"With me here, none of you will leave this place!"
Suddenly, a bronze compass streaked into the depths of the sky, trailing light. It released an incredibly mysterious energy fluctuation.
In an instant, the surroundings seemed to lock down. A hazy light curtain faintly formed, imprisoning the area.
The dwarfish old man sneered.
"Just accept your death. Don't waste your energy."
Looking up at the eighteen Tribulation Transcendence Realm experts hovering in the sky, despair filled the hearts of the Xuantian Sect cultivators.
How can we possibly fight this?
"Alas… what a pipe dream. I thought the Xuantian Sect would rise and embark on a glorious path, but who knew it would end in destruction."
Xu Younian gazed at the sky and let out a deep, sorrowful sigh.
"Sect Master, let's fight them to the death!"
The crowd roared, eyes bloodshot.
Hong Qianye's face turned ugly.
Damn it… am I supposed to die alongside these ants? I'm not willing!
He glanced at Ye Junlin, who was happily munching on chicken wings. Resentment surged in his chest.
Eat, eat, eat! What time is it and you're still eating?!
Despite having abundant cultivation resources, this guy still indulged in low-level pleasures all day. If it were Hong Qianye, he would have long since become invincible!
To die alongside such a person would be an utter disgrace!
"Xiao Xi."
"Master, Xiaoxi is here!"
"Next time, I'd like to try the honey flavor."
"Ah… Master, will there be a next time?"
Bai Xiaoxi froze, staring at the eighteen imposing figures in the sky. Fear showed on her furry rat face.
Ye Junlin didn't respond directly. His gaze lingered on the remaining six pieces of Orleans chicken wings.
"Oh well… I'll eat after I finish these!"
Swish.
Under countless astonished gazes, the black-robed youth ascended straight into the sky, confronting the eighteen figures from afar.
"Ye Junlin—you've finally decided to come out."
The burly man's eyes flashed with sharp light as he spoke in a deep voice.
"You beat my good-for-nothing disciple like a dog, so of course I, as his master, have to stand up for him!"
Ye Junlin straightened his chest with righteous indignation.
His words carried a veiled insult.
"Damn it…"
Hong Qianye's lips twitched involuntarily. His chest ached with anger.
I'd like to see what you're capable of!
He felt his cultivation had already surpassed Ye Junlin's. Since even Ye Junlin would likely be defeated, the other party would suffer an even worse fate.
"Heh heh, your fate is sealed. I will skin you alive, tear you apart, and grind your bones to dust—as a warning to others!"
The dwarfish old man said with a cruel smile.
"The culprit Ye Junlin has appeared! Why aren't you taking him down yet!"
Gold Serpent Venerable spoke in a sinister voice.
She was cautious. Though she sensed Ye Junlin was at the peak of Body Integration Realm, even his disciple had reached Half-step Tribulation Transcendence. Was there any intention to hide his true strength?
The other Core Elders being used as probes were somewhat annoyed—knowing they were vanguard cannon fodder to test the waters.
But the silver-haired old woman was stronger and held more authority in the sect, so they had no choice but to comply despite their displeasure.
"Die!!"
A series of angry roars rang out.
More than a dozen Core Elders set off, transforming their anger into chilling killing intent.
Whoosh!
A streak of azure sword light tore through the sky, slashing fiercely toward Ye Junlin's head.
[Ding! Detected that the Host has encountered an attack from an Early-stage Tribulation Transcendence Realm enemy.]
[Triggering Special Ability — Strength Through Adversity!]
[Congratulations! Host has broken through to the Mid-stage Tribulation Transcendence Realm!]
In an instant, Ye Junlin leaped from perfected Body Integration Realm straight to Mid-stage Tribulation Transcendence!
Boom!!
An incomparably powerful and vast aura surged toward the sky, shattering the clouds.
The azure sword light was casually annihilated with a raise of his hand.
At this moment, Ye Junlin's long silvery-white hair flowed freely. His face was handsome and dashing, eyes shining brightly.
Cool!
This is so damn awesome!
This is what it feels like to suddenly gain power!
With this cheat code, who would still bother with cultivation?
In an instant.
This sudden shift in momentum stunned everyone present!
"Junior Brother Ye… is a Tribulation Transcendence Realm expert!!"
Xu Younian and the others stood frozen at first, then erupted in disbelief.
Are you kidding me?
It turns out our Xuantian Sect has had a Venerable in charge from the very beginning!
"Impossible… absolutely impossible!"
Hong Qianye's head felt like it was exploding. He staggered back several steps, eyes wide with shock.
This feeling was like studying hard for years, full of confidence, only to discover on exam day that the top spot went to the guy who slept through class and never submitted homework!
Damn it… just how much cultivation are you hiding? Is this how you play?!
Hong Qianye's eyes turned bloodshot. His fists clenched so hard they cracked; his whole body trembled with rage.
Suddenly he felt like his intelligence was being ground into the dirt!
He had never seen anyone so obsessed with hiding their strength!
When they first met, both were at Nascent Soul stage. Now both had reached Tribulation Transcendence!
This level of concealment was billions of times more outrageous!
Bah! Shameless!
"Tribulation Transcendence… so you were already at Tribulation Transcendence!"
The Core Elders were shocked and furious.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you—I'm not at Body Integration Realm."
Ye Junlin said with a joking smile.
After speaking—
His figure vanished abruptly.
Then he reappeared above the head of one Core Elder. Ye Junlin raised his palm and slammed it downward, silver-white hair whipping wildly. His voice carried an unquestionable tone.
"Die!"
"Ah—!"
Before the man could resist, his entire body exploded into a cloud of blood mist.
Ye Junlin flashed again. His fist surged with true energy and raw power, smashing into another Core Elder.
"No—!"
All protective treasures shattered like paper. The elder, filled with despair, was smashed to pieces mid-air—primordial spirit annihilated.
At this moment, Ye Junlin seemed possessed by an ancient ferocious beast. With the unpredictable Great Void Technique, he charged left and right through the encirclement of more than a dozen Tribulation Transcendence cultivators.
Every punch, palm, kick, and finger drew upon vast heaven-and-earth spiritual energy, forming terrifying killing moves that destroyed anything in their path.
One after another, Core Elders died tragically—bodies pierced through, heads blown off, or smashed into pulp.
In the blink of an eye, Ye Junlin had killed nine Tribulation Transcendence cultivators with his bare hands!
The remaining six Mid-stage Tribulation Transcendence Core Elders were terrified, faces ashen, eyes filled with fear.
They had never seen such simple, brutal combat.
Most importantly, every Tribulation Transcendence expert was a dominant figure in the Eastern Domain.
Even at their worst, they should have been able to struggle and escape, right? Yet they were beaten to death bare-handed!
"How could such a demon exist in the Wasteland Province!"
Perhaps provoked beyond reason, a white-eyebrowed old man roared hysterically. He manipulated sixteen purple-gold swords that trailed streaks of light as they sped toward Ye Junlin.
Ding ding ding~!
Large bursts of sparks erupted across Ye Junlin's body. Despite being flesh and blood, they rang with metallic clangs.
"How is this possible?!"
The thin elder exclaimed in shock.
His sixteen purple-gold swords were all sixth-grade spiritual weapons. If they all struck true, the power would be terrifying.
Who would have thought they couldn't even break through the opponent's physical body?
"It's alright… but it hurts a little."
Ye Junlin said earnestly.
Since obtaining the Indestructible Overlord Body Technique, his physical body had been tempered and refined. He just wanted to test its strength.
Boom!
A massive golden fist-shaped aura flashed outward. The thin old man was so frightened every hair on his body stood on end—the terrifying impact threatened to tear him to shreds.
A deafening explosion rang out!
The expected blood mist did not appear.
"Hm?"
Ye Junlin raised an eyebrow.
The gaunt elder breathed a heavy sigh of relief, cupped his hands in gratitude, and said,
"Thank you for your assistance, Venerable Hongwu!"
Before him stood the burly man!
At this moment, Venerable Hongwu crossed his arms in front of his chest. An ancient beast-shaped mark surfaced on his skin, radiating a hint of barbaric ferocity.
It was this mark that had blocked Ye Junlin's attack!
"Interesting. You actually managed to block my serious punch?"
Ye Junlin spoke with genuine interest.
On the surface, Venerable Hongwu remained as calm as an old dog. In reality, his heart was in turmoil—blood welled up in his throat, but he swallowed it down silently.
Body tempering is my forte, and with the added boost of the Beast Soul Mark… how could I almost have my defenses broken by a single punch just now?
Venerable Hongwu began doubting life itself.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh~!
A fierce wind howled. Terrifying energy aura raged.
The dwarfish old man's aura rapidly surged. His white hair danced wildly; divine light shot from his eyes, seeming to tear through the sky. His aged face exuded an imposing presence without anger.
In the next second, countless enormous white blades of energy crisscrossed and slashed forward, tearing hideous cracks in the void along their path.
"That's the Great Annihilation Wind Venerable's Chaotic Breath!"
The other Core Elders looked fearful.
This move was a mid-level Venerable-rank divine ability—but most importantly, the dwarfish elder had cultivated it to Perfection!
The power it unleashed was thousands of times stronger than a beginner's!
It was precisely this one move that had established his considerable reputation among Tribulation Transcendence experts!
"This old woman will join in the fun too!"
Gold Serpent Venerable gripped her serpent-headed cane. Her golden robes fluttered without wind as terrifying energy gathered at the tip, emanating a breathtaking, suffocating aura.
Suddenly, a huge snake shadow appeared—six pairs of pitch-black eyes glaring, forked tongue hissing, wings blotting out the sky on its back.
Whoosh—
The serpentine phantom twisted its body and rushed forward with overwhelming power, surrounded by an unknown black mist laced with deadly poison!
"Hmph!"
Seeing his companions exert themselves, Venerable Hongwu raised his hand to form an ancient fist seal. His whole body radiated circles of dazzling light.
Then he unleashed a powerful punch—the force like a volcanic eruption, capable of destroying heavens and earth.
Overlord Fist!
In an instant, three Late-stage Tribulation Transcendence powerhouses joined forces, intending to utterly shatter their target between heaven and earth.
Faced with the overwhelming killing intent bearing down, Ye Junlin showed no fear—only a playful smile.
[Ding! Detected that the Host has encountered an attack from a Late-stage Tribulation Transcendence Realm enemy.]
[Triggering Special Ability — Strength Through Adversity!]
[Congratulations! Host has broken through to the Peak stage Tribulation Transcendence Realm!]
Boom!!
Ye Junlin's aura surged once more, becoming even more powerful and vast than before!
"Not good! His cultivation level…"
The three Venerables' expressions changed drastically. Disbelief filled their eyes.
"Heh heh."
Ye Junlin sneered as he raised his palm and struck outward. Golden palm light dazzled brilliantly.
Rumble!!!
A huge burst of light erupted.
Amid countless terrified gazes, the three figures were sent flying backward. After barely regaining their footing, they all coughed up mouthfuls of blood, their breaths turning weak and ragged.
Gold Serpent Venerable's face was grim.
"The sect's information is incorrect. Ye Junlin is at the Peak of Tribulation Transcendence!"
"Damn it—we've all been deceived!"
Venerable Hongwu exclaimed in grief and indignation.
Venerable Feng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and gritted his teeth.
"Now that things have come to this, we have no choice but to use our sect's secret techniques and kill this person at all costs!"
"Agree."
"We must win this battle! It concerns the honor of the Feathered Immortal Sect!"
Upon hearing this…
The Core Elders behind him seemed to realize something and showed expressions of awe.
It seems they're going to have to use that tactic!
At this time.
Feeling the power within his body surge dramatically once more, Ye Junlin felt an indescribable sense of exhilaration.
It turned out the reason Venerable Hongwu had blocked his attack without triggering the Strength Through Adversity mechanism was because the conditions hadn't been fully met.
For the mechanism to activate, the opponent must first take the initiative to attack!
Suddenly, Ye Junlin noticed something and frowned.
Buzz buzz buzz~
At that moment, the auras of Venerable Feng, Venerable Hongwu, and Venerable Golden Serpent became incredibly profound, releasing even more powerful energy fluctuations than before.
Silver runes gradually appeared on the surface of their skin, spreading to their necks and then covering their faces, finally forming an inverted triangle vertical eye on each of their foreheads.
A dazzling silvery-white light enveloped them, giving off an aura of sacredness and inviolability.
"My God… how did those three Venerables end up like this?"
"Could it be… they're using the legendary secret technique of the Feathered Immortal Sect—the Feathered Immortal Technique?"
"I know! I've heard that only those with the highest potential in the Core Elder lineage are qualified to cultivate this secret technique!"
"This secret technique was created by the founding patriarch and is the foundation of the Feathered Immortal Sect! Those who use the Feathered Immortal Technique will have their combat power elevated to an entirely new level!"
The army of cultivators erupted in uproar.
This was the foundation of the Feathered Immortal Sect's enduring prosperity!
Hong Qianye's expression turned solemn.
"What a profound secret technique… It's comparable to the major sects in the Central Region."
The person who created this method was truly a prodigy!
Rumble…
On the horizon, three powerful figures stretched across the sky, their bodies radiating sacred silver-white light, as if they were on the verge of ascending to immortality.
A hint of excitement flashed in Venerable Hongwu's eyes.
"Is this the state after activating the secret technique? I feel my whole body filled with boundless power!"
"Hurry! You all know the price if the secret technique drags on too long. We have no way out!"
Venerable Feng said in a deep voice.
"As long as I can wipe out this sect, what does it matter if my cultivation regresses or my foundation is destroyed?!"
Venerable Golden Serpent roared, his face contorted with madness.
"Die!!"
A roar ripped through the sky.
They launched a full-scale assault, unleashing spells and magical abilities a hundred times more powerful than before.
With the addition of several other Core Elders, an impenetrable trap was formed.
Ye Junlin narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Interesting."
Only now did he begin to take it seriously.
Thump thump thump~
A series of explosions rang out.
Ye Junlin exchanged blows with fists and palms, facing nine Tribulation Transcendence cultivators alone—and of course, clashing even more fiercely against the three strongest Venerables.
Ye Junlin clearly felt the pressure on him suddenly increase.
"Great Destruction Technique!"
Venerable Feng's body was covered in interwoven silver-white runes. He raised his hand and unleashed his ultimate killing move.
With a hiss, a white, tornado-like gale swept across the area, threatening to tear Ye Junlin to shreds.
"Go to hell!!"
With the blessing of the Feathered Immortal Technique, Venerable Hongwu and Venerable Golden Serpent unleashed terrifying power as if divinely aided, forming a pincer attack and closing in frantically!
Boom!!
Just then, an immense pressure—like a surging ocean wave—spread outward. Behind Ye Junlin, a towering, sky-covering phantom appeared.
He stood quietly with hands behind his back, wearing an imperial crown, eyes indifferent and cold, as if standing atop the river of time.
"This… this is…"
Everyone's faces filled with horror. A feeling of wanting to submit arose involuntarily in their hearts.
"It's the Dharma form that appeared in the secret realm back then!"
Hong Qianye's breathing quickened, her phoenix eyes widening.
Ye Junlin, bearing the image of the Heavenly Emperor, instantly became majestic—as if he had become a different person.
He raised his hand. Boundless power surged forth, instantly shattering all kinds of killing moves and sending the Core Elders staggering backward.
"This is a Dharma Aspect Divine Power!"
Venerable Feng exclaimed in shock.
"But I have never seen such a Dharma form before," Venerable Hongwu said, still shaken.
Before this enormous Dharma image, they were as insignificant as ants, wishing they could prostrate themselves in worship!
"Watch closely—this is where the main event begins."
Ye Junlin said casually.
The Golden Serpent Venerable suppressed his inner turmoil and growled,
"Who are you trying to scare? What kind of grand scene haven't I seen?"
"Heh heh."
Ye Junlin sneered. He slowly raised his hand and pointed his index finger at his own brow.
Boom!!
The world paled in comparison—everything dimmed except for Ye Junlin's finger, which contained the essence of the Great Dao!
The Golden Serpent Venerable felt an indescribable fear grip him. The fingertip before him rapidly expanded in his vision, and the crisis of death loomed over his heart like an inescapable shadow.
The most terrifying thing was that his body suddenly became immobile. The surrounding space froze solid—even spiritual energy could no longer flow.
Endless golden rays detached from the fingertip, coalescing into a vast, radiant golden divine sword that tore through the sky, creating distorted ripples in the void.
Great Desolation Imprisoning Heaven Finger!
"Ahhh—!"
The Golden Serpent Venerable let out a mournful wail. He desperately cast spells to resist, but it was futile—he was annihilated on the spot, body and soul erased without a trace.
The others were terrified, hair standing on end.
Then Ye Junlin raised his fist and struck out fiercely. The punch was domineering and unparalleled, shaking the heavens.
With a thunderous roar, the fist imprint carried a vortex like a black hole, sweeping forward with overwhelming force. The Core Elders tried to scatter and dodge, but they were horrified to find their bodies drawn inexorably closer—like moths to a flame.
"Help me! Help me!"
"No!!"
Subsequently, those people were torn to shreds. Their souls and spirits annihilated—they vanished forever from the world.
Venerable Feng and Venerable Hongwu were petrified. They exchanged a glance, then turned and fled in opposite directions.
Ye Junlin's terrifying strength had directly shattered their fighting spirit.
"Still trying to escape?"
A mocking voice echoed across the vast sky.
Venerable Feng and Venerable Hongwu were horrified to discover that a massive white hand radiating intense light had reached out from behind each of them.
The hands seized them across a distance of ten thousand meters!
"You fiend—the Feathered Immortal Sect will never let you go!!"
Venerable Feng roared, blood streaming from his seven orifices as he struggled frantically to no avail.
"A great demon has emerged from the Wasteland Province! A great demon!"
Venerable Hongwu cried out hysterically, his face filled with despair.
"Oh, why bother?"
Ye Junlin shook his head and clenched his fists tightly.
Bang!
Bang!
The two were crushed simultaneously!
Instantly, countless gazes filled with awe fixed on the invincible figure standing high in the sky—and the vast Dharma image behind him that ruled over all living beings.
The entire world fell deathly silent!