Chapter 48

After I started cultivating later on, I gradually lost interest in cultivation. My father, in pursuit of the Great Dao, could even abandon my mother while she was giving birth. Should those who cultivate to reach the supreme Dao be so cold and heartless?

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese includes 「」 quotes. Should we keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully, preserve every paragraph break. It didn't say to drop quotation marks. Usually we keep them as they are part of the text. We'll keep the Chinese quotation marks? Better to replace with English quotes? The rule: "Render EXACTLY what the source says — same meaning, same information, nothing added." The source includes Chinese quotation marks 「」. Should we keep them? Usually translation replaces them with English quotes. But that would be adding? Not exactly; it's converting punctuation. I think we should use English double quotes. The rule didn't forbid changing punctuation style. We'll use English double quotes.

Thus line 1 translation: "Until I later began cultivating, I gradually lost interest in cultivation. Father Emperor, in pursuit of the Dao, could even abandon Mother who was in labor. Should those who cultivate to pursue the supreme Dao be so cold and heartless?" We'll output as 【1】 translation.

Regarding my marriage to Ye Xuan, Father Emperor didn't even consult me; he simply decided everything on my behalf.

Translation: "As for my marriage to Ye Xuan, Father Emperor didn't even consult me, he just decided for me." Keep "I". Use "my". We'll output.

And you, for the sake of imperial power, practice the Void Thought Technique without any scruple...

And you, for the sake of imperial power, practice the Void Thought Technique without scruple...

I have always wanted to find an excuse that I misjudged someone for my mother, but everyone around me seems obsessed with cultivation, obsessed with the Dao.

I have always wanted to find an excuse that I misjudged someone for my mother, but everyone around me seems obsessed with cultivation, obsessed with the Dao.

Sometimes I wonder, how wonderful it would be if men in the world didn't neglect women for the sake of cultivation, and didn't treat women merely as tools for bearing offspring.

Translation: "Sometimes I think, how great would it be if men worldwide didn't neglect women for cultivation, didn't view women as mere tools for reproduction?" We'll output.

The Sixth Prince heard this, but still couldn't understand what the Imperial Princess was trying to express.

Translation: "The Sixth Prince, hearing this, still didn't understand what the Imperial Elder Sister wanted to express." We'll output.

How did we suddenly bring up the Empress's weak passing and the marriage alliance between the Great Yu Dynasty and the Star Pavilion?

Translation: "How did we suddenly drag onto the Empress Mother's weak passing, and the marriage alliance between the Great Yu Dynasty and the Star Pavilion?" We'll output.

Now that person, I have found him. With that, the princess released a surge of emotion, she self‑mockingly shook her head and laughed, saying: "Go see what's happened to the Ye family."

Translation: "\"I have found that person. \" Having said that, the Princess released an emotion from her eyes, she self-mockingly shook her head and smiled, saying: \"Go see what has happened to the Ye Family. \"" We'll output.

Su Chen, you can't win; you'll never be able to win in this lifetime.

Translation: "\"Su Chen, you can't win; you'll never be able to win in this lifetime. \"" We'll output.

The Sixth Prince frowned, a hint of gloom in his deep eyes.

Translation: "The Sixth Prince frowned, a hint of gloom in his deep eyes." We'll output.

He gave her a deep, piercing glance; from the smile of the Princess who was laughing at himself, he rarely found a trace of mockery.

He gave her a deep, cutting glance; from the smile of the Princess laughing at himself, he rarely found a trace of mockery.

This mockery is not directed at himself, but at some kind of rule or order, as if mocking the injustice of fate.

Translation: "This mockery was not directed at himself, but at some kind of rule or order, as if mocking the injustice of fate." We'll output.

Crazy!

Translation: "Crazy!" We'll output.

Could it be that these past few days I've been possessed by an evil spirit, or perhaps taken over by some ancient monster?

Translation: "Could it be that I've been possessed by an evil spirit these days, or taken over by some old monster?" We'll output.

Otherwise, how could I, after just a few meetings with Su Chen, spout nonsensical babble and then feel as if I've lost my soul?

Translation: "Otherwise, how could I, after just a few meetings with Su Chen, spout nonsensical nonsense and then feel like I've lost my soul?" We'll output.

He also heard from his shadow guards that the Imperial Princess, while meditating in cultivation last night, seemed to have gone into deviation, emitting strange laughter and finally uttering Su Chen's name……

Translation: "He also heard from his shadow guards that the Imperial Elder Sister, while cultivating in meditation last night, seemed to have gone mad with deviation, emitting strange laughter from her mouth, and finally chanting Su Chen's name..." We'll output.

Let's go. The Sixth Prince suppressed his desire and unease, quickly followed the steward and disappeared from the Princess's residence.

Translation: "\"Let's go. \" The Sixth Prince suppressed the desire and unease in his heart, quickly followed the steward, and disappeared from the Princess's residence." We'll output.

At this moment.

Translation: "At this moment." We'll output.

Qingzhou, less than three thousand li from the Eastern Wasteland, is home to the Qingming Sect.

Translation: "Less than three thousand li from the Eastern Wasteland, in Azure Province, lies the Azure Abyss Sect." We'll output.

Ye Xuan took his seat on a high place, looking down upon the sect masters kneeling on the ground, and even some newcomers who had just joined.

Translation: "Ye Xuan took his seat on high, looking down upon the various sect leaders kneeling on the ground, and even some newly initiated disciples." We'll output.

A slightly solemn voice rang out: 'Report from the Ye family: beside Su Changfeng is a Martial Lord‑level demon beast descendant, and he himself has also broken through to Martial Lord realm, leading the demon clan in planning an attack on the Ye family.'

Translation: "A slightly solemn voice rang out: \"The Ye Family reports that beside Su Changfeng is a Martial Sovereign Realm demon beast descendant, and he himself has also broken through to Martial Sovereign Realm, leading the demon clan to plan an attack on the Ye Family. \"" We'll output.

What do you all think?

Translation: "\"What are your thoughts, everyone? \"" We'll output.

A sect elder knelt and shouted loudly: 'Young Pavilion Master! Su Changfeng, as a descendant of the Heavenly Demon, deserves death by right; now he dares to ally with the demon clan, which is detrimental to the Ye family.'

Translation: "A sect elder knelt and shouted: \"Young Pavilion Master! Su Changfeng, as a descendant of the Heavenly Devil, deserves death by nature; now he dares to ally with the demon clan, which is detrimental to the Ye Family. \"" We'll output.

Yes, Young Pavilion Master, in my opinion we should have the Ye family head immediately seize control of the Heavenly Mystery Dao Sect, imprison the entire sect in the heavenly prison, and order Su Changfeng to disperse his demon troops! Make amends with a token of humility.

Translation: "\"Yes, Young Pavilion Master, in my opinion we should have the Ye Family head immediately take control of the Heavenly Profound Dao Sect, imprison the entire sect in the heavenly prison, and order Su Changfeng to disperse his demon troops! Make amends with a token gesture. \"" We'll output.

Young Pavilion Master, the Heavenly Mystery Dao Sect behind Sect Master Su has historically been devoted to exorcising demons and upholding the Dao; this matter likely hides some other reason, so I suggest we first investigate the cause before making any further plans.

Translation: "\"Young Pavilion Master, the Heavenly Profound Dao Sect behind Sect Master Su has historically exorcised demons and upheld the Dao; this matter may have hidden motives. I suggest we first investigate the cause before making further plans. \"" We'll output.

「……」

Translation: "\"... \"" We'll output.

The Qingming Sect is merely a temporary foothold for Ye Xuan at present; here there are disciples of the Star Pavilion, as well as some senior officials of the dynasty.

Translation: "The Azure Abyss Sect is merely a place where Ye Xuan currently stays; here there are Star Pavilion disciples, as well as elderly officials of the dynasty with some seniority." We'll output.

Nearly eighty percent or more of the elders and disciples are shouting to throw Su Chen and the members of the Heavenly Mystery Dao Sect into the Heavenly Sea Water Prison, thereby threatening the Su sect leader who prepares to act against the Ye family.

Translation: "Almost eighty percent or more of the elders and disciples shouted that Su Chen and the members of the Heavenly Profound Dao Sect should be thrown into the heavenly sea water prison, to threaten the Su Sect Master who is preparing to act against the Ye Family." We'll output.

The remaining ten percent……hah!

Translation: "The remaining ten percent... hah!" We'll output.

Ye Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the crowd, memorizing each clan that pleaded for Su Chen.

Translation: "Ye Xuan narrowed his eyes, scanned the crowd, and memorized each of the aristocratic clans pleading for Su Chen." We'll output.

A flash of killing intent flickered in the depths of his eyes and then vanished.

Translation: "A flash of killing intent flickered in the depths of his eyes and vanished." We'll output.

And——

Translation: "And—" We'll output.

Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly solemn.

Translation: "Just as the atmosphere gradually grew heavy," We'll output.

The Sixth Prince of the Great Yu Dynasty has arrived.

Translation: "the Sixth Prince of the Great Yu Dynasty arrived." We'll output.

At the same time.

Translation: "At the same time." We'll output.

The second divine‑sense transmission from the Ye family of Qianyuan City has also been received.

Translation: "the second divine-sense transmission from the Ye Family of Primordial Origin City was also received." We'll output.

Report, Young Pavilion Master!!

Translation: "\"Report, Young Pavilion Master!! \"" We'll output.

The Ye family head sent a jade‑slip message: Su Changfeng leads demon troops, and near Yunhai City, less than thirty li from the Ye family, he has erected a three‑level killing formation.

Translation: "\"The Ye Family head sent a jade slip transmission: Su Changfeng leads demon troops, having constructed a three-tier killing formation near Yunhai City, less than thirty li from the Ye Family. \"" We'll output.

Afterward, the Young Pavilion Master's sworn brother, Ye Han, led the elite of the Star Pavilion to resist, broke the killing formation, slew eight hundred demon cultivators, and destroyed three altars.

Translation: "\"Following that, the Young Pavilion Master's sworn brother, Ye Han, led a contingent of Star Pavilion elites to resist, broke the formation, and killed eight hundred demon cultivators, destroying three altars. \"" We'll output.

Although the assassination attempt failed, it also severely wounded Su Changfeng; Yunhai City lacks sufficient spirit‑gathering arrays to support three thousand cultivators, so the Ye family head asks the Young Pavilion Master to bring the Martial Lords of his pavilion and capture Su Changfeng!

Translation: "\"Although the assassination attempt failed, it also severely wounded Su Changfeng; Yunhai City lacks sufficient Spirit Gathering Formations to sustain three thousand cultivators, so the Ye Family head asks the Young Pavilion Master to bring the Martial Sovereigns of the Pavilion to capture Su Changfeng! \"" We'll output.

「……」

Translation: "\"... \"" We'll output.

Upon receiving this jade‑slip transmission, the entire hall of the Qingming Sect fell instantly silent.

Translation: "Upon this jade slip transmission arriving, the entire hall of the Azure Abyss Sect fell instantly silent." We'll output.

Who would have thought that in this lowly mortal realm of the Eastern Wasteland, there would actually be a cub of the White Tiger Holy Beast.

Translation: "Who would have thought that in this lowly mortal realm of the Eastern Wasteland, there would be the cub of the White Tiger Holy Beast?" We'll output.

Moreover, its cultivation has reached the Martial Lord level.

Translation: "And its cultivation has reached the Martial Sovereign Realm." We'll output.

Still, the path is higher by a chi; Ye Xuan's sworn brother, who traveled abroad in his youth, is said to possess extraordinary talent as well.

Translation: "However, the path is still one foot higher; Ye Xuan's sworn brother, who traveled in his youth, is said to have extraordinary talent as well." We'll output.

I originally thought Su Changfeng still posed some threat, but now it seems the Ye family truly produces heaven‑chosen talents one after another.

Translation: "I originally thought Su Changfeng still posed some threat, but now it seems the Ye Family truly produces heaven's pride in abundance." We'll output.

Now the Ye family, from top to bottom, is united in hatred against a common enemy!

Translation: "Now the Ye Family, up and down, is united against a common enemy!" We'll output.

Su Changfeng, capturing Su Changfeng is as easy as turning over one's hand.

Translation: "Su Changfeng—capturing Su Changfeng is as easy as turning over one's hand." We'll output.

In the Eastern Wasteland, spirit surges are common; during this special period, if insufficient spirit‑gathering arrays are not set up to aid in refining the internal spirit energy, many cultivators will explode and die.

Translation: "In the Eastern Wasteland, spirit eruptions are very common; during this special period, if insufficient Spirit Gathering Formations are not set up to aid in refining the internal spirit energy, many cultivators will burst and die." We'll output.

Hah!

Translation: "Hah!" We'll output.

Being burst open by the accumulated spirit energy within one's body, one would likely die in despair.

Translation: "To be burst to death by the accumulated spirit energy inside one's body—one would probably die in despair." We'll output.

In that instant, the Sixth Prince felt a twisted, perverse pleasure rise in his heart; the more miserable Su Changfeng became, the more it could compensate for the pain he felt when Su Chen snatched Liu Liyan, leaving him powerless.

Translation: "In an instant, the Sixth Prince felt a twisted, perverse sense of gratification rise in his heart; the more miserable Su Changfeng became, the more it could compensate for the pain and helplessness he felt when Su Chen snatched Liu Liyan away." We'll output.

Really?!

Translation: "\"Really?! \"\"" We'll output.

On Ye Xuan's stern face, no joy or anger could be seen.

Translation: "On Ye Xuan's stern face, no joy or anger could be seen." We'll output.

His voice was low and magnetic, tinged with a hint of lament: 'I gave the Heavenly Mystery Dao Sect a chance; why does he still cling to his delusion?'

Translation: "His voice was low and resonant, with a hint of sigh: \"I have given him a chance with the Heavenly Profound Dao Sect; why does he still cling to his delusion? \"\"" We'll output.

A gray‑robed cultivator arrived on a flying horse, knelt and reported: 'Young Pavilion Master, Ye Han has indeed confronted Su Changfeng; he now cultivates demon clan techniques, summons the Heavenly Demon, and even erected a great blood‑ sacrifice formation, harming our fellow humans.'

Translation: "A gray-robed cultivator arrived on a swift horse, knelt and reported: \"Young Pavilion Master, Ye Han has indeed confronted Su Changfeng; he now cultivates demon clan techniques, summons the Heavenly Devil, and has even erected a great Blood Sacrifice Formation, harming our fellow humans. \"" We'll output.

Sigh. Ye Xuan's face darkened, he sighed and shook his head, then looked at the assembled cultivators: 'When I was young, the Ye family also once received the protection of the Heavenly Mystery Dao Sect; later, the sect's young master abolished my meridians and ruined my cultivation path, and I merely challenged him to a duel. Even though I now have the backing of a Martial Saint ancestor behind me, I have not acted arrogantly or sought to destroy his sect. Why then do they ally with the Heavenly Demon, and why exactly…'

Translation: "\"Alas. \" Ye Xuan's face darkened, he sighed and shook his head, lifting his gaze to the assembled cultivators: \"In my youth, the Ye Family once received the protection of the Heavenly Profound Dao Sect; later, the sect's young master crippled my meridians and ruined my cultivation path, I merely challenged him to a duel; although I now have a Martial Saint elder backing me, I have not acted arrogantly or sought to destroy his sect—why then do they ally with the Heavenly Devil, why... \"\"" We'll output.

Elder Su Yuan, you and Su Changfeng share the same father but different mothers; since childhood your relationship has been extraordinary. Tell me, Young Master, what kind of person is Su Changfeng? Would he collude with the Heavenly Demon and ally with the demon clan?

Translation: "\"Elder Su Yuan, you and Su Changfeng share the same father but different mothers; since childhood your relationship has been extraordinary. Tell me, Young Master, what kind of person is Su Changfeng? Would he collude with the Heavenly Devil and ally with the demon clan? \"\"" We'll output.

The named Elder Su was nearly frightened to the point of his liver and gallbladder bursting.

Translation: "The named Elder Su nearly had his liver and gallbladder burst from fright." We'll output.

He hurriedly stood up, kneeling and prostrating on the ground.

Su Changfeng, Su Changfeng, don't blame me for not remembering our family ties; if blame is to be assigned, blame you for aligning with the monster tribe, and furthermore, your reckless audacity in erecting a blood-colored altar to attempt to sacrifice to the heavenly demon.

What I am about to say is also for the sake of my latter life.

Su Yuan pondered for a moment, then answered: "Young Pavilion Master, although I am Su Changfeng's younger brother, he has been dull-witted in cultivation since childhood and short-sighted; after I left the Eastern Wasteland, I basically cut off ties with the Su Clan, but Su Changfeng has a Monster Venerable assisting him, so he must have made some shady deal with the monster tribe."

"From what you said, do you think Su Changfeng will collude with the monster tribe and harm human cultivators?" Ye Xuan's expression remained unchanged.

Then he also looked toward Wang Elder of the Cold Moon Sect, who is related to the Heavenly Mystery Dao Sect.

Elder Wang felt frightened, and also said something similar to what Su Yuan said.