Return to the Sect

Yan Zhao returned to the Sect filled with the joy of victory, his steps light. He eagerly anticipated the praise of his fellow disciples and the commendation of his Master, for defeating the Demon Cultivator was proof of his strength!

However, the moment he stepped into the Sect, he sensed an unusual atmosphere. The normally lively welcome scene was absent. Instead, some disciples were whispering amongst themselves, casting strange glances his way from time to time.

Yan Zhao's heart tightened. Had something happened? He walked towards the disciples, intending to ask for clarification. But before he could speak, he heard one of them say sarcastically, "Oh, look who it is, Yan Zhao. I heard you only beat that Demon Cultivator thanks to that Immortal Sword of yours!"

Yan Zhao froze. He hadn't expected anyone to say such a thing. That Immortal Sword was indeed his secret weapon, but his victory wasn't solely due to it! His own strength was not to be underestimated.

"What do you mean by that?" Yan Zhao asked, a hint of anger in his voice.

"Hmph, don't think we don't know. You were able to defeat the Demon Cultivator entirely because that Immortal Sword is too powerful. Anyone else could have done the same," the disciple continued.

Yan Zhao's expression turned grim. He hadn't imagined anyone would so easily dismiss his efforts and strength. Just as he was about to retort, he noticed the surrounding disciples nodding in agreement, clearly sharing the same sentiment.

Even more unexpectedly, several Elders of the Sect began to doubt him. They felt the Merged Immortal Sword was too potent, and for someone as young as Yan Zhao, it was likely difficult to control. If the Immortal Sword were to go berserk one day, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Yan Zhao felt his spirits plummet. He never thought his victory would bring about so much criticism and doubt.

Yan Zhao's heart was filled with a boundless sense of grievance. He felt his efforts and sacrifices were being overlooked. The Immortal Sword held immense significance for him; he had poured countless hours of sweat and effort into mastering it. Yet, some within the Sect doubted his abilities, leaving him feeling utterly dejected.

To prove himself, Yan Zhao decided to venture alone into the deeper demon territories for training. He knew the area was fraught with danger, but he was fearless. He believed that only through challenges on the brink of life and death could he truly demonstrate his strength.

Upon entering the demon territories, Yan Zhao encountered all sorts of Demon Cultivators, each exceptionally powerful. But Yan Zhao did not flinch; he bravely engaged them in fierce battles.

During a confrontation with a terrifyingly powerful Demon King, Yan Zhao faced an unprecedented predicament. The Demon King's attacks were like a raging storm, and Yan Zhao was on the verge of death multiple times. Yet, he tightly gripped the Immortal Sword, refusing to give up, knowing this was his only chance to prove himself.

Just as Yan Zhao felt he could no longer hold on, the Immortal Sword suddenly unleashed an astonishing surge of power. This power merged perfectly with Yan Zhao's Spiritual Energy, instantly amplifying his strength. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed his ultimate technique and finally succeeded in defeating the Demon King.

When Yan Zhao returned to the Sect with the Demon King's head, everyone was stunned. Those who had doubted him fell silent, now looking at him with admiration. Yan Zhao had finally proven his strength through his actions, and his status within the Sect greatly improved as a result.

From then on, Yan Zhao trained even harder, constantly pushing his limits. He knew that only by continuously enhancing his strength could he go further on the path of Cultivation.

Yan Zhao's position in the Sect became increasingly stable, but he did not become complacent. Instead, he maintained a reverent heart towards the path of Cultivation, constantly striving to improve his strength.

One day, Yan Zhao learned a shocking secret from his Master: in a distant, mysterious land lay a sealed Ancient Ruin, said to hide treasures capable of greatly advancing a cultivator's power. This news struck Yan Zhao like lightning, instantly igniting his inner desire.

After careful consideration, Yan Zhao resolutely decided to embark on a journey to explore the Ruins. He traversed countless mountains and rivers, enduring immense hardship, and finally arrived at the legendary location of the Ruins.

However, upon reaching the Ruins, he was astonished to find that a mysterious organization had already set its sights on the place. These individuals were powerful, each possessing formidable skills, clearly well-prepared.

Yan Zhao did not back down. He knew this expedition was filled with the unknown and danger, but he firmly believed that as long as he gave his all, he could overcome these enemies and uncover the secrets behind the Ruins.

A thrilling battle ensued. Yan Zhao and the members of the mysterious organization exchanged blows, neither side giving way. Their spells and magical artifacts intertwined in the air, emitting dazzling light.

During the fierce combat, Yan Zhao gradually realized that the mysterious group's objective seemed to be more than just the treasures within the Ruins. Their actions were unusually coordinated, as if they were executing a much larger plan.

As the battle deepened, Yan Zhao increasingly felt that things were far from simple. What kind of conspiracy lay hidden behind this mysterious group? And how could he deal with this sudden crisis?

Yan Zhao took a deep breath, tightly gripping the Immortal Sword in his hand, and engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth with the mysterious individuals. Every move he made was infused with the immense power of the Merged Immortal Sword, but his opponents were clearly not to be trifled with. They exchanged blows, neither side yielding.

Yan Zhao gradually began to feel overwhelmed, sweat soaking through his clothes. Just as he was about to falter, the ground beneath him suddenly trembled slightly, and then, a dazzling beam of light erupted from a corner of the Ruins.

Yan Zhao's heart leaped, and he quickly dodged to the side. The beam of light, like lightning, shot directly towards the mysterious individuals. Caught off guard, they were struck by the light, letting out a muffled groan as they were sent flying backward.

Seeing this, Yan Zhao's heart soared. He knew he had triggered some mechanism or formation within the Ruins. Seizing the moment while the mysterious individuals were repelled, he unhesitatingly charged into the depths of the Ruins.

Upon entering the deeper parts of the Ruins, Yan Zhao was stunned by the sight before him. Lights flickered all around, as if he were in a dreamlike world. And at the center of this radiance, an ancient palace emanating a mysterious aura loomed in and out of sight.

Yan Zhao steadied himself and cautiously approached the palace. As he drew near, a powerful pressure washed over him, making it almost impossible to breathe. He composed himself and continued forward, finally arriving at the palace gates.

The palace gates were tightly shut, inscribed with ancient Runes and patterns. Yan Zhao examined them closely, discovering that these Runes and patterns seemed to contain some kind of mystical power.

He reached out and gently touched the gate. Suddenly, it slowly opened. A musty scent wafted out. Yan Zhao looked closely and saw that the palace interior was empty, with only a colossal stone statue standing in the center.

The stone statue was dozens of feet tall, lifelike, resembling a living giant. In its hand, it held an ancient book radiating a strange light that was impossible to look at directly.

Yan Zhao's heart stirred. He slowly walked towards the statue. When he reached it, the ancient book suddenly seemed to come alive, flying towards him on its own and slowly opening.

Yan Zhao gazed at the open book, which was densely covered in Runes. These Runes, like living creatures, danced before his eyes before pouring continuously into his mind.

Yan Zhao felt a sharp pain in his head, as if countless needles were pricking him. But he gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, and continued to absorb the Runes.

After a long while, Yan Zhao finally finished receiving all the Runes. He slowly opened his eyes, his heart filled with shock. It turned out that this Ruin was specifically established by an Ancient Immortal Venerable to seal an evil Demon God!