Song Wanníng had only just ascended, yet it already felt as if her time was not enough.
While she was deep in thought, the Three Lives Mirror stirred.
Her expression shifted slightly. She quickly placed the Three Lives Mirror into her internal world and connected to it with her mind.
With Liu Xingzhi present outside, she could not risk exposing the mirror's secret.
"Senior, you're finally awake."
She had always addressed the Heavenly Dao as "Senior." It was a habit formed because she had cursed the Heavenly Dao too often in the past, and changing how she addressed it now felt strange and awkward.
"Congratulations. You have finally ascended."
The voice of the Heavenly Dao came from within the Three Lives Mirror. This time, it sounded deeper, though still neither distinctly male nor female.
"This is all thanks to your help in the final moments, Senior."
Song Wanníng gave polite thanks, but the Heavenly Dao replied, "No need. You and I are bound in cooperation."
"This time, I contacted you to deliver important news."
"Oh? What is it?"
Song Wanníng's expression grew serious. Judging from the Heavenly Dao's tone, this was no small matter.
"Through you, I've established contact with the Heavenly Dao fragment of the Spirit Realm. After communication, we've both decided to merge into one.
Now that the invaders in the lower realm have been eliminated, I intend to seal it off to prevent any other intruders from slipping in. This also means I will be cutting off contact with you."
Having finally rooted out the invaders, it could not afford to make the same mistake again.
"You mean the lower realm will be completely sealed?"
Song Wanníng's heart tightened. Her parents had not yet ascended—if the realm was sealed, what would happen to them?
Sensing her thoughts, the Heavenly Dao explained, "The ascension channel will remain, but all other spatial passages will be cut off. Nothing will be allowed to invade the lower realm again. Now, I will tell you more about the invaders."
Its voice grew heavy as it recounted the information it had learned from the Spirit Realm's Heavenly Dao fragment.
"There's more than one invader in the Spirit Realm. I can't even confirm how many there are.
The larger a world is, the weaker the influence of a so-called protagonist's aura. Even with great Luck, changing the perception of those around them becomes harder.
To ensure their plan's success, the Heavenly Dao of the Mùsù system may have sent in even more invaders. mI do not know what underhanded means they used to accomplish this, but I suspect the Mùsù system must be in terrible condition—perhaps already in an age where the Dao is waning."
In other words, this was likely the Mùsù system's final self-rescue strategy.
When cornered, one would inevitably resort to any means necessary.
"Not just one?"
Song Wanníng's heart sank. So it wasn't only Xiao Heyun.
"Yes, not just one."
The Heavenly Dao continued, "These people are destined to be expendable pieces. And to keep them easy to control, most of them are base and unscrupulous."
This was for easier manipulation.
If they chose someone with a strong moral compass or someone too intelligent, they might turn around and outmaneuver the Mùsù system's Heavenly Dao instead.
"So be especially careful. Do not let yourself fall into their schemes."
Song Wanníng etched the warning deeply into her mind.
She could not underestimate anyone.
"You've awakened the dragon vein. By the rules of the Heavenly Dao, you are now rightfully a Child of Luck. So if you encounter them, do not be afraid. Face them boldly. You are no longer the one who was suppressed at every turn in the lower realm."
This was something she had earned. Even the rules themselves could find no fault in it.
"Oh? If that's the case, then I won't be holding back."
Her eyes lit up. If it was really like this, all she had to do was work hard. She refused to believe she couldn't crush them.
"Girl, from today onward, this Three Lives Mirror will be your treasure for discerning invaders. This is the last thing I can do for you. From now on, it's up to you. May the two realms merge into one soon. When that day comes, we will meet again."
Once all the Heavenly Dao fragments of these worlds were reunited, the Starry Sky Great World would be restored.
After speaking, the Heavenly Dao left behind only a faint gleam of light before falling silent. It had departed hastily, likely for fear that another invader might slip into the lower realm.
The Three Lives Mirror lay quietly in her internal world. It was still the same treasure, yet its aura felt completely different.
Withdrawing her Primordial Soul from the internal world, she held the mirror in her hands, staring at it in thought.
The Heavenly Dao's words echoed over and over in her mind.
More than one invader… Luck at its peak… protagonist aura weakened…
Every point was crucial information.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. Since she had already stepped onto this path, she would see it through to the end.
This was for her family, her friends, and herself.
But how exactly was this Three Lives Mirror to be used?
Would it reveal an invader's true face just by reflecting them?
Song Wanníng rubbed her chin, a trace of doubt in her eyes.
After studying the mirror further, she found nothing unusual. Her gaze drifted instead to the Twin Blood Lotus in her internal world.
Such a treasure was no ordinary thing.
When she reached the Guhan Sect, she would find a safe place to study it further.
Once she had sorted her thoughts, Song Wanníng wasted no more time. Sitting cross-legged, she resumed cultivation.
…
A month later, the spirit boat finally stopped at the gates of the Guhan Sect.
Standing on the deck, Song Wanníng took an interested look at the vessel beneath her feet.
This was a top-grade spirit boat, and its speed was astonishing. If she had the chance, she would get one herself—it would make travel far faster.
The moment the spirit boat appeared overhead, disciples of the Guhan Sect noticed.
"Greetings, Elder Liu!"
"Greetings, Elder Liu!"
As they saluted, their eyes darted curiously to the woman behind him, wondering who she was and why she had returned with Elder Liu.
Liu Xingzhi only gave a faint nod before flying toward the Sect Master's Hall with Song Wanníng in tow.
It did not take long before word spread throughout the sect—Elder Liu had brought back an exceptionally beautiful woman. Disciples whispered to one another, guessing at her identity.
Jiang Cen had just returned from the back mountain when she heard the gossip. Her steps froze for a moment. The moment she heard her Senior Brother had brought back a beautiful woman, a sense of crisis filled her heart.
If she remembered correctly, this had never happened in the original story. Liu Xingzhi had always been like an unapproachable peak, one no woman could get close to…
And yet he had brought one back with him.
A dark light flashed in her eyes. It seemed her presence in this story had caused a butterfly effect, changing certain events.
Still…
She was the one who had transmigrated into this book. She had foreknowledge, she knew many people's secrets.
Hmph. This cold, untouchable flower would be hers alone—no one else could lay a hand on him.
Time to meet this so-called beauty. She wanted to see just how stunning the woman really was.
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Another Ye Chuxue, huh? (¬ ¬ )