Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 306

Ding Zhen’s act of blinding himself left him in a terrible position among the cultivators of Litang City, but given the circumstances, he had no choice but to play the fool, bowing and scraping, forcing a smile.

“Heh, this look suits you pretty well,” Hong Qianye said mockingly.

Then her gaze fell on the immortal pearl in Ding Zhen’s hands. Remembering the terrifying power it had just unleashed, a flicker of interest crossed her eyes.

“I ask you, where did this thing come from?”

Ding Zhen knew he had narrowly escaped disaster, so he quickly cradled the immortal pearl in his hands and put on an act.

“Leader Hong, I found this rare object after the changes in the heavens and earth while searching the Great Snow Mountain. If you’re interested, feel free to take it!”

Ding Zhen was well aware that this immortal pearl was a treasure capable of countering an Immortal King, but since it was exposed, it was no longer something he could keep.

To his surprise, Hong Qianye waved her hand in disgust. “This junk is incompatible with me; you can keep it for yourself.”

She specialized in fire-based techniques, and this immortal pearl was clearly ice-based, making it completely unsuitable for her. If she took it, its power would be less than her own—what’s the point in that?

“Okay then!”

Ding Zhen nodded repeatedly, stuffing the immortal pearl back into his pocket and flashing a grin he thought was charmingly simple.

He hadn’t realized that his empty eye socket made his smile look a bit eerie and lecherous.

After all, in showing his sincerity, Ding Zhen had used the Rule Power of the Immortal Path to forcibly extinguish the vitality of his left eye, meaning no new eyeball would grow back.

Truly desperate for survival.

After all, once you learn you have a chance to live, who would think of dying?

Isn’t that a little foolish?!

“Leader Hong, since you’ve come all this way, why not visit my Ding residence? I would love to host you on behalf of Litang City,” Ding Zhen said with deep respect.

The cultivators in the city were left feeling utterly embarrassed, their faces burning. Just moments ago, he was facing a life-and-death enemy, and now he was eager to please; the shift in stance was alarmingly quick.

“No need. I have important matters to attend to. You should focus on entertaining my master!”

With that, Hong Qianye turned to a certain direction and bowed respectfully, saying, “Master, your disciple will take my leave for now and will seek you out once the matter is settled!”

At these words, everyone was stunned into silence.

The cultivators of Litang City and the gatherers of the Demonic Path present were all dumbfounded by Hong Qianye’s actions!

This fearsome Red Demon, leader of the Fire Cult, was voluntarily bowing down to a certain powerful figure?

Who on earth has such strength?!

If this shocking news spread, the Central Region would certainly be rocked once again!

“Leader has taken someone else as a master?” Gui Jianchou’s eyes bulged, his back dripping with cold sweat as he felt an intense wave of anxiety.

In his mind, the leader was the undisputed champion of the Demonic Path, a legendary figure worshipped by all demonic cultivators in the Central Region. Having witnessed her incredible prowess firsthand, he was deeply awed by her terrifying strength.

To think, even someone as powerful as the leader would willingly submit to another, wishing to humble herself, was an unparalleled shock for Gui Jianchou.

Everyone felt both fear and curiosity—who could possibly be strong enough to be Hong Qianye’s master?

As they contemplated this unnerving thought, they were too frightened to even breathe.

At that moment, a young man in a black robe with sword-like brows appeared, standing atop the Kunpeng’s head. His silvery hair cascaded down to his waist, radiating an ethereal aura.

His golden eyes gleamed like a deity’s, looking down upon Hong Qianye with a casual smile.

“Go on, your master is waiting for you in the city.”

His tone was light and friendly, seemingly without airs, yet it conveyed an unexplainable pressure.

“This man is the leader’s master…” Gui Jianchou swallowed hard, his eyes reflecting that breathtaking figure.

If Hong Qianye was an unreachable mountain in his mind, then this young man was a sky even taller than that mountain!!

The crowd fell silent.

Everyone stared blankly!

Ding Zhen was parched, his heart pounding like a drum.

Regarding the task of hosting Hong Qianye’s master, he felt both excitement and unease. It was obviously good to associate with such a big shot, but he feared that if he messed up, his fate would be worse than losing an eyeball.

“Esteemed senior, it’s a great honor for you to visit my Ding residence!” Ding Zhen quickly declared.

“Don’t be nervous; I’m quite easygoing,” Ye Junlin replied with a smile.

“Good, good!”

Ding Zhen wiped his forehead with his sleeve, feeling even more anxious.

In his mind, someone capable of taming a Red Demon must also be an even more terrifying powerhouse, so Ding Zhen unconsciously categorized Ye Junlin as a kind of smiling tiger that devours people without leaving bones.

Then,

Hong Qianye took Gui Jianchou and the others and left.

The massive demonic force retreated like a tide, and the once overcast sky cleared, allowing the long-awaited sunshine to pour over Litang City, warming many hearts.

During the days of being attacked by the Fire Cult, there hadn’t been a single day of peace. Now, while they had been defeated, they also felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

After witnessing the power gap firsthand, everyone suddenly felt that submitting and paying tribute was actually a wise choice!

Amid countless respectful gazes,

Ye Junlin and the others officially entered Litang City.

The Kunpeng transformed into a young boy, wandering around the city. Suddenly, he spotted the Snow Leopard lounging there. In a playful mood, he dashed over, leaping onto the Snow Leopard’s back and yanking on its ears.

“Giddy up! Giddy up!”

“Roar…” the Snow Leopard let out a pained cry but didn’t dare to struggle, forced to endure the antics because the boy on its back radiated an aura that instilled deep fear.

It was as if a king of beasts was riding on top!

“Snow Leopard, shut up!”

Ding Zhen scolded, frustrated.

He looked at the boy with the middle-part hairstyle, feeling both fear and anxiety. After all, this was the embodiment of the divine beast Kunpeng, and the young man was a mount of that esteemed senior. If the Snow Leopard acted poorly and offended the boy, what would happen to his own life?

Ye Junlin retorted, “Ah Kun, get down! This isn’t appropriate!”

“Okay~”

Ah Kun reluctantly jumped off the Snow Leopard and trailed behind Ye Junlin with his hands behind his back.

The Snow Leopard’s eyes were filled with fear, trembling uncontrollably.

“Esteemed senior, please this way,” Ding Zhen gestured towards his family’s direction, wearing a fawning expression.

Notably, his left eye socket was now covered with a black eye patch, making him look very much like a bandit.

“I’ve heard you are the King of Litang; people below call you Lord Ding?” Ye Junlin asked with interest.

Ding Zhen was scared and waved his hands. “No, no, no, that’s just a name! In your presence, how dare I claim to be a king? If you think it’s fine, you can just call me Little Ding!”

“Little Ding?”

“Uh-oh!”

Thus, Ye Junlin and his party swaggered into the Ding clan residence, where the entire family busied themselves preparing the grandest feast.

Meanwhile, outside, the leaders of various forces in Litang City stood respectfully with hands clasped, eagerly awaiting.

Far away in a remote mountain range in North Origin State, there were cult members stationed along the way.

They stood tall and straight, their gazes resolute, for they were members of the Fire Cult and felt a firm confidence.

On the street, a saying circulated.

As a demonic cultivator, after joining the Fire Cult, one could never feel inferior!

Simply because the Fire Cult is the most renowned demonic force in the Central Region today!

Anyone lucky enough to join would have a bright future ahead!

Deep within the mountains,

Inside a pitch-black palace, one couldn’t see a hand in front of their face.

It was eerie, sending shivers down the spine.

A newly posted demonic cultivator whispered to his companion, “Why don’t we light a fire? Is it because oil is too expensive?”

His companion remained silent for several seconds and flatly said, “This is the vice leader’s intent; he just likes things pitch black for atmosphere.”

“Perfect for doing bad things!”