The days following the refusal of the Heavenly Imperial Court's envoy passed in tense silence. The Imperial Court, furious at the Empresses' audacity, had begun to prepare for more aggressive action. Behind closed doors, ministers, generals, and advisors met in secret, discussing their next move. But despite all their scheming, none could agree on how to handle the two powerful women who had dared defy them.
At the same time, the Celestial Dao Alliance, still reeling from their previous humiliation at the hands of Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin, had taken a more cautious approach. The Alliance's elders had convened in the highest chambers to discuss their next steps.
"We cannot afford another failure," Elder Mei said, her voice filled with urgency. "The Empresses have proven that they are not just legends. They are as powerful as the stories say. If we move too rashly, we risk provoking them further."
Elder Zhang, who had been the one to lead the earlier failed envoy, sighed. "I know. But our authority is being undermined. The younger disciples are beginning to lose respect for us, seeing that even the Imperial Court could not handle them. We need to act quickly before the balance of power shifts completely."
The conversation grew heated, with various faction leaders offering their own opinions on how best to approach the situation. Some suggested sending another envoy, while others believed a direct confrontation was the only way to restore their honor. However, one voice stood out above the rest.
"I say we let them come to us," a voice boomed from the back of the room. "Let them feel the pressure. If they want a challenge, we'll give them one."
The room fell silent as the members of the Celestial Dao Alliance turned to see the speaker—Mo Tianyu, the so-called "number one genius" of the Alliance, who had been humiliated in the Forgotten Celestial Valley.
Mo Tianyu's face was a mask of determination, though his pride was still clearly bruised. "I've spent enough time hiding behind the shadows. Let us confront them. If they are as powerful as the rumors say, then we must take the first strike and show them that we are not afraid."
Elder Zhang's gaze hardened. "Are you suggesting we attack them directly?"
"Why not?" Mo Tianyu replied, his voice filled with arrogance. "Let them feel the weight of the Celestial Dao Alliance. We have powerful cultivators and powerful sects backing us. We can send our strongest forces and destroy their sanctuary. They will have no choice but to bow to our might."
A murmur of agreement spread through the room, but Elder Mei was the first to speak up. "You are too reckless, Tianyu. If we strike too soon, we risk provoking them into retaliation. We must be more strategic."
But Mo Tianyu's mind was already set. "Then let me lead the charge," he said, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. "I will make them see that they cannot defy the Celestial Dao Alliance."
Elder Zhang stood slowly, his expression somber. "Very well. But remember this, Mo Tianyu: if you fail, the consequences will fall on your shoulders alone. We will not risk everything on your pride."
"I understand," Mo Tianyu replied confidently. "But I will not fail."
Meanwhile, in the Forgotten Celestial Valley, Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin were fully aware of the movements taking place outside their sanctuary. They had felt the subtle shifts in the atmosphere as factions began to react, but neither of them seemed particularly concerned. After all, this was what they had expected—when one is as powerful as they were, the world would inevitably come knocking.
The two women sat side by side on a large, ancient stone slab, watching the distant skies change colors as the sun began to set. The peaceful moment was soon broken by the sound of a distant voice.
"Well, it seems the Celestial Dao Alliance is ready to make their move," Li Yuexin remarked, a playful glint in her eyes. "Another envoy? Or are they going to come crashing down on us this time?"
Bai Qingyu's lips curled into a faint smile. "Let them come. It's been far too quiet here anyway."
Yuexin chuckled, stretching lazily. "You're so calm about this. I thought you might get bored of these little games, but you're still as icy as ever."
Bai Qingyu turned to her with a cool, piercing gaze. "I am never bored, Yuexin. You should know that by now."
Yuexin grinned, leaning closer. "Oh, I know. But there's something about watching them scramble that amuses me. They don't understand the kind of power they're dealing with."
As if on cue, the air around them began to ripple, and Bai Qingyu's gaze shifted sharply toward the horizon. A powerful energy signature was approaching—the Celestial Dao Alliance had indeed made their move. It was not an envoy this time, but an entire force—powerful cultivators ready to fight.
"They've brought their strength this time," Bai Qingyu observed, her voice calm but laced with the undeniable presence of power. "Let's see how far they're willing to go."
Li Yuexin's eyes gleamed with mischief. "How exciting."
At the edge of the Forgotten Celestial Valley, Mo Tianyu led the charge, his arrogance fueling his every step. Behind him marched a host of powerful cultivators, each one eager to prove their strength. The group moved forward with precision, their intent clear: they would crush the Empresses and show the world the might of the Celestial Dao Alliance.
Mo Tianyu raised his hand, signaling the group to halt as they reached the edge of the valley. "This is it," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. "Prepare yourselves. The legends of the Empresses end here."
However, as the group ventured deeper into the valley, the air began to change. The temperature dropped, and the familiar, oppressive feeling of power pressed down on them. It was as if the valley itself was watching, waiting.
Suddenly, the mists parted, revealing the two women standing in the clearing ahead, their figures towering over the advancing group.
Bai Qingyu's eyes locked onto Mo Tianyu, her gaze cold and calculating. "So, you've finally come," she said softly, her voice carrying an air of undeniable authority. "Tell me, did you really believe you could defeat us?"
Li Yuexin smirked, her fiery energy crackling around her. "How quaint. The so-called 'number one genius' leading a ragtag army to challenge us. How amusing."
Mo Tianyu, his face flushed with pride and anger, raised his hand to signal the attack. "For the Celestial Dao Alliance!" he shouted, and with that, the first wave of cultivators charged forward.
But before they could even take a step, a blast of ice and flame erupted from Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin, sweeping over them with overwhelming force.