136. Ling Qingzhu: Ying Xuanzhi, Hand Over Yun Yun or Die!

The entire seventh floor of the Chaotic Tower was immersed in a vast, primordial energy. Golden light shimmered like an ocean of liquid gold, filling the space with an overwhelming aura.

Gu Yan and her sister dared not stray far from Chen Xuan, fearing that the terrifying pressure around them would crush them into a pulp if they were to lose his protection. Sharing a glance, both sisters couldn't help but wonder how Chen Xuan managed to walk here as if he were strolling in a garden.

Moreover, after witnessing him instantly killing two Death Profound Realm experts with ease, they speculated that he likely wouldn’t fear any expert from the Shentu family.

Ahead of them, Chen Xuan came to a halt. Unaware, the two sisters bumped into him from behind.

This... was an unexpected "combo hug."

Chen Xuan maintained his serious demeanor and asked, "Do you want to train here or follow me further up?"

"Brother Chen Xuan, the primordial energy here is far too dense. We don’t dare to absorb it," Gu Yan admitted, her expression awkward.

Gu Mengqi nodded in agreement.

[Ding! Gu Yan feels regret. Emotional value +200.]
[Ding! Gu Mengqi feels sadness and regret. Emotional value +200.]

Chen Xuan nodded. "Then follow me to the eighth floor!"

"We... can go too?" Gu Yan thought she had misheard.

Gu Mengqi was equally incredulous. The pressure on the seventh floor was already so intense—what could the eighth floor possibly be like?

If they returned to the Heavenly Wind Sea and told people they’d reached the seventh floor, no one would believe them, thinking it was pure boasting.

Chen Xuan confirmed, "Of course you can!"

"But where is the entrance to the eighth floor?" Gu Mengqi scanned her surroundings but found no passageway.

Gu Yan shook her head as well, indicating she hadn’t found anything.

Chen Xuan raised his hand, summoning the Chaos Ancestral Symbol. A stream of pure primordial energy surged from the talisman, striking a specific area on the seventh floor.

Boom!

A hidden pathway to the eighth floor was revealed, and an indescribably intense primordial energy burst forth from within. A faint purple-gold light flickered inside, further intriguing them.

"Wow! The primordial energy inside is so dense!" Gu Yan exclaimed, her lips parting in astonishment.

Gu Mengqi’s peach-blossom eyes widened. "If one could train in there for a day, it might equal ten days outside!"

"No, I think it’s closer to a month!" Gu Yan speculated, shaking her head.

[Ding! Gu Yan feels astonishment. Emotional value +200.]
[Ding! Gu Mengqi feels shock. Emotional value +200.]

Still filled with questions, the sisters pressed closer to Chen Xuan as he led them into the eighth floor.

As soon as they entered the passageway, their vision was flooded with blinding purple-gold light, forcing them to shut their eyes. Thankfully, Chen Xuan shielded them in time, preventing their bodies from being incinerated by the light.

"Big sister, look! What’s that?" Gu Yan pointed to the center of the purple-gold sea, her delicate face pale with fright.

[Ding! Gu Yan feels shock. Emotional value +200.]

Gu Mengqi followed her gaze and froze in place.

In the center of the light lay a massive, thousand-foot-tall figure with skin of purple and gold. Quiet and still, the giant bore intricate, mysterious patterns on its skin, making the sisters feel as insignificant as ants.

"Who is this? Why is he here?" Gu Mengqi whispered, cupping her lips with her hands as if afraid to wake the slumbering behemoth.

Chen Xuan responded calmly, "This is the Chaos Master."

"Chaos Master?!"

The sisters were overwhelmed with disbelief.

For years, they had entered the tower solely for training purposes, never imagining that a primordial powerhouse from ancient times lay dormant within its eighth floor.

Chen Xuan picked up a fragment of skin lying on the ground and handed it to them.

As Gu Yan examined it, her eyes widened in shock. "This is..."

Gu Mengqi took a deep breath. "Such pure primordial energy! Brother Chen Xuan, what is this?"

Chen Xuan smiled faintly. "It’s just a piece of his skin."

"What? Just his skin?"

The sisters were stunned. Even a small fragment of skin from this being radiated such terrifying energy—it was unimaginable.

Summoning the Ancestral Stone, Chen Xuan placed it midair. It began absorbing and refining the surrounding primordial energy, releasing a diluted version for safe consumption.

"Now it’s safe to absorb," Chen Xuan said.

"Thank you, Brother Chen Xuan!" the sisters chorused, sitting cross-legged to begin their cultivation.

Meanwhile, Chen Xuan approached the massive giant, observing how waves of energy flowed into its body with each breath, slowly healing its injuries.

Sensing an old friend’s presence, the Chaos Master projected an avatar to greet Chen Xuan. "The Chaos Ancestral Symbol is with you?"

"Yes," Chen Xuan confirmed.

"Wait... I sense the Devouring, Darkness, and Space Ancestral Symbols as well!" The Chaos Master's purple-gold eyes glimmered with shock.

Chen Xuan remained composed. "Correct."

"How... how did you manage that?"

"Is it difficult?"

"Difficult?!" The Chaos Master was at a loss for words, feeling oddly inadequate for the first time in his long existence.

Chen Xuan chuckled but quickly steered the conversation back. "I visited the Flame Master. His condition is dire."

"We were all gravely injured back then. Even after so many years, we’ve yet to fully recover." Chaos Master sighed.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened. "I can sense traces of our eldest and youngest sisters on you. Have you met them?"

"Yes, though they have yet to awaken."

"How are they faring?"

"They’re fine." Chen Xuan retrieved a jade talisman and handed it over. "The dark forces are stirring again. If you need assistance, crush this, and I’ll come."

"Understood." The Chaos Master smiled, his demeanor somewhat earnest yet fierce. Unlike the Flame Master, he held immense trust in Chen Xuan, a man who wielded four Ancestral Symbols and might one day reach their teacher’s level.

Extending his palm, the Lord of the Wilds said, "Here’s some of my enlightenment from when I stepped into the cycle of reincarnation. I hope it helps you."

A glowing orb filled with primordial energy entered Chen Xuan’s mind.

"With the Ancestral Symbols here, let me help you break into the Samsara Realm," the Lord of the Wilds offered.

"Thank you," Chen Xuan replied.

"No need to thank me. Helping you helps me recover faster."

...

Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace

A massive plaza stretched wide.
A sea of people gathered, buzzing with anticipation.

At the forefront, on an elevated platform, stood a graceful figure suspended in the air.


The woman wore a pale, simple gown, exuding an ethereal elegance.
Her crystal-clear eyes gleamed with unwavering determination.

Though her face was veiled by a thin layer of silk, the faintly visible contours hinted at near-perfection, leaving many male disciples spellbound and many female disciples envious.

At that moment, a junior female disciple hurried over, bowing respectfully to the barefooted woman.
"Palace Master, everyone has gathered."

"Good. Let’s set off."

Her voice, though melodious, carried a chill that repelled any warmth.

"Understood."

The junior disciple turned and addressed the crowd.

"The Palace Master has ordered, we depart now for Dao Sect!"

A group of over a thousand disciples moved in unison, their presence imposing.

The decision of Ling Qingzhu, the Palace Master, to visit the Dao Sect left many puzzled.


---

"Hey, do you know why the Palace Master is heading to Dao Sect?"

"Hmm…"

"I heard it’s because of Senior Brother Chen Xuan!"

"What? No way, I heard Chen Xuan is in the Chaotic Demon Sea!"

"Exactly! That’s why the Palace Master is going to Dao Sect!"

"But if he’s not at Dao Sect, what’s the point of going there?"

"Shh, keep it down! I heard it’s because of a woman!"

"Really? Who?"

Their whispered discussion ended abruptly as a terrifying force descended upon them.

Boom!
The group was instantly reduced to a mist of blood, leaving no room for escape or mercy.

Ling Qingzhu’s icy voice echoed across the crowd.
"If I hear anyone spreading rumors again, they will die!"

From that moment, no one dared to gossip.


---

After several days of travel, the group finally arrived at the Dao Sect's territory.
Crossing a vast stretch of mountains spanning tens of thousands of miles, they reached the depths where the Dao Sect stood.

The ancient architecture of the sect radiated a sense of timelessness, its grand formations shimmering faintly.
In the distance, countless figures could be seen moving like ants through the skies.

Their arrival was quickly noticed by the Dao Sect's patrolling disciples.

"Who goes there?"
A man wielding a pitch-black spear shouted sternly.

"Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace, Ling Qingzhu," she responded coldly, standing in the air with an unshakable demeanor.

"Palace Master Ling, why have you brought such a large group to our Dao Sect?"
The patrol leader, Hua Long, gripped his spear tightly as he scanned the formidable crowd.

Ling Qingzhu's expression remained indifferent.
"I’m here to find someone."

"Find someone?"

Hua Long frowned

"Who might Palace Master Ling be looking for? Perhaps I can pass the message along."

"Yun Yun," she replied without hesitation.

Hua Long’s face shifted subtly. Everyone in the Dao Sect knew Yun Yun—she was closely connected to Chen Xuan.

Ling Qingzhu’s aggressive arrival spelled trouble.

"I’ll inform the sect immediately. Please wait a moment."

"You have one incense stick of time. If Yun Yun isn’t brought out, don’t blame me for being merciless."


---

Inside the Dao Sect’s Heavenly Hall, a heated discussion ensued.

"What? She’s giving us one incense stick’s time to hand over Yun Yun? She’s crazy!"
Ying Huanhuan sneered.

"Senior Sister Huanhuan, Ling Qingzhu didn’t come by herself. She brought over a thousand strong disciples. Their strength cannot be underestimated," Hua Long explained.

"So what? I’ll meet her myself!" Ying Huanhuan stood, ready to confront Ling Qingzhu.

Her elder sister, Ying Xiaoxiao, stopped her.
"Huanhuan, calm down. This is serious. We need to inform father first."

Reluctantly, Ying Huanhuan conceded.


---

At the Dao Sect’s protective array, the Sect Leader Ying Xuanzi personally arrived to greet Ling Qingzhu.

"Palace Master Ling, it has been years. Your strength now surpasses my ability to discern," he greeted her warmly, though his tone carried caution.

Ling Qingzhu’s expression remained icy.
"Sect Master Ying, I’m here for Yun Yun."

"Apologies, but I gave my word to Chen Xuan to ensure Yun Yun’s safety. I cannot hand her over."

"Are you willing to risk a war between our two sects over an unrelated woman?" Ling Qingzhu’s tone turned sharp.

Ying Xuanzi sighed.
"As far as I know, Yun Yun has no grudge against you. Why must you harm her?"

"Hmph! After Chen Xuan severed ties with me, he refused to return to the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace because of her! She must have bewitched him!" Ling Qingzhu’s eyes flashed with killing intent.

"This seems like a misunderstanding…" Ying Xuanzi’s expression grew solemn. He had heard rumors of what transpired between Chen Xuan and Ling Qingzhu, and it was clear that Ling Qingzhu had been at fault.

"Sect Master Ying, I’ve shown you respect as a senior. If you refuse to hand over Yun Yun, don’t blame me for taking action!"

With that, a pale blue lotus bloomed in Ling Qingzhu’s hand.

Though it emitted no discernible energy, it exuded a terrifying aura that made even Ying Xuanzi uneasy.

"Palace Master Ling, your teacher Shen Qing and I were once old friends. Do you truly wish to sever this bond?" Ying Xuanzi implored.

"Hand over Yun Yun, or prepare for war!" Ling Qingzhu declared, her resolve unshakable.