Chapter 25: The Immortal Master in the Hollow Abyss

Yang Yun wore a beaming smile, yet his eyes remained fixed on Lin Ying, as if attempting to memorize every detail of her ethereal beauty. "Oh, what a stunning couple you make! Truly, it is a blessing of three lifetimes to meet you both today! We must drink to this!" With a subtle, cunning glint in his eyes, he gestured for them to dine. Lin Ying offered only a faint, enigmatic smile, her gaze shifting as if she held a thousand unspoken words.

Yang Yun’s eyes lingered on Lin Ying, his lustful intentions barely concealed. He repeatedly toasted the pair, the room filling with the rich aroma of wine and the melodic sounds of four young women playing string and bamboo instruments. As they drank, the moonlight outside spilled across the floor like silver frost. Yang Yun summoned the girls to bring out more exquisite dishes and a pot of premium Nu'er Hong wine. "Come, let us drink to our meeting!" he said, feigning boldness. As he raised his glass, his eyes remained glued to Lin Ying, hoping for even the slightest flicker of emotion. She sipped her wine lightly, her composure only fueling his desire.

In truth, Li Chen had long since verified that the wine was not poisoned but spiked with an aphrodisiac designed to render its victims unconscious and suggestible. However, both had already ingested the "Hundred-Poison Clear" pill, which neutralized such substances. They had also carefully inspected every new dish and bottle, with Li Chen signaling to Lin Ying what was safe to consume.

Once they had finished their meal, they feigned intoxication, collapsing onto the table to see how Yang Yun would react. Seeing their flushed faces, he assumed the drugs had taken effect. He ordered the table cleared and dismissed the young women.

Yang Yun let out a smug, lecherous laugh. "Two lambs caught in my palm. This girl is as beautiful as a fairy; her skin must be incredibly soft and a joy to touch!"

"How much of a joy?" a voice suddenly rang out from behind him. Before Yang Yun could turn, Li Chen struck, shattering his dantian with a single punch and kicking him squarely in the groin. Yang Yun collapsed, howling in agony. Li Chen then snapped his limbs one by one, the man’s screams turning hoarse and desperate. "Is it this much of a joy?" Li Chen asked coldly. He placed a hand on Yang Yun’s head to scour his memories. It was revealed that the man, despite his reputation as the "Number One Sword Immortal," had built his status through murder, robbery, and deceit. The eight girls were his captives, lured with kindness before being broken by threats and terror. Five girls who had recently attempted to escape were beaten to death by him.

Furious, Li Chen snapped Yang Yun’s neck. He gathered the belongings hidden on the premises, distributed them among the eight girls, and told them to return home. He then leveled the stone house to the ground, turning the site into the final resting place of the so-called "Sword Immortal."

Before leaving, Li Chen retrieved a mid-grade magic sword, several dozen spirit stones, and a small cache of medicinal pills.

It was time to return. The pair took to the skies. With Lin Ying at the peak of the Golden Core stage and Li Chen at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, the journey from the Heavenly Mountains back to Guixi, which would have taken a long time on foot, took them less than a day.

The thorny hedge outside their courtyard had grown to a meter in height, beginning to spread its branches. Upon entering, they were greeted by everyone.

Surrounded by the group, Li Chen and Lin Ying shared their story. They spoke of a journey filled with peril and excitement—a tale of "narrow escapes and extraordinary adventures." They told of an old immortal who, seeing Li Chen’s exceptional talent and handsome presence, had offered to escort them home, only to get lost and accidentally drop them into an ancient ruin filled with beasts two realms stronger than themselves. "It was only by our wits and speed that we escaped becoming their meal!" they recounted, keeping the audience captivated.