Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 281

The moment Hong Qianye took off his mask, there was a brief silence in the Imperial Capital, followed by an uproar that shook the heavens.

“Look, it’s the Fire Cult Leader!”

“The Fire Cult Leader’s immortal power knows no bounds! Long life to him!”

“Ahhh, I totally love him, why does he look even better than before?!”

“I just love his looks, too bad he’s a guy! But that doesn’t stop me from treating him like a goddess!”

…

As they gazed at the ethereal figure in the red robe, countless female cultivators were starry-eyed, fervently waving and calling out, the scene was akin to a massive fan event.

Seeing how popular Hong Qianye was, Li Wujie was left dumbfounded, muttering, “Goodness, so he wasn’t exaggerating before.”

Ye Junlin also felt a bit surprised; it seemed this ancient country truly admired those with striking looks.

The prettier the woman, the more preferential treatment they received.

And his elder disciple, who had a feminine appearance, had an absolute advantage, attracting worship from numerous female fans!

What a world that values looks…

“No wonder when we first met, he looked a bit familiar,” Dongfang Mengyao said in shock, unable to help but recall the figure she’d seen as a child when accompanying her mother in the Imperial Palace.

Back then, she was so naive, simply thinking this sister was incredibly pretty. But when she later realized the person’s true gender, she was instantly stunned, feeling a pang of inferiority.

That beautiful face would make any woman on earth feel disgraceful!

“It turns out it’s really him in the flesh, no wonder he possesses such terrifying strength,” Mei Yi said, her expression full of awe, suddenly feeling a bit sympathetic towards the deceased Yan Guangzhu.

In the Imperial Capital, Yan Guangzhu was called the Female Demon Head, but she never expected to be killed one day by the genuine Great Demon!

You see, the Immortal coalition army that marched from the Central Region had just been utterly defeated by him, such shocking achievements made the reputation of Red Demon Hong Qianye far greater than before, leaving countless righteous cultivators trembling in fear, while demonic cultivators revered him as a leader.

If such a presence were to raise a flag to counterattack the Central Region, who knows what kind of bloodshed would ensue.

Thus, Mei Yi thought Yan Guangzhu’s death was pretty pathetic; had she known his identity earlier, she surely would’ve bowed and scraped, flattering him to perhaps save her own life…

“Fire Cult Leader, why didn’t you notify us before coming? I could have led the citizens in holding the grandest welcome ceremony!” Dongfang Jing exclaimed excitedly.

Facing this renowned existence in the Central Region, she felt the need to avoid referring to herself as “I,” sensing the need to maintain some respect.

“It’s fine, just revisiting old grounds,” Hong Qianye waved his hand, visibly emotional upon seeing old friends.

Dongfang Jing seemed to recall something, her expression complex as she said, “Fire Cult Leader, when the Immortal War broke out back then, I couldn’t step forward due to my status, after all, I represent the Heavenly Daughter Country and must be responsible for the citizens. I hope you understand.”

Back then, the Fire Cult was surrounded by enemies, facing widespread hostility, especially with the Taichu Holy Master personally representing the righteous path. The situation had become irrecoverable; if the Heavenly Daughter Country had intervened, they would’ve surely incurred the wrath of many, having no place to stand in the Central Region, with the only outcome being the fall of their nation!

For so many years, Dongfang Jing had been burdened with guilt and self-reproach until news about Hong Qianye recently surfaced, allowing her to finally let go.

Upon hearing this, Hong Qianye smiled slightly, “My friend, there’s no need to mention past events; I’ve never held anything against you. It was all a matter of fate at the time.”

Dongfang Jing was taken aback, observing him closely and sighed, “Fire Cult Leader, you’ve changed.”

For some unknown reason, after so many years, she felt that his appearance and aura had undergone an indescribable transformation, giving her the impression that he no longer carried that previous fierceness and brutality, becoming unexpectedly casual and easy-going.

To put it another way, he used to be like a thorny rose; looking beautiful from afar but bloody up close. Now, it was like an extraordinary sword concealed within its sheath, only revealing its brilliance when drawn!

Dongfang Jing was very curious about what incident could have caused such a change in this once ruthless and proud Great Demon.

After all, ordinarily speaking, shouldn’t a person’s attitude swell even more with increased power?

Hong Qianye’s eyes flickered as he softly said, “Yes, you’re not mistaken.”

He did not deny it!

Among the crowd, the most uncomfortable was Pingxi Wang.

She looked left and right, sweat beads forming on her forehead, her heart in a panic as she struggled.

All along, she had loathed every pretty woman, and although Hong Qianye wasn’t a woman, his looks surpassed countless females. Therefore, she was utterly consumed by jealousy, cursing him in secret.

And then, karma came fast; her daughter, Yan Guangzhu, was taken down by him. How could she justify this?

Most crucially, having the Seven Great Sects as a cautionary tale, Pingxi Wang felt that Hong Qianye was a tremendous threat.

His cultivation level was likely already at the Profound Immortal realm!

If he were intent on vengeance now, even if she were to self-destruct, it would be hard to threaten his life.

You could say she was in an unprecedentedly awkward position now!

“Fire Cult Leader, my daughter Yan’er didn’t mean to offend you; just give her a light punishment, why did you have to kill her outright?”

“A lively and adorable little girl, how could you bear it? You must know she’s still a child!”

Pingxi Wang’s eyes were red, crying out in despair.

The crowd grimaced, almost retching.

That foul, fat old hag, how could she call herself a little girl?

Your definition of a little girl is quite special!

Hong Qianye twitched the corner of his mouth; her words reminded him of the late Feng Qingyang, who similarly tried to excuse himself for his son.

Honestly, the two of them would make a perfect couple—should definitely pair up as dao partners!

“I kill without needing a reason; your poor child was simply the result of your lack of proper parenting. Karma comes back around, but it seems you want to avenge your deceased daughter?” Hong Qianye raised an eyebrow.

The surrounding air instantly grew tense.

Pingxi Wang suddenly shivered, her body bristled with fear, a sense of impending doom flooding in.

At the critical moment, she forced a smile, looking more pitiful than she did upset, saying, “Fire Cult Leader, you’re absolutely right; it’s my fault for poor upbringing. That wicked creature deserved to die. You’re just carrying out heaven’s judgment!”

As soon as she spoke, the crowd looked at her with strange expressions, noting the stark discrepancy in her words.

Hong Qianye said playfully, “I’m glad you can think this way; don’t worry, I’ve already forgiven her.”

Dongfang Jing coughed lightly, sternly saying, “Pingxi Wang, aren’t you going to thank the Fire Cult Leader?”

Seeing her old rival lose face and suffer such a loss, she felt incredibly satisfied.

Pingxi Wang turned red in the face, almost spitting blood.

My daughter is turned to ashes; what good is your forgiveness?!

Of course, she could never say this out loud; she could only suffer in silence. What’s most absurd is that she now had to thank her enemy. Even if she knew it was all a farce, that pain felt like a knife twisted in her heart, making her feel like her heart was about to convulse from agony.

In the next moment, Pingxi Wang suppressed the urge to vomit blood, the flesh on her face shaking, her movements stiff as she forced herself to bow, grinding her teeth, “Fire Cult Leader, I’m endlessly grateful for your vast kindness…”

Seeing Pingxi Wang being forced to bow down, the countless female cultivators in the Imperial Capital felt a rush of exhilaration, feeling like they had vented their frustrations.

Unbeknownst to them, their admiration for Hong Qianye grew even deeper.

“Get lost!”

Hong Qianye showed no mercy, waving his hand as if shooing away a fly, his tone full of disdain.

Pingxi Wang was filled with indignation, silently retreating along the same path.

“Hehe, that big fat lady must be fuming inside now!” Dongfang Mengyao beamed, almost clapping her hands in delight.

She even deliberately shouted loudly so Pingxi Wang could hear, and sure enough, Pingxi Wang’s body trembled, but she didn’t look back, instead speeding away into the royal manor, disappearing from everyone’s sight.

“Mengyao!” Dongfang Jing acted angry, but her face was mostly smiles.

“Mom, I missed you!” Dongfang Mengyao ran over excitedly, acting cute.

Looking at her most cherished daughter, Dongfang Jing reached out to pinch her rosy cheeks, pretending to be annoyed, “You finally know to come back? I thought you’d forgotten all about me.”

“Never! My mother is the best!” Dongfang Mengyao said playfully.

“You’re so smooth-tongued.”

“Ouch, ouch, ouch, you’re going to pinch my face off!”

“Nonsense, I barely used any strength.”

“Hehe~”

“By the way, who is this friend?” Dongfang Jing’s expression changed, her gaze shifting to Ye Junlin, her eyes sparkling.

From the moment she walked in, she noticed the distinctive silver-haired youth, but due to the earlier situation, she hadn’t asked. Now that she had the chance, she naturally wanted to be acquainted.

“I’m Ye Junlin, from the Eastern Domain Xuantian Sect,” Ye Junlin smiled brightly.

“Eastern Domain, Xuantian Sect?”

Dongfang Jing was slightly taken aback, casting an implied glance at Hong Qianye.

Rumor had it in the Central Region that the Xuantian Sect was a front for the Fire Cult, so this person must be one of Hong Qianye’s subordinates!

Fearing Dongfang Jing might misinterpret, Hong Qianye hurriedly added, “He is my Master; I’ve long pledged myself to him!”

“What?!” Dongfang Jing was left gaping in disbelief.

The famed leader of the Fire Cult, the terror of the Central Region, willingly became someone’s disciple?

If this news got out, it would absolutely send shockwaves through the world!

Mei Yi opened her mouth, looking at Ye Junlin with eyes full of fear.

No wonder he had felt so unfathomable before; his true identity was indeed startling!

“Ye Junlin…” Dongfang Mengyao’s head was buzzing, overwhelmed by the surprise.

Reflecting on her earlier actions, she felt deeply ashamed; her status as a princess of a nation seemed utterly trivial in comparison!

“Monarch of the Heavenly Daughter Country, I salute you, Senior Ye.” After begrudgingly accepting the reality, Dongfang Jing’s heart raced as she bowed respectfully.

Only now did she realize that the changes in her old friend Hong Qianye stemmed fundamentally from this young man.

“No need for excessive courtesy; these several are all my disciples,” Ye Junlin introduced Li Wujie and the others.

Dongfang Jing’s gaze swept over them, her heart brimming with awe.

With disciples like these, she felt even more reverent toward Ye Junlin!

And most importantly…

This Senior Ye was quite handsome!

Even her seven best-looking male concubines paled in comparison—there was a chasm as wide as the sky and earth!