Chapter 2089 : Sweeping Through the Yaozu, Unexpected Complications Arise

"My thanks for your aid, Dao Ancestor."

Watching the 4 Great Emperors depart, Eldrin hastily cupped his hands in salute and expressed his gratitude to the 2 Supreme Dao Ancestors.

Haoxu Daozu gave a slight nod without further comment, merely watching as Taishi Daozu cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Elder Brother. With your ascension to Soul Path Celestial Emperor, it seems none in the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss shall surpass you hereafter."

"You flatter me. I was merely a step ahead. I trust you will catch up soon, my worthy brother."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor replied calmly, then gave a slight nod toward Eldrin (Person Name).

With those words, he lifted his gaze toward the far end of the void, only to witness the 3 Great Emperors of the demon race retreating into the 3 Extremes Primordial Domain the moment they sensed the turning tide.

"You reacted quite swiftly."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor’s brow furrowed slightly, yet he did not immediately give chase. Instead, he turned to Eldrin and the Black Abyss Demi-Saint and said, “Let us return for now.”

Soon, everyone present had gathered and arrived within the Primal Immortal Realm.

Above the 9-Layered Heavenly Palace, the 6 Primordial Chaos Heavenly Emperors—Taishi, Taïyuan, Tazhuo, Taichu, Ziwei, and Bumie—gathered in solemn assembly. Eldrin and the Black Abyss Emperor stood to the side.

The Grand Abyss Immortal Sage gazed at the Primordial Dao Ancestor, unable to contain his joy as he spoke, "With your return this time, brother, we shall finally have our chance to settle scores."

The Ziwei Divine Emperor’s eyes also blazed with an intense light as he spoke with a hint of murderous intent, “Shall we take action and overthrow the Demon Clan’s Celestial Court?”

"Then let us seize this opportunity to turn everything upside down."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor spoke unhurriedly, then soared through the heavens in a single step to strike deep into the starry expanse. With a mere turn of his palm, he unleashed a cataclysmic collision against the Celestial Court of the Demon Tribes.

In that instant, the vast Demon Emperor's Celestial Court shattered, layer upon layer of divine palaces crumbling and cascading down. Countless peerless Demon Emperors and celestial demons perished beneath this single strike.

"Grand Elder Taishi, are you truly determined to sever all ties between us?"

Witnessing the Primordial Dao Ancestor’s full eruption, the 3 Heavenly Emperors of the demon race could no longer hold back.

But then the Candle Dragon Emperor abruptly soared into the sky, harnessing 9 primordial dragon pearls to form an Innate Supreme Treasure Killing Array that came crushing down.

"Zhulong, after all these years, it seems you haven't made the slightest bit of progress."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor let out a cold sneer. With a mere flip of his palm, he unleashed a devastating strike that sent the Candle Dragon Emperor hurtling backward, crashing deep into the vast expanse of the starry heavens.

Meanwhile, ripples spread through the void as a peerless Divine Phoenix soared into the sky, its wings sweeping down like blades to cleave through the air, striking directly before the Primordial Dao Ancestor.

"Primordial Phoenix, you are nothing more than this."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor spoke with an ethereal calm, then swept his sleeve in a fluid motion. A palm strike descended with devastating force, sending the Primordial Phoenix reeling backward, her face drained of color.

The 2 Great Emperor Monsters of the demon clan were no match for him. Finally, the Sun Emperor could no longer hold back. Mounting a Solar Golden Bell, he soared into the sky, shattering the vast and boundless void as he descended to suppress the Primordial Dao Ancestor.

This time, the Primordial Dao Ancestor finally revealed a grave expression. With a sweep of his Dust Whip (Magic Treasure), he commanded the Primordial Soul Pagoda (Magic Treasure) to soar through the air, instantly clashing with the Solar Golden Bell (Magic Treasure).

After the single strike, the Primordial Dao Ancestor remained unmoved, while the Sun Heavenly Emperor paled slightly and retreated 3 steps.

"Primordial Dao Ancestor, are you truly determined to burn all bridges between us?"

With a single move putting him at a disadvantage, the Sun Celestial Emperor could not help but reveal a look of extreme wariness, his gaze brimming with boundless cold intent.

At this moment, Eldrin finally grasped the true extent of the Primordial Dao Ancestor's current power.

Now that the Primordial Dao Ancestor had achieved the cultivation of a Soul Dao Celestial Emperor, his overall power had undergone an immense and monumental advancement.

Originally, before his breakthrough, the Primordial Dao Ancestor's base strength was approximately 60 to 70 percent greater than that of an ordinary Heavenly Emperor.

At that time, the Primordial Dao Ancestor could likely have held his own against 2 ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperors simultaneously.

Yet the current Primordial Dao Ancestor had enhanced his overall power by more than twofold—he could likely contend with 5 ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

With such strength, while it may not dare to claim parity with a Half-Step Dao Union expert, it can still be considered the pinnacle among the most supreme Heavenly Emperors.

Of course, the Soul Emperor was not adept at prolonged battles, but excelled in explosive assaults.

The Primordial Dao Ancestor possessed a Primordial Spirit Treasure that amplified his divine abilities. At the peak of his explosive power, he could even marginally threaten a Dao Fusion Supreme. Thus, ordinary Half-Step Dao Fusion experts regarded him with profound apprehension.

With such strength, he might be far from matching the otherworldly Demon Emperor, but in the current 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss, he stood in a league of his own.

In such circumstances, though the Primordial Dao Ancestor might not have been certain of slaying or suppressing the Sun Emperor, he was still considerably more powerful than the Solar Celestial Ruler.

Once the forbidden Chaos Divine Ability 'Sword of the Great Dao' is unleashed, it may even severely injure—or utterly annihilate—the physical form of the Sun Celestial Emperor.

With this thought, a glimmer of joy arose in Eldrin’s heart. Under the protection of such a senior figure of the human race, his safety was now greatly assured.

"Fellow Daoist Taiyang, was it not you who chose to tear off all pretense of cordiality?"

The Primordial Dao Ancestor spoke, his expression then turning somewhat aloof as he began to speak.

At the same time, Ziwei Shenhuang (Divine Emperor), Taichu Shenhuang (Divine Emperor), Taiyuan Xiansheng (Immortal Sage), and others soared into the air 1 after another, closing in on the 2 Yaozu Tiandi (Heavenly Emperors).

"Do you truly intend to fight to the bitter end?"

Seeing the 6 Great Emperors closing in, the Sun Emperor radiated boundless chilling intent.

In an instant, he unleashed his full power. The Great Dao of the Sun and the Great Dao of the Stars materialized behind his head, summoning the authority of the celestial spheres to descend upon him.

In an instant, the boundless power of the primordial celestial realm’s stars, along with the might of the Solar Imperial Star, erupted abruptly, transforming into endless chains of order that converged upon Solar Celestial Emperor.

With the empowerment of the Solar Emperor Star and the celestial forces of the Zhou Heaven Stars, the Solar Celestial Emperor’s cultivation and combat prowess surged by over 50 percent, bringing him to the verge of touching the threshold of the Half-Step Unity Realm.

"The authority of the Cosmic Stars and the Primordial Chaos Vein?"

The gaze of the Primordial Dao Ancestor turned frosty as the Great Dao Sword within his Soul Treasure Pagoda undulated rhythmically, its presence faintly radiating a force capable of obliterating heavens and extinguishing earth.

This sent a chill down the spines of the 3 Great Celestial Emperors of the demon race. The power of the Zhou Heaven Stars was indeed formidable, and with its empowerment, the Solar Celestial Emperor’s strength had surged dramatically. Yet, it still fell short of reaching the half-step Harmony Dao realm.

Had the Primordial Dao Ancestor truly unleashed forbidden divine abilities, he could very well have severely wounded the Sun Celestial Emperor.

After all, among the Path-Ruling Heavenly Emperor, the Sage of Physical Ascension, and the Soul Dao Heavenly Emperor, the latter had always been the most formidable existence.

Not to mention, the Primordial Dao Ancestor also wielded the Chaos Great Dao, his strength far surpassing that of a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor alone.

With this thought, the 3 Great Emperors' expressions turned incomparably grave.

The Solar Celestial Emperor was filled with profound apprehension, yet his words still radiated murderous intent as he declared, "Your Chaos Divine Art is indeed extraordinary, but even if you unleash its full power, this sovereign does not fear you."

"Is that so?"

As the voice of the Primordial Dao Ancestor faded, the Great Dao Sword within the Soul Treasure Pagoda emanated a light of annihilation.

Just as he was about to unleash his full power, a voice suddenly echoed through the chaos.

"Fellow Daoist, hold your steps."

But just at that moment, a majestic figure emerged from the primordial chaos.

The newcomer was clad in Chaos Battle Armor, his aura already half-stepping into the Half-Step Unity Realm. This was none other than the Panji Heavenly Emperor of the Chiyang Primordial Domain.

"It's him?"

Eldrin's brow furrowed slightly, his expression growing profoundly solemn.

This Emperor Panji was originally from the Primal Domain of Chi Yang, yet today he had abruptly arrived within the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss, taking everyone completely by surprise.

However, his cultivation had reached the Half-Step Integration stage, and his strength placed him among the elite of those at this level. Thus, for the moment, none dared to act recklessly.

"Fellow Daoist Panji, do you also intend to interfere in the affairs of our 3 Extremes Primordial Domain?"

Seeing this, the Primordial Divine Emperor’s brow furrowed slightly as he spoke with gravity.

The Primordial Extreme Emperor, however, let out a light laugh and directly forced his way into the Primordial Immortal Domain. With a calm expression, he spoke:

"The Abyss is about to calm, and that Otherworldly Demon Emperor will surely return. All of you are pillars upholding the 7 realms of the Southern Abyss—how can you afford to exhaust yourselves in internal strife at such a critical juncture?"

"How about I act as a mediator? Both of you take a step back and cease hostilities—what do you say?"

"Cease?"

Upon hearing this, all the Heavenly Emperors of the human and deity races, including even Daoist Tai Zhuo, revealed a trace of furious indignation.

Now that the human and god races have joined forces, they have pushed all the way to the doorstep of the demon race, on the verge of completely driving them out of the Tri-Polar Primordial Realm.

Isn’t it obvious that Emperor Panji’s attempt to mediate at this moment is nothing but a thinly veiled act of taking sides?

"Damn it, that old thief Zhiyang refuses to let our 3 Extremes Primordial Realm unite. He wants to plant a thorn right in our midst."

The Astral Sovereign communicated with the others via voice transmission, his face contorted with unparalleled fury and shock.

At this moment, everyone present understood why Emperor Panji had come to mediate on this very day.

The fundamental reason was their unwillingness to see the 3-Pole Primordial Realm unified.

After all, the 3 Extremes Primordial Realm possessed formidable strength and stood as a pinnacle among primordial realms. Now, with the emergence of the Primordial Dao Ancestor as the Heavenly Emperor of Soul Dao, its prestige soared even higher.

Such a powerful Primordial Domain, if fully unified and jointly governed by the 9 Chaos Heavenly Emperors, would likely possess the strength to contend even against a Path-Unification Supreme.

At that time, the 3 Poles Primordial Domain would likely give birth to a Dao-Unification Supreme, completely shattering the power structure of the 100 Domains of Blazing Central.

The Blaze Zenith Sect was unwilling to witness this scene unfold, nor did they wish to allow the Primordial Dao Ancestor to break through the Dao Unification Realm.

Therefore, he dispatched the Emperor Panji to prevent the 3 Extremes Primordial Realm from achieving unification.

"What a profound doctrine of balance, going to such lengths to extinguish all hope of others attaining the Supreme Unity. This Blazeheart lineage truly oversteps its bounds."

不灭天帝悄然与众人传音，眸光之中却泛起了无比忌惮之色。

The 6 Great Emperors were utterly helpless, yet there was little they could do about it.

After all, the Primordial Emperor possessed formidable power. With him personally acting as a peacemaker, they stood no chance of subduing the 3 Demon Emperors.

Yet, the Primordial Abyss Immortal Sage remained unwilling to concede. With utmost solemnity, he spoke, "Your prowess is formidable, and the legacy of the Chi Yang lineage has shaken the myriad realms of chaos."

"However, you have overstepped your bounds by meddling in the affairs of the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss."

Wide?

The Firmament Extreme Emperor let out a cold sneer. In his hand, a peerless Heaven-Splitting Halberd tore through the void, cleaving toward the Abyssal Immortal Sage with overwhelming force.

In that instant, Taiyuan Immortal Sage's expression shifted abruptly. He hastily summoned the Taiyuan Sword to parry, yet was still sent flying through the air, coughing up blood.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, the Heavenly Dao's will of the Primordial Immortal Domain awakened, descending countless divine chains of the Great Dao to shield the Abyssal Immortal Sage, preventing him from suffering severe injuries.

"Bzzz—"

Taishi Daozu caught Taiyuan Immortal Sage in that same instant, then summoned his Primordial Spirit Pagoda to confront the opponent. His expression turned utterly frigid as he declared, "Your actions have crossed the line, esteemed 1."

At the same time, the various Heavenly Emperors, including Immortal Heavenly Emperor, soared into the sky and stood shoulder to shoulder, casting deeply wary gazes toward Steadfast Extreme Heavenly Emperor.

Regarding the Primordial Dao Ancestor, the Indomitable Celestial Emperor showed a hint of seriousness, yet his tone remained tranquil as he spoke, "The command to cease hostilities was issued by the Supreme Lord Chiyang himself."

"If you have any objections, you may personally inquire of the Supreme Eldrin."

Upon hearing this, everyone present slightly changed their expressions, while the 3 Demon Sovereigns revealed looks of delight.

Supreme Fiendlord of Empyrea had dominated the 100 Domains of Empyrea for millions of kalpas, yet only those at the half-step Dao Unity realm could give him the slightest pause.

With the current power of the 3 Primordial Realms, even if the 6 Great Emperors joined forces, seeking out the Blazeheart Supreme would only bring them suffering.

"It seems we cannot capture the Demon Emperor today."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor halted the indignant crowd, his expression serene as he gazed at the Monolith Zenith Emperor. "Since it was Elder Chiyang himself who gave the order, we naturally dare not disobey."

"We are already aware of this matter, Fellow Daoist. Please make haste and return."

"You are the 1 who understands the greater picture, Fellow Daoist." Emperor Panji smiled faintly, then turned to those behind him and said, "Come forth, all of you."

Instantly, several overwhelmingly powerful auras emerged from the primordial chaos, followed by 3 figures stepping forth—2 men and 1 woman.

Eldrin looked up, his expression shifting subtly.

Among these 3 individuals, 2 of the men were quite familiar to Eldrin.

These 2 individuals were none other than the Xuanhuang Heavenly Emperor of the Chi-Yang lineage, and the ‘Chi-Yang Blazing Cinder’ who had cultivated the sole true form.

The last woman was not someone Eldrin knew well, yet he could roughly discern her origins.

Her Daoist title was 'Frostmoon Empress,' a seasoned Chaos Celestial Emperor of the Blazing Zenith lineage.

1 who dared defy the Heavenly Emperor, and 2 Primordial Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

The moment they laid eyes on the trio, everyone present grew slightly wary, their expressions betraying a hint of astonishment.

Witnessing this, the Primordial Extreme Emperor spoke with unshakable composure, "The Venerable Supreme Chi Yang himself has performed the celestial calculations. He discovered that the Chaos Abyss will calm within the next several kalpas."

"By that time, the Northern Abyss will likely launch an invasion. To aid the 7 Domains of Southern Abyss, our Blazeheart lineage shall seize this opportunity to dispatch 3 supreme experts for assistance."

At this point, the Primordial Extreme Heavenly Emperor paused briefly before continuing, "During this period, Xuanhuang, Cangyue, and Fenjin shall be temporarily assigned to your 3 Primordial Domains."

"Garrison the 3 Extremes Primordial Realm?"

In that instant, everyone's expressions underwent drastic changes.

Even the 3 Great Emperors of the demon race revealed a flicker of peculiar expression.

Eldrin's expression turned frosty as he instantly grasped the multiple schemes hidden within the Embercore Primeval Domain's single move.

They sent 3 powerful experts here, but their true intention was likely not to assist the 7 Domains of Southern Abyss—rather, to plant a hidden agent among them.

His purpose was threefold. First, to prevent Patriarch Taishi and the others from going back on their word—lest they immediately take action after Emperor Panji’s departure to expel the 3 great emperors of the demon race.

Second, it was to monitor the Primordial Dao Ancestor and prevent him from suddenly breaking through to the realm of the Unity Sovereign.

Third, and most crucially, it was to seize control over the Primordial Immortal Realm.

As the saying goes, it is easier to invite a deity than to send 1 away.

As long as the 3 supreme experts remain stationed in the Primal Immortal Realm, they retain the possibility of usurping the Heavenly Dao's authority over this domain.

Especially Chi Yang Fen Jin, a being who dared to challenge the Heavenly Emperor himself.

Had he attained the Dao as the Primordial Chaos Celestial Emperor in the Primal Immortal Domain, he would have perfected the path of physical sanctification in that realm. In time, he would naturally command partial authority over the 3 ultimate primal domains.

By that time, the Chiyang lineage would gradually seize control over the Heavenly Dao authority of the 3 Primordial Domains through the Chiyang Scorched Embers.

"Damn it."

After comprehending the entire truth, Eldrin exchanged glances with the other Heavenly Emperors, their faces simultaneously darkening with overwhelming fury.

But rage was all they could afford, for there was no stopping it now. To ensure their own survival, the 3 Heavenly Emperors of the demon race would undoubtedly agree to let Chiyang Fenjin and his followers take up residence.

Even if they wished to join forces and seek assistance from other Dao Ancestors and Immortal Sages across the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss, it was unlikely these powerful figures would extend their aid.

Because once the demonic tribes were driven out and the 3 Primordial Realms achieved unification, the Primordial Dao Ancestor would very likely break through to the Integration Realm.

Compared to the distant Supreme Eldrin, the Primordial Dao Ancestor of the 7 Southern Abyssal Domains breaking through to the Unity Realm was what truly unsettled these Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

"This is troublesome."

Eldrin murmured inwardly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd once more as an expression of profound gravity surfaced on his face.

The brows of the Primordial Divine Emperor and his companions furrowed, while the faces of the Candle Dragon and the Primal Phoenix were painted with mingled joy and apprehension. Yet the Solar Celestial Emperor remained expressionless, appearing as 1 untouched by sorrow or delight.

However, it was abundantly clear that the assembly could hardly reach a consensus regarding the 3 supreme experts' entry, nor could they possibly prevent them from joining.

Observing this, the Firmament Extreme Emperor’s lips curved into a faint smile as he declared, “Since none of you have further objections, let this matter be settled as such.”

"I hope you can work together in good faith to jointly fend off the assaults from the Northern Abyss."

With those words spoken, the Monolith Supreme Emperor said no more, leaving the 3 mighty experts to be received and accommodated by the Celestial Court of the Demon Race.

Eldrin observed the scene with tranquil composure, when suddenly he detected a gleam of chilling light hurtling toward him.

He looked up and saw that Chi Yan Fen Jin was staring at him with an icy gaze, a strange, cold smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

He said nothing more, but after giving Eldrin a meaningful look, he followed the 3 Great Emperors of the Demon Race and departed.

After the 3 Great Demon Emperors had taken away Chi Yan Fen Jin and the others, Eldrin finally snapped back to reality, a trace of concern coloring his expression.

The Primordial Dao Ancestor patted Eldrin on the shoulder, shook his head faintly, and said, "Let us deliberate first."

"Very well."

Eldrin nodded and followed the various Celestial Emperors into the celestial court.

Above the 9 Heavens, celestial palaces rose in layered peaks.

Amidst the vast expanse of celestial mist, a majestic immortal palace drifted and floated at the center of the heavens.

Within the majestic immortal palace, the 6 Great Heavenly Emperors, including the Primordial Dao Ancestor, sat facing 1 another. Eldrin and the Black Abyss Demi-Saint were seated to the side, each wearing expressions of utmost gravity.

"Bang—"

The Astral Emperor Ziwei slammed the table, his face contorted with unparalleled fury as he spat, "The Blazing Zenith Supreme—it's the Blazing Zenith Supreme again!"

"Back then, he gravely wounded the Primordial Immortal Domain. Now he dares to interfere in the affairs of our Tri-Polar Primordial Domain? Does he truly believe we are easy to bully?"

A heavy silence fell upon the crowd, yet none could summon an immediate response.

Eldrin understood all too well—in the eyes of Supreme Chiyang, the Tri-Polar Primal Domain without even a single Half-Step Unity cultivator guarding it was likely viewed as nothing more than a soft, easy target.

Being bullied yet having no means to fight back left everyone present with a sense of defeat.

"Sometimes I truly envy the Primordial Demonic Realm."

The Grand Turbid Divine Emperor spoke slowly, then smiled bitterly and said, "Not only do they have an otherworldly Demon Emperor overseeing them, but they are also united in purpose. Even the Supreme Lord of Blazing Yang could do nothing to them."

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped across the cliffside, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. A solitary figure sat cross-legged upon a smooth, weathered boulder, his dark robes barely stirring. This was Li Chen, a young man whose name was unknown to all but a few within the vast and ancient Verdant Peak Sect. 1 100 years had passed since he had first arrived at the sect, a boy of 12 with nothing but desperation and a flicker of hope. Now, at 20-some years of age, his cultivation base remained stagnant at the third level of Qi Refining. It was a source of endless whispers and pitying glances from his fellow disciples. Today, however, felt different. The spiritual energy around him seemed to hum with a strange intensity. He had been meditating for nearly 12 hours, cycling the basic Verdant Peak Art, when a faint, almost imperceptible tremor ran through his dantian. It was a sensation he hadn't felt in years—a hint of a breakthrough. He focused his mind, blocking out the cold and the distant sounds of training from the main courtyards. He visualized the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, drawing it into his body, guiding it through his meridians as described in the ancient manuals. The process was agonizingly slow, each wisp of energy a battle to control. *Crack.* A soft sound, like a tiny pebble breaking, echoed from within him. A wave of warmth, pure and potent, erupted from his core, washing away the fatigue and chill. His senses sharpened; he could now hear the rustle of a leaf a 100 paces away and see the intricate veins on a blade of grass as if it were under a magnifying glass. The fourth level of Qi Refining. A slow smile touched Li Chen's lips, but it was brief. Reaching the fourth level was merely the first, smallest step. He knew of disciples who had achieved Foundation Establishment before their twentieth year. He was already lagging far behind. He opened his eyes, their usual dullness replaced by a sharp glint. His gaze fell upon the small, worn spatial pouch at his waist. With a thought, he reached inside. His fingers brushed against the cool, smooth surfaces of his meager possessions: a dozen or so Low-Grade Spirit Stones, a single healing pill, and a yellowed scroll—the basic cultivation manual every outer sect disciple received. His resources were pitifully scarce. The monthly allowance for an outer sect disciple was a mere 10 spirit stones, barely enough to maintain his current level, let alone advance. To progress, he needed more—much more. He needed resources, guidance, and perhaps, a sliver of luck. Suddenly, a sharp, mocking voice cut through the serene mountain air. "Well, well. If it isn't Li Chen. Still trying to squeeze water from a stone, I see?" Li Chen's expression tightened. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Zhang Feng, a bully who had tormented him since their early days in the sect, and who had recently broken through to the fifth level of Qi Refining. Zhang Feng swaggered over, 2 lackeys flanking him. "I felt a slight disturbance in the spiritual energy. Don't tell me you actually made a breakthrough? Took you only, what, 5 years?" He laughed, a harsh, unpleasant sound. Li Chen remained silent, calmly storing his spirit stones back into the pouch. He knew better than to engage. Any retort would only invite a beating. The sect elders turned a blind eye to such minor conflicts among outer sect disciples, as long as no 1 was permanently maimed. "Cat got your tongue?" Zhang Feng sneered, stepping closer. "You know, I'm feeling generous today. Hand over your spirit stones, and I might let you leave with all your limbs intact." Li Chen's hand, which had been resting on his pouch, clenched into a fist. A dozen or so spirit stones... it was everything he had. To lose them would mean another month of stagnant cultivation, of falling further behind. "No?" Zhang Feng's eyes narrowed. "Fine. We'll do this the hard way." With a swift movement, Zhang Feng lunged, his palm glowing with a faint green light—the Mountain-Splitting Palm, a low-level combat technique. The strike was aimed directly at Li Chen's chest, fast and ruthless. The lackeys grinned, anticipating the familiar sight of Li Chen being sent tumbling to the ground. But Li Chen didn't dodge. Instead, he met the charge. His movements, previously sluggish and predictable, were now fluid and sharp. He sidestepped the palm strike by a hair's breadth, the wind from the blow ruffling his hair. Before Zhang Feng could register his shock, Li Chen's own hand shot out, not with a fancy technique, but with simple, refined force gathered at his fingertips. He tapped twice, rapidly, on Zhang Feng's wrist. *Snap!* A clear, crisp sound of breaking bone echoed. Zhang Feng let out a choked cry of pain, clutching his deformed wrist. His face was a mask of disbelief and agony. "You... you broke my hand! How?!" The 2 lackeys stood frozen, their grins wiped away. Li Chen looked down at his own hand, then at Zhang Feng, his voice calm but cold. "You talk too much." He didn't wait for a response. Turning, he walked away from the cliffside, leaving the stunned trio behind. The wind howled, carrying away Zhang Feng's pained whimpers. As he walked towards the dilapidated hut he called home, Li Chen's mind was racing. The brief skirmish had confirmed it. His spiritual power was denser, his control finer. The breakthrough was real. But a new, more pressing thought emerged. He had publicly humiliated Zhang Feng, whose cousin was an inner sect disciple. Trouble would inevitably follow. He was now more visible, and in the ruthless world of cultivation, visibility often attracted both opportunity and danger. He needed to get stronger. Fast. His gaze drifted towards the towering main peak of the sect, where the library pavilion stood. It housed countless cultivation manuals and records, including texts on alchemy and artifact refinement—paths that could potentially accelerate his growth. Perhaps it was time to look beyond the basic Verdant Peak Art. Perhaps it was time to take a risk. Unbeknownst to him, deep within his consciousness, something that had lain dormant for a century finally stirred. A wisp of ancient, profound intent, faint as a morning mist, brushed against his soul. The game had truly begun.