Immortal and Martial Dual Cultivation Chapter 2380 Epilogue 5 : How Fragrant Was This Flower?
Previously on Immortal and Martial Dual Cultivation...
A proverb goes: Lotus flowers aid cultivation, bodhi trees grant comprehension and wisdom. The blooming of a fig flower brings forth a holy king.
The mystery of these three flowers was unquestionable; each held immense fame.
Yet, within the Great Thousand Realms existed a flower surpassing even these three in profundity and enigma.
This flower was called Butterfly Dream. Its fragrance stood unrivaled across the world.
An ancient sage once inhaled its scent and fell into a dream lasting three thousand years. He lost track of dream from reality, unsure if butterflies danced in his mind or if he himself was the butterfly dreaming.
Thus, it earned the name Butterfly Dream Flower.
Ancient records seldom mentioned this flower. Scant few knew of it; almost no one had laid eyes upon it.
Nevertheless, it blanketed the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Land, familiar to all in the Great Thousand Realms.
Each spring, as countless flowers burst open and lured butterflies, this flower bloomed quietly. It vied not with the peony throng, stayed hushed without aroma, adding nothing to the vernal breeze.
When the blooming season waned and spring winds ceased, with myriad flowers fading, this one persisted in full glory.
As every other flower withered away, it retained its vivid splendor, adorning the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Land.
It kept blooming vibrantly even after the flower season concluded.
At such times, the women of Heavenly Fragrance gathered the dew infused with its essence. This precious liquid was named Heavenly Fragrance Dream Dew.
From each flower, merely one drop formed yearly. A century yielded a cupful; a millennium, a bottle.
This ritual repeated annually.
This season brought Qing Chen the greatest joy each year. Regardless of senior sisters' or junior sisters' tasks, they all gathered to harvest the dew.
Like a butterfly flitting amid blooms, Qing Chen danced through the fields. Her charming senior sisters and junior sisters chatted merrily, playfully teasing her.
Today, the floral scents and vistas mirrored years past.
Yet, Qing Chen felt an odd shift. She spotted an unlikely visitor during this time.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter.
A faint mist perpetually veiled the Holy Daughter’s face, revealing only hazy outlines of her refined, exquisite features.
Even upon closer gaze, her visage stayed indistinct.
Though the Holy Daughter stood near, her soft, gentle words stirred a profound sense of remoteness.
“Elder Sister Holy Daughter, why are you here at this year’s Flower Fragrance Festival?”
Full of curiosity, Qing Chen dashed over and positioned herself beside the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter. Her tone rang adorably sweet.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter glanced down at Qing Chen with what seemed a smile. Then, lifting her gaze to the Butterfly Dream Flowers carpeting the hills, she murmured, “If I don’t come now to witness them, there won’t be another chance.”
“Ah! How could that happen? The Butterfly Dream Flowers are so beautiful. Qing Chen doesn’t want them vanishing. Elder Sister Holy Daughter, please find a way to save them!”
Anxiety surged through Qing Chen, her cheeks burning red.
Without the Butterfly Dream Flowers, the mountain alive with fellow disciples in Heavenly Fragrance would empty. The joyful days of companionship and play with so many senior and junior sisters would end.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter smiled and said, “Little Qing Chen, how many years has it been since you last saw Xiao Chen?”
“It’s been many years.”
Indeed, years had flown by. From that innocent child, she had grown into a lovely young woman.
Still, her heart remained pure, kind, and innocent as ever. A tender, sensitive soul had quietly blossomed.
“I’ll take you to meet him.”
“Ah!”
Qing Chen started in surprise, then cried out in delight, “Elder Sister Holy Daughter, really?”
“Let’s go.”
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter clasped Qing Chen’s hand and ascended skyward, departing the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Land.
---
Two days later:
Two women alighted gracefully atop a peak amid the peaks encircling Ancestor Dragon City.
They were the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter and Qing Chen, standing ethereally detached on the summit, radiating an immortal aura.
“Elder Sister Holy Daughter, where is Elder Brother Xiao Chen?”
Qing Chen scanned about but found no trace of Xiao Chen, only swirling mists and clouds.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter lifted her pristine white sleeves and waved them softly, dispersing the obscuring vapors.
Then, with a light finger tap into the void, a vision materialized before their eyes.
The grand contest for the Dragon Emperor throne unfolded in Ancestor Dragon City.
The pair watched as Qin Ming dominated Dragon God Plaza with unmatched prowess, leaving the crowd around stunned and bursting into cheers.
Gripping the Emperor Dragon Sword tightly, Qin Ming advanced fearlessly.
Ancient dragon generals materialized in the plaza, only for Qin Ming to shatter them instantly.
Qin Ming surged far ahead, leaving his competitors trailing far behind.
Right then, the scene trembled abruptly. Turbulent clouds roiled across the skies of Ancestor Dragon City.
Soon after, a resounding saber hum echoed. A dazzling saber light veiled the scorching sun, spanning the skies for five thousand kilometers.
Qing Chen’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She gestured toward the sight, crying out, “Elder Brother Xiao Chen!”
Who else could the arriving figure be but Xiao Chen?
The tide turned in a flash. With invincible momentum, Xiao Chen slew Qin Ming. Then, he relinquished the Dragon Emperor seat that was within his grasp.
In the vision, Mu Zifeng began quarreling heatedly with Xiao Chen.
“Xiao Chen, why forfeit the Dragon Emperor position? Had you claimed it, you would have borne the Dragon Empire’s Luck.” Fury blazed in Mu Zifeng; he couldn’t conceal his ire.
“True enough. Yet, that path would mirror the one Dragon Emperor Xiao Yun forged fifty thousand years ago. I’d lose the chance to cut ties with the Azure Dragons’ karma. The epoch I’d usher in would merely echo Dragon Emperor Xiao Yun’s old regrets—seemingly flawless, but truly just a puppet’s role,” Xiao Chen responded steadily amid Mu Zifeng’s fury.
Xiao Chen’s remarks caused the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Daughter atop the mountain peak to furrow her brow in contemplation.
“What’s wrong with that? Even as a pawn, you’d command your destiny. You’d grant the Azure Dragon bloodline its ultimate glory, letting my Heavenly Alliance shine through another epoch.” Mu Zifeng refused to yield.
“Your willingness to play pawn doesn’t mean I share it. Besides, do you grasp the fallout? Whether the Blood-Soaked Dragon Emperor of old, Dragon Emperor Xiao Yun later, or the Kunlun Realm’s Azure Emperor, all stood as peerless, invincible summits of their eras.”
Xiao Chen’s face remained composed as he pressed on, “Know their fate? They doomed the Azure Dragon bloodline. Across the Great Thousand Realms or Kunlun Realm, they unleashed ruinous calamity on it. Myriad families perished solely for bearing Azure Dragon blood.
“No invincible expert exists eternally. No dynasty endures forever. No beauty defies time. Should I ascend as Dragon Emperor and ignite a Divine Dragon Epoch, the Dragon Race would dominate the new era, lording over the Great Thousand Realms. But as that epoch wanes, they’d mirror the Martial Epoch’s Divine Master—wretched, forsaken, betrayed by all. It could prove far grimmer.
“That’s not the Divine Dragon Epoch I envision... Ultimately, it’d replay history’s tragedies.”
“What do you seek then?”
“To terminate the Epoch Eon.”
Returning to the mountain peak, the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Daughter flicked her hand, sending ripples through the scene like water until it faded away. Qing Chen objected at once, “Elder Sister Holy Daughter, it hasn’t ended! I want to watch further.”
“No need.”
Inwardly, the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Daughter sighed. Shattering the Epoch Eon bordered on impossibility. Watching more served no purpose. Why squander time on such an arrogant fool?
The Heavenly Fragrance Holy Daughter had journeyed here solely to grant Qing Chen’s desire.
Much like how, without beholding the Butterfly Dream Flowers in the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Land, the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Daughter would see them no more—so too, absent this glimpse of Xiao Chen, Qing Chen might never encounter him again.
Moments later, fresh blood stained the boundless Starry Heavens.
Myriad brilliant meteors detonated abruptly, resembling crimson fireworks. The sight brimmed with infinite pathos.
These were the Faux Gods, unable to sustain their Faux God Flame as the Martial Epoch closed, plummeting one by one.
No grief or pity stirred in the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Daughter. With Qing Chen in tow, she scoured the Great Thousand Realms for certain individuals.
All those she pursued were Faux Gods.
Upon encountering them, she offered no words, merely producing a droplet of dew formed from the Butterfly Dream Flower’s essence.
Certain Faux Gods let out sighs and reluctantly accepted the drop of Heavenly Fragrance Dream Dew. Others shook their heads, firmly rejecting it.
Qing Chen trailed behind the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter across the Great Thousand Realms. In the end, they arrived at the Yanwu Dynasty.
Behind Spirit Vulture Mountain in the Yanwu Dynasty:
Within a shadowy realm brimming with Demonic Qi, Sword God Su Hanshan and Pan Huang rested side by side. Myriad demonic corpses sprawled before them.
Those demonic corpses embodied demonic lifeforce born from the grudges and all sorts of negative energies amassed over endless epochs.
Releasing even a single one would unleash catastrophe upon the Great Thousand Realms.
“Hehe! Little Su, look! A meteor!” Pan Huang chuckled while reclining on the rocks, eyes fixed on the Faux God Flame in the sky.
Pan Huang’s smile stayed just as warm as ever, like spring winds melting away winter snow.
Su Hanshan replied with some irritation, “Look, my ass! You’ll become a meteor yourself soon.”
After a brief pause, Su Hanshan added sadly, “Me too.”
“Hahahaha! Then, who do you think will become a meteor first? I bet that it will be you!” Pan Huang roared with wild, unrestrained laughter, utterly candid.
Su Hanshan ignored Pan Huang entirely. His chiseled features revealed a proud, aloof demeanor as he snorted coldly. “Is there a difference?”
“Hehe! That’s true.”
Su Hanshan shot Pan Huang a disdainful glance and muttered, “Fool.”
“Whoosh!”
While the two bantered back and forth, the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter descended gracefully, Qing Chen in tow.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter eyed the pair briefly. Then, she approached Su Hanshan and produced the Heavenly Fragrance Dream Dew.
Su Hanshan regarded the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter with grave seriousness. After a moment’s reflection, he stated, “Rumor has it that whenever an epoch shifts, the Heavenly Fragrance Holy Land employs the Heavenly Fragrance Dream Dew to save the world. One drop severs the karma of the previous life. Awakening from the dream ends the past. However, I would no longer be me.”
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter nodded gently and inquired, “Senior, do you need it?”
Before Su Hanshan could respond, Pan Huang stepped up with a grin. “Give it to me, then. I need it. I’ve always wondered about the scent of the Butterfly Dream Flower but never located the Heavenly Fragrance. Hehe! Perfect timing.”
“Whoosh!”
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter swiftly withdrew her hand. After pondering, she replied, “Senior bears no binding karma; you clearly don’t require it. The Heavenly Fragrance Dream Dew is far too precious. This junior cannot grant your request.”
Upon hearing this, Su Hanshan’s eyebrows shot up as realization dawned. His face shifted dramatically.
“Senior, have you decided?” the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter asked softly, gazing at Su Hanshan.
“Many thanks. If I am no longer me... then what’s the point of another lifetime?”
“Goodbye.”
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter gave a slight nod before turning away, taking Qing Chen with her.
“Hey! Hey! Hey! Don’t go!”
Pan Huang lunged forward a few steps, only to find the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter had already vanished. He couldn’t help feeling regretful.
Su Hanshan stared at Pan Huang’s back with a heavy expression. Then, he remarked, “I heard you ventured to that sea years ago. I believed you perished there. Seems you truly discovered that door.”
That sea was the infamous Great Beyond Sea, concealing the legendary Door of the Epoch.
Pan Huang’s face stiffened. Without turning, he admitted, “Indeed, I found that door. Sadly... I don’t wield the sword. Otherwise, I’d demonstrate a supreme sword strike transcending the Sword Dao before your end.”
“Congratulations.”
No trace of regret showed on Su Hanshan’s face. For the first time, a genuine smile warmed his stern, icy features. There was no cause for disappointment. Survival itself was the greatest joy.
“Boom!”
Su Hanshan could endure no longer. The Faux God Flame in his Soul Pool detonated. He transformed into a dazzling meteor streaking skyward.
“Clang!”
Pan Huang heard a sword clatter to the ground. He turned, picked up the blade Su Hanshan left behind. Its hilt bore the inscription “Firefly Light.”
Who claimed a firefly’s glow couldn’t rival the moon? Su Hanshan proved it possible.
Pan Huang clutched the sword tightly, grief etching his face. He whispered, “Though I can’t take you, I’ll carry your sword to that door.”
------
A vessel floated aimlessly through the infinite cosmos of the vast Starry Heavens.
An island graced this ship, covered in countless trees from which peach-like fruits dangled.
Disciples of Heavenly Fragrance sat cross-legged inside these fruits, eyes closed. They seemed asleep, faces serene and cheeks rosy, lost in sweet dreams.
Yet, who could say when they might awaken from such dreams?
A vast, glowing trail trailed behind the ship, majestic amid the Starry Heavens.
Looking closer revealed the trail formed by spiritual radiance from diverse Divine Birds and Holy Beasts pursuing the vessel.
Phoenixes, Azure Luans, Qilins, Flame Phoenixes, Vermilion Birds, and more trailed along, drawn by the pipe music from someone at the bow.
At the ship's prow, the Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter held aloft her pipe, performing a melody that swept the starry rivers and echoed endlessly.
Her pipe music summoned ancient, enigmatic Holy Beasts and Divine Birds across the Starry Heavens, rousing them from deep slumber to chase the tune.
Abruptly, a brilliant light flashed ahead, illuminating the starry river and overshadowing the beasts' spiritual glow.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter set down her pipe and softly beckoned.
That brilliant light settled into her palm. Then, a thunderous proclamation rang beside her ears.
“I wish for all men to have the heart of a gentleman, to train every day and continuously grow stronger; I wish for all the women in the world to seek to improve themselves, to be a match for men and not concede to them—comparable to heaven; I wish for everyone in the world to be like a dragon, to have a heart of innocence. Not to seek eternal life, but to seek no regrets in life, chasing their dreams.”
This brilliant light was the Epoch Heart Xiao Chen had forged. It represented the Divine Dragon Epoch he aimed to launch.
After one thousand years, it would give rise to the new Central Great Realm in a fresh epoch.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter's hand shook faintly. To her surprise, Xiao Chen's Divine Dragon Epoch took this form.
Unlike the Divine Dragon Empire of Xiao Chen’s Dragon Race, this one made everyone like a dragon—equals. Gender and race held no prejudice; all could chase their dreams.
Xiao Chen had renounced eternal life.
The Heavenly Fragrance’s Holy Daughter pondered deeply. Epochs had cycled through rise and fall endlessly, all rooted in eternal life. True Gods of the Martial Epoch and Immortals of the Immortal Epoch lived forever, untouched by death.
The
