"Now then, let me begin explaining the structure of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. It would be rather embarrassing if the Mansion Master himself knew nothing of his own force's inner workings."
As they journeyed toward the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, Wei Jie began his explanation.
The Moonlit Chaos Mansion was situated within the Brightmoon Mountain Range, located in the southeastern corner of the western region of the Central Plains.
It was said to be a cultivation haven—abundant in natural energy and rich with spiritual resources. A land so desirable that it drew the greedy eyes of many powerful forces.
Yet despite this, the mountain range had remained unclaimed for countless years. The reason?
A naturally formed formation array enveloped the entire mountain range. Unlike artificial constructs, this formation was birthed by the heavens themselves, making it far more difficult to decipher or dismantle. Shrouded in a dense, illusory mist, the array could distort perception to such an extent that even Dou Zun experts would find it near impossible to escape once caught within its grasp.
Furthermore, Xin Yu had once studied arrays under Xue Yue. Thus, locating the core of the naturally formed formation was a simple task for her. Rather than forcefully breaking it, she chose to take control of it—refining and adjusting the array to form the foundation of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion in this very location.
Over time, they established a formidable reputation, and the name of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion began to spread across the Central Plains. When each of them eventually stepped into the Dou Zun class, the Mansion's fame and strength surged even further, drawing the attention of countless rising talents.
This rise was especially pronounced after Ming Cheng defeated Lei Zun-zhe in fewer than five exchanges—a battle that sent shockwaves through many factions. Even more astonishing was the strength of their disciples. Those trained under Ming Cheng and the others possessed extraordinary talent and strength, with several having suppressed geniuses from other renowned forces.
From that point on, many among the younger generation sought to join the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—provided they could pass the trial set before them.
"Trial? What kind of trial is it?" Xiao Hua asked, his curiosity clearly piqued. Though he had some understanding of the test crafted by his sworn siblings, he had never heard the full details.
Mei Ling smiled faintly and began to explain, "Using the formation array Xin Yu learned from Lady Xue Yue, we designed a multi-layered trial. Each stage must be completed within a strict time limit."
The array manifests a vast staircase—one that seemed to stretch all the way to the heavens. Every step weighed heavily on the body, as if each stride pressed down with the force of mountains. The pressure didn't stop there; even one's soul felt tightly bound, as though shackled by invisible chains.
Once this sensation sets in, the first round begins.
Blazing flames, arcs of lightning, and bone-piercing chilling winds suddenly emerge—obstacles that violently resist one's ascent, attempting to force the challenger back down the staircase.
If one overcomes this, they face the second round—an onslaught of illusionary figures, each attacking with merciless precision. These phantoms target the soul and will, aiming to kill without hesitation. Those who fear death or lack firm resolve will falter will be cast out and unable to proceed.
While the trials may seem straightforward in design, one must not underestimate their difficulty. The dense natural energy of Heaven and Earth within the array constricts both body and soul. Even the slightest movement feels as burdensome as lifting an immense boulder with a single finger.
After overcoming the first two rounds and reaching the top of the staircase, the challengers are teleported to various points across the Brightmoon Mirror Mountain Range. From there, they must find their way to the entrance of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—within three weeks.
As they draw nearer to the entrance, the dangers only intensify. More powerful magical beasts begin to appear, deathly arrays are scattered along the path, and unforeseen perils await at every turn. To make matters worse, the number of available spots is limited—inevitably leading to fierce battles among the challengers.
Those who surrender or are defeated will be immediately expelled from the mountain range and deemed to have failed the trial.
"I take it the moment they enter… is when the real test begins, no?" Xiao Hua asked with a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Oh? So you noticed…" Little Fairy Doctor chuckled softly, clearly aware of the hidden layer to the trial, even though Mei Ling hadn't mentioned it aloud.
"With our brothers and sisters involved, there's no way they'd design something so straightforward," Xiao Hua scoffed, rolling his eyes in mild disdain. "There had to be a catch."
"That's correct," Mei Ling said with a gentle clap of her hands. "The moment they step into the trial, we begin examining their intent in joining the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—to prevent spies or ill-willed individuals from slipping through."
"Naturally, we don't expel all of them outright," Wei Jie added with a cold chuckle. "Some are more useful when kept under watch. We simply choose those we can control, and let them serve as our eyes within their original factions."
Xiao Hua merely shook his head in silent agreement. He understood well that spies from other forces were inevitable. In such cases, it was wiser to keep the manageable ones close than to let uncontrollable threats infiltrate unchecked.
"Anyway, after passing the entrance trial, the disciples may choose which hall they wish to enter," Mei Ling continued, steering the conversation back on track.
"There are five halls within the Moonlit Chaos Mansion," Wei Jie said, lifting his hand and spreading five fingers. "Each was personally established by one of us."
"Brother Ming Cheng created the Thunder Heaven Hall. Sister Li Mei founded the Purity Sky Hall. Sister Xin Yu established the Serene Lake Hall. I oversee the Scarlet Phoenix Hall, while Wei Jie commands the Blazing Dragon Hall," Mei Ling explained with a smile.
"Phoenix? Dragon?" Xiao Hua raised his brows in mild confusion. He couldn't quite understand why the halls Wei Jie and Mei Ling had created were named after the phoenix and dragon—which neither of them seemed to have any prior connection.
Sensing his doubt, Wei Jie took the initiative to explain.
"Before we left for the Central Plains," Wei Jie began, "Lady Azure passed down a new Qi Method to us—one that differed slightly from the one we previously cultivated. This technique cannot be refined using ordinary unique flames. It requires either a Primordial Heavenly Flame or its fire seed as the core for cultivation. Moreover, a specific type of rare material is also needed to awaken its true potential."
Seeing Xiao Hua's expression shifts slightly in understanding, he continued, "In my case, aside from the flame, the Qi Method required a bloodline of pure dragon. For Mei Ling, it demanded a phoenix bloodline just as pure."
Mei Ling nodded, her smile soft as she continued, "Fortunately, we received several drops of exceptionally pure phoenix and dragon blood essence within the storage ring you gave us. Most likely, Lady Azure placed them there after sorting through your belongings."
"By merging the flames with the corresponding blood essence and circulating them through our meridians, our physiques began to gradually transform—aligning with the essence of the phoenix and dragon," she explained gently.
"So… will the two of you completely transform into a dragon and a phoenix once you reach the peak of Dou Qi Continent?" Xiao Hua asked, his curiosity deepening. Compared to Xiao Yan's Flame Mantra, this was something entirely different—something far more profound.
"We will," Wei Jie confirmed with a nod. "Once we step into the Dou Di class, both our bones and blood will undergo a complete transformation. I will become a dragon… and Mei Ling will become a phoenix."
"That's… truly astonishing," Xiao Hua murmured in awe. A Qi Method that could reshape a human into a divine beast—such a thing was far beyond ordinary comprehension. "So, what is this Qi Method called?"
"Mei Ling's is named the Nine-Heaven Phoenix Nirvana Codex, while mine is the Nine-Transformations Sacred Flame Dragon Scripture," Wei Jie said with a light laugh, amused by the excitement in his little brother's eyes.
"Anyway," Mei Ling continued, steering the conversation back on track, "as for the disciple's structure of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—there is no distinction between outer or inner disciples."
"Instead, we implement a ranking system," she explained. "There are two ranks: the Small King Ranking, meant for Dou Wang-level disciples, and the Little Emperor Ranking, reserved for those at the Dou Huang realm."
"Our direct disciples currently stand at the top of the Little Emperor Ranking," Wei Jie added with a proud chuckle. His voice carried no arrogance, only the pride of a teacher whose disciples had surpassed expectations. From his expression, it was clear—he was genuinely proud of them.
'Didn't they take in their disciples only three years ago when they were still at the Dou Ling level? How could they possibly reach Dou Huang so quickly?'
Xiao Hua furrowed his brows slightly, recalling how Ming Cheng had once mentioned they accepted their disciples around the same time. That made the sudden leap in strength all the more shocking.
He wasn't envious, nor did he intend to criticize it. But he understood all too well the difficulty of raising one's strength to reach such level. Under normal circumstances, such rapid advancement was nearly impossible.
The only reason Xiao Hua had managed to rise so quickly himself was due to the Heavenly Tribulation Lightning, which allowed him to ascend to Dou Ling without damaging his foundation. On top of that, he had the System—a heaven-defying advantage that allowed him to skip an entire realm altogether.
Even Xiao Yan, the central figure of the Battle Through the Heavens story, had to devour the Fallen Heart Flame to leap several stages and reach Dou Wang. Yet it still took him two more years to reach peak Dou Huang, making it roughly five years in total.
And yet... their direct disciples had reached the Dou Huang realm in just three years. More than that, they could even contend with Dou Zongs—proving that their foundations weren't just intact, but deeply rooted and firm.
'Wait… don't tell me…' Xiao Hua's expression shifted slightly as a sudden realization flickered in his mind.
"That's right, child," a gentle yet ethereal voice echoed within his spiritual sea. "Though the essence was far weaker even the lightning brat and the others, I lend them several fire seeds of the Primordial Heavenly Flames, thunder sparks of Heavenly Lightnings, and ice seeds of Celestial Ancient Frost. All to cultivate worthy disciples and ensure the foundation of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion would not be weak."
As he fell into silent contemplation, Lady Azure's voice resonated within him—confirming the suspicion that had just begun to surface.
'No wonder…' Xiao Hua smiled helplessly. As expected, the one who had prepared everything behind the scenes was none other than Lady Azure that she took from her storage ring. Before she entered her deep slumber a few years ago, she had already arranged everything.
Moreover, from the way Ming Cheng and the others spoke of their disciples, it was clear—those disciples cultivated the same Qi Methods as they did.
"Then, what about the elders and guest elders?" Xiao Hua asked. Now that he understood the entrance trials, the disciple halls, and the structure of the sect, his curiosity naturally turned toward those in positions of authority.
"Most of the elders have already reached the Dou Zun level," Mei Ling replied. "Their loyalty has been tested over time and proven to be unwavering."
She recalled the period of turmoil when they, the leaders of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, had been absent. Even in those uncertain days, the elders stood firm, repelling the opportunistic forces that came with ill intent.
Xiao Hua, however, wasn't surprised. After all, the elders mostly hailed from the clans of his sworn brothers and sisters. Though a few had caused internal unrest due to personal greed or ambition during that period, they had been swiftly executed by Ming Cheng and the others—without hesitation or mercy.
Given their superior strength and authority, no one dared to challenge their decisions. At the same time, the leadership wasn't without fairness. Generous rewards were granted to those who made contributions to the Mansion—ranging from high-tier medicinal pills, high-grade artifacts and even high-class Dou Techniques.
Because of this balance, complaints were practically none. Though the rules of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion were strict and unforgiving, none found reason to object. With the chance to earn Tier 8 pills, powerful artifacts, or high-level Dou Techniques, even harsh discipline became endurable for those determined to grow stronger.
'A classic stick and carrot approach…' Xiao Hua thought inwardly, shaking his head with a faint smirk.
"As for the guest elders, most of them are Dou Zun-level experts, with two having already stepped into the Ban Sheng realm," Wei Jie continued with a faint smile. "Though the title may seem superficial, they are now riding the same boat as the Moonlit Chaos Mansion."
He added casually, "We made it clear—those who contribute to the Mansion will earn the chance to obtain Tian-Class Dou Techniques or Tier 8 and above medicinal pills."
"Don't underestimate the influence of a Tier 9 Alchemist," Mei Ling said with a playful smile. "Even an ordinary Dou Sheng has to show some measure of respect—let alone these guest elders."
Xiao Hua nodded with a faint smile. Afterward, he listened attentively as they began explaining the layout and architectural design of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion itself.
Once the explanation came to an end, Wei Jie and Mei Ling took their leave, each returning to their respective quarters within the Cloud-Void Steering Ship.
With their departure, only Xiao Hua and the Little Fairy Doctor remained. The two sat quietly at the helm, enjoying the cold breeze that swept gently past them, while watching clouds drift lazily across the sky. Thanks to the ship's concealment—hidden from all but the most perceptive of senses—their journey had remained peaceful and undisturbed.
Little Fairy Doctor slowly leaned her head against Xiao Hua's shoulder. Ever since she had seen him in that frail, near-lifeless state during her visit to Burning Flame Valley, her heart had been wrapped in unease—tight with fear, worry, and the silent pain of helplessness.
But now, in the hush of this tranquil moment, with the breeze whispering softly past them and clouds drifting lazily in the sky, her restless heart finally began to settle.
"Don't worry," Xiao Hua said gently, his voice low and calm, like a stream flowing through moonlit silence. "Even if you aren't always by my side during every hardship, your presence in my heart will never fade. You've long become a part of my strength—guiding me through every storm, every tribulation. I still wish… to walk this path with you—for all of eternity."
His words, though simple, struck the deepest part of her soul.
Little Fairy Doctor's breath caught. She slowly lifted her gaze, her beautiful eyes shimmering like mist beneath the stars. When she met his, she saw that same unwavering tenderness—the kind of smile that seemed to melt all her fears away. He had noticed. He had known of her hidden worries, the anxious burden she hadn't voiced… and he chose to answer them with warmth.
Without a word, she leaned into him more, as if trying to press his warmth deeper into her bones—to etch his presence into her very being. She had already memorized this feeling countless times, yet it was never enough. The fear of losing him, of having to live far beyond his time, had always haunted her. But now, with those few heartfelt words, he had given her something greater than reassurance—he had given her peace.
And in that moment, amidst the drifting clouds and the quiet hum of the heavens, she wished time would stop—just so she could stay in the comfort of his embrace a little longer.
Her large, tear-reddened eyes glistened as she sniffled softly, her voice fragile yet earnest. "What about… my other sisters?"
Xiao Hua smiled gently, warmth blooming in his gaze as he saw the heaviness in her heart begin to ease. "Naturally, them too," he said softly. "I want to watch the stars drift across the sky with Xun'er… bask in the moonlight that casts away the darkness with Sister Ya Fei… greet the rising sun with Cai'er… and witness the changing seasons with you, Xian'er."
His voice carried the weight of longing—gentle yet resolute.
"I want moments like this… to last forever."
"There's no such thing as 'forever,' Xiao Hua," she replied with a soft chuckle, her voice tinged with bittersweet warmth.
Xiao Hua lifted his head, eyes narrowed with quiet defiance as he looked toward the heavens. "Then I'll create it," he declared, his voice calm yet unwavering. "Even if eternity does not exist, I'll forge it with my own hands—for all of you, who've carved yourselves so deeply into my heart."
Little Fairy Doctor laughed softly, the sound like a spring breeze brushing through delicate blossoms. "Such boastful words…"
But her heart trembled—not in disbelief, but in quiet joy. Because she knew… Xiao Hua never spoke empty promises. If he said he would grasp eternity for their sake, then one day, he truly would.
And in that moment, beneath the sky that held no eternity, a promise greater than time itself was born.
Xiao Hua and Little Fairy Doctor remained nestled in silence, simply savoring the warmth of each other's presence. No words were exchanged, yet the unspoken feelings between them flowed as naturally as a spring-fed river—gentle, constant, and serene. The quiet might have lingered, but the air around them pulsed with a deep tenderness, as though not even the heavens could sever the bond they shared.
The Cloud-Void Steering Ship glided quietly above the clouds, its form cloaked in an invisible veil. No disturbance marred their journey, and no beings sharp enough in perception ever came close to detecting them. Peace held dominion over the sky.
But on the fifth day of their voyage, that peace was quietly broken.
A sudden fluctuation pulsed from the communication jade nestled within their storage rings—a unique signal, one used not to send messages, but to search for the holder's location.
Xiao Hua and the others instinctively retrieved their jade slips, brows furrowing as they tried to sense the intent behind it. But before they could inspect it further, the air before them rippled softly—then grew increasingly unstable. The space trembled, and a faint spatial fluctuation bloomed into existence.
One by one, they gathered at the center of the ship, their gazes sharpening as a thin crack split open in the sky.
Yet none of them assumed battle stance. The earlier jade's activation had already told them—this visitor was no enemy.
"Ugh… Little brother Xiao Hua, I finally found you..."
As the spatial crack widened, a figure stumbled through with urgency. He looked haggard, his robes slightly disheveled, and his breath uneven from his anxious rush. But his aura was unmistakable—steady, powerful, and familiar.
He cleared his throat, exhaling heavily before fixing his gaze on Xiao Hua and letting out a theatrical wail that seemed half-scolding, half-relieved.
Xiao Hua blinked, stunned for a heartbeat before his eyes widened with disbelief. His voice carried a trace of surprise. "Elder Hei Qing?"
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