Disciples of Matriarch Ji

Disciples of Matriarch Ji . . . 

In the hallowed halls of this illustrious academy, a congregation had gathered - none other than Huang Wudi and Huang Youdi, two prominent figures of their era. Among them stood several majestic white tigers, and amidst this assembly was White-eye, an imposing presence in their own right. Together, they embarked on an endeavor, a quest to unearth the elusive traces of Qing'er.

In the midst of their mission, a voice of doubt emerged from White-eye, pondering the feasibility of Nie Yunchang's success. 

"Can Nie Yunchang truly accomplish this feat?" White-eye inquired, curiosity etching into the fabric of their words.

With an air of measured confidence, Huang Youdi responded, "Given their shared lineage within the same sect, one can reasonably assume that they possess secret channels of communication. We must exercise patience and await tidings."

However, Huang Wudi interjected with a cautionary note, reminding his compatriots, "Let us not forget that the daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor is not Nie Yunchang. Although our actions have already incurred significant losses on both sides, it is doubtful that our actions will provoke Matriarch Ji into retaliation. However, should we harm the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's offspring, we risk igniting a wrathful fire. The Emperor, no doubt, would spare no expense to exact vengeance, and Matriarch Ji might indeed step into the fray."

A touch of sarcasm laced Huang Wudi's voice as he continued, "Isn't it sufficient if we refrain from taking her life? They have already dared to feast upon our tribe members, providing ample grounds for the White Tiger Race to instigate an immortal war. Must Brother White-eye be perceived as too benevolent to counter such provocations? In any case, we leave Qing'er in your capable hands, my dear royal brother. Should you take her under your wing, she may even find herself married into the esteemed royal clan of our Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire – not an unfavorable destiny, if I may say. But if Elder Brother remains indifferent to her charms, I, for one, am not averse to the idea."

A furrow formed upon Huang Wudi's brow, his concern stemming from the torment his younger brother had endured at the hands of Qin Wentian. It was clear that a burning vendetta had taken root within him, a heart demon that clouded his judgment and amplified his impulsiveness. If Qing'er fell into his brother's clutches, she would undoubtedly suffer the consequences of his unwavering hatred for Qin Wentian.

Yet, as the elders had decreed non-interference in the conflicts among the younger generation, the rules of engagement remained uncertain. The war in the sacred academy had revealed that the Southern Phoenix Clan's holy maidens had roasted the white tigers, while the white tigers retaliated by hunting down the holy maidens. Did this imply that the White Tiger Race's elders held license to harm the Southern Phoenix Clan's junior members? The cycle of retaliation could escalate into a point of no return, potentially leading to an immortal war - a catastrophe none were willing to endure.

Within these precarious circumstances, certain individuals emerged as untouchable entities, including Qing'er, Huang Shatian, and Huang Youdi. The prodigies gathered here dared not lay a finger on them, for they understood the dire consequences of such actions.

...

As Qing'er absorbed the harsh words of Nie Yunchang, her heart weighed heavy with sorrow, surpassing even the physical pain that gnawed at her. She had not anticipated such profound animosity from Nie Yunchang.

"Senior Sister, I apologize," Qing'er whispered, her voice trembling with remorse. "I acknowledge the unintended consequences of my actions and the predicament I have caused you. Yet, Senior Sister, this path you tread now is fraught with peril. While I accept any consequences you see fit for me, I implore you to reconsider. How will you face our fellow sisters and Master if you continue down this path? Your actions, Senior Sister, may lead you to an irreversible point of no return."

Nie Yunchang's response was a harsh sneer, her gaze piercing Qing'er with hostility. "Return? Can I truly find my way back?" Her words dripped with cynicism. "Do you hate me now? Why wear this mask of pity? You should despise me; there's no need for hypocrisy. Do you truly believe this display of concern will sway my heart? Were it not for the order to capture you alive, my strike would have already shattered your immortal foundation."

"Impossible," Qing'er muttered, disbelief etching her features. She shook her head, her gaze locked onto the visage of Nie Yunchang, yet it felt as though she stared into the eyes of a complete stranger. Could this truly be her senior apprentice sister?

"Alright, enough, my dear Junior Sister," Nie Yunchang interjected, her tone dripping with malice. She reveled in the moment, relishing the opportunity to deliver her junior into the hands of their captors. Her words carried a twisted smile, a chilling contrast to the sentiment they should evoke.

"Why? Why must it unfold this way?" Qing'er's voice trembled with pain, each word a sharp blade piercing her very soul. Her heartache had surpassed its limits, a torrent of sorrow engulfing her. She had always cherished harmony and peace among her fellow apprentice sisters; such cruel reality seemed inconceivable.

Amidst the unrelenting onslaught of spatial energy coursing through her, Qing'er appeared oblivious. Her gaze was locked upon the heavens, eyes closed in contemplation. An enigmatic seal within her seemed to unravel, intensifying her immortal light. Suddenly, a formidable spatial storm emerged.

"Mhm?" Nie Yunchang furrowed her brow, sensing a potent surge of spatial power emanating from Qing'er's being. It grew so overpowering that it began to disrupt her control.

Unleashing her immortal might without restraint, Nie Yunchang sought to reinforce her assault. Yet, Qing'er remained seemingly unfazed. Her gaze remained fixed on the sky, as if the internal tempest tearing at her body failed to register. Her burgeoning spatial energy devoured Nie Yunchang's own, bathing her form in a radiant glow. Each strand of her hair seemed to transform into razor-sharp swords. In this moment, the very fabric of space seemed to freeze.

The expanse of this region suddenly bathed in a resplendent, divine light that soared into the heavens, illuminating the surroundings.

"How can this be?" Nie Yunchang's countenance registered shock. Her cultivation surpassed Qing'er's, and she had initiated the offensive before her opponent could react. Her talent was exceptional, combat prowess superior, and her mastery of spatial energy profound. Such attributes had garnered Matriarch Ji's favor in the past.

However, she watched in astonishment as her control over spatial energy eroded with each passing second. Her gaze remained fixed on Qing'er's beautiful yet aloof visage, her eyes now brimming with hatred. Why were the heavens so unjust? She possessed unparalleled talent yet had suffered the gravest humiliations a woman could endure. Why, then, did Qing'er retain her beauty, status, and supreme talents? Why did the heavens seemingly shield her?

Desperation welled within Nie Yunchang as she attempted to retract her hand, only to discover it was immobilized, encased in a golden shroud of spatial energy that held it suspended in space. The frozen energy crept from her hand, encasing her entire body in an unyielding grip.

Gradually, her body succumbed to the inexorable power of space, rendering her powerless. Attempts to retreat proved futile; she was entirely immobilized.

A bitter, self-mocking grin twisted across Nie Yunchang's face. She gazed at Qing'er, a maniacal laughter escaping her lips once more. "So this is the secret," she exclaimed. "No wonder your father, the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, dotes upon you. No wonder Master shields you so vigilantly and compels our fellow sisters to safeguard you. The immortal king realm is but your beginning, while for many, it's the end..."

Nie Yunchang's visage contorted with madness as she gazed upon the looming spatial tempest. She tilted her head, fixating her eyes on the ominous maelstrom that threatened to strip away her very pride and nobility. Here, within the hallowed grounds of the sacred academy renowned for producing ancient emperors, was she destined to face such a humiliating fate?

In the distance, Huang Wudi, White-eye, and their retinue stood transfixed, their eyes alight with anticipation. A faint, golden radiance pierced the heavens, drawing their attention.

"That might be Nie Yunchang's signal," Huang Wudi proclaimed, urgency propelling him as he hastened toward the luminous beacon.

From various directions, a congregation of experts converged. Among them was the senior sister who had shielded Qing'er from harm, accompanied by stalwarts from the Battle Saint Tribe and other disciples of Matriarch Ji. A shared intuition seemed to ripple through Qing'er's fellow apprentices; their gazes sharpened as they turned their attention to the source of the burgeoning spatial energy. "Such formidable spatial resonance... We must investigate."

They surged forward, their very beings pulsating with the power of spatial manipulation. The warriors of the Battle Saint Tribe joined the charge, their resolve unwavering.

From an even more distant locale, Qin Wentian, in his colossal form, continued his relentless march. With every colossal step, the earth quivered and cracked. Accompanying him were numerous formidable allies, forging an awe-inspiring procession that garnered attention across the land. Despite the vast distance, his immense figure loomed unmistakably.

...

In the wake of Nie Yunchang's maniacal laughter subsiding, she leveled an accusatory gaze at Qing'er. "You are a hypocrite," she hissed, her words dripping with venom.

Qing'er regarded her senior sister with a stoic countenance. Nie Yunchang now seemed a stranger, and the bond they once shared as fellow disciples had eroded into nothingness. Her response was cool and measured, "I have no control over this energy, nor do I comprehend the nature of this transformation. But if it satisfies you to label me a hypocrite, then so be it."

With a swift motion, Qing'er unleashed a palm strike that sent Nie Yunchang hurtling backward. The overpowering spatial energy that had imprisoned her foe dissipated, granting her freedom once more.

Nie Yunchang, bewildered by this act of mercy, regarded Qing'er with incredulity. "Pity? Do you pity me? Do you find me pitiable?" she scoffed, her laughter tinged with disbelief.

Qing'er remained silent. She had come to understand that her actions and words held no sway over Nie Yunchang.

From afar, a different group of powerful auras rapidly closed in. Among them were Huang Wudi and his entourage, the formidable representatives of the Battle Saint Tribe, and Qing'er's senior apprentice sisters.

Observing the perplexing tableau before them, the experts from the Battle Saint Tribe and Matriarch Ji's disciples found themselves at a loss. After a pause, one of Matriarch Ji's disciples ventured to ask, "Qing'er, what is happening here?"

Tears glistened in the corners of Qing'er's eyes, a revelation not lost on the onlookers. The atmosphere between Qing'er and Nie Yunchang crackled with an unusual tension. Just as Huang Wudi and White-eye arrived on the scene, they realized that the earlier surge of power had originated from the confrontation between Nie Yunchang and Qing'er. They were indeed locked in a fierce battle.

Qing'er remained silent, her emotions hidden beneath a mask of stoicism. The senior apprentice sister, observing the standoff, fixed her gaze upon Nie Yunchang, whose countenance remained as icy as the frigid winds of winter. She couldn't help but probe, "Yunchang, what transpired between you and Qing'er?"

Nie Yunchang's expression remained as cold as ever, her voice dripping with mockery as she retorted, "Qing'er, behold, even our fellow disciples hold you in higher regard."

"Yunchang," the senior apprentice sister's frown deepened.

"Nie Yunchang, can't you even execute a sneak attack properly? Utterly incompetent!" Huang Youdi interjected, his words laden with icy disdain. The disciples of Matriarch Ji wore grim expressions, thoroughly displeased by his harsh critique.

A sneak attack? Nie Yunchang had launched a surprise assault on Qing'er?

The senior apprentice sister persisted in her inquiry, pressing, "Why did you resort to such actions?"

"Why? Why don't you ask her what right she has to bring calamity upon us all? Why should I, Nie Yunchang, fight on her behalf?" Nie Yunchang's response was delivered with frigid indifference. Her words left their senior apprentice sister in contemplative silence, her gaze unwavering as she scrutinized Nie Yunchang. Slowly, she articulated, "Once we embark on the path of our revered master's teachings, we forge a spiritual bond, akin to sisters. Nie Yunchang, your conduct is unworthy of being a disciple of our master."