"I’ve often heard tales of those favored by the Heavenly Dao, called the Heavenly Dao’s Son. But I never had the chance to see one. Today has certainly been an eye-opener!"

’In my understanding, the Heavenly Dao is unpredictable. While it shows occasional favoritism, it has always prioritized its rules. Such extreme bias should be impossible.’

But then she remembered that this realm was collapsing and its Heavenly Dao Rules were incomplete. With that, Feng Jiuxiao seemed to understand.

"Hmph. I was originally thinking of finding a successor to restructure this world, but now it seems that won’t be necessary!"

She was the type to hold a grudge. The Heavenly Dao had just tried to obliterate her, and that had thoroughly annoyed her.

"I’ll just give the inheritance to that kid."

As she spoke, a beam of light shot directly into the Sea of Consciousness of Yu Cheng, who was still on the seventh level.

Yu Cheng was completely dumbfounded. The recent turn of events had been far too fast. Before he even had a chance to help, the Heavenly Thunder had already dissipated.

And right after that, the senior had given him the inheritance.

It gave him the distinct feeling of having won by doing nothing at all. It was so sudden and nonsensical that he didn’t even know what had just happened.

Seeing this, Feng Jiuxiao pursed her lips in disdain. ’Looks like this successor isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed!’

After a moment’s thought, she spoke into Yu Cheng’s mind. "I originally planned to give the inheritance to that young lady. However, your friend there argued her case so compellingly, insisting that I give it to you instead."

"That being the case, you should cherish this opportunity. Do not disappoint her kind intentions."

’This kid might not be very smart, but he’s passionate about his research. I suppose that makes him a qualified successor.’

Her calm tone struck Yu Cheng’s ears like a clap of thunder.

He looked at Song Wanning in astonishment, his heart churning with emotion.

Though he had known Song Wanning for decades, their relationship had always been superficial. It was only by a stroke of fate that they had met and entered the Immortal Mansion together.

’She clearly reached the seventh level first, yet she just handed the inheritance over. She even risked offending a senior to fight for this opportunity for me!’

In that moment, Yu Cheng was moved beyond words.

’How fortunate am I to have met such a companion!’

Yu Cheng’s eyes shone with gratitude as he gazed at Song Wanning, silently engraving this debt in his heart.

’From now on, if she ever needs anything, I will do everything in my power to help her!’

Song Wanning noticed Yu Cheng’s gaze at that moment. She didn’t explain, simply giving him a slight nod.

’I don’t even have to guess. Feng Jiuxiao must have said something to Yu Cheng. Otherwise, there’s no way he’d be looking at me with such gratitude.’

’But since this gets me a capable ally, there’s absolutely no reason to turn it down.’

’Besides, without my help, Yu Cheng truly would have had no chance at this inheritance.’

’I’ve earned this gratitude!’

She turned her gaze to Jiao Jiao, picked the little creature up, and then hurried back to the seventh level.

Seeing this, Feng Jiuxiao followed, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Jiao Jiao, are you okay? Jiao Jiao!"

The Merfolk rushed toward Jiao Jiao, its worried tears starting to fall again.

Without a second thought, it began to channel healing energy into Jiao Jiao, its eyes filled with heartache for the little one.

As the energy flowed in, color visibly returned to Jiao Jiao’s face. It finally, groggily, opened its eyes.

When it saw the Merfolk before it, Jiao Jiao let out a loud "WAAAH" and buried its head in the Merfolk’s embrace, crying its heart out.

This was the first time Jiao Jiao had trusted a human, and it had been taught a harsh lesson. The pain it felt was imaginable.

The Merfolk held it with aching tenderness, constantly comforting it and soothing its emotions little by little, until Jiao Jiao gradually calmed down.

With the dust settled, Feng Jiuxiao looked at Song Wanning with a complicated expression. ’This woman seems cold-blooded, but she’s actually incredibly perceptive and understands people’s hearts even better.’

’It seems everything, including myself, was part of her calculations.’

But she honored her bets. She took out a jade hairpin and held it out to Song Wanning.

"Here. I honor my bet. This jade hairpin is an Immortal Artifact. It can break any Immortal Array below the eighth grade. Take it!"

’With the help of this hairpin, the restrictive barriers in this realm will no longer be an obstacle for her.’

’I hope this hairpin can help Song Wanning soar to new heights. Maybe then, we’ll have a chance to meet again one day.’

Song Wanning lifted her gaze to meet Feng Jiuxiao’s eyes, a faint smile on her lips. "Thank you."

She was about to reach out and take the hairpin, but Feng Jiuxiao was a step ahead, placing it in her hair for her.

The hairpin was shaped like an orchid, translucent white with a hint of green. It emanated a pleasant Immortal Qi, giving off an air of free-spirited elegance that perfectly complemented Song Wanning’s stunning beauty.

Feng Jiuxiao looked at her and shook her head. "That man was a fool."

"Blind as a bat. Just like me!"

’Wasn’t I also deceived before?’

With that, she gave a self-deprecating laugh.

’This realm’s Heavenly Dao may have played me like a fiddle, but it will have to pay the price.’

Feng Jiuxiao’s gaze fell upon the unconscious Ye Chuxue, a dark gleam flashing in her eyes.

"You’re still smarter than him," Song Wanning replied with a smile, successfully breaking the slightly somber mood. "There’s hope for you yet."

Hearing this, Feng Jiuxiao shot her a glare. "Can’t you just humor me and say something nice for once?"

"No."

"..."

Feng Jiuxiao rolled her eyes at Song Wanning, but she felt a sense of kinship with her.

’If only Song Wanning were also in the Immortal Realm.’

’My true self wouldn’t have to be so lonely then.’

"Alright, alright, you all should get going. If you stay any longer, I’m going to dissipate!"

She didn’t have much energy left to begin with. If she hadn’t had to deal with them, she could have lasted a while longer.

She waved her hand impatiently. "Hurry up and go! All of you, leave! Don’t waste my time!"

"Senior, this junior will remember your teachings. Please accept this junior’s bow!"

Yu Cheng bowed deeply to Feng Jiuxiao. Although he couldn’t call her his master, the sentiment was no different from that between a master and disciple.

Feng Jiuxiao accepted the bow calmly. "I expect you to carry on this Immortal Monarch’s legacy and bring it to glory. Do not bring shame upon my name, do you understand?"

"This disciple will remember!"

Yu Cheng bowed once more, committing her words to memory.

With matters here concluded, the two of them prepared to leave.

Song Wanning turned to leave without a moment’s hesitation, but Feng Jiuxiao suddenly called out from behind her.

"Wait!"

The next second, a beam of light shot directly into Song Wanning’s Sea of Consciousness. It was Feng Jiuxiao’s Array inheritance.

Song Wanning looked back, her gaze meeting Feng Jiuxiao’s.

Suddenly, they looked at each other and smiled.

Everything was understood without a word being spoken.

The Immortal Mansion vanished, and the bead disappeared along with it.

Feng Jiuxiao did not choose the Merfolk to be the Guardian Beast again. After all, it had already formed a contract with Song Wanning and couldn’t possibly remain at the bottom of the sea forever.

The bead transformed into a streak of light and flew into the distance, taking Ye Chuxue with it.

Feng Lansi was released, looking utterly bewildered. Her face was a mask of confusion, as she had no idea what had just transpired.

Yu Cheng walked up and patted her head with a smile, then turned and bowed deeply to Song Wanning.

"Song Dao You, I will never forget the great kindness you have shown me today!"