Chapter 33: Demons from Beyond the Realm

"Brother Lin Yi, I am sorry. I failed to secure any resources for you."

Upon returning, Chu Ling'er went straight to Lin Yi, seeking solace. In these times, he was the only one who could bring a touch of warmth to her heart. Recently, the resources she provided had dwindled, no longer meeting his needs. Lin Yi had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her, though he maintained a gentlemanly facade.

"It is alright, Junior Sister Ling'er. I know you have tried your best," he replied gently. "These things cannot be rushed. As long as we have enough patience, we will surely realize our plans! I wish to cultivate a little longer now. If there is nothing else, you should head back and rest."

After dismissing her with a few words, Lin Yi's expression darkened instantly. That foolish woman was ultimately unreliable. His current resources were pitifully scarce; if he could not change his situation, he would be waiting for his own demise. After much deliberation, he steeled his heart and decided to venture out to seek opportunities himself. He set his sights on the forbidden zone of the entire Northwest Territory: the Graveyard of Fallen Bones.

Legend held that this place was an ancient battlefield where countless cultivators had perished. Because of this, it was whispered that rare treasures and even ancient legacies lay buried within. Many had ventured in seeking fortune, but without exception, none had ever returned. In time, it became a recognized "Death Zone," and even with the promise of immense power, no cultivator dared set foot there again.

Yet, desperate for resources, Lin Yi chose to take this bold step. Rather than living a life of insignificance, he would gamble everything.

Two days later, Lin Yi arrived at the edge of the Graveyard. Before him lay an endless expanse of sand and dust; it was hard to imagine such a desolate place hiding any treasures. Still, having come this far, there was no turning back. He pressed deep into the heart of the graveyard.

Before long, a violent gale suddenly erupted around him.

"Heh heh!"

A chilling, bone-deep cackle echoed through the air.

"Who is playing tricks? Come out!" Though his tone was fierce, his heart was racing with panic. He gripped his sword tightly, scanning the surroundings, but saw nothing.

Suddenly, a mass of black mist coalesced within the wind, and two pillars of green light shot out from it, like eyes the size of lanterns. Lin Yi’s hair stood on end. He had never seen such a thing and had no idea what this entity was. He lacked the courage to even face it, his only thought being to flee.

To his horror, he found his legs completely paralyzed. He glanced down to see wisps of black mist coiling around his limbs, spreading rapidly toward his torso. The mist possessed an irresistible power that bound him tight. As it reached his neck, it formed an invisible hand, choking him.

"Human, two choices: submit, or die."

Between life and death, Lin Yi did not hesitate. "I... I am willing to submit!"

"Heh heh!" The mist let out a grotesque laugh. "Very well. You shall be the first piece in our Extraterritorial Demon Clan's invasion of the Northwest. Your strength is too weak; this is an Enchantment Pill, which will rapidly elevate your cultivation. Go now, and await my next instruction. I warn you, do not harbor any thoughts of betrayal, or you will drop dead instantly!"

With that, a sliver of mist drilled into his brow, planting a mark within his soul. Trembling, Lin Yi took the pill and, after a moment of internal struggle, swallowed it. The moment it hit his stomach, a violent surge of spiritual energy flooded his body. He gritted his teeth, channeling the power into his dantian. His cultivation surged, breaking through from the mid-stage of the Core Formation Realm to the Great Circle instantly. This intoxicating power consumed him.

"Thank you, Demon Lord! From now on, I, Lin Yi, am your most loyal servant!"

...

"Brother Lin Yi, where have you been? I couldn't find you anywhere, and your communication jade was inactive," Chu Ling'er said, breathing a sigh of relief as she saw him return.

Lin Yi smiled. "I went out to seek opportunities. I cannot rely on you forever; it is not easy for you either. The harvest was good—my cultivation has reached the Great Circle of the Core Formation Realm. Entering the Nascent Soul Realm is just around the corner!"

Chu Ling'er was overjoyed. "Truly? I knew you were the best! At this rate, you will soon surpass that damnable Ye Fan! I must tell Father! Although he was furious and wanted to expel you from the sect, he has regretted it. If he hears this, he will be delighted and might even provide you with more resources!"

She hurried toward the main hall of the Linghan Sect.

Inside the hall, Chu Zhongtian was stunned. "What? Is this true? Has Lin Yi truly reached the Great Circle of the Core Formation Realm?"

"Yes, Father, I am not lying!" Chu Ling'er insisted. "He has been cultivating bitterly to surpass Ye Fan and avenge our honor. He is in urgent need of resources now..."

Chu Zhongtian interrupted her, "I understand. Leave this to me. If Lin Yi can regain our sect's honor, what are a few resources? Take this—it is my personal reserve. If it is not enough, I will find more."

In truth, Chu Zhongtian had his own motives. With the quinquennial sect tournament approaching, he did not want the Linghan Sect to continue its decline. If Lin Yi could perform well, it would bring fame to the sect, attracting talented disciples and leading to a revival. If he could defeat Ye Fan, it would be a double victory.