The remnants of the battle faded into the stillness of the forest, and the air grew calm again. Tianyang, with a flick of his wrist, sheathed his high legendary-grade Yin-Yang Sword, and turned to the crown princess, his gaze calm but filled with intrigue. "Let's discuss your reward," he said with a subtle smile.
The princess, still catching her breath from the earlier fight, straightened herself. Her royal demeanor returned as she introduced herself once more, her voice carrying a regal air. "My name is Qin Xuan'er, the crown princess of the Qin Empire. And you, my benefactors?"
Tianyang glanced at Yuqing, his hand still intertwined with hers. Yuqing returned the glance, her eyes soft and filled with understanding. Without hesitation, she spoke first, her tone gentle but intimate. "My name is Tian Xian'er, and I'm from the East."
Tianyang felt his cheeks flush at the name Yuqing used, one that implied a deeper connection between them. He squeezed her hand gently, teasing her with a playful smirk. "I'm Qing Lin, also from the East," he said, his voice light with amusement. His teasing touch and intimate gaze caused Yuqing's cheeks to redden, and she looked away shyly.
Qin Xuan'er watched the exchange with a knowing smile. She clasped her hands in gratitude and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Xian'er Xiao Meimei and Lin Xiao Xiongdi, for saving my life. Initially, I had thought to reward you with a low sky-tier technique, but after witnessing your skills & techniques in battle—on par with my own—I realized it would be insufficient. You deserve far more."
Tianyang raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And what might that be?"
The princess's lips curved into a small smile. "A mid-sky-tier ancient beast technique. It has the ability to raise a beast's bloodline level and accelerate its cultivation. The technique works by absorbing the bloodlines and demon cores of higher-level beasts."
The words left Tianyang, Yuqing, and even Yao'er visibly intrigued. Yao'er, perched on Tianyang's shoulder, tilted his head curiously, his azure scales glimmering faintly.
"But," Qin Xuan'er continued, her tone more serious now, "there's one problem."
Yuqing leaned forward slightly, her brows furrowing. "What's the problem?"
Qin Xuan'er's expression darkened. "I don't have the technique with me. To be precise, it's located at the destination we were headed to before the Blood Rage Sect ambushed us. Someone within my royal family must have tipped them off."
Tianyang's reaction was immediate. His eyes widened, and he exclaimed, "What place could be so valuable that even the sect master of the Blood Rage Sect would personally intercept you?"
The princess's voice dropped, barely above a whisper, as if the very air around them could carry her secret to unfriendly ears. "It's an ancient cave belonging to a fallen Immortal Ascension Realm cultivator. More accurately, it's a separate space filled with treasures beyond imagination: sky-tier techniques, legendary-grade artifacts, and even some divine-tier and divine-grade treasures. The cave also holds divine-grade holy herbs, divine-grade pills, and the inheritance of a divine-level alchemist. That map," she gestured toward her carriage, "is the key to the cave's location."
Yuqing's eyes sparkled with excitement as she clung to Tianyang's arm. "That place is in the Misty Forest, isn't it? It must be filled with countless demon beasts. We'll need to be extra careful!"
Tianyang looked down at Yao'er, a knowing grin on his face. "Looks like we've found the perfect place for you to gain some experience."
The little dragon puffed out his chest and let out a soft, prideful roar, earning a laugh from the group.
---
The days that followed were filled with lighthearted banter, shared stories, and laughter. Qin Xuan'er, despite her royal status, proved to be approachable, her wit and charm making the journey lively.
Tianyang and Yuqing also found moments of intimacy, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Whether it was exchanging glances during quiet campfires or walking side by side under the moonlight, their connection deepened in ways words couldn't capture.
Yao'er became the group's source of joy and mischief, often darting around playfully or practicing his azure flames, leaving charred patches of forest floor in his wake.
---
After weeks of travel, the group finally arrived at the entrance to the separate space, hidden deep within the Misty Forest. Before them stood a massive stone gate, ancient runes glowing faintly along its surface. The air around the gate crackled with energy, and the aura of the Immortal Ascension Realm cultivator lingered, oppressive yet awe-inspiring.
Qin Xuan'er stepped forward, holding the map in her hands. "This is it," she said, her voice filled with a mix of awe and reverence.
Tianyang and Yuqing exchanged a glance, their resolve clear. Tianyang unsheathed his Yin-Yang Sword, while Yuqing retrieved a rare-grade talisman for defensive measures. Yao'er perched on Tianyang's shoulder, his eyes glowing faintly as he sensed the immense power emanating from the gate.
Qin Xuan'er turned to them, her expression serious. "Beyond this gate lies unimaginable danger—and unimaginable rewards. Are you ready?"
Tianyang smirked, his voice steady. "Always."
With a nod, Qin Xuan'er activated the map, and the ancient runes on the gate flared to life. The stone doors groaned open, revealing a swirling vortex of light.
As the group stepped forward, the air seemed to hum with anticipation. The journey into the unknown had begun.
Please Read The Auxiliary Volume For Important Information!