Eternal Sacred King Chapter 191 to 197

 Chapter 191: Old Flame

Lu frowned as he recalled, “That person wears a green robe and he looks refined and elegant, like a cultured scholar!”

Pausing for a moment, Lu grumbled indignantly, “But, it’s all a lie! Who would have thought that the frail scholar would be this powerful? He was so terrifying when he attacked!”

Upon hearing this, Shen Mengqi’s heart skipped a beat.

A familiar figure flashed across her mind.

In the past four years, this figure had been buried deep in her memories, almost forgotten.

It was only because she had returned to her old home that brought back some of her childhood memories in a melancholic manner.

Upon hearing Junior Brother Lu’s recount of the incident, the first person that came to Shen Mengqi’s mind was Su Zimo.

However, she smiled and shook her head, denying her thoughts in the blink of an eye.

The thought was indeed rather ridiculous.

Su Zimo did not even have a spirit root. How could he cultivate and possess such tremendous strength?

Shen Mengqi had never regretted her decision. Even if it happened again, she would choose to leave Su Zimo and Ping Yang Town to follow Perfected Being Cang Lang on the path of cultivation.

After four years of cultivation, she was even more certain of one thing.

That was... with the passage of time, the gap between her and Su Zimo would grow to a point where it was no longer possible for them to have any interactions.

“Let’s go to the palace! I want to see which idiot would dare to harm the cultivators of Iridescent Clouds Palace!”

Xu You’s voice pulled Shen Mengqi back from her messy thoughts.

Shen Mengqi frowned. “Senior Brother Xu, even though the person is at mid-stage Foundation Establishment, he has the strength to take down late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators. We mustn’t be careless.”

“I see.”

Xu You smiled. “Don’t worry, junior sister. I know my limits. According to Junior Brother Lu’s description, this person must have obtained a high quality spirit art and made use of that to defeat Liang Hao and the others.”

Shen Mengqi nodded.

“However, the higher the quality of the spirit art, the more spirit energy it would consume.”

Xu You smirked coldly and continued, “If I’m not wrong, that person should be almost drained of spirit energy. He won’t be able to recover much in this period of time – he is now at his weakest!”

“Senior Brother Xu, Senior Sister Shen, let’s not delay any further and move now.”

“I see.”

Three rays of sword light rose into the air as Shen Mengqi carried Shen Nan and sped towards the palace with Xu You and Lu.

...

Before long, the four of them arrived at the entrance of the King of Yan’s chamber. The door was open.

From the outside, they saw Liang Hao, Liu Hongyi and the other Iridescent Clouds Palace cultivators kneeling on the ground in a dejected manner.

As the four of them were looking down from their flying swords, they could not see who else was inside the chamber.

Withdrawing their flying swords, Xu You and the others descended at the entrance of the chamber and looked inside.

At first glance, the four of them saw a mature man sitting in the middle of the room. Even though he was only middle-aged, he had a head of white hair.

Of course, the most prominent thing about the man was a slanted scar on his face. It was terrifyingly ferocious, almost splitting his entire face into two!

Upon seeing Su Hong, Shen Mengqi felt a little emotional.

She naturally knew him although she did not have a deep impression.

Even though this person before her was already the king of a country with considerable power, compared to her, he was nothing in terms of status and strength.

When Su Hong saw Shen Mengqi, he was slightly stunned.

“The Shen family girl?”

After four years, he could barely recognize the gentle and simple girl from back then.

Shen Mengqi exuded a clear, cold aura that kept people at arm’s length.

Even though they were both cultivators, Su Hong did not feel the same coldness from Su Zimo.

At that moment, he suddenly felt relieved.

He was relieved Shen Mengqi chose to leave his brother back then.

They were not the same type of people to begin with.

Shen Mengqi’s gaze moved away from Su Hong after pausing for a while and turned to the two people seated at the side.

A green robed man sat on a chair at the side of the chamber. His side view was facing the entrance as he leisurely sampled freshly brewed tea that emitted a fragrant scent with a calm expression.

Upon seeing the green robed man, Shen Mengqi felt as if she was struck by lightning. Her body trembled slightly and she froze on the spot.

Shaking her head gently, her cherry lips opened slightly as disbelief filled her eyes – her mind was going blank.

Even though it was just a side profile...

Even though it had been four years...

Even though that person had matured a lot...

Shen Mengqi recognized him at the first instance.

If it was any other time, Xu You would definitely notice something unusual about Shen Mengqi.

However, at that moment, his full attention was drawn in by the girl in pink sitting beside the green robed man. He almost forgot where he was.

She smiled at him tenderly, her eyes curved into crescent moons that were filled with love.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, an exclamation was heard from the chamber.

Shen Nan had obviously recognized the green robed man and his expression changed.

Back then, the impression left on Shen Nan by this man wielding a long saber in the courtyard of the Zhao family while drenched in blood was too deep!

It almost became a nightmare that he could not get rid of.

Even though Xu You and Shen Mengqi were beside him, the fear that was deep-rooted in his memories still frightened Shen Nan into shrieking.

It was a somewhat familiar shriek.

At that moment, Su Zimo finally placed the teacup in his hands down slowly. Turning slightly, he glanced towards the entrance.

Their eyes met.

Instantly, it was as though space had changed and time had reversed.

A series of images flashed past his mind and gradually dissipated.

There was silence for a long time.

Shen Mengqi’s expression was complex.

Su Zimo was slightly startled. However, his eyes regained their calmness before long.

From the moment he stepped onto the path of cultivation, Su Zimo knew that he would definitely meet Shen Mengqi again.

However, he did not expect that it would be under such circumstances, that it would be today.

Four years ago, she left resolutely and Su Zimo suffered a huge blow. He could still remember that heart-wrenching pain till this day.

If not for Die Yue’s appearance, it would have been difficult for him to get out of that ordeal so quickly.

Su Zimo initially thought that he would be filled with resentment towards Shen Mengqi.

He had even imagined that if they were reunited, he would stand proudly before Shen Mengqi and tell her that there was nothing tough about living in a world without her!

However, reality was different from imagination.

Now that he met Shen Mengqi once more, Su Zimo was extremely calm. In fact, he seemed relaxed.

Unknowingly, Shen Mengqi had turned into a passerby of his life and was just an ordinary old acquaintance.

At that moment, Shen Mengqi felt a mix of emotions and bitterness in her mouth.

It had been four years.

He did not seem to have changed much – he was still dressed in green and exuded a scholarly air.

However, Shen Mengqi had just used her Spirit Peering Art and could naturally tell that Su Zimo was now a cultivator.

Furthermore, he was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

How could that be?

The atmosphere within the chamber suddenly became strange.

The disciples of Iridescent Clouds Palace were kneeling on the ground, looking extremely miserable and perplexed.

For some reason, Senior Sister Shen looked distracted and confused after she entered the chamber and caught sight of that green robed cultivator.

It was the same for Senior Brother Xu who was staring at the girl in pink.

No one was bothered about them at all.

Chapter 192: That’s Quieter Now

Even though Su Zimo looked calm and composed without much emotion, Demoness Ji noticed something unusual nevertheless.

A weird glint flickered in her eyes but she said nothing.

Su Zimo tapped his fingers on the table and attracted everyone’s attention. He then said slowly, “Tell me, why are you looking for my elder brother?”

There was no greeting nor pleasantry as Su Zimo went straight to the point of questioning. A flash of panic appeared in Shen Mengqi’s eyes as she was suddenly at a loss of what to do.

Su Zimo’s gaze turned to Shen Nan who was cowering at the side. Raising his brows slightly, he asked, “You’re here for revenge?”

That gaze of Su Zimo sent Shen Nan shivering as he shook his head like a rattle drum.

“Was it your idea...”

With a slight pause, Su Zimo shifted his gaze to Shen Mengqi and asked coldly, “Or yours, hmm?”

“N-No...” Shen Mengqi shook her head subconsciously.

Shen Mengqi was a cultivator after all. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and explained, “It’s because two years ago, a junior brother of the sect may have disappeared within Yan Country. We’re here to see if the King of Yan has news of him.”

“Oh, right. You know the missing person too. We’re all from Ping Yang Town, he is Zhou...”

Suddenly, Shen Mengqi paused.

Looking at Su Zimo, she seemed to know something.

Prior to this, she had not considered that Su Zimo might have something to do with Zhou Dingyun’s disappearance.

But if Su Zimo was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator now, he should have been a cultivator two years ago as well.

In addition, Su Zimo and Zhou Dingyun had a feud to begin with...

The truth was revealed!

Two years ago, Zhou Dingyun returned to Ping Yang Town to cause trouble for Su Zimo. Unexpectedly, he was killed by the latter who wiped away all traces!

Shen Mengqi’s speculation was similar to the truth.

It was just that Su Zimo was not a cultivator two years ago – he merely possessed the capability to kill Zhou Dingyun as well.

With that, Shen Mengqi had already calmed down.

Su Zimo had become a cultivator just like her.

However, his spirit root and endowment were inferior to hers. Furthermore, he had not joined any major sects and his future achievements would never ever match hers.

In Iridescent Clouds Palace, she made friends with geniuses of the cultivation world.

As for Su Zimo, he did not have any backing or power. He would only be able to hang out at the bottom rung of the cultivation world and die at any moment.

Even though they had both spent four years, she was already at perfected Foundation Establishment with a meridian unlocked. As for him, he was only at mid-stage Foundation Establishment.

That was the difference between them!

Moreover, Shen Mengqi believed that the gap between them would only deepen as time passed!

She was certain of that.

Her decision back then was still the right one!

At that thought, Shen Mengqi regained her confidence and composure. She looked at Su Zimo with a smile. “It’s been a couple of years, but you’ve changed quite a bit.”

Su Zimo was about to say something when he felt a lotus root-like arm coiling around his arm. Fragrance assaulted his senses as Demoness Ji spoke, “Zimo, who is this woman?”

Shen Mengqi frowned.

Only now had she noticed that there was a girl in pink seated beside Su Zimo.

More importantly, this girl in pink was far superior than her in terms of looks or aura.

Shen Mengqi felt uncomfortable when she saw the girl in pink hugging Su Zimo intimately – it was as if something that belonged to her had been stolen by someone else.

Staring at Demoness Ji, Shen Mengqi asked coldly, “Who are you?”

“What do you think?”

Demoness Ji smiled like a flower and squeezed next to Su Zimo. She raised her chin slightly and looked at Shen Mengqi as if she was exerting dominance.

Su Zimo removed Demoness Ji’s arm. Just as he was about to speak, his heart stirred – he felt a killing intent!

“If the King of Yan is your brother, that means you’re Su Zimo?”

Xu You could not help but flare up when he saw Demoness Ji almost squeezing herself into his embrace. He interrupted with a murderous aura.

Su Zimo reversed the question, “So what if I am?”

“All my fellow juniors were injured by you?” Xu You narrowed his gaze and asked again.

Su Zimo nodded. “That’s right.”

“Alright, hand over your life then!”

Xu You shouted and conjured a hand seal, his eyes turning cold.

All of a sudden!

Shen Mengqi swiftly blocked in front of Xu You and whispered, frowning, “Senior Brother Xu, let’s forget about this. There might be some misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?”

Xu You’s face darkened. “He injured so many of our fellow juniors. Is this a misunderstanding?”

If it was in the past, Xu You would not object to anything Shen Mengqi said.

But now, he was completely charmed by Demoness Ji. He only knew that killing the green robed cultivator before him was the only way he could obtain Demoness Ji’s body and heart!

Shen Mengqi pursed her lips. “I’ll get him to apologize to you and our fellow juniors now. Please let him off this once, senior brother.”

With that, Shen Mengqi turned to Su Zimo and said in a low voice, “What are you waiting for? Come over and apologize!”

Su Zimo suddenly laughed, his eyes filled with mockery.

“You were the ones who came to provoke and cause me trouble. Why should I apologize?”

Shen Mengqi frowned and glared at Su Zimo, hollering softly, “Su Zimo, don’t be ungrateful! I’m trying to save you!”

“Oh?” Su Zimo did not stop smiling.

Shen Mengqi said, “Do you know of the five major sects? Do you know of Iridescent Clouds Palace? There are some people and factions you can’t afford to offend in the cultivation world. What are you still waiting for? Come and apologize!”

Demoness Ji clapped her hands and smiled. “Sister, you’re truly right about that. There are truly some people and factions you can’t afford to offend in the cultivation world.”

“Fufu.”

Xu You laughed icily, “Junior Sister, an apology has to be sincere. I’ll only let Su Zimo off if he kneels and kowtows three times in front of me!”

In Xu You’s opinion, humiliating Su Zimo in front of the girl in pink might produce an even better effect than killing him.

“Senior Brother, isn’t that a little overboard?” Shen Mengqi frowned slightly.

“Humph!”

Xu You replied coldly, “That’s not all! Su Zimo is not the only one who should be kneeling and apologizing! His brother has to do it as well!”

“Senior Brother, I’m begging you. Let this matter...”

“This matter is non-negotiable!”

At this moment, Su Zimo suddenly stood up and walked towards Xu You expressionlessly.

Thinking that Xu You had compromised and was about to apologize, Xu You could not help but laugh smugly. “Haha, at least you know your place!”

“How annoying!”

Su Zimo came in front of Xu You and said. Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed Xu You’s throat with lightning speed.

Su Zimo squeezed hard!

Crack!

The sound of bones cracking echoed as Xu You’s eyes turned bloodshot and almost popped out of their sockets, looking at Su Zimo in disbelief.

He had not expected that Su Zimo would dare lay a hand on him!

More than that, he had not expected that Su Zimo would dare kill him!

Furthermore, there were no chances given at all – it was a sure-kill strike!

Su Zimo released his grip and heaved a long sigh of relief, muttering softly, “That’s quieter now.”

Xu You’s head tilted and fell to the ground in a thud. He was dead!

A dead silence took over the chamber.

Complete silence.Chapter 193: Pay With Blood

Liang Hao, Liu Hongyi and the other Iridescent Clouds Palace cultivators knelt on the ground in shivers. They looked at Su Zimo with fear as sweat filled their palms.

Shen Mengqi stood rooted to the spot and stared blankly at Xu You who died with grievances on the ground with disbelief in her eyes.

Everything had happened too suddenly and Shen Mengqi’s head felt as though it had exploded, buzzing chaotically.

“Su Zimo, h-how dare he?”

“Is he crazy?”

“Did he not think about the consequences?”

Demoness Ji narrowed her gaze and licked her lips.

To be fair, she was the most calm of the people present.

Even though she had not known Su Zimo for long, she could vaguely understand his temperament.

This was a man who looked weak on the outside but had a tiger in his heart, decisive to kill. The moment he made a move, he was like a thunderbolt that would not give anyone a chance to breathe!

Even the fiend heir of Malevolent Earth Sect was killed by him, let alone a mere cultivator of Iridescent Clouds Palace who was yapping incessantly without fear.

“Su Zimo, do you know what you’re doing? Do you know how much trouble you’ve caused?”

Shen Mengqi glared at Su Zimo, looking agitated as she questioned loudly.

Su Zimo smiled nonchalantly.

That made Shen Mengqi even angrier. She clenched her fists and shouted, “I didn’t expect you to still be so immature after four years! You’re a cultivator! Even if you can escape, have you ever thought about your brother who will still be in the capital of Yan Country? Have you considered that you would implicate your family?!”

Su Zimo glanced sideways and waved his sleeves.

A golden silk cloth floated over from the table in front of Su Hong. It emitted a faint authority as if the emperor had descended and was inspecting the world.

“The imperial edict!”

Shen Mengqi and the others recognized the origin of that golden silk cloth immediately and were shocked.

The status of the Emperor of Great Zhou was much higher than theirs!

Su Zimo replied indifferently, “My brother has the imperial edict with him. Anyone who dares goes against him is going against the Great Zhou Dynasty, making an enemy of the emperor!”

Everyone from Iridescent Clouds Palace fell silent.

“Furthermore, grudges of the cultivation world should not implicate mortals.”

Pausing for a moment, Su Zimo swept his gaze across everyone from Iridescent Clouds Palace and finally fixed it on Shen Mengqi, saying slowly, “Whoever dares lay a hand on my brother and break the rules first, I’m sorry... I’ll have them pay with blood!”

As soon as he finished speaking, a torrential murderous aura burst out from Su Zimo’s body, almost materializing. It caused everyone’s hearts to tremble.

The temperature in the chamber plummeted!

Liang Hao and the others trembled. They quickly avoided Su Zimo’s gaze, not daring to look him in the eye.

In Shen Mengqi’s eyes, Su Zimo had suddenly become an extremely unfamiliar person – someone that she did not know at all.

This wasn’t a frail scholar. This was clearly a fiendcelestial from hell, a bloodthirsty and violent ancient demon!

That feeling was fleeting, as if it was an illusion.

In the cultivation world, while there was no official rule, many cultivators had a tacit understanding that they would not involve mortals in their grudges.

Shen Mengqi took a deep breath and composed herself before continuing, “Alright, even if your brother is safe, you’ll have to account for killing a disciple of Iridescent Clouds Palace!”

“From now on, you’ll be running away from home, living in fear every day. Is this what you want?”

Su Zimo smiled, looking at Shen Mengqi calmly and asked, “Who said that I’ll be homeless?”

“You still refuse to come to your senses.”

Shen Mengqi looked at Su Zimo in disappointment. “Iridescent Clouds Palace is one of the five major sects in the Great Zhou Dynasty. As long as you’re within the borders of the Great Zhou Dynasty, who can protect you? Which sect will dare take you in? Su Zimo, wake up!”

Piak!

Right then, Su Zimo took out a long badge from his storage bag and tossed it at the table beside him.

“I forgot to mention, I’m a disciple of Ethereal Peak. It’s no big deal killing someone from Iridescent Clouds Palace. Ethereal Peak will naturally protect me.”

Shen Mengqi stared intently at the identity badge on the table. Biting her cherry lips, she stood there in a daze. Everything she was prepared to say could no longer come out of her mouth.

Ethereal Peak.

It had been four years, but Su Zimo had actually joined one of the five major sects as well – Ethereal Peak!

From the moment she saw Su Zimo, Shen Mengqi had been looking down at him condescendingly.

All of a sudden, Shen Mengqi realized that Su Zimo had everything she relied on as well.

Her pride seemed to have turned worthless.

In that four years, the gap between them had not increased. Instead, it shrank.

What comforted Shen Mengqi slightly was that she was still higher than Su Zimo in terms of cultivation realm!

“I’ll be at Ethereal Peak. Whoever wants revenge, come. I’ll take you on.”

Su Zimo’s tone was calm, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.

After a brief silence, Shen Mengqi gave Su Zimo a complicated look. She turned around and said, “Let’s go back to the sect!”

With that, she walked over to Liang Hao and Liu Hongyi, wanting to help them up.

Both of them eyed Su Zimo warily. Seeing that the latter was expressionless and did not object, they endured the pain and stood up.

The group from Iridescent Clouds Palace supported one another and left the King of Yan’s chamber.

A breeze brushed past them and they felt a chill. Unknowingly, all of them had broken out in cold sweat.

It was only when they walked out the door that everyone heaved a sigh of relief – they felt as though they had survived a disaster!

Even though they were all Foundation Establishment Cultivators, for some reason, all of them felt a tightness in their chest against Su Zimo. It was as though there was a menacing pressure that prevented them from breathing.

Shen Mengqi said to everyone from Iridescent Clouds Palace in a low voice, “Leave the palace first. I’ll be right after.”

“Senior Sister Shen, don’t... don’t fight with that Su Zimo anymore? What if... what if...” Liu Hongyi’s heart skipped a beat as he hurried to persuade her.

Everyone else nodded in agreement with fright in their eyes.

It would be fine if Shen Mengqi won. But, if she lost, they were worried that they would be implicated and lose their lives here as well!

“Senior Sister Shen, let him off this time. There will be many opportunities to take his life in the future!” Another person tried to persuade while encouraging Shen Mengqi at the same time.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be right back. I won’t fight with him,” Shen Mengqi let out a reassuring smile and turned back.

Coming in front of Su Zimo, Shen Mengqi stared at him and said coldly, “Come out. I have some things to say to you.”

With that, Shen Mengqi turned and walked out.

Shen Mengqi’s tone made Su Zimo frown.

“What’s the matter that’s so mysterious that you have to hide it from me?” Demoness Ji’s eyes darted between Su Zimo and Shen Mengqi as she asked meaningfully.

Clang! Clang!

Right then, Su Zimo knocked his fingers on the table.

“If you have anything, you can say it here.”

Su Zimo did not get up as he lowered his eyes and said calmly.

Shen Mengqi stopped in her tracks, back facing Su Zimo. Her expression changed continuously as she grit her teeth and turned around slowly.

Chapter 194: Frog in the Well

Shen Mengqi said, “Thank you for not being calculative with my brother and sparing his life.”

Su Zimo replied, “Thank you for your reminder back then. Take that as a favor paid.”

Upon seeing this, everyone from the Su family felt emotional.

They watched Su Zimo and Shen Mengqi grow up together.

The two of them were once childhood sweethearts. After seeing one another four years later, there was no joyful reunion nor deliberate avoidance – it was merely a polite exchange of indifferent thanks.

Of course, Shen Mengqi was the only one who understood the meaning of their conversation. Everyone else was confused and did not know what was going on.

Before they parted four years ago, Shen Mengqi caught up with Su Zimo and said something.

Among it, she said, “Zhou Dingyun and I will be leaving Ping Yang Town with the Perfected Being tomorrow...”

It seemed like it was nothing, but if one thought about it carefully, they would realize that there was no need to mention Zhou Dingyun.

At that time, Perfected Being Cang Lang was in midair and Shen Mengqi did not dare to make her reminder too obvious.

However, she believed that given Su Zimo’s intelligence, he would definitely be able to read between the lines.

The facts proved it as well. After Su Zimo returned to his home, he pretended to be drunk and successfully bewitched Zhou Dingyun, scaring the latter off.

Of course, even without Shen Mengqi’s reminder, Zhou Dingyun might not have succeeded with Die Yue around.

After a brief silence, Shen Mengqi asked, “Did you kill Zhou Dingyun?”

“Yes.”

Su Zimo did not choose to hide the truth.

He had even killed Xu You, so he naturally did not care if Zhou Dingyun’s death was added to it.

“Zimo, even though you’re a disciple of Ethereal Peak, I still want to say that you were too rash earlier on.”

Shen Mengqi said, “If you didn’t kill Xu You, I would have helped you keep Zhou Dingyun’s death a secret. At least you won’t offend Iridescent Clouds Palace that way. Now that you’ve killed Xu You in front of everyone, I can’t help you hide this secret even if I wanted to.”

“Why should you hide it?” Su Zimo asked.

“Huh?” Shen Mengqi was momentarily stunned.

He replied indifferently, “If I wanted to hide it, the simplest method... would be to kill all of you!”

Shen Mengqi’s heart skipped a beat.

From Su Zimo’s gaze, she had a feeling that he wasn’t joking about it.

Su Zimo continued, “If I didn’t kill you guys, it meant that I have no intention to hide it. So naturally, I’m not afraid of offending Iridescent Clouds Palace.”

A killing intent flashed through Su Zimo’s eyes at the thought of Perfected Being Cang Lang. “Furthermore, I’ve already offended Iridescent Clouds Palace before.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Mengqi’s heart skipped a beat. She seemed to have recalled something and frowned. “Shen Mengqi, are you still thinking of taking revenge on my master?”

“Oh? Perfected Being Cang Lang is your master?”

Su Zimo smiled faintly and said sarcastically, “How unlucky. Go back and tell him to live his life well. One day, I’ll personally take his life!”

“Su Zimo, that’s enough!” Shen Mengqi was a little agitated and questioned lightly, “You want to kill my master just because of a horse?!”

“A horse?”

Su Zimo stood up slowly. His eyes flickered coldly and a murderous aura emitted from him through just that simple motion!

Arriving before Shen Mengqi, Su Zimo stared at her with a piercing gaze that was sharp as knives.

Shen Mengqi even had an illusion that Su Zimo’s gaze stabbed her!

She took a step back subconsciously.

At that moment, she had even forgotten that her cultivation was higher than Su Zimo’s.

He said coldly, “If not for Zhui Feng, I would have died! Your master wanted my life back then!”

Shen Mengqi couldn’t refute him.

She had witnessed what happened back then.

If Zhui Feng had not been psychic and managed to defend in time, Su Zimo would have been burnt to ashes.

Shen Mengqi took a deep breath and raised her head, looking straight in Su Zimo’s eyes. “After four years, you’re still arrogant and ignorant as ever! You overestimate your abilities! What right do you have to take revenge on my master as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator?”

“Yes, you will grow stronger and raise your cultivation with the passage of time. However, master will not remain stagnant either. He will grow stronger too. You will never be able to catch up to him and take revenge!”

Pausing for a moment, Shen Mengqi scoffed coldly, “Also, I didn’t attack you just now because I’m weaker than you. It’s because I didn’t want to fight you for old times’ sake, but don’t push your luck!”

“Do you think that you have the strength to defeat me, a perfected Foundation Establishment, just because you killed Senior Brother Xu with a sneak attack?”

Su Zimo looked at Shen Mengqi calmly.

At this distance, he had a hundred ways to defeat Shen Mengqi.

Sadly, those who were ignorant would never ever know of their ignorance.

As though she hadn’t had enough, Shen Mengqi continued, “Su Zimo, there are too many geniuses in the cultivation world and there are tons of people stronger than you. You are nothing at all!”

“With your cultivation, you’re not even qualified to take part in the Great Zhou Dynasty’s sect competition. That is a grand event in the cultivation world where the top geniuses of the Foundation Establishment realm will meet and spar...”

“Pfft!”

Upon hearing that, Demoness Ji could no longer contain her laughter and interrupted Shen Mengqi.

“What are you laughing at?” Shen Mengqi asked coldly.

Demoness Ji ignored her and looked around as though she was looking for something, muttering, “Huh? I thought I heard a frog in the well croaking. How annoying!”

Shen Mengqi’s face darkened. She placed her hand on her storage bag and remarked icily, “Who are you calling a frog in the well?”

Noticing Shen Mengqi’s movement, Demoness Ji smiled. “So be it if someone’s a frog in a well. What’s worse is that she’s a self-righteous frog, boasting to others about how much of the sky she can see. What a joke.”

“Alright!”

Shen Mengqi harrumphed coldly. “Let me show you the methods of a frog in the well!”

As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Mengqi used her left hand to conjure a seal and slapped her storage bag with her right, causing a flying sword to land in her palm.

Boom!

A rumble echoed from within Shen Mengqi.

Right after, a meridian shone brightly like a divine dragon, roaring in Shen Mengqi’s body and emitting a rich spirit qi!

One of the eight meridians!

The Spirit Peering Art could only determine if a cultivator was at perfected Foundation Establishment, but it could not detect how many meridians they have unlocked.

The more meridians that were unlocked, the more spirit energy they had and the stronger they were.

It was obvious that Shen Mengqi had unlocked a spirit meridian.

Swash!

The moment Shen Mengqi made her move, a pink figure flashed and appeared in front of her.

Demoness Ji stuck out her left hand and grabbed the meridian on Shen Mengqi’s left wrist with lightning speed.

Instantly, Shen Mengqi’s expression changed. Her left arm turned numb and the spirit energy in her meridian turned sluggish, unable to circulate at all!

The next moment, she felt her neck turn cold, prickling in pain as a cold air entered her body.

Shen Mengqi’s face looked extremely terrible, not daring to move as she froze on the spot.

Demoness Ji leaned over and smiled. “Don’t doubt it when I say that you’re a frog in the well. If someone like you were to enter the ancient battlefield, the only thing that awaits you is death!”

Chapter 195: Ancient Battlefield

Shen Mengqi’s face was pale and she panted slightly, not daring to retort.

Demoness Ji was smiling in a beautiful manner.

However, they were both women and Shen Mengqi could sense hostility and killing intent from Demoness Ji!

Both of them were strangers and it was impossible for them to have any grudges. There was only one possibility why the girl in pink had a killing intent towards her.

It was because of Su Zimo!

Shen Mengqi’s gaze shifted onto Su Zimo. Her emotions were complicated and she actually felt a sense of bitterness.

Why?

What did Su Zimo have that would make this girl who was superior to her in terms of looks and strength fall for him?

In reality, Su Zimo and Demoness Ji’s relationship was not what Shen Mengqi imagined.

However, Su Zimo could not be bothered to explain and there was no need to either.

“Let her go.”

Su Zimo said indifferently.

Demoness Ji glanced sideways and looked at Su Zimo keenly, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes as she asked with a smile, “What’s wrong? You can’t bear it?”

Su Zimo frowned.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Demoness Ji changed her tone and said sweetly, releasing Shen Mengqi and returning to Su Zimo’s side, standing coquettishly.

Shen Mengqi only let out a long breath when she felt the coldness around her neck dissipate. Unknowingly, she was already drenched in sweat.

After this unforeseen change, Shen Mengqi no longer had the face to stay on. She harrumphed coldly and turned to leave.

Summoning her flying sword, she soared through the air.

Turning back, Shen Mengqi looked at the set of green robes in the palace behind her with a complicated expression.

She had never expected that their reunion after four years would be as such.

Could she have been wrong back then?

If she had not chosen to leave Ping Yang Town with her master back then, would she have followed Zimo onto the path of cultivation and joined Ethereal Peak together?

“No, I wasn’t wrong!”

Shen Mengqi took a deep breath, her gaze resolute as she muttered to herself, “I’ll prove myself at the sect competition. I’ll prove that my decision back then was the right one!”

“In that grand cultivation event where everyone will be watching, I’ll obtain unparalleled glory for the sect and be famous in Great Zhou. I’ll be the one entering the ancient battlefield. As for you... you’ll just be a spectator below!”

...

Outside the King of Yan’s chamber, Su Zimo stood at a stone step nearby. Hands behind his back, he stood against the wind as it lifted his black hair gently.

Demoness Ji drifted swiftly behind Su Zimo, her eyes burning with curiosity as she asked, “Who was that?”

Su Zimo did not seem to have heard anything.

“Tsk.”

She pouted. “I can guess even if you don’t tell me. That’s your old flame, right?”

Su Zimo’s expression changed and he glanced sideways at Demoness Ji.

“What I’m most curious about now is why she chose to leave you back then.”

Demoness Ji was puzzled. She held her chin with her hand and frowned. “At least among the younger generation, you’re already very powerful. I don’t think Iridescent Clouds Palace has anyone that can surpass you. Why did that woman choose to leave you? Isn’t that a stupid decision?”

“I was quite ordinary back then,” Su Zimo replied.

“I don’t believe you.”

Demoness Ji shook her head. “She must have bad taste.”

Pausing for a moment, Demoness Ji smiled smugly. “However, that makes me look even more formidable. I picked you right away with my sharp wisdom, hehe.”

Su Zimo did not laugh. Instead, he asked, “You’ve followed me for so long. What exactly do you want?”

“Perhaps you haven’t realized it yourself, but your personality is closer to that of a fiend’s.”

Demoness Ji looked at Su Zimo meaningfully and said in a deep voice, “You abhor evil and are decisive to kill. You also place a clear distinction between gratitude and hatred. Actually, you’re very suited for fiend cultivation.”

“Is that your motive?”

Su Zimo shook his head. “I’m not suited for fiend sects.”

“Why do you say that?”

Looking into the distance, Su Zimo replied indifferently, “The road I want is different from others. Even fiend sects may not be able to accommodate me.”

At that moment, Demoness Ji suddenly realized that she could not understand Su Zimo.

“W-What is the road you want?” She asked subconsciously.

Su Zimo did not elaborate. After some thought, he changed the topic and asked, “What was the ancient battlefield that you mentioned just now?”

“You know that the Great Zhou Dynasty holds a sect competition once every ten years, right?”

“I see.”

Su Zimo nodded.

Ji Yaoxue had mentioned this two years earlier.

It was a grand event for the Great Zhou Dynasty where all major and minor sects will gather and spar. Their realms were limited to those below Golden Core.

This was a battle between Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

There would be four ranking lists for Spirit, Talismans, Elixirs and Weapon with only the top ten of each – the competition was intense.

However, it also meant that this was the best opportunity for one to make a name for themselves.

Furthermore, the Great Zhou Dynasty would reward the cultivators on the ranking lists handsomely. It was also said that there would be additional mystery rewards.

Demoness Ji continued, “Actually, the mysterious reward is for one to enter the ancient battlefield and cultivate for a year within.”

“Cultivate for a year?” Su Zimo frowned slightly.

Demoness Ji laughed. “Don’t underestimate that one year. Even if you cultivate outside for ten, or even hundred years, it might not match what you can obtain from cultivating in the ancient battlefield for one year.”

“There are countless treasures within. Lost cultivation techniques, elixir and talisman recipes and even weapon refinement techniques can be found there. The opportunities inside are unimaginable to you.”

Su Zimo’s blood boiled as he listened in shock.

Demoness Ji continued, “There are some things you might not know. Back then, the Founder Master of True Fire Sect obtained a long-lost flame secret skill in the ancient battlefield. He then established True Fire Sect which turned into one of the five major sects in the Great Zhou Dynasty.”

“Of Ethereal Peak’s three secret skills, one of them was obtained from the ancient battlefield as well.”

“It’s not an overstatement to say that all geniuses of Tianhuang Mainland would have to venture to that place. However, only paragons will be able to return alive. If you die within...”

Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat as he recalled that terrifying expert of Ethereal Peak.

That person mentioned that the Void Thunder Manual was obtained from an ancient ruin.

A question suddenly flashed through Su Zimo’s mind and he asked, “Since the ancient battlefield is so great, why aren’t Golden Cores or even Nascent Souls sent there? Wouldn’t that mean a greater chance of obtaining treasures and inheritance opportunities?”

Demoness Ji explained, “Actually, every ancient battlefield was left behind by the ancient era and it forms its own dimension. In the most elementary ancient battlefield, only Foundation Establishment Cultivators can be sent inside. Furthermore, it would even require many Void Reversion Dao Beings to combine forces in breaking through the dimensional barriers.”

“Given the strength of the Great Zhou Dynasty, only dozens of Foundation Establishment Cultivators can be teleported at best. That’s the reason why we have the sect competition.”

Su Zimo pondered deeply, “Does that mean that only Golden Cores are allowed in the intermediate ancient battlefield?”

“I see.”

Demoness Ji nodded. “However, there’s no one in the Great Zhou Dynasty that has the power to send Golden Cores into the intermediate ancient battlefield. Think about it. If you require the combined forces of many Void Reversion Dao Beings to break the dimensional barrier of the elementary ancient battlefield, what sort of cultivators do you need for the intermediate ancient battlefield?”

Chapter 196: Farewell

Demoness Ji said, “Of course, if you consider joining the fiend sects, you won’t need to worry about such stuff. Be it Foundation Establishment or Golden Cores, fiend sects have the capabilities to send into the ancient battlefield. The sort of opportunities you obtain and whether you can return alive will depend on yourself.”

Su Zimo shook his head and smiled.

Demoness Ji had painstakingly beat around the bush hoping to invite him to join a fiend sect again.

When she saw Su Zimo’s reaction, she knew what his reply would be. However, she was not disappointed and merely shrugged her shoulders. “It’s alright. If you change your mind, feel free to join us anytime.”

Su Zimo nodded.

Demoness Ji continued, “However, I have to remind you. Even though there are many opportunities in the ancient battlefield, they are accompanied by immense dangers. Some of it will come from the ancient battlefield itself and some of it will be from the other cultivators.”

“Even though you’ve defeated a fiend heir, you have to understand that they were unable to unleash their full strength due to the ancient spirit lock formation.”

Su Zimo was well aware of that.

If not for the ancient spirit lock formation, he was definitely not a match for a few fiend heirs.

According to Su Zimo’s speculation, those fiend heirs – Demoness Ji included – must have unlocked at least four meridians!

“The ancient battlefield is the true first clash for all Foundation Establishment geniuses of Tianhuang Mainland. The world outside of Great Zhou Dynasty is way too big and there are many unknown lands and powerful beings!”

“Inside, you might encounter the legacy disciples of the nine immortal sects.”

“There will also be top spirit demons of the eight demon races. Many of them are mutated beasts with extraordinary bloodlines and strength.”

“There’s also the seven fiend sects, six Buddhist monasteries... four dissident groups and three aristocrat families. There will be many legacy disciples of the top factions in Tianhuang Mainland, all of them peerless paragons.”

When Su Zimo heard that, he suddenly frowned.

At the mention of the six Buddhist monasteries and the four dissident groups, Demoness Ji paused for a clear moment as though she was apprehensive.

Immortal sects, demon races, fiend sects, Buddhist monasteries, dissident groups, aristocrat families – each type sounded like an ancient lineage.

According to the order of the nine immortal sects, eight demon races and seven fiend sects, there should be another lineage in between the six Buddhist monasteries and four dissident groups.

At that moment, Demoness Ji said, “With so many geniuses gathered on the ancient battlefield, only less than 30% will be able to make it out alive after a year!”

Su Zimo was stunned.

That figure was completely beyond his expectations.

It meant that more than half of them would die in the ancient battlefield!

Demoness Ji looked at Su Zimo and said, “To be fair, you are indeed extremely strong in melee combat. However, if you were to enter the ancient battlefield with your current strength, the chances of you surviving is zero.”

Su Zimo did not refute.

He believed in Demoness Ji’s judgment.

However, her remark did not affect his confidence.

There were three more years to go before the sect competition. For Su Zimo, that was more than enough time and he could definitely increase his strength greatly!

Right now, he had attained greater mastery of the Marrow Cleansing section.

As long as Su Zimo was able to attain greater mastery of the Organs Refinement section within three years, he believed that there would not be many people who could match him in melee combat.

If he could attain greater mastery for the Orifice Clearing section, Su Zimo had confidence that he would defeat anyone beneath Golden Core realm in melee combat!

As for immortality cultivation, he was at mid-stage Foundation Establishment right now. With the Ethereal Foundation Establishment as his basis, he should be able to reach perfected Foundation Establishment within three years.

After he unlocked a couple of meridians, he would use them in combination with his sword formation, Fiend Suppression Seal, Blood Refinement Fiend Sutra and other secret skills. In the ancient battlefield, that might not be enough for Su Zimo to dominate the masses and suppress all geniuses. However, it was definitely enough for him to protect himself.

“Since you’re not willing to join the fiend sects, I won’t bother you anymore,” Demoness Ji looked at Su Zimo and said with a smile.

Su Zimo asked, “Are you leaving?”

“Yes...”

Demoness Ji nodded. She turned to look at Su Zimo with a faint smile. “Why? Can’t bear for me to leave?”

“No, I wanted to say... if you want to leave, hurry up.”

“Humph!”

Demoness Ji stomped heavily on Su Zimo’s foot before raising her chin smugly and turning to leave.

Halfway through, she suddenly turned back and shouted, “Hey, if you see my sister, don’t tell her that I’m in a fiend sect!”

“I can’t be sure about that.”

Su Zimo gave a faint, cold smirk and turned to leave as well.

He did not walk far when Demoness Ji’s aggrieved voice sounded, “If you reveal it, I’ll tell sister that you bullied me in the coffin...”

Su Zimo’s legs buckled and he nearly fell.

“This d*mn girl!”

His mouth twitched as he cursed silently.

“Hurry and go!”

Su Zimo waved without turning back.

Pursing her lips, Demoness Ji smiled. A faint fragrance drifted with the wind and dissipated in the air.

...

For the next period of time, Su Zimo was in no hurry to leave and return to the sect. He remained in the palace, chatting and drinking with his elder brother, Su Hong, when he was free – it was a carefree life.

A month later, Su Zimo was prepared to leave the capital.

To be fair, there were very few cultivators like Su Zimo who would take time out to return home and accompany their families.

Not to mention, he stayed on for an entire month.

Most cultivators would choose to sever their mortal relationships at the first instance.

It wasn’t because they were heartless, but because they knew that day would arrive sooner or later.

The sooner they severed those ties, the sooner they would be done with the many burdens of the mortal realm and it would be nothing but beneficial for their cultivation path.

Su Zimo understood that logic as well.

However, he could not do it.

When he was about to leave, Su Hong accompanied Su Zimo out of the city before he stopped and reminded the latter, “Zimo, you don’t have to come back if you don’t have much time. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Even though he said that, there was a hint of reluctance in Su Hong’s eyes.

“I can’t really help you much as an elder brother. Do take good care of yourself being all alone out there.”

Su Zimo looked at his brother’s head of white hair and pursed his lips in silence, feeling miserable within.

In the cultivation world, the most precious types of elixirs were those that could boost one’s longevity.

It was priceless.

Decades later, they would have to be separated through life and death.

Su Zimo dared not think about it.

As though he recalled something, Su Hong hurriedly added, “Zimo, if you have the chance, visit Xiaoning and see if she’s doing well. She has a soft personality. Even if she has been wronged, she might keep it to herself and not tell anyone.”

“Alright.”

“There’s... there’s nothing else,” Su Hong’s gaze dimmed gradually as he muttered softly.

...

“Big brother, take care.”

After a long silence, Su Zimo finally spoke – his voice was slightly hoarse.

“Go, go!”

Su Hong turned around and waved his hand.

“Second Young Master, t-take care too!”

Uncle Zheng stood on the spot, his voice quivering as tears streamed down his face.

When the Su family was in trouble, Su Zimo and Su Xiaoning were still young – they were practically raised by Uncle Zheng.

In Uncle Zheng’s eyes, Su Zimo was akin to his own son.

He was already old and did not know if he would be able to see Su Zimo again. This might be their final farewell.

As though he felt something, Su Zimo suddenly stopped in his tracks and came before Uncle Zheng. Pursing his lips, he knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times solemnly.

Four years ago, the immortal might of Perfected Being Cang Lang failed to crush the youth’s backbone and have him submit on his knees.

Four years later, Su Zimo kowtowed goodbye before an elderly man with a white beard on his own accord.

Chapter 197: Trapped Spirit Monkey

A streak of light flashed through the air, tearing through the skies and passing through the vast lands, brushing by cities and villages.

A few mortals subconsciously looked up. Some of those with sharper eyes faintly caught sight of a set of green robes. Amidst the clouds, it disappeared before everyone swiftly.

Su Zimo did not return to the sect immediately. Instead, he sped in the direction of the Cang Lang Mountain Range.

He had not seen the damn monkey for two years and missed it a little.

Additionally, Cang Lang Mountain Range had a cold lake.

Back then, Su Zimo was too weak and could not get to the bottom of the cold lake since he had just cultivated the Tendons Transformation section of The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness.

Now that Su Zimo was at greater mastery of the Marrow Cleansing section and had a rich bloodline, he could attempt to check out the cold lake once more.

The moment he arrived at the skies of the Cang Lang Mountain Range, Su Zimo heard a series of roars that shook the mountains with a murderous aura.

That was the howl of the wolf, something Su Zimo was extremely familiar with.

Back when he lived in Cang Lang Mountain Range for a year, he was fighting those spirit beasts most of the time.

Wolves were cunning and extremely intelligent.

If not for the spirit monkey’s help, Su Zimo would have already died in a wolf’s belly.

Su Zimo furrowed his brows slightly.

It was daytime right now. Logically speaking, most spirit beasts would lay dormant and it was the same for the wolves. It was rare for such a commotion to happen now.

“This should be the work of a pack of wolves.”

Su Zimo muttered softly.

Even when he joined forces with the spirit monkey back then, he could only rely on sneak attacks and was unable to fight powerful wolves head on.

Moreover, after killing a few wolves, it was inevitable that his body would contain the aura of a wolf’s bloodline. If he did not conceal it with other auras, he would be tracked by the wolves before long.

Su Zimo ignored the wolf pack and headed towards the cave he used to live in.

If he wanted to look for the spirit monkey, this was his only clue.

Otherwise, searching for a monkey in the vast Cang Lang Mountain Range was akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Su Zimo had not gone far when his eyes flickered, sensing that something was amiss.

The roar of the wolves came from the direction of the cave!

Was it a coincidence?

Su Zimo pondered for a moment and withdrew his flying sword, descending into the forest.

He dashed towards the cave with all his might while surveying his surroundings with a sharp gaze, trying to search for clues on the ground.

Before he arrived at the cave, Su Zimo already had determined the situation based on the clues on the ground.

The number of wolves this time was large, there should be more than 10,000!

That was a terrifying figure.

Typically, there would be a spirit demon level wolf in a wolf pack amounting in the hundreds.

For a wolf pack of more than 10,000 wolves, there were at least 10 of those spirit demon wolves.

The most terrifying thing was that the alpha of the wolf pack might even be a spirit demon equivalent to a Golden Core!

The difference in strength between spirit demons was huge.

The weakest of them were comparable to Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

The strongest of them were equivalent to Golden Core Perfected Beings!

Su Zimo’s expression was grim. When he saw that he was about to reach the cave, he slowed down and moved forward silently.

Soon.

The figures of many wolves appeared before him, their eyes flashing with a green glint. Bloodthirsty and ruthless, they bared their teeth and saliva drooled from their mouths onto the ground as they snarled deeply.

Su Zimo did not proceed forward rashly. Instead, he came beside a huge ancient tree and using all his limbs like a spirit ape, climbed it stealthily.

Standing up high, he looked over and could not help but take a breath of cold air.

There were too many!

Densely packed, they covered the entire mountains, causing chills to run down one’s spine.

The wolf pack did not surround the cave, Su Zimo would definitely choose to avoid and not provoke these beasts.

However, only Su Zimo and the spirit monkey knew about that cave.

He was not going to leave until he confirmed the spirit monkey’s safety.

There were also hundreds of wolf corpses lying in the cave and most of the blood had dried up.

Only a few wolves that looked like they had their heads smashed in seemed to have died not too long ago.

Although he was a distance away, Su Zimo could still see clearly – most of the wolves looked like they suffered fatal injuries on their heads, as if they were bashed by some blunt weapon.

Su Zimo narrowed his gaze at the dark cave entrance.

If he was not wrong, the spirit monkey should be inside!

Logically speaking, given the alertness of the spirit monkey, it should have escaped long ago once this place was exposed – there was no way it would be trapped by such a large wolf pack here.

Furthermore, this pack of wolves was also behaving strangely. Instead of rushing forth together, they were dragging things out.

Su Zimo did not dare to act recklessly, merely surveying the wolf pack from the tree.

Given the discipline of a wolf pack of this size, there was definitely an alpha wolf around.

If the alpha was a Golden Core spirit demon, Su Zimo could not fight it head on.

However, if the alpha was a Foundation Establishment spirit demon, Su Zimo would be able to break through the wolf pack on his flying sword and kill all of them to try and defeat the alpha... or even kill it!

That was because Su Zimo had an advantage that Foundation Establishment spirit demons did not have.

Sword Kinesis Flight!

As long as Su Zimo were to ride on his flying sword, he would be invincible no matter how many wolves there were.

However, if the alpha was a Golden Core spirit demon, Su Zimo would not dare to barge in.

Be it humans or demons, core formation was an extremely important step.

There is the saying that once one creates a Golden Core, one’s lifespan will not be decided by nature!

Once one forms a core, even spirit demons would be able to soar through the skies without the use of any external objects.

This meant that even if the wolf did not have wings, it could fly as well and Su Zimo’s advantage would be gone.

Furthermore, Su Zimo was not a match for a Golden Core spirit demon as well – they were on completely different levels.

If the opponent was a cultivator that did not cultivate any concealment techniques and the difference in realm between them was not too great, one could easily detect the other party’s cultivation realm using Spirit Peering Art.

However, the Spirit Peering Art was useless against spirit demons.

That was because there was no spirit energy in the spirit demons’ bodies.

Before a spirit demon attacked, one could only rely on experience, feelings and observation to gauge their cultivation realms.

At the front of the wolf pack stood more than ten tall and strong wolves that looked malicious. Pacing back and forth, none of the other wolves dared approach them.

Su Zimo nodded silently.

If he was not wrong, those ten odd wolves were Foundation Establishment spirit demons!

Their status in the wolf pack was very high, akin to a small leader.

However, upon further observation, he discovered that none of them seemed like the true alpha wolf.

Su Zimo continued searching.

All of a sudden!

His gaze paused at the top of a tall, green rock.

Above it sprawled a wolf. It was not big and did not look extraordinary when compared to the many spirit beast level wolves below.

However, Su Zimo determined after some consideration that it was the alpha wolf!

Out of more than 10,000 wolves, that was the only one that dared to sprawl around. Its expression was languid and its eyes were half-closed, as if it was taking a rest.