The demon ruler floated up, instantly exploding with light and enveloping the center of the defense formation with the force of wind and thunder.

That was the weakest point of the Lesser Nine Palaces Defense Formation.

At that moment.

A figure suddenly appeared in front.

A sixteen-foot Golden Body with the True Spirit Dharma Aspect emerging behind.

A Profound Ice Divine Dragon stretching over twenty feet.

The person extended his arm, which suddenly grew several feet, grabbing the demon ruler in one hand.

"Who are you?"

True Master Mo Chen’s face changed drastically.

Once fully activated, the demon ruler possessed ten thousand pounds of power, making it a rare power-type demon soldier.

Yet, the person caught it bare-handed.

An unparalleled physical strength in his life,

True Master Mo Chen drove his Divine Soul to control the demon ruler, trying to break free from the person’s grip.

The demon ruler trembled violently, twisting and struggling like a large fish, emitting mournful cries.

"Noisy!"

The person held the demon ruler in one hand, and with the other hand, gestured like a sword and gently stroked the ruler.

A severe pain shot through True Master Mo Chen’s brain, golden stars danced in his vision as he struggled to stand.

The Divine Soul Brand left on the demon ruler was effortlessly erased by the person.

This was his Lifebound Demon Soldier, nurtured for over a century!

Without thinking, True Master Mo Chen summoned the Soul Capturing Pearl, absorbing the dense demonic qi nearby until it expanded to the size of a millstone, directly striking the person.

"Such a treasure!"

The person spread out his palm, which instantly grew and transformed into a large hand several feet in diameter, seizing the Soul Capturing Pearl.

True Master Mo Chen hurried to recall the Soul Capturing Pearl.

Too late.

The Soul Capturing Pearl was wiped of its Divine Soul Brand and revealed its true form.

"Ah!"

Two consecutive demon soldiers were subdued, their Divine Soul Brands erased by the opponent.

True Master Mo Chen’s breath became chaotic, leaving him utterly exhausted.

Only then did he see clearly that the opposite was a handsome young cultivator.

"Who are you?"

He unwillingly asked.

Having lost his demon soldiers, True Master Mo Chen’s combat power greatly declined.

In short, he was captured and bound.

"Cyan Cloud Sect, Profound Ice."

Shen Xuan said indifferently.

Then, he cast an Ice Soul Divine Light, restricting True Master Mo Chen’s spiritual power.

On the opposite side, Xu Ning Tie’s face turned ashen, clutching his magic sword, locked by Ling Zhenfeng’s Snake Demon Arrow, not daring to act rashly.

At this moment, seeing True Master Mo Chen defeated in one blow, he secretly gritted his teeth and secretly activated a blood-colored talisman.

The blood talisman transformed into a blood light, wrapping around him, flying away.

"Stay!"

Shen Xuan had already locked Xu Ning Tie with his Divine Sense.

In the short distance between realms, Shen Xuan performed Yin-Yang Walking, moving extremely swiftly.

Xu Ning Tie’s blood escape light was intercepted by Shen Xuan.

An iron staff of cold alloy appeared in his hands.

With a gentle swing, he accurately hit Xu Ning Tie, knocking him from the blood escape light.

"In the Demon Realm space, the Nine Revolutions True Spirit Transformation is most effective, completely ignoring demonic qi interference."

Shen Xuan thought to himself.

His strength was far above True Master Mo Chen and Xu Ning Tie.

The reason for waiting until now to act was to see what kind of tricks they had up their sleeves.

Of course, he could capture them and perform soul searches.

However, generally speaking, soul searching is conducted by high-tier cultivators on low-tier cultivators.

The soul power of the soul searcher must be significantly higher than that of the target.

When the soul power is not significantly different, there is a great risk.

Besides, the information obtained from soul searching is not complete.

After breaking through to the Core Formation Realm, Tier Three Cultivators possess many secret techniques that can resist soul searches from opponents.

They can even self-destruct their inner core to keep secrets and avoid torture.

True Master Mo Chen is at the middle stage of the Demon Pill while Xu Ning Tie is at the early stage of the True Pill.

Yet before Shen Xuan, neither could withstand a single blow.

Not even enough time to self-destruct their inner cores.

...

Deep within the Giant Stone Demon Array.

In a hidden corner.

Here, Shen Xuan forcibly carved out a pure space using Profound Ice Spiritual Power.

Surrounding demonic qi was isolated outside by a transparent Cyan Ice Wall.

True Master Mo Chen and Xu Ning Tie’s magical power was restrained by Profound Ice Spiritual Power, their faces pale, breaths weak.

Ling Zhenfeng was responsible for guarding the two.

In another part of the Cyan Ice Wall.

True Master Xuan Yi sat cross-legged, his complexion still pale, but his breath had stabilized.

Shen Xuan slowly withdrew his power, the cyan-colored water spiritual power in his palms gradually dissipating.

"How are you feeling, Brother Xuan Yi?"

Mu Ling’Er approached to check.

"Fellow Daoist Profound Ice is indeed impressive. I am fine."

True Master Xuan Yi smiled and said.

Seeing his wounds stabilized, Mu Ling’Er finally relaxed her tense heart.

She turned to Shen Xuan, emotions surging.

The joy in her beautiful eyes was impossible to conceal.

Fifty years apart.

Who would’ve thought that Shen Xuan, once known as a Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivator with a fleeting romance with her, would achieve such remarkable success.

Not only achieving the Ice Technique Golden Core.

But also possessing exceptional combat power, renowned across various countries.

In the Yan-Song sect war, his reputation was glorious, defeating numerous True Masters of Yan Country.

Even the veteran Golden Core Wisdom Blade True Master of the Baxia Sect was defeated by him.

Despite the joy, Mu Ling’Er harbored a subtle, indescribable regret.

If she had been firmer back then, submitting and marrying him.

Perhaps they could have formed a bond in marriage, soaring together.

In fact, Mu Ling’Er was still too naïve.

Shen Xuan never intended to forge a bond with her.

Although they were affectionate companions, sharing a sweet period.

Shen Xuan definitely wouldn’t return with her to the Mu family.

Let alone propose marriage to her family.

Shen Xuan’s goal was very clear: to cultivate diligently, enhance realm cultivation, ascend to the Spirit Realm, and attain immortality.

Upon seeing Mu Ling’Er now, he did not think much of it.

Let bygones be bygones.

His gaze fell upon Mu Ling’Er’s Storage Pouch at her waist.

"Ling’Er, my reward?"

Mu Ling’Er’s delicate body trembled slightly.

After a few moments, she retrieved a small bottle from her Storage Pouch.

"Here you go!"

Mu Ling’Er said crossly.

She hadn’t expected Shen Xuan to be so pragmatic.

Shen Xuan took the small bottle, opened the cap, and scanned it with his Divine Sense.

Inside was a Bodhi seed, warm and jade-like, with seven bud-eye points on its surface, faintly glowing with mysterious light.

Shen Xuan carefully put away the Seven-Heart Bodhi Seed and glanced at the pouting, angry Mu Ling’Er.

He softened his tone and spoke gently, "Ling’Er, this item is of great use to me. In the Magic Realm space, the changes are unpredictable. We should seize the time and focus on our main task."

Mu Ling’Er stared curiously at Shen Xuan.

He was even younger and more handsome than she remembered, elegant and refined.

At this moment, he seemed even more composed, as if everything was under his control.

At this instant, a complex mix of emotions stirred within Mu Ling’Er.

However, after gazing for a few moments, she finally said gently, "Alright."

...

Heal True Master Xuan Yi and snatch him back from Yan Luo’s hands.

Subsequently, Shen Xuan interrogated Demon Sovereign Mo Chen.

In the isolated Cyan Spirit Ice Wall space.

Demon Sovereign Mo Chen’s face was pale, his aura weak, and his eyes vacant.

Upon seeing Shen Xuan, his pupils constricted slightly, still somewhat shocked.

Earlier, Demon Sovereign Mo Chen was under Ling Zhenfeng’s watch.

He had been conversing with Ling Zhenfeng, trying to persuade him.

But it was all in vain.

He didn’t understand why Ling Zhenfeng would betray him.

Shen Xuan released a part of the Spiritual Power restrictions on Demon Sovereign Mo Chen, allowing him to regain the movements of an ordinary person.

"Fellow Daoist Mo Chen, at this point, you must be mentally prepared."

"Answer truthfully, and I will grant you a swift end, properly inter your remains, and let you re-enter the cycle of reincarnation."

Shen Xuan spoke candidly.

"Xuan Bing, what’s your relationship with Qian Feng? If you have the guts, kill me! Someone will avenge me in time!"

Demon Sovereign Mo Chen hesitated for several moments, then his face darkened, and he spoke angrily.

"Who will avenge you?"

Shen Xuan shook his head.

"When a person is alive, relationships exist; when they die, they dissipate. Fellow Daoist Mo Chen, at your age, are you still so naive?"

"Didn’t Qian Feng tell you? Is it because he doesn’t dare to say, or you don’t dare to believe?"

Demon Sovereign Mo Chen sneered.

"The Dark Star Alliance?"

"You know then! Our Dark Star Alliance spans across several countries, powerful enough to surpass True Meaning Sect and Hehuan Sect. I acted on orders this time. You have disrupted our plans; you won’t have a good outcome!"

"A bunch of calculating scoundrels hiding in the shadows, afraid to even reveal their identities, yet so boastful. Truly courting death!"

Shen Xuan said disdainfully.

Before interrogating Demon Sovereign Mo Chen, Shen Xuan had communicated with Ling Zhenfeng.

Ling Zhenfeng informed him that the Dark Star Alliance is a covert cultivator alliance.

Every member conceals their identity.

The threshold is Tier Three Cultivators.

The Dark Star Alliance has its own operational rules.

Somewhat similar to assassination organizations like Shadow Kill Sect.

However, the Dark Star Alliance’s activities go beyond assassination.

Espionage, intelligence trading, infiltration and subversion, sabotage, dealing in stolen goods, etc.

All activities that can’t see the light of day.

The Dark Star Alliance has been in the neighboring countries for many years.

Especially in the Liang Country Demon Sect, its roots run deep.

Sects like Yin Sha Sect are not monolithic.

From top to bottom, they have long been infiltrated by the Dark Star Alliance.

Many frustrated Demon Sovereigns joined the Dark Star Alliance.

For thousands of years, the Dark Star Alliance has remained dormant.

In recent years, the activities of the Dark Star Alliance have grown increasingly ostentatious, with a trend toward moving from the dark into the open.

Demon Sovereign Mo Chen joined the Dark Star Alliance early and held considerable status.

This operation was planned by him.

The intention was to eliminate Night Demon Sovereign, take control of the Spirit Fiend Pool under his jurisdiction, seize sect power, and expand the Dark Star Alliance’s influence.

Xu Ning Tie was a newcomer who had just joined the Dark Star Alliance.

He posted missions within but was identified by Demon Sovereign Mo Chen.

Xu Ning Tie wanted to find allies within the Dark Star Alliance to plot against True Master Xuan Yi and seize the Seven-Heart Bodhi on him.

The two found common ground easily.

Ling Zhenfeng was someone Demon Sovereign Mo Chen intended to recruit as a subordinate in the Dark Star Alliance.

He was still in the evaluation period.

The first mission he received was to assist Demon Sovereign Mo Chen, obey orders, and together eliminate Night Demon Sovereign.

Night Demon Sovereign was a long-standing mid-stage True Pill Demon Sovereign of Yin Sha Sect.

The Dark Star Alliance had attempted to recruit him several times, but he had politely declined.

The reason was simple.

The upper echelons of Yin Sha Sect strictly guarded against the Dark Star Alliance, striking as soon as they detected signs.

Night Demon Sovereign, as a vested interest holder, controlled the Spirit Fiend Pool of Yin Sha Sect, reaping significant private benefits.

Naturally, he did not wish to associate with the Dark Star Alliance, risking his sect authority.

This led to his demise.

Demon Sovereign Mo Chen’s obstinacy was beyond Shen Xuan’s expectations.

In the Demon Realm space, time is precious.

Shen Xuan did not want to waste time and directly performed a soul search on him.

Conducting soul searches on those of the same tier involves certain risks.

But that is for others.

Demon Cultivators have inherently weaker Soul Power.

Shen Xuan’s Divine Soul had been cultivated since Foundation Establishment using the "Purple Heaven Divine Thunder Soul Tempering Art."

Regularly refined with "Purple Heaven Divine Thunder."

The Power of the Divine Soul was several times that of an ordinary Demon Cultivator.

He had no psychological burden performing a soul search on Demon Sovereign Mo Chen.

Seeing Shen Xuan so simply and brutally performing a soul search on himself, Demon Sovereign Mo Chen looked incredulous.

"Is he not afraid of being counterattacked by my Divine Soul?"

However, he overthought it.

Under Shen Xuan’s soul search technique, Demon Sovereign Mo Chen’s mind grew increasingly fuzzy, drowsy.

Half an hour later.

Demon Sovereign Mo Chen awoke.

After all, he was a mid-stage Demon Pill Demon Sovereign, with formidable Soul Power.

"Xuan Bing, you’re ruthless!"

After the soul search, Demon Sovereign Mo Chen’s Divine Soul was damaged, leading to irreversible realm degradation and reduced cultivation.

"Troublesome!"

Shen Xuan’s face showed impatience.

Within Demon Sovereign Mo Chen’s Divine Soul was a protective restriction.

Pertaining to matters of the Dark Star Alliance, only superficial information could be gleaned.

The core secrets were well protected.

"Mo Chen, I don’t have time to waste here. Either you cooperate honestly and answer my questions, or I will repeatedly soul search you, violently breaking your Divine Soul Restriction."

"You need to think carefully. Will you cooperate with me, re-entering the cycle of rebirth, or face the annihilation of your Divine Soul, never to recover?"