Chapter 823

Chapter 823: Friends United in Purpose

As Ye Yun entered the city, he observed demon beast treasures being auctioned everywhere. Ancient bones of unknown beasts drew endless crowds. Upon reaching Tianling City’s main governor’s residence, he remarked with a chuckle, "This structure resembles a mortal dynasty. Seems I can play emperor here."

"Giggle! Three thousand harem beauties, changing nightly without repetition for years?" Shui Lingling recited mischievously, prompting Ye Yun’s smile. "Such an emperor lives carefree, unburdened by worldly struggles. No wonder fools cling to thrones."

"Foolish rulers suit us cultivators better," Shui Lingling countered. "Ambitious kings demand our submission, unaware we could crush them like ants. Mortals need puppet rulers, not wise leaders."

She gazed coldly at passing commoners. "Mortals exist to serve. Let them exhaust themselves laboring until death. Their blood sustains us—that’s purpose enough."

The Ancestor observed her disdain approvingly. Having transcended mortality himself, he saw no reason to pity those beneath him.

Qing Li timidly interjected, "Sister Ling’er, our Succubus Clan once served others too. Lord Qingluo freed us. Maybe mortals deserve similar chances…"

Shui Lingling scoffed. "Power corrupts them. Scorned women slaughter families, failed youths seek bloody vengeance—all meaningless rage. Unlike us born in the Immortal Realm’s purity." Her voice softened. "But here… a loving sister, Ye Yun’s care, and Qing Li to tease—that’s enough."

Ye Yun patted her head, noticing a ragged child watching enviously. He sighed. Desire’s complexities eluded him still. Memories of his pure-hearted past and demonic temptations haunted him—could he ever sever these ties completely?

"Something wrong?" Ye Yun jolted from his thoughts, chiding himself for emotional wavering. Acceptance brought peace; resisting fate wasted energy.

At the residence gates, guards bowed before their Immortal Spirit Tokens. Shui Lingling squealed upon spotting An Shuiyan napping in the study.

The ice-faced beauty startled awake, hastily wiping drool. "Lingling! Yingying! Why are you—" She glared at Ye Yun. "And you, Elder Yun?"

"Scold me after cleaning your face, disciple," Ye Yun teased, recalling her moonlit beauty.

An Shuiyan flushed. "Peeping on ladies is rude!"

"Girls’ whims are always right," Ye Yun chuckled as Shui Lingling protested, "I don’t drool!"

Their banter eased tension despite looming demon threats. An Shuiyan frowned. "Why did the sect leader send you two? Third and Second Level Earth Immortals can’t handle this!"

"He sent Ye Yun as escort," Shui Lingling shrugged. "Whole cities guarded by Eighth Level experts fell instantly. We don’t understand why."

"Then I’ll slaughter every invader," An Shuiyan stated icily. "Demons deserve no mercy."

Ye Yun changed topics. "Let’s inspect the city’s protective formation."

"Rarely activated, but its runes hold secrets," An Shuiyan said.

Bored, Shui Lingling whined, "Find me fun! These scrolls are sleep-inducing."

"How’d you reach Earth Immortal realm? Eating like a pig?" An Shuiyan jabbed. Years ago, she’d tried curing Shui Lingling’s study-sleeping habit—even water thrown at the Stellar Body disciple got absorbed.

"Geniuses need naps!" Shui Lingling retorted. "Where’s Dang Fanyan?"

"We avoid each other," An Shuiyan shrugged. "He’d consult me for emergencies."

"Speaking of emergencies—that Seven-Star Sect’s young leader proposed marriage!"

Shui Lingling gagged. "Three centuries to reach Sixth Level Earth Immortal? You hit Eighth Level at thirty-six! That toad lusting after swan’s flesh? Even elders wouldn’t allow it!"

"After this crisis, I’ll make Seven-Star Sect regret their insult," An Shuiyan vowed.

Exhausted, she pushed documents at Shui Yingying. "Help me! These reports are torture."

"Lazy Shuiyan!" Shui Lingling teased.

"I’ve reviewed thousands! My jade body aches!" An Shuiyan flicked her forehead. "This warzone’s no place for you!"

Shui Lingling grinned. "Nothing harms Ling’er! Luck’s my shield!"