Chapter 11

In the highest void of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, where stars drifted like fireflies trapped in crystal, Tianji Yuehua reclined on her constellation blanket, utterly content.

Lan Mingzhu picks another spirit grape from the crystal bowl and brings it to Tianji Yuehua's lips. The grape is chilled, its surface shimmering like moonlight and reflecting a thousand simulated constellations. Yuehua, the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secrets, keeps her eyes closed. She opens her lips slightly, her teeth grazing Mingzhu's fingertips for a moment as the grape disappears. Then, she reclines back on her celestial blanket, her arms resting behind her head and her legs spread in a rather unladylike manner.

Mingzhu gently rests her hand on Yuehua's cheek and embraces her. Above them, the stars create a magical scene where the twins, Xinglan and Xingyue, can play together in a vast nebula without leaving their mother's sight. Their laughter fills the air as they run across floating platforms, each one more amazing than the last.

Nearby, the hum of sect activities fills the air. There is a constant stream of messages, transmission equipment, and occasional flashes from warp sigils as urgent messages try to reach Yuehua's peaceful space. An elder approaches again, holding a jade slip that pulses a bright red, indicating urgency. This is the fourth time since noon.

"Pavilion Master—" the elder starts, blending respect with concern in their voice.

Yuehua does not turn her head. She raises one hand and flicks her ring finger in a lazy arc, as if giving a command from above.

"Later," she says, her voice smooth and light yet firm.

The elder, feeling small but not surprised, bows deeply and leaves. Mingzhu watches him go with a smirk. Then, she leans over and kisses just below Yuehua's earlobe.

"You'll have to face the realm eventually, beloved," she whispers.

Yuehua smiles with half her mouth, eyes still closed, and lets her wife pull her into a tighter embrace. "The realm can wait," she murmurs. "My family cannot."

Far beneath them, so deep as to be nearly outside space-time lies the Ancestral Sealed Chamber.

No one has entered the chamber for three hundred thousand years. It is buried deep under layers of earth that keep even the most persistent time-travelers out. This chamber lies at the heart of the sect's essence, in a place where cause and effect blur, and the air buzzes with the weight of countless possible futures. The chamber is enormous, shaped like a perfect sphere made of ancient void stone, covered with runes so old that no one knows their meanings anymore. Each carving is a line from the original Heavenly Secrets Sutra, made from a mix of heavenly blood and real starlight.

In the center of the sphere, there lies a sarcophagus. A clear, crystal coffin that glimmers with an otherworldly light. Inside, a single body is wrapped in silver-blue veils that seem to pulse gently, as if in tune with the rhythm of the universe.

This body belongs to Ancestor Tianji Wuxian, the last surviving being from the First Calamity. She chose to seal herself within this chamber long before the current realm came into existence. Her mind and soul are in a deep, suspended state, waiting for a moment that was impossible to predict.

That moment is now. Fate has finally arrived.

The sarcophagus cracks open with a silent explosion. Veils of starlight begin to peel away, each strand releasing a thousand years of memories into the dark.

Tianji Wuxian takes her first breath in countless ages. Her body, preserved by ancient magic, jerks upright. Her skin gleams like glass, her veins are filled with glowing constellations, and her eyes resemble two collapsing black holes. She perceives time in a way no mortal can, seeing all possible futures and the connections between life and the eternal.

As each moment passes, her flesh begins to flake away, disintegrating into stardust. Only her extraordinary willpower keeps her standing. She rises with a skeletal frame, arms stretched out wide, and then, with the power of a supernova, she lets out a piercing howl.

It isn't a sound that ordinary people can hear; rather, it's a deep vibration that resonates throughout the universe. This eerie shriek flows like an underwater wave across the vast expanse of the Eternal Sky Realm. Those who have reached the level of Qi God or higher grasp their heads in discomfort as the prophecy burns into their minds, overwhelming their divine senses. Every powerful overlord stumbles back, and even the mythical beasts, known for their strength and ferocity, instinctively shrink away, filled with primal fear.

The words resonate through the air, not as common speech but as a powerful expression of destiny unfolding:

"BEWARE THE SECOND CALAMITY!

BEWARE THE CHILD OF YIN-YANG!!

THE CHILD WILL DEFY THE HEAVEN!!!

BEWARE!! BEWARE!!"

The message is clear and carries a heavy sense of impending doom. It cuts through every corner of the world, shaking both well-known groups and hidden places. Powerful leaders, who usually reside in isolated locations, suddenly awaken with a jolt, sensing danger looming. Ancient creatures, respected as rulers among their kind, stop their deep contemplation, lifting their heads as if they can feel the sky about to collapse around them.

In faraway royal courts, within realms ruled by demons, and even in the secret hideouts of banished groups, the prophecy begins to seep into the hearts of those who think they are safe from destiny. This warning reaches everyone, regardless of their status or how secure they believe they are, leaving no one untouched by its powerful message.

In the vast emptiness of the void pavilion, a spirit grape slips from Lan Mingzhu’s fingers and tumbles to the ground, shattering into countless fragments.

Yuehua’s eyes snap open, her usual dreamy expression replaced by a sharp and icy determination. In a flash, she leaps to her feet, crossing the entire chamber in a single, powerful stride. Behind her, starlight flutters like banners trailing from a defeated kingdom.

With a single blink, the perspective of the world shifts dramatically. In the blink of an eye, she finds herself standing at the entrance of the Ancestral Sealed Chamber. Her robes ripple with tension, and her breath dances in a glow of raw fate energy surrounding her.

She notices that the doors have burst open. Inside the chamber, the once-imposing floating sarcophagus now lies cracked and empty, leaving only a mound of sparkling dust in its place. The dust swirls gently, as if still touched by the lingering essence of a departed soul. The runes carved into the walls flicker with life, burning brightly as they update and rewrite the ancient text of the Sutra, mapping out a new destiny. The entire room vibrates with an energy that threatens to overwhelm Yuehua's senses, making her feel insignificantly small for the first time in centuries.

As she enters the chamber, she slows her pace and drops to her knees in front of the pile of dust. She hesitates for a heartbeat but then cautiously gathers some of the dust into her hands. It feels both light and infinitely heavy, each tiny particle holding the weight of countless lifetimes filled with regret and determination.

“Ancestor…” she whispers, a familiar pain rising in her chest as she recalls the last words she had spoken.

"BEWARE THE SECOND CALAMITY!

BEWARE THE CHILD OF YIN-YANG!!

THE CHILD WILL DEFY THE HEAVEN!!!

BEWARE!! BEWARE!!"

Yuehua quickly understands the gravity of the situation. Memories flood her mind, connecting the dark forces of the First Calamity to the legends of the sundered realms and the secret histories known only to the Pavilion Master. The Second Calamity is not just a tale from the past; it is happening now. The "Child of Yin-Yang" she has heard about is not a figurative description—it refers to an actual being, either born already or about to be.

As a wave of possibilities fills her thoughts, she realizes that in many of these futures, destruction awaits the universe. With a pale face but a fierce determination shining through, she stands ready to act.

The elders of the Pavilion begin to arrive, each appearing in a burst of starlight, their expressions serious and their energies tense with urgency. Lan Mingzhu rushes in next, her face showing panic and deep love. The twins follow her, attempting to be brave but unable to hide their fear.

Taking charge, Yuehua's voice combines authority with warmth as she commands, "All Star Sovereigns and Destiny Readers, gather in the Grand Array Hall. We need the Star Void Ark prepared for departure within the hour."

A shiver of unease runs through the elders, but no one dares to question her orders. She gathers her family close, speaking to them in a hurried, serious tone. "Pack the necessary treasures. There’s a chance we may not return. If I fail, protect the twins at all costs—get them to the True Yin-Yang Sect."

Lan Mingzhu nods, fighting back tears. The twins hold onto each other tightly, eyes wide with fear but holding back their cries.

In mere minutes, the entire Pavilion springs into action. Star arrays are realigned, and formation masters rush to unlock the escape routes through the void. Messengers dart between departments, their voices loud and hurried. Libraries and vaults are hastily sealed. Outside, the sky above the Pavilion darkens, as if nature itself is preparing for the impending crisis.

***********

In the heart of the Heavenly Mandate Empire's grand imperial city, where tall towers made of star-iron and crystal rose high into the swirling clouds, Emperor Tian Longba held a lavish court. The throne hall was a breathtaking sight, with a dome so expansive that it resembled the night sky filled with shifting constellations that changed depending on the emperor's feelings. Just as a powerful prophecy burst into the world, the twinkling artificial stars in the ceiling flickered and then went pitch black, casting an eerie darkness over the grand hall.

Emperor Tian Longba, dressed in regal dragon-scale garments, stood in the midst of a toast. He was surrounded by concubines, ministers, and generals who filled the hall with their laughter and chatter. But suddenly, the cup in his hand didn't just slip; it shattered on the floor, sending wine spilling out like a wound across the pristine white marble steps. He froze in place, his mouth slightly open, as the words of the prophecy echoed deep within him. A thousand courtiers held their breath, paralyzed by an overwhelming sense of dread that swept through the room, even making experienced cultivators weaken and nearly fall to their knees.

At the next step on the throne, Empress Xia Yuelian observed the scene like a painter capturing a moment in time. Her usual calm expression, as serene as ice on a still winter lake, broke apart. Her eyes, famous for their beautiful phoenix-like appearance, widened in sheer terror, but in an instant, they narrowed to sharp points of calculation. She remained still, but every sense within her was on high alert—her intuition not only scrutinizing her husband, but also searching for potential foes and hidden threats lurking among the courtiers.

Child of Yin-Yang.

True Yin-Yang Sect.

It was painfully clear to everyone present: the Empress had once been the prized disciple of the previous Pavilion Master of the sect. For decades, she had skillfully buried her past, hiding it under layers of royal formality and imperial expectations. However, with the prophecy now laid bare before the entire council of elders, she felt the weight of her old oaths pulling at her heart, as if a delicate rope had never truly loosened.

She was the first to regain her composure. When she spoke, her voice was calm and sharp, reminiscent of a finely crafted blade. "Your Majesty, we need to investigate the prophecy immediately," she stated firmly, stressing the word 'we' with a hint of iron in her tone, already contemplating the first ten moves in this unfolding game of celestial strategy.

Emperor Tian Longba's presence suddenly intensified. He radiated power, causing the golden dragons stitched into the sleeves of his robe to come alive, swirling around him in a mesmerizing whirlwind of qi energy. The very pillars of the grand chamber shook under the force of his authority. "Summon every Sky Marshal and Destiny Reader!" he commanded, his voice booming. "Mobilize the entire Dragon Void Fleet!" His fierce gaze swept over the kneeling figures in the crowd, locking eyes with each general and spymaster, demanding their unwavering loyalty. "If the Child of Yin-Yang truly exists, we must locate them before anyone else does! Spare no resources and allow for no delays!"

**********

In the grand and lavish council chamber of Myriad Treasures Pavilion, a place filled with golden decorations and shining artifacts, Shangguan Tianbao's usual, confident smile began to fade.

“Child of Yin-Yang… defy heaven…” he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and greed.

His eyes sparkled with a hungry light as he thought about the potential power of such a child. “If such a child exists… their blood, their cores… would be priceless,” he said, picturing the immense fortune and power they could bring.

With a surge of energy, he slammed his fist down hard on the polished table, making the treasures on it rattle slightly. “Prepare the Treasure Void Ships! We are heading to the True Yin-Yang Sect!” he commanded, signaling his intent to chase this incredible opportunity.

********

In the Blade Pavilion of the Heavenly Sword Sect, the air was thick with tension as Jian Wudi stood with his sword quietly humming in its sheath. The weapon, renowned for its power, seemed to resonate with an energy of its own.

Jian Wudi's gaze shifted to the elders gathered around him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. “Defy heaven… interesting,” he muttered to himself, contemplating the implications of their next move.

After a moment of thought, he straightened up, determination in his eyes. “Change of plans,” he announced decisively. “We will not march to the bloodlands as we originally intended. Instead, our destination will be the True Yin-Yang territory.”

The elders exchanged surprised glances, processing the unexpected shift in their strategy. The True Yin-Yang territory was known for its formidable challenges, but Jian Wudi's confidence inspired them to follow his lead.

**********

At the top of Spirit Beast Sovereign Mountain, Ouyang Beastsoul, the leader of the mountain's beastkin, finds himself in a tense negotiation with the Thunder Weng delegation. The air crackles with energy, a mix of the scent of wet fur and electric ozone, as the weight of an ancient prophecy hangs heavily over them. Ouyang can feel the stirring of his own powerful blood, which is a mix from numerous legendary beastlineages, swirling restlessly in his veins. The phrase "Child of Yin-Yang" echoes in his mind, stirring both deep excitement and a shadow of fear.

He shuts his eyes, trying to ignore the Thunder Weng patriarch, whose beard still sparks with static from their previous disagreement. Ouyang’s thoughts race: If the Child of Yin-Yang truly exists, that could change everything. This child's very being could disrupt the fragile pact that prevents most beastkin from losing their minds and reverting back to savage instincts. It could unite the divided Tribes—Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and even the reviled Serpent. He realizes that this might be his chance to restore the lost honor of the Mountain or just to protect them all from becoming mere trophies for a blood-thirsty human overlord.

With a swift flick of his tail, Ouyang signals his war council, urging them to prepare. “We need scouts ready,” he commands. “Increase surveillance on every Blood Asura and Heavenly Sword agent in the area. We will act, but not with hostility. This child could either be our salvation or our doom. Let the others fight among themselves, and we will wait to claim the child once the chaos unfolds.”

Meanwhile, far below on the mountain, thousands of beastkin pack leaders start howling in unison, a powerful signal echoing through the ages, warning and announcing a hunt. As the winds change, every creature—birds with feathers, claws, and teeth—is drawn towards the glowing signal of the True Yin-Yang Sect in the distance.

One by one, the twelve overlords, each driven by their own motivations—some noble, others greedy—shift their void ships toward the floating jade continents of the True Yin-Yang Sect, curiosity burning brightly in their hearts.

Outside the Eternal Sky universe, there is a powerful, indestructible barrier created by the sacrifice of millions of ancient cultivators. A massive red eye locked onto the Eternal Sky Universe from the dark abyss of space. It's watching, waiting and calculating.