Volume 7, Chapter 372 – She Wants to Defy the Heavens (Part 1)

Qi Huang’s confidence stemmed from a simple reason, these medicinal herbs were only meant for breakthroughs to the Incarnation Realm. This meant that the chances of those monstrous geniuses from Central Continent who had already reached the Divine Realm participating were slim. At most, they would send their doppelgängers, and given her current strength, she was more than capable of handling them. Besides, when the time came…

Qin Quan’s prediction wasn’t wrong. The rewards were enticing enough, and with the Immortal Alliance fanning the flames, news spread rapidly. Not only were geniuses from other provinces of the Western Radiance Dynasty itching to join, but even cultivators from foreign nations sought to take part. The situation was becoming increasingly turbulent.

The master of Poyun Peak, Wen Da, was a powerhouse at the first layer of the Divine Realm, ranking only below Ye Donglai, the Grand Elder of the Donglai Sect, and the Left Elder of the Immortal Alliance in the Western Radiance Dynasty’s cultivation world. However, compared to his stagnant cultivation progress over the past decade, what he took greater pride in now was his personal disciple.

And this disciple was none other than the dynasty’s Sixth Princess, Lin Ran!

Lin Ran possessed exceptional talent, and with an abundance of resources at her disposal, she had broken through to the Incarnation Realm at the age of twenty-four. Now, three years later, she had advanced further to the second layer of the Incarnation Realm, placing her among the top-tier talents of the younger generation, second only to the Donglai Sect’s top genius.

Wen Da was immensely pleased with her progress. His only concern was that this prodigious disciple had grown up in a sheltered environment. Thus, when news of the events in Yongning Province reached him, his first thought was to send Lin Ran there, not just for the resources, but for the experience.

As for Lin Ran herself, she had been in secluded cultivation for half a month, not out of devotion to training, but to escape the whispers that had been haunting her.

Lin Ran, the Sixth Princess of the imperial family, the top genius of Poyun Peak, and a woman of unparalleled beauty, had always been the object of boundless admiration. But ever since the emperor’s recent Imperial Consort Selection, everything had changed.

The emperor selecting consorts was nothing unusual, but this time, the chosen one was a doppelgänger of Cheng Hongling from the Honghua Sect.

Who was Cheng Hongling?

A monstrous genius who had reached the Incarnation Realm at the age of sixteen. Compared to her, Lin Ran was like a firefly trying to compete with the brilliance of the full moon.

In the past, Lin Ran could have simply pretended not to know her, and no one would dare provoke her given her status. But now, things were different. Since their fates had intertwined, gossip inevitably followed. The most unbearable rumor for Lin Ran was that her father, the emperor, did not trust her bloodline, hence why he sought a superior one elsewhere.

Despite being the Sixth Princess, Poyun Peak was an immortal sect, and she couldn’t silence the murmurs. The only thing she could do was retreat into seclusion, waiting for the Evergreen Conference a year later to prove herself.

“Junior Sister! Junior Sister! The Peak Master is looking for you!”

A familiar male voice echoed outside her cultivation chamber.

“Understood. Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Lin Ran responded politely, though reluctantly standing up. Her tall, statuesque figure and sharply defined features exuded a rare, heroic aura uncommon among women.

After steadying her emotions, she stepped out of the chamber and soon arrived at her master’s residence.

“Little Ran, how has your cultivation been progressing lately?” Wen Da inquired with concern.

“Reporting to Master, it has been smooth.”

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Her reply was perfunctory.

“That’s good. However, strength isn’t just about cultivation level, experience and skill matter just as much. Secluding yourself indefinitely isn’t beneficial. You must venture out and temper yourself when the opportunity arises.”

His words carried a hidden meaning.

“This disciple understands. If the chance arises, I will travel.”

She clasped her hands in acknowledgment.

“Well, there’s an opportunity right now. Would you like to take it?”

Wen Da seized the moment to ask.

“What opportunity?”

A trace of confusion flickered across her delicate features.

“The Immortal Alliance of Yongning Province has altered the rules of the Evergreen Conference. You must have heard of this, yes?”

Instead of answering directly, he posed a question of his own.

“Mm.”

She nodded subconsciously, a faint shadow crossing her beautiful face. After all, that little vixen who had brought her to this state was from Huangtian County, Yongning Prefecture.

“Not long ago, they announced the rewards for the next Evergreen Conference—Goldenback Sunflower, Red-Haired Parasol, Heaven’s Gate Grass, and Dragon Lotus Basin. You should recognize these, correct?”

He was testing her knowledge.

“What?! These are all rare spiritual herbs essential for breaking through to the Incarnation Realm! Even at the dynasty-level Evergreen Conference, the rewards for the top genius are no better than this. How could a mere provincial-level conference offer such prizes?”

Her shock was evident.

“Who knows? But these herbs are indeed precious, unobtainable in the market, and even our Poyun Peak has very few in stock. With such bait, the next Evergreen Conference in Yongning Province will undoubtedly attract talents from all directions.”

Wen Da spoke with keen interest.

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“Master, are you suggesting that I participate?”

Lin Ran caught on.

“Yes. Though you’ve only recently reached the second layer of the Incarnation Realm, it’s wise to prepare early. Gather these herbs now, and you won’t struggle when the time comes.”

He explained his reasoning.

“Master, I will go.”

Her agreement was immediate, not for the rewards nor for the experience, but for that little vixen.

“Excellent! Even if you don’t obtain the rewards, consider it a valuable experience.”

Wen Da’s face revealed his approval.

“However, I’ve heard that their Evergreen Conference employs team battles, requiring a group of ten. If I go alone, I may not meet the requirements.”

She hesitated.

“That’s not an issue. Given your strength and status, any sect in Yongning Prefecture would gladly offer you a position as an honorary elder. Then, participating alongside their disciples would be a simple matter, as long as the age requirement is met.”

Wen Da offered a solution.

“Thank you for the guidance, Master.”

She saluted with a heroic flourish.

“By the way, that Cheng Hongling is from Huangtian County, Yongning Prefecture. You knew that, right?”

He abruptly changed the subject.

Lin Ran’s expression darkened, a shadow materializing between her brows, a manifestation of the turmoil within.

“Child, I know this girl has subjected you to endless gossip lately. Whether you can prove yourself depends on this opportunity. Do you understand?”

His tone was grave.

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“Master, don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you.”

She took a deep breath.

Across the Western Radiance Dynasty and beyond, geniuses from other sects were also stirring, some even setting out early. After all, forming a team was a prerequisite for participating in Yongning Province’s Evergreen Conference.

Qi Huang heard the rumors, yet she remained utterly unperturbed, continuing her daily routine of tending to her crops, which for her, was equivalent to cultivation.

Aside from farming, she also sought a solution to her split consciousness within her dreams. Though she truly didn’t wish to see that pitiful girl, “Yao Yao”, again, circumstances forced her to endure.

And yet… deep down, Qi Huang held a sliver of hope. Perhaps, before long, Yao Yao would escape her suffering. If she didn’t witness that day, a knot would forever remain in her heart.

That night, Qi Huang dreamed again, and as always, it was of that girl named Lu Yao.

After her father’s death, Lu Yao was the only one left in the Lu family. Fortunately, she was already twelve or thirteen, and as the saying goes, “poor children mature early”, so she could barely take care of herself.

Time flew, and two years passed. Lu Yao had grown into a graceful young woman. Throughout this period, she had remembered her father’s words, not only abstaining from killing but also striving to do good deeds, hoping to earn “Heaven’s forgiveness”.

Yet, the heavens showed no mercy to this pitiful girl.

At some point, Lu Yao began feeling a dull pain in her abdomen. Initially, she assumed it was a stomach ailment and self-medicated with herbs. But when the pain became unbearable, she finally sought out Doctor Kong in the county town.

After taking her pulse, the old physician trembled violently, his voice stuttering:

“H-how… how can this be?”

“Another tumor, isn’t it?”

A desolate smile touched her lips as she walked out of the clinic, her spirit shattered.

“Child, death comes for all, it’s only a matter of time. This is Heaven’s will. You must accept it.”

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Doctor Kong chased after her, offering comfort. As a doctor, he had witnessed countless partings, yet at this moment, his aged eyes brimmed with tears, tears of pity.

Even within the dream, Qi Huang’s heart ached violently. She could barely stand to watch, yet she couldn’t wake herself.

Lu Yao moved mechanically, her legs carrying her forward as cold raindrops pelted her body. Her lips murmured unconsciously:

“Why… why is this happening? What did my family do wrong? If fate is truly dictated by Heaven… then Heaven, are you blind?”

“Have you heard? The Emperor will be offering sacrifices to Heaven at Golden Radiance Mountain in a few days!”

“Indeed! These years of favorable weather and peace are all because the Emperor reveres Heaven, conducting rituals every two years!”

“Exactly! That’s why ordinary people must never commit evil deeds, Heaven watches from above! Just look at the Lu family from Wafang Village. Four out of five members died of incurable illnesses, leaving only a young girl behind. They must have done something wicked!”

Whispers drifted from the streets.

“Heh…”

Lu Yao gradually halted, her facial muscles twitching. Summoning all her strength, she screamed at them:

“You’re spouting nonsense! What evil did my family commit? If you know, then say it! If you don’t, then why spread lies?”

The gossips froze, stunned. One quickly retorted:

“Your family’s sins are known to themselves, they can’t hide from Heaven!”

“Heaven saw it? Then why doesn’t it speak? Is it deaf? Or mute?”

She raised her head, glaring at the overcast sky as she challenged.

The onlookers, horrified by her blasphemy, scattered like frightened birds.

“Heh… and people worship such a Heaven?”

A scornful smile curled her lips before she resolutely turned north, toward Golden Radiance Mountain.

This time, even if she died, she would defy the heavens before the Emperor and the entire world!