In the blink of an eye, over a month had passed.

In the Myriad Transformations Holy Land, Yuan Gang was overjoyed when he saw Chu Kuang emerge from seclusion. “Congratulations, Junior Brother! Your cultivation has advanced another step!”

Yuan Gang had been accumulating power for a long time. Just a few days ago, with the help of the Holy Land's resources, he had finally stepped into the Divine Connection realm. And yet, he still couldn't see through Chu Kuang's depths.

With an elusive and unfathomable aura, Chu Kuang seemed to be both in the Spirit Profound realm and the Divine Connection realm.

Chu Kuang nodded confidently, his composure fully restored. “The effect is good. This Myriad Transformations Spirit Pool is indeed a rare treasure. Cultivation within it rivals the effects of divine essence itself. It truly is a great fortune!”

Yuan Gang was both envious and curious. “Such a treasure must be extremely scarce even within the Holy Land, yet the Holy Master actually gave it to you to aid your breakthrough. He truly values you highly!”

Chu Kuang smiled but did not answer. It was only natural, as the Holy Master fully grasped his true identity. That day, after a secret discussion, they had immediately struck a deal.

Chu Kuang would serve as Holy Son for a hundred years, bearing the pressure of the younger generation from other factions, enhancing the Holy Land’s prestige and strengthening its foundation. In return, the Holy Land would provide him with resources to help him return to the Saint realm. It was a win-win.

Chu Kuang said again, “Actually, the Myriad Transformations Spirit Pool isn't much. The true great opportunity, the great fortune, is the Dao Bell.”

From the mouth of the Holy Master himself, Chu Kuang had confirmed that the bell was about to appear within the next three to five days. He also learned that the heaven’s workings had shifted, rendering his past predictions useless. Although he was somewhat curious, he didn't dwell on it. The ways of heaven were vast and obscure. Even at the Saint realm, one was still an ant. There were too many things one couldn't see through.

Chu Kuang took a deep breath. “In my previous life, I made the Dao Bell ring six times. In this life, I am confident I can make it ring eight times!”

Yuan Gang sighed. “Now that’s what you call a heaven-defying prodigy!”

Chu Kuang glanced at him. “You're not bad either, Senior Brother. In my opinion, you can make it ring five or six times. Yang Lin and Meng Xing are the same. What a shame. With proper nurturing, those two could’ve become capable assistants in the future. But it doesn't matter. These Holy Son candidates are also exceptionally outstanding. I can use them!”

The Myriad Transformations Spirit Pool was originally part of the reward for the Holy Son. Now that it was given to Chu Kuang in advance, the group of Holy Son candidates were dissatisfied and challenged him in succession, only to be crushed into submission.

Yuan Gang suddenly asked, “What about Gu Han?”

Chu Kuang's tone held a hint of mockery. “As a Dual Supreme Stage, he does have some skill, but that's all! Six to seven rings is his limit. Once my cultivation advances greatly, it will be time to settle the score!”

Yuan Gang seemed to suddenly think of something. “In my opinion, with Senior Brother Luo's talent and aptitude, he should be able to match you!”

His reverence and fervor toward Luo Wushuang seemed to have seeped into his marrow. Even after learning Chu Kuang's true identity, he still didn't hold back his praise for Luo Wushuang.

Still, Chu Kuang was mindful of his status and did not refute him. Yet in his heart, he felt some disdain. Even if that madman had some peculiarities, how amazing could he be? At best, six to seven rings!

Yuan Gang sighed again. “The glorious curtain is about to rise!”

Chu Kuang stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with arrogance. “In this life, I shall reign supreme!”

***

In the Murong family estate, Yang Lan looked at Yang Ying with concern as he prepared to leave. “Brother, be careful!”

Yang Ying dotingly ruffled her hair. “Don't worry. I'm just taking him to find some things. The places we're going aren't dangerous. Keep those resources and liquid treasure I gave you safe. And that cultivation technique, try not to let outsiders see you practicing it. Work hard. I'll test your cultivation when I get back.”

Yang Lan rolled her eyes. “When did you become so naggy?”

Yang Ying hesitated for a moment, his eyes becoming highly alert. “And keep your distance from that Jiang guy! You're getting too close!”

Yang Lan blushed bright red. “Hey!”

Just then, a lovely middle-aged woman answered, “Ying'er, you go ahead. I will keep an eye on her.”

Her cultivation had barely reached the Meridian Opening realm. Although she was not very old, fine lines had already formed at the corners of her eyes, and strands of silver had begun to appear in her hair. Yet, from her speech and demeanor, one could still vaguely see the grace of her youth. She was Yang Ying's mother.

She advised solemnly, “And this time, help him well. We owe him far too much.”

Of course, the one she referred to was Gu Han. Without him, the circumstances of their mother and children would likely be the complete opposite of what they were now.

Yang Ying smiled. “I know, Mother.”

He respectfully bowed to the woman and strode away.

Watching him leave, Yang Lan was full of curiosity. “Mother, he seems different from before.” 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

In just that short while, Yang Ying had smiled several times. In the past, this was simply unimaginable. In fact, with the Yang family's destruction, the heavy stone pressing on Yang Ying's heart had also disappeared. Recently, it had been the happiest, most blissful period of his life.

The woman's eyes teared up as her heart ached. “All these years, Ying'er had suffered the most...”

Not long after Yang Ying walked out, the ground trembled violently. Immediately after, a loud, booming voice came over.

“Senior Brother, hurry up! Yang guy is sneaking off to find Brother Gu. He's definitely cooking up some bad idea again! Exploring a secret realm? Or picking a fight? Count me in!”

Yang Ying stopped in his tracks and smiled wryly. As expected, I couldn't hide it from her at all. But going together doesn't seem bad either...?

***

In the Fengwu Court, Zuo Yang appeared heavy and stern, vastly different from his usual calm composure.

After hesitating for a long while, he couldn't hold back and looked at Yu Miao, who was eating heartily. “Junior Sister, has my culinary skill regressed?”

Yu Miao wolfed down the beast meat without restraint, her usual gentle and ladylike image officially on leave.

She was momentarily stunned by the question. “Hmm? No, it's the same as before.”

Zuo Yang scratched his head as he glanced at Gu Tian, who stood quietly nearby. He was full of distress, his demonic qi rising and falling intermittently. Then why won't Fellow Daoist Gu eat?!

Half a month ago, Gu Tian had returned from his tribulation. This time, he didn’t get lost and successfully made his way here by relying on his memory. Apart from slaughter and Gu Han, there were no other emotions left in his heart. How could he be tempted by delicious food?

Zuo Yang sighed and took another look at the small thatched hut in the distance. “Ah Sha isn't eating either...”

In the past, whenever he displayed his culinary skills, Ah Sha would have been the first to rush out, drooling. Now, there wasn't the slightest movement, as if these delicacies had lost all appeal to her.

Learning from this painful lesson, Zuo Yang was determined. “This is unacceptable! Culinary skill is like sailing against the current. You either advance or retreat. I need to progress! I need to break through!”

***

Inside the thatched hut, Gu Han sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. A faint layer of spirit essence surrounded him, fluctuating incessantly. He seemed about to step into the next realm at any moment. His cultivation had reached the ninth stage of the Spirit Profound realm.

Just like before, Ah Sha sat with her chin in her hands, staring at him blankly without blinking. Even she couldn’t explain why. Instinctively, she just wanted to carve everything about him into her mind and even her bones, lest one day she forgot him.

***

Inside the consciousness space, Gu Han frowned deeply after hearing the black shadow's explanation. “The Myriad Transformations Heavenly Demon Physique?”

He had been brooding over the matter of the demoness. He just never expected to get this kind of answer.

The shadow's tone held a rare trace of gravity. “It’s an infinitely profound cultivation technique, which transforms the body into myriad forms. Of course, the change is not limited to appearance. Even one’s inner self and the aura of the soul can be fundamentally altered. Others have no way to distinguish it. It is a true demonic path holy scripture, reserved for demonic cultivators who walk the path of the Heavenly Demon. Huh... it seems I’ve underestimated this little demon!”

Gu Han grew even more worried. “How am I supposed to deal with her?”

“Stay vigilant!”

“What do you mean?!”

The shadow spread his hands. “There are some ways. Either overwhelm her with strength like me, or have a natural advantage over her, but you can't do either.”

Gu Han frowned.

The shadow said seriously, “Remember, be wary of any strangers who approach you with ulterior motives. Stay vigilant at all times. The method might be crude, but it's the only thing you can do!”

Gu Han appeared helpless. For now, that’s the only way...

Setting aside his thoughts, he asked again, “By the way, how exactly does one cultivate the Divine Connection realm’s Supreme Stage?”

This was the second purpose of his visit today. His soul power was immense, and he had no idea how far it surpassed that of his peers. Once he stepped into the Divine Connection realm, his cultivation rate would likely far exceed everyone's imagination. Nine levels in one day wasn't impossible!