In the small world, the glow of the Taiyin cast the silhouettes of two clashing figures onto the Yin-Yang Dao Field.

A legend once suspended high in the heavens now faced another challenge from that young girl. Princess Jiang Chulong had lost many times before, yet each defeat seemed to make her stronger.

Jiang Chulong’s body appeared delicate and frail.

But the conviction in her voice as she declared she would win this time was unshakable.

Just like the peach blossom branch in her hand.

"She will definitely win this time."

Though Heavenly Lord Little Li appeared calm, his heart was cheering for her.

After a moment of contemplation, the Heavenly Lord seemed to recall something.

"Oh, right. Your Brother Li mentioned something."

"If you break through to the Observation Divine Realm, he’ll give you a gift."

"!"

The effect was immediate and unmistakable.

Behind the cloth strips covering her eyes, Princess Jiang Chulong’s beautiful pupils visibly brightened.

"I will... I will definitely win!"

As her words fell—

The projection of the Golden Crow blurred, its form flickering as it once again employed the Concealing Light Technique in response to the sudden surge of sword radiance.

The battle instantly escalated to a fever pitch.

"She’s putting in extra effort today. There’s real hope this time."

Watching the high-spirited Princess Jiang Chulong, Li Mo’s gaze was approving, but soon he sank into thought. His mind involuntarily replayed the warning—or rather, the admonishment—from the green-robed sword attendant earlier that day.

Forbid Chulong from martial training?

According to the revelations of his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye, the words "not yet refined" were clearly inscribed upon Jiang Yu’s Heavenly Emperor Sword Bone.

If one day, Chulong truly defied fate and rose above adversity—

That sword bone might just return to its rightful owner.

Was Jiang Yu... afraid?

Clang—

Suddenly, a clear, resonant sword cry echoed across the Yin-Yang Dao Field.

The peach blossom branch descended like tender grass breaking through snow after a long slumber, like a summer cicada bursting from the earth to sing its first cry.

This sword defied logic, piercing through layers of light and waves of scorching heat.

The innate Golden Crow vanished into the light, biding its time.

But was Jiang Chulong any different?

She, too, was waiting for the Golden Crow’s projection to reveal itself!

Golden rays like arrows, sword light descending upon her.

To an ordinary observer, it seemed both sides would suffer.

But Li Mo’s heart surged with excitement, nearly shattering his Heavenly Lord’s composed demeanor.

"She won!"

"Chulong’s sword is faster!"

Even if she would be wounded upon striking her opponent.

Even if this victory was razor-thin.

No matter the angle, Chulong had undoubtedly won.

Pfft—

A soft sound.

The Golden Crow projection lowered its head, staring in disbelief at the sword that had pierced its chest—before its expression shifted into something resembling approval.

Well, the approval was purely Little Li’s imagination...

"Teacher, I... I won."

Jiang Chulong’s pale face flushed slightly, her hair clinging to her neck with sweat.

But her eyes shimmered with anticipation and joy.

"Good!!"

"Teacher... I, I feel... incredibly energized now."

"Sit down quickly. You’re about to break through."

Li Mo produced a meditation cushion for the dazed little princess, guiding her to sit cross-legged before laying out an array of bottles and jars.

First, he lit three sticks of incense. As the smoke curled upward, he had her take the pills with a sip of morning dew.

Mind-Clearing Incense... Dawn’s Nectar... Seven-Lined Enlightenment Pill...

The finest treasures for breaking through the Observation Divine Realm were all here—rewards from his investments.

Since neither he nor the "ice block" needed them anymore, was it really a waste to give them to Princess Jiang Chulong?

After administering the medicines, Jiang Chulong sat properly, her small frame radiating focus as she channeled her self-created martial arts.

Within her tiny body—

Something divine was growing vigorously!

At the same time, a notification chimed in Li Mo’s ears:

[Congratulations, Host. Successful investment in ‘Jiang Chulong’ has caused the sword bone within her to sprout, forming the nascent Wildgrass Sword Bone.]

[Investment Reward: Crimson Dragon Divine Flame Observation Diagram.]

[Crimson Dragon Divine Flame Observation Diagram]: "A supreme-grade observation diagram, depicting the scene of a crimson dragon birthing divine flames."

The Great Yu Dynasty possessed a golden dragon of fortune, but this crimson dragon was neither superior nor inferior.

Of course, neither was born of destiny—only the first and only true dragon could claim that.

Otherwise, the dragon diagram wouldn’t be classified as "supreme-grade"...

This would likely serve as both his and Princess Jiang Chulong’s training partner for the near future.

And soon enough, the opponent they would defeat.

"Sweating bullets yet, Crown Prince?"

Li Mo couldn’t wait to see the day Princess Jiang Chulong beheaded that gluttonous dragon.

Not long after—

Another notification sounded:

[Congratulations, Host. Successful investment in ‘Jiang Chulong’ has allowed her to break through to the Observation Divine Realm.]

[Investment Reward: Phoenix-Winged Purple Gold Crown!]

[Phoenix-Winged Purple Gold Crown]: "Divine-grade artifact. When worn, it greatly negates external pressure based on the wearer’s level of Unyielding Combat Intent, while imposing formidable mental suppression on opponents. Enhances the wielder’s aura suppression."

Is this the real deal?

Li Mo couldn’t help but doubt for a split second.

Well, divine artifacts were already among the pinnacle treasures of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. Beyond them were only Destiny Dao Artifacts—items no individual could possess.

Typically, only the most prominent sects in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths could lay claim to such treasures.

As far as he knew, only the Great Yu Dynasty possessed two.

"Wait."

Li Mo suddenly noticed an additional line of text beneath the description.

"Note: One piece of the Great Sage’s Armor Set. When the complete set is assembled, it becomes a Destiny Dao Artifact!"

"So that’s how it is."

His brows relaxed in understanding.

Focusing his mind—

A majestic purple-gold crown with phoenix wings appeared in his palm, its craftsmanship so exquisite it seemed heaven-defying. Two long tassels nearly poked his eyes out.

Unlike the exaggerated designs from the dramas he’d seen, this one was understated, even weathered.

But it was also heavy.

The moment it materialized in his hand, he heard a voice—not human, yet the words echoed clearly in his mind.

"Successor, you are not yet fit to bear this weight."

"Your combat intent... remains insufficient."

Li Mo had no choice but to store it away. Sitting cross-legged on the cushion, he quietly waited for Princess Jiang Chulong to complete her breakthrough.

At the same time, he unfurled the Crimson Dragon Divine Flame Observation Diagram.

The Golden Crow projection hadn’t dissipated—his current reserves of the power of all living beings were enough to summon another.

Before long—

Jiang Chulong opened her eyes, her excited expression freezing mid-celebration.

"Chulong, no time to celebrate your breakthrough."

"Your next opponent... is it."

A crimson dragon coiled through the air, its scorching draconic might raining down like an oppressive storm. In its vertical pupils burned an unmistakable, mountain-melting ferocity.

This would also be Li Mo’s next adversary.

......

Early the next morning.

Second floor of the Autumn Water Pavilion.

Ying Bing, her black hair tied up and her slender frame wrapped in plain robes, descended the stairs into the courtyard.

"Bing’er, you’re up early."

Shang Wu yawned.

Ying Bing nodded. "Mm. You too."

"Nah, I was drinking with Elder Su at Sunset Peak all night. Didn’t sleep."

The beautiful master folded her arms, smirking.

"Elder Su was vomiting like a dog. Had I known, I would’ve brought Little Li Mo along—it would’ve been hilarious to capture that scene in a painting."

They weren’t allowed to dissolve the alcohol’s effects with cultivation.

So when the equally elegant Elder Su went toe-to-toe with Shang Wu in a drinking contest, the outcome was predictable.

"Speaking of which, where’s Little Mo?"

"He..."

Before Ying Bing could finish, a flicker of astonishment passed through her serene eyes.

Just now, a ripple of energy had pulsed from upstairs—clearly, someone had broken through to a new realm.

And who else could it be but that certain Heavenly Lord Little Li?

That certain ice block’s lead in cultivation had lasted barely two days before being caught up again.

Ying Bing’s gaze trembled slightly as she pressed her lips together and muttered,

"Not even a single day of rest..."

"???"

Shang Wu leaned back slightly.

As everyone knew, Li Mo and Ying Bing practiced dual cultivation.

If Li Mo had broken through this morning, and Little Bing was complaining about not getting any rest all day...

Shang Wu felt as if she’d been struck by lightning.

The pig she’d raised had been trampled by the cabbage?!