Chapter 822

Chapter 822: Unity and Determination

"Giggle, finally we can leave Immortal Dao Sect! Took forever for these little demons to attack our human race. Ling’er will definitely show her true power this time and drive all demons away!" Before Ye Yun reached Star God Hall, he saw Shui Lingling boasting to Qing Li about her sect competition performance, making the younger girl envious.

"Qing Li, you’ve still got ways to go! If you ever reach Ling’er’s cultivation level, you’ll see Lingyao Continent’s wonders yourself. That’s why sect leader chose Ling’er and Yingying for demon-slaying mission," Shui Lingling chirped, bouncing with excitement about the upcoming trip. "Though Ling’er might consider taking you along if you beg nicely!"

"I want to stay with Master. Will Master be going too?" Qing Li shook her head, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"Of course! Sect leader said it was Ye Yun’s plan originally. He’ll accompany Ling’er and Yingying to Tianling City. Wonder what fun things await us there?" Shui Lingling twirled, silver laughter echoing.

"Will there be bone-crunching man-eaters? Master said those scare Ling’er most!" Qing Li blinked earnestly, recalling past conversations.

Hearing this, Shui Lingling puffed her cheeks. "Nonsense! Ling’er fears no beasts! If any appears…" She punched the air dramatically, "One smack’ll teach it human-eating’s forbidden!"

Admiring Shui Lingling’s confidence, Qing Li’s pink eyes sparkled. Sensing Ye Yun’s approach, she dashed to Star God Hall’s entrance. "Master! You’re back!"

"Did you think I’d vanish?" Ye Yun chuckled, ruffling her hair. Noticing Shui Lingling and Shui Yingying’s travel-ready state, his expression sobered. "Tianling City’s no playground. One mistake could be fatal. Are you truly prepared?"

"Slaying demons is every cultivator’s duty! How could we cower when people need protection?" Shui Lingling declared, hands on hips.

"I’ll stay with Ling’er through any danger. Her path is mine." Shui Yingying smiled softly, smoothing her sister’s hair. After initial objections, she’d recognized Lingling’s genuine resolve – this wasn’t mere whimsy but acceptance of their immortal responsibilities.

"Very well. Stay cautious and follow my lead during emergencies." Ye Yun’s stern warning melted under their eager grins. "And no reckless actions!"

"Who’s reckless? Just don’t abandon us midway!" Shui Lingling stuck out her tongue. "Oh, let’s bring Qing Li! Staying cooped up here stunts her growth."

Ye Yun paused. He’d been overprotective of the timid girl. "You’re right. Qing Li should experience the world."

"No! Don’t mind me! I’ll be fine alone…" Qing Li protested weakly, though hope flickered in her downcast eyes. She hated being burden, yet yearned to stay near her guardian.

"Solitude breeds stagnation. You’re coming." Ye Yun’s decision lit up Qing Li’s face, though she nervously glanced at the Ancestor’s approaching figure.

"Since when you pamper strays?" The Ancestor snorted, eyeing Qing Li.

"Rules change." Ye Yun shrugged. "Besides, Tianling City’s our immediate concern."

"Bah! That place…" The Ancestor’s beard quivered. "More formidable than Lingxiao City! If demons breach it…"

"We’ll handle what comes." Ye Yun activated Great Sky Teleportation Array, its light swallowing them. Qing Li trembled, traumatic memories surfacing – spatial tunnels tearing, reality shredding… Until Ye Yun’s steady presence anchored her.

"How many demons will Ling’er slay? Ten? Hundred?" Shui Lingling’s excited chatter filled the void. Noticing Qing Li clinging to Ye Yun, she squeezed between them. "Comfy, isn’t it?"

"Y-yes…" Qing Li stammered, overwhelmed by Shui Lingling’s radiant aura.

"Why so jumpy? Ling’er won’t bite!"

"Your spiritual energy… It presses…" Qing Li shrank back.

"Oh! My innate spiritual body repels Devil Race!" Shui Lingling gasped, then hugged Qing Li. "Sorry! Ling’er’ll control it better!"

As the group materialized before Tianling City’s towering gates, Shui Lingling bounced on her heels. "Let’s find An Shuiyan first! Eighth Level Earth Immortal must have cool stories!"

Ye Yun surveyed the immortal array-shrouded fortress. Though majestic, tension crackled in the air. Guards waved cultivators through – no entrance fees during crisis. Notice boards promised Immortal Spirit Stones and spirit pills for demon kills, fostering unprecedented human unity.

"Look!" Shui Lingling pointed at crowded bounty boards. "We’ll be rich after slaughtering demons!"

"Focus on survival first," Ye Yun reminded, though hope flickered. Maybe this calamity really could forge stronger bonds… If they lived through it.