Ferocious.
There was no doubt that this was a Heavenly Venerate-level existence, and not a weak one at that. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to maintain his dominance over this realm for so many years.
In fact, none of the three—Ferocious, Dark, or Nether—were low-tier Heavenly Venerables. Dark was a mid-tier Heavenly Venerable, while Ferocious and Nether were high-tier Heavenly Venerables.
At this moment, Li Qiankun was seated in the dwelling place of Ferocious—the Central Valley of the Ferocious Realm. This alone demonstrated the extraordinary nature of his relationship with the Lord of the Ferocious Realm.
"Han Yi?"
Li Qiankun's eyes flickered slightly as he sensed Han Yi's aura. Such perception would have been impossible for any ordinary External Dao practitioner, even if they were in the same position as him. It wasn't that their perception couldn't cover such a vast area; rather, the pervasive ferocious energy of the Ferocious Realm distorted perception across the entire world.
But Li Qiankun was different. His unique relationship with Ferocious granted him a fragment of Ferocious's power within the realm. This allowed him to perceive every entity that entered the Ferocious Realm with absolute clarity.
Although Han Yi had used a Formless Dao Technique to alter his aura and form, such changes were instantly seen through by the high-tier Heavenly Venerable, Ferocious.
And since Li Qiankun could harness Ferocious's power, he naturally detected Han Yi as well.
To put it simply...
Li Qiankun had crossed paths with Han Yi twice. The first time, he had brought Han Yi back to Penglai from the World Barrier. At that time, Li Qiankun was already a Dao Ancestor, while Han Yi was still a low-tier Immortal.
During that encounter, Li Qiankun had concluded that their connection ran deep.
The second meeting occurred in the Ferocious Realm, when Li Qiankun fell into a Demonic Transformation. It was Han Yi who ultimately awakened him.
Li Qiankun had believed their karmic ties had ended there. Yet now, unexpectedly, he found himself facing Han Yi again, within the Ferocious Realm.
A sudden realization struck him: perhaps their karmic connection was far more complex than he'd initially thought.
Then, he recalled Han Yi's aura—though fleeting, it had been unmistakably clear, and its intensity unmistakably that of the External Dao.
"The External Dao?"
Li Qiankun's heart lurched with shock.
Their last encounter had been over ten thousand years ago, when Han Yi was merely at the Grand Unity Realm, not even an Immortal Sovereign, let alone close to the Dao Realm. To reach the Dao Realm was already remarkable, but to have advanced to the Third Step of the Dao Realm, the External Dao, in such a short time...
"How... how is this possible?"
If Han Yi had only reached the First Step of the Dao Realm, Li Qiankun wouldn't have been so alarmed. After ten thousand years, progressing from Immortal Monarch to Immortal Sovereign, then to the Dao Realm, was not unheard of in the Primordial World, especially after the Dao Tomb Ripples and the warnings from the Dao itself.
But to progress from the first step of the Dao Realm to the External Dao in just ten thousand years? That was absolutely impossible.
No.
No, that's not quite right. Such impossibility only applies when relying solely on one's own cultivation.
If one were to rely on external assistance and seize tremendous opportunities, it might not be beyond hope.
Take himself, for example. Under the influence of the Ferocious realm, he had also been at the first step of the Dao Realm. Yet after ten thousand years, he had recently entered the third step of the Dao Realm, the External Dao Realm.
"It seems Han Yi has reaped substantial gains over these past ten thousand years to reach his current cultivation level."
"External Dao, External Dao."
"It's barely sufficient."
He stood up, gazing at the valley behind him with a complex expression, as if making a decision. Then, with a flash, he vanished into the valley.
Within the valley, a massive, dragon-like Ferocious Beast lurked, its colossal body filling the entire space. From above, the valley itself seemed like a pit dug by the beast, in which it now coiled its limbs and slumbered.
As Li Qiankun departed, the beast's eyes flickered open, a golden light flashing briefly before they closed again.
Meanwhile, Han Yi entered the Ferocious Realm without sensing anything amiss. His transformed monkey form had reached the Eighth-Tier of the Immortal Path, the Grand Unity realm. Other ferocious beasts, sensing his aura, dared not approach.
He advanced smoothly through the realm, naturally suppressing his speed to the Grand Unity level to avoid drawing attention.
Soon, he arrived at a canyon where he unearthed a fragmented Qingping Sword Division.
This wasn't his first encounter with such a broken Sub-Sword. He had previously discovered one on Penglai. After Qingping's dispersion through reincarnation following the Primordial Era, each Sub-Sword could essentially be considered independent.
Because these independent Sub-Swords could also be broken or damaged, this wasn't unusual.
However, even a fragmented Sub-Sword could still merge with the dormant main body of Qingping.
As Han Yi prepared to leave, he suddenly noticed a figure descending from the sky, radiating immense ferocity. Instinctively, he moved to activate his escape technique, but a voice called out:
"Is that Fellow Daoist Han Yi?"
Han Yi froze mid-step, his heart stirring. The voice was familiar—he recognized it as Li Qiankun's.
Li Qiankun descended before Han Yi, clad in a Profound Robe. His aura of External Dao was unmistakable, yet it was shrouded in a ferocity that resonated with the very essence of the Ferocious Realm.
"Qiankun Dao Ancestor?" Han Yi asked.
"I am indeed," Li Qiankun replied.
Relieved by Li Qiankun's confirmation, Han Yi transformed back into human form. Since he had been recognized by someone he knew and sensed no hostility, there was no need to maintain his disguise.
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Qiankun," Han Yi said, clasping his hands in respect.
It had been many years since their last meeting, and once again they found themselves in one of the Three Realms of Absolute Yin—the Ferocious Realm. A sudden realization struck Han Yi: his earlier suspicion that Li Qiankun had ties to the Lord of the Ferocious Realm seemed more plausible now, given his dramatic arrival.
Li Qiankun returned the greeting, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "Fellow Daoist Han, have you truly ascended to the External Dao?"
Han Yi nodded. "Through fortunate circumstance."
Li Qiankun sighed. "The path of the External Dao cultivator cannot be so easily encompassed by a mere 'fortunate circumstance.'"
"Fellow Daoist Han, your talent and good fortune truly humble me."
Though inwardly astonished by Han Yi's rapid advancement, Li Qiankun didn't dwell on it. Instead, he asked, "By the way, Fellow Daoist Han, are you searching for something? Need assistance?"
Han Yi's heart stirred. He had come to the Ferocious Realm specifically to seek one of the two greatest Sub-Swords of the Primordial Era. Upon his arrival, he had sensed its location: the very center of the realm, likely near the Ferocious himself.
This was a Heavenly Venerate-level Ferocious Beast, and among even the Heavenly Venerables, he was considered formidable. At Han Yi's current strength, approaching would surely be detected, let alone retrieving the Sub-Sword.
Thus, he had only planned to make an attempt. If it proved impossible, he would retreat swiftly.
But now, having encountered Li Qiankun, who had some connection to the Ferocious Realm's ruler, Han Yi realized that seeking the Green Ripple Sword through him might increase his chances of success.
With this thought, Han Yi boldly revealed his quest for the Green Ripple Sword Division.
"The Green Ripple Sword," he explained. "It was the companion sword of the Sword Dao Heavenly Venerable from the Primordial Era."
"Fellow Daoist Han, you're actually searching for this particular sword artifact? This sword is connected to the ancient conflict between the two great sects of the Primordial Era."
"And within that conflict, the Great Heavenly Venerable of Kunlun Mountain played a pivotal role."
"Are you aware of this, Fellow Daoist Han?"
Han Yi naturally appreciated Li Qiankun's warning. He nodded and said, "Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Qiankun. I am, of course, aware of this."
Seeing that Han Yi knew the origins of the Green Ripple Sword and wasn't afraid of it, Li Qiankun's eyes lit up slightly.
He and Kunlun Mountain had a deep grudge. Years ago, Celestial Venerable Chonglou had forced him to remain trapped in the Ferocious Realm, his consciousness in Chaos, leading to his Demonic Transformation. If not for Han Yi, he might still be trapped in that state. Han Yi's fearlessness regarding Kunlun Mountain gave him greater confidence in his upcoming plan, though that plan would have to wait until Han Yi's needs were addressed.
This way, they could follow the causes and gather the fruits.
"Since Fellow Daoist Han understands the gravity of the situation, I won't elaborate further. As for the Qingping Sword Division, I will retrieve it for you myself."
"Rest assured, there's no place in this vast Ferocious Realm I cannot reach, not even the Overlord. I'm confident I can persuade even them."
Li Qiankun pointed towards the central region of the Ferocious Realm, his eyes gleaming with confidence as he declared, "I'll retrieve it for you."
Han Yi's face lit up with delight. Clasping his hands in gratitude, he said, "Then I thank you, Fellow Daoist Qiankun."
He didn't explicitly acknowledge the debt, as debts of gratitude and karmic bonds didn't always need to be voiced.
Li Qiankun turned to Han Yi and said, "Very well. I'll be right back. Fellow Daoist Han, go seek the other Sub-Swords first."
"Once I obtain the largest Sub-Sword, I'll come find you."
With that, he drew the surrounding ferocity towards himself, enveloping his body, and soared upwards, heading towards the central region.
Han Yi watched his retreating figure, then clasped his hands in farewell. Remaining where he was, he pondered:
"This Li Qiankun moves freely through the Ferocious Realm, even more so than ten thousand years ago. What exactly is his relationship with the Ferocious?"
He shook his head. He wouldn't ask this question, but if Li Qiankun chose to reveal it, he would naturally understand.
Moreover, Li Qiankun had voluntarily offered to retrieve the largest Qingping Sword Division near the Ferocious. This gesture wasn't difficult to interpret; it likely meant he would need Han Yi's assistance in the future.
Han Yi didn't find this particularly significant. Whether for high-level cultivators or ordinary mortals, mutual assistance and fostering relationships were essential.
In a certain sense, this also aligned with the Witch Clan's Truth Sect principle of equivalent exchange.
Everything has its equivalent value, even emotions.
Meanwhile, Li Qiankun had returned to the outskirts of the valley at the heart of the Ferocious Realm. He took a deep breath, then slowly walked into the valley.
He approached the enormous, dragon-like Ferocious Beast and declared in a stern voice:
"I will take one of the swords belonging to the Master of the Heaven-Piercing Sword, hidden in your treasury."
His words were blunt, neither a plea nor a command, but a stiff declaration.
The beast's eyes opened slightly, its gaze fixed on Li Qiankun. A massive voice resonated throughout the valley:
"Very well."
Then, its eyes slowly closed again.
Having received permission, Li Qiankun's tense expression finally softened. He cupped his hands toward the beast and said, "Thank you."
He continued deeper into the valley, where he opened a bronze door in an unremarkable cliff face. After a brief moment, he emerged, carrying a heavy azure longsword.
The longsword was wreathed in azure lotuses, radiating a murderous aura. It was a low-tier Dao Sword.
Li Qiankun cupped his hands toward the enormous beast once more, then left the valley. He soared upward, heading toward a specific location within the Ferocious Realm.
Shortly after, he found Han Yi, who had also obtained another Sub-Sword. Li Qiankun handed his Dao Sword, Qingping, to Han Yi.
Han Yi's face lit up with delight.
As expected, his senses revealed that the two brightest locations—the Ferocious Realm and Kunlun Mountain—both concealed Dao Artifact-level Qingping Sub-Swords.
This trip to the Ferocious Realm had been worth it.
He eagerly took the Qingping Sub-Sword.
This Sub-Sword hadn't given birth to a sentient Sword Spirit, but rather a Sword Intent steeped in ferocity.
Han Yi wasn't surprised by this.
Having handled numerous Sub-Swords, only the very first one, after accompanying him for a long time, had eventually developed a Sword Spirit with wisdom.
He casually suppressed the Qingping Sub-Sword and tossed it into his Divine Aperture World. As soon as the Sub-Sword approached the slumbering Green Ripple Main Sword within the Divine Aperture World, it swiftly merged into it.
The dormant Green Ripple Sword's aura suddenly surged, reaching the peak of a low-tier sword artifact.
Perhaps, once it awakened, it would transcend this peak and ascend to mid-tier sword artifact status.
Han Yi looked forward to this with great anticipation.
He snapped out of his daze and clasped his hands in gratitude to Li Qiankun. "Fellow Daoist Qiankun, I am deeply grateful for your assistance. If any urgent matters arise, please feel free to contact me at any time. I will do everything in my power to help."
This was Han Yi's solemn promise.
Hearing these words, Li Qiankun's heart swelled with joy, but his expression remained hesitant. "Fellow Daoist Han, you must be wondering about my connection to the Ferocious Realm, am I right?"
Han Yi nodded, a slight chill running down his spine. He had a premonition that he was about to hear a profound secret.
"The Lord of the Ferocious Realm is named Ferocious. This name, 'Ferocious,' is what people began calling him after the collapse of the Primordial Era."
"Truthfully, his true identity is far from ordinary."
Li Qiankun paused before continuing slowly:
"He... is the mount of the Great World Lord of the Primordial Era."
"Though called a 'mount,' he functions more like a trusted right-hand man, a capable and indispensable ally."
"Even in the Primordial Era, even the most powerful Ancient Gods treated him with utmost respect."
Han Yi's heart trembled at these words.
The Lord of the Three Realms of Absolute Yin, the ruler of the Ferocious Realm, was actually the mount of the Great World Lord of the Primordial Era? And not just any mount, but a trusted right-hand man?
Before this moment, Han Yi had never even imagined such a thing.
This fact was no secret in the Primordial Era, but now, only a few Heavenly Venerables are aware of it.
No, perhaps only the Dao Realm Celestial Venerable Suizhu knew at that time.
But matters concerning the fallen Great World Lord of the Primordial Era and the Ancient Celestial Lords naturally wouldn't be spoken of openly.
Seeing Han Yi digest this information, Li Qiankun dropped another bombshell.
"Seventy thousand years ago, through a series of coincidences, I infiltrated the Ferocious Realm and obtained a portion of the Great World Lord's Inheritance. Moreover, I became the nominal second Master of the Ferocious."
Han Yi's eyes widened in extreme shock.
The Inheritance of the Great World Lord of the Primordial Era?
Even a portion of it was astonishing.
Having been in the Immortal Realm for so long, he had never heard of anyone obtaining such an Inheritance. The mysterious Great World Lord had vanished so suddenly that no trace of his legacy had ever surfaced.
Yet Li Qiankun had obtained a portion of it?
And...
Through some twist of fate, Li Qiankun had also become the second Master of the Ferocious?
This...