“A provocation? Or something else?” Ao Ling’s words gave Lu Yang a new line of thought.

“Not daring to show themselves suggests that the Epoch Dao Fruit’s user is weaker than the immortal receiving the message. The two most likely have a life-or-death enmity.

“Who could that immortal receiving the message be? The Midheaven Emperor-Lord?”

“The Midheaven Emperor-Lord and the others have been searching for the four immortals’ Dao Fruits to open the box world and reach the external world. Among all immortals, the Great Qian faction should be the most eager to obtain the Epoch Dao Fruit.

“Or perhaps the Epoch Dao Fruit’s user is calling out to the mastermind behind the scenes?”

Lu Yang’s expression grew more somber. If it’s the latter, the identity of this Epoch Dao Fruit user would be all but revealed.

But all of this is just speculation; there’s no solid evidence.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I’ve fought against an Everlasting Incipient Dao Fruit. Junior Sister Mengmeng, shall we exchange a few moves?” Ao Ling looked at Yun Mengmeng, licking her lips with an eager gleam in her eyes.

Ao Ling was a battle maniac by nature; otherwise, she wouldn’t have condensed the Natural Selection Incipient Dao Fruit, which allowed her to become stronger the more she was beaten.

Back when the Everlasting Immortal Fairy was still half-immortal, Ao Ling had fought her and knew firsthand the power of the Everlasting Incipient Dao Fruit. Now that a suitable opponent had appeared, she naturally wanted to give it a try.

“Then let’s give it a try?” Yun Mengmeng was thin-skinned and too shy to refuse Ao Ling’s request.

“Since you two are going to fight, why not bring in another person?” The Everlasting Immortal Fairy loved spectacles like this.

“Bring in another person?” Ao Ling was puzzled. Who else is there?

“Wait.” With a thought, the Everlasting Immortal Fairy pulled Bu Yaolian over. The latter had been in the middle of chanting Buddhist scriptures for livestock at the slaughterhouse.

When Bu Yaolian flew uncontrollably toward Heaven’s Gate Peak, he knew the First-in-Command was summoning him.

“Big Boss.”

“Let me introduce him. This is our Everlasting Lineage’s Fourth-in-Command.” The Everlasting Immortal Fairy made the introduction for Jin Caiwei, the only one present who didn’t know Bu Yaolian.

“Fourth-in-Command, you’ve been comprehending the Everlasting Incipient Dao Fruit for so long. I trust you’ve had some gains.”

Hearing the First-in-Command regard him so highly, Bu Yaolian smiled sheepishly. Indeed, since receiving her guidance, I’ve cultivated diligently and grown proficient in using the Everlasting Incipient Dao Fruit.

“They’re just some cultivation insights.”

“It’s a perfect chance to demonstrate it to everyone then. Go practice with Lianyi.”

“Oh.” Bu Yaolian nodded obediently out of habit, then suddenly registered what the words meant.

“Ah?”

Jiang Lianyi smiled. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought against an Everlasting Incipient Dao Fruit. This is indeed a good opportunity.

“See? The timing is perfect. Our Everlasting Lineage’s Third-in-Command and Fourth-in-Command will be taking on two heavenly kings of our Heavenly Court Creed.” The Everlasting Immortal Fairy was extremely pleased with her arrangement.

Judging by the expression on Bu Yaolian’s face, Lu Yang felt that the Fourth-in-Command wasn’t extremely pleased with the Everlasting Immortal Fairy’s arrangement.

“Come, come, come. Everyone, fight inside Xiao Yangzi’s sword.” As the organizer, the Everlasting Immortal Fairy beckoned everyone.

Battles between half-immortals could only take place within a small world or similar space. If they fought directly on Heaven’s Gate Peak, the place would be reduced to flat ground in seconds.

Lu Yang drew the Qingfeng Sword and invited everyone into its small world.

The Qingfeng Sword’s small world was as lush as ever, with verdant trees and carpet-like grass. It was clear that its previous owner, Wu Yao, was an immortal with taste.

“A small world inside a sword, heh.” Jin Caiwei hadn’t expected Lu Yang to not only possess an immortal sword but one that contained a small world. Furthermore, it was portable, far more valuable than those immovable secret domains.

He already has such good stuff at the Divine Transfiguration Stage, while I have nothing despite being a half-immortal.

“Senior Sister Ao Ling, please give me your guidance!” Yun Mengmeng cupped her fists in a standard salute. This was the result of her granny’s teachings from childhood.

“Senior Lianyi, please give me your guidance!” Bu Yaolian was also well-versed in ancient etiquette. One couldn’t find a single fault with his posture.

Boom!

Following the Everlasting Immortal Fairy’s teachings, Yun Mengmeng and Bu Yaolian seized the initiative at the outset with a grand display of strength. They self-detonated immediately, causing such a massive explosion that even the small world trembled slightly.

From within the smoke, the cries of a dragon and a phoenix resonated through the nine heavens, dispersing the thick mist.

A black dragon and a golden phoenix soared through the sky, like yin and yang in perfect harmony. The saying that “dragons and phoenixes are auspicious symbols” could be no more fitting.

With half-immortals as their opponents, Ao Ling and Jiang Lianyi dared not be careless. They immediately transformed into their true dragon and phoenix forms.

“Again!”

Facing Ao Ling’s true dragon form, Yun Mengmeng showed no fear. She self-detonated again, giving Ao Ling no time to catch her breath.

On the other hand, Bu Yaolian was somewhat afraid of confronting Jiang Lianyi. He was still a ghost, lacking a physical body, while Jiang Lianyi was the Phoenix Ancient Ancestor, the most powerful being of the Phoenix Tribe.

This was Pure Yang Fire—the bane of his existence!

However, Bu Yaolian had no other choice. Escape was impossible.

Then fight I shall! Bu Yaolian’s gaze sharpened with resolve. In a flash, he also began self-detonating repeatedly!

Four half-immortals clashed violently within the small world. The world shook as if struck by an earthquake. Rivers flowed backward, and mountains shifted positions. As Lu Yang watched his intact small world turn into ruins in an instant, his heart ached.

At that moment, Lu Yang fully understood why Great Xia stipulated that experts must clean up the aftermath of their battles.

“They’re fighting pretty well.” The Everlasting Immortal Fairy watched the four half-immortals, somewhat satisfied. It is through combat that one gains experience and deepens their understanding of an Incipient Dao Fruit’s abilities. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

“But something feels missing.” Realization dawned upon the Everlasting Immortal Fairy as she caught sight of the solitary Jin Caiwei out of the corner of her eye.

“I know! Little Tiger still lacks an opponent. Xiao Yangzi, you go spar with Little Tiger. You have made some breakthroughs in your body refinement arts after all.”

The number of people displeased with the Everlasting Immortal Fairy’s arrangements had now increased by one.

“Me?”

Jin Caiwei was still gazing up at the sky, watching the battle. At first, she didn’t register what the Everlasting Immortal Fairy had said. When she processed this good news, she couldn’t stop the corners of her mouth from curling upward.

No, no, I mustn’t laugh.

Catching herself, she tried hard to stifle her laughter, not wanting to seem too obvious.

“It’ll indeed be difficult for you alone, but you have this immortal. Can’t the two of us handle one little tiger?” Seeing that Lu Yang was still worried, the Everlasting Immortal Fairy analyzed the power of both parties to put his mind at ease.

“Look, our Everlasting Lineage averages out to half-immortals, right? As three of the Heavenly Court’s Four Regents, they also average out to half-immortals.

“This is a battle between two half-immortal factions. It’s perfectly fair.”

“So what can you help me with, Immortal Fairy?”

“Cheer you on and give you moral support!”

“...” Lu Yang. Immortal Fairy, I was kind enough to resurrect you, so why are you trying to harm me?

~~~

According to unofficial wild historical records, the pillar minister, Lu Yang, citing the Exalted Majesty’s youth and inexperience in governance, seized control of the court, plunged the administration into disorder, and monopolized power. Under the pretext of pleasure and amusement, the Exalted Majesty ordered three generals to eliminate the pillar minister and his faction.