Chapter 105

When news spread throughout Yunzhong City that the Crown Prince was touring the streets, many flocked to catch a glimpse. As tension rose between Feng Yuchen and Luo Han, more onlookers gathered, whispering amongst themselves:
“Who are these two? How dare they disrespect the Crown Prince?”
“No idea. Probably outsiders.”
Though the crowd whispered, few truly took the matter seriously. After all, Feng Yuchen was the most cherished son of the Phoenix Clan—the heir apparent, beloved by both the Queen and the Grand Princess. In all of Wuzhou—nay, throughout the heavens—how many dared cross the Phoenix Crown Prince? These two newcomers were clearly ignorant of the local order. Once they learned the rules, they’d know their place.
The murmuring crowd remained blissfully unaware of what Feng Yuchen had just done—throwing the Queen’s personal protective talisman.
The Phoenix, sovereign of all birds, wielded a bloodline that naturally suppressed lesser avian races. The moment the Queen’s power manifested as a scarlet phoenix, the entire square fell under its crushing pressure. The guards, handmaidens, passing beauties, even distant birdfolk gliding beyond the city—every last one of them dropped to their knees, unable to resist.
The weaker one’s spiritual strength, the stronger the suppression. Most of the crowd couldn't even lift their heads, barely able to glimpse the majestic red phoenix diving from the clouds, its cry piercing the heavens. Many feared a deadly outcome—only to witness the unthinkable.
The man across from Feng Yuchen didn’t even dodge. With a single hand, he caught the Phoenix Queen’s full-powered strike.
While the stunned crowd struggled to process what they’d seen, a second sound split the skies—a dragon’s roar.
It echoed with boundless majesty, washing away the phoenix’s oppressive might in an instant.
Suppression only affected those of lower rank. Against one of equal—or greater—bloodline, such coercion meant nothing. And in the celestial realm, there was only one race whose bloodline stood above the phoenix: the dragons.
Where the phoenix’s cry invoked reverence and awe, the dragon’s roar instilled raw fear.
The clash of divine powers erupted in a wave of chaotic energy. The crowd staggered in all directions; Feng Yuchen’s guards were thrown like leaves in a gale, too battered to offer any protection. The square was left in ruins. Ironically, Feng Yuchen—of the purest lineage—suffered the least, and was first to regain his footing.
A sense of unease began to crawl over him.
“Who are you?” he demanded.
Amid the rubble, Ling Qingxiao stood calmly with hands folded behind his back. Clad in white robes like fresh-fallen snow, serene as the moon, he remained untouched by the destruction around him. He glanced at Feng Yuchen with distant eyes and said coolly:
“Zhongshan. Ling Qingxiao.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Dragon clan.
Feng Yuchen’s arrogance instantly vanished. Why would a dragon be here in Wuyun's Sixteen Prefectures? They had their own dominions—what business did this one have here?
Wait. Ling? Feng Yuchen froze, then realization struck like lightning.
Ling Qingxiao. That Ling Qingxiao—the dragon prodigy who reached pseudo-immortal status at just a thousand years old. The one who imprisoned his own father, exiled his brother, and seized his maternal family’s fortune. That monstrous legend.
His name had spread like wildfire across dragon territory. But here in Wuzhou, the common folk remained unaware. Still, being dragon blood alone made this stranger dangerous. Feng Yuchen’s face paled.
Even those who didn’t grasp the full story sensed something was very, very wrong.
Silence fell. Only the faint pawing of the Devourer Beast’s hooves could be heard. It stomped once, impatient. Ling Qingxiao retracted his energy and didn’t even glance at Feng Yuchen again. He turned to Luo Han.
“Have I kept you waiting? Come, let’s go.”
Luo Han cast one last look toward the other group. The beauty who had clung to Feng Yuchen moments ago shrank behind him, no longer daring to meet Luo Han’s gaze. Had she known who this girl stood beside, she’d never have overstepped so blindly.
Now, trembling with fear, she couldn’t help but wonder—Who exactly was Luo Han? She had no attendants, wore no finery, appeared utterly ordinary...yet the spirit beast at her side could flatten half the city with a growl, and the man accompanying her held a status so high, it left royalty in the dust.
The beauty ducked her head and dared not meet her eyes. Even Feng Yuchen, unable to meet Luo Han’s gaze, subtly turned away.
“Now,” Luo Han said mildly, “may we leave?”
Feng Yuchen said nothing.
She took his silence as consent. Her voice cooled. “Those who bully others will themselves be bullied. See to it you learn that.”
Moments after they left, a luxurious carriage escorted by a full guard retinue rushed out from the palace. A dignified woman with refined features and elegant poise dismounted swiftly and made for the scene.
Seeing her, Feng Yuchen called out irritably, “Sister! Why are you so late? I was just humiliated in front of everyone!”
There was accusation in his tone. He knew how protective his sister was—if anything happened to him, she’d be unable to answer to the Queen. But today...something was different. His usually gentle elder sister bore a grim expression as she asked sharply:
“What happened here? Why is there dragon qi in the city?”
Feng Yuchen blinked, startled. It was the same face, but the warmth was gone—her presence now felt faintly...frightening.
Feng Yujia noticed his unease and quickly softened her tone. “Chen’er, why did you activate the talisman Mother gave you? I heard the phoenix cry all the way from the palace and rushed over. You were supposed to be safe here—what happened?”
Her gentler demeanor calmed him, and he relaxed. “It’s nothing. Just ran into two outlanders. They looked like they might be from the dragon clan.”
He said it offhandedly, trying to downplay the event. But he knew he’d overstepped. After a moment’s hesitation, he grudgingly added, “The man...said his name was Ling Qingxiao.”
Feng Yujia inhaled sharply. “Ling Qingxiao? Why would you provoke him?”
Feng Yuchen refused to admit fault. He retorted stubbornly, “I didn’t! They provoked me first. I only used Mother’s talisman to defend myself.”
Her gaze turned frigid.
Though she said nothing, a flicker of sharpness flashed in her eyes when they swept over the entourage.
The beauty who had encouraged Feng Yuchen to visit the spirit beast shop began to tremble violently. She knew—she had made a terrible mistake.
—
After leaving the spirit beast shop, Luo Han had no more interest in sightseeing. The joy of exploring Yunzhong City had vanished.
Noticing her mood, Ling Qingxiao said, “Let’s head back. This place isn’t suited for rest anyway. We’ll depart tomorrow and search for the ruin directly.”
Luo Han nodded. “All right.”
They made their way toward the city gates. Just as they reached the exit, a gentle voice called out behind them:
“Lord Ling. Lady Luo. Please, wait.”
They turned to see a graceful woman approaching. She wore ornate robes, a golden crown atop her head, and brilliant silks draped across her shoulders. Judging by her attire, she, too, was undoubtedly of royal blood.
Feng Yujia stopped in front of them and offered a graceful palace curtsey. “Miss Luo, Lord Ling,” she said warmly, “my younger brother offended you earlier. As his elder sister, I take full responsibility. I sincerely apologize on his behalf.”
So this was Feng Yuchen’s sister—Feng Yujia.
Luo Han didn’t know much about the Phoenix Clan, but on the way here she had heard many stories about the royal family. Among them was the eldest princess, Feng Yujia, said to be gentle and wise, beloved by the people for her kindness and tact.
Because of Feng Yuchen, Luo Han’s opinion of the Feng family had plummeted to rock bottom. But now, facing Feng Yujia’s graceful demeanor, her impression softened slightly. Who would have thought—Feng Yuchen was arrogant and unruly, yet his sister was so well-mannered and composed.
Luo Han replied, “Your brother is still young. For that reason alone, we won’t pursue the matter further. But I do hope, Your Highness, that he’ll be more strictly guided in the future. He may not be so fortunate every time.”
“Young?” Ling Qingxiao interjected mildly, “Isn’t he already past the age of excuses? Even youth cannot justify such behavior.”
Feng Yujia accepted the reproach without resistance. Her tone remained calm and respectful. “You’re right. I’ve been too lenient with him, and now he’s grown reckless. Yuchen is aware of his fault and is deeply ashamed—he didn’t even dare come see you. May I boldly invite you to stay at the palace? I will personally ensure he apologizes properly. For my sake, please give him a chance to atone.”
Her words were impeccable—earnest, respectful, and utterly without arrogance. The sincere apology eased much of Luo Han’s lingering displeasure. She replied, “Your Highness is too courteous. But truly, there’s no need to trouble yourself. We were just about to leave the city.”
“How could I allow that?” Feng Yujia said gently but firmly. “It was we who acted discourteously. Please, allow us the chance to make amends. You are our honored guests, and it would bring shame to Yunzhong City if guests of your stature were left to lodge outside.”
Her words left no cracks—polite yet insistent. Luo Han turned to glance at Ling Qingxiao. He met her gaze and said calmly, “Anything is fine with me. Stay wherever you like.”
With that reassurance, Luo Han nodded. “Very well. Then we’ll trouble Your Highness.”
“It’s our honor,” Feng Yujia replied with a soft smile. She signaled her attendants to lead the way and personally escorted the two of them toward the royal palace. Along the way, she chatted graciously. “I’ve long heard tales of Lord Ling’s remarkable talent. It’s an honor to finally meet you. If your plans allow, I hope you’ll stay in Yunzhong City for a few more days.”
Luo Han had agreed to return to the palace partly to gather more information about the ruins. So she replied, “Thank you, Your Highness, but I’m afraid we’ll have to decline. We’ve heard that a ruin recently emerged in Yunzhong City, and we’re heading there next. There won’t be much time to rest.”
“Oh?” Feng Yujia smiled. “You must be referring to the site exposed by the tremor a few days ago. How fortunate—I'll be heading to the ruins soon as well. If you don't mind, I’d be glad to accompany you.”
That was perfect.
“That would be most appreciated,” Luo Han replied sincerely.
“You’re too polite, Miss Luo,” Feng Yujia said, then glanced at her with curiosity. “With your grace and bearing, surely you are no ordinary cultivator. And yet I had never heard of you until today.”
Luo Han didn’t want to elaborate, so she replied vaguely, “You flatter me, Princess. I’m still quite young—it’s only natural that word hasn’t spread.”
“Oh?” Feng Yujia lifted her brows in surprise and looked between her and Ling Qingxiao. “I had thought you two were childhood betrothed. But it seems...Miss Luo is even younger than Lord Ling?”
Her surprise was understandable. Ling Qingxiao, at a mere thousand years old, had already stepped into the threshold of true immortality, taken charge of his clan, and stepped into the heart of celestial politics. By contrast, Feng Yuchen—hundreds of years older—still acted like a spoiled child, protected under his mother’s wing.
That Ling Qingxiao’s achievements outshone older peers was already astonishing. But now it turned out this young woman beside him was even younger?
Feng Yujia even wondered—do all powerful clans in the heavens favor early marriage these days?
Ling Qingxiao was long used to such questions and had long stopped caring. People could say what they pleased—after all, it was true.
He replied evenly, “Yes. She’s just recently begun traveling, so word of her hasn’t reached Wuzhou yet. That’s why Your Highness hadn’t heard of her before.”
“I see. That’s my ignorance, then,” Feng Yujia said. “Still, you two truly make a perfect pair. Seeing you stand together just now, I’d have believed you were already Dao partners. I even thought you were childhood sweethearts, raised side by side.”
Ling Qingxiao clearly enjoyed hearing that. “Thank you,” he said with no trace of modesty.
Just a simple thank-you—no denial, no humility. It was obvious he fully agreed.
Luo Han gave him a sharp glare when Feng Yujia wasn’t looking. Childhood sweethearts? In your dreams.
Feng Yujia truly lived up to her sterling reputation. Gentle, patient, and considerate—neither Luo Han nor Ling Qingxiao felt the least bit uncomfortable. She even paid attention to the Devourer Beast, ensuring it wasn’t left out. While they chatted, the group arrived at the palace.
The Phoenix Clan’s palace was elegant and grand, with decorations echoing natural motifs—branches, leaves, and flowing elements everywhere. Feng Yujia led them into the main hall. As she passed, palace attendants bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
She nodded. “Where is my mother?”
“Her Majesty is in the inner hall, speaking with the Crown Prince.”
After a quick announcement, the trio entered. Inside, Feng Yuchen was nestled beside the Queen, sulking and complaining. When he heard voices outside, he reluctantly got to his feet.
The Queen rose to greet them. “Lord Ling, I must apologize for the poor reception. I hadn’t known you had arrived in Wuzhou. Please forgive our negligence.”
“The Queen flatters me,” Ling Qingxiao inclined his head slightly. “This is a personal journey—it bears no connection to Zhongshan. I wouldn't dare trouble Wuzhou.”
After exchanging pleasantries with Ling Qingxiao, the Queen politely invited the two to be seated. Feng Yuchen, who had come seeking sympathy after his earlier humiliation, grew even more sullen. His sister had scolded him coldly in public, and now even his doting mother treated the very culprits with courtesy and respect. Standing to the side, Feng Yuchen felt nothing but bitterness.
While the Queen spoke with Ling Qingxiao, Feng Yujia stood gracefully nearby, the very picture of a well-bred princess. Once everyone was seated, she turned toward her younger brother and gave him a meaningful look. “Yuchen, aren’t you going to apologize to Lord Ling and Miss Luo?”
Feng Yuchen's eyes widened in disbelief, but Feng Yujia was unmoved. “I’ve already questioned your attendants. In the spirit beast shop, it was you who coveted Miss Luo’s item first, which sparked the conflict. Had it only been a dispute among ourselves, I wouldn’t press the matter. But Miss Luo is a guest from afar, and you behaved so shamefully—shouldn’t you be the one to apologize?”
Feng Yuchen couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His mother had spoiled him since birth, and his sister had always catered to him. He’d never once had to apologize to anyone. But today, his usually gentle sister wouldn’t back down, and even his mother remained silent.
His heart turned cold. With no other choice, he rose stiffly, face blank, and muttered to Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han, “I’m sorry.”
That was all he managed to say—just three words—as if it had cost him everything. His expression looked as if he were being forced to swallow a bitter pill.
And yet, to the Queen, this was already rare maturity. Smiling, she tried to smooth things over. “Yuchen has a blunt tongue and little scheming in his heart—he’s truly a good boy. His words may have been sharp, but he meant no harm. If he has offended you, I hope Lord Ling and Miss Luo will be magnanimous.”
Even though Feng Yuchen had gone so far as to launch a sneak attack, in the Queen’s eyes, it was merely being “too straightforward.” Her blatant favoritism was impossible to miss. It was no wonder her son had grown up so arrogant—her standards for her daughter and her son were clearly worlds apart.
Throughout it all, Feng Yujia simply kept her polite smile, as though she hadn’t heard the bias in her mother’s words. Luo Han had no interest in meddling with another family's affairs. She lowered her eyes and stared silently into her teacup.
The Queen, seeing no one respond, found the atmosphere growing stiff. Feng Yujia stepped in smoothly. “Mother, Lord Ling and Miss Luo came this time in search of the ruin. I was planning to accompany them.”
The Queen frowned. “Ancient ruins are always mysterious and perilous. No one knows how to enter, what lies within, or how long it will remain. I had intended to wait for our scouts to investigate before sending anyone inside. It's far too dangerous to rush in now.”
Indeed, undeveloped ruins and secret realms were incredibly risky. But where there is danger, there is reward. If one always waited until the path was cleared, what treasures would be left?
Feng Yujia, though gentle in demeanor, was resolute when it came to such matters. “Cultivation itself is a path of defiance. Without risk, how can one advance? Lord Ling and Miss Luo have the courage to step forward despite their youth. I’m older than them both—how can I shrink back?”
The Queen understood her daughter well. Though she appeared kind and easygoing, she was unwavering once her mind was made up. Knowing it was pointless to persuade her, the Queen sighed. “Very well. If your heart is set, then be careful. Lord Ling, Miss Luo—will you be joining her?”
The two nodded. “Yes.”
Young people these days—all so bold and fearless. The Queen gave a weary sigh. “So be it. The ruin’s depths are unknown and may be dangerous. Take great care.”
After the appearance of the ruin in Yunzhong City, adventurers from all around were drawn in. The ruin floated in midair, flickering like a mirage. It stirred everyone’s curiosity, but none dared be the first to enter.
Opportunities were tempting—but life only came once. Few were truly willing to gamble it.
For days, cultivators lingered outside the ruin, watching and waiting. Then, one morning, the mirage appeared again. From the city gates arrived a grand procession of guards surrounding four elegantly dressed figures. Together, they stepped into the shimmering vision and vanished from sight.
Sharp-eyed onlookers quickly recognized them—the ones in finery were the Phoenix Princess and Crown Prince, and the two in white were none other than Ling Qingxiao and his rumored fiancée.
A commotion broke out. Murmurs spread like wildfire. The Phoenix and Dragon clans had both entered the field—surely this meant the ruin held extraordinary fortune?
With great risk comes great reward. Inspired by their example, the more daring cultivators stirred. The ruin’s outskirts swelled with gamblers ready to stake their lives. At the same time, the Phoenix Clan tightened their guard around the site, only fanning the flames of speculation. The more tightly it was sealed, the more certain people became that treasures lay within. Chaos reigned outside the ruin.
But none of this touched those who had already entered.
Inside, Luo Han found herself on high alert. The interior of the ruin bore a strange resemblance to the ancient Middle Era—it was uncanny. Many extinct plants, gone from the modern world for thousands of years, appeared before them in pristine condition. The details were astonishingly accurate.
It wasn’t quite the Middle Era, but it had to be close.
Feng Yujia and Feng Yuchen entered together. When Feng Yuchen saw the ground covered in extinct spiritual herbs and precious flora, he froze—then burst into delighted laughter. “So many spirit plants—and all tens of thousands of years old!”
He lunged forward in excitement, only to be jerked backward mid-leap—Luo Han had reacted fast, binding him before he could make a move. He tumbled to the ground in a mess of limbs, looking completely disheveled. He scrambled upright and shouted angrily, “What are you doing?! Why sneak up on me? The opportunity was before me—are you trying to keep it for yourself?”
He already had a weapon in hand, looking ready to fight. Feng Yujia’s face paled at the awkwardness, and she quickly rebuked him. “Enough, Yuchen! Don’t be rude—Miss Luo just saved you!”
“Saved me?” Feng Yuchen scoffed, suspicious. Luo Han, tired of being misunderstood, didn’t even bother looking at him. She said coolly, “If you don’t believe me, go ahead. Pick one. Let’s see what happens to the person who touches it.”
Feng Yujia and Ling Qingxiao both wore grave expressions. Seeing their seriousness, Feng Yuchen realized how reckless he'd just been. Though too prideful to apologize directly, he hesitated for a long while before muttering to Luo Han, “Thanks.”
Luo Han replied coolly, “No need. I won’t be saving you again anyway.”
Feng Yuchen’s face soured again. Feng Yujia, already exasperated with her brother, snapped, “Feng Yuchen, enough of your insolence.”
While the siblings exchanged words, Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han had already walked ahead. Ling Qingxiao had never been concerned with the fates of others—on the contrary, he was starting to think throwing Feng Yuchen out wasn’t a bad idea.
He leaned in and spoke quietly to Luo Han, “Something’s off about this place. Be careful.”
Luo Han nodded. “I sense it too. Where exactly are we?”
“The terrain’s changed too much to say for certain,” Ling Qingxiao said. “But judging by the flora, it’s likely a time period between two hundred thousand and two hundred and sixty thousand years after the end of the Middle Era.”
Feng Yujia, having just caught up, overheard this and froze in place. “How can you tell?” she asked.
Ling Qingxiao gestured toward the trees. “The vegetation. Tianjian grass went extinct two hundred and sixty thousand years ago. You can still see traces of it here, which means this environment existed before its extinction. However, its symbiotic fern is already gone. The grass may remain, but it’s clearly nearing its end.”
“Two hundred and sixty thousand years after the war…” Luo Han murmured. A strange feeling settled in her chest.
That was the exact period when she’d used the flow of time to annihilate the demon god. Could this ruin somehow be connected?