The silence persisted for a long time until Ye Qiu slowly descended, breaking it.

The few minor lords present all knelt down and paid great respects to Ye Qiu, clearly terrified, fearing he would slay them like he did with Fu She.

Fu She, a master in the Saint Realm, was slain by Ye Qiu. The fate of those still in the Ruins Realm was obvious.

Ye Qiu held something sharp in his hand, resembling a tooth—this was Fu She’s horn.

Fu She’s true form was a large black snake. As he progressed in martial arts, especially after entering the Saint Realm, he forced out horns.

Believably, if he advanced further into the Heavenly Realm, he might sprout limbs, having the potential to transform into a dragon.

However, now it all turned into bubbles. Ye Qiu forcibly pulled out Fu She’s horn; even if he were alive, his strength would greatly diminish.

Now, Fu She had become a dead snake. Ye Qiu couldn’t let any opponent who witnessed his dark transformation live; otherwise, it would be dangerous for him.

Even in the Southern Wilderness, Ye Qiu dared not be arrogant. Earlier, Chi Hu mentioned the Heavenly Palace and was quite apprehensive. Evidently, even in the Southern Wilderness, the power of the Heavenly Palace exists.

Several minor lords around showed allegiance and submission, kowtowing on the ground, hoping Ye Qiu would spare them. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Ye Qiu pondered for a while and said, "You may rise."

He did not strike them down. By showcasing his strength in slaying a Saint Realm master, these minor lords dared not make any sly moves under his command, especially after he killed Fu She, which surely imposed a huge deterrent to them.

Keeping them might be useful, as certain things require their involvement.

"Thank you, my lord."

The minor lords rose, looking at Ye Qiu with reverence. Even if Ye Qiu was human, as long as he was powerful, inferior ancient beasts in the region had to submit obediently.

Power rules, whether in the Eastern or Southern Wilderness, it’s applicable.

Having dealt with Fu She, Ye Qiu became the top expert in this vast territory, making many minor lords submit to him.

Subsequent days settled into complete tranquility.

Ye Qiu did not annex the territories of other minor lords, allowing them to return to their domains. Of course, he also issued tasks to gather information about the Beast God.

After multiple encounters with Saint Realm experts, Ye Qiu’s strength solidified even further, and his heart also underwent significant changes.

Although Ye Qiu hasn’t truly stepped into the Saint Realm, his mindset is already akin to a Saint’s.

Now, the gap between him and a Saint is only in terms of power; as for mindset and techniques, he has reached the Saint’s level.

Next, Ye Qiu plans to break through to the Saint Realm.

However, taking this step isn’t easy, especially considering he needs to survive nine Heavenly Tribulations, which would surely be terrifying at the Saint Realm.

If he were to break through in the Southern Wilderness, it might alarm ancient beasts of the Heavenly level.

Judging by ancient beasts’ attitudes toward humans, Ye Qiu reckoned he’d face not only the threat of Heavenly Tribulation but also must guard against attracted ancient beasts.

Ye Qiu, being human, shouldn’t have ancient beasts wishing for one more strong human.

Actually, in this regard, if worst comes to worst, he just needs to survive the tribulation and then hide inside the Great Emperor Clock.

As for Gu Tian, who said he’d come when Ye Qiu advanced to the Saint Realm, Ye Qiu didn’t know his real intentions. Although his previous survival was thanks to Gu Tian, who knows what he’s plotting?

Ye Qiu thought it prudent to be cautious with Gu Tian. It’s always good to be cautious.

Moreover, on how to break through to the Saint Realm, Ye Qiu had no clue. Though his strength had reached the late peak of the Ruins Realm, he was really confused about how to break through and advance into the Saint Realm.

Practicing martial arts is rationalized by letting things take their natural course. However, since reaching the late peak of the Ruins Realm, multiple encounters with Saints did not make him feel the verge of breakthrough.

Indeed, it was quite a problem.

How to break the shackles of the Saint Realm?

Ye Qiu hadn’t even seen the lock of shackles, much less knowing how to break through.

In the following days, Ye Qiu tried various ways to find methods to enter the Saint Realm. He contemplated for some days without any clue, so Ye Qiu turned his attention to Chi Hu. After all, Chi Hu entered the Saint Realm earlier and could be used for reference. Yet Chi Hu was an opponent, tormented by him for days, presumably unwilling to disclose anything.

Nevertheless, Ye Qiu prepared to try his luck.

Chi Hu’s face had thinned a lot. Frequently used as a sparring partner by Ye Qiu, and with tampered formations, Chi Hu could only absorb a small amount of Spiritual Energy to recover strength.

He now loathed Ye Qiu but was helpless when seeing Ye Qiu again. Instead of fighting, Ye Qiu started discussing martial arts with him.

Chi Hu sneered, realizing Ye Qiu’s intent: "You want to break through to the Saint Realm, so you’re trying to extract something useful from me, aren’t you?"

Having anticipated this, Ye Qiu was unfazed and candidly admitted when confronted by Chi Hu.

"Do you think I would help my opponent break through?" Chi Hu laughed heartily. Knowing it was hopeless, Ye Qiu left the formation, leaving Chi Hu to talk to himself.

If only teacher Zhuang Miao Shan were here, Ye Qiu could consult him. Previously, Ye Qiu thought it could wait until he reached the late peak of the Ruins Realm to ask for advice. Little did he expect Zhuang Miao Shan to vanish without success in seeking opportunities for him, hunted by the Supreme Saint of Jiu Jue, fate unknown, and thus no chance to consult.

A bitter smile surfaced on Ye Qiu’s face as he stroked his chin.

"I really am an unfortunate person. After finally getting a mentor, I still have to figure out martial arts myself."

It’s quite the coincidence. His first mentor, Old Lust, led him into martial arts. Still, after reaching the True Qi Realm, the mentor couldn’t teach further, and Ye Qiu began researching independently. Later, there was Old Mo’s guidance, offering some shortcut opportunities, but Old Mo sacrificed his life to help him escape, so Ye Qiu had to research again. Eventually, upon entering the Ancestral Land, he met Zhuang Miao Shan, thinking it was finally good with a guide, but shortly after becoming his disciple, Zhuang Miao Shan’s life or death became unknown.

Ye Qiu felt like an unlucky star, wondering why he’s so unlucky!

Nevertheless, the road must continue forward. Even without guidance, he must keep advancing.

Even if this road is fraught with challenges and difficulties.