Everlasting Immortal Firmament

The Western Sea, Divine Continent:

Lady Houtu had quietly arrived at a chain of islands, the agreed-upon meeting place with Houqing.

From a distance, she spotted Houqing on a peak of one of the islands.

As Lady Houtu descended from the clouds, the distant Houqing sensed her arrival, and his eyes lit up with excitement.

“Elder Sister!” Houqing greeted her with a smile.

Lady Houtu landed and looked at him coldly. “So, you still acknowledge me as your elder sister?”

“Elder Sister, why start with criticism the moment you arrive?” Houqing grumbled in dissatisfaction.

“Let me ask you this: have you joined the Huang Heavenly Dynasty?” Lady Houtu asked sharply.

“Ah? Elder Sister, how did you know?” Houqing looked surprised.

“It was obvious from your letter. How could I not know?” Lady Houtu retorted angrily.

“But…I only mentioned joining a faction in my letter; I didn’t specify the Huang Heavenly Dynasty!” Houqing countered, his eyebrows knitting in confusion.

“To think you are not embarrassed to say that! Before you left, didn’t you say you were going to the Yan Heavenly Dynasty? How did you end up in the Huang Heavenly Dynasty?” Lady Houtu asked in a heavy voice.

“The Yan Heavenly Dynasty?” The mention of the name irritated Houqing.

The humiliation he had suffered that day in Great Desolation City was still fresh in his mind. Every time he thought about it, he felt like he was being stabbed anew.

“Elder Sister, the Yan Heavenly Dynasty? Ba? Haha! I swear that one day, I will make her look up to me!” Houqing snarled with a tinge of frustration.

Lady Houtu instantly grasped Houqing’s emotional state. She guessed he had hit a wall, so instead of reprimanding him further, she sighed, “I’ve told you before, Ba is too proud. You can’t subdue her. Hah…”

“Elder Sister, one day, I will surpass her!” Houqing insisted, clenching his fist.

“Enough about her. Come back with me. If you’re not willing, at least leave the Huang Heavenly Dynasty. With war between the Huang Nation and the Han Nation imminent, there’s no need for you to add to the commotion!” Lady Houtu declared sternly.

“No, I find the Huang Heavenly Dynasty good. His Holy Eminence has provided me with a platform to showcase my talents. Moreover, he follows the principle of meritocracy,” Houqing quickly refused.

Lady Houtu’s expression darkened. “Are you blind? Meritocracy? Is it because you’re being favored? Ji Dihong is a sinister character! Have you forgotten about the war for supremacy years ago? You’ll be devoured to the bone under him!”

“Elder Sister, you misunderstand His Holy Eminence. After all, I’m already the Wind Zombie Duke. Once I help in annihilating the Han Imperial Dynasty, I might rise higher. Elder Sister, come with me to Xuanyuan City. You’re the only family I have left in this world!” Houqing persuaded hurriedly.

Lady Houtu glared at Houqing. “What kind of hallucinogen has Ji Dihong fed you? Rise higher? Hahaha! You’re really ambitious!”

“Elder Sister, it’s true. You misunderstand His Holy Eminence!” Houqing tried to convince her again.

Lady Houtu looked at Houqing with frustration, realizing her younger brother was beyond redemption.

“Enough! I know I can’t stop you. I’ll just ask Gu Hai to show you mercy in the future. Hah…,” Lady Houtu sighed with a touch of sorrow.

“Mercy? Elder Sister, there’s no need to beg that despicable Gu Hai for mercy. He is of no significance!” Houqing scoffed.

Looking at Houqing with a complex expression, Lady Houtu wondered, How did my younger brother turn out like this?

“Alright, take good care of yourself. I’m too tired to argue with you,” Lady Houtu said, forcing a smile.

Houqing spoke again. “Sister, I barely persuaded His Holy Eminence. This is your chance. Don’t continue siding with Gu Hai and make a mistake!”

“Hold on, what did you say? You barely persuaded Ji Dihong? What did you persuade him to do?” Lady Houtu eyed Houqing suspiciously.

“I persuaded His Holy Eminence to accept you, Elder Sister. His Holy Eminence said he was willing to make you a duchess. Mao Tianyun can come, too. All five of you divine envoys can become dukes, or at most, we can bring her over too!” Houqing explained.

The her naturally referred to Long Wanyu.

Lady Houtu’s eyes widened in shock. “You…you told them?”

“No, I didn’t mention her, only your good relationship with the other divine envoys, so His Holy Eminence let me come to persuade you, Elder Sister. Otherwise, if war breaks out, you’ll be caught in the crossfire,” Houqing said.

Lady Houtu stared at Houqing in disbelief. “Since when did my safety become your concern?”

“Elder Sister!” Houqing pleaded anxiously.

“Did Ji Dihong send you as a mediator? To try to win me over? Was it your idea or his?” Lady Houtu demanded, her eyes wide.

“At the welcoming feast His Holy Eminence held for me, he brought up your situation. His Holy Eminence lamented about the impending conflict with the Han Nation. He worried about the harm that might befall you. He asked me repeatedly whether I would take action if I had to confront you directly. Naturally, I pleaded with him on your behalf. His Holy Eminence was torn, caught between you and me, unsure what to do. Emperor Kong then suggested we bring you over, so we wouldn’t have to worry about you getting caught in the crossfire. Even if you do nothing, His Holy Eminence will still make you a duchess. Naturally, I volunteered right away! Elder Sister, heed my advice. His Holy Eminence is truly a wise ruler!” Houqing added fervently.

Lady Houtu just stared at Houqing, lost in thought. After what seemed like an eternity, a complex expression crossed her face, and she smiled wryly.

“What’s wrong, Elder Sister?” Houqing asked.

“How did I get such an unfortunate younger brother, too foolish to help himself? Can’t you see this is a trap Ji Dihong set? And you willingly walked right into it?” Lady Houtu said with a bitter expression on her face.

Houqing was taken aback. I am trying to help you. How did I become the fool?

“Elder Sister?”

“I recall you weren’t this foolish? Did a donkey kick you in the head?” Lady Houtu grumbled.

“Elder Sister!” Houqing was so frustrated he felt like he might vomit blood.

“I told you long ago you’re not cut out to be strong. You’d be better off leading an ordinary life; at least then, you wouldn’t be so full of yourself when others try to outwit you,” Lady Houtu sighed.

Houqing protested, “Elder Sister, where did I go wrong? The one who’s wrong is you. What is so great about Gu Hai? He’s just the emperor of an imperial dynasty, a man who hasn’t even reached the consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm! Do you favor him so much because of Long—!”

Just as he was about to bring up Long Wanyu, Lady Houtu glared at him fiercely. “Shut up!”

Houqing fell silent.

“Houqing, your matters are no longer my concern and are beyond my control. Whether I live or die in the Han Imperial Dynasty is none of your business. As for what you were about to say, if you dare to disclose it, consider our sibling relationship over. I’ll chase you to the ends of the earth and even the nether realm to kill you,” Lady Houtu warned, her face chilling.

Houqing shivered under his sister’s icy stare.

“Alright, I won’t say anything,” Houqing said, looking frustrated.

“That’s enough. Let’s end this conversation here. I wish you luck. You’d better wise up. Hah…,” Lady Houtu sighed.

“Elder Sister!” Houqing called out in frustration.

However, Lady Houtu ignored him, flinging her sleeves out and making to leave.

Boom!

As Lady Houtu was about to leave, a gigantic wave rose over the Western Sea. Then an immense barrier enveloped the entire sea region.

“What? Houqing, do you intend to fight me?” Lady Houtu glared at Houqing, surprised.

“What? I...I don’t know anything about this!” Houqing’s face paled.

If this isn’t Houqing’s doing, then whose is it? Lady Houtu’s expression darkened.

At that moment, a hearty laugh resounded from far out at sea.

“Hahahahaha! Lady Houtu, it has been a long time. I trust you’ve been well!” boomed a deep voice.

“The Eastern Sea Dragon King, Ao Ying?” Lady Houtu’s expression became somber.

Three figures flew slowly over the sea towards them—Ao Ying, Xiong You, and Fengbo, three consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm powerhouses of the Huang Heavenly Dynasty. They suddenly appeared and blocked Lady Houtu’s path.

“You!” Houqing’s face turned angry.

“Greetings, Wind Zombie Duke,” the three of them said almost simultaneously, slightly bowing in respect.

This greeting instantly defused a good portion of Houqing’s anger, giving him a sense of satisfaction.

“Why did you follow me?” Houqing demanded.

“Wind Zombie Duke, forgive us. His Holy Eminence sympathizes with the deep bond between you and Lady Houtu. He can’t bear to harm her. However, the inevitable clash between the Huang Nation and the Han Nation is upon us, and casualties are unavoidable. Therefore, His Holy Eminence sent you to persuade Lady Houtu. If you succeeded, it would be for the best. Alas, it seems Lady Houtu doesn’t fully comprehend the situation. Despite your earnest advice, she isn’t grateful. That’s why we followed you. Wind Zombie Duke, please forgive us. His Holy Eminence has prepared a feast in your honor, and when we return, he will apologize to you.”

At this point, Houqing’s anger had already dissipated. All he could do was force a smile. “I am incompetent and have disappointed His Holy Eminence.”

“No, Wind Zombie Duke. You are simply a man with a strong sense of loyalty, which His Holy Eminence appreciates above all else. He was worried your feelings might hinder your ability to save Lady Houtu, so he sent us to assist you,” Fengbo said.

However, Lady Houtu was livid. “Hahaha! What a pathetic excuse! You talk about loyalty? You came here to assist him? Assist with what?”

Although she was disappointed at Houqing’s incompetence, her anger was even more potent, as she saw him being manipulated by others.

Fengbo turned to Houqing. “Wind Zombie Duke, we have set up a barrier to prevent any unnecessary harm to Lady Houtu in the future. Why don’t we invite Lady Houtu to Xuanyuan City?”

Houqing frowned slightly. Although this is not Elder Sister’s intent, Gu Hai has deceived her. Now, I, as her younger brother, am the only one who can save her.

Finally, Houqing nodded in agreement.

“Houqing, I won’t go. Are you going to force me to go to Xuanyuan City with them?” Lady Houtu raged.

“Elder Sister, I don’t want to resort to violence. Don’t make this difficult for me,” Houqing pleaded bitterly.

His stance was clear: he was going to take Lady Houtu to Xuanyuan City, whether she liked it or not.

“You wretch! I’ve wasted all these years raising you! Did you ask me to meet you alone just so you could trap me?” Lady Houtu complained bitterly.

Four consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators are surrounding me. We are in a remote location, a vast distance from the continent, and nobody knows where I am. Furthermore, the other side has the assistance of a ritual array; am I going to fall victim to Houqing’s stupidity today? This wretched younger brother! How did I get involved with this unfortunate younger brother?!

“Elder Sister, you’re confused right now, but you’ll be grateful in the future!” Houqing insisted, unrepentant.

Lady Houtu: “…”

Just when Fengbo, Ao Ying, and Xiong You were elated over their imminent victory, a voice came from beyond the barrier.

“Meow! Houtu, you’re the most cunning among the five divine envoys. To think your simpleton of a brother outsmarted you. That’s really something. Hahahaha!” Mao Tianyun’s laughter rang out from outside the barrier.

“Huh? Elder Sister, you didn’t come alone?” Houqing exclaimed in surprise.

The faces of Xiong You, Ao Ying, and Fengbo fell.

However, Lady Houtu’s eyes brightened.

Five figures stood beyond the barrier: Shangguan Hen, Gu Han, Long Wanqing, Mao Tianyun, and Kong Xuan. All were consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators from the Han Imperial Dynasty.

“Lady Houtu, when my husband heard about your meeting with Houqing, he worried for your safety and sent us to follow you. Please forgive our intrusion,” Long Wanqing said, bowing slightly.

“Meow! I didn’t tattle; it was Ensnaring Performance who eavesdropped. I gave him a good scolding, but it seems I was wrong to do so. Compared to Ensnaring Performance’s annoying eavesdropping, this Houqing is even more detestable!” Mao Tianyun yowled.

“I’m filled with gratitude for Imperial Emperor Gu. How could I blame him?” Lady Houtu said with a bitter smile.

Now, Lady Houtu did not have to worry.

They had six consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators, while their opponents had only four. The outcome was obvious.