"The view from the Divine Transformation stage is truly different from the Nascent Soul stage."
Standing atop the ocean's surface, gazing down at the abyss below, Su Min took a rare moment to breathe in the fresh sea air. Though as a Divine Transformation cultivator, she no longer needed such mundane things, the human instinct for comfort remained.
The leap to Divine Transformation had brought immense and obvious improvements. Now, the crushing pressure of the abyss barely registered to her.
"The White Tiger governs slaughter. To qualify for the Metal Heavenly Treasure, I must walk further down the path of war."
Feeling the Northern Water's Profound Origin circulating within her, Su Min felt power coursing through her entire being. Only one of the Four Symbols remained—the most troublesome one.
The White Tiger ruled over war, but war wasn't mere slaughter. Slaughter preyed on the weak, while war meant facing the strong head-on.
Massacring the weak would only take her further from the path of true warfare. Thus, Su Min had only one target—the Fallen.
At her current Divine Transformation stage, bolstered by three heavenly treasures, she feared no Fallen, even those who had once reached the Dao Comprehension stage. She felt no guilt about killing them.
Moreover, they were true powerhouses. After all, she was just a fledgling who'd barely stepped into Divine Transformation.
"First, I should return and assess the continent's changes over these years. I wonder if Yingying has emerged from her seclusion. Perhaps I should visit the far north."
After a moment of contemplation, Su Min mapped out her next steps.
Since she'd already encountered Fallen, there were undoubtedly more lurking across the land. However, none would have recovered as well as the one she'd faced—they lacked environments like the Weak Water Secret Realm teeming with high-level demonic beasts.
Even if some had regained Dao Comprehension strength, she could still escape. Her current combat power rivaled the little Golden Crow's early Divine Transformation phase. Against ordinary Divine Transformation experts—even late-stage ones—she could hold her own. In other words, she now possessed the ability to single-handedly annihilate entire sects.
"A pity. The Future Maitreya Mountain's territory is special. Their faith golden bodies protect them. Unless I reach Dao Comprehension, breaching their defenses is impossible. Even Dao Comprehension might not be enough..."
Su Min dearly wished to eradicate the Future Maitreya Mountain sect that had become her mortal enemy. But currently, it was impossible. While the monks couldn't touch her outside, storming their stronghold would be suicide. Still, this matter wasn't over.
"Upon returning, I'll inquire about any temples they've established elsewhere. Those expansionist fanatics must have outposts. I'll sever their external tendrils. If any dare to reinforce them, so much the better."
With a final mental curse, Su Min confirmed her bearings and shot forward. Now at the Divine Transformation stage, her spatial steps carried her vast distances effortlessly. Unimpeded, she returned to Dong Sang Province in just one day.
"The changes are staggering."
Hovering high above Eastern Mulberry Province, Su Min marveled at the development. What had once been a population of several hundred thousand had swelled to over a hundred million.
As the province's de facto ruler, the East Sea Immortal Sect she'd founded now boasted hundreds of Golden Core experts. More importantly, the area bordering the four provinces had transformed into a massive port, forming a crucial trade hub alongside the Blood Puppet Sect's spatial gate, bringing unprecedented prosperity.
After all, Eastern Mulberry Province was essentially the ancestral home of the Golden Crow clan, its environment exceptionally suited for cultivation. Naturally, it produced abundant medicinal herbs and attracted countless rogue cultivators.
After her moment of reflection, Su Min flashed into her private quarters—a prime cultivation spot atop a spiritual vein. Though some might call it hogging resources without using them, no one dared complain.
"Summon the current sect leader," she said into the air, her voice calm but clipped. "There are matters we must discuss."
The quarter remained still, yet her divine sense swept through the entire sect with ease. At her current realm, none could detect her presence unless she allowed it. But what caught her off guard was the absence.
Xie Yingying's presence—always faint, cool like moonlight, but quietly reassuring—was nowhere to be found.
Su Min's heart skipped, then steadied itself. It wasn't panic. Not yet. But the silence she found in the spiritual grounds, the empty trace where Xie Yingying should have been… it felt wrong.
"Where did she go without telling me?"
Just as a shadow of unease began to stir, a rush of qi signaled Luo Ya's arrival. Late Golden Core now, her foundation was steady and her lifespan ample—no longer rushing the treacherous path to Nascent Soul.
Luo Ya bowed the moment she entered. "Congratulations, Grand Elder, on reaching Divine Transformation," she said, joy clear in her tone. Su Min was their true pillar—the stronger she became, the better for the sect.
"Spare the flattery," Su Min replied with a soft wave of her sleeve. "Have you seen Yingying recently?"
Luo Ya straightened, her expression shifting to caution. "No, Senior Xie hasn't been seen since she departed several days ago. But she did leave behind a life jade. If she were in danger, she would've activated it for aid. It remains untouched."
"I see..."
Su Min's shoulders loosened slightly, but the crease between her brows lingered. After passing on her position and leaving her full legacy to Luo Ya. Much like Su Min herself, she had stepped away from sect matters entirely, focusing only on cultivation.
"She wouldn't leave without reason. But still... why not tell me?"
A beat of silence passed. Then Su Min's expression cooled again, shifting back to business.
"What of Future Maitreya Mountain?"
"Those wretches fare poorly. After their collusion with Fallen to ambush you was exposed, they've become pariahs. All their outposts in connected realms have been eradicated, and they're trapped in their own pocket dimension."
"A pity. I wanted to handle them personally. Who's blockading them?"
"Other Buddhist branches—Great Thunder Temple and Ancient Lamp Monastery allied with dozens of factions. Even their Nascent Soul experts can't emerge. All their external temples have been purged."
"Tch."
Su Min clicked her tongue. While she'd intended to make them outcasts, the results exceeded expectations. The only regret was missing the chance for personal vengeance.
"Additionally, the Golden Crow has entered seclusion again, apparently aiming for Dao Comprehension."
"Oh?"
This surprised Su Min—since when had the little Golden Crow become so diligent?
"Shortly before you obtained the Northern Water's Profound Origin the Dragon Emperor visited. After sparring with the Golden Crow, she began closed-door cultivation."
"Ha!"
Su Min chuckled at the image. In terms of pedigree, they were evenly matched—Three-Legged Golden Crow versus Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, neither more noble than the other. Thus, victory came down to effort.
Clearly, the Golden Crow had been bested. Knowing the dragon princess' capabilities, Su Min guessed her companion had suffered a humiliating defeat, spurring this sudden diligence.
Their personalities were similar, but Su Min had the urgency of future knowledge. The Golden Crow, lacking such pressure, had grown complacent. Now properly chastised, she'd reformed.
"Also, Tian Yinzi recently broke through to Nascent Soul, while the Azure Dragon and Peacock both reached Divine Transformation. Including you, Grand Elder, we now have four Divine Transformation experts."
"That many already?"
Had Xie Yingying not encountered issues, she'd likely have joined their ranks. The Lunar Sovereign Body's progression was no joke—it bypassed common cultivation pitfalls, needing only to overcome specific bottlenecks.
"Yes. Our Nascent Soul cultivators now exceed ten. While we can't match the super sects, we rival any other faction."
The "super sects" referred to entities like Great Thunder Temple—only two others existed across the realms, their foundations so profound even Buddhist branches yielded to them.
The Great Luo Tian Province was jointly governed by five sects, while the other two major provinces were each ruled by a single dominant sect. This was why Su Min had focused on Great Luo Tian—its fractured power structure offered more opportunities.
"Grand Elder, the Realm Sect Conference approaches. We need a delegation leader. As non-humans, Azure Dragon and Peacock are unsuitable. Elder Zhu was slated, but with your return..."
"Sect Conference?"
Su Min frowned—this was entirely new to her.
"Two main agenda items."
"Elaborate."
"First, the Fallen. Sightings have occurred across realms. The super sects—Heavenly God Sect and Netherworld Cult—have summoned all sects with Divine Transformation experts to form a coalition. Left unchecked, these predators will devastate all factions."
"A valid concern. What of Eastern Mulberry and the four provinces?"
The Dark Blood Era was truly dawning.
"No sightings here, but one emerged in Yao Xin Province. Elder Zhu repelled it using the Golden Crow Ancient Bell, though twenty thousand perished first."
"Golden Crow Ancient Bell?"
"Before seclusion, the Golden Crow created a sigil granting control of the bell—a protective measure."
Su Min nodded. Though a replica, the bell mimicked the legendary Donghuang Bell—foremost of the Ten Great Heavenly Treasures, a true immortal treasure.
The original lay buried deepest in the Golden Crow royal bloodline, requiring at least Dao Comprehension to awaken and Mhayana to wield fully. Thus, the replica served adequately as a sect treasure.
Even an ordinary Divine Transformation cultivator could challenge Dao Comprehension experts with it.
However...
"The energy drain is massive. Even I can't fully activate it without Golden Crow bloodline. Best leave it here."
The sigil was less useful than expected—the bell's true power required Golden Crow blood. Her best use for it was defensive.
The ideal user would be the other Golden Crow hatched from the egg, but as non-royalty lacking Fusang Divine Tree nourishment, it remained at Golden Core stage.
"When's the conference?"
"One year."
"Then announce my return publicly. I'll prepare extensively during this time."
Su Min decided against further seclusion. Instead, she'd craft more pills and artifacts—now capable of producing Earth-grade treasures at Divine Transformation stage.
Her enhanced soul power also enabled refining mid-sixth-grade materials. A public announcement would summon clients bearing resources she lacked—a worthwhile trade.
"Yes!"
Luo Ya brightened. As the continent's premier alchemist, Su Min's call would bring immense resources and connections. Su Min knew this well—she lacked certain materials even the sect's stores couldn't provide. This was the fastest solution, even at premium prices.
A fitting way to pass the year before the conference.
Soon after Su Min's return was announced, Eastern Mulberry Province buzzed with activity. Though just one person, her reputation drew Divine Transformation experts from across the land bearing gifts for a chance at her pills. Within her sect, excitement peaked. Everyone knew their founder's unparalleled capabilities.
For example...
"Elder Zhu, the Divine Transformation Pill I promised."
Su Min presented the pill to the elder who'd safeguarded the sect in her absence—a Divine Transformation expert whose presence deterred countless troubles.
"Many thanks, Lady Su."
Though over a thousand years old, with a Divine Transformation lifespan of three millennia, he wasn't even halfway through. At this level, appearances reflected mentality more than age.
"Your son shows promise too—surviving the Ninety-Nine Heavenly Tribulation to reach Nascent Soul. He'll represent us in the conference battles."
The young man possessed both talent and character. Su Min always honored her word—her reputation was impeccable.
Elder Zhu accepted the pill eagerly, then hesitantly added, "Might Lady Su craft a Divine Transformation breakthrough pill? I've accumulated sufficient contribution points."
Su Min's limited capacity necessitated a points system for her services, with exorbitant costs to prevent overreliance.
"Not yet. That's a high-sixth-grade pill—I'm currently limited to mid-sixth-grade. But within a century, I'll deliver."
Elder Zhu departed satisfied. A century was brief for his lifespan, and he wasn't ready anyway. As Su Min saw him off, a figure burst from the sea, bypassing all defenses to appear before her—detected by none but Su Min herself.
"Dao Comprehension already? You divine beasts are truly enviable."
Su Min rolled her eyes at Ao Xue, whose golden dress accentuated her ample curves. Among Su Min's acquaintances, only Xie Yingying matched her proportions. The Golden Crow was larger but still couldn't compare.
"Three sixth-grade pills. I've prepared nine sets of ingredients. You'll refine mid-sixth-grade for me—don't claim incompetence."
The dragon princess unceremoniously tossed a spatial ring. Su Min could only sigh—repayment for Ao Xue eliminating Luo Jie and spreading word of Future Maitreya Mountain's treachery. Without the Dragon Emperor's endorsement, the impact would've been lesser.
"Fine. Return in three days for your pills. And don't disturb the Golden Crow—she's at a critical juncture in her Dao Comprehension breakthrough."
"Heh, last time she lost. Though her crown feathers were odd—first time I've seen black-and-white plumage on a Golden Crow."
"Effective?"
"Extremely. Had my cultivation not been higher, I'd have suffered greatly."
"Good."
Su Min nodded imperceptibly—her handiwork. The unique feathers, born from Lunar Sovereign blood essence and Solar Sovereign blood essence, were unprecedented even for Golden Crow emperors.