Separation

Separation . . .

The annihilation of the once-mighty Royal Sacred Sect served as an unequivocal lesson to the world: no power, no matter how indomitable, was immune to the capricious hand of fate. There existed no eternal dominion in the ever-shifting sands of existence. The Royal Sacred Sect, infamous for its reprehensible deeds, crumbled in a matter of days after towering over the realm for millennia. If not for the actions of individuals like Qin Wentian, the Medicine Sovereign Valley would have continued its reclusive existence, its secrets known only to a select few.

As the news of this shift in hegemony rippled through the world, it felt as though the masses were caught in the turbulent tides of an ocean. Yet, due to the Medicine Sovereign Valley's deliberate efforts to remain low-key, the waves gradually receded. Roughly half a year later, the various major powers settled back into a semblance of their former tranquility.

However, the era of the nine great sects had waned, leaving only two standing. The Great Shang and Great Zhou Empires splintered into countless fragments following the deaths of their core leaders during the conflict. This fragmentation gave rise to numerous dukes and marquises, each vying for control, and the empires became arenas for perpetual strife. For a year, the civil wars within these two empires saw the emergence of numerous formidable experts whose names resonated throughout the Royal Sacred Region.

Nonetheless, amidst this chaos, none dared to entangle the desolate Grand Xia, rumored to be Qin Wentian's homeland, in their battles.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the Royal Sacred Sect's fall remained shrouded in mystery, one thing was universally acknowledged: it was inexorably tied to Qin Wentian. At the point when his name became synonymous with upheaval, the Royal Sacred Sect initiated its inexorable descent into oblivion. What had commenced as challenges issued by Qin Wentian to their experts had ultimately culminated in the annihilation of the era's most potent hegemon.

More than a year had elapsed since that fateful event.

In the Qing Continent of the Grand Xia Empire, two figures strolled leisurely through the ancient streets, their presence commanding the attention of all who beheld them. The man exuded an aura of handsome confidence, while the woman possessed a celestial beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. Hand in hand, they sauntered through the sunlit streets, casting an ethereal image of an immortal couple.

These two individuals were none other than Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.

Over the past year, they had traversed the world, cultivating whenever time allowed, and treating the vast oceans as their home. They reveled in each other's company, experiencing the world together.

"We're nearing the Qing Continent, and it won't be long before we return to Chu," Qin Wentian murmured softly. "Qingcheng, is there anywhere else you'd like to visit? I'll take you there."

Mo Qingcheng replied, her voice tinged with a smile, "There's no need... You've been with me for so long already, and in the blink of an eye, it's been over a year. It's time for you to go."

Around a year ago, Mo Qingcheng and Qin Wentian had made an agreement. Qin Wentian would venture to the immortal realms on his own, while Mo Qingcheng would remain behind. Although she spoke with a smile, a trace of melancholy flickered across her eyes. An agreement was an agreement, and Qin Wentian needed to continue his journey. His current cultivation level, at the second level of Celestial Phenomenon, was simply inadequate for the trials that awaited him in the immortal realms. He would have to maintain a low profile, and bringing along a striking beauty like Mo Qingcheng was out of the question.

Li Mubai's words served as a chilling reminder of the unforgiving nature of the immortal realms. Survival there hinged on strength, and those lacking it faced cruel fates. With this harsh reality in mind, Qin Wentian had devised a plan: he would venture into the immortal realms first, paving the way for Mo Qingcheng to follow later.

Upon learning of this plan, the Medicine Sovereign opted to remain temporarily in the Royal Sacred Region. His role was twofold: to oversee the unfolding events and to devote his efforts to nurturing Mo Qingcheng. While her cultivation might lag behind Qin Wentian's, her potential as an alchemist held the promise of closing that gap.

In Mo Qingcheng's voice, tinged with melancholy, Qin Wentian sensed her sadness. This impending separation weighed heavily on both their hearts, and the uncertainty of its duration only added to their unease. How could Mo Qingcheng not feel the pain of their impending parting?

Gently, Qin Wentian squeezed Mo Qingcheng's delicate hand and offered a reassuring smile. "I promise to do everything in my power to bring you there as swiftly as possible."

Mo Qingcheng nodded with a smile. "I believe in you," she replied, her radiant expression masking the sadness that threatened to surface. She didn't want her emotions to cast a shadow over Qin Wentian's resolve.

"Then let's go," Qin Wentian said, his smile unwavering. "We're going home."

"Home," Mo Qingcheng echoed, her smile mirroring his. Together, they quickened their pace and vanished from sight.

Onlookers stared at the spot where they had stood, baffled by their sudden disappearance. How could two people vanish into thin air while merely walking down the street? It seemed impossible, yet it had occurred before their eyes.

"Doesn't that young man look familiar?" one person wondered aloud, furrowing their brow as they tried to place him.

"I was thinking the same thing," another replied, equally perplexed. The two exchanged glances, racking their brains for the answer. Suddenly, a bolt of realization struck one of them. "I remember now! He's the one who appeared before the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor in the past."

"That's right," the other chimed in. "Rumor has it he's Qin Wentian, the sovereign king of Grand Xia!"

Their hearts raced as the truth settled in. No wonder he had exuded such an extraordinary air. After all, Qin Wentian was still young, and his youthful appearance had made it difficult for them to connect him to the legendary figure they'd heard about. But now, there was no mistaking his identity.

Unbeknownst to Qin Wentian, he had left a profound impression on these individuals, sparking shock and admiration in their hearts.

As time flowed on, another month passed. During this time, Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng cherished moments spent with family and friends, prioritizing their relationships over cultivation.

However, no matter how much time they spent together, it always felt too short. The impending separation loomed, a reminder that their time together was fleeting.

Today, a multitude of people had gathered in the ancient kingdom of Grand Xia.

The arrival of these remarkable figures transformed the atmosphere into something truly awe-inspiring. The Medicine Sovereign, Swordsaint Li Mubai, Human Emperor Ye Qingyun, the venerable old ancestor of the Battle Sword Sect, Xu Cang, and the legendary Sword Sovereign Ling Tian—all of them had gathered. Each of them exuded an aura that dwarfed even the mightiest beings of Grand Xia.

Not only these illustrious individuals, but Fairy Qingmei, Old Xing, and the leaders of transcendent powers from the past had also graced the occasion. Qin Wentian had deliberately extended invitations to them, wanting them to experience this extraordinary assembly. It was a message, a declaration of the unshakable unity of Grand Xia. Even when he departed, the foundation of the nation would remain as solid as Mount Tai.

Qin Wentian's friends were naturally present too. Fatty Fan Le, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Jiang Ting, Chu Mang, Qin Zheng, and Yun Mengyi—all of them had gathered.

"Boss, parting with you is breaking my heart," Fan Le declared dramatically, lurching forward to embrace Qin Wentian. He squeezed him tightly, prompting Qin Wentian to retort with a playful roll of his eyes. "You're such a pain, Fatty. Get off me!"

"Boss, do you think you can bear to part with me?" Fan Le released Qin Wentian from his grip and pretended to wipe away non-existent tears. Qin Wentian was left speechless.

"Little one, you may be able to say goodbye to that chubby fellow, but I'm quite sure you won't want to part with your lovely senior sister here," Luo Huan teased. She wore a fiery red, figure-hugging dress that accentuated her already striking curves, causing the hearts of the men nearby to flutter.

"Sis, of course I'll miss you," Qin Wentian replied, moving closer to Luo Huan and gently stroking her silky hair. He initiated a warm hug, and Luo Huan, her eyes shimmering, reciprocated. She knew that this separation was a significant one; Qin Wentian's destination was the immortal realms, a distant, vast world entirely separate from this one.

"Putting ladies before your brothers," Fan Le sighed dramatically.

"So what if I do?" Ouyang Kuangsheng laughed heartily.

"...You guys are all the same," Fan Le retorted, giving Jiang Ting an exasperated look before joining in the laughter.

Qin Chuan, Qin Yao, Qin He, and Qin Ye—all members of Qin Wentian's family—had also arrived, alongside Mustang from the Emperor Star Academy.

"Father," Qin Wentian began, but the words eluded him.

Qin Chuan, placing his hands on Qin Wentian's shoulders, smiled warmly. "My son, you've grown. Go explore the world, but always remember to prioritize your safety."

"Mhm," Qin Wentian nodded solemnly. His gaze then shifted to Qin Yao, her eyes brimming with tears, a profound reluctance etched on her face.

"Sis, please don't cry," Qin Wentian whispered gently, brushing away the tears that trickled down her cheeks.

"Mhm, I'll try," Qin Yao replied, fighting to hold back her tears. She embraced her brother tightly, but despite her best efforts, her emotions got the better of her, and her tears flowed uncontrollably.

Qin Wentian bid farewell to his family and close friends, offering words of encouragement and support. He didn't forget to speak with his followers from the Zong Clan and the White Deer Institute.

When his eyes met Bailu Yi's, he couldn't help but smile. Her innocent gaze was as captivating as ever. Qin Wentian encouraged her, "Little Yi, keep working hard. You'll surely become a grandmaster of divine inscriptions."

"I will," Bailu Yi nodded, her cheeks blushing slightly. A hesitant expression crossed her face, and she stammered, "Can you... do something for me?"

Qin Wentian inquired, "What is it?"

With a courageous step forward, Bailu Yi hugged Qin Wentian, catching him off guard. Then, in a soft voice, she confessed, "Qin Wentian, do you know you've ruined me? After meeting you, how can I ever find another man more exceptional than you in this lifetime?"

After her heartfelt confession, Bailu Yi released him and walked away with her brother, Bailu Jing. Qin Wentian sighed inwardly as he watched them go. Bailu Yi was right; they were old friends, and it was unlikely she'd ever meet anyone more exceptional than him in the future. Her comparisons would unintentionally be cruel to any future suitors.

"Can Xian'er get a hug too?" Lin Xian'er approached with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Of course," Qin Wentian replied warmly. He hugged Lin Xian'er, who chuckled and said, "What Bailu Yi said is true. It's probably impossible to find anyone more outstanding than you in the Royal Sacred Region. I might head to the immortal realms myself in the future. Farewell for now."

With grace and elegance, the Royal Sacred Region's number one beauty turned and departed, leaving a lasting impression, just as Bailu Yi had.

"Thank you," Qin Wentian mumbled when he saw these familiar faces. His heart swelled with gratitude for their presence during this momentous occasion.

Finally, Qin Wentian walked over to Mo Qingcheng and clasped her hand, refusing to let go for an extended moment.

"Go ahead," Mo Qingcheng smiled serenely.

"Wait for my return," Qin Wentian implored.

"Mhm," Mo Qingcheng nodded. Then, Qin Wentian turned and approached Swordsaint Li Mubai.

"Until we meet again," Qin Wentian declared to the gathered crowd. With those parting words, he and Li Mubai soared into the sky, their figures disappearing into the horizon.

As he watched Qin Wentian's departure, Mo Qingcheng's smile faded, replaced by tears. Qin Yao felt the same reluctance, and Ye Lingshuang leaned on her father, the Human Emperor, finding solace in his embrace. Even the usually joyful Luo Huan couldn't hide her emotions, shedding a tear in the moment's bittersweet farewell.