The return of the gods to the ruins—was it all a lie?
At this moment, Meng Qingzhou was deeply suspicious. Otherwise, he couldn't explain the unexpected situation unfolding before him.
"You are quite remarkable. Throughout ancient and modern times, few have earned my praise. You and I will meet again."
The young god in black whispered softly, then transformed into countless stars, returning to the vast sea of the Heavenly Tribulation.
It took a long while for Meng Qingzhou to regain his composure.
"Suddenly, breaking through to the Morning Glow Realm doesn't seem that impressive," Meng Qingzhou muttered, feeling a sense of ennui. He stepped across the sea of the Heavenly Tribulation, heading straight for the ancient Heavenly Court.
Countless celestial soldiers and generals charged out from the ancient Heavenly Court, their battle cries shaking the heavens.
Having slain nine young gods, Meng Qingzhou reaped immense benefits. Not only did his swordsmanship become more refined, but he also directly broke through to the Morning Glow Realm!
"With each Heavenly Tribulation creature I kill, my realm solidifies. If I can conquer the ancient Heavenly Court, my path should be flawless."
"This will be immensely beneficial for the future."
With his heart ablaze, Meng Qingzhou hesitated no longer and charged into the ancient Heavenly Court.
Half a day later.
Meng Qingzhou, covered in wounds, dragged his heavy body, leaning on the broken Cicada Song sword, leaving bloody footprints with each step as he returned from the void.
Behind him, the boundless sea of the Heavenly Tribulation broke its banks, and the shadow of the ancient Heavenly Court collapsed, creating a spectacular scene.
But Meng Qingzhou didn't look back. It wasn't that he was trying to put on a show; he was simply too exhausted to remain conscious.
If not for his sheer willpower, forcing himself to return, he would have likely drifted into an alternate space by now.
"Finally, I've crossed the tribulation and achieved the Morning Glow Realm."
Meng Qingzhou grinned, but his smile was weary.
[Ding, congratulations to the host for breaking through to the Morning Glow Realm, receiving an additional reward…]
[Alliance Leader's Order: Create and expand your faction. Any member who dares to betray the alliance leader will face eternal punishment!]
[Faction Members: 1]
[Influence: 0]
Meng Qingzhou murmured to himself, "It's like getting a pillow when you're sleepy…"
With that, Meng Qingzhou could no longer hold on and fell into a deep sleep, crashing straight to the ground.
…
…
Present Village, Green Tiles Small House.
The Empress saw Meng Qingzhou returning from battle, looking like a war god descending. Her eyes were filled with nothing but concern, and she was about to rush forward regardless of everything.
Suddenly.
An unexpected change occurred!
A figure crossed the void ahead of her, catching Meng Qingzhou mid-air.
"Qiong!?" Dongfang Liuli halted, her eyes turning cold.
"What do you think you're doing!?"
Sister Qiong's golden eyes flashed with madness, her red lips curling into a sneer. "Dongfang Liuli, we've been playing this game of house for so long that you've forgotten we're competitors, not friends."
"If it weren't for the Heavenly Dao oath, you would have been dead the moment I learned of the Sword Saint master's identity."
Dongfang Liuli coldly replied, "How coincidental. You and I think alike. If not for the Heavenly Dao oath, I would have long led my army to pacify the Ancient Divine City and captured you, this undying wretch."
"How could I let you freely enter and leave the palace, baring your fangs in front of me?"
Sister Qiong's slender jade hand gently caressed Meng Qingzhou's cheek, her nose close to his neck, taking a deep breath as if inhaling celestial energy, letting out a coquettish moan of pleasure.
"Since we've torn off the masks, I won't tolerate it any longer."
"Dongfang Liuli, open your eyes wide and see clearly! Look at how badly injured the master is! For you, he has repeatedly risked his life! Swept away by spatial turbulence during his birthday banquet, and now risking everything to break through."
"If you truly love him, let him go. Don't let the master continue to take risks. If you don't feel for him, I do!"
Sister Qiong's eyes turned blood-red, her voice icy, her killing intent undisguised. "I've endured enough. Day and night, I've wanted to take the master away. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
"Dongfang Liuli, spend the rest of your life in regret."
Dongfang Liuli rose into the air, facing Sister Qiong without retreating a step.
Behind her, the cultivators of Great Jin gathered, the army forming a neat formation, glaring at Sister Qiong.
"What, you think you can leave?"
Dongfang Liuli's heart ached as if cut by a knife. She felt guilty, which was why she risked her life to break the seal on her divine soul, starting a countdown to life and death.
She could no longer bear to see Meng Qingzhou repeat today's ordeal.
But as an emperor, she couldn't express her emotions in front of her soldiers, nor show any weakness before the enemy.
"Let go of Qingzhou, and I promise you can leave the Imperial Capital safely and never invade the Ancient Divine City again."
In the end, Dongfang Liuli made a concession.
She was afraid, afraid that this madwoman who had been lonely for thirty thousand years might accidentally harm Meng Qingzhou. Even if the possibility was slim, she didn't dare to take the risk.
"Do you underestimate me?" Sister Qiong held Meng Qingzhou tightly, as if wanting to merge him into her body, never to be separated. Her face was as beautiful as a flower, her eyes dreamy like water, her breath hot as she nuzzled against Meng Qingzhou, greedily inhaling his intoxicating scent.
Dongfang Liuli watched this scene, her hands clenched into fists, her body trembling, her teeth biting her red lips hard.
"You… let him go…"
Sister Qiong, holding Meng Qingzhou in a princess carry, chuckled, "Beg me."
"Beg…" Dongfang Liuli's heart bled, her voice trembling, about to speak.
"Your Majesty, no!" Wu Die hurriedly interrupted, reminding her:
"The Lord of the Ancient Divine City has always coveted the Empress' Husband. She won't let him go easily. She's taking revenge on you!"
Dongfang Liuli smiled bitterly.
How could she not understand Sister Qiong's nature? She had spent her life searching for the Space-Time Sword Saint, seeing Meng Qingzhou as her lifelong pursuit. How could she give up her thirty-thousand-year wish with just a plea?
"But this is my deserved retribution, for deceiving and hiding, for letting Qingzhou face danger alone multiple times…"
"Sister Qiong is taking revenge for the troubles and dangers I brought to Qingzhou."
Wu Die, anxious, gathered her courage to advise:
"Your Majesty, you are too concerned to think clearly. Think about it differently. The Lord of the Ancient Divine City values the Empress' Husband and won't harm him. Since that's the case, why not just take him back! This is the capital of Great Jin. Even if she is a god, she must be executed!"
Sister Qiong looked at Wu Die, her eyes narrowing, a sickly smile blooming on her face, beautiful yet sinister, as she said:
"Smart little girl, but have you overlooked something?"
"Everyone knows I'm a god born thousands of years ago. Do you think I wouldn't have thought of such a simple logic?"
"The moment I acted, I had already made all the necessary preparations."
Sister Qiong smiled serenely, saying, "Today, no one can stop me from taking the master away."
"The only reason I'm willing to stay and chat with you is to take revenge on Dongfang Liuli."
Not only to vent her anger for Meng Qingzhou.
But also, in part, for herself. Ever since she followed Meng Qingzhou into the Imperial Capital of Great Jin, she had lived like a mere background character, powerlessly watching the Empress and the Empress' Husband live lovingly, while she could only stay humbly on the side, silently watching, unable to intervene due to the Heavenly Dao oath.
Finally, with Meng Qingzhou unconscious, she had the chance to take him away. How could she leave so easily? She wanted Dongfang Liuli to feel the heartbreak she had endured for so many days!
…
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