160. An End, Yet a Beginning (Final Chapter)

Deep within the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace, Yun Yun was conversing with another woman.

Over the past months, the two had been imprisoned in this cavern, relying on each other for solace and mutual support. Through shared stories and heartfelt exchanges, they had developed a deep understanding of one another.

Yun Yun was indignant upon hearing about the woman’s tragic experiences, vowing that once they escaped, she would make Chen Xuan tear their tormentor into pieces.

The woman, however, only smiled bitterly. "It’s been so long. Even if that person were to be dismembered, it wouldn’t undo the damage.”

Their conversation was interrupted when the ground began to shake violently, as though the entire mountain was about to collapse.

Startled, they clung to each other for comfort.

Moments later, a dazzling light burst into the cavern.

At the entrance stood a tall figure clad in white, his robes flowing in the gentle breeze like an immortal descended from the heavens.

"Sorry, I’m late," came a familiar voice that resonated deeply in Yun Yun’s ears.

She released the woman she had been confiding in and rushed toward the figure, embracing him tightly. Breathing deeply, she assured herself:

It’s real. This isn’t a dream.

After several minutes of silence, Yun Yun tilted her head back, pouting slightly. “Why did you take so long to come?”

“Are you okay?” Chen Xuan asked gently.

“I’m fine,” Yun Yun replied, shaking her head. She then took his hand and led him to the other woman.

“This is Qing Yin,” Yun Yun introduced. “She was also imprisoned here by Ling Qingzhu.”

Turning to Qing Yin, she added, “This is Chen Xuan, the one I told you about.”

Chen Xuan studied Qing Yin, feeling a strange sense of familiarity but unable to recall if they had met before.

“Hello,” Qing Yin greeted him softly, her smile faint but polite.

As they left the cavern, Qing Yin glanced at Chen Xuan, then back at Yun Yun.

Politely declining their invitation to accompany them, she chose to leave on her own.

Watching her retreating figure, Yun Yun let out a wistful sigh.

“All right, let’s head back to the Dao Sect,” Chen Xuan said, leading Yun Yun and Ying Huanhuan back to their sect.


---

Upon arriving at the Dao Sect, their presence caused an immediate stir.

“Look, who’s back!”

“It’s Senior Brother Chen Xuan!”

“Our hero has returned!”

“Wow, Senior Brother Chen Xuan is incredible!”

A crowd quickly gathered around Chen Xuan, their excited chatter pushing Yun Yun and Ying Huanhuan to the side.

“Look at me! I punched a Ancestor Realm powerhouse!” bragged Qing Ye, playfully thumping Chen Xuan on the shoulder.

Wang Yan followed suit. “And I landed a palm strike on one! I’ll be bragging about this for years!”

“I even kissed one!” someone chimed in jokingly.

Their enthusiasm was contagious. After all, they had believed themselves doomed, yet Chen Xuan had not only saved them but also defeated two Ancestor Realm powerhouses single-handedly, earning widespread fame across the Tianxuan Continent.


---

Over the next few days, countless powerful cultivators flocked to the Dao Sect’s gates, desperate for a chance to meet Chen Xuan.

Some sects even brought their most beautiful disciples, hoping to gain his favor.

This left Ying Xuanzi, the sect leader, exasperated. Many of these visitors were powerful figures he couldn’t afford to offend. Yet, in their interactions with him, they were unfailingly respectful—a clear testament to Chen Xuan and Ying Huanhuan’s influence.

Even Reincarnation Realm cultivators, whom Ying Xuanzi once dared not approach, now treated him as an equal.


---

Amid this bustling scene, Ying Xiaoxiao appeared, clad in black robes.

“Chen Xuan,” she teased, “with so many people outside, aren’t you going to meet them?”

“There are too many. How could I possibly meet them all?” Chen Xuan replied, waving dismissively.

“But if you don’t make an appearance, I doubt they’ll leave anytime soon,” Ying Xiaoxiao pointed out with a sly grin.

Chen Xuan considered for a moment before sighing. “Fine, I’ll go meet them.”


---

At the Dao Sect’s gates, a massive crowd had gathered, and their excitement reached a fever pitch when Chen Xuan appeared.

“Lord Chen Xuan!”

“Thank you for saving us, Lord Chen Xuan!”
“We have nothing to repay you with, so please accept this: she’s a talented disciple of our clan. We hope she can learn directly under your guidance.”

“This is my daughter. She greatly admires you and wishes to become your disciple.”

“Please, Lord Chen Xuan, accept me as your follower!”

The cacophony of voices pleading for Chen Xuan’s attention echoed across the sect, marking the beginning of a new era.

Xuan Ancestor?

Seriously?

Chen Xuan felt embarrassed and quickly redirected the crowd’s attention. "Everyone, the Dao Sect has deep foundations and exceptional cultivation resources. If you wish to progress in your path, consider joining the Dao Sect!"

The moment he finished speaking, a massive crowd surged toward the Dao Sect.

Even those at the Samsara Realm eagerly sought entry, willing to take on even menial roles like sweeping the grounds just to join.

In no time, tens of thousands of powerful cultivators from the Tianxuan Continent formed long queues outside the Dao Sect, pleading for acceptance.


---

Meanwhile, atop a mountain within the Dao Sect's Sky Hall, Chen Xuan reclined under a tree, Yun Yun nestled comfortably in his arms.

"You’ve become the strongest person on this continent. When will you take me back to the Dou Qi Continent?"

"Anytime you want."

"Really?"

"Do I look like I’m joking?"

Before Yun Yun could respond, a figure appeared in front of them.

"Sorry to interrupt," Ying Huanhuan said apologetically, turning to leave.

With a gentle wave of his hand, Chen Xuan stopped her, pulling her back with a soft force.

"We’re planning to leave the Tianxuan Continent soon and venture to other worlds. Would you like to join us?"

Ying Huanhuan hesitated, biting her lip. "Now?"

"No, in a little while," Chen Xuan replied after some thought.

"Fine, but before we leave, you need to pacify those mysterious powerhouses. If we leave without doing so, what if they turn on the Dao Sect in anger?" she cautioned.

Chen Xuan nodded in agreement. After all, many had joined the Dao Sect only to learn from him and improve their cultivation. If he were to leave abruptly, their disappointment could indeed lead to chaos.

After a pause, Ying Huanhuan asked, "Could you take my sister with us as well?"

"Ying Xiaoxiao wants to venture out too?" Chen Xuan asked, surprised.

"Of course. Who doesn’t want to broaden their horizons?"

"All right. Let’s rest for a few days, and then we’ll set off."


---

Before departing, Chen Xuan gathered the top experts of the Tianxuan Continent and gave them a long lecture.

To him, it felt like meaningless rambling, as his success was mostly thanks to his system. But the audience hung on every word, nodding intently and afraid to miss any detail.

Afterward, Chen Xuan visited the Great Yan Dynasty to see Jiang Xue and the others. He informed them of his departure to other worlds, promising to return and reunite once his strength grew.

To his relief, they harbored no resentment and instead felt happy. Despite his unmatched power, Chen Xuan hadn’t forgotten them, proving they still held an important place in his heart.

Spending a few days with them, he then departed.


---

At the request of the Undying Sacred Whale Clan, Chen Xuan helped resolve Mu Lingshan’s issue after discovering she was the Life and Death Ancestral Symbol.

He reforged the symbol, leaving it to nurture within her body for ten years. After that, she would become a completely independent individual.


---

A month later, at the Dao Sect, Chen Xuan prepared to leave the Tianxuan Continent. He planned to bring Ying Huanhuan, Ying Xiaoxiao, and Yun Yun, escorting the latter back to the Dou Qi Continent.

Countless powerhouses, including the ancient masters of Darkness, Life and Death, and others who had survived from ancient times, came to bid him farewell.

Darkness Master warned Chen Xuan sternly, "Though you’re a Ancestor Realm powerhouse now, if we find out you mistreat our junior sister, don’t blame us for being harsh!"

Space Master chuckled. "I’m just here as a bystander. Don’t involve me."

Life and Death Master pinched his ear. "How can you be so unhelpful?"

Space Master shrugged. "Come on, even if we all join forces, we’re no match for him."

Life and Death Master rolled her eyes but said nothing more.

Ying Huanhuan reassured them with a smile, "Don’t worry. He wouldn’t dare mistreat me."

With a complex expression, Ying Xuanzi, the Dao Sect’s leader, said, "Farewell, Chen Xuan. Take care of them."

Chen Xuan smiled confidently. "Don’t worry, Sect Master. I’ll look after them."

As they prepared to leave, the Dao Sect echoed with voices:

"Farewell, Senior Brother Chen Xuan!"
"Farewell, Senior Brother Chen Xuan!"

Chen Xuan waved. "I’ll return someday. Wait for me!"

Yun Yun glanced at him, her words lingering on the tip of her tongue before she sighed and stayed silent.

Activating three mystical talismans, Chen Xuan summoned golden symbols that rose beneath their feet, enveloping the group in radiant light.

Under the watchful eyes of many, their figures vanished into thin air.

From a hidden corner of the world, a lone figure silently watched them leave.

"I hope you find happiness and never learn the truth."