Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 6] Chapter 22

[Vol. 6] Chapter 22: Opening the Heaven Gate

Some time later, in a private courtyard within the official residence of Yangyuan City, inside a resting chamber—

“That’s basically what happened. I really didn’t expect that guy to suddenly unleash such power. It caught me off guard.”

“I see…”

After listening to Violet’s brief explanation of the events, Miss Ling Feng, who had initially been slightly annoyed by her excessively flashy display, quickly set aside her displeasure and nodded in understanding.

“A technique capable of instantly releasing force several times one’s original strength is rare even among the various sects of the Western Origin Spirit Kingdom. It reminds me of an ancient lineage from the Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom, a once-renowned tradition that has now fallen into obscurity.”

“The technique is called [Heaven-Opening Palm]. While the name might be somewhat exaggerated, records state that it could indeed enable the practitioner to deliver strikes with strength several times greater than their own in an instant. No buildup or preparation was needed, an explosive burst of power that could, as the name suggests, split the heavens within a mere breath.”

“You think Murong Yun is an inheritor of the [Heaven-Opening Palm]? But from what I know, that lineage faced catastrophe. The sect was wiped out overnight by mysterious enemies, and its members were assassinated or died suddenly. It has been lost to history for at least a century. How could it…”

Turning to Bai’er, who had voiced her doubts, Ling Feng responded with an ambiguous expression.

“Who can predict the twists of fate? Just as no one expected the once-glorious [Heaven-Opening Sect] to be annihilated overnight, perhaps the lineage managed to survive beyond our view. It may have quietly endured, concealing its identity for reasons we can’t yet know.”

“The fall of the [Heaven-Opening Sect] remains one of the great mysteries of the [Ancient Spirit Realm]. That incident likely involved far deeper secrets. If the opportunity arises, we might consider getting closer to Mr. Murong Yun and see if we can…”

Knock, knock, knock.

As they were conversing, a series of knocks came from the door.

The three women exchanged glances and quickly composed themselves. Ling Feng raised her voice to reply,

“Come in.”

The unlocked wooden door was gently pushed open. Leading the way was Prefect Wen Fu, accompanied by two others, their figures illuminated by candlelight as they entered in single file against the backdrop of the night.

Besides the Prefect, one of the individuals accompanying him was none other than Murong Yun, whom Violet and her companions had been discussing earlier. The other was a plainly dressed woman whom the priestess had not encountered before.

She wore a fitted, light-colored daoist robe and appeared to be around thirty years old. While no longer youthful, her features were still striking, her complexion fair, and her bright, sharp eyes radiated vitality, a woman of mature charm.

…This woman is stronger than Murong Yun.

From the first glance, Violet had already reached this conclusion.

By the standards of the [Ancient Spirit Realm], she had likely reached the [Seeker of Immortality] stage.

It wasn’t just her outwardly apparent vitality or aura. Violet could also detect faint, almost divine, fluctuations emanating from this woman, something bordering on spiritual insight. While far from the level of an actual deity, the presence of such profound energy suggested her strength was well beyond that of an ordinary martial artist.

While they silently sized each other up, the Prefect gestured for the guards to shut the door and place the candles on the table. After a polite nod, everyone took their seats, and he began to speak with a cordial smile.

“Thank you for your patience. Allow me to formally introduce our guests. This is Mr. Murong Yun, who recently discovered traces of the holy beast Qilin in the [Tidal Deep Valley] of this city. Furthermore, he will serve as the field commander for the initial investigation team.”

At these words, Violet and her companions exchanged surprised glances.

So it’s him?

They had assumed he was merely a high-level enforcer hired by the Prefect. This revelation saved them considerable effort in gathering information.

After Murong Yun offered a respectful bow, Prefect Wen Fu raised his hand to introduce the woman in the daoist robe, his demeanor becoming noticeably more serious.

“This is Master Qin Xuan, the Guardian of the [Yin-Yang Division] in Yangyuan City.”

After saying this, Prefect Wen Fu fell silent, clearly not because he was unwilling to elaborate further, but likely because he himself knew little about this person and was hesitant to speak out of turn.

This Qin Xuan was indeed not someone expected to be part of the original plan.

But… the Yin-Yang Division, huh.

Casting a sidelong glance at Ling Feng and Bai’er, Violet noticed that both of them appeared calm and unbothered by Qin Xuan’s unexpected presence. Seeing this, the priestess refrained from commenting further.

The elegant woman, Qin Xuan, soon inclined her head slightly, offering a polite yet unassuming bow toward the trio. Without hesitation, she got straight to the point:

“I am Qin Xuan, Guardian of the Yin-Yang Division in Yangyuan County. I was informed that a cultivator at the [Eternal Life] realm visited the recruitment earlier today. May I ask which of you it is and from which sect you hail?”

“…?”

Violet and her companions exchanged puzzled looks.

Wouldn’t it be more typical to begin with some polite small talk and then gradually probe into identities?

While Violet didn’t particularly mind skipping pleasantries and getting straight to the heart of the matter, the tone of Qin Xuan’s question felt oddly interrogative, almost as though they were suspects under questioning. It was far from a comfortable approach.

She could certainly use some lessons in conversational finesse.

Fortunately, there was someone present who was more adept at handling such situations.

Noticing Violet’s slightly displeased expression, Prefect Wen Fu quickly stepped forward, partially shielding Qin Xuan with his body. His normally authoritative face softened into an apologetic smile as he addressed the trio.

“Ah… Lady Qin is often stationed within the Yin-Yang Division and has little exposure to external affairs. Her primary duties revolve around vanquishing demons and subduing evil. If her words came across as offensive, I beg your forgiveness on her behalf. She truly means no harm.”

“Wait, Prefect Wen, when did I—”

“Shh!”

Even after all that, the middle-aged woman still seemed oblivious, as if she didn’t understand what was wrong. She even looked like she wanted to say more, but Murong Yun, sitting beside her, hurriedly tugged at her sleeve, silently pleading with his eyes for her to stop adding fuel to the fire.

Pfft… these three are quite amusing.

Violet found the situation entertaining, though she fully understood why the trio was acting so cautious and respectful. It all came down to the “profound cultivation” she had displayed earlier in the day. Strong individuals, especially those at the pinnacle of their fields, were respected and treated with great care no matter the place or situation.

Violet had overheard the conversation between Wen Fu and the old healer earlier that day.

The [Eternal Life] realm, as they described it, seemed to correspond to a transcendent level of power on another continent. While they referred to such individuals as “Immortal Saints,” in the end, they’re really just advanced mortals..

What they didn’t know was that, based on Violet’s observations, Ling Feng was likely also a cultivator at the [Eternal Life] realm, she simply didn’t flaunt her strength.

[Eternal Life] cultivators were not true immortals. According to the [The Spirit Veil Quest for Immortality], gifted to Violet by the village elder Zeng Xianzhi of Zengjia Village, only those who surpassed all eight stages across both mortal and immortal paths could truly be called “Immortals.” And such true Immortals…

…existed only on the fabled Spirit Veil Immortal Island.

That was why so many pursued the dream of reaching the island, seeking even a sliver of celestial fate.

Though this pursuit might sound grand, in reality, achieving the [Eternal Life] realm was incredibly rare. There were no fields of such cultivators scattered across the Ancient Spirit Realm. To date, Violet had only met one: Ling Feng.

Even the Yin-Yang Division’s Guardian, Qin Xuan, was still some distance away from reaching that level.

Because the circumstances of the two continents were so different, Violet didn’t dare estimate how many high-level powerhouses might exist on this side. However since they view the worldly wealth and fame of mortals as worthless, they likely avoid the mortal realm.

Thus, Violet fully understood why Wen Fu and the others were showing such extreme caution and respect.