Chapter 503 An Yuaner

"Nine Lives."

Merely two words, yet everyone, whether out of instinct or some magical influence, turned as one.

The voice carried an extraordinarily peculiar sensation, like a cloud of ink—mysterious, profound, and imbued with an allure that stirred the depths of one's soul.

This wasn’t some bewitching skill but rather the sheer timbre of the voice itself, eliciting an irresistible pull.

The crowd turned as one to look.

There, standing quietly, was a stunning young woman dressed in a gothic-style gown, predominantly black with gold accents and sheer tulle.

Her attire and features, however, were not the focus. Her aura was the true focus.

Forbidden, dark, seductive—it made one hesitant to meet her gaze, for doing so would summon uncontrollable shadows within oneself.

Yet, one couldn’t help but keep looking, driven by a compulsion to claim her.

She was like an endless abyss, daunting yet magnetic—what secrets lay hidden within its depths?

This sense of taboo and darkness was seamlessly fused with her essence, radiating an astonishing charm.

Amid such magnetism, even if her face were hideous, one would still find themselves enchanted.

And yet, this maiden’s beauty was nothing short of ethereal.

Her deep, amethyst eyes smoldered with depth, her delicate features flawlessly balanced, her alabaster skin, luminous as if an exquisitely crafted living doll.

Though not short in stature, she exuded fragility, as if one could effortlessly cradle her in their arms.

"Nine Lives, long time no see! Do you remember me? I’m An Yuaner!"

An Yuaner?

Lu Ye knew full well this was the Dark Origin—why pick such a name? Even the nickname "Little White" he’d given it sounded better.

Still, it had a certain whimsical charm.

"Why are you here?" Lu Ye asked.

Honestly, the Dark Origin’s current form was nearly identical to its original manifestation.

Whether living beings or other entities, the first form they casually assume is often the one that fits them best.

But occasional flashes of inspiration are usually flawed.

Now, the Dark Origin had refined and perfected that inspiration, polishing itself to perfection, ultimately achieving this level of presence.

Lu Ye marveled inwardly.

The current Dark Origin was truly formidable.

It didn’t possess Shen Xitong’s divine beauty—Shen Xitong could be sweet, fierce, or regal—but the Dark Origin had forged a style all its own.

"Because I thought of a way to help you grow stronger, so I hurried over to find you!" An Yuaner said cheerfully.

White Fox’s first rule: When visiting, always have a purpose—and ensure it serves the other’s interests.

Lu Ye wondered—a method to boost his power?

What method?

But too many eyes here—we’ll talk later.

"Alright, stay here by yourself. We'll talk after I finish the lecture."

"Sure, I'm not in a hurry at all. But... can I listen to your lecture?" An Yuaner stared at Lu Ye without blinking.

Lu Ye didn't mind. "Suit yourself."

An Yuaner nodded repeatedly.

Lu Ye stopped paying attention to the Dark Source and began preparing for the lecture.

The others kept stealing curious glances at An Yuaner—what was her deal with the Sect Master?

Wasn’t the Sect Master known for keeping women at arm’s length?

But the way she gazed at him? Pure heart-eyes.

A woman this mesmerizing—how’d she stay under the radar in the Sixth Heaven?

Someone like her? One look and you’re hooked.

Someone like her couldn’t possibly remain unknown in the Sixth Heaven.

When Lu Ye settled onto the dais, the disciples of Heaven's Gate steadied their minds, adjusting their states to fully receive his teachings.

An Yuaner found a spot and sat down as well.

A ten-foot bubble around her—nobody dared step closer.

Because getting near sent their hearts into overdrive.

"My bad for putting this off—got caught up in training. Let me begin by making it up to you." Lu Ye opened the lecture with an apology.

"Not long ago, the Trial of the Four Spirits opened, and I underwent their trials. During the Azure Dragon’s challenge, we sparred over the Dao—no winners, no losers. Today, I will share that process with you, hoping it brings some enlightenment."

Lu Ye wasn’t much of a talker usually.

But when it came to lecturing or discussing the Dao, his words flowed freely.

It was like grilling a nerd about their obsession—ask them about anything else, and they might not utter a word, but bring up their expertise, and suddenly they won’t shut up.

Once he started lecturing, Lu Ye was in his element—smooth, assured.

This was the first time the Dark Source had seen him in such a state—radiant, his eyes shining, as if he alone stood supreme between heaven and earth, in a league of his own.

Damn… since when was he this magnetic?

An Yuaner couldn’t care less about the content of Lu Ye’s lecture—she wasn’t cultivating it anyway.

But the way he carried himself? Spellbinding!

As the lecture deepened, the Great Dao resonated. The sky blushed with dawn-like hues, and the wilds burst back to life.

Heaven's Gate's spirit beasts, as well as the plants and insects, all hung on every word, entranced.

In a very short time, all the cultivators of Tianmen entered sudden enlightenment.

Some began to breakthrough in cultivation immediately, completely unaware of it.

Even the Darkness Origin was utterly mesmerized.

The sermon lasted a full three days, and Taoist Qingxuan's aura had reached the absolute peak.

By now, his chances of successfully surviving the heavenly tribulation should have risen to ninety percent.

Ninety-eight percent might be unattainable, but ninety-two percent seems about right.

"Sect Leader, I must undergo my heavenly trial—I can't hold back any longer," Taoist Qingxuan said urgently.

"Let’s go. I’ll accompany you!"

With a wave of his hand, Lu Ye and Qingxuan vanished, reappearing instantly at Tianmen’s exclusive tribulation platform.

The moment Taoist Qingxuan arrived, a deafening thunderclap erupted in the sky.

Lu Ye’s form vanished instantly.

An Yuaner appeared beside Lu Ye.

He glanced at her. "What did you mean when you said you had a way to help me improve my strength?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. Yin Qingcheng has already claimed all the unclaimed resources in the Sixth Heaven. Since you won’t indiscriminately kill innocents or seize opportunities by force, I can take you to the outer realms. Out there, I know of untold treasures—enough to advance your cultivation for a long, long time."

Lu Ye couldn't hide his disappointment.

Is that all?

"The outer realms are too dangerous. There’s definitely more than one Emperor out there—perhaps even a Celestial Lord keeping tabs on me."

"But I’m here! Though I’m not as powerful as Providence, I possess many techniques beneath its notice. If I conceal your aura and alter your identity, even a Celestial Lord won’t pierce through or track you."

Lu Ye fell into deep thought.

The outer realms...

Indeed held countless unclaimed treasures.

He was genuinely tempted.