Chapter 9 – Journey to the Ling Empire

**Chapter 7 (Continued) – Journey to the Ling Empire**

After absorbing the power from wild beasts and rare plants, Shen Yuxian felt his body had grown stronger than ever before. Yet he knew this strength was still insufficient to exact vengeance on those who had destroyed the Shen Clan. He needed greater resources, more formidable techniques, and deeper combat experience. All of these could only be obtained by venturing further—to where the true cultivators of power gathered: the Ling Empire.

Yuxian stood atop a steep cliff overlooking the vast forest below. A cold wind blew, causing his black robe to flutter. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his flying sword from his spatial ring, its blade now radiating a dark red aura due to the demonic energy fused within it. He leaped lightly onto the sword, and in an instant, his figure shot into the sky, leaving behind a trail of ominous energy.

The journey to the Ling Empire was no short trip. From his current position, Yuxian had to traverse at least 5,000 *li*—roughly 2,500 kilometers—crossing treacherous terrains: jagged mountains, untamed wilderness, and endless deserts. Traveling by flying sword would take three to five days, depending on weather and obstacles.

**Day One: Snow-Capped Peaks**

On the first day, Yuxian soared over towering, snow-capped mountains. The frigid wind whipped against his face, but he pressed onward without pause. The thin air at such heights did not affect his focus, as the demonic energy within him stabilized his body temperature. Yet danger lurked regardless.

While navigating a narrow pass between two cliffs, Yuxian sensed an unusual energy fluctuation. From behind a veil of mist emerged a flock of Thunder Eagles—feral beasts with massive wings crackling with lightning. Their sharp eyes locked onto Yuxian, deeming him a threat to eliminate.

Without hesitation, the eagles dove at blinding speed, unleashing bolts of lightning from their talons. Yuxian responded with icy calm. With a wave of his hand, he released a surge of demonic energy, forming a dark shield around himself. The lightning strikes collided with the barrier, sparking small explosions but failing to breach it.

As the eagles grew more aggressive, Yuxian anticipated their next move. Raising his hand, he commanded his sword to spin violently around him, creating a vortex of energy that sliced through the air. In seconds, shrieks filled the sky as the eagles were torn apart, their blood raining down like crimson hail.

Yuxian wasted no time. He absorbed the essence of the fallen beasts before ascending higher to avoid further attacks.

**Day Two: The Eternal Mist Forest**

By the second day, Yuxian entered the Eternal Mist Forest—a dense woodland infamous for its perpetual fog and mysterious creatures. The thick mist limited visibility to mere meters, forcing him to fly lower to evade colossal trees.

Here, danger came not only from beasts but also from illusions conjured by the mist. Yuxian felt a strange disturbance as shadows of his deceased family appeared among the trees, calling his name in whispers.

Yet Yuxian recognized the deceit. Channeling demonic energy through his eyes, he burned away the illusions. As the visions faded, the true source of the trickery emerged—a Mist Spirit, an invisible entity that manipulates minds. The translucent figure hovered in the air, its hollow white eyes piercing.

Yuxian leaped from his sword, landing on a branch before launching a swift strike. His blade flashed like light, piercing the Mist Spirit's form. The spirit let out a soundless scream before dissolving into dust.

Exiting the forest, Yuxian accelerated toward the Ling Empire's borders as the mist began to thin.

**Day Three: The Gates of the Ling Empire**

At sunrise on the third day, Yuxian finally glimpsed the horizon. In the distance, towering black stone walls marked the Ling Empire's boundary, their surfaces gleaming strangely under the morning sun. Above them, flags bearing red dragon emblems fluttered—symbols of imperial authority.

However, entering this realm would not be easy. The Eastern Gate, his entry point, was guarded by the Empire's elite forces, renowned for detecting demonic energy. Though he could conceal his aura, caution was paramount.

Yuxian landed several *li* from the gate, stowed his sword, and changed into a plain gray traveler's robe. With measured steps, he approached, observing every guard and detail.

At the gate, a silver-armored sentinel halted him. "Your purpose in the Ling Empire?" the guard demanded, eyes sharp.

Yuxian bowed slightly, his tone neutral. "I am but a traveler seeking opportunity. I've heard the Ling Empire is a haven for powerful cultivators. Perhaps I might learn something here."

The guard studied him, searching for deceit. Yet Yuxian's perfectly controlled aura masked him as an ordinary cultivator. Finally, the guard nodded and waved him through.

"Cause no trouble. The Empire is unkind to unruly outsiders."

Yuxian nodded, passing through without a glance back. Inside, however, a cold smile curled within his heart. *"I've not come for petty mischief… I've come to destroy everything."*

With steady, resolute steps, Shen Yuxian entered the Ling Empire—a realm where power and politics intertwined. His journey had only begun, and the world would soon tremble at the rise of a demon forged from suffering.