Chapter 1417: Up to Heaven's Void Young Master, Peerless Through Time

Xu Shenghua made no stops along the way, heading directly to Consort Yan's territory. His Dao heart was firm and unswerving; despite the immense temptation of the Grand Emperor's Primordial Liquid, he did not taste a single drop.

While Qin Mu often boasted about his strong Dao heart, he was impulsive by nature, frequently acting on sudden ideas without hesitation. Xu Shenghua, however, was different.

Young Master Xu of the Higher Heavens, unparalleled in his excellence.

He was more composed and reserved than Qin Mu, and also humble and cautious, possessing virtues Qin Mu lacked.

While his ideas weren't as numerous or quirky as Qin Mu's, Qin Mu acknowledged his superior intellect. However, this was both his strength and his weakness. Precisely because of his composure, reserved nature, humility, and caution, he significantly lagged behind Qin Mu in terms of pioneering spirit.

But that was only when he had no rivals. If Xu Shenghua met his match, encountered fellow Daoists, or faced strong enemies, his creativity would be powerfully stimulated. For instance, he established the Surging River Divine Treasure after a wager with Qin Mu.

The Surging River Divine Treasure was also known as the Heavenly River Divine Treasure. Without knowing that Surging River was actually the Heavenly River, Xu Shenghua managed to open this divine treasure before Qin Mu. This feat alone was enough to rank him among the Heavenly Venerates.

Another of his achievements was planting the Primordial Fusang Tree within the divine treasures. Using the beauty of numerology, he connected the seven great divine treasures, unifying them into one. This was also an achievement worthy of a Heavenly Venerate.

With rivals and fellow Daoists, Xu Shenghua shone brightly, radiant and dazzling.

However, because he was too humble and reserved, his reputation was far less than that of Qin Mu, Emperor Yanfeng, or former Imperial Preceptor Jiang Baigui.

As Xu Shenghua arrived at Consort Yan's territory, another violent tremor suddenly occurred. The Heavenly Court's third great Spirit Energy Mutual Shift Bridge was completed and opened, its light shooting up to illuminate the night sky.

It was night. Xu Shenghua glanced around and went to rest for the night in the divine city within Consort Yan's territory. The next morning, when the sun was high, he entered the portal to the Grand Primordium ore vein, presented an "invitation from Heavenly Venerate Mu," and requested an audience with Consort Yan.

Of course, Qin Mu hadn't given him any invitation; the so-called "invitation from Heavenly Venerate Mu" was something Xu Shenghua had penned himself the previous night.

A moment later, Xiu Hongsu came to greet him. She saw a captivatingly handsome young master standing quietly outside the gate, whose mere presence seemed to make time itself feel beautiful.

Unbeknownst to her, Xiu Hongsu's heart skipped two beats. She stepped forward to offer greetings and asked, "How should I address the envoy?"

"'Xu Shenghua from the Higher Heavens Divine Sect of Eternal Peace, by Heavenly Venerate Mu's command, has come to pay his respects,' Xu Shenghua replied, returning the greeting. Every gesture of his etiquette was so perfect that not a single flaw could be found."

Xiu Hongsu found herself captivated and felt a deep fondness for him. "Her Ladyship already knows; please proceed, Young Master Xu," she said. As these words left her mouth, she was startled.

As an existence at the Emperor's Throne realm, and Consort Yan's prized disciple, she held a high position and significant power. Yet, she had unconsciously lowered herself by addressing Xu Shenghua as 'Young Master Xu'!

This had never happened before!

Xu Shenghua was from a sect in Eternal Peace, a small country in the Primordial Realm, and sent by Heavenly Venerate Mu. In terms of status and position, he was naturally far inferior to her. Had she lowered her posture because she was captivated by his male charm?

Xu Shenghua's gaze fell upon her eyes, revealing a hint of confusion. Xiu Hongsu was enchanted by his gaze, then suddenly realized, "He's asking why I haven't taken him to see Her Ladyship yet, not exchanging a lingering glance. He's so polite; even though he's confused, he didn't directly ask, unlike a rough fellow like Heavenly Venerate Mu..."

She led the way, and unknowingly, she found herself talking more. It was always a pleasant experience to converse with such a handsome man.

Xu Shenghua was an excellent listener, always smiling as he listened to her. He only occasionally offered a word or two in reply, but those few words were enough to make Xiu Hongsu very happy.

They arrived at Consort Yan's secondary palace. Suddenly, Xiu Hongsu realized, "Oh no! Her Ladyship likes young and handsome men. If she sees Young Master Xu, even Little Seven might fall out of favor. Little Seven's demeanor is far inferior to his..."

But they were already at the palace entrance; she couldn't leave now.

From inside the palace, Consort Yan's voice came: "Hongsu, please bring the envoy in."

Xu Shenghua, smiling, walked into the palace. His divine sense fluctuated as he transmitted a message to Xiu Hongsu: "My purpose in coming here is to meet the Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods through Her Ladyship. I would appreciate it if you could inform the Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods."

Xiu Hongsu paused for a moment, then understood. She led him further into the secondary palace.

Inside the palace, Consort Yan sat on her throne, cradling a white cat. She looked down at the cat, her slender fingers stroking it from the back of its head down its back to its tail.

She was engrossed in watching the cat. Though she heard footsteps, she didn't look up, instead smiling as she said, "As the Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods predicted, Heavenly Venerate Mu did send back the Grand Ultimate Primordial Liquid. However, Heavenly Venerate Mu, despite all his calculations, didn't account for whether he could resolve the grievances with the Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods, which depends entirely on my will. If I don't permit it, Heavenly Venerate Mu's envoy, you won't be able to see them at all..."

She looked up at Xu Shenghua, her gaze suddenly blank.

Xu Shenghua bowed, his demeanor light and calm, never exceeding the bounds of propriety. Yet, his inherent grace and charm exuded an endless elegance.

Suddenly, the white cat's fur bristled, and it arched its back, letting out threatening growls at Xu Shenghua.

Consort Yan rose, placing the white cat on the ground. The cat then crouched, sidled towards Xu Shenghua, its tail twitching like a snake as it circled him.

It seemed to view him as an enemy, ready to pounce and deliver a deadly blow at any moment.

"Little Seven, step back. Don't disturb our distinguished guest," Consort Yan commanded.

At Consort Yan's command, the white cat, though reluctant, had no choice but to retreat.

"Hongsu, you may also withdraw," Consort Yan said with a wave and a smile.

Xiu Hongsu seized the opportunity to withdraw.

Xu Shenghua asked, "So, Your Ladyship, will you allow me to see the Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods, or not?"

"Whether I allow it or not depends on the envoy," Consort Yan replied.

Consort Yan leaned closer, smiling alluringly. "The envoy is young and handsome, not just good-looking, but also possessing an extraordinary demeanor. It's truly an anomaly to find someone like you in the lower realms."

"Your Ladyship overpraises me," Xu Shenghua replied.

Xu Shenghua bowed slightly and said, "Consort Yan holds a high position, blessed by the Heavenly Emperor's grace. Your servant is concerned..."

"Concerned about what?" Consort Yan asked.

Consort Yan's wrist hooked around his neck, and she leaned into his embrace. Her eyes, like silken threads, smiled as she said, "He seeks out other women, not even sparing my sister. I want to sleep with all the handsome men in the world to get revenge on him!"

Xu Shenghua naturally put his arm around her waist. Their eyes met, and Xu Shenghua looked directly into her eyes, softly asking, "After you get your revenge on him, have you ever felt happy?"

Consort Yan's heart trembled; a soft spot within her was touched, and she felt a surge of bitterness well up.

"Never," she replied.

"I thought as much," Xu Shenghua said.

Xu Shenghua continued to look into her eyes, softly saying, "Every time you seek revenge on him, you recall his betrayal, and you feel pain. Your revenge doesn't hurt him; instead, it harms yourself again and again. Your Ladyship, why do you put yourself through this suffering?"

Outside the palace, Xiu Hongsu watched the enraged white cat, Little Seven, storm away. Her heart stirred, and she quickly called out to him, thinking, "If I go report this to the Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods, Her Ladyship will surely find out. Though she and I are master and disciple, we are truly mistress and servant. It wasn't easy for me to reach my current position, so it's naturally better for someone else to take such a risk."

With this in mind, she spoke to the white cat, Little Seven.

The white cat, Little Seven, was overjoyed. It stood on its hind legs, cupped its paws, bowed to Xiu Hongsu, and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your guidance! That fellow Heavenly Venerate Mu harmed me by sending this pretty boy to snatch my fortune and share Her Ladyship's affection! I absolutely cannot let him succeed!" After speaking, it hurried away.

Not long after, the two Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods arrived together. The female ancient god said, "The Empress has stopped Heavenly Venerate Mu's envoy from seeing us. I'm afraid she has some scheme in mind!"

"No need to say more; we'll know once we see the envoy," the other ancient god replied.

The two arrived before the secondary palace. Xiu Hongsu quickly moved to block them, saying, "Seniors, please allow this junior to go in and announce you first!"

How could the two ancient gods be stopped by her? They simply walked past her, leaving Xiu Hongsu's attempt to block them in vain.

Her scalp tingled, and she hurriedly chased after the two ancient gods. She silently lamented, "What if they are in an intimate moment inside, and their clothes are disheveled? What should I do then?"

She and the two Grand Ultimate Ancient Gods burst into the palace one after another. Xiu Hongsu's heart pounded with trepidation, but she quickly looked up, and couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

She saw Consort Yan and Xu Shenghua both sitting high on a cloud platform, conversing and laughing. It didn't look like they were engaged in romantic intimacy. Instead, Consort Yan seemed to treat Xu Shenghua as a close, intimate friend, chatting and laughing freely with him, occasionally raising a scented handkerchief to cover her mouth as she chuckled.

Xiu Hongsu was utterly astonished. This scene was something she had never anticipated. She had expected a scene of romantic indulgence, but never imagined that Consort Yan, facing such an outstanding man, could still treat him with propriety and engage in heartfelt conversation.

"My dear Xu, you really should come often," Consort Yan said.

Consort Yan rose from the cloud platform and smiled, saying, "Speaking with you has greatly eased my mind. I have no true confidants, and it's rare to meet such a close friend like you. I wish I could pour out my heart. Alas, you are Heavenly Venerate Mu's envoy, and I despise ugly, smelly men like him. That fellow constantly goes against me..."

Xu Shenghua said, "If Your Ladyship doesn't mind, your servant can come often."

Consort Yan was overjoyed. She took his hand and walked down, saying, "With those words, my dear Xu, I am relieved. Hongsu, from now on, when my dear Xu comes to see me, do not stop him."

Xiu Hongsu was even more astonished, but she dared not show her surprise. She bowed her head and assented.

Consort Yan stepped down from the cloud platform, released Xu Shenghua's hand, and said, "Heavenly Venerate Mu sent you to see the Grand Ultimate Daoist brothers. Although I wanted to obstruct him and ruin his plans, I fear that smelly man would punish you upon your return, so I might as well grant your wish. Hongsu, let's go and let my dear Xu speak slowly with the two Daoist brothers."

Xu Shenghua bowed in thanks.

Consort Yan hastily returned the bow and walked out of the palace with Xiu Hongsu.

"What a wonderful person," Consort Yan exclaimed.

After leaving the secondary palace, Consort Yan couldn't help but look back and marvel, "To have such a talented and virtuous person by Heavenly Venerate Mu's side is truly enviable."

Xiu Hongsu blinked, her heart feeling strange. "Has Her Ladyship changed her personality?" she wondered.

The white cat, Little Seven, scurried over, but Consort Yan paid it no mind. The cat dared not jump into her arms to fawn, feeling immensely wronged. "Was I too late?" it thought. "That kid Xu, he's truly living up to his name; he's incredibly fast..."