With a calm tone, as if discussing a trivial matter, Ye Yuâs composed demeanor brought an unexpected sense of peace to Su Yao, though she still felt a tinge of worry. In her understanding, the chasm between the Tribulation and Ascension Realms was insurmountably vastâsurviving the Heavenly Tribulation was a wholly different concept, not something that mere combat skill or typical techniques could bridge.
Even so, she held back her words as Ye Yu steadily approached the nine-headed serpent Yang Xiao, who, at that moment, had broken free from the golden chains around him.
âA mere mortal dares to shift the tide of this battle? Truly delusional!â he sneered.
As he finished speaking, Yang Xiaoâs form began to twist and expand, quickly shredding his gray robes as he transformed. Before them now stood Yang Xiao in his true form, a serpent-headed humanoid.
Ye Yuâs eyes flashed with a hint of confusion. He recalled that Yang Xiao should be at the mid-stage Ascension Realm. Why was he only at the early stage now? He overlooked the fact that, under normal circumstances, he was supposed to meet Yang Xiao several decades later.
However, he didnât dwell on the discrepancy in cultivation levels. In the dream, he had only reached the Unity Realm and had been incapable of defeating Yang Xiao, choosing mutual destruction as his only option. But now, at the Tribulation Realm, Ye Yu had no intention of allowing Yang Xiao to trouble him.
Stepping forward, Ye Yu activated the Myriad Stars Celestial Art, summoning threads of starlight that pierced through the seaâs surface and enveloped Yang Xiao.
In an instant, the intense burning sensation caused Yang Xiaoâs expression to contort in agony. Looking down, he saw the starlight searing through his flesh. He attempted to escape, only to realize that countless starry barriers had materialized around him, locking him in place.
This was the Celestial Annihilation Formation from the Myriad Stars Celestial Diagram, a technique only accessible to those at the Tribulation Realm and above. As Ye Yuâs hands shifted in complex seals, the starlight intensified, and within mere seconds, Yang Xiao was reduced to nothing, leaving no trace behind.
The terrifying sight left Su Yao speechless, utterly stunned. How could this be? How had Ye Yu, with just an early Tribulation Realm cultivation, effortlessly vanquished a nine-headed serpent at the Ascension Realm? What was that formation, and why had she never seen it before?
As Su Yao pondered, Ye Yu had already returned to her side, playfully tapping her nose. âWhatâs on your mind?â
âN-nothing!â Su Yao quickly shook her head, a smile spreading across her face. Ye Yuâs overwhelming strength filled her with joy, and seeing him effortlessly defeat her former most dreaded enemy brought her a sense of closure.
Finally, she could return the Ocean Commanding Trident to Ye Yu with no reservations.
Raising her hand, she summoned the trident from where it had fallen. âIn the parallel world, I once gave it to you. Now, itâs time to return it to its rightful owner.â@@novelbin@@
As she offered the trident to him, Ye Yuâs face took on an awkward look. Such a grandiose weapon was certainly impressive to wield, yet he was reluctant to embrace this âKing of the Seaâ title. Were it not for his certainty in Su Yaoâs intentions, he mightâve suspected her of poking fun at him.
Still, it was a kind gesture he couldnât refuse. Accepting the trident, Ye Yu asked, âHave you heard of the Water Essence? I need it for a purpose.â
âThe Water Essenceâan extremely pure and precious element found in the ocean. Iâve heard of it but never seen it,â Su Yao replied, shaking her head. Her home had been destroyed when she was young, forcing her to flee to the Eastern Sea mainland. In truth, she had spent more time on land than in the water and had never encountered the Water Essence.
Ye Yu furrowed his brow. If even Su Yao hadnât seen it, then finding it would be quite a challenge. With the vastness of the Eastern Sea, where would he even begin?
âWait!â An idea struck Su Yao, and she pointed to the trident in Ye Yuâs hand. âMaybe it can help us locate the Water Essence!â
âIt?â Ye Yu looked down at the trident, filled with intrigue.
...
Inside the Hall of Myriad Souls, a radiant light shot toward the heavens. In an instant, clouds swirled, and winds surged as countless dazzling sword shadows encircled the sky. For miles around, everyone heard the crisp, clear sound of a sword ringing.
Cultivators couldnât help but turn toward the source of the light, their eyes filled with envy.
An extraordinary phenomenon meant an extraordinary artifact!
Their guesses were correct. After months of crafting by eight renowned artisans of the Heavenly Mechanism Hall, a peerless flying sword was finally complete.
Eagerly, Zhu Diezhen stepped forward to examine it. The sword was jet black, its form almost invisible in the dark of night. A coiling dragon adorned its hilt, and its blade was sharp beyond compare. This was a top-tier spiritual weapon, enhanced further with the Hall of Myriad Soulsâ highest-grade imprint, capable of delivering soul-destroying attacks, rendering any defense useless.
Although exhausted, the eight artisans were proud. Crafting a top-tier spiritual weapon was no easy feat. The materials, timing, techniques, and opportunities all had to align. This sword was their masterpiece to date.
With a bow, they congratulated, âWe congratulate Master Zhu on acquiring this divine weapon!â
âRewards for everyone!â Zhu Diezhen announced grandly.
At this point, Wei Aoshu hurriedly stepped forward. âMaster, should I now deliver this weapon...to the master?â
Though still unaccustomed to the term, he managed to say it. As the head of the Hall of Myriad Souls, Zhu Diezhen should rightfully refer to her husband, Ye Yu, as âMasterâ or âLord.â However, she found such titles unappealing, so she waved off any formalities, assigning Wei Aoshu the sole task of serving Ye Yu in her stead, forgoing any undercover duties. Her only instruction now was to serve him well. After all, Zhu Diezhen couldnât leave her man unattended.
This arrangement had only recently been decided, and Wei Aoshu hadnât fully adjusted to the change in address.
âThereâs no need. I plan to deliver it to him personally,â Zhu Diezhen replied, carefully placing the sword in a prepared sword case.
Wei Aoshuâs eyes widened. âMaster, you mustnât! Youâre of noble status; you canât risk yourself!â
âWhatâs the problem? My mind is made up, so say no more!â Zhu Diezhen waved dismissively.
It had been too long since sheâd last seen Ye Yu. Her longing was irresistible, making her adamant about personally delivering the sword to the Qingyun Sect.
Moreover, Zhu Diezhen had already named this sword, imbuing it with deep significance. She hoped Ye Yu would like it.