Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Realm of Six Harmonies

“Brother Ye Zihan, let’s head back and rest now. Everyone is safe,” Lin Dong said, astonished that Chen Yiyan had managed to kill a formidable opponent of the ** realm. He felt guilty thinking about his own earlier timidity; facing such a powerful foe, Lin Dong truly lacked the fighting spirit.

As a child sheltered in a greenhouse, Lin Dong had never endured much hardship. Compared to Chen Yiyan, who struggled daily in the outside world, and Yan Chen and the others, who had roamed the Phantom Divine Continent since youth, Lin Dong was at a disadvantage. Yet his cultivation was not weak; overall, he was quite accomplished.

Ye Zihan smiled and said, “Haha, yes. You should rest. Tomorrow we’ll participate in the battle for Nameless City.” With that, Ye Zihan headed into the small inn. The surrounding cultivators had already left, and for Ye Zihan and his group, having slain two assassins today was more than satisfactory.

Most importantly, Ye Zihan sensed a breakthrough on the horizon. He had reached the peak of the Five Elements Realm, and after today’s battle, his insights had deepened considerably. This was the greatest gift the Phantom Divine Art had bestowed upon him.

Every time he practiced the Phantom Divine Art, Ye Zihan’s cultivation grew noticeably—and continued to do so. This was a rarity on the Phantom Divine Continent. Judging by his progress, he would soon reach the ** realm. It was no longer a distant dream.

Lin Dong nodded. “Brother Yan Chen, I’ll rest now. You should get some rest early, too.” With that, Lin Dong returned to his room. As a youth on his first journey, he simply could not compare to Yan Chen and the others.

Chen Yiyan, Yan Chen, and Ye Zihan had all weathered many storms and dangers. Lin Dong’s two encounters with assassins had shaken his spirit, but Ye Zihan and the others were invigorated, believing they would grow stronger with each battle.

Yan Chen glanced at Lin Dong’s figure and understood him well. As a young lord from Xuanwu City, it was difficult for Lin Dong to keep up with these experienced veterans. Yet Lin Dong also brought benefits, for the wealthiest family of Xuanwu City, Fu Bo, led a group of powerful protectors secretly shielding them, easing many troubles.

Yan Chen then looked at Ye Zihan. “Brother Ye Zihan, what’s on your mind? Your power has increased significantly. You’re nearly at the ** realm, aren’t you?” Yan Chen’s judgment was sharp, so he trusted his observation, which is why he dared to ask.

Ye Zihan smiled. “I’m indeed close to breaking through to the ** realm, but I must strive harder. I can’t afford pride from just a little progress.” He was always strict with himself and serious in all endeavors.

Yan Chen was surprised to learn Ye Zihan was truly on the cusp of the ** realm. But it was no shock—Chen Yiyan and Ye Zihan were of similar caliber, though Ye Zihan seemed a bit faster in advancement. Fortunately, Chen Yiyan had a strong mind; otherwise, he might not handle being surpassed so easily.

Chen Yiyan looked at Yan Chen and smiled. “Brother Yan Chen, your cultivation isn’t low either. You’re about to reach the Five Elements Realm, right?” His words were more comforting than anything, for Yan Chen was indeed puzzled, and Chen Yiyan had little else to say.

---

Yan Chen smiled, “Contentment brings happiness. Starting tomorrow, you two will be ** realm experts. That’s far beyond me.” He looked at Ye Zihan and Chen Yiyan with envy, for they were prodigies, always a step ahead of their peers.

Ye Zihan understood Yan Chen’s feelings. Now that both he and Chen Yiyan were about to become ** realm powerhouses, it was natural for Yan Chen, a fellow youth, to feel uneasy. Among the four of them, three were vastly stronger than Yan Chen.

“Brother Yan Chen, you should rest well now. Tomorrow we face challenges from both the Beast Domain and the major human factions. We must unite, for united, we are invincible.” Ye Zihan was eager for tomorrow’s battle for Nameless City. He hoped the Overturning Pavilion would establish its base there—that was his vision.

Though hopeful, Ye Zihan prepared for failure. Life was unpredictable, especially since the Phantom Divine Temple still sought to eliminate these young powerhouses. The assassins had concealed their identities, but Ye Zihan had long suspected they were sent by the temple.

Without solid proof, he had to keep a low profile. Even facing constant assassination attempts, Ye Zihan would not retreat—that was his resolve.

His two mentors had died because of the Phantom Divine Temple. Until the temple was eradicated, the Phantom Divine Continent would never know peace. Now, the temple even aimed to eliminate Ye Zihan’s only sister, Ye Zixue. He would never forgive them. As long as the temple existed, his loved ones were threatened.

Hearing such shocking truths from a temple elder, Ye Zihan could hardly believe the temple’s ruthlessness. Their goal was eternal domination of the Phantom Divine Continent, driven by ambition and greed, forcing them to fight desperately.

Yan Chen nodded. “Brother Ye Zihan, Brother Chen Yiyan, I’ll take my leave. You two can discuss cultivation; you surely have much in common.” It was true—the two were on the verge of the ** realm, so they had plenty to talk about.

Ye Zihan smiled. “Good night, Brother Yan Chen. Brother Chen Yiyan, rest well. After tomorrow’s battle for Nameless City, it’ll be hard not to break through to the ** realm, haha.” He wasn’t joking; they were certain to reach that level, and with effort, could do so quickly.

Yan Chen nodded. “Good night. I’ll rest now. You should sleep early and rise early.” With that, Yan Chen left promptly, knowing rest was essential. Tomorrow, he too would approach the Five Elements Realm, and he was pleased.

Yan Chen was a renowned prodigy on the Phantom Divine Continent, but compared to Ye Zihan and Chen Yiyan, he was no match. His strength was truly inferior.

Chen Yiyan watched Yan Chen’s departing figure, then left quickly. Waving goodnight to Ye Zihan, he reflected on today’s two assassination attempts. Both had failed, and that was their greatest relief.

---

Ye Zihan watched them leave and returned to his room to rest. Though he had fought assassins tonight, he was far from satisfied. He craved advancement—it was crucial for the upcoming battle for Nameless City.

This time, Ye Zihan was determined to claim Nameless City. Despite great threats, he had to face them head-on and give more effort than anyone else. Sometimes, the greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward.

“Brother Ye Zihan, you’re nearly at the breakthrough, right? I can help you ascend quickly since you’re almost at the ** realm. Solidify it, and you’ll be a true ** realm expert.” At that moment, Mo You, the adorable little rascal, appeared. To Mo You, Ye Zihan was his closest companion.

Ye Zihan patted Mo You, smiling. “Haha, I didn’t expect you, little dragon, to know so much. Tell me, how can you help stabilize my ** realm power?” He appreciated Mo You’s suggestion; indeed, he was wavering between the ** realm and the peak of the Five Elements Realm.

Mo You nodded. “Of course. You can use the soul contract between us to stabilize your power.” He meant employing the mark linking them to guide the ** realm source, thus solidifying Ye Zihan’s level.

Ye Zihan laughed. He hadn’t realized Mo You knew so much. As a spirit beast, Mo You was far beyond ordinary monsters. Still, Ye Zihan decided it wasn’t urgent. After all, breaking into the ** realm was certain—there was no mistake.

Though Mo You’s method was useful, Ye Zihan saw no need for such complicated secret techniques now. His current strength gave him enough confidence to face his challengers.

Ye Zihan smiled. “Mo You, go rest now. We have another battle tomorrow. We must work together, or we’ll be eliminated.” He gently stroked Mo You’s little dragon head. Mo You had shrunk to palm size and immediately nestled in Ye Zihan’s arms to sleep.

Mo You nodded. “Brother Ye Zihan, I’ll rest now. You should too. We need our strength for tomorrow’s battle for Nameless City.” Mo You understood Ye Zihan well, having followed him for years.

Ye Zihan stroked Mo You’s head and lay down to sleep. Tomorrow would be a day full of challenges, as the battle for Nameless City began.

This was the calm before the storm.