We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 410: Until She Lost Everything

Outside Canghai Pass, the plains had become the encampment for both Qin’s and Qi State’s armies, with the grand battle anticipated to erupt any moment now.

Virtually every soldier in both camps harbored the understanding that this decisive conflict would determine the destiny of the myriad arts world!

With each passing day, the inevitability of the battle loomed closer.

From the commanding generals to the humble foot soldiers, an escalating sense of anticipation surged within their hearts.

This heightened excitement proved remarkably effective in bolstering morale and combat readiness.

However, such intense fervor could not be maintained indefinitely.

The peak of this soldierly excitement would herald the moments just before the two armies clashed.

In the days leading up to this, besides meticulously monitoring the enemy’s maneuvers, Xiao Mo frequently employed the Heaven-Mending Iron to refine the formidable Ten-Calamities Spear he wielded.

For extended periods, Xiao Mo could be found alone, dedicating an entire day to the solitary practice of honing his spear.

The assembled generals, including Liu Xing, recognized this dedication as their general’s method for maintaining inner tranquility.

Indeed, even the Frost King acknowledged that if they were leading troops in such a situation, they too would engage in repetitive, simple actions to achieve a state of profound mental quietude before a major engagement.

The reasoning was simple: While a deputy general, or even a common soldier, might be permitted excitement, nervousness, or even fear, the commander-in-chief could not afford such emotional indulgence.

As the supreme commander, absolute calmness was paramount, ensuring that emotions never compromised a single strategic decision.

Beyond the intricate practice with his spear, the second activity Xiao Mo gravitated towards in these recent days was gazing into the vast distance.

Often, through the night, Xiao Mo would forgo sleep, instead lifting his head and fixing his gaze upon a singular direction.

Deputy General Hong Bo and his associates observed this peculiar habit—

the direction of the Frost King’s unwavering stare seemed to be fixed upon the imperial capital.

Concurrently, on the eve of this monumental battle, a peculiar stillness had descended upon Qin’s royal court.

The court chambers were significantly more subdued than they had been in times past.

The previously rampant factional disputes and conflicts among the great clans appeared to have been abruptly suspended during these critical days.

Even the skirmishes between the emerging officials and the established great clans had significantly diminished.

Understandably, within Qin’s court, every individual’s focus was consumed by the unfolding events on the battlefield.

Through various intelligence channels, efforts were intensely directed towards gathering any news pertaining to the pivotal confrontation outside Canghai Pass in Qi State.

Some influential great clans were even initiating contingency plans, anticipating a potential defeat.

For these particular great clans, the preservation of their own familial interests superseded all other concerns.

The ultimate ownership of the land in the future held little consequence for them.

Conversely, for those officials who were driven by strong ideals and possessed unwavering loyalty to Qin’s welfare, this battle held even greater significance.

They harbored no fear of personal demise.

Their profound dread stemmed from the possibility of Qin’s defeat.

Should this decisive battle be lost, not only might all previous endeavors be rendered futile, but the victorious enemy could potentially advance unimpeded, marching directly towards the imperial capital—thereby spelling the complete annihilation of Qin.

Consequently, for a considerable period, Qin’s officials found little mental space remaining for engaging in political rivalries.

Within the hallowed grounds of the imperial palace, Qin Siyao, in stark contrast, projected an aura of profound composure.

She continued to diligently manage state affairs as was her custom, and whenever opportunities arose, she made visits to the Xiao residence to see her mother-in-law.

However, on a particular day, Qin Siyao entrusted Huasheng with a specific task:

“Huasheng, would you be so kind as to assist me in moving a war drum to the Observing-Heaven Tower?”

“Move a war drum… to the Observing-Heaven Tower?”

Huasheng paused momentarily, a flicker of confusion crossing his features as he struggled to grasp Qin Siyao’s intention.

The Observing-Heaven Tower stood as the pinnacle of elevation within Qin’s imperial palace, arguably the loftiest structure in all of Qin.

Originally constructed by disciples of the Mohist school, it reached skyward, its purpose being the meticulous observation of celestial bodies.

Yet, the rationale behind Siyao’s desire to transport a war drum to such a vantage point remained enigmatic.

“Precisely, the type of war drum utilized by the Northern Wasteland Army,” Qin Siyao confirmed, her voice accompanied by a gentle smile. “I would be most grateful for your assistance, Huasheng.”

“Understood.”

Despite the lack of clarity regarding Siyao’s ultimate objective, Huasheng proceeded to fulfill the request without hesitation.

In the lands of Chu, within the boundaries of Heavenly Mechanism City, a palpable shift had occurred.

Recently, the esteemed lord of Heavenly Mechanism City, known as the Little Star Master, had resolutely declined all visitors.

While the reasons for the Little Star Master’s reclusiveness remained unknown to the general populace, his own son was privy to the truth—his father’s allotted lifespan was rapidly approaching its inevitable conclusion.

This very morning.

The Little Star Master awoke earlier than usual and promptly summoned his son to his side.

“Father.”

He Qing, who held the position of deputy lord of Heavenly Mechanism City, approached his father’s bedside and offered a gesture of deep respect with a courteous bow.

“Mhm.”

The Little Star Master turned his gaze towards his son, his voice imbued with a profound sense of calm. “Qing’er, my lifespan concludes today. There are crucial matters that I must impart to you.”

“…”

Upon hearing his father’s solemn declaration, He Qing’s eyes betrayed a subtle tremor of emotion.

Despite his prior mental preparation, and despite his cultivation in the Yin-Yang School having long taught him to be indifferent to life and death—

a sliver of grief was still inescapable when a beloved relative neared the end of their existence.

"Cultivators of the Ascension Realm inevitably meet their end. Why should I be any different? I have already lived a full life. There is no need for you to be saddened. More importantly, you must engrave every word I utter from this point forward into your heart and pass it down as a sacred ancestral decree. Do you comprehend?"

Little Star Master gazed directly into his son’s eyes, awaiting his response.

"Yes, Father." He Qing affirmed with utmost seriousness.

Little Star Master gave a slight nod and spoke with deliberate pacing:

"I have twice divined the fate of Heavenly Mechanism City concerning its survival or demise.

"The first instance occurred when the Frost King, Xiao Mo, led his formidable army towards Heavenly Mechanism City. Had Heavenly Mechanism City refused to dispatch its forces, the Frost King would have shown no mercy and annihilated the city.

"Fortunately, the Frost King, Xiao Mo, proved to be a man of reason.

"Heavenly Mechanism City then sent forth its troops to aid Qin.

"Thus, this initial catastrophe was averted.

"The second time..."

Little Star Master paused, his ancient eyes seeming to swirl with the movement of celestial bodies:

"This second foreboding was a sliver of heavenly secret I perceived while performing a divination for the Frost King. Come closer, lean in, and listen attentively."

He Qing stepped forward, lowered his body, and brought his ear close to his father’s lips.

As Little Star Master whispered each word, He Qing's spirit trembled increasingly, finding the revelations utterly astonishing.

"The heavenly secret at that juncture was profoundly complex. The Frost King inquired, but I dared not reveal the truth.

"Had I disclosed it to the Frost King, the Dao of Heaven would have surely retaliated. Not only would my existence and Dao be obliterated, but every soul within Heavenly Mechanism City would have been wiped out, leaving no survivors.

"What I am imparting to you now, you are forbidden to share with any other soul. Under no circumstances shall you commit it to parchment.

"Your obligation is to transmit this knowledge solely through spoken word to the succeeding city lord at the precise moment of your own passing.

"Do you understand?"

"I understand, Father!" He Qing affirmed, nodding deeply. "Your son shall remember your words!"

"Mhm."

Little Star Master acknowledged with another nod.

"From this day forward, Heavenly Mechanism City shall maintain its stance of neutrality. Under absolutely no circumstances are we to involve ourselves in the conflicts of other sects or the affairs of mortal dynasties.

"However, should the demon race launch an invasion, Heavenly Mechanism City cannot afford to remain idle.

"In the distant, distant future—the precise timing I cannot ascertain. In any case, it is a future so remote that even your grandchildren’s grandchildren will not witness it.

"At that time, among the descendants of our He family, two exceptionally gifted women will emerge.

"One will possess a bold and forthright spirit.

"The other will be characterized by her steadfastness and composure.

"When that era arrives, Heavenly Mechanism City must dispatch one individual to the Ten-Thousand-Li Great Wall to stand against the demons.

"As for the other, let her remain here to safeguard Heavenly Mechanism City.

"In subsequent ages...

"Whenever you encounter an individual bearing the surname Xiao, you must approach them with utmost caution and attentiveness.

"If their conduct warrants it, and if Heavenly Mechanism City possesses the capacity to assist, we should extend a helping hand.

"Do you comprehend?"

"I comprehend, Father."

Having delivered his final counsel, Little Star Master seemed to shed a great burden, his entire being feeling lighter. The pallor that had marked his face even receded, replaced by a hint of ruddiness, making him appear far from someone nearing the end of his lifespan.

Yet, He Qing recognized this as merely the final effervescence of his father’s life force.

"Very well. That is all that requires explanation. The path forward for Heavenly Mechanism City now rests upon your shoulders to navigate—and indeed, in this world of myriad arts, the heavens themselves are poised for transformation."

Little Star Master gazed out the window, his sight extending as if towards a colossal battlefield.

Upon hearing his father speak of 'transformation,' He Qing’s thoughts turned to the impending decisive engagement outside Canghai Pass, prompting him to ask, "Father... will Qin prevail in this conflict?"

"Heh heh heh."

Little Star Master emitted a soft, knowing chuckle.

"Victory?

"What constitutes winning?

"And what defines losing?

"Frost King...

"What are your thoughts?"

With the old city lord's final words hanging in the air, he slowly closed his eyes.

In the fleeting moments of his departing consciousness, his vision was not of the courtyard before him.

Instead, it was of the scene outside Canghai Pass, where two immense armies had already arrayed themselves in opposition.

A warrior clad in white armor, wielding a long spear, astride a Snow-Treading steed, stood at the forefront of a million-strong legion—methodically donning an Asura mask.

Behind him, the vast army mirrored his action, concealing their faces.

Within the imperial capital of Qin, within the hallowed halls of the palace, in the Imperial Study.

A woman, who had spent the entirety of the morning poring over official memorials, rested her head upon her desk.

After a brief respite, Qin Siyao’s eyelashes fluttered subtly, and she slowly opened her eyes.

"Xiao Mo..."

As if sensing something, Qin Siyao suddenly straightened, placing a hand over the gentle rise and fall of her chest, her lips pressed into a firm line.

She quickly stood up and made her way toward the Stargazing Terrace.

Upon reaching the Stargazing Terrace, Qin Siyao gazed blankly into the distance, her thoughts drifting far away.

“I don’t have any particular desires right now. If Your Highness truly feels bad about it, then just bestow a reward upon me as you see fit.”

This was what an eight-year-old boy said after an eight-year-old girl insisted on giving him a gift, having been saved by him earlier.

“Alright…” The young girl pondered for a moment with great seriousness before lifting her head. A flicker of light danced within her bright, tear-filled eyes. “I’ve figured out what to give you.”

“Oh? And what is it?”

“I’m going to beat the war drums for you!” the little girl declared with delight.

“Beat the war drums?”

“Yes, yes, exactly!”

The little girl nodded enthusiastically, confirming her words.

“My father once told me that the most cherished gift he ever received in his life was on his birthday—when he led the charge at the forefront, and my mother beat the war drum for him.

“If Father considered it the greatest gift, then it truly must be the best.

“And you are already so remarkable. I’m certain you will become a great general in the future.

“Therefore, I wish to bestow this singular, best gift upon you too!

“Xiao Mo, please say something. Will you allow me to beat the war drum for you, okay?

“Is that alright?”

“Yes, it’s alright.”

“My husband… I shall beat the war drum for you…”

Back on the Stargazing Terrace, the woman drew her thoughts back from the past memories.

Donning a simple, plain long dress, she raised the drum mallets with her delicate hands.

THOOM!

The mallet struck the drumhead with force. A profound, resonant sound echoed through the crisp, high air.

On the plains of Canghai Pass, the two opposing armies resembled two vast oceans, churning with immense waves as they violently collided and surged forward.

At the forefront, a man led the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, charging fiercely and cutting down enemies.

Without fail, whenever a battle commenced, this man was invariably the first one to plunge into the fray!

And each time the soldiers caught sight of their general’s retreating back, a deep conviction settled in their hearts: even if they were to perish on this very battlefield, they would have no regrets in this lifetime!

THOOM!

The woman struck the drum once more. Her plain long sleeve slipped down her arm, revealing a forearm as fair as a lotus root.

The blades of the two armies clashed. The brutal slaughter shook the very heavens, while blood stained both the earth and the sky.

THOOM!

THOOM!!

THOOM!!!

Again and again, the rhythmic pounding continued, each beat following the last.

The woman’s drumming grew progressively faster and more powerful with each strike.

Fine beads of sweat trickled slowly down from her pale forehead.

A strong wind swept through her cascade of hair, gently billowing her skirts and sleeves.

On the chaotic battlefield, every thrust of Xiao Mo’s spear resulted in the demise of several enemies.

“Race of humans! Do not harbor such arrogance!”

A formidable demon cultivator from the elephant tribe, currently in the Jade-Polished Realm, roared out in defiance. Shedding its humanoid form, it stomped down toward Xiao Mo with a colossal foot.

Xiao Mo’s spirit surged with alertness. He leaped upwards, landed firmly on the demon’s back, and drove his spear deep into its massive body.

Along the Ten-Calamities Spear, the ancient ten calamities surged forth with ferocious spear qi, tearing violently at the elephant-tribe demon cultivator’s flesh and blood!

WROOOOAR!

With a pained, earth-shattering scream, the elephant-tribe demon cultivator disintegrated into countless pieces of flesh and blood that rained down across the battlefield.

The Snow-Treading horse, loyal and swift, galloped back toward its master.

Xiao Mo smoothly landed back in the saddle and resumed his relentless slaughter.

The more Xiao Mo fought, the fiercer his resolve became. He continued to lead the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, tearing through the enemy lines, smashing forward, and advancing relentlessly towards the heart of Qi’s army.

There, observing the entire spectacle of the battlefield, was the King of Qi.

Ten thousand zhang high in the celestial expanse, cultivators of the Ascension Realm engaged in a furious exchange of spells, repeatedly casting them as if they intended to shatter the very firmament.

And close to Xiao Mo’s ear, wave after wave of war drums resonated powerfully.

This resounding drumbeat seemed to originate not from the adjacent grassland, but from an immense distance away.

It was as if a woman clad in a plain dress stood resolutely behind the battle formation, her sleeves rolled up, striking the drumhead with authority—each beat echoing like thunder!

Two cultivators from the Immortal Realm and five formidable experts of the Jade-Polished Realm, supported by two hundred thousand troops, had arranged a powerful formation array directly in Xiao Mo’s path.

Within this formidable array, the King of Qi had positioned himself as its very core, channeling all of Qi State’s dwindling dynastic fortune to empower the grand array.

The King of Qi fixed his cold gaze upon Xiao Mo and bellowed, “You junior! Do you dare to enter this array and face me head-on?!”

Concurrently, two Immortal Realm cultivators and three Jade-Polished Realm cultivators from the Qin side materialized around Xiao Mo.

One hundred thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry halted their advance, forming a formidable barrier behind Xiao Mo.

The entire hundred thousand armored cavalry exuded potent blood qi, the very essence of their life force clinging to their armor.

“Who will dare to enter this array alongside me?!” Xiao Mo roared defiantly.

“We are ready to join the formation with the General!” The five cultivators from the upper realm and the hundred thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry declared as one.

“Northern Wasteland Army!” Xiao Mo pointed his spear forward. “Break this formation!”

Led by Xiao Mo, the surging wave of armored cavalry charged directly towards the Qi formation.

As if sensing something, Xiao Mo's gaze turned towards a distant location.

That place.

A towering structure. Sunlight bathed her as she repeatedly struck the war drum, her long hair and flowing dress dancing in the wind.

Xiao Mo couldn't see her directly.

But Xiao Mo knew.

Her current appearance.

She must be beautiful indeed.

THOOM THOOM THOOM!

THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM!

The woman pounded the war drum with all her might, sweat plastering her hair to her dress.

At the very moment the woman delivered the final strike, the drumbeat mallet in her grasp suddenly fractured, falling to the earth.

The drum's rhythm ceased with a sudden absence.

Observing the two shattered mallets on the ground, the woman's eyes flickered with emotion.

She slowly knelt, retrieved them, and embraced them tightly.

Her grip tightened with each passing second.

A thin veil of glistening moisture clouded her eyes.

Tears traced paths down her cheeks, falling one by one onto the soil.

The woman lost track of how long she wept.

Until her tears flowed like an unceasing stream.

Until her sobs rendered her unable to utter coherent words.

Until she felt as though everything had been stripped away.