Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor

"Is this guy really not willing to stay for a wedding drink?"

Watching the silhouette already disappearing at the doorway, Xue Ningxiang stood in a daze for a while, finally stomping her foot hard. In that moment, she almost wanted to follow that figure and leave directly.

Fortunately, Xue Ningxiang retained a shred of rationality, knowing this was her father’s and Aunt Luo’s wedding. If she were to leave like that, her father would undoubtedly be heartbroken.

"Xiangxiang, if you work hard in your cultivation, there’s a chance you’ll reunite with him one day in the Nine-layered Dragon Cloud!"

No one knows a daughter better than her father. Seeing Xue Ningxiang’s actions, Xue Tianao naturally knew his precious daughter’s thoughts. So he took a few steps forward, gently patting her shoulder, and his soft words made Xue Ningxiang’s eyes light up.

"Indeed, I am the Illusion Yin Ghost Body. The next time we meet, perhaps I won’t lose to him!"

Xue Ningxiang snorted softly, but upon saying this, the nearest Xue Tianao and Lian Yuluo each wore a trace of embarrassment on their faces, thinking silently that luckily only the two of them heard.

To say Xue Ningxiang could surpass most cultivators, these two believed that, but to say she could exceed that incredibly talented demon youth, they wouldn’t believe it even if beaten to death.

Xue Ningxiang spoke such bold words, but in the eyes of this couple, she was overly ambitious. In this world, the only one surpassing others would be that demon youth, never to be surpassed by anyone else.

"Come, come, everyone take your seats!"

Xue Tianao, worthy of being the hall master, after a brief moment of wistfulness and reflection, regained his composure and invited the distinguished guests to take their seats for the feast.

However, after Yun Xiao’s "interruption," the guests’ minds were no longer on this simple wedding feast but each were lost in thought, uncertain about what was occupying their minds.

......

"Big brother, why didn’t we stay for a wedding drink before leaving?"

Above the northern sky of Xuanyin Hall, Ling Wan complained slightly. In his view, coming all this way, delaying for a day and a half was really no big deal.

"Some things can’t afford to be delayed!"

Yun Xiao didn’t directly answer Ling Wan’s question, his gaze already turned to the distant northern horizon, seemingly sensing something obscure in that faraway place.

"Yun Xiao, has something happened?"

Lu Yanji wouldn’t fuss over such trifles. Seeing Yun Xiao’s serious expression, he asked aloud. He knew that some of the young man’s abilities were far beyond his own reach.

"Elder Lu, do you still remember when I told you about that Chongxiao Stairs incident?"

Yun Xiao withdrew his gaze, and as he spoke, not only Lu Yanji but also Mo Qing, Liu Hanyi, and others nodded slowly.

Since they were heading to the Nine-layered Dragon Cloud together, Yun Xiao naturally wouldn’t keep secrets. On the way here, he had already recounted the situation of that day’s battle in the depths of Chongxiao River without any concealment.

The Chongxiao Stairs strange spirit seized the body of the former guardian of Chongxiao Stairs and was eventually driven by Yun Xiao to destroy its physical form, fleeing into the Chongxiao Stairs space, leaving Yun Xiao helpless.

According to Yun Xiao’s speculation, for a space artifact strange spirit like the Chongxiao Stairs, that inner realm was likely its domain, and rash entry might lead to disastrous consequences.

"Based on the mark I left behind, I can sense that the strength of Chongxiao Stairs strange spirit is soon recovering to its peak. If we delay even a moment, it might become more troublesome to deal with!"

This moment Yun Xiao finally answered Ling Wan’s previous question. With a half-step Holy Spirit Chongxiao Stairs strange spirit, none present had confidence to handle it effectively.

Though Yun Xiao had already broken through to the Heavenly Realm Middle Stage, facing that half-step Holy Spirit would require him to bring out all his cards just to barely resist.

Not to mention the previously disadvantaged half-step Holy Spirit may not dare to emerge from Chongxiao Stairs, but this group aiming to reach the Nine-layered Dragon Cloud must venture into the Chongxiao Stairs, a paradoxical situation indeed.

"Yun Xiao, what do you plan to do?"

With several pairs of heavy and somber glances upon him, Lu Yanji asked. He admitted he could never be a match for the half-step Holy Spirit, putting his hope in Yun Xiao.

"Let’s first go to Chongxiao Stairs and see what happens!"

Yun Xiao didn’t have a particularly good plan, having to take it step by step. As his voice fell, the Thunder Wings on his back trembled, and he had already leapt dozens of yards forward, the speed startling everyone.

The entourage quickly followed, their forms darting across the void, uncertain of what dangers lie ahead on their journey?

......

Chongxiao River, Stepping Heavenly Stone!

This location near the Chongxiao River was already famous, and after the battle several months ago, it undeniably gained endless renown, becoming symbolic of a certain supreme presence.

In these months, countless cultivators rushed from all directions, just wanting to behold this stone that experienced a heaven-shaking battle, hoping to absorb some of that profound aura.

Many cultivators who witnessed the battle initially have stayed here for several months, voluntarily taking on the role of guardians for the Stepping Heavenly Stone, not allowing anyone to encroach upon it.

Though such an unwritten rule has no real deterrent power, the presence of the Stepping Heavenly Stone itself is a deterrent. For a while, few have dared to set foot on the Stepping Heavenly Stone lightly.

Perhaps in the hearts of these ordinary cultivators, only the young man named Yun Xiao is the true owner of this Stepping Heavenly Stone. Others wanting to ascend must first seek his permission.

Of course, the fact that few dare to ascend the Stepping Heavenly Stone doesn’t mean there are none.

Throughout this period, there have been numerous cultivators seeking to explore the Stepping Heavenly Stone, but they were ultimately thrown out of its vicinity by these so-called guardians.

Whoosh!

At a certain moment, a sneaky figure suddenly darted out, catching the guardians of the Stepping Heavenly Stone off guard. One Peak of Earth Bending Realm cultivator flew into a rage and rushed out immediately.

Though that sneaky figure was extremely fast, he only had the cultivation of the Middle Stage of Earth Bending Realm. Thus, before he could set foot on the Stepping Heavenly Stone, he was directly blasted back by the Peak of Earth Bending Realm guardian.

"The Stepping Heavenly Stone is the divine enthronement ground of Lord Yun Xiao. It can only be admired from afar, not ascended. Don’t you know the rules?"

The guardian’s strike didn’t claim the person’s life. Seeing him rise from the ground, he immediately shouted sternly, causing others with itchy feet to reconsider their desire to climb the Stepping Heavenly Stone.

"Hmph, the Stepping Heavenly Stone has stood here for thousands of years. What right do you have to prevent people from climbing?"

Yet, no sooner had these words left the guardian’s mouth than a cold snort sounded. Soon, a figure rose into the sky from a distance, hovering without descending for a long while.

"A Heavenly Rank Expert!"

Watching the elderly figure ride the wind, the guardian who had acted earlier slightly changed his expression. However, he did not lose composure. Instead, he turned his gaze to another elderly figure not far away.

For this guardian knew that this person was also a true expert of the Heavenly Rank Third Realm, and the strongest among those who had voluntarily guarded the Stepping Heavenly Stone.

Whoosh!

Under the guardian’s watchful gaze, as the Heavenly Rank expert was about to soar above the Stepping Heavenly Stone, the Heavenly Rank guardian suddenly moved. Using some unknown method, he instantly appeared not far ahead of the airborne expert.

"Halt your steps!"

The Heavenly Rank guardian did not attack immediately; instead, he spoke with a stern voice. Yet, these words caused the opposing Heavenly Rank expert to let out a cold smile.

"Xie Mingtao, you’re a respected figure and a mid-stage Floating Life Realm expert. How have you been reduced to a watchdog today?"

Blocked on his path, the Heavenly Rank expert was naturally displeased. His words were far from polite, causing the guardian named Xie Mingtao’s face to darken considerably.

"Step one step closer, and face death!"

Xie Mingtao had no intention of explaining his true reasons for guarding this place. Knowing there was nothing worthwhile to say to this individual, he knew everything would have to rely on strength.

"I insist on going in. What can you do about it?"

Also a mid-stage Floating Life Realm cultivator, this person had no qualms about Xie Mingtao. As he coldly uttered these words, his entire figure lunged forward.

Seeing this person ignoring his advice, Xie Mingtao’s mood soured. Determined not to let this old fellow break through his defenses due to some inner resolve, he steeled himself.

Bang!

Unfortunately, Xie Mingtao had an inherent weakness, and in the contest with someone of the same realm, he gained no advantage. Instead, after dozens of moves, the man struck Xie Mingtao’s right rib, causing excruciating pain.

"Xie Mingtao, if you don’t step aside, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!"

Momentarily gaining the upper hand, the Heavenly Rank expert felt rather triumphant. With only Xie Mingtao of mid-stage Floating Life Realm opposing him and appearing unstable, he felt he had ample reason to enter the Stepping Heavenly Stone.

"This... this is Lord Yun Xiao’s divine enthronement ground. You... you mustn’t enter!"

For reasons unknown, Xie Mingtao remained unyielding. These words infuriated the mid-stage Floating Life Realm expert.

"You dare refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

Seeing the severely injured opponent still stubbornly blocking his way, anger surged in the mid-stage Floating Life Realm cultivator. Practiced in decisive actions, such cultivators acted without hesitation.

Whoosh!

However, just as this mid-stage Floating Life Realm cultivator prepared to kill Xie Mingtao on the spot, his palm was suddenly caught by a hand extended from the side, taking him by surprise.