Guided by Xiao Yu, the three of them left the courtyard.

Some distance away from the main entrance of Xiao Yu’s mansion, a few people were eyeing the three of them as they left and held a discussion in soft voices.

“The three of them left together! We’ll go back and report to Young Master Hua Ling. You guys follow them and keep a close eye on them!”

“Yes!” Several people followed after Nie Li’s group.

Nie Li and the other two continued walking the road.

“There seems to be someone following behind us,” Lu Piao said to Nie Li in a soft voice.

Xiao Yu, who was next to him, smiled as he said, “They’re a bunch of clowns. Pay no attention to them. Within the Skysoul Institute, they won’t be able to do anything to us. If we were headed either of the other two testing grounds, perhaps they’d be able to cause some trouble for us. But inside the Saint Soul Grounds, they can just dream of it!”

As the three of them headed towards the Saint Soul Grounds, parties from various factions were already focusing their attentions on their actions.

At the south side of the Skysoul Institute was a valley that was part of a mountain range. The plants and trees that flourished here, reaching sizes that would require several people holding hands to encircle a single trunk. Hundreds of people were gathered in the wide field that served as the entrance of the valley, forming a sea of heads that bobbed back and forth. At the center of this crowd was a huge stone tablet dozens of meters tall that sparkled with a dazzling luster. On the top of this tablet was a line of ancient text that said ‘Saint Soul Board’.

“Over there is the Saint Soul Board. Only students who place within the top two hundred inside the Saint Soul Grounds are listed on the Saint Soul Board.”

The surface of the tablet was densely packed with names. Nie Li swept a quick glance over the list and actually saw some familiar names. That Long Yuyin from the Dragonseal Family was ranked tenth while Jin Yan of the Jin Clan was ranked twenty-third. Hua Ling was also included in the list, ranking sixty-seventh. Xiao Yu’s love rival, Yan Hao ranked one hundred twenty-first. Huang Ying was ranked in the one hundred thirty-seventh spot.

As for Gu Bei, he wasn’t listed at all. However, after considering it for a bit, it also made sense. Gu Bei was concealing his strength and biding for time; therefore, he definitely won’t reveal his strength so casually.

Nie Li knitted his brows as he inquired, “The Saint Soul Board isn’t ranked in terms of strength?”

If it had been based on strength, then the ranking definitely wouldn’t be like this. At least Hua Ling was currently stronger than Long Yuyin and Jin Yan by a little. However, he was also a lot older than Long Yuyin and Jin Yan.

“It’s not ranked in terms of personal strength, but their soul’s ability to communicate with the Heaven and Earth energies. To cultivate Heavenly Energy, one must communicate with both Heaven and Earth, thus obtaining energy from them. Under normal circumstances, those with stronger cultivations would be better at communicating, but that’s not an absolute rule. Some with extraordinary talent can break through their boundaries. Let’s take the top ten for example. Long Yuyin only reached her position a short while long ago.” Xiao Yu explained.

Nie Li skimmed over the board attentively. “A competition in terms of one’s ability to communicate with Heaven and Earth?”

“The Saint Soul Grounds is a mysterious place; it’s a spiritual well with extremely rich Heavenly Energy. Those who cultivate here can strengthen their ability to communicate with Heaven and Earth. However, due to the limited space, each student is only allowed to enter and cultivate for two hours a month. Those who rank within the top two hundred can cultivate for at least six hours; the closer you are to the top, the longer you’ll be allowed to cultivate.”

This Saint Soul Grounds was actually the location of a spiritual well. The effects would indeed be vast if one cultivated inside a spiritual well.

Xiao Yu continued his explanation. “Aside from that, those who are ranked towards the top receive a reward at the end of every year. The reward comes in the form of spiritual stones, elixirs and artifacts. The one who ranks first receives a Grade 5 Artifact, five spiritual stone essences, an Extraordinary growth rate demon spirit of a dragon bloodline, and a rare bottle of Demon Soul’s Essence Elixir! Those who rank among the top 5 receive a Grade 4 Artifact, three spiritual stone essences, an Excellent growth rate demon spirit of a dragon bloodline, and one thousand spiritual stones…”

At Xiao Yu’s words, a trace of light flashed across Nie Li’s eyes. Within the Skysoul Institute, a Grade 5 Artifact was already extremely pricy, worth at least five to six thousand spiritual stones. The effect of a single spiritual stone essence was at least equivalent to five hundred spiritual stones. Not to mention an Extraordinary growth rate demon spirit with a dragon bloodline wasn’t something easily obtainable, even outside the institute. As for the Demon Soul’s Essence, it was also an extremely rare item that could be used to refine the demon spirit.

Lu Piao’s eyes lit up as he enquired, “If we can place in the first seat on this board, then doesn’t mean that we’d be able to obtain those rewards every year?”

“That’s true. However, the top-five reward can only be claimed once by each person. Once you claim the reward, you must withdraw from the Saint Soul Board’s competition.” Xiao Yu continued, “The top five rewards are the hardest to obtain, and are also the most generous. Everyone’s been drooling at it for a long time. There’s still a month left before the cutoff point for this year.”

‘So the top-five reward can only be claimed once…” Inwardly, Lu Piao found it a pity. However, he was already filled with expectations towards the Saint Soul Grounds. Secretly, he guessed at what number he’d be able to obtain; after all, he was a 5-grade Heaven Spiritual Root genius! Lu Piao couldn’t help thinking of himself with a little narcissism.

Nie Li eyed the Saint Soul Board again. Indeed, it could be a shortcut for obtaining more cultivating resources. Although he could obtain spiritual stones through treating others’ illnesses, that method was, without a doubt, very time-consuming. Furthermore, not every client would be as generous as Gu Bei.

Now that the entire Skysoul Institute was aware that he possessed an 8-grade Heaven Spiritual Root, Nie Li no longer cared whether others find out even more about him.

Before a sect declines, there would always be signs. Take the Divine Feathers Sect for example. At that time, the internal fights between factions were already very severe; however, they were still somewhat controllable. There were still many rules in the Skysoul Institute that no one dared to cross.

Therefore, no matter how extraordinary Nie Li’s talent was, he’d still be safe within the Skysoul Institution.

After he thought it over a bit, Nie Li said, “Let’s go in and give it a try!”

If he could obtain a top-five reward, then he’d be able to step into the Heavenly Fate Realm sooner.

Nie Li, Xiao Yu, and Lu Piao followed a zigzag path into the Saint Soul Grounds.

When they saw Nie Li’s group enter the Saint Soul Grounds, the group that had been following them from a distance exchanged glances.

“I never expected them to enter the Saint Soul Grounds!”

“Among the three testing grounds, the Saint Soul Grounds is the safest. They’re probably afraid; that’s why they won’t dare enter the two other testing grounds!”

“At the very most, they’ll only be able to stay in there for two hours, so they’ll be out soon. I doubt they won’t give the other two testing grounds a try!”

Rapidly, the news spread that Nie Li, Xiao Yu, and Lu Piao had entered the Saint Soul Grounds. Everyone was paying attention to the two newcomers’ performances. As for Xiao Yu, they didn’t expect much, since even after so many years, he hadn’t been able to charge into the Saint Soul Board’s listings. Therefore, he probably won’t show many results in this attempt either.

Skysoul Institute, Yan Hao’s courtyard

“Young Master Yan, Xiao Yu has entered the Saint Soul Grounds!”

Yan Hao had been holding a book of records as the corner of his mouth curled into a chilly smile upon receiving his underling’s report. “For five years now, Xiao Yu hasn’t been able to enter the top two hundred of the Saint Soul Board. He probably won’t be able to enter this time either!”

“But…Young Miss Huang Ying seems to have run into the Saint Soul Grounds as well!”

At the words of his underling, Yan Hao’s face instantly turned green and he was no longer in the mood to read his book. He slapped the book on the table, stood up, and said, “We’ll go and take a look at the Saint Soul Grounds!”





Chapter 277: Master


Inside the Saint Soul Grounds

This place was encircled by mountains and filled with chirping birds and the scent of flowers, forming a picturesque landscape.

At the center of the Saint Soul Grounds stood a majestic altar. On each of the altar’s four sides was a flight of steps that led to the top and at the top, there was also a wide open platform. On the flight of steps where many people sat, cultivating, but none could step foot on the altar’s peak.

Xiao Yu explained as he walked in the altar’s direction. “Inside this spiritual well, Earth and Heavenly Fate Realm experts can obtain great benefits towards their cultivation. There are a total of one hundred ninety-nine flights of steps. The stronger an individual’s ability to communicate with the Heaven and Earth, the closer he or she can approach to the altar’s peak. On the contrary, if an individual’s ability to communicate with Heaven and Earth is weak, then they won’t be able to take even a single step. If they try, they’ll suffer a great backlash.”

Every step was as distant as a journey towards the Heavenly Dao. Only by overcoming great difficulties can one make progress.

Suddenly, the students on the platform spotted Xiao Yu’s group.

“Isn’t that the Xiao Yu with the 7-grade Heaven Spiritual Root?”

“I heard that he couldn’t even make it up to the fifth step. Is that true?”

“Yeah, it’s a fact that he couldn’t even make it up to the fifth step!”

Several students mocked in low voices.

However, Xiao Yu paid no attention to those students; he was already used to being mocked by others. As far as he was concerned, he just have to bother about himself and there was no need to care about the views of others.

Xiao Yu looked at his companions and said, “Nie Li, Lu Piao, I’ll head up first and start cultivating!”

He headed towards the flight of steps. First step, second step…

At the fifth step, a trace of astonishment flashed through Xiao Yu’s eyes. In the past, every time he reached the fifth step, he would feel a heavy pressure that made every movement difficult. But this time, when he reached the fifth step, he still felt as if he was only lifting light weights.

He took another step up, the sixth, seventh…

“How is that possible? Xiao Yu actually made it to the sixth step?”

The other students looked at Xiao Yu in astonishment. In the past, Xiao Yu could only make it to the fifth step and was stopped there; however, today, he was able to make it up the sixth step. This fact stunned them a little.

They watched as Xiao Yu climbed higher, step by step. The heights that were unreachable to Xiao Yu in the past looked so easy right now.

Several students that sat cultivating around the thirtieth step, watched as Xiao Yu approached and instantly felt fidgety and uneasy. Why did Xiao Yu’s ability to communicate with Heaven and Earth suddenly rise to such a level? This new development left them utterly shocked.

Xiao Yu glanced at those students and brushed past them as he continued upwards.

Those students were left dumbfounded as they watched Xiao Yu’s figure move further and further away. As they thought of all the things they’d said when they mocked Xiao Yu earlier, they felt their faces burn. As far as other people were concerned, they were merely jokes! Xiao Yu didn’t even give them a decent look!

Nie Li and Lu Piao also set their feet on the flight of steps.

The instant Nie Li’s foot landed on the first step, he felt a majestic energy blowing towards him and his Soul Realm surged. This spiritual well was indeed extraordinary.

Nie Li ascended as he communicated and harmonized with this energy bit by bit. On his way up, he realised that his strength was like a mere droplet of water in the vast sea of the spiritual well.

The two figures slowly ascended, step by step.

Outside the Saint Soul Grounds

A commotion instantly arose as a new name materialised on the Saint Soul Board, at the two hundredth place.

“It’s Xiao Yu! Xiao Yu actually broke into the top two hundred!”

Once the various factions were made aware of this news, everyone was utterly astonished.

This was the first time that Xiao Yu made it into the top two hundred. In the past, no matter how many times he tried, he could never list his name on the Saint Soul Board.

“How is that possible?!” Hua Ling’s face turned dark as he stared at Xiao Yu’s name on the Saint Soul Board. A trace of murderous intent flashed through his eyes. The fact that Xiao Yu’s name appeared on the Saint Soul Board made him felt huge pressure.

Hua Ling and his men stared at the Saint Soul Board.

Yan Hao arrived after Hua Ling, glanced around the area, but couldn’t find Huang Ying. He raised his head and his pupils suddenly shrank when he saw Xiao Yu’s name on the Saint Soul Board.

“Xiao Yu, that trash, actually made it to the top two hundred of the Saint Soul Board? Just what’s going on?”

Yan Hao’s brows were tightly knitted together as he sensed a trace of abnormality. In the past, Xiao Yu could only pace back and forth on the lower steps of the Saint Soul Grounds, whereas reaching the top two hundred would require one to ascend to at least the fiftieth step. The difference between the former and the latter were simply too great.

Could it be…?

Did that Xiao Yu actually break through to the Heavenly Fate Realm?

Just as everyone was still in shock that Xiao Yu had managed to enter the top two hundred, his name began to charge forward on the Saint Soul Board. From the two hundredth position to one hundred ninety-ninth, his placing continued to increase.

Everyone’s attention was fixed on the Saint Soul Board as Xiao Yu’s ranking continued to change.

“How is this possible? Xiao Yu’s already in the one hundred sixties!”

“That’s impossible! How can he surpass me?!” Yan Hao was raging. In his eyes, Xiao Yu had always been a rubbish. But now, he’d actually been surpassed by that same rubbish!

At that moment, inside the Saint Soul Grounds, Xiao Yu continued to move upwards, slowly and confidently ascending step by step. Even he was astonished at his ability to communicate with Heaven and Earth. He was already in the nineties, but didn’t feel any pressure at all.

Xiao Yu was practising the [Myriad Dragonroars] cultivation technique. When he was in the Earth Fate Realm, his cultivation had always been suppressed; but the moment he made a breakthrough and stepped into the Heavenly Fate Realm, the [Myriad Dragonroars] cultivation technique finally revealed its frightening might and raised Xiao Yu’s cultivation by leaps and bounds.

Such a pace was simply unimaginable by ordinary cultivators!

Nie Li and Lu Piao followed behind. Nie Li raised his head and looked at Xiao Yu’s back. Xiao Yu was already on the ninety-somethingth flight while they were just in the thirties.

Suddenly, Nie Li suddenly noticed a beautiful girl, roughly sixteen or seventeen, sitting cross-legged on the one hundred seventy-somethingth step, cultivating. She was beautiful and wore a light cyan silk dress, with a white muslin robe over her shoulders that spread out on the ground like moonlight. Through this thin muslin robe, one could see the elegant line of her neck and her flawless collarbone.

Her hair was tied with a pink ribbon and a butterfly hairpin and she wore makeup. The skin on her cheeks was as tender and beautiful as flower petals. Under the faint glow of the spiritual well, her entire body glowed like clear snow.

This beauty was a masterpiece from gods. Compared to her, even Heaven and Earth looked dull.

This beauty, could even be described as ‘able to captivate even birds and beasts’.

Her eyes were closed as she cultivated, submerged in a kind of mysterious state, like a fairy who’d fallen asleep. With that holy appearance of hers, others wouldn’t dare to profane before her.

Regardless of who saw her, no one could help feeling ashamed and inferior compared to her.

On the steps not far away were many disciples, staring at her from a distance, not daring to approach her. Or perhaps, no one was able to stand shoulder to shoulder with her.

“How beautiful!” Lu Piao was dumbfounded as he stared and muttered. Among the girls who he’d seen, perhaps only Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning’er could compare to her.

However, at that moment, the glow from the spiritual well shined directly onto her, like a fairy who’d descended into the mortal realm. Even Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning’er would be a little inferior compared to her.

Nie Li stared at this girl in a daze as countless emotions and memories arose in his mind.

When they’d met in the previous life, Nie Li had suffered heavy injuries and had lost conscious by the riverside. She was the one who’d saved him. She’d always been unwilling to tell Nie Li her true name. She said that it was because she’d leave one day and it’d be better for him not to know, so that he’d be able to easily forget her. Back then, she appeared as a teenager but Nie Li was well aware that she’d already lived for a long time.

“I don’t know who or what is pursuing you, but right now, you’re grievously injured. Why don’t you accept me as your master and follow me back to the Divine Feathers Sect? There, I can teach you cultivation techniques.” The girl’s tender smile was as gentle as a spring breeze.

“Disciple, you can’t cultivate like this. If you want to communicate with Heaven and Earth, you must first put down the hatred in your heart! You must be as virtuous as water, for water does not compete. The heart must be like Heaven and Earth, so to achieve the greater Dao.”

Nie Li had never been able to reach the ‘virtuous as water’ realm that his master had spoken of.

He was just a commoner, partaking in the competition and deceptions of the world. He’d never been able to let it go and continued to make enemies everywhere.

——

“Disciple, even if you fight, what does it accomplish?”

“But Master, they called you a demoness! That is the root of everything! Saying that the blood flowing within you belongs to the demon clan!”

“Then is your Master a demoness in your heart?”

“No.”

“Then that’ll do. As for what others say, what can words do?”

——

“No Master, don’t leave me, you’re the only one I hold dear… ”

Her aura grew weaker. “Nie Li, I’ve said it before, I’ve already performed calculations on my fate with the Divine Fortune technique. You are the calamity of my destiny. My death are unrelated to them, promise me one thing. Don’t take vengeance against them. Let go of the hatred within you. Those who are lost will never be able to return. The more you are unresigned, the more you will lose. You must reach that ‘virtuous as water’ realm!”

“No…!” Nie Li painfully howled as he watched her slowly close her eyes and dissipate within his arms.

His master had always been the one paving the way for him in the Draconic Ruins Realm. But now, she’d quietly left the world and turned into an intangible breeze.

Nie Li fulfilled his Master’s last request and didn’t kill those people for vengeance. At the same time he had also protected the last of the fundamentals of the Divine Feathers Sect. However, her death had left a deep regret in his heart.

Even afterwards, Nie Li was never able to reach the ‘virtuous as water’ realm, never able to be like his master, distanced from worldly affairs.

——

In this life, Nie Li’s eyes were filled with tears upon seeing her again.

“Nie Li, what’s wrong with you?” Lu Piao looked at Nie Li dumbfoundedly. What’s going on with him? Why is he crying?

Nie Li shook his head. “It’s nothing.” Those memories were like a tidal wave, blurring his vision.





Chapter 278: Rank Change


Xiao Yu, who was walking in front of them, raised his head towards the fairy-like girl and was stunned. Even he couldn’t help sighing at such a beautiful girl who existed between Heaven and Earth. Suddenly, the girl opened her eyes. Those eyes of hers were like clear springs, piercing into others’ hearts.

The girl gave Xiao Yu a faint smile as she slowly walked down the stairs.

Her steps were light and graceful and her beautiful figure made people’s hearts beat wildly. Her clothes fluttered in the wind.

Everyone was staring at her, dumbfounded. Before her, the entire world seemed dull.

The girl walked past Xiao Yu and moved towards Nie Li and Lu Piao’s direction. Her clear eyes landed on Nie Li as she revealed a pure smile from the corner of her mouth and asked, “Nice to meet you, what’s your name? Do you know me?”

That piercing gaze seemed as though it could see through everything.

“I don’t,” Nie Li said as he shook his head. He remembered what his Master had once said, that he was the calamity of her life. Then, should he refrain from approaching her, to let her live her a peaceful life?

The girl looked at Nie Li in astonishment. Did he really not know her? Her brows were slightly knitted together. Although her cultivation wasn’t terribly high, she had walked the [Heaven’s Divination] path; therefore, she could calculate the destinies of those she met. However, Nie Li was the only exception. When she tried to calculate his destiny, all she saw was a muddled chaos.

Why did Nie Li’s gaze look as though he’d known her for a so long? That expression didn’t seem to be fake.

The girl vaguely sensed something strange, as though she’d seen Nie Li somewhere before.

She pursed her lips and smiled. “My name is Ying Yueru. What’s your name?”

Nie Li was slightly stunned. In his previous life, when he was cultivating with his Master in the valley of the Divine Feathers Sect, his Master never mentioned her name before. So, why did she take the initiative to tell a stranger her name in this life?

When they saw that the girl had taken the initiative to speak to Nie Li, the surrounding disciples all had jealousy written all over their faces. They’d already been paying attention to her for a long time, but no one dared to approach her. They only looked at her from afar. They never imagined that she would actually take the initiative to approach Nie Li.

After pondering for a brief moment, Nie Li answered honestly. “My name is Nie Li!”

“Nie Li, Nie Li…” Ying Yueru muttered with her brows slightly knitted and continued, “Why does that name seem so little familiar? It’s as though I’ve heard it somewhere before.”

Nie Li raised his head and stared at her. Where could his Master have heard his name from before?

“Nevermind, I can’t remember anymore.” Ying Yueru shook her head and smiled so sweetly that the bystanders were dazed just from looking at her.

Xiao Yu, who was scaling the hundred steps, turned back. When he saw that Nie Li and Ying Yueru were chatting happily, he slightly paused his steps, and hesitated on the spot before he turned around and walked towards Nie Li and Lu Piao’s direction.

“Nie Li, what’s going on? Do you know her?” Xiao Yu glanced at Ying Yueru with a wary expression as he transmitted his voice over to Nie Li, “People in the Divine Feathers Sect are complicated. The origins of this girl are unknown, so you have to be careful.”

At Xiao Yu’s words, Nie Li only smiled in reply. Although in this life, Ying Yueru didn’t know him, Nie Li was well aware of this person. Her heart was pure and kind and she was always the one willing to be hurt instead of hurting others.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. She won’t be a threat to us.” Nie Li smiled as he transmitted his reply back Xiao Yu.

“You’ve only just met her, yet you’re certain that she doesn’t have any ill intentions?” Xiao Yu’s furrowed his brows as he spoke in an unhappy tone.

“Yes,” Nie Li honestly replied as he nodded.

When he saw that Nie Li’s eyes were glued to that girl, without knowing why, Xiao Yu felt frustration in his heart as he said in an infuriated tone, “Since you trust her so much, then it’s none of my business!”

Xiao Yu turned around, ignoring Nie Li, and continued moving upwards.

Looking at Xiao Yu’s figure, Nie Li was a little puzzled in his heart. What’s wrong with him?

Ying Yueru glanced at Xiao Yu as he turned to go, and revealed a meaningful smile on her face. Her eyes turned back to Nie Li as she pursed her lips and smiled, “It appears that your friend doesn’t welcome me. However, I’ve remembered your name, Nie Li. I believe that we’ll meet again before long!”

Ying Yueru had a light and calm smile on her face as she proceeded down the altar. That charming figure of hers attracted everyone’s gaze, fixing them onto herself.

That’s just how elegant she was!

The surrounding disciples all watched Ying Yueru leave before retracting their gazes and glared at Nie Li with enmity. Many of them had already taken notice of Ying Yueru, but they’d all sensed that her identity was definitely not simple. Those who were able to reach the one hundred thirty-somethingth step were not ordinary people!

Many of them couldn’t help feeling inferior whenever they looked at Ying Yueru, forget trying to hit on her. However, Nie Li had actually held a conversation with the goddess of their hearts; this made them deeply jealous.

Lu Piao looked at Nie Li and bitterly said, “Nie Li, it seems that you’ve become public enemy number one!”

Aside from that, Lu Piao didn’t understand how Nie Li was able to make such a beautiful goddess strike a conversation with him. Could it be that there’s some treasure concealed on Nie Li’s body that attracts goddesses?

“Don’t bother about them. There’s no need to be bothered by another’s gaze or mockery. You just need to worry about yourself, as you have to believe that those who’re more outstanding than you will never pay any attention to you,” Nie Li said as he moved higher on the flight of stairs.

Lu Piao pondered over Nie Li’s words for a brief moment and realised that it made more sense the more he thought about it. Why would Nie Li say such philosophical words? However, he still quickened his steps and continued up the stairs.

Xiao Yu held his breath as he moved to one hundred twentieth step. When he wanted to move higher, he found he was unable to accomplish it, no matter what. It seemed that his ability to communicate with Heaven and Earth was a little inferior to that girl’s. Although he was a little unresigned, he could only stop ascending.

Xiao Yu turned his head back and glanced at Nie Li and Lu Piao, feeling a little annoyed in his heart. Nie Li had just met that girl today and he was already trying to speak on her behalf. He couldn’t help snorting as he sat down cross-legged on the platform and began his cultivation.

Outside the Saint Soul Grounds

The crowd had already broken out in a commotion.

“How is that possible? Xiao Yu is actually ranked eleventh!”

“Is there some mistake in this?! A few of you go into the Saint Soul Grounds and take a look. This is basically impossible! Is Xiao Yu using some sort of underhand trick?” Hua Ling roared in anger. He never expected Xiao Yu’s ranking to soar all the way ahead of his own!

How did trash like Xiao Yu accomplish this?!

Hua Ling was extremely frustrated. He’d always had a vague fear of Xiao Yu; after all, Xiao Yu was a 7-grade Heaven Spiritual Root and who knew when that unimaginable talent of his would burst forth? Now, all of his fears had come true, agitating him to the point that he had the urge to kill someone.

At that moment, Yan Hao, who stood some distance away, saw Xiao Yu’s name on the Saint Soul Board and was utterly stunned. Xiao Yu’s name had become an unreachable existence. Even at his best, he’d only reached the one hundred and twenty-first ranking. Even then, he’d be easily been pulled down. But Xiao Yu managed to climb to the eleventh spot! That was a height that he’d never be able to reach!

From past records, those who’d entered the top twenty had all become powerful experts when they’d grown up, becoming existences who could control a region of the Divine Feathers Sect!

There was suddenly a wide gap between Xiao Yu and himself!

Yan Hao was a little dazed. In the past, he’d always thought of Xiao Yu as rubbish, a pretty boy with only good looks. Now, it turns out that Yan Hao himself was the real rubbish! How could he compete against Xiao Yu?

Suddenly, another voice sounded from the side.

“Look, two new guys have entered the Saint Soul Board!”

“Nie Li and Lu Piao? Those two seem to be from the Tiny World!”

Everyone’s gazes turned to the Saint Soul Board. Nie Li and Lu Piao’s rankings were constantly rising. Lu Piao’s name stopped when it reached the eighty-sixth spot, but Nie Li’s rank continued moving up.

“Good heavens! He managed to send Young Master Jin Yan down a rank!”

Everyone had their eyes glued to the Saint Soul Board as Nie Li’s rank stopped at sixteen.

Everyone held their breath as they watched those two names rise so high on the Saint Soul Board. Nie Li and Lu Piao were still newcomers from this year, unlike Long Yuyin and Jin Yan who had prominent families behind them. Yet they still managed to reach such heights; were they not going to give a chance to other people?

People from the Tiny World were simply too frightening!

One ranked eleventh and one was sixteenth. Not to mention that they’d just joined the board. If they were to continue their cultivation, who knew when they’ll be able to make great leaps forward? If they were able to step within the top ten, it’d be defying the heavens.

Top ten, just how many people have dreamed of that!

Furthermore, the rewards for being in the top ten was enough to make anyone drool over.

The experts who could be ranked in the top ten were all absolute, powerful geniuses. Once they made it into the top ten, they’d even attract the attention of the institute’s higher ups.

Jin Clan

Jin Yan was currently training as he’s practised his demon spirit battle techniques.

A servant hurried in. “Young Master, I have bad news.”

Jin Yan frowned his brows for a brief moment as he asked in a solemn voice, “What happened?”

“Young Master, someone has managed to get ahead of you on the Saint Soul Board and your rank has dropped to the twenty-fifth.”

“Get ahead of me? Who is it?” Jin Yan appeared to be very calm. After all, it was normal for rank changes to occur; therefore, he was just purely curious.

“One called Xiao Yu, ranked at eleventh and the other is Nie Li, ranked at sixteenth!” the servant reported.

“Nie Li?” Jin Yan furrowed his brows for a moment. He never expected that Nie Li, someone from the same class, would get ahead of him. He was fine with being ranked beneath Long Yuyin; after all, he was aware that he couldn’t compete with her and could only consider himself number two. But now, the fact that he’d been surpassed by Nie Li made him a little frustrated.

Jin Yan’s gaze went cold. He had to go to the Saint Soul Grounds to cultivate, no matter what. He has to step over Nie Li, and leave Nie Li beneath his own feet!





Chapter 279: Long Yuyin


Dragonseal Family

Long Yuyin also received news that Nie Li and Xiao Yu had both reached the sixteenth and eleventh rank on the Saint Soul Board, respectively.

She didn’t care much about Xiao Yu; instead, she was rather interested in Nie Li, who had come from the Tiny World without any background. Not to mention that his cultivating resources were limited. However, the fact that he’d risen to such a height on the Saint Soul Board made Long Yuyin feel an intense challenge.

Ever since she was young, she’d always been the most outstanding among her age group. She’d never felt challenged before.

She stood up and walked out. Back then, she didn’t hold Nie Li with much regard. It was only now that she genuinely placed him in high value.

Right now, she wore tight clothes that perfectly drew the outline of her impressive figure. On her slim waist hung a long sword. Her slender legs were filled with vigour. That cold expression of her’s would make others feel a suffocating pressure.

Although she had a face that could be said to be perfect, her name was sufficient to make all the boys of her age scared shitless.

A handsome youth that looked sixteen or seventeen walked over and asked her, “Ying’er, where are you going?”

“Hu Yong, do you want me to waste you again?” Long Yuyin snorted as her sharp expression swept over the youth.

The youth was frightened by her words and cringed. He couldn’t refrain from closing his legs tighter.

At the sight of this, Long Yuyin coldly said, “a piece of trash like you wants to marry me? If you want to marry me, beat me in a fight, first!”

Finishing her words, Long Yuyin walked off, and her figure disappeared through the entrance.

The youth could only helplessly watch Long Yuyin leave. Beat Long Yuyin? How was that possible? There was no one their age who could accomplish that!

The entrance of the Saint Soul Grounds was bustling with activity as heads moved about.

The most popular topic of discussion was the fact that Nie Li and Xiao Yu had recently raced onto the Saint Soul Board, to such high ranks. This fact astonished them. Lu Piao’s results could also have been considered outstanding, but comparatively, he’d been overshadowed by Nie Li and Xiao Yu.

“Ranked eleventh on the Saint Soul Board. Is Xiao Yu really trash? It’s unimaginable!”

“Could he have made his breakthrough to the Heavenly Fate Realm?’

“Where is this Nie Li from? Why haven’t we heard of this name before?!”

“Where did these people suddenly appear from?!”

As everyone talked amongst themselves, someone suddenly said, “Long Yuyin is here!”

At that, the crowd quickly parted in two as everyone turned to look in fear at a girl with a fiery figure and an icy face. Although Long Yuyin appeared extremely charming, everyone only gave her a stealthy glance before shifting their gazes immediately.

Is that a joke? No one wants to provoke such a frightening girl! She was someone who’d crippled her own fiancé!

Aside from her own cultivation strength, the her body was also extremely strong. She was of the Blood Dragon lineage, and the fact that she was from an unreachable family made Long Yuyin an existence that everyone could only admire from below. On the Saint Soul Board, she was the only one who’d ever entered the top ten as a newcomer.

Long Yuyin’s gaze fell on the Saint Soul Board and she narrowed her eyes before walking towards the Saint Soul Grounds.

“Long Yuyin has entered the Saint Soul Grounds!”

“I heard that Young Master Jin Yan has also entered!”

“Now, this will be interesting!”

When Han Jing, Wang Yang, and his group heard the news, they also rushed to the Saint Soul Grounds. They had never entered the Saint Soul Grounds before; therefore, they also followed the others who went inside.

Inside the Saint Soul Grounds, Nie Li sat on the one hundred twenty-first step as he communicated with the Heavenly Dao and gained insights on the mysteries of Heaven and Earth.

Above the one hundred twentieth step, he could sense a repelling energy. In every step he took, he felt an intense pressure on his Soul Realm. If he continued moving up, his Soul Realm might even explode; therefore, Nie Li didn’t dare to continue on.

The Soul Realm within his body revolved as Heavenly Energy entered.

Nie Li continuously absorbed the Heavenly Energy and allowed his body to saturate in it, refining it bit by bit to make it his own.

The Soul Realm within his body was like a vortex that sucked in the surrounding Heavenly Energy.

At the same time, in another part of the Skysoul Institute, several experts chatted as they sat around a stone table.

One of the grey-robed experts said with a light smile, “There are quite a few from this batch with decent talents. Take Long Yuyin of the Dragonseal Family for example. She has the Blood Dragon lineage, a 7-grade Heaven Spiritual Root, and ranks in the top ten at all three testing grounds.” This man’s name was Nanmen Tianhai, an Elder of the Skysoul Institute who was in charge of various affairs.

Another white-robed expert smiled as he said, “Long Yuyin is the number one genius of the Dragonseal Family, that’s for certain.” This man’s name was Huang Yu, also one of the elders. “That newcomer named Nie Li is also pretty decent. He’s already made it to the sixteenth position on the Saint Soul Board!”

Nanmen Tianhai casually smiled. “Indeed, the two from the Tiny World this year are pretty decent. Even Xiao Yu seems to have made a breakthrough.”

Huang Yu smiled. “The most impressive thing is that the youth named Nie Li made such a performance without any background or resources like the Dragonseal Family. It seems that the East District will gain a few more people this year!”

They were paying great attention to the situation within Skysoul Institution; therefore, they grasped the performances of all the geniuses. Nie Li and Lu Piao were undoubtedly among those geniuses. In their eyes, those two could definitely become part of the group that would be given extra attention and nurtured.

Within the Saint Soul Grounds

Xiao Yu, Nie Li, and Lu Piao were all deeply focused in their training. This spiritual well would greatly benefit their strength. Furthermore, they could only remain in the Saint Soul Grounds for a limited amount of time, so all the more reason to focus as hard as they could. Those who could make it into the top twenty could remain in the Saint Soul Grounds for up to three days a month, at most.

Below the altar, at the fifty-fifth step, Huang Ying looked to the distant Xiao Yu, her eyes dazzling.

“Indeed! I haven’t made a mistake in my judgement. Big brother Xiao Yu’s talent is the strongest!” A scarlet color brushed over her face. Instead of focusing on her cultivation, she directed all of her attention to Xiao Yu.

After looking at Xiao Yu and giving a furious glance at Huang ying, Yan Hao started moving up, step by step. However, when he reached the fifty-sixth step, he couldn’t move any further.

“How can I lose to that trash?!” Yan Hao was furious as he tried to force himself up another step. When his feet landed on the fifty-seventh step, a powerful backlash slammed into him.

*Boom!*

He felt a strong impact against his Soul Realm, instantly spat a fresh mouthful of blood, flew backwards, and landed heavily on the ground some distance away.

This was the fate of those who had insufficient strength and yet still wanted to resist the Heavenly Dao!

Yan Hao tightly clenched his fist and heavily punched the ground. No matter how unresigned he was in his heart, there was nothing he could do.

When the bystanding disciples saw Yan Hao spit blood as he flew away, they couldn’t help looking at him with pity in their eyes. This was the result of trying to show off. If your talent is insufficient, then you should just obediently cultivate. Why try to force your way up?

“Look, that’s Jin Yan!”

“What? Even Long Yuyin, who is ranked in the top ten, has entered!”

Everyone’s attention was instantly focused on the entrance of the Saint Soul Grounds, attracted by Long Yuyin’s tight outfit. But a brief moment later, they immediately shifted their gazes, lowered their heads, and returned to their own cultivation for fear that they’d be noticed by Long Yuyin.

Long Yuyin ignored those around her and moved up the altar. Her eyes landed on Xiao Yu and Nie Li, who were cultivating. Since these two were actually challenging her position, she definitely wouldn’t give either of them a chance!

She wanted to tell both of them who the real genius was around here!

Jin Yan, who stood to the side, gave Long Yuyin a glance. He didn’t expect Long Yuyin to come too. As he recalled of her frightening talent, Jin Yan couldn’t help feeling a little helpless. He was confident that he’d be able to make Nie Li fall beneath him, but when he was faced the strong Long Yuyin, he didn’t stand a single chance.

Nie Li quietly cultivated as his communication with Heaven and Earth became more and more smooth. The vine in his Soul Realm was like a vortex as it constantly absorbed the Heavenly Energy.

At that moment, the two disciples seated not far from Nie Li couldn’t help knitting their brows together and opened their eyes.

As they cultivated beside Nie Li, they sensed that the surrounding Heavenly Energy was becoming thin and couldn’t help to looking at Nie Li in astonishment.

Just what was this guy cultivating? This was simply too abnormal! The surrounding Heavenly Energy had nearly been completely sucked dry by Nie Li!

If they were to continue their cultivation here, their speed would be greatly affected.

The two disciples stood up and moved away from him, so that they wouldn’t be affected by him.

Nie Li could sense that his cultivation was continuously rising. Currently, he was a 5-star Legend rank. After coming to the Draconic Ruins Realm, the speed of his cultivation increased by several dozen folds compared to what it was inside the Tiny World! After continuing for a month, he might be able to form his first Fate Soul and make a breakthrough into the Heavenly Fate Realm!

As his Soul Realm continued to revolve, Nie Li suddenly sensed a trace of a tyrannical aura. He raised his head and saw Long Yuyin walking in his direction. Her beautiful face was like an ice sculpture that wouldn’t melt even after ten thousand years. Her eyes were filled with a dense aura.

Why did this girl come here? As he thought of how his Master had been killed by Long Yuyin and few others, his heart turned dull as enmity flashed across his eyes. However, in this life, he definitely wouldn’t let such things happen again.

As for this woman, Long Yuyin, he would leave her far behind and forget her, so that she would no longer be capable of causing the slightest ripple in his new life.

Nie Li would follow what his Master had told him in his previous life: do not seek vengeance against Long Yuyin. However, he also wasn’t going to give Long Yuyin another chance. Nie Li would cultivate himself and become powerful, to a height that she would never be able to reach. After that, he’d make sure that Long Yuyin packed up and left for somewhere far away.





Chapter 280: Three Lashes


Long Yuyin moved up the flight of steps as she walked up to Nie Li’s level. She lowered her head, swept a glance at him, and coldly smiled, “I never expected you to reach this level. However, with your lowly status, this should be your limit, right?”

Her words were filled with ridicule towards Nie Li.

At Long Yuyin’s words, Nie Li finally snapped, “Long Yuyin, you think you’re very talented? You think you’re that amazing? If it weren’t for the vast cultivating resources from your family, you’d be nothing! It’s just like you said, the Dragonseal Family can transform trash into geniuses. Without the Dragonseal Family, you’re no different from trash!”

Long Yuyin never expected Nie Li to outright rebuke her!

“You dare to call me trash?!” Long Yuyin’s eyes were filled with a frigid bloodlust as she eyed Nie Li. Ever since she was young, no one had ever dared to call her trash!

Nie Li coldly laughed. “Long Yuyin, putting your family aside, you’re a thorough piece of waste. You think that your Blood Dragon bloodline is so formidable? Haha, in my eyes, the Blood Dragon lineage is no difference from rubbish!” Nie Li was filled with indignation towards Long Yuyin’s arrogant appearance.

Originally, someone with Nie Li’s personality wouldn’t be easily enraged. However, he kept recalling Long Yuyin’s malicious words that had forced the death of his Master.

“Why wouldn’t I dare denounce you? Others are afraid of your identity, but I, Nie Li, am not afraid of you. A wretch like you should have your tongue cut out and deep fried!”said Nie Li, coldly.

“You actually dared to call me a wretch…” Long Yuyin’s face turned ashen as she pointed at Nie Li, “You actually dared to say such things to me?! I’ll annihilate your entire family!” Since when was Long Yuyin criticised like this before? When everyone looked at her, they all showed fear in their eyes. She’d already been used to looking down on everyone her age. Since when had anyone criticised her so viciously like Nie Li had done?

“Long Yuyin, you’re someone who’s only strong on the outside but weak on the inside. People like you just keep relying on your family’s strength. Without your family, you’re just a piece of trash. What genius? Hilarious! If you have the guts, come and compete with me. You think that being ranked tenth on the Saint Soul Board is very formidable? Very soon, I’ll let you know that everything you’ve been proud of is nothing but a mere joke!”

Long Yuyin was angered to the point that her chest heaved up and down. This was the first time that she’d been so enraged by someone.

Long Yuyin furiously glared at Nie Li as she tightly clenched her fist. “You’re only good with words. Let me tell you of the huge difference between us! A one on one competition? Haha, how laughable! No one has ever dared to say such words to me, Long Yuyin, before. I’ll have you lose so completely that you won’t be able to be anything but convinced of our differences! If you lose, I’ll give you three severe lashes. So, do you dare accept my challenge?”

Nie Li was someone who hadn’t even reached the Heavenly Fate Realm yet. Three lashes from Long Yuyin might even claim Nie Li’s life!

“Why wouldn’t I dare? I’ll throw the same words right back at you. The time limit is until the end of today. If you lose, I’ll serve your own three lashes to you!” Nie Li glared at Long Yuyin as he narrowed his eyes, which also contained chilling intent. “Do you dare?”

Nie Li was well aware that because of Long Yuyin’s Blood Dragon bloodline, three lashes were basically nothing to her. However, for a girl like Long Yuyin, three lashes would be even harder for her to accept than death.

Long Yuyin coldly laughed. “What a joke! Did you say I’ll lose?”

Nie Li coldly stared at Long Yuyin. “The question is, do you dare?”

After staring into Nie Li’s sharp gaze, how could Long Yuyin admit defeat? She snorted, “Why wouldn’t I dare? I’ll wait for you at the top!”

Upon finishing her words, Long Yuyin turned and moved up the steps. One hundred twenty-sixth step, one hundred twenty-seventh step.

With every step up, the Heavenly Dao’s repelling force grew stronger against her.

Xiao Yu looked at Nie Li and Long Yuyin and a trace of concern flashed through his eyes. He had no idea why Nie Li would provoke such a woman. If Long Yuyin were to give Nie Li three lashes, it might even claim Nie Li’s life! Xiao Yu knitted his brows and looked at Nie Li. He usually wasn’t such a rash person.

Like a wildfire, news of Nie Li and Long Yuyin’s bet spread across the Saint Soul Grounds.

“What? That kid Nie Li actually agreed to such a bet?”

“Yeah, that kid Nie Li really intends to achieve high results in one go. Simply impudent! Even if his talent is stronger than Long Yuyin’s, it’s impossible for him to surpass her in one day!”

“One hundred ninety-nine steps. Once you reach the one hundred twenty-somethingth step, every steps afterwards would be as hard as reaching the sky. That fellow Nie Li is being way too arrogant and conceited!”

“Long Yuyin’s three lashes will definitely kill that fellow!”

The number of people gathering outside the Saint Soul Grounds steadily increased in numbers. They all came for one reason: to see the results of the bet between Nie Li and Long Yuyin!

Simultaneously, elsewhere in the Skysoul Institute

Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu were closely observing the situation inside the Saint Soul Grounds. When they were first made aware of the bet, the two of them couldn’t help the solemn expressions that flashed over their faces.

Nanmen Tianhai furrowed his brows. “Although that kid Nie Li’s talent is pretty good, he’s still being too conceited. How could he offend Long Yuyin? If he loses the bet, those three lashes from Long Yuyin will kill him! Even if he manages to win, there’d be no benefit for him, other than the humiliation of Long Yuyin. On the contrary, he would end up offending the Dragonseal Family!”

Huang Yu sighed and said, “It’s unavoidable for youths to be a little rash. Long Yuyin’s excessively arrogant attitude probably made her say something that made him angry.”

They couldn’t help pondering the consequences of this matter. If this incident escalated out of hand, they would be forced to step in!

Back over at the Saint Soul Grounds

Long Yuyin walked up to the one hundred twenty-ninth step before stopping. Upon reaching this step, she could no longer proceed any further. She turned her head and coldly swept her eyes at Nie Li before she sat down on the step. From the one hundred and twentieth step onward, every step would become extremely tough. Each and every genius who’d reached this point would find great difficulty in taking another step forward.

Long Yuyin could sense that if she cultivated for a brief moment, she’d be able to move up to the one hundred-thirtieth step. That meant that on the Saint Soul Board, she’d be able to claim the ninth rank.

Nie Li trying to surpass her was simply a lunatic’s dream!

The first time she entered the Saint Soul Grounds, she’d only managed to reach one hundred twenty-five steps before stopping. Even after cultivating for two or three months, she’d only managed to move four steps up.

At that moment, Nie Li was continuously cultivating his Heavenly Energy before he finally made another step up, ascending to the one hundred twenty-second step.

At the sight of this, everyone who’d had their attention on him, was astonished. Nie Li had made that movement so quickly. To think he actually took another step up!

One must know that making a step in the one hundred twenty-somethingth steps was extremely difficult. That region was in the lower limit of the Heavenly Fate Realm’s communication with the Heavenly Dao. Those who’d yet to reach the Heavenly Fate Realm would only be able to reach the one hundred thirty-eighth step, maximum! That had been the record for over several thousands of years!

Everyone had their eyes glued on the two of them.

The corner of Long Yuyin’s mouth twitched. “Hmph. He actually made a step up. But so what? When I first came here, I ascended one hundred twenty-five steps.” She continued to quietly cultivate as she forced herself towards the one hundred thirtieth step.

The powerful repelling energy exerted a tremendous pressure on her Soul Realm and she felt as though it was about to burst open. However, Long Yuyin still clenched her teeth and laid her foot on the one hundred thirtieth step.

The Saint Soul Board changed, once again.

Long Yuyin’s name went from tenth to ninth.

Those who stood outside, staring at the tablet, immediately broke into a commotion.

“Good heavens! Long Yuyin actually managed to move up a step and became ninth!”

“As a newcomer, those results are too formidable!”

“Nie Li looks like he’s destined to lose. That kind of height isn’t anything that’s easily achievable!”

Undoubtedly, Long Yuyin was the most dazzling genius the institute had seen in recent years. Ordinary newcomers would find it extremely tough to reach such a high position in just a few months.

Nie Li had actually made that bet with that Long Yuyin. That was simply an ignorant and foolish mistake. Did he really think that Long Yuyin’s level was easily achievable through words?

Jin Yan stood on the one hundred nineteenth step. It’s already impossible for him to ascend further. He had already tried to push himself further several times, but his soul realm would suffer a terrifying pressure. When he raised his head to look at Long Yuyin and Nie Li’s silhouettes, his eyes were filled with jealousy.

Jin Yan was fine if he couldn’t win against Long Yuyin; but why couldn’t he even win against Nie Li? His heart was filled with dissatisfaction.

No matter how hard he tried, he could only remain where he was, and watch Nie Li and Long Yuyin from afar. He absolutely didn’t believe that Nie Li could win against Long Yuyin. Long Yuyin’s standards weren’t achievable by ordinary people. Wanting to win against Long Yuyin was simply impossible!

Xiao Yu also watched Nie Li in concern. He had no idea why Nie Li would make such a bet.

Nie Li furrowed his brows. When he reached the one hundred twenty-second step, he suddenly felt an intense pressure bearing down on him.

Nie Li thought to himself, ‘It’s just as Master told me in my previous life. My vicious thoughts are too heavy. There are tens of thousands of creatures that live between Heaven and Earth, and the Heaven and Earth accommodates all their vicious thoughts. But despite that, trying to gain the Heavenly Dao’s acknowledgement seems to be too difficult for me.’

However, the one hundred twentieth step was, of course, not his limit.

If he got stuck at just the one hundred and twenty-second step, then wouldn’t his two lives have been in vain?

Nie Li stood on the one hundred twenty-second step with both eyes closed and activated the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique. The [Heavenly God] cultivation technique was a powerful technique that could allow him to communicate with Heaven and Earth.

The first chapter of [Heavenly God] cultivation technique: The Heavenly Dao shines. Heaven shrouds but cannot contain. The Great Dao envelops but cannot dispute. Know all, perhaps, perhaps not.

Nie Li repeatedly muttered the first chapter of the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique as a surge of massive aura emanated from his body and spread throughout the surrounding area.





Chapter 281: Where to Lash?


The surrounding Heavenly Energy was completely affected by Nie Li and revolved around him in a profound way.

Long Yuyin suddenly sensed something as she opened her eyes and looked at Nie Li in puzzlement. She felt that the surrounding Heavenly Energy was in a chaotic state. Just what was Nie Li doing?

As that happened, Xiao Yu and the rest couldn’t help directing their eyes towards Nie Li.

Nie Li was submerged in a profound state. He seemed to have become one with his surroundings, so much that even his aura could no longer be sensed.

“Just what’s going on?” Long Yuyin frowned as a trace of concern flashed over her beautiful face. She could sense that, at that moment, there was something strange about Nie Li.

Nie Li carefully sensed his surroundings.

Although there were still vicious thoughts inside of him, no one could hope to match him, especially with his comprehension towards Heavenly Energy. Nie Li opened his eyes as a peculiar flash of divine light crossed his eyes. He raised his head to look at Long Yuyin and continued to harmonise with the surrounding Heavenly Energy as he stepped forward.

*Omm!*

A surge of majestic energy spread throughout the surroundings, emerging from the soles of Nie Li’s feet.

Outside the Saint Soul Grounds, everyone stared at the Saint Soul Board and were discussing amongst themselves.

“Long Yuyin is probably the most outstanding genius in her year. The rest are so far below her!”

“Yeah! It’s simply incredible that she’s already ranked ninth on the Saint Soul Board with her current strength!!”

“That Nie Li actually dared to challenge Long Yuyin! He’s far too ignorant!”

As they discussed, changes occurred on the Saint Soul Board, yet again. Nie Li’s name went from sixteenth to fifteenth. Although he’d only moved up by one rank, it immediately triggered an uproar from the crowd.

“That kid actually climbed up another rank?”

The competition within the top twenty ranks was extremely intense. Just trying to make a single step forward was already an extremely difficult task. Nie Li had actually managed to ascend to the fifteenth position in just one day.

Everyone exchanged glances and fell silent.

Regardless of whether Nie Li won or lost today, he was still an unreachable existence for all of them. What rights did they have to comment on Nie Li?

Before the crowd settled down, Nie Li’s ranking changed again, going from fifteenth to fourteenth.

In an instant, everyone was dumbfounded as they stared at the Saint Soul Board, feeling as though they were beginning to suffocate. The entire area was so silent that even a pin’s drop could be heard.

Just what exactly was going on? In just a short interval, Nie Li’s ranking had moved up by a total of two. Could Nie Li really surpass Long Yuyin today? From the crowd’s point of view, that was simply impossible. However, at that moment, they weren’t so sure anymore and wondered if, maybe, a miracle would happen.

Previously, they thought that Nie Li’s challenge of Long Yuyin was simply an arrogant and egotistical move; but in such a short amount of time, Nie Li’s ranking had moved forward by two. This fact made everyone shut their mouths.

At the very least, Nie Li was getting closer and closer to Long Yuyin!

Just how did Nie Li accomplish this miracle? Everyone couldn’t help holding their breaths!

At a corner of the plaza was a chair, upon which sat a beautiful girl with an ashen complex and white clothes. She raised her head and looked at the Saint Soul Board as a youth quietly stood beside her. The two of them were Gu Lan and Gu Bei.

“I never imagined that Nie Li’s talent would be so frightening. It’s his first day in the Saint Soul Grounds and he already ranks fourteenth. That talent of his isn’t any inferior compared to Long Yuyin’s. When Long Yuyin entered the Saint Soul Grounds for the first time, her rank was also roughly around there,” Gu Lan muttered as she stared at the Saint Soul Board.

Although this white clothed girl sat on a wheelchair with an ashen complexion and appeared very weak, she was still so beautiful that it was suffocating. Several people who stood far away looked at her with stunned and breathtaken eyes. However, after seeing the Gu Clan’s amethyst and gold crest on Gu Lan’s sleeve, they immediately moved away. The Gu Clan wasn’t someone they could afford to offend.

Gu Bei gazed off into the distance as he said, “Among all those I have met, Brother Nie Li is the only one I couldn’t see through. I can sense that he’s still concealing many of his talents and abilities.”

That mysterious youth’s figure had flashed across Gu Lan’s mind. Indeed, she’d felt that Nie Li was still concealing many things up his sleeve. Suddenly, Gu Lan saw several people among the crowd. After a moment of silence, she said, “Little brother, let’s return home!”

“Are we not staying to see the results?” Gu Bei asked Gu Lan in puzzlement. After all, he was still filled with expectations towards Nie Li’s challenge of Long Yuyin.

Gu Lan shook her head as she looked into the distance and said, “They’ve also come.”

Gu Bei followed Gu Lan’s line of sight into the distance, whereupon a figure entered into his vision. He was a youth who wore silk clothes and a crown on his head. It was Gu Heng, the first successor in line to the Gu Clan. Gu Heng’s talent was similar to Gu Lan’s before she fell ill; he was a formidable opponent of Gu Lan’s. Several youths followed behind Gu Heng, all members of the Gu Clan.

Gu Bei’s eyes flashed a chilling trace as he said, “Sister, I’ll take you back!”

The news of Nie Li challenging Long Yuyin had spread rapidly. Gu Heng was one of the few whose interest had been piqued by it. Long Yuyin was, without a doubt, one of the most talented among the younger generations of the Dragonseal Family. Someone who was able to challenge Long Yuyin, and at the same time, have no background worth mentioning, was definitely someone Gu Heng would consider as a worthy adversary.

Gu Heng swept his gaze through the crowd and noticed Gu Lan and Gu Bei leaving. The corner of his mouth twitched with an almost unnoticeable chill as he walked towards them, smiling as he said, “Well, if isn’t it little cousin Gu Lan and little cousin Gu Bei. The two of you also came to watch the fun?”

Gu Bei stared at him, then laughed and said, “Yeah, I never expected elder cousin Gu Heng to be here too. I heard that something interesting was happening here; so my elder sister and I came to take a look.”

Gu Lan remained silent with her head lowered, her jade white hands tightly gripping the chair’s armrest, in silence.

Gu Heng glanced at Gu Lan and the corner of his mouth twitched in a mocking smile. A brief moment later, he covered it with a pitiful look as he said, “Little cousin Gu Lan’s illness still hasn’t been cured? Such a pity, originally with little cousin Gu Lan’s talent, you could’ve definitely reached the top of our Gu Clan! Gu Bei, now that your sister has become a cripple, you have to take good care of her!”

Gu Lan’s eyes flashed with a hint of rage, but it was quickly concealed. In the past, she had been a dazzling genius who didn’t tolerate even a single grain of sand on her pride. But ever since she fell ill, she’d learned to endure.

Gu Bei sighed. “Many thanks to elder cousin Gu Heng for your concern. My sister’s illness has been ever the same, without the slightest improvement. Therefore, I brought her out to relieve her boredom.”

Although he was also furious at Gu Heng for insulting his sister and calling her a cripple, he still swallowed it down.

Gu Heng swept a glance at Gu Lan as she kept her head down without saying a thing. Indeed, since this girl had become crippled, she no longer had any fighting spirit.

“Since the two of you have come, there’s no harm in leaving after watching the show!” Gu Heng smiled outwardly as he said, “I heard that a talented youth is challenging Long Yuyin. This has piqued my interest!”

Gu Bei considered for a moment before nodding, “If that’s the cause of all this, then thanks for elder cousin Gu Heng’s good intentions. We’ll leave after this show!”

Although Gu Lan’s meridians were congested and she’d become crippled, back when their parents were still alive, they still held quite a bit of prestige. Several Elders of the Gu Clan had taken good care of Gu Lan and Gu Bei since then; therefore, although Gu Heng was being very thorny with his words, he still refrained from doing anything to Gu Lan and Gu Bei.

The handful of them stood there, each watching the Saint Soul Board with different thoughts.

Aside from the Gu Clan, the Dragonseal Family and the Ashen Flames Family all had representatives standing outside the Saint Soul Grounds, watching.

This was Nie Li’s first time entering the Saint Soul Grounds and he’d already achieved the fourteenth rank on the Saint Soul Board. That was already sufficient to prove his talent. If only they could recruit such a talent, it’d definitely prove a great benefit towards their family.

Inside the Saint Soul Grounds

Nie Li had no idea how massive of a ripple he’d caused as he continued to sense the Heavenly Energy and communicated with Heaven and Earth.

As time passed, he could feel the first chapter of the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique flowing more and more smoothly. Indeed, in order to unleash the true might of the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique, he had to come to the Draconic Ruins Realm to cultivate.

He’d already ascended one hundred twenty-five steps. Long Yuyin watched as Nie Li approached closer and closer and felt a pressuring urgency for the first time in her life. This was his first day and Nie Li had already reached the one hundred twenty-fifth step. Compared to her own results upon first entering the Saint Soul Grounds, it was already quite an achievement.

Ever since she was young, she’d always been telling herself to become the strongest among her age group. Even if they were men, she still wanted to step them beneath her feet.

Long Yuyin’s expression was chilly as she watched Nie Li. Since her birth, Nie Li was the most powerful opponent she’d ever encountered!

However, she would never admit defeat. She was Long Yuyin from the Dragonseal Family! She definitely wouldn’t admit defeat to anyone in her age group.

Nie Li stopped at the one hundred twenty-fifth step, raised his head, and looking at Long Yuyin.

“I heard that on your first day in the Saint Soul Grounds, you reached where I am now. It seems that your talent is only so-so. One hundred twenty-five steps. Isn’t that easy to reach?!” Nie Li didn’t mind provoking Long Yuyin a little.

Long Yuyin’s face turned ashen green as a cracking sound came from her fists. She angrily glared at Nie Li, “Just because you’ve reached the one hundred twenty-five step doesn’t mean that you can win against me today. If you’re unable to surpass me, then you can wait and eat three lashes from me!”

“You don’t have to be concerned about that; you should worry about yourself instead. I’m still thinking about where I should aim those three lashes. Someone as beautiful as you, what a waste! However, towards a beautiful girl with a venomous heart, I will never be lenient!” Nie Li’s gaze fell on Long Yuyin’s face, chest, waist and various other areas of her body as he revealed a cold and evil smile.





Chapter 282: Who’s the Trash Now?


When Long Yuyin sensed Nie Li’s violating gaze that swept over her face, waist, and various other spots, she couldn’t help feeling a peculiar sensation, as though she was standing naked before him. She’d never felt anything like it before.

The bystanders were all astonished. None of them imagined that Nie Li would say such things to Long Yuyin.

There was actually someone who dared to provoke a demoness like Long Yuyin!

Xiao Yu couldn’t help worrying that Nie Li would face extremely severe consequences by offending Long Yuyin. He couldn’t understand why Nie Li was so focused Long Yuyin. It’s as though he’d had lots of bad blood with her. Long Yuyin’s background ran deep; if only Nie Li could endure it briefly, soon everything would be over.

As for Lu Piao, he was secretly giving Nie Li a thumbs up. An authoritative woman like Long Yuyin needed to be mercilessly brought down. Otherwise, wouldn’t Long Yuying really start thinking of herself as number one of the entire world?

“You…!” Long Yuyin was filled with rage. Since when had someone dared to be so impudent in front of her? Nie Li’s gaze made her feet as though her entire body was being pricked with needles. “Lecher, I’ll gouge your eyes out!”

“Long Yuyin, do you really think that I’m interested in you? Don’t overestimate yourself! You may be from a prominent family and possess extraordinary talent, but in my eyes, you’re nothing! Even if a woman like you were stripped naked and placed in front of me, I’m sorry, but I won’t have even the slightest interest! You’re a woman with a heart that’s as vicious as a snake. No matter how good looking you are, it still won’t cover the ugliness in your heart!” Nie Li said with extreme contempt.

Nie Li thought about the vicious words that Long Yuyin said to his Master. Right now, he was just returning the favour. As he recalled his persecuted Master of his previous life, his heart filled with wrath.

Long Yuyin tightly clenched her fists as a surge of majestic aura spread out and bore down on Nie Li.

“Lowly peasant, you dare to insult me?! I’ll kill you!” Long Yuyin was on the edge of going berserk. If it hadn’t been Skysoul Institute’s rule forbidding killing, she probably would’ve already taken action.

Nie Li coldly laughed as he looked at Long Yuyin. “Long Yuyin, your superiority only comes from your birth. What talent? Hilarious!” Under the pressure of Long Yuyin’s aura, he still appeared light-footed and perfectly fine. Long Yuyin thought of herself too highly and never looked at anyone with high regard. Ordinary people were just a bunch of lowly peasants to her.

Long Yuyin gradually calmed down, but she still couldn’t understand why she was so easily infuriated by Nie Li. In the past, no one her age was worth a second glance from her. Perhaps it was because the talent that Nie Li displayed threatened her, and that sense of threat is what made her so infuriated?

Bloodlust burst forth from Long Yuyin’s body. “Let’s see how you’ll surpass me today! If you’re unable to surpass me, then I’ll have you dead!”

“Then watch carefully!” Nie Li’s eyes flashed with a chilly trace, “Not only will I surpass you, I still want to let you know that everything you’ve depended on is simply laughable. You think likes of you can to be so arrogant?”

Once Nie Li’s words landed, the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique in his soul realm activated at high speed.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

A powerful explosion of Heavenly Energy surged from Nie Li’s feet, as if it was trying to turn the people nearby on their heads.

The bystanders’ facial expressions all changed upon sensing that terrifying aura.

Xiao Yu and Lu Piao also stared at Nie Li in shock; the rest were terrified as he stood in the center of the aura explosion, his clothes were fluttering in the wind like a deity descending from heaven.

Just what kind of horrifying energy was this?!

Even Long Yuyin couldn’t help being shocked.

Nie Li slowly ascended. One hundred twenty-six steps, one hundred twenty-seven steps. Long Yuyin watched as he approached and felt her breath stop as she sensed the suffocating pressure emanating from him.

This aura was even more powerful than the surrounding Heavenly Energy, causing Long Yuyin to step back before steadying her feet.

How? How could Nie Li pressure her so, when he hasn’t even reached the Heavenly Fate Realm? He was even stronger than a 5-fate Heavenly Fate Realm expert!

What Long Yuyin didn’t know was that, the pressure that she was feeling wasn’t from Nie Li himself; rather, Nie Li had obtained his power from the surrounding Heavenly Energy by communicating with the spiritual well. The ambient Heavenly Energy within the spiritual well was extremely dense. Under Nie Li’s direction, it could burst forth with frightening energy.

One hundred twenty-eighth step, one hundred twenty-ninth step…

Nie Li ascended, one foot in front of the other, to the one hundred thirtieth step, finally standing on the same level as Long Yuyin. He swept a glance at Long Yuyin and coldly smiled, “One hundred thirtieth step. Just so-so!”

Long Yuyin was dumbfounded as she looked at Nie Li. She’d always been proud of her talent. As far as she was concerned, it was impossible for someone of the same age to surpass her. However, the pride that she’d held was now heavily scattered over the ground. Nie Li looked down at her coldly, the loathing look in his eyes making her feel like she was trash on the ground.

Nie Li pulled his gaze away from Long Yuyin and didn’t afford her a second glance as he ascended onto the one hundred thirty-first step.

*Boom!*

When Nie Li’s foot landed, a deep and low sound echoed through the hearts of the surrounding disciples.

That was the one hundred thirty-first step!

The area outside the Saint Soul Grounds boiled with voices.

On the Saint Soul Board, Nie Li’s ranking had already replaced Long Yuyin’s at the ninth rank. Everyone stared in disbelief at the Saint Soul Board.

“This is impossible…”

“That Nie Li actually managed to pull Long Yuyin down!”

“This is too unbelievable! Someone from the Tiny World actually won against Long Yuyin, who has the Blood Dragon lineage of the Dragonseal Family!”

No one could believe the results; however the name on the Saint soul Board was clearly displayed, leaving them with no choice but to believe it.

Among the younger generations, Long Yuyin was a legend. And now, another legend has been born.

Furthermore, this legend was far stronger compared to Long Yuyin, making everyone there even more astonished. Long Yuyin was from the Dragonseal Family and had enjoyed an unimaginably vast horde of cultivating resources since she was young. Everything she had was unreachable to others.

But Nie Li had come from the Tiny World without any background, nor had he been provided with a vast supply of cultivating resources.

However, Nie Li still managed to reach such shocking heights.

Long Yuyin looked at Nie Li’s silhouette. At that particular moment, Nie Li wasn’t looking back; instead, he continued to ascend step by step.

One hundred thirty-two, one hundred thirty-three……

His steps were slow but calm, fantastically resonating with the ambient Heavenly Energy.

It wasn’t until he reached the one hundred thirty-sixth step that Nie Li finally felt the irresistible pressure and stopped. He had entered into a profound state and decided that he no longer needed to move any higher.

Long Yuyin dumbfoundedly stared at Nie Li’s silhouette. There were a total of six steps between her and Nie Li. It was like an unbridgeable gap, a realm impossible for her to reach!

All along, she’d believed that she had the strongest talent. Until now. Her pride and dignity had been mercilessly scattered. Faced with Nie Li who’d managed to ascend to the one hundred thirty-sixth step in one go, she’d totally lost her fighting spirit.

This man before her was like a mountain, bearing down on her head, rendering her unable to breath.

She’d always flaunted herself as a genius. But it was just like Nie Li had said: she was nothing. Compared to him, she was far inferior.

She clenched her fists as complicated feelings flooded her heart. Was that a gesture of the unresigned? Even she couldn’t understand her own feelings.

At that moment, Lu Piao and Xiao Yu were observing Nie Li’s silhouette high above them, both in a state of utter dumbfoundedness. They’d never imagined that Nie Li would reach the one hundred thirty-sixth step in one go and utterly crush a woman like Long Yuyin under his feet while he was at it.

Long Yuyin faced the six steps before her without even half an intention to attempt another step up.

The surrounding disciples of the Skysoul Institute also stared dumbfoundedly at Nie Li’s figure. Was the guy before their eyes really a newcomer? He’d actually managed to climb up to the one hundred thirty-sixth step on his first try! This was simply too frightening! Was he going to give anyone a chance?

Some of the students outside the Saint Soul Grounds were flared up in a commotion as others stared blankly at the Saint Soul Board.

On the Saint Soul Board, Nie Li’s name had already reached the third rank.

Nie Li was still a newcomer from this year who’d yet to reach the Heavenly Fate Realm. If his ability to communicate with Heavenly Energy had already reached this current height, how terrifying might he be once he reached the Heavenly Fate Realm?

The stronger one’s ability to communicate with the Heavenly Energy was, the faster their cultivating speed would be. The results were easily predictable. Before Long, Nie Li would reach the Heavenly Fate Realm. Once there, his cultivation would suddenly experience a huge leap and reach an unimaginable height!

Gu Bei and Gu Lan exchanged glances as deep shock filled their eyes. Previously, they’d underestimated Nie Li!

Nie Li’s talent had utterly surpassed Long Yuyin’s, making him the most dazzling genius among the newcomers! Even Gu Bei couldn’t help feeling a little ashamed. Even he might not be able to win against Nie Li.

Gu Heng studied the Saint Soul Board as his gaze flickered. Even he couldn’t help harboring a deep jealousy for Nie Li’s talent.

He definitely must recruit this individual and take him under his wing! A chilly light flashed through Gu Heng’s eyes as those thoughts crossed his mind. If he couldn’t recruit Nie Li, then he had to destroy thoroughly him. Otherwise, Gu Heng won’t be able to feel at ease in his heart!

At that moment, a fairy-like girl, who was some distance away, raised her head and looked at the Saint Soul Board. She couldn’t help the trace of shock that flashed through her eyes. She never imagined that Nie Li’s talent would be so powerful. However, it also made sense, since this was the one person whose destiny she couldn’t see through.

Earlier, when she first met Nie Li and saw his expression, Ying Yueru had a feeling in her heart that their fates would cross in some way.

She took one last glance at the Saint Soul Board, then her figure disappeared into the nearby forest.





Chapter 283: You asked for it!


Wang Yang, Han Jing, and their entourages entered the Saint Soul Grounds, but exited very quickly. With their talents, they could only make it to the tenth or twentieth step before they were forced to stop. When they looked at the Saint Soul Board and saw Nie Li’s name so high up in the rankings, they were completely dumbfounded.

All of them knew firsthand of how difficult it was to communicate with the Heavenly Energy inside the Saint Soul Grounds. Therefore, Nie Li’s high rank gave them an unreachable feeling. By the time they exited the grounds, Nie Li was already ranked third on the Saint Soul Board.

Rank three? What kind of joke was that?

Even the strongest newcomer, Long Yuyin, was pushed down!

Compared to Nie Li, she was trash!

Everyone else couldn’t help feeling a little dazed. The quota for this year had been taken by Long Yuyin, Jin Yan, and Gu Bei. Now, did that leave the remaining two for them? Obstruct Nie Li? What could they possibly use to obstruct him? Compared to Nie Li, they weren’t even on the same level!

Hua Ling was enraged as he looked at the Saint Soul Board. It was fine if Xiao Yu alone managed to reach so high. But right now, Nie Li actually managed to climb even higher than Xiao Yu, to a point that people could only look up to, where others couldn’t even think of challenging him! He felt like vomiting blood.

Although there were many people here from the Little Heaven Realm and all of them had decent talent, they were all trash compared to Nie Li!

Hua Ling felt gloomy and disheartened. It was as if he’d been slapped in the face by someone. Ranked third. Not one of those from the Little Heaven Realm could reach such high rank!

At the same time, the teachers who were paying attention to the Saint Soul Board were all shocked.

As a newcomer, charging to rank three on the Saint Soul Board in one go was simply defying the logic of the heavens! Such talent was rarely seen in recent decades.

Nanmen Tianhai pondered for a brief moment, then said to Huang Yu, “I never expected this Nie Li to give us such a huge surprise.”

Huang Yu replied, “Yes. He’s indeed given us a huge surprise. Ranked third on the Saint Soul Board. Such talent is something we should especially protect. As for the Dragonseal Family, even they won’t be able to touch Nie Li easily!”

Now that Nie Li had displayed his shocking talent, the Skysoul Institute would definitely protect him well.

At that moment, even Venerable Redsoul had his attention on the situation at the Saint Soul Grounds.

Venerable Redsoul lightly sighed. “Back when they were igniting the spiritual flames, I had already sensed his extraordinary talent. Now that I’ve seen it in action, he’s indeed extraordinary. It’s a pity that I can only have him as a student for a single year.”

With such shocking talent, Nie Li would soon attract the attentions of the various factions.

Nie Li didn’t know how big of a commotion he’d caused outside. Also, due to the surge in his cultivation, he’d already reached the 5-star Legend rank stage. Inside his Soul Realm was also a trace of the refined scarlet blood Soul Intent.

This Soul Intent, might it be the soon-to-be-formed Fate Soul?

An ordinary person’s Fate Soul is colourless. In his previous life, Nie Li had also formed a colourless fate soul. However, in this life, it held a trace of scarlet-blood colour.

Right now, he was still unable to fully form it; he will only be able to know the Fate Soul’s color once it’s fully formed. Although he could sense the strangeness in his soul realm, Nie Li didn’t pay much attention to it. When he opened his eyes, they met Long Yuyin’s eyes by coincidence.

Long Yuyin made attempt after attempt to ascend to the one hundred thirty-first step; however, the massive rebound she faced each time prevented her from taking the step forward.

Nie Li watched her and a trace of loathing flashed across his eyes. “You’ve lost!”

Long Yuyin tightly clenched her fists. Although she was unwilling to accept this reality, the truth was glaring right in front of her eyes. She bit her lip until a small bloodstain appeared as her light-brown eyes contained an odd kind of blankness.

Nie Li had mercilessly trampled her pride.

“If one agrees to a bet, then one must accept the defeat!” Long Yuyin took out a whip and threw it over to Nie Li. She raised her head towards him as she continued, “I may have lost today, but from today onwards, I, Long Yuyin will not lose to you a second time. I, Long Yuyin, will not use any of Dragonseal Family’s power. I will win against you forthright in a one to one competition!”

As Nie Li looked at Long Yuyin and recalled all of the events of his previous life, he couldn’t help furrowing his brows. Although the previous Long Yuyin had forced the death of his Master, the current Long Yuyin who stood before him was still fourteen or fifteen years old. Even if she was an overbearing person, right now she was still a young lady, different from the vicious woman from his previous life.

This time when he came back to life, he’d vowed that he wouldn’t let anything like his Master being forced to death happen again.

A woman like Long Yuyin needed to be mercilessly taught a lesson, then sent packing for as far away as possible!

Nie Li accepted the whip and looked at Long Yuyin. He lifted the whip, but just as he was about to lash her, he suddenly recalled the words his Master had told him in his previous life.

“Virtuous like water, for water does not compete.”

“Let grudges vanish like smoke, into the thin air!”

In his previous life, he had entirely forgotten many of the teachings his Master had imparted to him. Back when his Master had died, although he didn’t kill Long Yuyin, he still caused chaos to the Dragonseal Family.

However, in this life, the vicious woman who was over a hundreds years old had turned back into a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl. Although she was still overbearing and arrogant, the killing intent in Nie Li’s heart gradually dampened down. Since he’d come back to life, Long Yuyin was no longer able to threaten his Master anymore!

He put the whip down, looked at Long Yuyin, and said in a cold voice, “Go. I no longer have any interest in giving you three lashes. You’re not worth it!”

“You…” Long Yuyin’s eyes widened as she stared at Nie Li, enraged to the point that her face ashened. Nie Li’s words were a thorough humiliation to her! In Nie Li’s heart, she didn’t even have the qualifications for him to take action?

Nie Li tossed the whip down in front of Long Yuyin and descended in measured steps without giving her a second glance. That was absolute disdain!

“You’re not allowed to leave.” Long Yuyin stopped Nie Li as she firmly stared at him.

Nie Li frowned his brows for a brief moment as he said in a solemn voice, “I have no interest in wasting my time with you. Beat it!”

Long Yuyin had a stubborn expression on her face as she handed the whip back to him. She coldly stared at Nie Li and said, “I’m willing to accept my defeat. As for those three lashes of yours, even if you’re unwilling, you still have to do it. After these three lashes, I, Long Yuyin will challenge you again and take those three lashes back! I, Long Yuyin, am true to my words. I will repay my grudges, and repay my grievances! The words that you’ve used to insult and humiliate me, I will return them all to you!”

Her character was still the same as in the past, which made Nie Li deeply loathe her.

“Since you asked for it, don’t blame me for being impolite!” Nie Li took the whip from Long Yuyin as he coldly stared at her and yelled, “Long Yuyin, who do you think you are? You think your talent is so formidable that you can treat others like ants? Without the slightest kindness in your heart, you treat lives like grass! Then, when something doesn’t go your way, you kill them. For a woman like you, calling you vicious is already considered light!”

All the grudges in Nie Li’s heart burst forth!

“Is the Dragonseal Family very formidable? If so, why won’t they go all out against the Demon God’s Sect? Aside from suppressing the geniuses within the sect, what good are they? A family like that should be better off destroyed so the Divine Feathers Sect won’t fall into your hands!” Nie Li angrily shouted at Long Yuyin.

At Nie Li’s words, the surrounding disciples couldn’t help feeling satisfied. Indeed, the Divine Feathers Sect had strict scales on status that made ordinary students feel suffocated. They all had grievances towards the Dragonseal Family, but none of them ever dared to show it. Today, Nie Li had said it all for them.

“And you! You think you’re a genius, but in reality you’re just a parasite of the Dragonseal Family, a parasite of the Divine Feathers Sect! You’ve always had an unimaginable supply of cultivating resources. Just because you’ve made a tiny achievement in your cultivation, you think you have the right to be overbearing and treat others like trash?” Nie Li coldly smiled as he continued, “From my point of view, those without cultivating resources but have been hardworking despite the fact, climbing their steps one by one, are the real talents! People like you are the real garbage; garbage that only wastes cultivating resources!

Long Yuyin’s face ashened and both of her hands were clenched in tight fists. However, she only lowered her head in silence.

Nie Li waved the whip and lashed it over Long Yuyin’s cheeks and shoulders, “This lash is for all the disciples who you’ve bullied in the Divine Feathers Sect!”

Although Long Yuyin had the Blood Dragon lineage, this lash still left a red mark on her cheeks and shoulders. Nie Li’s whip contained powerful energy that directly entered Long Yuyin’s body.

Nie Li waved the lash again and a crisp smack landed on Long Yuyin’s chest. The clothes around her chest were instantly ripped open, leaving a scarlet whip mark inside and showed her fair skin.

“This lash is for me. At first, when you made the bet with me, you intended to use those three lashes to kill me. Just giving you back your lashes is letting you off cheap!” Nie Li coldly glared at Long Yuyin.

This was thorough humiliation!

Long Yuyin held her chest as tears flickered in her eyes. However, she only stubbornly turned around and faced Nie Li with her back.

“Originally, I wasn’t even in the mood to hit you. Hitting you is simply dirtying my hands. This is what you’ve asked for! As for the last whip, it’s for my Master…” Nie Li recalled the events of his previous life, when his Master was forced to death by Long Yuyin. And yet, his Master still told him to let go of vengeance as she died in his arms.

Although he’d experienced two lifetimes, that scar remained in Nie Li’s heart.

Nie Li lifted the whip in his hands and mercilessly lashed down Long Yuyin’s back. The whip rode the sharp gale and bored down on Long Yuyin, issuing another crisp smack. The places where this whip had contacted were marked by torn cloth, trailing all the way from her shoulder to her butt.

This lash contained the wrath in Nie Li’s heart; therefore, it definitely wasn’t light.

Even with Long Yuyin’s strong body, she still couldn’t help the groan that escaped. Her beautiful face turned a little ashen as the three lashes from Nie Li burned with pain. Since her youth, she’d never been humiliated like this before!





Chapter 284: Blocked


The pain on Long Yuyin’s body was secondary; Nie Li’s words were like sharp blades that carved the pain straight onto her heart.

That was the greatest humiliation!

Was she really so vile in the eyes of others? Long Yuyin raised her head and looked at the nearby students, who immediately lowered their heads when they noticed her gaze.

So in the eyes of others, she was exactly that venomous woman Nie Li had described!

From Long Yuyin’s point of view, she only wanted to be stronger than anyone else.

So it turned out that she was the trash who attracted the loathing of others!

Her eyes are flickered with tears. Although she was overbearing, she didn’t easily beat or kill anyone. She never intended to kill Nie Li with her three lashes; in fact, it was impossible. She only wanted to teach him a lesson, so why did Nie Li call her a venomous person?

The third lash was the heaviest and most merciless. Nie Li said that he did it for his Master, but she didn’t even know who his Master was!

Long Yuyin’s heart was filled with grievances. She turned her head back towards him as her eyes flickered with tears, grounded her teeth, and said, “Nie Li, I hate you!”

Upon finishing her words, Long Yuyin wiped the tears from her eyes and quickly ran down the steps.

Nie Li furrowed his brows as he watched Long Yuyin’s figure disappear through the entrance of the Saint Soul Grounds. So it seems that Long Yuyin would definitely not leave the matter as it was. However, there was nothing he should be afraid of, regardless of what methods she came up with. After all, Long Yuyin had forced the death of his Master, so in this life, it could be considered serving justice.

If Long Yuyin left the matter as it was, then Nie Li decided that he would also forget it and cease pursuing the grudges from his previous life. However, if she still wanted to tangle with him, then he’d teach her another lesson.

Xiao Yu looked at Nie Li with a dazed expression. He kept sensing that the Nie Li of today was a little off. Although Long Yuyin was overbearing, it still wasn’t to the point that it warranted such a huge reaction from Nie Li. He should be someone who could contain his anger.

Furthermore, Nie Li had said that the third whip was for his Master. But who was this Master that Nie Li had spoken of? Could it be his foster father? But his foster father didn’t have any grudges with Long Yuyin!

Lu Piao also watched Long Yuyin run out, then pulled his gaze away and gave Nie Li a thumbs up. Watching Nie Li give that girl three lashes simply felt great for the rest of them! Even Lu Piao couldn’t stand that pride and arrogance of hers.

Now that the show had ended, they all decided to resume cultivating. Those ranked within the top ten could remain in the Saint Soul Grounds for three days; naturally, Nie Li wouldn’t waste such precious time. Thus, he focused on training and cultivating.

Dragonseal Family, Long Yuyin’s courtyard

Long Yuyin sat by her bed, holding a bottle of medicinal salve. She dipped into the medicine and slowly applied it to her wounds. There were clear wounds on her face, chest, and various other parts of her body. Although she possessed the Blood Dragon lineage, Nie Li’s lashes felt as though they could cut through her body, leaving her in burning pain.

By now, she’d already changed out of her torn clothes and put on a silk set that vaguely outlined her voluptuous figure. When she applied the medicine to her chest, she couldn’t help groaning in pain.

When she thought of the places where Nie Li’s whip had landed, she felt extremely humiliated. He was the first person who’d dared to do that to her!

Her right hand tightly gripped the whip as she recalled Nie Li’s loathing expression. It was as though her entire body were rotten, that even a single glance could be considered too much to bear. Such an expression of despise filled her heart with anger.

She clenched her teeth and wiped the tears from her face as she applied more medicinal salve down her back.

“En.” Long Yuyin couldn’t help letting out another groan from the piercing pain.

The medicinal salve permeated her wounds, and after a period of time had passed, she felt a little better. This kind of fiery hot pain was now engraved deep into her memories. No matter what, she’ll always remember that Nie Li was the first and only person who’d ever whipped her.

She took out a set of violet clothes and changed into them. Draped in a violet cloth, her mesmerizing figure and beautiful face would give others a charming temperament. Except that there was a wound on her face that had yet to fade.

She looked at the mirror that was set some distance away. Although she’d never paid much attention to her own appearance, she was undoubtedly very beautiful. If it hadn’t been for her overbearing character, there might’ve been quite a long line of young suitors asking for her hand.

However, the wound on her face couldn’t be covered.

She recalled the words that Nie Li had said earlier. No matter how beautiful the exterior was, it’d still be impossible to cover up the ugliness in her heart. She picked up an object and pegged it at the mirror. With a shattering sound, the mirror broke into pieces.

Long Yuyin felt so indignant that she wanted to cry. Since she was young, this was the first time that she’d been so wronged.

Soon after she’d finished changing, she left her room and Hu Yong rushed in.

Hu Yong was instantly enraged upon seeing the wound on her face. “Ying’er, what’s wrong with you? I heard that you were beaten? Who was it? I’ll exterminate his entire clan!”

At his words, Long Yuyin was stunned for a moment. Not long ago, such words sounded absolutely normal to her. Whoever dared to harm her would definitely have their entire clan exterminated by her. In the past, she’d believed such things to be absolutely normal.

But at that moment, Nie Li’s insults echoed in her ears. “…beating and killing as you wish, treating lives like grass….For a woman like you, calling you vicious is already considered light!”

Suddenly, deep loathing rose up in her at Hu Yong’s words.

“Hu Yong, mind your own business!” She threw a loatheful glance at Hu Yong as she continued, “I’m going back to cultivate. Get lost!”

“Ying’er, someone hit you and you’re not going to take revenge? I’ll help you take vengeance!” Hu Yong said immediately.

She threw a glance at Hu Yong as she coldly said, “Vengeance? Even I can’t match up as his opponent. How are you going to take revenge?”

Hu Yong said in a solemn voice, “I’ll send the experts from my family to take revenge for you!”

Long Yuyin threw him a furious glare. “Getting help from the experts of your family whenever you hit a wall. Are you trash? Your family aside, you’re just trash! Could it be that the problems that I, Long Yuyin, am unable to handle can be solved by a piece of trash like you?”

Hu Yong was choked by Long Yuyin’s words. He paused for a brief moment before saying in a weak voice, “Yin’er, could the other party’s family really be that powerful? Is it the Ashen Flames Family? Or the Gu Clan?”

As she looked at Hu Yong, a deep loathing rose in Long Yuyin’s heart. Now, she was beginning to understand why she’d been loathed by others. In others’ point of view, she was the member of a prominent family that had a bottomless supply of cultivating resources. The moment she gained an achievement in cultivation, she would mock the origins of others and serve beatings and killings as she wished.

In the eyes of others, her achievements today had all been gained by relying on her family’s cultivating resources. There was little link to herself.

“I don’t want to see you. Get lost!” Long Yuyin rebuked.

When he saw that Long Yuyin was about to flip out, Hu Yong cringed and he backed away.

Only after seeing Hu Yong take his leave did Long Yuyin’s heart slowly calm down again.

She thought about how Nie Li looked down at her from above. She thought about the things she’d done in the past. She’d always thought that such words were fitting and expected of her; that was, until Nie Li’s lashes whipped down on her. Now, she reflected on her words and actions.

“No matter what, I will definitely surpass you. The grievance I felt today, I’ll definitely return them to you!” Long Yuyin promptly sat down and began cultivating Heavenly Energy.

Surges of majestic Heavenly Energy entered her body. Long Yuyin sensed that somehow, her cultivating speed was now a lot faster than it was in the past.

“Virtuous like water, for water does not compete…” Long Yuyin recalled the words from the Foremaster Divination and finally gained a some insight into it.

Saint Soul Grounds

Nie Li continued to cultivate as he communicated with Heaven and Earth, now only a step away from fully forming his first Fate Soul.

One day, two days…

Two days later, Nie Li sensed that he’d already reached the doorstep of the Heavenly Fate Realm. However, breaking through to that realm still wasn’t that easy.

Lu Piao stood up, looked at Nie Li, and said, “Nie Li, I have to leave now.” He’d already used up all of his time and was no longer permitted to remain in the Saint Soul Grounds to cultivate.

“We’ll leave together, then,” Nie Li said. It was impossible for him to make a breakthrough in the short amount of time he had left. He could only take it easy while searching for any potentials for a breakthrough.

The two of them, and Xiao Yu, walked down the steps and headed towards the exit of the Saint Soul Grounds.

The surrounding students watched as the three of them left and couldn’t help sighing in their hearts. Those three monsters were finally leaving. Cultivating with them was simply too much of a blow to their confidence.

Outside the Saint Soul Grounds

The three of them had remained inside the grounds for such a long time that the people outside had already dispersed. Only a few people remained.

When Nie Li and his group exited the Saint Soul Grounds, a group of people immediately walked towards them and surrounded them.

Nie Li furrowed his brows for a brief moment and swept his eyes at the approaching individuals. There were a total of ten people, nine of whom had already stepped into the Heavenly Fate Realm. There was one who was approximately the same age as Nie Li.

“Who are you people?” Xiao Yu looked at them as he went on high alert and made preparations to engage in battle.

The youth walked over as his gaze fell onto Nie Li. “You’re Nie Li?’

Nie Li’s eyes narrowed. “Correct. Who are you people and why are you looking for me?” It seemed that the other party had approached because of him.

The youth closed in on Nie Li as he coldly snorted, “Brat, you must be tired of living. Someone from the Tiny World actually dared to be so impudent in the Skysoul Institute!”

Nie Li contemptuously curled his lips, “Long Yuyin sent you guys?”





Chapter 285: A Chicken Feather for an Authoritative Token


This youth, Hu Yong, was Long Yuyin’s fiancé.

Hu Yong took a step forward as he grabbed Nie Li by the collar. “Nie Li, you actually dared hurt Long Yuyin! You must be tired of living!”

Nie Li snorted as he eyed Hu Yong and his lackeys. “You’re all from the Dragonseal Family?”

Hu Yong furiously glared at Nie Li. “Today, I’ll have you die in full aware. My name is Hu Yong, Long Yuyin’s fiancé!” His heart was burning in a raging fire from Nie Li’s unafraid countenance.

Lu Piao looked at Hu Yong’s crotch and gave three short laughs. “Long Yuyin’s fiancé? The one who was rumored to have been laid to waste by her? I never thought you’d actually stick your head out for her. Threatening us is useless. Don’t think that we’re unaware of the Skysoul Institute’s rules. I’d really admire you if you actually had the guts to take action right here, right now.”

Hu Yong was shamed into anger as he continued to clutch Nie Li’s collar, looking ferocious, and said, “Don’t think that I’m afraid to touch you guys!”

Nie Li casually looked at him. “Then, I dare you to!”

Right now, Hu Yong was extremely furious. Before coming here, he’d gathered so many Heavenly Fate Realm experts so that Nie Li wouldn’t have a chance at retaliating. If only the Skysoul Institute’s damned rule that he couldn’t take any action within the school grounds didn’t exist!

Hu Yong released his grip and looked at Nie Li as a chilling light flashed through his eyes. “Don’t think that because of the institute’s rules that I won’t be able to do anything to you. Trying to mess with me? You’re still too tender! Hu Tian, take the three of them to a secluded place and have a good chat with them!”

“Yes!” Hu Tian revealed a merciless smile at the corner of his mouth as he said, “Three Young Masters, shall we go?”

Although Hu Yong and co. were unable to kill the three of them without having the Skysoul Institute pursue the matter, teaching them a lesson is still possible.

The aura of the nine Heavenly Fate Realm experts utterly suppressed Nie Li and Lu Piao, rendering them unable to retaliate as they tried to herd the three of them into a secluded corner. On the contrary, Xiao Yu wasn’t affected by them at all. He was only a step away from being a 4-fate Heavenly Fate Realm expert. However, he didn’t make any movements as he tried to think of a countermeasure for the situation. Even if he were to take action, it’d definitely be impossible for him to take on so many Heavenly Fate Realm experts.

He never imagined that Hu Yong would actually use such a method to scrape back some face.

“Hoo, it seems that you’re just playing some kiddy games.” Nie Li glanced at Hu Yong in disdain, “Just like kids fighting, you punch me and I punch you. How childish!”

Hu Yong was ready to explode at Nie Li’s disdainful expression. He snorted, “You’re just being stubborn now that your back’s against a wall!”

Nie Li crossed his arms as he smiled in disdain at Hu Yong. “Do you really think that I can’t take you all on today? For the likes of you, I don’t even need to take action myself!”

“The three of you haven’t even to reached the Heavenly Fate Realm. If I can’t take care of you today, then I’ll start writing my name backwards!” Hu Yong furiously snorted. He already knew that he himself was very arrogant, but he never thought that Nie Li would actually be more arrogant than him. Faced with so many enemies, he still dared to say such words. “Take the three of them away!”

The moment Hu Yong’s words landed, a deep and aged voice sounded from behind. “Young Master Hu, I’m afraid that you can’t take the three of them with you!”

Hu Yong furiously snorted. “Today, I will take the three of them! Who dares to hinder me?”

He turned around to see just who would be bold enough to help the three of them! However, when he turned around, he couldn’t help being dazed at the sighted before him.

Two silhouettes approached them slowly, both of which Hu Yong recognised. One person was named Nanmen Tianhai; the other was Huang Yu. Both Elder-rank figures, higher-ups of the Skysoul Institute. Even the higher-ups of the Hu Clan treated them with respect. Furthermore, Hu Yong was currently a disciple of the Skysoul Institute and subject to the institute’s restrictions!

“Young Master Hu, I’m afraid that in this Skysoul Institute, you cannot act as you wish. These three are from the talented generation of our Skysoul Institute. No one is allowed to take any action against them. Even if they are in the wrong, the institute will oversee the punishment.” Huang Yu looked at Hu Yong as he said in a solemn voice, “Young Master Hu is also a disciple of the Skysoul Institute. Regardless of now or in the future, those who dare to violate the rules of the Skysoul Institute cannot fault us for giving out punishment!”

In his heart, Hu Yong was extremely dejected. Only now did he understand that he’d fallen into Nie Li’s trap.

With Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu present, he definitely won’t be able to do anything to Nie Li today. Furthermore, these two elders now had their eye on him; from now on, he could only dream of taking action. He furiously glared at Nie Li and his party.

Lu Piao laughed as he looked at Hu Yong. “Earlier on, Young Master Hu mentioned that if he couldn’t take us out, he’d start writing his name backwards!”

“You guys better watch out. I definitely won’t let you guys off! Especially once you’ve reached the Heavenly Fate Realm, don’t even think about stepping out of the Skysoul Institute. Otherwise, you’ll die every time you go out!” Hu Yong furiously rebuked, then swept a glance at his nine Heavenly Fate Realm underlings, and ordered, “Let’s go!”

The Hu group afforded Nie Li and co. one more furious glare before turning and leaving after their master.

What Hu Yong meant was once Nie Li and his group finally reached the Heavenly Fate Realm and headed outside the institute grounds to explore, that was when he’d attack the three of them. But by then, Nie Li would’ve already placed his first Fate soul into the Soul Hall. When that time came, what would there be for him to be afraid of? Nie Li lightly smiled. He couldn’t think of a time when he’d actually been afraid of anyone!

The best Hu Yong could do was to hinder their cultivation a little by trying to obstruct Nie Li from breaking through to the Heavenly Star Realm. Even still, that Hu Yong was thinking too highly of himself.

Hu Yong and his group arrived looking awe-inspiring, but left with their tails between their legs. Hu Yong himself was extremely disheartened. Long Yuyin had been bullied and when he came to stand up for her, he ended up getting ash smeared on his own nose instead.

But because the two Elders of the Skysoul Institute were present, his party could only leave in a dejected fashion.

Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu retracted their gazes from Hu Yong. Nanmen Tianhai wore a stern face as he said, “You three, too. In the institute, cultivation comes before everything else. Running around, attracting trouble, how inappropriate! If there’s a next time, then we’ll expel you from the Skysoul Institute!”

Lu Piao immediately cried out in grievance, as he thought that this Elder was unable to distinguish between right and wrong. “But Lord Elder, we didn’t start it! They started it!”

Nanmen Tianhai coldly snorted as his strict gaze swept over the three of them. “A housefly will never bite a seamless egg! If you guys don’t attract trouble, how could trouble look for you?”

Huang Yu, who stood to the side, gently smiled at the three of them and said, “The three of you are rather decent talents, with unmeasurable prospects. Therefore, keeping a low-profile is a must. The Dragonseal Family, the Gu Clan isn’t a group you guys should easily offend. It’s best to endure for the future. Not enduring a small matter will spoil the bigger plans!”

Nie Li and Xiao Yu exchanged glances. The two of them were intelligent people. One Elder had an angelic face, while the other one had a devilish face; their meaning was crystal clear. These elders had come to tell them not to pick up any more trouble with people like Long Yuyin and Hu Yong.

In fact, while Nie Li was cultivating inside the Saint Soul Grounds, he’d already had an inkling of how dazzling his performance would be on the Saint Soul Board. Since he’d proved himself a lot stronger than Long Yuyin, there was no reason that the higher-ups of the Skysoul Institute wouldn’t know about it. Since that was the case, he’d teach Long Yuyin a lesson. The Skysoul Institute’s higher-ups would still think of methods to overlook this. After all, talents were extremely important to the Skysoul Institute!

Indeed, the two Elders had appeared after Hu Yong. Although the Elders were subordinate to the Grand Elder, they were still authoritative figures of the Divine Feathers Sect.

Nie Li said in a tone neither servile nor overbearing, “Thanks for the two Elders’ teachings. We will not take any initiatives to provoke trouble. However, if some people are being rude and unreasonable and insist on find trouble with us, then we can’t blindly endure. Otherwise, they’ll ask for a mile once you give them the inch!”

Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu exchanged glances and both bitterly smiled in their hearts. Indeed, geniuses all had their own temperaments. Nie Li’s words were neither soft nor hard. He was implying that if Long Yuyin or Hu Yong came looking for trouble again, he’d still fight back.

Xiao Yu nodded and said, “If some people are being overbearing and unreasonable, we have the right to protect ourselves. Take today for example. Hu Yong and his group wanted to take us to a secluded place to ‘take care of us’. If it weren’t for the two Elders, who knows what the outcome might’ve been? How can we endure such behaviour?”

Nanmen Tianhai said in a solemn voice, “If someone wants to cause trouble for you, we’ll naturally help you resolve it. However, all of you have boundless prospects, I suggest that you don’t waste your strength on internal fights. We, the Divine Feathers Sect still have many other enemies. You, the geniuses of the Divine Feathers Sect, should be united!”

Nie Li was waiting for those words from Nanmen Tianhai.

Nie Li smiled. “Since Elder is willing to help us stand up for ourselves, then of course, it’d be better. We couldn’t be bothered to waste our time with those senseless people!”

Nanmen Tianhai snorted, “That depends on your performances!”

The two Elders turned around and left.

Nie Li watched them go before he turned and lightly smiled at Xiao Yu and Lu Piao and said, “Let’s go back. After our lessons are complete, we’ll head for the second testing ground! With those two Elders watching us, there shouldn’t be anyone who dares to touch us in the testing grounds. Otherwise, those two Elders would be going back on their word!”

Xiao Yu couldn’t help smiling at Nie Li’s words. Nie Li really was taking a chicken feather for an authoritative token1.

Just outside the Saint Soul Grounds, Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu paused their steps.

Nanmen Tianhai bitterly smiled as he asked Huang Yu, “Old Yu, have we fallen for that kid’s trap?”

Huang Yu spread his hands out and said, “It seems to be the case. We definitely fell for that kid’s trap. With his eye-catching performance in the Saint Soul Grounds, it’d definitely attract the attention of those higher ups within the Skysoul Institute. That’s why they didn’t show any fear when facing Hu Yong.”

Nanmen Tianhai dispiritedly responded, “I’ve seen the forms that Xiao Yu filled out for them. They’re still only fourteen. After this year, they’ll be fifteen at most, and yet, they’re already so cunning. Long Yuyin and Jin Yan were the most outstanding among the younger generation; but compared to him, they’re indeed a little inferior.”

* * *



Chinese idiom. Assuming unwarranted authority on slim pretext.





Chapter 286: Heavenly Fate


Just as Nie Li and his party were about to leave, another group of people walked towards them.

Nie Li slightly narrowed his eyes. It’s indeed: ‘waves come just after the last one calms’. It seems like he won’t be able to have any peace from now on!

The leader, Gu Bei’s older cousin Gu Heng, walked towards Nie Li.

“You must be Nie Li!” Gu Heng’s face had a faint smile, “Obtaining rank three of the Saint Soul Board as a newcomer and mercilessly stepping over Long Yuyin, you’re indeed formidable! I’m Gu Heng of the Gu Clan!”

At Gu Heng’s words, Nie Li glanced at the group of people standing behind Gu Heng and narrowed his eyes. “I wonder what your distinguished countenance seeks me for?”

Nie Li had never heard of the name ‘Gu Heng’ before. In his previous life, the strongest person of the Gu Clan was Gu Bei!

A youth who stood to the side proudly announced, “Our Young Master is the first in line to succeed the Gu Clan!”

First successor? But in the end, he failed to succeed the Gu Clan? The corner of Nie Li’s mouth curled as he eyed the arrogant youth. It seemed that this Gu Heng would be Gu Bei’s competitor.

Gu Heng waved his hand, signaling his underling to silence himself. He then lightly smiled and said, “My purpose in coming here is to make friends with you geniuses!”

Lu Piao slapped his chest and straightforwardly said, “Make friends? I like making friends, we’re friends now!”

Gu Heng paused. Did Lu Piao really not hear the hidden intent in those words, or was he just acting as though he didn’t understand?

Nie Li laughed inwardly. Lu Piao was acting like a nitwit, but he knew what he was doing. Nie Li smiled, “I have the same intentions. If Young Master Gu wants to be friends, we’ll be glad. From now on, we can get along as friends!”

Gu Heng’s face turned slightly cold; however, he patted Nie Li on the shoulder and said, “I like your character. If you have some spare time, do make a visit to our Gu Clan. We of the Gu Clan would definitely be more than happy to welcome geniuses such as yourselves!”

Nie Li maintained some distance with Gu Heng as he said monotonously, “We also like being friends with people like Young Master Gu. Except that we’re all used to being free, so joining the Gu Clan might not suit us.”

At Nie Li’s words, Gu Heng’s eyes flashed with a ray of chilling light as he smiled, “With talents like yours, you could reach the Heavenly Fate Realm in half a month if you have sufficient cultivating resources! Please do consider the offer! The Gu Clan will forever keep its door open to you!”

Gu Heng finished his words and walked past Nie Li and his group. Upon seeing that, the people from the Gu Clan also dispersed.

Nie Li turned his head back to watch Gu Heng’s silhouette.

It seemed that this Gu Heng was from the Gu Clan as well. Lu Piao furrowed his brows and asked, “Nie Li, that fellow intends to recruit us? Based on his tone, he’s an extremely proud type of guy. He’s trying to recruit us, yet he still has that superior look. He’s absolutely different from Gu Bei. What’s his relationship with Gu Bei, anyways?”

“Don’t worry about him.” Nie Li lightly smiled and continued, “He’s just another opinionated fellow. Trying to recruit us under his wing and without even understanding if he himself is capable of it! He’s just the first successor to the Gu Clan. He doesn’t even have any real authority within the Gu Clan, and yet he’s already treating the entire Gu Clan as his!”

Xiao Yu was silently standing to the side. He hadn’t spoken a word since the beginning. After pondering for a while, he finally said, “Nie Li, you have to be careful. Since you’ve displayed such astonishing talent on the Saint Soul Board, the major families will definitely have their eyes on you!”

“There’s no harm. We should find someone to spread the news that we’ll only consider joining families after we’ve completed our training in the Skysoul Institute!” Nie Li said, “It’ll be fine if we just keep delaying it. We’ll talk about it later, after we’ve finished our training. Before our training has completed, those families probably won’t try to offend us too badly and risk pushing us towards the other families!”

Xiao Yu nodded after giving it a thought, “That’s a pretty good idea.”

Gu Heng stood some distance away with a sullen expression.

“Those arrogant bastards. They really thought I wanted to make friends with them? How could they be fit to be friends with me?” Gu Heng coldly laughed. How could he not perceive the faint rejecting from Nie Li? “It’s already considered to be a praise to be on terms as friends as for those that had pledged allegiance to me! Those who’re unwilling don’t even have the qualifications to be my friends!”

A youth who stood next to him agreed with his words. “Indeed, those three don’t know how to appreciate kindness!”

Gu Heng cursed uncontrollably. “So what if he’s talented? In the end, all the so-called geniuses still joined one family or another. It’s absolutely impossible for a single person to shake a family. Our Gu Clan can let him be or have him dead. If it wasn’t for the Skysoul Institute’s rule, they’d already be dead!”

The power struggle between the various families of Divine Feathers Sect was too intense; therefore, Gu Heng didn’t want to make too much gossipping material for others.

Gu Heng’s eyes flashed with a chilling light. “Since you’re unwilling to pledge allegiance to me, then you can just dream about reaching the Heavenly Star Realm for the rest of your life!”

Within the Draconic Ruins Realm, cultivating was an extremely hard task. If one didn’t actively go out to train and obtain spiritual stones for themselves, the Skysoul Institute wouldn’t be able to provide the sufficient cultivating resources for them. However, going to the various places in Draconic Ruins Realm meant high danger and there would be constant death.

Naturally, once a student reached the Heavenly Fate Realm and placed their first Fate Soul in the Soul Hall, they wouldn’t have to worry about their soul dissipating. However, every death would consume a level of cultivation in exchange. Therefore, trying to step into higher realms without the help of others would be an extremely tough task.

Once they entered the Heavenly Fate Realm and obtained sufficient cultivating resources, they’d be able to rapidly raise their cultivation. However, every level would exhaust large quantities of cultivating resources. Since there were countless other experts fighting over the limited cultivating resources, there would naturally be deaths among them.

At that point, it would become very easy for a family to control a single person’s cultivation.

Regardless, Nie Li’s refusal had angered Gu Heng. It’s just that Gu Heng hadn’t fully fallen out with Nie Li yet.

In a deep valley of the Divine Feathers Sect stood a straw hut surrounded by peach blossoms, like a garden full of peaches.

Such beautiful scenery was beyond spectacular!

A variety of mysterious, glowing arrays wandered around this straw hut.

Inside the hut, was a beautiful girl who sat in silence. There were six mysterious devices around her, each with round balls that revolved like stars. Each device formed and released pulses of mysterious energy.

This girl was Ying Yueru.

Both of her eyes were closed and brows were furrowed; she seemed to be deep in thought over something.

After a few hours had passed, she suddenly opened her eyes.

Ying Yueru looked as if she’d figured everything out. “So that’s what’s going on! No wonder I sensed such familiarity when I looked at him.” She smiled lightly and muttered to herself, “The Temporal Demon Spirit Book is indeed extraordinary, to reverse time and space. However, if you’re unable to defy the heavens and change your destiny, then everything will turn back into nothing. Once you reach the Heavenly Axis Realm, the Sage Emperor will slowly begin to sense your presence. What I can do to help you is shift your fate to myself. When the Sage Emperor performs his divination this time around, it will be me he finds, not you! Your Master can only help you this far; as to whether can you truly defy the heavens and change your destiny, that all depends on you!”

Ying Yueru’s gaze fell into distant space.

“My mother was a human, but the blood of the Demon God also flows within me. My existence was already destined to be intolerable. I hope that you can continue to live with my teachings and expectations.”

She remained there like a fairy that had descended into the mortal realm, uncorrupted by the world’s dust. Her gentle gaze was as clear as water.

She was a woman who was as serene as the moon.

Ever since she was born, she’d been an observer of destiny. She’d performed divinations on too many people; from her perspective, the lives and deaths were too normal. Because of this, she didn’t even view her own life and death with much importance.

She continued her calculations as Nie Li’s fate and her own started show little changes.

A day passed quickly. Inside Venerable Redsoul’s courtyard, the majority of students were already seated and waiting for Venerable Redsoul to arrive.

Nie Li and Lu Piao walked into the training room and sat in their own seats.

When the students saw Nie Li and Lu Piao enter, the quiet training room instantly burst into a commotion.

“Are you aware? That guy called Nie Li totally crushed Long Yuyin beneath his feet on the Saint Soul Board!”

“Shh, lower your voice. Aren’t you afraid that Long Yuyin will hear us?”

“I heard that Long Yuyin even got served with three lashes. She was so proud, so now that she was lashed three times, the shame is probably even harder for her to bear than death!”

As of this moment, nearly every student directed their attention towards Nie Li and Lu Piao.

Long Yuyin quietly sat there, wearing a tight-fitting outfit. She was the most beautiful girl in the class due to her impressive figure and flawless looks. The only flaw was that, at this point of time, she bore a rather ugly expression as she tightly clenched both fists on her knees.

How could she not hear the students’ discussions?

But on the Saint Soul Board, she’d indeed lost. However, the fact was that she was still very prideful in her heart.

Long Yuyin looked at Nie Li as her eyes flashed with a fighting spirit. ‘It’s only the Saint Soul Board, it can’t prove that your talent is stronger than mine. I will thoroughly beat you in other ways!’ She definitely wouldn’t allow herself to lose to anyone else that’s the same age as herself.

She’d been brought up by her mother. And throughout childhood, her mother had always told her that a woman must depend on herself. She must be a true expert and crush all men beneath her feet.

Ever since she was young, she’d displayed a powerful talent. Right now, she was already the seventh in line to succeed the Dragonseal Family. This was her glory; however, it was still far from enough. She wanted to become the most powerful!

Now, on the Saint Soul Board, Nie Li had crushed her mercilessly, which nearly made her go insane. However, she definitely won’t admit defeat!





Chapter 287: Physical Strength


Gu Bei approached Nie Li, gave him a thumbs up, and softly whispered in his ear, “Nice job, Nie Li! Haha! To think you actually managed to step over Long Yuyin! I’ve always wanted to be on top of her, but I was helpless since she was so powerful. But it seems you’re far more powerful than that.”

“It’s only a competition on the Saint Soul Board!” Nie Li shook his head as he glanced at Gu Bei and said meaningfully, “You should also be able to do the same thing, right?”

At Nie Li’s words, Gu Bei smiled as he shook his head, “I’m confident that I won’t lose to that woman, but crushing her completely is still too hard for me. You’re the only one who’s earned my admiration!”

“The Saint Soul Board competition can’t be considered much.” Nie Li wasn’t really concerned about everything that had just happened. Within his heart, Long Yuyin was just a passer-by; his true opponent was the Sage Emperor!

Gu Bei chuckled. “That’s already very impressive. The Saint Soul Board is also a symbol of strength! It must feel terrific to conquer a cold and icy woman like Long Yuyin. I originally wanted her as one of my concubines, but since you’re interested, I’ll let you have her!”

Nie Li didn’t know what to say at Gu Bei’s nonsense. Although it wasn’t unexpected, since Gu Bei was a little too unrestrained in character. Even though he was just fourteen or fifteen years old, rumors circulated that he already had over twenty wives hidden at home. However, Nie Li had no idea whether if it was all just an act or if it was really just part of his personality.

“I have no interest in her,” Nie Li lightly said.

Gu Bei was stunned for a moment, then snuck a glance at Nie Li’s crotch.“You’re not having those problems, right? She’s such a beautiful woman, but you’re not moved by it?”

Nie Li was simply speechless. He thought of Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning’er; if he was going to take a wife, she should at least be of Ziyun or Ning’er’s standard. For a woman like Long Yuyin, Nie Li wasn’t interested at all.

Nie Li figured that there’d be no end to the discussion if he let it continue, so he changed subjects. “Someone from the Gu Clan, called Gu Heng, came looking for us.”

At Nie Li’s words, Gu Bei immediately wiped the sloppy expression off his face and thought about what Nie Li had said. “Nie Li, regardless of what you and Lu Piao decide to do, you’ll still be my friends. That Gu Heng isn’t a good guy; it’s best if you keep some distance from him. But if he ends up recruiting you guys under him, I hope that you’ll still be the same people I’ve always known.”

“I’ve already rejected him.” Nie Li said calmly, “Not only him, we’ve also rejected many others!”

Gu Bei raised his head and looked at Nie Li in astonishment. A brief moment later, he recovered and responded, “Gu Heng is very narrow-minded. Since you guys rejected him, then you must be wary of his underhand tactics!”

Nie Li casually said, “We’re not worried about that. Even if an army comes, we’ll block it with generals. If he sends a flood, we’ll block it with earth!”

Gu Bei considered Nie Li’s expression for a moment before saying, “Nie Li, as far as that goes, I really admire you. From now on, if there’s ever anything you need from me, just say the word and I definitely won’t shrink away from the task!”

Nie Li waved his hand. “We’ll talk about it later!”

Gu Bei was a good person; therefore, Nie Li didn’t want to build their friendship just on mutual benefit.

Some distance away stood Han Jing, Wan Yang, and their groups, who were watching Nie Li, Lu Piao, and Gu Bei with deep jealousy. However, none of them dared to casually offend Nie Li. Their talents were simply not on the same level. Nie Li’s talent already made them feel deep fear; asking for trouble from him was the same as asking for their own deaths!

Nie Li was someone who even dared to hit Long Yuyin!

Venerable Redsoul walked into the courtyard and swept an eye over his students.

When his eyes landed on Nie Li, he paused for a brief moment before smiling. “I already know that some of you have already entered the training grounds. There are also some students who’ve achieved pretty good ranks and shown talent surpassing my expectations. Excellent! Everyone else must work hard as well. Because of the East District’s maximum quota of five, if you cannot obtain a position this year, you’ll have to wait until next year. Next year, there’ll be even more students joining us from the South and North Districts. Who knows? This might be your last chance!”

Han Jing, Wang Yang and the rest all clenched their fists. There were only five spaces and the difficulty of this competition was way too high. Even still, Venerable Redsoul’s words felt threatening to them. If they were unable to reach the East District this year, did that mean that they’d lose that chance forever? Their hearts were filled with agitation. They were all geniuses who possessed Heavenly Spiritual Roots; how could they lower their heads and allow others to step over them?

“During the lesson three days ago, we tried to ignite Spiritual Flames. I wonder if you all practised it when you went home? If you’ve managed to ignite the Spiritual Flames, please report your name to me. Igniting the Spiritual Flames is one of the cards you can use to enter the East District. In today’s lesson, we’ll talk about how to refine the physical body. A powerful cultivator should first possess a powerful physical body; only then, can the body contain a powerful soul! However, strengthening the physical body isn’t a simple matter!” Venerable Redsoul continued, “Now, I’ll teach you guys how to strengthen your physical bodies!”

Upon finishing his words, Venerable Redsoul retrieved several armguards from his interspatial ring. “This is the Profound Weight Armguards; like its name, it’s filled with profound weight. The armguards are divided into five types: 250kg, 500kg, 750kg, 1000kg, and 1250kg. Each of you will choose a pair and wear it!”

Venerable Redsoul brought out a pile of armguards, placed them in front of him, and said, “You are not allowed to exert Heavenly Energy. You may only rely on your physical strength. Naturally, you should choose a pair of weights that are around eighty percent of your limit. Now then, come and take a pair!”

As soon as Venerable Redsoul finished speaking, several students walked forward and picked up some of the 500kg Profound Weight Armguards. Instantly, their faces turned red and they immediately switched stances to better support the armguard with both hands. One armguard weighed 500kg; a pair would weight 1000kg. These students were completely unable to support such weight; therefore, they were forced to stick with the 250kg Profound Weight Armguards.

Only now, after being restricted from using Heavenly Energy, did they realise how weak their physiques were.

At first, the students who walked up were unwilling to take the lightest armguards; however, most of them quickly realised that their physical strength was too weak. Only after that did they pick up the lightest. Only a small number of people were able to wield the 500kg Profound Weight Armguards.

As Long Yuyin walked up to the pile, almost everyone was focusing their attention on her. Everyone knew that she possessed the Blood Dragon lineage, and therefore had a powerful physique. However, none of them knew just how strong she actually was.

Long Yuyin lowered her head and picked up a 750kg pair of armguards and easily slipped them on.

She’d usually use the Profound Weight Armguards before, so she easily found a suitable pair for herself. Furthermore, even though she was wearing the 750kg armguards, one could still say that she was reserving a portion of her strength. Back when she cultivated with her family’s resources, she trained with the 1000kg armguards.

The strength of her physical body was her pride.

Jin Yan walked up and chose the 500kg armguards. He gave a depressing glance at Long Yuyin. He was already straining to wear the 500kg armguards, forget about the 750kg ones. He’d always been a hair behind Long Yuyin.

“It’s our turn now!” Lu Piao said as he walked up to pick up the 500kg Profound Weight Armguards and weighed it in his hand. Although it was a little tough for him, he still managed to wear them with a red face.

Gu Bei picked up the 500kg armguards and wore them effortlessly. He chose to keep them on instead of exchanging them for a heavier set.

Nie Li had also chose the 500kg Profound Weight Armguards and put them on. He knew that even without Heavenly Energy, he was capable of supporting the 750kg armguards, although it might be a little too much. It was better to know your own limits.

After all, in terms of physical strength alone, Nie Li was a little inferior to Long Yuyin, who possessed the Blood Dragon lineage. With that bloodline alone, she was as strong as a 2-fate Heavenly Fate Realm expert.

“After you train without your Heavenly Energy, you guys will know how weak your body is!” Venerable Redsoul slowly circled around them as he smiled, “You guys may train in this cultivation room, while I guide you in refining your physical bodies!”

Gu Bei, Lu Piao, and Nie Li began a training menu that included vertical skims, somersaults, and various others. Although the actions themselves were all very simple, the tasks had greatly increased in difficulty, since they were restricted from using their Heavenly Energy and were forced to depend on their physical strength. No one had it easy. In just a few minutes, they were all sweating all over.

Venerable Redsoul said as he walked around, “When cultivating the body, breathing is the most important. Inhale with force and then slowly exhale. Toughening the physical body is also a technique for communicating with Heavenly Energy. Thus, when your physical body is again nourished by Heavenly Energy, it will become stronger!”

Nie Li stayed in a one-finger handstand. Like a monk who’d entered meditation, he made no unnecessary movements.

Since they were working on refining the body, Nie Li decided that he wouldn’t waste such a good chance to use his own method to refine himself. He remained in his pose without making any visible movements; however, all the muscles within his body were trembling.

This was the physical body refining technique of the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique.

Use the heart to refine the breath; use the breath to refine the body!

As his muscles trembled, Nie Li felt his physical body growing stronger. Indeed, the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique’s method of refining the body was rather quick to show results.

Venerable Redsoul paused as he walked past Nie Li. He’d noticed that Nie Li was using a unique method to train his body, a method that was unknown, even to him. He sensed that Nie Li’s aura was extremely thin, to the point that it was almost undetectable.

The Venerable Redsoul was rather surprised. Just what kind of body refining technique was this? However, he did not enquire. Everyone had their own cultivation techniques; therefore, they also had their own insights towards cultivation. As a teacher, he could only sit to the side, provide tips, and not interfere. Furthermore, asking about a student’s cultivation technique was rather unethical as a teacher.





Chapter 288: Clash


Venerable Redsoul had no idea what cultivation method Nie Li was using, but he could sense that his refining method was very profound.

Indeed, a genius will stand out from the masses. Venerable Redsoul didn’t find it necessary to give Nie Li any pointers; instead, he only observed his student for a moment before moving on.

Everyone continued training their bodies. Roughly a few hours later, aside from Nie Li, everyone had received tips from Venerable Redsoul and had some upgrade.

Before this, Nie Li had been working on cultivating Heavenly Energy. Now that he was focusing on his physical body, he could sense that his physique was improving at an extremely fast pace.

As Long Yuyin trained her physical body, she periodically glanced at Nie Li. Nie Li’s training method was different from the ones she’d known in the past, thus arousing her interest. Her heart blazed with fighting intent. No matter what, she had to erase her previous shame.

She wanted to tell Nie Li that although he had surpassed her on the Saint Soul Board, he still wasn’t her opponent in terms of strength. She wanted to return all the shame that he’d given her.

The wounds on her body were vaguely aching, but they didn’t matter much to her. It was the disgrace within her heart that was the most unbearable.

She had to return those three whips to Nie Li!

Venerable Redsoul nodded and said, “You are all geniuses who possess Heaven Spiritual Roots; therefore, your comprehension speeds would also surpass others’. This year’s geniuses have already greatly surpassed my expectations. However, you guys must still guard against pride and impatience. Keep in mind that within the Draconic Ruins Realm, there will always be someone more powerful than yourself. You may be top-tier inside the Divine Feathers Sect; however, there’re still many other geniuses in the other sects of the Draconic Ruins Realm who continue to train as you rest. Your goal is to surpass them!”

Venerable Redsoul looked at the crowd of students and said, “Right now, you must familiarise yourself with your own strength. We will soon begin the combat drill. Each of you will find yourselves a partner to spar. It’s best to pick a friend who has strength comparable to your own!”

Lu Piao was stunned for a moment. “Combat drills?”

Gu Bei, who stood beside him, smiled and said, “Brother Lu, why don’t we train together?”

Lu Piao immediately nodded. “Sounds good!” He never wants to train with Nie Li; that guy’s strength was simply a world apart from his.

Just then, a beauty wearing white training clothes approached Nie Li. She had a voluptuous figure, but a cute appearance. Although she was a little inferior compared to Long Yuyin, she was still a great beauty.

She shyly asked, “Nie Li, I was just looking for someone to train with. Why don’t we train together?”

There were a total of thirty-six students in the class, eleven of whom were young women. Aside from Long Yuyin who was a loner, the other girls interacted quite a bit. These girls had been closely observing their male classmates, so, Nie Li was undoubtedly on their radars.

Nie Li was ranked number three on the Saint Soul Grounds and had crushed Long Yuyin beneath him. Such talent was definitely the most dazzling, becoming a delicious cake in the eyes of many girls. However, the other girls didn’t dare approach Nie Li, with the exception of He Yinyin. She was from a rather good family; furthermore, she had good looks. In the entire class, she was only second to Long Yuyin.

A beauty had requested for to train with him, that must certainly be an alluring invitation. Lu Piao’s eyes lit up as he blinked at Nie Li. Why couldn’t Lu Piao encounter such good fortune?

Suddenly, Long Yuyin walked over, coldly looked at He Yinyin, and said, “He Yinyin, move aside. He’s my opponent!”

Nie Li couldn’t help frowning his brows for a brief moment when Long Yuyin suddenly appeared. This girl really didn’t know when to stop! Was the lesson he taught her earlier not enough, so was she coming back for more? Long Yuying might possess the Blood Dragon Lineage, but Nie Li wouldn’t fear her in a one-on-one fight.

He Yinyin frowned. Of all the people in this class, she hated Long Yuyin the most. He Yinyin wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and turn Nie Li into a dog that followed after her skirt; however, Long Yuyin just had to jump in and ruin everything. Although He Yinyin’s family wasn’t an ordinary one, it was still incomparable to the Dragonseal Family. Therefore, she didn’t dare provoke Long Yuyin.

He Yinyin pursed her lips, smiled, and spoke with a soft tone that would turn anyone else’s bones into jelly. “Senior Brother Nie Li, I’ll take my leave then. If there’s some time after class, we’ll chat then.”

Nie Li casually replied, “Maybe later.”

Naturally, he wouldn’t fall for her appearance. He understood that people like He Yinyin were embodiments of viciousness and greed. Long Yuyin may be rude, but at least she was straightforward, and thus easily countered.

Long Yuyin couldn’t help snorting inwardly as she looked at He Yinyin.

He Yinyin felt rather dejected that Nie Li was being so cold to her. She gave one last indignant glare to Long Yuyin before turning around and leaving.

Several girls began chattering in soft voices.

“What’s wrong with Long Yuyin? To think she actually sought out Nie Li for a combat drill! Maybe she has her eyes on him?”

“What are you talking about? Are you not aware of that incident a few days ago? Nie Li mercilessly crushed Long Yuyin beneath him and even gave her three lashes. How could she possibly endure it with her proud character? She obviously went to Senior Brother Nie Li for revenge!”

“Nie Li gave Long Yuyin three lashes? I’ve been busy cultivating for the past few days, so I don’t know a thing about it! Quick, tell me what happened!”

“Nie Li is really amazing to have actually make Long Yuyin suffer a loss!” Several girls discussed in soft voices. “Now she’s trying to find her dignity again?”

“That Long Yuyin woman possesses the Blood Dragon lineage. Since she has such a powerful physical body, Senior Brother Nie Li will probably suffer this time around!”

Long Yuyin’s face was ashen as she stared at Nie Li. She could feel the wounds on her chest and butt still aching. This bone aching pain definitely won’t be forgotten. She’ll definitely return them to Nie Li in person! Nie Li had called her trash that only knew how to use her family’s power, so she wanted to prove that even without her family’s influence, she was still much stronger than him!

Venerable Redsoul couldn’t help smiling bitterly as he watched Nie Li and Long Yuyin.

Nie Li was a genius who possessed unimaginable talent compared to ordinary people. Based on his observation, Nie Li’s talent was greater than Long Yuyin’s. As for Long Yuyin, that girl had a prominent birth and astonishing talent; However, her personality was a little too strong and she didn’t allow anyone to surpass her. Now that she’d encountered Nie Li, the two would definitely clash. Unless Nie Li utterly suppressed Long Yuyin or she managed to defeat Nie Li, that girl definitely won’t let the matter rest.

“In the next Combat Drill, you are only allowed to use your own physical strength. Heavenly Energy is forbidden!” Venerable Redsoul then continued, “The strength of your body is the root of everything. In the process of combat, you must also pay close attention to the movements inside your meridians.”

Gu Bei walked up to Nie Li, patted him on the shoulder, and bitterly smiled. “Nie Li, good luck! Long Yuyin is someone who possesses the Blood Dragon lineage, so she has a powerful physical body. I’m afraid you won’t be her match!”

Nie Li shrugged, “I know what to do!” How could he be afraid of Long Yuyin? Although his physical body was inferior to Long Yuyin’s, Nie Li still wasn’t looking at her with much regard!

Long Yuyin coldly looked at Nie Li. She’d always been proud of her physical body. Although she couldn’t win against Nie Li on the Saint Soul Board, she definitely won’t lose to Nie Li in terms of physical strength.

Battle intent surged between the two of them.

Venerable Redsoul pondered for a brief moment. He was worried that once Nie Li and Long Yuyin began fighting, their clash would spiral out of control and affect the entire cultivating room. He spoke up, “You will be given a three meter area marked by a barrier that I will lay down around you. As you train, you’re only allowed to move about in that area!”

Venerable Redsoul then began to lay down the barriers, which the disciples entered.

A determined expression flashed across Long Yuyin’s face as she glared at Nie Li. “The shame that you gave me, I’ll return it back by several folds! Today, I’ll utterly defeat you!”

Nie Li calmly replied, “You’re welcome to try anytime!” How could he possibly be afraid of Long Yuyin?

The other students had already begun their fights as Long Yuyin simply stood there. She wore an extremely serious expression and her body was slightly arched, like female leopard accumulating its power and waiting for action. The desirable body hidden under her clothes brimmed with energy. Both of her long, slender legs were filled with tension.

“Ha!” Long Yuyin gave a small roar as her body suddenly shot upwards. Her left leg caused a powerful gale as she aimed her kicks towards Nie Li’s head.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

When Long Yuyin swung her leg, it caused a howling gale.

Nie Li saw that Long Yuyin’s foot was about to hit his head, and raised his right arm to block. With a huge boom, Nie Li took several steps back as he felt pain from his right arm.

Long Yuyin’s physical strength was indeed astonishing.

The moment her feet were back on the ground, she aimed another series of kicks towards Nie Li.

If Nie Li fought Long Yuyin head-on, he definitely wouldn’t be her match. Not to mention the fact that Long Yuyin’s attacks felt as though she was fighting with her life on the line. She was exerting her strength to frightening degrees.

Her legs were very long and made powerful roundhouse kicks. However, regardless of how strong an attack was, as long as it was based on physical strength alone, there was a loophole to winning. Nie Li retreated and dodged Long Yuyin’s second flying roundhouse kick. Her leg whistled past Nie Li’s face.

Upon missing, Long Yuyin twisted in midair and swept a third roundhouse towards Nie Li.

The moment her third roundhouse kick grazed Nie Li’s head, he immediately found the flaw and threw a punch to Long Yuyin’s inner thighs.





Chapter 289: Confrontation!


Long Yuyin aimed three consecutive kicks that exhausted her strength and energy. It was in that moment that she revealed an opening.

When a person kicks, they exert force through the foot and calf. Since people usually train these parts of the body, it’s extremely tough to attack there. Therefore, the inner thighs are the weak spot.

Nie Li only gave a light punch on her inner thighs, but this caused Long Yuyin to completely lose control and fall.

Even though it was only a light punch, its force directly reverberated through her body.

Long Yuyin groaned as she landed to the side with her face ashen. A soury pain and numbness came from her inner thighs, making her unable to stand steadily. She was also embarrassed by where Nie Li had struck her. However, she was the most surprised by the fact that Nie Li’s strength was obviously below her own; so why did she suffer such heavy damage from such a soft punch?

She possessed the Blood Dragon lineage! An ordinary person’s punch wouldn’t be able to cause any damage to her!

However, the stronger Nie Li proved to be, the more intense her fighting spirit would burn. She was Long Yuyin! She definitely wouldn’t lose!

As soon as she fell, she stood up again and whipped more kicks towards Nie Li.

Nie Li sensed that Long Yuyin was becoming more forceful and was a little enraged by it. This woman really didn’t know when to quit! Did she really think he couldn’t hurt her just because he didn’t go with a heavy attack?

Right now, almost everyone couldn’t help dumbfoundedly watching Nie Li and Long Yuyin. Long Yuyin was someone with the Blood Dragon lineage! All the bystanders originally thought that Nie Li was the one who would’ve been given a beating. However, in this confrontation, it wasn’t Nie Li who had the underhand; it was Long Yuyin who appeared to have suffered damage.

This was too shocking!

Forget defeating Long Yuyin on the Saint Soul Board, that girl was the strongest in physical strength. Was Nie Li also stronger than her in that sense? That talent of his was borderline heaven-defying; was he still going to give others a chance to compete?

However, Venerable Redsoul could see that Nie Li’s physical body was actually inferior to Long Yuyin’s. However, Nie Li’s insights on the Martial Dao surpassed Long Yuyin by far. Nie Li knew how to effectively use his own strength to achieve ‘using weak to win against the strong!’

Long Yuyin’s attacks were very swift and heavily pressured Nie Li. After all, she was also talented in the Martial Dao. She immediately readjusted herself after receiving the small attack from Nie Li.

Long Yuyin continuously struck out with such speed that her attacks left afterimages.

Nie Li’s eyes were slightly narrowed as he backed off without taking any action. Just as Long Yuyin prepared to change attacks, he suddenly moved his right hand and grabbed Long Yuyin’s calf.

Long Yuyin tried to pull back, but she was too late and was grabbed by Nie Li. She could no longer pull away.

“Let me go!” Long Yuyin said in embarrassment. “Otherwise, don’t blame me for being heavy with my attacks!”

Since this was only a combat drill, Long Yuyin didn’t exert the power of her Blood Dragon lineage. She originally thought that she could defeat Nie Li without using the Blood Dragon lineage; however, his strength greatly surpassed her imagination. The moment they clashed, she suffered a small loss. Now, he was holding onto her leg.

“Hmph, let you go? Why should I? Aren’t you supposed to be very powerful?” Nie Li’s anger still hadn’t subsided. Not only did he not release her, he even took a step towards Long Yuyin, lifting her leg higher.

“Let go right now! Otherwise, I won’t hold back!” Long Yuyin’s leg was raised until it almost touched her chest, forcing her to hop a step back. Her heart quaked from the embarrassing position she’d been put in. Her face paled as there were many people watching.

“Long Yuyin, you think that your Blood Dragon lineage is very powerful? It’s just so-so! What methods do you still have up your sleeve? Why don’t you take them all out and let me see just how much ability you have!” Nie Li took several steps forward as his right hand gripped the meridians in her calf. His grip weakened Long Yuyin and she couldn’t help hopping several steps backwards.

Long Yuyin kept backing away as Nie Li forced her closer and closer to the boundary, until finally there was nowhere else to back up to.

Long Yuyin’s face turned pale and she bit her lips at Nie Li’s words. She tried to pull her leg back again, but failed.

Long Yuyin’s struggle didn’t soften Nie Li’s heart. From his previous life, he was well aware of what kind of person she was. Just like how earlier, when Nie Li had come out from the Saint Soul Grounds, Long Yuyin had impatiently sent people from her family to deal with him.

A woman like Long Yuyin would return a tooth for a tooth. He had to crush her entirely, and make her shrink back in fear. Only that way, she wouldn’t be a threat to his master anymore!

Nie Li definitely wouldn’t be gentle when faced with an enemy. He had to let Long Yuyin sense fear so she wouldn’t dare to be so impudent anymore!

Nie Li put his face near Long Yuyin’s ear and coldly laughed, “You’re just a piece of trash that knows how to use your family’s influence. Your family aside, you’re nothing! What Blood Dragon lineage? They’re all just jokes that only you would think are important!”

Long Yuyin’s eyes flickered with tears as Nie Li humiliated her in front of so many people. She look at him. Since when had she felt such humiliation before?

“Nie Li, you’re too much!” Long Yuyin instantly burst forth with powerful energy as her other leg shot up and clamped onto Nie Li’s neck. With a 360° turn, she flipped Nie Li onto the ground.

Nie Li never imagined that Long Yuyin would actually be able to call forth such powerful energy. He was intended to break away from her calf, but it was already too late. The only option was to counterattack.

*Bang!*

Nie Li landed heavily on the ground. Although his neck was in her grip, he managed to flip over, pinning Long Yuyin under himself and grabbing her neck.

The two of them were deadlocked in that strange position. Both of Long Yuyin’s tight thighs were clamped around Nie Li’s neck. However, she was pinned down by Nie Li with her body arched and her neck in Nie Li’s hands.

Everyone else stupidly exchanged looks.

Lu Piao and Gu Bei were dumbfounded as well. Just what were the two of them doing? It couldn’t be. Were they going to…

The other girls in the class cried out as their faces blushed red. Nie Li and Long Yuyin’s actions were indeed a little too…

Nie Li coldly barked as his right hand slowly exerted force on Long Yuyin’s neck. “Let go of me, otherwise, I’ll kill you!”

Long Yuyin’s face was a little pale, but she didn’t give up. She furiously glared at Nie Li as tears flickered within her eyes. “Then I’ll take you with me!”

Nie Li scowled and coldly cursed, “You crazy woman! Release me this instant!” He hated how Long Yuyin kept bothering him like this. He already couldn’t be bothered to pursue the grudges from his previous life. But now, this woman was coming after him again and again, insisting on making trouble for him. Nie Li was rather furious.

Nie Li realised that Long Yuyin was about to suffocate him with her thighs, so he pressed down harder on her.

“Let go!” Nie Li deeply snarled. He didn’t wanted to die with this crazy woman. Furthermore, if he couldn’t kill Long Yuyin now, that meant that the current him was still too weak to confront the Dragonseal Family.

Long Yuyin’s face was pale as she coughed. She’d finally calmed down her rage and began to slowly lessen the force between her legs. “You let go of your hands first!”

Nie Li rebuked as his left palm smacked her butt with a crisp sound. “If you won’t let go, then don’t blame me for getting rude!”

Long Yuyin paused as she sensed the burning pain on her rear end. Her face turned red as her voice trembled, “Nie Li, how dare you humiliate me!”

“So what if I humiliate you? Let go now. If you won’t let go, then will you believe me when I say that I’ll tear your clothes off and let everyone have a good look?!” Nie Li coldly growled.

“You…” Long Yuyin’s voice trembled at Nie Li’s cold voice. She was afraid. If Nie Li really stripped her, then there’d be no way she could ever face anyone else in her entire life, ever again. She would rather commit suicide and be done with it. She had finally loosened her legs around Nie Li’s neck and released him.

Nie Li had also pulled his hand back, releasing his choke-hold. He also didn’t want to waste any more effort being tangled with her.

The moment Nie Li released his hand, Long Yuyin suddenly pounced and kicked him in the chest. Nie Li was caught off guard, took the kick head-on, and was sent flying before he heavily smashed into the barrier. Nie Li tasted something sweet in his throat and nearly vomited blood.

Nie Li never thought that Long Yuyin would actually use a sneak attack on him!

“You deserved it!” Long Yuyin’s eyes still flickered with tears. She’d been humiliated by Nie Li in front of so many people. She thoroughly hated him.

Energy and blood raged through Nie Li’s body. When he raised his his head to look at Long Yuyin, his expression frosted over, entirely devoid of emotion. Indeed, he should never go easy on people like Long Yuyin! Once goes easy, that woman will strike back severely!

Long Yuyin’s heart trembled when she saw that Nie Li’s expression was like unmelting ice, looking at her like a corpse. She vaguely realised that she’d been wrong to kick Nie Li when had released her. However, Nie Li had bullied her so badly, so why shouldn’t she strike back?

Long Yuyin clenched both of her fists. Both the incident within the Saint Soul Grounds and this incident today were the greatest shames of her life!

However, it looked like she’d been asking for all of it!

Nie Li held his chest as he stood up. A chill flashed within his eyes. The barrier had already been removed. Nie Li brushed past Long Yuyin without even affording her a single glance as he walked towards Lu Piao and Gu Bei’s direction. No matter what, Nie Li would never go easy on Long Yuyin ever again!

Long Yuyin opened her mouth. She wanted to say something, but in the end, she only swallowed her words. She didn’t know why, but she sensed a terrifying cold in Nie Li’s expression.





Chapter 290: The farther the better!


In Nie Li’s heart, there was no difference between the current Long Yuyin and the vicious woman from his previous life!

If they weren’t in the Skysoul Institute, Nie Li might’ve already engaged Long Yuyin in a life-and-death battle.

Everyone was dumbfounded as they looked between Nie Li and Long Yuyin.

This situation was too explosive. No one thought that Long Yuyin, who possessed the Blood Dragon lineage, would actually end up getting so miserably bullied by Nie Li. It seemed that Long Yuyin really had met her match this time!

It’s just that the scene earlier was a little…

Lu Piao couldn’t helping winking at Nie Li when he saw their strange posture. The things that just happened were indeed…a little…too fiery!

However, he had also noticed that Nie Li’s face was ashen and contained killing intent, so much that it even caused Lu Piao to tremble unconsciously. What was going on with Nie Li? It’d been a long time since Lu Piao had met Nie Li, but Nie Li rarely ever acted so angrily. Lu Piao felt that there was some sort of unresolvable bad blood between the two of them.

The girls in the class all exchanged glances. They never thought that Long Yuyin would actually throw away her own safety to try and take down Nie Li. It was even more unexpected that Nie Li would be strong enough to beat Long Yuyin.

He Yinyin pursed her lips and said, “Long Yuyin, that woman asked for it. She thought that her Blood Dragon lineage was very powerful, but in the end she still lost to Senior Brother Nie Li! That woman can’t be trying to attract Senior Brother Nie Li’s attention, right?!”

The more He Yinyin thought about it, the more convinced she became that there was something wrong with Long Yuyin’s head. Why would she purposely seek out Nie Li?

One of the girls couldn’t help asking in a mesmerised voice, “Yinyin, what do you think Senior Brother Nie Li is like?” Nie Li’s dazzling talent had moved her heart a little.

He Yinyin said in disdain, “Don’t think about it. With so many people eyeing Senior Brother Nie Li, it’ll never be your turn!”

Hearing He Yinyin’s words, that girl said in annoyance, “Who knows? I don’t see Senior Brother Nie Li being interested in you either!”

Jin Yan looked at Nie Li and tightly clenched his fist as annoyance filled his heart. In terms of physical strength, which Long Yuyin supposedly excel at, Nie Li had actually defeated her. That talent was simply too heaven-defying! No wonder Nie Li had entirely disregarded Jin Yan earlier. So it turned out that he had no place in Nie Li’s eyes!

Long Yuyin’s presence alone already made Jin Yan unhappy. Now that Nie Li had been added on top, he was even more unhappy.

Han Jing and his group stood some distance away, utterly shocked. Previously, they were thinking of how to make trouble for Nie Li; but now, such thoughts were totally banished from their minds. No one would want to provoke someone like Nie Li, who had so much natural talent. Not to mention the fact that if a fight did break out, they were definitely not in Nie Li’s league.

Wang Yang looked at Nie Li as his eyes filled with maliciousness and jealousy.

Venerable Redsoul lowly coughed and said, “Since you’ve found your partners, you should often train together to enhance your physical strength. Today’s lesson will end here, but you may continue with your training. The third lesson will be in three days.”

Venerable Redsoul then left the grounds.

Nie Li glanced at Lu Piao and Gu Bei and said, “Let’s go!”

Just when Nie Li was about to leave, Long Yuyin suddenly popped out from the side and stopped him. “You’re not allowed to leave!”

Nie Li coldly looked at her. What more did this woman want?

“I want you to stay behind and continue training with me!” Long Yuyin bit her teeth and looked at Nie Li stubbornly. She wanted to become even stronger and she knew that Nie Li’s strength could ignite the fighting spirit within her heart.

Nie Li glanced at her with loathing. “Get lost! I don’t have the time for it!” This woman was endless!

At the sight of this, everyone became dumbfounded.

Long Yuyin had just suffered such a huge loss and was humiliated to such an extent. Why did she want Nie Li to train with her? Did she have some loose screws in her brain? Was this woman a masochist, so that the more that she was humiliated, the more she wanted to present herself at his front doorstep? Or could it be that this girl had fallen for Nie Li?

He Yinyin furrowed her brows and said, “Long Yuyin, aren’t you a little too thick-skinned? Senior Brother Nie Li doesn’t want to deal with you anymore, and yet you still want to bother him!”

Long Yuyin glanced at He Yinyin and coldly rebuked, “This is none of your business. Get lost! If you dare say another word, I’ll throw you out!”

“You…” In her heart, He Yinyin was extremely infuriated. ‘This crazy woman!’ However, she didn’t respond to Long Yuyin and could only leave in frustration.

Nie Li coldly stared at her. “Long Yuyin, are you looking for humiliation?”

Long Yuyin’s gaze met Nie Li’s as she said, “I did not lose earlier, nor do I admit defeat. Unless you can win against me, we’ll continue to fight! If you managed to win, then regardless of what you ask of me, if I ever frown for a second, then my name is not Long Yuyin! If I win, I’ll return those three lashes back to you!”

Nie Li snorted. “Get lost! I don’t have any more time to waste with you!” He was prepared to move around Long Yuyin.

“You’re not allowed to leave!” Long Yuyin stretched her hand out to block Nie Li and kicked him with her left leg.

Nie Li immediately dodged. He was utterly enraged by this woman.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Another intense battle broke out as energy shot from their fists. Both Nie Lie and Long Yuyin’s speed were raised to the limits and only afterimages were left behind.

The two of them were like a buckets of gunpowder, exploding upon ignition. In just that short moment, they ended up fighting again.

Everyone was dumbfoundedly staring at the intense battle going on between the two of them.

Long Yuyin was maxing the potential of her Blood Dragon lineage. Regardless of attack speed or strength, everything was several folds stronger than before. Every attack was extremely sharp and precise.

*Bang!*

Long Yuyin aimed an attack at Nie Li’s chest, which he blocked with both arms. However, the powerful energy still forced him back several dozens of steps. Without the slightest pause, Long Yuyin jumped in again and rained another barrage of attacks at Nie Li.

Her attacks were like a raging storm.

Gu Bei furrowed his brows for a brief moment as he couldn’t help worrying about Nie Li. “Long Yuyin, that woman is really fighting with her life on the line!” He prepared to jump in at any time. If Long Yuyin really intended to kill Nie Li, then Gu Bei would definitely help him. Right now, he couldn’t care less about revealing his power.

Nie Li could only keep warding off Long Yuyin’s storm-like attacks as his heart became filled with endless rage.

He’d endured it again and again, but this Long Yuyin was simply endless.

“Since that’s the case, then don’t blame me for getting impolite!” Nie Li’s eyes flashed with a chilling light. “Since you’re asking for it, I’ll give you a thorough lesson!”

Nie Li absolutely won’t fear anyone of the same level!

Long Yuyin sent a burst of energy to her leg. Just when it was about to land on Nie Li, he suddenly sidestepped, leaving an afterimage.

“What?” Long Yuyin was sure that her attack was about to land on Nie Li, but then, her vision suddenly blurred and he went missing.

The next moment, Nie Li appeared at Long Yuyin’s right. He grabbed her lower leg with one hand, her thighs with the other. He lifted her into the air, then mercilessly thrashed her onto the ground.

*Boom!*

A huge crater instantly appeared in the training room.

Long Yuyin was disoriented from being smashed onto the floor. However, before she could react, Nie Li lifted her again and smashed her on another part of the ground.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Nie Li threw her again and again like a sandbag. After several rounds of smashing her around, he sent a round of concentrated attacks on her.

Unlike Long Yuyin’s attacks which were storm-like and fast, her attacks are filled with flaws. Nie Li’s attacks, however, were continuous and aimed from extremely crafty angles, calculated so Long Yuyin couldn’t block them.

Long Yuyin was smashed onto the ground, then tossed into the sky before she was back down on the ground, yet again. However, to the credit of the Blood Dragon lineage, her body was indeed powerful. Regardless of how Nie Li attacked, Long Yuyin only sustained superficial injuries.

However, since Nie Li began his attacks, Long Yuyin had found it extremely difficult to strike back.

Everyone was completely dazed.

After Long Yuyin ignited her Blood Dragon lineage, she began to stand with the advantage, attacking Nie Li so that he had no way to counterattack. However, after Nie Li managed to find a flaw, he was then the one on the winning side. Furthermore, his attacks prevented Long Yuyin from countering.

Everyone watched as the powerful and fierce Long Yuyin was beaten to the point that she couldn’t strike back!

This…

No one could find the words to describe their current state of mind.

*Bang!*

Long Yuyin landed on the ground. Although Nie Li’s attacks couldn’t penetrate her Blood Dragon’s physique, they still caused heavy damage. The bones in her entire body felt as though they’d shatter to dust. She bewilderedly stared at the ceiling, trying to figure out why she was so inferior to Nie Li.

Regardless of what they’d competed in, she’d utterly lost to Nie Li.

A deep sense of defeat welled up in her heart and two rows of tears flowed down.

She’d spent so many years being the strongest of her age, training like mad, and idolising strength. Today, her most prideful physique had been thoroughly defeated. She suddenly felt like crying.

So it turned out that her hard work and pride were nothing more than empty air!

“Heaven and earth are vast; countless experts roam between them. The likes of you wants to be proud and arrogant? Long Yuyin, today, I gave you a small lesson. Keep that prideful character of yours in check. Otherwise, even if I don’t take action, eventually there’ll be someone who comes along and teaches you a lesson!” Finishing his words, Nie Li couldn’t be bothered say more as he turned and exited the training grounds.

Long Yuyin sat up, wiped the tears from face, and bit her lips. “One must admit defeat when one’s lost. As I said earlier, regardless of what request you have of me, I definitely won’t frown for a second!”

Nie Li paused his steps and said, “Stay away from me! The farther the better!”

Finishing his words, Nie Li walked out.

As Nie Li moved further away, tears blurred Long Yuyin’s vision. Nie Li couldn’t even be bothered to give her a glance. In Nie Li’s eyes, was she worth less than dust? It was all just so funny. She’d always been a very proud girl, but in the eyes of Nie Li, she was nothing.





Chapter 291: Senior and Junior Apprentices


Gu Bei and Lu Piao were dumbfounded. Nie Li was just too cool that moment when he turned around.

Gu Bei felt pity in his heart. What a waste! Nie Li that fellow was a wood-brain! Long Yuyin already said that she’d agree to whatever request he had, and he actually asked for her to stay further away from him. That was just too great of an opportunity. If he were him, he’d certainly make an interesting request for a beauty like Long Yuyin. Who knew? Maybe she’d yield after some resistance.

What a waste of such good opportunity!

Gu Bei kept shaking his head.

However, despite not knowing why, he still admired Nie Li a lot.

After Nie Li and his group left, the news quickly spread that Nie Li had beaten Long Yuyin in physical strength. Without a doubt, he’d become the most dazzling talent of his class and garnered many people’s attentions: especially the other geniuses, who all saw him as a formidable rival.

Long Yuyin’s courtyard

Hu Yong had been waiting here for a while now, but Long Yuyin still hadn’t returned as he felt extremely infuriated.

Long Yuyin had once wasted him and made him lose his masculine dignity. However, even after he was healed, he continued to dream of Long Yuyin day and night. He liked to see Long Yuyin wearing that tight outfit of hers, and seeing her voluptuous outline.

Even if Long Yuyin was crazy angry at him, he’d still slowly approach her. He felt that Long Yuyin was beautiful, even when she was angry.

However, the goddess in his heart, his fiancée had actually been humiliated by a nameless kid!

That was simply unbearable!

He wanted to mercilessly tear that kid apart to ease the hatred in his heart!

When Long Yuyin finally returned to her courtyard, she was still covered in dust, making a sorry sight with that dazed look on her face.

Nie Li’s words echoed in her ears. “Stay away from me! The farther, the better!” Ever since she was young, this was the first time anyone had said anything like that to her. The first time anyone had loathed her so much. The first time anyone had humiliated her to such an extent!

Though she didn’t know why, the emotions within her heart became very complicated.

That youth was the same age as herself and he’d won using only his own strength. Not to mention that it was a total defeat on her part. However, this made her curious as to exactly what kind of person he was. She wanted to become stronger, much stronger, to the point where Nie Li would be forced to see her as a worthy opponent!

However, he’d already told her to stay away from him. The farther, the better. Wouldn’t she be a little too cheap if she went back and earned another humiliation?

Her heart was filled with contradictions.

Hu Yong saw that Long Yuyin had returned. Although she was covered in dust, she was still as beautiful and charming as ever. His heart was heated as he immediately approached her and said, “Yin’er, you’ve returned? How are your injuries? This is the best medicine that I’ve brought from my family!”

Long Yuyin’s expression instantly changed to one of loathing when she saw Hu Yong’s face. “Hu Yong, don’t come looking for me anymore. If you ever come again, then don’t blame me for kicking you out!”

“Yin’er, don’t be like this.” Hu Yong saw that she was rather upset, so he continued, “Yin’er, seeing you like this pains my heart so much. Quick, apply the medicine first! Leave that Nie Li to me, I’ll definitely finish him for you! Back when he came out of the Saint Soul Grounds, I wanted to teach him a lesson, but was stopped by Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu, those old farts. However, you can rest assured. This time, Nie Li can only dream of escaping my grasp!”

Upon hearing Hu Yong’s words, Long Yuyin became stunned for a moment. Hu Yong had brought people to cause trouble for Nie Li? She furiously glared at him. “Who asked you to go and look for trouble? You said that it was me that sent you?”

Hu Yong immediately shook his head. “I didn’t say that you’re the one who sent me.”

Long Yuyin coldly glared at him. “Hu Yong, you’re only good at using your family’s strength. Without it, you’re a piece of trash. The contest between Nie Li and I was a head-on, a one-on-one duel, which I, Long Yuyin, lost. But so what? I can afford to lose. If you want to stick your neck out for me, then go ahead. Find Nie Li and fight him. If you can win against him, then I, Long Yuyin, will idolise you. But in reality, you’re just a weakling! Get lost and stay away from me. Don’t let me see you again. Otherwise, I’ll waste you a second time!”

“Yin’er, I…” Hu Yong still wanted to say something.

“Hu Yong, get lost now!” Long Yuyin yelled.

“You…” Hu Yong finally couldn’t bear it anymore and rebuked, “Long Yuyin, you think that you’re really that great? You’re just the seventh successor of the Dragonseal Family. You can only gain the qualifications for first successor by marrying me! Don’t be shameless when I’m giving you face!”

“Leave!” Long Yuyin gave him a kick that sent him flying out.

Hu Yong wailed miserably as Long Yuyin’s kick nearly snapped his waist. He climbed to his feet and fled in a sorry state.

Long Yuyin pulled her gaze away from him. So when Nie Li came out of the Saint Soul Grounds, Hu Yong had led his group and sought him out. Nie Li probably misunderstood and thought that it was her who sent Hu Yong and his group. Hu Yong’s actions made Long Yuyin the scapegoat. Her mind was tangled in distress; however, she wasn’t going to explain things to Nie Li.

Only a weakling would explain with words!

Today, she’d lost to Nie Li again. However, this time, her heart was at a loss. She was unwilling to accept defeat on the Saint Soul Board; but this time it was a physical confrontation that she had lost. A complete and thorough loss.

She’d always been proud of her physical strength; however, she still lost.

Long Yuyin wanted to cry. She’d always been eager to get stronger, never allowing anyone her own age to surpass her. However, this time, she’d suffered a total defeat in Nie Li’s hands. Her pride had been trampled by him.

Tears filled her eyes. She felt like a wounded stray dog, licking her wounds in her courtyard, all alone.

She thought about her fight with Nie Li and bit her teeth. She still didn’t want to accept the defeat.

When she was about to enter her room, a figure suddenly appeared in her courtyard. This person was as beautiful as herself, but also had the trace of an ethereal aura that made her seem like a fairy. It was Ying Yueru. She showed a meaningful smile from the corner of her mouth.

Upon seeing her, Long Yuyin immediately wiped the tears from her face and put on a cold expression. “Why have you come?”

Ying Yueru smiled with a gentle expression. “Junior Sister, it’s been a long time since we’ve met.”

Long Yuyin stared at Ying Yueru with a frosty expression. A murderous aura emanated from her, even though she understood that she wasn’t Ying Yueru’s match. “Demoness! You were the death of our Master! And you still have the face to come see me? If it wasn’t for Master’s dying wish, I would’ve killed you already!”

“I’ve said this before. It wasn’t me who killed our Master; her fate had arrived. Destiny only borrowed my hand to put it to an end.” Ying Yueru’s voice was ethereal as she continued, “Master had received the teachings of Ancestral Master Phaseless. Although her cultivation was only at the Heavenly Axis Realm, she held a powerful position of in the Divine Feathers Sect. She was tasked with performing divinations and selecting the Divine Feather Sect’s Master. Because of that identity of hers, she was fated to die!”

Long Yuyin furiously glared at Ying Yueru. “Demoness! I don’t care what explanation you try with that glib tongue of yours! I’ll never believe you!”

At Long Yuyin’s reaction, Ying Yueru shook her head and sighed. “Yin’er, in this world, you’re the only person who’s close to me. You have a hard-headed personality and you will face heavy trials in the future. By the time you realise it, some things will have already become lost to you. And when you yearn for them again, they will be forever out of your reach. So why bother?”

Long Yuyin coldly stared at her Senior Sister. “Ying Yueru, are you trying to put a curse on me?”

“This isn’t a curse, but a divination.” Ying Yueru shook her head and continued, “There are too few who can truly alter destiny…” Suddenly, she thought of a specific person, and the corner of her mouth twitch upwards. Maybe, could that person succeed?

“You learned the [Heaven’s Divination] technique from Master?” Long Yuyin’s face changed as her voice trembled, “You’ll die!”

“Everyone will die in the end!” Ying Yueru smiled as she continued, “Only after learning the [Heaven’s Divination] technique did I understand Master’s thoughts! Ancestral Master Phaseless once said, ‘virtuous like water, for water does not compete’. In the past, I couldn’t understand those words; only after I learned the [Heaven’s Divination] technique did I figure it out. Everything we know is but a fabrication, an illusionary blink of the ancient past. Only by shattering the illusion can we turn everything into reality.”

Long Yuying frowned. “What are you saying?” Did everyone who learned the [Heaven’s Divination] technique speak so strangely?

“Someone else will come along and explain on my behalf. I must go now. Good luck to you! Often, no matter how strong a person appears on the outside, they are still frail and weak in their hearts. So what if you’ve fought before?” Ying Yueru lightly smiled and strolled away.

Long Yuyin once held extreme hatred for Ying Yueru. But now that she knew that Ying Yueru had learned the [Heaven’s Divination] technique, the hatred within her heart lessened. Ying Yueru’s life and death were in her hands; if she told anyone that Ying Yueru had learned the [Heaven’s Divination] technique, Ying Yueru would die!

However, Ying Yueru had still told her. At the very least, it proved that her heart are still opened.

Perhaps the death of their Master was just like Ying Yueru had said. Was there really a story behind it?

Long Yuyin watched Ying Yueru leave before looking away. Although she wouldn’t tell anyone that Ying Yueru had learned the [Heaven’s Divination] technique, she still couldn’t forgive her for the time being.

She returned to her own room and smeared medicine salve onto her wounds. Her jaw slightly trembled with a low groan. She had wounds all over her body. Try as she might, she couldn’t prevent them from reminding her of Nie Li’s loathful expression. Nie Li had treated her like dust!

However, the more someone treated her like dust, the more she wanted to prove herself to them.

Long Yuyin’s right hand tightly gripped her quilt as her heart became filled with a sense of unyielding. There will definitely come a day when I become stronger than you, when I no longer have to be looked down upon by you!





Chapter 292: Soul Scales


Nie Li was in his room.

He’d been cultivating all day, and all of his spiritual stones were depleted. Even then, his cultivation had only risen by a little bit, still revolving around the pinnacle of Earth Fate Realm. Stepping into Heavenly Fate Realm was still too difficult a task for him.

There was still a month to go before he could collect the reward from the Saint Soul Board. But without enough spiritual stones, it would become even harder to get stronger.

He had to think of other ways to obtain spiritual stones!

In the Draconic Ruins Realm, without spiritual stones, one’s cultivation speed would be a lot slower. Even if you had natural talent, it’d be useless without resources. The Heavenly Energy contained in one spiritual stone was equivalent to cultivating for about half a month, or even longer! Jindan sat beside him, staring at him.

As the Soul Seal bound them closer together, Jindan would eventually become Nie Li’s spiritual beast. That meant that he needed more spiritual stones! As for Yu Yan, she’d been cultivating in his room for the past few days and her cultivation was also rising at a rapid rate. However, she’d eventually encountered the same problem; the lack of spiritual stones.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock* sounded from outside.

“Come on in,” said Nie Li.

Xiao Yu entered.

He looked at Nie Li, casually smiled, and said, “It’s only been a few days since I last saw you, and yet you’ve caused another ruckus?”

Nie Li shrugged and helplessly said, “I wasn’t the one who sought trouble. Trouble found me. That Long Yuyin woman is really annoying!”

Xiao Yu’s expression was smiling, yet not smiling, as he looked at Nie Li and said, “Are you sure that she’s not interested in you? Otherwise, why is she only causing trouble for you?”

Nie Li calmly replied, “You’re thinking too much. That woman is a snob who can’t tolerate anyone stronger than herself. That’s why she’s been pestering me all over the place. The only thing I can do is fight back; otherwise she’ll start thinking that no one can stop her!” He didn’t have the slightest positive opinion concerning Long Yuyin.

Xiao Yu reminded him, “But you still have to be careful these days. You’ve already provoked a lot of people, not just Long Yuyin alone. I heard that the geniuses of the East District have noticed you! Previously, they’d focused their attention on Long Yuyin, but since she’s from the Dragonseal Family, there was nothing they could do about her. But now, you’re the one in their line of sight. Not to mention that you have no prominent background…”

Nie Li nodded. “I understand.” He’d already made preparations. Inside the Skysoul Institute grounds, he was perfectly safe. Even if he was being targeted by others, he’d be fine as long as they didn’t pull anything life-threatening to him at the risk of expulsion. After all, in his previous life, what kind of trials hadn’t he encountered? He’d escaped the clutches of death countless times. How could such small conflicts inside the Skysoul Institute compare?

Xiao Yu looked at Nie Li and asked, “Then, do you still want to visit the testing grounds?”

Nie Li firmly replied, “You seem to have already decided, so how can I back down? I’ll go!” There were also rewards for completing the trials of other testing grounds. Spiritual stones and other rewards, Nie Li wanted to obtain them all.

Right now, each and every spiritual stone was an extremely precious resource, especially spiritual stone essence, which could allow him to make a breakthrough!

Nie Li left Yu Yan in the room to continue cultivating, and left Jindan in her care. He then called Lu Piao out, and the two of them proceeded to the testing grounds with Xiao Yu.

The three of them headed for the second testing site, known as the Ghastly Ruins. Founded by one the Divine Feather Sect’s ancestors, the ruins were filled with large numbers of ghouls, which dropped soul scales when killed. Each student was allowed to remain here for two days maximum. The more soul scales you collected, the more treasures you could redeem later on.

However, items like the soul scales would disappear if they were removed from the testing grounds, nor could they be placed in an interspatial ring. They could only be carried around in cloth bags and they had to be exchanged at the end of every test.

Each student can only enter the Grounds of Ghastly Ruins once a month.

There was also a ranking bulletin on the Grounds of Ghastly Ruins, which detailed the record quantities of soul scales collected during the student’s allotted two days. Long Yuyin was ranked tenth, having killed thirty thousand ghouls. Murong Yu held the first position, having hunted over ninety thousand in a span of two days.

However, Murong Yu was a genius from the previous year, while Long Yuyin belonged to the current one.

Nie Li checked the exchange rate. You could earn thirty spiritual stones for one thousand Ghouls. That meant that within the span of two days, Long Yuyin had obtained nine hundred spiritual stones. However, the soul scales could also be used to redeem other things, like Demon Spirits, spiritual stone essences, artifacts, and various other items.

Lu Piao was excited. “Nie Li, that woman, Long Yuyin, got thirty thousand, and you aren’t any worse than her, right? We’re going to strike it rich!”

Xiao Yu felt like they needed another reminder. “You guys still have to be careful. The Ghastly Ruins are filled with danger, especially compared to the Saint Soul Grounds. Depending on the situation, someone might also try to get in our way. Furthermore, we’ll be teleported to different parts of the Ghastly Ruins; that means we might not be able to cooperate. So you guys really need to be careful!”

“Understood.” Nie Li and Lu Piao replied, as their curiosities were piqued towards the Ghastly Ruins.

The entrance of the Ghastly Ruins was a weird vortex guarded by two experts.

*Woosh!* *Woosh!* *Woosh!*

Nie Li and his group entered the vortex, disappearing through the entrance of the Ghastly Ruins.

Shortly after Nie Li and his party entered, three people appeared at the entrance.

Hu Yong eyed his group and solemnly said, “Do you guys remember everything I told you? Do you remember what they look like?”

“Don’t worry, Young Master Hu. Even if they’re reduced to ashes, we’ll still remember them. We’ve already reached the Heavenly Fate Realm! Taking care of one kid is no difficulty!”

“That’s good! Let’s go!”

The group also entered the the Ghastly Ruins.

Hua Ling looked into the distance as coldly sneered three times. “That’s hilarious. Xiao Yu already has a hard time protecting himself, and now his friends have attracted so many enemies. Isn’t this just making it easier for me?” However, Hua Ling still wasn’t assured. After considering it briefly, he also sent a dozen or so of his own men into the Ghastly Ruins.

Other than the few mentioned, there were also others who entered the Ghastly Ruins. However, it’s unknown whether they entered because of Nie Li and his friends, or for their own purposes.

At that moment, Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu were watching over Nie Li and his group with bitter smiles.

“Those three are simply too good at attracting trouble! To think that there’re actually so many people following them into the Ghastly Ruins.”

“Should we go and resolve it?” asked Huang Yu.

Nanmen Tianhai considered it briefly, then said, “There’s no need. Let them make a din by themselves. As long as this matter doesn’t get too out of hand, of course.” If they themselves took action every time a student encountered a problem, how busy would they be?

The Ghastly Ruins

Nie Li materialised in a stretch of ruins that ran a thousand miles out. Everywhere, there were crumbled and ruined walls, forming an apocalyptic scenery. A majestic structure must have stood here at some point, but for some reason, it had now become a ruin. The sky was ashen-grey and an ill wind blew by. Occasionally, a herd of ghosts drifted through the air, wailing as they flickered in and out of perceptibility.

Those must be the Ghouls!

These ghouls grouped in the thousands. Even though, individually, they were of Earth Fate Realm, they’d be difficult to handle in such large numbers.

As if sensing the aura of a human, they screamed as they rained down upon him.

You could collect soul scales from hunting those ghouls!

The corner of Nie Li’s mouth rose into a smile as his body transformed. He merged with his Fanged Panda and widened his mouth, shooting a Yin-Yang Blast into the sky.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Yin-Yang Blasts exploded in the sky, one after another, each instantly devouring hundreds of ghouls. soul scales fell like rain. These soul scales were the hardest parts of the ghouls’ bodies, and were also the foundation of their existence. Even when the Yin-Yang Blast hit these scales, they did not shatter.

The remaining ghouls fled in all directions, frightened by the explosions.

Nie Li leaped up to collect the falling soul scales before he resumed another round of skimming over the ruins, releasing more Yin-Yang Blasts, and frantically collecting the scales.

It seemed these ghouls were actually rather easy to deal with. If he continued at this pace, just how many soul scales would he be able to collect in two days? Why had those on the ranking board only managed to collect so few in their two days?

What Nie Li didn’t know was that these Ghouls had all reached the pinnacle of the Earth Fate Realm, standing only a step away from the Heavenly Fate Realm. Under normal circumstances, it was really hard to kill even one. Furthermore, the fact that they moved in packs made them even harder to hunt. However, since Nie Li had come to the Draconic Ruins Realm, his strength had undergone huge surges; he too would soon step into the Heavenly Fate Realm. Furthermore, the Fanged Panda itself was even stronger than Nie Li was, since it had completely reached the Heavenly Fate realm. As for his Yin-Yang Blast, its power had also increased several fold.

Therefore, Nie Li’s Yin-Yang Blast easily swept the ghouls away!

Nie Li had no idea how Xiao Yu and Lu Piao were faring. However, Xiao’s strength neared that of a 4-fate Heavenly Fate Realm expert; therefore, hunting ghouls shouldn’t be too much of a problem for him. As for Lu Piao, Nie Li was sure that he’d probably encounter some problems. But even if Lu Piao’s strength wasn’t enough, that boy had a rather sharp head on his shoulders. Therefore, Nie Li didn’t worry too much about him.

Nie Li continued to hunt ghouls like crazy. One thousand soul scales for thirty spiritual stones; that was a rather generous exchange rate.

Roughly five hours later, Nie Li had collected over twenty thousand soul scales. Such speed was simply shocking. It’d be easy for him to surpass Long Yuyin; he might even make it into the top five of the ranking board. These soul scales were the materialised forms of a ghoul’s essence; although a Yin-Yang Blast couldn’t destroy it, it would melt like ice when placed inside an interspatial ring.

Luckily, once a thousand soul scales have been gathered, they’d combine to form a single, larger soul scale. Therefore, Nie Li could easily carry these larger soul scales in a cloth bag.

Soul scales like these would make decent materials for forging soul weapons. It’s a pity that these couldn’t be removed from the training grounds; they could only be exchanged for items.

As Nie Li continued hunting ghouls, a powerful aura suddenly permeated the air. A single man stood in the sky, watching Nie Li. This youth was roughly twenty years old, wearing a black outfit, and stared at him with sharp eyes. There was a prideful expression on his face and a massive sword strapped to his back. His aura was like an unsheathed blade.

Secretly, Nie Li was shocked by this aura. This person definitely had a much stronger aura than Xiao Yu. He’d probably reached at least the 5-fate mark, or perhaps even higher.





Chapter 293: The Sin of Greed


This youth was named Murong Yu. As of now, he was practising his swordplay as he killed ghouls.

In the Ghastly Ruins, Murong Yu was firmly ranked first. It’d been a long time since anyone had posed a challenge to his position.

However, as he was training, he was suddenly alarmed by the sound of explosions, so he came to find the source.

Upon reaching his destination, Murong Yu realised that the sound was from Nie Li, who was hunting ghouls. Nie Li kept opening his mouth and spitting out black and white orbs, which exploded upon collision with the ghouls. Each orb instantly swept over several hundreds or even thousands of ghouls. It was a frighteningly fast hunting speed.

Nie Li was far inferior to Murong Yu in terms of strength, but Nie Li’s hunting speed was still much faster.

Murong Yu couldn’t help frowning. To think there’d actually be someone who’d integrated with a demon spirit as lowly graded as the Fanged Panda. Even in the smaller realms, the Fanged Panda was considered a low grade demon spirit that no one wanted. However, who would’ve thought that this particular Fanged Panda would be so powerful and knows such a weird and powerful energy bomb?

At this pace, Nie Li’s ranking would definitely surpass his own before long!

Nie Li looked at Murong Yu, as he’d sensed a powerful aura just as Murong Yu appeared. What was he planning?

The two of them eyed each other. One was the strongest geniuses of the previous year, Murong Yu; the other was the strongest from the new year, Nie Li. What was going to happen between the two of them? Their confrontation incited the attention of several others nearby. Aside from Hu Yong’s underlings, Hua Ling’s men were also among them.

However, none of them had fully comprehended the situation yet; therefore, they didn’t dare make unnecessary moves, such as approaching the two. After all, Murong Yu’s strength wasn’t something they could match against.

“You’re Nie Li?” Murong Yu looked over his opponent with scrutiny. Nei Li still hadn’t made a breakthrough to the Heavenly Fate Realm yet, but for a newcomer of this year, his strength was pretty decent.

Nie Li looked at Murong Yu. “That’s right. Who are you?” Although Nie Li could sense the tremendous pressure bearing down on him, he didn’t lower his head.

“I’m Murong Yu!” he proudly announced. A good majority of the younger experts were well aware of his name.

Murong Yu? Nie Li suddenly realised who he was. Before they’d entered the Ghastly Ruins, his name was the first one ranked on the hunting board!

But now that Murong Yu had appeared, what was he planning to do?

At that moment, someone from among Hua Ling’s underlings suddenly shouted from afar, “Senior Brother Murong, we’ve all been looking forward to meeting you! Every one of us absolutely respects you! However, there were some newcomers who were disrespectful to Senior Brother Murong. Nie Li here said that you were a pile of dogshit who he’d soon crush beneath him! We couldn’t accept such words, so a dispute occurred between us. However, our strength isn’t on part with his!”

Murong Yu’s narrowed his eyes as his expression turned cold. A vast wave of aura bore down on Nie Li. Murong Yu coldly snorted and asked, “Is that true?”

His cultivation was at least of the 5-fate Heavenly Fate Realm, or perhaps even stronger. His aura pressed down like a mountain, as if it was trying to tear Nie Li’s body apart. After all, Nie Li hadn’t reached the Heavenly Fate Realm yet; the distance between him and Murong Yu was too vast.

Nie Li instantly understood Murong Yu’s intentions. With Murong Yu’s intellect, there was no way he’d actually believe the words of Hua Ling’s men. What Murong Yu needed was an excuse to suppress Nie Li, and Hua Ling’s underling had just provided him with the perfect one!

The geniuses of each class year always feared challenges from the next year’s geniuses. If they won, then it’d be a given; however, if they lost, they’d be reduced to stepping stones. That was also why Murong Yu kept challenging the genius of the year before him, Li Xingyun.

Nie Li was the most outstanding genius of the new class year, whereas Murong Yu was the most outstanding from the previous one. Before long, Nie Li would certainly challenge Murong Yu; therefore, Murong Yu had to make the first move and beat Nie Li down before that happened!

“If you’re intent on condemning someone, why bother with a pretext? With your intellect, you wouldn’t believe those guys anyways, right?” As Nie Li spoke, he gathered his Heavenly Energy to resist Murong Yu’s aura. Now that Nie Li understood the vital points, he began to come up with countermeasures for it.

However, it’s a pity that he was stopped at the top of the Earth Fate Realm, only a step away from Heavenly Fate Realm.

Even though Nie Li’s cultivation speed was extremely fast and he’d reached the top of the Earth Fate Realm in just a single year, there was still too much of a difference between himself and Murong Yu.

Murong Yu’s powerful aura forcing Nie Li’s down, it was obvious that he was trying to bully the weak with his strength. However, at that moment, there was nothing that Nie Li could do about it.

In the Draconic Ruins Realm, there was no dignity for the weak! Nie Li had displayed powerful talent; therefore, he’d received the attentions of many higher-ups. At the same time, he’d also made many enemies from his own generation. They all fervently wished for someone to come along and beat Nie Li to the ground!

A general is made from the bones of thousands of soldiers. To walk the Dao of cultivation, you must step over others! Murong Yu was well aware of this; by stepping on Nie Li, he’d be able to receive more attention and more cultivation resources!

Dignity only comes with strength. No matter how loud the weak scream, no one will hear it!

Murong Yu heavily snorted. “Are you telling me that those brothers were framing you?”

*Bang!*

A surge of powerful aura swept over Nie Li and he felt like someone was hammering on his chest. He almost suffocated under the pressure.

Wrath!

An endless sea of wrath surged forth. Nie Li tightly clenched his fists and merged with the Fanged Panda. His fur turned scarlet red.

“Looks like you’re quite unconvinced!” Murong Yu coldly looked down on Nie Li. “In that case, I’ll make sure to teach you a good lesson today. If you want to stay in the Skysoul Institute, then you’ll have to learn to respect your elders first!” When Murong Yu barked, his voice had turned into sonic blades and flew towards Nie Li.

Murong Yu hadn’t even drawn his sword yet, but there was already sword intent contained in his voice.

Nie Li felt death lunging at him through the impending sonic blades.

Nie Li furiously roared and spat a Yin-Yang Blast toward these sonic blades.

*Boom!*

The Yin-Yang Blast exploded in the sky, shattering many of the sonic blades. However, one made it through the explosion and shot towards Nie Li, moving as fast as lightning.

Nie Li saw the incoming sonic blade and immediately dodged sideways. “Dammit! The difference between our cultivations is too great. Unless I use a secret technique, it’ll be impossible for me to deal with him!”

*Fwoosh!*

The sonic blade grazed past him, leaving a three to four inch wound that spattered fresh blood.

The shockwave sent Nie Li rolling several times before he finally managed to steady himself. He held his wound and furiously glared at Murong Yu. The difference between them was too great; it’d be impossible for Nie Li to win. If he remained here any longer, he’d only suffer more humiliation!

This had always been a world where the strong preyed on the weak. Since Murong Yu had obtained his chance, he definitely wouldn’t let Nie Li go so easily!

Murong Yu looked down at Nie Li from his position in the sky and continued to suppress Nie Li, as if he was trying to crush his body. Murong Yu made a slight beckoning motion with his right hand and Nie Li’s bag of soul scales flew towards him.

Murong Yu caught the bag in his hand and coldly laughed. “Your strength is just mediocre. You haven’t even reached the Heavenly Fate Realm, but you’re using such cheat-like methods to collect so many soul scales. These don’t rightfully belong to you. I’ll be confiscating them!”

Nie Li had spent five hours gathering those twenty thousand soul scales. What cheat-like methods? The Ghastly Ruins didn’t even have rules on what methods could or couldn’t be used to collect soul scales. Obtaining soul scales in the first place was the proof of real ability! Murong Yu wasn’t a law enforcer of the Skysoul Institute; what right did he have to confiscate Nie Li’s soul scales?

However, this was a world where only strength mattered!

In his current state, Nie Li didn’t have enough strength. It was impossible for him to face Murong Yu!

Strength! Strength!

Without strength, you can’t protect your dignity. That was the rule of the Draconic Ruins Realm! In his previous life, Nie Li had faced far more and worse humiliations.

Nie Li slightly narrowed his eyes. Someday, he would definitely take back everything that Murong Yu has taken from him today. He would make sure that Murong Yu paid the price for this humiliation!

Murong Yu wore a mocking smile as he swept his palm in a slapping motion towards Nie Li. “Junior Brother, you don’t seem terribly satisfied. But so what if you’re dissatisfied? Now, I’m sure you’ve learned how to respect your elders! Otherwise, this lesson would’ve been a waste of your Senior Brother’s good intentions!”

Murong Yu wasn’t going to let the matter end here; he’d already decided to ruthlessly humiliate Nie Li, until Nie Li could never raise his head towards others again. He wanted to leave his shadow in Nie Li’s heart, impeding his cultivation, so it would never rise!

Nie Li sensed the slap whistling towards him. The moment Murong Yu let his guard down, a chilling light flashed through Nie Li’s eyes. He suddenly dropped the Fanged Panda transformation, while simultaneously merging with the Shadow Devil and activated its void-form.

Nie Li’s figure disappeared into thin air. Murong Yu’s palm of energy swept through the spot where Nie Li had been standing, but only impacted the ground and caused a deep crater.

Murong Yu frowned briefly when he saw his palm energy land a miss. He scanned his surroundings, searching for traces of Nie Li; however, he couldn’t find Nie Li’s location. Just what was going on? How could that fellow suddenly disappear?

In the split second before Nie Li disappeared, it looked like he’d merged with another demon spirit. Just what exactly was going on? Had there ever been a person capable of merging with a second demon spirit?

Who would’ve thought that Nie Li actually had such methods up his sleeve? Murong Yu never imaged that he’d lose his target in such a way. He was furious as he continued to search for traces of Nie Li.

Ever since Nie Li’s cultivation had risen, the time limit on his void-form had increased, allowing him to maintain the transformation for longer periods of time. Nie Li gradually moved to an area where there were more buildings. Despite the extension, there was still a finite time limit to the void-form; therefore, he had to think of other ways to hide from Murong Yu.





Chapter 294: Settling for Second


Nie Li’s cultivation was already considered extremely fast.

In his previous life, Nie Li had cultivated for several hundreds of years before he reached the Heavenly Fate Realm. However, this time, he only needed a little over one year — almost two — to reach the the doorway to the Heavenly Fate Realm.

The higher he climbed, the slower his cultivation speed would become.

However, right now, he was still too weak; he couldn’t even take control of his own fate.

Nie Li was pressured by the urgency of his own situation. Hard work and talent by themselves were useless upon reaching the Draconic Ruins Realm. He still needed to get his hands on large quantities of cultivating resources: in particular, spiritual stone essence!

Geniuses of lower realms were usually recruited by different families, and thus became their underlings. Those who were able to grow by themselves, without the support of such families, were extremely few. Nie Li didn’t want to join a family, since that would make his road much harder, later down the line.

Everyone around him, including Murong Yu, would stop at nothing to prevent him from obtaining more cultivating resources.

Hua Ling’s men had only provided him with an excuse. The most crucial thing was that Nie Li still lacked strength and had no one to back him up. That’s why Murong Yu dared to bully him!

Murong Yu scanned his surroundings, but still couldn’t find Nie Li. He briefly frowned. Did Nie Li use some sort of special technique that let him escape to another location?

By now, one of Hua Ling’s underlings — the one who’d spoken earlier — had also flown over and began searching the surroundings. However, they couldn’t find traces of Nie Li either.

This underling looked at Murong Yu and smiled. “That Nie Li kid must have run away. Senior Brother Murong, he couldn’t have gotten far. We can still chase him down!”

Murong Yu looked at him with a smile that wasn’t a smile. He walked up to that underling, then punched him in the stomach with a cold smile. “I’m not really fond of that kid called Nie Li, but the same goes for you. I hate being used by others!”

After being hit by Murong Yu’s punch, the poor underling’s back arched like a shrimp as his face twisted in pain.

“You…” He furiously glared at Murong Yu. Although he was at 2-fate Heavenly Fate Realm, he was still far from Murong Yu’s level.

“You dare to glare at me?” Murong Yu raised a leg and dropped it on the man’s head, smashing his head to the ground with a cold smile. “You need to show respect when you meet someone who’s stronger than you. Get it?”

“Senior Brother Murong…I apologise!” The underling finally spat those words from his mouth as he felt like his brains were about to burst.

“There we go!” Murong Yu snorted and took his victim’s soul scale bag, then said in an a disdainful voice, “You only managed to hunt a little over two thousand ghouls? Trash!” Upon finishing his words, Murong Yu tucked the soul scales away.

The nameless expert was filled with rage, but he could only remain on the ground, with his head under Murong Yu’s foot. He laughed in an attempt to placate his tormentor, “Ah, Senior Brother has seen an embarrassing sight of me. I only have these soul scales with me, but Senior Brother should take them!”

Murong Yu kicked him as he laughed along. “That’s right. Pretend to be a dog and give me three good barks. Then I’ll let you go!”

The man hesitated for a bit, but eventually gave in as he sensed Murong Yu’s foot pressing down harder and harder. In the end, he opened his mouth and barked three times, “Woof, woof, woof.”

Murong Yu laughed, “Not bad, not bad! Almost like the real thing!”

Although Nie Li was in his void-form, he still got a clear view of this scene. Murong Yu was an even more despicable person than the Long Yuyin from his previous life. Luckily, Nie Li had used the void-form to dodge Murong Yu’s attack; otherwise, he would’ve ended up worse than the guy over there!

Without strength, you will only be humiliated by others!

Nie Li tightly clenched his fists as he slowly moved towards the ruins. Under the cover provided by the ruins, he first deactivated his void-form, then immediately activated his Divine Stream combat ability. This turned him into a streak of light that flew off into the distance.

For a single moment, Murong Yu sensed a trace of Nie Li’s aura. He furrowed his brows briefly, then coldly snorted, “Who would’ve thought that you’d be so fast at running away? But if you want to escape from my clutches, it won’t be so easy!”

Just as Murong Yu prepared to give chase, a thought suddenly crossed his mind and he halted his steps as an evil smile revealed itself at the corner of his mouth. “Since you’re so good at hunting ghouls, I’ll let you continue hunting for a while. I’ll deal with you afterwards!”

If Murong Yu caught Nie Li now, the only thing he’d be able to do was give Nie Li a beating. If he acted too harshly, who knew if someone might step out to protect Nie Li? It’d be better for him to be patient now and reap the profits later.

Nie Li flew on for a few hundred miles. When he saw that Murong Yu wasn’t chasing after him, he knitted his brows. Murong Yu was strong. If he wanted to give chase, it’d definitely be tough for Nie Li to escape. However, Nie Li figured it out after pondering briefly.

“Trying to take advantage of me? Fat chance!”

He’d rather choose death over dishonor! Since Murong Yu was plotting against him, then he’ll just leave this place! If he continued hunting ghouls, there was a likely chance that all of his hard work would just end up benefitting Murong Yu!

It never crossed Nie Li’s mind that he’d suffer such a huge setback right after entering the Ghastly Ruins. It seemed like collecting spiritual stones by hunting ghouls wasn’t possible for him anymore. Aside from Murong Yu, there were still many others watching him. Even if he managed to collect some soul scales, the others might easily snatch them away. When Murong Yu was busy with Nie Li, Nanmen Tianhai and Huang Yu didn’t appear. Those two were probably not going to take action, as long as things stayed within somewhat reasonable bounds of the rules.

Furthermore, Hua Ling and Hu Yong’s underlings were also gathered in the Ghastly Ruins. Peaceful times in here were but a dream to Nie Li now.

Then how were Lu Piao and Xiao Yu faring? However, finding them would be difficult due to the size of the Ghastly Ruins. At least Lu Piao and Xiao Yu’s lives wouldn’t be in danger; at most, they’d suffer some setbacks. Remaining here would just be a waste of time for Nie Li, so he moved towards the exit of the Ghastly Ruins.

Nie Li emerged from the entrance of the Ghastly Ruins and into the outside world.

There was a crowd outside the Ghastly Ruins. They blankly stared at Nie Li when he came out. None of them had expected him to return so quickly.

“Did you guys hear? That Nie Li kid was hunting ghouls inside the Ghastly Ruins, but got beat up by Murong Yu. He even got his soul scales stolen from him.”

“At least he’s somewhat smart. He knows he’d only get humiliated again, if he stayed inside the Ghastly Ruins”

“It’s his fault he offended so many people.”

“Murong Yu is the genius of the previous batch. Nie Li’s got a deathwish in provoking him!”

Who knew how many people were rejoicing at the fact that Nie Li had suffered in the the Ghastly Ruins? Due to his shocking displays of talent, many students viewed him as a dangerous opponent. Only by preventing Nie Li from obtaining more spiritual stones, they’d be able to slow down his cultivation speed.

They couldn’t get in his way on the Saint Soul Board. However, Nie Li was left dreaming about benefitting from the Ghastly Ruins and the Yin Flame Wasteland!

If he wanted to obtain more spiritual stones, then he’d have to head to the outside world. However, the outside world was even more dangerous than the two testing grounds!

Nie Li sensed their enmity and understood that these people would stop at nothing to prevent him from getting more spiritual stones!

Without spiritual stones, he wouldn’t be able to cultivate. Furthermore, his level of cultivation required a large quantity of spiritual stones. Nie Li thought as he walked: how could he obtain more spiritual stones?

His current strength was still too weak, and there were many methods that couldn’t be used for various reasons. Even if he obtained spiritual stones by curing others’ illnesses, one problem was that it’d be very time-consuming. Another problem was that there’d still be people getting in his way.

He couldn’t afford it!

He thought back to the arrogant and overbearing Murong Yu, and the Demon Lord who was still growing stronger. He thought about the fearsome Sage Emperor and all the events that he might encounter in the future.

If he didn’t become stronger, he’d be at the end of his rope when the future came. And if something unexpected happened…

Nie Li thought over things carefully. He thought of the Nightmare Demon Pot. He’d always been unwilling to let someone else know of its existence; however, all the other ways of obtaining spiritual stones was now blocked. Even if he managed to reach the Heavenly Fate Realm and headed to the outside world, there would still be many people waiting to teach him a lesson.

Nie Li was out of options!

If he wanted to use the Nightmare Demon Pot, Xiao Yu and Lu Piao wouldn’t be of much help. The only one was Gu Bei!

From what Nie Li had seen of Gu Bei’s character, and the fact that Nie Li had cured his sister, it could be said that Gu Bei was someone who’d keep his promises!

By now, Nie Li noticed that he’d been wandering around the Skysoul Institute for quite some time. He decided to merge with the Shadow Devil and activate its void-form to dodge the prying eyes of passerby as he entered Gu Bei and Gu Lan’s courtyard.

Upon entering, Nie Li noticed Gu Lan sitting on the chair, quietly cultivating.

She wore a white silk dress with a blanket draped over her legs. She’d reached a crucial point in her cultivation as white mist rolled off her body. Her clothes were drenched in sweat, that her pearly white skin and light pink chest wrap could be vaguely seen.

Today, Gu Lan still had a pale face; however, her slender hands had gained more of a fleshy pink colour to them.

Nie Li awkwardly retracted his gaze as he attentively stood to the side and waited. Since Gu Bei wasn’t around, he could only wait for Gu Lan to finish her cultivation.

Roughly an hour later, Gu Lan finally opened her eyes. Upon seeing Nie Li, she lightly smiled and said, “Sir, have you been waiting for very long?”

Nie Li cupped his hands in a greeting and said, “It wasn’t that long. This mansion doesn’t seem very secure, since it was so easy for me to sneak in. But please forgive me for my lack of manners.”

Gu Lan smiled, “I’ve been crippled for so long that my enemies don’t see any worth in me. However, it’d still cause a huge ruckus if I did end up dead, so, no one would risk it!”

Nie Li understood Gu Lan’s meaning. He involuntarily swept his eyes over Gu Lan’s body, then immediately pulled them away. His voice slightly trembled as he asked, “I wonder if Sister Gu Lan’s health has improved any?”

Gu Lan lowered her head to take a look at herself. Only then did she realise that her body was covered in sweat. A flush smeared over her pale face as she mobilised her energy to evaporate all the sweat. “Thank you for your concern. After taking the medicine, I already feel much better!”

Nie Li nodded. “En.” With just the two of them, he couldn’t help feeling a sense of awkwardness. He wondered when Gu Bei would return.





Chapter 295: Demon Spirits For Sale


Nie Li and Gu Lan awkwardly looked at each other, neither knowing how to start a conversation. Just then, Gu Bei walked in from outside.

Gu Bei blankly stared at him. “Nie Li? Why are you here? News outside is circulating. They say that you and Murong Yu had some…conflicts in the Ghastly Ruins?” he said with a slight pause.

Nie Li had a straight face as he said, “You don’t need to be too considerate of my feelings. You said ‘conflict’? What conflict? I haven’t even reached the Heavenly Fate Realm. How could I possibly be his match? Naturally, he crushed me. He even took all the soul scales I gathered!”

Gu Bei never expected Nie Li to make such a straightforward admission. Gu Bei patted his friend on the head and smiled, “Then what are you going to do? Murong Yu is still really strong. I’m afraid that even the two of us won’t be his match.”

Nie Li calmly replied, “I have no choice but to endure it for now. I have something else that I might need your help with.”

Gu Lan couldn’t help raising her head towards Nie Li. If any other youth had encountered Nie Li’s situation, they’d probably be beyond infuriated. She never expected Nie Li to deal with it so calmly.

Gu Bei hit his own chest and announced, “Say the word. No matter what it is, I’ll do my best!”

“I want you to help me acquire demon spirits with Ordinary, Good, or Excellent growth rates. As for numbers, please acquire as many as possible!” said Nie Li.

At Nie Li’s words, Gu Bei scratched his head. “I don’t know why you’d want so many demon spirits. Most of the demon spirits in the Draconic Ruins Realm are pretty high grade creatures with Dragon Bloodlines. They’re all much better than the ordinary demon spirits you want!”

“I don’t need any demon spirits with Dragon Bloodlines.”

“If we’re just talking about ordinary demon spirits, only those with Extraordinary or God Level growth rates are good for battle. Ordinary ones with low growth rates are basically useless!” Gu Bei was rather confused. “If you want to integrate with a demon spirit, I can totally get you a better one!”

“I have my own uses for them. However much you spend in collecting the demon spirits, I’ll pay back in the future!” Nie li continued, “I need a lot of them. The more the better!”

Gu Bei thought about it for a bit, then said, “It shouldn’t cost too much to get those ordinary demon spirits. There aren’t many in the Draconic Ruins Realm, but not for the smaller realms. I can send someone to hunt for them, so I’ll be able to get you a lot in a short time!”

Nie Li gave him a light smile. “Then I’ll be troubling you!”

Gu Bei chuckled. “Why be so polite? We’re brothers! On top of that, you’ve even saved my sister!”

In just a short while, Gu Bei finished his arrangements and sent a few Heavenly Fate Realm experts to the smaller realms to hunt for ordinary demon spirits. It was a small task for them, of course. However, since Nie Li had personally entrusted this task to Gu Bei, everything would have to be very secretive. Therefore, Gu Bei only sent his most trusted aides.

In the span of a single day, Gu Bei’s men managed to gather more than twenty thousand demon spirits from one of the nearest small realms.

Nie Li received the first batch of demon spirits and returned to his room to begin refining them. There were quite a few among these twenty thousand that had Good or even Excellent growth rates.

Nie Li began the refining process by placing ten demon spirits of the same growth rate into the Nightmare Demon Pot. It’d been awhile since he last refined demon spirits, but he still managed to operate it easily.

Refinery failure!

Refinery failure!

Refinery success!

Nie Li refined batch after batch and the Nightmare Demon Pot continued to produce demon spirits with higher growth rates. The more he refined, the more energy the Nightmare Demon Pot absorbed from the disintegrated demon spirits.

Nie Li stayed in his room and continued to refine demon spirits. In the batch of twenty thousand demon spirits, there were a little over thirty with God Level growth rates. Under normal circumstances, a demon spirit with a God Level growth rate, but without the Dragon Bloodline, would only sell for somewhere between thirty to fifty spiritual stones.

That would already be considered a huge sum. After all, ordinary students, aside from those like Gu Bei who had backgrounds, would find it difficult to come up with thirty to fifty spiritual stones for free spending. Anyone from a family like Gu Bei’s would definitely choose to integrate with a demon spirit that possessed the Dragon Bloodline, or perhaps even the Ancient Bloodline. People like them wouldn’t want an ordinary demon spirit, even if it had a God Level growth rate.

Although people like Murong Yu and Hu Rong were trying ways to prevent him from obtaining more spiritual stones, Nie Li definitely wasn’t going to helplessly wait for death!

If he couldn’t collect spiritual stones from the Ghastly Ruins, then he could collect them in other ways. After all, could you die from holding your urine [1]? Once he obtained enough spiritual stones, his cultivation would undergo a huge surge and he’d soon surpass Murong Yu.

[tl: [1] = Not a formal Chinese idiom, but a somewhat common saying. it means "having an extra method is always welcome" ]

By now, Lu Piao and Xiao Yu had returned to the courtyard.

Nie Li was curious about Lu Piao’s bruised face. “Lu Piao, what happened to you?”

Lu Piao was extremely irritated and only became more furious as he thought about it. “Don’t remind me. I collected over three thousand soul scales from the Ghastly Ruins, but all of them were stolen by that scumbag Hua Ling’s underlings. I even got beaten up by them!”

Xiao Yu bitterly smiled. “I also encountered the same issue, but I got out slightly better, since they couldn’t defeat me with their level of strength. However, I’ve only managed to collect a little over five thousand soul scales during those two days! After I came out, I heard news that you’d exited a day earlier than me?

Nie Li nodded. “Yeah, I encountered Murong Yu and he snatched the twenty thousand soul scales that I’d gathered.” It looked like this problem wasn’t his alone; even Lu Piao and Xiao Yu were being picked on. Xiao Yu was still quite strong, so he could resist them. However, Lu Piao couldn’t do the same.

Originally, the three of them should’ve reaped rather decent profits from the Ghastly Ruins, based on their strengths. However, everything was disrupted by those scumbags.

Lu Piao angrily said, “No wonder Murong Yu managed to set a new record for himself by the time we came out! So that’s how he got more than one hundred twenty thousand soul scales!”

Xiao Yu pulled out all one hundred sixty spiritual stones that he’d managed to collect and said, “I managed to collect a few, so we can split these first!” This was the first time he’d gotten so many; after all, his past strength was incomparable to his current strength. It’s a pity that he only managed to collect so few during the once-a-month opportunity.

Although Xiao Yu’s one hundred sixty spiritual stones were a huge quantity, it was still insufficient for them. The Heavenly Energy contained in one or two hundred spiritual stones wouldn’t even cause the slightest ripple in Nie Li’s soul realm!

Nie Li shook his head and said, “There’s no need. I have other ways of obtaining spiritual stones! Some people are trying to get in our way of gathering spiritual stones, so how can we let their wishes come true? Let’s take a trip to the institute’s market!

“What are we going to the market for?”

A light flashed through Nie Li’s eyes. “To sell demon spirits!” He’d thought about letting Gu Bei sell those God Level growth rate demon spirits for him; however, after thinking over it again, he decided that it’d be better if he went personally. After all, it wouldn’t be polite to rely on Gu Bei for everything.

Furthermore, if Nie Li sold those God Level demon spirits by himself, he could claim that he’d gotten them from the Tiny World. If they didn’t believe him, they were welcome to go investigate the Tiny World themselves. Not that they’d be able to get in anyways.

Nie Li was certain that he’d suffer some obstructions in selling the God Level growth rate demon spirits; however, he’d already made mental preparations. Within the Skysoul Institute, his enemies wouldn’t dare make a move against him. Therefore, he planned to sell as many as possible.

Shouts echoed throughout the Skysoul Institute’s market as students filled the place, making transactions on various items.

Nie Li and his group made their entrance into the market.

Lu Piao became a little dejected when he realised just how poor they were. “Nie Li, during the last battle, I realised the importance of artifacts. The opponent I encountered wasn’t much stronger than me, but he had a Grade 2 artifact with him. No matter how hard I fought, I couldn’t be his match! Now that I’m at the market, I’ve learned that a single Grade 2 artifact costs sixty to seventy spiritual stones!

He thought back to his glory days in Glory City. Back then, a million or even ten million demon spirit coins were just loose change to him. But no one recognised demon spirit coins here!

Lu Piao could only windowshop the artifacts in envy.

When Nie Li released news that he had God Level growth rate demon spirits, it immediately attracted the attentions of many students.

“Did you guys hear? That newcomer called Nie Li is going to sell some God Level growth rate demon spirits!”

“Do they have Dragon Bloodlines?”

“No way! A demon spirit with the Dragon Bloodline and a God Level growth rate would be priceless. They’re just ordinary demon spirits with God Level growth rates!”

“Then, what’s the point?”

The students discussed amongst themselves. “A God Level isn’t bad. After all, in the smaller realms, a God Level growth rate is one in a million!”

God Level growth rate demon spirits were much too attractive for these ordinary students.

These people correctly guessed that Nie Li couldn’t collect spiritual stones the usual way, because someone was getting in his way. News that Murong Yu had served Nie Li a beating and stolen his soul scales was widespread. Although Nie Li came in with a lot of momentum, it ultimately came back to bite him in the butt. Therefore, it was reasonable that he’d be the target of bullying.

That was the rule of the Skysoul Institute. It was Nie Li’s fault he didn’t have any background worth speaking of while possessing a talent that others envied.

Lu Piao projected his voice as he began advertising. “God Level growth rate demon spirits for sale! Fresh God Level demon spirits! Fifty spiritual stones for one, but I’ll give you four for the price of three!”

Nie Li was trying to sell as many demon spirits as possible before Hua Ling and Hu Yong’s underlings arrived.

Fifty spiritual stones for one was an extremely cheap price. On top of that, they were making it four for the price of three. This offer immediately attracted many people’s attention. At the same time, it raised their curiosity. Just how many God Level growth rate demon spirits did Nie Li have?

God Level demon spirits were rather attractive goods and the potential buyers quickly increased in numbers. Soon, two transactions were made and two God Level growth rate demon spirits were sold; however, a little bargaining happened and the prices were adjusted for a total of ninety-three spiritual stones.

At first, there were plenty of people just standing by, watching. But once they confirmed that Nie Li was indeed selling genuine God Level demon spirits, their excitement rose. A few people couldn’t pull out so many spiritual stones at the moment, so they left to scrape up the funds.

God Level demon spirits were rather rare in the market, only occasionally seen around. The sudden appearance of so many God Level growth rate demon spirits had an effect like a stone thrown into the calm surface of a lake.





Chapter 296: Li Xingyun


Nie Li continued to sell God Level growth rate demon spirits in large quantities, raising everyone’s curiosity. Just where could he have gotten so many God Level demon spirits from?

Was the Tiny World really that mysterious? Aside from geniuses, they could even mass produce God Level growth rate demon spirits?

As Nie Li and his group busied themselves with selling demon spirits, a group of people walked up to them.

Their leader was a heroic looking youth who was roughly in his twenties. His cheeks were outlined with a dignified expression as he strode forward in wide and prideful steps. A powerful wave of aura surged as he approached.

The incoming wave hinted at a frightening power.

Nie Li sensed his presence and shifted his eyes to this youth. One look told him that this youth was even stronger than Murong Yu. Furthermore, this man cultivated the [Nine-Transformation Draconic Flames], which was the cultivation technique of the Ashen Flames Family. This technique allowed him to contain the powerful Draconic Flames aura within his body.

If he didn’t suppress his Draconic Flames, he would be roughly an 8 or 9-fate expert.

This youth was from the Ashen Flames Family. That meant that the dozen or so people following him should also be experts from the Ashen Flames Family!

The Ashen Flames Family was one of the three major powers of the Divine Feathers Sect. They were also more neutral in standing and rarely ever participated in the contest for the Sect Master’s position. However, their strength was not to be underestimated, as even previous Sect Masters had often tried to curry favor with them. This was an extremely mysterious family. Even during Nie Li’s previous life, after the Divine Feathers Sect had fallen apart, the Ashen Flames Family still managed to stand strongly as an independent.

The youth gave Nie Li a once-over and lightly smiled. “I heard that you’re selling God Level growth rate demon spirits?”

“That’s right.” Nie Li nodded as he attentively observed this youth’s attitude, trying to guess his intentions.

The youth firmly said, “How many God Level growth rate demon spirits do you have left? We’ll just go with your price and take them all!”

Lu Piao’s eyebrows twitched as excitement revealed itself on his face. He must be a moneybag, if he could afford to buy all their demon spirits.

Nie Li asked in a calm voice as he guessed the identity of the opposite party, “I wonder how I should address this Young Master?”

The youth looked at Nie Li as the trace of a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. “You must be Nie Li, I’ve heard of you before. You and Long Yuyin are the only decent ones among the newcomers. My name is Li Xingyun of the Ashen Flames Family!’

Nie Li recalled the past. In his previous life, there had indeed been such a person within the Divine Feathers Sect. That person seemed to have competed for the Patriarch’s seat of the Ashen Flames Family. However, he failed to acquire it and left. After he left the Divine Feathers Sect, he became a domineering figure. That fellow was a powerful genius. Outside of the Divine Feathers Sect, his reputation was far greater than Master Bei’s or even Long Yuyin’s. However, his character was also somewhat debatable, as he he could not differentiate between good and evil. Despite that, he’d made friendly contacts in every corner of every world and had a bunch of loyal and devoted brothers following him.

Such a prominent figure should still have a positive outlook.

Nie Li said, “We still have twenty-four God Level growth rate demon spirits left.”

At Nie Li’s words, Li Xingyun’s brows twitched in surprise. He never expected Nie Li to have so many God Level growth rate demon spirits. Li Xingyun thought that after selling so many, Nie Li would have at most five or six remaining.

Li Xingyun gave a satisfied smile as he said, “It doesn’t matter how many God Level demon spirits you have, I’ll take all of them. But it’s a pity that among your God Level growth rate demon spirits, there aren’t any with Dragon Bloodlines. It’d be better if you had demon spirits with a Dragon Bloodline and a growth rate of Excellent or above.” Although Li Xingyun was only third in the line of succession to the Ashen Flames Family, he’d already recruited thousands of geniuses under his wing. Furthermore, his wealth was also very frighteningly vast; therefore, he had no problems with taking all the God Level demon spirits.

“In the future, if I ever come across anything of the sort, I’ll make sure to contact Young Master Li!” Nie Li lightly smiled.

“Oh?” Li Xingyun obviously wasn’t expecting Nie Li to say such words. Did Nie Li have some secret method for obtaining God Level demon spirits?

Since Li Xingyun had a large amount of geniuses under his wing, he wasn’t going to be stingy about purchasing items that could enhance his men’s strengths.

Li Xingyun proudly said, “As long as you have God Level growth rate demon spirits, you should contact me. No matter how many you have, I’ll take them all!”

Nie Li didn’t know how deep Li Xingyun’s pockets were; however, since Li Xingyun was a successor to a powerful family, he should possess a lot of capital. If Li Xingyun wanted to buy so many God Level demon spirits so quickly, he was obviously preparing for a power struggle. After Nie Li connected this knowledge with the rumors from his previous life, he instantly understood the whole picture.

There would only be benefits in having a good relationship with such people!

Lu Piao quickly calculated, “Twenty-four God Level growth rate demon spirits. That’s nine hundred spiritual stones, total!”

“Fine by me!” Li Xingyun brought out nine hundred spiritual stones and tossed them over to Lu Piao.

In return, Nie Li passed the remaining twenty-four God Level demon spirits to Li Xingyun.

Li Xingyun received the demon spirits, then patted Nie Li on the shoulder and said, “I like you. If you’re interested in joining me, please look for me anytime. I’ll definitely treat you well! But it’s also fine if you’re unwilling. Either way, if you ever get your hands on some more God Level demon spirits, you can sell them to me anytime!”

Nie Li casually smiled and said, “Many thanks for Young Master Li’s appreciation. If I come across any God Level demon spirits, I’ll definitely look for you.” Nie Li had no interest towards the internal struggle within the Ashen Flames Family. Who knows what would happen this time? Maybe Li Xingyun would win this time. Or perhaps he might lose, same as the previous life.

The Divine Feathers Sect’s internal operations were a complete mess. Those who were loyal to the sect itself could only observe the internal struggles, as they were helpless against it. The fights between the major families could also get extremely intense.

The splitting of the Divine Feathers Sect in one hundred years wasn’t completely unpredictable.

Nie Li didn’t intend to rely on Li Xingyun, and these intentions were reflected in his words. Li Xingyun also didn’t mind it as he said, “Alright then! I’ll be waiting for your good news!”

Li Xingyun turned to an underling behind him and said, “Pass a message to Hua Ling. From now on, I’ll be looking after Nie Li. Get him to keep his hands to himself; otherwise, I’ll take care of both him and his men!”

At Li Xingyun’s words, Nie Li cupped his hands.“Many thanks to Young Master Li!”

In his heart, Nie Li understood what was going on, as clear as day. Li Xingyun had probably conducted a thorough investigation on him; therefore, he was well aware that Hua Ling and Hu Yong were making trouble for Nie Li. However, Li Xingyun had only mentioned Hua Ling and not Hu Yong. He wanted to show Nie Li his goodwill; at the same time, he was hinting at something else. For now, Li Xingyun would help Nie Li with only half his problem. He was implying that as long as Nie Li joined him or at least cooperated with him, then he’d take care of everything else.

Indeed, he lived up to the rumors of a domineering figure. Although he was still in his twenties, he was already experienced in these stuff.

“Then we’ll go ahead and take our leave!” Li Xingyun lightly smiled, then led his entourage away.

The bystanders watched Li Xingyun leave before breaking into soft discussions.

“I wonder what Young Master Li plans to do with so many God Level demon spirits?”

“Are you not aware? Young Master Li has always been very generous to his loyal and devoted underlings. I’ve heard that all of his underlings are paired with a Grade 3 Artifact. He probably bought so many God Level demon spirits for his underlings!”

At those words, the bystanders couldn’t help being moved. Indeed, joining the various large factions could greatly benefit them, especially if they ended up with a generous master.

“This Nie Li sold so many God Level demon spirits and earned one thousand two hundred spiritual stones in such a short while. That supply will probably last him awhile.”

“Yeah, who knows where that kid got so many God Level demon spirits from!”

The students were envying him as they talked. One thousand two hundred spiritual stones was a vast fortune! To the likes of them, it was a sum that could only be admired from afar. They might not even be able to gather so many spiritual stones even if they spent several years gathering them.

Aside from ordinary students, Nie Li also attracted the attentions of a few others. Shortly after Nie Li began selling God Level demon spirits, Hu Yong, Hua Ling, and their men arrived. However, they knew that Li Xingyu had talked to Nie Li, so they didn’t dare approach him.

Soon, news spread that Nie Li had formed a deal with Li Xingyun and that all the God Level demon spirits had been sold for over a thousand spiritual stones.

Hu Yong was extremely infuriated, since Li Xingyun obviously wasn’t placing him with any importance. He was rather upset when the thought about Nie Li’s one thousand plus spiritual stones; Nie Li’s cultivation was due to soar by leaps and bounds. However, he didn’t dare entice Li Xingyun’s trouble. Nanmen Tian and Huang Yu had also warned him before; therefore, he didn’t dare cause any trouble within the Skysoul Institute.

On the other hand, after Hua Ling received the news from his underling, he became angered to the point that he wanted to smash something.

Hua Ling wasn’t alone in bullying Nie Li and co. However, he was the easiest to deal with and was warned directly!

The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. His hatred for Li Xingyun peaked. However, he didn’t dare provoke Li Xingyun with his current strength. Li Xingyun was third in line to succeed the Ashen Flames Family. Among the younger generations of the Ashen Flames Family, he still had a lot of authority!

Not only was he afraid to entice Li Xingyun’s trouble, he needed to prepare a huge apology gift [1], in case Li Xingyun suddenly remembered him!

[tl: [1] = In China, there is a tradition to give gifts for visits, apologize, curry favours etc… ]

As for the future, as long as Nie Li and Li Xingyun didn’t have a falling out, he wouldn’t dare provoke Nie Li anymore. After all, Li Xingyun had already warned him. How could he dare to be impudent?

By now, Nie Li and his party had been gone for awhile.

Xiao Yu asked, “Nie Li, did you bring those God Level demon spirits from the Tiny World?” Even within the Tiny World, there couldn’t be so many God Level growth rate demon spirit.

Nie Li replied, “I can’t really tell you right now. I’ll tell you in the future.” After all, the Nightmare Demon Pot was a secret that Nie Li wouldn’t tell even to those closest to him. It was better if fewer people knew about things like that. If news leaked out, it’d stir up huge trouble.

Li Xingyun’s side was capable of purchasing so many God Level growth rate demon spirit, and was still asking for more. However, Nie Li had bigger plans.

Ordinary God Level demon spirits weren’t worth much money. The ones that were worth the most were demon spirits with Dragon Bloodlines!





Chapter 297: Reality


The third day was, once again, Venerable Redsoul’s lesson.

Gu Bei, Nie Li, and Lu Piao sat together.

Gu Bei secretly passed an interspatial ring of demon spirits to Nie Li and whispered in his ear, “Nie Li, my underlings have caught another sixty thousand-something demon spirits!”

“Nice! Thanks a lot. Here are six hundred spiritual stones!” Nie Li passed a bag to Gu Bei.

Gu Bei furrowed his brows briefly, then asked in an unhappy tone, “What are you doing?” He wasn’t helping Nie Li for a reward. Furthermore, those ordinary demon spirits weren’t worth much. This was just a small favor between friends. By giving him money, Nie Li wasn’t treating him like a friend!

Nie Li patted Gu Bei on the shoulder and smiled. “I wanted you to help me acquire some demon spirits with Dragon Bloodlines. Ordinary growth rates are fine.”

At Nie Li’s words, Gu Bei’s brows relaxed as he straightforwardly agreed. “Easy, no problem!”

Nie Li had exhausted another two hundred spiritual stones the night before. That speed was simply too frightening! In order to continue cultivating smoothly, he had to think of other ways to obtain more spiritual stones!

Simply selling God Level growth rate demon spirits was still far from enough, so Nie Li decided to aim for demon spirits with Dragon Bloodlines. However, he needed Gu Bei to secretly acquire the demon spirits first. He could only begin refining after he’d received enough materials.

In this lesson, the Venerable Redsoul was lecturing on cultivating combat abilities. He explained in simple terms as almost all of the students listened attentively.

Nie Li, on the contrary, was thinking about other things.

Everyone in the class had heard of the recent incidents through the grapevine gossip. Nie Li had undoubtedly become the most extraordinary person within the class. However, since Nie Li had defeated Long Yuyin, no one else dared to provoke him. Furthermore, Nie Li had also become the focus for all the girls.

Long Yuyin quietly sat in a corner, watching Nie Li. She knew that she wasn’t Nie Li’s match, since she’d been defeated so thoroughly last time. However, she couldn’t call up the slightest bit of hatred for him. Instead, it was strong curiosity and the desire to challenge him.

She wanted to know how Nie Li cultivated. That man was filled with all kinds of mysteries.

She understood that if she bothered Nie Li any more, she’d only succeed in making him hate her even more. The only way she could gain the qualifications to talk to him was by becoming stronger. Since she was young, Nie Li had been the only person of her age who’d beaten her. He was the only one among their generation who’d gained her recognition in terms of strength! In addition, Nie Li’s actions had also made her to re-examine her past actions, and allowed her to change and grow as a person.

As Venerable Redsoul continued to explain the lesson, the class remained abnormally quiet.

Nie Li’s thoughts drifted off into the distance. He hadn’t seen his Master since that unexpected meeting in the Saint Soul Grounds. He couldn’t help wondering if his Master was still living in that valley. Nie Li recalled the memories from his previous life and was filled with longing towards his Master. He briefly entertained the thought of visiting her in that valley, then made the decision to do so.

The Venerable Redsoul smiled. “Demon spirits are the most important factor in cultivating combat abilities. As of now, the demon spirits that you guys are integrated with aren’t that strong. Only after you’ve reached the Heavenly Fate Realm will you be able to integrate with better demon spirits, especially ones with Dragon Bloodlines.”

“As geniuses with Heaven Spiritual Roots, I hope that you’ll integrate with a Dragon Bloodline demon spirit with at least an Extraordinary Level growth rate. That will also greatly benefit your future development!”

At Venerable Redsoul’s words, many of the disciples from smaller realms sighed. Dragon Bloodline demon spirits were already extremely expensive. One with an Ordinary growth rate would cost one to two spiritual stones, but one with a Good growth rate would cost seventy to eighty spiritual stones. Those with Excellent growth rates might even price in the thousands. Generally, Extraordinary Level demon spirits were only obtainable for disciples with good family backgrounds! Ordinary families wouldn’t do either; only those with deep backgrounds would be capable.

Where would students like them get an Extraordinary Level Dragon Bloodline from?

Compared to that, it’d be much smarter to get an ordinary God Level demon spirit.

The price of an ordinary God Level demon spirit was more or less the same as a Good Level Dragon Bloodline demon spirit, or maybe even slightly higher. However, the price itself wasn’t that bad, and the quality-price ratio was still pretty high. Therefore, ordinary God Levels were best-sellers among ordinary disciples.

As for God Level growth rate Dragon Bloodline demon spirits, those were simply priceless. Even the three major families only had a few hundred experts integrated with God Level Dragon Bloodline demon spirits.

That was strategic power!

The central pillar of the Divine Feathers Sect!

In the recent years, there’d been many deaths among pinnacle experts with God Level Dragon Bloodline demon spirits. That was part of the reason why the Divine Feathers Sect had declined. However, since the Divine Feathers Sect was once a powerful sect, it still had a solid foundation. As long as the sect could produce more powerful experts with God Level Dragon Bloodline demon spirits, it’d only be a matter of time until the sect returns to its glory days.

That was why Nie Li’s Nightmare Demon Pot was an absolutely priceless treasure! It was also why he was so cautious every time he refined demon spirits.

Venerable Redsoul swept an eye over the murmuring students and smiled. “Naturally, you’ll only come across an Extraordinary Level Dragon Bloodline by extremely sheer luck. So if you can’t find an Extraordinary Level demon spirits with a Dragon Bloodline, an Excellent Level one will do. You should wait until you’ve reached the Heavenly Fate Realm. When that time comes, you’ll be allowed into the outside world to hunt for Dragon Bloodlines yourselves. You’ll be able to take your time and search carefully!”

For those without family backgrounds, trying to obtain an Extraordinary or God Level demon spirit would be nearly impossible!

Jin Yan glanced at Nie Li and a smile of disdain leaked from the corner of his mouth. Right now, Nie Li’s talent was stronger and surpassed his own, but so what? Jin Yan’s family had already prepared an Extraordinary Level Dragon Bloodline demon spirit for him. Just wait until he reached the Heavenly Fate Realm, then he’d start integrating with it!

As for Nie Li, he’d be lucky if he could find even an Excellent Level Dragon Bloodline. Or he might not even be able to accomplish that much!

That was the gap between their social statuses. Even if Nie Li joined a family, that family might not be willing to provide Nie Li with an Extraordinary demon spirit. If he joined a family, he’d only end up being a lapdog. There’d always be a distinct difference between him and the family’s blood members!

This was the case in all the sects, not just the Divine Feathers Sect. Geniuses from the smaller realms were usually tamed by the larger families and turned into underlings, forever at the mercy of their respective families. Although, of course, there were some astonishing geniuses who could shape their own fates. However, throughout history, there were only a few such people and all had become distant legends.

The blood members of the families enjoyed eternal riches and the family’s protection. Even if they committed a wrong, as long the punishment wasn’t something akin to a death sentence, they’d still walk out fine. This was far different from the geniuses of smaller realms whose fates were already decided by the heavens. If a smaller realm genius wound up dead, there wouldn’t even be anyone to mourn them.

This was the Draconic Ruins Realm, a sect-family that had progressed to the peak.

At first, geniuses of the smaller realms all believed that the world was a fair place; but sooner or later, they’d all get smoothed out. The majority of them would join families and exchange their loyalty for other benefits.

Since Nie Li had displayed such shocking talent, he’d attracted the attentions of many higher-ups. These higher-ups would definitely do their best to protect Nie Li’s life; however, as far as they were concerned, students with such shocking talent really should suffer some bullying, so that they won’t let their strength get to their heads. That would also make them easier to control in the future!

The corner of Jin Yan’s mouth curled into a cold smile. Those who’d come from smaller realms all wanted to climb to the top; however, they didn’t realise that sometimes, there was an unbridgeable gap! And Nie Li was the same as them!

He wanted to see what heights Nie Li would reach without joining a family!

During the lesson, Venerable Redsoul explained many things about demon spirits, as well as his own understandings towards integrating with them. The students greatly benefitted from the lecture. Soon, the lesson was over.

“Go back and revise on what you’ve learned. If there are any questions or something that you’re unsure about, please ask about it in the next lesson.” Venerable Redsoul casually smiled. “Class ends here!”

Nie Li walked out with Lu Piao and Gu Bei in tow.

Gu Bei looked at Nie Li and said, “Nie Li, I heard that you sold a ton of God Level demon spirits?”

“That’s right.” Nie Li knew that Gu Bei would definitely enquire about it; furthermore, Gu Bei was certain to link it to Nie Li’s requests for ordinary demon spirits. Gu Bei might look like a stupid playboy, but he was actually a really smart guy.

Gu Bei laughed, “If you have so many ordinary God Level demon spirits, ‘don’t let the good water flow into someone else’s field’ [1]. A few of my cousins have some men who’ve got more men under them. Those guys have been looking for some good stuff to win people’s hearts over, in terms of recruiting. Other possibilities aside, several hundred God Level demon spirits would work perfectly fine. Of course, if there’re any Dragon Bloodlines with an Excellent Level growth rate or above, that’d be even better! As for pricing, we definitely won’t pay anything lower than Li Xingyun!”

[tl: [1] = Chinese idiom meaning “keep the good stuff for yourself and your family”. ]

The Gu Clan was extremely large and their power reached into all parts of the Divine Feathers Sect. So it was natural that they’d need lots of God Level demon spirits.

Nie Li said, “Please forgive me for not being so thoughtful!” It never crossed his mind that Gu Bei might also need some God Level demon spirits. He looked at Gu Bei and continued, “You’re not going to ask how I got those God Level demon spirits?”

Gu Bei gave Nie Li a meaningful look and winked. “That’s your secret. What right do I have to pry?”

Only Lu Piao couldn’t understand what they were talking about. “Even if you can pay for so many God Level demon spirits, where are we supposed to find them?”

Lu Piao had always been frank and outspoken; he wasn’t someone who hid his thoughts. Nie Li wasn’t going to let Lu Piao know about the Nightmare Demon Pot, in case Lu Piao leaked it out by accident.

On the other hand, Gu Bei had probably guessed it. However, he was a pretty loyal guy, and Nie Li was rather grateful for that. “Thanks! Once I get more God Level demon spirits, I’ll make sure to find you in your courtyard!” Doing business with Gu Bei would be much safer than doing business with others. However, Nie Li planned to sell a massive amount that not even Gu Bei would be able to take. Therefore, he also had to maintain a relationship with Li Xingyun.





Chapter 298: Master and Disciple


Nie Li returned to his courtyard and continued refining God Level growth rate demon spirits like mad.

After absorbing the leftover energy from the demon spirits, the Nightmare Demon Pot’s success rate seemed to have slightly increased. From the sixty thousand demon spirits, Nie Li produced almost a hundred God Level demon spirits.

Nie Li arrived in Gu Bei’s courtyard alone and handed the God Level demon spirits to him. Gu Bei was going to help Nie Li sell them to his cousins before he went out to acquire Dragon Bloodline demon spirits for him.

Nie Li exited Gu Bei’s courtyard, activated the void-form several times to dodge prying eyes, and moved according to his memories.

He followed a crooked path that stretched into the distance, walked past a patch of dense forest, and reached a quiet valley.

Peach blossoms bloomed richly, making the scene appear like a utopia.

It was exactly the same as the scene from his memories.

It was a quiet valley with a small stream that trickled through. Scenes belonging to his previous life appeared in his mind.

——

“Master, you told me to reach the ‘virtuous like water, for water does not compete’ state. But how do I accomplish this? I was born in a place called Glory City and all of my families, friends, and even my lover were killed. Should I go up to my enemies and tell them to be virtuous like water? I only believe in ‘an eye for an eye’. Given the slightest chance, I would kill every last one of them!”

His Master had only looked at him and smiled, “Stubborn disciple that couldn’t be enlightened.”

“It’s not that I couldn’t be enlightened. Everyone in the Divine Feathers Sect looks at you with disdain. If I was strong enough, I’d make all of them kneel before you as vengeance. What’s wrong with that?”

His Master stared into the endless sky. “In this world, bitter struggles are constant. In an instant, everything will become history. However, water can flow endlessly, nurturing all living things.”

——

Even now, Nie Li still couldn’t understand his Master’s words. Even in this life, he’d only been following one rule: vengeance for vengeance, an eye for an eye. Even after the danger to Glory City had been dealt with, there was still more vengeance that he’d yet to seek. The Demon Lord and the Sage Emperor still weren’t dead.

As long as his enemies weren’t eliminated, Nie Li would never be able to find peace. Not for even a moment, not even in his sleep.

Was he supposed to correct the Demon Lord and Sage Emperor with a heart of mercy? What an absurd thought.

However, his Master had been genuinely kind to him.

Nie Li continued to walk as he recalled everything from his previous life. His eyes couldn’t help filling up with tears. His Master was a gentle person, someone who Nie Li had respected the most. But as they say, ‘nice guys finish last’; his Master hadn’t lived for very long. Back then, when his Master died, the only thing Nie Li wanted to do was kill everyone in the Divine Feathers Sect.

But, he didn’t go against his Master’s wishes. He didn’t massacre the Divine Feathers Sect; instead, he only caused a huge ruckus and beat all the experts of the Divine Feathers Sect to the ground.

Even so, his Master would never come back to life.

But now, he was back in this new life. Everything in front of him was so familiar.

He quickened his steps towards the straw hut and knocked on the door.

A familiar and pleasant voice sounded, “Come in.”

Nie Li strode in as he saw his Master sitting on the ground. Her expression was so calm, without the slightest ripple. She gave off an ethereal feeling, as if she didn’t really exist. Nie Li looked at his Master and felt an illusory and unreal sensation, as if she would disappear the next second.

Ying Yueru opened her eyes and a faint smile crossed her face. She said, “So it’s you? Have a seat.”

Nie Li vaguely sensed that this Ying Yueru before him was the exact same one from his previous life. His heart was filled with confusion as he sat before her.

The two of them exchanged looks as Nie Li tried to figure out where to start. He quietly remained seated as he looked at his Master. He was satisfied with just this.

Ying Yueru’s clear eyes looked at Nie Li and she lightly smiled. “Now, I will tell you some things. Do not ask me why or how. There are some things that you simply shouldn’t know. Even if you asked, I wouldn’t tell you. If you need to know, then I’ll tell you, even if you don’t ask!”

Nie Li smiled at Ying Yueru’s words. “Then what does Big Sister Ying want to tell me?” Nie Li remembered the past again. Back then, there were several occasions when he’d called his Master ‘Big Sister’. He’d ended up with a huge lump on his head each time.

Ying Yueru smiled and smacked him on the head. “Unfilial disciple! How dare you call me ‘Big Sister Ying’. You’re not showing the proper respect towards your Master.” However, she couldn’t help the smile on her face.

Nie Li was stunned for a moment and stared at Ying Yueru in shock. The words ‘unfilial disciple’ sent his memory drifting back into his previous life. Nie Li felt a strong urge to cry from the familiarity and closeness.

In his previous life, he’d experienced so much sadness. In the end, he was left all alone. The heart that had been tormented had now been slightly healed under his Master’s gaze.

Ying Yueru smiled. “You find it strange that I know these things. It is the result of the [Heaven’s Divination] technique that allows me to see through all illusions and calculate destiny. However, in calculating all this, I’ve exhausted fifty years of my lifespan.”

Nie Li’s heart was pained as he looked at Ying Yueru. “Why would you spend fifty years just to calculate this? You could’ve just asked me and I would’ve told you everything!”

Ying Yueru revealed a beautiful smile. “It wouldn’t have been as clear unless I calculated it for myself. You’re inside the situation. Through my calculations, I am viewing it as a third party.” Her voice was ethereal and peaceful as she continued, “There’s no need to say anything else. According to my calculations, you’re going to compete for the Sect Master’s position of the Divine Feathers Sect.”

His master was indeed like an immortal god, to have seen through the ambitions within his heart. Ever since he’d reached the Divine Feathers Sect, Nie Li had been aiming for the Sect Master’s position. That was the only way to ensure that no one would ever harm his Master again.

Aside from obtaining cultivating resources, Nie Li had other motives for displaying his shocking talent. He didn’t have time to wait. He needed to start planning now.

As far as others were concerned, becoming the Sect Master of the Divine Feathers Sect was already a lifetime’s greatest accomplishment. However, to Nie Li, it was only the first step to his plan.

Ying Yueru smiled towards Nie Li. “If you want to become the Sect Master, I have a recommendation for you. She can become your greatest aide.” In truth, Ying Yueru’s heart had also been changed. Ever since she’d performed that calculation, she suddenly found herself with a disciple who was deeply connected to her own previous life. However, she still belonged to this life, and couldn’t get used to the idea of having a disciple. She found the experience extremely profound.

“Who?”

Ying Yueru looked at him deeply. “My Junior Sister, Long Yuyin.”

Nie Li immediately refused. “Anyone but her. Every time I see her, murderous intent leaks from my heart.”

“There is a reason why she and the Dragonseal Family forced my death in the previous life. In her eyes, I am the one who killed her Master. And it is the truth; I was the one who killed our Master.” Ying Yueru gazed into the distance as she sighed. “The cause and effect of this world are profound, I cannot explain it to you in such a short time. You hate her, she hates me, and this hatred became a tight knot. Only you can help her resolve the hatred she holds for me.”

At Ying Yueru’s words, Nie Li recalled various things from the past and finally began to understand why Long Yuyin wanted his Master’s death. However, telling him to put down his hatred on such short short notice was still impossible for him. After all, he’d personally witnessed Ying Yueru’s death and had personally seen how overbearing Long Yuyin was. With that kind of mentality, Nie Li’s heart filled with wrath every time he thought of her. Now that he knew, he wanted to put it down, but there were some things that he just couldn’t help.

“If you want her to put down her hatred for me, you’ll have to put down your hatred for her first.” Ying Yueru said as she looked at Nie Li, “This is the ‘virtuous as water’ that I spoke of. Even after experiencing two lives, you’re still not willing to put it down?”

Nie Li still wanted to say something. “But…”

Ying Yueru’s voice was as soothing as spring water as it calmed Nie Li’s heart. “I’m not expecting you to achieve the ‘virtuous as water’ state. However, Long Yuyin can no longer threaten me, so why not put down your hatred?”

“I…” Nie Li thought about it a little and finally nodded. “Alright.”

So it turned out that Long Yuyin and his Master were fellow disciples. Nie Li thought things over again. His Master was vastly knowledgeable and could calculate destinies; therefore, she must have a reason for asking him to do this. Both in his previous and current life, Nie Li had absolute faith in his Master’s words.

Ying Yueru wryly smiled. “The [Heaven’s Divination] technique exhausts a portion of my lifespan for every divination. If you want me to live longer, don’t ask so many questions.”

“Yes.” Nie Li’s mind went blank as he stared at her smile. In their previous life, Ying Yueru didn’t smile very much. But he remembered that the current Ying Yueru was still just a sixteen or seventeen year old girl. No matter how heaven-defying she was, she was still just a young girl.

Ying Yueru looked at Nie Li and said, “Once you leave here, you shouldn’t return for a while. You’ve attracted too much attention by coming here.” Since she performed her divination, she no longer knew how to act around Nie Li. After all, she was still just a sixteen or seventeen year old girl. It felt strange to suddenly have a disciple like Nie Li.

Nie Li vaguely suspected that his Master knew more than she was letting on; however, since she’d already said so much, he didn’t want to enquire further.

He felt at ease, now that he’d seen his Master living peacefully. In his heart, he understood that it would be for the best if he came here as less as possible. After all, he was caught in a whirlpool; it would be best not to disrupt his Master’s life.

A determined expression flashed through Nie Li’s eyes. “In that case, please wait until I become Sect Master of the Divine Feathers Sect!” Only by becoming the Sect Master, could he protect his Master.

Nie Li slightly curled his back, then stood up and left.

Ying Yueru watched Nie Li’s silhouette as her heart sighed softly. She probably won’t be able to wait until Nie Li became Sect Master. She watched him disappear through the entrance before she looked away.





Chapter 299: Face to Face on a Narrow Path


The Divine Feathers Sect has many factions, all embroiled in an intense battle with each other. In one hundred years, the sect would thoroughly collapse. What Nie Li intended to do was become the Sect Master of the Divine Feathers Sect within those one hundred years and obtain absolute authority. It was the only way to reorganize the Divine Feathers Sect.

Gaining control of the entire Divine Feathers Sect was Nie Li’s first step in confronting the Sage Emperor!

Once he returned from this trip, he had to work on reaching the Heavenly Fate Realm as fast as possible. It was one of the crucial points to cultivation!

As Nie Li walked along the zigzagged path, he met a girl who was walking from the opposite direction. She halted her steps when she saw Nie Li.

This road was the only way to get to that valley!

Nie Li raised his head with a stunned expression. He never imagined that he’d run into Long Yuyin right here. Was she looking for his Master? Then again, his Master and Long Yuyin were fellow disciples.

Long Yuyin also never expected to encounter Nie Li here. Upon seeing Nie Li, she felt like someone had seized her heart. She didn’t know what to do with her her hands, nor did she dare approach and greet him. Originally, with her character, she’d never look at someone with much regard. However, her heart had changed a little ever since Nie Li had utterly defeated her.

Even she couldn’t figure out why she felt so nervous upon seeing him. This wasn’t like her at all!

No one else was here except for the two of them!

A surge of uncertainty left her at a loss as to what to do.

Nie Li stayed in place as he looked at her and asked, “Why are you here?”

Although he couldn’t help being reminded of the overbearing Long Yuyin from his previous life, he still remembered his Master’s words. For all the past and present vengeances, the solution starts with himself.

Although the current Long Yuyin was a little arrogant and tyrannical, she hadn’t reached the wicked-beyond-redemption point yet.

Since he’d come back to life, he had the power to resolve this vengeance before it became deeper.

Long Yuyin’s voice trembled. “I’m here to…I’m looking for someone.”

Nie Li was puzzled. Who was this girl standing in front of him who showed this blushing red face? Was she really that overbearing Long Yuyin from his previous life? Was she really that unreasonably tyrannical woman?

The two were standing some distance apart. Nie Li found it was an uncomfortable distance for a conversation, so he took a step forward.

Long Yuyin’s body immediately stiffened and she took a step back. Her voice trembled. “What are you trying to do?”

Her face boiled as she thought back to the incidents when Nie Li humiliated her. He wasn’t going to be unforgiving again, was he? Right here, right now? There were only the two of them here and she was clearly not his match. Even her physical strength, which she had been the most prideful of, had been defeated by him. Faced with him, she no longer had the slightest fighting spirit.

Nie Li was a little dazed. Since when had Long Yuyin become so timid?

Nie Li stayed in place, but couldn’t help finding the situation rather funny. “Don’t worry. I can’t do anything to you since we’re inside the Skysoul Institute!” Nie Li really was trying to follow his Master’s instructions to resolve his hatred for her. But now that they were face-to-face, he had no idea where to start.

In his heart, Nie Li still held a grudge towards Long Yuyin. However, this was no longer his previous life; the situation was entirely different. After listening to his Master’s teachings, he’d already decided to let it go.

Nie Li never thought that their clash would make the tyrannical Long Yuyin cower so timidly. She was totally different from the Long Yuyin who he’d known. Nie Li pieced it together. In his previous life, Long Yuyin had been extraordinarily talented since she was young and everyone had flattered her. Little by little, it got to her head and shaped her overbearing character. As time passed, and she became stronger, she became more and more despotic and arrogant. She viewed nothing as worthwhile. In the end, she forced the death of his Master.

However, the Long Yuyin of this life was still young! She could still be reformed!

She’d changed ever since Nie Li had thoroughly defeated her. She was still as strong as she’d been before, but now, she’ve restrained that overbearing character of hers at the very least!

However, the current Long Yuying would only yield to Nie Li. She definitely wouldn’t be so timid towards others, like she currently was towards him.

It seemed that the Long Yuyin of his previous life had lacked such teachings. That was why she grew up to become such a terrible person.

An immoral smile leaked from Nie Li’s mouth as he looked at the nervous Long Yuyin. ‘Now that I’ve found the source of the problem, I’ll make sure to thoroughly reform you! I’ll turn you into a better person for the future!’

Nie Li moved towards Long Yuyin until he was only a step away from her. His thoughts drifted off into the distance. Before, his wrath and hatred for Long Yuyin had clouded his eyes. His Master’s words had allowed him to re-examine his actions in this life. In reality, the solution was not necessarily ‘a tooth for a tooth’. He could take advantage of the situation. While his opponent was still young; he could make her thoroughly lose her fighting strength or even convert her onto his side. Wouldn’t that be clever?

Some people have lusted for blood since they were young, growing up to become ungrateful wretches. Such people aren’t worthy of being reformed. However, people like Long Yuyin were different. Even if she was arrogant and overbearing, her character itself wasn’t so bad. All she needed was a little smacking and lecturing. There was still space for reforming.

Every hair on Long Yuyin’s body stood on end as Nie Li stepped closer and closer. She felt like a sheared sheep, naked under his gaze, suffocating under the pressure.

If it were anyone else, Long Yuyin would never feel such fear. Even if the opponent was an expert several times stronger than herself, she knew that they’d still fear the power of her Dragonseal Family. Therefore, they wouldn’t dare do anything to her. However, that didn’t apply to Nie Li. He’d been the first person to ever scold her, then he’d used a whip to lash her. After that, he used his own physical strength to give her a good beating. But even after all that, even after she’d been provoked by Nie Li’s words, she still wanted to fight him properly. She didn’t want to take advantage of her family’s power.

She realised that without her family, she was nothing to Nie Li.

Even though Nie Li only was a little taller than her, he was like a mountain, pressuring her so that she couldn’t breathe.

Long Yuyin’s heart thumped around wildly. She took heavy breaths as her chest heaved up and down. Under Nie Li’s invasive gaze, she couldn’t help covering her chest with both of her hands. Her voice trembled, “You…what are you trying to do?”

It should be mentioned that Long Yuyin was actually really pretty. Compared to Nie Li’s Master, each had her own merits. Both were of goddess-level beauties. Right now, Long Yuyin was wearing a tight-fitting outfit that outlined the curves of her figure.

Nie Li couldn’t help finding Long Yuyin’s edgy behaviour rather funny. This girl was too much of a narcissist. Did she think that he’d outrage her modesty? He’d heard somewhere before that overbearing women are often only strong on the outside. Under that outward appearance is actually a weak heart. He’d heard that Long Yuyin had been raised by a single-mother, who’d later remarried. Was that why she’d acted so rude and unreasonable, so that no one could get close to her?

Perhaps, Long Yuyin was just lonely. Her overbearing character was just a mask.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, the hatred he’d held for Long Yuyin from his previous life finally dissolved. The corner of his mouth curled as he looked at Long Yuyin, who was acting like a frightened rabbit. Being the ‘bad guy’ in this life felt pretty good.

Nie Li patted her on the shoulders. “Long Yuyin, Ying Yueru is my Master. I don’t know what kind of grudges you have between the two of you, but I want you to know that she’s a kind-hearted person. She definitely wouldn’t hurt others. I hope you can put down your feelings and think things over again. Maybe there was a misunderstanding somewhere?”

When Nie Li’s hand touched her shoulder, all the muscles in her body immediately tensed up. She was so nervous that she couldn’t even think anymore. This was a wilderness where no one else was around. Would Nie Li let her go?

Long Yuyin wasn’t thinking about Ying Yueru anymore. She could only reply with a trembling voice, “Oh.”

Nie Li blankly stared at her for a moment. Why was Long Yuyin being so easy to handle today? Her fingers were almost white from how hard she was clenching them. Her face was also blushed. He couldn’t help finding the scene rather amusing. If he had improper thoughts and tried to take liberties right now, she probably wouldn’t even be able to retaliate, right?

Perhaps this girl before him was the real Long Yuyin!

The difference between the previous and current Long Yuyin was so large that Nie Li couldn’t help finding it a little funny. However, he stopped teasing her when he saw that she was about to bury her head into her chest.

Nie Li looked at Long Yuyin again. “Go back and think about what I said. If you have any problems, please do come to me!”

He couldn’t stop internally laughing. What a gentle sheep she was! However, he didn’t push her any further, as he wanted Long Yuyin to carefully consider his words first. He then brushed past her and walked away.

Nie Li had only taken a few steps before Long Yuyin’s voice suddenly called, “Wait!” She felt as though she’d used all the strength in her body just to say that word.

Nie Li turned around to face her. “What’s the matter?”

“Didn’t you tell me to stay as far away as possible…?” Long Yuyin’s voice died towards the end of her sentence, until it was as soft a mosquito’s buzz.

However, Nie Li still heard it clearly. He smiled, “Even if I explained those matters earlier on, you probably wouldn’t understand. However, after listening to my Master’s teachings, I’ve decided to put down my hatred for you. Long Yuyin, I also hope that you’ll let go of your hatred for my Master. After that, maybe we could still become friends…”

“We have class in three days. I’ll be waiting for your answer.” Nie Li finished his words, smiled, then turned around and left.

Long Yuyin was at a loss as she watched Nie Li’s silhouette shrink away. Why did Nie Li hate her? Was it because of Ying Yueru? How did Ying Yueru become Nie Li’s Master? Long Yuyin’s thoughts were in a tangled mess. Her stiffened body finally began to ease up as Nie Li moved further and further away. Her entire body felt weak, like she’d been drained of all her energy.

It was only a simple encounter with Nie Li, but she felt as though she’d experienced a huge battle.





Chapter 300: Respect


Long Yuyin just stood there for a while, before she finally began to walk quietly towards Ying Yueru’s home. Nie Li’s words had set her mind thinking. Ying Yueru’s fate was in Long Yuyin’s hands; but did she really want her dead?

She thought over this question for an indeterminant amount of time. After all, Ying Yueru was her Senior Sister. As for the matter concerning the their Master, Long Yuyin also felt that there was a story behind it.

It was just like Nie Li said; Ying Yueru was someone who’d rather hurt herself than hurt others.

Nie Li returned to Xiao Yu’s courtyard.

Xiao Yu saw him and enquired, “Nie Li, where did you go?”

Nie Li smiled. “I went to meet an old friend.”

“Old friend?” Xiao Yu was rather puzzled. Nie Li had only come to the Skysoul Institute not too long ago. How did manage to get an old friend?

Nie Li didn’t bother to give Xiao Yu much of an explanation. Instead, he looked past Xiao Yu, saw Huang Ying, and immediately greeted her. “So you’re here?”

“Nie Li, hello!” Huang Ying immediately exposed a lovable smile as she grabbed Xiao Yu’s arm with both hands, like a cute and helpless baby bird.

Nie Li gave a meaningful smile as he said, “I’ll get back to cultivating. You guys can get busy!”

Xiao Yu’s face flushed red. “Nie Li, don’t misunderstand!”

Nie Li laughed as he waved goodbye. “Misunderstand? You’re just having an honest conversation, right?” He gave Huang Ying a wink, then returned to his own room.

Huang Ying blushed slightly red, but she still held onto Xiao Yu’s hand, refusing to let go. Xiao Yu, however, looked helpless and depressed.

When Nie Li entered his room, he saw Goddess Yu Yan hovering in the air as she cultivated. However, what really surprised him was the fact that her entire body was enveloped in golden flames. These flames continued to burn, raising the room temperature to a frightening degree.

A powerful energy churned throughout the room.

It never crossed Nie Li’s mind that Yu Yan might reach the Heavenly Fate Realm before he did. Furthermore, her Heavenly Fate Realm seemed to be slightly different from ordinary ones. Therefore, Nie Li had no idea just how strong she was, as he had no basis for comparison.

The golden flames seemed to be melting the air.

When he saw that Yu Yan was in the middle of cultivating, he didn’t disrupt her. He looked down and saw that Jindan was curled up in a corner, asleep. That guy’s daily routine was just eat and sleep, eat and sleep. However, what surprised Nie Li was the fact that Jindan took really long naps after every meal. Each time he woke up, his aura would be several times stronger.

This little guy was getting stronger at a frightening speed!

Through his soul realm, Nie Li sensed that Lu Piao was about to reach the Heavenly Fate Realm after he’d absorbed so many spiritual stones. However, Nie Li himself still wasn’t able to step through that doorway.

Usually, after absorbing so much Heavenly Energy, his cultivation should’ve also increased at a quick pace. However, all that Heavenly Energy from the spiritual stones have been absorbed by the vine in his soul realm; not much was left for him.

The only thing he could do was concentrate on his cultivation.

Time slowly flowed by.

Although the new batch of students had caused waves within the Skysoul Institute, the excitement died down pretty quickly. After all, cultivation was still most important.

After being warned by Li Xingyun, Hua Ling also showed more restraint and immersed himself in cultivating.

Murong Yu was sulking, despite the fact that he’d made a new record in the Ghastly Ruins. It never crossed his mind that after escaping his clutches, Nie Li might exit the Ghastly Ruins instead of continuing to hunt. Even if he wanted to make more trouble for Nie Li, he no longer had a chance to do so.

The others also calmed down for the time being to focus on their cultivation.

One day passed after another.

Nie Li had been depleting anywhere between one to two hundred spiritual stones a day. However, the supply of stones within his interspatial ring was actually constantly increasing. This was because Nie Li was still refining God Level growth rate demon spirits every day. He either let Gu Bei help him sell them, or he sold them directly to Li Xingyun. There was also a portion that had been dissolved into the market.

The quantity of spiritual stones inside his interspatial ring continued to increase at a frightening rate. Nie Li continued to purchase large numbers of demon spirits with Dragon Bloodlines; however, all had ordinary growth rates.

The more God Level demon spirits Nie Li sold, the higher Li Xingyun regarded him. Li Xingyun didn’t know where Nie Li was getting the God Level demon spirits from, nor did he ask for an answer. After all, such things involved secrets. So there isn’t any point in asking; on the contrary, it would hurt their business relationship.

Hu Yong was a little intimidated by Nie Li’s close connections to Gu Bei and Li Xingyun.

—

Today, Venerable Redsoul’s lesson was, once again, on the topic of physical training.

Everyone had immediately turned to look at Nie Li and Long Yuyin. In their previous lesson, Nie Li and Long Yuyin had gotten into a fight that had even left the grounds destroyed. The two of them weren’t going to do it again, were they?

Long Yuyin hesitated for a moment and her steps paused. However, she finally approached Nie Li with her face flushed red and asked in a soft voice, “Can I practise with you?”

Her outfit made her look formidable and valiant. In addition to her beauty, her image could definitely topple any boy in the class. In the past, Long Yuyin’s fiery character had distanced herself from everyone else. But now, the fact that Long Yuyin was actually speaking in such a soft voice made all the observer’s jaws almost fall off.

Was Long Yuyin still that tigress that they’d known? Was this girl the wrong person?

It wasn’t just the other students: even Lu Piao and Gu Bei were dumbfounded.

Lu Piao rubbed his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve woken up yet! I must be dreaming!”

Nie Li couldn’t help smiling when he saw how nervous Long Yuyin was. “Sure!”

Everyone was dumbfounded at this reaction. Their brains couldn’t process the situation. Just what was going on?

Was this still the same Nie Li who’d told Long Yuyin to stay as far away as possible?

This transformation was too fast. Just what had happened in such a short amount of time? There must be a hidden story to it!

“I smell adultery. Nie Li, you couldn’t have done something behind Goddess Ziyun and Ning’er’s backs, right?” Lu Piao scrutinised Nie Li, but was heavily rewarded by Nie Li.

Even Venerable Redsoul was rather puzzled. These two had been so vehemently against each other, so why had they suddenly calmed down? Anyways, it was all good news for him. After all, he didn’t want to have constant conflicts between his students, even if it was absolutely normal for such prideful geniuses to butt heads. Even he couldn’t stop them completely if they wanted to do so.

The drills began and everyone fought each other.

Long Yuyin’s expression slowly turned serious. She leapt and threw a chain of roundhouse kicks towards Nie Li.

“You might have a long attack range, but there’re still a lot of flaws. You’re too slow!” Nie Li said as he dodged and returned three punches. One to her calf, one to her inner thigh, and one to her abdomen. “All three of these are flaws!”

Long Yuyin’s face turned slightly pale as she suffered the three attacks and took several steps back. She felt numb from the three hits and her heart shivered. So it turned out that Nie Li was so much stronger than her! Previously, he was already going easy on her!

Actually, Nie Li was much weaker than Long Yuyin. After all, Long Yuyin possessed the Blood Dragon lineage. However, Nie Li’s insight towards the Martial Dao was at a level that Long Yuyin couldn’t compare with.

Long Yuyin’s expression gradually became respectful as she carefully thought over Nie Li’s advice. With a little more comprehension than the last time, she resumed her attacks on Nie Li.

Nie Li’s voice turned solemnly strict. “Here, here, and there. Your reactions are too slow and your attack angles aren’t right! That’s wrong!”

Again and again, Long Yuyin was smacked onto the ground. However, she became more and more excited and ready each time she got up. Although Nie Li was being strict, she could sense that her combat techniques were steadily improving under his guidance. He taught way far better than any other teachers.

The rest of the students exchanged looks when they saw Long Yuyin’s excited and somewhat frenzied expression. That woman must have gone crazy!

Venerable Redsoul watched their battle in utter shock and an expression that could only be described as ‘ashamed’ was on his face. He felt like he could no longer look anyone in the eye again.

Even he didn’t have that much understand towards physical strength. Not compared to Nie Li.

As a mentor, he felt that he had nothing to teach Nie Li in terms of confrontations between physiques.

He could only pretend that he didn’t know, since the other students couldn’t see through it.

Long Yuyin’s heart was filled with respect for Nie Li. Every attack that seemed perfect to her was filled with flaws to Nie Li. His guidance had given her great insights, especially since she was a quick-learner. Through their fight, she sensed that his attainment on cultivation highly surpassed her own by several realms!

In her heart, she was also secretly dejected. Nie Li was Ying Yueru’s disciple? Didn’t that mean that Ying Yueru was actually much more powerful than she thought?

She continued to absorb Nie Li’s teachings like a sponge. She sensed that Nie Li was the only one who could guide her strength towards an endless height.

Nie Li also realised that this woman could be taught. Since she was young, no one had really been able to lecture her properly; that had resulted in her domineering character. However, she respected those who were stronger than herself. Although there were others, like Murong Yu, who fit that description, as far as Long Yuyin was concerned, it was only because of age. However, Nie Li was the same age as her and could also defeat her in terms of physical strength. That was why she accepted him.

No matter how Nie Li reprimanded her, she continued to quietly endure. As they continued on, she actually became more respectful towards Nie Li, just like a diligent and respectful disciple to her Master’s teachings.

The other students were speechless. None of them could figure out how Nie Li managed to tame such a tigress. When Long Yuyin dealt with other people, her bloodlust would terrify them. However, she was as docile as a sheep when facing Nie Li.

Soon, the lesson was over.





Credits





Translator: Thyaeria





Epub: Estevam / dotNOVEL