Chu Xiyue remained in the Demon Realm for a few days, staying with Wu Yue and Ting Xue while Ye Mingzhi recovered from his recent battle in a secluded place nearby.
During those days, she trained relentlessly, sparring with Fei Yue—the spirit residing within her blade. At first, she couldn't even withstand a single strike; every blow from Fei Yue overwhelmed her before she could react. But gradually, her instincts sharpened.
"Master," Fei Yue teased with a smirk in her voice, "your demon blood is far too thin. At this rate, you'll never keep up."
Chu Xiyue's arms trembled, sweat poured down her face, but she stood firm. This wasn't just swordplay—it was a test of her reflexes, her timing, and her ability to break through an opponent's rhythm.
Though blunt in her words, Fei Yue grew quietly impressed. Chu Xiyue's persistence revealed the strength of a true heir. With each session, Fei Yue began to recognize her master's latent potential.
On the third day, Chu Xiyue departed the Demon Realm to seek out Ye Mingzhi. As she journeyed through dense forests and rugged valleys, her thoughts wandered.
"I miss you, my darling… I wonder how you're doing now."
After traveling nearly a hundred miles, she finally arrived at a small encampment. Inside a modest tent, she found Ye Mingzhi lying motionless, his body wrapped in bandages, his breathing slow and steady.
Her heart clenched. She took a step forward—but a calm voice stopped her.
"Lady Lord," Zi Ling said as she emerged from the shadows. "Our master is fine, but he's still recovering. Please… let him rest a while longer."
That night, Ye Mingzhi awoke and turned, only to find Chu Xiyue silently watching him, tears welling in her eyes.
"Sweetheart," he said softly, a crooked smile on his face, "don't cry—I'm not dead yet."
Chu Xiyue said nothing, only stepped forward and hugged him tightly. In that moment, words were unnecessary.
"Wow, you two look so sweet. Makes me a little jealous, honestly."
A dry voice cut through the warmth, drawing their attention toward the tent's entrance. A middle-aged man in a tattered cloak stood there, his presence neither hostile nor familiar.
Ye Mingzhi narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? What brings you here?"
The stranger offered a half-smile. "I've come to visit the former Ruler of the Nine Heavens, and the young master of the Ye Clan. Seems you're still far from your peak. You may know your enemy's power—but can you withstand their full force? Will you sacrifice your allies... or your beloved?"
Ye Mingzhi tensed. The name that followed struck a chord.
"One of your enemies—Dao Jue, executor of the Heavenly Dao—is now the ruler of the Nine Heavens. So, tell me… how do you plan to fight him?"
Ye Mingzhi fell silent. Old memories surfaced—fragmented visions of a man named Dao Jue. Once human, driven by sorrow and suspicion, he had ultimately given up everything to become the Heavenly Dao's cold instrument of judgment.
He sighed. He knew this battle wouldn't be won easily. Dao Jue was stronger than ever. This would be a long, painful road.
"What can I do?" he asked quietly.
The stranger's smile deepened. "That's the right question. I know your uncle gave you divine armor, but that alone won't be enough. I suggest you develop your own martial path—one that belongs to you. Starting tomorrow, I'll train you myself."
He turned to leave but paused. "I won't go easy on you. Give me everything you've got."
Ye Mingzhi blinked. Create my own martial art? The idea stirred in his mind like a seed taking root.
He nodded slowly. The stranger vanished into the night.
The stranger didn't leave. Instead, he settled quietly just fifteen miles away from the tent.
Looking toward the dark forest, he chuckled.
"Buddies… I know you're there."
From the tall tree nearby, Lao Xuan leapt down, two jugs of wine in his hands. He landed beside the man and sat down with a grin.
"Ye Tianze, my old friend—so you've finally come out again. I knew you still care about your clan. What do you think of him—your great-great-grandson?"
Ye Tianze gave a faint smile. "Not bad. Looks like I'll be getting a great-great-granddaughter-in-law soon too."
He took the jug, his expression teasing. "But his martial skills are a mess. That's not on you—it's because he slacks off. I told him to stop copying others and start forging a path of his own."
Lao Xuan chuckled, shaking his head. "You haven't changed a bit. Still so harsh on your bloodline."
He raised the jug. "Come. Let's drink."
Ye Tianze glanced at the stars. "The road ahead is harder than he knows. But maybe… that's how all legends begin."