How to merge the fundamental laws of the two realms?

Qin Ruqing wasn’t sure, but she had one idea.

Just like the Azure Lotus Dao Ancestor, she would immerse herself in the world’s barriers to perceive the source of the laws.

Long ago, Dao Ancestor had given her a hint in the Sixth Realm: “If there comes a day when you follow my path, in the depths of the barrier, there are my insights and gifts left behind.”

At the time, Qin Ruqing had only smiled. Looking back now, it seemed that it was destined from the very beginning.

As the successor of Dao Ancestor, she was destined to follow the Dao Ancestor’s footsteps and embark on the unfinished journey of Dao Ancestor.

So, what was there to hesitate about?

On the day of departure, Qin Ruqing didn’t tell anyone.

She hated all farewells, so this immersion into the barrier was a grand personal appointment.

The sea and sky were one color.

Qin Ruqing chose to enter the barrier in the depths of the ocean.

This place was not far from the Sixth Realm—the consciousness sea of Dao Ancestor.

Her intuition told her that starting from here had the greatest chance of success.

Others couldn’t even see the entrance to the barrier here; only Qin Ruqing saw a shimmering light, like a deep blue vortex opening in the sky.

The vortex behind was unknown, enticing her to move forward.

Just as she was about to step in, Qin Ruqing’s brows moved slightly as she turned her head to look back.

In the vast blue sea, a tall and slender figure approached.

Qin Ruqing couldn’t help but stop.

The figure walked slowly across the endless sea, as if on a migration, step by step, with a sense of reverence.

It was as if the sea had no end, and he could keep walking indefinitely.

But he clearly had a purpose and an endpoint.

Facing Qin Ruqing, he suddenly quickened his pace when she looked at him.

Watching him approach, their gazes met.

Tang Zifeng stopped, adjusted his robes, and, as if it were just a usual moment in the long years, showed her a warm smile.

Qin Ruqing, for some reason, felt nervous.

She descended and stood on the same stretch of sea as Tang Zifeng, and asked softly, “Tang Zifeng, are you here to see me off?”

Tang Zifeng shook his head and said seriously, “No, I am here to go with Qingqing.”

In fact, Qin Ruqing had anticipated his arrival.

Hearing him say it in person made her heart pound.

She had to admit her first reaction was joy.

But after the joy, she shook her head soberly, “No. You know, if I go, it’s basically… I can’t let you come with me.”

“Qingqing can go, why can’t I?” Tang Zifeng smiled faintly.

“How can I ask you to go to your death?” Qin Ruqing couldn’t bring herself to say such words and could only jokingly say, “I’m going to create a personal highlight for the miracle Qingqing. What about you?”

Tang Zifeng still smiled, “Then I will be the highlight’s accompaniment.”

Qin Ruqing’s smile faded.

She stared at Tang Zifeng fiercely.

Tang Zifeng smiled and gently took Qin Ruqing’s hand, his eyes serious.

“Zifeng’s parents are deceased. Besides Qingqing, there is nothing else tying me to this world.”

Qin Ruqing wanted to say that he still had family and friends.

But such words would seem pretentious—Qin Ruqing knew very well who Tang Zifeng valued most in this world.

“Many years ago, in the Qin family, it was Qingqing who lifted the black robe that covered Tang Zifeng, allowing him to see the light of day.”

Tang Zifeng still remembered the time when he first entered the Qin family and was driven around by Qin Ruqing, being “fleeced” in the process.

He was frustrated, helpless, and annoyed, yet he enjoyed it.

“Tang Zifeng rooted himself in the world because of Qingqing.” Without Qingqing, he would have been a rootless, depressed person, expelled from his family.

“If Qingqing is gone, what purpose does Tang Zifeng have in existence?”

“Moreover,” Tang Zifeng paused, his gaze fixed on Qin Ruqing, his smile gentler.

“Moreover, Qingqing is afraid of loneliness. Having Tang Zifeng accompany her is just right.”

Qin Ruqing is afraid of loneliness.

The world only knew that Qin Ruqing feared neither heaven nor earth and lived a lively and noisy life.

Only Tang Zifeng saw that Qin Ruqing was afraid of being alone.

Qin Ruqing’s heart suddenly ached, and she felt like crying.

She was already shaken, but still, she mumbled, “But you’re a great artifact master, the future of the path of artifacts in the cultivation world. If you go with me…”

Tang Zifeng remained unmoved by the wind and rain, smiling slightly, “The legacy that should remain has already been left in the Artifact Meeting and has been communicated with the three great masters.”

“Tang Zifeng is left alone, and only Qingqing remains.” Tang Zifeng deliberately used a tone he rarely used, which sounded like a joke, but only Qin Ruqing knew how serious he was.

Qin Ruqing let Tang Zifeng hold her hand, her heart in turmoil.

She looked up at the sky and then down at the ground, as if there were ten rare pearls embedded on the surface of her feet.

After struggling for a while, she finally managed to mumble:

“But I haven’t asked the Ancestor… I need to ask the Ancestor… to propose to the Tang family.”

Tang Zifeng was even happier, while Qin Ruqing’s head dropped again, so he could only see the top of her black hair.

But he didn’t mind, his smile was so gentle it almost overflowed.

He said: “It’s okay. You can propose when you return. It will be the same.”

Qin Ruqing wrestled with her feelings for a long time, and in the end, she felt more straightforward.

After all, Little Tang was already hers!

It should be like this.

She suddenly lifted her head, her eyes bright with moisture, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“Alright.” She cleared her throat, feeling a bit pretentious, but her tone still rose with excitement. “Let’s do it!”

Her expression turned happy as she babbled on, “I don’t want to leave you alone out there. It’s so dull for you to stay and refine artifacts by yourself. Don’t turn back into the little black-robed Tang of old.”

Tang Zifeng looked at her gently, a faint smile forming on his lips.

Qin Ruqing couldn’t hold back any longer and suddenly said, “Do you know, in the Ruins’ inheritance illusion, we were partners for a hundred years…”

Finally, it was out! This had been a burden on her heart!

Now that she had said it, Qin Ruqing began to let go of her reservations.

She raised her eyelids and added, or rather emphasized, “You… you are still my chosen husband!”

“I know.” Tang Zifeng just smiled.

“Hey, I knew you saw clearly last time.” Once she received this confirmation, it felt like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Qin Ruqing felt completely at ease and grasped Tang Zifeng’s hand in return.

The sea surface rippled gently. The wind had picked up.

“We should go now.” Qin Ruqing squinted, looking towards the barrier, becoming serious.

She turned her head, leaned in, and touched her forehead to Tang Zifeng’s.

Tang Zifeng’s dark eyes looked at her, obediently allowing her actions.

The spot where their foreheads met radiated golden light.

“I will hide your body in my sea of consciousness. As long as I live, you live. As long as I die, you die.” Qin Ruqing said with utmost seriousness.

Tang Zifeng didn’t speak, only looking at Qin Ruqing with a smile as his body gradually became ethereal.

His lips lightly descended, brushing against Qin Ruqing’s in a fleeting, dream-like blessing.

The golden light dispersed and was ultimately absorbed by Qin Ruqing into her third eye.

Tang Zifeng vanished.

Qin Ruqing’s hand rested on her brow, feeling an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and peace.

“Now, we are one.”

She murmured, her gaze returning to the barrier.

Instead of rushing in, she looked towards the rising sun, gently waving her hand as if to bid farewell.

At that moment, the sun was just emerging from the horizon, casting a bright, clear shape.

The morning light illuminated Qin Ruqing, creating a faint halo around her slender figure.

The sunlight was her backdrop.

She whispered towards the direction of the Qin family:

“Goodbye.”

The moment Qin Ruqing entered the barrier, the light of the heavens surged.

Everyone felt the heat, as if being scorched by heavenly fire.

They instinctively opened their windows, stepping outside to gaze at the sun.

Under the blazing sun, all the inhabitants of the two realms heard a voice that seemed to come from the heavens or from the depths of their souls:

“Today, I sacrifice my life to the barrier, seeking the true path of the Dao, the fusion of laws. May the two realms be peaceful, prosperous, and eternally harmonious.”

The people of the two realms only knew that the war had come and gone suddenly, and they were confused and sorrowful, struggling to survive in the cracks of the world.

Today, they still did not understand the cause and effect, nor the true essence of the Dao.

Yet, when the voice sounded, they all solemnly knelt towards the sun.

They stood up, tears streaming down their faces.

---

Not far from where Qin Ruqing had thrown herself into the barrier, three people stood.

Qirong wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and when he pulled back his sleeve, his eyes were red. “Ancestor, do you think my sister was waving at us just now?”

“Yes!”

Ancestor Wenxuan did not respond. It was Lu Wei who spoke.

Her voice was still hoarse. “Qingqing was indeed waving at us.”

“But we are so far away to avoid making her sad.”

Only then did Ancestor Wenxuan speak, sighing with a smile.

The tears in her eyes fleetingly appeared and disappeared. “Silly child, with your sister’s current abilities, how could she not see you wherever you stand?”

Qirong nodded, his emotions calming somewhat. “Is it really alright not to call Uncle and Aunt?”

“Qingqing has already expressed her desire not to be seen off. Besides…” The Ancestor paused, sighing, “Besides, having parents watch this scene with their own eyes would be too cruel.”

Lu Wei remained silent, staring in the direction Qin Ruqing had departed.

The Ancestor had to comfort this perceptive child. “Little Tang is the person who will accompany Qingqing for life. I won’t stop him from going. Lu Wei, you still have your parents…”

But Lu Wei shook her head, wiping the tears from her eyes and becoming resolute. “Even without parents, I will not go.”

“The Qin family has developed to this scale because of her.”

“I want to protect the Qin family for Qingqing.”

“And me too!” Qirong quickly added.

Lu Wei smiled at Qirong and then said, “Moreover, I firmly believe—”

“She will definitely return.”

Like every time before.

When she returns, it will be earth-shattering, radiant with light.

---

Ten years later.

Today, the east domain’s Zhuyu Archipelago’s state city’s main gate was teeming with people, exceeding the usual number by double.

Observant citizens could see that the figures appearing intermittently in front of the teleportation array, judging by their expressions, attire, and the jade pendants hanging from their waists, were all from noble families.

“What’s going on in the Eastern Region? In just one morning, so many spirit vehicles and flying boats have rushed over—it’s quite a sight!”

Several guests resting at a tea stall in front of the city walls chatted casually.

They appeared to be scattered cultivators from outside the Eastern Region who had come to trade.

The tea stall owner replenished their teacups and explained with a smile, “You might not know, but today is the Celebration of Qin Deming, the Clan Leader of the Qin family from the Eastern Region. That’s why all the families are putting in so much effort to come and offer their congratulations.”

“The Qin family…” One of the scattered cultivators furrowed his brows, trying to recall where he had heard the name.

“Even though Nascent Soul Realm is a major cultivator, there are so many families in the Eastern Region. A Nascent Realm ceremony might not stir up much excitement, right?”

Given the grandeur of today’s city gates, some even believed it was a celebration for a celestial-grade Clan Leader.

Seeing his confusion, other scattered cultivators were astonished. “Brother, did you come from some remote mountains? The Qin family in the Eastern Region—who else but that Qin family?”

That family…

Realizing the significance, the person felt a bit embarrassed for not recognizing it sooner.

Seeing the disapproving looks from others around, he quickly lowered his voice and asked, “Is it the Qin family from Jie Ri Island, originally from Nanling County?”

Everyone burst into laughter.

“You just figured it out? Exactly! Otherwise, how could a Nascent Realm ceremony from a mere Clan Leader create such a grand spectacle? It’s our cultivation world’s top female immortal, the commander of three armies, and the savior and protector of the people, Immortal Ruqing’s father. That’s why this ceremony is receiving such treatment. Today, all the families are here to congratulate Immortal Ruqing’s father!”

This lengthy preamble was delivered smoothly without a pause, and the surrounding people didn’t find it long.

After hearing it, they clasped their hands together and bowed sincerely towards the east.

“Perhaps Immortal Ruqing might return to offer her congratulations for her father’s Nascent Realm ceremony?”

“Immortal Ruqing is currently in the process of comprehending the true path of the Dao, so she might not return for another decade or so. I hope to see Immortal Ruqing’s presence in my lifetime.”

“If Immortal Ruqing truly achieves enlightenment and returns, seeing her isn’t something you can just wish for. You should buy more jade slips in front of the Song family’s building!”

The scene at the city gates was already so grand, and Jieri Island was even more impressive.

Originally, after the Qin family settled in Jie Ri Island, they only built a large-scale teleportation array connecting to the Eastern Region.

Later, after the wars subsided and the families and people stabilized, they gradually added three more.

It is now the only super-large hub island connecting four realms.

Such treatment was usually reserved for celestial-grade figures, but due to the Qin family’s special status, no family dared to object.

Even the newly added teleportation arrays were proposed voluntarily by these families.

The teleportation array was congested with vehicles and carriages, all waiting in the sky to be dispatched.

Though it was a bit of a delay, no one dared to complain.

At this time, a graceful female cultivator handed her identity token to the guards.

When the guard saw it and recognized her as the head of the Ming family from the Eastern Region, he greeted her more warmly.

The Ming family’s grandmaster was Mr. Tang’s teacher, and Mr. Tang’s relationship with Qin Ruqing… In any case, the Ming family was closely allied with the Qin family.

He gestured for her to enter, “Please, the Fourth Young Master has been waiting for you inside.”

Ming Ying sighed, “I already asked him to come out to greet me.”

The guard chuckled but remained silent.

This was a result of Qirong’s personal authority, and if he appeared now, rumors of a marriage alliance between the Qin and Ming families would spread throughout the Four Realms tomorrow.

Qirong, tall and broad-shouldered, stood there with a mature demeanor that had replaced his youthful appearance.

He now managed the border defenses of the two realms.

To show maturity, he wanted to grow a beard, but Ming Ying had strictly forbidden it, saying, “I don’t like men with beards. If you grow one, I won’t speak to you anymore.”

Qirong couldn’t help but mutter, “Which man doesn’t have a beard? Besides, aren’t you the one who keeps talking to me all the time?”

In the end, he didn’t grow the beard he had been contemplating.

Seeing Ming Ying, he stood upright and complained, “Why so slow? The auspicious time is approaching.”

“The entrance to your family’s main gate is too congested.” Ming Ying smirked and skillfully linked her arm with his.

Qirong blushed and tried to pull away but couldn’t. “There are many guests today. You should be more restrained!”

“Restrained? Who doesn’t know that I’m pursuing you to be my spouse?” Ming Ying raised her finely shaped brows.

“Today is the Nascent Realm ceremony, and it’s just right to visit Elder Five.” Elder Five of the Qin family, Qin Dexin, was also Qirong’s mother.

Qi Rong, stepping awkwardly, was almost dragged in by Ming Ying.

Even a big, powerful man like him couldn’t push aside the slender female cultivator beside him.

In the Clan Lesder’s courtyard, a few attendants were adjusting the creases of Qin Deming’s ceremonial robe, while the matriarch, Luo Xian, watched leisurely.

She finally sent the attendants away and personally adjusted Qin Deming’s hat.

“Alright, finally ascended to Nascent Soul Realm. At least we didn’t disappoint your daughter’s hard-earned reputation.” After arranging the hat, Luo Xian waved her hand in dissatisfaction.

Qin Deming turned around, his beard twitching in dissatisfaction, still bickering with his wife as usual, “What do you mean by ‘ finally ascended to Nascent Soul Realm’…”

He rolled up his sleeves and turned around to check, “Is it all in order?”

“All in order!” Luo Xian said casually. “Your daughter would definitely praise you if she saw you, saying, ‘My dad is really handsome.’”

After saying this, her expression dimmed, and her eyes became red.

Qin Deming fell silent for a moment before comforting his wife. “Today is a joyous occasion; who knows, maybe Qingqing will truly come back! Don’t let her see you crying.”

Luo Xian, though naturally strong, believed in her daughter and quickly wiped away her tears.

She then pushed Qin Deming gently. “You old fool, always dragging your feet. Hurry up; everyone outside is waiting for you!”

Qin Deming walked up the newly expanded altar on the Sacred Sun Island.

As soon as he stepped onto the first step, ceremonial officials began to recite the list of congratulatory gifts.

The list included rare and precious items that made him gasp.

Yet he managed to maintain a composed expression, holding the lit incense as he ascended the stairs, step by step.

In truth, he hadn’t wanted to hold this Nascent Soul Ceremony at all.

With Qingqing not yet back, he had no celebratory spirit.

But Ancestor Wenxuan had said:

“The enthusiasm of the people outside, their gratitude to the Qin family, needs an outlet. You just happen to be holding the Nascent Soul Ceremony, so the timing is perfect.”

Qin Deming had thought to himself that the Nascent Soul was not a big deal in the East Domain, and it didn’t warrant such elaborate arrangements.

Yet the Ancestor, as if reading his mind, had sternly replied, “Even if you were just a Foundation Establishment cultivator, people from all four domains would still treat you with respect. Need I explain why?”

Pausing for a moment, with a piercing gaze, the Ancestor continued, “The glory Qingqing earned for the Qin family between life and death, are you, as her father, going to reject it?”

It was this statement that truly made Qin Deming decide to step up and take everything upon himself.

“At least when Qingqing returns, she will see the Qin family flourishing and think, ‘Well done, Dad!’” Qin Deming thought.

The Beast Tribe’s recitation of the gift list brought Qin Deming back to his senses.

“Wind Leaves, a thousand pieces; Ten Thousand-Year Light Spirit Grass, a thousand stalks… Ancient Nine-Step Beast Cores, ten pieces.”

Qin Deming couldn’t help but glance sideways at the Beast Tribe’s new Emperor.

It was rumored that he had some relationship with Qingqing.

Today, the Beast Emperor had come to congratulate Qin Deming on his Nascent Soul Ceremony, an honor even two celestial items hadn’t received.

Qin Deming turned his gaze away and continued up the stairs, feeling an inexplicable unease. “Could it be that the many-eyed wolf demon is coming to cause trouble? But with both celestial elders here, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

As he reached the final step of the jade staircase, the recital of the gift list concluded, and nothing unusual happened.

Qin Deming couldn’t decide if he was disappointed or relieved.

He stood solemnly, ready to place the incense in the sacrificial furnace.

Suddenly, he felt an unusual sensation; the surrounding space seemed to fall silent in an instant.

Qin Deming’s heart raced with a premonition as he turned around with trembling hands.

A figure in red stood there lightly.

Her black hair fell, and her lips curved into a smile, making even the corner of the sky appear exceptionally bright.

The Ancestor, high up, suddenly stood up with a loud thud, causing the elite families around him, whether standing or sitting, to be startled and disarrayed.

The Wolf Emperor, with Ten divine eyes, widened them all at once.

Below the stage, Qirong stared blankly with no expression, while Ming Ying beside her covered her mouth and pointed at the figure. “Tang Zifeng!”

She looked up at the red-clad figure on the altar and finally let out a joyous cry.

Tang Zifeng’s gaze swept over Ming Ying supporting Qirong and smiled knowingly.

He then turned his eyes back to the stage.

The glory belonged to her, and he was content to stand below.

On the altar, Qin Ruqing spoke with a smile, her voice clear and resonant: “Father, Mother, and everyone—”

“Qingqing has returned!”

She stepped forward, taking the incense from Qin Deming’s hands and gently placing it in the huge sacrificial furnace, which was as tall as a person.

Looking up again, her father’s face was already covered in tears, completely ignoring the occasion.

“Dear Father, esteemed Clan Leader, please consider the situation!” Qin Ruqing raised an eyebrow and lowered her voice.

Qin Deming finally came to his senses.

Nearby, Luo Xian, also in tears, glared fiercely at her husband, as if saying, “You damn fool, You Old man! how dare you embarrass our daughter!”

Seeing her father hastily wipe away the tears from his face, Qin Ruqing adjusted her throat and composure.

With a smile, she suddenly leapt to the ceremonial official.

The official, holding the scroll, nearly fell over in shock and excitedly, with tears in his eyes, exclaimed, “Young Miss!”

The Qin family had various titles for Qin Ruqing—some called her the Sixth Elder, some the Fifth Miss, others the Commander, and some of the older Qin clan members simply called her Little Miss, referring specifically to her as the youngest direct descendant of the Qin family’s third generation.

Those who called her Little Miss held her in the highest regard, almost like a beloved child.

Qin Ruqing smiled at the official, warmly squeezing her hand, and said:

“Today, for my father’s Nascent Soul Ceremony, as his daughter, I should present a congratulatory gift.”

She tilted her chin, indicating the official to “write it down.”

The official, a Qin family elder with exemplary professionalism, promptly picked up the pen, trembling, and prepared to take note.

“Qin Ruqing of the Qin family presents to the Sacred Sun Island’s prestigious Qin family’s Clan Leader, Qin Deming, a power of the fundamental laws of the two realms.”

Qin Ruqing said, extending her hand towards the sky.

With a light, casual pinch, she conjured a golden light that was difficult to describe in words.

She gently blew on it, saying, “Go!”

The light, as if endowed with intelligence, flew up, spiraled a few times, and quickly entered Qin Deming’s body.

Soon, Qin Deming’s body shone with golden light, and his aura surged instantly, reaching the late-stage of the Nascent Soul.

To think he had just attained the Nascent Soul!

After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, breaking through each small realm usually took cultivators several years to even a decade of hard work.

Yet, in Qin Ruqing’s hands, with just a mysterious beam of light and a light command, this tremendous force that stirred the winds and clouds left everyone astounded.

Only then did people realize the purpose of Qin Ruqing’s actions—the power of the fundamental laws of the two realms, the true essence of the Dao.

Had she succeeded?!

Facing the countless eager and burning gazes, Qin Ruqing smiled gracefully and responded with four words:

“Not failing the mission.”

“Not failing the mission.”

Fifth Sheng let out a long sigh of relief.

Feng Qinxue looked at the figure in red being lifted up with a burning gaze.

The Wolf King touched his newly grown eye.

He had once thought that becoming an emperor was already a great achievement, but recalling the day of the Void Realm battle, he had personally admitted defeat.

What was once considered a humiliation was now a relief.

In the face of such a person, he felt no regret in losing.

Someone shouted, “Commander, accept our bow!”

The crowd surged forward and bowed in unison.

Qin Ruqing stood in the center, neither frightened nor anxious.

She simply thought that since the atmosphere had been built up to this point, she might as well make the scene even grander.

She formed a seal with one hand, and a fiery rune flashed on her forehead.

A vast surge of energy erupted and then quickly contracted.

Before long, under the clear sky, spirit rain began to fall.

The crowd kneeling in worship looked up in astonishment, feeling the divine aura of the spirit rain on their bodies, as if shackles from their souls had been broken, and the long-standing bottlenecks were showing signs of loosening.

On the altar, Qin Ruqing called out loudly: “On this grand occasion, I bestow a rain of primordial spirit, to celebrate with everyone.”

“To congratulate my father’s ascension to Nascent Realm.”

“To celebrate my fortunate return.”

“To celebrate the fusion of primordial sources, the completion of the Dao, the stability of the people, and the unity of all!”

…

The people at the ceremony would never forget this scene.

In the red-robed female immortal, with one hand holding the seal, under the celestial canopy, the flowing light sparkled like the Milky Way.

Among the thousands of fireflies, she was the only touch of red.

She was the origin and core of the light, the endpoint of the people’s gaze and worship.

She lifted the light.

She was even more dazzling than light.

Year 3185 of the Qi Yuan Era.

The human leader, Qin Ruqing, comprehended the primordial laws of the two realms and established the first Law Tower in the primitive southern forests.

Within the Law Tower’s territory, the primordial sources of the two realms merged, and the true Dao was revealed.

Three years later.

Eighty-one Law Towers were established across the two realms, covering all domains.

The barriers dissipated, and the Dao unified.

At the moment the barriers disappeared, the people knew.

The Heavenly Dao descended merits, and covered the Jie Ri Island’s world stone, erasing the character Gold and replacing it with Immortal.

Heavenly decree awarded the rank of Immortal Grade, inscribed in the records of Heaven and Earth, and merits were granted.

Thus, the Qin family was named the first Immortal-grade Aristocrat family.