Even the talented sword cultivator Ji Rong had never achieved such progress. For a while, the entire Wuji Sect, and even the Four Region of Spirit Continents, learned of the news of the Sword Saint’s breakthrough to the early stage of Great Perfection, and they all came to congratulate him.

After several setbacks, Li Cangyan finally found the demeanor he should have possessed.

Through various experiences, Li Cangyan realized one thing: this world should revolve around him.

All of this was for the sake of the righteous path of slaying demons, his own grand path.

So, if he had obtained the Hourglass of Azure Feathers at the Eastern Sea, he would let others mistakenly believe that he had obtained the heart of the ancient demon.

But since Li Cangyan hadn’t obtained it, he would let the world know that what lay beneath the Eastern Sea was not the heart of the ancient demon. After Li Cangyan emerged from the Eastern Sea, he secluded himself for a few days. His cultivation had even broken through two realms at once, stepping into the stage of Great Perfection. What an exceptional talent he had.

Even if he didn’t compare himself to that devil, at least his current cultivation had surpassed Ji Rong’s. In the short term, it would be difficult for Ji Rong to make a breakthrough. Even in terms of swordsmanship, he was undoubtedly the worthy Sword Saint of the Spirit Continent.

And now, the heart of the ancient demon was here.

This absolute divine power, reaching the heavens and earth, was waiting for him to seize it.

“Let them make a fuss for a while longer. We’ll go in later,” Li Cangyan said with a faint smile, exuding the composure of a victor.

This time, victory was almost assured.

Because that devil would face a dead end.

Su Yilin held her heart, deeply moved by Li Cangyan’s extraordinary demeanor.

She bit her lip and, with starry eyes, asked, “Brother Cangyan, what is the invincible thing that the devil possesses?”

Thinking of the ice flame that had severely injured him, Li Cangyan’s gaze shifted, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

“He cannot attack there, only passively endure.”

“No matter how severe the injuries, he cannot retaliate.”

He had a reason for not being able to retaliate.

Li Cangyan gripped the divine weapon of slaughtering demons tightly and couldn’t wait to severely wound the ancient demon.

Seeing him in pain and unable to fight back, only able to watch as Li Cangyan took away the his heart.

________

Yao Yao watched as the golden dragon dissipated.

She involuntarily tightened her grip on Chong Yan’s hand.

After the prayers of all the soul fragments ended, happy smiles appeared on their faces, as if their prayers had been answered. These soul fragments didn’t exhibit any aggressive behavior; it seemed that their only purpose for being trapped here was one thing.

Chong Yan, holding Yao Yao, flipped out of the empty coffin and followed the soul fragments out.

Yao Yao tugged at Chong Yan’s sleeve, no longer afraid as she watched the soul fragments hang their heads and hesitate.

Some of them went to cultivate and till the fields, while others repaired the tombs. The farmland flowed with lifeless verdant green, and the tombs were filled with stiff splendor. But it seemed as if they had truly come back to life, transformed into normal living beings within the illusion.

After their wishes came true, the specks of light on the souls were all absorbed by the golden dragon formed by the empty coffin, making its phantom dragon body clearer and clearer.

Although Yao Yao didn’t know what those specks of light were, she could tell that the golden dragon was using the souls.

When their prayers were granted, the golden dragon would gain the nourishment of the specks of light.

Specks of light, for thousands and thousands of years, trapping these soul fragments.

This was why the Illusionary Emotion Demon discovered this place, because “praying to the heavens” generated emotions stronger than the ordinary seven emotions.

The ecstatic joy of dreams coming true, the sharp grief of hopes dashed; when dreams came true, faith grew stronger, and when hopes were dashed, they became persistent. It was like a closed loop of emotional thought power.

However, living beings only pray once in their lifetime. Their prayers are at most for family, wealth, and happiness. Where would there be strong prayers for life and death?

Soul fragments, seeking life, pseudo-life, eternal life.

They lived a life of being born at dawn and dying at dusk, pretending to be serene and tranquil. They prayed every day, they chanted the merits every day.

So, the people who built this Emperor’s Tomb and trapped these soul fragments wanted “merit”. It just so happened that the emotions generated by the soul fragments were used by the Illusionary Emotion Demon.

So…

Yao Yao couldn’t help but turn her head to look at Chong Yan. In the dim light, she could only see the firm contours of his profile. He didn’t appear angry or resentful.

But Yao Yao’s little face wrinkled, feeling a sourness in her heart.

He must have understood as soon as he saw the golden dragon.

Yao Yao also came to understand.

The Hourglass of Azure Feathers in the Eastern Sea was for him to obtain eternal life.

The Emperor’s Tomb, trapping the soul fragments, was to chant merits.

This is about sculpting gods and building true deities.

The Azure Dragon and the Vermilion Phoenix, soaring to the heavens and descending to the earth, love their noble eldest son.

The Imperial Tomb is constructed with magnificent towers, layer upon layer, and the heart of Chong Yan is placed here, becoming the cornerstone that carries the emotions of countless souls.

It becomes the pedestal for the Golden Dragon to reshape its true form.

How can this be?

Chong Yan, whose heart was cut out and frozen, cannot feel so many emotions himself, yet his heart is here, feeling countless struggles, ecstasy, obsession, and pain.

Yao Yao holds his hand and asks softly, “Heart, do you feel it?”

Ever since seeing that golden dragon, Chong Yan’s aura has become even colder.

He nods silently, “Yes.”

Right here, in a deeper place.

Descending along the ninelayer deep stairs. Becoming the foundation.

Yao Yao asks softly, “Shall we go and get it back?”

That will inevitably confront the painful memories that torment Chong Yan.

She looks anxious, but fortunately, it is pitch black here, and her conflicted expression cannot be seen clearly.

But Chong Yan’s eyes fall on her face and can actually see it all.

He sees her anger.

Her face full of heartache.

He sees her unreserved partiality.

Clearly, this darkness is cruel to him, but Chong Yan quiets down at this moment.

If this is what his older brother was created for, then he cannot make a move. Among the 99,900 prohibition spells, there are various restraints against him.

He cannot act, so how can he protect her?

He must protect the people he cherish.

He cannot accept being defeated by other males in front of her.

For the first time, Chong Yan feels lost.

However, she looks at him seriously and tells him, “Chong Yan, I am strong.”

Being an ancient demons, he feels that he should bear it all, but…

“I can protect myself, and I can protect you.” She can even defeat Li Cangyan.

This time, you are not alone.

Yao Yao stands on tiptoe and embraces the Chong Yan that is as cold as ice.

In the darkness, there are no concerns about being too close.

And her heartbeat is fast, steady, pounding against him.

Chong Yan lowers his gaze and looks at the little person in his arms. In that moment, he actually enjoys this darkness a bit. Because he can quietly lower his head and gently kiss the top of her head.

No one can see the intimacy between him and her.

“What are you doing?”

A snake demon that lives in the deep darkness of the sea all year round slithers out gracefully.

Darkness is its eyes, and its two small eyes can see clearly.

“Are you alright, Yao Yao?” Ji Rong also enters the hall, wielding a sword and coming in aggressively.

Even if Chong Yan cannot act, they now have the strength of one person and one snake.

Yao Yao applauds happily.

But Chong Yan remains expressionless and no longer likes this darkness.