Eternal Sacred King Chapter 461 to 473
Chapter 461: Resurrection and Regrowth of Flesh!
Hugging the unconscious Demoness Ji into the Human Emperor’s Palace, Su Zimo could no longer hold on either and was fainting.
He was too badly injured and had lost too much blood. His flesh and skin were burnt to a crisp and his organs were failing – he had already gone beyond his body’s regeneration capabilities.
If he hadn’t cultivated the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness and possessed shocking vitality, he would have long been dead.
In his daze, Su Zimo suddenly felt his hands get lighter.
A long time later, he finally snapped out of his stupor. Enduring the immense pain, he turned to his side with extreme difficulty.
Demoness Ji who was initially lying in his embrace had disappeared!
Bang!
Before he had time to think, his body shuddered and he collapsed onto the cold, hard ground with a throbbing headache!
Su Zimo struggled to sit up, wanting to look for Demoness Ji. However, he caught sight of a hazy fog that was approaching him from not far away.
The fog billowed and surged over.
Just as it was about to arrive before him, the gray fog condensed into a hazy figure. Although the person’s face was old, he was energetic and his eyes had a wise, deep look, as if he had seen through everything in the world.
Su Zimo was stunned on the spot.
He had not imagined that there would be a living being within this ancient palace!
The Human Emperor’s Palace was a relic of the ancient era and had been through countless years in the sands of time where endless supreme and mighty figures have been buried.
Time was the scariest thing which even emperors could not defend against.
Who was that old man?
Was he a character from the ancient era or was he a cultivator who had entered the Human Emperor’s Palace later on but was trapped here?
Or perhaps, was this old man the legendary Human Emperor?!
Su Zimo did not have the energy to contemplate those questions and neither could he hang on any longer as he collapsed. Gazing at the ceiling, he found his vision blurring.
The old man approached him and suddenly reached out.
Between his fingers was an elixir the size of a longan; it gave off a faint smell of blood.
For some reason, the aura the elixir gave off felt extremely familiar to Su Zimo.
The old man peeled open Su Zimo’s mouth and put the elixir inside.
Su Zimo had no strength to resist and the elixir melted in his mouth, sending a spicy warmth down his throat. Upon entering his stomach, it lingered for a moment before suddenly letting out a terrifying burst of energy!
The energy felt like a tidal wave as it surged and cruised through his limbs.
An intense blood qi shot forth, wrapping Su Zimo in it as an extremely rich aura of vitality spewed out. One after another, beams of rainbow lights shot out in a divine manner, nourishing every single bit of his flesh.
His body that was initially defeated was reignited with vitality!
His injuries healed internally and externally as his charcoal black flesh peeled away. Pieces of flesh started regenerating on his bones with endless vitality.
It was a regrowth of his flesh!
This was a miracle almost akin to resurrection.
A numbing sensation prickled through Su Zimo’s nerves, almost causing him to go insane.
“Ah!”
Su Zimo could not help but let out a long bellow.
The power within the elixir nourished his broken body like the way dew healed barren land. His dried flesh regrew and the tears on his organs closed, returning to normal.
Su Zimo’s vitality was regenerating continuously.
With the help of that energy, his physique’s strong regeneration capabilities were awakened once more as his blood qi ran rampant within his body.
Flesh could be seen growing at a visible speed near the wound on his abdomen, forming in pieces before combining together, merely leaving a faint scar.
It was the same for the injury on his left chest.
Although his collarbone was snapped earlier on, it was now piecing back together rapidly!
Some time later, cracks appeared on Su Zimo’s charred skin and his scabs fell one after another, revealing jade-smooth skin beneath.
In the blink of an eye, all of his scabs had fallen off without any scars left behind as he emitted a massive wave of vitality.
All his injuries were healed!
That was not all the changes brought about by the elixir.
Not only did the elixir possess a massive vitality essence, it also contained terrifying blood qi and pure spirit energy!
Initially, the spirit sea in Su Zimo’s dantian had already dried up.
Right now, spirit energy was gushing in endlessly, forming a sea with massive waves that was even fiercer than before!
Su Zimo’s cultivation realm was rising swiftly and he was at the peak of seven meridian Foundation Establishment before long.
He did not even need to guide it.
The spirit sea surged and a series of pure, rich spirit energy pushed against his body’s eighth spirit meridian!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
There were a series of loud bangs and almost no time was wasted as the momentum brought him through.
He had unlocked his eighth spirit meridian!
Throughout history, there may have been no other cultivator who managed to unlock their eighth spirit meridian as easily as Su Zimo without the need to even consume a Meridian Unlocking Elixir.
Even after unlocking his eighth spirit meridian, his spirit sea did not calm down and was still roaring furiously!
His cultivation realm was still climbing!
A long time later, it finally came to a stop when he was at the peak of eight meridian Foundation Establishment!
At that moment, Su Zimo was finally certain.
After the eighth spirit meridian, there was definitely a ninth spirit meridian – the legendary Extreme Foundation Establishment!
He was still in possession of a Meridian Unlocking Elixir.
Su Zimo planned to attempt to unlock his ninth spirit meridian after stabilizing down at this current cultivation realm so as to become the second person to reach the Extreme Foundation Establishment realm after the Human Emperor!
At the same time.
The terrifying blood qi in the elixir restructured Su Zimo’s body as well.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
A series of crackling sounds echoed from within his body as his tendons and bones rang together. His blood qi climbed and he was surrounded by a thick demonic qi, causing multiple ancient demons to form!
A mysterious glow shone from his seven orifices, turning brighter and brighter!
A moment later.
Su Zimo’s body shuddered and his seven orifices shone brightly. His power of blood qi exploded and his skin, flesh, tendons, bones, marrow, organs and orifices synergized with one another, forming a Major Heavenly Cycle.
He had attained greater mastery of the Orifice Clearing section!
All of a sudden!
His eyes jolted wide open and a beam of light that tore through the night shot forth in a bedazzling manner.
Rising upright, Su Zimo felt his blood qi rumble like a tsunami as a rainbow light shone from his organs. His major tendons were firm, his bones were lively and his flesh was flawless. Upon closer inspection, he could even see a mysterious luster cruising through them!
It was as though he had attained a perfect body!
Su Zimo could clearly sense that his body was different and his five senses were even more keen.
Without even opening his eyes, he could hear the sounds of fishes playing in a pond nearby as the image was visualized in his mind.
Meek as a virgin with the burst power of a rabbit, his body was even more coordinated with the fusion of toughness and flexibility. With every single motion of his arm, he could produce limitless power with a rampant might!
“At this point of your cultivation, you would have perfected your technique and cultivated universal sight and hearing. With the help of the spirit perception, you will be able to avoid danger without seeing or smelling it. Be it whether you’re moving, sitting, or lying down, your heart will be able to sense and you will be able to defeat your enemies within ten feet with your bare hands!”
Su Zimo could not help but recall the words that Die Yue left him with as he murmured to himself, “I’m here now.”
Chapter 462: Mysterious Old Man
Looking at his brand new body, Su Zimo lamented to himself as he experienced the power surging within him, “The Human Emperor’s Palace is truly an ancient mythical object. To think that a single elixir from it would possess such wondrous effects!”
At that moment, Su Zimo’s appearance had already returned to normal after being washed by the energy of the elixir. With his elegant features, he wore a set of green robes once more.
There was no one else around other than that mysterious old man who had disappeared.
Since his disguise methods were most probably child’s play that would be seen through instantly in the eyes of the old man, Su Zimo had no intention of continuing with it.
He looked around and saw that the place was extremely spacious and boundless. Rather than a palace, it seemed like they were in another world.
The air was refreshing and the spirit qi was richer – the environment was even better than the ancient battlefield!
Concerned about Demoness Ji’s safety, he sped forward with his spirit wings.
Life was vibrant in that spacious land and it was filled with greenery.
Far away, at the side of a gigantic lake, a white deer was drinking water. It had a pair of wings on its back and its eyes darted around with spirit.
Raising its head, the white deer was not afraid in the slightest bit when it caught sight of Su Zimo. Its ears twitched slightly, as if it was curious.
Su Zimo sped across the surface of the lake.
Thud! Thud!
Gigantic scarlet fishes leaped out of the lake, as if they were startled. Each of them was around eight feet long and was shaped like a carp with a pair of tiny horns on its head.
Each of them looked like they weighed a few kilograms. When they twitched and fell back into the lake, ripples were formed.
“Those are...”
Suddenly, Su Zimo’s heart stirred when he caught sight of those gigantic scarlet fishes as he exclaimed, “Henggong Fishes!”
Henggong fishes had succulent flesh and were extremely shiny. Containing extremely few bones, they possessed a massive amount of energy and it was a great tonic to strengthen one’s tendons and bones when consumed.
That was definitely a pure-blooded living being of the primordial era and had long gone extinct on Tianhuang Mainland.
“Screech!”
In the skies far away, a clear cry could be heard.
A gigantic bird streaked through the skies; the left half of its body was green and the right half of its body was red.
Focusing his gaze, Su Zimo’s was shocked and nearly fell from midair.
That wasn’t a gigantic bird, it was a pair of birds!
The ancient manuals back in the sect had a few short sentences describing a bird of the primordial era.
The Biying Bird only had a single eye and wing and the males were green while the females were red. Together, the couple must fly in tandem.
Back when he saw that description, Su Zimo even shook his head and laughed to himself thinking that it was impossible.
How could there be a type of bird in the world that could fly with only a single eye and wing?
Now that he was seeing it for himself, Su Zimo truly experienced how incredible the universe was.
At the same time, a thought flashed through his mind as he spun around and looked at the white deer with wings beside the lake.
Leaping, the white deer spread its wings and flew into the skies. It came to Su Zimo’s side and lowered its head, brushing against his arm intimately before flying off.
Bai Ze!
That was an auspicious mythological beast of the primordial era, Bai Ze!
Legend has it that the Bai Ze was snow-white with wings and could speak in human tongue. It understood the emotions of all living beings and could distinguish between all the beings in the world, be it ghosts, gods or any other living beings – this was an auspicious beast that could change one’s luck for the better.
“The legends are real...”
Su Zimo muttered softly.
Taking a deep breath of air, he soared into the skies and looked around before shuddering uncontrollably. He stood rooted to the spot as shock filled his eyes!
Countless mythical and different beasts roamed this vast land!
There was a three-legged brutish beast with flames on its leg, a purple chicken with eyes under its wings, a rat that was a hundred kilograms and filled with raging flames, a three-legged golden toad with scales...
The beasts were so incredible that Su Zimo had never heard of them before – he couldn’t even name them!
In fact, he even suspected if he had reversed through time and returned to the primordial era.
All of a sudden!
His heart skipped a beat and his gaze froze.
Not far away, an old man stood with his hands behind his back – that was the mysterious old man who fed him the elixir.
Without thinking twice, Su Zimo arrived before the mysterious old man in a flash. Bowing deeply, he said with sincerity, “Thank you for rescuing me, senior. I’m truly immensely grateful.”
The mysterious old man merely nodded and stared at Su Zimo with scrutinizing eyes.
At that moment, Su Zimo had countless questions on his mind.
Who was the old man before him? What was that elixir? Was this the Human Emperor’s Palace? Why were there so many incredible beasts...
However, those questioned merely fluttered through his mind as he asked, “Senior, may I ask where the girl who entered the Human Emperor’s Palace together with me is?”
Expressionlessly, the mysterious old man replied, “She’s not here.”
“Not here?”
Su Zimo’s heart clenched up as he asked hurriedly, “Where is she? We entered the Human Emperor’s Palace together! How can she not be here?”
“What are you getting anxious about?”
The mysterious old man rolled his eyes and harrumphed gently “I was merely saying that the lass is not in the same stone chamber as you.”
“Stone chamber?”
Su Zimo was confused.
Pointing at his feet, the mysterious old man remarked casually, “The world we are in right now is merely a single stone chamber in the Human Emperor’s Palace.”
Gradually, Su Zimo’s mouth fell open; he was dumbfounded and shock filled his eyes.
This world with skies and stars, possessing boundless land with mountains, lush greenery and countless incredible beasts... was actually just a stone chamber within the Human Emperor’s Palace!
What sort of powers were these?
The mysterious old man’s next sentence gave Su Zimo an even bigger shock such that he could not snap out of it for a long time.
“There’s billions of such stone chambers in the Human Emperor’s Palace,” The mysterious old man said casually with a calm expression.
Su Zimo: “... ”
A long time later, still worried about Demoness Ji, he asked, “How is that girl in pink?”
“Don’t worry, she won’t die. She’ll follow her own destiny,” The mysterious old man replied.
Su Zimo only heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that.
“Heh!”
Suddenly, the mysterious old man sneered, “Young man, you’re truly brazen to challenge the rules set by my master! If it wasn’t because my mistress was kind enough to speak up for you seeing how pitiful that girl is, she would have died long ago!”
Master, mistress...
Su Zimo blinked and asked in a testing manner, “Senior, the master you’re referring to is...”
“Can you get any dumber?”
Frowning, the mysterious old man glared at Su Zimo and said in a deep tone, “Since this is the Human Emperor’s Palace, my master is definitely the Human Emperor!”
Su Zimo was shocked.
Needless to say, the mistress should be the Human Emperor’s Dao companion!
The mysterious old man glanced at Su Zimo from the side of his eyes and sized up the latter while muttering, “This young man seems dumb. Could master have made a wrong judgment?”
Actually, Su Zimo was not entirely to blame.
Everything that he had seen and experienced after entering the Human Emperor’s Palace was way beyond his imagination.
There were things that he could not dare to believe even if he had guessed it.
Furthermore, even now, he wasn’t clear of the identity of the old man before him.
Chapter 463: Inheritance
The mysterious old man’s statement revealed another important message.
The Human Emperor was alive!
He was an emperor of the ancient era after all. Through the endless years, countless emperors have already died.
To think that the emperor who was lauded as the strongest and most domineering throughout history was still alive!
Could it be that after endless cultivation and breakthroughs, living beings are truly able to extend their lifespans and age with the universe or even reach the realm of eternal indestructibility?
Since the Human Emperor was still alive, what cultivation realm was he at right now?
“Senior Human Emperor, he’s... still on Tianhuang Mainland?”
A moment later, Su Zimo composed himself before asking.
“Of course not,”
The mysterious old man waved it off. “Master isn’t here either. You don’t have to dream about getting to meet him either, you’re not qualified yet.”
Su Zimo was not ashamed upon hearing that and merely took it in his stride and smiled.
Right after, Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat.
Suddenly, he recalled that before she left, Die Yue said with a chuckle that she was about to return to her world.
Was that the same world as the Human Emperor?
Since there had never been any signs of immortals found on Tianhuang Mainland, did it mean that after attaining immortality, cultivators could pass through the void and travel to another world?
Could that world be filled with countless immortals like Die Yue and the Human Emperor? What sort of a vast and vibrant place was that?
Instantly, countless thoughts filled Su Zimo’s mind and he developed a longing interest towards that foreign world.
“Before you, a total of seven people entered the Human Emperor’s Palace and each of them received a different inheritance. The inheritance you’re about to receive is different from theirs. It can be considered as the true legacy of the Human Emperor.”
At that point, the mysterious old man looked deeply at Su Zimo before waving his sleeves gently, causing two objects to float in midair.
It was a piece of paper and a gigantic seal.
The paper was written with endless tiny words – Su Zimo merely swept his eyes across and felt them prickle slightly.
The gigantic seal was squarish and golden throughout. On it, a divine dragon was etched, coiling around it in a life-like manner.
The gigantic golden seal hovered in midair, emanating waves of powerful might, as though it could crush the stars and suppress the entire world!
The mysterious old man remarked, “This is the Coiling Dragon Seal. It’s a connate spirit weapon, keep it well.”
A connate spirit weapon!
Su Zimo was shocked.
Prior to this, Su Zimo witnessed how terrifying connate spirit weapons were in that battle beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace.
The shimmering silver circlet that Hang Qiuyu brought out shattered his supreme-grade spirit weapon instantly.
That was also the reason why Hang Qiuyu managed to survive with a sliver of health after receiving Su Zimo’s punch!
Furthermore, Foundation Establishment Cultivators were unable to unleash the full might of connate spirit weapons.
The terrifying burst power of connate spirit weapons could only be released in the hands of Golden Cores!
“Thank you, senior,”
Su Zimo did not reject and took over the Coiling Dragon Seal, injecting spirit energy into it.
Whoosh!
A bright light shone on the Coiling Dragon Seal and Su Zimo seemed like he was holding a blazing sun with an intimidating might!
“Hmm?”
Suddenly, Su Zimo’s expression changed and he shuddered as his wrist sank.
It was heavy!
After it was injected with spirit energy, the Coiling Dragon Seal almost caused Su Zimo to embarrass himself as it weighed down on him.
Now that Su Zimo had attained greater mastery of the Orifice Clearing section, his physique had the strength to suppress all other eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators without even taking on his demon form!
However, despite that, his body experienced pressure from the Coiling Dragon Seal.
The mysterious old man nodded to himself.
He thought that Su Zimo would definitely embarrass himself since he was unprepared and would be squashed by the Coiling Dragon Seal. The fact that the lad could remain standing without moving had exceeded his expectations.
Clearing away his spirit energy, Su Zimo put the Coiling Dragon Seal away in his storage bag.
That was a great treasure!
Delighted, Su Zimo’s gaze shifted towards the page of sutra at the side expectantly.
The mysterious old man pointed to the page and remarked indifferently, “This is a secret skill created by my master in the past. If you manage to master it, you can already fight against Golden Cores at Foundation Establishment realm.”
“In fact... you can even challenge Golden Core phenomenons!”
Psst!
Su Zimo’s expression changed slightly.
The difference between cultivation realms were divided into minor and major realms. For example, in Foundation Establishment, early-stage, mid-stage, late-stage and perfected were minor realms whereas it was a major realm between Foundation Establishment and Golden Core realm.
There was an insurmountable gap between major realms.
It symbolized one breaking free of the restrictions of the universe and extending their lifespans; the difference in strength was even worlds apart.
But right now, the Human Emperor’s secret skill could allow Su Zimo to challenge the strength of Golden Cores even at Foundation Establishment realm!
The mysterious old man’s final statement was even more shocking.
“In fact... you can even challenge Golden Core phenomenons!”
Every single cultivator knew that Golden Core phenomenons were the extremes of spirit arts and there were extremely few people who could cultivate them.
The reason why many Foundation Establishment paragons wanted to enter the ancient battlefield so that they could progress in their Foundation Establishment realm was because they wanted to be able to cultivate the strongest Golden Core phenomenons when they form their cores!
Without further description, the mysterious old man’s simple statement had already revealed how terrifying that secret skill was!
Sighing gently, the mysterious old man continued, “The conditions required to cultivate this skill are extremely stringent and after my master created it, nobody else managed to learn it. I hope that you’ll be able to succeed.”
Even though he said that, it was clear that the mysterious old man did not bear much hope through his tone.
Su Zimo received the page of sutra and focused his attention. There were three tiny golden words in the middle of the first row – Ancient Dragonification Manual!
Those three simple words caused a terrifying pressure that was shuddering.
For some reason, Su Zimo felt his body heating up; it was as though an inexplicable power was surging within him!
The mysterious old man’s voice sounded once more, “Although you won’t be able to transform into a divine dragon after attaining greater mastery of the Ancient Dragonification Manual, you’ll be able to conjure the phantom of a divine dragon that possesses the true might of the dragons!”
“Humans are weak and have ordinary bloodlines; they can’t be compared against the dragons who are extremely powerful from birth. If you want to cultivate the Ancient Dragonification Manual, you will have to steal the blood qi of the dragon race!”
“The elixir you consumed earlier was a Blood Flesh Elixir made from the flesh of a young dragon.”
Instantly, Su Zimo had a look of realization.
That was the reason why he had a sense of familiarity towards the aura given off by the elixir.
Su Zimo’s eyes flickered and he frowned in deep thought.
According to the mysterious old man’s words, one could only succeed in cultivating the Ancient Dragonification Manual after consuming the blood qi of the dragon race.
He was in a rather unique situation.
A couple of years ago, he had consumed half a dragon!
Although it was not formed yet, that was the egg of a divine dragon after all!
“Hehe.”
The mysterious old man chuckled coldly. “Don’t look down on the fact that it’s a young dragon. You were able to receive such immense benefits just by consuming an elixir made from the flesh of a young dragon. If it was an adult divine dragon, the power of a single drop of its blood would be enough to destroy you, let alone its flesh!”
Su Zimo did not doubt that statement at all.
Back then, after he and Night Spirit consumed that dragon egg, their bodies almost gorged to the point of explosion and it took them a full three years to digest it completely!Chapter 464: Two Utmost Treasures
“The conditions required to cultivate the Ancient Dragonification Manual are extremely stringent and obtaining the blood qi of the dragon race is merely the beginning. Among the seven people who entered the Human Emperor’s Palace before you, there were also some of them with potentials comparable to you. However, they were merely slightly inferior.”
The mysterious old man said with a trace of pity, “Tsk, tsk. That Lei kid was rather decent as well. However, it was a pity that he couldn’t unlock his ninth spirit meridian, causing him to miss this great opportunity to get the Ancient Dragonification Manual.”
At that point, Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat as he recalled Uncle Liang’s words.
Legend has it that the secret to the Extreme Foundation Establishment is hidden within the Human Emperor’s Palace!
He asked hurriedly, “Senior, may I ask, how does one unlock the ninth spirit meridian and cultivate to the point of Extreme Foundation Establishment?”
Foundation Establishment was an extremely important step in one’s path of cultivation and how stable their roots were would decide their future accomplishments!
The mysterious old man replied, “Nine represents the extreme and if one wants to unlock their ninth spirit meridian, their spirit energy would have to be extremely pure without the slightest bit of impurity! I’ve checked through your spirit energy. It’s very pure and that’s quite seldom.”
Pondering for a moment, Su Zimo remarked, “Senior, up to this point of my cultivation, I’ve rarely consumed any elixirs and even for those that I consume, they were at perfect-grade. I think it should have something to do with that.”
Apart from perfect-grade elixirs, every other grade of elixir possessed impurities.
Long term consumption would result in consolidation of those impurities. Although they would not have a significant impact on a cultivator’s combat strength, it would impede the possibility of them unlocking their ninth spirit meridian.
“Elixirs are only part of the equation,”
The mysterious old man shook his head. “In Tianhuang Mainland, there are many sects and factions with rich heritages and immense foundations. It’s not rare for them to provide perfect-grade elixirs for the paragons in their sects with the most potentials. However, even while cultivating and absorbing spirit qi, there’s no way to avoid the existence of impurities.”
“While cultivating?” Su Zimo frowned slightly.
The mysterious old man explained, “Mortals consume food which would turn into feces upon digestion, creating impure qi and filth. Therefore, at a certain point of cultivation, there’s a saying of inedia.”
Su Zimo nodded.
He had heard about inedia before.
It was said that after entering Nascent Soul realm and cultivating an Essence Spirit, cultivators could live without consuming food and merely take in dew and the essence of the universe to survive, soaring through the skies and riding the clouds.
In fact, they could even scour the world and explore the four oceans and eight desolates with a single thought.
The mysterious old man continued, “Similar to mortal food, spirit qi would inevitably contain impurities upon absorption to one’s dantian. That is... unless the person was in possession of an utmost treasure that could help them purify the spirit qi!”
At that point, he gave a meaningful look at Su Zimo’s right hand.
Suddenly, Su Zimo gave off a gradual look of realization as he recalled how qi entered his body while he was cultivating his Qi Condensation manual.
Back then, spirit qi entered his body through his right hand.
Before entering the Human Emperor’s Palace, the few Sealers said that his right hand was a divine phoenix bone.
If that was true, it would explain many things.
Entering his right hand, spirit qi would be purified by the divine phoenix bone, incinerating all impurities and allowing him to only take in the purest spirit qi.
Back then, he had just mastered Qi Condensation and was able to release a Level 3 Spirit Fire with his right hand immediately.
Now that he thought about it, that was not a true Level 3 Spirit Fire – he merely managed to possess the might and heat of a Level 3 Spirit Fire because of the divine phoenix bone!
Of course, from the beginning till now, Su Zimo had never released the true powers of the divine phoenix bone.
At the battle beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace, the terror of the divine phoenix bone had only revealed itself for a brief moment after absorbing the Golden Core’s true fire before returning to normal.
The mysterious old man said with a hint of lament, “This divine phoenix bone is one of the rare few utmost treasures in Tianhuang Mainland. The person who changed your fate by attaching your wrist with this divine phoenix bone must have exerted a lot of effort.”
At this point, Su Zimo was finally certain that his blood bone palm was the legendary divine phoenix bone!
Previously, he was severely injured after killing the Joyful Sect cultivators in Cang Lang Mountain Range and his right hand was battered.
By the time he woke up, his right hand was already perfectly fine.
In other words, during the few days he fainted, Die Yue had not only helped him to plant a spirit root, she had even reattached his wrist with the divine phoenix bone!
“If you are smart, you should have realized that you must not reveal that divine phoenix bone again after leaving this place. Otherwise, you are definitely bound to die!”
The mysterious old man said with a stern expression, “Even the mighty figures and patriarchs of the human race would be tempted to make a move for the divine phoenix bone!”
Su Zimo nodded.
Thankfully, he changed his appearance and hid his identity beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace.
Otherwise, he would definitely be hunted upon reentering Tianhuang Mainland!
A man’s talent would often arouse the greed of others.
“There is also an extremely strict requirement for one’s spirit root if they want to reach the Extreme Foundation Establishment realm. Regarding that, you have no issue as well,”
After a brief pause, the mysterious old man looked at Su Zimo deeply once more, “There are only that few types of utmost treasures in Tianhuang Mainland. Someone has really spared no expenses in trying to pave your path forward by leaving you with two of them!”
“Ah!”
Su Zimo was shocked.
Before Die Yue left, she had left him three gifts. One of them was his spirit root and now, he knew that the divine phoenix bone was another.
There was still one more unknown gift.
Through the mysterious old man’s words, it seemed like the second utmost treasure had something to do with his spirit root.
Su Zimo could not help but ask, “What’s the second utmost treasure?”
“Even if I explain it to you, it’s no use for you because your cultivation realm isn’t there yet. Perhaps one day in the future, you might be able to see it for yourself,” The mysterious old man shook his head.
Su Zimo did not press on, feeling slightly disappointed.
The mysterious old man continued, “The Ancient Dragonification Manual expends a lot of one’s spirit energy and it can only be released with an Extreme Foundation Establishment. Not only that, the Ancient Dragonification Manual requires a lot from the physique of a cultivator!”
“Although you’re only conjuring the phantom of a divine dragon, it still possesses the true might of a dragon. Extremely terrifying, it overrides over all living beings. An ordinary body wouldn’t be able to withstand the might of the dragon and even ancient remnant beasts would explode into a blood mist!”
“Since you’re someone who does immortality and demonic cultivation together, your physique is alarming and is enough to withstand the Ancient Dragonification Manual!”
Su Zimo was not surprised that the mysterious old man could read his background like a book.
However, what surprised Su Zimo was the mysterious old man’s attitude towards the matter.
If the various major sects of Tianhuang Mainland were to know that he was doing immortality and demonic cultivation at the same time, they would definitely regard him as a despicable outcast and kill him.
However, the mysterious old man was indifferent towards the issue.
Waving it off with his hand, the mysterious old man said, “There’s less than half a year left. Stay here and cultivate for now. You don’t have to force yourself even if you don’t succeed.”
“Alright.”
Su Zimo nodded and strode to the lakeside without hesitation, sitting down to glance through the page of sutra.
Every single word on the sutra possessed a mysterious might. Even with Su Zimo’s powerful eyes, he had to take a rest every now and then.
He could only continue reading after closing his eyes for a short break.
When he was thirsty, Su Zimo would drink from the lake. When he was hungry, he would catch a Henggong Fish for food. Other than that, the rest of his time was spent on cultivating the Ancient Dragonification Manual.
Just like that, five months passed in the blink of an eye.
This day, as it was close to the end of the year in the ancient battlefield, the mysterious old man appeared and was about to inform Su Zimo who was at the lakeside.
All of a sudden!
A change happened to Su Zimo’s aura!
A terrifying might descended at the lakeside, shocking the masses!
Chapter 465: True Dragon?
“Hmm?”
Sensing something, the mysterious old man looked towards Su Zimo.
Beside the lake, Su Zimo assumed a lotus position with an upright back. His eyes were closed as his black hair swayed without any wind; a terrifying aura was coming forth from within his body, climbing rapidly!
It was as though an ancient power was being awakened!
An extremely long living being appeared in midair, coiling several rounds around Su Zimo upwards. Finally, it stopped in midair and its gigantic head stared in the direction of the mysterious old man.
Dragon race!
Compared to adult dragons which can be thousands of feet long, this could only be considered as a young dragon.
Although it was only a phantom of a young dragon, the aura that it produced was shuddering, as if it could conquer all living beings!
Gradually, green scales appeared on the young dragon’s body one after another, shimmering with a cold glint. The bone spikes on its back and its sharp claws were bared while its horns stood gloriously.
The phantom of the green dragon was actually turning corporeal. Even the scales, bones and claws were condensed with flesh, life-like and no different from a true dragon!
“Psst!”
The mysterious old man gasped and his expression changed. Disbelief filled his eyes as he exclaimed, “How is that possible?!”
The Ancient Dragonification Manual was meant to conjure the phantom of a divine dragon by using the blood qi of the dragon race; the shape of a divine dragon could only be made out faintly.
That alone was heavenly-defying.
However, Su Zimo had conjured an actual true dragon!
Even the Human Emperor who created this secret skill was unable to reach this point – how did this Foundation Establishment Cultivator manage it?
Could this young man have achieved a new comprehension of the Ancient Dragonification Manual within a mere six months?
All of a sudden!
Su Zimo’s eyes burst wide open with a lightning gaze.
At the same time, the coiling dragon above him opened its eyes as well. Cold and mighty, it could not be ignored!
The man and dragon opened their eyes at the same time!
The moment the dragon opened its eyes, it was as though it had awakened and possessed actual life as it surveyed its surroundings with an overwhelming might.
Given the mysterious old man’s cultivation realm, he was composed and felt nothing much as the dragon’s eyes swept past him.
However, the incredible beasts in the surroundings sprawled onto the ground motionlessly.
The fishes in the lake went silent, not daring to swim, and the birds in the skies fell one after another fearfully.
Against the dragon’s might, all the living beings felt a sense that came from the depths of their souls!
The dragons were one of the strongest living beings back in the primordial era where the thousands of races reigned. It had once ruled over the world above all the thousands of races!
Although Su Zimo was merely a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, with the protection of the dragon, he exuded a dominance that looked down on the world; it was peerless, as though he had control over all divine beings in the universe!
Bang!
Su Zimo swayed a little and the dragon coiling around him dissipated before disappearing gradually.
The immense pressure vanished.
Once again, the incredible beasts went back to play and everything returned to normalcy.
Heaving a sigh of relief, the mysterious old man came before Su Zimo and said, “Since you forcibly released the Ancient Dragonification Manual without your cultivation realm being high enough, you won’t be able to sustain it for long. Once you’re at Extreme Foundation Establishment, you’ll be able to release the secret skill and use it against your foes.”
Su Zimo nodded.
He had summoned that small dragon for a couple of seconds but the spirit energy within his body was thoroughly expended and his spirit sea was almost dry!
Right now, he was at the peak of eight meridian Foundation Establishment.
The fact that he was still unable to release the Ancient Dragonification Manual given his immense spirit energy was proof of how terrifying that secret skill was!
The mysterious old man’s gaze lingered around Su Zimo, sizing him continuously.
It was only until Su Zimo’s hairs stood on end that the mysterious old man asked, “How did you manage to conjure an actual true dragon?”
Hesitating for a moment, Su Zimo shook his head. “I don’t know either.”
He had a guess in his heart but he wasn’t certain.
The fact that he was able to conjure a true dragon might have a lot to do with his consumption of half a dragon egg!
The elixir that the mysterious old man fed him was merely a Blood Flesh Elixir made from the flesh of a dragon. However, he had devoured half of an actual dragon a couple of years ago!
After entering his stomach, the essence and vitality of the dragon race filled every single part of his body.
Cultivating the Ancient Dragonification Manual caused that power within his body to awaken, causing yet another unaccounted change!
“Master truly has good judgment.”
The mysterious old man did not press on and merely lamented.
A moment later, he said, “The year is almost up and the lass that entered together with you has left first. It’s about time for you to do so as well.”
Su Zimo was relieved when he heard that Demoness Ji was fine. Bowing deeply to the mysterious old man, he said, “Thank you for your lifesaving grace and the guidance for the past half year, senior.”
He had truly benefited way too much this time round.
He had attained greater mastery of the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness and was only a step away from forming an Inner Core!
In terms of cultivation, he was already at the peak of eight meridian Foundation Establishment. As long as he consumed the Meridian Unlocking Elixir and continued cultivating, he would have a chance of unlocking the ninth spirit meridian.
He would be able to cultivate to the legendary Extreme Foundation Establishment realm!
At that point, even without taking on his demon form, he would be able to fight against Golden Cores with the might of the Ancient Dragonification Manual!
The mysterious old man waved it off. “You don’t have to thank me. If you’re truly able to reach my master’s level one day, thank him personally face to face.”
“Where do you want to descend? I can send you there.”
After pondering for a moment, Su Zimo said, “Xuantian City.”
...
Upon reentering the ancient battlefield, Su Zimo could clearly sense that the place seemed to have gotten more unstable.
It meant that the year was almost up!
Xuantian City was a little empty and quiet without the bustle from before.
Most of the cultivators have already left and only a few remained. They traveled through the city with hurried expressions – it was clear that they were also preparing to leave.
There was already no one at the territory of Elixir Yang Sect.
Su Zimo went straight to Xiaoning’s room and caught sight of her handwriting etched on a stone table after looking around.
“Brother, Elixir Yang Sect is located in the Middle Continent of Tianhuang Mainland. Because their teleportation spot is extremely far from Xuantian City, I’ll have to make a move with Sister Tang Yu first. Once I cultivate the Longevity Elixir, I’ll return to Yan Country to look for big brother. Both Night Spirit and I are fine, don’t miss us.”
“Regards, Xiaoning.”
The writing was scribbled a little hurriedly – it was obvious that Xiaoning truly had no time at the end and had to leave.
Smiling to himself, Su Zimo reached out and gave a simple swipe.
Even though it was a casual move, an entire layer of the stone table’s surface was wiped off and the words disappeared completely.
Before leaving Xuantian City, Su Zimo had already instructed Night Spirit to stay by Xiaoning’s side and head to Elixir Yang Sect with her.
He had to return to the Great Zhou Dynasty and was unable to stay by Xiaoning’s side. As such, the only way he would feel relieved was if Night Spirit was with her.
Now that he knew that Xiaoning was fine, Su Zimo was at ease and did not linger further in the city; he headed straight for the cave abode that Ji Yaoxue and the rest were cultivating in.
Previously, he promised her that he would return for her.
Suddenly, Su Zimo could not help but frown when he recalled a person.
Jun Hao!
Previously, he suspected that there was something wrong with that person but he had no proof.
Before leaving, he even reminded Ji Yaoxue to keep something up her sleeve to guard against that guy.
“I hope Yaoxue’s fine.”
Su Zimo’s eyes flashed with a cold glint and a massive pair of wings spread out behind him. Blood qi burst forth and he sped forward at full speed – his speed was already at its limits!
Chapter 466: Fallout
A steep mountain stood at the borders of the ancient battlefield.
Halfway on the mountain, a man stood in front of the cave abode with his hands behind his back. He was handsome and had a noble aura, but his expression was grim and his eyes flashed with coldness occasionally.
Azure Frost Sect’s Jun Hao was the prince of the Great Xia Dynasty.
The reason why he courted Ji Yaoxue painstakingly previously was because he knew about her identity as the princess long ago!
If the two of them could develop further, he could make use of the opportunity and her identity to understand the background of the Great Zhou Dynasty fully!
However, it was a pity that Ji Yaoxue maintained a neutral attitude towards him all these years, similar to how she would treat all the other senior and junior brothers in the sect.
Although Jun Hao was a little frustrated, he was extremely scheming and was in no hurry.
The path of cultivation was long and there were many chances for them to interact since they were in the same sect.
However, it was a pity that a monstrous cultivator appeared in the sect competition, giving him a sense of threat!
When Ji Yaoxue wore that long pale yellow dress and circled around that man, smiling with a bedazzling wink, that scene stabbed Jun Hao’s heart like a thorn!
“Su Zimo!”
He gripped his fists slowly and narrowed his gaze.
Ji Yaoxue’s attitude towards that man was clearly different from others; even the way she looked at him was enough to make Jun Hao jealous!
After entering the ancient battlefield, his plans were further destroyed when Su Zimo unleashed terrifying methods and suppressed all enemies domineeringly.
Almost all the Great Xia cultivators that entered the ancient battlefield were killed!
The scariest thing was that Su Zimo had already begun suspecting him!
In that period of time, Jun Hao lived his days on thin ice, hiding carefully, afraid to let out a single mistake.
During normal times, that man looked like a scholar with a friendly appearance and calm gaze.
However, Jun Hao knew in his heart that this was a man who was decisive to kill!
As long as he revealed a single mistake, that man would definitely kill him without giving him a chance to explain!
Finally, that day, Su Zimo left.
It was only then that Jun Hao heaved a sigh of relief and felt relaxed.
However, it did not take long for him to be frustrated once more. In fact, he was even seething with hatred!
There were five stone chambers in the cave abode.
Before leaving, Su Zimo had actually set up a formation outside the fifth stone chamber!
Ever since that day, Ji Yaoxue had not stepped out from that stone chamber at all!
No matter how Jun Hao tried to invite her, she would always have excuses to push him away.
At the same time, she did not allow anyone in, including the remaining two guards of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
“Yaoxue, have you started suspecting me as well?”
Jun Hao’s gaze flickered. Slowly his expression turned cold as he murmured, “Since that’s the case, don’t blame me for falling out with you!”
He withdrew a spirit crane from his storage bag and wrote a few words on it. After injecting spirit energy to it, it spread its wings and flew, disappearing into the void instantly.
Turning around, Jun Hao entered the cave abode and walked towards the fifth stone chamber.
He did not walk far when Si Yutang of Iridescent Clouds Palace approached him.
The latter greeted with a smile. “Brother Jun Hao, the year is almost up. When are we leaving?”
After consuming the Meridian Unlocking Elixir, Si Yutang cultivated to six meridian Foundation Establishment.
Jun Hao was at seven meridian Foundation Establishment right now.
With a fake smile, Jun Hao replied, “I’m about to look for Junior Sister Yaoxue to discuss this. Come along.”
“Alright.”
Si Yutang agreed readily without suspicion.
After passing the long tunnel, they arrived before the fifth stone chamber where the remaining two guards of the Great Zhou Dynasty stood on each side.
Both of them were also at the peak of six meridian Foundation Establishment.
Most of the cultivators at the center of the ancient battlefield were at seven meridian Foundation Establishment and the paragons of super sects were even at eight meridian Foundation Establishment.
However, in reality, most of the cultivators in the ancient battlefield were only at six meridian Foundation Establishment.
“Greetings, fellow Daoists.”
The two guards greeted with cupped fists.
Since there were only five of them here, all of them were long familiar with one another.
Jun Hao’s gaze was fixated on the stone door as he said loudly with a smile, “Junior Sister Yaoxue, the year is almost up. Let’s move today and return to the teleportation spot.”
A moment later, an unhurried voice sounded from within the stone chamber.
“Senior Brother Jun, there’s no need to hurry. Zimo promised me that he will return. There’s no difference waiting for a couple more days!”
Jun Hao’s expression froze when he heard that. Lowering his head slightly, his gaze was ghastly and his face was frighteningly dark!
“Wait for him?”
Si Yutang sneered, “That person didn’t know what’s good for him and ventured deep into the ancient battlefield. Since there’s been no news of him for so long, he’s definitely dead!”
Ji Yaoxue replied indifferently, “I believe that he won’t die and will definitely return.”
“Fu...”
Si Yutang stifled a chuckle and shook his head.
He was absolutely sure that Su Zimo was dead after venturing into the depths of the ancient battlefield!
Jun Hao took a deep breath of air. By the time he looked up, he had a smile once more. “Junior Sister, there’s only ten odd days left. If that man wanted to return, he would have done so long ago.”
“We only need two days to reach the teleportation spot from here. We can still make it even if we move a couple of days later,” Ji Yaoxue replied firmly.
“Brother Jun Hao, since she won’t leave, let’s leave!”
Si Yutang sneered once more, “We can definitely return to the teleportation spot safely given our current cultivation realms.”
The smile on Jun Hao’s face had vanished as he said slowly with a cold expression, “Yaoxue, I’ve already given you your last chance. Since you didn’t cherish it, don’t blame me for not showing mercy on account of us being in the same sect.”
The moment he said that, the atmosphere turned strange.
The two guards frowned and looked at Jun Hao in confusion.
Si Yutang was stumped as well.
Things were fine earlier on – why did he suddenly have a change in attitude?
What did it mean by last chance and not showing mercy?
With a cold gaze, Jun Hao glared at the stone door, as though he could see the woman inside, and said word by word, “Yaoxue, you’ll be leaving today whether you want to or not. The choice isn’t yours!”
“Jun Hao, what do you mean by that!”
Sensing Jun Hao’s hostility, one of the guards hollered warily.
Inside the stone chamber, Ji Yaoxue sighed. “You still couldn’t hide it after all.”
“Since you’ve already begun to suspect me, there’s no need for me to pretend any longer.”
Jun Hao admitted readily.
“I was initially skeptical when Zimo reminded me at the start.”
Ji Yaoxue shook her head. “However, you’ve been too anxious for the past half a year, trying to find excuses to either enter or to get me out. At that time, I knew that Zimo’s guess was right.”
“Indeed, he was the one who spoiled my plans!”
Jun Hao cursed and pointed at the stone chamber, sneering, “Yaoxue, do you think that a few layers of formations laid down by a dead man would be able to protect you?”
“Zimo mentioned that even an eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator would have to take a few days to dispel this formation.”
Ji Yaoxue replied, “However, it’s a pity that you’re at seven meridian Foundation Establishment. Given your strength, there’s no way you’ll be able to dispel this formation. Jun Hao, give it up. Even if it’s something that Zimo left behind, you won’t be able to deal with it either!”
Jun Hao was furious upon hearing Yaoxue’s words and lost control of his emotions. He snarled as an ugly expression showed on his face and green veins popped from his neck, “Yaoxue, once I break through this stone chamber, I’ll let you enjoy for a long time beneath my crotch!”
A series of dull, heavy footsteps sounded, approaching from afar in the tunnel.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The entire cave abode was shaking as dust fell endlessly. Instantly, an aura of death gushed over with a suffocating stench!
Chapter 468: Wow... So Amazing?
That was no cultivator.
To be precise, that wasn’t a living being.
The monster reeked of a rotting stench and his skin was black. Muscles bulged from his body in distinct pieces, looking as though they were washed with steel liquid.
Long fingernails as sharp as knives shone with a ghastly green color – they were clearly carrying poison!
There were no pupils in his eyes and they were completely white, looking extremely frightening.
When the monster roared, green veins popped up on its necks and face, akin to small little snakes that were crawling on the surface of its skin. It bared a pair of bloodied fangs and its face was shuddering and menacing!
This was a living corpse!
None of them present had witnessed such methods before. Not only was the corpse resurrected, it was controlled by someone and let out such a terrifying aura!
Even though she was the princess of Great Zhou, Ji Yaoxue was also greatly shocked and her face was pale.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The corpse strode in huge steps towards the battlefield.
Sensing that the situation was bad, Jun Hao and Si Yutang had already withdrawn themselves from the battle long ago, afraid that they would be implicated.
“Go!”
One of the Great Zhou guards summoned his flying sword while the other conjured hand seals, producing blazing fireballs that shot at the corpse!
As though it did not see them, the corpse did not slow down at all.
The two Great Zhou guards were slightly relieved when they saw that, thinking to themselves, “At the end of the day, it’s just a walking corpse with no brains that doesn’t know how to dodge at all.”
Clang!
Before they could finish their thoughts, the flying sword had already pierced the corpse’s chest. However, the sound of metal clashing echoed!
The flying sword was repelled!
The fireball landed on the corpse and lasted for two breaths before extinguishing.
In the billowing smoke, not only was the corpse fine, it turned even more violent!
The two of them were dumbfounded and their eyes widened.
At the same time.
Ji Yaoxue’s flying sword descended. Shining with four bedazzling spirit patterns, its sword qi was cold and it pierced the corpse’s head with its sharpness.
Clang!
Another crisp sound rang out accompanied by a chain of sparks – the flying sword was repelled as well!
A faint white scar merely appeared on the corpse’s glabella – its skin was not even scratched!
Ji Yaoxue was gravely shocked.
She was at seven meridian Foundation Establishment and she possessed a supreme-grade flying sword. Yet, she could not even scratch the skin of the corpse with her full power!
How was she going to fight this corpse that weapons could not pierce and fire and water could not damage?
Before she could finish her thoughts, the corpse arrived in front of the two Great Zhou guards within a few strides. Reaching out, it crushed both of their heads instantly!
The two guards did not get a second chance to attack at all.
Swash!
Ji Yaoxue summoned her flying sword once more and this time round, they were aimed for the corpse’s eyes!
She believed that everything had their weaknesses no matter how strong they were.
Suddenly, the corpse glared at the incoming sword and reached out. He grabbed it and placed it in front of his mouth before spitting a ball of oily green smoke at it.
The moment the smoke touched the blade, the spirit light of the supreme-grade flying sword dimmed!
Ji Yaoxue’s expression changed as she lost her connection to the supreme-grade flying sword!
Not good!
She thought to herself. Turning around to retreat back to the stone chamber, a black shadow had already arrived before her.
Swoosh!
An evil gust of wind burst forth, suffocating her.
Ji Yaoxue merely felt her chest turn stuffy and her head spin.
The corpse was filled with poison from head to toe and gave off a rotting stench – any cultivator that breathed in that rotting stench without any precautions would definitely be affected!
The corpse reached out with its massive hands, aiming at Ji Yaoxue’s shoulders to capture her alive.
All of a sudden!
The pale yellow dress that she was wearing shone with four bright spirit patterns.
With the obstruction, the corpse failed to grab Ji Yaoxue’s shoulder right away.
She jolted to her senses and hurriedly retreated a couple of steps back, entering the stone chamber in a flash before shutting its stone doors.
“Roar!”
The corpse was enraged and roared, slamming violently at the stone doors.
Boom!
While the stone doors shook violently, they did not open.
Buzz!
At the same time, as though it sensed something, a series of formation lights appeared on the ground of the entrance of the stone chamber.
Another formation was activated at the entrance of the stone chamber, engulfing the corpse within!
Sword qi buzzed incessantly.
Sharp sword qi shot forth from within the formation and stabbed the corpse repeatedly from all directions in a resplendent dazzle.
Trapped in the formation, the corpse flung its arms and collided against the sword qi from all around, roaring in endless rage.
Not long after, the skin of the black corpse was already torn against the relentless attacks of the sword qi and it was injured all over, leaking with gooey, sticky blood that was extremely pungent!
“What a terrifying killing formation!”
Jun Hao felt a sense of fear and broke out in cold sweat upon seeing that.
That was clearly a trump card left behind by Su Zimo!
Apart from the defense formation, there was a killing formation around the stone chamber!
Previously, if Jun Hao had attacked forcibly, he would have been caught in the killing formation and would most likely have died after being pierced by the countless swords!
“Su Zimo, you’re savage!”
Jun Hao grit her teeth and endless hatred flooded his eyes.
Although the white-robed cultivator felt a little pained looking at the corpse’s skin getting damaged by the sword qi, he did not appear to be worried.
While the might of the killing formation was terrifying and might even be able to kill an eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it did not manage to hurt the corpse fundamentally and those were merely superficial wounds.
As the filthy blood of the corpse flowed onto the ground, the formation patterns were gradually tainted.
The might of the killing formation was diminishing!
The formation light was also dimming gradually...
Before long, the killing formation was dispelled entirely and the corpse broke free. By now, it had descended into a complete frenzy as it charged at the stone chamber!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The light of the defensive formation shone repeatedly, withstanding the attacks of the corpse one after another.
With nowhere else to retreat to within the stone chamber, Ji Yaoxue found herself calming down instead.
In her heart, she knew that the power produced by the corpse was not weaker than an eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Coupled with its corrosive aura, poison and blood, the formation would not be able to hold out for much longer.
If the formation was dispelled, she would commit suicide right here!
A princess of Great Zhou would definitely not allow herself to be humiliated by others!
...
As though it did not know the meaning of fatigue, the corpse fought for an entire day and night without stopping!
The light of the formation had dimmed considerably.
The defensive formation could be broken through at any moment!
The situation was determined and Ji Yaoxue was on the brink of calamity with nowhere to escape!
Si Yutang walked to Jun Hao’s side and let out a fawning smile. Sweeping his gaze past the white-robed cultivator, he asked, “Senior Brother Jun, what’s the name of that fellow Daoist?”
“You’re not qualified to know,”
Jun Hao replied, “All you have to know is that he hails from one of Tianhuang Mainland’s super sects and is the strongest paragon of the Foundation Establishment realm!”
“Y-Y-Yes!”
Si Yutang nodded repeatedly with a fearful expression.
“Senior Brother Li’s combat strength is unparalleled and he’s practically invincible amongst all Foundation Establishment Cultivators! He can suppress all enemies in Tianhuang Mainland and even if the ancient emperors were at Foundation Establishment realm, they might not be a match for Senior Brother Li!”
Jun Hao spilled out songs of praises without any shame or embarrassment.
Although he could tell that Jun Hao was sucking up to him, the white-robed cultivator enjoyed it nevertheless.
After a momentary pause, the white-robed cultivator said, “That’s not for sure. The Human Emperor’s Palace appeared sometime back and the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island appeared. That man is not to be underestimated.”
Jun Hao hurriedly remarked, “You don’t have to be humble, Senior Brother Li. I still believe nobody in the Foundation Establishment realm is your match in a one on one battle.”
“Yes.”
Nodding, the white-robed cultivator declared with pride, “I don’t even have to do it myself if it’s a one on one battle. This steel corpse that I cultivated is more than enough to kill that monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island!”
“Wow... so amazing?”
Suddenly, a voice sounded in everyone’s ears, carrying a hint of sarcasm and mockery.
Chapter 469: Test It With Your Life!
“Hmm?”
Both Jun Hao and Si Yutang frowned in confusion.
Although that voice sounded rather familiar, the two of them were not certain.
Rather, that person should have been dead.
Could he have ventured into the depths of the ancient battlefield and yet returned alive?
“Who’s there?”
The white-robed cultivator’s slightly bulged eyes shifted and his expression turned grim with killing intent.
Right after, his eyes flashed with confusion as well.
That voice did not come from the cave abode. From the sound of it, it seemed like it came from five kilometers away.
That was the confusing portion.
If he was five kilometers away, how could he hear their conversation in the cave abode?
Was his hearing that powerful?
Could omnipresent hearing truly exist in the world?
All of a sudden!
The sound of clothes fluttering sounded, approaching from afar at an extremely fast speed – it was as though it arrived at the cave abode’s entrance in the blink of an eye!
“What a swift movement technique!”
The white-robed cultivator’s heart skipped a beat as he turned to glare at the tunnel.
It was the same for Jun Hao and Si Yutang – both of them wanted to know if it was that man who had arrived!
Before long, a green figure appeared in the tunnel, striding over with steady footsteps. Although he looked calm, there was an indescribable aura around him!
The intruder had elegant features, looking like a scholar – it was Su Zimo who had rushed over from Xuantian City.
Jun Hao’s eyes narrowed with cold killing intent as he declared hatefully, “It’s truly you!”
“You’re not dead?”
Si Yutang’s mouth was slightly agape as he uttered in disbelief.
Su Zimo’s expression was calm as he swept his gaze past the two of them without pausing.
Right after, he looked at the mighty corpse that was ramming against the stone chamber and his eyes flashed. Raising his brow, he seemed to have recalled something.
He paused for a brief moment before fixing his gaze on the white-robed cultivator.
After entering the cave abode, Su Zimo did not say anything and merely surveyed his surroundings.
However, for some unknown reason, that simple action of his caused the white-robed cultivator to feel an unprecedented sense of pressure!
Su Zimo’s eyes were bright and deep. His gaze was nonchalant and it seemed like he could control everything with a single look!
Even without saying anything, he was exuding a dominance that surpassed everything!
It was an aura that could not be faked.
This was something that was created through the corpses and blood of countless paragons and was revealed subconsciously!
The white-robed cultivator was expressionless but he felt uneasy. Suddenly, he retreated a couple of steps back and shouted softly, “Come back!”
The corpse came to a sudden halt and paused for a moment before taking huge strides towards the white-robed cultivator. It stood beside the latter and glared at Su Zimo murderously.
By now, the wounds inflicted by the killing formation had already formed scabs and were no longer bleeding.
“Senior Brother Li, this is Su Zimo!”
Jun Hao commented hurriedly, “He’s the one who injured your battle corpse! The killing formation outside the stone chamber was also set up by him!”
The white-robed cultivator did not say anything and merely glared at Su Zimo with a grim expression.
Indifferently, Su Zimo said, “One of the five heretical doctrines, Corpse Refinement Cult.”
After entering the depths of the ancient battlefield, he gained a good understanding of the various factions on Tianhuang Mainland thanks to Tang Yu and the others. As such, he recognized the white-robed cultivator’s background instantly.
Corpse Refinement Cult Cultivators were extremely recognizable as they would always bring along a battle corpse that they refined using their sect’s secret skills to fight for them.
Looking at the white-robed cultivator, Su Zimo asked with a fake smile, “Since you were bragging about how strong you were earlier on, why didn’t you go take on the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace?”
The white-robed cultivator’s expression turned terrible.
Naturally, he wanted to fight for the Human Emperor’s inheritance when the Human Emperor’s Palace appeared as well.
His battle corpse was invincible against weapons and could not be damaged by water or fire. In terms of strength, it was no weaker than eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
However, Corpse Refinement Cult Cultivators had a fatal weakness.
Compared to their mighty battle corpses, they were not strong. If they lost the protection of their battle corpse, they would most definitely die against eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators!
Paragons from all over the place were gathered beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace.
Needless to think, it would definitely be an unprecedented battle royale.
There was no way his battle corpse would be able to protect him entirely in that sort of battle royale and it would be hard for him to survive!
After hesitating for a long time, the white-robed cultivator decided to give up on the Human Emperor’s Palace.
Later on, it was proven that his decision was the right one as well.
It was said that almost half the paragons who fought in that bloodied battle beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace were dead and most of them were crippled – it was extremely tragic!
The white-robed cultivator harrumphed coldly. “It was a battle royale beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace. If it was a one on one battle, the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island might not be my match!”
“Oh?”
Su Zimo raised his brow.
“Who are you? What sect are you from?”
The white-robed cultivator asked instead.
Jun Hao explained hurriedly, “Don’t worry, Senior Brother Li, this is merely a disciple of a small sect in the Great Zhou Dynasty. He has no backing and he was merely at four meridian Foundation Establishment half a year ago.”
Compared to factions such as super sects and the five heretical doctrines, Ethereal Peak could truly only be considered as a small sect.
The white-robed cultivator frowned slightly when he heard Jun Hao’s words.
If this guy was at four meridian Foundation Establishment half a year ago, even if he had heavenly-defying cultivation speed and made use of the Meridian Unlocking Elixir, he would only be at seven meridian Foundation Establishment at best.
In the worst case scenario, even if he was at eight meridian Foundation Establishment, so what?
This was someone from a small sect without any backing.
The foundations of small sects were not strong and they had limited secret skills – how strong could this guy be?
Could he have judged wrongly?
Gradually, the white-robed cultivator’s expression turned cold as he waved his hand. “Go, check out the skills of this fellow Daoist!”
The corpse acknowledged by roaring with a torrential aura before charing over in huge strides.
Compared to the tall and mighty corpse, Su Zimo could be considered as a thin weakling – it seemed as though he wouldn’t even be able to withstand a single push of the corpse’s finger!
However, Su Zimo’s expression was unchanged and he merely smiled against the incoming corpse.
Clang!
Unknowingly, a blood-colored saber had already appeared in his hands.
The saber trembled with a torrential blood qi!
“Test my skills?”
With a razor-sharp gaze, Su Zimo said coolly, “Test it with your life!”
Boom!
Before his words were finished, Su Zimo had already made a huge stride!
The moment his stride landed, a series of dense cracks appeared on the ground beneath him.
In a split second, the entire place shook and the cave abode quaked violently. Dust filled the place continuously and it seemed like the cave could topple at any moment!
Everyone present felt their hearts skip a beat.
Su Zimo channeled his spirit energy and instantly, the spirit sea in his dantian surged and created terrifying waves!
One after another, spirit meridians shone brightly beneath his green robes as spirit energy surged rampantly.
“Eight meridian Foundation Establishment!”
Jun Hao and Si Yutang were astonished as they exclaimed.
Swoosh!
Su Zimo slashed out and a blood beam expanded, landing on the head of the corpse like a blazing blood sun!
The corpse could not dodge in time and could only tilt its head slightly.
“Pfft!”
Blood Quencher sliced down along the corpse’s shoulder and cut downwards heavily!
Its blade let out a jarring sound as it sliced through the muscles and bones, as though it was cutting a metallic object.
Gooey, filthy blood gushed out.
That slash almost cut the corpse into two halves!
Blood Quencher only slowed down in its tracks after cutting into the corpse’s chest.
After it was blocked by Blood Quencher, the corpse could barely advance.
Although Su Zimo seemed frail and skinny, a casual slash from him was enough to send forth a shuddering power that even the corpse that was invulnerable against weapons, water and fire could not withstand!
The white-robed cultivator’s expression turned paler as his figure swayed for a moment.
Chapter 470: Meat Sludge
In Tianhuang Mainland, be it the nine immortal sects, seven fiend sects or six Buddhist sects, there were extremely few sects that managed to pass on their legacies and remain standing from the ancient era till now.
Among them, countless top factions were drowned in the sands of time, leaving behind nothing but ruins and legends.
Corpse Refinement Cult was one of the rare few super sects that managed to survive from the ancient era till now.
Legend in the cultivation world even has it that the roots of Corpse Refinement Cult can be traced back to the primordial era – the brutish period of time where the thousands of races reigned and humans were weak and enslaved!
There were countless secret skills in Corpse Refinement Cult and within them, there was even an ancient supreme sutra called the Corpse Classic.
The Corpse Classic contained many secret skills; even the descriptions for the method of cultivating a battle corpse alone were plenty.
Battle corpses were also graded by levels: Iron Corpse, Bronze Corpse, Silver Corpse, Golden Corpse...
For Foundation Establishment Cultivators and Golden Cores of Corpse Refinement Cult, they could only refine Iron Corpses.
Bronze Corpses required Corpse Refinement Cult cultivators to be of Nascent Soul realm and to cultivate an Essence Spirit before they could be refined.
For each battle corpses, the deeper the color, the more power they possessed and the stronger they were.
The power of the white-robed cultivator’s battle corpse was enough to fight against eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators!
Furthermore, the battle corpse was not only invulnerable to weapons, water and fire, it even possessed poison – even eight meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators won’t be able to injure the core of the battle corpse.
There was no way the white-robed cultivator would have expected a seemingly delicate cultivator to nearly slice his battle corpse into half with a single casual slash!
How terrifying was that strength?
A trace of panic flickered through the white-robed cultivator’s slightly bulged eyes.
Immediately, as though he made some sort of a resolve, the white-robed cultivator conjured hand seals and channeled a secret skill of his sect. Biting his tongue gently, he spat out a mouthful of essence blood that spilled onto the battle corpse’s wounds.
“Heal!”
The white-robed cultivator shouted softly.
Instantly, the frightening injury on the battle corpse started healing at a visible speed as greenish black meat grew and intertwined together.
The battle corpse roared with immense ferocity!
At the same time, the aura of the white-robed cultivator turned extremely weak and his gaze dimmed. Swaying to one side, he seemed like he could collapse at any moment.
He slapped his storage bag and took out an elixir before swallowing it. It was only then that he recovered some vitality.
It was clearly a secret skill similar to Blood Escape.
By sacrificing his body’s vitality, he repaired the battle corpse’s wounds and triggered it to produce even greater combat strength.
The battle corpse reached out with its hands and grabbed Blood Quencher’s blade.
Blood Quencher was drowned by the endless filthy blood as it was stuck in the battle corpse’s body. Gradually, the light on its blade dimmed.
Harrumphing coldly, Su Zimo withdrew his saber with strength!
The battle corpse chose to let the blade slice its palms than to relinquish its grip. Furthermore, it even lunged forward with the momentum, spitting out a ball of oily green smoke that was extremely nauseating.
“Watch out!”
Ji Yaoxue warned from within the stone chamber.
Earlier on, the corpse’s smoke had already destroyed her supreme-grade flying sword!
Not only that, the corpse even opened its mouth and bared its bloody fangs, biting towards Su Zimo’s neck like a wild beast!
Su Zimo frowned and released his Blood Quencher before retreating.
It wasn’t because he was afraid of the smoke and those fangs – the corpse was truly way too disgusting that Su Zimo did not wish to touch it with his hands.
Su Zimo’s retreat revealed an opening in the tunnel momentarily.
The eyes of the white-robed cultivator lit up.
In truth, he had already thought of retreating the moment Su Zimo attacked with the slash earlier on.
While it was meant for the corpse, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to survive that attack even if he had ten lives!
When he saw Su Zimo dodge to the side, the white-robed cultivator moved in a flash and sped towards the tunnel since he was unwilling to battle.
Su Zimo’s eyes flashed with mockery when he saw that.
Swiping his storage bag, a huge squarish golden seal appeared in his palms.
The connate spirit weapon, Coiling Dragon Seal!
It was extremely easy for Su Zimo to kill this Corpse Refinement Cult cultivator.
As long as he channeled his bloodline and made use of his spirit wings together with Divine Steed Fleeting, he would be able to wrap around the battle corpse and strike that person to death!
However, earlier on, Su Zimo had a thought and recalled this treasure he had just obtained.
He was also curious as to how powerful the legendary connate spirit weapons were, let alone one that was given to him by the Human Emperor.
“Go!”
Tossing the Coiling Dragon Seal upwards, he pointed and a stream of spirit energy was injected into it from his finger.
The Coiling Dragon Seal expanded rapidly and shone with a golden radiance. Hovering in midair like a blazing sun, it was bedazzling and let out a shuddering aura, exuding endless might!
The feral battle corpse suddenly seemed as pathetic as an ant against the Coiling Dragon Seal.
The Coiling Dragon Seal descended rapidly!
Boom!
A loud bang sounded when it rammed against the battle corpse’s head.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Right after, the sound of bones cracking could be heard.
The Coiling Dragon Seal merely paused for a brief moment before continuing down!
With a thud, the battle corpse that was a full ten feet tall was crushed into a pile of foul-smelling meat sludge by the Coiling Dragon Seal, spreading all over the ground without any body left!
The white-robed cultivator was about to rush into the tunnel when a blindingly bright seal crashed down, blocking the exit.
He spun around hurriedly and a pile of meat sludge splattered onto his pale face.
The white-robed cultivator’s eyes were widened and his mind went blank, almost shocked silly.
In the cultivation world, anyone who wanted to defeat Corpse Refinement Cult cultivators had to try their best to avoid the battle corpse while attacking the actual cultivator.
That was because the battle corpses were the indestructible weapons of Corpse Refinement Cult cultivators!
Nobody within the same cultivation realm could defeat their battle corpses.
If anyone was embroiled in a battle against their battle corpses and could not get out, they would either end up being killed or exhausted to their deaths.
That was because battle corpses did not know fatigue.
Even if they were completely injured, their strength would not diminish.
However, it was different for cultivators.
Humans had a limit to their stamina.
The white-robed cultivator had cultivated for dozens of years and had been through endless battles against various paragons. However, he had never come across anyone that fought as fiercely as Su Zimo.
Notwithstanding the fact that Su Zimo was fighting the corpse itself, he even almost managed to slice it into two with the first attack.
Right after, he even turned the battle corpse into a pile of meat sludge with the second attack!
Things had ended just like that.
The white-robed cultivator was stunned at the moment.
A deathly silence filled the air.
Initially, Jun Hao and Si Yutang wanted to attack Su Zimo together with the battle corpse. But now, they were rooted silly to the spot, the corners of their eyes twitching and their bodies trembling slightly.
That was a connate spirit weapon!
The two of them could clearly see that the huge golden seal that Su Zimo summoned at the end shone with six spirit patterns – it was obvious that it was a connate spirit weapon!
The deadly poison qi within the battle corpse’s flesh was filthy and could destroy weapons and Dharma treasures.
Even Ji Yaoxue’s supreme-grade flying sword could not escape the fate of being destroyed.
But now, the light on the golden seal did not diminish at all even when it was tainted by the battle corpse’s blood and flesh. In fact, it shone more intensely, exuding the dominance of an emperor that looked down on the world!
A deep look of envy filled Jun Hao’s eyes.
I can be as domineering as that if I get my hands on that treasure!
Chapter 471: All Dead
Su Zimo’s expression changed slightly.
The might of the Coiling Dragon Seal had exceeded his expectations!
The power that was released was enough to threaten an early-stage Golden Core!
More importantly, an Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s dantian was still in the form of a spirit sea and had yet to form a core.
Only Golden Cores could release the true might of connate spirit weapons!
Su Zimo was looking forward to how amazing the Coiling Dragon Seal would be at that time.
There was a squeaking sound.
The stone doors opened and Ji Yaoxue came forth.
Their eyes met.
Su Zimo smiled and nodded, reassuring her.
Instantly, Ji Yaoxue blushed and pursed a smile in return.
Su Zimo beckoned gently and the Coiling Dragon Seal shrank into a small, intricate seal before turning into a streak of light that returned to his storage bag.
Walking slowly to the exit of the tunnel, he pushed down with his ankle and his Blood Quencher returned to his palm.
Throughout the entire process, the white-robed cultivator, Jun Hao and Si Yutang did not dare to move at all and kept quiet out of fear!
Every single action and gaze of Su Zimo caused the three of them to feel immense pressure. Their hearts raced fiercely, as if they could die at any moment.
This was an almost invincible aura!
Their gazes flickered and their minds were bothered by the same thought.
How should they escape!
The Coiling Dragon Seal did not merely suppress a battle corpse, but also the final bit of determination in the three of them to want to retaliate.
The white-robed cultivator was the first to speak. A rare smile was squeezed out of his dreadfully glum face as he cupped his fists. “Fellow Daoist, you are truly strong. I’m very impressed.”
“I’m nothing compared to you. You’re someone who can even suppress the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island,” Su Zimo looked at the white-robed cultivator with a fake smile.
Bearing an awkward expression, the white-robed cultivator forced a chuckle. “You’re joking, fellow Daoist. You’re the one who’s able to suppress the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island with your skills. I’m far inferior.”
Su Zimo did not reply and waved his saber. Instantly, Blood Quencher shot forth with a murderous blood beam once more!
Blood Quencher was a perfect spirit weapon that was infused with Su Zimo’s blood after all. Although it was tainted by the battle corpse’s filthy blood, its sharpness could not be hidden.
Sensing Su Zimo’s killing intent, the white-robed cultivator’s heart skipped a beat as he remarked hurriedly, “You can’t kill me.”
“Oh?”
Su Zimo uttered without raising his head.
Composing himself, the white-robed cultivator said in a deep voice, “You should know the status of Corpse Refinement Cult in Tianhuang Mainland. If you kill me, you’ll be hunted down by the sect!”
“Ha. Even if I kill you... who would know?”
Su Zimo smiled gently.
The white-robed cultivator was speechless.
On the other hand, Jun Hao and Si Yutang felt a chilling intent!
In other words, what Su Zimo meant was that he was going to kill them all!
After killing the three of them, news of this would never ever be spread!
There was something else that Su Zimo kept to himself.
‘Corpse Refinement Cult? I’ve even killed quite a few paragons from the immortal, fiend and Buddhist sects! You’re just one of them!’
Clang!
The blade shuddered and a startling blood beam flashed.
When Su Zimo attacked once more, the gigantic blade seemed extremely agile in his hands; his slash forward caused ripples in the void.
The white-robed cultivator’s expression changed starkly.
While that slash did not seem fast, there was an inescapable feeling to it.
For Corpse Refinement Cult cultivators, losing their battle corpses was as good as losing half of their combat strength.
He could not deal with the terrifying saber technique of the Saber Emperor’s Sea Calming Manual. A single moment of distraction and he felt his throat go cold followed by a ripping pain!
A red scar appeared on his throat, turning bigger and more defined!
The next moment.
A blood mist spewed out.
“Ee.. ”
A strange sound came from the depths of the white-robed cultivator’s throat as he let out an indignant expression. Collapsing stiffly forward, his the light in his eyes dimmed without any life.
His throat was slit with a single slash!
After killing the Corpse Refinement Cult cultivator, Su Zimo turned around and walked towards Jun Hao and Si Yutang without hesitation.
“It was the idea of Jun Hao and the others! I-I had no choice as well! That’s why I chose the wrong path!”
When he saw that the situation was amiss, Si Yutang knelt on the ground with a thud. His hand was placed seemingly casually on his storage bag as he bawled without a single shred of dignity as a cultivator.
Wiping his snot, Si Yutang said with a quivering voice, “Fellow Daoist Su, p-please give me a chance...”
Si Yutang did not have any bit of pity at all towards a fence sitter like Si Yutang.
Today, this man could kneel down and cry before him in order to survive.
Tomorrow, this man could stab him in the back instead!
Arriving before Si Yutang, Su Zimo looked down and replied indifferently, “At times, once you choose the wrong path, there’s no way back.”
Si Yutang’s final hope was dashed after hearing Su Zimo’s reply.
His hand was still on his storage bag.
But now, a dagger with a cold glint had suddenly appeared in his palms.
Si Yutang’s sobs came to a stop as his expression darkened. With a venomous gaze, he said coldly, “Since you won’t allow me to live, I’ll kill you first!”
Grabbing his dagger, Si Yutang stabbed towards Su Zimo’s chest!
This was a complete ambush!
However, his thoughts could not escape from Su Zimo’s spirit perception.
The moment Si Yutang stood up, Su Zimo’s palm descended from above and landed heavily on the former’s head.
Piak!
As though it was tofu, Si Yutang’s head was splattered and he died on the spot without a single word.
The moment Si Yutang attacked, Jun Hao made up his mind and channeled his spirit energy with all his might as well. In a flash, seven spirit meridians lit up as he charged towards Ji Yaoxue who was at the entrance of the stone chamber.
Right now, she was his only shot at living!
As long as he could hold her hostage, he could talk terms with Su Zimo!
As Jun Hao charged, he realized that Ji Yaoxue was motionless and merely looked at him quietly.
There was a trace of mockery and pity in her eyes.
All of a sudden!
From the side of his eyes, Jun Hao caught sight of a blood light shooting towards him at lightning speed!
It crackled and was shuddering.
The moment Si Yutang attacked, Su Zimo flung out his Blood Quencher.
Jun Hao did not have time to react and merely caught sight of the scarlet flash.
Right after, an immense pain came from beneath his ribs as he was sent flying by a powerful impact!
Clang!
Su Zimo’s Blood Quencher cut through Jun Hao and pinned the latter tightly against the stone walls!
The impact was immensely strong and the saber was still shaking after embedding itself in the stone walls!
Jun Hao’s eyes and mouth were widened as fresh blood gushed out uncontrollably.
The saber had not only penetrated his body, but also destroyed his organs and cut off his life!
“You... ”
Raising his arm with much struggle, Jun Hao pointed at Su Zimo, as if he wanted to say something.
After a momentary pause, his head tilted to the side and he died with opened eyes.
In less than 10 minutes, all three of them were dead!
Chapter 472: Stir on Tianhuang Mainland
“Zimo, you’ve saved me once more,”
Ji Yaoxue beamed brightly and quipped, “I won’t be able to clear my debt to you in this lifetime.”
Su Zimo smiled as well. “There’s no need to speak of such things between us.”
“Eight meridian Foundation Establishment. Seems like you’ve gotten quite a bit of opportunities in the depths of the ancient battlefield.”
“Indeed, I’ve gotten some.”
It had to be said that Su Zimo had truly benefited way too much in this ancient battlefield expedition.
Notwithstanding the inheritances and treasures, his cultivation realm gained through this one year in the ancient battlefield was already enough to make up for dozens of years of cultivation on Tianhuang Mainland!
Suddenly, Ji Yaoxue’s expression changed as she asked, “Xiaoning and the others...”
Su Zimo’s group had six people when they left. Now that he was the only one who returned, Ji Yaoxue had a bad feeling about things.
“Don’t worry,”
Su Zimo waved his hand. “All of them received their own opportunities and joined some older and more powerful sects. In fact, some of them might have already left the Tianhuang North Region.”
Xiaoning’s Elixir Yang Sect was located far away in the Middle Continent.
Tianhuang Mainland was boundless and vast. If a Foundation Establishment Cultivator wanted to travel from the North Region to the Middle Continent, they would have to be on the road day and night for dozens of years even without resting.
That was also without taking into account the possible dangers they might encounter along the way.
In reality, it was something that was difficult even for Golden Cores too.
Only Nascent Souls could protect themselves well enough to attempt to travel out from the North Region and roam everywhere.
It was likely impossible for the siblings to meet one another in the near future after this separation.
That was the reason why Su Zimo wanted Night Spirit to stay by Xiaoning’s side and look after her.
As for little fatty, Leng Rou, Ji Chengtian and Shi Jian, they were worlds apart as well – it was unknown if he would still have the chance to meet them in this lifetime.
At that thought, Su Zimo could not help but feel slightly emotional and wistful.
“Zimo, you’re still worried about Blood Crow Palace taking revenge, right?”
Ji Yaoxue was extremely smart and after slight contemplation, she understood why everyone went their separate ways.
Su Zimo had killed the young master of the Blood Crow Palace and even nearly caused the Palace Lord himself to die in the primordial ruins.
The feud between him and them was already irreconcilable.
That day, in the palace, right under the nose of the Emperor of Great Zhou, the Blood Crow King declared that all the disciples of Ethereal Peak would be buried along with the young master – it was obvious how arrogant he was and the amount of backing he had!
While it might be a huge calamity for Su Zimo personally, it was also one for Ethereal Peak.
Everyone else of Ethereal Peak could leave, but not him.
To turn his back and leave after creating such a mess, leaving Ethereal Peak and his eldest brother, Su Hong, in the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty without any care...
That was something that Su Zimo’s heart would not allow.
“Zimo, don’t worry. I’ll help you plead for mercy with father,”
Worried that Su Zimo might not take her words for real, Ji Yaoxue continued, “If the Blood Crow Palace truly dares to do anything outrageous, the Great Zhou Dynasty will definitely not sit by idly and watch!”
“Yes.”
Su Zimo smiled and nodded.
In reality, he knew and could read the situation clearer than anyone.
The attitude of the Emperor of Great Zhou towards the Blood Crow King at the sect competition had already made many things clear.
Even the Great Zhou Dynasty was wary of the Blood Crow Palace’s Lord!
Or rather, it was cautious of the Witch race behind it, one of the Primordial Nine Races.
It was almost hopeless to think that the Great Zhou Dynasty would interfere in the matter.
“Yaoxue, prepare yourself. We’ll head to the teleportation spot and return to the Great Zhou Dynasty!”
“Alright.”
...
With the year in the ancient battlefield about to end, many cultivators were returning to Tianhuang Mainland.
Some were ecstatic while some were worried.
Some cultivators even had a surreal feeling of escaping a great calamity.
They could only heal the trauma in their hearts gradually after returning to their sects in Tianhuang Mainland!
Right after, heavy news started spreading through the super sects of the cultivation world, akin to gigantic boulders tossed into the middle of lakes and creating massive waves!
“After a thousand years, the Saber Emperor’s inheritance was obtained by a cultivator and the Saber Mountain Spirit Sea vanished.”
“Right, more than a hundred cultivators of Poison Sect were killed by a single person and even Malevolent Earth Sect and Glass Palace were implicated!”
“How savage! Who is he? What sect or faction is he from?”
“I’ve got no idea. He didn’t wear a sect badge. Some say that he’s a meek scholar while other say that he looks menacing.”
Glass Palace and Malevolent Earth Sect received the news almost instantly and their sect masters were enraged.
Both sects sent out multiple cultivators to scout out news of that cultivator’s background and location.
Before the various sects managed to digest that news, an even more shocking piece of news was spread, causing a shock for the super sects and sending a wave across the entire cultivation world!
“The Human Emperor’s Palace appeared!”
“The successor of Divine Phoenix Island appeared at the Human Emperor’s Palace and fought against all the paragons of the immortal, Buddhist and fiend sects together!”
“The paragons of the immortal, Buddhist and fiend sects worked together? Fufu, Divine Phoenix Island’s successor sure is unlucky. He must have died without even a corpse left. Who managed to obtain the Human Emperor’s inheritance in the end?”
“That’s where you’re wrong! He suppressed all the paragons of the immortal, Buddhist and fiend sects singlehandedly and it was an extremely tragic and shocking battle!”
“What? What did you say?!”
“The paragons of Asura Sect, Heaven Asura Sect, Purple Firmament Sect, Chaos Essence Sect, Clear Wind Temple, Illusion Fiend Cult and Formless Monastery are all dead! While the paragons of the other sects managed to survive and escape, some of them had their arms and roots crippled and it would be tough for them to shine in the future.”
The elders of the various sects received the news at almost the same time and were in shock and disbelief.
“What about the Sealers?”
“There were more than ten Sealers from the immortal, Buddhist and fiend sects together! Are they all trashes? As Golden Cores, can’t any of them kill a single Foundation Establishment Cultivator?”
“Even when five Sealers joined forces, they failed and died with regrets!”
“Psst! Even Sealers failed despite working together?”
“The right hand of Divine Phoenix Island’s successor is made from a divine phoenix bone and possess an immense might!”
“He was severely injured together with the fiend sect’s Pure Maiden and they entered the Human Emperor’s Palace at the same time. Their fates are currently unknown.”
The elders went silent when they heard that.
A long time later, someone sighed deeply. “It’s a monster incarnate!”
“I don’t think it’s exaggerated to claim that he’s the number one monster incarnate ever since the ancient times.”
...
At the same time.
In an unknown location in the Middle Continent, an ancient-looking palace stood erected.
A rosy-cheeked old man with a white crown and long robes stood in front of the palace entrance with one hand behind his back. His other hand was in front of him and his fingers were twitching; there was a gray fog that veiled his eyes, making him seem extremely mysterious.
“Old man, have you divined anything?”
Behind the old man was a gray-robed man who was slightly plump and had a pale, beardless fan. Holding a folding fan, he asked anxiously.
If Su Zimo was here, he would have recognized that this was Lin Xuanji whom he had encountered by chance at the primordial ruins.
The old man in front was the storyteller back in the capital of Great Zhou.
A long time later, the haze disappeared from the old man’s eyes as he frowned while shaking his head. “It’s true that the Human Emperor’s Palace appeared. However, I didn’t manage to divine any news of that lad... strange.”
“Does Divine Phoenix Island truly have such a monster incarnate?”
The two of them exchanged glances, feeling that there was something odd about this.
Sucking his lips, the old man replied, “No matter what, the appearance of the Human Emperor’s Palace proves that this is going to be a golden era with countless paragons and monster incarnates created. It’s very likely that we’ll have a situation similar to the ancient era with multiple emperors arising.”
“Of course, with that, there will also be unimaginable trouble! Heh, let’s just wait and see.”
Chapter 473: Arrival of the Storm
Deep in the night, in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
With a bang, a bedazzling column of light lit up in the depths of the palace. Bursting into the skies, it filled the night skies with a resplendent luminescence, attracting countless glares.
“The geniuses who entered the ancient battlefield have returned.”
“That’s right. I wonder how many of the 50 managed to survive.”
“There should be a third of them at the very least. The geniuses selected by the five major sects aren’t weak.”
Ethereal Peak’s Xuan Yi and Liu Hui, Iridescent Clouds Palace’s Perfected Being Cang Lang and many other Golden Cores stood around the column of light expectantly, preparing to await their returning disciples.
If nothing went wrong, these cultivators that returned alive from the ancient battlefield would end up being the supports of their sects in the future.
The Emperor of Great Zhou stood right at the front with a grim expression; a flicker of worry would appear in the depths of his eyes from time to time.
Gradually, two figures appeared in the middle of the column of light.
As time passed by, the two figures became increasingly clear – it was Su Zimo and Ji Yaoxue who had returned.
The emperor heaved a sigh of relief.
He was relieved as long as Ji Yaoxue was fine.
But immediately after, he frowned and thought to himself, “There’s only the two of them?”
Although the ancient battlefield was a dangerous place, at least seven people or so managed to return in previous worst case scenarios.
Now that only two of them returned, it was not hard to guess that something big must have happened in the ancient battlefield!
Xuan Yi and Liu Hui did not have smiles on their faces when they saw that Su Zimo was fine.
On the one hand, it was because they were worried about the safety of Ji Chengtian and the others.
On the other hand, while it was a good thing that Su Zimo was alive, it may not have been the best choice for him to return to the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Apart from Ethereal Peak, the Golden Cores of the other sects looked extremely grim as they strode forward with huge frowns.
Perfected Being Yun Shan of Southern Mountains Sect cupped his fists slightly. “Mr. Mo, my disciple, Shi Jian, is a little foolish and isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Did he meet with any accidents?”
“No, he was selected by one of the five heretical doctrines, Puppet Sect, and left together with them,” Su Zimo shook his head.
“Ah, it’s good that he’s alright! It’s his opportunity to be selected by one of the super sects. How rare, how rare!” Perfected Being Yun Shan nodded his head in gratification.
For the sects of the Great Zhou Dynasty, super sects such as the nine immortal sects, seven fiend sects, six Buddhist monasteries, five heretical doctrines and four unorthodox groups were insurmountable mountains!
If a disciple of their sect managed to join them, it would be an enormous feat and those sects could not be any happier.
For example, with their connection to Shi Jian, Southern Mountains Sect would most likely have the massive backing of Puppet Sect in the future!
“What happened in there?”
“Why are you two the only ones who have returned? Where are the others?”
“Liang Mao is my personal disciple and he was the number two of the Talisman Ranking. His strength is decent and he has a careful nature, there’s no way he could have died!”
“Mr. Mo, did my disciple manage to obtain any opportunities?”
Many Golden Cores glared at Su Zimo, asking repeatedly with threatening gazes.
Su Zimo frowned with a look of impatience.
“Everyone, please be silent.”
Ji Yaoxue stood forward and gestured for silence with both hands. Although she was only a princess, her gesture already possessed the dignity of the royal family!
The crowd instantly went silent.
In an unhurried manner, Ji Yaoxue recounted the events in the ancient battlefield, including Jun Hao’s true identity, Jiang Yu’s betrayal and Si Yutang’s choice...
Everyone was startled and speechless.
Nobody expected that this ancient battlefield expedition would have met with such immense dangers!
Perfected Being Cang Lang’s expression was grim as he narrowed his gaze and sneered, “This is only your side of the story. Who knows if you had conspired with Su Zimo to kill my disciple, Si Yutang!”
“Cang Lang, are you suspecting my daughter?”
The emperor turned slightly and glared at Perfected Being Cang Lang expressionlessly.
“Ha, I wouldn’t dare to,”
Chuckling, Perfected Being Cang Lang looked at Su Zimo deeply and said in a cold voice, “Lad, don’t think that you’ve got the rights to stand shoulder to shoulder with me just because you know how to refine weapons. The grudges between us will have to be settled sooner or later, wait and see!”
With that, Perfected Being Cang Lang laughed sinisterly and left the hall.
The other cultivators gradually as well after seeing that they wouldn’t be able to obtain any news from the two of them.
“Take care,”
Su Zimo bid farewell to Ji Yaoxue.
“You too,”
Ji Yaoxue’s head was slightly lowered and her eyes revealed a trace of reluctance.
Su Zimo left the palace together with Liu Hui and Xuan Yi. Along with Nian Qi of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop, they boarded a spirit vessel and sped in the direction of Ethereal Peak.
A long time after Su Zimo left, Ji Yaoxue was still standing on the spot gazing in the direction he left in, unwilling to leave.
The emperor said softly, “Xue’er, although that man is a rare paragon, it’s best for you to not have any contact with him.”
Ji Yaoxue’s heart sank when she heard the emperor’s tone.
“Be it Ethereal Peak or Su Zimo, they are most likely doomed against the impending calamity...”
...
After traveling for more than half a month, the four of them finally returned to Ethereal Peak.
Ever since that battle at Dongling Valley, Su Zimo had left the sect for many years.
Now that he had returned once more, he felt deeply emotional.
Nian Qi was curious and surveyed the place intently.
The four of them stopped instinctively as they arrived at the tall peak in front of the mountain.
Back then, this was where Wen Xuan and Xuan Yi accepted Su Zimo into Ethereal Peak.
The memories were fresh as yesterday.
Liu Hui remarked, “It’s a pity that Wen Xuan couldn’t wait till you’ve returned.”
“No matter. If Wen Xuan knows of your current achievements in the afterlife, he’ll definitely feel comforted as well,” Xuan Yi patted Su Zimo on the shoulder encouragingly with a smile.
“Alright, go take a look around the sect and catch up with everyone. Thereafter, go into seclusion as soon as you can,”
Xuan Yi gazed at the distance with a grim expression as he murmured softly, “I’ve got a premonition that a storm is about to arrive!”
Upon returning to Ethereal Peak, Su Zimo visited the disheveled old man first.
Thereafter, he visited the sect master and recounted some of the events of the ancient battlefield.
In that period of time, little crane came over and chirped repeatedly with extreme joy.
After not seeing one another for many years, the man and beast were not distant at all and got along like before.
Monkey and the spirit tiger had not returned still and their locations and fates were unknown.
Senior crane had already been in seclusion for a year and nothing had happened still.
She was the true pillar of support for Ethereal Peak and if anything happened to her, Ethereal Peak would be destroyed by the impending storm!
Su Zimo took a spin around the sect before heading to seclusion.
Right now, he was already at the peak of eight meridian Foundation Establishment – his aim of entering seclusion was to unlock his ninth spirit meridian and become a nine meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
This was an extremely important step that would affect his cultivation path in the future.
The firmer his foundation, the better the quality of his condensed Golden Core and the stronger the Golden Core phenomenon he would be able to comprehend and obtain!
At Extreme Foundation Establishment realm, Su Zimo’s combat strength would also increase in folds!
Similarly, he could sense the incoming danger.
The only way to tide through the impending storm was by trying his best to raise his cultivation realm!
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