Opportunity to Break Through the King

The clatter of hooves from the Silver Armored Knights echoed across the desolate plains, kicking up clouds of dust. Fang Yan sat astride his horse, his fingertips caressing the Little Black Sword in his embrace, while his mind repeatedly replayed the Blazing Knights' intentions. They had specifically requested to see him; was it for the Inner Core of a Sect-level Exotic Beast, or did they have other plans?

About an hour later, an ancient castle emerged ahead, standing atop a mountain peak. The castle was constructed entirely from black stone, its walls covered in the marks of swords and blades, clearly having weathered countless battles. The middle-aged knight reined in his horse, dismounted, and said, "Captain Fang Yan, we have arrived at the castle. My commander awaits you in the main hall."

Fang Yan followed the middle-aged knight into the castle. The main hall was lit by flickering candlelight, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. A man in red armor sat in the main seat, his face stern and his eyes sharp as knives. He was none other than the commander of the Blazing Knights—Lei Yan. His aura was steady and powerful, clearly indicating he was a late-stage Martial Ancestor Realm expert.

"Sit," Lei Yan said, gesturing to a stone stool beside him, his voice carrying an inherent authority.

Fang Yan sat as instructed and got straight to the point, "Commander Lei Yan, what important matter brings you to seek me out?"

Lei Yan smiled, waved his hand to dismiss those around them, leaving only the two of them in the hall. He stared at Fang Yan and slowly said, "I know you slew a Sect-level Exotic Beast, and I know you possess the combat power experience of the Martial Emperor Realm. But your current cultivation realm is, after all, only Great Martial Master, isn't it?"

Fang Yan's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. "Commander has a discerning eye. However, that was merely a stroke of luck, not true skill."

"Luck?" Lei Yan shook his head. "To comprehend the nascent form of a domain while still in the Great Martial Master realm, and to be able to slay a Sect-level Exotic Beast using the power of an experience card—there are few in the entire alliance with such talent and fortitude. I sought you out because I want to give you an opportunity."

"What opportunity?" Fang Yan asked.

Lei Yan stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the desolate plains. "The Dark Demon Race's attack on Black Wind Canyon is just the beginning. They have established a demon den deep within the plains and are cultivating more powerful exotic beasts and demon warriors. The alliance has decided to send an elite squad to infiltrate the demon den and destroy their core altar. I hope you will join."

Fang Yan frowned slightly. "Why seek me, a Great Martial Master, for such a crucial mission?"

"Because of your Profound Ice Domain," Lei Yan turned around, his gaze fixed on Fang Yan. "The demon den is filled with dark energy; even ordinary Martial Ancestor Realm experts would be suppressed within. Your Profound Ice True Qi happens to counter dark energy, and your Profound Ice Domain can purify the surrounding demonic energy. With you there, the squad's success rate will increase by at least thirty percent."

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, deep within the demon den lies a 'Nirvana Grass,' which is rumored to help one break through cultivation bottlenecks. With your talent, obtaining the Nirvana Grass could make breaking through to the Martial King Realm as easy as flipping a hand. This is an excellent opportunity for you as well."

Nirvana Grass? Fang Yan's heart stirred. He was currently at the peak of the Great Martial Master realm, his Blood Essence stuck at 50 points, unable to break through to the Martial King Realm for a long time. If he could obtain the Nirvana Grass, perhaps he could truly advance in one go. But he also knew that infiltrating the demon den was a path fraught with peril, where a single misstep could lead to death.

"I need some time to consider," Fang Yan said solemnly.

"Of course," Lei Yan nodded. "I will give you one day. At this time tomorrow, I will be here waiting for your reply. Also, this is a communication talisman. If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime."

Fang Yan took the communication talisman, stood up, and bid farewell. He walked out of the castle to find the Silver Armored Knights waiting outside, who then escorted him back to Black Wind Canyon.

Upon returning to the tent, Zhao Gang immediately entered. "How did it go? What did the Blazing Knights want with you?"

Fang Yan recounted Lei Yan's proposal to Zhao Gang in detail. After listening, Zhao Gang's expression grew grave. "Infiltrating the demon den is too dangerous. That place is the Dark Demon Race's lair, filled with experts."

"I know the danger, but the Nirvana Grass is too important to me," Fang Yan said. "I've been stuck at the peak of the Great Martial Master realm for a long time. If I can obtain the Nirvana Grass and break through to the Martial King Realm, I can better protect Black Wind Canyon."

Zhao Gang was silent for a moment, then sighed. "I understand your intentions. But you must be careful. If you decide to go, I will dispatch ten of our most elite Martial Masters to accompany you."

"No need," Fang Yan shook his head. "The Blazing Knights' squad consists of Martial Ancestor Realm experts. Bringing Martial Masters would only slow them down. Besides, a larger group is a bigger target and easier to detect. I'll go alone."

Zhao Gang was about to say more, but Fang Yan stopped him. He took out the Inner Core of the Sect-level Exotic Beast and handed it to Zhao Gang. "Keep this Inner Core safe. If anything happens to me, hand it over to the alliance to exchange for more support."

Zhao Gang took the Inner Core, his eyes filled with worry. "You must come back alive."

Fang Yan smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

That night, Fang Yan sat cross-legged in his tent, circulating the Profound Ice Art. He could clearly feel that the True Qi within his body had reached saturation, needing only a catalyst to break through. And that catalyst might very well be within the demon den.

The next morning, Fang Yan, holding the communication talisman, arrived at the castle. Seeing him, Lei Yan's face broke into a smile. "It seems you've made up your mind."

"Yes," Fang Yan nodded. "I am willing to join the squad."

"Good!" Lei Yan clapped his hands. "I will introduce you to the squad members now."

Soon, four knights in silver armor walked in. They were all early-stage Martial Ancestor Realm experts, with steady auras and sharp eyes. Lei Yan introduced them one by one: "This is Kazekage, the fastest; this is Stone Firm, the strongest defensively; this is Water Spirit, skilled in healing; and this is Fire Fierce, with the strongest offensive power."

The four nodded at Fang Yan. Fang Yan cupped his fist. "I am Fang Yan. Greetings, everyone."

Lei Yan said, "Alright, everyone is here. We will depart tomorrow morning. Rest well tonight and conserve your energy."

That night, Fang Yan rested in the castle. He lay on the bed, but sleep eluded him. He knew the journey tomorrow would be fraught with danger, but he had no other choice. To break through to the Martial King Realm, to protect humanity's home, he had to press forward.

The next morning, the five of them rode their warhorses, galloping towards the demon den deep in the desolate plains. Sunlight shone upon them, casting long shadows. Fang Yan glanced back in the direction of Black Wind Canyon, silently thinking: Wait for me, I will definitely return.

The demon den was located within a volcano in the deepest part of the desolate plains. The surroundings were covered in black rocks, and the air was filled with dense dark energy. From a distance, the volcano was shrouded in black mist, and one could vaguely see black altars and the figures of demon warriors.

"The demon den is ahead," Lei Yan reined in his horse and said in a deep voice. "Everyone be careful. The dark energy here is very strong; try not to let the demonic energy invade your bodies."

Everyone nodded and began circulating their True Qi to resist the erosion of the demonic energy. Fang Yan also activated his Profound Ice Domain, purifying the surrounding demonic energy.

"We'll infiltrate from the side," Lei Yan whispered, leading the way as he dismounted and crept towards the side of the volcano.

The other four followed closely, carefully avoiding the demon patrols. Arriving at the edge of the volcano, they saw that the demon den was filled with densely packed demon warriors, and several large exotic beasts were patrolling back and forth.

"The core altar is in the center of the volcano," Lei Yan pointed to a towering black altar in the distance. "The Nirvana Grass should be next to the altar. Our mission is to destroy the altar, obtain the Nirvana Grass, and then retreat quickly."

"Understood," everyone replied in unison.

Lei Yan took a deep breath and said, "Let's move!"

As soon as the words fell, Fire Fierce charged out first, his long sword igniting with fierce flames as he slashed at the demon warriors. Kazekage flashed, moving like a phantom among the demon warriors, his dagger relentlessly reaping lives. Stone Firm raised his shield, blocking in front of everyone and resisting the demons' attacks. Water Spirit, meanwhile, cast healing spells, restoring everyone's injuries.

Fang Yan was not to be outdone. He activated his Profound Ice Domain, freezing the surrounding demon warriors. Wielding the Little Black Sword, he unleashed the Five Finger Fist Heart Sword, sending out five sword beams that instantly killed several demon warriors.

Seeing this, the demon warriors swarmed towards them. A fierce battle ensued. Fang Yan, leveraging the advantage of his Profound Ice Domain, cut his way through the demon warriors, the Profound Ice Sword Technique displayed to its fullest. However, the number of demon warriors was too great, and they kept coming relentlessly. The group gradually fell into a predicament.

"This won't do!" Lei Yan shouted. "Fang Yan, go get the Nirvana Grass! We'll hold them off!"

"Alright!" Fang Yan responded and leaped forward, flying towards the core altar.

At that moment, a black figure suddenly shot out from the black mist, blocking Fang Yan's path. It was a demon general, whose strength had reached the mid-stage Martial Ancestor Realm. He held a black spear, exuding a chilling aura.

"Human, if you want the Nirvana Grass, you'll have to get past me first!" the demon general said coldly.

Fang Yan's eyes sharpened. "Then let's try!"

He unleashed the Great Desolation Prison Heaven Finger, and a sharp finger force shot out. The demon general waved his spear to block, and with a "clang," the finger force was deflected by the spear. The demon general seized the opportunity to launch an attack, his spear carrying dense dark energy, thrusting towards Fang Yan.

Fang Yan dodged to the side, and the Little Black Sword in his hand stabbed towards the demon general's chest. The demon general reacted extremely quickly, blocking with his spear. The two exchanged blows, fighting fiercely. Although Fang Yan was only at the Great Martial Master realm, relying on his Profound Ice Domain and exquisite Martial Skills, he was actually fighting the demon general to a standstill.

But he also knew that continuing to drag this out would be disadvantageous for him. He took a deep breath, secretly condensed his true qi, and prepared to unleash the killing move of the Profound Ice Sword Technique. Just then, a system prompt sounded in his mind:

"Ding! Host is facing a life-or-death crisis, activating potential, Profound Ice Domain proficiency increased to 100%, comprehended the laws of the Martial King Realm, Blood Essence value broke through to 51 points, promoted to the early stage of the Martial King Realm!"

As the system prompt sounded, a mighty power instantly surged into Fang Yan's body. His aura rapidly climbed, breaking through from the Great Martial Master realm to the early stage of the Martial King Realm. The Profound Ice Domain's range expanded again, the temperature dropped further, and the surrounding dark energy was instantly frozen.

The demon general felt the change in Fang Yan's body, and a look of shock appeared on his face: "Martial King Realm? How is that possible! You were clearly only a Great Martial Master just now!"

Fang Yan didn't explain, his eyes became even sharper. He held the Little Black Sword and unleashed the killing move of the Profound Ice Sword Technique—Profound Ice Storm. A massive ice storm instantly formed, sweeping towards the demon general.

The demon general's face changed drastically. He wanted to dodge but was immobilized by the Profound Ice Domain. The ice storm instantly engulfed him, and after a scream, the demon general turned into a pool of ice water.

After dealing with the demon general, Fang Yan didn't linger and flew directly towards the core altar. Beside the altar, a medicinal herb emitting golden light was quietly growing; it was the Nirvana Grass. He reached out and picked the Nirvana Grass, placing it in his embrace.

Just then, the entire demon cave suddenly began to shake violently. The core altar started to collapse, and black mist continuously poured out. Lei Yan shouted: "Fang Yan, hurry and leave! The altar is going to collapse!"

Fang Yan responded with a sound and leaped, flying towards Lei Yan and the others. After they regrouped, they quickly retreated towards the outside of the demon cave. Behind them, the demon cave collapsed with a roar, and the black mist gradually dissipated.

Emerging from the demon cave, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Lei Yan looked at Fang Yan, a look of approval on his face: "Fang Yan, congratulations on breaking through to the Martial King Realm. Your contribution to the success of this mission is immense."

Fang Yan smiled and said, "This is everyone's contribution."

He took out the Nirvana Grass and said, "I'll take this Nirvana Grass."

"It's deserved," Lei Yan nodded. "Let's return to the Alliance to report first, and then we'll discuss rewards based on merit."

The group rode their warhorses and galloped towards the direction of the Alliance headquarters. Fang Yan touched the Nirvana Grass in his bosom, filled with joy. Breaking through to the Martial King Realm and obtaining the Nirvana Grass, this trip to the demon cave was truly rewarding. He knew his strength had improved another level, and the road ahead would be even broader.