It was clear that Duan Qianji had been grievously wounded by the Peacock King’s strike.

Though he had escaped, he had paid a terrible price.

The cloud of blood mist from the explosion contained a great deal of his Origin Essence Blood.

Silence descended upon the world. A few Cultivators had been passing in the distance, but after witnessing the scene, they all changed course and flew toward other regions.

Faced with the Peacock King’s power and Ye Tianling’s ruthlessness, the many Cultivators passing through chose to steer clear.

"Young friend Ye Tianling, do not worry. They won’t dare to strike again."

The Peacock King retracted his killing intent, his tone gentle.

Ye Tianling sensed his sincere concern, and a warmth spread through his heart. His voice was filled with gratitude. "Peacock King, thank you for everything."

The Peacock King chuckled. "In truth, I can’t say I helped you much. After all, with your resources, it’s not as if you were out of options. Strictly speaking, I ended up saving those two. You’re not upset about that, are you?"

Ye Tianling gave a wry smile. "Of course not. I may be ruthless, but I know who my friends are. Tianling will never forget this kindness, Peacock King."

The Peacock King shook his head. "I came for two reasons. One was to help you make a statement and back you up. The other, it’s true, is to ask a favor."

Ye Tianling nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Is this about Little Sister Tianxi’s decaying life force?"

A look of admiration filled the Peacock King’s eyes. "Yes. As for this life-draining curse... at present, never mind me, even the Saints of our Immortal Phoenix Peacock Lineage are powerless against it. So, as things stand, Tianxi can only wait for her Transformation Dao."

"Of course, that isn’t the real reason I was willing to step forward for you. Whether or not you can break this curse in the future, I would still stand by your side."

The Peacock King’s tone was exceptionally sincere.

Ye Tianling’s Soul Talent was always active, and he could clearly sense the Peacock King’s sincerity.

The Peacock King was far stronger than an ordinary Daoist Ancestor. A being of his stature had absolutely no need to resort to schemes or tricks with him.

Furthermore, Ye Tianling also had an excellent impression of the Peacock King’s children, such as Kong Lindao, Kong Daoze, and Kong Daoxi.

"Thank you for your high regard, Peacock King."

Ye Tianling felt a sense of relief. For someone to still have faith in him at a time like this was no small thing.

Ye Tianling was, of course, aware of the ’proclamations’ issued by several Saint Masters.

He was also aware of the great uproar caused by some Ancestral Lands, Holy Lands, and even Divine Lands—powers he had once been on good terms with—turning against him. There was no way he wouldn’t know about it.

"It’s not about high regard. I simply trust my son Lindao’s judgment. I also believe that with your Ability, you are more than capable of handling these matters!"

the Peacock King said earnestly.

Ye Tianling nodded, saying nothing more, but the confidence in his eyes was exceptional.

This confidence allowed the Peacock King to breathe a sigh of relief, and his admiration for Ye Tianling deepened.

"Regarding Little Sister Tianxi, I cannot make a direct promise. However, if I find a way to break it, I will certainly help her break this curse. In fact, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, Peacock King, it’s something I was determined to do anyway."

Ye Tianling said with a smile.

The Peacock King gave a frank smile. "Your willingness to act comes from your own heart, but my asking is a debt I incur. As a father, isn’t it my duty to do everything I can?"

A look of admiration grew in Ye Tianling’s eyes.

"Though I’ve helped you deal with some of the lingering threats, I’m afraid some petty individuals still won’t give up. How about this: I will escort you to Sumeru Mountain. After you’ve finished your business there, you can travel directly from our Phoenix Wood Phoenix Ancestral Land to the Ten Thousand Beasts Demon Cave."

the Peacock King suggested.

Ye Tianling shook his head. "Thank you for the kind offer, Peacock King, but escorting Fairy back to Sumeru Mountain is a promise I made long ago, and I intend to fulfill it myself. Besides, just as Yu Lanyu said, you can’t protect me forever. Even if you were willing, I would not be. There are some things I must face on my own."

The Peacock King hesitated, his expression complex. "I’m just worried they are probing you, trying to wear down your Life Origin and accelerate its decay. If you really fight using the Demon Heart Puppet, won’t you be falling right into their trap?"

Ye Tianling just smiled. "I know all of that. But the biggest difference between me and other people is that I fear nothing. Even so, I will make sure those who dare to test me are left with a pain seared into their very souls!"

Ye Tianling’s tone was light, but his words landed with unshakeable conviction.

These words sent an indescribable shock through the Peacock King’s heart.

’The fiery passion of youth...’ With a mentality like Ye Tianling’s, it was no wonder he had risen so quickly and become so invincible.

When a person has become completely indifferent to life and death, what is left in this world for them to dread or fear?

"In that case... take care of yourself. If I’m not mistaken, an even stronger Daoist Ancestor will almost certainly move against you before you reach the next Teleportation Array. If so, I fear my appearance has only attracted more enmity toward you."

the Peacock King thought for a moment before giving this earnest warning.

Ye Tianling nodded. "I’ve considered all of this ever since the curse first appeared. But I am far from unprepared. Forget Daoist Ancestors, I’m actually looking forward to a Saint showing up. Peacock King, let us part ways here."

Ye Tianling said, then cupped his fist in a salute to bid the Peacock King farewell.

The Peacock King was stunned for a long moment. He gave Ye Tianling a deep look and said, "If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me."

As he spoke, the Peacock King condensed a Soul Seal and handed it directly to Ye Tianling.

Furthermore, his tone no longer held the air of an elder speaking to a junior; he was speaking to Ye Tianling as a friend, an equal.

Ye Tianling gave the Peacock King a deep look and said, "Alright."

The Peacock King let out a breath of relief. He carefully examined Ye Tianling’s aura one last time, and only then, seeming slightly more at ease, did he turn and fly away.

The Peacock King was gone.

Ye Tianling did not hurry to leave. Instead, he looked at Ancient Fairy, whose face was a mixture of confusion and guilt, and gently patted her shoulder to comfort her.

Ye Tianling knew full well the reasons for Ancient Fairy’s confusion and guilt.

But he didn’t offer any further explanation.

’I can still use the Demon Heart Sword Body one more time.’

’And by using the Devouring Law to fuel my battles, a great slaughter, once started, will bring immense benefits.’