"That brat finally decided to send a letter, really makes one worry even as an adult."

Wenren Pingxin muttered as she skillfully opened the envelope without wasting any time.

"Quick, let me see who it's addressed to. Did he mention me?"

Yu Hongxiu anxiously leaned over, pointing at the words on the letter.

When she saw the familiar handwriting, her lazy demeanor instantly changed, and her eyes slightly reddened as she covered her lips and turned her head away.

"When did he say he'd return?"

Yu Hongxiu snatched the letter away, leaving Wenren Pingxin helpless, holding her cheek and watching anxiously on the side.

"He didn't specify a time, just mentioned encountering the Dragon and Phoenix clans halfway to the Northern Border Pass... and—"

Yu Hongxiu's brow furrowed as she glanced at Lin Jinyu, who was sitting properly at the mahjong table but actually eavesdropping, and whispered:

"The 'Three Divisions of Freedom' sword set at the Dragon Pond is lost, and the situation doesn't look good. Both the Dragon and Phoenix clans are demanding explanations..."

"Lost the 'Three Divisions of Freedom'?"

Wenren Pingxin's pupils narrowed immediately. The two women exchanged glances, seeing a hint of meaning in each other's eyes.

Su Bei's need for the Ji Sword Sect's millennia of foundation to forge the Supreme Sword Bone for a strong ascent into Mahayana was known to only a few. Was there a leak, or was Su Bei's journey too conspicuous?

And who would have the qualification to pull out the sword that had been set in the Dragon Pond for a thousand years?

Regardless... losing a sword certainly derailed the Saintess's plans.

This is no small matter.

"Pingxin, if someone can pull out the 'Three Divisions of Freedom,' does it mean the Divine Discretion at Penglai Pass can also be removed?"

"Probably not. If the seal on Divine Discretion at Penglai Pass could be broken so easily, the Western Wasteland wouldn't need to support Ji Tongzhi as a puppet. When the pass opens, who can stop the hordes of Wilderness Cultivators?"

"So, the 'Three Divisions of Freedom' was removed by some means?"

"That seems to be the case."

The time left for Su Bei is indeed pressing.

...

...

Sacred Land Wucheng.

In the back residence where the Saintess lived, there was a sizable lake.

By the lake stood a wooden lodge, warm in winter and cool in summer. A whole wall facing the lake was made into sliding doors, and in summer, opening the doors let in a refreshing breeze from the lake, making it pleasant.

At this moment, the doors facing the lake were wide open, and inside was only Key Smoke. She had taken off her shoes and socks, sitting barefoot on the dust-free wooden floor, focusing entirely on arranging a pot of pale purple chrysanthemum bonsai. Beside her were two more pots of plain white chrysanthemums, elegant and light, like noble scholars among flowers.

Just as she was about to complete arranging the first pot of chrysanthemums, footsteps came from the corridor outside. Then Die Yi opened the door facing the corridor and leaned in, whispering:

"Aunt, Senior Shangguan is here."

Before Key Smoke could react, Shangguan Wendao entered with a worried look, speaking directly:

"The 'Three Divisions of Freedom' set in the Dragon Pond is lost."

Key Smoke's brow tightened, and she stood up abruptly, staring at the elder:

"Is the news true?"

"It's true."

"When did this happen?"

"The news reached me a few days ago."

The two stared at each other for a while before Key Smoke took a deep breath and muttered:

"I exchanged a letter with Su Bei previously to prevent him from being exposed to the world too soon, but it seems this letter was still a step too late. I'm afraid the South Emperor already has this information and set a trap regarding our plans..."

Shangguan Wendao said resolutely:

"Su Bei must not go to the Northern Border Pass."

"Since someone can pull out the 'Three Divisions of Freedom,' they must know my disciple will be at the Northern Border Pass to absorb the sword's aura. They're likely prepared, waiting for him to walk right into their trap."

"They might even take advantage of our presence at the Northern Border Pass to overturn the table and catch everyone in one sweep..."

This has now become an open confrontation between the three factions, with little left hidden.

Although Ji Beiwang, the Northern Border King, is guarding against the Wilderness Cultivators at Penglai Pass in the Western Wasteland, it's only a matter of time if Ji Pingsheng acts recklessly and teams up with outside Wilderness Cultivators for an inside-outside maneuver.

The Northern Border Pass is preoccupied dealing with Ji Tongzhi, unable to make a move, isolated and facing collapse could happen within months.

With the death of Ji Beiwang, Penglai Pass has fallen, the Western Wasteland army advances without resistance as if the entire Twenty-One Provinces were unguarded, fearing a repeat of the 'Great Desolation Calamity' from a thousand years ago.

No one wishes to mention such a devastating scenario again.

Key Smoke pondered for a while, then nodded seriously:

"We cannot rule out this possibility; however, this remains speculation. The priority now is to find out the whereabouts of the Three Divisions of Freedom!"

Her gaze fell on Shangguan Wendao, and she continued:

"If our guess is correct, Su Bei should not head to the Northern Border Pass but instead must immediately make a trip to the Southern Border. Having lost the Three Divisions of Freedom, we cannot afford to lose the Vermilion Mirror again."

"If Su Bei can consecutively refine the Qingping Sword, Divine Discretion, and Vermilion Mirror, stabilizing in the realm of Mahayana mid-grade or even top-grade, the crisis at the Northern Border Pass can be resolved, and so can Penglai Pass... The board is set, and we must watch for the timing of Su Bei's critical move."

After a pause, it seemed that Key Smoke remembered something and added:

"There can be no mistakes this time. I will personally meet Su Bei and accompany him to the Southern Border."

Upon hearing this, Die Yi's eyes widened:

"Aunt, if you leave, what will happen to the Sacred Land?"

"My departure from the Sacred Land must remain secret. During this period, continue as usual and visit me regularly. Tell anyone seeking me that I am in seclusion and cannot be disturbed until I return from escorting Su Bei to the Southern Border. Do you understand?"

Seeing the Saintess's firm resolve, Die Yi could say no more.

She had to agree, though she was about to speak again, when she caught a glimpse of a sudden blush on her aunt's cheeks, inexplicably giving her a sense of urgency.

Hmm?

Personal business under the guise of official matters?

"Aunt... make sure you return quickly."

Key Smoke watched the incense smoke rise slowly, speaking steadily:

"Matters have priorities, naturally."

However, Shangguan Wendao seemed not yet to gather his thoughts and sat there frowning, muttering to himself:

"I guessed the South Emperor's motive—to use the hand of the Western Wasteland to swallow the world whole and then Ascend, but he failed once before and does not have the destiny. No amount of planning can mend innate deficiencies; the fate of the world cannot be changed by one person alone... Saintess?"

Key Smoke snapped back, looking at Shangguan Wendao:

"Yes, indeed."

Shangguan Wendao: "?"

For some reason, it seemed like the Saintess was somewhat absent-minded.

Key Smoke stood up and tidied her clothes, taking a long breath, solemnly saying:

"We cannot delay anymore. I will go meet Su Bei now."

"Sword Immortal Shangguan, please follow the previous plan and visit the Northern Border Pass, and ensure Su Bei's trip with me to the Southern Border remains perfectly concealed. There can be no mistakes this time."

"..."

Shortly after Shangguan Wendao left, Die Yi also followed suit.

In the room, only Key Smoke remained, slowly sitting in place, staring blankly outside.

A ray of sunlight pierced through the window lattice, from her angle, she could see the dust dancing in the sunlight.

The hall was brightly lit, reflecting brilliantly on the woman's face, and the chrysanthemums in the courtyard were in full bloom, mixed with exotic specimens in various colors, making it hard to tell it was the season of dying autumn and more like the blossoming spring.

Key Smoke stared dazedly at these chrysanthemums, lost in thought.

Then, she smiled softly, murmuring to herself:

"You brat, I've waited long enough for my ice cream..."

Then, the woman of the Sacred Land, held in the highest regard, blushed, her face turned a charming crimson, like peach blossoms about to bloom.

From the day he left the Sacred Land to the day he stood over the South City, unleashing bloody havoc.

The woman who married in a dream later entered Mahayana.

To Key Smoke, Su Bei was undoubtedly outstanding, yet what kept her thinking of him was never all the sundries from the Illusion World.

For a man in the world, all the charm, elegance, dominance, and transcendence are merely embellishments.

The essence lies in perseverance and responsibility. A real man must be brave to take on responsibility; that's what a woman can truly rely on.

And now she believes Su Bei fits this point precisely.

The bowl of ice cream he promised her, she waited three hundred years for it.

ps: Updates have resumed.