Chapter 776

Chapter 776: Returning to Red City

Elders of top sects, even Invited Elders, enjoyed the greatest privileges. Their status commanded genuine reverence both outwardly and within. The Immortal Dao Sect’s dominance over Lingyao Continent stemmed from its undeniable hidden power. Ye Yun had learned much about the sect’s strength through the Ancestor’s teachings.

The sect likely housed at least one Ninth Level Earth Immortal expert. Those who reached this realm far surpassed Eighth Level Earth Immortals in power. Battling them wouldn’t result in instant death, but resistance would prove futile.

Ye Yun had personally experienced this when facing the Lava Sea King. The Eighth Level beast’s aura had slowed his true qi circulation, while Qing Li beside him became completely unable to wield demonic energy.

Such power belonged to those who transcended the Seventh Level Earth Immortal’s peak and grasped the rudiments of their own Dao. Though Ye Yun believed he could rival Seventh Level cultivators, he couldn’t compare to those who had begun shaping their Dao.

"Still too weak. The Eighth Level’s Dao foundations remain fragile. Even aiming for Heavenly Immortal breakthroughs isn’t enough," the Ancestor scoffed, unimpressed by Eighth Level Earth Immortals. In his view, any who lingered at that realm beyond ten thousand years had lost all hope of advancement.

"Such stagnant cultivators are mere insects toying with the world’s rules. If my first sword strike fails, a second will crush them without resistance," the Ancestor added. Though aware of Ye Yun’s current weakness, he hesitated to advise him further when noticing the Black Sword Ring on the youth’s finger.

"Boy, why wear that torture device?" The Ancestor sneered at the trinket. Though it had helped Ye Yun comprehend the Illusory Sword Path, he deemed it crude compared to his own two extremes of the Sword Path – a philosophy encompassing life and death that even the Blood Qi Heavenly Immortal had coveted. After failing to grasp this cycle, that immortal had created the Killing Immortal Classic, making the Ancestor its indirect progenitor.

"I’m refining my understanding of the Illusory Sword. Single techniques weaken when isolated. Previously, my cultivation couldn’t fully unleash the sword intent within this ring, so I split it into three Sword Techniques. Now I seek to merge them," Ye Yun explained.

"Hmph! My two extremes would erase that pathetic Illusory Sword from history," the Ancestor retorted. The Black Sword Ring glowed faintly in defiance but quickly dimmed under a surge of soul power. Though its master was formidable, the ring’s intelligence feared the Ancestor’s remnant soul.

Qing Li watched Ye Yun under the tranquil night sky, her heart heavy. Her cultivation would wither within a century – a mere blink for Ye Yun’s journey. She hadn’t explained that a succubus’ bond mirrored human marriage, nor that Ye Yun’s "repaying a debt" excuse felt painfully hollow.

"Meeting you was enough," she whispered, veiling her bittersweet smile as moonlight silhouetted her succubus features.

Ye Yun focused on the Black Sword Ring, struggling to grasp its creator’s intent. The intricate carvings spoke of love and separation through obscure glyphs neither he nor the Ancestor could decipher.

"Useless lovers’ drivel," Ye Yun dismissed. His priority was strength – enough to influence the world’s rules and face the Demon Realm’s wrath. Having slain seven demon gods, he knew the demon race’s hatred ran deep.

"They’ll devour you alive," the Ancestor chuckled. "But true demon gods won’t emerge lightly – the Immortal Realm would retaliate."

Ye Yun gazed at the waning moon. "Then I’ll carve my place in this heaven before they come."

"Confidence suits you," the Ancestor approved. Though Ye Yun remained Nascent Soul-stage weakling, he saw glimmers of a unique path – one that might someday let the youth stand above all realms, undefeated.