《Forbidden Lessons from My Revered Master》


 Chapter 1 - Compete for

    Celestial Star Kingdom, Supreme Mystical Sect.


    At this moment, the entrance of the Supreme Mystical Sect was bustling with the disciple recruitment ceremony.


    Anyone under the age of eighteen who passed the talent test could join the Supreme Mystical Sect and become a disciple.


    "Fei Yangyang, eighteen years old, Sixth Grade Spiritual Root, qualified!"


    "Zhang Ling''er, sixteen years old, Fourth Grade Spiritual Root, not qualified!"


    "Wang Haoran, seventeen years old, Ninth Grade Spiritual Root! Qualified!"


    ***


    Time passed, and before long, the sun set in the west.


    Tens of thousands of young talents who participated in the test had all finished.


    A white-haired Enforcement Elder couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh.


    "This batch of disciples is the worst I''ve ever seen! Only a little over two thousand passed the test."


    Another Enforcement Elder consoled him:"Be content. At least this year we have a disciple with a Ninth Grade Spiritual Root. With careful nurturing, they will surely become a core disciple of the sect in the future."


    The white-haired elder nodded helplessly, then leaped into the air, landing on the testing platform to announce: "Alright everyone, this year''s disciple recruitment ceremony is over. Those who passed the test, stay. The rest may leave."


    As the white-haired elder''s words fell, those who didn''t pass the test showed dejected expressions, shaking their heads as they prepared to leave.


    "Wait a moment!"


    Just then, a shout suddenly came from afar, drawing everyone''s attention.


    In the distance, a young man was seen running desperately.


    Behind him, two cultivators were frantically pursuing him!


    "Almost there, almost there. As long as I pass the test and become a disciple of the Supreme Mystical Sect, my family and I will be saved!"


    Xiao Lingchen gritted his teeth, mustering all his strength to sprint forward.


    Even though his legs were sore and numb, he pushed himself to run with all his might.


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    ***


    A few days ago, the Xiao Family, where Xiao Lingchen belonged, was suddenly attacked by the Ye Family, one of the four great families of Azure Cloud City.


    Originally, the Ye and Xiao families were evenly matched, not fearing each other''s attacks.


    But this time, the Ye Family received support from a mysterious force!


    After the battle erupted, the Xiao Family suffered heavy casualties.


    In the end, they could only muster all their strength to protect Xiao Lingchen and help him escape to the Supreme Mystical Sect under the cover of night.


    Both Xiao Lingchen and the Xiao Family knew that the Supreme Mystical Sect had become their last hope.


    Only by passing the test, joining the sect, and becoming a disciple could Xiao Lingchen and the Xiao Family receive the sect''s protection and a glimmer of hope.


    ***


    Finally, Xiao Lingchen made it to the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    Just before the test ended, he used his last ounce of strength to leap onto the testing platform.


    He placed his hand on the test monument used to assess talent.


    Buzz!


    In an instant, the test monument trembled.


    The next second, the entire monument erupted with ten beams of scorching light, shooting straight into the sky!


    In the cloudless sky, nine blazing suns appeared, turning the entire sky fiery red.


    Such a phenomenon shocked everyone present!


    The white-haired Enforcement Elder''s eyes widened, his mouth agape.


    "Ten beams of light, this is... the Heavenly Spirit Root!"


    The test monument''s light beams indicated the grade of the spiritual root.


    Xiao Lingchen made the monument emit ten beams, meaning his talent surpassed the Ninth Grade, reaching at least the Heavenly Grade!


    Another elder beside him shook his head and said: "I''m afraid it''s more than that. Such a phenomenon, this child''s talent is not just a simple Heavenly Spirit Root!"


    Sure enough, as soon as the elder finished speaking, a commotion erupted within the Supreme Mystical Sect!


    "You audacious low-life, how dare you harm my disciple!"


    With a voice like a resounding bell, an elder with crane-like hair and a youthful face soared through the sky.


    In an instant, he crushed the two cultivators chasing Xiao Lingchen into dust.


    Then, the elder approached Xiao Lingchen, tears streaming down as he grasped Xiao Lingchen''s hand.


    "My dear disciple, I''ve waited so long for you!"


    However, before he could finish speaking, several figures rushed out from within the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    "Chen Feng, you shameless old man, grabbing my disciple''s hand like that!"


    "Disciple, I''m your master from another life!"


    "Five hundred years, do you know how I''ve lived these five hundred years, my disciple?"


    In an instant, Xiao Lingchen was surrounded by the high-ranking members of the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    They all clamored to take Xiao Lingchen as their disciple.


    Even if Xiao Lingchen were foolish, he would know that his talent was extraordinary, causing them to compete for him!


    While overjoyed, Xiao Lingchen also knew that his family was saved!


    Suppressing his weakness, Xiao Lingchen straightforwardly said: "Honored elders of the sect, my name is Xiao Lingchen, a son of the Xiao Family in Azure Cloud City. I came to the Supreme Mystical Sect to join the disciple recruitment ceremony, firstly to join the sect and embark on the path of cultivation, and secondly because my family is in grave danger, seeking the sect''s protection!"


    Hearing Xiao Lingchen''s words, the high-ranking members of the Supreme Mystical Sect exchanged glances.


    After one elder inquired, Xiao Lingchen recounted everything that happened to the Xiao Family in detail.


    After hearing Xiao Lingchen''s account, the elders of the Supreme Mystical Sect all showed expressions of anger.


    "Outrageous!"


    "The audacity of the Ye Family to harm my disciple!"


    "My dear disciple, rest assured, now that you are a disciple of the Supreme Mystical Sect, we will protect your family no matter what!"


    After speaking, the high-ranking elders of the sect summoned their disciples.


    They ordered them to immediately head to Azure Cloud City to protect the Xiao Family.


    Once those disciples left with their orders, Xiao Lingchen finally felt relieved!


    With the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect going, he no longer needed to worry about his family''s safety for the time being.


    After resolving the matter of the Xiao Family, the elders of the Supreme Mystical Sect once again turned their attention to Xiao Lingchen.


    Each of their gazes was as if they were looking at a priceless treasure.


    "My dear disciple, don''t worry about family matters, just follow me and cultivate well!"


    "Get lost, Chen the Old Dog, who said he''s your disciple? Lingchen just accepted my meeting gift, he''s my disciple now."


    "You two shameless old men, can you teach a disciple well? It''s better to become my disciple! I''m the expert in teaching disciples!"


    "You''re talking nonsense! How can I not teach well?"


    "You teach well? Look at your disciples, none of them are decent."


    "Dear disciple, become my disciple, and you''ll have an endless supply of spiritual pills and elixirs!"


    "Dear disciple, I have a Mystic Grade cultivation method, there are only a few in the entire sect. Become my disciple, and I''ll pass it on to you."


    "......"

 Chapter 2 - Jiang Luoxian

    Below the testing platform, thousands of people watched the scene unfold.


    Their mouths were agape, eyes filled with surprise and envy.


    They had all come to participate in the disciple recruitment ceremony, yet before this, they had never even seen these high-ranking elders.


    However, Xiao Lingchen''s appearance not only drew them out but also had them scrambling to take him as their disciple.


    Such treatment, how could they not be astonished, how could they not be envious?


    "My dear disciple, I am the Grand Elder of the Supreme Mystical Sect. In terms of experience and resources, no one can compare to me except the Sect Master. If you take me as your master, your path of cultivation will be smooth and unimpeded."


    "Good disciple, our Small Bamboo Peak typically doesn''t accept male disciples, but I can make an exception for you. As long as you join my sect, I will have your senior sisters accompany you day and night in cultivation. Wouldn''t that be delightful?"


    "Good disciple, don''t listen to them. These people are eager to teach, but ask yourself, who in the entire Supreme Mystical Sect can teach a disciple better than I can?"


    "..."


    Several high-ranking elders argued fiercely over Xiao Lingchen, none willing to give him up.


    "No need to argue any further."


    At that moment, a cool voice suddenly rang out.


    Like a refreshing breeze in the summer, it instantly dispelled all the heat.


    When everyone came to their senses, a woman in a white dress had already appeared in front of Xiao Lingchen.


    In that second, time seemed to stand still.


    "Wow... what a beautiful fairy sister!"


    Xiao Lingchen murmured in a daze.


    The woman before him had eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn waters, and skin as fair as snow.


    Her white dress fluttered in the breeze, making her look like a fairy descending to the mortal world, stunningly beautiful.


    Standing next to her, one could even catch a faint, refreshing fragrance that was invigorating.


    It could be said that even in two lifetimes, the woman in the white dress before him was the most beautiful he had ever seen, without a doubt!


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    As the woman in the white dress appeared, the high-ranking elders of the Supreme Mystical Sect ended their quarrel.


    Each one showed a look of fear and respect, bowing reverently.


    "Sect Master!"


    "Sect Master?"


    The crowd below was immediately abuzz.


    Rumors had it that the Sect Master of the Supreme Mystical Sect was as elusive as a dragon, and no one expected to see this mysterious Sect Master today.


    What shocked everyone even more was that the mysterious Sect Master of the Supreme Mystical Sect was such a beautiful fairy.


    Jiang Luoxian''s eyes, like autumn waters, held a hint of displeasure, as the elders'' quarrel had disturbed her peaceful cultivation.


    She was about to reprimand them.


    But when she saw Xiao Lingchen and met his gaze, an inexplicable flutter stirred in her heart.


    She bent slightly, gently taking Xiao Lingchen''s wrist.


    A gentle stream of spiritual power flowed into Xiao Lingchen''s body, wandering around.


    Moments later, Jiang Luoxian seemed to have discovered something, and a look of shock appeared in her eyes, usually as calm as water.


    "You..."


    After taking a deep breath, she finally asked, "Would you like to be my apprentice??"


    "What?"


    "Sect Master, you..."


    Jiang Luoxian''s words left the elders stunned.


    It was no secret within the sect that Jiang Luoxian had long ceased taking disciples.


    They never expected that Xiao Lingchen''s appearance would rekindle her desire to take on a disciple!


    And the most crucial point was that Xiao Lingchen was also the disciple they wanted!


    Jiang Luoxian glanced at them indifferently: "Do you have any objections?"


    The elders had countless words stuck in their throats, but in the end, they all shook their heads, indicating no objections.


    It would be a joke to have objections, not to mention that Jiang Luoxian was their Sect Master, with high status and unfathomable strength.


    Only someone tired of living would dare to have objections.


    Seeing this, Jiang Luoxian withdrew her gaze and looked at Xiao Lingchen once more.


    She asked again: "Would you like to take me as your master?"


    Without any hesitation, Xiao Lingchen respectfully bowed: "Greetings, Master."


    A faint smile finally appeared on Jiang Luoxian''s face, like the melting of frost and snow, indescribably beautiful.


    "Come with me."


    With that, Jiang Luoxian took Xiao Lingchen''s hand and flew towards the sect, under the envious gazes of countless disciples.


    Leaving the elders behind to sigh helplessly.


    ***


    The Supreme Mystical Sect was vast, spanning several mountain ranges.


    Spiritual Qi lingered between the mountains, buildings stood tall, and disciples could often be seen coming and going for cultivation.


    Following Jiang Luoxian, Xiao Lingchen soon arrived at a wooden house on the back mountain of the main peak.


    Surrounded by woods and shrouded in ethereal mist, it was particularly serene.


    After entering the wooden house, the two sat down on two meditation cushions glowing with spiritual light.


    Xiao Lingchen was surprised to find that the fatigue and soreness in his legs vanished the moment he sat down!


    Only then did Jiang Luoxian speak again: "My name is Jiang Luoxian. You should know by now that your talent is extraordinary. From now on, you will cultivate here with me. I hope you can focus wholeheartedly, train diligently, and strive to achieve enlightenment soon."


    Xiao Lingchen nodded, silently repeating Jiang Luoxian''s name in his heart.


    Luoxian, like a fairy, indeed, she was as beautiful and ethereal as her name suggested.


    Then, unable to contain his curiosity, Xiao Lingchen asked: "Master, you said my talent is extraordinary, but just how extraordinary is it? I have no concept of it yet. I hope you can enlighten me."


    Jiang Luoxian explained truthfully: "For someone who wishes to cultivate, talent is crucial, and the spiritual root is one of the basic standards to judge a person''s talent. Spiritual roots are generally divided into grades one to nine, with one being the lowest and nine being the highest. Generally, those who reach the seventh-grade spiritual root or above are considered exceptionally gifted.


    Some people are born geniuses, with spiritual roots beyond the ninth grade, known as Heavenly Grade, or Heavenly Spirit Root."


    Xiao Lingchen blinked: "So, am I a Heavenly Spirit Root?"


    He remembered vaguely hearing the elders below the platform mention something about him being a Heavenly Spirit Root during the talent test.


    Jiang Luoxian responded truthfully: "Yes, and no."


    Xiao Lingchen was puzzled, looking confused.


    Jiang Luoxian carefully explained: "People only know that above the ninth grade is the Heavenly Spirit Root, but in my view, Heavenly Spirit Roots also have their own distinctions.


    For example, I am also a Heavenly Spirit Root, but my cultivation speed far surpasses other cultivators with the same root.


    Therefore, I have personally divided Heavenly Spirit Roots into grades one to nine.


    Most geniuses can only reach the first-grade Heavenly Spirit Root, while those more exceptional can reach the third or even fourth grade. As for me, I have reached the seventh grade!"


    Gasp!


    After hearing Jiang Luoxian''s explanation, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t help but take a deep breath.


    Doesn''t that mean his master is also an exceptional genius?


    At this moment, Xiao Lingchen had already decided in his heart that he must hold onto this golden opportunity.


    Whether he could thrive in this world would depend on his master!


    Then, Xiao Lingchen excitedly asked:


    "Master, what grade is my spiritual root?"


    Jiang Luoxian nodded and replied:


    "You... surpass the ninth grade, you are of the Supreme Grade!"

 Chapter 3 - Yin

    "Hiss!"


    Upon hearing what Jiang Luoxian said, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    The Heavenly Spirit Root is a top-tier talent that surpasses the Ninth Grade.


    A one-in-a-million existence.


    And his own Spiritual Root was actually an even more superior Heavenly Spirit Root???


    At this moment, even Xiao Lingchen, who had lived two lives, couldn''t help but feel excited.


    Indeed, this is the treatment a Traveler deserves!


    He''s definitely going to soar!


    However, Jiang Luoxian hadn''t finished speaking.


    After a brief pause, she continued: "Moreover, as I just mentioned, the Spiritual Root is merely one of the basic standards for judging a person''s talent.


    Apart from the Spiritual Root, some people possess special constitutions, which often come with some extraordinary abilities. And besides the superior Heavenly Spirit Root, you also possess the Pure Yang Sacred Body."


    "Pure Yang Sacred Body?"


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes widened like copper bells, feeling as if he had heard of this constitution somewhere before.


    Curiously, he asked: "Master, what abilities does the Pure Yang Sacred Body have?"


    Jiang Luoxian replied: "A special constitution is naturally very beneficial for cultivation. The Pure Yang Sacred Body allows your cultivation speed to far exceed others, and at the same realm, your combat power will be stronger, often enabling you to fight across realms.


    The Pure Yang Sacred Body is a legendary constitution of extreme yang, capable of suppressing all evil spirits and being immune to all poisons.


    And since it''s the Pure Yang Sacred Body, your comprehension of fire-based cultivation methods and martial arts will be unmatched.


    Also..."


    Xiao Lingchen asked: "What else?"


    Jiang Luoxian''s expression became somewhat unnatural.


    As if there was something difficult to say.


    After thinking for a moment, she decided not to mention it for now.


    Jiang Luoxian''s face quickly returned to calm as she said: "Nothing.


    In any case, the Pure Yang Sacred Body has endless wonders, which you will discover in the future.


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    I will now teach you a cultivation method."


    Originally, Xiao Lingchen was prepared to get to the bottom of the Pure Yang Sacred Body''s wonders.


    But upon hearing that Jiang Luoxian was going to teach him a cultivation method, his curiosity instantly turned into anticipation.


    In the path of cultivation, besides talent, the cultivation method is also extremely important.


    A good cultivation method can make a cultivator''s efforts yield twice the result.


    Jiang Luoxian''s jade-like fingers gently touched Xiao Lingchen''s forehead.


    In an instant, a vast amount of information flooded into his mind.


    Causing Xiao Lingchen to feel a splitting headache.


    Fortunately, the pain came quickly and went away just as fast.


    When the pain subsided, Xiao Lingchen found that many memories had appeared in his mind.


    First was the hierarchy of cultivation in this world.


    It is divided into: Spirit Gathering, Spirit Sea, Spirit Platform, Dao Palace, Breaking Illusions, Crossing Tribulation, Life and Death, Fate Transformation, Void Transformation, Return to One, a total of ten realms, each with ten minor realms.


    In addition, there was a cultivation method called the "Yin-Yang Creation Method" in his memory!


    Xiao Lingchen was immediately shocked and hurriedly looked at Jiang Luoxian, asking: "Yin-Yang Creation Method? Master, why does this cultivation method''s name seem somewhat improper?"


    In his previous life, Xiao Lingchen had some exposure to web novels.


    In those books, any cultivation method with the words "Yin-Yang" seemed to be related to demonic paths and dual cultivation.


    Jiang Luoxian said: "That''s not the case. All things in the world are divided into Yin and Yang. Cultivating this method allows you to master the purest Yin and Yang power, enabling you to travel a thousand miles a day in cultivation. Just focus on cultivating."


    Jiang Luoxian''s tone was calm, and her expression was also calm.


    But if Xiao Lingchen had observed carefully, he would have noticed.


    Jiang Luoxian''s eyes were evasive, clearly a sign of guilt.


    However, that hint of guilt was quickly hidden by Jiang Luoxian.


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t notice Jiang Luoxian''s guilt. After hearing her explanation, he nodded thoughtfully.


    "I see, I''m sorry, Master, it was my misunderstanding."


    It makes sense.


    How could a fairy like his master, who is transcendent and otherworldly, teach him a dual cultivation method?


    Clearly, it was his own impure thoughts!


    "No harm done."


    Jiang Luoxian secretly breathed a sigh of relief and softly said: "The Yin-Yang Creation Method is a Sacred Grade cultivation method. To avoid attracting covetous eyes, you must not mention it in front of others.


    From now on, you will live here and focus on cultivating. If you encounter any problems, you can come to me at any time.


    Go on."


    Xiao Lingchen nodded.


    "Thank you, Master."


    ***


    Then, he walked out of the wooden house.


    Finding an open space, he couldn''t wait to start cultivating the Yin-Yang Creation Method.


    In an instant, the vast Spiritual Qi of heaven and earth began to gather towards him.


    In the unseen, the power of Yin and Yang was also drawn in, flowing into his body.


    Expanding his meridians and refining his Essence Blood.


    ***


    Inside the house.


    Jiang Luoxian immediately noticed this situation.


    Her eyes, like autumn water, revealed a look of surprise.


    "I possess the Moon Immortal Body, and I only managed to barely draw the power of Yin and Yang when I reached the Breaking Illusions Realm. I didn''t expect Chen to achieve it on his first attempt at cultivation.


    Is this the heaven-defying aspect of the superior Heavenly Spirit Root and the Pure Yang Sacred Body?"


    Besides the surprise.


    Jiang Luoxian also felt a trace of comfort in her heart.


    Gazing at the sky, she murmured:


    "Could Chen be the one sent by the heavens to help me? No wonder I felt a flutter in my heart the first time I saw him..."


    And as if thinking of something, a blush involuntarily appeared on Jiang Luoxian''s cold cheeks.


    ***


    Time flies.


    In the blink of an eye, three months had passed.


    During these three months, under Jiang Luoxian''s guidance, Xiao Lingchen cultivated day and night.


    All for the sake of becoming stronger as soon as possible.


    And then returning to Azure Cloud City to take revenge on the Ye Family!


    Three months ago, the Ye Family suddenly attacked, killing over a hundred members of his Xiao Family, a scene still vivid in his mind.


    This grudge must be avenged, or Xiao Lingchen will find no peace!


    Xiao Lingchen''s progress was also incredibly fast.


    Relying on his extraordinary talent and the Yin-Yang Creation Method, on the third day of cultivation, Xiao Lingchen successfully drew Qi into his body, breaking through to the Spirit Gathering Realm.


    In one month, he broke through to the Spirit Sea Realm.


    As of today, in just three months.


    He went from being a complete novice to reaching the Ninth Level of the Spirit Sea Realm.


    Just one step away from the Spirit Platform Realm!


    Such speed even made Jiang Luoxian click her tongue in amazement, deeming him a prodigy!


    However, the only downside was.


    For some reason.


    Every time he cultivated, Xiao Lingchen always felt a burning heat throughout his body.


    As if there was a raging fire burning in his belly.


    When he asked Jiang Luoxian, she only brushed it off with words like "normal" and "nothing to worry about."


    Which left Xiao Lingchen somewhat frustrated.


    Especially since Xiao Lingchen discovered.


    As his cultivation level continued to rise, this situation became increasingly severe.


    For now, he could still forcibly suppress it with his willpower.


    But he wasn''t sure if he could still suppress it when he reached a higher realm.

 Chapter 4 - Coincidental encounter

    Another day of cultivation had come to an end.


    Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation level had firmly stabilized at the peak of the ninth level of the Spirit Sea Realm.


    "I estimate that within ten days, I will break through to the Spirit Platform Realm. Then, I''ll have Master teach me a few powerful Divine Powers, and my strength will greatly improve!"


    Xiao Lingchen thought to himself, feeling immensely pleased.


    Strengthening his power was one thing, but on the other hand, the day he could descend the mountain to seek revenge was drawing near!


    "Ye Family, Ye Liuyun, Ye Changfeng... just you wait. It won''t be long before I come to settle this score with you personally!"


    Xiao Lingchen gazed in the direction of the Ye Family in Azure Cloud City, his eyes filled with intense killing intent!


    Then, Xiao Lingchen stood up, ready to wash off the sweat on his body.


    The Pure Yang Sacred Body was extremely yang in nature. Every time he finished cultivating, Xiao Lingchen would be drenched in sweat.


    Moreover, the persistent Evil Fire within him always made Xiao Lingchen feel unbearably uncomfortable.


    Several times, he found his gaze drifting towards the wooden house, with strange images of him and Jiang Luoxian in intimate moments flashing through his mind.


    But as soon as those images appeared, Xiao Lingchen immediately dismissed them.


    "Master taught me cultivation and has been kind to me. How can I be so disrespectful to her?


    That would be utterly ungrateful!"


    Thinking this, Xiao Lingchen ran down the mountain.


    Before long, a gently flowing stream appeared ahead.


    Whenever cultivation became unbearable, Xiao Lingchen would come here, jumping into the river to wash away the sweat and dispel the Evil Fire within with the icy cold water.


    Arriving at the riverbank, Xiao Lingchen leapt into the river without a second thought.


    However, the next second, a scream suddenly rang out, startling Xiao Lingchen.


    When he opened his eyes, he was dumbfounded.


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    Under the water, a beautiful girl with a fiery figure was staring right at him.


    "Nice..."


    Xiao Lingchen blurted out instinctively.


    As soon as he spoke, he realized the situation was dire!


    Sure enough, the next second, the girl screamed: "Ah!!! Lewd scoundrel, I''ll kill you!!!"


    As she spoke, the girl angrily struck at Xiao Lingchen.


    With spiritual power surging, a strike containing the power of the ninth level of the Spirit Platform Realm was enough to kill Xiao Lingchen on the spot!


    "Fuck! I didn''t do it on purpose! Let me explain!"


    Xiao Lingchen was shocked, never expecting to find a strange girl bathing in the river.


    He wanted to explain, but was interrupted by a fierce killing intent!


    Clearly, the other party wasn''t giving Xiao Lingchen any chance to explain!


    Seeing the terrifying strike coming at him, Xiao Lingchen felt a wave of despair, unable to dodge.


    But in the next second, he felt his body sink.


    His head was pushed underwater by the girl.


    The river water rushed into Xiao Lingchen''s mouth, nose, and ears, making him feel suffocated.


    The girl''s face was flushed with embarrassment, almost dripping blood, wishing she could kill Xiao Lingchen on the spot.


    But just then, a few beautiful figures appeared on the riverbank.


    "Junior Sister Huanhuan, so you were here! We''ve been looking for you!"


    "Master is looking for you, hurry and get dressed, come back with us!"


    Ning Huanhuan forced a smile and replied: "Okay, Senior Sisters, you go ahead, I''ll be right there."


    "Alright, but hurry up, don''t keep Master waiting."


    "Got it! Senior Sisters, you go on ahead!"


    After they left, Ning Huanhuan once again released her killing intent, wanting to kill Xiao Lingchen.


    However, at that moment, she realized that Xiao Lingchen had already disappeared from the water.


    Ning Huanhuan was stunned, then thought about how she, who had always avoided men, had been seen naked by a man and taken advantage of.


    Ning Huanhuan was both ashamed and angry.


    She couldn''t help but strike the water, splashing it up dozens of meters high.


    Gritting her teeth, she said: "Damn lewd scoundrel! Don''t let me see you again! Or I''ll take your life!"


    ***


    On the other side.


    Xiao Lingchen ran back up the mountain at full speed.


    Only when he saw the wooden house did he finally slow down, gasping for breath: "Fing hell, luckily I''m blessed with great fortune, or I''d have been dead!"


    Even now, Xiao Lingchen was still shaken.


    After all the hard work cultivating, he hadn''t even had the chance to seek revenge.


    If he had really died at the hands of that girl, it would have been a real grievance!


    "You''re back?"


    At this moment, a familiar and pleasant voice reached his ears.


    Looking up, he saw a breathtakingly beautiful face.


    Her skin was as white as snow, as delicate as white jade, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, gently swaying and emitting a faint fragrance.


    Her beautiful eyes were like bright stars, shining brilliantly, captivating anyone who looked into them.


    "Master."


    Jiang Luoxian looked at the soaking wet Xiao Lingchen, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and asked:"Where did you go?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied truthfully: "It''s hot, so I went to the river at the foot of the mountain to bathe."


    As he spoke, Xiao Lingchen circulated his spiritual power, instantly drying the water on his body.


    Jiang Luoxian didn''t doubt him, nodding, but then seemed to notice something.


    In surprise, she said: "You broke through to the Spirit Platform Realm?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen was slightly taken aback.


    Focusing on his Dantian, Xiao Lingchen was surprised to find a massive Dao Platform floating above the vast Spirit Sea within him, shining brightly!


    This was clearly a sign of breaking through to the Spirit Platform Realm!


    Xiao Lingchen was overjoyed, as this was much faster than he had estimated!


    After a brief reflection, Xiao Lingchen understood the reason.


    He was already at the peak of the ninth level of the Spirit Sea Realm, just a step away from breaking through to the Spirit Platform Realm.


    And tonight, he had faced danger, nearly losing his life.


    In the face of crisis, his potential was stimulated, leading to the breakthrough to the Spirit Platform Realm.


    It was a blessing in disguise.


    Looking at Jiang Luoxian, Xiao Lingchen said happily: "Master, I''ve broken through to the Spirit Platform Realm.


    By the way, Master, you mentioned before that once I break through to the Spirit Platform Realm, you''d teach me Divine Powers. Does that still hold?"


    Jiang Luoxian nodded and said:"When I say something, I always mean it.


    But first, let me ask you, have you ever practiced with weapons?"


    Xiao Lingchen immediately replied: "I''ve practiced swordsmanship since I was young and am very skilled with a sword."


    As a Traveler, Xiao Lingchen had an extreme obsession with swords, having fantasized about wandering the world with a sword, punishing evil and promoting good in his previous life.


    So after transmigrating to this world, he learned swordsmanship under his father''s guidance.


    Jiang Luoxian nodded, then with a gentle twist of her snow-white fingers, three Jade Slips fell into her palm.


    She then handed them directly to Xiao Lingchen.

 Chapter 5 - Void Space

    Xiao Lingchen took the jade slips and scanned them with his spiritual sense.


    Inside, he found three divine powers recorded: Divine Movement Step, Golden Body Technique, and God-killing Sword Technique!


    Xiao Lingchen raised an eyebrow. Just holding these three divine powers, he could sense a peculiar energy fluctuation emanating from them, clearly indicating they were extraordinary.


    As expected.


    Jiang Luoxian explained in the next moment:"These three divine powers are all Earth Grade. You must diligently cultivate them when you return; they will greatly enhance your strength."


    In this world, divine powers are divided into four grades: Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heaven, with each grade further divided into lower, middle, and upper tiers.


    Even a Yellow Grade divine power is priceless outside.


    Earth Grade divine powers are as rare as phoenix feathers in the entire Celestial Star Kingdom!


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t expect his master to be so generous, giving him three Earth Grade divine powers right away!


    And that wasn''t all!


    Jiang Luoxian flipped her delicate hand again.


    A uniquely shaped sword appeared in her hand.


    "This Phoenix Emperor Sword is for you."


    Receiving the Phoenix Emperor Sword from his master, Xiao Lingchen examined it closely.


    The sword''s blade was as bright as a gem, with the tip glowing red.


    The hilt was crafted into the shape of a phoenix spreading its wings, majestic and imposing!


    Holding it, he could feel a scorching and fierce aura, making him marvel involuntarily.


    Xiao Lingchen was amazed and curiously asked:


    "Master, what grade is this Phoenix Emperor Sword?"


    Jiang Luoxian replied:"It has no grade."


    No grade!


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes widened.


    He had read about divine artifacts in books. Like cultivation methods and divine powers, divine artifacts are graded into Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heaven, with lower, middle, and upper tiers.


    However, divine artifacts have a special grade: no grade!


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    The power of a no-grade divine artifact is not fixed and grows with the user''s strength.


    In some respects, the value of a no-grade divine artifact is even more precious than a Heaven Grade one.


    Xiao Lingchen immediately bowed to Jiang Luoxian.


    "Thank you for your gift, Master. I will never forget your kindness."


    Jiang Luoxian gently patted Xiao Lingchen''s head, her cold tone softening slightly:"Since you have acknowledged me as your master, I should generously impart my knowledge to you.


    This sword has endless uses. If you can absorb Phoenix Blood in the future, you can unleash Phoenix Power and summon Phoenix Fire, burning everything within a hundred miles with a single strike!"


    Learning the secrets of the Phoenix Emperor Sword once more, Xiao Lingchen was astounded again.


    However, Phoenix Blood is rare in the world, so Xiao Lingchen didn''t expect to obtain it anytime soon and could only remember this secret for the future.


    "From today, you must train harder and strive to become stronger. Go now!"


    "Understood, Master. I will go train immediately."


    After paying his respects, Xiao Lingchen left.


    ***


    Returning to the cliff where he often trained, he eagerly took out the three jade slips containing the divine powers and began to practice.


    At that moment, Xiao Lingchen suddenly felt a burning sensation in his chest.


    He quickly retrieved the item inside.


    It was an ancient-looking mirror.


    The mirror was something he had accidentally found at the bottom of the water when a girl had pushed it in.


    For some reason, he had picked it up on a whim.


    Now, its sudden warmth surprised Xiao Lingchen.


    In the next second, the mirror emitted a dazzling light, enveloping the three jade slips and Xiao Lingchen.


    In a daze, Xiao Lingchen found himself in a mysterious space.


    This place seemed void, without color or any sign of life.


    While Xiao Lingchen was puzzled, three figures identical to him appeared ahead, practicing the three divine powers from the jade slips on their own.


    In that moment, Xiao Lingchen was utterly shocked!


    Because.


    He discovered that the experiences of those three figures practicing the divine powers were all appearing in his mind!


    It was as if Xiao Lingchen himself was cultivating!


    One time, two times, three times...


    As the three figures practiced more, Xiao Lingchen''s understanding of the three divine powers deepened.


    Divine Movement Step was a body technique divine power that, once executed, allowed one to move like a swallow, covering hundreds of meters in a single step.


    Golden Body Technique was a protective divine power that, once mastered, made one''s body transcendent, impervious to blades and spears!


    God-killing Sword Technique, true to its name, was an extremely powerful sword technique that, when perfected, possessed the might to slay gods!


    Moreover, the God-killing Sword Technique had an extraordinary ability.


    It could sanctify through killing!


    By using the God-killing Sword Technique to defeat enemies, one could absorb the aura of slaughter, enhancing one''s cultivation and strength!


    Such an extraordinary ability made Xiao Lingchen deeply doubt if this was truly just an Earth Grade divine power.


    Perhaps even a Heaven Grade divine power was no more than this?


    "Minor Success!"


    Suddenly.


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyebrows twitched.


    He could feel that his understanding of the three divine powers had reached a new level!


    The comprehension of divine powers is divided into four levels: Entry Level, Minor Success, Major Success, and Perfection.


    The feeling he just had was clearly entering the level of Minor Success!


    After executing the divine powers, their might was even greater than before!


    This filled Xiao Lingchen with joy!


    In this void space, he didn''t need to do anything; just relying on the figures'' practice, he could directly comprehend the divine powers.


    Not only was the speed of comprehension astonishing, but he could also simultaneously comprehend multiple divine powers!


    This mirror was simply a divine artifact!


    "Although that girl was quite fierce, she truly is my Lucky Star!


    Because of her, I not only unexpectedly broke through to the Spirit Platform Realm but also found such a treasure!


    Awesome!"


    In the following time, Xiao Lingchen chose to stay in this void space.


    While the three figures practiced the divine powers, Xiao Lingchen also focused on his cultivation.


    ***


    Time flew by, and three months passed.


    Divine Movement Step, Golden Body Technique, and God-killing Sword Technique all reached the Major Success level, and their power was incomparable to before.


    Xiao Lingchen also successfully broke through to the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm!


    It must be said.


    As his realm reached the Spirit Platform Realm, Xiao Lingchen''s breakthrough speed slowed down.


    Previously, in three months, he could advance from a mortal to break through the Spirit Gathering Realm and Spirit Sea Realm, reaching the Spirit Platform Realm.


    Now, in three months, he only advanced two minor realms.


    This was naturally not Xiao Lingchen''s fault.


    After reaching the Spirit Platform Realm, even the gap between minor realms was like a chasm.


    For other cultivators with average aptitude, without years of accumulation, breaking through a minor realm would be difficult.


    Moreover, the elixirs and treasures his master bestowed to aid his cultivation had long been exhausted.


    This was why his cultivation speed had slowed.


    "Although I''m only at the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm now, with the dominance of the Pure Yang Sacred Body, the mysteries of the Yin-Yang Creation Method, and the support of the three divine powers.


    Even against an opponent at the ninth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, I might still have the strength to fight!"


    Feeling the aura within him now.


    Xiao Lingchen felt immensely satisfied.

 Chapter 6 - Blazing Red Lotus

    "Time for a bath."


    Every time Xiao Lingchen finished cultivating, he was drenched in sweat, his entire body unbearably hot. This had become a side effect of his training.


    After emerging from the Void Space, Xiao Lingchen looked at the mirror in his hand, treasuring it immensely.


    As a Traveler, Xiao Lingchen had never awakened the so-called System.


    But he unexpectedly obtained this mirror, which somewhat made up for the lack of a System.


    Moreover, Xiao Lingchen always had a feeling that besides helping him comprehend Divine Powers, this mirror might have other special abilities that he could only slowly uncover.


    ***


    Pondering over the mirror, Xiao Lingchen made his way to the riverbank.


    Now that he had mastered the Divine Movement Step to Major Success, his speed was so fast it only took a few breaths.


    This time, Xiao Lingchen was cautious.


    After confirming no one was in the river, he stripped off his clothes and leaped in.


    In an instant, the icy river water washed away half of the heat from his body.


    His mind also became much clearer.


    Just then, the mirror in his hand suddenly emitted light again.


    It pointed in a certain direction downstream.


    Surprised, Xiao Lingchen followed the direction indicated by the mirror.


    Before long, he saw in the center of a small pond not far away, a red lotus quietly blooming. The Blazing Red Lotus was engulfed in fierce flames, the scorching temperature causing the surrounding river water to boil.


    In the mirror, words suddenly appeared.


    [Blazing Red Lotus: Fifth Grade Spiritual Herb, petals like fire, enveloped in flames. The red lotus stamen can be used as medicine to cure all diseases and enhance a cultivator''s fire-based Spiritual Power.]


    Seeing this, Xiao Lingchen was both shocked and delighted!


    If he guessed correctly, this should be another ability of the mirror.


    It could detect treasures and identify them!


    "With this ability, doesn''t it mean that any treasure appearing around me in the future will not escape my discerning eye? This is amazing!"


    Overjoyed, Xiao Lingchen moved closer to the Blazing Red Lotus.


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    "At this moment, the Blazing Red Lotus is in full bloom. It''s likely to attract other disciples from the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    I must quickly pick the lotus and claim it for myself.


    I possess the Pure Yang Sacred Body, so this Blazing Red Lotus is a great supplement for me!"


    Soon.


    Xiao Lingchen reached the vicinity of the Blazing Red Lotus.


    Without thinking, he reached out to pick it.


    But just then.


    A sword light suddenly sliced through the water, striking towards him!


    Fortunately, Xiao Lingchen reacted in time, sidestepping to avoid the sword light.


    His eyes immediately filled with killing intent as he looked towards the direction from which the sword light came.


    However, when he saw the person, he was stunned.


    "It''s you!"


    "It''s you!"


    On the opposite side stood a familiar figure, frozen in place.


    A familiar face, a familiar voice, a familiar... graceful figure!


    Xiao Lingchen instantly recognized the figure as Ning Huanhuan, whom he had accidentally encountered in the river three months ago, leading to a misunderstanding.


    Who would have thought?


    Three months later, he would meet her again in this river.


    Ning Huanhuan also recognized Xiao Lingchen, her face flushed as she quickly submerged herself in the water.


    Her eyes seemed to be spitting fire: "I didn''t expect to run into you again today. You lewd scoundrel!"


    As she spoke, Ning Huanhuan raised her sword and slashed at Xiao Lingchen once more!


    "Damn! Three months ago, I was only at the Spirit Sea Realm, and you overpowered me. I didn''t say anything about it.


    But now I''m at the Spirit Platform Realm! Do you think you can still bully me?"


    As he spoke.


    Xiao Lingchen summoned the Phoenix Emperor Sword with a thought.


    He charged directly at Ning Huanhuan to counter her attack!


    Clang!!!


    The two swords collided in an instant.


    Terrifying Spiritual Power rippled out.


    Both were pushed back several meters!


    "How is this possible!"


    Ning Huanhuan was shocked beyond belief.


    She clearly remembered that three months ago, this guy was no match for her.


    If her Senior Sisters hadn''t suddenly shown up, she would have killed him with a single palm strike!


    Who could have imagined that three months later, upon meeting again, he could withstand her sword!


    And the most crucial part was, Ning Huanhuan could clearly feel that he was only at the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm! While she was at the ninth level!


    How did he do it?


    Compared to Ning Huanhuan''s shock, Xiao Lingchen appeared calm, as if this situation was within his expectations.


    Xiao Lingchen''s lips curled into a charming smile, beckoning with his hand: "Want to go again?"


    However, facing Xiao Lingchen''s provocation.


    Ning Huanhuan sheathed her sword.


    This puzzled Xiao Lingchen, who asked: "What? Not going to kill me anymore?"


    Ning Huanhuan gritted her teeth and admitted: "I''ll let you go today, just leave!"


    This guy suddenly became stronger, making it difficult to kill him! But as long as she obtained the Blazing Red Lotus, she would have a chance to break through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    Then, she would hunt him to the ends of the earth!


    After speaking, Ning Huanhuan no longer looked at Xiao Lingchen.


    She turned to pick the Blazing Red Lotus.


    But just as she reached out, a sword light suddenly slashed from behind her.


    Ning Huanhuan quickly swung her sword to block.


    Then she glared at Xiao Lingchen: "Lewd scoundrel, I was kind enough to let you go today, don''t push your luck!"


    Xiao Lingchen chuckled: "Nice words, but are you really letting me go out of kindness, or because you can''t beat me? If I''m not mistaken, you want to claim the Blazing Red Lotus for yourself, use it to break through to the Dao Palace Realm, and then come after me, right?"


    Ning Huanhuan: "......"


    Ning Huanhuan''s heart skipped a beat, not expecting this guy to see through her intentions.


    Xiao Lingchen laughed: "Rest assured, I won''t let you have this Blazing Red Lotus!"


    With that, Xiao Lingchen charged at Ning Huanhuan with his sword!


    Seeing this, Ning Huanhuan gritted her teeth in anger, cursing: "Lewd scoundrel, do you really think I don''t dare to kill you? Then come and try!"


    Clang!!!


    In an instant, their swords clashed again.


    Terrifying Spiritual Power scattered everywhere, the sharp Sword Qi slicing the surrounding air into cold glints!


    The grass and trees on the shore were cut down.


    Their figures intertwined in the water, exchanging dozens of moves in the blink of an eye!


    "Mountain Crushing Palm!"


    In another close encounter, Ning Huanhuan suddenly transformed her left hand into a palm, striking at Xiao Lingchen.


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes narrowed, immediately activating the Golden Body Technique to block with his hand.


    He was instantly sent flying by her palm strike.


    Ning Huanhuan smiled: "Daring to take my Mountain Crushing Palm head-on, your hand is doomed!"


    However, just as she finished speaking.


    She saw that not only was Xiao Lingchen unharmed, but he also took the opportunity to get close to the Blazing Red Lotus and pluck it.


    Then he activated the Divine Movement Step and ran!


    What''s the point of fighting this woman? From the beginning, Xiao Lingchen''s target was the Blazing Red Lotus.


    Now that he had it, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t be bothered to entangle with her any longer. He slipped away swiftly!


    Seeing this, Ning Huanhuan''s eyes widened.


    She shouted anxiously: "Stop! Don''t go!


    Put down the Blazing Red Lotus!"


    But her cries were destined to go unanswered.


    By the time she wanted to give chase, Xiao Lingchen was long gone.


    At this moment, Ning Huanhuan was overwhelmed!


    "Ahhh!!!


    Lewd scoundrel!!!


    I''m so angry!!!


    You won''t die a good death! I will never let you go!!!


    Ahhh!!!"

 Chapter 7 - Like a tiger without teeth

    After returning to Small Bamboo Peak, Ning Huanhuan felt utterly dejected.


    Her cultivation had been stuck at the ninth level of the Spirit Platform Realm for a long time, and she had been searching for a way to break through.


    Tonight, while bathing in the river, she accidentally discovered a blooming Blazing Red Lotus, which filled her with immense joy.


    If she could obtain the Blazing Red Lotus and refine it, she would have a high chance of breaking her shackles and achieving the Dao Palace Realm she had always dreamed of!


    However, the outcome was far beyond her expectations.


    She never imagined she would encounter that lewd scoundrel again tonight!


    What surprised her even more was that in just three short months, the scoundrel''s strength had risen to match her own!


    In their confrontation tonight, not only was she once again seen naked by the scoundrel, but the Blazing Red Lotus was also snatched away by him!


    Thinking about it made Ning Huanhuan feel utterly exhausted, to the point where she even had thoughts of dying!


    "Do I really have no choice but to take the Three Primordial Pill that Senior Sister gave me?"


    Ning Huanhuan took out an elixir exuding a rich fragrance and murmured to herself, her eyes filled with conflict.


    This Three Primordial Pill was a gift from Senior Sister, capable of helping her break through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    However, the Three Primordial Pill was incredibly precious!


    Spiritual pills and treasures are divided into nine grades, with the first grade being the lowest and the ninth grade the highest.


    This Three Primordial Pill had already reached the fourth grade!


    Throughout the entire Supreme Mystical Sect, aside from Alchemy Peak, few could produce such a pill!


    Therefore, this favor was enormous, so much so that she wasn''t sure if she could ever repay it!


    She had been hesitating whether to take it or not.


    "I thought I could break through by obtaining the Blazing Red Lotus tonight, but I didn''t expect that scoundrel to snatch it away!


    There''s less than half a year left until the Sect Tournament, which occurs every five years. Disciples from all peaks will participate to earn good rankings for their peaks, thereby securing more sect resources. Small Bamboo Peak has ranked at the bottom for three consecutive tournaments. If we don''t secure a good ranking this year, all of Small Bamboo Peak''s resources might be taken by other peaks!"


    With this in mind, Ning Huanhuan made her decision!


    "Forget it! I''ll repay the favor later! The urgent task is to break through to the Dao Palace Realm and help Senior Sister and the others secure a better ranking for Small Bamboo Peak."


    She opened her mouth, ready to take the Three Primordial Pill and break through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    However, just at that moment, a figure suddenly flashed by and snatched the Three Primordial Pill from her hand.


    Startled, Ning Huanhuan quickly got up to pursue.


    But as she raised her head, she saw several figures standing in front of her.


    The leading female disciple wore a sharp and sarcastic expression: "Ning Huanhuan, how dare you hide such a treasure as the Three Primordial Pill! Tell me, where did you steal it from?"


    This person was named Liu Yue, also a female disciple of Small Bamboo Peak.


    Relying on her early entry into the sect and higher cultivation, she often bullied her fellow junior sisters.


    Ning Huanhuan, with her beautiful face and unfortunate background, had become a frequent target.


    Facing the accusation, Ning Huanhuan immediately retorted: "I didn''t steal it! It was a gift from Senior Sister!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Liu Yue interrupted her as soon as she spoke: "The Three Primordial Pill is a fourth-grade spiritual pill. Even Senior Sister might not have one, so how could she give it to you?


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    You must have stolen it from somewhere!"


    At this moment, another female disciple beside her spoke up: "Senior Sister Liu, didn''t you just get a Three Primordial Pill from a Secret Realm a few days ago? Could this be yours?"


    With this "reminder," Liu Yue suddenly remembered something.


    "That''s right! I was wondering where my Three Primordial Pill went.


    So you stole my Three Primordial Pill!


    Ning Huanhuan, you have some nerve!"


    Ning Huanhuan could clearly see that Liu Yue and the others intended to claim her Three Primordial Pill as their own.


    Furious, she shouted: "Liu Yue, you''re talking nonsense!


    This Three Primordial Pill was a gift from Senior Sister! If you don''t believe me, let''s go find Senior Sister to verify!"


    Liu Yue sneered: "Senior Sister? Everyone on Small Bamboo Peak knows that Senior Sister is currently in seclusion. How can she testify for you?


    Are you saying this on purpose to find an opportunity to steal my Three Primordial Pill back?"


    Ning Huanhuan was at a loss for words.


    Indeed, Senior Sister was in seclusion, preparing for the Sect Tournament in half a year and couldn''t come out to testify for her.


    But why should she have to prove it? The Three Primordial Pill was clearly hers!!!


    Liu Yue had stolen her Three Primordial Pill!!!


    Just as she was about to speak, Liu Yue coldly laughed: "Forget it. For the sake of our fellow discipleship, I won''t hold it against you this time.


    If it happens again, I''ll report you to the Enforcement Hall and have the Enforcement Elder expel you from the sect!"


    With that, Liu Yue couldn''t be bothered to look at Ning Huanhuan again and turned to leave with the other female disciples.


    Ning Huanhuan couldn''t let them leave. That was the Three Primordial Pill given to her by Senior Sister to help her break through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    "Stop! Give me back the Three Primordial Pill!"


    As she spoke, Ning Huanhuan channeled her spiritual power and charged at Liu Yue with her sword.


    "Foolish!"


    A fierce look flashed in Liu Yue''s eyes.


    She easily sidestepped Ning Huanhuan''s attack.


    In the next moment, her Dao Palace Realm cultivation erupted!


    With a wave of her hand, she sent Ning Huanhuan flying, causing her to spit blood on the ground!


    This was the difference between the Dao Palace Realm and the Spirit Platform Realm.


    Even though Ning Huanhuan was at the peak of the ninth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, she couldn''t withstand a single blow from Liu Yue, who was in the Dao Palace Realm!


    "Trash!"


    "Go eat dirt!"


    "Hahaha!!!"


    Liu Yue sneered and left with her group.


    Watching them leave, Ning Huanhuan, in her sorry state, clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.


    At this moment, she wished she could kill Liu Yue with a single strike!


    But then a sense of helplessness washed over her.


    "I''m still too weak."


    The gap between the Spirit Platform Realm and the Dao Palace Realm was like heaven and earth! Even ten of her couldn''t match Liu Yue!


    Let alone kill Liu Yue.


    "Get stronger! I must become stronger!!!"


    At this moment!


    The desire to become stronger reached its peak in Ning Huanhuan''s heart!


    If she became strong enough, she wouldn''t be bullied like this! The Three Primordial Pill wouldn''t be taken.


    If she became strong enough, even killing Liu Yue with a single strike wouldn''t be a problem!


    At this moment, Ning Huanhuan silently planted a determination to become stronger in her heart.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Xiao Lingchen was unaware of the events on Small Bamboo Peak.


    After obtaining the Blazing Red Lotus, Xiao Lingchen used the Divine Movement Step to return to the Back Mountain.


    He then took out the Treasure Mirror, and with a thought, entered the Void Space.


    Upon entering, Xiao Lingchen saw three shadows automatically cultivating divine powers.


    This filled Xiao Lingchen with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.


    Others had to personally cultivate divine powers, expending a lot of energy and time.


    But he only needed to enter the Void Space of this Treasure Mirror to automatically cultivate divine powers.


    It didn''t even affect his own cultivation, which was simply too satisfying!


    How was this not like having a cheat?


    Then, Xiao Lingchen took out the Blazing Red Lotus and sat cross-legged.


    He prepared to devour and refine the Blazing Red Lotus to enhance his cultivation.


    If others wanted to refine such a heavenly treasure, they would typically need to invite an alchemist to incorporate it into a medicine.


    This would temper the medicinal effects, making it gentler and easier for the body to absorb.


    However, Xiao Lingchen didn''t need such trouble!


    The strength of the Pure Yang Sacred Body was evident here.


    No matter how domineering the spiritual herbs and medicines were, he could directly refine them, and the absorption would far exceed the effects of refining them into an elixir.


    This was the experience gained from previous cultivation.


    Sitting cross-legged, Xiao Lingchen directly put the Blazing Red Lotus into his mouth, crunching it down in a few bites.


    Once swallowed, the violent fire attribute medicinal effects instantly filled Xiao Lingchen''s entire body.


    If it were anyone else, they might have exploded and died from the overwhelming medicinal effects.


    But in the next second, the Pure Yang Sacred Body took effect, easily suppressing and devouring the medicinal effects.


    Finally, it transformed into spiritual power and flowed into Xiao Lingchen''s Spirit Sea.


    Boom!


    In an instant, Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation surged.


    He directly broke through to the fourth level of the Spirit Platform Realm!


    And it wasn''t over yet.


    Xiao Lingchen could feel the continuous medicinal effects of the Blazing Red Lotus being devoured by the Pure Yang Sacred Body.


    Then, it was fed back.


    Without wasting time, he closed his eyes and began to operate the Yin-Yang Creation Method.


    He was determined to extract every last drop of the Blazing Red Lotus''s medicinal effects!


    Boom!


    The medicinal effects of the Blazing Red Lotus exceeded Xiao Lingchen''s expectations.


    In no time at all, he broke through again.


    Reaching the fifth level of the Spirit Platform Realm!


    Then, the sixth level, the seventh level...


    Three days later, Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation broke through to the eighth level of the Spirit Platform Realm.


    The medicinal effects of the Blazing Red Lotus were completely absorbed.


    However, upon opening his eyes, Xiao Lingchen didn''t feel happy about his breakthrough.


    Instead, his eyes were bloodshot, and his whole body was unbearably hot!


    The full medicinal effects of the Blazing Red Lotus seemed to ignite the evil fire that had been accumulating in Xiao Lingchen''s body for so long.


    At this moment, his face was flushed, and he was panting heavily, desperately wanting to vent.


    ***


    He quickly exited the Void Space and ran down the mountain!


    This time, Xiao Lingchen was more cautious and specifically went to the upper reaches of the river to avoid encountering Ning Huanhuan again!


    To prevent being entangled by her.


    However, fate works in mysterious ways.


    The moment Xiao Lingchen jumped into the river, a figure happened to stand up from the water.


    That familiar, stunning face, that familiar, perfect figure.


    Who else could it be but Ning Huanhuan?


    Ning Huanhuan clearly recognized Xiao Lingchen as well. After a brief moment of shock, a blush of anger appeared on her cheeks.


    "Lewd scoundrel! It''s you again!!!


    Give me back the Blazing Red Lotus!!!"


    As she shouted, she gripped a long sword in her hand and charged at Xiao Lingchen!


    "Don''t provoke me!!!"


    This time, facing Ning Huanhuan''s attack, Xiao Lingchen merely waved his arm lightly, deflecting her sword.


    "How is this possible!"


    Ning Huanhuan was stunned.


    Three days ago, she had fought on equal terms with this scoundrel.


    Why today, he easily broke her attack?


    Upon closer inspection of Xiao Lingchen, she was completely dumbfounded.


    "You... you''re already at the eighth level of the Spirit Platform Realm?"


    Xiao Lingchen had no intention of responding to her.


    He realized that this time, the cold river water seemed unable to suppress the evil fire within him.


    His whole body was burning, as if consumed by the evil fire, in unbearable pain.


    He then walked towards Ning Huanhuan.


    "What... what do you want?"


    Ning Huanhuan also noticed Xiao Lingchen''s state.


    For some reason, she suddenly felt nervous and quickly raised her sword in warning:


    "Don''t come any closer!"


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen gradually approaching, Ning Huanhuan swung her sword at him without hesitation!


    However, Xiao Lingchen merely waved his hand.


    In an instant, he dismantled her attack, sending her long sword flying!


    Without a sword, she was like a tiger without teeth.


    At this moment, Ning Huanhuan was completely panicked.


    She instinctively turned to run.


    But it was too late!

 Chapter 8 - Breaking through three realms in a row

    Time passed.


    The golden rays of the morning sun broke through the clouds in the east, quietly spreading across the entire land.


    It seemed to coat the earth with a layer of gold.


    Ning Huanhuan slowly opened her eyes and looked at Xiao Lingchen beside her.


    The golden light of the morning sun filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on his handsome, resolute face, making him appear bright and alluring.


    Her face flushed red, and she had more than once wanted to kill Xiao Lingchen with a single sword strike.


    But when she actually picked up the sword, she found she couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    Everything that happened last night was like a brand imprinted in her mind, impossible to erase.


    It left her heart in turmoil, unsure of what to do.


    At the same time, she discovered that she had developed a trace of indescribable emotion for this lewd scoundrel...


    "You mustn''t tell anyone about this!"


    After holding it in for a long time, Ning Huanhuan finally spoke.


    "Okay."


    Xiao Lingchen nodded.


    He wasn''t foolish enough to go around bragging about such things.


    After a moment of silence, Ning Huanhuan asked again:"What is your name? Whose disciple are you?"


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t hide anything: "Xiao Lingchen, disciple of Jiang Luoxian."


    Upon hearing his answer, Ning Huanhuan was immediately taken aback: "You''re the personal disciple taken in by the Sect Master?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded noncommittally.


    Ning Huanhuan was surprised and couldn''t help but take another look at Xiao Lingchen.


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    She clearly hadn''t expected that the mysterious personal disciple of the Sect Master would be this little lewd scoundrel in front of her!


    And she had even...


    "Xiao Lingchen, I''ll remember you! One day, I''ll kill you!"


    With that, Ning Huanhuan turned and left.


    As for why she didn''t kill Xiao Lingchen right then and there, those who understood would understand.


    Xiao Lingchen, however, was completely unconcerned.


    Ning Huanhuan was no longer a match for him, and in the future, it would be even less likely!


    After a night of stormy emotions, the fire within him seemed temporarily extinguished, and Xiao Lingchen felt more refreshed than ever.


    Stretching lazily, he prepared to head back.


    However, he suddenly froze!


    A look of shock appeared in his eyes!


    ***


    On the other side.


    Ning Huanhuan quickly returned to Small Bamboo Peak.


    Upon reaching her cave abode, she suddenly discovered that the door was open, and the restraining spell she had set was broken.


    Ning Huanhuan hurried over, only to find several female disciples rummaging through her cave abode.


    What was once a tidy cave abode was now a chaotic mess, with furniture and ornaments scattered everywhere.


    "Stop! What are you doing!


    Who allowed you to trespass into my cave abode?"


    Ning Huanhuan shouted urgently.


    She also recognized these female disciples as the ones who usually followed Liu Yue around, acting arrogantly!


    Seeing Ning Huanhuan return, the female disciples finally stopped what they were doing.


    Their gazes towards Ning Huanhuan were full of disdain:


    "Oh, you''re finally back? It''s nothing, really. Just a few days ago, you stole Senior Sister Liu Yue''s Three Primordial Pill, and we suspect you stole other things too.


    So we came in to search!"


    Hearing this, Ning Huanhuan was furious: "Nonsense! Song Ling''er, what evidence do you have to accuse me of stealing?


    Trespassing into someone else''s cave abode is a serious crime, don''t you know?"


    Trespassing into someone else''s cave abode was a serious crime in any sect, and they naturally knew this.


    But since they dared to do it, they were clearly confident.


    Song Ling''er, the female disciple, took out an elixir she had just found and sneered: "We''re just here to find evidence of your theft!


    Ning Huanhuan, what do you have to say for stealing my Vitality Pill?"


    Seeing the Vitality Pill, Ning Huanhuan gritted her teeth and said: "That''s clearly mine!


    You trespassed into my cave abode, stole my things, and now you want to falsely accuse me!"


    "Oh? Is that so?"


    Song Ling''er was unfazed, turning to her companions with a mocking smile: "Did we steal her things?"


    Her companion shook her head: "No! Ning Huanhuan stole our things, and we just found the evidence!"


    "Exactly! That''s right!"


    "We''re going to report this to the Enforcement Hall and have the Enforcement Elder properly punish Ning Huanhuan!"


    Song Ling''er giggled: "Ning Huanhuan, did you hear that? Are you scared?


    If we all report this to the Enforcement Hall, do you think they''ll believe you or us? I''ve heard the punishments from the Enforcement Hall are quite severe!


    But since we''re fellow disciples, if you''re willing to bribe us with some benefits now, we might consider not reporting this to the Enforcement Hall.


    What do you say?"


    Upon hearing this, Ning Huanhuan let out a bitter laugh.


    Framing, reversing black and white, taking the opportunity to extort.


    Time and again, these people were simply insatiable!


    Ning Huanhuan could no longer bear it. In the next second, she drew her treasured sword and slashed towards them!


    Seeing this, Song Ling''er and the others all wore disdainful smiles.


    "Ning Huanhuan, we''re all at the Spirit Platform Realm. Do you think you can take on so many of us?


    It seems the lesson Senior Sister Liu Yue gave you wasn''t deep enough. Today, we''ll teach you a proper lesson!"


    As they spoke, Song Ling''er and the others revealed their cultivation.


    They charged at Ning Huanhuan!


    However, in the next moment, Song Ling''er and the others all cried out and fell to the ground, each of them severely injured!


    "How... how is this possible!"


    Song Ling''er and the others were filled with shock!


    They had originally thought Ning Huanhuan was at the same level as them, still at the Spirit Platform Realm.


    But after just one exchange, they realized how wrong they were!


    So many of them couldn''t even withstand a single move from Ning Huanhuan!


    In fact, it wasn''t just them.


    Even Ning Huanhuan herself was shocked!


    She had been prepared to fight with all her might, even if she couldn''t defeat Song Ling''er and the others, she wanted to make them pay a heavy price!


    But the result was far beyond her expectations!


    She easily dealt with Song Ling''er and the others, who were also at the ninth level of the Spirit Platform Realm!


    "What... what''s going on?"

 Chapter 9 - Down the mountain

    After much contemplation, Ning Huanhuan suddenly recalled everything from last night.


    "Could it be that guy''s doing?"


    ***


    Meanwhile.


    On the other side, Xiao Lingchen was equally shocked to discover that within his dantian at this moment.


    A magnificent and majestic palace was floating above the Spirit Sea, shining brilliantly!


    The palace stood over a hundred zhang tall, entirely golden, resembling an immortal palace, exuding endless majesty and a mysterious aura!


    This was clearly the Dao Palace formed upon breaking through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    "I... broke through to the Dao Palace Realm???"


    At this moment, even as a Traveler, Xiao Lingchen was stunned.


    Just yesterday, he was still at the eighth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, and who could have imagined that overnight he would directly break through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    This was truly unbelievable!


    Xiao Lingchen lowered his head in deep thought, pondering continuously.


    But he still couldn''t figure out what exactly had happened.


    "Could it be that my Evil Fire had been accumulating for too long and suddenly got released, leading to a clear mind, which is why I broke through to the Dao Palace Realm?"


    After thinking it over, Xiao Lingchen could only come up with this barely acceptable reason.


    He decided not to dwell on it any longer.


    "Overthinking is pointless; breaking through is always good!


    I originally thought it would take at least a year and a half to break through to the Dao Palace Realm, but I didn''t expect it to happen so quickly!"


    Xiao Lingchen''s gaze turned towards the direction of Azure Cloud City.


    "In that case, it''s time to settle the score with the Ye Family!"


    When he first joined the Supreme Mystical Sect, Xiao Lingchen vowed to seek revenge on the Ye Family once he became stronger.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Despite being a Traveler, before transmigration, he was an orphan. After transmigration, he was raised by the Xiao Family and had long considered them his family.


    The Ye Family had killed so many of his Xiao Family members, so naturally, Xiao Lingchen wanted them to pay in blood!


    Now, he had broken through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    The time for revenge had come!


    Xiao Lingchen used the Divine Movement Step, flying towards the Back Mountain at a speed far surpassing before.


    When he returned to the wooden house, he saw Jiang Luoxian meditating on a mat.


    Xiao Lingchen first bowed respectfully.


    Then he said: "Master, your disciple has broken through to the Dao Palace Realm."


    Upon hearing this, a ripple of emotion appeared on Jiang Luoxian''s usually cold face.


    Her eyes, like stars, looked at Xiao Lingchen.


    Then, as if seeing through something, a knowing expression flashed across her face.


    She nodded slightly, softly praising: "The Pure Yang Sacred Body is indeed incredibly domineering.


    Your cultivation speed has far surpassed mine back in the day."


    Even though she possessed the Saint Body of the Moon, it took her several years to break through to the Dao Palace Realm.


    Xiao Lingchen''s talent was truly terrifying.


    And Xiao Lingchen was very pleased with his master''s praise.


    But he did not become arrogant or complacent because of it.


    "Master, when I first joined the sect, you said that if I wanted revenge, I would need to at least reach the Dao Palace Realm.


    Now that I have, may I go down the mountain?"


    Jiang Luoxian nodded without hesitation.


    Her disciple had extraordinary talent, and staying on the mountain to cultivate was like groping in the dark, theoretical and impractical.


    Only by going down the mountain and experiencing the world could he grow better.


    And revenge was the best training!


    Then, Jiang Luoxian gently waved her arm.


    Two beams of white light shot out suddenly.


    One entered Xiao Lingchen''s chest, while the other landed in front of him, transforming into a scroll.


    In an instant, Xiao Lingchen felt as if something had been added inside him.


    As he was wondering, Jiang Luoxian explained:"That is a restraining spell I placed within you, capable of blocking an attack from a Breaking Illusions Realm expert.


    The scroll before you contains a killing intent from me, capable of killing a Breaking Illusions Realm expert.


    With this restraining spell and scroll, you can ensure your safety on this trip down the mountain!"


    After hearing Jiang Luoxian''s explanation.


    Xiao Lingchen was overjoyed!


    He quickly thanked Jiang Luoxian: "Thank you, Master!"


    As his master said, with this restraining spell and the killing intent in the scroll, he could be completely safe on this trip down the mountain!


    At the same time, Xiao Lingchen was slightly surprised.


    With just a casual wave, she could bestow such a powerful restraining spell and scroll.


    How strong was his master''s true strength?


    She must have at least reached the Crossing Tribulation Realm, right?


    Thinking of this, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t help but gasp.


    Spirit Gathering, Spirit Sea, Spirit Platform, Dao Palace, Breaking Illusions, Crossing Tribulation, Life and Death, Fate Transformation, Void Transformation, Return to One.


    The Crossing Tribulation Realm was also known as the Dao Entry Realm.


    One must first break through illusions to know one''s true self.


    Countless powerful beings spend their entire lives unable to break through illusions, stuck in the Breaking Illusions Realm for life.


    But once they break through, they can enter the Dao.


    At that time, whether in cultivation, physical body, or understanding of the world''s spiritual qi, there will be a qualitative leap!


    It is equivalent to truly having the qualification to prove the Dao!


    Compared to previous realms, it is like heaven and earth!


    If his master truly reached the Crossing Tribulation Realm, she would surpass 99% of the people in this world.


    She would truly be a powerful ally!


    At this moment, Xiao Lingchen was immensely grateful for choosing to become Jiang Luoxian''s disciple. Under her guidance and protection, his cultivation path had been smooth and rapid.


    Jiang Luoxian was unaware of Xiao Lingchen''s thoughts at this moment.


    After ensuring Xiao Lingchen''s safety for this trip down the mountain, she gently waved her hand: "Go! If you encounter any trouble you can''t solve, you can always return to the Supreme Mystical Sect, and your master will handle it for you."


    Hearing his master''s protective words, Xiao Lingchen felt moved.


    He secretly vowed.


    One day, when he had the ability, he would repay his master''s kindness!


    He nodded: "Then your disciple will take his leave. I hope Master takes care."


    With that, Xiao Lingchen left the wooden house.


    Gazing in the direction of Azure Cloud City, he used the Divine Movement Step and flew directly towards it!


    Now that he had broken through to the Dao Palace Realm, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t wait to seek revenge on the Ye Family!


    After Xiao Lingchen left.


    Jiang Luoxian reluctantly withdrew her gaze.


    "Qing Qing."


    With Jiang Luoxian''s call.


    A woman in a green palace dress, with stunning beauty, slowly walked out of the wooden house.

 Chapter 10 - Wedding banquet mishap

    "Your Highness."


    As soon as the woman in green appeared, she bowed to Jiang Luoxian.


    Jiang Luoxian nodded gently, "Rise."


    "I''m still not at ease with Chen going down the mountain to train. Follow him and protect him in secret."


    The woman in green looked conflicted, "But Your Highness... Qing Qing initially came out with you to protect you!"


    Jiang Luoxian replied, "Do you think I still need your protection now?"


    The woman in green nodded, "I''ll go right away."


    With that, the woman in green transformed into a wisp of green smoke and swiftly followed Xiao Lingchen.


    "With Qing Yu''s protection, within the borders of the Celestial Star Kingdom, Chen can walk sideways without any issues!"


    Although she had known Xiao Lingchen for just over three months, spending every day together had made her develop feelings for him.


    Moreover, the initial reason for taking him as a disciple was special, so Jiang Luoxian naturally didn''t want Xiao Lingchen to encounter danger.


    That''s why she sent Qing Yu to protect Xiao Lingchen in secret.


    With so many safeguards in place, Jiang Luoxian finally felt somewhat relieved.


    ***


    On the other side.


    Xiao Lingchen activated the Divine Movement Step, advancing at full speed, eager to head straight for Azure Cloud City!


    (PS: Many readers later mistook the Divine Movement Step as a running technique. To clarify, although it has the word "step" in its name, it''s actually a flying technique!)


    Back then, before he had even begun cultivating, it took him several days to flee to the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    Now, having reached the Dao Palace Realm and with the Divine Movement Step at Major Success, it only took him two days to return to Azure Cloud City!


    On the familiar streets, vendors and pedestrians bustled about, and the street stalls were lively and prosperous!


    Yet, who could have imagined?


    Just a few months ago, on that night, the Xiao Family, one of the three major families in this city, was nearly wiped out!


    Xiao Lingchen knew that over a hundred members of the Xiao Family had died!


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    Even the innocent servants of the Xiao Family suffered unjustly!


    Everything from that night was still vivid in his mind.


    Today, he would make the Ye Family, the culprits behind it all, pay the same heavy price!


    ***


    "Look, look, doesn''t that person look familiar?


    Isn''t that Xiao Lingchen, the good-for-nothing?"


    Suddenly, a familiar voice came from ahead.


    Looking over, a richly dressed young master approached Xiao Lingchen with a group of followers and bodyguards.


    Xiao Lingchen narrowed his eyes slightly.


    He immediately recognized the person as Ye Tianlang, the third young master of the Ye Family!


    Ye Tianlang was around the same age as Xiao Lingchen and, being from the Ye Family, had clashed with Xiao Lingchen many times over the past decade.


    Upon recognizing Xiao Lingchen, Ye Tianlang burst into laughter:


    "Haha! Xiao Lingchen! It really is you!


    Weren''t you a stray dog running for your life? How dare you come back? Aren''t you afraid..."


    Poof!!!


    In the next second, Ye Tianlang, who was still mocking, had his head crushed!


    Blood spurted like a fountain.


    In no time, he was lifeless, collapsing to the ground!


    Xiao Lingchen took a white silk handkerchief and wiped the blood off his hands.


    The cold sneer on his face was unmistakable!


    He used to be an ordinary person, and could only respond to mockery with mockery.


    Now that he was a Dao Palace Realm expert, how could he tolerate such insults?


    You mock me, I kill you, isn''t that fair?


    Though this was Xiao Lingchen''s first time killing, he had rehearsed the scene of revenge countless times in his mind.


    Thus, he felt no burden.


    Instead, he felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction!


    Soon, the people around realized what had happened.


    "Ah!! Murder!!"


    "Run!!!"


    The bystanders on the street screamed and fled.


    Ye Tianlang''s followers and bodyguards, after a brief moment of shock, showed expressions of anger!


    "You brat from the Xiao Family, how dare you!


    You actually dare..."


    However, before the speaker could finish, Xiao Lingchen struck again, crushing his head as well!


    In an instant, blood splattered like watermelon juice, soaking the scene.


    Xiao Lingchen looked at the remaining people with a cruel smile: "You''re next."


    With those words, the followers and bodyguards were scared out of their wits.


    "Devil!"


    "He''s a devil!"


    "Run!!!"


    They wanted to escape.


    But could they?


    The strongest among them was only at the fifth level of the Spirit Sea Realm.


    In Xiao Lingchen''s eyes, they were no different from ants!


    He summoned the Phoenix Emperor Sword and slashed forward abruptly.


    Poof, poof, poof!!!


    In an instant.


    Several heads flew into the sky, and blood spurted like a fountain.


    In no time, the headless bodies fell to the ground, completely lifeless.


    Under the effect of the God-killing Sword Technique, the terrifying killing aura was absorbed by Xiao Lingchen, transforming into nourishment for his cultivation.


    "Unfortunately, there are too few people, and their cultivation is too low, so the increase in cultivation isn''t much. If I could kill all the members of the Ye Family, perhaps I could significantly boost my cultivation."


    With this thought, Xiao Lingchen headed in the direction of the Ye Family.


    ***


    Today, the Ye Family was extremely festive.


    Red lanterns and couplets were hung everywhere, and luxurious carriages came and went.


    The guests were all dignitaries and wealthy people from Azure Cloud City.


    Today was the day the Ye Family''s eldest young master, Ye Feilin, was getting married, and they all came to offer lavish gifts and blessings!


    "Tsk tsk, how is it that Young Master Ye Feilin is getting married again? This is already his eighteenth wife, right?"


    "Yes! But that''s not the main point. Do you know who Ye Feilin is marrying this time?"


    "Who doesn''t know? It''s Chen Qingqing from the Chen Family! The Chen Family really hit the jackpot! They were just an unknown small family in Azure Cloud City, but now they''ve caught the eye of Young Master Ye! From now on, the Chen Family is bound to rise to great heights!"


    "Haha! What do you know? Do you really think Young Master Ye is interested in Chen Qingqing? Actually, Chen Qingqing was the fianc¨¦e of Xiao Haoyu from the Xiao Family. The Ye Family''s marriage this time is more about humiliating the Xiao Family, one of the three major families in Azure Cloud City!"


    "I see! It''s said that three months ago, the Xiao Family was nearly wiped out by the Ye Family, and Xiao Haoyu died that day. Now, marrying the Xiao Family''s fianc¨¦e so publicly is truly a heart-wrenching blow!"


    Soon, all the guests were present.


    The wedding proceeded as scheduled.


    Dressed in red, Young Master Ye Feilin led the bride, Chen Qingqing, into the hall, receiving blessings and applause from the guests, with a face full of pride.


    However, at that moment.


    Chen Qingqing suddenly pulled out a dagger gleaming with cold light from her bosom.


    And fiercely stabbed towards Ye Feilin.


    The sudden turn of events shocked everyone present!


    But in the next second, Chen Qingqing''s hand was caught by Ye Feilin, and the dagger stopped mid-air.


    Ye Feilin''s face darkened, "Chen Qingqing, what are you trying to do?"


    Chen Qingqing replied, "Ye Feilin, I, Chen Qingqing, am a wife of the Xiao Family in life, and a ghost of the Xiao Family in death. I will not marry you!"


    Hearing this, Ye Feilin sneered repeatedly, "Ignorant fool!"


    "Fine! Very well! In that case, you can just die!"


    With that.


    Ye Feilin snatched the dagger from Chen Qingqing''s hand and stabbed towards her!


    But at that critical moment.


    Poof!!!


    A Sword Qi sliced through the air, and Ye Feilin''s head flew off!

 Chapter 11 - Revenge

    Ye Feilin''s head landed squarely in the hands of Ye Family Head, Ye Liuyun.


    Ye Liuyun was so shocked that he screamed on the spot.


    The crowd, realizing what had happened, erupted in chaos!


    They all turned to look in the direction from which the Sword Qi had just been unleashed.


    There, a young man was slowly approaching!


    The youth was very thin, dressed in white clothes now stained crimson with blood, matching the red glow of the sword in his hand!


    He licked the corner of his mouth, his fierce gaze like a beast eyeing its prey!


    Soon, some of the guests recognized the newcomer.


    "It''s... it''s Xiao Lingchen!"


    "It''s the second son of the Xiao Family, Xiao Lingchen! How did he get here? How dare he?"


    "Was it him who just decapitated Young Master Ye???"


    "..."


    At this moment, everyone was stunned.


    The members of the Ye Family stood up in disbelief.


    They never imagined that the youngest son of the Xiao Family would be so audacious as to break into their Ye Family alone.


    And even kill one of their own!!!


    "Lingchen?"


    Chen Qingqing''s body trembled, her eyes full of shock:


    "Are you Lingchen?"


    Xiao Lingchen''s bloodthirsty expression softened slightly as he approached Chen Qingqing and replied:


    "Sister-in-law, it''s me."


    Chen Qingqing was instantly filled with panic, hurriedly pushing Xiao Lingchen away:


    "Lingchen, you must leave! Leave now!!!"


    Today, she had come to the wedding with the resolve to die, to follow her fianc¨¦ into the afterlife.


    But she couldn''t let her fianc¨¦''s brother die with her!


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    Just then, the gates of the Ye Family slammed shut!


    Ye Family Head Ye Liuyun was furious:


    "Do you really think my Ye Family is a place you can come and go as you please?"


    "Xiao Lingchen, you are unbelievably bold to have killed my son!"


    "Today, I will have you torn to pieces!!!"


    "Guards! Capture Xiao Lingchen for me!"


    "Yes!!!"


    With Ye Liuyun''s command, hundreds of Ye Family guards surged from all directions in the hall.


    Surrounding Xiao Lingchen completely!


    "Lingchen, run!"


    Chen Qingqing could tell that Xiao Lingchen must have embarked on the path of cultivation and gained some skills.


    But he could never be a match for so many from the Ye Family!


    If he could muster all his strength to escape, there might still be a sliver of hope!


    However, Xiao Lingchen chuckled lightly:


    "Sister-in-law, it''s alright. Today, I will kill everyone in the Ye Family, to avenge my brother and all the deceased of the Xiao Family!"


    "If you''re scared later, you can close your eyes."


    With that, Xiao Lingchen shielded Chen Qingqing behind him.


    Then, wielding the Phoenix Emperor Sword, he slashed at the surrounding Ye Family guards!


    The leader of the guards couldn''t help but sneer at Xiao Lingchen''s words:


    "An ignorant brat still wet behind the ears, how dare you boast so..."


    But before he could finish his sentence.


    A blood-red sword light sliced him and the guards behind him in half!


    In an instant, the Ye Family hall was awash with blood!


    The once imposing Ye Family guards were now lifeless bodies on the ground!


    "What?!!!"


    Such a scene deeply shocked everyone present.


    None of them expected Xiao Lingchen''s methods to be so terrifying.


    With one strike, he had slaughtered nearly a thousand Ye Family guards!


    Xiao Lingchen glanced around coldly and said:


    "Today, I come to the Ye Family for revenge. Those not involved can leave."


    With these words, many guests at the wedding were eager to leave.


    Some indeed chose to leave, but nearly ninety percent decided to stay.


    The reason was simple.


    If they fled today, their ties with the Ye Family would likely be severed!


    The Ye Family was large and powerful, rumored to have the support of a mysterious force, which was why they had thrived in recent months.


    Those present were unwilling to give up their relationship with the Ye Family so easily.


    Therefore, except for a small number, almost no one left!


    Seeing this.


    Xiao Lingchen smirked coldly:


    "In that case, those who refuse to leave, none of you will leave today."


    Refusing to leave meant they chose to stand with the Ye Family, making them his enemies as well!


    With that, he slowly raised the Phoenix Emperor Sword.


    "Xiao Family brat, don''t be arrogant!"


    Ye Family Head Ye Liuyun urgently shouted:


    "Where is my brother Changfeng!!!"


    With these words.


    A gust of wind suddenly blew through, causing lanterns and couplets in the hall to sway, and people to stagger.


    As they struggled to open their eyes, they saw a middle-aged man in plain robes with a goatee suddenly appear beside Ye Liuyun!


    This man was the second-in-command of the Ye Family, Ye Liuyun''s brother, Ye Changfeng!


    "Ye Family''s second-in-command, Ye Changfeng is here!"


    "Great, Ye Changfeng is the strongest in the Ye Family, only forty-six years old, and already at the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm!"


    "With the second-in-command here, the Xiao Family brat won''t stand a chance!"


    "......"


    At the sight of Ye Changfeng''s appearance.


    The murderous intent in Xiao Lingchen''s eyes surged!


    As the strongest in the Ye Family, Ye Changfeng''s hands were stained with the most blood of the Xiao Family!


    That night, it was Ye Changfeng who led masked men into the Xiao Family, slaughtering indiscriminately. The bloody scene still haunted Xiao Lingchen''s mind, impossible to forget!


    "Xiao Lingchen, second son of Xiao Dan."


    Ye Changfeng stared at Xiao Lingchen and recalled:


    "A few months ago, you were just an ordinary person who couldn''t even kill a chicken."


    "I didn''t expect you to become so strong in just a few months. It seems you''ve had some extraordinary encounters."


    "What a pity! If you had hidden away, you might have lived in obscurity, but you foolishly came looking for death."


    "In that case, I''ll kindly send you to reunite with your deceased family."


    With that, Ye Changfeng''s Spirit Platform Realm aura exploded!


    Vast spiritual power swept the surroundings, shaking the entire place!


    "What terrifying pressure!"


    "Is this the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm? More than that, right?"


    "Indeed! Two years ago, the second-in-command was already at the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm. Today, it seems he''s broken through to the fifth level!"


    "Terrifying! The Xiao Family brat is courting death today, no one else to blame!"


    "......"


    As the crowd discussed.


    Ye Changfeng charged at Xiao Lingchen!


    His speed was so fast, it was almost imperceptible to the naked eye!


    In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Xiao Lingchen, clawing viciously at his throat.


    Intent on crushing Xiao Lingchen''s throat in one move!


    But at that moment.


    A red light flashed.


    Next, everyone watched as Ye Changfeng''s hand flew off!


    When they looked back at Ye Changfeng.


    They found him clutching the bloody wound on his shoulder, screaming in agony!


    "Ah!!!"


    "Ah!!!!"


    "Xiao Lingchen! You''re... you''re at the Dao Palace Realm!!!"


    "Ahhh!!!"

 Chapter 12 - Anything is fine?

    "Boom!!!"


    Ye Changfeng''s words exploded like thunder, shocking everyone present beyond measure!


    "What? Did the Second-in-command Ye just say... the Xiao family kid is in the Dao Palace Realm?"


    "How is that possible? How old is he?"


    "But if he''s not in the Dao Palace Realm, how could he have so easily severed the Second-in-command Ye''s arm?"


    "..."


    At that moment, everyone present was stunned.


    And after the shock, a deep fear filled their hearts!


    Previously, they were reluctant to leave partly because they didn''t want to sever ties with the Ye family, but mainly because they knew Ye Changfeng of the Ye family was powerful, and with him around, they could all rest easy.


    However, now, seeing Ye Changfeng''s arm effortlessly severed by Xiao Lingchen.


    They instantly lost all confidence.


    In an instant, everyone panicked.


    Someone hurriedly spoke up:


    "I... I suddenly remembered I have something to do at home, I must leave now, everyone."


    "Me too, my wife is about to give birth, I must hurry back."


    "Today''s events have nothing to do with me, please let me through, let me out."


    "Everyone, you must visit my villa someday, but for today, I must take my leave!"


    But.


    In the next second, those who tried to leave could never return!


    A sword light flashed, and several heads suddenly fell to the ground!


    "Wow!!!"


    This scene once again pierced everyone''s nerves.


    Making those present unable to sit still!


    Someone cursed out loud:


    "Xiao Lingchen, what do you intend to do?"


    "We are merely guests attending a wedding, do you intend to vent your grudge against the Ye family on us?"


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    "Everyone here is a prominent figure in Azure Cloud City, if you kill us, you will be opposing the entire city''s forces! Are you sure you and your Xiao family can withstand the wrath of all our forces?"


    "That''s right! Others might not matter, but I am a disciple of the Tianyan Sect, if you kill me, you will face the sect''s retaliation!"


    To this, Xiao Lingchen was completely indifferent.


    He even showed a playful smile and said:


    "I gave you all a chance earlier, but you didn''t cherish it."


    "So naturally, you can''t blame me."


    With that said.


    Xiao Lingchen raised his sword again and swept it around!


    In an instant, red sword light mixed with overwhelming Sword Qi swept the surroundings.


    Instantly killing all those with low cultivation!


    And for those with a bit of cultivation strength, Xiao Lingchen didn''t mind the trouble, raising his sword to finish them off.


    At this moment, the entire Ye family hall became Xiao Lingchen''s slaughterhouse, a scene of purgatory!


    "Devil!"


    "Devil!!!"


    "Xiao Lingchen, you are a devil!!!"


    The most miserable of all was Ye Changfeng!


    For this man whose hands were stained with the blood of the Xiao family, Xiao Lingchen didn''t finish him off in one go.


    Instead, he severed his hands and feet.


    At this moment, Ye Changfeng, having lost all his limbs, was like a pitiful maggot.


    Curled up, he screamed in terror, calling Xiao Lingchen a devil.


    Xiao Lingchen''s lips curled into a faint smile:


    "Thank you, I quite like the title you''ve given me."


    After savoring Ye Changfeng''s terrified expression, Xiao Lingchen ended him with a single sword strike.


    At this moment.


    The entire Ye family hall was a river of blood, corpses piled high.


    Chen Qingqing, at Xiao Lingchen''s reminder, had closed her eyes early on, not witnessing the scene.


    But the cries, screams, and pleas for mercy constantly ringing in her ears made her acutely aware of what was happening here.


    After another round of slaughter.


    Finally, the entire Ye family was wiped out.


    Leaving only Ye Liuyun, slumped under a table, and a seductive, voluptuous young woman.


    Xiao Lingchen approached them with his sword.


    Before he could speak, the seductive young woman knelt before Xiao Lingchen.


    Tears streaming down her face, she kowtowed repeatedly, begging for mercy:


    "Don''t kill me, don''t kill me!"


    "Brother Lingchen, please don''t kill me, okay?"


    "I''m Ye Lian''er, do you remember me? When we were kids, we used to catch fish in the river together."


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen seemed to recall something and nodded:


    "Seems like there was such a thing, I remember, I caught a big fish, and you, out of jealousy, pushed me into the river, almost drowning me, right?"


    At these words, Ye Lian''er''s face turned even paler.


    "That was just childish ignorance, you didn''t die, did you?"


    "Brother Lingchen, for the sake of our childhood acquaintance, can you spare my life?"


    "As long as you let me live, I''ll do anything you ask!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Lingchen chuckled:


    "You''ll do anything I ask?"


    "What can you do?"


    Ye Lian''er''s face lit up with joy.


    Since Xiao Lingchen said this, it meant there was hope for her.


    Her eyes turned suggestive.


    She whispered softly:


    "Brother Lingchen, you''ve never experienced the joys between a man and a woman, have you?"


    "It''s very pleasurable~"


    However, in the next second.


    Xiao Lingchen''s cold words rang out:


    "Sorry, I''m not interested."


    With that, he swung his sword.


    In Ye Lian''er''s incredulous gaze, he split her in two!


    "Lian''er!!!"


    Watching his beloved daughter die before his eyes.


    Ye Liuyun was nearly driven to madness.


    He glared at Xiao Lingchen with eyes wide open, as if he wanted to kill him with his gaze.


    "Xiao family brat, you..."


    He wanted to curse Xiao Lingchen, but before he could speak.


    Xiao Lingchen grabbed him by the throat.


    Xiao Lingchen said expressionlessly:


    "Tell me, three months ago, besides your Ye family, who else attacked my Xiao family?"


    As one of the three major families in Azure Cloud City, the Ye and Xiao families were evenly matched in strength and foundation.


    However, three months ago, the Ye family suddenly rose, nearly exterminating the Xiao family.


    This was only possible with the intervention of other forces!


    Ye Liuyun''s face showed a bitter smile:


    "Xiao... Lingchen, since you''re so capable, find out yourself!"


    "Why ask me?"


    Xiao Lingchen said calmly:


    "Not talking?"


    "Then you can die!"


    Xiao Lingchen was not in the mood for nonsense, Ye Liuyun''s refusal to speak didn''t mean he couldn''t find the culprits.


    He already had several targets in mind.


    Xiao Lingchen raised the Phoenix Emperor Sword high, his face devoid of emotion, ready to strike down.


    "Stop!"


    But at that moment.


    A shout suddenly came from outside.


    Immediately, the doors of the Ye family were kicked open.


    "Clang!"


    Rows of armored soldiers, led by a man in a battle robe, flooded in, surrounding Xiao Lingchen completely!


    "Lord Qi!"


    Seeing the newcomer, Ye Liuyun cried tears of joy.


    His fear vanished instantly, and he looked at Xiao Lingchen with a gleam of satisfaction:


    "Xiao Lingchen, you''re finished!"


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 Chapter 13 - About to rise

    "City Guard? Qi Xiong?"


    Having grown up in Azure Cloud City, Xiao Lingchen naturally recognized the identity of the man leading the group at a glance.


    The City Lord''s Mansion of Azure Cloud City commanded five hundred thousand City Guards, divided into teams of twenty thousand, each led by a chief instructor.


    Qi Xiong was one of them.


    This man wielded immense power but was corrupt and depraved, committing all sorts of heinous acts!


    Everyone in Azure Cloud City spoke of him with fear, angry but too afraid to speak out.


    Now, seeing him suddenly arrive with troops, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t help but connect some dots.


    He had a vague feeling that this guy was closely connected to the Ye Family.


    Who knows, among those who besieged the Xiao Family months ago, he might have been involved!


    "Lord Qi, this man has slaughtered innocents in my Ye Family, leading to our near extermination. You must seek justice for us!!!"


    Ye Liuyun, seeing Qi Xiong, clung to him like a drowning man to a lifeline, shouting desperately.


    "Rest assured, Family Head Ye, no one can act recklessly in front of the City Guard!"


    Qi Xiong pounded his chest in assurance.


    Then he turned to Xiao Lingchen, his eyes wide with fury, and shouted:


    "Audacious criminal! How dare you commit mass murder in my Azure Cloud City? What do you have to say for yourself?"


    "What do I have to say?" Xiao Lingchen sneered and retorted:


    "Months ago, the Ye Family led an assault on my Xiao Family, nearly wiping us out. What do they have to say for themselves?"


    Qi Xiong barked:


    "Silence! What right does a murderer have to question me? Xiao Lingchen, you have violated the unforgivable wrath crime under the justice laws of the Celestial Star Kingdom!"


    "I hereby strip you of all your powers and order your arrest."


    "Surrender now!"


    With that, ten City Guards behind him stepped toward Xiao Lingchen, their terrifying killing intent enveloping him instantly.


    At a glance, those ten City Guards had all reached the third stage of the Spirit Platform realm, a formidable force!


    However, to Xiao Lingchen, they were no different from ants!


    "Surrender, my ass!"


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    He wielded the Phoenix Emperor Sword, sweeping it fiercely.


    The sharp Sword Qi surged, and the ten City Guards were instantly decapitated!


    "Outrageous!!!"


    Witnessing this, Qi Xiong roared in fury:


    "Vile criminal, you are truly brazen! How dare you resist arrest and kill my City Guards!"


    "All together, kill this villain without mercy!"


    With Qi Xiong''s order issued.


    Five thousand City Guards erupted with terrifying battle intent, their shouts shaking the heavens!


    They all charged toward Xiao Lingchen!


    It must be said, as City Guards, these men were indeed far stronger than the Ye Family''s guards.


    Just their aura alone was incomparable to those useless drunkards.


    However, to Xiao Lingchen, they were merely nourishment to enhance his cultivation!


    Having just killed so many from the Ye Family, the cultivation fed back by the God-killing Sword Technique was far from satisfying Xiao Lingchen.


    Now, with five thousand City Guards coming, Xiao Lingchen naturally wouldn''t hold back!


    He grinned, wielding the Phoenix Emperor Sword, and charged into the army!


    At this moment, it was like a wolf entering a flock of sheep!


    Xiao Lingchen, with one sword in hand, slaughtered the five thousand City Guards in no time, leaving no survivors!


    Finally, Xiao Lingchen thrust his sword into Qi Xiong''s chest, pinning him to the wall!


    "Ahhhh!!!"


    Qi Xiong let out a painful scream:


    "You, you can''t kill me!"


    "I''m from the City Lord''s Mansion. If you kill me, the City Lord''s Mansion won''t let you go!"


    Xiao Lingchen, however, coldly replied:


    "That day, among those who besieged the Xiao Family, you were one of them, weren''t you?"


    "Was it your own doing, or was it the City Lord''s Mansion''s orders?"


    Qi Xiong gasped in pain.


    Faced with Xiao Lingchen''s questioning.


    He was momentarily stunned, unable to hide the panic in his eyes.


    "You... what are you talking about? I don''t know."


    Xiao Lingchen grinned:


    "Don''t know? Then you can die!"


    With that.


    He abruptly withdrew the Phoenix Emperor Sword, slicing Qi Xiong''s chest in two, killing him instantly!


    If Xiao Lingchen had suspicions about Qi Xiong when he first saw him.


    Then after a brief confrontation, Xiao Lingchen was almost certain.


    Qi Xiong was definitely involved in that day''s siege!


    Whether it was his own action or the City Lord''s Mansion''s indication.


    It didn''t matter!


    The night the Ye Family besieged the Xiao Family had passed for several months, yet the City Lord''s Mansion had done nothing.


    Coupled with today''s slaughter of Qi Xiong and five thousand City Guards.


    He had already become a sworn enemy of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Even if the City Lord''s Mansion didn''t come looking for trouble, Xiao Lingchen would take the initiative to visit!


    After dealing with Qi Xiong and the five thousand City Guards.


    Xiao Lingchen''s gaze once again fell on the now nearly collapsed Ye Liuyun.


    Xiao Lingchen smiled, but to Ye Liuyun, that smile was like that of a devil!


    Ye Liuyun was about to speak.


    In the next second, a sword pierced directly into Ye Liuyun''s heart.


    In that moment, blood gushed from Ye Liuyun''s chest like a fountain.


    Blood trickled from the corner of Ye Liuyun''s mouth, his face full of disbelief.


    He had thought Xiao Lingchen would spare him to find out who was involved in the siege of the Xiao Family that day.


    He never expected Xiao Lingchen to act so decisively.


    At that moment.


    Ye Liuyun regretted.


    Deeply regretted.


    Regretted why he had acted against the Xiao Family in the first place.


    Also regretted not eradicating Xiao Lingchen back then.


    If the decision had been different, perhaps today''s outcome would be different.


    But sadly, there is no medicine for regret in the world.


    Ye Liuyun''s life force quickly drained away, and he finally fell into a pool of blood.


    Thus.


    The Ye Family of Azure Cloud City was completely annihilated!


    ......


    "Sister-in-law, it''s over."


    Xiao Lingchen returned to Chen Qingqing''s side and reminded her.


    Chen Qingqing instinctively opened her eyes, and what she saw was a field of corpses, rivers of blood!


    This immediately frightened Chen Qingqing, making her go weak all over.


    Fortunately, Xiao Lingchen caught her in time, preventing her from falling.


    The sudden solid embrace made Chen Qingqing even more flustered.


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t think much of it.


    He directly used the Divine Movement Step, carrying Chen Qingqing away from the Ye Family, heading straight for the Xiao Family.


    "Lingchen, how did you become so powerful?"


    Being held by Xiao Lingchen and flying through the air, she could see the current state of the Ye Family more clearly.


    This shocked her even more!


    That was the entire Ye Family, along with representatives from other family forces, and even five thousand City Guards.


    Yet they were all slaughtered by Xiao Lingchen alone!


    Was he really the same ordinary young man from three months ago?


    Xiao Lingchen simply replied:


    "I joined the Supreme Mystical Sect and apprenticed under a good master."


    Chen Qingqing nodded, but she was thoughtful.


    Although she had never practiced cultivation, she knew the saying that a master leads you to the door, but cultivation depends on the individual.


    If Xiao Lingchen wasn''t exceptional and talented, no matter how strong and good the master was, it would be impossible for him to become so powerful in just three months!


    In other words, Xiao Lingchen must be a prodigious talent.


    This time, the Xiao Family might rise to prominence!


    ......


    Meanwhile.


    The news of the Ye Family''s annihilation spread like a virus.


    It caused a huge uproar throughout Azure Cloud City.


    Whether it was the common folk or the high and mighty, they were all shocked!


    This news quickly reached the Xiao Family.


    "Family Head! Something big has happened! Young Master Lingchen has returned! He, he, he... he even went to the Ye Family''s wedding today!!!"

 Chapter 14 - Xiao Family Shocked

    When this news reached the ears of the Xiao family, it was like a thunderclap, causing the entire family to erupt in chaos!


    "What?!"


    The head of the Xiao family, Xiao Dan, who was also Xiao Lingchen''s father, sat up in shock despite his illness.


    Hearing the news, he was completely unsettled.


    Dragging his frail body, he got out of bed.


    Facing the senior members of the Xiao family who had come to report, he asked in disbelief:


    "Is what you said true?"


    "Chen has returned? And he went to the Ye family alone?"


    Xiao Dan''s brother, the second-in-command of the Xiao family, Xiao Huan, replied with a heavy expression:


    "Yes, elder brother, according to the news from outside, it''s true!"


    Xiao Dan was immediately shocked and filled with grief:


    "Chen is being reckless!"


    "We went through so much to help him escape, hoping he could live well, and now, just three months later, he''s back for what?"


    "And he dared to go to the Ye family, isn''t that courting death?"


    "Hurry, hurry! Gather everyone in the Xiao family to go and support Chen!"


    As long as he could bring his son back, he was willing to pay any price!


    However, just as he finished speaking.


    Another servant rushed in from outside, reporting the latest situation at the Ye family.


    "Family Head! Something big has happened!!!"


    "Young Master Lingchen single-handedly wiped out the entire Ye family!!!"


    "What?!!"


    The senior members of the Xiao family widened their eyes in disbelief and asked:


    "Are you saying Chen killed everyone in the Ye family?"


    "How is that possible!"


    For a moment, everyone in the Xiao family looked at each other, seeing disbelief in each other''s eyes.


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    Then.


    Another servant came to report:


    "Family Head! Another big event has occurred!!!"


    "Upon learning of the Ye family''s disaster, Qi Xiong, one of the twenty-five instructors of the City Lord''s Mansion, led five thousand city guards to the Ye family and has now surrounded the young master!"


    Xiao Dan hurriedly ordered:


    "Quick! Gather everyone in the Xiao family, we must rescue Chen!"


    But the next second.


    Another servant rushed in:


    "Family Head!!! Young Master Lingchen has killed five thousand city guards by himself and has now returned!"


    "Boom!!!"


    At this moment.


    Everyone in the Xiao family, including Xiao Dan, was dumbfounded, completely stunned.


    They looked at each other, feeling that these messages were as surreal as a dream!


    First, they were told Xiao Lingchen went to the Ye family alone, then that he killed the entire Ye family.


    Then Qi Xiong surrounded him with five thousand city guards, and now they were told Xiao Lingchen killed all five thousand guards by himself!


    Their emotions were on a rollercoaster ride because of these successive messages.


    All of this made them feel like they were dreaming!


    Xiao Dan was the first to react, hurriedly asking:


    "You said, Chen is back now?"


    The servant immediately replied:


    "Yes, Family Head! Young Master Lingchen is in the main hall now!"


    Xiao Dan was overjoyed:


    "Let''s go, take me to see Chen!"


    Soon, Xiao Dan and others arrived at the Xiao family main hall.


    At a glance, they saw Xiao Lingchen covered in blood.


    "Father."


    Xiao Lingchen called out.


    Xiao Dan hurried forward, examining Xiao Lingchen from head to toe.


    After confirming that Xiao Lingchen was unharmed, he finally relaxed.


    A relieved smile appeared on his face:


    "Chen, you''re back."


    "Good, that''s great!"


    "That''s great!!!"


    "Hahaha!!!"


    At this moment, Xiao Dan laughed heartily from the bottom of his heart.


    It was a laugh of joy, and also a laugh of pride!


    But the next second.


    Xiao Dan''s vision went black, and he fainted.


    When he opened his eyes again.


    He was back in his room, lying on the bed.


    "Chen..."


    Xiao Dan called softly.


    Beside the bed, Xiao Lingchen said:


    "Father, don''t speak, I''m detoxifying you."


    Xiao Dan''s sudden fainting had indeed frightened Xiao Lingchen.


    After the explanation from the Xiao family members, he learned that his father was poisoned during the battle with the Ye family three months ago.


    Although the Xiao family had sought elixirs and doctors to detoxify him as soon as they escaped danger, nothing worked.


    The doctor had said Xiao Dan might not live for another year.


    Fortunately, Xiao Lingchen remembered his master once saying that his Pure Yang Sacred Body could suppress all evil spirits and was immune to all poisons.


    So he tried to inject the power of pure yang from his body into his father''s.


    As a result, Xiao Lingchen successfully removed the toxins from his father''s body.


    Moments later.


    Xiao Dan''s complexion gradually became rosy.


    His strength also recovered.


    "I''m... I''m healed?"


    Xiao Dan got up, feeling his body''s condition, his face full of joy.


    The surrounding Xiao family members were also unable to hide their surprise and joy.


    "Family Head, you''re healed?"


    "You''re really healed?"


    "That''s great! Hahaha! Heaven truly blesses our Xiao family!"


    Xiao Dan looked at Xiao Lingchen, his eyes full of relief:


    "Chen, I didn''t expect such a big change in you in just three months!"


    "Quick, tell me what happened in these three months?"


    Xiao Huan quickly said:


    "Elder brother, let''s talk about this later. Lingchen has offended most of the forces in Azure Cloud City by slaughtering at the Ye family, and he killed five thousand city guards. The City Lord''s Mansion certainly won''t let us go."


    "We should think about escaping first!"


    As soon as he said this.


    Everyone in the Xiao family frowned, and Xiao Dan nodded.


    Indeed.


    Although the Xiao family was currently in a state of joy, those outside forces were probably already plotting revenge against them!


    If it were three months ago, as one of the three major families in Azure Cloud City, they would naturally be fearless.


    But after the siege that day, the Xiao family began to decline.


    If they were to be attacked by those forces or even the City Lord''s Mansion now, extermination wouldn''t be impossible!


    At this moment, Xiao Dan was already considering relocating the entire family to live elsewhere.


    However, at this moment.


    Xiao Lingchen spoke:


    "Second Uncle, Father, don''t worry."


    "This time I came back to settle scores with those people!"


    "Even if they don''t come, I''ll actively seek trouble with them!"


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes flashed with hatred.


    The power from his Dao Palace Realm was also fully unleashed at this moment!


    At this moment.


    Everyone in the Xiao family was stunned!


    "What... what a terrifying aura!"


    In the entire Xiao family, the strongest was Xiao Dan at the fifth level of the Spirit Platform Realm.


    However, at this moment, even he was deeply shocked by the aura emanating from Xiao Lingchen!


    He couldn''t hide his shock.


    He couldn''t help but ask:


    "Chen, you... what realm are you in now?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied:


    "Father, I am now in the Dao Palace Realm!"


    Boom!!!


    As soon as he said this.


    Everyone present was once again shocked!!!

 Chapter 15 - Heavily surrounded

    "What... what?"


    "Lingchen, you''ve already reached... the Dao Palace Realm???"


    "How is this possible??"


    "I must be dreaming, I must be dreaming."


    Everyone present was utterly shocked!


    It''s well known how difficult the path of cultivation is. Xiao Dan, as the strongest in the Xiao Family, is also the most talented in three generations.


    Yet, even so, it took him a full fifty years to reach the fifth level of the Spirit Platform Realm!


    And what about Xiao Lingchen?


    Three months ago, he was just an ordinary boy.


    In just three months, he surpassed his father and reached the Dao Palace Realm!


    What kind of terrifying talent is this?


    Even the prodigies in the capital city of the Celestial Star Kingdom might not compare!


    Xiao Dan''s eyes were as wide as an ox''s, gripping Xiao Lingchen''s shoulders.


    At this moment, he could hardly believe that this genius youth in front of him was his own son!


    "Chen, you... you really... reached the Dao Palace Realm?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded nonchalantly:


    "Yes, Father!"


    Upon receiving Xiao Lingchen''s confirmation, Xiao Dan couldn''t help but burst into laughter again.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Good! Very good! Hahaha!"


    "Chen, this time, you''ve truly brought honor to your father and glory to our Xiao Family!"


    "If we can overcome this calamity, our Xiao Family''s genealogy will have a special page just for you!"


    And just at that moment.


    A voice suddenly came from outside the door:


    "Xiao Lingchen, come out and face your death!!!"


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    The voice, mixed with overwhelming spiritual power, was as deafening as a great bell, causing everyone''s expressions inside to change.


    "They came so quickly!"


    Xiao Huan looked out the window, his expression extremely grave.


    Xiao Lingchen said:


    "Father, Second Uncle, don''t worry, leave everything to me."


    Xiao Lingchen''s tone was very relaxed, filled with immense confidence.


    This instantly dispelled the worry in the hearts of Xiao Dan, Xiao Huan, and the others.


    Coupled with his solid Dao Palace Realm cultivation, they had complete confidence in Xiao Lingchen!


    Then, under Xiao Lingchen''s lead, the Xiao Family members headed towards the door.


    "Senior Brothers and Sisters, thank you for your hard work during this time. Once this matter is over, Lingchen will surely express his gratitude!"


    At the door, Xiao Lingchen immediately saw the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect standing guard.


    These disciples were sent by the elders and high-ranking members of the sect to protect the Xiao Family when Xiao Lingchen first joined the sect three months ago.


    If it weren''t for them, the Xiao Family might not exist today.


    Therefore, Xiao Lingchen was genuinely grateful to them.


    The disciples eagerly said:


    "Junior Brother Lingchen, no need to be polite. We''re all from the same sect and should help each other!"


    Of course, these were just polite words!


    Cultivators value their time, and if Xiao Lingchen were just an average talent, they wouldn''t waste their time here.


    It was precisely because of Xiao Lingchen''s astonishing talent that even the elders of the Supreme Mystical Sect were vying to take him as a disciple.


    They were willing to protect his family wholeheartedly, hoping to form a bond with him.


    Today''s cause, tomorrow''s effect.


    Perhaps by protecting Xiao Lingchen''s family today, they might receive his protection in the future!


    And indeed, their thoughts were correct!


    In just three months, Xiao Lingchen transformed from an ordinary person into a Dao Palace Realm powerhouse.


    His cultivation even surpassed theirs!


    It''s unimaginable how much more he could grow if given more time!


    Perhaps in the near future, Xiao Lingchen might become the strongest ally they could ever have!


    Thus, facing Xiao Lingchen''s courtesy, they were exceedingly attentive.


    "Yes! Junior Brother Lingchen, your family is our family, and we will do everything to ensure their safety!"


    "Enemies surround us outside, but Junior Brother need not worry. We, your Senior Brothers and Sisters, will stand with you through thick and thin!"


    "If we are outmatched, we will protect your family to the death. Rest assured, Junior Brother Lingchen!"


    Regardless of their inner thoughts, they were indeed standing on the same front line as him at this moment.


    Xiao Lingchen remembered this kindness in his heart.


    "Thank you, Senior Brothers and Sisters. I will remember this kindness!"


    Then, he moved past them and stepped outside.


    At this moment, the Xiao Family''s surroundings were already heavily surrounded!


    The intruders were all the various forces of Azure Cloud City.


    Leading them were three of the twenty-five instructors from the City Lord''s Mansion.


    "Zhuang Ping, Xie Tu, Yu Qilin! Even they came!"


    Xiao Huan whispered an introduction.


    "Lingchen, we must be careful. Those family forces are not to be feared; it''s mainly these three."


    "Zhuang Ping and Xie Tu are the strongest among the twenty-five instructors of the City Lord''s Mansion, both at the sixth level of the Spirit Platform Realm!"


    "And Yu Qilin is the strongest among the three, having reached the seventh level of the Spirit Platform Realm, and he''s the only one who has cultivated an Earth Grade Divine Power. You must be extremely careful!"


    At this moment, Zhuang Ping, Xie Tu, and Yu Qilin each led five thousand city guards, along with the various forces of Azure Cloud City.


    A total of over a hundred thousand people densely surrounded the Xiao Mansion!


    Xie Tu stepped forward, his sixth level Spirit Platform Realm cultivation rushing forth.


    "Xiao Lingchen, you finally came out!"


    "Today, you committed a massacre at the Ye Family, an unforgivable crime, intolerable by the Heavenly Way!"


    "By the City Lord''s order, I lead the army to execute you on the spot and exterminate your entire clan!"


    "However, since this matter is solely your doing, if you are willing to end your life and compensate the families of those you killed with all your wealth, we can spare your family!"


    "Make your choice!"


    "Heh... these two choices are both vicious!" Xiao Huan sneered quietly:


    "Exterminating the clan is self-explanatory. The second choice seems to spare our Xiao Family, but in reality, it''s to incite internal strife, aiming to force Lingchen to end his life for self-preservation. Once we exhaust our wealth, how could they possibly spare us?"


    Xiao Huan''s cultivation might not match his brother Xiao Dan''s, but his mind was exceptionally sharp and calm. In the past, Xiao Dan would often consult him on major family decisions.


    After hearing Xiao Huan''s analysis, the Xiao Family members nodded, inwardly cursing Xie Tu''s treachery.


    "So what do we do now?" Xiao Dan asked.


    Clearly, neither of Xie Tu''s options was acceptable to them!


    This time, Xiao Lingchen spoke:


    "It''s simple! We don''t want to die, nor do we want to compensate."


    "So we just have to kill them all, then we won''t have to die or compensate!"


    If they observed closely, they would notice that Xiao Lingchen maintained a calm demeanor from start to finish.


    As if he didn''t take these people outside seriously at all.


    "Second Uncle, didn''t you tell me to be careful?"


    Xiao Lingchen chuckled:


    "Well, I want to tell you now, beneath the Dao Palace, all are ants!"


    As his words fell, Xiao Lingchen had already summoned the Phoenix Emperor Sword and charged into the crowd with the Divine Movement Step!

 Chapter 16 - No need! I alone am enough!

    Xiao Lingchen moved with incredible speed.


    Before anyone could react, he had already swung his sword and slain thousands!


    In an instant, screams erupted, and blood flowed like a river outside the Xiao Family''s gate!


    "What!"


    Everyone present was stunned!


    They had thought that with so many of them coming together, both the Xiao Family and Xiao Lingchen himself would be intimidated, willing to negotiate and compromise.


    Who could have imagined that Xiao Lingchen would be so fierce!


    Without a word, he began a massacre!


    And the most crucial part was...


    This kid was too fierce!


    With one sword, he killed thousands!


    In the brief moment they were in shock, Xiao Lingchen had already slaughtered thousands more!


    Such brutal actions were more demonic than the demonic path itself!


    Fortunately, they quickly snapped back to reality.


    "Impudent Xiao Family brat! How dare you act so arrogantly in front of our army!"


    "Slaughtering without remorse! Bloodthirsty by nature! Fellow comrades, we cannot let this one live! Let us join forces and kill him to restore peace to Azure Cloud City!"


    "Indeed! Let''s all attack together!"


    In an instant...


    Everyone present was filled with righteous indignation.


    They all channeled their spiritual power, activating various divine powers, and charged at Xiao Lingchen!


    However, among the countless cultivators in the world, how many can truly stand out?


    Though they had numbers, most were only at the Spirit Sea Realm, and even those at the Spirit Platform Realm were merely at the second or third level.


    In front of Xiao Lingchen, they were like clay chickens and pottery dogs, utterly vulnerable!


    With each swing of his sword, thousands were cut in half, and the God-killing Sword Technique frantically absorbed the aura of slaughter from the battlefield, feeding it back to him.


    Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation level rose at an astonishing speed.


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    This feeling made Xiao Lingchen somewhat obsessed.


    So he swung his sword even more recklessly.


    In no time, the entire area around the Xiao Family became Xiao Lingchen''s personal slaughterhouse!


    The people of the Xiao Family, watching Xiao Lingchen fight tens of thousands alone, were all dumbfounded!


    "Lingchen''s strength is truly terrifying!"


    "If I hadn''t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn''t believe that three months ago, Lingchen was just an ordinary person!"


    "It seems heaven truly favors our Xiao Family! With a prodigy like Chen, our Xiao Family is destined to rise! Hahaha!"


    The disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect were equally shocked beyond measure.


    "I heard before that Junior Brother Lingchen broke through to the Dao Palace Realm, but I didn''t believe it. Now I see it''s true!"


    "No wonder on the day of the disciple selection, all the sect elders were fighting to take Junior Brother Lingchen as their disciple. With such talent, even our sect''s Holy Son can''t compare!"


    "I find that Junior Brother Lingchen is not only powerful but also handsome. I wonder if he has a partner... Would he mind having one more like me..."


    "......"


    "Junior Brother Lingchen, fighting alone against so many is too much of a loss for you!"


    "Let us lend you a hand!"


    The disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect, eager to befriend Xiao Lingchen, saw this as their best opportunity to show themselves.


    The people of the Xiao Family, seeing this, were also filled with passion, drawing their spiritual weapons to join the battle!


    Xiao Lingchen immediately stopped them:


    "No need! I alone am enough!"


    Below the Dao Palace, all are ants.


    To deal with these ants, Xiao Lingchen could handle them all by himself.


    The more he killed, the more the God-killing Sword Technique absorbed the aura of slaughter.


    Naturally, he didn''t need their help.


    If they were defeated and sacrificed, it would be a great loss!


    ......


    At this moment, Xiao Lingchen seemed to have transformed into a hellish demon, reaping lives on the battlefield.


    Wherever he went, hundreds and thousands perished!


    In no time.


    The tens of thousands of cultivators who came demanding an explanation were mostly slaughtered by him.


    On the ground, blood flowed like rivers, and the sky was stained a crimson red by the blood mist!


    Xie Tu stepped forward, furious:


    "Xiao Family brat, stop right there!"


    Seeing that tens of thousands were no match for Xiao Lingchen alone, and in just a short time, his city-guarding army was nearly wiped out.


    Xie Tu could no longer bear it, turning to Zhuang Ping and Yu Qilin beside him:


    "If this continues, even a million more won''t be enough for him to kill!"


    "Let''s make our move!"


    The two immediately nodded in agreement.


    They simultaneously channeled their spiritual power, activating their divine powers and attacking Xiao Lingchen!


    Xie Tu''s muscles bulged instantly, and his fist radiated a black glow.


    "Heaven-splitting Earth-shattering Fist!"


    With a roar, his fist was already upon him!


    Like Mount Tai collapsing, its power was overwhelming!


    Xiao Lingchen had just slain thousands with a sword and turned to see Xie Tu''s fist coming at him.


    In a hurry, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t raise his sword and had to punch back!


    Seeing this.


    Xie Tu grinned: "You''re finished!"


    This punch was his signature move, a perfected Mystic Grade higher-grade divine power, the Heaven-splitting Earth-shattering Fist!


    With the power of this punch, comparable to an ordinary Earth Grade, even those three or four minor realms above him would be severely injured!


    And Xiao Lingchen dared to clash with him.


    It was no different from seeking death!


    However, in the next second.


    Xie Tu''s expression changed!


    His Heaven-splitting Earth-shattering Fist collided with Xiao Lingchen''s fist in the blink of an eye.


    Yet, the imagined scenario of Xiao Lingchen being killed with one punch did not occur.


    Instead, he felt an overwhelming force from Xiao Lingchen''s fist, like a mountain flood, surging forth!


    "Crack!"


    With a loud crack.


    His arm, as thick as a thigh, was forcibly broken!


    "Ahhhh!!"


    "No! This is impossible!!!"


    He was at the sixth level of the Spirit Platform Realm! With his signature move, the Heaven-splitting Earth-shattering Fist, even a ninth-level Spirit Platform Realm expert would have to avoid it!


    He couldn''t believe that Xiao Lingchen''s seemingly ordinary punch was more powerful than his Heaven-splitting Earth-shattering Fist!


    And he was blasted apart by this terrifying force!


    Zhuang Ping, who came along, was terrified.


    A single punch killed Xie Tu, making him realize that Xiao Lingchen''s strength might have already broken through to the Dao Palace Realm!


    "Damn it, has this kid already reached the Dao Palace Realm?"


    "Why didn''t anyone tell me this earlier?"


    But thinking more at this moment was futile.


    With a loud shout.


    He transformed into a shadow, forcibly binding Xiao Lingchen!


    "Yu Puppy, aren''t you going to make a move?!"


    "Screw you, I''m a Qilin, not a puppy!"


    In the next second.


    In the sky, Yu Qilin suddenly appeared, holding a double-edged trident in reverse, channeling heavenly thunder.


    "Die!!!"


    At this moment, he unleashed all his power, hurling the double-edged trident fiercely at Xiao Lingchen!


    "Boom!!!"


    Heavenly thunder roared, transforming into a raging silver Qilin, entwined around the double-edged trident, exuding supreme might!


    Wherever the double-edged trident went, space seemed to tear apart, causing everyone around to shudder!


    Before anyone could react.


    The double-edged trident struck Xiao Lingchen, who was bound and unable to move, right in the chest!


    "Boom!!!"


    In an instant.


    Like an atomic explosion, everything within hundreds of feet turned into flat ground!

 Chapter 17 - Sea of corpses and blood!

    After the strike, Yu Qilin seemed utterly drained, his energy instantly withered. Yet, a confident smile hung on his face.


    This move, named "Anger of the Thunder," was an Earth Grade divine power. Once unleashed, it could erupt with the overwhelming force of heavenly thunder. At full strength, even a Dao Palace Realm expert could be slain!


    Although Xiao Lingchen was powerful, after taking this hit, he could only turn to ashes!


    "Well done, Yu Puppy!" Zhuang Ping reappeared, supporting Yu Qilin.


    "Who would have thought that in just three years, you''d cultivate ''Anger of the Thunder'' to such a level? Even I was startled by you. Now, that kid is probably as dead as can be!"


    "But it''s also thanks to me for trapping that kid; otherwise, you wouldn''t have hit him."


    "Alright, stop boasting." Yu Qilin smiled wryly, then looked towards the distant Xiao Family members. "The Xiao Family, let''s wipe them out today."


    Zhuang Ping''s face was filled with intense killing intent. "I was thinking the same."


    With that, Zhuang Ping lightly waved his finger, and the surviving city guards and cultivators from various factions charged forward excitedly!


    Just moments ago, they were being slaughtered by Xiao Lingchen alone. Now that Xiao Lingchen was dead, all their fear transformed into anger over losing their kin and comrades, and they charged towards the Xiao Family!


    In an instant, the cries of battle filled the air. This time, they intended to eradicate the vast Xiao Family in the most brutal way possible!


    As tens of thousands of troops approached, the faces of the Xiao Family members and the Supreme Mystical Sect disciples changed drastically. But in the next second, a strong fighting spirit filled their entire beings!


    No words were needed; everyone was ready to fight to the death! The sons of the Xiao Family feared neither life nor death! Even though their family was now in decline, they were not to be trifled with by just anyone!


    Xiao Dan looked at the Supreme Mystical Sect disciples beside him. "Honored immortals of the Supreme Mystical Sect, we are deeply grateful for your protection over the past three months!"


    "The upcoming battle is a matter of life and death. We dare not expect you to risk your lives with us. You may all leave!"


    "For your great kindness, the people of the Xiao Family will repay you in the next life!"


    "Sons of the Xiao Family, fight with me!"


    The disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect were moved by the fervor of the Xiao Family members. Jin Yuyang, the leading disciple, immediately shouted, "Fellow disciples, Xiao Lingchen was our sect brother, and now he''s been killed right in front of us!"


    "If we just leave like this, how will other sects view the Supreme Mystical Sect?"


    "This battle is not only a battle of life and death but also a battle of honor for us disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect!"


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    "Are you willing to fight alongside me and avenge Junior Brother Lingchen?"


    The disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect shouted in unison, "We are willing to fight alongside Senior Brother to avenge Junior Brother Lingchen!"


    "We are willing to fight alongside Senior Brother to avenge Junior Brother Lingchen!"


    "We are willing to fight alongside Senior Brother to avenge Junior Brother Lingchen!"


    At this moment, tens of thousands of troops had already arrived. The Xiao Family and the Supreme Mystical Sect members released their cultivation, ready for battle!


    However, just as the battle was about to erupt, a blood-red sword light suddenly slashed through the dust-filled sky from afar.


    Its speed was so fast that it shocked everyone!


    By the time people reacted, the tens of thousands of city guards and cultivators at the forefront had already been cut in two!


    The blood-red sword light was unstoppable!


    After slicing through tens of thousands of enemies, it headed straight for Zhuang Ping and Yu Qilin!


    Despite the two sensing it immediately and instinctively unleashing all their power to evade, Zhuang Ping was still cut in half, dying instantly. Yu Qilin also lost an arm.


    In an instant, there was a sea of corpses and blood!


    "Old Zhuang!" Yu Qilin clutched his severed arm, his face filled with grief and shock.


    When he looked towards the battlefield where Xiao Lingchen had been killed, he saw that the dust had already dispersed with the sword light.


    Xiao Lingchen emerged, his entire body glowing with a faint golden light, exuding intense killing intent. "You want to kill my Xiao Family? Did you ask me?"


    With those words, Xiao Lingchen used the Divine Movement Step, shooting forward like an arrow. The Phoenix Emperor Sword in his hand swung wildly.


    In the blink of an eye, he slaughtered the remaining enemies and charged straight at Yu Qilin!


    "No! This is impossible!" Yu Qilin''s face was filled with terror. He couldn''t believe that Xiao Lingchen, who had taken his "Anger of the Thunder," was unharmed!


    "It must be fake, all fake!"


    "You can''t possibly survive!"


    He roared in fury, once again condensing the Double-edged Trident in his hand. But this time, before he could even throw it, Xiao Lingchen was already upon him, the Phoenix Emperor Sword flashing by.


    Yu Qilin was instantly decapitated!


    Thus, the tens of thousands brought by the three instructors from the City Lord''s Mansion all perished under Xiao Lingchen''s sword!


    ...


    Back at the Xiao Family, Xiao Lingchen first went to the ancestral hall with his kin to pay respects to the deceased family members and ancestors.


    After the ceremony, the smiles on the faces of the Xiao Family members could no longer be contained!


    "Hahaha!!!"


    "Chen, you are amazing!"


    "You are truly your father''s pride! And the pride of our entire Xiao Family!"


    "Indeed! We thought we were doomed this time, but who knew you''d be so formidable, Lingchen! You really stunned me!"


    "Thanks to you, Lingchen, this time, no one can stop the rise of our Xiao Family!"


    After a round of praise, Xiao Dan began distributing the spoils of war. The tens of thousands of corpses carried countless treasures.


    There were thousands of Storage Rings alone, each worth a fortune!


    Although most of the Storage Rings had limited space, the items inside were all top-notch!


    As the hero of this battle, Xiao Lingchen received the most.


    He wasn''t interested in gold and jewels, so he received a million lower-grade Spirit Stones.


    Spirit Stones, invaluable for cultivators, were also a common currency among them.


    One lower-grade Spirit Stone was worth ten thousand gold taels.


    With a million lower-grade Spirit Stones, Xiao Lingchen became quite wealthy.


    Next were a pile of Spiritual Herbs and Pills, all above Third Grade.


    As for spiritual weapons, Xiao Lingchen already had the Phoenix Emperor Sword, so he wasn''t interested in others.


    However, he was intrigued by the divine powers of the three instructors.


    From their Storage Rings, he found three divine powers.


    The most valuable was undoubtedly Yu Qilin''s "Anger of the Thunder."


    "Anger of the Thunder" was an Earth Grade divine power, capable of harnessing the force of heavenly thunder, its power immense!


    Xiao Lingchen had experienced it firsthand!


    Facing Yu Qilin''s "Anger of the Thunder," if not for his Pure Yang Sacred Body and the Golden Body Technique, he might have been crippled or worse!


    So he decisively took this divine power, planning to enter the Void Space to cultivate it when possible!


    The second divine power was the "Shadow Assault Technique."


    The "Shadow Assault Technique" was a control-type divine power, capable of restraining others'' movements.


    Zhuang Ping had used this technique to bind him, giving Yu Qilin''s "Anger of the Thunder" a chance!


    Upon closer inspection, Xiao Lingchen guessed that Zhuang Ping hadn''t fully mastered this divine power, needing to personally engage to trap a target.


    In his understanding, if this divine power were fully mastered, one wouldn''t need to act personally; controlling shadows would suffice to bind a target.


    With the "Shadow Assault Technique," whether killing or escaping, he could first use shadows to restrain them!


    Truly a tool for both killing and escaping!


    The third divine power was Xie Tu''s "Heaven-splitting Earth-shattering Fist," a Mystic Grade cultivation method, rare and invaluable outside, but not quite enough for Xiao Lingchen.


    So he didn''t take it!


    After acquiring what he wanted, Xiao Dan allocated seventy percent of the remaining spoils to the Supreme Mystical Sect disciples.


    In a life-and-death situation, their loyalty deserved such a reward.


    However, the Supreme Mystical Sect disciples weren''t greedy, and given the Xiao Family''s current need to rebuild, they eventually agreed to a fifty-fifty split.


    Even with only fifty percent of the spoils, it was the wealth of tens of thousands of cultivators!


    Even half was enough to fill the Xiao Family''s coffers!

 Chapter 18 - Truly wondrous!

    "Father, Second Uncle."


    "Three months ago, during the attack on our Xiao Family."


    "Have you found out who was involved?"


    With the distribution of resources complete, Xiao Lingchen finally voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind.


    Three months ago, the Xiao Family was besieged.


    Even back then, Xiao Lingchen knew that it wasn''t just the Ye Family behind the attack.


    After all, among the three major families of Azure Cloud City, the Ye Family alone couldn''t have pushed them to such a desperate situation!


    There had to be other forces supporting them from the shadows!


    Xiao Lingchen had a few suspicions, but he believed his father and Second Uncle knew more.


    As expected.


    Under Xiao Lingchen''s inquiry, Xiao Dan and Xiao Huan revealed the truth:


    "For the past three months, we''ve been investigating those who attacked us that day."


    "On the surface, the attack was led by the Ye Family, but in reality, over twenty forces from Azure Cloud City, including the Lin, Han, Feng, and Hu families, were involved."


    "However, the true support behind them came from the City Lord''s Mansion and the Tianyan Sect!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen''s heart tightened.


    Just as he had suspected, there were major forces backing the attack.


    Otherwise, how could minor families like the Lin, Han, Feng, and Hu dare to strike against the Xiao Family?


    Even the Ye Family would have to think twice!


    Xiao Lingchen clenched his fist and asked, "Why did they target us?"


    Xiao Huan shook his head with a bitter smile, "We don''t know."


    Xiao Lingchen smiled faintly, "No matter the reason, since they dared to strike at us, they must pay the price!"


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    "I will confront them one by one!"


    Xiao Dan patted Xiao Lingchen''s shoulder and said, "Chen, there''s no rush for this matter."


    "You''ve just been through two major battles, you''re exhausted both physically and mentally. It''s best to rest and recover first."


    "Besides, your reputation has likely spread throughout Azure Cloud City by now. Those surviving forces are probably lying low."


    "Instead of wasting effort seeking them out now, it''s better to wait for a month."


    Xiao Lingchen asked in confusion, "Why wait so long?"


    Xiao Huan chuckled and said, "In a month, a Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range will open. All the forces from Azure Cloud City and surrounding towns will be there to vie for opportunities."


    "This includes the City Lord''s Mansion, the Tianyan Sect, and those forces that attacked our Xiao Family three months ago. They won''t want to miss such a chance."


    "You should rest for a month. During this time, not only can you recover to your best state, but with your talent, your strength will surely improve significantly. Then, when you head to the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range, you can not only deal with your enemies but also have a better chance at seizing opportunities."


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen nodded.


    He had to admit, Second Uncle''s words made a lot of sense.


    "In that case, I''ll follow Second Uncle''s advice."


    Over the next month, Xiao Lingchen stayed at home.


    He focused on enhancing his strength while waiting for the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range to open.


    In his room, Xiao Lingchen took out the Treasure Mirror.


    He also placed the newly acquired Divine Power manuals of Anger of the Thunder and Shadow Assault Technique on the table.


    In the next moment, the Treasure Mirror emitted a dazzling light, absorbing the two manuals. Xiao Lingchen concentrated, entering the Void Space within the mirror.


    In the familiar Void Space.


    Aside from the three previous shadows, two new ones appeared.


    These two new shadows had already begun practicing Anger of the Thunder and Shadow Assault Technique.


    In no time, both Divine Powers were mastered at the Entry Level.


    The training experience was fully synchronized into Xiao Lingchen''s mind.


    Feeling the newly acquired Divine Powers in his mind, Xiao Lingchen smiled.


    He couldn''t help but marvel once more, "This Treasure Mirror is truly wondrous!"


    "Such a miraculous mirror should have a name, right?"


    "With its ancient appearance yet vast inner world, let''s call it the Qian Kun Mirror!"


    Xiao Lingchen thought to himself, feeling that the name seemed exceptionally fitting for the mirror.


    From now on, he decided to call it the Qian Kun Mirror!


    Then, Xiao Lingchen took out a pile of spiritual herbs and pills from his storage ring and swallowed them.


    Instantly, the potent medicinal energy surged through his body, rampaging within.


    But in the next second, it was suppressed by the Pure Yang Sacred Body and the Yin-Yang Creation Method.


    Xiao Lingchen sat cross-legged, actively circulating the Yin-Yang Creation Method, absorbing all the medicinal energy.


    ......


    Time flew by, and half a month passed.


    While Xiao Lingchen was focused on cultivating Divine Powers and absorbing spiritual herbs and pills.


    At the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    By the familiar small river.


    Ning Huanhuan, in a white dress with tassels at her waist, was anxiously waiting for something.


    "Where''s that lewd scoundrel? Why hasn''t he shown up since that day?"


    "Is he really afraid I''ll kill him?"


    The day she returned to Small Bamboo Peak.


    Ning Huanhuan discovered that her cultivation realm had unexpectedly broken through to the third level of the Dao Palace!


    Thinking it over, Ning Huanhuan became more convinced that it was because of Xiao Lingchen that she had made the breakthrough!


    This speed was unparalleled!


    It was so much faster and easier than her own cultivation!


    This made Ning Huanhuan''s heart race.


    Of course, she knew that relying on such an effortless way to become stronger wasn''t good.


    It could easily lead one to lose their true self and the drive to strive.


    But she was running out of time!


    In less than half a year, the Sect Tournament would take place.


    To secure a better ranking for Small Bamboo Peak, she had to become stronger!


    She had to reach at least the fifth level of the Dao Palace!


    If she continued to cultivate step by step, forget half a year, even five or ten years might not be enough!


    Moreover.


    Half a month ago, she had just offended Song Ling''er and others, and who knew when they would come with Liu Yue to confront her.


    Liu Yue was at the fifth level of the Dao Palace. If she couldn''t quickly reach the fifth level, she would face even more severe humiliation and bullying!


    At this moment, Ning Huanhuan kept looking around by the river, searching for Xiao Lingchen''s figure.


    Her heart was filled with urgency.


    "Where are you, lewd scoundrel?"


    "Why haven''t you come yet?"


    "I won''t kill you, isn''t that enough?"

 Chapter 19 - Eager for action

    In the Supreme Mystical Sect, a young woman was tirelessly searching for something, but Xiao Lingchen was naturally unaware of it.


    Another half month passed.


    Through nearly sleepless and relentless cultivation and absorption, Xiao Lingchen''s strength and realm once again skyrocketed significantly!


    Moreover, the two divine powers, Anger of the Thunder and Shadow Assault Technique, were successfully cultivated to major success with the efforts of those two phantoms!


    Anger of the Thunder was originally an offensive divine power.


    Back then, Yu Qilin hadn''t cultivated it deeply, yet he almost severely injured Xiao Lingchen.


    Now that Anger of the Thunder had reached major success, combined with Xiao Lingchen''s current strength, no one within the Dao Palace Realm could withstand a single strike!


    As for the Shadow Assault Technique, it was just as Xiao Lingchen had imagined.


    After cultivating it to major success, he could now control shadows to bind multiple targets, and after binding, he could gradually devour the opponent''s cultivation.


    From now on, killing and escaping would be much more convenient!


    Opening his eyes, he exhaled a breath of turbid air.


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes sparkled with brilliance.


    He was quite satisfied with the overall increase in his strength this time.


    Although during this cultivation session, the Divine Movement Step, God-killing Sword Technique, and Golden Body Technique didn''t reach perfection, he didn''t mind.


    Knowing contentment is a reason for happiness.


    Mainly, Xiao Lingchen understood that these were Earth Grade divine powers, and once cultivated to perfection, their power would multiply!


    Moreover, they would possess special effects.


    As for what those effects were, he could only look forward to them for now.


    "Calculating the days, the time for the opening of the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range should be about right, it''s time to set off!"


    With this thought, Xiao Lingchen exited the Void Space.


    As soon as he stepped out of the room, he encountered Chen Qingqing.


    "Sister-in-law."


    Xiao Lingchen greeted politely.


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    Since that day of the massacre, to prevent the Chen Family from being retaliated against by various family forces, Chen Qingqing and the Chen Family had moved into the Xiao Family.


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen at this moment, Chen Qingqing nodded with a smile:


    "Your father and your uncles are waiting for you in the hall, go quickly."


    Xiao Lingchen nodded:


    "Got it."


    With that, he turned and headed towards the Xiao Family hall.


    By the time he arrived, Xiao Dan, Xiao Huan, and the senior members of the Xiao Family had been waiting for quite some time.


    "Chen''er, you''re here!"


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen, Xiao Dan immediately stepped forward and took his hand.


    He had always cherished his precious son dearly.


    Now, with Xiao Lingchen becoming the foremost figure of the Xiao Family, he loved him even more!


    "Are you ready for this trip to the Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded noncommittally:


    "Of course, I''m ready."


    "My great sword has long been eager for action!"


    Xiao Dan nodded with satisfaction:


    "My Chen''er has grown up and become stronger."


    "Before you go, I have something to give you."


    As he spoke, Xiao Dan flipped his palm, and a peculiar-looking wooden box appeared in his hand.


    Upon opening it, two seemingly ordinary silver needles lay quietly inside.


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes narrowed.


    These two silver needles had quite a history!


    In fact, the Xiao Family''s ability to maintain its position as one of the three major families in Azure Cloud City relied on these two silver needles!


    The silver needles were called Soul Extinguishing Needles, each capable of instantly killing a Dao Palace Realm cultivator and severely injuring a Breaking Illusions Realm cultivator!


    Originally, the Xiao Family had five Soul Extinguishing Needles, and every time they faced a life-and-death crisis, they relied on these needles to survive.


    Now, only these last two remained.


    They were the Xiao Family''s final means of survival.


    And now, his father was giving these last two Soul Extinguishing Needles to him.


    Xiao Lingchen hesitated to accept them.


    "Father, these Soul Extinguishing Needles are too valuable, I can''t take them, you should keep them!"


    Moreover, with his current surge in strength, he had few opponents within the Dao Palace Realm, and against Breaking Illusions Realm experts, he had the restraining spell and killing intent scroll set by his master.


    Rather than taking the Soul Extinguishing Needles, it would be better to leave them with the Xiao Family for protection!


    However, Xiao Dan and the others insisted that Xiao Lingchen accept them.


    Xiao Dan said:


    "Chen''er, this trip to the Secret Realm is fraught with danger, and your uncles and I can''t help you much."


    "That''s why we unanimously decided to give you the Soul Extinguishing Needles after our discussion."


    "We know your strength is already formidable, but even if these two Soul Extinguishing Needles only give you a slightly better chance of survival in a crisis, it''s worth it!"


    The other uncles chimed in:


    "Yes, Lingchen, just accept the Soul Extinguishing Needles!"


    "You are the hope of the Xiao Family now, only with you alive can the Xiao Family have a chance to regain its glory!"


    "This is the heartfelt wish of your uncles, you mustn''t refuse!"


    Xiao Lingchen sighed.


    After some back and forth, he reluctantly accepted one of the Soul Extinguishing Needles, leaving the other for them.


    To Xiao Lingchen, his family was just as important as his own life!


    Afterward, Xiao Lingchen went back to bathe and changed into a red outfit.


    He also went to the ancestral hall to pay respects to his deceased clan elders.


    Before leaving, Xiao Lingchen didn''t forget to remind the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect:


    "Senior brothers and sisters, I am about to head to the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range to enter the Secret Realm in search of opportunities. In the meantime, I trouble you to protect my family."


    The disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect replied:


    "Junior Brother Lingchen, rest assured, with us here, your family will be safe!"


    "And we wish you swift success in finding supreme opportunities!"


    After expressing his gratitude, Xiao Lingchen finally embarked on his journey to the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range!


    ...


    The Thousand Cloud Mountain Range is located north of Azure Cloud City, at the junction of Fengshang City and Wuhai City.


    The entire Thousand Cloud Mountain Range stretches for tens of thousands of miles, home to countless powerful beasts, fraught with danger!


    After traveling day and night, three days later, Xiao Lingchen finally arrived at Fengshang City.


    At this moment, the streets of Fengshang City were crowded with cultivators also preparing to head to the Secret Realm.


    There were family forces, sect disciples, and even rogue cultivators, with cultivation levels varying widely.


    The lowest were in the Spirit Platform Realm.


    The strongest had reached the ninth level of the Dao Palace Realm!


    As for those even stronger, there were a few, but only a minority.


    Xiao Lingchen wandered around several times, discovering that all the inns and taverns in Fengshang City were fully booked.


    "Sir, I''m really sorry, the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range is about to open, and cultivators from all over have arrived in Fengshang City these past few days. Even the worst rooms in our humble inn have been sold for a sky-high price of 200 lower-grade Spirit Stones, yet demand still exceeds supply. We really don''t have any rooms available at the moment. Perhaps you could try another place?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded and walked out of the inn.


    At that moment, a petite figure suddenly appeared in front of Xiao Lingchen.


    It was a little girl, about seven or eight years old, wearing patched clothes, but her little face was exceptionally clean.


    She looked at Xiao Lingchen with hopeful eyes and asked:


    "Sir, are you looking for a place to stay?"

 Chapter 20 - Disguised as a man

    It seemed the girl was worried that Xiao Lingchen might refuse, so she quickly added:


    "Right now, Fengshang City is packed with people, and all the inns and restaurants, big and small, are fully booked."


    "Some inns have even started offering shared rooms, with several people staying in one room. It''s nearly impossible to find a place!"


    "But I still have a room available, and it''s not expensive. It''s only... only half of what they''re charging, just 100 lower-grade Spirit Stones!"


    "If you think that''s too much, 80 will do..."


    "If that''s still not possible, I can offer a shared room too..."


    Xiao Lingchen had initially planned to pay extra for a room, or if necessary, buy out an entire inn. After all, he had plenty of Spirit Stones and wasn''t short on money.


    However, seeing this little girl, Xiao Lingchen suddenly changed his mind.


    Seeing her nervous demeanor, Xiao Lingchen found it quite amusing.


    So he nodded:


    "Alright."


    With that, he casually took out a bag of Spirit Stones from his storage ring and tossed it to her.


    The girl counted the Spirit Stones, her eyes lighting up, and a delighted smile appeared on her face.


    "Please, follow me, sir~"


    With that, she led Xiao Lingchen through the streets to the house she mentioned.


    When they arrived, Xiao Lingchen realized that the house was just a modest farmhouse.


    The girl introduced herself as Su Su, just a child from an ordinary family. Due to poor family conditions, with her parents deceased and a bedridden grandmother to care for, she was always trying to earn money for her grandmother''s medicine.


    Coincidentally, with the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range about to open, all the inns in Fengshang City were fully booked, so she decided to rent out her family''s room.


    Although it was just a private home, when Xiao Lingchen entered the room he was to stay in, he was surprised to find it very clean and tidy. Though not large, it had good lighting and orientation, with a pot of elegant green plants on the windowsill.


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    The whole room felt comfortable, not inferior to the rooms in those inns outside.


    Su Su said:


    "Sir, this is your room. You can stay until the Secret Realm opens. I''ll bring you three meals a day, and if you have any other requests, you can let me know."


    "By the way, there are other cultivators in the next room, also waiting for the Secret Realm to open. They''re all good people."


    "The room across the courtyard is where my grandmother lives. She''s not in good health, so for your own well-being, please don''t go over there."


    "If there''s nothing else, I''ll go prepare your dinner."


    Xiao Lingchen nodded, and Su Su left the room.


    One couldn''t deny that staying until the Secret Realm opened for just a hundred Spirit Stones, with meals included, was much more cost-effective than those inns.


    With nothing else to do, Xiao Lingchen prepared to enter the Void Space to cultivate.


    However, at that moment, there was a knock at the door.


    Xiao Lingchen got up to open it and saw a somewhat sleazy-looking young man in white.


    Upon meeting, the young man greeted him familiarly:


    "Fellow cultivator, you''re also here to seek fortune in the Secret Realm of the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range, right?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded noncommittally:


    "Yes."


    At this time, anyone coming to Fengshang City was undoubtedly here for the Secret Realm, so there was no point in denying it.


    Xiao Lingchen asked in return:


    "Do you need something?"


    The sleazy young man chuckled:


    "Not really, just that we''re all cultivators with the same goal, so I thought we could get to know each other. After all, more friends mean more paths!"


    "If you don''t mind, you could join us in the courtyard for a drink and a chat. We also have some information about the Secret Realm to share with you."


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen thought for a moment and agreed.


    He followed the young man to the courtyard.


    To be honest, this was the first time Xiao Lingchen had interacted with other cultivators besides his Master since he began cultivating.


    Interacting with them might broaden his horizons or provide some insights about the Secret Realm.


    When Xiao Lingchen followed the sleazy young man to the courtyard, four people were already seated around the stone table.


    They were all quite young, drinking and chatting merrily.


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen arrive, they greeted him with the same familiarity:


    "Oh! Another one has arrived!"


    "Come, fellow cultivator! Join us for a drink!"


    "These guys drink like three-year-olds; it''s no fun drinking with them!"


    With that, one of them stood up to pull Xiao Lingchen to a seat.


    The sleazy young man began introducing them to Xiao Lingchen:


    "The one pulling you for a drink is Bi Qi, from Meng City. Don''t be fooled by his rugged appearance; he''s actually very straightforward and open-hearted."


    "The one next to him, already red-faced from drinking, is Hou Ping, from Jiang City. His family holds a significant position in our Celestial Star Kingdom, but it seems he had a falling out with them and left. Given his drinking capacity, he might never take over the family business."


    After shaking his head in regret, he continued introducing:


    "Next to Hou Ping is Yu Haoran, from Qin Chuan. Don''t be deceived by his ordinary appearance; he''s the strongest among us five!"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded noncommittally.


    Upon arriving, he had sensed everyone''s cultivation levels.


    The five were generally above the eighth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, with only Yu Haoran reaching the first level of the Dao Palace Realm.


    The sleazy young man then introduced the last person:


    "This is Li Muyun, from Yaoguang. The phrase ''a gentleman like jade, unparalleled in the world'' perfectly describes Brother Li."


    However, he then leaned closer to Xiao Lingchen and whispered:


    "Don''t be fooled by his handsome appearance and aloof demeanor; he''s probably just a shy guy pretending to be cool!"


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen shook his head with a smile.


    Such aloofness likely wasn''t shyness; he probably just didn''t want to talk to them.


    Others might not see it, but Xiao Lingchen could feel it. The moment he saw Li Muyun, his Pure Yang Sacred Body reacted slightly.


    This reaction was identical to when he first met his Master and Ning Huanhuan!


    So Xiao Lingchen reasonably suspected that Li Muyun might be a woman disguised as a man.


    Her aloofness and reluctance to speak might partly be due to her personality, but mainly because she had nothing to discuss with these men!


    Then.


    The sleazy young man straightened up, adjusted his clothes, and began introducing himself with a smug expression:


    "As for me, I am Luo Xingxing, the son of the Lord of Starry City, an inner disciple of the Cloudveil Sect, a specially trained future Holy Son candidate of the sect, the future leader of the righteous path, the Chosen One, and the savior of the world..."

 Chapter 21 - Above Heaven Grade

    Luo Xingxing''s lengthy self-introduction left Xiao Lingchen momentarily bewildered.


    He clearly hadn''t expected to encounter someone so shameless in this world.


    While introductions of others were brief, he seemed eager to sing his own praises to the heavens.


    "Smack!"


    Just as Luo Xingxing was basking in his own glory, Bi Qi smacked him on the back of the head.


    He grumbled:


    "Alright, enough of your bragging!"


    "Let''s drink!"


    However, he then remembered something and turned to Xiao Lingchen, asking:


    "By the way, how should we address you, my friend?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied without hesitation:


    "Azure Cloud City, Xiao Lingchen."


    The five of them cupped their fists in unison:


    "So it''s Brother Xiao, a pleasure to meet you."


    Pleasure, my foot!


    The so-called pleasure was clearly just a polite exchange.


    But Xiao Lingchen didn''t mind much.


    Under their enthusiastic invitation, he took a seat and began to drink with them.


    Having lived two lives, Xiao Lingchen could hold his liquor quite well, and he enjoyed drinking with them.


    After a few rounds, Bi Qi couldn''t hold back any longer and looked at Luo Xingxing, asking:


    "Little Luo, didn''t you say you had information about this Secret Realm to share with us? Why are you still holding back?"


    Luo Xingxing replied irritably:


    "I told you not to call me Little Luo! I''m the future leader of the righteous path, the savior of the world!"


    Bi Qi said:


    "Got it, Little Luo, hurry up!"


    Luo Xingxing was speechless and didn''t bother arguing with him.


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    "Fine, I''ll share the information I have with you."


    Hearing this, everyone present perked up.


    Even Hou Ping, who had been drunk and asleep on the table, struggled to lift his head.


    It was clear how enticing the information about the Secret Realm was to them.


    Xiao Lingchen also became serious, listening intently.


    Luo Xingxing flipped his hand, revealing a parchment scroll, which he unfolded to reveal a map.


    Luo Xingxing said:


    "This is the map of the Secret Realm!"


    "According to the information I have, this Secret Realm is the ruins of an ancient sect from millions of years ago."


    "This sect was incredibly vast and profound, and the treasures hidden within are countless!"


    "As long as you can safely enter the Secret Realm, anyone with a bit of luck can gain something!"


    "And this time, many cultivators are heading to the Secret Realm for a Divine Artifact from this ancient sect."


    "The artifact is called the Cauldron of Fate, a Heaven Grade Divine Artifact. Whoever obtains it can nourish their body with the essence of fate within the cauldron, transforming and becoming immortal!"


    After Luo Xingxing''s introduction, everyone present widened their eyes.


    Their drunkenness vanished without a trace, replaced by shock!


    "A Heaven Grade Divine Artifact?"


    "Immortal body?"


    "Is this for real?"


    "Is there really such a miraculous thing in this world?"


    Luo Xingxing replied nonchalantly:


    "Of course, it''s said that the Sect Master of this ancient sect had an immortal body, but unfortunately, he encountered an opponent too powerful, who shattered his soul. Otherwise, he might still be alive today!"


    "But it''s good that he''s dead. With his death, the Cauldron of Fate became ownerless. After millions of years, the essence of fate within it has likely reached a terrifying level. Whoever obtains it this time might truly soar to the heavens!"


    For a moment, everyone present was filled with longing.


    The miraculous abilities of the Cauldron of Fate were irresistible to all.


    However, Hou Ping''s words soon shattered their fantasies.


    Hou Ping said:


    "Since the Cauldron of Fate is so wondrous, there must be countless people entering the Secret Realm, including many powerful individuals, possibly even those above the Breaking Illusions Realm. Doesn''t that mean we have no chance?"


    With these words, everyone frowned.


    Their strength was generally around the eighth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, with the strongest among them, Yu Haoran, only at the Dao Palace Realm.


    If there were truly experts above the Breaking Illusions Realm entering, they would have no chance at all!


    "You don''t need to worry about that."


    Luo Xingxing chuckled and said:


    "If there was truly no chance, I wouldn''t have traveled so far!"


    "This Secret Realm has long been set with a Restraining Spell by the heavens, preventing anyone above the Breaking Illusions Realm from entering!"


    "Moreover, the Cauldron of Fate is a supreme spiritual treasure that recognizes its owner. Only those with great fortune and fate can obtain it!"


    "In other words, whether it''s you or me, as long as we enter, we all have a chance to obtain the Cauldron of Fate!"


    Yu Haoran suddenly understood:


    "No wonder you''re willing to share this information with us without worrying about us stealing your opportunity. So that''s how it is!"


    Luo Xingxing laughed:


    "Exactly! Since obtaining the Cauldron of Fate depends on fortune and fate, sharing this information doesn''t matter."


    "And I can gain temporary allies like you, so we can look out for each other when we enter the Secret Realm."


    The group exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.


    Indeed, since obtaining the Cauldron of Fate depended on fortune and fate, there was no competition between them.


    Forming an alliance to enter the Secret Realm together would allow them to look out for each other, and even if they didn''t gain any fortune, their lives would be more secure.


    With this thought, their trust in each other increased significantly.


    They drank even more joyfully.


    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, three days passed.


    During these three days, more and more cultivators arrived in Fengshang City.


    The streets of Fengshang City were packed with people, leaving no room to move.


    Sometimes, large flying boats could be seen passing overhead, or carriages pulled by demonic beasts, all belonging to powerful families.


    Meanwhile, life in the small courtyard remained peaceful and calm.


    Xiao Lingchen and the others spent most of their time waiting and cultivating.


    Occasionally, when they felt like it, they would invite each other to drink in the courtyard.


    ......


    One morning.


    Just as Xiao Lingchen woke from a dream, a commotion erupted outside.


    He looked out the window.


    Su Su had been pushed to the ground, and a muscular middle-aged man with a mustache was shouting at her:


    "How dare you put us in this shabby room?"


    "Who do you think you are?"


    As he spoke, the middle-aged man grabbed Su Su and lifted her into the air.


    Su Su was clearly terrified, her clean little face as pale as paper.


    "Uncle... this room may be small, but it''s not shabby at all! And I''ve cleaned it thoroughly."


    "If... if you don''t want to stay, I can refund your money..."


    The middle-aged man suddenly threw Su Su aside, but fortunately, Yu Haoran, dressed in white and looking graceful, appeared in time to catch her, preventing any injury.


    The middle-aged man glanced at Yu Haoran but didn''t take him seriously.


    He then looked at the room behind Yu Haoran.


    With a sneer, he said:


    "Your room looks nice. From today on, it''s mine."


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 Chapter 22 - Black Tiger Gang

    Upon hearing this, Yu Haoran''s eyebrows furrowed deeply:


    "What if I refuse?"


    The middle-aged man let out a cold laugh:


    "If you refuse, I''ll beat you until you agree!"


    As he spoke, the middle-aged man unleashed his full cultivation, revealing he was at the Dao Palace Realm!


    This startled Li Muyun, Bi Qi, and the others who had come out to watch.


    Without another word, the middle-aged man charged directly at Yu Haoran.


    In his hand, a ghost-head saber appeared, slashing down fiercely!


    Naturally, Yu Haoran wouldn''t just stand there and be captured.


    He raised his treasured sword in front of him to block the attack.


    "Clang!!!"


    The clash of blade and sword erupted with a thunderous force.


    The terrifying power distorted the surrounding air, creating ripples that spread outwards.


    Then the blade and sword separated, each rebounding.


    In this first exchange, Yu Haoran was clearly at a disadvantage.


    The middle-aged man was evidently a seasoned and battle-hungry fighter.


    After the first strike, his fighting spirit surged even more as he charged at Yu Haoran again!


    This time, his aura was noticeably stronger, and his speed had increased significantly.


    In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Yu Haoran.


    The ghost-head saber was raised high and slashed down hard.


    This strike would be difficult for Yu Haoran to withstand!


    Not far away, Luo Xingxing saw this and his face changed dramatically:


    "Brother Haoran, I''ll help you!"


    Though they had only known each other for a short time, they had become good friends, and had even formed a temporary alliance.


    Naturally, they couldn''t let Yu Haoran be bullied by others!


    The middle-aged man slashed down at Yu Haoran.


    Yu Haoran also swung his sword to counter!


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    The blade and sword clashed violently once more.


    This time, the impact was even louder, and the terrifying power made the ground tremble.


    At the same time.


    Luo Xingxing leaped into the air with a large axe, aiming for the middle-aged man''s head!


    "Boom!!!"


    Though the middle-aged man had the strength of the Dao Palace Realm, Yu Haoran was also at the Dao Palace Realm!


    With Luo Xingxing''s assistance, it wasn''t long before the middle-aged man struggled to hold his ground.


    "You... you''re ganging up on me, that''s not fair!"


    "If you have the guts, fight me one-on-one!"


    Luo Xingxing rolled his eyes:


    "Idiot, if we can gang up, why would we fight you one-on-one?"


    "Don''t forget, you were the one who tried to take my brother''s room first. It''s only right for me to help my brother teach you a lesson!"


    The middle-aged man gritted his teeth in anger.


    "Fine!"


    "Brats, you two just wait!"


    "I''m a Protector of the Black Tiger Gang. You''ve offended me, and the Black Tiger Gang will never let you go!"


    With that, the middle-aged man took out a jade slip from his storage ring.


    Before anyone could react, he crushed the jade slip!


    In an instant, the shattered jade slip turned into a stream of light, shooting off into the distance!


    Hearing the words "Black Tiger Gang," Yu Haoran and Luo Xingxing were both taken aback.


    They exchanged glances, sensing that things were about to go south!


    The name Black Tiger Gang might not be renowned, but anyone with some experience had heard of it.


    The Black Tiger Gang was a top-tier gang with two hundred thousand members, spread across dozens of cities around Fengshang City.


    Their power was immense, with countless strong cultivators within the gang!


    It''s said that even the leader of an ordinary branch of the Black Tiger Gang had at least the strength of the seventh level of the Spirit Platform Realm, and all twelve Protectors were at the Dao Palace Realm!


    The Gang Leader of the Black Tiger Gang was even a half-step into the Breaking Illusions Realm!


    Such a force was not something ordinary people dared to provoke!


    Sure enough.


    In the next second.


    They sensed several powerful auras rapidly approaching from the direction the stream of light had flown.


    A rough sense indicated that all were at least at the sixth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, with several Dao Palace Realm auras among them!


    For a moment, Yu Haoran and Luo Xingxing were shocked.


    "Brother Haoran, things don''t look good, maybe we should retreat?"


    However, it was too late!


    Just as Luo Xingxing finished speaking, those auras had already locked onto them.


    Moments later, the entire courtyard was surrounded layer by layer.


    A swarm of cultivators poured into the courtyard, clearly members of the Black Tiger Gang!


    "Protector Zhou Hu!" Two youths, one in black and one in white, approached the middle-aged man with mocking expressions:


    "What happened here? How did you end up in such a sorry state?"


    "Protector Bai Hu, Protector Xuan Hu, stop with the nonsense. These bastards have gone too far!"


    The middle-aged man, known as Zhou Hu, couldn''t be bothered to explain and furiously ordered:


    "Kill! Kill everyone in this courtyard!!!"


    With the order given, the Black Tiger Gang members immediately turned their attention to Yu Haoran, Luo Xingxing, and the others.


    In an instant, a boundless killing intent surged.


    The next second, they charged at everyone in the courtyard!


    "Damn!"


    Luo Xingxing''s face turned grim:


    "We''ll have to fight them!"


    Yu Haoran agreed, and together with Luo Xingxing, they unleashed their fighting spirit and prepared to battle!


    In the other two rooms, Bi Qi, Hou Ping, and Li Muyun were well aware of the situation outside.


    Seeing Yu Haoran and Luo Xingxing in trouble, they couldn''t just stand by, and after a brief thought, they activated their cultivation methods and divine powers, joining the fight.


    In an instant, blades and swords flew, and cultivation methods and divine powers bombarded wildly!


    "This isn''t working, there are too many of them. If we keep fighting, we''ll all die here today. We need to find a way to escape!"


    After killing a few Black Tiger Gang members and getting injured themselves, they realized the situation.


    They knew they were no match for so many people.


    Finding a way to escape was the best option.


    However.


    They clearly underestimated the strength of the Black Tiger Gang.


    The gang members might not be much, but let''s not forget that among them were the three Protectors: Zhou Hu, Bai Hu, and Xuan Hu!


    That''s three Dao Palace Realm experts!


    With just a slight move, they severely injured several of them.


    "Didn''t you like ganging up on people?"


    "Weren''t you helping your brother teach me a lesson? Keep going!"


    Today, being humiliated by Luo Xingxing and Yu Haoran made Zhou Hu feel a deep sense of shame.


    Now, a sense of revenge filled his heart, and he wanted nothing more than to kill them all.


    He didn''t give them any chance to struggle or speak.


    Raising his ghost-head saber, he slashed down at Luo Xingxing.


    Seeing this, Luo Xingxing smiled bitterly.


    He hadn''t expected to die before achieving anything, on his first journey down the mountain, without making a name for himself!


    The others'' eyes also flashed with unwillingness.


    Yet they were helpless.


    They could only silently await death.


    However.


    Just as they were in despair.


    A red sword light suddenly shot out from one of the rooms!


    It instantly cut the Black Tiger Gang members blocking them in half, and even Zhou Hu, a Dao Palace Realm expert, was not spared!


    He was beheaded on the spot!


    Before dying, Zhou Hu''s eyes widened as he saw the red-clad youth emerging from the room.


    He never expected that such a terrifying existence was hidden in this small courtyard.


    At that moment, he regretted his carelessness.


    But it couldn''t change the outcome of his death.


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 Chapter 23 - Never rest until youre dead

    As Zhou Hu and the dozens of Black Tiger Gang members fell, dismembered, everyone present was stunned for a moment.


    In the blink of an eye, all eyes turned to Xiao Lingchen, who had just walked out of the house.


    Luo Xingxing and the others were in a daze, clearly not expecting Xiao Lingchen to be so powerful!


    With just one sword, he had killed Zhou Hu and dozens of Black Tiger Gang members, whom it took both of them combined to defeat!


    However, they didn''t believe that no matter how strong Xiao Lingchen was, he could contend with the hundreds or thousands of Black Tiger Gang members here.


    It was likely that Xiao Lingchen had just caught Zhou Hu off guard with a surprise attack.


    Now that everyone had reacted, and with two Dao Palace Realm experts present, Xiao Lingchen was certainly not their match!


    "Brother Lingchen, run!"


    "Don''t worry about us, just run!!!"


    Luo Xingxing shouted, leading the call.


    While the Black Tiger Gang members hadn''t fully reacted yet and were mostly gathered on their side, Xiao Lingchen still had a chance to escape!


    However, no matter how much he shouted and reminded, Xiao Lingchen remained unmoved.


    At this moment, the Black Tiger Gang members had also come to their senses.


    Seeing Zhou Hu''s body split in two, each of them was filled with rage!


    The leading Protector Xuan Hu was especially furious, shouting with his sword raised:


    "Kill him!!!"


    "Kill!!!"


    In an instant, all the Black Tiger Gang members charged at Xiao Lingchen, each wishing to tear him to pieces!


    Seeing this, Luo Xingxing and the others closed their eyes in despair.


    Having killed Zhou Hu, Xiao Lingchen''s fate was likely to be even worse than theirs!


    Only Xiao Lingchen showed a cruel smile instead.


    After being dormant for so many days, his great sword was already thirsty for battle!


    Without hesitation, he used the Divine Movement Step and charged forward!


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    In an instant, Xiao Lingchen was like a wolf among sheep, entering a frenzy of slaughter!


    With each swing of his sword, several people fell.


    Blood splattered in the air, dyeing his red attire even more vividly!


    Although Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation speed wasn''t slow, he found that he preferred proving his Dao through killing!


    Every time he was deep in battle, every time he slaughtered, the sight of blood splattering gave Xiao Lingchen a unique thrill.


    It was as if every inch of his skin, every cell, was being satisfied like never before!


    One after another, Black Tiger Gang members fell, and strands of murderous aura crazily surged into the Phoenix Emperor Sword, then fed back into him, becoming the nourishment for his cultivation growth.


    "Damn! Brother Lingchen is so fierce!"


    Luo Xingxing and the others reopened their eyes.


    When they saw that the expected scene of Xiao Lingchen being torn to pieces hadn''t appeared, but rather he had single-handedly slaughtered thousands of Black Tiger Gang members, leaving corpses everywhere, their eyes shone with excitement!


    "Who would''ve thought, Brother Lingchen is so young yet so powerful!"


    "With Brother Lingchen here, it seems we might escape this disaster today!"


    "Indeed!"


    Only the black-clad Protector Xuan Hu was filled with horror.


    "You! You''re actually cultivating through killing!"


    Clearly, he had seen through Xiao Lingchen''s actions and was deeply terrified!


    Cultivating through killing was clearly a method used by those of the demonic path!


    In other words, Xiao Lingchen''s methods were even more ruthless than those of the Black Tiger Gang!


    Upon hearing this, Luo Xingxing and the others also noticed something.


    On the battlefield, Xiao Lingchen continuously wielded the treasure sword in his hand, which exuded a strong killing intent. With each person he slaughtered, a barely noticeable aura was absorbed by the sword in his hand.


    Subsequently, Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation aura grew stronger.


    This was clearly what Protector Xuan Hu referred to as cultivating through killing!


    For a moment, Luo Xingxing and the others were stunned.


    "Brother Lingchen is actually cultivating such a demonic method!"


    "Could it be that Brother Lingchen is of the demonic path?"


    Luo Xingxing immediately shook his head and said:


    "Impossible, Brother Lingchen is upright and doesn''t seem like someone of the demonic path at all."


    As soon as he said this, the others nodded in agreement.


    Although cultivating through killing was often seen as demonic, after spending these days together, they understood Xiao Lingchen''s character, which was naturally different from those demonic path people who killed indiscriminately and committed all sorts of evil!


    Li Muyun also agreed, saying:


    "Indeed, even if we take a step back and consider that Brother Lingchen is cultivating a demonic method, he saved our lives, and we shouldn''t look at him with different eyes!"


    Li Muyun''s words were acknowledged by Luo Xingxing and the others, who all cheered for Xiao Lingchen!


    And in just a moment, the thousands of Black Tiger Gang members were slaughtered by Xiao Lingchen.


    Protector Xuan Hu and Protector Bai Hu''s faces were terrifyingly grim.


    "You brat, you deserve to die a thousand times over!!!"


    Their Dao Palace Realm cultivation erupted instantly, and they charged at Xiao Lingchen in perfect harmony!


    Clearly, they both understood Xiao Lingchen''s formidable strength.


    Thus, this time, they unleashed their most powerful killing moves!


    Determined to kill Xiao Lingchen in one strike!


    The two of them each held a black sword and a white sword, soaring into the sky.


    The black sword exuded a dense aura of darkness, while the white sword shone with dazzling light.


    As the two swords swung, a terrifying spiritual power aura spread, and endless sword intent converged in mid-air, forming a massive vortex.


    The vortex emitted terrifying spiritual power fluctuations, with sharp sword intent spewing out madly, sweeping towards Xiao Lingchen!


    Almost in an instant, the massive vortex swallowed Xiao Lingchen.


    But in the next second, the world changed color.


    Thunderclouds gathered in the sky, and Heavenly Thunder descended with a rumble!


    "Anger of the Thunder!!!"


    "Boom!!!"


    A massive silver snake of lightning roared as it poured into the vortex, exploding with a thunderous roar.


    In an instant, the vortex was shattered!


    Protector Bai Hu and Protector Xuan Hu were severely injured, spewing blood as they were sent flying backward.


    Finally, they crashed heavily into the ground, creating two deep pits.


    "You brat, how dare you kill so many of my Black Tiger Gang!"


    "My Black Tiger Gang will never rest until you''re dead!!!"


    "From now on, you will face endless pursuit from my Black Tiger Gang''s two million members, until the ends of the earth, until your bones are gone!!!"


    Protector Xuan Hu, with blood in his mouth and slurred speech, condemned Xiao Lingchen.


    But Xiao Lingchen mercilessly beheaded him with a single sword strike.


    "You''re at death''s door, yet you still talk so much, annoying!"


    Protector Bai Hu, seeing this, was scared out of his wits.


    He struggled to get up but found himself powerless.


    "Please... don''t kill me!"


    "Spare me, spare me, as long as you spare me, I can guarantee you won''t be hunted by the Black Tiger Gang!"


    "I have many treasures in my storage ring, as long as you spare me, they''re all yours!"


    However, despite his pleas, Xiao Lingchen showed no mercy.


    He beheaded him with the same sword.


    "By killing you, your treasures are mine anyway!"


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 Chapter 24 - Secret Realm Unlocked

    What you desire is what you get.


    After dealing with everyone from the Black Tiger Gang, Xiao Lingchen released his spiritual power and collected the storage rings from the three Protectors¡ªZhou, Bai, and Xuan¡ªas well as the other members of the gang.


    As for the threat Xuan Hu mentioned about being hunted by the Black Tiger Gang, Xiao Lingchen didn''t care at all.


    Having practiced the God-killing Sword Technique, he was eager for more people to come and throw their lives away to aid his cultivation.


    Now, Xiao Lingchen had already reached the mid-stage of the Dao Palace Realm, almost invincible within this realm!


    [Stages one to three are early-stage, four to six are mid-stage, and seven and above are late-stage.]


    Even if he encountered a strong practitioner from the Breaking Illusions Realm, he had a restraining spell set by his master and a scroll filled with killing intent.


    In short, if the Black Tiger Gang dared to come, no matter how many, he could kill them all!


    The more, the merrier!


    At this moment, Luo Xingxing, Yu Haoran, and others supported each other as they approached Xiao Lingchen.


    They all cupped their hands in gratitude and said:


    "Brother Lingchen, thank you."


    "If it weren''t for you this time, it would probably be us lying here now."


    "We will never forget your life-saving grace."


    Xiao Lingchen replied:


    "No need to be polite. Since we know each other, I couldn''t just stand by when you were in danger."


    Although Xiao Lingchen spoke kindly, he had already calculated everything clearly in his heart.


    He did want to kill to enhance his skills.


    But if the Black Tiger Gang''s people were too strong, he wouldn''t have intervened.


    After all, only a fool would risk their life for a few people they just met.


    However, this time, the gang members were all a bunch of weaklings.


    Saving them not only allowed him to kill and increase his cultivation but also made them owe him a favor, achieving two goals at once.


    And they naturally didn''t know Xiao Lingchen''s true thoughts.


    Hearing his righteous words, they were all moved to tears.


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    They silently remembered this favor in their hearts, pondering how to repay it.


    Just then.


    "Boom!!!"


    The ground trembled, and the sky was filled with radiant light!


    Rich spiritual qi, almost tangible, gushed like a fountain from the distant Thousand Cloud Mountain Range, engulfing Fengshang City and the surrounding towns!


    Under the nourishment of the abundant spiritual qi, people felt rejuvenated, and some cultivators stuck at a bottleneck even broke through instantly!


    In an instant.


    Everyone''s eyes widened.


    Excitement and exhilaration filled everyone''s hearts.


    Such a phenomenon announced to all that the Secret Realm of the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range had finally opened!!!


    "The Secret Realm of the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range has opened!"


    In the courtyard.


    Luo Xingxing''s eyes shone brightly, filled with excitement.


    This time, he came down the mountain to enter the Secret Realm and seize opportunities!


    However.


    The others weren''t as happy; instead, their eyes dimmed with despair.


    Bi Qi shook his head with a bitter smile and said:


    "So what if it''s opened? We''re all seriously injured now. Entering the Secret Realm would be a death sentence!"


    Hou Ping echoed:


    "Indeed, our strength is too weak. Now that we''ve offended the Black Tiger Gang, we can''t even stay in Fengshang City for long, let alone enter the Secret Realm."


    As the two spoke, Luo Xingxing''s eyes dimmed as well.


    Though reluctant to accept it, he couldn''t deny that they were right.


    The Secret Realm itself was full of dangers, and now they were all injured. Plus, having offended the Black Tiger Gang, they could face retaliation at any moment.


    Entering the Secret Realm rashly in such a situation would likely lead to no return!


    Then, Luo Xingxing sighed and said:


    "Forget it! Opportunities are rare, but if you''re dead, it''s all for nothing!"


    "Better to go back and cultivate well, and wait for the next Secret Realm to open."


    The others nodded in agreement.


    Bi Qi cupped his hands and said:


    "In that case, let''s part ways here. If fate allows, you can visit me in Meng City, and I''ll treat you to good food and drink!"


    He then turned to Xiao Lingchen and said:


    "Brother Lingchen, I can''t repay today''s kindness. If you ever need anything, come to Meng City, and I''ll go through fire and water for you!"


    Hou Ping added:


    "Me too. If you ever come to Jiang City, just mention my name! Brother Lingchen, if you come to Jiang City, you can choose any gold, silver, jewels, or treasures from my home!"


    Luo Xingxing immediately chimed in:


    "Brother Lingchen, you saved me, and I remember it well. Though I have nothing now, when I become the Holy Son of the sect, the leader of the righteous path, and the savior of the world, I''ll repay you a hundredfold and make you famous and respected by all!"


    Xiao Lingchen helplessly told him:


    "Alright, stop bragging."


    Bi Qi''s promise was sincere, and Hou Ping''s family was wealthy, so they would surely keep their word.


    Only Luo Xingxing''s words gave Xiao Lingchen a strong sense of empty promises.


    He would rather have a few thousand spirit stones.


    At this moment, Yu Haoran, standing aside, looked conflicted. After pondering for a while, he took out a treasure resembling a clock.


    In ancient times, this object was called a sundial, used to measure time by the shadow cast by the sun.


    He looked at Xiao Lingchen and said:


    "Brother Lingchen, I don''t like owing people. You saved my life today, so I''ll give you this sundial."


    "This is the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial, a gift from my master. It contains a time formation that can control the flow of time around you. I carried this Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial since I was young, which is why I broke through to the Dao Palace Realm at just twenty-five."


    Hearing Yu Haoran''s explanation, everyone present was shocked!


    "A time formation that can control the flow of time around you?!"


    "My god! Is there really a treasure in this world that can control time?"


    "No wonder Brother Haoran broke through to the Dao Palace Realm at such a young age. This item is truly heaven-defying!"


    Not only them, but even Xiao Lingchen was shocked after hearing about the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial''s effects!


    He could imagine how heaven-defying this item''s ability was!


    Increasing the flow of time around oneself would mean significantly reducing the time needed for cultivation!


    For example, under the same talent and resources, if it takes someone a year to break through a realm, using this Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial would greatly reduce that time.


    If the time flow is increased by twofold, it would mean breaking through in just half a year!


    Yu Haoran had clearly used the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial''s ability to break through to the Dao Palace Realm at such a young age!


    Moreover, with accelerated time flow, attack and movement speeds would also greatly increase.


    Normally, one could strike once per second, but with accelerated time flow, one could strike ten or even a hundred times per second!


    The numerous benefits were astounding!


    Yu Haoran noticed their amazement and said somewhat awkwardly:


    "Of course, the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial''s effects aren''t overly exaggerated. After years of testing, it can only speed up or slow down the time flow around you by at most thirty percent."


    Thirty percent, or 1.3 times, may not be as exaggerated as they imagined, but it''s still heaven-defying!


    It''s important to know that once a cultivator reaches a certain realm, whether in cultivation or battle, every second counts.


    Being a second faster or slower can have a huge impact on the outcome!


    For a moment, everyone present looked at the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial with burning eyes, filled with desire.


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 Chapter 25 - Great battle

    Certainly.


    Though they were envious, they had no other thoughts.


    A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it in a proper manner.


    Besides, even if they wanted it, they had to weigh whether they had the strength to take it!


    Xiao Lingchen was one thing, but since Yu Haoran''s master possessed such a treasure, it indicated a powerful existence.


    If they dared to have any improper thoughts, they might not even know how they died!


    Xiao Lingchen took the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial from Yu Haoran''s hands and immediately felt the immense power of time contained within.


    He was overjoyed!


    With this item, his cultivation efficiency would increase once again!


    This made Xiao Lingchen feel even more favorable towards Yu Haoran.


    After all, the gratitude and promises of others were ultimately empty, only Yu Haoran truly delivered benefits into his hands.


    Seeing that everyone had expressed their gratitude to Xiao Lingchen in their own way, Li Muyun finally spoke:


    "Brother Lingchen, I am deeply grateful for your life-saving grace, but I am alone and can only repay you with a secret about this Secret Realm."


    Then Li Muyun used a voice transmission to convey the secret to Xiao Lingchen.


    After hearing the secret from Li Muyun, Xiao Lingchen was momentarily stunned.


    "Is what you said true?"


    Li Muyun replied noncommittally:


    "Of course it''s true."


    "Brother Lingchen, can this secret repay your life-saving grace?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded:


    "Brother Muyun''s secret is indeed quite valuable."


    "It can certainly repay."


    Their conversation piqued the curiosity of the others.


    However, since it was a secret, they knew better than to ask.


    After Li Muyun and Xiao Lingchen finished speaking.


    Everyone knew it was time to part ways, so they clasped their fists and bid farewell.


    "In that case, we shall meet again someday!"


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    "Until we meet again!"


    "Also, I wish Brother Lingchen great success in the Secret Realm, to seize supreme opportunities and return safely!"


    "When we meet again, let''s drink and celebrate together."


    "Farewell, everyone!"


    With that, they each took to the sky, heading in different directions.


    Li Muyun did not leave immediately.


    Instead, he wanted to settle Su Su before departing.


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t say much about this.


    At this moment, the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range had already opened, and opportunities were rare. A second''s delay could mean missing out on a chance.


    After saying goodbye, he used the Divine Movement Step to rush towards the direction of the Secret Realm.


    At this moment, the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range was teeming with cultivators.


    They came from all directions, numbering in the millions.


    They swarmed like locusts.


    To enter the Secret Realm, some even started fighting, and the sounds of battle echoed continuously.


    With the Divine Movement Step and the miraculous effects of the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial, Xiao Lingchen''s speed far surpassed others. In no time, he reached the entrance of the Secret Realm.


    After cutting down tens of thousands of cultivators blocking the entrance with a single sword strike.


    He finally passed through the water-like entrance and successfully entered the Secret Realm!


    In an instant, the surrounding environment changed dramatically!


    .......


    It must be said, this Secret Realm is truly worthy of being the relic of an ancient sect.


    Even after millions of years, the grandeur of the past can still be felt from the majestic buildings.


    The spiritual Qi here is almost tangible, and it flows into one''s body without any guidance, enhancing one''s cultivation.


    Even the weeds growing everywhere contain spiritual power, and any random plant is comparable to spiritual herbs and medicines outside.


    Even the stone tablet in front of the sect contains mysterious Dao rhythms, making it extremely suitable for meditation and comprehension!


    "This... is this the Jade Skin Flower? Ancient texts record that this flower can bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh on bones, and it''s said to be extinct. I can''t believe I found it in this Secret Realm! My God! I''m rich!!!"


    "Is this the Cold Heart Fruit? Oh my God! So many Cold Heart Fruits, at least a hundred of them, right?!!"


    "And this, the Longevity King Root that can extend life! Such a thick root, it can probably extend life by a thousand years, right?"


    "......"


    The sounds of joy from discovering treasures echoed all around.


    This place was like a giant treasure trove, filled with opportunities everywhere.


    Of course, in the face of such great benefits, human greed was magnified to the extreme.


    Often, someone would just discover a treasure, only to be besieged and robbed by others, and those lacking strength would meet a tragic end under a flurry of blades.


    Gradually, the cultivators learned to be low-key.


    They no longer dared to announce their discoveries of treasures.


    Yet, fights and casualties remained common.


    Xiao Lingchen used the Divine Movement Step to head straight for the core area of the sect.


    This place was merely the outer part of the ancient sect, and the resources were already so abundant.


    If he were to delve into the core of the sect, it was unimaginable how astonishing the heritage would be.


    However.


    He hadn''t flown far.


    When a water dragon suddenly came crashing towards him.


    "Roar!!!"


    The water dragon roared, its power fierce!


    Fortunately, Xiao Lingchen reacted in time and dodged the attack.


    However, the mountain peak behind him wasn''t so lucky, and it was instantly blasted into countless fragments, collapsing with a roar.


    "Xiao Lingchen, you finally came!"


    "We''ve been waiting for you for a long time!"


    Xiao Lingchen looked up ahead, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Familiar faces came rushing in!


    Leading them was He Nanru, the City Lord of Azure Cloud City, dressed in a green robe, with long hair as dark as ink.


    Behind him were fifteen instructors leading hundreds of thousands of city guards, along with high-ranking figures from the major family forces of Azure Cloud City.


    The dense mass of city guards and family forces surrounded the area, blocking out the sky!


    The pressure was immense!


    Seeing this, Xiao Lingchen was not the least bit flustered; instead, he grinned:


    "He Nanru, four months ago you besieged my Xiao Family, and I haven''t even come to settle the score with you, yet you''re eager to die!"


    He Nanru sneered:


    "Xiao Lingchen, don''t get carried away just because you killed some small fry in Azure Cloud City!"


    "Standing here today are the elite of my City Lord''s Mansion''s three hundred thousand city guards and the top combat forces of Azure Cloud City''s major family forces!"


    "If we all strike together, what chance do you have?"


    Xiao Lingchen drew the Phoenix Emperor Sword, standing with his sword:


    "Whether there''s a chance or not, we''ll only know after the fight!"


    As he finished speaking, Xiao Lingchen swung his sword fiercely.


    In an instant, a massive red Sword Qi transformed into a tangible red crescent, blasting towards He Nanru and the others!


    He Nanru and the others were startled.


    They hurriedly scattered in all directions.


    The cultivation of He Nanru and the leading figures was already at the Dao Palace Realm, so dodging Xiao Lingchen''s attack wasn''t difficult.


    However, the weaker city guards and family forces behind them weren''t so fortunate.


    Before they could react, they were slain by the Sword Qi!


    This single strike claimed the lives of tens of thousands!


    He Nanru and the leaders of the various families'' faces darkened.


    "Xiao Lingchen, your bloodthirsty nature is beyond words!"


    "Everyone, join me in slaying this fiend!"


    "Kill!!!"


    In an instant, the hundreds of thousands present erupted with spiritual power, activating their cultivation methods and divine powers, launching an assault on Xiao Lingchen!


    The great battle was about to begin!


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 Chapter 26 - Trump card

    It must be said.


    He Nanru was not exaggerating; these people were indeed the elite city guards and the top combat forces from the major families of Azure Cloud City!


    In terms of realm and strength, they were far superior to those Zhuang Ping had brought that day.


    If it were anyone else, they would have been crushed in no time.


    But for Xiao Lingchen, they were merely slightly troublesome experience points!


    At this moment, Xiao Lingchen employed the Shadow Assault Technique, and black shadows instantly bound everyone around him.


    "What... what''s happening?"


    "Why can''t I move?"


    "What kind of divine power is this?"


    While they were bewildered and terrified, Xiao Lingchen, wielding the Phoenix Emperor Sword, charged into the crowd.


    At this moment, he transformed into a god of slaughter, leaving death and destruction in his wake!


    Amidst the piercing screams, the endless aura of slaughter was absorbed by the Phoenix Emperor Sword and then fed back into Xiao Lingchen!


    "Retreat!"


    "Quick, retreat!!!"


    Xiao Lingchen''s decisiveness and ruthlessness caused everyone''s faces to change drastically, shouting for a retreat.


    Those with slightly stronger abilities could temporarily retreat and evade, while those lacking strength couldn''t even break free from Xiao Lingchen''s Shadow Assault Technique.


    In just a moment, tens of thousands more perished under Xiao Lingchen''s sword.


    "Xiao Lingchen, you''re courting death!"


    They had thought that gathering so many strong individuals would easily result in Xiao Lingchen''s demise.


    Yet, unexpectedly, in just two encounters, most of their people were dead or injured.


    In contrast, Xiao Lingchen remained unscathed.


    This infuriated He Nanru and everyone present to the point of madness.


    "Xiao Family brat, my Lin Family has been slaughtered by you, and today I will kill you!!!"


    An elderly man with a youthful face and gray robe roared as he charged at Xiao Lingchen!


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    "Oh? Has the Lin Family already been wiped out by me so quickly?"


    Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen was slightly surprised, then laughed:


    "So, you must be the Ancestor of the Lin Family who has always remained in seclusion."


    "Since all your Lin Family members are dead, you might as well join them!"


    Although the Lin Family was not well-known in Azure Cloud City, everyone knew they had an ancestor who was always in closed-door cultivation.


    He was the Lin Family''s trump card, a presence that other families in Azure Cloud City feared.


    Unexpectedly, to besiege him, the Lin Family even brought out this ancestor.


    Well, this way, he could deal with the entire Lin Family at once, saving future trouble!


    A fierce glint flashed in Xiao Lingchen''s eyes.


    In a flash, he appeared in front of the Ancestor of the Lin Family.


    Then, with one sword strike, he pierced through the ancestor''s chest!


    Despite his age, the Ancestor of the Lin Family had very ordinary talent, having spent his entire life cultivating, using up most of the Lin Family''s resources to barely reach the Dao Palace Realm.


    Such a person was naturally no match for Xiao Lingchen.


    At this moment, watching the blood gushing from his pierced chest, the Ancestor of the Lin Family was filled with disbelief.


    "How... how is this possible..."


    "We both have Dao Palace Realm cultivation, why am I not your match?"


    Unfortunately, the Ancestor of the Lin Family''s question was destined to go unanswered by Xiao Lingchen.


    He couldn''t be bothered to answer the question of a dying man.


    After dealing with the Ancestor of the Lin Family, Xiao Lingchen greedily looked at He Nanru and the others.


    In Xiao Lingchen''s eyes, these people were all nourishment for his cultivation, and he loved them dearly!


    He Nanru and the others naturally noticed Xiao Lingchen''s gaze.


    Looking at the tens of thousands of them, not only did he show no fear, but he was also filled with bloodthirsty excitement.


    This made them all terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat.


    Those with unstable Dao hearts were already scared out of their wits, screaming and fleeing.


    But in the next second, they were all bound again by Xiao Lingchen''s Shadow Assault Technique.


    "Since you''re here, why leave?"


    "I think this place is perfect to become your graveyard!"


    "You shall all rest here forever!"


    Xiao Lingchen''s words were like the whispers of ghosts and gods.


    Causing those who were already terrified to completely collapse.


    In the next instant, Xiao Lingchen''s figure vanished from the spot.


    When he reappeared, he was already among the crowd.


    The Phoenix Emperor Sword in his hand swung wildly without restraint!


    With each swing, tens of thousands fell!


    In just a few breaths, the original tens of thousands turned into a mountain of corpses on the ground.


    He Nanru''s forehead was beaded with cold sweat, his eyelids twitching.


    His gaze involuntarily turned to the other family ancestors beside him, speaking solemnly:


    "Everyone, at this point, there''s no need to hold back."


    "If we can''t kill this fiend, today we might all meet our end here!"


    "Everyone, use your trump cards!!!"


    The ancestors of several families nodded in agreement.


    Their clansmen had been slaughtered by Xiao Lingchen today, so even if He Nanru hadn''t said anything, they wouldn''t let Xiao Lingchen go!


    "Xiao Family brat, don''t be arrogant!"


    "Today, even if it means death, I will take your head to honor my fallen clansmen!"


    "Give me your life!!!"


    As they spoke, the aura around He Nanru and the family ancestors suddenly changed, the powerful cultivation of the Dao Palace Realm surging forth!


    One of the family ancestors used some secret technique, pushing his cultivation to the limit.


    In just a few breaths, his aura approached the Breaking Illusions Realm!


    At the same time, an invisible pressure spread from them, suppressing the area for miles around, as if even the air had solidified!


    Then, they attacked without hesitation!


    Almost in an instant, they appeared in front of Xiao Lingchen.


    The divine artifacts in their hands erupted with terrifying auras, driven by the Dao Palace Realm cultivation, causing the heavens and earth to tremble, then all aimed at Xiao Lingchen.


    Seeing this, Xiao Lingchen''s expression finally turned serious.


    He quickly retreated under the immense pressure.


    At the same time, with a thought, he took out the Soul Extinguishing Needle his father had given him and launched it forward!


    Though the Soul Extinguishing Needle appeared ordinary, it was the Xiao Family''s trump card, having once killed several Dao Palace Realm cultivators, and even severely injured a Breaking Illusions Realm expert!


    Once the needle was released, it shot straight toward the family ancestor who had temporarily reached half-step Breaking Illusions Realm!


    Seeing this, the family ancestor''s face changed dramatically.


    He instinctively tried to dodge, but it was too late!


    In just an instant, the Soul Extinguishing Needle pierced through the ancestor''s chest!


    In an instant, the ancestor''s aura plummeted, falling from the previous half-step Breaking Illusions Realm to the Dao Palace Realm, and finally not even retaining the Spirit Platform Realm cultivation.


    Along with his life force rapidly fading, he fell from the sky, his body and soul perishing!


    With that ancestor dealt with, Xiao Lingchen''s pressure was greatly reduced.


    But he still didn''t dare to be careless.


    Because He Nanru and the other dozen Dao Palace Realm experts'' attacks had already arrived!


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 Chapter 27 - Upside-down Mountain

    Xiao Lingchen''s body radiated with golden light.


    He pushed the Divine Movement Step to its utmost, retreating rapidly with the threefold acceleration of the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial.


    At the same time, a mass of thunderclouds was accumulating madly above his head.


    In no time, the thunderclouds had covered the entire sky, with bolts of lightning surging and roaring like silver dragons.


    As He Nanru and the others launched their attack, the thunder in the sky descended with the swing of the Phoenix Emperor Sword!


    Anger of the Thunder!


    "Boom!!!"


    Countless divine powers and thunder exploded simultaneously, echoing through the heavens.


    The endless might and destructive force seemed to blast this entire space apart.


    Xiao Lingchen and He Nanru, along with the others, were blown away by this terrifying power!


    "Cough, cough..."


    He Nanru spat out blood, his body wounded in multiple places.


    He looked at the devastated battlefield before him, his heart filled with shock.


    "This guy is truly terrifying!"


    "Who would have thought he had such powerful means, capable of severely injuring so many Dao Palace Realm experts like us!"


    "If he grows any further, none of us will be his match."


    "Yes, but for now, we shouldn''t have to worry."


    The group let out a long sigh of relief.


    The battle was finally over.


    However, in the next second.


    A bad premonition suddenly rose in their hearts.


    Almost instinctively, they turned their heads, nearly collapsing to the ground.


    Xiao Lingchen had somehow appeared behind them.


    At this moment, Xiao Lingchen was enveloped in a faint golden light, and the blood-red sword in his hand exuded a terrifying aura that seemed to pierce the heavens!


    He Nanru and the others felt their scalps tingle, as if they had fallen into an ice cellar, their bodies chilled to the bone.


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    "This... how is it possible!"


    He knew better than anyone the power of their combined strike just now.


    Even a Breaking Illusions Realm expert would not dare to take it head-on!


    And Xiao Lingchen?


    He took a strike that even a Breaking Illusions Realm expert wouldn''t dare to face, and remained unscathed!


    To him, this was simply inconceivable!


    They hurriedly tried to get up and flee.


    But.


    It was too late!


    Xiao Lingchen swung the Phoenix Emperor Sword without hesitation, slashing towards them!


    "Slash!!!"


    With one strike, the nearest person''s head was severed instantly!


    Another strike, and two family patriarchs who had just stood up were cut in half by Xiao Lingchen.


    "No!"


    "This is impossible!"


    "How can you not be dead? This is absolutely impossible!"


    The previous strike had already exhausted all their spiritual power.


    Now they couldn''t resist, nor could they escape.


    They could only face endless despair as Xiao Lingchen killed them one by one!


    He Nanru''s legs were also severed, and he fell to the ground, screaming in agony:


    "Ah!!!"


    "Xiao Lingchen!!"


    "You should..."


    Xiao Lingchen grabbed He Nanru by the neck, lifting him like a chick, and asked:


    "Tell me, why did you attack my Xiao Family back then?"


    He Nanru struggled to say:


    "Because... because someone wants your Xiao Family destroyed!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Lingchen''s eyes narrowed:


    "Who?"


    He Nanru''s face was full of dread:


    "I... I can''t say..."


    "Please..."


    "Crack!"


    As soon as He Nanru finished speaking, Xiao Lingchen mercilessly snapped his neck.


    He had no patience for nonsense.


    If he wouldn''t talk, then he would die.


    As for who the mastermind was, Xiao Lingchen planned to visit the Tianyan Sect to investigate.


    Four months ago, the siege was led by the City Lord''s Mansion and the Tianyan Sect together.


    So within the Tianyan Sect, he would surely find the information he wanted!


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes narrowed: "Tianyan Sect, and the one behind wanting to destroy my Xiao Family, I won''t let any of you go."


    And now.


    After collecting the storage rings from these people, Xiao Lingchen headed deeper into the Secret Realm again.


    Being delayed by this group for so long, who knows how many opportunities he had missed!


    Xiao Lingchen''s heart bled at the thought.


    The scene that had just unfolded was witnessed by many.


    All of them were shocked by Xiao Lingchen''s formidable methods, silently etching his appearance into their minds, remembering not to provoke him in the future.


    ...


    This ancient sect was composed of eighteen main peaks, each covering a vast area, stretching for miles!


    With the Divine Movement Step and the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial''s support.


    It took Xiao Lingchen a full quarter of an hour to reach the core area of the Secret Realm, the heart of the ancient sect.


    The spiritual qi here was noticeably denser than the outer areas.


    Walking here felt like traversing a marsh of spiritual qi.


    Some cultivators, disliking competition, chose to sit and cultivate here.


    As for those with a bit of ambition, most had already fallen in pools of blood.


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t linger here for long.


    He headed straight for the Back Mountain of the ancient sect.


    Earlier, in Su Su''s courtyard, Li Muyun had secretly told Xiao Lingchen a secret.


    That secret was the location of the Sect Master''s Cave Abode in this ancient sect.


    Since it was the Sect Master''s Cave Abode, it was also the foundation of the entire ancient sect.


    Especially the Heaven Grade Divine Artifact, the Cauldron of Fate, which was highly likely to be hidden in the Sect Master''s Cave Abode!


    That was Xiao Lingchen''s main goal for this trip.


    According to Li Muyun''s instructions, combined with the map he had seen from Luo Xingxing earlier.


    Soon, Xiao Lingchen arrived at a mountain separate from the eighteen main peaks!


    This mountain was steep as if carved by a knife, suspended in the sky, shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, hidden within.


    If not for Li Muyun''s guidance, not to mention Xiao Lingchen, any other person would likely be unable to find it!


    Here, lush trees provided shade, and various exotic flowers and herbs adorned the surroundings.


    Upon reaching the mountain, the view suddenly opened up.


    Here, one could overlook the entire ancient sect''s undulating mountains and winding rivers, with the sky above seemingly within reach.


    Not far away was a Cave Abode set with a Restraining Spell.


    However, due to its age, the spell was already on the verge of collapse, and Xiao Lingchen easily broke it with a wave of his hand, entering inside.


    At this moment.


    Xiao Lingchen''s eyes lit up.


    In this vast Cave Abode, all sorts of heavenly materials and treasures were everywhere.


    On the left was a medicinal field filled with a rich aroma, planted with various spiritual herbs and medicines.


    On the right was a pool of unnamed spiritual liquid, emitting a misty aura.


    In a nearby cabinet, neatly arranged were some ancient texts, containing divine powers and cultivation methods.


    Xiao Lingchen accepted everything without hesitation, sweeping all he could into his storage ring.


    This time.


    Xiao Lingchen''s wealth was overflowing!


    At this moment.


    Xiao Lingchen''s chest suddenly felt hot.


    He immediately took out the Heaven and Earth Mirror from his bosom.


    The Heaven and Earth Mirror emitted a ray of light, pointing in a forward direction.


    Previously, the Heaven and Earth Mirror had behaved this way, leading Xiao Lingchen to discover the Blazing Red Lotus.


    Now, the Heaven and Earth Mirror had evidently found another treasure!


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 Chapter 28 - Coming back to life

    Xiao Lingchen, without hesitation, headed straight in the direction indicated by the Heaven and Earth Mirror.


    Before long, he found himself in a secret room.


    The secret room was empty and spotlessly clean, almost devoid of anything.


    If not for the guidance of the Heaven and Earth Mirror, Xiao Lingchen would likely have taken one look and left.


    But since it was the mirror''s guidance, there must be a treasure hidden here!


    Sure enough!


    The moment Xiao Lingchen stepped into the secret room, the Heaven and Earth Mirror suddenly shone brightly.


    Immediately, the entire secret room began to rumble!


    A crystal coffin suddenly rose from the ground, standing tall in front of Xiao Lingchen.


    Inside the crystal coffin lay a fairy with a tragic beauty, dressed in a long white gown, her skin as white as snow, exquisitely carved like jade.


    Her closed eyes seemed to carry a faint trace of sorrow.


    "Could this fairy be the Sect Master of this ancient sect?" Xiao Lingchen pondered.


    The fairy in the coffin had been dead for an unknown amount of time, yet her body remained uncorrupted, even exuding a faint pressure.


    Apart from the ancient sect''s Sect Master who possessed the Cauldron of Fate and cultivated an immortal body, there could be no other.


    The Heaven and Earth Mirror continued to emit light, growing increasingly brilliant.


    As the light shone on the fairy, she seemed like a maiden awakened by the morning sun, slowly opening her misty eyes.


    Her eyes were exceptionally beautiful, like a clear spring, transparent and deep, containing endless mystery and depth, drawing one in.


    Xiao Lingchen quickly snapped back to reality, startled.


    "Damn, why did she open her eyes?"


    "Is she coming back to life?"


    Sure enough.


    In the next moment.


    The coffin suddenly opened.


    The fairy slowly stepped out.


    After all, having endured for millions of years, her body was well-preserved, but her clothes instantly turned to dust, scattering on the ground.


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    "Who are you? What year is it now?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, unbothered by her current state.


    "Junior Xiao Lingchen, it is now the year 2337 of the Tianxuan era," Xiao Lingchen replied truthfully, though wary.


    The fairy''s face showed confusion:


    "The year 2337 of the Tianxuan era... What about the Liuli Dynasty?"


    After a moment of thought, Xiao Lingchen answered:


    "Senior, the Liuli Dynasty has been extinct for forty-six million years."


    Upon hearing this, the fairy seemed struck by lightning, then showed a look of desolation.


    "Forty-six million years... Has it really been that long?"


    "My old friends must all be gone by now, right?"


    This time, it was Xiao Lingchen''s turn to be puzzled:


    "Senior, are you the Sect Master of this ancient sect?"


    "Ancient sect?" The fairy smiled bitterly, then replied, "From the perspective of this era, my sect indeed counts as an ancient sect."


    "Yes, I am the Sect Master of the Shangqing Xuan Sect, Yue Lianyi, as you call it."


    Xiao Lingchen continued to ask:


    "But... how are you still alive? I heard you were killed by enemies millions of years ago, and even your soul was obliterated. How come you''re..."


    Yue Lianyi answered:


    "I am indeed dead, and my soul is gone. What remains now is just a wisp of lingering consciousness controlling this body."


    "When my sect was slaughtered and my soul extinguished, I used all my cultivation as a price to leave behind this wisp of consciousness, waiting for a destined person to inherit my life''s legacy."


    "Now it seems, you are that destined one."


    Yue Lianyi looked at Xiao Lingchen and earnestly asked:


    "Are you willing to inherit my legacy?"


    Xiao Lingchen was overjoyed:


    "Of course, I am willing."


    The legacy of an ancient powerhouse is a rare opportunity, sought after by countless people.


    Wasn''t this the reason he entered this Secret Realm?


    Xiao Lingchen''s willingness delighted the fairy.


    She continued:


    "But I am only a remnant consciousness, and the normal method of passing on the legacy may not be possible."


    "However, I have another method of inheritance. I wonder if you can accept it."


    Xiao Lingchen asked:


    "What method?"


    Yue Lianyi didn''t explain, merely waved her jade hand, stripping Xiao Lingchen of his clothes.


    Then she pushed him onto the bed in the secret room.


    Xiao Lingchen was startled:


    "Senior, what are you doing?"


    ...


    In a flash.


    Three months passed.


    Xiao Lingchen received all of Yue Lianyi''s legacy!


    Now.


    Xiao Lingchen''s cultivation realm inexplicably advanced to the late Dao Palace Realm.


    And in his mind, countless memories of the legacy emerged.


    Once he fully assimilates these memories, his knowledge and skills will undergo a qualitative leap!


    Suddenly, a pair of delicate arms wrapped around Xiao Lingchen''s waist.


    Xiao Lingchen smiled gently, looking at the beautiful Yue Lianyi behind him, and asked with a smile:


    "What''s wrong?"


    In three months of companionship, the feelings between Xiao Lingchen and Yue Lianyi had grown rapidly.


    Yue Lianyi lowered her gaze:


    "Now that you have received all of Lianyi''s legacy, soon, this last remnant of Lianyi will also dissipate."


    Xiao Lingchen gently held her hand and said:


    "I will always remember you."


    Yue Lianyi was touched, her cheeks slightly flushed:


    "In that case, Lianyi has no regrets in this life."


    "But Lianyi has one last request, and I hope you can agree."


    Xiao Lingchen said:


    "Tell me."


    Yue Lianyi said:


    "Although I have been dead for millions of years, I can vaguely sense that there is still a trace of my Yue clan''s bloodline in this era."


    "Over millions of years, I don''t know how my clan''s descendants have fared."


    "If you encounter them someday, and if they are doing well, that''s good. But if they are not, or if they face difficulties."


    "I hope you can help them within your ability."


    Xiao Lingchen gently patted her head:


    "Alright, I promise you."


    With that, Yue Lianyi''s heart was at peace.


    She shyly kissed Xiao Lingchen once more, spending the last moments with him.


    Three days later.


    Yue Lianyi''s body gradually dissipated.


    Her gaze lingered on Xiao Lingchen:


    "I''m so glad that after millions of years, I could still meet you today."


    "I spent my life in monotonous cultivation, thank you for giving me the most beautiful time of my life."


    "I think I will never forget you."


    "If there is a next life, even if I have to traverse mountains and rivers, I would still want to find you and marry you."


    "Goodbye..."


    Finally, Yue Lianyi completely disappeared.


    In the air, not a trace of her presence remained.


    Xiao Lingchen sighed deeply.


    "Goodbye, Lianyi..."


    Three months of companionship left unforgettable memories in his mind.


    But ultimately, dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth.


    After millions of years of waiting, it''s time to rest.


    Xiao Lingchen erected a grave for Yue Lianyi.


    After changing into new clothes, he left the cave abode.


    His gaze turned to the verdant mountains and winding rivers below the Hanging Mountain.


    Then he closed his eyes.


    As if sensing something.


    In a moment, he seemed to connect with something.


    "Come!"


    With a thought, the entire Secret Realm began to rumble, the earth trembled.


    The river flowed backward, and brilliant rays of light filled the sky!


    A black cauldron, with supreme might, rose from the earth.


    Like a black sun, it hung high in the sky!


    This scene shocked everyone still in the Secret Realm!


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 Chapter 29 - Siege

    "Look quickly!! That! Could that be... the Cauldron of Fate!"


    "The divine might of this level, it must be the Cauldron of Fate!"


    "The Cauldron of Fate has emerged! It has finally emerged!!"


    "Hahaha! Three months! We''ve waited a full three months, and the Cauldron of Fate has finally appeared!"


    "I''ve been waiting in the Secret Realm for so long, just for this moment!"


    "Fellow cultivators, I won''t be polite with you. I am determined to obtain the Cauldron of Fate!"


    "......"


    Amidst the excitement, some had already snapped back to their senses and flew towards the Cauldron of Fate in the sky.


    For almost everyone, the Cauldron of Fate was the greatest opportunity in this Secret Realm.


    They entered the Secret Realm precisely to obtain the Cauldron of Fate.


    Thus, with its emergence, it naturally became the target of countless people vying for it!


    Especially as they neared the Cauldron of Fate, everyone simultaneously began to fight, intending to eliminate all competitors!


    Various divine powers and cultivation methods exploded chaotically in the air, with the dead and injured falling from the sky, creating a fierce scene!


    But in the next second.


    The Cauldron of Fate seemed to be guided by something.


    It suddenly flew in one direction.


    Everyone''s eyes were drawn to this scene, watching intently as the Cauldron of Fate flew into the hands of a young man standing atop the Hanging Mountain!


    For a moment.


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Strange, when did a Hanging Mountain appear over there?"


    "Isn''t the point that the Cauldron of Fate was taken by that kid!"


    "It''s said that the Cauldron of Fate is a Divine Artifact above Heaven Grade, only obtainable by those with great fortune and fate. Could this young man be such a person?"


    "That''s nonsense! Only true powerhouses deserve the Cauldron of Fate in my opinion!"


    "Exactly! This world is survival of the fittest. As long as I can defeat all of you and that young man, the Cauldron of Fate will be mine!"


    "Why talk so much? Let''s all make a move, whoever grabs the Cauldron of Fate gets it!"


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    "......"


    Every cultivator had a sense of pride.


    Naturally, they couldn''t just watch the opportunity slip away to someone else!


    So they all charged towards Xiao Lingchen!


    On the other side, Xiao Lingchen held the Cauldron of Fate in his hand, curiously examining it.


    Having received the legacy of Yue Lianyi, Xiao Lingchen naturally became the master of the Cauldron of Fate.


    At this moment, many of the Cauldron''s miraculous abilities surfaced in his mind, filling him with joy.


    It turned out that the greatest opportunity in this Secret Realm wasn''t the Cauldron of Fate.


    It was Yue Lianyi''s legacy.


    By obtaining her legacy, one could naturally acquire the Cauldron of Fate, and even everything she possessed!


    This was all thanks to the secret revealed by Li Muyun.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have found Yue Lianyi, and this opportunity might have slipped away.


    At this moment, millions of cultivators had already reached Xiao Lingchen.


    "Kid, hand over the Cauldron of Fate obediently, and I might spare your life!"


    "This cauldron is not something a wet-behind-the-ears brat like you can touch!"


    Though they said this.


    Their charging speed didn''t slow down at all.


    Clearly, they had no intention of negotiating, but were prepared to seize it by force!


    If Xiao Lingchen didn''t know better, the outcome was obvious.


    In response, Xiao Lingchen became excited.


    If people don''t offend me, I won''t offend them. If people offend me, then let them help me cultivate!


    With a twist of his hand, he summoned the Phoenix Emperor Sword.


    In an instant, a myriad of murderous aura surged to the sky.


    It immediately halted the charging cultivators.


    Each person''s face involuntarily showed a look of terror.


    They couldn''t understand why a seemingly harmless young man possessed such a terrifying sword.


    As soon as that sword appeared, it was as if they saw a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood rushing towards them, making their hearts race uncontrollably.


    Soon, someone recognized Xiao Lingchen.


    "It''s him!"


    "Three months ago, I saw him with my own eyes, a single person with a sword, killing over a dozen Dao Palace Realm experts and an army of hundreds of thousands!"


    "Run!!!"


    With these words, everyone exploded!


    A single person with a sword, able to kill over a dozen Dao Palace Realm experts and an army of hundreds of thousands?


    What kind of power is this?


    No wonder that sword exuded such a terrifying aura, clearly accumulated from countless killings and bloodshed!


    For a moment, everyone was shocked, and countless hearts were filled with the urge to retreat.


    Especially those who witnessed Xiao Lingchen''s killings three months ago, they wished to flee the Secret Realm as far as possible.


    Perhaps there was still a slim chance of survival!


    But.


    Wanting to leave now was clearly too late!


    A massive shadow surged like a tide from beneath Xiao Lingchen''s feet.


    Anyone touched by the shadow was instantly bound!


    "Since you''re here, why leave?"


    "The scenery here is beautiful, the Spiritual Qi is abundant, why not rest here forever?"


    Xiao Lingchen smirked coldly.


    The Phoenix Emperor Sword in his hand swung forward!


    "Zzz!!!"


    The overwhelming red Sword Qi transformed into a giant blood-colored crescent, annihilating tens of thousands in front of him!


    In an instant, blood dyed the earth red, and tens of thousands of corpses fell, piling up like mountains.


    Witnessing this scene.


    Millions of cultivators were terrified out of their wits.


    The stronger ones shouted angrily:


    "You! Kid, we have a million cultivators here, do you really want to be our enemy?"


    "Aren''t you afraid we''ll rise up and kill you?"


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t bother to respond.


    Instead, he charged at them with the Phoenix Emperor Sword!


    Though Xiao Lingchen was alone, the sword exuding a myriad of murderous aura gave everyone the illusion of countless corpses rushing towards them!


    In just a breath''s time, Xiao Lingchen charged into the crowd.


    The Phoenix Emperor Sword in his hand swung wildly, slashing without restraint!


    In an instant, screams echoed.


    Hundreds of thousands, millions of cultivators, all turned into corpses falling to the ground.


    Becoming nourishment for this world.


    "Insane! Absolutely insane!"


    "Demon! How dare you slaughter us cultivators like this?"


    "Fellow cultivators, if we don''t kill this demon today, it will be us who die!"


    "Why not join forces and fight him?!"


    "Yes! Fight him! Better to die fighting than be slaughtered!"


    These words immediately resonated with the remaining cultivators.


    Instantly, everyone erupted with their cultivation, using divine powers and methods to resist!


    But.


    Now, Xiao Lingchen was already at the late Dao Palace Realm, coupled with the Pure Yang Sacred Body, Yin-Yang Creation Method, and various divine powers, unless a Breaking Illusions Realm expert arrived, no one could be his match!


    Their resistance, in Xiao Lingchen''s eyes, was no different from a dying struggle!


    Instead, it made Xiao Lingchen even more excited!


    The one-sided slaughter didn''t last long.


    With the last person slain by Xiao Lingchen.


    The Secret Realm instantly fell silent.


    Only the lingering blood mist in the air drifted with the wind.


    Unfortunately, the Pure Yang Sacred Body was too abnormal; slaughtering a million cultivators didn''t significantly enhance Xiao Lingchen''s realm.


    But fortunately, realm is realm, and strength is strength.


    The growth in strength was real!


    Now, although Xiao Lingchen was still in the Dao Palace Realm, he was invincible within it.


    Even facing a typical Breaking Illusions Realm cultivator, he could hold his own!


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 Chapter 30 - Courting death!

    On the ground, countless cultivators who lacked the strength to act watched in disbelief as Xiao Lingchen slaughtered a million cultivators. They were shocked beyond measure, unable to comprehend how someone so young could possess such terrifying power and methods.


    While they were relieved they hadn''t acted, they were also filled with fear, dreading that Xiao Lingchen might come after them to silence witnesses. When Xiao Lingchen''s gaze swept over them, many were so frightened they nearly collapsed.


    Someone hurriedly shouted, "I... I didn''t see anything, I saw nothing! Please don''t kill me!"


    "I am willing to give you all the benefits I gained in the Secret Realm and swear to the Heavenly Way that I won''t speak of today''s events, just spare me!"


    Before Xiao Lingchen could respond, the person proactively offered their storage ring to Xiao Lingchen and swore to the Heavenly Way not to break their vow.


    Swearing to the Heavenly Way is a grave matter; breaking it would incur the Heavenly Way''s wrath. Not only would the oath-breaker face destruction, but their family and descendants would also meet untimely deaths.


    With the first person swearing, a second and third quickly followed. Soon, all the survivors present offered their storage rings and swore to the Heavenly Way.


    After doing this and receiving Xiao Lingchen''s permission, they fled the scene as if their lives depended on it.


    Once everyone had left the Secret Realm, Xiao Lingchen looked at the mountain of storage rings before him, feeling immensely satisfied. This trip to the Secret Realm had been incredibly rewarding, even beyond his expectations!


    Subsequently, Xiao Lingchen exited the Secret Realm and put away the Cauldron of Fate. Instantly, the entrance to the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range vanished.


    Having received Yue Lianyi''s legacy, Xiao Lingchen naturally became the master of the Cauldron of Fate, learning that the so-called Secret Realm was actually the internal space of the Cauldron. Now that he had put away the Cauldron, the Secret Realm disappeared as well. In the future, he could enter and exit at will.


    At this moment, many cultivators were still gathered in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range, and the sudden disappearance of the Secret Realm''s entrance left them all in shock. Xiao Lingchen ignored them and headed straight back to Azure Cloud City.


    With such a bountiful harvest, he couldn''t wait to return home and share it with his family!


    ..........


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    Three days later.


    Xiao Lingchen returned to the Xiao Family in Azure Cloud City. However, the situation was far from optimistic.


    Outside the Xiao Family, tens of thousands of people had surrounded them layer by layer. These were not locals of Azure Cloud City; each was burly and fierce-looking!


    "Are they from the Black Tiger Gang?"


    Xiao Lingchen squinted his eyes, recognizing these people, and a thick killing intent surged within him. "I didn''t expect a mere Black Tiger Gang to find my home. They''re courting death!"


    As he spoke, Xiao Lingchen drew the Phoenix Emperor Sword!


    Meanwhile, inside the Xiao Family''s main hall, the atmosphere was extremely tense.


    "Family Head, what should we do now?"


    "The Black Tiger Gang''s tens of thousands of members have surrounded us, and three Dao Palace Realm protectors are stationed, claiming that Young Master Lingchen killed their people and demanding blood for blood!"


    "What should we do now?"


    Xiao Dan sat at the head seat, his expression grave. He looked at Xiao Huan beside him, and the two exchanged silent glances, unsure of what to do.


    "In the end, it''s because we''re too weak!"


    Xiao Dan punched the table beside him, shattering it into pieces. "If we were strong enough, how could we be forced into such a predicament by a bunch of bandits and thugs?"


    Xiao Huan said, "Brother, now is not the time for this."


    "At this moment, our Xiao Family is in grave danger, and Lingchen hasn''t returned yet. Finding a way to survive is the priority."


    Leading the Supreme Mystical Sect disciples, Jin Yuyang said, "Xiao Family Head, I''ve observed that the western side of the encirclement is the weakest. We Supreme Mystical Sect disciples can break through there first, and you can lead the Xiao Family to escape."


    Xiao Dan quickly asked, "What about you?"


    "These people are not from any reputable sect; they''re real bandits and thugs. They won''t spare you just because you''re from the Supreme Mystical Sect!"


    Jin Yuyang chuckled lightly, "No worries. Since we promised Junior Brother Lingchen to protect you, we won''t break our word."


    "Even if it means death, we won''t let you suffer any harm!"


    "Besides, each of us possesses powerful divine powers and artifacts. It''s uncertain whether they can even kill us!"


    Xiao Dan shook his head with a bitter smile. Although Jin Yuyang spoke lightly, how could he not understand that these were just words of comfort?


    Outside were tens of thousands of Black Tiger Gang members, with three Dao Palace Realm protectors stationed. Forcibly breaking through might indeed give the Xiao Family a chance to survive, but it would likely come at the cost of sacrificing these Supreme Mystical Sect disciples.


    Jin Yuyang urged, "Xiao Family Head, don''t waste time!"


    "If we strike first, there''s a chance. Once the Black Tiger Gang launches a full-scale attack, we''ll all be doomed!"


    "Xiao Family Head, don''t hesitate!"


    Xiao Dan sighed deeply, full of lament. Despite not being related, these Supreme Mystical Sect disciples were willing to go to such lengths for the Xiao Family. Such kindness is hard to repay!


    Given the urgent situation, Xiao Dan knew he couldn''t hesitate any longer and was about to order a breakout.


    However, at that moment, screams suddenly erupted from outside, leaving everyone in the hall puzzled.


    Xiao Huan''s expression turned serious, "Could the Black Tiger Gang have started their attack?"


    Suddenly, a servant rushed in.


    "Family Head, he''s back! Young Master Lingchen is back!!!"


    "He killed all the Black Tiger Gang members outside!"


    "We... we''re safe!!!!"


    The servant was so excited that he could barely speak, but it didn''t affect the message he wanted to convey.


    After hearing the servant''s words, everyone in the hall was stunned. But in the next second, excitement and joy surged onto everyone''s faces!


    Xiao Dan strode to the servant, "Is it true?"


    "Chen''er has returned?"


    The servant was so happy he was dancing, "Yes! Young Master Lingchen is back!"


    "He''s already inside the gate!"


    "He''s about to arrive!"


    Just as the words fell, a voice called from outside the door:


    "Father."


    Everyone''s gaze turned towards the door, and they immediately saw that familiar figure, standing there covered in blood.


    The sword in his hand was still dripping fresh blood, looking quite intimidating. But it didn''t affect the joy of the Xiao Family members at seeing Xiao Lingchen''s return.


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 Chapter 31 - Acquaintance arrives

    "Chen, you''re back!"


    The moment Xiao Lingchen appeared, Xiao Dan couldn''t contain his joy and longing. He rushed forward with large strides, embracing Xiao Lingchen tightly, not minding the bloodstains on him at all.


    The members of the Xiao Family and the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect were all beaming with joy, filled with happiness.


    They had thought today would be a battle to the death. Many had even prepared themselves for sacrifice. But unexpectedly, Xiao Lingchen returned just in time, resolving their dire situation!


    "Father, it seems you''ve broken through."


    Xiao Lingchen immediately noticed that his father had reached the sixth level of the Spirit Platform Realm, and he couldn''t help but feel happy for him.


    Xiao Dan grinned from ear to ear. "Thanks to the spiritual herbs and medicines you left behind, I managed to break through in just three months."


    "Chen, was everything smooth during your trip to the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range? Did those scoundrels in Azure Cloud City give you any trouble?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied truthfully, "There were some obstacles, but overall, it went smoothly. As for those scoundrels, I took care of them!"


    He then briefly recounted his journey to the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range, omitting certain details as needed. After hearing his story, everyone present gasped in shock. They never imagined that Xiao Lingchen had gone through so much during his trip!


    First, he encountered the Black Tiger Gang, then faced an army of three hundred thousand led by He Nanru, and after obtaining a legacy, he was besieged by a million cultivators. Although Xiao Lingchen spoke lightly of it, they could still sense the perilous situations he faced!


    Fortunately, Xiao Lingchen overcame the tribulations and returned safely!


    "Good! Good! Well done!" Xiao Dan patted Xiao Lingchen''s shoulder, his eyes full of pride. "You''re truly a son of the Xiao Family. I''m proud of you!"


    "Yes! Lingchen, you did brilliantly!"


    "Who would have thought He Nanru and those low-lives would be so shameless, even mobilizing those old immortals! Luckily, Lingchen, you''re strong enough!"


    "From now on, no one in Azure Cloud City will dare to provoke the Xiao Family!"


    "It''s all thanks to Cousin Lingchen. Cousin, you''re amazing!"


    The members of the Xiao Family couldn''t stop praising Xiao Lingchen. Some of the younger siblings even idolized him.


    At this moment, Xiao Lingchen said, "Father, I want to take you all to a place."


    Xiao Dan was puzzled. "What place?"


    Without saying much, Xiao Lingchen waved his hand, and everyone present was transported into the Secret Realm within the Cauldron of Fate.


    Seeing the sudden change in their surroundings, everyone was astonished. Xiao Dan couldn''t help but ask, "Chen, where is this place? Such beautiful scenery and dense spiritual Qi!"


    The spiritual Qi was so dense that it entered their bodies without any effort, making them feel refreshed and invigorated.


    Xiao Lingchen smiled and replied, "This is the Secret Realm of the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range. Actually, the Secret Realm is the internal space of the Cauldron of Fate. Since I obtained the Cauldron, I also gained control of the entire Secret Realm. The spiritual Qi here is abundant, and there are countless treasures. I want everyone to stay here and cultivate."


    The Xiao Family members were overjoyed upon hearing this.


    "Really?"


    "We can stay here to cultivate?"


    "This is wonderful!"


    "With such dense spiritual Qi, our cultivation will surely improve greatly!"


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    Jin Yuyang, somewhat embarrassed, asked, "Junior Brother Lingchen, can we also stay here?"


    Xiao Lingchen laughed, "Senior Brother and Senior Sister, since you were willing to risk your lives to protect my family, of course, you can stay. Consider it a small token of gratitude from me."


    Hearing this, the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect were overjoyed. No one expected their Junior Brother Lingchen to be so generous. Everything they had done for the Xiao Family was worth it!


    Then, Xiao Lingchen waved his hand again, sending out strands of mystical energy that entered the bodies of everyone present. They were momentarily stunned, then began to examine the new energy within them.


    Xiao Huan, knowledgeable as he was, seemed to realize something and began trembling with excitement. "Lingchen, could this be..."


    Xiao Lingchen explained, "The greatest function of the Cauldron of Fate is to condense the Qi of Fate. The Qi of Fate is the essence of heaven and earth, and refining it can transform your bodies and enhance your talents."


    Knowing that his clan''s talents were average, Xiao Lingchen understood that enhancing their talents was crucial for them to become stronger. Although this strand of Qi of Fate wasn''t enough to make them immortal, it could still improve their talents.


    After hearing Xiao Lingchen''s explanation, everyone was thrilled, especially the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect, who understood the wonders of the Qi of Fate. They never expected Xiao Lingchen to be so generous, giving them a strand of Qi of Fate so easily. They were immensely grateful to him!


    In the following time, they all stayed in the Secret Realm within the Cauldron of Fate to focus on cultivation. The Xiao Family had many tasks to handle, as Xiao Lingchen entrusted them with distributing the resources of the entire Secret Realm. Therefore, the Xiao Family members had to first inventory these resources before distributing them fairly.


    Xiao Lingchen received the largest share of resources. All the best cultivation methods, divine powers, spiritual pills, herbs, and divine artifacts ended up in his hands. However, he understood the principle of not biting off more than he could chew. Among the many resources, he only selected what he needed. Even so, the resources allocated to him filled over a dozen storage rings.


    Due to family affairs, the Xiao Family members could only take turns entering the Secret Realm to cultivate each day. Xiao Lingchen, on the other hand, had no such troubles. With his talent, becoming stronger was the greatest contribution he could make to the family!


    ...


    Time flew by like a fleeting moment. In the blink of an eye, another three months passed. During these three months, after refining the Qi of Fate and being nourished by countless treasures, the strength of the entire Xiao Family improved significantly.


    Xiao Dan successfully broke through from the sixth level to the ninth level of the Spirit Platform Realm. Xiao Huan and the other four high-ranking members of the Xiao Family also broke through to the seventh level of the Spirit Platform Realm. Several juniors also reached the Spirit Platform Realm. Compared to before, their progress was like riding a rocket!


    The situation in Azure Cloud City also underwent a dramatic change during these three months. He Nanru fell from power, and his rival finally seized the opportunity to become the city lord. The new city lord, Wei Chi, learned from He Nanru''s mistakes and treated the Xiao Family with great respect. On his first day in office, he personally visited the Xiao Family to pay his respects.


    Other family forces that had enmity with the Xiao Family also received news of their family ancestors being wiped out. They were all trembling with fear. Some moved away from Azure Cloud City overnight, while others offered gifts to make peace.


    Three months ago, the Xiao Family was a thorn in the side of Azure Cloud City, and almost every family force wanted to eliminate them. Three months later, the Xiao Family became a taboo in Azure Cloud City, and all family forces humbled themselves to curry favor with them!


    All of this was, of course, thanks to Xiao Lingchen! As long as Xiao Lingchen was around, the Xiao Family''s power would continue to rise and shine!


    During these three months, Xiao Lingchen''s gains were undoubtedly the greatest. First, he had refined most of the Qi of Fate within the Cauldron of Fate. Now, he had undergone a complete transformation. His body not only reached an immortal state but also became several times stronger than before!


    Moreover, as long as his soul wasn''t destroyed, he could continuously resurrect with his immortal body! It was truly extraordinary!


    The shadow in the Void Space also helped him master two new Earth Grade divine powers, both of which he cultivated to the Major Success level. The Divine Movement Step and Golden Body Technique finally reached Perfection!


    Now, when Xiao Lingchen used the Divine Movement Step, combined with the acceleration of the Fuguang Jade Mirror Sundial, no one below the Crossing Tribulation Realm could match his speed!


    After using the Golden Body Technique, he could shatter mountains and rocks with his physical body alone. Even a Breaking Illusions Realm expert couldn''t harm a single hair on him!


    To Xiao Lingchen''s surprise, after perfecting the Golden Body Technique, it even gave rise to a new divine power. It was called Heaven and Earth Manifestation, a divine power with power comparable to the Heaven Grade!


    When used, his body would enlarge, and his strength would multiply exponentially! It was incredibly powerful!


    In these three months, although his realm remained at the late Dao Palace Realm, his strength had improved beyond measure. It was incomparable to before!


    "Unfortunately, the God-killing Sword Technique has been stuck at the Major Success level and hasn''t broken through. Otherwise, my strength could have increased even further!"


    Xiao Lingchen sighed with a hint of regret. However, he was already very satisfied with his progress. Among his peers, few could match his strength and foundation!


    Originally, Xiao Lingchen hadn''t planned to come out of seclusion so soon. But today, a familiar face visited the Xiao Family, and upon receiving his father''s notification, Xiao Lingchen decided to come out and meet her.


    Arriving at the Xiao Family''s main hall, Xiao Lingchen immediately spotted the familiar face¡ªNing Huanhuan. After nearly half a year apart, Ning Huanhuan was as beautiful as ever. Unfortunately, her white dress covered her graceful figure and the enticing curves tightly.


    Perhaps due to that night, Ning Huanhuan now exuded a more mature charm, like a ripe peach, which made Xiao Lingchen take a few more glances at her.


    "What are you looking at?" Noticing Xiao Lingchen''s gaze, Ning Huanhuan blushed and asked softly.


    Xiao Lingchen playfully smiled, "I''m looking at you. Is that not allowed?"


    Hearing this, Ning Huanhuan''s face turned even redder. Especially when she recalled that night''s experience and the purpose of her visit, she felt so embarrassed that she wanted to find a hole to hide in.


    Xiao Lingchen asked, "Why did you come to see me? Are you here to kill me?"


    Xiao Lingchen vaguely remembered that after that night, Ning Huanhuan had said she would kill him one day. Now that she had found him, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t help but wonder if she really intended to kill him.


    However, with his current strength, Xiao Lingchen wasn''t worried at all. After all, dealing with Ning Huanhuan would be as easy as squashing an ant.


    "No, I came to ask for your help." Ning Huanhuan glanced around, her breathing becoming a bit tense. "Um... can we talk somewhere private?"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded. With a wave of his hand, he brought Ning Huanhuan into the Secret Realm within the Cauldron of Fate. The sudden change in environment startled Ning Huanhuan.


    "Where is this place? Such dense spiritual Qi!"


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t answer but instead asked, "There''s no one here now. Can you tell me why you came to see me?"


    "I..." After sensing that there was no one around, Ning Huanhuan became even more nervous. Her eyes darted around, and she tightly clutched her skirt, like a child who had done something wrong.


    Especially with her face turning as red as a ripe apple, she looked incredibly cute. Seeing this, Xiao Lingchen couldn''t help but want to tease her a bit, so he said, "If you don''t say anything, I''ll leave."


    With that, Xiao Lingchen pretended to turn and leave, which made Ning Huanhuan panic. She quickly grabbed his hand and said, "Don''t go. Actually, I... I want to dual cultivate with you..."


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 Chapter 32 - Ill sue you for slander!

    "The autumn wind carries the message of falling leaves, heralding the imminent arrival of the harsh northern winter."


    "On your way home, you unexpectedly encounter a young girl of mixed Demon Race blood, her body covered in scars, even more frail than the vagrants you''ve seen in the slums."


    "You treat her wounds, give her food, and bring her back to your home."


    "You don''t consider yourself noble, nor do you think of yourself as grand; you''re simply extending a small kindness within your means."


    "Yet to her, this is a dazzling salvation, like the sun."


    The thick soles of boots.


    Stepping on the dry fallen leaves on the road.


    Making a crisp, subtle sound.


    Xu Xi held the girl''s hand, leading her through the dark alley, away from the foul stench of decay, crossing a small channel, and stepping up a few stairs.


    A courtyard of white and brown appeared before them, clean and serene; this was Xu Xi''s residence in Allenson City.


    "Go on in."


    Faced with the clean courtyard, the Demon Race girl seemed a bit hesitant, so Xu Xi exerted a little more force, half-dragging her into the courtyard.


    Plop¡ª


    Plop¡ª


    Footsteps echoed on the stone path of the courtyard, accentuating its emptiness.


    Exposed to the sunlight, the girl looked very uncomfortable, constantly squinting and trying to lower her head, avoiding the blinding light that made her uneasy.


    However.


    Her small hand was tightly held by Xu Xi, preventing her from escaping as she used to.


    Gradually, she tried to open her eyes.


    What she saw was the soft sunlight filtering through the brick and lattice, scattered and fragmented by the plants and flowers, casting a beautiful light and shadow on the path.


    In the tranquility, the sound of insects could be heard.


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    If one listened carefully, the hissing of steam engines from the city center could also be heard.


    "So beautiful..." the girl''s eyes reflected Xu Xi''s figure, discovering for the first time how wonderful the world of light could be, realizing for the first time that she too could stand in the sunlight.


    As long as she held onto this man''s hand, she could muster the courage.


    ...


    "You brought the Demon Race girl home, and the first thing you did was take her into the bathroom for a thorough cleaning."


    "The girl had been wandering for too long, living among garbage piles for years, and the Water Magic you used earlier was not enough to cleanse her completely."


    "You summoned the Elemental Spirit of Water to join you in casting the Water Purification Magic."


    "You succeeded."


    "The filth on the girl was completely purified and removed by you."


    "Whoosh, whoosh."


    In the bathroom.


    The sound of water flowing continuously echoed.


    Xu Xi pressed the valve, and with the unique hissing noise of mechanical operation, steaming hot water flowed from the pipes, which Xu Xi controlled to pour over the girl''s head.


    "So it''s gray hair."


    Xu Xi murmured softly.


    He rubbed the girl''s head with his palm, washing away the clumps formed by mud and water, revealing long gray-silver hair once it was clean.


    The hair''s luster was very dull and felt rough, like dried straw.


    This was a sign of extreme malnutrition.


    Naturally.


    There was no need for surprise.


    After all, the girl''s body was emaciated, with protruding bones visible through her skin, a testament to her frailty, giving a strong impression that she could die at any moment.


    With such physical conditions, just being alive was a miracle, and there was certainly no extra nutrition for her hair.


    How pitiful.


    Xu Xi sighed inwardly again, helping the girl wash her hair and hands, then handed her the hot water pipe under her bewildered gaze.


    "Can you wash yourself from here?"


    Xu Xi spoke.


    He could help with her hair and hands, but for more private parts of her body, Xu Xi decided it was best for the girl to handle it herself.


    After all, she was no longer a baby needing constant care.


    Some things.


    Needed to be instilled from now.


    "Okay..." the girl nodded slightly.


    After handing her the hot water pipe, Xu Xi left the bathroom, taking the opportunity while she washed herself to go out and buy some clothes.


    He had been living alone.


    There were no clothes for a little girl in the house.


    And what the girl had been wearing couldn''t really be called clothes; it was more accurately described as rags, which Xu Xi had already burned away.


    "......"


    Returning with the clothes, the girl had just finished washing.


    She stood alone in the bathroom, holding the hot water pipe, motionless like a hardened statue, the pipe still spewing hot water, disappearing down the drain.


    Her eyes were vacant.


    When Xu Xi appeared, she looked at him.


    Like a robot, waiting for Xu Xi''s next command.


    "Come out, and dry yourself off."


    "To turn off the hot water, press here."


    With the girl looking bewildered, Xu Xi pressed the valve on the bathroom wall, and a few seconds later, the hot water pipe in the girl''s hand stopped flowing.


    Then, he covered her with a large towel, drying her wet body.


    Her hair was not forgotten.


    Xu Xi used Fire Magic in his left hand and Wind Magic in his right, creating a unique warm breeze that dried the girl''s hair thoroughly, leaving no water droplets.


    Then came the new clothes.


    The clothes he bought for the girl weren''t particularly stylish.


    Even so, after she changed into them, there was a refreshing sense of newness.


    If one had to describe it, it was a feeling of finally becoming "human," no longer disposable trash, no longer unnoticed fallen leaves, but a real "person" standing here.


    Seeing the girl looking so renewed, Xu Xi smiled.


    "Yes, you look much more spirited now."


    Taking the girl''s hand again.


    Xu Xi prepared to lead her to the living quarters.


    The corridor extended straight inward, not very long, with the room prepared for the girl at the end.


    Hand on the doorknob, just before pushing the door open, Xu Xi seemed to remember something, looking down at the girl:


    "Do you have a name?"


    "Krisa..." the Demon Race girl, who had been silent, finally responded, looking up to meet Xu Xi''s gaze, "Krisa Christina."


    Her eyes still empty and hollow.


    Showing no feedback from the world.


    But faintly, Xu Xi seemed to see a hint of expectation.


    "Krisa, what a beautiful name," Xu Xi said softly, gently rubbing the girl''s hair, pushing open the wooden door, and leading her inside.


    "You have learned the true name of the Demon Race girl."


    "Krisa Christina."


    "This name is beautiful, you thought to yourself, and you said it aloud."


    "You settled everything for Krisa, and from today, you officially adopted her, adopting a witch."


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 Chapter 33 - Qing Yu appears

    Three days later.


    Ning Huanhuan''s face was brimming with smiles.


    At this moment.


    Above the Spirit Sea in her Dantian, six palaces floated and sank!


    This signified that Ning Huanhuan had already reached the sixth level of the Dao Palace Realm!


    This speed and achievement far exceeded Ning Huanhuan''s initial expectations.


    "Now that I possess the strength of the sixth level of the Dao Palace Realm, I am sure to bring glory to Small Bamboo Peak in this Sect Tournament!"


    "And also..."


    Ning Huanhuan''s gaze turned sharp as she looked in the direction of the Supreme Mystical Sect:


    "From now on, no one will be able to bully me at will!"


    "Everything that was taken from me by those who once bullied me, I will reclaim one by one!"


    "Who bullied you?"


    Suddenly, Xiao Lingchen''s voice came from beside her.


    Turning her head, she saw Xiao Lingchen, now dressed in clean clothes, handing her two fruits, smiling warmly at her.


    Ning Huanhuan took a bite of the fruit.


    She couldn''t help but mutter:


    "How are you still so energetic? Aren''t you tired?"


    Xiao Lingchen laughed:


    "What is this?"


    Back in the Secret Room of the Secret Realm, he and Yue Lianyi had battled for a full three months!


    These few days were nothing in comparison.


    Xiao Lingchen asked again:


    "You still haven''t answered me, who bullied you?"


    Over the past three days, their relationship had eased and even warmed considerably.


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen''s inquiry.


    Ning Huanhuan did not hide anything.


    She recounted her experiences to Xiao Lingchen.


    When Ning Huanhuan was young, she was just a little beggar begging along the streets of the Celestial Star Kingdom.


    When she was bullied, she was discovered by her Senior Sister Yun Zhanyi, who took her in and brought her to the Small Bamboo Peak of the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    That was the happiest moment in Ning Huanhuan''s life.


    Having a Master and Senior Sister, she thought she finally had a home.


    But who knew, life on Small Bamboo Peak was not much better than before.


    Indeed, after joining the sect, she no longer had to worry about daily sustenance, but the scheming and plotting among fellow disciples made Ning Huanhuan miserable.


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    Liu Yue and Song Ling''er were even more detestable than ordinary people in the mundane world.


    Relying on their longer time in the sect and stronger abilities, almost no one on Small Bamboo Peak escaped their bullying.


    Especially Ning Huanhuan, whose beggar status before joining the sect made her a prime target for Liu Yue and others!


    Every month, the Spirit Stones and Elixirs distributed by the sect were snatched away by them as soon as they reached her hands.


    Any resources she had on her, they would seize by force, sometimes even breaking into Ning Huanhuan''s Cave Abode to take whatever they fancied!


    Ning Huanhuan had complained to her Master and Senior Sister.


    But almost every time, it ended without resolution due to lack of evidence.


    Sometimes, Liu Yue and others would even turn the tables, causing Ning Huanhuan to be punished.


    Afterwards, they would continue to retaliate against Ning Huanhuan!


    Sometimes they would beat her, other times they would deliberately destroy sect property or poison spirit beasts, framing Ning Huanhuan.


    Every time they retaliated, Ning Huanhuan suffered greatly.


    Several times, she almost died at their hands!


    So Ning Huanhuan worked hard every day to cultivate, trying every way to become stronger.


    Just so that one day she would be strong enough to no longer suffer their bullying!


    After listening to Ning Huanhuan''s story, Xiao Lingchen said:


    "So that''s how it is."


    Ning Huanhuan suddenly said:


    "As cultivators, we should advance step by step, relying on our own abilities to cultivate. This time, I sought your help out of necessity, to quickly become stronger."


    "Rest assured, I am content with my current realm, and I won''t trouble you anymore."


    Xiao Lingchen chuckled:


    "Are you planning to use me up and then leave?"


    Ning Huanhuan was momentarily speechless.


    Why did Xiao Lingchen''s words make her feel like she was a heartless woman abandoning her partner?


    Thinking it over, it indeed wasn''t right.


    Ning Huanhuan said:


    "I won''t take advantage of you for nothing. This time, because of you, I broke through, and I will remember this favor."


    "When I reclaim all the resources that were taken from me, I will offer them to you with both hands!"


    "And in this Sect Tournament, I will definitely secure a good rank for Small Bamboo Peak, and all the rewards bestowed by my Master, I will share half with you!"


    Having said this much, Xiao Lingchen naturally had nothing more to say.


    Instead, he curiously asked:


    "You just mentioned the Sect Tournament, what is that?"


    Ning Huanhuan glanced at Xiao Lingchen and replied:


    "The Sect Tournament is a competition held every five years by our Supreme Mystical Sect, with disciples from each peak participating. Peaks with higher rankings receive more cultivation resources."


    "Not wanting to be bullied is just one reason I want to become stronger. Another reason is to fight for a better ranking for our Small Bamboo Peak!"


    "In the past few tournaments, our Small Bamboo Peak has always ranked at the bottom, causing our resources to dwindle, making it difficult for disciples to advance, and new disciples unwilling to join us. If this continues, our Small Bamboo Peak will only decline further."


    "So I want to become stronger, to help Senior Sister, and secure a good ranking for our Small Bamboo Peak."


    After speaking, Ning Huanhuan couldn''t help but feel surprised:


    "Aren''t you the Sect Master''s personal disciple? How could you not know about this?"


    Xiao Lingchen truthfully said:


    "My Master never mentioned these things to me."


    In total, Xiao Lingchen had only been at the Supreme Mystical Sect for three months.


    And almost every day was spent either cultivating or cultivating, and his Master indeed never brought up these matters.


    Not even the sect''s rules were ever mentioned.


    Ning Huanhuan nodded thoughtfully.


    She then asked:


    "Will you participate in this Sect Tournament?"


    "I heard that this time, the Sect Tournament is different from before. It''s not just an internal competition within our Supreme Mystical Sect, but a grand tournament with over a dozen first-class forces throughout the Celestial Star Kingdom!"


    "This means that this Sect Tournament is not only a competition between our peaks, but also a contest between major sects, concerning the honor of the entire Supreme Mystical Sect."


    "It''s said that for this tournament, all major sects have offered many benefits as prizes, as rewards for the top sect, and the first place in this Sect Tournament will also get a chance to enter the True Martial Space."


    Xiao Lingchen asked:


    "What is the True Martial Space?"


    Knowing that Xiao Lingchen hadn''t been in the sect long and was unfamiliar with many things, Ning Huanhuan patiently explained:


    "The True Martial Space, simply put, is a super Secret Realm. No one knows how it came to be, but the resources inside are extremely abundant, with unimaginable opportunities hidden within."


    "Anyone who has ever entered the True Martial Space has greatly benefited."


    "For example, my Master once entered the True Martial Space and obtained a priceless Divine Artifact and inheritance. The Empress Bai Lian of the Celestial Star Kingdom also acquired a mysterious treasure from the True Martial Space, which she used to repel invading armies and protect the Celestial Star Kingdom for two thousand years of peace. The Great Elder Yun Zhu of Great Bamboo Peak, the Patriarch of Tianyan Sect, and the Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect have all gained opportunities from the True Martial Space."


    "The True Martial Secret Realm is jointly guarded by the Celestial Star Kingdom and its thirteen first-class sects, and only those with great merit and contributions can enter."


    "This time, almost every disciple''s goal in the Sect Tournament is to enter the True Martial Space."


    Ning Huanhuan looked at Xiao Lingchen, unable to resist asking curiously:


    "As the Sect Master''s personal disciple, with such rich rewards in this Sect Tournament, you should participate, right?"


    Before Xiao Lingchen could respond, a shout suddenly came from outside:


    "Second Brother, where are you?"


    "Second Brother! Father is looking for you!"


    Hearing the call, Xiao Lingchen took Ning Huanhuan and flew out.


    The caller was a boy of eight or nine years old.


    He was Xiao Lingchen''s younger brother, Xiao Yan.


    Xiao Lingchen approached him and asked:


    "What does Father want with me?"


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen appear, Xiao Yan was as excited as if he had seen an idol:


    "I don''t know, it seems a woman came looking for you, saying she was sent by your Master."


    "I don''t know the specifics."


    Xiao Lingchen patted his head and said:


    "Alright, I understand. Go and cultivate!"


    Then, Xiao Lingchen took Ning Huanhuan and left the Secret Realm of the Cauldron of Fate, arriving at the Xiao Family''s main hall.


    At this moment, in the Xiao Family''s main hall, both Xiao Dan and Xiao Huan were present.


    They were entertaining a beautiful woman in a green palace dress, her aura restrained.


    Seeing Xiao Lingchen arrive, Xiao Dan immediately introduced:


    "Miss Qing Yu, this is my son, Chen."


    Qing Yu smiled warmly:


    "Hello, Lingchen, I am Qing Yu, sent by your Master."


    When Xiao Lingchen descended the mountain, Qing Yu had been ordered by Jiang Luoxian to secretly protect him.


    During these months, except for the Secret Realm in the Thousand Cloud Mountain Range, she had been silently following Xiao Lingchen, guarding him.


    Today was the first time she revealed herself to meet Xiao Lingchen.


    Her purpose was to convey a message from Jiang Luoxian.


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 Chapter 34 - Protective formation

    Qing Yu carried the aura of their Master.


    Xiao Lingchen had no doubt that she was sent by their Master.


    He showed her a bit more respect and asked, "Miss Qing Yu, what has Master asked you to tell me?"


    Qing Yu didn''t waste any words and got straight to the point, "You''ve been away from the mountain for several months, and the Sect Tournament is about to begin."


    "The first place in the tournament can enter the True Martial Space to seek opportunities."


    "This is a rare chance. Your Master has instructed me to inform you to return to the sect for the tournament."


    Xiao Lingchen bowed and said, "I will obey."


    Having already learned about the True Martial Space from Ning Huanhuan, Xiao Lingchen was somewhat tempted.


    Now, with his Master''s order, Xiao Lingchen agreed without hesitation.


    Even his Master hoped for him to enter this True Martial Space.


    It seemed that the True Martial Space indeed held great opportunities!


    Seeing this, Qing Yu nodded. "In that case, set out early. I will return to report back."


    With that, a gentle breeze blew, and Qing Yu transformed into a wisp of blue smoke and disappeared.


    After Qing Yu left, Xiao Dan and Xiao Huan looked reluctant.


    "Chen, are you going back to the sect?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied, "It''s hard to defy Master''s orders, and besides, it''s for my own good."


    "If I can enter the True Martial Space after this tournament and find supreme opportunities, it will be of great benefit to me."


    Though reluctant, Xiao Dan and Xiao Huan were reasonable people.


    "In that case, you should go."


    "Be careful on the road and during the tournament."


    "Don''t let your strong abilities make you complacent. Remember, there''s always someone stronger, and arrogance leads to defeat."


    If they wished, they could also enter the Secret Realm of the Cauldron of Fate and accompany Xiao Lingchen.


    But what use would it be if they went? Moreover, the roots of the Xiao Family were here, and they had to choose to stay for the family''s growth.


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    Xiao Lingchen bowed and said, "I understand."


    "By the way, Father, how is the protective formation for the clan coming along?"


    Now, the Xiao Family not only controlled the resources within the Cauldron of Fate but also the resources from millions of cultivators who perished in the Secret Realm.


    Among them were some powerful formations, perfect for setting up around the Xiao Family as a protective barrier.


    This way, even if Xiao Lingchen left, the Xiao Family would have more means of self-defense.


    At the mention of this, Xiao Dan was delighted.


    "Recently, many strong individuals have come to join our Xiao Family, including some powerful formation masters."


    "Under their tireless efforts, the protective formation should be completed by tomorrow!"


    Xiao Lingchen nodded, "Good, in that case, I''ll wait until the formation is set up before leaving."


    The Xiao Family appeared to be thriving on the surface.


    But they had also made many enemies.


    Once the protective formation was completed, Xiao Lingchen could leave with peace of mind.


    Xiao Dan naturally had no objections to this.


    He then turned to Ning Huanhuan.


    "Miss Ning, if you''re not in a hurry, why not stay another night and set out with Chen tomorrow? It would be good to have company on the road."


    Ning Huanhuan thought for a moment and agreed.


    That evening, the Xiao Family hosted a grand family banquet in the hall.


    Ever since Xiao Lingchen returned, everyone had been busy, either handling family affairs or practicing tirelessly.


    Now that Xiao Lingchen was leaving again, it was only natural to have a good gathering.


    The family banquet was filled with joy and laughter, and everyone parted on a high note.


    Xiao Lingchen drank quite a bit that night.


    He returned to his room and fell into a deep sleep.


    However, on the other side, Ning Huanhuan couldn''t sleep.


    Due to her childhood experiences, she had developed a habit of wanting to cultivate at all times.


    After dinner, she returned to her room early to continue her cultivation.


    But she found that after reaching the sixth level of the Dao Palace Realm, her progress had slowed down more than tenfold!


    Especially after experiencing the rapid growth in cultivation, this slow pace left her feeling a huge sense of loss.


    Every time she entered a meditative state, she would become restless due to the slow absorption of spiritual qi, causing her to give up.


    What was worse was that strange images kept appearing uncontrollably in her mind, leaving her parched and unable to calm her mind for cultivation.


    "No, as cultivators, we must endure solitude and advance step by step through our own efforts."


    "How can I allow myself to fall into depravity, indulging in such things?"


    Ning Huanhuan took a deep breath and closed her eyes again, trying to calm her mind.


    But in the end, she failed.


    "Forget it, as cultivators, we should follow our hearts. Forcing myself to suppress my desires will only breed inner demons and hinder my progress."


    "Besides... he would probably be happy with this too, right?"


    With that thought, Ning Huanhuan quietly got out of bed.


    In the dark, she made her way to Xiao Lingchen''s room.


    .................................


    The next day.


    The protective formation was completed.


    Now, the Xiao Manor, which had expanded two or three times in size, was enveloped by a formation resembling a giant eggshell.


    Under the watchful eyes of the entire Xiao Family, Xiao Lingchen personally tested the defensive capabilities of the formation.


    Holding the Phoenix Emperor Sword, he flew into the air and struck down with a sword!


    With the first strike, he used only a tenth of his strength, and the formation successfully blocked it.


    With each subsequent strike, he increased his strength by another tenth.


    It wasn''t until he used half of his strength that the formation began to tremble, showing a sword mark.


    The formation masters taken in by the Xiao Family quickly stepped forward to repair it.


    In no time, the sword mark was visibly repaired.


    At this point, Xiao Lingchen no longer needed to continue testing.


    "Father."


    Upon returning to the ground, Xiao Lingchen was immediately surrounded by everyone.


    Xiao Dan quickly asked, "Chen, how effective is the protective formation?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied honestly, "It''s quite effective, able to withstand attacks with half of my strength. With this level of defense, cultivators within the Dao Palace Realm would find it nearly impossible to break through without external aid."


    "Even if a Breaking Illusions Realm expert were to come, unless they have reached the third level or higher, it would be extremely difficult to breach the defense with the support of Master Liu and Master Zhang."


    "Master Liu, Master Zhang, thank you for your hard work."


    Hearing Xiao Lingchen''s assessment, every member of the Xiao Family beamed with joy.


    Master Liu and Master Zhang, the formation masters, were flattered by Xiao Lingchen''s gratitude.


    They repeatedly expressed, "This is what we should do."


    In their view, being able to stay with the Xiao Family was already a great fortune!


    They had heard that the disciples of the Supreme Mystical Sect had benefited from a wisp of Fate Transformation Qi.


    With a prodigy like Xiao Lingchen in the Xiao Family, as long as they worked diligently for the family, how could they not rise to prominence in the future?


    After verifying the effectiveness of the protective formation.


    It was finally time to set out.


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 Chapter 35 - Eliminate future threats

    Xiao Lingchen''s strength had surged once again.


    The Xiao Family had nothing more to offer him.


    So, before he left, the members of the Xiao Family merely gave him a few words of advice and watched as Xiao Lingchen and Ning Huanhuan departed.


    With their current pace, it wouldn''t take long for Xiao Lingchen and Ning Huanhuan to return to the Supreme Mystical Sect.


    However, there were still two days before the Sect Tournament began.


    Xiao Lingchen wasn''t in a hurry.


    Before returning to the sect, he had one more thing to do.


    As night fell.


    Xiao Lingchen led Ning Huanhuan deep into a desolate mountain forest.


    Here stood a massive bandit camp made of stacked logs, sprawling across several mountain peaks.


    The heavy wooden gate was studded with rusty iron nails, covered in knife marks and battle scars.


    Inside, bonfires blazed, and tens of thousands of bandits sang and danced, their laughter and merriment creating a lively scene.


    In stark contrast were the weak women bound in the corners, pleading and crying.


    "Who are you? How dare you trespass on the headquarters of the Black Tiger Gang!"


    A guard at the camp''s entrance spotted Xiao Lingchen and raised his blade to shout at him.


    Xiao Lingchen smiled and said:


    "It seems Second Uncle''s information was correct."


    During the three months he stayed at home, Xiao Lingchen wasn''t just focused on cultivation.


    He had Second Uncle help locate the headquarters of the Black Tiger Gang, partly to avenge the siege on the Xiao Family three months ago, and partly to uproot them and eliminate future threats!


    As he spoke, Xiao Lingchen drew his Phoenix Emperor Sword.


    In an instant, a thousand malevolent auras soared into the sky, enveloping the vast camp!


    The laughter of the Black Tiger Gang members in the camp came to an abrupt halt, feeling as if they had plunged from summer into winter in a heartbeat.


    "How dare you! What do you intend to do?!"


    The guard at the camp''s entrance was shocked and quickly brandished his blade in question.


    But in the next second, they were cut down by a single strike from Xiao Lingchen!


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    What Xiao Lingchen did immediately drew the attention of the other Black Tiger Gang members in the camp.


    Suddenly, killing intent filled the air.


    "How dare you!"


    "Who are you to cause trouble at the gates of the Black Tiger Gang?!"


    "Kill him!!"


    In the next moment, thousands of Black Tiger Gang members swarmed to attack!


    Xiao Lingchen smirked coldly, raised his sword, and charged into the crowd, unleashing a massacre!


    Behind him, Ning Huanhuan was not idle either; there were many innocent people captured by the Black Dragon Gang here.


    To avoid accidental harm, she had to rescue those captives quickly.


    And just then.


    She suddenly sensed several powerful auras.


    This made Ning Huanhuan, who was in the midst of rescuing people, shudder.


    Looking back, she saw three experts with strength above the sixth level of the Dao Palace Realm attacking Xiao Lingchen!


    "Be careful!"


    Ning Huanhuan shouted urgently.


    Xiao Lingchen, however, was unfazed, spinning his sword to strike at the three attackers!


    In a flash, six bodies fell from the sky.


    Even in death, the three attackers'' eyes remained wide open, unable to rest in peace.


    Clearly, they couldn''t comprehend why, despite having the same late-stage Dao Palace Realm strength, the three of them were no match for Xiao Lingchen alone.


    Ning Huanhuan''s eyes widened in disbelief!


    Only now did she realize.


    In just a few months, Xiao Lingchen had grown so powerful!


    Now, she feared she was no longer a match for Xiao Lingchen!


    This made Ning Huanhuan smile bitterly:


    "How could such a monstrous existence exist in this world? I''m afraid that in a little while, I can only look up to him."


    Soon, Xiao Lingchen, with just one sword, slaughtered his way through the entire Black Tiger Gang.


    Tens of thousands of Black Tiger Gang members lay dead in pools of blood.


    Among them, there were more than a dozen Dao Palace Realm experts!


    And the entire process took less than half a quarter of an hour!


    Today, the Black Tiger Gang''s leader, Luo Xiaohu, had taken people outside to seize treasures.


    In the midst of a struggle, he suddenly received news of his home being raided and hurried back.


    When he returned to the camp, he found that tens of thousands of Black Tiger Gang members had all fallen in pools of blood.


    Seeing this scene of carnage, Luo Xiaohu was so furious he could explode!


    "Who!!!!"


    "Who did this!!!"


    At that moment, a red sword light sliced through the night sky, slashing toward him!


    Luo Xiaohu quickly raised his blade to block!


    However, even though he was already at the half-step Breaking Illusions Realm, he was still pushed back hundreds of feet by the terrifying Sword Qi!


    He looked up in shock, gazing in the direction from which the sword light had come.


    There, a young man in red, covered in blood, was walking toward him with a sword in hand.


    "You must be Luo Xiaohu, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang?"


    Luo Xiaohu squinted his eyes:


    "I am Luo Xiaohu."


    "And who are you?"


    Xiao Lingchen replied:


    "Xiao Lingchen of the Xiao Family in Azure Cloud City."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Xiaohu''s mind raced with memories.


    In the next moment, his eyes widened in horror:


    "You didn''t die!"


    It hadn''t been long, so Luo Xiaohu naturally hadn''t forgotten.


    A few months ago, he learned that the three Protectors of his Black Tiger Gang in Fengshang City had been slain by a young man named Xiao Lingchen.


    Enraged, he sent the three Protectors and tens of thousands of gang members to Azure Cloud City to settle the score with the Xiao Family.


    He thought that neither Xiao Lingchen nor the Xiao Family would have a place to rest in peace.


    Who would have thought that today, Xiao Lingchen would appear in his camp and slaughter all his gang members!


    At this moment, he finally understood why the subordinates he sent had been silent for over three months.


    They must have met with misfortune long ago!


    Realizing this, Luo Xiaohu stared at Xiao Lingchen with eyes wide open in rage:


    "Did you kill all my men?"


    Xiao Lingchen pointed his sword at Luo Xiaohu and said:


    "Not just them, today, you will die too!"


    Luo Xiaohu was so enraged that he laughed:


    "Hahaha!!!"


    "Good! Good! Very good!!!"


    "I can''t remember the last time someone dared to speak to me like this!"


    "Boy, today I''ll show you the consequences of offending me, Luo Xiaohu. I''ll make sure you can''t live or die!!!"


    At this moment, Luo Xiaohu''s fury erupted completely!


    His cultivation, nearly reaching the Breaking Illusions Realm, burst forth like a cannonball toward Xiao Lingchen.


    In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Xiao Lingchen.


    His tiger claw appeared, reaching for Xiao Lingchen!


    "Clang!!!"


    This was the first time Xiao Lingchen faced such a powerful opponent.


    It was also the strongest enemy Xiao Lingchen had encountered so far!


    However, even though Luo Xiaohu''s cultivation was nearly at the Breaking Illusions Realm.


    He was still only at the Dao Palace Realm.


    With Xiao Lingchen''s strength, even if a true Breaking Illusions Realm expert arrived, he could still fight, let alone Luo Xiaohu, who was only at the Dao Palace Realm.


    Luo Xiaohu''s claw was easily blocked by Xiao Lingchen.


    With a backhanded strike, Xiao Lingchen severed his wrist!


    "Ah!!!"


    Blood spurted out, and the pain made Luo Xiaohu scream and retreat.


    At this moment, Luo Xiaohu realized the severity of the situation; this young man was much stronger than he had imagined.


    He intended to distance himself from Xiao Lingchen and find an opportunity for a fatal strike!


    However, Xiao Lingchen gave him no chance!


    As Luo Xiaohu retreated, Xiao Lingchen pursued with his sword.


    In the next instant, the Phoenix Emperor Sword pierced straight into Luo Xiaohu''s chest!


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 Chapter 36 - Breaking Illusions Realm!

    "Screech!"


    Time seemed to stand still.


    Luo Xiaohu stared in disbelief at the blood-stained sword piercing his chest, blood uncontrollably spurting from his mouth.


    "This... how is this possible!"


    His cultivation was already on the verge of breaking through to the Breaking Illusions Realm, capable of easily crushing any cultivator in the Dao Palace Realm!


    He thought killing Xiao Lingchen would be as easy as before.


    Yet, he never imagined that he couldn''t even withstand a single move from Xiao Lingchen!


    "Why... are you so strong?"


    Luo Xiaohu voiced the doubt in his heart.


    But to Xiao Lingchen, the questions of a dying man no longer needed answering.


    Withdrawing the Phoenix Emperor Sword, Xiao Lingchen turned to leave.


    However, at that moment, a powerful aura erupted from Luo Xiaohu!


    Luo Xiaohu was now shrouded in a black mist, and the wounds on his chest and wrist were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye!


    Luo Xiaohu roared like a mountain tiger:


    "I didn''t want to break through so soon, but you forced my hand!"


    "Xiao Lingchen, I admit you''re strong, but if I reach the Breaking Illusions Realm, how will you deal with it?"


    Luo Xiaohu''s cultivation aura surged at an astonishing rate!


    In just a few breaths, it skyrocketed more than tenfold!


    "Is this the Breaking Illusions Realm?"


    "What immense power!"


    Luo Xiaohu was intoxicated by the boundless power surging within him, feeling as if he controlled the entire world!


    He even felt he could shatter a mountain with a punch, crack the earth with a stomp!


    "Breaking Illusions Realm!"


    From a distance, Ning Huanhuan couldn''t help but scream:


    "Xiao Lingchen, run!"


    "This guy has broken through to the Breaking Illusions Realm!"


    "We can''t match him, run!"


    The gap between the Spirit Platform Realm and the Dao Palace Realm was like a chasm.


    But the gap between the Dao Palace Realm and the Breaking Illusions Realm was like heaven and earth!


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    The greatest enhancement for a Breaking Illusions Realm expert wasn''t just strength, but the transformation of their divine sense, allowing them to see through illusions and perceive everything.


    Their overwhelming power could make any cultivator below the Breaking Illusions Realm despair.


    Running might be their only chance for survival now.


    Yet, despite Ning Huanhuan''s warning, Xiao Lingchen didn''t flee; instead, he grew even more intrigued by Luo Xiaohu!


    Although he had always been confident in his current strength, believing he could contend with a Breaking Illusions Realm expert, it was ultimately just self-assessment.


    Now, faced with a genuine Breaking Illusions Realm opponent, he felt an urge to fight!


    Without hesitation, Xiao Lingchen raised his sword and charged at Luo Xiaohu again!


    But this time, injuring him wouldn''t be so easy!


    With a swing of the sword, Luo Xiaohu casually caught the Phoenix Emperor Sword!


    Then, with a powerful punch accompanied by a thousand tiger roars, he sent Xiao Lingchen flying!


    "Interesting! Come again!"


    "Hahahaha!!!"


    Luo Xiaohu laughed heartily, the immense power filling him with indescribable exhilaration.


    But at that moment, Xiao Lingchen had already closed in again, taking advantage of Luo Xiaohu''s complacency to snatch back the Phoenix Emperor Sword and slash at him once more!


    "Don''t you know villains often die from talking too much?"


    "Screech!"


    With that swing, Luo Xiaohu''s arm was severed on the spot.


    In the previous second, Luo Xiaohu was smug, but now he let out a piercing scream.


    Looking at Xiao Lingchen again, his eyes were filled with indescribable fury!


    "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!!!!"


    "Ahhh!!!"


    "I am a Breaking Illusions Realm expert, how can a mere Dao Palace Realm ant harm me?!!!"


    Luo Xiaohu''s enraged roar echoed as black mist enveloped him, and he swung his fist at Xiao Lingchen!


    In his furious state, both his strength and speed, as well as his physical defense, were enhanced once more.


    With a flurry of punches and tiger roars, he forced Xiao Lingchen to retreat repeatedly.


    During this time, Xiao Lingchen unleashed various divine powers like the Shadow Assault Technique, Divine Movement Step, and Anger of the Thunder.


    Yet, none could restrain Luo Xiaohu in the slightest!


    Seeing another punch coming, Xiao Lingchen decided not to dodge.


    "Manifest Heaven and Earth!"


    With a loud shout, Xiao Lingchen''s body radiated golden light.


    Manifest Heaven and Earth was a new divine power derived from perfecting the Golden Body Technique, with power comparable to Heaven Grade!


    It was one of Xiao Lingchen''s greatest trump cards!


    In an instant, Xiao Lingchen''s body doubled in size.


    Then, he punched towards Luo Xiaohu!


    "Supreme Vajra Fist!"


    The Supreme Vajra Fist was one of the two Earth Grade divine powers obtained in the Secret Realm of the Cauldron of Fate.


    Upon executing this fist technique, the caster''s fist became as hard as vajra, indestructible, with a single punch carrying the force of ten thousand pounds!


    "Boom!!!"


    The two fists collided.


    The heavens and earth trembled!


    Golden light clashed with black mist, as if shattering the very space around them!


    With a crisp "pop," Luo Xiaohu''s agonizing scream followed!


    "Ahhh!!!"


    Under the heaven-defying augmentation of Manifest Heaven and Earth, a single Supreme Vajra Fist blasted Luo Xiaohu''s remaining arm into a bloody mist!


    "No! Impossible!"


    "How can this be!"


    Luo Xiaohu staggered back, with no arms left, he had no power to resist, and his aura plummeted.


    He looked at Xiao Lingchen in horror, unable to comprehend why his Breaking Illusions Realm strength was no match for Xiao Lingchen!


    "Who... who are you?"


    Xiao Lingchen didn''t answer.


    Instead, he flashed forward, charging at Luo Xiaohu once more.


    Then, under Luo Xiaohu''s gaze filled with unwillingness, he drove his sword fiercely into the center of his forehead!


    With that, Luo Xiaohu was utterly lifeless!


    The overwhelming aura of slaughter surged into Xiao Lingchen''s body, causing his cultivation to soar once more!


    And those Black Tiger Gang members who followed Luo Xiaohu back from outside were not spared by Xiao Lingchen.


    One man, one sword, he slaughtered them all!


    Until the last Black Tiger Gang member fell, the entire stronghold fell silent.


    "So... terrifying..."


    From a distance, Ning Huanhuan was utterly shocked by everything that had just happened.


    It wasn''t until Xiao Lingchen reminded her that she snapped back to reality.


    "Don''t just stand there, the Black Tiger Gang has looted plenty of treasures over the years, help me gather them all."


    Ning Huanhuan shook her head in disbelief:


    "Xiao Lingchen, are you a monster?"


    Perhaps his rapid cultivation speed was due to practicing dual cultivation techniques.


    But to kill a Breaking Illusions Realm expert with Dao Palace Realm cultivation, that was truly monstrous!


    Xiao Lingchen shrugged, not answering her question.


    Soon, the two of them had gathered all the valuables in the stronghold.


    After setting the entire place ablaze, they left.


    With that, another major enemy of the Xiao Family was eliminated!


    As for the Tianyan Sect, Xiao Lingchen didn''t plan to waste time going there, as it was said they would attend the upcoming Sect Tournament.


    Then, there would be plenty of opportunities to settle scores!


    By now, it was late, and the two didn''t plan to continue traveling.


    Instead, they took the women who had been captured into the Secret Realm of the Cauldron of Fate, intending to settle them for the night and let them leave on their own the next day in a nearby city.


    The Secret Realm of the Cauldron of Fate was the relic of the ancient Shangqing Xuan Sect, with plenty of disciples'' residences that could be cleaned up for accommodation.


    Night deepened.


    But for someone of Xiao Lingchen''s strength, even going days without sleep wouldn''t cause fatigue.


    So he took out the spoils obtained from the Black Tiger Gang to tally them.


    The Black Tiger Gang was essentially a bandit gang, and with their formidable strength, they had amassed quite a collection of treasures over the years.


    First, there were countless spirit stones!


    A quick count revealed over five hundred higher-grade spirit stones!


    At an exchange rate of one to ten thousand, these five hundred higher-grade spirit stones were equivalent to a full five million lower-grade spirit stones!


    This windfall caused Xiao Lingchen''s wealth to soar once more!


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