“I have a way that might be able to save you. If it fails, you must not blame me, but if it works, you have to buy me a few drinks!” After Yang Kai finished speaking, he took out a jade bottle and opened the lid. Then, he pried open Bai Qi’s mouth and poured the liquid into it.
An unsuspecting Bai Qi directly gulped it down, but before he could ask anything, he suddenly straightened and stared at him with widened eyes, his face transformed by disbelief.
“How is it?” Yang Kai looked nervously at him.
After a long time, Bai Qi’s eyes brightened. As though he finally realised something, he exclaimed, “World Source Liquid?”
“Will it work or not!?” Yang Kai had the urge to land a kick on him. He couldn’t believe that all Bai Qi was more concerned about what the liquid was than whether it would help him or not.
“Do you have more?” Bai Qi smacked his lips as seemed to develop a craving.
“En,” Yang Kai directly fished out another bottle of World Source Liquid and poured it into Bai Qi’s mouth.
After chugging it down, Bai Qi took a deep breath and, unlike how dejected he was a moment ago, he had a look of determination and joy as he declared, “Stay back. Today, this Old Bai will ascend to the Open Heaven Realm and comprehend the Grand Dao!”
Decisively, Yang Kai flew 100 kilometres away before stopping in his tracks.
Looking from afar, he could see that Bai Qi had sat down in the void with his legs crossed while performing a set of hand seals. Although he was 100 kilometres away, Yang Kai could still clearly feel that the violent force around Bai Qi had rapidly calmed down as an abstruse aura undulated.
[It works!] Seeing that, Yang Kai was finally able to be at ease.
The idea of letting Bai Qi consume World Source Liquid suddenly crossed his mind at that time, but he wasn’t sure whether it would work.
He had obtained a large quantity of World Source Liquid from the Profound Heavens Temple Sealed World back in the Star Boundary. It was a kind of liquid that was formed alongside the birth of a world. Since he collected it though, Yang Kai had not found a use for it at all.
In the past, he had heard someone mention that the reason Iron Blood Great Emperor was stronger than the other Great Emperors was that he had consumed a cup of World Source Liquid before in the Profound Heavens Temple.
Yang Kai had also drunk the liquid, and as it entered his stomach, he seemed to experience Heaven and Earth splitting apart in his body, sending him into a deep state of enlightenment, one he still remembered vividly. Now, the problem with Bai Qi was that the Powers of Yin, Yang, and Five Elements he had condensed were thrown into chaos, destabilizing the new Small Universe inside his body. Therefore, Yang Kai guessed that World Source Liquid might be useful to him.
Now, it seemed that the liquid wasn’t just useful, it was actually the perfect cure.
As time passed, Bai Qi’s aura stopped undulating chaotically as the Power of Yin, Yang, and Five Elements started smoothly blending in his body. A hint of World Force exuded from his body, as if a new world had just been born.
An excited Yang Kai stared fixedly at him. It would take a long time before he could ascend to the Open Heaven Realm, but after observing what Bai Qi had been going through, he would be better prepared to deal with any issues in the future.
*Hong…*
A muffled sound spread from 100 kilometres away. The chiming sound of a bell was heard coming from Bai Qi’s body, and following the sound, with his body as the centre, a great shockwave spread out.
Several more shockwaves erupted soon after, each time causing his aura to become more solidified.
*Hong! Hong! Hong!*
The shockwaves continuously reverberated as Bai Qi’s aura became increasingly more powerful. There wasn’t a tinge of chaos anymore while a vague illusory phantom began appearing behind his back.
Initially, the illusory phantom was unclear, but as time passed, it slowly materialised.
After taking a glance, Yang Kai was amazed as the illusory phantom took the form of First Inn. As he looked at the illusory phantom, it was as though he had returned to the inn.
[This must be Old Bai’s Small Universe!] Yang Kai thought.
Prior to this, he had only seen the Small Universe of a single Open Heaven Realm Master, which was the one that belonged to the Protector Venerable of Fire Spirit Island in Seven Wonders Land, Duan Hai. After Yang Kai was swallowed by a Myriad Facets Insect, which separated him from Zhang Ruo Xi, he was then brought to that world by Duan Hai. It was an expansive ocean where there was a lonely island.
It seemed that the Small Universe World of every cultivator was different. Bai Qi was a shop hand of First Inn, so the inn was profoundly meaningful to him; therefore, his Small Universe after he ascended to the Open Heaven Realm was modelled after First Inn.
That realisation made Yang Kai fall into deep contemplation.
Bai Qi’s condition had stabilised, so it was just a matter of time before he could achieve his ascension. On the other hand, Yang Kai was severely injured, so he decided to sit down and adjust his breathing to recuperate.
As time passed, the aura coming from Bai Qi became richer, and slowly, the initially vague Small Universe World became solidified. All of a sudden, an awe-inspiring power exuded from him.
While in the void, Bai Qi opened his bright eyes and lifted his head to unleash a howl, shaking the world around him.
The Small Universe flashed and disappeared into Bai Qi’s body in the next moment.
Following that, Yang Kai saw a figure appearing in front of him all of a sudden. Bai Qi had crossed the distance of 100 kilometres and flashed a smile at him, “You don’t have to congratulate me, and I’ll be sure to buy you those drinks later. How many days have passed so far?”
“About seven or eight,” Yang Kai replied.
It was difficult to keep track of the time in this void, but supposedly, it had been seven to eight days since Bai Qi took World Source Liquid.
Yang Kai felt fortunate that no top cultivator had passed by this place during this period of time; otherwise, they would’ve been alerted.
“It’s been seven to eight days… I wonder whether the Proprietress is still alright,” Bai Qi frowned with a worried expression. Previously, he and Yang Kai saw the Proprietress battling against four Mid-Rank cultivators, two Sixth-Order and two Fifth-Order. They went further away until they disappeared, and although the Proprietress was strong, she was injured. Moreover, she was dealing with four people on her own, so how was she supposed to be a match for them?
Yang Kai replied in a grim voice, “The Proprietress isn’t a fool. Knowing that she wasn’t a match for them, there was no way she’d keep fighting against them. If I were her, I would’ve snuck into a Universe Temple or Star City in Golden Rainbow Territory.”
Hearing that, Bai Qi nodded his head, “You’re right. In that case, it’s more likely that she had gone to the nearest Universe Temple.”
It wasn’t certain who managed the Star City in Golden Rainbow Territory, but if it wasn’t a force like Great Battle Heaven, fights might be allowed in the city, which made it useless for the Proprietress to go there. On the other hand, conflict was strictly forbidden inside all Universe Temples; otherwise, the troublemakers would have to go up against all the Cave Heavens and Paradises. No one in the 3,000 Worlds had the guts to do such a thing.
“Let’s go to the Universe Temple,” Bai Qi made the decision.
“Do you need to consolidate your breakthrough first?” Yang Kai asked. Bai Qi had just achieved a massive increase in strength, so he wasn’t familiar with his power as an Open Heaven Realm Master yet. Although he was now a Fifth-Order cultivator, it was hard to tell how much power he could unleash when in combat.
“We have no time. I’ll familiarise myself with it slowly.” After Bai Qi finished speaking, he started using the Universe Transference Law.
When he turned his head and saw Yang Kai looking helplessly at him, he smacked his own head, “Ah! I forgot you haven’t left an Imprint in the Universe Temple in Golden Rainbow Territory.”
Without leaving an Imprint, one couldn’t use the Universe Transference Law to head to that specific Universe Temple.
“Go. I’ll just slowly fly over,” Yang Kai spoke as he fished out his Universe Chart and ascertained the location, “It’s not far in any case. It’ll only take me four to five days to reach there.”
A hesitant Bai Qi said, “But, if you’re on your own…”
Yang Kai replied in a solemn voice, “I’ll be alright. You should immediately look for Proprietress,” Recalling the expression on the Proprietress’ face before she left, he felt a sharp pain in his heart. If it weren’t because she wanted to ensure their safety, she wouldn’t have moved the battlefield forcefully, giving her opponents an even bigger advantage.
Bai Qi knew that they had no time to waste. It had taken him seven to eight days to ascend to the Open Heaven Realm, so the Proprietress might have fallen into an even more perilous situation by now. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Alright. You must be careful.”
In response, Yang Kai gave a nod.
A light engulfed Bai Qi as he activated the Universe Transference Law without any hesitation. After a bright Array started glowing beneath his feet, he disappeared from the spot the next moment.
Seeing that he was gone, Yang Kai shot off towards the Universe Temple.
Based on what he had seen in his Universe Chart, it would take him four to five days to reach the Universe Temple. Even if he charged forward at full speed, it would still take him about three days.
At that moment, he was extremely worried about the Proprietress. While he wondered if she had gotten out of the woods, he also hated Qin Ji and the others for being so devious and shameless. They had made use of a Sealing Yang Domain to lure the Proprietress into their trap.
It was a lonely journey to travel across the void as, unless by coincidence, it was difficult to come across anyone in this expansive universe.
Two days later, while Yang Kai was still heading to his destination though, he felt a Divine Sense scanning him from the front, which prompted him to straighten his face and lift his head.
There was no one within his range of sight, and after releasing his Divine Sense, he still couldn’t detect anything.
At that instant, he was aware that the owner of the Divine Sense was much stronger than he was, which was why he was unable to detect the other person’s presence. While he was lost in his thoughts, his expression changed suddenly. That was because the person’s Divine Sense had locked onto him instead of moving away.
Without even giving it a thought, Yang Kai manipulated Space Principles to flee from this place, and when he reappeared, he was already several hundred kilometres away.
Whoever the owner of the Divine Sense was, the person must have had ill intentions to be targeting him; therefore, he had to flee immediately. He felt sorrowful as he was too weak now. When he was in the Star Boundary, he was one of the strongest Masters, but upon coming to the Outer Universe, any random Open Heaven Master could force him to flee like a timid rabbit. It seemed that he could only gain a footing in this place by breaking through to the Open Heaven Realm, just like what Bai Qi had done.
However, the Divine Sense was still glued to him, and its intensity was growing stronger by the breath. Regardless of how many times Yang Kai used Instantaneous Movement, he was unable to shake off his pursuer. If anything, the gap between them was continuously shortening.
Half a day later, Yang Kai could finally sense the other person’s aura.
Upon scanning this person, Yang Kai was both shocked and enraged; then, he secretly cursed at her, [It’s that bitch!]
The person chasing after him was none other than Yue He, who had been battling against the Proprietress some time ago.
Since Yue He was here, it suggested that their battle had ended. Yang Kai felt his heart sinking as he instinctively felt that the Proprietress must have fallen into danger.
However, why was this woman chasing after a mere Emperor Realm cultivator like him? Judging from the direction she was approaching from, she must be coming from the Universe Temple; otherwise, they wouldn’t have bumped into one another.
While he was doubtful, he suddenly heard Yue He’s voice in his head, “Don’t you want to know whether Lan You Ruo is dead or alive?”
Upon hearing that, Yang Kai abruptly stopped. Despite knowing that it might be a trap, he still couldn’t move his feet away. Gnashing his teeth together, he turned around and waited in silence.
Yue He was a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, unless he made use of Space Beacons, just like how he had done after leaving the Golden Crow Divine Palace previously, he would never be able to shake her off. However, even if he used Space Beacons, he might not succeed. The reasons he was able to get rid of the Proprietress and the others at that time were that he was lucky, and that all their attention was on the Golden Crow carcass, which was why he had the chance to distract them and flee, he wasn’t confident of achieving the same result this time.
Since it was just a matter of time before he was caught, Yang Kai decided to simply stop fleeing.
More importantly, he didn’t detect any murderous intent from Yue He, which was why he had the guts to take a risk.
Soon, Yue He appeared in his sight, and the next moment, she was already just ten kilometres away from him.
Yang Kai lifted his hand and shouted, “Don’t come any closer! Otherwise, I’ll make a move against you!” As he spoke, he performed a hand seal with a solemn expression.
Hearing that, Yue He stopped in her tracks and sized him up in silence.
It was then Yang Kai realised that this woman was severely injured, which made him feel gleeful as he knew that the Proprietress must have wounded her; however, he was still apprehensive because he had no idea what the outcome of the battle was.
There was a strange light in Yue He’s eyes as she flashed a smile at him, “Do you want to know whether Lan You Ruo is dead or alive?”
“Yes,” Yang Kai said resolutely.
After a sigh, Yue He replied, “Don’t worry. She’s not dead yet.”
Yang Kai snorted, “Do you think scum like you all could kill her? Dream on!”
Yue He asked, “Since you’re so confident in her, why did you stop fleeing? Wasn’t it because you were worried?”
“So what if I stopped? I just wanted to confirm my speculation.” Yang Kai shot her a glare, “All of you should be the ones who are worried now. Since the Proprietress is not dead, your days are numbered.”
“You’re right.” Yue He nodded lightly before letting out a cough, “Our days are indeed numbered. That’s why I’ve been looking for you.”
Yang Kai scoffed, “What’s the point of looking for me? Do you think I’ll persuade the Proprietress not to kill you?”
Yue He said, “As long as you’re in my hands, I believe that Big Sister Lan will not make things difficult for me. At the very least, she’ll talk to me peacefully.”
“Nonsense. I’m just a shop hand from First Inn. All of you failed in your attempt to kill Proprietress. After she recovers, she’ll settle the score with you all.”
Yue He’s expression changed as though she could already imagine that scene, but she still forced a smile, “Don’t underestimate yourself. Although you’re weak, you’re fairly important to Big Sister Lan.”
Hearing that, Yang Kai knitted his brows. Previously, Bai Qi had told him that the Proprietress treasured him, and now this Yue He had also said something similar, which puzzled him.
It had only been a short time since he and the Proprietress met. The only reason that brought them together was the destruction of First Inn. After giving it a thought, he realised that the Proprietress had indeed been taking good care of him since the beginning. Besides giving him Seven Faces and a Territory Shuttle, she had also gotten his Shadowless Veil refined by a Grandmaster. After his conflict with Young Master Hai, she even killed the latter outside the Star City.
In light of that, the Proprietress really had been treating him well.
“Big Sister Lan is severely injured, and she’s recuperating in a Universe Temple. It will take her six months to a year to recover.” Then, Yue He changed her tune, “Before she comes knocking on my door, I want you to follow me around.”
“What makes you think I’ll obey your order?”
With her mouth covered, Yue He giggled, “Although I’m wounded, I can still easily capture you.”
Yang Kai immediately used a different hand seal and bellowed, “I dare you to make a move! The same fate that befell the guy surnamed Yu will also happen to you!”
Yue He’s expression turned solemn as she recalled the sight of Old Yu getting killed by Mie Meng. Faced with that golden rooster, a Fourth-Order cultivator was completely powerless to resist and had his Soul separated from his body and gulped down. Although she was a Fifth-Order cultivator, she was heavily injured right now and was probably not any stronger than Old Yu was at that time.
As their gazes met, Yue He narrowed her eyes while Yang Kai looked provocatively at her.
A long time later, Yue He snorted, “How dare you bluff with me!”
Following that, she extended her hand towards him.
There was a bitter expression on Yang Kai’s face as he didn’t even put up any resistance as he let her grab his collar. Once a bluff was seen through, it became completely meaningless. He had no Mie Meng golden tail feathers left, so faced with a Master like Yue He, any resistance would only increase his suffering. Given their close proximity, he wouldn’t even have a chance to use Instantaneous Movement.
“You really were lying!” Yue He snorted and landed a knock that was neither gentle nor forceful on his head.
With his head covered, Yang Kai glared at her. No woman had ever knocked his head before, which was immensely humiliating; however, since he was weaker, he could only choke down the grievance.
“How dare you glare at me!” Yue He gave him another knock.
Hurriedly, Yang Kai took a few steps back and yelled, “I’m warning you! If you dare make a move on me again, don’t blame me for being rude!”
“Oh?” Yue He narrowed her eyes, “How are you going to be rude to me? Tell me about it.”
Yang Kai glowered at her, his chest heaving in fury.
All of a sudden, Yue He started laughing, “Alright. Why don’t we make a deal? I’m not really in the best of condition now, so I don’t want to waste any energy to restrict you, so as long as you don’t try to flee, I won’t make a move against you. It saves both of us the trouble.”
“That’s more like it,” Yang Kai nodded in satisfaction. Since this woman intended to use him as a bargaining chip to negotiate with the Proprietress, she probably wouldn’t harm him. Since his life wasn’t at risk, he could rest assured.
Yue He slowly shook her head as she wasn’t in the mood to bicker with him. After identifying the direction, she said, “It’s decided, then. Come with me.”
After she finished speaking, she indeed left the place first to lead the way.
Yang Kai hesitated for a moment before giving up on the idea of fleeing. Yue He was facing away from him, but he believed that as soon as he attempted to run away, she would immediately make a move.
Faced with a Fifth-Order Open Heaven cultivator, he didn’t have the confidence to escape. He secretly swore that when the Proprietress came over to fetch him, he would retaliate against this woman. [Proprietress will come fetch me, right?]
They didn’t speak to one another on the road as Yue He had to recuperate, and Yang Kai wasn’t interested in talking to her. Just like this, they travelled across the void and passed through a series of Territory Gates.
The way they got along with one another was rather odd. Although Yang Kai was supposedly her captive, she didn’t really make things difficult for him. Instead, she would deliberately slow her pace so that he could keep up.
After six or seven days, she finally recovered to a point where her strength wasn’t impeded. In fact, three days ago, she had started becoming talkative as she asked Yang Kai all sorts of questions.
When Yang Kai was in a good mood, he would briefly reply to her, but when he was in a bad mood, he would ignore her. Instead of getting mad though, she always sported a smile on her face, which made Yang Kai suspect that she might have something wrong with her head. The way she kept gazing at him was especially strange.
“After passing through this Territory Gate, we’ll have two more to go before we arrive at our destination.” Yue He pointed at the Territory Gate in front of them as she was flying.
“Your home is pretty far away,” Yang Kai followed her from a short distance in a calm manner. After a few days of getting along with her, he no longer felt as hostile towards her.
“It’s not that far away. We’ll have to visit the Star City over there as I’m going to buy something.”
Yang Kai didn’t say a word as he didn’t have a say in any matter. Yue He could go wherever she wanted to. However, how did this woman have the gall to bring him to a Star City? Wasn’t she worried that he’d simply walk off?
As though she had seen through his thoughts, Yue He turned her head and smiled, “That Star City is ownerless, so fighting is not forbidden there. You can try running away if you’d like.”
Yang Kai pressed his lips together. It was no wonder that she had the guts to do such a thing. They had passed by many Star Cities on the road, but she only wanted to visit this one. This must be the reason behind it.
After moving through the Territory Gate, Yue He indeed brought him to a Star City, which gave off a different vibe from the one First Inn was currently located in. Upon entering the city, Yang Kai realised that there were many small scuffles on the streets, and everywhere looked chaotic.
Many ill-intentioned people eyed them, and some men openly lusted after Yue He’s curvy figure.
However, her majestic aura made sure that no one dared find trouble with them.
Instead of a Star City, this place looked more like a black market to Yang Kai. This was like a gathering place for people who lived in the gutters of society.
This Star City was actually a few times larger than the one managed by Great Battle Heaven, and the streets were crammed with people. Yang Kai estimated that there were probably several hundred thousand people living here.
Next, he followed Yue He into several shops. Seeing as she spent money like water, he was astounded, thinking that a Fifth-Order cultivator was indeed wealthy.
Yue He bought all sorts of things, which were either for cultivating or treating her wounds. It was apparent that she was a regular in this Star City as she was familiar with some of the shopkeepers here.
After half a day, she was finally done with her shopping and without further delay, they prepared to leave.
Right then, the crowd broke into a commotion as they looked up at the sky. Certainly, Yang Kai and Yue He were aware of the unusual noise, so they stopped in their tracks and followed the crowd’s gazes as well.
Upon seeing what was happening, Yang Kai couldn’t help but frown. Presently, the sky was covered in a large region of pink fog. The fog was so expansive that no one could see anything else, stunning many. Furthermore, this fog seemed to be descending from the sky rapidly towards them.
When Yang Kai first saw the pink fog, it was still very far away, but in the blink of an eye, it was already hovering above the Star City and getting closer.
“What is that?” A shocked Yang Kai instinctively had a bad premonition.
Before Yue He could reply to him though, some on the street exclaimed in horror, “Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog!”
Yue He’s expression changed drastically as she grabbed Yang Kai’s arm and yelled, “Run!”
In the next instant, Yang Kai felt his body becoming as light as a feather, and the view around him was moving backwards rapidly. Apparently, Yue He was trying her best to flee in an attempt to escape the pink fog.
Judging by Yue He’s current behaviour, it looked as if she was about to face a deadly adversary. This caused Yang Kai to be extremely nervous as well. He might not have any idea as to what the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog was, but he could guess that it was definitely something bad.
Everyone in the Star City immediately backed away before running to seek shelter.
When Yang Kai looked over his shoulders, his pupils immediately shrank. He saw that any cultivator who was unable to escape from the Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog disappeared into thin air. That pink mist was like an invisible beast, swallowing all the cultivators into its belly. No matter how high one’s cultivation was, they were unable to resist at all.
Yang Kai even saw a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master helpless to save himself even after going all out.
Not only was this happening to people, but even the buildings in the Star City and even the Spirit Province itself where the Star City was located weren’t spared. With the fog spreading around, the Spirit Province simply disappeared, buildings and all.
Three breaths, just three breaths had elapsed since Yang Kai noticed this Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog, and yet most of Star City had already disappeared, including everything and everyone inside of it.
Yue He clutched Yang Kai’s arm and desperately fled. As a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, she could be considered quite strong and her speed was astonishing when she went all out, but even then, she couldn’t escape the chasing fog.
Seeing that the fog was about to catch up to them, Yang Kai shouted, extremely anxiously, “Let go!”
The Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog was too fast, so at this point, only Instantaneous Moment could give them a chance to escape, but Yue He was tightly gripping him, making it impossible for Yang Kai to use Space Principles freely.
But where would Yue He have the time to care about his words? Yang Kai might not have any idea about how dangerous the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog was, but she was very clear about it. When she sensed Yang Kai struggling, she injected a burst of energy straight into Yang Kai’s body without speaking a word.
Yang Kai’s body immediately went limp; he almost coughed up blood in anger!
And this momentary delay had denied them the best chance to escape. The pink Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog came sweeping from the rear, instantly enveloping the two inside.
The sight before Yang Kai’s eyes instantly changed as a feeling of the sky and the earth spinning around hit him. He was surrounded by a pink fog and couldn’t see anything, nor could he release his Divine Sense. Just when he was growing nervous and restless, he heard Yue He’s voice by his ear as an orchid-like fragrance tickled his nose.
“Don’t be afraid, the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog isn’t lethal. We won’t die.”
Yang Kai furrowed his brow upon hearing this, [Since it’s not lethal, why are so many cultivators in the Star City terrified at the sight of this Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog, and escaping from it as if it was some deadly snake or scorpion?] What’s more, he had witnessed with his own eyes countless cultivators being devoured by this Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog. Could it be that those people were still alive?
His body drifted through the darkness as if it was falling into an endless abyss.
A soft and tender figure pressed against his hard and robust body. Even though he couldn’t see anything, Yang Kai still knew that it was Yue He and he secretly found it funny. A Fifth-Order Open Heaven Master was actually feeling insecure and needed to cling to him for comfort?
However, he was rather curious at this moment.
He might have no idea what exactly this Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog was, and what would happen after being swallowed by it, but he wasn’t unfamiliar with the sensation he was experiencing right now. It felt similar to when he crossed the Void to teleport extremely far away.
After a short time, the pink mist around him disappeared and his line of sight cleared up. As he looked around, he found himself having come to another world.
He was definitely not in the same Star City as before as he was now in a wide and endless plain. There were many cultivators scattered all around him; clearly, all of them were the unlucky folks that were just swallowed by the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog.
When he looked up at the sky, Yang Kai furrowed his brow. What he saw was akin to looking at the face of oblivion. It appeared as if the sky would collapse at any moment, giving the onlooker an extreme feeling of oppression.
Also, there were many ruins scattered all around him. Judging by their shapes and plaques, they should be the remains of the stores of the Star City.
It was the first time Yang Kai saw the strange sight of even buildings getting devoured. He couldn’t help but be baffled by it.
All the cultivators, who had been swallowed here, showed different kinds of reactions; some were excited, some were depressed, and many were cursing the Heavens…
“The Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary!” Yue He, looking around, murmured, “I never expected the rumours to be true.”
“Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary?” Yang Kai looked over at her. Finally, he realized that she had been grabbing his arm all the while, causing him to unconsciously glance down slightly.
Yue He immediately let go of his hand with a laugh, “The Outer Universe is incredibly vast and inhabited by numerous great forces, but in addition to the known worlds, there are some hidden in the Void such as this one, the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary. The Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary appears perhaps once in a millennium, and every time it does, it vanishes soon after. No one can find its traces no matter how much they try. The only way to enter is to chance upon the opportunity.”
“Opportunity?” Yang Kai raised his brow.
“En, this is both an opportunity and a disaster.” Yue He glanced at him, “The Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary is extremely mysterious. It’s very hard to find its traces as it’s detached from the Outer Universe. It’s not even among the 3,000 Worlds. If entering it is not an opportunity, then what is?”
Yang Kai sneered as he thought, [If it’s really an opportunity, why did you flee in panic after seeing it? Why are some cultivators cursing while others are rejoicing? Why have so many faces gone completely pale?]
Yue He’s face slowly became solemn as she continued in a heavy voice, “I have only heard the rumours, but supposedly, whenever the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary appears, the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog manifests, and everything in the area shrouded in the fog would be completely devoured. But one would only believe the rumours to be true when they have finally seen it with their own eyes.”
Yang Kai ponderingly asked after hearing this, “You mean to say that we can leave the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary?”
Yue He replied, “Of course. If there was no way out, how would rumours about the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary spread? It’s just that one can’t escape from this place by force. As long as one remains here for a certain duration, he or she can naturally leave this place.”
“And how long is that?” Yang Kai furrowed his brow.
After knowing that he could leave the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, he wasn’t so worried anymore. At least he wasn’t afraid of being trapped in this damned place for a lifetime.
“I’m not sure either. Some say that it’s ten years, some say it’s twenty, and some even say that it’s fifty to a hundred years. I guess that the time limit for each opening is different.”
Yang Kai’s face turned serious. He might be able to take it if it was just a decade or two, but if he was trapped for more than half a century, it would be really bad.
“The Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary isn’t safe either. You must be very careful here.” Yue He continued, staring at him, “If twenty percent of those who enter this place leave alive, it’s considered quite good.”
“It’s that dangerous here?” Yang Kai asked, frowning.
Yue He agreed, nodding, “There are many Ancient Exotic Beasts living here, each and every one of them extremely strong. They can slaughter an entire city quite easily. Moreover… human greed is the most dangerous threat of all.” While speaking, she glanced at the cultivators around them, who had all kinds of expressions hanging on their faces.
Yang Kai slightly nodded before asking, “You said that it was an opportunity and a disaster. I understand the disaster, but where is the opportunity?”
Yue He chuckled, “The Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary opens once every thousand years or so, and the number of people who can enter it varies greatly each time. If the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog swept through the void, perhaps no one would be able to enter even if it opened. As far as I know, the last time someone entered the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary was several millennia ago. No one has been here for several millennia, so all the treasures and precious herbs have had several millennia to mature. So tell me, is this a treasure trove or not?”
Yang Kai’s eyes lit up after hearing this.
Yue He continued, “Some people found enough resources here that by the time they left, they were able to break through to the Open Heaven Realm and found great forces of their own. Others found the Grand Ancient Ruins Fruit which helped them advance by an Order. Some even managed to tame a powerful Ancient Exotic Beast, allowing them to freely roamed across the 3,000 Worlds. There are countless examples of people finding something here which helped them ascend to the sky in a single bound. Rumour has it that the Sect Masters of Xuan Yuan Cave Heaven, True Martial Cave Heaven, and Primordial Cave Heaven all once entered the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary!”
Yang Kai was stupefied after hearing this. He had never heard of something called the Grand Ancient Ruins Fruit, but the fact that it could help someone to advance by an Order was simply incredible and Yang Kai couldn’t help but wonder if such a treasure really existed.
Furthermore, Xuan Yuan Cave Heaven, True Martial Cave Heaven, and Primordial Cave Heaven were all top-ranked Cave-Heavens among the 36. Their Sect Masters were also Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters. [If such figures had once entered the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, then does that mean that their strength and success had something to do with their experience here?]
Nothing could be said for certain, but after observing everyone’s expression and demeanour, Yang Kai was certain that the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary was indeed a treasure trove of opportunities, and the opportunities weren’t small either; otherwise, many cultivators wouldn’t be looking so excited.
Yue He suddenly frowned once again and muttered, “Too many people have entered this time though. I’m afraid there has never been so many people entering the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary like this ever before.”
It was just a coincidence that the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog swept over a heavily populated Star City. Yang Kai reckoned that not a single person could make a getaway from the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog and all of them were swallowed by it.
A few hundred thousand cultivators from the Star City were now gathered inside the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary. It could be said that this would go down in history. But Yang Kai felt that not that many people were gathered nearby. Presumably, everyone was scattered across the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary when they entered, so there were probably just a few tens of thousands of people nearby, that’s all.
Just as Yang Kai was immersed in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a sharp, miserable scream.
Yang Kai was startled, but when he turned to look, he saw a group of men crowded around a burly man with a sabre, confronting another group. And at the forefront of the other group stood a cultivator dressed as a shop boy. He appeared to be in pain and was covering his stomach with a frightened look on his face. There was a huge gaping wound across his body and he was profusely bleeding from it. Clearly, he had been injured by the burly man.
The burly man angrily shouted with a condescending look on his face, “I’ll say it again, get out of my way or die!”
The leader of the other group looked like the shopkeeper of a certain store. Hearing that, his expression changed and he cupped his fists and entreated, “All of us have landed in trouble together here. We should be supporting each other, not fighting amongst ourselves. My Spring Meadows Hall is not without a backer either. Aren’t you afraid of retribution in the future?”
The burly man sneered after hearing this, “Retribution? We’ll see if this retribution could do anything to this Old Master.”
Saying so, he slashed ahead. The shopkeeper’s face turned pale. He was just about to retreat but the burly man was stronger than him. As the burly man swung the blade down, the sabre aura shot from it directly split the shopkeeper into two and his two halves fell left and right.
When the shop boys standing behind the shopkeeper saw this, they screamed in horror before fleeing randomly.
The sabre-wielding burly man burst into wild laughter before instructing his subordinates, “Bring me all the pills in the store! Don’t leave even a single one behind.”
The group behind him then rushed out one after another, charging towards the collapsed store, whereupon they lifted the collapsed walls and stuffed the bottles of pills into their pockets.
“Human greed…” Yue He let out a burst of cold, sardonic laughter, but she had no intention of stepping in. From the start, this Star City was already a place of turmoil, not to mention the fact that it had been devoured by the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, even if they were outside, people would often start fighting to death on the streets.
Yang Kai looked around and found quite a few similar scenes taking place. All the shops in the Star City were swallowed into the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, not even the merchandise in the shops were spared. And now, when everyone had landed here and was completely cut off from the outside world, the goods in those stores had naturally become much sought-after. Especially stores like Spring Meadows Hall that sold pills, which were most cherished by the cultivators. Although the shopkeepers and the assistants tried everything to block the crowds, how could they stop these packs of wolves and tigers; they were swept away one after another, and the goods were swept clean thereafter.
“Stop! Whoever dares to touch anything belonging to my Spring Meadows Hall will die!” A fierce shout rang out as a nearby elderly man came flying over. He landed right before the ruins of the Spring Meadows Hall with a loud thump before his sharp gaze swept about condescendingly.
The assistants of the Spring Meadows Hall rejoiced after seeing this old man and gathered around him. One of the assistants immediately shouted, “Sir, you have to stand up for us. Not only did he rob us of our pills, but also killed the shopkeeper!”
The elderly man glanced at the shopkeeper lying on the ground before looking up at the burly man, “Were you the one who killed him?”
The burly man with the sabre furrowed his brow as a sliver of fear flashed past his eyes, but very soon, that trace amount of fear vanished as he arrogantly put his blade on his shoulder and stated, sneering, “Senior Kang, long time no see.”
The old man surnamed Kang rebuffed, coldly snorting, “Ding Yi, where did you get the courage to attack him even after clearly seeing that he was one of my men. I guess you have grown tired of living. If you obediently kneel down and cripple your cultivation yourself, this Old Master will let you live. If you dare to remain impenetrably thick-headed, then don’t blame this Old Master for being ruthless!”
The burly man named Ding Yi stated after hearing this, “Senior Kang is truly strong and awe-inspiring.”
He then shook his head before a grin appeared on his lips, “If we were outside, this Ding would not dare confront Senior Kang, who is a Third-Order Open Heaven Master. I would have obediently kneeled down and licked your feet, but Senior Kang, you are forgetting something. We aren’t outside anymore, but rather inside the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary. The Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog suppresses and seals all universes. Senior Kang, I wonder how much of your Third-Order Open Heaven strength you can bring out?”
The old man surnamed Kang furiously shouted, “More than enough to kill you!”
Ding Yi swung his sabre as he squinted, “Then this Ding would like to see what Senior Kang is capable of!”
“You court death!” The old man surnamed Kang blew his top. How could he take someone who had always been respectful and subservient to him blatantly provoking him? Just as he shouted this, he jumped at Ding Yi in a flash and thrust out a palm at him.
When Ding Yi saw this, he didn’t look afraid, rather his eyes lit up, “Old dog, you have been riding on my head for over a century, today this Ding will surely take back a little bit of interest!”
Judging by his words, he had some grudges against the old man surnamed Kang; otherwise, he wouldn’t be aiming at Spring Meadows Hall specifically.
The next moment, the sabre aura skyrocketed as Ding Yi hacked down. The long blade surrounded by violent energy cut right into the palm the old man surnamed Kang pressed forward.
The old man surnamed Kang consecutively smacked his palm a few times, creating deafening explosions one after another. The two figures separated as soon as they came in contact. Subsequently, Ding Yi was pushed back tens of metres, crashing into a collapsed shop while the old man surnamed Kang stabilized himself after backing away three steps.
In a single clash, Ding Yi came out at a disadvantage.
But at the sight of this, the eyes of the countless cultivators in the vicinity started burning.
This wasn’t surprising. The old man surnamed Kang was a Third-Order Open Heaven Master, so if they were outside, Ding Yi wouldn’t be able to resist at all. But in this Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, although Ding Yi was still not this old man’s opponent, he at least had the qualifications to fight against him.
[So the rumour of the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog suppressing and sealing all universes is true!] Realization suddenly dawned upon everyone.
*Hong long long…* Thunderous rumbles spread far and wide as Ding Yi wielded his sabre and rushed out of the collapsed store. Although he was bleeding from the corner of his mouth, his eyes were gleaming. He swung his blade and stated, “Brothers and sisters, there are no Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Grand Ancient Ruins! This old dog has been bullying us for so many years, come and join me, let’s take our revenge today!”
As soon as he said that, all the cultivators who were following Ding Yi looked inspired. They summoned their respective artifacts, one by one, before they launched their attacks on the old man surnamed Kang along with Ding Yi.
The old man surnamed Kang’s face drastically changed. Even though he had the help of the shop hands of Spring Meadows Hall, the difference in numbers between the two sides was still massive. Miserable screams rang as the few assistants from Spring Meadows Hall fell one after another. Even the old man surnamed Kang was struck by several artifact attacks and coughed up blood.
Realizing he was outmatched, the old man surnamed Kang ground his teeth and roared, “Ding Yi, this Old Master will make you pay a hundred times for today in the future, mark my words!”
After shouting this threat, he turned around and flew off. Although Ding Yi desperately tried to stop him together with the crowd, they were completely powerless to do so; after all, the old man surnamed Kang still had his foundation as a Third-Order Open Heaven Master. Although he was unable to bring out all his strength in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, Ding Yi and the others were unable to stop him after he was determined to escape.
Looking at the distantly departing figure of the old man surnamed Kang, Ding Yi spat on the ground in frustration, seemingly unwilling.
In the ruins of the Star City, the countless onlookers had all kinds of thoughts running through their minds at the sight of this scene; some were sad while others rejoiced.
Ding Yi opportunely raised his arm and shouted aloud, “Brothers and sisters, we Emperor Realm Masters have lived humbly and experienced all kinds of hardships in the Outer Universe, and it’s all thanks to those condescending Open Heaven Realm Masters! The Heavens have bestowed us a chance to enter the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary today, so do you want to allow those high and mighty Open Heaven Realm bastards to keep riding atop our heads? Join this Ding now and flip the Heavens! Let’s see whether any of those old dogs dare to look down on us again!”
His words were extremely instigating, furthermore, they reached the hearts of many; especially those Emperor Realm cultivators who had been suppressed by Open Heaven Realm Masters. One after another, others empathized with Ding Yi, looking eager to rise up against their former oppressors. All of them looked at Ding Yi with heated gazes.
In an instant, many people had gathered around Ding Yi, having decided to follow his lead.
Yang Kai suddenly looked at Yue He, “Does the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog suppress and seal all universes? So there are no Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Grand Ancient Ruins?”
He might not have a real idea about the real cultivation of the old man surnamed Kang, but since Ding Yi said that he was in the Third-Order Open Heaven Realm, it shouldn’t be wrong. But in the recent battle, the strength displayed by the old man surnamed Kang was just at the peak of the Emperor Realm. It was not even close to the might of an Open Heaven Realm Master. Thinking back on what Ding Yi said, Yang Kai made an educated guess.
Yue He hesitated for a while before heaving a sigh and replying, “En! The Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog might not be lethal, but it has extremely mysterious powers. If it invades one’s body, it suppresses and seals all Small Universes. In other words, the Open Heaven Realm Masters here are unable to bring out their full strength. That’s why he said that there were no Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Grand Ancient Ruins.”
Yang Kai deeply stared at her for a while before stating with a grin, “Then you’re in big trouble!”
He couldn’t help but have the urge to throw his head back and laugh at the sky. At first, when he ended up here all of a sudden, Yang Kai was a little unhappy. He felt that if Yue He hadn’t kept a hold of him, he might have been able to escape; but now, he felt like thanking her for what she did.
Surprisingly, the Small Universes of Open Heaven Realm Masters were sealed inside the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, limiting the strength they could exert to the peak of the Emperor Realm. If not so, how could a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master like the old man surnamed Kang be beaten and forced to escape away in embarrassment by the likes of Ding Yi and his rabble?
And in the Emperor Realm, did Yang Kai need to fear anyone? He had never expected that he could run amok after arriving in the Outer Universe.
Yue He lightly snorted after hearing this, “So what if my Small Universe is sealed? An Open Heaven Realm Master is still an Open Heaven Realm Master! They still have their foundation. It’s impossible for an ordinary Emperor Realm Master to be their opponent.”
Yang Kai calmly added, carrying his hands behind his back, “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “Speaking of which, there are over a hundred times the Emperors in the Star City compared to Open Heaven Realm Masters. If one is not their opponent, could it be that not even ten would be their opponent either?”
Yue He angrily rebuked, “What are you planning to do to me?”
Yang Kai smilingly looked at her, “I don’t need to do anything, someone will do something to you. After all… you’re a high and mighty Open Heaven Realm Master!”
Yue He’s face changed slightly after hearing this. When she turned to look, she saw Ding Yi staring straight at her with a greedy and fiery look in his eyes. His gaze was constantly wandering over her beautiful face and shapely figure. He then pointed his sabre at her and shouted aloud, “Brothers, I remember that she is a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master! What do you say we should do?”
“A Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master?” The crowd of cultivators shouted in shock.
An Open-Heaven Realm Master was already a high and mighty figure for most cultivators. Even someone like the old man surnamed Kang was a great figure in their eyes, not to mention a Fifth-Order Master. Many people might not even have the chance to lay their eyes on such a strong Master in their entire life.
Especially someone as charming as Yue He. Her eyes were so enchanting that anyone would be seduced with just a glance. In an instant, many people were tempted as greed and lust filled their hearts.
“Let’s take her down! A Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master might be amazing outside, but not here in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary!”
“Tsk tsk, this Old Master has never played around with a Fifth-Order woman before. If this Old Master can spend a steamy night with her, I won’t regret it even if I die the next day!”
“She doesn’t appear to be a stuffy woman. She must be amazing in bed!”
…..
Verbal abuses came pouring in from all sides, making Yue He’s face suddenly turn cold and grim and drawing murderous intent from her body. Ordinarily, these Emperor Realm cultivators wouldn’t even dare lift their heads before her, but in this special environment, and coupled with Ding Yi’s instigation, everyone’s dark side had reared its head. It seemed as if they found a lot of pleasure in spewing filth from their mouths, and every word they spoke was completely unbearable.
Yue He trembled in anger and lashed out, “Courting death!”
Ding Yi deviously smiled, “The last guy who said such words has already fled. Madame, if you have any self-awareness, surrender without a fight. This Ding promises to take good care of you. If you choose to remain ignorant of your current situation, you will be forcing us to make a move. Don’t blame me and my fellow brothers for not showing compassion to a woman at that time!”
While speaking, he spat out some blood from his mouth onto his sabre, making him look even more hideous.
Yue He silently ground her teeth in anger. She couldn’t wait to slap Ding Yi to death, but she also knew that she was basically unable to do so in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary. Judging by the battle between Ding Yi and the old man surnamed Kang, Ding Yi wasn’t weak within the Emperor Realm. With the strength she could currently display, it was completely impractical to take down Ding Yi’s group.
Ding Yi, pointed his blade at her, aggressively stating, “Whether you will be fleeing or fighting, Madame just needs to speak!”
Yue He hatefully glared at him, then she turned to look at Yang Kai as a sliver of pleading flashed across her eyes.
Yang Kai only smilingly looked at her, remaining unmoved. As far as he was concerned, Yue He was an enemy rather than a friend. It was already a kindness on his part that he wasn’t adding insult to injury, so why would he care whether she lived or died?
“Take care of yourself!” A sliver of disappointment flashed across Yue He’s eyes before she rapidly flew off.
Ding Yi coldly glanced at her but showed no intention of pursuing her. They couldn’t prevent a Third-Order Master like the old man surnamed Kang from escaping, so trying to stop a Fifth-Order Master such as Yue He was naturally impossible; therefore, he didn’t bother to waste his energy.
He then turned his gaze at Yang Kai, deeply staring at him.
Yang Kai shrugged his shoulders, “I have a grudge with her!”
“That better be so!” Ding Yi snorted before turning around and proclaiming to the crowd of cultivators aloud, “Here, today, I, Ding Yi, found Emperor Heaven, where Emperors will be like the Heavens themselves. This ruined Star City will be the Headquarters in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary of my Emperor Heaven. Anyone who wants to join me can choose to stay. We will live and die together, sharing the weal and woe, but if you don’t want to join me, I request you quickly leave this place. If there are still people idling here by tomorrow, don’t blame this Ding for being merciless!”
While speaking, he swung the sabre down, splitting the ground in front of him into two.
Yang Kai knit his brows. [This Ding Yi might look like an ordinary guy, but he actually managed to seize this opportunity to gather allies and establish himself. I have to say that it was a smart move.]
This time, the opening of the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary was completely different from before; too many people had entered this time. It was extremely difficult to fight alone in such an environment, but if one could gather some allies, it would be much more convenient to act.
But judging by his words, it was apparent that Ding Yi wanted to occupy this ruined section of Star City. This definitely aroused the ire of many, especially the Open Heaven Realm Masters who were still hiding nearby. Then again, if Emperor Heaven could be really founded today, and if it remained standing after a few difficulties, then the public would slowly side with him.
“Emperor Heaven! Emperor Heaven!”
“Share weal and woe!”
Much to Yang Kai’s surprise, when Ding Yi was finished, dozens of people started shouting and the number quickly continued to rise.
Yang Kai was astounded.
He hadn’t been in the Outer Universe for long, and apart from the unpleasant experience of being a Worker in Seven Wonders Land, his life in First Inn was relatively comfortable; therefore, he had no idea about the troubles Emperor Realm cultivators faced in the 3,000 Worlds.
[However, if Luo Hai Yi was here, I’m afraid she too would have been attracted by the notion of Emperor Heaven.] Thinking this way, Yang Kai relaxed.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand up and be the masters of their own destiny, so how would these Emperor Realm cultivators not grab hold of it tightly?
People joined in shouting in waves; tens turned to hundreds, and hundreds to thousands…
Ding Yi, who stood in the limelight, flushed with energy as he lifted his sabre into the air. He was in high and vigorous spirits, gazing down at the familiar and unfamiliar faces.
As the popular adage goes, when the seas are in turmoil, heroes rise to the surface!
At that moment, two figures suddenly approached from afar.
Yang Kai turned to look and found that it was none other than the old man surnamed Kang and Yue He, who had left just before. He couldn’t fathom what they were thinking by coming back; furthermore, their faces were grim, as if something big had happened.
“Old dog, you dare return?!” Ding Yi, noticing that it was the old man surnamed Kang, laughed out aloud and declared, “You will be the perfect sacrifice to raise my Emperor Heaven’s banner!”
To everyone’s surprise, the old man surnamed Kang completely ignored this provocation and rushed straight past their heads before continuing fleeing, leaving Ding Yi dumbfounded.
Yue He, on the other hand, rushed to Yang Kai’s side, grabbed his arm, and shouted, “Run!”
Yang Kai frowned, but just as he was about to speak up, he felt the ground tremble beneath his feat. The trembling wasn’t severe at first, but very soon, deafening rumbles rang in his ears, as if thunderbolts were charging over towards them.
Yang Kai’s expression changed as a vague speculation flashed across his mind. He looked up and saw a wave of pitch-black things stampeding across the wilderness, and they weren’t much slower than the old man surnamed Kang and Yue He.
The pitch-black mass stretched across the entire horizon, seemingly without end, and blotted out the sky and ground alike. Surprisingly, it consisted of various exotics beasts of all shapes and sizes.
Who knows whether Yue He and the old man surnamed Kang were chased back or they simply lured them here?
The leading exotic beasts were exceptionally massive and were radiating fearsome auras. Even Yang Kai’s face changed slightly at the sight of this.
He didn’t have the luxury to hesitate, so he followed Yue He’s figure and fled into the distance.
In an instant, the Star City fell into turmoil.
Ding Yi’s eyes also widened as a chill gripped his heart. He thought that it was the perfect time for him to rise up, but who would have thought that, just as he hoisted his flag, disaster would strike. He wasn’t even confident that he could leave this place alive now.
But he soon steeled his heart and came to a prompt decision. Ding Yi raised his arm up high and shouted, “A Beast Tide is approaching, and the only way we can survive is if we stick together! If you don’t want to die, follow me!”
While shouting, his figure started glowing as his body surged with energy. The next moment, he flew in the opposite direction of the Beast Tide.
Just as he flew up, quite a few people joined him. By a rough count, there were at least a thousand of them.
There were a few hundred thousand people in the Star City engulfed in the fog, and although all of them had been dispersed when they were swallowed by the Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog, there were still tens of thousands of people gathered here.
If everyone worked together, it might not be impossible to defend this place, but each and everyone had their own thoughts and ideas, so why would they follow a unified command? Therefore, before the Beast Tide even reached them, everyone dispersed in different directions.
The disturbance caused by the Beast Tide was too great, and very soon, everyone in the ruins of the Star City knew about it and fled one after another.
Yang Kai and Yue He made a beeline towards the opposite end of Star City. They thought that they would have plenty of room to escape, but they hadn’t expected for the cultivators in that direction to flee towards them. Many people even crashed into each other in the air and fell on the ground, one after another.
Yang Kai suddenly had a bad premonition!
As he looked up, his pupils couldn’t help but shrink.
Yue He also called out in alarm, “They’re coming from this side too!”
No wonder the people on that side were also rushing in this direction. It turned out that there was a Beast Tide coming from the opposite direction as well.
Yang Kai furrowed his brow. He promptly flew straight up into the sky, and looking left and right, he couldn’t help but grind his teeth, hard. Not only was the Beast Tide attacking from the front and rear, but also from the left, right, and every other direction possible. In short, the Beast Tide completely surrounded them.
If they wanted to escape, they would have to carve open a bloody path to do so.
When he returned to the ground, Yue He asked, “How is it?”
Yang Kai slowly shook his head.
Yue He immediately understood, but she failed to notice how nervous he was. She then looked at him and stated, “Don’t stray too far from me or I won’t be able to take care of you.”
A weird look appeared on Yang Kai’s face upon hearing this. He pondered for a while before quashing the notion of using Space Principles to escape.
Right then, a figure approached the duo. It was none other than the old man surnamed Kang who had returned with Yue He, “Madame, how about we kill our way out together?”
Yue He agreed, smiling, “I guess that’s the only way.”
The old man surnamed Kang then glanced at Yang Kai before asking, furrowing his brow, “Do you want to carry this burden?”
The reason why he came looking for Yue He was because he knew she was an Open Heaven Realm Master. The Small Universe inside her body might have been sealed by the Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog, but the strength an Open Heaven Realm Master could display was still better than an ordinary Emperor Realm cultivator. In his opinion, an Emperor like Yang Kai couldn’t play any role against the Beast Tide and would only be dragging the two of them down.
“This is my Young Master, of course I must safeguard him!” Yue He’s smile immediately faded away, “If you think my Young Master will drag you down, then there’s no need for us to join forces.”
The old man surnamed Kang was shocked after hearing this.
He had lived in the Star City for quite a while, so he had met Yue He more than once and knew she was a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. As such, he couldn’t help but wonder about Yang Kai’s background for her to address him as ‘Young Master’.
Yang Kai’s expression also became strange, wondering if Yue He really was sick in the head or something. [Do I look like a Young Master from some great force?]
[Though, she did run back to take me with her before the Beast Tide came.] Yang Kai couldn’t understand what was going on in her mind.
Without any hesitation, the old man surnamed Kang stated, “Then I will follow Madame’s wishes, but this Old Master can only take care of himself. If Madame falls into trouble, please don’t blame me.”
Yue He assured, “Rest assured, we won’t drag you down.”
“Let’s go!” The old man surnamed Kang shouted before continuing ahead.
“Follow me!” Yue He exhorted Yang Kai before following the old man.
In the blink of an eye, the trio had rushed out of the Star City. At this moment, many people were already pushing their way out. Obviously, everyone knew that if they stayed here, the only thing waiting for them was death. The only way to survive was to force their way out.
The overwhelming exotic beast tide very soon clashed with many cultivators. In an instant, the brilliance of Secret Techniques and artifacts lit up the sky, splitting these exotic beasts in their wake one after another.
There were a lot of exotic beasts, and what was even more terrifying was that they were all quite strong. The Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary’s environment was quite expansive and abundant. And added to the fact that it hadn’t been touched by humans for thousands of years, the exotic beasts here had plenty of room to grow and mature. So naturally, their strength was exceptional. When the two sides clashed, many Star City cultivators were killed or injured. Although more exotic beasts were killed, it was a drop in a bucket compared to the immense Beast Tide.
The old man surnamed Kang was pretty strong. The reason why he was beaten and forced to flee earlier was really just because two palms couldn’t block four fists. At this moment, his long sword was opening the way, sending out sword waves to forcefully clear a path through the Beast Tide for everyone to follow.
Yue He wielded a red chakram that spun rapidly and reduced oncoming exotic beasts to paste as they approached.
Yang Kai was walking behind the two Open Heaven Realm Masters as if he was strolling in his own backyard. Yue He was taking very good care of him, so no exotic beast could reach him.
After a while, the old man surnamed Kang shouted, “Switch!”
Just as he said this, he promptly stepped back and Yue He took the opportunity to step forward. Although the two hadn’t discussed this beforehand, they switched positions in perfect coordination.
After all, the old man surnamed Kang would also grow a little tired after leading the way for a time. Once he was completely exhausted, only death awaited him. How could he put himself in such a disadvantageous position?
This time, things weren’t as easy for Yang Kai. The old man surnamed Kang would not look out for Yang Kai like Yue He did, so although he was killing a lot of oncoming exotic beasts, some fish would eventually slip through the net.
The old man surnamed Kang also wanted to see Yang Kai’s skills. So, even if he could intercept all the exotic beasts, he ignored some of them and let them rush at Yang Kai.
In response, Yang Kai just flicked his fingers, shooting out Moon Blades one after another. The oncoming exotic beasts were split asunder before they could get closer, the cuts on the corpses as flat as mirrors.
“Space Secret Technique!” The old man surnamed Kang shrunk his eyes as he confirmed to himself that this young man was really the Young Master of some great force. Even in the Outer Universe, there weren’t many people who were proficient in the Dao of Space, let alone form their Dao Seal with it.
After all, the Dao of Space was more profound and esoteric than most other Daos.
[Without abundant resources and the guidance of renowned Masters, how could this young man become so proficient in the Dao of Space?]
Considering all this, the old man surnamed Kai couldn’t help but see Yang Kai in a new light. He secretly felt that this youth was probably from a very extraordinary background; otherwise, Yue He, a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Master, would not be addressing him as Young Master.
Now, he completely set his mind at ease. The strength Yang Kai had displayed was no less than Yue He’s or his own. If the three worked together, the hope of pushing their way out had greatly increased.
Owing to this, the old man surnamed Kang changed his mind, while Yang Kai was none the wiser about the whole ordeal. Whereas Yue He somehow managed to find the time to check on Yang Kai, and upon finding him still comfortable and at ease, she was relieved as well.
The three kept forging ahead, paving their way over mountains of corpses and rivers of blood. But the exotic beasts were never-ending so the killing never ceased.
The old man surnamed Kang and Yue He had switched positions several times in succession. Both of them were quite exhausted and had solemn looks on their faces by now. Compared to the Monster Beasts found outside, the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary’s exotic beasts of the same realm were a lot stronger. Whether it was due to the environment of the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary or something else was unclear.
There was no Open Heaven Realm in the Grand Ancient Ruins. Not only was it true for the cultivators, but it was true for these Ancient Exotic Beasts as well. So, having been in one realm for so many millennia, polishing and consolidating their strength, it was quite natural for them to exert greater might than average.
Slowly, many others started to gather around the trio. At this point, everyone knew that it was better to stick together unless they were really a fool. Yang Kai’s team had been pushing their way through without any resistance so far; so naturally, others nearby had been paying close attention to them. And in order to survive, they started gathering around, one by one.
Neither Yue He nor the old man surnamed Kang objected. At this moment, the more people gathered around them, the better it would be for them. So, they acquiesced to this behaviour.
After a cup of tea’s worth of time, about a hundred people had already gathered together, and as time passed by, more and more people were moving towards them.
Suddenly, someone shouted, “Brother Yang? Is that really you, Brother Yang?”
The voice sounded a little familiar to Yang Kai, so he promptly looked towards the source in surprise. The next moment, he saw a man covered in blood all over, killing his way through with a sharp sword in his hand, leading a few people behind him. But there were many exotic beasts in between the two groups. They would not be able to get close any sooner.
When both sides saw each other, Yang Kai was taken aback and called out, “Brother Meng?”
Surprisingly, it was none other than Meng Hong of Great Moon Province! Yang Kai hadn’t expected to meet an acquaintance here.
He wasn’t that close to Meng Hong, but at the very least, both had adventured together for a while, no matter how short the experience was. In the past, when Yang Kai was looking for Ah Sun’s relatives, he found Wei Que, who belonged to Great Moon Province.
At that time, it was none other than Meng Hong who had arranged the rooms for them, and after he came to know that Yang Kai had just entered the Outer Universe and had very little knowledge about it, Meng Hong even gifted a jade slip which contained introductory information about the 3,000 Worlds to him.
However, after the incident at the Golden Crow Divine Palace, when Yang Kai had snatched the Golden Crow carcass and fled to First Inn, Great Moon Province alone was powerless to ensure Yang Kai’s safety. Wei Que and Great Moon Province’s Leader gave him some compensation and left. Before leaving, they were entrusted by Yang Kai to take Old Fang and Die You to Great Moon Province.
Meng Hong’s disposition was quite good, and he could be considered as the leader of the younger generation of Great Moon Province. Overall, a generous and honest fellow.
Since it was an acquaintance, Yang Kai naturally won’t be standing idly by. He promptly rushed in their direction as Moon Blades flew from his fingertips, slaying exotic beasts left and right. In the blink of an eye, he had arrived by Meng Hong.
“It really is you, Brother Yang!” Meng Hong was shocked and delighted, “I thought I was mistaken.”
Yang Kai smiled in return, “I too hadn’t expected to meet Brother Meng here. Follow me.”
Meng Hong nodded, “Many thanks, Brother Yang.” He then turned around and called his companions over, “Let’s go!”
When Yang Kai rushed to pick them up, Yue He, who was leading the charge, immediately stopped, waiting for Yang Kai. She only continued moving ahead when Yang Kai returned with Meng Hong and his companions.
The old man surnamed Kang frowned at this act, slightly displeased, but since nothing major happened and very little time was spent, he was too lazy to make a fuss.
There were over a hundred people in their group now, and although they were powerless to overturn things in the face of the overwhelming Beast Tide, they at least had some strength to protect themselves. They might not know each other, but their wills had united like a fortress to survive. Everyone’s strength wound into a sturdy spear that acted like a sharp arrow, cutting its way toward the outside.
“Brother Meng, why are you here?” Yang Kai asked while attacking.
Meng Hong explained, bitterly smiling, “Our Great Moon Province has a property in this Star City. I was here to check the accounts.”
Yang Kai failed to hold his laughter after hearing this, “You are really unlucky.”
Meng Hong asked, “Brother Yang, what about you? How did you end up here as well?”
“By some chance and coincidence,” Yang Kai casually replied, not bothering to explain. He couldn’t very well say that he was kidnapped as it would be too embarrassing.
“Oh, I forgot to introduce them to Brother Yang. These are my Junior Brothers and Sisters. And this is Junior Sister Chen Yue of Hundred Spirits Province,” Meng Hong introduced to Yang Kai, pointing at his companions one by one. When he was introducing his Junior Brothers and Sisters, Meng Hong looked quite carefree and natural, but when he introduced Hundred Spirits Province’s Chen Yue, his voice carried a little warmth and sweet feelings of affection.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but glance at Chen Yue and found her appearance to be quite pleasing to the eyes and her demeanour quite elegant, causing him to raise his brow slightly.
[Meng Hong must be interested in her.]
And among the disciples of Great Moon Disciples, Yang Kai found two of them to be familiar. Obviously, he had met them before.
Everyone greeted each other; after all, Yang Kai had shown them kindness by saving them. Chen Yue even sweetly smiled and thanked him, “Many thanks, Senior Brother Yang, for saving us from trouble.”
Her voice was sweet, yet filled with innocence, quite pleasing to the ear.
Yang Kai nodded his acknowledgement, “Junior Sister Chen is too polite, it wasn’t any trouble at all. Let’s find a way to get through this first before we speak further.”
Chen Yue generously stated, “We will listen to Senior Brother Yang’s command.”
While they were chatting, the ground suddenly started quaking as an extremely fierce aura assailed them. The old man surnamed Kang, who was leading the way at the time, shouted in shock, “Roaring Thunder Beast!”
Everyone looked up and saw an enormous figure surrounded by lightning arcs up ahead. It resembled a rhino and was charging straight at them, and even though its figure was incomparably huge, it wasn’t slow in any way. As it got closer, lightning arcs appeared in the air, spreading around and numbing anyone that came in contact with them.
Everyone started screaming in shock and horror, panic-stricken.
Yang Kai’s pupils also shrank. The Roaring Thunder Beast was also a notorious Ominous Beast in the 3,000 Worlds, and judging by the might of this Roaring Thunder Beast, its cultivation might have already reached the utmost peak of the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary.
Who would dare to take such a fierce beast head-on?
Even in this overwhelming Beast Tide, an exotic beast like this Roaring Thunder Beast might be the strongest, and judging by how all the other beasts retreated seeing it charging over, only further proved its power.
When it was a thousand meters away, the Roaring Thunder Beast suddenly let out a deafening roar and lowered its head as a bolt of lightning shot straight at the old man surnamed Kang. The blazing white bolt of lightning carrying earth-shattering might traversed a thousand meters in a blink, ignoring all barriers of space.
What made everyone’s expression distort was that the old man surnamed Kang flickered aside right away in the face of this terrifying blow without giving it a thought. Even when he reacted this quickly though, he was a moment too slow. The lightning bolt brushed past his body as a nauseating smell of burned flesh filled the air.
He was in the lead, so when he stepped aside like that, everyone behind him was immediately exposed. Fortunately, even though Yue He, who was right behind him, could also dodge the blow, she didn’t. The chakram in her hand spun up and turned into a red defensive shield, blocking the front.
A deafening crash immediately reverberated as a glaring white flash of light blinded everyone.
The blood-red shield only lasted a breath before it shattered and the blazing white lightning bolt struck Yue He. She was immediately sent flying through the air like a rag sack, bleeding profusely.
Yang Kai was sharp enough to timely catch her and take a good look at her. Yue He was pale and continuously bleeding from the corner of her mouth. Her soft and tender body was uncontrollably shaking; obviously, she was seriously injured.
*Dong dong dong…*
The ground quaked as the Roaring Thunder Beast came stampeding after its successful attack.
From the start, the hundred or so people of this group had come together because their interests were aligned, so they were no better than a handful of sand. Seeing the two Open Heaven Realm Masters either escape or become seriously injured, how could they dare continue to stick together? They all fled in the blink of an eye.
Only Meng Hong and his companions remained in their spot; after all, Yang Kai had come to save them, and it would not look good to leave him and flee at this juncture. Meng Hong still anxiously shouted, “Brother Yang, quickly run!”
Yang Kai ignored him, however, and stared at Yue He in his arms with a bewildered look on his face as he asked, “Why didn’t you dodge?”
Yue He forced a laugh, “You were still behind me. What would happen to you if I dodged?” An Open Heaven Realm Master like her ended up like this, so wouldn’t Yang Kai immediately die if he was struck by the bolt.
“You and I are just strangers, so why?” Yang Kai speechlessly looked at her.
Yue He pursed her lips before keeping them stubbornly shut.
“Ha…” Yang Kai heaved a slight sigh before he turned around and said to Chen Yue, handing Yue He to her, “Help me take care of her.”
“What are you doing?” Yue He asked in surprise.
Meng Hong and the others also looked bewildered. The next moment, they saw Yang Kai walking ahead, step by step. His clothes flapped and his hair danced along the oncoming wind, painting his straight and tall figure like a brave and heroic mountain. His figure was deeply etched in everyone’s mind.
Another blazing white bolt shot out from the single horn on the Roaring Thunder Beast’s forehead at that moment, zooming straight at Yang Kai like the Flood Dragon going out to sea.
“Dodge!” Yue He screamed in shock and horror.
Meng Hong couldn’t help but cry out as well, “Brother Yang, be careful!”
Just as they spoke though, Yang Kai threw a punch as his reverberating voice echoed in everyone’s hearts.
“Exile!”
Space shattered at the point of impact, instantly forming an enormous black hole. The next moment, an aura of nihility and chaos from the black hole filled the air. As for the blazing white bolt that was strong enough to injure an Open Heaven Realm, it shot into the black hole and disappeared from everyone’s sight.
The black hole disappeared in a flash as Yang Kai withdrew his fist, leaving him completely unscathed and causing everyone to sink into complete silence.
Yang Kai’s brave and heroic figure was akin to a mountain or a harbour that could block all violent storms. It brought everyone an inexplicable sense of security in this chaotic land of exotic beasts.
Yue He, who was held in Chen Yue’s arms, had her mouth agape, gawking at the back that was defending her in a daze. Slowly, Yang Kai’s figure overlapped with the figure of a person in her memory, who once stood before her in a similar fashion, blocking all the oncoming dangers for her. The memories etched in the deep recess of her mind started rearing their heads, making Yue He’s soft and tender figure tremble.
Chen Yue was also dumbfounded, murmuring, “Senior Brother Yang is this strong?”
Just an attack from the Roaring Thunder Beast had forced the old man surnamed Kang to dodge, and seriously injured Yue He. Yet the same attack had been blocked by Yang Kai, and quite easily at that. The massive difference between both sides had given everyone a huge shock.
Meng Hong slowly shook his head, dumbstruck. He had no idea whether Yang Kai was strong or not, all he knew was that Yang Kai was extremely bold. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have robbed the Golden Crow carcass right in front of dozens of Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Golden Crow Divine Palace back then, and miraculously escaped back to First Inn.
[That’s right, if he didn’t have such skill, how could he escape with so many Open Heaven Realm Masters chasing him down? I heard from Martial Uncle Wei that Yang Kai’s ability to escape is unparalleled, but now it seems that not only is he proficient in escaping, his strength is also exceptional.]
While all kinds of thoughts were running through Meng Hong’s mind, a thunderous roar reverberated across the sky. It was none other than the Roaring Thunder Beast, who, after seeing Yang Kai block its attack, was completely provoked.
Lightning arcs started to crackle on the horn of its forehead, forming a terrifying bolt. By the looks of it, it was about to fire its attack again.
“Brother Yang, be careful!” Meng Hong shouted.
Just as he exhorted, a figure suddenly flickered ahead. Yang Kai had appeared before the Roaring Thunder Beast like a ghost, his small figure before the Roaring Thunder Beast’s enormous one forming a sharp contrast; however, the auras of the two were in no way inferior to the other.
Right before everyone’s eyes, Yang Kai punched again as Space Principles flared.
Rupture!
An enormous black abyss rapidly expanded, engulfing the enormous head of the Roaring Thunder Beast before Space Principles started wreaking havoc as the blackness fiercely shrank back.
The Roaring Thunder Beast reeled in pain. Meanwhile, the black hole was flickering with lightning arcs as if lightning dragons were wandering inside it, competing with the Space Principles that seemed capable of annihilating all creation.
The black abyss collapsed, forcing the Roaring Thunder Beast to retreat. Its eyes, which were originally gleaming with a fierce glow, were completely red at this moment. When everyone looked at it, they couldn’t help but gasp in shock. Much to everyone’s surprise, the horn on the Roaring Thunder Beast’s forehead was nowhere to be found. Not only that, its enormous head was covered in cuts and bruises that continuously bled.
Exotic beasts tempered their bodies like artifacts, and the physical strength they could exert was not much worse than that of an artifact. The horn was the hardest part of the Roaring Thunder Beast, but it had disappeared into thin air at this instant, which made everyone understand how terrifying Yang Kai’s attack was.
No one below the Open Heaven Realm would be able to withstand such a punch.
Yue He was dumbfounded and finally understood how terrifyingly strong this young man was.
Chen Yue’s beautiful eyes also lit up as her gaze was completely glued onto Yang Kai, staring at his every action.
On the other hand, the old man surnamed Kang, who had been killing the surrounding exotic beasts and had been paying attention to the situation here, had a complicated expression on his face, wondering which great force had given birth to this little monster. He had been struggling all his life and finally became a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, but he still couldn’t fathom how a mere Emperor Realm Junior could bring out so much power.
*Huchi…*
After the Roaring Thunder Beast staggered back, it started wheezing loudly, but not only did the destruction of its horn not make it flinch, it instead made it fiercer.
“Hmm?” Yang Kai was also taken aback. Much to his surprise, Rupture had failed to take the Roaring Thunder Beast’s life. [I guess that the exotic beasts of the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary really cannot be judged by common sense.]
Right then, the ground started quaking as the Roaring Thunder Beast started charging, heading straight at Yang Kai. Lightning arcs started cracking around its enormous body and as it started galloping, tiny little lightning arcs enveloped a radius of a thousand meters as bolts came down from the sky one after another, painting an extremely dangerous picture.
A wicked grin appeared on Yang Kai’s lips as he cracked his neck and tightened his fists before suddenly assuming a horse stance.
“What is he doing?” Chen Yue was stunned.
Meng Hong turned pale, “He’s… he’s planning to wrestle with the Roaring Thunder Beast?”
“Crazy, he’s crazy!” The old man surnamed Kang, who had been paying attention to the situation, also shook his head wildly. He felt that there was something wrong with Yang Kai’s head, or else why would he want to engage in a contest of strength with such an enormous exotic beast? Yang Kai’s previous performance might be pretty eye-catching, blocking the lightning bolt with one punch and injuring the Roaring Thunder Beast with another, but with such an inflated ego, this young man was simply courting death!
No matter how great the physical strength of a cultivator was, how could it be stronger than a beast’s? Monster Beasts were generally innately gifted with great physical prowess, not to mention that the Roaring Thunder Beast was an Ancient Exotic Beast.
*Dong dong dong…*
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the Roaring Thunder Beast arrived before Yang Kai in an instant. It lowered its head as if it was about to crash into a huge mountain. If there was a star before it, even that might shatter into pieces from this attack.
Chen Yue turned her head; she couldn’t bear to watch. Meng Hong too shut his eyes.
Only Yue He’s pretty eyes were staring at Yang Kai without batting a lash; her gaze was filled with worry and anxiety.
*Hong…*
A reverberating crash resounded, along with the Roaring Thunder Beast’s growl.
Following which, everyone’s cries of shock filled with disbelief rang one after another.
“Ah?” Yue He cried out in shock and amazement, covering her cherry red lips with her hands as her pretty eyes quivered.
The old man surnamed Kang visibly shivered at what he saw. In his momentary shock, he had made a mistake and was injured by an exotic beast at his waist, nearly losing his life. He was so terrified that he quickly focused his attention on dealing with the matters at hand, but he still paid close attention to Yang Kai from the corner of his eye.
As if she had noticed that something wasn’t right, Chen Yue slowly turned her head back, and what entered her sight next shocked her to her core.
She saw Yang Kai with his hands propped up, pushing against the Roaring Thunder Beast hard, the ground under him cracking into a vast, spider web-like series of gullies.
“How is that possible?” Chen Yue murmured.
Meng Hong, having noticed the shock in her voice, quickly opened his eyes as well. The next moment, he was similarly dumbfounded, his whole body quivering.
[How can a Human block an exotic beast’s head-on charge? An attack with so much terrifying force behind it?] Yang Kai’s clothes were flapping hard, and although he was being pushed back by the Roaring Thunder Beast, he had really halted its charge.
After three breaths, Yang Kai’s retreating figure finally stopped, and in the next moment, he was the one pushing forward while the Roaring Thunder Beast was being forced backwards.
This scene was unbelievable to all who witnessed it.
And the next moment, something even more shocking occurred as Yang Kai angrily bellowed, “Fly!”
Holding the Roaring Thunder Beast’s enormous head with his hands, he fiercely lifted, throwing the enormous beast into the air, dumbfounding all those who were watching. The sight of the Roaring Thunder Beast baring its fangs and claws in the air looked ridiculous, but no one laughed at it. They all felt their cognition completely subverted.
With a loud bang, Yang Kai flew into the sky, heading straight at the Roaring Thunder Beast.
In the air, he reached out and summoned the Azure Dragon Spear.
The next moment, his Qi explosively surged as he thrust out his spear. A dragon roar resounded as the spear soared out like an Azure Dragon flying into the sky.
The red eyes of the Roaring Thunder Beast immediately flickered with terror.
The spear immediately pierced through the soft underbelly of the Roaring Thunder Beast. Yang Kai’s figure followed along with the spear before smashing through the back of the Roaring Thunder Beast, creating a bloody mist.
Yang Kai’s figure flew out like a sharp arrow, while the Roaring Thunder Beast’s enormous body exploded in the air as its blood and mangled pieces of its flesh rained down from above.
Suddenly, Yang Kai caught sight of a Monster Core surrounded by lightning arcs and emanating powerful energy fluctuations. Yang Kai promptly grabbed it before looking back, meeting the terrified eyes of the old man surnamed Kang.
Yang Kai coldly snorted before slowly flying back down.
Meng Hong and the others stared at him in a daze, all of them completely overwhelmed by his display. Compared to Yang Kai’s majestic sight of slaying the Roaring Thunder Beast with his last attack, what shocked them even more was the fact that he had stopped the Roaring Thunder Beast head-on with his physical strength alone.
After all, his last attack had targeted the weak underbelly of the Roaring Thunder Beast. Even though he had slain such a fearsome beast with just a spear thrust, at the end of the day, he had resorted to tactics to do so. How could that compare to winning a contest of strength with an Ancient Exotic Beast?
Yue He heaved a sigh of relief, while Chen Yue’s eyes flickered with a strange glow, whereas Meng Hong’s face was filled with admiration.
“Let’s go!” Yang Kai didn’t say anything more as he beckoned everyone before taking the lead.
Originally, the two Open Heaven Realm Masters were leading the group, but the old man surnamed Kang had abandoned everyone at a critical moment, whereas Yue He was seriously injured. Now, Yang Kai had assumed the responsibility of leader.
Surprisingly, the exotic beasts coming straight at them parted to either side as Yang Kai moved forward, ignoring him while attacking the cultivators in the rear.
Meng Hong excitedly shouted, “Even these lowly beasts know to bully the weak but fear the strong. It seems that they are afraid of Brother Yang after watching him slay the Roaring Thunder Beast.”
The truth of the matter though was that the Azure Dragon Spear was radiating a noble Dragon Pressure. How could these exotic beasts dare to challenge the majesty of a Dragon?
In any case, it saved Yang Kai a lot of trouble.
And seeing their team strolling across the battlefield where thousands of beasts were charging straight at them like they were taking a walk in the park, pushing their way through, the cultivators who had fled before started regretting their actions.
Had they known, they wouldn’t have fled no matter what. It would have been great if they could follow Yang Kai’s team, but at this moment, they didn’t even have the time to think about it. Ominous Beasts were swarming at them from every possible direction, leaving them no choice but to slaughter their way out.
“Senior Brother, help me! This Little Brother is willing to give his entire fortune as a reward,” someone nearby shouted.
“Sir, please save me! If I survive, I will be at Sir’s beck and call in the future.”
“I don’t want to die. Senior Brother, please save us. We will do anything!”
Along the way, the speculation in Yang Kai’s mind was confirmed; the Dragon Pressure emanated by the Azure Dragon Spear really had a deterrent effect on these exotic beasts. He met with no obstruction along the way. The few enormous exotic beasts with fearsome auras he encountered also had fear in the depths of their eyes and showed no intention of bothering him as long as he hefted his spear.
After the time it takes for an entire incense to burn, a team of several dozen people finally broke out of the range of the Beast Tide. Looking back, they saw beasts charging inward along with occasional glows of artifacts and Secret Techniques. Cultivators were dying at almost every breath as their blood splashed all over.
Everyone’s heart was rapidly beating after having escaped their crisis. At the same time, they found it inconceivable that they could escape from such a disaster.
Just as everyone was reeling from the happiness of escaping the crisis, a deafening explosion and a powerful blast of Qi startled everyone.
When they looked toward the source, they found Yang Kai holding the spear with one arm, staring at the old man surnamed Kang; murderous intent clearly oozing from his figure.
The old man surnamed Kang’s face was a little pale at the moment. He wasn’t weak and he also seized the chance to get out following Yang Kai’s lead, but he didn’t expect that just after escaping one crisis, Yang Kai would make a move on him before he could even take a breath of respite.
“Junior, what is the meaning of this?” The old man surnamed Kang asked with an annoyed look, staring at Yang Kai.
“What do you think? Of course, this is your death!” Yang Kai grimly smiled, “Why else do you think I brought you out?”
“You want to kill me?” The old man surnamed Kang furrowed his brow, feeling that Yang Kai was being a little unreasonable; after all, there wasn’t any deep grudge between them, so there was no reason for them to fight to the death. All he did was abandon everyone at a crucial moment, but anyone would have made the same choice if they were in his shoes.
[The Heavens help those who help themselves. It has been that way since the beginning of time, so there is no reason to fight. Is there something wrong with this young man?]
Although this thought crossed his mind, the old man surnamed Kang still asked, “Your Excellency, why do you want to kill me?”
“I don’t like your face, is that reason enough?” Yang Kai looked like he had made up his mind.
“Bold Junior!” The old man surnamed Kang was extremely indignant, “This Old Master was polite to you on account of you bringing him out this time, but do you really think that this Old Master is afraid of you?”
Even though he saw Yang Kai slay the Roaring Thunder Beast like a dog, at the end of the day, the Roaring Thunder Beast was just a beast, unintelligent and incapable of flexible thinking like a Human.
He was a Third-Order Open Heaven Master, and although his Small Universe was suppressed and sealed by the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog, his foundation was still intact. It remained to be seen whether Yang Kai could kill him or not.
But after having fallen into the current predicament, the old man didn’t want to have a conflict if he could avoid it; after all, the last fight with Ding Yi ended very badly for him.
“Enough nonsense, let’s fight!” Just after speaking this, Yang Kai pushed his strength and thrust out his spear!
A ferocious look flashed on the old man surnamed Kang’s face as he promptly retreated, avoiding Yang Kai’s attack. He then turned around and fled into the distance like a bolt of lightning.
His voice then echoed from the distance, “Junior, this Old Master is injured today and doesn’t want to quarrel with you. The next time we meet, I will take your dog life!”
He had been injured by the Roaring Thunder Beast and half of his body was scorched by lightning. He was also wounded a few times while they were breaking out of the Beast Tide, so at this moment, he didn’t have the will to fight with Yang Kai. Naturally, he wanted to quickly flee and find a place to heal. So, although Yang Kai was being aggressive, he decided to temporarily withdraw.
“You want to leave?” Yang Kai sneered, “Like I’d let you.”
While speaking, he stretched his hand ahead and grabbed in the air. The next moment, Space Principles fluctuated and the surrounding space became rigid.
The old man surnamed Kang, who was quickly escaping, suddenly froze, feeling as though the space around him becoming extremely heavy and viscous. He immediately cried in horror, “Space Principles!”
Although he had seen Yang Kai using Space Secret Techniques and knew that he was extremely proficient in the Dao of Space, he hadn’t personally faced such methods. Only now did he understand how terrifying the strength of this young man was.
The old man surnamed Kang’s face slightly changed as he madly shouted, “Break!”
His thin and lean body doubled in size all of a sudden as a fearsome burst of energy swept outwards, smashing apart the frozen space and allowing him to regain his freedom!
However, before he could escape any further, he felt a burst of hair-raising Qi behind him. The old man surnamed Kang was horrified and had no choice but to summon his long sword and swing it backwards. The next moment, an enormous wave split space, flying straight at Yang Kai.
At the sight of this, Yang Kai showed no surprise or shock; instead, he broke into laughter and stated, “My spear has been dry for a long time; it thirsts!”
Since young, Yang Kai had fought countless battles, both big and small. He had also grown a little weary and tired of bloodshed. He had even been asking himself whether the essence of the Martial Dao was slaughter and death, but ever since he had arrived at the Outer Universe, he had very few chances to fight with others. He had run into quite a few Open Heaven Realm Masters, and whether it was in terms of methods or cultivation, he was too far below them to even think of challenging them.
After having not fought for a long time, Yang Kai suddenly discovered that combat instincts had already been branded into every inch of his body. He felt incomparable pleasure when he was locked in a fierce battle.
The only real battle he had fought was when he was ordered to hunt down Fang Tai, but even then, there were two Open Heaven Realm Masters guarding him. Wounded and distracted, Fang Tai simply couldn’t bring out his full strength.
Even if he was protected by the Proprietress of First Inn, even if 99% of the Emperor Realm Masters longed for the life he now had, Yang Kai felt as if something was missing. He felt as though his body had gone soft, and his firm and indomitable Dao Heart was weakening.
Finally, the moment he had been waiting for was here!
Finally, he could fight to his heart’s content!
Finally, he could fight to the death against a strong enemy using all his skill and strength without any external assistance.
Yang Kai finally felt at ease and happy from the bottom of his heart! When he looked at the old man surnamed Kang’s face, not only did he not find it disgusting or revolting, but rather he found it quite pleasant.
As he thrust his spear, the wind and cloud changed their colour, and so did the expression of the old man surnamed Kang.
The sword wave shattered while the long spear kept moving forward. When the old man surnamed Kang stared at it, it was as if a great Dragon was charging at him, shaking its head and waving its tail, trying to swallow him whole.
The old man surnamed Kang screamed in horror as he promptly formed a hand seal while the long sword in hand shook, instantly transforming into countless sword flashes that filled the entire sky. The sword flashes were a mix of real and illusionary phantoms, making it hard to discern real from false. Each and every long sword image was vibrating slightly and emanating soaring Sword Intent, pointing straight at Yang Kai.
“Go!” The old man surnamed Kang shouted.
*Sou sou sou…*
The sword flashes cut through the air, raining down at Yang Kai, covering the entire area in the blink of an eye, blinding all others from seeing what was going on inside.
Everyone’s faces couldn’t help but pale at the sight of this move. Yue He involuntarily clenched her fist, staring ahead without batting an eye. She asked herself what she would do in the face of this terrifying move and quickly concluded that in her current state, she couldn’t do anything apart from dodging.
What would happen to Yang Kai, who was bearing the full brunt of the countless swords?
Blood drained from Meng Hong’s face turning white as paper.
“Sigh, that Little Brother is too arrogant. In any case, Old Kang is a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. How can he not have any trump cards up his sleeve?” Someone on the sideline sighed.
“When I saw his fearsome strength, I thought that a genius had been born, but by the looks of it, the Heavens must be jealous.”
Someone sneered, “Genius? Only those who can grow into something are real geniuses! Haven’t quite a few promising geniuses fallen in the 3,000 Worlds before? In the past, wasn’t Lan Ting Yu amazing and brilliant? He could have become a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master, known by all across the 3,000 Worlds, but in the end, he died, didn’t he?”
“You are right…” Someone agreed with him.
Suddenly, Murderous Intent started filling the air. Yue He, who had been paying close attention to Yang Kai all the while, coldly turned her head and stared at the people who were gossiping as she growled, “Shut up if you don’t want to die!”
Sensing the cold murderous intent, everyone immediately fell silent.
“Ke ke…” The old man surnamed Kang coughed lightly as he bled from the corner of his mouth. The last attack had exhausted a lot of his energy, and a trace of regret flashed across his eyes, looking at the rioting Sword Intent, he muttered, “You might be outstanding, but you have no reverence for your Elders. Even if you don’t die today, you won’t live much longer. Be sure to remember this lesson in your next life!”
“Really?” A figure walked out from the rioting Sword Intent and instantly arrived before the Old Kang, coldly staring at him, “Do you only know how to fight with your mouth? In any case, you are a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, don’t disappoint me.”
Old Kang turned pale in horror and involuntarily stepped back. When he focused his gaze to see who it was, he found that it was none other than Yang Kai. What shocked him was apart from some minor injuries, Yang Kai wasn’t wounded at all.
[Impossible!] The sword barrage was the most potent attack he could unleash. He knew that Yang Kai was strong, so he didn’t dare to hold back. He thought that Yang Kai would be left seriously injured if not dead, but now it was apparent he only had some flesh wounds.
Horrified, the old man instinctively raised his hand and thrust the sword he was holding out.
With a clang, two artifacts collided as Yang Kai made a sweep with his spear. Old Kang suddenly felt a fearsome and uncontrollable force assailing him along the long sword in his hand.
His eyes instantly widened in disbelief.
[Too strong! No wonder he could wrestle with that Roaring Thunder Beast.]
Just as this thought flashed across his mind, the old man’s body flew out uncontrollably.
Old Kang didn’t panic though, rather he used this opportunity to distance himself. At the same time, he quickly formed hand seals as the longsword flew out, slashing down at Yang Kai.
Yang Kai followed like a shadow, the long spear in his hand shaking as spear shadows blotted the entire sky, shrouding Old Kang.
Deafening rumbles rang out to no end as two figures flew back and forth, colliding from time to time, causing the entire world to go pale.
Everyone was watching the battle without batting an eye. They found the entire situation unbelievable. Even if Old Kang’s Small Universe was suppressed and sealed, it wasn’t like he could be beaten by a random Emperor Realm cultivator. But the facts proved otherwise. Much to their surprise, Old Kang was completely suppressed and could only defend himself without the ability to fight back.
[Is he really just an Emperor Realm Junior?]
After thirty breaths, two figures clashed in the air once more before separating and standing face to face a thousand metres apart.
Yang Kai’s imposing manner and fighting spirit soared as he pointed his spear forward. On the other hand, Old Kang’s aura was waning. He seemed to have grown a few hundred years older over the past few breaths and the long sword artifact in his hand had become somewhat dull.
Old Kang’s head hung low, standing completely still and staring at the longsword in his hand.
Suddenly, a dismal voice passed into everyone’s ears amid the howling winds and the dark and dreary world, “Little Brother, please spare me!”
Everyone’s face turned pale once they heard this.
[Old Kang actually lost?] Watching the battle, Yang Kai did appear to have the advantage, but when they heard Old Kang really beg for mercy, they still found it hard to believe.
Much to their shock and dismay, a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master had lost at the hands of an Emperor Realm cultivator. Even if it was inside the Grand Ancient Ruins, where Small Universes were suppressed and sealed, it was still unbelievable.
Furthermore, a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master was forced to lower his head and beg for mercy, which clearly meant that Old Kang had no confidence in even escaping alive from Yang Kai’s grasp.
Yue He’s pretty eyes quivered as if she was recalling something, looking at Yang Kai. Who knew what she was thinking, but there was a complex look on her face. Chen Yue, who was holding her, had a stranger gleam in her beautiful eyes as well.
Meng Hong let out a sigh as he murmured, “A real man should be like this!” He was yearning to be like Yang Kai, wondering when he could reach Yang Kai’s level in his life, thinking it might be more than a little difficult. And when he accidentally noticed Chen Yue’s expression, sadness struck him.
“When this King declared he would kill you, it wasn’t a joke!” Yang Kai thrust his spear as he arrived before Old Kang in the blink of an eye.
Horrified, Old Kang instantly summoned a shield-type artifact and quickly retreated, holding it before him. But that shield couldn’t even block the Azure Dragon Spear for a breath before shattering to pieces. Under the shocked gaze of Old Kang, the long spear penetrated through his chest and came out through the back, directly pinning him in place.
The world seemed to have frozen as all were shocking beyond belief.
Yang Kai’s arm shook as a violent burst of energy started wreaking havoc in Old Kang’s body, crushing his five viscera and six organs.
“Ke…” Old Kang coughed, coughing pieces of his internal organs. His face turned hideous as he looked at Yang Kai, “Junior, you are truly bold to use a Dragon Artifact. The Dragon Clan will not spare you. This Old Master will be going first, but he will see you soon in Hell!”
“Keep waiting!” Yang Kai pulled his spear back before sweeping it out, smashing Old Kang’s head and sending a blood rain down from the sky.
Yang Kai’s heart was pounding. After a bloody battle, he had finally vented the suffocating feeling that had bogged down his Martial Heart for a long time. He felt elated. Had he not been thrust into this mysterious Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, he wouldn’t have been able to experience this feeling of freedom again for a much longer time.
Everyone looked at him with focused gazes, wearing all kinds of expressions on their faces.
Much of their attention was on the Azure Dragon Spear in his hand, as what Old Kang had said before his death had caught their attention.
A Dragon Artifact, meaning that it was an artifact forged from a Dragon’s Body. Naturally, it was extremely powerful. Although they felt that the Azure Dragon Spear was extraordinary when Yang Kai fought with Old Kang, they didn’t pay that much attention to it.
But when Old Kang said this, they finally learned the truth!
The long spear was radiating a faint Dragon Pressure, so if it wasn’t a Dragon Artifact, what was it? No wonder when they were breaking through the Beast Tide, many exotic beasts backed away on their own initiative. Initially, they thought that it was because of Yang Kai’s overbearing strength, but now it became apparent that it was because of this Dragon Artifact.
For a moment, a trace of greed flashed in many people’s eyes.
Dragon Artifacts were taboo in every part of the 3,000 Worlds. As Old Kang had said before his death, if the Dragon Clan came to know about it, Yang Kai would be doomed.
But then again, a Dragon Artifact was an extremely rare treasure. In the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, the Ancient Exotic Beasts were just about everywhere, so if they had this Dragon Artifact in their possession, it could act as a deterrent in many cases, helping them avoid some unnecessary troubles.
But Yang Kai was strong enough to overwhelm and kill a Third-Order Open Heaven Realm Master all by himself, so even though some people were having malicious thoughts at the moment, they didn’t dare to attack him. After witnessing him fight Old Kang, who could say that they would be his opponent? The chance of failure and the price to be paid were simply too high.
After a long time, Yang Kai finally calmed down his emotions and put away the Azure Dragon Spear. He then approached Old Kang’s corpse and searched him before taking his Space Ring away. He then beckoned Meng Hong and the others, “Let’s go.”
It wasn’t suitable to stay here for a long time as doing so would attract trouble. Who knows if the nearby exotic beasts would suddenly start attacking them?
Why would the members of Great Moon Province have any objections? Having witnessed Yang Kai’s combat power, they naturally felt more secure accompanying him.
But after taking just a few steps, Yang Kai looked back and asked, “What are you guys doing?”
He had only asked the people of Great Moon Province to come with him, but he had not expected the dozens of other cultivators, who had escaped together with him, to follow suit.
A fat young man stepped out and explained, cupping his fists and wearing a smile on his face, “Senior Brother, regardless of the circumstances, we all fought side by side. You could say that we have shared life and death. Furthermore, the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary is fraught with crises. It would be better if we stick together. After having witnessed Senior Brother’s invincible might, I would like to follow Senior Brother, heading your every order. Our only request is to safely leave the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary.”
Everyone behind him nodded in agreement.
Yang Kai glanced at him and indifferently replied, “No need. You can go wherever you want, just don’t follow me!”
Having finished his piece, he ignored them and continued ahead.
“Senior Brother… Senior Brother, please wait a moment…” The young fatty shouted aloud, chasing after him.
Yang Kai promptly turned around as the Azure Dragon Spear appeared in his hand all of a sudden. With his spear pressed against the young fatty’s chest, Yang Kai coldly glared at him and snarled, “If you keep chattering, don’t blame this King for pushing this spear straight through you.”
The young fatty immediately froze on the spot as a drop of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. The corner of his mouth twitched before he raised his hands and entreated, “Senior Brother, please calm yourself…”
Yang Kai stared deeply at him and let out a cold snort before putting away his spear and turning around, continuing on.
The young fatty sighed, watching Yang Kai and his group leave as if he had missed a great opportunity. Some people were indignant, feeling that Yang Kai was too arrogant, but since he didn’t want them to follow him, they weren’t shameless enough to pursue. The crowd looked around at each other for a time before dispersing.
After advancing for three hundred kilometres, Yang Kai and the people of Great Moon Province inadvertently entered a mountain valley. The valley was lush with green plants everywhere, along with various exotic and beautiful flowers. It was beautiful and refreshing like a spring day here.
As soon as they entered the valley, everyone couldn’t help but have an illusion that they had entered a paradise. The eyes of the women in the group especially lit up bright as they started looking around.
Yang Kai looked around before suggesting, “Let’s take a break here. Brother Meng, you and I will split up and scout this place to check if there is any hidden danger.”
“Good!” Meng Hong nodded in agreement.
After inspecting the valley, they found that it wasn’t very big, spanning only a few kilometres and lacking any fearsome Ominous Beasts. This put everyone’s taut heart at ease at least.
After having been swallowed by the Grand Ancient Ruins Rolling Fog, everyone found themselves in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, and before they could catch their breath, they were attacked by a ferocious Beast Tide. There were tens of thousands of people in that part of the Star City, but who knew how many of them would survive the Beast Tide?
No wonder Yue He said that entering the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary was both an opportunity and a disaster.
The last battle had left everyone mentally and physically exhausted, and after having escaped the crisis, exhaustion finally hit them. They each found someplace to take rest and heal their wounds.
Yang Kai too sat down cross-legged under a tree. He spread his palms before him, staring at them; immersed in his thoughts.
Although only a short time had passed since he entered the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, it felt like a year or two already. He had witnessed Emperor Realm cultivators fight in the Outer Universe every now and then, but not as many as he had seen today.
This led him to a discovery that he hadn’t noticed before.
The Emperor Realm Masters of the Outer Universe who had condensed their Dao Seals and were able to harness their Yin, Yang, and Five Elements, could mobilize this power to wield in battle, thereby increasing their combat efficiency and prowess.
Suddenly, he recalled that Old Bai had done something similar back in Wind and Cloud Auction House, though he was quickly silenced by Old Yu. At that time, Yang Kai hadn’t paid much attention to it.
[When I was fighting that old man surnamed Kang, he did something similar.]
[It should have something to do with the power inside my Dao Seal!]
Yang Kai heard someone approaching as a sweet fragrance tickled his nostrils. The next moment, a soft and tender figure sat down next to him.
Yang Kai’s thoughts were interrupted, and when he turned his head to look, he saw Yue He looking at him with a smile on her face.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but furrow his brow, “What is it?”
She smiled slyly, like a fox who had stolen a chicken. Yang Kai immediately put his guard up, but since they were in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, he wasn’t afraid of her.
Yue He hugged his knee and rested her cheek on it, giving the impression of a young girl who was ignorant of the world and was looking forward to the promising future ahead of her, “Why did you kill that old man?”
“What do you mean why? I killed him because I didn’t like him,” Yang Kai impatiently replied.
“Because he injured me?”
“Stop deluding yourself!” Yang Kai ignored her.
But Yue He remained persistent. She came closer as her fragrant breath trickled Yang Kai’s nose, “It’s because of that, am I right? Otherwise, why would you kill him?”
“Are you in heat or something?” Yang Kai was a little speechless.
Although that was indeed a part of the reason, Yang Kai would never admit it. When the Roaring Thunder Beast attacked, the old man surnamed Kang dodged without any hesitation, and though Yue He could have done so too, she instead chose to take the thunderbolt head-on.
She probably thought that if she were to avoid it as well, Yang Kai and the others behind her would surely die.
This caused Yang Kai to see her in a new light, feeling that she wasn’t truly a bad person.
[Be that as it may, it’s because of her that I got swept into this Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary; otherwise, I would have met up with Proprietress at the Universe Temple.]
Thinking of her, Yang Kai directly asked, “Is she alright?”
He had only heard that the Proprietress had suffered serious injuries and was recuperating in the Universe Temple. He hadn’t asked Yue He about the specifics as they weren’t familiar with each other. What’s more, he was a prisoner so he wasn’t entitled to ask any questions.
Yue He disdainfully spat, scoffing, “Of course she’s alright. What else?”
“Is she seriously injured?”
Yue He remained silent for a while before she shook her head, “Whether she is heavily or lightly injured is irrelevant as you have no idea about her abilities. Now that she has sought shelter in the Universe Temple, she will recover sooner or later.”
Yang Kai gently nodded his acknowledgement; it could be said that the weight on his heart was finally lifted.
“Do you think that you have the time to worry about others? Worry about yourself first.” Yue He jealously continued, “After entering the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, you can’t leave until it closes on its own. I’m afraid we will be staying here for a long time.”
When she brought this up, Yang Kai grew a little worried, “Is the period which this Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary remains open really different every time?”
Yue He slowly nodded, “As far as I know, that is the case. It will remain open for between a decade to a century, but even if it remains open for a century, for cultivators like us, it’s still just a snap of the fingers.”
For an Open Heaven Realm Master like Yue He, a century was indeed like a snap of one’s fingers, but it was completely different for Yang Kai.
The Star Boundary was in a precarious situation. It was in danger and its World Principles were collapsing. If Yang Kai couldn’t find the World Tree to repair the Star Boundary soon, the entire Universe World would die sooner or later.
[A century? Can the Star Boundary hold on till then?]
“Young Master, what are you thinking?” Yue He couldn’t help but ask, looking at the change in Yang Kai’s expression.
Yang Kai furrowed his brow, looking at her; he was rendered speechless, “In any case, you are an Open Heaven Realm Master, and a Fifth-Order one at that. Why are you humiliating yourself?”
Yue He asked, surprised, “How am I humiliating myself?”
Yang Kai continued, shaking his head, “I am just a trivial Emperor Realm Junior. How can you allow yourself to address me as Young Master?” She had said the same before the old man surnamed Kang as well.
Yue He pursed her lips into a sweet smile, “Oh, that’s what you are referring to. I’m happy to do it, so what?”
“Do as you wish!” Yang Kai didn’t want to dwell on this topic. He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Can I ask you a question?”
Yue He turned serious, “Ask ahead.”
“Will frequent use of the Power of Yin, Yang, and Five Elements in one’s Dao Seal affect it in any way?”
Yue He was astounded, “Why would it affect one’s Dao Seal? Since it’s your power, it will always be yours.” She suddenly furrowed her brow, “Why don’t you even know this? Lan You Ruo didn’t tell you?”
Yang Kai explained, “I’ve only been in the Outer Universe for about a year. I don’t know much about many things. Usually, Proprietress didn’t pay attention to my cultivation.”
Thinking about it though, since it was the Power within his own Dao Seal, why would it matter if he used it? In the Seven Wonders Land, he had once used his Wood Element to assist the growth of the Fire Spirit Fruit Trees after all.
After giving it a thought, he realized that he had made a wrong assumption.
Yue He was mouth agape in shock, “You only entered the Outer Universe a year ago?”
“What’s the problem?”
Yue He slowly shook her head, “I thought that you had been with Lan You Ruo for a long time. So it’s like that. How many Elements have you gathered?”
Yang Kai naturally had nothing to hide; furthermore, since he was the one asking for advice, he would obviously speak the truth, “Two, Wood and Fire.”
Yue He continued, “The Yin, Yang, and Five Elements have their own characteristics. Wood is filled with vitality and is best for healing and cultivation. Fire is hot and explosive, suitable for attacking. Metal is sharp and aggressive. If it’s applied to an artifact, it boosts the offensive power of that artifact. Earth is thick and heavy, so its defence is outstanding. Water is formless, making it suitable for all roles from healing to offence to defence. As for Yin and Yang, they both have their own effects. The battle between the Masters below the Open Heaven Realm Masters is basically a competition of quality and control over the Powers of Yin, Yang, and Five Elements.”
Yang Kai appeared to be pondering it deeply, but soon nodded before requesting, “Please enlighten me!”
Yue He stated, “Attack me!”
Saying so, a yellowish-brown aura suddenly covered her entire body. A tremendous Earth Element was congealed in that aura. Obviously, Yue He had mobilized the Power in her Dao Seal for defence.
Yang Kai casually launched a palm attack at her. He had wanted to try this combat style, so he held nothing back. The moment he swung his palm, a reddish aura suddenly surged around it, radiating tremendous heat.
A deafening bang immediately followed. Yue He’s figure shook as a ripple visible to the naked eye spread over the yellowish-brown aura covering her body before it fiercely caved in. Not only that, Yang Kai’s palm also sank in. The consolidated defence around her body seemed to be on the verge of shattering.
Fortunately, Yang Kai timely withdrew his palm.
Yue He’s beautiful eyes widened in shock, looking at Yang Kai, “What Order of Fire Element did you condense?”
“What’s wrong?” Yang Kai looked at her in confusion.
Yue He murmured, “As I just said, the battle between cultivators below the Open Heaven Realm is a competition between the quality and control of their Yin, Yang, and Five Elements. The Earth Element I have condensed is Fifth-Order, so any Power below Fifth-Order would not put a dent in the defence created using it, unless one struck multiple times. But you nearly broke my defence in just one palm… Did you refine a Sixth-Order Fire Element material? No… that’s not right either. It’s impossible for a Sixth-Order Fire Element Power to have such tremendous power… Could it be of Seventh-Order!?”
Just as she spoke of this, Yue He covered her red lips with her hand as her pretty eyes quivered in shock.
Yang Kai was also astounded. He hadn’t expected Yue He to draw such a conclusion from just a casual attack, and her inference was not wrong. The Golden Crow Fire was absolutely not just Seventh Order!
“Damn!” Yue He’s face turned ashen, “Lan You Ruo, you’ve gone mad! You actually dare to do this!?”
Who knows why, but Yue He’s face turned as pale as paper and she abruptly stood up while speaking, clenching her fists so tightly her knuckles had turned white.
“What does this have to do with Proprietress?” Yang Kai frowned.
Yue He ground her teeth as she replied, “Didn’t she assist you in condensing your Fire Element?” Yang Kai had told her himself that he had been in the Outer Universe for just about a year, so how could he have strength and resources to find such a High-Order Open Heaven material?
It must be known that a Seventh-Order material was worth over a hundred million Open Heaven Pills! She didn’t believe that Yang Kai possessed such wealth; furthermore, it wasn’t something he could buy unless Lan You Ruo helped him.
It was quite natural for her to make such an assumption as she had no idea that Yang Kai had his own opportunities.
Yang Kai didn’t want to explain, but he was a little curious so he instead asked, “So what? Doesn’t condensing higher Order materials just mean breaking through to a higher Order Open Heaven Realm?”
“You don’t understand at all!” Yue He shook her head. Suddenly, she asked another question, “What about your Wood Element? It couldn’t also be Seventh-Order, right?”
Yang Kai himself was wondering about its Order, only figuring that the essence of the Immortal Tree should be very high.
Yue He’s face, seeing his reaction, turned even paler. She crouched down and solemnly looked at him, “Never, ever let anyone know that you have condensed Seventh-Order Elements, promise me!”
There was a pleading look on her face as if she was requesting something very important.
A confused look appeared on Yang Kai’s face as he wondered, [Has she gone insane? We don’t have that deep a relationship.] Had it not been for Yue He’s previous conduct, he would have parted ways with her already. Still, Yang Kai felt really uncomfortable when she was talking to him in this tone.
His reaction didn’t go unnoticed by Yue He and her face turned slightly red as she tucked her hair behind her ear, stating, “I know that there are some misunderstandings between us, and you don’t trust me much, but please believe me when I say I will never try to harm you…”
She hesitated for a while before continuing, “There was once a man who was monstrously talented, overwhelming all other geniuses in his generation. Just like you, he condensed Seventh-Order Elements, and throughout the entire 3,000s World, no one below the Open Heaven Realm was his opponent. He had even fought a Low-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master to draw. But in the end, he died.”
“How did he die?” Yang Kai furrowed his brow.
Yue He’s eyes flickered with a sliver of sadness, “The tallest tree in the forest always faces the strongest winds. Do you know that Lan You Ruo herself had a chance to break through directly to the Seventh Order?”
“I heard something about it.”
“Then do you know why she’s stuck in the Sixth Order?” Yue He lightly sneered.
Yang Kai shook his head, “I’ve never heard the reason.”
“Because if she tried to break through to the Seventh Order, she would be dead! Therefore, she only advanced to the Sixth-Order. She did so just to safeguard her dog life!” Yue He’s tone was solemn.
Yang Kai unhappily rebuked, “Proprietress has done me many big favours, don’t speak ill of her.”
Yue He added in a cold voice, “If she was really thinking of your own good, she wouldn’t have let you condense Seventh-Order Elements! She is only harming you just like back then… back then when…” While speaking, Yue He’s eyes turned wet as she choked with sobs.
Yang Kai, seeing this, didn’t know what to say. He could clearly tell that there was some kind of deep grievance between the Proprietress and Yue He. They should have some past grudges between them, as well as a complicated story.
After a while, Yue He wiped the corner of her eyes before exhorting in a lonesome voice, “In any case, you must remember this. You should never let anyone know about your secrets. And as for the Dragon Artifact, it would be better if you never used it again; otherwise, you would be in big trouble after you leave the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary.”
After advising him so, Yue He turned around and left, her figure looking bleak and lonely.
Yang Kai, watching her departing back, sunk into his own thoughts. In fact, he didn’t need Yue He to specifically tell him to hide his secrets. Only, judging by how seriously Yue He had warned him, he realized he needed to be extra careful in the future. As for the Dragon Artifact, the Azure Dragon Spear, Yang Kai actually couldn’t wait for the Dragon Clan to come looking for him. He was alone and had no one to rely on in the Outer Universe, so it would be great if he could get in touch with the Dragon Clan.
After Yue He left, Yang Kai tried to manipulate Space Principles to see if he could tear space and leave the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary.
According to Yue He, they would be here for at least a decade and possibly up to a century, but if he could shatter the Void and leave this place, he wouldn’t need to stay.
Furthermore, he had faced this kind of situation many times before, so Yang Kai wasn’t unfamiliar with it.
But after a few tries, he discovered that the World Principles of the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary were extremely firm. He couldn’t break through the World Barrier with his current mastery of the Dao of Space.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but be a little frustrated. It seemed that he would have to find some other way or wait for the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary to close by itself.
“Senior Brother Yang!” A sweet voice suddenly rang in Yang Kai’s ears, interrupting his thoughts.
He looked up and saw Chen Yue standing right before him. Her eyes were completely glued on him, and when their eyes met, a slightly red hue embellished her pretty face.
Yang Kai asked, nodding, “What’s wrong?”
Chen Yue replied, “Nothing’s wrong. Yue’er just wanted to thank Senior Brother Yang. Had it not been for Senior Brother Yang, I would have been dead.”
Yang Kai humbly stated, “It was nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
Chen Yue continued, “It might be nothing for Senior Brother, but it was a life-saving grace for me. This Junior Sister is unable to repay your kindness right now, but if Senior Brother needs anything from me in the future, please just say it. Yue’er will do everything to fulfil it.”
Yang Kai raised his hand, stating, “You don’t have to be so serious. Brother Meng and I are old acquaintances. Since you are his friend, then you are also my friend. It’s only right and proper to help each other out.”
Chen Yue asked, “How did Senior Brother and Senior Brother Meng become acquaintances? Why haven’t I heard Senior Brother Meng mention it before?” Her eyes were brightly shining, as if she was looking at some rare treasure.
“If Junior Sister wants to know about it, why not ask Brother Meng? He can tell you all about it,” Yang Kai pointed in a certain direction.
Chen Yue turned to look and saw Meng Hong approaching. Her expression immediately turned a little unnatural, but she still put on a smiling face when Meng Hong arrived by her side, “I came to thank Senior Brother Yang.”
Meng Hong nodded his acknowledgement, “That’s alright, but Junior Sister, you are injured. You shouldn’t move around too much. You should focus on recovering first.”
Chen Yue obediently agreed, “Then I will be on my way. Please continue.”