Tonight, two chapters are guaranteed, with four or even five tomorrow—making up for the 31st all at once. Old Gu has been in a stable working rhythm lately and will try to update earlier from now on.

Hiss!

A collective sharp intake of breath swept through the crowd. The atmosphere in the great hall instantly ignited, becoming feverish, and even the sound of breathing seemed to grow ragged.

“The Ancient God’s... Grotto?” Fu Xi’s voice was slightly low, his eyes blazing with an unprecedented light. His muscles trembled faintly, seemingly unable to control an involuntary surge of excitement.

The Yellow Emperor and the others were all panting, their hearts hammering wildly.

The Ancient God’s Grotto!

No one knew better than they did what an incredible treasure trove the Ancient God’s Grotto represented!

“That key...” Fu Xi’s gaze narrowed, fixing directly on the young man below. “Did we obtain the complete item, or merely fragments?”

“Fragments, sir,” the young man lowered his head respectfully. “This time, we acquired two pieces in total!”

“Two pieces?” Fu Xi’s eyes brightened with a hint of surprise and delight. “We actually got two?”

“Yes, Leader,” the young man confirmed respectfully.

“Good!” Fu Xi’s eyes gleamed as he commanded, “Have Empress Wa remain vigilant over the situation there; we will hurry over as soon as possible!”

“Understood!” The young man nodded respectfully, his figure flickering before he instantly vanished into thin air.

The metallic door slowly closed, leaving the conference room silent, though the air was thickening with anticipation. After a moment, the Yellow Emperor spoke in a deep voice, “The Asura Sea hasn't been peaceful recently. You should remain here and hold the fort. I will go first. Once Ye Chen awakens his innate talent, bring him along. That way, the major powers won't dare attack our headquarters.”

Fu Xi nodded slowly. “That was my intention. If we all leave, the news that the Heir of the Heavenly Dao is within our Spiritual Civilization will immediately spread across the entire Ancient Continent. We must not lose the home base while grasping for something else.”

“Indeed.”

In the center of Pangu City’s Imperial Capital.

Countless majestic structures towered like a forest. Overhead thoroughfares and pedestrian walkways crisscrossed the streets. The central district of the capital was built with breathtaking opulence, the city immaculate, exuding a faint, pleasant fragrance that stimulated cellular circulation, promising longevity to those who lived there long-term.

Shao Hao controlled his facial expressions, adopting a different guise, and walked casually with Ye Chen along the streets. They appeared like two ordinary people strolling naturally down avenues big and small.

Ye Chen gazed at the familiar architecture. Despite the passage of countless eons, the unique style of the Spiritual Civilization’s buildings did not stretch the bounds of his imagination too far, unlike structures from other civilizations that looked utterly out of place. Walking these streets felt akin to navigating a future version of Earth.

Peaceful, natural.

Ye Chen’s mindset was calm. He held Bai Yijun’s small hand, strolling aimlessly like any young couple on the street. Bai Yijun had changed into a simple white dress in a boutique; the white hem swayed gently, like rippling water. Her long, straight legs, clad in high heels, clicked a pleasing rhythm on the pavement.

She linked her arm through Ye Chen’s, walking intimately together, pointing things out as they admired the street scenery. They looked indescribably happy, as if having escaped the chaotic outside world. For this moment, they forgot their identities—whether Heir of the Heavenly Dao or daughter of the Bai family—simply enjoying ordinary life.

An inexpressible happiness bloomed in Ye Chen’s heart. He wished this path could stretch onward forever without end. He inhaled the faint, delicate fragrance of the girl’s hair beside him, his mind slightly stirred, his eyes softening.

Shao Hao walked ahead of the pair, entirely unbothered by being the third wheel. He appeared composed and natural, smiling toward the distant structures as if they were the most exquisite flowers.

“This is the Moster Tower,” Shao Hao noticed Ye Chen and Bai Yijun gazing toward a massive edifice and smiled as he introduced it. “This tower was designed by a top international architect from our clan. It’s one of the landmark buildings of the Imperial Capital, incredibly famous. Typically, only high-ranking members of major merchant guilds and individuals above the Deity level are permitted inside.”

“Let’s go take a look,” Ye Chen felt the interested gaze of the beautiful woman beside him and smiled. “Brother Shao Wu, please lead the way. We are unfamiliar with the area; you are our guide now.”

Shao Hao laughed heartily. “No problem. This will be your home from now on.” With that, he took the lead.

Ye Chen followed, holding Bai Yijun’s hand. Although awakening his talent was urgent, it was a rare opportunity to return to this Ancient Imperial Capital, teeming with countless kinsmen. Spending a few days touring wouldn’t hurt, especially since having this beautiful companion beside him made him reluctant to enter the solitary, tedious Spirit Cleansing Pool ceremony alone.

Along the way, the radiant and charming Bai Yijun drew many glances. Although esteemed young ladies from great families and even princesses from surrounding vassal states were common sights on the Imperial Capital’s avenues, someone with Bai Yijun’s unique aura was a first!

Ye Chen and the other two walking together attracted considerable attention. Shao Hao in front, dressed in black, possessed a commanding figure and imposing presence, clearly signaling he was no ordinary person. Ye Chen behind him, though smiling and chatting with Bai Yijun, still carried a faint, palpable aura of slaughter that made people feel suffocated by the pressure.

And the beautiful girl was radiant as the bright moon, moving with elegant grace, her white dress spotless, like a beautiful princess descended from the heavens—pure, lovely, refined, and noble. Anyone who saw her would spontaneously think two words: Perfect!

The trio arrived at the Moster Tower. The plaza before the great building was exceptionally spacious, the ground so clean there wasn't a speck of dust. No hostesses stood at the entrance; it was silent, as if the clamor of the outside world would extinguish itself upon reaching this spot.

Shao Hao walked forward with practiced ease and pushed the door open. A pretty girl stood at the entrance, petite and charming. Upon seeing Shao Hao, she nodded respectfully, her sweet voice carrying a smile that seemed heartfelt. “Hello, please come this way. Do you have an appointment, or...?”

“VIP,” Shao Hao stated casually.

The charming girl’s heart gave a small jolt. Her demeanor instantly became more respectful. She smiled. “VIP, please follow me this way.” She led them to a side VIP passage where an even more beautiful girl stood, her features delicate and striking. This attendant wore form-fitting service attire that accentuated her graceful figure. She appeared quite young, and upon seeing Ye Chen and the others, she smiled and nodded. “Esteemed sirs, please follow me.”

Shao Hao, accustomed to being treated with deference, followed calmly. The cute attendant stood beside them, her beautiful eyes darting with curiosity toward Ye Chen and Bai Yijun holding his arm. Especially when she saw Bai Yijun’s elegant features, her eyes lit up slightly. Even as a woman herself, she could not help but recognize the noble yet humble elegance radiating from the girl, as captivating as the moon.

Ye Chen and the others followed the beautiful attendant into a grand hall. The space was filled with glittering light, and slow, melodious music played, swirling like fine wine in a glass, creating a slightly intoxicating ambiance.

The music here was international-grade, ultra-high quality; both the tone and pitch were almost perfectly pure.

At the coffee bar in the hall sat several figures, quietly sipping tea and fine wine at dark wood tables, discussing matters in hushed tones.

“Greetings, esteemed sirs. Please follow me here to register.”

The beautiful attendant led the way with a smile.

The group approached the front desk to register. Shao Hao flipped his hand and produced a golden token. The front desk attendant’s smiling face instantly froze upon seeing it. She stood stunned for a full ten seconds before snapping back to reality. Immediately, her heart pounded, and her voice became slightly slurred. “P-p-please, please, please wait a moment!”

Saying that, she quickly dialed a number. It connected almost instantly. “Manager, please come here quickly!” she spoke at breakneck speed.

“You hold steady first,” a magnetic, masculine voice instructed from the other end before hanging up.

The girl looked up nervously at Shao Hao’s handsome face, suddenly unsure what to say. Her body trembled slightly, a mixture of tension and excitement. Although she was accustomed to seeing high-ranking figures—countless of them—and possessed excellent composure, she couldn't help but lose her bearing now.

Shao Hao remained patient, waiting quietly.

Just then, a flurry of footsteps approached rapidly, followed by an impatient voice: “What are you all standing here for? Move along, move along!”

The voice came from behind. Ye Chen frowned, turned around, and saw a handsome young man dressed in expensive casual wear, adorned with numerous rings, necklaces, and a brand-name watch, all coordinated in a highly fashionable manner. His expression was somewhat sullen and irritable, as if he had suffered a great humiliation moments before. As he approached, he waved his hand dismissively, clearly impatient.

Four bodyguards in black followed closely, never leaving his side, their expressions cold. They glanced casually at Ye Chen’s party, gave them no further attention, and moved on.

The front desk lady stared at the handsome youth for a moment, then quickly regained composure. “Young Master Long Xing, please come over here; I’ll handle your registration.”

“Hmph!” Young Master Long Xing glanced at Shao Hao but chose not to instigate trouble. Though annoyed, he knew that anyone standing here held a certain status.

He walked over, pulled out his identity verification card, and began to register.

At that moment, a set of footsteps approached quickly. It was a middle-aged man, trim and upright, who hurried to the front desk. Upon seeing Shao Hao, his pupils constricted, and a tidal wave of shock crashed through his mind. He walked over respectfully and bowed deeply. “Lord Shao, I apologize for any lack of proper reception upon your esteemed visit. Are you heading to the usual observation deck?”

“Yes,” Shao Hao nodded slightly.

“Please follow me.” The middle-aged man’s expression grew even more respectful. He quickly spared a glance for Ye Chen and Bai Yijun, secretly memorizing their faces to avoid future embarrassment.

Immediately, Ye Chen and the other two followed the middle-aged man and headed for the VIP elevator.