Chapter 40: The Ashen Demise of the Yaksha

As the cloud spoke, it transformed into two streams of black mist, settling upon a patch of ground within the small mountain village. At last, their true forms were revealed.

They were two Yakshas.

Each was pitch black from head to toe, their faces so dreadful that none could bear to look upon them. From their gaping mouths, a pair of twisted fangs jutted skyward. Both were burly and imposing, with sinewy limbs marked by intertwining patterns of black and green—a terrifying sight indeed.

One step into the village, the Yakshas cloaked their presence so thoroughly that none could detect them. Stealthily, they crept closer and closer to Zhu Xiaoyuan’s courtyard.

“Stop. I sense an inexplicable aura here—a land of treasure, perhaps!” one of the Yakshas suddenly declared, his ghostly eyes gleaming with a greedy light.

“Let’s go! We’ll clear the obstacles for our master right now,” the other Yaksha replied, excitement in his voice. Who knew what rewards awaited them once the way was cleared?

But reality was not as they had imagined. The moment they drew a step nearer, an indescribable pressure descended upon them, crushing and absolute. This place rejected their advance.

“What a terrifying force! It seems we cannot get any closer. I can sense that a single step further, and we may be annihilated,” one Yaksha muttered.

The other Yaksha refused to believe it. “Nonsense, let's go!” he barked, and together they pressed forward.

Each step felt as if they were carrying a mountain on their backs; with every movement, the burden grew heavier. Soon, both Yakshas were gritting their teeth, immobilized, unable to lift a foot.

“We are Supreme beings—how can it be that we cannot even enter? I refuse to believe it!” One struggled in vain at the threshold, frustration and disbelief etched on his face. No matter how they tried, they remained rooted at the gate, unable to move forward even an inch. Anxiety welled up within them.

Rage seemed to consume their bodies in an instant. Their power was at the Supreme level—not insignificant by any means—yet here they were, barred from entry.

“This is terrifying. Each time I try to move forward, my very soul trembles. I fear this place may be even more dreadful than our master’s own domain!” As the Yakshas inched ever closer to Zhu Xiaoyuan’s gate, exhaustion overtook them. Their bodies were drenched with sweat, as if they had been submerged in water.

A sense of despair took hold—never before had they felt so powerless.

“No, we must get inside!”

“This place is too dangerous. We have to figure out what’s happening here, or else our master may be threatened!” Loyal to a fault, if they could not accomplish even this for their master, what use were they?

With this thought, both Yakshas summoned every ounce of strength they possessed, their voices rising in furious defiance.

“With my soul and heart, I burn for strength!”

As the words fell, power surged through their bodies, their auras swelling dramatically. By sacrificing their very souls, they gained a temporary surge in strength—enough for a Supreme to rival an immortal.

It was their hope that this desperate measure would afford them a chance to breach the courtyard, to at least open the gate and glimpse what lay within. In doing so, they would not have failed their master’s trust; whatever their eyes beheld, even if they died, the knowledge could be sent back, and their master would know all they had seen.

“Ah!!”

With a furious roar, the Yakshas lunged forward. For a moment, their newfound strength withstood the crushing pressure, and in a flash, they reached the gate.

Together, they pressed their hands against the courtyard doors, preparing to push them open. Now imbued with the power of immortals, they were no longer as feeble as before.

Just as they were about to open the gate, a colossal beast’s claw appeared before their eyes. Golden in color, it descended before they could react, and in an instant, both Yakshas—powerful as immortals—were utterly obliterated, scattered to dust, not even a wisp remaining.

Peace returned as if nothing had happened.

At the gate of Zhu Xiaoyuan’s courtyard, two charred, pitch-black bones fell to the ground with a soft clatter.

A gust of wind swept by, making the courtyard gate rattle unsteadily. Other than that, all was silent.

...

A long while passed.

Two beams of light descended straight into the mountain village.

“The Evil God’s subordinates have already been here. The Demon Pursuit Mirror shows that an immense energy surged here—seemingly demonic in nature!” Carrying the mirror in hand, Sovereign Xieming reported the findings to those present.

Everyone was stunned; none had expected such a terrifying power to erupt in this place. It was simply beyond belief.

“Was the elder... did he survive the demonic forces? Is he... still alive?” Sovereign Hongxi asked with concern.

For the Demon Pursuit Mirror showed clearly that two subordinates of the Evil God had come, each possessing power on par with an immortal, let alone the pair together. Such extraordinary beings—there was likely no one in all of Tianwu Realm who could oppose them. Even the elder, as Cold Qianxue had said, was just an immortal; surely he could not withstand the assault of two such foes.

Perhaps Elder Zhu... was already...

At this thought, the faces of everyone present grew somber and uneasy.

“We must hurry and check the place!” Yu Qiushui said grimly, taking the lead.

Without delay, the group sped toward Zhu Xiaoyuan’s courtyard. With their cultivation, a few steps sufficed to cross the distance in the span of a breath.

The courtyard gate creaked and rattled in the wind, and all around was deathly still.

“This is bad. They really did attack this place!” Yu Qiushui cried, grief and anger on his face. Had the Evil God’s subordinates truly taken control? What of Elder Zhu now?

“Wait—look at the ground ahead!” Sovereign Xieming exclaimed in surprise, pointing at a spot not far before them.