Chapter 294 – Fate and the Cycle of Destiny

The fame of the wind, the shadow of the tree—mere illusions in the wanderer’s heart.

Yet what was truly shocking was the inexplicable panic that swept through the crowd after Mo Cangtian announced his name.

Here, we must mention the origin of the title “Kunlun Venerable One”—it was modeled after the Demon Sect’s Four Celestial Sovereigns.

It could be said that Dao Venerable and Pill Venerable were the most deeply shaken by this revelation.

This encounter felt like destiny itself, a turn in the cycle of fate.

Dao Venerable couldn’t help but murmur, “The Four Celestial Sovereigns have emerged… It’s over. Completely over. Kunlun is doomed…”

Upon hearing this, Pill Venerable also lost his composure, as if foreseeing the apocalypse of Kunlun.

In that moment, even Ye Kuang couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Just from the shift in Artificer Venerable’s attitude alone, he could easily guess how terrifying the influence of the Four Celestial Sovereigns must be.

Those who bore the title of Celestial Venerable were certainly not undeserving of their reputation.

With this thought, Ye Kuang reached out and summoned a sword, his entire demeanor shifting to that of facing a formidable enemy.

Mo Cangtian: “Your gaze is impressive, truly impressive. I’ve only heard about you from others before, but seeing you in person is far more striking.”

Then, changing his tone, Mo Cangtian continued, “At merely the Middle Stage of the Innate Realm, knowing you stand no chance, yet you still draw your sword. I must admit, you are the first I’ve ever seen like this!”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang stood firm with his sword, unmoved.

Unbeknownst to others, his spirit and energy had already reached their Peak, and his eyes were fixed intently on the unknown presence before him.

One could say that in this moment, all other thoughts had vanished from his mind, leaving only a single phrase echoing within:

“Mortals are born with conviction—why fear the powerful? If one cannot stand tall between heaven and earth, how can they claim unyielding pride? Though there will always be someone stronger, and mountains beyond mountains, the weak must never lose their innate courage.”

Seeing this, Mo Cangtian asked, “Do you wish to cross blades with me?”

Ye Kuang did not answer, nor did he retreat. He simply gripped his Mystic Weapon, letting it speak for his resolve.

But to Dao Venerable and Pill Venerable, this scene was nothing short of a mantis trying to stop a chariot—a fool’s errand leading to certain death.

“Ye Kuang, you are no match for him. Step back!”

“This is a grudge between our Kunlun ancestors and the Demon Sect. There’s no need for you to get involved…”

In response, Ye Kuang raised his sword horizontally before his chest, clearly choosing to ignore their pleas—his expression unusually solemn and resolute.

Truth be told, he was trembling inside. He wanted to say: It’s not that I want to interfere, but the arrow has already been nocked—there is no turning back now.

Mo Cangtian: “You have courage, but I must warn you: if you strike at me, you will die.”

As these words fell, a chilling cold suddenly permeated the air.

Hearing this, Ye Kuang let out a bitter laugh. “It’s not that I’m a newborn calf unafraid of the tiger. This land is my sister’s homeland—how could I stand by and do nothing? She may not be here now, but does that mean I lack the courage to step forward?”

With these words, his conviction grew even firmer. He then retorted, “As for whether I can win or not—that is no reason for me to hold back, is it?””Hahaha…” Mo Cangtian couldn’t help but laugh unprecedentedly upon hearing this: “Well said! To maintain courage against formidable enemies, to dare draw your sword even when knowing your opponent’s strength…”

Unexpectedly, however, Mo Cangtian turned around after speaking and strode away with vigorous steps.

Only two sentences lingered in everyone’s ears, shocking hundred li.

“Keep your courage. We may meet again someday. By then, I hope your conviction remains unchanged.”

“By the Sect Lord’s command, withdraw immediately!”

Artificer Venerable: “Venerable One?”

Mo Cangtian: “I shall not repeat myself.”

Hearing this, Artificer Venerable’s expression changed, and he could only respond: “As you command!”

It must be said, the situation had developed too suddenly, catching everyone off guard.

That the originally aggressive Demon Sect would withdraw so abruptly created such stark contrast that none could help but be utterly perplexed.

For Kunlun, this scene was like surviving a catastrophe, plunging everyone into silent reflection.

There were no cheers, only pervasive sorrow.

It was as if their earthly paradise ultimately couldn’t escape destiny, or as if ancestral grudges had sown the seeds of fate, leaving their generation to taste its bitter fruits.

Though the enemy had long departed, the devastation left behind made native Kunlun inhabitants struggle to accept the reality.

Dao Venerable gazed complexly at Ye Kuang, who still stood holding his sword, and sighed: “What must come will ultimately arrive. This is destiny’s decree, inevitable fate. Everyone should return to your duties. Kunlun’s future depends on you to uphold, while we can only exert our efforts to the fullest.”

Pill Venerable: “Disperse…”

“As commanded!!!”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang also sighed faintly before quickly following the two Venerables.

Thus, this inconclusive war abruptly reached a hasty conclusion.

The enemy’s formidable power had struck like morning bells and evening drums – whether this would lead to decline or inspire transcendence remained unknown.

Before the tomb clusters at Buzhou Mountain.

Dao Venerable: “We knew you would come. Now is the time to release your seals.”

Pill Venerable: “Indeed. The enemy’s withdrawal might be thanks to you. As for whether Kunlun achieves future glory, that falls to us to uphold. We cannot always rely on you – it’s time to let you depart.”

Ye Kuang’s expression revealed undeniable complexity upon hearing this.

Seeing this, Dao Venerable explained: “When we used Phantom God Hand on you back then, we had no alternative. We hope you bear no grudge. Now, every cause has its effect – all is predetermined.”

Pill Venerable: “Fortunately we didn’t resort to lethal measures, or Kunlun would likely be in dire straits now. We shall remember today’s grace…”

Pill Venerable continued: “However, with our current power, lifting the seals would be difficult. This is the cultivation method for Phantom God Hand. Study it well – it should greatly benefit your future cultivation.”

Ye Kuang received the ancient ultimate skill recorded on beast hide, cast another complex glance at the two Venerables, then turned and left without hesitation.

He spoke no words, met no one – perhaps deeply aware that excessive conversation would only add to the melancholy.

His arrival had been abrupt, his departure equally silent.

Only when Ye Kuang stepped through the luminous portal did he vanish from the Kunlun Secret Realm in the blink of an eye.And he left with clear resolve, without a hint of hesitation. If there was one thing that lingered in his thoughts, it might only be his sister.

Ling Wei!

At this moment, as he retraced his path, he couldn’t help but feel deeply astonished.

Before him, dozens of luminous rings aligned in a straight line, sparking intense curiosity that made one yearn to investigate.

Yet he didn’t ponder it too deeply, merely following the residual imprints in his memory to find the way out.

And this cycle of fate, appearing as Kunlun’s great upheaval, was equally Ye Kuang’s own destiny.