Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start
Chapter 1105 - 139 Princess Xidie's Intentions

In the deepest part of the land of sacred rhyme, spiritual qi floated in the air like ribbons, with the force of heaven and earth being extremely active. Cultivating here was beyond the saying of 'achieving twice the result with half the effort,' for the speed of cultivation would be greatly enhanced.

However, no one was currently focused on this; instead, their attention was on the deeper parts, eager to see the so-called innate godly item, the Seven-Colored Lotus Platform, and what it actually looked like.

After the battle between Gu Chen and Yun Zishu concluded, the Dao Gold List emerged. Without a doubt, who the strongest prodigy from Qingyun Academy was had become clear—there were no longer any objections.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Gu Chen headed towards the deepest parts, while Yun Zishu also made his way to Princess Xidie's side.

"Princess, with things concluded here, would you like to return to the capital with me?" he asked.

The capital mentioned by Yun Zishu was naturally the Holy Brilliance Dynasty, a famous and formidable city located in the spirit domain by the name of Saint Hua City and named after the Holy Brilliance Dynasty itself.

Yun Zishu said, "This time, my visit to Qingyun Academy was actually to deliver a message to you on behalf of the emperor."

Princess Xidie's pretty face showed surprise as she said, "What did Father mean?"

Yun Zishu said, "The emperor asked me to tell the princess that once the matters at Qingyun Academy are concluded, please return to the capital as soon as possible because the ancestral land of the dynasty is about to open."

"The ancestral land is going to open?!" Hearing this, Princess Xidie was startled, her cherry lips parting slightly in surprise.

The ancestral land of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty was considered the fundamental reason for the dynasty's rise. It could be said to be the most important place in the entire dynasty, bar none.

Each opening of the ancestral land required a long period of time to pass, at least a few thousand years, as it was an extraordinarily special place. Some of its areas were even helpful for the strongest of beings.

When the time comes for the ancestral land to open, all outstanding individuals of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty, including princes, princesses, and some prodigious young talents, would all enter the ancestral land in search of opportunities that were meant for them.

On every occasion, those who entered for cultivation would come out with at least double the strength they had when they entered.

There were even times when many people obtained supreme inheritances and subsequently soared to the heavens, becoming hotshots in the entire upper realm.

Such examples were not uncommon.

After all, the Holy Brilliance Dynasty was a widely recognized power in the upper realm. Even among the colossal forces, it stood in the forefront, second only to the so-called immortal lineages and the strongest clans of the Ten Thousand Tribes, such as the Golden Raven Clan and the Purple-blood Sky Dragon Clan, among the top ten.

Beyond that, there were no forces in the upper realm that could completely overshadow the Holy Brilliance Dynasty.

Such an extraordinary and powerful force, with its ancestral land as the root of its rise and the source of its greatest foundation, naturally contained various astounding and earth-shattering secrets and fortunes.

Each opening of the ancestral land would attract the attention of countless people from across the upper realm and dozens or even hundreds of domains.

Yun Zishu said in a low voice, "This time the ancestral land opens at a sensitive time, precisely before the start of the three-thousand-six-hundred-domains' grand competition among the Ten Thousand Tribes. It can be said to be a very rare opportunity, and many outstanding characters within the dynasty are eagerly preparing."

Not to mention others, even Yun Zishu himself was full of anticipation. Although he lost during his stay at Qingyun Academy, once he returned to the Holy Brilliance Dynasty and entered the ancestral land, he would undoubtedly be able to achieve a great enhancement. Coming out successfully, it was not impossible for him to stand shoulder to shoulder with Gu Chen, or even surpass him.

Historically, a prodigy from the Holy Brilliance Dynasty once obtained a tremendous opportunity in the ancestral land and, afterwards, was nearly peerless amongst those from the upper realm of his generation, comparable even to the strongest geniuses of the top ten major tribes at that time!

This was undoubtedly a remarkable result. Therefore, the opening of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty's ancestral land was eagerly anticipated by numerous people.

Princess Xidie clearly understood what the opening of the ancestral land meant; it involved matters of great importance and was the most critical event for the entire Holy Brilliance Dynasty.

Not to mention that the current timing was particularly sensitive, making the competition for this opening of the ancestral land especially fierce.

"So, princess, once we leave the land of sacred rhyme, please return to the capital with me. This is also the emperor's command; he does not want you to miss this opportunity at the ancestral land." Yun Zishu said earnestly, looking at Princess Xidie.

Princess Xidie knew what was most important; she certainly could not miss the ancestral land opening and thus nodded seriously, saying, "Don't worry, Brother Zishu, I will be back in the capital in time before the ancestral land opens."

"That's good," Yun Zishu said with relief, letting go of his worries.

He was genuinely concerned that Princess Xidie's attachment to Gu Chen would cause her to be unwilling to return to the Holy Brilliance Dynasty and thus miss this tremendous opportunity.

But now, Yun Zishu could tell that Princess Xidie could distinguish priority from secondary concerns and was not too invested.

"Brother Zishu, if I ask Father for a spot in the ancestral land, do you think he will agree?" Princess Xidie suddenly asked after a moment, turning to look at Yun Zishu.

"Princess, what do you mean by this?" Yun Zishu instantly stiffened upon hearing this, feeling surprised and alarmed.

Princess Xidie turned her head, gazed in the direction where Gu Chen had departed towards the deepest part of the land of sacred rhyme, and said firmly, "I want to take Gu Bai with me to the ancestral land. I don't want him to miss this opportunity."

"This… Princess, please consider this carefully!" Yun Zishu's expression changed, and his voice grew heavy with concern.

It wasn't that he harbored resentment against Gu Chen for besting him, but rather because the Holy Brilliance Dynasty's ancestral land had limited spots for entry. Every time the land opened, countless people would do anything to get in, to the point of fighting to the death and forging deadly enmities between mighty factions.

But now, what was Princess Xidie saying? She actually wanted to allow Gu Bai, a foreigner, to enter the ancestral lands of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty—this was, in Yun Zishu's eyes, an utterly insane decision!

"The Monarch will never agree," Yun Zishu said gravely.

Although the Monarch of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty held Princess Xidie in extremely high regard, he was also principled, especially regarding slots in the ancestral lands; there was little room for negotiation.

Princess Xidie also knew that her request was a difficult one. However, she truly did not want Gu Chen to miss this opportunity.

Because she was well aware of how extraordinary Gu Chen was. Given his talents and strength, should he enter the ancestral lands, the enhancement he would receive would surely surpass all others. After emerging, he would undergo a metamorphosis, a sublime transformation!

"Brother Zishu, I hope you can help me. Is there really no way at all?" Princess Xidie spoke softly, her bright eyes clear and hopeful that Yun Zishu could think of a solution with her.

"Princess, Gu Bai is indeed extraordinary, but... is it really necessary to go to such lengths for him?" Yun Zishu hesitated, unable to hold back his words.

He acknowledged the strength of Gu Chen and didn't deny Gu Chen's character, but as a man, he could of course see that while the falling flowers are intent, the flowing water is heartless. Princess Xidie's affections were unreciprocated.

In other words, this was merely Princess Xidie's wishful thinking. To give so much for a man who did not return her feelings, was it truly worth it?

"Princess, please don't take offense at my bluntness. As a man, we understand these things among ourselves. Everything you are doing for him may very well be in vain," Yun Zishu warned, hoping Princess Xidie would reconsider.

"What of it?" Princess Xidie challenged, leaving Yun Zishu at a loss for words.

She continued, "Everything I do is of my own free will. Even if there's no outcome in the end, I am willing. At least, I have tried some things, and do not wish to live with regrets."

Yun Zishu was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. But he soon shook his head with a smile. This kind of personality was truly the most authentic Princess Xidie, striving with all her might for what she wanted, never allowing herself to live with regrets.

"Princess, are you really sure that Gu Bai doesn't need to know about your feelings?" Yun Zishu asked once more, his tone serious.

Princess Xidie's smile was sweet, her dimpled cheeks on display as she said, "I won't hide it deliberately, nor will I make a point of telling him to take credit for anything. Let everything happen naturally, in line with my heart's desire. No matter the outcome, I will not regret my decision today."

"I understand," Yun Zishu inhaled deeply, saying, "In the past, there might have really been no way. But this time, it may not be the case."

"Oh? How so?" When Princess Xidie heard this, her bright eyes gleamed, intently focusing on Yun Zishu.

Her appearance once again caused Yun Zishu to pause, almost losing himself in those sparkling bright eyes.

Quickly collecting himself, he sighed and said, "Princess, to be frank, this opening of the ancestral lands, apart from preparing for the battle of supremacy among the Three Thousand Six Hundred Realms of the Upper World and the Ten Thousand Tribes, the Monarch also intends to select a suitor for you."

Upon hearing this, Princess Xidie's delicate eyebrows furrowed as she said, "Is Father planning to marry me off?!"

"Indeed," Yun Zishu replied helplessly with a nod, knowing that Princess Xidie would be angered by this news, but he had to speak the truth now.

He continued, "Therefore, this time with the opening of the ancestral lands, the slots are not limited to the dynasty. Some renowned geniuses from the Upper World with incredibly powerful backgrounds will also participate. If you wish for Gu Bai to enter the ancestral lands as well, perhaps your only option is to make use of this fact."

Because this time with the opening, the Monarch had already announced that it would not be restricted to the Holy Brilliance Dynasty, so even if an outsider was added, others would not feel it was wrong. It was a very rare opportunity.

Yun Zishu said, "Originally, the Monarch intended to use this opportunity to see who would perform most prominently in the ancestral lands. Then he planned to betroth you to him. In this way, the Holy Brilliance Dynasty could form a powerful alliance with the forces behind this future prince consort, a case of 'killing two birds with one stone,' a joyous event for everyone."

"But did he ever ask if I like him?" Princess Xidie frowned, a hint of displeasure rising in her heart.

"Is Father truly trying to find the best suitor for me, or rather, is he more focused on finding an ally for the dynasty?" Princess Xidie's bright eyes grew colder.

Seeing her reaction, Yun Zishu became greatly alarmed and said quickly, "Princess, you mustn't think like this. How could you not understand the Monarch's affection for you? If he's doing this, surely he has his reasons."

Princess Xidie frowned. Although she was definitely averse to this arranged marriage, deep down, she did not harbor much resentment. It was just that being suddenly informed made her a little displeased.

No one knew better than Princess Xidie how her father, the Monarch, felt about her.

"So, is Father planning to wait until I return to the dynasty to tell me about this?"

Yun Zishu was momentarily embarrassed, because the Monarch of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty was clearly aware that, once told, Princess Xidie would certainly not return.

"Very well, he wants to choose a suitor for me, doesn't he? I will let the man I value defeat all those geniuses and prodigies he deems worthy!" Princess Xidie's elegant eyebrows and teeth shone brightly, her eyes alight with confidence in Gu Chen.

Yun Zishu could only sigh in resignation. It was uncertain whether Gu Chen could even gain entry to the ancestral lands, for even if this time slots were given to others, all those entitled were top prodigies, each supported by immensely powerful forces, far different from a lone figure like Gu Chen.

He spoke up, saying, "Princess, I admit that Gu Bai's strength is extraordinary. But do you realize the caliber of geniuses participating in the ancestral lands this time?"

At this moment, Yun Zishu seemed to be recalling those unique geniuses. His expression became somber as he said gravely, "To my knowledge, among those coming to partake in the ancestral lands trial this time, there are even those who have mastered divine abilities and aspire to marry you!"