Ji Kong’s Opportunity

"Th-thank you, my lord." The Da Zhou War Emperor's voice trembled as he spoke. Could it really be so easy to obtain a royal-grade medicine?

Hadn't he risked his life venturing into the Ancient Desolate Forbidden just for the faint hope of finding such a treasure to break through and become a true human emperor? Royal-grade medicines were rare, even in the Qingyun Realm, usually hidden within perilous forbidden zones where survival was anything but guaranteed. Without Qin Tian's intervention, he would have surely perished in the forbidden zone.

"No need to thank me." Qin Tian chuckled lightly and casually retrieved a translucent, crystal-like vine from his storage ring.

"This is the Nine Heavens Jade Vine. Among royal-grade medicines, it is known for its gentle medicinal properties. It should help the War Emperor successfully break through and become a true human emperor."

As the vine floated in mid-air, Qin Tian's smile remained calm and composed as he gazed at Ji Kong.

Although Ji Kong was referred to as the War Emperor, he wasn't a true human emperor. The title was more of an honorific stemming from his past role as the former ruler of Da Zhou.

Ji Kong stared at the gently twisting Nine Heavens Jade Vine, his heart swelling with a mix of awe and gratitude. This was the confidence of someone from a great lineage in the Upper Realm. What was an unattainable treasure in his eyes was nothing more than a passing thought for Qin Tian.

And the ease with which Qin Tian offered the vine—it wasn't even a decision to him. The disparity in status and resources was laid bare.

"Allow me to offer my sincerest thanks in advance, my lord," Ji Kong said, his tone laced with reverence.

Qin Tian's smile barely shifted. To him, this vine was of little consequence. "No need for formality. I wish you success in breaking through to the human emperor realm."

To Qin Tian, a royal-grade medicine wasn't a significant item. He had countless treasures of similar or greater value at his disposal. The Ancient Qin Clan, one of the pinnacle forces of the primeval immortal domain, possessed entire worlds dedicated to cultivating rare and legendary herbs. For an ordinary member of the clan, obtaining a royal-grade medicine was no simple feat, but for Qin Tian, they were as common as daily meals.

"Xinyue, let's go." Qin Tian turned his gaze toward the elegant woman in the distance, who was playing with Yi Yi alongside Ji Lingxian.

The small bear-like holy spirit cub, Yi Yi, was an instant favorite among the women. However, despite her affection, Yi Yi rarely allowed itself to be embraced unless bribed with ancient spirit stones.

As Qin Tian called out, Yi Yi immediately leapt from Ji Lingxian's arms and scrambled onto his shoulder, clutching its pouch of spirit stones while nibbling happily.

"You little traitor," Ji Lingxian muttered with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. She had spent the entire time trying to win Yi Yi's favor, only for it to abandon her without a second thought.

"Princess, until we meet again," Chu Xinyue said with a knowing smile, noting Ji Lingxian's subtle reaction. Being a woman herself, she could sense Ji Lingxian's burgeoning feelings but chose not to comment.

As Qin Tian departed, Ji Lingxian found herself staring at his retreating figure, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions.

"Have you taken a liking to this young master?" Ji Kong asked with a bitter smile, patting his favorite descendant on the shoulder. If it were any ordinary genius—even one from a holy land—his granddaughter would undoubtedly be their equal. But for someone like Qin Tian, even becoming his concubine might be a stretch.

"It's not like that…" Ji Lingxian stammered, her face flushing as she turned away.

At the Ye Family Manor

Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Ye Chen wrestled with a dilemma.

"Should I stick with the technique I cultivated in my past life or start anew with the mysterious scripture from the Nine-Layered Tower?"

In his previous life, Ye Chen had cultivated the Tai Xuan Sutra, a technique he suspected was on par with Heavenly Sovereign-level scriptures. With his familiarity, he could quickly regain his strength, reaching the human emperor realm in record time. With his previous life's combat experience, even the Heavenly Sovereign realm seemed within reach.

But therein lay the problem. While the Tai Xuan Sutra offered rapid progression, it came with limitations that capped his future potential.

On the other hand, the Nine-Layered Tower's scripture promised unimaginable power. In his previous life, after fully mastering the tower, he had discovered this scripture, which he believed surpassed even the most revered Heavenly Sovereign-level techniques.

At the time, however, his foundation had been too deeply tied to the Tai Xuan Sutra, and changing techniques would have drastically reduced his strength. With numerous enemies seeking his life, he hadn't dared to take the risk.

"Choosing the old technique will always leave me with regrets."

Clenching his fists, Ye Chen made his decision. The Nine-Layered Tower's scripture had been unattainable in his previous life, but now, reborn, he wouldn't let this chance slip away.

"This lifetime, I will surpass all limitations."

His thoughts turned to Qin Tian. The memory of Qin Tian's calm, knowing smile made his chest tighten with irritation.

"Who is he, really?"

Ye Chen frowned. Despite his rebirth, the memory of someone as extraordinary as Qin Tian didn't exist in his past. The man's presence felt like an enigma—something beyond Ye Chen's control.

"Could he be from one of the taboo clans of the primeval immortal domain?" Ye Chen muttered to himself. In his past life, he had spent considerable time in the primeval immortal domain and had heard whispers of these forbidden forces.

These clans, wielding power accumulated over countless epochs, were shrouded in mystery and fear.

Still, Ye Chen doubted anyone from such a high-and-mighty lineage would bother with a minor lower world like the Qingyun Realm. To them, such places were beneath notice.

"Most likely, he's from an ordinary but influential faction in the Upper Realm," Ye Chen concluded. It wasn't uncommon for Upper Realm factions to send their heirs to lower worlds in search of opportunities. However, these were rarely the heirs of true apex clans.

"Even so, I'll keep my distance until I'm strong enough." Ye Chen's gaze hardened as he prepared to forge ahead, determined to reclaim his destiny.