Chapter 798: Heavenly Maiden Wishes to Save the World

As everyone watched with bated breath, the Immortal Master roared and, with a single hand, blocked the massive fiery meteor! Two colossal forces collided in an instant. Countless small fragments were violently dislodged from the giant meteor. Just as they were about to rain down below, the Immortal Master acted again! With one hand, he slowly raised the massive meteor, while with the other, he instantly unleashed beams of white light. These beams obliterated the scattered debris heading downwards. In mere moments, a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions vanished without a trace.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, the mortals of Dali wept openly. They prostrated themselves towards the figure in the sky, continuously shouting, "Thank you, Immortal Master, for saving our lives!" The existence of cultivators was no secret in the capital of Dali. After all, immortals descended periodically. Many years ago, an incident occurred where "an immortal's wrath led to rivers of blood." Therefore, when this Immortal Master saved the entire city, the mortals felt both immense gratitude and a touch of fear. It was commonly believed that immortals regarded mortals as no different from ants. Yet now, an immortal had intervened to save the lives of mere "ants." How could this not astonish them?

The city's mortals remained prostrate, not daring to rise. Having neutralized the impact force of the gigantic meteor, the Immortal Master casually tossed it towards the deserted wilderness outside the city. Amidst the colossal tremor on the ground, the Immortal Master swiftly flew towards the central volcano. Soon after, the billowing black smoke from the volcano gradually dissipated. The violent volcano quieted down, becoming tranquil once more. Throughout the world of Dali, all who witnessed this scene could not help but cheer, celebrating their survival. The Emperor of Dali even led his people in forming lines within the city, awaiting the arrival of the Immortal Master. However, they waited for three days and three nights, but the Immortal Master never appeared. The Emperor of Dali grew increasingly anxious, wondering if he had done something wrong. For several nights, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Seven days later, a report came: a small mountain had suddenly risen from the flat ground outside the city. And on this mountain, it seemed someone was residing. Upon hearing this, the Emperor of Dali was deeply shaken. Knowing this was an immortal's doing, he quickly led his people there. Unfortunately, upon reaching the mountain, they found an invisible barrier blocking their path, preventing them from advancing even an inch. "Those with destiny may meet," "Those without, please return." A girl in her teens timidly spoke to the Emperor. In the procession of officials, Grand Academician Su suddenly lifted his head the moment he heard the voice. Upon realizing it was indeed his younger sister, Su Yuqing, who was speaking, his legs almost gave way, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. Fortunately, a quick-thinking friend by his side caught him. "Academician Su, could it be that you know this immortal maiden?" Academician Su's mouth felt dry; despite his vast knowledge, he found himself unable to utter a single word.

After bravely dismissing the assembled officials, Su Yuqing couldn't help but sigh with relief. She patted her chest, then glanced towards her brother in the departing crowd, before turning back to look at the thatched cottage on the mountain, feeling a pang of distress. Not long ago, this Immortal Master had suddenly appeared at the Academician's Residence. Claiming she possessed an immortal destiny, he then brought her to this mountain without another word. He subsequently imparted an immortal cultivation technique, instructing her to practice it diligently. But her mind was in turmoil now; how could she possibly focus on cultivation? After much thought, Su Yuqing mustered her courage and went to the thatched cottage on the mountaintop, knocking on the door. The door opened automatically, revealing the Immortal Master meditating, levitating cross-legged with his eyes closed. "What is it?" "Greetings, Immortal Master," Su Yuqing bowed respectfully first, then bravely said, "Please allow me to return home. This humble girl has no desire to seek immortality. I only wish to stay with my family and live out my remaining years in peace." These words, coming from a girl in her teens, seemed so out of place. Yet, somehow, they did not feel incongruous, complemented by Su Yuqing's own demeanor. After speaking, Su Yuqing's heart pounded. She had personally witnessed the Immortal Master's power that day, single-handedly dealing with the meteor's threat. If she angered him... No, the Immortal Master had saved so many people in the city. He must be a good person, right? Su Yuqing mused.

The Immortal Master did not reply. The thatched cottage on the mountaintop fell into an eerie silence. After a long pause, he slowly spoke: "Immortal destiny can never be forced." "If you truly do not wish to cultivate, I will not compel you." "However, when the day comes that you witness your loved ones perish tragically, do not regret your choice." Su Yuqing froze slightly, then her face turned pale: "My loved ones perish tragically?" The Immortal Master offered no explanation, merely closing his eyes again: "You may go." Su Yuqing felt a gust of wind, and in an instant, she found herself outside the thatched cottage. The door slammed shut, leaving Su Yuqing filled with bewilderment. She, somewhat dazed, descended the mountain path, her mind consumed by the Immortal Master's words. Just as she was about to leave the celestial mountain's boundaries, she hesitated. "The Immortal Master would definitely not lie to me." "Loved ones perishing tragically..." For some reason, the terrifying image of the volcano's black clouds covering the sky on that fateful day resurfaced in Su Yuqing's mind. She shivered, suddenly understanding. Hurriedly, she changed direction and rushed back towards the thatched cottage on the mountaintop. "Immortal Master, will the central volcano erupt again?" She asked towards the door. No sound came from within. Su Yuqing tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge. Her anxiety grew, yet she dared not be insolent before an immortal. Su Yuqing dropped to her knees with a thud and kowtowed, saying, "Immortal Master, this humble girl is willing to follow you and cultivate diligently!"

Still, there was no response. Su Yuqing grit her teeth, maintaining her kneeling posture, unmoving. As the beloved late-born daughter of the old academician, Su Yuqing had been showered with immense affection since birth. Spoiled and delicate, she felt her entire body ache and could no longer bear it after just the time it takes to steep a cup of tea. Yet, she seemed to envision Dali being utterly destroyed if the volcano erupted again. Her gaze hardened, and she stubbornly persevered through sheer willpower. One hour, two hours... After four or five hours, her consciousness began to blur. Finally, she could no longer hold on and fainted. Before losing consciousness, she thought she heard the sound of the thatched cottage door opening.

Su Yuqing had a dream. In the dream, the world of Dali faced its apocalypse. Volcanic smoke columns shot straight into the heavens. Lava flowed unchecked, leaving no living creature on earth. It was truly like a purgatory. This horrific scene instantly jolted her awake from the nightmare. "Did you see it clearly? That is the future of Dali," the Immortal Master calmly stated before her. "Please, Immortal Master, save Dali!" Su Yuqing's eyes had become tearful at some point. She kowtowed again, pleading. "I can save it for a moment, but not forever," the Immortal Master sighed with compassion.