Lu Yuan offered a slight, mocking smile, having no intention of slaying Miao Nü Qinglian. After all, she was one of the two candidates for the Green Maiden of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization. Just as the Miao Civilization dared not kill Yue Nü Xiaoqing no matter how much pressure they exerted previously, he, too, could not kill Miao Nü Qinglian—that was the rule.

Besides, killing her now would be exceedingly difficult. Beside him lingered an aura hidden within clouds and mist, certainly belonging to a Civilization realm expert. Lu Yuan glanced toward the southeast corner where a woman, seeming like mist, cloud, and rain, displayed an ethereal smile. A divine thought drifted over, through which Lu Yuan discerned her identity: Princess Yunwu, one of the Seven Maidens, master of Water.

Lu Yuan let out a dry laugh.

Wu Zhizi finally exhaled a long breath; Miao Changsheng was dead. Though not by his own hand, he could at least report this honor during the ancestral rites.

Fa Zhizi was equally stunned. Witnessing Lu Yuan’s transition to the Civilization realm and his subsequent execution of Miao Changsheng in just two moves intensified Fa Zhizi’s own drive to ascend; if Lu Yuan could reach the Civilization realm, so could he.

Lu Yuan picked up his wine cup.

As Lu Yuan raised his cup, Miao Nü Qinglian realized her back was slick with sweat. She let out a deep, shuddering breath, having truly feared Lu Yuan might act rashly and strike her down right there, despite knowing the probability was minuscule.

Lu Yuan began to drink, but he immediately realized the sensation of drinking was entirely absent. It wasn't the wine itself, nor was the company wrong; drinking with Wu Zhizi was quite pleasant.

The problem was the overwhelming number of onlookers, all staring at him with expressions of profound astonishment. Of course, there were many onlookers—Lu Yuan had always been a figure at the epicenter of attention, possessing immense renown. His mere appearance drew gazes; now that he had reached the Civilization realm and become a Deputy Lord of Civilization, the spectacle was even greater.

It seemed drinking here was impossible for the moment. Lu Yuan sighed with mild dejection, “Looks like the wine session is off.”

“Indeed, it is impossible to drink properly now,” Wu Zhizi agreed. “I must write back to the Tie Family to report that Elder Brother Lu ended Miao Changsheng’s life. Should Elder Brother Lu require assistance in the future, and if it is within my power, I will offer my full support. I also need a solitary drink to celebrate my vengeance.” Wu Zhizi desired a drink worthy of settling an old score, suited only for himself.

“Very well,” Lu Yuan nodded.

Fa Zhizi stated, “I gained some crucial insights during Elder Brother Lu’s fight with Miao Changsheng, so I must enter seclusion immediately.” Fa Zhizi had always been a genius among geniuses; it was natural that he would glean enlightenment from such a confrontation.

With Fa Zhizi and Wu Zhizi departing, Lu Yuan shrugged at Yue Nü Xiaoqing. “It seems I need to explore where you currently reside.”

“Mm,” Xiaoqing nodded her delicate head.

Xiaoqing led the way, Lu Yuan following behind. Both were clad in robes of azure. Xiaoqing was ethereal and refined; Lu Yuan appeared transcendent, like an immortal. As they walked side-by-side, they gave the impression of a divine couple. They moved through the misty atmosphere of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization. Lu Yuan took in the sights. As previously described, the Phoenix Ancient Civilization was structured with the vast Continent of the Phoenix below, followed by a thousand star-like steps ascending to the uppermost continent, the Phoenix Head Continent, the domain of the Civilization Lord and the Seven Maidens. Since Xiaoqing’s status as one of the Seven Maidens was not yet confirmed, she could not reside on the Phoenix Head Continent, living instead on a nearby planet.

As Lu Yuan flew, he surveyed the land. The Continent of the Phoenix was boundless, dotted with numerous nations and cities. With his vision, he noted a distinct scarcity of men; these were mostly nations composed entirely of women. Xiaoqing explained, “The Continent of the Phoenix is mostly populated by daughters’ kingdoms. The Phoenix Ancient Civilization values Yin over Yang, softness over hardness, and is led by women.”

While flying, Lu Yuan observed countless auspicious beasts surrounding them, primarily composed of Phoenixes, Luan birds, and Azure Birds. All three were exceptionally beautiful. The Phoenix, the king of birds, possessed vibrant plumage, its spread wings exuding boundless majesty, like an Empress presiding over all. The Azure Bird shimmered in a soothing pale cyan, carrying an air of transcendence. The Luan bird was even more stunning than the Phoenix, intensely vivid, its feathers displaying the five colors—cyan, yellow, red, black, and white—which subtly flowed together, creating an intensely dazzling effect.

Perched atop these Phoenixes, Azure Birds, and Luan birds were maidens, beautiful married women, and beings possessing the bearing of true immortals.

Lu Yuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, hovering effortlessly in the air. The scenery here was rare in its beauty; neither the Fa Ancient Civilization nor the Confucian Civilization possessed such splendor.

“Xiaoqing, do you have a Phoenix, Azure Bird, or Luan bird?” Lu Yuan asked casually.

“I do possess one,” Yue Nü Xiaoqing reached into the void with a delicate hand, and a massive Azure Bird materialized. This bird measured twenty zhang in length, its wingspan stretching thirty zhang wide. Xiaoqing settled upon its back. The bird nuzzled affectionately against her. Both the bird and Xiaoqing were shaded in cyan, making them appear together like a scene of pure azure sky and verdant landscape—utterly celestial and refined.

Lu Yuan found this amusing and stepped onto the Azure Bird. These birds strongly detested those with heavy killing intent; if Miao Changze, Wu Zhizi, Fa Zhizi, or Huang Zhizi or Jian Zhizi had stood on it, they would have been instinctively disliked. Yet, Lu Yuan’s aura made the Azure Bird feel remarkably comfortable.

Lu Yuan and Xiaoqing stood atop the bird as it ascended rapidly. The rushing wind whipped Lu Yuan’s azure robes and scattered some of Xiaoqing’s unbound hair.

Xiaoqing felt her heart beating faster than usual, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Lu Yuan asked with complete nonchalance, “Tell me about this contest for the Green Maiden. What is the ceremony for deciding it?” This was the critical question.

Hearing Lu Yuan touch upon the key point, Xiaoqing composed herself. “In three months, Miao Nü Qinglian and I will engage in a fair competition on the Phoenix Head Continent to decide the victor. Until then, we must remain within the Phoenix Ancient Civilization. Other factions cannot offer aid. The Miao Civilization, where Miao Nü Qinglian originates, may assist her, and my originating Outer Domain can assist me. That is the arrangement.”

“I see,” Lu Yuan had already assessed Xiaoqing’s current cultivation level with a single glance: she was merely at the first level of the World Realm’s Apex, while Miao Nü Qinglian was at the seventh level of the World Realm, practically touching the Heavenly Venerable threshold. Under normal cultivation speed, Miao Nü Qinglian was certain to win in three months, especially with the backing of the Miao Civilization.

It seemed training Yue Nü Xiaoqing would not be easy.

However, Lu Yuan retained considerable confidence.

This time, he truly had to intervene personally.

This matter was not just personal; it concerned the future alignment of the entire Phoenix Ancient Civilization. The tension in the Central Heavenly Dynasty was escalating daily; Lu Yuan could distinctly feel the oppressive quiet before a storm. To ensure victory for his side in the coming grand conflict of the Central Heavenly Dynasty, he needed to rigorously train Yue Nü Xiaoqing to secure this win.

Having resolved his course, Lu Yuan dismissed the thought and observed the scenery passing by. The sights of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization were reputed to be the finest in the Central Heavenly Dynasty; although the Flower Civilization was beautiful, its aesthetic was overwhelmingly focused on flowers, making it somewhat monotonous. Among the five Ancient Civilizations and thirty General Civilizations of the Central Heavenly Dynasty, each possessed its unique characteristics. Considering only the women: the sisters from the Fox Civilization were the most enchanting; those from the Celestial Mother Civilization were the gentlest; those from the Phoenix Ancient Civilization were haughty and unattainable; those from the Poison Civilization were best avoided; those from the Miao Civilization held the most exotic allure; those from the Ice Civilization were the coldest; and those from the Fire Civilization were the hottest, most passionate, often revealing their waists, thighs, and alluring upper halves due to their fiery temperament.

The sisters from the Axe Civilization and the Strength Civilization were the fewest in number and the most terrifying. Those from the Immortal Ancient Civilization were the most pretentious; from the Desolate Ancient Civilization, the wildest; from the Martial Ancient Civilization, the most fiery; and from the Fa Ancient Civilization, the most suitable for scholarly study. As for the Buddhist Ancient Civilization’s sisters—did they even have any? If one was interested in nuns, perhaps there was something to study, but only a minority in the Central Heavenly Dynasty held such an interest.

The sisters from the Heavenly Principle Civilization and the Confucian Civilization were the most bothersome, constantly lecturing. Those from the Night Civilization were the most seductive at night; those from the Holy Light Civilization were overly sanctimonious; those from the Umbrella Civilization were best appreciated on a rainy day; those from the Qin (Zither) Civilization were the most melodious, always playing music for others. Speaking of which, many bored men in the Central Heavenly Dynasty lamented why the Qin Civilization had no Flute Civilization—how wonderful it would be to have a Civilization of the Dongxiao (vertical bamboo flute).

One had to be cautious with the sisters from the Formation Civilization, as it was easy to become trapped by them. Those from the Theft Civilization were the hardest to deceive, often tricking men. The sisters from the Talisman Civilization were the most difficult to undress, primarily because they adorned their clothing with numerous talismans. Undressing them revealed bodies covered in lethal symbols, capable of instantly extinguishing any carnal desire. Of course, the most dangerous were the sisters from the Medicine Civilization; Poison Civilization’s threat was overt, but if one offended a sister from the Medicine Civilization, she could easily tamper with your treatment, causing unimaginable suffering.

This concluded the women's rankings of the five Ancient Civilizations and thirty General Civilizations.

Thus, the Central Heavenly Dynasty certainly had many bored individuals.

Yet, if life consisted only of fighting and killing, it would surely become quite dull.

Lu Yuan and Xiaoqing finally reached their destination: the Azure Patterned Palace where Xiaoqing currently resided.

At this very moment, a tremendous uproar began to reverberate across the Central Heavenly Dynasty, as the news of Lu Yuan achieving the Civilization realm spread completely.

The birth of a new Civilization realm expert would cause massive upheaval anywhere.