Chapter 1526: Return to Simplicity

Ancient records speak of a fish in the Northern Ocean named Kun. The Kun is so immense that it cannot fit into a single pot… No, that’s not quite right. It actually says, “The Kun is so vast, its size is unknown for thousands of miles. It transforms into a bird named Peng. The Peng’s back is unknown for thousands of miles. When it soars in a rage, its wings are like clouds hanging from the sky. As the ocean moves, it will migrate to the Southern Ocean…”

Various records indicate that the Kun can transform into a Peng. This Peng is quite different from the Great Peng clan of the demon race, clearly many times more powerful and enormous.

The Kun evolves by devouring. Through devouring, the Kun takes on various forms, such as Corpse Kun, Rainbow Kun, Blue Kun, Earth Kun, Vegetable-Whisker Kun, Bone Kun, Giant Kun, Spirit Kun, Ferocious Kun, and Devouring Kun.

Therefore, the essence of the Kun’s abilities lies entirely in the act of ‘devouring.’

The activated Kunpeng pattern within Zu An had awakened the power of the Kunpeng: the ability to devour enemies and grow stronger without any side effects.

Zu An was overjoyed. While the Gluttonous Sky Devouring Art could absorb enemies’ cultivation, its significant negative side effects prevented him from indiscriminately using it.

However, combined with this Kunpeng ability, it was a perfect synergy.

Yet, upon seeing the word ‘devour,’ his eyelids twitched. He certainly didn’t want to become like a beast, resorting to some sort of cannibalistic ‘eating style.’ The thought alone was nauseating.

At that moment, the Keyboard System’s voice chimed in, explaining that since he possessed the Gluttonous Sky Devouring Art, the two abilities could merge into a new combined power.

It wouldn’t require literal devouring; simply defeating enemies would suffice. Simultaneously, his entire cultivation system would be restructured, no longer following the conventional system of ordinary cultivators but transforming into a completely new numerical system.

An experience bar appeared in his mind. Each time he defeated an enemy, the bar would grow, and once it filled, he would advance to the next level.

Next to the experience bar, numbers like ‘69’ were displayed, indicating that his current level was sixty-nine.

“Isn’t this leveling system a bit too informal?” Zu An complained, unable to resist asking the Keyboard System why it felt so much like a game, completely lacking any sense of cultivation immersion.

He noticed that ever since his cultivation improved and more sub-systems unlocked, the keyboard seemed to have become much more intelligent; at least it could answer some simple questions.

“This format was chosen because it’s the easiest for you to understand,” the keyboard replied. “There are other interface models, but given your background and knowledge, you wouldn’t be able to comprehend them at all.”

Zu An: “…”

He was actually scorned by this broken keyboard.

Yet, he had to admit it made some sense; this system was indeed concise and clear.

He immediately introspected, only to find that he could no longer discern whether he was in the Central Soul Realm or the Strength Soul Realm as before.

He couldn’t help but worry. Just moments ago, Sister Yun was teaching him how to temper his heart in the Strength Soul Realm, and now all of that was gone?

At that moment, Yun Jianyue suddenly exclaimed, “Huh, what’s going on? Why do I feel like your dormant energy has vanished? Wait, why can’t I sense your cultivation at all? Did something happen just now that turned you into an ordinary person?”

Yun Jianyue’s surprise was no small matter. Although the young man had been mysterious before, she could generally discern his cultivation realm—for a Grandmaster, it would be strange not to see the realm of someone lower than themselves.

But now, Zu An showed no trace of vital energy fluctuations, not even qualifying as a cultivator. He was indistinguishable from an ordinary person—except for being more handsome.

Nor could it be that his realm surpassed hers. For those whose realms were above her own, she found it difficult to gauge their depth, but she could at least feel the oppressive aura from them and know whether they were someone to be provoked.

Could it be that her guidance just now went wrong, causing him to suffer qi deviation, lose all his cultivation, and become a cripple?

The thought almost brought her to tears. She hadn’t done anything wrong just moments ago.

No, I must find Yan Xuehen to take a look. Their Daoist sect might know more about these matters.

She no longer cared if Yan Xuehen found out about their situation; she only wanted to save Zu An as quickly as possible.

Seeing Yun Jianyue’s anxious expression, Zu An looked amused. He took her hand and said, “Sister Yun, I should be fine.”

“Fine? I can’t even sense your cultivation anymore! You’ve truly become a pretty boy now.” Yun Jianyue’s voice trembled slightly. While she wouldn’t mind supporting such a pretty boy, she didn’t want Zu An to become a cripple in her heart.

“I’m really fine.” Zu An thought for a moment, realizing words were inadequate. He pulled out the Tai’a Sword and casually swung it to the side.

A dazzling sword qi shot out, followed by a thunderous boom.

Witnessing the nearby mountain collapse and crack, forming a new canyon, Yun Jianyue blinked. She found that what unfolded before her transcended her understanding as a Grandmaster.

“But you clearly have no vital energy fluctuations,” Yun Jianyue said, baffled. “And I couldn’t feel even a trace of a cultivator’s aura when you attacked. What exactly is going on in this world?”

“Perhaps my cultivation method is quite unique, a mutation…” Zu An didn’t know how to explain, but he finally managed to convince her that he was fine, and even better than ever before.

Yun Jianyue inspected him for a long while, and indeed, seeing no anomalies, she finally relaxed. A strange smile then appeared on her face. “With your current state, surprising others would probably be incredibly effective.”

After all, in the eyes of cultivators, he was no different from an ordinary person and wouldn’t be deliberately guarded against. If he were to suddenly attack, who could possibly react in time?

For her, a member of the Demonic Sect, sneak attacks were not shameful; on the contrary, a successful ambush was a display of wisdom.

Zu An slightly shook his head. “I probably don’t need to resort to sneak attacks now.”

Yun Jianyue thought for a moment and said no more. He had painstakingly cultivated an invincible intent, and there was no need to shake it. “You truly scared me just now,” Yun Jianyue said, smoothing her chest as she dressed. “Now that you’re fine, I should make my exit.”

Zu An was startled and hastily embraced her. “Didn’t you say you weren’t leaving?”

Feeling his warm embrace, a hint of tenderness appeared on Yun Jianyue’s face. “That was just to soothe you when you were suffering from inner demons. I already told you the reason before: I’ve been out for too long. The Holy Sect is probably in chaos right now, and I must go back, or there will be serious trouble.”

Zu An knew she was speaking the truth but still couldn’t hide his disappointment. “So, those other promises you made just now were also fake?”

Yun Jianyue raised an eyebrow, a hint of danger flashing in her eyes. “What did I promise?”

Zu An chuckled awkwardly, realizing that without the inner demon’s influence, he seemed to have become more hesitant. “You know what it is.”

“You brat, I never realized you were so bold before, daring to even dream such a thing?” Yun Jianyue snorted. However, being from the Demonic Sect, she was always unconventional, so she casually remarked, “As long as you can convince the Ice Stone Woman, I have no objections.”

In her opinion, if he dared to be disrespectful to Yan Xuehen, her Divine Snowflake Sword would immediately come calling, let alone such an outrageous request.

So, issuing an empty promise was no big deal. If it didn’t work out, it would be Yan Xuehen’s fault, and she wouldn’t have to be the villain. If he wanted to hate someone, he could hate Yan Xuehen.

Thinking of these clever intricacies, she couldn’t help but inwardly applaud her own wit.

To her surprise, Zu An’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Yun Jianyue, on the other hand, was startled. What was with this guy’s sudden, inexplicable confidence?

Why did she suddenly feel like she had dug a big pit for herself?

But she quickly dismissed the absurd thought. How could the Ice Stone Woman possibly agree to him!

“Of course it’s real,” she said, now only wanting to send Zu An away so she could leave. “Alright, I really must go.”

“Why don’t you stay here with me for three more days?” Zu An asked, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

“Three days?” Yun Jianyue’s face immediately flushed. Let alone three days, she couldn’t even last three hours. If she stayed any longer, she might truly break.

So, no matter how many sweet words he used, she remained firm. Finally, Zu An couldn’t truly hinder her important matters and reluctantly agreed to her departure.

Refusing Zu An’s offer to see her off, Yun Jianyue waved her hand casually. She originally intended to leave with grace, but no sooner had she flown up than her legs gave out, and she stumbled, almost falling. She glared fiercely at Zu An before finally steadying herself and disappearing into the sky.