Reunited

Reunited . . .

In the heart of Sky Harmony City, a grand endeavor was unfolding—the construction of a Star River Association branch. While it might not rival the opulence of the Grand Xia branch, it still stood as the city's most resplendent edifice.

Within one of the association's grand halls, a commanding figure presided, surrounded by numerous experts who paid deference with bowed heads. Not one dared to exude their aura, not even the branch leader of the Star River Association.

Clad in the association's flowing robes, this figure bore a shade deeper than those of the others. His closed eyes flicked open, coldly appraising the assembly. "A group of incompetents. The one you've been hunting was right under your noses, yet you remained oblivious."

"Sir," the branch leader knelt, beseeching guidance. "Please enlighten us."

"It seems that the Medicine Sovereign and Mo Qingcheng are both situated at the Qin Residence," the figure proclaimed.

"The Qin Residence?" The branch leader was taken aback. Their surveillance of the Qin Residence had been rigorous, yet they had somehow missed this revelation.

"They have concealed themselves well. The Medicine Sovereign has assumed the guise of a servant, while Mo Qingcheng now serves as a maid. No wonder they've eluded us for so long. Relocating to Sky Harmony City was a shrewd move on their part. You may proceed. Take heed, Ye Qingyun is also there. The Medicine Sovereign's powers have been stripped, so there's no need for my direct intervention. Secure them within two hours," the expert commanded icily.

"Understood, sir." The group affirmed their compliance before exiting the hall. The branch leader swiftly organized his team for the Qin Residence expedition. They soared through the sky in a formidable formation, leaving no doubt that the Star River Association had finally set its sights on the Qin Residence.

Accompanying them were several of the city's influential clans, eager to exploit the opportunity presented by the Qin Clan's decline. The Qin Clan, once a powerful force with extensive business interests in Sky Harmony City, now lay in ruins. While the Star River Association cared little for these enterprises, the city's major players were poised to seize them for their own gain. With the Qin Clan's complete downfall, and the removal of its members, the city's dominant forces would have free rein over any remaining assets.

Many lesser clans in Sky Harmony City eagerly anticipated the plunder. It was an opportunity they couldn't afford to miss.

Having departed the Qin Residence after his unpleasant encounter with Qin Yao, the young man found himself still lingering nearby. It was fortuitous for him, as he soon caught sight of a sizable gathering of Star River Association members in the skies. Without hesitation, he joined their ranks, positioning himself next to a man who appeared to be an authority figure. Inquisitively, he asked, "Teacher, what's going on?"

"We're en route to the Qin Residence to apprehend the rebels—specifically, the Medicine Sovereign and Mo Qingcheng are hiding there," his mentor replied.

"Mo Qingcheng, the renowned beauty of Chu from yesteryears?" The young man's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Just how beautiful was Mo Qingcheng? The tales painted her as a celestial being in her allure.

News of the impending confrontation rapidly spread through the Qin Residence, prompting an assembly of their forces. Qin Chuan and other formidable individuals soon emerged, flanking a figure whose presence exuded an imposing aura. This commanding figure projected a sense of majesty without resorting to belligerence. Beside him stood an elderly man whose frailty suggested he was on the brink of life's end. Weakened, he required the constant care of several attendants. The maid who had earlier been at Qin Yao's side was now attending to this elderly gentleman.

"Ye Qingyun, escort the Qin Clan Leader and Qingcheng away from this place. There might still be a chance for you both to survive," the elderly man urged the imposing figure beside him, who was none other than Ye Qingyun, the Emperor of Ye and Qin Wentian's other foster father.

"Senior Medicine Sovereign, given that the Star River Association has already discovered our location, it's unlikely we can evade them now. This will be our final battle. My only regret is failing to protect Qingcheng. I've let Wentian down," Ye Qingyun mused, gazing skyward.

"You've done more than enough. Were it not for you, we wouldn't have evaded detection for so long. Regrettably, the Qin Clan has been embroiled in this as well," the Medicine Sovereign lamented.

"Senior Medicine Sovereign, what you say is mistaken. Wentian is like a son to me, and his troubles are mine as well. Qingcheng is my son's wife, and thus, she is a part of the Qin Clan. As long as she's here, the Qin Residence will stand as her fortress, defending her to the end," Qin Chuan declared with unwavering resolve.

"This old man is deeply impressed by the Qin Clan Leader's character," the Medicine Sovereign acknowledged. "In that case, let this be our final stand."

—BOOM!— An abrupt surge of energy violently swept over them, reducing nearby buildings to rubble. A battalion of mounted soldiers descended upon the Qin Residence, obliterating everything in their path. Amidst the settling dust, the figures of the Star River Association materialized, halting directly in front of Qin Chuan, Ye Qingyun, and their allies.

Simultaneously, from every direction, a cacophony of approaching footsteps grew louder. In the distance, a colossal explosion heralded the destruction of more structures as the entire Qin Residence lay in ruins. Encircled by enemy forces on all sides, Qin Chuan and his companions were left with no escape.

Beyond the encirclement, numerous experts from other factions in Sky Harmony City converged to witness the unfolding spectacle. Over a decade had passed since the Qin Residence faced a grave crisis that Qin Wentian had resolved. However, this time, their adversaries posed a far more daunting threat.

The tumultuous winds roared through the sky, shaking the very air with their might. A formidable figure rode upon the gales, hurtling towards the beleaguered scene below. Each beat of its wings sent surges of power crashing down, making it nearly impossible for the onlookers to maintain their balance.

As the figure drew near, a collective gasp escaped the crowd. Their eyes locked onto the majestic creature gliding through the heavens—a colossal avian demonic beast with wings aglow in a resplendent golden hue.

"A golden-winged Great Roc!"

"Could it be the legendary divine roc?"

The astonishment was palpable, hearts quaking with disbelief. The golden-winged roc descended upon them with breathtaking swiftness, gracefully spiraling above the Qin Residence's airspace. It exuded an unmistakable air of jubilation. Qin Wentian, still en route to the Qin Residence, saw this spectacle unfold and felt a surge of hope. Qingcheng, it seemed, was nearby. Accelerating his pace with Luo Huan at his side, he headed straight for Sky Harmony City.

"A golden-winged roc!" Mo Qingcheng murmured, her gaze fixed on the magnificent creature soaring above with a curious expression. In an instant, she cast aside her disguise, revealing her true countenance—a sight that could eclipse empires.

"Qingcheng, it's our little baobao!" The Great Roc's voice rang out unexpectedly, its tone strikingly infantile. The crowd below was taken aback. Could this divine roc possibly be a fledgling chick?

Mo Qingcheng's radiant smile bloomed as she recognized the voice. Her eyes sparkled with tears, her beauty transcendent. How could she not recognize Little Rascal's unique voice? Her cherished companion had transformed into this golden-winged roc.

Since Little Rascal had returned, was he nearby?

The thought set Mo Qingcheng's heart racing. Could she finally reunite with him? Only moments ago, she had resigned herself to never seeing him again in this lifetime.

"Where is he?" Mo Qingcheng's voice trembled with emotion.

"We went our separate ways. He's a bit dim-witted, unlike this genius right here. I knew exactly where to find you. But I've informed him, so he should be on his way," Little Rascal boasted, unfazed by his own arrogance. Mo Qingcheng nodded eagerly, her eyes brimming with tears as anticipation surged within her. She felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. It had been so many years—would she finally lay eyes on him once more?

"Master, did you hear that? He's back!" Mo Qingcheng turned to the Medicine Sovereign, her expression overwhelmed with emotion.

"I did, I did," the Medicine Sovereign affirmed with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting his own surprise at Qin Wentian's timely return.

"Qin Yao, this baobao is back. Don't you want to show your love to me?" Little Rascal playfully teased Qin Yao, evoking an eye-roll in response. "Little Rascal, get down here right now."

"Sigh, my life is so hard," Little Rascal acquiesced, descending from the sky. He transformed into a radiant beam of white light and zoomed straight into Qin Yao's waiting arms. Nestling against her, he rubbed his head affectionately against her body.

"You seem to be doing just fine," Qin Yao observed, her smile embracing the fluffy white puppy. Onlookers from afar couldn't believe their eyes. Could this mischievous little creature really transform into a roc?

"Indeed," Little Rascal chimed in, glancing at Mo Qingcheng. "Qingcheng, this baobao missed you."

"Little Rascal," Mo Qingcheng laughed, utterly charmed by the adorable creature.

Beside them, Ye Qingyun, Qin Chuan, and the others shared in the joy, knowing that Qin Wentian would soon make his grand entrance.

However, at that very moment, a formidable presence descended upon them—an immortal might radiated from a member of the Star River Association. His gaze locked onto Little Rascal nestled in Qin Yao's embrace. This seemingly innocuous pup was, in fact, a demon immortal!

"An immortal," murmured the Medicine Sovereign and his companions, their expressions darkening as they recognized the figure in the air.

"Let me handle that fellow first, then I'll come chat with you pretty ladies again," Little Rascal piped up, his voice retaining its childlike innocence. With that declaration, he soared into the sky, his form undergoing a dramatic transformation. Clad in golden armor, he let out a thunderous roar, changing into a fearsome nine-headed demonic dragon that exuded an overwhelming malevolence. His razor-sharp talons gleamed with such potency that observers couldn't help but shiver.

In the blink of an eye, the adorable puppy had metamorphosed into a terrifying creature of nightmares.

"Do I look rather dashing like this?" the dragon mused, followed by another earth-shaking roar as his talons sliced through the air as if to cleave space itself.

The immortal opponent unleashed his formidable immortal might, sweeping across the realm as he bellowed in anger, "Subdue them immediately!"

"Understood!" The enemy forces below responded swiftly, surging toward the defenders of the Qin Residence. Ye Qingyun took the lead, deploying his constellation's formidable power. But a peak-level ascendant from the Star River Association emerged to block his path, throwing the balance of power into disarray.

"DIE!" Both sides clashed fiercely, their battle shaking the heavens and earth. The young man who had insulted Qin Yao earlier found himself captivated by Mo Qingcheng's ethereal beauty. If only she could become his...his heart raced with excitement. Yet he knew he lacked the standing to court such a celestial being.

However, even if Qin Wentian was temporarily occupied, it didn't mean others couldn't step in to protect their beloved Mo Qingcheng. A determined young ascendant from the Star River Association instantly closed the distance when he spotted Mo Qingcheng. With a swift gesture, he summoned a massive, golden palm imprint.

Fearlessly, Mo Qingcheng extended her palm, unleashing formidable jade-green fireballs towards the approaching ascendant. They met mid-air and continued their fierce battle.

"This could be considered a fortunate twist of fate. I get to engage in combat with such a stunning woman. How about you surrender and join me? My master might spare you," the young ascendant taunted, his tone suggestive.

Mo Qingcheng's expression turned icy as her constellation radiated blinding light. Undeterred, the young man continued his advance. But at that critical moment, a beam of annihilating brilliance streaked through the space, hurtling toward them. With a sharp, whistling sound, a bloody aperture abruptly appeared at the center of the young ascendant's forehead. His body convulsed, and he struggled to turn around, only to confront an incredibly handsome figure slowly gliding through the air. This newcomer exuded an air of extraordinary grace, casually tossing the young ascendant aside. The hapless man didn't even comprehend how he met his end.

Mo Qingcheng gazed at the familiar silhouette, her eyes filling with profound emotion. Tears welled up and streamed down her face uncontrollably.

With another graceful step, the newcomer arrived at her side, stretching his arms wide to embrace her. They locked eyes, an overwhelming sentiment coursing between them. The intensity of their emotions enveloped them, creating an aura of love that seemed to cocoon the two figures. In that fleeting moment, it felt as if they were the sole inhabitants of the entire world, lost in each other's presence.