Chapter 425

Chapter 425: Resolution

Watching the few people about to flee, Ji Yang activated the spiritual treasure in his hand again.

To avoid complications, he also did not want to let Du Yuankang and the others go.

As they were on the verge of escaping the range of the spell’s attack, Du Yuankang showed a face of joy.

But then, a web of spiritual energy suddenly rose up in front of them, blocking their path.

Thinking that it was his two senior brothers who had discovered their escape and were ready to deal with them first, he was surprised.

However, upon closer inspection, this web of spiritual energy was even stronger than before, with the central veins appearing thicker, clearly indicating that it was not an attack from his brother.

“Junior brothers, work with me to break this web!”

Seeing Ji Yang unwilling to let them go, Du Yuankang and the others hardened their gazes and began to attack.

Their power was greater than when they had just attacked Ji Yang.

Unfortunately, the fully activated spiritual treasure displayed a power far beyond what they could contend with.

Even if a few more Void Refinement stage cultivators joined them, Ji Yang felt they would still not escape the punishment of the staff in his hand.

Moreover, being within the range of the staff, the group was unable to absorb the spiritual energy from the heavens and earth around them. As this energy diminished, they only grew weaker, unable to resist the power of the spiritual treasure, which was truly extraordinary.

At this moment, Ji Yang felt a twinge of regret about the earlier deal he made with Peak Master Su. With such an effective spiritual treasure, why would he return it?

With this spiritual treasure in hand, even without using his own strength, he could stand against a Void Refinement stage cultivator.

But that thought quickly vanished.

No matter how strong the treasure, it was still an external force; ultimately, a cultivator must rely on themselves!

While the spiritual treasure appeared incredibly powerful, it was only facing two ordinary Void Refinement stage cultivators. If he were to encounter two late Void Refinement stage cultivators, it might not exhibit the same level of strength.

Additionally, each time he activated the treasure, a significant portion of his power would drain away. If it were anyone else, they would have been drained dry by now.

Even Ji Yang felt the strain within his own power at this moment.

Even without using the spiritual treasure, Ji Yang could take down the group using his own abilities, and the energy consumption would not reach such levels.

Reflecting on this, the spiritual treasure was not unbeatable after all.

Collecting his thoughts, Ji Yang looked at the struggling group below and decided to act quickly and decisively.

As the light from the staff grew brighter, the entire space was suddenly filled with a wave of indiscriminate lightning attacks.

Cui and the others suddenly felt a blinding light before experiencing a sharp pain. They could not even look forward, closing their eyes to avoid the sight.

When the light finally faded and they opened their eyes again, they were stunned by the scene before them.

The once flat surroundings were now in complete ruins. Even the ground was turned over, and all the plants around had been damaged beyond recognition, vanishing without a trace.

“Where are they?”

One disciple from the He Dao Sect scanned the area, speaking in disbelief.

But after seeing a corner of a tattered garment drifting down from the sky, everyone fell into silence.

The power of the spiritual treasure was indeed terrifying.

The members of the Xuantian Sect had been obliterated in an instant, melting away in its destructive attack, leaving even their storage bags behind. If they had been in their place, they likely wouldn’t have lasted even a single round.

At this moment, the expressions of the few people turned toward Ji Yang were filled with a hint of fear.

Although Ji Yang had seemed to rely on the power of the spiritual treasure just now, they had never seen a low-level cultivator use a spiritual treasure and still appear as calm and composed as Yu Li.

Clearly, Junior Brother Ji was not as simple as he looked, especially considering that Peak Master Ye was renowned for his swordsmanship, and as his direct disciple, Ji Yang had not yet showcased any sword techniques.

Seeing that there were no more disciples from the Xuantian Sect around, Ji Yang casually put the spiritual treasure into his storage bag, causing another wave of impulse in the others.

However, the surroundings emphasized the power of the spiritual treasure in Ji Yang’s hands, leaving them with only admiration and fear.

“Alright, Senior Brother Cui, I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”

After storing the spiritual treasure, Ji Yang looked at Cui and smiled.

Although his tone remained as friendly as before, his words now carried a different weight in the ears of those present, reflecting the change in Ji Yang’s strength that they were not yet ready to accept.

“Okay, alright.”

Before long, Cui responded hastily.

“By the way, I’m curious where Junior Brother Ji plans to go next?”

“I’ll go take a look at the upper levels of the secret realm.”

Ji Yang replied casually, but his words stirred ripples in the hearts of the others.

Noticing their surprised expressions, Ji Yang asked in confusion,

“Is there a problem?”

The others quickly shook their heads:

“No, no, there isn’t.”

“With Junior Brother Ji’s strength, it’s only fitting to go to the upper levels of the secret realm.”

“Yes, yes, it’s only right.”

Watching the inexplicable expressions on their faces, Ji Yang did not think much of it and transformed into a streak of light, speeding away into the distance.

As Ji Yang left, the hearts of the others finally settled.

At this moment, Cui had even more thoughts on his mind. Why would Ji Yang, who clearly had such strength and a spiritual treasure in hand, willingly choose to accompany them? And why had he previously taken the lead in helping them gather spiritual plants?

This did not seem like something a talented disciple with strength would do. Surely he couldn’t have come just to build a good relationship with them? Cui did not believe Ji Yang was that idle.

Moreover, looking back, Ji Yang had taken the top-tier spiritual plant before; it was evident he had acted with absolute confidence. If not for the appearance of the other two senior brothers, perhaps Junior Brother Ji would have made a move that day?

The more Cui thought about it, the more he felt things aligned with his assumptions.

And the reason for his actions was clearly due to his previous initiative to befriend them on the warship. Otherwise, why would Junior Brother Ji take such a rash action?

Looking at it this way, his proactive approach indeed showed foresight, and his later investment seemed…

Wait, investment?

What had he invested in?

The earlier friendship had already been consumed in this action, and the agreed portion of the high-level spiritual plants was still in his possession.

Thinking about how he had missed a great opportunity, Cui felt immense regret in his heart.

No, he needed to cling to this big leg. No matter what, once they exited the secret realm, he would gather some resources and send them over.

No, he also had to consider Ji Yang’s preferences.

With this in mind, Cui quickly regained his excitement.

“You guys think, did Junior Brother Ji really not hear what we said earlier?”

At this moment, one disciple suddenly spoke up.

The others fell into silence upon hearing this.

This Junior Brother not only had a spiritual treasure but was also heading to the upper levels of the secret realm, which made his power seem terrifying.

No, perhaps he should be called Senior Brother Ji.

With such strength, how could he have missed their previous jibes?

The expressions of the group turned serious.

“Alright, don’t overthink it. Junior Brother Ji has a broad mind; he didn’t hold a grudge before, and surely he won’t care about these little matters later.”

Listening to Cui’s comfort, the others nodded repeatedly:

“Senior Brother Ji is magnanimous and definitely won’t mind this matter.”

“Such a person as Senior Brother Ji should be a pillar of the sect!”

“With Senior Brother Ji in the sect, prosperity is just around the corner.”

…

Meanwhile, Ji Yang had no idea of their thoughts as he was on his way to the entrance of the upper levels of the secret realm.

Although he had been delayed for two days while traveling with Cui and the others, fortunately, their direction hadn’t strayed too far from the entrance of the upper levels.

Now, he only needed half a day to reach his destination.

However, Ji Yang had other plans; he needed to disguise himself before heading to the upper levels of the secret realm.

Otherwise, acting under his current identity made him worry that things might get out of hand. Although he currently had a relatively high cultivation level and enough cultivation points, he didn’t want to expose himself too much.

While his actions had been somewhat high-profile before, after all, he was a person of Talent Jealousy, a disciple of Ye Wuchen, which made it understandable.

But heading to the upper levels would inevitably involve many late Void Refinement stage cultivators, and he might even encounter those two true disciples from the sect. It was better to stay low-key.

After a makeover, Ji Yang quickly took on a new identity.

Now, Ji Yang wore a black robe, his tall and sturdy figure standing near three meters made him quite impressive among cultivators. Even without engaging in a duel, he could instill a great sense of pressure in other cultivators.

Of course, Ji Yang changed his physique to let other cultivators see that his body-refining techniques were not low.

Since he had changed his identity, there was no need to hide. He would face the upper levels of the secret realm in his strongest form!

For his appearance, Ji Yang didn’t change much; he just slightly adjusted his looks so that people wouldn’t immediately recognize him, especially since most cultivators didn’t know him.

To prevent other cultivators from peering with secret techniques, Ji Yang decided to wear a conical hat magical tool.

Although the effect was minimal, Ji Yang simply wanted to wear it.

After doing all this, Ji Yang took out an immobilizing mirror to examine his new appearance.

Hmm…

What’s this look that seems both intelligent and a bit like a brute?

Forget it, it doesn’t matter.

With his new look, Ji Yang sped along, instantly raising his original Golden Core Stage to Late Spirit Transformation.

Along the way, ferocious beasts spotted Ji Yang and attempted to attack him, but under Ji Yang’s punch, they only let out a scream.

With that previous lesson in mind, the other ferocious beasts quickly withdrew their heads.

In no time, Ji Yang glimpsed the entrance to the upper levels of the secret realm.

However, he noticed that many cultivators were still gathering near the entrance, which puzzled him greatly.

The lower levels of the secret realm were understandable; after all, the cultivators there were not strong, so a Void Refinement stage cultivator could sweep through easily.

But this was the middle level of the secret realm! Cultivators heading to the upper levels surely had some strength, including many late Void Refinement stage cultivators.

Who or which sect dared to block the way here?

Even elite sects like the He Dao Sect probably didn’t have the strength for that, right?