Eternal Sacred King Chapter 639 to 648
Chapter 639: Blanketing Sword Formation
The legs of the Heaven Bane Wolf shivered against the gazes of a thousand ancient remnant beasts.
At that moment, it could only force itself to head inside reluctantly.
“Here comes another puny ant!”
The Golden Lion sneered coldly when it could not sense any threat from Su Zimo.
The surviving cultivators that were surrounded looked at Su Zimo expectantly. However, they could not help but feel disappointed when they could not sense any spirit energy fluctuation from the green-robed cultivator.
Su Zimo carried the Mingwang Prayer Beads and had remained dormant at the bottom of Dragon Burial Valley for 20 years, reciting sutras and studying Buddhism daily. Right now, his bearing was extraordinary and ordinary people were unable to see through him.
“I’m going to take these humans in as my slaves because their strengths are acceptable. But you? You’re a worthless ant that isn’t even qualified to be my mount!”
The Golden Lion gazed down with an icy stare at Su Zimo before commanding indifferently, “Kill him!”
“Howl!”
Two demon beasts that were closest to the entrance of the valley turned around with ferocious gazes. Their Inner Cores circulated and they lunged towards Su Zimo with surging demonic qi!
Su Zimo slapped his storage bag with a calm expression.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
Two flying swords appeared in midair.
The swords buzzed continuously with bright spirit lights!
Four spirit patterns, they were supreme-grade spirit weapons!
If this was in the cultivation world, it would be rather remarkable for him to release two supreme-grade spirit weapons right away.
However, this was the ancient battlefield.
Everyone who was qualified and had the capabilities to enter were the paragons and elites of major sects and factions – it was considered normal for them to have a couple of supreme-grade spirit weapons with them.
The surviving cultivators exchanged glances and shook their heads disappointedly.
“He truly has a death wish.”
“If he wants to fight these demon beasts with just those two supreme-grade flying swords, it’ll be equivalent to an ant trying to shake a massive tree.”
“He looks young. I think he must have gotten famous in his teenage years and is inexperienced and cocky without having experienced setbacks before, sigh.”
The two ancient remnant beasts were expressionless when they saw Su Zimo’s flying swords and continued charging at an even faster speed.
However, the next moment, their expressions changed!
Pshew!
The two flying swords vanished right before everyone and there was only the sound of the void tearing!
The two ancient remnant beasts felt their hearts skip a beat.
Although they were ancient remnant beasts and had tough flesh and skin, the sharpness of a supreme-grade flying sword could still threaten their lives!
Poof! Poof!
Before the two ancient remnant beasts could dodge, a stream of blood spewed from their heads.
The two flying swords pierced their heads right away!
The blood did not even stain the swords as they revolved in midair before returning to Su Zimo.
It was too fast!
Furthermore, they were traceless!
It was as though two flying swords had appeared out of thin air to kill the two ancient remnant beasts!
“Hmm?”
The leader of the survivors, a blue-robed man, murmured softly with widened eyes, “What an impressive sword wielding technique!”
In the crowd, the female cultivator who was initially having a breakdown on the ground stopped crying. Her misty eyes widened with shock as she looked at everything.
Up till this point of his cultivation, Su Zimo had learned a wide spectrum of skills.
However, all of them were top-tier cultivation techniques and secret skills!
That sword wielding technique could only be considered as one of the most basic skills among his methods.
Ethereal Sword had three levels – Shadow, Void and Ethereal.
Right now, Su Zimo has already cultivated it to the Ethereal realm!
The speed of the flying swords was extremely fast, erratic and untraceable.
Only cultivators with extremely sharp senses would be able to defend against Level 3 of Ethereal Sword!
Against these ancient remnant beasts, Su Zimo had way too many means of dealing with them.
The most simple and crude way was to barge right in with his frightening bloodline and body – no ancient remnant beast could stand in his way at all!
However, Su Zimo did not do that.
When he heard the Golden Lion’s mockery and ridicule, he was insistent on using the methods of immortal cultivators to kill the ancient remnant beasts and suppress that Golden Lion!
With the death of the two ancient remnant beasts, dozens more charged over without the need for the Golden Lion to make any orders.
“This is bad,”
The blue-robed man shook his head. “Although he is skilled in maneuvering his swords, he only has two of them...”
Before his words were finished, he had to swallow them.
Su Zimo slapped his storage bag and 25 flying swords appeared in midair.
Coupled with the two from before, that was a total of 27 flying swords!
More than that, the scary thing was that all of them were supreme-grade flying swords!
While it was nothing much for a Golden Core in the ancient battlefield to possess two supreme-grade spirit items, it was rather frightening for someone to possess 27 supreme-grade spirit weapons!
“He has so many flying swords?”
The surviving cultivators were dumbstruck.
None of them had ever seen anyone summon that many flying swords at one go.
The 27 flying swords hovered before Su Zimo in an orderly manner and flashed with a glaring beam before surging towards the dozens of ancient remnant beasts!
Pshew!
Once again, the 27 flying swords vanished.
In the blink of an eye...
The 27 of them reappeared.
At the same time, the ancient remnant beasts that lunged over fell one after another with blood streams spurting from holes on their heads – all of them were dead!
“This...”
The blue-robed man’s group was shocked.
It was extremely difficult to control 27 flying swords to such a precise degree!
The most frightening thing was that right from the beginning, there was no emotional fluctuation in the eyes of the green-robed cultivator!
It was as though everything happened exactly as he had predicted!
“GRAWR!”
“Roar!”
A commotion broke out among the demon beasts.
Although the death of dozens of ancient remnant beasts did not amount to much compared to their massive numbers, they could sense danger exuding from the green-robed cultivator.
“You’re rather interesting, human! You’re worthy of being my mount!”
The Golden Lion spoke in human tongue and nodded with confidence.
“Hahahaha!”
Su Zimo reared his head in laughter and 27 flying swords circled and danced before him. “Yellow lion, let’s see who is going to be subdued today, you or me!”
“Senior Brother Zhu, this man isn’t weak. There’s a chance we might be saved,” The eyes of a beautiful female cultivator at the side shone brightly as she whispered.
“It’s hard to tell,”
The blue-robed man shook his head. “By the looks of it, this man is already at his limits controlling 27 flying swords. Don’t forget, there’s a thousand demon beasts surrounding us. There’s no way this man will be able to defend if they all swarm him together!”
The beautiful female cultivator raised her brow. “What should we do then?”
“Let’s seize the time to recuperate and recover our combat strength as soon as we can. Listen to me order in a bit!” The blue-robed man said in a deep voice.
Everyone nodded.
Before his sentence was finished, another hundred demon beasts lunged forward.
But this time round, the demon beasts were smarter – they split into three directions towards Su Zimo.
A mocking look flashed through Su Zimo’s eyes as he extended his forward and tapped in front of him.
“Go!”
The 24 of the 27 flying swords split away.
Forming groups of 6, the flying swords streaked through the air, leaving sword scars in the void.
The expression of the blue-robed man changed as he yelled, “Sword formation! It’s a sword formation!”
“Ah! He’s a Sword Formation Master!”
Four hexagonal sword formations streaked through the air and shone with a dazzling glow. Buzzing loudly with a frosty sword qi, they kept the hundred demon beasts at bay!
Poof! Poof! Poof!
A blood mist spewed out!
The limbs of many demon beasts flew everywhere and stained the voids red.
Chapter 640: Blazing Sun
Sword Formation Masters were extremely rare and had a unique status in the cultivation world.
Although Sword Formation Masters were not considered as sword cultivators, their killing powers were not inferior!
In fact, if one could set up a powerful sword formation, it could even go head-on against many Golden Core phenomenons with ancient legacies without being disadvantaged!
Of course, Sword Formation Masters had an obvious disadvantage.
Although the speed of setting up sword formations was fast, it could not compare to the speed of releasing spirit arts or secret skills.
If they were to meet with top-tier experts, their opponents would strike and defeat them before their sword formations could be set up!
The ancient remnant beasts in the valley were clearly not sharp enough yet.
The hundred ancient remnant beasts charged over but were minced by the four Hexagonal Sword Formations, causing their flesh and blood to splatter in an extremely miserable sight!
“Roar!”
The Golden Lion’s expression finally changed as he roared in Su Zimo’s direction, enraged.
The valley quaked and the leaves of the ancient trees scattered one after another!
The sight of the fresh blood triggered the remaining ancient remnant beasts entirely.
The beasts rumbled and roars reverberated through the valley!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The remaining thousand odd ancient remnant beasts turned around with vicious gazes and sprinted towards Su Zimo, ignoring the blue-robed man’s group even!
“Opportunity!”
The eyes of the blue-robed man lit up as he shouted softly, “Hurry, let’s go!”
Before his words were finished, the blue-robed man leaped into the air and circulated his Golden Core fanatically, turning into a streak of light to bolt to the other side of the valley.
The remaining survivors were stunned and could not react to it.
The beautiful female cultivator was even looking at the blue-robed man with a slightly agape mouth in disbelief.
She had not imagined that he would do something so lowly.
No matter what, the green-robed cultivator was here to help them.
However, the blue-robed man took advantage of the moment when the green-robed cultivator was surrounded by the ancient remnant beasts to escape himself!
How was that different from a lowly ingrate?
“What are you guys waiting for?!”
The blue-robed man who was sprinting in midair turned around. When he saw the beautiful female cultivator and the others still standing on the spot, he sneered, “That man’s about to be devoured by the group of demons soon. If you miss this chance, all of you can wait to die!”
A few cultivators who were initially hesitant were evidently moved.
Everyone could tell that although the green-robed cultivator’s four sword formations were extraordinarily strong, they were definitely not enough to deal with the rush of the thousand odd ancient remnant beasts.
By the time the green-robed cultivator was ripped into pieces, they would be next in line!
Not everyone could be so noble and daring in the face of death.
Furthermore, the reason why everyone cultivated was due to the pursuit of longevity.
If they were to really die here, they would be left with nothing.
A conflicted look flashed through the beautiful female cultivator’s eyes but she still made up her mind and chose not to leave.
However, beside her, around eight of her sect mates soared into the air, wanting to escape from the valley with the blue-robed man.
When he saw the decision of the beautiful female cultivator, the blue-robed man could not help but frown and curse internally, “Truly the epitome of stupidity!”
Just as the blue-robed man was about to turn around and sprint with all his might, he discovered that his sect mates who soared into the air did not catch up to him. Instead, they were frozen on the spot and trembling.
All of them had horrified expressions, as though they had witnessed something extremely terrifying!
It was the same for the beautiful female cultivator – her arm was outstretched and her eyes were filled with fear as she pointed in his direction!
There was a damp aura with a hint of blood stench behind him.
The blue-robed man’s heart sank.
He turned around by instinct and sat a demon beast with a murderous aura standing at the mountain peak before him. It had a huge figure and its golden fur danced with a chilling aura as it glared ferociously with widened eyes.
It was the Golden Lion!
Unknowingly, the Golden Lion had already arrived in front of him. Its mouth was opened wide and it had a menacing expression as saliva dripped alongside streams of nauseating breaths.
By sprinting with all his might, the blue-robed man had almost sent himself into the mouth of the Golden Lion!
“Ah!”
The blue-robed man exclaimed and felt his scalp prickle and legs go limp.
It was impossible if he wanted to get away given that distance!
Scared out of his wits, the blue-robed man was about to beg for mercy when a mocking look flashed through the Golden Lion’s eyes. Suddenly, it reached out and closed its massive mouth shut!
Crack!
The blue-robed man was gone.
Upon seeing that, the cultivators who wanted to take advantage of the situation to escape fell from midair one after another, frightened with pale expressions.
The Golden Lion munched a couple times, seemingly unsatisfied, and extended its grisly tongue to spit out a few pieces of minced flesh with blood oozing from the corner of his mouth.
The beautiful female cultivator had a terrible expression and nearly threw up.
In the blink of an eye, a live person was eaten by that pure-blooded ferocious beast!
Am I truly going to die here today?
The eyes of the beautiful female cultivator dimmed as she lamented internally.
Right then, a sound echoed from the direction of the entrance of the valley. It was ordinary, but it seemed to possess a noble might that could calm one down!
“Illumination Sword Formation, transform!”
Everyone subconsciously looked up.
However, dust billowed and their vision was completely blocked by the bodies of the thousand odd ancient remnant beasts at the front and they could not catch sight of the green-robed cultivator at all.
Clang! Clang!
All of a sudden!
The sounds of swords buzzing reverberated through the world!
Sharp streams of light burst into the air one after another.
Immediately after, right in front of everyone, a series of bedazzling sword lights appeared from the entrance of the valley and illuminated the entire world!
27 flying swords gathered with their tips pointed outwards, forming a circular disk of swords.
It was as though a blazing sun had descended upon the valley and released 27 streaks of sword qi. Radiant and domineering, it could tear through the voids and destroy the firmaments!
The might of the Illumination Sword Formation was way more frightening than the Hexagonal Sword Formation!
Poof! Poof! Poof!
A blood mist spewed out.
The thousand odd ancient remnant beasts rushed up but they were minced by the Illumination Sword Formation. Flesh and blood splattered everywhere and corpses were strewn – the entire valley was filled with blood!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Countless ancient remnant beasts that did not fear death charged forward but none of them could go against the Illumination Sword Formation.
The sword formation started advancing gradually!
When the group of the beautiful female cultivator saw this and heard the sounds of flesh and bone being cut, they were shocked.
The ancient remnant beasts were in chaos and were retreating!
The green-colored figure reappeared in their line of sight.
Riding on the Heaven Bane Wolf, the green-robed cultivator was heading towards them with a calm expression and deep gaze.
The sword formation was gathered right in front of his palm!
The green-robed cultivator merely waved his arm casually and the terrifying sword formation danced in midair, mincing and destroying everything in its path!
The group of people stared blankly.
How was that a sword formation?
In the hands of the green-robed cultivator, it was like a blazing sun that was retrieved from above the skies, annihilating all life wherever it passed!
A bloodied path lined with endless blood, flesh and corpses appeared behind him.
Wielding the blazing sun, the green-robed cultivator traveled through the blood, flesh and corpses like a divine being, looking down at everything with an unquestionable might!
The eyes of the beautiful female cultivator were fixated with a lost expression.
Chapter 641: Subduing Demons!
The number of ancient remnant beasts in the valley was decreasing rapidly!
Although there were almost a thousand ancient remnant beasts, they could not deal with the Level 3 Illumination Sword Formation!
Mountains of corpses and rivers of blood were formed.
The entire valley seemed to have transformed into a blood-colored purgatory!
Finally, some of the ancient remnant beasts could not take it anymore and the ferocity in their eyes dissipated. Overwhelmed by the fear of death, they started fleeing in all directions wildly.
The Golden Lion stood on top of the mountain peak and looked at the puny human with a grim expression – it had finally stopped underestimating the human.
This human was strong!
That sword formation seemed to possess an extremely ancient power such that even it felt its heart pounding!
However, the more that was the case, the more excited the Golden Lion became as the glint in its eyes shone brighter with a raring battle intent.
If he could subdue such a strong human as a slave, it would be worth it to lose those ancient remnant beasts.
“Roar!”
The Golden Lion roared and its blood qi surged, shrouding its body with demonic qi. Descending from the skies, it reached out with its claws and lunged towards the Illumination Sword Formation!
Those watching were always clearer at the end of the day.
Although the sword formation was mighty, every single flying sword had been tainted by the blood of countless ancient remnant beasts up till this point of the battle and their sword lights dimmed gradually.
The bloodline of ancient remnant beasts was powerful.
Even supreme-grade spirit weapons would weaken in strength after being tainted by the demon blood.
In fact, supreme-grade spirit weapons could even be destroyed entirely if they were soaked in demon blood for a long period of time!
It was evident that the circulation of the Illumination Sword Formation was not as smooth as before. The radius of its sword qi had shrunk considerably and its movement was slightly sluggish.
The reason why the Golden Lion waited till this moment to strike was because it wanted to destroy the Illumination Sword Formation in one move!
Boom!
There was a deafening noise.
The Illumination Sword Formation and the Golden Lion collided against one another.
After a short pause...
The sword formation dispersed and 27 flying swords scattered from the skies one after another – all their sword lights had dimmed completely.
Everyone who was watching engrossedly could not help but exclaim.
They were even more worried than Su Zimo was at the sight of the sword formation’s destruction.
On the other hand, Su Zimo was not surprised and his gaze was calm. He put away the 27 flying swords into his storage bag expressionlessly.
Once this battle was over, the flying swords could be returned to their original states after wiping away the demon blood on them.
The Golden Lion was sent flying and rolled on the ground before getting up once more. Its claws trembled slightly with an intense pain.
Even so, the Golden Lion’s eyes could not conceal their excitement.
It had finally managed to destroy that scary sword formation with a full-powered attack!
The Golden Lion reared its head in laughter and shouted, “Useless one, your strongest technique has already been destroyed by me, hahahaha!”
“Strongest technique?”
Su Zimo had an odd expression.
The Golden Lion looked down at Su Zimo in the valley with glowing eyes. “If you give up obediently now and sign a blood oath with me, you can suffer less. Otherwise... fufu!”
It sneered menacingly and threatened Su Zimo directly.
“Let me return that statement right at you,”
Su Zimo gave a fake smile and jumped down from the Heaven Bane Wolf. “Yellow lion, if you sprawl before me obediently to be my mount right now, you can suffer less.”
The Golden Lion was enraged.
However, the Heaven Bane Wolf was delighted and howled in joy as it sprinted towards the entrance of the valley.
“Useless one, you’ve made me angry!”
The Golden Lion ground its teeth and saliva drooled from its fangs slowly as it snarled word by word, “You had better ask for mercy as soon as possible or I’m going to eat you alive once I change my mind!”
When he heard that, Su Zimo smiled.
The Golden Lion was triggered at the sight of Su Zimo smiling and roared. All its fur stood on end and its blood qi surged, causing its body to enlarge completely!
“I’m going to eat you up!”
The Golden Lion roared.
“Humph!”
Su Zimo retracted his smile and extended his palm suddenly, intertwining his fingers to conjure a spirit art before pointing at the Golden Lion.
Swoosh!
A wild wind howled and spirit energy surged.
The beautiful female cultivator’s group could clearly feel the spirit qi in the valley converging towards Su Zimo’s spirit art like a stream of water.
It was as though a spirit qi vortex was being formed!
“What a frightening spirit art!”
Everyone was shocked.
In the blink of an eye, a gigantic palm of spirit energy appeared before Su Zimo; its fingers were outstretched and its palm prints could be seen clearly.
That gigantic palm blanketed the skies and pushed down fiercely towards the Golden Lion!
“Hmm?”
The Golden Lion’s expression changed.
It could sense an extremely terrifying aura from the conjured palm.
In fact, the palm was clearly suppressing its blood qi!
“What is this?”
The Golden Lion circulated its Inner Core wildly and demonic qi rumbled and circled it.
“Ma!”
Suddenly, a Sanskrit sound boomed in an earthshaking manner!
The Golden Lion shuddered and its fur fell instantly. Its blood qi dissipated irreversibly and the speed of its Inner Core’s circulation slowed down as well!
“How could this be?”
The Golden Lion was internally shocked.
In reality, this was the first time that Su Zimo had released the Daming Dharmic Seal together with Daming Mantra after he cultivated Daming True Sutra.
At the same time, the reason why this Dharmic Seal had such a clear suppression effect on the Golden Lion was because...
It was the Demon Subduing Seal!
The Demon Subduing Seal was meant to subdue demons!
The ancient remnant beasts at the side who had not managed to escape yet found the blood qis in their bodies dissipating as they sat on the ground limply with frightened expressions.
The reason why the Golden Lion was able to hold on forcibly was because it was a pure-blooded ferocious beast.
However, the Demon Subduing Seal was descending right above its head!
Bang!
Right as the Golden Lion was about to stand up to go head-on against the spirit energy palm, it was pushed right back down!
Against the spirit energy palm, the massive body of the Golden Lion could only tremble.
One had to possess tremendous power if they wanted to subdue demons!
The bloodline of the Golden Lion trickled slowly within its body, unable to flow properly.
Thud!
The Golden Lion knelt on the ground with an aggrieved expression. Although it was indignant, its massive head had no other choice than to bow down!
“Ee.. ”
It did not give up and there was a low growl that came from the depths of its throat.
However, no matter how it struggled, it could not do anything to the Demon Subduing Seal!
Crack! Crack! Crack!
They were at a stalemate but the power of the Demon Subduing Seal was evidently growing stronger.
Cracking sounds could be heard coming from the bones in the Golden Lion’s body and its body was shrinking repeatedly with its blood qi suppressed!
The beautiful female cultivator’s group was dumbstruck.
The pure-blooded ferocious beast with a torrential arrogance moments earlier was now pinned on the ground, unable to budge!
The green-robed cultivator’s methods were truly frightening!
The spirit energy palm was still pushing against the Golden Lion’s body.
Su Zimo strode before the Golden Lion and said indifferently, “I can spare your life if you become my mount for a period of time.”
The eyes of the Golden Lion shone with an endless ferocity as it ground its teeth jarringly.
Su Zimo’s gaze turned cold.
Boom!
The power of the Demon Subduing Seal intensified once again!
The Golden Lion gave a dull thud and nearly spat out blood from the pressure – its organs were being squashed together!
It realized that it was going to be killed if it continued to be stubborn!
However, the Golden Lion was aggrieved and indignant!
It was a pure-blooded ferocious beast with a noble bloodline from one of the eight demon regions, Wild Lion Ridge – how could it become a mount for a lowly human?Chapter 642: Bloody Unlucky
The Golden Lion felt itself suffocating from the mounting pressure on its body.
It had to make a decision!
The Golden Lion’s gaze fluttered and finally, it could not take it any longer and snarled, “I can be your mount, but there can’t be a blood oath between you and I!”
That was its bottom line.
As part of the Golden Lion race, it would be disgraced and humiliated by its tribe if it signed a blood oath with a lowly human!
There had been Golden Lions who signed blood oaths with humans in the past.
However, all of those humans were peerless heroes!
Even if they were not emperors, they were Mighty Figures, Patriarchs or even paragons of the generation that looked down on everyone of the same level.
While the human before it was well-versed in some methods and managed to subdue it by luck, Su Zimo was way too skinny in the Golden Lion’s opinion.
The Golden Lion still belittled Su Zimo from the bottom of its heart.
It made up its mind and sneered, making a final gamble. “Don’t sign a blood oath with me if you’ve got the guts!”
“Sure,”
Su Zimo nodded.
This time round, the Golden Lion was the one that was stunned.
When it said that, it thought that it was going to die – it had not expected Su Zimo to agree to it so readily.
Did my provocations work?
Or is this lad trying to play a trick on me?
Everyone had to be wary of anyone that wasn’t of the same race as them.
If it was in the same position, the Golden Lion would definitely force Su Zimo to sign a blood oath with it. That way, it could save itself the worry of the latter’s betrayal in the future.
Another situation where a blood oath was not required was if the cultivation realm between both parties was great enough – minimally two major cultivation realms.
That way, one party would not be afraid of the other party’s betrayal. Rather, the former had the confidence of suppressing the latter if a betrayal were to happen!
However, that was a contradictory situation.
If Su Zimo was a Void Reversion or Dharma Characteristic, there was no need for him to look for a Golden Core realm spirit demon to sign a blood oath with.
As the Golden Lion’s thoughts ran wild, Su Zimo released the spirit art and dispersed that mountainous Demon Subduing Seal above it.
The Golden Lion was delighted upon being relieved from its burden!
This lad really let me off without a blood oath!
Although the Golden Lion was trying its best to contain its emotions, it was certain about one thing...
There was something wrong with the brains of this skinny scholar before it!
“Hahahaha!”
The Golden Lion laughed wildly in its heart. “He has really let me off! I can leave anytime now! Do you really think that I’m going to be your mount?”
Su Zimo dispelled the Demon Subduing Seal and turned around right away, seemingly unguarded towards the Golden Lion that was now behind him as he headed towards the Spirit Gathering Fruit not far away.
The Spirit Gathering Fruit naturally belonged to Su Zimo.
Initially, the Golden Lion wanted to leave right away. However, a fierce look flashed through its eyes and killing intent surged as it caught sight of Su Zimo’s back!
If it were to pounce forward right now, the scholar would definitely not be able to react!
Even if he could react, the scholar wouldn’t be able to release the same spirit art from earlier on in this brief moment and would definitely turn into his food!
However, the Golden Lion hesitated on second thought.
No matter what, this scholar had just spared its life.
It did not feel comfortable about eating this scholar up like an ingrate.
Bloody hell, does that mean that these demon beasts under my charge died for nothing?
This lad pinned me on the ground earlier on and my head was almost stuffed into the mud! Am I going to let that off just like this?”
The more the Golden Lion thought about it, the angrier it became.
This was something it could not endure!
It could not let things go just like this!
While it was contemplating, Su Zimo had already retrieved the Spirit Gathering Fruit and was heading back.
A thought crossed the Golden Lion’s mind.
When this lad rides on me, I’ll circulate my Inner Core and enlarge my flesh and tendons, causing him to fly in embarrassment!
Hahahaha!
That’s right! That’s the way!
The more the Golden Lion thought about it, the more excited it became and it could not help but smirk.
Although Su Zimo had plenty of methods, he had not cultivated the Buddhist divine power of telepathy and naturally did not know what was on the Golden Lion’s mind.
However, when he saw how creepy the lion looked with that smile, Su Zimo frowned and threw out a slap. “What are you smiling so stupidly for? Time to go!”
With that, he hopped onto the Golden Lion’s back.
That single slap stunned the Golden Lion.
It stood frozen on the spot, unable to react.
Did this person just... slap me?
H-He slapped me!
The Golden Lion was enraged and growled deeply, circulating its Inner Core wildly to expand its flesh. Demonic qi emanated and its body was about to expand.
Su Zimo had a calm expression and was sturdy as a mountain as a mocking look flashed through his eyes.
Thump!
Before anyone could see what Su Zimo did, the Golden Lion was sprawled onto the ground with dust flying all over once more.
“Erm... ”
The Golden Lion groaned in pain.
It felt like its spine was nearly snapped by that seemingly skinny scholar!
The legs of the scholar clasped on both sides of its ribs like indestructible iron pillars and it could not free its body at all.
How could it send the scholar flying when it was already close to suffocating from the pressure?!
Impossible!
The Golden Lion yelled internally in disbelief, “How could this skinny scholar possess such a frightening amount of physical strength?!”
Right then, the scholar leaned down close to its ears and whispered, “Be obedient and don’t try anything funny.”
The scholar placed his palm on its head and stroked while saying.
Although the action seemed gentle, the Golden Lion shuddered and felt chills run down its spine!
It could clearly feel the scholar’s fingernails protruding slightly and gliding across its scalp.
His fingernails were even sharper than knives!
It had no doubt that if the scholar exerted strength, five holes would definitely appear on its head!
The Golden Lion wanted to cry.
It had finally realized that this scholar was not a fool – he was just sufficiently strong.
He was so strong that he could suppress it at any moment even without a blood oath!
“Let’s go.”
Su Zimo’s voice sounded.
Suddenly, the Golden Lion felt its body turn lighter, as though a massive ton of weight had disappeared.
However, that scholar was still riding on it.
Where did this monster incarnate come from? I’m bloody unlucky!
The Golden Lion sighed internally and realized that it was futile to struggle. Instantly, it turned listless and strode to the exit of the valley.
In the Wild Lion Ridge, it was considered as a ferocious beast with status.
When it entered the ancient battlefield, it intended to defeat all the paragons of the human race and look down on all demons, displaying its might and gaining fame throughout the world.
To think that it would suffer such a huge loss a few days after it entered.
And now, there was no need for it to defeat the paragons of the human race anymore as it could only be a mount obediently.
What the Golden Lion was most worried about was encountering demon beast acquaintances in the ancient battlefield later on.
If those demon beasts saw this, it would truly be embarrassed and the Golden Lion race would be disgraced as well!
At that thought, the Golden Lion’s eyes turned misty out of sorrow.
“Senior Sister, take a look! That lion was beaten up so badly that it’s weeping!”
A cultivator at the side said softly.
When it heard that, the Golden Lion’s expression darkened and it stumbled, almost puking out blood.
“Hold steady!”
Su Zimo scolded.
Piak!
Once again, a slap landed on its head.
This time round, the Golden Lion was truly on the brink of tears.Chapter 643: Southern Duel Sect
Naturally, no outsider could understand the power struggle between the man and the lion.
Everyone could not imagine that the pure-blooded ferocious beast had been completely subdued in this short period of mounting it as well!
As Su Zimo approached slowly riding on the Golden Lion, a cultivator looked at the beautiful female cultivator at the side and whispered, “Senior Sister, should we head up and thank him?”
The beautiful female cultivator had a lost gaze and was first frozen upon hearing that. Immediately after, her beautiful eyes flashed with a hint of panic as she nodded with blushed cheeks. “Of course.”
The way she looked at the green-robed cultivator was different.
Everyone was cultivators who had cultivated for dozens and hundreds of years. Naturally, all of them could see it and understood internally as well.
The beautiful female cultivator’s name was Tang Shiyun.
She was famous in their sect and was the de facto number one beauty. Coupled with her extraordinary talent and powerful strength, she was a shining crown jewel of her generation!
It would be a lie to claim that all the male cultivators of the same sect present were perfectly fine without any envy after noticing Tang Shiyun’s intentions.
However, everyone was also clear after this battle.
The green-robed cultivator was indeed a rare paragon with a distinguished bearing. He seemed scholarly but every single move of his had an overwhelming dominance that was admirable!
Tang Shiyun took a deep breath and approached Su Zimo, bowing with cupped fists before saying gently, “I am Tang Shiyun of Southern Duel Sect. Thank you for your lifesaving grace, fellow Daoist!”
Su Zimo paused in his tracks and turned to look at Tang Shiyun indifferently.
Tang Shiyun’s head was lowered slightly, revealing a slender and smooth neck. Trickles of sweat sparkled down her neck with a charming allure.
It would be exaggerated to claim that she fell in love with Su Zimo at first sight.
However, at that moment, Tang Shiyun’s heart was truly pounding in an unstoppable manner.
She felt as though everyone could hear her heart and did not dare to look at Su Zimo in the face.
In reality, she could not be blamed either.
If any other girl were to be rescued from the brink of death by someone who killed off all threats in his path and subdued all demons with such overbearing methods, they would also be flustered.
“It’s nothing,”
Su Zimo replied indifferently before patting the Golden Lion.
The Golden Lion understood his intentions and ignored Tang Shiyun’s group before continuing towards the exit of the valley.
Tang Shiyun lowered her head instinctively only to catch sight of a fading green-colored figure. She could not help but feel a wave of disappointment.
Standing rooted on the spot, she bit her cherry lips and hesitated for a long time as she stared at that shrinking green figure. Finally, she made a decision and chased in pursuit with light steps.
The survivors from Southern Duel Sect followed hurriedly as well.
“Fellow Daoist, please wait up!”
Tang Shiyun shouted.
The figure at the front paused.
Delighted, Tang Shiyun hastened even more.
Before long, she caught up to the figure, panting slightly.
“Is there anything?”
Su Zimo turned around with a questioning look.
Earlier on, Tang Shiyun did not leave when he was fighting the ancient remnant beasts.
Her actions gave him a decent impression of this woman.
Otherwise, he would have left much earlier on without stopping.
Tang Shiyun tried her best to compose herself as she looked at Su Zimo’s refined features and smiled. “I don’t know your name and sect or faction. After all, you are our benefactor. I need to know where to find you if I ever want to repay the debt in the future.”
Su Zimo smiled lukewarmly. “It’s too much to call me a benefactor. I merely passed by coincidentally and did it for the Spirit Gathering Fruit as well.”
Tang Shiyun’s cheeks flushed, be it because she was rushing earlier on or some other reasons, and asked again, “You haven’t said your name, fellow Daoist?”
“My name...”
Su Zimo hesitated for a moment. “I am Su Zimo, I’ve got no sect or faction.”
At the same time, he focused his gaze on Tang Shiyun’s expression.
There were not many changes to her expression.
It was the reaction one would expect upon hearing the name of a stranger.
Su Zimo nodded silently.
It seemed like Southern Duel Sect should not be from the North Region.
There were few cultivators in the North Region who had not heard of the name Su Zimo.
“Fellow Daoist Su, where are you headed? If it’s convenient, can we travel together?” Tang Shiyun invited with sincerity.
Su Zimo raised his brow slightly – his first instinct was to decline.
When Tang Shiyun saw Su Zimo raising his brow, she knew that things would most likely not go her way as she added hurriedly, “Many living beings have awoken from their slumber and entered the ancient battlefield. At the same time, there are also ferocious beasts from the eight demon regions. This place is extremely treacherous and if we travel together, we can help one another.”
At that point, Tang Shiyun felt a little embarrassed.
After all, from Su Zimo’s display of strength earlier on, he truly did not require their help.
After pondering for a moment, Tang Shiyun continued, “Southern Duel Sect is one of the upper sects of the South Region. Although we can’t compare to you in terms of combat strength, we can still offer some help. Furthermore, Senior Brother Zhu is alone outside, but he must be rushing over here upon receiving our spirit crane sent for help.”
“That’s right, we won’t be defeated so badly if Senior Brother Zhu was here with us,” The cultivators at the side sighed.
“Senior Brother Zhu is strong and is a paragon listed on the previous Phenomenon Ranking. If he was around, these beasts wouldn’t have been able to get this cocky!”
Another Southern Duel Sect cultivator snarled and glared at the Golden Lion Su Zimo was mounted on with hateful eyes.
Initially, the Golden Lion was listless and dispirited.
However, upon sensing hostility, it turned around furiously and opened its mouth, roaring at the person with an aggressive stance primed to lunge!
“Roar!”
The mountains and forests shook!
The Southern Duel Sect shuddered out of fear and wanted to retreat instinctively with a pale face. However, his legs went limp and he fell onto the ground.
“Hahahaha!”
The Golden Lion reared its head in laughter with a mocking gaze.
Although it was subdued by Su Zimo, its might was still existent – it did not mean that it would allow anyone to trample on it.
After all, the Golden Lion was a pure-blooded ferocious beast and was innately feral, unable to be tamed.
Ashamed, the Southern Duel Sect cultivator’s expression turned even more vengeful!
This time round, Su Zimo did not lecture it. Instead, he was gazing at the distant horizon in deep thoughts.
Suddenly, a robust swoosh sounded from the horizon!
An extremely powerful aura sped over rapidly and the sound of clothes fluttering cut through the air like a streak of lightning!
“Senior Brother Zhu!”
“Senior Brother Zhu is back!”
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect was excited and exclaimed.
Su Zimo had an indifferent expression and was not surprised.
He had already noticed activity from the area before the sound was heard.
Indeed, this cultivator with the surname Zhu definitely had some capabilities to be able to tread alone in the ancient battlefield.
Moreover, there were at least millions or more Golden Cores that entered this place!
However, there were only a total of 108 spots on the Golden Core Phenomenon Ranking – anyone that could occupy a spot was definitely extraordinary.Chapter 644: And if I Refuse?
The newcomer had a sharp face and a robust figure with huge bones. Wearing a set of black robes, he arrived with the wind seemingly effortlessly with a tremendous aura!
A casual glance from Su Zimo was enough to tell that the black robes were far from simple.
The surface of the robes was dotted with stars that seemed like they were sewn on and they even shone faintly in a dazzling manner!
If an enemy was unprepared during a fight and the stars on the robes shone brightly, their eyes would be impacted and they would be flustered!
Naturally, the robes posed no threat to Su Zimo.
He had cultivated Illumination Eye and looked at the rise and set of the blazing sun daily. Naturally, those specks of starlight would not faze him.
The black-robed cultivator had a sharp gaze and his expression darkened after he swept his gaze at Tang Shiyun’s group.
“This is Senior Brother Zhu Yue.”
Tang Shiyun said to Su Zimo first before declaring, “Senior Brother Zhu, this is Fellow Daoist Su. It’s all thanks to him that we were saved.”
Zhu Yue’s gaze landed on Su Zimo.
At first glance, this person seemed way too ordinary. Wearing a common set of green robes, his features were refined and he did not carry any sect badge on his waist.
More than a cultivator, the first impression this man gave off was of a weak scholar.
Most of the time, the strength of a cultivator would be displayed in their aura.
Some people had auras so powerful that they could shock everything without making a move!
Some people had fierce gazes that could fill the air with a blood stench at a single glance!
However, in Zhu Yue’s eyes, Su Zimo was truly ordinary.
The only thing that surprised him was the lion beneath Su Zimo. It was golden all over and seemed like it was from the Golden Lion race.
However, Golden Lions were usually much tougher than this lion!
This lion seemed listless and dispirited without the dominance and ferocity of a pure-blooded ferocious beast.
“Its bloodline should be mixed with some other trash breed.”
The thought crossed Zhu Yue’s mind and he did not think too much about it.
Zhu Yue glanced once at Su Zimo and asked deeply without the intention of greeting the latter, “What happened?”
Cultivators of Southern Duel Sect headed up and recounted everything that happened in the valley.
Zhu Yue’s expression turned increasingly darker.
Southern Duel Sect had sent a hundred cultivators for this trip but now, there were only less than 20 of them – it was a severe loss.
However, the ancient battlefield had only just started.
As though he suddenly recalled something, Zhu Yue scanned the group and asked coldly, “Where’s my younger brother?”
“He was eaten by that Golden Lion!”
The cultivator that was scared earlier on blurted hurriedly, seizing this rare opportunity as he glared at the Golden Lion hatefully.
The Golden Lion shrugged its head fearlessly.
If Su Zimo was not riding on its back, it would have lunged forward a long time ago to rip this guy called Zhu Yue apart!
Su Zimo raised his brow.
In that case, it meant that the blue-robed man who tried to escape alone earlier on was Zhu Yue’s younger brother.
“Hmm?”
Zhu Yue spun around and glared at Su Zimo and the Golden Lion mount with a murderous look.
Tang Shiyun’s expression changed slightly.
The tension in the atmosphere had dipped to a freezing point!
“Senior Brother Zhu, please calm down,”
Tang Shiyun said hurriedly, “Fellow Daoist Su is our benefactor and this has nothing to do with him. Furthermore, Zhu Wei was the one who abandoned us and tried to run away alone while Fellow Daoist Su was fighting. That was the reason why he was eaten.”
When Zhu Yue saw how close Tang Shiyun was to Su Zimo coupled with her clear intention of defending the latter, his expression turned darker and his killing intent deepened.
“Fufu.”
Zhu Yue sneered and asked, “So you mean that my brother deserved to die?”
“N-No, that’s not what I meant! I-It’s just that...”
Tang Shiyun was anxious and wanted to explain but she did not know how to start. Instead, she could only turn to Su Zimo in a pleading manner.
Su Zimo had a nonchalant expression and said in a leisurely manner, “In my opinion, your brother truly deserved to die.”
The moment he said that, everything went silent.
Complete silence!
“What. Did. You. Say?!”
Zhu Yue’s spirit energy surged and his eyes shone with a sharp killing intent!
“No!”
Tang Shiyun moved and stood between the two of them, saying nervously on the brink of tears, “Senior Brother Zhu, Fellow Daoist Su, please don’t fight. This is a misunderstanding.”
“Misunderstanding?”
Zhu Yue smiled darkly and said with a chilling tone, “The death of my brother is a misunderstanding? Can I kill him right now and say that it’s a misunderstanding too?”
“Senior Brother Zhu, this had nothing to do with Fellow Daoist Su at all! He was the one who stood in to save us!” Tang Shiyun tried her best to explain things.
“Please calm down, both of you,”
A cultivator of Southern Duel Sect tried persuading as well. “Senior Brother Zhu, Fellow Daoist Su, a fight between the two of you will only lead to severe losses on both parties. There’s no point to that.”
When it heard the phrase ‘severe losses on both parties’, the Golden Lion could not help but stifle a chuckle.
It looked at Zhu Yue like it was looking at a retard.
How ignorant!
In truth, right from the beginning, Su Zimo had not been agitated at all – he was indifferent and there were no emotions in his eyes.
“Fufufufu!”
Zhu Yue laughed sinisterly with a dark expression before saying coolly, “I can heed the suggestions to not attack, sure. However, who is going to pay for my brother’s life?!”
The Southern Duel Sect cultivator caught sight of the snickering Golden Lion and a thought crossed his mind as he pointed to it. “Senior Brother Zhu Wei was eaten by that lion! Let’s kill it and have it pay with its life!”
Tang Shiyun was delighted as well and looked at Su Zimo instinctively.
After all, he was unrelated to that Golden Lion and it was merely a demon beast that he had just subdued without even a blood oath.
This compromise on both parties was the best way to resolve this matter.
“Alright,”
Zhu Yue’s lips curled as he glared at Su Zimo coldly. “Since my juniors sought mercy for you, I’ll spare your life for now and kill that beast beneath you first!”
Su Zimo smiled and asked indifferently, “And if I refuse?”
The situation that had toned down a moment earlier turned intense once more!
Both their gazes clashed in midair with sparks flying!
In truth, in Su Zimo’s heart, that cultivator named Zhu Wei deserved to die!
When he appeared to fight the demons, that person chose to take advantage of the situation and escape instead of helping out – there was nothing to pity about the death of someone like that!
Even if the Golden Lion did not devour him alive, Su Zimo would have chased after that person and killed him personally!
However, given Su Zimo’s character, he could not be bothered to explain about such things.
If that person was killed, so be it!
The reason why he cultivated was to gain clarity of mind and peace in his actions – there was no need for him to have such hesitations!
That was the reason why the only reply he had when those thoughts crossed his mind was, “And if i refuse?”
What can you do to me if I refuse to relent?!
His display of strength was shuddering!
In that instant, Zhu Yue felt his vision blur, as though the refined scholar had just bared menacing fangs at him all of a sudden!
Zhu Yue experienced a hallucination.
It was as though that scholar could eat him alive!
Chapter 645: Lesson
Zhu Yue shrugged his head to try and shake that thought out of his mind.
He gazed at Su Zimo once more.
The fangs and shuddering aura he experienced earlier had vanished and that man was merely riding on the back of the Golden Lion silently looking like a weak scholar.
It was as though a single gust of wind could blow him over.
“So, you’re relying on your status as a Sword Formation Master as your trump card?”
Zhu Yue raised his head slightly and gradually said with a menacing gaze, “Let me tell you, in the ancient battlefield, only cultivators who can cultivate Golden Core phenomenons can protect themselves! The true paragons are those who make it into the Phenomenon Ranking!”
Before his words were finished, Zhu Yue’s Golden Core was already circulating wildly.
The spirit energy in his body was rich and torrential – it was clear that he was already at perfected Golden Core realm!
“Against the power of a phenomenon, your sword formations and spirit arts are worthless!”
The killing intent in Zhu Yue’s eyes seemed to materialize as he snarled word by word, “If you don’t make way, I’ll kill you first!”
Boom!
A deafening boom echoed from the ground before his words were even finished.
Su Zimo leaped down from the Golden Lion and stomped on the ground heavily, bolting towards Zhu Yue like an arrow!
A deep footprint extended outwards with cracks from where he was initially standing!
It was too fast!
Everyone merely felt their visions go blur before Su Zimo vanished from the spot.
Psst!
Zhu Yue’s expression changed starkly.
A terrifyingly shuddering aura was surging towards him from the void ahead, almost suffocating him!
Buzz!
The stars on Zhu Yue’s robes shone brightly with a series of glimmers.
However, the light had no effect on the attacker!
“Southern Duel Star...”
Zhu Yue shouted.
His voice broke off.
Su Zimo had already arrived before him in an instant, grabbing his throat with outstretched fingers and lifting him from the spot!
Zhu Yue could not even breathe, let alone speak.
Zhu Yue’s Golden Core phenomenon was destroyed before it could even be released!
With a cold gaze, Su Zimo gripped tighter on Zhu Yue’s throat and swung left and right gently.
A series of weird sounds echoed from Zhu Yue’s body, creaking and popping.
Zhu Yue’s expression was horrendous and he felt as though his bones were about to break apart. All his blood qi and spirit energy had dissipated and he no longer possessed any strength.
He could not even maintain his grip on the flying sword he took out from his storage bag as it fell to the ground.
The entire process happened in less than a breath.
Everyone was stunned and dumbstruck.
To everyone, it was as Zhu Yue had said – although Su Zimo’s sword formation and spirit arts were strong, they could not go against Golden Core phenomenons!
Nobody expected this outcome in a fight between the two of them.
Nobody expected Zhu Yue to suffer such a swift and tragic defeat!
In Su Zimo’s hands, Zhu Yue’s mighty figure was like a duckling, struggling helplessly in midair with flaying legs.
Even the Golden Lion was shocked.
In its mind, there was no doubt that Zhu Yue would be defeated.
However, it had not expected that Zhu Yue would be suppressed without even being able to let out a fart!
More than that, the thing that terrified it was Su Zimo’s burst speed!
The two of them were a full ten feet apart!
Even if it released its bloodline and attacked with its full power, it would not be able to match that speed!
The Golden Lion’s regard for Su Zimo’s strength had been raised by yet another level.
“You’re not wrong, Golden Core phenomenons can be considered as the epitome of spirit arts and are the strongest means available to Golden Cores.”
Su Zimo looked at Zhu Yue’s suffocating purple face and smiled gently. “However, that’s only if you’re able to release it.”
“Ee.. ”
Zhu Yue could not speak at all and the best he could do despite his greatest struggle was a weird sound.
“Let go of Senior Brother Zhu!”
“Fellow Daoist Su, hurry and let go or don’t blame us for being nasty!”
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect brought out their spirit weapons and shouted.
“Hmm?”
Maintaining his grip on Zhu Yue’s throat, Su Zimo turned around and grazed his gaze past everyone from Southern Duel Sect like a sharp dagger before asking coolly, “You guys want to attack me?”
Everyone felt their hearts skip a beat and did not dare to meet his gaze!
Some of them were even so rattled that a single glance from Su Zimo caused them to retreat half a step and tremble from head to toe.
“Don’t!”
Tang Shiyun was alarmed.
She was way too familiar with the look in Su Zimo’s eyes.
This was the same look he had when he looked at the ancient remnant beasts in the fight earlier on!
It was a sign that he was about to commit a massacre!
Tang Shiyun came before everyone from Southern Duel Sect and said darkly, “Keep your weapons! Have all of you forgotten that we would all be dead by now if not for Fellow Daoist Su’s help earlier on?”
“Are you going to point your weapons at our benefactor right after you get out of danger?”
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect exchanged glances embarrassedly and did not dare to reply, putting away their spirit weapons hurriedly.
When Su Zimo saw that, the killing intent in his eyes lessened considerably.
His killing intent was truly triggered earlier on!
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect had already forgotten that he was the one who saved their lives!
If I can save your lives, I can naturally kill all of you!
Tang Shiyun hurried before Su Zimo. “Fellow Daoist Su, they were only reckless out of emotions. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Su Zimo remained silent and did not reply.
However, Tang Shiyun could clearly tell that the scary look in Su Zimo’s eyes had faded gradually before vanishing.
“Fellow Daoist Su, please spare Senior Brother Zhu’s life,”
Tang Shiyun said, “Although Senior Brother Zhu was in the wrong, it was because he lost control of himself due to the death of a close kin. That was the reason why he attacked you.”
In truth, that was also the reason why Su Zimo did not kill Zhu Yue immediately.
He had just experienced the pain of losing a kin and could naturally empathize with that feeling.
Otherwise, he would have crushed Zhu Yue’s throat a long time ago just for the fact that the latter possessed a killing intent towards him.
Zhu Yue’s face was already purplish with bulging eyes and a tongue that stuck out.
His consciousness was hazy by now.
“Fellow Daoist Su, thank you for saving the lives of everyone from Southern Duel Sect, but please spare Senior Brother Zhu’s life. Although he was in the wrong, I don’t think it was severe enough to render his death.”
Tang Shiyun was about to kneel down as she spoke, “I guarantee you that from this day forth, no matter what happens in the ancient battlefield, Southern Duel Sect will definitely try our best to assist you, Fellow Daoist Su!”
Naturally, Su Zimo could sense the sincerity in Tang Shiyun.
Furthermore, he had no intention of killing Zhu Yue to begin with – he merely wanted to teach the latter a lesson.
“There’s no need for that,”
Su Zimo waved his robes and prevented Tang Shiyun from kneeling.
At the same time, he relinquished his grip.
Zhu Yue fell to the ground limply and gasped in huge breaths with wheezing sounds, as though he wanted to consume every single bit of air in the universe.
Tang Shiyun was overjoyed.
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect heaved a breath of relief and swarmed forward as well.
Some people took care of Zhu Yue while some of them bowed deeply to Su Zimo. “Thank you, Fellow Daoist Su.”
Chapter 646: News of Glass Palace
Su Zimo returned to the back of the Golden Lion, prepared to leave.
Tang Shiyun bit her cherry lips and bolstered her guts, saying with cupped fists, “Fellow Daoist Su, the skies are dark now and we’ve got to find a resting place. Since the misunderstanding has been resolved, shall we travel together? We can look after one another at the same time.”
In the ancient battlefield, the night was home to countless demon beasts and variant species of living beings!
This was a place which opened up once every hundred years. Flora grew wildly and fauna treaded overwhelmingly – many powerful living beings would awake from their slumber!
For most cultivators, traveling in the ancient battlefield at night was equivalent to having a death wish.
Naturally, Su Zimo had nothing to fear about that!
He was just about to decline when Tang Shiyun spoke again, “I know that there’s an ancient city near here where many cultivators use as a resting place. It takes around a day to get there by foot.”
In the ancient battlefield, there were many ancient cities left behind from the ancient era and could be used to defend against ferocious beasts.
If powerful sects or factions were to guard the ancient cities, they could even defend against the rush of most beast stampedes!
Tang Shiyun commented, “Furthermore, I heard that Glass Palace has occupied that ancient city all these years.”
When he heard that, Su Zimo raised his brow slightly, seemingly moved.
Tang Shiyun was delighted when she noticed that and said hurriedly.
“Glass Palace is one of the immortal sects and is the strongest body tempering super sects in the cultivation world. Their legacy disciples can even take on ferocious beasts barehanded! With that super sect guarding the ancient city, there would definitely not be any danger.”
Initially, Su Zimo had no interest in the ancient city at all.
But he changed his mind upon the mention of Glass Palace.
Back in Tianhuang Mainland, he mentioned that he was going to make Glass Palace pay by blood for the massacre of 13 cities of Yan Country!
Su Zimo nodded. “Alright, I’ll have to trouble you to lead the way.”
“It’s fine, there’s no trouble!”
Tang Shiyun replied ecstatically.
On the other end, Zhu Yue’s panting had already calmed down gradually.
He was not injured to begin with and had already recovered after this short period of rest.
However, his expression darkened as he listened to the conversation between Su Zimo and Tang Shiyun!
He lowered his head and covered his appearance with his long hair. His eyes shone coldly and a thought swam through his mind endlessly.
Right now, he had two choices.
The first was to endure everything for the time being and look for another opportunity after understanding more about this person.
The second was to strike now and release his Golden Core phenomenon with his full power without giving this man a chance to get close!
After a long hesitation, Zhu Yue chose not to attack in the end.
He could not figure out if Su Zimo had any trump cards still.
If he were to attack now and that man had unrevealed trump cards, more than his face, he would lose his life instead!
Su Zimo’s gaze had been flickering casually past Zhu Yue from time to time.
Zhu Yue did not know at all that he had just barely escaped death’s door!
He thought that he had concealed himself well. However, what he did not know was that Su Zimo’s spirit perception was way too frightening and the latter had sensed every single bit of his hostility!
If he had made any unusual movements, he would have been dead by now!
The skies were dark and night had already arrived.
“Let’s go and find a place to rest for the night,”
Su Zimo patted the Golden Lion beneath him. “Go and look for one.”
“Ok,”
The Golden Lion replied listlessly.
As a pure-blooded ferocious beast, it naturally knew best as to where was comparatively safer in the ancient battlefield.
Furthermore, it had just been subdued by Su Zimo as a mount and was thoroughly embarrassed – it wanted nothing more than to avoid other demon beasts.
Therefore, the Golden Lion carried Su Zimo and sprinted at the front.
Everyone else from Southern Duel Sect followed close behind.
Not long after, they arrived beneath a mountain peak and located a cave.
The Golden Lion stood at the cave’s entrance and its cold eyes widened. Twitching its ears, it sniffed into the cave to check if there were other living beings.
“Go on it, it’s empty,”
Before it could detect anything, Su Zimo already patted it on the head.
Su Zimo had cultivated the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness and was much sharper than the Golden Lion in terms of eyesight, hearing or smell!
The Golden Lion entered warily with slight disbelief. After taking a spin around, it discovered that there was truly nothing.
There were many turns in the cave but it was linked from the front and back with two exits.
It was better that way as well – if they truly met with an ambush, there would be an escape.
Su Zimo said, “You guys can rest near the entrance here. I’ll take the entrance at the back mountain. Once day breaks, we’ll set off from this place.”
“Alright,”
Tang Shiyun nodded.
After mulling for a moment, Tang Shiyun pulled Su Zimo alone to a corner and whispered, eying the Golden Lion nearby, “Fellow Daoist Su, you didn’t sign a blood oath with this Golden Lion. Isn’t that way too careless?”
Su Zimo smiled and did not explain.
When she saw the nonchalant attitude of Su Zimo, Tang Shiyun reminded again, “It’s a pure-blooded ferocious beast after all. Although it’s submitting to you for the time being, it has a feral nature. You should keep a distance away from it while asleep or it might betray and kill you!”
“Got it,”
Su Zimo could tell that Tang Shiyun was saying it out of goodwill and nodded in agreement, embarrassed to correct her.
Thereafter, he left the place with the Golden Lion and arrived at the back entrance after many turns.
The night got darker.
Outside the cave, the roars of ferocious beasts echoed everywhere!
From time to time, there would be hurried and piercing screeches from birds.
The scuttling sounds of ants and insects crawling was even more unnerving.
The Golden Lion was sound asleep and drooled all over.
Su Zimo placed his arms behind his back as a pillow and closed his eyes motionlessly, maintaining the same position. Four hours passed and it seemed like he was fast asleep.
All of a sudden!
The Golden Lion turned around without any sound in the silence and opened its eyes slowly.
Those eyes were bright without any bit of drowsiness in them!
It had not slept the entire time!
They would arrive at the ancient city where cultivators gathered the next day and it would no longer have a chance to escape.
Therefore, tonight was its only chance!
The Golden Lion stared at Su Zimo who was fast asleep not far away and hesitated for a moment, lamenting to itself internally, “Forget it, I’ll spare your life tonight on account that you didn’t force me to sign a blood oath.”
Rising slowly, the Golden Lion tiptoed towards the entrance.
Before it could leave, a voice sounded in the cave.
“Where are you going?”
The Golden Lion jumped and its fur stood in shock. It did not dare to turn back at all and replied with a quivering voice, “T-To take a piss outside.”
There was no more sound behind and it seemed like it had permission to do so.
Feeling relieved, the Golden Lion tried its best to compose itself and walked out of the entrance calmly. It arrived beside a stone slab and stood as though it was pissing while looking back at the cave.
It was dark inside and silent without any activity.
Hmph, you really believed that I was going to take a piss?
The Golden Lion sneered and lamented internally, “I’m still the smarter one after all. I’ll be long gone by the time you realize what’s happening!”
Just as it turned around and was about to leave, it looked upwards by instinct.
On an ancient tree not far away, a green-robed scholar sat on a branch with bright eyes, swinging his legs idly while looking down at it with a fake smile.
“Holy sh*t, motherf*cker!”
The Golden Lion fell on its bum in shock and in its nervousness, spoke in human tongue with some funky words it had learned...
Chapter 647: Baited
Deep at night.
Beasts roared and birds screeched. In the ancient battlefield, these various sounds intertwined and filled the world.
At the top of a towering mountain peak that was hazy with countless ancient trees, there were many powerful ferocious beasts coexisting.
However, the strange thing was that it was completely silent throughout the entire mountain!
In the leafy forests, pairs of green beast eyes appeared, gazing at the top of the mountain with fear.
Two figures stood on the mountain peak.
One of them was tall and although it looked humanoid, it was not wearing any clothes and it was covered with fur all over its body and face. Its arms were extremely long and slumped down naturally, extending to its knees!
It was clearly a demon beast!
The demon beast with long fur had a dark expression and stood on top of the mountain peak, gazing at an ancient city with a blood thirst in the depths of its eyes.
The other figure looked extremely strong with muscles that looked like steel. Covered with black and yellow stripes, it had a tiger’s head and its eyes shone fiercely.
The demon with the tiger head turned to look at the demon beast with long fur and whispered, “Boss, this ancient city withstood the test of time and is still standing right now. There’s also many cultivators guarding over it. It’s probably going to be difficult to take it down.”
“You’re afraid?”
The demon beast with long fur asked with a blood lust in its eyes.
“N-No!”
The tiger-headed demon shuddered and shook its head.
A moment later, the tiger-headed demon asked once more, “Boss, when are we attacking?”
“Hold on, he hasn’t arrived,” The demon beast with long fur shook its head.
“What if he doesn’t come?”
“He will definitely come!”
With that said, the demon beast with long fur turned around and opened its mouth, letting out a deafening howl towards the forests beneath the mountain.
The ancient trees swayed and countless demons dispersed.
...
Morning.
Su Zimo rode on the Golden Lion and arrived at the front entrance of the cave.
The Golden Lion looked listless and its eyes were even more lost than they were the previous day.
It was almost scared to death by Su Zimo the previous night and spent the rest of the night jittery, not daring to fall asleep. Now that it had to be awake this early, how could it have any energy left.
Of course, the greatest blow it received was mentally.
In its opinion, the only way it could leave now was if the scholar was compassionate enough to permit it to leave.
Otherwise, it would have to become a mount for this scholar for the rest of its life.
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect had reddened eyes and was drowsy as well.
Although this cave was extremely secluded, none of them dared to sleep when they heard the activity outside and spent the night fearfully awake.
Su Zimo was the only one who was energetic and seemed like he had a good rest.
He cultivated the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness and his breathing and expiration was conducted even when he was asleep without being affected.
Zhu Yue glanced at Su Zimo without saying anything.
Tang Shiyun smiled and nodded in Su Zimo’s direction.
Everyone arranged themselves and under Tang Shiyun’s lead, headed for the ancient city.
Along the way, Tang Shiyun traveled beside Su Zimo and was extremely curious about him. “Fellow Daoist Su, which region did you come from?”
“North Region.”
“Oh, we’re from the South Region. The South and North regions are separated by millions of kilometers. If not for the ancient battlefield, we might not have had the chance to meet. This can be considered as affinity too.”
Zhu Yue followed behind the two of them silently with a darkened expression.
Tang Shiyun said, “Ah, right! Glass Palace is from the North Region as well! You must have heard of them, Fellow Daoist Su?”
“Yes, we’ve had some interactions before,” Su Zimo replied.
When he heard that, Zhu Yue stifled a chuckle. “Fellow Daoist Su, be careful of biting your tongue when you brag! Glass Palace is one of the immortal sects. Since you aren’t affiliated to any sect or faction, how can you be qualified to interact with them?”
“That’s not for sure,”
Afraid of another conflict between the two of them, Tang Shiyun added hurriedly.
Su Zimo smiled without replying.
Along the way, the group encountered many human corpses on the vast plains – their flesh was not dried up yet and looked horrifying.
Those humans seemed to have died the previous night.
Most cultivators who could not find a place to hide or a city with humans before nightfall would find themselves dead!
Cultivators slewed demons and demons devoured humans as well.
That was the cruelty of the ancient battlefield where ferocious beasts roamed!
At evening, a row of dark, ancient city walls finally came into view at the horizon ahead.
A vicissitude city gradually enlarged in everyone’s eyes.
When they approached, they could see cultivators standing on top of the city walls with cold expressions and sharp gazes. Wearing the same attire, it was clear that they were from the same sect.
On the city wall above the city gates, a triangular flag was erected with a massive word etched on it – Glass!
Dozens of Glass Palace cultivators stood on both sides of the city gates.
When Su Zimo’s group arrived, the city gates were about to close and the Glass Palace cultivators urged impatiently.
One of the city gates guards glared at the group from Southern Duel Sect and extended his palm, remarking without emotions, “20 Soul Nourishing Blood Ginsengs per person!”
“What!”
“Isn’t it 10?”
“Why did it double?”
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect could not help but argue.
Tang Shiyun raised her brow as well, whispering to Su Zimo, “Normally, they collect 10 Soul Nourishing Blood Ginsengs from each person as an entrance fee into the city. For some reason, the price has doubled.”
“What are you complaining about?”
A guard remarked coldly with an icy expression, “The city gates are about to close. If you don’t have them, stay outside the city!”
When they heard that, the hearts of everyone from Southern Duel Sect sank.
Keeping all of them outside at this moment would be equivalent to sending them to their deaths!
Zhu Yue tidied his attire and headed front, saying deeply, “I am Zhu Yue from Southern Duel Sect. I wonder if an exception can be made?”
“Southern Duel Sect, one of the 108 upper sects?”
“Zhu Yue, someone from the previous Phenomenon Ranking?”
Two guards asked with a frown.
“That’s right!”
Zhu Yue declared proudly.
The two Glass Palace cultivators exchanged glances and nodded. “Alright, 10 Soul Nourishing Blood Ginsengs from you will do. The rest will still have to pay 20!”
They had to give some respect for any cultivators on the Golden Core Phenomenon Ranking since these were true paragons.
When Zhu Yue saw the firm attitude of the two guards, he did not push further and nodded.
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect was exasperated and could only hand over the Soul Nourishing Blood Ginseng that they had risked their lives for in the past few days.
Su Zimo did not have any Soul Nourishing Blood Ginseng.
Tang Shiyun helped him hand over 20 automatically.
Expressing his thanks, Su Zimo said in a seemingly casual manner, “I’ll return you 10 times that in the future.”
Everyone entered the city.
Throughout the journey, Zhu Yue had not said anything.
Now that he had finally regained some dignity, he looked at Su Zimo with a provocative expression and mocked, “Su Zimo, didn’t you say that you’ve had interactions with Glass Palace before? Why didn’t you greet them earlier on?”
“How come you aren’t acting cocky anymore in front of Glass Palace?”
Su Zimo did not say anything.
He could not be bothered with Zhu Yue.
That was because the moment he entered the city, he had already sensed a faint and imperceptible killing intent!
Countless eyes hidden in the darkness gazed past his body.
One after another, spirit cranes delved into the darkness.
“The bait has been taken!”Chapter 648: Dark and Windy Night
The remaining structures in the ancient city were almost entirely made from gigantic rocks and were filled with signs of age.
Some of them were mansions and others were comparatively cramped stone huts and rooms. There were even some huge palaces scattered around various parts of the city and their grandeur of the past could still be seen.
Of course, there were also many structures that looked relatively new in the ancient city that were built later on.
Although it was evening, there were many cultivators on the spacious streets of the ancient city and it was bustling.
Every few thousand feet, there would be Glass Palace cultivators walking on both sides of the streets.
There would even be cultivators patrolling in midair from time to time – security was tight!
“Strange,”
Zhu Yue frowned slightly and remarked softly, “Something seemed to have happened for Glass Palace to send this many cultivators for the ancient battlefield this time round.”
“I guess it’s because Glass Palace is trying to attain a better position on the Glass Palace Phenomenon Ranking?” A Southern Duel Sect said.
“No,”
Zhu Yue shook his head. “The Golden Core Phenomenon Ranking is an individual measure of strength and has nothing to do with the number of cultivators or the strength of any sect.”
Riding on the Golden Lion, Su Zimo listened to everyone’s discussions with an indifferent expression. However, a mocking look would flash through his eyes from time to time.”
“Fellow Daoist, please hold on,”
Zhu Yue held back a green-robed cultivator and asked with cupped fists, “Fellow Daoist, may I ask you what happened to Glass Palace? Why does it feel like they’re facing a great enemy?”
The green-robed cultivator looked at Zhu Yue from head to toe and asked instead, “Fellow Daoist, you’re not from the North Region, right?”
“I’m from an upper sect of the South Region, Southern Duel Sect,” There was a hint of pride in Zhu Yue’s voice.
After all, apart from the super sects of Tianhuang Mainland such as the immortal, Buddhist, fiend sects and unorthodox groups, the 108 upper sects were the most famous!
Indeed, the green-robed cultivator greeted them with cupped fists immediately upon hearing that and said softly, “Fellow Daoist, you don’t know but the monster incarnate of the North Region has returned alive once more!”
“Monster incarnate? What monster incarnate?”
Zhu Yue asked hurriedly.
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect closed in curiously.
The green-robed cultivator said, “There’s no other monster incarnate than the one from Divine Phoenix Island!”
“Ah!”
A look of realization flashed through Zhu Yue’s eyes.
He had heard about some rumors regarding the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island as well.
Back in the elementary ancient battlefield, that monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island defeated all paragons and overwhelmed strong foes beneath the Human Emperor’s Palace, obtaining the Human Emperor’s recognition. Not only that, he had caused quite a ruckus in Tianhuang Mainland.
The green-robed cultivator continued, “I heard that the monster incarnate openly declared war to Glass Palace before entering the ancient battlefield, saying that he was going to murder all Glass Palace cultivators who entered!”
Tang Shiyun could not help but ask, “Why?”
“I heard it’s because Glass Palace massacred 13 cities of mortals. That’s the reason why the monster incarnate wants to kill them,” The green-robed cultivator replied.
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect was stunned.
None of them could comprehend why someone would bother offending a major faction such as Glass Palace for the sake of mortals.
“How stupid!”
Zhu Yue laughed coldly. “A single Golden Core wants to go against Glass Palace. He truly doesn’t know his place!”
Tang Shiyun raised her brow slightly. “In my opinion, I think that this person isn’t bad by nature just with the fact that he’s willing to stand up for mortals.”
“Isn’t bad by nature?”
The green-robed cultivator sneered, “When the monster incarnate reappeared, he triggered a beast stampede and murdered millions of cultivators. There were mountains of corpses and rivers of blood and you say that he’s not bad by nature?”
“Ah!”
Tang Shiyun’s expression changed slightly.
Millions of cultivators... that was no small figure!
“That’s not all.”
The green-robed cultivator continued, “The dantian of the monster incarnate was destroyed 20 years ago. Right now, he’s a true blue demon. Anyone that isn’t of the same race is a common enemy of all cultivators in the world!”
Noticing cultivators of Glass Palace patrolling nearby, Zhu Yue remarked loudly, “That’s right! The reason why our generation of cultivators have cultivated is just so we can get rid of evil! If that b*stard dares to show himself here, I, Zhu Yue of Southern Duel Sect, will be the first to strike!”
The patrolling Glass Palace cultivators merely glanced at Zhu Yue indifferently before brushing past everyone.
The green-robed cultivator bid Zhu Yue farewell with cupped fists as well.
The group continued forward, prepared to look for an empty house to rest.
“Fellow Daoist Su, you’re from the North Region as well. Have you also heard of that monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island who murdered millions of cultivators?” Tang Shiyun turned and conversed with Su Zimo.
“I have,” Su Zimo nodded.
Seemingly interested towards the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island, Tang Shiyun asked, “Why did he have to murder so many cultivators?”
“Hmph, the reason is because he’s a demon while the cultivators are human!” Zhu Yue harrumphed and interrupted.
Tang Shiyun frowned and asked in confusion, “If so, why is he standing up for those mortals?”
“This...”
Zhu Yue was rendered speechless.
Turning around, Tang Shiyun asked again, “It sounds like this monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island used to be a human. Do you know what’s his name, Fellow Daoist Su?”
Su Zimo smiled gently and replied, “I think it was... Su Zimo.”
Everyone from Southern Duel Sect froze.
Suddenly, the air was still.
A strange mood filled the air!
“Pfft!”
Tang Shiyun was the first to laugh and reached out, thumping Su Zimo on the shoulder gently with her fist and teasing, “This joke isn’t funny at all!”
“What’s wrong?” Su Zimo asked with a smile.
Tang Shiyun replied, “Haven’t you heard from that guy that the dantian of the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island was destroyed? He has no spirit energy so how can it be you?”
When they heard that, everyone from Southern Duel Sect exchanged glances and heaved sighs of relief.
A moment earlier, everyone had truly thought that Su Zimo who was beside them was the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island!
However, Tang Shiyun’s words set everyone’s minds at ease.
The dantian of the monster incarnate of Divine Phoenix Island was destroyed while everyone had witnessed Su Zimo use spirit energy personally – the two of them could not be the same person.
The night darkened and the skies were dotted with stars.
Suddenly, a Glass Palace cultivator strode over quickly and stood still before Zhu Yue and the others, greeting with cupped fists. “Our sect is holding a banquet in the main hall of the city. We’d like to invite cultivators of Southern Duel Sect to participate.”
“Alright!”
Zhu Yue was delighted and instantly turned to look at Su Zimo with a proud and provocative expression.
Su Zimo was indifferent and merely looked up into the skies deeply. A faint smirk appeared on his lips as he murmured, “Killing on a dark and windy night...”
At the same time.
In the wilderness in a part of the ancient battlefield, a slightly rotund cultivator in gray robes walked idly.
He passed by countless ferocious beasts but none of them reacted, as though they could not see him!
Birds flew above his head, seemingly oblivious to this man as well.
The gray-robed cultivator held a folding fan and the fingertips of his right hands shifted and made contact with one another rapidly, letting go after every single touch as though he was divining something.
After a while, the gray-robed cultivator suddenly raised his head, sensing something.
“Hmm?”
His expression changed.
The countless stars in the heavens were shifting positions rapidly and the constellations above were completely disoriented.
“Psst!”
Gasping, the gray-robed cultivator had a grim expression. “What a strong killing intent to be able to move the heavens and cause the stars to shift! Something big is about to happen!”
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