In those years when I was a mortal and a demon

On the pitch-black surface of the Demon Source Sea, a medium-sized, dark boat was slowly sailing, barely visible unless one looked closely.

The cabin was filled with stacks of top-grade spirit stones the size of fists. The two elders of the Ming Clan were surrounded by the spirit stones, quickly absorbing their spiritual energy to restore their depleted mana.

Lei Yunzi sat cross-legged to one side, seemingly protecting the two.

However, judging from his anxious expression and the fact that he kept looking out the window, he was clearly distracted.

Sure enough, after a short while, Lei Yunzi suddenly got up, walked out of the cabin, and stood at the bow, looking around.

However, looking out, the Demon Source Sea was vast and boundless, with dark clouds pressing down from below, meeting the black seawater at the horizon, making one feel as if they were in an endless dark abyss.

Coupled with the fact that there had been no news of the Grand Elder for a long time, Lei Yunzi's mood became increasingly heavy.

"Young Master, don't worry too much. Since the First Elder dared to cover the rear alone, he must have a way to escape." One of the two Ming Clan elders came out from the cabin and comforted him.

“That’s right. When we first entered the Demon Realm, even the Ancient Demon Saint Ancestor was shaken off by the Grand Elder. How could a few mere Demon Venerables possibly trap him?” Another person chimed in.

Lei Yunzi nodded slightly, but the worry in his eyes did not disappear. He said dejectedly, "This time when we entered the Ancient Demon Realm, Elders Minghui and Mingle fell one after another, and the Grand Elder is also nowhere to be found. With such great losses, we have not even seen a shadow of Lei Hai."

After sighing, Lei Yunzi's expression was full of helplessness and resentment.

The two elders exchanged a glance, both seeing solemnity in each other's eyes. For a moment, all three remained silent, while the small boat continued to move slowly forward on the dark sea.

"It's strange. As far as I know, Bitter Spirit Island was indeed guarded by the Ancient Demon Saint Ancestor in the past, but there has never been any guard on the outer Demon Source Sea. That's why the Ancestor only sent a few of us. As long as we don't go to Bitter Spirit Island, we won't be discovered at all." The elder who spoke first suddenly thought of something, and his face was full of doubt.

“That’s true. Although the Demon Source Sea suppresses us Spirit Realm cultivators very strongly, those ancient demons will definitely not fare much better against the lightning power in the dark clouds. I really don’t know what such a group of high-level beings are doing guarding a broken reef.” Another elder couldn’t help but frown.

Upon hearing this, Lei Yunzi's eyes flashed with a thoughtful expression. He looked up at the dark clouds in the low sky, where streaks of silver light flickered and the faint rumble of thunder could be heard.

Suddenly, Lei Yunzi spoke as if to himself, yet also as if to the two elders of his clan: "Could something have happened on Bitter Spirit Island? Normally, with the Ancient Demon Saint Ancestor guarding it, there's no need for a group of Nascent Soul level Demon Lords to guard the outside. But if the Ancient Demon Saint Ancestor is no longer on the island, then it makes sense for these ancient demons to be guarding the outside."

Both elders were taken aback upon hearing this, and then a look of horror flashed in their eyes.

"What you mean, young master, is that the ancient demon ancestor who guarded Bitter Spirit Island is no longer here, which is why these high-level ancient demons are patrolling the outer perimeter. Lei Hai is located on the outskirts of Bitter Spirit Island, and the Demon Ape Ridge is the only way to get to Bitter Spirit Island!"

"The Thunder Control Pearl, the Spirit Cleansing Pool on Bitter Spirit Island, and the Spirit Purifying Lotus—each one is considered a heaven-defying opportunity, worth the gamble!" A glint flashed in Lei Yunzi's eyes, clearly indicating that he had made up his mind.

"Young Master, you mustn't!"

"The Demon Ape Ridge is guarded by so many high-level ancient demons. We have already suffered a great loss. Now that the Grand Elder is not here, going back would be no different from suicide."

"The Grand Elder's orders are very clear: we must return to the mainland and wait for him. As for whether to return to the Spirit Realm, we must listen to his opinion. Young Master, you must not take any risks."

The two elders of the Ming Clan naturally understood Lei Yunzi's thoughts and quickly stopped him with solemn expressions.

Lei Yunzi took a deep breath and slowly said, "I understand your concerns, but if we miss this opportunity, our trip will be completely worthless. Besides, although the Demon Ape Mountain is guarded by an ancient demon, I won't be foolish enough to force my way through."

"That won't do either. We must wait for the Grand Elder to return before making a decision!"

The two elders of the Ming Clan were resolute. While speaking, they simultaneously attacked Lei Yunzi, trying to subdue him first.

They knew this young master too well; they knew that once he made a decision, there was no way to dissuade him.

But Lei Yunzi was clearly prepared. The moment the two elders made their move, lightning flashed on his crimson wings, and he transformed into a terrifying bolt of lightning, disappearing into the dark clouds in the low sky in a flash.

"Little Lord!"

The two elders' expressions changed drastically upon seeing this, and they hurriedly tried to find Lei Yunzi.

However, lightning flashed frequently within the dark clouds, merging with the silver arcs within, making it impossible to discern the location of the thundercloud fragments.

Just as the two gritted their teeth, ready to risk entering the dark cloud, Lei Yunzi's voice came from within: "The lightning power in the dark cloud has negligible effect on my Five Thunder Body, and I also have a lightning array that can teleport within ten thousand miles. With the cover of this dark cloud, those high-level ancient demons will not be able to detect me at all, and can easily sneak across the Demon Ape Reef to reach the Thunder Sea."

You can return to the mainland without worry. When the Grand Elder returns, tell him that I went to search for the Thunder Control Pearl. Also, I wouldn't have risked going to Bitter Spirit Island if I wasn't absolutely certain.

If my natal spirit tablet breaks during this time, you will all return to the spirit world on your own...

The sound grew weaker and weaker until it was completely drowned out by the rumbling thunder, indicating that Lei Yunzi had gone far away.

The two elders of the Ming Clan were furious with Lei Yunzi, but faced with the power of lightning in the dark clouds, even if they went in to search, they wouldn't last long.

“Let’s go back. Lei Yunzi is right. Since the power of lightning can’t affect him, he can reach the Sea of ​​Lightning without any problem. If we insist on going with him, we will only become a burden to him.”

......

Demon Ape.

More than ten giant ships dispersed, spaced more than a hundred miles apart, and slowly sailed on the dark Demon Source Sea, surrounding the entire Demon Ape Village.

From time to time, a figure would fly up from these giant ships, circling and surveying the surrounding area above Demon Ape Mountain.

Unbeknownst to them, Lei Yunzi was watching their every move through the dark clouds above them.

"As expected, these ancient demon lords are here specifically to guard this place. It seems my guess was pretty much right." A sly glint flashed in Lei Yunzi's eyes.

Then he slightly adjusted his position and looked southeast along the Demon Ape Ridge.

"Thunder Control Pearl, Spirit Cleansing Pool, Spirit Purifying Lotus."

"Hehe! These incredible opportunities are rightfully mine, Lei Yunzi!"