220: Chapter 219 Heavenly Ruins Realm

Tianxu Realm is located at the intersection of the thirty-three Immortal Realms and is an ancient cultivation site independent of any faction.

Legend has it that an ancient Immortal Emperor once preached here. The Spiritual Qi in Tianxu Realm is so dense that it is visible to the naked eye, forming pale golden mists that swirl among the mountains; one breath alone makes one feel their cultivation base loosening.

As Xiao Ye followed behind the Immortal King in White and stepped through the final boundary gate, he couldn't help but take a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, remarking with sincere emotion: "This place is far better than my Xiao Mansion."

The Immortal King in White glanced at him: "If you like it, you can designate a piece of land within the Realm to stay temporarily after winning the championship."

"Then I must take first place first." Xiao Ye smiled, his gaze sweeping across the vast square ahead. The square was already filled with Golden Immortal Prodigies from various Realms, standing in groups of three or five, their auras like deep abysses, with undercurrents surging as they sized each other up.

Some were whispering to each other, some were resting with their eyes closed, and others were secretly observing every face that could potentially become an opponent.

Xiao Ye's entrance drew quite a few gazes—after all, he was the lead general of a regional representative team, and his cultivation base was evident. However, there was more curiosity and disdain regarding his status as someone who had undergone Ascension.

"I heard that the White-Clad Immortal Realm sent someone who underwent Ascension as their main force this year?"

"A mere Ascension from the Lower Realm, how strong can he be? I'm afraid he can't even digest the Spiritual Qi of Tianxu Realm."

"I heard he once repelled two veteran Golden Immortals."

"That must be trash like Tai'an, right? If it were me, I could also repel two."

The murmurs were neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to drift into Xiao Ye's ears.

He wasn't angry, but instead looked in the direction of the voices—the speakers were a few young Cultivators, dressed in luxurious clothing, looking extraordinary. One could tell at a glance that they were second-generation immortals who had been born with immortal herbs in their mouths. Their cultivation Realms were not low, but the "I am your sworn enemy" attitude in their tone made Xiao Ye want to laugh a little.

Just as he was about to withdraw his gaze, one of the young men in brocade clothes suddenly walked towards him, stopped three zhang away, and cupped his fists: "Are you Xiao Ye? I am Cang Xuanfei from the Cangxuan Holy Land."

Xiao Ye nodded: "Hm."

Cang Xuanfei's eyes flickered slightly: "I heard that Your Excellency once fought one against two in the Hengyu Mountain Range and defeated two veteran Golden Immortals. I, Cang Xuanfei, am untalented, but I would like to request some pointers. I wonder if Brother Xiao dares to accept the challenge?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the surroundings suddenly quieted down. Many people cast looks of anticipation—the grand competition hadn't even officially started, and there was already a good show to watch.

Xiao Ye glanced at him, then looked at the expectant gazes all around, and sighed slightly: "If you want to fight, we will naturally meet at the grand competition. If we fight now, even if you lose, you will say I won unfairly."

"I don't care about that!" Cang Xuanfei raised his voice, "I only want to witness your Great Dao of Strength."

Xiao Ye was silent for a moment, then smiled: "Fine."

He did not move his feet, but merely raised his right hand, spread his fingers, aimed at the direction of Cang Xuanfei, and gently pressed down.

A heavy force descended from the sky, as if an invisible mountain range was pressing down across the air. The stone slab under Cang Xuanfei's feet cracked instantly in response. His face flushed red, his legs began to tremble, and his shoulders sank violently—he desperately tried to stabilize his stance, but felt that the force was still increasing, as if a mountain was slowly being stacked on top of him.

"Enough." Xiao Ye withdrew his hand. The pressure on Cang Xuanfei instantly vanished, and he stumbled half a step forward before barely managing to stand steady.

He looked up at Xiao Ye, his expression complex. His lips moved, but in the end, he didn't say anything. The surroundings were silent, to the point where one could hear a pin drop. The taunt about the "Lower Realm Ascension" was not mentioned by anyone at this moment.

"Since we are here, there is no rush. A fair and square match at the grand competition is more interesting than anything else." Xiao Ye patted his robes and turned to walk back to the side of the Immortal King in White, his tone as relaxed as if he had just taken a stroll.

That evening, Xiao Ye was brewing tea in the small courtyard where he was temporarily staying in Tianxu Realm, when a young woman in a pale green long dress poked her head in from outside the courtyard gate.

He put down the teapot and looked up at her: "Is something the matter?"

The woman in the green dress was slightly stunned, then walked in gracefully: "I am a Disciple of the Tianyin Immortal Sect, named Lu Sheng. The palm strike you used during the day was truly powerful. I... would like to ask, how did you manage to suppress a Golden Immortal with one hand?"

"When the force reaches that level, it naturally suppresses them." Xiao Ye poured her a cup of tea, "Sit."

Lu Sheng thanked him and sat down, holding the teacup with both hands, taking a small sip. As she lowered her head, a section of her fair neck was exposed. Xiao Ye glanced at her, said nothing more, and silently made a mental note—Li Dan should be quite satisfied with this appearance and temperament.

"If you are interested in the Great Dao of Strength, you can come to sit at the Xiao Mansion in Wangyue City some other day." Xiao Ye put down his teacup, "My mansion often hosts banquets; eating, drinking, and chatting about the Dao along the way is quite nice."

Lu Sheng blinked, taking a long time to react: "Is this... asking me out?"

Xiao Ye nodded frankly: "You can understand it that way."

Lu Sheng couldn't help but "pfft" and laugh out loud: "Emperor Xiao is indeed just as the rumors say, living up to his reputation."

"Of course, my reputation has been tested." Xiao Ye picked up the teapot and refilled her cup, "Enjoy it slowly; there is more when you finish."

The night breeze blew gently, and the starlight in Tianxu Realm hung so low it felt as if one could reach out and pluck it. In the small courtyard, the fragrance of tea curled, and one could faintly hear the sounds of preparations at the grand competition venue in the distance, but Xiao Ye was too lazy to think about those things for now. Tomorrow's matters can be discussed tomorrow.

In any case, the fighting must happen, and a consort must be married. In Xiao Ye's heart, these two things were always tied for first place.