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Chapter 43: Eternal Night City, Gathering of Talents, Immortal Empress:
Over the vast square of Azure Cloud Sect, two massive flying boats hovered in the air. One was a brilliant mix of red and blue, pulled by two enormous fourth-rank flying birds, tasked with carrying the disciples on this journey.
The other was a golden masterpiece, stretching over ten feet long, adorned with dazzling golden patterns that shimmered in the light. At the helm, two majestic golden dragons pulled the flying boat. This was the grand flying boat reserved for Daozi, its magnificence unmatched.
"Holy Son Lin Ang has arrived!" someone in the crowd shouted.
The tens of thousands gathered in the square turned to see Lin Ang approaching. Draped in a dark blue robe, his presence exuded calm power, and an aura of sword intent emanated from him, making him seem like a brilliant sun. His arrival stirred awe among the disciples.
"Holy Son Lin Ang's cultivation has reached the 5th stage Crimson Profound Realm!" someone whispered, astonished. "It's only been a month since the promotion ceremony!"
"His talent is terrifying," another murmured. "With him leading us, Azure Cloud Sect’s luck will flourish for ten thousand years."
Amid the chatter, Lin Ang leaped onto the golden flying boat, where Qiu Ruohan was already waiting. She acknowledged him with a nod. "You’re here."
Lin Ang nodded in return.
Qiu Ruohan, dressed in a dark blue dress, stood gracefully beside him. Her blue hair fell like silk, and her skin glowed like jade.
Without the veil she often wore, her exquisite face was fully revealed. Holding a sword as clear as autumn water, she stood there like a fairy in the breeze. Ever since receiving Lin Ang's aura seal, Qiu Ruohan could sense his presence no matter how far apart they were. The sensation was strange to her, but she suppressed any deeper thoughts, offering only a gentle smile. "It’s time to go."
On the lower deck, where the other disciples stood, Lu Ming, the true yet unfortunate protagonist, watched Lin Ang and Qiu Ruohan in the distance. His heart boiled with rage. He could sense that Qiu Ruohan had chosen to form an aura seal with Lin Ang.
Seeing the woman he admired speaking and laughing with another man, showing emotions she had never shown him, filled Lu Ming with fury.
"Lin Ang...This secret realm will be your grave. I, Lu Ming, won’t let you return alive." He grunted silently.
With that dark thought festering in his mind, Lu Ming clenched his fists.
Soon, the preparations for departure were complete. High above, the Supreme Elder Ying Xuanzi waved his sleeve, his voice spreading across the sky. "Off we go. Destination: the extreme north, for the gathering of Tianjiao."
At his command, the two flying boats surged forward, pulled by dragons and rocs. The high-level spirit stones powering the boats spewed out dark blue flames, bending space itself as they shot forward. In an instant, the flying boats left the Azure Cloud Sect far behind.
...
The far north was a desolate, icy region, cloaked in eternal snow with no sunlight. Legends spoke of a once-great civilization that thrived there in a past era, with saints and masters who had ruled as gods. But even their immense power couldn’t prevent the arrival of the Dark Age. The land was encased in ice, burying countless bodies and the remnants of a once-flourishing world. It was said that during the dead of night, the wind howled with the lament of those lost souls.
Eternal Night City, the closest settlement to the entrance of the secret realm, was steeped in eternal darkness. For generations, it had been a place where sects and dynasties gathered for the opening of secret realms and ancient tombs. This occasion was no different. The sky above Eternal Night City was crowded with flying boats, golden carriages, and even legendary creatures like the Kunpeng, carrying powerful figures from afar.
"Eternal Night City always becomes the hub for genius gatherings when a secret realm or ancient tomb opens," a local remarked, looking up in awe. "The strongest who emerge here will be recognized by the Holy Lands. Some might even make it to the Hidden Dragon List."
"Being on the Hidden Dragon List grants a chance to compete in the Holy Land election," another said. "The last time such a gathering was held was decades ago, on an ancient battlefield. And now, it’s happening here in the far north."
More and more people continued to flood into Eternal Night City as the secret realm’s opening drew near. In the frozen sea outside the city, blue lights glimmered ominously in the eternal night. Rumor had it that the secret realm lay at the end of this icy sea.
As the crowds speculated and whispered, something extraordinary appeared in the sky. A golden phoenix, its wings stretching a thousand feet wide, soared through the dark clouds, its cry reverberating across the city. The radiant golden light from the phoenix turned night into day, illuminating the entire Eternal Night City.
Riding atop the golden phoenix was a woman in a golden robe, her head adorned with a crown of golden feathers. Her beauty was like that of a goddess, and her presence exuded a divine aura that made those watching feel as though their very souls were trembling. Behind her, an ethereal golden phoenix followed, its phantom swirling around her.
"A Ninth Grade Golden Phoenix!" someone exclaimed. "That’s a master’s spirit! She must be a grandmaster."
"The Immortal Princess of the Divine Phoenix Empire, Huang Churan!" another recognized her immediately. "She’s already at the third level of the Grandmaster Realm."
The crowd buzzed with excitement and fear. Huang Churan, known for her seclusion and power, was said to be destined for the Great Heavenly Sect Holy Land. Her connection with Ye Cangxue, the Holy Land’s saintess, was also well-known. Her unexpected appearance at this gathering only heightened the anticipation.
What role would she play in the secret realm’s unfolding mysteries?
-To be continued!
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T/N: Thanks for reading!