TDG : rise of shadow army

Shen Yue walked over to Ye Ziyun and said, "Ziyun, why don't we set up camp together? That way, I can protect you."

"That's not necessary!" Ye Ziyun's snow-white face showed traces of displeasure. She didn't want to camp with Shen Yue. Ever since the last incident, her opinion of Shen Yue had plummeted further and further.

Ye Ziyun chose a spot and camped with several other girls. Although Nie Li wanted to camp with Ye Ziyun, he wasn't invited, just like Shen Yue. So, Nie Li found a more isolated spot and set up camp under the shade of a tree alongside his good brother.

The night deepened, and the forest buzzed with the sound of insects.

Drifting into his thoughts, Nie Li recalled the past. He wondered how his family was doing. Though he longed to return and visit his parents and loved ones, he endured the feeling. The Holy Orchid Institute was a boarding school—except for members of the main and noble families, any student who secretly returned home would be punished. Furthermore, if his family found out that he had snuck out of school, they would punish him severely as well.

It was only after the two-month test that students would have about a month to return home and reunite with their families.

Turning to Chan Wei, he asked, "Brother, do you have family waiting for you?"

"Yes, even though my parents are no longer here, I still have my maternal grandparents as well as a little brother and a little sister. They're currently living with the Huyan family and can live peacefully thanks to their contributions. I also provided them with a million demon spirit coins to support them and make it easier for my brother and sister to enroll in the institute."

"That's true. One must never forget their loved ones," Nie Li said, sinking into his memories.

Before the destruction of Glory City, even though Nie Li's family struggled economically and lived in a difficult situation, they still managed to get by day by day.

Thinking of the scenes of Glory City's destruction, Nie Li clenched his fists tightly. In just a few years, Glory City would be overrun by the madness of demon beast attacks. He had to become a super expert before that happened—at least reaching the Black Gold rank or even the Legend rank. Only then could he help Glory City avoid its impending crisis.

Time was of the essence, but he wanted to follow his plan, improving step by step. Fortunately, in this life, with the help of Chan Wei, Du Ze, Lu Piao, Ning'er, and Ziyun, the chances of victory had significantly increased.

The next thing he needed to do was obtain that Spirit Lamp! That lamp was essential for his future training! But thinking about it, perhaps his brother could refine the beast first—maybe obtaining one of its abilities would transform it into an even stronger Yin-enhanced mutation. Nie Li continued imagining various scenarios regarding Chan Wei's abilities.

Regaining his composure, Nie Li sat under the tree's shade, operating his soul realm. His soul realm seemed to contain something hidden, which made Nie Li extremely curious. In his previous life, he had never experienced this kind of feeling while cultivating. But with his current cultivation level, he was still unable to explore the depths of his soul realm.

The soul realm was originally misty, without a real form. As Nie Li's soul force strengthened, the soul realm glowed faintly with a cyan light, slowly forming into a spherical shape.

With deeper cultivation and the continued strengthening of his soul force, the shape of the soul realm would begin to undergo changes, as the [Heavenly God Technique] gradually took effect.

A dead silence filled the night.

At this moment, within the Winged Dragon Family in Glory City…

At this moment, Xiao Ning'er was quietly looking out the window. At noon, she had received a gesture of affection from Chan Wei, and since then, she had been struggling to calm herself.

Since practicing the Lightning Winged Dragon Technique, there was no longer any trace of illness in her body.

Xiao Ning'er had learned that Nie Li and Chan Wei had gone to explore with Chen Linjian's group and that Ye Ziyun had also gone with them. Xiao Ning'er felt a slight resentment. Why didn't Chan Wei take me with him? But she reminded herself that he hadn't decided who would go—if he had, he would have surely asked her to accompany him.

Fortunately, the little Kyu was keeping her company. She gently scratched his chin while he purred in comfort. During her cultivation, the small wolf pup lay between her legs while she meditated. Interestingly, after these sessions, faint streaks of lightning flickered across Kyu's fur.

Suddenly, a hurried voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Miss, the Master has summoned you to the main hall!" A servant rushed in, speaking in an anxious tone.

Xiao Ning'er frowned, unsure of what was happening. She got up and headed toward the main hall, gently placing little Kyu in her bed and telling him to stay with a soft scratch behind his ears.

Main Hall of the Winged Dragon Family

The head of the Winged Dragon Family, Xiao Yunfeng, was currently seated at the main seat in the hall. Seated along the two columns beside him were a total of six middle-aged men—his cousins and elders of the Winged Dragon Family.

"Father, is there a reason why you called for me?" Xiao Ning'er asked as she bowed slightly toward Xiao Yunfeng. Her gaze then shifted toward the six elders. Meanwhile, little Kyu, not wanting to disobey Chan Wei's orders, ended up staying in Ning'er's arms.

"We called you here because we need to ask you something," Xiao Yunfeng said, his expression somewhat displeased. Xiao Ning'er immediately understood—this was the work of her uncles. Since they had become part of the Winged Dragon Family's leadership, they had not been on good terms with Xiao Yunfeng.

One of the elders, Xiao Yi, let out a slight chuckle and spoke, "Niece Ning'er, I heard that the Inscriptionist Association has been making important payments through you, and that you've also been delivering inscription scrolls on behalf of someone. Surely, it would be easy for you to claim a portion of that wealth and recognition?"

Hearing Xiao Yi's words, Xiao Ning'er immediately understood what was happening. He must have heard about the large sums of money she had been handling, and now he was pressuring her father to take a share of it!

Xiao Yunfeng's face showed clear dissatisfaction. No matter what Xiao Ning'er did, this was a personal matter—it had nothing to do with the family. Furthermore, the Inscriptionist Association was not an entity the Winged Dragon Family could afford to offend.

But Xiao Yi was persistent. He was determined to force Xiao Ning'er to give up a portion of her earnings and status.

Standing proudly, Xiao Ning'er responded with a firm expression, "Elder Xiao Yi, if I were to claim money or credit for myself and this matter were to reach the ears of the Inscriptionist Association, I'm not sure what consequences would follow."

"You…!" Xiao Yi had never expected Xiao Ning'er—who was usually soft-spoken—to refuse him so directly.

Just then, little Kyu let out a low growl, his fur bristling as dark electric currents flickered across his body. He only calmed down after Xiao Ning'er gently patted his head.

"What is this demon beast doing in the main hall?" Xiao Yi finally noticed the small wolf.

"The Inscriptionist Association asked me to take care of him," Xiao Ning'er declared directly, preventing her uncle from having any wrong ideas about the little wolf.

Xiao Yi immediately diverted his attention. If it was something given by the Inscriptionist Association, then it was not something to be touched carelessly.

What Xiao Yi didn't realize was that within the Winged Dragon Family, Xiao Ning'er had always been seen as submissive. However, after spending time with Chan Wei, subtle yet significant changes had occurred in her heart. Chan Wei had taught her an important lesson: When faced with injustice, one must stand up and fight!

Xiao Yunfeng felt rather pleased upon hearing Xiao Ning'er's words. He then turned toward Xiao Yi and said, "Elder Xiao Yi, what Ning'er said is correct. I believe this matter is not an obligation of the family!"

Xiao Yi refused to give up and pressed further: "This matter is not just a small issue! The money involved already amounts to millions of demon spirit coins. With it, we could ease the family's financial crisis and break free from the Sacred Family's control."

Xiao Yi then turned toward Xiao Ning'er and tried to tempt her: "If you contribute that money to the family, then, Niece Ning'er, you will no longer need to marry Shen Fei!"

The truth was, Xiao Yi had no real intention of stopping the arranged marriage. Whether Ning'er married Shen Fei or not was not their decision to make—it was entirely up to the Sacred Family.

The five other elders hesitated. Should they risk offending one of the two great powers of Glory City just for a few million PED? Moreover, the fact that this commoner—Chan Wei—likely had a powerful master only made things more complicated.

Seeing the situation unfold, Xiao Yunfeng cast a guilty glance at Xiao Ning'er and sighed.

A wave of grievance surged in Xiao Ning'er's heart. Why was she always the one sacrificed whenever the family faced difficulties? Where were the others when sacrifices needed to be made?

Fortunately, Chan Wei had left her with protection measures, and he had also instructed her to bluff about her master's abilities. "I have already delivered the payment. Moreover, the Winged Dragon Family should not provoke an expert capable of creating legendary-rank inscription scrolls," she said firmly.

"What?" Xiao Yi's face immediately turned ugly.

Xiao Yunfeng turned to Xiao Ning'er and asked, "Ning'er, is this true?"

"Yes," Xiao Ning'er nodded calmly. "It's the truth. His disciple can already refine and create gold-rank inscription scrolls, so his master is certainly no ordinary figure. I have even seen a legendary-rank scroll that his master gave him for protection."

Xiao Yi's expression darkened. "What is your friend's name, and where is he from?"

"I can tell you, but he is under the protection of the Inscriptionist Association, which is actively trying to establish closer ties with his master!" Xiao Ning'er stated solemnly. She had already decided that Chan Wei was everything to her, and she would not reveal his name to just anyone.

Xiao Yi gave Xiao Ning'er a cold stare. "Couldn't this just be an excuse? Even if he has a legendary-rank scroll, he wouldn't have the time to use it!" Xiao Yi then glanced toward Xiao Yunfeng. This father and daughter are definitely hiding something!

Xiao Ning'er's eyebrows furrowed slightly as she met Xiao Yi's gaze and said coldly, "Uncle, aren't you overstepping your bounds? Are you trying to make an enemy of the Inscriptionist Association?"

"I, Xiao Ning'er, swear to the heavens that every word I've spoken is absolutely true!"

Hearing her solemn declaration, Xiao Yi felt slightly convinced—after all, he knew Xiao Ning'er's personality well.

Still, Xiao Yi continued, "We need to verify the other party's origins! Only then can we determine what benefits the Winged Dragon Family can gain."

Xiao Yi let out a slight sneer and added, "If the other party has no real background, that doesn't necessarily mean we can't try to take advantage of them!"

Hearing Xiao Yi's words, Xiao Ning'er's anger began to rise.

The [Thunder-Winged Dragon Technique] within Xiao Ning'er could no longer be suppressed and began to operate. Her soul realm trembled continuously, faint sounds of wind and thunder echoing through the air. A cyan light suddenly burst into the sky, and a powerful aura spread in all four directions. In an instant, affected by intense emotion, Xiao Ning'er's soul force surged, and her soul realm seemed to be transforming.

At the same time, the small wolf in her arms also began to change. Its fur started turning jet black, with white and golden patterns coursing through it, crackling with black lightning.

"What is happening? What is happening to Ning'er? And what is that wolf she's holding?" Xiao Yunfeng's eyes widened as he looked at Xiao Ning'er in shock. How could she possess such an overwhelming soul force? Even as a Gold-rank Demon Spiritualist, he felt pressured by the immense energy she was emitting! Xiao Yi also looked at Xiao Ning'er in utter astonishment.

What kind of cultivation technique had she been practicing? Such an intense soul force couldn't belong to someone who had just entered the Bronze-rank. Beams of light radiated outward in four directions from Xiao Ning'er, and one of them connected with Kyu, forming a bond between them.

Her soul force swirled around her like ribbons of light, making her appear almost sacred, as if she were a celestial fairy descending from the heavens. As the energy condensed, it gradually gathered behind Xiao Ning'er, forming a pair of translucent wings.

Simultaneously, a layer of shimmering scales appeared on Kyu's body, replacing its fur. The once small wolf cub now resembled a miniature dragon, with golden and black lightning flickering across its body.

"Soul Formation!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Xiao Yi and the six elders all rose from their seats, their faces filled with shock.

Even Xiao Yunfeng was speechless at what was unfolding before his eyes. He never expected his daughter's cultivation to advance so rapidly.

She had actually reached the level of Soul Formation!

Soul Formation

This phenomenon occurs only when one's soul force reaches an unparalleled level of purity!

Among ten Gold-rank demon spiritualists, it is rare for even one to awaken Soul Formation.

However, once a demon spiritualist acquires this ability, their soul force becomes exceptionally powerful. Their future potential would at least be at the Black Gold-rank or higher, with even the possibility of reaching the Legendary-rank!

Xiao Ning'er lifted her gaze, her icy cold eyes locking onto Xiao Yi, and she spoke with absolute conviction:

"The person who entrusted me with this knowledge is my benefactor."

"ROAR!"

Kyu suddenly let out a powerful roar, unleashing a wave of soul energy equivalent to a Silver-rank demon beast.

Now deeply connected with Ning'er, Kyu could feel her anger toward her uncle and responded accordingly.

Xiao Ning'er's expression was resolute, and her voice as cold as ice, piercing straight into the hearts of everyone present.

"If my uncle intends to harm him in any way, then even if my cultivation is far below yours, I will fight with my life to stop you!"

Her arms tightened protectively around Kyu, holding him close, as if afraid that something might happen to him.

Reaching Soul Formation at the Bronze-rank was proof that Xiao Ning'er's talent had reached an unimaginable level. Moreover, she was only 13 years old—what would she become in just a few years? At this rate, she could reach the Gold-rank or even higher in the near future!

Xiao Yi shuddered.

According to the family rules, now that Xiao Ning'er had demonstrated Soul Formation, her position in the family would immediately surpass even that of Xiao Yunfeng!

The ancestral teachings of the Winged Dragon Family stated that, no matter the circumstances, the status of a martial genius within the family was of utmost importance.

If a Cyan or Azure Soul Realm appeared, the family would spare no effort in nurturing them, as such talents were crucial in elevating the family to the peak of its glory!

Even though Xiao Ning'er only had a Green Soul Realm, the fact that she could achieve Soul Formation with it made her rarer than those with a Cyan Soul Realm!

Throughout history, there had been many Demon Spiritualists with Cyan Soul Realms, but most of them remained unknown.

Only about one in ten successfully reached higher ranks.

However, those capable of Soul Formation were different—they were guaranteed to reach at least the Gold-rank!

Once the family confirmed that a young member was a true genius, the entire family would make every effort to pave the way for them—no matter the cost!

The elders exchanged glances, and even the two who had previously opposed Xiao Yunfeng now had no choice but to agree with him.

"Ning'er is only at the Bronze-rank and can already form a Soul? Her future achievements will be extraordinary! Congratulations, Master of the House! Congratulations, Ning'er! Our Winged Dragon Family will finally have its time to shine!"

Even the elders who had initially supported Xiao Yi in pressuring Ning'er were now beaming with joy and showering her with praises.

The talent that Xiao Ning'er displayed was simply too astonishing.

No one could predict just how far she would go.

Hearing these sudden words of praise, Xiao Yunfeng felt immensely relieved and burst into joyful laughter.

"What about the marriage agreement with the Sacred Family?" Xiao Yi muttered under his breath.

Since Xiao Yunfeng only had one daughter, if Xiao Ning'er were married off to the Sacred Family, then Xiao Yi would have the opportunity to seize the position of the family head.

But now, things were not going as he had expected.

"Xiao Yi, are you really suggesting that we hand over the only genius of our younger generation—our key to reclaiming the family's former glory—to the Sacred Family?"

One of the elders rebuked sharply.

If Xiao Ning'er were married to the Sacred Family, she would become one of their people, completely cutting ties with the Winged Dragon Family.

Thus, they absolutely could not let this happen.

Xiao Yi felt utterly defeated.

He had gathered several elders in an attempt to overthrow Xiao Yunfeng and take the position of Family Head.

But after Xiao Ning'er's shocking display of talent, those same elders had all sided with Xiao Yunfeng instead.

"With the incredible potential Ning'er has shown, how could this possibly compare to a mere few million Spirit Demon Coins?"

Another elder chuckled.

Xiao Ning'er was slightly surprised by the sudden shift in the elders' attitudes.

Earlier, due to the overwhelming emotions she had felt, her soul force had accidentally surged, causing her to break through and achieve Soul Formation.

Without the [Thunder-Winged Dragon Technique], she definitely would not have been able to unleash the full potential of her soul realm!

Even among those who practiced the [Thunder-Winged Dragon Technique], the chances of achieving Soul Formation were incredibly rare.

She took a moment to observe the wolf in her embrace, though it would be more accurate to call it a draconic wolf. Aside from its wolf-like form, it resembled a dragon, with two small white horns atop its head.

One could say that Xiao Ning'er had received an unexpected blessing. She felt even more grateful to Nie Li for this cultivation technique. Without him, she had no idea what her situation would have been, even though she might have been able to seek help from the Inscriptionist Association thanks to Chan Wei.

"As for the Sacred Family, we still can't afford to go against them directly. There are still two years left before the engagement deadline, so we will delay it for now. Don't worry!" Xiao Yunfeng laughed proudly. Although he was the head of the family, he had long been pressured by several elders. But today, he could finally breathe easy—Ning'er had not disappointed him.

"Ning'er, what is your current soul force?" Xiao Yunfeng asked."The last time I tested it, it was 364," Xiao Ning'er replied. It seemed that after forming an empowered soul, her soul force had become even stronger."Take out the soul crystal and test it again!"

Xiao Yunfeng smiled slightly. Xiao Ning'er retrieved the soul crystal and injected her soul force into it. However, the primary soul crystal shattered upon receiving the energy.

"Soul force above 500?!"

Whether it was Xiao Yunfeng or the other elders, they were all stunned. Just a few days ago, Xiao Ning'er's soul force had been 362, which had already surprised him since it meant she had reached Bronze 3-star without his knowledge. And now, in just a few days, she had reached the Silver rank?

Already at Silver rank? "She truly deserves to be the genius who has comprehended soul formation!"

The group of elders was both shocked and delighted, except for Xiao Yi, whose expression remained dark. Xiao Ning'er was also taken aback by the results.

She had never imagined that her soul force would increase so quickly. With this, the elders of the family would no longer be able to force her into marriage with the Sacred Family. Thinking again about how all of this was thanks to Chan Wei and Nie Li, her heart warmed. Remembering everything Chan Wei had done for her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of sweetness deep inside. Xiao Ning'er held Kyu tightly before returning to her room.

She had to keep working hard! Only by becoming strong enough could she rid herself of the pressure from the Sacred Family and escape marriage to Shen Fei!

Chan Wei is waiting for me.

(Author's note: A bit of pushing, but it works. Tomorrow, I'll see if I can send two more chapters. Have a good evening, and attached is an image of Kyu.)