“The Federation of All Worlds?” Xiao Qing’s body trembled slightly upon hearing the term, as countless memories surged within her mind.
“What proof do you have?” She did not believe it outright, as both Xu Bai’s appearance and his timing were highly suspicious.
Xu Bai smiled faintly and transmitted the details of their previous transactions through spiritual sense.
A strange glint flashed in Xiao Qing’s eyes, and she temporarily accepted Xu Bai’s identity.
“Please follow me, Fellow Daoist.” With a slight wave of her hand, she dismissed the surrounding guards and led Xu Bai toward a towering spire-like palace in the city.
As Xu Bai flew through the air, his spiritual sense swept over the vast architectural complex built upon the remains of the Red Nine-Headed Beast.
After thousands of years of continuous development, the once-terrifying beast’s form was nearly unrecognizable.
Only in certain key locations could faint traces of its original body still be observed—such as the massive crack in its skull, now revered as a sacred site for worship, or its razor-sharp claws, which were encased in layers of mysterious metallic structures.
It seemed that the empire’s capital had been established right at the beast’s former heart.
As he flew, Xu Bai gained a more intuitive understanding of this civilization, which was deeply intertwined with exotic beasts.
These creatures had truly become an integral part of people’s daily lives.
In just a brief moment of observation, Xu Bai saw:
Beasts with hollow bodies, resembling massive serpentine dragons, carrying passengers as they weaved through the city.
Lion-like creatures with powerful wings, ridden by armored cultivators patrolling the skies.
Floating, eye-shaped creatures hidden in the city’s corners, periodically casting glances toward him.
Not to mention the countless exotic beasts of various shapes and sizes that the empire’s residents carried with them.
“It is indeed a unique civilization, brimming with vitality,” Xu Bai silently praised.
The two moved at an astonishing speed, and in no time, they arrived at the imperial palace.
Xu Bai then realized that the towering spire he had seen earlier was actually a living exotic beast.
Or rather, not just the spire, but the entire complex spanning dozens of miles had evolved from this colossal creature.
“This beast’s power is likely on par with a Nascent Soul True Lord,” Xu Bai estimated.
Given that one of them was an Imperial Holy Master, and the other carried the bloodline of the empire’s founder, the beast showed no signs of hostility.
Instead, the once smooth and seamless exterior of the spire suddenly revealed a door.
Xiao Qing glanced back at Xu Bai with a hint of doubt before entering first.
Xu Bai remained unfazed and followed closely behind.
Inside, he was greeted by a lavishly decorated chamber.
The ceiling was intricately carved with ornate patterns, the walls gleamed like white jade, the wooden floor was covered with luxurious carpets—
It was indistinguishable from an ordinary human palace, with no indication that they were inside a living beast.
The room was empty.
Xiao Qing also showed no intention of allowing others to participate in their conversation.
After gesturing for Xu Bai to take a seat, she began with a polite inquiry:
“I have yet to ask for your esteemed name, Fellow Daoist?”
“Xu Bai.”
“You also bear the surname Xu?”
The moment she heard his name, Xiao Qing’s aura fluctuated chaotically.
Realizing her lapse, she quickly composed herself and continued calmly:
“I should inform you—’Xu’ is the imperial surname of our royal family.”
As she spoke, Xiao Qing focused her attention on Xu Bai, carefully observing his expression.
Xu Bai’s reaction clearly left her somewhat disappointed.
“What a coincidence,” Xu Bai said with a hint of surprise, as if he had not known about this matter before.
“Heh…”
Xiao Qing did not respond immediately. After a brief silence, she got straight to the point.
“You previously mentioned that our Empire is facing imminent catastrophe. What exactly do you mean?”
Xu Bai let out a faint sigh, his face filled with concern.
He then proceeded to recount the recent events in the Xuanhuang Realm—the establishment of the Rebirth Mansion, the ascension of the Tianxuan Mirror, and the mobilization of cultivators to explore the cave-heaven and small worlds, all in an effort to unify the world.
When he spoke of the establishment of the Rebirth Mansion, Xiao Qing remained relatively calm.
However, the moment Xu Bai mentioned that cultivators were now carrying Tianxuan Treasure Record and actively searching for entrances to the small worlds, she could no longer suppress her shock.
“When did this happen? How is it that I haven’t received any news at all?” Xiao Qing exclaimed in a slightly shaken voice.
“The Xuanhuang Realm changes in an instant. Its development has been too rapid, and the number of unforeseen events too many. It is understandable that your Empire’s spies have not yet had time to relay intelligence. Even we, the Federation of All Worlds, had anticipated the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s movements, yet we never expected them to act so swiftly and decisively.
We were a step too late, resulting in several small worlds being swiftly conquered.”
A trace of sorrow flashed in Xu Bai’s eyes. “Fortunately, your place has not yet been discovered.”
“Although we have the Federation of All Worlds, we are scattered across different regions, making it difficult to concentrate our forces. Facing the overwhelming momentum of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, we have chosen to lie low for now and preserve our strength.”
A hint of worry flickered in Xiao Qing’s eyes. “I fear that even if we can hide for a while, we won’t be able to hide forever.”
Xu Bai spoke with conviction, “That is precisely why I have come to find you. While the Tianxuan Mirror is indeed powerful and fearsome, our Federation of All Worlds has its own hidden reserves.”
“As of now, our organization has successfully developed a supreme artifact capable of interfering with the Tianxuan Treasure Record’s detection abilities.”
At this point, Xu Bai deliberately paused.
After ensuring he had Xiao Qing’s full attention, he continued, “Before I arrived, I had already activated the artifact’s power, temporarily concealing your Empire’s entrance. So for now, you have nothing to worry about.”
Xiao Qing immediately turned to look at Xu Bai, a trace of doubt appearing in her eyes.
Xu Bai chuckled softly, took out a folding fan, and gently waved it in front of his chest. “If you don’t believe me, you may go verify it yourself.”
Xiao Qing’s eyes flickered, and then she smiled knowingly. “You have traveled a great distance to come here, so naturally, I trust that you wouldn’t lie about something so important. However, what I am curious about is… how did your organization learn the location of the Empire’s passage in the first place?”
Xu Bai confidently replied, “Without a solid foundation, how could we dare to call ourselves the Federation of All Worlds? Besides, don’t forget—it was us who first approached you for a deal back then.”
“In that case, I must thank you,” Xiao Qing said with a slight smile. “But…”
She fixed her gaze on Xu Bai and added, “Your Federation has never acted without benefit. This time, you’re voluntarily offering protection—what is your price?”
With a crisp snap, Xu Bai closed his folding fan. “I enjoy conversing with intelligent people. My purpose in coming here, besides informing you of the Xuanhuang Realm’s current situation, is indeed to carry out a mission.”
Xu Bai suddenly stood up, his expression serious. “The Immortal Alliance is currently too powerful, and we have no choice but to endure for now. But as you said, hiding forever is not an option.”
“That is why we must develop a force strong enough to rival the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance—before the day of reckoning arrives.”