We're here! We made it! The end of Volume Six was a long journey filled with various changes, numerous developments, both openly and concealed, and quite a few answers such as Tian Taizong(Aeternal Sky Divine Emperor) and Wu Yu's Origins, the hidden secret of the Sealed Regions and the unseen conflict between Ascended Sovereigns from the World Beyond and the World Beneath. There's also the growth of Wei Wuyin finalizing his Mortal Realms and entering the initial stages of a Mortal Paragon.
What a wild ride when I think that that's not even all of it! I set out for Volume Six to be the longest volume with the most amount of character reveals and developments, emphasizing several characters, such as Lin Ming and Tang Xingyun's story arcs and their resulting outcome. If I had to say the hardest thing to pull off for Blessed storyline was something that had remained fairly true throughout the novel, back during Long Chen's days, was being in the orbit of Wei Wuyin as a Blessed that had no true affiliation with him would cause unintended and irreparably gradual damage to their path of fortune.
In the end, these Blessed, Jing Jiu, Tang Longshi, Long Chen, and Lin Ming all experienced their end at Wei Wuyin's hands, almost all either naturally, inadvertently, or willingly. For those fortunate enough to not directly earn our MC's indifference or ire, they end up like Yi Yun or Yun Che.
Blessed storylines aside, I've completed my itinerary of Volume Six without any lingering dissatisfaction. While some of the initial developments had been changed after much consideration and review, the vast majority of what occurred was planned out from the beginning, and that leaves me with a feeling of great success. Everything for the upcoming Volume Seven has been firmly set, foreshadowed, and ready to erupt over our next titillating journey.
I'll admit despite setting out to cover so much in Volume Six, essentially being one of my most ambitious chapters, I could have shortened certain arcs/sub-arcs a little here and there, but in hindsight, I'm sure most authors feel that's the case for their works after a completed Volume or Novel.
There's also one thing I wanted to get off my shoulders, and that's the weight of a much-needed apology to all of you. Every last one of my readers. When writing the plot lines for Volume Six, intending to make it one of my longest volumes to date as an author, I was fully convinced that I would maintain a higher release rate alongside a series of purposeful Mass Releases. This would have shortened Volume Six considerably in terms of completion date.
I've had a lot of changes to my life during this past year, starting from last year(2022) in October/November, and most would see the shift begin at that point. Adapting was difficult, and the change was incredibly welcomed, and now that I feel that I can't make any overt mistakes, I intend to realign my objective to regaining that pace and consistency.
Let's talk about future plans. Excluding the increased rate of releases, at least higher than before, I will be focusing more on MC Storylines this Arc. In fact, besides a select few arcs, the vast majority of this volume will DIRECTLY involve our MC. At the very least, Volume Five and Volume Six placed significant importance on Side-Character Developments and Growth. While this volume will have its fair share, more often than not, we will see Wei Wuyin right next to it.
We'll be reintroduced to characters from Volumes 1 & 2, directly related to Wei Wuyin's Arcs, and completing some of those much-anticipated, long-thought-forgotten stories. For example, a loveable muscle-brain, a sly, caring former boss of his, a closed-door moaner's fate, and a member of royalty.
I also don't intend for this volume to be too long! It won't be another Volume Six. Hahaha. Although! Volume Seven will bring us out of the Sealed Regions... at some point.
Off to meet the word count!
WHOOSH!
Just as the group gathered beneath the Execution Platform were experiencing various emotions of gloom, panic, fear, and concern, the millions of observers looked to the sky of the Myriad Monarch Planet. From beyond the Sky Layer, two winged beasts, one larger than the other, descended wreathed in glittering astral essence.
They were recognized by a large majority!
They were Zhao Yan, Wei Wuyin, and Su Mei! A Commander of the Knights of Enforcement! The most talented Alchemist in the Myriad Monarch Astral Territory and his most trusted subordinate who handled the vast majority of sect relations on his behalf, making her an easily identifiable figure of high prestige!
After all, most deals and interactions were done through and by her!
They arrived atop pegasus, exuding an air of great immortals and beauty of the stars.
"..." Everyone was taken aback, rendered either breathless, gasping deeply, or exclaiming in awe. He was here! On pegasus, creatures bred in layers most of them would never visit in their lifetimes, bringing forth a horizon-expanding moment, unforgettable and inspiring.
The two pegasus landed heavily from above, clearing a large area as gusts of wind sent others flying or tumbling to the side. They all saw Wei Wuyin, adorned in his Sky Noble outfit accentuated by an Alchemist's cloak and his unearthly handsome visage highlighted by astral light exposed a limitlessly dashing appearance leaving many dazed.
As he let loose a gentle, simple smile, the hearts of men and women alike underwent unfathomable changes. They would never forget this young man.
Zhao Yan had restrained his aura out of respect, denoting his current position and delegating the spotlight to Wei Wuyin. Because of this, Wei Wuyin's aura wasn't eclipsed by his Astral Core Realm strength, exposing his flow of qi essence to the world.
"Ninth Stage!" Long Chen exclaimed in disbelief. He hadn't expected that in this short period, Wei Wuyin would have already leaped from the Eighth Stage of the Qi Condensation Realm to the Ninth Stage. He thought Wei Wuyin was aiming for the Zenith Mortal State like him. Was he wrong?
Fairy Blessed Spirit, otherwise known as Xiang Ling, eyes suffused with an unconcealed brilliance of emotion and interest. The young man that she had brought to the sect had developed well and was displaying a wisp of peerlessness. Her heart was pounding excitedly that he had come!
Wei Wuyin leapt from Xiao Bai. He turned to find the Execution Platform. Qing Qiumu's dirty, exhausted countenance alongside her emerald eyes that were gorgeous like precious gems revealed considerable surprise.
She couldn't help but unconsciously look towards Long Chen. Wei Wuyin was like an immortal noble descending from the heavens, his every action and gaze held a profoundly attractive force, but a dominant aura was lurking beneath. This aura originated from his haughty and arrogant nature.
She had witnessed this aura before. It was very different from Long Chen's aura. Within Wei Wuyin's aura, there was absolute confidence and freedom as if heavenly fate was in his hands.
However, Long Chen was lacking in some ways in comparison. Although there was an unyielding aura and an endless sharpness forged by blood and battle, there was a will that was always vigilant, always cautious, as if life was filled with unexpected obstacles and struggles far too often.
"Why is she chained?" Wei Wuyin asked. His words were said softly as if casually asking a harmless question yet it reached everyone's ears like resounding thunder.
Zhao Yan furiously bellowed, "You all dare chain this woman! Unchain her! Otherwise, I'll put all of you to death for your incompetence!!!" His cultivation base finally erupted as the world changed colors and space rippled chaotically. An unfathomably forceful and domineering pressure was felt by the Knights of Enforcement encircling Qing Qiumu.
They violently paled!
They finally realized they had been involved in matters concerning the higher-ups! Unwilling to be subjected or involved, the highest-ranking knight next to Qing Qiumu acted with the utmost swiftness without any hesitation. In a split second, those shackles were removed and stored out of sight as if they never existed.
The knights instantly distanced themselves from Qing Qiumu, giving her ample space to move as she pleased unlike before. They seemed unwilling to be close to her or attract her gaze, wanting her to forget their faces, but they couldn't leave or let her escape. They were all smart, so until the order or pardon was given, they were to do their jobs even if Zhao Yan chastised them to no end.
Even Wei Wuyin felt praise for their unified tact. It seemed the Knights of Enforcement were all well-educated and perceptive members. It seems the process must be quite selective and was followed by good training.
Meanwhile, the crowd was in utter awe.
A single sentence! All it took was a single sentence and a woman given the death sentence was unchained and avoided like the plague, her gaze dodged, and her freedom regained.
Wei Wuyin looked around and found Long Chen's group. However, before he could take his next action, an old man arrived. He was soft in his steps but he was rather quick and spry for his age. He heavily kneeled before Wei Wuyin.
Thud!
Inspecting this old man, Wei Wuyin noticed that he had a rather clean and scholarly appearance and seemed an educated individual who was associated with the political crowd. He wore Mortal Captain attire, similar to Fairy Blessed Spirit. However, his cultivation base was only at the Second Phase of the Astral Core Realm, Sky Ruler. This was by means weak, but in terms of the hierarchy of the sect, it wasn't very strong either.
"You are?" Wei Wuyin calmly asked the kneeling old man. The eyes of everyone else were also on this old man.
"My name is Ji Tian. I am Ji Yu and Ji Yijun's ancestor. They were my descendants, Sky Noble Wei!" Ji Tian said with the most solemn voice Wei Wuyin had ever heard.
Knowing the identity of the man, the crowd was startled. Ji Tian was the patriarch of the Ji Clan within the second and third levels of the Extreme War Mountain. For such a figure to kneel before Wei Wuyin, many were taken aback.
"..." Wei Wuyin didn't speak a word, waiting for further elaboration.
"This young woman killed my descendant. I plead that you remain neutral in the hopes for fairness to be issued!" He begged.
"Oh?" Wei Wuyin coldly laughed in his heart, his eyes narrowing, while Zhao Yan frowned slightly. They weren't idiots. This old man didn't care about Ji Yijun or Ji Yu. He likely wanted compensation for damages, but wouldn't dare ask directly. Therefore, he wanted to place Wei Wuyin in a spot. He could rid himself of his immortal-like demeanor and reputation to interfere with bias or handle the matter more delicately.
Zhao Yan didn't interfere. Wei Wuyin's next actions would determine how he was viewed by the Myriad Monarch Sect's lower levels.
All eyes immediately focused on Wei Wuyin!
Unfortunately for those waiting, Wei Wuyin didn't bother replying to Ji Tian's pleading! Instead, he found Long Chen with his gaze. The young Blessed was calmly acting as an observer of this event. The crowd noticed his gaze, turning to Long Chen with curiosity blazing within. Who was this person that could attract Wei Wuyin's attention?
Ji Tian didn't dare rise from his kneeling position. He was very nervous, his palms and back were covered in cold sweat, and his heart was threatening to beat out of his chest. While Wei Wuyin's cultivation was lacking, his status was unfathomable.
He knew that regardless of today, getting on Wei Wuyin's good side was an impossible effort. The best he could hope for was compensation to alleviate Qing Qiumu's guilty crime. In the Myriad Monarch Sect, only alchemists had this ability. Not even the others from the creationist lineage did.
Wei Wuyin slowly asked, "What do you want?" His question was directed to Long Chen.
Long Chen wasn't too shaken by Wei Wuyin's question. He softly clenched his right fist and closed his eyes. He was a prideful individual who wanted to protect those he cared about with his own hands. If it was someone else, such as Fairy Blessed Spirit, who could resolve the situation, he wouldn't be so conflicted.
However, Wei Wuyin was different.
Na Xinyi lowered her head, realizing Long Chen's dilemma. She had never thought Wei Wuyin would ask Long Chen for his opinion.
"..." A long period of silence stifled the crowd. No one dared to breathe loudly before Wei Wuyin or interrupt. Ji Tian remained kneeling.
After a long moment, Wei Wuyin looked away from Long Chen and found the recently unchained Qing Qiumu who was now standing, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "What do you want?" He drew the question to Qing Qiumu.
The Knights of Enforcement trembled slightly, each nearly simultaneously distanced themselves another step from Qing Qiumu. They didn't wish to be implicated in this. Zhao Yan softly shook his head at their actions. Well, if he were in their position, he would've done the same.
Qing Qiumu observed Long Chen's eyes and she grew more complicated. She was faced with a choice. Ask Wei Wuyin to back off and rely solely on Long Chen or ask for help.
She was moments away from being crippled, so if she decided the latter, her cultivation path would be over. While she held no regrets for killing Ji Yijun, this was her choosing to be crippled for it. Unless Long Chen could pull a spectacular ace card and resolve this situation.
The silence continued with no one speaking, causing a sense of awkwardness to emerge. Many in the crowd were deeply confused as to why Long Chen and Qing Qiumu hadn't said anything. The alternative was crippling; this was especially so for Qing Qiumu.
However, a few smart ones had some speculations. Perhaps if Qing Qiumu accepted, she'd have to become Wei Wuyin's woman and leave Long Chen. Those who held this thought were envious of Qing Qiumu.
A King Alchemist can create alchemical products suitable for lower-phase Astral Core cultivators, but they are still useful for middle-phase, and profoundly beneficial to Qi Condensation cultivators. All those in the middle-phase of the Astral Core Realm were Earthly General Elders, Heavenly King disciples, or Imperial Sages. Therefore, they had the highest degree of connections.
Wei Wuyin inwardly sighed. He turned towards Long Chen and felt that his luck was dried up, no longer capable of benefiting his companions. Everyone has their end road of karmic luck; this was Long Chen's. Wei Wuyin met a similar circumstance, so he was familiar with it.
"Wei Wuyin." A soft voice called out breaking the awkward silence. It was Na Xinyi. It was she who brought this situation about, and she couldn't allow this to continue. Therefore, she spoke out.
"Qing Qiumu acted to protect Lin Ziyan. She's innocent," she briefly explained. The crowd looked towards Na Xinyi and then the other women. A few male disciples felt rage in their hearts. All of these women were beautiful beyond the average, and they belonged to one man.
Wei Wuyin inwardly shook his head, turning towards Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan realized this and sent a message via a crystal. Before long, a man arrived on his flying mount. His eyes were somewhat nervous as he approached Zhao Yan.
Zhao Yan walked over and whispered a few things to Wei Wuyin before returning to his position.
Wei Wuyin sighed. That man was the overseeing officer who ordered Qing Qiumu's capture and investigated her crime. According to him, the account of Lin Ziyan's capture was a one-sided story. However, the murder of Ji Yijun was a fact.
There was no evidence of foul play as Lin Ziyan wasn't entrapped when he arrived, injured, or even raped. Otherwise, he would've considered these matters before issuing the death sentence. As a knight, his job was to enforce the law and deal out punishment impartially.
He was the judge in this situation.
This was different from Long Chen's crime. He acted fair as usual, investigating all sides before absolving him justly so. But the dead can't testify or have information extracted.
What does the word innocent mean? Did Qing Qiumu act in self-defense or in a justified manner? Likely not. Was Lin Ziyan hurt or harmed instigating her rage? From what they could see, no. Was killing Ji Yijun something she absolutely had to do? Considering she was strong enough to kill, she was strong enough to capture.
No, she was not innocent.
Wei Wuyin felt slightly overwhelmed by this situation. If this was Mei Mei, even if she killed god's son, he would defend her without thinking even at the cost of his life. However, it wasn't.
"Of course, my disciple is innocent!" A voice thundered from above. All eyes went up as an incredible aura that seemed to originate from mother nature herself erupted from the skies. A figure adorned in a white dress floated down from the skies.
It was a woman. She looked to be in her late twenties yet devastatingly beautiful. Her eyes were bright green, her skin tone was like polished jade, and her hair was void black. When she arrived, the souls of many shook. Even space quivered with her every breath. Her lithe body frame was highlighted by her perky, white twin mounds. They were perfect in symmetry causing one to lose their inhibitions. When one inspected her face, her pointy ears stood proudly out.
Zhao Yan frowned slightly, "Imperial Sage Qing!"
Wei Wuyin softly smiled. Imperial Sage Qing? It seemed that the cascading benefits of Long Chen's relationships hadn't paid him out in full yet. This Imperial Sage Qing was an elf and, if he had to make a wild guess, she was the ancestor of Qing Qiumu. He had assumed that Qing Qiumu's situation would've been absolved without his arrival or say, and it seemed that was the case. Well, he wasn't here for Qing Qiumu anyhow.
Zhao Yan whispered to Wei Wuyin, "That is Imperial Sage Qing Yawen. She's a normal Imperial Sage who was recently promoted two hundred years ago. She was a former Sky Noble, and her cultivation is equal to mine. Her strength isn't that far off from mine either, but she's younger."
Wei Wuyin briefly nodded. He clasped his fist and greeted, "Sage Qing."
Imperial Sage Qing turned her beautiful gaze towards Wei Wuyin. She had arrived earlier than Wei Wuyin. After learning they were waiting, she decided not to interfere just yet. It was only because she realized the awkward situation between Long Chen, Qing Qiumu, and Wei Wuyin that she entered the scene.
She felt dissatisfied. To her, Wei Wuyin was interested in Qing Qiumu, but she had fallen for Long Chen instead. Therefore, it made the situation awkward when they called for his help. Of course, he wouldn't help unless they wanted him to. However, Long Chen seemed to be an overly prideful individual that was unwilling to lower himself, even willing to allow Qing Qiumu to be crippled because of him.
How could she not be dissatisfied?
There were only a few hundred King Alchemists on the planet. Quite a few were already too old, or women, so finding a youthful male like Wei Wuyin was a rarity. This opportunity was a blessing, yet Qing Qiumu wasn't willing to accept it. Long Chen's entire worth wasn't even enough to be compared to a single sentence of Wei Wuyin! The difference was massive!!
If Qing Qiumu believed this difference existed only in the sect or on the planet alone, then she was massively mistaken. Even in the entire Tri-Vision Star Field, which held tens of trillions of people, King Alchemists don't exceed ten thousand in number!
"Sky Noble Wei," despite her imposing impetus when arriving on the scene, she was calm and respectful when she regarded Wei Wuyin! After which, she turned towards Zhao Yan and had a frown. Zhao Yan was an Earthly General of the Knights of Enforcement within the Extreme War Mountain. She was an Imperial Sage of the Extreme Origin Mountain. Her authority was beneath his in this matter. If he wasn't present, she could dominate the situation and twist wrong into right, rescuing her disciple with swiftness. However, with him here, this complicated matters heavily.
From his gaze, she knew he wouldn't allow her to undermine the authority of the knights in his presence or take away a prisoner in front of him. This would hurt his prestige and could even cause him to lose his position. As for doing it forcefully? Taking Qing Qiumu away? She may be an Imperial Sage, but Zhao Yan wasn't far from being her match. Not to mention the crime of attacking a high-ranking knight.
She regretted not acting sooner. Now, when she arrived, there were things she had to be cautious about. One could tell that the situation did not de-escalate as the knights who guarded Qing Qiumu remained where they were. Unlike when Wei Wuyin even spoke in their direction, they were unafraid with Zhao Yan standing nearby. In fact, their expressions were too calm. The difference in authority could be seen, albeit on paper, Imperial Sage Qing was higher ranking, but Wei Wuyin carried more weight.
Qing Qiumu looked upwards and faint traces of hope emerged in her emerald eyes.
"I demand an explanation," Qing Yawen said imperiously. She maintained her prestige as an Imperial Sage as she spoke. Zhao Yan stepped forward, his aura forceful and similarly powerful as he responded.
"Qing Qiumu committed the act of murder, killing Ji Yijun, a Nascent Dust Disciple of the Extreme War Mountain. Outside of the fact of her crime, there is no evidence supporting her explained story of innocence. Lin Ziyan, the woman captured in question, has suffered no harm. I am the new overseer of this matter, and I will act in the fairness of the sect." Zhao Yan's words were powerful as he didn't take a single step back when talking to this Imperial Sage. Before he said those words, he had prodded Wei Wuyin's intent. Seeing as he didn't step forward, he had done so. Wei Wuyin would've interfered but with Qing Yawen here, he allowed the situation to develop naturally.
Qing Yawen paled. It wasn't Zhao Yan's aura, but his words had caused her to pale! This situation became incredibly complicated now and she had no hope of interfering. If she did, she could be lodged with various complaints and even be demoted.
This was not within her jurisdiction nor her authority. Long Chen and his group that had hope in their hearts immediately had it dashed by Zhao Yan's words and Qing Yawen's expression. They felt a sense of dread.
Na Xinyi cried softly, "Wei Wuyin!"
Wei Wuyin impassively looked over, then he turned towards the sky. Was there going to be other arrivals? His decision to look into the sky after Na Xinyi's soft exclamation made him seem apathetic and disinterested.
He became somewhat bored. He didn't come here for this anyway. Deciding to end this farce, he spoke: "Patriarch Ji, do you have evidence of Ji Yijun's intent to harm or perform worse to Lin Ziyan, the woman captured by her?"
His words immediately aroused everyone's interest as their gazes looked at the old man who had been kneeling since the beginning.
Ji Tian's eyes brightened. He was a little confused at first, but when he saw Wei Wuyin's eyes, he knew what to do.
He rose upwards and bowed towards Zhao Yan, "I have received multiple reports from within my clan regarding Ji Yijun's intent to rape and murder Lin Ziyan, a fellow disciple due to jealousy and revenge for the death of Yi Ju. I, Ji Tian, have compiled these statements and proof of such." He was swift as he brought forth an empty storage ring and handed it to Zhao Yan.
When Zhao Yan took the ring, his expression changed as he 'reviewed' this newfound evidence.
The change was insanely abrupt! Wasn't he advocating for justice just before? Now he's turning over evidence of a conspiracy to commit murder? The crowd felt like their eyes went black from the sharp reversal.
"Upon review of these statements, Ji Yijun's intent is clear. Qing Qiumu's act of murder was a justified act of protection regarding an innocent disciple. I'll act as a judge for this matter: She is hereby deemed innocent of malicious murder!" Zhao Yan steely declared.
"To be so diligent and righteous in your actions. I applaud you. I, as a King Alchemist, will reward you on behalf of the Knights of Enforcement and the sect for your swift and unbiased actions," Wei Wuyin declared. When individuals came forth with true evidence of a crime, they would be rewarded by the sect.
This was to incentivize justice, but the evidence had to be without error or it wouldn't be regarded as such. They were very strict in their justice system.
Wei Wuyin brought out two jade bottles. A colorful mist enshrouded both of these bottles.
One of those bottles contained a luminous liquid and the other had three pills rolling within. They were the Sky Spirit Ascending Elixir and Astral Sea Creation Pill! While they were both low quality, their worth was incalculable in value.
When those two bottles hit Ji Tian's outstretched palm, he quivered as he immediately realized what they were! He went blank due to shock for a few seconds before hurriedly storing them.
His expression was respectful to the extreme and a light of utmost reverence effused from his eyes, "Thank you, Sky Noble Wei. I will humbly accept this." With haste, he bid his proper goodbyes and swiftly left.
No one stopped him.
"It seems my appearance wasn't even needed. It solved itself as it always would've." Wei Wuyin walked over to Long Chen's group and said with a smile.
However, the crowd, nor anyone, would believe that Wei Wuyin's appearance hadn't caused this situation to abruptly turn! As for that evidence? A few believed there was none while most believed there were. Those in the majority thought that it was truly compiled but Ji Tian would only bring it forth if he was rewarded. Otherwise, he would've watched Qing Qiumu's death with ease.
With a single sentence, Wei Wuyin resolved it all!
From this alternative chapter, you can likely see that Wei Wuyin's direction and personality were quite different because his goals were different. There's a lack of concern for Qing Qiumu. More focus on his Alchemist abilities. He lacked that exploitative cunning here, unwilling to act in a situation without gaining significantly in return.
Personally, I don't like this version. It's too complacent. Less devious. I love our MC the most. (Nods) Absolutely!
With that, thanks for being here for the Afterword! Let's have a great Volume Seven.
Otherwise known as: The Worlds Beyond, the Hegemons Within!
