The Immortal Martial God of the Apocalypse: The Immortal Martial God of the Apocalypse, #6

By Fuge Luan Shi

In the city of Sishui, the young Ye Ling from the Lin family steps onto the talent detection ritual platform amidst ridicule and insults. The legitimate heir of the Lin family, Lin Yu, shows astonishing talents, while Ye Ling appears dim and lackluster. Despite his seemingly unruly demeanor, Ye Ling's eyes reveal deep solitude. Just as everyone mocks him for not even being a low-level genius, Ye Ling faces the shattered crystal, and the hidden truth is about to be unveiled.

After fifteen years of cycles and humiliation, the young man emerges from the bloodshed in the backyard of the Lin family, reborn from destruction. With a mysterious physique and extraordinary mental strength, he rises from the desolate land.
 

 

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"Young lady, if you have any self-awareness, you should leave Wei Yuan. You are a wanted criminal of the Youmen Army in the Beichuan Star, while Wei Yuan is the legitimate son of the Wei Family. Do you really think you are worthy of him?" 

 The four people looked at Jiang Qing with murderous intent, and if it weren't for the many onlookers, they might have already tried to kill her.

 Wei Yuan stood in front of Jiang Qing, looking at the four with determination in his eyes, about to speak, when a voice beat him to it.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: He Qiao Qiao
• Release date: May 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224297689

Book preview

Chapter 496: Destined to Be Together

Young lady, if you have any self-awareness, you should leave Wei Yuan. You are a wanted criminal of the Youmen Army in the Beichuan Star, while Wei Yuan is the legitimate son of the Wei Family. Do you really think you are worthy of him?

The four people looked at Jiang Qing with murderous intent, and if it weren’t for the many onlookers, they might have already tried to kill her.

Wei Yuan stood in front of Jiang Qing, looking at the four with determination in his eyes, about to speak, when a voice beat him to it.

Ah yes, I forgot to mention the purpose of my visit. I have come to seek the approval of the Wei Family for a marriage arrangement, hoping that the esteemed members of the Wei Family can bless the union between my sister and Wei Yuan.

The calm, indifferent words caused a stir among the group on the Xuanfeng Star, including the Wei Family members.

His sister and Wei Yuan? Could the woman beside Wei Yuan be the sister of the Yinmian, the number one genius of the Youmen Mansion?

The group was shocked, especially the Wei Family members, looking back and forth between Jiang Qing and Ye Ling, dumbfounded.

Jiang Qing, they had clearly investigated and found that she was just a wanted criminal from the East Palace of the Beichuan Star. How could she suddenly have a brother, and that brother be the Yinmian, the top genius of the Youmen Mansion and a member of the Youmen Mansion Star Clan?

My sister and I were separated for many years, and I’ve only recently found her. These past years have been difficult for her, and as her elder brother, I’ve been unable to help her much. So I’ve come to humbly request your approval for this marriage.

Ye Ling said, walking out of the Zong ship with Princess Meng, taking a step and instantly appearing beside Jiang Qing, in front of the Wei Family members, smiling.

The Wei Family members looked at Ye Ling, their expressions shaken. They could clearly see that Ye Ling was warning them, telling them that Jiang Qing was his person, not to be trifled with.

After a moment of silence, the Wei Family members all broke into smiles.

So the Young Master Zong has come for a marriage arrangement. Since it is a marriage, it is a joyous occasion. To be able to marry into the Zong Family is something we naturally desire.

The group spoke as if they had not just said those words, and when they looked at Jiang Qing again, they had expressions of satisfaction. Ye Ling watched this scene with a calm smile.

As the elder brother, since it is so, let’s hold their wedding right here on the Xuanfeng Star. I will also stay on the Xuanfeng Star for a while and attend the wedding feast.

Ye Ling said with a smile, looking at the Wei Family members. They all stiffened for a moment, but then their faces broke into smiles, as if it were truly a joyous occasion.

Since Young Master Zong has said so, we will hold a wedding for them on the Xuanfeng Star and invite all the noble families of the Xuanfeng Star to attend. From now on, we will be in-laws.

The Wei Family members said, and Ye Ling nodded, then followed them into the Xuanfeng Star. The group behind them watched the Wei Family members and Ye Ling with envy.

To become in-laws with the Youmen Mansion Star Clan was something they could never have imagined. With the Youmen Mansion Star Clan as their backing, the Wei Family’s status on the Xuanfeng Star would be even more secure.

Wei Yuan, once a dissolute young master, had actually found such a marriage, gaining the favor of the Youmen Mansion Star Clan.

Of course, they did not know the inside story, nor could they see the hidden threats in Ye Ling’s every word, despite his calm and smiling demeanor.

On the Xuanfeng Star, the Wei Family was revered, just like the Gold Moon Imperial Family on the Gold Moon Star. A wedding of this scale naturally drew the attention of the entire Xuanfeng Star, with a feast attended by tens of thousands.

This, of course, also attracted some with malicious intentions - a few Youmen Guards hidden on the Xuanfeng Star.

At the wedding feast, they tried to assassinate Jiang Qing, but Ye Ling intervened, directly slaying them. The blood spattered on the wedding feast, shocking everyone, and they no longer dared to underestimate the smiling Ye Ling.

Some also investigated Jiang Qing’s identity and were stunned to find that she was a wanted criminal of the Youmen Army in the Beichuan Star East Palace.

The Wei Family members were surprised that they had become in-laws with a Youmen Army criminal, but when they saw Ye Ling, they felt relieved. With him around, even a Youmen Army criminal like Jiang Qing was no longer a problem.

The Beichuan Star might be powerful, but it was only an appendage of the Youmen Mansion Star Clan. A single word from Ye Ling could remove Jiang Qing’s wanted status.

After the wedding, despite the ripples, no great waves were stirred. Wei Yuan and Jiang Qing received the Wei Family’s blessing and became a couple. Next, Ye Ling set out to eliminate those who might pose a threat to Wei Yuan and Jiang Qing in the future, clearing obstacles for them.

Besides Wei Yuan’s direct lineage, the Wei Family had another branch - the ones who stood beside the Wei Family Patriarch, Wei Wu, and threatened Jiang Qing that day. They were from the collateral lineage of the Wei Family.

As times changed, the situation within the Wei Family had been constantly shifting. Over thousands of years, the direct lineage had fallen behind the collateral lineage. Despite bearing the name of the direct lineage, they were suppressed by the collateral branch at every turn.

The direct lineage included Wei Yuan’s parents and elder brother. They truly cared for Wei Yuan and did not want to force him. They also genuinely accepted Jiang Qing. However, the collateral lineage was different.

Perhaps out of jealousy or other reasons, they still harbored murderous intent towards Jiang Qing, only restraining themselves due to Ye Ling’s presence, not daring to act in public.

Of course, they couldn’t restrain themselves forever and still made a move. The so-called Youmen Guards at the wedding were their people. Ye Ling didn’t believe that the Youmen Guards would dare to act knowing of his existence.

It was merely a ploy to kill with a borrowed knife. The Wei Family collateral lineage wanted to use Ye Ling’s hand to eliminate the Wei Family direct lineage. They thought that by killing Jiang Qing, they would incur Ye Ling’s wrath and have him take it out on the Wei Family direct lineage.

However, playing mind games in front of Ye Ling was like showing off a broadsword in front of Guan Gong - simply courting death.

After the wedding, it was time for Ye Ling to kill and also conveniently clean up the Wei Family’s internal affairs. The Wei Family collateral lineage had five Emperors, the same people who were with Wei Wu when Ye Ling first arrived at the Xuanfeng Star, excluding Wei Wu himself.

Apart from the Fur-cloaked Old Man at the Second Layer of Emperor Martial Realm, the other four were all at the First Layer of Emperor Martial Realm.

Ye Ling didn’t bother with any pretense. Sword in hand, he directly confronted the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage, his killing intent overflowing.

In a courtyard, a group from the Wei Family collateral lineage looked at Ye Ling, trembling. The five Emperors stepped out together.

Chapter 497 Cleaning House

Young Master Zong, we believe we have not wronged you these days. What are you trying to do?

The five Emperors, led by the Fur-cloaked Old Man, were followed by a large group of people, all from the collateral lineage of the Wei Family.

Ye Ling looked at the group indifferently, sword in hand, his sword intent permeating and enveloping the surrounding world.

To kill.

Ye Ling said plainly, the two words carrying a chilling killing intent. He immediately struck, a sword descending from the sky, slashing towards the group.

Young Master Zong, is there perhaps a misunderstanding between us, or has some traitor manipulated our relationship?

The Fur-cloaked Old Man said, unleashing a palm strike that emitted a black light, forming a black shield to block Ye Ling’s sword.

Sizzle!

Instantly, another sword strike came down, even stronger than the previous one, carrying a terrifying offensive force.

Young Master Zong, I believe there must be a misunderstanding here. Could you allow us to explain?

The Fur-cloaked Old Man stepped forward, black light surging up to the sky, forming a chasm-like barrier to block Ye Ling.

Ye Ling remained indifferent, sword in hand, as ripples spread through the surrounding space, hinting at an even more terrible attack.

I believe I’ve said that Jiang Qing is my person. Since you’ve made a move, you should know the consequences. You thought you could borrow my knife to kill, hiding your true intentions. Do you really think you can deceive me so easily?

Ye Ling said calmly, looking at the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage. They all stiffened.

Using Ye Ling’s hand to kill the members of the Wei Family direct lineage was a strategy they had carefully considered for a long time, but they never expected it to be so easily seen through by Ye Ling.

Of course, they would not admit it so easily. No matter what Ye Ling said, it was only speculation without concrete evidence. They did not believe Ye Ling would dare to kill them.

Young Master Zong, what are you talking about? All this time, you’ve seen that we have always treated Miss Jiang Qing with the utmost respect. What reason would we have to kill Miss Jiang Qing?

It must be a malicious person who has sowed discord, Young Master Zong. You have fallen for their scheme, trying to turn us against each other in a fight to the death, so they can then come and clean up the mess. That is the true meaning of borrowing a knife to kill.

The group said, looking at Ye Ling, each with an air of righteousness, as if they truly had not done anything. Ye Ling looked at the group, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Is that so?

Ye Ling said, his sword intent not retreating in the slightest, but growing even stronger, causing the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage to tremble. Just as they were about to make further explanations, a person entered the courtyard.

It was Wei Wu, Wei Yuan’s father and the nominal head of the Wei Family. He walked up to the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage, glanced at them, and gave a slight bow to Ye Ling.

Young Master Zong, perhaps there truly is a misunderstanding here. I know their temperament well, and they are not the kind of people who would do such a thing. Let’s investigate further. If they really did it, I will not protect them.

Wei Wu said, looking at Ye Ling. Ye Ling looked back at him, and the scene fell into silence.

After a long while, Ye Ling smiled faintly, sheathed his sword, and the killing intent dissipated from his body. He glanced at the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage.

Perhaps I was mistaken. As the head of the Wei Family, you would not lie. Since that is the case, let’s investigate further. I am not an unreasonable person, and I can wait.

With that, Ye Ling turned and left, his arrival and departure both decisive, leaving the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage and the onlookers stunned, unable to discern Ye Ling’s true intentions.

Wei Yan, this is the last time. I hope, for just this once, that I will not pursue this matter, considering that you are also members of the Wei Family. During this period, you’d better behave yourselves. One misstep, and you will not only ruin yourselves, but the entire Wei Family.

Watching Ye Ling leave, Wei Wu looked at the group from the Wei Family collateral lineage with a cold expression, then walked out of the courtyard and departed, leaving the group staring at his retreating back, their eyes filled with killing intent.

Wei Wu, he actually dares to lecture us. Does he think that just because he has a connection with the Zong Family, he can ignore us?

The Wei Family has been able to maintain its position as the number one family in Xuanfeng all these years because of us. He has been the head of the Wei Family for so long, it’s time for someone else to take over.

The group murmured, their eyes gleaming with dark plots, scheming to seize Wei Wu’s position as the head of the Wei Family.

In the direct lineage courtyard of the Wei Family...

Several people took their seats, with Ye Ling sitting to the side, accompanied by Princess Meng, Wei Yuan, Jiang Qing, and a group of elders. They all looked at the seated Wei Wu, their expressions a mix of incomprehension and anger.

Young Master Zong, the discord between the direct and collateral lineages of the Wei Family has been going on for many years. I apologize for you having to witness this.

Wei Wu said, looking at Ye Ling, who simply nodded in response.

Regardless, I will give you an explanation, and this is also the Wei Family’s explanation to you. I have given them many chances over the years, but they have long since run out of opportunities.

Since they have made a move against my son, I can’t be blamed. It’s time to clean house.

Wei Wu said, his face bearing a smile, but his words laced with a cold undertone. Ye Ling looked at him, smiled faintly, and picked up a teapot from the nearby table, taking a sip.

No need. Since I happen to be at the Wei Family today, I’ll help the Wei Family clean house. Jiang Qing and Wei Yuan’s marriage, I didn’t give any wedding gifts. Consider this my gift to the Wei Family.

Ye Ling said, a faint smile on his lips, causing a stir among the Wei Family members, who did not understand his meaning.

Before long, a commotion was heard from outside, and a servant rushed into the hall, kneeling on the ground.

Master, it’s terrible! Enemies have infiltrated the Wei Family estate, and the collateral lineage members are all dead.

Suddenly, the group of Wei Family members in the hall stood up, looking at the kneeling servant in disbelief.

What did you say? One of them, Wei Yan the elder, stepped forward and asked directly.

Elder Wei Yan, and many others from the collateral lineage, have all been killed. Enemies have infiltrated the Wei Family and murdered them.

The servant said, trembling as he knelt. The Wei Family members were all shocked. Abruptly, they seemed to have realized something and turned their gaze towards the seated Ye Ling.

The collateral lineage of the Wei Family had been wiped out, and Ye Ling’s expression remained unchanged, as if he had known it all along. There was only one possible explanation: the collateral lineage members had been killed by his hand.

Just as he had said, he was giving the Wei Family a grand gift, cleaning house for them. The several Emperors from the Wei Family collateral lineage had been killed, and the perpetrator was the young man before them, who must be hiding an extraordinary expert by his side.

Chapter 498: Manifestation of the Dao Domain

The Zong Family’s prodigy from Youmen Mansion must not be alone, he must have someone protecting him. That person must have followed his orders and wiped out the collateral lineage of the Wei Family.

Young Master Zong, you...

The group looked at Ye Ling with grave expressions. Ye Ling looked at them and smiled faintly.

This is the gift I’m giving you. From now on, Jiang Qing is in your care.

Ye Ling said calmly. The group all focused their gaze on him and nodded.

Wiping out the collateral lineage of the Wei Family was not just a gift to them, but also a warning, a demonstration of power, telling them that Jiang Qing was not alone, she had him.

After finishing a cup of tea, Ye Ling glanced at the group in the hall, a smile appearing on his face. He stood up, and the Wei Family members all tensed up, looking at him.

I’ve stayed in Xuanfeng Star for quite some time, so I won’t trouble you further. Besides this gift, I also need to take my leave. From now on, I entrust my sister to you all.

In the future, if anyone dares to offend the Wei Family, just mention my name. As for Jiang Qing’s status as a wanted fugitive of the Youmen Army, you don’t need to worry about that. I’m heading to Beichuan Star to take care of that matter.

Ye Ling said. The Wei Family members all focused their gaze on him and gave a slight bow.

It’s no trouble at all. The Wei Family’s internal issues can only be resolved with your help, Young Master. If you wish to stay in Xuanfeng Star, the Wei Family will treat you as an honored guest.

As for Jiang Qing, as long as she does not betray Wei Yuan or the Wei Family, she will be an indispensable part of us. No one in Xuanfeng Star can harm her, Young Master can rest assured.

Wei Wu said, looking at Ye Ling with a cautious expression, tinged with a hint of fear. After the incident with the Wei Family collateral lineage, he no longer dared to underestimate Ye Ling. His decisive and ruthless actions were unlike those of a young man, and he was even more cunning and experienced than Wei Wu himself.

Ye Ling looked at the group, nodded, and a smile appeared on his face as he walked out of the hall.

Zong character ship soared across the sky. Wei Yuan and Jiang Qing stood in front of the Zong ship, their expressions complex as they looked at Ye Ling on the ship. Ye Ling looked at the two and smiled faintly.

Alright, enough with the coy and bashful expressions. If you want to thank me, just say it. If I leave, you may never have the chance again.

Ye Ling said, his tone teasing. The two paused for a moment, then broke into smiles.

Ye Ling, thank you. I, Wei Yuan, am just an ordinary person and may not be able to help you much, but if you ever find yourself in trouble in the future, come to Xuanfeng Star, and I will do my utmost to assist you.

Wei Yuan said solemnly. Ye Ling smiled faintly without responding, then turned to Jiang Qing, who had a complex expression, hesitating to speak. Ye Ling looked at her and shook his head with a smile.

Alright, don’t overthink it. For me, helping you two was just a casual matter, not a difficult task. It’s as if I’ve fulfilled a promise I made long ago.

Ye Ling said, finally looking at Wei Yuan and Jiang Qing one last time. The Zong ship broke through the sky, heading out into the unknown.

Take care.

Jiang Qing said the two words as the ship gradually disappeared. Wei Yuan’s arms embraced her.

They knew this was Ye Ling’s first and perhaps last visit to Xuanfeng Star. Ye Ling was a soaring phoenix, and Xuanfeng Star’s sky was too small to contain him. This parting might be forever, and in the future, they could only receive news of him through the Youmen Pearl.

The Zong ship cut through the starry sky, heading towards the unknown. On the ship were only Ye Ling and Princess Meng. A dark shadow flashed through the void and merged into Ye Ling’s body - the Demon Body.

Ye Ling had no one protecting him, only the Demon Body. It was the Demon Body that had killed the Wei Family’s collateral lineage - one Emperor Martial Realm Second Layer Emperor and four Emperor Martial Realm First Layer Emperors, who were swiftly eliminated.

The Sword Path, the supreme offensive way. There are a thousand different sword paths for a thousand people. My sword path may not necessarily suit you. You must find your own path, understand what truly is your Dao.

On the Zong ship, Ye Ling spoke, and Princess Meng stood on the ship, looking at him with a serious expression, as if she had some realization, but then her face turned to confusion. Ye Ling looked at her and shook his head.

Go on, take your time. Enlightenment is not something that happens in a moment or two. Step by step, you will eventually understand.

Ye Ling said. Princess Meng looked at him and nodded, holding her sword and sitting down to continue her cultivation.

Ye Ling watched her for a moment, then also sat down cross-legged on the ship, beginning his own cultivation.

He had already reached the peak of the Dao Martial Realm, and the next step was to break through to the Emperor Martial Realm. Now he needed to figure out how to achieve that breakthrough.

On Zhongnan Mountain, he had heard the people of Sword Valley describe the difference between the Dao Martial Realm and the Emperor Martial Realm. In the Dao Martial Realm, the Dao Domain is within the Dao Sea, while in the Emperor Martial Realm, the Dao Domain can be manifested externally, using the Dao Domain to strike opponents.

Just like the Mountain Emperor in the West Palace, his Dao Domain was a vast land that he could manifest externally, unleashing terrifying power with a single palm strike.

And the Great Elder Kong Quan of the East Palace, his Dao Domain was a sea of fire that he could also manifest, burning the starry sky with his fiery domain.

To break through from the Dao Martial Realm to the Emperor Martial Realm, one must be able to manifest their Dao Domain externally.

Ye Ling’s Dao Domain was a realm of hell, filled with endless, terrifying darkness that consumed everything. He had once manifested it externally in the Cang Yuan World, but it didn’t last long.

In the Dao Martial Realm, one could manifest their Dao Domain at the brink of life and death, but that was just using their life force to gain a brief moment of domain manifestation, often resulting in severe damage to the body and soul, or even death.

Ye Ling was a special case, as he had manifested his Dao Domain without dying or sustaining major injuries, thanks to the Three Dao protecting him and suppressing his domain.

This time, Ye Ling needed to truly master the control of his Dao Domain within his body, merging his body and soul into the vast darkness, and that moment of complete fusion would be when he stepped into the Emperor Martial Realm.

The Zong ship cut through the sky, and on board, both Ye Ling and Princess Meng were immersed in their cultivation.

Cultivation was not just about closed-door training. Ye Ling needed battles and pressure, so he would seek out opponents, whether from the Sky List or other Emperor Realm experts.

Now that he was of the Youmen Mansion Star Clan, he couldn’t afford to waste this identity.

Chapter 499: The North Sea Sect

The North Sea Star!

A powerful second-tier Life Source Star in the Beichuan Star Domain, home to an extremely formidable sect - the North Sea Sect.

The Beichuan Star Domain spans across light-years, with countless sects and empires. If all the forces were divided into tiers, the Four Palaces of the Beichuan Star would be the top tier, and the North Sea Sect would be one of the powers just below them, belonging to the second tier.

Outside the North Sea Star, in the starry sky, a star ship broke through the void and joined the fleet of ships. In just a moment, the surrounding ships parted ways, clearing a path for this particular star ship.

This was because on the side of this star ship was a single character - Zong, a word that emanated an aura that made people’s hearts tremble. This was a star ship belonging to the Youmen Mansion Star Clan.

The Youmen Mansion Star Clan has come to the North Sea Star. Could something be about to happen?

Someone looked at the Zong ship with a grave expression, and the surrounding gazes all focused on it.

The arrival of the Zong ship might not be good news. The emergence of the Evil Sect had caused a great upheaval in the Youmen Mansion, with thousands of Life Source Stars being massacred. Perhaps the peace of the North Sea Star was also about to be shattered.

Patrol Commander Wei Nan of the North Sea Sect greets the Envoy!

Suddenly, a voice rang out, causing all the surrounding ships to halt in the starry sky and turn their attention to the front, where a group of people stood, bowing towards the Zong ship.

There were around a hundred of them, their auras not weak, with several reaching the peak of the Dao Martial Realm, almost reaching the Emperor Realm. They were dressed in the garb of the North Sea Sect disciples.

Mm.

The Zong ship stopped, and after a moment, a voice came from it, just a single word, but it made people’s hearts tremble.

The North Sea Sect has prepared a residence for the Envoy. Envoy, please follow me.

Wei Nan said, bowing slightly with great respect. He could not see the person inside the ship, but the single Zong character was enough to make him show such deference.

The North Sea Sect was not weak, being a hegemon in the Beichuan Star Domain, but compared to the Youmen Mansion Star Clan, they were still insignificant.

Mm.

With just a single word, the voice was low and calm, without any special meaning discernible.

Led by over a hundred North Sea Sect disciples, the Zong ship entered the North Sea Star. On the ship, Ye Ling sat before a chessboard, a pot of clear tea beside him, his expression serene.

Princess Meng stood to the side, holding her sword, her gaze also fixed on the chessboard, a look of confusion on her face.

The silver-masked person, and a handmaiden - it seems he is the ‘Silver Mask’ who has been the talk of the Youmen Mansion lately.

In the depths of the cloud-shrouded mountain ranges of the North Sea Star, a grand hall stood. Inside, over twenty people stood, their gazes focused on a mirror, their expressions slightly tense.

The mirror revealed the scene on the Zong ship, with Ye Ling and Princess Meng, their every movement clearly visible to the group.

Dao Martial Realm, slaying the Emperor, the top genius of the Youmen Mansion - to think he is from the Zong Clan.

An old woman in green robes looked at the mirror, her gaze resting on Ye Ling, a hint of seriousness in her eyes.

Rumor has it he has mastered the Dao of Space besides his exceptional sword dao. I wonder if that’s true?

The Dao of Space, one of the four supreme Daos of the starry sky - the Youmen Mansion has not had a single person comprehend it in tens of thousands of years. How could he have mastered it? It’s just idle gossip.

The Sky List is the true standard for measuring geniuses. Zongtian Zun is the true number one genius of the Youmen Mansion. This one is ranked only 591 on the Sky List, far behind Zongtian Zun.

The group discussed, shaking their heads, their expressions tinged with a hint of disdain.

Hehe, that may not be so certain. If he is truly known as the top genius of the age, there must be a reason for it. Dao Martial Realm, slaying the Emperor - he has indeed accomplished that, perhaps he is a remarkable talent.

A voice rang out, and the group turned to look at a long-haired swordsman on the side of the hall, their expressions shifting.

Whether he has mastered the Dao of Space, I don’t know. But he must have reached the pinnacle in the Dao of Formation. Among the younger generation of the North Sea Sect, I doubt anyone can match him in the Dao of Formation.

Another voice spoke up, from an old man in white robes near the front of the hall. His gaze, unlike the others, was fixed on the chessboard before Ye Ling, his expression grave.

Even among the older generation, there are few who can match him in this game.

The old man in white robes said, looking at the chessboard before Ye Ling, praising him. The group looked at him, their expressions slightly shaken.

In the entire history of the Youmen Mansion, only two people have reached the Dao Martial Realm and slain the Emperor - one swordsman who disappeared five thousand years ago, and Han Shanyue. Ye Ling is the third, and he cannot be underestimated.

Another person said, staring at Ye Ling on the mirror, as if he had thought of something, a glint of brilliance in his eyes.

At the mention of Han Shanyue, the atmosphere in the hall tensed, and the group fell silent for a moment before looking up at the people in the hall.

A burly man sat enthroned at the top of the hall, his presence dominating the space. He was the Sect Master of the North Sea Sect, Cang Sea, a powerful cultivator at the Eighth Layer of the Emperor Martial Realm, a hegemon in his own right.

His gaze also fell upon Ye Ling in the mirror, his expression slightly tightening.

Regardless of whether he deserves the title of the top genius of the Youmen Mansion, we shall receive him as an honored guest since he has come to the North Sea Star. Cang Jian, he is yours to handle.

Cang Sea looked at the long-haired swordsman, who stepped forward, bowing slightly to Cang Sea and nodding.

I’ve heard he also cultivates the sword dao. I shall see for myself what this so-called top genius of the Youmen Mansion is capable of, and how he compares to my disciple. Sect Master, he is in my hands now.

Cang Jian said, his words calm, causing the group in the hall to tremble, their gazes filled with a hint of worry as they looked at Cang Jian.

Cang Jian, he is still a member of the Zong Clan, do not go too far. Just test him.

Although he is called the top genius of the Youmen Mansion, his cultivation is still weaker than Shi Feng’s. If you must spar, try not to injure him.

Cang Jian, these are turbulent times, do not stir up any unnecessary trouble.

The group cautioned Cang Jian, who looked at them and smiled faintly.

I, Cang Jian, am not an unreasonable person. If he sincerely seeks to learn, I shall sincerely teach him. But if he tries to abuse his status, I shall ensure he leaves the North Sea Sect with a memory he can never erase.

Cang Jian said, sweeping his gaze across the hall, then bowing slightly to Cang Sea before leaving the hall.

Chapter 500: Hidden Sword Peak

Amidst the towering mountain ranges, a solitary peak stood, its shape resembling a sword, piercing the clouds. A faint aura of swords permeated the surrounding world.

Honored Guest, this is the Hidden Sword Peak. Please stay here for the time being. I need to patrol the North Sea Star, so I shall take my leave now.

Wei Nan led Ye Ling and Princess Meng to the foot of the mountain peak, bowing slightly to Ye Ling before departing.

Master, he seems to be quite wary of this mountain peak. Could there be some kind of trap here?

Princess Meng looked at Wei Nan’s retreating figure, her brow slightly furrowed. Ye Ling glanced at her, then turned his gaze to the mountain peak before them, smiling faintly. With a step, the void rippled, and he led Princess Meng into the Hidden Sword Peak.

Where there is a peak, there is a path. What trap could there be? The North Sea Sect is a prominent sect. If they wanted to kill me, they wouldn’t need such tricks. Remember, we are here as guests, not to cause trouble.

Ye Ling said, his gaze seemingly sweeping towards the distant horizon for a moment. In that instant, the group in the cloud-shrouded hall were startled, staring at the mirror with expressions of shock.

I know we were watching him, one person said, their expression grave.

A remarkable silver-masked one, truly deserving of the title of the top genius of the age. Yet, at the Dao Martial Realm, he was able to detect our presence.

The Floating Light Realm, capable of observing everything within a million li, is one of the treasured relics of our North Sea Sect. Ordinary Dao Martial Realm cultivators would never be able to detect it. He must possess some extraordinary abilities.

The group discussed, considering the rumors about Ye Ling. The fact that he had detected the Floating Light Realm’s surveillance meant one of two possibilities: either Ye Ling was hiding his true cultivation, or he had truly mastered the Dao of Space and could see through the spatial distortion.

Whichever the case, it made the group take Ye Ling more seriously.

If he truly comes as a guest, we hope he speaks the truth. If not, the North Sea Sect is no pushover. We may not be able to harm the Zong Clan, but we can still deal with him alone.

One person said, taking one last look at Ye Ling in the mirror before waving his hand, causing the scene to be obscured by white mist, as there was no need to continue observing him now that he had been detected.

On the Hidden Sword Peak, Ye Ling walked up the mountain, feeling the sensation of being watched disappear. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he gazed towards the summit, slowly making his way up.

Master, why are we going up there? Princess Meng asked, carrying a sword on her back as she looked at the steep mountain peak.

The earth is the hilt, the mountain peaks are the blades, and the summit is the sharpest edge. The one who resides on this mountain peak is a Sword Path Strongman who has forged the entire mountain into a sword. If we were to directly ascend to the summit, we would be attacked by the sword intent.

Every prominent sect is unwilling to be inferior to others. This may be their way of testing me.

Ye Ling said, looking towards the summit with a faint smile. Princess Meng looked at Ye Ling, nodding, though not fully understanding.

Sword cultivators are often arrogant. By placing him here, the North Sea Sect may be trying to show that they are not to be trifled with, even if Ye Ling is from the Youmen Mansion Star Clan.

Sometimes, soaring through the air is a form of constraint. Walking on the earth, experiencing the mundane world, that is the path a cultivator should take. Meng, remember, one must not forget their roots. Just because you see the sky, do not forget the ground beneath your feet. Heaven and earth, if either is missing, it is not a complete world.

Ye Ling continued upwards, walking like an ordinary person, observing the trees and cliffs along the way, explaining to Princess Meng. She followed behind, her expression alternating between enlightenment and confusion.

At the summit, two figures stood in silence, watching the two ascend.

Stepping on the earth, experiencing the mundane world, such insights at the Dao Martial Realm, unexpected.

The speaker was Cang Jian, his long hair flowing, a sword at his side, his gaze seemingly concealing the sword intent.

Master, he is a member of the Zong Clan. If we provoke him, what if he...

The young man in green robes beside Cang Jian said, his words trailing off as he looked at Cang Jian.

Some cannot be taught.

Cang Jian shook his head, and the young man fell silent.

Shi Feng, you have a natural talent for the Sword Path that surpasses others. While the common person needs ten years to comprehend a single sword technique, you only need one day. Few in the world can match you, yet you are falling further and further behind Long Sky Peak’s Liu Shan and Guiyuan Peak’s Ji Yu. Do you know why?

Shi Feng, you think too much. You have a fear in your heart, a loss of Dao-heart, which has hindered your progress. Sword cultivators are often arrogant, yet I see not a trace of that arrogance in you.

Even though he is from the Zong Clan, he is only at the Dao Martial Realm, yet he has managed to instill fear in you. Shi Feng, you have greatly disappointed me. Perhaps taking you as my disciple was a mistake.

Cang Jian said, his words tinged with disappointment as he looked towards Ye Ling, who was steadily making his way up the mountain path.

Shi Feng, do you see him? He is only at the Dao Martial Realm, yet he dares to come to the North Sea Sect, to the Hidden Sword Peak, with just a single disciple. Do you truly think it is only because of his status in the Zong Clan?

Cang Jian said, and Shi Feng’s gaze fell upon Ye Ling, studying him for a long time, but remaining silent.

In him, I see something you lack, and that very thing is what you are missing. To walk the world without fear or trepidation, with just one person and one sword, is to command a realm of one’s own.

Cang Jian spoke calmly, his eyes holding a hint of admiration as he watched Ye Ling on the mountain path. Shi Feng’s gaze sharpened.

Fearlessness.

He looked at Ye Ling, as if he had gained some insight, yet there was also a sense of confusion,