Chapter 778

Chapter 778: Journey to Lingxiao

"City Lord Hong Qianji, this joke of yours goes too far. I merely sought your help to break the seal, not to witness you poisoning Su Mo here," Ye Yun said, staring at the smiling Hong Qianji.

He detected no trace of deception from her. If Hong Qianji spoke truthfully, the blood pill might truly transform into lethal poison within him. The greatest protection could become the deadliest weapon. Ye Yun chuckled bitterly at this irony.

What he’d assumed would be swiftly resolved now left him at another’s mercy. Steadying himself, Ye Yun calmly addressed Hong Qianji: "Then state your demand clearly, City Lord. Otherwise, I might as well enjoy more wine here."

"Demanding terms from a dying man seems harsh, but since you insist…" Hong Qianji paused, appearing to deliberate. Behind Ye Yun, Qing Li trembled with greater fear than when facing Hong Qianji’s threats, as if terrified of being abandoned.

"Very well. Secure me an elder’s position in the Immortal Dao Sect. Use any means necessary to attain status equal to their elders. Do this, and our debt clears!" Hong Qianji waved her hand triumphantly.

She knew this impossible task would break him. Those sect old men would never accept an outsider like Ye Yun as elder – a position granting authority over inner disciples and influence with the sect leader. Yet she smiled when Ye Yun agreed, wondering how he’d survive her Three-Month Blood curse. As her ethereal figure vanished, Ye Yun kept drinking from his empty cup.

"Have you lost your wits?" The Ancestor frowned at Ye Yun’s vacant stare and solitary drinking.

The Ye Yun he knew wouldn’t collapse under pressure. This despondency irked him, though understandable.

"Fear? I feel only excitement." Ye Yun’s slight tremor betrayed the fury his pure-hearted nature struggled to contain. Suddenly, watery softness enveloped him from behind, making him startle.

Turning, he found Qing Li’s tearful eyes brimming with concern. Gently removing her hand from his shoulder, he reassured her puzzled expression: "Were I so easily broken, I’d despise myself."

"But Master… will you…" Qing Li stammered, eyes reddening.

"Nothing will happen. I already planned to contend for that elder position. This merely adds urgency." Ye Yun smiled but felt complicated emotions while gazing at the starry night scene.

Ironically, he’d learned to comfort others. Yet having someone care for him felt… not unpleasant.

Watching cultivators gathering below, Ye Yun asked: "Qing Li, know why humanity endures on Lingyao Continent?"

"Unity? Records say when we first came to Spirit Herb Continent, we slaughtered wildly. Though initially defeated, we united until Immortal Realm sealed my Devil Race away."

"Unity is childish delusion. Humanity’s strength lies in boundless greed. We claim whatever we see – even these stars." Ye Yun grasped at the glittering sky before opening empty hands. "But it’s all just a dream."

"Dream?" Qing Li tilted her head.

Flames danced in Ye Yun’s palm, forming constellations. "My fire control rivals your Flame Demons, yet…" He extinguished the display. "You’ll understand someday."

Nodding meekly, Qing Li’s attention shifted to arriving servers bearing spiritual power-rich dishes. Though of Devil Race, she could absorb these energies.

"Eat. No use waiting." Ye Yun had no appetite, knowing his three-month death sentence. Qing Li devoured food enthusiastically while the Ancestor watched Ye Yun brood.

"Worrying over a blood pill? Let me…"

"Consider this my trial. Should I fail, that’s my limit." Ye Yun leaned casually against the railing.

"Fool! Those toxins could ruin your foundation even if I save you!"

"Just a dream." Ye Yun shrugged.

"Dream? I’d rather sleep forever! Living means clinging to hope!" The Ancestor glared. "Besides, I need you alive to forge my perfect vessel!"

Smiling, Ye Yun changed subject as Qing Li choked on stolen wine, cheeks flushed.

"Too young for drinking," he chided gently.

With matters urgent, spatial energy hummed. White brilliance flashed, leaving the pavilion empty.

Mo Tianxiao emerged from Beast Blood Pavilion, clutching Blood Lion essence blood. "With these, Master will…" He started seeing Ye Yun. "Brother Ye! Why leave Red Qian Building?"

"New complications. To Lingxiao City, swiftly."

At the Great Sky Teleportation Array, Ye Yun offered superb quality Immortal Spirit Stones to the overseeing dark shadow.

"Enough. Proceed." The shadow inspected the stones.

"Next time, perhaps a small favor?" Ye Yun pressed.

"Clever pup." The shadow activated the array. "You’ll cause trouble someday."

As spatial light swallowed them, the shadow muttered towards Lingxiao City: "Cunning youngster. Didn’t fool me though." Annoyed at owing a debt, he vanished with a wind gust scattering gawkers.