Chapter 179
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Chapter 179: The Vast Ancient Cauldron
As the first light of dawn broke through the sky, the vast palace, suspended amidst swirling clouds, was bathed in the fiery hues of the morning sun. The soft glow filtered through the half-open window, casting delicate shadows within.
Ming He slowly opened her eyes, her peach blossom eyes shimmering like tranquil spring waters, still clouded with sleep. The warmth in her arms spread through her body, filling her with a deep sense of comfort and peace.
She glanced down to see Qin Chu Yi lying quietly in her embrace, her jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall, filling the space around them.
Qin Chu Yi’s red attire hung loosely on her frame, and her fair collarbone caught the light, glowing softly. The faint red marks on her skin stood out even more, a bold testament to the intimacy they had shared.
The soft couch was not particularly spacious, so Qin Chu Yi nestled closely against Ming He, their closeness a testament to their trust and affection, unguarded and unreserved.
Ming He blinked, her gaze lingering on Qin Chu Yi’s collarbone for a moment before trailing downward, catching a glimpse of the beauty hidden beneath the loose red attire.
The small black horn on Qin Chu Yi’s head had vanished, as had her delicate rabbit ears. This was proof that their efforts had not been in vain.
The demon race bloodlines within them had merged, erasing the violent nature of the Demon Race and leaving only the immense power of the Ancient Fiends, a force born of heaven and earth.
The deep-seated injuries within Ming He’s body were also healing steadily, and she had momentarily reached the pinnacle of the Human King stage.
Yet—
Ming He recalled the indulgence of the previous night, and a wave of shyness and awkwardness washed over her, mingled with a strange sense of satisfaction.
This feeling was entirely new, unlike anything she had ever felt in Qin Chu Yi’s presence before.
Ming He couldn’t quite make sense of it, and for now, she chose not to dwell on it.
After all, she would soon enter a Dao partner contract with her Senior Sister, marrying under the heavens and earth, openly declaring their bond to the world.
With that thought, Ming He reached out and gently ran her fingers through Qin Chu Yi’s silky black hair, watching as it slipped through her fingers like feathers, tickling her heart.
She pulled Qin Chu Yi closer, then leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her fair, delicate cheek. Her forehead brushed against Qin Chu Yi’s eyes, and for a moment, it felt as though something feather-light had grazed her.
But this time, it was no illusion.
Ming He shifted slightly, lifting her gaze to meet Qin Chu Yi’s. Their faces were so close that their breaths mingled, and Ming He found herself staring into a pair of starry eyes, filled with a brilliance that outshone even the night sky.
Ming He paused, then, under Qin Chu Yi’s intense gaze, kissed her lips. She then helped Qin Chu Yi sit up, her eyes filled with a warm, open smile. “Did I wake you, Senior Sister?”
“…No,” Qin Chu Yi murmured, her voice unusually husky and low.
She leaned weakly against Ming He’s shoulder, her pale skin gradually flushing a deep crimson, a perfect match for the rosy hues of the dawn.
Her eyes, glistening with moisture, darted around—to the swirling clouds above, the shifting shadows on the ground, the pavilions in the distance—anywhere but at Ming He. Even the corners of her eyes seemed too shy to meet Ming He’s gaze.
Ming He couldn’t help but smile even wider.
She, too, felt a lingering shyness.
After all, this was new territory for both of them, uncharted and unprepared for.
The moment she had loosened Qin Chu Yi’s red attire, her trembling hands and racing heart had betrayed her inner turmoil—her panic, her nervousness, her shyness—all of it known only to herself.
But now, seeing Qin Chu Yi so flustered that she seemed ready to vanish into the ground, Ming He’s own shyness melted away, replaced by a playful urge to tease her.
Because this side of Senior Sister was utterly endearing.
The Qin Chu Yi who had shed her cold beauty mask, whose every glance and smile seemed to embed itself in Ming He’s heart, effortlessly stirring emotions that had long lain dormant.
Qin Chu Yi was special to Ming He, and Ming He was special to Qin Chu Yi—a unique bond in a world of countless faces.
“Senior Sister~” Ming He drawled playfully, her voice lilting with mischief, one arm encircling Qin Chu Yi’s waist while the other gently tilted her chin upward.
Their eyes met, and in Qin Chu Yi’s gaze, Ming He saw herself reflected—smirking like a rogue teasing a beauty.
Ming He cleared her throat, reining in her boldness, and spoke softly, her lips curving into a tender smile, “Senior Sister, this is just the beginning. If you’re always this shy—”
She paused deliberately, and Qin Chu Yi glanced at her, confusion flickering in her damp, expressive eyes—eyes that seemed to speak volumes, blending allure and innocence in a way that stirred something indescribable in Ming He’s heart.
Ming He’s heart softened like spring water. She leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss to Qin Chu Yi’s starry eyes, then whispered, “I’ll always adore it.”
These words came from the depths of her soul.
No matter what form Qin Chu Yi took, as long as it was her, Ming He would cherish her.
Qin Chu Yi nodded shyly, offering a quiet response.
The lingering memories of the previous night’s enchantment still swirled in her mind. It had all begun with Shi Cheng Sui’s scheming, though she later realized it was part of awakening her demon race bloodline. Yet, the subtle emotions it stirred within her refused to settle.
The Qin Chu Yi who had playfully teased Ming He before their last parting had now transformed into a timid figure, nestled meekly in Ming He’s arms, her head bowed in bashfulness.
The proud, untouchable cold beauty now radiated a sweet, delicate charm, like a small bird seeking shelter.
Ming He adored this contrast, wishing she could hold her like this forever.
But she knew she couldn’t.
Not yet, at least.
Jiang An was still waiting outside the pavilion, ostensibly as their guard.
The soundproof formations within the pavilion were flawless, so Ming He felt no pressure.
A smile tugged at her lips as she placed a hand on Qin Chu Yi’s collarbone, her other hand gathering the loose folds of the red attire draped over her.
Ming He prided herself on finishing what she started—if she had undressed her, she would redress her as well.
Facing Qin Chu Yi’s wide, deer-like eyes, Ming He composed herself, her expression turning serious as she smoothed the fabric with her spiritual energy.
One by one, she fastened the buttons with her slender fingers, the fiery red attire enveloping Qin Chu Yi completely, hiding the traces of their earlier intimacy.
Qin Chu Yi stared blankly at Ming He’s fingers on her collar, the blush on her ears persisting since she awoke. Then, Ming He bent down and lifted her into her arms.
A wave of gentle spiritual energy swept over them, erasing the last remnants of their time together.
Ming He carried Qin Chu Yi to another pavilion, setting her down on a soft couch before sitting beside her. She tapped the air with a flick of her fingers, summoning Jiang An.
Today, the young man had forgone his usual flamboyant red attire.
Perhaps out of deference to Qin Chu Yi, he wore a pristine white robe, its hem fluttering in the morning breeze. His composed demeanor gave him the air of a noble gentleman.
Qin Chu Yi’s gaze flickered slightly at the sight. She sat cross-legged behind Ming He, her face still tinged with a faint blush, though her expression had shifted to one of cool composure, embodying the dignified Young Master Qin that Jiang An remembered.
A fleeting smile crossed Ming He’s eyes before she turned her gaze to Jiang An, who stood straight before them. Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority. “Xin Ming Zhu, tell us what you need to say.”
The commanding tone hinted at her status as the young leader.
Jiang An showed no sign of displeasure, merely bowing respectfully. “Yes,” he replied, his voice steady. “You likely already understand the significance of the cause and effect of the mortal world for the young leader and Young Master Qin.”
Though he did not practice spiritual arts, he could sense the surging spiritual energy within them—their injuries healed, their power intact, a sign that their souls had intertwined seamlessly.
He cleared his throat. “Now, let me speak of Xin Ming Zhu.”
“As the young leader witnessed at the cliff edge, Xin Ming Zhu is a half-demon. Mu Xuan Ye, in a sense, is her sister—also a half-demon.”
Half-demon.
Ming He’s gaze faltered momentarily; even though she had heard it firsthand, she was still struck with surprise and disbelief.
What exactly is a half-demon?
A half-demon, as the name suggests, carries half the bloodline of the demon race, with the other half belonging to another race.
The Tianwu Continent is primarily inhabited by humans, so when people speak of half-demons, they generally refer to the offspring of unions between the demon race and humans.
Thousands of years ago, the relationship between the demon race and humans was not much different from what it is now. While it wasn’t as hostile or deadly as during the ancient alien invasions, it was far from amicable.
Half-demons born under such circumstances were clearly far less favored than half-demons of the Demon Race.
At least the Demon Race had a pact with humans, but the demon race never did.
“Half-demons, like those from the Extreme West, are regarded as the sinner bloodline of the demon race, condemned to live in exile, never permitted to cross the barriers and glimpse the outside world.”
“Xin Ming Zhu refused to live in such humiliation, so she incited and lured other oppressed half-demons, as well as those discontented with remaining in the Extreme West—the so-called sinner bloodline of the demon race—to escape.”
“One day before their escape, they were betrayed.”
Even within the Extreme West, pure-blooded demons despised half-demons.
They might have been tainted by their ancestors’ sins, but half-demons were born with original sin.
Even if half-demons were born outside the Extreme West, discovery would still lead to their exile here.
“Of the many who fled, only Xin Ming Zhu and Mu Xuan Ye survived.”
As for how Xin Ming Zhu managed to protect the frail and young Mu Xuan Ye through countless obstacles and infiltrate the royal city of Mo City, Ming He did not ask, and Jiang An did not elaborate.
He simply summarized Xin Ming Zhu’s story: “Afterward, she encountered Wang Yun Ping.”
“As I mentioned earlier, the Power of Manifestation was a scheme devised by the ancient human emperor against the demon race, and half-demon blood was one of its affected consequences.”
“Half-demons inherit human blood, which makes transformation easier and shields them from the demon race’s violent tendencies. Yet, they also possess demon blood, granting them a physique superior to that of humans. Thus, half-demon blood holds some value for demon race cultivation.”
However, it falls far short of the near-mythical abilities described in ancient texts.
“The cultivation methods of Left Envoy Qiu Sheng Tian’s lineage carry inherent risks. Wang Yun Ping, driven by ambition and rivalry, sought to outshine her senior brother but unexpectedly developed cultivation issues at a young age.”
“Then, by a stroke of ‘fortune,’ she crossed paths with Xin Ming Zhu, learned of her half-demon identity, and hatched a scheme.”
Jiang An emphasized the phrase “stroke of fortune,” and Ming He understood that this so-called coincidence was the result of Xin Ming Zhu’s meticulous planning.
Wang Yun Ping intended to kill Xin Ming Zhu, hoping to use her half-demon blood to resolve her cultivation problems. Fearing her senior brother might beat her to it, she kept the matter secret and initially provided support to help Xin Ming Zhu establish herself.
“In the original timeline, there was no young leader or Young Master Qin. Shi Cheng Sui had also discovered Xin Ming Zhu’s existence, but on that day, Wang Yun Ping found an excuse to send him away from Mo City.”
Qiu Sheng Tian’s two disciples lacked cultivation talent, and their cultivation issues emerged early. Yet, they foolishly believed they could outmaneuver others.
“On the day Wang Yun Ping died, it was just two days before the Left Envoy Young Master’s coming-of-age ceremony. With envoys from all corners arriving, the event was grand. Moreover, this was Qiu Sheng Tian’s first step toward seizing power, so no mistakes could be tolerated.”
But at this critical juncture, the Left Envoy Young Master perished. What was to be done?
Ming He blinked, already anticipating the answer.
Jiang An nodded firmly: “I don’t know how Xin Ming Zhu convinced Shi Cheng Sui and Qiu Sheng Tian. Regardless, she took Wang Yun Ping’s place, becoming the Left Envoy’s closed-door disciple, the rightful Left Envoy Young Master. Her debut was stunning, leaving everyone in awe and making her an overnight sensation.”
“Both Shi Cheng Sui and Qiu Sheng Tian coveted her half-demon blood, and together they suppressed her half-demon identity.”
“Then, Xin Ming Zhu triumphed over Shi Cheng Sui, ascending to the role of the de facto Young Master of the demon race. Subsequently, she eliminated Qiu Sheng Tian to claim the position of Left Envoy.
She manipulated the ruler of the demon race, emerging as the true sovereign of the demon race, with supreme status and glory all within her grasp.”
A half-demon, scorned by the entire demon race, unexpectedly ascended to the pinnacle, humbling the pride of all.
Ming He felt a wave of emotions stirring within her.
Then, she heard Qin Chu Yi murmur softly, “But she isn’t satisfied with merely ruling the demon race.”
Indeed, she wasn’t content to be just the ruler of the demon race; she aspired to dominate the entire Tianwu Continent.
If possible, Ming He believed that woman would venture beyond the Tianwu Continent to explore the myriad worlds.
Her ambition was to tower over the heavens until there was no place higher than her feet.
Xin Ming Zhu was a woman born for power.
Given that, could such a ruthlessly ambitious woman truly have feelings for Mu Chen?
Ming He’s gaze sharpened; the earlier confusion resurfaced in her mind.
She always believed that a sword cultivator who had mastered the Canglang Sword Dao, glimpsed amidst the swirling dust of the void, should not kill someone and then regret falling into darkness.
When a sword cultivator strikes, hesitation is their greatest taboo.
The Shadow Clan possesses three supernatural abilities, one of which is the ability to deceive the heavens.
Mu Chen had once fallen into darkness, drastically altering his nature, annihilating the Soul Clan and igniting internal strife in Tianwu, only to later awaken suddenly and attempt to reverse the tide.
Xin Ming Zhu had once approached Mu Chen by seizing control of a human body.
Ming He suddenly raised her gaze, the shock in her eyes barely concealed.
The flicker of insight she had experienced finally crystallized at this moment.
She thought: If Xin Ming Zhu could take over once, why couldn’t she do it twice?
Ming He looked at Jiang An’s bewildered face, opening her mouth to speak, but ultimately, she said nothing.
She simply lowered her head and calmly asked him, “So now, has the cause and effect of the mortal world been broken?”
If the cause and effect of the mortal world were broken, could she and Qin Chu Yi leave?
Jiang An nodded seriously and said, “Yes.”
He waved his hand, and then a voice, ethereal and devoid of emotion, echoed: “Ding! Congratulations Trial Participant One and Trial Participant Two for passing the first stage of the Vast Ancient Realm Trial, the cause and effect of the mortal world.”
“Now we begin the second stage of the Vast Ancient Realm Trial, the Trial of the Heart.”
The Trial of the Heart?
Was it the illusion containing her past that she had experienced before?
The familiar sensation of being pulled returned, and Ming He watched the fading red shadow in her arms and felt her warm heart calm, with not a ripple of emotion stirring.
It was just going through the past once more; what did it matter?
Now, her heart was open and clear; all past fears were now empty.
With that thought, Ming He slowly opened her eyes, expecting to see a broken wooden door or flickering dark lights in a shadowy corner.
But none of those were present.
The kaleidoscope of shifting sensations was fleeting; before Ming He could fully open her eyes, a cold, ethereal voice, mechanical in tone, resonated:
“Ding! Congratulations, Trial Participant One and Trial Participant Two, for passing the second stage of the Vast Ancient Realm, the Trial of the Heart.”
“Now begins the final stage of the Vast Ancient Realm, the Forging Stage.”
Ming He: ?
Jiang An’s voice echoed through the void, tinged with pride: “Young leader, you had actually passed the second stage of the Ancient Realm Trial before.”
“It was only considered a failure due to certain factors.”
He didn’t elaborate on what those factors were, but continued with a smile: “We just need to follow the usual procedure now.”
Ming He: There’s such a procedure?!
Of course there is.
As the familiar sensation of being pulled returned, Ming He finally stepped into a stage she had never reached before, the Forging Stage.
But this time, it was not the third stage; it was the final stage.
The difference between the two was indeed significant.
As the pulling sensation gradually faded, Ming He opened her eyes to find herself standing on an ancient battle stage, clad in blue clothes, wielding the Jing Ying Sword. Opposite her stood a Qi Refining First Level cultivator, his expression as blank as a tool’s.
Though he truly was.
But at the Qi Refining First Level, who could he possibly look down upon?
Ming He surveyed herself and realized she was still at the peak of the Human King stage, her spiritual energy pure and abundant, with a powerful force imbued with the essence of the heavenly path entwined deep within her spiritual ocean.
Thus, she didn’t even need to draw her sword. With a slight cold snort, the pressure of the Human King stage instantly overwhelmed the Qi Refining cultivator.
A dull sound echoed above the battle stage, like a malfunctioning machine: “First Refining, passed.”
The cultivator, overwhelmed by the Human King stage’s pressure, twisted in the air and transformed into a Qi Refining Second Level cultivator.
Ming He’s gaze paused slightly as she pointed her finger, releasing a blade of sword energy, and then there were Qi Refining Third Level, Qi Refining Fourth Level…
The dull voice continued: “…Five Hundred and Twentieth Refining, passed.”
The first time Ming He felt the urge to draw her sword was against a first level of the Wind Master Realm cultivator.
Unlike the previous ones who did not wield weapons, he held a sword and performed the Liu Yun Sword technique.
Ming He’s brows slightly moved, a thoughtful expression appearing on her face. With a turn of her wrist, she extended a simple thrust that pierced him with several holes, then his figure twisted and solidified again.
From Qi Refining First Level to now, it was all the same figure.
The Vast Ancient Realm provided many insights for cultivators.
For instance, every cultivator starts their journey from Qi Refining First Level, growing from weak to strong, embodying the true principles of cultivation.
Of course, those born with exceptions were excluded.
Another example: this tool had been obliterated by her countless times, yet resiliently reformed, appeared, and fought back, symbolizing the cultivator’s unstoppable forward momentum and proactive spirit.
And finally: overcoming oneself.
Ming He watched the newly formed blue figure in front of her, the corners of her eyes lifting as a gentle smile slowly filled her clear gaze.
She raised the Jing Ying Sword, starting with the Unsheathing Style, then seamlessly transitioning to the Liu Yun Sword, meeting the blue figure’s long sword head-on.
Sparks flew in all directions.
Ming He pouted in disappointment and with a swift stroke of her sword, the Blue Shadow vanished.
“Seven Hundred Fifty-First Refining, passed.”
The Forging Stage consisted of a total of Eleven Hundred Refinings.
As she progressed, the tools she encountered grew increasingly formidable.
“Clang!”
She spat out a mouthful of blood as her sword pierced through the Earth Emperor Fifth Level tool. She exhaled deeply, steeling herself for the Earth Emperor Sixth Level enemy.
This time, the faint light twisted in the air for a long while before finally struggling to coalesce into a human form, shrouded in mist, making it difficult to discern any features.
Yet, the figure seemed to tower, and the aura emanating from him—
Ming He’s expression shifted slightly, her bright eyes reflecting shock for the third time that day.
This was unmistakably the Great Emperor realm!
An Emperor realm powerful ally.
The Vast Ancient Realm truly held her in high regard; she was merely at the peak of the Human King stage!
Despite this, Ming He tightened her grip on her sword, a spark of battle intention igniting in her gaze.
As a sword cultivator, she never concerned herself with the strength of her opponent.
Her sole aim was to advance and achieve her desires.
Ming He moved like the wind, leaping into the air as she raised the Jing Ying Sword and instinctively thrust it forward.
This thrust seemed to encapsulate all her insights and inspirations accumulated until now, as if she had weathered countless battles.
The sword light was dazzling, the sword blade razor-sharp.
It was a strike potent enough to cleave the heavens and earth.
Yet, an Emperor stood tall, capable of shaping the world with a mere gesture.
Thus, it was not easily broken.
However, it was not as powerless as Ming He had imagined.
That was already enough.
Of course, reality proved that Ming He was far too naive.
Jiang An had said that beneath the Emperor, all are like ants.
That statement was no mere rumor.
Ming He was soon struck down to the point of being unable to fight back.
The sky-blue hem of her clothes was soaked with blood once again; Ming He squinted her eyes and let out a breath, feeling the searing pain!
In the Vast Ancient Realm, during the Forging Stage, while she wouldn’t die, the pain was undeniably real.
Yet, for Ming He to give up was absolutely out of the question.
She was lifted again and again until she was on the brink of spitting blood and exhaustion, only to be miraculously revived.
Round and round, she finally adapted to the numbness of pain, and her lifeless eyes began to glimmer with light, capturing the movements of the Great Emperor realm figure before her with a sense of joy amidst suffering.
As the tool raised her once more, Ming He suddenly sneered, condensing her soul power into the Ghostly Sword that pierced sharply through the void into his Sea of Souls, momentarily freezing the tool’s actions.
In that brief instant, Ming He pushed off the ground with her toes, soaring into the air, then descending with the Jing Ying Sword in hand from above, weighted by the force of the world, only to be effortlessly caught by the tool.
Ming He was unfazed, the corners of her lips twitching upward as the Moon Crescent Dagger, hidden in her sleeve, slid out and she swiftly caught it in her left hand, stabbing it fiercely into the tool’s temple, while her right hand formed a sword with her fingers, aiming at the tool’s heart.
“Bang!”
The response of the Emperor realm cultivator exceeded Ming He’s imagination.
Almost in an instant, the tool broke the Jing Ying Sword and casually tossed it aside, then kicked Ming He away.
The force of the kick was so powerful that Ming He felt several ribs crack, leaving her curled up in pain.
Her hair was soaked in sweat, blood staining her blue clothes, yet the face of the girl buried in dust shone brightly, her smile even more radiant than a boundless spring.
Ming He was indeed smiling.
She couldn’t kill the Emperor realm tool, but she had wounded him.
A faint scar of blood etched across the right side of the tool’s cheek, so light it was nearly invisible, yet it existed.
That was a mark left by Ming He when she was kicked away by the Moon Crescent Dagger.
It could be called a form of glory.
Though at this moment, she truly could not get back up.
Just then, the previously silent dull sound finally echoed once more: “One Thousand One Hundred Refinings, fail—”
The voice seemed to lag for a moment before switching to the ethereal, emotionless voice of the Trial Spirit, which sounded somewhat familiar to Ming He.
“Congratulations to Trial Participant One and Trial Participant Two for passing the Forging Stage; the Vast Ancient Realm Trial is now over.”
“A token from the Vast Ancient Cauldron is awarded.”
