"5th Step: Transparent Stage. This is your uncle's realm."
Su Daoxuan formed a new set of hand seals, his movements were precise and effortless.
A thunder dragon took shape in the air.
Its body was translucent like flowing glass, yet lightning surged endlessly within it. When it opened its mouth, a deep roar spread across the training grounds, shaking the earth beneath their feet.
The dragon moved slowly at first, circling above Su Ye while keeping its gaze locked onto him. Its movements were deliberate, like a living creature observing its prey before striking.
Su Ye raised his head, his crimson eyes reflecting the dragon's massive form.
Even through the Yin Devouring Armor, he could feel the pressure it emitted. Every movement of the dragon caused the air to tremble, and as it drew closer, a low vibration spread through his body, making his stomach churn.
It felt as though the sound itself was striking him from within.
The dragon suddenly coiled its body tightly and then released itself forward.
It shot toward Su Ye.
Before it even reached him, the pressure alone forced his body backward. His feet scraped against the ground, leaving deep marks in the stone as he struggled to hold his position.
Just as he was about to lose balance, black chains burst out from his back.
They shot into the ground and anchored themselves firmly, spreading like roots beneath the earth and stabilizing his body.
The dragon collided with him.
The moment it touched the Yin Devouring Aura, its massive form began to dissolve. Lightning scattered and faded as if it had never existed.
Within a breath, the entire dragon vanished.
Su Daoxuan watched the scene and scratched the back of his head.
"Even this didn't work."
Su Ye floated down and landed on the floor. Looking at Su Daoxuan from below, he looked almost tired.
Su Daoxuan let out a slow breath.
"I don't think there is any point in testing further. The Yin Devouring Aura can neutralize attacks and even adapt to threats. This is the first time I have seen such a terrifying ability. At this level, there is almost nothing that can penetrate it."
He paused, then his eyes lit up slightly.
"Take the armor off."
Su Ye nodded. With a single thought, the Yin Devouring Aura receded back into his body, leaving him standing there without protection.
"What now?"
"Think fast."
"What—"
Before Su Ye could finish speaking, Su Daoxuan flicked his fingers.
An invisible sword cut through the air.
Leaves drifting between them were silently split in half, their edges were so clean it was as if they had been separated by space itself.
Su Ye had no time to react.
Su Daoxuan smiled faintly, but his eyes were calm and emotionless as they reflected Su Ye's figure.
In that instant, the Yin Devouring Aura surged out on its own.
It formed a thin layer in front of Su Ye and blocked the attack.
CLANG!
Only then did Su Ye realize something had happened.
He stared at the aura in front of him, his brows slightly furrowed.
"W-what just happened? I didn't call it out."
Su Daoxuan lowered his hand and spoke calmly.
"I just launched an invisible attack. Unless someone is at my level, they would not even perceive it, let alone react to it. There was no killing intent behind it, so why did your aura move on its own?"
He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
"I'll try illusions and charms next."
Su Ye nodded.
Su Daoxuan raised his palm toward him and activated several techniques at once.
A few moments passed. Nothing changed.
The wind continued to blow quietly across the training grounds.
"...I'm ready," Su Ye said.
Su Daoxuan shrugged.
"I already tried. None of it worked."
Su Ye frowned.
"You did? I didn't feel anything."
"Of course you didn't," Su Daoxuan said with a faint smile. "Illusions and charm techniques rely on spiritual qi. The moment that energy comes into contact with you, it was erased completely."
He paused slightly.
"The downside is obvious. You cannot cultivate using spiritual qi, and you cannot heal through conventional methods either. If you come across some sort of method that negates your Yin Devouring Aura, you'll be like a sheep for the killing."
Su Ye fell silent.
His gaze lowered slightly as his thoughts turned inward.
If he could not cultivate, then how would he grow stronger?
If he could not grow stronger, then how would he take revenge?
His hands slowly clenched.
There had to be a way.
There was always a way.
He stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Patriarch, thank you for the test."
When he raised his head again, his crimson eyes were steady.
"I want to use this power… to take revenge."