Chapter Thirty-Seven: Chen Daolin

“The terrifying nature of the Divine Chain formed from the Dao is beyond doubt. It is the strongest technique of the Vein Condensing Realm—under normal circumstances, no one can break it. But that only applies to ordinary people,” Prison Sky replied indifferently. His vision soared above the mundane; he had witnessed countless fearsome geniuses, and to him, Lin Fan was unremarkable.

“You’re right. The top ten inner disciples of Heavenly Capital Sect each possess their own methods. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be called prodigies. Perhaps some among them can even defy the Vein Condensing Realm,” Lin Fan nodded. He had never underestimated anyone, nor believed he was the sole genius in the world.

“That’s a good attitude. The greatest flaw of any genius is arrogance—such people rarely live long,” Prison Sky’s figure became more solid, likely due to the benefits gained from devouring the Elder’s treasure cauldron.

“Help me refine the Elder’s corpse into Dao Pills. Once I consolidate my realm, I’ll break through to the tenth tier of the Physical Body,” Lin Fan cut the conversation short. Although he had slain the Elder, the worry in his eyes only deepened.

He had originally thought the demons emerged because they found a weak spot between the abyss and the surface. But now it was clear there was something far more unusual at play.

“Alright, I understand your concerns. But above all, prioritize your own safety,” Prison Sky said no more. With his experience, he had long guessed Lin Fan’s thoughts.

Prison Sky took away the Elder’s corpse and merged once again into Lin Fan’s heart.

“A month of isolation from the world has left me completely out of touch. What major events have happened during this time?” Lin Fan frowned, a vague unease gnawing at him. Without delay, he fixed his direction and sped away.

“This is what happens when demons pass through—nothing but bones remain,” Lin Fan’s heart quaked, a nameless rage boiling within him.

Before him lay devastation: collapsed houses, broken walls littering the ground, and the air thick with the faint scent of blood.

The entire city of Greenwood had been slaughtered—no one left behind, not even the old or the young escaped their fate.

He had still cared for the people of Greenwood in his heart, wanting to return and investigate. But what he found was this scene.

“Demons, demons, truly deserving of ten thousand deaths!”

Lin Fan’s anger burned so fiercely it seemed to ignite his crown. He had no personal ties to the dead, but anyone who saw their own people slain so would find it unbearable.

“If I get the chance, I will avenge you all,” Lin Fan murmured, his voice resolute. With a turn, he sped off into the distance, leaving the ruins of Greenwood City behind in the blink of an eye.

…

“You’re saying Duanmu Ci has stepped into the Celestial Realm?” Lin Fan’s surprised voice sounded. By now, several young people had joined him. They were not old, but their strength was considerable; the leader, if Lin Fan guessed correctly, had already reached the tenth tier of the Physical Body, surpassing Lin Fan in cultivation, and the others were also high-tier.

“Yes, we were all shocked. Though the Heavenly Capital Sect’s Divine Child was always beyond reach, the Celestial Realm is something else entirely—a true overlord. In the Heavenly Martial Domain, even in Bhasa County, his name resounds. It’s almost unbelievable,” said a girl facing Lin Fan. Her clear voice was refreshing; she was about fourteen, with skin as smooth as porcelain, delicate as a doll.

“It truly is unexpected,” Lin Fan sighed, his eyes filled with disbelief.

This was his first time learning of Duanmu Ci’s true strength—he had already reached the terrifying Celestial Realm.

“Who wouldn’t be surprised? ‘Divine Child’—we always thought the title sounded exaggerated, but now it turns out he really has the power,” another young man spoke, offering Lin Fan a friendly smile.

Lin Fan had met this group two days prior and already knew their names. The girl who spoke earlier was Ouyang Ruoxuan, and the young man was Chen Daolin.

“If he’s held the title of Divine Child for so long, he must have extraordinary power. Brother Daolin, I suspect you’re no ordinary person either,” Lin Fan glanced at Chen Daolin with a hint of mystery in his eyes.

Chen Daolin was no commoner; he brushed off the comment with a laugh but did not deny it.

“What are you two whispering about? So mysterious!” Ouyang Ruoxuan wrinkled her nose, displeased as she glanced at the pair.

“Now that humanity is weakened, if not for Duanmu Ci, we would’ve been slaughtered already. For this alone, his contribution is immense,” Lin Fan ignored Ouyang Ruoxuan, irking her, though she didn’t make trouble.

“His contribution is immense, but not absolute. Humanity once suppressed the demons deep underground because of their own strength—they won’t fall so easily,” Chen Daolin smiled ambiguously, his words heavy with meaning.

To most, Chen Daolin’s words might seem innocuous, but to Lin Fan they hinted at more. Humanity couldn’t have been weak; otherwise, they couldn’t have suppressed the demons.

“No matter what the great figures do, it means little to us. We still have to survive in this situation. When will these days ever end?” Lin Fan’s sharp eyes had long seen Chen Daolin’s unusual nature; his words were probing, trying to uncover the other’s identity.

“Only by suppressing the demons back into the abyss can the chaos end. I doubt the greats of Heavenly Martial Domain will stand by. We may not need such drastic measures; the emergence of the demons signals catastrophe, and the rulers of Bhasa County must already be watching,” Chen Daolin shook his head, keeping his secrets tightly guarded.

“Alright, it’s already midday. Prepare to set out—ten thousand miles ahead lies humanity’s stronghold,” a voice interrupted Lin Fan as he was about to speak.

It was a burly young man; the token at his waist revealed his identity—he was an inner disciple of Heavenly Capital Sect, bearing the Three Dragon Token!

But the leader was not him, but another young man seated beside him.

“Such arrogance—just an ordinary inner disciple of Heavenly Capital Sect,” Chen Daolin frowned, dissatisfied.

Lin Fan paid little mind; to him, the sect’s identity was an honor, and displaying it outside only enhanced its prestige.

“Humanity’s last stronghold may only be ten thousand miles away, but is it really so easy to enter?” Lin Fan shook his head, sensing that great upheavals might lie ahead.