Eternal Sacred King Chapter 331 to 340
Chapter 331: Sacrifice for the Saber
The Fiend Suppression Seal that was condensed depleted almost all of Su Zimo’s spirit energy.
Su Zimo did not even bother to see the outcome of the clash between their secret skills. While he was sprinting, he retrieved a huge bow from his storage bag with his right hand and three arrows were already loaded and aimed at Feng Haoyu who was in midair.
His action was fluid like water, as if he had practiced countless times.
That seemingly ordinary bow suddenly shone with four spirit lights – it was a supreme-grade spirit weapon!
His bow was like a full moon and the arrows were like shooting stars!
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Three arrows tore through the air and in an instant, three cold beams arrived in front of Feng Haoyu.
It was too fast!
At the same time, the blood-colored skull collided with the golden palm in midair.
It devoured the golden palm in a single mouthful and paused for a moment. Cracks appeared on its head, bursting out with endless golden rays before exploding!
Feng Haoyu dodged the three incoming cold beams but was suddenly struck by the shockwave caused by the collision of the two secret skills. He stopped in his tracks and was a step too slow.
Poof!
A light of blood flashed as an arrow streaked past Feng Haoyu’s cheek – it was a mere centimeter away from piercing his head!
Crack! Crack!
Feng Haoyu could not avoid the other two arrows completely and they struck the wings that were spread out behind him.
The pair of spirit wings shattered on the spot as Feng Haoyu’s figure fell.
Boom!
At that moment, a loud bang came from below. The ground of the entire metal region was shaking as though the sky was collapsing!
Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Su Zimo stomped harshly on the ground and leaped into the air purely using the burst of his body!
In the blink of an eye, he was above Feng Haoyu’s head!
That was a full 100 feet high!
Even Golden Cores might not be able to jump that high with their physiques.
Bang! Boom! Boom!
Splash!
Immediately after, the cultivators outside the Five Elements Umbrella heard a series of strange sounds.
It was like rolling thunder, but it also seemed like a tsunami was surging and it was mixed with the violent sound of tigers and leopards – it was extremely unsettling!
All of those sounds came from within Su Zimo’s body!
“Feng Haoyu, you shall be a sacrifice for my saber today!”
A long and thick saber that was as tall as half a person suddenly appeared in Su Zimo’s hands. Spirit energy surged into it as five spirit patterns illuminated with a blinding blood light!
The birth of Blood Quencher!
The huge blade was scarlet and quivered violently, letting out a murderous sound and aura that rattled one’s soul.
“DIE!”
As Su Zimo channeled his bloodline, his entire body seemed to expand. He grabbed Blood Quencher with both hands and descended from the skies, cleaving down onto Feng Haoyu’s head with an unstoppable might!
Blood Quencher seemed to be perfectly synergized with Su Zimo’s bloodline and a trace of blood appeared on its blade!
The void seemed to have been torn asunder by Blood Quencher.
Su Zimo had waited for this slash for far too long.
Be it the initial Fiend Suppression Seal or the three arrows in the interim... They were all preparations made for this slash to render Feng Haoyu in an inescapable position!
This strike was the cumulation of Su Zimo’s attacks.
This was also the most powerful attack he could produce without exposing his demonic cultivation!
A complete fusion of his physique, bloodline and spirit energy coupled with the lethality of Blood Quencher – Su Zimo was certain that Feng Haoyu would die for sure!
Feng Haoyu raised his head slightly and blood drained from his face when he saw that. It was as though he had returned to that moment a couple of years ago when he was tragically defeated in Spirit Peak’s arena.
However, a couple of years ago, they were sect mates.
Now, they were mortal enemies!
This time round, Su Zimo did not hold back.
In a flash, Feng Haoyu did not have the time to hesitate as he swiped his palm across his storage bag and retrieved a blood-colored shield that expanded and blocked above his head.
Boom!
An explosion rang out when Blood Quencher struck the surface of the blood-colored shield!
Feng Haoyu’s entire body shuddered as though he was struck by lightning as his eyes widened in horror. Without thinking twice, he withdrew the escape jade talisman and crushed it instantly!
A flash of light shone.
Clang!
The blood-colored shield fell to the ground and its color faded. Cracks appeared on its surface – a single strike by Blood Quencher had destroyed it!
Feng Haoyu’s body flickered and disappeared from the metal region.
A burst of light appeared in the square as Feng Haoyu appeared, lying on the ground with a pale expression.
“Hmm?”
The Blood Crow King appeared before Feng Haoyu in a flash. Lowering his head, he looked at Feng Haoyu with widened eyes that were laced with boundless killing intent!
“Su... Zi... MO!”
The Blood Crow King’s voice was chilling to the bone as he enunciated each and every word clearly.
Feng Haoyu seemed like he wanted to say something. However, the moment the opened his mouth, he spat out a puddle of blood with big pieces of blood clot within.
It was a frightening sight and all the cultivators felt their hearts skip a beat!
The blood clots that Feng Haoyu had spat out were his crushed organs!
A single slash!
Even though Feng Haoyu had managed to escape from the Five Elements Umbrella, his internal organs were completely crushed by Su Zimo’s saber and there was no way he was going to survive.
Everyone fell silent.
Feng Haoyu, who had cultivated the three major secret skills of Ethereal Peak and was two cultivation realms higher than Su Zimo, was cleaved to death by a single slash!
This outcome had completely surpassed everyone’s expectations.
Something that was thought to be impossible had happened right in front of everyone.
Xuan Yi sighed gently with a complicated expression, “Wen Xuan, did you see that? A disciple of Ethereal Peak has personally retrieved Feng Haoyu’s lifetime of cultivation. You can finally rest in peace now that your wish has been fulfilled.”
Some Golden Cores shook their heads in silence.
Betraying one’s ancestor, masters and killing of their fellow sect mates was a huge taboo in the cultivation world. Now that Feng Haoyu was in this state, it could be considered retribution.
“Speaking of which, the light of providence is indeed shining on Ethereal Peak for them to be able to produce a monstrous character every once in a while.”
“Who else is there apart from Su Zimo?”
“That invincible Foundation Establishment Cultivator a thousand years ago.”
“Ah, that guy. I heard that he betrayed the sect and fell into the fiend path thereafter...”
Upon hearing the discussions around her, Demoness Ji rolled her eyes and suddenly moved beside Gu Xi, asking with a voice transmission, “Auntie Gu, are they referring to that person from Zenith Sect?”
“Yes,” Gu Xi replied with an unchanged expression.
Demoness Ji giggled. “Auntie Gu, I heard that your relationship with that man isn’t simple. Tell me more about it!”
“Get lost!”
Gu Xi glared at Demoness Ji, her tone laced with a hint of reproachfulness and flirtatious allure.
The battle royale in the various regions of the Five Elements Umbrella was coming to an end.
In the metal region, Su Zimo landed on the ground and waved his sleeves before putting away the 18 supreme-grade spirit weapons on the ground in his storage bag.
His showdown with Feng Haoyu had ended too quickly.
It was basically over within less than two rounds and nobody had the time to steal a supreme-grade flying sword and leave.
Surveying his surroundings, Su Zimo said indifferently, “Fellow Daoists, please leave. The spots of this region... will be taken up by Ethereal Peak.”
It was a simple statement but it contained unquestionable dominance!
Instantly, little fatty felt his blood boil and wished that he could roar out.
Stumbling to Su Zimo’s side, he puffed his chest and looked around with his beady eyes – it felt as though everything else was far inferior compared to the paragon beside him!
Chapter 332: Conflict
The battle royale was at its finale in the water region with less than 10 people left!
Apart from Ji Chengtian of Ethereal Peak who was watching from afar, the remaining few four meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators had given their all for the last spot.
Shen Mengqi was injured. While it was not serious, she did not have the time to treat her wounds and blood was flowing continuously. Coupled with the lack of stamina and her spirit energy depleted, she could not hold on any longer.
“Hais.”
She sighed softly.
Although she was unwilling, her life was more important. She could only crush the escape jade talisman and leave the Five Elements Umbrella helplessly.
When she returned to the square, Shen Mengqi hurriedly took out a few elixirs from her storage bag and swallowed them. She then scattered some hemostatic medicine and bandaged her wounds.
Throughout the entire process, her lips were pursed in silence.
She was indignant.
Just a little more and she would have obtained a spot on the Spirit Ranking!
Just a little more and she would have obtained the rights to enter the ancient battlefield.
Even though she could only cultivate within for a year, that would ensure that she could unlock one or even two more spirit meridians, bringing her to a six meridian Foundation Establishment realm!
“I will participate in the next sect competition ten years later and definitely obtain a spot on the Spirit Ranking by then!”
As Shen Mengqi pondered and was about to return to the crowd, she swept her gaze casually and caught sight of Feng Haoyu lying nearby, dead with his body covered in blood!
Her pupils constricted subconsciously.
Feng Haoyu was a five meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator who had cultivated Ethereal Peak’s three major secret skills. That was someone who was almost guaranteed to obtain a spot in the Spirit Ranking – who could have killed him?
Shen Mengqi’s heart skipped a beat.
Could it be...
Instinctively, she turned around and could not help but shudder. Her mouth opened slightly as her eyes widened in disbelief.
She caught sight of a familiar figure in the metal region!
He had actually crossed two major regions and Grade 4 killing formations?
Could he truly have been the one to kill Feng Haoyu?
Right after, Shen Mengqi heard something. “Fellow Daoists, please leave. The spots of this region... will be taken up by Ethereal Peak.”
His tone was casual, as if he was chatting. However, none of the four meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators dared to refute him!
After a while, one of them shook his head gently and cupped his fists towards that person, crushing his jade talisman without a second word.
After that man left, the remaining cultivators in the metal region left one after another despite how reluctant they were.
How could any of the cultivators within dare to stay on when even both the five meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators had met such an end?
When she saw that, Shen Mengqi’s eyes gradually dimmed.
“If back then... perhaps I might be the one standing beside him right now?”
A wave of bitterness suddenly surged in Shen Mengqi’s heart.
...
One by one, names appeared on the Spirit Ranking.
Su Zimo, Ji Chengtian, little fatty, Shi Jian, Jun Hao, Si Yutang...
Xuan Yi and Liu Hui looked pleased, unable to conceal their joy.
Even though Ethereal Peak suffered an immense blow three years ago, they shone completely during this sect competition!
Putting aside the fact that they had three spots for the Spirit Ranking, they had even managed an unprecedented top spot for the Weapon Ranking!
Of course, to Xuan Yi and Liu Hui, the most important thing was that Su Zimo was alive.
Furthermore, Su Zimo had taken revenge for the fallen cultivators by killing the traitor Feng Haoyu in front of everyone.
However, for some reason, the both of them felt an inexplicable sense of frustration and unease.
Before long, the last ten people of the Spirit Ranking battle royale appeared.
With the completion of the Spirit Ranking, it meant that the sect competition was about to end.
The emperor rose and said, “The names on the four ranking lists are out! Among them, those who obtained two spots on the different lists can decide to bring someone else along.”
Little fatty whispered, “Bro, I think he’s referring to you.”
Su Zimo nodded.
He had obtained two spots on the Weapon and Spirit Rankings. Apart from himself, he can give one of them to someone else.
He had decided on who he wanted to give that spot to a long time ago.
When she heard that, Shen Mengqi felt her heart skip a beat as she looked at Su Zimo instinctively with a hint of anticipation.
Perfected Lord Ming Ze declared loudly, “The sect competition is over. Cultivators on the four ranking lists, follow me to the palace to select your rewards for the competition. Thereafter, all of you will return to rest while awaiting the opening of the ancient battlefield!”
“Hold on!”
Suddenly, a cold and chilling voice laden with killing intent rang.
Everyone looked over and saw the Blood Crow King walk slowly towards the spectator area. He exuded a terrifying aura as he fixed his gaze on Su Zimo and hissed coldly, “I’m taking him with me!”
“No!”
Xuan Yi slammed the table and stood up without hesitation.
“Hmm?”
The Blood Crow King’s gaze flickered as he reached out with his withered palm and grabbed toward Xuan Yi through the void.
A terrifying burst of energy burst forth from the void!
Demonic qi surged into the sky as a withered and bloody claw appeared, clawing at Xuan Yi ruthlessly.
At the spectator area, many Golden Cores felt a chill.
That energy was way too strong and had already surpassed the limits of spirit energy!
That was a true Dharmic art!
That cultivator known as Xue Ya was actually a fiend demon at Nascent Soul realm!
At the thought of that, everyone was even more shocked.
It was one thing for a fiend demon to appear in the capital, but for him to actually attack right in front of the emperor... What sort of guts and backing did he possess?!
Xuan Yi’s face turned pale.
He was almost powerless against that pressure.
Furthermore, that claw of the Blood Crow King had sealed all of his escape routes!
Zeng! Zeng! Zeng!
Gritting his teeth, Xuan Yi struck out forcefully against the might of the fiend demon and pulled out six flying swords from his storage bag. He guided with his finger and swiftly produced a star-shaped sword formation.
Hexagonal Sword Formation!
Even though Xuan Yi did not manage to cultivate a Golden Core phenomenon, his Hexagonal Sword Formation was enough to compensate and put him on the same level as those who did.
“Go!”
He pointed forward.
The Hexagonal Sword Formation burst forth with endless sword qi and charged violently towards the blood-colored claw.
“Hehe, you overestimate yourself!”
The Blood Crow King let out a cold laugh as he clenched the claw.
Splash!
Instantly, Xuan Yi’s Hexagonal Sword Formation was torn to pieces by the Blood Crow King and the six superior-grade flying swords were snapped on the spot, falling to the ground.
The difference was too great!
The gap between a Golden Core and Nascent Soul was something that was almost impossible to cross.
“Bastard, how dare you!”
Suddenly, a roar burst forth from the spectator area; it was like a great bell and possessed boundless majesty.
A gigantic fist appeared in midair and smashed heavily against the Blood Crow King’s palm.
Boom!
The two Dharmic arts clashed and dissipated suddenly while the surrounding Golden Cores fell to the ground with frightful faces from the aftershock.
It was the emperor who had struck to stop the Blood Crow King.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk!”
The Blood Crow King gave a sympathetic smile as he glared at the emperor. “Ji Fang, don’t be a busybody. Otherwise, your Great Zhou Dynasty is going to be destroyed because of this! There are some people that you can’t afford to offend even if you’re the emperor of a dynasty!”
Chapter 333: Retreat
Ji Fang was the name of the Emperor of Great Zhou.
It had been many years since nobody had dared call him by his name, let alone under such public attention!
Perfected Lord Ming Ze strode forward with a cold expression and hollered, “Blood Crow King, this is the capital of Great Zhou. It’s not a place for you to be impudent!”
Even though he said that, Perfected Lord Ming Ze did not make a move.
He was well aware of the Blood Crow King’s background. Without the emperor’s orders, he did not dare act rashly either lest he brought forth unnecessary trouble for the Great Zhou Dynasty.
“I’m going to repeat myself. I’m leaving with Su Zimo today!”
The Blood Crow King surveyed his surroundings before fixing his cold gaze on the emperor and saying slowly, “Anyone who stops me will be going against Blood Crow Palace!”
Piak!
The emperor’s palm slammed down heavily, causing the table beside him to split.
He stood up slowly with a sharp killing intent in his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, an old voice rang out in his mind.
“Ji Fang, let’s... ignore this matter.”
The emperor’s heart skipped a beat when he heard that voice.
If it was anyone else’s persuasion, the emperor would hesitate. However, the person who spoke was the patriarch of the Ji Family! The founder of the Great Zhou Dynasty, this was an old monster who had lived for nearly 10,000 years!
It was also due to his existence that the Great Zhou Dynasty was able to remain standing for 10,000 years without collapsing and rule over the regions.
The words of Patriarch Ji were like an imperial edict that could not be denied!
Under the gazes of countless people, the emperor had just stood up when he slowly sat down. His aura had vanished without a trace and he looked somewhat terrible.
“Father?”
Ji Yaoxue seemed to have realized something as she called out softly.
The emperor closed his eyes and shook his head, indicating that he was helpless.
Instantly, Ji Yaoxue’s expression turned incomparably pale.
Su Zimo narrowed his eyes as well, feeling secretly alarmed.
If the emperor refused to do anything under such circumstances, Xuan Yi and Liu Hui alone would not be able to stop the Blood Crow King!
In other words, the Blood Crow King was definitely going to take him away today!
It was needless to imagine the outcome of that.
Suddenly, Su Zimo realized that even though the man who had hunted him previously ended up in a pathetic state due to the might of the divine dragon, that man was way more terrifying that he had imagined!
At the very least, even the Great Zhou Dynasty had to avoid going against them.
“Fufu.”
The Blood Crow King chuckled and nodded. “Not bad. That’s the way.”
Noticing that the situation was not right, Demoness Ji hurriedly sent out a voice transmission and urged. “Auntie Gu, quickly think of a way. Su Zimo will definitely die if he’s taken away!”
“What can I do?”
Gu Xi shook her head. “I told you earlier that the outcome inside the Five Elements Umbrella isn’t important. Su Zimo is doomed for offending Blood Crow Palace.”
“But we can’t sit by idly and watch him get taken away! Do something, Auntie Gu,” Demoness Ji frowned lightly.
“It’s useless.”
Gu Xi replied indifferently, “Even if I manage to save him this time, he will still have to die when he returns from the ancient battlefield. Besides, Ethereal Peak will be implicated and might be annihilated!”
“Inform that senior...”
The moment Demoness Ji spoke, Gu Xi interrupted her, “He’s from Zenith Sect and what they cultivate is the Dao of heartlessness. Do you think he’s going to do anything?”
Demoness Ji replied firmly, “Auntie Gu, we’ll talk about the future later on. But you must definitely save Su Zimo this time round!”
Gu Xi did not comment and merely sighed gently.
The Blood Crow King arrived not far away from Su Zimo and smiled coldly, revealing a sinister set of white teeth. He said faintly, “Su Zimo, accept your fate!”
Boom!
Reaching out with his palm that seemed to traverse through the endless void, the Blood Crow King arrived before Su Zimo in an instant.
Xuan Yi, Liu Hui and the others had no time to save him at all.
Furthermore, even if the two of them struck, they would not be able to go against the might of the Blood Crow King!
Bang!
Suddenly, a slender and delicate hand appeared in front of Su Zimo. Despite its frail look, the Blood Crow King’s palm was repelled with ease.
“Hmm?”
The Blood Crow King’s expression changed. He narrowed his gaze and met with a pair of enchanting eyes that rippled like spring water.
In the blink of an eye, the Blood Crow King was lost in them and was dazed.
To everyone else, Gu Xi’s eyes did nothing and were merely staring at the Blood Crow King peacefully.
However, to the Blood Crow King, Gu Xi’s eyes seemed to be glowing with a bewitching light that possessed a mysterious power, controlling his mind and bewildering everything!
All of a sudden!
There was a flash of blood from the depths of the Blood Crow King’s eyes as another kind of power was produced within his body, one that was extremely evil.
Snapping to his senses in a shock, the Blood Crow King felt a sharp pain in his eyes!
“You dare go against Blood Crow Palace?” The Blood Crow King regulated his breathing and asked sharply. However, he did not dare look at Gu Xi again.
Gu Xi replied indifferently, “Go back. This person’s under my guard.”
“Can you afford to protect him?!”
“At the very least, you’re not going to take him away today.”
The Blood Crow King’s face was livid. He stood on the spot and pondered for a long time before nodding slowly. “Very well, very well! Once my master comes out a year later, we’ll see who’s able to protect him then!”
Soaring into the skies, the Blood Crow King transformed into a pitch-black crow with bloodshot eyes. He sped into the horizons and vanished before long.
Everyone from Ethereal Peak heaved a sigh of relief.
During that clash, they truly thought that the Blood Crow King was going to take Su Zimo away!
Su Zimo turned around and bowed deeply to Gu Xi. “Thank you for your help, senior.”
“Yes.”
Gu Xi nodded and said nothing else.
However, everyone felt differently about what they just saw.
Most of the sects were interested in watching the drama of Su Zimo being taken away by the Blood Crow King. There were even some like True Fire Sect that were gloating over his misfortune.
Furthermore, everyone could tell that even the emperor was unwilling to provoke Blood Crow Palace and instead chose to remain silent.
However, no one expected that Gu Xi would step forth to save Su Zimo!
Could Sky Treasure Auction House be even more powerful than the entire Great Zhou Dynasty to be able to go against Blood Crow Palace?
Everyone could vaguely sense that Gu Xi was not as simple as she seemed, a mere chief steward of Sky Treasure Auction House.
Perfected Lord Ming Ze coughed gently and said in a deep voice, “Everyone, quiet down. Cultivators of the ranking lists, follow me into the palace to select your rewards!”
Su Zimo escorted Xuan Yi, Liu Hui and the other Ethereal Peak cultivators to Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop before following Perfected Lord Ming Ze into the palace.
Nian Qi was about to break through a critical juncture in the past two days and did not go to spectate the sect competition. She was relatively safe as Su Zimo had arranged for Night Spirit to stand guard in Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.
This time round, Su Zimo obtained spots on both the Weapon and Spirit Rankings. As such, he could select a spirit weapon and a secret spirit art.
Su Zimo did not have much interest in the spirit weapon.
There was no way the Great Zhou Dynasty was going to give out perfect or connate spirit weapons as rewards while Su Zimo was not interested in spirit weapons of any other grade.
However, the Great Zhou Dynasty had been established for close to 10,000 years and there were definitely many secret spirit art manuals hidden in the palace. Su Zimo was truly interested to see if he could get his hands on some lost secret skill.
Chapter 334: Connate Spirit Weapon Forging Technique
Su Zimo circled the Spirit Weapon Chamber in the palace and did not see anything he wanted, eventually leaving with a casual superior-grade spirit weapon.
Not far from the Spirit Weapon Chamber was the Secret Manual Chamber. Everyone else on the Spirit Ranking had already entered and Su Zimo followed suit.
There were three levels in the Secret Manual Chamber. Su Zimo and the others were only allowed to select a secret spirit art from the first level and make a copy to leave with.
The Secret Manual Chamber was filled with rows of bookshelves and various types of bamboo scrolls arranged in an orderly manner.
Evil Hands.
This was a secret skill. According to the description on the bamboo scroll, the skill could defend against a spirit weapon head on and even snatch the opponent’s spirit weapon!
Omniwind.
This was a movement technique. Once cultivated, one would be abnormally agile and possess erratic movement. There were eight foundational points which could give birth to 64 different variations – it was extremely powerful!
Su Zimo walked along the bookshelves and looked slowly.
The many secret skill manuals were an eye-opener for him. Some of them were cryptic and Su Zimo had never heard of them before – it was a novel experience.
However, there was no spirit art that he took particular interest in throughout his walk.
Suddenly, his gaze paused.
Connate Spirit Weapon Forging Technique.
“Hmm?”
Frowning slightly, Su Zimo picked up a scroll made up of withered hide.
The disheveled old man of Ethereal Peak had once told him that the limit of a Weapon Refinement Master was refining perfect spirit weapons with five spirit patterns.
Connate spirit weapons had a sixth spirit pattern, the connate pattern.
The connate pattern was born from the spirit qi of Heaven and Earth and wasn’t something that could be made by man!
As Su Zimo’s understanding of weapon refinement deepened, he agreed that the disheveled old man was not wrong.
The birth of Blood Quencher further proved that point.
The condensation of a fifth spirit pattern already required immense opportunities and a Weapon Refinement Master’s perfect mental fortitude and condition. That was not even including the providence within the voids.
As such, a sixth spirit pattern was further out of the question.
As the number one Weapon Refinement Master of Great Zhou, given his skill in weapon refinement, Su Zimo was filled with extreme disdain towards this Connate Spirit Weapon Forging Technique. He merely took it to be a nonsensical piece of work by an arrogant and ignorant Weapon Refinement Master.
Su Zimo was about to return the hide manual when his heart stirred and he took a look at the contents as if he was possessed.
After a while, his gaze flickered in deep thought.
“Bro, have you chosen?”
Right then, little fatty’s voice rang out as he ran over excitedly.
Su Zimo turned over and saw little fatty waving a bamboo scroll and whispering, “I found a secret skill that’s extremely suitable for me! Heh!”
Smiling, Su Zimo turned to look at the hide manual in his hands. A flash of determination swept through his eyes as he said in a low voice, “Let’s go. I’ve chosen mine too.”
Arriving at the entrance, Su Zimo and little fatty handed their bamboo scroll and hide manual respectively to an old man.
The old man received and took a look at them. Suddenly, he frowned and raised his head to look at Su Zimo with a strange expression before reminding out of kindness, “Lad, this forging technique is the ramblings of a madman. He didn’t even manage to accomplish it himself. Are you sure you want a copy of this?”
“Yes.”
Su Zimo nodded.
The old man smiled and did not persuade further. He made two copies and handed them to Su Zimo and little fatty.
Upon leaving the Secret Manual Chamber, little fatty asked curiously, “Bro, what secret skill did you choose? Why did the old man say that?”
“Connate Spirit Weapon Forging Technique,” Su Zimo did not hide anything either.
“Ah?
Little fatty was dumbfounded.
Even though he was not a Weapon Refinement Master, he knew some common knowledge about the cultivation world such as how connate spirit weapons were born from the spirit qi of
Heaven and Earth.
“Connate... spirit weapons can be refined?” Little fatty could not even speak coherently anymore.
Su Zimo shook his head. “I’m not sure. This hide manual merely mentions a possibility. I can’t be sure since I haven’t tried it before.”
In reality, rather than calling it a forging method, the Connate Spirit Weapon Forging Technique was more like a restoration technique.
The hide manual mentioned a method.
First, one had to obtain a damaged connate spirit weapon.
The so-called damage did not refer to the spirit weapon itself, but the breaking of the sixth spirit pattern.
Coincidentally, Su Zimo had such a damaged connate spirit weapon in his storage bag – the Mystic Gold Silk Armor.
Second, he had to search for a Connate Spirit Fire.
The Connate Spirit Fire was much more terrifying than a Level 3 Spirit Fire. Possessing a higher temperature and sentience, it was often hidden deep underground and was rare to come across.
Even if it was a damaged connate spirit weapon, there were no impurities within.
In other words, by using a Connate Spirit Fire to forge a connate spirit weapon, one could ignore the first four steps of weapon refinement completely and head straight to spirit gathering once the spirit weapon was heated to a scarlet red state.
Because the temperature of the Connate Spirit Fire was too high, even Weapon Tripods could not withstand it.
As such, spirit gathering could only be conducted without the protection of a Weapon Tripod.
After condensing five spirit patterns in a row, one could use the sentience of a Connate Spirit Fire for a possibility of repairing the sixth connate spirit pattern.
While everything sounded simple, one would realize that it was completely ridiculous upon careful thought.
Before this, there was no Weapon Refinement Master in Tianhuang Mainland who could ensure a 100% success rate of condensing four spirit patterns, let alone five or six.
Furthermore, the entire process had to be done without the protection of a Weapon Tripod!
The slightest mistake would cause the Weapon Refinement Master to die on the spot!
Which Weapon Refinement Master would risk their lives to restore a damaged connate spirit weapon with a success rate less than one in a thousand?
But now, the most dangerous and difficult part of the entire process has become much simpler for Su Zimo.
If there was a person in Tianhuang Mainland who could restore connate spirit weapons, it would have to be Su Zimo.
Of course, what the forging technique mentioned was merely a possibility. After all, no one had attempted it and there was no guarantee for its success.
Su Zimo was not adamant about it, merely memorizing the forging technique in his heart to wait for an opportunity.
Not long after the two of them waited in the Secret Manual Chamber, Leng Rou walked out of the Talisman Hall; her expression was cold and no one could read her emotions.
“How was it, Sister Leng Rou? You’ve reaped quite a bit, right?” Little fatty leaned over and asked with a cheeky smile.
“Yes.”
Leng Rou nodded and her gaze shifted, looking at Su Zimo in a seemingly unintentional manner.
Coincidentally, Su Zimo glanced over as well. He smiled and said, “Senior Sister Leng, I’ve wanted to refine a spirit weapon for you. However, I was not skilled enough previously and did not have the chance to do so.”
“This flying sword is for you. Do see if it’s suitable.”
Su Zimo took out a flying sword from his storage bag and handed it to Leng Rou.
She received it over and injected spirit energy into it. Instantly, four spirit lights shone from the blade.
It was a supreme-grade flying sword!
“Ah!”
Leng Rou exclaimed and lost her composure.
Back then, she had refined two Grade 2 Talismans specially for Su Zimo.
Even though he said nothing at that time, he had always remembered it.
Su Zimo commended, “If it’s not suitable, I’ve got some other here. You can also customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon with me. Just let me know of your requests.”
Leng Rou replied hurriedly, “It’s pretty good. But... it’s too expensive.”
In a casual manner, Su Zimo replied, “It’s fine. These are the only things I have plenty of.”
“... ”
Little fatty was stunned and thought to himself, “Bro truly has game. I’ve got to learn more from him in the future...”
Chapter 335: Nine Forbidden Grounds
According to little fatty, after the battle at Dongling Valley three years ago, monkey fell into a frenzy and almost went insane, nearing causing a huge disaster. Thankfully, he was protected by senior crane.
However, monkey was disheartened and chose to leave Ethereal Peak with the spirit tiger following suit.
During that period of time, little crane, monkey and the spirit tiger had an extremely good relationship. If it wasn’t for senior crane stepping in, little crane would have left with them as well.
To Su Zimo, it was not necessarily a bad thing that monkey left Ethereal Peak.
It had an arrogant personality and did not like to be restricted. Without him around, it was bound to cause trouble and it was better off returning to the barren mountains.
Given monkey’s abilities, coupled with the fact that the spirit tiger was with it, they should not be in any danger.
Su Zimo, Xiaoning, little fatty, Leng Rou and Ji Chengtian were about to leave the palace when they caught sight of a girl in pink and wearing a veil standing at the entrance of the palace. She looked very quiet as though she was waiting for someone.
Little fatty and the rest had some impression of the girl in pink – she accompanied Chief Steward Gu Xi to watch the sect competition and seemed to have an impressive background.
“Bro, she should be looking for you, right?” Little fatty asked softly.
Before the sect competition ended, the Blood Crow King created trouble. Under the circumstances where even the Emperor of Great Zhou remained silent, Gu Xi stood out and protected Su Zimo – that was something everyone witnessed.
Naturally, Su Zimo knew that the girl in pink was Demoness Ji but he did not explain.
Arriving before Demoness Ji, Su Zimo cupped his fists in a composed manner. “Help me thank Senior Gu for her life-saving grace.”
“Humph!”
Demoness Ji snorted and rolled her eyes at Su Zimo, pretending to be angry. “I should be the one you should thank! If I didn’t plead for you, do you think that Auntie Gu would have bothered about you?”
Little fatty and the others circled their gazes between Su Zimo and Demoness Ji with strange expressions.
Demoness Ji’s tone did not sound like she was blaming him. Instead, it was more like she was wheedling!
Furthermore, from what she said, it seemed like the relationship between the two of them was not simple!
Leng Rou frowned slightly and said nothing.
“Thank you, Dem... Miss Ji,” Su Zimo almost blurted the word ‘demoness’ and hurriedly changed.
She giggled and pondered for a moment. “I’m here to tell you something. That man from Blood Crow Palace is someone Ethereal Peak can’t afford to offend. After entering the ancient battlefield, you had better not return to Great Zhou. It’ll be best if you can leave the Tianhuang North Region entirely.”
Su Zimo frowned.
Demoness Ji reminded, “Think about the emperor’s attitude today and I’m sure there are some things you will understand.”
She was implying that even the Emperor of Great Zhou was unwilling to offend Blood Crow Palace. As such, Su Zimo should make use of the chance to enter the ancient battlefield to leave the Tianhuang North Region!
“What’s the background of Blood Crow Palace?” Su Zimo could not help but ask.
Demoness Ji replied, “There’s a total of nine forbidden grounds in Tianhuang Mainland. Be it humans or demons, they will definitely die upon entering the forbidden grounds! Two of them are located in the Tianhuang North Region and the founder of Blood Crow Palace should be from one of them.”
Nine forbidden grounds!
Su Zimo and the rest were shocked. Even though this was the first time hearing of that term, all of them felt a chill run down their spines.
What were the nine forbidden grounds such that a single person from within could strike fear into the entire Great Zhou Dynasty – how terrifying were the forbidden grounds?
“That’s all.”
Brushing past Su Zimo, Demoness Ji paused for a moment and sent a voice transmission. “If you take this opportunity to join the fiend sects, you can avoid this calamity.”
With that said, Demoness Ji left.
Ji Chengtian and the others had terrible expressions, frowning in deep thoughts.
They were no fools. Even if Demoness Ji had not said anything, all of them could tell that Blood Crow Palace did not have a simple background!
For people like Su Zimo, little fatty and the others who had not joined the sect for a long time and did not have deep feelings for Ethereal Peak, there was no need for them to stay in the sect knowing that it might be annihilated.
“Bro, what do you think?”
Little fatty could not help but ask on the way back.
Su Zimo did not say anything.
The ancient battlefield was indeed a great opportunity for one to leave the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty or the Tianhuang North Region.
Some time later, the various factions and sects of Tianhuang Mainland would have experts opening up a passageway to the ancient battlefield using their supreme Dharmic powers.
As long as Su Zimo and the others found other passages during that one year within, they could exit using a different path when it was time to return and they would be teleported out of the Great Zhou Dynasty. In fact, they might even be teleported to the South and West Regions or somewhere in the Middle Continent.
However, Su Zimo was hesitant.
He was different from others.
It was not because he had deep feelings for Ethereal Peak; he was worried that his departure would implicate his older brother in Yan Country, Su Hong.
If even the Great Zhou Dynasty was unwilling to go against Blood Crow Palace, the imperial edict would naturally be unable to protect Su Hong.
He was someone that Blood Crow Palace would definitely want to kill!
The people of Blood Crow Palace were evil and capable of killing all living beings in a city!
If they did not find him, Blood Crow Palace might find clues leading them to Su Hong in a fit of anger and that was something Su Zimo did not want to happen!
Before long, Su Zimo and the others returned to Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.
When they arrived at the entrance, he was surprised to see someone.
It was Shen Mengqi.
Su Zimo frowned, not knowing why she had come.
“Brother, ignore her.”
Su Xiaoning knew what happened in Ping Yang Town back then and was naturally displeased with Shen Mengqi.
“Zimo.”
When she saw Su Zimo and the others walking over, Shen Mengqi took the initiative to head up first. Looking uneasy, she revealed a smile and called out.
“Yes?”
Su Zimo asked calmly.
“Zimo, it’s like this. Erm...”
She hesitated for a moment before saying, “I see that you have obtained spots on both the Weapon and Spirit Rankings. If that’s the case, you have an additional one...”
Shen Mengqi did not continue, merely looking at Su Zimo somewhat nervously in anticipation.
He replied indifferently, “I already have someone in mind.”
“Ah?
Her eyes dimmed in disappointment. Forcing a smile, she asked, “Can I ask who it is?”
“My spirit beast.”
Su Zimo did not choose to hide the truth.
He had intended to take Night Spirit along for that spot.
The reason why he did not choose Nian Qi was because if he had to choose between the two of them, it would have to be Night Spirit.
Even though Nian Qi had been by Su Zimo’s side for three years, comparatively, he had a deeper relationship with Night Spirit despite the fact that it was a spirit beast.
Furthermore, Nian Qi’s current cultivation realm wasn’t high and was only at late-stage Foundation Establishment – it might not be a good thing for her to enter the ancient battlefield.
When she heard that, Shen Mengqi was agitated and said in rage, “Su Zimo, you don’t have to humiliate me like this even if you don’t want to give it to me!”
“Did I humiliate you?” Su Zimo did not understand why Shen Mengqi was so agitated all of a sudden.
She questioned, “You’d rather give the spot to a spirit beast than me! Isn’t that humiliating me?”
“Fu...”
He shook his head and scoffed coldly, “Night Spirit saved my life, why can’t I give it to it? Furthermore, why should I give it to you?”
Shen Mengqi opened her mouth as though she wanted to say something. However, nothing came out and she merely stood rooted to the ground in a daze, looking pale as a sheet.
Su Zimo had already swept his robes and left.
Chapter 336: Inheriting the Secret Skills
Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.
Even though there had been some commotion, Ethereal Peak was the biggest winner of this sect competition.
In the small courtyard beside Jishui River, everyone from Ethereal Peak along with Nian Qi and Xiaoning had a hearty celebration.
However, everyone had their own troubles.
Late at night.
Everyone had dispersed. Under the hazy and cold moonlight, a green-robed cultivator sat by the side of Jishui River alone, staring at the glistening water surface in a daze.
Beside him was a pitch-black and majestic beast sprawled on the ground.
After growing up, Night Spirit was stalwart and its limbs were extremely strong. Every single muscle it had possessed explosive strength while its claws that were hidden in the gaps of its fingers were unusually sharp. Its head resembled a wolf and it had a shocking bite strength.
This was a perfect body that was born to kill.
Right then, a series of footsteps appeared behind him.
“Zimo.”
Xuan Yi’s voice rang out.
Su Zimo was about to stand up when Xuan Yi pressed against his shoulder and sat down. “I’m planning to impart the other two secret skills of Ethereal Peak to you tomorrow. I hope that you’ll be able to master them before entering the ancient battlefield.”
“I don’t think that’s appropriate?” Su Zimo frowned.
Ethereal Peak’s three secret skills were no trifle matter. Without the permission of the sect master, anyone who imparted them privately would be going against the sect rules!
“It’s alright.”
Xuan Yi replied, “I’ve already relayed a message about the sect competition. I’m sure the sect will hear of it before long and they’ll agree with my decision.”
Pausing for a moment, Xuan Yi continued, “Furthermore, this is an unfulfilled wish of Wen Xuan. I’m fulfilling it on his behalf.”
Su Zimo nodded and did not decline further.
It was clear that the remaining two secret skills, Ethereal Wings and Ethereal Sword, would provide significant boosts to his battle prowess.
...
For the next ten days, Su Zimo’s time was almost spent entirely on cultivating the two secret skills.
Due to the short period of time, Level 1 of Ethereal Sword, Shadows, was not cultivated successfully yet.
However, Su Zimo comprehended Ethereal Wings swiftly and was able to use it with ease.
With Ethereal Wings, it meant that Su Zimo would be able to soar through the skies like Golden Cores without depending on external objects. Furthermore, it would provide a boost to his agility and mobility in the air.
From a secret skill perspective alone, Ethereal Wings was much more functional than the other two skills.
Not only could it be used as a life-saving technique, it was multifarious and its agility could be used offensively as well. Even for Golden Cores, Ethereal Wings was still extremely useful.
The ancient battlefield did not merely contain elixirs and spirit weapons, there were also all sorts of secret skills and inheritance of powerful sects.
It was said that Ethereal Wings was obtained by a disciple of the sect who had entered the ancient battlefield in the past.
On this day, the palace sent men to gather everyone from the four ranking lists in preparation to enter the ancient battlefield!
Before leaving, Xuan Yi instructed, “Keep your sect badges and be as low-key and cautious as possible within the ancient battlefield. Don’t be reckless. All of you are in possession of supreme-grade flying swords so don’t reveal them until it’s a life or death fight.”
“There are far too many factions stronger than the Great Zhou Dynasty in Tianhuang Mainland. Even in the Tianhuang North Region, the Great Zhou Dynasty’s strength is considered to be inferior. Above it, there are super sects and above that, there are the legendary immortal sects...”
The mention of that had Su Zimo’s heart skipping a beat.
He had heard Demoness Ji mention about the nine different factions of Tianhuang Mainland before.
Those nine factions did not refer to nine different sects – the various factions added up to dozens of sects!
For example, the immortal sects had nine major sects.
There were seven fiend sects and the Pure Maiden Sect which Demoness Ji was in was merely one of them.
In that sense, the Great Zhou Dynasty was truly nothing when compared to those factions and sects, let alone Ethereal Peak.
“Zimo, especially you.”
Xuan Yi reminded, “You have so many supreme-grades and even a perfect spirit weapon in your possession. While no one might harbor designs on you in the capital, you have to be extremely careful once you enter the ancient battlefield!”
“Even comrades who enter the ancient battlefield with you cannot be trusted,” Liu Hui added.
Su Zimo nodded.
A perfect spirit weapon was enough to trigger a bloody battle between Golden Cores.
It was easy to imagine what would happen if news of him possessing a perfect spirit weapon was leaked out in the ancient battlefield.
“Go on.”
Xuan Yi waved his hand. “In that one year, it’ll be good if you guys have the chance to find a passage to leave the Great Zhou Dynasty and the Tianhuang North Region...”
When they heard that, Su Zimo and the rest were shocked.
Even though he did not state it explicitly, Xuan Yi’s meaning was very clear.
Su Zimo and the rest left Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop and arrived deep in the palace with the lead of a city guard.
Inside, a huge and majestic palace hall was erected. They entered and saw that the other cultivators of the ranking lists were already present.
Apart from the 40 of them, there were 10 other people and Ji Yaoxue was among them.
When Ji Yaoxue saw Su Zimo and the rest enter, she smiled and nodded at him.
Given the strength of the Great Zhou Dynasty, they could send 50 people into the ancient battlefield with each teleportation.
Apart from the 40 people of the four ranking lists, the Great Zhou Dynasty would also select 10 other cultivators to enter the ancient battlefield.
Other than Ji Yaoxue, the other nine must have been carefully selected and were extremely strong – their duty was to protect the third princess.
In the center of the hall, there was an ancient stone array formation.
The long and massive rocks chosen for the formation were about half the height of a person and there were mysterious array patterns etched on them. Complicated and incomprehensible, they illuminated with light.
Five stone pillars stood around the stone formation.
There was a cultivator seated at the top of each stone pillar. Their auras were restrained and they had steady bearings. Although their cultivation realms could not be read, they were probably at least Nascent Souls or even Void Reversions!
“Everyone.”
At that moment, the emperor surveyed everyone and said slowly, “The ancient battlefield is not a friendly place. In it, there are some living beings from the ancient era and some of them are even more violent than ancient remnant beasts and pure-blooded ferocious beasts! Every step in the ancient battlefield is filled with killing intent and danger. However, great opportunities await alongside the dangers!”
“Some become famous throughout the world after returning from the ancient battlefield, some raise their sects and family clans to prominence after returning. Of course, many more die without ever getting the chance to return.”
“This is a test. If you can survive the year, you will be reborn and truly establish your foundation, ensuring your core formation! If you die, be it whether you’re a genius or monster, you’ll be forgotten by everyone.”
When he heard that, Su Zimo felt a sense of déjà vu.
Back then, Die Yue said the same thing that night she threw him to Cang Lang Mountain Range alone.
That was the truth as well. Under the baptism of blood and life and death experiences, Su Zimo had built an indestructible foundation for his cultivation path that year!
Chapter 337: Ancient Battlefield
“Of course, in the ancient battlefield, other than the threat of the many ancient living beings, there’s also the threat of cultivators from other factions and sects!”
“There are many sects in Tianhuang Mainland and countless experts. There’s even the nine factions that reign over Tianhuang Mainland! The might of the Great Zhou Dynasty allows us to send 50 people into the ancient battlefield. However, some super sects or mighty dynasties can send up to thousands of people inside!”
Even though they were mentally prepared, most of the cultivators of the ranking lists still revealed shock when they heard that.
The implication of that was that if the 50 of them were to get into a conflict with those factions in the ancient battlefield, there was a high chance that they would get annihilated by the other party!
Cruel beyond anything else, there were no rules or boundaries within the ancient battlefield. Any disagreement or treasure could lead to a massive massacre!
If a Meridian Unlocking Elixir was discovered, a bloody battle would definitely erupt!
For Foundation Establishment Cultivators, the Meridian Unlocking Elixir was extremely rare and had long been lost in Tianhuang Mainland.
There were a total of eight spirit meridians for cultivators and unlocking them was one tougher than the other. By the time one was at their seventh or eighth meridian, it would be almost impossible to unlock them unless they had external help.
However, one’s chances would be improved greatly upon consuming a Meridian Unlocking Elixir.
The better the quality and grade of the Meridian Unlocking Elixir, the greater the chances of unlocking.
“Of course, true treasures, elixirs, secret skills and even connate spirit weapons might only exist deep in the ancient battlefield. It’s the most dangerous there and you will not only find legacy disciples of powerful sects, but also pure-blooded ferocious beasts. The ancient living beings deep in the ancient battlefield are also the strongest and most terrifying. Do not venture deep into the ancient battlefield under any circumstances!”
Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.
This meant that they would be safer as long as they did not venture deep into the ancient battlefield.
Of course, that was only in a relative sense.
The living beings in the ancient battlefield were normally asleep.
However, once the ancient battlefield opens up, many of those ancient living beings would also awaken. For them, the cultivators that entered from the various parts of Tianhuang Mainland were nothing but rare delicacies and a massacre was bound to break out!
There were nine cultivators standing behind Ji Yaoxue and the emperor pointed to one of them. “This is Jiang Yu, a six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator and the commander for your expedition. 10 years ago, he entered the ancient battlefield and returned alive. Be it in terms of experience or strength, he’s stronger than all of you. Just listen to his instructions.”
“Any questions?” The emperor looked around and asked.
Someone asked, “How was the ancient battlefield formed?”
The emperor replied slowly, “It’s said that the ancient battlefield is a destroyed world left behind after a massive battle in the ancient era. Within it, countless sects, experts, ferocious beasts and fiendcelestials are buried. In fact, there might even be the inheritance of those sects and experts in the depths of the ancient battlefield!”
Everyone was shocked.
A massive battle that could shatter an entire world!
One could only imagine how terrifying that battle was.
After pondering for a while, the emperor reminded, “The Tianhuang North Region has four dynasties, Great Zhou, Great Xia, Great Shang and Great You and they exist like fire and water. After entering the ancient battlefield, the most important thing is to watch out for them.”
“As for everyone else, adapt to the situation. I hope to see all 50 of you return.”
With that said, the emperor bowed to the five cultivators on stop of the five stone pillars and said in a deep voice, “Elders, please open up the passage!”
Upon seeing that, everyone realized that the cultivation realm of the five cultivators should be above the emperor.
It was very likely that they were already at Void Reversion realm!
Five Void Reversion Dao Beings!
That was the foundation of the Great Zhou Dynasty!
Swoosh!
An invisible ripple spread out between the eyebrows of the five cultivators. It was extremely terrifying, as if it contained an unrivaled heavenly might.
A feeling surfaced from the depths of Su Zimo’s heart – he might be disintegrated if he was touched by that energy ripple!
The moment that thought surfaced, Su Zimo’s right hand started to heat up without any warning.
It returned to normal in the blink of an eye.
He frowned and glanced at his right hand.
It was almost certain that Die Yue had left him something inside that blood bone of his right hand.
However, as to what the blood bone was or the purpose it served, Su Zimo had no clue at all.
Furthermore, he had a feeling that he was not qualified to utilize the core of the blood bone or unleash its true purpose and effects given his current cultivation realm!
Every single pattern on the long-shaped rocks emitted mysterious glows that intensified, turning stronger and clearer until they converged and eventually erupted!
“Bang!”
There was a deafening sound.
Rays of divine light lit up around the stone formation, creating a light barrier that illuminated the entire palace hall.
“Everyone, enter the formation swiftly!”
A cultivator on the stone pillar shouted.
Su Zimo and the rest of the cultivators did not hesitate. Their figures flickered as they crossed the light barrier one after another.
“Break!”
The five cultivators hollered at the same time and there was a sparkle on their foreheads.
The light around the stone formation immediately rose and shone brightly, forming a bedazzling pillar of light that shot into the heavens. It seemed to pierce through the voids, revealing a pitch-black tunnel that was sinister and cold.
A completely different aura, one that was old and ancient, permeated through the tunnel.
“You have to reach the landing spot a year from now to return to Great Zhou.”
As soon as he said that, everyone within the stone formation felt a ripping sensation from their bodies. It was a little pain, as if an invisible force was tugging them from the spot, as they left their original spot.
The light pillar in the stone formation gradually dissipated and Su Zimo and the rest had disappeared.
...
Ancient battlefield.
Even though it was just a broken world, it was vast and much larger than the Great Zhou Dynasty’s territory; it was a place where opportunities and danger coexisted.
In a desolate land of sand, a distortion appeared in space and figures fell from within one after another – it was Su Zimo’s group.
Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators were not used to such spatial teleportations.
While the entire process was brief, it was extremely painful. Their bodies felt like they were being ripped apart and their souls were being drawn from the depths of their minds.
Feeling dizzy, many cultivators collapsed to the ground as soon as they came out. They could not even stand properly, looking pale and pathetic.
Only a few among them could maintain their composure.
Apart from the six meridian Foundation Establishment commander, Jiang Yu, who had been to the ancient battlefield before, Su Zimo and Night Spirit were the only ones with terrifying physiques.
Jiang Yu turned his head slightly and gazed deeply at Su Zimo without saying anything.
“Heavens, what rich spirit qi!”
“Is this the ancient battlefield?”
“The spirit qi in the ancient battlefield is extremely rich! It’s worlds apart from out there!”
Many cultivators gradually adapted and regained their senses, exclaiming in surprise.
Su Zimo took a deep breath of air and the surrounding spirit qi entered through his ears, eyes, nose, mouth and pores and coursed through his body. It was pure and rich, condensing into drops of spirit liquid the moment it entered his dantian.
The spirit liquid formed a river in his meridians, gushing and roaring as his fourth meridian vaguely appeared!
Chapter 338: Opportunity?
“How terrifying!”
Su Zimo was shocked.
He had only unlocked his third spirit meridian around two weeks ago.
If he was cultivating normally in Tianhuang Mainland, he would require a year at least to unlock the fourth spirit meridian.
To his surprise, his fourth spirit meridian surfaced the moment he stepped foot onto the ancient battlefield!
Based on his cultivation speed, he would be able to unlock it completely in less than 10 days!
Sensing the dense spirit qi in the surroundings, some cultivators gasped for air greedily in an intoxicated manner, wishing that they could cultivate immediately.
Jiang Yu stood at the front of the crowd and turned around, sweeping his gaze across everyone like an eagle. He declared loudly with a calm expression, “Everyone, listen up!”
Everyone’s voices gradually faded.
“Everyone, this is the ancient battlefield where danger lies in every step.”
After a slight pause, he glanced at Su Zimo in a seemingly unintentional manner and said in a deep voice, “No matter what your status was back home, you have to obey my instructions in the ancient battlefield if you wish to survive!”
When he heard that, Su Zimo frowned.
Jiang Yu was the commander designated by the emperor and he had the highest cultivation realm among everyone present – no one was questioning him.
Jiang Yu continued, “I know that there are some among you with decent capabilities. However, let me warn you that if you dare be brazen and arrogant in the ancient battlefield, the only thing that awaits you is death! Don’t think that you’re a somebody just because you’re able to kill people above your cultivation realm. Some disciples of the top sects arriving here are able to do the same and are even stronger than you! This is a place where you find out that there’s always someone better than you out there!”
Even though Jiang Yu did not say it explicitly, everyone could tell that he was clearly referring to Su Zimo.
=
Su Zimo lowered his eyes in silence.
Jiang Yu was clearly hostile towards him.
However, Su Zimo did not know where that hostility stemmed from.
It might be because of Ji Yaoxue.
It might also be because of Dai Xu whom he killed.
After all, there was a chance that Jiang Yu was old friends with Dai Xu back in the palace.
Furthermore, given Dai Xu’s capabilities, there was a high chance that he would be entering the ancient battlefield this time round as well if he wasn’t dead.
Su Zimo’s silence was not because he was afraid of Jiang Yu, it was because he couldn’t be bothered.
In this entirely foreign ancient battlefield, there was no need for Su Zimo to attack this man out of some hostility.
Everyone from Ethereal Peak looked displeased but none of them could say anything since Jiang Yu did not refer to anyone explicitly.
Ji Yaoxue furrowed her brows and hollered softly, “Commander Jiang!”
Jiang Yu turned his head slightly and asked, “What orders do you have, third princess?”
Suddenly, Su Zimo felt something amiss.
Even though the emperor had designated Jiang Yu as the commander for the expedition, Ji Yaoxue was still of a higher status than him.
However, Su Zimo had a feeling that not did Jiang Yu not respect Ji Yaoxue, his tone towards her was even a little frivolous.
That was very strange.
There could be reasons for Jiang Yu’s hostility towards him.
However, there was something worth pondering about Jiang Yu’s attitude towards Ji Yaoxue.
Ji Yaoxue did not sense anything unusual and merely reminded, “Commander Jiang, we should hurry on and find a resting spot before it turns dark.”
“Yes.”
Jiang Yu responded.
The ancient battlefield was filled with living beings from the ancient era. At night, birds and beasts roamed freely!
Demons ruled over forests in the night.
For the nights in the ancient battlefield, ancient living beings ruled over the place. If one lingered outside without exceptional strength, they would definitely be met with certain death!
Typically, in areas like the depths of the ancient battlefield, there would be huge cities where many powerful cultivators gathered.
However, there were no such cities on the edge of the ancient battlefield.
Jiang Yu retrieved a map from his storage bag and checked against it before standing before Ji Yaoxue. “Third princess, we are here now. There’s a mountain nearest to this place with a cave at its foot. We can settle down at that place temporarily.”
“Alright, let’s head there.”
Ji Yaoxue nodded.
A map as such was sketched by cultivators who had returned alive from the ancient battlefield. Besides the copy in Jiang Yu’s hands, no one else had any.
As Ji Yaoxue and Jiang Yu were discussing, Su Zimo turned around and whispered to everyone from Ethereal Peak, “Stay close to me later. Don’t get separated.”
“Night Spirit.”
Su Zimo patted Night Spirit on the head and pointed to Xiaoning.
It understood his intentions and came to Xiaoning’s side to protect her along the way.
It was only after completing the arrangements that Su Zimo felt more relieved.
Right then, Jiang Yu came before everyone and said in a deep voice, “I’ll arrange for the advancing formation. The 10 cultivators of the Spirit Ranking will take the outer perimeter and allow the Elixir Refinement and Talisman Masters who are weaker to walk in the middle. The third princess will be right in the center while I’ll stay at the front to scout the path along with the other eight Great Zhou guards.”
There was nothing inappropriate with the arrangement and some Elixir Refinement and Talisman Masters expressed their thanks profusely.
“Let’s go!”
Jiang Yu waved, identified the direction, and led everyone towards the destination.
The surroundings were filled with barren land, gravel and strange rocks. There was not a single bit of vegetation that could be seen as dead silence shrouded them in a slightly repressing manner.
Thankfully, they did not encounter any dangers along the way.
After walking for about two hours, Jiang Yu suddenly stopped and exclaimed softly.
Out of curiosity, many cultivators looked forward.
On the nearby gravel, there were pitch-black skeletons that had long dried up and had no flesh.
A brief count revealed dozens of corpses and there were storage bags beside each of them.
The eyes of many cultivators lit up – it was obvious that those storage bags no longer had owners!
This was an opportunity!
No one had expected that they would encounter such an opportunity right after entering the ancient battlefield.
The eight Great Zhou guards at the front were eager and looked towards Jiang Yu instinctively.
He nodded, giving silent acknowledgment that those storage bags could be taken away.
The eight guards took large strides and sped towards the corpses ahead.
Many cultivators at the back could not wait any longer and sprinted ahead, wanting to get a storage bag for themselves.
“Don’t go!”
Right then, Su Zimo frowned and shouted softly.
He sensed a dangerous aura.
Furthermore, Night Spirit’s reaction confirmed his point!
At that moment, Night Spirit’s head was lowered and it was growling ahead, standing in front of Su Xiaoning.
Initially, everyone from Ethereal Peak wanted to join the crowd. However, they stopped instinctively upon hearing Su Zimo’s voice.
While they could not understand, they chose to believe in him.
However, other than those from Ethereal Peak, other cultivators, including Elixir Refinement and Talisman Masters, dashed over.
The only ones that remained on the spot were those from Ethereal Peak, Ji Yaoxue, Jun Hao of Azure Frost Sect and Jiang Yu!
Initially, Jun Hao of Azure Frost Sect wanted to head forward as well. However, he caught a sideway glimpse of Jiang Yu standing motionlessly and could not help but frown. A cold glint flickered through his eyes and he eventually decided against heading forth.
Chapter 339: Change
When he heard Su Zimo’s warning, Jiang Yu’s back was facing everyone as a killing intent flashed through his eyes momentarily.
Apart from everyone from Ethereal Peak, the other cultivators either did not hear Su Zimo or scoffed at his warning and did not believe it.
Ji Yaoxue turned around and asked, frowning, “Zimo, what’s wrong?”
“Something is not right.”
Su Zimo shook his head. “Those corpses are pitch-black and they died for unknown reasons without even a chance to escape. They must have met with something extremely terrifying.”
“Fufu.”
Si Yutang who was about to head forth laughed. “Su Zimo, aren’t you too cowardly? You don’t even dare to take something in the ancient battlefield that has no owner! I suggest you hide in a place to cultivate and don’t come out ever.”
Su Zimo was at odds with Perfected Being Cang Lang.
As a disciple of Perfected Being Cang Lang, there was naturally no way Si Yutang would be nice to Su Zimo.
Pausing for a moment, Si Yutang turned and smiled at Ji Yaoxue before declaring confidently, “Fellow Daoist Yaoxue, don’t worry. I can guarantee that there’s no danger in front of us!”
“Look at those corpses! They don’t have any flesh or blood. This means that they must have died at least 10 years ago, causing the corpses to dry up. How can there be any danger?”
That was the same reason why many cultivators dared to step forward.
Since those cultivators had been dead for so long, even if there was any danger, it should be long gone and wouldn’t have lingered on the spot for the entire time.
“Dead for at least 10 years?”
Su Zimo’s eyes flickered as he shook his head. “Not necessarily!”
By now, the cultivator at the front had arrived beside the corpses.
Even though the Great Zhou guard at the front was excited, he was still a little cautious and did not want to venture too deep, merely picking up a storage bag by a corpse at the edge.
He paused for a while.
There was no danger!
The guard opened the storage bag and his eyes lit up. Instantly, he stuffed the storage bag into his own and rushed forward to pick up more storage bags.
When the other cultivators saw that, they rushed towards the corpses without further hesitation.
All of a sudden!
The gravel beside the corpse moved and a fist-sized bag slowly bulged. It grew larger, as if something was about to burst out of the sand!
In the blink of an eye, similar bags appeared on the gravel one after another, attracting the attention of many cultivators.
Those who were more alert already rode on their flying swords and soared into the skies.
Poof!
There was a crisp sound.
A gigantic black-red ball suddenly burst forth from the sand and landed next to the feet of many cultivators.
Before they could react, the black-red balls opened up, turning into worms with red heads and legs and black bodies. Densely packed, the swarmed towards the legs of the cultivators.
Each worm was about the length of an arm and had a thousand feet that shuffled across the gravel at the same time. They were extremely fast and instantly climbed onto the legs of many cultivators!
“Ah! Ah! Ahhhh!”
A series of tragic cries rang one after another.
Right in front of everyone, black fogs appeared on the faces of those cultivators one after another as their eyes bulged out like dead fish, filled with terror. The blood vessels from beneath their skin gradually surfaced and suddenly exploded!
“Blood Centipedes!”
Su Zimo’s expression changed slightly.
In order to find out more about Night Spirit’s origins, he had browsed through many texts in Ethereal Peak about ancient living beings and knew about such savage beings.
Blood Centipedes were living beings of the ancient era and lived in groups. They were highly toxic and could turn flesh into a puddle of blood with a single bite before feeding in their groups.
In a few breaths’ time, they could devour a person till only a corpse was left!
The toxic nature of the Blood Centipede was also the reason why the corpses were pitch-black. It was said that they were long extinct in Tianhuang Mainland, but who knew that they would exist in the ancient battlefield.
“It’s the ancient Blood Centipedes! Hurry and retreat!”
Suddenly, Jiang Yu exclaimed and turned around hurriedly to stand beside Ji Yaoxue. There was a flash of panic in his eyes, as though he was stricken with fright as he panted. “Hurry and leave, third princess! We can’t linger here!”
“But, what about them...”
Even though she was a princess of Great Zhou, her face was somewhat pale from the sudden change in events. She pointed at the chaotic crowd in front of her, looking pained.
“We can’t save them. If we stay here, we’ll die as well!” Jiang Yu shouted.
In just a short while, many cultivators were already dead with their flesh gone. The only thing left behind were their pitch-black corpses with their storage bags at the side – it was the exact same way as when they first found the corpses.
The four Great Zhou guards at the forefront had all perished and lost their lives!
Some cultivators at the back managed to avoid the tragedy and some of them stood rooted to the ground, scared stiff.
A cultivator at the front turned around with a look of horror on his face. His face was blackening as he reached out with his arm and grabbed the shoulder of a Weapon Refinement Master behind him, calling out, “Save me...”
Poof!
The person who spoke suddenly turned into a mist of blood, splattering all over the face of the Weapon Refinement Master.
The Weapon Refinement Master was so terrified that he snapped out of his senses and shrieked, turning around to flee immediately.
However, he only managed to take a few steps when he paused and his face turned black. Turning into a puddle of blood, his corpse collapsed to the ground and a swarm of Blood Centipedes engulfed and swallowed it immediately.
Psst!
When the surviving cultivators saw that, they gasped and their pupils constricted.
The toxin was so poisonous that even if a Foundation Establishment Cultivator was not bitten by a Blood Centipede, he could die just by touching a few drops of blood from an infected cultivator!
Ji Yaoxue realized that there was no way to save the cultivators bitten by the Blood Centipedes.
All of them would die here if they tried to save the others forcefully!
Si Yutang was so scared that his face was pale as a sheet. He felt a lingering fear in his heart, thankful that he had argued with Su Zimo and was slower.
“This way! Everyone, ride on your flying swords. The Blood Centipedes can’t fly!”
Jiang Yu ordered and leaped on his flying sword, speeding off in a direction with Ji Yaoxue and the remaining survivors.
The survivors were already in a state of panic and summoned their flying swords subconsciously, soaring into the air and escaping behind Jiang Yu.
The entire place was in chaos.
Among everyone present, Su Zimo was the only one who could maintain his composure as he ran on the ground with Night Spirit, following tightly behind everyone.
Even though they were already far from the corpse area, the sense of danger in Su Zimo’s heart intensified instead of disappearing!
“Be careful, everyone!”
Before he could finish his words, there was a loud bang.
The gravel in front suddenly collapsed, forming a massive pit.
A huge, hideous head popped out from the sand pit with a thousand feet shuffling at the same time. Suddenly, it raised half of its body, facing everyone and emitting an extremely terrifying aura!
A pair of sharp fangs that exuded a foul smell bit together, producing a clanging sound. Its bloodshot eyes were like blazing suns, fuming with killing intent.
This was an incomparably massive Blood Centipede and the half of its body that was revealed was already 100 feet long!
“Ah!”
Everyone exclaimed.
Even though the Blood Centipede could not fly, the raised half of its body was a full 100 feet long and blocked everyone’s path instantly!
They were obstructed at the front and chased at the back!
Chapter 340: Poison Immunity
Faced with this huge creature that blocked their way, two cultivators’ eyes were filled with madness. They wanted to circle around the Blood Centipede and continue running.
Swash! Swash!
The Blood Centipede swung the two feelers on its head that were like two long black whips. They tore through the void with a pungent smell, pulling the two cultivators back immediately!
“Ah! Ah!”
The two of them let out tragic cries and were turned into a pool of blood, devoured by the Blood Centipede almost instantly!
“To the side!”
Su Zimo narrowed his eyes as he pointed to a new direction and shouted.
Without any hesitation, everyone from Ethereal Sword turned around and sped in that direction.
Many cultivators followed suit subconsciously.
Swash!
A black shadow darted by and a cultivator that was riding on his flying sword in midair was swept by the Blood Centipede’s feelers, dying miserably in its mouth.
It was too fast!
The cultivators were not exactly agile in midair with Sword Kinesis Flight and it was difficult for them to escape the feelers of the Blood Centipede.
Some of them were bound to die when the black shadow swept by!
The massive body of the Blood Centipede was almost completely emerged from the ground. Even at 200 feet long, it was surprisingly agile.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Its thousand feet shuffled at the same time on the gravel, causing sparks to fly everywhere along with a cringing sound. Swiftly, the Blood Centipede charged towards Su Zimo and the others!
Swash!
The Blood Centipede swept its feelers once more and they sliced through the air. This time round, the black shadow that darted was aimed for Ji Yaoxue.
Two of the Great Zhou guards made a snap decision and spun around, defending in front of Ji Yaoxue. They summoned two flying swords decisively and slashed at the black shadow.
Buzz!
The swords shone brightly – both of them were superior-grade flying swords!
Furthermore, the two Great Zhou guards that struck were five meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators!
“Clang!”
A metallic clashing sound reverberated when the blades struck the black shadow!
The black shadow was the feeler of the Blood Centipede and should have been the weakest spot of its body. However, even two attacks from superior-grade flying swords that were summoned by five meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators could not slice it apart!
The two superior-grade flying swords were repelled and fell to the ground nearby. The blades dimmed and turned black, clearly already useless.
Everyone’s expressions changed when they saw that.
“Squeak, squeak!”
Upon receiving a counterattack, the Blood Centipede let out an ear-piercing sound and turned ferocious. Its eyes shone with a scarlet, bloodthirsty light as it lunged forward even faster than before.
It struck with its other feeler, letting out a swooshing sound that rattled one’s soul.
At that moment, the two Great Zhou guards had just lost their flying swords. Although the black shadow was coming for them, they could not dodge because the princess of Great Zhou was right behind them!
Both of them touched their storage bags and crushed a protection talisman respectively before taking out two shields to block in front of them.
A look of despair flickered through their eyes.
Through the previous exchange, both of them had already realized that they could not match the Blood Centipede’s strength!
The toxins on its feelers alone were enough to poison them to death!
“Hmm?”
Su Zimo’s gaze turned cold as he stamped on the ground. With a boom, he leaped into midair wielding a blood-colored saber.
Blood Quencher, the perfect spirit weapon!
Against this ferocious beast from the ancient era, Su Zimo did not dare to hold back as his power of bloodline and spirit energy churned at the same time. A rumbling sound of thunder and gushing tsunami echoed from his body in a terrifying manner.
Five spirit patterns shone on Blood Quencher brightly and a bloodied glow enveloped it at the same time!
“Slash!”
Blood Quencher tore through the air and turned into a blood beam, colliding against the black shadow!
Poof!
A flash of blood splattered through the sky.
The feeler of the Blood Centipede could not withstand the sharpness of Blood Centipede and was cut into two!
“Squeak!”
The Blood Centipede shrieked tragically in pain against that massive injury as its severed feeler that was as thick as an arm wagged frenziedly, spraying endless black blood.
Fresh blood gushed out the moment Blood Quencher severed the feeler.
Su Zimo could not dodge and was covered from head to toe in the poisonous blood!
Everyone from Ethereal Peak felt their hearts sank when they saw it, realizing that it was a bad sign.
“Brother!”
Su Xiaoning swayed and felt her head spin, nearly falling from the sky. Thankfully, Leng Rou supported her in time.
“Ah!”
Ji Yaoxue shrieked and her face was pale as a sheet.
It was over!
The toxin within the blood of the cultivators that were bitten by the small Blood Centipedes was already enough to kill a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, let alone the toxin from this massive creature!
“Hurry and run, third princess!”
Ji Yaoxue persuaded hurriedly when he saw Ji Yaoxue standing motionlessly in midair, refusing to leave.
He continued, “Su Zimo’s a dead man. There’s no point for you to stay here any longer, third princess!”
“Zimo...!”
Ji Yaoxue called out softly with a pained expression.
“Xiaoning, Yaoxue, leave first. I’m fine.”
Just as everyone thought that Su Zimo was dead, his voice rang out.
It sounded no different from usual. Even under such circumstances, there was no trace of panic and provided an inexplicable sense of assurance.
He was not dead?
By then, most of the cultivators were also gradually realizing something strange.
Normally, one would turn into a puddle of blood and be rendered to a corpse almost instantly after being tainted by the poisonous blood of the Blood Centipedes.
However, more than 10 breaths had passed and Su Zimo was still standing on the spot. Even though they were facing his back, nothing seemed unusual.
Poison Immunity!
Two words flashed across everyone’s mind.
In reality, Su Zimo was also shocked when he was sprayed by the Blood Centipede’s blood.
He could clearly feel a powerful and destructive blood surge through his body, seemingly able to reap his life!
However, the moment that blood seeped in, his bloodline started churning and his tsunami blood gushed within his body, rushing at the poisonous blood!
Lightning was mighty and ferocious, able to purge away all evil.
Not only that, Su Zimo had devoured a dragon before!
The bloodline of the dragon race was extremely noble and terrifying – it was not something that a mere ancient Blood Centipede could compare against!
Be it the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness, the Void Thunder Manual or the essence energy of a divine dragon, any one of those powers was enough to completely suppress and devour the poisonous blood of the Blood Centipede.
Furthermore, Su Zimo was in possession of all three terrifying powers!
In a few breaths’ time, the poisonous blood failed to hurt Su Zimo and was instead completely cleansed by his bloodline with its toxins purged entirely.
Right now, Su Zimo could be said to be immune to all poisons!
Click! Clack! Click!
Not far away, a group of Blood Centipedes were already rushing in this direction. Dense and cluttered, the ground was filled with an unsettling shade of red and black.
If he was faced with a single Blood Centipede, even if it was huge and menacing, Su Zimo might not have retreated.
However, it was hard to guarantee that nothing would happen if he was swarmed by a group of them.
Furthermore, this was the ancient battlefield where dangers lurked everywhere. If he was trapped here, there was a chance that an even more terrifying and powerful ancient living being might be attracted over!
This was not a place where he should linger!
Su Zimo turned to leave and put away Blood Quencher. Instead, he withdrew a gigantic bow that shone with four spirit patterns and shot an arrow backwards without looking at all!
Naturally, a single arrow was not enough to kill the Blood Centipede King. However, it could impede its movement.
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