On the desolate, gray-brown land, a faint mist of energy drifted slowly with the breeze. This hazy world gave off a mysterious vibe, as if even the concept of time was lost in this silent realm...
In a certain part of this land, Gu Fei sat cross-legged, holding two energy cores in his hands, both from half-saint energy bodies.
Suddenly, the wind around him intensified, and three energy bodies with powerful auras abruptly appeared in the area.
"Joining forces, huh? I underestimated you all!"
Gu Fei sensed their approach and slowly opened his eyes, halting his cultivation.
During his time cultivating in the Heavenly Tomb, Gu Fei had seized over ten half-saint energy cores, and even obtained three cores from one-star Dou Saints. With these energy accumulations, he broke through to the early stage of the two-star Dou Saint level after a year and a half in the Heavenly Tomb.
Such progress was remarkable.
However, this relentless plundering had made Gu Fei somewhat infamous among the strong energy bodies in the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb.
Usually, powerful energy bodies stayed within their territories. But this time, three Dou Saint energy bodies had joined forces to confront Gu Fei.
"One two-star Dou Saint at the early stage, and two one-star Dou Saints, not bad!"
Despite facing the combined attack of these three energy bodies, Gu Fei was actually quite excited. If he could devour the energy cores of these three, his strength could advance further, possibly to the mid-stage of the two-star Dou Saint level.
"It's been a long time since we've tasted living flesh, especially from someone as powerful as you!"
The leading energy body spoke with a sinister tone. As soon as he finished speaking, the three launched a thunderous attack on Gu Fei.
"Bring it on!"
Gu Fei summoned his heavenly flame without any hint of panic, ready to face their assault.
Energy bodies inherently had weaker combat abilities compared to beings with flesh and blood of the same level. If it weren't for the help of the two-star Dou Saint, Gu Fei could have defeated the two one-star Dou Saints within a few exchanges.
*Yellow Springs Palm!*
The environment was complex, and Gu Fei didn't waste time. He directly unleashed his Yellow Springs Palm.
A massive palm print descended from the sky.
With a single strike, one of the one-star Dou Saint energy bodies couldn't withstand the attack and was reduced to an energy core floating in the air.
Seeing this, the other two instantly lost their will to fight and tried to flee.
*Boom!*
Gu Fei pressed his advantage, eliminating the second one-star Dou Saint energy body and continued chasing the escaping one.
None of the three Dou Saint energy bodies escaped; they were all reduced to energy cores.
Over the next three months, Gu Fei's strength surged to the mid-stage of the two-star level. The energy bodies he hunted began to include those at the three-star Dou Saint level, a battle that even the major figures in the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb sensed.
With Gu Fei's relentless actions, even some Dou Saint-level energy bodies started hiding, fleeing at the sight of a living person. Many chose to go underground.
One day, while pursuing an energy body, Gu Fei arrived at a barren plain, where not even a single stone was visible, only endless darkness.
*Boom!*
Gu Fei stood in the sky, ready to strike down the fleeing energy body when suddenly, he felt a powerful pressure descending upon the area.
"Young friend, spare those who deserve to be spared!"
An ancient voice filled with a timeless aura suddenly echoed through the space.
As the voice spoke, the massive palm print Gu Fei had unleashed dissipated without a trace.
"What is this?"
Sensing the strange situation, Gu Fei's heart began to race.
In the void before him, faint ripples appeared, and then a figure clad in light green robes silently emerged.
"Greetings, Lord Xiao Xuan!"
The appearance of the figure made the energy body that had been fleeing Gu Fei's pursuit extremely excited.
In the sky, the figure raised his head, revealing a face that wasn't particularly handsome but carried a unique charm. His black hair hung loose over his shoulders, and his deep, dark eyes were like black holes, filled with an unusual wisdom.
"Xiao Xuan?"
"Junior greets Senior Xiao Xuan!"
Upon hearing the energy body's words, Gu Fei's expression grew solemn, and he respectfully cupped his hands toward the man in the sky.
"Lord Xiao Xuan has intervened!"
"That arrogant living person, I hope Lord Xiao Xuan teaches him a lesson!"
With Xiao Xuan's appearance, the faces of some powerful energy bodies sensing the situation lit up with excitement.
"You are quite impressive for your age!"
Xiao Xuan's gaze fell on Gu Fei, and though his tone was mild, it carried a hint of praise.
"For so many years, you are the most outstanding young person to reach the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb!"
"However, you should know that the Heavenly Tomb is a resting place for the deceased. This is where they find peace!"
"What you've done..."
"Has gone too far!"
When Xiao Xuan finished his last two words, Gu Fei's heart pounded in his chest.
Fortunately, Xiao Xuan showed no signs of intending to harm him, instead changing his tone to one of reflection: "This place was originally meant to be a peaceful resting ground for everyone, but due to the birth of a certain entity, the deceased here have been implanted with devouring factors one by one. If it weren't for my deterrence over the years..."
Gu Fei knew exactly what Xiao Xuan was referring to. The entity that implanted devouring factors into the deceased was the Heavenly Tomb Soul, born within the tomb itself.
If Xiao Xuan hadn't intervened, the powerful energy bodies within the Heavenly Tomb wouldn't have remained so peaceful in their respective territories.
"Senior is right. This hunt was indeed excessive on my part!"
Gu Fei bowed again in apology, not daring to argue with Xiao Xuan.
"The energy cores you've collected are enough to cultivate until the Heavenly Tomb expels you. It's time to stop..."
After leaving these words, Xiao Xuan's figure gradually dissipated.
As Gu Fei watched Xiao Xuan leave, he realized his back was drenched in cold sweat.
"Thank you, Lord Xiao Xuan!"
The energy body, spared from death, knelt once more in the direction where Xiao Xuan had vanished.
He understood that since Xiao Xuan had spoken, Gu Fei wouldn't dare attack him again.
Without lingering, Gu Fei found a secluded spot nearby and entered seclusion.
With the numerous energy cores he had obtained this time, he was confident in reaching the peak of the two-star level.
Meanwhile, in another part of the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb, Xun'er was facing off against a half-saint energy body.
At first, Xun'er thought she was in danger, but when she displayed her seven-colored clan markings, the half-saint energy body trembled violently.
"A rainbow-colored clan marking, just like that terrifying person?"
"Ah..."
With a terrified scream, the half-saint energy body, who was much stronger than Xun'er, fled without a fight, leaving Xun'er utterly confused.