Wang Lin recognized the man. It was the corpulent cultivator who had been so rude and dismissive upon his return to Planet Tian Yun! As seven streaks of black light, formed by seven men in black robes, hurtled towards him, accompanied by a thunderous shout filled with arrogance, a cold smile played on Wang Lin’s lips.

“I shall test my power upon you, and see if I can truly overcome an early Nirvana Shatterer!”

Behind Wang Lin, Big Head licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. It had been too long since he had last tasted blood, and the sight of the seven black-robed figures stirred a deep-seated bloodlust within him.

“Master, may I slay them?” Big Head asked respectfully, his voice a low growl.

“As you wish!” Wang Lin replied calmly, but the word was enough to send Big Head’s head snapping up, his eyes blazing with murderous intent. He took a step forward, his speed so great that he vanished in a blur.

The corpulent elder’s face darkened as he coldly observed the approaching Thunder Beast, Reggie. A peculiar light flickered in his eyes as he scrutinized Reggie, a covetous desire taking root in his heart.

“A Giant Devil Clan mount, indeed a rare prize! That Wang Lin would stumble upon me here… it can only be his misfortune! And that hulking guardian by his side, a Nirvana Cleanser… and that puppet, possessing some strength as well. Wang Lin may have battled the Marquis Ling Tian, but he relied heavily on the power of his treasures. But who does not wield treasures?”

With a single stride, Big Head arrived before the seven black-robed figures, a cruel grin splitting his face. His right hand flashed out, reaching for one of them. Each of the seven cultivators was a Void Refinement expert, and upon seeing Big Head’s attack, they swiftly formed a formation, combining their powers into one. The foremost black-robed man raised his right hand, forming a hand seal and thrusting it forward.

Instantly, the last of the seven men began to wither, becoming weak. The sixth man before him suffered the same fate, and so it continued, the power draining from each to coalesce within the first. The leader’s body swelled, and a black tiger materialized before him, roaring as it lunged at Big Head.

Big Head laughed, undeterred, and his right hand continued its trajectory. But in that instant, the corpulent elder, still seated upon his vessel, unleashed a streak of black light directly at Big Head! Wang Lin’s eyes flashed with a keen light as he took a step and teleported next to Big Head. Ignoring the approaching black light, he casually waved his right hand.

A deafening explosion ripped through the air as the black light shattered, the resulting shockwave spreading outwards. Wang Lin turned his gaze to the corpulent elder and said calmly, “Do you dare face me in battle?”

The corpulent elder frowned slightly, then sneered, “So, your skirmish with Marquis Ling Tian has led you to believe you can challenge me!” His body blurred as he launched himself into the starry void, forming a hand seal with his right hand and pointing forward. A colossal phantom materialized behind him.

The phantom took the form of a towering stone stele, radiating golden light that illuminated the void.

“Immortal Stele, Extinguish the Gods!” the elder roared. The phantom stele trembled and flew towards Wang Lin, threatening to crush him.

Wang Lin remained calm. He took a step forward, clenched his right fist, and unleashed a punch. Within this one blow was fused his peak Nirvana Cleanser cultivation and the power of an Ancient God. His peak Nirvana Cleanser cultivation allowed him to unleash the force without transforming into his hundreds-of-feet-tall Ancient God form, as he could now reach the peak strength he had once achieved in the void! If he were to assume his true Ancient God form, Wang Lin was confident he could battle an early Nirvana Shatterer! The punch tore through the air with a sonic boom that echoed throughout the void, and the space before Wang Lin cracked and shattered. More impressively, at the moment of impact, the shadowy figures of Ancient God arms, nearly a hundred feet long, appeared before him! It was as if the punch was thrown in unison by Wang Lin and a phantom Ancient God! The sight caused the corpulent elder to reel back in surprise! A primal aura, thick with the untamed power of ancient times, emanated from the phantom Ancient God arms. It was an aura of unmatched arrogance and world-shattering dominance! All power that stood in its path would be shattered! Wang Lin had not been able to unleash the complete Ancient God phantom with his fist so easily before. It was a technique he could only achieve with great effort, and he could not even fully manifest an arm. But now, such a punch was effortless! The descending stone stele never even reached Wang Lin before being struck by the fist of the phantom Ancient God arm. With a resounding boom, the stone stele proved to be unbelievably fragile, shattering into countless pieces.

The corpulent elder was stunned, his face twisting in anger. But in that instant, Wang Lin’s punch landed.

The booms of the attack reverberated everywhere as the elder snorted coldly. He swiftly formed hand seals with both hands and pointed forward, immediately conjuring nine seals. These raced to meet Wang Lin’s fist.

“Explode!” the elder roared.

**BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!** A violent explosion rocked the heavens and the earth. A destructive shockwave radiated out and sent the black ship crashing backwards, even forcing Thunder Beast, Reggie, to retreat.

The rest of the elder’s followers were forced to retreat. However, Big Head, grinning savagely, seized the opportunity offered by the elder’s engagement with Wang Lin and charged into the ranks of the seven black-robed figures. Blood and flesh splattered as limbs were torn asunder. A few drops splashed on his lips, and Big Head licked them off with relish.

Even as the nine seals detonated, the elder did not relax, but was instead filled with dread and he retreated without hesitation.

Before him, Wang Lin emerged unscathed from the remnants of the exploding seals. His expression was calm, and he had completely nullified the shockwave with a single punch!
“It seems I have, indeed, underestimated a cultivator of the early Nether Nirvana stage!” Wang Lin declared, each word resonating with newfound understanding. He moved toward the mountain of flesh that was the elder, his steps measured and resolute.

The elder’s face was ashen. Even now, he struggled to believe that Wang Lin possessed such formidable power. He had witnessed Wang Lin’s battle against Ling Tianhou, but he had attributed the victory to the power of magical artifacts and Ling Tianhou’s reluctance to fully unleash his strength.

But now, he felt the undeniable, raw power emanating from Wang Lin. A flicker of murderous intent ignited in the elder’s eyes. He was a ruthless man, and his encounter with Wang Lin had stirred a covetous desire within him – a desire for the colossal demon beast and, more importantly, for the key to the immortal’s abode! “Slay him, and the key shall be mine! With an immortal’s dwelling, my prospects within the Demon Spirit Land shall be greatly enhanced!” The elder licked his lips, retreating as his hands began to form intricate incantations. He touched his body in a series of swift, precise motions.

Each touch sent shivers through his frame. As his hands continued their arcane dance, he retreated further, his face contorting into a grotesque mask of concentration.

“Wang Lin, if you know what is good for you, you will surrender the key and that monstrous beast! I will allow you to depart with your life. Refuse, and you will meet your end here!” the elder bellowed, thrusting his hands forward with savage force.

Immediately, his mountainous body began to writhe and contort in a grotesque display. As it twisted, the elder’s corpulence rapidly diminished. His flesh seemed to melt away, revealing a frame that was shockingly thin.

Yet, as his body shrunk, an aura of dread coalesced around him, concentrating with terrifying intensity above his brow, culminating in a blinding beacon of light.

“The Purifying Dust of Tu Luo!” The elder’s voice rasped. His body was now reduced to a skeletal husk, barely clinging to life. As he uttered the ancient words, the light on his brow exploded forth, a beam of pure energy lancing towards Wang Lin.

Wang Lin’s eyes narrowed. He did not know the nature of the light, but he sensed a palpable threat emanating from it.

“A Nether Nirvana fiend. One must never underestimate their true potential. Though this one is but at the initial stages, if I were not of the blood of the Ancient Gods, victory would be a hardship. This technique, born of the condensation of the totality of his flesh essence into a singularity of pure energy, is something to behold!”

Wang Lin’s right hand clenched in the void. An earth-shattering rumble echoed from the star-strewn sky above, and the heavens churned with fury. A rift tore open in the tapestry of space, and from it emerged a crimson glow. As it coalesced in Wang Lin’s hand, it materialized into the legendary God-Slaying Spear.

“You are worthy to witness its power!” Wang Lin declared, his voice echoing with ancient power. He grasped the ethereal spear and hurled it forward. The weapon transformed into a streak of incandescent red, screaming toward the oncoming light.

The moment the God-Slaying Spear was unleashed, an aura of primal savagery permeated the world. The heavens shuddered, as if the very fabric of reality was threatened by the artifact’s raw power.

With a deafening roar, the God-Slaying Spear collided with the blinding beam. The intense clash caused the light to flicker and weaken, and, in a matter of moments, the blinding power collapsed in on itself! The God-Slaying Spear turned its attention to the elder, who now stood with a face of chalk, his eyes wide with disbelief. He scrambled backward, but his speed was no match for the weapon of the Ancient Gods. It closed the gap in an instant, poised to pierce his very being.

In a moment of desperation, the elder retrieved a jade shield that radiated a gentle, calming light. With a swift flick of the wrist, he positioned the artifact between himself and the approaching doom.

The spear slammed into the shield, and the elder’s face went white with pain. But the shield did not crack or shatter! He spat out a mouthful of blood, activating a forbidden technique. The Blood Escape! Such forbidden techniques are of the utmost cost, and the old man knew that he was putting everything on the line. He took hold of the shield and launched backwards, but the Nether Nirvana cultivator activated the forbidden technique and moved faster than could be imagined!

The moment the shield was revealed, Wang Lin’s eyes flashed with realization. He recognized the faint aura of the Ancient Gods emanating from the artifact! “A relic of the Ancient Gods!” he exclaimed. As he watched the elder retreat, and saw the God-Slaying Spear beginning to dissipate from the use of its great power, Wang Lin’s eyes hardened. With a single step, he strode into the very fabric of reality. Waves rippled across his path, and in that moment, Wang Lin traversed the impossible distance, executing the legendary technique, Shrinking the Earth! He vanished from sight, becoming one with the heavens.

The elder witnessed this, and his heart recoiled in horror. His skin crawled, and his very soul felt as though it was being torn from his body! Again, he spat blood to speed himself, but the feeling that he would die lingered in his mind.

Sweat poured down his face as he frantically retreated, howling in his mind, “Shrinking the Earth! Wang Lin knows Shrinking the Earth!?”

Shrinking the Earth was a skill possessed by few. To master Shrinking the Earth was to assure that, between equals, you would never fall in defeat! “His cultivation is far beyond my own, and he wields the power of Shrinking the Earth. This battle…” The elder’s face was a mask of terror.

As he stumbled backward, ripples appeared beside him. Wang Lin emerged, his fist already flying. He was so close that his fist seemed to appear before the elder’s very face!

The power of the Ancient Gods surged forth in a maelstrom of destruction, poised to consume the elder. His eyes constricted, and he screamed, “Spare me, friend! Hear me out! Just one word!”

His face was ashen, and his heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped bird. He had not felt such mortal peril in ages. His limbs were numb, and he cast aside his pride to beg for his life.

Wang Lin’s fist froze, stopping a mere inch from the elder’s nose. He stared down at the trembling old man with eyes of cold judgment.

The elder’s forehead glistened with sweat, and his gaze darted to the fist hanging before him. He felt the raw, devastating power contained within, and he knew that a single blow would shatter his body and leave his spirit vulnerable.

“Fellow cultivator, you seek the Demon Spirit Land, and you will need aid! I offer my humble service as recompense for my trespasses!”
Wang Lin’s face was a mask of ice, devoid of joy or anger, his gaze a chilling weight upon the aged cultivator. Beneath that unyielding stare, the elder squirmed inwardly, gritting his teeth as he spoke, “Beyond that humble offering, I am willing to part with this treasured shield. Of all my artifacts, it possesses the strongest defenses. With it, Honorable Daoist, your ventures within that ancient cavern shall surely find greater fortune!”

With a sigh, the elder erased the spirit-mark upon the shield, his actions betraying a deep reluctance, and extended it towards Wang Lin.

Wang Lin contemplated for a moment, then slowly retracted his fist. He accepted the shield, examined it with a scrutinizing eye, and then stowed it within his storage sack.

The elder, seeing the fist withdrawn, breathed a silent sigh of relief, his gaze cautiously fixed upon the inscrutable Wang Lin.

Wang Lin raised his right hand, forming a mystic seal. A binding glyph materialized, akin to that which once held the Giant Head in thrall. This fell upon the elder’s brow like a brand of servitude.

The elder dared not resist, allowing Wang Lin to press the mark into place. It pulsed upon his forehead, then faded into the depths of his being, leaving no trace.

“Attend to your affairs, then follow me!” Wang Lin spoke without turning, his form dissolving to reappear upon the back of the hulking Lei Ji, where he settled into a meditative posture.

The seven black-clad figures who had accompanied the elder were long since dispatched by the voracious Giant Head, who now returned to Wang Lin’s side, licking its lips with unsettling relish.

The elder, with a muted sigh, returned to his vessel. He summoned his disciples, gave them swift instructions, and watched as the craft and its occupants receded into the starry void. Then, he presented himself before Wang Lin, standing at the fore of Lei Ji’s back, a wry smile playing on his lips. “As you commanded, Honorable Daoist, my worldly matters are settled.

My name is Chen Feng, my Daoist title Floating Wind. Today, I am defeated. I acknowledge your superior strength. As we journey to the Land of Demon Spirits, I, Chen Feng, shall honor my pledge and lend you my full assistance. But I ask only that upon our return, you release me from this binding. Let our debts be settled.”

Wang Lin met Chen Feng’s gaze, his voice a placid stream. “Your seal is not deep. Were you to desire it, you could break it freely.”

Chen Feng shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. He had discerned the level of the binding – no more potent than that which could restrain a Nirvana Scryer. Were he truly willing, he could shatter it with relative ease.

But he dared not risk it. In truth, this apparent weakness inspired greater apprehension in Chen Feng’s heart. The crafty Wang Lin had woven a trap of the mind. This superficial seal was but a death warrant, a lure to draw him into a deeper, more insidious fate.

‘Were I to believe his words and tamper with the seal, a cascade of unimaginable consequences would surely be unleashed. He would not be so careless otherwise. His mind is a labyrinth. A binding crafted by a Pure Nirvana cultivator, though it might force temporary submission, would only ignite a constant, unwavering desire to break free. But this… this seal, seemingly so fragile, yet harboring unknown depths… too treacherous by far! Wang Lin’s craft is as subtle as it is dangerous.’

The elder suppressed a shudder.

This was Wang Lin’s intent. His cultivation, though impressive, was but at the peak of the Nirvana Scryer stage. He possessed no true power to bind a Pure Nirvana master. Therefore, he relied on guile, on the weaving of an invisible prison within the elder’s own thoughts. If wielded with skill, such a prison could be far more formidable than any celestial binding.

“If, during our journey, you heed my commands, I shall grant you your freedom upon our departure from the Land of Demon Spirits!” Wang Lin’s words were calm, yet laced with steel.

Chen Feng nodded, offering no further dissent. He settled into a cross-legged posture, his emaciated frame slowly inflating with renewed vigor as he commenced his breathing exercises.

“His cultivation method is… curious,” Wang Lin mused, averting his gaze. He understood that Chen Feng’s meditation was a mere show of compliance, a performance intended to demonstrate his singular desire for freedom.

‘With his aid, my ventures into the Land of Demon Spirits shall be met with greater assurance. Yet alas, my allies are still too few.’ Wang Lin sighed inwardly, lost in thought. Lei Ji continued his relentless pace, tearing through the fabric of the starry void.

Silence reigned for some time. Then, in the distance, a cerulean world swam into view, its beauty mesmerizing. The planet resembled a water droplet, resplendent with color and bathed in a thick aura of spiritual energy.

“That is Water Spirit Star, belonging to the Dust Dao Trio,” Chen Feng announced, his gaze tinged with a lascivious glint. “Its name, they say, was inspired by the Dust Dao Trio’s youngest, a fair maiden named Water Spirit.”

He had long coveted this maiden, but the power behind the Dust Dao Trio had kept his darker impulses in check.

“Dust Dao Trio!” Wang Lin glanced at the blue world, pausing in thought. He was planning to detour around this place, even though this planet would be ideal for his retreat and meditation, but his relationship with Dust Dao Trio was really not good, so he decided to avoid conflict and continued on his journey.

However, as they neared, three brilliant streaks of light erupted from the blue sphere, racing towards them. These streaks coalesced into a vortex of power, a tempest of roaring energies.

“Who goes there, lingering at the doorstep of the Dust Dao Trio!” boomed a voice, its resonance carrying the unmistakable tones of One-Dust.

“Eh!” One-Dust continued when he suddenly sense something.

The swirling vortex halted abruptly, revealing the forms of the Dust Dao Trio themselves. They had only just returned from the aborted Ghost Eye Bazaar, and had sensed the presence of several Second Step cultivators orbiting their planet. Without hesitation, they had taken to the skies.

Though their expressions remained calm, the sight of Lei Ji’s colossal form sent a jolt through their hearts. In the Alliance Star Domain, only those elders who rivaled the likes of Skycloud or Fortune Seizer could command a Giant Devil as a mount.

Their eyes then fell upon the figures riding upon Lei Ji’s back. When they finally saw Wang Lin, a mixture of surprise and apprehension flickered across their faces. One-Dust, who had witnessed the battle on Fortune Star, had believed Wang Lin to be dead. His reappearance elicited a newfound respect.
That the Demonic Scion could draw the ire of both Celestial Fortune and the Marquis of Soaring Heavens spoke volumes of his power! Yet, fate wove a strange thread this day, for all three were destined for befuddlement. Their gazes fell upon Chen Feng! Within the Star of Celestial Fortune, the name of Chen Feng was uttered with a mixture of dread and disdain. Though not equaling the infamy of the Blood Ancestor of old, he was nonetheless a seasoned rogue whose depraved desires were legendary. He had even cast a covetous eye upon the maiden Ling’er, a transgression that had long plagued the anxieties of the Three Dust Sages.

Now, though Chen Feng appeared gaunt and diminished, the Three Dust Sages recognized him instantly. A jolt of uncertainty ran through them, unsure whether this unforeseen encounter was a blessing or a curse! They fell into a wary silence.

Chen Feng chuckled, his voice like gravel grinding against stone. “Three Dust Sages! Surrender unto me this Water Spirit Star, and I shall be appeased!”

The faces of the Three Dust Sages darkened. Before they could utter a word, Wang Lin, his brow furrowed in displeasure, spoke calmly, “Insolent!”

Chen Feng felt a tremor in his very soul. Though Wang Lin’s words were spoken without heat, they carried a chilling undercurrent of threat. He dared not provoke this being. A forced smile spread across his face, and he fell silent, his arrogance utterly subdued.

This spectacle left the Three Dust Sages utterly dumbfounded.

“Fellow Daoist One-Dust, it has been but a few days since our last parting. I was unaware that this star was claimed by you three. I shall depart and seek another sanctuary for my seclusion.” Wang Lin offered the Three Dust Sages a respectful bow.

One-Dust returned the gesture, his mind reeling. How could it be that the infamous Chen Feng was cowed into silence by a single, dismissive word from Wang Lin?

“Daoist Wang,” One-Dust hesitated, then asked, “Is there… some connection between you and the venerable Floating Wind?”

“He is my thrall.” Wang Lin offered no further explanation. With a curt nod to One-Dust, he prepared to depart.

Unbeknownst to him, his words struck the Three Dust Sages like a thunderclap. They gasped, their eyes wide with astonishment! “Brother Wang, do not rush so hastily! The Water Spirit Star is vast. If it does not displease you, you are welcome to cultivate here.” One-Dust declared without hesitation.

*This man possesses a Giant Demon as a mount, is a Nirvana Cleanser, and holds the renowned Floating Wind in servitude! Furthermore, that towering, bizarre cultivator behind him is also a Peeking Nirvana, and even that obvious construct radiates formidable power! Such a being is worth cultivating as an ally!*