Chapter 1397: The Great Flourishing of Human Dao: Qi Lingyun

A blade of light sliced through the sky, then suddenly halted, descending between the mountains and forests.

"Mother once said she saw a red lingzhi here a hundred years ago and placed a seal—wonder if it's still there?"

Qi Lingyun swept her spiritual sense across the area and quickly spotted a small seal.

Walking closer, she cast a spell, and instantly, the empty ground before her revealed a crimson lingzhi.

The red lingzhi, as its name suggests, glowed vividly like fire, with flames swirling within—it was a rare heavenly treasure.

Qi Lingyun's expression brightened with delight; she stepped forward and carefully plucked the lingzhi, storing it in her Hundred Treasures pouch.

After finishing this, she cast another spell, infusing the root with spiritual energy to restore the seal, hoping that centuries later, a later disciple of Emei would return to harvest it.

Moments later, another blade of light rose again.

For a full fortnight, Qi Lingyun traveled across famous mountains and great rivers, gathering dozens of spiritual herbs and acquiring nine ordinary-quality flying swords.

These nine flying swords were left behind by nameless cultivators, with no karmic ties attached; though of ordinary quality, they could be used without worry.

All of these had been found by past Emei elders and deliberately left as rewards for successors—now they all belonged to Qi Lingyun.

True Person Miao Yi and Xun Lanyin had given all these locations to their daughter; though Emei publicly offered little support, in truth, what Qi Lingyun now held was enough to establish a new sect.

One could say that Miao Yi and his wife had not harmed Emei in the slightest, yet had given their daughter a vast fortune to start anew.

"It's time to head to the capital!"

Having gained so much, Qi Lingyun could hardly wait; she mounted her flying sword and headed straight for the capital.

Midway, the blade of light suddenly paused.

Qi Lingyun descended her sword in a secluded spot, reverted to ordinary attire, and walked through the towns.

Fields stretched before her, fragrant with rice, heavy grains bending the stalks—a scene of bountiful harvest.

Many farmers were reaping in the fields, singing joyous folk songs.

Qi Lingyun had cultivated for decades and descended the mountain more than once.

Even when the Great Ming still ruled, she had never seen such a sight.

After the Qing took the pass, it was even less likely.

In the past, the people were yellow-skinned and emaciated, like decaying wood, utterly lifeless; though alive, they were mere puppets.

Now, these common folk were truly living beings, with their own joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness.

She was moved by this emotion; she no longer rode her flying sword, but walked along the imperial roads, witnessing the flourishing of this new age.

Slowly traveling, Qi Lingyun witnessed the strength of this dynasty and came to deeply respect Li Yingqiong, whom she had never met.

"Someone like Little Sister Li, though not yet on the Immortal Path, has done more than many sword immortals."

How many lives could a single sword immortal save by slaying demons and subduing evils?

Li Yingqiong alone has saved billions of beings—how different is her compassion from that of Buddhas and Immortals?

After months of arduous travel, Qi Lingyun felt her mind crystal clear, her Primordial Spirit growing stronger; in the past, she would have been ready to advance further.

But now she had no such thoughts—only the capital lay before her.

After a long journey, Qi Lingyun had arrived at the capital.

Entering the capital, she felt even more acutely its prosperity; she found a place to wash and freshen up, then mounted her sword and flew straight toward the imperial palace.

Li Yingqiong was easy to find; with a single sweep of her spiritual sense, Qi Lingyun located her.

At that moment, Li Yingqiong was handling state affairs; she sensed something, looked up, and saw the swordlight vanish, revealing Qi Lingyun's figure.

"Who are you?"

"Qi Lingyun of Emei, before the current ruler of humanity."

Li Yingqiong rose immediately and stepped forward to meet Qi Lingyun.

Thanks to True Person Miao Yi's warning, she did not bow in her usual impulsive manner.

After all, most people could not bear the weight of her bow.

Her reverence, though well-intentioned, might severely damage the other's fortune.

That would be kindness turning into harm.

"What brings you here, Sister?" Li Yingqiong asked. "Do you want me to leave and return to cultivation?"

"Not entirely," Qi Lingyun quickly explained what True Person Miao Yi had instructed her to do—establishing a new Dao lineage.

Li Yingqiong was stunned: "Founding an Immortal-Martial sect?"

"Yes," Qi Lingyun nodded. "This path can lead all the way to Hunyuan. They hold great hope for it. But since they already have their own sects, they cannot switch paths, so they left it to us. I am an Emei disciple, yet not a key one; founding a new path will not anger our Ancestors—it's perfect."

"I see," Li Yingqiong nodded gently. "Of course. I'll speak with Brother Taixuan—there may even be benefits. But can you truly abandon this human dynasty?"

Qi Lingyun sighed: "Human affairs must be handled by humanity itself. Even if you have boundless energy, how long can you possibly hold it all? Little Sister Li—hesitation invites chaos."

0 ········Seeking flowers··· ·········

"Very well," Li Yingqiong pondered a while, realizing the truth of it; with no new marvels appearing and no merit left to gain, this was the moment to withdraw.

Now was the time to step away.

Over the next several days, Li Yingqiong clearly handed over all her duties, relinquishing power entirely.

"Your Majesty, are you leaving?"

"Yes," Li Yingqiong nodded, gazing at her subordinates—many older than herself. "I'm going to cultivate. If you ever wish to lay down your duties, come find me. We reshaped the world and remade heaven and earth—this blessing I cannot claim alone."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Hearing this, the crowd's spirits soared; some even immediately declared they would leave with her.