※The ethereal figure of Cao Xuanqi grew fainter, fading away until he was utterly gone. Ji Changkong remained frozen to the spot, waiting for the colossal, world-shaking surge of primal energy that had emanated from Cao Xuanqi to finally subside from the deepest bedrock. Only when the tremors ceased did he realize that sweat was uncontrollably pouring from every pore of his body, his tightly strung nerves finally beginning to slacken.

Dropping all pretense of defense, Ji Changkong stood drenched in sweat, overcome by a weariness so profound it felt more exhausting than a pitched battle against an Eight Trigram Celestial Master. The surging power within his Celestial Origin Pearl ebbed like a tide, retreating back into the bead itself. After taking several deep, shuddering breaths, Ji Changkong finally managed to steady himself.

The Nine Palaces Celestial Masters were indeed the most terrifying experts in the world. The sheer pressure Cao Xuanqi had exerted upon him would likely haunt him for the rest of his life.

The deep earth tremors gradually died down. Just as Ji Changkong thought the lingering effects of Cao Xuanqi’s passage had vanished, a series of fierce undulations suddenly pulsed up from below. Then, the entire stone forest groaned, and the ground split open, revealing bottomless chasms.

Faintly, the dark green magma, glimpsed during the previous disturbance, began to seep up from the depths of these new fissures.

Cao Xuanqi had departed long ago, yet the devastation he wrought upon this stone forest continued unabated.

Ji Changkong, his robes clinging with moisture, looked down with a grave expression at the slowly receding pools of dark green magma. He let his spirit drift outward, sensing, almost tangibly, a soul concealed deep within the planet’s core—an ancient, enduring presence, capable of registering some of his joy, sorrow, and powerlessness.

Why had he come here? Was it to see that person from Mount Tianshan? Or was he searching for the Sacred Beast Azure Dragon deep underground? He had told me to pass on word of his visit. This suggests he is acutely aware of my identity.

Frowning, Ji Changkong’s mind raced, yet he could not grasp Cao Xuanqi’s true purpose for coming. If Cao Xuanqi had intended harm to the Sacred Beast Azure Dragon beneath Blood Rain Mountain, no one here could have stopped him—not even the figure from Tianshan, weakened after his battle with the Holy Mother You Lan. So why the abrupt departure?

A flood of unanswered questions occupied his mind, leaving Ji Changkong utterly bewildered.

“Changkong!” Mo Yunyi and Ji Yusheng finally caught up, having just located him. They glanced at the devastation in the stone forest from a distance and gasped.

“If you dislike those girls, we can certainly discuss it maturely; there was no need to come all the way out here to vent,” Mo Yunyi chastised gently. “This is Blood Rain Mountain territory, after all. While this stone forest lacks potent ambient energy, it could have been a gathering spot for outsiders later. Now, it’s practically uninhabitable.”

“Changkong, don’t be willful. Let’s reconsider the matter,” Ji Yusheng chimed in with a soothing tone. “If you truly dislike those girls, so be it. With the current strength of our Xuanyuan Valley, we aren't afraid of any trouble they might cause.”

Both believed Ji Changkong was responsible for the abnormal state of the stone forest. While shocked by the true extent of his power, they were simultaneously guilt-ridden, feeling they had been too presumptuous in not consulting him first.

Ji Changkong shook his head slightly, a wry smile on his face. “You overestimate me. The anomaly here was caused by someone stamping their foot; it has nothing to do with me.”

“Wha—what?” Mo Yunyi and Ji Yusheng’s expressions shifted instantly, their eyes flickering with uncertainty. They stared blankly at the ravaged stone forest, murmuring, “Who among us could cause such earth-shattering change with a single stomp?”

“Cao Xuanqi was here,” Ji Changkong stated gravely.

Mo Yunyi and Ji Yusheng recoiled in horror, eyes wide with disbelief. “He… he came here? What did he want here…?” Cao Xuanqi’s name alone carried unparalleled prestige across the world, leaving Mo Yunyi and Ji Yusheng momentarily helpless.

“I don’t know why he came. Perhaps he was just passing through,” he replied, shaking his head with a strange look. Since the matter involved the person from Mount Tianshan, Ji Changkong omitted the finer details. “He said my father has cultivated an unorthodox path and is now imprisoned by him in Kunlun. He instructed me to seek him out for revenge once I reach the Nine Palaces Celestial realm.”

“Haotian? Haotian isn’t dead?” Ji Yusheng exclaimed, his face brightening with joy.

“Changkong, you must not be rash! Cao Xuanqi is hailed as the foremost figure in the world. Don't charge recklessly into Kunlun,” Mo Yunyi urged, her mind quickly calculating the dangers.

“Granny Mo, please stop. I won’t go to Kunlun to die before reaching the Nine Palaces Celestial realm. I just witnessed his power; it is truly god-defying. I know I am nowhere near his match now, so rest assured,” Ji Changkong offered with a strained smile.

Hearing this, Mo Yunyi finally relaxed. She then added, “Changkong, don’t lose heart. When Cao Xuanqi was your age, he certainly wasn’t as strong as you are now. And we Xuanyuan Ji family is inherently blessed. Surpassing him one day is not impossible!”

“I understand. I won’t lose my confidence over this. Since Cao Xuanqi uttered such boasts, I certainly won't disappoint him! One day, I will ascend to Kunlun and challenge him!” Ji Changkong’s demeanor was resolute; he was clearly not cowed by Cao Xuanqi’s might.

“Let’s go back first. We can discuss everything properly there. If you truly dislike those girls, we won’t force you, but we must clarify the situation to avoid gossip,” Ji Yusheng suggested.

Nodding, Ji Changkong said no more and followed Mo Yunyi and Ji Yusheng back toward Xuanyuan Valley.

However, as they reached the valley entrance, they found Ji Yuxing standing there with a grim expression. Before Mo Yunyi or Ji Changkong could approach, he hurried forward. “Just now, someone from the Huangfu family arrived, demanding that Changkong travel to Tianshui City to explain the killing of Xu Wei in Qingyan City at the Imperial Palace.”

At this news, Mo Yunyi’s face darkened. “It seems the Huangfu family is ready to make a move. They know Changkong is the backbone of Xuanyuan Valley, yet they insist he go to Tianshui City. They clearly have ill intentions.” She paused. “That messenger just arrived. Could it be that He Haoran, Baili Ke, Ye Hongru, and the others already know?”

Ji Yuxing gave a wry smile. “I was in the Assembly Hall accompanying He Haoran and the others when that person arrived. I didn’t expect him to broadcast the issue so openly, as if wanting everyone to know.”

“Changkong absolutely must not go to Tianshui City!” Ji Yusheng declared firmly. “The Huangfu family is undoubtedly prepared. The moment Changkong appears in the city, they will have their experts tightly surrounding him.” He continued, “They all understand that if anything happens to Changkong, everything our Xuanyuan Valley has painstakingly built will collapse. This is a malicious trap.”

“If Changkong refuses to go, the Huangfu family will have an excuse to attack. Right now, our Star Sea Grand Array is at a critical juncture. If the Huangfu family strikes now, we will face significant trouble,” Mo Yunyi pondered, frowning. “It seems we need to make immediate, careful arrangements to brace for the incoming offensive from the Huangfu family.”

Mo Yunyi, Ji Yusheng, and Ji Yuxing all wore grim expressions, evidently prepared for a decisive battle against the Huangfu family.

Ji Changkong remained silent until the other three had reached a consensus. Then, he shook his head gently. “If we clash with the Huangfu family now, it will look like we are in the wrong. More importantly, the Star Sea Ancient Array is incomplete. Fighting so soon, while we don't fear them, we have no absolute guarantee of victory.”

After a moment of contemplation, Ji Changkong smiled casually. “What does the Huangfu family want? They want me in Tianshui City. Fine, I’ll go. If they dare attack me there, it proves the Huangfu family forced our hand. Then, no one in the world will blame us.”

“Absolutely not!” Mo Yunyi, Ji Yuxing, and Ji Yusheng cried out in unison.

“Don’t worry, I have my own means of handling it. At worst, I can leave Tianshui City safely,” Ji Changkong smiled. Before the three could protest further, he urged, “Since He Haoran, Baili Ke, and Ye Hongru have already heard the situation, tell them when you return that I am going to Tianshui City to court death, and they should stop pestering me.”

“Changkong, don’t act on impulse! We can send those three away on your behalf. I will never agree to you going to Tianshui City to die just to avoid them!” Ji Yusheng pleaded.

“Grandpa, rest assured, I won’t go to Kunlun to die unless I reach the Nine Palaces Celestial realm. I’ve just witnessed his strength; it is truly formidable. I know I am far from his equal now,” he comforted Ji Yusheng. When his elder was about to say more, Ji Changkong’s figure flickered, vanishing like a phantom.

“You rascal, get back here!” Mo Yunyi shouted anxiously and pursued him, only to find Ji Changkong had disappeared completely in an instant. Even her spirit, cultivated to the Eight Trigram Celestial realm, could not detect a single trace of his life force.

Suddenly, Mo Yunyi realized that if she, an Eight Trigram Celestial Master, couldn’t track him with her spirit, other Masters would face the same difficulty. As long as his spirit signature wasn’t locked, Ji Changkong could easily mask his presence in Tianshui City. This meant it would be incredibly difficult for other Masters to capture or corner him.

Thinking this, Mo Yunyi felt that perhaps Ji Changkong would indeed be safe in Tianshui City. She knew the Huangfu family always feared the ruthlessness of Li Hentian. She mused that with the connection to Li Hentian, even if the Huangfu family made a move, they probably wouldn't seek his absolute annihilation.

“Forget it. Since he is confident nothing will happen, let him run around,” Mo Yunyi sighed, seeing Ji Yusheng and Ji Yuxing catching up. “He rarely stays home these years, and he’s never suffered real setbacks outside. Perhaps nothing will happen this time either.”

Ji Yusheng and Ji Yuxing sighed heavily, thinking the young man likely hurried off to evade the valley elders and the younger generation, hoping he wouldn't actually force his way into Tianshui City and meet trouble there.

“Let’s go. Now that the boy is gone, those others have no excuse. We should go inform them and tell them to disperse early,” Mo Yunyi said with a slight smile, stepping into Xuanyuan Valley.

Tianshui City, Spirit Treasure Pavilion.

Chen Yirong and Chen Tehui, the two sisters, stared grimly at a letter on the table, their lips curled in bitterness and resignation.

“This boy is truly reckless! He knows the Huangfu family summoning him to Tianshui City is dangerous, yet he insists on coming. I don't know what to say about him,” Chen Yirong gritted her teeth in frustration. “Our Chen family has placed its bet on Xuanyuan Valley. If anything happens to him in Tianshui City, the Ghost Sect and the Xiao family members of Xuanyuan Valley certainly won’t continue fighting for the Ji family. How will Xuanyuan Valley contend with the state apparatus then?”

“I hope he doesn’t actually come to Tianshui City. I received news recently that the Huangfu family has begun secretly mobilizing experts scattered throughout the regions—it smells like a major operation. If he really shows up in the city, even if he had three heads and six arms, escaping their pursuit would be nearly impossible,” Chen Tehui smiled bitterly. “This damned boy! He knows the current situation is delicate, yet he insists on diving in. I truly wonder what’s going on inside his head.”

After receiving word from Xuanyuan Valley, both sisters were perplexed by Ji Changkong’s decision. They began discussing whether to send people to the outskirts of Tianshui City to persuade him to turn back the moment he neared the capital.

“Ladies, a young man is asking to see you outside,” before the sisters could finalize their plans, a servant from the Ye family rushed in conspiratorially. “He said his surname is Ji.”

“It couldn’t be him, could it? He’s so fast?” Chen Yirong asked wryly, waving her hand. “Let him in, but be careful. Don’t let anyone else see him.”

The Ye family servant withdrew and soon returned with a youth. As the newcomer approached Chen Yirong and Chen Tehui, the skin on his face subtly trembled, his appearance rapidly transforming. By the time he stood before them, his features had reverted to his original look. He smiled faintly. “My dear elder sisters, have you been well?”

“You little imp, it really is you! We were just talking about you. Why are you being so reckless, rushing toward Tianshui City? Do you know how many experts from the Huangfu family and those other clans are in the city? Never mind that you haven’t truly reached the Eight Trigram Celestial realm—even if you had, you couldn't escape their pursuit!” Chen Tehui scolded him fiercely.

“I wouldn't dare come to Tianshui City if I feared them attacking me,” Ji Changkong replied with a smile, his expression immediately hardening, his gaze turning cold. “If those people dare to act rashly, I will show them the price of blood!”

“Oh, my dear brother, do you realize how many Eight Trigram Celestial Masters the Huangfu family currently commands? How do you plan to make them pay the price in blood?” Chen Yirong exclaimed in feigned shock, torn between laughter and tears.

“The hermit has his own methods; worry not, elder sisters,” Ji Changkong said with a carefree smile. He casually sat down, picked up a fresh teacup, poured a full measure for himself, and took a sip. Then, he adopted a serious tone. “My Xuanyuan Valley is currently facing internal troubles. It is unwise to engage the Huangfu family in a direct conflict for a short time. Xuanyuan Valley needs time to build up, and my presence in Tianshui City can prevent an immediate outbreak of war, saving many lives in the Valley.”

“What is happening?” Chen Yirong frowned suddenly. “Is it… is it related to those rare materials you’ve been acquiring everywhere recently?”

He nodded gently, not hiding anything. “Yes, it’s about that. I came to Tianshui City specifically to buy time for Xuanyuan Valley—time enough to forge an impenetrable fortress!”

At this critical juncture, the Chen family had thrown its support behind Xuanyuan Valley, staking their entire clan on them. Therefore, Ji Changkong was completely candid with Chen Yirong and Chen Tehui. “Sisters, rest assured. Just give us a little more time, and Xuanyuan Valley will have no lingering concerns. If a true war with the Huangfu family erupts, as long as Xuanyuan Valley stands, we will be unassailable.”

Ji Changkong smiled again. “Sisters, you could also transfer the Chen family members to Xuanyuan Valley for temporary refuge. You can return once this crisis passes.”

“Don’t worry about us; our Chen family has its own avenues for self-preservation. We don't need to hide in your territory,” Chen Tehui retorted with a slight huff. “You worry about yourself first. If anything happens to you, our Chen family will suffer alongside Xuanyuan Valley.”

“Heh heh, that’s for the best. I know your Chen family is vast and powerful, not easily pressured by the Huangfu family. Among all the ancient clans, only those like yours dared to align with Xuanyuan Valley under the shadow of the Three Great Authorities. Rest easy, sisters. I will prove that your decision was the right one,” Ji Changkong said calmly while sipping his tea.

“Let’s hope so,” Chen Yirong replied with a wry, helpless smile.

“Where is the Master? Leaving us waiting outside for half the day, letting only servants attend to us? Does the Chen family look down upon Tu Bazhi?” At that moment, a sinister, drawn-out shout echoed from outside, followed by the sound of several footsteps approaching rapidly.

“Quick! Hide!” Chen Yirong instantly panicked, turning to Ji Changkong. “Tu Bazhi, along with Chu Shanxin from the Great Chu Kingdom, and your sister Bai Qingya, were supposed to be selecting spirit treasures in our Spirit Treasure Hall. We received the letter from your Ji family and rushed over here in such a hurry that we forgot to greet them.”

“Tu Bazhi is quite close to the Huangfu family these days. His appearance here might be at their behest, possibly scouting you out. You need to hide now,” Chen Tehui urged.

“It’s fine. I’ll just sit here; there’s nothing to do,” Ji Changkong replied, sitting calmly and showing no intention of leaving.

As Tu Bazhi and the others neared, Chen Yirong and Chen Tehui grew frantic, desperate to shove Ji Changkong into a side room. Hearing the voices louder, Chen Yirong shot Ji Changkong a fierce glare and hurried out to meet the group before they entered.

“Everyone, forgive us for the poor reception; we had an urgent matter at home. Come, let me lead you to the Spirit Treasure Hall to show you the rare treasures recently acquired from the East Sea,” Chen Yirong’s voice rang out with false cheer, trying to divert them.

“Hmph, what guest is so important that you two must attend personally? I’d like to see!” Although Tu Bazhi was still outside, he had approached because he sensed people here, and he would not be so easily dismissed.

As he spoke, Tu Bazhi, looking arrogant, skillfully slipped past Chen Yirong and stepped into the room where Chen Tehui and Ji Changkong were located. With his Eight Trigram Celestial cultivation, bypassing Chen Yirong was effortless.

Upon seeing Tu Bazhi enter, Chen Tehui’s expression drastically changed. She thought Ji Changkong’s identity was about to be exposed and glanced back at him.

Suddenly, Chen Tehui froze, struck dumb, just like Chen Yirong who had just entered. Both pairs of eyes were filled with utter disbelief.

In that single moment, Ji Changkong had completely transformed. The man sitting calmly, drinking tea, now possessed a remote expression, rough and dark skin—his appearance utterly different from moments before.

If it hadn't been for the teacup and the clothes remaining the same, Chen Yirong and Chen Tehui would never have believed the person before them was Ji Changkong in disguise.

Tu Bazhi entered with Chu Shanxin and Huangfu Zhu, casting strange glances at the man seated there. They frowned slightly.

“What kind of brute is shouting and ruining my mood!” Ji Changkong sneered, flashing his teeth, and swept his gaze over Tu Bazhi. “Hmph. Tu Bazhi, Tu Qizhi—if you tick me off, I’ll break a few more of your fingers!”

Being cursed at directly, Tu Bazhi merely chuckled coldly without immediately moving. Instead, he glanced at Chen Tehui. “Who is this expert? Seeing you two attending to him suggests he must be a figure of great renown. Forgive my ignorance; I don’t recognize him. Would you please enlighten me?”

Before discerning Ji Changkong’s true identity, Tu Bazhi held back temporarily. Although he had shouted upon arrival, he had a purpose; he was not a reckless fool who ignored everything.

“This is…” Chen Tehui smiled bitterly, wondering how to introduce him. Should she say he was the imposter Ji Changzi?

“I use no false name and change no surname. I am Ding Dahai, Island Master of Quicksand Isle in the East Sea!” Ji Changkong suddenly stood up, mixing the aura of Qu Le with the malevolent energy of the Ghost King. A chilling, sinister aura naturally radiated from him.

The East Sea was dotted with countless islands, so numerous that even the locals couldn't tally the number of cultivating experts residing there. Ji Changkong randomly picked a name, deliberately radiating his aura outwards, sure that Tu Bazi wouldn't be able to discern anything substantial.

He dared to enter Tianshui City precisely because he possessed the innate ability to instantly alter the skin of his face at will. Ever since he awakened from his Metamorphosis, he found that his control over every single part of his body had reached an astonishing level of finesse. With a mere thought, he could instantly change his appearance.

Coupled with the marvelous focal point in his divine soul that could conceal life fluctuations, he believed he could move through Tianshui City unimpeded, as long as he wished. It was only due to these two significant advantages that he was confident enough to come to the city.

"So it is Island Master Ding, a pleasure, a great pleasure," Tu Bazi murmured, knitting his brows. He considered the countless islands in the East Sea and the sheer number of cultivators scattered across them like stars. Many top-tier experts rarely ventured into the Central Plains. This man’s imposing aura was clearly not someone who could be easily impersonated. Could he possibly not be that person?

The reason Tu Bazi appeared at the Chen family residence was indeed due to instructions from the Huangfu family. The Huangfu family had received intelligence that Ji Changkong would be coming to Tianshui City. They needed to both guard against the Chen family and ascertain Ji Changkong's whereabouts. Guessing that Ji Changkong would inquire at the Chen family upon entering the city, they deliberately fabricated a reason—purchasing a spiritual treasure—to stay at the Chen residence, intending to keep an eye on them.

"Hmph!" Ji Changkong held his head high. "This time, I have come to the Spirit Treasure Pavilion to conduct significant business. I cannot be disturbed. Discuss whatever you have next time. Neither of these two young ladies is allowed to leave today."

"Even if you are an expert from the East Sea, you must abide by the rules of the Shuiyun Kingdom here. Elder Tu is the master of the Tu family in Tai'an City, a renowned figure in our Shuiyun Kingdom. Furthermore, we were here first at the Spirit Treasure Pavilion. Whatever you need, save it for another time," Huangfu Zhu felt increasingly irritated. He thought that with so many experts currently in the city, this person was being incredibly unreasonable—truly courting death.

"You despicable thing! When an adult is speaking, when is it your turn to interrupt? Get lost!" Ji Changkong had never taken a liking to Huangfu Zhu. He let out a cold snort, and the violent aura surrounding him suddenly erupted. Silently, he closed the distance to Huangfu Zhu and directly slammed him, sending him careening out of the room.

Tu Bazi was keen to observe Ji Changkong's technique. Sensing that this move did not carry lethal force, he refrained from intervening, watching impassively as Huangfu Zhu was blasted out of the room.

Unfortunately, even though Huangfu Zhu was sent flying, Tu Bazi still couldn't determine Ji Changkong's origin or methods. This made Tu Bazi even more cautious about making any rash moves. While secretly on guard, he remarked, "Island Master Ding truly has extraordinary skill, daring to injure the little prince of the Shuiyun Kingdom. Impressive, truly impressive."

Tu Bazi forced a smile after exchanging a few pleasantries and nodded. "Since Island Master Ding has major business today, very well, I will not delay you." With that, Tu Bazi turned and left. Upon exiting the door, he grabbed Huangfu Zhu and asked in a loud voice, "Little Prince, are you injured?"

"Little Prince, are you hurt?" Chu Shanxin asked with a heart-stoppingly captivating smile, her tone laced with concern.

Huangfu Zhu’s face was terribly grim. He had been trying his best these past few days to showcase his own excellence in front of Chu Shanxin, speaking in a manner meant to impress. He never expected that not only would he fail to leave a good impression, but he would also be physically thrown out—a moment of absolute humiliation.

"No. I’m fine. This fellow is truly bizarre; he might possess the cultivation of the Bagua Heaven Realm, but he certainly couldn't harm me."

"The Prince is formidable!" Chu Shanxin chuckled, her smile full of playful amusement.

As she laughed lightly, a flicker of doubt crossed Chu Shanxin’s eyes. She glanced sideways at Ji Changkong from a distance, feeling a strange, almost familiar sensation, yet upon careful reflection, she was certain she had never encountered him before.

Ji Changkong, who should have remained inside the room, materialized eerily outside. His gaze was bright as he looked at Huangfu Zhu for a moment, then suddenly spoke, "You are the little prince of the Shuiyun Kingdom? I have heard that the Empress of Shuiyun is immensely powerful, a benevolent monarch who knows how to use talented people well. This time, I have come to the Shuiyun Kingdom with one wish: to meet this world-renowned Empress."

"The little prince surviving my shove unharmed truly speaks volumes of the Huangfu lineage."

Originally, Huangfu Zhu was seething with anger, planning to immediately return and file a complaint once he left this place, gathering the Huangfu family experts to find some pretext to deal with the man. However, hearing Ji Changkong’s words, it seemed as if he might be considering pledging allegiance to the Huangfu family. Huangfu Zhu’s heart leaped, and his face quickly morphed into a smile. He laughed heartily, "Island Master Ding is the one who is formidable! I suspect Island Master Ding possesses the cultivation of the Bagua Heaven Realm, perhaps?"

Although Ji Changkong was only at the Seven Star Heaven Realm, due to the unique nature of the Taixu Secret Record he cultivated, if he did not wish others to know his true level, no one could discern it, unless they were a supreme expert like Cao Xuanqi. Even a Bagua Heaven cultivator would struggle to detect anything amiss.

Under Huangfu Zhu’s expectant gaze, Ji Changkong smiled faintly and nodded slowly.

Huangfu Zhu was overjoyed. The Huangfu family was currently in great need of capable personnel. If he could bring a Bagua Heaven expert into the family, his own standing within the clan would immediately soar. Even his father, Huangfu Jingwei, would benefit from his success. Thinking of the scene where the elders of the Huangfu family would treat him with newfound respect, Huangfu Zhu’s excitement became uncontrollable.

"If Island Master Ding wishes to meet my aunt, I, the little prince, can certainly provide an introduction. Heh heh, when does Island Master Ding have time?" Huangfu Zhu’s expression brightened, his face smeared with ingratiating smiles.

Tu Bazi, standing nearby, froze, his gaze unusually fixed on Ji Changkong, watching him continuously. Chu Shanxin chuckled softly, finding the scene quite amusing. Her bright eyes kept darting toward Ji Changkong, trying to figure out his true intentions.

"If I can meet the most formidable ruler in the world, the Empress of Shuiyun, this trip will not have been in vain. Hmm, I will be staying at the Chen residence for a while. If the little prince can make the necessary arrangements, just let me know," Ji Changkong lowered his haughty demeanor, his face full of anticipation.

"No problem. Leave it to me. Island Master Ding, please rest well at the Chen residence. I will arrange everything immediately. Rest assured, I will handle this perfectly," Huangfu Zhu thumped his chest in guarantee, as if afraid Ji Changkong might change his mind. After exchanging a few words with Tu Bazi, he excitedly departed.

"Little Prince, those things you were looking at?" Tu Bazi called out loudly.

"Elder Tu, please keep an eye on them for me! I'll be right back," Huangfu Zhu's voice drifted from a distance.

Tu Bazi nodded with a wry smile, cupped his hands toward Ji Changkong, and said, "Congratulations, Island Master Ding. With the little prince as your introducer, you are certain to meet our nation's Empress. Heh heh, Island Master Ding’s cultivation is so strange and unpredictable. May I ask your lineage?"

"Sorry, this was passed down from the previous generation," Ji Changkong pouted.

Tu Bazi was perceptive enough to know when to stop probing. He nodded, then turned to smile at Chen Yizheng and Chen Yirong, saying to Chu Shanxin, "Miss... Sister, let's return to the Spirit Treasure Hall to continue selecting. Heh heh, our status is likely not noble enough to warrant such specialized attention."

"Elder Tu jokes. I will accompany you both to select items," Chen Yihui felt awkward and secretly rolled her eyes at Ji Changkong. She wondered what trick this fellow was playing. Not only was he avoiding Huangfu Yue, but he dared to actively push toward the palace? What exactly was he trying to accomplish?

"Miss Bai, Miss Bai!" A pleasant male voice called from afar. It was Murong Jian, who had a brief acquaintance with Ji Changkong. He called out softly, "This White Porcelain Pure Jade is truly perfect for you. I also happened to be traveling from the East Sea. I believe if you use it for cultivation, it will aid your realm. Please accept it, Miss Bai."

Murong Yan appeared sincere, following behind Bai Qingya, holding a piece of incomparably pure white jade. The jade resembled the most exquisite white porcelain, with milky-white ripples flowing like water, making anyone who glanced at it instantly desire possession.

The Murong family specialized in the silk trade. Like the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, the Murong family caravans roamed everywhere, frequently appearing between the Western Regions, Southern Barbarians, and the East Sea, often acquiring rare and beautiful treasures unseen by the world.

The White Porcelain Pure Jade was a unique treasure found only on the East Sea floor, containing the gentle liquid power of the ocean. Those cultivating water-based power in the Five Elements Heaven would benefit greatly in their cultivation by possessing it.

Unfortunately, Bai Qingya seemed completely uninterested in the White Porcelain Pure Jade Murong Yan held, displaying an air of aloofness that kept him at arm's length. There was even a hint of undetectable annoyance in her eyes. She politely declined, "I am sorry, Young Master Murong, this item is too precious; I cannot accept it."

"No, no, there is no concept of preciousness with this item, only suitability. I see it suits you, which is why I wish to gift it to you, with no other intentions. I hope Miss Bai can accept it," Murong Yan hurried to say.

Murong Yan, as one of the three great cultivation geniuses of the Shuiyun Kingdom, had reached the Five Elements Heaven Realm with the aid of the Murong family's vast resources. He was graceful and well-versed in social etiquette from years of traveling with his family's caravans across the lands. Even his overt pursuit of Bai Qingya was conducted with the bearing of a refined gentleman, making it difficult for people to genuinely dislike him.

Bai Qingya frowned and instinctively touched the jade hairpin on her head. She stated calmly, "My apologies, Young Master Murong, I truly cannot accept this. Moreover, this White Porcelain Pure Jade serves little practical use for me. Giving it to me is not a matter of suitability. You should keep it for someone more suited to it."

As she spoke, Bai Qingya glanced at Chu Shanxin, thinking to herself that while this woman was calculating, her beauty was undeniable. Perhaps Murong Yan should shift his target to someone else.

From a distance, Ji Changkong frowned slightly as he watched Murong Yan showering Bai Qingya with attention. He felt deeply uncomfortable, burning with the desire to rush forward and slap the persistent man a few times. However, under everyone’s gaze, to avoid exposing his identity, he managed to restrain himself. Yet, his mind was racing, trying to figure out how to teach this shameless fellow a lesson.

When he saw Bai Qingya subconsciously touch the jade hairpin in her hair while speaking, Ji Changkong’s burning anger suddenly filled with an unfamiliar emotion. He instantly calmed down, staring blankly at Bai Qingya, thinking, So she still cherishes the little trinket I gave her.

Bai Qingya immediately sensed Ji Changkong’s intense gaze. She knitted her brows, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, feeling a little annoyed. She hadn't managed to shake off that annoying fly Murong Yan, and now was she running into an older philanderer? Why was that man looking at her so strangely? Did he also have designs on her?

"Ahem, ahem," Chen Yirong coughed lightly, glaring fiercely at Ji Changkong.

Ji Changkong, somewhat lost in thought, was startled back to reality by this series of coughs directed at him. His expression became awkward. He chuckled dryly, "This Miss Bai is so beautiful that even I am moved upon seeing her, momentarily unable to control myself. That... ha ha, my apologies, my apologies."

At these words, Bai Qingya nearly fainted. She hadn't expected to run into an old man even more shameless than Murong Yan. Murong Yan, no matter his intentions, was at least secretive about them. This middle-aged man had only looked at her once and was already shouting about being stirred and openly declaring his feelings. This was far more brazen and shameless than Murong Yan.

"Uh, Uncle, you speak so humorously. Heh heh, Uncle, how old are your children? Did they come along?" Bai Qingya sneered inwardly, thinking, This old lecher needs to be taught a lesson.

"N-no. I am still single. I have always been waiting for an extraordinary woman who truly captures my eye..." Ji Changkong shook his head repeatedly, gazing intensely at Bai Qingya with utmost sincerity. "I think... I have finally waited today."

"Ahem, ahem," Chen Yirong coughed loudly. Chen Yihui’s face also looked extremely peculiar. Both sisters were in on the secret. Watching this fellow Ji Changkong fooling around under a different guise while adopting such a genuine posture, they wanted to laugh but couldn't. They could only cough loudly to cover their amusement.

Bai Qingya’s vision blurred. She thought, This person is a hundred times harder to deal with than Murong Yan. When an old man truly decided to be shameless, he was far more terrifying than anyone. Thinking this, Bai Qingya's expression instantly turned cold. She snorted, "Uncle, you are the same age as my father. The person you are waiting for shouldn't be me."

Saying this, Bai Qingya swept her gaze across the few women nearby, and an idea struck her, as a faint smile touched her lips. Her gaze lingered slightly longer on Chen Yirong and Chen Yihui.

Although Chen Yirong and Chen Yihui looked like young maidens, they were actually much older, perhaps making them quite suitable companions for the 'aged' Ji Changkong.

"Hmph, you, you little brat! Who are you looking at sideways?" Chen Yirong blushed, furious inwardly. Why are you two little enemies dragging me into this?

"Sister Rong, what are you nervous about?" Bai Qingya teased playfully, feeling secretly triumphant.

"Miss Bai, I prefer younger women!" A powerful urge to tease Bai Qingya suddenly surged through Ji Changkong. He looked at her with burning eyes, emphasizing every word, "I prefer younger women!"

—The one hundred and twenty thousandth chapter is updated. Seeking monthly votes for support!