hearts filled with doubt.

Perhaps her sudden power surge was linked to her familiarity with the Sage.

Those who had intended to attack the princess now dared not.

To offend someone who could challenge the Sage was a risk none wished to take.

The Great Yuan Emperor, a middle-aged man wearing a dragon robe dusted with snowflakes—fresh from the northern lands—said, “Great Chu matters, Great Yuan will not meddle. We shall depart.”

He looked at Wu Qiche.

“Let us go.”

With that, the Great Yuan Emperor and his entourage left.

The Great Wei Empress, uninterested in Da Chu’s secrets, saw Princess Ning’s strange change and the uncertainty before her, and quietly withdrew after a glance.

Among the four great dynasties, only Great Yan and Great Zhou remained present.

The Great Zhou Emperor, uneasy about Princess Ning, glanced at Duke Cheng Shiyuan, seeming ready to return and plan anew.

As long as Princess Ning bore no grudge against Great Zhou over Da Chu affairs, peace might endure.

But if she did, matters would not be so simple.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan noticed the Emperor’s look and nodded slightly, his cold, numb heart unmoved.

Cheng Guang’s death brought him no joy—only pain.

As the Duke prepared to leave, Princess Ning blocked his path.

Her regal face fixed on him. “Others may leave, but you will not.”

Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s cold eyes lifted to her, smiling. “What, you intend to strike me?”

Princess Ning nodded faintly.

Perhaps to ease his sorrow or test her strength, the Duke laughed heartily and ascended into the void.

Princess Ning stepped firmly on the ground and soared after him.

The Great Zhou and Great Yan Emperors were stunned, not expecting a fight between Princess Ning and the Duke.

Above, the vital energy roared, terrifying auras surged, and the heavens seemed rent asunder.

Their battle tore the sky apart.

The Great Zhou Emperor watched, pupils contracting.

He had no doubt of Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s strength but did not expect Princess Ning to be so powerful.

She had been only a sixth or seventh rank martial cultivator, yet her power had surged dramatically.

He thought of Zhang Shunlong, who had seemingly stepped into the Celestial realm recently.

The Great Yan Emperor and his companion Li Longhu were equally shocked.

Princess Ning had grown up in the capital under their watchful eyes. Though talented, she had never displayed such strength.

Compared to her other feats, her current power was the least remarkable.

Why was this?

Why was she acquainted with the Sage of Heavenly Secrets?

Why had her power changed so drastically?

These questions hung like a thick fog over the Great Yan Emperor and Li Longhu.

Countless eyes rose skyward, watching the duel between Princess Ning and Duke Cheng Shiyuan.

At that moment, Cheng Zhihai arrived, his cultivation below Celestial level, traveling slower than the Great Zhou Emperor and Duke Cheng.

Upon arrival, he was shocked by the battle and then scanned the scene, stopping at a pool of blood-stained embroidered cloth.

His eyes narrowed. “So he’s dead.”

From the residual aura on the garment, he could guess it was his father’s doing.

Initially furious upon learning that his son was the Da Chu prince, he had rushed over intending to slay Cheng Guang.

But seeing him dead, he felt no joy—only emptiness.

Cheng Zhihai could not imagine how Wu Yuemei would react if she learned her son was dead and that the boy who had been at her side was the Da Chu prince.

He knelt by the bloodstained cloth, picking up the tattered robe, his legs suddenly weak.

“Director.”

“Director.”

The Lantern Division constables nearby saluted as he appeared.

Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang’s eyes were bloodshot, tears streaming.

“Director… the heir…” Qian Siyuan’s hoarse voice broke off; he turned away, closing his eyes and biting his teeth in pain.

The smile on their faces vanished.

Li Zhengyang sighed, opening his mouth but finding no words.

From their perspective, they wanted to protect Cheng Guang.

But from Cheng Zhihai’s view, this impostor prince should be swiftly eliminated.

Li Zhengyang could not claim he had failed to protect the heir—there was no need to protect him.

Cheng Zhihai fell silent, placing hands on their shoulders, struggling to stand straight as his legs weakened.

He leaned against a wall, dirt staining his fine robes, but he cared little.

He smiled bitterly.

“He’s dead, so be it.”

“That damned bastard—I never thought he was the Da Chu prince. My own son must have been killed by him long ago.”

“If not for his exposure now…”

“I wouldn’t know how long he would have fooled me.”

“I really thought my boy had the makings of a Celestial, that he was finally making me proud…”

“But this is the truth.”

“And so it goes…”

He laughed and spoke, but his usual strength faltered.

Like a child, tears slipped from the corners of his eyes.

At first unaware, then hurriedly wiping them away, Cheng Zhihai didn’t know why he cried.

For his son? Or for the Da Chu prince?

He could not think clearly, overwhelmed by emotion.

Qian Siyuan and Li Zhengyang turned away, unwilling to witness this vulnerable side of their director.

All fell silent; the air seemed to freeze.

After a while, the battle in the sky quieted.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan gasped for breath, his armor shattered, his aged face stained with blood. His hands fell weakly as he smiled.

“Impressive.”

“What is your relationship with the Sage of Heavenly Secrets?”

Princess Ning, looking pale from exertion, met the Duke’s gaze but gave no answer.

She raised a finger, as if plucking an invisible string, and beams of light surged toward the Duke.

He blinked, then shook his head with a wry smile.

“My grandson having you avenge him is… quite good.”

Lowering his hand, he prepared to accept death.

Suddenly, the white-robed figure appeared, standing before Duke Cheng Shiyuan.

The Sage’s voice softened. “Your Majesty Empress, you have awakened memories of your past life and reincarnation. You need not be burdened further.”

“He must not die by your hand.”

Princess Ning’s gaze was cold. “Step back.”

The Sage shook his head.

Princess Ning raised her hand. A terrifying aura gathered at her fingertip.

The Sage’s expression shifted. “Are you mad?”

“You must not squander the merits left to you by that man!”

“All your cultivation depends on those merits now!”

The Sage lost composure and backed away hastily.

Princess Ning withdrew her finger, golden light blossoming and enveloping Duke Cheng Shiyuan.

After several breaths, the clouds dispersed.

Duke Cheng Shiyuan’s figure vanished from sight.

The world turned blood-red.

A Celestial had fallen; the heavens mourned.

Princess Ning gazed at the empty space, her expression wistful.

Suddenly, she coughed, blood spewing forth as she sat on a cloud. Her once-black hair instantly turned white. Her aura faded rapidly.

The Sage appeared slowly, looking at her with a complex expression.

“Sigh, why do you persist?”

“The Way of Heaven may be broken, but the karmic bonds remain.”

Princess Ning ignored him, wiping blood from her lips and smiling bitterly.

“Past life and present life—all the same.”

“In my past life, I was alone; in this life, still alone. Nothing has changed.”

“If only you had never appeared from the start.”

She removed the yellow flower at her ear, staring at it as tears shimmered in her starry eyes. She smiled and shook it gently on her fingertip.

“This is nothing like the life-saving thing you said.”

“It’s just an ordinary yellow flower.”

Her breathing calmed as she sat on the cloud, watching the distant sunset fade into twilight.

The Sage had intended to take her away, but now knew better. If he disturbed her, he might be severely rebuked.

As he turned to leave, he suddenly stopped, noticing the yellow flower in her hand.

Bathed in twilight’s glow, the flower radiated a strange light.

Princess Ning’s noble face froze, the flower reflected in her eyes as she suddenly smiled with tears.

Wiping her eyes like a coquettish girl, she murmured:

“So that’s it.”

“So that’s it.”

“This flower isn’t just to amuse me—it can save lives.”

She gently shook the flower.

Its faint glow grew stronger, like a blazing sun.

The Sage’s eyes widened with shock and his pupils contracted as the flower’s twilight radiance enveloped him—and the whole world.

It seemed to contain the power of heaven and earth.

He could not resist it at all.

“What…?”

The Sage was terrified.

In the next moment, his consciousness plunged into darkness.

…

(The chapter ends)