The Fleeting Cloud Skyship soared towards the peak of Jade Mountain. As they approached, the clouds seemed to part before them, revealing a hidden paradise nestled amongst the celestial peaks.
Lush greenery carpeted the slopes, dotted with vibrant flowers and cascading waterfalls that shimmered like scattered diamonds. Atop the highest peak, a magnificent palace materialized from the mist. Its architecture defied any known style, a harmonious blend of elegance and ethereal beauty.
Landing on a platform carved from a single, colossal jade stone, Yun Lintian and his companions disembarked, a mix of apprehension and curiosity swirling within them. The invitation from the Jade Mountain God was unexpected, to say the least.
As they stepped off the platform, a figure materialized before them. Tall and slender, cloaked in a shimmering white robe that seemed woven from moonlight, her features were obscured by a gentle luminescence. This was the Jade Mountain God, her presence radiating an otherworldly calmness.
"Welcome," her voice resonated in their minds, bypassing the need for words. It was a voice that held the melody of a cascading stream and the wisdom of ancient mountains. "I apologize for the sudden summons. However, the matter I wish to discuss is of utmost urgency."
A tense silence descended. Yun Lintian and the others detected no malice from the voice. Coupled with Lan Qinghe's assurances about the Jade Mountain God's reliability, they felt no apprehension about being attacked here.
Yun Lintian took the lead. "We appreciate the invitation, esteemed Jade Mountain God. We were about to depart for the God Tomb when your message arrived. May we inquire about the nature of this urgent matter?"
The Jade Mountain God inclined her head slightly. "The God Tomb holds secrets best left undisturbed for now. But more importantly, there is a greater threat looming, a power that seeks to manipulate the fabric of reality for its own gain."
Her words sent a jolt through the group. Yun Lintian exchanged a worried glance with his companions. Could it be the Chasm of Uncreation?
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Do you know the identity of this threat?" Yun Huanxin asked, her voice laced with urgency.
The Jade Mountain God paused, a flicker of something akin to sadness crossing her luminous form. "I do not possess a complete picture, but glimpses… visions of a being of immense power, manipulating fate and destiny. It appears to be connected to you, Yun Lintian."
Yun Lintian wasn't surprised at how she knew his name. What intrigued him was her power. Was it another divination power?
"What do you propose we do?" Yun Lintian inquired, his voice firm despite the weight of this revelation.
"The path ahead is shrouded in mist," the Jade Mountain God replied. "However, I can offer you guidance. Within the God Tomb lies a fragment of the Tof Chaos, an ancient artifact said to hold knowledge of the era before the Primal Chaos. It may provide the key to understanding this threat and potentially even… altering the course of destiny."
"The Tof Chaos?" Yun Lintian's brow furrowed in confusion. He'd never heard of such a thing.
"Master possesses a fragment of the tome," the Jade Mountain God explained solemnly. "I was fortunate enough to have glimpsed it. There is a darkness lurking, waiting for an opportunity to return."
Yun Lintian, upon hearing this, felt certain she was referring to the Chasm of Uncreation.
"Senior," Yun Lintian began cautiously, "who is your master?" Though he harbored a strong suspicion it was the Chaos Goddess, he sought confirmation.
The Jade Mountain God's response was gentle. "The Chaos Goddess."
"Do you have any idea of her whereabouts?" Yun Lintian pressed quickly.
The Jade Mountain God sighed softly. "Sadly, no. She vanished without a trace. My search for her has proven fruitless."
Yun Lintian's brow furrowed further. Where could she have gone?
"With the God of Heaven's heir appearing," the Jade Mountain God continued, "chaos will soon engulf the Nine Heavens Realm."
Yun Lintian fell silent momentarily before asking, "What is your plan, Senior? How will you handle the Heavenly Court?"
"Sister Mei and I have agreed to maintain a low profile for now," the Jade Mountain God said softly. "The Heavenly Court is actively recruiting, and the northern demons are restless... War is imminent."
"Without Master, confronting them is beyond Sister Mei and me. We can only prepare for the potential outbreak."
Yun Lintian nodded in understanding. "Sister Mei" undoubtedly referred to the Plum Blossom God.
"While I cannot accompany you to the God Tomb," the Jade Mountain God concluded, "I can ensure your undetected arrival."
She held out her hand, and a radiant orb materialized above it. The orb pulsed with an otherworldly energy, swirling with a myriad of colors.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"This is a fragment of my essence," she explained. "It will shield you from immediate detection and grant you access to hidden passages within the God Tomb. But be warned, its power is limited, and it will fade with time."
Yun Lintian accepted the orb cautiously, feeling a surge of potent energy emanating from it. "Thank you, Senior. This will be invaluable."
A solemn air settled upon the group as Yun Lintian grasped the fragment of the Jade Mountain God's essence. The weight of the revelation about the Tof Chaos and the looming chaos pressed heavily on them.
"I'm sorry I cannot help you much," the Jade Mountain God said softly. "Once you obtain the fragment of the tome, please return to me. I will do my utmost to interpret it."
"Understood," Yun Lintian readily agreed.
"You may depart now. Don't worry about the Heavenly Court for the tbeing," the Jade Mountain God spoke.
Yun Lintian cupped his fists in respect. "Then we shall take our leave." He boarded the skyship and steered it away under the watchful gaze of the Jade Mountain God.A long sigh escaped the Jade Mountain God's lips. "What a shame..."
With a turn, she vanished from the spot.
After leaving the Jade Mountain God Realm, Lin Xinyao sent a sound transmission to Yun Lintian. "What are your thoughts?"
Yun Lintian's eyes flickered with a hint of suspicion as he examined the Jade Mountain God's essence in his palm. "It is strange. She's clearly eager for the fragment of the tbut unwilling to truly commit. She didn't even send her people over with such a dangerous endeavor... How can she be so confident in our success?"
He looked at her and continued. "Unless, of course, she is fully aware of my identity. However, I doubt the Chaos Goddess would reveal such a secret."