Chapter 821

Chapter 821: The Awakening of the Demon Race

When Ye Yun arrived at Red City, he noticed Hong Qianji wasn’t present. Without dwelling on it, he headed straight for the Great Sky Teleportation Array. Seeing the familiar dark shadow emerge, Ye Yun smiled faintly. "Lingxiao City. But Elder should leave this place first. What happens next may be beyond your control."

"It seems this matter concerns you," the black-clad figure remarked calmly, showing no fear. He treated it as trivial, not bothering to question further when Ye Yun offered no explanation. Two Tenth Level Earth Immortal beasts meant little to him, though he worried whether his disciple might encounter trouble after being permitted to descend the mountain.

Seeing the figure’s indifference, Ye Yun shook his head. This matter wasn’t his responsibility—the Ancestor had enabled the Demon Emperor’s breakthrough, not him. As spatial laws surged around him, Ye Yun watched the shadow vanish. He’d given his warning; the elder’s whereabouts concerned him no further.

The teleportation caused little discomfort now. Having grown accustomed to journeys between Red City and Lingxiao City, Ye Yun barely noticed the spatial pressure. Gazing at Lingxiao City, he wondered how many cultivators would perish if it fell. Would the toll surpass his grim estimates?

Upon teleporting into the Immortal Dao Sect, Ye Yun found the sect competition already concluded. It mattered little to him. Shifting through spatial ripples, he approached Shen Zhongyang, who greeted him with a bright smile. Reluctant to dampen the man’s mood, Ye Yun forced a wry smile. "Sect Leader, if you still smile after hearing my news, I won’t bear blame."

"Haha! Elder Ye Yun, you retrieved the magic source crystal from the Celestial-Demon battlefield—you’re family now. With Ling’er and Yingying fond of you, we should adjust formalities!" Shen Zhongyang’s jovial tone made Ye Yun raise an eyebrow.

"Sect Leader jests well. But your mirth may fade with what comes next."

"Oh?" Shen Zhongyang’s expression sobered. "What brings you here?"

"The Demon Emperor broke free, reaching Tenth Level Earth Immortal peak. A demonized mountain beast of equal strength battles him now. Demon forces will target Red City first, launching counterattacks across Lingyao Continent."

Shen Zhongyang’s brow furrowed. If true, this demanded immediate action. "Hong Qianji’s plans for Red City matter now." He trusted Ye Yun’s warning. Prioritizing containment, he summoned all sect elders via spirit perception.

"Brother Ye! Are you free?" A familiar mental voice interrupted. Ye Yun smiled—Tianqing’s arrival meant reliable aid.

"Sect Leader, I’ll greet an old friend."

"Return swiftly. We must strategize." Shen Zhongyang sighed.

Observing the golden-robed Tianqing at the sect entrance, the Ancestor chuckled. "Thought he was wandering the continent. No matter—his help benefits us."

Noticing Tianqing’s heightened cultivation, Ye Yun approached. "What brings you here, rascal?"

"Haha! Elder Ye Yun’s fame echoes across Lingyao! Boredom drove me to see your glorious sect." Tianqing grinned, though truthfully, sparse spirit stones had limited his travels. Ye Yun remained his only trustworthy contact.

"You’ve learned flattery. Stay and help—it’ll steady you." Ye Yun led him inward.

"Always making me work!" Tianqing complained but followed, marveling at the sect’s grandeur. "No wonder it’s renowned!"

"More than scenery—opportunities await those who stay."

"Heh, I’m too restless for duties here!" Tianqing protested.

Ye Yun chuckled. "I know your nature. But earlier, did you sense dual demonic auras?"

Tianqing blinked. "You noticed? My physique differs from yours."

At the Immortal Dao Hall, Shen Zhongyang stood with Mo Wenxian. "Why’s Sect Leader dragging you here?" Ye Yun asked.

Mo Wenxian sighed. "For the people’s sake, I comply."

Elder Xing eyed Tianqing. "This youth?"

"My life-and-death brother. Without him, Nine Demons Burning would’ve cost me dearly." Ye Yun’s praise made Tianqing blush—he’d mostly relied on Ye Yun during that ordeal.

Mo Wenxian smiled. "I’m Mo Wenxian. Your name?"

"Tianqing!" The two instantly bonded, their peak-tier physiques resonating.

Shen Zhongyang addressed the gathered elders. "Elder Ye Yun relayed the situation. Execute orders without delay!" His stern gaze quelled dissent. Turning to Ye Yun, he instructed, "Proceed to Tianling City with Ling’er and Yingying. An Shuiyan awaits you there."

Accepting the jade tablet, Ye Yun nodded. Guarding the city seemed manageable while the Demon Emperor remained occupied.

"And Young Friend Wenxian?" Shen Zhongyang asked.

Mo Wenxian bowed. "I accept any duty."

"Tianqing will assist him," Ye Yun decided.

Resigned but polite, Tianqing nodded. "Guide me, Brother Wenxian."

Post-discussion, Ye Yun departed to find Shui Lingling and Shui Yingying. He wouldn’t force them into danger but needed their stance. The coming demon onslaught promised bloodshed—he hoped they’d choose wisely.