Chapter 194: Someone You Fear?
Deep within the vast wilderness of the Savage Mountain Range, a storm was brewing.
The reemergence of the Great Strength Divine Demon Sect sent shockwaves across the region, like a hurricane tearing through millions of miles. The surrounding powers, especially those nearby, were stirred into action one after another.
. . . . . . . .
Great Zhou Empire – Imperial Palace
Inside the majestic palace, the Third Princess watched a departing carriage disappear into the distance. A faint smile touched her lips as she toyed with a black token in her hand.
“So, have you confirmed it?” she asked softly. “Is it truly the reappearance of the Great Strength Divine Demon Sect?”
A ripple shimmered through the empty space behind her. A figure cloaked in a pitch-black robe emerged from the void, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
“Reporting to the Holy Maiden—yes, it has been confirmed. The Great Strength Divine Demon Sect has returned to the world!”
“Very good,” the Third Princess said coldly.
She lifted the token and examined it carefully. It looked nearly identical to the one Ye Han had given to Li Xun.
One side read "Divine Demon", the other "Great Strength"—the very mark of the sect.
“The Star-Moon Divine Sect is known for its body-refining techniques… The return of this ancient sect might not be a bad thing for us,” she murmured thoughtfully.
To the outside world, the Star-Moon Divine Sect walked a fine line between righteous and evil. Many of its members ignored rules and taboos, and the sect had long been branded a demon sect.
But to its disciples, it was anything but.
None of them would ever admit their sect was evil.
“The Holy Lord hopes the Holy Maiden and the Holy Son will join forces,” the black-robed figure said. “You are both in the Life and Death Realm. If you work together, you may gain significant opportunities.”
“Join forces with Ge Chongyun?” the Third Princess glanced at him from the corner of her eye and sneered. “He’s far too arrogant. Thinks he’s invincible among his peers. Honestly, I doubt he could even beat my eldest royal brother.”
Though she was the princess of the Great Zhou Empire, she was also the Holy Maiden of the Star-Moon Divine Sect. If the sect’s Holy Son was truly strong, she wouldn’t mind working with him.
After all, they were from the same sect.
But that was the problem—Ge Chongyun may not be as powerful as he believed. His arrogance might be tolerable when dealing with weaker holy sons and daughters, but if he crossed paths with stronger ones, he'd be utterly crushed.
And she had no interest in being dragged down with him.
“You don’t plan to go solo, do you?” the black-robed man asked, a note of concern in his voice. “The Great Strength Divine Demon Sect's return has drawn in powerhouses from across the continent. The Great Chu Dynasty, the Heavenly Heart Sacred Holy Land, the Demon Clan, the Spirit Clan… All of them have sent their top geniuses.”
“If you go alone, even with your strength, it may be difficult to face them all.”
He didn’t mention one other dangerous factor—the Great Zhou Crown Prince.
That man’s strength was terrifying. He had stepped into the Life and Death Realm some time ago and once even clashed with the legendary Champion Marquis. Though their battle ended in a draw, it was clear the Crown Prince was a force to be reckoned with.
If the Third Princess moved alone, she might not even have to face foreign threats—her own brother might eliminate her first.
“What about the Profound Sun Holy Land?” she asked suddenly, a playful smile curling at the corners of her lips.
A tall figure surfaced in her mind—one she hadn’t forgotten.
“Has their Holy Son set out for the Savage Mountain Range yet?”
“I’m not sure,” the black-robed figure replied, shaking his head. “But the Profound Sun Holy Land plans to relocate to the Savage Mountain Range. Their Holy Son will definitely show up.”
The mountains might not yet belong to the Profound Sun Holy Land…
But everyone knew—they soon would.
Before long, the Profound Sun Holy Land would inevitably take control of the Savage Mountain Range. Now that the Great Strength Divine Demon Sect had resurfaced, it was practically on Profound Sun’s doorstep.
How could they possibly ignore it?
The Third Princess chuckled softly.
“Rather than cooperate with Ge Chongyun,” she said coolly, “it would be better to work with Li Xun. His strength… I don’t think I need to elaborate.”
“But, Holy Maiden…”
The black-robed figure hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.
She shot him a glance, as if reading his thoughts.
Raising her voice slightly, she said, “I have a Great Strength Divine Demon Sect token in my hand. Do you really think Li Xun would refuse to work with me?”
This token was more than just a symbol—it was a key. Without it, no one could even step through the entrance of the sect’s ruins.
Hearing her words, the black-robed man bowed again.
“Since the Holy Maiden has already made her decision, I shall take my leave.”
“Mm.”
The Third Princess gave a slight nod, her gaze drifting once more toward the direction the Crown Prince had departed.
A cold glint passed through her eyes.
“Royal Brother… This time, you won’t be able to defeat me.”
Her fingers curled tightly around the black token in her hand.
. . . . . . . .
Meanwhile – Heavenly Heart Sacred Holy Land
As a mighty and ancient sect, the Heavenly Heart Sacred Holy Land had stood for nearly a million years, with a deep and terrifying foundation.
Officially, there were two Saints overseeing the sect. But in truth, no one knew how many more might be hidden in the shadows. Even powerful nations like Great Chu or Great Zhou would tread carefully when dealing with them.
Inside the main hall of the sect—
A towering man stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His features were sharp and resolute, and his eyes… within them flowed sun, moon, and stars—deep and terrifying like the cosmos itself.
He turned his gaze briefly toward the direction of the Savage Mountain Range, then shifted his focus to the young man standing at his side.
“Holy Son.”
His voice was deep and steady, brimming with pressure.
“I’m here!”
The Heavenly Heart Sacred Holy Son stepped forward and bowed with respect.
“This time, with the reappearance of the Great Strength Divine Demon Sect, I want you to go,” the Holy Lord said.
“Do you have the confidence to defeat all your rivals in the Savage Mountain Range?”
His tone was heavy, weighing down the air itself. Even the proud Holy Son grew more respectful under such pressure.
“I… I…”
The Holy Son opened his mouth, ready to say he was confident—but then, a terrifying memory surfaced:
A single spear strike crushing the Champion Marquis to death.
That monstrous figure flashed in his mind. And so, the words caught in his throat.
“…I will do my best,” he said instead.
The Holy Lord narrowed his eyes and looked at him.
“‘Do your best’? So… among those heading to the Savage Mountain Range, there’s someone you fear?”
“…Yes,” the Holy Son admitted, his voice low.
“Who?”
The Holy Lord asked simply.
“…The Profound Sun Holy Son.”
The Holy Son spoke slowly, as if the name itself carried weight.
Aside from Li Xun, he didn’t fear anyone. No one could shake him—not even top-tier geniuses.
But Li Xun… was different.
The Holy Son knew that he had no chance of winning against Li Xun.
“Li Xun, huh…”
The Holy Lord sighed deeply.
“He possesses the Scarlet Flame Divine Body—you are right. He is not someone you can handle directly. Very well, do as you said. Do your best.”
After a pause, the Holy Lord added in a low tone:
“If possible, try to befriend him.”