Chapter 1963: Goddess Enters the World

"Cai Li, my dear sister." He quickly cleared the lingering haze from his mind, smiling and taking a step forward. "My father, the God, and God-Venerable Huaxin have an important matter to discuss in person, so they brought me along."

Dian Jiuzhi's gentle voice and smile held a subtle trace of awkwardness. Despite having met her so many times, that feeling never seemed to dissipate—even though he was already a God-Son. And not just any God-Son, but the First God-Son. To have such a person in his life was, perhaps, the greatest blessing.

The girl's eyes blinked, sparkling like stars in the quiet night. "For your father, the God, to come in person, it must be about another world, right?"

"Yes!" Dian Jiuzhi nodded with a smile, his voice at its softest. "The passage has been reopened. And this time, the Abyss Knights, acting as pioneers, have successfully set foot in that world."

"Once the 'location' is determined, in another fifty years, the power to reopen the passage can be accumulated again. At that time, the Abyss Emperor, the Divine Officials, and quite possibly our own father, the God, will all be able to enter that world."

Dian Jiuzhi looked up, a hint of longing in his eyes. "That world, known as the 'Eternal Pure Land'."

His gaze returned to her, and he immediately smiled. "This matter should not be made public, or it will cause unrest in the mortal world. For now, only we know about it, so Cai Li, my dear sister, remember not to mention it to anyone else."

"My father, the God, already told me; of course I know." The girl smiled sweetly, but then a hint of confusion appeared in her pristine, star-like eyes. "If it's the 'Eternal Pure Land,' it should be a beautiful and peaceful world. Wouldn't our presence there be… a serious intrusion?"

"Yes, it is certainly an intrusion." Dian Jiuzhi did not deny it. He knew the girl before him possessed a flawless spirit, like her starlit eyes, and only she, as a Divine Maiden, would pose such a question. "However, it is the law of the jungle; survival of the fittest. They can resist for their dignity or submit for their survival. Our 'intrusion' is also for our own better survival."

"None of this is about right or wrong, good or evil."

"If there must be a sin, then weakness is the sole original sin."

Sensing that his words had become a little heavy, he immediately smiled. "I know what you're worried about, Cai Li, my dear sister. Rest assured, the Abyss Emperor is incredibly gentle and benevolent, and he despises bullying and bloodshed. My father, the God, told me that the Abyss Emperor has repeatedly stressed that if we successfully enter the 'Eternal Pure Land,' we must under no circumstances incite chaos or senselessly harm innocent beings."

"Besides…" His eyes glowed with an unusual light. "That world was originally ours."

The girl pondered for a moment, then quickly shifted her focus. "Oh, never mind, those are matters for my father and the others to concern themselves with. Big Brother, look at these Colorful Cloud Branches—aren't they beautiful!"

"Of course they're beautiful," Dian Jiuzhi admired, but his gaze remained solely on the girl, never pausing for even an instant on the sea of colorful cloud flowers. "A single Colorful Cloud Branch is a blessing in itself. To be able to acquire such a vast sea of these flowers from the Pure Land truly shows how much God-Venerable Huaxin dotes on you, Cai Li, my dear sister."

"Father, the God, is the best!" The girl held the petals, their vibrant hues reflecting in her star-like eyes, making them even more dazzling. "It's called the Colorful Cloud Branch, and both its name and mine share the character 'cai.' The moment I saw it, I felt as if it had bloomed right in my heart."

Gently pushing the petals in her hand towards Dian Jiuzhi, she asked, "Big Brother, do you think this could be my destined flower?"

The colorful cloud petals nearing his face still did not cause Dian Jiuzhi's gaze to waver. The girl's dreamlike presence made his heart, normally as firm as an icy sea, grow hazy and indistinct, as if under the influence of the world's most irresistible illusion.

He raised his arm, and through his hazy, almost unfocused vision, slowly reached out to touch the girl's hair, lightly stirred by the fragrant breeze of the colorful clouds. Yet, still half a foot away, his wrist abruptly bent, and his fingertips seemingly naturally touched the colorful cloud petals instead.

"To be loved by you so dearly is the Colorful Cloud Branch's honor," he said, suppressing his increasingly erratic heartbeat, a faint smile on his lips. "I wouldn't presume to say if it's worthy of being your destined flower, but you… you are certainly its destined one."

He dared not touch her, fearing sacrilege. Even though he was the First God-Son, even though… she was the fiancée personally bestowed by the Abyss Emperor.

As the son of God-Venerable Senluo, his brothers, and even his nephews and grandnephews, all had numerous wives and concubines. Yet he alone, the most noble and supreme Senluo God-Son, had never been intimate with any woman. He would not allow his sincere devotion to her to be tainted by the slightest imperfection. With her as the sole occupant of his vision, how could any other woman in the world possibly capture his attention?

Just then, a cool, crisp breeze suddenly swept through the sea of colorful cloud flowers. The cool breeze stirred the girl's gaze, and she happily turned her eyes, letting out a joyful cry: "Auntie!"

As the breeze drew near, a slender figure in green emerged. What met the eye was a flowing green robe that reached her ankles. Her dark hair cascaded like water, and a green sash at her waist was her only adornment. There were no other embellishments, no cosmetics.

The woman's eyebrows were like emerald feathers, her skin like white snow, and her face, which bore a slight resemblance to Hua Caili's, was breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, despite her ethereal beauty, no one dared to fix their gaze upon her. For her pair of green eyes were as clear and cold as an endless icy pool.

The colorful cloud flowers ceased their gentle dance, and even Dian Jiuzhi quickly lowered his eyes, for the instant their gazes met, it felt as though a chilling sword had pierced his very soul.

"This junior, Dian Jiuzhi of the Senluo Divine Kingdom, greets Senior Sword Immortal." He bowed deeply, his posture showing no less deference than when he had previously faced God-Venerable Huaxin.

Her name was Hua Qingying, the Sword Immortal known throughout the world. In the eyes of the world, she was like a solitary lotus on a heavenly mountain, or an exiled immortal from an ancient painting. Born into the mundane world of the Abyss Dust, she nevertheless transcended it, standing proud against the snow, pure and aloof from frost. The very essence of "Immortal" found its ultimate embodiment in her. Whenever people thought of the word "Immortal," the image that arose in their minds was always of the Sword Immortal who seemed to float above the clouds, her clear eyes gazing proudly upon the world.

"Auntie!" Hua Caili took a few light steps, bending at the waist, and rushed directly into the arms of the Sword Immortal—a figure upon whom no one in the world dared to linger their gaze—clinging to her affectionately, unwilling to let go.

Her eyes, holding the depth of myriad blue swans, briefly rested on Dian Jiuzhi before quickly moving away. In Dian Jiuzhi's ear, an immortal voice, clear as water yet cold as ice, resonated: "Such progress, truly a formidable young talent."

"Senior, your praise is too generous; this junior is humbled." Dian Jiuzhi quickly responded with humility. In front of Hua Qingying, he was noticeably more reserved than he had been with God-Venerable Huaxin.

"Auntie, quickly, look! This is my very own sea of Colorful Cloud Flowers." Hua Caili, like a delighted little girl, was eager to share the beautiful treasure she had just received.

Hua Qingying reached out and took Hua Caili's fair wrist. As she looked at her, the cold glint in her clear eyes softened completely. "Your father, the God, brought you this sea of Colorful Cloud Flowers from the Pure Land, and I, by chance, have also obtained the sword casket you've always yearned for from the Myriad Dao Divine Official."

"Grandpa Wan Dao… Ah!" With a gasp, it seemed as if ten thousand stars simultaneously blazed within Hua Caili's beautiful eyes.

"It's in the Sword Pavilion right now. The sword casket hasn't been opened yet, so even I don't know which sword it contains." She subtly shifted her gaze towards Dian Jiuzhi. "Do you want to go see it now, or a little later…?"

"Of course now!" Hua Caili, impatient, was already pulling her aunt's wrist. Just as she was about to move, she suddenly remembered Dian Jiuzhi was still there, and quickly turned back. "Big Brother, I'm going with Auntie to open the sword casket. You can enjoy this sea of Colorful Cloud Flowers as much as you like, just be very, very careful not to touch them too roughly, hehe."

"Uh, Senior Sword Immortal and Cai Li, my dear sister, please go ahead. This junior was just about to…" Before he could finish, Hua Caili had already pulled Hua Qingying away in a hurry… She had yearned for a sword from the Pure Land for many, many years. Especially the sword named "Li Yun."

Dian Jiuzhi's gaze remained fixed, watching the direction she disappeared in for a very long time. His eyes held seven parts of happiness and three parts of loss.

***

The Folding Heaven Sword Pavilion.

The long sword casket was gently pushed open by a hand as smooth as lamb fat jade. Instantly, a jade-like sword gleam shot forth, causing Hua Caili to close her eyes… When her star-like eyes opened, what came into view was a long sword, entirely pure white like jade, faintly wreathed in a subtle, ethereal mist.

Hua Caili pursed her lips and held her breath, her snow-white hand nervously yet delicately reaching into the sword casket to grasp it. Her hand was like jade, the sword like jade, her heart pure as jade. With a slight exhalation of profound energy, the sword immediately glowed with a jade-like luminescence. At the junction of the hilt and the blade, its name slowly materialized: "Li Yun."

She held the Li Yun sword horizontally across her chest, the unusual gleam in her eyes lingering. She loved this sword, and she loved its name even more.

"It's this sword! It truly suits you," Hua Qingying remarked, a subtle hint of surprise in her eyes. "It's also possible that old man Wan Dao did it on purpose. After all, he's very fond of you; otherwise, he wouldn't have made an exception for you this time."

Of all the swords from the Pure Land, this was the one she desired and loved the most. She had seen it several times before, but only today did she learn its name.

"Yes! Next time I go to the Pure Land, I'll be sure to thank Grandpa Wan Dao properly." Her jade-like fingers gently caressed the blade, reluctant to release it. Hua Caili chuckled softly. "The Colorful Cloud Branch, the Li Yun Sword… both have a character from my name, and both also share…"

"The character 'Yun'…?" A strange ripple stirred within her heart, and she blurted out quite naturally, "It's a pity my future husband's name doesn't have the character 'Yun.' Otherwise… that would be truly wonderful."

Despite being the Divine Maiden Cai Li, she still held onto such a profound, innocent, and beautiful romantic sensibility.

Hua Qingying's elegant brows subtly furrowed, and she suddenly asked, "Cai Li, do you truly like… Dian Jiuzhi?"

"Huh?" Hua Caili paused, then replied without hesitation, "Of course I like him."

"What do you like about him?" Hua Qingying asked, looking into her eyes.

Hua Caili thought for a brief moment, then replied, "He… is very gentle, and he's handsome. He's always been kind to me, ever since we were children. And his status and achievements are so remarkable. My father, the God, always says there's no other man in this world more suitable for me."

"He is indeed the most suitable for you," Hua Qingying acknowledged. "But if you truly liked him, why wasn't your first impulse just now to bring him along to open the Pure Land sword casket?"

Hua Caili's beautiful eyes blinked, and she asked in a confused tone, "Was it proper etiquette to invite him along…?"

"It has nothing to do with etiquette," Hua Qingying replied, shaking her head. "Before you saw him, did you feel a profound longing for him?"

The girl's eyes clouded with even more confusion. "He's the God-Son of the Senluo Divine Kingdom; naturally, everything is fine with him, so why would I miss him? On the other hand… every time Auntie travels far, I miss you dearly, hehe."

Hua Qingying turned around. "Cai Li, you should enter a brief seclusion to achieve complete harmony with the Li Yun sword. I will go see your father, the God."

***

"Qingying, you're here."

Having just seen Dian Luohou off, Hua Fuchen's face remained serene and elegant, like a gentle breeze, betraying no sign of joy or sorrow, nor any indication of having discussed "important matters."

Without inquiring about the significant matters discussed by the two God-Venerables, Hua Qingying stated directly, "I intend to let Cai Li go into the mortal world for experience."

Hua Fuchen slowly shook his head. "That cannot be."

"I am here to inform you, not to seek your approval." With those words, the figure in green had already turned away.

"I do not wish for Cai Li to be tainted by the dust of the mundane world." Hua Fuchen's voice reached her ears, carrying a rare solemnity. Then, his tone softened slightly, tinged with a sigh. "If she hadn't unexpectedly awakened her divine essence, I wouldn't even wish for her to become a Divine Maiden. I would only ask that she live a life of peace and freedom from worry."

"So, you'd rather she become a caged bird, imprisoned by your own hands?" Hua Qingying retorted coldly. "If you truly cared for her well-being, why would you make her marry a man she doesn't love?"

"Of all people, you understand the meaning of 'love' most deeply. You surely aren't blind to whether she truly likes Dian Jiuzhi. In fact… she still doesn't understand what romantic love is."

"Isn't that good?" He looked ahead, his gaze seeming slightly distant. "With the status of a Divine Maiden, marrying the most outstanding and suitable man for her, inheriting the divine throne in the future, and with the two gods united, she will live her life above all other beings… free from disaster or worry."

"Ha!" She seemed to let out a short laugh, but her eyes grew even colder. "Are you truly fit to utter such words?!"

"The 'Folding Heaven God-Son' who was once like a madman has become the serene and uncontending 'God-Venerable Huaxin' of today… The world may have forgotten how wild and unrestrained you once were, but I certainly have not."

Hua Fuchen slowly shook his head, his eyes slightly clouded. "Of the myriad tribulations in this world, love alone wounds the soul most deeply. I do not wish for Cai Li to experience…"

"That is her life!" Only she in this world dared to interrupt Hua Fuchen so coldly. "Cai Li is your daughter, but she is also an independent individual, and she is the Divine Maiden Cai Li who will one day inherit your divine power and the entirety of your Divine Kingdom!"

"Even as her father, you have no right to dictate her life!"

"Furthermore!" Without waiting for Hua Fuchen to speak, Hua Qingying continued, "Among the five God-Sons and two Divine Maidens of the current Six Divine Kingdoms, only Cai Li's cultivation has not yet reached the Divine Annihilation Realm."

"The time to meet the Abyss Emperor is drawing near. You may not care about her cultivation, but at the very least, you should care about her standing as a Divine Maiden."

"This journey into the world is also an opportunity for her to seek her own breakthrough. Therefore, I may guide her into the Misty Sea."

Hua Fuchen remained silent for a long time, unsure if he was overcome by emotional pain, or if he simply knew he could not change Hua Qingying's resolute decision.

Hua Qingying departed, but a gentle, clear whisper reached his ear: "Rest assured, I will protect her discreetly."