Chapter 28

Silence fell like a veil over the room.
Everyone held their breath and turned toward the two young dragons. Whatever tangled stories lay behind their identities, the truth remained—they were the brightest talents of the younger generation, and both formidable cultivators.
The dragon clan was always an oddity. Cold-blooded and ruthless, they thrived on internal strife, valuing only strength. Yet whenever disaster struck, it was the dragons who were first to be called to the front lines.
The imperial decree had specified that candidates should be from the high-tier Spirit Immortal level up to early-stage Celestial Immortal—meaning powerful, young Celestial Immortals. On paper, the range allowed for leeway, but in truth, the Celestial stage stood a full tier above Spirit Immortal. It was a crushing difference in power.
Though the decree went out to all clans, everyone knew the burden would fall on the dragons.
The imperial orders to dragon clan leaders carried a small but weighty addition—a quota. Each clan was required to dispatch a minimum number of elite fighters.
To send a young Celestial Immortal into battle—often a family’s successor, the culmination of generations of cultivation—was no small thing. But in the dragon clans, where emotion was luxury and strength the only law, the word of the Celestial Emperor—himself the strongest dragon in three generations—was absolute.
And so, Ling Xianhong, fully aware of the danger, still called forth his two sons—Zhongyu and Qingxiao—and asked plainly, “Which of you will go?”
The room tensed.
Ling Zhongyu hadn’t expected the conversation to turn this way. He hesitated. No matter how noble the cause, one’s life could only be spent once.
He had just broken through to the Celestial stage, his foundation was still unstable, and his injuries had not fully healed. By all logic, he should be in seclusion, consolidating his cultivation—not rushing headlong into danger.
He hesitated.
And across from him, even Ling Qingxiao did not speak immediately.
His gaze drifted, brows slightly drawn. He turned and looked toward Luo Han.
He had promised to stay by her side for a thousand years—to keep her safe. If he left for the Western Sea, she would be alone on Zhongshan.
Even if he arranged for his fellow disciples, elders, or parents to look after her, there was no such thing as absolute safety in this world.
Ling Xianhong had expected some hesitation—but for both sons to fall silent at once?
That, he had not foreseen.
Especially Ling Qingxiao. Ling Zhongyu was naturally suspicious and cautious, so his hesitation was within Ling Xianhong’s expectations. But Ling Qingxiao was not someone who hesitated and overanalyzed—why was he wavering now?
Ling Xianhong instinctively looked toward Ling Qingxiao and noticed that he was glancing sideways at someone—the mysterious woman he had brought back. Ling Xianhong’s expression darkened slightly. People were inherently selfish. If Ling Qingxiao had simply refused to respond to the battle order, Ling Xianhong could have understood. But instead of answering, he turned to look at another woman—what did that mean?
Ling Xianhong’s face grew colder. The women in the room were already unsettled by the shocking news, shifting anxiously in their seats. Whether it was Su Yifang, Bai Lingluan, or Su Yinyue, none of them wanted Ling Zhongyu to go to war. However, since Ling Xianhong and his two sons were discussing the matter, they dared not interrupt and could only force themselves to remain silent. Already anxious, the women instinctively followed Ling Xianhong’s gaze.
In an instant, most of the eyes in the room turned to Luo Han. She and Ling Qingxiao locked eyes. Though no words were spoken, at that moment, Luo Han somehow understood the meaning behind his gaze.
He was concerned about her.
Luo Han hesitated for a moment. She was a divine official—it wasn’t appropriate for her to be fighting on the front lines. Staying in the rear would be the optimal and safest choice.
But then she thought of Ling Qingxiao. With him there, even the perilous Western Sea didn’t seem quite so terrifying. The thought passed in an instant. In the end, she gave Ling Qingxiao a slight nod. “I want to go too.”
Ling Qingxiao’s brows did not relax at her words. If anything, he looked even more serious. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Luo Han tried to convey her determination through her gaze. Even though the veil obscured her face, she knew he could see it.
Her decision wasn’t just because of Ling Qingxiao—she genuinely felt that she needed to be at Western Sea. At the very least, she had to investigate what was happening with the Demon-Sealing Stone and the Devouring Beast.
In the original storyline, at this point in time, Ling Qingxiao was still trapped in the Abyss of Absolute Spirits. The lingering spirit had detained him for a long time, only releasing him after its curiosity had been fully satisfied.
Never underestimate how mind-numbingly bored a god can get after being isolated for millions of years.
On an official level, the disappearance of the Demon-Sealing Stone and the leakage of demonic energy made it her duty as the Heavenly Dao to investigate and restore order. On a personal level, she didn’t want to put Ling Qingxiao in a difficult position.
Ling Qingxiao was a perfectionist, burdened with an extreme sense of responsibility. People like him held themselves to impossibly high standards and tended to blame themselves for everything. If he avoided a dangerous battle, he would dwell on it for a long time, even if he never said a word. And if something truly went wrong, he would shoulder all the consequences himself.
This kind of personality was a double-edged sword. On the bright side, it meant he would achieve greatness far beyond others. On the downside, he could easily push himself into self-destruction.
Luo Han wasn’t comfortable letting Ling Qingxiao and the protagonist venture out together. If an accident happened and he was pushed into a dark path, all her efforts would be wasted.
Her voice was firm, her demeanor calm—not the impulsiveness of a moment’s rash decision. Ling Qingxiao scrutinized her for a moment longer before suddenly switching to voice transmission. “Have you truly thought this through?”
His cultivation was high enough that Ling Xianhong wouldn’t hear the transmission, but Luo Han didn’t have that ability. So instead, she simply nodded beneath her veil, clearly conveying her stance.
Since Luo Han was going too, Ling Qingxiao had no further reservations. He turned back, his gaze sharp and unwavering as he said to Ling Xianhong, “I’m willing to go.”
Just as Ling Qingxiao spoke, Ling Zhongyu hurriedly added, “Your son volunteers for battle!”
Technically, Ling Qingxiao spoke first, but Ling Zhongyu’s voice was louder and faster, making it sound as if they had spoken simultaneously. Luo Han glanced at Ling Zhongyu and clicked her tongue inwardly.
Ling Xianhong didn’t seem to mind. He gave a slight nod and asked again, “Have you both thought this through?”
Ling Zhongyu answered with a loud, confident voice. “I am willing to serve the Celestial Realm and will not hesitate to risk my life!”
His words were smooth and practiced, but in contrast, Ling Qingxiao’s reaction was much colder. He merely gave a curt, indifferent “Mm,” as if he were genuinely answering Ling Xianhong’s question rather than making a grand declaration.
Luo Han was momentarily speechless. Ling Xianhong also paused subtly before continuing, “This is no ordinary mission. Your task is far more than just subduing an ancient beast. The Devouring Beast carries the bloodline of Taotie—naturally violent and insatiable, unable to distinguish right from wrong. The Western Sea is also covered by a spirit-restricting formation, making combat even more challenging. But that’s not all. If news of the Demon-Sealing Stone’s disappearance spreads, the demons will likely interfere, and the yokai will almost certainly take advantage of the chaos. On this mission, you won’t just be facing a beast—you’ll be dealing with the schemes of demons and yokai alike.”
Bai Lingluan had already been uneasy. Hearing this, she gasped, her entire body tensing with panic. “The journey is this dangerous? My lord, you only have two sons. Even if the Celestial Palace has issued a decree, you can’t send them both! What if something happens? What will become of Zhongshan’s great legacy?”
She quickly glanced at Ling Zhongyu before adding, “In my humble opinion, why not send one and keep the other here? The eldest young master is still recovering. Wouldn’t it be better to let him stay at Zhongshan until he’s fully healed before making any further decisions?”
Her words were blatantly biased.
Su Yifang, already concerned for her son, nearly scoffed when she heard Bai Lingluan. “Since you admit it’s a ‘humble opinion,’ why say it at all? Anyone with the blood of our dragon clan should have a warrior’s spirit burning in their veins. Do you think everyone is like you—cowardly and short-sighted?”
The two women instantly clashed. Ling Xianhong’s expression darkened, and Ling Zhongyu, caught in the middle, felt even more awkward.
He was stuck in an uncomfortable position—not fully legitimate yet not entirely illegitimate either. His status was precarious. Both his birth mother and adoptive mother had a claim on him, yet the two women were constantly at odds. Ling Zhongyu found himself trapped between them, unable to choose sides.
At times like these, Ling Qingxiao was the only one who remained untouched. Because neither mother ever thought of him. No matter how fiercely they fought, Ling Qingxiao was never the one they were fighting over.
Bai Lingluan’s eyes instantly turned red after being subjected to Su Yifang’s veiled barbs. The maids stood by in anxious silence, while Su Yinyue, as Su Yifang’s niece and Ling Zhongyu’s soon-to-be fiancée, merely lowered her eyes and sipped her tea, pretending to see nothing.
Sensing the tension in the air, Ling Xianhong let out a low cough and said coldly, “Enough. Arguing like this in front of the younger generation—what kind of example are you setting?”
No one dared to disobey Ling Xianhong. Su Yifang pressed her lips together and sat properly, while Bai Lingluan, though full of grievances, didn’t dare say another word. Suppressing his irritation, Ling Xianhong continued, “I appreciate your sense of duty. The journey to the Western Sea will be fraught with danger, and the sea itself suppresses cultivation. You must make full preparations before setting off. The Celestial Emperoris strict with both rewards and punishments—knowing the peril of this mission, he has allocated battle stipends for those who participate. All expenses will be covered by the Celestial Palace. These two storage rings—take them.”
With a sweep of his sleeve, two white jade rings floated out and landed before Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu.
Seeing this, Luo Han rolled her eyes internally. They’d already prepared the battle supplies, yet they’d still gone through the whole charade of asking who was willing to go. Clearly, whether Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu wanted to or not, they were going.
There was nothing to hesitate over when it came to taking Celestial Palace’s supplies. Ling Qingxiao accepted his ring with ease.
After speaking, Ling Xianhong turned his gaze toward Luo Han, eyes flickering with thought. “Just now, you said you wish to go to the Western Sea as well?”
“Yes.” Luo Han straightened her back, eyes unwavering. “I want to go with Ling Qingxiao.”
Ling Xianhong hesitated. “However, those participating must be at least at the Late-stage Spiritual Immortal realm. Your cultivation doesn’t seem sufficient.”
“That won’t be an issue,” Luo Han replied. “My true value on this mission doesn’t lie in my cultivation.”
Her words were firm and absolute, making her difficult to dismiss. Seeing this, Ling Xianhong didn’t argue further. The Celestial Palace had set a lower limit on participants’ cultivation but hadn’t imposed an upper limit. If Luo Han was willing, then bringing an extra person wouldn’t make much difference.
Though Ling Xianhong was not the most upstanding man, he was at least fair in handling affairs. He took out another white jade ring from his sleeve and placed it before Luo Han. “The Celestial Palace does not mistreat those who serve. Every participant receives a stipend—this ring contains healing medicines, array disks, spirit stones, and talismans. Everything is included except for weapons. Since you are going as well, take this.”
Luo Han, of course, took it without a second thought.
Su Yinyue glanced between Luo Han and Ling Zhongyu, then seemed to make a difficult decision. She bit her lip and said, “Patriarch, I would like to go too.”
Ling Xianhong was visibly surprised. Su Yinyue had always avoided hardship—why would she suddenly volunteer?
Su Yifang frowned, immediately rebuking her, “Yinyue, stop being reckless.”
“I’m not being reckless.” Su Yinyue bit her lip. “I’ve thought it through. I want to go and help my cousin. If he gets into trouble, I can lend him a hand.”
Su Yifang’s face turned ashen. “Enough with this nonsense.”
This was an internal matter of the Su family, so Ling Xianhong did not intervene. Instead, he turned toward the others and continued, “The items I gave you earlier were from the Celestial Palace. Apart from those, Zhongshan has also prepared supplies for you, which will be delivered later by the Hall of Stewards. Upon your return, the sect will provide additional rewards.”
This was self-evident—if they returned alive, their rewards would go far beyond what Zhongshan could offer. After this battle, they would gain recognition from the Celestial Emperorhimself. The official rewards were merely a formality; the true benefits lay in the hidden advantages.
Opportunity and risk often go hand in hand. This trip to the Western Sea was both a peril and a chance.
Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu remained silent. Ling Zhongyu’s eyes shone with anticipation, while Ling Qingxiao slightly averted his gaze.
Ling Xianhong was satisfied with their reactions. Rivalry between brothers was inevitable, but at least, on the surface, they could maintain their composure.
He took out two more storage pouches and flicked his hand, sending them before Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu. “The rings earlier contained official supplies. These pouches hold protective items I’ve personally prepared for you. The Celestial Palace and the sect have provided ample offensive talismans, so I did not include any attack charms. Instead, I’ve packed several bottles of elixirs, a few pieces of defensive armor, and ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones. Additionally, each of you will receive a token for an upcoming auction. Three days from now, there will be an auction in Tianzhao City. If there’s anything else you need, you can bid for it there.”
Ling Xianhong spoke lightly, but everyone present knew he was downplaying things. The elixirs and armor he mentioned so casually were actually priceless treasures. Even more significant was the auction token—something money alone couldn’t buy.
Ling Qingxiao accepted the pouch and nodded in thanks.
Then, Ling Xianhong turned toward Luo Han once more, unexpectedly offering her a gift as well. “Miss Luo, your courage at such a young age is commendable—it is a blessing to our celestial realm. When you subdued the Yayu beast, things were rushed, and I didn’t have the chance to prepare a token of gratitude. Allow me to make it up to you today. It’s a small gesture, unworthy compared to what you already possess, but I offer it as a token of my appreciation.”
Luo Han hadn’t expected to receive anything. The earlier supplies were official provisions—standardized distributions paid for by the Celestial Palace. Ling Xianhong hadn’t cared about adding an extra set.
But what he had just given to Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu was a personal gift, something a father had prepared for his sons.
Luo Han had no ties to the Ling family—Ling Xianhong had no obligation to provide her with any protective gear.
However, with three people departing, it wouldn’t look good if he only gave gifts to his sons while leaving Luo Han out.
For someone of Ling Xianhong’s status, such a minor expense was nothing. With a simple wave of his hand, he had added her to the list.
Luo Han was slightly surprised but accepted it without hesitation. To Ling Xianhong, this was trivial, but if she refused, it would only make things awkward for him. Since he had already extended the gesture, it would be inappropriate to decline.
With that in mind, Luo Han stood and bowed slightly. “I wouldn’t dare presume, but thank you, Patriarch Ling.”
She knew Ling Xianhong’s gift to her wouldn’t be on the same level as what he had given his sons. Still, etiquette was etiquette. Without checking the contents, she thanked him, then casually stored it in her leaf pendant.
Truth be told, Luo Han was still very much short on cash. The Bodhi Tree had indeed given her many treasures, but they were all far too valuable to exchange for coin—and with her current cultivation level, earning money wasn’t even a remote possibility. The more basic the resource—spirit stones, talismans, pills—the more Luo Han lacked them.
Still, she accepted the gift with poise and ease, earning another approving glance from Ling Xianhong. Her speech and manner carried the air of one raised in a prominent household, yet her complete unfamiliarity with the immortal realm was undeniably odd. If she truly came from a great clan, how could she be so ignorant of the Celestial World?
It was a contradiction he couldn’t yet unravel. After many swirling thoughts, Ling Xianhong eventually tamped them down and simply nodded. “This journey is dangerous. Stay vigilant at all times. In five days, a sky vessel from the Celestial Palace will arrive at Zhongshan to retrieve you. Be ready to depart on time. Until then, you are excused from sect duties. Focus solely on your preparations. If there’s anything you lack, report it to the elders immediately.”
The three of them acknowledged the command.
Ling Xianhong seemed to grow pensive, sighing lightly. “Military merit is important—but your lives matter more. Above all else, return safely.”
No matter what kind of man he usually was, at this moment, Ling Xianhong was sincere. He truly hoped both of his sons would come back unharmed. Even if they were destined to turn blades on one another someday, they should do so as rivals—not fall to the hands of demons.
Bai Lingluan had originally been adamantly against her son leaving, but in matters of true importance, her opinion held no sway. No one acknowledged her repeated requests for Ling Zhongyu to stay behind and recover. Her heart was heavy with anxiety, but as the weight of the various resources piled up before her—gifts from the Celestial Palace, from Zhongshan, even from Ling Xianhong—she found herself unable to speak further.
She sighed silently. Perhaps she had been too timid. High risk, high reward—even without mentioning the priceless rewards awaiting their return, the mere supplies they’d been given were already incredibly generous. Bai Lingluan was a bird spirit by nature—gentle, cautious, fearful. But her son was a dragon, born to ride the wind and soar through the skies. How could she let her own cowardice hold him back?
In the end, she said nothing.
The two stipends combined were truly considerable. Even someone as used to opulence as Su Yifang couldn’t help but feel the generosity. And more supplies from Zhongshan’s official stores were yet to come.
Watching her children now, Su Yifang was suddenly struck by a rare moment of sentiment. In the blink of an eye, they’d all grown up. Su Yinyue had reached the age of longing hearts; Ling Zhongyu was no longer the frail boy she used to shield in her arms; even that cold, distant, once-dismissed illegitimate child had become a young man of flawless grace and poise.
Unlike Bai Lingluan, Su Yifang was a true descendant of the Yinglong line. Though she had long since ceased advancing in cultivation, her blood still carried the pride of dragons.
She had no patience for Bai Lingluan’s cowardice. Her son should prove himself on the battlefield. If he returned, he’d be a hero; if not—well, it only proved he was lacking. Harsh, yes, but that was the dragon way. Still, despite her pride and clarity, she was a mother. Her concern gnawed at her.
And so, she too brought out a private stash of resources—split evenly into two identical bundles—and gave them to both sons. For the sake of appearances, with Ling Xianhong watching, she even offered Luo Han a portion.
“You three are fighting for the Celestial Realm. That is a deed worthy of heroes,” Su Yifang said. “These are gifts from a mother’s heart. The contents are the same in all three.”
She paused, then casually added, “No matter what happens out there, know this—I love you all the same. Don’t let others drive wedges between us.”
There was no need to say who that “other” was. Bai Lingluan’s eyes reddened once again, her lips trembling.
Luo Han raised an eyebrow, her internal contrarian spirit burning to life. Perhaps it was because Ling Qingxiao’s face was too pleasing to look at—she always ended up standing on his side. The more she thought about it, the more bitter the taste became.
If, as Su Yifang claimed, Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu now stood equal in status—both receiving the same gifts, the same affection—then wasn’t it absurd?
Ling Qingxiao, the rightful heir, had been switched at birth, had suffered years of neglect and mistreatment, yet now the assets that were rightfully his had to be split evenly? Even the so-called “mother’s love” had to be halved?
And that was just the emotional damage. Materially speaking, Su Yifang was not only Ling Qingxiao’s birth mother, but also the heiress of the Yinglong clan—a marriage that had bound the interests of two great dragon houses. According to celestial law, the bride’s dowry and any associated alliances belonged solely to her and her direct descendants. Now, all that was to be split...simply because of a mistake?
Luo Han wanted to argue—but having just received a portion herself, she couldn’t exactly open her mouth to complain.
Before she could resolve her internal moral dilemma, Ling Xianhong clapped his hands and announced, “Bring out the meal.”
And so, Luo Han was dragged unwillingly into the most agonizing lunch she’d ever had. Eating while wearing a veil was absolute torment—and it only reinforced her resolve.
She had to get stronger. Soon. She had to get rid of this veil once and for all. Eating like this wasn’t just annoying—it was inhumane.
After the meal, Ling Xianhong stood and excused himself. With the summons from the Celestial Palace, there was much to do—names to finalize, resources to prepare, skyships to coordinate.
Though this mission was presented as voluntary, everyone knew the names were already decided. There was still much to discuss with the elders—Zhongshan couldn’t afford unnecessary losses.
Once Ling Xianhong left, Bai Lingluan didn’t dare remain alone with Su Yifang and quickly excused herself. As she turned, she cast a lingering glance at Ling Zhongyu—soon after, he too found an excuse to leave.
With the room now emptying, Su Yinyue quickly followed suit. In just a few breaths, only Su Yifang, Ling Qingxiao, and Luo Han remained.
Luo Han suddenly turned to Ling Qingxiao and said, “During the meal, I accidentally dirtied my veil. Could you go back to my quarters and fetch me a fresh one?”
In the Celestial Realm...a spiritual veil artifact...dirtied during lunch?
Ling Qingxiao silently watched Luo Han. She, hiding behind her veil, met his gaze without so much as a flicker of discomfort. Finally, as she wished, he stood up and said, “Alright, I’ll be right back. Don’t wander off.”
Luo Han nodded, barely waiting for him to step out before turning her attention elsewhere.
As soon as he left, Su Yifang took a sip of her tea and asked, “You stayed behind on purpose. What is it you want to say?”
Luo Han didn’t answer immediately. She idly traced the rim of the teacup at her side before suddenly asking, “Madam, forgive me for overstepping, but when the eldest young master left just now, you saw which direction he went, didn’t you?”
Su Yifang’s expression darkened in an instant. Of course, she had seen. And she was far from pleased about it. But she hadn’t expected Luo Han to say it outright.
Luo Han met Su Yifang’s increasingly cold expression with unwavering composure. “Madam, I don’t mean to provoke you,” she said, her posture refined and unshaken. “But some things need to be said. You and both young masters share a deep bond, and your position as the family matriarch prevents you from making a clean break with the master. For the sake of both families, you have never spoken openly. Since that’s the case, allow me to be the villain here.”
“I won’t argue whether birth or upbringing is more important. I’ll only ask this—no matter how much you devote yourself to another’s child, can it ever compare to the bond of blood?”