Chapter 193.2: They Shut Themselves Off

As the ancient gods listened, each came to an understanding. It dawned on them that the flowers likely closed due to the Lady of a Hundred Flowers herself. She did not wish to see blossoms bloom in disorder. Seen that way, it made perfect sense. However, that didn't change what had happened.

The palace master was so grief-stricken that she couldn't utter a word.

In the next moment, an ethereal voice echoed through the air. "Thank you, Heavenly Sovereign [1], for imparting the Dao."

Every ancient god felt their heart skip. From deep within the palace, a stunningly beautiful woman emerged, walking forward with graceful steps. All traces of chaos had vanished from her eyes, replaced by lucidity. A golden floral ornament hung around her neck. Three extraordinary flowers and rare grasses were embroidered upon her flowing white gown.

With her arrival, it was as though a hundred flowers bloomed anew. The sky grew bright and pure, and a subtle fragrance swept through the air.

A Second Step god gawked in disbelief. "Great Venerable Qionghua!”

Indeed, she was none other than the legendary woman who had slumbered for thousands of years.

The palace master froze, staring at the familiar figure with eyes filled with emotion. "Master!"

It was truly her master, Great Venerable Qionghua.

But how had she awakened?

Qionghua walked toward Qi Yuan, placing her left hand over her right in a formal bow. "I have long been stuck at Fourth Step to Heaven, and was unable to condense the Flower Goddess’ divine authority. Upon hearing your words, enlightenment struck me at once."

For countless years, Qionghua had remained wounded and asleep. To awaken, there were only two possible paths. The first was for the flowers here to bloom in full, allowing her sealed memories to return. In that case, her injuries would still remain even after she woke up.

The second path was for her to break through and comprehend the divine authority of the Flower Goddess. The Qionghua Palace had never even considered this path. After all, not even another Great Venerable could help her grasp a divine authority. In fact, even if Qionghua had been awake, achieving such comprehension would have been extraordinarily difficult.

Yet today, with a few simple words, Qi Yuan shed light to the true essence of the Flower Goddess’ divine authority. That insight allowed Qionghua to break through, awaken, and transcend her former limits.

The ancient gods were stunned.

"Great Venerable Qionghua broke through?"

"She grasped a divine authority?"

Their eyes burned with envy. Divine authority was something even Great Venerables coveted beyond measure. Even Great Venerables only had the slightest chance to grasp it, let alone Venerables.

Apparently, a Great Venerable with divine authority had the potential to rise beyond a True God. Of course, these were only rumours. In ancient times, many such Great Venerables still failed to break beyond that realm.

Even so, it was terrifying how much Qi Yuan had achieved with a single visualization art. He was absurdly powerful! The ancient gods now looked at Qi Yuan with reverent eyes.

Qionghua stepped forward, showing none of the airs of a Great Venerable. "If Heavenly Sovereign do not disdain me, this humble one wishes to become your disciple."

The words struck the crowd like lightning.

A Great Venerable asking to become the disciple of a mere Violet Palace!?

The palace master. Did that mean she would have to call Qi Yuan Grandmaster from now on?!

Qi Yuan shook his head. "I don't take disciples."

He couldn't be bothered. That response stunned the others even more. If it were any of them, how could they possibly refuse?

This is a Great Venerable, you know?! She comes with no malice, only genuine goodwill! You'd accept first and think later!

Ye Liuyun stood to the side, his expression shifting again and again.

Qionghua was momentarily taken aback. She stared at Qi Yuan, her floral eyes shimmering, as though she had made a decision. "Then this humble one is willing to remain by the Heavenly Venerable's side at all times."

That sent shockwaves through the crowd.

This is a Great Venerable, you know?! And a breathtakingly beautiful one at that!

Qi Yuan glanced at her and said casually, "I don't lack attendants. How about this, consider yourself a citizen of Qingshui Village."

Their exchange had completely short-circuited everyone else's minds.

Qionghua nodded, joy flashing in her eyes. "Thank you, Heavenly Sovereign."

In the Mortal Heart World, such words were effectively a contract. With Qionghua's acknowledgement and Qi Yuan's acceptance, she was now officially one of his people.

"Not bad. Our village finally has a Great Venerable." Qi Yuan handed over the God Visualization Art. "This is your reward."

A precious visualization method had been given away just like that. Qi Yuan didn't care who received it. As long as they were his people, it was fine.

Qionghua accepted it. Even as a Great Venerable, her heart surged with excitement.

"

Oh

, right," Qi Yuan added casually, "Since I awakened you, shouldn't these treasures belong to me? Particularly those that can help one ascend to True God."

𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

After all, that was the sole reason he'd come. Gaining Qionghua as a citizen was just an unexpected bonus.

"Of course," Qionghua replied.

With a wave of her hand, twenty-five treasures flew out from the depths of the North Sea Divine Eye and landed before Qi Yuan.

"At present, the North Sea Divine Eye has produced only these twenty-five. Everything is here."

The North Sea Divine Eye was a special place where treasures periodically emerged. As a result, the Qionghua Palace possessed more treasures than most ordinary supreme powers.

Qi Yuan held the twenty-five treasures, beaming. "This trip wasn't a waste, after all. I made a profit."

That line left the palace master utterly speechless. The other ancient gods also felt that Qiyuann Sovereign was something else entirely. Wasn't gaining a Great Venerable already profitable enough?!

Qi Yuan then looked at Qionghua, suddenly recalling something. "The North Sea Dragon Clan still hasn't come to apologize to me?"

With Qionghua on her side, Qi Yuan decided to openly leverage her authority. The North Sea Dragon Clan had offended him. Without compensation, this matter wasn't over.

The ancient gods exchanged looks. Before this, they would've said, “

Apologize? Dream on. Be glad the dragons didn't seek revenge!

”

Now? Qi Yuan's words sounded perfectly reasonable.

The palace master’s face twisted repeatedly before she stepped forward respectfully. "Several elder dragons of the North Sea Dragon Clan have already awakened. They're likely still discussing matters related to the ancient battlefield."

Ever since Qi Yuan killed Golden Dragon, she had been closely watching the movements of her neighbors. The North Sea Dragon Clan still possessed a Third Step ancient dragon. At this moment, they were probably still arguing over Golden Dragon's death.

"Their efficiency is terrible, no wonder they never amount to anything," Qi Yuan said casually. Then, he turned to Qionghua. "Clear the way. I'm going to pay the North Sea Dragon Clan a visit."

Qionghua showed a charming smile. "Yes, Heavenly Sovereign.”

For her, serving the Qi Yuan was also the best way to draw closer ties.

1. This is just a title used to refer to someone she deeply respects ☜