Chapter 189
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
Chapter 189: Title
Lilith’s demeanor transformed as she gazed upon the deserted courtyard.
Crossing her legs with casual elegance, she summoned a smartphone into her palm—this device functioned as the system’s portable vessel, possessing equivalent authority to the core system itself.
The screen displayed an app labeled "Hanjiang" alongside completed downloads like "Mountain and Sea Realm" and "Heaven," all systematically arranged within a "Fantasy World" folder. Dozens of pending download icons shimmered beneath, each representing a world-in-waiting that would enable Ye Linlang to monitor information across dimensions with effortless grace.
Alone, Ye Linlang permitted herself genuine authenticity.
She surveyed the teleported individuals’ statuses, sighing at their predominant confinement within forested areas. Hanjiang’s projected timeline now required extended adjustments, though she mused—between spoonfuls of invisible hope—that unforeseen developments might yet salvage the schedule.
Her crafted realms resembled virtual dimensions yet sustained physical lifeforms. Every material manifestation consumed Fantasy Points, those shimmering currencies fueling perpetual world-engines. Until these domains birthed independent world consciousnesses, they remained digital gardens requiring her cultivator’s touch—though even then, the source world’s indelible imprint would ensure their obedience to her will.
"Fascinating pair," she chuckled, enlarging the profile of two grime-coated beggars. Recognition sparked—Xue Ming stood revealed as the audacious youth who’d addressed Lilith directly. Such boldness warranted inclusion in her observation roster.
Her smile faded when reviewing four contractless captives. Their confinement—self-inflicted through poor judgment—at least provided sustenance and safety. Clearly, interrogators sought specific knowledge from these prisoners.
Flicking through surveillance feeds, she noted language barriers prompting most to feign muteness—wiser than their cursing counterparts. Yet greater challenges loomed: Hanjiang’s Eastern aesthetics favored Asian features, leaving fair-haired travelers and dark-skinned visitors conspicuously vulnerable.
Stowing the phone, she acknowledged the fortunate communication barriers preventing chaos. During world-forging, she’d woven universal laws resembling the multiverse of countless worlds—Heavenly Dao chains and other latent restrictions these newcomers would inevitably trigger through future transgressions.
An old man approached bearing steaming wontons, his trembling hands presenting the bowl with ceremonial reverence. Ye Linlang admired emerald scallions dancing atop golden broth before manifesting chili sauce with a conjurer’s flourish—why conceal powers from this transient spectator?
"Seeking your granddaughter’s salvation?" She cooled the soup with spiritual energy, savoring the rustic purity of flavors. The missed opportunity to sample Yun’er’s famed tofu dishes faintly tinged her regret.
"Anything, honored lady! Save my Yun’er!" His cracked voice held desperate hope as night’s curtain descended on the transient town.
Ye Linlang ate her wontons while observing the frail old man before her, whose gaunt frame clearly indicated he had few years left to live.
Hanjiang was a martial-centric world where ordinary people struggled through life, yet securing basic sustenance remained manageable unless calamity struck.
"What can you offer me? I’m not like those winged hypocrites. Begging alone won’t earn my help." Finishing her meal, Ye Linlang gazed down at the kneeling elder, casually slandering the celestial realm in the process.
Self-deprecation came easily now – she silently praised her mental fortitude for preventing true madness from this dual existence.
Under her bewitching influence, the old man instinctively trusted this young woman. "I’ll give anything! Please save Yun’er!" he implored.
Ye Linlang contemplated. Her past self would have helped without hesitation.
But present circumstances differed. She now grasped the cosmic truth – Heaven’s laws remained impartial, neither favoring saints nor punishing tyrants. As an existence transcending worldly constraints, meddling in mortal affairs felt… inappropriate.
Countless villains roamed the earth, and suffering multitudes surpassed any individual’s capacity to aid. Even national leaders couldn’t protect every citizen, let alone someone bearing the responsibilities of the source world’s celestial order.
Grand guidance she could provide, but breaking fate’s chains required personal resolve.
Yet exceptions existed. Different roles permitted different interventions.
Beneath Tier Fourteen deities, virtuous champions might freely assist while corrupt entities demanded transactions – all hinged on… willingness.
This encounter with grandfather and granddaughter seemed fated. Wearing Lilith’s guise, Ye Linlang saw no harm in offering bargaining terms.
Her current demonic mindset dictated whimsical dealings – cooperation depended solely on her mood, not pleas.
Rising gracefully, the witch found truth-detection effortless in Lilith’s form. The body’s inherent skills flowed naturally, requiring no Fantasy Points expenditure.
"Exchange everything then – life, loyalty. Henceforth, you’re my earthly servant."
A parchment contract materialized before the elder. Crossing her arms, Ye Linlang smiled. "Seal this pact."
The levitating document startled the old man briefly before realization dawned – his granddaughter’s savior stood before him.
Illiterate through eighty winters, he miraculously comprehended the contract’s terms.
"Press your palm if you can’t write," Ye Linlang shrugged. The pact required only the signatory’s essence – trackable across realms.
The old man’s hand met parchment without hesitation.
As the contract dissolved into ether, Ye Linlang produced a black seed-like object. "Consume this."
"What…?"
"First lesson: obey without question." Her smile turned dangerous. "Don’t make me repeat."
Sudden chest constriction stole the old man’s breath. Gulping the seed, he collapsed in convulsions, his withered frame shrinking further.
Ye Linlang crushed a spiritual stone, directing its energy into the wasting body. Revitalization began – Tier One, second rank, Tier Three…
She generously shattered two more stones until his essence stabilized at the Innate Realm.
The transformation proved dramatic: muscles rippled under renewed skin, stature stretching from 1.7 to 1.85 meters. White hair darkened, wrinkles smoothed, complexion glowing – he now resembled a robust forty-year-old.
Observing her handiwork, Ye Linlang noted the demon seed’s enhanced efficacy. Mass-producing Tier One Practitioners might prove simpler than anticipated.
Tsk, this was developed by Lilith, one of the abilities under her command. Originally created to counter celestial angels, it later proved more effective against humans.
After the Spiritual Energy depletion, this creation fell into obscurity until its recent rediscovery during the Awakening of Spiritual Energy. Now employed for soldier enhancement, it appears far superior to America’s superpower potions.
Hmm… If memory serves, Cain had involvement in America’s superpower potion project. His formula appeared to utilize a diluted version of the demon seed.
Ye Linlang dismissed further contemplation. Humans had chosen this path; they would naturally bear the consequences.
The old man awoke trembling before the crimson-clad woman, his lingering agony a visceral reminder of her terrifying power.
"Rise."
"Your command, Master?" He scrambled upright without pause.
Ye Linlang coolly declared, "Henceforth, you shall serve as my worldly steward, managing all external affairs. Understood?"
"Your will be done, Master." Comprehension mattered less than obedience.
"You’ll be named… Hao Youqian. An auspicious name for Easterners." She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
The newly christened steward bowed. "As you decree."
"Retrieve your daughter without complications." Her hand flicked dismissively as she scanned the horizon. "Secure a spacious carriage by nightfall – immaculate condition."
As Hao opened his mouth to protest, vitality surged through his veins – strength surpassing his youth coursed through aged limbs.
"Uselessness won’t be tolerated," Ye Linlang stated. "The Spiritual Energy techniques and basic knowledge implanted in your mind – study them."
Though mental archives flooded his consciousness, Hao rushed out immediately – Yun’er’s rescue permitted no delay.
"Fool." The immortal’s verdict echoed.
This confused mortal would inevitably blunder without proper guidance. When he returned, thorough instruction on meticulous stewardship would commence.
……
Emerging outdoors, Hao Youqian drew startled gazes. Had mere physical enhancement turned him unrecognizable?
At a mirror stall, his reflection froze him mid-step. The rugged stranger staring back bore no resemblance to the withered elder he’d been.
Reality snapped back – Yun’er remained captive!
The mirror shattered on cobblestones as he charged toward the Zhao compound.
"State your business!" The gatekeeper quailed before this corded-muscle intruder whose aura dwarfed martial apprentices’.
Transformed from timorous elder to empowered protector, Hao’s demeanor radiated newfound authority.
"You hold Yun’er. Release her." He hoisted the gatekeeper like ragdoll, advancing through ornate doors.
Guards swarmed with cudgels, only to retreat before the middle-aged man’s fearsome presence.
The Zhao patriarch emerged, alarm flashing across his face – this intruder’s power level defied assessment.
Observing the intruder’s corded physique, throbbing temples, and vibrant qi, the nobleman forced diplomacy: "Such forceful entry ill suits a warrior of your standing. What grievance brings you?"
"Zhao Er took Yun’er. I claim her." Hao’s voice gained steel as he remembered his enigmatic patron.
Rage darkened the patriarch’s countenance.
"Good, it’s that worthless fool again."
"Someone, summon the second master immediately!"
"Master, the second master remains unconscious in bed," a servant murmured.
"And the girl named Yun’er?"
"Locked in the woodshed by the second madam."
Observing the martial artist’s increasingly murderous expression, the Zhao patriarch hastily ordered, "Bring Miss Yun’er here at once!"
The servant scurried to the backyard like a startled hare.
"Esteemed senior," the patriarch bowed, "we’ve sent for Yun’er. Might I offer tea in the main hall while we wait? I wish to apologize for my brother’s disgraceful conduct."
"Tea is unnecessary. I require only the girl," Hao Youqian refused outright.
When Yun’er emerged, her wide eyes reflected confusion at the chaotic scene.
"Yun’er." Hao Youqian’s shoulders relaxed slightly upon noting her intact clothing, though his jaw tightened at the bruise marring her cheek.
"Who…?" The girl blinked uncertainly.
Hao Youqian swallowed the word "grandfather." His rejuvenated appearance better suited claiming fatherhood than grandparenthood. "Your grandfather sent me," he amended. "Does your injury pain you?"
"Grandfather? Is he well?" She darted to his side like a frightened sparrow seeking shelter.
"He thrives." Hao Youqian’s composure fractured as he wheeled on the cowering patriarch. "Explain this!"
The crushing aura of an Innate Realm Practitioner flattened every ordinary martial artist to their knees.
Cold sweat drenched Zhao’s robes as realization struck – this unassuming visitor could annihilate their clan with a thought. "W-we’ll provide compensation!" he stammered into the floorboards. "Name your price, honored senior!"
Between gritted teeth, Zhao vowed to cripple his idiot brother’s legs later. For now, survival meant groveling.
The subsequent negotiations flowed with brutal efficiency – silver changed hands, apologies curdled with fear, and soon the gates closed behind departing guests.
Yun’er gasped when they entered their courtyard. A scarlet-clad enchantress swayed on a phantom swing that materialized beneath her.
"You dawdle, steward," Ye Linlang drawled, crimson skirts rippling like bloodstained silk.
"The Zhao clan insisted on reparations." Hao Youqian displayed the banknotes.
"Three thousand taels?" Her laughter held winter’s edge. "A paltry sum for their miserable lives." Crimson nails gestured toward the gawking girl. "Your seedling has promise. She’ll serve as my handmaiden."
"Preparations are complete, mistress. The carriage awaits nightfall."
Yun’er stood transfected. The stranger’s beauty outshone every village maiden combined – lethal elegance woven through every movement.
"You’re… grandfather?!" The girl’s cry shattered the courtyard’s stillness when realization struck. "But how?!"
After another round of explanations—with unsavory details omitted—Hao Youqian simply stated he’d met a noble patron whose aid alone enabled Yun’er’s rescue. By this count, she’d saved the girl twice. Ye Linlang studied Yun’er, whose delicate features rivaled March peach blossoms.
"Make the preparations. Ensure everything is of the finest quality—I’ve no tolerance for mediocrity," Ye Linlang commanded with natural authority, dismissing them with a wave.
As dusk yielded to moonlight, the most splendid carriage procurable in the small town departed. Enhanced with minor enchantments for speed, stability, and spatial expansion, the vehicle carried its passengers smoothly. Ye Linlang reclined against Yun’er’s lap, eyelids half-lowered. "The pressure is just right. Maintain it."
"I’ll rest now. No disturbances."
Yun’er’s cheeks warmed as her fingers traced Ye Linlang’s temples. The proximity to such striking features inexplicably quickened her pulse. Beyond the carriage, a fortyish coachman urged the horses along the main road toward their destination: the imperial capital of Xijing Prefecture.
With her instructions given, Ye Linlang closed her eyes and withdrew from Lilith’s form. Though tempted to delegate control to the system, she instead left behind a sliver of consciousness. This inaugural inhabited world warranted closer observation.
Before departing completely, she noted Yun’er’s flustered reaction to Lilith’s devastating beauty—a visage potent enough to enthrall all ages and genders. While Ye Linlang’s own countenance was pleasing, it couldn’t match this meticulously crafted perfection.
The month-long journey to Xijing would allow her to focus on Blue Star affairs, with occasional check-ins on Hanjiang. Simultaneously, in an Analysis Department office of Zhongxia’s Special Bureau branch, a woman stirred from her desk nap.
Ye Linlang adjusted her glasses while surveying the space. Not bad at all—Ye Er had ascended to Department Chief with a private office. "Commendable," she murmured. Her avatar had managed earthly matters seamlessly, sparing her the tedium of direct possession. Being an extension of her consciousness, Ye Er required no overt supervision.
A white Persian cat leapt from the sofa, trilling as it twined about her legs. Ye Linlang scooped up the creature, feeding it a treat from her drawer while contemplating life’s ironies. How did a mere fragment enjoy such comforts—generous salary, feline companion, prime real estate?
Accessing a verdant-hued website, she reviewed her serialized novel I Am a Goddess on Blue Star. Its prescient blend of current events and speculative futurism secured its position among the platform’s top three. Scrolling through rankings revealed burgeoning trends: stories of Spiritual Energy’s Awakening proliferated, their innovative premises offering fresh inspiration.
Rising, she approached the floor-to-ceiling window. Ye Er’s unobtrusive role—submitting analytical prompts for others to elaborate—had served its purpose. But now, as tectonic shifts loomed for this world, her avatar would claim the spotlight.
Three crisp knocks interrupted her thoughts.
"Enter," Ye Linlang turned with practiced grace.
"Chief Ye," the staff member greeted, "the meeting convenes shortly. Shall we proceed?"
"Immediately."
