Chapter Seventy-Six: The Realm of the Five Elements

Chen Yiyan swiftly retracted his four wings, then, just like any ordinary person, followed Ye Zihan and the others toward the inn. Behind them trailed a countless crowd of onlookers, all deeply intrigued by Ye Zihan, who had just emerged from the Heaven-Defying Pavilion. None of them could have imagined that Ye Zihan, who had been prepared to meet his doom, would end up reconciling and shaking hands with Chen Yiyan.

“Big brother, do we really have to stay with that arrogant fellow?” Mo You, who was dozing in Ye Zihan’s arms, cast an unhappy glance at Chen Yiyan. He simply disliked anyone who threatened his big brother, and especially resented that, at the outset, Chen Yiyan had dared to threaten to send Ye Zihan to meet the King of the Underworld.

Ye Zihan patted Mo You’s dragon head and said, “Mo You, from now on we’re like brothers—sworn friends. So you’ll need to get used to having him around.” He spoke the truth: both he and Chen Yiyan now intended to become sworn brothers, and their return was to formalize the invitation for Chen Yiyan to join the Heaven-Defying Pavilion.

Mo You nodded his dragon head. “I understand, big brother. But I really didn’t like how overbearing he was just now. I almost took a shot at him.” Mo You was himself a master of the Four Symbols realm. Even so, facing a strong opponent in the Five Elements realm was not out of his reach.

Chen Yiyan looked at Ye Zihan, then addressed the muddle-headed creature in Ye Zihan’s arms, “So your name is Mo You? Pleased to meet you! Since we’re family now, there’s no need for discord between us. I admit I acted rashly at first, so I hope you’ll forgive me, little brother Mo You.” Although Chen Yiyan couldn’t truly gauge Mo You’s strength, he knew enough about the Blood Phantom Dragon to realize Mo You must be nearly as powerful as Ye Zihan, and so he had to respect the young dragon’s feelings.

Mo You hadn’t expected someone as arrogant as Chen Yiyan to apologize, so he was stunned for a moment before grinning and saying, “No worries! I, Lord Dragon, never hold grudges. What’s past is past, ha!” Mo You was a distinctly optimistic Blood Phantom Dragon and had already dismissed Chen Yiyan from his mind. Indeed, his earlier words had only been out of anger; if Ye Zihan hadn’t stopped him, he would have been the first to attack Chen Yiyan.

Chen Yiyan glanced at Mo You with gratitude and said, “Thank you for your magnanimity, little brother Mo You. From now on, I, Chen Yiyan, will never do anything to wrong any of you—my word is my bond.” He spoke sincerely; he truly wanted to make friends with Ye Zihan and his group. Besides, the future of the Blood Phantom Dragon was limitless—humility was only wise.

The facts spoke for themselves. Even back at the outlying mountains, those in the Five Elements realm had been defeated by Mo You’s group. Although they were still in the Four Symbols realm, their innate power as one of the three great demon clans of the Illusory God Continent made Mo You’s strength impossible to overlook.

As they chatted, they arrived at the inn and quickly ordered a table full of food and wine. For them, today was a day worthy of celebration.

“Hey, Zihan, are you alright? You don’t look quite yourself—are you feeling ill?” At that moment, Yan Chen, sitting opposite Ye Zihan, asked in concern, having noticed the odd flush to Ye Zihan’s complexion, though he couldn’t say why.

Ye Zihan touched his warm cheeks and smiled, “I think I’m fine. But just now my energy did get a bit chaotic, though it’s better now.” During his duel with Chen Yiyan, Ye Zihan had inadvertently triggered the “Illusory God Art,” which caused the disturbance. Naturally, the secret of possessing such a technique must never be revealed lest he put himself in danger.

Even so, the experienced Yan Chen sensed something was off. He smiled and said, “Zihan, I think you might be on the verge of a breakthrough. You’re at the mid-Four Symbols stage now—who knows, maybe you’ll soon reach the Five Elements realm?” The aura emanating from Ye Zihan had surpassed the Four Symbols realm, which was why Yan Chen dared make such a claim.

Ye Zihan nodded. “You’re right. I do feel as if I’m breaking through a bottleneck, but I’m not sure if it’s into the Five Elements realm. I don’t have much confidence, since breaking through isn’t so easy.” He was being honest; this breakthrough was happening without warning, something he’d never experienced before.

During his match with Chen Yiyan in the center of Black Tortoise City, Ye Zihan had only casually circulated the “Illusory God Art,” but the surging energy had been unmistakable. Had it not been for Chen Yiyan’s timely reconciliation, he might have already broken through on the spot.

Chen Yiyan stared at Ye Zihan, stunned. He found it incredible: just moments ago, Ye Zihan had definitely been at the Four Symbols level, but now he was certain Ye Zihan had stepped into the Five Elements realm—he himself had gone through such a transition.

“Brother Ye Zihan, you truly have reached the Five Elements realm! Were you hiding your strength just now, or did you really grasp the bottleneck and break through in an instant?” Chen Yiyan was deeply shocked. Now, Ye Zihan’s aura was almost identical to his own—even his pride had no ground to stand on before Ye Zihan.

Ye Zihan was the first person Chen Yiyan had ever admired so thoroughly. Few could attain the level Ye Zihan had reached, and cultivation depended on talent and insight—an axiom all cultivators followed, for it was the fruit of their meditation.

Ye Zihan smiled, “Indeed, I feel as if I’ve broken through. Who would have thought that a duel with you would help me so easily reach the Five Elements realm?” He looked at Chen Yiyan with deep gratitude—Chen Yiyan’s role in his breakthrough was immense.

“Let’s drink! We’re brothers now, no need for formalities!” Chen Yiyan himself hadn’t expected that his rashness would help Ye Zihan break through the bottleneck into the Five Elements realm—a dream come true for all cultivators, himself included. Now, both he and Ye Zihan were newly minted Five Elements experts—though only at the initial stage, that already placed them among the second-tier masters of the Illusory God Continent.

Neither Ye Zihan nor Chen Yiyan could yet be called true top-tier masters, but they believed that one day they would reach the ultimate heights. The future held much for them to accomplish.

Ye Zihan lifted his cup and drained it in one go, overjoyed. Rarely did he drink, but tonight he indulged. Not only had he gained a friend in Chen Yiyan, but he’d also broken through to the Five Elements realm—a tremendous leap forward.

Chen Yiyan also drained his cup, then smiled at Ye Zihan and asked, “Brother Ye, what kind of mysterious sect is this Heaven-Defying Pavilion you mentioned? Could you tell us more? We’d like to pay a visit.” He was genuinely curious; he’d never heard of such a mysterious sect before.

Ye Zihan and Yan Chen exchanged a knowing smile, then Ye Zihan nodded and said, “Ha, Brother Yiyan, even if you hadn’t asked, I’d have told you. I am the Pavilion Master of the Heaven-Defying Pavilion, and Yan Chen and Mo You are its core members—at least at the level of elders. We hope you’ll join us too, though of course you’re free to refuse.” With that, he revealed his true purpose in inviting Chen Yiyan, and felt relieved.

Chen Yiyan stared intently at Ye Zihan, seeing only sincerity and respect in his eyes. He nodded and said, “Alright. Since this is a new sect founded by my brother, I, Chen Yiyan, accept your invitation without reservation. From now on, I am part of the Heaven-Defying Pavilion, and will stand with you to protect its safety!” Chen Yiyan was truly excited—it turned out the Pavilion had just been founded, and his sworn brother was its master. He would support him without hesitation.

Ye Zihan had expected this answer. He believed Chen Yiyan to be a man of deep loyalty and feeling. Though he had a ruthless streak, that did not diminish the esteem he and Yan Chen held for him. The Heaven-Defying Pavilion needed talent, and Chen Yiyan was indeed a talent of the Illusory God Continent.

Ye Zihan nodded, saying, “Good, that’s the brother I knew you’d be. From now on, the Pavilion’s fortunes rest on us all. I believe that one day, we will rise to prominence across the Illusory God Continent.” His voice trembled with passion, for he spoke from the heart.

Chen Yiyan nodded in agreement. “With talents like Yan Chen and Ye Zihan, the Heaven-Defying Pavilion is sure to rise. But Brother Ye, why did you found such a defiant sect? Surely you had your reasons?” He could not believe Ye Zihan, a young powerhouse, would create a sect without cause—their ages were much the same, after all.

Ye Zihan nodded and looked at Chen Yiyan. “That’s right, we founded the Pavilion for a reason: to overthrow the rule of the Hall of Illusory Gods and to avenge my revered masters.” His voice turned steely with hatred as he spoke of his two masters, both slain by the Hall of Illusory Gods. The thought filled him with an unstoppable fury.

“To seek vengeance, eh? Good! Truly a man of passion and courage. I, Chen Yiyan, have not misjudged you. Remember, your enemies are my enemies too. Rest assured, I will serve the Heaven-Defying Pavilion with all my strength!” Chen Yiyan was deeply moved—Ye Zihan had founded the Pavilion for vengeance against none other than the Hall of Illusory Gods. As a rebellious member of his own clan, he had long wished to topple that ancient institution.