Chapter Nine: Visitors from Yang Family Village, Ye Hongling in Danger

Huo Qing’s mind sank into a vast space, where a shadowy figure wielded a sword, its blade imbued with spiritual power that moved in sync, accompanied by relentless shouts.

The figure’s swordplay quickened with every movement, and in the blink of an eye, ten precise strikes were unleashed. By the end, only a faint afterimage flickered.

With the final strike, countless fragments of space shattered, ripples spreading outward, bringing with them an invisible wave of pressure.

“So fast, such a wondrous sword technique,” Huo Qing admired without hesitation.

“The Celestial Evolution Creation Sword Technique, First Form: Sword Dance, Curtain Call,” intoned a mechanized voice from the light and shadow.

Huo Qing’s expression grew thoughtful. Then, a tremor coursed through his mind as a surge of information flooded in.

“First form, second form, third form... The complete Celestial Evolution Creation Sword Technique has been fully imprinted!”

Overcome with joy, Huo Qing closed his eyes and sat cross-legged, drawing forth his Spirit Sword. Following the marks etched in his mind, he began to move step by step.

Buzzing softly, the sword’s light flickered as he twisted his body slowly. Though clumsy at first, the form was beginning to take shape.

Unknowingly, he slipped into a state of utter absorption, oblivious to the world beyond.

At that same moment, Ye Hongling was enveloped in a shroud of black mist. A piece of black paper floated before her, emanating a sinister aura.

Pain etched across Ye Hongling’s face, beads of sweat forming on her smooth, jade-like forehead.

After a moment, she gritted her teeth and swallowed a medicinal pill she had found earlier in the Sword Sect ruins.

Hissing, wisps of black smoke spread wildly as her body trembled violently, and anguished groans escaped her lips.

Yet through this torment, her aura steadily climbed.

Suddenly, a thunderous surge expanded within her energy palace. Four radiant patterns shimmered brilliantly, and a mighty spiritual force burst forth like raindrops.

Early Celestial Spirit Realm!

“The seal is broken, my cultivation has returned!” Ye Hongling rose, her excitement palpable as the black paper before her turned to ash and drifted away.

Her greatest goal on this journey had been achieved.

Biting her lip, she hissed with bitter resolve: “Ye Qingxuan, the pain you caused me, I will repay you a thousandfold!”

“Thank you, Huo Qing. Without you, I would never have made it this far.”

Her gaze locked onto Huo Qing, brimming with gratitude.

But in the next instant, her eyes widened in disbelief.

“It’s a mental technique state!”

She gasped, utterly shocked—this surpassed even Huo Qing’s miraculous endurance as he pressed onward without his spiritual energy ever waning.

A mental technique state is a rare condition one enters when comprehending a spiritual art, accelerating insight.

Even many early Fusion Realm masters find it nearly impossible to achieve!

Yet here it was—manifested by Huo Qing, who was only at the Early Earth Spirit Realm.

“This guy’s talent for spiritual arts is incredible. Even some Early Fusion Realm elders in the prefecture would envy his performance right now.”

Ye Hongling propped her jade hand beneath her chin, tilting her head slightly. A faint smile curved at her lips, lending her an unexpected allure.

Suddenly, a giant tree crashed to the ground. Moments later, a wave of overwhelming spiritual energy swept through, sending leaves scattering.

“Hmph! Who dares to kill the Second Chief of the Yang Family Village?!” a sinister voice filled with murderous intent echoed.

Ye Hongling’s expression hardened as she turned to look. Her face darkened completely.

About thirty feet ahead stood two burly figures, pulsating with powerful spiritual energy.

Their aura rivaled that of Yang Jian himself.

Covered in fierce killing intent, their faces were grim and savage—clearly battle-hardened veterans.

More terrifyingly, a large contingent of equally fierce warriors stood behind them, their faces hard to provoke.

Ye Hongling glanced at Huo Qing, still in his mental technique state, clenching her fists tightly. A fierce determination flashed in her beautiful eyes.

No matter what, she would protect Huo Qing, even at the cost of her own life.

The two leaders of the Yang Family Village fixed her with cold, snake-like eyes and snarled:

“You little brat, I smell my second younger brother’s scent on you. I suppose he met his end at your hands. Though I find it hard to believe someone at Early Celestial Spirit Realm could kill him, it doesn’t change how I intend to deal with you!”

He was convinced Ye Hongling was solely responsible. As for Huo Qing, at Early Earth Spirit Realm, he was unworthy of participating in this fight.

Waving his hand cruelly, he sneered:

“Seize her! Starting with me, each of you take turns until she’s dead!”

“Ha ha ha, thanks for the gift, Chief!” came the leering response.

“Brothers, let’s enjoy this moment—this is our chance!”

“What a tender little lady. Hope she doesn’t get broken!”

The vile words pierced Ye Hongling’s ears, freezing her expression in icy resolve. Gripping a fiery red longsword, she swung it down with great force.

The temperature of the area soared sharply.

The foremost bandits at Early Earth Spirit Realm instantly turned to ash.

Their assault slowed, and they drew weapons and spiritual treasures, encircling Ye Hongling.

Though she was Early Celestial Spirit Realm, facing so many Earth Spirit Realm enemies drained her strength.

“Hey, try our Yang Family Village fusion technique: Ghost Fiend Palm!”

Dozens of black palm prints materialized in midair, merging into an enormous skeletal hand nearly three feet wide.

The skeletal hand howled with a chilling wind, its terrifying might sweeping everything before it, suffocating all in its path.

Ye Hongling took several steps back, face icy as frost. Biting her tongue, she soaked her sword's edge with a drop of refined blood, then shouted:

“FireI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.