Chapter Twenty: The Realm of Spiritual Communion

Just as Yaoye stepped into the courtyard, he saw his fellow disciples, along with their master, standing guard before the entrance to the secret chamber. Confused, he asked, “Master, did something happen? Why are you all here?”

Dean Liu Qing had been keeping a close watch over Yaoye with his spiritual sense. The moment Yaoye pushed open the door, Liu Qing hurried over and grasped Yaoye’s hand, examining him intently.

Hearing Yaoye’s question, Liu Qing looked up at him and scolded, “You little rascal, what on earth did you do? There was such a commotion, and you’re the reason we’re all out here! Just look outside the courtyard—there’s even more of a stir!”

“Really? But I didn’t do anything!” Yaoye grew even more puzzled, then suddenly remembered. “Could it be that something happened when I was refining my technique?”

Xiaoxiao hurried up and looked at him. “You? Were you forging a weapon or something? But that wouldn’t have caused such a huge ruckus.”

“What exactly happened? The more you tell me, the more confused I get!” Yaoye was growing anxious.

“You really don’t know? Then how do you explain the pillar of light that shot up from your chamber and lasted a whole day and night?” Xiaoxiao asked, equally perplexed.

Upon hearing this, Yaoye became convinced that the phenomenon was caused by the changes in his body after deducing the Nebula Genesis Technique. Yet what seemed even more unbelievable was that, after all this time, he didn’t feel the slightest hunger.

“Master, I have a question to ask you,” Yaoye said earnestly, looking to Liu Qing for guidance.

“You all stay here and guard the secret chamber. No one is to be allowed inside. Yaoye, come with me.” After giving these instructions, Liu Qing headed into the secret chamber, with Yaoye following swiftly and closing the door behind them.

“Master, I’ve found my own path and created a technique unique to me! But now my demon core has disappeared—it’s transformed into something else. I think the commotion was caused by that change,” Yaoye blurted out as soon as they entered.

Liu Qing lowered his head, pondering. “When I examined you, I noticed your demonic aura had vanished. Your demon core has actually become a star. I’ve never encountered anything like this before. Tell me in detail what changes you’ve experienced.”

“I’ve found that my cultivation is now on par with the early Spirit Communication stage. Before, I was only at the peak of the Innate realm. Now, at every moment, I can feel the world’s energy being drawn to my core. My body and cultivation are growing stronger even without further training. But as for how to continue cultivating, I’m not quite sure.”

Liu Qing looked bewildered. “I’ve never heard of anything like this. As for how to proceed, you’ll have to find your own way. Getting stronger is a good thing. For now, don’t worry about the demon core. Without your demonic aura, it’ll also be easier for you to conceal yourself. Come on, let’s go back out. You’ll have to keep a low profile for now. If anyone asks, just say I’m having you study a new martial technique.”

“I’ll do as you say, Master,” Yaoye replied, bowing respectfully.

When they emerged from the chamber, Liu Qing addressed his five disciples. “Prepare yourselves. I’ve received word that something unusual is happening at the Myriad Demon Cavern, three thousand miles away. I’m sending you all to investigate. The journey will be dangerous. Peng Lei, Yaoye, make sure you look out for Xiaoxiao and Xin’er.” With that, the dean strode out of the courtyard.

“Grandfather really underestimates us,” Xiaoxiao muttered, pouting as she tugged at Liu Xin’s arm. “He wants Yaoye to protect us? His cultivation level isn’t even as high as mine.”

Yaoye grinned and teased, “I’ve already reached the Spirit Communication stage now. Are you sure you don’t need my protection?”

Xiaoxiao rushed over and circled around him, scrutinizing him from head to toe. “You… are you some kind of monster? Two days in seclusion and you break through to Spirit Communication? You’re not tricking us, are you?”

“How could I deceive you all? It’s just that I found my own path and created a technique unique to me. That’s why my body and cultivation underwent such a dramatic transformation!” Yaoye retorted, exasperated by Xiaoxiao’s skeptical expression.

Peng Lei, Liu Xin, and Zhao Mu all exclaimed in astonishment, “You really reached the Spirit Communication stage?”

With a sudden hum, a brilliant battle suit formed from energy appeared around Yaoye’s body.

“That’s… the Spirit Communication stage! The manifestation of energy as armor!” the senior disciples exclaimed in amazement.

“Heh, told you I wasn’t lying!” Yaoye crowed, clearly delighted.

Peng Lei rushed forward, grabbing Yaoye’s arm. “Come on, little brother! Let’s have another spar! I can’t wait to test your new strength!”

“Hey, hey! Lei, we have a mission! Besides, I haven’t eaten in two days and I’m starving!” Yaoye protested, helpless as Peng Lei all but dragged him away.

“We’ll eat after we spar! And there are still two days before the mission—plenty of time! Let’s go!” Peng Lei hauled Yaoye toward the training field, with Liu Xin, Zhao Mu, and the others hurrying after them…