Covering the Sky: The Years I Was the Empress's Strictest Master

However, contrary to his reaction,

Tianling, standing outside the cave, looked at this somewhat familiar face, and a memory from countless ages ago instantly surfaced in her mind.

She recognized him.

His name was Guo Ziqian, one of the generals under someone in ancient times. He was upright, brave in battle, and had made great achievements. However, before that person attained enlightenment, he inevitably showed some "arrogance".

Years ago, she was defeated by Suiren, a restriction was placed within her body, her cultivation was sealed, and she was captured after her defeat.

One night, this very person, "on his own initiative," sent her to someone's bedchamber...

That was the turning point in her life, the fleeting romance that changed the course of her life, and the person in front of her was the one who "pushed" her along.

After countless ages, Tianling felt a mix of emotions upon seeing her "old friend" again.

Do you hate it?

I've already let it go.

If it weren't for what happened back then, perhaps she and Tan Lin wouldn't have had that unforgettable entanglement later on, and there wouldn't be the "Tianling" of today.

gratitude?

But it can't really be called that.

But at least, there is no more resentment.

Even years after someone's "fall," she came alone to the Emperor's Palace, searching for traces of that person's existence.

Upon seeing this person, who was already nearing the end of her life, she inexplicably bestowed upon her a bottle of divine liquid extracted from the demigod herb of her Tianxuan Ancient Clan, in order to prolong her life.

Right now,

Looking into Guo Ziqian's wary and unfamiliar eyes, she realized that he did not recognize her.

After all, she is now in Gu Qingying's body, and her soul aura has changed significantly since it was fused with the Divine Silkworm Princess.

"General Guo, how have you been?"

Just as a major battle caused by a misunderstanding was about to break out, Tianling spoke up.

Her voice was calm, using the same tone she used when she spoke to him in the past.

Upon hearing the sound, Guo Ziqian inside the cave trembled violently.

A sudden, incredulous glint flashed in his eyes as he stared intently at Tian Ling:

"You...you are..."

That tone, that expression...

Although their appearances were completely different, and their spiritual aura was also unfamiliar.

But the way the other person spoke at that moment seemed to slowly overlap with the image deep in his mind of someone who had temporarily "fallen into trouble" for a period of time.

Moreover, this place is extremely secluded, and apart from a very small number of cultivators in the Human Emperor Palace, it is almost impossible for anyone outside to know his name!

"It's me, Tianling."

Tianling slowly walked into the cave, her jade-like hand brushing against her face.

wow...

A hazy, nine-colored glow flashed by, temporarily revealing a phantom image of her original face. Although it was fleeting, it was enough to illustrate the point.

"Your Highness?! Is it really you?!"

At that moment, Guo Ziqian's initial surprise and doubt faded, replaced by overwhelming excitement.

After all these ages, to be able to see an "old friend" again is truly a rare and precious thing, no matter who it is.

Immediately, he strode up to Tianling, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and exclaimed with emotion:

"This humble general, Guo Ziqian, pays his respects to Your Highness, the Heavenly Maiden! After hundreds of thousands of years, this humble general... this humble general thought that Your Highness had long since..."

He had intended to call her "Your Majesty," as that would have been more affectionate.

However, considering that the other party's relationship with His Majesty the Emperor had never been made public, nor had any grand ceremony been held, and that the other party had never been anyone's "vassal," he couldn't help but think about it.

Therefore, those two words are somewhat inappropriate.

"Get up."

Tianling stepped forward and offered a helping hand, her heart filled with mixed emotions:

"Since our parting at the Human Emperor's Palace hundreds of thousands of years ago, we have not seen each other for a long time. You... did you break the seal on your own?"

Guo Ziqian straightened up and sighed after hearing this:

"Alas, it's a long story. Many years ago, I and several comrades were forcibly sealed into the Divine Source by His Majesty."

Not long after, a thief appeared from a 'realm within a realm,' accompanied by rolling thunder. Fearing something terrible had happened, I awoke from my slumber and broke free of my seal.

But after they came out, they found it was a false alarm, so they told the other brothers to stay in the Divine Source, lest they fail His Majesty's painstaking efforts back then..."

As he spoke, he looked at Tianling, his eyes filled with excitement and confusion:

"We were sealed here, wasn't it His Majesty who told Your Highness back then? But you..., you are like this now..."

Tianling shook her head slightly and sighed softly:

"This matter involves many twists and turns and secrets, which are not convenient to go into detail for now. You only need to know that I am still Tianling, and my heart still belongs to 'that person'..."

Upon hearing this, Guo Ziqian had no choice but to suppress his doubts and then said:

"Regardless, Your Highness, I am glad you are safe. If His Majesty is..."

At this point, his expression suddenly darkened, and his voice lowered:

"His Majesty... although he returned briefly in the past, he has ultimately passed away completely..."

Upon hearing this, Tianling remained silent for a moment, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

The loss of her beloved from ancient times remained a deep and lasting pain in her heart for a long time.

She understood the other person's loyalty and deep affection over the years, and at this moment, she could empathize with their grief to some extent, knowing roughly what that feeling was like.

But now, he has been reincarnated and returned, though the other party is clearly unaware of this.

However, this matter involved too many and too great a scope, so Suiren did not proactively inform the other party, but she also could not reveal it in advance.

After all, the slightest mistake could lead to...

"General Guo, the past is gone. Those who remain should seize the present, cherish their opportunities, and try to see if they can reach a higher vantage point, so as not to betray 'his' past deeds..."

After saying that, Tianling immediately asked:

"After you broke free of the seal, have you left this place? How much do you know about the outside world?"

Guo Ziqian shook his head:

"Shortly after I broke free from my seal, I suddenly realized that I had been preparing to break through to the Quasi-Emperor realm all these years. I was also afraid that leaving this place would jeopardize His Majesty's possible arrangements in the outside world, so I did not leave."

Moreover, this place seems unusual, with two 'realms within realms' existing. I can vaguely sense that one of these places will greatly help me break through to the Quasi-Emperor realm.

Unfortunately, His Majesty is no longer here, and both places are protected by powerful barriers, so I cannot trespass..."

Tianling nodded slightly.

"Your caution is commendable. This place is extremely important to both me and 'him,' and cannot be lost."

The realm within a realm you pointed out—he told me how to enter it before he 'left.' Since you sensed it, it's likely that there really is an opportunity for your breakthrough there. I'll pass on the method to you later, and you can go there on your own…”

"This?! Then thank you very much, Your Highness. This humble general will respectfully accept your offer."

Guo Ziqian was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this, and then clasped his hands in greeting again.

Although he was upright and straightforward, he was also adept at interpersonal relationships and never missed any proper etiquette.

Otherwise, how could they have done that "acting on their own initiative" back then?

After the ceremony,

He hesitated for a moment, wavering repeatedly, but still managed to ask the question that had rekindled the hope in his heart after the seal was broken:

"Your Highness, then... His Majesty... when he returned a hundred years ago, did he leave any contingency plans? Is there any possibility that he could return again?"

If there is still a chance, I will preserve my life to be of use. If I successfully break through this barrier, I will re-establish myself so that future generations may continue to follow Your Majesty. Even in death, I will have no regrets!

His voice was resolute, and his eyes gleamed with a fanatical light, as if he were reminiscing about something.

Standing before her, Tianling felt a warmth mixed with a bittersweet feeling as she looked at the genuine emotions that flowed from the other person's face.

She was silent for a moment, then finally said softly:

"Perhaps he had some unknown plans, but I know nothing about them. You should stay here and cultivate diligently. When the time comes, the truth will come to light..."

That day may not be too far away...

…………

Chapter 215 Chi Xuan's Soul Search by the Empress (6K Chapter, Please Subscribe!)

Inside the cave, once these words were spoken,

Guo Ziqian's body trembled, and a sharp light flashed in his originally cloudy old eyes.

In an instant, thoughts surged wildly through his mind.

What the other party said seemed to have a hidden meaning?

Could it be Your Majesty...?

Thinking of this, he suppressed his turbulent emotions, daring not to think any further, and simply clasped his hands tightly, his voice resounding:

"In that case, Your Highness, please bestow the law..."

Tianling nodded slightly.

Reunited with an "old friend," though things had changed and she had once harbored deep hatred for him,

But seeing the unwavering loyalty the other person showed to someone throughout the ages still moves me deeply.

…………

Deep in the starry sky,

On the "ruins" continent composed of endless stars and the remains of ancient lands of life, at the end of the Demon Emperor's Tomb Raider Cave.

Inside, there are hidden wonders, with countless spaces folding and rising, a vast underground palace, and a high-hanging dome, resembling a series of small worlds.

"Heh, the treasures of this world belong to those with the strength; this is an eternal truth..."

"It seems we have no choice but to fight today!!"

At this moment, inside the "front chamber" of the Demon Emperor's Tomb, various forces confronted each other from different directions in order to seize the coffin forged from the elixir of immortality, and a great battle was about to break out in an instant.

boom!

Rumble... Rumble...

Having just exchanged blows with several Holy Spirits, three muffled thuds followed in succession.

As the ghostly soldiers cleared the way, the lids of three giant coffins, surrounded by numerous ghostly generals, were simultaneously lifted from the inside.

thump...

The three coffin lids crashed heavily to the ground, stirring up countless magical patterns.

In an instant, the air was thick with malevolent energy and filled with the scent of death.

The three enormous coffins were arranged in a triangular shape, each as black as ink.

The coffin was engraved with patterns unique to the underworld. Now that the lid was no longer sealed, the coffin was soon filled with a nauseating stench of death and a chilling aura of mortal decay.

Click... Click...

In the giant coffin on the left, a figure slowly sat up.

He was tall and wore ancient, rusty Nether Iron armor. His face was shrouded in a layer of gray-black death aura, except for his blood-red eyes, which were captivating.

Tick!

He held a bronze halberd wrapped with black divine chains in his hand, its blade dripping with dark red blood and exuding an ominous aura. It was none other than the Yama King!

Da...da...