The atmosphere in the imperial residence was filled with joy. Every member of the Imperial Clan wore radiant smiles on their faces. On the outermost edge of the palace, a large gathering of young Heavenly Geniuses from the Seven Great Domains had assembled.

The Emperor's strategy was truly brilliant. His bold declarations before the war, his thunderbolt methods in suppressing internal dissidents afterward, and his public recruitment of heroes from across the realms had all come together with Chu Mo's two overwhelming victories. In an instant, the Imperial Clan's dominance eclipsed all the ancient clans of the Luotian Immortal Domain.

Though, in the eyes of many ancient clans within the Luotian Immortal Domain, the Imperial Clan was still a colossal yet aged beast slipping toward its twilight years. For the young Heavenly Geniuses of the Seven Great Domains, however, it remained a mighty and awe-inspiring giant—indomitable and brimming with majesty!

Inside the grand banquet hall, fresh faces were continuously ushered in, some excited, some reserved, yet all eager to participate in this monumental Imperial Clan event.

The Emperor had already departed. He could not stay away from the imperial city for too long, burdened as he was with numerous matters requiring his attention. Representing him, however, was the Crown Prince Ji Qi, who remained with a warm smile, graciously welcoming the fresh blood now joining the Imperial Clan ranks.

Among these newcomers, Chu Mo's influence was monumental. So much so that even Chu Mo himself was surprised at how many people had come specifically because of him.

At the moment, he was seated at a table along with Jiang Caiyue, Zi Dao, Liu Yunfeng, Baldy, and Lin Xiu, engaging in animated conversation and laughter. From time to time, a few courageous cultivators from the Seven Great Domains would approach with respectful expressions, greeting him politely.

At this moment, Prince Ji Sheng walked over, his face devoid of expression. Then, under the astonished gazes of many, he performed a deep bow toward Chu Mo.

As a royal prince, aside from paying respects to his elders within the clan, it was exceedingly rare for Ji Sheng to bow to anyone. In fact, throughout his life, he had never saluted a peer.

Thus, Ji Sheng publicly bowing to Chu Mo stunned many present.

What was he trying to do?

Looking at Chu Mo, Ji Sheng said, "I don't like you and probably never will. However… I've started to respect you a little. Today, you've brought immense honor to the Imperial Clan. The facts have proven that you're exceptional. For my previous disrespect, I offer you my apologies!"

Chu Mo smiled faintly and replied, "There's no need. What's done is done, and I no longer dwell on it."

Ji Sheng was momentarily startled, then nodded slightly and said, "Well said, Chu Mo. I now regard you in a new light. You are indeed not obligated to forgive me. Were the roles reversed, I might not forgive either… But in the future, I will no longer act as I did. Thank you—you've taught me a great deal!"

As he spoke, Ji Sheng bent down once more in a ceremonial bow.

This scene touched several young Heavenly Geniuses from the Seven Great Domains who had recently joined the Imperial Clan. Although they didn't know the specifics of Ji Sheng and Chu Mo's past conflicts, the sight of a prince openly admitting his faults and bowing in apology was already impressive enough.

For these newcomers, the moment filled them with profound trust and encouragement.

Having grown up in the secular world, Chu Mo understood situations like this all too well. Naturally, he wouldn't mar the moment by making petty remarks that might spoil the atmosphere.

"Forgiveness isn't really the question here," Chu Mo said with a calm smile as he looked at Ji Sheng. Raising a cup of wine, he continued, "What's past is past. Over time, it will fade away. Much like childhood mischief that leaves a scar—it might look frightening at first, bleeding profusely. But eventually, it heals. The scar, too, will fade over time until it's hardly visible or even forgotten. That healing process is part of growing up. So, what's over is over."

Ji Sheng's eyes grew brighter with Chu Mo's words. By the end, he was nodding repeatedly. Raising his wine cup, he gestured it toward Chu Mo and said, "Well said. I've learned a lot from your words!" With that, he drained his cup in one go.

Chu Mo followed suit, downing his cup in one swig.

Afterward, the two exchanged smiles, and the enmity between them dissolved into the past.

Some wounds cannot be erased once inflicted, much like scars—they cannot simply be made to vanish. However, scars heal and fade. Eventually, they may soften into faint marks over the years, perhaps remembered in the heart, or perhaps not.

Chu Mo was not a petty person. However, Ji Sheng's words and actions from the past had indeed heavily impacted him. If not for the reconciliation tied to his parents, Chu Mo would never have chosen to side with the Luotian Imperial Clan so willingly this time.

Forgiving outright was unlikely, and as for assisting? Absolutely unthinkable!

The banquet in the great hall grew livelier. More and more Heavenly Geniuses from the Seven Great Domains decisively proclaimed their allegiance to the Luotian Imperial Clan, becoming warriors in its ranks.

Do not underestimate the title of a warrior. In the eyes of many, being a soldier of the Luotian Imperial Clan meant becoming a warrior among heavens—the true Heavenly Soldiers! And the Luotian Imperial City? It was seen by countless as the Heavenly Court incarnate!

Ji Qi was beaming throughout the night. For the Imperial Clan, such a thriving scene had not been seen in countless years.

Later, Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji summoned Chu Mo to a private room after the banquet. They first recounted the day's battles. Even Chu Tianji marveled, proud of his son's accomplishments.

Then Ji Qingyu asked about Chu Mo's plans moving forward.

"Son, you've witnessed the current situation of the Imperial Clan—the drumbeats of war are sounding, and battle is imminent. Your father and I will surely take part—that is our responsibility. But you are different." Ji Qingyu looked at Chu Mo. "Though you carry the blood of the Imperial Clan, you are not bound to its responsibilities. In truth, if I could hide you away where no one could ever find you, I would gladly do so."

"Is it because of the prophecy?" Chu Mo asked.

Ji Qingyu nodded. "As matters stand, it seems those supreme entities might be unable to act freely, even if they can manifest countless forms. They likely lack the capacity to target you. In fact, as the Imperial Clan pushes back and launches its counteroffensive, the dangers posed by that prophecy have greatly diminished."

Chu Tianji added from the side, "The reason your mother and I have unhesitatingly taken up the Imperial Clan's mantle and responsibilities is something you likely already grasp. On one hand, the Imperial Clan's past actions toward your mother and me stemmed from understandable causes. And now, our family has reunited. On the other hand, during a past life-and-death crisis, it was your uncle who saved you at great personal cost. What's past is past—we hope you won't live burdened by old grudges."

Chu Mo nodded. "Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. I understand what needs to be done."

"We are your parents—there's no need for thanks. In truth, we owe you far too much. Regardless of the reasons, the fault lies with us." Ji Qingyu sighed.

"Mother, please don't say that. Even as a child, when I didn't understand anything, I never resented you. All I wanted was to find you and ask why you left me behind…" Chu Mo smiled as he recounted the experiences of his past.

He shared everything, including his relationship with the Elf Princess Qi Xiaoyu, leaving nothing concealed.

Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji both listened with wistful sighs.

Finally, Chu Mo declared earnestly, "So, my next goal is to locate the remaining three Blood Moons depicted on the Cangqiong Shenjian. I want to resurrect the loved ones I've lost because of me. I want them to walk this world again."

"The remaining three Blood Moons?" Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji exchanged glances before looking at him with confusion. "Isn't it four?"

"Three. Chaos is already here." Chu Mo replied, summoning the Cangqiong Shenjian from his chest and letting it hover in his palm. On it, seven Blood Moons shimmered brilliantly.

"Heavens… That one is Chaos?" Ji Qingyu stared in shock at the artifact in Chu Mo's hand.

Chu Tianji was also stunned. "The Chaos Blood Moon… where did you find it?"

Ji Qingyu added, "It's said that from ten thousand ages past, the Cangqiong Shenjian had already been incomplete. Nearly no one knew the whereabouts of those four missing Blood Moons."

"It's been a long time," Chu Mo said. "I found it in a ruin back when I still roamed the Immortal Realm."

Ji Qingyu furrowed her delicate brows, contemplating. "I seem to recall that our ancestor once mentioned several supreme treasures within the Luotian cosmos. Heaven Slaying is one of them—a fearsome blade whose origins remain unknown. Speculation abounds, but none concrete. Few have truly mastered it. As such, despite its unmatched potential, it has long been overlooked. Yet, in your hands, it seems entirely transformed. Its mysteries, I can't unravel. The Chaos Forge, as our ancestor described, was said to be a dharma instrument crafted by a Supreme being. It not only refines elixirs but can mend all techniques—a treasure unparalleled. As for the Cangqiong Shenjian…"

Ji Qingyu hesitated before continuing. "The ancestor spoke of its origins in that Tunnel. The first to acquire it was likely the Supreme being as well. It is a supreme treasure, capable of discerning all things and locating all treasures. However, at some point, it vanished, later reappearing with an unrivaled existence before seemingly losing much of its former power. Of its original ten Blood Moons, only six remained; the artifact was entrusted to a descendent and taken to the Yanhuang Domain before being lost during a war. For it to resurface now in your hands… The ancestor once remarked that for the Cangqiong Shenjian to ascend to divinity, all ten Blood Moons must be restored, as they each possess unparalleled spirit. The departure of four Blood Moons stripped it of its godly powers. According to our ancestor's theories, those four Blood Moons scattered to four of the eight great domains."

"What could exist in those domains to draw the Blood Moons away?" Chu Tianji frowned deeply.

Chu Mo was momentarily stunned. He had always known the Cangqiong Shenjian was brimming with spirit, yet the reason why the Blood Moons had left was a mystery to him. After hearing his mother's words, he directly consulted the artifact's nascent spirit.

This time, the spirit's reply was vague, claiming it could no longer recall. However, it suggested the moons had been seeking some kind of opportunity.

Suddenly, the Chaos Blood Moon transmitted a clear divine intent, causing an immediate change in Chu Mo's expression.

"Son, what's wrong?" Both Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji looked at him with deep concern.

Chu Mo replied, "The Chaos Blood Moon has informed me that they left to seek the opportunity for divinity. It said that the moons of Discernment, Beheading Path, and Unity… all reside within Beidou! It further claimed that in Yanhuang's North Star lies the chance for divinity!"

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