The night sky of Gaoshang Land was mixed with brilliant colors, a star-filled galaxy radiating in the silence of the night.

Shuiyang was lost in the view, not even noticing when Shi Zhao approached.

“What are you looking at?” Shi Zhao’s head popped out from behind Shuiyang.

Shuiyang snapped out of her trance, “What brings you here? It’s not your shift yet.”

Shi Zhao plopped down beside her, “I know, I just wanted to see you. After all these years of sticking together, it feels strange not seeing you for even a moment.”

Shuiyang rolled her eyes at him, “Hey! It was you who insisted on following me around from the start, wasn’t it?”

Shi Zhao sighed, “Yeah, I did. And I’ve been following you for thousands of years now.”

“Thousands of years already? Time flies.”

They looked into each other’s eyes, unspoken feelings evident between them.

The stars above twinkled for them; this moment belonged to them alone.

“Do you remember our first meeting?” Shi Zhao suddenly reminisced.

“I do. Wasn’t it in Voidland Heavens? It was the day I got promoted to Human Deity, and you all came.”

“At that time, hearing that another deity was joining our ranks, I was really curious. Who could it be, especially since it was Lord Xingxiu who recommended you? I thought you had some backdoor connection.”

Shuiyang glared at him, “Do you still think that now?”

Shi Zhao backed down, “No way! My Human Deity is the real deal.”

Shuiyang smiled helplessly.

The celebration for the Human Deity’s promotion was grand, hosted by the deities, with the Earth Deity, Demon Deity, and Ghost Deity all in attendance.

“She’s a woman!” Shi Zhao was somewhat surprised, which made him even more convinced that this Human Deity might have had some backdoor connection.

As a newly ordained Human Deity, she was like a lofty white lotus, not making friends in the Heavenly Realm, and not being very approachable to anyone.

At the time, Shi Zhao thought she was arrogant.

Shuiyang was the Human Deity, and he was the Earth Deity, both serving in the Mortal Realm.

When Shuiyang first arrived in the Mortal Realm, courtesy dictated that the Earth Deity Shi Zhao should guide and assist her to quickly familiarize her with the duties of a Human Deity. But Shi Zhao wanted to give her a hard time, so he didn’t reach out, hoping Shuiyang would come to him instead.

Unexpectedly, after half a month had passed, Shuiyang still hadn’t come. Shi Zhao grew impatient and went to check on her. To his surprise, she not only understood the duties of a Human Deity very well but also handled them with remarkable competence.

From that day, Shi Zhao started observing Shuiyang from the shadows. Over time, he discovered that Shuiyang was very kind, not only to people but also to flowers, trees, and all living things. She would occasionally get lost in the beauty of natural landscapes, dance with butterflies, and smile at eagles soaring in the sky. Gradually, Shi Zhao’s view of her changed, and unbeknownst to him, he began to develop different feelings for her.

Afterward, he no longer spied on her from afar but stayed by Shuiyang’s side under the pretense of fulfilling his duty as the Earth Deity to assist the Human Deity. Initially, Shuiyang was very resistant and even disdainful. However, over time, this way of life became a habit.

The two of them bickered and teased each other frequently. Looking back now, those memories were precious and warm.

Within a month, the barrier had broken and been repaired numerous times, each crack larger than the last, keeping the deities of the First Heaven incredibly busy.

One day, while Shi Zhao was on guard duty, Feng Ang came by to check on him out of concern. They were ambushed but managed to deal with their attackers, discovering that they had fought three Deities.

“Looks like someone is getting restless.”

Feng Ang remarked, “I heard the list retrieved by the Sun and Moon Chess has those who colluded with the Devil Clan riled up. They won’t give up easily and are likely planning something big.”

Shi Zhao sighed, “Leave the list to the Second Heaven. They shouldn’t interfere too much in other matters. We’re guarding this place, and if things really get out of control, Chengqi should have a plan. Besides, isn’t Bai Qian here too? She has the Xingxiu Token. Worst case, we can seal the Devil Clan again.”

Shi Zhao patted Feng Ang on the shoulder, comforting him.

Boom!

An abnormal disturbance shook the heavens and earth. Feng Ang and Shi Zhao simultaneously looked towards the barrier, where the crack was rapidly spreading. Realizing this was bad, they immediately began repairs.

The intense disturbance reached the First Heaven. Shuiyang and Bai Qian quickly headed towards Gaoshang Land from Zipei Hall.

In Voidland Heavens, Chengqi, Zhen Yin, and Li Yan turned pale and were about to leave, when they found their exit blocked by three guards.

“Where are the esteemed Deities headed?”

The three stood imposingly at the door, clearly not intending to let Chengqi and his companions leave.

Chengqi recognized the three individuals.

“Lord Feimu of the Third Heaven! Lord Shubai and Lord Qingdi of the Second Heaven!” Chengqi understood, “I never thought you would collude with the Devil Clan!”

The three deities sneered, then attacked without another word.

Meanwhile, Shi Zhao and Feng Ang were desperately trying to repair the barrier when sounds of fighting reached their ears. Several heavily injured Celestial Generals were thrown at their feet.

The Celestial Generals stationed there were being forced back to the barrier. Savagely fierce figures from across the three realms, with weapons in hand, were advancing step by step.

Feng Ang and Shi Zhao had no energy to deal with these attackers as the barrier continued to break.

“Is this all coordinated?” Shi Zhao yelled in urgency.

Feng Ang gave orders, “Celestial Generals, defend Gaoshang Land to the death!”

“Yes!” The Celestial Generals surged forward to engage the enemy.

“Shi Zhao, focus entirely on repairing the barrier!” Feng Ang remained somewhat calm, directing the overall situation.

Shi Zhao nodded. Both of them ignored the chaos around them and focused their divine power to its limit to fix the barrier.

The entire First Heaven was under siege, descending into chaos. Chengqi and the others, who could give commands, were trapped in Voidland Heavens. Everything was in disarray.

When Bai Qian and Shuiyang arrived at Gaoshang Land, they found all the Celestial Generals down, and the enemies were about to attack Shi Zhao and Feng Ang.

The two deities surged forth with the wind, shielding Shi Zhao and Feng Ang, and swiftly swept away the enemies with a wave of their hands.

“You finally made it!” Shi Zhao exhaled in relief, sweat trickling down his temples.

“Leave the barrier to you two; we’ll handle the rest!” Shuiyang summoned a wind with a gesture of her palm, surrounding the area with yellow sand.

Bai Qian and Shuiyang exchanged a glance and launched into action, their divine power blasting the enemies, causing cries of pain to fill the air.

With perfect coordination and graceful movements, Bai Qian and Shuiyang soon had nearly no opponents left standing.

“Truly the daughter of Lord Xingxiu. Choosing to stay in the First Heaven and meddle in these matters instead of staying in the Third Heaven!”

A powerful and resonant voice entered their ears, and Bai Qian immediately guessed the speaker.

“Lord Gutong!”

Five figures approached against the blinding light of the Ninth Heaven, transforming the daylight in an instant, whipping up desolate winds across the ten-mile desert.

Clad in divine light, the five figures stood out prominently even in the dim light.

Alongside Lord Gutong were prestigious deities from the Second and Third Heavens.

Lord He Han, Lord Mu Yi, Lord Ningsang, and Lord Langzhong.

Bai Qian couldn’t help but sneer, “Quite the grand entrance. There’s one thing I don’t understand. I hope the five esteemed Deities can clear it up.”

Gu Tong spoke, “Go ahead.”

Shuiyang lifted her sharp gaze and questioned, “In the Heavenly Realm, the five of you hold highly prestigious positions. Bai Qian finds it hard to understand why you would become lackeys for the Devil Clan. What did they promise you?”

Lord Mu Yi laughed, a sound filled with mockery and disdain, “Prestigious positions? Little Bai Qian, you left the Third Heaven early; there are things you simply cannot know.”

He bit out each word coldly, as if they were ice daggers, “Our so-called prestigious positions? They’re only prestigious in the First and Second Heavens. But further up? Those Deities are even more exalted, and to them, we are less than ants. The Heavenly Realm is full of those who bully the weak and fear the strong, those who do not differentiate right from wrong. We became their playthings, trampled and humiliated at their whim. And what kind of life did we lead? The Devil Clan can give us power, make us strong, so no one can threaten us anymore. We seek only freedom!”

Bai Qian smirked, “Do you really think the Devil Clan can give you freedom?”

Gu Tong replied, “At least the rules of the Devil Clan are simple: the strong rule, and might makes right.”

Shuiyang lost her patience, “If reason doesn’t work, then let’s fight.”

He Han mockingly retorted, “Just the two of you against the five of us—do you think you can win?”

“Let’s find out!” Shuiyang dashed forward like an arrow.

In the blink of an eye, Bai Qian leapt into the sky, her arms spread wide, and fierce golden light pierced through the oppressive dark clouds.

Shuiyang moved like lightning, appearing above Young Master He Han, striking down with her long leg. He blocked effortlessly with his golden fan.

She swiftly turned, swinging a fist towards Lord Langzhong, but he caught her wrist and flung her away. Lord Ningsang seized the opportunity, launching a precise strike to Shuiyang’s abdomen with a single finger. Blood spurted from her mouth as she was hurled ten miles back, slamming against the barrier.

“Shuiyang!”

Ignoring everything else, Shi Zhao dashed towards Shuiyang. Feng Ang yelled frantically, “Shi Zhao, come back!”

Shi Zhao didn’t listen at all, forcing Feng Ang to hold the barrier on his own.

In the sky, Bai Qian gathered her strength and then swung her arms downward fiercely.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Over a dozen massive golden walls descended, forming a circle that entrapped the Five Deities.

With hands clasped overhead, the fierce winds whipped Bai Qian’s azure-green robes. Streams of white light gathered above her, gradually forming into the shape of a sword.

The colossal white light sword, as immense as a towering pillar, emitted a dragon’s roar. A golden dragon manifested and coiled around Bai Qian before winding itself around the giant sword.

“Light Sword Dragon Descent!”

Her commanding voice pierced through clouds and mist, resounding in all directions. The giant sword pivoted, its blade pointing towards the center of the golden walls.

“Fall—”

At the final word, the sword cleaved through the air and plummeted with the force of a collapsing mountain.

Inside the golden walls, the Five Deities remained unperturbed. As the dragon’s roar approached, Gu Tong began a chant, “Reverse the star cascade, turbulent waters upon rock, dragon into river and sea, shatter to dust, break!”

A vast waterfall surged upward, colliding with the giant sword. The golden dragon roared powerlessly in the water, until finally, both sword and dragon shattered, falling like stars into the sea in a magnificent display.

Before Bai Qian could react, Gu Tong rode the waterfall towards her, the golden walls that trapped them having vanished without her noticing.

“Not good!” Bai Qian quickly dodged, the bells on her ankle ringing clearly. The waterfall dispersed into droplets as Gu Tong’s palm missed, and he swiftly followed up with a kick, sending Bai Qian crashing to the ground.

Dust and debris flew up as the ground caved into a deep crater. Splintered stones scattered while the dispersed waterfall now poured down, soaking all of Gaoshang Land.

“Qian’er!”

Feng Ang was also worried but needed to remain calm. Spider-web-like cracks spread across the barrier, with Demonic Aura leaking through the larger gaps.

“Bai Qian!”

Shuiyang ran over to help the severely injured Bai Qian to her feet.

“Attack Feng Ang, break the barrier first!” Gu Tong commanded.

The Five Deities collectively unleashed their full power. Though Bai Qian and her comrades tried to intercept, Lord Ningsang blocked their path.

In an instant, Gu Tong reached Feng Ang’s side, placing a heavy hand on his shoulder.

Feng Ang felt an overwhelming pressure and collapsed to his knees, his spell interrupted.

Lord Langzhong struck Feng Ang, sending him flying towards Bai Qian.

“Feng Ang!” Bai Qian caught him just in time.

Gu Tong and the other four quickly began casting spells to break the barrier.

“Stop them!” Feng Ang rushed forward. Lord Ningsang raised his hand, drawing an array symbol to block the way. Feng Ang, unphased, shattered the symbol with a wave, his fiery eyes gleaming coldly.

As the War Deity of the Third Heaven, Feng Ang was not someone who could be stopped by a single Lord Ningsang.

Ningsang attempted to intercept again, but Bai Qian seized him from behind, “Your opponent is here!”

Though Bai Qian couldn’t contend with someone of Gu Tong’s caliber, she was more than capable of handling Lord Ningsang in a one-on-one fight.