Chapter 1: Starting with a Wife, Blessed by Marriage The Abyssal Continent. In the Azure Province of the Southern Region sat the Shen Family, a clan of longevity. The main family compound was adorned with golden lanterns and colorful silks, with embroidered curtains draping down to the floor. Everywhere one looked, the luster of pearls […]

Chapter 2: The Reincarnated Empress, Soaring Cultivation System? Shen Xian’s mind went blank for a moment before he instantly realized something. Wasn’t this standard issue for transmigrators? But… could I refuse it? Having crossed over more than a decade ago, he had grown accustomed to being a “salted fish.” Now, with this thing suddenly popping

Chapter 3: The Couple Presents Tea, Shen Li’s Grudge The next morning, the first light of dawn was just breaking. Shen Xian pushed open the carved wooden door, feeling refreshed and invigorated. The abundant spiritual energy coursing through him had brought about a subtle transformation in his bearing. “Young Master… you seem different.” A maidservant

Chapter 4: Asking for an Array, Second Brother’s Fury Upon returning to their residence, Ye Qingxian didn’t say another word. She retreated straight to the bridal chamber and resumed her cultivation. Shen Xian was quite pleased with this development. He would be more than happy if she spent every single day cultivating, allowing him to

Chapter 5: The Ye Family Guards, Shen Li’s Provocation As dusk approached, the light refracted by the mountain-protecting array dyed the clouds a flowing gold. The entire sky resembled an ink-wash painting, exuding an aura that transcended the mundane. While cultivating, Ye Qingxian suddenly sensed the spiritual energy around her gradually thickening, far surpassing its

Chapter 6: Ambush and Crisis This sudden marriage alliance kept both of the great longevity families on edge. After exchanging perfunctory pleasantries with Shen Xian, the Ye Family delegation was eager to begin their return journey. On the surface, the Shen Family appeared impeccably courteous, not only preparing an escort for the return trip but

Chapter 7: Returning the Treasure, Punishing the Wicked Servants The battle in the sky raged on with unabated fury. Relying on the might of a high-grade magic treasure and the support of a defensive formation, Ye Tong was barely holding his ground against the mid-stage Golden Core cultivator. His face was a mask of frenzy

Chapter 8: Arrival at the Ye Family, Mockery and Sarcasm The Ye Family was established within a major cultivation city. The city itself stretched for hundreds of miles, a vast territory with expansive internal districts. It was home not only to a multitude of cultivators but also to countless ordinary mortals. Half a day later,

Chapter 9: A New Crisis, Shen Xian Responds In the Flowing Cloud Pavilion of the Ye Family’s eastern courtyard, Liu Hong’er, who had just been slapped, was sobbing with her head resting on Fourth Master Ye Mingyuan’s knee. Her meticulously applied makeup was already ruined by tears. A clear palm print remained on her left

The following day, Shen Xian changed into a plain-colored long robe. He even tucked the dragon-shaped jade pendant gifted by his mother inside his belt, rendering his entire appearance simple and unassuming. The city was a melting pot where dragons and snakes mingled. If one was too flashy, they would either be viewed as a

Chapter 11: Another Good Find, A Mysterious Puppet Even after acquiring a decent treasure, the effects of the Mystic Universal Talisman did not immediately fade. In Shen Xian’s vision, various bright and dim lights continued to flicker, interweaving into a bizarre spectacle. He did not linger, choosing instead to continue strolling through the area in

Among the ten great cultivation clans of Azure Province, the Ye Family ranked fifth, boasting numerous geniuses within its ranks. Of them, Ye Qingxian was the most renowned, hailed as the hope of the younger generation. It was a pity that the Heavens were jealous of heroic talent; she had suffered a cultivation deviation while

The thousandth birthday celebration of the Ye Family Matriarch was fast approaching. The entire main estate had already begun to be festooned with lanterns and colored banners, painting a scene of joyous festivity. Such a grand spectacle clearly demonstrated the Matriarch’s paramount standing within the Ye clan. Looking back to the early days, the entire

In the understated yet luxurious main hall of the Flowing Cloud Pavilion, Shen Xian met the Fourth Master of the Ye family. The man was clad in robes of purple and gold brocade, his jet-black hair secured by a jade band. He possessed sharp brows and bright eyes, a tall and imposing figure, and an

The Ye Family, main residence area. This Foundation Establishment assassin had clearly planned this in advance. He knew the origins of the array on the dragon-shaped jade pendant Shen Xian carried and acted with ruthless decisiveness. Facing Shen Xian, whose strength was several times weaker than his own, the only thing the target could do

The day of the Ye Family Matriarch’s millennial birthday had finally arrived! High above the vaulted ceiling of the main hall hung Nine Heavens Cloud-Patterned Glazed Lamps. Their spiritual light flowed and shifted like water, illuminating the interior as brightly as day. Thirty-six golden pillars, each sculpted with coiled dragons, stood imposingly in the space.

The great hall was a seething cauldron of noise, filled with an endless stream of mockery and angry curses. Yet, Shen Xian remained utterly composed, his expression unruffled. While today’s scene was somewhat unexpected, it still fell well within his calculations. “Everyone, have you said your piece?” After a long while, Shen Xian finally spoke.

After the gift-giving concluded, Shen Xian calmly returned to his seat. “Are you that unpopular?” Ye Qingxian suddenly asked from her seat. Today, she wore a gown of cloud-patterns threaded with gold, her hair elegantly pinned up to reveal a breathtaking, picture-perfect face. A string of gold and red beads adorned her fair neck, presenting

The next day, Shen Xian awoke within the embrace of a soft bed. He rubbed the space between his brows; his head was still somewhat heavy and foggy. The Ye Family’s spiritual wine, while not as potent as the Shen Family’s Drunken Immortal Wine, was still extremely fierce. If he hadn’t already established his Foundation,

Stepping out of the small pavilion, Shen Xian decided to take a stroll through the city, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. Ye Mingyuan wouldn’t dare act recklessly right now, and as for his second brother… with the Ye Family’s experts standing guard, he lacked the power to act even if he had the will.

Zhou Xuanyuan’s voice rang out with unusual clarity in the spacious, elegant room. He looked at Shen Xian with a smile, reminiscent of a cat eyeing a mouse it intended to devour whole. If the other party refused, he had a whole speech prepared to mock him—a tirade guaranteed to humiliate this heir of the

Inside a private room on the second floor, Zhou Xuanyuan sat sipping his tea. A servant leaned in close and whispered, informing him that Shen Xian had chosen the Thunder Pattern Spirit Cat. Upon hearing this, Zhou Xuanyuan let out a cold laugh. “Interesting. He actually chose that beast? Has he given up on himself

Inside the Spirit Beast Pavilion, a battle that seemed destined to be one-sided was about to commence. Boom— With the dull toll of a bell, a pale blue light screen rose, encasing the fighting arena. The Purple Lightning Sable instantly transformed into a purple blur. The crowd heard only a tearing sound before three bloody

The wager was over. Shen Xian had profited immensely. According to the rules of the Spirit Beast Pavilion, the victor who personally selected a spirit beast was entitled to thirty percent of the betting pool’s profits. But of even greater value were the token engraved with the emblem of the Wanxiang Chamber of Commerce and

Before the spirit vessel, Ye Mingyuan stood before Shen Xian, clad in a brocade robe. Gone was his previous hostility, replaced instead by a hint of awkwardness. “The matter of the gift earlier was done by your second brother, not my intention. Please forgive me.” As soon as they met, Ye Mingyuan transmitted his voice,

Life at the residence returned to its usual tranquil rhythm. Ye Qingxian spent her days in seclusion, focused on her cultivation. Having obtained the necessary materials from the Matriarch, she was preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Shen Xian, for the most part, lounged on his daybed, enjoying a life of leisure.

The Shen Family, Accountant’s Courtyard. Several stewards were gathered around a stone table, laughing and chatting over spirit tea and spirit fruits. “Both the Third Young Master and his wife are trash. Giving them resources is a waste,” said a round-faced steward, one leg crossed over the other as he gnawed on half a spirit

The accounting courtyard had fallen into a deathly silence. “You… you dare to kill?!” Shen Tan staggered backward, knocking over the stone stool behind him in his panic. His finger trembled violently as he pointed at Shen Xian, his voice sharp and cracking with strain. “Publicly slaughtering a steward! Do you have any respect for

Moonlight streamed down like a silken ribbon, its pure radiance spilling across the courtyard. Ye Qingxian stepped out, clad in a gown of snowy gauze, and made her way into the yard. This was her daily, non-negotiable routine. To the outside world, she remained the Ye Family’s direct-line daughter whose cultivation had been utterly crippled.

White City. This was one of the thirty major cultivation cities under the jurisdiction of the Shen clan. While its overall strength was slightly inferior to the main city, it still ranked within the top five, serving as the central hub for several surrounding cities. At the same time, it was also the region most

Inside the Shen clan estate, Shen Xian was leisurely basking in the sun. Outside the courtyard gate, Shen Lingyue, dressed in a long robe and wearing a solemn expression, called out respectfully, “Third Young Master.” “Come in,” Shen Xian replied. Shen Lingyue entered the courtyard and stood before him with the utmost deference. Following the

The next day, at the Elegant Villa, Shen Xian found his mother attending to family affairs. Upon seeing her youngest son, she immediately set down her spirit brush, a smile reaching her eyes. “Xian’er, what brings you here today?” “Mother, I wish to take Qingxian to visit that cave manor,” Shen Xian stated directly. Hearing

White City, inside a secret chamber within the City Lord’s Manor. Shen Li reclined lazily on a chair carved from profound jade, his fingertips tapping lightly against the armrest. In the flickering candlelight, his dark green pupils danced in and out of the shadows, resembling a venomous snake lying in wait. “Master, the Third Young

The group pressed onward. After walking for roughly a quarter of an hour, the space about a hundred meters ahead suddenly warped. Amidst the roiling mist, a staircase of white jade materialized out of the void. Each step shimmered with translucent, cloud-like patterns. The summit of the staircase vanished into a chaotic haze, where faint

After the Path of Heart Inquiry, they rounded a bend, and the view ahead suddenly opened up. Before them lay a vast, boundless valley. Mist and clouds swirled within the gorge, and countless phantom forms of spirit beasts could be faintly seen darting and weaving through the haze. This cave abode contained spatial formation arrays,

The ambush by the demonic cultivators came without warning. No one had anticipated that members of the Blood Fiend Sect would appear within a cave abode supposedly under the Shen Family’s control. Witnessing his companion fall, Shen Tianhao was consumed by fury. He charged forward with his spirit sword, his entire body erupting with dazzling

The incomplete jade slip was impossible to identify, but its presence here suggested it was no ordinary object. Shen Xian stowed it away for the moment, intending to ask Ye Qingxian about it later. He then continued to explore the other areas of the stele forest. He found several decent items, though most were related

To kill Shen Xian, Shen Li had secretly arranged for three squads of fiendish cultivators to enter the cave abode. The squad led by the red-robed evil cultivator had already been wiped out, but he had managed to contact the other two squads, and together they lay in ambush within the forest of steles. Having

Screech—! A piercing eagle’s cry, sharp enough to rend metal and shatter stone, suddenly ripped through the battlefield. Above the purple-gold monument, a pair of steel wings spanning a full ten zhang unfurled. The Black Iron Giant Eagle from the second trial had appeared once more, every one of its feathers gleaming with a cold,

Emerging from a curtain of mist, Shen Xing’s party found themselves before the Ten Thousand Beasts Maze. A colossal bronze gate towered at the edge of a cliff, its surface intricately carved with the reliefs of ten thousand beast heads. Each head was shockingly lifelike, their bronze-cast eyes glowing with an eerie green light in

Deeper into the labyrinth, the group faced one crisis after another. Fortunately, thanks to Shen Tianhao’s immense power, he neutralized most of the threats, and the group suffered no casualties. Ye Qingxian led the way, and at last, they reached the labyrinth’s end. Before them, a bronze altar floated in midair. Nine coiled dragon pillars

High above, the phantoms of ten thousand beasts galloped and roared amidst a colossal pillar of purple-gold light that connected heaven and earth. Cultivators within a thousand-mile radius looked up, their faces a mixture of shock and awe at the celestial phenomenon. “Has the Shen Family obtained the legacy of the cave dwelling?” a Golden

On the way back to the clan estate, Shen Xian gave his mother a detailed account of his time in the cave dwelling, carefully omitting his own role in the final confrontation. After listening, Nangong Wan’s expression instantly turned grim, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. “How audacious!” Her voice was glacial, her fingers

Three days later, the core members of the Shen Family were gathered in the main council hall, seated on either side of a long, darkwood table. Patriarch Shen Xiong presided at the head of the table. To his left, in the most prominent position, stood Nangong Wan, her expression as cold and unyielding as ever.

As evening fell, Shen Xian lay alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the night sky. With the Ye family now involved, the Shen family wouldn’t dare to act too recklessly. In the end, the final decision would likely fall to Ye Qingxian herself. So, for the most part, the matter was settled. However… Shen

Shen Li’s smile stiffened, and a cold glint flashed deep within his eyes. The sting of yesterday’s slap still faintly ached on his cheek, a constant reminder of his humiliation. If the family hadn’t been weighing the consequences, how could he have possibly swallowed such an insult? A direct descendant of the Shen Family, the

Shen Xian returned to his courtyard and waited in silence at the door to his room. A moment later, the door creaked open of its own accord. He pushed it open and stepped inside. Ye Qingxian was seated cross-legged on the meditation platform, cultivating before the window. Sunlight spilled across her long, delicate eyelashes, casting

In the morning light, Ye Qingxian stood clad in a simple white gown, her form enveloped in a faint golden aura. It accentuated her peerless beauty, making her seem even more stunning and otherworldly than usual. Even a man of Shen Xing’s stature couldn’t help but pause, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He

Outside White City, in a desolate, secluded grove. Crows cawed from withered branches as Shen Li crushed a Blood Fiend Sect communication talisman. Its ashes drifted down, mingling with the charred corpses of three heretical cultivators sprawled at his feet. “Master,” a black-clad death warrior knelt on one knee, his blade still dripping with dark

The cat’s meow cut through the silence of the night. Mo Lan and Mo Zhu froze, their heads snapping up to find a snow-white spiritual cat peering down at them from above. In the moonlight, its amber, vertical pupils gleamed with a cold, mocking light. “Not good!” Mo Zhu’s expression soured. A short sword, shimmering

The assassination attempt on the guards, despite becoming public knowledge, ultimately went nowhere. The reason was simple: the man behind it was none other than the future head of the Shen Family. And who in the entire clan would raise a fuss over a few guards for the sake of a complete waste of space?

A few days later, the time for the Shen Family’s ancestral rites—a ceremony held only once a century—had arrived. Before the first light of dawn, the sky above the Shen Family’s grand estate was already a vortex of roiling spiritual energy. Eighteen gilded spirit vessels hovered in the clouds. Their hulls, carved from thousand-year-old mystical

The ancestral worship was the heart of the ceremony; the trials that followed were of secondary importance. The ritual itself was not overly long. Led by the clan’s Grand Elder, the disciples of the younger generation stepped forward one by one to pay their respects. The worship concluded after precisely one hour. Next came the

A sharp, chilling hostility permeated the air of the Golden Realm. Jagged rocks shimmered with a metallic sheen, casting cold, icy glints under the dim light. Fine golden dust hung in the air, making each breath feel like a blade scraping against the throat. As far as the eye could see, the entire landscape looked

Long before the Ancestral Trial began, Shen Li had meticulously laid out his plans, leaving nothing to chance. The most crucial part of his strategy was forging alliances with the young masters from other participating families. As the future head of the Shen clan, winning them over was a trivial matter. With their support, targeting

The Fire Realm was a wasteland of scorched earth, the air thick with the reek of sulfur. Shen Li’s dark purple robe billowed around him, untouched by the searing heat. With every step, intricate silver serpents seemed to slither across the fabric. He spun the Heart-Eroding Blade effortlessly between his fingers, its polished surface reflecting

Shen Li emerged from the Fire Domain’s teleportation array, the acrid scent of sulfur still clinging to him. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a smug smirk on his face. The Heart-Eroding Blade spun between his fingers, casting an eerie green glow. “Master, your wisdom is truly unparalleled!” one of his subordinates

Shen Xian immediately recognized the man as one of Shen Li’s trusted cronies, yet he showed no hint of fear. First, fighting was forbidden here. Second, even if they were to clash, the outcome would be far from certain. So he simply ignored the man, found a spot on the ground, and sat down cross-legged

The Li Fire body refinement was complete. Screech! A clear and melodious phoenix cry resounded through the clouds. The eight pillars of fire erupted abruptly, their flames intertwining to form a fire phoenix that blotted out the sky. Its crimson eyes fixed on Shen Xian. As its wings swept, the fiery rain that filled the

Shen Xian lightly brushed his fingertips across the surface of the Void Reflecting Spirit Mirror. Instantly, ripples spread like water across the low-grade spiritual treasure. Yet, the reflection that stared back was not his own face, but an immense, boundless starry sky. “Since you all enjoy playing with fire…” Shen Xian’s lips curved into a

Five days passed in the blink of an eye. On the majestic plaza, seven teleportation arrays lit up in succession, emitting a brilliant radiance. Figures materialized from each array, their faces etched with complex expressions—some flushed with joy, others fraught with worry. The rules of the ancestral land were unforgiving; those who failed the trials

Over thirty survivors emerged one after another from the Li Realm. Each bore burns of varying degrees, yet their faces were alight with irrepressible excitement. Even more astonishingly, as soon as these individuals stepped out of the teleportation array, they simultaneously turned toward Shen Xian and dropped to one knee in unison. “Thank you, Third

The third trial of the Ancestral Lands: the Ten Thousand Arts Pavilion. This place was an ever-changing labyrinth, its walls etched with ancient runes, each one embodying the profound essence of a specific cultivation technique. Within the span of a single day, trial participants were required to comprehend and decipher at least five rune combinations.

Beyond the labyrinth lay an endless void. Within this emptiness, a Heaven-Reaching Staircase drifted in and out of sight, shrouded in mist, its true form obscured. Evidently, the next stage of the trial would not begin for another day. Shen Xian gazed deeply at the phantom-like staircase before him. At its summit lay the true

Divine Phoenix True Fire! This was a primordial power that existed only in ancient texts—Shen Li never imagined he would witness it today. At this moment, his heart was filled with boundless shock. The identity of the woman before him… was far more terrifying than he had ever fathomed. But soon, Shen Li snapped out

The senior members of the Shen family stood silently outside the Ancestral Grounds, their gazes fixed intently on the entrance to the forbidden zone as they awaited the final outcome of the third trial. The Fifth Elder stroked his beard and smiled with conviction. “The latter half of this third trial is ultimately the Second

At the base of the Heaven-Reaching Staircase, the battle raged fiercely. “Miss Ye, why go to such lengths for that good-for-nothing?” Shen Li wielded his Heart-Eroding Blade, slashing out an ethereal green arc that forced Ye Qingxian back three steps. A smug smirk played on his lips as he cast a covetous glance at the

Outside the Ancestral Grounds. A blinding flash of white light erupted, and two figures appeared in succession on the Ancestral Plaza. Crack. The Fifth Elder’s teacup slipped from his hand, shattering on the ground. His clouded old eyes widened in shock. “Second Young Master?!” He turned sharply toward Shen Li, whose face was as pale

Suddenly, the myriad golden threads tightened sharply. Shen Xian let out a muffled groan, feeling as though countless fine needles were piercing every vein in his body. Those golden threads, once merely connected to Daoist insights, had now transformed into conduits for raw power. They forcefully poured an ocean-like torrent of spiritual energy directly into

Shen Changsheng’s voice was ethereal, drifting like the winds of the highest heavens, yet every word struck with the weight of rolling thunder. Before Shen Xian could recover from the shock, the voice spoke again. “The Primordial Eight Trigrams—from the Dao, the Four Symbols arise.” Shen Changsheng’s voice seemed to echo from the depths of

Shen Li, a man who rarely betrayed his emotions, had lost his composure for the first time. The position of family successor—a title that should have been his—had now fallen into the hands of another. And that person was none other than the good-for-nothing younger brother he had always despised. He had painstakingly schemed and

The spirit vessel cut through the sea of clouds, its gilded hull shimmering with a crimson, blood-like hue under the setting sun. Shen Xing sat with his eyes closed in meditation when the communication jade slip hanging at his waist suddenly began to vibrate intensely. “Hmm?” His slender fingers lightly tapped the jade slip, and

Shen Xing had decided to help his Second Brother, but he chose not to act directly. Ye Qingxian’s potential was evident, and she had recently obtained the legacy of the cave abode. No one could be sure what life-preserving methods she might possess. If he failed to kill her, he would only succeed in making

Shen Li stepped slowly into the courtyard, a sinister smile curling his lips like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows. His gaze was fixed intently on Shen Xian. The Heart-Eroding Blade in his hand gleamed with an eerie green light, its edge wreathed in faint wisps of bloody mist. His cultivation at the late

The situation in the courtyard had dissolved into chaos. Nearly all the cultivators from the City Lord’s Manor had been drawn away by Shen Li, leaving no one aware of the battle raging within these walls. Watching Shen Li employ his sinister arts, a cold glint flashed in Ye Qingxian’s eyes. She lightly raised her

The courtyard returned to silence, with only a pool of blood remaining on the ground. As Shen Xian turned around, he happened to see a strand of hair fall from Ye Qingxian’s temple, making her pale complexion even more pronounced. He couldn’t help but feel a stir in his heart. “Take it, don’t let it

The next day, the group returned to the family estate. Outside the Shen Family mansion, a welcoming formation was already arrayed. Dozens of stewards and managers, clad in dark-colored magic robes, stood in two rows along the sides of the main path paved with green jade. Several family elders stood atop the nine-level celestial staircase,

Leaving his father’s residence, Shen Xian intended to visit his mother, as he hadn’t seen her since his return. However, he was met with a closed door. Nangong Wan, still grieving the recent loss of her son, was in no mood to receive guests. Shen Xian had no choice but to return to his own

Shen Xian was lying under the wisteria trellis, taking a short nap, when his entire body suddenly trembled. A vast, ocean-like spiritual power erupted from his dantian without warning, instantly surging through all the meridians in his body. [Host’s Dao Companion Ye Qingxian has broken through from the late Foundation Establishment stage to Foundation Establishment

Nangong Wan returned to the main courtyard and pushed open the study door to see Shen Xiong standing with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing out the window. She sighed softly and closed the door behind her. “Has Xian’er agreed?” Shen Xiong asked without turning his head. “Yes,” Nangong Wan replied, walking to his

The moment Wei Zhaoli laid eyes on Shen Xian, a peculiar flutter stirred in her heart. This feeling was indescribable, yet so real it made her heartbeat quicken. Coupled with certain other reasons, it sparked a genuine interest in this direct descendant of the Shen Family. In contrast, Shen Xian maintained an appropriately calm demeanor

“It seems the two young ones are getting along quite well.” Nangong Wan observed them with a smile in her eyes, her gaze lingering for a moment on Wei Zhaoli’s slightly reddened earlobes. Wei Mingyuan stroked his beard and chuckled, “Zhaoli is usually the most reserved child. It’s rare to see her so lively today.”

A few days later, the time came for Shen Xian to depart for the sect. A spirit boat hovered before the Shen Family mountain gate. Nangong Wan was straightening Shen Xian’s collar, her eyes filled with reluctance. “Xian’er, remember to send messages often once you reach the Divine Wood Sect.” Shen Xiong stood with his

Elder Bai’s eyes shifted, immediately understanding the implication. “The Holy Son is thorough in his considerations. How about this…” He looked at Shen Xian with an ingratiating smile. “Would the Third Young Master mind choosing a private courtyard in the outer sect for temporary residence? This old man will arrange it right away!” The Divine

Shen Xian turned around to see a young man dressed in the attire of an inner disciple walking briskly toward him. He had handsome features, a smiling expression, and a green jade token hanging at his waist, engraved with the character “Zhao.” “Senior Brother Zhao,” Wang Yu gave a slight nod, his tone indifferent. Zhao

Returning to Rainfall Pavilion, Wang Yu stood at the gate of his own courtyard and said with a smile, “Once I’ve tidied up, I’ll take you around for a tour.” With that, he strode inside, humming a tune as he went, seemingly in good spirits. Shen Xian remained standing where he was, lost in thought.

Deep within the bamboo forest of the back mountains. Shen Xian followed Wang Yu through the dense bamboo grove, and his view suddenly opened up. A natural stone platform jutted out from the cliff face, overlooking the entire Divine Wood Sect valley. The last rays of the setting sun spilled over the sea of clouds,

As the morning mist had yet to disperse, Shen Xian stepped into the Scripture Lecture Hall. The scent of aged ink settled upon the rosewood lectern, with thirty-six meditation mats arranged in the pattern of the Eight Trigrams. He chose to kneel on the mat at the very end. His plain white disciple robes stood

The sight of Wei Zhaoli and Shen Xian walking away side by side struck the watching disciples like a thunderbolt. Zhou Ming’s face was ashen, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked, fingernails digging deep into his palms. He stared fixedly at Shen Xian’s retreating back, the fury in his eyes almost boiling over. “A

The courtyard gate creaked open, revealing a man with a rugged, square-jawed face. It was Wang Yu. With his thick eyebrows and wide eyes, he usually carried a boisterous, cheerful grin. However, the moment he spotted the figure seated on the stone stool, his expression froze. His gaze darted frantically between the two people in

Wang Yu hoisted the wine cup and drained it in a single, massive gulp. The amber liquor slid down his throat, instantly transforming into a surge of scorching spiritual energy that rushed straight to his dantian. His square, rugged face flushed a brilliant crimson. “Excellent wine!” He exhaled a heavy, fragrant breath, his eyes sparkling

Early the next morning, Shen Xian intended to attend the morning lecture. However, the moment he pushed open his courtyard gate, he sensed the atmosphere was off. On the winding paths of Green Bamboo Peak, disciples gathered in small clusters. Their gazes darted toward him, brimming with a volatile mix of emotions. “Did you hear?

On a mountain path flanking the far side of Green Bamboo Peak, Zhou Ziling stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His face was dark with suppressed rage as he watched Shen Xian and his companion depart into the distance. The outer sect disciples who had failed earlier stood dejectedly behind him, not daring

Ever since Shen Xian refused Liu Xu’s challenge, rumors within the Divine Wood Sect had spread like wildfire. What began as whispers among the outer sect disciples soon grew into a roar of condemnation. “Did you hear? That direct descendant of the Shen Family didn’t even dare to accept a challenge from a mere outer

The moment Wei Zhaoli stepped into the Scripture Hall, clad in a moon-white dress adorned with flowing cloud patterns, the very air seemed to freeze. The green jade talisman hanging at her waist suddenly erupted with a blinding spiritual light, incinerating every doggerel poem and insulting flyer pasted on the walls into piles of gray

At the entrance of the Rainfall Pavilion, Wei Zhaoli stared at the radiant treasure before her, her pupils trembling. “This is…” Her voice carried a hint of hesitation. Shen Xian held the translucent jade plate casually, spiritual light swirling between his fingers. “A high-grade magical treasure from my mother. I have no use for it.”

The sect’s minor competition was a test of points. Upon entering the illusionary formation, participants were tasked with hunting phantom beasts to climb the rankings. The higher the level of the beast, the more points it yielded. Of course, the trial also permitted disciples to seize points from one another. Each participant carried a jade

Outside the illusion realm, the spectator stands erupted in an uproar. “This Wang Yu actually has some backbone…” “To escape unscathed from an encirclement by Li Yan and four others is no small feat.” “Hmph, it’s nothing more than a desperate struggle! His sword is gone; let’s see how he fights now.” Amidst the chatter,

The night deepened, and the rich, mellow aroma of Drunken Immortal Wine drifted through the small courtyard of Green Bamboo Peak. Wang Yu, his face flushed a boisterous red from drinking, was gesturing animatedly. “Young Master, you should have seen it! That Three-Headed Demon Lizard actually thought it could crawl away at the end…” Shen

Rainfall Pavilion. Xiao Bai lay sprawled lazily across the table, clutching a beast stone tightly in her paws. Occasionally, she batted at it playfully. Opposite her, Wei Zhaoli sat on a stone stool. Her back was straight, exuding an air of cool, scholarly elegance. However, her serene eyes kept stealing glances at Xiao Bai. Her

Shen Xian stood at the edge of the spirit spring. At the bottom of the water, the Black Mystic Spirit-Seeking Tortoise lay lazily, its shell shimmering with a faint, rhythmic spiritual light. “Big guy,” Shen Xian crouched down, lightly tapping the water’s surface with his fingertip. “How about helping me find some treasure?” The Black

Shen Xian stood outside the cave dwelling. Before long, the protective formation rippled like water, allowing him entry. He walked inside slowly, greeted by a wave of crisp, spiritual fragrance. The interior of the cave dwelling was simple yet elegant. On a low table lay several unrolled jade slips containing cultivation techniques, clearly having been

Shen Xian returned to the Rainfall Pavilion and headed straight for the spirit spring. Sensing his presence, the Black Mystic Spirit-Seeking Tortoise slowly surfaced from the bottom of the spring. “Big guy,” Shen Xian crouched down and lightly tapped its shell with his fingertip. “I can’t get the Purple Immortal Ganoderma for now, but I

Hastening the growth of spirit plants was truly a thankless task. Although the Myriad Spirits Heavenly Soil Map was a high-grade spirit treasure, it required a continuous and unending infusion of spiritual power to operate. It simply couldn’t mature plants on its own. “This isn’t cultivating immortality; this is being an ox!” Shen Xian grumbled

When Shen Xian arrived at the Deacon Hall with the Black Mystic Spirit-Seeking Tortoise, the hall was exceptionally busy. Several deacon disciples were buried in handling piles of jade slips, not even having time to look up. “Junior Brother Shen?” Qian An, who was busy at the moment, happened to bump into him and immediately

Shen Xian’s divine sense submerged into the jade slip. A three-dimensional projection of thirty-three spirit islands slowly unfurled within his sea of consciousness. Floating golden characters shimmered beside each island, clearly outlining the distribution of power in this maritime region. First and foremost was Spirit Sea City. This city belonged to an independent faction, free

Shen Xian brought the Black Mystic Spirit-Seeking Tortoise to the deck and found a quiet corner to stand. Suddenly, a series of light, bouncing footsteps sounded from behind. “Big brother, your turtle is so cute!” Turning around, he saw a little girl of about thirteen or fourteen years old. She had two pigtails tied up,

The lanky man’s cold gaze swept across the deck as over forty pirates, fierce as wolves and tigers, pounced on the crowd. The gruesome fate of those who had resisted earlier was still fresh in everyone’s minds, and now no one dared to move a muscle. “Daddy… Daddy, where are you…” A young, tearful child’s

The crisis resolved, Zhang Tieshan snapped out of his daze as if waking from a dream. He hurriedly pulled his daughter down to kneel on the deck. “This humble one will never forget your great kindness, Senior!” This address of “Senior” was uttered with genuine sincerity, without a trace of hesitation. The other cultivators also

Shen Xian inadvertently stepped on a concealed node. The formation beneath his feet hummed, alerting the entire Black Tide to his presence. Sigh. Troublesome. Before the hum even faded, a black-robed elder materialized before him. The man moved with the speed of lightning, his late-stage Golden Core pressure rolling out like a suffocating blanket. He

The magma was a churning, scorching hell. Even with Shen Xian’s late-stage Golden Core cultivation, waves of searing pain assaulted his skin. His protective spiritual energy was evaporating at a terrifying rate under the intense heat. The Profound Heaven Golden Silk Armor emitted a faint, desperate golden light to shield his torso, but it was

Guijiao stood at the prow of the flagship, his black robes snapping violently in the sea wind. His face, crisscrossed with scars, twisted in apoplectic rage. The purple-gold bell hanging at his waist trembled madly, emitting a piercing, dissonant ring. “You little bastard!” Guijiao’s roar exploded like thunder, churning the sea into waves several zhang

Morning mist clung to the massive coastal city like a damp shroud. Shen Xian, dressed in a simple blue robe, walked slowly along the bustling streets. He had been delayed on his return from the battle. A few minor disturbances had required his attention, but now he was back. “Have you heard?” At a roadside

Twenty days later, Shen Xian successfully returned to the sect. Green Bamboo Peak, Rainfall Pavilion. Shen Xian stepped slowly into the courtyard. The Black Mystic Spirit-Seeking Tortoise followed leisurely behind him, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far. “Young Master! You’re finally back!” Wang Yu’s shout came from the spiritual spring

Dang— As the first light of dawn broke, a clear, melodious bell chime rang out from the Divine Wood Sect’s main peak. Shen Xian was brewing tea in his courtyard. Hearing the sound, he looked up to see a moon-white figure stepping through the air towards him. Wei Zhaoli’s sleeves fluttered gracefully. The Cold Plum

Several years later, by the spiritual spring on Green Bamboo Peak. The morning mist had yet to disperse. On the last Purple Immortal Ganoderma by the spring, the flow of starlight suddenly accelerated. Fragmented spots of light moved like living creatures. Eventually, they converged into a single point of dazzling golden radiance at the heart

The stone door of the cave dwelling slid open silently, releasing a cool scent of sandalwood laced with a suffocating pressure. Zhao Ming took a deep breath and stepped inside. The interior was dimly lit. A few green lamps burned faintly, illuminating a red sandalwood table. Behind it, a young man in black robes was

Before dawn had fully broken, the summit of Sword Peak was already crowded. Dozens of iron sword pillars stood erected on the mountaintop platform. Dark golden runes entwined their surfaces, flickering uncertainly within the thin morning mist. At the center, the Ancient Bronze Mirror hung suspended in the air. Its surface reflected distorted cloud shadows,

Shen Xian strode through the air, his body radiant with spiritual light, a stark, luminous beacon against the bloody backdrop of the battlefield. He was deliberately making a scene. He wanted the flies hiding in the shadows to see him. He had flown no more than ten miles when a commotion arose from a mountain

The desolate earth reeked of blood, the scent carried on the dry, arid wind. Zhou Ziling narrowed his eyes. He fixed his gaze on Shen Xian, who had appeared out of nowhere, and a storm of conflicting emotions churned within his chest. “Heh. Perfect timing.” Zhou Ziling licked his cracked lips, a cruel smile twisting

Under the blood-red sunset, the air inside the secret realm grew heavy with the copper tang of slaughter. “Young Master, this is for you!” Behind the cover of a weathered rock wall, Wang Yu dragged his battered body forward. With both hands, he respectfully presented a rare spiritual treasure to Shen Xian. Ever since witnessing

The purple-robed elder finished reading the final name on the list and swept his sleeve through the air. “Ten days from now, at dawn. All qualified disciples will assemble here to depart for the Ancient Ruins!” The crowd began to disperse, but many curious gazes still lingered on Shen Xian. At that moment, Wei Zhaoli,

At dawn, a solemn silence enveloped the Divine Wood Sect’s mountain gate. Seventy qualified disciples stood in formation, their black battle robes snapping in the chill morning wind. Shen Xian stood among them, his gaze sweeping the assembly. Wei Zhaoli, dressed in moon-white armor, stood with the core disciples, her Cold Plum Reflecting Snow Hairpin

As the bronze chariot pierced the final layer of clouds, Shen Xian’s eyes narrowed. Beneath a leaden sky, a massive ring-shaped valley scarred the wasteland, looking as if a god had cleaved the earth with a single strike. In the valley’s center, a bronze gate towered a hundred zhang high. Coiling dragons etched into its

The Profound Turtle extended its neck, a low, resonant hum vibrating deep within its throat. Its amber vertical pupils were glued to the Purple Immortal Ganoderma in Shen Xian’s hand. Understanding the creature’s desire, Shen Xian tossed the shimmering purple herb forward. The turtle swallowed the spiritual herb in one gulp. Instantly, a faint violet

Deep within the ruins, Lin Lang stood atop a crumbling altar, his fingers weaving intricate seals with practiced speed. Nine blood-red talismans circled him, levitating in the air. Each one pulsed with dense, malevolent energy, and the atmosphere was thick with the faint, mournful wails of vengeful spirits. He closed his eyes, focusing his formidable

Hiss— The moment the blood python’s venomous fangs pierced Shen Xian’s flesh, the spiritual energy in his right arm stagnated. This blood-colored jade slip was an ancient relic. Nurtured over a millennium, it had birthed a vicious spirit. Sensing a threat to its existence, it triggered a primal, desperate counterattack. But in that split second

Shen Xian advanced along the path paved with white bones. With each step, a faint, rustling crunch echoed from beneath his boots. The sound of countless bone fragments being ground to dust was unnervingly clear in the deathly silent world. Gray mist hung like drapes, limiting visibility to within thirty meters. Even the frost-white light

Boom— A colossal skeletal palm blotted out the sky, descending with the crushing force of a collapsing mountain. Shen Xian’s pupils contracted. The space around him was locked down by the sheer weight of the attack. Even the defensive light of his Profound Heaven Golden Silk Armor was compressed into a paper-thin layer. Late-Stage Nascent

After leaving the Netherworld Bone Realm, Shen Xian found a secluded spot on a cliffside and sat cross-legged. A faint smile played on his lips. He tapped the communication token at his waist, sending a brief message of safety to Wei Zhaoli. Watching the spiritual light flow across the token, Shen Xian chuckled softly. This

A mountain breeze swept through the treetops, scattering a few withered leaves. Suddenly, three streaks of cold light erupted from a thicket. A poisoned dagger shot straight for Shen Xian’s back, while two bone-piercing nails targeted his temples—a vicious, lethal assault designed to leave no path for survival. “Die!” The scar-faced leader sneered, already picturing

A blinding white spiritual light descended from the nine heavens, causing the churning blood clouds to stagnate for a heartbeat. Wherever the light passed, the bloody mist retreated, paving a starlit avenue through the void. “It’s the Holy Son!” The disciples of the Divine Wood Sect shouted in unison, their voices vibrating against the massive

When Shen Xian entered the Godfiend Battlefield, the teleportation scattered everyone to random locations. He surveyed his surroundings. The sky above was a congealed scab of blood, casting a dim, crimson glow over the desolate landscape. The ground beneath his feet was riddled with cracks, each one oozing thick, scarlet mist as if the land

Shen Xian gazed at the dense blood mist and the faint trail of ink lines guiding his path. He transformed into a streak of light, rushing toward the source. The blood mist churned like a roaring beast, its baleful aura sweeping over him like a gale, attempting to crush his advance. But protected by his

The Blood Demon Beast’s massive frame trembled violently. The gaping, bloody maw on its abdomen no longer spewed foul gales; instead, it emitted a low, mournful whimper. “Spare… spare me…” A jagged mental wave, filled with abject terror and pleading, drilled into Shen Xian’s consciousness. “I will… submit as your servant. I offer my lifeblood

On the molten rock platform, three forces were locked in a tense, triangular standoff. Scorching heat waves warped the air, turning the landscape into a shimmering, distorted haze. The most conspicuous formation was the Vermilion Bird Burning Heaven Array. Twelve Golden Core disciples of the Li Fire Sect held their positions, waving crimson command banners.

Shen Xian dashed toward the outer perimeter of the ruins, leaving a brilliant wake of spiritual light trailing behind him. Behind him, the air screamed with the sounds of pursuit. The first to close the distance was the bronze-masked cultivator. He manipulated the Octagonal Bronze Mirror in his hands, refracting a terrifying beam of destructive

Shen Xian flicked his wrist, and the frost patterns on the Traceless Sword ignited. As the blade sliced through the air, fine ice crystals formed in its wake. A crescent-shaped sword qi, three zhang wide, shot forward, freezing the rocks along its path into spiderweb-like cracks. Just as the sword qi was about to strike

The jagged stone forest provided perfect cover. Shen Xian moved swiftly, leaping through the air until he reached the heart of the bizarre rock formations. He set up several simple restrictive seals around a secluded cave, then swallowed a handful of recovery pills. As the medicinal warmth spread through his meridians, the tension finally left

Shen Xian never expected a remnant soul to be hiding inside a mere low-rank spirit treasure. It struck without warning, diving straight into his Sea of Consciousness. In that split second between life and death, Shen Xian barely managed to activate the Mystic Origin Heart Shield. A layer of pale golden light flickered into existence

Shen Xian stood at the cliff’s edge bordering the stone forest, his gaze piercing the blood-red mist to fix on a shimmering golden spectacle to the north. His brow furrowed slightly. This golden light… doesn’t resemble any ordinary phenomenon. Could an ancient treasure be manifesting? With a thought, spiritual energy stirred around him. His Profound

The underground river ran deep and silent, a vein of ink cutting through the earth. Several crocodilian beasts lurked in the pitch-black currents, their crimson eyes gleaming like submerged embers. Yet, they failed to detect the figure slipping past them. Shen Xian wore a silver mask that concealed his features entirely. He had suppressed his

The cavern lay in a deathly silence, broken only by the rushing echoes of the underground river. Shen Xian concealed himself in the deep shadow of a stone pillar. His gaze, sharp as lightning, took in the entire scene. In the darkness, the lurking Golden Core cultivators held their breath, their eyes wide with shock.

In the dark depths of the underground river, Shen Xian gripped Ye Qingxian’s jade-like wrist, speeding through the water like a phantom. Behind them, the maze formation had only held for a few breaths. Several powerful Golden Core cultivators were already in hot pursuit. The spiritual light of their magical treasures tore through the gloomy

Within the concealment formation, Shen Xian and Ye Qingxian stood facing each other. Shen Xian’s lips curved into a faint smile, his demeanor relaxed and composed, exuding an air of casual indifference. In contrast, Ye Qingxian was as still as a frozen pond, her gaze cool and clear, her entire being radiating an ethereal aura.

After parting ways with Ye Qingxian, Shen Xian flew eastward, his only companion the single Purple Immortal Ganoderma in his storage ring. The God Burial Valley lay in that direction, and the legendary Great Ascension God Corpse might bring unexpected opportunities. Since it was on the way, he decided to investigate. As he journeyed, the

Shen Xian rode his sword through the air, cutting across the most desolate stretch of the Godfiend Battlefield’s Northern Region. He had been flying for two days. The further north he went, the thinner the spiritual energy became, replaced by a suffocating, dead silence. On the evening of the third day, just as the last

On the third floor of the Bronze Blood Hall, a group of battered cultivators fled upward in a panic. Leading them was a purple-robed elder. His left arm had been severed at the shoulder, and strange, writhing blood threads were visible within the raw wound. “That bitch from the Divine Wood Sect struck too viciously!”

Facing the relentless barrage of attacks and the suffocating pressure of the baleful aura, Wei Zhaoli ignored the stream of vulgar insults washing over her. A flash of resolve hardened in her eyes. She bit down on the tip of her tongue, spraying a mouthful of vital essence blood onto the White Jade Ruyi. Hum!

A killing blow, born from the deepest shadows! A pitch-black short blade, its steel etched with malevolent crimson veins, hissed through the air. It aimed true, targeting the space between Shen Xian’s shoulder blades with surgical precision. The assailant was none other than Lin Lang. The man had been a ghost, haunting the periphery of

Shen Xian condensed a spark of spiritual light at his fingertip, dragging it across the charred bronze floor to carve the first line of an array. The moment the cyan glow met the ground, the light died, swallowed by a parasitic, rust-colored film. The very stones of the Thunder Prison seemed to recoil from his

The sky above the Blood Fiend Thunder Prison buckled. With a violent crack, a bolt of crimson lightning tore through the firmament, striking the parched earth. In the wake of the strike, dozens of bronze puppets erupted from the soil, their joints grinding with a metallic shriek. They were draped in heavy, blood-soaked chains, and

With the obsidian sentinel standing watch, Shen Xian was finally untethered. His movements became a blur of lethal precision, his sword-light carving through the air with a clarity that bordered on the divine. In a matter of breaths, the remaining wave of puppets was reduced to piles of silent scrap. Beside him, the third-tier puppet

As Shen Xian and Wei Zhaoli ventured deeper into the core of the Bronze Blood Hall’s fifth layer, the omnipresent crimson lightning began to thin. In its place, a cloying, damp chill settled over the air. Dark red patterns emerged on the stone floor, pulsing and extending toward the central region like gorged blood vessels.

The shadow of Bai Qingyao lingered at the periphery of Shen Xian’s perception, a faint ripple in the spiritual fabric of the fifth floor. With his Soul Formation Divine Sense, her presence was as conspicuous as a candle in a dark room. Shen Xian didn’t turn back; he simply let his intent flare—a cold, final

The black lines at the center of Wei Zhaoli’s brow continued to spread, tracing a jagged, obsidian web across her pale skin. Her breath hitched, ragged and shallow, as she forced her eyes open to find Shen Xian’s face. Seeing his brow furrowed in a rare display of agitation, a sharp pang of guilt and

Boom! A pillar of crimson-gold light erupted from the ruins of the altar, surging toward the ceiling of the Bronze Blood Hall. The last traces of the Heart-Devouring Gu were incinerated in an instant, purged by the sheer intensity of the celestial resonance. As the shimmering light cocoon shattered, Wei Zhaoli emerged. Her brow was

The air grew heavy as Shen Xian and Wei Zhaoli navigated the jagged shadows of the subterranean passage, eventually emerging back into the desolate periphery of the Bronze Blood Hall. Above, the sky remained a bruised, sanguine hue, and a foul wind moaned through the ruins, tugging at the hem of Wei Zhaoli’s silk skirt.

Shen Xian transformed into a streak of azure light, a silent meteor cutting through the sky toward the distorted, grayish-black horizon. As he closed the distance, the ambient Spiritual Qi grew volatile and jagged. The very air tasted of copper and ancient decay, thick enough to coat the tongue. When he reached the precipice of

In the relative safety of a secluded mountain cave, Shen Xian sat cross-legged, the jade slip of the [Spirit Beast Ascending Dragon Art] pressed firmly against his glabella. As his consciousness dove into the script, a map of profound evolution unfolded. The technique was a masterpiece of bloodline refinement: the first three stages focused on

The moment Shen Xian signaled his assent, the deep wrinkles on Han Shan’s face folded into a wide, beaming smile. He gestured with a flourish, pulling Shen Xian toward the gathered throng of cultivators with practiced warmth. “Fellow Daoists, lend me your ears! This is Fellow Daoist Wang Yu,” Han Shan announced, his voice booming

The moment Shen Xian crossed the threshold of the colossal bronze gate, the world as he knew it dissolved. There was no suffocating miasma of decay or the expected gloom of a crypt. Instead, a vast, desolate world of killing intent rushed to meet them—a realm defined by the sword. The interior was an architectural

The rogue cultivator alliance appeared as a unified front, but beneath that thin veneer, dangerous undercurrents were surging. Within the party of twenty, two distinct factions had crystallized: the “Combatants,” led by Han Shan and Mo Hanchuan, and the “Opportunists,” represented by the shrewd Zhang Mingyu. The discovery of the [Sword Intent Spirit Spring] was

The crisis of the demon souls had abated, leaving a lingering scent of ozone and scorched earth. The survivors immediately sank into cross-legged meditation, desperately trying to circulate their Qi and restore their depleted reservoirs. These rogue cultivators weren’t like the pampered scions of the great clans or the inner disciples of major sects; they

The hooked-nosed cultivator narrowed his triangular eyes, a predatory heat rising in his chest. His gaze lingered on the [Azure Cloud Robe], tracing the rhythmic pulse of its spiritual light. A treasure of this grade… it was practically made for me, he thought, his heart thrumming with greed. He licked his parched, cracked lips, already

The silence following Shen Xian’s departure was absolute, heavy enough to stifle the breath. The cultivators remained rooted to the parched earth, their bodies rigid as if struck by a binding curse. The middle-aged leader of the Green Mist Sect finally let out a shuddering breath, the tension leaving his frame only to be replaced

The moment Shen Xian stepped into the Five Elements Hall, the [Li Fire True Seal] anchored within his Dantian began to thrum with a violent, rhythmic intensity. As a sigil forged from the very essence of primordial laws, the seal reacted to this realm like a starving man to a feast. Before Shen Xian could

As Liu Qingxu set her furnace and began the delicate task of tempering her Flowing Cloud Hairpin using the ambient spiritual fire, Shen Xian stepped away. His focus shifted inward, settling upon the reward held in his system’s stasis: the [Nine Heavens Artifact Refining True Explanation]. A legacy of the heavens… let us see how

With his artifact refining at a critical bottleneck, Shen Xian’s mind raced through possible solutions. The true fire of the [Sky-Burning Cauldron] was fixed; to increase its intensity, he would first need to upgrade the cauldron itself—a True Spirit Treasure. However, the sheer volume of rare materials required for such a feat was far beyond

Deep within the Fire Element Continent of the Sword Asking Pavilion, the air itself seemed to bow. Under the absolute authority of the [Li Fire True Seal], Shen Xian had done the impossible: he had reached back to the very root of the world’s heat. A stream of fire, a liquid helix of abyssal blue

Boom—! The [Li Fire Heaven-Sealing Talisman] ignited, its essence bleeding out into the air as chains of molten crimson light. In a heartbeat, the surrounding space hardened into a cage of absolute fire, severing the pavilion from the outside world. Xiao Jin moved like a bolt of jagged lightning. He reached into the void, his

“Nine Dragons Burning Heaven—!” Xiao Jin had descended into a state of absolute madness. The nine golden dragon phantoms coiling around his [Heaven-Burning Spear] were no longer fueled by mere Qi, but by his own burning life-essence. Each draconic silhouette pulsed with a heat so malevolent it threatened to reduce the very firmament to ash.

Shen Xian’s performance had thoroughly conquered Liu Qingxu, the genius from the Divine Wood Sect. In particular, his artifact forging techniques—so masterful they verged on the miraculous—had ignited a burning yearning within her heart. As they made their way toward the exit, Liu Qingxu could no longer suppress her thirst for knowledge. She lowered her

Shen Xian’s eyes sharpened. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the Mysterious Armor Spirit-Seeking Turtle from the [Blood Jade Ring]. The small spirit beast chamber Lin Lang had integrated into the ring proved its worth; the turtle emerged with a low thrum of energy. As its millstone-sized body settled onto the dusty ground,

Bai Qingyao’s breath hitched, her slender fingers tightening around the silk of her sleeve until the fabric groaned. “A Spiritual Treasure?” she echoed, her voice trembling with a carefully curated fragility. She managed a strained, weak smile. “Fellow Daoist, while our Tianyao Sect is not without resources, a Spiritual Treasure is a foundation-level asset. Surely…”

“Senior Sister Fu!” Bai Qingyao’s voice was sharp with panic. She lunged forward, catching Fu Shuang’s sleeve with a white-knuckled grip. Was she mad? The man standing before them had just annihilated a horde of demonic souls with a flick of his fingers. He was a monster draped in human skin, a powerhouse whose true

Stepping through the jagged spatial rift felt like passing through a curtain of cold, wet silk. As the distortion vanished, the third layer of the trial grounds slammed into their senses. Shen Xian narrowed his eyes against the oppressive, rust-colored sky. The entire world was drenched in a sickening, dark-red glow, as if the very

The true malice of the third layer revealed itself only after they cleared the Blood Mist Canyon. Even with the Saintess’s map as a guide, Bai Qingyao and her disciples were nearly claimed by the waste several times. They navigated shifting crystalline bridges that buckled over abyssal drops and dodged sudden, violent vortices of [Demonic

Before the gates of the ancient Spirit Herb Garden, a dozen Tianyao Sect disciples leveled their glares at Shen Xian, their faces masks of overbearing arrogance. Jiang Yingyue tilted her chin upward, her gaze sweeping over him with calculated disdain. In her mind, this lone cultivator should have been trembling, his knees buckling under the

Hysteria took hold of Jiang Yingyue. In that moment, her vision tunneled. There was only one thought consuming her mind: kill the man standing before her. Only his blood could wash away the hatred gnawing at her heart. Her eyes turned bloodshot, and her hair danced wildly in the wind. Spiritual power surged from her

The truth behind the prodigies’ sudden exit was simple. Moments after the initial restriction shattered, the chosen elites of the major powers had launched themselves into the Spirit Medicine Garden like arrows from a bowstring. Their target was clear and unanimous: the priceless Heaven-rank spirit herb. To ensure no accidents occurred, they had tacitly ordered

The group stepped through the breach and into the Spirit Medicine Garden. Desolation greeted them. It was a graveyard of former glory. Seven broken, colossal bronze pillars stood crookedly on the parched earth, the massive chains wrapped around them consumed by rust. The spirit fields below were a spiderweb of cracks. Withered husks of ancient

Lei Yingjie raised a hand and tapped the floating formation diagram. Thirty runes representing the formation eyes lit up in sequence, culminating in nine complex purple thunder patterns at the very apex of the schematic. “The ‘Nine Heavenly Eyes’,” Lei Yingjie announced, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a meaningful smile. “These nine nodes

Shen Xian’s threat was an open declaration of war. To suggest sabotaging the formation at a critical moment was not just arrogance—it was holding a knife to everyone’s throat. The crowd naturally wouldn’t tolerate such an unstable variable. Fury erupted instantly. Shen Xian scanned the surrounding faces. Some were twisted in anger, others in apprehension.

“Form the array!” At Lei Yingjie’s command, the Grand Formation roared to life. BOOM—! Thirty pillars of spiritual light erupted into the heavens. Each column was as thick as an ancient tree, its surface etched with writhing, intricate thunder patterns. In the void above, they wove together, forming a colossal net of lightning that spanned

The subsequent joint practice sessions proceeded without a hitch. Although Qiu Ruoli was seething with barely contained rage, she had no choice but to swallow her pride. As time passed, the group’s coordination sharpened, and their grasp of the grand formation deepened. Shen Xian was in high spirits. He hadn’t just secured a high-grade True

Just as the dual breath of ice and fire threatened to tear the formation apart, a figure clad in ink-black robes stepped into the void, treading upon ripples of golden spiritual light. Shen Xing raised a hand. The faint golden glow at his fingertip swelled violently, exploding into nine “Heavenly Punishment Swords” wrapped in searing

The seventh-rank beast was dead, but the thunder did not cease. Instead of collapsing the grand formation, Lei Yingjie signaled for one final surge. He redirected the array’s lingering essence, channeling it into a single, massive bolt of divine thunder that lanced toward the shadows behind the spirit milk pool. The pillar of light shrieked

Zhou Fengxing’s words struck the silent crowd like a stone shattering a frozen lake, sending ripples of shock through every cultivator present. All eyes instantly locked onto Lei Yingjie, the air thick with sudden tension and heavy anticipation. Lei Yingjie stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his purple robes snapping gently in the

Darkness crushed in on them like a suffocating tide, pressing against every sense. The wind howled in their ears, a razor-sharp gale mixed with the keen ringing of swords, as if invisible blades were clashing in the void. Shen Xian immediately expanded his Soul Formation-level Divine Sense, attempting to map the area. But the moment

Shen Xian narrowed his eyes, pushing his Soul Formation-level Divine Sense to its limit. He dissected every arc of the violet-black storm, analyzing the chaotic energy structure down to its smallest particle. Ordinary heavenly tribulation was a blunt instrument—mindless, violent, and solely destructive. But this… this violet-black lightning was different. Beneath the roaring violence lay

Swoosh— The blinding white light faded, leaving the group suspended in an infinite, starless void. Fifteen [Mystic Jade Dao Platforms] floated in the emptiness. Each platform emitted a hazy, ethereal glow, their surfaces etched with ancient, flowing patterns that pulsed with a rhythm as old as time itself. “A Heart-Questioning Formation?” Lei Yingjie’s eyes lit

The inheritance had chosen its master. “Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Liu, on obtaining the great inheritance!” A cultivator who was acquainted with Liu Wanduo rushed forward, his face plastered with a fawning smile. To obtain an inheritance from the Ancient Sword Sect meant Liu Wanduo’s future was limitless. Moreover, he likely now held the secrets to

Shen Xian stepped onto the second floor, his gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene. The cultivators who had been fighting tooth and nail over scrap metal had calmed down. Now, they stood in orderly lines before the intact jade boxes, focusing intently on deciphering the restrictions. There were over twenty jade boxes and only a

Shen Xian tapped the surface of the [Heavenly Mechanism Disk] with a fingertip. Instantly, the bronze artifact erupted with brilliant starlight. The Yin-Yang fish motif on the disk spun into a blur, while the dragon pearl at its center ignited, bathing the entire second floor in a mysterious, oscillating azure luminescence. “That energy…” Zhou Fengxing’s

The opening of the entrance to the third floor triggered an instant chain reaction. Every cultivator in the room froze, their eyes locking onto the staircase that had materialized from thin air. “Only ten people can enter?” one cultivator muttered, his expression twisting. There were fifteen of them present. Five would be left behind. “I’m

The trial of the [Tortoise-Snake Lamp] commenced with an explosion of light. Boom— The bronze carvings of the tortoise and snake upon the lamp’s base writhed as if awakening from a millenia-long slumber. A blinding cyan radiance erupted, instantly swallowing the three cultivators standing before it. Space warped and twisted. A sensation of vertigo—the heavens

“Die!” A trace of savagery flashed through Li Chen’s eyes. The small blue dagger in his hand transformed into a streak of cold light, stabbing straight toward Shen Xian’s heart. Kick him while he’s down! In his mind, Li Chen could already picture Shen Xian’s blood splattering across the barren earth. The corner of his

The rules deciphered by the [Heavenly Mechanism Disk] caused Shen Xian’s brows to furrow. He glanced up at the woman teetering on the edge of collapse, his gaze darkening. She just tried to kill me. Am I really supposed to save her? As he hesitated, the black ocean of heavy water surged. Several water dragons

In an instant, a massive Taiji diagram materialized beneath the feet of Shen Xian and Qiu Ruoli. Black and white qi erupted like geysers, coalescing into spectral chains that bound their limbs and violently dragged them toward the formation’s eye. “This is…” Shen Xian’s pupils contracted. The [Heavenly Secrets Disc] spun frantically in his mind,

Pink mist curled off the water’s surface, thick and cloying. Shen Xian hovered above, looking down with a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. Below him, Qiu Ruoli’s eyes were misty, swimming with unshed tears, yet she held her chin high, stubbornly refusing to yield. The memory of the forced dual cultivation was

The smile on Liu Wanduo’s face froze. Deep within his pupils, a crimson tide surged, violently swallowing the whites of his eyes. His originally humble and amiable features twisted, the corners of his mouth splitting open into a bizarre, grotesque rictus. “Hehehe…” A low, muffled laugh rasped from his throat. It sounded nothing like a

Seven figures scattered like startled birds, fleeing frantically toward the exit of the spirit herb garden. Behind them, the Demon Venerable’s sinister laughter followed like a shadow. With each step the monster took, the earth trembled, as if the entire ancient ruin was shuddering at his revival. Fresh from the [Body Seizing], the creature was

The Demon Venerable stalked toward the group of Golden Core cultivators, his suffocating aura dousing their hearts in despair. “We must attack. Now!” Shen Xing’s voice was low and grim. Behind him, hundreds of golden sword shadows materialized, shimmering like a mirage. A golden divine sword materialized in his right hand, humming with a sharpness

“We owe our lives to Fairy Qiu.” “As expected of the Holy Maiden of the Tianyao Sect. Her strength is truly extraordinary.” “Fairy Qiu, this great kindness is something we will never forget.” … With the Demon Venerable slain, the crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief, offering their profuse thanks to Qiu Ruoli. The

Leaving the Ten Thousand Corpses Tomb, Shen Xian felt not a shred of regret. This expedition into the Ancient Ruins had been a monumental success. With the Mysterious Turtle’s treasure-hunting senses currently exhausted, lingering here would be a waste of time. More importantly, Ye Qingxian’s safety took precedence. As he walked, his Divine Sense imperceptibly

At the entrance to the Godfiend Battlefield, Shen Xian and Wei Zhaoli stood facing one another. Wei Zhaoli took a deep, shuddering breath. Her fingertips traced the smooth surface of the jade pendant, her voice barely rising above a whisper. “Actually… I didn’t approach you by accident. I had an agenda.” She mustered every ounce

“Ah?” Wei Zhaoli stirred from her meditative trance, her long eyelashes fluttering like the wings of a startled butterfly. She opened her hazy eyes, only to find herself locked in Shen Xian’s smiling gaze. Her small face instantly stiffened, and her breathing hitched, losing its rhythm entirely. “Aren’t your injuries still bothering you?” The corner

Back in the meditation room, Shen Xian tapped the air with a fingertip. Three layers of restrictive wards fell silently into place, completely isolating the chamber from the outside world. He sat cross-legged, the three treasures floating before him. On his left, the [Void Rope] undulated like a living serpent. The newly acquired [Void Guiding