It emitted powerful energy fluctuations, filling the entire space with mystery and majesty. Gu Sheng and Yan Ruyu were deeply captivated by the stunning scene, staring intently at the pulsating heart.

When Gu Sheng tried to expel the Demon Emperor's Heart from his body, he realized that it seemed unwilling to leave. Gu Sheng increased his effort, but the Demon Emperor's Heart remained immovable.

"What is it saying?" Gu Sheng asked Yan Ruyu, puzzled.

Yan Ruyu furrowed her brows, seemingly listening to the voice of the Demon Emperor's Heart. After a moment, she spoke, "It says it is living well here and does not wish to leave."

"This…" Gu Sheng was stunned; he hadn't anticipated such a situation. He looked at Yan Ruyu, his eyes filled with questions.

Yan Ruyu took a deep breath, "It also said that whether it comes out again depends on fate in the future."

Gu Sheng was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, "Since it doesn't want to come out, we'll respect its choice."

Yan Ruyu looked at Gu Sheng with eyes full of gratitude and admiration. She knew this decision was not an easy one for Gu Sheng, but he ultimately chose to respect the Demon Emperor's Heart's will.

Just then, a sudden change occurred! An immense surge of energy exploded from the Demon Emperor's Heart, shooting straight into the sky! The entire Flowers Valley trembled because of it!

"What's going on?" Gu Sheng was taken aback by the spectacle before him.

Yan Ruyu's expression also showed surprise, "It appears the Demon Emperor's Heart has sensed something—it's preparing to leave!"

As she spoke, the Demon Emperor's Heart had already pierced through the heavens and vanished from sight. Gu Sheng and Yan Ruyu exchanged a bewildered look, unsure of what to do. They knew the Heart's origins were extraordinary, and its sudden departure surely had significance. But as for the reason, they had no way to know.

"What should we do now?" Gu Sheng turned to Yan Ruyu for guidance.

Yan Ruyu took a deep breath, "All we can do is wait. Perhaps one day it will reappear."

Gu Sheng nodded, "That's all we can do." His mind was filled with questions and anticipation, unsure of what future this Demon Emperor's Heart would bring them.

"Buzz——"

With a deep rumble, the Demon Emperor's Heart shot out from Flowers Valley and transformed into a streak of light, speeding toward the Western Regions. Gu Sheng and Yan Ruyu exchanged a grave look, both sensing that something ominous was unfolding—the mysterious heart clearly possessed its own consciousness and purpose.

Meanwhile, far away in the western part of Xiwu, at the edge of Ayush Lake near Ahans Temple, a young monk in robes was sitting in meditation. This was Mingxin Monk, also known as Lin Tianhao. Suddenly, he furrowed his brows, as if he had sensed something, and opened his eyes to gaze toward the heavens.

"Is it here?" Lin Tianhao murmured to himself, feeling a surge of powerful energy rapidly approaching.

Moments later, the Demon Emperor's Heart tore through the sky, heading directly for Lin Tianhao. At this critical juncture, Lin Tianhao flashed and appeared above Ayush Lake, confronting the Demon Emperor's Heart.

"Buzz buzz——" The Demon Emperor's Heart vibrated violently, radiating an overwhelming aura. Suddenly, the heart split open, and a figure emerged—it was the Demon Emperor's true form.

"Haha! I never imagined finding such a pure body here—luck truly favors me!" The Demon Emperor laughed greedily, eyeing Lin Tianhao with voracious intent.

Lin Tianhao's expression turned grave; he knew this battle was inevitable. "You are long gone—there's no place for you in this world anymore. Today, I will seal you once more!"

"Arrogant!" The Demon Emperor sneered and waved his hand, unleashing a torrent of demonic power that formed into a massive hand, striking toward Lin Tianhao.

Lin Tianhao, unafraid, responded with a mocking smile. His figure moved, transforming into a golden light that collided with the Demon Emperor's hand. "Boom——" The collision exploded with blinding radiance.

In an instant, the battle became fiercely intense above Ayush Lake. Lin Tianhao wielded the Haoyang Sword, and with each stroke unleashed blazing Sword Qi to combat the Demon Emperor. The Demon Emperor, in turn, relied on his immeasurably deep cultivation to duel with Lin Tianhao.

"Sea Floor Realm, Third Stage? Hmph, pathetic!" The Demon Emperor taunted.

"Is that so?" Lin Tianhao responded coldly, "Then let's see if you can handle this!"

With that, he focused his energy, and "Boom boom boom——" The sky suddenly manifested a blazing sun, Lin Tianhao's unique phenomenon—The Great Sun Above! The scorching sunlight seemed capable of incinerating everything, enveloping the Demon Emperor completely.

The Demon Emperor roared in anger as dark demonic aura erupted from his body to resist the sunlight. "You have some skill, boy, but sealing me is far beyond your grasp!"

Their battle grew increasingly violent, raging from Ahans Temple to the depths of Ayush Lake. The lake's waters churned furiously under the effect of their overwhelming powers, surging sky-high.

"Bang——" After yet another intense clash, both Lin Tianhao and the Demon Emperor were sent flying. Lin Tianhao's lips bled, but the fighting spirit in his eyes burned brighter. "If I don't seal you here today, I, Lin Tianhao, am unworthy of my name!"

The Demon Emperor wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and sneered, "Hmph! Then let's see if you have the skill to accomplish it!"

With that, his form flashed as he launched another attack on Lin Tianhao. Their battle entered a fever pitch, each strike shaking the heavens and stirring the lake into chaos.

At this moment, a sudden change occurred! Ayush Lake, previously calm, surged with a powerful energy wave, instantly pushing the Demon Emperor and Lin Tianhao apart.

"What's happening?" Lin Tianhao exclaimed, staring at the center of the lake where something seemed about to emerge.

"Hahahaha… It seems luck has truly favored me! Such a treasure is suppressed beneath Ayush Lake!" The Demon Emperor's eyes gleamed with greed as he rushed toward the lake's center.

Lin Tianhao's heart sank, and he quickly followed. At the lake's center, the waters churned violently as an enormous sphere of light slowly rose, exuding dazzling brilliance.

"That's… the Ayush Pearl!" Lin Tianhao exclaimed. He had read ancient texts describing the Ayush Pearl, a Divine Artifact with enigmatic powers.

The Demon Emperor's eyes flashed with greedy delight. "Haha! This artifact will be mine!" He reached out to seize the Ayush Pearl.

However, the Ayush Pearl erupted in radiant light, repelling the Demon Emperor's hand. "Ah——" The Demon Emperor screamed in pain as he was sent flying.

At the same time, Lin Tianhao also felt the light's impact, yet he remained steady beside the Ayush Pearl. "Surely, this pearl is no ordinary treasure," he muttered as he reached out to touch it.

Unexpectedly, the Ayush Pearl did not reject him. Instead, it established an astonishing connection with him. "Buzz buzz——" The pearl vibrated gently, as though responding to Lin Tianhao.

Lin Tianhao's heart stirred. He felt control over the Divine Artifact. With a thought, the Ayush Pearl floated into his hand.

"No! This can't be!" The Demon Emperor roared in fury, unable to accept the outcome. But the reality was clear—Lin Tianhao had been recognized by the Ayush Pearl, becoming its master.

"Now, the fight between us truly begins," Lin Tianhao declared coldly, staring down the Demon Emperor, confidence brimming as he gripped the pearl.

The Demon Emperor's eyes turned vicious. "You think possessing this artifact means you can defeat me? Hmph! Foolish!" He charged at Lin Tianhao once more.

This time, Lin Tianhao stood firm. Holding the Ayush Pearl, he advanced to meet the attack. "Boom——" They clashed again, but this time Lin Tianhao gained the upper hand.

With the Ayush Pearl amplifying his strength, each strike forced the Demon Emperor into retreat, bearing immense pressure. Gradually, the Demon Emperor began to falter.

"No! I cannot lose to an insect like you!" The Demon Emperor roared defiantly, struggling with all his might. But it was futile.

Finally, under Lin Tianhao's relentless assault combined with the power of the Ayush Pearl, the Demon Emperor was gravely injured and collapsed to the ground. "Pff——" Bright red blood spurted from the Demon Emperor's mouth as his aura rapidly faded.

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