"Is she summoning me?"
Upon hearing these words, Yun Xiao paused his cultivation in the Primordial Void Technique, rising to step outside.
"Yes." Yue Yin nodded. Both she and Cao Shuo had cultivated at the Western Kunlun Palace. And now, Empress Zhao, contacting Yun Xiao through her, signaled that this was more of a personal affair than the will of the Celestial Court.
"Does that mean I must make the long journey to the divine land of the Celestial Court?" Yun Xiao inquired.
"No need." Yue Yin pointed to the sky. "The Western Kunlun Palace can soar through the heavens, and it's currently hovering above the Thunder Department."
The Thunder Immortal Formation was basically completely spent. So, it could no longer add to Yun Xiao's combat power for the time being.
"What do you say? Will you go?" Yue Yin asked softly, then added, "She's summoning you privately; it could be a trap, and you wouldn’t be wrong to refuse."
"I'll go," Yun Xiao answered without much hesitation.
"Aren't you afraid of the danger?" she asked.
"In this Great Dao Celestial Realm, no one can kill me," Yun Xiao declared, stepping out as he added, "Let's go and see what these celestial maidens are truly plotting."
"Right!" Yue Yin nodded. Yun Xiao’s confidence and command also bolstered her courage. She bowed slightly, following him with reverence, their roles of master and disciple seemingly reversed.
BUZZ! Launching from the pagoda of the Myriad Divine Thunder Bureau, the two soared up to the heavens on their Sovereign Swords.
Only then did Yue Yin count the Sword Prisons on Yun Xiao’s Sword Soul—a total of 30, equal to her own, striking more awe into her.
It took her 300 years to form her 30 Sword Prisons.
Yet, Yun Xiao had managed to do the same over a single night!
No one understood the terror of this divine prodigy better than her and Gu Suwan.
"The Chaos Sovereign, who traversed a path in mere decades that others took centuries, was already a supreme marvel of the Heavenly Palace. And now, this young master has done it in mere days."
If Lu Fan was dozens of times the genius of those in the Heavenly Palace, how many times was Yun Xiao beyond Lu Fan?
Yue Yin could only think that while others had defied the heavens, Yun Xiao seemed to embody the heavenly path itself—perhaps be even above it!
As Yun Xiao spoke, his eyes casually swept the surroundings. Around the Dowager Hall sat hundreds of women, each a celestial beauty of breathtaking grace, each distinct in charm and allure, overwhelming to behold.
They shared a common trait—nobility and exaltation, clearly of high status, and among them, some exuded an intense presence, not mere consorts but powerful dignitaries of the Celestial Court.
Most, like Yue Yin, were of a mature age, ripe with grace and unparalleled elegance.
Yet, a few were younger, scarcely a century old, considered youthful maidens in their realm.
Even if married, they were in the prime of their celestial youth.
As Yun Xiao observed them, they too assessed him, many seeing him in person for the first time, curiosity and wonder apparent in their beautiful eyes.
They whispered among themselves, occasionally giggling softly; their cheeks blushed pink under the glow of the candles, like ripe peaches on the table, smooth and sweet, dripping with honeyed words.
Their discussions centered around Yun Xiao's remarkable Creator Immortal form.
Indeed, he was exceptional. Of course, being of stature, they weren't impertinent but couldn't help their natural admiration.
"Sir Lu, do you recognize the heroines of the Immortal path in this hall?" Empress Zhao asked with a warm smile, making it seem more a casual conversation than an inquisition.
"Your Majesty, my knowledge of Immortals is limited, having only recently embarked on the path; I ask for their indulgence," Yun Xiao replied.
"Indeed, indulgence," Blue Star chirped from his embrace, his face alight with a smirk.
Yun Xiao gave Blue Star a gentle squeeze through his armor, maintaining his smile. His pleasant demeanor, coupled with his divine looks, naturally spared him any mind for his inexperience.
Empress Zhao smiled. "Yue Yin, you are my acknowledged disciple and belong to the Western Kunlun Palace; you needn’t be formal. Today, as I survey the heavens and earth, passing by the Thunder Department, I brought peers to meet Lu Yao, this remarkable youth. You are his master; please introduce him."
"Understood." Yue Yin, a Rank 2 Heavenly Officer, appeared especially dutiful in this setting.
Of course, to introduce Yun Xiao was to acknowledge his status, and the seating arrangement in the hall already represented the respective honors of these women.
Leading Yun Xiao, Yue Yin directed his attention to Empress Zhao's right, where a young woman in a pink dress sat. She was exceptionally pretty with a pair of pink bunny ears—whether ornamental or real was unclear.
Under the soft pink candlelight, this maiden appeared exquisitely delicate, her innocence laced with a touch of allure, irresistibly captivating.
"This is Saintess Yao Xi, the Princess Consort of the Crown Prince," Yue Yin said with reverence.