In the outside world, Chen Xuan remained blissfully unaware of Mu Xuanyin’s arrogant words and narcissistic ramblings.

He was utterly powerless facing the phantom’s power. Soon, his body was moved out of the rainbow chamber and the hidden cave entirely, reappearing outside the waterfall.

As he landed and regained his balance, Chen Xuan couldn’t help but grumble.

’At least give me a warning! Is there a reason you have to toss me out like a sack of trash?’ he complained.

Secretly, however, he was stunned.

He knew better than anyone how formidable the power that had just enveloped him was. The thought of resisting hadn’t even crossed his mind while under its influence.

Chen Xuan had always known Mu Xuanyin was strong.

Even compared to Xiao Huo’s secret Master, an expert at the Soul Transformation realm, he believed Mu Xuanyin to be more powerful.

Yet, the entity in the cave was a mere phantom. To have the strength to move a Nascent Soul cultivator with such ease suggested that her strength was beyond even his expectations.

Chen Xuan fell into thought for a moment before quickly shaking his head.

Mu Xuanyin’s strength mattered little since she wasn’t here to provide any help.

In the foreseeable future, he could only rely on himself.

Moreover, he hadn’t forgotten his Master’s words.

She had left the Tianxuan Domain to seek something out, and it was highly likely she was currently being hunted.

Recalling how she had urged him to grow stronger and rush to her rescue, Chen Xuan cursed this irresponsible Master once more.

’Meeting you was the worst thing that ever happened to me.’

’Let’s hope your enemies find your hiding spot sooner rather than later,’ he spat out.

Despite his angry thoughts, however, his body was far more honest.

He tightly clutched the items he had just obtained, his determination to grow stronger only intensifying even further.

His gaze lingered on the waterfall for a long while, as if he could see Mu Xuanyin standing behind it. Then, with a soft exhale, he soared into the sky.

--

"Master! Master! Something terrible has happened! Chi Yao is in danger!"

As soon as Chen Xuan returned to the Spirit Stone mine, an anxious voice rang in his ears.

Turning around, he saw Huo Ling’er rushing toward him. She had completely shed the valiant, composed appearance she maintained in battle.

She was visibly panicked, her eyes darting around as if afraid to face him.

Seeing her behavior, Chen Xuan didn’t panic. He offered a gentle smile. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Don’t worry," he comforted her lightly, "Take me there. With your Master’s strength, nothing will go wrong with Chi Yao."

His words caused Huo Ling’er’s emotions to settle. After nodding several times, she led him toward Chi Yao’s residence.

--

Chen Xuan sensed the reason for Huo Ling’er’s anxiety before he even entered the room.

A powerful demonic aura brushed against his face as he neared her residence, giving him the illusion that he was facing a Nascent Soul demonic cultivator.

His expression grew solemn. He pushed the door open to find Su Ying standing beside a small bed, her face pale and sweat beading on her forehead.

Chi Yao lay unconscious on the bed beside her.

Seeing Chen Xuan arrive, Su Ying breathed a sigh of relief.

However, she didn’t stop channeling her Spiritual Energy to suppress the surging wave of demonic energy.

"That’s enough," Chen Xuan suddenly spoke up, waving his hand to stop her, "Your foundation will be damaged if you continue. Your breakthrough to the Core Formation realm will be significantly delayed."

Having said that, he urged his Nascent Soul with a thought, instantly wiping out the demonic phenomena.

Su Ying was momentarily surprised by the ease of his actions, but recalling Chen Xuan’s unfathomable strength and his background, she quickly composed herself.

"Tell me, what’s going on?"

"Reporting to the Peak Master: I don’t know the cause of this sudden change. Chi Yao has been in a coma since you brought her to the mine," she explained.

"But something strange happened only a few hours ago," she paused briefly, "I suddenly sensed a wave of demonic energy radiating from her room. I feared an attack from the demonic faction, but I soon discovered it was coming from Chi Yao herself."

She shook her head, "I suspect she may have awakened a powerful, latent Physique."

Chen Xuan nodded. Her assessment was plausible.

Many people possessed latent Physiques that remained hidden due to their immense power or complications at birth, only awakening under special and extreme circumstances.

Chi Yao, having just witnessed the destruction of her hometown and the death of her parents, certainly fit those criteria.

Unfortunately, Chen Xuan knew this wasn’t the case.

’I’ve already confirmed it. The System can detect latent Physiques, just as it identified the injuries in Xiao Huo’s Holy Body.’

’Since it claims Chi Yao has no such potential, then she really doesn’t. There must be another reason for this change.’

Out of habit, Chen Xuan activated the Heavenly Insight Eye while his divine sense swept over the unconscious girl.

But before he could reach her, his divine sense quickly retreated.

Chen Xuan’s pupils shrank. His shock was as deep as when he first met Huo Ling’er.

In his field of vision, the small, white cloud behind Chi Yao’s head had turned a gloomy, blood-red.

An illusory demonic phantom seemed to emerge from its depths, its limbs dripping with blood and surrounded by resentful spirits.

More importantly, Chi Yao’s System Panel had undergone a staggering transformation.

...

[Name: Chi Yao]

[Physique: Mortal Body (Low-Grade)]

[Cultivation: Qi Refining (Late)]

[Technique: Basic Water Control Art (1st Level)]

[Talent Rating: 8.5 Stars]

[Evaluation: The target’s talent is extraordinary! She is a destined True Immortal and a natural prodigy in demonic arts. The Host is heavily encouraged to accept her as his disciple!]

[Secrets: The reborn Demon Empress. She once oppressed the entire Immortal Realm and silenced the Forbidden Area for millennia. Reborn in this life and having awakened the memories of her previous existence, she is determined to seek revenge against her former enemies!]