A Chance to Break Through to the Martial King Realm

The Silver-Armored Knights' horses galloped across the wasteland, kicking up clouds of dust. Fang Yan sat astride his horse, his fingertips rubbing the Little Black Sword tucked against his chest, while his mind repeatedly analyzed the Blazing Knights' intentions. They had gone out of their way to name him specifically—were they after the Inner Core of the Sect-level Exotic Beast, or did they have another agenda?

About an hour later, an ancient castle appeared ahead, standing atop a mountain peak. The entire castle was built from black stone, and its walls were covered in marks left by blades and swords. It had clearly weathered countless battles. The middle-aged knight reined in his horse, dismounted, and said, "Captain Fang Yan, we've arrived at the castle. Our commander is waiting in the main hall."

Fang Yan followed the middle-aged knight into the castle. Candlelight flickered in the main hall, and the faint fragrance of sandalwood filled the air. A man in red armor sat in the seat of honor. His features were resolute, and his eyes were as sharp as blades. He was none other than Lei Yan, commander of the Blazing Knights. His aura was steady and vast; he was clearly a late-stage Martial Ancestor Realm expert.

"Sit." Lei Yan pointed at a stone stool nearby, his voice commanding without needing to be angry.

Fang Yan sat down as instructed and got straight to the point. "Commander Lei Yan, may I ask why you summoned me?"

Lei Yan smiled and waved away his attendants. Soon, only the two of them remained in the hall. He stared at Fang Yan and slowly said, "I know you killed a Sect-level Exotic Beast, and I also know you possess combat strength equivalent to the Martial Emperor Realm. But your current cultivation realm is ultimately only the Great Martial Master Realm, isn't that right?"

Fang Yan's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. "The commander has truly discerning eyes. But that was only luck. It doesn't count as genuine ability."

"Luck?" Lei Yan shook his head. "To comprehend the embryonic form of a domain while still in the Great Martial Master Realm, and then rely on the power of an experience card to kill a Sect-level Exotic Beast—there are only a handful of people in the entire alliance with such talent and temperament. I sought you out because I want to give you an opportunity."

"What opportunity?" Fang Yan asked.

Lei Yan rose and walked to the window, gazing out at the wasteland. "The Dark Demon Race's attack on Black Wind Canyon this time was only the beginning. They've built a demon lair deep in the wasteland, where they're cultivating even stronger Exotic Beasts and demon warriors. The alliance has decided to send an elite squad into the demon lair to destroy their core altar. I hope you'll join us."

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

"Because of your Profound Ice Domain." Lei Yan turned around and looked at him intently. "The demon lair is saturated with dark energy. Even ordinary Martial Ancestor Realm experts will be suppressed inside. Your Profound Ice True Qi happens to counter dark energy, while your Profound Ice Domain can purify the surrounding demonic aura. With you there, the squad's chances of success will increase by at least thirty percent."

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, deep within the demon lair grows a Nirvana Grass. Legend has it that it can help someone break through a cultivation bottleneck. With your talent, if you obtain the Nirvana Grass, breaking through to the Martial King Realm will be as easy as turning over your hand. For you, this is also an extraordinary opportunity."

Nirvana Grass? Fang Yan's heart stirred. He was already at the peak of the Great Martial Master Realm, but his blood-energy value had remained stuck at 50 points, and he had been unable to break through to the Martial King Realm. If he could obtain the Nirvana Grass, perhaps he really could ascend in a single leap. But he also knew that sneaking into the demon lair was a near-death mission. The slightest mistake would mean being buried there.

"I need to think it over," Fang Yan said heavily.

"That's fine." Lei Yan nodded. "I'll give you one day. This time tomorrow, I'll wait here for your answer. Also, this is a communication talisman. If you change your mind, you can contact me at any time."

Fang Yan accepted the communication talisman, rose, and took his leave. When he walked out of the castle, the Silver-Armored Knights were already waiting outside. They escorted him back to Black Wind Canyon.

When he returned to the camp, Zhao Gang immediately walked in. "How did it go? Why did the Blazing Knights summon you?"

Fang Yan told Zhao Gang everything about Lei Yan's proposal. After listening, Zhao Gang's expression turned solemn. "Sneaking into the demon lair is far too dangerous. That place is the stronghold of the Dark Demon Race, and experts are as common as clouds."

"I know it's dangerous, 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'll be better able to protect Black Wind Canyon."

Zhao Gang fell silent for a moment before sighing. "I understand what you're thinking. But you must be careful. If you decide to go, I'll dispatch ten of our finest Martial Masters to accompany you."

"No need." Fang Yan shook his head. "The Blazing Knights' squad consists entirely of Martial Ancestor Realm experts. Bringing Martial Masters along would only hold us back. Besides, the more people there are, the larger the target and the easier we'll be discovered. 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 something happens to me, hand it over to the alliance and use it to exchange for more support."

Zhao Gang accepted the Inner Core, his eyes full of worry. "You must come back alive."

Fang Yan smiled. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen to me."

That night, Fang Yan sat cross-legged in the camp and circulated the Profound Ice Technique. He could clearly feel that the True Qi in his body had reached a saturated state. He was only one opportunity away from breaking through. And that opportunity might very well lie within the demon lair.

The next morning, Fang Yan brought the communication talisman to the castle. When Lei Yan saw him arrive, a smile spread across his face. "Looks like you've made up your mind."

"Yes." Fang Yan nodded. "I'm willing to join the squad."

"Good!" Lei Yan clapped his hands. "I'll introduce the squad members to you 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 Wind Shadow, the fastest of them all; this is Stone Firm, the strongest defender; this is Water Spirit, skilled in healing; and this is Fire Fierce, the strongest attacker."

The four of them nodded to Fang Yan in greeting. Fang Yan clasped his fists as well. "I'm Fang Yan. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Lei Yan said, "All right, everyone's here. We'll set out first thing tomorrow morning. Get a good rest tonight and build up your strength."

That night, Fang Yan rested in the castle. He lay on the bed, but sleep would not come. He knew tomorrow's journey would be fraught with danger, but he had no way back. To break through to the Martial King Realm and protect humanity's homeland, he had to charge forward without hesitation.

The next morning, the five of them rode warhorses toward the demon lair deep in the wasteland. Sunlight spilled over their bodies, drawing long shadows behind them. Fang Yan glanced back toward Black Wind Canyon and silently vowed, Wait for me. I'll definitely return.

The demon lair was located inside a volcano crater at the very heart of the wasteland. Black rocks surrounded it, and the air was thick with dark energy. From afar, black mist coiled around the crater. Vaguely, one could see black altars and the figures of demon warriors.

"The demon lair is just ahead." Lei Yan reined in his horse and said in a low voice, "Everyone be careful. The dark energy here is extremely powerful. Try not to let the demonic aura invade your bodies."

Everyone nodded and circulated their True Qi, resisting the corrosive demonic aura. Fang Yan also expanded his Profound Ice Domain, purifying the demonic aura around them.

"We'll infiltrate from the side." Lei Yan lowered his voice, dismounted first, and crept toward the side of the crater.

The other four followed close behind, carefully avoiding the demon patrols. When they reached the edge of the crater, they saw that the demon lair was packed with dense ranks of demon warriors. Several enormous Exotic Beasts were also patrolling back and forth.

"The core altar is in the center of the crater." Lei Yan pointed toward a towering black altar in the distance. "The Nirvana Grass should be beside the altar. Our mission is to destroy the altar, retrieve the Nirvana Grass, and withdraw as quickly as possible."

"Understood," everyone said in unison.

Lei Yan took a deep breath. "Move!"

As soon as his voice fell, Fire Fierce charged out first. The long sword in his hand erupted in roaring flames as he hacked at the demon warriors. Wind Shadow flashed like a ghost among the demon warriors, the dagger in his hand constantly reaping enemy lives. Stone Firm raised his shield and stood before the others, blocking the demons' attacks. Water Spirit released healing spells from the side, restoring everyone's injuries.

Fang Yan refused to fall behind. He expanded his Profound Ice Domain, freezing the demon warriors around him. Wielding the Little Black Sword, he unleashed the Five Finger Fist Heart Sword. Five sword rays shot out, killing several demon warriors in an instant.

Seeing this, the demon warriors swarmed toward them. A fierce battle erupted. Relying on the advantage of his Profound Ice Domain, Fang Yan hacked his way through the demon warriors and back again, displaying the Profound Ice Sword Technique to perfection. But there were simply too many demon warriors. They surged forward without end, and the group gradually fell into a desperate situation.

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

"Good!" Fang Yan answered, leaping into the air and flying toward the core altar.

At that moment, a black figure suddenly burst from the dark mist and blocked Fang Yan's path. It was a demon commander whose strength had reached the mid-stage of the Martial Ancestor Realm. He held a black spear in his hand, and a chilling aura radiated from it.

"Human, if you want the Nirvana Grass, get past me first!" the demon commander said coldly.

Fang Yan's eyes sharpened. "Then let's see what you've got!"

He unleashed the Great Desolation Prison Heaven Finger, sending a fierce finger force shooting forward. The demon commander swung his spear to block it. With a clang, the finger force was knocked aside by the spear. Taking advantage of the opening, the demon commander launched an attack, his spear carrying dense dark energy as it thrust toward Fang Yan.

Fang Yan dodged to the side and stabbed the Little Black Sword toward the demon commander's chest. The demon commander reacted with astonishing speed and blocked it with his horizontal spear. The two exchanged blows back and forth in a fierce clash. Although Fang Yan was only in the Great Martial Master Realm, his Profound Ice Domain and consummate martial techniques allowed him to fight the demon commander to a standstill.

But Fang Yan also knew that prolonging the battle would put him at a disadvantage. He took a deep breath and secretly gathered his True Qi, preparing to unleash the killing move of the Profound Ice Sword Technique. Just then, the system's notification suddenly rang in his mind:

Ding! The host is facing a life-and-death crisis. Potential activated. Profound Ice Domain proficiency has increased to 100%. Martial King Realm laws comprehended. Blood-energy value has broken through to 51 points. Advanced to the early stage of the Martial King Realm!

As the system notification rang out, a vast surge of power instantly poured into Fang Yan's body. His aura rose sharply, breaking through from the Great Martial Master Realm to the early stage of the Martial King Realm. The range of his Profound Ice Domain expanded once more, and the temperature dropped even further. The dark energy around him froze in an instant.

The demon commander sensed the change in Fang Yan and revealed a look of shock. "The Martial King Realm? How is that possible? You were clearly only in the Great Martial Master Realm just now!"

Fang Yan offered no explanation. His eyes had grown even sharper. Holding the Little Black Sword, he unleashed the killing move of the Profound Ice Sword Technique—Profound Ice Storm. A massive ice storm formed in an instant and swept toward the demon commander.

The demon commander's expression changed drastically. He tried to dodge, but the Profound Ice Domain immobilized him. The ice storm swallowed him in an instant. After his screams faded, the demon commander had become a puddle of icy water.

After eliminating the demon commander, Fang Yan did not linger. He flew straight toward the core altar. Beside the altar, a herb radiating golden light grew in silence. It was the Nirvana Grass. He reached out, plucked it, and tucked it against his chest.

Just then, the entire demon lair suddenly began to tremble violently. The core altar started collapsing, and black mist poured out without end. Lei Yan shouted, "Fang Yan, get out! The altar is collapsing!"

Fang Yan answered and leaped into the air, flying toward Lei Yan and the others. Once they regrouped, they quickly retreated from the demon lair. Behind them, the demon lair collapsed with a deafening roar, and the black mist gradually dispersed.

After leaving the demon lair, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Lei Yan looked at Fang Yan with approval. "Fang Yan, congratulations on breaking through to the Martial King Realm. This mission succeeded thanks in no small part to you."

Fang Yan smiled. "This was everyone's achievement."

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

"You should." Lei Yan nodded. "We'll return to the alliance headquarters to report first, then discuss the rewards."

The group rode their warhorses toward the alliance headquarters. Fang Yan touched the Nirvana Grass against his chest, his heart brimming with joy. He had broken through to the Martial King Realm and obtained the Nirvana Grass. This journey to the demon lair had truly yielded a bountiful harvest. He knew his strength had climbed another step, and the road ahead would be broader still.