Eternal Sacred King Chapter 281 to 290
Chapter 281: Drawing Swords
“What’s going on?”
The commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards, Bald Vulture, surveyed the surroundings and asked expressionlessly in a low voice.
Some cultivators from True Fire Elixir Workshop rushed forth and recounted the entire incident with added gossip.
“Hahahaha... ”
Bald Vulture looked at Su Zimo playfully with a cruel gaze as he laughed in a maniacal manner.
“It’s over. That green-robed cultivator is definitely going to be tortured to death in the hands of Bald Vulture.”
“If I were him, I’d commit suicide right away. At least, it’ll be an easier death.”
Many cultivators discussed softly.
The commander of the White Hawk guards, Bai Yuhan, could not help but frown when she heard the recount.
The entire incident seemed fishy.
It was originally a feud between True Fire and Azure Frost Elixir Workshop. Or rather, it could be said that it was a private grudge between He Xing and Su Xiaoning.
Even though Pang Ming insinuated the spirit lion to injure Su Xiaoning and knock her Elixir Furnace over while He Xing bullied her, the situation was still within control.
It was only after this green-robed cultivator appeared that the situation spiraled out of control completely...
It was true that He Xing had attacked first, but the green-robed cultivator’s reaction was way too extreme – he killed two men right away without giving the other side a chance to explain things!
Furthermore, even if he killed He Xing in self-defense, it did not make sense for him to kill the two Scarlet Vulture guards thereafter.
Bai Yuhan looked over at Su Zimo instinctively but found herself slightly stunned.
He was encircled by two guard squads of the capital; he was faced with two commanders and one of them was even the cruel Bald Vulture. Yet, that man did not show any bit of fear at all!
In fact, Bai Yuhan could not see a hint of panic in the eyes of that person!
He had killed in the capital and he was even so decisive in killing guards of the capital. Yet, he was calm and composed in the face of this heavy encirclement – just what sort of backing does that man have?
Bald Vulture looked down at Su Zimo from above. Excitement could be seen in his eyes as he said sinisterly, “Very good, very good. It just so happens that I’m bored during this period of time and someone offered himself to relieve my boredom, hehe.”
“You won’t be able to touch me.”
Su Zimo suddenly spoke, looking at Bald Vulture calmly.
The moment he said that, the crowd fell into an uproar.
This man was of a lowly status and yet he dared to openly challenge the commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards – did he really want to die?!
Bald Vulture’s face darkened.
Ever since he took on the position as the commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards, no one had dared to speak to him like this through the years!
“Kid, let me tell you. Even if the Heavenly King came today, he wouldn’t be able to save you!”
Bald Vulture said coldly, “Don’t worry, I have a hundred ways to make your life a living hell! By the end of it all, you will kneel before me and begging for mercy for me to kill you!”
Right then, another voice could be heard from afar.
“You truly wouldn’t be able to touch him.”
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see a figure rushing over as fast as lightning. He strode through the air in an extremely fast speed and arrived in the blink of an eye.
The man wore a green armor and was tall with a dark, bearded face. He was none other than the commander of the Azure Falcon guards, Mu Dongqing!
When the bearded man caught sight of Su Zimo, he shot a look signaling for the latter to be assured.
Su Zimo nodded slightly as a form of greeting.
Today, it should be the Azure Falcon guards’ turn to rest and the bearded man should not have appeared here.
However, he must have been informed by someone to be able to arrive in time.
Sweeping his gaze, Su Zimo found out that Nian Qi was gone and instantly had a hunch about what happened.
“That lass sure is smart.”
Su Zimo muttered to himself internally.
The appearance of the bearded man and his statement shocked the onlookers as they could vaguely feel that the situation had changed again!
“Mu Dongqing, you are on break for today’s shift. What are you doing here?” Bald Vulture looked at the bearded man and Su Zimo before asking suddenly.
The bearded man said in a seemingly casual manner, “Nothing much. I came over to take a look seeing that the commotion had gotten quite big.”
“Fufu.”
Bald Vulture smiled. “It’s none of your business here. It’s enough that I’m here, you can leave.”
“Alright.”
The bearded man nodded and descended on the ground. Grabbing Su Zimo by the arm, he rose into the sky – he was trying to take Su Zimo away from this place!
“Hmm?”
Bald Vulture’s expression changed and his body flashed, appearing before the bearded man instantly. Blocking their way, he asked slowly with a darkened expression, “Mu Dongqing, what’s the meaning of this?”
“Nothing much.”
The bearded man stood in front of Su Zimo with no change in his expression.
Bald Vulture pointed at the corpses on the ground and sneered, “This person has no eyes for the law and slaughtered people in the capital, even killing two of my Scarlet Vulture guards. You want to take him away just like that? Mu Dongqing, aren’t you bold?!”
The bearded man frowned.
Suddenly, Su Zimo whispered in his ears and the bearded man’s eyes lit up before saying in a deep voice, “Bald Vulture, since He Xing was the one who attacked first, he brought his own death to himself. As for your Scarlet Vulture guards, they had lost their honor and it was a dereliction of duty for them to be biased and failing to notice what had happened.”
“Mu Dongqing, it’s Azure Falcon’s turn to rest today. You don’t have the rights to interfere in the matters here!” Bald Vulture’s eyes shone brightly and the coldness in his tone intensified.
The bearded man said in a low voice, “Today, I’m Mu Dongqing and I don’t represent the Azure Falcon guards! No other Azure Falcon guards will interfere in today’s matters as well!”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk!”
Bald Vulture suddenly laughed in a sinister manner, making one’s hair stand on end.
After a moment, the laughter stopped.
Slapping his storage bag, Bald Vulture pulled out two silver hooks that shone with a frosty, cold glint before saying slowly in an intimidating manner, “If you insist on protecting him, you’ll be going against me and the entire Scarlet Vulture guards! Don’t blame me for not showing mercy!”
Upon hearing that, the Scarlet Vulture guards in midair withdrew their spirit weapons and glared at the bearded man with fierce, unfriendly expressions.
The bearded man fell silent.
Bald Vulture was exerting pressure on him using the entire squad!
As long as he dared to make any objections, he would be making enemies with the entire Scarlet Vulture guards!
Just when the crowd thought that the bearded man was about to give him, he did not take a single step back and wiped his hand gently across his storage bag. Instantly, a gigantic hammer appeared in his palms, emanating a sturdy and heavy aura.
That was tit for tat!
“Like I said, you won’t be able to touch him today!”
The bearded man had a burning gaze and the hammer in his hands trembled, radiating with a brilliant spirit light. Four spirit patterns shone in a bedazzling manner, attracting a series of surprised gasps!
Four spirit patterns, it was a supreme-grade spirit weapon!
Everyone was shocked.
One the one hand, they were shocked at the supreme-grade spirit weapon in the hands of the bearded man.
On the other hand, no one had expected that the bearded man would make an enemy out of the entire Scarlet Vulture guards just for that green-robed cultivator!
The hammer in the bearded man’s hand shone with a bright spirit light. Given the situation, the numerous Scarlet Vulture guards in midair channeled their spirit energies, causing the dagger-axes in their hands to shine brightly while flying swords hovered above the skies.
In the blink of an eye, the two parties had drawn swords and were on the verge of fighting!
Chapter 282: Meeting the Emperor
To everyone, no matter the reason that started the conflict, things had gone completely out of control by this point and a massive battle was inevitable.
With two Scarlet Vulture guards dead, there was no way Bald Vulture was going to back down in front of everyone and would definitely ask for redress.
Otherwise, it wasn’t just him; the entire Scarlet Vulture guards would suffer in reputation in the capital after today.
The bearded man’s attitude right now was just adding fuel to the fire.
There was even less reason for Bald Vulture and the Scarlet Vulture guards to back down.
In reality, unlike what everyone thought, Bald Vulture was in a predicament and could neither advance nor retreat.
“How did Mu Dongqing get his hands on a supreme-grade spirit weapon? Damn it!”
Bald Vulture cursed internally and an imperceptible look of caution flashed in his eyes.
While he was the commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards, he had not gotten his hands on a single supreme-grade spirit weapon through all these years.
Given normal circumstances, if both sides were to fight, he would be able to hold down the bearded man while the Scarlet Vulture guards could suppress that green-robed cultivator with ease.
However, the bearded man had suddenly whisked out a supreme-grade spirit weapon...
His strength was weaker than the bearded man to begin with.
With that additional supreme-grade spirit weapon, Bald Vulture was no match for the bearded man at all. If they truly were to fight, the outcome was uncertain.
Right then, Bai Yuhan spoke, “Both commanders, if you were to fight in the capital over something so small and cause panic, the both of you might not be able to escape punishment if Your Majesty decides to pursue the matter.”
The bearded man and Bald Vulture were in a stand-off with their weapons drawn. Right now, Bai Yuhan was the only one with the rights to speak.
The tension between both parties decreased slightly.
Bai Yuhan continued, “I have a suggestion. The two of you should take a step back and we’ll consult the emperor in the imperial court. We’ll let Your Majesty decide on how to carry on.”
Upon hearing that, the bearded man and Bald Vulture both heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed.
“I’m fine with that.”
Bald Vulture scoffed coldly and was the first to speak.
In his opinion, as long as they were to meet the emperor, the bearded man would receive punishment and the green-robed cultivator would not be able to escape death!
The bearded man put away his weapon and nodded. “That’ll work.”
Bai Yuhan cupped her fists. “That’s great. I’ll make a move first and report about this matter to the palace.”
With that said, Bai Yuhan turned around and transformed into a beam of light, disappearing in front of everyone.
Bald Vulture’s gaze shifted between the bearded man and Su Zimo with a mocking look. “Let’s go. I’ll see what you can say in the mighty main hall of the palace!”
The bearded man smiled and did not reply. Turning to Su Zimo, he asked, “Mr. Mo, is there anything else you want?”
“Hold on.”
Su Zimo came before Xiaoning.
“Brother...”
Su Zimo frowned slightly in worry. Her slender hands grabbed Su Zimo’s sleeves subconsciously and did not dare to let loose as she cried in anxiousness.
“What are you crying for?”
Su Zimo smiled and stretched his palm to stroke Su Xiaoning’s head affectionately, messing up her hair.
When she was young, Su Zimo loved to mess with Xiaoning’s hair.
Every time, she would flare up and chase after Su Zimo to hit him.
As one of them chased while the other ran, they crossed the grass fields and streams, running till they were completely drenched in sweat before they collapsed and sat on the ground all tuckered out. Not only were their hairs messy, they were also filled with dirt and looked disheveled.
Back then, the two siblings would look at one another and laugh, enjoying themselves despite knowing that they would be scolded by their eldest brother upon returning home.
Now, Su Zimo’s action came with the intention of distracting Xiaoning. However, she ended up crying even more miserably, sobbing non-stop.
Su Zimo said gently, “Don’t worry, I won’t die.”
“Humph!”
When Yang Yu of Azure Frost Elixir Workshop heard that, she could not help and sneer before glancing sideways at Su Zimo. “Do you think that you can walk out alive after entering the palace?”
Su Zimo’s gaze swept horizontally and a murderous aura burst forth, carrying a thick stench of blood that made one’s heart tremble in fear!
Yang Yu’s breath tightened and she swallowed the words she was about to say.
The corpses on the ground had yet to go cold and the blood flowing was still warm – who would dare offend someone who had just conducted a massacre in the capital?
Patting Xiaoning on the head, Su Zimo said firmly, “Go back first and wait for me. I’ll come and pick you up in a bit.”
Sensing the confidence in Su Zimo’s tone, Su Xiaoning stopped crying and asked softly, “Really?”
“Really!” Su Zimo nodded.
On the other side, Bald Vulture came before the cultivators from True Fire Elixir Workshop and said in a low voice, “All of you, head back now. Notify the most prominent cultivators from True Fire Sect in the capital such as Elder Zhang from True Fire Weapon Workshop et cetera and have them all head up to the imperial court to greet the emperor!”
“Understood!”
The cultivators from True Fire Elixir Workshop understood and turned to leave.
Turning slightly, Bald Vulture caught sight of Su Zimo not far away and sneered, “Kid, your backing is none other than Mu Dongqing. But, let me tell you, nobody can save you today!”
Su Zimo’s expression was calm as he replied indifferently without fear, “Don’t be too sure just yet.”
The bearded man, Su Zimo and Bald Vulture moved towards the palace and soon disappeared in front of everyone.
“If they meet the emperor, it’ll be difficult for that green-robed cultivator to avoid death. If the commander of the Azure Falcon guards wishes to protect that person, he’ll be implicated too.”
“Yes, while both sides are commanders of the city’s guard squads, one side has the backing of True Fire Sect. If the many elders and Perfected Beings of True Fire Sect were to come forth and exert pressure, even the emperor will have to give some face.”
“That’s right, there’s no way the emperor is going to offend True Fire Sect for a mere Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Fufu, not everyone is like Mr. Mo who can win against True Fire Sect.”
The crowd did not disperse and continued discussing amongst themselves.
...
“Mu Dongqing, where did you obtain that supreme-grade spirit weapon?”
On the way, Bald Vulture asked in a seemingly casual manner.
The bearded man said nothing.
A cold glint flashed in Bald Vulture’s eyes as he said darkly, “There hasn’t been any supreme-grade spirit weapons on auction in Sky Treasure Auction House recently. Furthermore, your supreme-grade spirit weapon is a hammer that’s compatible with you. It’s as though someone had customized it for you!”
Pausing for a moment, Bald Vulture said slowly, “That hammer was customized for you by Mr. Mo, right?”
“So what if it is? So what if it isn’t?” The bearded man turned around and asked with a fake smile.
Bald Vulture declared proudly, “If you can help recommend and have Mr. Mo customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon for me too, I’ll let you off for today’s matters. Mu Dongqing, you’ve got no chance of winning today!”
As soon as he finished his sentence, Bald Vulture felt something and turned his head only to see Su Zimo staring at him with a strange expression, seemingly mocking him.
That gaze made Bald Vulture feel disgusted.
He laughed sinisterly. “Kid, once you’re in my hands, the first thing I’ll do is to dig your eyeballs out so that you can have your fill of looking at me!”
Upon hearing that, Su Zimo chuckled softly. “Interesting.”
Chapter 283: Because He Is Mo Ling
Rain Admiration Pavilion.
In an elegant place in the palace, this was where members of the royal family would listen to and admire rain from.
Clear water flowed in front of the pavilion with lotus flowers and leaves floating on it. Beside the pool were Japanese banana trees and green bamboos.
Be it the gentle rain of spring or the casual showers of autumn, the sound of them landing on the different plants would bring about a different state of mind for those listening. The different sounds ringing in their ears and mind created varying sensations.
Not long after Su Zimo and the other two entered the palace, someone came forward and brought them here.
There were only two people in the Rain Admiration Pavilion.
One of them was Bai Yuhan who came before them.
The other person wore golden brocade robes and his long hair draped over his shoulders. Standing in front of the window, he looked up at the sky. While his back was facing everyone such that his face could not be seen, he exuded an indescribable dignity which left one impressed.
“Greetings, Your Majesty!”
The bearded man and Bearded man knelt on one knee immediately and shouted with cupped fists.
“Yes.”
The Emperor of Great Zhou’s voice was deep and magnetic.
Looking at the back view of the emperor, Su Zimo’s eyes flickered.
“Reporti—”
At this moment, a guard of the imperial army dashed over. “Ten elders of True Fire Weapon Workshop and True Fire Elixir Workshop requests an audience with Your Majesty!”
“Granted.”
The emperor replied with a single word.
Bald Vulture glanced sideways at the bearded man in a provocative manner and laughed coldly.
The bearded man was unmoved and his expression was calm.
Before long, ten Golden Cores tore through the air – almost all of them were old men with long beards!
While those Golden Cores were from True Fire Sect, they had resided in the capital for hundreds of years.
Elder Zhang of True Fire Weapon Workshop was considered young among the ten.
The emperor did not turn around nor did he say anything, merely looking up at the skies.
Unknowingly, the skies were already filled with clouds and it seemed like a downpour was about to rain down.
No one could read the emperor’s thoughts.
The atmosphere within the Rain Admiration Pavilion suddenly seemed a little suffocating and gloomy.
Standing out, Bai Yuhan said, “If there’s anything you guys want to say, say it here. Your Majesty will make the final decision.”
The ten elders of True Fire Sect exchanged glances and someone stood out, pointing at Su Zimo. “That person killed wantonly in the capital and has no regard for the law. Not only did he kill two of our True Fire Sect disciples for no reason, he even murdered two Scarlet Vulture guards! He has no morals!”
Boom!
Right then, a thunder boomed.
Immediately after, rain poured down heavily.
Amidst the pouring rain, Bald Vulture said slowly, “Your Majesty, this person disregards our laws and that’s equivalent to challenging the authority of you. It won’t do for us to not kill him. We wouldn’t be able to appease the commoners and maintain our law and order!”
“In addition, even though this lad committed a heinous crime, Mu Dongqing, as the commander of the Azure Falcon guards, is even standing up for him instead of avoiding trouble! He nearly caused a massive battle and an internal fight between the guard squads! I feel that Mu Dongqing should be stripped of his position as the commander of the Azure Falcon guards and be imprisoned eternally!”
The rain outside became heavier as Bald Vulture’s words fell.
Landing on the leaves of the Japanese banana trees, the raindrops portrayed a sound of urgency as a killing intent shrouded the Rain Admiration Pavilion.
The emperor stood with his hands behind his back, merely watching the heavy rain outside without saying anything.
The Rain Admiration Pavilion fell into a momentary silence.
The atmosphere was turning increasingly heavy.
A moment later, Su Zimo spoke slowly, “Everyone missed out something. He Xing was the one who attacked me first.”
Elder Zhang of True Fire Weapon Workshop sneered, “From what I know, He Xing merely wanted to slap you. That would be humiliating at most, but you chose to kill him!”
Su Zimo replied indifferently, “Anyone who humiliates me will have to die in regret.”
“Haha!”
Elder Zhang burst into laughter. “What a joke! Who are you such that He Xing has to pay with his life for humiliating you?”
“I’m someone that He Xing cannot touch. If he touches me, he’ll have to die!” Su Zimo enunciated each and every word.
The ten elders of True Fire Sect were startled.
They could vaguely sense that Su Zimo was not joking.
Bald Vulture had also noticed that something seemed to be amiss with the situation.
The fact that Su Zimo could maintain his composure in the presence of the emperor meant that he had something to fall back on!
“On what basis?!”
Elder Zhang gritted his teeth and asked.
Right then, another voice sounded from the Rain Admiration Pavilion.
“On the basis that he’s the number one Weapon Refinement Master in the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the master of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop — Mo Ling!”
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice only to see the emperor turn around slowly, revealing his appearance. He had a wide forehead and bright, clear eyes accompanied by an aura of authority — this was the yellow-robed man who had visited Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop a couple of months ago!
The moment he said that, other than the bearded man, everyone present were dumbfounded.
That green-robed cultivator was Mo Ling?
Wasn’t Mo Ling a Golden Core?
That person was only at late-stage Foundation Establishment realm, how could he refine supreme-grade spirit weapons?
Elder Zhang’s mind was in an absolute mess – how did Mo Ling survive the assassination attempt that night a couple of months ago as a late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator?
If the emperor had not said it personally, no one would have believed it.
Even now, everyone present had doubts about it.
The bearded man was relatively calm since he knew about Su Zimo’s identity earlier on.
A flash of realization flickered across Bai Yuhan’s eyes as she thought to herself, “So, that’s your trump card. No wonder you are so calm.”
No matter what True Fire Sect or Bald Vulture had to say, as long as Su Zimo’s identity was made known, he could turn the entire situation around!
Among them, the most stunned person was the commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards, Bald Vulture.
How could this be...?
How did it suddenly turn into this...?
Bald Vulture had thought of countless possibilities but the only thing he did not expect was that this person was Mo Ling!
If that was truly the case, the fact that He Xing wanted to humiliate the number one Weapon Refinement Master in the capital of Great Zhou would only mean that he deserved to die.
Unknowingly, the rain outside had stopped!
The heavy rain left as suddenly as it came.
The emperor looked at Su Zimo with burning eyes and asked with a smile, “Mr. Mo, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”
Initially, the emperor thought that his sudden appearance would definitely cause Su Zimo to be shocked.
On the contrary, Su Zimo looked calm and composed.
He merely bowed slightly with cupped fists. “It’s my honor.”
The reason for that composure was because a few months earlier, Su Zimo had already deduced the identity of the yellow-robed man!
Bald Vulture knew that his actions had already offended Su Zimo and made up his mind. “Even if you are Mo Ling and it’s justified for you to kill He Xing, why did you have to kill my Scarlet Vulture guards?!”
Su Zimo replied, “The Scarlet Vulture guards chose to ignore things when He Xing and Pang Ming instigated the spirit lion to hurt others. Why were they suddenly trying to kill without second thoughts when it came to me?”
“In fact, commander, I suspect that you harbor ulterior motives along with True Fire Sect. You guys worked together to set up this trap in Yongxing City today to have me killed!”
The moment he said that, the expressions of the ten elders of True Fire Sect and Bald Vulture changed.
Su Zimo’s words were as sharp as a sword piercing at their hearts!
Previously, the emperor had made a clear declaration that no one was to cause trouble for Mo Ling in the future.
Now, of all people, they clashed with Mo Ling. If they could not explain it clearly, it would indeed cause the emperor to misunderstand.
By then, they would be the ones incurring the wrath of the emperor!
With just a few words, the entire situation had turned!
Outside the Rain Admiration Pavilion, a ray of sunlight broke through the gray clouds and scattered on the water, reflecting a beautiful light.
Chapter 284: Settling of the Dust
Bald Vulture was so frightened that he broke out in cold sweat and knelt on the ground hurriedly. “Before this, I did not even know that this was Mr. Mo let alone set up a trap together with True Fire Sect. Please understand, Your Majesty!”
Elder Zhang of True Fire Weapon Workshop glared at Su Zimo with deathly eyes as though he wanted to rip off a piece of the latter’s flesh!
This person in front of him was Mo Ling?
The same Mo Ling who was known as the number one Weapon Refinement Master in the Great Zhou Dynasty and could customize supreme-grade spirit weapons?
How old was this person?
He was merely in his twenties. Despite having a deep-rooted foundation spanning thousands of years in the capital, True Fire Weapon Workshop lost to a young man like this!
The other True Fire Sect elders were also in a state of panic and looked terrified upon hearing the news.
Upon seeing this, the commander of the White Hawk guards, Bai Yuhan, sighed to herself.
In reality, if the green-robed cultivator before them was a commoner, even if He Xing provoked him first, the Emperor of Great Zhou would definitely take on the side of True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards out of political consideration.
That person would not have been able to avoid death!
However, that green-robed cultivator had another identity all of a sudden!
At least in the capital of Great Zhou, the identity of Mo Ling was more than enough to go against True Fire Sect and had enjoyed unprecedented influence in the past two years.
True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards could only consider themselves unlucky bumping into him.
Pondering for a moment, the emperor declared loudly, “True Fire Sect bullied others with their authority and instigated the spirit lion to injure others. Also, He Xing provoked Mr. Mo and deserved to die.”
“Bald Vulture, you were from True Fire Sect and could be considered as half a disciple of theirs. it was clear that you were biased in this matter. Furthermore, you could not manage your underlings and failed to control the situation immediately, that is a dereliction of duty.”
If the Scarlet Vulture guards had stood out to uphold justice after Pang Ming instigated the spirit lion to injure others, Su Zimo would not have killed anyone on the streets.
It was precisely because of the Scarlet Vulture guards’ actions that Su Zimo harbored a killing intent upon seeing Xiaoning bullied helplessly by the people of True Fire Elixir Workshop and Azure Frost Elixir Workshop!
The emperor continued, “Bald Vulture, your punishment shall be a year without salary and break days. If anything similar happens again, you will definitely be severely punished!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The emperor waved it off. “Alright, all of you can leave now. Mr. Mo, stay behind.”
With the dust on things settling, the ten elders of True Fire Sect, Bald Vulture, the bearded man and Bai Yuhan left the Rain Admiration Pavilion.
The ten elders of True Fire Sect suffered a huge blow.
Before this, True Fire Weapon Workshop’s reputation in the capital had already plummeted after losing to Mo Ling.
And now, of all people, True Fire Elixir Workshop bumped into Mo Ling once more, resulting in the death of one of their most promising Elixir Refinement Master of the younger generation – it was a terrible loss.
“Mo Ling, Mo Ling...”
Elder Zhang gritted his teeth. With a darkened expression, his eyes were filled with endless hatred.
...
Rain Admiration Pavilion.
“Mr. Mo, you’re quite the schemer.”
After everyone left, the emperor looked at Su Zimo with a faint smile and said something baffling.
Su Zimo’s expression was unchanged and he did not reply.
The emperor smiled and changed the topic. “Mr. Mo, there’s still a month before the sect competition. After it’s over, the ancient battlefield will be opened up. What plans do you have?”
“There are huge opportunities within the ancient battlefield and I naturally want to explore it. When the time comes, I’ll partake in the sect competition,” Su Zimo said.
The emperor laughed. “Given your capabilities, I’m sure you will take a spot in the weapon ranking list without even taking part in the sect competition.”
“How about this, I’d like to invite you as one of the judges for the sect competition. At that time, you can give some pointers to the talents taking part. I’ll reserve the number one spot on the weapon ranking list for you so that you can enter the ancient battlefield with everyone after the sect competition. How does that sound?”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Su Zimo cupped his fists in thanks and paused for a moment before continuing, “Your Majesty, the supreme-grade spirit weapon that you customized previously is already done...”
“I’ll leave it with you first. When the time comes, I’ll get someone to retrieve it,” The emperor replied casually.
Su Zimo was slightly stunned. While he was puzzled, he did not ask further.
Worried about Xiaoning, Su Zimo bowed and bid farewell before leaving the Rain Admiration Pavilion under the lead of guards.
Just as Su Zimo left the Rain Admiration Pavilion, a squad of the Imperial Army was patrolling in the area. Their leader was clad in golden armor and had a cold expression, scrutinizing the surroundings with a sharp gaze.
The gold-armored Imperial Army soldier happened to see Su Zimo leaving the Rain Admiration Pavilion and was about to look away when his expression changed, seemingly recalling something.
“Hmm?”
The gold-armored Imperial Army soldier narrowed his gaze and followed in the direction of Su Zimo.
Su Zimo moved swiftly and in the blink of an eye, the only thing left in the view of the gold-armored Imperial Army soldier was his back view.
“It’s him?”
“How is that possible?”
The gold-armored Imperial Army soldier muttered and his eyes flickered in thought.
A few years had passed and the change in that person’s body was too great.
Logically speaking, that person could not cultivate because he did not have a spirit root.
If not for that familiar green clothes and that delicate side profile, the gold-armored Imperial Army soldier would not have linked the two of them as the same person.
The gold-armored Imperial Army soldier hesitated for a moment and killing intent flashed in his eyes. Turning to a guard behind him, he ordered, “Continue patrolling. I need to go out for a while.”
“Understood!”
The Imperial Army behind him bowed in response.
The gold-armored Imperial Army soldier stealthily followed in the direction Su Zimo left in.
...
Rain Admiration Pavilion.
Not long after Su Zimo left, a scholarly man flew over – it was Perfected Lord Ming Ze.
Perfected Lord Ming Ze smiled bitterly. “It seems like that Mo Ling had truly guessed the identity of Your Majesty previously. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so composed today.”
“Interesting. To think that he would have thought of using my power to break out of the situation.”
The emperor smiled as well and asked, “What’s the name of that girl from Azure Frost Sect who was injured by the spirit lion?”
Perfected Lord Ming Ze replied, “I heard she’s called Su Xiaoning and is siblings with Mo Ling. Her background is unknown and no one heard her mentioning anything either, but according to the other disciples, she’s rather close with the third princess in Azure Frost Sect.”
The emperor frowned.
He analyzed, “There’s only two possibilities if their surnames are different. First, Mo Ling’s surname is Su. Second, Su Xiaoning is only a younger sister acknowledged in name. No matter the possibility, it proves that Su Xiaoning holds a lot of weight in Mo Ling’s heart!”
The emperor nodded, his eyes shining with wisdom as he said slowly, “On the surface, He Xing’s death was because he struck first and wanted to punish Mo Ling. In reality, it’s clear that Mo Ling was the one who lured He Xing into attacking because he wanted to stand up for his younger sister. That was why he killed He Xing on the streets!”
“That’s right, that He Xing was stupid enough to want to try and punish Mo Ling without making clear of the situation. He did not expect to lose his life instead,” Perfected Lord Ming Ze shook his head and sighed.
The emperor said casually, “I gave him a hint earlier on that I believe he understood.”
“Yes, the fact that you didn’t expose him in front of everyone is a huge favor, Your Majesty. As for Su Xiaoning’s identity, perhaps the third princess might know something about it,” Perfected Lord Ming Ze replied.
“Yes.”
The emperor nodded. “Xue’er is coming back soon.”
Chapter 285: Too Many Spirit Weapons
Azure Frost Elixir Workshop.
A few female cultivators gathered around Su Xiaoning excitedly, chattering non-stop as the flames of gossip burned in their eyes.
“Xiaoning, was that person really your brother? Why haven’t you mentioned him before?”
“What’s his name? How old is he? What sect is he from? Does he have a Dao partner?”
“Why didn’t he join Azure Frost Sect together with you?”
“Xiaoning, you guys seem so close. Are you his Dao partner?”
Su Xiaoning frowned slightly with worry in her eyes as she pursed her lips in silence.
Sensing that Su Xiaoning was in a glum mood, someone consoled her, “Xiaoning, don’t be anxious. It’s only been two hours, it’s still early.”
“I advise you to give up hope!”
Right then, a female cultivator emerged from the back hall with a look of menace on her face – this was none other than their senior sister, Yang Yu.
Yang Yu scoffed coldly. “He killed four people in the capital and you expect him to get out alive? Dream on!”
Taking a deep breath of air, Su Xiaoning replied firmly, “My brother promised me that he would definitely come and fetch me!”
“How naive.”
Yang Yu did not hide the sarcasm in her eyes. “Of the four people that were killed, two of them were disciples of True Fire Elixir Workshop and two of them were Scarlet Vulture guards. Do you think that True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards are to be trifled with?”
“Who do you think your brother is to be able to go against those two powerhouses?”
With every word of Yang Yu’s, Su Xiaoning’s face turned paler.
She knew very well in her heart that the probability of Su Zimo leaving the capital alive was very low, but she was still willing to place her trust in him.
Yang Yu changed the topic. “However, we can’t be too sure about that either. There are indeed people who have what it takes to go against True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards in the capital. For example...”
She was beating around the bush deliberately and waited for Su Xiaoning to let out a hopeful look before continuing slowly, “For example, your brother could be from the royal family itself! Fufu!”
Before she was finished, Yang Yu already burst out in laughter and her eyes were filled with mockery.
She was completely making fun of Su Xiaoning – if Su Zimo was someone of the royal family, how could the commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards not recognize him?
Yang Yu added, “Of course, other than the royal family, there’s another person in the capital who can withstand the power of True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards. That is...”
While Su Xiaoning knew that Yang Yu was clearly mocking her, she looked at the latter hopefully waiting for an answer.
“That is... the number one Weapon Refinement Master of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Mr. Mo!” Yang Yu declared.
Su Xiaoning’s eyes dimmed.
Yang Yu chuckled. “Let me think, Junior Sister Su. Could your brother be Mr. Mo? Eh, that’s not right. Your surname’s Su and Mr. Mo’s surname is Mo. That seems a little far off... Also, I heard that Mr. Mo is a Golden Core but your brother seems to be a late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, fufu!”
Su Xiaoning declared, “You don’t have to be sarcastic, Senior Sister Yang. I believe that my brother will definitely return alive!”
“Ha!”
Yang Yu scoffed with a stifled laugh. “If your brother returns alive, I’ll...”
Right after Yang Yu said that, she caught sight of a figure striding over. Dressed in green robes with delicate features, he walked into the main hall slowly.
The cultivators in the main hall were stunned on the spot, watching in shock with their mouths agape.
“H-How could that be? You, you...!”
Yang Yu looked at the person who arrived and her mind was in a mess.
Someone that she thought would definitely be dead was standing alive and well right before her!
Su Zimo glared at Yang Yu coldly. “Continue. What did you say you were going to do if I were to return alive, hmm?”
Yang Yu felt her heart clench as Su Zimo glared at her. She turned away instinctively, not daring to meet his gaze as she felt an unprecedented sense of fear.
“Brother!”
Su Xiaoning exclaimed in delight and buried herself head first into Su Zimo’s arms, sobbing softly.
He let out a gentle expression and patted her on the back.
Su Zimo supported Xiaoning to the side before walking over to Yang Yu slowly with a cold expression — his gaze was sharp as a knife and emitted a chilling killing intent.
“W-What do you want? This is Azure Frost Elixir Workshop, it’s not a place for you to be brazen!”
Yang Yu was somewhat flustered as she pretended to be tough on the outside and scolded while she retreated subconsciously.
“Even within the capital, I dare to kill! Do you think that I won’t dare to kill someone in Azure Frost Elixir Workshop?”
Su Zimo continued to approach with a cold gaze.
Yang Yu gulped and felt increasingly flustered and horrified.
While she was at perfected Foundation Establishment, a cultivation realm higher than Su Zimo’s, she was completely stunned by Su Zimo’s aura right now!
Who wouldn’t be afraid of someone that could walk out of the palace safely after starting a massacre in the capital?
Even the Golden Cores of Azure Frost Sect were feeling wary at the moment, let alone Yang Yu.
No one dared to lay a hand on Su Zimo without knowing his identity!
Someone that could survive against the combined forces of True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards definitely had a high status – who would dare offend someone like that?
Before long, Yang Yu was already backed against the wall with nowhere to run.
“Do you know why those four people were killed?”
Su Zimo came before Yang Yu and asked with narrowed eyes.
Yang Yu’s face was pale as she shook her head.
He replied slowly, “It was because they bullied Xiaoning. You bullied her as well.”
“I-I... didn’t!”
Yang Yu’s defense was powerless.
Su Zimo changed the topic and said, “But don’t worry, I won’t kill you.”
When she heard that, Yang Yu heaved a long sigh of relief. Unknowingly, her back was already wet with sweat.
A mocking look flashed in Su Zimo’s eyes as he smiled. “I won’t kill you because someone else will deal with you.”
Instantly, Yang Yu’s relief was short-lived.
Right then, Su Xiaoning ran over and pulled Su Zimo away, saying to Yang Yu, “Senior Sister Yang, do we still have the deal we agreed on previously? I’ll sell you this Elixir Furnace for 5,000 superior-grade spirit stones or a superior-grade spirit weapon.”
Slowly, she took out an Elixir Furnace from her storage bag.
It was this Elixir Furnace that attracted the attention of He Xing from True Fire Sect and the series of conflicts thereafter.
The Elixir Furnace let out an extraordinary phenomenon when it was touched by Xiaoning’s blood.
Furthermore, Su Zimo could tell that Xiaoning was extremely fond of the Elixir Furnace – why was she selling it all of a sudden?
“Xiaoning, why are you selling this furnace?” Su Zimo asked, puzzled.
Su Xiaoning replied in seriousness, “Brother, you’re always empty-handed. You most likely don’t have any handy spirit weapons with you. Once I sell this furnace, I’ll have the money to customize a superior-grade spirit weapon for you.”
Su Zimo felt his heart flood with warmth as he rubbed Xiaoning’s head dotingly. “Hurry and put the furnace away.”
He said in a matter-of-factly manner, “Xiaoning, let me tell you, the reason why I’m empty-handed isn’t because I’ve got no spirit weapons. It’s because I’ve got too many...”
“Hmph, you’re bragging again!”
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to my place to take a look.”
No longer bothered with Yang Yu, Su Zimo brought Xiaoning away from Azure Frost Elixir Workshop.
Chapter 286: Hunting Mutually
By the time they left Azure Frost Elixir Workshop, it was already evening and there were less people on the streets.
The siblings naturally had a lot to say after not seeing each other for years.
“Senior Sister Yang even said that only Mr. Mo or someone from the royal family could return safe and sound. Hehe, seems like my brother can do it too.”
“She isn’t wrong about that.”
“Ah?
“That’s because I’m Mr. Mo.”
“I don’t believe you!”
Su Zimo smiled and did not explain, leading Xiaoning towards Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.
Before long, the two of them arrived at the entrance of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.
Under Su Xiaoning’s bewildered gaze, Su Zimo knocked on the door of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.
Before long, an extremely stunning girl with withered, yellow hair stuck her head out – it was Nian Qi.
“Sir.”
Nian Qi greeted crisply in delight after seeing Su Zimo.
“Yes.”
Su Zimo nodded and pushed Xiaoning over. “This is my younger sister. You guys can chat first. I have some other matters to attend to and will return a little later.”
“Alright, don’t worry, sir.”
Nian Qi nodded obediently.
Su Xiaoning looked at the words ‘Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop’ with an agape mouth and widened eyes, unable to link Su Zimo with Mr. Mo who was famous throughout the capital.
It was only after Su Zimo left and Su Xiaoning was brought to the courtyard by Nian Qi in a daze before she gradually regained her senses.
“Is my brother really Mr. Mo?”
Su Xiaoning looked at Nian Qi and asked cautiously.
“That’s right.”
Nian Qi pointed at the big, black dog sprawling on the side and smiled. “It’s called Night Spirit and is sir’s spirit beast. Mo Spirit’s name is combined from sir and Night Spirit’s names.”
Night Spirit opened its eyes and glanced at Su Xiaoning indifferently before going back to sleep without moving.
Nian Qi chuckled. “Night Spirit is like this. Other than sir, it’s not close to anyone. Don’t be misled by how it always looks so lazy. When it’s angry, it’s really scary.”
The two of them were about the same age and they soon became close.
...
After following the green-robed cultivator out of the capital, Dai Xu took off his armor and changed into a common set of robes, hiding himself in the crowd and hung from the back.
He was unable to verify if this person he was following was the same man he had seen that small town a few years ago.
After all, the man in that small town was only a mortal that could not cultivate. However, this green-robed man was already at late-stage Foundation Establishment!
Furthermore, it shouldn’t make sense for that man to appear in the capital or even the palace.
How was that possible?
Everything would not really make sense if they were the same person.
However, for some reason, even though it was only a single glance, Dai Xu had an extremely strong feeling about it in his heart.
They were the same person!
While that man seemed like a frail scholar on the surface, his spine was extremely straight as though there was nothing or no one in this world that could crush him!
Dai Xu followed the green-robed cultivator and saw the latter enter Azure Frost Elixir Workshop.
Not long later, he came out with a female cultivator.
When he saw the face of that female cultivator, Dai Xu no longer had any doubts.
This green-robed cultivator was the same scholar from that unremarkable small town of that vassal state – Su Zimo!
The woman beside him was his younger sister, Su Xiaoning. She was taken away by the third princess back then and brought onto the path of cultivation after joining Azure Frost Sect.
Dai Xu continued to follow Su Zimo.
When he caught sight of Su Xiaoning sent into Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop, Dai Xu’s eyes flickered in thoughts.
“Su Zimo, Mo Ling...”
Right after, Su Zimo left and headed out of the city.
Dai Xu’s expression flickered as he looked at Su Zimo’s back. After pondering for a while, the killing intent in his eyes disappeared and he continued following silently.
The two of them left the city one after another.
After leaving the capital, Su Zimo summoned his flying sword and sped off to the distance on it.
Dai Xu hurriedly followed.
Not long after, Su Zimo entered a dense forest.
He removed his flying sword and in a flash, sprinted through the forest at an extremely fast speed – it was completely unpredictable.
They were in a forest after all and the view wasn’t as open compared to outside with many places to hide and blind spots all around.
Dai Xu’s Sword Kinesis Flight had to slow down.
A while later, Su Zimo disappeared from Dai Xu’s sights entirely!
Arriving at the vicinity of where Su Zimo was last seen, Dai Xu surveyed the surroundings with a grim expression.
At this moment, the night grew darker and the beasts of the forest had already left their caves with the appearance of the moon.
The light in the forest was dim and the roar of spirit beasts could be heard from time to time. Branches and leaves rustled, filling the air with an eerie hint of blood stench.
Feeling uneasy, Dai Xu took out his golden armor. Just as he put it on properly, he felt something and turned around suddenly.
Not far behind him was a green-robed cultivator with his hands behind his back. The cool moonlight shone through the dense branches and leaves, illuminating his face in patches.
The green-robed cultivator’s expression was calm and there was a slight mockery in his eyes.
“Su Zimo!”
Dai Xu narrowed his eyes and said word by word.
Su Zimo smiled faintly. “It’s been a long time, Commander Dai.”
“You’ve changed quite a bit after a few years. I’m truly impressed.”
Dai Xu’s lips curled as he remarked coldly, “You were just a mere mortal back then but you’re already at late-stage Foundation Establishment now. Not bad, not bad.”
Su Zimo replied with a fake smile, “It’s all thanks to you not killing me back then, Commander Dai.”
“Humph!”
Dai Xu snorted coldly upon hearing that.
If Su Zimo had not been tactful enough to keep his distance from Ji Yaoxue back then, this man would have been dead a couple of years ago!
While Dai Xu had hidden himself well back then, Su Zimo had sensed Dai Xu’s killing intent with his spirit perception!
“Commander Dai, why have you followed me all the way here?” Su Zimo asked straightforwardly.
“Su Zimo, if you were smart enough, you should have stayed away from the capital and kept your distance from the third princess!”
Dai Xu said slowly with a murderous expression, “Now that you’ve appeared in the capital, I can only say that you’re courting death!”
Dai Xu took out a flying sword from his storage bag as he said that.
Su Zimo smiled. “You’re not telling the truth, Commander Dai.”
Dai Xu remained silent.
Su Zimo continued, “That’s not the only reason why you want to kill me. It’s because you’ve also guessed my identity as Mo Ling and you want to steal my treasures by killing me, right?”
“Haha!”
Dai Xu laughed out loud. “You’re very smart, but you will still die today!”
Su Zimo raised his brows slightly and asked, “I’ve already noticed that you were following me after I left the palace. However, do you know why I chose to leave the city?”
“You want to hunt me!”
Dai Xu laughed. “You’re confident enough to lure me to this desolated forest to hunt me down! However, I harbored the same intentions!”
Su Zimo nodded. “Not bad.”
With a cold voice, Dai Xu remarked, “There’s nothing much to say then. The outcome will depend on our skills. Let me see how much you’ve grown over these past few years!”
Chapter 287: Killing
This time, both of them wanted to kill.
Furthermore, both of them were confident that they could kill the other party!
That was why Su Zimo lured Dai Xu out of the capital.
At the same time, Dai Xu chased fearlessly despite knowing Su Zimo’s intentions.
They were one another’s prey and whoever was hunted would depend on who had stronger means!
Dai Xu channeled his spirit energy and a beam of light shone on his body. A spirit meridian flickered and emitted a dazzling light.
“You’re only a late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator but I’m a meridian cultivator! What do you have to fight me with?”
Dai Xu laughed coldly as he channeled his spirit energy, causing the flying sword in his hands to buzz and three spirit patterns to shine.
A superior-grade spirit weapon!
Pshew!
A sword beam tore through the void and sped towards Su Zimo.
At the same time, Dai Xu waved his sleeves and conjured a hand seal, pointing a finger forward as he shouted.
“Roar!”
A deafening roar sounded out of nowhere.
A spirit demon that was condensed from spirit energy appeared in the void. Looking menacing, it hollered into the skies with a torrential killing intent before lunging towards Su Zimo.
The flying sword and spirit art attacked simultaneously!
Su Zimo’s expression was unchanged as he pressed his middle finger and thumb together, forming a strange hand seal that he pushed slowly forward.
Fiend Suppression Seal!
He did not test the waters at all.
Su Zimo released the strongest spirit art he knew immediately!
The spirit energy in Su Zimo’s dantian surged furiously into the handprint that he had conjured.
Boom!
A huge golden palm descended from the sky accompanied by a deafening bang, breaking through the firmaments and crushing air currents as it slammed down towards the direction of the spirit demon and flying sword in a terrifying manner!
Dai Xu’s expression changed.
He could clearly tell that the golden palm seemed like it was formed by spirit energy. However, it seemed corporeal, as if the palm of a god was descending from the heavens, bent on purging all evil in the world!
Bang!
In midair, the howling spirit demon collided with the golden palm and cracks immediately appeared on the surface of its body.
In the blink of an eye, it dissipated in the air!
Dai Xu’s expression changed.
Normally, the spirit art conjured by his spirit energy as a one meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator should be able to defeat a late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator with ease.
However, the situation was exactly opposite right now!
There was only one possibility – the other party’s spirit art was way stronger than his own!
In midair, Dai Xu’s flying sword pressed against the center of the golden palm and could not advance.
The sword was trembling and its spirit energy was unstable, showing signs of breaking apart – it was on the verge of giving out at any moment now.
Dai Xu sneered and channeled his spirit energy once more.
Whoosh!
A beam of light shone through Dai Xu’s gold armor.
Two spirit meridians!
Spirit Peering Art could not be used to tell how many meridians a perfected Foundation Establishment Cultivator had unlocked – the only way of knowing is if the cultivator revealed it personally.
But now, Dai Xu had already revealed two spirit meridians!
Spirit energy surged within the two meridians in a sturdy manner.
Dai Xu manipulated the flying sword which shone brightly as its strength continued climbing. Straight and sharp, the sword actually stopped the golden palm!
No matter how strong the Fiend Suppression Seal was, it had its limits and it was difficult to make up for the difference in cultivation realms.
“Su Zimo, if that’s all you’ve got, today will be your death anniversary a year from now!”
The fact that Dai Xu was able to divert his attention to speak in the face of such an immense battle proved that he was not using his full strength!
Su Zimo had a calm expression and did not reply.
While Dai Xu was not using his full strength, Su Zimo had backup plans too.
“Break!”
Right then, Dai Xu’s body shone with another beam of light once more as he shouted softly.
A third spirit meridian!
The power of the three meridians erupted at the same time as the flying sword in midair shone brighter.
Both parties fell into a stalemate and with a bang, the flying sword pierced the golden palm. It continued its trajectory towards Su Zimo’s head without any loss in momentum!
The moment Dai Xu revealed the third meridian, Su Zimo had already realized that it was going to be difficult to kill Dai Xu using immortal cultivation methods given his current cultivation realm.
Cracks appeared on the golden palm after it was pierced and it was on the verge of collapsing.
Pshew!
The sword beam was piercingly cold and extremely fast.
However, Su Zimo was even faster!
The moment the flying sword pierced the golden palm, Su Zimo moved and left a series of afterimages from where he was.
Swoosh!
Like a fierce horse, Su Zimo arrived before Dai Xu in the blink of an eye.
After Divine Steed Fleeting, he made a sudden move and took a huge stride forth, using the stance of Plow Heaven Stride.
Boom!
That single step caused the ground to quake as Su Zimo’s aura increased tremendously!
His eyes lit up with a frenzied killing intent. Suddenly, he reached out with both hands and grabbed Dai Xu’s arms, bending his knees while smashing forth!
Divine Steed Dismemberment!
With Divine Steed Fleeting, he was able to shorten the distance between them and close in. Right after, Plow Heaven Stride aided him in bursting forth with a torrential aura and he finished off with Divine Steed Dismemberment in a fluid motion without any sluggishness!
As long as Dai Xu’s arms were locked by Su Zimo, he would definitely die!
The burst of Divine Steed Fleeting as well as Plow Heaven Stride coupled with the power of Divine Steed Dismemberment was enough to rip Dai Xu apart!
In the face of Su Zimo’s attacks that were like a tempestuous storm, Dai Xu’s eyes were filled with an initial flash of panic before calming down.
“Ah!”
He roared and yet another spirit light shone on his body!
Boom!
The fourth spirit meridian had appeared!
The fifth!
The sixth!
Instantly, six spirit meridians appeared on Dai Xu’s body.
His aura expanded rapidly and his spirit energy was rich as he entered a berserk state.
Six meridian Foundation Establishment!
There were not many Foundation Establishment Cultivators who could unlock six of the eight meridian channels.
Furthermore, the more meridians one had unlocked, the tougher it would be to unlock more – the difficulty level of unlocking the meridians wasn’t the same.
Unless one entered the ancient battlefield and obtained a huge opportunity within, it was already almost the limit for one to unlock six meridians in Tianhuang Mainland!
Initially, Dai Xu did not use all his strength.
That was because in his opinion, Su Zimo was only at late-stage Foundation Establishment – this was someone who was far inferior to his cultivation realm and there was no need for that.
The outcome of the battle was already decided.
But now, after Su Zimo unleashed that formidable chain of attacks, Dai Xu realized that the battle was not as simple as he thought it was.
The spirit energy of six spirit meridians exploded instantly!
“You’re courting death!”
There was a fierce look on Dai Xu’s eyes as he clasped his hands in front of him and formed a huge ball of spirit energy, blocking Su Zimo’s way.
This ball of spirit energy was condensed from almost all of Dai Xu’s strength and was not to be underestimated.
Su Zimo narrowed his eyes.
If Dai Xu was only at three or even four meridians, Su Zimo was confident that he could kill the former with just the burst of his physical strength!
However, Dai Xu’s strength at six meridian Foundation Establishment was not something that Su Zimo could take head on with his physical strength.
Right then, the combined momentum of Divine Steed Fleeting and Plow Heaven Stride was too strong and it was too late for Su Zimo to make a change in move.
He channeled his bloodline.
Bang! Boom! Boom!
Splash!
A horrifying sound came from Su Zimo’s body. It was like thunder rumbling and it surged like a tsunami in a terrifying manner!
Chapter 288: The Terrifying Blood Qi
Blood like a tsunami and the sound of thunder rumbling!
At that moment, Su Zimo who was charging over resembled a divine steed that was shining with lightning as furious tsunamis gushed from behind him!
Boom!
Su Zimo’s knee hit the spirit energy ball that was created by Dai Xu, exploding with a loud bang!
A huge halo of energy burst out from the middle of the collision in a bedazzling manner, shining like daylight!
The light ball exploded and the violent spirit energy within was released entirely.
The spirit energy of a six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator was extremely concentrated and Su Zimo’s body was repelled immediately, flipping a few times in the air before landing on the ground slowly.
Dai Xu stumbled back a couple of steps and his feet sank into the mud before he stood firmly.
It was an even split!
That was completely a frontal clash without any techniques involved.
The spirit energy of a six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator could match the power of bloodline that Su Zimo had released!
While Su Zimo was able to kill a Golden Core on that night a couple of months ago, he knew very well that if it was a one-on-one battle, neither he nor Night Spirit would be a match for Golden Cores.
On the one hand, the reason why Su Zimo lured Dai Xu to this place was to kill the latter.
On the other hand, Su Zimo wanted to know how powerful his demonic cultivation strength was and what cultivation realm of cultivators he could go up against.
In short, Su Zimo viewed Dai Xu as a guinea pig.
The moment the previous attack collided, Su Zimo understood.
With greater mastery of the Organs Refinements section, the strength released by him channeling his bloodline was enough to go head on against the strength of a six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator!
Dai Xu dug out an elixir with his left hand and swallowed it. He manipulated his flying sword with his right hand and glared at Su Zimo, panting slightly.
While Dai Xu appeared calm on the surface, he was in shock internally.
In his eyes, Su Zimo was only at late-stage Foundation Establishment. Given his cultivation at six meridian Foundation Establishment, he should be able to kill Su Zimo with ease!
But now, Dai Xu suddenly realized that Su Zimo’s actual trump card was his terrifying physique and melee combat strength!
Tsunami blood?
That was a mystical realm of the legends! How could someone have cultivated it for real?
Even ancient ferocious beasts should not have been able to cultivate it!
The elixir that he had just swallowed had turned into a thick wave of spirit energy that coursed through his six meridians, making up for the consumption previously.
Pshew!
Dai Xu struck first and pointed forward. His flying sword transformed into a rainbow and sped forth.
Su Zimo’s body flickered and he dodged the flying sword barely.
Ta! Ta! Ta!
Within a few steps, Su Zimo had already arrived in front of Dai Xu.
Dai Xu’s expression was unchanged as he conjured a hand seal, summoning a sword of spirit energy in front of him that he used to stab at Su Zimo fiercely with his back hand!
At the same time, the superior-grade flying sword that was in midair changed directions and was already behind Su Zimo.
“Break it!”
With a loud shout, Su Zimo’s blood began to surge in his body. He flexed his arm and drew a semicircle in midair before slamming it heavily against the incoming spirit energy sword using his hand like a seal!
Snap!
Cracks appeared and extended on the spirit energy sword, covering it entirely.
Dai Xu shuddered and shock flashed across his eyes.
At the same time, Su Zimo’s arm twitched in reverse and he rested it gently on the incoming flying sword like an elephant’s nose without even looking back.
He coiled his hand around the sword!
The spirit energy on the superior-grade flying sword dispersed and it fell into Su Zimo’s palms in the blink of an eye!
Swash!
Su Zimo did not stop and he seized the snatched superior-grade flying sword, stabbing it towards Dai Xu’s head!
“Ah!”
Dai Xu exclaimed and exerted strength in his legs as he leaped up.
Clang!
The superior-grade flying sword struck the armor around Dai Xu’s chest area.
Shining with three golden spirit patterns, the golden armor emitted a strong power of resistance.
The flying sword merely pierced it but it had difficulty penetrating through.
It was a superior-grade defensive armor!
Dai Xu was frightened and broke out in cold sweat.
While they had only fought for a single round, he would have been a dead man if not for that golden armor of his.
“Kill!”
Dai Xu hollered in anger and conjured spirit seals with both hands, releasing spirit arts that shot towards Su Zimo.
Bang! Bang!
Su Zimo waved his fist and knocked over the incoming spirit energies, causing them to disperse with a slight pause of his body.
Making use of the collision’s impact, Dai Xu retreated violently. He summoned a flying sword and leaped onto it, speeding towards the direction of the capital.
He realized that he was no match for Su Zimo and made an instant decision to run away without hesitation.
There was no way Su Zimo was going to let Dai Xu get out alive as he stood up and chased after the latter.
The two men sped through the forest, alarming countless birds and beasts.
Dai Xu gritted his teeth as spirit energy circulated crazily in his dantian and it throbbed in pain – it was almost at its limits!
He knew that he would definitely die if Su Zimo caught up to him!
Given that they had quite a huge gap between their cultivation realms, the speeds of their Sword Kinesis Flight differed equally as well.
As long as he could get out of the forest, the skies were much more spacious outside and Su Zimo would not be able to catch up to him no matter the methods he had up his sleeves!
Su Zimo sped through the forest and his bloodline circulated relentlessly. He was also at the limits of his circulation and he was closing in to Dai Xu.
With a calm gaze, Su Zimo looked at Dai Xu’s back view.
The edge of the forest was not far away!
He had to kill Dai Xu before the latter got out of the forest!
A demonic glint flickered in Su Zimo’s eyes as he reared his head and howled into the skies, releasing an extremely terrifying aura from his body that permeated through the forest – it was enough for all beasts to bow their heads!
This was something that was even more terrifying than his power of bloodline... the power of blood qi!
In that scarlet mist, Su Zimo’s figure was partially invisible. His eyes were black as ink, looking like he was a peerless demon that was treading through darkness as he chased after his prey that was not far away.
Dai Xu suddenly felt a sense of trepidation.
It felt as though he was being targeted by an ancient ferocious beast and his scalp tingled like he was being stabbed in the back.
Instinctively, Dai Xu turned around.
Under the cover of the scarlet demonic qi, a tall figure walked through the forest and by making use of his body’s burst, flickered between the trees in an extremely fast speed!
In the blink of an eye, the figure had arrived in front of Dai Xu.
Boom!
Stomping its feet on the ground, the figure produced such immense force that the ground was ripped apart, revealing two deep and dark cracks!
With the burst of his physical body, the figure leaped into the air and reached a height of about 100 feet!
A shadow enveloped the place.
The next moment, Dai Xu’s pupils constricted and he felt his limbs go cold.
“You are...”
He only managed to say those two words when a white palm landed on his throat and grabbed ruthlessly!
Dai Xu’s throat was fragile as tofu in the hands of Su Zimo and was ripped into a bloody mist that permeated the voids.
With a scoop, Su Zimo took away the storage bag on Dai Xu’s waist and descended.
By the time he landed on the ground, the demonic qi around Su Zimo had already vanished entirely and the blood qi within his body was calm as normal.
In no time, under the hazy night sky, a green-robed cultivator left the forest and sped in the direction of the capital.
The forest regained its calm once more.
Chapter 289: Xiaoning’s Path
By the time Su Zimo returned to Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop, it was already late at night.
Landing softly in the courtyard, his ears quivered and he listened intently, vaguely hearing two stable streams of breathing emanating from Nian Qi’s room.
In the darkness, a black figure that resembled a ghost walked over silently – it was Night Spirit.
Su Zimo relaxed slightly and calmed down.
As long as Night Spirit was around, it meant that Night Spirit and Xiaoning were safe.
They must have already slept.
Xiaoning had experienced many things today.
Initially, she was able to create a perfect Spirit Regeneration Elixir during her elixir competition with He Xing, but she was met with an ambush and her elixir formation failed.
Later on, she was left helpless against the encirclement of cultivators from True Fire Elixir Workshop and Azure Frost Elixir Workshop. Right after, she met Su Zimo.
Thereafter, Su Zimo killed on the streets and was brought to the palace, causing Xiaoning to be worried all the way until he returned safely.
Going through a roller-coaster of emotions as such was the most draining for one’s mental state.
Su Zimo did not wake the two of them up. He returned to his room and sat cross-legged in deep thoughts.
Today, he was reunited with Xiaoning and met with the Emperor of Great Zhou again. He believed that it wouldn’t take long before the emperor guessed that Mo Ling was Su Zimo.
In reality, given the emperor’s intelligence, the main reason why he hadn’t guessed the truth was because in his knowledge, Su Zimo was a mortal who could not cultivate.
However, Mo Ling was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator and the number one Weapon Refinement Master of Great Zhou renowned throughout the capital!
One of them was buried in soil while the other sat on clouds – the difference was too great.
But of course, that identity could not be hidden for long and would definitely be exposed at the sect competition.
Su Zimo was indifferent to this matter – he would just let nature take its course.
The night passed by silently and the next morning arrived.
Xiaoning woke up bright and early to check if Su Zimo had returned.
The moment she walked out of her room, she caught sight of him sitting in the courtyard, drinking freshly brewed tea in a pleased manner.
“Brother, sorry, I fell asleep yesterday.”
Xiaoning had wanted to wait for Su Zimo to return the previous night. However, she could not fight the fatigue and fell into a deep sleep.
“Don’t worry about it.”
Su Zimo smiled and pointed to a stone stool beside him. “Sit down and talk to me.”
“Yes.”
Xiaoning sat down obediently and took over a cup of tea that Su Zimo handed to her. When she took a single sip, the fragrance wafted into her nose and she felt like all her pores had opened up.
“When did you come to the capital?” Su Zimo asked.
“I’ve been here for almost a year.”
Xiaoning replied, “I was the one who requested to be sent here. Sister Yaoxue and the others have not arrived yet.”
After saying that, Xiaoning paused on purpose and looked up at Su Zimo’s face.
His head lowered, Su Zimo was sipping his tea with a calm expression as though he hadn’t heard anything and did not react to it at all.
Xiaoning had no choice but to continue, “I was thinking that I could kill two birds with one stone. Not only can I help others refine elixirs, I can improve myself on the Dao of elixirs.”
Su Zimo asked again, “How did you think of becoming an Elixir Refinement Master?”
Xiaoning only had a pseudo spirit root; even if she focused on cultivation entirely without spending time on elixir refinement, she might not be able to reach Golden Core realm.
Su Zimo was puzzled as to why Xiaoning would still choose to become an Elixir Refinement Master given such circumstances.
She sighed softly, suddenly looking somewhat dejected. After a moment, she said slowly, “Among the three of us, only big brother can’t cultivate. I’m afraid that... he will leave us one day.”
Su Zimo remained silent.
There were countless nights where he had pondered over the same question and carried the same worries.
If he and Xiaoning could both form cores, Su Hong would definitely leave the world before them as his lifespan would not be longer than more than a hundred years.
Perhaps, no one could understand the kinship between the three of them.
Even though Su Zimo and Xiaoning were already on the path of cultivation, both of them carried a strong sense of dependence and attachment towards Su Hong in the depths of their hearts.
If not for Su Hong, both of them would not have been alive back then!
Ever since Su Zimo and Xiaoning could remember things, neither of them had met their parents. In their hearts, Su Hong was like their parents.
Xiaoning said in a smitten manner, “I know that it’s something we have to experience eventually, the fact of life and death. However, I wish for that moment to come a little later.”
“I heard from others that some powerful Elixir Refinement Masters are able to refine elixirs that can increase one’s lifespan. Therefore, I want to try. Even if it’s for a single year, a single month, or a single day, I’ll be happy to do it.”
Su Zimo was moved as he stretched his arms and hugged Xiaoning who had tears in her eyes gently, remaining silent.
Most cultivators took on the path of cultivation in pursuit of longevity.
Su Zimo had never heard of elixirs that could increase one’s lifespan. Even if there was a recipe for that in the world, the conditions required must be unimaginably harsh, akin to ascending the heavens.
However, Xiaoning chose to walk the path of an Elixir Refinement Master despite knowing that.
Even if an elixir as such only existed in the illusory tales of the legends, she wanted to give it a shot for that sliver of hope in her heart.
Suddenly, Su Zimo realized something.
It was not a coincidence that Xiaoning had such achievements in elixir refinement.
Her persistence was not something that everyone possessed.
After a moment, Su Zimo asked, “What is up with that Elixir Furnace?”
Xiaoning stood up and took out the exquisite and old Elixir Furnace, placing it on the table. “I came across it on a small store in Yongxing City. Back then, I didn’t think much about it, only that it looked rather ancient and there was nothing special about it.”
“However, when I picked it up, I felt a strange feeling in my heart. That’s why I bought it but He Xing of True Fire Elixir Workshop happened to see it.”
Su Zimo looked at the Elixir Furnace thoughtfully.
Xiaoning continued, “Later on, I realized the difference after I started refining elixirs with this Elixir Furnace.”
“As long as I carry this Elixir Furnace with me, I’ll be extremely focused when I refine elixirs. If nothing major happens, it will be extremely difficult for me to be distracted!”
Suddenly, Su Zimo was enlightened.
It was no wonder that Xiaoning was in a perfect state of focus during the elixir competition the previous day. So, it was also in part thanks to this mysterious Elixir Furnace.
“Put it away.”
Su Zimo instructed, “Don’t give this Elixir Furnace to anyone no matter what. Keep it for yourself! I have a feeling that this Elixir Furnace has an impressive background.”
It was an inanimate object but it could affect one’s mental state.
Even Su Zimo would not be able to forge an Elixir Furnace as such.
“Yes!”
Xiaoning nodded.
Su Zimo pondered for a moment before saying, “From today onwards, you can cultivate here at my place. You can head back when it’s time for the sect competition.”
Many things had happened yesterday and Su Zimo would be worried if Xiaoning continued to stay in Azure Frost Elixir Workshop.
Furthermore, he was intending to make use of this final month to help Xiaoning raise her cultivation realm.
She had a pseudo spirit root and her cultivation speed was the slowest.
Therefore, Su Zimo made some supplementary array formations for Xiaoning to help her absorb spirit qi better. He only used superior-grade spirit stones for the formations!
Usually, only Golden Cores would be the ones to cultivate with superior-grade spirit stones.
However, Su Zimo’s plan was simple – he would just splurge on superior-grade spirit stones.
After all, the one thing he did not lack right now was spirit stones.
Chapter 290: Exposed Identity
As the sect competition approached, the number of cultivators that arrived in the capital gradually increased and there were already major sects that arrived with their disciples.
Among them, of the five major sects, Iridescent Clouds Palace, True Fire Sect, Azure Frost Sect and Southern Mountains Sect had already sent Golden Cores that led people with them to the capital.
Even though they were also one of the five major sects, Ethereal Peak did not have any disciples arriving yet.
Many cultivators had expected such a situation.
Three years ago, news of the battle in Dongling Valley spread and everyone had heard about it. It was said that the battle was extremely tragic and almost all of Ethereal Peak’s elite disciples of Foundation Establishment realm were killed.
They even lost several Golden Cores as well!
It was almost impossible for them to nurture Foundation Establishment Cultivators who were qualified to contend for the Spirit Ranking within three years.
Before this, Ethereal Peak could take up at least three of the ten spots on the Spirit Ranking!
But now, Ethereal Peak was no longer qualified to compete for the Spirit Ranking which they had the most advantage in.
As for the Elixir and Weapon Rankings, disciples of Ethereal Peak had never ever been on it.
The only hope they had left was for the Talisman Ranking, but even then, the chances were slim.
Hence, in the eyes of the masses, there was even a possibility that Ethereal Sect would choose to give up on the sect competition this time round.
Palace, Rain Admiration Pavilion.
A man and woman stood side by side.
The man was dressed in a yellow robe. Hands behind his back, his forehead was broad and his gaze was filled with wisdom – this was none other than the Emperor of Great Zhou!
The woman beside him wore a faint, pale yellow dress with a ribbon tied around her waist, revealing her exquisite figure perfectly.
She was extremely beautiful, graceful and elegant. This was none other than the third princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the emperor’s daughter, Ji Yaoxue.
“Why didn’t you come back earlier?” The emperor asked.
Ji Yaoxue lowered her head in silence.
Frowning, the emperor turned slightly and asked, “You’re still blaming me?”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Ji Yaoxue shook her head gently and her tone was calm.
The emperor sighed, somewhat helplessly. “Xue’er, you have to know that I will never harm you. If there’s a single person in this world that wholeheartedly wishes for your best interests, that would be me.”
“I know that your intentions definitely mean well, father.”
Ji Yaoxue turned around and looked at the emperor, somewhat indifferently. “However, I have grown up. There are many decisions that I wish to make for myself.”
“How do you decide for yourself? Do you really want to become Dao companions with a mortal?”
The emperor furrowed his brows and looked at the stubborn Ji Yaoxue. Suddenly, he felt furious and could not help but raise his voice, “In a hundred years’ time, you will be in your prime while he would be in his twilight. How are you guys going to face that together? Have you ever thought about these problems?!”
Ji Yaoxue kept her silence and did not wish to argue against the angered emperor.
Taking a deep breath of air, the emperor composed himself and suddenly said, “I customized a supreme-grade flying sword for you recently. The specifications are entirely according to your preferred weight and design. Go and collect it yourself.”
A supreme-grade flying sword?
Customized?
Ji Yaoxue was slightly stunned and looked shocked.
However, she snapped out of it almost instantly and probed, “It’s from Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop?”
“You’ve heard about Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop as well?”
The emperor raised his brows, turning to ask.
“Yes.”
Ji Yaoxue nodded. “In the past year, the reputation of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop has long been spread to our sect. I’m afraid there aren’t many people who haven’t heard of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop within the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty.”
Pausing for a moment, Ji Yaoxue continued, “I heard that today’s the day for Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop’s start of the month auction. My master has long prepared materials and spirit stones to partake in it.”
“That’s perfect.”
The emperor revealed a smile. “Go over and take a look. You can conveniently collect your flying sword as well. All you have to do is tell them my name.”
Ji Yaoxue frowned.
For some reason, she felt that there was another meaning behind her father’s smile.
The emperor continued, “I’ve met this Mo Ling before and he’s quite a decent young man. Even though he’s only in his early twenties, he is mature. Furthermore, he has already attained such achievements!”
“You wouldn’t have been able to imagine that even though he’s only a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, Mo Ling is already able to refine supreme-grade...”
“Hold on!”
Seemingly sensing something, Ji Yaoxue interrupted the emperor and asked with raised brows, “Father, what are you trying to do?”
The emperor chuckled. “Don’t worry, I don’t mean anything. I merely want to show you what a true genius looks like. Mo Ling is definitely far superior compared to that Su Zimo.”
“Father!”
Ji Yaoxue interrupted the emperor once more and shook her head, expressing her displeasure. “I don’t want that flying sword anymore nor do I want to meet this Mo Ling.”
“Xue’er, listen to me.”
The emperor said tenderly, “There’s no disadvantage for you to take a look at this person. It’s fine even if you aren’t fated with him and don’t fancy him. At the very least, you’re able to make acquaintances with the number one Weapon Refinement Master of the Great Zhou Dynasty, right?”
Ji Yaoxue went silent.
Seeing that Ji Yaoxue was tempted, the emperor joked. “Furthermore, that flying sword was customized for you. If you don’t collect it, do you want Mr. Mo to send it over to you personally?”
“There’s still two more hours before the auction begins and many Golden Cores must be gathered outside Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop. Have Bai Yuhan accompany you there.”
Ji Yaoxue thought about it for a moment before nodding.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, she was held back by the emperor.
He asked in a seemingly casual manner, “Right, there’s a Foundation Establishment Cultivator named Su Xiaoning in Azure Frost Sect. She’s an Elixir Refinement Master and I heard that you guys are pretty close. What’s her background?”
At the mention of Su Xiaoning, Ji Yaoxue’s expression changed.
She looked agitated with a fierce glare in her eyes as she replied loudly, “Father, I have cut off all contact with him long ago! Why do you have to keep an eye on the Su family?”
“Father, I told you not to touch anyone from the Su family! This has nothing to do with them at all!”
With a frosty expression, Ji Yaoxue left the Rain Admiration Pavilion without turning back.
The emperor was expressionless as he looked at Ji Yaoxue’s back view. However, his eyes shone brightly and a ripple spread within his heart.
Ji Yaoxue’s sudden agitation coupled with what she said stirred the emperor’s suspicions.
Su Xiaoning?
Someone from the Su family?
Why would a disciple of Azure Frost Sect be related to the Su family?
Were there truly such coincidences in the world?
The emperor’s expressions changed continuously alongside his mood.
He had a feeling that there was some sort of a secret that was placed right before his eyes and he was just short of addressing the elephant in the room!
All of a sudden!
The emperor’s heart skipped a beat as he suddenly recalled something.
A few years ago, the Imperial Army vice commander that accompanied Ji Yaoxue to Ping Yang Town of Yan Country reported that the Su family had two sons and a daughter.
If Su Xiaoning was the daughter...
That would mean that the brother she acknowledged in the capital would be...
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