Myth Beyond Heaven

"It seems you haven't improved in the slightest," Yue Yin spoke, her voice echoing through the cosmos.

Shang Yuhang's face turned solemn as he watched his celestial blade disintegrate into celestial dust, scattering like fallen stars within the silver vortex. He hadn't expected Yue Yin to be this powerful.

Arrogance, once a flicker in Yue Yin's eyes, had been replaced with steely resolve. The Lunar Embrace pulsed, threatening to consume Shang Yuhang whole. Yet, defiance sparked in his eyes.

"I must admit I underestimated your determination," he uttered, his voice cold. "The Moon God must have made a decision. But my master's order cannot be disobeyed."

With a burst of divine energy, Shang Yuhang propelled himself backward. But the starry expanse, once a canvas of infinite possibilities, now felt like a constricting cage. The Lunar Embrace's domain, empowered by Yue Yin's control, pulsed with a gravitational pull, slowing his escape.

Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from Shang Yuhang's body. It wasn't the celestial light of his blade but a deeper, more ominous glow. His form distorted, stretching and morphing until it resembled a hulking celestial beast, its body wreathed in crackling energy.

Yue Yin's expression hardened. This wasn't the Shang Yuhang she remembered - this was a desperate gamble, a last-ditch effort fueled by his master's power. The Lunar Embrace wouldn't hold against a full-fledged avatar. But neither would she back down.

With a deep breath, Yue Yin channeled every ounce of moon power she could muster. The Lunar Embrace responded, swirling with renewed intensity. It pulsed outwards, forming a shimmering barrier around her, a last stand against the celestial beast's onslaught.

BOOM—

The impact was earth-shattering. The starry expanse trembled, constellations dissolving into shimmering dust. The Lunar Embrace buckled under the force, cracks appearing on its silver surface. Yet, it held. Yue Yin, pushed to her limits, gritted her teeth, her silver hair whipping around her face like a celestial storm.

This wasn't just a fight against Shang Yuhang - it was a test of her will, a defense of the Moon God's dignity. And Yue Yin, fueled by unwavering loyalty and the moon's power, refused to yield.

A tremor, more profound than the clash of divine energies, ran through the battlefield. The very fabric of space shimmered and warped, momentarily revealing a glimpse of an ethereal palace bathed in a gentle white light.

Yue Yin and the monstrous Shang Yuhang faltered, their attacks momentarily suspended mid-air.

Shang Yuhang glanced at the ethereal palace and said coldly, "Does your master want to join it as well, Cai Hong?"

A white figure emerged from the palace. It was a beautiful woman clad in a celestial white robe, the God of Light's subordinate, Cai Hong.

Cai Hong looked at Shang Yuhang and said gently, "There will be a message soon."

Shang Yuhang frowned slightly. A brief moment later, his expression changed as if receiving a message.

He gradually returned to his human form and spoke to Yue Yin, "We will settle this with our true bodies next time."

"Very well," Yue Yin replied, curling her lips slightly.

Shang Yuhang turned and flew away.

Yue Yin smiled at Cai Hong. "Thank you, Sister Hong. Otherwise, I might have had to abandon this avatar."

"You have grown stronger," Cai Hong said softly. She looked at the Kunlun Realm. "You should bring your descendant away from here."

"I will," Yue Yin responded.

***

"Cough!" Coughing up a mouthful of blood, Shang Yuhang hurtled through the starry expanse. He hadn't anticipated expending so much energy in the recent battle.

He wiped the bloodstain away and called out, "Master?"

A cold, dignified voice, devoid of warmth or concern, resonated in Shang Yuhang's mind. "You have disappointed me."

Shang Yuhang gritted his teeth, the divine energy used for his transformation gnawing at his insides. "Forgive me, Master. I underestimated Yue Yin's strength."

"Excuses," the voice snapped. "You shouldn't waste your time with her."

Shang Yuhang winced. He knew the consequences of displeasing his master, but he could only lower his head and wait for the punishment.

"Forget it," the voice resounded.

Relief washed over Shang Yuhang. He quickly spoke, "Thank you for showing mercy, Master."

"There won't be a next time," the voice echoed again.

A surge of fear jolted Shang Yuhang. He tried to calm himself down and said, "Understood."

"Return and finish the work in the God Tomb as soon as possible," the voice commanded.

"Yes, Master," Shang Yuhang readily responded, hurrying away.

***

"This place... is too magnificent." Tang Suyin gazed around in amazement. The environment of the Nine Firmament City was beyond her comprehension.

Hong Wuya rubbed his chin, scanning the surroundings with surprise. Not long ago, Yun Lintian returned to Azure World and invited everyone to visit. He had been reluctant initially, but now he was glad he came.

Originally, Hong Wuya and the others living here had no ambition for further advancement. They planned to remain in the Azure World until their final days.

However, their determination began to waver as Tang Suyin often filled them in on the situation in the Divine Realm. Every time Yun Lintian returned, he would briefly tell her about his experiences, and Tang Suyin used this opportunity to share them with everyone else.

"Dad, can we stay here?" A six-year-old girl tugged on Hong Wuya's sleeve and asked with expectation. She was Hong Ning, Hong Wuya's daughter.

Hong Wuya's face lit up with a doting smile. He picked the girl up and said, "Of course, we'll be staying here from now on."

"Great!" Hong Ning was overjoyed.

On the side, Nangong Xi rolled her eyes. "You can't keep spoiling her. She'll be bad later."

"How could my Ningning be bad?" Hong Wuya retorted playfully.

Nangong Xi shook her head, too lazy to argue with him. She looked at the magnificent scenery in front of her and sighed. "The Divine Realm is truly amazing. No wonder those people are very strong."

"Indeed." Hong Wuya nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Yun Lintian walked over and said, "How is it, seniors? Can you adapt here?"

"I've told you many times to stop calling us seniors," Hong Wuya said helplessly. He felt awkward being called a senior by someone far stronger than him.

"Sure, Senior," Yun Lintian chuckled.

"Forget it," Hong Wuya shook his head. "Well, thank you for bringing us here. By the way, where are Sister Lin and the others?"

"They went to a different place," Yun Lintian explained. "If you need anything, you can ask City Lord Li for it. I'll be going into seclusion soon."

"Go. Don't worry about us," Hong Wuya nodded.