Chapter 684

Chapter 684: Water Spirit Python

“Is this supreme Immortal artifact planning to drain this dormant volcano into extinction? Absorbing such massive Fire Spirit Qi—are you courting fire poison again?” The Ancestor of the Sword Path initially thought Ye Yun was up to something mundane, but his eyes widened as he watched most of the Fire Spirit Qi surge into the Fire Dragon Whip.

The Ancestor’s expression darkened. “Do you comprehend the danger? If this overwhelming Fire Spirit Qi detonates within you, even I couldn’t suppress it.”

Ye Yun chuckled, unperturbed. “Do you think I’d act without forethought? Remember the Heart of Immortals and Demons within me. This trivial spiritual energy wouldn’t even whet its appetite.”

“You intend to use it as your breakthrough catalyst for the Nascent Soul stage, don’t you?” The Ancestor studied Ye Yun’s confident stance before sighing. “Still, exercise caution. Even if the Heart revives you, the agony of such an explosion would be unbearable.”

“Ancestor, do you truly believe I still fear burning pain?” Ye Yun shook his head wryly, his gaze steady. The memory of enduring fire poison’s searing torment through his veins for endless days had long scorched away such frailty.

“Prioritize your survival. If control slips, discard that artifact—let it self-destruct. The Purple Shadow Divine Sword remains, so the loss is negligible.” The Ancestor gestured to the sword gleaming in Ye Yun’s grip.

A low growl vibrated from the Fire Dragon Whip, bristling at the Ancestor’s words yet restrained by wary respect for the ancient being. It pulsed faintly, awaiting its master’s will.

“Unnecessary. This weapon has sworn allegiance. I’ll preserve it unless death looms—abandonment isn’t an option.” Ye Yun stroked the whip’s coiled form, his touch calming. In response, the weapon glowed softly, its fiery aura warming with renewed loyalty.

“That overgrown lizard needs discipline,” the Ancestor snorted.

“The Heart’s refinement is decided. Our immediate concern is finding land. Lingering here drains our strength.” Ye Yun scanned the endless waters, tension lining his voice.

“The second layer of Xumi Treasure’s ocean stretches beyond measure. My perception falters here.” The Ancestor grimaced. “But burning a fraction of my soul’s origin could extend my sight. Soul power gleaned from this realm might amplify the search.”

“Do it. Now.” Ye Yun’s command brooked no hesitation. Exhaustion gnawed at him—countless top-tier Immortal Spirit Stones could replenish energy, but mental weariness bred lethal vulnerability.

Nodding, the Ancestor summoned a wisp of luminous essence from his palm. His consciousness exploded outward, scouring the seascape until—

“Northwest. Three thousand miles. An island—already claimed.” His eyes flickered with yin-yang energies as he resealed the soul’s origin. “Shall we evict the squatters?”

“If they welcome company, we share. If not… persuasion applies.” Ye Yun turned to Golden Ling’er and Jin An. “We depart. Rest awaits.”

“So swift?” Golden Ling’er marveled. Her own spirit perception barely spanned a hundred zhang, yet Ye Yun had pinpointed land across vast waters. Her admiration swelled.

White light erupted as Ye Yun channeled his immense spirit stones, warping space while replenishing true qi. Borrowing the Ancestor’s soul power, they materialized near the island moments later.

“Senior, you’ve pushed hard. Rest now—we’re close enough.” Golden Ling’er fretted over Ye Yun’s pallor.

“She’s right. We’ll guard you,” Jin An added, noting the fatigue in Ye Yun’s stance.

“Wake me if trouble stirs.” Ye Yun acquiesced, settling onto the crimson whip.

“My turn to protect Senior!” Golden Ling’er chirped, perching alertly beside him like a vigilant sparrow.

“Relax. Your intensity’s unnerving,” Jin An teased as Ye Yun meditated.

“No! What if enemies attack?” She scanned the horizon, jaw set.

“When I underwent closed-door cultivation, where was this diligence?” Jin An muttered.

Golden Ling’er flushed. “You’re strong! Few dare oppose you. But Senior’s safety matters most—it protects us all!”

“Fine, I’ll rest too under your ‘protection’.” Jin An smirked, folding his arms.

“Don’t! Who’ll keep me company?” She pouted.

Jin An chuckled. “Senior’s cultivation would detect threats. He trusts you despite your… enthusiasm.” Rubbing his eyes, the second-layer Nascent Soul cultivator settled down. Ahead lay unknown perils—for now, momentary respite.

Three days and three nights had passed without rest. Though Jin An didn’t require sleep, he’d still take short naps to recover from practicing cultivation methods.

"Everyone’s fallen asleep. What’s Ling’er supposed to do now?" After burning through several incense sticks, Golden Ling’er found the surroundings too quiet. She enlarged her golden bell, sat atop it, and idly watched the ocean.

Using her spirit perception to scan the depths, she discovered numerous creatures dozens of zhang below. Common fish and shrimp swam among them, yet their spiritual power far exceeded her expectations.

She’d thought them ordinary at first, but sensing their spiritual energy, Golden Ling’er considered catching some to aid her cultivation. Rolling up her sleeves, she nearly jumped in.

"But the sea’s full of dangers. That Nascent Soul stage spirit whale earlier could swallow me whole." She hesitated, remembering the massive shadow she’d seen with Jin An. Plunging into waters with such beasts meant certain death.

"Never mind. Ling’er can’t handle this. But Senior Ye Yun surely could." She gazed at the meditating Ye Yun, cheeks flushing pink as her thoughts wandered.

"Ancestor, found anything in these waters?" Ye Yun asked without opening his eyes, sensing movement below.

"Hard to say. The ocean’s vast, but I spotted something interesting. Curious?" The Ancestor of the Sword Path replied calmly.

"What? You’re not mistaken? I sense nothing special." Ye Yun chuckled.

"Still doubt me?" The Ancestor huffed. "I just saw several spirit beasts swimming below."

"Spirit beasts are rare enough to become artifact spirits. You saw many?" Ye Yun raised an eyebrow.

"Disbelieving brat!" The Ancestor snapped. "You missed the Rainbow Butterfly before. This is your new chance."

"Even so, diving risks encountering beasts beyond Nascent Soul stage." Ye Yun glared at the churning waves. "Who knows what lurks down there?"

Though believing spirit beasts existed in the abyss thousands of zhang deep, venturing alone meant restricted Fire Spirit Qi and weakened Ice Spirit Qi. Only Thunder Spirit Qi might prove useful, but the crushing pressure could rupture meridians. Not worth risking for mere beasts.

With abundant Immortal Spirit Stones, he should find safe haven until activating Yue Lengxuan’s distance-breaking talisman to seek the Sun and Moon Dual Souls.

"Don’t want your Mysterious Crescent Blade restored to peak condition?" The Ancestor pressed as Ye Yun wavered.

"Of course. But spirit beasts appear in continental auctions. Why risk this death trap?" Ye Yun countered.

"Fool! Don’t come crying when you regret this!" The Ancestor turned away, though his gaze remained on Ye Yun.

"Fine, I’ll go. But first explain why." Ye Yun glared. "No good reason means I’ll recover using soul’s origin."

"Stop! Even Moon Goddess Palace’s sect leader wouldn’t waste soul’s origin on sleep!" The Ancestor blurted. "There’s a Water Spirit Dragon below. Dragon-like beasts multiply power. Remember your Fire Dragon Whip’s Sea of Heavenly Fire technique? Imagine controlling water’s might."

"True enough to break Zhang Yanhua’s Divine Art." Ye Yun nodded. "But why’s the whip so strong?"

"Different artifact spirits?" Ye Yun guessed.

The Ancestor gaped. "How’d you know?"

"Supreme Immortal artifacts use similar heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Only artifact spirits’ intelligence differs." Ye Yun shrugged.

"Underestimated you, brat." The Ancestor grumbled at Ye Yun’s indifference. "Countless beg for my praise, yet you…"

"Right, right." Ye Yun tuned him out, refocusing – just as a ten-zhang serpentine shape charged from the depths.

"Brave thing, targeting me?" Ice Spirit Qi coalesced in Ye Yun’s palm. Hundreds of ice spikes pierced the sea, staining it crimson.

"Seeking death?" Golden Ling’er finally noticed the commotion. Her low-quality Immortal artifact flew out, pinning the injured serpent.

Ye Yun chuckled dryly as Golden Ling’er subdued the creature. Most ice spikes had dissolved underwater – only few struck true.

The captured Water Spirit Python glared through ornate blue scales when summoned. Its aquatic patterns shimmered like liquid art.

"Ah, Water Spirit Python. Survived because of water affinity." The Ancestor observed. "Valuable mid-tier spirit beast, though less than my dragon."

"Give it to Ling’er then." Ye Yun smiled at the starry-eyed girl. "Like this Sea Beast?"

"Yes! First time seeing such beauty!" Golden Ling’er beamed. "Luckily Senior held back!"

The python butted its triangular head against the bell, protesting the "held back" claim. Without innate water control, Ye Yun’s strike would’ve slain it.

"Seems fond of you." Ye Yun laughed at its glare. "Sense my current state, if you’re smart."

The python trembled under Ye Yun’s gaze, feeling not a human but a fully armed dragon hatchling capable of effortless slaying.