Fang Li gripped the Black Stone Halberd, his expression dazed- for a moment, suddenly reminded of nine years ago.

That time, his body was worn out, and he didn't have much time left to live. He was fully prepared to die to complete the mission. On the day when the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance attacked, he sat alone on the cliff by the sea, waiting for Xie Huai. Xie Huai did not disappoint his expectations and finally rushed back at the last moment.

But he, cruelly, chose to die by his hands.

How to successfully complete the mission, restore order to this world, was the only thing he thought about back then.

He didn't have much choice.

He didn't think too much about it.

But this time was different...

This time, they were in sync, Xie Huai stood openly by his side, never leaving for a moment.

This time, they won't make any reckless decisions anymore. No matter the difficulties, even if they were against the world, they would face them together.

Fang Li looked at the man beside him.

Xie Huai was dressed in white, holding a long sword, with a clear and serene face, looked at him with a smile. His eyes were gentle and calm, exuding a comforting strength.

Fang Li raised the corner of his lips. "What if I die here today?"

Xie Huai replied calmly, "Then I'll accompany you."

Fang Li smiled.

Below Hollow Ridge,

Wu Yimei and Dou Meng stood in front, leading countless demonic cultivators standing solemnly, with black mist billowing and malevolent aura rising.

In front of them, Tens of thousands of immortal sect cultivators were stationed at the foot of the mountain, various flying spiritual weapons hovering in the air.

The four major immortal sects stood at the forefront.

Densely packed, with majestic momentum.

Among the countless cultivators and immortal sects, there was a white jade pavilion hanging high in the sky. On top of the pavilion, a man with a gentle face, dressed in blue, sat gracefully. He looked down below with indifference in his eyes, as if all living beings were ants in his eyes.

Fang Li and Xie Huai stepped forward side by side, facing the pavilion above.

Fu Junling slowly raised his eyes and stood up.

The immortal sect cultivators below were excited, worshipful, and nervous as they looked at the Holy Venerable.

The Demon Lord and Jade Gentleman together, unmatched in the world, if there's anyone who can resist... it must be the Holy Venerable!

Fu Junling looked at the black-robed youth in front of him, his expression complex.

Fang Li held the Black Stone Halberd in one hand, feeling his fighting spirit through his life-bound spiritual weapon, emitting a joyous hum. He lazily raised his gaze and spoke loudly, "Kill me, and the Black talisman will be yours."

Fu Junling's expression suddenly turned cold. Even at death's door, he was still provoking!

Since you seek death, I'll grant it to you!

Fu Junling's hand trembled, a silver long sword appearing in his hand, with flowing light as if alive. He didn't hesitate to strike—

To avoid harming the innocent, Fang Li flew past him and arrived above the Fallen Star Sea!

Above the towering waves, Fang Li stood like a demon god in his black robe, while Xie Huai, in his white robe, exuded an ethereal aura.

The three of them clashed in the sky above the Fallen Star Sea!

Fang Li now possessed was at the Refining Void cultivation level. With his full power unleashed, the Black Stone Halberd swept through the air, causing a fierce wind, as if tearing through space!

And Xie Huai, as the number one figure in the world, was unstoppable. The Snow Green Sword slashed through the sky as if piercing the sun, its sword energy splitting the menacing waves of the Fallen Star Sea, sending sprays of water dozens of yards high!

Fu Junling wielded a sword in one hand and held a folding fan in the other.

He blocked Xie Huai's sword with one hand while the folding fan struck the Black Stone Halberd, suddenly exerting force, shaking Fang Li away!

His techniques were fierce, his eyes sharp, and he even held his ground against two opponents!

In the blink of an eye, the three of them had exchanged dozens of moves.

Fang Li and Xie Huai exchanged a glance, their eyes solemn.

A smirk played on Fu Junling's lips as he looked steadily at Fang Li, a faint smile on his face. He said slowly, "I've been too indulgent with you, letting you think that my tolerance was out of fear for you."

He knew why Fang Li and Xie Huai dared to provoke him.

It was simply because he clearly controlled the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, held the upper hand, yet refused to act easily. He thought that since his awakening was not long ago, they could take advantage of it to kill him... Fu Junling didn't deny that dealing with Fang Li and Xie Huai at the same time was indeed somewhat tricky.

But that didn't mean he couldn't defeat them.

It was just a little tricky.

He had lived for nearly ten thousand years. His memories, experiences, and everything he knew were his strength. These mere juniors, gaining some fame and becoming arrogant, actually thought they could oppose him?

Fu Junling's cultivation erupted in an instant, forcing Fang Li and Xie Huai to retreat step by step.

On the side of Hollow Ridge, people watched from afar as the three clashed fiercely above the Fallen Star Sea.

Seeing the Holy Venerable gaining the upper hand, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance were greatly shaken. It turned out that following the Holy Venerable was the right choice. Some had previously thought that the Holy Venerable was afraid, but now it seemed that it was their own narrow-mindedness. How could the Holy Venerable possibly be unable to defeat the Demon Lord and Xie Huai? He just had compassion and was unwilling to cause unnecessary slaughter.

Wu Yimei and Dou Meng looked worried, but they had long been instructed not to intervene. Even if they wanted to help now, it wouldn't make much difference...

They had to hold off the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and buy time for their Lord!

The members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and those from Hollow Ridge shouted loudly, instantly engaging in battle!

On the other side.

Fu Junling struck Fang Li away with one blow, and Xie Huai quickly reached out to catch the falling Fang Li.

Fang Li spat out a mouthful of blood, coldly looking at him.

Fu Junling chuckled lightly, "The Black Talisman is on you, why not use it? If you did, you might give me some trouble."

The Black Talisman would burn the soul's lifespan. Naturally, Fang Li wouldn't use such a sinister object. He intended to keep this life intact, together with Xie Huai!

Fang Li sneered, "I can kill you even without using it!"

Fu Junling sneered, "Ignorant."

Xie Huai didn't hesitate to wield his sword and confronted Fu Junling. Although Fu Junling's expression was slightly more serious, he still dealt with it with ease. He said slowly, "The so-called number one in the world, I see it's just like that."

Without becoming a True Immortal in Harmony, he wasn't his match.

Xie Huai's sharp eyes locked onto Fu Junling.

This was the person he once considered a friend. Even he hadn't noticed any abnormalities back then, and today, Fu Junling's cultivation and techniques were unfamiliar to him, indicating that everything was fake, indeed well hidden.

Fu Junling looked indifferent as he gazed at Xie Huai.

Having lived for nearly ten thousand years, he had seen too many so-called geniuses. Most of them fell before they could rise, and even the few who survived weren't worth much in his eyes.

Xie Huai was indeed one of the rare exceptional talents in his long life, but Xie Huai had not fully matured yet, even if he could cause him a bit of trouble, it was nothing more than that.

Fu Junling's Flowing Light Sword pointed at Xie Huai, and the sword's radiance swept across the sky above the Fallen Star Sea, an unstoppable force like a thunderbolt!

Xie Huai's face changed slightly, and he suddenly raised his sword to block. The fierce sword qi left a wound on his face.

Fang Li watched Xie Huai get injured, showing a worried expression. Despite his own injuries, he attacked Fu Junling again!

Fu Junling turned back and slapped Fang Li's chest. Fang Li, caught off guard, spat out another mouthful of blood. At the same time, Fu Junling gestured, and the Black Talisman flew out of Fang Li's embrace, landing in Fu Junling's hand!

Fang Li's face turned pale.

Fu Junling gripped the Black Talisman in one hand, his lips curling slightly as he said coolly, "Since you're unwilling to use it, let's return it to its rightful owner."

Despair flashed across Fang Li's face as he gripped the Black Stone Halberd tightly, ready to fight Fu Junling to the death.

Fu Junling looked at Fang Li with disdain.

If he had any reservations before, now that he had obtained the Black Talisman and possessed the complete Yin-Yang Jade, dealing with Fang Li and Xie Huai was just a matter of ease.

Fu Junling was about to kill Fang Li when suddenly he felt a coldness in his chest. He looked down in astonishment.

The Snow Green Sword passed through his chest silently, then, like a streak of light, returned to Xie Huai's hand.

Xie Huai's clothes fluttered in the wind as he looked coldly at Fu Junling.

Fang Li also slowly straightened his body.

Fu Junling, as the Holy Venerable, had lived for so many years, naturally, his methods were incomparable. How could they be so arrogant as to think they could easily kill Fu Junling?

Fu Junling had only fought Xie Huai once before, with no clear winner. He didn't know Xie Huai's true cultivation level, as Xie Huai had always concealed his cultivation, pretending to be evenly matched with Fu Junling, just to relax Fu Junling's vigilance.

But Fu Junling must be cautious and wouldn't easily let his guard down. The only way to make Fu Junling careless was to make him think that victory was assured.

The Black Talisman was something Fu Junling was willing to obtain at all costs.

It must be very important.

With the Black Talisman in Fu Junling's possession, he felt invincible. This moment was their only chance.

Only by striking now, could they catch him off guard.

However, the fake Black Talisman Fang Li had used once before wouldn't fool Fu Junling, so the real Black Talisman that Xie Huai retrieved was used as bait to lure Fu Junling!

Although risky, there was only one gamble.

The wound caused by the Snow Green Sword seemed to burn like flames, causing Fu Junling's primordial spirit to ache, and his expression became ferocious.

Fang Li stared at Fu Junling tightly, clutching the Black Stone Halberd firmly, his nerves stretched to the extreme.

In theory, Xie Huai's sword should have been enough to kill Fu Junling, but as the Holy Venerable, Fu Junling might have other tricks up his sleeve, and he might even counterattack at the moment of death. Therefore, they couldn't be careless and still watched Fu Junling as if facing a great enemy!

Wu Yimei and the others were overjoyed.

The members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance were anxious.

The Holy Venerable clearly had the upper hand, but who would have thought that the Demon LOord and the Jade Gentleman would use despicable means to ambush the Holy Venerable!

Under the Snow Green Sword, no soul remained. No one could resist a single sword.

Was the Holy Venerable going to die?

What should they do?

In an instant, they saw the figure of the Holy Venerable, like a streak of light, suddenly flying back.

Seeing Fu Junling coming back, Wu Yimei and Dou Meng, who had long received Fang Li's orders, were unwilling to take the risk of facing the Holy Venerable directly and led their men to retreat without hesitation.

However, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, seeing the injured Holy Venerable return, rushed forward without hesitation.

Fu Junling's icy gaze swept over the crowd below.

A group of ignorant ants, willing to offer everything for him, it was their honour.

Suddenly, he raised his hand, and a white talisman appeared in his palm.

The white talisman collided with the black talisman, forming a Yin-Yang Jade. White light instantly enveloped the area, and countless white threads descended, touching the members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and some slower-moving demonic cultivators.

As soon as the white threads touched those people, they couldn't move, their faces filled with terror.

Countless spiritual powers flowed through the white threads.

The lifespans of thousands of people were instantly drained, visibly turning them into withered skeletons.

The surging spiritual power transformed from their lifespans flowed into the black talisman, then, after being converted by the black talisman, poured into Fu Junling's body. The wound on his chest healed instantly, and his aura surged, now a hundred times stronger than before!

There was a faint sense of breaking through to the level of True Immortality—

The fast-moving demonic cultivators and the members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance who were farther away from Fu Junling were fortunate enough to escape. They watched in horror at this scene.

What was going on?

How could the Holy Venerable use such sinister magic?

And they were members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, why was the Holy Venerable indiscriminately killing them along with the enemies?!

Although it seemed like a long time had passed, it actually happened in an instant.

Fang Li had been vigilant against Fu Junling's attacks all along, but Fu Junling suddenly turned into a stream of light and appeared on the side of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. Everything happened too fast, and he and Xie Huai couldn't stop it in time.

Thousands of withered skeletons piled up, terrifying, like a purgatory on earth.

Fang Li's expression became solemn. Even Xie Huai's sword couldn't directly kill Fu Junling. The combination of the black and white talismans unexpectedly had such a terrifying power, able to seize the lifespans of others for their own use!

No wonder...

The black talisman that Ye Sui had back then was only half, unable to seize the lifespans of others, only burning his own lifespan. It was almost invincible. If the two were combined and could plunder the lifespans of others, how terrifying would it be?

In the eyes of the Holy Venerable, all creatures in the Spirit Realm were nothing more than nourishment for spiritual power.

Making him immortal and invincible.

The Holy Venerable created such evil objects, no wonder they were not tolerated by the heavens.

They couldn't let Fu Junling continue to kill.

Fang Li wielded the black stone halberd and charged forward, and Xie Huai also rushed forward without hesitation.

But Fu Junling had already recovered from his injuries.

Much stronger than before.

He looked down at Fang Li with indifference in his eyes, showing no warmth. Considering their memories in this life, he had been lenient with Fang Li many times, but Fang Li didn't know how to appreciate it. If he hadn't had the Yin-Yang Jade, he would have fallen for Fang Li's trap and died under Xie Huai's sword.

In that instant, the intense pain of his soul made him murderous, and he didn't intend to continue dealing with Fang Li.

Once he killed Fang Li and Xie Huai, no one in the Spirit Realm would be able to stop his return!

Fu Junling struck Xie Huai with a palm.

Xie Huai staggered and fell to the ground, bones piercing his chest cavity, blood oozing from the corners of his lips.

Fu Junling's cultivation had increased even more!

Fang Li charged forward, wielding the black stone halberd—

But Fu Junling completely ignored his attacks, grasping the black stone halberd with one hand and piercing directly through Fang Li's chest with a sword!

Then, with indifference, he drew out the Flowing Light Sword.

Blood spread on the black robe, like flowers blooming on black soil, dim and eerie.

Fang Li weakly knelt down.

Fu Junling reached out and grabbed Fang Li's arm, his eyes softening as he chuckled lightly, "Why bother? I never intended to kill you."

Fang Li's breath grew weaker, blood more prominent on his pale face. He weakly reached out as if to grab Fu Junling, his eyes dimming, his lips moving faintly, murmuring, "Senior brother..."

Hearing these words, Fu Junling's eyes softened for a moment.

Though it had only been twenty short years, it was still the memories of this life. Even if it was just a trivial matter, he had genuinely liked... Watching Fang Li dying, he couldn't help but feel a hint of pity, allowing Fang Li to grab his hand.

Fang Li coughed lightly, blood surged up his throat, he looked at Fu Junling in a daze, "Senior brother, are you still there..."

Fu Junling gently said, "I'm here."

Fang Li said, "Could you... come a bit closer..."

Fu Junling paused, then leaned closer to Fang Li, saying, "If you have anything to say, say it."

Fang Li looked at Fu Junling's face approaching, his eyelashes trembling slightly. Suddenly, he raised his eyes, a glimmer of residual light igniting in them, and he said word by word, "If senior brother is still here, he will definitely see that I am not his A Yan... I definitely, don't want to live like this... now..."

Fu Junling was slightly stunned, not understanding his meaning.

He wasn't A Yan, then who?

However, in that moment, a golden lotus suddenly bloomed on Fang Li's chest wound—

Fu Junling's pupils contracted, his eyes changing drastically.

The Nine-Petaled Lotus of Resurrection!

He suddenly realized something was wrong, trying to shake off Fang Li, but Fang Li held his hand tightly, refusing to let go.

Fu Junling raised his hand to push Fang Li away, but as his left hand was raised high, a struggling expression appeared on his face. Suddenly, a voice that had been silent for a long time resurfaced in his mind, filled with sorrow, despair, and helplessness...

He thought his tiny, insignificant memories couldn't affect him, but at this last moment, they resisted silence, trying to stop him from killing the person in front of him—

Just in that moment of hesitation—

Fang Li took away the Yin-Yang Jade in his hand. Countless white threads enveloped him, probing into Fu Junling's skin. The pain of his soul being plundered made him roar in anger!

His hair visibly turned white.

His skin instantly aged and withered.

Fang Li looked at Fu Junling steadily.

Yan Sui had used this black talisman for a full ten years, having already mastered its usage. As for the purpose of the white talisman, he and Xie Huai had speculated on it many times. Though witnessing it was extremely shocking, this possibility was also within their speculations... Having seen Fu Junling use it just now, they had already grasped the true purpose of the Yin-Yang Jade.

Fang Li slowly stood up.

He absorbed Fu Junling's vitality, his wound rapidly healing. He looked down at Fu Junling, seeing his aged and defeated appearance, and slowly said, "Walking the path of evil will eventually backfire. This is what you taught A Yan."

Fu Junling's expression was frenzied, but so what?

That was something only the weak would care about.

As long as he was strong enough, not even the heavens could do anything to him! The heavens once brought calamities upon the realm of spirit immortals, causing untold suffering to its inhabitants, just to try to kill him. But so what? Wasn't he back now?

No one could kill him.

Not even the heavens!

Fu Junling's eyes were resolute and cold. Without hesitation, he severed his own meridians. His body instantly lost its breath, those white threads unable to sense any breath, quickly dissipating. He preserved a last trace of his primordial spirit and swiftly left his body, intending to escape!

This was the only way to evade the Yin-Yang Jade.

The Yin-Yang Jade could only absorb the soul vitality of the living. If a person died, it couldn't absorb anymore. As long as he retained a trace of his primordial spirit, he could make a comeback!

But Fu Junling hadn't even escaped a hundred meters when a flash of sword light came at him!

Xie Huai, covered in blood, his expression fierce, slashed at his primordial spirit!

Fu Junling no longer had a body, only a trace of his primordial spirit. How could he withstand Xie Huai's sword? The Snow Green Sword radiated scorching heat like raging flames, burning him within the fire. He let out a piercing moan.

Soul scattered, unable to enter reincarnation.

The world no longer had a Holy Venerable.

Xie Huai wiped away the blood from his lips and gazed steadily at Fang Li.

The outcome of this battle was unpredictable. To be safe, he had handed the Nine-Petaled Lotus to Fang Li before the battle began.

But he didn't hope that the Nine-Petaled Lotus would really be used. Watching Fang Li being pierced through, Xie Huai could hardly breathe. If Fang Li really died, he wouldn't be able to live alone.

Fortunately, Fang Li succeeded in killing the Holy Venerable and survived.

Xie Huai was heavily injured, but he still managed, step by step, to come to Fang Li's side.

Fang Li was covered in blood, his appearance gruesome, but as he looked down, wherever his gaze swept, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance trembled in fear.

The Demon Lord could even kill the Holy Venerable.

Now, with such a sinister object in hand, who else could resist?

Were they all going to die here?

Just as despair filled the hearts of the crowd—

Fang Li calmly spoke, "The Holy Venerable is dead. You should all leave immediately."

Everyone was stunned, unable to believe Fang Li's words.

What did he mean?

Did the Demon Lord intend to let them go?

Wasn't he going to exterminate them all?

Remembering the power of the black and white talismans in the hands of the Holy Venerable, everyone suddenly lost their desire to stay. Forget about not being able to defeat the Demon Lord, just this matter alone seemed suspicious.

They had seen the Holy Venerable snatch the black talisman from the Demon Lord. Although they didn't know the origin of this treasure, it seemed that the Holy Venerable had come for it. And these black and white talismans could absorb the soul vitality, instantly killing so many people. It was obvious that they were evil objects! And the fact that the Holy Venerable used such evil objects, showing no mercy as he killed so many members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, was there any compassion in that

The actions of the Holy Venerable were truly those of the evil path.

And now that the Demon Lord had the upper hand, he could easily exterminate them all, yet he let them leave?

They couldn't help but recall the incident when they besieged the Ghost Abyss. Wu Yimei had also set up traps and let them leave unharmed. Now that the Demon Lord was completely in control, there was no need for him to keep a low profile. Normally, they should have been doomed for offending the Demon Lord, but he unexpectedly showed leniency...

Could it be that what the Jade Gentleman said was true?

Was the Holy Venerable the true instigator behind the Chao Xian Assembly?

And did the Holy Venerable use them just to seize the treasure from the Demon Lord?

Regardless, as they looked at the ground covered with dry bones, all dead at the hands of the Holy Venerable, if it weren't for the Demon Lord stopping him today, even more people would have died. They were already terrified, so why wait any longer to leave?

What if the Demon Lord became displeased and changed his mind?

With these thoughts in mind, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance fled in panic.

Fang Li withdrew his gaze casually. He looked at the people beside him.

Suddenly, he smiled, his eyes curved: "Let's go home."

Xie Huai smiled and nodded, "Hmm."

 

To have someone willing to live and die together with you in this world, how fortunate.

From now on, no matter how many storms they would face, they would stand side by side, never to be separated.

 

End of the main text.

 

Translator : DarNan