[Transcending tribulation is a hurdle that all cultivators must overcome before ascending.]

[It’s extremely perilous.]

[Only one in ten cultivators who attempt it succeed.]

[The stronger the cultivator, the more intense the Heavenly Tribulation.]

[Within the dream realm, Ye Yu faced the Heavenly Tribulation for the first time.]

[The terrifying sense of destruction was suffocating.]

[Ye Yu dared not be careless, and could only remain fully vigilant, awaiting the arrival of the Heavenly Tribulation.]

[Two days later.]

[Ye Yu successfully passed through the Heavenly Tribulation.]

[An area of thousands of miles around turned into scorched earth.]

[During the tribulation, all the treasures and artifacts he used were destroyed.]

[Even the high-grade robe he wore became tattered and worn.]

[However, to Ye Yu, it was all worth it.]

[After the baptism of the Heavenly Tribulation, not only did he successfully step into the Ascension Realm, but his physique also underwent significant improvement.]

[This was an unexpected joy for Ye Yu.]

[He had never heard before that the Heavenly Tribulation could also improve one’s physique.]

[But thinking about it, it made sense.]

[In the current cultivation world, no one had successfully transcended tribulation in thousands of years.]

[The Ascension Realm had almost become a legend.]

[Under such circumstances, naturally, there were many things that no one knew about.]

[Now that the ordeal of the heavenly tribulation was over, next, it was time to see who was worthy of being his nemesis!]

[But after wandering around for a day, Ye Yu felt a sense of confusion as if he was blindly searching with his weapon drawn.]

[Fumbling around aimlessly was clearly not wise.]

[So, Ye Yu decided to change his approach.]

[He would directly make a name for himself in the Northern Desolate Continent!]

[Thus, for the next two months, Ye Yu began challenging powerful cultivators everywhere he went.]

[Winning from the orthodox sects meant acquiring artifacts.]

[Winning from the demonic sects meant seizing techniques.]

[Taking artifacts was acceptable; treasures naturally belonged to the capable.]

[As for seizing demonic techniques, it was to gather knowledge from all sources and assimilate the strengths of various schools.]

[Then, using the unique traits of his innate Celestial Demon Body, he continuously improved his Devouring Spirit Technique.]

[As time passed bit by bit, Ye Yu practically swept through all the sects of the Northern Desolate Continent.]

[He acquired numerous techniques and artifacts.]

[But frustratingly, he hadn’t even caught a glimpse of his nemesis.]

[Instead, he stirred up fear among cultivators in the tribulation crossing realm and above throughout the Northern Desolate Continent.]

[Could it be that the “North” predicted by Celestial Secrets Sect’s founding patriarch wasn’t referring to the Northern Desolate Continent after all?]

[If that were the case, how should he interpret the phrase “nemesis in the North”?]

[Ye Yu couldn’t figure it out.]

[Afterward, he decided not to dwell on it anymore.]

[He simply left the Northern Desolate Continent.]

[However, upon Ye Yu’s return to Mystic Yin Sect, he was immediately shocked by the scene before him.]

[What was once a thriving sect had suddenly turned into ruins.]

[There were numerous bodies scattered around, all belonging to members of the Mystic Yin Sect.]

[Seeing this, Ye Yu’s face turned pale, and he immediately headed north.]

[But he eventually found that the location of the Treasure Pavilion had turned into a massive crater.]

[This made Ye Yu’s expression incredibly grave.]

[His figure slowly descended to the edge of the crater, lost in thought for a long time.]

[What happened?]

[How could the Mystic Yin Sect end up like this?]

[And most importantly, where was Lan Lianyan?]

[Was she still alive?]

[At that moment, Ye Yu suddenly shook all over and looked back.]

[He saw Lan Lianyan standing not far behind him, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.]

[Upon seeing her, Ye Yu couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.]

[You’re alright, that’s…,]

[He didn’t finish his sentence because he noticed something in Lan Lianyan’s expression—ice-cold determination.]

[Then he heard her chilling words.]

[Did you find it amusing to deceive me for so long, Master of Mystic Yin Sect, Ye Yu?]

[Ye Yu furrowed his brow slightly.]

[His identity was finally exposed?]

[Although he had known deep down that this day would eventually come, he still felt a pang of sadness when it actually happened.]

[From today onwards, he feared he would never have the chance to enjoy meals with Lan Lianyan again.]

[Ye Yu slowly exhaled a deep breath.]

[He said seriously, At the beginning, you mistook me for someone else.]

[I didn’t kill you partly because I found you intriguing, and partly because I wanted to gather information about other spies in Mystic Yin Sect.]

[But later, I found out that you were truly adorable.]

[I enjoyed our meals together.]

[So I never revealed my true identity.]

[If possible, I would have liked things to continue like that forever.]

[You should feel that I harbor no ill will towards you.]

[In fact, just now, I was genuinely worried that you might die.]

[All of this was Ye Yu’s heartfelt confession.]

[Whether or not she believed him, it was the truth.]

[After hearing Ye Yu’s explanation, Lan Lianyan remained silent for a long time before softly asking, Are you saying that you like me?]

[Ye Yu widened his eyes suddenly, not understanding why Lan Lianyan would ask such a question.]

[Lan Lianyan stepped forward slowly.]

[Step by step, she asked, Do you like me?]

[After she finished speaking, Lan Lianyan had already arrived in front of Ye Yu.]

[Looking at this extremely adorable woman, the concrete walls around Ye Yu’s heart began to crumble.]

[He nodded seriously.]

[Despite having promised to stay away from romantic entanglements, Ye Yu couldn’t deny it.]

[He really enjoyed being with Lan Lianyan. It felt relaxing and joyful.]

[Ye Yu didn’t want to go against his true feelings.]

[Even if Lan Lianyan truly was destined to be his nemesis. Ye Yu accepted it.]

[Ever since he learned the second prophecy, Ye Yu had harbored suspicions about Lan Lianyan.]

[Because the Treasure Pavilion where she was located was the northernmost part of Mystic Yin Sect.]

[It perfectly matched “the demon has a nemesis, the nemesis is in the north.”]

[However, Ye Yu had been reluctant to admit it.]

[That’s why he wandered around the Northern Desolate Continent.]

[In the end, he returned disappointed.]

[So, was Lan Lianyan truly his destined nemesis?]

[As Ye Yu pondered this, Lan Lianyan raised her hand again, pointing towards Ye Yu’s heart.]

[Her movement was extremely slow, as if waiting for Ye Yu’s reaction.]

[After much thought, Ye Yu didn’t evade.]

[Because he noticed that Lan Lianyan’s eyes remained as clear and devoid of malice as before.]

[The fact proved:]

[Ye Yu’s guess was correct—Lan Lianyan didn’t intend to kill him.]

[Instead, she closed her eyes as if sensing something.]

[She said seriously, Hmm, you didn’t lie. I guess I didn’t misjudge you.]

[This statement left Ye Yu confused.]

[What did she mean by this?]

[Then, Lan Lianyan began to explain everything that had happened recently.]