Chapter 985: Crossing Tianwai

"Sister‑in‑law?" Chen Churan asked in astonishment, a line she had wrestled with mentally for a long time before uttering.

She had only called Shang Hongxue "sister‑in‑law" before; now she had to call a second woman that, and to be honest, she was very reluctant, but Hu Jiuwei had given her a gift outright, leaving her no time to think.

After that "sister‑in‑law" left her lips, Chen Churan felt guilty. "Hongxue sister‑in‑law, it's not that I, as a younger sister, am being stubborn; it's that this woman doesn't follow the usual script. I'm not compelled to call her sister‑in‑law; in my heart, she's always been the first sister‑in‑law."

Perhaps thinking that way would ease her heart a bit, and Chen Churan's guilt lessened considerably. She lifted her head and observed the woman before her again: the most beautiful woman of the Fox Clan, also the most beautiful woman in the world, whose aura of charm was incomparable to any other woman; even Shang Hongxue, the sister‑in‑law, paled in comparison before her.

The fact is, not that Chen Churan is being comparative; any woman who sees such a woman would feel embarrassed.

"Mm‑mm." Hu Jiuwei was delighted; she liked hearing the word "sister‑in‑law". This younger sister was truly wonderful; it wasn't a waste for her to prepare a meeting gift. She resolved to give this younger sister more favors, letting her accept her in advance.

As for Chen Chuyang's family, she would do the same; although she doesn't care about empty titles, what they need to know should still be known.

Otherwise, remaining nameless forever is not what she wants.

Xinran Zhanglao stared at Hu Jiuwei; having seen her many times, even upon meeting again she was still drawn to that charm. This woman was truly outstanding; Chen Chuyang being attracted to her wasn't his fault—anyone would feel the same.

Regardless of gender, before this charm one must bow one's head.

"Hu Jiuwei truly has charm; even I am moved by it."

To be able to keep one's heart unmoved is rare; having one or two in this world is already good.

Hu Jiuwei naturally knew they were watching; many around were drawn by her bearing. As soon as she entered, she became the brightest point in the venue.

She had long become accustomed to being watched by others; conversely, when people didn't look at her, she felt uneasy.

The people who arrived later glanced here, intentionally or not; Hu Jiuwei stood beside Chen Churan, ready to have a good chat with this younger sister.

And Xinran Zhanglao's subtle hostility, well concealed, was still noticed by Hu Jiuwei.

Once the personnel gathered, White Deer King nodded to the crowd, opened the altar, and opened that passage.

He could no longer restrain himself from heading to Tianwai; this time many came, including old familiar faces and many newcomers.

For example, Yin Gui Zhenren of the Yin Gui Sect brought a group of Elders, some ancient undead of the Faction, and also Zhuge Ruolan and a batch of new‑generation Yin Gui Sect disciples, specifically to let them see and realize that this world is not where they should linger, and they should not fight over a sect leader's position.

Their world lies in Tianwai; there is the true battlefield.

At the same time, it gives those people a goal: to go to Tianwai and diligently cultivate.

There are many purposes for this; these disciples are all highly regarded by their respective schools.

"Yin Gui Daoist companions, are these the companions who will go to Tianwai with us?"

Yin Gui Zhenren nodded: "Yes, White Deer King, these are the essence of my Yin Gui Sect. This time, I will lead them away to Tianwai in search of a breakthrough opportunity."

White Deer King, upon hearing this, gave them a serious glance.

After scanning the group, White Deer King nodded at them.

"Very well, fellow Daoist companions, Tianwai is fraught with danger. After we go to Tianwai, we must watch over each other and jointly face the enemies of Tianwai."

Members of the Yin Gui Sect, as well as those from the Spirit Sword Sect and the Black Dragon Guard of the Great Qi Dynasty, etc., are all elites; White Deer King does not know how many of this batch will ultimately survive.

Tianwai is beyond his calculation; those who go to Tianwai become his own Daoist companions.

Among them, they must watch and help each other; otherwise internal division easily becomes a target in Tianwai, leading to total annihilation.

"Yes."

The crowd clasped their hands and answered, their voices echoing around.

Everyone's eyes burned as they stared at that passage—the passage to Tianwai—they all knew.

Entering Tianwai from here requires neither traversing the void nor being slain by those Strong Ones.

For now, the safest method is that once they reach Tianwai, it becomes their realm; what to do and how to do it is up to them.

Xinran Zhanglao fixed his gaze on the passage, then looked at the people beside him; his eyes landed on Hu Jiuwei and asked, "Hu Jiuwei Daoist companion, aren't you going?"

Hu Jiuwei spread her hands: "No rush; I still have some matters unfinished, so this time I won't go to Tianwai."

"Xinran Daoist companion, why aren't you going? With your cultivation and swordsmanship, there is a way to survive in Tianwai; you could even seek the Heavenly Sword Sect there. Your Spirit Sword Sect is a branch of the Heavenly Sword Sect in Tianwai, and your senior brother is also in Tianwai; perhaps he would protect you."

"Moreover, those Spirit Sword Sect companions, once they go to Tianwai, they need not worry about having nowhere to go."

Xinran Zhanglao's gaze turned cold as he declared, "The Spirit Sword Sect is the Spirit Sword Sect; the Heavenly Sword Sect is the Heavenly Sword Sect."

The two are not the same.

They are not the same school, so naturally they would not join the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Xinran Zhanglao does not want these seniors to become that person's sacrificial offerings, nor does he wish them to die in vain.

"I see, I was being too outspoken," Hu Jiuwei glanced at them, wondering whether others thought the same as Xinran Zhanglao, who knows?

However, those are internal matters, unrelated to her.

Each person has their fate, each has their ambition; the future depends on how they choose.

The passage opened.

White Deer King led the people inside first; he wanted to lead by example and clear the way for the crowd.

Yin Gui Zhenren also prepared to depart, turned, and said to Zhuge Ruolan, "Holy Maiden, the Yin Gui Sect is now in your hands."

Zhuge Ruolan's gaze was firm as she said, "Sect Master, I will certainly lead the Yin Gui Sect to brilliance."

Yin Gui Zhenren smiled with satisfaction, waved, and led a group from the Yin Gui Sect toward Tianwai.

Next came the Black Dragon Guard, and the others.

After those people entered, the passage closed and the altar was sealed.

The scene now had far fewer people; they all stared at where the altar stood.

Half an hour later, many people left one after another.

Before departing, Hu Jiuwei said to Chen Churan, "Sister Churan, if you have time later, you may visit the Fox Clan."

"Alright, sister‑in‑law," Chen Churan naturally would not refuse and outwardly agreed.

Whether she goes later is her own decision.