Myth Beyond Heaven

The Southern Expanse Transport Hub bustled with activity. A constant stream of people poured in daily, making it the most populous realm in the Southern Expanse. These individuals, unlike the members of the Ten Thousand Treasures Group, solely came for trade purposes.

As a white light faded, Yun Lintian and his companions found themselves transported to a platform in an open space. The surrounding crowd briefly acknowledged their arrival before directing their attention elsewhere.

"This place is even more bustling than the Far East Realm," Zhang Yu remarked, observing the dense crowd.

Yun Lintian readily agreed. "Unlike the formal and serious environment of the Far East Realm, this environment offers a more free-spirited atmosphere."

He likened the entire space to a vast bazaar, teeming with numerous small businesses.

"Let's explore first," Yun Lintian decided, diving into the crowd.

"Newly captured slaves! Unbeatable prices! Come take a look!" A loud voice immediately caught Yun Lintian's attention as he navigated the streets.

Inside an iron cage, several individuals stood out due to their appearance - beautiful women adorned with demonic horns, radiating an undeniable magical allure.

"Succubus?" Yun Lintian murmured to himself, surprised to discover the existence of these legendary creatures.

"Considering purchasing them? Just look at those figures... tsk, tsk," Zhang Yu remarked teasingly, her gaze lingering on the captivating women within the cage.

Yun Lintian rolled his eyes playfully. "Do you think I'm some kind of pervert?"

"Are you not?" Zhang Yu responded in a coy tone.

Yun Lintian ignored Zhang Yu's teasing and continued browsing the area. Finding nothing of interest, he decided to leave.

Just as he was about to head for the operation hall, Yun Lintian's senses picked up a familiar energy signature. It belonged to the pirates he had encountered previously.

A large group of figures emerged in Yun Lintian's field of vision, leaving no doubt that they were members of the Stellar Sea Pirate Group.

"Look at that woman. What a stunning beauty!" one pirate exclaimed, pointing towards Yun Lintian's group.

The other pirates were immediately captivated by Long Qingxuan's beauty. Even her veil couldn't fully conceal her radiant features.

"Magnificent," another pirate mumbled.

Yun Lintian inwardly sighed. He had previously requested Long Qingxuan to conceal her appearance, but her beauty proved impossible to completely mask, attracting attention wherever they went.

Ignoring them, Yun Lintian proceeded towards the operation hall.

"Welcome to the Ten Thousand Treasures Group. Esteemed guests, for your convenience, kindly present your membership cards," a young woman greeted each visitor with a warm smile at the hall's entrance.

Yun Lintian retrieved his card and showed it to the receptionist. Yun Yi and the others followed suit.

The receptionist, visibly surprised, gestured with her arm. "Please follow me to the Gold Class zone."

Yun Lintian nodded and followed her to another spacious hall located on the right side.

"May I inquire about your destination?" the receptionist politely asked.

"The Nine Heavens Realm," Yun Lintian truthfully responded.

"To reach the Nine Heavens Realm, you will require four transfers. Would you like to depart immediately?" the receptionist further inquired.

"Yes," Yun Lintian confirmed.

"Please follow me." The receptionist promptly guided Yun Lintian to gate number nine.

"I see that your cards have been recently recharged. We will deduct the necessary credits directly. Does this procedure pose any inconvenience?" the receptionist inquired.

"No inconvenience at all. Please proceed," Yun Lintian replied.

"Very well. The gate will be operational in three... two... one. You may now enter. Have a pleasant journey, esteemed guests," the receptionist said with a smile while gesturing toward the stone gate beside her.

"Let's depart." Yun Lintian wasted no time ushering everyone into the gate.

As Yun Lintian vanished into the gate, whispers arose among the pirates.

"The Nine Heavens Realm?" one uttered in a low voice.

"Should we follow him?" another queried.

The apparent leader shook his head. "No, our funds are depleted. We need to investigate the disappearance of the fourth and fifth squadrons." With that, he entered gate number three, heading for the Far East Realm.

Disheartened, the remaining pirates reluctantly followed their leader.

Yun Lintian and his companions arrived at another similar transport hub. They waited for the pirates, mistakenly believing they would pursue them. However, to their surprise, the pirates were nowhere to be seen.

"It seemed I was overthinking," Yun Lintian admitted, turning to Long Qingxuan. "Well, for our safety, I think you should put on more disguise."

Long Qingxuan silently complied, altering her appearance to resemble an ordinary woman.

"Much better," Yun Lintian acknowledged with a smile, searching for the transfer gate.

Yun Lintian's group continued their journey through four more transfer gates, finally reaching the easternmost hub. From here, they would embark on the final leg of their journey to the Nine Heavens Realm on their own.

Without wasting time, Yun Lintian retrieved the Fleeting Cloud Profound Skyship and quickly departed from the hub.

After a day's travel, they reached a remote location, and Yun Lintian switched to the newly acquired profound ark, resuming their journey.

"I think we should find a name for our new vessel. Any ideas?" Yun Lintian inquired while lounging in the main hall.

"I have an idea!" Qingqing enthusiastically chimed in, raising her arm. "How about 'Qingqing's Favorite New Home'?"

Yun Lintian's lips twitched slightly. "Perhaps something else?"

"The choice is yours," Zhang Yu said, rising from her seat with her teacup and moving to a secluded corner.

Yun Yi followed suit, silently leaving the room.

Long Qingxuan, meanwhile, had already disappeared.

Yun Lintian sighed, massaging his temples. His naming sense was undoubtedly his weakest point.

"White... smooth as jade..." he murmured, observing the profound ark's characteristics. "Alright, then. We shall call it the Cloud Dragon Ark."

"Uninspired," Zhang Yu commented with a shake of her head.

Yun Lintian shot her a playful side-eye. "Then why don't you suggest a better name?"

Zhang Yu simply ignored him, returning to her book.

"I'll find time to paint a dragon pattern on it," Yun Lintian muttered to himself.

Qingqing pouted beside him. "I hate you, big brother,"

She turned her head away angrily.

"My apologies," Yun Lintian chuckled, offering her a few treats in an attempt to appease her.

BOOOM!

Suddenly, a deafening explosion erupted. The shockwave rippled through the surrounding space, yet the Cloud Dragon Ark remained remarkably stable, unfazed by the tremor.

Yun Lintian exchanged a glance with Zhang Yu, and they both swiftly made their way to the control room.

In the distance, numerous stars blazed infernally, an awe-

inspiring yet unsettling spectacle.