Chapter 82: Southeastern Fortress, A Special Challenge!
Seeing Cai'er's expression, Ye Ling didn't hesitate and immediately turned his head to the side.
However, instead of following her lead to return a kiss, he reached out and gently pinched her cheeks, then softly squeezed her small lips before patting her head. His movements were tender and careful, yet he had no intention of kissing her back.
Then, he spoke seriously, "Cai'er, you're still too young. You can't do such things yet, not even with me."
Hearing this, a hint of helplessness crossed Cai'er's face. She pouted and asked, "Then why can Sister Xin do it, but I can't?"
"I was the one forcefully kissed by Sister Xin. If you're asking me, who should I ask?" Ye Ling replied helplessly, then added, "Besides, Sister Xin is already an adult, so it's fine for her. But you can't—not until you're grown up."
Ye Ling's words left Cai'er a little disheartened.
On the Holy Demon Continent, adulthood began at sixteen.
Right now, Cai'er was only twelve or thirteen, still a few years away.
Thinking of that, she sighed softly. She didn't really understand what it meant, but after seeing Li Xin do it, she couldn't help feeling curious. Still, since Ye Ling had spoken so firmly, she didn't argue and instead nodded seriously. "Understood, Brother Ye Ling."
Of course, Cai'er's mind was clever and mischievous. If Ye Ling refused now, she could always sneak one later.
A playful glint flashed across her lips at that thought.
Ye Ling didn't notice any of this. Instead, he was quietly thinking about when he might find a chance to return the kiss to Li Xin.
Of course, that could wait for later.
Soon after, Ye Ling collected his thoughts, looked at Cai'er, and held her hand. "That's enough. Let's go—time to head for the Southeastern Fortress. We'll discuss other matters on the way."
Cai'er nodded without another word, following him as they left the place together.
Another month passed.
After many twists and turns, they finally arrived at the Southeastern Fortress.
This was the domain of the Warrior Temple.
It was one of humanity's six most important strongholds, each protected by one of the temples that formed the Temple Alliance—symbolizing humanity's unified will to defend against the darkness.
The Knight Temple guarded the Yulong Pass. It was the head of the Temple Alliance, home to knights who wielded Divine Thrones and light-based spiritual power.
The Assassin Temple, also known as the Spiritual Temple, guarded the Demon Expulsion Pass. It trained assassins skilled in stealth and silent killing, with its most elite known as the Scions of Samsara.
The Mage Temple guarded the Jialing Pass, where mages of elemental and arcane mastery rose through ranks from Mage's Assistant to Magic Regiment Leader.
The Warrior Temple guarded the Southeastern Fortress, home to Shield Warriors and Berserkers—those who embodied the pinnacle of physical strength and defense.
The Priest Temple guarded the Southern Suppression Pass, home to healers and support specialists who wielded holy magic to restore and bless their allies.
The Summoner Temple guarded the Myriad Beast Pass, where summoners commanded spiritual familiars and bound creatures, controlling the battlefield through their summoned entities.
Before long, Ye Ling led Cai'er toward the fortress gates.
The soldiers stationed there didn't recognize them. They raised their weapons, blocking their path.
"Hold it! Who are you two?"
"You don't look like warriors. Where did you come from?"
"Are you demons in disguise?"
These guards weren't particularly strong—most were merely Third Rank warriors.
Though Ye Ling and Cai'er had concealed their auras, their strength was still immense, and the guards could tell they were far beyond their level.
Yet despite knowing they stood no chance, the soldiers remained steadfast, performing their duty with unwavering resolve—even if it meant death.
This was the spirit of a true warrior—full of conviction and duty.
"We are from the Knight Temple's branch in Haoyue City, invited by Wang Yuanyuan. Please verify our credentials by confirming with her," Ye Ling said earnestly.
His tone was calm and respectful, without arrogance or submission. Hearing this, the guarding warriors relaxed slightly and sent someone to fetch Wang Yuanyuan.
Ten minutes later, Wang Yuanyuan arrived in full armor. Her presence was valiant, her aura powerful, and her armor stained with blood—as though she had just come from battle.
"Ye Ling, you've arrived," Wang Yuanyuan said, a hint of delight flashing across her face as she smiled at Ye Ling and Cai'er.
She was extremely competitive, especially since Ye Ling had defeated her countless times before—and even Cai'er had bested her once. Since then, she had been trying in every way possible to win back her pride.
"Wang Yuanyuan, are they the ones you summoned?" one of the warriors guarding the gate asked calmly.
His tone remained neutral, strictly professional—just as his duty required.
"They are indeed my guests," Wang Yuanyuan replied with a nod.
"In that case, they may enter. But according to regulations, if anything happens to them here, all responsibility falls on you," the guard stated firmly.
Wang Yuanyuan nodded without objection. They were warriors—soldiers. Duty always came before all else.
"So, what exactly are you planning this time?" Ye Ling asked curiously.
Wang Yuanyuan didn't answer immediately. She simply led them up the fortress wall, her demeanor composed.
"Simple," she said lightly. "Demon slaying."
"The Warrior Temple oversees the Southeastern Fortress, and this place is constantly under attack by the demon race. Lately, the assaults have grown even more ferocious. I invited you here to rely on your strength to suppress these demons—and, of course, to see who among us can slay more."
"After all, when we eventually join the Demon Hunting Corps, this kind of competition will be routine."
She smiled confidently, her tone brimming with pride. "Of course, I doubt your performance on the battlefield will surpass mine."
Her words carried both confidence and challenge. Because of her background, Wang Yuanyuan had been killing demons since childhood. Though she spoke calmly with Ye Ling now, once she stepped onto the battlefield, everything changed.
When it came to fighting demons, Wang Yuanyuan was ruthless—utterly unrestrained.
"We'll see about that once we're out there," Ye Ling shrugged, not taking it too seriously. He followed her lead and entered the Warrior Temple.
As soon as he stepped inside, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Host has arrived at a special region: Warrior Temple of the Southeastern Fortress. Sign-in available.]
"Sign in," Ye Ling commanded silently.
[Sign-in successful. Rewards: Golden Dragon King Bloodline (Final Nine Layers) and Ten-Thousand-Year Celestial Chrysanthemum.]
"I knew the remaining nine layers would be here," Ye Ling murmured to himself. "But the Celestial Chrysanthemum—now that's a pleasant surprise."
The Ten-Thousand-Year Celestial Chrysanthemum was a divine herb of immense power, strengthening the body to an indestructible degree.
Combined with his Golden Dragon King bloodline, consuming it would make his physical strength grow exponentially—far beyond simple addition.
Soon, under Wang Yuanyuan's command, they ascended the fortress walls of the Southeastern Stronghold, where countless warriors were already engaged in fierce battle against the invading demons.
(End of Chapter)
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