Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 735

As Empress Fuyao pressed closer, Li Wujie and Hong Qianye found themselves unable to withstand the shock of her imposing aura, directly sent flying into the two pillars of the pavilion with muffled grunts.

Their faces were a mix of shock and anger, clearly realizing they had underestimated Empress Fuyao’s power.

But there was no choice; if she was intent on harming Ye Junlin, as her disciples, they had no option but to fight to the death.

Empress Fuyao landed powerfully in front of the pavilion, completely dismissing Hong Qianye and Li Wujie, her cold gaze fixated firmly on Ye Junlin.

“Master, you must go! We’ll hold them off!”

Li Wujie’s eyes gradually turned blood red, murderous energy starting to emanate from him, as if he’d slash out at the first sign of movement from her.

Empress Fuyao said expressionlessly, “Step aside.”

“Are you dreaming?”

Hong Qianye said coldly, her flame mark glowing on her brow as the temperature around them spiked rapidly.

The tension was electric, with both sides on the brink of battle.

Ye Junlin seemed to sense something and suddenly spoke, “Don’t block the way; let her in.”

“Hmm???” Everyone looked dumbfounded, almost doubting their ears.

“But, but Master, just now she…” Hong Qianye said anxiously.

“I trust Empress Fuyao won’t harm me; she was just testing me earlier, with no ill intent.”

Ye Junlin replied calmly.

Hong Qianye and Li Wujie exchanged glances, both visibly bewildered.

Was it really like that?

Empress Fuyao coldly stated, “Your Master has spoken; hurry up and step aside! If I really wanted to strike, you two wouldn’t be able to stop me!”

Her cool voice carried an irresistible dominance.

Although the words were harsh, it was the truth.

“You!”

The looks on Hong Qianye and Li Wujie were unpleasant, reluctantly making way while their eyes intensely fixated on Empress Fuyao.

As long as she made even the slightest hostile move, they would strike without hesitation, even at the cost of their lives!

Ignoring the two glares brimming with murderous intent, Empress Fuyao stepped into the pavilion, her formidable presence eclipsing those around her.

“What kind of person is this woman? What an impressive aura! Facing her feels almost like facing my Master…” Xiang Jiba’s scalp tingled, his heart racing.

He realized he had underestimated the Kunlun Realm’s foundation; now, a woman he had never seen before was exerting immense pressure on him—truly a gathering of the extraordinary.

“Would you like some tea? I’ll get you a cup,” Ye Junlin casually offered.

Empress Fuyao fixed her gaze intently on the silver-haired youth, seemingly double-checking something, and finally shook her head, “No need for tea. I came specifically to check after hearing about your cultivation regression. To be honest, I’d rather believe you’re just pretending than believing this is a fact!”

Empress Fuyao didn’t want to kick him while he was down or wish harm upon him; she had merely wanted to test his real strength.

In the end, she found herself quite disappointed; this exceptional talent she had high hopes for had indeed fallen into the enemy’s trap, causing his cultivation to plummet from the Saint King Realm to the Immortal King Realm.

Empress Fuyao understood Ye Junlin’s importance, and now that he had fallen to such depths, it was a dangerous signal for the Celestial Court and even the Kunlun Realm!

This was the last thing she wanted to see!

Ye Junlin shrugged, “What can I say? Who could’ve expected that guy would use such a trick?”

“Oh, and at the beginning, he tried to recruit me, asking me to corrupt the Star Core of the Kunlun Realm and side with the Nine Nether; he promised to keep me safe. I refused, and that’s how everything turned out.”

At first, he thought Empress Fuyao was here to force him out, but soon realized she had no need to do so, allowing her to come right in.

“What?!”

Empress Fuyao’s face changed drastically upon hearing this, her eyes shooting icy rays like swords that could tear through the void.

Such tactics were all too familiar to her because, back in the day, one of the Four Absolutes of Ancient Kunlun, Luan, had done just that.

She remembered how the Star Core had been contaminated; she, Emperor Tian, and Elder Changsheng had been shocked and furious, launching a fervent pursuit of Luan.

Along the way, they were ambushed by multiple giants from the Nine Nether Realm, culminating in tragedy after tragedy.

Now.

The Nine Nether was trying to pull the same tricks, threatening the Kunlun Realm, which filled the once victimized Empress Fuyao with furious resentment!

“How can there be such a thing…” Xiang Jiba and the others were shaken to their cores.

“Ye Daoist, I thank you on behalf of all living beings for the decision you’ve made.”

Empress Fuyao made a great effort to calm her emotions, her gaze toward Ye Junlin now vastly different.

Regardless of the circumstances, he had gotten into this mess because of the Kunlun Realm.

Compared to that treacherous traitor, this one was undoubtedly true-hearted and commendable in character!

Worthy of her deep admiration!

Ye Junlin said, “Empress Fuyao, you overestimate me; I’m not as great as you say.”

Empress Fuyao forced a smile.

The more Ye Junlin downplayed himself, the more she felt regret.

“Ye Daoist, given the circumstances, what are your plans? I see you don’t seem in a rush at all.”

Watching the silver-haired youth leisurely savoring his tea, a strange glimmer flickered in Empress Fuyao’s eyes.

To be honest, even if she were in this situation, she couldn’t remain so calm and collected.

Even if her Dao Heart didn’t collapse, she would be desperate to retreat and practice diligently, striving to elevate her cultivation level.

Not just sitting there like nothing was happening.

Had this former prodigy been so traumatized that they had completely given up?

Thinking this, Empress Fuyao felt a weight in her heart…

Ye Junlin looked completely indifferent, “Well, since it’s already like this, what’s the rush? Might as well sit down, have some tea, enjoy the scenery; it’s all about keeping a good mindset~”

Empress Fuyao was at a loss for words.

This approach was quite similar to waiting for death!

She couldn’t understand it!

“Alright, I respect your choice, but the situation is pressing; there’s already speculation and discord emerging within the Celestial Court, and that’s not a good phenomenon; I think measures need to be taken.”

Empress Fuyao spoke coolly and composedly.

From their earlier conversation, she had already concluded that Ye Junlin seemed ready to accept defeat, so the Celestial Court needed to be led by the strongest to ensure it didn’t decline further.

“What do you mean?” Ye Junlin raised an eyebrow.

“Ye Daoist, I harbor no ill will; you can continue as the Celestial Court’s leader, but I’ll take charge of the actual authority, leading the Celestial Court. When your cultivation is restored and surpasses mine, I will return the power to you. How does that sound?”

Empress Fuyao’s gaze was intense, her tone earnest.

Even though Ye Junlin currently had low cultivation, she could easily kill him with a glance, but she absolutely wouldn’t do so; the reason for her comment was purely to stabilize the situation, with no selfish motives.

“Ha! You just want to find a good excuse!”

Li Wujie shot straight, tearing down her facade.

Empress Fuyao remained unfazed.

She had always been forthright and aboveboard, needing no tricks like that.

“Shut up, Li!”

Ye Junlin scolded sharply, causing Li Wujie to fall silent, trembling.

Looking at the extraordinary, regal woman before him, Ye Junlin’s gaze flickered; he was already discerning her heart.

He believed Empress Fuyao was being sincere.

Moreover, as long as he wished, he could restore his Saint King Realm cultivation at any time and climb back to the top at speed; the reason he didn’t was simply because he wanted to find a little fun in the process.

Since she was willing to take charge and stabilize the situation, why not give her that opportunity?

He could continue to maintain a low profile behind the scenes, still “fishing.”

“Fine, I’ll leave the Celestial Court to you for now, and I’ll inform Elder Liu to make this announcement public.”

Ye Junlin smiled.

“Thank you for your trust.”

Empress Fuyao nodded.

Then, amidst the hostile glares from Li Wujie and Hong Qianye, she transformed into a radiant beam of light and left the pavilion.