Myth Beyond Heaven

Yun Lintian halted in his tracks. Guilt flickered in Nantian Yu's eyes. Even with his reassurance, her determination to leave remained unwavering.

With a slight nod, he conceded, "Understood. If possible, you should leave immediately."

The thought of her supposed demise gnawed at Yun Lintian. He suspected a significant event unfolding either tonight or tomorrow. To change Nantian Yu's fate, he demanded her immediate departure.

A pang of disappointment stabbed at Nantian Yu's heart. Though she understood Yun Lintian's intentions, sadness welled within her. The past two days were the happiest since her mother's passing. If possible, she yearned to stay longer… Unfortunately, the thought of endangering him fueled her resolve to leave.

"Alright," Nantian Yu responded softly, "farewell, then."

"Don't misunderstand," Yun Lintian said, seemingly seeing through her thoughts. "This isn't goodbye. Your safety is paramount. While Jin Yang wouldn't dare harm you, a prolonged stay poses a different threat."

Nantian Yu bit her lip, worry etched on her face. "Are you certain you can handle this alone? Should I call for reinforcements?"

"Rest assured. They are nothing." Yun Lintian replied, his voice devoid of arrogance. With the combined divine bloodlines and souls within his body, he was practically the ancestor of all divine beasts. Even Bai Xiaoyun or Yan Siqi would tread cautiously in his presence.

Despite her lack of knowledge about Yun Lintian's true strength, Nantian Yu could sense an unfathomable power emanating from him. His genuine demeanor further solidified her trust in his words; arrogance wasn't part of his nature.

A brief hesitation later, Nantian Yu presented Yun Lintian with a red jade hairpin. "This is a parting gift," she explained, "it possesses protective properties."

Yun Lintian examined the hairpin closely. A fiery aura emanated from its golden phoenix design.

A flush crept across Nantian Yu's cheeks. "Forgive me," she stammered, "it's the only valuable possession I have." Of course, a hairpin wouldn't be practical for a man like Yun Lintian.

"Thank you," Yun Lintian replied with a smile, offering Nantian Yu the Celestial Buddha Lotus, significantly enhanced by time. "This should aid you in overcoming your current obstacle."

Surprise painted Nantian Yu's face as she received the high-level lotus. "Thank you," she reciprocated.

Their gazes lingered on each other for a moment before Nantian Yu spoke. "Then, I shall take my leave. Please take care of yourself."

"You as well," Yun Lintian replied with a smile and a nod.

Nantian Yu cast one last lingering look before turning resolutely and disappearing into the crowd.

Yun Lintian watched her go until she was lost in the crowd. With time on his hands, he decided to explore the western part of the city again.

Jin Yang, who had observed the scene, narrowed his eyes coldly. "Where are they now?" he demanded.

Jin Yuxin, standing beside him, responded calmly, "They have arrived."

"Good," Jin Yang said with a chilling smile. "Tonight, I want his head on a platter."

He turned and walked away after delivering his ultimatum.

Jin Yuxin, however, watched Yun Lintian's retreating figure with a contemplative expression. While she suspected attacking him might be unwise, she didn't anticipate a catastrophic outcome. After all, it was the Blood Fiend attacking him, not her.

***

The late afternoon sun bathed the rippling surface of the Jadewater Canal in a warm orange glow, painting the scene in hues of burnished gold. Yun Lintian perched on a smooth, moss-covered rock jutting out from the bank, dangling his legs over the edge and occasionally letting them skim the cool water.

The sweet fragrance of blooming jade lotuses filled the air, their pearlescent petals peeking out from the emerald foliage lining the canal. This was Yun Lintian's second visit, and he was deeply captivated by the peaceful atmosphere.

Although the celebration would begin at nightfall, most people had already headed to the avenue before the tower. In this tranquil spot, Yun Lintian could enjoy a rare moment of serenity.

A flicker of movement caught Yun Lintian's eye. He opened his eyes to see a kingfisher, its plumage a dazzling display of azure and sapphire, perched on a nearby branch. The bird cocked its head, studying him with a beady black eye for a moment before diving into the water with a graceful splash.

"It looks delicious," Qingqing remarked, a glint of drool forming at the corner of her mouth.

Yun Lintian chuckled softly. "Catching one here wouldn't be appropriate. Let me order you some instead."

He turned and summoned a waiter from the nearby restaurant, ordering a few plates of grilled bird. The three of them enjoyed a peaceful meal by the bank.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the water, Yun Lintian rose, a renewed sense of peace settling within him. It was time to witness the night's events.

"Let's go," Yun Lintian declared, heading towards the distant tower.

***

The air crackled with joyous anticipation, rivaling the sizzle emanating from the street food stalls lining Yellow Plaza. Over a hundred thousand practitioners, a vibrant tapestry of flowing robes and gleaming armor, milled about, their faces flushed with excitement for the looming celebration.

Paper lanterns, resembling miniature celestial bodies, cast a warm glow upon the bustling scene. Li Shan stood atop a makeshift dais constructed from ornately carved jade slabs.

A hush fell over the plaza as Li Shan raised his hand. The clatter of chopsticks and excited chatter faded into an expectant silence. "Esteemed citizens, venerable practitioners! Today, we stand united not only as Nine Firmament but as children of the Yellow Emperor, inheriting a legacy that stretches back millennia!"

A ripple of awe ran through the crowd. While everyone here was familiar with the Yellow Emperor's prestige, hearing it reiterated invoked a sense of wonder.

Li Shan continued, his voice resonating with pride. "The Yellow Emperor, the father of our arts, guided us on the path of cultivating our essence, harnessing the power of the cosmos, and striving for divinity. Tonight, we celebrate his wisdom, his courage, and the foundation he laid for generations of practitioners like ourselves!"

A wave of fervent nods and excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. Young apprentices, wide-eyed with wonder, hung onto Li Shan's every word. Seasoned practitioners, their faces etched with the lines of experience, bowed their heads in silent reverence.

Li Shan raised a golden cup filled with a shimmering liquid: the legendary Sunfire Wine. "May the Yellow Emperor's legacy forever illuminate our path! May his wisdom continue to guide us on our journey towards divinity! To the Yellow Emperor!"