Ch. 189 - Planting a Demon in the Dao Heart

The voice echoed from an unknown direction, resonating powerfully through the silent valley.

“Please grant me your power. I’m willing to give everything I have,” Ye Lingtian said after a long pause, finally dropping to his knees.

“Open your heart. Let me plant a demonic mark upon your Dao Heart. You shall become a Demon Apostle and receive my strength,” the voice replied coldly.

“I’m willing,” Ye Lingtian quickly nodded.

Dark demonic energy descended from the heavens, wrapping around his body.

Ye Lingtian’s face twisted in pain as he let out a terrible scream.

“Resist no more. Submit to my demonic will. It shall be the guiding light of your life,” the voice echoed again, oddly calming and persuasive.

Ye Lingtian writhed on the ground, as if being consumed by the demonic aura.

It wasn’t just his body, his very soul was being corrupted.

No one knew how much time passed before he finally lay still.

His skin turned pitch black, and within his eyes, dark energy stirred.

His entire presence had transformed. His gaze became emotionless and cold.

Most notably, five Meridian gates had fully opened, he had broken through to the Paragon Meridian Realm.

Clenching his fists, Ye Lingtian could feel the immense power coursing through him.

“Clan competition... dear brother, I’ve got a surprise waiting for you,” he said with a wicked grin.

“Go. When you become the patriarch of the Ye Clan and gain full control, I’ll bestow you with greater gifts,” the voice said coolly. “Though you are now in the Paragon Meridian Realm, your body’s potential is exhausted. You won’t be able to advance through cultivation alone. From now on, you’ll rely on me.”

“I understand, my lord,” Ye Lingtian quickly replied.

…

As Ye Lingtian disappeared into the snow, an eerie laughter echoed through the silent valley.

“Just wait... when darkness descends again, our return will begin. This time, no resistance will matter. Everything will fall under our rules... and perish.”

…

Despite the icy snow, the Ye Clan’s estate was ablaze with excitement.

The long-awaited competition to determine the next clan patriarch was happening today.

All the young members of the family gathered early in the morning.

This wasn’t an ordinary event, Ye Shilong, the current patriarch, had previously declared:

Whoever won first place in the family competition would become the official successor of the Ye Clan.

The Martial Arena, a space reserved specifically for internal family duels, was packed with contestants.

All of Primordial Ancient City was invited to witness the event.

The Ye Clan had also extended invitations to many influential clans and dignitaries in the city.

…

Back at the inn, Little Gui brushed the snow off his clothes and returned to the room.

“Did you find anything?” Xu Zimo asked.

“Yeah,” Little Gui nodded. “The Ye Clan head, Ye Shilong, took a second wife, the daughter of the Xiang Clan’s patriarch from the Northern Desert. Their son is Ye Feiling, the young man we ran into yesterday.”

“So... could it be Ye Lingtian really isn’t involved?” Xu Zimo asked with a faint smile, eyes gazing thoughtfully out the snowy window.

“Oh right, Senior Brother,” Little Gui added, “today is the competition for the next Ye Clan’s heir position. Want to go check it out?”

“Sure,” Xu Zimo nodded with a grin.

The two bought an oiled-paper umbrella and made their way to the Ye Estate through the gently falling snow.

The sky was pure white, and the snowfall had slowed.

Xu Zimo and Little Gui weren’t in any rush. They even stopped for breakfast along the way.

By the time they arrived, the competition was already nearing its end.

…

On the arena stage, Ye Feiling stood in white robes, sword in hand. Sword aura danced wildly around him.

Opposite him, Ye Lingtian wore plain blue robes and carried a calm demeanor.

“Lingtian, I’m so proud of you,” Ye Feiling smiled. “To see you standing tall and not falling into ruin, you’re truly a son of the Ye Clan.”

“How long do you intend to keep up this facade?” Ye Lingtian asked coolly.

“What do you mean?” Ye Feiling looked briefly startled.

“Let’s settle this with strength. If I beat you, I become heir,” Ye Lingtian replied plainly.

“Dear brother, if it were anything else, I’d gladly let you have it,” Ye Feiling shook his head. “But the position of Patriarch concerns our clan’s future. I cannot hold back.”

“Who asked you to?” Ye Lingtian sneered.

At that moment, a mighty aura unique to the Paragon Meridian Realm exploded from Ye Lingtian.

Tendrils of dark energy rose into the air. His eyes were completely devoid of emotion.

Ye Feiling’s heart skipped a beat.

“Five Meridian gates... impossible!” he muttered in disbelief.

…

Snow drifted down onto Ye Lingtian’s shoulders, but it evaporated instantly under the heat of his demonic aura.

Xu Zimo narrowed his eyes. That aura… it felt very familiar, but he couldn’t recall why.

The entire arena fell silent. No one could believe it.

The once-labeled wastrel second son had reached the Paragon Meridian Realm at such a young age?

Even many Holy Sons from Imperial Lineages couldn’t claim such a feat.

Even Ye Shilong, the Ye Clan’s patriarch, rose from his seat, frowning as he took in the turn of events.

…

Dark energy wrapped around Ye Lingtian. He raised his fists and launched a single strike, Ye Feiling was immediately blown off the stage.

Spiritforce surged wildly. Ye Lingtian laughed heartily. Years of humiliation and suppression were finally released.

Looking at Ye Feiling, who lay unconscious on the ground, he turned to the seats of honor and shouted: “Father, elders, do we have a winner?”

The audience remained still.

Ye Shilong paused for a long while, then chuckled.

“Lingtian, my son, becoming patriarch is a weighty matter, it cannot be decided so casually. You’ve never managed any clan affairs. A true leader needs more than strength. Strategy and leadership are just as important.”

“So, you’re going back on your word?” Ye Lingtian frowned.

“Not at all,” said the Grand Elder, stepping forward. “Our Ye Clan has a rule, if six of the clan elders simultaneously object to the Patriarch’s decision, the decree can be overturned.”

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