Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 155

Soon, news of the Fallen Immortal Island emerging in the Arid Province spread across the Eastern Domain like it had grown wings, attracting countless cultivators rushing to the destination without skipping a beat.

Although various opportunities had appeared recently, this was the first time witnessing such a grand celestial trace, demonstrating how significant this inheritance was.

Especially after passing the trials, one could become the island master of Fallen Immortal Island, reaping the vast resources accumulated since ancient times; it was hard to claim that one wouldn’t be envious.

In recent days, more and more external cultivators were spending huge sums to travel through the teleportation arrays to Arid Province. When they felt the rich spiritual energy of the land, their minds were greatly stirred.

“Damn! Who says Arid Province is backward? Come out and I’ll beat them to death!”

“This is completely different from last time; it’s like night and day!”

“The cultivation environment in Arid Province feels even better than Qingzhou now!”

These external cultivators were astonished by the changes in Arid Province, feeling a mix of emotions.

In the past, they would label this remote area as backward and barren, but now, that notion had become a thing of the past.

The locals of Arid Province, overhearing the praises, couldn’t help but stand a little straighter, their smiles stretching wider in pride.

They had finally become the envy of others!

“Everyone pay attention, don’t cause trouble in Arid Province; that man is staying here,” cautioned a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar, his expression serious.

Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent.

“Thank you for the reminder, fellow daoist!” After a few seconds, a muscular man immediately cupped his fists in a serious salute.

“Yes, yes, we need to remember this; we can’t act recklessly!” More and more echoes of agreement emerged from the crowd as they nodded vigorously, showing their consent.

That man referred to was Ye Junlin!

Now everyone knew that Arid Province was under his protection. Previously, the Yuhua Sect attempted to provoke him but had suffered a massive setback. Coupled with all the astonishing feats he accomplished recently, his reputation had become monumental.

Who would dare to cause trouble here now? If word got back to him, they’d be scared stiff!

Amidst this mutual warning, the once eager external cultivators became as docile as kittens in Arid Province, treating others politely and waiting patiently for the opening of Fallen Immortal Island.

The atmosphere inexplicably turned friendly and harmonious…

In the boundless sky, a floating island shrouded in immense divine light made the night seem like day.

Days turned into weeks, and the time for the opening drew near.

No matter what their identity or level, any cultivator gazing at the sacred light of Fallen Immortal Island felt an intense yearning and longing.

“I never expected Arid Province to develop to such a point.”

At a steep cliff, two figures stood—a young man cloaked in black, revealing a handsome yet devil-may-care face, his eyes holding a meaning hard to articulate.

Chen Xiao felt complex emotions within. As a native of Arid Province, he used to consider this identity a shame and wanted to cast it off since this place seemed so backward.

However, upon returning to his homeland, he discovered that Arid Province had undergone tremendous changes, its cultivation environment now on par with that of Qingzhou. The sudden appearance of Fallen Immortal Island had completely overshadowed Qingzhou.

As he observed the proud expressions on the locals, Chen Xiao found it hard to be happy. This was his hometown too.

“Saint Son, it seems the Five Ancestors have put in a lot of effort into you; your cultivation level has significantly improved during this time,” Old Liu, his protector, remarked with a glint of admiration in his murky eyes.

Chen Xiao shook his head, “As long as I’m not an Immortal for a single day, I won’t feel at ease. The emergence of Fallen Immortal Island is a rare opportunity.”

Regarding the origins of Fallen Immortal Island, Old Ancestor Tianhong and the others were shocked, believing it might be a top-tier Grand Immortal-level inheritance!

They even considered getting directly involved but quickly dismissed the thought; the reason being, they simply didn’t have the qualifications.

According to the Five Ancestors, the conditions for such an inheritance were extremely harsh. With their advanced ages and nearly depleted potential, even if they wanted to, they would be stopped by the rule power of Fallen Immortal Island.

The most suitable candidate from the Yuhua Sect was Chen Xiao.

Thus, they specifically allowed him to step out of his small world and head to Arid Province to seize the unparalleled chance of Fallen Immortal Island while also hoping to indirectly reap benefits.

“Old Liu, don’t be fooled by the crowd; when the time comes, those truly qualified to enter will probably be very few!”

“The requirements for Fallen Immortal Island are indeed high!”

Chen Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, sneering.

He felt both pity and disdain for those who were clearly chickens trying to become phoenixes.

But he was different; this time Fallen Immortal Island was prepared just for him!

“Of course, the Saint Son is the most perfect successor for Fallen Immortal Island.” Old Liu’s wrinkled face broke into a smile.

Even the Five Ancestors regarded this young man highly; as the Supreme Elder, he could only act like an eager follower.

“Huh? Who’s that…” Chen Xiao suddenly noticed something, his gaze landing on a figure in white holding a sword, his hair standing on end.

“What! He’s here too?!”

Old Liu’s eyes widened, a serious expression climbing across his face. “Saint Son, you may not know, but that’s Snow Wuhen, the legendary sword cultivator from the Xuanji Sword Sect!”

“Back when he was young, he was already a genius in the Sword Path, roaming the world without an equal. He was recognized as one of the top sword cultivators in the Eastern Domain five thousand years ago. Later, he retreated into the Xuanji Sword Sect to continue perfecting his swordsmanship. If he were to draw his sword, even I would have to retreat. I didn’t expect that with the emergence of Fallen Immortal Island, even he would be drawn here.”

“Saint Son, the Xuanji Sword Sect is the second most powerful sect in the Eastern Domain and was previously the most cautious target for us at Yuhua Sect!”

“Their existence is precisely why the Five Ancestors have been cautious; we must be careful while executing our plans,” Old Liu said solemnly.

Chen Xiao was stunned, a chill creeping up his spine as he contemplated.

It seemed this Eastern Domain was not quite as it appeared.

Previously confused as to why the Five Ancestors were so powerful yet didn’t personally assist the Underworld Abyss in seizing the Star Gate, he now realized there might be other ancient beings eyeing them.

Should the Five Ancestors decide to intervene personally, it would draw significant opposition.

Being the second most powerful sect, their foundation was equally profound!

At that moment, Snow Wuhen, donned in a snow-white robe with a black cloak contrasting sharply, stood stern and unmoving under a locust tree. His piercing gaze hinted at an edge of sword intent that made anyone who met his eyes feel blindingly sharp.

Proud, cold, self-assured, invincible!

As they saw Snow Wuhen, the nearby cultivators instinctively assigned these labels to him.

Upon learning he was the sword path legend of yore, an overwhelming sense of reverence arose within them.

Suddenly, distant shouts broke the air. “Look! It’s Senior Ye!”

From the void, a figure in a black robe with long silver hair approached, hands clasped behind his back, exuding an ethereal aura like a celestial being.

Seeing the time for Fallen Immortal Island’s opening nearing, Ye Junlin had arrived early.

“This is a lot livelier than last time in the Luotian Secret Realm,” Ye Junlin remarked as he surveyed the surroundings.

Among the crowd, Ouyang Feng, the old ancestor of the Banshan Sect, rushed forward excitedly, cupping his fists and saying, “Greetings, Senior Ye!”

At these words, it triggered a massive chain reaction, with men and women alike yelling fervently from all sides,

“Greetings, Senior Ye!!!”

“Greetings, Senior Ye!!!”

“Greetings, Senior Ye!!!”

…

The roar echoed like a mountain crashing or the sea surging, deafening to the ears.

Feeling this almost cult-like adoration, the other external cultivators felt their hearts race and silently marvel at the scene.

Anyone unaware might think they’d entered a pyramid scheme, with Ye Junlin as the head honcho.

Chen Xiao watched all this with jealousy, his expression twisted. He was also from Arid Province, a once unparalleled genius who had left this place, but now he felt like a rat hiding in a corner, fearing recognition.

“All of this was taken from me…” Chen Xiao’s eyes turned bloodshot, gritting his teeth in hatred.

Hearing the cheers around him,

Ye Junlin nodded, “Good! Very spirited!”

“Our Master knows how to win hearts!” The ever-smiling Li Wujie felt a sense of shared glory trailing behind him.

Hong Qianye rolled her eyes, thinking that when she was the Fire Cult Leader, it was a thousand times more glorious than this!

“That’s Ye Junlin…” Under the locust tree, Snow Wuhen narrowed his cold eyes, releasing a fierce glint. Gripping his treasured sword, he strode towards Ye Junlin, his aura incredibly imposing.

“Quick, get out of the way; he’s heading for Ye Junlin!” Many external cultivators sensed the movement and hurriedly cleared a path; sweat pouring down their foreheads as they cast fearful glances.

With Snow Wuhen seeming ready to pick a fight, many hearts began to tremble in fear.

“What’s he planning to do? Is he really going to attack Senior Ye?”

Ouyang Feng and the others looked displeased, but seeing the sword intent flashing in Snow Wuhen’s eyes made them feel a chilling dread, causing their faces to pale.

“This man is a formidable sword cultivator,” Hong Qianye said with a serious expression, rare praise escaping her lips.

Even in the Central Region, he would definitely be a top-tier figure below the Immortal level.

“Hmph!” Li Wujie’s gaze grew heavy as he pressed his hand on his sword hilt, ready to draw and slash if the other dares to be disrespectful.

Ye Junlin studied the cold-faced middle-aged man, puzzled. Had he unintentionally offended him?

Whatever, if he dares to provoke me, I’ll end him.

The atmosphere turned extremely tense.

Countless people held their breath, not daring to exhale, their eyes glued to this possibly explosive clash.

“I really hope they fight; if Ye Junlin dares to use a magical artifact to strike down Snow Wuhen, the Xuanji Sword Sect will surely retaliate. At that point, our Yuhua Sect can just sit back and watch,” Old Liu sneered.

He understood very well how strong Snow Wuhen was and how significant he was to the Xuanji Sword Sect—a figure even the hidden Immortals had to protect.

Under the gaze of all,

Snow Wuhen approached Ye Junlin, staring intently.

After a few seconds, his frostbitten face suddenly cracked a stiff grin, as if he hadn’t smiled in ages and was still getting used to it.

He held his sword, cupping his hands in the traditional gesture, his smile rigid and awkward, his eyes shining with expectation mixed with yearning, “Y-Ye, Senior Ye, could you teach me swordsmanship?”

At this declaration,

everyone was left speechless, their brains seemingly crashing.