Supreme of the Heavenly Realm
Chapter 399 - 396: Parting Ways

Chapter 399: Chapter 396: Parting Ways

"Join the Black Market?"

Zi Tianqiong was somewhat stunned, as if he had lost his soul. His original intention was to let Ye Xuan establish a new force and form a friendly relationship with the Black Market, nothing more. He did not expect Ye Xuan to actually suggest that Ao Tian and the others join the Black Market. This was indeed something he had long desired, and happiness had come so swiftly that he had not yet reacted.

"Exactly, what’s wrong, does Uncle Zi not wish to?"

Ye Xuan felt that joining the Black Market would save him from the many troubles of creating his own faction. However, if Zi Tianqiong was unwilling, then that would be the end of it.

After all, the Black Market belonged to others; Ye Xuan was merely making a suggestion, not setting anything in stone.

"How could that be possible? I, Zi, only fear that my Black Market territory is too modest, just a Fourth Grade force. With your strengths, I’m afraid you might look down on it," Zi Tianqiong quickly explained.

"What does that matter, Mother, Elder Ao Tian, do you have any objections?" Ye Xuan turned to Ao Tian and Su Ying. The decision largely rested on their views.

"I have no problem," Ao Tian shook his head. Whether they joined the Black Market or not made no difference to him. Ye Xuan had said that upon joining the Black Market, they would not get involved in its affairs, paving the way for an easy life.

Although he had a violent disposition, he was a man of his word and grateful for benefits received. Since Ye Xuan had rescued him from the Ice Prison, he had not yet been able to repay the kindness. Now, joining the Black Market was a minor matter.

As for Su Ying, she certainly wouldn’t have any issues.

"Good, then I will immediately begin preparations. The two of you will be the Supreme Elders of my Black Market, with a status surpassing others, even above me. How do you find that?" Zi Tianqiong knew this was a perfect opportunity to win over powerful allies. If he could bring strong individuals like Ao Tian and Su Ying into the Black Market, there was no doubt the force’s strength would grow considerably, rivaling that of a Fifth Grade force. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

"As you wish."

Both Su Ying and Ao Tian didn’t particularly care for the position of Supreme Elder. They understood it was just a polite offer from Zi Tianqiong to win them over, but it also showed his sincerity—unlike others who say one thing and do another.

"Ye Xuan, as for you, how about taking the position of Deputy Leader of the Black Market?"

After obtaining approval from Ao Tian and Su Ying, Zi Tianqiong turned to Ye Xuan. He knew that although Ye Xuan was not yet a Demon Venerable, his strength was already on par with one. Assigning the elder title to someone his age would seem too old-fashioned; the Deputy Leader position was perfectly suitable.

"I’d rather not, in a little while, I plan to leave for the Human Clan’s territory."

Ye Xuan smiled and shook his head. He had already planned that once affairs here were settled, he would return to the Human Clan’s territory. After all, despite carrying the blood of the Demon Clan, he identified more with the Human Clan. The Demon Beast World was ultimately not quite right for him.

"Xuaner, you’re going to the Human Clan’s territory?" Su Ying was slightly surprised.

"Yes, there are some matters there."

Ye Xuan nodded. He had promised Nangong Yao that once matters were resolved, he would return to Xuanbing Mansion. Now that his tasks were completed, it was time to go back.

However, having just reunited with his mother Su Ying, he wouldn’t leave immediately; he would stay for a while longer. Otherwise, it would be too inconsiderate of their mother-son relationship.

...

A month later.

With the addition of Ao Tian and Su Ying, two Demon Venerables, as well as the devils Ye Xuan had rescued from the Ice Prison, all joining the Black Market, the force’s momentum had grown significantly. It became very prominent in the Demon Beast World; with many top fighters joining, the Black Market now did not need to fear anyone and was trending toward becoming the third major force in the Demon Beast World.

However, to truly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ancient forces like Sky Demon Mountain and Sea God Palace, which had a thousand years of history, was still a challenge. Moreover, these two forces possessed more than what was seen—they had some top fighters scattered abroad, who had not yet returned. But should the existence of Sky Demon Mountain be threatened, those fighters would surely return. Adding their strength, the current Black Market naturally still could not compare.

A Fifth Grade force, how could it be as simple as imagined? Over a millennium, how many strong individuals had it fostered, and who could know them all?

After staying in Mountain and Sea City for a month, Ye Xuan had not only refined his skills with the Dragon Abyss Ancient Sword and the combined use of both swords but also knew that cultivation was still a very significant aspect. However, increasing one’s cultivation wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. Unless one relied on Heavenly Grade resources, they had to slowly improve and accumulate experience before they could hope to advance.

A month had passed, and Ye Xuan was planning to set out on his journey.

Outside Mountain and Sea City,

"Xuaner, you must be very careful when you return to the Human Clan’s domain. As the saying goes, the human heart is unpredictable, and humans’ thoughts are far more complex than those of our Demon Clan," Su Ying admonished Ye Xuan before his departure.

"Don’t worry, Mother. Don’t forget, before I came here, I always lived as a human. You can rest assured," Ye Xuan replied with a nod. Even if this caution seemed superfluous, he still took it seriously.

After listening to Su Ying’s few instructions, Ye Xuan’s gaze moved, eventually landing on Yu Yi. A slight curve formed at the corner of his lips, "I’m off then."

"Well, if you’re going, then go, who says I’ll miss you anyway?"

Yu Yi turned her head away, deliberately avoiding looking at Ye Xuan.

"Who knows? Maybe you say you won’t miss me now, but once I’m gone, you might hide away and secretly wipe away your tears. Who can say for sure?" Ye Xuan said with a teasing smile.

"Dream on," Yu Yi glared fiercely at Ye Xuan and then said irritably, "Hurry up and go, you talk too much."

"Alright then, I’m really leaving now. Everyone, we shall meet again in the future," Ye Xuan said, bowing to everyone before no longer hesitating and leaping onto the back of the black-winged griffin.

"Little Xi, let’s go."

Ye Xuan was accompanied by Little Xi this trip, for Little Xi was originally a human, and hence, would not face any inconvenience in the Human Clan’s domain. In fact, it was like returning to her roots. Additionally, Ye Xuan had taught her alchemy, and she had proven to be a quick learner. Within this short period, she had even managed to produce Heavenly Grade pills, a rate of progress that astounded Ye Xuan.

He brought Little Xi to the Human Clan’s domain primarily to continue cultivating her skills, especially in alchemy and artifact refining.

"Yes, young master."

Little Xi followed suit and leapt onto the back of the griffin. Once both were aboard, the griffin flapped its black wings and gradually ascended, then sped off into the distant sky.

"That kid, I’m afraid the next time I meet him, my strength will no longer match his," Ao Tian said as he watched Ye Xuan disappear into the distance, filled with emotion.

"I just wonder how long it will be before we see him again," Su Ying sighed. Although she wanted Ye Xuan to stay, it was clear he had his own mind and no intention of staying any longer; her further persuasion would be futile.

"Don’t worry. The eaglet will one day return to its nest after soaring high. I’m just very curious, by the time this young man returns, just what level will he have reached?" Ao Tian said with a glint of intrigue in his eyes.

"Once I reach the Demon Venerable realm, I will definitely come to find you."

Watching the griffin fade away, Yu Yi murmured to herself, determination shining in her eyes as if she had made up her mind.

Ye Xuan was destined to become a leading figure in the Chaotic Sea Domain, and even the Chaotic Sea Domain might not be big enough for him. His future potential was boundless. With her current strength, the gap between her and Ye Xuan would only widen. She had to diligently cultivate to keep up with Ye Xuan’s pace, otherwise, if their paths diverged too much, they might no longer walk the same road.