Chapter 3913: Who Is More Beautiful, Me or the Heavenly Court Moon Goddess?
"Blood dyes the Star River, the Yellow Spring descends into chaos, three thousand demon bones, three thousand souls."
Feng Tian gazed into the void, her expression complex. "Do you see now? This is the terror of a Half-Ancestor. Even in defeat, they can unleash apocalyptic destruction! If not stopped, soon these three thousand forces will split the Yellow Spring Star River in two, destroying countless cultivation planets in the process."
Although Feng Tian wished to use Fate to prove the Ancestor Path, this was a vision even she felt was ethereal and distant. The road ahead—its length, its hardship, its illusory nature—could only be felt by those at the Indestructible Infinite Realm.
The Half-Ancestor Realm might be her future limit, and she might not even reach that step.
Looking at a Half-Ancestor, how could she not feel a trace of longing?
She closed her eyes, cutting away all distracting thoughts.
When she opened them again, her gaze was cold and firm. She no longer doubted herself, nor envied anyone else. Her confidence, resolve, and spiritual will were as unshakable as a rock.
Just earlier, Zhang Ruochen and Feng Tian had not entered Lady Shiji's Divine Star. Instead, they crossed a space rift to reach the star domain where the Stone Clan resided, arriving just as the Half-Ancestor battle concluded.
To escape, Ba'er had activated the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Forbidden Art.
Three thousand demon bones flew out from his body, like a star sea explosion, shooting in all directions across the universe, breaking all the sealing techniques.
In an instant, the three thousand demon bones flew tens of trillions of miles, crushing all stars in that region into dust.
This was a self-harming tactic!
The demon bones carried massive amounts of demon souls, flying to various parts of the Hell Realm, wreaking havoc. Each strike could destroy a planet.
This was undoubtedly forcing Lady Shiji, Heavenly Mother, and the Yama Clan to go and rescue, buying him an opportunity to escape.
Of course, if the three parties' experts were willing to let the entire Stone Clan be annihilated just to kill him, he would have to abandon all illusions and resolve to take one of them with him before dying.
As a Half-Ancestor, he had this confidence and this resolve.
Demon blood stained that chaotic space, continuously being erased by the Mysterious Cauldron and the Witch Palace.
Feng Tian flew out, splitting into a hundred doppelgangers, chasing after a hundred of those demon bones.
Zhang Ruochen had no interest in Ba'er's demon bones or demon souls, nor did he want to take risks. However, he used the Hong Cauldron to collect the core of the Creation Divine Star.
In the core of the Creation Divine Star, he sensed an aura similar to Creation Divine Iron and planned to refine it into the Abyssal Ancient Sword.
Knowing that the situation here was settled, Zhang Ruochen returned to Lady Shiji's Divine Star first and went directly to the Glazed Tile Divine Temple, intending to pay respects to Lady Shiji's "doppelganger."
Lian Xi stood outside the temple, blocking his path. "Bathe. Burn incense."
Zhang Ruochen scrutinized her carefully, but Lian Xi did not yield.
She said, "The Lady said that since you are the one asking for a favor, you must follow her rules."
Zhang Ruochen nodded and smiled. "Alright, no problem. But the one who bathes me must be you!"
Lian Xi turned slightly, avoiding Zhang Ruochen's gaze, and glanced into the Glazed Tile Divine Temple. Seeing that Lady Shiji did not interfere, she said, "If this can repay the debt I owe the Imperial Dust, then it is not unacceptable. But..."
"Then thank you, Xi Hou! Let's go!"
Zhang Ruochen took the lead and walked toward the bath.
In the temple, Lady Shiji let out a sigh.
She had intended to cultivate Lian Xi's strong and independent mindset, to better inherit the power of the Soul Mother. At the same time, she planned to place one of her own people beside Zhang Ruochen, a future Ancestor.
If Lian Xi was not strong and independent enough, she would forever remain a mere maid-like figure by Zhang Ruochen's side.
She had thought that after absorbing the Half-Ancestor soul of the Soul Mother and greatly advancing her cultivation, Lian Xi would have higher aspirations and strive for the true position of "Xi Hou." Yet, she did not expect that after submitting to Zhang Ruochen back then, her legs and waist no longer belonged to her—she could neither stand firm nor straighten up.
...
An hour later.
Zhang Ruochen entered the temple again this time, passing through the bead curtain and the screen behind it. He did not see Lady Shiji but instead found a hundred-flower garden.
Exquisite rockeries and stone bridges, divine trees and rare flowers densely planted, pavilions and towers in close succession.
Blue sky, white clouds, birdsong, and floral fragrance—a self-contained, vibrant little world.
"Greetings, Lady." Zhang Ruochen cupped his hands and bowed.
Lady Shiji sat on a four-story ancient building across the lake. Before her was a jade-like, crystal-clear long table. She picked up a small, delicate porcelain cup with two fingers and took a light sip of the flower nectar inside.
Sweet, fragrant, and mellow—it was her favorite.
"Raise your head. It's not like you haven't seen my face before," she said casually.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze moved from the lake to the ethereal, beautiful figure on the ancient building. She was graceful and elegant, with cloud-like hair and flowing ribbons, shoulders as if carved from jade, and skin as white as flowing clouds.
Especially her eyes, sometimes clear, sometimes misty. Every eyelash seemed to possess spirit, and every change in her thoughts offered infinite room for imagination.
Zhang Ruochen had seen many women as beautiful as celestial maidens. Even without any accessories, makeup, or clothing to enhance them, they were utterly perfect, without a single flaw.
But none could compare to Lady Shiji.
Not that Lady Shiji was more beautiful than them, but rather that she cared more about beauty than they did. She had spent countless thoughts and energy on it.
The divine robe she wore was loose where it should be loose and tight where it should be tight, perfectly combining the curves of a woman's body with the viewer's inner imagination of mystery.
Zhang Ruochen did not know how strong the defense of her layered divine robes was, but the material, patterns, and craftsmanship were absolutely rare in the world. They sparkled with jewels without being vulgar, and the accessories were varied without being cumbersome.
Pursuing cultivation and pursuing beauty were not in conflict.
Not to please others, but to please herself.
"This flower nectar is collected from seven types of nether flowers. It is extremely precious and the sweetest. Zhang Ruochen, would you like to taste it?" Lady Shiji asked.
"No need," Zhang Ruochen said.
Lady Shiji gently set down the porcelain cup. "Ah, yes. With a Divine Illumination Lotus at home, and the Hundred Flowers Fairy and Thousand Stamen Realm at your disposal, what flower nectar couldn't you drink? How could you possibly care about my Seven Nether Fragrance?"
"You misunderstand, Lady. I simply do not enjoy drinking nectar. If you like it, I will have Fanxin prepare some exquisite nectar and offer it to you next time," Zhang Ruochen said.
Lady Shiji picked up a vermilion brush from the table and, facing a water mirror, drew a floral ornament between her brows. "You, Zhang Ruochen, are a connoisseur of beauties across the world. Tell me, between me and the Moon Goddess, who can be called the number one beauty of this era?"
Zhang Ruochen had heard the legends of Lady Shiji and knew she was extremely vain about her appearance.
Any woman who was ever rated as the number one beauty, surpassing her, rarely lived to see the next day.
Lady Shiji finished drawing the floral ornament, lightly brushed the strands of hair on her forehead, and admired her reflection in the mirror from various angles like a young girl. "Your silence means the Moon Goddess is more beautiful?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "Not exactly. It's just that... the title of 'Number One Under Heaven' for the Moon Goddess is truly undeserved. She cannot compare to the uniquely unparalleled Lady."
Lady Shiji smiled charmingly. "As expected of the Romantic Sword God. You know how to deceive women. But do you think I would only ask you? There will always be someone who tells the truth."
Zhang Ruochen quickly added, "My words are by no means deceptive! Think about it: if the Moon Goddess can be called the number one beauty under heaven, where does that leave Wu Yue? And the gods of the Heavenly Court universally acknowledge that Chi Yao's beauty is not inferior to the Moon Goddess's. In my view, in today's world, there are at least seven or eight women who rival the Moon Goddess in beauty. But you, Lady, have been acclaimed as the number one beauty through the ages. That is truly unique."
"Unique!"
Lady Shiji admired herself in the mirror, murmuring this word. Then she said, "Zhang Ruochen, do you know what happens when you offend a woman? Especially a petty one?"
"I do not know. But I know that you, Lady, with your eyes on the grand scheme of the universe, must have a broad mind. You can tolerate the Second Elder, and you can tolerate the clan kings of the Primordial Beings. You are certainly not a petty woman."
Zhang Ruochen spoke calmly, but he was fully alert.
The fact that Lady Shiji could ask such a question showed that she was indeed very petty, still holding a grudge, and intended to teach him a lesson.
Of course, Zhang Ruochen was not afraid that Lady Shiji would do anything to him, but Yuan Jieyi and the Yinhuai Divine Tree were still in her hands, and Yuan Sheng was still in his Mysterious Embryo.
This meant he had weaknesses and was asking for favors. No matter how he maneuvered, he could not gain the upper hand.
Lady Shiji finally looked seriously at Zhang Ruochen across the lake. "The core of the Creation Divine Star originally belonged to the Stone Clan. But considering your contributions and hardships to the Hell Realm, I will give it to you. If there is nothing else, you may withdraw."
Zhang Ruochen knew she was forcing him to speak.
Moreover, she was using the core of the Creation Divine Star to offset everything he had done before.
"Lady, I have a request," Zhang Ruochen said.
Lady Shiji's red lips were like jade, her white teeth sparkling. She laughed. "How strange! The mighty Imperial Dust, who can even contend with Bone Yanluo, actually has to ask for help? Tell me, what is it?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "May I ask, Lady, what price must I pay to obtain Yuan Jieyi and the Yinhuai Divine Tree?"
Lady Shiji stopped pretending to be ignorant. "Do you think a Great Unbound Infinite, plus the Yinhuai Divine Tree and the *Innate Primordial Path Diagram Record* inside it, are worth what price?"
"Priceless!"
Only now did Zhang Ruochen realize that the treasure Yuan Sheng had spoken of, which concerned the life and death of the Primordial Path Clan, was this.
Lady Shiji said, "So you are willing to pay any price?"
"Naturally," Zhang Ruochen said.
"It seems you were not lying. True feelings are indeed priceless."
Lady Shiji said, "The Hell Realm and the Primordial Beings are absolute enemies. I can spare Yuan Sheng for the sake of your, Imperial Dust's, face. But Yuan Jieyi, once captured by me, was destined to die."
"Lady is absolutely right. If it were me, I would have the same attitude," Zhang Ruochen said.
Lady Shiji said, "Leave all the Water Dao Esoterica on you. You may take the tree. As for the person, you can ask Lian Xi for him."
The Xuanwu True Ancestor and Fei Mawang both primarily cultivated the Water Dao and possessed a large amount of Water Dao Esoterica, all of which Zhang Ruochen had collected.
Without any hesitation, Zhang Ruochen waved his hand and released all the Water Dao Esoterica.
This condition surprised Zhang Ruochen quite a bit. He knew that Lady Shiji was not making things difficult for him. She had raised the matter high and then let it fall gently, making it hard to fathom her true intentions.
At the same time, he confirmed his guess.
This "doppelganger" of Lady Shiji was most likely her physical body, cultivating the Path of Life.
Because water is the source of life.
Lady Shiji collected the Water Dao Esoterica, then stood up and lazily waved her jade arm. "I need to rest. I must ensure enough sleep. Don't let that person disturb me."
As she stood up, Zhang Ruochen noticed that the legs beneath this Lady Shiji's long dress were actually wearing white silk stockings, truly alluring to the extreme, striking at the heart.
"If I truly had to judge the number one beauty of this era, I would say that Qishier Pin Lian deserves the title," Zhang Ruochen said loudly.
Lady Shiji ignored him and had already disappeared into the sea of flowers.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head, admitting that he could not understand this Half-Ancestor. She was unlike any woman he had ever met. She did not pursue invincibility under heaven but instead pursued beauty like a flower.
Carrying the Yinhuai Divine Tree, he walked out of the Glazed Tile Divine Temple and happened to see a majestic figure standing there—it was Nutian Shenzun.
This was the "that person" Lady Shiji had mentioned.
She would not even meet a Heavenly Venerable-level figure. What did this Lady Shiji mean?
She had received Qingtian and the Black and White Daoist, so there was no reason not to receive Nutian Shenzun.
Nutian Shenzun's face was calm. "The Half-Ancestor will not see me?"
Zhang Ruochen shrugged and smiled helplessly. "The Half-Ancestor is asleep!"
Even Nutian Shenzun seemed stunned. He confirmed again, "Asleep?"
Zhang Ruochen nodded. "The Half-Ancestor is a lover of beauty, so naturally, she needs more sleep. Women who sleep too little age quickly. She cares about that very much."
No matter how far-fetched the reason, it was still a reason.
Zhang Ruochen and Nutian Shenzun arrived at an ancient city on Lady Shiji's Divine Star, found a tavern, and ordered seven or eight signature dishes along with a pot of Stone Wine.
Nutian Shenzun was not one to abstain from worldly pleasures. After meeting Qishier Pin Lian, he wanted to taste all the flavors of the mortal world, to rediscover the flesh-and-blood emotions of his youth.
"She will not see me because she knows she cannot control me. If she cannot control me, she cannot control the Underworld Clan." Nutian Shenzun had been thinking about this all the way.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Perhaps it is not that complicated. Maybe it is simply... a cleanliness obsession."
"Hmm?" Nutian Shenzun was puzzled.
Zhang Ruochen then recounted how he had been required to bathe and burn incense both times he sought an audience, and laughed. "She knows she cannot force you, Venerable One, to bathe and burn incense. Rather than let things become awkward, she simply refuses to see you."
Nutian Shenzun could not believe what Zhang Ruochen was saying and assumed he was joking.
Seeing that the anger and worry on Nutian Shenzun's brow had not dissipated, Zhang Ruochen stopped smiling. "Have you met Qishier Pin Lian, Venerable One?"
Nutian Shenzun nodded. "I know what you want to ask, but I cannot tell you anything. Can you understand?"
Some things could only be borne alone.
Some words could never be spoken to anyone.
The stronger a person was, the more this held true.
Although Nutian Shenzun did not say it, Zhang Ruochen had already guessed most of it and did not press further.
Nutian Shenzun suddenly said, "I have something I want to confirm with you. Is the current ruler of the twelve Primordial Tribes Ling Yanzi?"
"Why does the Venerable One ask this?" Zhang Ruochen became cautious.
Nutian Shenzun said, "That one from your Kunlun Realm Zhang Clan is very close to the Primordial Beings, and you are also very close to the clan emperor of the Primordial Path Clan. Of course, if it is inconvenient, you may choose not to answer."
"So the Venerable One has misunderstood. Actually, there is nothing inconvenient."
Zhang Ruochen could not help but laugh, and he recounted the love and hatred between Jie Zunzhe and Yuan Suyin. He also had nothing to hide about his own matter with Yuan Sheng, so he told it all.
After hearing this, Nutian Shenzun was momentarily dazed, gaining a new understanding of Jie Zunzhe.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Actually, the mountain master of Great Nether Mountain was the Life Ancestor, who has already fallen in the Eon Calamity. However, the Life Ancestor has not returned to the lower realm for a long time. The twelve Primordial Tribes do not have a strong sense of identification with this mountain master. Instead, they are more devoted to the three great musicians of Great Nether Mountain. In my opinion, the Primordial Beings are by no means a monolithic bloc. So, Venerable One, you need not worry too much. Where there are people, there are interests. Where there are interests, there are conflicts."
A cold wind blew, and Zhang Ruochen and Nutian Shenzun both looked to the right.
The Black and White Daoist appeared outside the tavern.