Eternal Sacred King 41 to 45

Chapter 41: Stop The Foundation Establishment

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

When Wei Mingcheng led the soldiers inside the city to aid the army, the 50,000 strong Cang Lang City army had already left in defeat. They had gradually disappeared at the end of the horizon.

Wei Mingcheng came before Su Hong, dismounted from his horse and knelt on one knee with cupped fists. “General, thank you for coming over to aid us. I am Wei Mingcheng, the deputy general of Jian An City.”

Su Hong dismounted, stretched out his arms to help Wei Mingcheng up. “I am just a commoner, I cannot accept the general’s praise.”

“General, it may be presumptuous, but can I ask what is your relationship with Lord Wuding?” Although Wei Mingcheng had roughly guessed the answer, he still wanted to confirm his guess.

“Su Mu was my father.”

Wei Mingcheng nodded.

If not, no one else would be able to command the black armored cavalry in this world and for that strong army to serve him willingly.

“Brother, this is Zhao Qian’s head, take it home to pay homage to father and mother, so that they can rest in peace.” Su Zimo came over, passing the head at his waist to Su Hong.

Su Hong took the King of Yan’s head and looked at Su Zimo, all sorts of feelings welled up in his heart.

16 years of forbearance, 16 years of planning, he did not expect that in the end, it was his younger brother who had to bear the burden of taking revenge for the Su family’s blood feud.

Su Zimo made no mention of the fight in the capital at all.

However, judging from his fatigued look and the blood stains on his body, Su Hong knew that he must have gone through a very violent battle in the capital. He had barely made it back alive.

“Is the king really dead?”

Wei Mingcheng stared at the head of the King of Yan and let out a soft mumble. His eyes suddenly lit up and he looked toward Su Hong, speaking in a serious voice. “General Su, since the King of Yan is dead, all of us are willing to aid you to become king in Jian An City. We can attack the capital, and clear Lord Wuding’s name!”

Although the King of Yan had covered up the tragedy 16 years ago, in the hearts of the soldiers, they did not believe that Su Mu would revolt.

Given Su Mu’s influence and status back then, if he wanted to revolt and take the throne, he had many other opportunities to do so.

Uncle Zheng and the rest jolted at his words.

If Su Hong wanted to take the throne, this was the best opportunity. The King of Yan was dead and the Country of Yan was in chaos. Su Hong could make use of this battle to build a good reputation in Jian An City.

After he took the throne, Su Hong could reveal his identity. Given Lord Wuding’s influence back then, there would definitely be someone among the 16 city lords in the Country of Yan who would genuinely submit to his authority. It might be possible to unify the Country of Yan!

At the thought of this, Uncle Zheng whispered, “Young Master, this is a rare chance.”

Liu Yu and the rest looked at Su Hong with anticipation, waiting for his reply.

Su Zimo made no comments. No matter what his brother decided to do, he would support him unconditionally.

Su Hong smiled after a brief silence, shaking his head. “I thank all of you for your support and love. I don’t have those ambitions. I am sorry to disappoint all of you.”

Uncle Zheng and the rest looked disappointed.

“General Su...” Wei Mingcheng wanted to persuade him, however Su Hong waved his hands to stop him.

Su Hong said, “When there’s an outbreak of war, those that suffer are the innocent people of the Country of Yan. By then, many people would be destitute and homeless, and separated from their families or orphaned. As Zimo said, if I sacrifice the lives of innocent people to satisfy my own ambitions, how will I be different from Luo Tianwu?”

Su Hong paused before he cupped his fists toward Wei Mingcheng, “General Wei, I have to return to Ping Yang Town to worship my father and mother. Let’s say our farewell here.”

With that, Su Hong mounted the horse and led the 5,000 black armored cavalry back to Ping Yang Town.

Wei Mingcheng and the other soldiers stood there for a long time staring at the back of Su Hong as he left.

...

Ping Yang Town, backyard of Su family’s residence.

Su Hong, Su Zimo and Su Xiaoning knelt in front of a grave. The King of Yan’s head was placed at the front.

Su Xiaoning had broken down in tears.

Su Hong was in tears as well.

All these years, Su Zimo had never seen his older brother shed a single tear.

Even when he failed to assassinate the King of Yan, Su Hong was only disheartened, but he never shed a single tear.

Now that they had taken revenge, the hatred and resentment that Su Hong had been carrying with him for the past 16 years was finally released and he could not help but get emotional.

Su Zimo did not shed tears. After taking some time to worship his parents, he got up quietly and left the Su family’s residence, returning to the cultivation field right away.

There was a flash of disappointment in Su Zimo’s eyes upon entering the cultivation field.

It was empty in the cultivation field. Die Yue was not around.

Su Zimo stood in the same spot for a long time before taking a deep breath. He seemed to have made a decision. He returned to the backyard of Su family’s residence, giving a glance to Song Qi, and turned to walk outside.

Song Qi noticed it and quickly gave chase.

“Second Young Master, is there anything that you want to tell me?” Song Qi asked softly.

After a brief silence, Su Zimo took out a golden badge and handed it to Song Qi, saying, “This is Sky Treasure Gold Badge.”

Song Qi was startled.

To him, Sky Treasure Gold Badge was something that was unattainable!

Many Qi Refinement Warriors would not be able to have a Sky Treasure Bronze Badge until the day they died, notwithstanding a Sky Treasure Gold Badge that was two grades higher.

“Second Young Master, what is the meaning of this?” Song Qi hurried to ask.

Su Zimo said in a grim voice, “After my older brother is done with the worship of my parents, bring everyone in the Su family to Cang Lang City and hide in Sky Treasure Pavilion for the time being. Don’t come out for now! As for the 5,000 black armored cavalry, break them into smaller groups and disperse them for the time being. Don’t stay together.”

Song Qi had never seen Su Zimo being so grim and serious, speaking in such a deep and solemn tone.

Song Qi was uneasy as he asked. “Second Young Master, did something happen? Does the Su family have some other more powerful enemies?”

“I killed several Qi Refinement Warriors and offended a clan in the capital. The clan will find their way here in no time.”

Su Zimo did not choose to hide the truth.

The reason why he could escape from the capital was because there were no Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Joyful Clan.

Now that the Joyful Clan had suffered such a big loss, it was impossible for them to take things lying down. Perhaps, some Foundation Establishment Cultivators had already set off for Ping Yang Town and were already on their way!

Song Qi was aware of the seriousness of the situation.

If a mortal offended the cultivation clans, one would either die a light death or implicate the entire family!

“Second Young Master, where are you going? Isn’t it better for you to come with all of us to Sky Treasure Pavilion and hide there for the time being?” Song Qi asked.

Su Zimo remained silent.

Song Qi’s heart sank. He suddenly thought of a possibility and exclaimed in shock. “A-are you going to stop the Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the cultivation clan?”

Su Zimo said softly, “If I don’t die, the cultivation clan will never give up. The Su family can’t possibly hide in Sky Treasure Pavilion for their entire lifetime. Once the Su family appears, they will be hunted down and no one would be able to escape.”

“Moreover, seven days have passed since the death of the King of Yan. Given the walking speed of the Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they might have already reached. If no one stops them, they will catch up to us even before the Su family reaches the Sky Treasure Pavilion at Cang Lang City.”

“But, Second Young Master...”

“Brother Song, don’t be sullen. I may not die. I might even annihilate the clan.” Su Zimo smiled, putting up a strong front.

Song Qi sighed, saying no more.

Song Qi knew very well that Su Zimo had made the right decision. But this was in fact using his own life to protect everyone in the Su family!

To stop the Foundation Establishment Cultivators, it was tantamount to courting death.

Su Zimo had no hopes of surviving.

Su Zimo took out a storage bag from his clothes. This was taken from the one-armed Qi Refinement Warrior. He handed it to Song Qi, patting him on the shoulder, saying in a low voice. “I will leave... the Su family to you.”

With that, Su Zimo turned to leave.

It started snowing.

This was the first snow in the early winter.

Chapter 42: Snow-covered Bow and Saber

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo ran all the way toward the direction of Cang Lang Mountain Range in the snow. He ran faster and faster, his eyes clear, his gaze steady.

Su Zimo had barely shut his eyes and slept for the past half a month.

In addition to the fierce battle in the capital, Su Zimo was thoroughly exhausted. Although Su Zimo had the essence that was sealed inside his body by the Scarlet Flame Fruit, it was of no help as he was mentally drained.

The next battle was the real test for him.

A life or death ordeal!

If Su Zimo was an ordinary Qi Refinement Warrior, he would definitely die this time.

However, since Su Zimo cultivated The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness, he was not without any chance of winning.

Su Zimo kept thinking about the words that Die Yue told him.

“Demon cultivators are best at skipping levels and killing opponents. Given your capabilities now, although you are not as good as Foundation Establishment Cultivators, if you are able to be in their close proximity, you will still be able to instantly kill them!”

Su Zimo could only rely on close combat.

However, the most difficult part was that the cultivators from the Joyful Clan already had a taste of his abilities at close combat. They would be on guard and he would not be given much chance at close combat!

Moreover, Su Zimo had no idea about the fighting prowess of the Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Was it simply manipulating spirit weapons?

He knew that it would not be that simple.

Su Zimo ran at his fastest speed, reaching Cang Lang Mountain Range in no time.

Unlike ordinary men, if cultivators wanted to hurry on with one’s journey, they would fly in the sky. If they wanted to reach Ping Yang Town in the shortest time, they needed to pass by the sky above Cang Lang Mountain Range.

Su Zimo would wait here in ambush and kill the Joyful Clan Cultivators!

Su Zimo felt an indescribable familiarity at being back in the Cang Lang Mountain Range.

Here was his main battlefield!

Su Zimo found a towering old tree and used his hands and legs to climb up the tree in no time. He was even more agile than the apes.

He had to be in a high spot to be able to notice any suspicious activity and to make the first move.

Su Zimo had to consider every detail in preparation for the big battle. This was his only way to turn the tide and survive the battle!

Su Zimo sat on the old tree. He placed the Cold Moon Saber horizontally in front of his knees, holding the Sanguine Crystal Bow in his hand, and closed his eyes.

This was his final chance to rest.

The snow was getting heavier.

It kept snowing, covering the entire area.

Cang Lang Mountain Range seemed to be covered by a thin layer of white snow, it was crystal clear, a stunning and breathtaking sight.

The Sanguine Crystal Bow and Cold Moon Saber were covered with snowflakes. One could no longer tell its original appearance.

Su Zimo rested while practicing the breathing and expiration methods of The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness. His body was heating up while white clouds of vapor rose from the top of his head.

Su Zimo’s body might be burning, but his heart became colder each second. He exuded a piercing cold and murderous aura, it covered every corner of Cang Lang Mountain Range.

Suddenly!

Su Zimo opened his eyes and looked afar.

A flock of birds in the forest at the far distance seemed to be given a shock. They spread their wings, soaring to the sky, emitting anxious hooting sounds.

They were here!

Only two hours had passed since Su Zimo reached Cang Lang Mountain Range!

Su Zimo moved slightly and slid down from the old trees, quietly dropping onto the snow. He drew out the last five remaining sharp arrows from the quiver with a backhand grip, nocked all of them on the string, and moved stealthily toward the far direction.

...

The spirit vessel was the most common flying spirit weapon in the cultivation world. It was steady, fast and had a large capacity.

One of the spirit vessels of the Joyful Clan had entered the sky above Cang Lang Mountain Range, speeding forward.

There were more than a hundred people on the spirit vessel. Most of them were Level 8 or Level 9, or even Perfected cultivators. The five leading cultivators were Joyful Clan elders. Four of them were early-stage Foundation Establishment, while one of them was mid-stage Foundation Establishment.

In the Joyful Clan, only Foundation Establishment Cultivator could be conferred additional titles to be the elder.

In order to kill Su Zimo, Joyful Clan had sent almost half of their cultivators out in a hunt for Su Zimo. It proved that the Joyful Clan highly valued the operation this time.

If the opponent was a cultivator, even if he was a Qi Refinement Warrior, the Joyful Clan would be wary, lest they provoked the clan that the cultivator belonged to.

After all, Joyful Clan was just a small clan. Otherwise, it would not have worked with one of the small states like the Country of Yan.

However, Su Zimo was just a mortal. Did he think that he could provoke the clan just because he had a strong physical body and he knew corporal mortification martial arts?

If Su Zimo remained alive, and the Su family was not annihilated, the Joyful Clan would become a laughingstock in the cultivation world.

“Elder Chen, Su Zimo was terrifying in close combat. All of us dared not come close to him. You must be extra careful. You must not get too close to him.” One of the Qi Refinement Warriors who was next to the elder smiled, trying his best to fawn on the elder, and to give him a kind reminder.

To his surprise, Elder Chen looked upset and snorted. “Is Foundation Establishment Cultivator the same as Qi Refinement Warrior? Do we need you to remind us?”

Another elder sneered. “Not only would Su Zimo not be able to get close to us, even if he does, he cannot hurt us!”

“Yes, yes, yes. Elder Gao is very right.” The Qi Refinement Warrior looked embarrassed as he plastered a flattering smile on his face.

The Qi Refinement Warrior seemed to think of something, but he hesitated and held back his tongue.

“Say what you want,” The only mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator said lightly.

The Qi Refinement Warrior seemed to be in a panic, his heart still throbbing with fear. “Elder Qian, the man had a sanguine big bow. The arrows that were released from it were very powerful and fast. Although it was not as accurate, if it was within a short distance, it has a high lethality. All of the elders must be careful.”

“Hehe.”

Elder Qian smiled, a look of disdain in his eyes, but he remained silent.

Elder Gao gave a loud laugh. “All of you are a bunch of useless fools. As Qi Refinement Warriors, how can you be frightened by the bow and arrow of a mere mortal? You have shamed the clan. When we see him later, he could shoot as he likes, I will show you how I destroy his sharp arrows!”

Elder Gao was still laughing when a figure appeared at the old tree in front of the spirit vessel, holding a sanguine big bow in his hands.

Bow like a full moon and the arrows were ready.

“Mmm, there is a murderous aura!”

Initially, Elder Qian assumed a lotus position on the spirit vessel. However, he was startled and he slapped his hands on the storage bag and a talisman landed on his palm. He squashed it and shouted loudly, “Be careful!”

“Swoosh!”

There was a loud sound of arrows piercing through the air.

Five sharp arrows glittered and it reached the Joyful Clan cultivators in no time.

The five Joyful Clan elders bore the brunt of it.

Elder Chen reacted very quickly. Just when Elder Qian squashed the talisman, he also squashed a talisman and he was shrouded by a sparkling light.

The other two elders unsheathed their flying swords, blocking horizontally in front of them.

Elder Gao was the only one who was still laughing wantonly. He was slow to react and there was a shock in his eyes.

The cold light grew larger and larger in Elder Gao’s pupil.

Poof!

A black light hit directly into the chest, coming out through the body, blood bursting out from Elder Gao’s body!

Although the arrow did not hit the heart, the terrifying power that came with it tore the wound open and destroyed all chances of survival for Elder Gao!

Elder Gao stood motionless on the spirit vessel, blood spewing from his chest and mouth. There was a look of regret and blankness in his eyes. He muttered softly, “The arrow... is so fast...”

Foundation Establishment, dead!

Chapter 43: Flee With All His Might

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Having lived in Cang Lang Mountain Range for one year, Su Zimo gained a deeper understanding on fighting.

There were many factors affecting a fight. One’s ability was the most basic factor but not the only one.

Weather, mindset, environment, preparation and various details could also change the circumstance and even affect the trend of the eventual victory.

On this occasion, advanced preparation and the weather were Su Zimo’s advantages.

One party was totally unprepared while the other party had long been waiting.

Coupled with the heavy snow flying and blocking one’s views, there was low visual acuity. When the cultivators from Joyful Clan came to their senses, five sharp arrows had already appeared before their eyes!

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Out of the five arrows, two of them hit the respective glowing shields of two Joyful Clan elders. The glowing shield vibrated a little and the sharp arrows bounced off them.

The other two arrows had been blocked by the flying swords unsheathed by two Joyful Clan elders.

However, the arrow that shot Elder Gao resulted in devastating damage to many cultivators from Joyful Clan!

Caught off guard, Elder Gao, who was an early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, was killed with one arrow.

Seemingly, this arrow’s power did not weaken as it continued to shoot through the air.

The spirit vessel was not large. Over a hundred Qi Refinement Warriors were divided into five rows as they stood behind the five elders, and there were 20 Qi Refinement Warriors standing behind Elder Gao!

Even the Foundation Establishment Cultivator did not react in time, much less the Qi Refinement Warriors behind them?

The 20 Qi Refinement Warriors felt piercing pains in their hearts even before sighting this sharp arrow. As the vitality in their body drained rapidly, their eyes dimmed and they fell off the spirit vessel.

This arrow was too powerful!

After piercing through the flesh and blood of 21 cultivators, it still had some strength left. It ended up on a towering old tree with its tail shaking and swaying vigorously.

An entire group of 21 cultivators including one Foundation Establishment Cultivator were killed by one arrow shot by Su Zimo.

“That’s him!”

“It’s Su Zimo!”

The few Qi Refinement Warriors on the spirit vessel recognized Su Zimo and yelled loudly.

“Retreat the spirit vessel. Surround and kill this man!”

Enraged, Elder Qian hollered harshly.

Although this arrow did not hurt the other four Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they could still feel the fear in their hearts.

If they were to react slower by a bit, they would already be a corpse!

Swash! Swash! Swash!

Many Qi Refinement Warriors on the spirit vessel rose to the sky, unsheathed their spirit weapons and attacked Su Zimo at the same time.

In a split second, successive flashes of light appeared in mid-air. It was dazzling and eye-catching. Sword auras traveled through the wind and snow like frost, engulfing the heaven and earth.

Of course, Su Zimo did not think that he had the capability to contend with a clan. He was already very lucky that the earlier arrow could kill the Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

After shooting out five arrows, Su Zimo immediately fled as far as possible without hesitating.

“Jee!”

Two Joyful Clan elders attacked simultaneously. There was a flash of light on each of the flying swords as they suddenly charged towards the back of Su Zimo’s head at lighting speed.

Even before the sword reached him, Su Zimo could feel his scalp exploding. A surge of bone-chilling coldness penetrated his body.

“I can’t fight head-on!”

Su Zimo realized that he would still be gravely wounded if he were to erupt all his energy to block the flying swords of the Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Elder Chen unsheathed a long cloth from the storage bag and held it towards the direction of the wind. On the rectangular-shaped cloth was an eerie picture of something that looked like a fearsome ghost.

All of a sudden!

There was a flash of light on the long cloth. That fearsome ghost suddenly opened its eyes and stared at Su Zimo ferociously, giving him goosebumps on the scalp!

Su Zimo felt dizzy. His eyes blurred and he began to feel a little dazed.

He shuddered in his heart and dared not look at it again. Biting the tip of his tongue, he tried to maintain soberness as he dashed forward continuously, weaving and moving in the forest, and dodging the numerous spirit weapons constantly piercing at him from behind.

It was only now that Su Zimo truly experienced the change that spirit perception had brought to him.

Honestly, spirit perception’s usefulness was not that apparent during one-to-one fights with cultivators.

However, under such successive attacks with lights filling the air and dazzling the eyes, swords and sabers clashing, penetrating gold and splitting rocks, one’s sight and hearing would be greatly affected.

Even if Su Zimo could see the flying sword coming over, it would be too late for him to dodge it.

Nevertheless, spirit perception was different.

It could sense and avert danger without even looking or listening!

Su Zimo did not need to look or listen. He relied completely on an incredible instinct that was beyond description while traversing through successive flashes of swords and shadows, and fleeing for his life.

Earlier on, Su Zimo shot out five arrows at once because he realized that the other party might not give him another chance to shoot any arrows once the fight began.

True enough.

The attacks were raining on Su Zimo like raging storms and a devastating downpour. He would be instantly killed on the spot if he were to pause momentarily, let alone shoot an arrow.

Oo! Oo!

Terrifying sounds that stirred the souls could be heard.

Su Zimo’s heart suddenly leaped. He had to force himself to stop charging forward. He then flipped his hand, unsheathed the Cold Moon Saber, turned back and blocked off the dozens of flying swords piercing towards him.

Riding on the forces from the flying sword, he tilted his body, fell on one side and rolled on the ground.

Bang!

There was a deafening sound.

Out of the corner of his eye, Su Zimo saw a ring-shaped spirit weapon smashing on the ground, creating a huge pit about three inches from the earlier spot where he paused his steps!

If he had moved just half a step forward earlier, his entire body would have exploded upon the impact of this spirit weapon!

Su Zimo took a closer look and saw two spirit patterns shining on this ring-shaped spirit weapon.

It was a middle-grade spirit weapon!

Seeing that Su Zimo had dodged the sure-kill move that he had been waiting for, Elder Qian sneered coldly. He redirected the ring-shaped spirit weapon towards Su Zimo to kill the latter again.

Su Zimo crawled with both his arms and legs, moving close to the ground. His body was as flexible and agile as a python as he slithered across the snow, leaving behind a curvaceous trail.

The flying sword was about to pierce Su Zimo. Yet, Su Zimo twisted his body in an eerie manner and dodged the attack just in time, never decreasing his speed at any point in time.

The fury in many cultivators’ hearts intensified and they attacked even more viciously.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The spirit weapons came to nothing and smashed onto the ground countless times after brushing shoulders with Su Zimo.

Su Zimo felt slight pangs of pain on his body as raging sandstones hit him.

Su Zimo pursed his lips tightly. He looked calm as he gritted his teeth and hung on.

The cultivators from Joyful Clan had never seen such movement techniques.

He was alternating and interchanging between movements of a galloping horse, a swinging ape and a swathing python with extreme ease.

Su Zimo’s physique was completely beyond the comprehension of the numerous cultivators.

Even spirit beasts who were known for their strong and powerful bodies definitely could not achieve this!

“Lad, you have to die today. I’ll see where you can escape to!” Elder Chen hollered furiously, waving the long cloth in his hands. The fearsome ghost on it opened its mouth and released a cloud of black mist.

Who would have expected that due to strong winds and heavy snow, just as the black mist was surging out, it was dissipated by the wind and snow and then reversed towards the direction of the Qi Refinement Warriors from Joyful Clan instead.

Many Qi Refinement Warriors were caught off guard and stained by the black mist. All of a sudden, their complexions turned purplish-blue and foreheads blackened. They lost their balance in the air and were about to fall.

Everyone hurriedly searched out an elixir from his storage bag and swallowed it before the poison gradually eased.

Although Elder Chen’s spirit cloth was only an inferior-grade spirit weapon, it could influence the opponent’s mind and heart. The black mist that it released earlier was its trump card.

If mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators were slightly distracted, they would also suffer big time.

Never did Elder Chen expect that his trump card would not injure Su Zimo but instead caused chaos on his own side.

At the sight of this, Elder Qian hollered angrily, “What a fool! Put away that lousy cloth of yours and chase this lad properly. He can’t hang on for too long!”

Elder Chen had an ugly look on his old face. He blamed it all on Su Zimo, and the murderous intent in his heart intensified.

Chapter 44: Perfect Ambush

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The Joyful Clan was in utter chaos. Su Zimo felt energized. He leaped up and charged diagonally, rampaging forward with the Divine Steed Fleeting movement technique.

Elder Qian and the group hurried and chased after him.

At a place not far away in front stood a precipitous hilltop.

The eyes of Elder Qian and the group shone.

Su Zimo did not know flying techniques. He would have to make a detour in order to pass through this hilltop. As such, they could make use of this opportunity to round him up.

They might even capture him alive!

However, everyone from the Joyful Clan could not understand why Su Zimo neither reduced his speed nor changed his direction. Instead, he charged straight towards the hilltop in front of them.

“Perhaps this man is looking for his own death? He wishes to kill himself in the collision?” Muttered a Qi Refinement Warrior.

Just as he finished his words, Elder Chen exclaimed in puzzlement.

Before Su Zimo’s figure reached the hilltop, strangely, he disappeared!

The Joyful Clan people rushed forward to take a closer look. It turned out that there was a cave at the foot of this hill.

It was quiet, dark and deep inside the cave. A fearsome beast was seemingly bending over the ground with its big predacious mouth opened and waiting for everyone from Joyful Clan to enter it.

Su Zimo actually escaped into this cave!

The cave was dark and sinister, narrow and small. Be it Qi Refinement Warrior or Foundation Establishment Cultivator, they could not fly in the air.

This meant that the Joyful Clan would not have any upper hand or advantages. On the other hand, Su Zimo turned extremely dangerous and could even possibly slay them!

All of a sudden, a layer of haze engulfed the hearts of everyone from Joyful Clan.

It was originally a sure victory but for some unknown reason, everyone had a hunch that they had been led around by the nose.

To chase or not?

If they were to chase him, how should they do it?

These two doubts flashed across everyone’s minds.

If this cave had a dead end, that would be the best scenario. Everyone could just guard at the cave’s entrance and Su Zimo would die of starvation inside.

However, if this was just a tunnel in the hilltop, Su Zimo would have long escaped when the Joyful Clan stayed put to guard the entrance.

This was the most tricky part. If the cave had an exit, the people from Joyful Clan did not even know where it was. If they were to go their separate ways, it would be very easy for Su Zimo to attack and destroy them.

However, if they look for the exit together but headed towards the wrong direction, Su Zimo would have long escaped without a trace.

“Damn, this inferior commoner!” Elder Chen was boiling with fury, and he clenched his teeth and scolded.

Elder Qian pondered deeply for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying, “Chase!”

After pausing for a while, Elder Qian said again, “Chen Bin, we have talismans to protect us. Even if Su Zimo closes in on us, he won’t be able to break both of our defenses. We will lead the group and guard Gong Liangjing and Lu Wencheng well.”

Gong Liangjing and Lu Wencheng were the other two elders of Joyful Clan. Although they were Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they did not have any talismans. The weapons that they controlled were also inferior-grade ones.

In the cultivation world, it was common for Foundation Establishment Cultivators to do without talismans and control inferior-grade spirit weapons, especially small clans such as Joyful Clan.

This was also the reason why Elixir Refinement Master, Weapon Refinement Master and Array Formation Master had special statuses in the cultivation world.

If the Weapon Refinement Master could refine middle-grade spirit weapons, many Foundation Establishment Cultivators would have worn out their doorsteps to make friends or exchange spirit stones for their services.

With a layer of glowing shield on both Elder Qian and Elder Chen, they entered the cave first. Right on the heels of them were the rest of the Joyful Clan.

The grounds in the cave were uneven and full of bumps and hollows. The Qi Refinement Warriors had many treasures in their storage bags but they could not light up the place.

They could only rely on the faint glow from the Protection Talisman on Elder Qian and Elder Chen to move quickly forward.

The rest of Joyful Clan following behind the elders were ghastly pale. Everyone was high-strung as they surveyed the surroundings, for the fear that Su Zimo would suddenly jump out and catch them off guard.

Although Gong Liangjing and Lu Wencheng were Foundation Establishment Cultivators, their palms were also drenched in sweat. They were treading in the cave with fear and trepidation.

The atmosphere was getting increasingly stifling!

Each time there was a slight movement of grass or wind in the cave, it would cause a commotion among the crowd.

Elder Qian and Elder Chen were leading the group at the front. They first observed what was below their feet, followed by what was before them but did not look up at all.

Under everyone’s subconscious mind, Su Zimo did not know flying techniques. Naturally, it was impossible for him to appear from the top of their heads.

However, they had forgotten one point.

This was a cave.

There were stone walls on the ceiling of the cave!

At this moment, someone was attaching himself closely to the stone wall on the ceiling, narrowing his eyes and staring coldly at the people of Joyful Clan who were striding below him.

Suddenly, Elder Qian paused his steps and said in a low voice. “Something is amiss. There is a stench of blood and it’s very strong. This lad is nearby!”

Before he could finish his words, a flash of blinding light broke the darkness in the cave.

Poof!

A large skull flung off, splashing fresh blood all over the crowd. Everyone from Joyful Clan suddenly exploded in shock!

“Elder Lu?”

“Elder Lu is dead!”

“Where is he?”

“At the top... Ah!”

There was another miserable scream. One of the Qi Refinement Warriors died on the spot.

Prior to this, Su Zimo once shot out five arrows and managed to find out which two of these remaining four Foundation Establishment Cultivator had defensive tactics similar to the Augmentation Talisman.

With his current capability, he could not break such defenses at all.

Hence, this slash of Su Zimo’s were aimed at Lu Wencheng and Gong Liangjing, who did not have the talisman to protect them.

However, Gong Liangjing was more alert. At that instant when Elder Qian paused his steps, he realized that something was not quite right. Hence, he bent down without a care about his pride. As such, he avoided a calamity.

When Su Zimo dropped from the stone ceiling and wanted to chase after him, Gong Liangjing had already ran behind Elder Qian and Elder Chen and broke out in a cold sweat.

At this very moment, Su Zimo landed in the crowd of Qi Refinement Warriors.

In the narrow and small cave, the Qi Refinement Warriors from Joyful Clan barely had any space to dodge. In his panic, someone even bumped into Su Zimo when he was trying to flee.

Su Zimo’s sinister and cold laughter resonated in the dark.

“Hahahaha... you wish to kill me. Such a small number of people is not enough!”

Poof! Poof! Poof!

Su Zimo did not even need to look. With the Cold Moon Saber in his hands, he could slay the Qi Refinement Warriors on-site easily with any casual wave of his saber.

Along with the miserable screams of Qi Refinement Warriors, flashes of blood appeared constantly as they splattered everywhere.

In this cave, Su Zimo was like a tiger moving into a herd of sheep, chopping those on the left and slashing those on the right, going on a rampage. The Qi Refinement Warriors from Joyful Clan could not retaliate at all.

Even escaping was wishful thinking!

This was an ambush targeted at the Joyful Clan that could be described as perfect.

Su Zimo made use of his familiarity with the Cang Lang Mountain Range terrain to successfully lure the other party into the deep, dark and quiet cave.

The cultivators’ advantages were minimized whereas Su Zimo’s merits were unleashed to the maximum!

The three elders of Joyful Clan stood rooted to the ground, perspiring on their foreheads but did not make any moves.

It was not because they did not want to.

It was because Su Zimo had been moving about in the crowd continuously. His movement techniques were swift and agile. The cave was already very dim. Once they attacked, they would definitely injure their own clan disciples by mistake.

At the sight of the decreasing number of clan disciples, viciousness flashed across Elder Qian’s eyes. He said in a low voice, “Attack!”

“What?” The other two elders were stunned.

“I said, attack!”

Elder Qian said coldly, “We can’t worry so much now. Even if we kill our clan disciples by mistake, it is better than letting all of them die in this lad’s hands!”

Chapter 45: On the Brink of Death

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

In the darkness, the three elders from Joyful Clan wore capricious expressions. Simultaneously, the trio unsheathed their spirit weapons. There were two inferior-grade weapons and one middle-grade one.

Swash! Swash! Swash!

The spirit weapons shone brightly, exuding cold and sinister murderous intents and charging forward.

Poof! Poof!

Two clan disciples from the Joyful Clan were unprepared and killed on the spot by the spirit weapons of the Elder Qian trio.

Unabated, the spirit weapons continued to charged at the vital points on Su Zimo’s body!

In the small and narrow cave, the people from Joyful Clan barely had any space to avoid the attacks. Nevertheless, this also meant that Su Zimo’s movements would be greatly restricted.

Su Zimo did not expect the three elders of the Joyful Clan to be so ferocious and merciless. They actually attacked forcefully without caring about the safety of their clan disciples!

Su Zimo tilted his head and averted the ring-shaped sword weapon which was the greatest threat to him. He lowered his body and dodged a flying sword. Using a reverse grip on his saber, he slashed all the Qi Refinement Warriors in front of him.

Poof!

At the same time, a dot of cold light suddenly appeared on this Qi Refinement Warrior’s chest.

Another flying sword came out from this person’s chest and pierced towards Su Zimo’s throat!

It was too close!

Given the distance, Su Zimo could not avoid it at all.

Su Zimo retracted the Cold Moon Saber and then blocked the flying sword.

Clang!

Clashing sounds of sword and saber could be heard and sparks flew everywhere. Su Zimo’s entire body had taken a huge blow. His purlicue split upon the impact and blood was spilling out from it. The Cold Moon Saber was almost flung out of his hands.

Since both parties started fighting, Su Zimo had been trying to avoid a direct confrontation with the Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

As expected, the power of the flying swords controlled by the Foundation Establishment Cultivators was definitely not something that his body could endure.

Su Zimo’s entire right arm felt numb. He could not exert any strength at that point in time.

The inferior-grade spirit weapon directed by an early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator was already so powerful. If Su Zimo were to forcefully receive Elder Qian’s ring-shaped middle-grade spirit weapon, he feared he would become paralyzed on the spot!

Of course, this slash of Su Zimo’s was not completely useless.

Elder Chen’s flying sword should have pierced Su Zimo’s chest but due to colliding with the Cold Moon Saber, it deviated slightly and penetrated Su Zimo’s scapula region, splattering fresh blood everywhere!

This was Su Zimo’s first injury since the start of the fight. The piercing pain in his shoulder region was unbearable and he could no longer use his left arm!

“It is so powerful!”

Su Zimo was secretly astonished.

Su Zimo could escape without the slightest bit of injury when he fought Perfected Qi Refinement Warriors head-on.

However, the power of early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators had crossed into a different level!

Fortunately, although Su Zimo’s right arm felt numb, it did not suffer too huge a blow. After resting for a while, he could still continue with the fight.

Su Zimo no longer dared to remain in this place. He turned, used Mountain Reliance to send the few Qi Refinement Warriors who blocked his way flying, executed movement techniques and dashed towards the outside of the cave.

Su Zimo was unaware that, at this very moment, the Elder Qian trio were feeling even more stunned, their faces full of disbelief.

“He didn’t die?”

“He actually blocked Elder Chen’s sword?”

“How is that possible?”

“He is actually still alive and jumping, and has the energy to escape outside?”

Elder Qian decisively shouted, “Hurry up and chase him. This lad is injured and can’t run too far away!”

The three elders followed after Su Zimo first while the remaining Qi Refinement Warriors from Joyful Clan hurried over. They really did not wish to stay any longer in this cave.

Before entering the cave, there were still more than 80 Qi Refinement Warriors. Now, there were only about 50 Qi Refinement Warriors left.

Most of them died in Su Zimo’s hands, and a few in the hands of the clan elders.

In fact, everyone was aware in their hearts that, no matter the outcome, the Joyful Clan had already lost.

Five Foundation Establishment Cultivators had led about a hundred Qi Refinement Warriors to chase after a mortal. That was almost half the strength of the clan. Yet, half of the forces were killed!

Two elders were dead. The remaining Qi Refinement Warriors were still badly shaken, terrified and wondering what happened.

“We have to kill him!” Elder Qian clenched his teeth and said with a sinister and gloomy expression.

Elder Chen revealed a ferocious expression and said viciously, “It will be best if we can capture him alive. I want to make him suffer endless tortures for the rest of his life, and then crush this lad’s bones into ashes and chop his corpse into ten thousand pieces!”

“We can’t let the Su family off too. We will ensure that their blood flows like a river, and even the fowls and dogs will not be spared!” Gong Liangjing said coldly.

Everyone from Joyful Clan chased after Su Zimo. Although it was still snowing heavily outside, it was spacious and open. They had finally got rid of the suffocating pressure felt inside the cave.

“Over there!”

Elder Qian pointed to a place in front. Not far away, Su Zimo was dashing continuously, holding onto his left arm, dripping blood and appearing extremely eye-catching on the snowy ground.

“Chase!”

Everyone from Joyful Clan rose to the sky and charged forward.

“Brother Qian, the spirit qi on the Protection Talisman can’t hold on for too long. We have to subdue this lad as soon as possible.” Elder Chen said in a low voice. “Once the protection talismans lose their effect, our lives will also be in danger!”

Once the talisman was released, it could not be effective all the time.

After sustaining itself for a period of time, it would lose its effect when the spirit qi on it dissipated.

Elder Chen had such a Protection Talisman on him. Once the effect was gone, he would be no different from Gong Liangjing.

If he were to encounter the same situation in the cave, it would be hard for him to escape death.

Elder Qian nodded.

In fact, he had another Protection Talisman in his storage bag. However, protection talismans were very precious and he did not wish to waste it.

Elder Qian stepped onto the flying sword, clasped both hands and muttered a sutra. In the wind and snow, as if they had been summoned, a mysterious flow of energy suddenly surged into Elder Qian’s fingertips.

“Ground-caving Skill!”

Elder Qian suddenly pointed to the direction in which Su Zimo was escaping.

Long before this, Su Zimo had sensed a wave of trepidation in his heart. Upon hearing Elder Qian’s voice, he quickly paused his steps.

“Boom!”

The ground right in front of Su Zimo seemed to have suffered a powerful impact. It suddenly collapsed and a huge pit appeared.

If Su Zimo was unprepared and his legs wobbled, he would have fallen directly into this deep pit.

“What is this?”

Su Zimo’s eyes were alternating between shock and puzzlement.

He had already foreseen that Foundation Establishment Cultivators would have some mysterious means but the scene before him was truly beyond his knowledge.

“Vinewood-twining Skill!”

In that split second that Su Zimo was distracted, another sound rang in his ears.

“Mmm?”

Su Zimo was stunned and he secretly cursed. He wanted to go around the huge pit in front of him and run towards the other side.

Unexpectedly, just as Su Zimo got up, a few withered branches and vines suddenly crept up from the snow below his feet and ensnared both his legs!

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Sounds of spirit weapons breaking through the air could be heard. It was terrifying and soul-stirring.

At this moment, Su Zimo’s body was restrained and he could not move or dodge. Once he was hit by the spirit weapon, he would die instantly.

Su Zimo remained calm in the face of danger. He dropped to the ground directly, reverse-gripped the Cold Moon Saber and slashed hard on the vines holding both his feet.

Snap!

The vines broke.

At the same time, spirit weapons successively appeared before him. Su Zimo clenched his teeth, twisted his body till the limit and contracted his large tendons. Crisp and cracking sounds could be heard coming from the bones in his body. He had an extremely close shave with the three spirit weapons from the Joyful Clan elders.

After successfully dodging the three spirit weapons, no matter how, Su Zimo could not avert the over 50 other spirit weapons that were coming towards him.

Although all of them were from Qi Refinement Warriors, more than 50 Qi Refinement Warriors attacked at the same time. Hence, this was a frightening force not to be underestimated!

All of a sudden, the situation became extremely dangerous and Su Zimo was on the brink of death!