Chapter 244

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Chapter 244: Title

Behind Floating Cloud Immortal Officer stood several figures. Noticing the gravity of her demeanor, they exchanged glances before offering salutes—some with clasped fists, others with deep bows.

Mimicking the immortal officer’s posture, they chorused, “We pay respects to the Immortal.”

“Hm,” came the terse acknowledgment from Ji Lang.

His gaze swept over the newcomers—recent ascendants from the lower realms. If memory served, Hanjiang had produced the sole group of ascenders during this period.

_Typical of third-tier world cultivators_, he observed. Their cultivation hovered at tier three’s zenith, mere inches from tier four. Though Hanjiang itself was newly manifested, tales of its upheavals had already spread across Blue Star through unfortunate travelers who’d returned.

—Including sensational accounts of ascenders caught in Lady Lilith’s disruptive wake.

“Esteemed One, please follow.” Floating Cloud Immortal Officer inclined her head, gesturing toward the hall before addressing the Hanjiang group. “Do not linger at the threshold. Enter and be seated.”

The Hall of the Dao’s austere interior revealed long tables flanking both walls, each paired with twin chairs. The Hanjiang ascendants shifted uneasily. Though overlords in their own realm, here they felt like novices before a grandmaster—their once-proud cultivation rendered insignificant beneath this woman’s unfathomable aura.

_To earn the title ‘Immortal’… Could she be a true celestial sovereign?_

Ji Lang flexed fingers subtly, sensing the lifted constraints. Within White Jade Capital’s bounds, the heavenly suppression on his tier seven cultivation eased—not full liberation, but enough to shed one layer of shackles. The Crane Envoy’s warning echoed: any breach of fairy city edicts invited heavenly lightning’s judgment.

Seated at the head table, Floating Cloud Immortal Officer regarded him with luminous eyes. “Does your visit concern registry matters, Esteemed One?”

“Another purpose guides me,” Ji Lang countered. “What knowledge have you of the world beyond?”

The immortal officer hesitated. “This humble fairy only recently awakened to greet new ascendants. The outer realm’s transformations remain veiled from me. Does the Immortal bear enlightenment?”

Beside them, five listeners strained to catch every syllable.

Ji Lang’s brow furrowed—a warrior more comfortable with blades than words. “What of the End of the Law Great Calamity?”

A shadow crossed Floating Cloud’s features. “How could I forget? Your presence perplexed me initially—how might tier seven cultivation manifest when fairy cities barely stir from slumber?”

“Four centuries past,” he rumbled, “the Awakening of Spiritual Energy reshaped existence. Now burgeoning realms echo antiquity’s glory. White Jade Capital’s emergence draws myriad gazes.”

“Ah!” Understanding brightened her countenance. “Thus you come as human cultivators’ envoy?”

“Indeed.”

Silence lingered as Floating Cloud digested this. Her initial resolve to maintain the fairy city’s detached sanctity now wavered against the transformed worldscape.

“Words pale before reality,” Ji Lang broke the stillness. “See today’s human cultivators yourself.”

Nodding, the immortal officer gestured. “Let me first complete these registrations. Would the Esteemed One partake in tea while waiting?”

Celestial porcelain materialized beside each attendee, steam curling from pale golden liquid.

“Proceed,” Ji Lang acquiesced, cradling his cup.

Floating Cloud turned her attention to the others and inquired, "Who among you wishes to proceed first?"

"I’ll go," declared the brash swordsman, rising to approach the Floating Cloud Immortal Official. "Ask whatever you need, Immortal Official."

Unfazed by the middle-aged swordsman’s gruff manner, Floating Cloud responded, "By what name are you known?"

"Liu Yidao."

She unfurled a ledger, her ink-laden purple brush gliding across the white, gold-speckled pages. With sparse strokes, she captured the essence of the man before her.

Liu Yidao.

Hanjiang Ascendant to the source world. Tier three cultivation at its peak… Slayer of one hundred twenty-six, preserver of one thousand six hundred seventy-two lives…

As these words took form, additional script began to materialize beneath them – an exhaustive chronicle of Liu Yidao’s endeavors in Hanjiang.

The Immortal Official presented the completed entry for verification.

"Does this account hold truth?"

Liu Yidao marveled at the ledger’s precision, recalling faded memories now etched in stark clarity upon the page.

"Your essence blood is required as testament."

Though curious about the purpose, the swordsman bit his thumb without hesitation. A single crimson droplet floated weightlessly toward Floating Cloud, seeping into the inked characters of his name. The golden calligraphy of "Liu Yidao" bloomed with subtle vermilion hues.

Floating Cloud wove intricate hand seals. The gilded page shimmered, coalescing into a palm-sized token bearing ancient characters for "White Jade Capital" on its face, with "Liu Yidao" inscribed vertically along the left edge.

"This grants passage to the celestial city and establishes your lawful standing in the source world," she explained, offering the artifact. "Hanjiang’s Ascendants remain unacknowledged by celestial decree until documented. Attain the Immortal Realm, and such tokens become unnecessary within White Jade Capital’s spheres."

The swordsman hefted the unexpectedly weighty medal, its golden sheen masking the peculiar density of its substance.

"Concluded then?"

"Indeed. You may depart, though you’re welcome to await others’ completion."

As the remaining four approached in turn, Ji Lang absorbed their particulars between sips of tea – brash Liu Yidao, sightless youth Ming Zhen, violet-robed Li Moshu (disciple of Lilith), the regal mortal empress, and the aged physician. Blue Star’s future, he mused, promised intriguing developments.

When the registrations concluded, Floating Cloud addressed him: "My lord, those beyond Immortal Realm yet unaligned with celestial courts require documentation. Would you consent?"

"Proceed."

"Your name upon the golden leaf, if you please." A blank parchment detached itself, hovering expectantly before Ji Lang.

A golden pen materialized beside them.

Ji Lang grasped the brush and inscribed his name in the first column. As the characters took form, a wisp of his essence fused into the parchment.

Seated beside him, Li Mosheng glimpsed the writing. The strokes radiated piercing sword intent that pricked at her soul—such characters alone could effortlessly vanquish malevolent spirits and demons. Truly befitting a genuine immortal, she mused.

Among Taoist cultivation paths, sword cultivators embodied lethal artistry. This figure before her must be an authentic Sword Immortal. Li Mosheng’s eyes drifted to the long sword upon the table. Until locating her master in this realm, she resolved to tread carefully. Antagonizing such formidable beings would invite unnecessary complications.

As Ji Lang’s brush lifted, the parchment glowed with sudden radiance, his life chronicle materializing in flowing script.

An extraordinary tome indeed, Ji Lang observed as the page ascended toward Floating Cloud, gradually merging with the celestial ledger.

"Registrations are concluded," Floating Cloud announced. "The small fairy shall now escort your departure. Crane Envoy."

"At your service." The attendant crane dipped its snow-crowned head. "All preparations are complete, Immortal Officer."

They emerged beneath a sky graced by descending cranes—snow-feathered marvels with wingtips dipped in midnight. The creatures alighted with melodic cries, bowing to receive their riders.

*

Foot of Kunlun Mountain, beneath Fairy City White Jade Capital.

The Zhongxia Kingdom’s outpost hummed with tension a kilometer from the sacred slopes. Every eye in the camp remained fixed on the luminous city above.

"Senior Ji Lang entered ninety minutes ago," fretted an observer. "No updates yet. What transpires within?"

Only their senior had breached White Jade Capital’s defenses—an achievement that amplified both pride and anxiety. Satellite feeds had captured his initial approach: the immortal crane bearing him skyward, the city’s pearlescent gates swallowing his form. Each transmission deepened the enigma.

"Emergence detected!" shouted a technician monitoring screens.

Seven cranes descended like brushstrokes against azure skies, each bearing a mounted figure. The satellite’s unblinking eye revealed familiar white robes—Senior Ji Lang, flanked by strangers. A maiden in flowing palace attire hovered beside him, her silken ribbons dancing with otherworldly grace. Five others followed—figures spanning ages and genders, their garb echoing ancient practitioners’ styles.

"Unknown entities!" came the urgent command. "Document all! Cross-reference database immediately!"

"Negative matches," came the tense reply. "No records exist for these individuals."

"Impossible," another muttered. "We’ve maintained constant surveillance. How could unknown ancients appear alongside Senior Ji Lang?"

The camp buzzed with theories, yet the mountain kept its secrets—as mountains always do.

Someone instinctively raised their voice a notch, "Look! They seem to be emerging."

The celestial cranes had cleared the fairy city’s gates, their wings carving through the outer mists in a direction that sparked vague recognition.

"Where are they headed?"

"Trajectory analysis indicates…" The technician’s voice faltered as satellite imagery shifted on the screens, "Team Leader, they’re approaching our coordinates—"

The feed now clearly showed their base, with the cranes hovering motionless at its perimeter.

Every available personnel rushed outside, leaving only essential operators at their stations.

Beyond the base walls, Ji Lang and his companions dismounted from the crane’s pearlescent plumage. "Here." The Sword Immortal tossed a jade vial to the crane that had borne him twice. The creature caught it deftly in its beak, obsidian eyes blinking in avian bewilderment.

"For your service," Ji Lang said, not bothering to elaborate. Taking their cue, Liu Yidao and the others produced offerings of medicinal pills and spiritual stones for their respective mounts. Their gestures carried slight embarrassment—most treasures had been sacrificed to the Lightning Tribulation during Ascension, leaving only essential spiritual items and bonded artifacts.

No one dared show more generosity than the Sword Immortal.

Patrolling guards maintained watchful stances, weapons conspicuously undrawn in deference to Ji Lang’s presence.

"You may return," declared Floating Cloud Immortal Officer to the Crane Envoys. With synchronized wingbeats, the white flock ascended like living clouds drifting homeward.

From the base emerged a group led by a man in Special Bureau uniform. "Senior Ji Lang, welcome back," greeted Director Su, the facility’s person in charge, executing a shallow bow.

The Sword Immortal acknowledged with a nod.

Director Su’s gaze swept over the newcomers. "Might I inquire about our guests?"

"An Immortal Officer from White Jade Capital," Ji Lang replied, gesturing toward Floating Cloud.

The bureau chief’s breathing hitched imperceptibly. Immortals weren’t unheard of, but each encounter still rattled mortal composure. "And these others?"

Ji Lang glanced at Floating Cloud, transferring the conversational reins.

The Immortal Officer stepped forward with fluid grace, sleeves rippling like mist. "These spiritual cultivators recently completed their Ascension from Hanjiang." Her voice carried the chime of wind through jade chimes. "This humble one is Floating Cloud, tasked with registry affairs for White Jade Capital’s newly ascended."

Director Su’s team returned the courtesy with precise bows. Titles meant little—any being containing ‘Immortal’ deserved utmost respect regardless of self-deprecation.

"Please, join us inside for tea," the director urged, seeking confirmation from Ji Lang.

The Sword Immortal inclined his head. "Hm."

She brought forth Floating Cloud, thus naturally assuming the role of intermediary. Rather than letting the remaining five emerge into society utterly ignorant and unprepared, entrusting them to the Special Bureau for guidance would ensure they at least grasp modern societal norms.

The group proceeded inside.

Floating Cloud appeared no older than thirteen or fourteen, yet possessed a composure surpassing most adults, every movement exuding grace and composure befitting seasoned masters.

—Mountain and Sea Realm—

Over the four centuries since the Realm’s emergence, bonds between spirit cultivators and human cultivators had deepened inexorably.

The demon lords of this realm could no longer indulge in centuries-long slumbers as before. While human civilization advanced during these four hundred years, the spirit cultivators had kept pace.

The Nine Extreme Demon Lords, leaders of their kind, comprised Bai Ze, the nine-tailed fox, Moon-eating Celestial Dog, Nine Heavens Phoenix, Taotie, Qiongqi, three-legged golden crow, Mo Qilin, and Phoenix – excluding the absent legendary dragon currently roaming beyond the realm.

Every century since the Realm’s unveiling, these lords convened to discuss territorial affairs among spirit cultivators and debate their eventual exodus to explore the human world.

External shifts profoundly affected their domain. Blue Star’s recent ascension to tier four resonated powerfully through the Mountain and Sea Realm.

A massive black canine uttered in human tongue, "The portal expands further? This bodes well – the celestial constraints weaken before us!"

"Not merely so," Bai Ze countered, shaking his head. "I inspected the threshold. Unlike previous tier transitions limiting departures to those below external cultivation caps, now we may suppress our power to traverse beyond."

The alabaster vixen swayed nine luxurious tails, melodic voice tinged with curiosity. "Self-restraint? Then even we…"

Bai Ze confirmed with a sweeping gaze. "Precisely. Voluntary cultivation seals would permit even our egress."

"Magnificent!" Taotie’s thunderous laughter shook the chamber. "This dreary realm pales against the human world’s diversions. What splendid revels await!"

Mo Qilin’s sidelong glance carried skepticism. "You’d endure such shackles? The outer realm permits no more than tier four manifestations – a far cry from our unleashed might here."

Qiongqi raked claws across his jawline. "A valid concern."

Di Yan’s voice rang clear, golden feathers glinting. "Need we fret? Has not the legendary dragon thrived beyond? After millennia confined here, which among us claims no wanderlust?"

Exchanging knowing grins, the previously vocal lords remained silent.

The nine-tailed fox’s eyes glimmered mischievously. "Should we all depart, humanity might descend into pandemonium."

"Relaxed restrictions for us imply greater freedoms for lesser spirit cultivators too," Bai Ze observed. "Managing their exodus would strain human resources severely."

Despite Blue Star’s multiracial societies, humanity’s hundred billion souls maintained overwhelming numerical dominance – all supernatural beings combined couldn’t match mortal numbers.

"Then regulate departure quotas," proposed the Phoenix, breaking silence. Its voice echoed like wind through ancient forests.

The bordering Ten Thousand Great Mountains stood as recognized spirit cultivator territory after multiple worldly shifts. Few humans dared venture there, knowing these peaks served as both sanctuary and death trap for the unwary.

Di Yan cocked his gleaming head. "Interest stirs even you, Phoenix? Your silence suggested indifference."

The celestial bird offered no reply, its fiery plumage flickering with unspoken thoughts.

"Then it’s settled. Bai Ze, please handle informing the human cultivators," said Yue Xi, the Moon-eating Celestial Dog.

Interfacing with external affairs had always fallen to Bai Ze among the spirit cultivators—not by choice, but because the others either disdained mundane negotiations or possessed tempers ill-suited for diplomacy.

Take Taotie and Qiongqi, whose fists moved faster than their thoughts. The Phoenix maintained glacial indifference while Di Yan radiated aristocratic aloofness—both clearly unfit for human interaction. As for the nine-tailed fox? It spent ninety years out of every century napping through existence.

"Consider it done," Bai Ze affirmed.

Beyond the Mountain and Sea Realm.

Within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.

Once called Shennongjia, this land bore no resemblance to its former self after multiple cataclysmic shifts reshaped its topography. Endless mountain ridges blanketed by lush forests now hosted Demonic Beasts and spirit cultivators awakened to intelligence.

The nine demon lords decreed: No spirit cultivator below tier three may exit these mountains. Those possessing intelligence yet lacking physical forms faced harsher restrictions—forbidden even from approaching the borders.

Though relations between species remained cordial, boundary-pushers inevitably emerged—poachers targeting spirit cultivators, rogue entities hunting human cultivators… All faced merciless justice when caught.

Despite this apparent isolation, curiosity thrived. Intelligent beings naturally yearned to explore the human world’s kaleidoscopic wonders. Thus, three hundred years after mandating tier three as the threshold for shapeshifting and venturing outward, spirit cultivators collaborated with humans to carve a trading plain along the mountain borders.

Here rose tier-nine demon lords City—the first metropolis built for spirit cultivators through Zhongxia’s labor and their own investments. (As for funding? The Mountain and Sea Realm overflowed with spiritual items coveted by humankind—easy currency for negotiations.)

Unshaped spirit cultivators now mingled freely with profit-driven humans in this energy-rich basin where spiritual herbs ripened swiftly. Prohibited from trespassing deeper territories, enterprising mortals turned merchants, establishing commerce within the city’s bounds.

Five decades of triphase construction birthed this sprawling marvel surpassing many human capitals. Spatial formations encased tier-nine demon lords City, its low-rise architecture fusing antiquity with modern technology. Countless patterns shimmered across structures—ten years’ labor from every available formation master.

Nine palaces crowned the cityscape, each housing a demon lord. At its heart stood the altar to Empress Nuwa. Observing from above revealed an ever-shifting silhouette—one moment coiling dragon, next a phoenix in flight, then a languid nine-tailed fox. The city’s formations cycled every century, rendering its layout perpetually enigmatic even to century-long residents.

Though now harmonious, early trade saw guileless spirit cultivators outwitted by human tricksters. Yet tier-nine demon lords City flourished, becoming their official headquarters. Humans established a liaison office while leaving walls absent—only vast gates remained, their golden "tier-nine demon lords City" inscription visible kilometers away.

Three centuries later, streamlined access through the Special Bureau drew endless tourists craving exotic experiences. Approval required mere identity verification—simpler than international travel.

Today, ceaseless traffic pulsed through gates accommodating ground vehicles, equine travelers, and skyborne paths.

In a crimson taxi, a girl leaned out with her phone. "It’s just like the streams said—nothing like human cities!"

"Obviously," rumbled the wolf-spirit driver. "Extend your gadget, miss, not your neck."

The girl with shoulder-length hair chuckled awkwardly as she straightened in her seat. "Alright, alright. Can’t blame me for being excited."

The Tier-Nine Demon Lords City belonged to spirit cultivators, where most residents remained in their primal forms. Yet none dared underestimate these unshaped beings – nearly all possessed tier-two cultivation or higher, merely awaiting their Transformation Lightning Tribulation to assume humanoid forms.

This explained why over ninety-five percent of urban occupations suited spirit cultivators. Only within these mystical streets could one witness such wonders; elsewhere, spirit cultivators needed human forms merely to operate vehicles.

"Your hotel, miss." The wolf spirit driver tapped his meter. "Forty yuan. Card or cash?"

"Card."

She swiped her silver card across the payment device before retrieving luggage from the trunk. As her suitcase wheels touched pavement, the crimson taxi screeched away, disappearing into traffic like scarlet comet.

"Someone’s in a hurry." Her lips twitched in amusement before surroundings captivated her attention. "So this is the spirit city… finally!"

Buildings loomed four to five stories high. Between human tourists moved two types of locals – clothed bipedal spirit cultivators, and quadrupedal ones resembling ordinary beasts. Distinguishing residents from visitors proved effortless.

A spotted deer emerged from hotel arches. "Reservation holder? This way, please."

The lobby’s cavernous interior surpassed all expectations, teeming with mixed crowds. "First visit?" The deer’s melodic voice followed the girl’s awestruck gaze. "Most residents prefer natural forms over shrunken humanoid shapes."

Ah, hence the architectural paradox – modest exteriors housing vaulted chambers where spirit cultivators loomed like living skyscrapers. Gazing up at beings towering ten meters overhead, the girl felt Lilliputian.

"Formations partition spaces here," the deer explained. "Human cultivators receive appropriately scaled accommodations. No need for concern."

*

Extreme Eastern District, Tier-Nine Demon Lords City

Hall of the Legendary Dragon

Among nine great halls, only this one remained fully operational – others lay dormant without their presiding demon lords. The Legendary Dragon’s nine-tiered pagoda served diverse functions: its ground floor as public bureau mirroring sister halls, where arrivals from Mountain and Sea Realm registered according to ancestral domains.

On the second level, Ao Ming processed petitions. With fellow lords absent, all unresolved matters flowed to his desk.

"Big Brother still sleeps?" Ao Lan spoke through mouthful of pastry, cheeks hamster-plump. Four centuries had transformed the dragon youth from chubby toddler to slender pre-adolescent, though noble dragon blood meant decades between growth spurts.

"Don’t talk while eating."

Ao Lan gulped tea noisily. "Three centuries since his return! At this rate I’ll outgrow you, Second Brother!"

"State your business." Ao Ming didn’t glance up. Four hundred years of brotherhood taught him these visits always carried requests.

Leaping from his chair, the younger dragon adopted wheedling tones. "Let me explore beyond the city walls!"

"Denied."

"Brother, I’m four hundred years old now! Not some child anymore."

"Why can’t I go out for fun?"

Ao Ming laid down his brush, fixing him with a gaze. "How fares your recent cultivation?"

"Er… it’s—it’s progressing smoothly!"

"Excellent. Then you’ll spar with your Second Brother."

Ao Lan’s posture turned rigid. "N-No need! I’ve… still much to improve, Second Brother!"

"Ah! Just remembered—I’ve scheduled a duel today!"

"Exactly! That’s the truth!"

"Continue your work, Second Brother! I’ll take my leave." Ao Lan slipped away like smoke through fingers.

Being caught sparring with Second Brother? He’d spend his entire vacation cultivating instead of enjoying it.

Ao Ming made no move to detain him. Merely a warning—this rascal had barely returned before itching to wander again. Without discipline, his spirit would grow untamed.

Beyond the Hall of the Legendary Dragon,

Ao Lan exhaled sharply after escaping, the close call making his scales prickle.

Standing on the thoroughfare, he sighed. If Second Brother forbade him from leaving the city walls, escape became impossible.

City-bound amusement it was.

His phone chimed abruptly.

Ao Lan answered without glancing at the screen. "Second Brother’s confined me within the city. Can’t join your expedition."

"What? We’re coming?"

"Obviously! We knew you’d be grounded," trilled a melodious voice through the receiver. "Meet us at the city gate! Song Zihang and I are nearly there."

True comrades, Ao Lan mused warmly. "On my way," he replied.

With a powerful leap, his form rippled into a gleaming silver dragon streaking toward the gates, arriving before the echo of his transformation faded.

At the city gate:

"Certain you don’t want Father accompanying you?" Yang Xingyu studied his son.

Four centuries of parenting hadn’t changed this—spirit cultivators aged slowly. Song Zihang’s squirrel heritage kept him child-sized at ten winters’ appearance, fueling Yang Xingyu’s perpetual worry about bullies.

"Uncle Yang, relax! I’ll guard Song Zihang with my life," declared the woman in lilac silk, adjusting her sunglasses with a manicured hand. Eight-inch heels accentuated her stature as she added, "Besides, who’d risk Ao Lan’s wrath by troubling us?"

"This isn’t our first visit either."

"Exactly, Father! Go meet Uncle Hu Mei. Don’t trust me? Then trust Xiao Ye!" Song Zihang rolled his eyes.

Xiao Ye shielded her gaze, peering down the road. "Ah—I spot silver scales approaching!"

A metallic blur descended before them, resolving into Ao Lan’s grinning form. "Xiao Ye! Song Zihang! Recognized your auras instantly!"

"Uncle Yang? You’re here too?"

"Merely escorting them en route elsewhere," Yang Xingyu nodded. "They’re your responsibility now."

After Yang Xingyu left,

Ao Lan snapped his fingers. "Xiao Ye, perfect timing! Let’s brainstorm some fun destinations."

"By the way, why did Uncle Yang visit today?"

"Probably official business," Song Zihang mused after a moment’s consideration.

"This is your family estate. If you’re clueless, how would we know?" Xiao Ye shrugged.

"Odd. I just saw my brother and heard nothing about this."

"Never mind. We’ll inquire later."

"Now, here’s my scheme—" Ao Lan’s lips curled into a roguish grin.

Xiao Ye’s eyelid twitched. "Don’t tell me you’re planning another mountain escapade…"

"Escapade? Second Brother merely forbade city exits, not mountain entries." Ao Lan rolled his eyes, seizing both companions and soaring skyward.

The dragon race’s innate cloud-riding abilities allowed Ao Lan to effortlessly carry two passengers despite his lesser cultivation compared to his elder brothers.

*

Special Bureau Headquarters

Information Section 2

Daily intelligence streams flooded into headquarters from nationwide sources. Liang An finally snapped his pen after resolving yet another crisis.

"I’m claiming my overdue leave. Four centuries without respite! They promised a replacement…" He inhaled deeply, sipping his goji-red date infusion from a thermal mug. Four hundred years… This job would literally be the death of him.

"Your voice carries, Chief." Lin Jing entered with amused scrutiny. "Section 2’s workload seems light recently."

"Says the leisure expert." Liang An shot a withering glare.

Originally established for emergency analysis, the Analysis Department had ironically become the Bureau’s most relaxed unit in recent decades, dubbed "Retirement Division" by jesters – except during world ascension cycles.

Current events shattered that tranquility. The abrupt manifestation of hidden realms like Fairy City White Jade Capital left analysts scrambling.

While ancient practitioners could explain historical phenomena, these primordial mysteries predated even their ancestral memories.

"Not swamped yourself?" Liang An’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "Your midnight oil-burning sessions last week must’ve been mirages. Has White Jade Capital been sorted?"

Lin Jing settled into the chair opposite, eyes glinting. "We’ve made progress. Senior Ji Lang brought crucial intel hours ago."

"Should I already know this?" The report-weary chief massaged his temples. "Wait—"

Liang An jabbed the intercom. "Any White Jade Capital updates?"

"Fresh intel just uploaded, Chief. Accessing now?"

"Proceed. And coffee."

Lin Jing chuckled. "No need for formalities. Water suffices."

Ignoring the remark, Liang An navigated the database. His eyes narrowed at the new entry. "Floating Cloud Immortal Officer? An ancient celestial official? This fairy city serves as an Ascension gateway for Hanjiang’s transcendents?"

"Surprised?"

"Moderately."

"The real shocker—lower realms include all source world subsidiaries. Western ascendants also traverse here through separate spatial conduits, though different officials receive them."

"Yet we’ve found no Western equivalent to White Jade Capital…" Lin Jing’s explanation fractured under urgent door percussion.

Few dared interrupt Division 2’s chief unannounced. Liang An raised a silencing hand before commanding, "Enter."

A breathless agent burst in, ID badge gleaming. "Chief! It’s Starlight Echo!"

"What—"

Liang An vaulted upright, electric anticipation flashing across his features. Every Bureau member knew Starlight Echo’s earthshaking implications.