Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 622 Mutual Generation and Restraint

It was clear that after the recent bombardment, either the Great Demon or Ye Qingchen had sustained serious injuries. Based on the situation, it was highly likely that Ye Qingchen was the one who was grievously wounded.

The dust and mist within the Formation finally settled, gradually revealing the scene inside.

The Great Demon, which had been standing just moments before, now lay inexplicably askew on the ground. Its entire body was charred black, staining the surrounding earth with several layers of inky soot.

On the other side stood a person-shaped cocoon, tightly embraced by the tendrils of Mu Liu. In an instant, it burst open, and a disheveled, dust-covered Ye Qingchen appeared before everyone.

When the Great Demon had unleashed its final, desperate attack, Ye Qingchen sensed danger. His mind, however, was replaying images of the demon manipulating Fire Element Energy from their earlier exchange. Using his Double Pupils to slowly review the memory, he unexpectedly discovered the principles governing its use.

The Demon Clan’s innate physical advantages allowed them to wield Fire Element Energy with far greater skill than Cultivators. With his life on the line, Ye Qingchen couldn’t afford to hesitate. In a moment of desperate inspiration, he began to mimic the demon, manipulating the Energy within his own body in the same way.

Following that new path, the Fire Energy in his body unexpectedly eroded the residual Water Attribute Energy within him!

Ye Qingchen was shocked. Previously, everyone believed that the powers of the Five Elements each had a distinct role and a corresponding nemesis. But now, his experiment had succeeded, enhancing his knowledge of the principle. Water could extinguish fire, but to a certain extent, fire could also extinguish water. The two generated and overcame each other; their relationship wasn’t absolute.

Understanding this principle, Ye Qingchen’s mind suddenly cleared, as if everything before him was becoming vivid. He could now even see the logic behind the flames that had just swept past his head. As the Great Demon launched its final attack, Ye Qingchen could clearly see a thread attached to every flame, all leading back to the demon itself.

Ye Qingchen made a decisive move. To save his own life, he held nothing back. Without a word, he raised his Double Pupil Sword and sent the residual Water Attribute Energy from his body surging outward. The force of the strike, empowered by the water, slammed squarely into the Great Demon.

Even that small wisp was enough to catch the Great Demon completely off guard. Before it could react, the brilliant flares that had exploded outward suddenly converged on it, enveloping it in a massive, instantaneous blast.

Having accomplished this, Ye Qingchen discreetly hid his achievement. He quietly generated his Wood Attribute Energy, activated his Willow Wood Martial Soul, and firmly encased himself in its protective embrace to block all harm.

Although this Formation wasn’t difficult to break, it would still require some effort. Ye Qingchen looked at the fallen Great Demon, then turned and pleaded with his senior sister.

"Senior Sister, let me out!"

"Humph! You’re a real ungrateful one. I finally find a way to help you resolve the hidden danger in your body, and you don’t even have a single word of thanks?" Li Nian’er, with her doll-like face, sounded quite reproachful. She then reached out and tapped Xiao Xiao’s forehead. "You too, little one. You’re just like your Young Master. I don’t even know where your loyalties lie! You don’t trust your Senior Sister at all. I’m hurt, and I won’t be easily placated!"

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao’s face flushed red. She had been so genuinely worried about her Young Master that she had forgotten about everything else. With an apologetic attitude, she quickly tugged on Li Nian’er’s sleeve and pleaded, "Senior Sister, I was wrong. I was too worried about Young Master and wasn’t thinking clearly. I hope you can forgive me!"

Li Nian’er chuckled softly and waved her hand, dispelling the Formation. "I don’t know where my little Junior Brother gets his luck. One after another, you all dote on him. I just wonder... who has captured my little Junior Brother’s heart?"

Though the speaker was unintentional, the listeners took it to heart.

Xiao Xiao’s expression froze. She watched Ye Qingchen walk out of the Formation, her hands by her sides clenching into tight fists. "Whoever Young Master likes, Xiao Xiao likes too! Xiao Xiao will follow Young Master!"

Ye Qingchen quickly walked over and patted Xiao Xiao on the head, comforting her gently. "Don’t worry. To me, you will always be my sister! My dearest family!"

"Sister..." Xiao Xiao murmured, her tone tinged with a hidden pain.

Seeing her clueless junior brother, Li Nian’er rolled her eyes at Ye Qingchen, her interest in the conversation gone.

Cheng Lu also shook his head helplessly. He glanced up at the sky, estimating the time, and quickly said, "We need to hurry and search inside. We’ve wasted a lot of time. If we delay any longer and run into another powerful Great Demon, things will get tricky!"

Zhu Liang scanned the surroundings. The Devil’s Cave looked pitch-black from the outside, but they could clearly feel the dense Demonic Qi seeping out from within. Seeing that group of Great Demons coming and going earlier meant there were bound to be many Demon Eggs inside. If they could find some with a good bloodline to raise for their own use, they would become an exceptional combat force. He hurriedly offered a reminder.

"I just took a look. There should be quite a lot of things in there. Let’s be careful when we go in. Try not to disturb any Demon Eggs that have already hatched!"

Cheng Lu and Li Nian’er nodded in agreement. When the two of them were hunting demons on the third level, they hadn’t paid attention to this area and didn’t bother to look inside. If they had known, they would have scouted it out beforehand.

The group of five entered the Devil’s Cave cautiously, with Zhu Liang in the lead and Cheng Lu covering the rear.

The cave’s entrance opened into a corridor about a hundred meters long. It was crisscrossed with various unknown plants and mosses that emitted a foul, decaying stench. The smell assaulted their senses, seeming to rush straight to the crowns of their heads. A thick, viscous liquid oozed from the plant trunks on the ceiling, dripping slowly to the floor. Over time, the mixture had formed a natural barrier that contained the Demonic Qi.

The moment they smelled the abrupt change in odor, each of them took out an Elixir and swallowed it. The poisonous gas here was much more concentrated than outside. The mingling of Demonic Qi and Spiritual Energy only exacerbated its growth, creating a poison that could affect both demons and Cultivators after prolonged exposure.

"This blasted Devil’s Cave really has some unique conditions, huh? Who would ever come to a place like this? No wonder they hide the Demon Eggs in here," Cheng Lu muttered, covering his mouth and nose with a look of disgust. He then dutifully took care of his task at the rear of the group, silently erasing their tracks. Otherwise, any demon entering the cave would spot their trail instantly.

"Xiao Xiao, what kind of Demon Egg do you want to choose?" Ye Qingchen suddenly asked.

Since we’re here, we can’t return empty-handed.

Xiao Xiao pondered for a moment, her bright gaze fixed on Ye Qingchen. "Whatever Young Master likes, I like!"

"Heh... Junior Brother, your charm is really something. Once we’re inside, you’d better help Xiao Xiao choose a good one."