Chapter 825

Chapter 825: Crisis Looms

Using the spatial laws, Ye Yun teleported away from Tianling City. He needed to find Shui Lingling and resolve all other matters promptly to avoid leaving loose ends, as delays would only bring greater complications.

Reappearing by a gently flowing stream, Ye Yun scanned his surroundings with furrowed brows. Though uncertain of Shui Lingling’s exact location, he had expected her to remain nearby. Yet now, the girl had vanished without a trace.

"Where did that reckless girl wander off to now?" he muttered. The Ancestor’s consciousness remained too weakened for extended use, leaving Ye Yun to search alone. Despite expanding his soul power and deploying detection treasures, he found nothing.

"Never lets me rest," Ye Yun grumbled, repeatedly teleporting through space. Though failing to locate Shui Lingling, his frantic movements drew attention. Cultivators scattered at the murderous aura radiating from him – the once-obscure youth had become infamous across Lingyao Continent.

Finally, a faint trace of water-attribute spiritual energy surfaced. Tracing it through treasures and soul power, Ye Yun discovered Shui Lingling had gone to Tianling City searching for him. Relief washed over him – at least she faced no immediate danger.

He chose not to reunite with her. Current events required distance; the girl’s involvement would only complicate matters further. Producing several distance-breaking talismans from his spatial storage, Ye Yun smirked. These rare treasures, obtained from ancient ruins, rivaled the Great Sky Teleportation Array in speed when activated with his current cultivation.

His figure flickered across vast distances as talismans burned away. When the final talisman disintegrated near Lingxiao City’s outskirts, Ye Yun switched to pure spatial teleportation despite the mental strain. Time mattered more than temporary exhaustion.

Within him, the Ancestor’s turbulent Soul Power gradually stabilized. Observing Ye Yun’s reckless spatial law usage, the ancient spirit frowned. Such strain risked severe physical backlash. Yet seeing the youth’s hardened gaze, the Ancestor sighed. The demon god soul’s emergence had shaken Ye Yun profoundly. Normally pragmatic, he’d have opted for Lightning Escape’s safer aerial travel. Only true desperation drove this haste.

"Ancestor, recovered somewhat?" Ye Yun asked, sensing the stabilizing aura.

"Mostly. Though I detect numerous Earth Immortal realm experts gathering in Lingxiao City," the Ancestor replied. "Their purpose remains unclear."

"Perhaps discussing countermeasures against the Demon Race?" Ye Yun suggested.

The Ancestor chuckled dryly. "Unlikely without external pressure. Humans seldom unite willingly. Though against the Demon Emperor’s Tenth Level Earth Immortal might, even major sects must collaborate."

"Trust remains unwise," Ye Yun countered. "Alliance breeds deception. Most cultivators would murder kin for power – you’ve seen it yourself." His voice hardened. "If such cruelty defines strength, I want no part of it."

Approaching Lingxiao City’s gates, Ye Yun sensed palpable tension thickening the air. Guards immediately recognized him – the Immortal Dao Sect’s youngest elder and continent-renowned genius drew both awe and wary respect.

Within Immortal Dao Hall, An Shuiyan stood addressing Sect Leader Shen Zhongyang about the demon god’s manifestation. Spotting Ye Yun, her eyes lit up. "You survived!"

"Heaven’s mercy," Ye Yun shrugged. "Though merely repelling it temporarily." Turning to the frowning sect leader, he pressed, "If An Shuiyan’s report holds truth, the Demon Race threatens mortal realms. We must act immediately."

Shen Zhongyang massaged his temples. The Demon Emperor’s Tenth Level Earth Immortal cultivation had already crushed multiple sects. With their Grand Elder secluded and key members absent, Immortal Dao Sect relied on elder-tier combatants against four Eighth Level Earth Immortal Great Demon Kings. Worse, the Moon Goddess Palace’s neutrality weakened their alliance of seven major sects.

Battle reports streamed in – demon forces led by Hong Qianji’s Red City contingent pressed aggressively. Human defenses faltered.

"Breakthrough requires identifying critical weaknesses," Shen Zhongyang mused aloud. "We purged demon-influenced disciples, yet…"

His words trailed as Shui Lingling approached, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Ye Yun braced for reproach, recalling how he’d teleported her away without consultation. To his surprise, she simply stared silently.

"Impulsive decisions deserve apology," Ye Yun offered awkwardly. "But this path…"

"Hmph!" Shui Lingling cut him off. "Knocking out Sister An Shuiyan? Abandoning us? Did you think we’d hinder you?"

Ye Yun sighed at her fiery gaze. War’s shadow loomed – no place for a girl barely reaching Immortal Realm. Yet her determined expression eroded his resolve.

"What would you have me do?" he conceded.

"Stay together!" she demanded. "No more solitary heroics!"

Ye Yun’s shoulders slumped in defeat. "As you wish."

"Good!" Shui Lingling’s composure cracked, voice trembling. "When you vanished…I thought…" She shook her head fiercely. "Never do that again!"

Ye Yun nodded, recognizing the fear beneath her anger. For better or worse, their fates now intertwined completely.