Manager Zhen Jian regained his wits and cupped his fist toward Li Qiye: Young Noble, Splendors door is always open for you. Goodbye.

He had no time to say goodbye to anyone else. Something big must have happened for him to panic like this.

Although Splendor City was less strong than the three grand dynasties, few dared to rob them due to their resources and power. Alas, their strongest barrier had been taken down.

The manager knew full well that this barrier was unbreakable in Sin. The mythical Immortal Suppressor couldnt do it either because Splendor Monarch prepared it himself. It could defend the city against a primal ancestor yet something took it down.

This isnt normal. Radiant Master remarked while watching the managers departure.

Its an attack. Since Edge Mountain Crone was stronger, she saw faint outlines of destruction in the city.

Ill be heading there. Li Qiye said with a serious expression.

The pulsing dark power was strange and shouldnt be present in this world. He needed to see who was the culprit sending it down.

The old demon and Incense Daoist wanted to tag alone but Li Qiye didnt give permission.

Go back. He said.

They realized the city must have turned into a dangerous location not meant for weaklings such as themselves.

Recuperate well and your Resting Bull may rise again one day. Li Qiye told the old demon.

She understood he was not coming back after this trip upon hearing this.

Thank you for your grace, Young Noble. Resting Bull will never forget this, we will not let you down either. She kowtowed.

Farewell, Young Noble. Incense Daoist kowtowed as well.

Li Qiye glanced at him and sighed before speaking: Go back and ponder before the mirror, seek the heavenly dao while restraining your greed.

The daoist remembered these words and trusted Li Qiye. Was there more to the mirror as long as he was earnest and diligent?

I will not forget your advice, Young Noble. I will work hard and never become greedy. He exclaimed emotionally.

He was the only member left and due to his inability, the sect was bound to end. Now, it looked like there was still hope.

Li Qiye turned his attention to Radiant Master who bowed at him.

Poof! He raised one finger and a dao flame manifested on the tip.

This is the source of your fire race, cherish it and remember the ancestral teachings. The flower will bloom one day. He said before sending the flame into her forehead.

Ahh! She bellowed in agony, feeling as if she was being burnt to a crisp.

In the next second, she became revived and turned into a flame. Her body and true fate were being refined by this dao flame, destroying and recreating repeatedly. Her screams were unbearable for listeners in the hall.

When the process finished and she was rebuilt for the last time, she was drenched in sweat and had a new mark on her forehead. She looked as if she was blessed by a fire god.

Your effort will not be in vain, trust me. Li Qiye said before creating a void portal and leaving. The flood tiger followed him.

Farewell, Young Noble. Everyone kneeled on the ground until he was long gone.

***

Li Qiye traveled through space, just needing one step to make it to the distant Splendor City.

He came to a place still undamaged from the prior attack. Its prosperity was gasp-worthy and made people want to stay.

Something outside the city attracted his attention so he changed his destination. With another step, he came to a remote mountain range. A barrier hid it from outsiders but it couldnt stop him.

A peak had a waterfall coursing down to form a pond with clear blue water. Fish swam happily in their home. The place was also blessed by a gentle and refreshing wind.

Someone built a bamboo hut right next to the pond. Despite the simple materials, the creator took painstaking effort in the details, seemingly having enjoyed the building process.

Creak. Li Qiye opened the door and entered. No one was inside, only a particularly clean room - perhaps a testament to the owners personality.

The room had no decoration, only essentials such as a full bookshelf, then a chair and table by the window. There were utensils and teacups on the table along with tea leaves.

Li Qiye took a look at the scrolls on the shelf. Most were worthless, no merit laws or cultivation methods. They were mere stories regarding immortals and other mythical creatures meant for mortals entertainment. Cultivators wouldnt take a second look at them.

However, a few made Li Qiye stop - Dark Crow Chronicle, Nine-world Tales, Toward Eternality, On The Epochs...

Interesting. Li Qiye grabbed the book with the title Dark Crow Chronicle and sat down by the window.

The authors name was Li Wangcai. This prompted a smile from Li Qiye as he began reading.

The story began with a crow soaring across the firmaments, eventually escaping the shackles and becoming free...

From a mortal perspective, this was a fantasy novel regarding immortals and devils. Of course, it had a different meaning for Li Qiye.

Some parts were exaggerated or inconsistent, but the overarching story had no problem. He was reading stories about his life.

Interesting, what an extraordinary fella. Li Qiye closed the book.

Other cultivators might snort with derision after reading this ridiculous book due to their lack of knowledge regarding the crow. Li Qiye, on the other hand, knew the main character the best out of anyone.