As the black bead manifested, the murkiest Yin energy between heaven and earth incessantly surged toward it, merging into the core of the orb. Vaguely, streams of black light could be seen coiling around the bead, which, in turn, grew ever brighter.

The brighter the light became, the stronger the suction. The surrounding Yin energy, death qi, and darkness surged towards the bead at an ever-increasing velocity. Gradually, the Yin energy, the death qi, and the darkness from several li around—even the very souls of the Grandmasters and Great Grandmasters—were completely absorbed by the bead. The orb then slowly descended, and Liang Xiaoke opened his mouth, swallowing the bead brimming with immense power.

Or rather, the Corpse Elixir.

As the bead sank into Liang Xiaoke’s body, the various kinds of primal energy in the world slowly settled back into tranquility. The black light that had shrouded Liang Xiaoke dissipated, and the scales covering his body vanished along with it.

Slowly, the demonic markings on his face faded away. After a moment, all external anomalies surrounding him were gone, restoring him to his former appearance: pale-faced, yet somewhat handsome.

At a glance, he seemed unchanged from moments before, still utterly devoid of any discernible aura. Yet, for some unknown reason, Ye Jingyu felt that Liang Xiaoke at this moment was infinitely stronger than he had been previously.

He slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them before quickly reverting to his usual languid and roguish demeanor.

“Heh heh, this world is truly strange. Logically speaking, since I’ve stepped into the Corpse Emperor realm, there should have been a small heavenly tribulation, right? How come I didn’t even feel a thing? Advancing to the Corpse Emperor realm was just too easy,” Liang Xiaoke looked up at the sky, then turned towards Mu Fei, who was scrambling to his feet on the ground, speaking to Ye Jingyu with an expression of mock disappointment.

It was as if attaining the Corpse Emperor realm was the simplest thing imaginable.

Ye Jingyu couldn’t be bothered with his smug expression and cut straight to the chase: “How is it? If you met Bai Tianyu right now, what are your chances of winning?”

“One hundred percent!” Liang Xiaoke declared with excessive vanity.

“You just entered the Corpse Emperor realm?” Ye Jingyu was somewhat skeptical.

“Did you forget I possess the Undying Body? I am innately positioned in an unbeatable state; how could an ordinary Martial Saint possibly injure me!” Liang Xiaoke stated with complete confidence.

“That’s great. With you and Bing Ming, I don’t believe anyone can snatch Ling’er away!” Hearing Liang Xiaoke speak with such certainty, a confident light dawned in Ye Jingyu’s eyes.

A Martial Saint, plus a Corpse Emperor—even Luo Xiaofeng wouldn't dare to make trouble for him, right? Furthermore, Ye Jingyu was confident that even facing a Martial Saint alone now, he possessed the strength for a real fight.

If Gongsun Xiangyi returned, coupled with Xiao Tao Tao, and perhaps even Xiao Hei Ni Bo, the high-tier combat strength surrounding him would be terrifyingly immense.

“What? Is someone daring to try and snatch my junior brother’s wife?” Hearing Ye Jingyu, a look of indignation crossed Liang Xiaoke’s face.

“Of course…” Following this, Ye Jingyu recounted the entire affair regarding Xiao Geng and Luo Ling’er’s impending marriage to Liang Xiaoke. However, his expression remained calm, lacking any significant anger or worry, which made Liang Xiaoke highly suspicious.

Who exactly would marry Luo Ling’er—him or Xiao Geng?

“I say, kid, you don’t seem worried at all. Don’t tell me you already…” Liang Xiaoke was undoubtedly the person who understood Ye Jingyu best in this world. Hearing Ye Jingyu utter such things with such a composed tone, he had already guessed something.

“Heh heh…” In response to Liang Xiaoke’s question, Ye Jingyu merely offered a cunning smile.

“Damn, you sly dog, you actually did it! Where was the location? Don’t tell me it was in the Imperial Palace?” Liang Xiaoke instantly became interested.

“You’re really smart…” Ye Jingyu gave him a thumbs-up.

“I…” Liang Xiaoke had only spoken casually, never expecting Ye Jingyu had actually gone through the step of transforming from a boy to a man within the Imperial Palace. He immediately made a middle finger gesture towards Ye Jingyu, which slowly morphed into a thumbs-up.

“You’re incredible. The Imperial Palace is teeming with masters. Even I wouldn't dare venture there carelessly. I can’t believe you not only went in, but actually managed to… well, to that extent… with the Emperor’s daughter…” As he spoke, Liang Xiaoke found himself struggling for words, unsure what to say next.

Seeing Liang Xiaoke’s expression, Ye Jingyu recalled just how audacious he had been that day—practically courting death out of lust. But why hadn't anyone in the palace noticed him? With Luo Xiaofeng’s strength, surely he knew? Or had his technique for concealing his aura reached an exceptionally high level?

“Alright, alright. Next time you go to the palace for some romance, remember to call me along,” seeing Ye Jingyu looking even more self-satisfied than himself, Liang Xiaoke clapped him on the shoulder and spoke.

“What are you coming for?” Ye Jingyu looked utterly confused.

“Of course, to comfort all the lonely and restless beautiful ladies in the palace!” Liang Xiaoke said with profound sincerity.

Ugh…

This time, it was Ye Jingyu’s turn to be speechless. This guy was planning to cuckold the Emperor! That was pushing the limits of audacity.

But realizing Liang Xiaoke had now achieved the Corpse Emperor realm, Ye Jingyu decided it wasn't his place to say much.

Just then, Bing Ming’s silhouette emerged from the night. Ye Jingyu and Liang Xiaoke already understood that those people had all been slain. Looking at Bing Ming, who bore not a single trace of blood, Ye Jingyu once again grasped the power of a Martial Saint.

However, Liang Xiaoke, standing beside him, suddenly lunged toward Bing Ming, throwing a punch aimed at the Martial Saint.

That seemingly simple punch carried the force of an oncoming mountain. Not only did Bing Ming feel an indescribable pressure, but even Ye Jingyu standing nearby sensed the immense weight of the impact.

Was this merely the power of a Corpse Emperor?

The True Essence within Bing Ming’s body circulated frantically, and his figure rapidly retreated. Yet, Liang Xiaoke’s punch seemed to tear through space itself, landing directly before him. No matter how he dodged, evasion seemed impossible.

Forced to react, Bing Ming drew his sword. But before the iron blade could emit any brilliant sword light, Liang Xiaoke’s fist slammed heavily onto the steel weapon…

Clang…

The durable iron sword instantly shattered. The massive recoil force sent Bing Ming flying backward…

He flew several hundred meters before stopping, his face filled with astonishment. How could Liang Xiaoke’s strength have increased so dramatically in just a few moments? He couldn't even clearly track the speed of the punch!

“Hahahaha, I’ve leveled up! Bing Ming, you’re no match for me anymore, hahahaha…” After blasting Bing Ming away with one punch, Liang Xiaoke laughed triumphantly. Ye Jingyu merely rolled his eyes, instructed Mu Fei, who had finished draining the blood of the vampire Adams, to take the corpse away, and then started walking toward the direction of Caiyun Town…