Yan Zhao returned to the sect with light steps, his heart brimming with the joy of victory. He eagerly anticipated praise from his fellow disciples and a reward from his master. After all, defeating a Demon Cultivator this time was proof of his strength!
However, the moment he stepped into the sect, he sensed something unusual in the atmosphere. The lively welcome he had expected never came. Instead, several disciples whispered among themselves, occasionally casting strange looks his way.
Yan Zhao's heart tightened. Had something happened? He approached those disciples in confusion, intending to get to the bottom of it. But before he could speak, one of them said in a mocking tone, "Well, if it isn't Yan Zhao. I heard you defeated that Demon Cultivator entirely because of that immortal sword!"
Yan Zhao froze. He had not expected anyone to say such a thing. That immortal sword truly was his secret weapon, but his victory had not depended on the sword alone! His own strength could not be ignored either.
"What do you mean by that?" Yan Zhao asked angrily.
"Hmph. Don't think we don't know. You defeated the Demon Cultivator solely because that immortal sword was too powerful. Anyone else could have done the same." The disciple continued.
Yan Zhao's expression darkened. He had not expected anyone to slander his efforts and strength so viciously. Just as he was about to refute him, he noticed that the surrounding disciples were nodding in agreement. Clearly, they all shared that view.
What surprised him even more was that several elders of the sect had begun to doubt him as well. They believed the Merged Immortal Sword was far too powerful, and that someone as young as Yan Zhao would likely struggle to control it. If the sword ever went out of control, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Yan Zhao felt as though his mood had plummeted into an abyss. He had never imagined that his victory would bring so much criticism and suspicion.
Yan Zhao was filled with endless grievance. He felt that all his efforts and sacrifices had been overlooked. That immortal sword meant more to him than anyone knew. To master it, he had shed countless drops of sweat and poured in all his heart. Yet some people in the sect doubted his abilities, leaving him deeply disheartened.
To prove himself, Yan Zhao decided to venture alone into the deeper regions of the demon domain for training. He knew the place was filled with danger, but he felt no fear. He believed that only challenges on the edge of life and death could truly reveal his strength.
After entering the demon domain, Yan Zhao encountered all kinds of Demon Cultivators, each exceptionally powerful. But Yan Zhao did not retreat. He bravely engaged them in fierce battles.
In one confrontation with a terrifyingly powerful Demon King, Yan Zhao found himself in an unprecedented predicament. The Demon King's attacks came down like a raging storm, and Yan Zhao nearly lost his life several times. Yet he gripped his immortal sword tightly and refused to give up, because he knew this was his only chance to prove himself.
Just when Yan Zhao felt he could no longer hold on, the immortal sword suddenly erupted with astonishing power. This power fused perfectly with Yan Zhao's spiritual energy, causing his strength to surge in an instant. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed his ultimate technique and finally defeated the Demon King.
When Yan Zhao returned to the sect carrying the Demon King's head, everyone was stunned. Those who had once doubted him fell silent and looked at him with admiration. Yan Zhao had finally proven his strength through his actions, and his standing within the sect rose greatly as a result.
From then on, Yan Zhao cultivated even more diligently, constantly breaking through his limits. He knew that only by continuously increasing his strength could he travel farther on the path of cultivation.
Yan Zhao's position in the sect became increasingly secure, yet he did not grow complacent because of it. On the contrary, he maintained a reverent heart toward the path of cultivation and continued working tirelessly to improve himself.
One day, Yan Zhao learned an astonishing secret from his master: in a distant, mysterious land lay sealed Ancient Ruins, said to contain a treasure capable of bringing a tremendous leap in a cultivator's strength. The news struck like lightning, instantly igniting the desire in Yan Zhao's heart.
After careful consideration, Yan Zhao resolutely decided to set out in search of the ruins. He crossed countless mountains and rivers, endured untold hardships, and finally arrived at the legendary location of the ruins.
However, when he reached the ruins, he was shocked to discover that they had already caught the attention of a mysterious organization. These people were powerful, each possessing extraordinary skills. They had clearly come 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 it his all, he would surely defeat these enemies and uncover the secrets behind the ruins.
A thrilling battle began. Yan Zhao and the members of the mysterious organization traded blows without yielding an inch. Their spells and magical treasures intertwined in the air, emitting dazzling light.
Amid the fierce battle, Yan Zhao gradually realized that this group's goal did not seem to be limited to the treasures within the ruins. Their actions were exceptionally coordinated, as though they were carrying out a far grander plan.
As the battle continued, Yan Zhao became increasingly convinced that things were far more complicated than they appeared. What sort of conspiracy was hidden behind these mysterious people? And how was he supposed to handle this sudden crisis?
Yan Zhao took a deep breath and gripped the immortal sword in his hand tightly as he engaged the Mysterious Person in a tense battle. Every move he made contained the immense power gained after merging with the Merged Immortal Sword, but his opponent was clearly no ordinary foe. Neither side gave an inch.
Yan Zhao gradually began to feel overwhelmed, sweat soaking through his clothes. Just as he was about to collapse, the ground beneath his feet suddenly trembled faintly. Immediately afterward, a dazzling beam of light burst forth from a corner of the ruins.
Yan Zhao's heart jolted, and he quickly twisted aside to evade it. Like lightning, the beam shot straight toward the Mysterious Person. Caught off guard, the Mysterious Person was struck by the light, let out a muffled groan, and flew backward.
Seeing this, Yan Zhao was overjoyed. He knew he had triggered some mechanism or formation within the ruins. Taking advantage of the moment the Mysterious Person had been driven back, he rushed into the depths of the ruins without hesitation.
After entering the depths of the ruins, Yan Zhao was stunned by the sight before him. Lights flickered all around him, making it seem as though he had entered a dreamlike world. At the center of that radiance, an ancient palace emanating a mysterious aura appeared and disappeared from view.
Yan Zhao steadied himself and cautiously walked toward the palace. As he drew near, an immense pressure bore down on him, nearly leaving him unable to breathe. He composed himself and continued forward until he finally reached the palace gates.
The palace gates were tightly shut, covered in ancient runes and patterns. Yan Zhao examined them carefully and discovered that these runes and patterns seemed to contain some mysterious power.
He reached out and lightly touched the gates. Suddenly, they slowly opened. A stale, ancient scent washed over him. Yan Zhao focused his eyes and saw that the palace was empty, save for a gigantic stone statue standing in its center.
The stone statue stood dozens of yards tall and looked incredibly lifelike, like a living giant. In its hand, it held an ancient book radiating an uncanny light so brilliant that it could not be looked at directly.
Yan Zhao's heart stirred, and he slowly approached the statue. When he reached it, the ancient book suddenly seemed to come alive. It flew before him on its own and slowly opened.
Yan Zhao stared at the opened ancient book and saw that its pages were densely covered in runes. Like living creatures, the runes danced before his eyes before pouring endlessly into his mind.
Yan Zhao felt a stabbing pain in his mind, as though countless fine needles were piercing him. But he clenched his teeth, endured the agony, and continued absorbing the runes.
After a long while, Yan Zhao finally absorbed every rune. He slowly opened his eyes, his heart filled with shock. These Ancient Ruins had actually been established by the Ancient Immortal Venerable specifically to seal an evil demon god!
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