Cultivating Immortality :I Obtained The Villain's Ascension Code
Chapter 37: Li Fang’s Mercy

Chapter 37: Li Fang’s Mercy

The Outer Realms sprawled endlessly across the periphery of the known universe. Teeming with innumerable minor worlds, most were little more than the fragmented remnants of shattered realms or stagnant lands where Qi barely lingered. In these desolate corners of existence, cultivation was a constant struggle. The scarcity of spiritual veins and the absence of higher dao laws made even reaching the Divine Transformation Realm a feat worthy of legends.

Amidst this scattered wilderness, a handful of realms stood apart—rare oases of spiritual density and ancient inheritance. These were the realms of the Outer Divine Sector, each capable of nurturing powerhouses whose words could shake the heavens. Though still deemed inferior to the Inner Realms, they formed the beating heart of strength within the Outer Realms.

Among the five strongest realms stood the Jade Flowing Realm—a land of endless rivers, mist-veiled gorges, and stone pagodas that floated like drifting lotus petals across the sky, Here, The Luminous River Sect reigned supreme, their cultivation methods reflecting the ceaseless, cleansing rhythm of water—ever-moving, ever-purifying, ever-refining.

Xiao Ning’s gaze darkened slightly at that.

Wu Shu noticed. "You don’t agree with her methods? Doesn’t matter. She was powerful enough to do as she pleased. She ruled the Jade Flowing Realm from the Luminous River Sect, and few dared challenge her."

Soon, his expression took on a peculiar turn.

"One day, she was traveling in the Outer Realms when she received a message from her junior brother. It said the sect was under threat, that their ancestral foundation was being invaded. Of course she returned immediately."

His voice grew hoarse.

"But who would’ve expected it? The moment she arrived... three other Divine Transformation cultivators were already waiting. Late-stage like her. Waiting in ambush."

Xiao Ning’s expression darkened. "Her junior brother lured her into a trap?"

Wu Shu nodded slowly. "He colluded with three foreign cultivators—experts from outside the Jade Flowing Realm..... On the surface, it seemed he just wanted her role as sect leader... but some suspect there’s more behind his betrayal than mere ambition."

"And yet she survived."

"Barely," Wu Shu muttered. "She managed to escape—but her injuries were... catastrophic. Her cultivation foundation was cracked, nearly collapsed. The others didn’t pursue her; they believed she wouldn’t survive long. Even if she lived, they were certain she’d never regain her cultivation."

Wu Shu exhaled slowly, as if releasing something he’d kept buried too long.

"Most people think she’s dead by now," he said at last. "Or crippled beyond recovery. That’s what we all believed."

"But the one who sent me that information... He told me, very clearly—if it’s truly her... avoid her at all costs."

"He said no matter the mission, no matter the cost... we are not to provoke her. Not unless we wish for total annihilation."

His gaze turned distant, almost hollow. "And he wasn’t just speaking for me. That warning came from the Grand Elder himself."

Xiao Ning’s eyes narrowed slightly. "The Grand Elder of your Wu Clan?"

Wu Shu nodded grimly. "Our strongest cultivator. Mid-stage Divine Transformation Realm... but even he is already nearing the end of his lifespan. Another tribulation, and he won’t survive."

He let out a bitter laugh.

"If it really is her... then our clan, no—the entire Sea and Mountain Realm —would do best to stay far away. Even at her weakest, she was unmatched. And if she’s recovered even part of her strength..."

He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air like a looming guillotine.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Wu Shu looked at Xiao Ning, expression worn but sincere.

"I’ve told you everything I know about her. Whether you like it or not... we’re facing the same enemy."

Xiao Ning let out a short, dry laugh. "We? That’s rich. You really see yourself as my equal?"

Wu Shu frowned, one brow lifting. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Xiao Ning’s eyes narrowed, a smirk playing at his lips. "Why are you still lurking around here instead of returning to your precious clan?"

Hearing those words, Wu Shu’s heart sank. How did he know?

In truth, he had received a direct order from his father: he was not to return until the mess he created was dealt with. His father’s fury had been absolute.

Not only had Wu Shu defied orders by secretly attempting to eliminate the Jiang Clan, but he had failed—and worse, in doing so, had brought a powerful, unknown threat down upon the Wu Clan’s head.

"You’re not here because you’re brave. You’re here because you can’t go back."

Wu Shu remained silent, Xiao Ning’s words struck deep—because they were true.

"You overreached. Tried to wipe out the Jiang Clan on your own, and instead woke something even your ancestors feared. Now your clan is pretending you don’t exist—hoping the fire you started will die on its own."

Wu Shu’s hands clenched into fists. "It wasn’t my fault—"

"Look at you," he said. "Still thinking you’ve got a seat at the table... as if your opinion matters."

His gaze dropped briefly, then rose again—sharp and gleaming with disdain.

"You failed your mission. You defied your clan’s orders. You stirred up a hornet’s nest and then got stung. And now, you’re standing there—broken, begging for relevance. Pitiful."

Wu Shu suddenly felt something wrong. He instinctively reached for his qi—but his meridians were still in shambles. The pain flared, but no energy came.

"Wha—"

Before the words could leave his mouth, Xiao Ning’s hand blurred.

With terrifying precision, he thrust his fingers forward—straight into Wu Shu’s lower abdomen.

Crack—

A muffled sound rang out, like jade fracturing under pressure.

Wu Shu’s body convulsed, but he couldn’t even scream. In that single instant, Xiao Ning’s fingers pierced through spiritual armor, flesh, and bone—bypassing all defenses to reach his dantian.

And then—he pulled back.

In his hand floated a miniature, translucent figure. A small, blue-robed Wu Shu—eyes shut in a meditative pose, face eerily serene.

His nascent soul.

Xiao Ning didn’t even glance at him.

With a flick of his sleeve, a slender jade container appeared in his hand—carved with flowing Yin-Yang runes. He gently placed the nascent soul inside, sealed it with a quiet hum of dao force, and tucked it away without a trace of urgency.

All of it had taken no more than three seconds.

Wu Shu hadn’t even had the chance to defend himself.

He looked up at Xiao Ning, eyes wide with disbelief and growing horror.

"You... you took my..."

"Yes," Xiao Ning said simply. "And you should be grateful I would even leave your body intact."