“Who might this be?” Xieyang asked, his face still adorned with a lingering smile. Nanyan felt a chill run down her spine, but after careful consideration, she replied, “Pardon me, this is a member of my family.”
Xieyang smoothly added, “I’m her family member.”
Nanyan was left speechless.
The cultivators of the Dragon Lion Guard sensed the strange atmosphere between them. Before they could inquire further, a bell suddenly rang from the direction of the Dragon Court, causing their expressions to change.
“Friend Zhengyuan, the war bell has sounded. We must return to the military city to prepare for battle. Until we meet again.”
“Farewell,” Nanyan replied.
Watching them leave hurriedly, Nanyan sighed, “The war continues unabated. The Dragon Lord is so busy managing countless affairs, yet he still takes time to attend to my mother’s matters. I can’t help but feel guilty.”
“The war won’t last much longer,” Xieyang stated.
“How do you know?” Nanyan asked.
Avoiding a direct answer, Xieyang instead inquired, “Do you know how the war between Chen and Si States began?”
Nanyan recalled that before Mu Zhanting, Chen State had an heir apparent who was said to be a strong contender for the next emperor. However, he was ambushed and killed by demon cultivators from Si State, enraging the Dragon Lord and sparking the war between the two States.
After Nanyan shared what she knew, Xieyang elaborated, “The two States have long-standing grudges, but they maintained a facade of peace. Si State denied responsibility for the assassination of Chen’s heir, sending envoys to explain. However, as the delegation entered Chen State, several whale ships belonging to Chen were simultaneously attacked and plundered by demon cultivators, resulting in over ten thousand deaths. This incident ignited the war.”
Remembering their encounter with demon cultivators at sea while traveling to the upper State, Nanyan furrowed her brow and asked, “You brought this up. Are you suggesting someone is secretly instigating this great war?”
“What’s done is done. Some origins need not be deeply investigated. Besides, how do you know the Dragon Lord doesn’t harbor ambitions to annex Si State?”
Nanyan had observed that while the demon cultivators were fierce, Chen State was incredibly powerful. Even some families in the lower States referred to Chen as the “Imperial Clan.” In a war of attrition between the two States, Chen would undoubtedly emerge victorious.
While Nanyan hoped for a swift end to the war, she had no desire to involve herself in the considerations of her elders.
As they chatted, they approached Chaoyu Tower. In the distance, they saw a dragon-horse carriage flying through the air. An elderly man with a stern expression alighted from the carriage and headed towards the tower.
“Fifth Elder!” A Foundation Establishment stage manager from Chaoyu Tower immediately greeted him, bowing deeply. “The Dragon Lord has placed a ban on this tower! Please wait, Elder. I’ll seek the Dragon Lord’s permission right away.”
The old man looked different from ordinary people. Like Ao Guanghan, he had vertical pupils, but he was surrounded by green scales, giving him a fierce appearance. He exuded the aura of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
“No need. Three more Deity Transformation stage cultivators have entered the battlefield at Qitian Yuan. The Dragon Lord is busy coordinating war efforts. I am the Dragon Lord’s clan uncle, and I’m here about that so-called illegitimate child!”
The manager anxiously replied, “Fifth Elder, where did you hear this?”
The Fifth Elder coldly snorted, “I’ve received confidential information. The heir brought back a rogue cultivator from another State who merely resembles Lady Nanfang. He claims this person is of her bloodline—preposterous! Lady Nanfang is in seclusion in Yin State. Who knows if this isn’t an impostor sent from another State to deceive our Chen? I’m here to expose this person’s true identity!”
His aggressive words drew the attention of numerous cultivators. Upon hearing this, Nanyan’s steps faltered, and Xieyang pulled her to a hidden spot nearby.
“It has begun,” he said.
“What has begun?”
“The old foxes from various States only hope for the Crimson Emperor’s bloodline to die out. Your uncle is already in such a predicament; how could they allow you to exist?”
Nanyan nodded, “Many Deity Transformation cultivators noticed me in the Dragon Court that day. I figured they would take some action… By the way, that’s my uncle.”
Xieyang replied, “Indeed. It’s not appropriate for your uncle to intervene now. This person is announcing this in front of Chaoyu Tower to take advantage of the Dragon Lord’s preoccupation. He aims to unite the forces within Chen State who are dissatisfied with Zhanting, first discrediting your identity, then dealing with both you and Mu Zhanting together.”
Nanyan asked, “What should we do?”
Xieyang answered, “Don’t worry. This was anticipated. Let’s have some tea and wait. Someone will handle this matter for you.”
After speaking, he led Nanyan to a nearby teahouse. As Nanyan looked on in confusion, the Grand Elder attempted to force his way into Chaoyu Tower.
“Our Chen State has stood for a thousand years. How can we be insulted by a mere impostor? I call upon the cultivators of the Dragon Capital to bear witness! Today, we shall capture this fraud who dares impersonate Lady Nanfang—”
“How… how can you say such things?”
Suddenly, a stunningly beautiful woman emerged from Chaoyu Tower. Her gait was graceful, and her demeanor exuded a natural charm that captivated the onlookers.
“I… I once attended a Dao conference in Yin State. This cultivator bears a striking resemblance to Lady Nanfang!”
“No wonder Chaoyu Tower has been so secretive these past two days. So this is why!”
“With such beauty, I believe it!”
In the teahouse, other cultivators were also closely observing with their divine sense. Amidst the chorus of praises, only Nanyan slammed the table and stood up.
“Impostor!!!”
The only person who could disguise her face to look so similar yet so alluring had to be Yin’e!
The surrounding cultivators glanced at her sideways, whispering among themselves—
“Ah women are indeed jealous creatures.”
“Well, it’s understandable. If I were a woman, I’d also worry about my partner being seduced by such a beauty.”
“Look at her appearance; she’s even a Buddhist cultivator. Truly, morals are declining these days…”
Nanyan could only sit back down, grabbing Xieyang’s arm and asking sternly, “Why did you have Second Brother impersonate me behind my back?”
Xieyang, looking towards Chaoyu Tower, replied, “The resemblance is quite good, but I still prefer the real Ah’yan… She’s more likable.”
Nanyan glanced once more at the seductive version of herself, finding it too provocative to bear.
“Please answer this poor nun’s question.”
“After we parted ways earlier, I discussed this matter with him. I feared you might not be able to bring yourself to garner public sympathy, but I didn’t expect him to offer to handle it personally.” Xieyang finished speaking and shook his head slightly. “It’s not quite right.”
Nanyan asked, “What’s not right?”
“The attire is inappropriate.”
Nanyan saw that he was wearing an apricot-colored low-cut dress, appearing both alluring and pitiful. Some male cultivators even flew up high, swallowing as they stared.
Although it wasn’t her being ogled, Nanyan’s face darkened. “It seems Second Brother’s six senses are once again impure.”
Meanwhile, at Chaoyu Tower, the Fifth Elder of the Dragon Capital felt the situation was getting out of hand. Even he found this woman incredibly stunning, making his accusations seem less credible.
“…What is your true purpose in coming to our Dragon Capital?!”
The beauty weakly held onto the door frame, timidly replying, “This humble woman has always lived a quiet life in Yin State. One day, cultivators from your Dragon Capital said they needed to investigate my background and insisted on bringing me here. Now you call me an impostor… I don’t want to stay here anymore. Let me return to the temple and become a nun…”
The Fifth Elder felt as if countless men were stabbing him with their glares. He solemnly produced a scroll and said, “This is a letter from Empress Yun of Yin State. It states that recently, an impostor in Yin State has been masquerading as Lady Nanfang’s descendant, committing fraud. I’ve brought a Phantom-Breaking Knife. If you have nothing to hide, let me test it on your face!”
The Phantom-Breaking Knife, as its name suggests, is a magical artifact that dispels various illusions and false appearances. Although Yin’e’s illusion techniques were formidable, they would inevitably show signs if touched by the Phantom-Breaking Knife.
Yin’e, who had prepared for this moment, immediately changed his expression. With tears welling up, he said, “Such a long knife… Please, don’t come any closer.”
The Fifth Elder, feeling he couldn’t delay any longer, advanced towards her with the Phantom-Breaking Knife, which was only as long as a finger. “Stop this charade. If you don’t want to suffer, confess your accomplices now!”
She shook her head desperately, collapsing to the ground and retreating while sobbing, “If my mother were still here, she wouldn’t let anyone bully me like this…”
Chen State had always prided itself on its greatness. How could they allow such a public spectacle? Immediately, several cultivators with Nascent Soul stage auras swiftly intervened.
“Fifth Elder! You’ve gone too far!”
“Though we don’t know the full situation, in the Dragon Lord’s absence, forcing a weak woman like this tarnishes our State’s dignity!”
The fastest Nascent Soul cultivator, with exceptional speed, had already positioned himself in front of Yin’e. He cast a sympathetic glance at her before turning angrily to the Fifth Elder. “A woman’s reputation is of utmost importance. Fifth Elder, do you want our Chen State to lose face in front of cultivators from other States?”
Before today, the Fifth Elder had only heard that Lady Nanfang’s supposed descendant in Chaoyu Tower was a dull Buddhist devotee. He hadn’t expected to encounter someone so adept at playing the victim.
He recalled that in her prime, Lady Nanfang was renowned for her beauty but also her arrogant and haughty nature. Many who sought her favor were rebuffed. Now, with this weak and helpless version appearing, those who could only admire from afar in the past were naturally going wild.
The Fifth Elder, realizing he couldn’t delay further, shouted harshly, “Don’t be fooled by this woman! She might be a demon from an ordinary State, specially brought here to steal our Ao clan’s bloodline—”
“Ao Zhang!”
A thunderous voice boomed from the sky. Upon hearing it, the Fifth Elder’s knees nearly buckled. He struggled to stand firm and looked up to see the sky lamps extinguished, dark clouds roiling, and Ao Guanghan’s furious visage faintly visible.
“I sent someone to inquire after Empress Yun, but she repeatedly claimed illness. Where did you obtain this so-called letter?!”
Though the Fifth Elder was Ao Guanghan’s clan uncle, their status differed greatly. Feeling as if thunder was crashing in his mind, he trembled and stammered, “I… I just received it. The Dragon Lord is busy with the war, so I thought such a minor matter could be verified by the clan elders.”
“You have one chance to tell the truth!”
As thunder rumbled overhead, cold sweat poured down the Fifth Elder’s face. A lightning bolt shot from the clouds, heading straight for him. Just as his face turned ashen, a hand suddenly emerged from the void before him, swatting at the lightning.
Though the lightning dispersed, the hand recoiled in pain and quickly withdrew. A middle-aged scholar then stepped out from the spatial rift.
“It’s the Deity Transformation stage patriarch of the Yun family from Shen State!”
The scholar, with a solemn expression, bowed slightly to the face in the sky. “I implore the Dragon Lord to calm his anger. We merely had doubts and wished to verify the situation.”
Ao Guanghan’s face in the clouds contorted with rage. “I’ve already said I’ll explain in due time. Dragon Capital will not tolerate secret schemes!”
The scholar glanced at Yin’e, seeming to notice something amiss. “This originally didn’t concern our Shen State, but with Empress Yun sent back to her clan, as the clan leader, I naturally wanted to investigate. I find it strange that some imposter claiming Lady Nanfang was killed has caused the Dragon Lord to gather so many fellow cultivators.”
Lady Nanfang was killed?!
Instantly, the entire Dragon Capital fell silent.
Lady Nanfang had been in seclusion for over twenty years. Though rarely seen, it was odd for a provincial ruler to have no news for so long. Many had speculated whether she had met with misfortune, but no one had dared to voice such thoughts.
The scholar continued, “Ten years ago, the Blood Phoenix Hairpin, a divine-grade spiritual treasure that the Dragon Lord once gifted to Lady Nanfang, gained sentience and brought forth a young man. For some reason, the Dragon Lord favored him greatly and named him heir apparent. A decade later, this heir brought another youth, also claiming to be Lady Nanfang’s descendant. As soon as this girl appeared, the young lord imprisoned in Yin State’s Demon-Sealing Array also returned, immediately sending Empress Yun back to Shen State.”
The scholar’s words painted these coincidences as part of some grand conspiracy. “After returning from Dragon Court that day, I pondered long and hard, feeling there must be a connection. Could it be that cultivators from the mortal realms are planning to invade our upper realms, causing this series of disturbances? That’s why I asked the Fifth Elder to help verify.”
The gathered cultivators from the overseas realms had always looked down on those from the mortal realms. However, Mu Zhanting’s talent in recent years has forced them to take notice. Hearing this, they were shocked.
Could it be that cultivators from the mortal realms coveted the abundance of the overseas realms and sought to overthrow the upper realms?!
Ao Guanghan thundered, “The mortal realms are destitute, with their strongest cultivators barely reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Moreover, everyone knows our heir’s background. Even if he came from the mortal realms or was born of demons and monsters, I would still name him heir! When did it become the place for outsiders to insinuate? Speak such nonsense again, and you’ll be expelled from Chen State!”
The scholar’s face turned cold. “Cloud doesn’t wish to offend the Dragon Lord, but some things must be said. The strongest in the mortal realms aren’t just at the Nascent Soul stage! There’s a demon lord there who has survived the Five Decays and is near divinity!”
In an instant, countless white lightning bolts seemed to tear the night sky apart. Everyone watched in terror as the dense clouds parted, revealing a cold figure stepping out. His vertical pupils locked onto the now pale-faced middle-aged scholar.
“Yun Yanhui, who instructed you to say this?”
The Dragon Lord was enraged.
The surrounding cultivators began to retreat in panic. In the teahouse where Nanyan sat, cultivators scattered in all directions, leaving it empty in moments.
Nanyan barely steadied herself. “Will they… fight?”
“No, but… we can’t stay here much longer.” As if anticipating something, Xieyang stood up and pulled Nanyan towards the exit.
“Where are we going?”
“First, we leave Dragon Capital.”
Amidst the chaotic crowd, Nanyan’s hand was held tightly as they moved against the flow. Just before entering a teleportation array that could take them out of Chen State, she was startled to hear the distant sound of wind chimes from beyond the clouds.
As the teleportation array activated, she remembered that her home in the mortal realms once had such wind chimes…
The thunderous sky seemed to pause at the sound of the wind chimes. Ao Guanghan turned back in disbelief, looking towards the direction where the clouds were parting. A jade carriage pulled by cloud beasts appeared, gliding through the air.
Hanging from the carriage’s eaves was a string of wind chimes. Along with their sound came a unique fragrance, a blend of mountain rain and summer blossoms in full bloom.
“…Nanrao?”