Myth Beyond Heaven

Inside the courtyard, Yun Lintian sat calmly beside the pond, sipping tea and watching Gui Xuan and the others play around.

"I don't quite understand it," Zhang Yu remarked after sipping tea. "The environment here is much better than the Divine Realm. Why wouldn't everyone choose to come here?"

Yun Lintian turned to her and asked, "You've been with Senior Gui for a long time. Do you have any clue why this is the case?"

Zhang Yu shook her head. "Master often spoke of us being bound by fate, but the meaning of it always eluded me."

"Bound by fate?" Yun Lintian nodded slowly. "Indeed. You could say that. Originally, knowledge of worlds beyond the Divine Realm was scarce. Even your master was unaware of them until the Primordial God Tribe appeared."

"To prevent the enemy from using us, the natives, to forcefully open the boundaries, the Beyond Heaven King deliberately confined everyone within the Divine Realm."

"It was a reasonable approach, one I can agree with. However, there's a flaw in this plan. What happened to the memories of Senior Gui and the other elders? They were true descendants of primordial divine beasts, yet they lacked knowledge of their past."

"Had the Primordial God Tribe not shown up, everyone would have remained oblivious."

Zhang Yu frowned deeply. She was right. Back then, no one had any idea about the outside world.

"Why not ask Senior Lin and Senior Lan? They must know something," Zhang Yu suggested.

"They would have told us already," Yun Lintian shrugged. "Honestly, I'm unsure what grand plan the Beyond Heaven King has for me. The two elders are likely afraid of interfering with his scheme."

Zhang Yu fell silent. She, too, was clueless.

Meanwhile, Yun Yi reminisced about his master's past. Everything was blank except for what the Beyond Heaven King allowed him to know.

"This is what I mean by 'bound by fate,'" Yun Lintian stated as he refilled his cup. "But it's a fate orchestrated by someone."

"What do you mean?" Zhang Yu asked, puzzled.

"Everything is predetermined by someone. Not the Beyond Heaven King, Senior Long, Senior Gui, or anyone from the Divine Realm. This individual likely holds the key to the truth behind everything," Yun Lintian explained.

"I don't know who it is, but I believe we'll uncover their identity sooner or later."

Zhang Yu and Yun Yi exchanged glances, doubt lingering in their eyes.

"Hmm?"

A collective gasp escaped the three as their attention shifted towards the entrance. They exchanged glances, curiosity piqued, and walked forward to investigate.

Yun Lintian's eyes narrowed slightly upon recognizing the group led by Dongfang Chen approaching the entrance. Although they had never formally met, Yun Lintian easily deduced the man's intentions.

Dongfang Chen halted at the threshold, his gaze sweeping across Yun Lintian's group. It lingered briefly on Zhang Yu before settling on Yun Lintian.

"I've heard you assisted my dear sister against the pirates," he announced, a smile playing on his lips.

"Ah… My bad. I forgot to introduce myself," Dongfang Chen chuckled. "I am Dongfang Chen."

"We wouldn't dare claim credit for aiding Miss Dongfang. It was simply a coincidence," Yun Lintian responded with a smile. "Whoever orchestrated the pirates' attack must have been rather incompetent. They should have focused on Miss Dongfang instead of attacking passersby."

Dongfang Chen's face darkened slightly upon hearing this veiled accusation, confirming Yun Lintian's awareness of the true mastermind. "Indeed, they are incompetent."

"May I inquire about your purpose for visiting, Young Master Dongfang?" Yun Lintian inquired politely.

"A mere gesture of gratitude for assisting my sister," Dongfang Chen stated.

"Additionally," he added with a sly smile, "I'm hoping to meet a specific lady within your group. Would you mind directing me to her?"

"A lady?" Yun Lintian feigned surprise. "Do you refer to my wife?"

Dongfang Chen stared intently at Yun Lintian. "Precisely."

"Unfortunately, my wife is currently recovering and unable to receive guests," Yun Lintian explained with a faint smile.

"Presumptuous!" A hulking figure behind Dongfang Chen, Lang Sen, bellowed. "My master wants to see her, and she must comply!"

Dongfang Chen frowned in disapproval. "Lang Sen, restrain yourself."

"My apologies, Master," Lang Sen bowed slightly, his voice void of remorse.

Dongfang Chen turned back to Yun Lintian, a faint smile returning to his face. "As you're aware, I'm a businessman. Negotiations are the cornerstone of my profession. Perhaps we can discuss a price?"

"Price? I'm afraid I don't understand your meaning, Young Master Dongfang," Yun Lintian replied, feigning confusion.

"The price for your wife, of course," Dongfang Chen stated frankly, a smirk twisting his lips. "I want to purchase her and let her become my toy."

His companions echoed his sentiment with chilling grins.

Yun Lintian's eyes narrowed, "Are you sure you want to buy her, Young Master Dongfang? The price might be far beyond your reach."

Dongfang Chen, anticipating anger and aggression, was taken aback by Yun Lintian's controlled response.

He spread his arms arrogantly. "As you can see, my family's business thrives. There's nothing I cannot afford. Name your price."

Yun Lintian sighed dramatically, feigning reluctance. "Very well, but I must warn you, the cost is substantial… Alas, I don't want to do this, but it cannot be helped."

"Well, the price is the life of your entire family. Would you like to settle the debt immediately? I'm afraid installments are not accepted here."

The revelation stunned Dongfang Chen and his companions into silence.

"How dare you!" Lang Sen roared, unleashing his Middle God Realm aura in a fury.

Yun Yi reacted swiftly, conjuring a barrier to deflect the attack.

Bang!

The two powerful auras clashed, creating a stalemate.

Dongfang Chen glared icily at Yun Lintian. "You possess remarkable audacity. No one has ever dared to speak to me with such disrespect. Are you sure this is the path you choose? Look around you, young man. This is my territory."

Yun Lintian responded with a hearty laugh. "The question, Young Master Dongfang, is whether you are truly prepared for this outcome?"

Dongfang Chen was bewildered by Yun Lintian's unwavering confidence. He scrutinized the group once more, searching for any hidden strength. His resolve hardened when he saw nothing special.

"Very well. Let it be done," he declared, stepping back and allowing his subordinates to advance on Yun Lintian.

Yun Lintian, unfazed, stepped forward, the White Dragon Spear firmly clutched in his hand.

"Charge!" Lang Sen and the others bellowed, their eyes glinting with malice as they lunged towards Yun Lintian.

A booming voice suddenly interrupted the unfolding confrontation, "Stop!"