Myth Beyond Heaven

Surprise flickered across Yun Lintian's face. The explanation fanned the flames of his curiosity regarding the Sacred Grove. He couldn't help but wonder how the purity of its elemental source compared to the relics within him.

"A thousand, you say," he clarified, "yet you targeted this specific grove?"

The tall woman offered a wry smile. "It presented the easiest opportunity."

Yun Lintian nodded in slow comprehension. "And what of this Qing Zong's background? Why the cautious approach?"

"He holds the unenviable title of thirteenth prince, ostracized by the Azure Royal Clan," the woman replied truthfully. "Though his royal blood remains, we have no desire for unnecessary conflict."

Yun Lintian's brows furrowed. "So, the Azure Royal Clan wields absolute control over this region?"

"Indeed," the woman confirmed. "The formation of a kingdom hinges on the control of several Sacred Groves. The Azure Royal Clan, in this case, holds dominion over seven."

A flicker of puzzlement crossed Yun Lintian's features. "Such a vital resource… shared with others?" He struggled to understand why access was granted to the city's major clans.

"A kingdom thrives on its population," the woman offered gently.

Understanding dawned on Yun Lintian's face. His lack of experience in governing a vast empire was evident. To foster loyalty, the royal clan needed to offer incentives, especially to powerful clans.

"Furthermore," the woman continued, "control isn't absolute. Take your Yun Clan, for example. Even with a thousand years of managing the grove, they could only cultivate a handful of Divine Sovereigns. The Royal Clan suffers no significant losses."

"Interesting," Yun Lintian mused, a hint of intrigue in his voice. "Tell me more about the majority of powerhouses in this Great Wilderness Realm. Are there gods in this realm?"

The tall woman, now visibly relieved that she hadn't been reduced to ashes, took a deep breath and continued, "The Great Wilderness Realm, as vast as it is, is but a tiny speck in the grand scheme of the universe. It's a realm where the strong prey on the weak, where the pursuit of power is paramount. The majority of powerhouses here are those who have reached the God Emperor Realm, the pinnacle of cultivation for most."

She paused, her eyes flickering with a hint of awe. "But beyond that, there exist legends of gods, beings of unimaginable power who have transcended the mortal realm and ascended to godhood. They are said to dwell in the Divine Realm, a place of pure energy and divine laws, far beyond the reach of ordinary mortals."

Yun Lintian's surprise deepened. "Divine Realm?"

"The Great Wilderness Realm resides within the middle ring of the Primal Chaos," the woman explained, her voice laced with a hint of condescension, "with the Divine Realm at its very core. There are hundreds of thousands of such realms scattered throughout this vast expanse."

She paused, her gaze unwavering. "Our Valley Master herself has not only traversed to the Divine Realm but ascended to the status of a godhood." Her words held a veiled threat, implying Yun Lintian's limited knowledge compared to the Hidden Jade Valley's power.

Her carefully veiled threat dissolved in the face of Yun Lintian's unwavering composure. He remained an enigma, his expression betraying no hint of awe or fear at the mention of her godhood-wielding Valley Master. A disquieting chill snaked through her. The depths of this man's power were unreadable.

"Do you have a map of this realm?" Yun Lintian inquired, his voice devoid of emotion.

The woman wasted no time, producing a jade slip and handing it over with a hint of trepidation.

Yun Lintian scanned it briefly, his eyes narrowing. The sheer size of the Great Wilderness Realm dwarfed anything he'd encountered before – at least ten times larger than any God Realm he'd ever visited.

His gaze shifted to Situ Lan, a faint smile playing on his lips, devoid of warmth. "Now, about our little predicament," he drawled. "How do you propose we settle the debt you've incurred with your… machinations?"

Situ Lan remained paralyzed, her gaze fixed on the ashen remains where Tong Qi once stood.

The woman, anxiety etched on her face, rushed to speak.

"Please, name your demands," she pleaded. "We will do everything within our power to appease you."

Yun Lintian, however, seemed oblivious to her pleas. A chilling smile played on his lips. "Thank you, actually. For the wake-up call. Perhaps concealing my strength for so long has indeed been… a foolish decision."

The woman's eyes narrowed. The Third Young Master Yun before her seemed a far cry from the one they manipulated. Yun Lintian had clearly hidden depths.

"No demands," he continued, his voice a calm monotone. "Just leave. Don't let me see anyone from your sect darken my doorstep again."

Relief washed over the woman. Letting them go so easily exceeded her expectations.

Situ Lan, however, turned towards Yun Lintian, her eyes blazing with hatred.

Yun Lintian's smile widened, a touch of amusement flickering across his face. "Hatred? Now that's truly ironic."

The woman's composure faltered. She quickly ushered Situ Lan away. "Leave. Now."

Situ Lan, a trace of blood trickling from a bitten lip, burned with self-loathing for her weakness. Before departing, she gathered Tong Qi's ashes and the severed head of her protector – a grim reminder of her failure.

Yun Lintian watched them disappear into the night, a cold smile lingering on his lips. "The Hidden Jade Valley, hm? Let's see what secrets you hold."

Situ Lan, unknowingly, carried a hidden passenger – a sliver of Yun Lintian's power embedded within her soul. Every sight, every sound she experienced would be relayed back to him.

With a final glance at the silent garden, Yun Lintian turned and walked out.

"Young Master!" Yun Ling rushed to his side, her eyes scanning for injuries. "Are you alright?"

A gentle chuckle escaped Yun Lintian's lips. "Silly girl," he said, patting her head reassuringly. "Of course I am."

Yun Ling sighed, relief flooding her features. The events within the garden remained a mystery to her.

"Let's return," Yun Lintian declared, already striding away.

"Back to the mountain?" Yun Ling hurried to catch up, concern etched on her face.

Yun Lintian's smile was faint, enigmatic. "No, to the clan."

Surprise flickered across Yun Ling's features, morphing into worry. The atmosphere at the clan house must be suffocating right now, with Yun Lintian undoubtedly becoming the target of harsh criticism.

Yun Lintian seemed to sense her thoughts, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. He didn't care about it. His goal was to find a clue about his mother as well as the Sacred Grove…