True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress

"But that space is independent. There's no ascension tribulation there."

"You're right, Junior Brother Mo Yi," Mo Qi nodded. "The deeper one goes, the stronger the Underworld Beasts become. Even Mahayana experts, no matter how much they compress the demonic energy, will reach a saturation point eventually. Without a tribulation to release that energy, their meridians will rupture."

Mo Su added, "That's why the Zhēnzūn calculated that Divine Transformation cultivators have a better chance of reaching the depths. We are capable of handling Underworld Beasts, and the refined demonic energy will help us advance. If we truly reach the inner core, our cultivation might be strong enough to face what lies ahead."

Mo Yi grinned, "So if we make it back, does that mean we'll all become Mahayana experts?"

Jian Dan smirked. "You're dreaming too big. If your cultivation actually reaches Mahayana by fighting beasts and leveling up, you'll be hit with three waves of tribulations the moment you leave. You sure you can survive that?"

"...Let me think about that."

Mo Su frowned. "Nothing about this is certain. Do we really have the power to eliminate all the rampaging Underworld Beasts?"

"That's not the goal," Mo Qi replied. "We act with the others. Once a breach is made, we push through. Focus on infiltration, not extermination."

Jian Dan nodded. "Our task is to investigate the cause behind the unrest. If we encounter lone beasts, we strike. But if they're in groups, we avoid conflict. And we need to factor in the time required to refine the demonic energy we absorb."

"This is just our initial plan," Mo Qi summarized. "Once we're inside, we'll adapt as needed."

The others nodded in agreement.

Jian Dan flipped her fan. Three storage rings rested atop it.

"Some spirit food and spirit wine I prepared. One for each of you. Might come in handy."

Mo Yi grabbed his ring without hesitation. "Thanks. Last time, the wine was strong and packed with energy."

Mo Su silently accepted his and placed another ring on Jian Dan's fan. "In return, I've included talismans I crafted myself. Offense-based, with some defensive use."

Mo Qi beamed as she took her ring, then handed Jian Dan a golden-red woven bracelet with a small orb pendant.

"This is a communication bead. After refining it, you can embed all three of our auras into it. If we get separated, it'll help us locate one another. And if you're in danger, write a message into the bead, and it'll show up in ours."

"I like it. I'll refine it later."

"What about mine?" Mo Su asked.

"Here you go," Mo Qi said, tossing them both bracelets.

Then she turned to Mo Yi. "And what did you bring us?"

"You think I'd come empty-handed?" Mo Yi chuckled proudly. He reached into his silver storage bangle and pulled out a metallic case. Inside were three neat rows of black spheres, each the size of a dove egg. They pulsed with dangerous energy.

"These are Thunderburst Orbs. Three per person. Handle with care. Each contains lightning from a Divine Transformation tribulation, mixed with explosive rock and deadly thorns. If those pierce the meridians and reach the heart, not even an immortal can save you."

Everyone carefully stored their orbs in jade boxes, keeping them within easy reach.

"Our next stop is Huancheng City. From there, we'll head to the Bamboo Sea bordering the demon and beast domains. We'll rest in Huancheng for two days. Let's check the black market while we're there, see if anything good turns up."

Mo Qi looked at Jian Dan with sparkling eyes. Clearly inviting her on a spirit stone-spending spree.

"Sure, let's have a look. You never know."

With that, their immediate plans were set. They each refined their communication beads and embedded their auras, ensuring they could keep in touch.

Jian Dan stepped onto the deck of the airship. The evening sky was painted red, as if stained by blood. The weight of what lay ahead pressed faintly on her chest.

Seven days later, the airship descended ten miles outside Huancheng City. Mo Zhang Zhēnzhě did not appear, but sent a voice transmission instructing them to rest.

Some Divine Transformation cultivators gathered their Nascent Soul companions and practiced formation strategies aboard the ship. Others took their teams to relax in the city.

Jian Dan's group kept a low profile, suppressing their cultivation levels. She and Mo Qi appeared as late-stage Golden Core cultivators, while Mo Su and Mo Yi disguised themselves as Foundation Establishment juniors tagging along.

Ever since Mo Qi had gleefully invited Jian Dan to go shopping in Huancheng, the two men had resigned themselves to being baggage carriers. When it came to female cultivators shopping in markets, especially with spirit stones in hand, no logic could stop them.

"I'll never understand why you get so excited," Mo Yi muttered. "It's not like we're buying peak-grade treasures."

Jian Dan spotted a familiar face among the crowd. The rabbit-eared half-beast who had once guided her during her first visit to Huancheng was still there, eagerly welcoming incoming cultivators.

She waved him over. The half-beast jogged over, beaming.

"Greetings, fair immortals and honored seniors. I was born and raised in Huancheng. I know every corner of the city. Is there anything specific you'd like to see?"

"We're looking for pills. Any good shops around?"

"Absolutely. Follow me. There are several new apothecaries. Bi Family Pill Shop is especially good. Fair prices and a range of quality. They even have Divine Transformation-grade pills, though those are a bit pricey."

"Alright, lead the way."

"Right this way, cultivators."

Unlike last time, the half-beast didn't lead them down a narrow alley, but guided them through the bustling main street. Soon, they arrived at a cluster of storefronts. He pointed to a modestly sized shop with a plaque above the door: Bi Family Pill Shop.

Jian Dan and Mo Qi entered while Mo Su and Mo Yi lingered at the entrance. The two exchanged thoughts via divine sense about their mission.

Soon, the crowd shifted. More female cultivators came and went. Some even winked boldly at the two men, though their efforts were wasted.

Inside the shop, Jian Dan and Mo Qi swept the interior with their senses. The inventory was decent. There were Divine Transformation-grade pills, but only the most basic ones for replenishing spiritual energy. Neither woman was impressed. They were about to leave when a shrill female voice rang out from outside:

"Seize those two escaped slaves for me!"