Buzz—

Within the ancestral hall, the divine tree seemed to come alive, withered wood reviving as new buds sprouted from its bare branches. In that instant, everything in the hall appeared frozen in time. The stunned expressions of Shangguan Wencang and the Grand Elder were etched onto their faces by the radiant light, while the divine tree continued its unrestrained growth.

By the time its branches and leaves flourished in full, all the bronze covering had peeled away.

The Bronze Divine Tree was a Celestial Fate Artifact.

It was, in itself, the embodiment of the Great Dao.

Ying Bing seemed to hear the rustling of leaves from an ancient era, and almost instinctively, she released the Hundred Avian Phoenix Form. Countless avian divine essences circled in the air before alighting upon the branches of the divine tree, as though they had rediscovered their rightful roost.

The fragmented power within this Celestial Fate Artifact transformed into a misty aura.

Ying Bing’s ink-black hair swayed gently without wind, her jade-like skin illuminated as if translucent. Within her, the vast and ancient divine essence of the Bronze Tree was undergoing a qualitative transformation in her soul.

It even reached the level she had attained in her previous life when she had fully gathered the Hundred Avian Phoenix Form.

Finally, with a thunderous rumble, the Bronze Divine Tree collapsed.

"This is..."

Ying Bing froze for a moment before extending her delicate hand.

A single spark of light flew from the decaying remnants into her palm.

A seed.

The Bronze Divine Tree had reached its end, decaying into oblivion, yet it had also left behind the seed of its continuation.

When planted anew, it might not grow into another Bronze Divine Tree.

At the same time, the system’s notification echoed in her ears.

[Reminder: Countdown to current ranking—one hour remaining.]

...

Outside, the Qingyuan Mountain Range trembled faintly.

Unfortunately, the source of the tremor went unnoticed, as the area was now desolate—Jade Cluster Peak.

The master of Jade Cluster Peak, Shang Wu, opened her eyes in the Autumn Water Pavilion, scratching the back of her head as if sensing something unusual, though she didn’t dwell on it.

Shang Wu was more concerned about what delicious food awaited her that evening.

"Hm? Has the ice block not returned yet?"

Hearing movement in the courtyard, Li Mo poked his head out.

"She went to the main peak," Shang Wu replied with a yawn. "With the trip to the Imperial Capital approaching, I’d wager the Sect Master and the Grand Elder are preparing some last-resort techniques for Little Bing."

"Tsk tsk, you should’ve seen how excited those old folks were..."

The excitement of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands was rare for the Qingyuan Sect, as most of their disciples usually went just to make up the numbers.

The Dragon Gate Assembly in the Imperial Capital was one such event.

For the sect to produce two talents ranked in the top five of the Hidden Dragons—that wasn’t just ancestral graves emitting smoke, it was ancestral graves on fire.

"Master, does Jade Cluster Peak have any last-resort treasures of its own?"

Li Mo wasn’t lacking in techniques, but he was curious.

"Naturally, we do."

Shang Wu straightened her expression, putting on a solemn air.

"Really? What is it?"

"That would be... the stunningly beautiful, incredibly powerful, and deeply understanding... me!"

She pointed at herself with a proud grin.

Li Mo: "..."

Surely, he couldn’t just tie her up and take her along, could he?

Well, he could, but it was unnecessary—and strongly advised against.

This was the Imperial Capital, the heart of the Great Yu Dynasty, where the strongest of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands gathered—a place of solemnity and strict decorum. If his master caused even the slightest trouble, there’d be no covering for her.

"How about I leave some good wine and food for you as a last resort instead?"

"Oh ho, you’ve grown up."

"...Poor children mature early, after all."

Just then, footsteps sounded at the courtyard gate—Ying Bing had returned to the Autumn Water Pavilion.

The ice block’s water-green ruqun fluttered in the wind, the large-headed doll at her waist swaying gently. Her skin seemed even more radiant than before, as if bathed in the moonlight of the Jiangnan water towns.

"I told you this outfit would look good on you."

"Mhm... I suppose..."

Ying Bing seemed to snap out of her thoughts, her gaze calm as she offered a faint smile.

Something about the ice block felt... different?

After dinner, Li Mo studied her face, still sensing something amiss. When she went upstairs, he activated his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye.

The divine eye pierced through layers of mist.

He could once again discern the aura surrounding Ying Bing.

[Name: Ying Bing]

[Age: 17]

[Root Bone: Lunar Phoenix Body of Supreme Yin]

[Realm: Observation Divine Realm—Seven Apertures]

[Fate: Red (Bearing Imperial Bone, Fate of Profound Ice, Spirit of Autumn Water, with the bearing of a Heavenly Phoenix)]

[Evaluation: A destiny fraught with trials, yet always turning peril into fortune. Though her wings are still tender, when the winds of change arrive, she will soar above the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, reigning over all directions.]

[Recent Events: Obtained the Dao Seed of the Bronze Divine Tree, further perfecting the Hundred Avian Divine Form. This is also the key to replenishing the Heavenly Phoenix Domain—an opportunity laced with danger.]

"Ice block."

"Hm?"

Ying Bing looked up to see the young man’s serious expression.

"Is the moonlight beautiful tonight?"

"...Quite beautiful."

"Then let’s go—to the rooftop."

"?"

Shang Wu watched as the two barely touched their late-night snacks before heading upstairs hand in hand. Suddenly, the table full of dishes didn’t seem so appetizing anymore.

...

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting silver radiance over the rooftop of the Autumn Water Pavilion.

"Little Moon says she’s bored being alone."

"?"

Li Mo glanced at the exquisite divine sword, which showed no reaction—it seemed to be in deep slumber. This was nothing like Hammer Treasure’s restless energy.

Skeptical, he took out Hammer Treasure, and the weapon vibrated excitedly like a hound ready to run wild.

Compared to Hammer Treasure, Little Moon seemed half-asleep...

Ying Bing’s gaze drifted elsewhere as she lightly flicked the blade. "Go on," she murmured.

Li Mo: "..."

What was this? Guarding against gentlemen?

His original intention was to examine the seed of the Bronze Divine Tree.

Not out of mere curiosity, but out of concern for its potential effects on Ying Bing. After all, it was a Celestial Fate Artifact, possibly linked to the Primordial Phoenix Ancestral God.

But, well...

Under the silver moonlight, the two sat side by side on the rooftop, the faint scent of cold fragrance drifting from her hair as it occasionally brushed against his face.

"Ice block, I think the effects of dual cultivation were better last time when I held you."

The moment the words left his mouth, Li Mo froze.

Hammer Treasure wasn’t here!

Without Hammer Treasure, if Ying Bing asked what was in his pocket, how was he supposed to answer?

Ying Bing turned her head, lips pressed together, her clear eyes flickering.

Her soul had just absorbed the seed of the Bronze Divine Tree and was still unstable. Moreover, the system ranking was imminent.

"Was it?"

"Absolutely! Since the Primordial Phoenix Ancestral God is trying to influence you, holding me—a paragon of righteousness—would surely deter her from acting up." Li Mo spoke with solemn conviction.

Ying Bing maintained her icy demeanor, though inwardly amused. "Really?"

"Without a doubt, sister."

"Fine. I’ll believe you this once."

A tremor ran through Ying Bing’s heart as she took his hand and stood. The Supreme Yin Moon hung behind her, as if illuminating the delicate curves beneath her water-colored dress. Her cloud-like hair swayed, softening her features.

Tonight’s moon was not only beautiful but also exceptionally serene.

With the cold fragrance enveloping him, Ying Bing settled into Li Mo’s lap, her arms encircling his neck.

"Like this... is it alright?"

Her gaze drifted away, feigning nonchalance, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.

She likely had no idea how captivating she looked at this moment.