265: It has been refined

"So that's how it is!"

Ye Hao narrowed his eyes slightly, understanding dawning in his heart. Indeed, it was almost exactly as he had guessed.

Whether it was this world or the Lesser Exquisite Grotto-Heaven,

there were always some people obsessed with their own Great Dao, willing to engage in all sorts of shady deeds, yet still deceiving themselves into believing their Dao Heart was clear and bright.

The incident with Ye Jing had long since taught him a profound lesson. She was a cousin who had grown up with him since childhood, yet merely because he possessed an immortal bone, she could completely abandon that Bloodline-connected familial affection. And the actions of that old thing from the Chusheng Sect were equally despicable.

Li Pingan, standing nearby, also commented, "He really is a newborn?!"

Yun Xuanxuan slightly raised her head, her clear and bright eyes captivating, her tone cheerful: "Fortunately, that old beast won't live much longer, and the Chusheng Sect has now become a rat scurrying across the street that everyone shouts at and beats. These evildoers have finally gotten their deserved retribution."

Fang Ningyan glanced sideways at her friend beside her, her heart filled with myriad emotions.

Since meeting at the Demon Suppressing Tower, these past few days were probably the most relaxed and happiest she had ever seen Yun Xuanxuan.

"By the way, Young Master Ye and Young Master Li, are you here in the Rain God Continent for training?" Fang Ningyan suddenly asked.

Ye Hao and the other nodded in unison: "Indeed we are."

"Then it would be best for you two to take a ferry and leave as soon as possible. In a few days, the Rain God Continent will likely become completely unstable."

Unstable?

Just as Ye Hao was about to press for details, Fang Ningyan already explained in a grave tone: "The Demon Race Continent has assembled hundreds of thousands of demon soldiers and has already finalized a plan to attack the Rain God Sect. Once this great war begins, the Rain God Continent will inevitably fall into chaos."

"That doesn't seem particularly unusual in the Rain God Continent, does it?" Ye Hao pondered briefly before speaking slowly.

After all, this continent had been entangled in conflict with the Yao Race for over a thousand years. Although the intervals between each great war varied, within a century, the two sides would always have such a confrontation, sometimes even three or four times. Many Cultivators from other continents specifically came to kill demons during the war periods.

Killing demons on the Arena Stage was ultimately limited by the rules of the Demon Suppressing Tower's Elders, not exhilarating enough; but on a real battlefield, life-and-death struggles at the brink were more likely to help one break through their own limits.

Of course, only a minority could actually achieve a Breakthrough this way; most Cultivators could only become withered bones on the battlefield.

But the cultivation world was, in itself, the greatest example of survivor bias.

Knowing full well that the path to Immortal Ascension was one in ten thousand, countless people still flocked to it, willing to take the gamble.

"This time is different." Fang Ningyan shook her head with a grave expression. "This time, the Yao Race has planned a thunderous strike for many years, while the major powers in the Rain God Continent have grown increasingly weak over the years. This battle might very well be the last great war for the Rain God Continent."

The last great war... Only then did Ye Hao's expression turn more serious.

If the Rain God Continent were truly breached by the Yao Race, then the next to suffer would be the Flame Continent, which bordered it.

"I understand. Thank you for informing me, Miss!"

Ye Hao solemnly cupped his hands in salute.

Yun Xuanxuan, standing nearby, inadvertently glanced in the direction of the house and quickly reminded: "Sister Fang, your little Disciple has woken up."

Fang Ningyan instinctively turned to look back but didn't see anyone.

Yun Xuanxuan had to add: "She just peeked out at us, saw we were talking, and then ducked back in on her own."

Fang Ningyan hesitated for a moment but ultimately apologized to Ye Hao and the other: "Young Masters, I should go check on Yueer first."

Ye Hao returned the salute: "Speaking of which, we two should also take our leave."

He paused, hesitated for a moment, then spoke up: "Miss Yun, if you ever have nowhere to go in the future, you might consider coming to my Dao Seeking Sect in the Flame Continent. At that time, my Dao Seeking Sect will surely be able to provide you with a peaceful haven."

Given his Revered Master's temperament, if he learned of the plight of the Rain God Continent's people, and the difficulties faced by Yun Xuanxuan and Fang Ningyan, he would definitely not stand idly by.

Hmm... Perhaps it wouldn't stop there. With his Revered Master's thunderous methods, he might have already single-handedly wiped out that evil Chusheng Sect.

Dao Seeking Sect?

Yun Xuanxuan lowered her head in thought for a few seconds, then raised her eyes, her gaze sincere: "Thank you for your kindness, Young Masters. I have a small favor to ask of you two."

As her words fell, Yun Xuanxuan willed it, and the pair of light Green Wings behind her lifted slightly, presenting a lustrous, translucent Storage Ring to Ye Hao.

Ye Hao quickly waved his hand: "Miss Yun, if you have something to say, please speak directly. There's no need for this."

Yun Xuanxuan didn't dwell on such formalities either and said gravely: "Since you two Young Masters come from a major Sect in the Flame Continent, if the Rain God Continent is fortunate enough to survive this calamity and isn't occupied by the Yao Race, I implore you to look after Sister Fang and her Disciple a bit more within the Flame Continent's territory in the future."

She paused, then hurriedly added: "Of course, no need to go to too much trouble. Just offer some help within your means when they encounter difficulties."

Li Pingan looked at the half-human, half-demon woman before him and suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, almost as if he were seeing the Eldest Senior Sister from his Sect.

Although their personalities were quite different—the Eldest Senior Sister was always optimistic and lively, while this Miss Yun was much more steady and reserved—the words she just spoke, always thinking of others, bore some resemblance to the Eldest Senior Sister's demeanor.

The woman before him had a pure and bright face, skin whiter than snow, and eyes that always gave a feeling of sun-facing flowers and trees.

If not for those distinctive light Green Wings and those small yet sharp Bird Claws, she would probably be a beautiful Fairy just like the Eldest Senior Sister.

Ye Hao nodded slightly, a gentle smile appearing on his face: "Miss Yun, rest assured. Although I haven't known Miss Su Yue for long, if she truly encounters any trouble in the future, we Disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect will naturally not stand by with folded arms."

His gaze fell on the storage ring, and he gently shook his head: "This storage ring is unnecessary."

Hearing Ye Hao agree, a weight lifted from Yun Xuanxuan's heart, and she let out a soft sigh of relief, but the hand holding out the storage ring did not withdraw:

"Young Master Ye, please take these things. They're useless to me anyway, and keeping them would be a waste."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Yun Xuanxuan frowned in annoyance.

Didn't that sound like she was casually giving away things she didn't want?

She quickly flapped her wings twice, urgently explaining: "Young Master Ye, that's not what I meant. I meant these things..."

"I understand your intention, Miss Yun. But you yourself need resources for cultivation. Moreover, I agreed to this matter because I feel a certain affinity with Miss Su Yue and also admire your and Miss Fang's character. This is not a transaction."

After some back-and-forth, Yun Xuanxuan ultimately failed to give away the storage ring.

She felt helpless inside; it was the first time she had encountered a situation where she couldn't give a gift. The cultivation resources inside the storage ring were all taken from Chusheng Sect Cultivators and were indeed of little use to her. Besides, whether she could survive the turmoil in the Rain God Continent was still unknown.

Forget it, I'll find a way to give it to Sister Fang later.

"Alright, Miss Yun, we've disturbed you for quite a while. It's time for us to set off." Ye Hao bid farewell once more.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached, and a burly Werewolf rushed in, looking panicked:

"N-no... not good, S-Sister Yun! That old beast... that old beast has refined it!"

Yun Xuanxuan was momentarily stunned, not reacting immediately: "Refined what?"

The Werewolf took several deep breaths before barely steadying himself, saying gravely: "It's that old beast from the Chusheng Sect. He's refined... the demon transformation pill!"