Greencloud Sovereign

Greencloud Sovereign . . .

In the hallowed realm of Grand Xia, where the vestiges of an ancient kingdom lay strewn in ruins and rubble, something extraordinary was afoot. Craftsmen toiled tirelessly, their hands deftly reconstructing the remnants of this bygone era, all under the watchful eye of Yun Mengyi. Night after restless night, they poured their sweat and labor into this monumental task. The goal? To breathe life back into the ancient kingdom of Grand Xia, restoring its long-lost majesty from eons past.

Yet, there was an unmistakable difference that set this reborn kingdom apart. Now, it pulsed with the vibrant energy of its people, a testament to the dawning of a new era for Grand Xia. The old world was being ushered into the embrace of a promising future.

It was a time when Grand Xia stood at the precipice of transformation, poised to embark on a new chapter in its storied history.

Amidst this upheaval, the other transcendent powers of Grand Xia remained curiously subdued. While the Azure Emperor Palace underwent its relocation, an eerie quiet descended over the realm's other powerhouses. It was the hush before a storm, an uneasy lull that hinted at impending upheaval. Would this period herald the rise of a new legend, or would it merely replay the tragic history of the Azure Emperor? Such questions loomed, unanswered and unsettling.

Outside the rejuvenated ancient kingdom, a shadowy figure in gray robes intermittently made appearances. He appeared unremarkable, resembling an ordinary elderly man. Days would pass with him meticulously studying the imposing grandeur of the resurrected kingdom before he would vanish, leaving no trace. Yet, Qin Wentian remained unaware of this enigmatic presence, despite deploying his astral warbeasts to keep watch over both the ancient kingdom and Chu.

Meanwhile, tumultuous events were unfolding in Chu. The return of Qin Wentian, coupled with the imminent grand wedding between him and Mo Qingcheng, had ignited a frenzy. People from far and wide converged on Chu's Royal Capital, eager to bear witness to the nuptials. Emperor Chu Wuwei had issued orders to prepare for the grand event, ensuring that no stone was left unturned in the preparations. After all, who could resist the allure of witnessing the man who had vanquished the Greencloud Imperial Empire's Imperial Emperor with a single stroke?

During this fevered period, Mo Feng and Mo Yu found themselves in high demand. Friends flocked to them, clamoring for stories about Qin Wentian. The inn incident, where Qin Wentian had nonchalantly summoned the Imperial Emperor to meet him in seven days, had taken on a life of its own. It had become legendary, and Qin Wentian was now an idol to countless youngsters.

Mo Yu relished the spotlight, shamelessly embellishing the tale. Mo Feng, on the other hand, preferred a more subdued role, opting to explore Chu with Ling Yue by his side.

On this particular day, Mo Feng and Ling Yue strolled hand in hand through Chu's Royal Capital. Their relationship had blossomed into an official romance, and they clung to each other with unwavering devotion.

"Mo Feng," Ling Yue teased with a grin, "when we get married, will you throw me a wedding as extravagant as the one your brother-in-law is preparing for Mo Qingcheng?"

Mo Feng ruffled his hair, looking somewhat forlorn. "Ling Yue, I promise to make our wedding unforgettable for you, but surpassing my brother-in-law... that might be a tall order. He's just too remarkable."

Ling Yue chuckled as she hugged Mo Feng, her tone playfully mocking. "You're such a fool. Who said I wanted a grand wedding like that? As long as you continue treating me this well, I'll be more than content. Your brother-in-law achieved his status through countless trials and dangers. While I hope for you to grow stronger, I don't want you to recklessly throw yourself into peril. If you spend more time by my side, that's more than enough to make me happy."

Blushing, Ling Yue continued, "Mo Feng, am I being too selfish? I want a grand wedding, yet I'm also saying I don't want you to become stronger."

Mo Feng, his face lit up with a goofy grin, replied, "Nope. It's just because you love me."

Ling Yue blushed even deeper and hastily retorted, "Idiot! Who's in love with you?"

Ling Yue couldn't help but pick up her pace, her petite form darting forward, and Mo Feng hastened to catch up with her.

"Miss," a voice interrupted them. A sudden silhouette appeared, blocking Ling Yue's path. She blinked in surprise as more figures materialized before her, and a sense of unease crept over her.

"Has Father come to Chu?" Ling Yue inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

"Lord wishes to see you," the lead figure confirmed, and Ling Yue's expression wavered. She sighed softly and turned to Mo Feng with a bitter smile. "Mo Feng, you go on ahead."

"Ling Yue..." Mo Feng hesitated, reluctant to leave her side.

"Don't worry, I'll have a chat with my father," Ling Yue reassured him with a smile.

"Lord has requested young master Mo Feng to accompany you," the lead figure added, surprising both Ling Yue and Mo Feng. They exchanged anxious glances, and then Mo Feng spoke up, his voice surprisingly calm, "That's wonderful. Ling Yue, let me join you in meeting your uncle."

Ling Yue hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay..."

"Let's proceed, miss. The lord is at the Drunken Wine Inn," the lead figure instructed, leading the way. Ling Yue and Mo Feng followed, their apprehension growing. Ling Yue's father was at the Drunken Wine Inn, the epicenter of the recent commotion.

The inn was abuzz with customers, drawn in by the recent event. However, the third floor remained eerily quiet.

Mo Feng and Ling Yue ascended the stairs with trepidation, and as they entered an elegant room, Ling Yue's eyes widened in surprise. Her father was there, but he wasn't alone. Her grandfather stood beside him, and an imposing figure in black sat casually in the room.

The black-clad figure exuded an aura of power, and his sharp gaze seemed capable of peering into the depths of one's soul.

Ling Yue's heart skipped a beat. She bowed respectfully to the black-clad figure. "Ling Yue pays her respects to the Sovereign."

As a member of the Greencloud Pavilion, Ling Yue recognized the figure before her—the Sovereign. He had risen to prominence in recent years, displacing the former leader of the Greencloud Pavilion. Unlike Qin Wentian's approach, the Greencloud Sovereign was known for his strict and ruthless rule, adhering to the philosophy of "those with me prosper and those against me perish." Ling Yue couldn't help but feel a deep sense of dread in his presence. Normally, she wouldn't have the chance to encounter the Greencloud Sovereign, and his unexpected appearance in Chu filled her with anxiety.

Mo Feng, too, felt a shiver run down his spine. The Sovereign? This was the Greencloud Sovereign of the Greencloud Pavilion?

The Sovereign nodded and, contrary to his stern reputation, offered a smile that bore an undertone of intimidation. His gaze settled on Mo Feng, and he inquired, "Are you Mo Qingcheng's brother, Mo Feng?"

Mo Feng nodded, his nerves taut. He glanced at Ling Yue, who appeared equally uneasy.

"You seem to complement Ling Yue well," the Sovereign remarked, eliciting a relieved sigh from Mo Feng. Then, he added, "Thank you, Sovereign."

"No need to thank me. I'm in Chu today to meet your brother-in-law. Can you relay this message to him?" the Sovereign requested.

Mo Feng was taken aback by the news. Qin Wentian's audacious slaying of the Imperial Emperor of the Greencloud Imperial Empire had sent shockwaves through the land. Yet, instead of seeking revenge, the Greencloud Sovereign had chosen a different course of action.

"My brother-in-law isn't in Chu. I have no way to contact him," Mo Feng replied cautiously.

The Greencloud Sovereign, still wearing that enigmatic smile, seemed unperturbed. "No problem. In that case, help me relay this message to your sister. If your brother-in-law doesn't show up within three days, I will personally pay a visit to your sister." His intentions remained shrouded in mystery.

"Very well, I'll inform my sister," Mo Feng agreed, though his mind buzzed with curiosity.

"Go then. Ling Yue will stay behind to accompany her father," the Sovereign casually declared. Mo Feng exchanged a glance with Ling Yue, who nodded in acquiescence, before making his exit.

Mo Feng promptly delivered the message to Mo Qingcheng, and her expression clouded with suspicion. She summoned a silvery roc beside her—a creature through which Qin Wentian could stay informed. It was through this roving astral beast that Qin Wentian had gleaned knowledge of the Greencloud Sovereign's visit.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but be perplexed. Perhaps the Greencloud Sovereign anticipated that Mo Qingcheng had a way to contact him, hence he had chosen this method through Mo Feng. But the Sovereign's true intentions remained an enigma.

Given the Greencloud Sovereign's prominent status in Grand Xia, he likely knew about the reconstruction of the ancient kingdom. However, Qin Wentian wasn't sure if the Sovereign had already communicated with the Wang Ancestor and Shi Ancestor.

Regardless, with the Greencloud Sovereign in Chu, Qin Wentian felt compelled to meet with him. There was no one else present who could effectively counter the Sovereign if the situation demanded it.

Two days later, Qin Wentian returned to Chu.

His presence revived the bustling atmosphere in the Mo Residence, with little Mo Yu once again pestering her beloved brother-in-law. It took some effort, but Qin Wentian managed to appease her enthusiasm.

Now, in the tranquil courtyard, only Qin Wentian, Mo Qingcheng, and Little Rascal remained.

Mo Qingcheng voiced her concerns, her brow furrowing. "The Greencloud Sovereign has been waiting for you. I wonder what his intentions are."

Qin Wentian grinned confidently. "Whatever his intentions, I'll find out once I get there."

Mo Qingcheng couldn't shake her sense of unease. She had a foreboding feeling that the Greencloud Sovereign's motives were far from benign.

"Be careful, Wentian," she cautioned.

Qin Wentian exuded self-assurance. "Don't worry. No matter how powerful the Greencloud Sovereign may be, he won't be able to keep me against my will. At most, he might have some other ascendants with him, but I'm confident I can leave safely. As long as I'm alive, the ascendants won't dare to act recklessly."

Qin Wentian's form darted through the sky as he approached the bustling inn. His keen perception extended outward, shrouding the entire area in its grasp.

The inn buzzed with activity, patrons coming and going in a steady stream. Yet, the third floor of the inn seemed peculiarly still. Qin Wentian's senses honed in on a black-robed figure, clearly the most formidable presence there, a Celestial Phenomenon Realm expert.

Surveying the others present, Qin Wentian easily gauged their cultivation levels.

"Could it be that the Greencloud Sovereign isn't here for vengeance?" Qin Wentian pondered. Just as he contemplated this, the Greencloud Sovereign's eyes snapped open, sharp and penetrating. From the third floor, his gaze seemed to pierce through space, locking onto Qin Wentian's location.

Qin Wentian knew that the Sovereign had detected his presence. In a single bound, he reached the inn's third floor and locked eyes with the Greencloud Sovereign, while also acknowledging Ling Yue's presence with a nod. Then, he turned his attention back to the Sovereign.

"What's the reason for our meeting?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"It's not that I wanted to meet you," the Greencloud Sovereign replied with a smile. Simultaneously, a seemingly unremarkable old man outside the inn, sweeping the ground, suddenly abandoned his broom and tilted his head. Clad in plain attire, he exuded no discernible aura, the epitome of an ordinary old man. However, in that very moment, his gaze transformed into something utterly fearsome.

In an instant, astral light descended, and a constellation blanketed the sky, encasing the entire Drunken Wine Inn. Passersby froze in shock, hearts racing at the sight. They gaped as they watched the ancient astral tree-shaped constellation, enormous vines snaking and wrapping around the inn, locking it in an inescapable embrace.