Myth Beyond Heaven

Cai Xieren stepped forward, her form radiating a dark energy that clashed with the Empress’s gentle aura. “We are nothing but a pawn in their game, Nongyue” she sneered. “We are tools to be used and discarded from the beginning. And I am tired of it. I will not succumb to the fate again.”

Xia Nongyue’s heart ached, her body trembling with a mixture of anger and despair.

“Xieren, please,” she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. “Come back to me. Don’t let them control you.”

Cai Xieren’s laughter echoed through the chamber, her eyes filled with a chilling amusement. “You are naive, Xia Nongyue,” she scoffed. “The Lord of Chaos has shown me the true path, the path to control my own fate.”

She raised her hand, her palm glowing with a dark energy that crackled through the air. “Now, I will show you the way,” she declared.

Xia Nongyue, her heart filled with a mix of grief and determination, drew her sword, its blade shimmering with a celestial light.

The Empress rose from her throne, her aura surging with a divine power that filled the chamber. “That’s enough,” she commanded, her voice resonating with authority. “Stand down.”

Cai Xieren frowned slightly and stepped back. Her aura quickly subsided.

Xi Xurou looked at Xia Nongyue and said calmly, “Like I said earlier, secrets must be shared. Now, you can share with your friend here.”

Xia Nongyue suddenly felt her entire body bound in place, unable to move an inch. Her expression changed drastically as she knew she was doomed…

***

Inside the courtyard, Yun Lintian opened his eyes and calmly looked at the illuminated sky. His mouth curved up slightly as he muttered to himself, “Looks like I guessed correctly.” Before arriving here, he had secretly placed his divine sense on Xia Nongyue. The moment she was subdued by Xi Xurou, he knew.

Although he had already expected this, Xi Xurou’s true face and the change in Cai Xieren still surprised him. His curiosity about the Lord of Chaos had intensified.

Knock! Knock!

A gentle knock echoed through the courtyard, interrupting Yun Lintian’s contemplation. He turned his head toward the entrance, his gaze meeting Tong Jie’s as she stepped into the courtyard.

“Her Majesty requests your presence,” she said calmly.

Yun Lintian nodded curtly, rising from his seat. Gui Xiao and Hei Shou quickly hopped onto his shoulders. He followed Tong Jie through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace.

They reached the Empress’s chamber, its doors adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of celestial beings and mythical creatures. Tong Jie paused before the doors, her expression a mix of reverence and apprehension.

“Her Majesty awaits,” she announced, her voice hushed. “Enter.”

Yun Lintian nodded and stepped through the grand doors, his eyes adjusting to the dimly lit chamber.

At the far end of the chamber, upon a raised dais, sat the Divine Light Empress, Xi Xurou. Beside her stood Cai Xieren, her once vibrant form now exuding a calm and composed aura.

Yun Lintian approached the dais, his footsteps measured and graceful, his expression calm and collected. He cupped his fists.

“Greetings, Senior,” he said calmly.

Xi Xurou smiled warmly, her gaze gentle and inviting. “Yun Lintian,” she acknowledged, her voice a melodious symphony. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Cai Xieren stepped forward, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Greetings, Yun Lintian,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of familiarity. “I have heard much about you.”

Yun Lintian pretended to be confused. “You are…?”

“I’m Cai Xieren. Nongyue must have told you about me. Thank you for bringing me back,” Cai Xieren said gently.

“Oh? Greetings, Senior Cai. I’m glad that you are back,” Yun Lintian said with feigned surprise.

He looked around briefly and asked, “Where is Senior Xia?”

“She went to report on the situation. It’s our regulation,” Cai Xieren explained.

“I see,” Yun Lintian nodded slowly.

Xi Xurou gestured toward a seat before the dais. “Please, Yun Lintian, have a seat,” she invited, her voice carrying gentle authority.

Yun Lintian obeyed, his movements graceful and fluid. He sat facing the Empress and Cai Xieren, his expression curious and attentive.

“I have heard tales of your exploits in the Abyssal Rift, Yun Lintian,” Xi Xurou began, her voice laced with admiration. “Your courage in facing the creatures of chaos…they are truly remarkable.”

Yun Lintian inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression humble. “It was nothing, Senior,” he replied.

Xi Xurou smiled. “Indeed,” she agreed. “But your strength and wisdom are undeniable. You

saved Nongyue.”

Yun Lintian smiled and said nothing.

Cai Xieren suddenly spoke up. “By the way, Lintian, how did you come here?”

Yun Lintian smiled secretly. It seemed Cai Xieren was impatient. She even called his name so intimately.

“I have my ways,” Yun Lintian responded vaguely.

“Did you also jump into the Endless Abyss like us?” Cai Xieren asked.

Yun Lintian nodded slowly. “Yes. Oh, I remember now. You and Senior Xia escaped from Ren

Yuan’s pursuit and disappeared into the Primordial God Forsaken Land.”

“You are right,” Cai Xieren responded. “Then, do you have a way to go back?”

Yun Lintian pretended to hesitate briefly before answering, “I do.”

Cai Xieren’s eyes lit up. “Can you show me? I want to go back to visit my hometown.”

Yun Lintian nodded and then shook his head. “I cannot show it to you right now because the entrance is far from here.”

“No problem. We can set off later,” Cai Xieren calmed down. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell

anyone.”

Yun Lintian frowned slightly and said nothing, pretending to consider it carefully.

“Perhaps Nongyue has never told you about this,” Xi Xurou suddenly spoke up. “We cannot approach the Primal Chaos Wall, aside from natives like you two. Even if I know the location of the entrance, it is impossible for me to go there.”

Yun Lintian was suddenly “enlightened.” “So that’s how it is. Sure, I have no problem telling

you about it.”

Cai Xieren’s eyes flickered with excitement. As long as she could find the entrance, the Primal Chaos would become her playground.

Xi Xurou stared at Yun Lintian calmly. Her eyes were deep, as if she could see through Yun Lintian’s facade.

Yun Lintian noticed this, but he didn’t care. Since they chose to play this stupid acting game, he wouldn’t mind following it to the end. Let’s see who had thicker skin.

“I’m curious,” Xi Xurou suddenly spoke up. “With your strength, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to win the competition. Is there any reason why you didn’t?”