Chapter 47

“And the Devourer Beast?” one of the disciples murmured, pointing at the empty, ruined battlefield. “It’s gone too.”
Yi Huaxuan parted the crowd and walked over. He glanced at the scene, which bore no signs of a struggle, then took out his communication token, only to find that there was no trace of the two missing individuals.
It was as if they had vanished from this space altogether.
Yi Huaxuan pondered for a moment before saying, "Most likely, it's a formation."
"What?"
"Don't forget, the Western Sea contains overlapping spatial formations," Yi Huaxuan explained. "We assumed the terrain wouldn’t change today, but that was only a theory. The sea has been evolving for millions of years, with countless formations layered upon one another. It’s possible that new spaces are created as a result. Those two, along with the Devourer Beast, must have been caught in a spatial shift and drawn into one of them."
Hearing this, many people were skeptical. "How could the timing be so coincidental?"
Yi Huaxuan spread his hands helplessly. "Well, do you have a better explanation? This is the only logical one."
The others had no choice but to fall silent.
Ye Zinan, upon hearing that Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao had been pulled into a different space, wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or even more anxious.
If they had been transported to separate spaces, it wouldn't be too bad. But if they were trapped with the Devourer Beast...Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao were both injured. If they encountered the berserk creature, what could they possibly do?
A mix of fear and anger surged in Ye Zinan’s chest, and he turned on Ling Zhongyu. Usually, Ye Zinan had a carefree, roguish demeanor. Despite being a whole generation older than most of the young celestial cultivators, his flamboyant and easygoing nature made others treat him as a peer rather than a senior.
But now, Ye Zinan's face was dark with fury, and the shift in his demeanor intimidated even the most unruly disciples.
Ling Zhongyu had been attempting to slip away with Su Yinyue in his arms when Ye Zinan’s voice rang out, cold as ice: "Young Master Ling, stop right there."
Ling Zhongyu hesitated for a fraction of a second before turning around, his expression composed. "What can I do for you, Uncle Ye?"
Ye Zinan let out a mirthless laugh. "A traitor in our ranks, and you think this matter is settled? Where exactly do you think you're going?"
"My cousin was seriously injured while protecting me. She needs immediate treatment," Ling Zhongyu replied, pausing briefly before adding, "And what traitor are you talking about? I don’t understand, Uncle Ye."
Ye Zinan was so furious that he actually laughed. "You don’t understand? Fine, let me spell it out for you. We were moments away from sealing the trap—so why did the binding chains suddenly snap? When Luo Han was holding the Devourer Beast at bay on her own, why did the other chains break all at once?"
"How would I know?" Ling Zhongyu folded his hands behind his back and said indifferently, "I’d also like to ask why Ling Qingxiao suddenly attacked me and caused my cousin to get hurt. Assaulting a fellow disciple in the middle of battle—Ling Qingxiao’s actions are already enough to warrant punishment."
"You—!" Ye Zinan was livid, and even Zou Jibai, who rarely argued, couldn’t hold back. "Stop twisting the truth. We’ve all seen how Ling Qingxiao acts these past few days—he wouldn’t attack without a reason. If he struck first, there must have been a cause."
"If he had his reasons, then why are you all turning on me?" Ling Zhongyu countered. "I’m the one who was attacked. I managed to escape unscathed—since when is that a crime?"
Ye Zinan's breath came faster in anger, while Zou Jibai, a member of the Zouyu clan, preferred direct action over words. Without another word, he tossed aside the broken chains and stepped forward, ready to settle things with his fists.
A few disciples rushed in to hold him back. "Calm down! We haven’t even dealt with the Devourer Beast yet—this isn't the time to lose control!"
Yi Huaxuan observed Ling Zhongyu carefully, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes.
In any group, there could only be one leader. Although Ling Qingxiao was not talkative, he had gained immense credibility among the team. In a sense, Yi Huaxuan and Ling Qingxiao were rivals.
However, Ling Qingxiao had no interest in leadership, and Yi Huaxuan, as a direct descendant of the Celestial Emperor, naturally took on the role of commander. He had once competed with Ling Qingxiao in secret, but at this moment, Yi Huaxuan believed that Ling Qingxiao was not someone who would let personal grudges affect his judgment.
Ling Qingxiao wasn’t that kind of person.
Yi Huaxuan had been stunned when Ling Qingxiao attacked, but when Su Yinyue suddenly shielded Ling Zhongyu, and immediately afterward, the chains broke, he had sensed something was off.
The problem was, there was no concrete evidence. As the leader, Yi Huaxuan couldn't openly accuse anyone without proof. More importantly, he couldn’t understand Ling Zhongyu’s motive.
From any perspective—whether rational or emotional, public or private—Ling Zhongyu had no reason to do this. Given how he had been trying to gain favor with the Yi family, he should be eager to win the Celestial Palace’s approval. So why would he release the Devourer Beast?
What benefit could he possibly gain?
Yi Huaxuan couldn't figure it out. His gaze shifted, and he suddenly changed the topic, turning to Su Yinyue. "Miss Su, how are your injuries?"
Su Yinyue seemed distracted, lost in thought. She looked up at him, her voice listless. "I’m fine."
Ling Zhongyu interjected, "My cousin has always been frail. Even drinking water requires careful selection, and now she has suffered such severe injuries. I must take her to heal immediately. As for your argument, I won’t be staying to listen."
With that, he prepared to leave with Su Yinyue, but Yi Huaxuan suddenly called out again, "Miss Su, how have your father and mother been lately?"
Su Yinyue halted mid-step. As the only child of the Su family’s current generation, she was their cherished treasure. At home, she was treated like a princess, and outside, she was the rightful heir of the Su clan.
Now, Yi Huaxuan was addressing her as the heir of Kunshan, questioning her as an equal.
Su Yinyue lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes. "My father and mother are well. Thank you for your concern, Young Master Yi."
"That’s good to hear. I’ve always heard that Lingshan is a place of natural wonders—towering peaks and treacherous cliffs that only the winged Yinglong can cross safely. I’ve long admired its reputation but have never had the chance to see it for myself. Should the opportunity arise, I would love to visit Lingshan."
"You honor us, Young Master Yi. Lingshan would gladly welcome you as a guest."
Yi Huaxuan smiled. "Miss Su is truly well-mannered—a daughter worthy of her distinguished father. Tell me, did you notice anything unusual just now?"
Su Yinyue kept her gaze lowered. She was frail to begin with, and now that she was injured, her pale face concealed her distracted state well. She did not respond immediately. Standing beside her, Ling Zhongyu appeared composed and dignified.
Like any tall and handsome older cousin, he was gentle and protective toward his younger cousin, attentive and considerate. Just standing by his side brought a sense of security and warmth.
Su Yinyue thought that this was probably the closest she had ever been to Ling Zhongyu.
In the end, she shook her head and said softly, “No.”
Yi Huaxuan was a little disappointed, beginning to wonder if he had been mistaken. Seeing that nothing more could be said, Ling Zhongyu bid farewell once again. “My cousin’s injuries can’t be delayed. Farewell, I won’t be staying.”
Zou Jibai and Ye Zinan completely doubted Su Yinyue’s words. Once Ling Zhongyu and the others had left, Ye Zinan frowned and said, “Su Yinyue’s words can’t be trusted. Ling Qingxiao would never act without reason. If he attacked Ling Zhongyu at that moment, he must have noticed him tampering with something, but Su Yinyue blocked him. She has feelings for Ling Zhongyu, of course she would speak in his defense.”
Yi Huaxuan shook his head. “Young Master Ye, I understand your anger. I am just as worried about them. However, suspicion without proof is meaningless. Until we have evidence, all of this is just speculation.”
Zou Jibai was silent for a long moment before saying, “So, we’re just letting him go?”
Yi Huaxuan nodded. “For now, the priority is to find Ling Qingxiao and Miss Luo as soon as possible. They’re both injured—if they end up facing the Devourer Beast alone, things could turn dire.”
When Yi Huaxuan said this, he had no idea that Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao were, at this very moment, facing the worst-case scenario.
In a small, enclosed space, the beast pawed anxiously at the ground before finally fixing its gaze on them.
Yi Huaxuan and the others assumed they had been randomly pulled into a spatial rift by the formation within the sea. But in truth, that wasn’t the case. Ling Qingxiao’s deduction had been correct—the space within was stable today.
This place was a space created by Luo Han herself.
She could barely explain how it happened—perhaps, at the moment of crisis, her latent power erupted. She had focused solely on escaping to a safe location, and somehow, she had actually created a space. But at the time, the Devourer Beast had already been closing in on them, and when she and Ling Qingxiao were pulled into the space, the beast had been dragged in along with them.
Talk about a series of unfortunate events—when it rains, it pours, and misfortune never comes alone.
The beast found itself suddenly transported into an unfamiliar space. Instinctively, it sensed danger. It had lived in the Western Sea for tens of millions of years and was thoroughly familiar with the environment there. But now, inside this pure white space, its most primal instincts screamed at it—danger.
The beast remained motionless, staring intently at the two figures before it. Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han didn’t dare to move either, locking them all in a strange stalemate.
Though everything appeared calm, Luo Han knew that the Devourer Beast was merely waiting for the right moment to strike.
Ling Qingxiao swallowed down the metallic taste rising in his throat and sent a silent message to Luo Han: “When you see an opening, run. I’ll handle it.”
Luo Han was deeply worried about his condition. “But you—”
“I’m fine.” Ling Qingxiao cut her off, forming a hand seal. A soft glow lit up his palm.
He summoned his Jiuxiao.
To the Devourer Beast, this was a declaration of war.
The beast lowered its body, clearly preparing to lunge.
With his sword in hand, Ling Qingxiao moved into position. Just before he struck, he whispered, “Go.”
Luo Han had no time to protest. In the next instant, Ling Qingxiao transformed into a streak of light and shot forward. The beast let out a deafening roar, bloodlust surging as it charged at him.
The battle erupted too fast for Luo Han to track. The only thing she could see were flashes of afterimages. Blinding bursts of light clashed with the beast’s dark aura, sending shockwaves rippling through the space. Luo Han was completely blocked by the force of the battle, unable to help in the slightest.
She finally understood—when Ling Qingxiao truly fought, he didn’t need her assistance at all.
She could do nothing but anxiously watch from the sidelines. Ling Qingxiao fought with lethal precision, holding nothing back. The Devourer Beast also unleashed its full strength, and the small, unstable space around them trembled violently, as if on the verge of collapse.
Suddenly, Luo Han had a realization.
The beast wanted to escape. It feared this space.
If they wanted to subdue the beast, now was their chance.
Ling Qingxiao must have sensed the same thing—hence, despite his injuries, he was fighting with everything he had. This was a space outside of the Western Sea, meaning the suppression of mystical power didn’t apply to either of them. However, the beast’s innate abilities were overwhelmingly powerful. Every strike Ling Qingxiao landed was devoured by its black vortex, nullifying at least half of his attacks.
If this went on, even a body of steel wouldn’t hold out for long—let alone Ling Qingxiao, who was already injured.
He realized he needed to end this quickly.
Suspended in the air, he suddenly transformed—his body shifting into its true form.
A silver dragon.
His dragon form and the Jiuxiao merged into one, forming an unstoppable blade of light that cleaved toward the beast.
In the immortal realm, a being’s true form was always its strongest state. Dragons were no exception. However, celestial beings pursued divine perfection, and when given a choice, they preferred to walk the world in human form.
This was only the second time Luo Han had seen Ling Qingxiao in his dragon form. The first time had been in the Abyss of Absolute Spirits—he had been gravely wounded, and his depleted energy had revealed a glimpse of his dragon tail.
She still remembered the awe she had felt then—his form was like flowing moonlight, radiant as snow, merging seamlessly with the light itself.
That time, she had only seen his tail, and it had already left her spellbound. Now, for the first time, she saw him in his full glory.
He was stunning in human form, and in dragon form, he was equally breathtaking.
His body was sleek and powerful, every scale gleaming like silver frost. The cold aura surrounding him was as beautiful as it was deadly.
Gales of wind surged violently, lifting Luo Han’s veil into the air. Annoyed by the hassle, she simply removed it.
Thinking about it, the coincidences in this world were frightening. Both times he had taken his true form, he had been gravely injured, saving her, and revealing his true self because of her.
But this time, things were different. Small specks of light gradually gathered in Luo Han’s hands. This time, she would not allow the beauty to be harmed—her aesthetic-loving heart forbade it!
A sudden gust of wind rose around Luo Han. This was her own created space, so the laws within followed her will. The way the beast was so desperate to escape suggested that it feared Luo Han.
The Devourer Beast was a descendant of the Taotie, capable of devouring all spiritual objects and energy—yet it could not consume laws. Like all creatures, it was subject to the constraints of life, aging, sickness, and death. Its true power was not just its immense destructive ability but its ability to swallow magic itself.
Its opponent’s attacks couldn’t harm it, but its own strikes landed solidly every time. It was an inherently unfair battle. Luo Han’s first law in this space was fairness.
The beast suddenly realized its devouring black mist was useless. Ling Qingxiao’s attacks, which should have been neutralized, now struck its body with full force.
Now, they were fighting on equal footing—only true strength mattered. Without its black mist, it was just another ordinary demon beast. It fought back fiercely but was gradually battered and bloodied by the dragon clan’s assault.
Ling Qingxiao, too, bore fresh wounds from the beast’s claws. But dragon scales were tough, and his healing ability was strong. In every way, he held the advantage. Eventually, the pain overwhelmed the beast. Desperate, it tried to awaken its Taotie bloodline, prepared to go down in a mutual destruction.
At that moment, Luo Han’s voice echoed through the space. Her words resonated everywhere, carrying a mystical power, omnipresent and divine.
“Devourer Beast, you defy the heavens. Even the Taotie could not escape annihilation. If you continue, you will not be tolerated by the heavens.”
The beast, a creature of ancient descent, instinctively shuddered. Its bloodline carried an innate reverence, and in that instant, fear overtook it.
Gods created all things. The Devourer Beast dared to challenge the Celestial Emperor and the immortals—but it feared the gods. For gods who could create could also destroy. The Taotie had lost divine favor and was personally erased by its own deity.
The beast hesitated, then slowly transformed into a small, lamb-like form. It knelt in submission.
It had surrendered. It couldn’t win in battle or outmatch their ruthlessness—what other choice did it have but to yield?
The silver dragon circled in the air. Seeing that the beast had truly given up, he shifted back into human form and descended.
As soon as Ling Qingxiao landed, he suddenly lost his balance and collapsed. He struggled to suppress it, but a cough escaped, and bright red blood trailed down his lips.
Luo Han, having just frightened the beast into submission, rushed over in alarm. Seeing the blood at Ling Qingxiao’s lips, she was genuinely terrified.
She knelt beside him, carefully supporting his arm. “Are you okay? Is it serious? I have healing medicine—”
She reached for her Bodhi Essence, but Ling Qingxiao pressed down on her hand. “We need to leave first. This space is collapsing.”
At the edges of their surroundings, cracks were already forming, the fabric of the space breaking apart. There was no time to hesitate. Luo Han nodded, helping him up. “Alright, let’s go.”
Before leaving, she turned back and glared at the beast. “Are you coming or not?”
The beast let out a meek “baa” and obediently trotted after them.
Truth be told, it was just a harmless little black lamb.