The moment the four characters—Donghuang Taiyi—left his lips, Ye Jingyu’s heart gave a violent jolt. He might not have known who Dijun was, but he certainly knew Donghuang Taiyi. Even if he didn't know the name itself, he knew the artifact that had shaken the Three Realms: the Donghuang Bell…

It was reputed to be the most formidable divine artifact in existence; even an idiot would know that.

Gazing upon the imposing man before him, and the ancient, azure bell hovering nearby, Ye Jingyu felt as if he were living in a waking dream…

The Donghuang Bell! He possessed the foremost artifact of the Three Realms and had been completely oblivious to it? No wonder he couldn't properly wield it; no wonder brute force alone was enough to shatter Fang Zhentian’s Heaven-Shattering Pagoda. No wonder it could repel that seal-tablet capable of reducing him to ash, and no wonder even the evolved Heavenly Venerable Blade could barely scratch it.

Even though it was damaged, even though it was currently in tatters, even though it had endured the ravages of time, and even though he couldn't unleash even a fraction of its true power—it was still the ultimate divine artifact.

In that instant, every doubt Ye Jingyu harbored was resolved. He finally understood the terrifying prestige that this man before him must have once commanded.

“So, it is the esteemed Senior Donghuang Taiyi. May I ask the purpose of your esteemed presence? Have you fallen, leaving behind only this trace of a true spirit seeking a successor? Hahaha, Senior Donghuang, please impart any profound skills you possess! While I may not be a peerless genius, my talent is considerable—I learn any martial art instantly. If you seek a successor, you’ve found the right person!” Upon learning the man’s identity, Ye Jingyu’s face instantly broke into a fawning grin, and he became surprisingly invigorated. Even knowing that the figure before him was merely a wisp of true spirit, this was Donghuang Taiyi! A colossal figure comparable to Pangu! Even the smallest scrap he tossed my way would be enough for me to squander for ages!

“Hmph…” Donghuang Taiyi was momentarily stunned. What did the boy mean, that he had already perished? And what did he mean about seeking a successor? Did his mere appearance necessitate finding an heir?

Furthermore, the boy claimed not to be a peerless genius on one hand, yet boasted of mastering all skills instantly on the other. What exactly was he?

“Of course, Uncle Donghuang, since you intend to take me as your successor, you must tell me where any remaining artifacts are stashed! I’m not greedy; just give me a hundred divine artifacts or so…” While Donghuang Taiyi was still reeling, Ye Jingyu rattled off a torrent of demands.

The Donghuang Bell was a treasure, yes, but wouldn’t it be better to acquire a few more artifacts? Even if he didn’t need them, the people around him certainly would! The more good things one possessed, the better, right?

Donghuang Taiyi was utterly dumbfounded. How had he become this boy’s uncle? And a hundred divine artifacts? Did the boy think divine artifacts were cheap knock-offs readily available on the market, that he could simply name a quantity? Let alone being reduced to a mere sliver of true spirit now, even during his prime, he possessed only the Donghuang Bell and the Demon Emperor Sword. His Demon Emperor Sword had been shattered in that final catastrophic battle; only the Donghuang Bell remained, and even that was grievously damaged, requiring an unknown length of time to restore to its former glory.

Figures of their stature scorned ordinary magical tools; each typically possessed at most one or two innate life-bound artifacts. Where could one possibly find a hundred such treasures?

“Stop…” Seeing Ye Jingyu’s mouth beginning to move again, Donghuang Taiyi interjected immediately.

“What is it, Uncle Donghuang? Have you perhaps neglected to enjoy some of your beautiful consorts? Rest assured, as your heir, since I am inheriting your mantle, I must fulfill some of your duties, mustn't I? Although I am not a licentious man, indulging a few dozen beauties won’t be an issue?” As soon as Donghuang Taiyi spoke, Ye Jingyu cut him off.

“Pfft…” Donghuang Taiyi expelled a mouthful of blood, although, granted, he was only a spiritual entity and his form shuddered with rage. He had encountered countless powerful beings, but when had he ever met such an utterly shameless creature? Not only did this boy demand his inheritance and his artifacts, but now he was eyeing his women, declaring it with such righteousness. This was beyond outrageous!

“Cease this at once!” Donghuang Taiyi roared, knowing that if Ye Jingyu continued, he might well be provoked into complete annihilation. After all, this fragile thread of true spirit was nothing compared to his original body.

“Uh, Uncle Donghuang, please say what you need to say!” Ye Jingyu immediately clamped his mouth shut, but his hands interlaced behind his back, forming some sort of mystical seal.

“I must clarify several matters for you now. First, I am not your uncle. Second, I am not seeking a successor. The only reason I appeared here is because the seal on the Donghuang Bell was shattered by the Heaven-Reversing Seal, leaving my true spirit unprotected. If I do not manifest, I will scatter into oblivion,” Donghuang Taiyi stated coldly.

“Ah, the Heaven-Reversing Seal? That’s the seal-tablet that traded a blow with the Donghuang Bell?” Ye Jingyu was startled again by Donghuang Taiyi’s words.

“Precisely. Although that artifact is inferior to the Donghuang Bell, its damage is far less severe, and its power is immense—otherwise, how could it have shattered my seal?” Donghuang Taiyi’s face held a look of disdainful amusement.

“Er, I see how it is. Then, Senior Donghuang, if you aren't seeking an heir, why did you seal this trace of true spirit within the Donghuang Bell? Was it to be instantly recalled to your original body?” Ye Jingyu inquired with renewed curiosity.

“Original body? Just as you speculated earlier, my true self vanished ten thousand years ago. The sliver of true spirit I left behind in the Donghuang Bell was meant to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, strengthening itself for eventual rebirth. But who knew you, a wretch whose cultivation is so meager you can’t even utilize the Bell, forcing me to expend the magical power I accumulated over millennia just to activate it? Now, not only have you drained all my accumulated power, but you’ve also shattered my seal! I can no longer absorb energy, and I face imminent destruction!” Donghuang Taiyi was visibly furious…

“Ah, then what is to be done now?” Ye Jingyu put on an expression of deep regret…

“What to do? There is only one path to ensure my true spirit does not perish!” Donghuang Taiyi said coldly.

“What way?” Ye Jingyu asked, astonished.

“That is for me to devour your consciousness and seize control of this physical form! Hahahaha…” Donghuang Taiyi suddenly let out a sinister laugh, his entire form transforming into a massive firebird, which lunged directly at the form shaped by Ye Jingyu’s consciousness…