Ye Yu listened to the exchange between Zheng Nuanshou and Li Ruowang, his brow creasing. In his dreams, because of the timeline loop, he had personally experienced the Heavenly Calamity. He knew its terror and suffocating power were unstoppable. So why did Zheng Nuanshou emphasize over and over that it was a “terrifying presence”? Could it be that what she’d witnessed differed from his experience?
The more Ye Yu thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He stepped forward and asked, “What exactly do you mean by that terrifying presence?”
Hearing this, Zheng Nuanshou turned her gaze to him. A flicker of unfamiliarity crossed her eyes, then something more complex. After a moment’s hesitation, she began to relate what had happened.
“A million years ago, the Exorcist Immortal Sect was one of the greatest sects in the Central Celestial Realm, renowned for its prodigies. As the sect lord, I had just broken through to the Immortal Emperor Realm and emerged from my secluded cultivation to share the news. But then I saw a pillar of white light shooting into the sky. Almost instantly, all surrounding immortal power was drained away.
“I panicked and activated the sect’s formation to shield the entire Exorcist Sect, yet it did nothing to stop the calamity. When the white light struck, everything was obliterated. I rushed back to my disciples and unleashed my Great Dao of Protection, bathing them in a gentle blue glow so they might survive. A few did, but most were # Nоvеlight # consumed by that white light.
“As my companions’ life auras faded, my heart bled, yet I could do nothing more. Shielding even dozens was my absolute limit. What was that white light? I could not see its source because it was too dazzling. Then ghostly white figures drifted in, ravenously devouring everything in their path, leaving only ruins.
“I tried to strike at them, but with a single glance I was thrown aside. With me fallen, the protective Dao vanished, and dozens of disciples were swallowed in an instant. I struggled to rise, but a terrifying force struck me; my immortal body shattered and I crashed down, destroying the hall and burying me under rubble.
“As my consciousness dimmed, I saw a white figure hovering above. It lingered for two breaths, then departed. My body was too badly injured to support my immortal form, and I passed out.”
Zheng Nuanshou’s voice trembled. “When I awoke, all immortal power was gone—as if the entire Celestial Realm had been drained.”
Ye Yu and Li Ruowang exchanged grave looks. White figures so powerful they overwhelmed even an Immortal Emperor—how strong must they have been? Had the gods themselves descended? No—it couldn’t be. Apart from Wuwang Mountain, the gods had no way of entering.
Li Ruowang asked, “So your immortal body was so damaged you regressed in realm? But you shouldn’t have fallen that far. And what of the seal on your soul?”
Zheng Nuanshou pondered long before answering. “Judging by my memories before and after the calamity, it must relate to my protective Dao. When I was gravely wounded, my mind blurred, and the Great Dao of Protection auto-activated to save my life. But with all immortal power drained, the Dao used only my remaining essence—insufficient to repair an Immortal Emperor’s body. It could only seal my soul and reduce my realm to below True Immortal, just above Ascension. That alone spared my life. That white phantom ignored me then because it sensed my realm had fallen below True Immortal—it only hunted those above it.”
Ye Yu nodded. Though speculative, her explanation fit the evidence. Considering her sudden awakening, he suggested she rest for the day and recover fully tomorrow. Then he prepared to leave with Yao Wuyai and Li Ruowang.
At that moment, Zheng Nuanshou spoke. “Wait—Senior-sister, could you stay outside? I have something to say to Ye Yu.”
Li Ruowang’s expression turned strange. Little-sister, something’s off. We’ve cultivated together for nearly a hundred thousand years—your first thought on waking isn’t to keep me here, but to keep my partner! Honestly, if you weren’t so weak, I’d argue with you about this.
She exhaled and swept out, leaving the room. Yao Wuyai, ever perceptive, followed obediently.
Outside in the courtyard, Yao Wuyai gathered courage and whispered, “May I go now, Your Excellency? I’ll forgo any consultation fee—farewell.”
“Who said you could go? Stay here. I think my junior-sister’s mind isn’t right yet. When you cure her, you may leave!” Li Ruowang’s imperial aura brooked no argument.
Yao Wuyai staggered back. What happened? She seemed fine before—why such a sudden shift? Harder to handle than Ye Yu!
She bowed her head, words of protest lodged in her throat. A shy person’s courage fades fast. She felt wronged...but dared not speak further.
Li Ruowang narrowed her eyes. “Lift your head and look happy. If I see any more signs of misery, I’ll tear off your veil!”
Hearing this, Yao Wuyai forced her chin up, terrified Li Ruowang would find more fault. The veil was her last shield against the world. She thought: Mother, life is so hard!
