Chapter 451

Crack—

The blood blossom instantly froze into an even more gorgeous ice flower.

Hum—

However, soon the surrounding air and spiritual energy trembled, and a figure flew backward out of the thick frost mist.

It was none other than Qilin Changlan!

But his current appearance is far more disheveled than when he first arrived.

Leaving aside the small wound on his cheek, the most striking thing is undoubtedly the extremely gruesome and bloody wound on his chest.

Beneath his tattered robes, beneath the faint scale-like skin, one could even faintly see white bones intertwined with flesh and blood.

"Cough"

Qilin Changlan coughed violently, spitting out blood-tinged phlegm mixed with bits of flesh.

"If the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword could advance further, reaching the level of a Fourth Level Upper-Grade spiritual treasure, then even without progress in my divine sense, I could have easily slain that old sea clan monster in that situation."

But the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword had just recently advanced to the Fourth Level Middle-Grade spiritual treasure level; to advance further, relying solely on mana refinement would likely take at least several decades, if not a century.

This is enough to show that Yunhe's previous strike had already severely injured him.

Yet Qilin Changlan cannot help but admit that Yunhe truly possesses such strength.

By comparison, perhaps cultivating the fifth layer of the Myriad Insects Myriad Worms Technique would be more reliable.

If it were a cultivator with a slightly weaker physique, even if they were a late-Yuan Ying grand cultivator, without adequate defenses or life-saving means, they probably could not withstand his previous strike.

He now possesses the strength to rival a late-Yuan Ying grand cultivator!

However, the Myriad Insects Myriad Worms Technique is not a simple cultivation method; even though he has long cultivated the fourth layer to perfection, entering the fifth layer is no easy feat, let alone mastering it.

Either that, or he could seek a new precious material to incorporate into it, which would not only speed up the advancement of the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword but also enhance the spiritual treasure's potential and upper limit.

"This Yun old devil actually dared to have the thought of killing me!"

Although, this was partly due to his underestimating the enemy and insufficient understanding of Yunhe.

"Tsk."

If he encountered someone like Qilin Changlan who momentarily looked down on him, he might even seize the opportunity to slay the opponent!

Just as Yunhe felt regret, Qilin Changlan opposite wore a grim expression, yet secretly rejoiced in his heart.

This is what Yunhe regrets the most.

This was the first time he had suffered a loss at the hands of a human cultivator.

He had already obtained the subsequent techniques of the Myriad Insects Myriad Worms Technique, but due to the Corpse Soul Insect affair, he had no time to study them thoroughly before rushing to the sea clan battlefield.

Actually, there is still one more point.

At that time, the Seeking Immortal Fallen Divine Gift would once again become one of his most important trump cards.

Qilin Changlan has always been somewhat incredulous.

But it cannot be denied that the person before him, known as the 'Number One Below Grand Cultivators,' has in fact already become worthy of shedding that title.

Even when he initially faced the Formless Sword Lord, he never suffered such a loss.

It's just a pity that Qilin Changlan's formidable physique ultimately prevented him from doing so.

Given his understanding of the Myriad Insects Myriad Worms Technique, if he could master it, even with only mid-Yuan Ying cultivation, his divine sense would likely be able to look down upon all Yuan Ying cultivators in the Eastern Realm.

He failed to slay Qilin Changlan in one blow.

The invading earth-attribute mana and sword qi wounded his internal organs.

A mid-Yuan Ying cultivator dueling a late-Fourth Level sea clan elder actually thinks not about self-preservation but about how to slay the opponent?

Just before, when Yunhe's sword formation was about to strike Qilin Changlan, he at the last moment regained his senses and took action; otherwise, even if he didn't kill him, his injury would not be so 'simple'.

However, both of these are obviously not simple matters.

But after this battle, Yunhe has gained a certain understanding and awareness of his current strength.

Moreover, Qilin Changlan's formidable physique is also an important factor.

It is indeed regrettable.

"Yun old devil, I will remember you!"

Qilin Changlan said ferociously while clutching his chest.

Even within that blood-tinged phlegm, one could distinctly sense the clear earth-attribute mana, as well as a sharp sword qi seemingly capable of cleaving anything.

If he knew that Yunhe had only recently broken through to mid-Yuan Ying, and that his strength might see considerable improvement within a decade or so, he would not know what to think.

But one thing can be certain.

As the white mist dissipated, Yunhe's face was revealed, filled with regret.

It has been hundreds of years!

"If I had already mastered the fifth layer of the Myriad Insects Myriad Worms Technique at this moment, the impact that the Seeking Immortal Fallen Divine Gift could have on him would certainly not be this minor."

"Perhaps I cannot directly slay a late-Yuan Ying grand cultivator, but for them to deal with me is no easy task either."

How bold a thought this is!

It's not that the Formless Sword Lord's strength is inferior to Yunhe's.

In fact, the pressure he felt when facing the Formless Sword Lord was undoubtedly much greater than when facing Yunhe.

The problem lies in Yunhe's cultivation being one minor realm lower than both his and the Formless Sword Lord's, causing him to let his guard down.

If he had known from the start that Yunhe possessed such strength, he would not have ended up in this state.

Today's duel made him feel a deep sense of humiliation.

Not only does his injury necessarily mean great loss, but it will also serve as a stepping stone to boost Yunhe's reputation.

This is what he cannot tolerate the most.

However.

Given his current condition, it's clear he can't keep fighting; if he does, those tiger‑eyed old fellows won't be able to sit still.

"It's Yun's honor."

The vibrating ice phoenix wings hovered in mid‑air, holding up the Yao‑subduing armor; Yunhe, surrounded by the Five‑Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword at his side, spoke without changing expression.

"Hmph!"

Qilin Changlan let out an angry huff, glared fiercely at Yunhe, then said nothing more and fled without looking back.

In his divine sense.

After confirming that Qilin Changlan had completely departed, Yunhe couldn't help but let out a long breath.

To be honest, fighting a late Fourth‑Level Qilin Changlan also put considerable pressure on him.

Now that the opponent has withdrawn, this is already an excellent outcome.

Yunhe slowly flew back into the mountain‑guardian formation of the Ice Immortal Pavilion.

Seeing Yunhe fly back, the cultivators present were still dazed.

"Did… did we win?"

Mid Nascent Soul Yunhe actually managed to defeat the late Fourth‑Level Sea Clan Elder Qilin Changlan?!

This.

Undoubtedly, the most shocking was Zhang Dingtiān.

He knows best how great the gap is between a Mid Nascent Soul Yuan Ying Cultivator and a Late Nascent Soul Yuan Ying great cultivator.

At this moment he finally understood why Yunhe could previously hold him off while also slaying the Hanhai Spirit Turtle and Wang Hailin.

In fact, Yunhe earlier had not even used his full strength.

Only when Yunhe flew near did everyone finally come to, seeing Yunhe smiling and looking fine, their hearts jolted.

The opponent's strength had already completely surpassed all of them.

Even if they really fought, killing a few of them would not be a big problem.

The gap in strength and level creates a class gap.

Soon someone reacted immediately.

"Brother Yun, you've truly opened my horizons; I admire you."

As one of the earliest to know Yunhe present, the True Lord of Cold Sword personally witnessed Yunhe's change from Nascent Soul to his current strength, feeling deep emotion.

Both are Nascent Soul cultivators, yet Yunhe formed his Nascent Soul hundreds of years after him, but the gap in their current strength is huge.

Although they still address each other as Dao friends, he understands that the gap in strength between him and Yunhe is probably no less than that faced by a Foundation Establishment cultivator facing a Yuan Ying Cultivator.

But at the same time he felt relieved.

Fortunately, back when Yunhe had just formed his Nascent Soul, his Snow Sword Sect had already allied with Yunhe.

Now that Yunhe's strength has greatly increased, the status of the Snow Sword Sect has also risen accordingly within the current human cultivator alliance.

However, in terms of surprise and benefit, the greatest surely are still Ice Osmanthus Immortal and the Ice Immortal Pavilion.

The Ice Immortal Pavilion truly embodies the old saying, 'One person attains the Dao, and even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.'

Even if the Ice Immortal Pavilion produces no Yuan Ying Cultivator for the next few centuries, Yunhe's name alone would be enough to make it a major power in the eastern realm.

The problem is.

Given such vast resources, could the Ice Immortal Pavilion possibly go centuries without producing a Nascent Soul cultivator?

After all, the Ice Immortal Pavilion does not lack a Nascent Soul inheritance; what they lack are resources and time.

At the very least.

As Yunhe's attendant and the prospective next master of the Ice Immortal Pavilion, Dong Ning Xuan has a considerable chance.

It is obvious that the changes in expression of the True Lord of Cold Sword and the Ice Osmanthus Immortal did not escape everyone's notice.

While they congratulated and celebrated Yunhe on one side, they secretly felt a pang of envy on the other.

How could such individuals not appear in their sect or faction?

But when one thinks that this Old Devil Yunhe's experience seems to come from the Ten Domains Nine Sects' small place, a sect called Qingzong Sect, and that sect did not benefit along with it, one's heart also feels some consolation.

At least, someone once had the chance to become a major power in the eastern realm in one leap, but seemingly failed to seize it, unlike them who had hardly any chance from the start.

Yunhe, facing everyone's congratulations and their varied inner changes, didn't care much, simply returning a polite bow.

"You all overpraise me."

"Daoist Yun, I have a doubt: did only Qilin Changlan come this time?" Zhang Dingtiān suddenly asked.

He had not yet fully relaxed.

And his doubt was actually shared by the others.

"Yes."

Yunhe nodded.

But he did not explain why.

Actually, Yunhe had some guesses in his heart, but they were not confirmed.

Most likely, firstly because the Sea Clan had just swallowed the Yuan Kingdom not long ago and had not yet fully controlled it; if they now launched a large‑scale attack on the Wu Kingdom, causing instability in their rear that human cultivators could infiltrate, the Sea Clan would face the same situation as before—being attacked from both front and rear, with too great a risk.

On the other hand, Yunhe does not believe that the Sword Lord of Non‑Phase truly suffered heavy injuries after the previous battle; he has crossed swords with him before and has a certain understanding of his strength.

The Sea Clan clearly has a component of wariness toward him.

Even.

Yunhe feels it's not just the Sword Lord of Non‑Phase.

In the previous clash where humanity suffered heavy losses, he also does not believe those old monsters on the human side remained inactive.

Perhaps, besides the Sword Lord of Non‑Phase, there are already other Late Nascent Soul Yuan Ying Cultivators who have come to the vicinity of the Wu Kingdom, even the Yuan Kingdom; this is also why the Sea Clan is restrained.

As for why Qilin Changlan dared to come alone today.

He apparently relies on his own strength, feeling confident enough to come and go, but after being wounded in a fight with Yunhe he immediately retreated, which certainly shows he had some reservations.

He apparently relies on his own strength, feeling confident enough to come and go, but after being wounded in a fight with Yunhe he immediately retreated, which certainly shows he had some reservations.

Interpretation: "It is guessed that he relies on his own strength, having enough confidence to come and go, but after being injured in a battle with Yunhe, he immediately retreated, which certainly indicates he had some misgivings."

We need to keep meaning, not add.

Let's produce: "It is guessed that he relies on his own strength, having enough confidence to come and go, but after being injured in a battle with Yunhe, he immediately retreated, which certainly indicates he had some misgivings."

He apparently relies on his own strength, feeling confident enough to come and go.

but after being wounded in a battle with Yunhe he immediately retreated.

which certainly shows he had some reservations.

Now output: 【121】 It is guessed that he relies on his own strength, having enough confidence to come and go, but after being injured in a battle with Yunhe, he immediately retreated, which certainly indicates he had some misgivings.

Otherwise, he should still have the strength for another battle.

Translation: "Otherwise, he should still have the strength for another battle."

Otherwise, he should still have the strength for another battle.

And the purpose of this journey.

Translation: "And the purpose of his trip."

On one hand, it should be to assess the strength of the human cultivators' side in the Wu Kingdom; on the other hand, it is.

This line seems incomplete; it's cut off. We must translate exactly as given.

On one hand, it should be to assess the strength of the human cultivators' side in the Wu Kingdom; on the other hand, it is.

On one hand, it should be to gauge the strength of the human cultivators' side in the Wu Kingdom; on the other hand, it is.

On one hand, it should be to gauge the strength of the human cultivators' side in the Wu Kingdom; on the other hand, it is.

We need to keep the comma and the dash? We'll output exactly as translation.

Let's produce: 【124】 On one hand, it should be to gauge the strength of the human cultivators' side in the Wu Kingdom; on the other hand, it is

Yunhe gently touched the 'Dragon Fish Deepwater Shroud' inside his sleeve.

Yunhe gently touched the 'Dragon Fish Deepwater Shroud' inside his sleeve.

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese uses 「」. We'll translate to English quotes: "Dragon Fish Deepwater Shroud". Use straight quotes? We'll use double quotes.

Thus: "Yunhe gently touched the 'Dragon Fish Deepwater Shroud' inside his sleeve."

Yunhe gently rubbed the inside of his sleeve, where the 'Dragon Fish Deepwater Shroud' was.

Let's decide: "Yunhe gently rubbed the inside of his sleeve, where the 'Dragon Fish Deepwater Shroud' was."

We'll keep it simple.

It appears the relationship between the demon alliance and the sea tribe is deeper than I thought.

Note uses 【】. We'll translate to English quotes.

"Looks like the relationship between the Demon Alliance and the Sea Clan is even deeper than I imagined."

Everyone, I, Yun, need to retreat into seclusion for a bit; my hospitality has been lacking, so I hope you'll excuse me.

Translation: "Friends, I, Yun, need to go into closed-door cultivation for a while; my hospitality has been lacking, and I hope you will forgive me."

I, Yun

Thus: 【127】 "Friends, I, Yun, need to go into closed-door cultivation for a while; my hospitality has been lacking, and I hope you will forgive me."

After saying that, Yunhe turned to Ice Cassia Fairy and smiled, 'Ice Cassia, be sure to arrange food and lodging for all the fellow cultivators.'

Translation: "After saying that, Yunhe looked toward Ice Cassia Fairy and smiled, saying, 'Ice Cassia, you must arrange the food and lodging for all fellow cultivators.'"

Ice Cassia, make sure the fellow cultivators' food and lodging are properly arranged.

Thus: "After saying that, Yunhe looked toward Ice Cassia Fairy and smiled, saying, 'Ice Cassia, you must arrange the food and lodging for all fellow cultivators.'"

'I understand!' Ice Cassia Fairy quickly bowed and earnestly agreed.

Translation: "'I understand!' Ice Cassia Fairy hastily bowed and solemnly agreed."

"Fellow cultivator Yun, you're being polite."

"Fellow cultivator Yun, you're being polite."

"Fellow cultivator Yun, you're being polite."

"Fellow cultivator Yun, no need to be polite, we..."

"Fellow cultivator Yun, no need to be polite, we..."

But we need to keep the trailing comma? We'll just translate as: "\"Fellow cultivator Yun, no need to be polite, we... \""

"Going into seclusion is more important; Fellow cultivator Yun, please hurry."

Translation: "\"Still, closed-door cultivation is important; Fellow cultivator Yun, please go quickly. \""

「。」

The other cultivators also had keen eyesight; seeing this, they all clasped their hands and spoke.

After the great battle, going into seclusion is quite normal.

Although Yunhe gave no reason, with him holding this place and with Zhang Dingtian added, the fighting strength inside Ice Immortal Pavilion has greatly increased; I fear it would be hard to find a place safer than this anywhere in the Eastern Territory.

After all, how many late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators are there in the whole Eastern Territory?

To have a being comparable to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator holding the fort, unless the sea race launches a sneak attack as before, Ice Immortal Pavilion is the safest place in Wu Kingdom and even the surrounding areas.

Before Yunhe leaves, Ice Gui Immortal Maiden hurriedly asks again: "Elder, what about those disciples of the Myriad Beast Sect."

Although the Hanhai Spirit Turtle and the Wan Hai Lin have died, the Myriad Beast Sect still has many disciples remaining inside the Ice Immortal Pavilion.

Just do as you ought to.

Yunhe lightly left a remark, then vanished from this place.

Just do as you ought to?

"Ice Gui Immortal Maiden, this matter our Nine Dragon Sect can lend a hand."

"I too am willing to exert some effort."

"I."

Elder Fulong and the other cultivators all spoke up.

Ice Immortal Pavilion, Yunhe's abode.

After being away for so many years, apart from Dong Ning Xuan and Pearl, who have the qualification to enter, no other cultivator even has the qualification to approach this abode.

Therefore, there are not many changes within the formation's restrictions.

No.

But one cannot say there has been no change at all.

This place was originally covered in silver and white; though not bad, it appeared rather plain.

And now.

Many flowers have been planted inside the restriction, flowers that can only grow in extremely cold places, though these flowers are mostly snow-white in color.

But besides that, there are many flower-like things resembling coral, originally growing on the seabed, referred to as 'flowers'.

It must be said, the seabed is also a place of extremely low temperature; these 'flowers' grow quite well here as well.

This makes the originally plain interior of the restriction become lively.

It is quite evident that all this is Pearl's 'masterpiece'.

Seeing his original 'recluse expert's secluded cultivation place' become like this, Yunhe somewhat finds it laughable and exasperating.

"Young master?!"

A voice mixed with surprise and joy rang out.

(End of chapter)