Ling Tian Sword God

At Ling Chen’s strong urging, the collection of the Five Element Spirit Fluid quickly commenced within the Black Market. Given the Black Market’s capabilities, it held an untold number of treasures from across the Five Kingdoms. The Five Element Spirit Fluid was exceedingly precious, but not yet impossible to find.

Thus, after a search lasting only a few days, the Five Element Spirit Fluid was located in one of the Black Market’s treasure vaults.

Once found, the Five Element Spirit Fluid was promptly delivered to Green Cloud Mountain.

All three ingredients required to refine the Sky Apex Puppet were now assembled.

Before a grand hall on Green Cloud Mountain, over a dozen figures prepared to enter. They were all elders, and each emanated an exceptionally strong fluctuation of Mental Power.

At their head was a spirited and charming young woman, evidently their leader.

These elders were all experts in Mental Power from the Cyan Robe Association and the Black Market—either Illusionists or Array Masters. Essentially, they were all masters with some renown in the Jianghu. Initially, none were willing to take orders from such a young girl, but after witnessing Ling Yin’s Illusion Technique, they all unanimously changed their stance.

The power of Ling Yin’s Illusion Technique and her exceptional talent won everyone over, leaving them genuinely convinced and respectful.

”Xiao Yin, I’ve tasked all the Mental Power experts from the Cyan Robe Association and the Black Market to assist you fully. I hope you can refine the Sky Apex Puppet as soon as possible,” Ling Chen regarded Ling Yin before him with a solemn expression as he instructed her.

”Rest assured, I will do my utmost.”

Ling Yin also understood the gravity of this task. If she could successfully refine the Sky Apex Puppet—or even a top-tier Sky Apex Puppet—dealing with Shentu Yan would become significantly easier.

She had always wanted to do something significant for Ling Chen, and now was her chance to provide him with crucial help.

”I’ll await your good news.”

Ling Chen nodded.

As he watched, Ling Yin and the group of experts entered the grand hall.

Refining the Sky Apex Puppet was an extremely complex endeavor, not something achievable in a single day but a lengthy process.

Ling Chen hoped Ling Yin could complete this Sky Apex Puppet before Shentu Yan could wreak havoc upon the Martial World; it would undoubtedly be of immense use.

「...」

After leaving the grand hall, Ling Chen went to Xu Ruoyan’s residence.

Previously, when Lian Ji had mentioned Xia Yunxin to him, he had noticed Xu Ruoyan’s expression become somewhat unusual. Though she said nothing, she’s probably somewhat displeased.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Ling Chen knocked several times, but there was no response. Pushing the door open, he found the room empty. A letter lay on the table in his line of sight.

Frowning slightly, Ling Chen stepped forward and opened the letter.

She’s gone? Ling Chen read the letter’s contents and shook his head. He hadn’t expected Xu Ruoyan to leave at such a critical juncture.

The letter clearly stated that Xu Ruoyan felt she had let Ling Chen down. Now that she felt she had accomplished nothing of merit, she thought it best not to impose on him further. She was grateful for Ling Chen’s rescue and vowed to repay his kindness.

She had left of her own accord, and Ling Chen was not to look for her.

When the time came for the decisive battle against Shentu Yan, she would reappear.

It seems her inner conflicts are still unresolved. Ling Chen put away the letter. Xu Ruoyan’s departure made him very worried. Her martial arts abilities had not fully recovered, and with the current chaos in the Martial World, undercurrents surging, Xu Ruoyan’s departure at this time meant her fate was uncertain.

However, since Xu Ruoyan wished to go out and clear her head, he wouldn’t try to stop her. When she figures out how to face me, she should naturally reappear.

「At this moment, on a green mountain a hundred miles from Green Cloud Mountain.」

A graceful figure in white stood by a cliff’s edge, gazing at the distant land before her. It was Xu Ruoyan.

”Junior Sister, are you certain you want to leave Green Cloud Mountain?” An elegant Swordsman approached from behind her. It was Feng Piaoliu.

”I’ve decided.” Xu Ruoyan nodded gently.

”But you know Ling Chen still loves you, and in your heart, you’ve always loved him deeply. That being the case, why not make things clear instead of leaving?” Feng Piaoliu found it hard to comprehend. In the past, misunderstandings had driven them apart, but now that those were resolved, why choose to leave rather than be open with each other and reconcile?

”I’ve thought it through.” Xu Ruoyan’s expression was serene. ”Loving someone doesn’t necessarily mean one must stay by their side.”

”In the past, he wasn’t by my side, yet he always silently sacrificed for me, even risking his life. Now, it’s my turn to do something for him.”

”Ling Chen’s greatest enemy right now is Shentu Yan. If you truly wish to help him, I’m afraid your current strength isn’t enough,” Feng Piaoliu said, his brows furrowed.

”I am aware of that.” Xu Ruoyan turned and walked past Feng Piaoliu, her soft voice drifting back, ”But have you forgotten? Our Sky Void Palace has a place called the Ice Dome Prison. That place naturally enhances our Cultivation Technique. This journey, I intend to go there.”

”What? The Ice Dome Prison?” Feng Piaoliu, clearly aware of its reputation, was stunned. ”That’s a forbidden zone of our Sky Void Palace! Even successive Palace Masters only dared enter under the protection of a Great Elder. You intend to enter alone now?”

The Ice Dome Prison was exceedingly perilous. It lay in the far northern region of the Five Kingdoms, on a desolate, uninhabited island whose location was known only to the Sky Void Palace. Within the Ice Dome Prison lurked various dangerous natural calamities, such as extreme ice storms, ice explosions, and a type of Cold Ice Energy entity known as an Ice Demon. In short, successive Palace Masters who entered it always did so with extreme caution, weighing their decision repeatedly. Yet now, Xu Ruoyan, the newly instated Palace Master whose Cultivation was not yet profound, had resolved to enter this Ice Dome Prison.

”No! I absolutely cannot let you take such a risk!” Feng Piaoliu flashed forward, blocking Xu Ruoyan. She was the Sky Void Palace’s current hope for revival; he couldn’t possibly stand by and watch her undertake such a perilous, almost certainly fatal, endeavor.

”Senior Brother, these are extraordinary times, and we have little time remaining. If I don’t enter the Ice Dome Prison, I don’t know when I’ll be able to assist Ling Chen, and the revival of the Sky Void Palace will be delayed indefinitely.” Xu Ruoyan shook her head, her beautiful eyes filled with unwavering determination. ”If you are truly considering my well-being and that of the Sect, please assist me. Otherwise, you may leave alone. I *must* go to the Ice Dome Prison.”

As her cool words faded, she abruptly released a burst of True Qi, repelling Feng Piaoliu. Then, with a flicker of her figure, she vanished from the spot.

Sigh... Junior Sister, must you truly be like this? Feng Piaoliu gritted his teeth. After a moment of indecision, he finally activated his Light Skill and pursued her.