Rumors claim that the founder of Godly Maiden Palace was the beloved companion of the Grand Ancestor of Chu, a divine beauty who preferred not to be disturbed by the mundane world and thus never descended the mountain.

Otherwise, she would undoubtedly have become an empress of her era.

From afar, Goddess Mountain is enveloped in celestial mist with Immortal Cranes flying in unison; closer up, numerous disciples clad in the regalia of Godly Maiden Palace are very busy—some flying with sword control, others gracefully dressed in battle armor.

Back then, as the kings rose, Feng Jiuge, Palace Master of Godly Maiden Palace, titled herself King Ning and became the first female hero in human history, relying on the powerful foundation of Godly Maiden Palace to seize half of Yun State.

Alongside Gu Family's ancestor, titled King Qian, they dominated Yun State, and their prestige was unmatched.

Jade Bamboo Forest.

It is the most tranquil place in the entire Godly Maiden Palace, but simultaneously... also the place where the palace's elders are soft-imprisoned, surrounded by formidable formations; even a Yang God True Monarch cannot escape.

A woman in a plain long dress with loose hair is reclining on a chair, playing an emerald green jade flute. The melodious sound is delicate and touching, exuding a faint yet poignant sense of sorrow.

And this woman in the plain dress is none other than Su Qing, the Daoist Master of Taoist Divine Palace and the Great Elder of Godly Maiden Palace.

"Hehe...young sister Su Qing's flute skills are truly extraordinary."

Suddenly, a majestic voice slowly rings out, and a young woman dressed in a bright red palace gown appears in front of Su Qing in an instant.

She is the Palace Master of Godly Maiden Palace, King Ning Feng Jiuge.

The flute music continues, as Su Qing does not change the expression due to Feng Jiuge's arrival, until she finishes a piece, then slowly lowers the jade flute and looks up to gaze at Feng Jiuge.

"Did the Palace Master come to announce my sins after imprisoning me here without reason for days?"

"Yes."

Feng Jiuge nods seriously, maintaining composure.

"Then I am curious to hear what crimes I committed after working diligently for Godly Maiden Palace for many years, that warranted my uncompromised confinement?"

Su Qing's expression remains unchanged, seemingly full of confidence.

Feng Jiuge looks at her, the atmosphere between them stiffens but quickly dissipates, and Feng Jiuge smiles before speaking in a low tone:

"Su Qing, despite being the Great Elder of Godly Maiden Palace, you secretly collaborated with Taoist Divine Palace and became a Daoist Master. What does this mean for my Godly Maiden Palace? Over the years you served as Great Elder, how much have you cost our palace? Are these not crimes?"

Su Qing furrows her brow, feeling a vague sense of unease.

It's not because her identity was exposed. In fact, after the battle at Purple Gold Mountain, Chen Yuan had informed her that Feng Jiuge likely discovered her identity.

She was prepared to bring the Godly Maiden Palace into Chen Yuan's camp, reuniting all Daoist Masters.

However...

Things don't always go as smoothly as planned.

After that battle, Chen Yuan went to East Sea, neither discussing the matter before leaving, nor upon returning, nor arriving at Godly Maiden Palace to discuss the matter, while Su Qing was waiting for Feng Jiuge to speak up.

This wait led to now...

Previously, she subtly conveyed some information to Feng Jiuge, hoping she could adapt to the circumstances, and Feng Jiuge did indeed seem attuned at that time.

She believed they understood each other without words.

Later, Feng Jiuge declared herself a king and openly carved territory, hinting her intentions at the time were to strengthen Godly Maiden Palace, and even if they pledged allegiance to Chen Yuan, they should sell themselves for a good price.

She mentioned this to Su Ziyue...

Later, Chen Yuan clashed with Nangong Lie, battled the Southern Border's demon clan, while Su Qing felt urgent yet inadequate, unable to leave to assist.

Until recent days, Feng Jiuge suddenly ordered Su Qing to retreat to Jade Bamboo Forest for a few days, at that time, Su Qing felt something was amiss, but with Chen Yuan's matters weighing her down, she did not disclose much.

And now, to Su Qing's surprise, Feng Jiuge uses this as her accusation.

Su Qing's expression shifted several times before returning to calm, and she said:

"I believe the Palace Master is well aware of these matters..."

"Well aware? As Palace Master of Godly Maiden Palace, I awaited your voluntary confession, but...you claim to be well aware? Are you truly a Daoist Master of Taoist Divine Palace or a Great Elder of Godly Maiden Palace?"

"Of course, I am the Great Elder of Godly Maiden Palace."

"What about Taoist Divine Palace then?"

"It is the backing I found for the future of Godly Maiden Palace."

"And is this backing reliable?"

Feng Jiuge asks intensely.

"What do you mean?"

Feng Jiuge shows a bitter smile, softly says:

"Su Qing, do you think I imprisoned you just to wield power alone and expel you from the sect?"

"What do you mean?"

"Hehe...Su Qing, you weren't wrong, indeed for a while now, we understood each other implicitly, as I realized your identity during the battle at Purple Gold Mountain."

But I didn't expose you, do you know why?"

"Why?"

"I hoped you would voluntarily confess, so that you understood that although Taoist Divine Palace is distant, Godly Maiden Palace is the home that raised you and me. There are bonds and priorities.

Unfortunately, you always waited for my initiative, but I represented Godly Maiden Palace.... Our Godly Maiden Palace, a legacy of a thousand years, stands among today's Immortal Sects.

Though it's declined, it cannot be belittled.

I know Taoist Divine Palace drew you in to win over Godly Maiden Palace, and I don't mind because the current situation is too chaotic; Godly Maiden Palace indeed needs protection.

Despite holding half of Yun State alone now, our strength still pales, with Martial Emperor City in the east, Wei Jinfeng in the north, Buddhist Holy Land in the west.

South lies Xiang Qianqiu and King Yan Chen Yuan, compared to them, Godly Maiden Palace is insignificant....

"Then, Palace Master you...."

"I hinted to you before, aiming to negotiate for better terms, hoping you understood, but you did not." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Su Qing was momentarily perplexed:

"I certainly understood...."

Feng Jiuge shakes her head:

"If you truly understood, you should have contacted Chen Yuan, let him come and discuss terms seriously with me, otherwise we'd be just disposable to him."

"Palace Master may not know, but previously Chen Yuan had too many affairs, first annexing South State and killing Nangong Lie, then clashing with demon clan's million troops, unable to spare time...."

Feng Jiuge swiftly interrupts, retorting:

"What about now?"

"Now..."

"Now, as warfare in South State concluded, turmoil resumes, Martial Emperor City constrained by overseas invaders, Wei Jinfeng restrained by Northern Barbarians, the Buddhist sect pinned by Xiang Qianqiu.

Chen Yuan is the least burdened now."

"I...."

"Su Qing, I imprisoned you to prompt Chen Yuan to visit Godly Maiden Palace openly for negotiation, ensuring our interests.

As long as Chen Yuan is magnanimous, I agree to lead Godly Maiden Palace under him, not only to quell Gu Family's rebellion, but also to coordinate from inside, flatting Qingzhou as a gift for him.

But I waited several days without result, hence the need to confront you...." Feng Jiuge conveys disappointment towards Su Qing.

"Palace Master, I....."

"Now that matters are clarified, we need not conceal anymore. I only hope Chen Yuan visits Godly Maiden Palace personally to show sincerity.

With you as a bridge, I entrust Godly Maiden Palace's legacy to him...."

Feng Jiuge stares at Su Qing and says.

"I understand now."

Su Qing nods after a moment's silence.

Feng Jiuge turns away, standing with hands behind, speaking seriously:

"We, as martial sisters grew together, entrusted by our master with high hopes and important tasks, yet Godly Maiden Palace cannot escape suppression by the Imperial Court.

I understand, by joining Taoist Divine Palace you aim to aid Godly Maiden Palace one day. Now as the world descends into chaos, Taoist Divine Palace rises.

Su Qing, your actions were correct."

"Elder sister...."

"Ultimately, Godly Maiden Palace will be handed to you." Feng Jiuge speaks in a detached gaze.

Su Qing's voice carries emotion, yet her gaze reveals subtle mockery. She solemnly says:

"Elder sister, don't say such words; the younger sister will always support you...."