My Celestial Ascension

In a dark space, an old man stood before a massive jade tablet inscribed with the word 'Fate,' glowing in a profound golden light. His expression was deep and thoughtful, his gaze fixed on the glowing word, completely absorbed as though staring at something of great significance. His concentration remained unwavering.

Suddenly, the space behind him began to crack. The fissures widened until the space shattered like glass, revealing a dark void that continued to expand until it could easily fit a person. From within the darkness, a peerless beauty emerged, her azure eyes glowing with brilliance, her lips curved into a radiant smile.

"How long has it been like this?" she asked, her gaze not leaving the jade tablet.

"Almost three days… I've been standing here since the moment it began to shine," the old man replied, his voice calm, his eyes still fixed on the glowing inscription.

The woman stood in silence for a moment before speaking again. "I was on the other side of the world, fighting the Celestial Emperor's dogs when suddenly the Nine Heavens trembled. The Heaven's Army fled from the battlefield immediately."

"They always run when things don't go their way. Cowards," she spat, her irritation clear. Her killing intent surged, filling the dark space.

"They've always been like that—cowards for millions of years," the old man agreed. "But everything is about to change… because he has finally returned."

"When he returns, the Nine Heavens will tremble under his might—for the last time!" the woman exclaimed, her grin widening.

"Indeed!" The old man smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting. "When that time comes, the Celestial Emperor and his army will have no place to hide."

"The Nine Heavens will once again be bathed in blood," she declared. "But there is still time. We must prepare a grand welcome for our Lord!"

The old man's smile deepened. "Yes. The heavens will beg for mercy—but they will receive none."

—

Yuan, Xi Meili, and Fang Xiaoyan teleported into a dense forest filled with towering trees. The two women stood behind Yuan, their senses sharp, alert to every sound in the eerie surroundings.

"This place looks ordinary enough, aside from the scattered bones of magical beasts," Yuan murmured as he scanned the area with his Divine Sense. "Nothing special."

"I agree. It feels too ordinary, yet something about the air is unsettling," Fang Xiaoyan replied, nodding thoughtfully.

"I wonder where the demons are—" Xi Meili began, but her words were cut short as a sinister presence approached from within the forest.

"Is it a magical beast?" Yuan asked, frowning at the strange aura drawing near.

"It's worse than a magical beast. It's a demon," Fang Xiaoyan said, her face filled with concern. Demons were notorious for their heaven-defying regenerative powers. Even if turned into pulp, they could regenerate within seconds, making them terrifying enemies. They were also willing to sacrifice their own to gain strength.

"It's almost here—" Yuan started, but a deep voice suddenly echoed through the forest.

"The Little Princess of the proud Phoenix clan with a human and… a Dragon? When did a Dragon appear in this Secret Realm? How peculiar."

Boom!

The ground trembled as a figure descended from the sky, landing a few meters from Yuan, Xi Meili, and Fang Xiaoyan.

"What in the world is that?!" Yuan exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock as he beheld the demon's bizarre appearance and oppressive aura. Despite having only the cultivation level of a peak Spirit Warrior, the creature's presence rivaled that of a peak Spirit Master.

The demon stood on two long legs resembling those of a human, but its body was far from human. Its skin was blood-red, glowing with a malevolent aura. A single black horn protruded from the center of its forehead. Its eyes were pitch black, with bright red pupils gleaming with malice. Long, sharp ears reminiscent of elves, yet twisted and devilish, jutted out from its head.

Its fingernails were like the claws of a beast, and its tangled black hair suggested it had never bathed.

The demon exuded an air of cruelty, its presence chilling to the core.

"Well, whether it's a human or a dragon, it seems today is my lucky day. Not only do I get to taste a human after such a long time, but I'll also get to savor two powerful Divine Beasts alongside a human," the creature mumbled to itself, a huge grin spreading across its face.

Yuan wasn't shaken by the tyrannical presence of the demonic being, but as soon as his eyes landed on it, he felt an overwhelming hatred.

"So this is what a demon looks like, huh? How unsightly… It's enough to make me want to vomit," Yuan said coldly, his expression hard.

Xi Meili nodded. "I feel the same."

"Me too," Fang Xiaoyan added, her face twisted in disgust.

"Hey, what are you three talking about? Mind if I join the conversation before I kill you all?" the demon said suddenly. However, it remained where it stood, strangely unwilling to approach them.

"You seem to be alone. Where are your comrades? Are they not with you?" Fang Xiaoyan asked, a frown appearing on her face.

The demon laughed. "Are you looking down on me because of my cultivation level, Princess? I'm more than enough to kill all of you by myself. I don't need anyone else. They'd only slow me down, and then I'd have to share the spoils."

"But what are you doing with a dragon and a human? Don't you look down on both races? It's surprising to see someone like you, a proud Phoenix, with the two beings you supposedly despise," the demon said, frowning as it glared at Yuan and Xi Meili, then letting out a sinister grin.

"What I do is none of your concern! Now shut up! Golden Phoenix Fire!" Fang Xiaoyan shouted.

A massive ball of golden flame appeared in front of her palms before hurling toward the demon.

Despite the fiery attack coming his way, the demon didn't even flinch, standing carefree with a demonic grin on its face.

The golden flames engulfed the demon moments later, but it showed no signs of pain or fear. Even as its flesh burned rapidly, it regenerated just as quickly.

"Is that all? You're still as weak as before, Princess. It didn't even take a second to recover from your little burn. Pathetic—especially compared to that old geezer of yours," the demon taunted, basking in Fang Xiaoyan's flames.

A few moments later, the golden flames vanished on their own, leaving not even a scorch mark on the demon's body.

Yuan was stunned by the demon's terrifying regenerative power. Despite being completely engulfed in such potent flames, the demon was unharmed, thanks to its incredible healing abilities.

Xi Meili frowned, narrowing her eyes. Determined to show off her strength and prove herself superior to Fang Xiaoyan, she prepared to unleash her own flames and burn the demon to cinders.

The demon was engulfed in flames once again. This time, the fire was a mixture of crimson and black, rapidly burning through the demon's flesh. However, its regeneration was too strong, and the wounds began healing almost instantly.

"It's still too weak… almost pathetic. None of you will escape me! Hahaha!" The demon's laughter echoed through the forest, filled with malice.

"With such pitiful strength, you might as well surrender to me," it continued, laughing with a sinister grin, licking its lips in anticipation.

Just as the demon laughed, its head suddenly hit the ground with a loud thud, severed cleanly from its body. Yuan appeared beside the fallen head, crushing it underfoot.

"You talk too much for a lowly demon…"

A moment later, the demon's body collapsed to the ground.

Yuan calmly cleaned the demon's blood from his sword and turned to look at Xi Meili and Fang Xiaoyan. However, a sinister laugh echoed from behind him.

"Hahaha! Did you really think you could kill me with a simple strike like that? You think far too highly of yourself, human!"

The demon's severed head began to regenerate, and within moments, it was as though it had never been decapitated. The demon stood tall once again, with a smug grin on its face.

"What the hell? He's still alive after being decapitated? Is that even possible?" Yuan stared in disbelief as the demon rose to its feet, fully intact.

"I'll admit, your sword skills and speed are impressive—you even caught me off guard. But no matter how many times you behead me, you won't kill me," the demon said, its gaze full of contempt, as if Yuan were nothing more than an insect.

Xi Meili looked over at Yuan. "Hubby, do you want me to rip his tongue out and then finish him off?"

"There's no need. I'll deal with this ugly creature myself. No need to dirty your beautiful hands," Yuan replied with a smile.

"Is that so? Then make sure to teach him a lesson first—he shouldn't act high and mighty in front of you, hubby."

"I will. Just sit back and enjoy the show," Yuan said, turning his attention to the demon standing a few meters away.

"Oh? You're approaching me? How unexpected," the demon said, surprised to see Yuan walking toward him, holding his massive sword with ease in one hand.

"Don't tell me… you're actually thinking of fighting me— a demon?" The demon's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.