Yi Feng had just stepped out of the dark crevice when he immediately spotted a horde of demonic creatures.
Before he could make a move, the demons scattered in all directions, fleeing in panic.
Only a single tree remained in front of him, trembling as it tried to turn and run away.
This was unacceptable!
Before the tree could take a step, Yi Feng reached out and grabbed hold of a branch.
âCome back here!â
The Tree Venerable winced in pain, gritting his teeth and squinting.
In the face of life-or-death danger, a mere branch was insignificant, and his eyes burned with resolve to keep fleeingâbut he couldnât move an inch!
Though only a single branch held him, his entire body was frozen in place.
No matter how much he struggled, it was as if he was gripped by an invisible force, utterly immobile despite his desperate efforts.
Those hands felt like they had descended from the heavens, trapping him completely!
âWhooshâŠâ
A chill spread through his entire body.
It was as if the dead of winter had arrived.
The Tree Venerable stiffened, trembling as he glanced back.
The human silhouette radiated a terrifying aura, a sinister smile carved across his face, and his eyes burned with an irresistible killing intent.
This dreadful presence was a thousand times more terrifying than the Demon General himself.
To encounter such a being meant even struggling against death was impossible!
The bark of the tree demon cracked instantly, its leaves already yellowing from fear.
âI-Iâm just a little treeâŠâ
Before he could finish speaking, a cold blade of frost surged toward him!
âCrack!â
A clean, decisive strike split the tree demon apart on the spot.
The whole process was effortless and simple, like chopping firewood.
The crisp snap echoed across the starry sky, while the other demons fled even faster, vanishing into the void. The terrifying atmosphere thickened, accompanied by a chorus of ghostly wails and howls.
The scene looked like a flock of chickens and ducks scattering chaotically.
Yi Feng lifted his gaze and looked into the distance, his eyes blazing with sharp light.
âTheyâre all demons, yet they dared to trick me by pretending to be a tree!â
âComing out of the gate, there really are plenty of demons here. This time Iâm going to get rich. Not a single newbie experience point will escape me!â
In an instant, Yi Feng hefted his great machete and gave chase.
He cut through them like slicing melon and vegetables, harvesting experience nonstop.
With just a few swings, a group of skeleton monsters shattered into fragments, and he nearly leveled up half a notch!
Some giant ants were extremely fast, but Yi Feng summoned Man Man, who transformed into a starry sky cavalryman, galloping to chase them down. The immersive thrill of monster hunting was unparalleled!
The demons fled in panic, screaming and wailing endlessly in the voidâs depths.
After a full hour, Yi Feng couldnât find a single moving creature left. Satisfied, he sheathed his machete.
Three waves of monsters later, he had leveled up once again.
âThis trip wasnât in vain.â
âFrom now on, I donât want to think about anythingâjust charge ahead recklessly. Itâs even simpler than playing online games in my past life. Just fight.â
Feeling utterly pleased, Yi Feng looked around, his whole body filled with exhilaration.
He stood quietly, gazing out into the starry sea.
The darkness of the void faded, replaced by the glow of countless stars illuminating the surroundings. His expression revealed a deep yearning.
The vast universe stretched endlessly.
The boundless starry sea held countless planets of all sizes, sparkling like jewels scattered throughout infinite space. Massive beings drifted past nearby.
Countless planets moved in orderly orbits, governed by a celestial law beyond comprehension.
Even from afar, Yi Fengâs eyes were captured by the spectacular brilliance of the starry sea.
The once dazzling ancient corridor, by comparison, was but a faintly glowing line in this vast cosmic oceanâutterly insignificant.
He stood alone, silent amidst the starry sea, every star before his eyes like a colossal behemoth. The countless beings inhabiting them numbered in the billions, stirring a flood of emotions within him.
In the boundless universe, Yi Feng felt incredibly small.
The stars stretched like an endless ocean, vast and magnificentâa dazzling, mysterious sea of light flowing into the unknown depths of space.
Everything was so fresh and new that anyone witnessing it would find it hard to remain calm.
Yi Fengâs face was filled with awe.
âThereâs absolutely no end in sight. Truly, thereâs always a world beyond the world,â he murmured.
âThis realm must harbor even stronger, more terrifying beings. At my current cultivation, Iâm not exactly weak, but I definitely wouldnât rank high either!â
After gazing into the distance for a long while, Yi Fengâs thoughts cleared.
He hadnât faced any real danger recently, nor encountered any formidable existence, but deep down he knew that the Yun Star he belonged to was nothing but a frog at the bottom of a well, utterly incomparable to truly powerful worlds.
With this realization, anticipation shone even brighter in Yi Fengâs eyes.
Drawing his gaze back from the infinite starry sea, he began to examine the nearest planet.
That planet lay not far across the ancient corridor, emitting a faint, gentle glowâbeautiful and inviting.
At a glance, it seemed far more vibrant and alive than the dim Yun Star, seemingly much stronger.
This must be the âLan Star.â
Yi Feng nodded, already forming a plan.
âIf I want to go to Lan Star, Iâd have to wait for their official notification and complete all the paperwork. Who knows how long that would take? Better to sneak a peek firstâŠâ
Time was pressing, and he simply couldnât wait.
The more he looked, the more restless he felt, as if countless mighty beings were beckoning him!
Unable to hold back any longer, Yi Feng mounted Man Man, his slow but valiant steed.
âSet off! Our target is the closest star right ahead!â
âNot too fast, let me enjoy the scenery.â
A streak of light cut across the star sea as the Snail Knight charged forward fearlessly!
âŠâŠ
Far away in the starry sea.
A massive flying ship cruised steadily and swiftly. Though its pace seemed slow, the surrounding stars never retreated; in truth, it covered thousands upon thousands of miles in an instant, far surpassing even the divine powers of sages.
In this boundless universe, no speed could be truly perceived. Even a treasure flying ship hurtling at full speed was like a drifting leaf on the vast ocean.
At the shipâs forefront.
Several figures stood silently, gazing into the distance with solemn expressions.
A woman dressed in a pale yellow long gown turned back to look at them, worry flickering in her clear eyes.
âUncle Song, fellow senior brothers,â she began.
âThis mission is of utmost importance. I ask all of you to give it your all in hunting down the demons. I offer my sincere thanks in advance.â
She nodded gracefully, her face earnest.
The others returned her salute in succession.
Leading them was an elder clad in a Taoist robe, who nodded solemnly in response.
âRest assured, niece. This demon hunt concerns the succession of your Cangyun Heavenly Palaceâs direct disciple position. I am an old friend of your father and will never stand idly by while this opportunity slips into Fu Haotianâs hands.â
The elderâs words were noble and resolute, earning the respect and agreement of the group.
âUncle Song acts with righteousness and integrity. I deeply admire him!â
âWe will do our utmost to help Sister Zhongli win the direct disciple competition!â
âMaster Song speaks truly. We cannot just watch Fu Haotian become the future head of the Heavenly Palace!â
Buoyed by their support, Zhong Limengâs eyes gleamed with renewed determination.
âThank you, Uncle Song, and all the senior brothers, for your righteous support. I am deeply grateful,â she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of confidence as she pointed toward a distant planet.
âEveryone, please look,â she continued.
âThat small asteroid over there is our destinationâcalled Shuihan Star. Itâs named so because itâs frozen solid all year round.â
âIâve already gathered intelligence. Shuihan Star serves as a temporary refuge for some of the demon clans. Weâre bound to encounter many demons on this journey, and naturally, it will be extremely perilous.â
As she spoke, Zhong Limengâs expression grew serious as she faced the group.
âThis expedition to Shuihan Star is far more dangerous than any before. If anyone wishes to withdraw now, I fully understand. Thereâs still some time left to make a decision, so please think carefully.â
Her words were sincere and considerate, showing concern for others. Though a young woman, she possessed extraordinary righteousness and ambition. As the current senior disciple of the Cangyun Celestial Palace, she was truly a talent to be nurtured.
An elder nodded with satisfaction.
The group exchanged glances, their resolve hardening.
âSenior Sister Zhong, please donât say that again!â
Amidst the unified voices, a man stepped forward and saluted.
âJunior Sister Zhong, this journey is indeed fraught with danger, but how can we catch a tiger cub without entering the tigerâs den? To win this direct disciple competition, we must pledge to support each other to the death!â
âHowever, Iâve heard that Fu Haotian has already paid a hefty price and summoned many Heavenly-grade experts to assist him. It seems he departed for Shuihan Star just yesterday.â
âWith such formidable backing, Fu Haotian can almost sit back and enjoy victory. Yet, the Celestial Palace has raised no objections to thisâŠâ
As he spoke, the middle-aged manâs expression darkened.
âJunior Sister Zhong, if I may speak bluntly, this direct disciple competition seems to have been decided in secret already.â
His heavy words caused everyoneâs faces to change.
The younger disciples immediately shouted in anger, their faces full of indignation.
âScoundrel! Fu Haotian abuses his family background to cheat openly!?â
âHmph, that second-generation heir has always been shamelessâa disgrace to our Celestial Palace!â
âIf the Celestial Palace is inherited by someone like him, the future looks grim.â
âWhat can we do? How can we possibly compete against a group of Heavenly-grade experts?â
âAhâŠâ
Frustrated voices filled the air, and even the elderâs face grew grave.
After the outburst of discontent, all eyes turned to Zhong Limeng.
This seemingly delicate woman now furrowed her brows in thought.
After a momentâs silence, she spoke firmly but softly.
âEven so, I will not give up.â
âGiving up without a fight is simply not my style.â
Her gentle words sent a shock through the crowd.
That slender, graceful figure suddenly radiated an aura and determination far beyond theirs. From that moment on, everyone regarded this contemporary prodigy as the undisputed future leader of the Celestial Palace.
They exchanged quiet nods, their eyes filled with unwavering resolve.
In this solemn, hushed momentâ
Suddenly, a streak of light shot from the left side of the starry sea, moving faster than any flying vessel!