At the Poison Insect Tribe’s territory, within Chieftain Long Tu’s three-courtyard mansion, Xu Qi An glanced at the inner hall’s decorative style. It attempted to imitate Central Plains fashion, but couldn’t quite shed the crude simplicity of the Southern Borders, resulting in an awkward blend.

“The Divine Insect power from the Extreme Abyss won’t threaten you for now. If similar crises arise in the future, just notify me in advance,” Xu Qi An said, seated in the main chair while sipping tea unique to the Southern Borders.

Below him, Long Tu, Chun Yan, and other tribal leaders wore warm, respectful smiles.

Chun Yan smiled and said, “Thank you for your aid, Constable Xu. The Insect Tribes will remember your kindness. May the friendship between Great Zhou and the Southern Borders endure.”

Luan Yu, who sat with one leg crossed over the other, had bright, alluring eyes. She said coquettishly, “Constable Xu didn’t even tell us he was coming to the Southern Borders. We thought a supernatural insect beast had emerged—you gave me quite a fright!” She patted her chest with her delicate white hand.

Due to her accent, “we” came out sounding peculiar, but her voice was sweet and magnetic, with a hint of sultry charm that marked her as a fox spirit.

Xu Qi An ignored her and said seriously, “I know Great Zhou’s reputation isn’t the best, and you didn’t trust us before. You only allied with us because of me. This Constable can promise you all: as long as I live, Great Zhou and the Insect Tribes will forever remain allies.”

How Great Zhou saw itself: the legitimate ruler of the Nine Provinces, a land of ceremony and propriety, powerful and dignified.

How other powers saw Great Zhou: untrustworthy, despicable, and treacherous!

The Buddhist Sect and Shamanic Divine Cult had the most to say about this.

The promise of a Tier-1 warrior excited Long Tu and the others. Meanwhile, seeing how Constable Xu ignored Luan Yu’s flirting and seductive glances, Chun Yan’s estimation of him rose secretly.

It was well known that Constable Xu was quite the romantic. Before his rise to prominence, he’d frequented the pleasure districts daily, maintaining close relationships with many courtesans and holding significant status in those circles.

“The resources we promised you may take a year or two. The Central Plains are rebuilding everything, and we truly can’t spare money or grain right now. However, I’ve brought the compensation for the fallen warriors of the Insect Tribes,” Xu Qi An turned to Chun Yan and said apologetically, “I’m sorry, the Heart Insect Tribe’s five hundred flying beast soldiers were completely wiped out.”

A flash of grief passed through Chun Yan’s eyes as she said softly, “I believe they were prepared to die in battle. They were the Heart Insect Tribe’s bravest warriors, and the tribe will care for their wives and children.”

Xu Qi An nodded, his tone somber: “They are equally heroes of Great Zhou. I’ve discussed it with His Majesty—the border markets in Yong Province will establish schools where the descendants of these warriors who sacrificed themselves for Great Zhou can attend free of charge. The market administration will cover their food, clothing, shelter, and travel expenses.

“Other children from the Insect Tribes who wish to study can also attend, but they’ll need to pay tuition.”

The tribal leaders couldn’t hide their delight. The Confucian school system was currently the most comprehensive educational system in the Nine Provinces, including but not limited to History, Medicine, Law, Etiquette, Mathematics, and Geography.

Once the Insect Tribe children gained this high cultural foundation, they could write histories for the tribes, and establish comprehensive laws and ceremonies—the benefits were endless.

For a more practical example, if Li Na had studied geography, she wouldn’t have gotten lost heading north and been swindled of all her silver.

Similarly, when the Insect Tribes traded with Central Plains merchant caravans, they were often cheated because they couldn’t do arithmetic.

Ba Ji, the leader of the Poison Insect Tribe, stood up with a sincere expression and bowed in Central Plains fashion: “For the Insect Tribes, this will benefit thousands of generations to come. Thank you, Constable Xu. The Insect Tribes will remember your kindness for generations.”

Long Tu suddenly stood up and said in his deep voice, “Then it’s settled! On behalf of everyone in the Power Insect Tribe, I thank Constable Xu.”

His eyes sparkled as if he’d gotten an incredible bargain.

Ah, I haven’t finished explaining yet—the Power Insect Tribe’s children need to bring their rice… Xu Qi An said helplessly, “The spots are limited, and there will be assessments every three months. Children who fail will be sent back.”

…

At the peak of the Immortal Mountain, in the Heavenly Sovereign Hall.

Li Miao Zhen and Li Ling Su descended on their flying swords at the square outside the hall. Li Ling Su looked at the tall, majestic palace with some trepidation.

Li Miao Zhen remained silent.

“Remember what your master told you,” Master Xuan Cheng warned.

Li Ling Su nodded obediently.

Li Miao Zhen pressed her lips together and said softly, “Master, where exactly did disciple go wrong?”

Sovereign Bing Yi stared at Li Miao Zhen and said flatly, “You erred in hating evil too deeply, in being too righteous, in refusing to tolerate any impurity in your sight.

“Don’t defy the Heavenly Sovereign. Accept the punishment and you can weather this tribulation safely. Otherwise, even I cannot save you.”

With that, Master Xuan Cheng and Sovereign Bing Yi entered the Heavenly Sovereign Hall.

The Sleeping Dragon gritted his teeth and steeled his heart, following his master into the hall with the mindset that death would come sooner or later anyway.

The Young Phoenix silently followed behind her senior brother.

The Heavenly Sovereign Hall was built on an extraordinarily grand scale. Just from its appearance, it seemed more like a palace built for giants.

Massive pillars supported the hundred-foot-high dome. Each pillar required ten people to link arms to encircle it. As Li Miao Zhen and the others walked down the central pathway of the hall, their footsteps echoed.

At the end of the pathway was an elevated throne. The white-haired, white-bearded Heavenly Sovereign sat cross-legged on a lotus platform, head slightly bowed as if sleeping, with a four-colored wheel of “earth, wind, water, fire” rotating behind his head.

On either side of the throne were nine Celestial Sect elders, both male and female, young and old. They now looked at Li Miao Zhen and Li Ling Su with indifferent expressions.

They looked as if at inconsequential people, showing neither disappointment nor reproach.

But Li Miao Zhen and Li Ling Su knew their situation. Throughout history, when Holy Sons and Daughters of the Celestial Sect traveled the mundane world, their elders would always warn them:

“Do not be entangled in karma.”

This meant they should try to maintain an observer’s perspective, watching the changes in the world, the shifts in situations, and how the masses struggled to survive in the mortal realm.

Through this, they would comprehend the Supreme Emotional Transcendence.

Confucian scholars liked to travel and study for the same reason—when you’ve seen all of humanity, you understand humanity.

However, the Celestial Sect’s situation was slightly different. To be honest, Li Miao Zhen and Li Ling Su’s approach was correct—first experience emotions, then transcend them.

This was certainly easier for achieving enlightenment than mere observation.

But the problem was that this approach was too risky. Li Ling Su and Li Miao Zhen weren’t isolated cases. Previous Holy Sons and Daughters of the Celestial Sect had also become deeply entangled in the mortal world, unable to extricate themselves.

Some betrayed their sect to marry and have children, or to be wives and mothers.

Those were the better cases. In extremely rare instances, some even fell into demonic paths, becoming friends who brought calamity to the world.

It’s easy to say “First experience emotions then transcend them,” but how many people, once experiencing emotions, become hopelessly trapped, never to emerge?

Was it easy for the Celestial Sect to cultivate Holy Sons and Daughters?

So later, the elders would warn the Holy Sons and Daughters not to be entangled in karma.

They also kept especially close watch over those who descended the mountain.

“Greetings to the Heavenly Sovereign!” Master Xuan Cheng and Sovereign Bing Yi said flatly, their expressions cold as they bowed.

“Greetings to the Heavenly Sovereign!” Li Ling Su and Li Miao Zhen copied their masters’ manner, bowing coldly.

It was like two huskies trying to blend in with a pack of wolves.

Something just felt off.

The Heavenly Sovereign sat cross-legged with bowed head, not speaking, but his magnificent voice echoed in the hall:

“Li Ling Su, in your three years traveling the mortal world, you formed romantic attachments with three hundred and ninety-two women, spread across the Central Plains, Southern Borders, and other regions, becoming hopelessly addicted to sensual pleasures. I ask you, how do you intend to achieve Supreme Emotional Transcendence?”

What a beast! Were there that many?! Li Miao Zhen turned her head to glance at her senior brother, nearly unable to maintain her cold expression.

Li Ling Su wore a grief-stricken expression and said, “Heavenly Sovereign miscounted. It was three hundred and ninety-seven, of whom four died in the war, causing great pain in disciple’s heart…”

After speaking, he felt the temperature in the hall suddenly drop, making it somewhat cold. He hurriedly added, “Disciple’s heart aches greatly, and I feel I’m not far from achieving Supreme Emotional Transcendence.”

The Heavenly Sovereign did not respond.

Li Ling Su took a deep breath and began explaining his philosophy: “Disciple believes that to transcend emotions, one must first understand what emotions and love are.

“To not disappoint the sect’s great expectations, disciple decided to take the risk and immerse myself in emotions. But the disciple was foolish, initially only feeling the wonder of romantic love, not understanding why it should be transcended.

“But the sect’s secret methods cannot be wrong, so disciples formed many romantic bonds, repeatedly seeking soul mates, trying to penetrate the nature of love.”

The white-haired elder in the left seat asked expressionlessly, “Have you gained any insight into Supreme Emotional Transcendence?”

Li Ling Su shook his head: “Disciple is… is almost there, but please, Heavenly Sovereign and honored elders, believe that disciple isn’t merely indulging in women. A disciple is trying to comprehend Supreme Emotional Transcendence.”

The white-haired elder nodded slightly, then turned to the Heavenly Sovereign and said: “The Holy Son is addicted to women. Perhaps the Heavenly Sovereign should consider castration.”

Li Ling Su’s face turned white as he stammered, “Wasn’t… wasn’t it supposed to be ‘sever mortal ties, cut off mundane hearts’?”

The Heavenly Sovereign’s magnificent voice echoed in the hall: “What do you all think?”

The elders each pondered, then shook their heads and responded: “We believe Holy Son Li Ling Su cannot transcend emotions. His memories should be severed, and he should cultivate the heart method anew.”

The Heavenly Sovereign slowly said: “So be it!”

Li Ling Su’s lips moved, wanting to argue and protest, but finally chose silence. He had no power to change the sect’s decision.

Li Miao Zhen looked at him and suddenly felt a sense of tragedy.

The Heavenly Sovereign’s voice echoed again:

“Holy Daughter Li Miao Zhen, after descending the mountain, you helped the poor and upheld justice, then after a year, went to Cloud Province to form a private army to eliminate bandits, later entering the capital to fulfill the Celestial Sect’s role in the Heaven-Human Contest…”

The Heavenly Sovereign continued, summarizing Li Miao Zhen’s deeds in the mundane world.

“Li Miao Zhen, you hate evil too deeply and cannot tolerate any impurity. Though you do good deeds, you are bound by emotions—emotions control you rather than you control them. What do you have to say?”

All the elders turned to look at Li Miao Zhen.

Compared to Li Ling Su, the Holy Daughter’s situation was more serious. The Celestial Sect emphasized Supreme Emotional Transcendence, with the core being transcending emotions, rising above them.

Li Miao Zhen was exactly the opposite—she was too emotional. Her emotions controlled her.

On the battlefield of Yong Province, preferring to die with fallen comrades rather than survive alone was the best example.

“Disciple has nothing to say!” Li Miao Zhen said softly.

“Are you willing to accept the punishment of having your memories severed?” The Heavenly Sovereign’s voice echoed in the hall and Li Miao Zhen’s ears.

Li Miao Zhen lowered her head, silent, remaining silent.

Sovereign Bing Yi turned to look at her and said flatly: “The Heavenly Sovereign is asking you a question!”

The female elder in the right seat said flatly: “Even the Holy Son can part with his many lovers. In your three years of traveling the mortal world, what’s so difficult about parting with that rabble you encountered?”

Li Ling Su’s face was full of bitterness.

The white-haired elder said coldly: “You and the Holy Son have supernatural talent. If you comprehend Supreme Emotional Transcendence, you can roam freely between heaven and earth with infinite lifespans, continuing the Celestial Sect’s legacy. The mortals of the secular world with their mere hundred years of life shouldn’t become your fetters and obstacles.

“Their lives are meaningless. After severing your memories, you will still be the Celestial Sect’s Holy Daughter.”

Meaningless?

At this moment, flashes of everything she had experienced since descending the mountain, all the people she had met, passed through her mind.

There was the wealthy but immoral gentry; the officials who collected salary without doing work; the common people suffering hardship and bullying; the genuine grateful smiles of those she had helped; the students traveling to study; the heroes who followed her to pacify the rebellion in Cloud Province; the young warrior who had secretly liked her for a long time but never dared express it; the comrades who died in Yong Province; the members of the Heaven and Earth Society who looked out for each other.

And him…

He who kept his word worth a thousand gold in Cloud Province; him who vowed never to return during the Buddhist confrontation; he who angrily executed the Duke at the vegetable market and thereafter refused to be an official; him who swallowed a golden pill and leaped from the city wall at Yu Yang Pass; him who stormed the imperial palace shouting that a commoner’s anger would make the world wear mourning clothes.

She couldn’t forget those comrades who died in Yong Province—that would be betraying them.

She couldn’t forget the people she had helped, because these were the most precious memories of her life, the meaning of her three years traveling the jianghu.

She couldn’t forget that person, that person whom she verbally dismissed but always admired and looked up to in her heart.

Everyone knew that Flying Swallow Heroine was passionate about justice and promoted good while punishing evil.

Everyone knew that Constable Xu was loyal to his country and people, with an iron will and crimson heart.

She was not alone.

Li Miao Zhen raised her head and said:

“Disciple… is unwilling!”

The Heavenly Sovereign remained silent, but the temperature in the hall plummeted, making everyone’s bodies cold.

Li Miao Zhen stood unwavering, looking directly at the Heavenly Sovereign’s bowed, cross-legged figure, and said word by word:

“Disciple has acted with honor and uprightness. In these three years, though I have disappointed the sect, I have not disappointed heaven and earth, nor the common people of the Central Plains. To benefit all under heaven and promote good while punishing evil—this is the disciple’s lifelong wish.

“The Heavenly Sovereign may kill me or cripple me, but you cannot humiliate me by severing my memories.

“I ask the Heavenly Sovereign to grant me this.”

The hall fell deathly silent, as all disciples turned to look at the Heavenly Sovereign.

After a moment of silence, the Heavenly Sovereign’s magnificent voice echoed:

“As you wish!”

Sovereign Bing Yi’s pupils contracted slightly.

Master Xuan Cheng and the elders on both sides closed their eyes.

Li Ling Su’s face turned as white as paper.