Chapter 35

In the early morning, before the sun had risen, the Wenting Gate plaza was already filled with people.
Today was the day the Celestial Palace’s flying ships arrived, and it was also the day a hundred disciples from Zhongshan would depart.
The sky was dim, and the wind still carried a hint of chill. Luo Han, along with others heading to the battlefield, stood in formation in the plaza. Behind them were all the disciples from Zhongshan.
The large plaza was silent. The formation was arranged by rank, and Luo Han, ranked in the eighties, stood in the second-to-last row. Luckily, she wasn’t alone; behind her stood Yun Menghan and Su Yinyue.
Compared to the others, Luo Han was actually in a relatively forward position.
Yun Menghan was ranked lower than Luo Han, by about five or six places, and stood at the very back, which was understandable. What was odd was Su Yinyue. Even though she was not on the list for the expedition, she had managed to force her way into the lineup today.
Su Yinyue still couldn’t convince her aunt, and wasn’t on the official list. But that didn’t matter. Su Yinyue was still the young lady of Linshan. Seeing that coaxing and acting cute had no effect, and that Ling Zhongyu had stopped going along with her, Su Yinyue panicked. She immediately sent a message back home and, after much pleading, she finally secured a spot from her parents.
Linshan was also sending one hundred people, and Su Yinyue took one of those spots. However, there wasn’t enough time for her to travel back and forth within two days, so she decided to stay in Zhongshan and depart with their team.
After all, in the end, everyone would meet up at Westernha, and it didn’t matter which ship they took. This worked perfectly for Su Yinyue, who was eager to stay close to Ling Zhongyu.
Luo Han noticed the atmosphere behind her was clearly not right. Two love rivals standing together, and it was obvious the situation wouldn’t be pleasant. In the past couple of days, word had spread that Ling Zhongyu had spent lavishly in Tianzhao City, buying a He Ling Orchid for his cousin and personally protecting her as she refined it.
It was a touching story of a cousin’s love, but to Yun Menghan, who was involved, it was unbearably harsh.
Luo Han couldn’t help but sigh in her heart. What kind of luck had she been having lately, always right in the middle of all this drama? But at least Yun Menghan and Su Yinyue knew the occasion and didn’t make a scene in the plaza. Instead, they turned their faces away from each other, both with grim expressions, clearly not wanting to look at one another.
Luo Han stole a glance but quickly lost interest. She looked up, straining to see ahead through the rows of people.
There were two empty spots at the very front. The leaders of this expedition, Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu, were not yet in the ranks.
In the Cheng Tian Hall, Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu stood side by side in the hall, listening to Ling Xianhong speak.
Ling Xianhong looked at the two of them, feeling a lot of emotion. His two sons were completely different in appearance and personality. The eldest was proud, the second was cold, and if it weren’t for the same surname, it would be hard to link them together. But now, standing in front of him, both were expressionless, their sharp auras unmistakable.
They were about to go to battle. Outside, tens of thousands of people were waiting.
Ling Xianhong sighed softly and said, "The reason I called you today is not just for the battle, but also because I have some family matters to discuss with you."
Family matters? This was worth considering. With the arrival of the Celestial Palace’s flying ships, at such a critical moment, what family matters could be so important that Ling Xianhong had to delay the mission to discuss?
Ling Qingxiao remained silent, showing no curiosity or concern. Ling Zhongyu looked surprised and asked, "Father, what’s the matter?"
Ling Xianhong was momentarily speechless, but he knew this issue had to be faced eventually. It was better to address it sooner than later. The sooner it was dealt with, the more likely they could preserve their family.
Ling Xianhong finally forced himself to speak, "It’s about Ling Qingxiao’s Dragon Pill."
The moment the words left his mouth, Ling Zhongyu fell silent. Ling Xianhong didn’t beat around the bush and said directly, "Your mother was in a trance at the time and made this mistake. It’s my fault for not stopping her in time. Now that we’ve reached this point, it’s pointless to dwell on the past. What matters now is to return the Dragon Pill to its rightful place."
"The Dragon Pill is the foundation of the dragon’s cultivation and cannot be tampered with. Although Ling Qingxiao has made up for the gap in his cultivation, the Dragon Pill has been away from his body for too long, which is ultimately a problem. When you return, just return the Dragon Pill."
It wasn’t returning it. It was giving it back.
But at this moment, no one noticed the subtle flaws in the language. Ling Qingxiao stood still for a long time without responding.
He never imagined that Ling Xianhong would be the first to bring this up. And from what Ling Xianhong said, it seemed that he intended to personally handle this matter.
Ling Qingxiao felt dazed. This was something he never would have imagined. In his plan, there were schemes and tricks, but not his parents. He never expected his parents to step in and seek justice for him.
Ling Qingxiao’s mind wandered slightly. This must have been what Luo Han and Su Yifan had spoken about that day. Luo Han convinced Su Yifan, and eventually, it was passed on to Ling Xianhong.
Ling Xianhong continued, "I’ve sent someone to inquire about the spirit medicine that can help remove the Dragon Pill. We now have some leads. There is a medicine from Nanling that can temporarily separate the Dragon Pill without causing pain or side effects. Zhongyu has two Dragon Pills inside him. After taking the pill, both dragon pills can be removed. When the time comes, Ling Qingxiao can take back his own dragon pill, and this misunderstanding will be resolved."
"The pills have already been arranged for purchase." Ling Xianhong said, "Zhongshan is some distance from Nanling. Considering the time it takes to buy the pills, it will take about half a year for the round trip. When you two return from the Western Sea, if neither of you is injured, we can start preparing to exchange the pills."
After Ling Xianhong finished speaking, no one responded. Ling Qingxiao avoided eye contact, making it hard to tell what he was thinking. Ling Zhongyu’s mood grew even worse.
To be honest, Ling Zhongyu didn’t want to return the dragon pill. Ling Xianhong claimed that the pill had no side effects, but who could say for sure? Besides, having one more dragon pill would greatly boost his cultivation.
In the past, Ling Zhongyu didn’t think there was any difference in talent between him and Ling Qingxiao. He believed that Ling Qingxiao simply had more time dedicated to cultivation, focusing solely on that, which was why his cultivation level was higher. Ling Zhongyu thought that if he focused as much, he would not be inferior to Ling Qingxiao.
It wasn’t until Ling Zhongyu obtained Ling Qingxiao's dragon pill that he realized the difference.
When Su Yifang brought back the dragon pill, Ling Zhongyu’s cultivation immediately broke through a major level. The cultivation methods that Ling Qingxiao practiced were opposed to those of Ling Zhongyu, so the dragon pill in Ling Zhongyu’s body could only exert one-tenth of its full effect. However, even at only one-tenth, it was enough for Ling Zhongyu’s cultivation to skyrocket.
This was an unprecedented experience. Ling Zhongyu finally realized that cultivation could be this fast, and that his magic spells could be so powerful with just a casual gesture.
And this was only one-tenth of the effect. What kind of power would this dragon pill have if it were inside Ling Qingxiao?
Ling Zhongyu’s feelings about this matter were complicated. His pride didn’t allow him to rely on others’ power, but once he tasted the strength, it was hard to let go.
Before experiencing this, he hadn’t felt disappointed. Now, after personally realizing the incredible talent of the pureblooded dragons, how could he be willing to give up the dragon pill? But the situation was stronger than his will, and Ling Xianhong’s words were not something Ling Zhongyu could ignore.
Ling Zhongyu agreed. He didn’t outright refuse, but the dry tone made his true feelings clear.
At least he agreed, which made Ling Xianhong feel satisfied. Though Ling Zhongyu was rebellious, he respected his father greatly, and Ling Xianhong felt that his years of effort in raising him had not been in vain. Ling Xianhong then looked at Ling Qingxiao, expecting him to say something grateful or filial. However, he said nothing.
Ling Qingxiao remained calm and detached, as if the matter being discussed had nothing to do with him.
Ling Xianhong was mildly disappointed, but he wasn’t surprised. Qingxiao had always been this reclusive, and he’d long since stopped expecting otherwise. Among dragonkind, strength was paramount—but strength didn’t always equate to dominance in battle. With Qingxiao’s aloof temperament, he simply wasn’t suited to lead. The future of Zhongshan clearly rested with Ling Zhongyu.
Since the second son had no intention of inheriting the clan, then let him be. Taciturn, indifferent, solitary—it didn’t matter anymore.
Ling Xianhong paused briefly before rising to his feet. His gaze lingered on his two sons for a long moment. “So long as family stands together, there is no hardship we cannot overcome. You two...must return safely.”
His voice shed the authority of a clan lord. For this brief moment, he simply spoke as a father.
Zhongyu grew emotional, bidding his farewells with earnest words. Qingxiao, however, remained silent. He only raised his sword in salute, giving a slight bow.
In that moment, Ling Qingxiao thought—perhaps things weren’t as hopeless as they seemed. His parents might be biased, but maybe...just maybe, fairness was still possible if one fought for it.
Maybe not everything was destined to go wrong.
By now, time was running short. Ling Xianhong, having finished what he needed to say, turned and led the two of them outside. Outside the Gates of Heaven, the plaza was utterly silent—tens of thousands held their breath. But the moment the clan lord and the two young masters appeared, the atmosphere shifted.
Countless gazes turned toward them.
Ling Xianhong let his eyes sweep over the crowd. His voice, not loud, carried the weight of his cultivation—calm yet commanding, imbued with subtle spiritual pressure. “Today, in answer to Heaven’s decree, you set forth for the Western Sea to suppress the ancient beasts. Warriors of Zhongshan—where are you?”
The shout rang clearly in every disciple’s ears. Whether high or low in cultivation, all faces turned solemn with awe. The hundred disciples at the front stepped forward in unison, clasping fists and responding:
“Your disciples are here!”
Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu raised their swords in salute. “By decree of Heaven, we answer the call. We are ready to fight.”
“Good.” Ling Xianhong nodded. “For the sake of the heavens, to guard the Six Realms—Zhongshan will remember your names. This journey will be perilous. Today, we bid you farewell. In the days to come, I shall await your safe return.”
“May all of you take care.”
The tens of thousands behind them roared in reply, voices united like rolling thunder:
“We shall await your return. May all of you take care!”
The hundred disciples at the front turned back and raised their swords in farewell to their fellow brothers and sisters. No more words were spoken. In a scene where sentiment ran deep, silence said everything.
At that moment, clouds churned above, and golden light tore through the morning mist—Heaven’s envoys had arrived.
Several streaks of radiant light shot down from the skies. Moments later, the Heaven Palace delegation descended before the Gates of Heaven.
Ling Xianhong stepped forward and greeted them with a respectful salute. “Star Lord Gu Xing. Star Lord Tianyu.”
“Clan Lord Ling.” The two star lords returned the gesture politely.
After a brief exchange of courtesies, Star Lord Gu Xing smiled faintly. “Clan Lord, we are on official business and cannot linger long. Is Zhongshan’s expeditionary team ready?”
“They are fully prepared and await your command,” Ling Xianhong replied. He gestured to the young men beside him. “These are my sons. Both will be joining this campaign. They are still young and lack battle experience. If they prove rash, I hope the two Star Lords will pardon them.”
“Of course,” Star Lord Gu Xing said with a smile. “Like father, like sons. The young masters are both dragons among men.”
His gaze naturally shifted past Ling Xianhong to the two youths behind him. After a brief pause, he asked a rare question:
“Which of the two is the prodigy who ascended to Heaven Immortal before reaching a thousand years?”
The atmosphere on Zhongshan’s side froze ever so slightly.
Technically, both brothers had achieved that milestone—but only one had done so through his own effort. Ling Zhongyu’s breakthrough had been aided by the stolen dragon core, and the name publicized at the time had been his.
Now, under the eyes of Heaven’s envoys, the elders of Zhongshan, and thousands of disciples, Ling Zhongyu found himself unable to respond.
After a beat of silence, Ling Qingxiao stepped forward and clasped his fists. “Your words flatter me, Star Lord. That was me.”
Gu Xing had noticed him from the start. Though the dawn had not yet fully broken and mist coiled thick across the ship, the moment they stepped out onto the deck, all eyes had been drawn to Ling Qingxiao.
Even standing still, the young man’s presence was striking. His robes billowed in the morning breeze, and there was a quiet majesty in his bearing—a natural gravitas that needed no words.
Now that he’d spoken, Gu Xing took the opportunity to study him more closely. The more he looked, the more impressed he became.
After exchanging a few more polite remarks with Ling Xianhong—this time with noticeably more sincerity—Gu Xing finally let the matter drop.
Seeing the shift in focus, Ling Xianhong quickly stepped in to redirect the conversation. “This is my eldest son, Zhongyu. He will be leading Zhongshan’s expedition.”
Gu Xing offered a faint nod, saying little. By now, the pleasantries were nearly exhausted. Returning to the task at hand, Ling Xianhong gave a final bow.
“The opportunity for battle must not be delayed. I shall not accompany you further. When you return, I will host a banquet in your honor. I hope the two Star Lords will do me the honor of attending.”
Gu Xing and Tianyu both smiled and accepted the invitation. “We thank the clan lord. Then, we’ll take our leave.”
With that, Gu Xing grew solemn, turning to address the gathered troops.
“I am Gu Xing, commander of this campaign. Once you pass through the Gates of Heaven, you are no longer Zhongshan disciples—you are soldiers under my banner. Are you ready?”
A thunderous chorus answered him. Even Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu returned to their positions and responded in unison:
“We await your command, Star Lord.”
“Very well.” Gu Xing flicked his sleeve, and a golden cloud bridge unfurled between the Gates of Heaven and the waiting skyship. “Board the ship.”
“Yes, sir!”
The hundred disciples filed onto the ship swiftly and in perfect order. Not a single one looked back.
Ling Xianhong remained standing at the gate, watching the bridge vanish. One hundred familiar faces stood together on the deck, and his heart stirred with countless emotions.
He raised a hand and sent them off with a solemn blessing.
“Take care. Be safe. I shall await your return.”
A crisp, unified clang of metal rang out in response. The hundred cultivators, already in full combat attire, raised their swords in unison and saluted with practiced precision.
“Disciples heed the command. We shall not disgrace the name of Zhongshan.”
Gu Xing wasted no time. The moment the last syllable faded, the warship began to rise, slowly drifting away from Wentian Gate until Zhongshan’s silhouette vanished into the clouds.
After delivering the standard military instructions, Gu Xing dismissed the group, allowing everyone to settle into their quarters and rest.
The Western Sea lay near the edge of the celestial realm, not far from the Silver River. Even aboard a military warship of the Celestial Palace, the journey would take an entire month. A hard battle awaited them; conserving strength now was of utmost importance.
Luo Han took her room token and went in search of her assigned quarters. She’d be living here for the next month.
Due to today’s departure, she hadn’t worn her usual veiled hat, only a simple face veil. But wandering around a warship dressed like that still drew attention. Luo Han decided it’d be best to stay in her room as much as possible until they reached their destination.
The room assignments followed the dragon clan’s typical ruthlessly meritocratic style—strictly ranked. Luo Han had barely scraped through, so her room was near the rear of the ship, several corridors away from Ling Qingxiao’s.
In the celestial realm, strength reigned supreme. There were no distinctions between male and female dorms; all rooms were assigned purely based on merit. Luo Han found her door and opened it with her token. To her surprise, the room was private.
It couldn’t compare with her old quarters at Zhongshan, but it wasn’t cramped either. The furnishings were elegant and practical—everything a cultivator needed.
“The Celestial Palace really is rich,” Luo Han thought as she flopped down onto the bed.
She’d gotten up at dawn, stood on the plaza for hours, boarded the warship, collected her token, and hunted down her room...and somehow, it was still barely morning.
“This is inhumane,” she muttered before promptly falling asleep.
No matter how steady the ship was, turbulence was inevitable. Luo Han didn’t sleep soundly, and in the haze between dreams and wakefulness, she heard a knock.
She jerked upright, disoriented. The room was still and quiet—had she imagined it?
But then it came again, soft and even: knock, knock.
She climbed out of bed and cautiously cracked the door open. A glimpse of white robes appeared in the gap. A calm voice came from behind it:
“It’s me.”
Ling Qingxiao.
Relieved, Luo Han opened the door. Ling Qingxiao caught sight of her disheveled hair and politely looked away. “You were sleeping?”
“Mm.”
That she could sleep this deeply, even now, left him unsure whether to be helpless or impressed. He cleared his throat lightly and stepped aside, eyes fixed somewhere on the doorframe. “Fix your hair. I’ll wait outside. Don’t forget your veil.”
Luo Han nodded and shut the door behind her to tidy herself up. As her brain finally caught up, something occurred to her.
“Wait...weren’t the first three days supposed to be free? Why do I have to go out?”

　　Ling Qingxiao, dressed in white, was almost glowing in the light. Hearing the footsteps, he didn’t need to turn around to know it was Luo Han who had arrived.
When he turned to see her, his brows furrowed slightly. She wasn’t wearing the veil but instead a face mask. Unlike the veil, which was more eye-catching, the mask was less conspicuous and allowed for more movement. However, it didn’t completely hide her features, and right now, her eyes were fully exposed.
Although her face was hidden, those eyes were enough to make a lasting impression.
Ling Qingxiao felt uneasy and asked, “Why aren’t you wearing the veil?”
Luo Han replied, “It’s inconvenient on the ship, and it draws too much attention.”
Ling Qingxiao thought, revealing her eyes would actually attract more attention than the veil. But since it was her decision, he didn’t intervene and moved on to the next topic. “Did you memorize the map of the Western Sea?”
Luo Han hesitated, caught in a momentary lapse of memory. Cautiously, she shook her head, “Not yet. Do I need to?”
“This isn’t a task assigned by Lord Gu Xingxing,” Ling Qingxiao answered, then immediately continued, “But for safety, you’d better familiarize yourself with it.”
Luo Han nodded, understanding that it was for her own good. When on a mission with others, memorizing the map was not only for her safety but also for the team's. Given that a top student had already marked the key points for her, she had no reason not to listen.
“Alright. Where’s the map?”
Ling Qingxiao stepped back, signaling her to follow him. “Let’s go to the library.”
The flying ship, belonging to the Celestial Palace, was clearly a military vessel. The ship’s facilities reflected this, lacking entertainment rooms or dining halls, but it had many meditation and training rooms.
The ship had three levels, and while Luo Han hadn’t memorized the layout, Ling Qingxiao moved through the ship with ease. It also had a small library, though there weren’t many books. Most of the books related to military tactics and geography, and the furniture suggested that the library wasn’t frequently visited.
This worked to Ling Qingxiao’s advantage. He had Luo Han sit down and then took out a map from his storage space that he had already marked, going through the specific terrains and points of interest for her to pay attention to. Luo Han quickly made notes on her Taoist interface. After going through half of the map, Ling Qingxiao checked the time and told her to continue memorizing on her own, with the rest to be reviewed tomorrow.
Luo Han was surprised. “You finished that quickly?”
Ling Qingxiao pointed to the book beside him. “This is already another one.”
Luo Han sighed inwardly. “This world really is beyond comprehension.” She slumped in the chair, glancing at the huge map on the table and the neatly stacked books and scrolls at the corner. Something didn’t feel right.
“Where did all these come from? You brought them with you?”
“Just some things I brought along, in case you had nothing to do on the way.”
Luo Han wanted to say something but held back. She especially wanted to point out that she wasn’t like Ling Qingxiao. If he wanted to be a freak, that was his choice, but did he really have to drag others into it?
Who had nothing to do? That was slander.
She slumped back for a moment before scratching her head. “Why do I feel like there weren’t this many books before?”
Was it just her imagination, or did it seem like the workload had increased?