From concealment, he quietly retrieved a silver sphere originating from the Zakk race, ready to strike at any moment.

Those streaks of sword light began to retract, the power emanating from them like an endless tide, seemingly inexhaustible, sealing off the area surrounding him.

The Dragon-Shine Longblade manifested in his right palm; without a trace of hesitation, he brandished it, attempting to cleave through the binding sword light. The Dragon-Shine Longblade swept out, sending a burst of blade energy that struck squarely against the luminous barrier.

Strangely, the sword light reacted as if it were cotton wadding; the blade energy from the Dragon-Shine Longblade pierced into the light, only penetrating a fraction before being neutralized and checked by some yielding force.

The blade energy from the Dragon-Shine Longblade struggled a few times within the sword light, then abruptly stilled, unable to advance even a hair's breadth further.

“Boy, don’t waste your efforts. Once one breaks through to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm, the power within undergoes a fundamental transformation, something you simply cannot withstand,” a mocking voice echoed from within the silhouette formed by the sword light.

Ji Changkong suddenly felt a sense of familiarity; this voice seemed to resonate from a place he’d encountered before, yet upon closer inspection, he couldn’t place the identity of the speaker.

At this proximity, a hint of the aura surrounding the figure also diffused, lending him the same inexplicable familiarity.

Watching the sword light slowly approach, gradually enveloping his form, the energy from his Dragon-Shine Longblade proved useless, and he dared not deploy the silver sphere from the Zakk race now, fearing he might harm himself along with his foe. In this predicament, the only recourse he could conceive was to plunge himself into the Great Void Illusion Realm.

The instant this thought surfaced, the Great Void Illusion Realm naturally took shape behind him. However, the moment the Realm materialized, a streak of sword light flared within it. The nascent Great Void Illusion Realm shattered like glass under the impact of that single sword strike.

Ji Changkong, who had intended to hide within the illusion, changed expression, swiftly gathering the broken, mirror-like fragments and instantly mending the Great Void Illusion Realm.

This Realm was forged from his very spirit, soul, and lifeblood; should the world within collapse, his physical self would suffer grievous and difficult-to-heal damage.

Fortunately, the penetration was limited only to the entrance of the Great Void Illusion Realm, sparing the world inside—otherwise, he would have vomited blood instantly. Nevertheless, that brush with the sword light shattered any notion of using the illusion for refuge.

A master of the Ten Directions Heaven Realm was a far more terrifying existence than the four Hidden Demons or the Zakk chieftain. While the Hidden Demons possessed formidable physicality, they lacked expertise in manipulating soul power. The Zakk race, conversely, had immensely powerful souls but fragile bodies. Both the Hidden Demons and the Zakk could be countered by targeting their weaknesses. The Ten Directions Heaven master, however, possessed no such obvious flaws.

The powerful figures of the Ten Directions Heaven Realm were balanced in all aspects; the strength of their physique and the depth of their soul cultivation progressed in tandem, revealing no significant vulnerability. This was precisely why such experts could survive in a perilous place like the Dead Star Domain!

Seeing that even the Great Void Illusion Realm proved ineffective, for a brief moment, Ji Changkong truly considered unleashing the silver sphere of the Zakk race.

Yet, just before acting, he felt deeply and discerned no killing intent within the sword light. It seemed those beams intended only to confine him, not to obliterate him.

The moment he recognized this, relief washed over him first, followed by a quiet communication with the other demon body residing within the Heavenly Origin Pearl. After confirming the demon body’s presence, he settled his mind. Without moving, he stood waiting, keeping his internal energies quiescent.

After a short interval, several strands of sword light finally enveloped him, but they did not touch his flesh; they merely solidified the space immediately beside him. It appeared this Ten Directions Heaven master had a different agenda.

Thinking this, Ji Changkong entertained a desire to see what the individual intended, delaying any immediate action and keeping the demon body and the Heavenly Origin Pearl withdrawn. Finally, the sword beams locked down the space around his body. Ssssh!

Two strong beams of light flashed out, and a wave of intense spatial fluctuation suddenly emanated from his side. The next instant, a momentary dizziness seized Ji Changkong’s mind. He then realized his location had shifted; he was now in an entirely different area.

Gu Dan and Li Hentian, who had been restrained by the sword light, had already exhausted all their strength trying to break free, only to find their efforts utterly fruitless. The sword light finally vanished on its own.

When Gu Dan and Li Hentian realized they were no longer bound, they exchanged a glance, both registering profound shock. “Where is Changkong?” Gu Dan’s face changed drastically. “The sword light took him,” Li Hentian drew a deep breath, sensing carefully. “I can’t tell which direction, but he’s definitely not in Xuanyuan Valley!”

Gu Dan sensed as well, finding no trace. He hesitated, then said, “Forget it, no use wasting energy searching. There was no trace of malice in that person’s sword light; it seems he didn't intend to trouble Xuanyuan Valley.”

“Mmm, I didn’t feel malice either; that person clearly has another objective,” Li Hentian nodded, pausing. “I have a strange feeling that person is very familiar, but I just can’t place him right now.” Just then,

a man hurried over, stopping beside Li Hentian and Gu Dan with an expression of utter astonishment. This man was none other than Yi Chi, the Sect Master of the Yi family who had come to Xuanyuan Valley.

Over the years, Yi Kui frequently visited Xuanyuan Valley to exchange cultivation materials and discuss cultivation insights with old acquaintances there.

Because the distance between East Heaven Peak and Xuanyuan Valley was so short, Yi Chi often spent time at Xuanyuan Valley whenever he emerged from secluded training. Coincidentally, Yi Chi was present today. “What is it?” Gu Dan asked, looking curiously at Yi Chi. “Did you sense something?” “Strange, truly strange. Could it really be him? Impossible…” Yi Chi muttered, appearing completely bewildered by some thought. “What exactly is happening? Who do you think it was?” Gu Dan pressed, growing impatient. Li Hentian also kept a stern face. “Sect Master Yi, if you have something to say, please speak plainly.” “The aura of that person… it resembles, it resembles Hong Mandun from our East Heaven Peak,” Yi Chi finally said after a moment of hesitation.

The scene of Hong Mandun sending the Ghost Demon King into a spatial rift with a single sword strike years ago was etched deeply in his memory. As the patriarch of the Yi family and someone who frequented East Heaven Peak daily, Yi Chi was naturally familiar with Hong Mandun’s aura.

He had been exchanging cultivation tips with someone when he sensed Hong Mandun’s aura and rushed over immediately. However, he dared not approach amidst those astonishing sword lights, observing the entire event from a distance. “The expert who sent the Ghost Demon King into the spatial rift?” Gu Dan inquired.

Yi Chi nodded and explained, “He has been cultivating at East Heaven Peak all these years. Only that little girl, Yi Rou, often converses with him. You know his secret arts are somewhat peculiar, and he behaves erratically…” Yi Chi recounted the situation with a look of deep strangeness.

Li Hentian paused only briefly before declaring, “It must be him. It’s said the mystery of his cultivation is highly unique: either he never awakens, or once he does, he can immediately advance to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm!” “He’s gone, so it must be him then!” Gu Dan affirmed. “I’ll go to East Heaven Peak to see if he is indeed there,” Li Hentian said urgently. “I’ll go with you. After all, I am the head of the Yi family, and I’ve treated him well over the years; he should grant me some courtesy,” Yi Chi volunteered. “Very well, we will trouble Sect Master Yi then,” Li Hentian did not refuse. On a small hill several hundred miles away.

The sword light slowly dispersed, and Ji Changkong’s eyes were met with daylight again as he looked forward.

A pair of large, dark eyes suddenly appeared in his sight. These big eyes were filled with curiosity, mingled with a touch of pleasant surprise, confusion, and a hint of timidity.

He instantly pulled back a meter, focusing his gaze, and suddenly exclaimed, “Yi Rou!”

“Um, Ji… Brother Ji, hello…” Yi Rou also took a few steps back, her face flushing. She now dared not look at Ji Changkong, timidly retreating until she stood behind an old man clad in tattered robes.

The old man’s eyes glittered with divine light, making it difficult to look directly at him. Though his clothes were ragged, he possessed an indomitable spirit, giving an impression of extraordinary bearing. After just one glance at the man, Ji Changkong involuntarily gasped, “It’s you?” “The boy actually remembers me?” Hong Mandun cast him a sideways glance and chuckled weirdly. “How could I forget?” Ji Changkong felt a wave of relief, smiling genuinely, “If you hadn't sent that Ghost Demon King into the spatial rift with one sword strike back then, I might have wasted so much effort.”

“Heh heh, good that you remember.” Hong Mandun grinned, scrutinizing him from head to toe. “Your progress is truly fast, boy. I recall you were only at the Seven Stars Heaven Realm back then. How long has it been? You’ve already reached the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm—this speed is astonishing.” “And you still remember that?” Ji Changkong was taken aback, thinking that back then, he must have been in his deranged phase. “Hmph!” Seeming to read Ji Changkong’s thoughts, Hong Mandun snorted coldly. “Did you think I would remain insane forever?” “No,” Ji Changkong offered a strained, awkward laugh. He quickly added, “I knew you would eventually break through to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm, I just didn’t expect it to be so soon.”

“It wasn't fast,” Hong Mandun suddenly sighed, a touch of wistfulness in his voice. “When I entered the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm, your maternal grandfather was still unknown—you just never knew. I expended such immense effort, deliberately losing my composure and letting my spirit wander through the vast star field for so long, just to grasp the true essence. The thought and price I paid are beyond what you can imagine.”

Hong Mandun spoke these words casually, yet Ji Changkong’s expression stiffened. After a long moment, he said, “You are truly formidable, Elder. Few people can achieve what you have. No wonder you could break through to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm.”

To lose one’s sanity, to allow oneself to become a raving lunatic for potentially centuries, earning scorn and disdain, all for the sake of breaking a shackle and attaining the realm yearned for in dreams. This unwavering spirit seemed to strike him, causing him to grasp some profound realization. “Boy, I sought you out for a serious matter to discuss!” Seeing his distraction, Hong Mandun couldn’t help but clear his throat lightly.

Returning from his mystical realization, Ji Changkong smiled and looked at him with interest. “What matter brings me here, Elder? As long as it is within my capabilities, and out of gratitude for your past help against the Ghost Demon King, I am certainly willing to serve.”

The moment he spoke these words, Yi Rou’s face flushed deeper, and her eyes suddenly brightened. She covertly glanced at him, displaying a faint sense of expectation.

Hong Mandun nodded with satisfaction. “You are quite pleasing to my eye, boy. Rest assured, I seek nothing harmful; in fact, it is a huge piece of good news!”

“Good news?” Ji Changkong was amused, laughing heartily. “What good news? Are you planning to enter the Dead Star Domain and share the insights from your breakthrough to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm with me? If so, I thank you in advance.”

“Dream on, brat,” Hong Mandun countered with a peculiar look, snorting. “Don’t think about instant ascent. You must proceed step by step to gain enlightenment at the right time. Other people’s insights are useless to you; only what you realize yourself can help you break through your limits! Even if I had some insights, I wouldn’t tell you, as it would only impede you, offering no real benefit.” “Ah, then I don’t know what good thing you’ve called me for,” Ji Changkong feigned disappointment and sighed.

“This is my granddaughter, what do you think?” Hong Mandun grinned broadly, gesturing towards Yi Rou. He praised, “My granddaughter is not only beautiful and virtuous but also possesses a kind heart. Everyone on East Heaven Peak speaks highly of her. I’ve wandered the world for many years, and I’ve never seen a girl kinder than my granddaughter. What do you say?” “Your granddaughter?” Ji Changkong was stunned, unsure whether to laugh or cry. “Isn’t this Yi Chi’s granddaughter? When did she become yours?”

“I just recognized her!” Hong Mandun snorted coldly. “That fool Yi Chi only has eyes for East Heaven Peak. Recently, he’s been focused solely on breaking through to the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm and pays no mind to my precious granddaughter’s affairs. So, I, as her grandfather, must take care of it.” “Uh, what exactly are you trying to do?” Ji Changkong vaguely guessed his intentions and asked with resignation.

“It’s a benefit for you, boy!” Hong Mandun threw his head back proudly. “My granddaughter has taken a liking to you, and I believe that in this vast world, only you are barely worthy of my granddaughter. This matter is settled! You two will be married in a few days; I want to see it with my own eyes!”