Chapter 387: Piaomiao Tower

Lily pads floated on the clear, round surface of the water. Bright light filtered through the layered leaves, absorbed by the lake and hidden among the stems, leaves, and aquatic plants, swaying gently with the wind. In the dim forest, pupae became insects, and moths emerged from cocoons. With the blooming of the lotus flowers, summer had truly arrived.

This was Nanzhou's summer, a familiar one.

Shao Xiaoli stood beneath the thatched hall in the forest, dressed in snow-white robes, leaning against a wooden pillar. She often gazed at the summer scenery, lost in thought for long periods.

Ning Changjiu spent most of his time sleeping, and even when he occasionally awoke, his mind remained hazy. This was a lingering effect of Bai Zang's 'Dust Sealing' ability. The formidable power wielded by a deity's true form at full strength was not easily undone. After firing that arrow with all his might, he was left utterly exhausted and once again affected by the sealing. Fortunately, the authority of life was also deeply rooted within him, ensuring that despite his extreme drowsiness, his life was not in danger.

After the world-shaking battle concluded, Shao Xiaoli rushed outside the city. After a long search, she finally found his body and carefully carried him back.

She couldn't wake Ning Changjiu. In her anxiety, a woman in a green dress suddenly appeared, followed by a man carrying a broadsword. Although Shao Xiaoli didn't recognize them, she felt an innate sense of familiarity.

The woman in the green dress examined Ning Changjiu's injuries and assured Shao Xiaoli that he was not seriously harmed, instructing her to take him outside and let him recuperate.

Shao Xiaoli asked where they should go. The woman in the green dress informed her that the seal on the Time Abyss had been lifted. Previously, it had been a deity's head; now, it was merely a head.

Shao Xiaoli understood, yet didn't fully comprehend.

The woman in the green dress looked at the young girl, who was once an acquaintance, and gently ruffled her hair. She explained that the days of Boundary City barely surviving were over, and they could now venture into the outside world. The Southern Wilderness was vast, and the curse had been lifted. They could establish new villages, towns, and cities there, which wouldn't be difficult for a city that had endured for nearly a millennium.

Shao Xiaoli trusted that she was a good person. As the woman prepared to leave, Shao Xiaoli, kneeling on the ground, grasped her green sleeve and asked for her name.

The woman in the green dress handed her a book, telling her that the answer lay within its pages.

Afterward, Shao Xiaoli led Ning Changjiu and her clansmen into the Spirit Summoning Hall. The colossal light screen within the hall had indeed vanished, leaving a dark, hollow space, like the gaping maw of a monster.

She and Ning Changjiu ventured inside, arriving at the withered Time Abyss. She suddenly understood that the power within the Time Abyss had been entirely drained by the divine realm above. Now, only an empty shell remained—the head of the headless deity—and they were standing within it.

Shao Xiaoli surveyed the surrounding paths, which branched out like a honeycomb, and instinctively began to explore forward.

Aside from its immense size, the head presented no other dangers. She passed through the skull and emerged outside.

The abyss in the Southern Wilderness had also returned to its normal state. She easily scaled its vertical walls and then, outside the abyss, discovered a damaged thatched hut along with some long-abandoned furniture and pottery.

She immediately recalled that many years ago, the Boss had told her that a woman named Lu Jiajia must have been waiting for him outside the abyss.

This must have been Lu Jiajia's dwelling, she thought.

She tidied up the thatched hut and settled the Boss there. Then, she leaped back into the abyss, found the trembling Blood Feather Lord cowering in a corner, and instructed it to help guide the Boundary City clansmen out.

Only then did the Blood Feather Lord realize that the disaster seemed to be over.

It flew up excitedly, immediately went to the city, gathered the people as the God of Light, and announced the thrilling news.

It even pretended to cast a spell before the light screen, letting out a long cry to open the way.

Like a rooster's crow announcing the dawn, a new era had arrived.

Now, above Nanzhou, this wild land encircled by red rivers had been progressively developed. Many simple houses had been constructed, and the original thatched hut was also expanded with a more solid structure, making it significantly more spacious and brighter.

After emerging, the Blood Feather Lord felt melancholic for two days, constantly lamenting how things had changed. Then, it announced its intention to visit some old friends in Nanzhou whom it had met in its early days, promising to return in a few days.

Unsure where to go, Shao Xiaoli decided to stay here with Ning Changjiu, awaiting his full recovery.

With the removal of the Mountain Sea Azure Flow Secret Scripture, everything outside Boundary City vanished. Boundary City itself had always been like a solitary island, and now, even this island was deserted.

Soon after, Nanzhou experienced several torrential downpours. The former abyss filled with water, gradually transforming into a lake. Now, Shao Xiaoli's most frequent activities, apart from gazing at Ning Changjiu's face by the bedside, involved looking out at the lake from the wooden hall.

Her snow-white clothes had been found inside the thatched hut.

Although the hut was desolate, it still contained a few plain garments, likely left by Lu Jiajia.

Although Shao Xiaoli had grown considerably, the clothes still didn't fit her perfectly.

Time passed, with alternating rain and clear skies. The people of Boundary City, who had never seen rain, clouds, or even the sun and moon, regarded these as miracles. They held several ceremonies, with Shao Xiaoli serving as both their tribal leader and the priestess of the rituals.

Shao Xiaoli adapted to all aspects of this new world. This had been their dream for nearly a millennium. The exploration of the barren mountains and wild lands outside Boundary City was now history, and they rejoiced at everything before them.

Three more days passed, and the sound of summer cicadas reached its zenith.

Shao Xiaoli set up a stove in the courtyard and began to cook rice porridge. The rice grains were tiny, not cultivated, but wild-gathered from Nanzhou, imparting a unique fragrance.

In recent days, Ning Changjiu had been waking more frequently, typically for a short period every two days.

The power of 'Dust Sealing' still affected him, causing his spiritual mind to be sluggish and his thoughts to be slow.

As Shao Xiaoli fed him porridge, she couldn't help but feel as if she were caring for a simple-minded child.

She also often recalled the conversations between her Master and Bai Zang... In her previous life, she had been the Boss's wife, and her Master had also been the Boss's wife. So, what were they now? It was truly a confusing tangle that couldn't be unraveled...

That night, Ning Changjiu awoke again. This time he was much more lucid and called out a name.

"Jiajia..."

Shao Xiaoli, who was tidying the table with her back to him, heard Ning Changjiu's call.

Her heart skipped a beat... Lu Jiajia!

This was Ning Changjiu's first utterance, and he had spoken Lu Jiajia's name... Was that female sword immortal, whom she had never met, truly the person he cherished most?

Who in the world was she...?

Shao Xiaoli tugged at her collar, feeling a little disheartened by the ill-fitting clothes.

"Jiajia."

Ning Changjiu called out again.

Shao Xiaoli was momentarily startled, then it suddenly dawned on her that he might be calling her name.

In the dim light of night, Shao Xiaoli slowly came to her senses, seeing Ning Changjiu with unfocused eyes. He was indeed looking at her, murmuring "Jiajia."

He was calling her... She was wearing Lu Jiajia's clothes, so the Boss had mistaken her identity.

Shao Xiaoli hesitated for a moment. Hearing his somewhat dry call, she instinctively walked over. After another moment of hesitation, she climbed onto the bed and lay quietly beside him, pressing close.

Ning Changjiu was not fully conscious; he simply stared at her clothes, calling out Lu Jiajia's name.

"Yes, my disciple, your Master is here," Shao Xiaoli said, imagining Lu Jiajia's tone and imitating it. "Mmm..." Ning Changjiu responded, visibly more at ease. He stopped calling out and instinctively pulled her into his embrace, her soft body nestled close against him.

"Oh, no..."

Shao Xiaoli struggled for a brief, symbolic moment, then fell still.

She found the situation both strange and somewhat amusing, with a hint of bittersweet jealousy in her heart.

With their skin touching, they both drifted back to sleep.

Outside, fireflies danced and the stars shone brightly.

In the following days, Shao Xiaoli continued to care for him as usual, but she was frequently mistaken for Lu Jiajia. Each time this happened, she inevitably found herself being held as they slept. After a while, Shao Xiaoli felt a blush of embarrassment. She changed into a red dress, hoping that the semi-conscious Boss would finally recognize her.

"Xiang'er?"

Ning Changjiu's perception seemed beyond help.

Shao Xiaoli pursed her lips and sighed helplessly.

She had thought the Boss intended to 'favor' Xiang'er that night. However, as she drew closer, she realized Ning Changjiu had no intention of touching her; in fact, he instinctively recoiled slightly.

Shao Xiaoli paused, then let out a giggle, gently tapping the edge of the bed with her fist. "The Boss truly does pick on the weaker ones and cower from the strong," she murmured.

As her laughter faded, the girl's expression settled into a calm demeanor once more.

She felt that this situation couldn't continue indefinitely, yet she couldn't decide on a course of action.

After a moment's thought, she simply gave up trying to figure it out, resolving instead to cherish the time she had alone with the Boss.

She lifted the quilt, gently slipped in, and slowly warmed both their bodies with her own.

Ning Changjiu's full awakening occurred ten days later. Before that, the largest sect south of Nanzhou had detected the unusual occurrences in the Southern Wilderness and dispatched disciples to investigate via sword-flight. Only after inquiring did Shao Xiaoli learn that the visitors were from the Divine Sword Heavenly Sect.

Meanwhile, in the Central Lands.

Within the Ancient Spirit Sect, the foundations of the Nine Nether Hall shook and crumbled. It first became a leaning tower, then simply toppled sideways into Gloom Moon Lake.

The fish in Gloom Moon Lake, already prone to misfortune, were once again crushed to death in large numbers.

The secret hidden beneath the Nine Nether Hall was finally unveiled.

During those days, the sky above the Ancient Spirit Sect was daily filled with a malevolent netherworld aura. This aura surged endlessly, forming a black sea that was periodically shattered by flashes of lightning.

Once everything settled, Lu Jiajia immediately flew on her sword to the center of the disturbance to ascertain Ning Xiaoling's safety.

Meanwhile, within the ancient Underworld Kingdom, Ning Xiaoling, clad in a white dress, sat silently on the throne after completing her oath. It was a long time before she reopened her eyes, her face etched with weariness, giving her a composure uncharacteristic of her age.

Fish King and Jiuyou stood silently on either side, neither daring to disturb her.

Earlier, in the Void Sea, Ning Xiaoling had not been torn apart by the void. The Myriad Demon Art, embedded within her body, had activated, granting her many incredible abilities that significantly boosted her confidence.

Wielding the straight Shentu in one hand and the Yulei, which resembled an eighteen-foot serpent spear, in the other, she engaged in a final decisive battle with the fragmented skeletal remains of the Underworld Monarch in the Void Sea.

Even with her mastery of the Sword of Calamity, she couldn't truly defeat the Underworld Monarch. Ultimately, it was the other spirit-eaters in the Void Sea who killed him.

This was Ning Xiaoling's first encounter with these astonishing beings.

They were black, twisted bones, survivors of endless suffering, living here by instinct and subsisting on certain substances found within the Void Sea.

The battle between the Underworld Monarch and Ning Xiaoling had drawn them in.

They swarmed, devouring the colossal bone serpent, yet they did not attack Ning Xiaoling.

One monster, resembling a fish-dragon, even allowed Ning Xiaoling to ride on its body, carrying her away.

This was due to the spirit-eaters' affinity for Ning Xiaoling.

The source of this affinity was the Myriad Demon Art.

Most of the spirit-eaters had been demons before their deaths.

Several days later, Ning Xiaoling's eyes, as she sat upon the throne, gradually cleared.

"Jiuyou? Diting?"

Ning Xiaoling spoke softly, her voice still a little hoarse.

"You're awake," Fish King said with a sigh of relief. "It's good that you're alright. There's been continuous lightning these past few days, and the dark sea outside has been completely scorched. It must be a divine punishment. Fortunately, we're hidden deep, so the heavens couldn't reach us."

Ning Xiaoling nodded, still adapting to the new power coursing through her body, unsure how to respond.

She could feel the entire world embracing her. Yet, she was like a fish in a tank, thriving in her current environment but unable to reach the outside.

Jiuyou looked at Ning Xiaoling. Although the throne had originally been hers, Jiuyou felt no jealousy at all; instead, she was genuinely happy.

"Congratulations on your ascension, Lord Underworld Monarch! From today onwards, Xiaoling shall rule the Underworld for eternity!" Jiuyou jumped up excitedly, but accidentally tripped over her skirt and fell back to the ground.

Jiuyou rubbed her ankle, groaning in pain, only to discover that her injuries had healed.

Moreover, the numbers on the stone tablet outside the ancient hall had stopped counting, remaining perpetually at eighty-one.

Ning Xiaoling had never imagined she would become the new Underworld Monarch.

Jiuyou, even more excited than Ning Xiaoling herself, declared that a new era of the Underworld Monarch had begun and suggested that Xiaoling choose a regnal name.

Ning Xiaoling, naturally, couldn't think of one, so Jiuyou immediately offered a suggestion: "How about 'Qingming'?"

Ning Xiaoling liked the name and agreed.

Jiuyou nodded. "Very well," she said, "from today, this divine hall shall also be known as Qingming Hall. And... to commemorate the new monarch's ascension today, we shall celebrate a festival every year on this very day. Let's call it the Qingming Festival!"

Having spoken, Jiuyou looked at them with eager anticipation.

Ning Xiaoling and Fish King did not reply.

And so, the festival was established in silence.

Jiuyou continued earnestly, "Now, our Underworld Kingdom is finally getting on track; there's much to be done."

Fish King asked in confusion, "How is it that you, the tyrannical ruler, have become diligent after being dethroned?"

"Hmph, what do you know? My past rule was one of non-action!" Jiuyou retorted. "In any case, we must now begin discussing our titles and future governance strategies."

"What titles?" Fish King glanced at its own white fur, then at Jiuyou's black dress. "Are we going to form a Black and White Impermanence duo?"

"Hmph, how vulgar."

"Then what do you suggest we call ourselves?"

The two argued, and ultimately, Ning Xiaoling made the final decision.

Diting was bestowed the title of Bodhisattva Who Distinguishes Right from Wrong, while Jiuyou was appointed Heavenly Official Skilled in Poetry.

They were not entirely satisfied with these titles, but agreed for the time being, out of respect for Ning Xiaoling.

"So that's settled then..." Jiuyou lifted her voluminous skirt and paced the hall, when her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh, that reminds me, I've written quite a few poems lately. Would Lord Underworld Monarch care to take a look? It's always beneficial to read, after all."

"Uhm... no, thank you," Ning Xiaoling declined swiftly.

Jiuyou frowned. "As the ancient saying goes," she insisted, "the Underworld takes poetry as its essence! Xiaoling, as the Underworld Monarch, must lead by example."

Ning Xiaoling and Fish King looked at Jiuyou's earnest eyes, unsure how to respond. Just as Ning Xiaoling, not wanting to upset the young girl, was bracing herself to read her terrible poems, there was a sudden commotion outside the hall.

Ning Xiaoling sensed something, immediately set down the manuscripts, and quickly walked outside.

The visitor was Lu Jiajia.

Lu Jiajia, anxious about Xiaoling, had journeyed through the netherworld to reach this place, her snow-white cheeks flushed from the exertion and depletion of her spiritual power.

Ning Xiaoling rushed out of the hall, straight into Lu Jiajia's embrace.

"Xiaoling?"

Ning Xiaoling had been in her fox form for a long time, and now that she had resumed her true appearance, it took Lu Jiajia a moment to recognize her.

"Xiaoling... it's good that you're alright, Xiaoling."

Seeing that she was safe and sound, Lu Jiajia breathed a long sigh of relief and hugged Ning Xiaoling tightly.

Ning Xiaoling's eyes brimmed with tears. She tightly embraced her Master; although she couldn't see anything clearly at the moment, she could distinctly feel that this was undoubtedly her Master.

While on the Underworld throne, Ning Xiaoling had been remarkably composed, but now, reunited with her Master, she wept like a child.

"Mmm, Xiaoling is fine... Master, it's been so long."

In truth, they hadn't been separated for very long.

"What a touching scene," Fish King murmured, feeling compelled to say something.

Jiuyou gazed at the woman in white, her elegant, graceful figure captivating. Jiuyou bit her lip, her expression rapt. "This elder sister is so beautiful," she gushed, "she stands there, and one can't take their eyes off her! I... I want to write a poem for her!"

Fish King spared no effort in discouraging her. "Forget it," it said, "don't strain your talent in vain."

Jiuyou pouted, "You wicked cat, how dare you steal my idiom skills!"

Inside the hall, the young girl and the cat began to argue again.

After a moment of embracing, Ning Xiaoling turned and gestured towards the grand hall. "Master," she said, "our family has a big house now!"

Lu Jiajia smiled gently and looked inside the hall.

Jiuyou ceased her argument. She looked at Lu Jiajia, feeling an inexplicable nervousness. The young girl lifted her skirt, bowed, and nervously greeted, "Elder sister... Hello, white-clothed elder sister."

Fish King interjected, "You've lived for over a thousand years; how can you shamelessly call someone 'elder sister'?"

Jiuyou glared at Fish King. "Sisterhood is determined by appearance, not age!" she retorted.

Fish King gasped, thinking that if that were the case, then Lu Jiajia would be the true matriarch of the Great Scoundrel Ning's inner circle.

Lu Jiajia looked at the lively young girl and softly replied, "Yes, hello."

Ning Xiaoling introduced, "This is Jiuyou, the maiden heart extracted from the Underworld Monarch. And... she's good at writing poetry."

Lu Jiajia smiled faintly. "Little sister Jiuyou is truly impressive."

Jiuyou immediately seized the opportunity to claim credit. "When the Underworld Monarch wanted to kill Xiaoling," she declared, "it was I who bravely chose to betray him! In the past, I was the Underworld Monarch's loyal and courageous servant; now, I am Xiaoling's trusted right-hand!"

As Ning Xiaoling listened, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. It was as if she had a minister by her side who was not only idle but also wore treachery openly on their face.

Lu Jiajia, however, found the young girl quite endearing and even took the initiative to pick up the manuscript from the floor and read it.

Jiuyou watched her with excitement.

Ning Xiaoling, meanwhile, had a grave expression.

The smile on Lu Jiajia's face froze slightly. After reading for a moment, she placed the manuscript back down.

Jiuyou quickly asked, "So... how was my writing?"

Lu Jiajia pondered for a moment. "The writing... is quite avant-garde, I suppose. Well, keep up the good work."

Jiuyou couldn't tell if this was praise, but it sounded like encouragement, so she happily exclaimed, "Elder sister is so gentle!"

Ning Xiaoling quickly pulled Lu Jiajia to another part of the hall.

"Any news about Senior Brother?" Ning Xiaoling asked.

"None," Lu Jiajia gently shook her head. "But all these storms have passed. I believe he will be able to overcome any danger."

"Mmm!" Ning Xiaoling nodded vigorously, encouraging herself.

She led her Master on a tour of the ancient hall, which had just been officially named 'Qingming Hall'.

The grand hall was as vast as the Ancient Spirit Sect itself, with the bed alone occupying a third of its total area.

Ning Xiaoling was quite fond of this enormous bed. She excitedly led Lu Jiajia to see it, asking, "Master, doesn't this bed look like it was custom-made for us?"

Lu Jiajia paused in surprise. She stood on her tiptoes, peering towards the far end of the bed, barely able to see its extent.

"Custom-made?" Lu Jiajia asked, puzzled.

Ning Xiaoling chuckled shyly. "Yes, because there are so many of us..."

Lu Jiajia understood the underlying meaning of her words. "Xiaoling, what nonsense are you talking about? Even if there are a few more people... we certainly wouldn't need a bed this big."

"Jiajia, Xiang'er, Xueci..." Ning Xiaoling counted on her fingers. "Perhaps we'll need it later, you know. When Senior Brother returns this time, he's sure to..."

"Silence!" Lu Jiajia interrupted.

Ning Xiaoling had already made two prophetic statements, and Lu Jiajia was starting to feel a little unnerved.

Ning Xiaoling smiled playfully. "Master, your ears are quite red. Are you feeling shy?"

"Xiaoling, you're becoming increasingly brazen," Lu Jiajia chided.

"We're in Qingming Hall now," Ning Xiaoling declared, "this is Xiaoling's domain! What's wrong with Xiaoling being a little arrogant, Master? It's you who... Ah! Master, I was wrong!"

Master and disciple began chasing each other around the colossal bed.

In the silent Underworld Hall, laughter finally resonated, no longer solitary within the vast space.

Jiuyou spread out her skirt, softly sat on the ground, and bit the end of her pen, pondering how to begin writing.

Fish King lay lazily beside the throne, which was formerly Diting's place. It had indeed become the new Diting.

"How much magical power does the God of the Underworld possess?"

"The God of the Underworld's magical power is boundless..."

Fish King murmured to itself.

This joy did not last long. The still-unstable ancient Underworld Kingdom suddenly began to tremble.

Lu Jiajia immediately realized this commotion was caused by someone attempting to forcibly breach the Ancient Spirit Sect's grand formation.

Who could it be...?

"I'll go out and see," Lu Jiajia said with a calm smile, signaling Ning Xiaoling not to worry too much.

Ning Xiaoling, now the Underworld Monarch, was temporarily confined within the ancient Underworld Kingdom. She whispered, "Master, be careful. If you can't defeat her, you can lure her inside and fight her here."

Lu Jiajia nodded. As she sensed the commotion around them, her heart grew heavier.

Outside the Ancient Spirit Sect stood a woman in a white robe adorned with ink-colored lotus flowers. She held a whisk in one hand and repeatedly pointed into the void with the other. A Bagua disk rapidly expanded, attaching itself to the Ancient Spirit Sect's grand formation, its sixty-four trigrams shifting continuously.

The Underworld Kingdom's emergence had provoked the Heavenly Dao's punishment.

This disturbance was too great.

The first to be alarmed was the Ethereal Tower, located near the Ancient Spirit Sect.

The Ethereal Tower was one of the Four Towers of the Central Lands.

The visitor was Yu Qing, the Tower Master of the Ethereal Tower.