Chapter 734

Chapter 734: The Little Bug Underground

“A Third Level Earth Immortal realm cultivation and an innate spiritual body. This’ll be troublesome.” Ye Yun stroked his chin, deep in thought about defeating his opponent. The man’s resolute stance suggested his sect already knew the treasure distribution within this Celestial-Demon battlefield. Combined with his protectiveness toward that woman, he’d surely interfere with the Heavenly Immortal inheritance.

“Why not bury him here forever?” The Ancestor of the Sword Path chuckled as Ye Yun pondered.

“Wouldn’t you mourn him?” Ye Yun glanced sideways. “I thought you prized innate spiritual bodies. Why suggest killing him?”

“A spiritual body only holds value if claimed. If unobtainable, destroying it isn’t a loss.” The Ancestor smiled faintly.

“Planning to help me slaughter him yourself?” Ye Yun raised an eyebrow.

“This task falls to you. Though he must die, I’d hesitate to strike personally. Best you handle it.” The Ancestor laughed.

Ye Yun grimaced. “What if I become the prey? The gap between us is monstrous.” He recalled sensing an insurmountable chasm when facing Mo Wenxian. Only by reaching Earth Immortal realm could he bridge it—now, as a Fourth Level Nascent Soul, victory seemed as fleeting as firework sparks.

“Don’t fret. If danger arises, I’ll intervene. I won’t watch you die,” the Ancestor reassured.

“Still… defeating him would boost my fortunes immensely.” Ye Yun’s eyes glinted despite the odds.

“To claim his luck, you must crush him openly. Half-measures won’t sway the Dao.” The Ancestor studied him. “I admire your courage, but this borders on recklessness. Even I doubt you can overcome him now.”

Mo Wenxian’s Nine Palaces Annihilation Body—a supreme innate spiritual physique—granted peerless Celestial Energy. His Nine Palaces secret techniques could overwhelm Ye Yun even at Third Level activation. At Fourth Level, he’d rival Fifth Level Earth Immortals.

Backed by Nine Palaces Heaven’s elders who deemed him Nine Palaces Heavenly Immortal’s reincarnation, Mo Wenxian’s resources dwarfed most. They’d spend billions of top-tier Immortal Spirit Stones without blinking to preserve him—a living, battle-hardened Heavenly Immortal far outvalued mere wealth.

Centuries ago, Nine Palaces Heavenly Immortal had single-handedly barred the Demon Realm’s invasion for three hundred years. Only when the entire Demon Realm mobilized did he fall, taking two great demon gods with him. Such legends fueled the elders’ devotion.

Though unaware of these details, Ye Yun felt his blood surge hearing the Ancestor’s tales. While pampered Immortal Realm celestials lounged, human cultivators like Nine Palaces Heavenly Immortal had clawed victories from demonic hordes. Survival demanded prioritizing self-interest first—how else could one protect others?

The Ancestor remained silent, letting Ye Yun contemplate his path. Two choices loomed: a solitary road or one intertwined with others. Whichever he picked, the Ancestor would support him, remembering his own regretted choices.

“The lone path… grows too desolate.” The Ancestor watched Ye Yun and Shui Yingying smile at Shui Lingling, who skipped ahead to admire the cavern’s wonders. The girl’s destiny was hers to shape—only integrity could sustain it.

“It’s getting damper,” Shui Lingling noted. Stalactites dripped milky spiritual liquid above. She caught a droplet on her finger, giggling. “Tasty!”

“Stop that!” Shui Yingying scolded. “Who knows how this essence affects your Stellar Body?” She turned to Ye Yun, only to find him hastily wiping his hands. “Must you both act like children?”

“But it replenishes spiritual energy!” Lingling pointed at Ye Yun’s guilty fidgeting. “See? He’s curious too!”

“Testing for impurities,” Ye Yun lied, dusting his sleeves. “You’re just greedy. If not busy, I’d stop you myself.”

The ground squelched underfoot. Lingling hurled a dagger; it sank hilt-deep. “Why’s it so soft?”

“The Blood Lion’s tunnel leads downward—the inheritance must lie below.” Yingying kneaded the damp soil, puzzled. Her Stellar Body passively absorbed water-attribute energy here, nudging her toward Earth Immortal breakthrough. Yet she resisted—her alternate personality’s hatred for Lingling seethed beneath the surface.

“I’ll endure until Lingling secures the inheritance. Then… consult the sect leader.” She suppressed her restless power. Ironically, gaining access to Starry Sky methods’ Starry Sky River technique—a potential boon for Lingling—eased her worries.

Meeting Ye Yun had been improbable. Initially pleading for Lingling’s mercy, she’d grown awestruck by his prowess. A Fourth Level Nascent Soul rivaling Earth Immortals? Only top sects bred such geniuses. Yet he claimed to be a wandering cultivator—his talent undeniable, his path to Heavenly Immortalhood perhaps smoother than Lingling’s.

Shaking her head, Yingying focused ahead. “Ye Yun! A stream!”

The rivulet split into twin branches. Ye Yun approached cautiously, only to feel minute watery entities swarming him. With a sigh, he unleashed Fire Spirit Qi. Flames erupted, scorching the ground.

Lava seeped from his feet as an invisible barrier repelled counterattacking water. “Whine all you want,” he muttered. Another fiery wave charred the earth black.

Spotting a droplet on his hand—a surviving Water Spirit Bug—he incinerated it. “Annoying pests.”

“They’ve thrived here unchallenged,” the Ancestor remarked. “Weak alone, but cunning in ambush.”

“Need stronger mental energy to detect them.” Ye Yun stomped the warm soil. “At least they’re gone now.”

The Ancestor scoffed. “Think water bugs alone caused this humidity? The Demon Abyss holds darker things.”

Shadows oozed from the walls. Ye Yun slashed teal Sword Energy, reducing them to puddles.

“What are these?” Lingling peered curiously.