The atmosphere turned silent. A female cultivator from Cold Winter Valley, her voice trembling slightly, spoke up, “How is this possible?! Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo were so powerful, yet they couldn’t even withstand a single strike?!”


    Another cultivator added, “Lu... Lu Yi only broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage a year ago, didn’t he? How can he be this terrifyingly strong?!”


    Han Yu’s expression stiffened, his face turning pale as he stared fixedly at Lu Yi. The other disciples noticed something was wrong and turned to look at Han Yu with concern.


    “Senior Brother Han Yu?”


    Han Yu snapped out of his thoughts and responded, “I’m fine!”


    However, the disciples noticed that Han Yu’s fingers were trembling slightly. They exchanged glances but dared not say more.


    On the other side, Yun Xi and her two companions were equally shocked. The two disciples from the Myriad Flower Sect were dumbfounded.


    “Young Master Lu... Lu is actually this strong?!”


    “Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo’s strength isn’t inferior to Senior Sister Yun Xi, yet they couldn’t even block a single move.”


    The two were utterly stunned.


    Yun Xi stared directly at Lu Yi, her eyes unblinking. “My instincts were right. He’s incredibly strong... I’m a little scared now.”


    One of the Myriad Flower Sect disciples stuck out her tongue. “Luckily, we didn’t provoke Young Master Lu earlier. Otherwise, things could have ended badly.”


    The other disciple nodded repeatedly.


    After killing the disciples of the Blood Spirit Sect and Sky Serpent Sect, Lu Yi stepped forward to collect their storage rings. Just then, a blood-colored pearl suddenly shot into the air, turning into a streak of light as it fled into the distance.


    Lu Yi narrowed his eyes, his figure transforming into lightning and disappearing from his spot. In an instant, he blocked the blood-colored pearl’s path.


    He reached out, sealed the surrounding space, and captured the blood-colored pearl in his hand.


    The Blood Spirit Pearl struggled violently. Lu Yi saw the soul of Xue Tianhen inside, his face filled with terror and a hint of madness.


    Lu Yi raised his eyebrows, the corner of his mouth lifting into a faint smile. “Interesting. He’s only at Foundation Establishment, yet he can preserve his soul after his body was destroyed? Is it because of this Blood Spirit Pearl?”


    The Blood Spirit Pearl trembled even more fiercely. Xue Tianhen’s fear deepened, and he shouted, “Let me go! I’m the heir of the Blood Spirit Sect! If you kill me, war will break out between the Blood Spirit Sect and White Cloud Sect!”


    Lu Yi chuckled. “Aren’t the Blood Spirit Sect and White Cloud Sect already at war? Besides, you already tried to kill me. Do you still expect me to let you go?”


    Lu Yi infused a wisp of indestructible sword energy into the Blood Spirit Pearl, instantly shredding Xue Tianhen’s soul.


    Looking at the now-dim Blood Spirit Pearl, Lu Yi found it quite fascinating. He wondered if he could use it to protect his own soul someday.


    ''I''ll think about that later.''


    Lu Yi stored the Blood Spirit Pearl and proceeded to collect the storage rings of the Sky Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect disciples. Qin Luo’s dark-gold spiritual armor was actually a decent magical artifact, but unfortunately, it was shattered by his strike.


    Lu Yi had used the Seven Profound Sword Technique at the Perfection level, combined with the Immortal Sword Scripture at the Perfection level and fifty percent sword intent. The power far exceeded his expectations.


    It had been a long time since Lu Yi had used such powerful attacks, and he had misjudged his strength slightly.


    Looking at the broken dark-gold spiritual armor, Lu Yi sighed. “What a pity.”


    Still, the material could be salvaged. He could sell it for some money or perhaps repair it later with other treasures.


    Lu Yi picked up the broken armor.


    At that moment, Jiang Fan and the others approached, still dazed as they looked at the corpses. They hadn’t fully recovered from the shock.


    Jiang Fan looked at Lu Yi with a complex expression and smiled bitterly. “Senior Brother Lu, your strength...” He shook his head. “I thought I was progressing quickly and might catch up to you someday, but your growth far surpasses mine.”


    You Jing and Wang Chuanlu appeared even more conflicted.


    Wang Chuanlu said expressionlessly, “Now I understand why Junior Brother Lu wasn’t worried at all... If I were that strong, I wouldn’t be either.”


    You Jing shot him a glance. This guy didn’t seem so calm earlier.


    Lu Yi chuckled. “Senior brothers, the matter is settled.”


    You Jing sighed. “It’s a shame about Brother Fang and the others.”


    Hearing this, Lu Yi fell silent. He said, “It’s unfortunate that Xue Tianhen’s body was destroyed. Otherwise, we could have used it to honor the fallen senior brothers.”


    You Jing smiled. “The path of immortality is fraught with danger. The senior brothers were unlucky, but you avenged them. I’m sure they would be pleased.”


    Lu Yi nodded slightly, saying no more. His heart felt heavy.


    ''Ordinary people envy cultivators for their ability to soar through the skies and live long lives, but how could they understand the dangers we face? Perhaps one day we are fine, and the next, disaster strikes.''


    Strength is the only way to ensure freedom.


    Determined, Lu Yi resolved to continue cultivating diligently, to protect himself and those he cared about.


    Suddenly, several streaks of light approached quickly. Lu Yi turned to see Han Yu leading a group of Cold Winter Valley disciples, while Yun Xi and two disciples from the Myriad Flower Sect arrived from the other side.


    Lu Yi remained calm. He had already sensed their presence earlier. Since they cultivated ice-attribute techniques, their auras were distinct from those of the Sky Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect, making them easy to detect.


    The group landed and stared at Lu Yi, still visibly shocked.


    Han Yu, the white-haired youth, glanced at the corpses before focusing on Lu Yi. He said, “Lu Yi, your strength is truly astonishing. It seems the elders of my sect were right—the White Cloud Sect will flourish in your hands.”


    Yun Xi’s bright eyes sparkled, and she smiled. “Lu Yi, you’re amazing.”


    Lu Yi replied with a slight smile, “You flatter me.”


    Han Yu shook his head. “However, you killed Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo. Decades of effort from both sects have been wiped out. This might affect the White Cloud Sect.”


    Lu Yi nodded slightly and said helplessly, “They wanted to kill me. I had no choice but to fight back. What’s done is done.”


    Han Yu didn’t press further. He knew this incident would likely trigger chaos among the five sects of Green Province. With tensions already high between the Blood Spirit Sect and White Cloud Sect, this could escalate into an all-out war.


    Han Yu chuckled. “Lu Yi, you’re righteous and worth befriending. If I could, I’d offer my sect’s support.”This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Lu Yi smiled. “Your goodwill is more than enough.”


    Yun Xi spoke earnestly, “I’ll talk to my sect elders when I return. Our Myriad Flower Sect will help fight the Blood Spirit Sect.”


    The two disciples beside her looked worried and tugged at her gently. Their senior sister was making rash promises again.


    Lu Yi did not mind and simply expressed his gratitude to Yun Xi.


    He chuckled lightly and said, “The two Daoist friends have impressive strength. If we have the chance, we can spar and discuss Dao techniques together.”


    Lu Yi silently issued the task to defeat Han Yu and discovered that the rewards for Han Yu''s task were also quite generous.


    Twenty drops of ten-thousand-year spiritual milk and a wisp of ice intent.


    ''I must say, as a heaven''s chosen, the task rewards are exceptional.''


    Lu Yi naturally had no objection to forming connections with Han Yu. By sparring a few more times, his comprehension of ice intent could greatly improve.


    Hearing Lu Yi''s words, both Han Yu and Yun Xi nodded in agreement.


    Boom!!


    While the group was conversing, a deafening explosion suddenly resounded.


    A terrifying aura spread out, causing Lu Yi’s expression to shift slightly, and he felt a sense of oppression in his chest.


    The others were even more visibly shocked, their faces turning pale.


    “What happened?!” Jiang Fan exclaimed, looking in the direction of the sound.


    “It’s the central area of the ruins!” Han Yu’s previously calm face was now filled with shock.


    Lu Yi and the others soared into the sky. The sight that met their eyes froze their expressions.


    The core area of the Eastern Forest Ruins, originally shrouded in dense blood mist, was now emitting a terrifying blood-red light. The mist churned violently, as if some monstrous entity was wreaking havoc within.


    An overwhelmingly powerful aura rose slowly from the blood-red glow, as though an ancient demon was awakening.


    Perhaps due to the anomaly in the core area, ferocious beasts brimming with dreadful energy began charging out of the inner perimeter, seemingly fleeing in panic.


    Lu Yi even saw the golden giant bird he had encountered earlier when he first entered the ruins. The bird let out a mournful cry as it fled from the inner area, only to be devoured in one bite by an enormous beast.


    Meanwhile, the beasts in the outer perimeter were also growing agitated, appearing extremely uneasy as if encountering something terrifying.


    “What is that?”


    Everyone was filled with fear.


    Boom!


    Another thunderous roar rang out, heavier than the previous one.


    Someone groaned and turned pale.


    Lu Yi also felt a bone-chilling coldness throughout his body. Even his blood seemed to be freezing, as if he was facing a top predator.


    “We’re doomed! The ruins are in turmoil!”


    Many disciples turned pale with terror.


    “It’s long been rumored that powerful beings reside within. With so many strong beasts, including those at the Nascent Soul Realm, there might be even stronger creatures inside. Now that these beasts are breaking out, what are we supposed to do?!”


    Jiang Fan and the others turned to Lu Yi.


    “Junior Brother Lu, what should we do?”


    Yun Xi and Han Yu also looked at Lu Yi expectantly.


    Lu Yi’s expression stiffened.


    ''This situation is completely unexpected! How should I know what to do?''


    Lu Yi felt troubled. ''Why didn’t this happen to those who entered the ruins before me? Just my luck!''


    Lu Yi spoke up, “The inner beasts are charging out, and the outer perimeter is no longer safe. We need to head north toward the exit. If we can hold out for ten days, we’ll be able to leave!”


    The group exchanged glances and nodded.


    At this moment, Yun Xi asked worriedly, “What about the other disciples?”


    The group fell silent.


    They lacked the Mother-Child Transmission Insects of the Heavenly Serpent Sect, and communication talismans could not function within the ruins. They had only ended up here because they followed the Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Serpent Sect disciples after noticing their suspicious movements.


    The other disciples had either avoided this place entirely or never encountered it.


    Without any means of contact, they had no way to locate the others.


    Han Yu said, “If they have any sense, they’ll head in the same direction. We might encounter them on the way. We can’t search for them, so we must move forward.”


    Lu Yi added, “Han Yu is right. If we meet them, it would be fortunate. If not…”


    The group remained silent before proceeding into the forest. Transforming into streaks of light, they headed north.


    They avoided flying in the sky, as too many powerful beasts lurked above. Drawing their attention would be dangerous even for Lu Yi, let alone the others.


    Roar!!


    Before long, a deafening roar echoed. A massive wolf-like beast covered in black hide lunged at the group.


    A golden sword light flashed, piercing the beast''s skull. It fell lifelessly to the ground.


    Standing at the front, Lu Yi led the group, clearing the path. As time passed, the beasts they encountered grew stronger, even reaching the Golden Core Stage.


    The others looked at Lu Yi’s back with gratitude. He bore the brunt of the attacks, eliminating most of the beasts. The stronger ones were always handled by him first.


    Even Han Yu was somewhat moved. He looked at Lu Yi and said, “Daoist Lu Yi, your spiritual energy must be running low. Should we take a break? I can also lead the way!”


    Yun Xi nodded in agreement. “I can help too, Daoist Lu Yi. There’s no need for you to handle everything alone.”


    Lu Yi smiled. “My cultivation technique has reached the Perfection Realm, granting profound recovery abilities. Don’t worry about me.”


    ''Are you kidding? These kills come with amazing rewards! How could I give up this opportunity?''


    In such a short time, Lu Yi had already obtained over three hundred drops of beast essence blood and nearly a thousand drops of ten-thousand-year spiritual milk.


    ''This is ten-thousand-year spiritual milk! Nearly a thousand drops! Even Void Refinement cultivators would be envious.''


    Lu Yi was inwardly ecstatic, his expression resolute. There was no way he would give up his position at the front.


    Han Yu and the others, seeing his determination, felt even more touched.


    Soon, the group emerged from the forest and reached a barren plain.


    Certain areas of the plain were dark red, as if stained by blood over countless years.


    Scattered across the area were fragments of broken weapons, remnants left behind from battles long past. Some ancient weapons might still retain spiritual energy, and there were even rumors of ancient cultivators leaving behind spatial rings, waiting to be discovered.


    Unfortunately, they had no time to stop and search.


    As they entered the wilderness, their vision expanded. Everyone''s eyes scanned the depths of the ruins. Suddenly, a strange shadow moved faintly within the blood mist, exuding an unsettling, demonic aura.


    Lu Yi''s heart skipped a beat as he saw the shadow. Goosebumps rose on his skin, and a chill ran down his spine.


    Outside the blood mist, countless ferocious beasts surged outward, forming a beast tide. Everyone''s expressions changed drastically.


    "We can''t be swallowed by this beast tide, or our lives will be in grave danger!"


    At that moment, everyone felt a surge of spiritual energy from the distance. They turned and saw a group of about ten people gathered, moving swiftly in their direction.


    "It''s others!" Someone exclaimed with joy.


    Lu Yi immediately commanded, "Charge through!"


    A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he unleashed waves of undying sword energy, cutting down the beasts blocking their path with unstoppable force.


    In mere moments, Lu Yi carved out a path and led them to merge with the other group of cultivators.


    The group included disciples from the White Cloud Sect, Cold Winter Valley, and Myriad Flowers Sect.


    Seeing Lu Yi, Han Yu, and Yun Xi, their faces lit up with relief.


    "Junior Brother Lu!" Lin Xiaoxiao called out from the crowd.


    Lu Yi noticed four White Cloud Sect disciples gathered together, covered in blood—though whether it was their own or from the beasts was unclear.


    Lu Yi nodded and said, "Everyone, gather together. We''re leaving this place!"


    Lin Xiaoxiao and the others joined the group. Once again, Lu Yi pushed forward, carving a path through the beasts—many of which were Golden Core and Foundation Establishment level.


    The newly joined cultivators were stunned. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they witnessed Lu Yi''s overwhelming strength.


    However, given the dire situation, no one had time to dwell on it. They followed closely, protecting themselves while charging forward under Lu Yi''s lead.


    Along the way, they rescued a few more cultivators, crossing the wilderness and trudging through swamps. After half a day of struggle, they finally reached a barren mountain range.


    Everyone was exhausted, their spiritual energy nearly depleted. Only Lu Yi still had ample reserves.


    Thanks to his cultivation of the Immortal Scripture, which continuously generated spiritual energy, combined with his foundation built upon the Qi of the Great Dao, Lu Yi''s spiritual vortex could sustain him unless the battle was extraordinarily intense.


    Although the battles had been fierce, they were still within Lu Yi''s endurance.


    Boom!


    Another thunderous explosion echoed. Everyone turned pale, and several cultivators with almost no spiritual energy coughed up blood, staggering to the ground.


    "We can''t hold on much longer!" Faces were ashen, and even Han Yu and Yun Xi were panting heavily, their spiritual energy nearly exhausted.


    At that moment, the demonic figure within the blood mist suddenly vanished, as if it had never been there. With its disappearance, the oppressive aura also gradually faded.


    As the pressure receded, the frenzied beasts began to calm down, no longer attacking mindlessly.


    Seizing this opportunity, Lu Yi led the group into a narrow valley where they could finally catch their breath.


    Everyone collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily, their eyes still filled with lingering fear.


    "I thought for sure I was going to die here today! I can''t believe we made it out alive."


    "What was that thing in the blood mist? I''ve never heard of anything like it before."


    The group murmured in confusion, but no one could explain the strange occurrence deep within the mist.


    After resting for a while, their breathing gradually steadied. Han Yu approached Lu Yi and cupped his fists, saying, "Thank you, Daoist Lu. Without you, we would have died here today."


    Yun Xi also smiled charmingly. "Lu Yi, we owe you our lives. You''re incredible—killing so many beasts like it was nothing."


    The others echoed their gratitude, still in awe of Lu Yi''s strength.


    "Lu Yi, you''re unbelievably strong. Even a peak Golden Core cultivator might not match your power."


    "No wonder you''re called an immortal seed."


    The disciples couldn''t hide their admiration and gratitude. Even the White Cloud Sect disciples were no exception. Lin Xiaoxiao''s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lu Yi and said with a smile, "Junior Brother Lu, thank you for saving us. If you ever need anything, just let me know."


    Lu Yi smiled helplessly. "Senior Sister, you''re too polite."


    He responded warmly to everyone, but inside, he was filled with joy.


    Throughout the escape, Lu Yi had killed countless beasts and obtained over thousand drops of ten-thousands-year spiritual milk!


    With such an abundant supply, Lu Yi wouldn''t have to worry about resources for a long time. It might even be enough for him to advance directly to the Golden Core stage!


    This trip to the Eastern Forest Ruins had definitely been worth it.


    Although there had been challenges, they were manageable.


    Just then, a startled voice called out, "Look at the sky!"


    Everyone quickly looked up, and their expressions changed drastically.


    The once-clear sky was now tinged with faint red mist, slowly spreading.