The days in the Forgotten Celestial Valley passed by like a gentle stream, serene and undisturbed. Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin continued their quiet lives, indulging in the rare peace that only their secluded existence could offer. However, as the rumors of their return spread far and wide, it was clear that this peace could not last forever.
In the heart of the Celestial Dao Alliance's main sect, an emergency meeting was called by the elders, who had received reports of the recent encounter with the mysterious figures in the valley. The young cultivators who had returned from the valley were shaken, their spirits crushed by the overwhelming power of the women they had encountered. The higher-ups knew that this was no mere coincidence. The two figures were far too powerful and far too legendary to ignore.
"Is it really them?" Elder Zhang, the leader of the Celestial Dao Alliance, asked, his voice thick with disbelief. "The Divine Frost Empress and the Everlasting Flame Sovereign?"
"I fear it is," replied Elder Mei, an elder with a solemn expression. "The young ones reported that the women possessed powers beyond comprehension. They were not defeated by mere mortals. They spoke with the confidence of those who had seen countless years pass."
Elder Zhang's hands tightened around the armrests of his chair. "But they disappeared long ago. How is it possible for them to return now? And why would they come back after so many years of silence?"
"We don't know," Elder Mei said quietly. "But we must be prepared. If they are truly the Empresses, we cannot afford to underestimate them. Their return could shake the very foundation of our sect."
The council room fell silent as the elders exchanged worried glances. The Celestial Dao Alliance, despite its power, was no match for the might of the Empresses. The only question was how to deal with them—and whether it would be better to try and form an alliance or prepare for an inevitable confrontation.
Meanwhile, deep in the Forgotten Celestial Valley, Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin were lounging beneath the shade of a massive tree. The soft rustling of the leaves and the chirping of birds filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere that was in stark contrast to the storm brewing in the world outside.
Yuexin stretched lazily, her fiery energy sparking around her as she leaned back. "I'm bored," she declared, looking over at Qingyu. "Don't you think it's about time we did something interesting?"
Bai Qingyu, who had been gazing out at the horizon, turned to look at her with a faint smile. "What would you suggest?"
"I don't know..." Yuexin tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Maybe we could go scare some arrogant young masters again. It's been too long since we had some fun."
Bai Qingyu chuckled, the sound as cold as the wind. "You're insufferable."
Yuexin grinned. "But you love me anyway."
Bai Qingyu gave her a sidelong glance but said nothing more. Instead, her attention shifted when a sudden ripple of energy filled the air. Her sharp senses tingled, and she stood up, her icy blue eyes narrowing.
"They're coming," Bai Qingyu said softly, her voice calm but full of authority.
"Who?" Yuexin asked, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.
Bai Qingyu's lips curled into a cold smile. "It seems we have visitors. Perhaps someone has finally decided to pay us a visit."
As she spoke, the air around them grew still, the silence broken only by the distant sound of footsteps approaching. The moment was thick with tension as Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin stood, their powerful presence a stark contrast to the fragile peace they had cultivated.
Before long, a group of envoys from the Celestial Dao Alliance appeared at the edge of the valley. They were led by a tall, imposing figure, a middle-aged man whose robes marked him as an elder of the sect. His name was Elder Bai, a man known for his sharp intellect and his status as one of the Celestial Dao Alliance's most trusted advisors. He had come with a simple message: an invitation.
"You are invited to the Celestial Dao Alliance's headquarters, honored ones," Elder Bai said with a respectful bow, his voice low and measured. "The sect wishes to extend an invitation to both of you. We would be honored to have you join us once more. Your return has been... noticed by many."
Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin exchanged a glance, the subtle communication between them clear. Yuexin's lips quirked into a smile, but it wasn't one of warmth. "How polite," she remarked, her voice dripping with amusement. "An invitation, from the Celestial Dao Alliance, no less."
Bai Qingyu's expression remained cold, her eyes calculating as she observed the group before her. "Tell your sect," she said, her tone icy and calm, "that we have no interest in their invitations. We are not interested in returning to their petty politics."
Elder Bai's eyes widened slightly at her response, but he quickly masked his surprise. He had expected resistance, but not so bluntly. "I understand, honored ones," he said, trying to maintain his composure. "But... I must remind you that your presence has... stirred things up. The Heavenly Imperial Court, the Demonic Abyss League, and many others are already aware of your return."
"So?" Yuexin asked with a playful grin. "Let them come. I'm sure they'll find it... enlightening."
Bai Qingyu's gaze was sharp. "Tell your sect to mind their own affairs," she said coldly. "We have no intention of getting involved in their power struggles. Let them squabble amongst themselves."
Elder Bai hesitated, clearly taken aback by their refusal. He had hoped for a more diplomatic approach, but it seemed the Empresses were not interested in diplomacy. He bowed again, more deeply this time, as a sign of respect.
"I will convey your message," he said, before turning to leave with his group of envoys.
As they departed, Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin exchanged knowing looks. They both knew that this encounter was only the beginning. The world would soon come to realize that they were back—and when it did, no one would be able to ignore them.
Yuexin stretched again, her fiery energy crackling around her. "Well, that was fun," she said, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "But I'm getting bored again. Shall we go stir up some trouble?"
Bai Qingyu smiled faintly. "Patience," she said. "Let them come. We'll deal with them in due time."
For now, though, they had all the time in the world. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, the world outside was beginning to shift, and the Empresses were once again at the center of it all.