The news of the return of the Divine Frost Empress and the Everlasting Flame Sovereign had spread far beyond the borders of the Celestial Dao Alliance. Whispers filled the air like wildfire, reaching the ears of all who held power in the cultivation world. The sects, once secure in their control, now found themselves teetering on the edge of uncertainty.
In the grand imperial palace, a meeting was being held in the highest chambers, deep within the inner sanctum. The Emperor of the Heavenly Imperial Court, a man whose face was hardened by years of ruling, sat at the head of a long, ornate table. His advisors stood around him, each one bearing a concerned expression as they discussed the growing threat that loomed over them.
"Your Majesty, the Celestial Dao Alliance has confirmed the reports," Lord Zhang, the Emperor's most trusted advisor, said gravely. "The women in question are indeed the Divine Frost Empress and the Everlasting Flame Sovereign. They are not mere legends; they have returned."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information. He had been prepared for many challenges during his reign, but this was unlike anything he had ever faced. The Empresses were not just powerful— they were symbols of an age long past, a time when the world had trembled at their feet.
"And what of their intentions?" the Emperor asked, his voice tinged with unease. "Have they expressed any desire to regain power?"
Lord Zhang shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. They seem uninterested in participating in the world's politics. In fact, they have made it clear that they have no interest in any alliances or confrontations. They only wish to be left in peace."
"And yet," the Emperor's voice grew colder, "their very existence disrupts the balance. We cannot allow two such forces to exist unchecked."
A murmur ran through the room as the Emperor's ministers exchanged uneasy glances. The Empresses had once ruled the heavens, their power unrivaled. The very idea of them returning now filled the room with tension. No one could predict what they would do—or what would happen if they were to become involved in the world's politics once more.
"I propose a show of strength," General Wu, the leader of the Heavenly Imperial Army, spoke up. His voice was firm and resolute. "We should send a delegation to them—offer a formal greeting. Perhaps an offering of goodwill to ensure they do not turn against the Imperial Court."
The Emperor's gaze hardened. "A show of strength, you say? How? They have already shown us that they are beyond our reach. If they wanted, they could have destroyed the entire Celestial Dao Alliance without lifting a finger."
General Wu's expression faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. "But we cannot afford to appear weak, Your Majesty. A display of courtesy and respect may be enough to gauge their intentions."
The Emperor was silent for a long moment, his eyes distant. Finally, he spoke, his voice like the rumble of thunder.
"Send a delegation," he ordered. "But I want you to be clear. We are not offering them a seat at the table. We are not asking for their allegiance. We are making it known that we will not tolerate anyone threatening the stability of our court."
Lord Zhang nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty. We will send our finest envoy. But if they refuse..."
"If they refuse," the Emperor interrupted, "we will have no choice but to take further action. But I do not expect it to come to that. If they want peace, we will give them peace. But if they seek to disrupt the balance of power..." He let the words hang in the air, a clear warning.
Meanwhile, back in the Forgotten Celestial Valley, Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin were once again enjoying the tranquility of their secluded lives. The valley was peaceful as ever, with the sounds of nature surrounding them. Yet they both knew that this calm would not last forever.
Sitting beneath a massive tree, Li Yuexin stretched lazily, her fiery energy crackling around her as she glanced over at Bai Qingyu. "So, what do you think? The Imperial Court is probably sending some envoys to us. A show of 'goodwill,' I'm sure."
Bai Qingyu's lips curled into a small, icy smile. "Let them come. The Heavenly Imperial Court is no match for us, and they know it. They'll try to test our patience."
Yuexin grinned. "Test our patience? Please. I'm already bored. They're going to have to do something more exciting than send some envoy with a message."
Bai Qingyu raised an eyebrow. "You want excitement? Are you sure you're not just looking for trouble?"
Yuexin pouted playfully. "Maybe. But it's been so dull around here. I almost miss the old days, when we could burn entire sects to the ground just for fun."
Bai Qingyu chuckled, though there was a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "We've been retired for a long time. Perhaps we should stay out of the world's troubles for now."
"But it's so boring," Yuexin whined, "and besides, you know that once they send their envoy, they'll want something from us. They'll come, expecting us to bow to them, and when we don't, they'll try to force our hand."
"I won't be bowing to anyone," Bai Qingyu said coldly, her expression hardening.
Yuexin smirked. "Neither will I. We've earned the right to do whatever we want. If they want trouble, they'll get it."
As the two of them sat in their quiet corner of the valley, the world beyond was beginning to stir. The Imperial Court was taking its first steps toward confronting the Empresses. The Celestial Dao Alliance was still reeling from the encounter, and the Demonic Abyss League, ever opportunistic, was watching closely, ready to exploit any weakness.
But for now, Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin were content. They would not be drawn into the games of the world—at least not yet. The world would come to them, and when it did, they would remind everyone why the heavens themselves had once trembled at their feet.