Second, to completely eliminate the hidden danger surrounding Yuan Yao.
Otherwise, once the Qingyang Sect learned that Yuan Yao was sheltering within the Miaoyin Sect, Zi Ling would inevitably be dragged into danger.
"Senior… are you not planning to return to the Miaoyin Sect?"
After receiving the storage bags, Yuan Yao hesitated. From Zhu Chen's words, she could already sense that he was about to leave.
Zhu Chen nodded.
"Yes. I'm returning. Otherwise—"
Boom!
Before he could finish speaking, a bolt of purple tribulation lightning suddenly tore through the sky, descending at a speed imperceptible to the naked eye.
"Move."
Zhu Chen pushed Yuan Yao aside and simultaneously raised his hand, releasing a bolt of white lightning to collide with the descending purple lightning.
This white lightning, derived from the Suanni Treasure Technique, also carried a trace of tribulation power.
Yet it was instantly shattered.
Still, the impact weakened the purple lightning slightly.
Zhu Chen seized the opening, activating the Vermilion Bird Treasure Technique and finally dispersing it completely.
"Damn it. I only wiped out a low-level trash sect, and you're already this eager to force me out?"
Zhu Chen had already intended to leave.
But the sudden attack from the Heavenly Dao's consciousness ignited a surge of anger within him
After being targeted twice by the Heavenly Dao, Zhu Chen finally understood why the Heavenly Dao consciousness of this world had noticed him.
The reason was simple.
He did not belong to this world, yet he had become entangled in too many of its causes and effects.
The more karma he accumulated here, the higher the chance that the Heavenly Dao would erase him.
That purple tribulation lightning earlier had merely been a warning.
Zhu Chen knew very well that, with his current strength, he could not truly contend against the Heavenly Dao of this world.
But everything has a limit.
Since the Heavenly Dao had already taken action against him, then he had no reason to remain polite.
"So you think I'm entangled in too much karma?"
"Fine. Then I'll drag in even more karma—let's see what you can really do to me!"
Zhu Chen roared toward the heavens. His gaze dropped sharply, landing on Yuan Yao standing not far away.
"Senior… Senior…"
Feeling the intensity of his stare, Yuan Yao immediately sensed danger. Her delicate expression stiffened.
"Fellow Daoist Yuan Yao," Zhu Chen said directly, "you said in the Void Heaven Palace that you were willing to serve me forever. Do you still mean that?"
Yuan Yao was no longer naive.
Hearing his words, she knew a sacrifice would be required this time.
Without hesitation, she bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Senior has shown me great kindness.
As long as Senior does not despise me, you may take my body if you wish. However, Yuan Yao has one request....I beg Senior to grant it."
Zhu Chen's eyes flickered.
"Speak."
Yuan Yao bit her pale pink lips, determination settling over her features. Clasping her hands tightly, she said firmly, "After Senior finishes… absorbing my essence, I beg you to take the Soul-Nourishing Wood. If there is another chance in the future, I ask Senior to help revive my senior sister."
"Dual cultivation as a furnace?"
Zhu Chen burst into laughter. "Relax. I'm not treating you as a cultivation vessel. I want you to become my Daoist partner."
What?
Daoist partner?
The words completely stunned Yuan Yao.
"Senior… don't you already have a Daoist partner?"
"Who said a person can only have one?" Zhu Chen replied calmly. "If you're willing, then from today onward, you'll be my Daoist partner as well."
"Ah… this…"
Yuan Yao felt the same shock Zi Ling once had.
She was only a Core Formation cultivator with no background. How could she possibly deserve this?
"If you're unwilling, then forget it," Zhu Chen said indifferently. "Just remember what I told you earlier—go back and assist Zi Ling properly."
Seeing her hesitation, he did not force her.
He was not someone like Qian Xunji. He would never coerce another.
This time, he would let the Heavenly Dao of this world remain arrogant a little longer.
When he returned in the future, he would personally shatter it.
Zhu Chen opened the chat group, preparing to leave this world.
At that moment, Yuan Yao's soft voice sounded from behind him.
"Senior once gave me the Soul-Nourishing Wood and gave me hope of reviving my senior sister.
This time, you even traveled countless miles to avenge her for me. I will never forget this kindness."
She raised her head, eyes filled with resolve.
"As long as Senior does not dislike my low cultivation, I am willing to stay by your side forever. I swear on my Dao heart that I will never abandon you and will follow you through life and death."
She formed a Dao oath without hesitation—a soul-binding vow. If Zhu Chen perished, she would perish as well.
Zhu Chen had not expected such resoluteness.
He turned, gaze serious.
"You saw it just now. I've already been targeted by the Heavenly Dao of this world. I could perish at any moment."
"If you perish, Senior," Yuan Yao replied firmly, "then I, Yuan Yao, will not live on either."
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