Ascension of The Unholy Immortal

"Yue Xin... I can't be mistaken; she is indeed the girl from Heavenly Mist Palace," Mi Ling thought, her mind spinning in confusion.

While it didn't shock her that Yue Xin had become a disciple of the Chess Paragon—after all, the world is vast, and fortune can find anyone—something felt off.

In Mi Ling's perception, Yue Xin displayed neither fate lines nor the usual aura of destiny. This was utterly unprecedented. Typically, only powerful experts could shroud their fate, but to eliminate it entirely? That was astonishing.

In the past, Mi Ling had scrutinized every member of Heavenly Mist Palace, recalling her initial assessment of Yue Xin. At that time, Yue Xin still bore fate lines; Mi Ling had predicted a bright future for her. Yet, according to Spiritdrift standards, the pinnacle of her potential seemed to be the Spirit Severing Realm.

Opportunities can indeed alter one's fate, but such transformations inevitably leave traces. Even Ji Fang, a former realm lord, possessed fate lines, albeit intricately woven because of his complex situation. Despite the obscurity surrounding him, Mi Ling had still been able to discern them.

Yue Xin's absence of fate lines stirred an unsettling curiosity within Mi Ling.

"There's another possibility," Mi Ling said, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "Either a powerful expert has taken over Yue Xin's body and devoured her soul, or this Yue Xin is an imposter."

While the first scenario seems highly plausible, the second can't be overlooked. But why would anyone go to such lengths to impersonate Yue Xin?

"There's only one way to find out," Mi Ling murmured softly, her gaze fixed on Yue Xin as she began to approach.

"Interesting, she's coming," Yue Xin thought, her eyes flickering slightly as Mi Ling drew nearer.

With a warm smile, Yue Xin stepped forward and cupped her hands. "Yue Xin greets the Palace Master."

"Oh?" Mi Ling chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Palace Master? You still remember that title?"

Yue Xin shook her head gently. "Though the Heavenly Mist Palace is gone, my heart will always cherish its memories."

"How come you've never mentioned this before, little girl?" a sudden laugh interrupted their exchange.

"Greetings, Senior. It's an honor to meet you," Mi Ling said, cupping her hands in respect to the elderly man who had just arrived.

The Chess Paragon nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The younger generation is truly talented. I'm impressed you recognized my identity."

"Senior, you are a respected figure. How could I not know you?" Mi Ling replied with a gentle smile.

Seemingly pleased, the Chess Paragon laughed heartily. "The Starry Sky Alliance is fortunate to have someone like you."

Mi Ling merely smiled in response, then turned her attention back to Yue Xin. "Senior is overpraising me. I only came to check on Yue Xin; it's been a long time since I last saw her."

Chess Paragon stroked his beard thoughtfully, nodding in appreciation. "Yue Xin is fortunate to have someone like you in her life. I trust you will look out for her moving forward."

Mi Ling's eyes flickered at his words, but she smiled reassuringly. "There's no need for concern, Senior. Yue Xin is like a little sister to me."

"Sister Mi Ling, you're too kind. I truly appreciate your care," Yue Xin responded, her smile warm and genuine.

Mi Ling nodded in acknowledgement. "Now that I've accomplished what I came for, I'll take my leave."

"Haha, dear niece, there's no need to be so formal. You may go," Chess Paragon replied, his tone lightening.

Mi Ling cupped her hands in respect to both master and disciple before departing.

After a brief silence, Yue Xin turned to Chess Paragon with a curious smile. "What do you think, Master?"

"Too dangerous; you should steer clear of her," Chess Paragon replied solemnly.

"Oh no, I can't agree. She seems pleasant to me," Yue Xin teased playfully.

Chess Paragon contemplated for a moment, then shook his head. "While I don't know what kind of opportunity led you to become this old man's disciple, I do know one thing..."

Yue Xin raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

"This Mi Ling is undeniably interested," Chess Paragon said, observing Mi Ling's distant figure. His expression grew cold. "No, avoiding her is not enough. Since she has taken an interest in you, you must find a better approach."

Yue Xin's eyes narrowed at his words. "What do you suggest, Master?"

Chess Paragon studied her for a while before shaking his head. "My role is to guide you; how you handle your affairs is entirely your responsibility."

Surprise flashed across Yue Xin's face. "Master! Shouldn't you also protect me?"

"Protect you?" Chess Paragon's mouth twitched, bemused.

"Of course! Besides guidance, isn't a master's duty to protect their disciple?" Yue Xin pouted with an earnest expression.

"Hmph, this old way is unlike any other; you'll understand in due time." Chess Paragon snorted, then closed his eyes, shrouded in a mysterious aura.

"This old man certainly knows how to play his cards close to his chest," Yue Xin mused, a slight smile gracing her lips. "For now, the Chess Paragon remains low-key, but once a certain matter arises, he will undoubtedly reveal his true power."

Her attention shifted to Mi Ling, her expression turning serious. "I know why you're here and what you seek, but… I won't let you have it."

Another figure surfaced in her thoughts: Kai. "That one is a wildcard. I'm certain someone like him never existed in my timeline."

After a moment of deep contemplation, she sighed. "Although my transmigration has altered the course of many events, the devil realm remains untraveled for me. I sense something else is unfolding there."

Before departing from the Spiritdrift World, Yue Xin had sealed the spiritual qi across the entire planet. While such an act might seem malevolent, it was a necessary measure to protect the world.

In her future, Spiritdrift would face an even greater catastrophe. Desiring its hidden reservoir of spiritual qi, a powerful entity would drain the planet's essence and consume every living soul.

During her journey to the Runestone Solar System, she utilized her foreknowledge to seize countless opportunities and fortuitous encounters.

Along the way, she eradicated many future threats, vanquishing powerful foes and saving countless lives in the process.

***

As Liang activated the enhanced Thousand Derivations Rune, he slipped into a deep trance. The abstract principles of the Infernal Void Flame Art and the Nine Heavenly Spirits Refining Manual intertwined like threads in a complex tapestry, painting vivid patterns of energy before his inner eye.

Time seemed to distort as Liang's consciousness plunged into the depths of his understanding, meticulously tracing the intricate workings of each technique with surgical precision.

To fuse the Infernal Void Flame Art with the Nine Heavenly Spirits Refining Manual, Liang first forged a mental connection between the two methods. His grasp of the cultivation principles underlying the Infernal Void Flame Art illuminated its core concepts, sketching the foundation for a new spirit and circulation method.

Guided by the Thousand Derivations Rune, Liang systematically charted the most harmonious integration of the two techniques.

With the Universe Rune activated, his mind surged with energy as he analyzed and deconstructed both arts. The runes etched on his body pulsed with immense power, accelerating the derivation process.

Soon, the contours of a groundbreaking new technique began to materialize in his consciousness, with the Infernal Void Flame's cultivation method serving as its core and the framework of the Nine Heavenly Spirits Refining Manual forming its structure.

The new technique, named the Nine Heavenly Spirit Art, combined the essence of the Infernal Void Flame Art and the Nine Heavenly Spirits Refining Manual to transcend both. Nit only It relied upon the Infernal Void Flame as its foundation, but also incorporated the refining ability of the Nine Heavenly Spirits Refining Manual.

As Liang delved deeper into the fusion process, the Nine Heavenly Spirit Art began to take on a life of its own within his consciousness. The abstract principles that had once seemed so elusive now coalesced into a tangible and coherent whole.

Guided by the Thousand Derivations Rune, Liang meticulously refined and perfected the new technique, ensuring its flawless execution.

As his understanding deepened, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred. Nine ethereal figures emerged from the depths of his consciousness, their forms shrouded in an a mysterious aura.

These beings resembled neither human nor spirit, their appearances defying all conventional descriptions.

Each figure emanated an unmistakable aura that reverberated with the essence of a distinct element or aspect of nature. Some figures exuded an ethereal grace, their presence light and airy. Conversely, others radiated a malevolent and foreboding aura, their energy heavy and oppressive.

Liang regarded the nine mysterious entities with an inscrutable expression. "Seven essences, one soul, one spirit."

The nine ethereal figures gradually converged towards each other, their distinct energies intertwining and harmonizing.

One by one, the nine figures fused together, their individual identities dissolving into a singular, radiant form.

As the final fusion occurred, an overwhelming energy surged through Liang's consciousness. The Nine Heavenly Spirit Art had reached its completion.

With the newfound technique fully integrated, the mysterious figures dissipated into motes of light, disappearing into the depths of his mind.