Heavenly Demon Palace
After being brought back to the Heavenly Demon Palace by the Zhenzūns, Mo Su, Mo Yi, and Mo Qi each successfully overcame their Void Refinement tribulations.
Just as Mo Yue had predicted, the process was dramatic but not fatal. When the spiritual rain fell, all three received merit-golden light into their bodies, stabilizing their cultivation.
Mo Su benefitted the most. His Pure Yin Constitution, previously prone to frequent flare-ups, was finally stabilized.
After the tribulation, the three had a short reunion.
"Mo Yue's words really were golden. She got it exactly right."
"She reached Void Refinement before us. Naturally, her sense of the heavens is sharper."
"Let's hope she's safe." Mo Qi still looked concerned.
"Don't worry," Mo Yi reassured. "Mo Yue may seem carefree most of the time, but she's never sloppy when it comes to life-and-death matters."
"She's the most capable among the four of us. Who knows, maybe she's found herself a scenic spot and is now enjoying the flowers."
"I hope so!"
"Well then, each of us has our own path to follow. We should start working hard. I saw it with my own eyes—when we left the Ming Valley, Mo Yue's cultivation was already at late Void Refinement." Mo Su added the final blow like a knife to the heart.
"Seriously, how are we supposed to catch up with that?" Mo Qi groaned.
"All the more reason to work harder. When I get back, I'm going into seclusion to consolidate everything I gained in the past thirty years."
"Same here. We've stepped into the ranks of high-level cultivators. We can't let anyone look down on us."
With a few more words, the trio parted ways to enter closed-door cultivation, each waiting for the day Mo Yue would return.
Over in Palace One, the entire squad had reached Divine Transformation. All of them were deeply grateful to Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ.
It was Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ who led them into the Ming Valley, gave them a chance to advance rapidly, and then ensured their safe return.
At this time, the captain of Palace One reported to Palace Master Mo Lie, presenting the list of Peak Lord candidates that Mo Yue had prepared before leaving:
"This was a task assigned to me by Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ before her departure. The final decision on who will become Peak Lord is yours."
"Mo Yue is always thoughtful." Mo Lie took the jade slip and gave an approving nod. The candidates she listed were remarkably similar to his own thoughts.
"Very well, I'll have Miao Ren take the position."
In the end, Mo Lie chose a relative from his own clan, someone in the late Divine Transformation stage—steady, reliable, and well qualified.
"Are you all staying at Mó Yǐng Peak?" he asked casually.
"Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ instructed us that we are people she borrowed with your permission. Whether we stay or go is for you to decide."
"And your preference?"
"Our orders were to follow Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ's command. Now that the task is complete, we'll return to report to the Black Robe Guard."
"Very well. You may go."
With a bow, the captain of Palace One led the team back to the Black Robe Guard.
Mo Lie played with the jade slip in his hand, his thoughts tangled. Mo Yue's victory in the Ming Valley had brought tremendous glory to the Heavenly Demon Palace. Yet now, she was missing. She could have served as the perfect living symbol of their success.
When Mo Zhang returned, Mo Lie immediately sought out Mo Yan Zhēnzūn. Yet the elder didn't seem concerned. He only said:
"Mo Yue is fine. When the time is right, she'll return. You don't need to interfere. Just remember she is my grand-disciple."
Mo Lie had no choice but to back off.
Mo Zhang offered only one remark:
"Mo Yue is indeed worthy of the ancient weapon Mó Yuè Zhǎn. Only she can wield its true power."
All Mo Lie could do was sigh and return to the endless duties of sect affairs.
Law Enforcement Hall, Heavenly Sword Sect
Jian Wu, Jian Sheng, and Jian Ning were discussing recent developments.
"Mo Yue is missing!"
"The Demon Sect isn't sending people to look for her?"
"The spatial rifts have already closed. Even Mahayana Zhenzūns can't pinpoint which one she entered. At the time, no one dared to tear the fabric of space to follow her. What if…"
"But her fellow disciples were worried at first, then calmed down. It seems she's not in any danger."
While they spoke, Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ appeared in the main seat.
"Greetings, Zhūnzhǔ."
Jian Li remained stern, gesturing for them to sit.
"What are you all gathered here for?"
"It's about Mo Yue…"
"No need to worry. She's fine. She just needs some time before she returns."
The three finally relaxed.
"Jian Wu, have you stabilized your cultivation?"
"With your guidance, I had an epiphany. My realm has improved slightly. I'm planning to enter short seclusion for five years. I came to report."
"No need to rush. I'll give you ten years. Once your foundation is firm, you may need to represent the Heavenly Sword Sect in battle."
The three exchanged surprised looks.
Jian Li didn't keep them guessing.
"The Demon Sect produced several excellent cultivators during the Ming Valley campaign. We in the Daoist factions cannot fall behind. Power determines influence."
"So, the major Daoist sects have agreed to hold a grand tournament. Cultivators between Golden Core and Void Refinement can all participate."
Their eyes lit up. Jian Sheng, ever the calm one, voiced the question on everyone's mind.
"Will demon cultivators be invited too?"
"Yes. This is a rare opportunity for combat training. I believe they will join. Which is why we must prepare now."
"Each sect will hold internal tryouts first to determine participants. This time, the tournament will be hosted by Cloud Sea Sect."
"It won't be on our turf," Jian Ning murmured.
"Which is why adaptability is crucial. A team will be sent early to familiarize themselves with the environment."
"Understood. We will train hard and uphold the reputation of the Heavenly Sword Sect."
"This kind of competition takes time to organize. I'm telling you in advance so you can be ready. The Zhenzūns of the major sects will finalize everything soon."
"Yes, Zhūnzhǔ."
Nine-Tails' Den, Beast Clan
Nine-Tails was lounging on her soft couch while a magpie chirped nearby. She tapped along to the rhythm, clearly enjoying herself.
"Beast Lord, the Ming Valley space has fully detached from Lingyun Continent. Several Zhenzūns from the Demon Sect sealed the rift together."
"Yes. I sensed it."
Bai Jue Zhēnzūn hesitated, then added:
"Mo Yue has gone missing."
Nine-Tails opened her fox-like violet eyes and smiled charmingly.
"What? Worried about how you'll explain it to your precious little brother?"
Bai Jue said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
"How is Ying-ge's cultivation going?"
"He's working hard. He's on the verge of reaching the fifth tier."
"Good. Don't tell him about Mo Yue yet. Let him focus on cultivation. But don't just have him train. He needs real combat too. I think now's the perfect time."
"What do you mean, Beast Lord?"
"The Daoist factions are organizing a tournament. We can't fall behind. Notify the beast clans. I'll gather the elders and open the Wan Yao Hall trial space. What they gain in there will depend on their own fortune."
"Yes."
"I must conserve my strength to guard the beast clans. We won't send in too many. Limit it to twenty participants per tribe."
Bai Jue winced. He knew this wouldn't be so easy. For small clans, the limit was generous. But for large ones, it would trigger fierce competition.
"Why the frown? This is how we beasts survive—natural selection ensures our strength and longevity."
"Yes, I understand. I was being short-sighted."
"Good. Go make preparations. The trial will open whenever I feel like it."