The mountain peaks were a complete wreck, with barely any bamboo left in sight. A middle-aged man half-kneeled on the ground, spitting out blood.
Inside, his heart was like a stormy sea.
“Wow, so strong…”
Recalling the clash just moments ago, the Eternal Ancestor couldn’t help but shudder, feeling a chill run down his back.
If the other party truly wanted him dead, it would be ridiculously easy!
Fully aware of the vast disparity, the Eternal Ancestor’s respect for Ye Junlin deepened immensely.
“Ye, your strength is unfathomable; I admire you.”
The Eternal Ancestor sighed in relief and cupped his hands respectfully.
Ye Junlin flashed a smile of appreciation, “You’re not too shabby yourself; at least you didn’t get killed in one hit.”
The Eternal Ancestor: “……”
Was that a compliment or a jab?
It sounded a bit off, didn’t it?
Honestly, Ye Junlin was just speaking the plain truth without any hint of sarcasm. After all, someone who could manage to survive a full-force attack from him was genuinely remarkable!
With that alone, he was undoubtedly the strongest Immortal Sovereign Ye Junlin had ever encountered!
“Well then, let’s hope we meet again by chance,” the Eternal Ancestor reluctantly said.
“Farewell!”
Ye Junlin cupped his hands and prepared to leave.
Just then, the Eternal Ancestor suddenly felt something moving in his pocket and pulled out a communication ring, focusing on it intently.
Suddenly, his expression changed, and he hurriedly called out to the silver-haired youth who was about to leave, “Ye, hold on!”
“Seriously, what now?” Ye Junlin halted, turning around with a face full of impatience.
The Eternal Ancestor spoke in a serious tone, “Ye, remain calm; we just received urgent news. A secret realm has appeared in the neighboring Celestial Domain, and it’s rumored that multiple auras akin to Immortal Emperor artifacts are emanating from within! Many Immortal Sovereigns from other realms are rushing over!”
Upon hearing this, Ye Junlin paused, “There’s really such a thing?”
Though he had Immortal Emperor artifacts himself and wasn’t envious of others, he couldn’t help but feel surprised at the news.
After all, we’re talking about multiple Immortal Emperor artifacts!
When did such unbelievable treasures start popping up one after another?
“Yes, indeed! These Immortal Emperor artifacts possess immense power and are exclusive to legendary Immortal-level potentates. Yet our North Cold Immortal Domain has never given birth to an Immortal Emperor; could it be that fortune is turning in our favor?”
A flicker of excitement flashed in the Eternal Ancestor’s eyes as he marveled.
If he could wield an Immortal Emperor artifact, even just one-hundredth of its power would allow him to sweep through all other Immortal Sovereigns!
However, now that this news was out, practically all the renowned Immortal Sovereigns from the North Cold Immortal Domain were rushing to the Celestial Domain, making the competition intensity crystal clear.
Thus, the Eternal Ancestor was keen on teaming up with Ye Junlin to split the Immortal Emperor artifacts!
“What are the conditions for entering the secret realm?” Ye Junlin asked.
The Eternal Ancestor shook his head, “Currently, we don’t know. The secret realm hasn’t officially opened yet, and even Immortal Sovereigns can’t force their way in.”
“But it’s certain that only Immortal Sovereigns can approach the entrance, which means the minimum requirement is being an Immortal Sovereign!”
Upon hearing this, a peculiar expression crossed Ye Junlin’s face.
For some reason, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about this secret realm.
“Ye, I know your concerns, but this is the greatest opportunity I’ve ever encountered! I must check it out; what if I really manage to seize an Immortal Emperor artifact?”
The Eternal Ancestor’s tone dripped with longing, completely devoid of his usual calm and carefree demeanor.
Honestly, it’s not surprising the Eternal Ancestor reacted this way; he hadn’t even reached the Immortal Emperor level, yet here was a chance to obtain a legendary artifact and level up to become invincible—who could remain calm under such circumstances?
Let’s be real, not everyone in the world is like Ye Junlin, who can easily get their hands on Immortal Emperor artifacts!
The vast majority of cultivators would fight tooth and nail, risking life and limb just to obtain a powerful treasure.
So even if Ye Junlin chose not to get involved, the Eternal Ancestor was willing to take a risk for his future!
【Ding! Congratulations, the host has activated the quest; successfully enter the secret realm in the Celestial Domain and sign in, reward: Cangyuan Sword upgraded to premium Immortal Emperor artifact!】
Suddenly, a system notification echoed in his mind.
Premium Immortal Emperor artifact?!
System, you really know me!
Ye Junlin’s expression shifted, and he promptly dismissed his previous concerns, “In that case, let’s go together. I’m interested in this too.”
Though he felt there was something suspicious behind it, with his system that grew stronger when facing powerful foes, he was confident he could deal with any danger that came his way, one sword at a time.
If one sword didn’t cut it, then two swords would!
With ample strength backing him up, Ye Junlin was eager to dive into this dragon’s den and see what this so-called secret realm was all about.
“Awesome!”
The Eternal Ancestor was thrilled, feeling glad about Ye Junlin’s decision.
Having witnessed his terrifying power firsthand, he felt optimistic about this mission to seize Immortal Emperor artifacts.
“Ye, let’s set off immediately!”
The Eternal Ancestor urged, anxious to head out before the secret realm opened.
“Alright!”
Ye Junlin nodded.
With that, the two soared from the mountain peak, drawing plenty of attention.
“Ancestor, about that battle earlier…” Sect Leader Wei Qingsheng cautiously inquired.
“It was just a spar with Ye; no need to worry!” the Eternal Ancestor explained.
Hearing this, the disciples and elders finally relaxed, quietly acknowledging the outcome of the “spar.”
After all, the Eternal Ancestor looked a bit disheveled, and his aura was extremely unstable, while Ye Junlin appeared completely composed and unharmed.
Who was strong and who was weak? Obvious!
“Next, I’ll be heading to the Celestial Domain with Ye; you all must stick together and avoid any unnecessary trouble!” the Eternal Ancestor instructed sternly.
“Yes, understood!”
Everyone looked surprised, quickly cupping their hands in acknowledgment.
Witnessing this scene, Luo Qingwu and Tang Yaoyao exchanged glances.
Now what do we do?
“Ancestor, what’s the rush about?” Luo Qingwu secretly transmitted her voice, curiosity evident.
As a newly-promoted Immortal Sovereign, she hadn’t yet entered the upper echelons and wasn’t informed about the secret realm in the Celestial Domain.
After all, news like this typically circulated only among the Immortal Sovereigns; the lower-tier cultivators were utterly in the dark.
This is the significance of networks!
Looking at the girl in the white dress, the Eternal Ancestor had no intention of revealing the truth.
He knew very well that with Luo Qingwu’s personality, she would only stir trouble in such circumstances. Plus, if complications arose in the secret realm and he didn’t return, Luo Qingwu could then take charge of the Eternal Immortal Sect and lead it to greatness.
You’ve got to admit, the Eternal Ancestor was quite thoughtful!
“Xiao Luo, I’m taking Ye to visit an old friend I haven’t seen in years. During my absence, you must hold down the sect and not leave without permission,” the Eternal Ancestor stated earnestly.
“Such a rush? Fine, then…”
Luo Qingwu’s tone carried a hint of disappointment.
She didn’t suspect the Eternal Ancestor’s words because she didn’t think he had any reason to deceive her.
It was just unfortunate that she wouldn’t get to spar with Ye Junlin right away.
“Hmm? What’s that girl up to?”
At that moment, Ye Junlin raised an eyebrow, feeling like Luo Qingwu was looking at him funny, as if she wanted him to partake in some questionable activities.
“Ye, let’s go!”
Shortly after, the Eternal Ancestor brought Ye Junlin away from the Eternal Immortal Sect, heading for the Celestial Domain.
“Ugh! Of all times to pull this!” Luo Qingwu stomped her foot in frustration.
Tang Yaoyao, blushing, tugged at Luo Qingwu’s sleeve, whispering, “Come on, we don’t need to be so hasty.”
“True, he’ll be back eventually. When he is, we’ll team up and make him feel what being utterly exhausted feels like!” Luo Qingwu cracked her knuckles, a mischievous grin on her face.
“I-I’m heading back to the cave dwelling.”
Upon hearing this, Tang Yaoyao’s face turned beet red, and she quickly turned to leave.
Meanwhile, on another side.
Canglang Jun and the Great Mushroom King stood under the eaves, watching as two figures turned into streaks of light and vanished on the horizon.
“Little Black, it seems like we won’t be leaving anytime soon.”
“Yeah, let’s wait until Master comes back!”
……