Chapter Sixty-Six: The Great Shattering of the Ninefold Cosmos Formation (Part 3)

Not far from the summit of the Nine Tribes, within a thousand-mile radius, the chaos of war had already far exceeded the Great Elder of Qingqiu's expectations. At this critical juncture, the sorceress Jialuo from the Seven Stars Tower had come to aid in the expansion of the conflict. Of all the tribes, only two still resisted, refusing to surrender; they fought with their last breath, pinning their hopes on the return of Empress Susu to save them.

Thus, with the sorceress Jialuo’s assistance, the Lion King of the Yangyi led fifty thousand soldiers as if divinely inspired, splitting his forces into five routes to defeat five other tribes despite being outnumbered, achieving great victories and a surge in morale. Yet, because the Yangyi army was divided, the entire force was still awaiting the convergence of their five divisions at Qingqiu. This, in turn, allowed the Great Elder to secretly gather much intelligence.

Days passed in mounting anxiety. Now, the only option was to await the Empress’s return. The Great Elder placed all his hopes on Susu, trusting she would inherit the legacy of the White Emperor and save the Nine Tribes at this moment of life and death. The tribe’s survival depended on her alone.

As Susu and Haodan approached Qingqiu, they could already sense a thick, overwhelming stench of blood. The Qingqiu mountains lay just ahead, shrouded in a dark crimson mist that rendered the sky oppressive and ominous. Both stopped in their tracks, taken aback by the scene.

This was not a moment for brute force or hasty assault. The Lion King had already seized the advantage of terrain, and, with the other five tribes subdued, a reckless attack from Susu would not only fail to capture the Lion King but might give him cause to use the conquered tribes as hostages. Such a situation would only end in mutual destruction, a scenario Susu wished to avoid.

In the chaos of civil war, countless innocents would surely die. As sovereign, Susu ached to rush to Qingqiu and slay the Lion King, but for the greater good, she had to wait with Haodan for the Great Elder’s return. They had arranged to meet at Tongxia Peak several days before, and now, by calculation, the Great Elder should soon arrive.

Meanwhile, in the grand hall of Qingqiu, the Lion King luxuriated in imperial comforts. To build this palace, he had mobilized ten thousand troops, completing construction within three days—a feat rivaling King Xia, who had once finished a palace in three days just to win a beauty’s smile.

Outside the hall, crowds surged. The Great Elder, hidden in the throng, recognized the perfect opportunity. Suppressing his fury, he withdrew silently.

Soon after, Great Elder Su Qianshu returned to Tongxia Peak. Excessively cautious, he heard movement inside the cave and slipped in quietly, only to be blocked at the entrance by two figures.

“Great Elder! How have you been these days?”

Such a familiar voice—could it be?

“Su Qianshu humbly welcomes the return of the Empress!”

Kneeling immediately, the Great Elder was swiftly helped to his feet by Susu.

“There's no need for such formality, Great Elder. How fares the war within the tribe?”

Su Qianshu glanced at Susu, then at the unfamiliar face of Haodan, uncertain how to answer. “This... this young man looks remarkably familiar.”

Susu, covering her smile, replied, “This is His Majesty, Donghuang Taiyi of our clan.”

“No need for such courtesy, elder. I have yet to awaken and am still in my reincarnated form,” Haodan said, cutting off the Great Elder before he could bow.

Su Qianshu replied respectfully, “Even in reincarnation, Your Majesty is still the ancestor of our clan. Please, allow me to pay my respects!”

“Please, there’s no need!” Haodan’s identity was too sensitive, and in the constant shifting of circumstances, he struggled to find his place, burdened by the weight of being Donghuang Taiyi reborn.

Seeing Haodan’s humility, Susu, understanding the situation, quickly supported the Great Elder, and the three entered the heart of Tongxia Peak together.

Once inside, Susu asked, “Great Elder, what is the current state of the war? We must devise a strategy against the Yangyi.”

The Great Elder responded, “The situation is at a stalemate. Though the Lion King has subdued the five northern tribes, with Your Majesty's absence, the Baiyi and Fengyi continue to resist his three hundred thousand troops. Qingqiu has long been under his control. With the Seven Stars Tower sorceress’s help, I fear that within ten days, Baiyi and Fengyi will also fall.”

“But the good fortune is that you have returned, Empress. Have you gained anything from your journey?”

Susu replied modestly, “By good fortune, I have inherited the legacy of the White Emperor and absorbed his core, increasing my cultivation to five hundred years. Facing the Lion King or even the sorceress of the Seven Stars Tower, I am confident.”

“And if I join the fight, what are our chances of victory?”

At that moment, a calm voice rang out. Dressed all in pure white, untouched by dust, Su Moran arrived silently. Haodan seemed prepared for this; the two exchanged a knowing smile.

For the Great Elder, seeing Su Moran was an overwhelming surprise. Decades had passed since Su Moran had gone to sea to study under a master. Now, their reunion was nothing like he had imagined.

“You... is it really you, Twelve?” The Great Elder was overcome, tears streaming down his face.

The always reserved Su Moran revealed a rare, awkward smile—caught between laughing and crying, an expression so beautiful and contradictory it had never appeared on his face before.

Su Moran and the Great Elder gazed at each other for a long time. “Great Elder!” he trembled.

“My child—you’re home, that’s all that matters!”

But in those few moments of reunion, a commotion arose outside. Countless troops seemed to be converging on the mountain. The Great Elder immediately crouched, placing a hand to the ground—he sensed numerous enemy forces rapidly encircling Tongxia Peak.

“Empress, I am to blame! The Lion King must have discovered our hiding place and followed me here.”

The Great Elder realized too late that his return had fallen into the Lion King’s trap—a classic “release the tiger to the mountain, lure the snake from its hole.”

“There’s no need for self-reproach, Great Elder. The situation is upon us. We are few, and the Lion King has the sorceress’s aid. Even if the four of us could slay the Lion King, we would struggle against the sorceress, rumored to be the most powerful of the Seven Stars Tower, rivaling even the Grand Diviner. Meanwhile, our two chieftains are still facing off against his three hundred thousand troops. Even if I capture the Lion King, it cannot reverse our fortunes entirely.”

Haodan, arms crossed, added, “Because our true opponent is not the Lion King, but the mysterious sorceress Jialuo.”

Su Moran, erudite as ever, analyzed the situation. “Indeed. Moreover, the chaos among the Yangyi has long been the Seven Stars Tower’s conspiracy. At this crucial moment, it is unlikely that Jialuo acts alone; there may be many sorceresses aiding her. Unaware of the enemy’s strength, we are as fish in a barrel, helpless to resist.”

The Great Elder stroked his beard, nodding anxiously. “Twelve, how many rounds could you hold against Jialuo? She is skilled in mental manipulation; a single misstep and you become her puppet. If we face her, the Empress is at a disadvantage. But if you can engage her, giving the Empress time, perhaps we might break through and change our fate!”

Su Moran, expecting this, replied, “If it’s a contest of sorcery, I can delay her, but if it drags on, I may be defeated. Jialuo is said to be a descendant of the great shamans, her arts surpassing all others. She has many tricks we’ve never seen.”

“Therefore, Thirteen must strike swiftly! Once the Lion King is dead, we can gauge the sorceress’s intentions. If she withdraws, we need not pursue; we need only control the field and rally our people.”

The Great Elder said, “Twelve’s plan is sound, but there’s no time—the mountain is surrounded. We must act separately. I will accompany you, Twelve, to confront the sorceress.”

“Empress, Your Majesty, strike quickly!” he said to Susu and Haodan.

Haodan replied, “I will aid Susu with all my strength. Please, rest assured.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. We’ll go ahead.” With that, the Great Elder and Su Moran slipped away. Inside the cave, Susu and Haodan exchanged glances.

“Your Majesty, I have a plan, but I’ll need your full cooperation,” Susu said.

“Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Outside Tongxia Peak, the Yangyi army was already upon them, the solitary mountain surrounded by a sea of soldiers, led by the imperious Lion King He Qilie, who had come with overwhelming force.

“I, the king, have come! Let the Empress of our tribe show herself!” His roar was characteristic—loud and domineering.

Susu and Haodan stood side by side atop the peak. Susu looked down at the Lion King, a mocking smile on her lips. “Lion King of the Yangyi, what a grand display! Why have I never seen such bluster before?”

The Lion King’s face darkened. “You sharp-tongued little brat! Don’t think inheriting the throne makes you Empress of the Nine Tribes. If not for my support in those days, you would never have succeeded. And remember, I am your uncle. Is this how you show respect to your elders?”

“Then, Uncle Lion King, have you come with such pomp to pledge your loyalty and welcome your Empress back to the palace?” Her words dripped with sarcasm.

“Little Thirteen, let me be frank. I’m here to urge your surrender. The Nine Tribes are one by blood. Yield, and I promise you a place above all but one in the tribe. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll be treated well.”

“Oh my, Uncle, where does your confidence come from? What have you experienced to make you so inflated? I’m really, truly, quite curious.”

Susu’s playful mockery made her all the more charming, even catching Haodan off guard—he’d never seen her so lively and mischievous.

Haodan couldn't help but chuckle.

Standing high on the cliff, the two gazed down at the vast army below. Susu’s words caused a stir among the ranks; the Lion King’s face turned from green to white with rage.

“You… you… you!” He Qilie was at a loss for words.

“You’re only bold because of that foreign sorceress from the Seven Stars Tower. If it were just you, would you dare face me?”

“I ask again, Uncle—do you dare?”

Haodan quickly realized Susu’s intention. She was baiting the Lion King to reveal the sorceress’s whereabouts and signaling their position to Su Moran and the Great Elder. More importantly, she aimed to provoke the Lion King into a public duel; if she could defeat him in sight of all, the aftermath would be easily managed.

Now it remained to be seen if the Lion King could keep his composure. If he lost his temper, Susu would have him right where she wanted.

Perhaps the Lion King had already lost the match, provoking the hidden sorceress Jialuo’s displeasure. From the dense ranks, a woman in a black cloak and bamboo hat stepped forward, whispering a few words to the Lion King, who forcibly suppressed his anger.

He Qilie gritted his teeth. “You sharp-tongued brat! Today, I’ll show no mercy for family ties!”

“Eight Lion Generals, seize the traitorous Empress! I want her alive!” he commanded.

Eight burly figures advanced from the ranks, determined to capture Susu and Haodan.

With that, the Lion King turned to leave with the sorceress.

Susu’s mocking smile only deepened. “I knew you wouldn’t dare face me, you cowardly lion of an uncle!”

“Sharp-tongued brat, dare you repeat that?” The Lion King, halfway gone, could endure no more.

At that moment, the sorceress leapt from her mount, raised a hand, and sent a blade of wind slashing through the air at Susu and Haodan.

Haodan, prepared, leapt up, spinning in midair to disperse the wind blade with a kick, blocking the attack.

“I knew you were suspicious, black-clad one. You’re from the Seven Stars Tower, aren’t you?” Haodan, hovering with celestial power, looked down at the sorceress.

“And if I am?” she replied.

With that, the sorceress lifted her hat, revealing a face of flawless beauty—enchanting, peerless.

“You… this… impossible…” Haodan and Susu were stunned, unable to hide their shock. This face was all too familiar.

What would happen next? The story continues.