Ye Yu’s heart pounded as he realized Xie Buyu’s offer had reached its climax without her finishing the sentence. Any bystander could guess her intent.
Faced with Xie Buyu’s embrace, Ye Yu felt a cold sweat break out. Something was very, very wrong. First she proposed becoming Dao-partners, and now, in less than a day, she was ready to... proceed to the next step?
Shouldn’t I be the one to suggest such a thing? And you look like an aloof, disciplined elder sister—how could you be so forward? There must be ulterior motives!
Though uncertain what Xie Buyu truly desired, Ye Yu resolutely refused. “Stop! Elder Ge is in mortal peril—we must hurry to support him. Other matters can wait!”
At his words, Xie Buyu’s cheeks burned crimson, and she bowed her head. What had come over her? Why had she so shamelessly offered herself—and at the last moment backed off? How embarrassing! Yet Ye Yu was right: if Elder Ge faced danger, they couldn’t tarry. Her proposal had been far too presumptuous.
On the road toward LieYang Sect, an oppressive silence fell between them—an ominous calm before the storm.
To break the tension and learn more about superior artifacts’ usage, Ye Yu produced the Mu Dao Zhan Hun (Wooden Soul-Slasher Dao). He had noticed that Elder Ge, though a master of artifacts, lacked experience wielding top-grade treasures. Perhaps Xie Buyu could offer fresh insight.
When Xie Buyu received the wooden sword, her brow creased. She traced its outline with her fingertip, eyes wide with shock. Ye Yu asked, “What do you feel? Any spirit resonance? I sense nothing. In Elder Ge’s hand it even turned translucent. It’s very strange!”
Xie Buyu frowned deeper. “This superior artifact’s material is unique, yet it feels like ordinary Xuántiān wood—no special quality. But since Elder Ge called it a top-grade treasure, it must be so. As for its spirit, it seems completely dormant.”
Ye Yu nodded. “I thought the same. Its texture now matches plain Xuántiān wood—when I first held it, it was different. Honestly, if Elder Ge heard us, he’d laugh at the idea of calling it anything but a regular wooden plank meant for benches and tables—or even worthless for alchemy!”
Yet Ye Yu didn’t doubt it—he believed the Mu Dao Zhan Hun had, in fact, improved. After all, the greatest truths are simple! An artifact, by ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) definition, is extraordinary.
When Ye Yu expressed his desire to learn more about superior artifacts, Xie Buyu readily shared what she knew of the Xuan-Ba Devour-Heaven Axe. She had encountered no resistance when inheriting it for two reasons: its spirit already recognized her, and it was Master’s final legacy, entrusted to her by Yan Yong before his death—an extension of its true owner. Thus, she wielded the Xuan-Ba Devour-Heaven Axe with ease, its spirit cooperating fully. If it were in her hands now, she would demonstrate its power instantly! Tsk tsk, indeed, one artifact to compare with another. The wooden sword in Ye Yu’s hand was no more than a decayed branch.
Time flew as they conversed. By the time they arrived at LieYang Sect’s gates, they expected a fierce battle—but found only an old man crying outside the deity alliance formation:
“Cheng’er, open the gate! I’m helpless in the Divine Realm without you! I promise—within half a day, that youngster Ye Yu will return. Just let me in! It’s lonely, cold, and miserable out here!”
Ye Yu was stunned. Elder Ge was the most unceremonious deity he’d ever seen—this grand master reduced to pleading at the gate!
“Grand Master, what’s the meaning of this?” Ye Yu hurried forward.
Elder Ge whipped his head around. Spotting Ye Yu, he waved, generating a strong pull that drew Ye Yu close.
“Xiao-Cui, open the gate! Ye Yu has arrived!” he bellowed hoarsely.
With that, the LieYang Sect’s formation opened. Xiao-Cui emerged and focused on Ye Yu. “Fellow Dao-priest, the Sect Lord has returned and wishes to see you. This way, please.”
Ye Yu’s mind raced to the image of the Sect Lord: Bamboo-Heart Cheng—the one who had shown interest in him before. She must be back! Without hesitation, Ye Yu followed Xiao-Cui toward the main hall.
At the same moment, Elder Ge entered the gate and inhaled deeply with a look of bliss, as if the Sect’s air were far superior to that outside.
