Chapter 105: Assigning the Tasks

Murmuring softly in her sleep, Long Mingxi pouted gently, nestled soundly in Long Xian’er’s embrace. Her delicate, exquisite figure and charming, lovely face were framed by twelve broad, pure white wings now folded neatly. At this moment, Long Mingxi buried herself deeply into Long Xian’er’s arms, limbs entwining like an octopus’s grasp, eliciting a frown from Long Xian’er, though she could do nothing to resist.

The cultivators nearby quietly found the scene amusing, yet none dared laugh aloud—after all, Long Xian’er’s power was far too formidable for them.

Leng Bingyan also observed the situation with a sense of accomplishment. It seemed these two “maids” had been chosen well; the days ahead would no longer be lonely.

At that moment, the group was on the path toward the realm of cultivation. “Yes, this is it,” Qingxu halted and whispered, “This is where the portal to the cultivation world lies.” With that, he made a series of intricate hand gestures. As he finished, the space before them rumbled open, and a dense flow of heavenly spiritual energy drifted out from the other side. Its purity was at least ten times that of the outside world, meaning that one day of cultivation inside equated to ten days in the mundane realm—a remarkably significant effect.

Qingxu made a polite gesture, inviting Leng Bingyan to enter first. Leng Bingyan nodded silently, saying nothing—after all, it was only fitting for one of his cultivation level to act accordingly.

As he stepped through the portal, Leng Bingyan suddenly halted. The others, puzzled, were about to inquire when a violet aura enveloped him. Moments later, the aura dissipated, revealing not the man they knew, but an entirely different figure.

A cascade of silky hair shimmered faintly with purple hues, delicate curved brows softening the face, eyes bright and deep like a tranquil pool of stars. A refined, fair, petite nose and a flawless, jade-like complexion accompanied a slender, enchanting figure—an ethereal beauty rare in this world. Even celestial maidens descended from the heavens might pale in comparison. This was Leng Bingyan’s feathered form.

Everyone stared in astonishment—not simply because he had transformed into a woman, for countless mystical arts could conceal one’s true gender. Naturally, they assumed Leng Bingyan was originally female, merely disguising himself as a boy through some artifice. What astounded them was her beauty—such a stunning visage seemed almost otherworldly. As the saying goes, even Buddhas might wish to return to the mortal realm!

Long Xian’er’s eyes flickered briefly before regaining calm. A female Immortal Emperor was indeed rare. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief, tinged with a slight sense of disappointment. Yet a female Immortal Emperor would make their interactions feel less alien.

A pair of curious eyes never left Leng Bingyan. Unbeknownst to all, Long Mingxi had awakened sometime ago, her gaze fixed intently on the transformed figure, whispering to herself, “Such a beautiful elder sister!”

Leng Bingyan’s transformation into this feathered form was purposeful. The destination—the cultivation world—was home to a certain Han clan.

This Han clan was not the one from Leng Bingyan’s origin in the mundane world, but a separate entity known as the “Thirteen Courts of the Han Clan.” Both shared a common trait: their clan heads were named Han Liang—Leng Bingyan’s grandmother.

The mundane world’s Han clan was merely a branch, or a lower tier. When a member of this branch reached a heavenly-level master—known in martial arts as the Heavenly Realm, or the Fusion Stage in cultivation—they could journey to the cultivation world and join the Thirteen Courts.

These courts numbered thirteen, each overseen by a court lord responsible for its operations. The courts were the martial arm of the Han clan’s leadership and collectively formed the clan’s protective force, also known as the Han Clan’s Thirteen Protector Courts.

The existence of the Thirteen Courts was a closely guarded secret in the mundane world. Only the clan head knew of them, and the true strength of this leader remained a mystery—though it was certainly formidable.

Having severed ties with the Han clan, Leng Bingyan wished to avoid recognition. The only person in the cultivation world who might recognize her was Han Liang. Thus, assuming a female form was a prudent choice. Despite the strong resemblance to Han Bingran, at most people would only remark on their similarity, never suspecting the girl was actually Leng Bingyan.

After all, upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage, one could refine and alter their appearance.

Stepping through the portal, Leng Bingyan understood she had entered a wholly different world.

The cultivation world was divided into nine regions: Southeast Divine Continent, called Chen Earth; Due South Ang Continent, known as Shen Earth; Southwest Rong Continent, Tao Earth; Due West Yan Continent, Kai Earth; Central Ji Continent, Bai Earth; Northwest Zhu Continent, Fei Earth; North Xuan Continent, Cheng Earth; Northeast Xian Continent, Yin Earth; and Due East Yang Continent, Xin Earth. This division mirrored the Nine Provinces of the mundane world’s Huaxia, bearing a curious resemblance.

Among these, the orthodox Taoist Jade Void Palace occupied the Southeast Divine Continent—Chen Earth; the Northwest Zhu Continent was the domain of the Chaotic Demon Sect—Fei Earth; the Due South Ang Continent was the ancestral home of the ancient Lingfeng tribe; neighboring that, the Southwest Rong Continent housed the divine Dragon clan; the North Xuan Continent was home to the Han Clan’s Thirteen Courts; while the remaining regions—Yan, Ji, Xian, and Yang Continents—were the seats of other cultivation sects and scattered cultivators.

The group swiftly flew onward, soon arriving at the Jade Void Palace’s training grounds. The grand main gate stood imposingly, its vermilion doors radiating majestic aura befitting the orthodox lineage.

Qingxu led them inside. Fortunately, the palace’s vastness was staggering, more than enough to accommodate their numbers.

In the reception hall, Qingxu and his seven disciples bid everyone to sit. Leng Bingyan showed little expression, quietly assessing the surroundings; Long Xian’er did the same, while Long Mingxi’s eyes roved with bright curiosity, her delicate hands fidgeting here and there. The others present were sect leaders and influential figures from various cultivation schools.

Neither the Han Clan’s Thirteen Courts, nor the Lingfeng or Dragon clans had come; they remained concealed in the woods, generally abstaining from external affairs.

The head of the Chaotic Demon Sect was the first to speak: “May I inquire what matter the revered immortal wishes to discuss?”

At those words, all ears perked up, anxious not to miss a single detail.

Seeing their eagerness, Leng Bingyan glanced at the two women beside her, who also bore expressions of intense curiosity. Long Mingxi blinked rapidly, making Bingyan wonder just how young she truly was, given the stark shifts she’d witnessed. Clearing her throat, she began:

“This matter concerns a series of recent disasters on Earth, as well as the scarcity of spiritual energy.”

Though cultivators were often detached from the mundane world, they were aware of recent calamities. Yet the connection to spiritual energy remained unclear.

A sect leader rose and asked, “What is the link between these disasters and the spiritual energy?”

“Indeed, there is a connection,” Leng Bingyan replied. Her statement sparked murmurs among the assembly, prompting her to raise a hand for silence. She relished playing the role of a seasoned leader—after all, she enjoyed the taste of power.

“Have you all noticed that Earth’s spiritual energy has grown stronger than before?” Her words awakened a sudden realization; indeed, the concentration of spiritual energy had increased by at least three tiers.

“In ancient times, the Huaxia land was abundant in spiritual energy. But since the shattering of the Nine Provinces’ barrier, the energy began to dissipate. Now, its scarcity is alarming, severely hindering cultivators’ progress. Previously, one could cultivate from Enlightenment to the Great Perfection stage, then ascend to immortality within two thousand years. Now, even four thousand years may not suffice for ascension.”

At this, the cultivators’ faces darkened. They had trained for over a millennium, many reaching the Consolidation Stage or even the Tribulation Crossing stage, yet none had attained the Great Perfection. Was this not evidence enough?

“But do not worry,” Leng Bingyan continued, pausing for effect. Seeing their disbelief and excitement, she added, “The recent restoration of spiritual energy is proof that progress is underway. I can tell you that the Huaxia spiritual veins are regenerating, but these veins contain immense power. Their restoration inevitably shifts the earth’s equilibrium points, creating new balances—and thus, one disaster follows another.”

“Of course, although spiritual energy is becoming abundant again, we must preserve it. If it disperses anew, all efforts will be in vain.”

The group nodded in agreement.

“That is why I intend to gather the Nine Divine Dragon Cauldrons to harness their power and reestablish the Nine Provinces’ barrier,” she sighed. “Regrettably, three of these cauldrons remain unfound.”

A gleam of hope flashed in the cultivators’ eyes, as visions of easier cultivation in the near future stirred their hearts. Yet when Bingyan mentioned the missing cauldrons, their hopes dimmed somewhat. “How may we assist you, revered immortal?”

After some thought, Leng Bingyan replied, “First, help in searching for the Divine Dragon Cauldrons. Secondly, restoring the Nine Provinces’ barrier requires myriad formation arrays, each needing array eyes energized by special items. I do not expect many to part with their treasures, so I will personally forge the necessary artifacts. You need only estimate how much raw material you can provide.”

Her words were shrewd. If raw materials were truly needed, her storage ring held ample supplies, with plenty left over. But those were her possessions, and she was not foolish enough to squander them when others could be tapped instead.

The cultivators understood the immense scale of reestablishing the Nine Provinces’ barrier. The number of artifacts required as array eyes would be astronomical. Although treasures were scarce in the cultivation world, pooling their resources could yield sufficient raw materials. Nodding, the sect leaders agreed to contribute.

Leng Bingyan was satisfied with this outcome.

Then, with a serious expression, she declared, “Since these matters are settled, let me address the crucial issue.”

“Reestablishing the Nine Provinces’ barrier cannot be done by me alone!” Seeing their surprise, she added, “The formations are complex and numerous, with countless array eyes. Coordinating the placement of artifacts as array eyes is beyond one person’s capability. Therefore, I hope no one withholds their efforts. Those able to contribute should do so, and the responsibility of arranging the array eyes will fall to you, leading your respective cultivators.”

Now understanding the scope of the task, the group relaxed, grateful it lay within their capabilities. Several sect leaders readily pledged their support.