The morning brought unsettling news ~ Nie Li's group had ventured into the dark prison realm and returned. I found myself reunited with familiar faces: Duan Jian, that muscle-bound warrior with wings sprouting from his back, and Ye Ziyun, whose worried expression spoke volumes about Ning'er's prolonged absence.
"Where has she been these past few weeks?" Ziyun asked, her concern evident.
Since we'd both passed the trial grounds, extended absences were acceptable ~ especially when returning with visible improvements. We kept our explanations vague, mentioning only encounters with wild beasts. The results spoke for themselves: Ning'er had broken through to black gold rank, matching the progress of Nie Li's companions. Only Nie Li himself remained at peak gold rank, though something told me that wouldn't last long.
The night brought chaos. Scouts raced through the streets, their urgent cries piercing the darkness: "Demon beast horde approaching! Ten hours until contact!"
Glory City transformed into a hive of activity. Guards rushed to positions, civilians barricaded themselves indoors and hidden bases, and the air thrummed with desperate preparation.
Nie Li orchestrated his familiar tactics ~ oil traps, specialized bamboo stakes, scarlet blood crystals ~ working alongside the alchemy association and his trusted companions. But his keen eyes noticed something unusual etched into the city walls: intricate runes that surpassed anything in his vast knowledge.
The inscriptions were more ingenious, more energy-efficient than any he'd encountered. Their presence disturbed him deeply. Could another reincarnated soul have arrived before me? The thought haunted him as he prepared for battle.He already went up close and examined it making sure it was not something prepared against them.
The first wave struck with brutal force. Demon beasts crashed against the walls, only to slam into an energy barrier that shimmered across the fortifications. Explosions rippled through their ranks as they triggered my hidden arrays, decimating bronze and silver-ranked creatures.
But I couldn't cover every mile of Glory City's sprawling perimeter. Gaps in my runic coverage became breach points where gold-ranked beasts poured through, managed to crawl up the wall over dead bodies then came crashing down onto the soldiers below like living meteors.
Each soul that entered my realm strengthened me. The cultivation technique I'd mastered refined and absorbed their essence, pushing my power closer to mid-Legend Rank 5. Around me, the battle raged with increasing intensity.
Nie Li found himself caught in the soul absorption process when a gold-ranked beast's claws raked across his chest. The impact sent him flying, but somehow the abnormal soul absorption triggered his breakthrough to black gold rank. Ye Ziyun rushed to his side, her healing arts mending his wounds as she gazed at him with newfound emotion.
She's finally seeing him differently, I observed. All his efforts ~ the gifts, the protection, the sacrifice ~ were breaking through her defenses. Though Huyan Lanruo's persistent pursuit created complications, weaving a love triangle that heaven seemed determined to orchestrate in absence of Xiao Ning who I borrowed.
I stayed near another section of wall, fighting alongside Ye Han. My new sword made short work of the beasts threatening civilian homes, each casual swing empowered by my enhanced physical strength. Yu Yan remained hidden, observing through our soul connection rather than joining the fray directly.
Better to keep her presence secret. Unlike Nie Li's flashy heroics, discretion served my purposes better.
***
The tide turned when two black gold snow wind ape arrived, its massive fists pounding against the barrier with earth-shaking force. Even the sacred family elder Shen Hong and City Lord Ye Zong watched in amazement as their strongest defenses held firm.
But the creatures were cunning. It identified the dead zones in my coverage and systematically hammered at the physical walls until a narrow breach opened. Both of it ran over and Sacred family elders launched their attacks, but the ape forced its way through, causing havoc until the city lord's legendary power finally brought one down. Then one from of his family elder defeated the other one.
The new technique he used to finish the beast left Shen Hong visibly shaken. Having legend realm before me, new techniques, now another rival growing stronger while I stagnate, the elder brooded, his jealousy deepening.
More beasts poured through the breach despite the defenders' valiant efforts. That's when Nie Li's group arrived from defeating the previous wave, with Xiao Ning'er leading the charge. Lightning crackled from her techniques, filling the air with the smell of roasted meat as she carved through the enemy ranks.
Yu Yan stirred restlessly in my soul realm, eager to join the battle. Her urgency finally convinced me to act directly and not drag it down.
Transforming into void form, I surveyed the battlefield beyond the walls. Nearly half a million beasts remained, reorganizing under new leadership, unaware their original commanders had fallen. I gathered law energy from eight different sources, weaving them into a devastating unified beam attack.
The merged energy erupted across the battlefield in a brilliant display of destruction. Terrain reshaped itself under the assault's power. Over half a million demon beasts simply ceased to exist, vaporized by forces beyond their comprehension.
Yu Yan eliminated the survivors with precise strikes from within my protective range.
The aftermath was profound. Every expert ~ human and demon alike ~ froze in stunned silence before the remaining beasts fled in terror. The city lord attributed the display to Nie Li's mysterious master, while Nie Li himself stared in shock at power comparable to the heavenly destiny realm.
That energy pattern... I've never encountered anything like it, he thought, realizing how dramatically this timeline had shifted from his memories. The urgency to grow stronger consumed him. The energy was of course law energy.
Days passed in frantic reconstruction. I was visiting the city lord's residence when Ye Han arrived for his scheduled meeting. Time for him to make his move, I mused, watching the poisoner's tense demeanor.
His assassination attempt proceeded as expected. The dragon tongue herb poison brought down the legendary city lord, but Ye Han's escape was costly ~ the weakened but still formidable leader's retaliatory strike left him severely wounded.
I sent a message to Shen Xiu: "Bring Ye Han outside the city through deception, not force. You can manage this conveniently. Inform me when it's done."
When I arrived at the lord's residence with Ye Ziyun, I found him barely conscious from the poison. The mild version of my immunity elixir, crafted from exotic materials, restored him within minutes. His gratitude was immediate and profound.
"You should remain hidden for now," I advised. "Let rumors spread ~ it's the perfect opportunity to draw out opportunists."
He nodded, already formulating plans. Nie Li's absence was notable, but the city lord rewarded my aid with access to the treasury.
Walking through the treasure vaults with Ye Ziyun, our conversation turned personal.
"We haven't seen much of each other since Ancient Orchid City," she observed.
"I thought you were embarrassed to meet me," I replied with a slight smile. "Even when we do encounter each other, you only engage with Xiao Ning'er."
"Don't bring that up." Her cheeks reddened slightly. "How are things progressing between you two?"
"I probably need to invest more effort," I admitted. "I've been extremely busy lately."
"Treat her well. Any engagement plans?"
"I'm into open relationships."
Her surprise was evident. "She agrees to that?"
"Well... not exactly. The relationship is only open on my side currently." I chuckled. "But I'm not rushing anything. What about you and Nie Li?"
Her expression grew complicated. "He's an incorrigible person who doesn't take anything seriously. Yet I feel burdened by my inability to repay everything he's done. The pills, improved techniques, strengthening my family, exposing the sacred family's ambitions, the defensive arrays around our courtyard, his methods for reducing the beast horde..."
Seeing her conflicted expression, I offered perspective. "You know, I assumed you two were together by now, considering his advances. If it helps, you only need to repay him for the cultivation formula and strength-enhancing items. Everything else stems from his guilt about Glory City's fate in his previous lifetime. He's possibly acting from kindness, not expectation of reward."
She absorbed this quietly as we reached the treasury. I selected a divine guardian stone ~ it's sort of like MCU's vibranium-like metal capable of storing and releasing energy through inscriptions. Perfect protection against poison, flooding, or elemental attacks for someone of her rank.
"Take one too," I offered. "If you venture into the Netherworld, it could save your life."
The beast egg I claimed activated my temporal demon page, which pulsed with new vitality upon contact.
"That's the page you took from me," she recognized.
"Yes. This has some trace of same aura. By the way, I'm already legend rank, and Ning will reach it soon. We'll be leaving the city within a week to investigate this page's origins and gain experience. Would you be interested in joining us?"
"You reached legend rank?" Her shock was genuine. "It's only been a year and a few months since we sat together in class, barely at bronze rank..... I'd come, but father would never agree."
"Your family has gathered sufficient evidence against the sacred family. Be careful during the meeting scheduled for ten days from now. Your father will likely hide you somewhere safe." I left her with that warning.
Back in my room, I channeled law energy into the beast egg. It absorbed power like a black hole until my reserves were depleted. Retreating to my world, I directed heavenly energy toward the egg while Yu Yan approached to greet me.
My soul ventured into the egg's astral plane, meeting fierce resistance from the consciousness within. Despite its attempts to expel me, I persisted until a small connection formed. The bonding inscription would have to wait.
Minutes later, cracks appeared across the shell. What emerged was magnificent ~ a fire spiritual phoenix with over ninety percent pure bloodline, expert in both fire and space law from birth.
"Xiao Huo," I named it. "Little Fire."
After some play time and feeding it heavenly essence, I left Yu Yan and the phoenix together, returning to the physical plane.
Two days later, Shen Hong arranged for Ye Han to join the dark guild, supposedly recognizing his talent. The man received only verbal instructions about the headquarters' location. Shen Xiu accompanied him per my instructions, leading him far from the city walls.
"You should wait here," she told him.
"Why? I was told there wouldn't be escorts."
"It's not an escort. It's my master."
"A master?" Ye Han's interest peaked. "My talent must be impressive if old men are trying to poach me. If he's not at least legend rank, I'll proceed to the dark guild. They might offer better opportunities."
"He is indeed legend rank. Here he comes."
I emerged from the shadows behind Shen Xiu. Panic flashed across Ye Han's face as he shifted into demon spirit form, attempting to flee. My fingers transformed into razor-sharp claws, plunging through his chest to grip his still-beating heart.
He died staring at his own organ in my grasp.
After cleansing myself with soul force, I approached Shen Xiu. Her face was a mixture of anguish and arousal as I placed my palm against her cheek, thumb gently caressing her skin.
"You're performing well for a slave," I murmured. "Following instructions perfectly. Your troubles will end soon. Black gold rank one is good, but insufficient. Use this elixir within ten days to upgrade your cultivation. Remember ~ hide your true level and soul fluctuations using the inscriptions I provided. On the meeting day, I'll assist you."
I left her with a sullen expression and returned to the city.
The remaining days I spent with Yang Xin, providing diluted poison resistance and spirit soul liquid as compensation for my absence. I refined numerous healing elixirs, anticipating the coming confrontation.
Ten days later, I found Ye Ziyun quarreling with Nie Li about going into hiding.
"How about I safeguard her?" I interrupted, approaching with Xiao Ning'er. "I'm legend rank one now. Sacred family members are only black gold rank at most, right?"
"It's not the sacred family we're worried about," Nie Li replied firmly. "It's the dark guild. Don't bring her anywhere near combat zones or she'll become everyone's target. Protect her well, or both the city lord's and my wrath will fall on you."
".....Dude, that's cold," I grunted. "Fine, we'll protect her."
After he left, we moved to Ziyun's quarters. "Should we attend the meeting? Will there be fighting?"
"What's there to see? Your father has at least three legend ranks besides himself. Nie Li's group will prolong the meeting while your father strikes at the sacred family. After capturing or killing them, he'll make a dramatic entrance to end the rumors ~ or the fighting will begin when the dark guild attacks. Either way, this area near city hall will be targeted."
While she contemplated, I pulled Xiao Ning'er into my arms for some affectionate cuddling.
"So, Ning, we'll be heading to the endless desert after this business concludes, searching for the temporal demon spirit book. How is your family's cultivation progressing?"
"Father has reached legend rank, but the elders remain mostly black gold and gold rank. Without your elixirs, they would have exhausted their potential at black gold. Thank you."
"Why thank me? After all, you're mine, right? This is something I should do for you."
Ye Ziyun watched our interaction with evident embarrassment.
"What?" I asked innocently.
"Can't you get a room or something?" she questioned.
"What's embarrassing about cuddling? Do you want one too? Are you jealous?" I teased.
"Not everyone is as thick-skinned as you," Xiao Ning'er chided. "Stop teasing her."
"I want to see the meeting," Ziyun declared hopefully. "Can you do anything about it? But I don't want to be a target."
We're stronger than most people there, I reasoned, transforming into female form and creating a new face with illusions. I extended similar disguises to my companions, and we changed clothes.
"You were the one who attacked Shen Fei," Ziyun recognized despite the facial changes.
"How did you know? It's a different face."
"Your body shape. Why would you do that?"
I added body illusions as well. "Because he once dragged me to an abandoned house and attempted rape. It was revenge for myself, Ning'er, and several other women he'd assaulted."
"Wait, rape you? You were crossdressing that day?" Her confusion was evident. "But your movements and expressions are so feminine, like you're actually... I understand now. You were a girl all along? So your male form is the illusion you use daily? But I just saw you two cuddling together. Ning'er, you...!"
I didn't elaborate as we headed toward the meeting hall.
The great hall buzzed with tension as representatives from major families gathered. I located my father and family members, then approached the guards with subtle mind manipulation, identifying ourselves as Tian Kui family members.
Using illusions, I contacted my father directly, warning him of the impending attack on the sacred family and advising preparation. We repeated this process with the Winged Dragon Family before settling in the guest section.
Huyan Xiong's verbal sparring with the sacred family was masterful, making fools of them before the assembled crowd. Shen Hong's growing desperation was evident as he eyed Nie Li, then scanned the other family representatives.
Seeing only Nie Li and his group present among the younger generation, some premonition struck him. He addressed the assembly about circulating rumors of City lord's death, finding no supporters, then launched a personal attack on Nie Li that fell flat.
When Shen Ming was produced with damning evidence, Shen Hong twisted facts and refused acknowledgment. Nie Li prepared to introduce the dark guild deacon, but I sent a mental warning:
Nie Li halted mid-speech despite Shen Hong's ridicule.
he transmitted back.
He closed the connection and struck several acupoints on deacon Yun Hua, locking his soul sea and clearing foreign soul forces to prevent immediate death by soul chain. Dragging him before Shen Hong, he requested Ye Zong perform soul distillation.
Shen Hong managed to activate something, but the deacon didn't die immediately. Ye Zong's soul distillation revealed: "He is vice president of the dark guild."
But Shen Hong had already ordered the attack and escape.
I'd messaged Shen Xiu to separate from her family when they brought in Yun Hua. She vanished from the hall, appearing beside me as I drew her into my world. Hidden sacred family and dark guild experts attacked from within city hall, providing cover for Shen Hong's escape.
Legend rank experts from Snow Wind, Tian Kui, and Winged Dragon families revealed themselves, alarming the enemies who'd underestimated the city's hidden strength. Many fled outside, only to be trapped by family experts positioned strategically around the building.
Unlike the original plot, Nie Li and Duan Jian successfully cornered and defeated Shen Hong.
Our trio moved to the building's roof, attacking any sacred family members attempting murder and dark guild members trying to flee. The dark guild activated a shadow demon summoning, bringing forth a creature that attacked indiscriminately.
I casually sent wind blades infused with sword techniques and light law. The demon was pierced through, injuring the summoners and diminishing their creation's power. With sacred family expecting only gold and black gold opponents, they'd brought insufficient forces against the legend ranks who now captured or killed their agents.
Ye Zong activated the Snow Wind Deity when the shadow demon appeared, crushing the summoners below. But then dark guild law enforcement leader Gui Sha arrived, wielding a law weapon against the deity.
The artifact damaged the divine construct, but seeing multiple legend ranks below, Gui Sha found himself overwhelmed. As he overloaded his weapon for maximum destruction, I sent lightning law energy to disrupt the artifact, causing him to lose control and plummet.
He activated his demon spirit for a final attack, but Ye Zong's intervention prevented major casualties. Two silver ranks died, but Nie Li's ten thousand demon spirit array minimized the damage, using its aura to crash the attacker into distant mountains.
The assault shattered the mountains, but new arrival Long Sha burst through dramatically. Still, Nie Li managed to injure him with full power before both enemies retreated, promising to return in three months.
The legend ranks prepared to pursue with confidence, but I broadcasted telepathically while using law suppression to ensure attention: "DON'T ATTACK THEM."
My suppression field halted their momentum as I continued: "We don't know if there's a demigod expert by his side besides the demon lord. A demigod mobilizes law energy at peak legend rank ~ just as you can't move in my suppression field, they could slaughter everyone here. Glory City would face massacre."
My strength commanded respect, signaling I was allied with them. They landed and listened as I explained: "If they attack with full force, such mobilization will alert other clans from the Nether realm from where they came from ~ Wugui family, noble demon families, even human clans looking to plunder resources or enjoy our realm's fresh air. You should build strength instead."
They attempted to contact me again but received no response. Ziyun and Ning'er watched in awe.
"Ziyun, if you wish to come with us, decide now. You're black gold rank ~ staying here won't help if you want to participate in the fight three months from now. Ning'er and I leave in two days."
We transformed back and returned to the quarters. Large-scale cleanup began that night. Shen Hong confessed to killing Ziyun's mother out of jealousy, enraging the city lord who executed him immediately.
Many dark guild members killed themselves with soul curses, but survivors were tortured for information. Young sacred family members were captured and stripped of status, wealth, and property. Servants and innocents under their control were relocated and placed under observation ~ they'd rebuild as commoners.
The Shen family was no more. But Shen Xiu was nowhere to be found.