Chapter 272: I Will Ascend Myself

The Devouring Dao Beast...

This name was unfamiliar to Lin Chuyue, and even the Drunken Sword Daoist had never heard of it before.

Where did Lu Ye hear about it?

"Can you be certain?" the Drunken Sword Daoist asked.

"Naturally, I can. However, if I were to rouse it, none of us would stand a chance against it."

"What level is it?"

"QuasiEmperor!"

Both the Drunken Sword Daoist and Lin Chuyue gasped sharply.

Good heavens, a QuasiEmperor?

How could a QuasiEmperor appear in the Fourth Heaven?

What does the Devouring Dao Beast fear?

Truth be told, as a creature born of chaos, it fears nothing.

Lu Ye, however, had a way to provoke it. By simply approaching the Devouring Dao Beast, the allure of the Enlightenment Incense would instantly awaken it.

Then, it would relentlessly pursue Lu Ye.

The sacred Dao of the Nine Heavens Sage would also reawaken, pummeling the Devouring Dao Beast.

Thinking about it, the Devouring Dao Beast is rather pitiable—peacefully slumbering one moment, only to wake up to a shattered world...

The once-unified chaos was split into nine realms.

Had it been assigned to the Ninth, Eighth, or even Seventh Heaven, things might have been better. Instead, it ended up in the Fourth Heaven.

The moment it stirs, the sacred Dao awakens, catching the Devouring Dao Beast and giving it a thorough beating.

Left with no choice, it could only curl up, suppressing all traces of its presence.

Move, and it gets beaten.

Move, and it gets beaten.

With the disappearance of the Nine Heavens Sage, the sacred Dao lost all self-awareness.

What could the Devouring Dao Beast do?

It could only huddle here, waiting for the Nine Heavens Sage's Dao to fade away.

"Then I'll report this to the higher-ups and see what they say."

Lu Ye nodded.

The Drunken Sword Daoist closed his eyes, the twin marks on his forehead glowing faintly.

Fifth Heaven.

The Devouring Dao Beast? Never heard of it! Are you sure it's the Devouring Dao Beast?

Let me ask higher up for you.

Sixth Heaven, a Devourer of Providence? There’s such a mythical beast? Never heard of it!

Seventh Heaven.

Huh? I think I’ve heard of this creature by chance, but only the name. No idea what it looks like or what abilities it has.

Let me ask higher up for you.

The Celestial Gatekeeper of the Eighth Heaven showed a trace of astonishment in his eyes.

Such an ancient beast actually appeared in the Fourth Heaven?

And from the description—whether its color, size, or its method of devouring Providence—it’s most likely the Devourer of Providence.

Yet what baffled him was, how could someone from the Fourth Heaven know of such a creature?

These beings are innately powerful, and their numbers are likely limited to just one in existence, with extremely few records.

There’s no way someone from the Fourth Heaven should recognize it, yet the report from below directly identified it as the Devourer of Providence.

Who was it that recognized the Devourer of Providence?

Interesting. Truly interesting.

The message was relayed layer by layer.

Eventually, it reached Drunken Sword Daoist’s ears. He opened his eyes, his gaze filled with shock as he looked at Lu Ye.

Not because of Lu Ye’s strength or anything, but because of his knowledge.

None of the Celestial Gatekeepers from the Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Heavens knew of the Devourer of Providence. It wasn’t until the Eighth Heaven that it was confirmed.

Keep in mind, the Celestial Gate serves Providence, and many things that can influence Providence are bizarre and rare. Thus, every Celestial Gatekeeper is well-versed in the obscure.

Yet, not a single one knew of the Devourer of Providence.

It was pointed out by a newly recruited youngster from the Fourth Heaven.

How could Drunken Sword Daoist not be shocked?

Lin Chuyue was also eagerly awaiting a reply from above, but seeing the astonishment on Drunken Sword Daoist’s face, she already understood.

It really is the Devourer of Providence!

By the Celestial Lord, it really is the Devourer of Providence!

Wait, this dull, star-shaped thing—you actually recognized it as a giant beast?

Where does it even slightly resemble a beast?

How did you do it???

Lin Chuyue was utterly stunned.

After the shock came overwhelming curiosity.

Just how did you recognize it?

"How about it, right?" Lu Ye said with a smile.

"Yes... but it wasn't confirmed as the Devourer until the Eighth Heaven was consulted..."

Lu Ye nodded.

"Normal. The Devourer is far too ancient and rare—most people wouldn’t know of it."

When the Nine Heavens Sage divided the realms, the Devourer hadn’t even awakened. Just imagine how soundly it must have been sleeping.

The ability to sleep while endlessly devouring the Great Dao and cultivating power was truly enviable.

"But how did *you* know?" Drunken Sword Daoist couldn’t help but ask.

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. "Does it matter?"

Drunken Sword Daoist chuckled sheepishly.

"It doesn’t. I’m just curious. If you’d rather not say, that’s fine."

Lin Chuyue widened her eyes, staring at Lu Ye expectantly.

"Then I won’t say."

The two of them...

Aaaaah! This is killing me with curiosity!

Drunken Sword Daoist took a fierce swig of strong liquor.

"Since this is a living being, and living beings don’t affect Providence, the matter in the Fourth Heaven is settled. Lu Ye, do you need my help with your grudges against the other sects?" Drunken Sword Daoist said seriously.

"Now that you’re part of the Heaven’s Gate, your karma is also ours. As the sect master, I have the power to assist you—whether through force or negotiation!"

Lu Ye was surprised.

He had only joined Heaven’s Gate a few days ago, yet Drunken Sword Daoist was willing to say such things?

Truthfully, though Lu Ye didn’t feel particularly moved, if this was how Heaven’s Gate operated, it did stir a faint sense of belonging in him.

In his past life, they had been enemies—no proper interactions, just instant death upon meeting.

"No need. Dealing with them isn’t dangerous. Right now, your momentum is at its peak, your Dao resonance complete—it’s the perfect time for your tribulation. Don’t delay it for my sake," Lu Ye replied with a smile.

"Very well. Then I’ll pass the position of sect master to Lin Chuyue. From now on, the two of you will be the only ones in the Fourth Heaven’s Heaven’s Gate. I hope you’ll support each other," Drunken Sword Daoist said sincerely.

"Wasn’t I already the sect master?" Lin Chuyue interjected.

"That was a spiritual sect master. I’m the real one. Tilt your face over."

Lin Chuyue lifted her small face.

Drunken Sword Daoist pressed his fingers together and lightly tapped her forehead.

It was clear Lin Chuyue trusted him completely—the forehead was a vital point, and to expose it without hesitation showed absolute faith.

"Lu Ye, you’ve also repeatedly accomplished great deeds. By merit alone, you qualify for a Second Mark. Though we haven’t known each other long, I already consider you a friend. I’ll grant you the mark remotely—I hope you won’t take offense." After marking Lin Chuyue, Drunken Sword Daoist spoke to Lu Ye from a distance, yet as if there were none at all.

Lu Ye hesitated for a moment.

He had hidden his nine stripes, but if they were to be upgraded, they might be detected.

"Forget it, I'll do it myself!"

Drunken Sword Daoist???

Lin Chuyue???