**Eastern Sea of Great Gan**
The weather was clear, with the sun shining brightly and not a cloud in the sky.
The brilliant sunlight poured over the endless sea, and as the waves rolled, each crest seemed to shimmer with tiny flecks of golden light.
Occasionally, a group of migrating Dragon Whales would surface, spouting jets of water high into the air.
The sky was blue, the sea vast, and from a distance, the East Sea looked like a beautiful painting, serene and peaceful, making one reluctant to leave.
Suddenly.
The sky above the sea twisted.
Ripples of space spread out like water waves.
The dazzling light passed through the distorted space, creating a prism effect, refracting into a colorful halo, as vivid as a rainbow.
Within the halo, two magnificent crimson birds pulled a flying chariot that seemed carved from white jade, flapping their wings as they appeared over the sea.A terrifying aura spread with their appearance, instantly covering half the sky.
As their wings flapped, crimson flames rippled out, distorting the surrounding air with heat, while white mist rose from the sea surface, creating a spectacular scene of clouds and mist.
Clearly, these two magnificent birds were rare emperor-level spirit creatures.
Upon closer inspection, their plumage was as splendid as fire, though their appearances differed slightly.
One had a crown on its head, as fiery as blood, with a long tail that spread out like a fan, resembling streams of fire streaking across the sky, magnificent and flamboyant.
Clearly, this was a fire-type Crimson Phoenix.
The other lacked the fiery crown, with shorter tail and wings, and a slightly rounder body.
Obviously, this was a fire-type Vermilion Bird.
Though not as flamboyant as the Crimson Phoenix, it was equally beautiful. As it flew, its fiery wings spread wide, resembling clouds that covered the sky, its aura no less impressive than the Phoenix beside it.
However, no matter how imposing these two fire phoenixes were, they paled in comparison to the woman seated in the white jade flying chariot behind them.
She appeared to be a human woman in her thirties.
Her features were striking and majestic, her presence as noble as a blooming peony, radiant and resplendent. Her imperial robe further accentuated her regal aura, with wide sleeves flowing, exuding the demeanor of an emperor.
She stood casually on the chariot, surrounded by a vast sea of immortal spirit energy, as if she were a goddess from legend surveying the four seas, her every gesture full of supreme majesty.
She was none other than the current Immortal Emperor of the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, Immortal Emperor Mu Yun.
Moreover, it was clear that this was her true self, not a projection or avatar.
The Dragon Whales below, having never witnessed such a phenomenon, were terrified. After spouting a few jets of water, they hurriedly dove into the depths of the sea.
However, the Immortal Emperor paid them no mind.
She flicked her sleeve, retracting the hand that had just torn through space, and exhaled a long breath: "Phew, I rushed all the way here to the Eastern Gan Sea. Bringing you two fools and a flying chariot really exhausted me."
Hearing this, the Crimson Phoenix and Vermilion Bird rolled their eyes at her, speaking in human tongue: "If Your Majesty finds it tiring to bring us along for a large spatial shift, you could have come to Eastern Gan alone. Why bring us and the chariot along, making it so exhausting?"
"How could I do that?" The Immortal Emperor flicked her sleeve with authority. "It's my first time coming to Eastern Gan, and I'm meeting the famous wealthy Wang Shouzhe. If I don't show some grandeur, wouldn't he look down on me?"
The two fire phoenixes exchanged a helpless glance.
The Immortal Emperor had essentially carried them to Eastern Gan, then had them pull the chariot a short distance to the Wang's Clan, all just to make a grand entrance. Truly, she had nothing better to do.
"Alright, alright, stop complaining and pull the chariot quickly." The Immortal Emperor flashed back into the luxurious chariot, half-reclining elegantly, and said, "Get ready~ I can't wait to meet Wang Shouzhe."
"Alright."
The Crimson Phoenix and Vermilion Bird sighed, not bothering to say more. They let out a clear cry and flapped their wings, soaring towards Green Immortal Island.
At the same time.
Green Immortal Island.
On the largest square of the island, the Wang's Clan had already received notice of the Immortal Emperor's impending visit to inspect the Green Immortal Island Holy Land, and they were busy preparing to welcome her.
The Wang's Clan members were quite pleased with this event.
After all, the Immortal Emperor's visit to the Wang's Clan was indeed a great honor.
Only Prince An, who was accompanying "Wu Shenglong" for enlightenment, felt a bit sour.
The Immortal Emperor's first notification upon arriving in Eastern Gan was not to him, Prince An, nor was her first stop Guilong City, but directly to the Wang's Clan to inspect Green Immortal Island.
In the eyes of the Immortal Emperor, Prince An seemed to hold little status.
However, as the future ruler of Great Gan, Prince An had to go and welcome her, lest he incur the Immortal Emperor's displeasure.
Despite the hurried preparations, the Wang's Clan still managed to prepare with the highest standards, giving the Immortal Emperor ample respect.
Not long after they were ready, the Immortal Emperor's fire phoenix chariot appeared in the distant sky.
The pair of fire phoenixes, wings like fire, flew across the sky like two blazing red suns, dyeing the clouds in the sky with a crimson hue, grand and imposing.
Such a spectacle was indeed extraordinary.
The members of the Wang's Clan were deeply impressed.
No wonder she was the Immortal Emperor; her chariot was pulled by a pair of emperor-level fire phoenixes. Compared to the Immortal Dynasty, the Wang's Clan's foundation was indeed lacking.
When Clan Leader Wang Shouzhe traveled, he only rode a chariot pulled by Elder Yuan Shui Azure Dragon to save time, a far cry from this.
Amidst the attention of all, the fire phoenix chariot circled and landed, slowly coming to a stop on Green Immortal Island.
"Welcome, Your Majesty." As the future ruler of Great Gan, Prince An stepped forward to greet her, "Prince An of Eastern Gan, greets Your Majesty."
"So you're Prince An?" The Immortal Emperor looked him up and down, praising, "I know of you. You've done well."
As she spoke, she gracefully flew out of the chariot, exuding an aura of majesty and nobility, the demeanor of an emperor.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
Prince An felt elated by the Immortal Emperor's compliment, filled with motivation.
He was about to report more, but the Immortal Emperor bypassed him and floated directly to Wang Shouzhe.
"Shouzhe, we've been acquainted in spirit for a long time, and today we finally meet in person." The Immortal Emperor looked at Wang Shouzhe with bright eyes, warmly shaking his hand, as if meeting an old friend.
"Uh... Your Majesty." Wang Shouzhe's heart skipped a beat, quickly pulling his hand away, "Weren't you here to tour the Green Immortal Island Holy Land? Let me show you around."
With that, he led the way, taking the Immortal Emperor on a tour of Green Immortal Island, explaining the various aspects of the newly built holy land.
The holy land was important, and the Wang's Clan had done an excellent job in its construction.
However, it was clear that the Immortal Emperor's true purpose today was not the Green Immortal Island. After enduring for a while, she finally couldn't resist, claiming fatigue, and asked Wang Shouzhe to take her to the seaside viewing platform. She then requested to have tea with him alone, dismissing everyone else.
Even Prince An was considered among the "others" and was politely asked to leave by the Immortal Emperor.
Once everyone else had left, the Immortal Emperor waved her wide sleeve, creating a private space to prevent eavesdropping.
Her previously dignified and majestic gaze now sparkled as she looked Wang Shouzhe up and down, saying, "Shouzhe, you look even more handsome in person than in the videos, truly extraordinary."
"Ahem, Your Majesty, please have some tea first." Wang Shouzhe poured some immortal tea for her, saying, "I know my own worth. Your Majesty's praise, is there something difficult to ask?"
"It's nothing difficult." The Immortal Emperor sipped the tea, raising an eyebrow, "Shouzhe, do you really have a Chaos Spirit Stone?"
"I do." Wang Shouzhe nodded, then asked, "Does Your Majesty want it?"
Shouzhe really had one.
The Immortal Emperor's face lit up, but she frowned, troubled: "The Chaos Spirit Stone is one of the most precious treasures of this era. Even my private treasury can't afford it."
"How about this?" The Immortal Emperor suddenly adjusted her attire, unbuttoning one button to reveal a shoulder, and winked at the Lingxu Realm, "Shouzhe, just name your price. As long as I have it, I'll give it to you. Be bold, don't worry about asking too much."
She was clearly willing to do anything for the Chaos Spirit Stone.
"..." The Lingxu Realm said simply, "Your Majesty, please button up."
"Shouzhe, if you're shy, it's fine. I can summon you to my chambers." The Immortal Emperor continued enthusiastically, seemingly interested in the Lingxu Realm.
"Here is the Chaos Spirit Stone." The Lingxu Realm placed a jade box containing the genuine Chaos Spirit Stone on the table, saying seriously, "Between serving Your Majesty and the Chaos Spirit Stone, you can only choose one."
"The Chaos Spirit Stone."
The Immortal Emperor immediately abandoned any improper thoughts about the Lingxu Realm, and with a thought, the jade box containing the Chaos Spirit Stone flew into her hand.
Opening the box, a primordial chaotic aura wafted out, causing her to take a deep breath.
"Indeed, it's a Chaos Spirit Stone." The Immortal Emperor was overjoyed, "With this treasure, I shall rise."
As for the talk of summoning the Lingxu Realm, it was long forgotten.
However, after a moment of joy, the Immortal Emperor sensed something amiss, suppressing her excitement, and asked the Lingxu Realm, "Shouzhe, if you don't want the honor of serving me, what do you want in exchange?"
"Never mind, Your Majesty can use it first." The Lingxu Realm waved it off, appearing indifferent, "This Chaos Spirit Stone can only be fully utilized by someone of your level. For me, it's just a waste."
"Since Your Majesty desires it so much, it must be of great benefit to you. The stronger you are, the better it is for our human race."
"..." The Immortal Emperor was silent for a moment before saying, "Shouzhe, you're the most magnanimous person I've ever met."
"It's not about magnanimity, just the understanding that when the nest is overturned, no egg is left intact. It's about being prepared for danger in times of peace." The Lingxu Realm sighed, "With the awakening of the Great Demon Lord's remnant soul, the crisis is brewing and could erupt at any time. At that time, it will be up to Your Majesty to lead the charge."
"Alright." The Immortal Emperor nodded, determined, "This is my responsibility. With or without your Chaos Spirit Stone, I will not retreat."
"To be honest, I reached the Wang's Clan at 3,500 years old, and now, over 3,000 years later, I've been diligent in my cultivation, consuming countless top-grade spiritual stones and immortal spirit stones, yet I'm stuck at the third layer of the Wang's Clan Realm."
"I see." The Lingxu Realm understood, "Your Majesty's cultivation is among the best of past Immortal Emperors. I assume this time, you're aiming to use the Chaos Spirit Stone to break through to the mid-stage of the Wang's Clan Realm?"
"Exactly." The Immortal Emperor's eyebrows arched, a proud and somewhat smug smile on her radiant face, "I've been diligent in my cultivation, with some unique opportunities of my own. In terms of cultivation progress, I'm ahead of the four great Wang's Clan True Demons and Elder Tianji."
"Elder Tianji?" The Lingxu Realm caught the name, puzzled, "I've heard Elder Tianji is mysterious and the owner behind the Treasure Pavilion. Is he also in the Wang's Clan Realm?"
"Not exactly," the Immortal Emperor's smile faded slightly as she explained, "Given your current status, it's fine to tell you. Elder Tianji isn't a Wang's Clan Realm expert, but his situation is unique, with strength comparable to the Wang's Clan Realm."
"Elder Tianji is skilled in crafting. When he had a few hundred years of life left, he merged his soul into a Wang's Clan-level puppet, giving him combat power comparable to the Wang's Clan Realm, but without the lifespan or understanding of the Wang's Clan Dao."
"Due to this unique state, to extend his life, he must remain in a long-term dormant state to keep his soul intact and slow its dissipation. Unless it's an emergency, we don't disturb Elder Tianji's rest."
A Wang's Clan-level puppet!
The Lingxu Realm was shocked, then couldn't help but marvel.
Who would have thought such a level of puppet existed?
He had thought Wang Shouzhe's peak puppet was the limit.
However, the path of the soul is always mysterious. He had previously discussed related information with Old Jiang, True Lord of the Mysterious Pill, and the Demon Cauldron, learning that under abnormal circumstances, the soul can age and die unless anchored to soul-nurturing items or sealed in slumber to greatly slow its aging and dissipation.
But it's only a delay. Over time, the soul will eventually dissipate.
However, marveling aside, the Lingxu Realm didn't dwell on this. Seeing the Immortal Emperor willing to share more, he struck while the iron was hot, asking, "Can Your Majesty reveal how your strength compares to the Demon Sovereign and Demon Emperor?"
It wasn't out of curiosity but to assess the total strength of the human race.
"The Demon Sovereign Yuan Qianchu is always unfathomable, likely not much weaker than me." The Immortal Emperor's expression turned slightly serious at the mention of the Demon Sovereign, "As for the Immortal Sovereign and Demon Emperor, they're around the second layer of the Wang's Clan Realm."
The Lingxu Realm understood.
No wonder the Demon Emperor's projection was intimidated by the Immortal Emperor's projection. It turns out the cultivation strength was indeed a notch higher.
However, it's just a small gap within the same realm, not impossible to bridge. In certain situations, the outcome isn't guaranteed.
Only breaking through to the third layer and entering the fourth layer marks the mid-stage of the Wang's Clan Realm.
At the mid-stage, compared to the early stage, there's a small realm's improvement, widening the power gap significantly, allowing for a decisive advantage over the Demon Emperor.
"Does Your Majesty need any conditions for closed-door cultivation to advance?" the Lingxu Realm asked.
"Just a place with dense immortal spirit energy." The Immortal Emperor was eager, "I've heard your Stay Immortal Valley is suitable for advancement. The name seems meant for me."
She was nearing the inheritance period. If she passed on the Immortal Scripture to Princess Suiyun, her combat power would decrease, and her cultivation speed would plummet, likely ending her chances of further advancement.
But she couldn't delay passing on the Immortal Scripture.
A Divine Realm heir, from inheriting the Immortal Scripture to breaking through to the Wang's Clan Realm, takes at least two thousand years, possibly nearly three thousand for those with lesser aptitude.
And a Wang's Clan Realm expert typically has a lifespan of ten thousand years. If she doesn't pass on the Immortal Scripture by seven thousand, there's a risk of a gap in Wang's Clan Realm experts in the Immortal Dynasty.
A single Immortal Sovereign can't contend with two Wang's Clan Realm experts from the Demon Dynasty. The Demon Dynasty wouldn't miss such an opportunity, leading to another immortal-demon war.
So, this breakthrough to the mid-stage Wang's Clan Realm is her "immortal life's" last chance, and she's eagerly anticipating it.
"Then, Your Majesty, follow me back to Stay Immortal Residence." The Lingxu Realm was supportive of her breakthrough to the mid-stage.
"Shouzhe, are you sure you don't want to serve? I warn you, this is your last chance. Don't regret it later."
"Please, Your Majesty, have some self-respect!" The Lingxu Realm bowed.
"..." The Immortal Emperor.
...
Stay Immortal Residence.
A short while later.
The once peaceful Stay Immortal Residence suddenly erupted with a terrifying aura.
The vast aura swept out, and in an instant, the entire sky darkened, as if day had turned to night.
A deep night enveloped the land.
On the horizon, a cold moon rose.
The cold moonlight poured down like countless silver threads, dyeing the entire world in a silver hue, cold and desolate, making even one's mood somber.
"Is this the domain of a Wang's Clan Realm expert? Truly awe-inspiring~" Watching the scene, Green Immortal An's face showed admiration.
If Wang Shouzhe's strength was merely borrowing and manipulating the power of the Dao, then reaching the Wang's Clan Realm meant mastering a specific law or Dao.
In its fully unleashed state, the area around them became their domain, allowing them to control the world with a thought.
This is the most formidable aspect of Wang's Clan Realm experts.
Unless one is a Heavenly Son or Daughter capable of challenging the Wang's Clan Realm, ordinary individuals face overwhelming odds against such power.
And now, the aura emanating from Stay Immortal Residence was far stronger than when the Immortal Emperor's projection fought the Demon Emperor.
Meanwhile, others in Stay Immortal Valley were drawn by the terrifying aura, gradually gathering around the main body of the Green Immortal.
Over the years, as Stay Immortal Valley's fame spread, many small courtyards on its outskirts became occupied.
Most of these residents were elderly Divine Realm experts seeking retirement, including old princes from the Great Gan royal family and veteran real people from Lingyun Holy Land. Some were elderly relatives from allied families.
For many, it was their first time witnessing such a scene, their expressions equally filled with awe.
Even the Lingxu Realm showed a hint of emotion.
Though the number of Heavenly Son and Daughter-level individuals within the Immortal Dynasty had increased, aptitude is one thing, strength another. There's a fundamental difference between the two.
Aptitude is merely a prerequisite. To transform it into strength, the Immortal Dynasty's individuals have a long journey ahead.
As everyone spoke, the aura from Stay Immortal Residence gradually receded.
After all, the Immortal Emperor was merely advancing from the early to mid-stage Wang's Clan Realm, not a major realm breakthrough. As long as resources were sufficient, the process was swift.
Before long, the Immortal Emperor emerged from Stay Immortal Residence, refreshed.
Compared to when she entered, her appearance remained unchanged, but her aura had undergone an indescribable transformation, making her seem even younger.
Moreover, having just broken through, her aura couldn't be fully restrained, waves of Wang's Clan Realm pressure radiating from her, enhancing her noble presence. She resembled a moonlit peony, majestic yet exuding a hint of coldness and aloofness, deterring approach.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty." "Congratulations, Your Majesty."
Everyone gathered around, overjoyed.
It's no wonder they were delighted. The Immortal Emperor's advancement to the mid-stage was a significant event for the entire Immortal Dynasty faction and humanity as a whole.
Even the Lingxu Realm felt the Chaos Spirit Stone was well spent.
At this moment, the Immortal Emperor, unnoticed by others, secretly winked at the Lingxu Realm, as if saying, "Regret it now, Shouzhe?"
However, in that instant, her gaze met Liu Ruolan's, standing beside the Lingxu Realm.
The two women locked eyes.
Sparks seemed to fly in the air.