Chapter 717: Blood Pact

Within the Ancestral Pagoda of the Ancient Buddha Clan, a radiant surge of divine light erupted without warning the very moment Qing Yanjing broke through to the Heavenly Sovereign Realm.

The dazzling brilliance pierced through the upper layers of the colossal pagoda, illuminating the entire clan grounds. In an instant, the light spread across every corner of the Ancient Buddha Clan, leaving all who witnessed it utterly stunned.

Powerful clan members stirred in alarm — the current Clan Leader, the Grand Elder, and the heads of every major lineage all gathered before the pagoda.

Under their astonished gazes, one after another, purple moons slowly rose within that radiant beam. By the end, eight resplendent purple moons hung suspended high above the heavens, exuding a mystical, enchanting glow that filled the entire realm.

The assembled Elders exchanged looks of shock, envy, anger, and even secret delight.

The Grand Elder, Futu Xuan, turned toward the man before him — a middle-aged figure dressed in embroidered robes. Though his face showed little sign of age, a faint aura of decay and lifelessness lingered about him. He was the Clan Leader, his vitality nearly exhausted, his end approaching despite once possessing Heavenly Sovereign cultivation.

Futu Xuan's deep, ancient voice broke the silence.

"Clan Leader, the Saintess has broken through to the Heavenly Sovereign Realm. The awakening of eight divine veins proves it beyond doubt. Truly worthy of our clan's most exalted bloodline. It is time to summon her back."

The Clan Leader's lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. He coughed several times before answering, his tone filled with weary irony.

"That unfilial girl actually managed to break through to Heavenly Sovereign… Yet even I have no idea where she's gone. How, then, am I to call her back?"

Futu Xuan's expression remained calm, unfathomable like a deep abyss.

"Clan Leader need not worry. Now that the Saintess has ascended, she qualifies to inherit the clan's leadership. The marriage alliance with the Ancient Maha Clan can be annulled. But because of her flight from that union, relations with the Maha Clan have already soured. It would be best to find her and bring her back before matters worsen."

At those words, murmurs rippled through the crowd. The Clan Leader's mocking smile deepened, while the members of the Qing Lineage appeared quietly pleased. In contrast, those of the Xuan Lineage and Mo Lineage looked visibly displeased.

Though they were all one clan — bound by shared blood — self-interest, not kinship, ruled their hearts.

After a long silence, the Clan Leader finally spoke in a calm tone.

"Very well. Grand Elder, make the preparations. Invoke the Blood Pact's power. Summon back Xuan Guang and Mo Tong as well. At this moment, unity is our only path forward."

Though his body was failing, the Clan Leader felt genuine relief. He had little time left in this world, yet before his fall, Qing Yanjing had finally ascended to Heavenly Sovereign. At least she now possessed the strength to protect herself.

Still, the Ancient Buddha Clan had already lost six Heavenly Sovereigns in recent years — and with his own demise nearing, their future hung by a thread. If Qing Yanjing returned and succeeded him, it would be far better than letting the Xuan or Mo Lineages seize control.

That was the true reason he had delayed recalling those two factions until now.

Futu Xuan nodded slowly, a trace of satisfaction glinting in his eyes.

"So, the Clan Leader has finally agreed. Then allow this old man to invoke the power of the Ancestral Pagoda and open the Blood Pact. Even if the price is heavy, they must be found — all of them."

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Hundred Spirit Continent.

After Qing Yanjing's breakthrough, Liu Xi decided it was best for them to leave the hidden realm behind — to rest, reflect, and simply breathe. Years of unbroken cultivation demanded balance, and besides… he wanted time to grow closer to her.

Preferably close enough to "win her heart" entirely.

Half a month later, the two arrived at Sunlit Mountain, the tallest peak of the Hundred Spirit Continent. Bathed in sunlight year-round, its unique ore — the blazing Solarstone — made it a sacred place for cultivation and contemplation alike.

But Liu Xi had brought Qing Yanjing here for something else — to watch the sunrise.

Just as dawn was about to break, a faint aura of light began radiating from Qing Yanjing's body. The luminous glow gathered between her brows, condensing into a black-and-white sigil that shimmered with ethereal power.

Liu Xi frowned at first, then relaxed as he sensed no harm — on the contrary, the mark seemed to enhance her sacred aura.

Qing Yanjing, however, looked conflicted. Her eyes wavered as if caught between emotion and duty.

Seeing her turmoil, Liu Xi's tone softened. "Tell me what's going on. I'm your man, aren't I? Whatever it is, we face it together."

Her cheeks flushed instantly. She balled her delicate fists and lightly pounded against his chest in mock anger.

"Don't talk nonsense. I haven't agreed to that yet."

Liu Xi chuckled and caught her slender hand in his.

"You will, sooner or later. Now — what's happening?"

After a few half-hearted tugs to free herself, she gave up and let him hold on. Her gaze turned distant, her voice soft.

"This is a Blood Pact. Those of the Ancient Buddha Clan are connected to the Ancestral Pagoda from the moment we are born. The pagoda acts as a conduit — with enough sacrifice, the clan can locate any clansman through it."

She paused, then continued quietly. "The Grand Elder said that as long as I return, they'll dissolve the engagement with the Ancient Maha Clan."

"Oh?" Liu Xi understood at once. "So even hidden by my protection, they managed to reach you through that link. Since you're now a Heavenly Sovereign, they can't use you as a pawn anymore. The question is… do you want to go back?"

Qing Yanjing's gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, where the first faint light of dawn began to touch the sea. Her eyes were unfocused, her heart torn.

Go back? Even she didn't know.

Within the Ancient Buddha Clan, aside from a few family members she cherished, there had been little warmth — only rivalry and intrigue.

When she didn't answer, Liu Xi smiled faintly and made the choice for her.

"Then it's settled — if you're hesitating, that means you don't want to. And since we already ran off together, you can't just waltz back, can you?"

Before she could protest, he pulled her into his arms, his voice low but unyielding.

"Even if you did want to go back, you'd have to ask whether I'd let you. And if someone dares come for you… they'll have to take you from me first."

His eyes gleamed with quiet dominance as he added, "Whether it's the Ancient Buddha Clan or the Ancient Maha Clan — even if Maha Tian himself comes, he won't take you from my hands."

Well then. Decision made.

Qing Yanjing didn't argue. Instead, she felt an unfamiliar peace bloom in her chest — a soft warmth that made her feel… safe.

"Mhm…" she murmured, closing her eyes as she leaned against him, letting that safety wash over her.

Liu Xi's gentle voice brushed her ear. "Open your eyes. The sun's rising."

She did — and there, across the endless sea, the crimson sun rose slowly above the horizon.

Golden light spilled across the world, filling it with warmth and stillness.

For that fleeting moment, time seemed to stop.

(End of Chapter)

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