Chapter 23: Gathering in the Kingdom of Women

“Grandma, you’re awake?” Feng Shang asked upon hearing the old woman cough. “How do you feel? Is everything alright?”

Although she had awakened, the old woman was still weak and silent, resting against Feng Shang’s back. Seeing this, he refrained from asking further.

Not only had contact with Han Tianyue and the others been lost, but communication with Lei Dong’s group was also severed. Unsure of his next move, Feng Shang suddenly heard the sound of fierce fighting coming from the north. “Could they have gone north?”

Without hesitation, Feng Shang headed north, where the Seven Trembling Flowers and the Four Guardians were still lingering. After much deliberation, they had resolved to assault the city.

Leading the charge were the Seven Trembling Flowers, each unleashing their unique skills upon the Daughter Kingdom, shrouded in a sinister aura. A wave of malevolent energy counterattacked instantly, forcing the Seven Trembling Flowers to retreat hastily.

Among the Four Guardians, Guan Tian swiftly employed the “Sky-Obscuring Veil,” sealing off a hundred-mile radius and plunging the surroundings into darkness.

This “Sky-Obscuring Veil” also encompassed several northern cities of the Daughter Kingdom, where the sinister aura dissipated. The Seven Trembling Flowers and the Four Guardians then stepped into the northern cities.

Meanwhile, Feng Shang arrived at the northern edge and gazed at the darkened sky. He quickly recognized the presence of the Four Guardians. “I don’t know their intent, but it’s best to keep my distance!” Recalling their past pursuit, a shiver ran down his spine. Before he could turn away, the sounds of battle erupted from the eastern part of the Daughter Kingdom.

“The malevolent energy is strong, but allow me to break through it!” It was Teacher Dan from the Hanlin Academy. The academy held deep enmity against the Malevolent Star and its aura. Seeing the sinister energy again, everyone’s faces were filled with hatred.

“Method of the Breaking Army!” Upon its release, the Malevolent Star’s power weakened significantly. The Hanlin Academy’s scholars and students, along with Lei Dong, surged forward into the Daughter Kingdom.

At that moment, the Malevolent Star’s aura condensed into a shadow that appeared before the Hanlin Academy’s group, intending to speak.

Teacher Xia Zhi did not wait for the shadow to utter a word; with a “Fan Strike!” she dispersed the shadow. United, everyone declared, “This time, we must annihilate the Malevolent Star once and for all!”

The Malevolent Star’s attempt to communicate was abruptly cut off, leaving it furious. It soared upward, the surrounding malevolent energy thickening.

The Seven Trembling Flowers and Four Guardians had entered the Daughter Kingdom’s northern cities, while the Hanlin Academy’s people and Lei Dong had advanced from the east. Observing from afar, Han Tianyue and his companions could no longer remain idle. Yet, they did not rush into battle; instead, they approached a grave near the Purple Bamboo Forest outside the southern city wall.

Before them stood only a tomb and a gravestone—nothing else. Han Tianyue pondered, “If there’s a mechanism, where would it be hidden?”

Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, and Fang Zhe spread out and examined their surroundings—on the ground, within the bamboo grove, and on every stone of the tomb—but found no response.

Then, simultaneously, their gazes fixed upon the massive stele before them. Moving this monument would be a formidable task for them, yet after witnessing the White-Clad Woman effortlessly dispatch the Divine Old Woman, they believed she could easily shift the stone.

Together, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, and Fang Zhe exerted their strength. Indeed, the mechanism was within the stele, which served as the gate to a secret passage. To gain entry, one had to exert the strength to lift a thousand pounds.

The secret passage gate opened. Sharing a knowing glance, the three acknowledged they had found a way into the Daughter Kingdom, though uncertain whether the passage’s end was also occupied by the Malevolent Star. Hence, they remained cautious.

Closing the gate behind them, Han Tianyue and his comrades proceeded through the passage. Upon reaching the sleeping chamber of the Ninth Matriarch, they found it unchanged: many naked women sprawled on the floor. Having seen them once before, this encounter no longer surprised them; the women greeted them with unabashed teasing.

Exchanging amused looks, everyone showed no embarrassment, let alone concern over gender distinctions.

“What exactly is the mindset of the women of the Daughter Kingdom?” Han Tianyue mused. Stepping forward, he addressed them, “Citizens of the Daughter Kingdom, please dress yourselves. Serious matters have befallen the kingdom, and we implore you to rise and aid us!”

Having lived in this secluded paradise, the women were unaware of the kingdom’s troubles. Upon hearing Han Tianyue’s words, they began to murmur among themselves.

“What’s going on?”

“Is that why the Ninth Matriarch hasn’t visited us recently?”

“If the Daughter Kingdom faces danger, how can we stand idly by?”

Moved by concern for their homeland, the women quickly dressed and approached Han Tianyue, requesting, “We have long been sheltered and are strangers to the outside world. Please, lead us!”

Dressed, the women displayed their unique grace and charm.

After a brief glance, Han Tianyue declared, “Then let us depart at once!”

With that, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and the women left the chamber together.

Meanwhile, Feng Shang, who had been wandering near the Daughter Kingdom’s outskirts and hesitating, suddenly heard the old woman behind him say, “Young brother, take me to the southern entrance of the Purple Bamboo Forest!”

Though unsure of her intentions, Feng Shang obeyed due to her insistence.

“There’s a tomb ahead,” the old woman murmured weakly.

Feng Shang nodded, “Yes, there’s a tomb.”

“Approach it!” she continued.

Following her instructions, Feng Shang arrived before the tomb.

“Put me down!” he gently lowered her.

Taking a deep breath, she pointed to the gravestone. “Push it to the left!”

Feng Shang studied the enormous stone, hesitating briefly.

The old woman grew agitated; the exertion ruptured her wound, and blood flowed anew. Feng Shang quickly turned and tended her injury.

After staunching the bleeding, the old woman gasped out, “Hurry, push!”

Though reluctant, Feng Shang pressed against the gravestone with all his might. At first, it barely shifted, but with renewed effort, it slid open widely. Summoning his last strength, he gave a final push, revealing a secret passage.

“What is this?” Feng Shang looked at the passage and then back at the old woman, who had fainted.

Seeking your support—gold stars, bookmarks, recommendations, clicks, comments, red envelopes, gifts—whatever you have, send it all my way!