Princess Evergreen . . .
Qin Wentian didn't persist in chasing after Qing'er. Instead, he watched as she departed, and the old man standing beside her cast a deep glance in his direction before moving over to Qing'er's side.
Youth often possessed a kind of daring recklessness, ignorant of the vastness of the heavens. It was easy for Qin Wentian to utter those words of arrogance, but little did he realize the arduousness of the path he had chosen.
In a world of mortals beneath the immortal realms, each step upward was as challenging as ascending the heavens themselves.
Princess Qing'er possessed an extraordinary physique, gifted with innate superiority. If Qin Wentian wished to be with her, the challenges he faced were far from ordinary. Even if their love was deep and genuine, it would take an immense effort for them to bridge the gap between their worlds.
Reality was often a harsh destroyer of beautiful tales and fairy tales, a truth that both Qin Wentian and Qing'er had yet to fully grasp.
The old man couldn't help but be touched by Qing'er's profound emotions. He sighed quietly, realizing how naive she was.
Had Princess Qing'er grown up in the immortal realms instead of this secluded particle world and experienced the hardships her father, the Evergreen Great Emperor, endured during his rise to power, she might not have harbored such idealistic dreams.
Dongsheng Ting's expression, on the other hand, turned unpleasant. His mission was to escort Qing'er away, and seeing how close she was to Qin Wentian filled him with unease.
When he first met Qing'er, he didn't necessarily like her, but there was an inherent attraction to the legendary youngest daughter of the Evergreen Great Emperor, known for her flawless beauty and rumored immortal king physique.
Dongsheng Ting had engaged Qing'er in conversation earlier, and while she didn't respond, he believed that her reserved demeanor was just part of her character. He considered it typical for the daughter of the Evergreen Great Emperor.
However, was this truly Qing'er's authentic self? She had allowed a man from their humble world to embrace and kiss her without resistance, tears of emotion streaming down her face. Although Dongsheng Ting had no personal stake in this matter, it unsettled him deeply.
Though his father's imperial order compelled him to escort Qing'er, Dongsheng Ting found himself increasingly reluctant. His royal father had informed him of Qing'er's status and rumored physique, explaining why he needed to undertake this mission. He simply couldn't bear to waste his time. But now, witnessing such a scene, Dongsheng Ting couldn't help but feel a surge of discomfort.
As for Qin Wentian, he remained blissfully unaware of Dongsheng Ting's internal turmoil, oblivious to the man's status and the conflict brewing within him.
As Qing'er's figure gradually faded into the distance, a profound sense of disappointment and frustration engulfed Qin Wentian. Unbeknownst to him, his feelings for Qing'er had grown deeper than he ever imagined over the past decade. Every moment, every memory, had piled up like an unstoppable torrent, rushing forth without restraint.
In his eyes, a spark of stubbornness ignited, accompanied by unwavering determination and an indomitable conviction. He had resolved to leave the Royal Sacred Region and embark on a journey into the immortal realms. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but it was a journey he was prepared to undertake.
Beneath him, Mo Qingcheng observed with a sweet smile. A sense of relief washed over her, as if she had finally shed a heavy burden. In this moment, she felt lighter, as though she had let go of all her worries.
As a woman, her intuition was finely attuned, and she couldn't help but sense the complex emotions between Qin Wentian and Qing'er. Despite Qin Wentian's deep love for her, he had never let on about his feelings for Qing'er. Yet, Mo Qingcheng had continually wrestled with her own emotions.
Qin Wentian was a sentimental man, deeply committed and filled with an overwhelming sense of responsibility. He couldn't bear to let Mo Qingcheng down because his love for her was genuine. Even if she rejected Qing'er, Qin Wentian would bury those emotions deep within, ensuring they would never come between him and Qing'er.
But Mo Qingcheng understood that if Qin Wentian made that sacrifice, he would forever carry a sense of regret in his heart. She feared that she would wound him deeply and that she would have to confront the repercussions of her decision. Thus, she had made a choice today, relieving herself of the burden and allowing herself to relax. However, jealousy remained an underlying emotion, an innate aspect of her womanhood that she couldn't deny.
As the scene seemed to conclude, everyone's expressions froze. Those standing by Qin Wentian suddenly realized that all attention had shifted to him. The emotional parting of lovers had captivated everyone, eclipsing even the arrival of Dongsheng Ting and his group.
People all around inclined their heads, gazing up at the sky. In a sudden twist, a row of silhouettes appeared within the immortal palace in the heavens. These were the individuals who had descended to escort Qing'er. Initially, as they ascended, their features had been too distant to discern clearly. However, when they reached the immortal palace, their forms became distinct. It was as if the immortal palace possessed a mysterious power to project their actions to the world.
In Grand Xia, within the ancient kingdom, ascendants watched from the skies, and when Fairy Qingmei laid eyes on Qing'er, her entire body trembled uncontrollably. She had suspected that Qing'er had an extraordinary background, and now that she saw the truth, the impact was profound.
"Is Qing'er truly from the immortal realms?" Fairy Qingmei pondered silently.
In Chu, there were those who had encountered Qing'er in the past, and as their gaze fell on her within the immortal palace, their hearts quivered.
Amidst it all, Dongsheng Ting stood at the most prominent position in the immortal palace, atop a wardrum. He gazed down upon the world, his eyes filled with an icy arrogance that instantly drew the attention of everyone in the Royal Sacred Region.
"Who is that person?" The question echoed throughout the crowd.
"My father is the Eastern Sage Great Emperor. He will be selecting a disciple here in the Royal Sacred Region, with the requirement that the disciple must be under a hundred years old, regardless of their current cultivation level. In seven days, the selection will take place within this immortal palace," Dongsheng Ting announced calmly, his voice resounding with cold arrogance, shaking the heavens and the earth.
This man was the son of the Eastern Sage Great Emperor.
The rumors had been true. His Majesty, the Eastern Sage, was indeed accepting a disciple, and it would be a personal disciple.
An opportunity like this, if seized, could propel one to unimaginable heights, instantly conferring extraordinary status.
The natives of the Royal Sacred Region might not fully grasp the significance of these words, but the external visitors from the immortal realms certainly did. This time, all the visitors were under a hundred years old.
Within the first hundred years of life lay the prime time for cultivation, a window of opportunity that promised unparalleled growth.
In the realms of immortality, a mere hundred years could mean the difference between a genius and mediocrity. Those who ascended to the immortal foundation realm within this brief span possessed limitless potential, marked as future powerhouses destined for greatness. These individuals were the epitome of magnificence within the immortal realms, coveted by countless factions and esteemed masters who sought to claim them as disciples. Even if they couldn't secure a spot under the Eastern Sage Great Emperor, numerous major powers would eagerly welcome them.
Thus, the age restriction became a gauge of innate talent. Those who achieved immortal status within a century were beyond the reach of this humble particle world, where they'd be eagerly embraced by the elite.
"This person claims to be the son of the Eastern Sage Great Emperor. If it's true, he must be the youngest one. Breaking through to immortality before turning a hundred is an achievement of unparalleled brilliance." Speculation buzzed among visitors from the immortal realms as they scrutinized Dongsheng Ting.
The idea that the Eastern Sage Great Emperor himself would host a disciple recruitment event in a backwater world like this was astonishing. Even if they didn't make the cut, this experience could be considered valuable training. Furthermore, they had the rare opportunity to witness Dongsheng Ting's radiance firsthand, a spectacle seldom witnessed in the immortal realms.
"Seven days from now, a connecting tunnel will manifest. Those interested in the selection may use it to reach the immortal palace. However, be forewarned that you enter at your own risk, as life and death are dictated by destiny. Consider your choice carefully," Dongsheng Ting declared before turning and vanishing into the depths of the immortal palace.
Qin Wentian's gaze remained fixed on Qing'er's receding silhouette as he sighed inwardly. This opportunity was secured for him by Qing'er herself. No matter what, he was determined to give it his all.
The revelation that the young man was the Eastern Sage Great Emperor's youngest son left Qin Wentian pondering Qing'er's status in the immortal realms. Slowly returning to Mo Qingcheng's side, he tightly clasped her hand. He gazed at her radiant smile, yet words eluded him. In this moment, his heart overflowed with myriad emotions, none of which could be adequately expressed by mere words.
With a tender smile, Mo Qingcheng turned to Qin Wentian and affectionately said, "Let's go, Dumbo." Qin Wentian nodded enthusiastically and gently tugged Mo Qingcheng along as they departed together. He then looked at Lin Xian'er and added, "Xian'er, let's travel together for a little while, at least."
Lin Xian'er nodded in understanding. She recognized that Qin Wentian's intention was to safeguard her from potential troublemakers. After all, Qin Wentian had just taken down a group of foes right here.
Over the next seven days, the entire world buzzed with excitement. Everyone was abuzz with talk about the immortal palace, momentarily setting aside discussions about the grudge between the Royal Sacred Sect and Qin Wentian.
...
In one of the thirty-three heavenly realms, within an immensely influential immortal empire, the youngest princess of the empire had returned. The Evergreen Great Emperor personally led the royal clan to welcome her, bestowing upon her the title of "Evergreen Princess" – Princess Qing'er.
The title mirrored that of the Evergreen Great Emperor himself, showcasing the profound affection he held for this enigmatic princess. This news even sent ripples across a certain region of the immortal realms.
Rumors began to circulate that the Eastern Sage Great Emperor had intentions to recruit a disciple, and shockingly, the selection test would be held in a remote, provincial world. It was rumored that this peculiar decision was somehow linked to the Evergreen Princess.
The Eastern Sage Great Emperor extended invitations to several individuals, granting them the freedom to select disciples as they saw fit. These powerful figures, though beneath the Eastern Sage Great Emperor in rank, were immensely formidable in their own right. If anyone from the Royal Sacred Region managed to catch their eye, it could irrevocably alter their destinies.