With the immortal fire transforming his body, two newly acquired high-level Earth-grade techniques, and a high human-grade sword, Long Nian's combat power could now rival that of a second-level Innate Realm master!
If this news were to spread, it would shock the entire Long family!
This breakthrough marked a complete transformation. His talent now far surpassed anything he had shown before—he had become truly fearsome.
In addition to Long Nian, three of the Long family elders had successfully advanced to the Spirit Purification Realm, aided by the Spirit Purification Pills.
Even the grand elder, Long Outing, had reached this realm a month prior.
As of today, the Long family boasted twenty-four cultivators in the Spirit Purification Realm!
Among them, Grand Elder Long Outing had already reached the sixth level, breaking past his bottleneck thanks to the pill's potent effects.
The three other elders were at the fifth level, while the remaining twenty clan members ranged from first to fourth level.
The Long family had not only destroyed the four major families of Star City but had also produced a formidable group of Spirit Purification cultivators, along with a monstrous genius like Long Nian, whose power was equal to that of an Innate Realm cultivator—even though he hadn't formally entered that realm yet.
This surge in strength stirred joy and celebration among the Long family.
They initially planned a private banquet, but when the grand elder refused, Long Chen waved it off and overruled the decision.
He ordered a grand banquet to be held—open to all major families in Star City.
Invitations were sent widely. Given the Long family's rising dominance—and the fate of the four fallen families—no clan dared decline.
That night, clan heads from across Star City arrived bearing generous gifts, eager to align themselves with the Long family.
During the banquet, one thing became clear: the small families fully pledged their loyalty to Long Chen.
That night, the Long family officially became the ruling power of Star City.
When the banquet ended, news spread quickly. Word of the breakthroughs within the Long family—from elders to ordinary disciples—shook the city once more.
Many sighed in awe at the Long family's rise.
Some, especially those with ties to the fallen families, secretly cursed their misfortune. Why did the Long family advance so quickly?
Yet none dared speak aloud. With the small clans now under Long Chen's banner, even casual complaints could bring disaster.
As for City Lord Ji Xuan? He pretended nothing was happening.
Now that his life was essentially in the Long family's hands, he chose silence over confrontation.
Under the blazing midday sun, in the patriarch's room of the Long family—
Long Chen sat cross-legged, eyes closed.
His pores were open wide, drawing in vast waves of spiritual energy. His body radiated divine light, full of Taoist charm.
He looked like a black hole, madly absorbing aura from his surroundings.
Suddenly, his body stilled.
His eyes shot open—gleaming with power.
He had completed the tenth level of the Innate Realm!
Looking at his palms, Long Chen felt an overwhelming surge of energy and couldn't help but smile.
Thanks to his rapid cultivation rate and the Innate Qi Pills purchased from the system, he had broken through four sub-realms in a month!
Whenever he felt mentally drained, he would take an Innate Qi Pill, replenishing his energy instantly, then resume cultivating both the Heavenly Body Purification Technique and the Chaos Technique in a continuous cycle.
And that wasn't all—
He had also reached the third level of sword intent, and perfected his Ten Thousand Swords Art.
Judging by his current strength, even opponents in the Spirit Expansion Realm would fall before him!
Just as he was savoring the surge of power—
Knock knock...
A faint knock sounded at the door.
Long Chen stood up and said calmly, "Enter."
The door slowly opened.
Grand Elder Long Outing stepped in, leading an old man with graying hair and a tense expression.
The elder bowed deeply. "Greetings, Patriarch."
Suddenly, the old man behind him fell to his knees with a loud crack.
"Patriarch! Please deliver justice!"
Long Chen raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter?"
The man tried to speak, but nerves choked his voice.
Seeing this, the grand elder quickly explained, "This is Long Hongwen, former head of the Long family's Cloud City branch."
Long Chen's eyes flickered with recognition.
Decades ago, the Long clan had split, with some members founding branches in other cities—Cloud City being one of them.
They hadn't been in contact for years. For someone from a long-separated branch to come here now and beg for justice… Something serious must have happened.
Calmly, Long Chen said, "No need to be afraid. We may have lived apart, but we are still one family. If someone has wronged you, it is only right that I intervene."
Long Hongwen took a deep breath and finally calmed down.
Clenching his fists, he spoke:
"The Nalan family has gone too far! Please, Patriarch—bring justice for my Yan'er!"
As Long Hongwen began to explain, Long Chen quietly listened, his expression darkening.
It turned out that over a decade ago, Long Hongwen's son, Long Daoyun, had formed a strong bond with Nalan Sheng, heir to the powerful Nalan family in Cloud City.
After facing life-and-death trials together during an adventure, they became sworn brothers...