Mortal: Fifteenth Realm Sword Cultivator

However, what lies between these two stages are two enormous barriers, like insurmountable chasms, between the early and late stages of the Nascent Soul realm. Each stage represents a vast difference in spiritual power and divine consciousness.

Shi Songpo could no longer treat him as if he were just an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Outside the most secluded palace in the core forbidden area of ​​the Miaoyin Sect, the protective barrier rippled like water, silently penetrating through it.

A woman dressed in a flowing purple dress walked in slowly, her shoulders partially exposed and her skin as white as snow.

Even with a thin veil covering her face, her beautiful eyes alone, which could not be captured even a fraction of the beauty of any painting in the world, were enough to make people feel ashamed and unworthy of her.

Her step into the pavilion caused the surrounding light to dim slightly for a moment.

She then moved gracefully to a chaise lounge by the window, her posture casual, her body gliding down naturally like flowing clouds, and she reclined there.

A very soft sigh escaped from her lips.

Zi Ling returned to Miaoyin Sect this time after just extricating herself from an important business alliance matter.

Since the powerful emergence of Elder Jin Kui of the Star Palace and his swift and decisive reorganization, which involved transferring many of the Sixth Elder's vassal factions in Tianxing City away from the core area, the power structure within the Star Palace has undergone a reshuffle.

This was undoubtedly a golden opportunity for Zi Ling.

Although it wasn't for the Miaoyin Sect, it unexpectedly cleared away some obstacles within the Miaoyin Sect that were intricately connected to the Sixth Elder's faction.

Some of the power within the organization began to slowly return to her hands.

Everything seems to be moving in a positive direction.

However, this did not save Miaoyin Sect from the danger of being swallowed up.

Several years ago, when the Miaoyin Sect was facing a shortage of Core Formation stage cultivators, the Sixth Elder used the pretext of "supporting the young sect leader" to take over the Miaoyin Sect.

This move, ostensibly a gesture of protection, is actually a scheme to exploit those who have no descendants, with the intention of gradually annexing the Miaoyin Sect.

In order to break this crisis, Xiao Ziling made a public vow.

Whoever can help her avenge the blood feud of killing her father and mother, and kill Wu Chou and the Extreme Yin Old Demon, she will offer the entire Miaoyin Sect with both hands.

Although this oath helped her break the deadlock and temporarily slowed down the other party's aggressive takeover efforts, it failed to completely stop the Sixth Elder.

He still sent his trusted confidant, Zhao Zheng, a Core Formation stage cultivator, to be stationed at Miaoyin Sect under the title of "Star Palace Special Envoy" and to serve as an elder.

Since the Miaoyin Sect is part of the Star Palace system, the Sixth Elder's actions are beyond reproach in terms of legitimacy.

Therefore, most of the real power within the organization remains firmly in the hands of Zhao Zheng.

Despite Zi Ling, Zhuo Ruting, and Fan Jingmei's best efforts over the years to barely regain some power, their efforts were still insufficient in the face of Zhao Zheng's absolute strength and Xinggong background.

The situation can only be considered barely maintained; it is still far from being truly under control of the Miaoyin Sect.

Fortunately, after emerging from seclusion, Grand Elder Jin Kui of the Star Palace reorganized internal affairs and restructured the Star Palace system, which somewhat restrained the power of the Six Elders' faction and left him no time to exert greater pressure on the Myriad Sounds Sect.

This alone allowed Zi Ling to carve out some autonomy in the cracks.

However, Zi Ling's sighs and sorrows at this moment did not stem entirely from these reasons.

More than anything, she was furious at Zhao Zheng for overstepping his authority; how dare he, as the sect leader of Miaoyin Sect, refuse two female cultivators who had come to visit her some time ago.

She had just heard the gatekeeper say that the two women were strangers, but Zi Ling's first instinct told her that the two women must be Yan Ruyan and Xin Ruyin.

When they first visited, she refused to see them out of spite, being a bit of a girl.

This time, however, she was indeed out handling sect affairs and not in the Miaoyin Sect.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Zheng not only refused the guests on their behalf, but also spoke rudely to them, his words and attitude were quite offensive!

When Zi Ling returned and learned of this, she felt a surge of helplessness and regret.

Life is unpredictable, and things have taken an unexpected turn for the worse.

One act of willfulness, one absence, coupled with Zhao Zheng's arrogance, actually led to...

Thinking of this, a layer of gloom gradually enveloped Zi Ling's bright eyes.

This was the first time I experienced the consequences of being willful.

The things I said to my two senior sisters before were just me being petty and acting out of spite.

"well……"

Another long sigh echoed.

If I had known this would happen, I should have let go of that unnecessary reserve and met them openly and honestly the first time they came to visit.

Now, things have gone awry; due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, both opportunities have been missed.

The first time, she refused to let him in, but the second time, that damned Zhao Zheng blocked her way.

Do I really have to take the initiative to visit them again?

Once this thought arose, it lingered in her mind, leaving her in a state of utter confusion.

Just as Zi Ling was lost in thought.

"Buzz..."

The pavilion was meticulously decorated with layers of restrictions, enough to block even a Core Formation cultivator's divine sense from probing. Like a stone thrown into a calm lake, the restrictions suddenly rippled outwards.

Zi Ling was instantly jolted awake from her chaotic thoughts, hurriedly stood up, and looked toward the source of the fluctuations in the restriction.

A beam of golden light shone brightly, as if entering an empty space, passing through all restrictions and obstacles, and flew in, hovering steadily in front of her.

The token shimmered with light, and an unquestionable, majestic voice resounded directly in her mind.

"Zi Ling of Miao Yin Sect, proceed to the Star Palace Holy Temple immediately."

The world created by the author, who never rests on Saturdays, is all in "Mortal: Fifteen Realms of Sword Cultivation".

Zi Ling was horrified.

Star Palace Temple?

That is the true core of the Star Palace!

She forcefully suppressed her doubts and bowed deeply to the token.

"Zi Ling... Yes, ma'am."

As soon as she finished speaking, the token fell to the ground, and she quickly caught it with both hands.

Who exactly wants to see me?

The Sixth Elder has already gone into seclusion, so who else could it be?

Although she couldn't figure it out, she didn't dare to delay for even a moment.

He immediately activated one of his magical artifacts, stepped onto it, and flew towards the highest point of Tianxing City in the night.

She traveled without hindrance along the way because she was holding the token.

Especially when passing through the area above the fiftieth floor, many divine senses swept over, but upon sensing the token in her hand, they instantly withdrew it.

She went straight up and eventually arrived at a huge platform that was suspended in the void.

Steps extended from the edge of the platform, and she quickly stepped down.

Looking around, on both sides stood solemnly cultivators dressed in Star Palace armor, their auras deep and profound, all clearly at the Core Formation stage.

This is the essence of the Star Palace.

She took a deep breath, composed herself, and under the silent watchful eyes of the guards, stepped onto the white jade platform leading to the temple.

As Zi Ling stepped into the hall, she was greeted by a vast and magnificent scene.

The dome overhead is transparent like a curtain, not made of solid bricks and stones, but a huge starry mirror wall.

Deep within the mirror's surface, countless stars hang upside down, their orbits intertwined, the Milky Way flowing, and starlight falling.

In the center is a round bluestone table, several tens of feet wide.

There were a dozen or so pedestals of the same material evenly distributed around them.

At the very top, a figure stood silently.

The man wore a large, dark gold hooded robe, the hood hanging low to obscure his face. His aura blended seamlessly with the entire temple and even the vast starry sky above, radiating an indescribable sense of oppression.

The oppressive aura was simply too overwhelming to bear.

Zi Ling subconsciously leaned forward and bowed, placing her hands above her head in a gesture of respect.

"Zi Ling, the current sect leader of Miaoyin Sect, greets the elder."

She didn't know which elder of the Star Palace the other person was, but addressing him by that name was perfectly acceptable.

Jin Kui turned around, holding a scroll of green jade bamboo slip in his hand, and slowly paced down at the girl.

"Purple Spirit?"

His voice was deep and calm.

"Wang Hengxian's daughter, that can't be your real name, can it?"

"Report back to the elder."

Zi Ling took a deep breath, trying to calm her voice, and respectfully replied, "This junior's real name is Wang Ning."

Although he didn't dare to lift his head, the tension in his heart eased a little.

Since the other party specifically mentioned his father, Wang Heng, it seems... this summons shouldn't be a bad thing, right?

"A good name brings good fortune."

Jin Kui gently tapped the jade slip in his palm, his tone carrying a hint of enigmatic amusement.

To be personally bestowed a name by a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is itself an invisible protection and blessing.

It's a pity that the man surnamed Lu doesn't seem to care much about the Miaoyin Sect.

He was too lazy to bother pointing it out.

Zi Ling took the praise as just a polite remark and didn't think much of its deeper meaning.

"It's just a name. Whether it's Zi Ling or Wang Ning, it's just a title and doesn't deserve your praise, Elder."

Jin Kui shook his head slightly, then, too lazy to continue the formalities with this junior, he said directly, "I am Jin Kui."

Upon hearing the name, Zi Ling immediately prostrated herself on the ground, kowtowing with both hands, her posture extremely respectful, and her voice trembled slightly.

"Zi Ling greets the Grand Elder!"

Jin Kui looked at her trembling appearance, but his expression remained largely unchanged. He simply let out a soft, ambiguous laugh.

"Get up. Your father, Wang Heng, was a junior whom I greatly admired back then. He was steady and capable. It's just a pity that he suffered such a misfortune, causing you to have to shoulder such a heavy burden at such a young age."

Zi Ling slowly rose as instructed, still bowing with her hands clasped, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

The fact that her father's name could be uttered by this supreme being of the Star Palace, with a hint of regret, brought a lump to her throat. She whispered, "I am grateful for the Grand Elder's concern for my late father. Zi Ling... I can only lament the cruel twists of fate."

Jin Kui nodded slightly, his voice deep and authoritative: "My primary task upon leaving the pass this time is to quell the unrest in the inner sea and restore order."

Now that the situation has largely stabilized, we have some time to spare. My nephew Wang Heng and I had some past connections, and as his daughter, you are now in a difficult situation, which I cannot ignore.”

His gaze fell on Zi Ling. "Speak, tell me what you want, and I may grant it if it is within my power."

The Purple Spirit Heart Lake instantly churned, almost suffocating her.

She could even feel her heart pounding against her chest, and her voice trembled with barely concealed urgency.

"Zi Ling implores the Grand Elder to punish Ji Yin Island and kill Wu Chou and the Ji Yin Old Demon. Zi Ling is willing to offer the Miao Yin Sect to the Grand Elder with both hands and serve him for life, only seeking to avenge her parents' blood feud!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Kui sighed. She was indeed a rare filial daughter, but unfortunately, she had asked the wrong person for help…