The biggest prize in the Chongshan Secret Realm had fallen into someone else’s hands, and with the realm’s closure looming, restlessness infected every corner. Cultivator conflicts had escalated to unprecedented levels—everywhere you looked, there were scenes of backstabbing and murder for treasure.

I perched in the fork of a tree, disguised as a fruit, quietly observing the carnage below.

Golden-red flames danced wildly as Seraphine’s whip carved through the air, leaving screams in its wake. Blood splattered only to be instantly consumed by fire. Her expression remained ice-cold as she methodically ended each life, unmoved by their desperate pleas for mercy.

The battlefield fell silent. Wind carried the stench of death away, but no spirit beasts came to investigate—Seraphine had already cleared out all the dangerous ones nearby. She stood amidst the wreckage, whip lowered, chest rising and falling steadily.

Up in my tree, I plucked two leaves and placed them over my head.

The pointed tips sat perfectly over my black eye circles as I clutched my matchstick body. Seraphine’s in a bad mood.

Golden Core cultivators were far outnumbered by Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation practitioners in this realm. When the barriers were still intact, you could go months without seeing another cultivator. But now—I glanced at the ash-covered corpses at Seraphine’s feet—greed really is terrifying.

As a system, I didn’t expect Seraphine to collect every beautiful woman who might have ties to the protagonist. So why did these people think they could overwhelm her with numbers?

Just today, we’d encountered one Golden Core spirit beast and two separate groups of cultivators. Seraphine was already on her third outfit change. How could she possibly be in a good mood?

I grabbed another leaf and plopped it on my head.

In the distance, Seraphine stored her weapon and glanced my way. I quickly lifted the leaf, plucked a fruit I’d been peacefully coexisting with all morning, and wobbled over to circle around her.

“Seraphine, do you want to eat fruit first, or bathe first?” I asked.

Considering how “busy” she’d been all day, I added, “Are you even going to bathe?”

Seraphine: “……”

What bathing? I should wash you first!

She reached out and snatched the fruit I’d picked, stuffing it into her storage ring.

“Two more days until the realm closes. These rogue cultivators are getting desperate—forming gangs, killing everyone they meet, stealing storage rings.” Her voice dripped with disdain.

Such hard work punishing evil and protecting the innocent, host!

I raised my matchstick and tapped her shoulder. “Want me to handle it?”

Seraphine splashed water on her hands without looking up. “These small fries don’t need your help.”

Right, right.

I diligently continued my shoulder massage.

Seraphine checked the sun’s position. Two hours until sunset. Even someone as particular as her didn’t want to bathe again, so she picked a random direction and started walking. I crouched on her shoulder, mentally mapping our route while cataloging everything she’d collected.

“Aren’t you going to check those storage rings?” I asked.

The would-be bandits had been thoroughly robbed themselves, their weapons and storage rings scattered across the ground before Seraphine casually swept them up.

“Dirty things,” she said with distaste. “I’ll have someone clean them later.”

I spun in bored circles on her shoulder, wanting to help but unable to.

With the realm’s end approaching, time suddenly felt precious. Even without finding any “big treasure chests,” Seraphinemeticulously collected every spiritual herb and flower we passed. I dutifully recorded each acquisition.

As the sun set and birds returned to their nests, I stared at the creatures flitting across the sky when something caught my eye—a dark, ominous cloud in the western horizon.

I raised my matchstick. “Seraphine, look.”

Storm clouds.

Seraphine lifted her head. The dark mass was rapidly expanding, covering half the sky like an approaching tempest bearing down on the mountains. Lightning crackled within, and even at this distance, we could hear the rumbling thunder.

But the terrifying part wasn’t just the flashing lightning. Below the clouds, above the earth, the tallest mountain was belching thick smoke that rose to merge with the storm.

“A volcano?” Seraphine sounded surprised.

BOOM!

Thunder crashed as a purple lightning bolt struck down, carving a long black scar across the landscape. I watched in amazement. “Little Thunder sneezing?”

Seraphine: “……”

“Your friend went dormant with the Celestial Palace after it vanished. That’s impossible.” Her expression grew serious. “There’s something in both the volcano and the clouds—big somethings.”

As if to prove her point, another lightning strike revealed a massive shadow with spread wings flying through the storm clouds. Below, bestial roars from the volcano drowned out the thunder, shaking the very earth.

“Whoa.” I breathed.

They’re about to fight.

Sand and stones whirled through the air as if the world was returning to primordial chaos. White lights flickered across the realm before winking out.

Seraphine’s lips curved in a knowing smile. “Those two spirit beasts are clearly the realm’s apex predators. They have their own territories, so meeting like this… someone orchestrated it.”

With the realm ending, desperate people were trying anything for a chance at fortune. Someone had clearly lured these two monsters together, hoping to profit from their battle. The massive display was drawing everyone’s attention.

“You see those white lights?” Seraphine explained. “Those are cultivators crushing their jade tokens to escape early. Most people aren’t willing to risk this.”

Smart timing to leave, really—get out while the dangerous types were distracted by the spirit beast battle. But fortune favored the bold, and I watched lights still flying toward the storm-shrouded volcano.

“Seraphine, are you going?” I asked.

Before she could answer, a streak of fire shot up from the battlefield, racing toward us like a meteor before exploding into a phoenix-shaped firework directly overhead.

Sparks rained down as Seraphine lazily raised her hand, catching one of the falling flames. It revealed the image of a middle-aged man.

“Bai Shan—” Seraphine began.

“Bai Fenghui.” I corrected.

She shot me an annoyed look.

Hey, watch it! I can actually hit you now!

I quickly stuffed the [Bai Fenghui] data panel into my mouth. Seraphine kept glaring, apparently contemplating stuffing me in there too.

I stared back innocently.

The neglected flame flared up as if demanding attention. Bai Fenghui’s image looked battered, his shoulder bearing what looked like beast bite marks that wouldn’t stop bleeding.

“Palace Lord, you promised I wouldn’t die in this realm! I’m trapped at the volcano’s base—please come save me! I’ll be forever grateful!” The disheveled Bai Fenghui’s image flickered before the flame zipped away toward the storm-covered volcano like a guide light.

Well, now we have to go.

Seraphine formed hand seals to block the flying debris and followed the flame.

“Bai Fenghui’s at Golden Core stage. Don’t know if it was the beast above or below that hurt him, but these two spirit beasts are no joke.” She flew while talking.

I suddenly remembered our first encounter with the Devouring Mountain Beast, when Seraphine was injured and I could only watch helplessly. I pulled out my small sword from my pack.

Seraphine immediately said, “What was our agreement?”

I deflated like a punctured balloon and put the sword away.

Raising my matchstick, I stretched my black eye circles wide, staring directly at her.

System. Is. Watching. You.

Seraphine promptly grabbed me and turned me to face outward.

The barrier’s clouds flowed backward as I watched. “?”

Some people rush toward opportunity, others flee from it.

A spirit boat approached head-on, its prow bearing a large maple leaf emblem—the Autumn Water Pavilion disciples we’d met days ago.

Seraphine stopped. Wei Yutong stood guard at the bow, spear in hand, staring at Seraphine in shock.

“Palace Lord! Those two beasts are a Fire Rock Dragon and a Thunder Bird, both late Golden Core stage! They’re fighting each other, and countless people have been caught in the crossfire. Don’t go in there!” Wei Yutong called out urgently.

Hearing Seraphine’s name, Qiu Shuangshuang poked her head out of the boat’s window. “Palace Lord! It’s too dangerous inside—don’t go!”

“No matter. You should leave the realm immediately.” Seraphine replied.

Both Autumn Water Pavilion sect masters were water-element cultivators, and their personal disciple Wei Yutongnaturally shared this spiritual roots. She was late Foundation Establishment now, showing signs of breakthrough. The other disciples were also the sect’s elite. Those desperate cultivators wouldn’t respect sect authority—once the realm closed, who would be left to seek justice for the dead?

But Seraphine had faced a Nascent Soul-level Mirage head-on without fear. What were two late Golden Core beasts to her?

She smiled arrogantly. “Golden Core spirit beasts? I has killed them before.” Drawing her weapon, she deflected a flying boulder and continued inward despite the Autumn Water Pavilion disciples’ protests.

“Palace Lord!”

Qiu Shuangshuang leaned further out the window, watching that figure fly toward the chaos with sparkling eyes.

“Palace Lord is so—so dashing!” she exclaimed, then suddenly spun around and grabbed the blue spear from the boat’s center. Before anyone could react, she leaped from the window.

“I’m going to help Palace Lord!”

As she jumped, every Autumn Water Pavilion disciple rushed forward, catching only air and her “swaying” silhouette in the wind.

“Junior Sister, you’re insane!”

“Qiu Shuangshuang!”

“QIU SHUANGSHUANG!” Wei Yutong’s heart nearly burst from her chest. She stamped her foot and grabbed the second senior brother. “I’m going to drag her back. Take the others through the sandstorm and leave the realm immediately. Wait for us on the sect’s main ship.”

The second senior brother was sweating buckets. “Yes, Senior Sister! But Shuangshuang took the Water Dragon’s Hymn!”

Wei Yutong’s chest heaved as she grabbed her spear and flew off. The remaining disciples watched her disappearing figure with worry.

I clung to Seraphine’s collar, poking my head out from inside her robes. My body had been warmed by her body heat for a moment, only to be chilled again by the howling wind.

In the distance, the most vicious spirit beast battle I’d witnessed in this world was unfolding.

A Fire Rock Dragon, its body covered in magma, emerged from the volcano with half its length still submerged. It reared up, breathing streams of fire at the sky.

Dark clouds pressed down like a city under siege.

The secret realm had no cities, only rolling mountains that looked like helpless saplings under the oppressive storm clouds, trembling in the wind and thunder.

Thick clouds shrouded the peaks as a mountain-sized bird soared through them. Its body was sleek, but its wingspan was massive—each gentle flap stirred up hurricanes.

Rain was building, waiting for the perfect moment to pour down and extinguish the flowing magma. But the raging fire wouldn’t allow it. The flames shooting skyward dispersed layer after layer of clouds, evaporating the moisture before it could condense.

The volcano’s roar and thunder’s boom drowned out everything else. Even with barriers blocking the billowing smoke, nothing could stop the ear-splitting sound.

Good thing I don’t have ears.

I held up my interface panel for Seraphine to see: “Third party incoming.”

She nodded, following the fire trail as we rushed toward a specific direction at the base of the distant mountain.

Lava rolled and flowed in torrents, yet it carefully avoided one particular area. There, sitting within a protective barrier, was Bai Fenghui—the White Water Sect’s leader—looking far more wretched than when he’d first called for help. His face was deathly pale, and his robes were in tatters.

When he saw Seraphine actually coming to rescue him, Bai Fenghui stumbled to his feet, his face lighting up with surprised joy. “Palace Lord! I didn’t expect you to—”

“Save the chatter.” Seraphine tossed out a flying artifact and said curtly, “We’re leaving.”

Bai Fenghui hesitated, turning to look toward the distance. High above, two fierce beasts were still locked in combat, their late-stage Golden Core auras clashing in terrifying waves that made onlookers break out in cold sweats. BaiFenghui swallowed hard before addressing Seraphine: “Palace Lord, I don’t want to leave yet. I want that thunder bird’s spirit core!”

Seraphine frowned, her long lashes fluttering as her eyes swept past Bai Fenghui—though not without first scanning what lay behind him. Her red lips curved into a mocking smile. “No wonder you called for help from this particular spot. But our original agreement was that I’d only keep you alive. I never agreed to be your hired muscle, fighting the Fire Rock Dragon for thunder bird scraps!”

The implication was clear: if Bai Fenghui insisted on staying, she’d simply watch from the sidelines.

Bai Fenghui’s expression darkened. He hadn’t expected Seraphine to be so cold and unyielding. Gritting his teeth, he said, “The former Palace Lord of Luanyang Palace cared for all under heaven, willing to die for the common people! As her successor, aren’t you being too callous and inhuman? If we work together and strike when the Fire Rock Dragon and thunder bird are both weakened, we can definitely take them down! You take the dragon’s spirit core, I’ll take the bird’s—wouldn’t that be a win-win?”

Seraphine put away her flying artifact with a sneer. “Looks like you don’t want to leave after all?”

Bai Fenghui fell silent.

The Fire Rock Dragon and thunder bird hadn’t cultivated to late-stage Golden Core by being stupid. The spiritual pressure from all the little insects buzzing around made them wary, and they occasionally sent flames or lightning crashing down, followed by screams of dying cultivators.

The wails of death echoed across the distance, reaching both their ears. Bai Fenghui drew a sharp breath and tried persuading Seraphine again: “Palace Lord, Fire Rock Dragons and thunder birds are extremely rare. Aren’t you even a little tempted?”

Of course she’s tempted—otherwise she wouldn’t be standing here. Bai Fenghui was foolish and arrogant, but he’d made one valid point. Even with her Error, Fire Rock Dragons and thunder birds were still incredibly rare creatures.

So why would she need to cooperate with Bai Fenghui?

Win-win? She could win all by herself!

Whether it was the Fire Rock Dragon or the thunder bird—she wanted both!

Seraphine let out a cold laugh, gripping her natal weapon. “I’ll still honor my promise. If you’re about to meet the Grim Reaper while fighting that thunder bird, I’ll save you before the death gods arrive.”

With those words, Bai Fenghui knew cooperation was off the table. He couldn’t believe Seraphine truly didn’t want to work with him—he was a Golden Core cultivator, after all! One who’d been at the Golden Core stage for years with rich experience. Two Golden Core cultivators working together had to have better odds than going solo. Seraphine was arrogant beyond measure!

Those were two late-stage Golden Core spirit beasts!

“Fine, fine, fine.” Bai Fenghui let out a low, cold chuckle. No matter. Soon enough, Seraphine will pay the price for her arrogance.

“Palace Lord, you—”

“Palace Lord!!”

A shout from far to near interrupted Bai Fenghui’s words. His whole body tensed as he watched two figures approaching—one chasing the other. A flame fell from the sky, heading straight for the person calling out to Seraphine.

In that critical moment, the person in front erupted with blue light. A water-blue dragon flew from her palm, opening its massive maw to devour the late-stage Golden Core Fire Rock Dragon’s attack.

Clinging to Seraphine’s collar, I said quietly, “Dragon.”

Seraphine looked surprised. “Qiu Shuangshuang?”

“Qiu Shuangshuang!” Wei Yutong landed angrily, grabbing the back of Qiu Shuangshuang’s collar and lifting her up. “Do you have any idea how dangerous this place is?!”

I nodded along. Yeah, this place is super dangerous. But you all sure do talk a lot.

Please note that “you all” doesn’t include my host.

Wei Yutong dragged the struggling Qiu Shuangshuang into Seraphine’s barrier. The scene felt oddly familiar to Seraphine, though this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. Looking at Qiu Shuangshuang’s excited face and Wei Yutong’s furious expression, Seraphine could easily guess what had happened. A low chuckle rumbled from her chest.

“Foolish.”

“Why not just put her out of her misery?” Seraphine asked Wei Yutong.

Wei Yutong looked thoroughly ashamed as she bowed to Seraphine. After all, this was her junior sister—if there was any chance of escape, she’d rather leave the execution to their Master and Master’s wife.

Having come with such enthusiasm only to detect disdain in Seraphine’s tone, Qiu Shuangshuang’s excitement was replaced by hurt. She held up her weapon for Seraphine to see, saying softly, “But I brought the Water Dragon’s Hymn! This time I definitely won’t be a burden to you, Palace Lord!”

Water Dragon’s Hymn?

I pushed aside Seraphine’s hair to look at the water-blue spear in Qiu Shuangshuang’s hands. The weapon was stunningly beautiful, shimmering with rippling water light like crystal blue scooped from the ocean depths.

If it were just a bit brighter and more blue, it would look like my friend…

I wanted to get a better look, but everything went dark. Seraphine raised her hand to smooth her hair, blocking my eager companion from view.

Seraphine’s expression remained neutral while Bai Fenghui’s face went pale. He asked hesitantly, “Water Dragon’s Hymn? The divine weapon from Autumn Water Pavilion that developed spiritual intelligence? You’re disciples of Autumn Water Pavilion?”

Qiu Shuangshuang looked confused at this unfamiliar man, proudly lifting her chin before turning back to Seraphine with a brilliant smile. “Palace Lord, with Water Dragon’s Hymn here, I can definitely help you! Which of those two spirit beasts outside should we fight?”

Seraphine sneered and suddenly dispelled her barrier. Instantly, thunderous roars exploded right beside their ears as flames and lightning rained down like a deadly storm. Qiu Shuangshuang immediately grabbed Wei Yutong’s arm in terror.

With reactions like that, she wants to fight what exactly?

“Water Dragon’s Hymn isn’t something you can handle. While those two beasts are still testing each other, you still have a chance to leave.” Seraphine addressed Qiu Shuangshuang and Wei Yutong, then gestured dismissively toward BaiFenghui.

Get lost.

Bai Fenghui’s chest filled with rage, but he forced himself to maintain a peaceful smile. “Palace Lord, don’t forget your oath. Within this secret realm…”

“I’ll keep you alive.” Seraphine’s lips curved into a smile directed at Bai Fenghui.

Despite Seraphine being such a beautiful woman—one whose smile remained captivating even in such dangerous circumstances—Bai Fenghui detected something unsettling in that expression. Something… cruel.

“Fine!” Bai Fenghui’s gaze darkened as he backed away from Seraphine, clutching his chest wound before flying off and disappearing into the black smoke.

I whispered, “Bai Fenghui is a Golden Core cultivator and the White Water Sect’s leader.”

With injuries that severe, he’s not taking any healing pills?

Even a system could see through such obvious deception.

“Fool.” Seraphine’s tone was indifferent as she suddenly lashed out with her whip toward a particular direction. Something shattered in the void—an illusion artifact cracked, revealing two bedraggled figures.

“Ah!” Qiu Shuangshuang exclaimed. “There are people here too!”

Siyi glanced at Seraphine and said calmly, “Greetings, Palace Lord.”

“After Xue Mengtao and I left the dungeon, we were followed by Bai Fenghui and subsequently captured. He likely intended to use our lives to coerce you into cooperation, Palace Lord. He also stole our storage rings.”

Without turning around, Seraphine casually tossed out two medicine bottles while watching the Fire Rock Dragon and thunder bird, who had inexplicably begun fighting in earnest. She murmured, “The world is full of idiots.”

Feeling like she might be included among said idiots, Qiu Shuangshuang hugged her Water Dragon’s Hymn tighter. Behind Siyi, the most severely injured Xue Mengtao raised her hand, slowly wiping away tears and blood, her eyes staring fixedly at the ground.

Siyi caught the rolling medicine bottles and said quietly, “Thank you for the medicine, Palace Lord. I assure you that starting next month, there will be no sect called White Water in the Eastern Continent.”

Listening to their conversation, Qiu Shuangshuang trembled and hid behind her senior sister.

Next month means… seven days from now?

The secret realm closes in two days, plus travel time back… hiss…

Qiu Shuangshuang trembled even more.

Seraphine walked into the smoke and dust, stepping over Siyi’s words. When Qiu Shuangshuang tried to follow, Wei Yutong grabbed her back, and the barrier rose once more.

The black smoke swallowed the red robes, and a silver orb pushed through the hair with a “whoosh,” emerging with what looked like a matchstick as it stretched lazily. The hand below immediately plucked it back down.

“I’ve scanned the area—no one nearby,” I reported honestly. I wants to breathe some fresh air.

The volcanic eruption’s dense smoke mixed with sky-darkening storm clouds, creating zero visibility everywhere. Flames rained down constantly while the earth burned fiercely. So refreshing!

Seraphine ruthlessly shoved me into her sleeve. “Try poking your head out again and see what happens!”

Who knows how many hidden enemies were lurking nearby? She absolutely would not let anyone discover or covet Echo!

I rolled around inside Seraphine’s sleeve, missing the good old days.

Today, I remain the system that cannot show its face to anyone.

Sigh.

The remaining cultivators in the secret realm never expected to encounter such a terrifying scene just as the realm was about to close. Those with lower cultivation watched from afar, while quite a few stronger ones crept closer. Though the deaths of those caught in the crossfire horrified them, it didn’t diminish their greedy desire for a piece of the action.

When two beasts fight, one must die. They didn’t dare dream of obtaining spirit beast cores, but even partial remains from either creature would make them incredibly wealthy!

But this all depended on the Fire Rock Dragon and thunder bird finishing their battle before the secret realm closed.

With this thought, cultivators hiding in the smoke began making small moves—mimicking the techniques of either the thunder bird or Fire Rock Dragon to escalate their mutual hatred. Whether due to someone’s actions or the two spirit beasts simply reaching their breaking point, the situation exploded.

The churning winds and clouds grew increasingly chaotic as terrifying auras spread.

Amid the sky-filling flames and thunder, Seraphine concealed her presence and silently approached the volcano’s base.

Monitoring the ambient temperature, I gasped: Hot feet, hot feet.

The flowing lava was viscous, carrying intense colors as it streamed along. Where it suddenly cooled, light glinted from gem-like spheres embedded in the solidified rock, though they failed to attract any cultivator’s attention.

But they caught my attention.

As I sneakily tried to touch one of the gem spheres with my matchstick, a sharp roar echoed from the thunder clouds above: “Return my child!”

I froze, pretending nothing had happened, and voluntarily dove into my host’s sleeve under her meaningful gaze. But the sleeve was just my starting point, not the destination!

I pressed against Seraphine’s arm, traveling up along her soft skin, wriggling through her sleeve until I emerged from her collar with a “pop.”

I nuzzled her cheek affectionately, but noticed her expression shift from meaningful to embarrassed fury.

“?” What’s wrong?

I didn’t do anything.

“Seraphine, your face is a bit red,” I observed with surprise. “Are you hot?”

Golden Core cultivation shouldn’t be affected by lava…

“……Shut up.” Seraphine muttered.

She lashed out with her weapon, the fiery whip hooking lava and hurling it at distant cliff walls, creating bursts of golden-red flowers.

This seems like a good time to applaud.

I clapped my matchsticks together. “Clap clap.”

But my host’s mood didn’t improve—she even glared at me.

Maybe I should offer some flattery?

I fell into contemplation.

While we engaged in our staring contest, the roaring above intensified as blood—whether from the Fire Rock Dragon or thunder bird—began falling. The reason for their conflict was also becoming clear.

The thunder bird’s offspring had vanished, and it suspected the Fire Rock Dragon had devoured its child. The Fire Rock Dragon protested its innocence—why would it eat something that wouldn’t even serve as a snack? Such bad luck! But the thunder bird refused to listen.

While braiding hair with my matchstick, I commented, “In novels, villains and side characters always reveal their motivations. We should learn from their failures.”

Seraphine: “……” You’re absolutely right, but please let go of your matchstick because you’re braiding MY hair.

Embarrassed and annoyed, Seraphine reached for me while throwing out several protective talismans.

The fury of two late-stage Golden Core spirit beasts brought double the attacks. Thunder crashed as the protective talismans exploded with “bang bang bang bang” sounds, but when they reached Seraphine, she easily deflected them.

Talismans capable of blocking Golden Core level attacks were extremely precious—she’d just casually used several worth tens of thousands of spirit stones. Among all the cultivators in this secret realm, only she had the resources for such extravagant lurking.

The battle between beasts was brutal and terrifying. Blood rain began falling from the sky at some point, and just as Seraphine showed a disgusted expression, I dove headfirst into her collar with a “whoosh.”

Seraphine: “……” Now you’re being smart about it, huh.

Among all the lurking cultivators, we were the closest to the battlefield—both person and system—making us the most dangerous. The two massive spirit beasts’ battle created a chaos of thunder and fire, and our protective talismans’ tiny flashes were swallowed by the overwhelming pressure.

Black smoke and storm clouds blocked heaven and earth, disrupting the stars. Above the firmament, beyond the dark clouds, stars continued their eternal dance, but those trapped below remained lost in the chaos.

It was too late to leave now. Wei Yutong sighed, glancing at Qiu Shuangshuang, who clutched her Water Dragon’s Hymny, oblivious to the danger. Wei Yutong felt a splitting headache.

In the distance, the Fire Rock Dragon’s entire body erupted from the volcano, soaring into the cloud layer as lava poured from its form like fiery rain.

The thunder bird spread its world-shadowing wings, refusing to back down.

Silver-white lightning struck the Fire Rock Dragon while the giant bird and dragon turned the sky into their battlefield. The magnificent scene vaguely resembled ancient battles between dragons and phoenixes.

Tiny humans looked up at the terrifying, awe-inspiring spectacle, their hearts pounding with both fear and excitement. Though sunlight blazed beyond the clouds, this place remained shrouded in darkness.

“The secret realm is about to close!”

The hidden treasure-seekers gritted their teeth, unable to restrain themselves any longer. They charged forward, but before they could get close, the falling lightning and attacking flames sent them straight to the afterlife.

“Fools!” The Fire Rock Dragon spoke in human tongue, its blue-green eyes glaring at the equally exhausted thunder bird. “Do you want to die together with me, letting these ants profit?”

The thunder bird laughed maniacally. “Then let’s die together!”

It spread its wings and charged forward with suicidal determination.

Watching the live broadcast intently, I noticed Seraphine begin to move. The black-haired woman glanced down at me, her crimson mark between her brows unchanged, her gaze fierce as a phoenix phantom appeared around her.

Without speaking, I seemed to hear her voice as I grabbed her clothing with my matchstick.

Go!

As the late-stage Golden Core spirit beasts’ collision created devastating shockwaves, a golden phoenix spread its wings and soared toward the battle’s center.

Clear cries shook the heavens as the phoenix was surrounded by a golden bell that blazed with light. Countless scriptures appeared, rotating to protect the phoenix. The shockwaves struck the golden bell, and the demon-vanquishing bell’s chimes rang out, shattering a corner of the sky’s dark clouds. Golden sunlight streamed down, illuminating the phoenix as it charged forward into the storm clouds.

In the thunder bird’s shocked and furious gaze, a red whip struck with tremendous force. The golden phoenix dove into the bird’s brow, heading for its spiritual channels and straight toward its core.

“Splurt!”

Blood scattered as the thunder clouds and lightning stopped abruptly. The thunder bird’s body crashed to the ground.

The long-waiting crowd rejoiced—now only one injured Fire Rock Dragon remained! Just as they began to move, a mass of golden-red burst from the sky-filling flames. Seraphine, now standing atop the thunder bird’s corpse, raised her hand and lightly flicked her whip. Countless fire orbs shot from the whip’s wind, spreading like a net in all directions. The cultivators who had been approaching the thunder bird’s body scattered in terror.

The Fire Rock Dragon, also under attack from the flames, roared: “Human!”

Squeezed against Seraphine’s collar, I said in a calm, cool voice: “And system.”

Standing in the sea of fire with her feet planted firmly, her pupils reflecting the sky-filling flames, Seraphine smiled at the Fire Rock Dragon. “Come fight.”

“ROAR!”

The moment Seraphine revealed herself, cultivators hiding in the distance using various methods felt their hearts shake.

“Someone beat us to it?”

“Run! That’s the Luanyang Palace Lord!”

“Luanyang Palace…”

In an instant, countless hidden enemies fled like startled birds, abandoning even the thunder bird’s corpse. Watching the cultivators’ decisive retreat, Qiu Shuangshuang said in amazement, “Palace Lord’s reputation is so incredible! Just hearing her name makes everyone retreat, giving up even the thunder bird’s body?”

Siyi, sitting nearby, smiled as she watched the small figure facing the massive Fire Rock Dragon. Anyone who witnessed that phoenix’s one-hit kill of the thunder bird would be shaken!

Wei Yutong crossed her arms, observing the aerial battle between human and beast. “Palace Lord is extraordinarily talented, intelligent, and hardworking. To achieve such cultivation at such a young age is admirable. Among all our generation’s cultivators, if anyone can fight the current Fire Rock Dragon, it would only be her. Palace Lord truly has the bearing of our generation’s number one!”

Siyi’s smile deepened as she said gently, “Perhaps not quite. The five continents produce many talents, and cultivators surpassing the Palace Lord’s level are numerous. These fleeing cultivators simply lack the Palace Lord’s cultivation and know they cannot steal the thunder bird from her hands.”

As for the others who might brazenly attempt theft, well…

Wei Yutong looked down, meeting Siyi’s gaze. Both pairs of eyes held similar understanding.

Caught between them, Qiu Shuangshuang looked left and right, scratching her head in confusion.

What what? What are you talking about?

The world seemed to contain only flames now. The coiled Fire Rock Dragon stared at Seraphine and the thunder bird’s corpse at her feet, saying harshly, “Your cultivation is thousands of miles from mine. Killing the thunder bird was merely favorable timing and positioning. If you want to fight me directly, you cannot win!”

“Let’s each take a step back. You leave with the thunder bird’s body, and I’ll spare you.”

Seraphine stored the thunder bird’s corpse in her storage ring and smiled arrogantly. “You’re scared.”

“Insolent!”

The Fire Rock Dragon roared, its massive body surging forward as the phoenix phantom appeared again.

Fire clashed with fire as the magical artifacts on Seraphine’s body shattered with “bang bang” sounds, but she showed no fear. Her whip unleashed thousands of fire dragons that coiled toward the Fire Rock Dragon’s enormous head.

The Fire Rock Dragon laughed heartily, its mountain-sized head opening to devour the fire dragons. Blood glinted at the corners of its mouth as its gaze showed surprise, voice rumbling from its throat.

“No wonder you’re so confident—your cultivation technique is truly vicious! Unfortunately, you’re still no match for me!”

“ROAR!”

The Fire Rock Dragon’s fury changed the very color of heaven and earth. Flames formed countless tornadoes that swept forward with overwhelming force.

Hidden cultivators fled in terror, unable to outrun the flames’ speed.

This Fire Rock Dragon had been holding back power!

Wei Yutong’s expression changed drastically as she activated all protective artifacts from her storage ring. “Junior Sister!”

Qiu Shuangshuang finally understood what fear meant, her face pale as she raised the Water Dragon’s Hymn. But the spear in her hands only reflected the firelight without showing any intention of acting. Nearly in tears, she shouted, “Move!”

Meanwhile, Xue Mengtao grabbed Siyi’s arm. “Elder!”

“Your injuries…”

“It’s nothing.” Siyi raised her hand, wiping blood from her lips as she lit the Vermillion Bird Lamp.

The first fire tornado approached the group when lightning suddenly fell from above, striking the tornado.

“Run!” A hunched figure shouted from within the firelight.

Everyone was shocked, even Siyi’s face filled with disbelief.

“Young Master Xue?” Xue Mengtao was stunned.

“Benefactor?” Qiu Shuangshuang gasped.

Before her words faded, the Water Dragon’s Hymn suddenly flew from her grasp, transforming into a water dragon that crashed into the fire tornado. Xue Bufan’s protective artifacts from his spiritual consciousness shattered to powder, and the shockwave sent him flying. He crashed to the ground, coughing up blood.

His spiritual consciousness roared angrily: “Why save these useless things! You can’t die yet!”

Qiu Shuangshuang rushed over in tears. “Benefactor, are you alright?”

Xue Bufan shook his head, struggling to get up from the ground before collapsing again with a “thud.”

Siyi frowned, glancing at Xue Mengtao, who had stopped halfway to help. Finally, she walked over and handed the medicine bottle Seraphine had given her to Xue Mengtao, saying quietly, “Go.”

Xue Mengtao looked at Siyi uncertainly, then walked to the pair. She knelt down and placed the jade bottle in QiuShuangshuang’s palm before retreating behind Siyi. Siyi’s eyes flickered as she looked sideways at the calm-faced XueMengtao, who smiled back at her.

Siyi’s lips curved upward.

As Qiu Shuangshuang hurried to give Xue Bufan the medicine, Wei Yutong, who had been standing guard, stared at his face with growing horror. “Fellow Daoist, your face...…”

Xue Bufan was also alarmed, instinctively covering his face to prevent anyone from discovering his true identity from features he knew were unsightly. But when he raised his hand, he found the aged, weathered skin replaced by youthful flesh—the disguise talisman’s effect was wearing off.

He smiled awkwardly and looked up at Qiu Shuangshuang.

Qiu Shuangshuang’s mouth slowly opened as she watched her benefactor’s appearance change before her eyes, revealing young, handsome features. Her heart began beating uncontrollably, and amazement had just begun to show in her eyes when—

“Clang.”

A clear cry drew everyone’s attention. Qiu Shuangshuang instinctively turned her head to witness an unforgettable scene.

A scene that all cultivators still watching this battle would remember forever.

Countless phoenix birds filled the sky, trailing long, gorgeous tail feathers as they ignited the heavens and burned the firmament, protecting a central mass of golden-red flame.

The sun rises in the east, ten thousand rays of light.

Phoenix birds in flight, their harmonious calls ringing out.

I quietly climbed onto Seraphine’s shoulder, stunned. Beside me was human warmth, but before my eyes spread countless flowing, radiant fire phoenixes forming a vast sea of flames.

The firelight turned my silver form red as I heard Seraphine’s low, lazy voice: “All Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix.”

Those slender, pale fingers rose in the air, interlocking with finger pressed to finger, the golden feathers carved on her red nails forming a complete pattern. Standing above the sea of fire, the woman lowered her gaze, seeming to show compassion between her brows. But when she looked up, all pretense of mercy was replaced by cold arrogance. Seraphinesmiled coldly and cracked her whip.

“All Phoenixes Pay Homage to the Phoenix Empress.”

“Clang.”

“Clang clang.”

The fire phoenixes poured forth like a tide, rushing toward the Fire Rock Dragon coiled above the sea of flames. The dragon roared, the phoenixes cried, and no one dared look away.

Among the distant observers, someone’s jaw dropped, the medicine bottle in their hand falling to the ground. QiuShuangshuang stared at the shocking scene, her face flushed—whether from the firelight or something else—as she murmured, “Palace Lord is so magnificent! That technique is incredible! I want to learn it…”

“Senior Sister! I want to learn! I want to take Palace Lord as my master!!”

Qiu Shuangshuang suddenly jumped up, throwing herself at Wei Yutong as she shouted.

“……” Wei Yutong said weakly, “You have water spiritual roots.”

“I don’t care! I want to learn! I’m changing sects today!”

As Qiu Shuangshuang’s excited voice rang out, the forgotten Xue Bufan silently picked up the medicine bottle and took his dose, looking up at the sky.

“What a domineering technique!” His spiritual consciousness’s voice reached Xue Bufan’s ears, sounding somewhat distorted. “The Luanyang Palace Lord—her talent, techniques, status, and wealth are truly one in ten thousand! Enviable and not to be underestimated!”

Xue Bufan patted his chest, swallowing the medicine as he transmitted mentally, “So please, Senior Sister, act quickly to help Master find the other spiritual consciousness fragments.”

“Shut up!!” his spiritual consciousness snapped.

“?” Xue Bufan was confused.

At the distant battlefield, the Fire Rock Dragon crashed down thunderously, but it wasn’t dead. It swam through the lava, clinging to life, its blue-green eyes glaring viciously at Seraphine. Seraphine also bore injuries—the talismans on her robes had crumbled away, and her hair was disheveled without a single ornament, black strands flying in the wind.

Though she looked somewhat bedraggled, I thought… my host looks even more beautiful!

“Leave the rest to me.” I said with dramatic flair.

“Shut up.” Seraphine replied.

“?” But you’re already working so hard! Don’t you want a brave system to help?

Seraphine grabbed me and shoved me into her robes. This was my first time in this location, and I awkwardly tried to turn around, getting my face stuck halfway.

“Mmph.” It’s puffy.

I struggled to turn back around.

The Fire Rock Dragon spat bloody qi, raising its head to address the human cultivators: “There’s half an hour until the secret realm closes. All of you must leave this place. Can you kill me in half an hour?”

Seraphine flicked blood from her whip and said seriously, “Continue.”

“Good! You are the most impressive human cultivator I’ve ever encountered. If I must die, dying by your hand wouldn’t be a waste of this lifetime’s cultivation!” The Fire Rock Dragon roared. “Come!”

I felt Seraphine surge forward, and I collided with the soft area, struggling to squeeze through until I found an excellent position where I got stuck.

The Fire Rock Dragon, mid-battle with Seraphine, noticed her expression change dramatically as killing intent even fiercer than before swept toward it.

“Good!” the Fire Rock Dragon roared.

Both combatants fought with the determination to kill the other, while throughout the secret realm, spiritual energy fluctuated wildly—the realm was approaching its closing time.

On the battlefield, the Fire Rock Dragon crashed into the Brahma Bell, its attack rebounding onto itself. It wailed as it smashed into the volcano, splashing up tremendous amounts of lava.

I poked my head out from Seraphine’s robes to applaud. “Victory is almost here!”

But my encouragement only earned a cold laugh. Looking up innocently, I wondered, Why is Seraphine angry?

Seraphine ground her teeth, planning to settle accounts with Echo later. Just as she was about to descend and end the Fire Rock Dragon’s life, someone flew in to interfere—it was Bai Fenghui, who had disappeared earlier.

“Hahaha! This is exactly what I was waiting for! Girl, did you think I only planned to use two hostages to threaten you? Someone as cold-hearted as you probably wouldn’t even blink if I killed them right in front of you. How could I stake everything on them!” Bai Fenghui laughed maniacally, his face twisted with excitement. “I was the one who lured the thunder bird here! I’ve been waiting for this moment! I’ll be the final winner! Whether it’s the thunder bird or Fire Rock Dragon, I want both!”

He raised a long flute to his lips, its piercing sound nearly shattering eardrums. The Fire Rock Dragon hanging from the peak gradually straightened, its eyes becoming vacant and its blue-green pupils contracting to pinpoints as it revived with a final burst of energy.

Bai Fenghui’s flute exploded in his hands. He clapped them together satisfaction, landing on the Fire Rock Dragon’s head. The dragon was now under his control, obeying his commands.

“Not good! The Fire Rock Dragon fought the thunder bird first, then battled Palace Lord intensively. In its mentally and physically exhausted state, it was susceptible to the flute’s enchantment!” Wei Yutong said angrily. “Who is this person? How dare he be so despicable toward the only heir of Palace Lord!”

Qiu Shuangshuang paused, thinking, Senior Sister’s ‘Palace Lord’… could she mean Seraphine’s mother? The predecessor who killed the Nine Heavens Sect leader centuries ago, leaving behind old injuries that prevented ascension, yet became a living legend?

Seraphine flicked the remaining blood from her hands and said contemptuously, “A certain ball once said that villains die from talking too much.”

With that, the phoenix phantom spread its wings again as Seraphine charged forward.

Facing Seraphine’s approach, Bai Fenghui’s smile suddenly vanished. After killing the thunder bird and fighting the Fire Rock Dragon intensively, Seraphine still had strength left! The terrifying aura made his heart tremble.

Taking a deep breath, after blocking one of Seraphine’s attacks, he shouted, “How long can you keep this up? Have you forgotten how your mother died? How your mother’s mother died?”

Bai Fenghui’s arrogant laughter echoed across the volcanic chamber. Now it was his turn to look down at Seraphine with contempt, desperate to shatter her mental defenses.

Nestled against Seraphine’s chest, I stirred and opened my eyes wide.

“Shut up.” Seraphine said coldly.

“The White Water Sect and the Lianshan Sect have been blood enemies for generations! Before you were even born, the old Palace Lord arranged your engagement to that boy from Lianshan Sect. I went through countless hardships to discover your secret!” Bai Fenghui’s voice grew louder as panic set in. “Seraphine, your cultivation technique is flawed! Every time you circulate your spiritual energy, you’re burning away your lifespan! The more you use it, the sooner you’ll die! No matter how glorious your family appears, you’re all destined to die young!”

I suddenly burst out of hiding. “Seraphine, let me handle this.”

“No need.” Seraphine pressed me back down, her gaze fixed on Bai Fenghui as if he were already dead. A cold smile curved her lips. “I don’t need you.”

“I want to help.” I persisted stubbornly.

“No.”

“Seraphine.”

“No.”

The rapid exchange continued until Seraphine addressed Bai Fenghui directly: “Do you know why I let you leave before?”

She laughed mockingly, her disdainful voice cutting through the air: “From beginning to end, I never considered you worth my attention.”

You chose your own path to destruction!

“You…!!”

The wheel of karma turns, and retribution is inevitable. Seraphine’s two sentences shattered Bai Fenghui’s dao heart. His mind filled with rage and terror as he struck out at the Fire Rock Dragon in desperation. The controlled Fire Rock Dragon let out a long roar and charged forward in a suicidal attack.

Seraphine’s expression changed. She was about to circulate her technique again when suddenly her wrist felt lighter.

Error, who had been dormant for so long, roared to life and transformed into its true form. Fearlessly, it charged toward the Fire Rock Dragon, flames dancing across its scales as thunder rumbled overhead—it was about to break through!

“Roar!”

The protective spirit bit down on the Fire Rock Dragon’s throat, its scales shattering under the pressure of the higher-tier beast’s aura. Blood flowed freely.

“Error!” Both Seraphine and I shouted simultaneously.

At that moment, the controlled Fire Rock Dragon’s pupils flickered with awareness. Bai Fenghui had expected to control it for much longer, but he hadn’t anticipated another dragon appearing to awaken its spiritual intelligence!

“Roar.” The late-stage Golden Core Fire Rock Dragon easily threw off Error and sent Bai Fenghui flying. He crashed into the mountain wall, blood streaming from his nose and mouth.

The awakened Fire Rock Dragon stared at Error. Its cyan pupils moved slightly, showing surprise and melancholy. It exhaled a golden orb of light—half of its cultivation!

Error looked back at Seraphine.

Seraphine nodded.

Only then did Error open its mouth to swallow the golden light. The Fire Rock Dragon, having given up half its power, shrank considerably in size and glared hatefully at the human who had controlled it.

“Don’t worry.” Seraphine said softly.

The Fire Rock Dragon dragged its injured body back into the lava, disappearing bit by bit.

“It didn’t want to die.” I observed.

Seraphine’s laugh was bitter. “If you could live well, who would want to die?”

I said nothing, just tilted my head upward.

Through the gap in her robes, a pair of large eyes stared at her.

Seraphine exploded in embarrassment. “Get out here right now!!”

I refused to budge—this spot was secure, like wearing a safety harness. Seraphine, carrying her fury, landed beside BaiFenghui.

“Pfft… cough cough!” Bai Fenghui writhed on the ground in terror like a disgusting roadside insect. His body left long trails of blood as he trembled violently. “You can’t kill me! You promised not to kill me!”

Seraphine’s face was like frost as she walked forward step by step through the firelight.

She was so young, beautiful, proud, and promising—standing high above everyone else. It seemed nothing in heaven or earth could earn her respectful attention or peaceful treatment.

She held everyone in equal contempt.

Bai Fenghui gasped desperately, his vocal cords like broken bellows. As the proud Palace Lord of Luanyang approached, hatred flashed in his eyes. He gathered all his spiritual energy and shouted with everything he had:

“You promised all of Luanyang City that I would never die in the secret realm! Seraphine, I’ll destroy your reputation!!”

Silver light flashed, piercing into Bai Fenghui’s consciousness.

His smile suddenly froze on his face. He looked down in disbelief.

On his stomach, in this scorching volcanic place, a layer of ice had formed—solid and thick against his clothes, making his soul feel frozen in death. Within his consciousness, his perfectly round Golden Core, which had been about to explode in a final burst of destruction, now had a small sword hole. Then came the continuous “crack crack” sound of an eggshell breaking.

Until the final “crack”—frost-covered Golden Core fragments fell, his consciousness collapsed entirely, and his spiritual veins shattered one by one.

I mimicked Seraphine’s casual sword flourish and muttered, “Why does everyone want to self-destruct?”

Seraphine laughed coldly, looking up at the sky.

The firelight dissipated in the clear sky, and cracks like water ripples appeared in the boundless blue vault—the secret realm was beginning to expel the cultivators who had run wild within it for the past six months.

Along with the expulsion came sudden, unexpected snow.

“It’s snowing?” Qiu Shuangshuang stretched out her hand in surprise to catch the flakes, only to discover they were tiny ice crystals.

“Young Master Xue, look—it’s snow!”

Xue Bufan snapped back to attention. “Oh, oh.”

He scratched his head and looked toward Seraphine again. The sword intent contained within that previous strike clearly carried his master’s inheritance. He thought in amazement: I never expected Senior Sister to have such remarkable techniques, and she’s even mastered Master’s sword arts. But she clearly has fire spiritual roots—how did her sword technique produce such terrifying ice? Could Senior Sister have dual spiritual roots?

At Seraphine’s feet, bathed in falling snow, the man in the pool of blood kept repeating the same words: “You promised not to kill me…” His ashen face showed the regret and fear of the defeated.

Seraphine brushed off her robes and casually flicked out her whip, hooking it around Bai Fenghui’s neck before stepping forward.

Heaven and earth shifted. The heavy snow in the secret realm seemed to extend beyond its boundaries—outside was already winter, with Chongshan peaks covered in crystalline white.

Seraphine released her whip. Bai Fenghui rolled on the ground for several turns, his blood staining the earth red. He trembled as he crawled, mumbling incoherently.

Looking bored, Seraphine withdrew from her storage ring the sword she’d used to butcher spirit beasts in the secret realm. Step by step, she approached Bai Fenghui.

She raised the sword.

Bai Fenghui looked up rigidly, his pupils contracting.

A silver-white strange creature emerged from Seraphine’s chest, climbed to her shoulder, slid down her arm, and stood on her wrist.

I jumped up and pressed down on Seraphine’s wrist.

“Squelch.”

The blade sank into Bai Fenghui’s chest, ending a life in an instant.

“I promised you wouldn’t die in the secret realm. I kept my word.” Seraphine’s cold laugh echoed as she scooped the silver orb into her palm and swept away with a flourish of her sleeves.

In the snow-covered ground, Bai Fenghui’s wide eyes stared at the sky, his death-frozen expression lingering like a ghost.

So…… there really was a ball after all.