Chapter 1076: The Journey Home! Return to the Sanctum

"Who's there!"

Han You's face darkened with rage. He gathered every ounce of his demonic essence and sent a vicious palm strike surging toward the front.

Ling Feng's eyelids twitched. His body twisted sharply in midair before shooting upward. Even without making direct contact, the gale from Han You's palm strike scraped across his cheek, stinging his skin. The man's strength was terrifying.

"Those who can claim valuable items should keep them!"

Ling Feng lowered his voice as he stepped closer to Shen Xiao, an Essence Blood Pearl gleaming in his hand.

Shen Xiao had not expected such a sudden turn of events. His eyes flicked toward Ling Feng, and a voice brushed against his mind through spiritual transmission. "

Big Brother Shen, do you still remember the Drunken Immortal Brew?

"

"

Mm?

"

Shen Xiao's eyelids twitched. He stared in disbelief, unable to imagine someone of Ling Feng's cultivation making it this far.

Han You noticed that Shen Xiao and Ling Feng stood together. A glint of cold light flickered in his eyes. "Hand over the pearl, or you die!"

Ling Feng chuckled. This man had no idea that he carried six more Essence Blood Pearls. If Han You knew there were eight in total, and that Ling Feng had seven of them, he would not have asked for just one. Ling Feng, of course, would never reveal that.

"Sorry. Once something enters my pocket, I never give it back."

He raised his longsword across his chest, daring Han You to act.

Han You's brows drew together. "It seems you want to die."

"Life is good. Who would want to die? The trouble is, you probably cannot kill me!"

Violet lightning danced around Ling Feng's body. He avoided using the Eradicator of Realms or his Devouring Flame, both of which would have exposed his identity. Without those techniques, Han You had no way of recognizing him.

"Courting death!"

Han You's sword swept out in a single stroke. The oppressive force of the attack locked down every possible escape route.

The Canglong Sanctum's thousand-year prodigy lived up to his reputation.

"Han You, your opponent is me!"

Shen Xiao stepped in front of Ling Feng with his sword raised. "Not under my watch!"

Ling Feng laughed and stepped forward to stand beside him. "Brother Shen, I am not as weak as you think. Let us fight together and drive him back."

"Just you wait!"

Han You clenched his fists. His strength matched Shen Xiao's, and a direct clash would gain him nothing. From their earlier exchange, he had already learned that Ling Feng's movement technique was incredibly fast. With Shen Xiao in the way, there was no chance of catching him.

Han You did not hesitate. He turned and flew away.

The Inverse Dissolution Array was broken, and the ancient soul had perished. The greatest threat in the Heavenly Demon Saint City was gone. With Han You's strength, leaving would be simple.

Ling Feng allowed himself a quiet breath of relief. If Han You had pressed the attack, he would have been forced to use his Chaotic True Form, revealing his identity entirely.

"Well done, Brother Long!"

𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Shen Xiao gave a thumbs-up. "To seize a treasure from Han You... you are the first since his rise to fame!"

"It was only possible because Big Brother Shen stood behind me."

Ling Feng thought for a moment, then retrieved a brocade pouch from his storage spirit ring. "Big Brother Shen, do you recognize this?"

Shen Xiao focused on the pouch. Embroidered on it was a crescent moon and the distinctive cloud pattern of the Yunluo Sacred Land. His pupils contracted. He fixed Ling Feng with a solemn gaze. "This belongs to the Moonlight Saintess. How did it come to be in your hands?"

Ling Feng smiled faintly. With Yue Huaqing as a connection, perhaps he could form a tie with the Yunluo Sacred Land.

He recounted how he had rescued Yue Huaqing in the Misty Mountain Range. Shen Xiao believed him without question and his respect deepened further.

"Brother Long, since you are not of the demon race, the Canglong Sanctum is no place for you. Why not return with me to the Yunluo Sacred Land? You are the Moonlight Saintess's savior. With her recommendation and your talent, you could one day rise to the rank of Sacred Son."

Ling Feng could not agree. Shen Xiao himself was in danger, with many of the Sanctum's experts waiting outside to block him. Following him now would be reckless.

"I appreciate Big Brother Shen's goodwill, but I still have matters to attend to in the Canglong Sanctum. I cannot leave with you yet."

He shook his head. "Now that I have obtained a Blood Pearl, I am content. It is time I left as well."

"Very well." Shen Xiao did not press him. "I have my own search to continue. We part here. Until we meet again!"

"Until we meet again!"

Ling Feng returned the fist-and-palm salute. Inwardly, he thought how amusing it would be if Shen Xiao knew that the Dragon Emperor Seal he sought was already in his possession.

Without lingering, Ling Feng took his leave and returned to the second spatial layer of the Heavenly Demon Saint City. There, he released Bai Linger and allowed her to awaken.

With Bai Linger as a witness, no one could suspect he had acted alone from the start.

She stirred with a soft sound and slowly opened her eyes. Ling Feng steadied her and offered a light smile. "Young lady, how are you feeling?"

"Long Fei?

Wuu...

"

Her gaze fixed on his face. She threw herself into his arms, sobbing, her mind still trapped in the moment she had nearly been violated by Chi Gui.

"

Ugh

..."

Ling Feng hesitated, then awkwardly patted her back. After a while, she calmed, though his robe was soaked with tears.

"It is over now."

He helped her stand. "It seems this cursed place holds nothing else worth finding. I will take you out of here."

"

Mm

."

Her heart warmed.

The two retraced their steps. The havoc wreaked by the ancient soul had left the Canglong Sanctum with heavy losses. In the Purple Dragon Hall alone, a demon emperor, a demon king, and several disciples had perished.

Once the blood-red curtain faded, no one dared to search for treasure. All fled. Ling Feng regrouped with the Purple Dragon Hall disciples and slipped back unnoticed to the Canglong Sanctum's temporary encampment.

Before long, Canglong Sanctum's experts sealed the Heavenly Demon Hall ruins to prevent any monsters from escaping and to capture Shen Xiao and his unknown companion should they emerge.

Seeing the blockade, Ling Feng could only hope Shen Xiao made it out alive.

As for himself, he joined the party returning to the Canglong Sanctum.

Once back, he would meet the demon ruler's summons. When that was done, he could finally return to the Tianfeng Battalion and reunite with his brothers.