The Five Realms Passage had fully reopened. This change stirred the once-quiet Celestial Realm again. Immortals from different planes gathered once more, each warily observing the surroundings—and each other.
Among them was Nangong Jingtang, one of many demon cultivators. When the passage between the Demon Realm and the Celestial Realm opened, she stepped through along with other demon immortals. Unlike the Demonic Realm, the Demon Realm bore no deep hatred toward Celestial Realm cultivators. They had no interest in ambush or subterfuge; to a demon, brute strength was truth. If they wished to fight or seize, they would do so head-on—no tricks. This innate boldness meant they feared nothing. So when the path to the Celestial Realm appeared, they strode forward without hesitation.
In short order, many demons reached the Celestial Realm. They gazed upon the splendid vistas with wide eyes. But Nangong Jingtang’s purpose differed. She had a mission: find Ye Yu’s whereabouts. If he could not be located, she would seek a way onward to the Divine Realm. No matter what, only one thing mattered this lifetime: to meet Ye Yu again.
Thus she soon separated from the main host, searching for nearby immortals to inquire after Ye Yu. To aid her quest, she even sketched his likeness from memory. But the Celestial Realm was not a rustic village—one could not expect everyone to recognize everyone. Her search would not be easy.
By chance, a sword-bearing immortal recognized the portrait. “I’ve seen him,” he said softly. “His name is Ye Yu. He belongs to the Ta Xian Sect. You might try asking there.”
Nangong Jingtang’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
The sword immortal nodded, recalling a scene from months past. Then he had been a mere fanboy in Dan Pavilion, traveling the Celestial Realm with Tai Yan Dao to uphold justice—but they had been driven back by the Three Corpses Hall. Had Ye Yu not intervened, he would have perished. His gratitude made Ye Yu unforgettable.
After thanking the immortal profusely, Nangong Jingtang pressed a Low-Grade Demon Artifact (a simple jade ring) into his hand. Only then did he notice her unusual aura—far different from that of other immortals. “You... are a demon?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied. “I have just come from the Demon Realm. Thank you, fellow immortal, for the information. If it leads me to my husband, I shall reward you greatly when we meet again!”
Before he could reply, Nangong Jingtang vanished. Excited by her direction, she was determined not to waste a moment.
Unbeknownst to her, the immortal’s eyes misted. Truly, immortals and demons differed: before any other, a demon-cultivator had braved the passage to seek her mate—an epic love crossing a million years.
Moments later, guided by the sword immortal, Nangong Jingtang arrived in the Celestial Realm’s central region. A “tower sect,” he had said. With only that clue, she set off anew.
Meanwhile, within Wuwei Tower, many ladies gathered to discuss the Five Realms Passage. Only a few present—such as Jiang Jinhe and Luo Ning—were demons by origin; others like Dong Kui and Ying Naiyan hailed from the Nether Realm. The passage’s opening tempted them to revisit their homelands—only those who had truly left could understand the pull of returning home.
But Bai Miaoling and Bai Xichu felt it made no difference: things and people had changed beyond recognition; old retainers were nowhere to be found. A pilgrimage for nostalgia was unnecessary. If one merely wished to visit relatives, caution was advised—the world’s spiritual energy had fully restored, and countless powerful beings stirred.
At this, Zuo Yingchun teased, “By the way, Dong Kui, the Nether Realm’s passage has opened too, hasn’t it?”
The assembled smiled. Before the Five Realms Passage fully opened, Dong Kui had clamored to return to the Nether Realm daily. Yet now that the path lay open, she, as if a sage in meditation, refused to mention going back. Such a change must mean she had joined their sisterhood. In light of Ye Yu’s deeds when the passage opened, it was inevitable. But Dong Kui’s stubborn silence invited jests.
Her hand trembled on her book, a blush rising. “What? The passage’s open? I had no idea! But logic says a newly restored realm gate might be unstable—let’s wait a bit longer.”
Her straight-faced denial belied the truth: since she and Ye Yu had etched their calligraphy together, she had accepted their bond. Only her modesty—following Ying Naiyan’s lead—kept her from proclaiming it. She longed for Ye Yu’s return to announce their union herself, but he had yet to reappear—how maddening!
Bai Miaoling laughed, “Dong Kui, worry not. The passage’s been stable—I’ve already made a round trip.”
“Oh? Is that so? Then I’ll prepare and take a look.”
Dong Kui pressed the book before her face, pondering her next move. Should she truly visit the Nether Realm to force Ye Yu’s search? Would he resent her for tantrums?
Ying Naiyan, amused by Dong Kui’s discomfort, chided, “Alright, sisters, let’s not tease our master. We’re all friends here. Haven’t you noticed her hands shaking?”
Laughter broke out among them. Zuo Yingchun, however, eyed Dong Kui’s white-bound volume curiously. “A Righteousness Primer? What’s that? Why have you been reading it?”
