Chapter 417 - Let Us Congratulate the President!

As dawn broke, the sun climbed high, turning the dense fog over the Primordial Ruins into a blanket of gold.

The streets buzzed with the day's first prayers. Crowds surged through the marketplaces, heads bowed in devotion, united in their quest for ascension. The world inside the divine vessel was a sight of prosperity, as far as the eye could see.

Yun Xiao seized the morning prayers—a time when everyone was too busy bowing to notice—to slip away from the Primordial Ruins and head back to the outskirts of the Nine Hells.

It was then that Pale Revenant and the War Princess, just stepping out from the Nine Hells, stumbled upon him through the mist. Escaping had been easy for them, with the Three Immortals locked away in the Immortal Asylum.

"This is for you." Yun Xiao handed a map to Pale Revenant, who accepted it with solemn care, folding it neatly before thanking him with a deep bow.

"Off you go. Stay safe," Yun Xiao said with a smile.

"Mhm." Pale Revenant nodded, her eyes carrying a newfound belief after one last glance at Yun Xiao. She then turned, drifting into the fog as light as a cloud.

"Pretty slick, letting the fish swim free," the War Princess commented, arms crossed, lips bitten.

"Your turn now," Yun Xiao said, tossing another map her way.

"I don't worship you," the War Princess retorted, tucking the map away.

"Seems like you've gotten out of line again in just two days," Yun Xiao said, stern-faced.

The War Princess instinctively stepped back, then glared at him. "You're such a scarecrow, always frightening people."

A brief silence fell.

"Aren't you worried, letting me go to that dangerous place alone?" The War Princess pouted.

"I'm always with you, aren't I? Stop making a fuss," Yun Xiao replied.

"Alright then." The War Princess shot him a look, her beautiful eyes flashing. "Heartless man, lounging in paradise with beauties while I'm out in the wilderness, roughing it!"

Yun Xiao was taken aback. "Where did you get the idea I have beauties in my arms?"

"Don't play dumb. You've got the smell of a woman on you, and from the looks of it, she's fairly young." The War Princess chuckled.

"Jealous?" Yun Xiao didn't deny it but shot back with a question.

"What are you on about? We're on different sides of the divide, you and I. Human and devil... Even if you win over my body with the Blood Base, you'll never have my heart." The War Princess bit her lip.

"I live in your heart, and I've never aimed to win it over," Yun Xiao said, amused.

"Jerk..." The War Princess glared at him. "I'm leaving! May your indulgences bleed you dry!"

With that, she turned into a streak of blood and disappeared into the mist.

"In such a hurry? I hadn't finished talking," the voice in her heart said.

"I can listen now," the War Princess replied.

"Are you avoiding me because you're afraid?" Yun Xiao asked.

"Avoiding, my foot. I just didn't want to interrupt your fun," the War Princess said disdainfully.

"In the end, you are jealous. A fiery maid falls for her innocent master—it sounds like a soap opera," Yun Xiao remarked.

"Innocent your head, shameless!" the War Princess burst out.

Yun Xiao laughed for a while before his tone became serious. "I heard there might still be wreckage from that devil ark that was sunk long ago in the Blood Devil Ruins. Let's search for it together."

"What do you mean together? I'm the only one taking the risks," the War Princess rolled her eyes.

"My spirit is with you," Yun Xiao said.

"Get lost."

"Then I'm really heading back to the Primordial Ruins."

"Good riddance."

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In the Primordial Academy, the Pathseeker Society, with a membership of over a hundred, essentially oversaw everything for the academy's disciples.

This was an official organization of the academy, with its own venue, the Pathseeker Palace.

With many towers and buildings, the Pathseeker Palace was predominantly silver and black, giving off an atmosphere of solemnity and authority, hence its nickname the

Mini Mystic Zenith Temple

.

Minor offenses by disciples were carried out and dealt with by the Pathseeker Society.

So, among the tens of thousands of disciples in the academy, the influence of the Pathseeker Society was immense. Anyone who secured a position here could expect the support and flattery of hundreds, often becoming a core figure in various networking circles.

At the Primordial Academy, disciples were ranked in ten tiers, and the entry ticket to the Pathseeker Society was being a Level 7 Ding disciple. That was a tall order for being just a regular member, showing just how revered the president of the society, Tian Zhixiu, was in the eyes of these young hopefuls.

Come dawn, the young talents of the Pathseeker Society had their routines, paying homage to the Three True Immortals and practicing their ascension techniques.

After this morning ritual, today's buzz at the Pathseeker Society was all about a task handed down from the Mystic Zenith Temple—collecting registration for the new Crown selection.

So, the Pathseeker Palace and its outside square, the usual registration spot, were bustling more than usual. But the real party was happening inside.

There, alive with music and dance, a private feast was being thrown by the descendants of the Three True Immortals. A line of tables was set with delicacies and the extremely precious Jade Sun Wine. A group was playing a melodious tune, while more than a dozen in feathered dresses performed the Spirit Fairy Dance.

All performers, young ladies of grace and beauty, showed hints of nervousness beneath their youthful features.

Amidst this delicate performance, the core members of the Pathseeker Society were having the time of their lives, raising their cups in high spirits.

Center stage, Tian Zhixiu, in his light gold robe, sat with a subdued presence, sipping his wine quietly, flanked by two young figures of almost equal stature.

To his right was a young lady dressed in a violet robe, her dignified aura marked by a natural elegance. A violet crescent moon, clearly her Life Sigil, glimmered on her forehead.

"Ziyue, you've trained these girls pretty well," a black-robed youth sitting to Tian Zhixiu's left commented. His legs were propped up on the table, wine in one hand and grapes in the other, thoroughly enjoying the performance.

"Of course. In the Primordial Academy, you just have to play by the rules, and life will be good." Qin Ziyue replied, not partaking in the wine or feast, her interest in the performance seemingly absent.

"Hey! I've got an idea!" The black-robed youth chuckled. "For my birthday, Ziyue, do me a solid and send these girls over to my place for a show for my buddies, will you?"

Qin Ziyue gave him a chilling look. "Pity, though. They're all students of the Primordial Academy."

"That's what makes it better!" he laughed, clearly finding the situation amusing.

Qin Ziyue and the black-robed youth, Can Nian, served as the vice presidents of the Pathseeker Society. The former held the reins over many aspects of life for the female students. So, no female students dared to cross her. It wasn't the fact that she could easily end a regular student's life, but rather she would make the experience leading up to it a living hell.

"Ziyue!" Can Nian's eyes sparkled as he pointed at a petite girl among the performers. "How about her? I'll have someone send her to my room later, yeah?"

Qin Ziyue rolled her eyes. "What, you're picking lovers now?"

"If she's willing, it's all good. Whether she's lover material doesn't matter," Can Nian grinned.

"She's got a fiery spirit. Might not be so keen," Qin Ziyue mentioned off-handedly.

"And her dad?" Can Nian raised an eyebrow.

"A Hundred-Man Commander of the Primordial Guards. Comes from a decent background," Qin Ziyue informed.

"Easy. I'll bump her dad up to a Thousand-Man Commander," Can Nian said with a sly smile.

"Oh?" Qin Ziyue glanced at him. "You've changed. Used to be you'd coerce them into compliance."

"I'm over the teary, sobbing messes. I prefer the agreeable sort," Can Nian mused, taking a swig. "These days, it's all about enticing them. Love to see these young ones, full of dreams, getting caught up in the allure of fame and fortune. Heh."

"Can Nian." Tian Zhixiu, sitting between them, suddenly looked up, a slight frown creasing his brow.

"Uh..." Can Nian quickly put his feet down, flashing a grin at Tian Zhixiu. "You like her? Then I'll have her sent to your room."

"Just a heads-up," Tian Zhixiu's voice came through with a gravity that could sink a ship. "Fun's fun, but clean up after yourself. The birth celebration of the Three Immortals is upon us, and we can't afford any scandals."

"Got it. I'm on it," Can Nian replied, his usual grin giving way to a nod of serious agreement.

But inside, he couldn't help but grumble, "All because Dharma Crown Qin is no more, and you're left with nowhere to stick your silver lance. Why take it out on me?"

Thoughts stayed thoughts, for he wasn't about to voice them. Instead, he raised his glass with a smile and toasted, "Brothers and sisters, those lapdogs at the Academy Faction didn't even dare to sign up, absolutely hilarious. Let's toast to our president, soon to be the youngest Crown in the history of the Mystic Zenith Temple. Cheers to you!"

"Cheers!"

Inside the Pathseeker Palace, the music and dance soared, a picture of harmony and joy.

A dozen girls, who came to the academy full of dreams, danced tirelessly, one routine after another, their cultivation forgotten. They dared not stop.

The powerful, the elite, and the nobility watched with a mix of amusement and condescension, critiquing their eyes, smiles, figures, legs, feet, and fingers, their laughter burning through the air.

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Outside the Pathseeker Palace, a jade platform stood at the entrance, with a girl in a blue dress seated beside it. Her skirt shimmered like ice and snow, sparkling with starlight.

She sat upright, a picture of grace, her eyes a pure white.

Looking at her, one could see the resemblance to Tian Zhixiu. If he was considered handsome and heroic, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Perhaps that was why a group of men, members of the Pathseeker Society, surrounded her. They spoke eloquently, with an air of elegance...

But no matter how well they behaved, it was clear as day: they were all vying for the favor of the girl beside the jade platform.