Force Overcomes All Techniques

At the center of the Divine Land.

A prosperous island of unknown size, surpassing fairylands in every aspect, with countless cities and palaces. Though not as bustling as the Sky Island, it was a truly terrifying place within the Fallen God's Land.

The central capital.

Lin Ruowei and her maid Yu'er traveled in a carriage drawn by exotic beasts, stopping at a small courtyard on the city's edge.

The courtyard was inconspicuous, yet it occupied a quiet, secluded corner—a rare sight in this capital where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. Even Yu'er, who had recently witnessed many terrifying places in the Divine Land, was greatly surprised.

After glancing around, she quietly leaned in and whispered.

"Miss, what is this place?"

"I think I finally understand. This must be why you've been inquiring repeatedly lately, insisting on coming here. There must be an incredibly important person inside, right?"

Lin Ruowei gave a slight nod and transmitted her voice quietly.

"You've grown a bit more perceptive, girl."

"An elder from our clan has long resided here. He is a blood relative; according to the clan genealogy, I should address him as Third Uncle. He belongs to the Profound Gate, just like us."

Yu'er nodded upon hearing this, though still slightly puzzled.

"So it's a clan uncle..."

"But, Miss, your status is so noble. Even the founding patriarch of the Profound Gate is your ancestor. Why must you condescend like this, insisting on paying your respects to this elder again and again?"

Before her words fully settled, Lin Ruowei was already looking at her with solemn severity.

"Do not be disrespectful."

"Although Third Uncle holds no official position and hasn't appeared in the sect for many years, he is the pillar of our clan. It's no exaggeration to say that if Third Uncle steps forward, most major sects would retreat respectfully. Even the current sect master must show him deference!"

"If you speak irreverently again, I will have to punish you severely when we return."

Yu'er, frightened, quickly lowered her head and stuck out her tongue in apology.

"Please calm your anger, Miss. Yu'er won't dare to speak presumptuously about the clan uncle again..."

But being a young maid, hearing of such a great figure inevitably stirred her curiosity. In no time, she put on a smiling face and began gossiping via voice transmission.

"Miss, could you give me just a little hint, so I don't misspeak in the future? For this lord to command such awe, his cultivation must be extraordinary, right?"

Seeing her maid's mischievously clever expression, Lin Ruowei could only roll her eyes in resignation.

"You..."

"Third Uncle's might shakes the four directions; naturally, his cultivation is profound. It's said that in earlier years, he had already broken through the Heavenly Rank, reaching the Half-Step Desolation Realm!"

"Even within the Divine Land, Third Uncle's talent is considered one in ten thousand, having stepped into a realm we can only dream of."

Hearing this, the little maid was utterly stunned.

In her mind, she sketched the image of an invincible figure overlooking all living beings. Even if tens of millions of cultivators braved hardships to come before him, they would be nothing but ants.

The Great Dao is long and winding, with countless geniuses having fallen along the way.

This lord had already reached the far shore, truly a peerless talent rarely seen across the ages!

Yu'er stood dazed for a long while before snapping back to reality.

Her lively eyes were now filled with reverence as she nodded in sudden understanding, her face a picture of awe.

"No wonder, Miss, you've been so persistent in seeking an audience. This clan uncle is a truly remarkable elder. Compared to him, the other elders in our Profound Gate seem quite lacking!"

Though an unintentional remark born of momentary emotion, she had once again carelessly spoken her mind—an old habit.

If these words were to spread, who knew how many elders would be offended.

Lin Ruowei didn't blame her too much, but solemnly admonished her.

"Do not speak recklessly."

"Our Profound Gate is full of outstanding talents. The sect master, with his great prowess and bold vision, is a figure beyond the reach of countless cultivators. My insistence on seeking an audience with Third Uncle is by no means meant to belittle the other elders. It is all for the sake of Senior Yi Feng."

Yi Feng...?

Hearing this deeply significant name, the little maid's eyes suddenly widened in shock.

Just at that moment, the ancient, unadorned gate slowly opened.

A leisurely voice gently drifted out.

"Come in."

Hearing this, mistress and maid were delighted. They quickly ended their conversation, straightened their attire, and stepped inside with measured steps.

After passing through the courtyard garden,

they reached an ancient tree in the backyard, where they saw a middle-aged man tending to flowers and plants. Dressed in a plain, clean robe, he was pruning them like an ordinary mortal.

Just a first glimpse of his back,

and this aura of returning to simplicity and natural ease had already filled their vision with admiration.

The Great Dao is supremely simple. Only an elder who has reached the Desolation Realm could possess such demeanor, savoring that profound and unfathomable supreme state!

Before Lin Ruowei could speak to pay her respects,

the elder slowly turned his gaze. His face bore slight traces of time, which didn't make him seem old but rather added a scholarly elegance to his already refined features.

Those star-like eyes were particularly steady, making one feel an immediate sense of closeness.

The little maid was almost mesmerized.

The elder, however, wore an expression of serene peace. Clapping his hands clean with a smile, he sat down on a long chair.

"I, Lin Xiao, have roamed freely all my life and long ceased to bother with worldly affairs. I never thought I would encounter kin from my homeland. You are quite thoughtful."

"If you have a difficult matter, speak plainly."

His straightforward and candid words seemed to see through much at a glance.

Lin Ruowei gratefully bowed, her eyes showing shame and nervousness as she explained the reason.

After her account,

the originally carefree and composed Lin Xiao seemed somewhat moved, as if recalling past events, and sighed with emotion.

"Everyone in this world is single-mindedly seeking the Dao, and those blinded by selfish gain are too numerous to count."

"It is rare to find a junior with such great righteousness, capable of righteous fury for a friend. This Yi Feng is indeed remarkable. And for my niece to have a heart of gratitude is also especially praiseworthy..."

"Very well, I shall accompany you on this journey."

Hearing such a decisive statement, Lin Ruowei was overjoyed.

"Thank you, Third Uncle."

Bowing gratefully once more, her eyes were now filled with relief. This was the best possible outcome—she could repay Senior Yi Feng's kindness without causing trouble for Third Uncle.

Yet, thinking about the Black Dragon Divine Guards they would face, she still felt some anxiety.

Recently,

her inquiries had revealed that while the Black Dragon Divine Guards operated on the periphery, they were a hegemon-level force. Yao Qianji, in particular, was a man of extraordinary depth, having entrenched himself in the Divine Land for ten thousand years—no simple character...

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Ruowei honestly voiced her concerns.

"Third Uncle, your enthusiastic assistance fills me with boundless gratitude."

"With your personal involvement, there will certainly be no unforeseen changes. But as the saying goes, 'a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local serpent.' If the other party has intricate and complex connections, this matter might entangle more forces."

"Would it be better if I made further inquiries into their background before we decide on this course of action?"

Once the hesitant words were spoken, Lin Ruowei's heartbeat quickened.

She had chosen her words carefully, but they still sounded somewhat unpleasant to the ear. She didn't know how Third Uncle would take it. However, since this matter arose from her desire to repay a kindness, compelled by conscience, she had to state the potential consequences even if it risked offending him.

As Lin Ruowei waited quietly,

Lin Xiao instead laughed, the appreciation in his eyes growing.

"Haha..."

"Excellent. My niece is indeed a talent with great potential. Given your experience, to handle affairs with such steadiness and thoroughness is truly commendable. Daring to speak the truth shows even more remarkable character."

Such insight and magnanimity—truly worthy of being a genius elder of the clan!

His generous words of praise filled both mistress and maid with even greater delight.

While they were rejoicing, Lin Xiao's tone shifted.

"However, considerations of human relations and connections are merely worldly views. This is a minor path, not worthy of pursuit."

"When your cultivation reaches a certain level, you will understand the principle of 'strength shatters all techniques.' Before absolute power, everything is but fleeting cloud. When you step into the Desolation Realm, the entire Lan Star will become ten thousand times more amiable."

Reaching this point,

Lin Xiao slowly rose to his feet, a trace of extraordinary dominance flashing in his eyes.

"Before me, not to mention a mere Black Dragon Divine Guard, even an Elder of the Divine Palace would show some courtesy. This trivial matter is not up for further discussion!"

As his words fell,

Lin Ruowei and Yu'er were filled with reverence, completely awestruck by this senior!