CHAPTER 134: CHAPTER 2: ASCENDING TO THE SUB-IMMORTAL REALM [FIRST UPDATE]

"It’s Little Qingqing!" Rong Ye was the first to stand up from his stool, eyes anxiously scanning the surroundings, searching for Gu Qingqing’s figure.

The reactions of the others weren’t much better, all turning their heads to look around.

"I’m here." Gu Qingqing’s voice sounded again, and a slender figure appeared before them.

"Little Qingqing!" Si Lin was the first to rush over, hugging Gu Qingqing in his arms.

The others had been beaten to it by Si Lin and could only stand by, excitedly watching Gu Qingqing.

"Little Qingqing, when did you wake up?" Rong Ye, who was already half-drunk, his cheeks flushed, sobered up a bit because of Gu Qingqing’s appearance. Looking at Gu Qingqing in Si Lin’s embrace, he asked softly.

Gu Qingqing withdrew from Si Lin’s hug. Seeing everyone looking at her with anticipation, she couldn’t help but feel warm in her heart and gave a sweet smile, speaking softly, "Fifth Brother, I just woke up and came to find you all. Did you miss me?"

"Hmph, you little heartless one, we didn’t miss you at all." Rong Ye snorted, turning his head away. He said he didn’t miss her, but his eyes were fixed on Gu Qingqing, watching her reaction.

The others wanted to speak but seeing his demeanor, they closed their mouths and quietly watched him perform.

Having lived with Rong Ye for so many years, how could Gu Qingqing not understand Rong Ye’s temperament? Seeing his little expression, she knew what he was thinking.

Her eyes shifted, and she walked to Rong Ye’s side, tugging on his sleeve, suddenly looking tearful, "Really? Fifth Brother, you don’t miss me at all? Then maybe I should leave."

Saying this, she covered her face with one hand and released Rong Ye’s sleeve, turning to leave. In her heart, she was counting, and before she reached three, her hand was grabbed by Rong Ye.

"I was just talking; why are you crying? And where are you going? Spirit Hidden Mountain is your home!" Rong Ye hurriedly held onto Gu Qingqing, explaining incoherently.

Seeing Rong Ye’s instant wilted state, Si Lin, used to being indifferent, didn’t show it on his face, but a hint of a smile passed through his eyes. Yue Zhao’s smile deepened a bit, and Nan Hua and Mu Chen struggled much more, trying not to let Rong Ye see them, their faces remaining straight, but the twitching of their facial muscles betrayed how hard it was for them to hold back their laughter.

"But you said you don’t miss me, so maybe I’d better just leave." Gu Qingqing shrugged her shoulders, her voice with a hint of a sob, looking very upset.

"You’re not allowed to leave! I said I didn’t mean it, you can’t just go!" Rong Ye panicked, placing both hands on Gu Qingqing’s shoulders, turning her to face him, and said strongly.

Gu Qingqing was forced to turn around, her hand covering her face was lowered, and her smile was fully exposed to Rong Ye.

Rong Ye was stunned, "You, you, you tricked me!"

He pointed at Gu Qingqing, utterly baffled that Gu Qingqing had just deceived him.

"I did not, Fifth Brother, don’t slander me!" Gu Qingqing changed her expression in an instant, looking at Rong Ye, earnestly.

"Hmph!" Rong Ye flung Gu Qingqing’s hand away, stepping back two steps, turning around, and seeming very angry.

"Haha, Little Five, got what you deserve, huh? Who told you to be so proud?" Mu Chen finally couldn’t hold it in anymore, laughing heartily, looking at Rong Ye without a hint of sympathy.

"Exactly, Little Qingqing, don’t mind him, let him be proud, he doesn’t miss you but we do." Nan Hua also laughed, walking to Gu Qingqing’s side, placing a hand on her shoulder, speaking softly.

Afraid that Gu Qingqing would really listen to Nan Hua and ignore him, Rong Ye quickly turned and pushed Nan Hua aside, standing next to Gu Qingqing himself, "I said I didn’t mean it, you all don’t teach her wrongly!"

Nan Hua, pushed aside, looked at Rong Ye, speaking with a playful smile, "Seems like you’ve been getting bold recently, daring to push me aside."

Saying this, Nan Hua’s Glazed Frost Flower Fan flew directly towards Rong Ye.

Of course, Rong Ye couldn’t let the Glazed Frost Flower Fan hit him. He dodged to the side, and Nan Hua, gripping the fan, charged over, and the two started brawling on the side, leaving Gu Qingqing dumbfounded.

"They..." she pointed at Rong Ye and Nan Hua, "are they always this wild now?"

In the past, to maintain appearances in front of Gu Qingqing, they would handle things away from her, but this was actually their usual behavior. Si Lin and the others were already used to it.

"It’s fine, Little Qingqing, they’re just sparring, nothing serious," Yue Zhao walked to Gu Qingqing’s side, patting her head like when they were kids, a genuine smile on his lips.

"Exactly, Little Qingqing, don’t mind them, they’ll be fine once they’ve finished." Mu Chen also came up to Gu Qingqing, smiling as he spoke.

Gu Qingqing glanced at Rong Ye and Nan Hua, seeing they weren’t using Spiritual Power, just martial arts, she felt a bit more at ease and turned to look at Si Lin and the others.

"Little Qingqing, now that you’ve become the Heavenly Dao of the Xuantian Continent, can you still leave it?" Yue Zhao, like when they were young, handed Gu Qingqing a bottle of her favorite Spiritual Dew, asking with concern.

"Of course I can, I’ve just become the Heavenly Dao, not transformed into it. The Xuantian Continent has its own Laws. I left an avatar to act according to the Law, so I don’t have to be there all the time. Look, my cultivation is still at the seventh rank, isn’t it?" Gu Qingqing revealed her cultivation for Si Lin and the others to sense.

Si Lin and the others, just moments ago filled with joy, hadn’t noticed Gu Qingqing’s cultivation level. Seeing it still at the seventh rank now, they also relaxed.

"That’s great. When do you plan to ascend to the Sub-immortal Realm?" Mu Chen looked at Gu Qingqing expectantly, asking.

"I can go anytime, but I’d like to stay at Spirit Hidden Mountain for a few more days before ascending." Talking about serious matters, Gu Qingqing became a bit more serious, sharing her plan.

"That sounds good, no need to rush." Si Lin walked over, patting Gu Qingqing’s head, speaking with a very gentle tone.

"Please, brothers, tell me all about what happened these five years. I feel like I’ve missed a lot." Gu Qingqing tugged at Si Lin’s sleeve, acting spoiled.

Facing this kind of Gu Qingqing, Si Lin and the others couldn’t resist at all, pulling Gu Qingqing to sit in a nearby pavilion, and began telling her about the events of the past five years.

...

An hour later, Nan Hua and Rong Ye’s competition ended, and returning to the pavilion, they saw Gu Qingqing and Si Lin happily chatting, and they glared at each other, expressing their discontent with the other for delaying their own chat with Gu Qingqing.

"Our brothers have all broken through to the ninth rank in these five years. So amazing!" After listening to their tales, Gu Qingqing couldn’t help but praise.

The further you progress in cultivation, the harder it becomes to break through. Si Lin and the others spent quite a bit of time on the eighth stage. Now that they’ve reached the ninth stage, Gu Qingqing is naturally happy for them.

"Third Senior Brother, Fifth Senior Brother, are you two alright?" Seeing Nan Hua and Rong Ye, Gu Qingqing quickly stood up and asked.

"Of course we’re alright, Little Qingqing. We were just sparring, nothing to worry about." Receiving a look from Yue Zhao, Nan Hua spoke up first.

In the five years that have passed, Nan Hua has matured a bit. Coupled with his handsome appearance, he’s even more charming. However, because of Gu Qingqing, he has been focusing a lot on self-cultivation and hasn’t gone out to flirt.

"Yeah, we often spar like this, no need to worry." Rong Ye also received a hinting look from Si Lin, glanced at Nan Hua, and shouted.

"That’s good then." Gu Qingqing looked at the two of them and, seeing no injuries on them, felt relieved and sat back on the bench.

To celebrate Gu Qingqing waking up, Si Lin and the others teamed up to cook a table full of dishes and had a meal with Gu Qingqing.

"The meals made by Senior Brothers still suit my taste, I’m so full." Gu Qingqing finished the last sip of soup, put down her bowl, and said contentedly with her eyes narrowed.

"As long as you’re happy, we can always cook for you." Yue Zhao gently said while helping Gu Qingqing fix her hair.

The others also nodded in agreement with Yue Zhao’s words.

"Qingqing, these are the jewelry and clothes that I’ve prepared for you over the years. The latest designs from Tian Gong Pavilion are inside. Check and see if you like them. If not, I’ll take you shopping tomorrow." Nan Hua took out a Storage Bag and handed it to Gu Qingqing.

Gu Qingqing took it and looked inside, finding it filled with various pieces of jewelry and clothing. Not knowing her size, Nan Hua had bought one of each size, making it all look beautiful and dazzling.

Gu Qingqing had a fondness for these since childhood, and seeing them now, she was very happy.

"Thank you, Senior Brother." She put away the Storage Bag, her smile forming crescent moons in her eyes.

Seeing Gu Qingqing happy, Nan Hua smiled, fanning himself, and looked at her with a spoiled expression in his eyes.

Next, it turned into a gift-giving session. Si Lin and the others brought out the gifts they’ve prepared for Gu Qingqing over the years.

Si Lin had crafted some Magic Artifacts for Gu Qingqing, including jewelry, vestment robes, and various Defense Equipment. Yue Zhao brought instruments and sheet music, Mu Chen provided Elixirs with special flavors like sugar pills with no other effects, and Rong Ye provided a variety of talismans, all of which were top-quality, which he had been saving for Gu Qingqing.

Receiving so many gifts was Gu Qingqing’s current situation. She carefully stored all the gifts from Si Lin and the others, smiling brightly.

Just as she was about to speak, a figure appeared before them.

"Master!" Upon seeing the newcomer, Gu Qingqing exclaimed in surprise, then stood up, ran over, and jumped into his embrace.

Wen Guiyun caught Gu Qingqing, who embraced him tightly, and patted her gently.

"Alright, you’ve grown up. How come you’re still like a child, needing a hug from Master?" Though Wen Guiyun’s words seemed to be teasing, his gaze was truly gentle, full of affection for Gu Qingqing.

"Master, I missed you so much." Gu Qingqing nuzzled in Wen Guiyun’s hug, feeling that all her worries vanished.

Wen Guiyun stroked her hair without saying a word, quietly holding her.

After a while, Gu Qingqing embarrassingly retreated from Wen Guiyun’s embrace.

"Alright, let Master take a good look at you now, our Little Qingqing has grown into a big girl." Wen Guiyun had always doted on Gu Qingqing like a daughter, and this occasion was no different. He had been cultivating but came over immediately upon receiving Si Lin’s message.

Gu Qingqing was indeed very dependent on Wen Guiyun. Hearing his words, she stood quietly, letting him examine her.

"I heard from your senior brothers that you’ve become the Heavenly Dao of Xuantian Continent?" Wen Guiyun still remembered how shocked he was upon hearing this, but later felt it was not surprising as she was indeed his chosen disciple, truly extraordinary!

"Yes, Master." Gu Qingqing had nothing to hide from Wen Guiyun. "I don’t know why I was chosen by the former Heavenly Dao to become the new one, but luckily, I can still stay outside freely."

"Can you still cultivate this way?" Wen Guiyun had never heard of any human becoming the Heavenly Dao, so he had a hint of curiosity.

"Yes, I have a separate entity to handle the responsibilities of the Heavenly Dao, and I, myself, can continue cultivating. The higher my cultivation, the better for the Xuantian Continent!" Knowing that Wen Guiyun worried about her, Gu Qingqing quickly explained.

"That’s good then." Realizing it wouldn’t affect Gu Qingqing, Wen Guiyun was reassured.

That day, Gu Qingqing spent time chatting with Wen Guiyun and the others, even sparring with Rong Ye a bit, before everything calmed down in the evening, and she returned to her room to rest.

After staying at Spirit Hidden Mountain for five days, Gu Qingqing decided to officially ascend.

Since ascension involves randomness and the Sub-immortal Realm is much larger than the Xuantian Continent, Si Lin and the others, to locate Gu Qingqing immediately upon ascension, left Spirit Hidden Mountain before her ascension and returned to the Sub-immortal Realm to await her arrival.

Before leaving, Rong Ye gave Gu Qingqing a talisman. As long as she carried it, Rong Ye would be able to find her.

Once all preparations were complete, Gu Qingqing released her cultivation in the Ten Thousand Miles Mountains, immediately attracting the Heavenly Tribulation of ascension. Being the Heavenly Dao herself, how could she be harmed in her own territory?

The Lightning Tribulation was merely ceremonial, and she was unharmed. Sensing the ascension path, she ascended following its guidance.

...

Sub-immortal Realm, Yangzhou Prefecture, Prefecture City Huazhou City.

Yangzhou Prefecture is one of the eight main state capitals in the eastern Sub-immortal Realm, and Huazhou City, as its Prefecture City, is as prosperous as a national capital, bustling with countless cultivators coming and going. Within the city is a Transmission Array where those ascending from the continents below appear; every day, many people arrive here.

Gu Qingqing, having previously heard from Wen Guiyun and Si Lin about what happens after ascension, was very calm when she appeared in the Transmission Array. She took a glance around and walked out of the Transmission Array.

However, those around her were stunned by Gu Qingqing’s beauty. Even in the Immortal Realm, filled with beauties, Gu Qingqing’s beauty was among the very top!