A dim underground palace.
Moyang Demon Lord looked at the intelligence in front of him, his expression changed drastically.
"Xiahou Yuan has come out of the Great Abyss?"
Moyang Demon Lord's expression was ugly. As one of the nine demon lords under Xiahou Yuan in the past, he knew best the terror of Xiahou Yuan.
That was an existence that made all the demon heads in the world extremely desperate. Even the demon lord of the ninth realm trembled in front of Xiahou Yuan, not daring to resist.
This is not to say that Xiahou Yuan's strength is far superior to that of the ninth realm demon lord.
It's that Xiahou Yuan himself, by nature, could suppress all the demon heads, just like a mouse seeing a cat.
Even if this mouse's size is larger than that of the cat, it still wouldn't dare to resist when faced with the cat.
This fear was imprinted deep in their souls.
Twenty-five years ago, Moyang Demon Lord personally witnessed Xiahou Yuan being suppressed by Tianjianzi and thrown into the Great Abyss's eighteenth level.
He breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that his good days were coming, without Xiahou Yuan's constraints.
He could do whatever he wanted, even if it was just the Tianjian Sect, even if it was Tianjianzi, even if he couldn't beat them, could he not escape?
In the vast Five Realms, in the vast world, what could those righteous powerhouses do to him?
"Waste!"
"Tianjianzi, you waste!"
"I gave you a chance, you'd better make good use of it!!!"
Moyang Demon Lord was extremely annoyed. What a good opportunity it was.
"But how did Xiahou Yuan escape from the depths of the Great Abyss's eighteen levels? Did that girl Nuan Shu use some method?"
Moyang Demon Lord forced himself to calm down.
In the few years just after Xiahou Yuan was suppressed, Moyang Demon Lord had also quietly approached the vicinity of the Great Abyss and observed for a while.
In the end, after confirming that the eighteen-level gate of the Great Abyss was like a real trap, with no possibility of Xiahou Yuan escaping, he left with peace of mind.
"Never mind."
"Even if Xiahou Yuan really came out of the Great Abyss."
"The first ones he should be looking for should be the Tianjian Sect, Tianjianzi."
Moyang Demon Lord pondered in his heart. After all, in terms of hatred, Tianjianzi had broken Xiahou Yuan's state of mind with 'Bai Qing'er' and then suppressed him.
It could be said that the hatred ran deep.
If Xiahou Yuan really broke free, he would definitely go to Tianjian Sect for revenge regardless of the consequences.
And they, these demon heads, could naturally sit back and watch the show. At critical moments, they might even take advantage of the situation.
Central Region.
Tianjian Sect.
The towering peaks.
The mist was swirling.
It was like a paradise on earth.
This was the gate of Tianjian Sect.
It was the most concentrated place of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the Central Region.
Practicing here, even without taking elixirs, under the condition of good aptitude, one could easily break through the third realm, even the fourth realm.
"Xiahou Yuan is out?"
Inside the main hall on the mountaintop, a white-haired man showed a slight surprise.
He was Tianjianzi. Twenty-five years ago, although he used some despicable means in that battle, he managed to disrupt Xiahou Yuan's state of mind with 'Bai Qing'er'.
But without the strong strength to contend with Xiahou Yuan, no matter what he did, it would be futile.
"Interesting."
A smile appeared on Tianjianzi's face.
Since defeating Xiahou Yuan twenty-five years ago, suppressing Xiahou Yuan, he felt the momentum of the heaven and earth's great fortune on him, and his cultivation continuously improved. Now, he was only one step away from breaking through the ninth realm and stepping into the tenth realm, which had been entered by only a few people over tens of thousands of years.
So Tianjianzi didn't have much worry about the news of Xiahou Yuan's escape.
He was even somewhat pleased.
Twenty-five years ago, he defeated Xiahou Yuan indeed using some means.
But now, Tianjianzi was confident that he could crush Xiahou Yuan openly and aboveboard.
Deep within Tianjian Sect.
In a beautiful valley.
A woman dressed in a white dress, looking ethereal, sat in a pavilion.
"Big Brother Xiahou."
Bai Qing'er was somewhat absent-minded. She had also learned about Xiahou Yuan's escape from the Great Abyss.
"In the past, I was sorry for you."
Bai Qing'er's expression was complicated. She disguised herself as a descendant of the Bai family, approached Xiahou Yuan, and successfully gained his trust.
Finally, at a critical moment, she dealt him a heavy blow.
In theory, no matter from what perspective, she, Bai Qing'er, was not wrong. After all, everything she did was to eradicate the demonic path and bring peace to the world.
But as time passed, Bai Qing'er became increasingly guilty.
Over the past few decades, Xiahou Yuan's unconditional trust in her made Bai Qing'er feel suffocated.
"I don't regret it."
"Even if it's repeated ten or a hundred times, I won't regret it."
Bai Qing'er's gaze gradually became firm.
Northern Region.
Near the western side.
The temperature here was higher, suitable for living beings to survive.
"Respected One, this mountain stronghold is the base I arranged, where you can rest."
Nuan Shu led Lin Yuan to a house inside the mountain stronghold.
There was one thing Nuan Shu didn't say: this stronghold was the last stronghold she could control.
Twenty-five years ago, when Xiahou Yuan was first suppressed, there were still many demon heads in the demonic path who were willing to follow her.
But with several failed attempts to rescue Xiahou Yuan, the resources and power controlled by Nuan Shu gradually diminished.
After all, Nuan Shu was not a demon lord of the ninth realm, and because of her desire to rescue Xiahou Yuan, she was subjected to all the righteous forces' full suppression and opposition.
In the situation where there was little hope of rescuing Xiahou Yuan,
Those demon heads naturally realized that there was no future in following Nuan Shu.
The demon heads were inherently selfish, and except for a few, it was normal for each to save themselves in times of crisis.
"Understood."
Lin Yuan nodded slightly.
He was very satisfied with the surrounding environment.
Mainly because it was in stark contrast to the harsh environment of the Great Abyss.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth here was abundant, which was like heaven to Lin Yuan.
"I'll go into seclusion for a while first."
"Don't disturb me unless it's urgent," Lin Yuan instructed.
This time in seclusion, Lin Yuan was mainly preparing to break through to the fifth rank (level of the main world).
"Understood," Nuan Shu said solemnly.
She thought Xiahou Yuan might be injured and was now recuperating.
After all, being suppressed in the eighteenth level of the Great Abyss for twenty-five years, how could he have paid no price? Lin Yuan's ability to kill Jiang Jianke, a peak eighth rank expert, was already incredible; he must have left many hidden dangers.
Entering the room, Lin Yuan sat cross-legged on the bed.
"Fifth rank," Lin Yuan pondered, his face serious.
Having spent twenty years in the depths of the Great Abyss, Lin Yuan spent most of his time contemplating and pondering the path to the fifth rank.
The environment in the eighteenth level of the Great Abyss was harsh, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was thin. Even if Lin Yuan could break through, he wouldn't choose to do so there.
"There shouldn't be any problems."
Half a day later, Lin Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.
"But this Xiahou Yuan, indeed possesses extraordinary talent."
Lin Yuan's thoughts turned back to himself.
According to the memories he had browsed about Xiahou Yuan, this person had incredible talent in the demonic path.
Moreover, Xiahou Yuan had an almost restraining force on other demon heads.
"Continue to restore my strength."
"Reach the peak of the fourth rank."
"Then break through to the fifth rank."
Lin Yuan's thoughts turned, and he began to continue his cultivation.
Suddenly, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within tens of miles converged towards Lin Yuan's stronghold like a funnel.
The news of Xiahou Yuan's emergence from the Great Abyss caused a huge stir in various regions of the Five Realms.
This matter couldn't be concealed at all. After all, the guardian of the Great Abyss hadn't died. Even if the guardian had died, someone would check the Great Abyss every once in a while.
Those righteous forces naturally remembered the fear of being dominated by Xiahou Yuan.
Many veteran demon heads who had experienced the events of twenty or thirty years ago suddenly became uneasy. They knew how terrifying Xiahou Yuan was.
However, for the demon heads born in the last twenty or thirty years, they were somewhat dismissive.
Demon heads had always advocated freedom and unconstraint. The newly emerging demon heads believed that even though Xiahou Yuan was invincible in the demonic path back then, after being suppressed for twenty or thirty years, how much strength did he have left?
Ten percent? Twenty percent? Thirty percent?
Even a few of the newly emerged demon heads thought this was an opportunity.
For most demon heads, Xiahou Yuan was like a demon barrier. If they killed Xiahou Yuan at this time, they would completely replace Xiahou Yuan's position from twenty or thirty years ago and become the new leader of the demonic path in the Five Realms.
Wasn't it possible for them to become the leaders of the demonic path in the Five Realms?
This kind of thinking spread rapidly among most demon heads, especially among those newly emerged demon heads.
Over the past twenty or thirty years, they had heard too many legends about Xiahou Yuan. If they could shatter this legend, then they would become a new legend themselves.
Outside the stronghold where Lin Yuan was located.
At some point, one figure after another appeared.
These figures exuded a dark and oppressive aura, obviously all accomplished demon heads.
"Is that the last place where Xiahou Yuan appeared?"
A sinister young man, 'Bian Mao,' said indifferently with his hands behind his back.
'Bian Mao' was a demonic genius who emerged nearly twenty years ago, with peak eighth realm strength, earning him the title of 'Little Demon Lord.'
Demon Lords were the collective term for ninth realm demon heads, and 'Bian Mao' being called 'Little Demon Lord' meant that in the eyes of the outside world, he had a high chance of entering the ninth realm.
At that time, 'Little Demon Lord' would become a real Demon Lord.
"Bian Mao, if we're going to hunt down Xiahou Yuan together this time, you need to be prepared. He was almost invincible in the world twenty-five years ago," a hoarse voice rang out from the shadow not far away, as a figure emerged.
"Since you, Yin Shi, dare, why wouldn't I, Bian Mao?" The sinister young man, Bian Mao, sneered.
Yin Shi was also a demon head whose reputation was not much worse than his.
His specialty was assassination, and he even had a formidable record of seriously injuring a ninth realm expert.
Of course, when he severely injured the ninth realm expert, Yin Shi had launched a sneak attack in secret, waiting until the ninth realm expert's attention was diverted before making his move.
But regardless, being able to seriously injure a ninth realm expert already proved Yin Shi's strength.
If Yin Shi ambushed an eighth realm expert, wouldn't the latter be doomed without a doubt?
"Alright."
"Don't argue."
Just then, a crisp female voice rang out, sounding like bells in the gentle breeze.
A girl wearing a light green skirt stretched lazily and jumped down from a boulder nearby.
She had been sitting on the boulder, observing the movements of the stronghold in the distance.
"This time, the three of us joining forces to hunt down Xiahou Yuan is a big deal. If we succeed, the next leader of the demonic path in the Five Realms will be us," the girl said with unusual solemnity.
"If we fail..." She paused, not continuing.
"Don't worry."
"With the strength of the three of us, plus hundreds of subordinates..."
"As long as Xiahou Yuan hasn't restored his peak ninth realm strength, he's dead for sure."
"Even if he restores his full strength, at worst, we'll abandon those subordinates. The three of us still have hope of escape."
Yin Shi spoke faintly.
As he finished speaking, figures emerged from all directions, almost simultaneously, from the shadows.
These figures, with revealed auras, were all seventh realm demon heads. Interweaving among them, they formed a formation. With their combined strength, even an eighth realm expert would undoubtedly die, and a ninth realm expert would be troubled.
"It's about time."
"We can start now."
Bian Mao glanced at the stronghold in the distance and said.
"The atmosphere feels... off."
Deep within the stronghold, in front of the house where Lin Yuan was in seclusion, Nuan Shu naturally stood guard, but at this moment, she faintly sensed danger.
"Could this base have been discovered?" Nuan Shu's heart skipped a beat.
There was indeed such a possibility. Since Xiahou Yuan was suppressed, the forces she could mobilize had become increasingly scarce. Even the specially laid out base was no longer so flawless.
"No."
"I need to see the Lord. We must leave quickly." Nuan Shu's vigilance was high, but just as she was about to knock on the door.
Swoosh swoosh swoosh.
Figures dressed in black swiftly approached.
They were among the few subordinates Nuan Shu had left.
"What's going on?" Nuan Shu sensed trouble.
"We're surrounded," one of her subordinates said in a low voice.
"Surrounded?" Nuan Shu's face darkened.
So soon?
Clatter clatter clatter.
Faint footsteps sounded.
At some point, within the stronghold, around the house, hundreds of figures had appeared.
These hundreds of figures had a vague connection in their aura, indicating they were in sync and had cultivated some powerful joint attack technique.
"Come out."
Seeing this, Nuan Shu knew she couldn't escape unscathed.
"You must be Nuan Shu, one of the thirty-six guardians under Xiahou Yuan's command," a sinister young man emerged and looked at Nuan Shu with interest.
He hadn't experienced Xiahou Yuan's era, so he had no fear of him.
"Indeed loyal, if I'm not mistaken, your Lord is in this house?" he said with insolence.
"Insolence!" Nuan Shu was furious.
Who was the Lord? How dare a junior like the sinister young man address him directly?
"Bian Mao, how dare you?!" Nuan Shu stared straight at the sinister young man.
She also knew Bian Mao, the most promising candidate to reach the ninth realm, the Little Demon Lord.
"Nuan Shu, times have changed" Bian Mao's expression turned cold.
"The era belonging to Xiahou Yuan is over."
"Don't waste time."
"Attack directly."
A girl in a light green skirt appeared alongside Yin Shi.
A deep aura suddenly spread, swiftly enveloping the entire stronghold.
Hum!
Just as Bian Mao, the girl in the light green skirt, Yin Shi, and hundreds of demons were about to attack.
Crack.
The wooden door behind Nuan Shu was pushed open.
"So lively?"
A gentle voice came from inside the house.
Then, a foot stepped out.
Under the gaze of Bian Mao and others.
A tall man walked out of the wooden house.
"Is he Xiahou Yuan?" Even though they had already anticipated this scene, Bian Mao and the others' hearts still raced.
This was the legend from twenty or thirty years ago!
"Kill!!" Bian Mao, Yin Shi, and the girl in the light green skirt were determined.
Even if it was truly Xiahou Yuan, so what? It wasn't thirty years ago. Even though he was once a legend, they dared to attack now.
Lin Yuan stood in the distance, smiling.
Boom!
In an instant, within tens of miles, as long as they practiced demonic techniques, whether they were at the seventh realm, eighth realm, or even the ninth realm, they involuntarily knelt on the ground, trembling.
All the demons in the world, upon seeing me, Xiahou Yuan, must bow.
...
I need POWAAAA :D
15 chapters ahead on patreon: patreon.com/David_Lord
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