Chapter 23

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Chapter 23: Title

“He said one must inherit the bloodline of ancestors who reached the Immortal Realm to awaken blood inheritance, known in the cultivation world as bloodline bearers,” the Ghost in Red explained, her eyes gleaming with faint amusement. At the mention of "him," her sharp features softened imperceptibly.

“Immortal Realm?”

“Likely a cultivation stage, though I’m uncertain of specifics.” She shook her head. Even spirits didn’t hold all answers.

“What stages exist?”

“I follow ghost cultivation, not Taoist cultivation.” Suppressing a sigh at their relentless questions, she continued patiently, “But I’ll share what I know.”

“Before the Transcendent Mortal Realm lies ordinary products, divided into nine ranks. The tenth rank begins true cultivation—Practitioners say ‘Through mortality’s transcendence begins the Tao.’”

“Warriors call this the Innate Realm, while ghost cultivators term it Soul Condensing Realm.”

“Do bloodline bearers require Spiritual Energy? Does mere kinship suffice?”

“Ancestral blood inheritance appears randomly—perhaps one per generation, perhaps none. Without Spiritual Energy, bearers remain ordinary people.”

“Can we identify or track these jade symbols?” Lin Jing pressed, dismissing other dead ends.

“Those with cultivation sense their power; to others, they seem mere trinkets.”

“As for locating them…” Her nails tapped the table. “His master claimed only orthodox Practitioners craft jade symbols. When creating mine, he lamented each symbol’s loss—their making demands immense cultivation.”

“That night, his jade symbol activated protective wards.” Her eyebrow arched. “He claimed it was a family heirloom, so I assumed noble inherited lineage.”

“Inherited families exist?” Lin Jing’s vigilance spiked. Bai Ye’s file required deeper scrutiny.

“He mentioned families preserving ancient cultivation arts. Beyond that, I know little.”

Lin Jing glanced at the transcriber before fixing the camera. “Ghosts supposedly enter the underworld after seven days. Why do you linger? Does ghost cultivation prevent this?”

“I refuse to leave.” Her smile dissolved into sorrow. “He sent his master, but where is he? I’ll wait here.”

“What’s the underworld like?” Zhan Yuan blurted. If he was hellbound, he wanted maps.

“Unknown.” Her shrug held centuries of weariness. “Had I gone, we wouldn’t be speaking.”

“Why don’t ghost messengers take you?”

“I carry no karmic debts. Though my cultivation fell from Soul Condensing to seventh rank, I’m no fugitive.” Her brow furrowed.

“If you seek the underworld, perhaps I can aid you.”

“He described death’s journey differently. For seven days, spirits wander unseen. On the seventh-night return, they visit relatives’ dreams.” Her voice turned hollow. “Then ghost messengers drag them through the netherworld’s gates.”

“They traverse darkness for a mortal day, cross the Wangchuan River, stand before Yama Palace’s judgment, and face the Karmic Mirror Platform.”

“Sinners plunge into Eighteen Floors of Hell. Virtuous souls with residual Ghostly Life dwell in Fengdu until their time ends—then they drink Meng Po Soup and enter Six Realms of Rebirth.”

“But we see ghosts!” Zhan Yuan protested. “Why?”

“In the Soul Condensing Realm, ghost cultivators can manifest their spirits, visible even to ordinary people without cultivation. When the bronze bell shielded me long ago, I was unwittingly perceived by the living. Your current situation likely relates to the ongoing Awakening of Spiritual Energy,” mused the Ghost in Red after brief contemplation.

Ye Linlang observed their conversation and consulted her system.

“When will he be taken? Is he the inaugural case?”

【Fifteen minutes remain before his demise. Affirmative, Mistress. Among all documented cases, he shall be the first to cross into the underworld.】

“Cast all one hundred eighty into the netherworld. Let them wander the dark expanse, forbidden from approaching the gates of the dead without my decree.”

The netherworld’s shadowy realms beyond the underworld’s borders trapped wandering souls in disorientation, compelled to drift until reaching the gates of the dead after precisely one day’s journey – a duration dictated by her secret designs.

Having exhausted his inquiries and confirmed the Ghost in Red’s refusal to enter the underworld, Lin Jing activated contingency protocol.

“We’re grateful for your insights. Should you consent, Miss Ghost in Red, would you join the Supernatural Phenomena Division of our Special Bureau?”

No one questioned the reverence in addressing an eight-century-old specter.

“You seek my assistance.”

“We implore your aid – not merely for our Bureau, but for this nation’s sake.” Lin Jing’s solemn headshake underscored his gravity. “You’re our sole documented spirit exceeding a century’s existence. Your mere presence could deter rebellious new ghosts from their murderous rampages plaguing our land.”

“My earlier answers settled the bronze bell’s debt of gratitude. This proposal…” The crimson apparition trailed off thoughtfully. “Allow me to acquaint myself with this era before deciding.” Her noncommittal tone left room for deliberation.

Lin Jing nodded, relief tempering his professional demeanor – this surpassed their bleakest expectations. “Shall I assign a guide for your orientation?”

“Unnecessary. I’ll accompany him temporarily.” She gestured toward Bai Ye. “Our encounter bears significance. Reforging spiritual patterns now would overextend my reserves.”

The unanticipated request gave Lin Jing momentary pause before acquiescing. “Bai Ye shall attend you then. Contact us freely for any requirements.”

“Section Chief Cui, we’re concluded here. Resume your operations.”

After brief exchanges, Cui Ming terminated the video feed. Nearby, Zhan Yuan stood chalk-faced, death-gripping the retrieved phone as he counted seconds.

“What horrors await in the underworld? Have my sins…”

“Compose yourself.” Cui Ming pocketed his device, observing the agitated spirit’s frenetic pacing.

The Ghost in Red’s voice sliced through the tension. “Your scheduled descent?”

“Eight minutes remain.” Zhan Yuan’s spectral pallor deepened, mortal fears resurfacing posthaste.

“Your ghost body wanes. I could fortify your ghostly energy – contingent on reciprocal service.”

“Command me!” The desperate spirit agreed instantaneously, sensing this alliance might bolster his tenuous existence.

“These eight child-souls under my guardianship require passage to reincarnate. Escort them through the gates. My refined ghostly energy will preserve them until separation in the underworld triggers their natural dissolution.”

"The ghostly energy they left behind is exquisitely refined, sufficient for your absorption and cultivation. It might even help you break through to a realm of proper attainment." As the Ghost in Red spoke, silver-gray embroidered buds detached from her crimson skirts, transforming into eight soul orbs shimmering within pure yin energy.

"I-I don’t even know how to cultivate properly!" Zhan Yuan nearly choked in frustration. His usual "practice" involved merely gathering ambient ghostly energy – true cultivation remained a mystery. This torment surpassed standing before a treasure vault without a key – it was grasping gold through prison bars.

With a flick of her sleeve, the Ghost in Red sent the eight soul orbs coiling around Zhan Yuan’s wrist like an eerie bracelet. Hesitating briefly at his plea, she glided forward.

Zhan Yuan froze mid-fiddle with the bracelet as her crimson form approached. Her pale finger tapped his forehead. "These are the entry-level hand seals for my cultivation technique," she declared, withdrawing her touch. "Channel ghostly energy through these forms."

The young man gaped. He’d never expected actual guidance from this spectral beauty, let alone witnessed Cui Ming and Jiang Fei’s eyeballs nearly rolling from their sockets in disbelief.

Before she could finish speaking, Zhan Yuan dramatically prostrated himself. "Master! This humble disciple—"

—The audacity! This cunning brat—

"I take no disciples." She recoiled, sleeves billowing to block his kneeling form before blasting him backward with a palm strike. Zhan Yuan tumbled arse-over-head, confusion painted across his features.

"Merely Soul Condensation Realm myself," the Ghost in Red stated coldly, "and this technique came from a wandering Taoist. Imparting its basics already oversteps propriety."

Her vermilion sleeves trembled slightly. "I share this so you’ll protect these children in the underworld. Though I preserved their souls, their minds remain clouded."

"Even in the Netherworld, awakening takes time. Swear never to abandon them until consciousness returns."

Zhan Yuan scrambled up, grin undimmed. Compared to his windfall, this vow meant nothing. "Your words are this disciple’s command!"

"No master-disciple bond exists," she snapped, icy resolve cracking for the first time. "No rites were performed."

Zhan Yuan met her glare unflinching. "The one who transmits the method becomes master in spirit. My heart acknowledges none other from this moment."

He jangled the soul-bracelet with forced cheer, sensing the unseen barrier’s pull. A yawning void materialized behind him, swallowing him mid-smirk.

Jiang Fei and Zhang Wutong gaped at the brazen display. Only Cui Ming remained unfazed – he’d recognized Zhan Yuan’s tenacious shamelessness from their first meeting.

Cui Ming’s sideways glance caught the Ghost in Red’s stormy expression. He mentally thanked the void for sparing them either a haunting nuisance or a vengeful spirit’s wrath.

Ye Linlang observed the scene with satisfaction. Her experiment proved viable – this crimson ghost displayed genuine autonomy, making decisions through authentic emotions.

Her gaze lingered on the spectral maiden. Ghosts were data imprints after all, and the system archived every Earthly existence. With Fantasy Points, she could reshape these records into beings like Zhan Yuan.

The Ghost in Red’s origins differed from local legends – no heroic Taoist, just a lovelorn noble daughter and a destitute scholar. Yet through crafted memories and strategic data edits, Ye Linlang had birthed a spirit surpassing her programming. Preparations could now accelerate.

Unfortunately, the final outcome saw the scholar failing the imperial examination while the young lady married another. Their star-crossed love, severed by the chasm between life and death, left nothing but sighs of regret.

Strangely enough…the scholar met his demise even before the lady.

The Ghost in Red differed greatly from that noble-born maiden in many aspects – differences she herself had cultivated. Yet one could neither claim she was that same lady nor entirely separate them, for fragments of the young mistress’ essence lingered within the Ghost in Red’s temperament.

Ye Linlang harbored reluctance toward reviving past "individuals." The Ghost in Red’s existence had been an unavoidable necessity, and she resolved to minimize such interventions whenever possible.

Not that crafting beings proved tedious or consumed excessive Fantasy Points – though creating authentic entities required astronomical Fantasy Points to alter the system’s database when manifesting them in Blue Star’s reality, effectively rewriting historical records.

Until mastering the governing principles, Ye Linlang needed vast Fantasy Points to placate the world consciousness through bribes.

The irony of bribing cosmic forces while serving the Heavenly Path nearly made her abandon her duties when the system explained this non-negotiable procedure.

Pricing tiers escalated exponentially: ten thousand for Tier One, a hundred thousand for Tier Two, two hundred thousand for Tier Three – primarily securing legitimate Identity Cards. Cultivation could then proceed naturally within the world’s framework.

These rates applied when power tiers matched the host world. Deploying the Ghost in Red’s true Tier One prowess in a Tier Zero realm would drain ten thousand Fantasy Points per minute.

Authentic lifeforms differed fundamentally from fake puppets. Properly documented creations like the Ghost in Red could traverse beyond Blue Star without rejection.

World consciousness recognition granted universal legitimacy, preventing Unregistered Being status. The cosmic entity showed particular disdain for undocumented existences, orchestrating their demise through trivial misfortunes.

Contemplating this, Ye Linlang marveled at her own survival.

Preparations for the Awakening of Spiritual Energy’s first phase were underway, promising steady Fantasy Point influx. Yet future expenditures demanded frugality.

Current Fantasy Point acquisition relied on intelligent beings’ emotional output. Spiritual Energy exploitation remained untenable until post-crisis resolution in eight months.

She’d never drain the world’s Spiritual Energy unless absolutely necessary – it was the planet’s gift to all life, part of the sacred cycle between creation and its inhabitants.

*

The Ghost in Red vanished into her spiritual pattern in a crimson fury, leaving Bai Ye with three agents.

Jiang Fei glanced at his superior before approaching with practiced charm. "Brother Bai Ye, consider joining our Special Operations Section? The benefits are exceptional."

"I’m still a student. Hardly appropriate." Bai Ye’s cheek twitched.

"Senior year students need internships," Jiang Fei countered smoothly. "Perfect timing."

"I’m just ordinary people material. Ghosts aren’t my expertise." Bai Ye swallowed nervously, seeking aid from Zhang Wutong.

"Don’t look at me – I’m still probationary." Zhang Wutong shrugged, barely containing his amusement.

Ye Linlang had departed unnoticed. The system needn’t calculate probabilities – Bai Ye’s connection to the Ghost in Red guaranteed his Special Bureau recruitment. She sensed minimal resistance anyway.

First to Fusang to verify earlier designs, then other regions. Ye Linlang sighed – this global inspection tour proved exhausting.

Her intuition proved correct. Five hours later, deep within Egypt’s pyramids, the system pinged with updates.

"Complete. Recall protocol." Egypt’s verification concluded her planetary check. Homebound, she showered before reviewing highlighted events.

Global reports during her sleep cycle showed no anomalies. "Prioritize Special Bureau files," she ordered, settling in for an all-nighter despite daytime rest.

The Special Bureau.

After concluding the call with Ghost in Red, Lin Jing commenced organizing the gathered intelligence. His team had barely started their analysis when fresh data arrived from the video screening unit, requiring nearly three hours of processing. When the clock struck 10:45, he finally looked up from his documents to find his team still immersed in their tasks.

Having compiled all intelligence regarding Ghost in Red’s group, he collected the printed files and laptop before proceeding to the meeting room. Earlier, he’d notified the Special Bureau’s deputy section chief-level group that conference lights would likely burn late into the night.

In the illuminated meeting room:

"Materials are before you – current intelligence analysis in front, our proposed countermeasures behind."

Lin Jing stood at the central podium, laser pointer in hand, nodding briefly to the director beside him. "Let’s not waste time; I’ll keep this brief. Consult your documents for details, or ask questions after my presentation."

The Special Bureau’s sparse departments contrasted with Analysis Section 3’s relative staffing. Only Special Operations Section maintained provincial branches handling regional anomalies.

Lin Jing summarized his conversation with Ghost in Red and subsequent exchanges between the spirit and Zhan Yuan, particularly emphasizing "Underworld" references.

"First: Awakening of Spiritual Energy.

Ghost in Red confirms Spiritual Energy existed during her Southern Song Dynasty era eight centuries ago, disappearing posthumously before resurfacing seven days ago. We tentatively term this phenomenon ‘Awakening of Spiritual Energy.’

Cross-referencing recent events, this awakening appears gradual. While mass ghost manifestations occurred initially, subsequent daily appearances decreased to <10% of initial numbers. This 99% probable ongoing process necessitates continued branch establishment with strict personnel vetting…

Per Ghost in Red’s testimony, spectral appearances will accelerate with prolonged awakening, potentially mirroring myths where all deceased become spirits.

Second: Ghost Phenomena.

The ‘seven-day invisibility period’ likely correlates with awakening’s initial phase. We’ve verified the ‘seventh day returning to relatives’ dreams’ through retained spirits.

Observe this 20x slowed footage." Lin Jing indicated Zhan Yuan’s absorption into a space-distorting vortex. "Ghost messengers employ this black hole-like phenomenon for soul capture.

‘After traversing the netherworld for one mortal day, spirits pass through gates of the dead, cross the other shore road, ford Wangchuan River, face judgment at Yama Palace, then stand before Karmic Mirror Platform.’

The wicked descend to Eighteen Floors of Hell; virtuous souls with Ghostly Life inhabit Fengdu City until consuming Meng Po Soup for Six Realms of Rebirth. While ‘netherworld’ lacks documentation, other sites match underworld lore. Notably, ‘yang world day’ implies differing temporal flows between realms.

Third: Qualified Personnel.

With Zhan Yuan’s departure, we lack means to manage newly arrived spirits. The Bureau must recruit genuine specialists – not charlatans.

Ghost in Red encountered authentic Daoists during her era. If ancient spirits persist through Spiritual Energy’s resurgence, Daoist traditions must similarly survive."

Lin Jing paused for responses.

"Could Xiao Tianji qualify?" Liang An interjected, brow furrowed. "During the server blackout incident, even hackers were powerless."

"But this ‘Xiao Tianji’ remains completely unaffected." Liang An knew he’d never forget such a monumental incident in his lifetime.

"Can we establish contact?"

"He doesn’t respond – utterly arrogant. This shows the true nature of these so-called ‘professionals’ with genuine skills." Liang An sneered.

"If Lin Jing’s report about these individuals with supernatural abilities holds true," Yan Hua rapped his knuckles on the table, "we must monitor every single one. They represent potential instability."

"Director, I propose an alternative approach." Lin Jing adjusted his glasses. "Rather than containment, why not recruit them? Wasn’t the Supernatural Phenomena Division created precisely to balance forces beyond scientific understanding?"

"Following our established protocol, I’ve already extended an invitation to the Ghost in Red. Her non-refusal suggests she’s considering our offer."

"Then there’s Bai Ye – unlike the spontaneously appearing Ghost in Red, we’ve documented his entire upbringing. With his father being a domestic tycoon, I’m confident Section Chief Cui can persuade him to join the Special Bureau."

"Frankly speaking," Lin Jing sighed, "such occurrences may become commonplace. Among 1.5 billion citizens, the statistical likelihood of bloodline bearers existing beyond Bai Ye is undeniable."

"First apparitions, now bloodline bearers. Director, our strategy needs evolution. Heavy-handed control fails against the powerful – their pride won’t permit it." Lin Jing’s gaze flickered toward Liang An. "Recall Section Chief Liang’s experience with Xiao Tianji."

"You advocate for systematic searches," Yan Hua stroked his chin thoughtfully, "including these… inherited families. You believe they exist domestically?"

"A hypothesis." Lin Jing nodded. "Numerous families with thousand-year legacies maintain low profiles. But with Spiritual Energy’s emergence, national security demands thorough investigation. The older the lineage, the higher probability of concealed capabilities."

"Regarding cultivation tiers, we only have the Ghost in Red’s accounts. Until our research division assesses practitioners’ actual capabilities…"

Here, Lin Jing marveled at Zhan Yuan’s fortune – his cultivation technique remained nationally unique.

"Pity Zhan Yuan’s absent. He’d relish visiting Division 6." The Scientific Research Division 6 processed every supernatural entity through its labs.

Should Bai Ye and the Ghost in Red accept recruitment, Division 6 awaited them too.

"Any hope of reclaiming the bell?" asked Lv Qiuping, 67-year-old head of Research Division 6, his voice tinged with academic longing.

"Unlikely," Lin Jing shook his head. "The Ghost in Red treasures it deeply. Her detailed cooperation merely repays our assistance in locating it."

"Truly regrettable." Shi Fan, mythology expert and acting deputy chief, sighed. "That bronze bell’s archaic patterns defied carbon-14 dating. Its material composition alone warrants extended study."

Around the conference table, government officials debated what sounded like fantasy novel plotlines.

"While cultivation techniques elude us, ancient texts from Wudang, Longhu, and Shaolin monasteries offer starting points. We mustn’t neglect contemporary martial arts masters either."

*

"See?" Ye Linlang stretched lazily, milk glass in hand. "Humans excel at imaginative extrapolation. Feed them crumbs, they’ll bake the loaf themselves."

[Master’s wisdom shines.]

"Naturally." She smirked, finger-snapping the projected data into new configurations.

Even meticulous plans crafted by ordinary people required gaps. Though Fantasy Points and systems could patch flaws, perpetual perfection proved impractical. Better to steer the grand scheme while letting humanity’s self-deception handle the details – people always trust their own deductions most.

"As long as they don’t overthink it, let them have their correct guess," Ye Linlang murmured while observing the scenes from the netherworld displayed on her screen.

The alternate space housing the realm of the dead had been manifested and stabilized through her power. This domain resembled a primordial cosmos with a square earth beneath a vaulted sky, its central layer containing the gates of the dead along with the Yellow Springs Road, Wangchuan River, and Yama Palace.

Above loomed an obsidian firmament saturated with ghostly energy, pierced by the crimson glow of a blood moon. Below stretched the Eighteen Floors of Hell – a place no ghost would ever wish to visit.

Heaven watches all deeds; good and evil shall meet their due.

Ye Linlang had once nurtured naive dreams of changing the world, but that belonged to her previous lifetime. Maturity and worldly experience taught her the futility of such ambitions.

Humanity’s dual nature made voluntary adherence to morality improbable. Wicked souls often prospered through misdeeds while virtuous ones languished in poverty and mockery – an injustice soon to be rectified by the netherworld’s judgment.

Murderers and arsonists would finally answer for their crimes in death. Did they truly believe her Six Realms of Rebirth existed merely as decoration?

Perhaps revealing the realm of the dead’s existence might deter earthly crimes, she mused, fingertips brushing her chin. Since the Ghost in Red had delivered those children here, she’d reciprocate the gesture – petty grudges bored her.

Ye Linlang maintained a special roster of those advancing her plans for the Awakening of Spiritual Energy. Future saviors might emerge from this catalog she whimsically dubbed "Destiny."

Those inscribed received systemic surveillance equivalent to her own divine attention as the impending supreme deity. Even the world consciousness might eventually notice them.

"Children of Destiny" became their apt designation, a title both literal and prophetic.

This fluid list, constantly revised among her multiple registries, demanded rigorous observation of its members’ character and temperament. While the spiritual awakening served global purposes, it equally empowered ordinary people rejecting mediocrity. Though she dreamed of humanity’s ascension, their ultimate response remained uncertain.

Time would reveal all. With casual flourish, Ye Linlang inscribed "Zhan Yuan" followed by "C" – third tier in her four-grade system (A, B, C, D) measuring her interest.

The cunning ghost who’d seized his chance to obtain cultivation techniques might yet prove entertaining.

*

Within the netherworld’s shadows, Zhan Yuan blinked into existence amidst oppressive darkness, faint luminescence barely outlining his outstretched hand.

"Is this Master’s mentioned netherworld?" Relief washed over him upon confirming his safety. His fingers flew to the prayer beads encircling his wrist. "Safe! The little ones Master entrusted me are still here."

Beads: Little ones?? Had I not died young, I’d have grandsires your age!

After concealing the beads beneath his sleeve, Zhan Yuan squinted at the directionless void. "Must keep moving… but which way?" Resigned, he chose randomly. "Master said walk for a day. Walk I shall."

"The netherworld’s horrors can’t surpass this cultivation technique’s incomprehensibility. Each character makes sense, yet combined they become celestial gibberish."

"Should’ve studied harder when alive. Even ghosts need literacy!" His grumbles accompanied mental recitations of the 220-character text he’d memorized yet couldn’t practice.

*

Bai Ye’s residence retained its quietude after Cui Ming, Jiang Fei, and Zhang Wutong’s departure. The youth examined his wrist’s crimson spiritual pattern, its glow now dormant.

Because of a few words from the Ghost in Red, he found himself designated as a reserve member of Division 1 at the Special Bureau, uncertain whether this development favored or disadvantaged him.

“Ghost in Red, are you present?” Bai Ye initially considered using her name directly, but after recalling how Cui Ming and others addressed her, he settled on the formal title after momentary hesitation.

“I have questions for you. Can you hear my voice?”

The paper and pen beside him suddenly floated up, landing precisely before Bai Ye. The pencil stood upright without physical contact, its tip tracing a traditional Chinese character for "Present" on the sheet.

Ask your questions.

“Can’t you manifest physically?” Bai Ye blinked in surprise before gathering his composure, voice tinged with apprehension.

Conserves energy.

“What I truly wish to know is—will our world truly undergo transformation?” He cautiously avoided questioning her energy conservation rationale.

Affirmative.

“What form will this change take?”

Unknown.

“Am I truly a bloodline bearer? Could there be… a mistake?”

Your blood carries trace spiritual energy. Untrained ordinary people cannot possess such energy. The spiritual pattern’s imprint upon you serves as irrefutable evidence.

Bai Ye nodded with partial comprehension before blurting out, “Why select me? Wouldn’t official personnel prove more suitable?”

Complications.

“Ah.”

Tomorrow, I wish to observe the outside world.

After brief stillness, the pen added: If acceptable, address me as senior.

Bai Ye chuckled softly after repeating the title. “Where shall we visit tomorrow, senior? I’ll request leave to accompany you.”

Unnecessary. I shall accompany you.

Bai Ye’s expression soured. If memory served, tomorrow required his presence for school examinations—academic neglect might be tolerated, but exam absence guaranteed paternal discipline.

The pencil clattered onto the desk, motionless.

“Senior, I’ll take my leave then. Rest well.” Assuming the Ghost in Red desired silence, Bai Ye offered farewell without further inquiry.

He studied the paper’s impeccably structured regular script—pencil strokes mimicking brushwork’s artistry.

Exquisite penmanship.

After storing writing materials in the drawer, Bai Ye lay beneath extinguished lights, eyelids closed yet replaying the day’s extraordinary events.

Beyond the window, cool breezes whispered under luminous moonlight, the stars sparse in the vast sky.

The soft moonlight bathed the eaves of countless homes—some residents deep in slumber while nocturnal lives thrummed to waking rhythms.

In Ye Linlang’s detached courtyard, slivers of light escaped second-floor curtains, glowing steadfast until dawn’s first blush.

“Another all-nighter,” she grimaced, observing the system-projected planar world map dotted with luminous markers.

Adjacent hovered a three-dimensional world map, its coordinates studded with proportionally miniaturized glass spheres in varied hues.

These represented her conquered territories—no, more accurately, her sleep-deprived craftsmanship across countless nights.