When Zhu Li heard Xiao Hua's intention to leave—a decision no one in his group opposed—he did not try to stop him. The atmosphere on Eastern Dragon Island was currently solemn, shrouded in vigilance against the other three great Dragon Islands.
Though Xiao Hua and his companions possessed the strength to lend aid, the Eastern Dragon Island naturally preferred not to trouble them, especially when they had their own matters to attend to.
Zhu Li pondered for a moment before nodding. "It's just as well."
"Little friend Xiao Hua, take this spatial jade token. Should you wish to come to Eastern Dragon Island, simply shatter it. The spatial power within will form a tunnel and bring you here directly." As he spoke, Zhu Li retrieved an exquisite silver jade token and handed it over, a faint smile on his face.
Xiao Hua accepted it without hesitation. This kind of spatial jade token could only be crafted by someone at the Ban Sheng level, and even then, it was a troublesome process.
"In that case, I shall not remain any longer. If trouble arises in the future, my Moonlit Chaos Mansion will lend its strength to the fullest extent of our ability." Xiao Hua cupped his hands toward Elder Zhu Li, a faint grin on his lips.
"Ke ke, I hope that day never comes." Zhu Li chuckled softly, rubbing his beard.
He truly wished such a time would never arrive, for it would mean their situation had grown dire beyond measure. Should that day come, Eastern Dragon Island might suffer grievous losses—an outcome any of them would dread. His words were not mere courtesy, but a sincere hope.
Xiao Hua and the others naturally understood the weight behind his statement, and they could only silently agree. If that day were to come, Zi Yan would undoubtedly be in the gravest danger, for she would become the foremost target of the other three great Dragon Islands and the three great dragon kings.
With the matter concluded, Zhu Li signaled for Hei Qing to see them off.
Hei Qing responded with a faint smile. With a wave of his hand, the void before them split open, revealing a dark spatial crevice. "Little brother Xiao Hua, Master Wei Jie, Lady Mei Ling, Little Fairy Doctor—please," he said warmly, inviting them to step through.
Xiao Hua and the others exchanged glances and grinned before cupping their hands in farewell. Without further words, they stepped into the spatial crevice, with Hei Qing following close behind. The crack in space rippled faintly before slowly sealing shut, leaving no trace behind.
Deep within a vast, lush mountain range, the distant roars of magical beasts echoed across the wilderness. Suddenly, a thin rift tore open in midair, distorting the space around it. From within, several figures emerged—it was Xiao Hua's group, fresh from their departure from Eastern Dragon Island.
"Hu..."
Stepping out of the rift, Xiao Hua took in the endless expanse of mountains stretching beyond the horizon. Tilting his head back, he gazed at the boundless azure sky and let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders as the tension eased from his body. Compared to the vast emptiness of the void realm, the familiar solidity of the continent felt far more grounding.
"Everyone, you'll reach the Moonlit Chaos Mansion in a day if you travel east from here," Hei Qing said after a brief glance around to find his bearings. "The situation in the tribe is pressing, so I cannot personally see you back this time."
"Don't trouble yourself over it, older brother Hei Qing. You've already done more than enough."
Xiao Hua smiled, cupping his hands in gratitude toward Hei Qing.
"Once the large matters of the Ancient Dragon Tribe settle, I will be free to come and go as I please. When that time comes, should I cross paths with members of the Hall of Souls, I'll lend you my strength to deal with them." Hei Qing patted his chest with a hearty laugh.
Though he knew Xiao Hua's enemies were far beyond his own means to handle, he was still willing to step forward and fight alongside him.
Xiao Hua let out a soft chuckle and nodded. Despite Hei Qing's rough manner and imposing presence, his character was truly commendable—someone well worth befriending.
"Alright, I won't waste words. Let us part here."
Hei Qing waved to Xiao Hua, refraining from further pleasantries. With a twist of his hand, he once again tore open the fabric of space. His figure flashed, vanishing into the crack.
"How about we set off, Sister Mei Ling, Brother Wei Jie?"
Xiao Hua's smile lingered as he turned to them, his tone light.
Wei Jie and Mei Ling exchanged a brief glance, each wearing a faint smile. Wei Jie then waved his sleeve, and a miniature Cloud-Void Steering Ship shot out from his storage ring. In the blink of an eye, it expanded to full size before them.
In a flash, the four of them leapt aboard the Cloud-Void Steering Ship. The moment their feet touched the deck, the ship stirred to life, gliding smoothly into the air. With a low hum, it shot toward the eastern horizon—the direction Hei Qing had indicated.
…
As mentioned before, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion stood within the Brightmoon Mountain Range, nestled in the southeastern corner of the western region of the Central Plains.
Among the newly risen powers of the Central Plains, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion was perhaps the youngest. As such, its number of disciples was the smallest, barely exceeding a hundred.
Yet, despite their small numbers, none dared to look down on them. The feats and strength of the Mansion Master and the five Hall Masters had already sent ripples through the Central Plains, shaking even the most established forces.
Furthermore, each Hall Master's direct disciples was a figure of dread in their own right, capable of defeating opponents several levels above their cultivation. Each one possessed a reputation so formidable that even the elders of other factions felt apprehension at the mere mention of their names, to say nothing of ordinary disciples from those factions.
The most renowned example was more than half a year prior, when the direct disciple of Ming Cheng had effortlessly defeated a Dou Zong expert—without even breaking a sweat.
Even those considered "ordinary" disciples of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—lacking the status of direct or elite disciples—were anything but weak. Their abilities were enough to ensure that no one in the Central Plains would dare underestimate them.
Though their numbers were few, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion made up for it in quality. Each disciple possessed strength so fearsome that experts of the same realm would find them difficult—if not impossible—to overcome.
It was no coincidence that no faction, not even the long-established powers of the Central Plains, dared to slight them. Any who tried would only suffer a crushing defeat and a humiliating loss of face.
After a day's flight toward the eastern sky, an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before Xiao Hua's eyes—the outer reaches of the Brightmoon Mountain Range.
Spanning over five hundred kilometers, the Brightmoon Mountain Range was an endless expanse of towering peaks and lush, ancient forests. What set it apart from all other lands was its eternal night—day never came here. Instead, the heavens were forever draped in a velvety darkness, illuminated by a colossal silver moon that hung impossibly close. Its gentle, dreamlike radiance bathed every leaf, stone, and stream in silver light.
A faint, silvery mist drifted through the range, curling between ancient trees and clinging to moss-covered cliffs. It carried a subtle, sweet fragrance that calmed the mind, yet even the strongest experts moved with caution here. For within that mist lay both rare spiritual treasures and perilous illusions capable of ensnaring even seasoned cultivators.
The forests glimmered as if dusted with silver frost, their canopies shimmering under the moon's gaze. Rivers and waterfalls tumbled down the mountainsides, their waters reflecting the moonlight like strands of liquid jade. Beneath this perpetual glow, countless rare spiritual herbs flourished, while spirit beasts steeped in lunar energy roamed the land.
Those who stepped into this mountain range often lost all sense of time, wandering between reality and illusion, as though walking through a dream woven by the heavens themselves.
"This is the Brightmoon Mountain Range…? Why is it night here?"
Xiao Hua murmured softly, a trace of speechlessness in his heart as his gaze swept across the endless peaks. Yet what startled him even more was the sight of the heavens above—the sky seemed split in two.
Over the mountain range hung a vast starry night, crowned by an enormous silver moon, while beyond its borders stretched the clear, azure daytime sky.
"While you were unconscious, Lady Xue Yue wished to see the formation array Sister Xue Yue had set up," Wei Jie explained, having heard Xiao Hua's puzzled murmur.
"She built another protective array covering the entire Brightmoon Mountain Range after our enmity with the Hall of Souls," Mei Ling added with a light chuckle.
"Heh… Is that so?" Xiao Hua smiled faintly, his consciousness sinking into his spiritual sea where Xue Yue's figure awaited.
"Hmph. Her array was lacking against the Hall of Souls, so I merely lent her a hand, nothing more…!" Xue Yue snorted coldly, turning away to return to the realm she had created within his spiritual sea.
Xiao Hua and Lady Azure exchanged glances before both let out soft laughs. Though Xue Yue's tone was cool, the warmth within it was unmistakable.
Clearly, she felt proud of Xin Yu's progress in the arrays, yet still harbored concern that her disciple's work might not withstand the Hall of Souls. Thus, she had stepped in—not only to strengthen the defenses, but also to allow Xin Yu to observe and gain deeper insight from her methods.
If she did not care, she could have simply left things as they were. The fact that she personally builds such a powerful array spoke volumes. And when Xiao Hua and Lady Azure noticed the faint flush at the tips of her ears, they both knew—Xue Yue was embarrassed, even shy, about her actions.
"Sister Xue Yue is truly not honest, hm?" Lady Azure teased with a grin.
"Let her be, Sister Azure. It's rare for her to show affection toward others." Xiao Hua's smile carried a quiet joy.
Xiao Hua withdrew his consciousness from his spiritual sea and let out a light chuckle. His gaze swept once more over the Brightmoon Mountain Range, committing its ethereal beauty to memory, before turning toward Wei Jie and Mei Ling.
Wei Jie, noticing Xiao Hua's lingering look at the scenery, nodded with a faint smile.
"This formation is known as the Lunar Radiance Myriad-Star Formation. Without a token of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, entering it is nearly impossible," he explained softly, as a token appeared in his palm.
It was carved from obsidian jade, exquisitely wrought with intricate patterns. The surface was flawless, free from the slightest impurity. Three characters were engraved upon it in elegant calligraphy—Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
With a flick of his wrist, the token drifted forward. As it neared the empty air ahead, it suddenly vanished into the void. A gentle fluctuation rippled outward, and threads of light—condensed from the natural energies between Heaven and Earth—began to seep forth. The radiance spread, distorting the space before them until, at last, a towering spatial gate of light took shape before Xiao Hua's eyes.
"Let's go. Inside lies the headquarters of Moonlit Chaos Mansion." Mei Ling smiled as she spoke, stepping into the spatial gate the moment it opened.
Naturally, Xiao Hua had no reason to hesitate and followed after her. Once everyone had all entered, the spatial door rippled faintly before dissolving into nothingness, leaving the air as calm and undisturbed as if it had never appeared.
…
The moment Xiao Hua crossed the threshold, the space around him blurred. For an instant, it felt as though they had traversed the river of time itself, and then the world changes with the sky changing from night to day.
An extraordinarily rich and pure natural energy between Heaven and Earth surged toward him, washing over his body like a gentle tide. Even a single breath filled him with a sense of tranquility, almost lulling him into a trance.
"Did Sister Xue Yue infuse this place with spiritual essence from a minor seed of the Celestial Ancient Frost when she constructed the array…?"
Xiao Hua mused inwardly, sensing that this purity of Heaven and Earth's energy could not have originated solely from the Brightmoon Mountain Range's spiritual veins.
"That's right, I did," Xue Yue's cool voice echoed within his spiritual sea. "I thought it best to ensure such richness and purity, so that no one would dare belittle the force you have created."
"Thank you, Sister Xue Yue." Xiao Hua chuckled inwardly, joy welling in his heart at her assistance. His gratitude toward her ran deep.
From the moment he had met Xue Yue and Lady Azure, both had continuously aided him—whether it was in array formations, establishing heavenly cultivation grounds, or guiding his path in alchemy. Naturally, the debt he owed them was something words could scarcely express.
Lifting his gaze, Xiao Hua took in the vast expanse of Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Majestic peaks, cloaked in lush greenery, rose like pillars of the heavens, their summits piercing the clouds. Gentle beams of light cascaded down, casting a tranquil and auspicious glow across the land.
From the base to the lofty heights, countless structures dotted the mountainsides, each radiating its own grandeur. Powerful auras drifted from peak to peak, a silent testament to the might of those who dwelled there.
The vigorous shouts of sparring youths rang out, mingling with the steady voices of elders instructing their disciples. Laughter and chatter from the more carefree disciples wove through the air, each sound a living thread in the tapestry of this vibrant, thriving sect.
"Is this… a different realm?" Xiao Hua finally realized they were no longer within the true Brightmoon Mountain Range. He had never imagined such a hidden space could exist within it.
"This realm was forged by the nine Lightning Beasts that accompanied Sister Xue Yue when she left to investigate the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. It cannot be moved or destroyed, for it was anchored by their combined power. Unless one has reached the realm of a Dou Di, moving or changing it would be nearly impossible."
Lady Azure's voice resonated within his spiritual sea, explaining why such a realm existed despite the absence of Dou Sheng elites in the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
"I see…"
Understanding dawned on Xiao Hua, and his mind quickly regained its calm. The nine Lightning Beasts were beings capable of shaping a realm within his spiritual sea without so much as disturbing his senses—he himself might not have realized it if he had not consciously entered his spiritual sea.
Thus, it was no surprise that they could construct such a realm here in the Brightmoon Mountain Range.
Xiao Hua cast a glance at Mei Ling and Wei Jie, both of whom were smiling far too playfully for his liking. From their smug expressions, he could easily tell they had deliberately kept this matter from him, just to watch his reaction.
The corner of his eye twitched. He was also certain his two older sisters were in on this little scheme—after all, they had not breathed a word to him either.
Ao!
Just as Xiao Hua was feeling exasperated by their childish antics, three large white cranes descended from the distant mountaintops, their wings gliding elegantly through the air. Upon their backs stood several human figures.
At the front of the group were five figures. Two of them seemed to spot someone familiar and, without hesitation, leapt from their cranes. They landed swiftly before Wei Jie and Mei Ling.
The newcomers were two strikingly beautiful young women, both appearing to be around eighteen.
The first had long, flowing jade-green hair cascading down her back, her jade-green eyes shimmering like polished gems. Her tall and slender figure was accentuated by a light green and red dress that traced her graceful form perfectly.
The second had long, black silk-like hair that streamed behind her, her presence radiating heat. Her crimson dress clung elegantly to her figure, giving the impression that she was draped in living flame.
"Teacher, you've finally returned!" The green-haired young lady stepped forward and embraced Mei Ling tightly, her face alight with joy.
"We came across a friend who needed our help," Mei Ling replied warmly, gently ruffling the girl's hair. "So, we took a little detour."
"It must have been quite the matter if it delayed Teacher and the others for half a month…" the red-clothed lady remarked to Wei Jie.
"You could say that." Wei Jie chuckled lightly. "It was an unexpected situation—one we could not simply ignore."
As they spoke, the remaining members of the group also arrived, greeting Mei Ling and Wei Jie with respectful bows.
Standing at the front were three individuals—two young women and a refined, tall young man.
The first young woman was adorned in light garments of white and silver, patterned with delicate floral and snow motifs. The attire clung gently to her slender frame, enhancing her graceful silhouette. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, framed by black hair gathered in a high ponytail and secured with a phoenix-shaped ornament. The cascading strands fell like a waterfall to just above her waist. Her bearing was poised and elegant, while her eyes shone like a starry night sky—deep, bright, and captivating.
The second young woman was no less remarkable. Draped in flowing robes of blue and white, her tall, slender figure radiated quiet dignity. Soft, lustrous umber-black hair framed her oval face, highlighting her flawless features. Her beauty was serene yet commanding, her aura pure and untouched by worldly dust, carrying an aloof grace that set her apart.
The only young man among them possessed a striking presence. His jet-black hair was tied neatly with a silver ornament, while his dark-blue eyes seemed to contain faint arcs of lightning dancing within their depths. Draped in black and dark-purple robes trimmed with golden patterns, his tall frame exuded poise and authority. A faint smile played upon his lips, carrying the air of someone confident in his own strength.
"Anyway—Xiao Ling, Yuexin, Haoran, Lanxin—come with me." Mei Ling released the green-haired young woman and gently drew her toward Xiao Hua. She then beckoned to the other four, including the red-clothed lady, to join her.
The three Mei Ling had called exchanged brief glances before stepping forward to stand before Xiao Hua. The red-clothed lady cast a questioning look at Wei Jie, who replied with a faint smile and a nod, prompting her to follow as well.
"Hua'er, this is my adorable little student, Qing Xiu," Mei Ling said with a bright, almost proud smile as she introduced the green-haired young woman.
"And this is Wei Jie's student, Zhu Ling. This refined young lady is Sister Li Mei's disciple, Su Yuexin, and the quiet young woman beside her is Sister Xin Yu's disciple, Shui Lanxin. Lastly, this is the only young man among them—Brother Ming Cheng's proud student, Lan Haoran."
One by one, Mei Ling introduced not only her own disciple but also those of their sworn brothers and sisters.
"Teacher… could it be that he is…?" Qing Xiu asked softly, her eyes carrying a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
She had seen Xiao Hua's portrait before—shown to her by her teacher after her persistent questions about the elusive faction leader who had not appeared during the opening ceremony of Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
"That's right, Xiu'er. He is the Mansion Master of our Moonlit Chaos Mansion," Mei Ling confirmed with a gentle nod.
"Quick, come greet him."
"Qing Xiu greets…Mansion Master…"
At her teacher's prompting, Qing Xiu quickly cupped her hands and spoke with respectful manner. Yet, despite her effort, a hint of awkwardness lingered in her voice—a feeling no one present could fault her for.
After all, Xiao Hua had been absent since the opening ceremony, never once appearing before them. Aside from the fact that he had been providing their cultivation resources—and the few things the Hall Masters had mentioned—none of them knew much about him.
Yet the next news they heard was that he had defeated a Dou Sheng elite from the Hall of Souls and even sealed the strength of another. Moreover, he had successfully refined a Tier 9 Mysterious Pill—an accomplishment that placed him on equal footing with Mei Ling and Wei Jie in the field of alchemy.
This news left those who had speculated about their Mansion Master utterly shocked and speechless.
However, since the news came from experts who had personally witnessed the battle and the pill refinement, none dared to question it. After all, the possibility of being deceived was nearly nonexistent.
Even so, it was not easy to suddenly greet Xiao Hua—who had never shown himself, not even during the opening ceremony—as their Mansion Master.
"Zhu Ling greets Mansion Master. It is truly shocking to hear of Mansion Master's skill in pill refinement after learning of the might you have displayed. It is an honor to see you." The red-clothed young lady spoke with a calm expression.
"Lan Haoran greets Mansion Master. As his student, I must thank Mansion Master for aiding my Teacher in striking back at Lei Zun-zhe for his ambush," the young man said respectfully.
"Su Yuexin greets Mansion Master. I have heard much about you from my Teacher. After hearing the recent news, I can only say it confirms everything I have been told," said the young lady with moon-like eyes, her every gesture carrying the elegance of noble birth.
"Shui Lanxin greets Mansion Master. I am grateful for the resources you have provided, which allowed me to reach my current level." The blue-robed lady's words were accompanied by a beautiful smile.
Sensing the hesitation and awkwardness among some, the students of Ming Cheng and the others stepped forward. Cupping their hands, they offered their greetings in a respectful manner.
Unlike Qing Xiu and the others, they had received far more detailed accounts of Xiao Hua from their own teachers. As such, they felt no trace of hesitation or unease in acknowledging him.
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