Chapter 80

Though the six realms had revived thanks to the life-giving rain from Pangu and Nuwa, destroyed buildings couldn’t be restored, and the immortal realm was now in a state of total reconstruction.
Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao returned to Sanqing Heaven. Though the name was the same, the current Sanqing Heaven was nothing like the grand, towering palaces of the future. For now, it remained a barren land. Su Zongshi and the others, valuing the abundant spiritual energy there, had temporarily chosen it as the site for the new court.
Of course, construction efficiency in the immortal realm was far beyond the mortal world. Though the site was still crude, the rough framework of governmental buildings had already been established, and the main offices were partially erected.
As they entered the gates, a familiar voice called out from behind. Luo Han turned and saw someone she knew: “Xiao Ze?”
Xiao Ze ran up to them, hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage to ask, “Commander Ling, where are you going?”
Ling Qingxiao replied, “The war is over. All military ranks and positions have been dissolved. I am no longer a commander.”
Xiao Ze frowned, “But clearly you made the greatest contributions, Commander Ling…”
Ling Qingxiao raised a hand to stop him: “I have no title now. Just call me by name.”
Xiao Ze pursed his lips, awkwardly responding, “Yes...Ling...Ling Qingxiao.”
After speaking, he felt uncomfortable—how dare he address Commander Ling by name?
Ling Qingxiao, however, took it well and asked, “Why did you come in such haste?”
Xiao Ze glanced quickly at Luo Han. Ling Qingxiao noticed and said, “She and I are one. You don’t need to hide anything from her.”
Xiao Ze didn’t doubt Luo Han. Everyone in the army knew that Commander Ling and Lady Luo Han were inseparable. If he didn’t trust anyone else, he’d still trust her.
What had made him hesitate was not distrust, but that these matters felt awkward to discuss in front of her. But now that Ling Qingxiao had spoken, Xiao Ze no longer hesitated and said directly, “God Rong Cheng has declared his withdrawal from mortal affairs and left the Immortal Realm to establish its own unified court. Though it’s said that governance should be entrusted to the capable, a nation can’t be without a leader. God He Xu proposed we select a temporary Supreme Commander. God Rong Cheng recommended Su Zongshi.”
“That’s excellent,” Ling Qingxiao said. “Su Zongshi is wise, brave, and deeply respected in the military. There’s no better candidate to lead the new era.”
Xiao Ze looked uneasy, then moved closer, his voice earnest: “General Su’s contributions are immense, but you are no lesser. In merit, you slew the Demon God, repelled invaders multiple times. In talent, you master both literature and war, swordsmanship and formations, and are deeply learned. In public favor, your support in the army is no less than his.”
Luo Han blinked in surprise. She finally understood why Xiao Ze had looked at her earlier—she hadn’t expected to hear such a proposal.
She spoke up quickly, “There’s a strange flower blooming over there. I’ll go take a look.”
But she had barely moved two steps before Ling Qingxiao caught her arm.
“No need,” he said, fingers unwavering, “I’ll go with you later.”
“But you two—”
“It’s fine. This will be brief.” Ling Qingxiao kept her close, then turned to Xiao Ze and said calmly, “I’m returning.”
That one sentence said nothing—yet everything. Xiao Ze’s spirit visibly sagged. Of course, everyone had tacitly acknowledged it—only he refused to let go and wanted to confirm it again.
But the answer had always been there. God Rong Cheng had not chosen Ling Qingxiao—likely because of this very reason.
Ordinary soldiers and civilians didn’t know Ling Qingxiao’s origins, but those with experience understood well. It was an unspoken truth—Ling Qingxiao would one day leave.
And that day had come.
Seeing Xiao Ze so dispirited, Ling Qingxiao, who had more or less raised him, couldn’t help but offer a few parting words: “Don’t be disheartened. Meetings and farewells are both part of fate. No feast lasts forever.”
Still dejected, Xiao Ze asked, “When are you leaving?”
Ling Qingxiao glanced at Luo Han, who shrugged. “Don’t look at me. I don’t know either.”
It wasn’t a matter of wanting or not wanting, but of timing.
Energy, position, and opportunity—without all three, it couldn’t happen. Luo Han had prepared the first two for three years, but the last remained elusive. She could only wait.
Lately, though, she had begun to sense it—an indescribable feeling that the opportunity was near.
Seeing how shaken Xiao Ze was, Ling Qingxiao worried this conversation might cause trouble and gently admonished, “Forget what was said earlier. And don’t repeat it. I respect General Su deeply and regard him as a close elder. If he leads, I’ll be the first to support him. I’ll take your words as youthful ignorance. From now on, follow General Su’s lead and act responsibly.”
Xiao Ze nodded gloomily. In times of war, everyone matured early—at five hundred years old, one was already expected to hold their own. Many didn’t even live to reach five hundred. But by the standards of the Heavenly Awakening Era, five hundred years old was still a child.
Ling Qingxiao was nearly a thousand years older than Xiao Ze. He couldn’t help but see him through the lens of an elder watching a youth. Although Xiao Ze was technically his adjutant, in his heart he saw Ling Qingxiao as an older brother—part brother, part father, part mentor, part friend.
Ling Qingxiao left the matter at that and walked inside with Luo Han. As they entered, he glanced back toward the place from before. “Where’s that flower you said was so rare?”
“Huh? Oh, I just looked again—it’s not so special after all.”
They talked as they walked off. Xiao Ze watched their departing figures, feelings churning inside.
He wanted to ask why Ling Qingxiao wouldn’t stay to seize such a golden opportunity to make a name for himself. But Xiao Ze had spent the last five hundred years closest to him—he knew better than anyone that Ling Qingxiao wouldn’t stay.
For others, honor, status, and career achievements were dreams to strive for. But for Ling Qingxiao, they were mere ornamentation. If they ever clashed with something more important, he’d let go without hesitation.
Luo Han was leaving—of course, he would leave too.
Glory, shame, merit, and failure were all like drifting clouds. He would relinquish them the moment he chose to.
After entering Sanqing Heaven, Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao first went to visit God Rong Cheng. It had been three years, and his injuries still hadn’t improved—an ongoing concern for everyone.
As they approached, the gatekeeper child saw them and ran inside to report, “God Luo Han and Commander Ling have arrived.”
Hearing the announcement, those inside stopped talking and stood to greet them. Seeing God Rong Cheng about to rise, Luo Han quickly stopped him: “Please don’t, God Rong Cheng. You should focus on resting.”
The others also urged him to remain seated. Finally, he leaned back on the couch, coughing slowly. Xi Heng looked at them and asked, “What took you so long?”
Xi Heng and Su Zongshi had already returned from placing the demon-suppressing stones at the Milky Way, while Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao had only now arrived. Luo Han retorted, “We didn’t need to rush. Can’t we come back comfortably?”
She had always been casual around Xi Heng, and everyone was used to it. After resting a bit, God Rong Cheng said warmly, “As long as all went smoothly. Now that the boundary has been set, spiritual and demonic energy will no longer mingle. Even if the demon race tries to stir up war again, they’ll have no excuse.”
Everyone agreed, wearing expressions of deep emotion—peace had not come easily. Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao sat silently to the side, not commenting either way.
Luo Han thought to herself: if someone is determined to fight, excuses don’t matter. Just like the minor wars in later times—if interests clashed, a pretext could always be found.
Of course, this wasn’t the time to bring that up. Everyone could finally relax, so why dampen the mood? After God Rong Cheng finished discussing the borders, he changed the subject to the new court: “The war is over, the borders are secure, and the immortal realm needs to recover and rebuild. Such a vast realm can’t be left leaderless. There’s no need for formality here—speak freely. Do any of you have recommendations?”
Everyone was silent. Su Zongshi said, “God Rong Cheng, you are the most respected among us. You led the immortal realm to victory. No one else could be more qualified to take charge.”
God Rong Cheng shook his head. “No. I’ve seen too much death and scheming during the war. I’m tired. Besides, Father God gave his life to end this war so the six realms could live in peace. Before he passed, he decreed that each realm should govern itself. The immortal realm’s affairs should be managed by you younger ones.”
Su Zongshi tried to protest, “But—”
God Rong Cheng raised his hand. “My mind is made up. No more words. I believe Su Zongshi is steady and benevolent—fit to lead. What do you all think?”
To entrust the immortal realm to the immortals themselves was less about fulfilling Pangu’s will and more about fulfilling God Rong Cheng’s. No one objected. Su Zongshi stood and humbly declined, saying, “I lack virtue. In merit, learning, lineage, and administrative skill, there are many better than I—Ling Qingxiao among them. The immortal realm is full of talent. How could I dare take this position?”
Ling Qingxiao had been silent except for greetings. Now that the subject had turned to him again, he decided to speak plainly while everyone was gathered.
He set down his teacup and said, “I have long revered Senior Su. In my eyes, you are the role model of the dragon race. If you are willing to shoulder the burden of the new court and bring peace to the immortal realm, it would be a blessing for all.”
Su Zongshi knew that although Ling Qingxiao was aloof, he never said anything he didn’t mean. His words were genuine praise.
Su Zongshi was deeply moved. Others also voiced their support, and Luo Han added, “General Su, the future peace of the heavenly realm depends on you.”
Eventually, Su Zongshi accepted the position of Supreme Commander, though he insisted it was only temporary.
No one quibbled over such details. After settling the immortal realm’s leadership, God Rong Cheng turned to He Xu: “Humans are Nuwa’s favored children, so the human realm is not ours to manage. But after years of war, so many lives have been lost—the Underworld is overwhelmed with unsettled souls. The Book of Life and Death is in chaos. The Underworld desperately needs someone experienced in internal affairs to restore order. He Xu, would you be willing to go and reorganize the cycle of reincarnation?”
He Xu sighed and replied, “I’m honored by your trust. If I’m still of use, I’m more than willing to take on this task.”
“Thank you.” God Rong Cheng tried to rise to express his gratitude, but everyone quickly held him down. He Xu supported him and said, “With the friendship between us, such formalities are unnecessary. Focus on recovering.”
God Rong Cheng nodded. Though he tried to appear composed, everyone could see he was in poor condition.
The room turned somber. No longer wanting to burden him, they all rose to take their leave.
Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao left along with the others. As they walked out, Su Zongshi approached them without turning his head and asked, “Are you leaving?”
Ling Qingxiao paused slightly, then nodded lightly. “Yes.”
Su Zongshi was silent for a long time. They walked side by side for a while, and when they reached the fork in the road, Su Zongshi turned and solemnly cupped his fists toward Ling Qingxiao. “Take care.”
Though Ling Qingxiao always spoke of fate and parting lightly, when the moment truly arrived, he couldn’t hide the sadness in his heart.
He looked at the man who would be remembered in history as a brilliant emperor, who had also been his comrade-in-arms for five hundred years. He raised his hand with deep respect and returned the gesture. “Take care.”
He did not say until we meet again, because he knew—they never would.
This parting was final.
News of Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao’s imminent departure spread quickly, and many came to say their goodbyes. But when they actually left, it was on a quiet morning. No one came to see them off, and the two silently departed from Sanqing Heaven.
The day before, Luo Han had specially visited He Xu and Rong Cheng, and spent a long time consulting with Xi Heng. As the farewell neared, she grew more reluctant, especially since she knew clearly that after this, she would never see them again.
She knew the fate of the gods. But she could not tell the people living in the story.
Everyone has their own destiny. Some see foreknowledge as a blessing; others see it as a curse. She couldn’t interfere in others’ lives based on her own feelings.
The world is vast, and life is fleeting. To meet at all is already the most beautiful thing.
Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao headed south, returning to the place at Xiangshi where they had first fallen from the sky. Since it had begun here, it would end here too.
Luo Han took out the energy stone she had long prepared and slowly opened the time tunnel.
Because of the spatial distortion, a strong wind swept up, rustling the branches around them. Luo Han turned back one last time, gazing at the wild, endless forest behind them and the vast, cloudless blue sky.
She looked for a long time—and Ling Qingxiao waited just as long.
Finally, Luo Han turned back to him and said, “Let’s go.”
“Alright.”
The vortex gradually closed. The rich, verdant forest blurred into a chaotic sea of green. In the final second before she left the Middle Era, Luo Han softly bid farewell to the world.
Farewell, chaotic and brilliant ancient era. Farewell, to her mentors and friends.
At that moment in Sanqing Heaven, Xi Heng was grinding medicine for Rong Cheng when his hands suddenly paused. Rong Cheng noticed and asked knowingly, “They’ve left?”
Xi Heng said nothing and resumed grinding. Rong Cheng looked at him and gently consoled, “I know you're reluctant. But everyone has their own fate. Let it go.”
“Who's reluctant?” Xi Heng scoffed and added quickly, “We’ll meet again.”
Su Zongshi was giving instructions nearby. As he passed a tree, he suddenly stopped.
His attendant asked, puzzled, “General, what’s wrong?”
Su Zongshi looked up and saw that the Galaxy Tree they had recently transplanted had sprouted buds. He murmured to himself, “The old dies, the new is born, all part of cause and effect.”
“General, what did you say?”
“Nothing,” Su Zongshi shook his head and continued walking. “Come on, the new dynasty has just begun, the world is renewed—there’s still much to be done.”
The new court was formed cautiously under everyone’s watchful eyes. No one knew if this young regime could replace the gods and lead the immortal realm to prosperity.
Later, it went through countless trials. They made fatal mistakes, and at times were forced to make painful sacrifices. Through storm and upheaval, the court eventually endured.
Gradually, public sentiment rose for Su Zongshi to ascend as emperor. He refused at first, but after three invitations and three rejections, he finally yielded to the will of the people and accepted the imperial title.
After Su Zongshi’s coronation, he rewarded the meritorious and compiled a record of distinguished figures. When writing the list of heroes, no one dared to place a name above Ling Qingxiao’s—so Su Zongshi wrote his name first.
But strangely, after trying three brushes and even changing ink, the name simply could not be written.
Su Zongshi paused in silence and sensed the workings of fate. Ling Qingxiao was someone destined for later times. Therefore, his name could not appear in the records of the past.
Since it simply could not be written, Su Zongshi had no choice but to omit his full name and refer to him only as “the one surnamed Ling”—birthdate unknown, name unknown, background unknown. The only thing recorded was his nearly mythical military achievements.
The act of slaying a god was far too scandalous to be glorified. Thus, the two who killed the demon god could not appear in official history. The pivotal moment of the Middle Era—the slaying of the demon god that ended ten million years of war—was brushed over with just a few vague words.
“All the gods clashed on the twenty-third day of the tenth month. The sky was overcast, clouds hung low, lightning raged. Earth and heaven trembled. The Earth Empress intervened. Pangu’s spirit turned to rain, his bones and blood became the Milky Way. The boundary was set between immortals and demons. Thus, the ancient war ended, with the immortals victorious.”
The rise and fall of nations, life and death of countless souls—all reduced to a single line in the annals of history.
That night, after the heroes’ list was complete, a grand celebration was held. The Yi family, Su family, and Xiao Ze were all in attendance. Being young, Xiao Ze was well looked after by the others. Su Zongshi asked him what his future plans were.
Xiao Ze was silent for a long time at the banquet before finally saying that he wanted to change his surname to Ling.
“He is the one I admire most. He’s capable of anything, self-disciplined, sincere, and upright. His accomplishments should not be forgotten by history.”
Xiao Ze never said who he was. But everyone present knew.
Ling Qingxiao’s name couldn’t be recorded in official history. Xiao Ze feared that in a few decades, when their generation was gone, no one in the world would remember him. That future readers would think those legendary tales were just myths.
So Xiao Ze would carry on the Ling surname and his legacy. He would make sure the world would always respect that name. He would make sure that when future generations heard the name Ling, they would know the chronicles of the ancient times were real.
Su Zongshi was in a daze for a moment and agreed.
From then on, Xiao Ze changed his name to Ling Ze. Later, during the division of territories, Su Zongshi asked where he wanted his fief to be. Ling Ze thought for a moment and chose a place he thought Ling Qingxiao would have liked.
His temperament was quiet and self-disciplined—surely he’d prefer a place that was peaceful, lofty, and free from worldly disturbance. Zhongshan, nestled among the mountains and rising high into the clouds, overlooking all others, was just right.
When Ling Ze wrote the ancestral record of Zhongshan, he solemnly wrote on the first line:
“First Patriarch, Chief of the Heroes’ List — Ling Clan.”
Many years later, the heroes of the old days had all settled down and started families. Ling Ze, unable to inherit the Zhongshan patriarchal role due to his candidacy for Celestial Emperor, passed the mantle early to his son, making him the second patriarch. Yet the first patriarch of the Ling Clan remained nameless—known only by his surname.
After ascending the throne, Ling Ze looked back on his life, and the person he admired most was still Ling Qingxiao. He established the most rigorous selection system for Zhongshan—survival of the fittest, victory through merit, disregard for right or wrong. He hoped that, through this cruel system, a descendant as remarkable as Ling Qingxiao would one day emerge.
Back then, the dragon clans were not yet distant, and the great families still maintained close ties. Inspired by this, many followed suit.
Thus began a long and distant legacy, passed down for millions of years.
·
When Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao emerged from the time tunnel, they nearly fell into the ocean.
Ling Qingxiao caught Luo Han just in time. With a few steps, they landed safely on a deserted island.
As soon as Luo Han steadied herself, she immediately activated the Heavenly Dao interface. “Where are we? Did we arrive at the right place?”
Heavens, please let her not have landed in the wrong timeline again.
Ling Qingxiao surveyed their surroundings and silently sighed in relief. “We’re in Tianqi. This is the South Sea.”
In ancient times, the South Sea had been called Xiangshi. Back then, it was still a vast and lush wilderness.
Ling Qingxiao thought he wouldn’t feel anything, but the moment he returned, he realized he still held affection for this place. He had been born and raised in the Tianqi era. No matter what, he would never mistake it.
Luo Han looked at the timestamp in her interface and let out a long breath. “Perfect. We made it back. Although we’re a month late—I’d originally set our coordinates to the moment we disappeared.”
“No matter,” Ling Qingxiao said calmly. “A month is nothing. Compared to the billions of years we just passed through, it’s a negligible error. Let’s go find the Devourer Beast.”
“Alright.” Luo Han agreed easily. Before they left, she had used a sealing talisman to teleport the Devourer Beast to Fusang Island for its safety. Now that they were back, they could go retrieve it and bring it back to the Heavenly Palace.
Flying over the sea, Luo Han remarked, “I haven’t seen it in seven years. I can barely remember what it looks like. I really missed it.”
Seven years...Ling Qingxiao’s expression shifted slightly. Luo Han noticed his silence and turned to ask, “What’s wrong?”
Ling Qingxiao hesitated for a moment before replying in a tactful tone, “We spent a very long time in the Middle Era, but in Tianqi, only a month has passed. Our...age…”
Luo Han choked. She was speechless for a moment, then asked hesitantly, “So I’m...nineteen now?”
She was aging in reverse?