The Grand Ceremony of Myriad Manifestations of the Great Void had finally come to an end.
The bustle that had filled Clouddream City for days was finally beginning to fade.
The Water Market, once packed with cultivators from all four provinces, was no longer filled with ceaseless chatter. The divine palace disciples stationed along the Longbridge by the sea had also begun withdrawing some of the guiding formation flags.
Outside the various reception islands, spirit boats rose into the clouds one after another. Formation lights flashed through the sea mist before carrying the prodigies of the three provinces away from Cang Province.
Beyond the harbor, countless vessels hovered in the air.
Some spirit boats were as magnificent as palace towers, while others were as light and nimble as flying shuttles. There were even Academy disciples traveling through the clouds atop magical treasures shaped like books.
The Cangming Divine Palace had sent people to maintain order.
The proper courtesies remained impeccable.
The divine officials seeing the guests off wore warm smiles and spoke gently, as though this year’s Grand Ceremony of Myriad Manifestations of the Great Void had been no different from any previous one.
But everyone knew that this was merely the surface.
The shock this matter had left in the Cangming Divine Palace would not subside simply because the banquet had ended.
Instead, as the prodigies of the three provinces departed Cang Province, they would carry the news back to Xuan Province, Ling Province, and Yun Province. It would spread through the various sects and become the latest tale on countless tongues.
At the Tianyuan Sect’s residence, the disciples were also packing their belongings.
Su Qianqian placed several scrolls on Cang Province’s water-healing techniques into her storage ring, then carefully reviewed the insights she had recorded.
Although she had failed to enter the final trial of this Grand Ceremony of Myriad Manifestations of the Great Void, she had still gained a great deal from the first two rounds.
The second trial in particular had deepened her understanding of the path of healing cultivators, protective techniques, and her own water-element spells.
Once she returned to the sect, she would be able to enter seclusion and sort through everything she had learned.
Jin Buhuan was even busier.
In front of her lay a stack of jade slips, ledgers, calling cards, and travel credentials issued by the merchant associations of Cang Province.
Others had come to the Grand Ceremony of Myriad Manifestations of the Great Void to compete for fame and opportunities.
So had she.
But along the way, she had also made connections with a number of maritime traders, negotiated several trade routes, and learned quite a bit about fluctuations in the prices of Cang Province’s special products from the Eastern Sea.
As she packed, Jin Buhuan sighed.
“This trip to Cang Province was truly worth it.”
“I gained fame, made money, and even got acquainted with several highly valuable merchant-association managers.”
“If the atmosphere in the divine palace weren’t so delicate right now, I’d even want to stay in Clouddream City for another half a month.”
Su Qianqian could not help looking at her.
“How many people have you met over the past few days?”
Jin Buhuan thought seriously for a moment.
“Not that many.”
“It only means that the Myriad Treasures Pavilion can save two hundred thousand spirit stones in relationship-management expenses over the next three years in Cang Province.”
Su Qianqian fell silent for a moment.
“You call that ‘not that many’?”
Jin Buhuan shook her fan and smiled.
“Money matters are all about accumulating little by little.”
Jiang Qingwan returned at precisely that moment.
The Water Dragon’s Chant incantation from the Taixu Token had already been imprinted in her sea of consciousness, though she had yet to fully comprehend it.
That spell took the form of water and used a dragon’s roar as its method. If she could transform it into Thunder Dragon’s Chant, it would undoubtedly be of great help to her future offensive techniques.
Originally, she had planned to study it slowly after returning to Xuan Province.
But not long after she entered the residence, Xie Bugui came looking for her.
He still looked as lazy as ever, and he was carrying a paper bag he had bought from somewhere.
Inside were roasted shellfish, a delicacy unique to Cang Province.
Jin Buhuan glanced at him.
“Senior Brother Xie, did you come to see us off, or are you here for breakfast?”
Xie Bugui answered seriously, “Both are fine.”
He then looked toward Jiang Qingwan.
“Second Senior Brother sent word.”
Jiang Qingwan’s expression shifted slightly.
Xie Bugui nodded.
“He said he wants to meet you here in Cang Province.”
Jiang Qingwan did not answer at once.
Her Second Senior Brother was Yun Zhuo.
This senior brother from Heavenly Punishment Peak had spent years traveling abroad. He had once given her a drop of mysterious golden blood.
That drop of golden blood had happened to awaken the Great Void Moon Soul.
Because of this, Jiang Qingwan had become even more curious about Yun Zhuo.
She already had many questions she wanted to ask him.
Since Yun Zhuo had taken the initiative to meet her, she naturally would not refuse.
Xie Bugui added, “I’m staying too.”
“Passing along his message is one thing.”
“It wouldn’t be very appropriate for you to remain in Cang Province alone.”
His tone was still casual, but there was more seriousness in it than usual.
The Grand Ceremony had just ended.
Jiang Qingwan had also just taken the championship on the Cangming Divine Palace’s home ground.
No one could say for certain whether some people within the divine palace might lose their heads.
Jiang Qingwan glanced at Xie Bugui.
“Aren’t you in a hurry to return to the sect?”
Xie Bugui thought for a moment.
“I’d only have to look at that old man’s sour face when I got back.”
“If I hadn’t caused trouble, I wouldn’t be going back at all.”
Jin Buhuan sighed with admiration.
“Senior Brother Xie is truly broad-minded.”
Xie Bugui nodded.
“Thank you.”
Jiang Qingwan did not make a decision immediately. Instead, she first went to see True Lord Huaiyin.
…
True Lord Huaiyin was arranging the Tianyuan Sect disciples’ return journey.
The ninety-nine prodigies who had come to Cang Province had each gained something and grown weary after passing through the three trials of the Grand Ceremony of Myriad Manifestations.
Now that the ceremony was over, they should return to Xuan Province as soon as possible.
No matter how pleasant Cang Province was, it was ultimately not Tianyuan Sect territory.
When Jiang Qingwan arrived, True Lord Huaiyin had just handed the final list of disciples to an accompanying elder.
Upon seeing her enter, True Lord Huaiyin’s expression softened.
“Have you been to the Canghai Tower?”
Jiang Qingwan nodded.
“I chose a spell.”
True Lord Huaiyin did not ask for details. He only smiled.
“As long as you know what you’re doing.”
Jiang Qingwan then truthfully told her about Yun Zhuo’s wish to meet her.
“Disciple wishes to remain in Cang Province for a few more days.”
“After meeting Second Senior Brother, I’ll return to Xuan Province using the inter-state teleportation array.”
After hearing this, True Lord Huaiyin did not immediately object.
She knew that Jiang Qingwan was no longer an ordinary disciple.
She was the champion of the Grand Ceremony of Myriad Manifestations of the Great Void and Tianyuan Sect’s newly appointed Daoyin.
After this journey, Jiang Qingwan’s position within the sect would become even more special.
She had her own opportunities and her own judgment. It was impossible for the elders to make every decision for her.
But Cang Province was, after all, not Xuan Province.
The Grand Ceremony had only just ended, and undercurrents still ran through the divine palace.
Remaining here might not be entirely safe for Jiang Qingwan.
True Lord Huaiyin pondered for a moment, then took out a token and handed it to her.
The token had a warm, polished sheen. The front was engraved with the cloud design of the Tianyuan Sect, while the back bore an extremely faint sword mark.
“Take this.”
Jiang Qingwan accepted the token.
True Lord Huaiyin said, “If you encounter trouble in Cang Province, show them this token.”
“This lord still has a few friends in Cang Province.”
“They should be able to put in a word for you.”
She did not make any exaggerated claims.
But Jiang Qingwan understood that anyone a Nascent Soul True Lord considered a friend would certainly not be an ordinary cultivator.
True Lord Huaiyin continued to caution her.
“Ten days at most. Return to Xuan Province immediately.”
“Do not stay any longer.”
Jiang Qingwan put away the token and bowed solemnly.
“Disciple understands.”
True Lord Huaiyin looked at her and let out a soft sigh.
“You child—you stir up a storm wherever you go.”
“Forget it.”
“In any case, be careful in everything.”
Jiang Qingwan nodded.
“Yes.”
…
Before the Tianyuan Sect’s spirit boat departed, Su Qianqian and Jin Buhuan both learned that Jiang Qingwan intended to remain in Cang Province for a while.
Although Su Qianqian was somewhat worried, she did not try to force her to change her mind.
She knew that Jiang Qingwan always acted with proper restraint.
Besides, Xie Bugui would be staying as well.
Before they parted, Su Qianqian looked at Jiang Qingwan and said seriously, “If something happens, don’t try to handle it alone.”
“You can send me a message.”
Jiang Qingwan glanced at her.
“If you enter seclusion after returning, can you really make it to Cang Province?”
Su Qianqian kept a perfectly straight face.
“No.”
“But I can curse Senior Brother Xie on your behalf.”
Xie Bugui, who was standing nearby, could not help raising his head.
“Why curse me?”
Su Qianqian said:
“Since you’ve decided to stay, you’ll naturally be responsible for protecting Qingwan.”
Xie Bugui pondered seriously for a moment.
“She probably doesn’t need much protection from me.”
Jiang Qingwan said calmly, “Indeed.”
Su Qianqian couldn’t help covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Jin Buhuan was much more direct. She took several gold-embossed calling cards from her sleeve and pressed them into Jiang Qingwan’s hands.
“These are golden access cards to the merchant guilds that I acquired in Clouddream City over the past few days.”
“If you need money, a ship, a place to stay, or information, take these to the firms listed on them.”
“They’ll make things easier for you.”
Jiang Qingwan glanced at them.
“I won’t need them.”
Jin Buhuan immediately raised a hand to cut her off.
“Don’t refuse.”
“If you don’t use them, I’ll be the one losing out.”
“These are favors owed by the Taixu Champion.”
“If I invest a little now, I’ll be able to collect much more in the future.”
Jiang Qingwan accepted the golden cards.
“Thank you.”
Jin Buhuan smiled brightly.
“Think nothing of it.”
Seeing this, Xie Bugui silently held out a hand toward Jin Buhuan as well.
His meaning was obvious.
Jin Buhuan didn’t even look at him. She simply turned away and began arranging her folding fan.
Xie Bugui kept his hand extended. After a moment of silence, he said, “I’m staying too.”
Jin Buhuan nodded.
“I know.”
Xie Bugui continued, “I might also need money, a ship, a place to stay, or help gathering information.”
Jin Buhuan smiled.
“Senior Brother Xie, you can borrow those things from Jiang Qingwan.”
Xie Bugui looked toward Jiang Qingwan.
Her expression remained calm.
Xie Bugui silently withdrew his hand.
Su Qianqian couldn’t hold back any longer and burst out laughing.
The atmosphere of parting grew several degrees lighter as a result.
Before long, the disciples of the Tianyuan Sect boarded their vessel one after another.
True Lord Huaiyin stood at the bow and cast one final look at Jiang Qingwan and Xie Bugui.
“See you in Xuanzhou in a few days.”
Jiang Qingwan cupped her hands. “See you in Xuanzhou.”
The spirit vessel’s formations lit up.
The enormous ship slowly rose into the air, breaking through the thin sea mist above Clouddream City as it flew toward Xuanzhou.
Su Qianqian stood on the deck and waved at her.
Jin Buhuan, meanwhile, shook her folding fan, her smile bright.
Jiang Qingwan remained where she was until the spirit vessel disappeared completely into the depths of the clouds.
Beyond Clouddream City, more vessels continued to rise into the sky.
The sects of Xuanzhou, Lingzhou, and Yunzhou departed Cangzhou one after another.
The streets that had once been packed with prodigies gradually emptied.
Yet the discussions surrounding the Taixu Myriad Phenomena Grand Ceremony spread even farther as the spirit vessels departed.
Lord Ziwei Jiang Qingwan.
The Taixu Champion.
Plucking the Moon and Ascending Heaven.
These names and stories would soon become new legends among the younger generation across the four provinces.
…
The Cangming Divine Palace.
The hem of Zhu Changli’s deep-blue ceremonial robe was damp with a faint trace of seawater.
His expression was even graver than when he had left the Divine Palace.
He had originally intended to return to the Hall of Fate first and sort out his thoughts, then find a way to request an audience with Hairuo.
But the moment he entered the Divine Palace, Zhu Changli sensed that something was wrong.
The corridors of the Divine Palace, usually orderly and tranquil, were filled with hurriedly moving officials.
Messages were being sent constantly from the direction of the Sea Office.
The formations on the Coastal Ritual Altar lit up layer after layer, only to dim again moments later.
The water-pattern formation above the Divine Palace also seemed to have been disturbed by something. At times, great swathes of deep-blue patterns appeared; at others, they vanished once more.
Zhu Changli frowned.
He casually stopped a Divine Palace steward.
“What happened?”
The steward’s face had already been pale when Zhu Changli stopped him.
Upon recognizing Zhu Changli, he hurriedly bowed.
“Lord Siming!”
“Something has happened!”
“The Sea Eye is stirring!”
Zhu Changli’s expression changed drastically.
The Sea Eye.
It was the one place in Cangzhou that absolutely could not afford any trouble.
The Cangming Divine Palace floated above the eastern sea precisely because a vast Sea Eye was suppressed beneath it.
It was where the water veins of the Eastern Sea converged.
It was also the place in the hearts of countless believers of the Water-Worshipping Cult that lay closest to the Sea Mother.
If the Sea Eye stirred, the consequences would extend far beyond the Divine Palace alone.
The steward’s voice trembled.
“The Sea Office has already sent people to investigate.”
“The formations on the Coastal Ritual Altar have been activated three times to suppress it, but each time they were shattered by the Sea Eye’s tidal force.”
“The Ritual Office is seeking instructions from the High Priest…”
Before he could finish, a deep, heavy bell rang out from the depths of the Divine Palace.
Dong—
The sound swept through the layers of palace halls and drowned out the sea wind, causing the water-pattern formations throughout the Cangming Divine Palace to flare brilliantly at once.
Zhu Changli abruptly raised his head.
Then the second bell rang.
Dong—
A third.
Dong—
The bells continued to sound.
This was the Cangming Divine Palace’s highest-level emergency summons.
It would be sounded only when the Sea Eye, Hairuo, or the foundations of the Divine Palace underwent a major disturbance.
The priests of every department of the Divine Palace had to report immediately to the Main Council Hall.
Zhu Changli stood in the corridor, the fingers hidden within his sleeve slowly tightening.
He had just returned from Luoxia Village.
And now, the Sea Eye had begun to stir.
For the first time, an absurd premonition arose in his heart.
Could it really be such a coincidence?
