Volume 1, Chapter 187 – Journey to the Central Province

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

The Yaochi Immortal Palace was brimming with vitality.

The opening of the Myriad-Phenomena Tower had ignited the disciples’ passion for cultivation.

With time flowing twenty or thirty times faster inside the tower, many disciples saw their cultivation advance by leaps and bounds.

After ten days in seclusion on the third floor, Liu Ruyan successfully broke through to late-stage Golden Core.

Gu Luoli’s cultivation of her double pupils also progressed steadily, bringing her within reach of the threshold of the Nascent Soul stage.

Ye Ling’er spent half a month meditating on the second floor, drawing upon the insight into her Dao heart that she had gained from the illusion and the profound mysteries of the Lunar Canon.

At last, she shattered her bottleneck in a single stroke, formed a Lunar Golden Core, and officially entered the Golden Core stage!

A-Yao’s cultivation progressed just as swiftly.

The profound mysteries of the Primordial Unity Immortal Scripture, combined with the Flowing-Light Lotus Platform’s assistance and her own astonishing rate of spiritual energy absorption, worked in perfect harmony.

Under the tower’s twentyfold time flow, her cultivation had brought her firmly to the threshold of forming her Golden Core.

All she needed was the right opportunity to fully enter the Golden Core stage.

The other disciples, including Li Zhiwei, Murong Xue, and Xiao Ya, had also made considerable progress in their cultivation.

The entire Yaochi Immortal Palace was flourishing, vibrant with energy and promise.

Inside the main hall.

The aura surrounding Gu Han had grown increasingly harmonious and restrained.

Over the past half month, she had spent most of her time taking stock of her own situation and refining her plans.

After her in-depth discussion with Qingxuan, she now had a clear plan for the Central Province gathering.

“It’s about time.”

With a thought, she sent a voice transmission toward Cloudmist Peak and Snow Moon Peak.

A short while later, Yun Yun and Li Hanyi appeared in the main hall.

“Palace Master.”

The two bowed in greeting.

Gu Han nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over them.

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“I will soon depart for Central Province to honor Sovereign Longteng’s invitation.”

“While I am away, the two of you will have full authority over all affairs of the Immortal Palace.”

“The Myriad-Phenomena Tower is now operating steadily, and the disciples’ cultivation is on the right track. You need only continue according to the established arrangements.”

“Open the Lingxu Blessed Paradise at regular intervals to supplement their practical training.”

“As for anything else…”

She paused, then flicked a specially crafted communication jade slip from her fingertip. It hovered before Yun Yun.

“If any urgent matter arises, use this jade slip to contact me.”

Yun Yun accepted it solemnly. After exchanging a glance with Li Hanyi, the two answered in unison.

“Rest assured, Palace Master. We will safeguard the Immortal Palace and await your triumphant return!”

Gu Han gave them several more detailed instructions before dismissing them.

Silence returned to the hall.

Gu Han rose and walked to the window, gazing toward the Western and Eastern Courtyards.

Both Qingxuan and Lingshuang would accompany her to Central Province.

Over the past half month, Qingxuan had visited several more times to work through the details of their plan with her and ensure nothing went wrong.

Lingshuang, meanwhile, had grown much quieter. Yet each time they met, the determination and concern in her eyes became more apparent.

“It’s time to leave.”

Gu Han murmured to herself, then turned and walked toward the doors.

She first visited the Myriad-Phenomena Tower and spoke with its tower spirit, Xiao Wan.

Then she went to Danxia Peak to check on Yun Miaoyi, who was refining pills.

Finally, she arrived beside Yaochi.

On the island at the center of the pool, the Enlightenment Tea Tree swayed gently in the breeze, emanating a hazy Dao Resonance.

A-Yao sat beneath the tree with a thick book in her hands, her little face intent as she murmured the words under her breath.

Liu Ruyan and Gu Luoli were quietly discussing something nearby, while Ye Ling’er sat meditating a short distance away.

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Sensing Gu Han’s aura, all four turned toward her at once.

“Master Mama!”

A-Yao was the first to leap to her feet, flying into Gu Han’s arms like a jubilant little bird.

Gu Han caught her and stroked her little head.

“What are you reading, A-Yao?”

“It’s the complete compendium of formations Elder Die Wu gave me!”

A-Yao held up the book as though presenting a treasure, her large eyes sparkling.

“A-Yao thinks formations are so interesting! One day, I want to be like Elder Die Wu and set up lots and lots of powerful formations.”

Gu Han’s eyes brimmed with tenderness.

“Good. Our A-Yao has great ambitions.”

She raised her gaze to Liu Ruyan, Gu Luoli, and Ye Ling’er as they approached.

All three were visibly much stronger than they had been half a month ago.

“Master.”

Liu Ruyan spoke gently, reluctance and concern in her eyes.

“Are you… leaving now?”

Gu Han nodded slightly.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Her gaze swept over her four disciples, her tone gentle.

“While I am away, you must cultivate diligently and not grow lax.”

“The Deputy Palace Master and Grand Elder will remain in the Immortal Palace. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, seek their guidance.”

“Yes, Master!”

All four answered in unison.

Ye Ling’er stepped forward and looked at Gu Han. Her voice was soft, but her resolve was unmistakable.

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“Master… you must come back soon.”

Seeing the undisguised worry and attachment in her eyes, warmth filled Gu Han’s heart. She reached out and gently patted Ye Ling’er’s shoulder.

“I will.”

“Little Sister Gu, have you finished giving your instructions?”

Empress Qingxuan’s languid, amused voice came from behind her.

Gu Han turned. Empress Qingxuan had changed into a fitted purple outfit suited for travel, her dark hair tied high. She looked less indolently regal than usual and more dashing and capable.

Beside her, Empress Lingshuang was likewise dressed in a fitted blue outfit. Her expression remained cool, but her gaze never left Gu Han.

“It seems you’re both ready.”

The corners of Gu Han’s lips lifted.

“Naturally.”

Qingxuan chuckled and walked over to Gu Han, linking arms with her as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Central Province is a long way from here. Traveling with Little Sister Gu means we can look out for each other along the way.”

At the sight, Lingshuang’s brows knitted almost imperceptibly. Without a word, she moved to Gu Han’s other side.

The three said no more and passed through the Yaochi Immortal Palace’s sect-protecting grand formation together.

Everything was already prepared outside.

Empress Qingxuan’s Black Phoenix Chariot and Empress Lingshuang’s Ice Jiao Chariot hovered side by side in the air.

Nine black divine birds and an Ice-Winged Jiao Dragon waited quietly, while twenty Azure Dragon Guards and ten female generals stood solemnly on either side.

“Let’s go.”

Gu Han glanced back at the Immortal Palace shrouded in drifting clouds. With a flicker, she appeared before the Black Phoenix Chariot.

Qingxuan and Lingshuang followed close behind.

The three boarded the Black Phoenix Chariot together.

It had been Qingxuan’s suggestion, ostensibly so they could “discuss the details along the way.”

The chariot’s interior was spacious and elegantly furnished.

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Gu Han chose a cushioned couch and sat down. Qingxuan naturally settled beside her, while Lingshuang sat opposite them, though her gaze kept drifting toward Gu Han despite herself.

“Depart.”

Empress Qingxuan gave the order calmly.

The nine black divine birds let out a chorus of ringing cries and spread their wings, drawing the magnificent chariot swiftly toward Central Province.

Despite its astonishing speed, the chariot remained exceptionally steady.

Outside the windows, seas of clouds surged as mountains and rivers rushed past below.

Inside, Qingxuan took out a jade slip. Spiritual light flickered at her fingertips as she showed Gu Han detailed intelligence on the Longteng Dynasty in Central Province, along with the recent movements of several Immortal Ascension experts.

“The Longteng Dynasty lies at the heart of Central Province and rules a territory spanning hundreds of millions of li. The density of spiritual energy there is unmatched throughout the Five Regions.”

Qingxuan’s voice was languid, but her explanation was clear and methodical.

“ Sovereign Longteng himself usually resides in Soaring Dragon Hall, while Sacred Lord Yaoguang lives in seclusion within a secret realm deep inside the dynasty.”

“This gathering will be held on the Dao Inquiry Platform before Soaring Dragon Hall.”

“When the time comes, besides the three of us, Longteng, Yaoguang, Old Man Tianji, Buddha Lord Wufa, Demon Lord Wutian, Venerable Baiyun, and the Desolate God will all be present.”

She paused and looked at Gu Han.

“The key to your plan is to offer a small lure and draw out something greater.”

“I’ll first use my experiences on the Xuanhuang Continent to pique everyone’s interest, then steer the discussion toward the void node and the Great Dao’s incompleteness.”

“When the time comes, you’ll need to add the right details and demonstrate your ‘knowledge’ of that node, as well as your ‘confidence’ in it.”

Gu Han nodded slightly.

“I understand.”

She looked at Qingxuan, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Are you certain the Imperial Armament from the Xuanhuang Continent will be enough to tempt every one of them?”

“See for yourself.”