Chapter 453 - 459: Advancing to the Early Stage of Soul Emergence

The Great Elder began to calculate. ’If that’s really the case, my chances of victory will decrease.’

But for the two of them to escape from his grasp? That was absolutely impossible. So what if one of them was a newly advanced Integration Stage Cultivator? ’He still won’t be my match.’

So he just snorted coldly and made thorough preparations to prevent them from using the Heavenly Tribulation as a cover to escape. Now *that* would be a real problem.

However, the person he had misidentified, Baili Shang, the Young Master of the Demon Clan, was currently staring at the figure in the sky with a grave expression, his eyes filled with unconcealable shock and confusion.

Because the person facing the tribulation was none other than Song Wanning.

’But didn’t Song Wanning just advance to the Late-stage Void Refining?’

’And now she’s suddenly skipped two levels to advance to the Early Stage of Soul Emergence?’

’And most importantly, why is her body overflowing with Demonic Qi?’

’She’s clearly a Demon Cultivator!!!’

’But that person is, without a doubt, Song Wanning.’

Baili Shang’s expression grew increasingly grim. He seemed to have discovered an extraordinary secret.

’Song Wanning... can cultivate both spiritual and demonic energy!!!’

BOOM—

The first bolt of Heavenly Thunder descended, interrupting Baili Shang’s train of thought.

He looked up to see the terrifying bolt of Heavenly Thunder completely envelop Song Wanning.

But her figure remained steadfast in mid-air, not even twitching.

The interest in his eyes intensified. He was filled with curiosity for this mysterious woman, Song Wanning.

...

BOOM—

Several more bolts of Heavenly Thunder descended in succession, yet Song Wanning remained motionless. Inside her, however, the Divine Thunder Seed was frantically absorbing the Heavenly Thunder to bolster its own energy.

The Jinghong Sword was doing the same. As a sword that already possessed the Thunder Attribute, it felt as if it had returned to the warmth of its homeland, practically vibrating with glee.

As for the one undergoing the tribulation, Song Wanning didn’t feel the slightest bit of discomfort. She leisurely savored the baptism of lightning.

The Demonic Qi within her was being frantically absorbed, gradually expanding her meridians and acupoints. Even her Dantian grew more spacious.

The four-colored orb in her Dantian also trembled with excitement.

It seemed to be celebrating yet another one of her breakthroughs.

BOOM—

The final bolt of Heavenly Thunder descended, completely drowning Song Wanning’s figure in its light.

The next moment, the Heavenly Thunder dissipated completely. A vibrant, multi-colored light shone down, landing squarely upon her.

At that moment, she closed her eyes in comfort. Even her Divine Soul felt as if it were being cleansed.

Although she had only absorbed a portion of the Demon God’s spiritual power, her Cultivation now far surpassed the Out-of-Body Stage. She could even hold her own against an Integration Stage Cultivator.

Her strength was still lacking, however.

Still, Song Wanning’s rate of advancement was already monstrous. Anywhere else, she would be considered a genius among geniuses.

Finally, the radiant light faded.

Invigorated, Song Wanning descended from the sky, only to be met by the sight of Baili Shang watching her, his arms crossed and a nonchalant look on his face.

She raised an eyebrow. ’We haven’t crossed paths in so long, but it seems undergoing my tribulation gave away my position.’

’But from the looks of it, Baili Shang isn’t here to cause trouble.’

She landed gently and offered a smile.

Baili Shang walked over and got straight to the point. "The Demon God’s source is with you, isn’t it?"

Though phrased as a question, his tone was one of absolute certainty.

’For Song Wanning to advance so rapidly, she must have obtained the Demon God’s source.’

Hearing this, Song Wanning didn’t bother to hide it. She simply nodded.

"You guessed right."

She was wary on the inside, but her expression remained nonchalant.

Baili Shang chuckled softly and looked deep into Song Wanning’s eyes.

"Relax, I’m not going to take it by force."

His expression was one of yearning mixed with a hint of admiration as he gazed through the barrier toward the depths of the sky.

"The Demon God... what a legendary figure he was. The fact that you obtained his source proves you have his recognition!"

"I am not your equal. I accept my defeat."

Baili Shang’s expression was open and honest. ’Since the Demon God didn’t choose me, it simply means I wasn’t worthy.’

The Demon God had been his idol ever since he started cultivating; he would staunchly defend the Demon God’s choice.

Now it was Song Wanning’s turn to be surprised.

’To remain so level-headed in the face of such a massive opportunity... this Young Master of the Demon Clan has an extraordinary character.’

"You’re quite remarkable yourself."

She praised him sincerely. "If the Demon God knew the Demon Clan had produced a junior of your caliber, he would be very pleased."

Song Wanning wasn’t lying. Given the Demon God’s personality, he would have certainly admired an outstanding junior like Baili Shang.

’It’s a pity the Demon God will never be able to meet him.’

Baili Shang finally smiled at her words.

It was the first time she had seen him give a genuine smile since they had met.

Song Wanning watched him as they exchanged a smile. Nothing more needed to be said; they had reached a silent understanding.

As fellow devotees of the Demon God, their bond had naturally grown much stronger.

...

「Half a month later.」

Song Wanning’s Cultivation had completely stabilized, and she had grown accustomed to fighting alongside the Jinghong Sword.

For the past half a month, Baili Shang had willingly served as her sparring partner, helping her adapt to the new strength in her body and her Mana. His gaze toward Song Wanning held more and more admiration.

’Song Wanning’s aptitude is exceptional, and her progress is astonishingly fast. With a little more time, I’m afraid I won’t be her match anymore.’

The thought filled him with a sense of urgency.

’I’ve always been considered an absolute genius; I can’t let Song Wanning surpass me.’

"There’s nothing left for us here. It’s time to get out."

Baili Shang still hadn’t forgotten about stealing the Pill Recipe.

The Huo Clan Leader had forced them to flee for their lives. They couldn’t let that debt go unpaid.

"Alright. But the Huo Clan Leader won’t give up that easily. Even if he isn’t there personally, he’ll definitely have people waiting outside this forbidden land."

Song Wanning knew full well that the Huo Clan Leader had been hunting Huo Jinchuan for over a month now.

In her spare moments between cultivation sessions, she had amused herself by watching a map that tracked Huo Jinchuan’s desperate flight.

’Huo Jinchuan must be on the verge of a breakdown by now.’

’And the Huo Clan Leader must have realized there’s something special about Huo Jinchuan, making his determination to eliminate him root and stem even stronger.’

"When we get out, I’ll find a way to lead the pursuers away. You leave first."

Baili Shang’s expression was frigid, and the Evil Qi radiating from him made the surrounding Demonic Qi roil.

But Song Wanning shook her head.

"Why hide?"

"If he dares to block our path, we’ll make sure it’s a one-way trip for him!"

Killing intent erupted from her, her eyes filled with a deep, ruthless glint.

Baili Shang was stunned for a moment. Then, his surprise slowly transformed into sheer delight, as if he had just discovered a priceless treasure.

"Good!"

His clenched fists tightened, and his fighting spirit surged.

’It seems I’ve finally found someone as crazy and brazen as I am!’

The thrill of meeting a kindred spirit made him visibly ecstatic.

Song Wanning shot him a glance, ignoring his excitement, and lowered her head to outline her plan.

Baili Shang’s eyebrows rose as he listened. Even though they were plotting murder, his gaze grew increasingly tender.

"Alright. I’ll follow your lead."

"I’ll do whatever you arrange."