Rebirth of the Supreme Immortal Emperor-Chapter 456 - 453: Is It Disaster or Fate? [First Update]

Chapter 456: Chapter 453: Is It Disaster or Fate? [First Update]

With the death of Ancestor Yin Ghost, the Yin Ghost Sect, one of the Three Sects of Miao Territory, was thoroughly eradicated.

The Mo Family, the Hei Family, along with the previously defunct Wu Family, left only four of the Seven Great Families of Miao Territory intact.

After Li Chen’s actions, the local forces of the Miao Territory had been reduced by a third.

From then on, the Miao Territory, tranquil for over half a century, was once again plunged into tumult and showed signs of division into three powers.

One was the Witch God Sect, which claimed to be the legitimate descendants of the Witch God, with a lineage spanning a thousand years. Although in decline over the past century, a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse.

The second was the Heavenly Demon Sect, whose Sect Master, Heavenly Demon Ancestor, had ambitious designs. Over the past half-century, he had been cultivating his power in secret, nurturing many experts.

Moreover, their territory bordered Myanmar, and they had a close relationship with the largest local underground force, the Golden Hall. It is said that the Heavenly Demon Ancestor and the Hall Master of the Golden Hall, the Golden Python King, shared a deep bond that went beyond life and death.

The third was naturally Li Chen’s Huaxia Alliance, which established a branch in the Miao Territory. Its territory encompassed the domains of the Bai Family, Hei Family, Mo Family, Wu Family, as well as the majority of the Yin Ghost Sect.

The headquarters of the branch was set in the main hall of the Yin Ghost Sect, guarded by the Dragon Family Patriarch Long Wuhen and Little Zhuge Chen Buyi.

When Lian Hongshang returned to Witch God Mountain, seven days had already passed.

"Disciple was incompetent and failed to kill Immortal Master Li. I hope Master will punish me!"

The Divine Mother glanced at the wound on Lian Hongshang’s left shoulder, asking without any expression, "Hongshang, are you hurt?"

Lian Hongshang looked at the wound on her shoulder, her expression complex.

"It’s just a small injury, no longer a serious matter."

The Divine Mother, perceptive as all-seeing, laughed coldly, "Heh, the injury on your body may not be a concern, but how about the wound in your heart, is that also of no concern?"

Hearing this, Lian Hongshang’s eyes trembled. The feeling was like being caught red-handed as a thief, somewhat at a loss.

"Disciple does not understand what Master is talking about."

The Divine Mother snorted angrily, retorting, "Humph, Lian Hongshang, don’t play dumb with me here. I raised you from a child; could I not see what’s on your mind?"

Upon hearing the Divine Mother’s Thunderous Fury, Lian Hongshang became panic-stricken.

"Disciple admits her wrongs, and begs Master’s punishment!"

The Divine Mother sighed deeply, murmuring to herself, "Ah, what is right or wrong, victory or loss... Since ancient times, the barrier of love has been difficult to cross!"

Lian Hongshang did not know why her master had suddenly become so sentimental, and for the moment, she did not dare to interject, simply bowing her head to listen.

The Divine Mother approached her and gently helped her up.

"Hongshang, this tribulation is predestined in your life, it’s not your fault!"

Lian Hongshang was bewildered, her master’s sudden change in demeanor left her completely at a loss.

"Hongshang, let me ask you, do you truly like him?"

"No!"

Before the Divine Mother even finished speaking, Lian Hongshang hurriedly answered. She seemed eager to assert her firm stance, as if fearing a delay would make her seem uncertain.

The Divine Mother smiled indifferently, "If not, then why are you so agitated, and why has your face turned red?"

Hearing this, Lian Hongshang was startled, subconsciously reaching to touch her own face, exactly like how a guilty thief would react.

The Divine Mother did not dwell on this question any longer, but sharply turned the conversation, pressing, "He must have seen your true face under the veil, hasn’t he?"

"Yes."

"The rules of our Witch God Sect, established a thousand years ago, state that any man who sees the face of the Goddess under her veil must either be killed by the Goddess’s own hands or become her husband. The ancestral edict must not be broken, and now it seems, since you have no hope of killing him, you can only choose the latter!"

Lian Hongshang felt as if she had been struck by lightning and was dazed for a long time before coming back to her senses.

After a while, she managed to stammer out a question.

"Master, what if he is unwilling?"

The Divine Mother smiled confidently, declaring, "Since time immemorial, heroes have struggled to resist the allure of beautiful women. Immortal Master Li is also a man and will certainly be no exception!"

"Master, he..."

"Hongshang, do you lack confidence in yourself, or do you doubt me?"

"I..."

"Alright, the matter is decided. Since Immortal Master Li is still at the Bai Family, I will have Granny Gui personally visit them today to propose marriage on your behalf!"

Hearing the Divine Mother’s definitive decision, Lian Hongshang stopped objecting and gently nodded her head, "I’ll leave everything to Master’s discretion."

"Alright, you go back and take care of your injuries. Prepare well to be a bride!"

A bride?

Could it really be that she was going to marry someone?

In the past, there were those who wanted to marry her, but all had perished under her three-foot-long blade.

But this time, she didn’t feel the urge to kill, only nervousness and unease as she awaited the outcome.

In her boudoir, Lian Hongshang, who was always sparring with weapons, surprisingly began to act like an noble lady from ancient times, sitting by the window arranging her hair, and placing flowers in her reflection in the mirror.

She gently cradled her face, her eyes clear as water, rippling with a hint of hopeful anticipation.

She dreamt of her future life, which certainly couldn’t be the same as now. At the very least, there would be less bloodshed and slaughter.

She might, like the other girls in the fortress, remove the halo of Goddess and become an ordinary person, dedicated to caring for her husband and teaching her children.

As she pondered, a smile of happiness unwittingly appeared on Lian Hongshang’s lips.

However, her dreams were mercilessly shattered before long.

Seven days later, Granny Gui, who had gone to the Bai Family to propose marriage, returned to Witch God Mountain, and with her, the long-awaited response.

Immortal Master Li, with the words "No Interest," rejected the marriage proposal!

Since then, the phrase "No Interest" became a persistent nightmare for her.

In fact, she had considered this outcome during the wait.

But hearing it in person still felt like a thunder strike.

After sitting in silence for three days and nights, Lian Hongshang, with a determined gaze, knelt in the grand hall.

"Master, you once said that ancestral rules must not be broken. I wish to enter the Divine Hall and face the life-and-death trial. Upon successful return, I vow to take up the thousand-year legacy of the Witch God Sect to slay Immortal Master Li and defend our Sect’s honor!"

Hearing Lian Hongshang’s intent to enter the Witch God Temple to undertake the life-and-death trial, the Divine Mother, despite her esteemed status, could not hide the sudden change in her expression.

"Hongshang, the Divine Hall is fraught with dangers. Even the most exceptional disciples, if not recognized by the Witch God, face certain death. Don’t be reckless. Make sure you think this through, it’s a matter of life and death!"

"I have considered it carefully and am not acting impulsively. Please grant me this wish, Master!"

Having said that, she resolutely swung her sword and cut off her own hair, signaling her unwavering resolve.

Seeing Lian Hongshang’s decisiveness left everyone present in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Well, if it’s a trial that fate has decreed for you, don’t dwell on whether it’s destiny or calamity. Go on, do what you desire, as long as you have no regrets!"

The Divine Mother waved her hand and slumped back into her chair.

"Thank you for your blessing, Master!"

Lian Hongshang bowed respectfully three times to the Divine Mother at the seat of honor.

In the past, one bow would have sufficed.

But times had changed, and if she truly could not return, this might very well be their last farewell.

As she stood up, Lian Hongshang glanced at the fallen strands of hair scattered on the ground, her lips curving into a bitter smile that was hard to articulate.

Suddenly, she heard an ancient and sorrowful song echo in her mind:

I have cut my hair short

Cutting off my attachments, cutting a floor of unloved ends

Lengths cut short and short lengths long. Inch by inch, I struggle

...

Note: The song is from Liang Yongqi’s "Short Hair," a very poignant song, for those interested, go have a listen.

This Chapter primarily portrays Lian Hongshang, adding more depth to her character, and also lays the groundwork for the upcoming story.