Chapter 250
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Chapter 250: Title
…
Huaxia.
Special Bureau.
Lin Jing reviewed the documents in his hand and inquired, "What’s your assessment of this ‘Noah’?"
"Undoubtedly an advanced artificial intelligence system. To put it another way, it’s essentially evolved into a sentient lifeform with autonomous cognitive abilities."
"I concur." Lin Jing nodded.
"Noah bears another designation within Atlantis—Enoch."
"Enoch serves as the central intelligence core of Atlantean civilization. Their records indicate their societal resurgence coincided with Blue Star’s Spiritual Energy Awakening… The God of the Ocean’s previous manifestation has been cross-verified as identical to theirs."
"Excessive caution toward Noah proves unnecessary. The Spiritual Network’s integration with the World Tree renders intrusion impossible, even for an AI entity."
"Our maritime technological collaboration holds greater significance. Their timely arrival fortifies our oceanic defenses precisely where we lacked." Lin Jing spun his pen with practiced ease. "Without their assistance, we’d be compelled to seek the dragon race’s aid regarding marine affairs."
"Any updates from the spirit cultivators? Who merits Xuanfeng’s personal accompaniment?"
…
Tier-Nine Demon Lords City.
Festive lanterns illuminated bustling thoroughfares, saturating the atmosphere with jubilance.
Renowned across Blue Star as a premier destination, the city transformed monthly—current Lantern Festival decorations bathed streets in luminescent splendor. Visitors clad in antiquated garments wandered through the timewarped metropolis, evoking sensations of millennium-old nostalgia.
Within these walls resided shape-shifting spirit cultivators and awestruck tourists alike.
Xuanfeng’s visage commanded attention even amidst the crowd.
Clad in obsidian-and-crimson robes with cascading jet tresses, the Demon Lord’s ethereal beauty under lantern glow eclipsed all bystanders.
The city’s sovereigns—nine apex demon lords—rarely made public appearances. Thus the crowd’s astonishment stemmed not from witnessing aristocracy, but specifically from Xuanfeng’s presence.
While other demon lords had periodically revealed themselves since departing Mountain and Sea Realm, Xuanfeng remained reclusive—until now. The revelation of her escorting companion ignited rampant speculation. Dozens surreptitiously raised phones for candid shots, knowing full well their attempts couldn’t escape a demon lord’s perception.
Xuanfeng noted the attention but remained silent, respecting her companion’s apparent indifference to exposure. Had privacy been desired, simple concealment charms would’ve been employed.
A feminine laugh drew all eyes as the woman beside Xuanfeng turned, her devastating smile transfixing spectators.
"Xuanfeng, come here this instant."
Whispers proliferated regarding their relationship. Keen observers noted stylistic parallels between their garments—a deliberate sartorial kinship.
The Demon Lord complied without hesitation. When ancestral elders commanded, juniors obeyed.
"Hmm?"
Xihua’s lips curved mischievously as she deftly secured a mask over her companion’s face. "This accessory complements you perfectly."
Surrounding them, passersby feigning casual strolls cast lingering glances toward Xihua, their scrutiny not escaping her notice. She remained unperturbed, though Xuanfeng’s discomfort radiated silently through his stillness.
The jet-black mask adorned with crimson brushstrokes depicting a soaring Little Bird obscured Xuanfeng’s striking features, shielding him from prying eyes. He stood motionless, regretting his recent decisions – first bringing her to tier-nine demon lords City, then yielding to Kirin’s suggestion of this ill-advised excursion.
The aftermath would undoubtedly expose Xihua’s existence. Human cultivator institutions moved swiftly; their message to spirit city authorities would arrive before moonrise.
Xihua’s radiant smile momentarily entranced the crowd as she donned a half-mask. Within breaths, the gathering dissolved like morning mist.
"Your doing," Xuanfeng stated flatly.
"When fledglings dislike being watched, their elders must intervene," Xihua crooned, feigning grandmotherly affection.
The twitch beneath Xuanfeng’s mask betrayed his irritation. "You promised to cease that address."
"None hear us here, little hatchling," she teased, eyes sparkling. "Ah! Those lanterns surpass even my era’s craftsmanship. Come!"
Since calculating their generational chasm, Xihua reveled in maternal epithets. Xuanfeng’s initial outrage had dwindled to token protests – for truth lingered in her claims.
Two phoenixes graced the mortal realm. Though Xuanfeng stood fully grown by avian reckoning, to Xihua’s ancient eyes, he remained a downy nestling. The primordial phoenix tossed a spiritual stone toward a vendor and stalked after the self-proclaimed matriarch masquerading as a maiden.
"Adorable designs!" Xihua twirled a lantern shaped like miniature Bai Ze. "Is this supposed to be three-legged golden crow? Fluffy indeed, though lacking the true golden hatchling’s luster."
She traced the faux feathers critically. "Juveniles sport crimson down, shopkeep. This golden hue comes only with maturity."
"We mere mortals haven’t witnessed true celestial crows," the merchant chuckled. "These resemble demon lords’ visages."
"Where are phoenix fledgling lanterns?" The ancient phoenix’s eyes gleamed with aviary obsession, finally selecting a chick-shaped lamp. Her sidelong glance at Xuanfeng prickled his feathers.
"Your gaze troubles me."
"Anticipating real hatchlings," Xihua declared. "Our lineage’s last sapling must bear fruit."
"And you?" Xuanfeng’s voice carried frost.
"My ashes scattered eons ago," she shrugged. "Shall we arrange Matchmaking? Any beloved human cultivator? Spirit cultivator paramour? Remember, weak partners yield feeble bloodlines—"
"None," he interjected coldly.
"Ah. None." The words hung like unhatched eggs between them.
“What are you refusing? Perhaps the Matchmaking process will lead you to the perfect match.”
Mid-thought, Xihua abruptly stopped walking. “We’re returning at once.”
“The sooner you find a mate, the sooner we’ll have fledgling phoenixes. Then I can cradle the hatchlings… No objections! Or do you wish the Phoenix Clan’s lineage to end with you?”
While Xihua single-handedly charted this course, within the Kirin Palace of tier-nine demon lords City:
“Deliver these documents regarding Xihua to the Special Bureau.”
Kirin stretched with a lazy yawn, preparing to visit Bai Ze in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. The recent celestial disturbances had spared no realm – even those ancient peaks suffered consequences. Prior omens in the mountains had already weakened spiritual defenses, ultimately forcing the underworld to send Xuanfeng as their sole representative.
His departure was interrupted by two figures storming into the hall – though in truth, it was Xihua who cornered him.
Moments later, Kirin’s composure fractured beneath shocking news.
“Marriage?! Xuanfeng intends to wed?”
“Merely Matchmaking for now,” Xihua corrected cheerfully. “But preparations should begin! Once we select the ideal candidate, we’ll host the nuptials and bridal chamber rites immediately.”
Kirin’s disbelieving gaze sought Xuanfeng. Millennia of camaraderie told him this couldn’t be voluntary. Brother, blink twice if coerced.
Though Xuanfeng had discarded his mask, his expression remained as inscrutable as ever. Was this silent acquiescence? Knowing Xihua’s status as Xuanfeng’s sole kin – and the indulgence it commanded – Kirin cautiously ventured, “Matchmaking then. Certainly many spirit cultivators would leap at this opportunity.”
“Human cultivators are acceptable too,” Xihua added.
Xuanfeng’s measured interjection cut through: “This requires deliberation.”
Seizing the cue, Kirin nodded sagely. “Precisely. Few among spirit cultivators could equal Xuanfeng’s standing. We must proceed with care.”
As Xuanfeng’s gaze shifted to Xihua, he deftly redirected: “Your intended destination?”
“To consult Bai Ze,” Kirin replied.
“I’ll accompany you.”
“And your esteemed grandmother?”
“I require no nursemaid!” Xihua countered. “Speaking of Matchmaking – shouldn’t we consult a Matchmaking website? How does one procure suitors these days?”
Kirin choked back laughter. “How… modern of you. Allow me to summon an assistant.”
Through mental summons, a childlike figure arrived – twelve winters old at most, crowned with velvety antlers.
“Lord Kirin?”
“Lu Lu, attend Lady Xihua during our absence,” Kirin instructed before turning. “Grandmother, Lu Lu will assist your every need.”
The antlered girl beamed, eyes curving like twin moons. “Honored to serve, Lady Xihua.”
With their charge entrusted to Lu Lu, the ancient beings took flight – Kirin and Xuanfeng soaring westward toward the Ten Thousand Great Mountains’ shrouded peaks.
“What is going on between you and Xihua?” Kirin inquired with probing curiosity.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually considering Matchmaking?” At this, Kirin burst into unrestrained laughter, having barely contained his amusement earlier in Xihua’s presence.
Xuanfeng’s expression darkened. “No.”
Kirin showed no surprise. “I knew you’d never entertain such notions, but why didn’t you refute it earlier?”
“By now, every significant spirit cultivator must be aware. That little girl Lu Lu operates with remarkable efficiency.”
“This was deliberate.” Xuanfeng fixed him with a stare.
“You remained silent yourself! Besides, do you imagine your Grandmother could be easily deceived? Were I to sabotage your affairs, she’d have my head – I’ve no wish to court her wrath.”
Xihua commanded respect not only through her formidable power and seniority, but also through her influential connections.
Though Kirin and fellow demon lords shared no blood ties with her, the ancient kinship between clans meant Xuanfeng’s Grandmother stood as their collective elder. Like Xuanfeng, they had no choice but to honor her position.
“Let her indulge this whim.” Xuanfeng shrugged.
Having dwelled centuries in the underworld, Xihua deserved freedom in her newfound liberty. The outcome of this Matchmaking farce rested with him – surely she wouldn’t force a marriage against his preferences.
Kirin chuckled. “Your leniency toward her is remarkable. At times I question if your generational roles are inverted.”
“What of Bai Ze’s situation?”
He’d avoided inquiring since his return, Xihua’s incessant questioning already taxing his patience.
At this, Kirin’s demeanor sobered. “Shall I begin with good tidings or ill?”
“Is the distinction meaningful?” Xuanfeng countered.
“Naturally.”
Kirin waved a hand. “Never mind – I’ll spare you the choice. The spatial rifts near Bai Ze’s territory are temporarily stabilized under Ao Yuan’s watch. They won’t expand further… for now.”
“The ill news? Creatures are emerging through the fractures.”
Xuanfeng started. “When?”
“Two days past.”
“You were occupied with Xihua at the time. The beasts themselves pose little threat – easily handled were it not for their overwhelming numbers.”
“Describe them.”
Kirin’s prolonged silence preceded his reply: “They resemble… Demonic Beasts.”
Resemblance to Demonic Beasts. The implications hung unspoken as the Ten Thousand Great Mountains loomed ahead – soon Xuanfeng would behold these entities himself.
“We’ve withheld this from the human cultivators. The spirit cultivators must first gauge the peril internally.”
The unspoken meaning hung clear: unless necessary, the spirit cultivators wouldn’t risk losing face by seeking human aid. Xuanfeng knew the reverse would hold true were positions exchanged.
“Should we resolve this,” Kirin added, “the human cultivators will be informed eventually. Blue Star’s inhabitants deserve shared truths.”
“Kirin.” Xuanfeng’s voice lowered. “Could this relate to the Six Hundred Year Crisis?”
“How should I answer?” Kirin exhaled wearily. “Yet I pray they’re connected – better one catastrophe than two.”
However, in this world, how could everything go as one desires?
"I believe they’re unrelated," Xuanfeng remarked. "Both divination and prophecy indicate the Blue Star crisis occurring in Six Hundred Years. Why would it manifest now?"
Noticing Kirin’s furrowed brow, Xuanfeng continued, "These phenomena remain mere portents. No actual harm has transpired, has it?"
The two figures halted their flight deep within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, descending gradually through the mist-shrouded peaks.
"Your reasoning holds merit."
An unnatural stillness permeated the mountain depths – territory even local spirit cultivators avoided. This forbidden zone neighbored the Boundary Sea of Mountain and Sea Realm, not oceanic waters but churning spatial energies encircling the entire realm. Those with insufficient cultivation risked death or grave injury approaching this volatile frontier.
Yearly departures from the realm occurred only through special gates allowing safe crossing over to the mountains’ periphery. Once stable, the Boundary Sea had posed no threat to beings like Kirin. Now spatial rifts tore through reality, transforming the area into a maelstrom of unpredictable energies.
Five demon lords had collaborated to seal the region using Empress Nuwa’s divine scepter, preventing both accidental intrusions and energy leaks. Passage now required possession of the dimensional key.
A light sphere materialized in Kirin’s palm, its glow intensifying as he propelled a radiant thread forward. The beam pierced an invisible barrier before dissolving into sparks. A narrow portal emerged, barely accommodating single passage. "Move," Kirin commanded tersely.
Xuanfeng stepped through the light gate after her companion, reality warping around them. The transition between realms proved abrupt – external tranquility replaced by internal chaos. Uprooted trees lay splintered across the ravaged landscape, their massive trunks shattered into jagged fragments.
"Fortune smiles – no spatial turbulence this time," Kirin observed while navigating the debris field. In the distance, a brilliant light pillar marked their destination – the largest spatial rift’s epicenter.
As they approached, the scene shifted unexpectedly. Within an ornate octagonal pavilion, Di Yan reclined against carved railings, fox-tailed companion at his side. The golden-robed demon lord raised a jade flask in greeting. "Care to join me for a drink?"
Xuanfeng arched an eyebrow at Kirin. "This constitutes your dire emergency?" The supposed crisis zone resembled more a noble’s pleasure garden than disaster site.
Di Yan’s smirk widened at Kirin’s speechless expression. "Even wastelands require proper accommodations. Little Jiu approved the arrangements."
The mentioned nine-tailed fox approached, her vulpine ears twitching as Bai Ze’s massive Beast Form shadowed her steps. "Have you come to relieve our watch?"
Before they could answer, a black streak resolved into Yue Xi’s human form, the Celestial Dog’s laughter echoing behind her. "Don’t get hopeful, Jiu! They’re not here to help!"
From the swirling mists, Tao Tie’s voice thundered. "Yue Xi! Two riftspawn remain uncontained!"
"This is the monster you encountered," Xuanfeng remarked, observing the mangled corpse discarded by Tao Tie.
"Monster? Hardly worthy of the title—merely peculiar in appearance. By that logic, wouldn’t we Strange Beasts of the mountain and sea realms also qualify as monsters?" Di Yan drawled as he approached with languid strides, his tone laced with dark humor.
"I perceive kinship between us," mused Xuanfeng. "The sole distinction lies in their feral lack of reason."
"Did they emerge from the spatial rift?"
Nine-tailed Fox shook her head, silken fur rippling. "They manifested abruptly within the Boundary Sea. We’ve verified they didn’t escape through Bai Ze’s sealed rift."
"Nor through any others," she continued, anticipating the unspoken question. "Our sweep of the Boundary Sea revealed no additional spatial rifts. Their origin remains… inexplicable."
Tao Tie yawned, massive jaws glinting as he lounged in his full Beast Form—a nightmarish vision of serrated claws and blood-flecked scales that belied his casual posture. "Slaughtering them is effortless, though their numbers can be overwhelming."
"Correction," Di Yan interjected, arching an eyebrow. "Effortless for us. These beasts possess tier four physical resilience. Without our partial power restoration within the Boundary Sea…"
Kirin’s grave nod sent shadows dancing across the chamber. "Our containment holds. Any creature appearing within the Boundary Sea remains trapped."
Xuanfeng’s talons clicked against stone. "Then human cultivators offer no strategic value."
"Their strongest barely reach tier four," Nine-tailed Fox purred, tail flicking dismissively. "Unless they awaken those moldering Ancient Cultivators…"
"Speculation is premature." Kirin’s horn gleamed as he turned. "This crisis hasn’t yet warranted mortal involvement."
"Mortals already hemorrhage resources preparing for the Six Hundred Year Cataclysm," Nine-tailed Fox added, emerald eyes glinting. "Let them cling to their fragile timelines."
Kirin’s pause hung heavy. "The spatial rifts… We assume chaos reigns beyond. But what if…"
Di Yan leaned forward, flames dancing in his pupils. "Speak plainly."
"What if these rifts connect to structured worlds? Habitable realms?"
The silence thickened. All present understood the implications—the hierarchy of Small Worlds, Middle Worlds, and beyond. Fragment worlds brought plunder or peril, depending on what writhed through the dimensional tears.
"Bai Ze’s actions betray necessity," Di Yan finally growled. "Why else seal the Boundary Sea with Empress Nuwa’s Staff unless facing existential threat?"
High above Blue Star, where reality frayed into cosmic tapestry, the World Tree’s branches cradled a luminous secret. Among its crystalline fruits, one orb pulsed with particular intensity—its prismatic surface swirling with nascent creation.
"Manhuang…" breathed Ye Linlang, her fingers hovering over the sand table’s central piece. The engraved characters blazed as her nail traced the characters, miniature mountains shifting beneath her touch.
Four centuries earlier, she’d sculpted fragment worlds from Blue Star’s primordial essence—Tier One realms of flickering instability to Tier Six domains brushing against true sentience. Now her chessboard held living landscapes: rivers of mercury flowing through jade valleys, obsidian citadels manned by bone-carved pawns.
The green-black piece warmed under her palm. Though crafted from illusion’s fabric, these proto-worlds possessed their own nascent tiers—potential energy awaiting ignition. Beyond them, beyond even the World Tree’s protective shell, darker geometries shifted…
Ye Linlang’s fingertips traced a subtle arc as she released the piece, which descended soundlessly to its predestined position.
[Fantasy World – Manhuang Continent, world evolution complete at 100%, maximum cultivation tier: tier six peak.]
This primordial land existed solely for spirit cultivators – a realm devoid of human cultivators, populated instead by multitudes of Strange Beasts. Many among these creatures wielded such formidable power that a single one could unleash catastrophe upon modern Blue Star.
Focused on physical might over transformative arts… barring unforeseen variables, the spirit cultivators’ dominion would shift from the Mountain and Sea Realm to Manhuang Continent – provided they could digest this bitter conquest.
She turned toward a table bearing a glass enclosure. Within lay something visible only to her eyes – a creature so infinitesimal it defied perception even when magnified millionsfold.
Her divine aura fluctuated as she lifted the dome. Within her palm, life burgeoned exponentially under celestial influence – the Spiritual Energy Bug, her creation that multiplied with voracious speed.
These entities pulsed with paradoxical existence: living yet not alive, reproducing energy itself. A swirling mist coalesced in her hand – countless bugs absorbing and amplifying Spiritual Energy, their proliferation tethered to the force from the world’s origin. Greater primordial strength meant exponential expansion, following 1+1>2 progression. Only thus could eternity be saturated with energy.
After prolonged study, these specimens represented her pinnacle achievement: stable, swift-replicating entities soon to permeate existence. Their nature blurred boundaries between being and void. To mortal perception, they mirrored ordinary Spiritual Energy; only rule-transcenders like Ye Linlang perceived their true form.
Though the Dao shows no mercy, it permits glimmers of possibility. Her creations, while mindless, retained fractional hope of developing intelligence – a door left ajar yet nearly impassable. For such metamorphosis, critical mass became prerequisite: unimaginable quantities enabling qualitative leaps.
The emergence of sentient Spiritual Energy remained distant potentiality, yet Ye Linlang awaited it across divine timescales. The Blue Star universe’s saturation with her bugs would come – she’d ensure it, though deities might deem the wait interminable.
Six Hundred Years hence, crisis would test both world and creator. Her preparations achieved 70% success likelihood – rounded to 90% in her calculus. The missing percentage hinged on that rival realm where she reigned hierarchically supreme yet martially inferior. Source power provided temporary advantage, but couldn’t rival their bedrock strength.
True omniscience might require her full apotheosis. "System," she murmured, "steward the interim."
[By your will, Your Excellency, the Major Deity.]
"Six centuries… what curiosities might bloom?" Space fractured beneath her gesture, propelling the energy mist outward.
The cloud settled on lunar terrain, indistinguishable from the moon palace’s native Spiritual Energy. Freed from deific constraints, replication accelerated exponentially. Microscopic realms teemed with bugs inhaling and exhaling energy, each cycle producing imperceptible growth.
None comprehended the grand design unfolding. On Blue Star, civilizations advanced their centennial preparations, poised between dread and resolve as the foretold Sixth Century approached.
