Chapter 114: The Return of the Relentless King

“Ah, this cultivation technique’s information can actually enter my divine consciousness directly?”

Hearing the voice in his mind, Wang Ran was slightly surprised. Normally, most of the world’s Daoist arts and martial skills are inscribed on scrolls in the form of words and patterns. It was rare to see a jade slip recording the method and transmitting its sound directly into one’s mind like this.

Clearly, this jade slip was no ordinary item.

Intrigued, Wang Ran closed his eyes and began to perceive the information transmitted from the jade slip.

An ancient yet majestic voice echoed in his mind:

“Dragon Soaring Sky Technique, Fragment!”

“This Daoist method was created by the young Dragon Soaring Celestial Lord. After the Lord ascended to the Immortal Beyond the Immortal Realm, he left this technique as a legacy scattered across the vast universe. Those with destiny will obtain it, and if they can comprehend it, they may form a karmic bond with the Dragon Soaring Celestial Lord!”

“This technique ranks at the nine-star level. When mastered, it rivals the power of a ten-star technique. The body transforms into a dragon’s shadow, traversing the Immortal Realm and crossing the universe with ease!”

“……”

After hearing the full introduction within the jade slip, Wang Ran was momentarily stunned. Then, a gleam of sharp insight appeared in his eyes as he abandoned his previously indifferent expression.

He had originally thought that even if the Lu family possessed a treasury, it was impossible for such a transcendent treasure to exist. Yet unexpectedly, he had encountered such an extraordinary opportunity.

Although Wang Ran did not know who this Dragon Soaring Celestial Lord was, it was not hard to deduce that he must have been a peerless master of tremendous cultivation. This technique was terrifying—rated at nine stars!

A nine-star Daoist technique was undoubtedly among the rarest, the most elite, and the most invincible in the world!

Especially with the note stating that when fully cultivated, its power could rival a ten-star level technique. If that were true, it added an aura of mystery and immense strength to this method.

Closing his eyes to experience the essence of the technique, Wang Ran’s expression suddenly brightened with understanding. After some contemplation, he formed a hand seal as instructed. Instantly, a storm of spiritual energy gathered beneath him, forming a dragon’s shadow, ready to strike.

With a slight step, he surged forward with unparalleled speed, becoming a fleeting afterimage and vanishing from the Lu family treasury. When he reappeared, he was already beyond the borders of East Extreme City.

“Wow, that’s terrifying!”

Wang Ran glanced around the sky, startled by himself. He hadn’t expected that merely sensing the technique and casually testing it according to the instructions would propel him so far.

The speed at which he traversed space was difficult to control—far superior to the feat achieved by Lu Hengyuan before.

“How is this possible? Could it be that Lu Hengyuan’s talent was too ordinary, and even I, a beginner, outmatch him?” Wang Ran pondered, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

There was no doubt this technique was nine-star level. He had only just grasped a fraction of its essence, yet it already granted such speed. If he learned everything recorded on the jade slip, his movement abilities would surely reach an unimaginable realm.

What terrified Wang Ran most was that this was merely a fragment. How powerful would the complete version be?

This “Dragon Soaring Celestial Lord” truly was an extraordinary figure. It seemed the East Extreme region held countless opportunities as the rumors suggested. Perhaps one day, he too would receive a legacy and soar to the heavens.

Shaking off his thoughts, Wang Ran felt a sense of fulfillment. He already possessed body tempering techniques, longevity methods, and aura cultivation arts, but lacked a movement skill to increase speed. Now, having obtained the Dragon Soaring Sky Technique, his strength would greatly increase. Not only would he have a tremendous advantage in combat, but in escape as well, vastly improving his chances of survival.

A flash in his eyes, and once more he transformed into a dragon’s shadow, whipping up a whirlwind before vanishing from sight.

Having just acquired the technique, Wang Ran naturally wished to practice and master it. He began running freely around the outskirts of East Extreme City. With every step, spiritual energy manifested as intricate, mysterious patterns beneath his feet. Each light step seemed to shrink distances, instantly appearing thousands of feet away. After only a few strides, he could easily circle the entire city.

After savoring the feeling of wind-chasing flight for a while, Wang Ran finally regained his composure. Satisfied, he returned to the Lu family mansion.

The Lu mansion had long since been transformed, with no Lu family disciples remaining. The plaque now bore the Yao family name. Some Yao clan members wore excited expressions as they moved throughout the estate.

Upon seeing Wang Ran, many came to greet him. He nodded casually and approached a boudoir.

Just as he was about to knock, a soft creak sounded. The door was pushed open from inside, revealing Yao Jianjia dressed in a white qipao embroidered with budding lotus flowers at the hem. She stood behind the door with an imposing, regal demeanor, nodding slightly to Wang Ran.

“Senior sister, you knew I was coming?” Wang Ran smiled slightly, curious.

“Mm, after some time recuperating, my cultivation has recovered somewhat. I can use divine consciousness now, though it’s still less than one-thousandth of what it once was. To completely break the seal, we must return to the sect so Master can personally intervene,” Yao Jianjia replied, turning to pour tea for Wang Ran.

“Then we must leave without delay. The selection for true disciples will begin soon. I’m worried about Zhao Xiaobai and the others back at the sect.” Wang Ran had come to discuss this very matter with Yao Jianjia. Since the day they ventured to the Ten Thousand Graves Valley to slay the queen bee, he had been wandering outside the sect. Counting the days, nearly four months had passed.

The sect’s internal situation was always rapidly changing. Although Zhao Xiaobai held the fort, Wang Ran was the backbone of the Haoran Alliance. If trouble arose, only he could solve it.

“You seem quite anxious,” Yao Jianjia noticed Wang Ran’s haste, surprised that he would leave even before tomorrow.

“How could I not be? If I’m reckless in the wild and don’t return home, the crystals will be stolen!” Wang Ran leaned against the doorframe, laughing.

Yao Jianjia shook her head with a smile. Though she didn’t understand Wang Ran’s words, she was accustomed to her eccentric junior brother’s surprising remarks. After handing him the tea and storing a few items into her spatial pouch, she prepared to depart.

Before leaving, the two entrusted the Yao family’s affairs to a young Yao clan member. The Yao family was not unified; internal competition was fierce. After the patriarch’s passing, Yao Jianjia, the eldest daughter with Golden Core cultivation, naturally assumed leadership.

Since she was returning to the sect, she had to entrust family affairs to a trusted person. Though young, this Yao clan youth was her closest cousin and deeply reliable.

About an hour later, everything in East Extreme City was arranged. After handing a transmission talisman to the young Yao clan member, Wang Ran snapped his robe. A massive black brush immediately soared into the air.

“Depart, return to the sect!”

With a bright and spirited expression, Wang Ran laughed heartily. Taking Yao Jianjia with him, he mounted the black brush, transforming into a streak of rainbow light that vanished over the horizon.

The Only Sect, your reigning king is back!