Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

The Empress activated the Power of Dao Rhyme to shield the two within it.

For some reason, the energy of this Fire Domain was extremely chaotic, and even resisting the eroding force of such a violent power was immensely difficult.

In such an extreme environment, if it were any other powerful cultivator, they would likely be obliterated in an instant by this furious energy.

Indeed.

Beside the Empress, there is absolute safety.

”What is that...”

Just as the Empress felt strained, with her Dao Heart somewhat unstable, and wanted to ask Qin Yu what he had seen, she was startled to discover a strange phenomenon arising in the fiery vortex ahead.

A tiny ugly chicken, only the size of a palm, unexpectedly swam out slowly from the vortex.

Amidst the violent and destructive lava vortex, which even the Empress was fearful of, it couldn’t harm that ugly chicken in the slightest; rather, it seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

Just now, could Qin Yu have been beckoning this little creature?!

When did he even start luring small animals?

Though the ugly chicken’s movements were slow, its speed was rapid. In just a moment, it had traversed the vast sea of fire and settled in the lava before them, tilting its small head to look at Qin Yu.

Within its gaze, it seemed there was only Qin Yu, completely disregarding the presence of the Empress.

Its lively eyes, like shining red jewels, scanned Qin Yu up and down, as if in confirmation of something.

A bit embarrassed, Qin Yu glanced at the Empress, worried this little thing might provoke imperial wrath.

He had never seen any creature dare to ignore the Empress.

However, the Empress said nothing, her face showing no emotion.

As this ugly chicken approached, the previously turbulent atmosphere of the space diminished greatly, making her secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

If it continued, she would indeed worry about her Dao Heart becoming unsteady.

Fortunately, Qin Yu was always by her side.

As for the ignoring attitude of this ugly little bird?

Though the Empress did not feel any threat from it, she naturally wouldn’t treat something that emerged unharmed from the core of the Endless Fire Domain’s lava vortex as a mere creature.

Moreover, according to Qin Yu, this little thing apparently was nurtured from an egg on the Parasol Divine Tree.

Seeing the Empress’s tacit approval, Qin Yu finally looked at the ugly chicken, though a bit worried he might scare it, he didn’t approach, merely squatting and extending his hand.

Upon seeing this, the ugly chicken moved.

Flapping its tender wings, it took steps.

Perhaps it had never walked before, for its movements seemed clumsy, like a drunken stumble, until finally, its wings fluttered once, landing before Qin Yu’s hand.

The ugly chicken seemed to feel that this hand held a mysterious attraction, warmer and more comforting than the Fire Domain.

With a slight hesitation, the ugly chicken looked up at Qin Yu, gently placing a claw on his palm, and in the next moment, that comforting feeling made its eyes, burning like rubies, slightly squint in satisfaction.

Indeed, its instincts were right!

”Chirp!”

From the chicken’s mouth came a pleasing sound, then flapping its plump wings, it jumped directly into Qin Yu’s hand.

Its call was extraordinarily unique and melodious, unlike any bird sound Qin Yu had heard before.

As the sound echoed, the initially turbulent waves surrounding the Fire Domain gradually calmed down.

Feeling its closeness, Qin Yu tentatively extended a finger, gently stroking the fluff on its head.

He had initially worried the ugly chicken might not like such contact, but clearly, he overthought.

Not only did the chicken not resist, it squinted in comfort, showing a look of enjoyment, even softly rubbing its little head against his hand, ultimately lying in his palm, seemingly absorbing the comforting sensation greedily.

Beside him, the Empress watched, eyes filled with peculiarity.

This little creature was obviously no ordinary being, possibly a divine beast existing in legends.

It... actually showed such affection to a human race?!

And Qin Yu seemingly did nothing?

In the Empress’s view, given the current close attitude of this little entity, even if Qin Yu took it away, it probably wouldn’t resist?

But why is that?

Legendary creatures, upon birth, would awaken their bloodlines, becoming extremely proud and noble!

From the moment this little thing emerged, it hadn’t even glanced at her once, which spoke volumes.

Yet, why would it favor Qin Yu so greatly?

Is it just because Qin Yu could see the Parasol Divine Tree and it?

Her heart was filled with doubts.

”Your Majesty, would you like to play with the chicken... for a bit?”

Seeing the Empress gazing at him constantly, Qin Yu tentatively asked.

The ugly chicken seemed to dislike this title somewhat, letting out a soft chirp of protest, then swiftly glanced at the Empress before retracting its gaze quickly.

Upon seeing this, Qin Yu’s mouth twitched.

This ugly creature, do you know who that is?!

Even dares to ignore the Great Yan Empress, surely there wasn’t a second creature like this on the continent.

The Empress did not dwell too much, her gaze sweeping around.

For some reason, since the appearance of this little creature, the disturbances within the Endless Fire Domain gradually dissipated, even the fearsome vortex at the center slowed down, eventually calming.

The Empress couldn’t help but glance at the little creature in Qin Yu’s hand.

Could it be that the energy from the Fire Domain was absorbed to nurture this little creature?

Reflecting on the earlier disturbances in the Fire Domain, it seemed like a celebration of its birth.

The Empress felt increasingly certain of its origins in her heart.

Now, with the arrival of this little thing, the Endless Fire Domain has returned to tranquility. The potential threat to the very foundation of the Great Yan Immortal Country has been neutralized just like that?

This seems a bit...

”It’s time to leave.”

The Empress glanced around to ensure there were no anomalies before deciding not to linger any longer.

The recent disturbances had consumed much of her cultivation, causing the Dao Heart that had just stabilized to become turbulent again.

Though the Fire Domain was gradually calming, this was ultimately the core area of the Endless Fire Domain, and the Empress still needed to guard herself and Qin Yu.

”Alright.”

Qin Yu nodded solemnly, ceasing his movements.

”Cluck!”

The little chick that had been enjoying Qin Yu’s caresses opened its eyes in confusion, tilting its little head and looking at him as if asking, why did you stop?

”Little creature, we’re leaving.”

Qin Yu smiled, unsure if it could understand as he tentatively asked, ”Do you want to come with us?”

The ugly little chick glanced back at the Parasol Divine Tree in the center of the Fire Domain, hesitated for a moment, then nestled comfortably in Qin Yu’s palm.

Seeing this, the Empress no longer hesitated. With a swift motion, an invisible force lifted the two of them, swiftly retreating from the Fire Domain.

The ugly little chick did not resist, though it felt a bit reluctant, it preferred the comfort of Qin Yu’s palm.

...

With the birth of the ugly little chick, the extent of the Endless Fire Domain quickly contracted back to its original boundaries.

Though the exterior remained scorching and unbearable, the pervasive fire attribute energy in the air had begun to wane.

Perhaps, it won’t be long before this area regains its former vitality.

Throughout the journey, the Empress remained silent.

For some reason, Qin Yu felt somewhat uneasy as if the Empress was burdened with heavy thoughts.

Not until they exited the Endless Fire Domain did the Empress produce a Flying Carriage instead of continuing to soar with Qin Yu.

This Flying Carriage was crafted like a heavenly masterpiece, resplendent and more lavish and dignified than the Empress Dowager’s Phoenix Carriage.

”I’m feeling a bit tired.”

After speaking, the Empress walked straight into the sleeping quarters within the Flying Carriage.

For some reason, she did not close the door.

The Flying Carriage sped rapidly across the sky.

Qin Yu gazed blankly at the open door, hesitating uncertainly.

Only then did he realize that the Empress’s aura was somewhat disturbed.

It seemed that this journey to the Endless Fire Domain was far from as easy as he had imagined. It was only by the Empress’s steadfast presence that she silently endured the dangers of that forbidden place.

Inside the room.

The Empress removed her Dragon Robe, leaving only a gauzy garment, as she slowly reclined on the Dragon Couch, glancing faintly outside.

Qin Yu was stunned, was this... a hint?

”Your Majesty, may I give you a massage?”

Looking at the Empress’s weary face, Qin Yu tentatively asked.

He felt that perhaps one of the reasons the Empress brought him along on this journey was for this purpose.

”You may.”

The Empress gave Qin Yu an appreciative glance, this guy wasn’t overly dull after all.

Even without the Empress Dowager and Little Ling’Er, he could comprehend on his own without her having to speak directly.

Qin Yu swallowed nervously, trying to control his thoughts as he stepped into the room and sensibly closed the door.

The Empress had no objections to this.

Evidently, she knew that despite Qin Yu’s fascination with certain matters, he maintained enough reverence towards her.

Thus, even with the door closed, the Empress did not worry about him... stabbing her in the back.

Perhaps due to fatigue, or perhaps because they weren’t in the Jade Flower Palace, free from the interruptions of the Empress Dowager and Little Ling’Er.

On the bed, the Empress was very relaxed, lying on her side, back towards Qin Yu.

Qin Yu quietly approached, feeling somewhat excited by the sight before him.

The Empress’s back was exceedingly elegant, her figure graceful, her curves as natural as flowing water, like the most delicate painting between heaven and earth.

Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall over the bed, with her delicate shoulder-line beautifully outlined, her skin as smooth as cream, radiating a subtle luster that made one want to lightly...

Take a bite.

The ordinarily imposing Empress now seemed lazy yet noble, akin to an elegant True Dragon resting there, with her clothing as thin as dragonfly wings, adding a touch of fantasy.

Qin Yu gazed blankly at the scene before him.

He had never seen the Empress so relaxed, even during massage sessions in the sleeping quarters, her presence was always marked by an indescribable majesty.

Now, this graceful silhouette combined the Empress’s nobility with a hint of feminine gentleness, forbidding insolence yet inevitably evoking yearning.

The Empress was not unaware of this guy’s thoughts, but with no outsiders around, her naturally aloof nature did not prompt her to reprimand.