Chapter 799

Chapter 799: Shen Zhongyang’s Reflections

"When did you plan to break through? If you aim to merge your physical strength and true spirit energy together, won’t that waste too much time?" The Ancestor suddenly asked Ye Yun, showing concern for his unstable combat power. Even if Ye Yun was extraordinary, time waited for no one.

"There was still time. Besides, forcing a full breakthrough would lead to stagnation. The key lies in my Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique requiring both forces to reach a delicate state. Though they’re balanced now, true delicacy isn’t mere balance." Ye Yun understood the Ancestor’s worry but knew cultivation shouldn’t be rushed.

"It seems you’ve grown enough to lecture this Ancestor." The Ancestor paused, then recalled Ye Yun’s unique cultivation methods, different from ordinary immortal techniques. A hint of admiration flashed as he chuckled.

Ye Yun remained unfazed by the praise. Having reached the Heavenly Immortal realm twice, his mindset and cultivation were already elevated. Though his combat power hadn’t fully manifested, it was only a matter of time.

"Time presses urgently, but once I fully master this body, what path awaits?" Ye Yun pondered his future after reaching the peak. Though he’d entered the Heavenly Immortal realm twice, past opportunities couldn’t be reclaimed—they’d become mere memories.

His first breakthrough relied on the Demon Spirit devouring six Heavenly Immortals and a woman’s prepared Heavenly Demon essence. Now, a forceful attempt would doom him.

The Heavenly Immortal realm demanded comprehension of rules. Without them, power would scatter like water in a bamboo basket. Ye Yun needed to hasten his grasp of the world’s rules, though luck would play its part—a trait he’d always possessed, surviving countless life-and-death trials.

"Time to claim rewards." Sensing the star power in the Star God Hall, Ye Yun opened the door. Shui Lingling lay on the floor reading, while Shui Yingying glared at her in frustration.

"Ye Yun, you’re back!" Shui Lingling sprang up, eyes bright. "You’re unharmed! And you’ve reached the First Level of the Earth Immortal realm!"

"Where were you two?" Ye Yun smiled, noting their relief. He glanced at the books. "Since when does Ling’er read? Quite surprising."

"Ling’er’s always been learned! You never noticed!" Shui Lingling tossed a book aside. "When that mental energy suppressed Lingxiao City, I feared collapsing. Luckily, it vanished quickly."

"I wasn’t as fortunate. That mental intent battered me until it faded," Ye Yun replied.

"Now that you’ve completed the sect leader’s task, you’re an elder of the Immortal Dao Sect!" Shui Lingling grinned. "You’ll grant Ling’er favors, right?"

"You…" Ye Yun shook his head, amused.

Nearby, pink eyes peered from the stairs. Ye Yun turned. "Qing Li, come down."

"Okay!" Qing Li hurried over. Though recognizing him, she sensed a newfound mystique, reminiscent of a demon god’s aura.

"Master gained much this journey." Qing Li sighed inwardly, relieved he was safe.

"Let’s meet the sect leader. The Immortal Dao Stone aids Heavenly Immortal rule comprehension. They’re rare—I wonder which grade you’ll get?" Shui Lingling huffed. "You should research it! It’s clearly vital!"

"I need it to refine a Thunder Spirit, enhancing my techniques. Without it, the elder role holds little appeal." Ye Yun smiled, appreciating her concern.

Patting Qing Li’s head, he said, "Wait here. I’ve matters to settle."

"Master, Qing Li understands." She lowered her head, then forced a smile.

"Most Devils are vile, but Qing Li’s cute!" Shui Lingling tugged Qing Li’s sleeve. "We’ll get along!"

"Ensure she’s treated well." Ye Yun trusted Shui Lingling and Shui Yingying. Despite Lingling’s occasional willfulness, she’d shown only kindness since their first meeting.

"Enough chatter. The sect leader won’t cheat you." Shui Lingling waved dismissively.

"But the elder tournament approaches. Becoming a elder now is… inconvenient," Shui Yingying frowned, recalling Shen Zhongyang’s words. The timing reeked of testing Ye Yun’s legitimacy.

Eldership demanded trials beyond the Immortal Spirit Test. Shen Zhongyang and Mu Zhi likely yielded to pressure from others seeking to withhold sect resources from a Nascent Soul elder.

Even at the First Level Earth Immortal realm, Ye Yun paled against Ninth Level elders. Yet Shui Yingying believed in his hidden prowess.

Only two elders had reached Ninth Level Earth Immortal, stagnant due to talent. High-purity Immortal Dao Stones could break their limits—making the stone’s quality crucial. Ye Yun’s arrival threatened their claims, inviting hostility.

The sect’s "fairness" masked power struggles. As Shui Yingying prepared to warn Ye Yun, she sensed a presence.

"Sect Leader, must you sneak up on me?"

"Haha! Worthy of the Nine Yin Body!" Shen Zhongyang emerged, aura billowing. Qing Li gaped—his majesty rivaled her clan leader’s.

"She’s just a girl. The Succubus Clan abstained from the Immortal-Demon War. Our clan lost many Heavenly Immortals defeating the Mental Demon Lord."

Ye Yun tensed. A demon race requiring dozens of Heavenly Immortals to subdue? Such power neared the Heavenly Demon’s!

"Elder Ye Yun, you slew the Celestial Tower’s sealed Heavenly Demon. Had it broken free, only a senior’s intervention could’ve saved Lingyao Continent." Shen Zhongyang shuddered, recalling the demon’s terror—a million-foot colossus slaughtering immortals like ants. Only human Heavenly Immortals sacrificed themselves; none from the Immortal Realm.

Born in the war’s twilight, Shen Zhongyang witnessed the Demon God Emperor’s fall to four Immortal Realm Heavenly Emperors. He’d lamented his weakness. Under past rules, five hundred more years would’ve granted him a ninety percent breakthrough chance.

Immortal Realm rules stood unbroken, guarded by Heavenly Emperors. The Human Realm’s rules, shattered by demon gods, let him reach Ninth Level Earth Immortal—a feat. Though Mu Zhi reached Tenth Level, Shen Zhongyang could kill him easily.

Mu Zhi’s breakthrough relied on external forces—a dead end. Yet, reaching Eighth Level had been his limit. Two other elders’ concurrent breakthroughs to Ninth Level aroused suspicion.

"Did you meet our Demon King?" Qing Li asked.

"Yes. The Heavenly Demon and Demon King aimed to conquer both Human and Immortal Realms—a fatal blunder. Had they focused, even the Heavenly Emperors couldn’t have stopped them."

Shen Zhongyang sighed. Humanity’s survival hinged on their enemy’s arrogance—a bitter irony.