"What?"
Everyone was stunned.
A dignified elder of the Feathered Immortal Sect… was killed by Ye Junlin?
Xu Younian's expression froze. He asked in disbelief, "Junior Brother Ye, are you joking? With your cultivation..."
Clearly, he didn't believe it.
But Ye Junlin simply smiled and said, "Actually, I'm not in the Nascent Soul Realm."
As he spoke, he deliberately released his cultivation aura.
BOOM!
In an instant, it was as if an invisible storm had swept over the mountain. Xu Younian and the others felt like they'd plunged into an icy abyss, every hair on their body standing on end. Their legs turned weak, and a deep, primal fear gripped their hearts.
It was the pressure of an absolute powerhouse.
"Soul Formation Realm?!"
Their eyes widened in disbelief. Shock rolled over them like thunder.
In the Wasteland Province, a Nascent Soul cultivator could dominate the land.
But a Soul Formation Realm cultivator? That was a giant who could walk sideways across the entire Eastern Region—no sect would dare provoke such a person lightly.
A single stomp from someone at that level could shake the whole region.
Xu Younian had just been rejoicing at Ye Junlin's strength, but when he glanced down at the Feathered Immortal Sect token in his hand, his joy evaporated and was replaced by deep anxiety.
"Junior Brother Ye, what exactly happened? Why did you kill someone from the Feathered Immortal Sect?"
The Feathered Immortal Sect wasn't some local force—they were a behemoth that could crush the Xuantian Sect without effort. In comparison, their sect was less than dust.
Ye Junlin didn't hide anything. "Here's what happened…" And so, he told the entire story.
"What? Chen Yunhai's son was taken in as the direct disciple of a Venerable from the Feathered Immortal Sect?!"
"No wonder an elder came all the way out here… the Wind-Thunder Sect was blessed."
"But now the Wind-Thunder Sect's destroyed, and you killed a Feathered Immortal Sect elder. This... this can't be resolved peacefully!"
After hearing the whole truth, the peak masters all panicked. Their anxiety boiled over.
Xu Younian sighed. "Forget it, this is fate. Even if Junior Brother Ye hadn't acted, Chen Yunhai had the backing of the Feathered Immortal Sect. He would have attacked us eventually."
"But what should we do now? We've made enemies with the Feathered Immortal Sect. Can the Xuantian Sect still survive in the Eastern Region?" asked the master of Heavenly Fragrance Peak, worry heavy in her voice.
A heavy silence fell over them.
Then, Xu Younian's expression shifted. As if making a decision, he looked seriously at Ye Junlin.
"Junior Brother Ye, you're extraordinarily talented and have a deep connection to the Immortal Dao. You must not waste your future here. If you ask me… it's better that you leave the Eastern Region. The Feathered Immortal Sect will come seeking revenge. We may all die. But as long as you live, there's still hope for the Xuantian Sect."
"The Sect Master is right," said the master of Hidden Sword Peak firmly.
"Agreed."
The other peak masters nodded in unison, eyes full of grim resolve.
Ye Junlin was stunned.
This sect… actually has such strong unity?
"Everyone, don't worry. Leave this matter to me. I'll handle it." Ye Junlin grinned.
Rather than fear, he felt excited.
If someone stronger came after him because of the Feathered Immortal Sect… wasn't that the perfect chance?
After all, Strength Through Adversity wasn't just for show.
As long as the opponent was powerful enough, Ye Junlin was guaranteed to break through again!
[Ding! It has been detected that there is a suitable disciple candidate within a hundred miles. Suspected to be the leader of the Demon Cult — cultivation level: True Immortal! Would the host like to go and accept them as a disciple? Completing this mission will yield unimaginable rewards!]
At that moment, a flirtatious MILF-like voice rang out in Ye Junlin's mind.
He froze.
Huh?!
The system actually wanted him to go recruit a disciple?
And not just any disciple—the leader of the Demon Cult, someone at the True Immortal level?!
There were existences at that level in the Wasteland Province?!
Wait—if I go provoke him…
Wouldn't the system skyrocket me straight to True Immortal too?!
Ye Junlin's heart pounded with excitement.
Nice! I'm about to take off!
Even if he failed to accept the guy as a disciple… he had to go!
"But…"
Xu Younian hesitated. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but Ye Junlin casually waved his hand to interrupt.
"Everyone, do as you see fit. I'll take my leave."
Then—whoosh!
He activated the Great Void Technique and vanished from the spot, leaving the peak masters frozen and speechless.
…
…
Purple Void Bamboo Forest.
The bamboo leaves rustled in the wind, flickering green shadows dancing across the forest floor.
A tall figure stumbled through the undergrowth in utter disarray, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Hong Qianye — hair disheveled, face pale yet inexplicably beautiful — fled with quiet fury in his eyes. A vermillion flame-shaped mark blazed between his brows, and his crimson phoenix eyes shimmered with both grief and rage.
From behind, a lecherous voice echoed through the bamboo:
"Jie Jie Jie Jie… beauty, don't run. Come, let this master have his fun!"
Hearing this, a vein popped on Hong Qianye's forehead. He whipped around and screamed, "Let me go already! How many times do I have to tell you?! I'm a man! A man!!!"
But the perverted cultivator chasing him just burst into laughter, his gaze filled with lust.
"You're too beautiful to be a man. Stop lying, little fox."
The angrier Hong Qianye got, the more flustered he became. He could feel his pursuer gaining ground—and a deep sense of humiliation churned in his chest.
A tiger fallen into the mud, bullied by dogs…
Once, he had been an unstoppable force.
The leader of the Flame Demon Cult, a mighty demonic faction that ruled over kingdoms. Hundreds of millions had worshipped him. The flame-shaped sigil on his brow was a symbol of terror across the Central Region.
At the peak of his power, he had even reached the legendary True Immortal Realm.
But the righteous factions of the Central Region had conspired against him. Dozens of Holy Lands and top sects formed an alliance to crush his cult in one sweeping campaign. Betrayed by his own allies, surrounded on all sides, his empire crumbled overnight.
That day, the skies over the Central Region were torn apart by immortal power. And he—Hong Qianye—became the prime target of their crusade.
In desperation, he performed a forbidden escape art, sacrificing his entire cultivation to force his way out. Through fire, storm, and blood, he fled to the Eastern Region… and hid in this remote province to recover in secret.
Now, he was no longer the True Immortal he once was.
His cultivation had fallen all the way to the early Foundation Establishment Realm.
He'd planned to rebuild slowly, regather his strength, and one day return for revenge.
Instead… he encountered a filthy pervert.
And he was about to be caught.
If a degenerate like that succeeded in defiling him—the former Flame Demon Monarch—how would he ever face himself again? He'd rather die!
"Beauty, keep running! Hehehe, this master's going to catch you~"
The one giving chase—Master Kong—had sunken dark circles under his eyes, as if hollowed out by years of depravity. Riding a streak of golden light, he darted through the bamboo like a hungry predator, eyes glued to Hong Qianye's figure.
As a cultivator at the late Golden Core Realm, catching someone in the Foundation Establishment Realm should've been effortless.
He flicked his sleeve, and several silver nails shot through the air, aimed at Hong Qianye's limbs.
Hearing the whistle of metal, Hong Qianye's face tightened. He made a hand seal and activated his Crimson Flame Shield to intercept.
Boom!
The nails collided with the barrier—and shattered it in a fiery burst.
Hong Qianye let out a pained grunt, his body flung backward. He crashed through several bamboo stalks before hitting the ground hard.
Blood threatened to rise in his throat, but he swallowed it back down. Gritting his teeth, he tried to escape again—only to see the space around him sealed by nails glowing with sealing arrays.
"Hmm?" Master Kong frowned. "Not bad. Foundation Realm, but you blocked my fifth-grade spirit weapon? You're tougher than you look."
His eyes narrowed.
Could she be a core disciple from some major sect, sent out to train?
He shook his head. Who cared?
Once he had his fun, he'd dispose of the body and there will be no loose ends.
"Damn it…" Hong Qianye's delicate, icy features twisted in fury.
If it weren't for all his talismans being depleted and his magic weapons destroyed during that last battle, how could he be reduced to this? Chased around like a stray dog by a sleazy Golden Core pervert?
"Stop resisting, beauty," Master Kong leered. "This master's patience is thin. Be a good girl now, and I'll go easy on you."
The silver nails hovered again, trembling with killing intent.
Back to the wall, no way out—Hong Qianye finally snapped.
He thrust out both arms and tore open the front of his robes, revealing a muscular, scar-free chest. His eyes were bloodshot as he roared:
"Screw your entire ancestry! Open your damn eyes and LOOK! I'm a man! A fucking MAN!!!"**
The bamboo forest went dead silent.
Master Kong's eyes almost popped out of his head.
"…Huh?"
His jaw dropped.
He really is a guy?!
He'd chased this "beauty" for hours—his imagination running wild—only to discover…
It was a man???
"See it now? We're both men! Just like you!" Hong Qianye snapped, adjusting his robe with an exhausted sigh. "Stop chasing me already!"
With that, he turned to leave. He'd had enough of this madness.
From now on, he'd have to be more careful. In this world, there were too many damn weirdos.
But just as he was about to disappear into the bamboo...
"Wait a moment…"
Master Kong's voice floated over gently.
Hong Qianye froze. A cold chill ran down his spine.
"…Actually," Master Kong murmured, eyes gleaming,
"men… aren't entirely off the table."
"What?!"
Hong Qianye's eyes widened, a chill creeping up his spine.
That tone... that look...
"Hehe..."
Master Kong licked his lips with a twisted smile, eyes burning with lust.
"With a face like yours, even if you're a man… this master still wants to try. Be a good little thing and get down on all fours."
"Get lost!"
Hong Qianye roared, voice filled with fury and humiliation.
"I'd rather die than let you touch me!"
He gathered the last remnants of Qi in his body and rapidly formed hand seals.
Above his head, a brilliant orange-red flame burst into existence—like a blooming lotus of fire. The searing blaze pulsed with terrifying power, its petals elegant yet lethal.
The air around them ignited.
Dry leaves smoldered.
Even the bamboo groaned under the rising heat.
"Huh?!"
Master Kong's expression changed instantly. He took an uneasy step back, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
What the hell was this spell?!
A Foundation Realm cultivator conjuring this kind of formation?!
Was this Profound Grade? Earth Grade?!
The oppressive heat coiled around him like a snake.
"You little slut—you've really pissed me off!"
Master Kong snarled.
But what answered him wasn't a scream—it was cold, sovereign rage.
Hong Qianye's long black hair fluttered in the blazing wind.
The cold, ruthless light in his eyes had returned—like a glimpse of the former demon monarch he once was.
"Burn in hell."
SWOOOOSH!!
The blazing lotus unfurled its petals fully and shot forward, its brilliance like a sun falling from the heavens.
Master Kong paled in terror. He raised his hand and summoned his magic weapon in desperation—but as soon as the nails met the lotus flame, they sizzled and melted like butter in a furnace.
"W-Wait—!"
Too late.
The lotus engulfed him in an instant.
"AAAAAHHHHHH—!"
His wretched screams echoed through the bamboo, but only for a moment.
The flame lotus wrapped around him like gangrene clinging to bone—burning through flesh, bone, soul, and spirit.
By the time the wind passed through again, nothing remained.
Only a pile of black ash scattered to the forest floor.
Hong Qianye staggered, barely able to stay upright.
"Pervert. You deserved that."
He sneered through clenched teeth, but his vision was already blurring.
That move—while devastating—had come at a heavy price.
His Dantian was on the verge of collapse. His Qi was utterly drained. His body screamed in pain.
This technique is designed for realms way higher than Golden Core realm. At the Foundation stage, casting it was like igniting a mountain with a candle wick—it could burn brightly for a second, but the backlash was monstrous.
If that hadn't killed him… I really would've had nothing left.
Even though he had powerful magical techniques engraved into his memory, his current cultivation couldn't support them.
There was a time he could've crushed a guy like Master Kong with just a glance.
Now?
He was barely holding on.
Blood boiled beneath his skin. His body trembled. He was as fragile as a baby beast surrounded by wolves.
"Damn it all…"
He gritted his teeth and stood up with great difficulty.
"I need to get out of here immediately and find a place to recover…
…before someone even worse shows up."
"Hey now, that pervert really died a horrible death. You've got quite the background, huh?"
A sudden voice pierced the silence.
Hong Qianye, who had just begun to relax, froze on the spot. His pupils shrank.
Emerging slowly from the depths of the bamboo was an old beggar.
His hair was a wild mess, his nose red from drink, a wine gourd in one hand and a strange glint in his eyes. His smile was sly, his steps casual—but everything about him screamed danger.
"Who are you?!"
Hong Qianye's heart sank.
Seriously? Another one?!
The old beggar waved lazily. "Don't be so tense, little friend. I was just passing by and happened to witness that interesting fight. I knew Master Kong, but we weren't close. I won't avenge him."
He grinned, showing crooked yellow teeth.
"And don't worry—my preferences are perfectly normal."
"…Good."
Hong Qianye forced a sigh of relief, cupped his fists politely, and said, "Then, fellow cultivator, I'll take my leave."
But inside, alarms were blaring.
Every instinct screamed that this old man was very dangerous.
He turned to leave—but just as he stepped away, a gust of wind blew past his ear.
Boom—!
The beggar appeared directly in front of him, his face twisted into a sinister grin.
"But compared to that dead fool, what I'm really interested in… is the secret you're hiding."
Before Hong Qianye could react, an overwhelming Golden Core Realm aura descended like a mountain.
His knees buckled.
Crack, crack—
His bones creaked under the pressure. His vision blurred. Bloodshot eyes struggled to stay focused.
"You…"
Rage surged in his heart—but it was useless.
This was bad. Really, really bad.
Hong Qianye had clawed his way up from the mud of the demonic world, crossed countless life-and-death trials, and finally ascended to immortality. If anyone knew how cruel and treacherous cultivators could be—it was him.
And right now, this old beggar clearly wanted to rip open his mind and plunder his deepest secrets.
"Hehe… let me see what you're hiding."
The old man reached out with a shriveled hand, voice calm but full of malice.
Hong Qianye trembled.
In this state, he was a lamb to the slaughter.
Was this… the end of his revenge?
The hand approached. It was almost on his head.
The Soul Search was coming.
"I'm not convinced! I refuse—!"
Hong Qianye screamed internally, shame and despair surging.
BOOM—!!!
Suddenly—
The world seems to collapse.
A terrifying pressure swept through the bamboo forest, distorting space itself.
The old beggar's smile froze.
His pupils shrank. Cold sweat poured down his back.
"W-Who?!"
He spun around in horror—only to see space ripple open like water.
A black-robed young man stepped out, hands clasped behind his back.
His silver-white hair billowed like silk in the wind. His features were as sharp as a blade, and his eyes radiated piercing divine light.
Just a glance—and the old beggar was paralyzed with fear.
"…S-Senior…" he stammered, trembling.
The newcomer didn't respond.
Ye Junlin narrowed his eyes and looked past the beggar—down at Hong Qianye, who was still kneeling, pale and broken.
"…Huh?"
His brow furrowed.
"System, come out here right now. Tell me—this guy's the leader of the Demon Cult? And he's at the True Immortal level? Does this look like a True Immortal to you? He's a damn Foundation Realm weakling!"
[Ding! The system did not lie. This individual was once a True Immortal. He has only recently fallen in cultivation.]
[Ding! The Eye of Insight has been activated for the host.]
A translucent panel instantly appeared in Ye Junlin's vision.
[Name]: Hong Qianye
[Sex]: Male
[Cultivation]: Foundation Establishment – Early Stage
[Talent]: Immortal Fire Spiritual Root (Damaged)
[Identity]: Former Leader of the Flame Demon Cult; True Immortal Cultivator who once overcame tribulation to ascend
"Holy crap. It's real?!"
Ye Junlin was shocked.
This guy used to be that strong?!
A True Immortal? Leader of a demonic sect?
Now he's so weak that a stiff wind could kill him.
"Wait a minute…"
Ye Junlin stared harder at the gender field.
"…This is a man?!"
He blinked, looked down at Hong Qianye again—this time with fresh eyes.
That flawless snow-white skin…
Those delicate, almost ethereal features…
The red phoenix eyes glimmering like rubies…
Even the vermilion flame mark between his brows added a strange, dangerous beauty.
Honestly?
Most girls wouldn't dare stand next to him. They'd look plain in comparison.
Ye Junlin coughed lightly.
Ahem. Definitely a man. But... holy hell.
He had thought this was some cross-dressing powerhouse. But judging by the clothing, there was no disguise at all.
He was just naturally this beautiful.
Add in the long hair and frail build—anyone would make the same mistake.
Ye Junlin rubbed his chin.
"Though he's only Foundation Realm now… anyone who once reached True Immortal can surely rise again."
"Accepting him as a disciple is an investment. And the bragging rights—come on, commanding a former True Immortal Demonic Cult leader? That's peak cheat protagonist material!"
Meanwhile, Hong Qianye was staring at him in despair.
"It's over… he's even stronger than the old beggar…"
From his perspective, this new arrival was just another predator drawn by his secrets.
He didn't know who Ye Junlin was—but the power radiating off him could only belong to a Soul Formation Realm cultivator or higher!
And in the world of cultivation, those with secrets rarely died clean.
In Hong Qianye's eyes, the outcome hadn't changed at all.
One leech had been replaced by another.
He was still doomed.