Battle Through the Heavens: Beauties Abound Starting with Yunlan and Her Disciples

396: Section 396”Cheng, when I go back this time, I intend to change the country’s name.” Yao Ye mentioned this casually before leaving.

To some extent, this was highly treasonous, symbolizing the Tian Clan actively abandoning the empire. ”How so?”

”Our common home is the Cloud Above Heavenly Palace, right? ’Cloud Above’ means transcendent. The mortal world always needs mortal kingdoms, right? The Heavenly Palace above the clouds needs a kingdom on the ground.”

Yao Ye lowered her head, afraid of angering Yun Xiancheng.

Yun Xiancheng nodded and said, ”Mm, very good. I support you.” Yao Ye was stunned, then was embraced by Yun Xiancheng.

Soon, the Beauty collapsed into Yun Xiancheng’s arms, deeply inhaling his bodily scent. Afterward, he hugged every girl who was about to leave, one by one.

”Remember, this place will always be your home. Whenever you want to return, just come back.” ”Mm!”

Amidst a chorus of reluctant goodbyes, Ya Fei, Lü Man, Yao Ye’s sisters, and most of the old friends from the Jia Ma Empire stepped contentedly into the Spatial Wormhole leading back home.

The ends of the earth were now as close as neighbors. Physical distance could no longer be a barrier preventing them from meeting their beloved. This ease and confidence—the ability to come and go as they pleased—filled them with faith in the future.

However, not everyone chose to leave.

”Young Master, Qing Lin wants... wants to go to the Bodhi Ancient Tree with you.” Qing Lin tugged at Yun Xiancheng’s sleeve, her emerald green eyes filled with expectation and pleading. She didn’t want to be separated from him again, not even for a day.

Seeing her adorable appearance, Yun Xiancheng naturally couldn’t bear to refuse, so he smiled and nodded in agreement.

After seeing off those returning home, the star chaser returned to its former tranquility. Yun Xiancheng began planning the roster for the upcoming trip to the Desolate Ancient Region. The appearance of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, such a heaven-sent opportunity, would inevitably draw countless powerful experts. More importantly, the Hun Clan, that venomous snake hiding in the shadows—

—would absolutely not miss this chance. It was foreseeable that this journey would be fraught with danger, possibly even involving Dou Sheng level experts.

Yun Xiancheng considered it and decided to have Xiao Yan, Yan Ran, Xun’er, Qing Lin, Cai Lin, Yun Yun, Ying, Purple Wing, Yun Yan, Zi Yan, Yao Chan, and Feng—

—Qing’er, twelve people in total, set off. The others would stay in a safe place to cultivate and wait for the feedback from the Concentric Contract.

Feng Qing’er, whose name was called, showed uncontrollable excitement and joy on her face. Although the girls who couldn’t go flashed a hint of disappointment, they raised no objections.

They all knew clearly that the Desolate Ancient Region was unlike other places; dangers lurked everywhere, and they could be ambushed by Hun Clan Dou Sheng experts at any time. Although many of them had sufficient cultivation levels, facing a potential Six-Star Dou Sheng was still insufficient.

As for Feng Qing’er, he still intended to bring her along this time. He would let her challenge the members of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. It would definitely be interesting to see pure-blooded Heavenly Demon Phoenixes beaten badly by a mixed-blood Heavenly Demon Phoenix.

”Don’t worry. When we return from the Bodhi Ancient Tree, I’ll properly cherish all of you.” Yun Xiancheng looked at the slightly wronged expressions of Tang Huo’er and the others, smiling as he stepped—

—forward and imprinted a passionate kiss on each of them, finally soothing them.

”Zi Yan, how do you feel now?” Yun Xiancheng turned his gaze toward the purple-haired girl who was listlessly swinging her legs.

”Same as always, One-Star Dou Sheng.” Zi Yan sighed, saying somewhat dejectedly, ”I absolutely dare not absorb any more of that dragon phoenix origin fruit. I’m afraid if I accidentally break through, the energy will feed back and push you straight into the Dou Sheng realm, delaying your opportunity at the Bodhi Ancient Tree.”

”You’ve worked hard.” Hearing this, Yun Xiancheng’s heart warmed.

”Hmph, if you know I’ve worked hard, then spend more time with me in the future!” Zi Yan huffed coquettishly, then jumped off the soft couch and clapped her hands. ”Is everyone ready? If you’re ready, let’s depart!”

With that, she waved her small hand, and a vast, mighty spatial force instantly spread out, enveloping everyone. The light and shadows before their eyes shifted, and in the blink of an eye, they had crossed endless space and arrived in a completely different world.

As soon as they appeared, an ancient aura mixed with decay and blood rushed toward them.

The sky was a strange dark red, the earth cracked, and not a blade of grass grew. Toxic vapors permeated the air, and in the distance, bursts of heart-stopping roars from fierce beasts occasionally echoed.

This was the Desolate Ancient Region, one of the oldest and most dangerous forbidden areas on the Fighting Qi Continent.

However, this perilous environment, which was enough to deter ordinary Dou Zun experts, posed no threat to Yun Xiancheng’s team, composed of Dou Shengs and Half-Saints.

”The energy here is quite abundant, but it’s a bit too violent.”

Yun Yun lightly waved her pale hand, and layers of pure Dou Qi Barriers protected everyone within, isolating them from the poisonous miasma outside.

”Everyone, stick close. This place has many Spatial Rifts left over from ancient times. If you accidentally fall in, even a Half-Saint will lose a layer of skin.” Yao Chan reminded them, ”Pay attention if you don’t want to look embarrassed in front of husband.”

Everyone nodded and began cautiously moving deeper into the desolate land.

Before long, Yun Xiancheng’s brow suddenly furrowed slightly. ”There are people ahead.”

As soon as his voice fell, three ghost-like figures flashed out from behind a stone mountain not far away, blocking their path. They were three old men with withered faces and chilling auras.

They were all dressed in black robes, their eyes flickering with greedy light, discussing their gains from the auction.

”Jia Le... such good luck! I never expected to find a Heaven Tier Low-Level Dou Technique in this desolate place!” The skinny old man leading them let out an unpleasant laugh, like a night owl.

The three men were all at the peak of the Dou Zun cultivation level, but the aura emanating from them carried a repulsive sense of filth. ”Dual Cultivation Harvesting Technique?”

Yun Xiancheng swept his gaze over the three, seeing through their foundations, and a hint of disgust flashed in his eyes.

Yao Chan, standing nearby, immediately darkened upon recognizing the three men’s faces. She said coldly, ”So it’s you three old fogeys! The Three Scorpion Demon Ghosts!”

”Oh? You little girl, you know us?” The leading old man looked at Yao Chan with interest upon hearing her words.

”More than just knowing you!” Killing intent was fully revealed in Yao Chan’s eyes. ”If it weren’t for the three of you teaming up back then, how could I have been injured? This debt, today is the perfect time to settle it all!”

”So it was you!”

The Scar-Faced Old Man seemed to recall something and realized it.

”I remember now, Venerable Yao? Jia Jia, I didn’t expect you to be so lucky; you actually didn’t die. But that’s fine too. We let you run away back then, but today, you won’t be so lucky!”

Yao Chan turned to Yun Xiancheng and explained,

”These three are the infamous Three Scorpion Demon Ghosts. They founded an evil sect called the Cloud Rain Sect, specializing in abducting young women, training them as Flesh Cauldrons, and using them for Harvesting Cultivation. Their methods are cruel and utterly devoid of conscience. When I traveled here back then, I severely injured one of them, but facing the three of them combined, I was no match and had to retreat unwillingly.”

”Destroying the harmony of Yin and Yang.” Yun Xiancheng nodded, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

Creatures that destroy the balance of Yin and Yang and violate the cycle of the Heavenly Dao should not exist in this world. Whether it was the previous New Flower Sect or this Cloud Rain Sect, he felt genuine disgust. ”Brat, did you hear that?”

Seeing Yun Xiancheng remain silent for a long time, the Three Scorpion Demon Ghosts thought he was scared by their reputation and became even more arrogant. ”If you know what’s good for you, obediently kowtow and beg for mercy. Maybe the three of us brothers will be merciful and let your whole household live!” However, what answered them was a giant golden palm carrying endless pressure.

Yun Xiancheng didn’t even bother to exchange another word of nonsense with them; he simply and indifferently slapped a palm toward them.

The three peak Dou Zun experts, whose sneers had not even faded from their faces, had their bodies shatter inch by inch like fragile porcelain under that world-destroying palm force. They were completely obliterated, souls and all!

From beginning to end, they failed to even let out a single scream.

Yun Xiancheng casually beckoned, and three storage rings automatically flew into his hand.

He scanned it with his spiritual sense and discovered that one of the storage rings actually contained an ancient, Incomplete Map. He took out the Incomplete Map and casually tossed it to Xiao Yan beside him.

”Yan’er, try piecing together the Demon Flame Maps we collected before.” ”Okay.”

Xiao Yan acknowledged him, took the Incomplete Map, and with her jade fingers moving swiftly, perfectly pieced several Incomplete Maps together. The moment the assembly was completed, the entire ancient map spontaneously burst into flames!

Golden flames soared up, burning the ancient parchment completely, finally transforming into sixteen majestic, ancient characters that quietly floated in mid-air.

”Dual moons appear simultaneously, nine stars unite, the earth tides close, the Demon Flame descends upon the world.” Nalan Yanran softly read out the sixteen characters.

”Is this... the prophecy of the Purification Lotus Demon Flame’s appearance?” A hint of alarm flashed in Yun Yun’s eyes. ”That’s right.” Yao Chan nodded, saying with a solemn expression,

”Looking at this prophecy, the Heaven and Earth Tides... the Purification Lotus Demon Flame should appear within two or three years. It seems we must hurry up and ensure everyone breaks through to the Dou Sheng realm before then.”

Just as everyone was discussing, those sixteen ancient characters suddenly transformed into a wisp of faint golden flame, shooting straight toward Xiao Yan’s glabella like a streak of light!

”Be careful!” Everyone exclaimed.

However, before the flame could get close, a slender and powerful hand appeared out of thin air, precisely pinching the wisp of flame between its fingertips. It was Yun Xiancheng.

The seemingly weak wisp of flame continuously flickered and struggled in his fingertips, as if trying to escape. However, Yun Xiancheng’s fingers were like the strongest cage in the world, rendering it immobile.

After a moment, the flame seemed to resign itself to its fate, no longer struggling. Instead, it humanly swayed gently towards Yun Xiancheng and the women beside him,

as if bowing, conveying a sense of flattery and closeness.

”It’s quite a spiritual fellow,” Yun Xiancheng chuckled upon seeing this. He extended his index finger and gently tapped the wisp of flame.

The flame immediately understood, transforming into a tiny golden flame pattern and imprinting itself on the tip of his index finger, quietly lying dormant. ”You can stay here for now,” Yun Xiancheng said indifferently.

494 Bodhi Ancient Tree

Several days had passed since Yun Xiancheng’s palm strike annihilated the Three Scorpion Demon Ghosts.

This desolate ancient region, which had always been rarely visited, did not return to peace. Instead, as time passed, it became increasingly lively.

Streaks of powerful auras tore through the air from all directions, descending upon this ancient and barren land. The Ancient Eight Clans, with the exception of the already declining Xiao Clan and Ling Clan, all sent luxurious teams.

Each team was almost led by a High-rank Half-Saint expert, followed by a group of solemn-aura and exceptionally talented younger generations from their respective clans. They looked arrogant, clearly occupying their own territories. Although there was some communication between them, deep in their eyes was a hint of vigilance and wariness. Besides these self-important ancient races, the top forces from various parts of the Central Plains were also unwilling to fall behind.

Those Dou Zun powerhouses who could stir up winds and clouds outside and make a region tremble with a stomp of their foot were now as numerous as carps crossing a river, seen everywhere.

They either formed temporary alliances in groups of three to five or occupied a mountain peak alone with their formidable strength. In the past, they were revered Sect Masters and Grand Ancestors, admired by tens of thousands.

But in this grand gathering of the continent’s top powers, they could only serve as green leaves to adorn the flowers, carefully concealing their auras, fearing that they might inadvertently offend an existence they couldn’t afford to provoke.

Among all the forces, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly the Hall of Souls contingent.

Dense black mist, like bones, swirled incessantly above the valley they occupied.

Ten shadowy figures in black robes, exuding an eerie aura, stood silently at the entrance of the valley. These were the Hall of Souls’ infamous Ten Heavenly Lords.

The Grand Heavenly Lord, who was at the forefront, had space slightly distorted around him, indicating he was a powerhouse who had reached the peak of One-Star Dou Sheng. His gaze, like a venomous snake lurking in the abyss, was cold and deadly, openly confronting Yao Chan and Zi Yan from afar.

Three waves of Dou Sheng powerhouses’ pressure silently collided in mid-air, creating ripples in space visible to the naked eye.

”Master, that guy...” Yun Yun’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she lowered her voice, ”He feels a bit off.”

Yao Chan nodded, her expression solemn.

Her Emperor Realm Soul power, like an invisible tide, spread out, meticulously sweeping through the valley shrouded in black mist. With her current One-Star Dou Sheng physical body, coupled with the terrifying combat power bonus brought by her Emperor Realm Soul,

she had absolute confidence that she could utterly obliterate that seemingly arrogant Grand Heavenly Lord in an instant. However, the information fed back by her soul perception made the killing intent in her heart quietly recede.

Deep within the dense black mist, two faint yet incredibly powerful auras were lurking. Although the opponents hid extremely well, they still couldn’t escape the detection of her Emperor Realm Soul.

”Is it the Hall Master of the Soul Hall and the Vice Hall Master?” Yao Chan understood in her heart.

This Grand Heavenly Lord in front of them was merely a bait thrown out by the Hun Clan.

If she couldn’t control herself and brazenly attacked and killed him, then the two true powerhouses hidden in the dark would definitely seize the flaw exposed in the instant of her attack and launch a thunderous strike.

Although her soul realm was profound, her physical body was, after all, only at the One-Star Dou Sheng level. If an opponent of the same level seized the opportunity, it would be a mutual instant kill situation.

”Disciple, you must be careful.”

Yao Chan withdrew her gaze and gently reminded Yun Xiancheng beside her, ”There are likely two more Dou Sheng powerhouses from the Hall of Souls hidden in the dark, waiting for an opportunity.” Yun Xiancheng merely smiled gently and nodded upon hearing this: ”Thank you for the reminder, Master, your disciple understands.”

The standoff between the three Dou Sheng powerhouses eventually ended inconclusively in a delicate balance. While the elders were at loggerheads, the atmosphere among the younger generation was surprisingly strange.

A figure dressed in luxurious black robes, with a face so handsome it was almost androgynous, actually broke away from the Hun Clan’s camp and walked directly towards Yun Xiancheng. His steps were unhurried, and a cynical smile hung on his face, as if he hadn’t taken the tense situation before him seriously at all.

”That guy... is that Hun Yu?” Xun’er raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

Xiao Xun Er gently nodded her head, and her voice was calm as she introduced, ”Among the younger generation of the Hun Clan, he is one of the two most promising talents to become the next clan leader, possessing a Divine Grade Bloodline. His personality is... somewhat unfathomable.”

As they were talking, the handsome young man named Hun Yu had already approached. He cupped his hands towards Yun Xiancheng, his face showing undisguised familiarity and enthusiasm.

”Young Master Yun! I’ve long admired your name, and seeing you today, you truly possess an extraordinary presence that far surpasses the rumors!”

His overly familiar demeanor surprised the surrounding young women. The two factions were clearly mortal enemies, yet this guy immediately acted like a long-lost brother.

However, Yun Xiancheng’s face showed no ripple of emotion. He merely smiled gently and returned the bow: ”Brother Hun Yu, you flatter me.”

”Oh, what flattery!”

Hun Yu leaned closer, lowered his voice, and said mysteriously, ”To be honest, I have admired you for a long time, Brother Yun! At the Ancient Clan’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony, your demeanor when you defeated Gu Yao with that move was truly... tsk, tsk, incredibly handsome! After I went back, I couldn’t eat or sleep, reliving that scene day and night!”

As he spoke, he winked at Yun Xiancheng and continued:

”I was thinking, how wonderful would it be if I could become in-laws with a heroic figure like you, Brother Yun! I still have several older and younger sisters at home,

each of them as lovely as can be. If they could marry you, Brother Yun, that would truly be a blessing they’ve cultivated for several lifetimes!”

His words were sincere, as if from the bottom of his heart.

However, with each word he spoke, the faces of the Hall of Souls Heavenly Lords in the distance grew darker. The Grand Heavenly Lord, especially, now had a face so grim it looked like water was about to drip from it.

Yun Xiancheng looked at Hun Yu’s incredibly sincere face, but sighed inwardly.

Although this Young Master Hun Yu also possessed a Divine Grade Bloodline and extraordinary talent, judging by his words and actions, he was probably completely out of the running for the Hun Clan’s successor position. He had repeatedly shown hostility towards the Hun Clan, yet he was still so close, he probably couldn’t escape the fate of an accidental demise.

Despite his myriad thoughts, Yun Xiancheng’s face still wore that gentle, calm smile. He nodded, responding indifferently, ”Brother Hun Yu’s good intentions are appreciated by Yun.”

After speaking, he no longer paid attention to this overly enthusiastic Hun Clan talent, turning and walking towards the Yan Clan’s camp not far away.

Hun Yu watched his retreating back, the smile on his face stiffening slightly, then returning to its cynical demeanor. He shrugged and turned back to his own camp, though a hint of imperceptible loneliness seemed to flash deep in his eyes.

With Yun Xiancheng’s arrival, the ancient clan teams, which had originally been acting independently, seemed to be drawn by some invisible force, gathering towards his direction in unison.

A new group, centered around Yun Xiancheng and subtly rivaling the Hun Clan, thus naturally formed.

Yun Xiancheng’s gaze slowly swept through the crowd. Finally, his sight stopped on a woman in the Yan Clan’s team who had dark skin and an ordinary appearance, almost unnoticeable in the crowd.

The woman seemed to sense his gaze, looked up, and gave him a gentle and respectful smile, nodding slightly.

Yun Xiancheng also smiled and nodded in response, understanding in his heart. ”Young Master Yun!”

A clear call pulled Yun Xiancheng’s thoughts back. Huo Zhi’s vibrant and pretty face appeared before him. After many days apart, this dark-skinned little Beauty of the Yan Clan seemed to have gained a few more hints of confidence and heroic spirit than when they last met.