《The Transcendent Immortal》


 Chapter 1-For What Do You Live

    "Everyone wants to live forever. But if he really can''t die, he will live to see everyone close to him dies one after another. In the end, he will have no one to care for and there will only be him and loneliness..."


    On the edge of a camellia-grown cliff stood a 16-year-old youth in white. The cold wind from down the cliff was touching his face and making noises on his clothes. The lonesome silhouette did not fit in this world at all.


    It was beautiful dusk with wind and evening glow. And it was a shame that a human could not fly on a sword and see the most beautiful scene of this world like an Immortal. The youth took two more steps ahead as some broken stones were brought rolling by his feet and fell to the endless abyss without resounding.


    He gave a sigh and took back the hesitating final step. It''s not that he had not jumped from here, he just survived from that suicide. Although his internal organs were all broken after that jump, he was fully recovered for no reason in seven days. He failed to die.


    "Chen''er..."


    At this moment, a middle-aged man''s voice rose from behind. The youth turned around and realized that there had been a man standing in the pavilion in front of him.


    The middle-aged man''s sideburns were grey, and he looked drained. It seemed that he was exhausted both physically and mentally. The youth slowly walked to him and asked gently, "Father, have you implored them again...?"


    The middle-aged man sighed and said with a bitter voice, "Chen''er, I''m sorry. I''m too weak to protect you..." He could not help giving another sigh before he could finish his words.


    The youth turned pale and said with a smile, "It''s fine. Don''t worry..."


    They said no more. The setting sun stretched their silhouettes longer and longer as if there was no end.


    The youth was Xiao Chen, the fourth young master of the Xiao Family in Cloud City. However, there was another piece of memory in him which belonged to thousands of years ago.


    At that time, there was rich Spiritual Qi in that world, and everybody could cultivate True Energy and fly on a sword. He was a disciple of the Mystic Cyan Sect, which was recognized as the best sect in the Immortal''s Practice, and also the one and only disciple of Ling Yin, the Immortal Miaoyin. His talent had been peerless since he was a child. When many cultivators were trying to figure out the Core Forming Realm, he had already reached the Realm which they could never reach in a lifetime.


    With his talent, he should have reached the Great Completion Realm and then survive the Ordeal to become an Immortal, ignore his destiny, and become an Immortal King of a region.


    However, a sudden incident ruined everything. He was framed. People contended that he colluded with the Devils and killed fellow brothers. He was convicted and his Nascent Soul was destroyed as a result.


    During that frame-up, only one person dared to believe and protect him against the public opinion. It was his master, Ling Yin. On the day of his execution, Ling Yin, with unmatched power and skill, managed to cheat those supreme deities and secretly sealed his Soul into the Samsara Jade which was the greatest magic treasure in Archean times.


    When he woke up again, he found himself in swaddling clothes, crying. When he came to realize that thousands of years had passed, he looked through every available historical record and ancient document. It turned out that he could not find any trace of his last era. Everything had changed.


    Not even a single word was related to that era, as if it completely disappeared at a certain point. Those Immortal Kings and Devil Kings who claimed to be undestroyable, along with the earthshaking wars between them, had all become myths and legends among storytellers.


    Having gone through a Samsara, his Fortune was halved. Everyone had his Fortune. One with good Fortune might be born in an imperial family, while he who had a poor Fortune might turn out to be a beggar in the streets.


    Therefore, nobody could imagine that as a peerless talent in his previous life, he didn''t even have a Spiritual Meridian in this life. This meant that he could not even generate a martial artist''s Internal Strength, not to mention absorbing Spiritual Qi from heaven and earth. He was worse than common people.


    "Chen''er, what''s your plan?" Xiao Yifan finally broke the silence with a low voice.


    "I..." Xiao Chen was awakened from endless memories, but he did not know what to say.


    Xiao Family had been an Ancient Clan of Martial Arts for thousands of years. Every family member was able to practice martial arts. If a member failed to reach Onefold before 16 years old, he had to be banished out of the family. It was a Clan Rule that could not be changed.


    All these years, Xiao Chen lived like a walking joke. Although he was a young master of the Xiao Family, some cleaners could look down on him in his face.


    Xiao Yifan sighed and said, "Those old men are your grandpa''s cousins. They are the ones to make decisions in this family. I can only beg your grandpa to not send you to some barbaric places out of the Nine Provinces."


    Xiao Chen turned around and didn''t say anything but looked at the opposite cliff. Clear spring water rushed down to the valley from both cliffs as water smoke rose in between. The sunlight shone on the mist, reflecting rows of brilliant rainbows.


    Therefore, this place was named as Rainbow Bridge. It''s said that Immortals lived on rainbows. But how could a common people ascend to a rainbow before they became an Immortal and be able to fly?


    Even in the era of his previous life, it was hard for an ordinary human to become an Immortal. Not only did it take abundant Spiritual Qi from heaven and earth but also an excellent talent. However, he lost both in this life.


    "Everyone in the world wants to be an Immortal, but few of them can make it. It''s just like this Rainbow Bridge. I can only stand and watch..." Xiao Chen sighed, ready to turn around and leave.


    At the very instant he took a step, an earthshattering thunder rose from behind and shook the Rainbow Pavilion. Both of them were startled. It was in the early spring in March, and thunders in this period of time couldn''t be so loud.


    Xiao Chen turned around and saw a dazzling radiance rising in the west. The white radiance stretched 30,000 meters high as it almost blocked the setting sun.


    Then, a cyan light glowed in the skyline and the clouds were rolling. Xiao Yifan murmured, "What''s happening? Why is the weather so strange?"


    They saw golden light glowing in the skyline as bolts of lightning and thunders raged. Two beams of light respectively in cyan and white flit through the changing clouds. They split up and collided from time to time, and each time they met, they seemed to be able to split heaven and earth.


    Xiao Chen was shocked deeply. This was not some strange weather. If he was right, there were two Cultivators fighting in the sky!


    But how could this be? He could not feel the Spiritual Qi from heaven and earth. If the Spiritual Qi was gone in this world, how could they cultivate to a Realm that could enable them to fly?! Was the Spiritual Qi still here?


    The two beams of light were moving toward Xiao Family''s place where numerous mountains stood. The brilliant radiance and roaring thunders shook the entire mountain and countless Xiao Family disciples who were practicing martial arts in the mountain.


    Xiao Chen was finally awakened. In his previous life, he had experienced countless fights between Immortals and Devils. Nobody else here was more aware of the horrible power in a fight between cultivators. Everything could be crushed under the shockwave of magic spells. Even a Tenfold martial artist would be instantly destroyed into nothingness under the shockwave.


    "Father! Get out of here!"


    However, it was too late. A row of residual shockwave dashed toward them as Xiao Chen threw himself on his father. He then heard a huge rumble from behind, and the cliff was shattered into dust; the camellias were turned into ashes.


    Even Xiao Chen was 20 meters away from the explosion, his blood was running fast and his heart was beating violently as he heard drones and saw stars. The disciples hurried here and witnessed the fight. They saw two beams of light colliding again and again with destructive, imposing aura.


    Some disciples were scared and paled. They trembled and fell onto the ground. They had been practicing martial arts all their lives and had never seen such a strange scene.


    Some clever youths seemed to realize something. At this point, they forgot that they used to mock at Xiao Chen and looked at him, saying, "Hey! Undead Chen! Is this the Immortals fight that you used to say?"


    The two beams of light were getting closer to them. With a huge rumble, the peak of a mountain was sliced off smoothly, and then, masses of broken stones were sent flying to the Rainbow Pavilion.


    A dozen elders rushed here and immediately exerted their Internal Strength to block the stones while yelling, "Get out of here!"


    Most disciples ran for their lives, except for some daring ones. However, some unlucky disciples were hit by the stones. They spat blood and were sent flying far away.


    At this point, two figures appeared in the sky. They stood opposite on their swords as the sea of clouds kept rolling under. One person had white hair and beards, wearing a cyan robe and holding a Duster. He looked like an Immortal Elder came down from heaven.


    The other wore a white dress dancing with the wind and held a white Immortal''s Sword. She stood high in the sky with her eyes as sharp as lightning, and looked like the Dark Lady of the Nine Heavens.


    The Xiao Family disciples were stunned. Gosh, someone in this world actually cultivated to become an Immortal! The Immortals did exist! To them, only an Immortal was able to fly on a sword and casually broke a mountain.


    Although many people had heard stories about the Immortals from storytellers, they looked at the two Immortals with admiring eyes. They had been practicing martial arts all their lives. Even if they attained to perfection, could they fly on a sword? Could they block a single Sword Qi from an Immortal?


    Some people were still running to the Rainbow Pavilion to see what was going on. Xiao Chen shouted at them, "Stand back! Keep away from here!"


    Xiao Yifan was already stunned, mumbling, "Chen''er, what''s going on?" At this moment, he forgot his identity and remembered that Xiao Chen had always talked something about becoming an Immortal.


    All of a sudden, things in the sky changed again. The two people engaged again and released dazzling golden light. The violent Sword Qi directly cut off the top of four or five mountains; grass and woods were instantly ravaged into ashes.


    Due to the short distance, many disciples were instantly blown away by the strong wind from the fight. Everybody now felt doomed. If the two people had gotten closer to the Xiao Family, this Ancient Clan of Martial Arts with thousands of years of history would have been destroyed in the blink of an eye.


    A red-robed elder looked frightened and couraged himself to shout at the sky, "Distinguished Immortals, please pity and spare us humans, don''t fight here..." Before he could finish his words, a row of residual Sword Qi directly sent him off.


    In the eyes of the Immortals, humans were just like small insects. The two Immortals in the sky could not hear his words at all.


    Xiao Yifan finally came to his senses. He pulled Xiao Chen to leave this dangerous place. However, Xiao Chen got rid of him.


    "Father, you go ahead."


    Xiao Chen turned around and looked at the sky with keen light in his eyes. As a flying sword controlled the energy of heaven and earth, all these were the Immortals'' magic spells he used to be familiar with.


    He shouldn''t pick himself up. He had to ask them what happened to him! Why could they generate the True Energy and cultivate to the Realm that enabled them to fly, yet he, knowing the most genuine cultivate method and could not feel the Spiritual Qi from heaven and earth!


    In the eyes of those humans, the two people in the sky might be the Immortals. But he was clear that the two people were just at Core Forming Realm, not even the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Thinking of this, he took a deep breath and rushed to the mountaintop.


    Xiao Yifan turned pale in fright and shouted, "Chen''er, come back!" He moved his feet and played the lightness skill, trying to catch Xiao Chen. However, an unexpected row of Sword Qi shockwave fiercely blocked him back.


    Xiao Chen turned around and said, "Father, go home! I must go there!"


    "Don''t! You''ll die!" Xiao Yifan clearly knew that his son wanted to become an Immortal. But how could they mortals do this?


    Xiao Chen smiled and said, "No, I won''t die." Then, he sped up and rushed to the mountaintop.


    He didn''t know whether he would die or survive. He just knew that there would not be another chance if he missed this one. He didn''t want to be expelled from the family or let his father live in the shadow of the others.


    The thing he hated most was to live a mediocre life!

 Chapter 2-The Fight between the Immortals

    Many Xiao Family disciples saw this and started to chatter, "Is Undead Chen crazy? Is he trying to die again? Yeah, it can''t be wrong. He failed to commit suicide last time, and he must be seeking death from the Immortals!"


    Xiao Yifan had already been scared as hell. Regardless of the danger, he ran his Internal Strength and rushed to Xiao Chen like a lightning bolt. However, a 30-meter-long Sword Qi with white radiance suddenly descended from above and blocked him back again.


    With a huge rumble, the Sword Qi cut off the path between the Rainbow Pavilion and mountaintop, revealing a 30-meter-wide gorge. As good as his lightness skill was, he was not able to cross the gorge under the strong wind.


    Seeing the only son madly running to the mountaintop with the possibility of being killed every second, he almost collapsed, shouting, "Chen''er, come back! I''ll go beg for the elders! They won''t kick you out of the family..."


    But Xiao Chen could not hear a thing. Even if he heard the words, he won''t turn back because this was his only chance. He had to get to the highest mountaintop to let the Core Forming Realm Cultivators notice him.


    All of a sudden, a boulder smashed at him. The Xiao Family disciples down below cried out in horror. Xiao Yifan was even frightened out of his wits. The moment the boulder crushed Xiao Chen, his heart died as he trembled and fell on the ground. He murmured, "Chen''er... Chen''er..."


    In the distance, every Xiao Family disciple stared agape. Although they had usually bullied Xiao Chen, Xiao Chen was one of the Xiao Family. Their hearts ached upon seeing his miserable death, possibly because they had no one to bully anymore.


    However, after a short while, the boulder moved as Xiao Chen crawled out. Despite the wounds all over his body, he was still alive. Everyone gasped upon seeing this. Xiao Chen''s "Undead Body" lived up to its reputation.


    Xiao Yifan''s face lit up as he shouted, "Chen''er, hide! Quickly!"


    But Xiao Chen could hear nothing but buzzing sounds. He only wanted to do one thing! It was to reach the mountaintop as fast as he could because the two Core Forming Realm Cultivators might leave here any minute.


    He shook his feet and continued frantically rushing to the mountaintop. The Xiao Family disciples were shocked and shouted, "Hey! Don''t go there, Undead Chen! We won''t bully you anymore!"


    A dozen elders'' faces also changed. They were not worried about his death but his offending the Immortals. One of the elders shouted, "Xiao Chen, come back! We can give you three more years!"


    The wind was howling as the stones were showering. Xiao Chen could not hear a word. Even if he did, he would not turn his back. This was his only chance. The two Immortals would not notice him unless he reached the top.


    However, when he proceeded for just 250 meters, another stroke of power violently pushed him against the stone wall hard.


    Well-built as him, he could not help spurting out a mouthful of blood. But he did not stop and continued running to the top. He had to get there as soon as possible before they left!


    Xiao Yifan stopped shouting and seemed to realized something. Xiao Chen was definitely not doing this to commit suicide, and he must have a plan.


    At this moment, he just silently watched his son being blown away by the strong wind and then rose up time and time again. He now became certain that if his son survived today, his son would definitely amount to something!


    He prayed inwardly, "The moment this kid was born, there was an ominous sign in the sky. Good gods in heaven, I pray to thee, please spare my son. I''m willing to trade my life with his..."


    In about half an hour, Xiao Chen finally made it to the mountaintop. He was exhausted and heavily wounded; his white clothes were stained with blood. But the two Immortals did not notice him, who was just an insignificant existence.


    "Please stop fighting!"


    Although he knew this was ridiculous, he had the slightest hope and shouted the words in the common language of thousands of years ago.


    The result was obvious. The two people ignored him. He then shouted again with the language in this life, and they still ignored him.


    He shouted again and again. However, the two engaged Immortals would not risk their lives to answer him. Therefore, he picked up a piece of stone and threw it to the sky, trying to catch their attention. But he did not have the strength to throw it high enough. Even if he did, the stone would be shattered by the strong wind.


    The Xiao Family disciples were dumbstruck. "Is he really crazy?" A dozen elders looked worse.


    Finally, Xiao Chen''s strength was drained as he weakly fell on the ground. He just watched the fight in the sky, ignoring the scattering Sword Qi falling aside that could destroy him into nothingness.


    The fight in the sky now became more violent with turbulent True Energy, and numerous mountaintops were sliced off. All of a sudden, a few rows of Sword Qi in different colors appeared in the sky, and each of them was more than 30 meters long. They then instantly combined into a white, huge sword. This sword was the enlarged version of the woman''s sword.


    The huge sword glowed with a dazzling white radiance as if it contained the power that could destroy heaven and earth. It slashed downward and the sky darkened. The cyan-robed elder swiftly moved fingers and chanted spells to transform the duster in his hand into a huge golden net that covered the incoming Sword Qi.


    The woman''s face turned pale because she was feeble after having spent too much True Energy. The cyan-robed elder caught the chance and swept his duster, casting out six rows of white radiance. He kept chanting spells as the white radiance instantly surrounded the woman in white.


    "Oh no!" It was too late for the woman to escape as she was trapped by the six light beams, which were covered with partly hidden and partly visible talismans. No matter how hard she stroked, nothing happened on the light beams.


    Xiao Chen''s eyes shone as he immediately recognized the Sixfold Trap Formation, which was specifically used to trap people. In his last life, he was proficient at formations, hence he was able to recognize this formation on sight.


    The cyan-robed elder''s eyes burst out cold light, and he said, "Miss Mu, my sect holds no grudge against you. Why did you steal our Closing-sky Mirror!?"


    The woman in white smiled coldly and said, " What? Transcendent Immortal Tianyun, you hunted me from Violet Manor to this Human World, only for this?" She stroked at the light beams after saying so.


    The cyan-robed elder said coldly, "Save your strength. This formation is the exclusive skill of our sect, and nobody had ever escaped from it. Hand over the Closing-sky Mirror and I won''t punish you since it''s the first time that you do this. Otherwise, after three quarters, you will be turned into blood and perish!"


    Xiao Chen was frightened upon hearing this. As a Cultivator, this old man had a heavy murderous aura. His words were true though, this woman stood no chance of surviving today.


    Thinking of this, Xiao Chen started to recall the method to crack this formation. He then waved his hand and the woman inside the formation finally noticed him in a miserable condition.


    The opportunity had come! He raised his volume as much as he could and shouted, "Miss, listen! The Qian (Heaven) is ?, the Kun (Earth) is ?, the Li (Flame) is ?, and the Kan (Water) is ?..."


    Numerous Xiao Family disciples down below were dumbfounded. "What is he talking about? Is he teaching the Immortals how to fight? He must be crazy for sure!"


    Suddenly, the cyan-robed elder looked at him coldly. He then swept his duster as the clouds dispersed and an unmatched power dashed downward.


    In the frightened cries of countless disciples, a figure suddenly flew toward the mountaintop and then flashed back. Subsequently, with a huge rumble, the mountaintop was completely smashed.


    When the crowd came to their senses, Xiao Chen was already in the Rainbow Pavilion, and an old man in a light red robe stood beside him. This man was Xiao Chen''s grandfather, Xiao Changfeng, who was also the chieftain of the Xiao Family, and his martial arts achievement was unfathomable.

 Chapter 23-Ye Shaochong

    Two wind chimes were hanging on the eaves of a house. The style of the wind chimes resembled the one hanging on that girl''s carriage.


    "Who on earth is that girl? We don''t even know about each other. Why did she help me like this?" Xiao Chen was confused.


    "Okay then, I''m leaving, Junior Brother. Remember to take the entrance ceremony tomorrow morning." The disciple in teal said.


    Xiao Chen smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay. Farewell, Senior Brother Teal Clothes."


    The disciple coughed and said, "I''m not Teal Clothes. My name is Qing Shi." He then flew to a high peak on the sword radiance.


    "Ah..." Xiao Chen yawned and stretched. It had been so long since he left home, and he finally settled down. Lil Ruo said, "I''ll go boil some water for Young Master."


    "Okay, good." Xiao Chen nodded and was going to the house when footsteps suddenly rose outside.


    "Nobody lives here anyway. Don''t waste it. We brothers, the three of us, can live here. Nobody knows who lives here. If someone asks, we can just say that the elders arranged it."


    "Sounds good. As a prince, I can''t live in that kind of woodshed."


    Xiao Chen coughed and cleared his throat. "Who said that nobody lives here?"


    "Is it... Is it Senior Brother Xiao''s voice?"


    The Three Princes rushed to Xiao Chen with joy and said, "Senior Brother Xiao, it''s really you! Why did you come back?"


    Xiao Chen shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "I think that I''m just bounded with you three people. We are fellow disciples from now on."


    "That''s great. With you on our back, we can bully anyone!"


    "Alright, alright. You three can go back now. You can take part in the entrance ceremony again with me tomorrow."


    The three princes left when Xiao Chen shook his head and smiled. One of the advantages of staying in the Outer Gate was that he would not be haunted by Shangguan Yan. While thinking of this, he suddenly felt a gust of evil wind blowing on his back. He swiftly turned around and fortunately it was just wind, not Shangguan Yan.


    Two hours had passed, night fell and stars shone. Xiao Chen lay on the couch when a silver-haired youth suddenly appeared in his room.


    "Evernight, why did you come out?" He stood up and asked.


    Evernight glanced at him and then walked to the window. Gazing at the numerous stars, Evernight said, "This place is abundant with Spiritual Qi, so it''s a good place for you to cultivate. But, kid, don''t forget your ultimate goal."


    "I know." Xiao Chen nodded his head. He carried a mystery of thousands of years. He had to reach the Foundation Building Realm as soon as possible to go to Violet Manor. There could he solve the mystery and find his master.


    "So, you''d better not have too many karmas with people here. You will leave this place eventually. If you have some affairs with some women here, there will be one more ordeal in your next life."


    "Okay, I know this..."


    The next morning, Xiao Chen went to the gathering place of Sunset Peak disciples. His entrance ceremony could basically be ignored, but the major event today was the "Apprenticing Ceremony" for the 50 new Outer Disciples.


    Of course, this was not a real Apprenticing Ceremony because the Outer Disciples didn''t have masters. The ceremony today was for an Outer Disciple to find an Inner Disciple to take charge of himself; to put in simple, was to find a backer.


    Each of the five elders sent his disciple to Sunset Peak, including Mo Yu, Wen Qingyu, Luo Shangyan, and the others. The Sunset Peak disciples, even the elders here, treated them respectfully.


    Without a doubt, most of the 50 disciples went to Mo Yu''s line. Wen Qingyu looked unhappy. Maybe it was because her own master introduced the three princes yet she treated them coldly; as a result, she might have been scolded by her master.


    At this moment, she saw the three princes walking forth and shot them a cold glance. She then said impatiently, "You three, come over here."


    Prince Zhao looked at her, snorted dismissively, and then walked to Luo Shangyan. "Hi, Senior Sister Luo, please take care of me henceforth!"


    "You!" Wen Qingyu angrily gnashed her teeth.


    Needless to say, Xiao Chen joined Luo Shangyan''s side. She was a bit shocked upon seeing him.


    After the ceremony, the elders'' disciples left on their swords, while the Outer Disciples could only stand and watch them leave. Then, many senior disciples started to lecture newcomers, saying things like respecting your master and senior brothers. Those senior disciples established their positions by saying so.


    They were disciples from the last session, or even last few sessions, so they had higher cultivation levels and stronger social networks than newcomers, who could only quietly listen to lectures. If any one of the newcomers disagreed, he would be slapped in the face by those seniors without fighting back.


    Of course, those newcomers who had just joined Mo Yu''s crew would be spared from physical contacts.


    Xiao Chen shook his head. Those "seniors" were just at late-stage Body Refining Realm. Fortunately, none of them came to lecture him.


    Thinking of this, two youths walked to him. When they were about to say something, the three princes took out the jade plates and asked, "Are you from the State of Qi, the State of Yan, or the State of Zhao?"


    "Uhh..." The two youths looked at the jade plates and walked away, looking for someone else to lecture.


    Prince Qi''s face looked quite proud with his thumb up. He pointed at Xiao Chen and said, "This one is our Senior Brother. Leave us alone. Senior Brother Xiao''s cultivation is at Lv 1 Qi Refining Realm. How dare you scums come to lecture us?"


    His voice was pretty loud, hence many people looked at them. Many seniors thought that they were challenged and surrounded Xiao Chen.


    "Lv 1 Qi Refining Realm? Why don''t you say that you''re at Lv 1 Foundation Building Realm?"


    The three princes looked disdainful and were about to retort, when Xiao Chen glared at them and said in a deep voice, "Shut up! Don''t make trouble for me!"


    At this point, a man in red who was leaning against a big tree narrowed his eyes with his arms crossed on his chest. He spat out the grass in his mouth and said to the two people beside him, "Go ask his name."


    The two men immediately nodded respectfully and then walked over to Xiao Chen. The others made the way upon seeing the two men coming.


    One of the two men walked in front of Xiao Chen, glared at him and said in a loud voice, "Hey! What''s your name?"


    Prince Qi stepped forward and pointed back with his thumb, saying, "My Senior Brother, Xiao Chen. Remember that."


    The man nodded and said, "Xiao Chen? Okay then, come to the back of the mountain later." He then tilted his head, gesturing the other to leave.


    "Sorry. No time."


    The man paused, turned around slowly, and asked, "What did you say?"


    Prince Zhao raised his head and said, "My Senior Brother said ''no time''! Do you hear...?" Before he finished his words, he was sent flying backward by a Shadowless Kick.


    Prince Qi and Prince Yan rushed to help him up. Prince Zhao held his chest and said with hatred, "Senior Brother, he dares to hit me..."


    Xiao Chen glared at him and said, "You deserve it! I think it''s not hard enough!"


    "Not hard enough?" That man narrowed his eyes and punched at Prince Zhao in a flash. His move blew up a gust that caused people nearby to retreat rapidly.


    This punch was weak, even weaker than that of Xiao Yuan. Xiao Chen raised his hand to hook his arm and took advantage of that man''s momentum to throw that man 16 or 17 meters away, stirring up dust. This was Xiao Family''s martial arts technique¡ªdeflecting one thousand pounds with only four ounces of energy.


    The crowd exclaimed upon seeing this. The other man ferociously charged at Xiao Chen and then was thrown back to his company in the same way.


    The crowd was exclaiming. They were not admiring Xiao Chen''s technique but the fact that he dared to touch those two men.


    "It seems that the newcomers this year are dominant."


    As the voice fell, a figure in red suddenly attacked from Xiao Chen''s back. Xiao Chen''s Divine Sense was swift enough to found the figure, and then he turned around rapidly and punched out. The two attacks met, stirring up dust and soil. Under the shock wave, two big trees nearby were shaking and many people were sent flying.


    The crowd exclaimed, "He can even trade a punch with Senior Brother Ye!"


    Xiao Chen took back his hand. He looked fine on the outside, but the True Qi in his body became extremely turbulent under the blow. He could judge that this man had reached Lv 2 Qi Refining Realm.


    The man in red squinted and said, "Not bad. But you''d remember this: my name is Ye Shaochong. On the Sunset Peak, if I want you dead at 1 a.m., you won''t breathe after 5 a.m. If you really want to die, I''ll grant your wish."


    "Hehe, Ye Shaochong, what else can you do except for bullying the newcomers?"


    At this point, a man in green walked here in the distance with a dozen people following behind him.

 Chapter 61 The Decisive Battle on the Floating Platform Part 2

    Chapter 61 The Decisive Battle on the Floating Platform (Part 2)


    As his voice fell, the long sword in Xiao Chen''s hand turned into a row of golden radiance and dashed out, bringing up a huge wave of wind. Mo Yu lifted his sword to block the attack. However, he had consumed too much energy before, so he could barely block this incredible attack. "Clan!" Finally, his Immortal''s Sword was broken into two pieces, and he was sent flying backward.


    The crowd burst into an uproar, and people exclaimed one after another. The First Elder trembled as cold sweat appeared between his brow. Chu Hanyan stood by his side, and her face also changed slightly.


    As for the dozen ordinary elders beneath them, they could not believe what they just saw. How could a Foundation Building Realm cultivator be sent flying by a Qi Refining Realm cultivator?


    Mo Yu landed on the ground, and he was still in shock. That blow was even mightier than his Lv 5 Foundation Building Realm attack. How could this be?!


    Xiao Chen smiled casually and said, "Men like you, who take pills to increase cultivation, will never understand why."


    "Humph. Is that so?" Blue veins stood out on Mo Yu''s forehead, and his eyes became horrifying. Suddenly, he thundered, "Earth Devil''s Blaze!"


    In a flash, the whole Floating Platform turned into a sea of fire. The blaze dashed into the sky with tumbling black smoke. Even the crowd on the ground felt the heat.


    As a result, cheers rose again. The eyes of the First Elder and the others burst out approving light. Among the disciples, only Mo Yu could wield Fire magic spells so well.


    "Humph. Are you going to fight with magic now? Unfortunately, I happen to know a little bit about Water magic spells."


    Xiao Chen smiled faintly and jumped into the air. He then punched at the platform twice. In a split second, dragon roars shook the sky as two blue water dragons more than 100 meters long descended from the sky in an imposing, unstoppable manner.


    Looking at the two giant water dragons in the sky, the crowd was struck dumb. They then exclaimed, "Gosh! What spell is this? Can''t it be some long lost ancient spells?"


    This was the second move of the Dragon Roar Palm from the Mystic Cyan Sect: Water Dragon Roar.


    Mo Yu was horrified. How could there be such a powerful Water magic spell? Before he could think more, the blaze on the platform had been put out. Among the rising white mist, a figure rushed downward from above. Mo Yu could not react until he was kicked away.


    All the people on the ground held their breath. Xiao Chen''s attack just now was so quick.


    "Humph. You can defeat me in neither swordsmanship nor magic spells. As for martial arts? Humph. You can give up."


    Xiao Chen walked to him slowly with a smile on his face. It seemed that he had overestimated Mo Yu before. He supposed that Mo Yu''s cultivation was no higher than Lv 2 Foundation Building Realm and was too unsolid.


    "Hehehe..."


    Mo Yu wiped off the blood on the corner of his mouth, and his face suddenly became very gloomy, while darkness appeared between his eyebrows. He said coldly, "Is this all you got?"


    Before his voice fell, he suddenly disappeared and reappeared in front of Xiao Chen, and kicked at Xiao Chen''s abdomen.


    Xiao Chen''s body twisted. Before he could react, he was already sent into the air. He felt like his bones were broken.


    "Whoo!" The crowd exclaimed again. The elders'' faces also changed. Mo Yu''s ophryon turned dark, and a faint, black air shrouded his arms. This was absolutely not a Cultivator''s skill! This was an evil, strange skill.


    "Let you taste my Blood-turning Devilish Skill!" Mo Yu smiled coldly and appeared behind Xiao Chen again.


    "Blood Devil Spell!" As his voice fell, countless rows of blood-red sword Qi rained down. Smoke and dust spread all over the platform, so the crowd could not see clearly what was happening above. But judging from the shaking degree of the platform, the sword Qi there were definitely unbearable for a normal cultivator.


    Li Muxue, Luo Shangyan, and some others had their hearts in their mouths. Murong Xian''er was also looking at the Floating Platform, murmuring, "Brother Xiao Chen..."


    Moments later, the platform quieted down. A bleak voice rose from above, "Humph. He''s dead. I, Mo Yu, win."


    Li Muxue and the others instantly turned pale. Tears burst out in Murong Xian''er''s eyes as she said, "Brother Xiao Chen..."


    No one spoke in the square, and there was no wind. Under such a formidable sword Qi attack, even if Xiao Chen had his "undead" body, he could not hold it.


    A gust of wind suddenly blew away the smoke and dust. At the next moment, the square burst out a heaven-shaking cheer and acclaim. No one could believe that Xiao Chen was still standing under such a horrible attack!


    A dozen ordinary elders were so excited that their bodies kept shaking. Even they could not block that kind of damage.


    Mo Yu''s face was full of horror and he kept mumbling, "Impossible! No way! How can you still be alive! Even if you are not hurt by the sword Qi, how could you withstand the death Qi of the Blood Devil Spell!?"


    Xiao Chen wiped off the blood from the corner of his mouth and sneered coldly, saying, "Dead? Haven''t someone told you that I''ve got a nickname called ''Undead Body''? Things like death Qi is my favorite..."


    "I don''t believe it!" Mo Yu looked mad. He gave a battle cry and charged to Xiao Chen with his hand shaped as a claw.


    Xiao Chen smiled coldly and said, "It''s over." After saying so, he started chanting spells.


    "The 13th Devil-vanquishing Print of the Mystic Cyan Sect, Mystic Sky Print!"


    As his voice fell, a huge square, gold seal suddenly appeared in the air, and the runes on it were looming. The seal was dazzling and looked divine.


    Under the radiant light, Mo Yu felt his whole body was stinging. He hurriedly raised his sleeve to cover his eyes.


    Xiao Chen still kept the hand gesture that cast the print. He thundered coldly, "Bastard! You''ve practiced Devilish Skills. Today, Yi Chen, the first disciple of Immortal Miaoyin from the Yaoguang Temple on the Violet-night Peak of the Mystic Cyan Sect, will cut off your devilish root!"


    As his voice fell, the huge seal descended to Mo Yu. "Sizzle. Sizzle. Sizzle." His body had a light noise as teal smoke rose from it. His face twisted and he shouted, "No! Please let me go! Please..."


    The First Elder''s face changed and said, "Xiao Chen! Mercy!"


    When there were only three meters left to Mo Yu''s body, the seal stopped descending. Xiao Chen swung his sleeve and said coldly, "Today, I''ll spare you. You should do what you should do!" He then stepped down to the square.


    Under the leading of the three princes, cheers rose one after another.


    Mo Yu lay on the Floating Platform, seriously injured with blood stains all over his body and hair unkempt. A figure suddenly flew above. He raised his head and muttered, "Senior Sister Chu, I..."


    Chu Hanyan looked at him and shook her head, saying, "I''m going back to the Violet Manor. You take care of yourself." Her tone had a deep disappointment. She then rode on the sword, flying away.


    "Senior Sister Chu! Don''t leave me here!"


    Mo Yu wanted to get up and go after her, but he was drained. He then laughed madly before he shot a cold glance to the square and said coldly, "Humph. You forced me to do this..."

 Chapter 96 Condensing Sword with Qi

    Both men smiled at each other. One of their bodies shifted, assaulting Xiao Chen''s front like a streak of lightning. The other leapt into the air and attacked his head from mid-air.


    They had discerned clearly Xiao Chen''s moves. Furthermore, they were fast. If Xiao Chen dealt with the earthbound fighter, he would have been sneak attacked by the other from mid-air. Likewise, he would be assaulted by the one on the ground had he paid attention to his airborne companion.


    Sure enough, after pushing the man on the ground, Xiao Chen was hit by his airborne companion on his shoulder. He was fortunate to be protected by his Mystic Skill and did not suffer any serious injury. However, now he was shackled hand and foot. He could not deal with both men simultaneously.


    Unless he could conjure up a doppelganger outside his own body through his willpower. This doppelganger must have the same abilities as himself. Yet only a Nascent Soul cultivator could do this. And his Mystic Green Skills needed to reach the Core Forming Realm before he could execute it.


    The two worked flawlessly in tandem with each other. Although Xiao Chen was nimble, he was soon at a disadvantage. He was very nearly hurt by a few vicious Sword Qi in his carelessness. The Zhou State warriors beneath started to yell angrily, "Hey, two fighting one! It''s not fair!"


    Those from the Qing State yelled back as well. "In the last match, didn''t you people do the same?"


    No matter what the din was outside, Xiao Chen could not allowed himself any distraction. He gradually found himself in a fix, his every stroke and movement restrained by both men. He could not execute his skills at all.


    Under the platform, Luo Shangyan frowned deeply, her hand clutched tight. Xiao Chen''s heart sank. He could hide no more. He had not dared to use too much of his Mystic Cyan Cultivation Method or the Yaoguang School skills as he realized shrewdly that Xuanyue''s eyes were already shining with a peculiar light.


    Right now, he moved his fingers slightly to cast a spell and started to execute the Immortal Illusive Steps from the Immortal-override Steps. Illusionary shadows streaked here and there. It was almost impossible to tell which was his true body. The two men immediately lost their advantage. Shocked gasps broke out from beneath. "The Illusionary Duplication! The long-lost Illusionary Duplication! Could he be a disciple of the Ancient Immortal Clan?"


    The Immortal-override Steps was an original creation of Ling Yin. There were 36 stances. It was most marvelous for attack, defense, or simply to escape an enemy. Yet a touch of feminine grace could be detected from its body movements. But Xiao Chen was so gifted; he changed the stances so that he resembled a handsome young man instead.


    Surprised gasps rose and fell from under the platform. The two men could not tell which of the one dozen shadows was his true body. Their flying swords hacked wildly and they were soon injured by Xiao Chen, their defense lapsing.


    Xiao Chen''s form resembled a phantom. At times he leapt up and at others he shifted sideways on the platform. There were times he merged with the illusionary forms, at others he split into three. Indeed, he was as unpredictable as a deity or a demon. The two men opposite him began to panic. They felt as if they were sneak attacked by countless foes. Dodging one form, they realized it was unreal, yet had they stood still, it might turn out to be the real Xiao Chen himself.


    Far away on the high platform, Yu Wenji was beaming and cheering loudly. By his side Princess Xuanyue, however, started to frown deeper and deeper. She asked herself, "How did he even learn the Coalesced Colors Equal to Dust skill, which hasn''t been imparted to an outsider before? He seems to execute it exceptionally! Where did this man come from... ?"


    The battle lasted for 30 minutes. The two Qing State cultivators finally lost and were hurled down the platform. A commotion rose among the crowd. Only a single cultivator was left from the Qing State. From his earlier duels, it looked as if Xiao Chen would easily defeat his final opponent.


    However, they did not realize that beneath his seemingly easy conquest, the battle was really full of risky strokes and moves. Now, even Xiao Chen had exerted much of his True Energy. He would be at a grave disadvantage were he to fight on.


    Suddenly, a figure flashed and a cyan figure landed on the platform. It was none other than Ouyang Yu. He approached Xiao Chen a little and asked in a deep voice, "Where is Ah Xue? Is she here? Where is she?" When he saw Xiao Chen leap up the platform, he began to search frantically for Li Muxue''s figure but did not find her.


    The thought of Li Muxue wrenched Xiao Chen''s heart. He said coldly, "I want to know that as well. Where have the Skygale Sect taken her?"


    "Taken who? I don''t understand you!"


    "Alright, stop talking and draw your sword now!"


    "You!" Ouyang Yu was quite enraged. "Don''t think that I can''t beat you. This is the Violet Manor, not the Human World! There are no restrictions here!"


    "Then you can try," Xiao Chen answered coldly. He observed the man and realized that he must be at Lvl 3 Foundation Building Realm. There were no restrictions in the Violet Manor. He had exerted too much of his True Energy earlier and was not confident now. He only wanted to enrage his opponent to disturb him psychologically.


    Upon seeing the two men freeze, those under the platform began to talk. "What happened to them? Did they know each other? Were they former enemies?"


    Suddenly, a deep, vigorous voice resounded on the high platform. "It''s 11! Stop the fight and recommence at one o''clock!"


    There were to be two hours of rest and the extra hours benefited Xiao Chen greatly. Ouyang Yu waved his robe sleeve coldly. "Don''t disappoint me in the afternoon." He stood on his toes and floated down the platform.


    Xiao Chen too turned to step down. He walked down to where the Teal Jade Sect disciples were. Ten of them immediately clustered around him. Even Liu Fenghuang was grinning. "Are you hurt, Junior Brother Han?"


    Xiao Chen smiled lightly and shook his head. He walked over to Liu Yunzheng''s side and cupped his fists. "Master." Liu Yunzheng nodded. "Well done. You''ve worked hard."


    Yu Wenji and the rest also came forward, one after another. It seemed that the Zhou State was about to lose when Xiao Chen turned the tide. Victory today would depend on the final duel. The Penglai Islanders were naturally very displeased. Many of them started to look disdainful. "That''s because we did not step out to fight. How else could you have hogged the limelight?"


    Penglai Island was the strongest and their three competitors would take part on the second and third day. Even the best Qing fighter today out of the eight was only in the middle stages of the Foundation Building Realm. Their best warriors were reserved for the next two crucial rounds. They thought that they would easily win the first. They had not anticipated Xiao Chen''s interference.


    Two hours passed quickly. The first day of the Immortals League Competition had reached a most intense climax. The competitors from both states went up the platform, saluted each other and began to strike.


    Xiao Chen had recovered his True Energy somewhat. His palm blow was exceptionally powerful, overturning the floor tiles, causing large fragments to fly. Ouyang Yu was unwilling to be outdone. Their palms clashed and the winds and clouds turned violently. Waves of qi began to overlap; those closer to the Wind Floating Platform began to feel a massive wave of energy spreading to themselves.


    "Ice Freezing Skill!" Ouyang Yu suddenly took out an Immortal''s Sword and moved his fingers to cast a spell at the sword. The surrounding temperature began to drop drastically. A 20-centimeter thick sheet of ice began to form on the platform instantly. Even Xiao Chen''s feet were caught in the ice.


    "Gold Break!" With a bellow, Xiao Chen executed a stroke from the Xiao family''s ancient martial arts. His fist blew the ice half a meter away apart. Splinters of ice swirled in the air. Xiao Chen executed another stroke, almost sweeping away ten thousand soldiers. The shreds of ice in the air instantly transformed into countless blades, whistling toward Ouyang Yu.


    "A mountain of peace!" Ouyang Yu chanted an incantation. With a buzz, several icebergs emerged all around him, blocking off the ice shreds assailing him.


    "Sky Incinerating Sun!" Xiao Chen finally executed the fire-style magic arts of the Mystic Cyan Sect. The flames rose to 10 meters high, its dark smoke billowing. The entire Wind Floating Platform seemed wrapped in fiery flames. Numerous people felt the unbearable scorching sting on their faces and retreated backward.


    When the fire had subsided, they saw Ouyang Yu''s entire body wrapped in an Ice Barrier. Suddenly, a sword radiance flashed. An icy sword streaked out to hack at Xiao Chen. Its coldness was quite extreme and it seemed to freeze the air wherever it went. Xiao Chen ducked and the flying sword skimmed past his shoulder. All at once, a chill entered his body. Even his hair and eyebrows froze with a thick layer of icicle.


    "It''s cold frost! Cold Frost Sword!" All at once, someone yelled out below in astonishment.


    Cold Frost Sword was ranked 17th in the Tome of Legendary Weapons. Only a Mystic Ice Body could practice it. Otherwise, the practitioner would suffer the counter-effect of the chilling cold assaulting his heart. Ouyang Yu had just such a rare Mystic Ice Body.


    Xiao Chen did not dare understimate him. He hurriedly chanted an incantation and erected a Defense Barrier all around his body. He did not dare to face the sharp edge of the Cold Frost Sword since its coldness was too extreme. Soon, he was in a disadvantageous position.


    The Qing warriors cheered relentlessly while Yu Wenji began to frown deeply. This duel decided the outcome of today''s battles. But Xiao Chen had no weapon to ward off the cold frost. There was really no help for it.


    Originally, his Unsullied Immortal''s Sword in the Divine Vessel was ranked 7th, far above Cold Frost. However, the Unsullied Sword was a gift from Yu Yifeng and the Jade Qing Sect was from the Qing State. If he had flashed it out, they might suspect him to be from the sect.


    Ouyang Yu went on a fierce offensive. Xiao Chen could not parry Cold Frost directly and his entire body was covered in a layer of ice. His actions slowed gradually. Suddenly, his fingers moved and he cast a spell. Immediately, a half-illusionary, half-substantial Immortal''s Sword appeared in his hand.


    With a loud ding, it struck out and parried the stroke from Ouyang Yu''s Cold Frost Sword. Astonished gasps arose from below. "Condensing Sword with Qi! Has he reached the Core Forming Realm?"


    Condensing Sword from Qi was a skill of a Core Forming Realm Cultivator. Yet this sword which appeared right now in Xiao Chen''s hand was a real Immortal''s Sword condensed out of True Qi.


    Array Formation... Illusionary Duplication. And now, Condensing Sword with Qi. This anonymous young man seemed to give them so many astonishments from the start.


    The crowd from the Zhou State burst into cheers. He was turning the situation around again.

 Chapter 97 Drunken Words

    Ouyang Yu also frowned. He frowned not because Xiao Chen had condensed an Immortal''s Sword which could ward off the cold frost, but because he felt from the bottom of his heart that his opponent was better than he was, although he did not like to admit it. His sword whizzed through the air, aiming between his opponent''s brows.


    Xiao Chen leapt back several meters and flicked the Immortal''s Sword in his hand upward, warding off the stroke. The Immortal''s Sword he had condensed out using his Mystic Cyan Skills could not last long. He needed to defeat his opponent quickly. Ouyang Yu drew back Cold Frost and realized that a flying sword assault was of no use. He turned and made a sword gesture with his left hand. With his right, he brought his sword forward to stab. Suddenly, he was flicking and lifting the blade. Although his sword strokes seemed frantic, it had its own set of rules. Almost immediately, he blocked off Xiao Chen''s escape routes at both sides.


    Every sword stabbed out was accompanied by the sound of wind and snow, leaving behind streaks of shadow. Ouyang Yu started to execute his strokes with greater rapidity. Most people could no longer see them clearly; they felt as if snow and wind were swirling in the air, and every splinter or flurry seemed an extremely vicious Sword Qi. Although Xiao Chen''s condensed Immortal''s Sword could parry off Cold Frost, it could not ward off the impenetrable Sword Qi.


    Below, many were already nodding to themselves. "The sword skills of the Skygale Sect are indeed unique and powerful."


    "The reason why I master this Fierce Wind and Flying Snow skill was because Ah Xue enjoys a snow scene! Have you ever understood her?" Ouyang Yu had already regarded Xiao Chen as his rival in love. Before he had finished his words, his sword had stabbed out.


    Xiao Chen was momentarily distracted. His arm was grazed. Liu Fenghuang knitted her brows and yelled, "Go all the way, Junior Brother Han!" Liu Yunzheng beside her said in a deep voice, "Don''t distract him! He is memorizing the other man''s sword strokes!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Chen flicked the Immortal''s Sword in his hand upward and struck off the Cold Frost Sword. Quickly afterward, the sword shadow multiplied into three, warding off the Sword Qi assault from both sides. Ouyang Yu''s heart sank. "Has he seen through my moves?"


    Xiao Chen''s sword pierced forward and deftly avoided the other man''s attack. Then, he turned the stab into an upward flick. With a loud whizz, he left a grazing wound on Ouyang Yu''s shoulder. Astonished gasps resounded from under the platform. "He has managed to break through such impenetrable sword moves!"


    It was not over yet. After that upward flick, Xiao Chen immediately switched the sword into his left hand. With another whizz, Ouyang Yu''s other shoulder was also grazed. Following that, Xiao Chen kept changing his sword skills. It was more deft and ingenious than Ouyang Yu''s impenetrable sword moves. None of his sword stabs were false strokes; every one landed on his opponent''s body.


    The audience below cried and gasped unceasingly. They had never before witnessed such wondrous sword skills. Soon, a dozen gashes appeared on Ouyang Yu''s body. These were his final two strokes: one, an upward flick sending Cold Frost from his hand into the air; the other, the sword inching a few centimeters before the latter''s throat, before the man could react.


    At this moment, had Xiao Chen exhaled his True Energy and sent Sword Qi streaking forward, the man would be dead. Ouyang Yu gave a sigh. He regretted having pitted his sword skills against Xiao Chen''s. No matter what, he was no match to him in the sword. Although he did not want to, he had to admit, "I have lost."


    Clamorous cheers broke out from under the platform. Amid the cheers, Ouyang Yu recalled his Cold Frost Sword from the distance. His lonely figure retreated, his back disappearing into the crowds.


    Yu Wenji also got up and exclaimed about the wonderful performance. Not only did Xiao Chen win, it also meant victory for the day. Following that, they needed only one win out of the next two rounds.


    Watching the lonely silhoeutte disappear into the crowds, Xiao Chen put away his Immortal''s Sword. Fresh blood dripped out from his arm.


    Liu Fenghuang instantly soared up to the platform and rolled up his sleeve. She discovered seven or eight sword gashes on his arm and gasped in shock. "You are wounded!"


    Xiao Chen shook his head. "I''m fine." His heart was still recalling Ouyang Yu''s words. He had never understood Li Muxue, just like he did not bother to understand Flower Yet-ending in the past.


    The first day of the competition was over. Xiao Chen fought four men alone and turned the tide. He won for himself instant fame, across the streets and alleys of White Cloud City. Even small children composed catchy tunes after him.


    In the evening, the Zhou Emperor, Yu Wenji, held a victory banquet to celebrate their first triumph. Even sects which had not participated in today''s duels congregrated in his palace. Many Sect Leaders toasted Liu Yunzheng to congratulate him. Such an outstanding talent had emerged from his Teal Jade Sect. They would surely be highly regarded by the Zhou State. All of them had to ingratiate and play up to him. Only the Penglai Islanders looked unhappy.


    In the palace, the fragrance of good wine permeated as pipes and strings played melodies together. A dozen beautiful dancers stood in the center performing a dance. Songs and dance went on unabated. Over at Xiao Chen''s side, a few dancers handpicked by Yu Wenji were urging him to drink. Soon, Xiao Chen was tipsy.


    When the songs and dance ended, Yu Wenji said delightedly, "Young Master Han is truly a talent of our great Zhou State. I wonder what request you have?" He wanted to reward Xiao Chen for turning the tide today, and also spur the other sects to greater glory through this.


    Xiao Chen pushed aside the wine vessel brought to him by a dancer and got up unsteadily. "Your... your Majesty! I do have a request you could grant."


    Everyone was a little surprised. Mere courtesy made the Zhou Emperor mention a reward before the company. But Xiao Chen was just a little disrespectful to urge a reward before everyone. Hopefully, his request would not go too far.


    Yu Wenji laughed and said, "Speak up, Young Master Han. I can agree to anything." He said this to show his generosity and to remind him not to ask for anything excessive.


    Liu Yunzheng vaguely realized something and whispered, "Sit down, Han Chen! Don''t be disrespectful!" Xiao Chen seemed not to have heard. He eyed Luo Shangyan sitting beside Yu Wenmu and saw her lowering her head and was silent. He spoke up loudly. "I beg Your Majesty to play the matchmaker and marry Miss Luo to me!"


    His words shocked everyone in the palace. Even the instrument players were stupefied and put down their instruments. The smile on Yu Wenji''s slowly froze. Liu Yunzheng stood up. "Han Chen! Stop your nonsense! After the Immortals League Competition, I will pass the divine zither over to you! Sit down, quick!"


    "Please give us your blessings!" Xiao Chen ignored Liu Yunzheng and spoke out again.


    This time, even Luo Shangyan had raised her head. Liu Fenghuang, on the other hand, bowed hers down, a grieved expression flashing across her face. Chu Lingjiao knitted her brows tightly, the look in her eyes turning colder and colder.


    Everyone cast a look at the Third Prince, Yu Wenmu, sitting in a secondary seat at the front. Although he had not officially proposed a marriage to the Teal Jade Sect, their relationship was long known throughout the Zhou State. Right now, he smiled lightly and asked, "Is Young Master Han drunk?"


    "I''m not!" Xiao Chen waved his robe sleeve with a downward flick and stared coldly at him. "Senior Sister Luo has never... " Before he had finished, Liu Yunzheng bellowed out at Liu Fenghuang. "Your Junior Brother is drunk! Send him back to rest!"


    Before Xiao Chen could speak again, Chu Lingjiao had inched to his side. "You are drunk. I''ll bring you back for a rest." Then, she pulled him out of the palace hall.


    Back at the lodge, Chu Lingjiao gave him a forceful push into his room and shut its door and windows with a loud thud. She said coldly, "What do you mean by this?"


    Xiao Chen had had too much to drink. His brain was already inebriated and falling into a swoon. He placed his head squarely on the bed and said no more. He was thinking just now: as long as he could prevent the marriage of Luo Shangyan and Yu Wenmu, he would not need to run from the Zhou State, or implicate the Teal Jade Sect. Why was he so concerned now about the sect... ?


    Chu Lingjiao snorted coldly. "You will only alert them unwisely! Just two more days! You''d better not make any more errors!" With that, she whisked her sleeve and left. She was very angry. It had been a settled deal. Xiao Chen''s act made her feel betrayed.


    Xiao Chen stared quietly at the ornamental carvings of the ceiling. The words of Luo Shangyan that day resounded in his ears again. "And you, what can you give me instead...?"


    Over at the palace, Yu Wenmu was pacing here and there in his room after the banquet. He was livid. "He is too puffed up with success!"


    Xuanyue smiled quietly. "Why are you so angry? Father hasn''t agreed to his request." Yu Wenmu answered, "But... there were so many people today! He said that before such a big company... "


    "Alright, you''d better calm down. I will take care of the rest."


    ¡­


    The following day, Xiao Chen slept until late noon. For the past few days, Liu Fenghuang would wake him up in the early morning. She did not come today.


    After rinsing his mouth and a wash-up, he saw the shadows slanting. It was already one. This was the day when Gu Hanxuan and Chu Lingjiao would step out to fight. There would even be Core Forming Realm Cultivators on the platform from the Qing State. He wondered about the situation at the Teal Jade Sect. Xiao Chen changed into another attire and went out of the palace, heading toward Wind Floating Platform.


    Today, the Zhou State had lost consecutive duels and not won. Even the two disciples from Penglai Island had lost. Yu Wenji looked absolutely miserable. Xiao Chen saw Liu Fenghuang in the crowd and cried out to her, "Senior Sister Liu!"


    Liu Fenghuang acted as if she did not hear and tried disappearing into the crowds. Xiao Chen pushed his way through and grabbed hold of her. "Why didn''t you answer me? Have you seen Senior Sister Chu?" He knew Chu Lingjiao should be competing today but did not see her despite searching the entire place.


    Liu Fenghuang turned her head back and forced a smile. She seemed to be hiding something. "Junior Brother Han... Senior Sister Chu... I haven''t seen her today either."


    Xiao Chen saw her strange look and asked, "Why didn''t you come and wake me today?" Liu Fenghuang hummed and hawed. "Oh... I thought you were already here."


    Xiao Chen did not pursue the matter. After a long while, Liu Fenghuang lowered her head and then lifted it up again. Finally, she asked in a soft voice, "Do you like Miss Luo?"


    "What?" Since there was such a din around them, Xiao Chen did not hear her clearly. Liu Fenghuang gave a smile. "No... nothing!"


    Xiao Chen saw that she was behaving extremely strangely today. He was about to ask her about the duel situation when a loud crash sounded in the crowds. Another person from the Zhou State had been hurled down from the Wind Floating Platform. Yu Wenji was the face of misery and sadness. He did not want to watch on.


    Xiao Chen focused his eyes and gazed upward. He saw that it was Qian Yeli standing on the platform. The man had a cultivation roughly Lvl 7 Foundation Building Realm. After that, he heard Liu Yunzheng shouting loudly in all directions. "Lingjiao! Where are you?"


    Liu Fenghuang dashed over. Liu Yunzheng asked, "Have you seen your Senior Sister Chu?" Xiao Chen too walked over. "I haven''t seen her today either."


    She would be the next to go. Liu Yunzheng became more and more anxious, even a little angry. He said to the few disciples beside him, "Go and search her out now!"


    Gu Hanxuan answered, "I''m afraid it might be too late." He cast a glance at the Wind Floating Platform. The presiding officers were already quite impatient. He had to take part in the next duel and could not stand in for Chu Lingjiao.


    The surrounding company all started to talk among themselves. Many cast a look in the Teal Jade Sect''s direction. Liu Yunzheng flicked his sleeve. "Ai! She... why has she gone away at this moment?"


    Liu Fenghuang said, "Why don''t I compete on Senior Sister Chu''s behalf?" She was already at Lvl 3 Foundation Building Realm. Although Qian Yeli was already at Lvl 7, he had exerted much during his last few duels. If Liu Fenghuang won this duel, even if she lost later, Chu Lingjiao could still compete the next day.


    Liu Yunzheng said, "I''d rather let your Senior Sister Shen go instead!" Liu Fenghuang grinned. "It''s alright, Dad. You must believe me!" With these words, she swept a gaze at Xiao Chen from the corners of her eyes. Then, she stayed on no longer and soared up to the Wind Floating Platform.


    "I will fight this duel on Senior Sister Chu''s behalf!"


    Xiao Chen watched her faint figure and felt vaguely that she had fought on Chu Lingjiao''s behalf because she preferred not to stay with him. Although Qian Yeli''s cultivation was higher, he had exerted too much energy in the last few duels. There should be no problem.


    At this moment, a nonchalant voice rang out. "Junior Brother Qianye, you are tired. Go down and take a rest. I shall fight this duel." Before his voice had settled, a figure had landed on the platform.


    Xiao Chen was shocked. Bad news! It was Ling Yingfeng, whose cultivation was at the Peak of Lvl 9, Foundation Building Realm. He might even have broken into the Core Forming Realm. Xiao Chen felt that this man''s gaze was icy, as if aiming revenge on himself!

 Chapter 98 A Crushing Defea

    t


    The rules of the competition stated that victors did not need to continue. They could choose to step down and rest, only returning to the platform for the final duel.


    Qian Yeli nodded. "In that case, I will leave this duel to Senior Brother Ling." After this, his figure shifted and he drifted down the platform.


    The crowds were still deep in discussion. One was at the first stages of the Foundation Building Realm. The other, its Peak. It was a total mismatch. She had better admit defeat.


    Ling Yingfeng smiled quietly. "After you, Junior Sister Liu." As he spoke, he gazed over to Xiao Chen either intentionally or unintentionally.


    Liu Fenghuang gave a clear shout. She brandished her Immortal''s Sword and hacked at him. Ling Yingfeng lightly flicked at the blade and sent it flying backward. Everyone below gasped. There was no way she could defeat him!


    Still, Liu Fenghuang did not give up. Once again, she executed the skills of the Teal Jade Sect. Suddenly from the mid-air came countless sword shadows, like a shower of swords raining on Ling Yingfeng. This was originally the sect''s superior sword skill. Liu Fenghuang did not executely it poorly, but the gap between them was too great. Ling Yingfeng chanted incantations a little and erected a golden barrier around himself. Instantly, those countless sword shadows vanished into nothingness.


    After 30 minutes, Liu Fenghuang was utterly breathless and yet she could not hurt Ling Yingfeng even a bit. All the onlookers were wondering to themselves: Ling Yingfeng could have easily defeated her. Why did he only defend and not attack?


    Suddenly, at the periphery of the Wind Floating Platform soared light columns into the sky. The light columns were linked by a indistinct light screen. Ling Yingfeng had set up a formation and sealed up the Wind Floating Platform. Right now, no one from the outside could enter, nor could anyone escape from within. Yet the competition rules only stipulated a win for the one who threw his opponent down the platform. What did Ling Yingfeng mean by this?


    Oh dear! Xiao Chen vaguely detected something and shouted, "Senior Sister Liu! Get off the platform and admit defeat now!" It was too late. Ling Yingfeng streaked like a shadow toward Liu Fenghuang and she could not evade his attack. With a loud boom, she was thrown backward, slamming against the light screen at the edge of the Wind Floating Platform, then bouncing back in.


    "Poom!" There was another loud thud. Liu Fenghuang''s belly had been kicked by Ling Yingfeng. Her feeble body flew away uncontrollably.


    Before the crowd could react, Ling Yingfeng placed his foot on Liu Fenghuang''s back from mid-air. Everyone could hear the sound of bones crushing. Liu Yunzheng turned completely pale. "Stop!" He was about to dash up the platform when the voice of the presiding officer resounded. "Sect Leader Liu! I''m sure you know the competition rules!"


    This man was in the later stages of the Core Forming Realm. His voice was naturally very intimidating. The rules of the competition permitted no intervention by anyone unless a competitor admitted defeat or was thrown down the platform. Yet, right now, Ling Yingfeng had sealed off the Wind Floating Platform. Obviously, he wanted to torment Liu Fenghuang.


    Although Xiao Chen did not know any emnity between the two, he knew that Ling Yingfeng was simply showing off to him. With every attack on Liu Fenghuang, he would smirk coldly at Xiao Chen. He wanted him to witness Liu Fenghuang''s excruciating torments, to avenge his brother Ling Yuxuan at the Skygale Sect in the Human World.


    "Stop at once, Ling Yingfeng! Come after me tomorrow if you have the guts!" It was Xiao Chen who had roared out this time. Ling Yingfeng continued smirking and pretended not to hear. He unleashed another fist on Liu Fenghuang''s abdomen.


    "Puff!" Liu Fenghuang spew a mouthful of blood. She could not even talk, let alone defend herself. As she tottered unsteadily, Ling Yingfeng gave her another kick. She soared backward and again, dashed herself against the periphery light screen, bouncing back.


    "Stop! We admit defeat, admit defeat!" Liu Yunzheng''s enraged eyes were about to tear open. The rules of the competition, however, stipulated that only a competitor could admit defeat. The others had no right to speak for them.


    At this moment, Ling Yingfeng did not give Liu Fenghuang even a chance to admit defeat. He poked wildly around her body and sealed her speech acupuncture point.


    He smirked coldly at Xiao Chen and suddenly started to hit Liu Fenghuang'' major acupoints. He was trying to destroy the foundation of her cultivation and maim her for life.


    Liu Fenghuang''s face showed extreme pain. She kept throwing out blood but could not cry out. The presiding officers on the platform frowned. "Should we go down to intervene?"


    Yet the rules of the competition forbid any external intervention. This rule had never been broken before in the past century. Just as they were still hesitating, a dragon roar suddenly resounded. Two blue ice dragons soared up to the platform and instantly broke through the barrier formation at the periphery. A figure streaked up.


    It was Xiao Chen. He executed another Water Dragon Roar at Ling Yingfeng. His other arm grabbed Liu Fenghuang and they soared down the platform together. Once below, he immediately imparted True Energy into her body.


    Liu Fenghuang''s body was now drenched in blood as she collapsed limp into his arms. Her breath was extremely shallow. Liu Yunzheng soon came and took out a jade bottle from his robe linings. He poured all the pills into her mouth.


    "Oh, no! She is too badly injured! Get Senior Sister Luo here!" He glanced in all directions but could find no trace of Luo Shangyan anywhere.


    "Miss Luo is in the palace! She isn''t out yet!"


    "Go back to the palace!"


    Right now, Xiao Chen could not be bothered about the duels. He left quickly with Liu Yunzheng to the palace to find Luo Shangyan. Luo Shangyan was surprised. "Why was she so badly injured?"


    "Don''t ask, Miss Luo! Save my daughter, quick!"


    Luo Shangyan did not ask more. She started to treat her. After four hours, Liu Fenghuang recovered a little. By now, all the others had returned to the palace. Unquestionably, the Zhou State must have suffered a crushing defeat today. Even Gu Hanxuan had not beat Ling Yingfeng.


    Chu Lingjiao returned from nowhere. Liu Yunzheng was too concerned about Liu Fenghuang''s injury to question and reprimand her. Xiao Chen, however, could vaguely guess her schemes a little.


    Night was falling. Luo Shangyan was too exhausted and went back to rest. Xiao Chen continued staying by Liu Fenghuang''s bed.


    "Junior Brother Han... will I still be able to practice in the future... ?" After Luo Shangyan''s afternoon treatment, Liu Fenghuang had recovered somewhat. She was still unable to mobilize her inner strength. She fell into his arms and wept.


    Xiao Chen caressed her back gently and said in a soft voice, "You will. Don''t let your thoughts go wild. Senior Sister Luo will come again. She says it will only take one or two days to treat you." His eyes gleamed coldly as he said this. Ling Yingfeng, I will let you pay for this!


    Liu Fenghuang continued to sob. After a long time, the door suddenly opened. Luo Shangyan stood by the door, staring blankly at them. Liu Fenghuang quickly pushed Xiao Chen aside upon seeing her enter.


    Xiao Chen got up and said, "Senior Sister Luo, sorry to trouble you." Luo Shangyan nodded but did not speak. Xiao Chen continued, "I must return now. I won''t be back." He stared at Liu Fenghuang again before leaving the room.


    After leaving, he did not return to the lodge at once. Instead, he went to Chu Lingjiao''s place.


    "Where did you go in the day?"


    Chu Lingjiao smiled lightly. "What''s wrong? Are you aching for your dear Senior Sister Liu?"


    "You have been her Senior Sister for years. Aren''t you concerned about her at all?"


    Chu Lingjiao smiled faintly, wiping the sword in her hand. "I am concerned about the divine zither. Why should I care about her?"


    Xiao Chen said coldly, "You deliberately disappeared today so that she could fight in your stead? And get injured?"


    Chu Lingjiao gave a titter. She seemed to have overheard the most amusing joke. She laughed. "Let her fight in my stead? You think I''m as crazy as you, to play such childish tricks?"


    "Hmmph!" Xiao Chen flicked his robe sleeve angrily and was about to go, when Chu Lingjiao called out after him. "There''s one day more. You''d better not try anything stupid. Follow all my plans."


    "You don''t have to remind me!" Xiao Chen remarked coldly and left.

 Chapter 99 Battling Ling Yingfeng

    The third day''s competition would be the most tense. On this day, storm clouds congregated in the sky. It was almost as if the dark clouds were oppressing the city, trying to shatter it.


    This round determined who the final victor of the Immortals League Competition would be. It decided the master of the Spiritual Meridian. Due to their defeat the day before, Yu Wenji and the rest wore a solemn expression. They all went to the Wind Floating Platform to await the day''s first duel.


    Right now, the most powerful competitor from the Zhou State was Ye Wuhen, at the first stages of the Core Forming Realm. Only Xiao Chen was left from the Teal Jade Sect. The better fighters from the Qing State, however, had not yet competed. The Zhou State''s predicament was not optimistic.


    As the Sword Qi soared into the air, two human figures shifted and went up the platform. The Zhou State sent out Xiao Chen. Qian Yeli would have fought for the Qing State, but the one standing on the platform right now was Ling Yingfeng. He smiled nonchalantly. "Junior Brother Qianye has something on. We will switch places. I''m sure you won''t object to this arrangement, Junior Brother Han."


    Xiao Chen said coldly, "This suits me well!"


    It was actually an oppressive day. The onlookers below were suffering from spells of low spirits. This duel immediately roused them. One was a famous Heaven List Cultivator, the other a mysterious dark horse and this year''s upstart. Who would emerge the winner? Many people started to cheer loudly.


    Ling Yingfeng smiled lightly and said, "Did you enjoy yesterday''s duel?"


    Xiao Chen''s finger joints started to crack as he remarked coldly, "Why talk so much? Let''s fight!" With these words, he unleashed a Cyan Dragon Roar at the man.


    The dragon roar shook the heavens. Ling Yingfeng could sense that its power far exceeded that which he had witnessed in the Human World. He did not dare underestimate it. Instantly, he condensed a Barrier. Unexpectedly, however, his back was kicked and his body slammed forward.


    Astonished gasps rose under the platform. It was a false illusionary move by Xiao Chen. His true form had gone behind him instead. Ling Yingfeng steadied himself and sneered. "How interesting. Your skills have improved."


    "I will repay you with interest for what you did yesterday!" As his voice resounded, he executed the Immortal-override Steps again. In a flash, he had streaked before his opponent. Ling Yingfeng could not tell which was his true form. He hit out a palm behind himself forcefully. Before he had unleashed the palm, however, his left ribcage had been kicked and he lost his balance. Thanks to his high cultivation, he managed to steady himself at once. However, he did not expect Xiao Chen to kick him again, sending him into the air.


    Unceasing gasps broke out from below. Three consecutive attacking moves, and a Heaven List Cultivator could not reply! They did not know that Xiao Chen had already executed his Immortal-override Steps to the extreme. He knew that his inner strength could not match Ling Yingfeng''s at the Peak of the Foundation Building Realm. He could only win using the peculiar movements of the Immortal-override Steps.


    However, in doing so, he could not deploy his True Energy for other magic spells. His attacking prowess was greatly compromised. Although the three attacks seemed ferocious, they did not constitute much damage to Ling Yingfeng.


    Ling Yingfeng steadied himself and his gaze turned gradually cold. Although he was not seriously hurt, Xiao Chen had made him look bad. He cried in a deep voice, "Lad, it''s all ending now!" With these words, he moved both hands to cast a spell. Instantly, his body was enwrapped in a golden sheen, lighting up the dark surroundings.


    The raging wind began to howl. The surrounding True Energy started to fluctuate. Ling Yingfeng seemed to merge into a streak of lightning, bolting immediately toward Xiao Chen to assault. Xiao Chen did not dodge. Their palms clashed directly as heaven and earth changed complexions. The entire Wind Floating Platform quaked. Below them, many were feeling the force. So these two men were getting serious! They all began retreating backward for fear of getting hit.


    "Poom!" There was another massive thud. The Wind Floating Platform shook again, as if it was collapsing. The True Energy from its surroundings tremored unceasingly and turned into a chilling strong wind, whipping the faces of close bystanders.


    Xiao Chen had mobilized his True Energy to its extreme. After two palm blows, he felt his Qi weaken. The other man''s cultivation exceeded his by too much. It was a most unwise tactic to fight directly. Ling Yingfeng stood composed on the ground and sneered. "What''s wrong? Are you losing steam already?"


    Xiao Chen did not answer. He soared up with a powerful leap 100 meters into the air. Dragon Roars were heard resounding in the sky, as a dazzling white radiance enveloped Xiao Chen''s entire body. He appeared like a war deity, accompanied by golden dragon images. Like a meteor, he streaked down upon Ling Yingfeng on the ground.


    Helped by his upward leap, he had executed the Dragon Roar Palm to the extreme. Below him, all the people exhaled a cold breath. If he hit down, wouldn''t the entire Wind Floating Platform be wrecked? Even the presiding officers on the higher platforms felt its terrible force. Yu Wenmu and Princess Xuanyue combined their forces and erected a Barrier to shield Yu Wenji and his Empress.


    Ling Yingfeng frowned somewhat. His opponent''s palm strength loomed over the entire Wind Floating Platform and there was no place to hide. Suddenly, his hands began to move as he cast a spell. A light screen emerged above his head. Below it, faint talismanic inscriptions scrambled. By now, Xiao Chen''s palm strength had landed. There was a clamorous boom. The entire Wind Floating Platform started to quake. Faint cracks began to appear at certain spots.


    The powerful force overwhelmed the place. The entire Wind Floating Platform was shrouded in smoke and dust. Wild gales blew under the platform. Many could not open their eyes. After a long while, the dust and smoke finally dissipated. Xiao Chen was still midway in the stance of striking his palm down from the air, while Ling Yingfeng was trying desperately to keep his light screen from shattering.


    Suddenly, there was a crisp, clear sound. The light screen above Ling Yingfeng''s head had shattered. Sparks showered down like raining stars everywhere. The light screen was the Ling Family''s most formidable Big Dipper Barrier, but it had been shattered into smithereens by Xiao Chen''s palm blow.


    Ling Yingfeng''s countenance turned ghastly pale. Although the Big Dipper Barrier had shielded him, he felt Xiao Chen''s shattering palm had churned all the blood and Qi within himself. He bellowed and sent his True Energy surging, throwing Xiao Chen out in the process.


    Xiao Chen landed and steadied himself. A streak of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a momentary boom. Soon, dense raindrops the size of soy beans began to fall.


    It was raining! Both men on the platform were soon completely drenched. The onlookers below forgot to look for a place to take shelter. Those with umbrellas put them up; the rest condensed a Qi shield above their heads.


    "Lad, you are very strong. Unfortunately, you met me! I don''t believe you can execute the Ancient Forbidden Arts today!" Ling Yingfeng''s gaze was icy, as he enunciated each word clearly.


    Xiao Chen was completely drenched. The hair from his temple stuck to his face and rain trickled relentlessly down his chin. That palm was already the greatest attacking move he could muster. Yet it could only break through Ling Yingfeng''s shield... unless he executed Dragon''s Wrath.


    He was not certain whether he could execute Dragon''s Wrath completely. If his attempt resembled the last time when he failed, he would be unable to avenge Senior Sister Liu and might even end up like her after exerting all his True Qi.


    Right now, he was struggling internally. This battle would decide not only if he could avenge Liu Fenghuang, but also the state''s victory. He knew what to do later, but for the moment, he could only help the Teal Jade Sect win this duel, and the Zhou State win the Immortals League Competition. He needed to pacify the Zhou Emperor so that he would not get too mad at the Teal Jade Sect later.


    "Come! Let me see an ant''s greatest power!" Ling Yingfeng broke his line of thoughts. He assaulted like a streak of lightning. Xiao Chen mobilized his energy and forced it out. Their palms clashed and a huge boom resounded. Even the raindrops in the air were vaporized by their palm strengths.


    Their strokes became swifter and more powerful. They mobilized their True Energy to the extreme. The mists on the platform grew thicker as more raindrops became vaporized. A moment later, a white fog had enveloped the platform. No one could see the two. They could only hear sounds emerging from the fog.


    Countless people started discussing. This was the first time such a thing had happened. Right now, no one could see the battle situation. The presiding officers on the high platforms stared at one another. Some shook their heads, others nodded. No one knew what they were saying. Perhaps it was to decide whether to halt the competition and continue after the rain.


    Just when a presiding officer was about to shout for them to stop, numerous dark clouds began to congregate low in the air. These sudden dark clouds were very different from the storm clouds just now. Everyone stopped their discussions at once, as though sensing an ancient power amid the clouds.


    The presiding officers began to frown. "Where is this force from? Is someone trying to interfere from the outside?"


    More and more dark clouds gathered and they edged down lower and lower. Suddenly, a massive dragon head appeared in their midst, its eyes bulging angrily, eyeing all the people. Everyone panicked. "A dragon! It''s a dragon! How come a dragon is here?"


    Everyone was quite awed by the dragon, an ancient life form known only in mythology. Only a few presiding officers with higher cultivations knew that someone had employed mystic arts. The dragon was an illusion, not a true form.


    Suddenly, fierce gales began to rage. The vapors on the platform dissipated. Everyone could now see clearly what was on the platform.


    They saw Xiao Chen mumbling incantations, and an immobilized Ling Yingfeng trapped seemingly by some mystic arts. Although the Dragon''s Wrath was very powerful, its force could be broken when executed for too long. Xiao Chen decided to burn his boats. On one hand, he executed the Dragon''s Wrath; on the other, he tried to temporarily trap his opponent with the Mystic Cyan Seal.


    All of a sudden, that great dragon roared from the clouds and started to swoop down at Ling Yingfeng. Those below the platform began to yell and gasp. "An Ancient Forbidden Art! So he is a disciple of the Ancient Immortal Clan! Their disciple!"


    The Ancient Immortal Clan! How this name evoked awe! According to legend, most Immortals and Devils perished during an ancient war, leaving only a small number who survived. They were now called the Ancient Immortal Clan. Their magic arts were infinitely subtle, their cultivations profound and unfathomable.


    The Ancient Immortals rarely appeared amongst mortals. Their emergence today would surely cause an upheaval in the entire Violet Manor. For a long time, there was the saying, "When the feather surfaces, none dares to defy it."


    It was said that a certain sect of the Ancient Immortal Clan would send out disciples to prepare for an Immortal''s Practice Conference. The token for the others to assemble was a feather. Any sect defying this token and failing to attend would pay the price.


    Xuanyue''s expression became more and more solemn. Even she had not seen before the magic spells Xiao Chen was executing right now.


    On the platform, Ling Yingfeng''s eyes bulged wide. "I don''t believe! I don''t believe you can execute an Ancient Forbidden Art!" Saying this, he broke free from the seal and soared down the platform, launching himself on his tiptoes. When he reached to the periphery, however, he suddenly bounced back upon encountering a Barrier.


    It was the Barrier Formation erected by Xiao Chen. He said icily, "I''ve told you! Today, you will pay back with interest what you did to Senior Sister Liu yesterday!"


    "Dragon''s Wrath!"


    Everyone was left breathless by this terrible suppressing force. The massive dragon finally landed. WIth a mighty crash, the entire Wind Floating Platform collapsed. Pebbles broke loose everywhere. The crowd all condensed Barriers to shield themselves from the larger stone pebbles straying out from the Wind Floating Platform.

 Chapter 100 Leng Ningfeng

    When the smoke and dust had settled, the rain stopped too. The storm clouds dispersed and the sky was clear for thousands of kilometers. Rays of golden light shone down. A rainbow arched in the horizon.


    Xiao Chen stepped toward Ling Yingfeng lying in the rubble. His gaze was icy like a cold sword.


    Ling Yingfeng was already badly injured. Blood gushed out from his mouth. He was about to utter the words, "I admit defeat" when Xiao Chen stabbed a few fingers at his body, sealing his speech acupoint.


    "You want to admit defeat? That''s too easy!" Xiao Chen suddenly trampled a foot heavily on his face. Ling Yingfeng''s face was covered with blood. He clenched his teeth. "Lad... there will be no place for you in Violet Manor in the future!"


    "The Ling family? What''s so great about that?" After these words, he stamped another foot on his shoulder. "Crack!" He seemed to have crushed his shoulder blade.


    "What a pity Senior Sister Liu isn''t here to see this for herself!" He raised another foot and trod on his other shoulder.


    Two shoulder blades completely crushed. Ling Yingfeng shrieked hideously. He could not utter the words "I admit defeat." Most of the onlookers could guess that Xiao Chen was taking revenge. Some blamed him for his cruelty, others started to cheer.


    On the high platforms, the presiding officers exchanged stares amd nodded. One yelled, "Enough! Han Chen has won this duel!"


    One must stop the moment the presiding officer ordered him to, or it would be considered an infringement. Below, two figures whizzed up and supported Ling Yingfeng away. One of them turned back his head and said coldly, "You got guts!"


    Xiao Chen ignored him. He had exerted too much energy and found it tiring even to speak now.


    Since the Wind Floating Platform had been wrecked, they had to switch to another venue for the next duels. Xiao Chen was sent away to rest. If all the Zhou competitors lost in their subsequent duels, he could still compete in the final duel.


    The duels did not halt today at noon, but continued until three in the afternoon. WIthout Ling Yingfeng, the Qing State lost almost every match thereafter. They only won when a Heaven List Cultivator appeared, but the man was later defeated by Ye Wuhen in the Core Forming Realm.


    Right now, over at the Zhou side, only Ye Wuhen and Xiao Chen remained. A mysterious competitor had not fought for the Qing State. Xiao Chen''s heart turned heavy as he remembered the aforementioned None-flower Dust. If he was as described by hearsay, Xiao Chen would not be able to defeat him, even with the help of the Fuxi Zither.


    Suddenly, a cyan figure shifted and a figure landed on the platform. After that came a frivolous voice. "Oh ho, looks like I must show off my skills after all... "


    Xiao Chen focused his gaze and found a man with a devil-may-care expression on his face. Was this None-flower Dust? His cultivation seemed to be only in the middle stages of the Core Forming Realm, not as terrifying as rumored. So the top ten on the Heaven List was just so-so!


    At this moment, the crowds began to boil over with excitement. The Zhou competitors raised clenched fists to object. "Is that Leng Ningfeng from the Wuwang Wind Cloud City? How can the Wuwang Wind Cloud City be considered part of the Qing State?"


    Xiao Chen was slightly surprised. Wasn''t this man None-flower Dust? He asked Liu Yunzheng beside him, "Master, who is that man?"


    Liu Yunzheng gazed at the platform with a worried look. "Leng Ningfeng from the Wuwang Wind Cloud City. He is ranked No. 12 on the Heaven List..." With that, he turned and looked at Xiao Chen. "Are you confident of defeating him?"


    Xiao Chen pondered for a while and nodded. He thought that this man''s cultivation was only in the middle stages of the Core Forming Realm. He could still win with the Fuxi Zither string.


    The discussions among the crowds became louder and louder. Leng Ningfeng smiled frivolously. "Looks like some people don''t welcome me. Had I known this, I wouldn''t have come... "


    At this moment, the Qing ambassador stood up. "Although Wuwang City is an independent city, it still lies within the boundaries of our Qing State. How can he not count?"


    His words were impossible for anyone to refute. Wuwang Wind Cloud City did indeed lie within the Qing State. It was not under its control, however.


    Leng Ningfeng laughed lightly. "Alright, alright! Don''t argue!" He turned back his head and looked at Ye Wuhen, smiling. "How many moves do you want me to concede you? Ten? Twenty?"


    His words meant he was completely slighting Ye Wuhen. Ye Wuhen was among the top 20 cultivators on the Heaven List and was conceited. He said coldly, "Not even one! After you!"


    Leng Ningfeng smiled. "You mean it? Here I come!" As his words fell, his body suddenly disappeared from where it was. The next moment, he had already appeared before Ye Wuhen. He struck out a palm. His gentle palm blow threw Ye Wuhen backward, vomitting blood. He could no longer stand.


    The whole place became totally silent. Everyone gaped with staring eyes. Ye Wuhen had collapsed under the platform and was throwing up blood continuously. After some time, the Penglai Islanders finally came to themselves and helped him away.


    The Zhou State had been totally defeated. Yu Wenji''s face darkened rapidly. At long last, they would lose the Earth Spiritual Meridian. Just when the presiding officer was about to announce the victory, a distinct voice resounded. "There''s still me!"


    The crowd glanced in the direction of the voice. They finally recalled Xiao Chen, who had won the first duel. The rules stipulated that he could still fight the last. A glimmer of hope began to surge on the Zhou side.


    Liu Yunzheng said no more. He handed the Fuxi Zither over and the Jade Zither materialized. Xiao Chen stood on his toes and soared up the platform.


    The crowds began to shout loudly and cheer him on. The gloom on Yu Wenji''s face lightened a little. Leng Ningfeng smiled. "The Divine Archean Zither? Ho ho, I am quite interested."


    Xiao Chen said quietly, "You''d better not get too interested. Perhaps I will disappoint you." Leng Ningfeng smiled lightly. "Oh? You two speak in remarkably similar ways. Well, the Spiritual Meridian from the Zhou State is something we want. If you prefer to come looking for death, I cannot help you."


    Xiao Chen pondered. Why did Wuwang City want the Earth Spiritual Meridian? He smiled indifferently. "Brother Leng''s cultivation surpasses mine by too much. How about conceding a move or so to me?"


    Leng Ningfeng smiled lightly. "For the sake of the divine zither, I shall concede you three moves." As his words fell, the ambassador from the Qing State immediately shouted. "Leng Ningfeng, finish the fight quickly! Don''t delay official business!"


    Leng Ningfeng smiled faintly. "It doesn''t matter. I''d like to see what''s so great about this divine zither." When he finished, he made a gesture of "After you" to Xiao Chen.


    Xiao Chen smiled indifferently. "Then watch!" He leapt backward nearly 20 meters and plucked the C Major string. Rays of white radiance emerged as wild gales swarmed the platform and under. All the True Energy from kilometers away to converge here.


    The entire land began to quake. The Jade Zither in Xiao Chen''s hands became dazzling bright, emitting a colorful radiance. Even his body appeared like a heavenly deity through the reflected light, almost overpowering the sun in heaven.


    Terrifying power began to gather infinitely. Even the presiding officers on the high platform began to pale. It was nearing the power of a Nascent Soul! They had not expected anyone to exert the potential of the Divine Archean Zither of the Teal Jade Sect to such a degree. For a brief moment, everyone was flabbergasted.


    The smile on Leng Ningfeng''s face had long vanished. He began to frown deeper and deeper. He had not expected the zither to show such great powers in his opponent''s hands. Yet, since he had agreed, he could only defend and not attack. He condensed a force out from his fingertip and started to draw a formation on the ground. From that formation came a condensed Barrier, wrapping him in its midst.


    "Zheng!" A zither note sounded. Xiao Chen finally let the string loose. A sound wave turned into a white radiance, several kilometers wide, aimed toward Leng Ningfeng in assault. Everywhere it went, it sent pebbles flying. Its unrivaled power quaked the earth incessantly. Those nearby had already hidden themselves in the distance.


    The substantial sound wave hit Leng Ningfeng''s body and instantly broke through his Barrier. His attire had torn somewhat and the ground below him cracked. Yet he still stood where he was, immobile. He had not toppled over.


    "Impossible!" Astonished gasps arose from all directions. The zither note just now could heavily injure any Core Forming Realm Cultivator. Yet why did he look completely unhurt?


    Xiao Chen was quite puzzled too. He was not wondering why his zither note had not hurt him, but why there was a fluctuating Devil Qi from the man when he sounded the note. This Devil Qi was very peculiar, carrying in it a faint whiff of Immortal Qi.


    The man was a Fallen Devil!


    A Fallen Devil was a Cultivator who had been infected by Devil Qi, or had strayed into the Devil''s Practice for some reason. He would possess the strengths of both an Immortal and a Devil.

 Chapter 101 Winning the Honor

    In the distance, the Qing ambassador saw that both men had stopped. He yelled, "Why are you standing still? Defeat him quickly!"


    Leng Ningfeng stretched out his hand and stared coldly at Xiao Chen. "I have told you I will concede you three moves! There are two more! After you!"


    Xiao Chen gave a little start. If he had sneaked an attack on Xiao Chen, he would have caught him unawares. Although he was a Fallen Devil, why did he sense that this man prefered not to associate with despicable people?


    However, he ought not worry about this man''s character now but how he should play his next two notes. That earlier string pluck had exerted almost half his True Qi. If he could not vanquish him with his next two plucks, he would surely lose.


    "Why? Have you run out of energy to pluck your zither strings?" Leng Ningfeng smiled faintly upon seeing him freeze by the zither.


    Xiao Chen ignored him and settled his Qi to his abdomen''s elixir field. He placed two fingers again on the zither string. True Energy started to fluctuate all around. Surprised gasps rose from under the platform. "Is he plucking the second string?" The Qing side were extremely anxious. They yelled, "Leng Ningfeng! Why are you standing still?"


    Xiao Chen understood that with his second pluck he would exert almost all his True Qi. If he could not uproot him, it would be the same for the final pluck. Was he only capable of unleashing the Fuxi Zither''s potential this much?


    As he pondered, he released the zither string. Immediately, a powerful force hurtled over, causing further cracks to the platform. Yet Leng Ningfeng still stood rooted to the spot. Although he seemed a little injured, his injury was not serious.


    "One final pluck. If you can''t kill me, the one to fall will be you."


    Xiao Chen kept panting. The two string plucks had exerted too much of his True Energy. If he plucked again, he would fall down without the other man retaliating. This man exhibited the strengths of both Immortals and Devils. Was he only a middle-stage Core Forming Realm Cultivator?


    Outside, Liu Yunzheng and the rest looked solemn. If this final string pluck could not down Leng Ningfeng, the Zhou State would surely be beaten. Looking at Xiao Chen now, he seemed to lack the energy to send out his third note.


    Just at this moment, Xiao Chen was seen leaping into the air. He plucked a zither string facing the duel platform. This was beyond everyone''s expectations. What was he trying to do?


    Incessant booms resounded. The duel platform was about three meters high. The tremendous force now disintegrated it into smithereens. Before the crowds could react, Xiao Chen played another zither note. He plucked this string with every ounce of his energy at Leng Ningfeng.


    There was merely a brief instant between the two notes. The platform suddenly collapsed. Leng Ningfeng''s body suspended in mid-air as the power of the divine zither assailed him. He raised his arms and struck back forcefully. However, he had no concrete backing to help his strike. His entire body was thrown dozens of meters backward.


    Xiao Chen landed on the same spot on the platform. His pallor was extreme and he seemed to have used up all his internal True Qi. Leng Ningfeng, on the other hand, had crashed outside the duel platform.


    "I don''t need to make you collapse. I just need to hurl you off the platform."


    The crowds finally understood. He had taken advantage of the competition rule stating that a competitor would be the loser once he landed outside the platform. Hence, the strike to throw his opponent off. Although this was opportunistic guile, they must still consider him the winner.


    Leng Ningfeng smiled faintly. "I''ve underestimated you, lad! Very well! Since I can concede you three moves, I can afford to lose as well. I hope to see you again in the future!" With these words, he gave his sleeve a downward flick and suddenly disappeared.


    The Zhou side immediately started to rejoice wildly. The gloom on the faces of Yu Wenji and his men lifted as they guffawed continuously. The Qing competitors did not concede defeat. They all rose and yelled, "Obviously, he had used some outside item to assist him! You can''t count this duel!"


    The crowds quietened down. The rules of the competition stipulated that no one could compete with the help of an outside item, mainly referring to pills. Yet this rule also disqualified the use of divine weapons, they reasoned. In other words, the rule would disqualify Xiao Chen''s Fuxi Zither string.


    The Qing side began to clamor, while the retorting voices on the Zhou side gradually weakened. They made a strong case out of it. If he had not used the Divine Archean Zither, Xiao Chen might not have survived three moves.


    Suddenly from amongst the crowd came a stirring, sonorous voice. "I have already passed down my divine zither to my disciple Han Chen. It now counts as his personal magic weapon. So how can it be an outside item?"


    Xiao Chen turned his head and gazed over. It was Liu Yunzheng stepping out. Every cultivator had a choice of his own weapon. Most of them chose Immortal''s Swords, but some others preferred something rare and peculiar. He made everything sound reasonable. Gradually, the dissenting voices from the Qing side were silenced.


    Xiao Chen could vaguely sense that Chu Lingjiao had got someone to incense the Qing competitors, forcing Liu Yunzheng to reveal this secret. Liu Yunzheng would have no more reason to reclaim the divine zither after that. These were all part of her ploy. Just as well though; this suited Xiao Chen.


    What followed would be the matter concerning Luo Shangyan. If he could keep her from marrying Yu Wenmu, he would not need to run away from the Zhou State or implicate the Teal Jade Sect. Now, he no longer needed to leave the sect, since the zither string was already in his hands. He had won great honor for the state; it now depended on the Emperor to grant his request.


    In the evening, dance and songs continued uninterrupted in the palace. It was a scene of bustle and excitement. Other than Zhang Qinglian, who had left with his disciples claiming an urgent sect matter at home, the other Sect Leaders had all congregated in the hall.


    Yu Wenji''s face lit up with joy. "Everyone has worked hard in the past three days. Your support is a blessing from Heaven... " He kept mouthing compliments and his eyes finally landed on Xiao Chen. "Of course, Young Master Han is one astonishing talent... "


    After his words, Xiao Chen did not want to make himself look too modest. It was true he had turned the tide on the first and third days. Otherwise, they would have lost all three rounds as well as the Spiritual Meridian. They would have lost much face and the surrounding states would be eager to trouble them. It would mean endless warfare for the Zhou State.


    Xiao Chen smiled faintly and rose to cup his fists. "Thank you, Your Majesty for your care and concern. I still have that same request. I beg Your Majesty to marry Miss Luo to me... "


    With these words, the atmosphere in the hall froze as in the last time. Yet faintly, there seemed a difference. No one dared to comment about Xiao Chen now.


    Yu Wenji too smiled. "There''s no hurry. Why don''t we talk about this again after tomorrow''s victory banquet?" As the sovereign of this state, it took a lot for him to concede so politely. He knew that if he fell out with Xiao Chen now, the other sects would be unhappy. They might not assist him at the next Immortals League Competition.


    Xiao Chen smiled lightly. "In that case, let me thank Your Majesty first." Then, he sat lightly back on his seat.


    Liu Yunzheng knitted his brows deeply. He said no more. Chu Lingjiao''s gaze was so cold that it terrified everyone who saw her. Yu Wenmu was infuriated but kept his anger well hidden.


    After the banquet, Xiao Chen returned to his lodge. Just when he was about to step into his room, he sensed a swift, fierce Sword Qi assailing him from the back. He turned around at once and with his palms, clipped the Immortal''s Sword soaring toward him. A figure entered the courtyard. He frowned and asked, "Did you try to kill me?"


    Chu Lingjiao''s gaze was extremely icy. She edged forward and grabbed her Immortal''s Sword. She asked coldly, "What were you trying to do? You think you can keep Liu Yunzheng from getting implicated through this?"


    "I prefer one less trouble than one more."


    Chu Lingjiao tittered. Then, her gaze turned cold again. "You really think Yu Wenmu is so simple? You will only be alerting them unwisely!"


    Xiao Chen sighed. He said no more. It was true they had an agreement before coming to the palace. Yet, after Liu Yunzheng had blocked off Zhang Qinglian''s palm and nearly died for him, and again when he handed him the divine zither, Xiao Chen had undergone a subtle change. He had not detected the change in himself, but he did not want to implicate the entire Teal Jade Sect just because of Luo Shangyan.


    Seeing him silent, Chu Lingjiao said coldly, "They have kept Luo Shangyan somewhere secret. I''m helping you. You''d better not try anything funny again!" With these words, she shook her robe sleeve, turned and left the courtyard.


    Xiao Chen gazed at the crescent moon in the sky, sighed and returned to his room.


    At this moment, Princess Xuanyue was sitting quietly on the other side of the palace. Yu Wenji paced back and forth in his room, a worried expression on his face. "What now? He has made this request... I can''t agree, can I? I thought he only knew how to play the divine zither. I hadn''t expected the sheer power of his zither. I didn''t know he is a disciple of the Ancient Immortal Clan either, like you say... should I talk to Mu''er?"


    Xuanyue answered, "There''s no need to worry, Father. You can''t agree to his request. It would shame the entire Royal Family. And you ought to know your son''s temper very well."


    "What then? If tomorrow, he... he... Perfected Immortal Zhang isn''t here with us. What shall we do?"


    Yu Wenji''s brows knitted in a deep frown. He was already thinking the worse. If Xiao Chen left the Zhou State because of this, they would lose a remarkable talent... He had a divine zither as well. Leng Ningfeng could withstand him thanks to his mystic arts. Who else from his side could? The rampaging army? They would all be dead the moment his zither note sounded.


    Xuanyue sighed but did not speak. In her mind rose the scene where they sauntered down the imperial gardens together. She did not expect him to be a possible disciple of the Ancient Immortal Clan.


    Yu Wenji said, "Shall I get Sect Leader Liu to reclaim his divine zither?" Xuanyue frowned. "Father, are you serious? Sect Leader Liu handed him the divine zither in front of everyone. How can he claim it back now?"


    "Then... then what shall we do?"


    Xuanyue kept silent for a long time. Then she said, "We have no choice but to send someone to the Nanzhan Subcontinent in the night. Invite Third Brother''s Master, Perfected Immortal Liku, over as our guest for a few days... "


    ¡­


    By noon the next day, Xiao Chen had packed everything and was preparing himself to visit the palace hall. It was the day of the Victory Banquet. The Zhou Emperor had disallowed arms into the hall. Even magic treasures in Divine Vessels had to be emptied out. There was no precedent for this. Many sect members were resentful as they emptied out their magic treasures and put away their Immortal''s Swords.


    As he neared the grand hall, two inspecting guards stopped him. "Young Master Han, on His Majesty''s order, you cannot bring magic treasures and weapons into the hall."


    Xiao Chen extended his arms. "I haven''t brought any." The two guards were cultivators and they looked to be a dilemma. "Well... "


    Xiao Chen knew that they wanted to search his Divine Vessel. Although a Divine Vessel could carry items, but it was different from a Violet Manor Nascent Soul. A Violet Manor Nascent Soul could disguise everything within it, but items in a Divine Vessel could be detected using mystic arts. Others could even steal from it while its owner was asleep.


    Xiao Chen nodded and stretched out his arms. "Very well. You may search me."

 Chapter 102 The Banquet at Hong Gate

    "Thank you, Young Master Han, for your kind understanding."


    The guards began to employ their mystic arts to search. After some time, they nodded and smiled. "This way please, Young Master Han." Xiao Chen nodded and strode into the grand hall.


    The Divine Archean Zither was really just a zither string from the Fuxi Zither. Naturally, he could hide it in the Nine-heaven Jade Pendant. When the two guards saw no divine zither in his Divine Vessel, they let him in.


    Liu Fenghuang had almost completely recovered from her injury. She sat beside Liu Yunzheng. Xiao Chen did not see Luo Shangyan. He walked over to the Teal Jade Sect disciples and paid his respect to Liu Yunzheng. "Master." This might be the last time he addressed him thus.


    Liu Yunzheng nodded, smiled and made him sit. After some time, the other sects started to enter and take their places. Finally, Yu Wenji and his Empress, together with Princess Xuanyue, strolled in. Only the Third Prince, Yu Wenmu, was missing.


    The banquet lasted for nearly two hours. The sovereign enjoyed himself with his subordinates. They toasted one another and mingled merrily. 12 ravishing dancers graced the center of the hall. They were not only gorgeous to behold, their dance postures were entrancing, carrying on their bodies a faint, refreshing scent which invigorated the senses. Many young disciples were bewitched. They wanted to edge forward to take in their scent.


    During these two hours, Yu Wenji did not mention Xiao Chen''s request at all. Finally, two persons walked into the hall. It was the Third Prince, Yu Wenmu, accompanied by Luo Shangyan.


    The grand hall quietened down at once. The 12 dancers retreated to one side. Liu Yunzheng''s face began to change color slightly. Luo Shangyan cast a glance at Xiao Chen. She did not look for long, but turned her glance elsewhere instead.


    Yu Wenmu beamed with happiness. He raised a wine goblet and smiled at the company in the hall. "After tonight''s banquet, I hope that the Sect Leaders can stay to attend my wedding with Miss Luo three days later." Then, he downed the wine.


    The atmosphere in the entire hall froze. Yu Wenji and Princess Xuanyue blanched slightly as well. They knew that he tended to go to the extremes, but did not expect him to do this in Xiao Chen''s face. He had totally embarrassed Xiao Chen and was forcing him to revolt.


    When the company finally came to themselves, they all raised their goblets to congratulate him. "Our congratulations to Your Highness, over your marriage with Miss Luo! We wish you two external bliss!"


    The Teal Jade Sect members too stood up, all except Xiao Chen. Liu Yunzheng kept motioning him with his eyes. "Han Chen!"


    Xiao Chen pretended not to hear. He ignored the company holding up their goblets. All at once, everyone''s eyes were upon him. They heard him say quietly, "I''d rather not take the wine."


    The atmosphere turned even more tense. Yu Wenji looked ghastly and embarassed, while Xuanyue said quietly, "Young Master Han, you have rendered us great service at the Immortals League Competition. I have discussed with His Majesty. We will make you a marquis in three days'' time. You will have a city as a gift."


    Ennobled as a marquis and receiving land as a gift! This was such a lavish honor. In other words, decades and even centuries later, there would be another aristocratic family in the land, the Hans. The others were all green with envy.


    Xiao Chen smiled lightly. "I am just a rustic commoner. I do not deserve such great honors. Has Princess Xuanyue forgotten her promise the other day?" As he said this, he cast a nonchalant glance at her.


    Xuanyue did say that he could inform her about which noble lady he had fallen for. She did this merely to win him over. Right now, she really wished that he had fallen for some noblemen''s daughter. Unfortunately, it wasn''t so!


    "A gentle and graceful maiden will always be courted by gentlemen. Young Master Han is still young. I can understand. But Miss Luo knew my third brother before you. Surely, you can''t be so unreasonable, Young Master Han?"


    Xiao Chen gave a loud snicker. Luo Shangyan immediately cast a glance at him and shook her head. She was advising him not to speak. Xiao Chen ignored her. "Unreasonable? He forced her to marry him the moment they met. Was this reasonable? Ho ho! Besides, what made Princess Xuanyue so sure that Miss Luo hadn''t known me first?"


    "Enough!" A cold voice rang out. Yu Wenmu could endure no more. He glared madly at him. "You had merely won at the Immortals League Competition. You think you are someone great? Do you think that without you, Han Chen, our state cannot survive?"


    Xiao Chen''s mind began to replay the scenes when he sneaked into Luo Shangyan''s room. The helplessness in her eyes, the grievance. And her words, "What can you give me instead... "


    He knew nothing he said now mattered. He rose, cast a glance at Luo Shangyan and said quietly, "Senior Sister Luo... "


    Luo Shangyan slowly raised her head and walked over to Yu Wenmu''s side. "I''m sorry, Your Highness." After these words, she strolled lightly over to Xiao Chen. Yu Wenmu was someone eager to win in everything. She had submitted to him to repay Liu Yunzheng''s debt in saving her. She did not want to get the Teal Jade Sect into trouble by rejecting Yu Wenmu. She had also experienced too much. Her heart had gradually turned cold.


    Yet now, the sudden appearance of Xiao Chen reinvigorated her hopes. She knew that even if she gave in to Yu Wenmu, he would not let Xiao Chen off.


    Yu Wenmu''s gaze became colder and colder. "I always get what I want... " Before his speech was over, he had brandished out an icy Immortal''s Sword. The company shuddered. The eyes of Liu Fenghuang gradually reddened, thanks to either the tense atmosphere, or to something else.


    Yu Wenji did not talk them out of a confrontation. He thought that this man was too impudent. Mu''er had to exercise some royal authority. Xiao Chen smiled indifferently. "I''m afraid it''s no longer in your hands, Your Highness."


    "Is that so...?" Yu Wenmu''s eyes turned colder. He strode a few steps forward and suddenly blanched. His Immortal''s Sword gave a clang in the air and fell to the ground.


    The rest of the people were equally stunned. "What happened? Why can''t we mobilize our True Energy?" The faces of Yu Wenji and the others paled. Princess Xuanyue shouted to the outside guards. "Protect His Majesty!" Immediately, a huge company of guards armed with sabers dashed in, some shielding Yu Wenji and his Empress, the rest guarding outside the grand hall.


    Princess Xuanyue''s face took on a deathly white pallor. She said to Xiao Chen, "Han Chen! What are you doing?" Xiao Chen sneered coldly. "You people forced me to. I won you the competition, risking my life. So how did you treat me? By taking precautions against me all the time! And you want Sect Leader Liu to reclaim the divine zither too!"


    When he said this, he snickered. "I just want to show the others this is not a Victory Banquet, but a Banquet at Hong Gate!" With these words, he condensed Qi out from his fingertips and his True Qi soared up to a beam column. A terrible shriek rang out. A man in black fell down from the beam. A bloody cavity was between his brows. He had been slain.


    The faces of everyone instantly turned pale. The Emperor had ordered them to leave their magic treasures and weapons behind, yet he had hidden so many assassins in the hall. The act made many resentful.


    "There are three more!" Xiao Chen exerted his Qi again and three golden radiances streamed up the palace beam once more. "Ch-ch-ch" went the noise. Instantly, they penetrated the skulls of three Foundation Building Realm Cultivators.


    Many had never seen such powerful finger force before. They blanched. "God Slaying Finger! The long-lost God Slaying Finger!"


    "You!" Princess Xuanyue''s face turned deathly pale, looking even more ghastly. She had to glance over to Liu Yunzheng.


    Liu Yunzheng''s countenance had long changed color. "Han Chen! What are you doing?"


    Xiao Chen smirked coldly at him. "Sect Leader Liu, I forgot to tell you, I sneaked into your Teal Jade Sect only to lay my hands on your divine zither." He said this to distance the Sect from him. He did not want to implicate it too far.


    Tears welled up in Liu Fenghuang''s eyes. She asked in a choked voice, "Junior Brother Han, are you telling the truth...?" Xiao Chen sneered coldly. "Liu Fenghuang, you are so naive! Do you think I regard you as my Senior Sister, even though I call you one? I just wanted to win your father''s trust!"


    Liu Fenghuang could help herself no longer. Tears streamed down her eyes. She still mumbled, "I don''t believe, I don''t believe... "


    When the rest in the palace heard that he was an infiltrator into the Teal Jade Sect and would no longer be restrained by Liu Yunzheng, they panicked even more. Since they could no longer mobilize their True Energy, they were no different from ordinary people. He, on the other hand, was holding the divine zither. If he wanted to slay everyone, no one could stop him...


    Suddenly, an icy voice rang out. "Junior Brother Han, time to go." Chu Lingjiao had stood up. Liu Yunzheng stared at her with disbelieving eyes. He mumbled, "Lingjiao, you too... "


    Liu Fenghuang too raised her head. "Senior Sister Chu, are you also... " Chu Lingjiao smiled faintly. "Sect Leader Liu, how does my special Illusive-Immortal Incense smell like?"


    When the company heard the name "Illusive-Immortal Incense", their faces turned as pale as death. Liu Yunzheng''s body started to shiver. "So you are... you are from Heartless Palace!"

 Chapter 120 Xiaoyue

    Before long, as they flew farther and farther away, the view of the gorge slowly melted into the scene of lush and dense forests below their feet. Relieved at being able to make it out safely, Yu Yifeng finally asked, "What was wrong with you just now?"


    Xiao Chen did not answer, merely shaking his head; his eyes were still trained towards the thick copse of forests far away, his mind still lost in the painful reminiscences of his past.


    Yu Yifeng sighed wearily. "I do not profess to know about your history, my friend. But one should not dwell on the past. Many things are pre-destined that mere grit alone would do nothing to change them. Appreciate what you have presently. There''s no point in brooding on your pains and regrets, lest you dishearten those who are waiting for you."


    He paused for a beat, as if allowing his words to sink in. "You might have not noticed that Sister Luo had wandered alone to the brook at the bamboo grove earlier. Her eyes were inflamed, as if from weeping."


    "Senior Sister Luo..." Xiao Chen''s mouth opened as if he wanted to say something. But he merely breathed gloomily. "Brother Yifeng, please," Xiao Chen said suddenly, "Can you keep what that has happened here a secret?" The once-majestic stronghold of the Mystic Cyan Sect was nothing but ruins and rubbles, still, he wished that it could remain there, peacefully in slumber eternally without being disturbed.


    Yu Yifeng nodded. "Persistence is nothing negative, but there should be moderation, lest it becomes a fixation that grips and devours you. There was once a friend of mine; he became too obsessed with the object of his pursuit, that he took the fateful step that past the point of no return..." He stopped, and a distinctive hint of misery fleeted by.


    "Were you referring to a former junior of yours?" Xiao Chen asked, his head raising slightly, "He who formerly wielded the Unsullied."


    Yu Yifeng turned to face Xiao Chen. "Was it Sister Mu who told you about this?" There was a faint smile on his face before he continued. "She was the one person I''ve spoken to about this. Wunian commanded greater potential than I. It''s a pity that he succumbed to his obsession that in the end, he..." Yu Yifeng''s voice faltered again.


    Mu Chengxue had recognized the blade in Xiao Chen''s hand as the Unsullied a month ago. It was then, she told him of Yu Yifeng''s history. Knowing that it was a painful memory to Yu Yifeng, Xiao Chen decided to change the subject. "How did you and Sister Mu met?" he asked.


    Yu Yifeng smiled benignly. "Seven years ago," he replied, "I discovered her unconscious outside a small hamlet in Qing Province and I brought her back to the Jade Qing Sect. Her memory was blurry when she woke up that she even failed to remember her name..."


    They continued talking, as they slowly approached the Flying-cloud Stone that was waiting. The rest of their companions heaved breathes of relief. They were worried at the delay and were anxious to go down to check on them, but no one dared to disobey their Senior''s commands. Two of Yu Yifeng''s juniors exclaimed with joy, "Did you discover anything down there?"


    Yu Yifeng landed on the Flying-cloud Stone. "There was nothing down there," he lied, shaking his head, "It''s getting late. We should hasten for Wu Province as soon as possible."


    Another junior, a girl, giggled. "Of course, we do not want the rest of the other sects to grumble that we of the Jade Qing Sect are proud and snobbish folk." Another junior, a boy this time, quipped, "I''d wager that your true purpose of wanting to reach Wu Province early is to visit the local bazaar, am I wrong?"


    "Of course! It''s not that we get to come out frequently like Senior Brother Yu! We should enjoy as best we can while we''re at it!"


    The disciples began bantering playfully, but Xiao Chen sat at a corner. His eyes peered into the distance as he tried vainly to search for the vestiges of the Mystic Cyan Mountain they left behind. Then again, Brother Yifeng might be right, he mused. There was no point in moping in the past. Obsession in the incidents that had transpired before. He would only be consigning himself into a never-ending vicious cycle of pain and misery. But with the recollections of his former life as vivid as yesterday, the herculean attempts to forget and not fret on his bitterness was hardly easy as it seemed.


    "If I were to die one day, please bury my remains here, Brother Yifeng."


    The chatters and bickerings atop the flying slab of stone instantly died down as a dead silence hung over them and everyone''s stares rested on Xiao Chen. Yu Yifeng frowned dismissively. "Speak nothing of such ominous nonsense."


    Xiao Chen felt the weight of everyone''s stares on his back. "Heh heh!" He feigned an impish snicker. "I was just teasing you all! Come on! There''s no need to be this serious!"


    It was past mid-day when they arrived at Wu Province, no thanks to the momentary dawdling halfway. The bustling city paid no heed to the arrival of their Flying-cloud Stone; the city-dwellers of the locale had enough of their share of witnessing countless conveyances of similar nature flocking to and fro the metropolis every day. The stronghold of the Widespread Wintriness Sect perched up high on a mountain tens of miles outside the city. With its proximity to the city, there was no lack of disciples who slipped out to loiter and lull in the city with immaculate frequency.


    The company did not stop at the city, heading instead directly for the stronghold. There were disciples waiting outside, charged to receive any guests. At the sight of the party from Jade Qing Sect arriving, the disciples stepped forth and led them inside to the main square, where two rows of banquet tables lined the flanks of a large aisle in the center of the square like a long and wide path that coursed to a great dueling dais hewn from rhyolite.


    The entire square was teeming with about a thousand people from sects and guilds of various denominations as leaders and chiefs talked and exchanged greetings amidst the huge hubbub of chatter and laughter, adjoined by their students and disciples while enjoying an exquisite feast of the finest delicacies.


    Their arrival was hardly unnoticed¡ªa few leaders and representatives of other schools and sect rose to their feet to greet them. "Ah, it''s young Yu! Did your teacher Perfected Immortal Qing Chen not come?"


    "My teacher is still occupied by some business, and hence he has requested me to attend this meeting in his stead," Yu Yifeng replied reverently, returning their gestures with appreciation.


    Xiao Chen scanned the crowd, hoping to see no one from the Teal Jade Sect here; he was afraid of meeting Liu Yunzheng and Liu Fenghuang, hoping not to deal with the embarrassment and awkwardness that would ensue. But Fate seemed to be in his favor: there was no one from the Teal Jade Sect, save for a familiar face he never relished to meet: Ling Yingfeng.


    But Ling Yingfeng too had realized his presence. A cold glare shot from his eyes and he was about to stand up, only to be held down by an elder beside him, cloaked in grey, who shook his head warningly to him.


    But that did little to evaporate Ling Yingfeng''s death stare. Xiao Chen shot a brief look and turned away. Even though he had indeed divested the Spiritual Meridian of Ling Yingfeng''s brother, it was the latter and his cohorts who had tried to kill him in the first place. He would never accept that he was in the wrong for being the victim of that incident that had nearly cost him his life.


    A recognizable voice rang into his ears suddenly, "Amitabha..." Xiao Chen heard the voice chanted as the chuckles of Yu Yifeng followed immediately, "Heh heh! Greetings, Master Xuan Ji and Senior Xu Gu."


    Xiao Chen peered over the shoulders of those in front and saw the same monk, Xu Gu, whom he had encountered at the oasis in the desert. Beside him was an old priestly monk dressed in red garb.


    "Brother Xiao, come! Meet Master Xuan Ji of the Wuyin Monastery," Yu Yifeng introduced with a smile.


    Xiao Chen bowed to them, placing his palms together before his chest. "My respects to you, Master Xuan Ji." Xiao Chen could not help but suspect if this was an assembly of the Immortal''s Practice. Even those of Buddhist sects were here, he thought, and this Xuan Ji monk wielded considerable powers himself.


    The reserved Xuan Ji merely nodded with a gentle smile in response. Xu Gu chanted another "Amitabha" and began addressing Xiao Chen. "It is fated that we should meet again, Master Xiao. You should reconsider my offer of joining our order..."


    Xiao Chen''s head jerked upwards. "Look at the weather!" Xiao Chen exclaimed on a feeble attempt to change the subject to the climate, "The sky is dry, and the sun is bright with no clouds to menace us with rain and storm..."


    Xu Gu giggled. "You jest, Master Xiao," he said, "I see not the sun hanging over us today..."


    As the light-hearted chaffing continued, the company slowly shuffled to an empty table close to the dais. Master Xuan Ji of the Wuyin Monastery evidently commanded much respect from his colleagues, as many leaders and chiefs tendered their greetings to him with reverence.


    Less than half an hour later, a rosy-cheeked elder with beards of snowy-white ambled up the dais. He addressed the crowd of guests with a warm smile. "Welcome, everyone! As you all know, we gather here today at the summons of the Thousand Feathers Sect, the remnants of the Ancient Immortal Clan, for a meeting of all following and schools of the Orthodox Path. In addition, with everyone here today as witnesses, we would commence the execution of a demoness that we had apprehended two months ago..."


    He had barely finished, when voices from below the dais rang, "I say, Master Sikong! Surely this is no sham this time? The last time you caught a demoness, it turned out to be a common woman whose grievances had even bothered the emperor who blamed you for badgering the public!"


    A round of laughing jeers rose like a tide from the seated guests, as Sikong Yun''s fresh cheeks grew redder still with chagrin while ridicules and scornful mockery were pelted upon his gnarly self. He feigned a loud cough to regain the attention of the crowd. "Err... It was my mistake the last time. But this time we are positive..."


    The raucous laughter took some time to die down and another voice spoke, "You mentioned that this meeting was called at the behest of the Thousand Feathers Sect. Where are they? The night is upon us, Master Sikong. Surely this not a farce with a phony token with feathers plucked from birds?"


    Sikong Yun''s cheeks burned bright-red as he managed a weak smile. "You just love teasing me, Junior Hu," he croaked hoarsely, "I would never dare to forge a fake Thousand Feathers Mark..."


    His frail voice was suddenly swept by a hollow voice that seemed to echo from the distant horizon, "I am Omnipresent, Omnipresence is Me; I have long arrived..."


    The unearthly voice thundered from nowhere and everywhere, hollow and deep, yet angelic and divine at the same time, ringing in the ears of everyone seated around. The voice resonated strongly with everyone''s inner spirits; some male disciples began to writhe and melt, stirring passionately at the beautiful and melodious voice as if the kingdom of Heaven had come.


    Standing under the plaque bearing the name of the stronghold of the Widespread Wintriness Sect was the lanky figure of a young woman. With every movement, her figure shimmered, leaving a cascade of her illusion spilling in her wake as she walked with the grace of a swan, stepping onto the dais and beheld the crowd before her.


    Hers was a beauty that no other women possessed; an allure that would make all men swoon with desire for. Her coal-black hair was pulled back into a tail behind her back and her sparkling eyes, distant and captivating like the stars in the twilight sky above them, made her all the more a fairy among mortals. Clad in a dress of emerald green, she held in her grasp what seemed to be a horse-tail whisk, was in fact a sword; a weapon which magnificence was contained in the sheath in which the sword rested.


    There she stood, a prima donna with equal opulence to the moon; her form slender and lithe, mirroring the grace of a willow tree; her skin fair and pure as the white of first snow, and her serene elegance, as calm as a gentle brook in the fall. Scores of men were deeply mesmerized by her as those handsome and dashing watched her with longing in their gazes, while those who look common and haggard felt their confidence withered, averting their eyes away with abashment.


    Even as the host and leader of this stronghold, Sikong Yun could hardly resist being respectful to her. "Lady Xiaoyue," he addressed her, his head dipping slightly with awe.


    This was Xiaoyue, the renowned prodigy of the Thousand Feathers Sect whose fame was hardly unknown. Scarcely twenty years of age, she was rumored to command powers that even eclipsed that of her own teacher, Perfected Immortal Su Nian.


    Xiaoyue nodded imperceptibly in acknowledgment, her expression calm and emotionless like a pool of still waters. Like her name, one could only stare at her as how one would gaze upon the moon, distant and aloof.


    Xiao Chen''s stare was transfixed upon her. Noticing this, Yu Yifeng whispered to him, "This is the student of the Perfected Immortal Su Nian, the leader of the Thousand Feathers Sect."


    Xiao Chen made no reply. His eyes remained riveted on the figure standing atop the podium, his hands now slick with a layer of sweat. He would have thought that this young woman and Qianyu Nishang were one and the same, if not for the difference in appearance. The aura and the poise that she exuded greatly resembled the Qianyu Nishang of old. Both were similar, if not equal, in the divine splendor that percolated from their sacred persons like goddesses from Heaven.


    Thousand Feathers Sect? Was this indeed the order that Qianyu Nishang had founded with her own hands after eschewing herself from the Mystic Cyan Sect? But why did her Thousand Feathers Sect endured, while the Mystic Cyan Sect was now ruined and devastated?


    Xiaoyue stood proudly atop the platform. Even though the crowd, she felt his stare, sensing that he was different from anyone else present. She looked at him, nodding gently to him.


    Just then, a group of five strode up to the center aisle; the leader was a beautiful lady in white, whose eminence and stature was no less remarkable herself, flanked by two pairs of male and female disciples.


    Xiao Chen looked intently at the group of newcomers. He had never expected that Xuanyue, Princess of Zhou State to be present. She too, had noticed his presence although she made no indication of it. She paced straight towards the platform, stopping at the bottom of the steps leading up. With the four of young men and women behind her, they bowed and greeted, "Senior Sister."


    That explained it, Xiao Chen mused. He had always felt a whiff of familiarity from Xuanyue. Her identity as one of the disciples of Thousand Feathers Sect lent much credence as to why he had seen a lot of Qianyu Nishang in her.


    However, this would refute the claims that Xuanyue was the heir of the Ancient Immortal Clan. She was, at most, an Outer Disciple of the Thousand Feathers Sect. Rather, Xiaoyue possessed the stock and heritage to be acclaimed as the progeniture to the demised ancient caste of Immortals. Barely reaching twenty, Xiaoyue wielded powers and strength outshining any of her peers while cementing the rumors that she would inherit the keys to the Sect in the near future. Across the landscape of the Orthodox Path, the elder generations addressed her as "Lady Xiaoyue", while the younger crop of students and disciples looked to her as "Fairy Xiaoyue".

 Chapter 138 Egress

    "Hahahaha..." Xiao Chen emitted a peal of frenzied giggles as he watched dazedly at the unsheathed Autumn Water in its magnificent grandeur, his face filled with melancholic misery.


    His weird and insane laughter caught everyone by surprise. The whole company was captivated by the divine splendor of the Autumn Water only to be distracted by his sudden change of demeanor. The brief episode did not go unnoticed by Xiaoyue; but being in the thick of battle against a foe so powerful, she could not afford being disturbed. With a flick of her finger, the Autumn Water answered her call with a high-pitched ring and shot towards the Corpse Champion in a blinding flash of light!


    The epic charge of the Autumn Water at its foe was so awesome that the Corpse Champion could feel the raging intensity of its force. For the first time in this battle, it sensed danger closing in. The zombie channeled its powers, the evil Qi exuding from its foul person billowed like a strong gust of wave that rode forth to meets its adversary. But the imbued strength of Qianyu Nishang was not to be underestimated; the bolt of brilliant light shot with the force of an exploding star, flooding the hall with the radiance of a burning sun and disintegrating the rest of the corpses now lying on the ground into dust.


    "NOOO!" Mu Chengxue screamed, her eyes blood-streaked with maniacal frenzy. With all her True Energy, she forcibly broke the spell of Xiao Chen''s magical barrier.


    "Arghh!" Xiao Chen gasped and spat a mouthful of blood. He had left a shred of his consciousness within the spell of his magical formation to prevent Mu Chengxue from breaking free from his hold. But the sight of the Autumn Water had distracted him enough for Mu Chengxue to succeed in freeing herself, hence the rebound of her force upon him.


    With a fleet-footed step, Mu Chengxue dashed to the front, with vain hopes that she could stop the charge of the Autumn Water. Sadly for her, it was but merely a naive and fruitless endeavor; the streaking bolt of light that was the Autumn Water was traveling at such an impossible speed that it easily shattered the magical barrier that the Corpse Champion had used his evil Qi to construct, penetrating past its defenses and shot cleanly through the zombie, boring a large hole in its chest.


    "NOOO! NOOO! BROTHER!!!" Mu Chengxue howled with anguish as she ran forward, leaping into the air to catch hold of the falling body of her brother.


    Despite their triumph against a foe so evil and powerful, the company received their victory with their heads hanging over their shoulders in the midst of Mu Chengxue''s grieving sobs and gasps. The Autumn Water''s final coup de grace had punched so huge a hole in the corpse''s chest that its heart was gone and it could no longer return to life.


    Tears poured down Mu Chengxue''s cheek like a sorrowful deluge. "Brother..." She panted through her sobs as she hugged at the body of her dead brother tightly.


    With a heavy heart, Xiao Chen began to move slowly towards her. His thoughts wandered to his teacher. Through forest and fen, he had been searching for her. How would he take the news, if one day word of her demise were to indeed reach him?


    He shook his head, dispelling these thoughts from his mind. He reached beside Mu Chengxue. But suddenly, he saw the corpse beginning to move! The body of the Corpse Champion looked at Mu Chengxue and smiled. "Xue, it is you..." His voice faded swiftly into the breeze, as did the dust of his crumbling body that nothing of him was left in the end.


    Everyone was amazed by the corpse''s final moment of lucidity and its last words, especially Xiao Chen. Each and every fragment of a person''s soul had been gone if the person had been turned into a Corpse Puppet. What was left would only be a mere lifeless puppet with utterly no recollection of its past. But how did this Corpse Puppet recognize Mu Chengxue in a rare moment of clarity? Unless....


    A flurry of thoughts coursed through his mind. Confused and perplexed, Xiao Chen could not explain the sudden phenomena he had just witnessed. Instead, he felt a sudden murderous desire to kill burning from his front. It was Mu Chengxue who was just in front of him!


    She turned slowly, her face filled with hatred and anger. Without any notice, she leaped towards Xiaoyue, her sword threatening to snap at the latter''s neck!


    "I''ll kill you!"


    But Xiaoyue had anticipated her intent; with the Coalesced Colors Equal to Dust technique, she easily evaded Mu Chengxue''s stroke, leaving merely a mirage in her wake. "He was no more your brother than a mindless puppet of this Wuwang City," Xiaoyue spoke with a steely voice, trying to urge Mu Chengxue to choose reason over rage, "I am not your enemy, nor I am the person who had brought such fate to you and your brother! It is the Wuwang Wind Cloud City that you should seek vengeance from!"


    Driven by her witless rage, Mu Chengxue paid no heed to Xiaoyue''s words; she continued chasing after Xiaoyue with her sword like a snake with its fangs bared. The clash threw up dust and winds into the air of the underground hall, as the glint of steel shone through the thick, grubby mist.


    Still, Xiaoyue, with her agile and nimble footwork, left only illusory phantoms for Mu Chengxue to sink her sword into as she easily maneuvered to safety like a dancing specter again and again. Her voice could be heard, cold and frosty like ice, saying to her pursuer, "Do not test my patience, Miss Mu. You''ll be sorry for it!"


    Xiao Chen could no longer bear to watch anymore; he leaped into the fray, and blocked Mu Chengxue''s path. "Please, Miss Mu," he said to her, "Please stop now."


    Mu Chengxue was so near to accidentally hitting him when he intervened. "Move away!" She spat at him, her voice full of venom.


    "Please listen to me, Miss Mu," Xiao Chen shook his head, indicating his resolve. "Your brother might still be alive. I''m not saying this to merely console you. There are reasons to suspect that the corpse is not your brother''s."


    "What do you mean?" She snapped, her voice trembling with doubt and suspicion. But her grip on the hilt of her sword did not loosen.


    "I myself cannot be fully sure what is going on. But I am positively certain that if your brother had been turned into a Corpse Puppet, it''s impossible for him to retain any emotions and memories of you. He''d never be able to smile to you."


    "Amitabha..." Xu Gu chanted suddenly, breaking his silence. "There is more to this entire intrigue than meets the eye, Miss Mu. Please calm down. What matters now is getting everyone out of here safely."


    Yu Yifeng and Luo Shangyan came over to help console her. At last, she returned her sword to its scabbard, although her hatred for Xiaoyue was still evident.


    "Well then, let''s get started. Please look around, everyone. See if there are any avenues of exits here," Xu Gu ordered. His eyes remained transfixed on the two remaining sarcophaguses still hanging in mid-air. This made everyone look up too, wondering if the two remaining stone coffins housed any more powerful and evil Corpse Puppets.


    But this huge underground hall was protected by enchantments and the stone coffins were too high up in the air for Xiao Chen to cast forth his Divine Sense to find out the contents of the coffins. With the lack of success, he said to his companions, "Let''s first concentrate on finding an exit."


    The company broke up into and scattered around the hall, examining every nook and cranny for any concealed entryways. Moments later, everyone heard Xu Gu''s calls. He had found a stone door a little more than three meters wide. The stone door, being almost identical to the walls of the cavern, would have not been discovered, if the battles earlier did not cause the dust and soot to fall off the thin grooves.


    Xiao Chen walked to the door. He projected his Divine Sense and found that not only the stone door was extraordinarily thick, a passage, pitched dark and empty, laid just behind the door. The mechanisms of operating the stone door were all on the other side, hence throwing a wrench into any way of opening the door.


    The frown he wore on his face was enough to convey his beliefs that opening the door would be no simple feat. Ye Wuhen sneered from behind. "It''s just a stone door. Do you even lack the strength to break it down?" He strode forward with his palm raised, about to strike on the stone entrance.


    Xiao Chen''s arm rose quickly to stop him. "There''s no need for hastiness," he said to Ye Wuhen.


    "What''s this? You''re giving me orders now?" Ye Wuhen growled in return. Embittered by his loss to Xiao Chen before, Ye Wuhen had nothing but deepest hatred and contempt for him.


    But Xiao Chen made no attempt to exchange barbed words with him. He turned to the rest of the company. "A long and dark passage lies just at the other side of the door. But I''m afraid that breaking this door down by force might trigger any traps or contrivances that may breed new trouble, such as the collapse of the roof of the tunnel we came in earlier."


    The mention of the tunnel caving in earlier sent a disquieting queasiness across the company, rousing old fears and insecurities as some began nodding their heads. "How can you tell that a long and dark passage lies just at the other side of the door," Ye Wuhen scoffed, "You''ve been here before?"


    Xiao Chen ignored him again. The Core Forming Realm cultivators of the present age, unlike thousands of years ago, did not have the ability to project their Divine Senses. Knowing that explaining himself would only be a waste of time and effort, he continued speaking to the rest of the company. "Is there anyone among us who is exceptional in fire-based magic spell?"


    "My skills maybe trivial, but I might know a thing or two about fire-based magic spell," Qin Xinyan responded, stepping out of the crowd. It was common knowledge that students of the School of the Savage Flames were particularly learned in fire-based magic. Still, no one could see what Xiao Chen was planning to do.


    "Very well," Xiao Chen nodded to Qin Xinyan and said, "If you would please, Brother Yan, I''ll need you to burn the stone door with as much True Energy as possible. The rest of the company and I will help to channel our True Energies to you."


    "So be it!" Qin Xinyan remarked. He had been observing Xiao Chen throughout the journey and had found himself fascinated by his charismatic and enigmatic behavior that he wished to make his acquaintance, and this was his opportunity to be on Xiao Chen''s good side. He stepped closer to the stone door, and channeled his powers to unleash the Flames of the Southern Vermilion Bird upon the stone slab.


    Fiery silhouettes of two miniature dragons formed and looped along his two arms, coiling towards his hands before they turned into jets of flames that roasted the stone door. Despite not being a flammable object, the stone door remained shrouded by ravenous flames so strong that everyone could feel the simmering heat. Xiao Chen stepped towards Qin Xinyan, placing a hand on his back and funneled his True Energy to the latter. A few others followed suit and transmitted part of their True Energies to him as well.


    With the boost given by the members of the company, the flames grew stronger and wilder. Before long, the stone door began to turn red, glowing with heat and energy. The blistering swelter made everyone sweat profusely. Only Ye Wuhen remained at a side, watching with glee, anticipating Xiao Chen''s failure. Was he trying to melt the stone, he mused. What foolishness, he cursed again.


    Qin Xinyan continued incinerating the stone door for a quarter of an hour until Xiao Chen was satisfied that the door was now sizzling hot. Sweat drenched everyone''s faces that were red as raw meat from the torridness. Still, the door yielded no signs of melting.


    "That is enough," Xiao Chen muttered, dislodging his hand from Qin Xinyan''s back and everyone else did the same, backing away for a few paces to get as far as possible from the swelter.


    Xiao Chen looked at Xiaoyue. "This is where you come in, Lady Xiaoyue," he said to her.


    Xiaoyue made no reply, as if she had long anticipated Xiao Chen''s plan. With her horse-tail whisk, she drew a few circles in the air and conjured columns of water that spurted on the stone door that was glowing red-hot like burning embers.


    Streams of water splashed on the stone door, sending white plumes of steam hissing angrily and floated into the air. A few other cultivators skilled in water-based magic spell too began to douse the door. Before long, the entire underground palace was filled with translucent mists of steam that swirled around the company and the stone door began to cool.


    "Thank you so much, Lady Xiaoyue," Xiao Chen quipped with a smile. He walked to the door and gave a little push, and the massive stone door began to crack and splinter all around.


    Gasps of amazement rose from the company. The massive and invulnerable stone door had been broken into pieces just by burning and rapidly drenching it with water as if a bolt of lightning from Heaven had smitten upon it.


    It was a plan he had concocted during his childhood when he was still unable to practice wushu at his home. Being unable to pummel stones and rocks into pieces and fragments like the rest of the other children in the family, he would first heat up stone slabs before pouring water upon them. He himself had almost lost count of the times he had cheated everyone in the family with this trick.


    This earned Xiao Chen several praises for his creativeness; most people had been so engrossed in training and meditation to enhance their own powers that they had completely overlooked simpler ways to leverage things to their advantage. Xiao Chen''s witty plan had not only prevented the whole subterranean palace from caving in, it had also easily opened the path for the company to continue their journey. But only one person alone scoffed with disdain, "Just luck and simple wittiness."


    With the stone door now out of the way, it was as what Xiao Chen had revealed: the stone door was the entrance to another long and dark tunnel. "It seems that this is the way out," Xu Gu said, "We must be extremely careful."


    With him and Xiao Chen leading at the front, the rest behind conjured a faint radiant light that illuminated the way. Through the darkness, the path wound and curved incessantly as if they were walking inside the bowels of a giant serpent. For a little more than an hour''s walk, what appeared to be a long and endless journey had finally come to an end: there was a faint glimmer of light at their front at last! A glimmer of hope!


    The Cold-billow Labyrinth had delayed their journey for so long that it almost felt like an eternity inside. The company picked up their pace and hurried towards the faint flickering light, only to find that it was the light that came from beneath another stone door. With a quick inspection, Xiao Chen concluded that it was merely an ordinary stone door. With a powerful slap, he destroyed the door, and sunlight flooded into the tunnel, temporarily blinding the whole company.


    "Here they are! Hold them!"

 Chapter 146 Gritting Battle

    A distressed frown began forming on Yu Yifeng''s face. Something was wrong, he realized. "What are you doing, Lil Chen?" He asked Xiao Chen, but the latter merely shook his head. "Help me take care of Senior Sister Luo, Brother Yifeng." With a light push imbued with his inner strength, Yu Yifeng was sent off the dais with a whisk of wind.


    He would never have wanted Yu Yifeng to witness him using the Heaven''s Talisman. But there was hardly any choice; there was no way he would leave without Murong Xian''er.


    He walked slowly to Murong Xian''er. She seemed to feel something welling from within him. Her eyes began to tremble with dread, her little head shaking profusely, "No, Big Brother Xiao Chen... No..."


    But Xiao Chen merely smiled gently at her as his hand caressed lovingly on her cheeks. Softly, he said to her, "Fret not little Xian''er. Big Brother will allow no harm to come to you..."


    He turned away from her, his demeanor instantly changing so precipitously that everyone standing below the dais instantly felt his sharp and icy glare as if the temperature of the surroundings had plummeted instantly.


    "I will no longer repeat myself. Nothing will stop me from leaving with her..."


    "What if we decide to?" An equally chilly voice rang suddenly from a corner, piercing through the silence that hung over the crowd.


    Everyone instantly turned their heads, eager to look at the origin of the voice. Zhang Qinglian of Penglai Island, wearing only a dispassionate expression, continued indifferently, "Today is the day where almost every sect, school, and order within the Orthodox Path assembled together. The Penglai Island might only be one of the lesser schools congregated here today, but we would never allow any evildoers from the Devil''s Practice to do as they please!"


    He began to address the crowd now looking at him. "Hear me, everyone! It is no secret that the cursed Blood Lotus Demon Blade, has openly recognized him as its master. The cursed blade itself is an object of great evil. Surely it is obvious why he was chosen? Yet now he openly defends an evil being of the Devil''s Practice! Do I need to say more?"


    Heads began swinging back toward the dais. Almost everyone was present during the incident of the Blood Lotus Demon Blade and they had definitely felt the malicious and murderous aura radiating from him then. Some within the crowd begin to doubt Xiao Chen''s allegiance, swayed by Zhang Qinglian''s rousing slander. Brutish and impatient cries began clamoring from everywhere around the dais, shouting, "The Devil''s Practice has been a scourge to all mankind! Let no evildoers go!"


    If Zhang Qinglian had intended to incite anarchy, his actions were beginning to bear fruit: rowdy and angry protestors began shouting for Xiao Chen, incensed with a stirring bloodlust, branding him as one of the evil entities of the Devil''s Practice to crucify him. But they were cordoned off only by the flock of cultivators who were with him during the Wuwang Wind Cloud City expedition.


    "He must be a spy from the Devil''s Practice!" Zhang Qinglian''s loud roar boomed amidst the hubbub of the noisy crowds, his final straw to ignite tinderbox.


    "Master Zhang!" Yu Yifeng shouted immediately, "You are a respectable person, the leader of a sect! How can you spew such falsehoods without any shred of evidence!"


    "Evidence, you say? Look at yourself, Yu Yifeng! Why are you willing to go to such lengths to protect him? Could he be one of the dirty linens of the Jade Qing Sect?" Zhang Qinglian hissed devilishly.


    The rages of two of Yu Yifeng''s female juniors immediately turned red. Seething, one of them shouted, "What nonsense! You are an elder! Do you not know how to govern your mouth?"


    But Zhang Qinglian was hardly perturbed by her remark; he wanted to provoke the members of the Jade Qing Sect so that they would behave inappropriately before the eyes of the rest of the Orthodox Path.


    "Heh heh heh heh..." A chilly giggle rang suddenly from atop the dais, the outbreak of hubbub and noise immediately died down as everyone below stared up and saw Xiao Chen guffawing, his head thrown back in a deranged euphoria. "So what if I''m one of the Good? So what if I''m one of the Evil? All of you, the so-called Orthodox Path, so easily sentenced death to an innocent girl with no proper investigation! Is this how the forces of Good behave?"


    He reached for Murong Xian''er''s hand and tugged it, pulling her close to him. Beginning to march forward, he growled, "Nothing will stop me from leaving!"


    "You may well try!" The Elder of the Vermillion Bird bellowed. He spat an order to his underlings guarding below, "Arrest him!"


    More than forty disciples of the Widespread Wintriness Sect were already waiting to spring into action. At the elder''s cue, they immediately surrounded Xiao Chen, forming an array of swords, a ring of steel threatening to strike at him.


    Zhang Qinglian''s eyes twinkled with malice; this was his chance for vengeance. "Hearken me, disciples of Penglai Island!" He called loudly, "No evildoers are to escape today!" A chorus of assent rose from the crowd as Ye Wuhen, with another seven to eight students of Penglai Island, emerged from within the mob to reinforce the array of swordsmen.


    More and more people got past the blockade of Xiao Chen''s former comrades, only to supplement the formation of swordsmen now circling around Xiao Chen and Murong Xian''er like hungry sharks waiting to strike. Unfazed by the commotion demanding for his judgment, Xiao Chen simply laughed. "Good! Very good! Very good indeed!" He yelled, "I have never offended any one of you, yet you draw your blades against me! Very well then! Then blame me not for any reprisals from me! Come at me, all of you!"


    "Insolent pup!" Ye Wuhen snarled, "Can''t you see that you are standing on a knife''s edge! So be it then, if death is what you seek!" Since his loss to Xiao Chen, Ye Wuhen had only the deepest jealousy and contempt for his rival. With an opportunity to avenge himself for his ignoble defeat, he conjured a sword in mid-air and grabbed at its hilt before stabbing straight at Xiao Chen.


    The blade sped dangerously towards Xiao Chen, its tip gleaming coldly. But Xiao Chen, hardly perturbed, merely threw his sleeves at the incoming strike. A strong pressure pummeled into Ye Wuhen, crashing him backward like a powerful hammer! What force was this! Many immediately gasped. The stroke sent a rippling shockwave, shaking the entire platform and shattering the marbles of the dais. Devil Qi! He was indeed one of the Devil''s Practice!


    Tendrils of foul energies like black fumes swirled around him like jet-black serpents that slithered around him in a protective manner. Xiao Chen, standing tall and proud despite the adversity posed against him, beheld the rabble that sought to defy him with a frosty glare. With his Devil Qi, Xiao Chen had Ye Wuhen held in an invisible vice-like grip. "You shall die..." He was heard hissing thus. But he suddenly remembered that they were formerly comrades during the expedition to the Wuwang Wind Cloud City. With a fleeting outburst of compassion, the intent to kill Ye Wuhen quickly faded. Xiao Chen slammed a stroke into Ye Wuhen''s chest, merely incapacitating him.


    The boisterous atmosphere instantly plunged into a deadening silence. There was none who did not fear Xiao Chen''s overwhelming power pulsing through the air of the square, but even more trembled at the chilly tingle felt after sensing the murderous and malicious aura now flooding the whole courtyard. It was evident that Xiao Chen could have easily killed Ye Wuhen if he so wished. Still, he had decided to show him mercy.


    The rest of the mob who were earlier clamoring for his blood had fallen silent, watching with gaping amazement at the man who lorded over them with the sheer might and semblance of demons of Hell! Gripped by fear and awe, the mob began to recede slowly down the steps.


    Far away from the dais, Yu Yifeng and Luo Shangyan could hardly believe what they were witnessing, their faces aghast with bewilderment and awe. Murong Xian''er hid behind Xiao Chen''s back, gasping between her convulsive sobs, "Please stop, Big Brother Xiao Chen... Please..." as the horrors of her former demonic mutation returned to haunt her.


    Xiao Chen marched forward imperiously as if he had heard nothing. Channeling his powers again, Xiao Chen sent forth another seismic wave of Devil Qi, the corrosive tide sweeping across the floors of the square. But the blow was stopped; a group of elders held a defensive line against the advancing wave of death. Upon their own lives they swore, that Xiao Chen must never be allowed to walk free.


    Zhang Qinglian had witnessed with his own eyes how his prized student had so effortlessly defeated by Xiao Chen. Not knowing if Ye Wuhen was still alive, Zhang Qinglian wrestled against the agony of grief. He understood that he alone was hardly a match for Xiao Chen in his present state. "Slay all villains and evildoers!" He cried, stoking the flames and instigating the mob further, "Raise the banner of the Right and Just!"


    "Very good! I will draw first blood by first butchering you!" Xiao Chen heard him and roared, his anger erupting. His fists smote at Zhang Qinglian''s direction and a barrage of black fumes materialized in the shape of a gigantic fist streaked towards the latter.


    "NOOO! Xiao Chen!" Yu Yifeng screamed at his friend. There would be no turning back for Xiao Chen if he had indeed killed the leader of the Penglai Island Sect. But there was simply no one who could now stand against Xiao Chen in his present state.


    Just when the fist-like silhouette of black fumes almost crashed into Zhang Qinglian, a blinding furor of steel gleamed, dispelling the black fumes with concerted efforts. It was the group of elders from the other sects! Together as one, they had stopped Xiao Chen''s strike and saved Zhang Qinglian from immediate death. "How dare you try to commit murder here!" One of them sneered coldly, "Have you forgotten our presence!"


    Xiao Chen took one ominous step forward, stomping hard on the flagstones of the dais, crushing them into bits and pieces. "You lot were the ones who dared offend me first!" He channeled more power with the accursed Heaven''s Talisman technique, his consciousness still clinging desperately to his last shred of sanity. The growing malice in his chest, his consequence for using the Heaven''s Talisman, was threatening to corrupt him! His eyes traveled for a fleeting moment to Yu Yifeng. The quick glimpse of his friend and the only brotherly figure to him supplied him with another shot of motivation to not let the murderous grudge within him to grow.


    "Lame excuses!" The Elder of the Vermillion Bird retorted. He was earlier stunned by Xiao Chen''s display of his might earlier. But Zhang Qinglian''s instigations and the sight of more people protesting against Xiao Chen filled him with resolve to act. He traded quick looks with his two colleagues, and they leaped off the dais to rejoin another group of Core Forming Realm cultivators.


    The group of more than ten cultivators began chanting; their spell beginning to form and weave a magical forcefield that shrouded over Xiao Chen like a dome. The barrier was so powerful that Xiao Chen, despite his invincible might, was unable to break free.


    "Amitabha..." Master Xuanji lamented from afar. His head was shaking sadly as he sighed, himself laying witness to a reenactment of the fateful incident that had taken place thousands of years before, as the lore of the distant past went.


    "ARGHHH!" Xiao Chen roared with all his might, his hair now flailing wildly about his shoulders as his semblance began to take a more feral change into one akin to a demented beast. He hammered and beat around with all his might, trying hopelessly to shatter the magical formation that held him, but to no avail. Outside, the group of more than ten cultivators continued reciting the incantations to continue upholding the integrity of the barrier, an incessant warble of chants that caused only pain to Xiao Chen.


    "AARRRGGGH!" Xiao Chen bellowed with agony, his eyes bloodshot and maniacal. He tried frantically to cover his ears but it hardly helped to keep the voices from assailing him from all sides. Catcalls and whoops of joy rang from the crowd that watched from outside, cheering for the elders to continue their magic that never stopped tormenting Xiao Chen.


    Watching Xiao Chen in pain, Luo Shangyan wanted to leap onto the dais to help him, but she was held back again and again by the female Jade Qing Sect disciples. Murong Xian''er, long drenched in tears, threw herself into the air. She invoked her magic, herself swathed in a soft and gentle radiance like a fairy from Heaven.


    Her eyes were clenched closed as she too, began weaving a spell of her own; her fingers performing hand seals and her lips uttering magical words of command. A brilliant shaft of light hit upon the outer periphery of Xiao Chen''s magical prison, slowly weakening its strength. But her actions did not go unnoticed; Sikong Yun, who was watching from a distance, realized what she was doing. He immediately understood that Murong Xian''er was trying to help free Xiao Chen. With a flutter of his robes, he disappeared from where he stood, racing quickly in mid-air toward the unwary Murong Xian''er.


    The little girl was only too concentrated in working her magic, that she did not notice Sikong Yun upon her until the last moment. With a merciless grip he clenched her throat tightly, Sikong Yun yanked her away violently and landed on the ground, dragging her with him. "DO NOT HARM HER!" Xiao Chen roared from his captivity, "SPILL BUT ONE DROP OF HER BLOOD AND I''LL MAKE SURE THAT NONE OF YOU SURVIVES!"


    But Sikong Yun instead tightened his grip on the poor Murong Xian''er''s throat. "Sever your own meridian channels, knave!" He hissed insidiously, "Or I''ll first begin by slaughtering this witch!"


    Xiao Chen could only blindly watch as Murong Xian''er suffered in pain, his eyes almost bursting out of his head in fury. "Big Brother..." She choked, "Don''t worry about me... There''re two points in the Southeast; three points in the Northwest, switch both ''Li'' and ''Kan'' positions..."


    "Silence!" Sikong Yun barked. He jabbed hard at one of her acupuncture points, preventing her from speaking any more.


    "ARRGGGH!" Xiao Chen howled. With the ferocity of a demonic beast from the depths of Hell, his fists bashed relentlessly at the barrier with all the Devil Qi he could muster. With each bash, he sent quivers of shock pulsating through the entire mountain. Like a battering ram trying to bring down a tower, the intensity and sheer power of his strokes tested the defenses of the barrier to its limits that the elders had to continue weaving more magic to quickly replace the layers that crumbled.


    "SHATTER!" Xiao Chen thundered again, unleashing another barrage of dark energies so strong that cracks began to form on the dome of the magical forcefield.


    The last stroke almost collapsed the integrity of the barrier. The crowd was held to a tense and uneasy silence. It took the collective strength and efforts of more than ten elders of the Core Forming Realm to keep on restoring the magical barrier. Yet now, the magic of the barrier which they had so perilously sustained was beginning to show signs of deteriorating! Was Xiao Chen''s present strength nearing the Nascent Soul Realm? The depths of his limits were simply unfathomable!


    The expressions of the elders, previously proud and stern, were now replaced with those of worried and fearful. Some of the warriors leaped from the crowd and began injecting their True Energy to help to supplement the reparations of the magical barrier. But before the magic of the barrier could restore itself, Xiao Chen emitted another savage roar, sending forth another shockwave of Devil Qi.


    The magical barrier that the elders had so painstakingly tried to preserve immediately shattered like brittle ice. They, with the tens of warriors that had tried to help them, were immediately thrown backward by the extraordinarily strong wave of raw power, their mouths gurgling with blood spewing from their guts.


    When the clouds of dust subsided, everyone below was aghast to see a lone figure still standing tall upon the dais. There was Xiao Chen, terrible and fearsome to all, his body engulfed by a huge ball of hellish flames. The palls of Devil Qi radiating from his person hardly diminished, instead, they permeated from his very self with the strength of the tide. Slowly, Xiao Chen turned to face Sikong Yun, his eyes gleaming with icy hatred.


    "Release her..."

 Chapter 159 Mu Shaoai

    Soon, there was an odd voice outside the temple, "Xue''er, don''t push an old guy. If you push me again, I will leave!"


    When the Perfected Immortal Qing Chen heard the voice, he was extremely happy. He hurried to the gate of the temple with Xiao Chen behind him. They saw a beautiful woman in white dress outside was pushing a comical strange old man in a purple dress to through the gate.


    Qing Chen was so happy that he cried£¬ignoring his identity and image and hurried to receive them. "Brother Xiaoyao, you finally come back!"


    All the disciples were amazed¡ªWas this strange old man the legendary Martial Uncle Xiaoyao? This was so ridiculous! Xiaoyao must be, in their eyes, a master with an elder''s presence like Qingfeng. Who could imagine that he was such a comical and strange old man?


    When Zi Mo saw Qing Chen coming, he cried and ran away immediately. Qing Chen moved in front of him quickly and stopped him. "Junior Brother, after so many years, still run away as soon as you see me?"


    Zi Mo blinded his eyes with his hands and cried strangely, "Ah! I have seen nobody, nobody! Damn Yu Yifeng cheated me that you are not here, damn it..."


    The disciples were so surprised that their chins were almost falling to the ground. Was that really the Martial Uncle Xiaoyao, one of the seven masters, not some old riffraff from the city Qing?


    "Ah ah!" At this moment, they heard a big laugh from the inside temple. Mo Xuan moved his body in front of Zi Mo quickly, smiled and said, " We haven''t seen each other for so many years. Senior Brother, you didn''t change at all. Aren''t you afraid of disciples'' jokes?" Then, Mo Xuan took Zi Mo in the temple.


    "Let me go! Let me go! Little Xuan, let me go!" Zi Mo was screaming when he struggled. Although Moxuan Zi looked young, his seniority was not young. In the whole Jade Qing Sect, only Zi Mo dare to call him Little Xuan.


    Numerous disciples in the vicinity were already shocked as if the whole world were watching the farce. Except for Xiao Chen, he only saw the woman in white, whose beauty could barely be caught in a dream. She was not Hua Weiyang, but Li Muxue.


    Li Muxue sensed his eyes and went up to him. She smiled softly and said, "Sir, have we ever met before?"


    Xiao Chen smiled and shook his head. "No."


    Before he left the Human World, Qingfeng told him that Li Muxue''s seven souls had lost the soul of the memory, and it was impossible to recall him again in this life. Otherwise, he would not come to the Violet Manor with such ease.


    "Then why do you keep looking at me like that?"


    "I''m sorry, I apologize."


    When he just saw Li Muxue suddenly appear, his heart seemed to be broken with a hole, with only pain in it. But now, in the face of cold and strange words, he seemed to have lost his heart with only an empty chest left.


    Li Muxue smiled softly at his word and turned around. She walked towards a flower tree and picked flowers from it, like a dancing fairy. At this time, people around had just noticed her. Many young men had already been crazy about her. How could there be such a charming woman in the world?


    A handsome man came over and gently plucked a white-and-red flower from the tree for her. He recited, "Pick flowers when they are in full bloom. Don''t wait until the flowers are gone and only the branches are left." He handed her the flowers in his hand, smiled and said, "I''m Mu Shaoai. May I know your name, my lady?"


    Li Muxue took the flowers he handed over and smiled softly. "My name is Li Muxue."


    "Ah!" Mu Shaoai showed a surprised expression, and then turned into joy. "Your name and I all contain a word of ''Mu''. Maybe this is our fate."


    Li Muxue looked at him. She put her hands behind and smiled softly. "What do you want to say?"


    Mu Shaoai coughed twice and laughed. "Miss Li must be the first time to come to our Jade Qing Sect, right? Shall I show you around to familiarize you with the environment?"


    Li Muxue looked up at the white clouds in the sky and replied, "Okay." Mu Shaoai was overjoyed. He gave an elegant and graceful posture. "Lady first."


    Looking at their backs, many male disciples said with hatred, "Let the lustful man take the lead again!"


    Xiao Chen sighed and asked one of the people beside him, "Senior Brother, who is that Mu Shaoai?" The man replied, "He is a famous girl killer here! He promised to make every girl in the city Qing sad for him."


    Xiao Chen shook his head. It turned out that Mu Shaoai was not a good person. He turned around and went to the temple. Seeing that Qing Chen was discussing something with several other junior brothers, it was better not to disturb them. He went back to his residence on the mountain.


    Back to the small yard, it seemed that Luo Shangyan and Xian''er were not here. He suddenly felt that the autumn wind was sorrowful and lonely as himself. After a while, he came to a small pavilion on the edge of a cliff. Looking from the pavilion, half the Jade Qing Mountain could be seen. Through the clouds, he could also see the looming city Qing in the distant.


    Even though he was in a bad mood at this moment, he couldn''t help but be moved by the landscape. He brushed at the lower hem of the dress and sat in the pavilion. He took out the Nine-heaven Jade Pendant, and the hands plucked light and slow. A very soft sound was swaying in the mountain valley.


    Qin, in the tune of Gong, was soothing like river flows. The song was the Recall of Fate in Mortal Life which he played when they first encountered at the bridgehead. However, the music was still there, the lovers couldn''t recognize each other anymore. Thus there was some bitterness in the rhyme.


    "Oh..." When he was sulking, there was a sudden sigh behind him, and a young boy''s clear voice followed, "It was the decision that you have made yourself before. What''s the use of your self-pity now?"


    Hearing this voice, Xiao Chen was overjoyed. The previous sense of alienation was thrown away. He turned around and said, "Evernight!"


    Floating in the air, several feet away from the ground, he put his arms on the chest and shook his head. "Kid, I haven''t seen you for only a few months, when did you become so sentimental?"


    Xiao Chen was happy at the moment. He wondered if he should tell him that he had retrieved two strings of the Fuxi Zither. Evernight fell to the ground and walked slowly to the edge of the cliff. He looked at the distant scenery and said, "Of course, there are many people who are infatuated for a lifetime. However, she is probably the only person in the world who will never be reincarnated because of a man. Kid, cherish it."


    Xiao Chen was nervous in the heart, who was he talking about? Weiyang or Muxue? When he decided to ask him the meaning of his words, there were sounds of footsteps not far from here. Evernight said, "Someone is coming, I''m back to the qin." Then he entered the qin immediately.


    "Miss Li, there is the Wangxian Pavilion, one of the three great sceneries of the Jade Qing Sect. Shall I show you around?"


    "All right."


    Those who came here were Li Muxue and Mu Shaoai. When Mu Shaoai saw someone was already in the pavilion, he showed a pity face. "It''s unfortunate, someone is already here."


    For some reason, Xiao Chen was now disgusted to even hear the voice and tone of the man. So, he intended to hold the qin back. Mu Shaoai stepped forward and said politely, "Junior brother, could you please leave us some spaces for a while?"


    Xiao Chen''s brow wrinkled. He was disgusted with Mu Shaoai''s appearance in front of Li Muxue. "I came here first, why should I leave?"


    Mu Shaoai was not angry but still smiling, which made him looked quite graceful. Li Muxue smiled and said, "Well, that''s okay, Senior Brother Mu. Let him stay here, we can go anywhere else!"


    Mu Shaoai smiled softly. "Miss Li is so considerate, please." Then he put on an invitation pose.


    Watching the two of them drifted away, he recalled the disgusting look of Mu Shaoai as he pretended to be. Xiao Chen gritted his teeth with hatred. It took a long time for him to utter two words, "Sick! Hypocritical!"

 Chapter 184 Xiansers Spirit Energy

    No one expected this seemingly ordinary girl to possess such overwhelming Ancient Divine Power. The surrounding gale gradually came to a standstill. In the sky, the image of the Three Emperors also slowly dissipated. Murong Xian''er gradually recovered as the white radiance faded. She gently closed her eyes as if she was exhausted and began falling to the ground.


    Xiao Chen sprang upward to catch her midair and landed on the ground. He felt a stab of pain after seeing her pale face and frail condition. A wave of hatred swept him. Murong Xian''er opened her eyes ever so slightly and tugged on his arm. "Brother Xiao, don''t¡­"


    His heart ached even more after seeing how she was only concerned about him, even now. After waking up a millennium later, she was the only one aside from Evernight that he felt as if he had known all along. Yet he failed to protect her and allowed harm to come to her again and again.


    Noticing his enthralled state, a cold glint flashed in Ling Jingshan''s eyes. Suppressing the pain in his body, he swiftly conjured an Immortal''s Sword and then flung it at Xiao Chen. His movement was as quick as lightning, eliciting shocked cries from those around him.


    Even so, it didn''t escape Xiao Chen''s notice. Holding Murong Xian''er in one hand, he pushed his other hand with great force. Instantly, his sleeve billowed and a bold, powerful force accompanied by dragon''s cries surged toward Ling Jingshan.


    "Pfft!" Blood sprayed from Ling Jingshan''s mouth. He not only used the Life-taking Sky Slash, but was also hit by Murong Xian''er''s Spiritual Power earlier. Right now, he didn''t even have the strength to defend against one of Xiao Chen''s attacks. Both he and his sword were flung thirty more meters backward before crashing to the ground. Blood kept rising from his throat.


    Xiao Chen''s gaze was icy as his murderous aura spread silently. He said coldly, "Ignorant fool. Your Ling Family tried to push me around once and again. Today, let me send you off to the underworld. Your family will join you soon enough!" He summoned his Blood Lotus Demon Blade from the Divine Vessel. The blood-red evil radiance was full of such incredibly bloodthirsty murderous aura that the others couldn''t help shivering in fear.


    Suddenly, a wizened voice drifted from above the sky. "Young man, don''t be hasty."


    "Not even immortals can save you!" Xiao Chen bellowed and swung his blade downward. The blood-red saber radiance extended as long as several dozen Chinese feet long and charged at Ling Jingshan with whistling noises. This attack was imbued with immensely fierce power and was certain to wipe out both Ling Jingshan''s body and soul. Those nearby couldn''t help gasping.


    A thunderous explosion resounded. Where Ling Jingshan stood, rocks and stones scattered in the air. Even he himself was reduced into a bloody mist. However, it wasn''t Xiao Chen''s attack that exterminated his body and soul. Rather, he had employed one of his family''s mystic arts: the Blood Yin Incantation.


    The bloody mist gradually crept away in an attempt to flee, prompting a voice to drift from afar. "Kid! Even if I can''t kill you now, there will naturally be others who will finish the job in the future!"


    Xiao Chen snorted and returned his Blood Lotus Demon Blade to the Divine Vessel. He looked at Xian''er, who lay in his arms. She looked pale and exhausted, but unharmed. He asked softly, "Xian''er, how are you feeling?"


    Murong Xian''er gently shook her head with a smile. "I''m fine, Brother Xiao Chen. I''ll get better after some rest. Don''t worry¡­" She drifted into dreamland mid-sentence.


    Xiao Chen carefully carried her with two hands and walked out of the square as the others hastily moved out of the way. They were surprised to see such a gentle side from a person who was emanating such fierce murderous aura just moments ago.


    Simultaneously, a floating island emerged in the sky. The island was fairly small but was blanketed in an invitingly green meadow. In the middle of the island was a pavilion, where a chessboard sat. The pieces lay on the board, clearly without a victory in sight.


    Two people with unworldly disposition stood on the edge of the island, overlooking everything taking place in the city. One of them was an old man in a wide-sleeved cyan robe with white hair and beard.


    The other one, dressed in white, was similarly silver-haired. However, he was young and handsome. He had a red-crowned crane perched on his left shoulder and a cyan-colored sword case on his back. The seal on his sword case had a cosmological pattern and underneath it was the word "Kunlun" engraved in seal script.


    "Is he the Xiao Chen that you spoke of?"


    The cyan-robed old man nodded. "This kid is alright but it''s a pity that he has such an intense murderous aura. If he has really taken Ling Jingshan''s life earlier, I suppose Ling Ruoxu will be furious after coming out from self-seclusion! Hehe!"


    The white-robed Sword Immortal shook his head with a smile. "Youngsters are full of vigor. Earlier, I saw that your disciples seemed eager to give it a go."


    The cyan-robed old man forced a smile. "This group of brats..."


    "Either way, why do you think Xiao Chen came to the Middle Continent? Don''t tell me he''s also here for that ancient scroll."


    The cyan-robed old man frowned. While smoothing his beard, he said, "That I''m not sure. I don''t know what''s his motive in coming here, I only hope he won''t cause a huge mess in the Middle Continent. Instead, I''m more interested in the girl with him."


    The white-clothed Sword Immortal nodded. "Three Emperors. Your half of the scroll seems to have mentioned the Three Emperors as well."


    "Sigh. What a pity that no one can understand the ancient script used in the scroll. I wonder what terrifying prophecy was recorded in the scroll for two Immortal Kings to fight over it in a life-or-death battle. If we can''t find the other half, I fear we''ll never understand the prophecy."


    "Does this mean that the challenge you gave your disciples this time is finding the other half of the scroll?"


    The cyan-robed old man wore a wry smile. "The one-half of the scroll alone had brought countless trouble to the Fortified Heaven Sect in the last few months. Look, it even drew you, the Kunlun Sect Leader, out of your hundred-year seclusion."


    The white-clothed Sword Immortal chuckled. "I have waited in the Mystic boundary for 300 years but it felt like no more than the passing of a day. I have never expected to see such a great change in the world. Back then, he died trying to exterminate evil. I wonder if he has reincarnated."


    Watching the sunset glow peeking from the horizon, the cyan-robed old man sighed. "300 years, all in the blink of an eye. Have you never thought of visiting the Immortal World?"


    The white-clothed Sword Immortal chuckled. "Everyone in this world hopes to become immortal but how is it possible that each of them will have their wish fulfilled? I''m fortunate enough to cultivate an immrtal body that allows me to travel to every corner of the mortal world. That''s enough for me!" That said, he climbed onto a sword radiance and flew toward the horizon.


    The cyan-robed old man shook his head with a smile. "I wonder when this situation would end, or even if there''s an end." He sighed and turned his attention onto the city below.


    The curtain of the night drew close. Xiao Chen carried an increasingly pale Murong Xian''er, whose Spiritual Power was continuously depleting, into a tavern. Inside their room, he gently placed her on the bed and tucked her in. He then ordered the waiter to bring a basin of hot water to their room.


    Noticing how pale the person laying on the bed looked, the waiter carefully asked, "Sir, your friend appears very ill. Should I help you fetch a physician? Perhaps, you''d like to take her to the Fortified Heaven Sect and get Perfected Immortal Fengxi to examine her?"


    "That won''t be necessary, but thank you."


    Moonlight bathed the night. Inside the room, the candle flame flickered uncertainly. Xiao Chen walked toward the window and closed it firmly to prevent the cold wind from coming in. He returned to the bed. Murong Xian''er was still deathly pale and her Spiritual Power was still pouring out. Two snow-white fox ears appeared on her head.


    Xiao Chen had no idea what happened. He watched over her until dawn the next day. Murong Xian''er was as white as paper, losing color even in her lips. She looked as if she was down with a terrible illness. Suddenly, she spoke dazedly as if she was dreaming, "Brother Xiao Chen... I want to..."


    Xiao Chen immediately went over to her after hearing her speak. "I''m here. What are you saying?" he asked gently.


    She sounded terribly weak. "I want to eat your lotus seed soup... but not the lotus root..."


    "Lotus seed soup? Lotus root?" Xiao Chen''s heart jumped. Where would he find these things this time of the year? Nevertheless, he replied, "Okay. Wait for a while." He tucked her in, hastily opened the door, and walked out of the room.


    In the tavern downstairs, two workers were on the night shift. When they saw him running down, they asked, "Do you need something, sir?"


    "Lotus seed soup! I need a bowl of lotus seed soup! Do whatever it takes! Get me the bowl of lotus seed bowl as soon as possible!"


    His fierce expression shocked the workers. One of them said, "Yes! Please wait for a while, sir. I''ll fetch the lotus seed soup at once."


    Xiao Chen walked to the first floor. Just as he was pushing open the door and about to call for Murong Xian''er, he found the bed deserted and Xian''er missing.

 Chapter 271 - The Gathering of the Powerful

    Chapter 271 The Gathering of the Powerful¡°What?!¡±


    Xiao Chen punched the wall of the cave, causing the entire cave to shake and the dust inside to fall. His fist was so tightly clenched that his bones were creaking in protest. He asked coldly, ¡°Which sect did this?¡±


    ¡°Fallen Immortals Sect,¡± Yu Yifeng replied, frowning.


    ¡°Fallen Immortals Sect¡­¡± A sinister smile crossed Xiao Chen¡¯s face. He looked at everyone. ¡°How are your injuries?¡±


    Li Muxue shook her head. ¡°We managed to escape in time thanks to Senior Brother Yifeng¡¯s Teleportation Formation.¡±


    Xiao Chen¡¯s knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists. The Fallen Immortals Sect must have occupied the paradise-like land they were in yesterday as well. He said solemnly, ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s seek our revenge!¡±


    Yu Yifeng stopped him. Shaking his head, he said, ¡°The Fallen Immortals Sect is too powerful. We¡¯ve been waiting for you to see if we can find some Hearts of Illusory Moon nearby on the last day.¡±


    Xiao Chen didn¡¯t reply. Could he tolerate the repeated provocations from the Fallen Immortals Sect? No!


    Mu Shaoai stood up. ¡°They¡¯re strong but they¡¯ve made many enemies. I think they¡¯d be too busy fending for themselves now.¡±


    Zhiluan, who sat on a stone, said serenely, ¡°This great one agrees. Let¡¯s rob and massacre them!¡± Either way, this didn¡¯t concern him.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xiao, is the thing you chased after last night? A sentient thousand-year-old Immortal Lingzhi?¡± Yu Yifeng asked, looking at Zhiluan.


    Zhiluan cast him a sidelong glance. ¡°What thing? I have a name! I¡¯m called Zhiluan!¡±


    Mu Shaoai narrowed his eyes. ¡°Nice. I can take this back as a pill-refining gift for my Master.¡±


    Zhiluan shuddered in fear and hastily hid behind Xiao Chen. He pointed to Mu Shaoai and said, ¡°I, I¡¯ll have you know that I came to the Human World on the Jade Emperor¡¯s direct orders¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Xiao Chen frowned. ¡°We can¡¯t dally. Let¡¯s leave now.¡±


    They were quite a distance away from the cave yesterday and it took them two hours to reach their destination. When they arrived, two injured-looking people were sitting inside the cave.


    One of them was the Eighth of the ten members of the Fallen Immortals Sect, Eight Scarcities Ghost. The other was the Ninth, Nine-patterned Dragon. The latter said, ¡°Do you think that kid will come after we raided his sect yesterday? One-dot Red and the rest aren¡¯t around.¡±


    Eight Scarcities Ghost replied, ¡°What are you scared of? I¡¯ll kill him if I see him. Consider it as payback for last time.¡±


    Nine-patterned Dragon said, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate him. He has multiple Spiritual Meridians like us. Moreover, he¡¯s the last survivor of that sect¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, someone suddenly flew into the cave while coughing up blood. It was the Second Brother, Double-tailed Crane. Eight Scarcities Ghost was alarmed. ¡°Second Brother! What happened?!¡±


    Nine-patterned Dragon rose to his feet and shouted at the cave entrance. ¡°Who?!¡±


    ¡°Xiao Chen!¡±


    Just as an ice-cold voice resounded in their ears, Xiao Chen appeared at the cave entrance. A powerful force slammed into Nine-patterned Dragon before he could even whip out his weapon and sent him flying into the wall of the cave. He couldn¡¯t help coughing up blood.


    Eight Scarcities Ghost knew they were in trouble. He desperately recited a spell and eight mass of dark fog instantly winded around Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen flicked his sleeves nonchalantly and performed the Dragon-controlling Mystic Skill¡ªa personal invention that combined the manipulative ability of his psychokinesis and the strength of his Dragon Roar Palm. Immediately, a golden illusory dragon more than tens of feet long charged at Eight Scarcities Ghost and slammed him onto the wall of the cave.


    Double-tailed Crane and the other two lost their ability to fight back.


    Outside the cave, Zhiluan watched everything unfold with gleaming eyes. ¡°This kid is pretty capable! Looks like I found someone strong to latch onto this time.¡±


    Xiao Chen stomped his foot as he radiated a sharp murderous aura. Double-tailed Crane said through gritted teeth, ¡°Kid, have you gotten sick of living?!¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re the ones who want an early death!¡± Xiao Chen made another palm attack and sent him flying once again. Double-tailed Crane crashed onto the wall while coughing up blood. The entire cave nearly collapsed.


    On the outside, rocks and pebbles kept rolling down to the ground. Zhiluan clasped his paws over his eyes. ¡°How violent!¡±


    Suddenly, a purple light flashed and Double-tailed Crane found one of his ears cut off. His screeches pierced the air as Ziyun¡¯er appeared at the cave entrance. Zhiluan pressed his paws harder on his eyes. ¡°How bloody!¡±


    ¡°Second Brother!¡± Eight Scarcities Ghost and Nine-patterned Dragon yelled in unison. They whipped their heads around to glare at Xiao Chen and his team. ¡°You¡­ You!¡±


    Xiao Chen took a heavy step forward and filled the entire cave with a thick murderous aura. He pointed to them and said solemnly, ¡°Hand over the Hearts of Illusory Moon!¡±


    Eight Scarcities Ghost clenched his teeth and tossed his Illusory Moon Pouch to Xiao Chen. Nine-patterned Dragon and Double-tailed Crane also followed suit.


    Xiao Chen caught the pouches and examined them with his Divine Sense. There were more than two thousand Hearts of Illusory Moon inside. He said solemnly, ¡°I warn you not to provoke me anymore. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re the Fallen Immortals Sect or the Gate of Fallen Immortals. I¡¯ll send you all to the Hell¡¯s gates otherwise!¡±


    He flicked his sleeves and walked out of the cave, where he handed Yu Yifeng the pouches.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We can¡¯t stay here. The rest will return at any time,¡± Mu Shaoai said.


    Even though they were on their last day, there was still time before the deadline. If their jade notes were crushed and they were teleported outside the forest, they would still be eliminated. The team immediately departed. When they walked about twenty miles away, a monster that resembled a wild boar appeared. It looked vicious with its sharp tusks. It stared fixedly at Zhiluan as it growled.


    Zhiluan jumped in fright. He pointed to the monster. ¡°Hurry up, kid! Hurry up and help me chase it away!¡± His fear of the monster was apparent.


    Xiao Chen cut the monster with two blades made of Qi in silence and created bloodshed following two swooshing sounds. Zhiluan laughed heartily as he ran over to the corpse. He was no longer afraid when he spotted several similar monsters around. He placed his paws on his waist and guffawed. ¡°That¡¯s for bullying me in the past! Kid, hurry up and kill all of them for me!¡±


    With strange-sounding screeches, the wild boars lifted their hooves and swiftly escaped. Zhiluan was left laughing like a madman. Suddenly, a purple light flew toward him, scaring him so much that his neck shrank. The purple light brushed past his head, nearly slashing the Lingzhi plant growing on top.


    ¡°Meow! Who? Who dares to ambush the great one?¡±


    The purple light wasn¡¯t aimed at him, but Xiao Chen who stood behind him. Xiao Chen immediately raised his sword to block the attack. His limbs instantly felt heavy and both his arms were numb. He tumbled backward before regaining firm footing.


    ¡°Do you think you can just run after injuring my men?¡±


    Just as a frigid voice resounded, a person materialized in front of them. The man had a red dot between his eyebrows. It was the First Brother of the ten members of the Fallen Immortals Sect, One-dot Red.


    Having experienced this man¡¯s strength yesterday, Yu Yifeng and the rest cautiously raised their swords. Xiao Chen said coldly, ¡°You came right on time!¡±


    His Unsullied Sword sprang forth, turned into a blade of white light, and flew toward One-dot Red. One-dot Red pressed his fingertips together and followed suit with a blade of purple light transformed from his Purple Ying Sword. With loud clanging noise, the swords interweaved in midair while basked in a blinding halo. Both refused to give in.


    Qingluan and Ziyun¡¯er exchanged glances before jumping into action and attacking One-dot Red from both sides. One-dot Red scoffed and freed one hand to nonchalantly cast a seal. Instantly, two golden rays of light materialized and slammed into the girls. Following loud collision sounds, they were both sent flying while spitting out blood.


    ¡°Stay put if you don¡¯t want to die!¡± One-dot Red said coldly. It was evident from his words that he thought Xiao Chen was the only worthy opponent here.


    ¡°Meow!¡± Zhiluan unfolded his wings and hid behind Luo Shangyan and Li Muxue as Sword Qi dashed back and forth inside the forest. Right then, six human silhouettes appeared out of the blue. They were the six other members of the Fallen Immortals Sect.


    Traceless for Ten Miles¡¯ gaze landed on Yu Yifeng after a quick scan of his surroundings. His sect members also moved to crowd Xiao Chen¡¯s team, who instantly knew they were in trouble. While they weren¡¯t weak, the truly capable fighter among them was Yu Yifeng alone.


    Xiao Chen¡¯s brows furrowed as he dealt with One-dot Red¡¯s persistent attacks. His opponent kept him busy, preventing him from helping his friends. Suddenly, a piercing cold slowly crept into the forest until it enveloped the entire area.


    No one noticed when a young woman in red appeared on top of a large tree hundreds of feet away. Her hair was decorated with a red-colored accessory and a red flower imprint sat between her eyebrows. Her clothes billowed in the wind. Her face was as cold as ice as if she was trying to freeze the air around her.


    One-dot Red narrowed his eyes and said indifferently, ¡°Heartless Fairy, you¡¯re an ally of our Fallen Immortals Sect. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re here to cause trouble for us.¡±


    Hearing the familiar name prompted Xiao Chen to sweep the area behind him with his Divine Sense. He found a young woman with her clothes fluttering in the air atop a tree. Who could it be if not Huangfu Xin¡¯er?


    ¡°You can try,¡± Huangfu Xin¡¯er said. Her lips barely moved but her ice-cold voice still reached their ears.


    Sneering, One-dot Red took a heavy step backward. ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, please show yourself too, Fairy Xiaoyue.¡±


    A human silhouette moved, materializing into a young woman in cyan bearing a horsetail whisk sword. She stood hundreds of feet away with her clothing fluttering in the wind. Compared to Huangfu Xin¡¯er¡¯s coldness, she appeared tranquil and otherworldly. She was none other than Xiaoyue of Thousand Feathers Sect.


    Xiaoyue smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you show yourself as well, Brother Zuoqiu?¡±


    The moment she spoke, a bellow erupted in the distance. ¡°Where is Xiao Chen?!¡± Then, a man emanating a suffocating murderous aura flew and landed in front of them.


    He was, naturally, Zuoqiu Yang. When he saw Xiao Chen, he thrust an earth-shattering palm at him without another word. Xiao Chen immediately raised his palm to block the attack. The sound of the collision pierced the air. Xiao Chen tumbled backward as he felt half of his body go numb. Their combined forces turned the plants around them into a puff of fine powder.


    Xiao Chen¡¯s heart sank. Zuoqiu Yang had become many times stronger than when he was in Canglan City.

 Chapter 303 - Be in a Pickle

    ¡°B*stard! Oh, what a b*stard!¡±


    Zuoqiu Yang could not control his anger. He smashed the tea table next to him as well with one hand. It was obvious that for Xiao Chen and his group, most people placed their bets on Xiao Chen as the winner. You could say that 9 out of 10 people wagered that Xiao Chen would win the fight.


    ¡°Listen to my order! Contribute 3 million Spirit Stones! And use it all to place the bet on me winning!¡±


    A disciple carefully raised his head and whimpered, ¡°Young Master¡­ It won¡¯t end well if the House Master finds out about this¡­¡±


    Before he could finish his sentence, Zuoqiu Yang glared at him piercing eyes. That disciple trembled and then was flown out by an invisible force that smashed the room door entirely.


    This frightened out of the wits of the other two disciples. ¡°Yes, Young Master! We will get it done now!¡± they said hurriedly and left the room with haste. They did not dare to stay in the room any longer.


    Fuming with rage, Zuoqiu Yang squeezed his hand and burnt the gambling ticket into ashes.


    At this moment in Xiao Chen¡¯s yard, Murong Xian¡¯er and Zhiluan were playing together happily. Xiao Chen however, had his eyebrows tangled in a frown. Then, footsteps that went ¡°Ta-ta-ta¡± could be heard coming from outside of the yard. It was the arrival of Yu Yifeng.


    ¡°Brother Yifeng, what¡¯s up?¡± said Xiao Chen as he stood up and walked towards Yu Yifeng.


    Yu Yifeng smiled and said, ¡°Nothing much, it is just that¡­ Martial Uncle Xiaoyao had asked me to tell you that tomorrow will be the Summit Finals. Eh¡­ Martial Uncle said he wishes that you don¡¯t go missing again¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen forced a smile and thought, ¡°This Zi Mo¡­¡± Then he said, ¡°Oh right, Brother Yifeng. I wanted to look for you earlier regarding the battle between Xiaoyue and you.¡±


    Yu Yifeng frowned slightly and said, ¡°Xiaoyue¡¯s cultivation is above me, but I will do my best. What do you want to talk about?¡±


    Xiao Chen nodded and said, ¡°Xiaoyue¡¯s Coalesced Colors Equal to Dust isn¡¯t unbreakable¡­¡± Then he revealed the way to break Thousand Feathers Sect¡¯s Coalesced Colors Equal to Dust to Yu Yifeng. He also revealed to him the weakness of the highest martial arts style of the sect¡ªAs Kind As Water.


    Yu Yifeng was surprised after hearing that and asked, ¡°Lil Chen, why do you know Thousand Feathers Sect¡¯s martial arts so well?¡±


    Xiao Chen smirked. Thousand Feathers Sect¡¯s martial arts? That so-called Coalesced Colors Equal to Dust was the Immortal-override Steps of his master. That so-called As Kind As Water was Mystic Cyan Sect Tianxuan School¡¯s martial art, the 3,000 Weak Water. How could he not be familiar with them?


    Yu Yifeng saw that his expressions suddenly became a bit weird and even consist of a little resentment and anger. So he stopped asking for an explanation and said, ¡°I saw that you were deep in thoughts when I came in just now. Was it because of Junior Sister Li?¡±


    Xiao Chen looked up and sighed. He then turned to look at a flowering tree in the yard and said, ¡°Muxue can never win Huangfu Xin¡¯er, but I¡¯m afraid that she¡­¡± He paused and then turned his head to Yu Yifeng and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to look for her now. Is she with Qingyu and the other girls?¡±


    Yu Yifeng nodded with his eyebrows tangled in a frown.


    About half an hour later, Xiao Chen came to a place that was 1.5 kilometers away from the male disciples¡¯ hostel. It was a place of serenity with plum flowers planted everywhere. Farther up, in half a kilometer¡¯s distance, Xiao Chen saw bouquets of withered flowers lying all over the place. The building in front that looked solemn with red walls and the green roof was the female disciples¡¯ hostel. Males were not allowed to enter at free will.


    At this moment, a crisp voice was heard from behind, ¡°Oi! You¡¯re the disciple from which family? Guys are not allowed near here. What are you doing here sneaking around? I warn you, I will call for people!¡±


    Xiao Chen turned around and saw a young girl in a red dress with a long sword hanging by her waist. He had no idea how long she had been behind him for. The young girl was pretty. Her hair was neatly tied up behind her back and she wore a pair of purple crystal ear studs.


    Xiao Chen bowed and said, ¡°This Senior Sister, may I trouble you to get Li Muxue from Jade Qing Sect for me?¡±


    The younger tittered and smiled like a flower. She said, ¡°So you are a playboy. Such a shame that you actually looked handsome and righteous.¡±


    Xiao Chen puzzled, he frowned and said, ¡°What?¡±


    The young girl shook her hand and said, ¡°Oh stop it, recently there has been so many playboys like you who came to look for Senior Sister Li. You should leave soon. If you were seen by the sisters later, they are going to tie you up and bring you to the elders for sure.¡±


    Xiao Chen frowned again. Could it be that during the days he was away, lots of people had looked for Muxue? He said, ¡°Senior Sister, I do need to see her regarding a matter. Could you please help me to get her?¡±


    The young girl glanced at him. Then she smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s what everyone said, but Senior Sister Li doesn¡¯t ever meet anyone. Do you see these flowers on the floor?¡± She pointed at the bouquets that were lying all over the place and continued, ¡°All of these were asked to bring in by the playboys and then they would all be thrown here on the second day.¡±


    After she finished saying, she went around him and walked towards the hostel in front. She shook her hand and said, ¡°Leave quickly! Or I will call people over for real!¡±


    Looking at the shallow footsteps in the snow left by the young girl, Xiao Chen shook his head helplessly. A few moments later, he took in a deep breath and shouted at the direction of the hostel, ¡°Muxue! Muxue!¡±


    His voice echoed throughout the valley. It was so loud that it shuddered off the snow on the side of the cliff. Not long after, a hubbub could be heard coming from the direction of the hostel. Immediately after, countless of sword radiance came chopping at Xiao Chen. The sky was full of Sword Qis in red, purple, blue, and green. What a magnificent view!


    Xiao Chen leaped 50 to 60 feet back hastily. Those rays of Sword Qis fell on the snow and flakes of ice flew everywhere. He did not dare to take another step forward. He was afraid that it would be the different types of Immortal¡¯s Sword magic treasure coming at him next.


    ¡°Which playboy is it this time? Bugger off! Or I will slaughter you later!¡± disses could be heard from the direction of the hostel.


    Xiao Chen took a few steps back and took a deep breath. His efforts did not go to waste as he finally saw a white shadow flying towards him. Li Muxue landed beside him. She blushed and said, ¡°Brother Xiao, what are you doing here?¡±


    Xiao Chen forced a smile and said, ¡°Why are the female disciples here as fierce as tigers, leopards, and wolves. So unfriendly¡­¡±


    Li Muxue glared at him. She looked down and said, ¡°And you have the guts to say that. Who goes around shouting other people¡¯s name as you did?¡± Then she looked up and asked, ¡°So what do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Let¡¯s go. We will talk as we speak just in case we attract a sky full of Sword Qis again.¡±


    Both of them made their way to the cliffside of the quiet valley where the plum flower blossomed everywhere. On the way there, Li Muxue laughed and chatted non-stop. She told him about the interesting things that had happened in the past few days. But she mentioned not a single word about the Summit Finals happening on the following day.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, did you know? Senior Brother Zhou Li was so hilarious. He sneakily came here the other time to look for Senior Sister Qingyu. Then he was tied up by a group of people and taken to the elders. Hahahaha¡­¡± she said as she shook with laughter.


    ¡°Oh, oh. And the other time I saw a Senior Brother from Xianyong Sect¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen suddenly turned around and looked at her. He said, ¡°Muxue, how about you call it off and don¡¯t enter the competition tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°There was a Senior Brother who sneaked here every day to guide his Junior Sister on her sword practices just so that she would win¡­¡± Li Muxue did not stop talking. But the smile on her face had long ceased. She looked at Xiao Chen and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Xiao Chen sighed as he looked at a plum branch swinging with the wind near the edge of the cliff. He said, ¡°The martial art that Huangfu Xin¡¯er is practicing is very powerful. You¡¯re not her match¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want!¡± Li Muxue said suddenly.


    Xiao Chen frowned and said, ¡°You listen to me¡­¡±


    ¡°Say what? You went missing for so long, I was worried about you every day. But what did you do? Did you look for me after you came back? It was either for the evil spirit or the mystic domain. What do these things get to do with me?¡±


    As she spoke, Li Muxue started tearing up. She looked up at the sky and did her best to stop the tears from falling. She thought Xiao Chen came here today for her about other matters. She did not expect him to be telling her to call off the competition. It would not matter if her opponent was someone else. However, of all people, her opponent happened to be Huangfu Xin¡¯er!


    Xiao Chen did not know what to say anymore. Li Muxue smirked and said, ¡°Ha-ha. Your heart is tied to the lives of the world. But when was it ever tied on me? Xiao Chen, tell me, what am I to you in your heart¡­¡±


    Then, she flicked her sleeve and went back to the hostel riding on sword radiance. Leaving that question, ¡°What am I to you in your heart¡­¡± echoed within the quiet valley. The words filled with pain and heartbreaking sorrows.


    ¡°Mu¡­¡± Just as Xiao Chen was about to stop her from leaving, and before he could finish his sentence, a piercing pain spread throughout his limbs and then to the rest of his body.


    The pain came so abruptly, and his face went as white as a sheet in an instant. His entire body broke out in a cold sweat. Then he suddenly remembered something. It was the Heartless Curse! It was the effect of the Heartless Curse!


    He was at the Heartless Palace previously with Li Muxue to invite Huashang. However, Huashang placed the Heartless Curse on him instead. The curse was never on Xiao Chen¡¯s mind and it was only till today, then he realized how powerful it was.


    He was only slightly moved by Li Muxue¡¯s words just now and it was already this painful. He felt like his body was scrapped by ten million knives, one after another. So much so that it was as if he was drenched in blood and that his flesh was unrecognizable.

 Chapter 354 - The Power of Spiritual Meridian

    On the ground, countless cultivators of the sects encircled Yu Linglong, and at this moment, Yu Linglong¡¯s body had been hit more than ten times. She lunged at Xiao Chen¡¯s body and saw Xiao Chen¡¯s face pale and white, gradually losing his breathing, and his heartbeat slowly stopped. She let out a miserable scream: ¡°No¡ª¡±


    Bloodied Mad Swordsman looked down and shouted, ¡°Idiot! He is already dead! Leave now! Go Feng You that bastard!¡±


    Yu Linglong ignored him and slowly stood up. At this moment, her eyes were red, and red radiances also surrounded her body. The look on her face was terrifying, and she seemed like a different person. She bellowed, ¡°You killed ¡ªBrother Chen¡­ You¡¯re all going to die! Die!¡±


    As the last word, ¡°Die¡± was spoke, a scary force broke out from the center, and cultivators of the nearby sects were shaken and flew out as they spewed out blood. The four wardens, as well as Chanyu Zheng, were also stunned by this force.


    ¡°Sky Knotting Sword Formation!¡±


    The warden in purple shouted and immediately formed a formation with the other three wardens. The cultivators of the nearby sects also came to help. In an instant, the flying swords intertwined, like a vast golden net shrouding over Yu Linglong.


    The strong wind blew, the sword shadows were everywhere, and in an instant, Yu Linglong was powerless against the strength of the crowd. Her eyes gradually returned to its original color. The red radiances outside her body steadily dispersed, but now there were countless sword wounds on her body. She carried Xiao Chen¡¯s cold body, and two lines of tears fell off her cheeks like a broken pearl necklace. She choked and said, ¡°The handsome brother is already dead, let me take him away, I beg you, I have never killed anyone, I beg you¡­¡±


    Although many of the younger disciples nearby hated the Devil¡¯s Practice, however, they felt sorry after seeing her pitiful appearance. The purple-robed warden narrowed his eyes and thought that Xiao Chen could never die quickly like this. He said coldly, ¡°Demon of the Devil¡¯s Practice is to be killed! Today, not only he can¡¯t leave, you can¡¯t leave as well!¡±


    After he shouted, the Immortal¡¯s sword in his hand turned into a great radiance and slashed at Yu Linglong. Then just as the flying sword was a foot away from Yu Linglong¡¯s eyebrows, it suddenly stopped. The sword trembled, and no matter how hard the warden in purple moved his fingers to cast the spell, it did not even move an inch.


    ¡°Clank! Clank! Clank!¡±


    A few crisp sounds were heard, and the Immortal¡¯s Sword suddenly broke into several pieces. The Soul of the warden in purple was wounded, and a mouthful of blood was spewed out.


    ¡°You people are also considered to be the predecessors of the Cultivators¡¯ sect. Don¡¯t feel shameful with yourselves bullying a little girl here today?¡±


    Footsteps were heard, though soft, every step was like stepping on the hearts of everyone. Everyone dared not act rashly under this great atmosphere.


    A woman slowly walked over, who was wearing a green robe and a green hairpin. Her eyes were cold and frosty. Her face was covered by a green silk scarf, blocking her face.


    Yu Linglong saw her approaching, rushed at her, crying, ¡°Aunty Qing, handsome brother is dead! The handsome brother was killed by them, wah¡­¡± She could not stop crying.


    ¡°Aye¡­¡± The woman in green sighed and stroked her hair. She walked towards Xiao Chen and carried his already cold body.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take this person away, who¡¯s going to stop me?¡±


    None of the Orthodox Path sects dared to speak as they looked at each other in shock. In the distance, Chanyu Zheng was in cold sweat while he urged the Mystic Skill in his body. Bloodied Mad Swordsman in midair said hastily, ¡°Qing Luo! Why are you alone! We can¡¯t hold it any longer! Where is Feng You that jerk¡­¡±


    ¡°Impudicity!¡± The woman in green shouted coldly. Then she looked into the distance and saw many of the Devils¡¯ sects disciples were already defeated. Several protector elders were also held back by Qing Chen Perfected Immortal and the others. On and her fingertip, a green smoke was condensed, and it drifted away to the distant battle circle.


    More and more green smoke gathered in the air and finally turned into seductive naked women. They were pretty and coquettish and were smiling obsequiously.


    Many female disciples blushed, their faces were as red as a tomato, and some male disciples lost their minds at that instant, even threw away their Immortal¡¯s Sword. As for many scattered cultivators, it was as though their souls had left their bodies.


    Those women slowly landed into the crowd, and at that instant, they seemed to stir up stormy waves, countless people who were head over heels rushed over and started to have intercourse in public. The moans filled the air. Qing Chen Perfected Immortal, and the others frowned profoundly and said, ¡°This demonic woman is powerful!¡±


    Master Xuanji closed his eyes and suddenly read a Buddhist mantra. His voice was as loud as thunder. The people finally woke up. However, it was too late. Those seductive women had changed into vipers, taking countless lives in an instant.


    The Orthodox Path again had a significant loss. In the square, the woman in green carried Xiao Chen¡¯s cold body and said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯ll leave this to you.¡± .


    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t go!¡± Bloodied Mad Swordsman shouted hastily, but the woman in green ignored him and went in the direction of the city gate. No one dared to stop her, then the purple robe warden moved and blocked in front of her. ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are. You have to leave this person here today¡­¡± Before he could finish, a green smoke drifted towards him rapidly and finally wrapped around his neck, lifting him.


    ¡°How dare you hurt her. Do you know who she is?¡±


    The purple robe warden¡¯s face was flushed, and he struggled in the air. At this moment, his neck was wrapped too tightly to speak. Yu Linglong pulled the sleeves of the woman in green and said, ¡°Aunty Qing, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± The woman in green sighed coldly. As her fingertip moved the purple robe warden was thrown to a distance in front, smashing a bluestone statue into pieces.


    At this moment, Chanyu Zheng, in the distance, finally finished recovering his True Energy. He rushed at the woman in green at lightning speed. The woman in green did not look back. She freed up a hand and moved it backward. A loud bang was heard, the twos forces collided and destroyed all the buildings nearby.


    This palm was neck and neck, but Chanyu Zheng was panting heavily. If it is in his heyday, perhaps he could fight with this woman in green for a little longer, but he was poorly wounded earlier. At this moment, with him alone, he could not stop this woman.


    ¡°Stop them!¡±


    Chanyu Zheng shouted, then looked at the other three injured wardens not far away, and said: hurriedly, ¡°You go take over Guyang Perfected Immortal and deal with that devil head!¡± Then he shouted in the air, ¡°Brother Guyang!¡±


    Although Guyang Perfected Immortal was in a pitched battle with Bloodied Mad Swordsman, he had an overview of the situation. He saw the situation crisis on his side, and without thinking, he immediately turned into a green radiance and landed by his side, ¡°Senior Chanyu.¡±


    Chanyu Zheng panted and said, ¡± Brother Guyang, today we must not let this person be taken away by the Devils¡¯ sects! Anyway, the guardian formation was already destroyed. Why not you and I both join forces and kill him with the help of the Spiritual Meridian!¡±


    He did not hate Xiao Chen for destroying the Spirit Energy Grand Formation, but because Xiao Chen had the strengths of both Immortals and Devils. If he grew up in the future, he would be beyond the existence of the Immortal King and the Devil Emperor. Today, this person was hunted by the Orthodox Path. Killing, his hatred would have been serious. Once he turned to the Devils¡¯ sects, the world that had been guarded by the Orthodox Path for thousands of years would have a change of its master!


    Guyang Perfected Immortal sighed profoundly and finally nodded slowly. The two did not say much, and immediately urged the incantation. On the side of the woman in green, countless Orthodox Path cultivators put themselves behind everything else and went forward to stop the woman no matter what. There were even many cultivators of the Nascent Soul Realm exploding their Nascent Soul just to stop her.


    This was a war about who would be the dominator of the world. If Xiao Chen were to be taken away by the Devils¡¯ sects today, the Devils¡¯ factions would be dominator in the future. If today, Xiao Chen were to be killed, it would still be Orthodox Path dominating the world in the future!


    As the killing in the city progressed to the most intense moment, the heavens and the earth shook suddenly. The overcasting clouds in Tianyuan City scattered, and it became clear. The sudden glare made people unable to open their eyes. Suddenly a dazzling white radiance appeared between heaven and earth. At a closer look, it was a divine sword of hundreds of feet.


    At this moment, whether it was the Devils¡¯ sects disciples or the Orthodox Path Cultivators¡¯ sect disciples, or the cultivators without sects, felt impressed. The eyebrows of the woman in green narrowed as she noticed the situation was not good, she thought, ¡°Damn it, it is the power of the Spiritual Meridian¡­¡±


    ¡°Boom¡ª¡ª¡±


    With a loud bang, as if the whole world was shaking, the sword quickly slashed at the woman in green under the control of Chanyu Zheng and Guyang Perfected Immortal.


    Yu Linglong looked up at the divine sword that came at them, her face turned white and said, ¡°Aunty Qing¡­¡±


    Without thinking, the woman in green freed up a hand, picked her up, and ran. But only for a distance of ten feet, she was unable to move under the power of this powerful force.


    The loud booming was endless, the whole earth was shaking, the sword was getting closer and closer to the ground, and all the houses in the ten-mile radius collapsed in an instant. This sword was more than ten times stronger than Xiao Chen¡¯s string.


    In the distance, the Orthodox Path people watched in fear. This attack would probably destroy half of East City. Even the ordinary people who hid in the dungeons of their own homes would not be able to escape from death. Were Chanyu Zheng and Guyang Perfected Immortal crazy? This would make them become sinners of the ages¡­


    Everyone held their breath. As the sword was getting closer and closer to the ground, strong winds shrieked. All the nearby buildings were turned into ashes in a flash, and those people who were nearby, whether they were the Orthodox Path Cultivators¡¯ sect disciples or the Devils¡¯ sects disciples, they all died in an instant.


    In the distance, seeing the sword getting closer and closer to the ground, Yu Yifeng was expressionless as he muttered, ¡°Lil Chen¡­¡±Su Yue sighed, and the rest had different looks on them.


    In the vicinity, Xiaoyue¡¯s face changed greatly. However, under the strong force of this, it was impossible to escape. It was the same for Bloodied Mad Swordsman, he exclaimed, ¡°Are you two old bastards crazy? Your people are here too!¡±


    Guyang Perfected Immortal and Chanyu Zheng had already burnt their bridges. Even if they became the sinners of the whole world today, they would not let Xiao Chen leave, the divine sword finally fell ruthlessly.


    ¡°Boom!¡±


    The entire Tianyuan City was violently shaken, and a layer of smoke filled the air. In the sky, countless suspending islands lost control under this aggressive power and began to fall, smashing the buildings on the ground.


    The booming sounds were endless, and both Orthodox Path sects and the Devils¡¯ sects stopped fighting and started to run and hide like a mouse, avoiding the islands that were falling. This sword almost killed tens of thousands of people in Tianyuan City.


    The smoke did not disperse for a long time. Everyone was unable to see anything that was more than 3 feet away. It was clueless how many of the senior or junior brothers of the same sec died. Didn¡¯t know how long it had been, the smoke was finally blown away by the wind. Dead bodies were everywhere; blood and mud were mixed. In the vast East City, a complete building could no longer be seen.


    Chanyu Zheng and Guyang Perfected Immortal were both breathless. Both of them were covered with a thick layer of sediment. However, not far from them, there was a chaos barrier. The barrier shattered, and only one person was seen. A man in a black cloak stood with one hand behind his back, and the other hand was still in the position of supporting the barrier.


    Behind him, it was the woman in green and Yu Linglong, as well as Xiao Chen, all were safe and sound.

 Chapter 357 - One Year

    The weasel demon eyes squinted and looked at the Unsullied Sword in Xiao Chen¡¯s hand. It had to be a treasure, it thought. It leaped and landed in front of him and punched him in the middle of his abdomen. Xiao Chen snorted, and the Unsullied Sword flew out of his hand.


    The weasel demon reached out its hand and grabbed the Unsullied Sword. It smirked and said, ¡°What a treasure, I will accept it then. When I leave, I can use it to show off!¡±


    Xiao Chen saw the Unsullied Sword was taken away, he ripped open the spider silk forcefully and rushed up. He yelled, ¡°Return the sword to me!¡± Unexpectedly, the weasel demon kicked him, and he flew several feet away.


    ¡°Poom!¡± Xiao Chen smashed into the pile of stones, and the dust flew. He coughed non-stop, and suddenly with strength out of nowhere, he quickly rushed up again and was again kicked off by the weasel demon.


    ¡°Return the sword to me!¡± Xiao Chen rushed up again like a madman.


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª¡± A scream echoed. Xiao Chen was like crazy, pouncing on the back of the weasel demon, biting its left ear hard. The weasel demon was in devastating pain and yelled, ¡°Bastard! Let go!¡± Then it punched Xiao Chen in his abdomen.


    After more than a dozen punches, Xiao Chen¡¯s mouth was full of blood. It was not known if it was from the beating or from biting off the ear of the weasel demon.


    ¡°Quickly! Kill him for me now! Ah¡ª¡ª¡±


    The group of demons then reacted, and quickly ran up to Xiao Chen and pulled him away. Then they punched and kicked him. Of course, they did not dare to kill Xiao Chen. If they were to take life here, they would also bear terrifying punishment or even be locked several floors below ground.


    After beating him for a long time, Xiao Chen had already fainted while holding his head with both hands. The corner of his mouth was still stained with blood, and the weasel demon had been bitten off half of its ear. He snarled in pain and yelled, ¡°Bastard boy, that¡¯s all for today. Don¡¯t beat him to death. We¡¯ll come back again tomorrow. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The group of demons gradually left, and the surrounding resumed its tranquility. The next day, Xiao Chen woke up in confusion, only to feel that he was about to fall apart. Yesterday, he was blackout from the beating.


    ¡°Koo-chee! Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡±


    A soft voice rang in the ear, Xiao Chen opened his eyes and saw an animal resembling a pig in front of himself, he instinctively sat back.


    ¡°Koo-chee!¡± The little animal was chubby with a pair of big eyes. It was not as fierce as the other demons and monsters. Xiao Chen remembered that when the group of demons sieged yesterday, it seemed that this little thing stood up and tried to stop them, so he gradually took back a bit of his hostility.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Koo-chee! Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡±


    ¡°Koo-chee? Then I will call you Koo-chee.¡±


    ¡°Koo-chee! Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast seemed to understand his words and nodded happily.


    Xiao Chen forced a smile. He patted the dust off him and stood up. He did not expect himself to end up like this, and there was only one little demon which could not speak, was this how he was to spend the rest of his life? Master, Master, had not been found yet¡­


    Suddenly, he tensed up, because the group of demons and monsters from yesterday came at him again like a turkey-cock under the leadership of the weasel demon.


    ¡°Koo-chee! Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast quickly blocked in front of Xiao Chen, continually shaking its head. The weasel demon kicked it, and it flew off, it glared at Xiao Chen and said, ¡°Boy, you¡¯re alive today huh!¡±


    Xiao Chen looked alertly at the group of demons and said coldly, ¡°I did not offend you, what do you want?¡±


    ¡°What do I want?¡± The weasel demon touched its half-missing left ear, which hurt so badly it snarled. It said maliciously, ¡°Beat him! Don¡¯t kill him, just till he passes out!¡±


    The group of demons was about to go forward again when suddenly a Buddha mantra sounded, and the group of demons immediately went pale. The spider spirit said, ¡°Hurry up, cover your ears! That a*sshole monk is going to recite the mantras again¡­¡±


    Before it finished speaking, and suddenly a low-pitched Buddhist scripture sounded. The group of demons immediately covered their ears and looked in pain. Xiao Chen suddenly felt a burst of headache and quickly covered his ears, but no matter how tight he wrapped them, it was useless. The scripture seemed to be directly transmitted to the brain.


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª Stop reciting! Stop reciting!¡± Xiao Chen suffered in pain, his eyes were bloodshot, the veins on his face popped, and the pain seemed to be much worse than the episode of the Heartless Curse.


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª¡± Xiao Chen clenched his head tightly, and he looked crazy, ¡°Stop reciting! Ah! Let me go! Let me go!¡± ¡°What right do you have to lock me down! I am not a devil! Ah! ¡±


    A trace of black Qi came out of him, and the group of demons afar were in horror as they exclaimed, ¡°What¡¯s happening! Why is he in so much pain? Is he a devil!¡±


    The spider spirit said in a quavering voice, ¡°Impossible! If ht is a devil, how can he not be locked below the ground floor? How can he be locked up on the second floor?¡±


    The weasel demon was so scared that its face turned white, and its legs trembled, saying, ¡°He is a devil¡­ He must be a devil! I have seen the devil who was locked in, exactly like him!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª¡± Xiao Chen looked up and shouted, his hair danced in the air, his face was covered with blue veins, his eyes gradually became red, and his body was emitting black Qi. His appearance was terrifying.


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee !¡± The Koo-chee beast rushed over hurriedly, but when it was still a foot away from him, it was knocked off by a fierce force.


    ¡°Kill! Kill! Kill!¡±


    Suddenly, Xiao Chen rushed towards the group of demons. The group of demons was scared and started to scatter. The weasel demon wanted to run but was held by its neck and lifted to midair by Xiao Chen, who teleported to its side.


    ¡°Where is the Unsullied Sword! It was given to me by Brother Yifeng! Nobody can take it away!¡±


    At this moment, Xiao Chen looked terrifying. The weasel demon was so frightened that he could not stop trembling. He hastily took out the Unsullied Sword from his back. Xiao Chen grabbed the sword and threw the weasel demon out hard, as it landed, the gravels flew and scattered.


    Suddenly, a Buddha mantra rang once more, and Xiao Chen covered his head again. It was more painful than before. At this moment, the stronger the murderous intent in him, the more painful he would be. With every inch the devil nature grew, the pain would increase by 100 times! It was far more painful than the pain caused by the episode of the Heartless Curse.


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª¡± At this moment, he was already in so much pain that he was tumbling on the ground. The group of demons had already fled away frightenedly. Gradually, he finally felt a little powerless, and the dirt on the land had been scratched out numerous traces by him.


    ¡°Muxue¡­Xin¡¯er¡­¡±


    Finally, Xiao Chen fainted and woke up after no idea how long. He felt a little wetness and warmth on his face, as he opened his eyes, it was the Koo-chee beast licking his face.


    ¡°Brother Koo-chee, did I hurt you yesterday¡­¡± Xiao Chen moved his pale lips and said softly.


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast shook its head.


    Xiao Chen sat up, picked up the Unsullied Immortal¡¯s Sword by his side, and looked around. He thought that inside the tower, it should be a mystic domain, and there was no exit unless someone opened it from the outside, or the people inside could never get out? Even if he wanted to break out by force, he would not be able to do it during his heyday. Moreover, now that he had lost all his power. Was he going to be locked up in this Devil Repressing Tower that has no daylight for the rest of his life?


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡±


    Xiao Chen forced a smile and said, ¡°Some people were like strangers even till they had white hair, and some were like old friends even when they just met. Brother Koo-chee, you and I were like old friends when we just met, but I don¡¯t know why you were being locked in?¡±


    He thought that there was not a single trace of Devil Qi in the Koo-chee beast, nor it looked like the kind of demon that would hurt people. Could it be locked in by the people of Wuyin Monastery just because it was a Demonic Beast? Demon Realm was destroyed, and the Demon Qi had penetrated the Human Worlds. There were countless Demonic Beasts in the world. Could the Wuyin Monastery enclose all of them?


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The beast blinked its big eyes and shook its head.


    Xiao Chen smiled, seeing it reminded him of Zhiluan. That Leopard Cat Spirit should now return to the Human World with Xian¡¯er. Are they okay¡­


    After a month, in this tower, Xiao Chen felt no hunger at all, but every time the Buddhist scriptures sounded, he was in so much pain that he went mad. However, the demons and monsters that were led by the weasel demon did not dare to disturb him again. Xiao Chen even grabbed him and asked about the situation here.


    It turned out that this tower had a total of 18 floors. The nine floors above the ground locked some demons and monsters that caused troubles around. The higher the level, the stronger the demons and monsters. The nine floors below ground, each story was a hell, suppressing some malicious devils. The more it went down, the more powerful the devils were. The level where he was located was the second floor above the ground.


    Not sure if it was because of the prohibition of this place or something else. Neither Guifeng nor the things in the Divine Vessel could be summoned here. Su Xiaomei in the Frigid Jade Pendant seemed to have fallen into an endless sleep.


    ¡­


    Time flew like an arrow. The months and years passed by like a stream. The days in the tower had unknowingly gone for a year. Xiao Chen¡¯s hair had grown a lot more, he had grown taller too, and he was full of beard. He had wrapped up the Unsullied Sword in a clothed and hung it over his shoulder. Now he did not look like the image of the former literary figure and was more like a swordsman of the world.


    Whenever the Buddha mantras sounded again, he was not in as much pain as before, and his anger was somewhat relieved. Sometimes he would also read the scriptures engraved on the stone wall, ¡°One load of sand, one load of sand, one realm, within one world, a speck of dust for a catastrophe¡­¡±


    ¡°A principle behind everything, such as a dream bubble, like dew or like lightning, it should be regarded as a view¡­¡±


    ¡°All the principles are empty, they don¡¯t disappear nor born, they don¡¯t get dirty nor they¡¯re clean, they don¡¯t increase or decrease¡­¡±


    Although some of these verses were hard to understand, every time he recited them, his mind became clear. There were also lesser disputes in his heart, lesser murderous aura, and as he contemplated about the past, everything was like a dream of flying flowers.


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± Suddenly a soft voice rang behind him. The Koo-chee beast had not changed its shape for the past year. With it, Xiao Chen did not feel so lonely.


    ¡°Brother Koo-chee, what¡¯s up?¡± Xiao Chen whispered and asked as he turned around, and saw the Koo-chee beast shaking its head while standing next to the shed that he had built a small grass shed under the stone wall.


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast gently called out twice, and ran to the side, about a few feet away. It then turned back and called, ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡±


    ¡°Brother Koo-chee wants me to go with you somewhere?¡±


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast nodded hard.


    ¡°Well, Brother Koo-chee don¡¯t be flustered, I¡¯ll come right now.¡± Xiao Chen took off the Unsullied Sword off his shoulder and walked over. Although he still could not restore his power for the past year, he had often practiced swordsmanship in his spare time. Dealing with the little demon like a weasel demon was not a problem.


    A man and a beast walked for a mile and reached a remote corner. 3 stone tablets that were about a foot tall could be seen, the stone tablets were full of golden talisman. Amongst them, a golden mystic arts shrouded over. If ordinary demons were near them, they would have turned into ashes.


    ¡°Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast snorted and rushed to the back of the stone tablet. Xiao Chen exclaimed, ¡°Brother Koo-chee, be careful!¡±


    However, the Koo-chee beast went straight through the golden mystic arts safely. Then it turned back and called out twice at Xiao Chen, signaling him to keep up.


    Xiao Chen carefully walked over and took the sword to touch the layer of golden mystic arts, only walking over after it seemed to be entirely safe. After a few steps, he found an underground entrance not far away. The entrance seemed to have a seal Barrier.


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast ran to the entry of the Barrier, and Xiao Chen walked over too. A few layers of stone steps slanted down that led below. It seemed like a staircase leading to a level down. Although he had stayed in this tower for one year, he had never been here before.


    ¡°Brother Koo-chee, are you asking me to go down?¡±


    ¡°Koo-chee, Koo-chee!¡± The Koo-chee beast nodded. It seemed that it came here often. It went around the Barrier for a bit then went straight through the Barrier. Xiao Chen was stunned and could not but think that this little guy could disregard any Barrier?


    At the moment, Xiao Chen also squatted down, but now he had no power at all, and he could not break open the Barrier. The Koo-chee beast gently called out and stretched out its two front paws and waved at the Barrier. Not for a moment, a hole of a size that just happened to allow Xiao Chen to pass through appeared on the Barrier.


    Xiao Chen was stunned once more. This little guy had such an ability? At this moment, he went into the gap in the Barrier and passed through. Once inside, he felt a very heavy evil Qi and suddenly it became a lot darker.

 Chapter 378 - 1000 Years of Malicious Grudge

    The cold wind whispered, everyone¡¯s hair could not stop flying, and the atmosphere suddenly became very tense. Mu Shaoai vest was covered with layers of cold sweat, soaking his clothes completely.


    Xiao Chen took a deep breath, looked at Mu Shaoai and said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll let you off regarding the previous matter. From now on, if you dare to yell at Senior Sister Luo again, I¡¯ll definitely take your life!¡±


    Mu Shaoai¡¯s whole body shook violently, just as if he had just walked to the gate of Hell and returned. Last time, Xiao Chen was still a disciple of the Orthodox Path, so he was quite cautious. Now, Xiao Chen was no longer a disciple of the Orthodox Path, if he wanted to kill him, even with Yu Yifeng around, he would not be safe. Leave here! Return to Jade Qing Sect! Go back to his master Yuheng Zi! These were his only thoughts now.


    ¡°Swoosh!¡± That bamboo hat in a distance away flew back into Xiao Chen¡¯s hands. He put the bamboo hat on and walked towards the end of the night without looking back.


    Yu Yifeng stood in place, and the cold wind blew his eyes red. He watched Xiao Chen and the three people of the Devils¡¯ sects disappeared at the end of the night. This scene was so similar. A former Junior Brother of his, Wu Nian fell into the Devil¡¯s Practice for a girl from the Devil¡¯s sect he was obsessed with. He then went to the Wuwang Wind Cloud City and renamed himself, Leng Ningfeng.


    That day, it rained heavily. Leng Ningfeng held the woman¡¯s cold body and walked step by step in the bloody water. Countless Sword Qi penetrated his body, and countless flying swords were inserted into him, but he continued to walk towards the foot of the mountain and refused to turn back.


    ¡°Wu Nian! Come back! Don¡¯t make the same mistakes again and again; put her down! Just admit your mistake to Martial Uncle Yu Heng and you¡¯ll be fine¡­¡±


    ¡°Same mistakes again and again? Yu Yifeng, tell me, what is right! What is wrong! Heaven could tolerate everyone, but why can¡¯t it tolerate her! Why!


    The wind, whispering, was like a desolate and beautiful music score of the heavens and the earth, wailing.


    ¡­


    After half an hour, Xiao Chen and the four had traveled more than ten miles to the open woods. Seven Killings said, ¡°So, let¡¯s part ways here, and see you at the Ghost-wailing Hill.¡± Then he moved and disappeared without a trace. Of course, what he meant when he said ¡®see you at the Ghost-wailing Hill¡¯ was that when the four of them were to meet again, they would be competing for the extraordinary treasure.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say goodbye too!¡± Yi Yeqiu moved and went in the other direction.


    Lastly, Su Lianyue looked at Xiao Chen. Under the dim moonlight, the shadows of the branches tilted horizontally, as if the night was more blurred, which also made her look more beautiful and charming. Her snow-white shoulders and clearly visible clavicle were angled in a way that they were partly hidden and visible at the same time. The night was as if being stained by ink. It was like a picture of a drunken beauty, but at the end of the picture, there was a cold and thrilling dagger.


    She said in a charming voice, ¡°The night is long; the moon is alluring; Master Xiao is alone¡­¡±


    ¡°Farewell.¡± Before she finished speaking, Xiao Chen moved and disappeared without a trace.


    Su Lianyue at the back stunned for a little and then she sniggered. But in the corner of her eyes, a slight invisible cold radiance flashed.


    At midnight, the sky seemed colder and the frost was heavier. Xiao Chen found a cave. At this moment, he sat cross-legged at the entrance of the cave, the moonlight shone his face and it looked like a sheet of paper, without any color.


    ¡°Puff!¡± After a moment, a mouthful of dark blood finally flowed out from his mouth, which only made him look slightly better.


    In recent days, his skills had increased greatly, especially after understanding the fifth step of Yaoguang School mind cultivation method, he was now not far from the Nirvana Realm, but there were times he felt strange, just like when Danyang Zi blew up his Soul earlier, under that kind of impact, he clearly could not bear it, but at that time it seemed¡­ just like when he was at the Canglan City battling the Zuoqiu family, when that Nascent Soul Realm cultivator hit him with a palm, it was obvious he could not survive, but he had entered into an unconscious state for a short time, then when he woke up in an instant, he was unscathed.


    This was not because his body could withstand powerful forces, but more like¡­ he was dead but had come alive under the control of some strange power. Thinking of this, Xiao Chen shivered, and a chill swept across his body in an instant. This was not a good omen¡­


    Suddenly, there was a sound in the distance. Xiao Chen frowned and the sound disappeared, and after a while, it sounded again, and then disappeared again, then it slowly and intermittently approaches.


    Xiao Chen put away the emotions just before, a smile hung on the corner of his mouth, with two fingers he picked up a small stone next to him, and flipped it with force. The stone flew with a swoosh, and a weird cry was heard, ¡°Oh man! You wanna die! Stupid kiddo! ¡±


    Xiao Chen pretended to sneer and said, ¡°So sneaky, if you are not treacherous, you are stealing.¡±


    Zhiluan rubbed its head, flew over, and glared at him angrily, Xiao Chen also glanced at him and said, ¡°What? They sent you over to spy on me?¡±


    ¡°You stupid kiddo, when did your mouth become so mean?¡± Zhiluan said angrily and sat down. But it got up quickly from the coldness, sitting on the ground was as cold as sitting on ice.


    Xiao Chen took a deep breath. For a year, everyone¡¯s views about him had changed, and probably only this Leopard Cat Spirit would not. He asked, ¡°Is Xian¡¯er OK?¡±


    Zhiluan rubbed its head that was hit by him with a stone, and slowly said, ¡°She¡¯s doing very good!¡± And it muttered, ¡°It¡¯s just that Mu Shaoai is so detestable¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen¡¯s eyes became cold, and then said, ¡°What¡¯s did he do?¡±


    It was already been freezing cold, and Zhiluan was scared by his coldness again, and said, ¡°Relax, not even with ten guts he would dare to do something to the little girl. It was just that the previous time I went to the kitchen to find something to eat and he locked me up in the room deliberately. This man is really abominable! ¡±


    Xiao Chen smiled lightly and said, ¡°You deserve it.¡± He asked again, ¡°You are here for the extraordinary treasure as well?¡±


    ¡°Who the hell is willing to come here!¡± Zhiluan complained and said, ¡°The extraordinary treasure is just one reason, and more importantly, about half a year ago, 31 people went missing for no apparent reason. Qing Chen that old man suspected that it was related to the Corpse Refinery Sect locating here and sent Eleven Yu here to look it up. Didn¡¯t even think about who I am for me to come here with a little kid¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen¡¯s expression gradually became dignified. 31 people had disappeared on the same day, and they were all born on July 7th, and this had happened before a few hundred years ago. What was going on¡­


    Zhiluan was still at the side muttering and complaining. It saw that Xiao Chen was silent for such a long time, asked, ¡°Kiddo, why ain¡¯t you speaking?¡±


    Xiao Chen frowned. ¡°Leopard Cat Spirit, I think this is unusual; go back immediately and tell them, don¡¯t go further into the mountains anymore.¡±


    ¡°Not like they will listen to me!¡± Zhiluan snorted, and murmured, ¡°That Eleven Yu can be such one-track mind, said that the task the master has given has to be accomplished. Following him is even more unlucky than to follow you!¡± Then he glanced at Xiao Chen again and said, ¡°Stupid kiddo, are you also going into the depths to find the extraordinary treasure? ¡±


    Xiao Chen¡¯s eyebrows were tightly locked, everyone was eyeing that extraordinary treasure, it was not just a groundless rumor, but it was difficult to tell what it really was and it was necessary for him to see for himself¡­ Zhiluan exclaimed, ¡°You, you, you kiddo really intended to go! Holy meow! Do you know what sort of place Ghost-wailing Hill is?¡±


    ¡°You know?¡±


    Zhiluan coughed, its claws behind its back and walked back and forth at the cave entrance. It said proudly, ¡°If you are willing to ask me nicely, I can tell you anyway.¡±


    ¡°Dear Immortal Zhi, the boy would like to know the details.¡±


    Zhiluan coughed, looked around, walked to his side, tiptoed and whispered in his ear, ¡°Kiddo, haven¡¯t you noticed something strange about this place? Within hundreds of miles of the radius is being shrouded by a Negative Qi, and this Negative Qi is different from the Negative Qi we noticed the last time in that Valley of Devilish Aura¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen¡¯s brows grew deeper and deeper. Indeed, he was very sensitive to the Negative Qi, and he had felt a Negative Qi from the moment he came here and it gets heavier to the deeper he walked into the mountain. But the Negative Qi he felt in the Abyss of Devil¡¯s Aura previously seemed to have come from the Ghost Realm, however, the Negative Qi here did not come from the Ghost Realm, but¡­


    ¡°Resentment!¡± Zhiluan¡¯s claws placed in front of its chest, and it spoke the word very seriously. Xiao Chen gave him a side-eye and said, ¡°When did you learn to read mind?¡±


    Zhiluan snorted softly. ¡°Whichever side you kiddo¡¯s eyebrows move, I know what you were thinking.¡±


    ¡°Then guess what I¡¯m thinking now.¡±


    ¡°You are thinking now that since the Corpse Refinery Sect is located here, they need to gather a lot of Malicious Grudges to refine their Corpse Puppet, so it is normal to have a bit more resentment nearby, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Is that not right?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Zhiluan stretched out its hand and said very earnestly, ¡°It¡¯s not that the Corpse Refinery Sect being here that has caused the areas around to have extremely heavy resentment, but it was because of this, the Corpse Refinery Sect has chosen to form their sect here!¡±


    After hearing what he said, Xiao Chen¡¯s eyebrows were gradually locked up again, and there were three Malevolent Qi in the world, Tainted Qi, Turbid Qi, and Resentment Qi. Among them, Resentment Qi, if people were extremely unwilling and resentful at the time of death, they would send out a Malicious Grudge. If this Malicious Grudge could not find a host for a long time, it would gradually develop into Resentment Qi and diffused into the world.


    Once there were corpses nearby that did not decompose infected with such Resentment Qi, it would gradually become Walking Corpse after a certain period, which was equivalent to zombies in the eyes of mortals. Corpse Refinery Sect refining Corpse Puppet was also based on this principle, a Malicious Grudge was injected into the corpses, but whether it was a Walking Corpse or an artificially made Corpse Puppet, they did not have the souls and senses, and were born of a Malicious Grudge.


    The heavier the Malicious Grudge, the more powerful the Corpse Puppet. A Corpse Puppet of a hundred years¡¯ Malicious Grudge could defeat a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. If it was a Corpse Puppet that had gathered millennia of Malicious Grudge, it would simply be unthinkable, if it was ten thousand years of Malicious Grudge¡­ He believed that the Corpse Refinery Sect did not have this ability yet.


    ¡°Humph, kiddo, do you know how powerful it is now? Still going to the depths of the mountains?¡± Zhiluan looked proud of his solemn expression at this moment.


    ¡°Go!¡± Xiao Chen patted his hands on his legs and stood up.


    ¡°Meow! What the meow!¡± Zhiluan jumped in shock and said, ¡°Why are you as one-track mind as that Yu Eleven? The Resentment Qi outside is already so heavy, what about Ghost-wailing Hill? There can be a Millennium Walking Corpse! Kiddo, you want to die! ¡±


    Xiao Chen looked out at the vast sky and said, ¡°I have to figure out some things¡­ And, I also happen to be missing a Corpse Puppet, and it would be good if I could catch a Walking Corpse of a thousand year¡¯s Malicious Grudge.¡±


    ¡°Catch, catch the Millennium Walking Corpse?¡± Zhiluan was stunned, then it suddenly lay on the ground, hit it while pointing at him, laughed and said, ¡°You want to catch the Millennium Walking Corpse! Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m actually hearing a Nascent Soul Realm kiddo saying that he was going to catch the Millennium Walking Corpse! Hahaha! This joke I can laugh for a year!¡±


    Zhi Luan laughed at him while hitting the ground and pointing at him. It was in tears of laughter. Xiao Chen frowned and glared at it, saying, ¡°Ain¡¯t you annoying? I was just joking, stupid cat; you eat too much and get sick! Go away!¡± Then he kicked it and Zhiluan rolled on the ground a few times.


    Zhiluan was still laughing, ¡°Do you know what the Millennium Walking Corpse is like? Let me tell you, if there is a Walking Corpse with more than a thousand years¡¯ Malicious Grudge, it cannot be killed. Even if you killed it, it will immediately resurrect with this millennium Malicious Grudge. Haha, you actually want to catch a Millennium Walking Corpse! I¡¯m going to laugh for a year! ¡±


    ¡°Wait! What did you say!¡± Xiao Chen suddenly felt the heat all over his body and then shivered, and then a layer of sweat had formed on his back.


    The Walking Corpse was also called a zombie in the mortal world. It gathered the Resentment Qi from the heavens and the earth, and was born from the Death Qi, the Unlucky Qi of the heaven and earth. In the mortal world, it used the resentment as its power and fed on blood. According to the ancient Mao Mountain strange skills, a zombie with Malicious Grudge of more than a thousand years could resurrect countlessly, could fly and move in the ground, and could even produce its own spiritual intelligence and cast spells. It was called the Flying Zombie and was feared by Cultivators.


    ¡­

 Chapter 427 - The Blitz

    ¡°Very well, boy! For one thousand years, I have never set eyes upon one welcomes Death as much as you! Very well, I yield!¡±


    Li Xie, in the guise of a young boy, appeared out of nowhere, his lips curling into a crooked smile. With a wave of his arm, the Flames of the Southern Vermillion Bird were all magically drawn into the voluminous folds of his sleeves as if a vortex was hidden within his crimson-red robes.


    ¡°Congratulations, Young Master Xiao. I must tender my admiration for your skills and so much more for your courage,¡± Liku Zi¡¯s voice resounded from where he stood. He promptly looked at Yu Wenmu beside him and beckoned, ¡°Let us go now, my boy.¡±


    Zi Mo left the cave quickly with his two companions in tow. With the state of his health failing, Xiao Chen fell into a deep sleep as soon as they had left. It took another further two days of rest until he finally showed signs of recovering.


    But he was still slumbering came the morning of the sixth day of the seventh month, his fingers still gripping firmly the hilt of the Sword of the Vermillion Bird. Strangely, the burns that he suffered had fully healed as if nothing had happened before.


    Yu Yifeng had never once left his side since he began sleeping, watching him and making sure Xiao Chen was fed water every hour. It was only when the noon sun was hanging proudly over the Flying-cloud Stone when he finally woke up and the first words he uttered were, ¡°Have we got it?! The Flames of the Vermilion Bird!¡±


    Yu Yifeng tossed aside the waterskin he was holding when Xiao Chen sat up and was shocked for seconds before he managed to nod to a bewildered Xiao Chen, ¡°Yep. The Flames are imbued into the Sword you are holding. So is the Formation Spirit Li Xie. Rest easy, my friend.¡±


    Xiao Chen exhaled with relief. He had been having endless nightmares even if he was asleep, assailed by visions of Muxue being consumed by Red Sleeve and at long last becoming the ultimate Corpse King, dishing out death and despair and leaving mounds and hills of slaughtered dead in her wake and the lands bathed by the blood of thousands of massacred innocents¡­


    He lifted the Sword of the Vermilion Bird to his eyes and studied it, his other hand running down the blade with his fingers feeling the edge. He could feel a strong magical power hidden within, resonating with excitement. So this is the sword forged from the fires of the Vermilion Bird, he observed, a weapon with immense powers that could destroy all that is foul and evil. And with this, I¡¯ll be able to wound Red Sleeve.


    Then he remembered something. ¡°What day is it now, Brother Yifeng?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the sixth day of the month. Rest assured that Martial Uncle Xiaoyao is speeding us back with the fastest speed this Flying-cloud Stone can muster. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get back in time.¡±


    Xiao Chen nodded saying nothing as he slowly sank back down, only to spring back up again, ¡°What about Xian¡¯er and the Leopard Cat Spirit? Are they all right?¡±


    Yu Yifeng broke into a smile. ¡°They are all fine. Little Xian¡¯er is gifted. Perhaps even you will be surprised by her skills the next time you meet. As for Zhiluan, he has recovered much of his powers. They are all at Yuqing Mountain, both notorious troublemakers in their own right¡­¡±


    It was a tender moment for Xiao Chen and for the first time since waking up, he smiled. But the smile faded as quickly as it came as Xiao Chen began to ask for more news and tales about everything that had happened in the lands during the past year. Yu Yifeng frowned and it took him more than a heartbeat before he could answer, ¡°I¡¯m afraid the year has not been kind; more Demonic Flowers have been sighted, followed by a series of strange phenomenons never before seen. A year ago, there came also this powerful stranger, a person who claims to hail from the evil folk. He¡¯s very powerful and he comes and goes like the wind. They say he calls himself Gu Feng¡­¡±


    The Great Devil Gu Feng!


    The name resounded in Xiao Chen¡¯s mind as his memory about the powerful demon Xiao Ning had sealed one millennium ago at the hilly barrows rear of the residence of the Xiao Clan resurfaced, instantly refreshed, vividly nauseating.


    With his forehead still curdled and his expression disturbed, Yu Yifeng went on, ¡°What¡¯s more, there have been more and more strangers, all of them formidable mages skilled in magecraft once lost and forgotten, appearing from all corners of the Five Continents. They have been challenging the mages of the Heaven List, seeking to make a name for themselves. No one knows from whence they actually came from. But I am thinking they have been prowling quietly in regions beyond the Five Continents all these while, choosing only to appear now¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen did not respond, mulling instead on the words regions beyond the Five Continents¡­ It was a phrase he once heard Evernight mentioned before. The Human Realm was divided into many different landmasses when the former age ended and many formed up again into continents. Hence the many different regions that now constituted the present Human Realm.


    If the Human World is a Tier-1 Cultivator¡¯s Area and the Domain of the Violet Manor and the Five Continents belongs to the second Tier, is there Tier-3 Areas with greater potential and resources for mages to tap into? It would not be long before the coming of the second stage of the Times of the Annihilation where more powerful and invincible mages would emerge. Who would reign supreme then and who would fall into ruins and be forgotten?


    But that was the least of his concerns. At least for now, when Red Sleeve remained the most pressing matter at hand. He needed to save Muxue from the clutches of that evil witch. And quick. It was midnight when the Flying-cloud Stone passed over the Miasma Mountain Range and the party of three finally reached the Ridge of Broken Souls.


    The night was silent. So usually still that one would have felt shivers creeping up his back. Not a light was in sight, not even the flicker of a candle or the glowing embers of a burning hearth. Only a pitch-black wall waited before them with dangers lurking about sinisterly.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Zi Mo gasped, his arms outstretched to stop Yu Yifeng and Xiao Chen from advancing. Xiao Chen felt the elder man tensed and his grip on the Sword of the Vermilion Bird tightened anxiously. Something was amiss, he too sensed as Yu Yifeng began making hand seals while reaching over his back for the Startling Rainbow Sword hanging behind him.


    Warily, the three men inched closer, prowling like a slinking panther until a sharp voice broke the silence, nearly startling everyone, ¡°Is that Senior Xiaoyao?¡± Two men emerged from the bushes, clad in mages¡¯ robes.


    ¡°Is there only the two of you? What happened to the rest?¡± Zi Mo grunted, his eyes narrowing with doubt.


    The two men quickly scurried over and bowed deeply to him. One of them began to explain, ¡°We found the trails indicating watchers from the other three evil sects following us two nights ago. To prevent anything untoward, Perfected Immortal Feng Lan commanded everyone to withdraw for a further thirty miles. We are charged to wait for you here.¡±


    The other young man cast a look at the Sword in Xiao Chen¡¯s grasp. ¡°Is this the Sword of the Vermilion Bird?¡± He asked with visible surprise and interest, which earned him a frown from Xiao Chen.


    Joined by the two mages, the party of three followed their lead and promptly left the woods. They took into the air, flying as swiftly as they could towards the encampment of the mages of the Orthodox Path thirty miles away.


    The campgrounds sat under the craning arch of a cliff overlooking from above. There were already people expecting them and Zi Mo finally felt at ease, satisfied at last that these were not the evil folk in disguise.


    Perfected Immortal Feng Lan and a handful of the senior leaders were present when Xiao Chen and his companions finally arrived. The contingent of mages of the Orthodox Path seemed to have grown since the last time Xiao Chen had noticed; the reinforcements must have finally joined up with the main army.


    ¡°Have you been successful in recovering the Flames of the Southern Vermilion Bird?¡±


    It was the primary concern of the leaders, the single most influential element in the entire crusade to defeat Red Sleeve and destroy the Corpse Refinery Sect. Zi Mo nodded and asked, ¡°What about the others?¡± Perfected Immortal Feng Lan revealed a hard and grim look and merely uttered, ¡°You¡¯d best come with me.¡±


    The group of the other senior leaders parted and the Perfected Immortal led Xiao Chen and his companions through them, walking to the far side of the cliff. They were halfway there when twelve figures ran towards them and one of them screamed, ¡°My Lord!¡±


    It was Qingluan and the sight of his trusted subordinate filled Xiao Chen with comfort. He nodded approvingly, ¡°You¡¯ve come. Good.¡±


    ¡°Koo-chee Koo-chee!¡± Out of nowhere something small and tiny leaped on to him, squirreling up his shoulders and licked affectionately at his face while squawking gently. Xiao Chen giggled, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Brother Koo-chee.¡±


    ¡°Wuu¡­ Koo-chee!¡±


    Xiao Chen was pleased to have been reunited with his friends and the people he trusted the most, feeling touched by them waiting here to meet him. He carried Koo-chee off his shoulders and placed him in Ziyun¡¯er¡¯s arms. ¡°I still have business to discuss with the seniors,¡± he said to them, ¡°Please leave us.¡±


    ¡°Understood, My Lord!¡±


    By now, the girls of the Hidden Fragrance Wafting Under the Moon were all as powerful as any mage of the Nascent Soul Realm. Xiao Chen strolled off then he stopped. Turning back, he asked, ¡°Yes, I¡¯d almost forgotten. What about the Heartless Palace? Any word?¡±


    ¡°Rest assured, all is fine and well with the Heartless Palace, My Lord.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Xiao Chen followed after Zi Mo and the other through the mouth of a cave yawning at the bottom of the cliff. Watching him leave, Koo-chee blinked his eyes wide, staring at his friend who had seemed for a brief moment like a stranger. He moaned with a tinge of sorrow and Ziyun¡¯er caressed him gently, ¡°It¡¯s fine. My Lord is busy now¡­¡±


    ¡°Wuu! Koo-chee¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen stepped into the firelight blazing inside the cave and saw more than a dozen men inside. The men stirred and got up at once when they see Zi Mo and the newcomers coming and Xiao Chen could see the grim and stony looks of the men through the pale light. These were all highly-respected leaders of mage schools and sects and among them included Perfected Immortal Qing Chen who had come at once when was bade to, leaving his affairs to Yuheng Zi.


    With a wave of his hand, Perfected Immortal Feng Lan cast a barrier at the entrance of the cave to prevent any prying ears. Xiao Chen remained inside, the youngest among everyone inside and all eyes were trained upon him.


    Perfected Immortal Qing Chen walked up to him and said gravely, ¡°Xiao Chen, the war council has convened. The offensive on the Corpse Refinery Sect begins tonight. We have also decided to channel a portion of our Mystic Powers into you, just like before. This should help you to control the Flames of the Southern Vermillion Bird. What do you think of this?¡±


    Xiao Chen could feel every pair of eyes burrowing into him. It was a dangerous gambit. More so, when not everyone here trusted him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± Xiao Chen pronounced at once, breathing hard. There was no need for any more doubts or thoughts. Saving Muxue mattered most.


    The early hours of dawn came two hours later and the moon was waning in the distant night sky. Xiao Chen, with the Mystic powers fused into him by the dozens of senior leaders of the Orthodox Path, could feel the power of the Apotheosis Realm coursing through his veins. Outside the cave, the army of mages was readying themselves for the attack. It would be as ugly as the invasion before, with many wondering if this would be the final morning for them.


    They crept up the cliffs with the cold mountainous breeze howling dangerously by their ears. Qingluan and her girls kept a close distance around Xiao Chen to keep him safe as they moved with the invaders who were following the lead of their elders and senior leaders, moving stealthily under the cloak of the night towards the Summit of Mystics¡­


    Up upon the Summit, the Corpse Refinery Sect was also busy in preparations for battle. The Sect spared no expense, fielding every Corpse Puppet and every acolyte and disciple they have. Every entrance and every gate was under close watch and no leaf of grass moved without being noticed.


    Inside the citadel of the Ridge of the Fallen Drake, Elders Wu Fa and Wu Tian were cantering hurriedly in circles, looking positively in distress. The Great Immortal from Hell was also present, looking similarly glum and taciturn. This would be a gritting battle, they knew. The one that would decide the very existence of the Corpse Refinery Sect.


    ¡°What of the Rock? How are the defenses there?¡± Wu Tian spoke.


    ¡°I have left the defenses there to Elder Long,¡± the Great Immortal replied with a worried and uncertain frown on his face, ¡°We must hold on. At least until noon tomorrow. When the shifts of Yin and Yang begin, the Divine Corpse would have finished consuming the Mystic Yin Body by then.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh¡­¡± Wu Fa breathed long and deep, ¡°And we¡¯d finally be free of our bondage to that accursed place. What happens next to the Corpse Refinery Sect shall be of no longer concern to us.¡±


    The three men sighed and none said a word. Then footsteps echoed off the walls of the citadel and an acolyte came rushing in, with his voice screaming and trailing in a very long ¡°Report!¡± He stopped before the Elders and yelped, ¡°We are under attack! It¡¯s a two-pronged attack on the South-west!¡±


    ¡°Calm down!¡± the Great Immortal thrust an arm and placed a hand on the shoulder of the young man, holding him still, ¡°We must hold the fort!¡± He had barely finished, when another acolyte rushed in with another report, ¡°The Ridge of Dire Winds has fallen!¡±


    ¡°REPORT! The Cliffs of the Weeping Ghost is under attack!¡±


    In just minutes, seven to eight battle reports came scurrying in, one after another with each grimmer than the rest. Beads of sweat drenched the backs of the three elders. The blitz carried out by the invaders were so quick and decisive; the mages of the Orthodox Path have come prepared. ¡°Hold this place,¡± the Great Immortal spoke to his two colleagues, ¡°Let me face them in battle!¡± He vanished, turning into a bolt of light that sped out through the doors like a comet.


    Fire and blood were all that could be seen from the top when the Great Immortal finally arrived as the battle waged below where he stood with both sides incurring losses of their own. He dove into the fray, hoping to help drive back the invaders then something caught his eyes. Due South, a huge flash of flames illuminated the blue-black morning sky. A wave of orange and red screamed into the sky like dragons in a dance. From the sky, bursts of magical flames gushed forth and canopied around any Corpse Puppets in the vicinity, leaving only charred flesh and blackened soot when the fires settled.


    A man was hovering in mid-air, wielding a sword blazing with three-colored flames. Wherever he pointed his weapon, an inferno would erupt to destroy and incinerate everything in its range. The Great Immortal¡¯s eyes widened with shock and disbelief as if the Apocalypse was upon him as he uttered, ¡°T-the¡­ the Flames of the Southern Vermilion Bird!¡±

 Chapter 433 - Red Sleeves Past Hatred

    ¡°Thus¡­ I created the Corpse Refinery Sect!¡±


    Her cold voice reverberated in the empty valley, and everyone was shocked. This fact that she said had never occurred to them. The dozens of people hiding in the dark were even more shocked.


    Red Sleeve sneered twice and continued, ¡°At that time, I only took in homeless persons who had been severely bullied and had heavy Rancorous Qi initially. I lied to them, telling them that the Corpse Refinery Sect came down from ancient times. They believed it¡­¡±


    ¡°Later, more and more people joined the sect, so I set the rules of the sect. I would take the soul of anyone who made a mistake. Of course, I exchanged these souls with the Administration of Heaven for my soul¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I convinced them that the Administration of Heaven bounded the Corpse Refinery Sect. But as long as one Divine Corpse woke up, the sect could break away from the Administration of Heaven. They believed all that I said. Thus, they helped me gather the Malicious Grudge for three thousand years without any doubt¡­¡±


    As Red Sleeve was whispering to herself, she sneered even more sarcastically. ¡°After that, I gathered more and more Malicious Grudge. Not content with remembering Qing Yuan, I wanted to enter the Samsara and reincarnate! I even wanted to be with Qing Yuan in my next life! Thus, I must find a person with a Mystic Yin Body who was born on July 7th!¡±


    Upon hearing this, everyone was startled because this woman was extremely horrifying. The dozens of people in the Corpse Refinery Sect, the Elders Wu Fa and Wu Tian, and even the Great Immortal from Hell felt shocked and somewhat a little sad.


    Xiao Chen¡¯s body trembled slightly. What Red Sleeve said was almost the same as what Yu Yangzi had told him. She used the Corpse Refinery Sect to collect the Malicious Grudge and find people with Mystic Yin Body who were born on July 7th. For the past three thousand years, these people believed her without a shadow of a doubt. Everyone had to admit that Red Sleeve was much better at calculating and playing tricks than the majority, including those overwhelmingly arrogant Sect Leaders of the Cultivators¡¯ sects. These people could not even stand comparison with her.


    ¡°You evildoer! You have a lot of excuses! But these cannot be your reasons for harming others!¡±


    A bitter reproach drew the crowd back to reality. Tianyi Zi floated in mid-air, his eyes flashing like lightning and sleeves fluttering. Behind him, there were seven Immortal¡¯s Swords produced by True Energy suspending.


    Red Sleeve sneered. All at once, her eyes became ice-cold. She looked completely different from her weak and feeble appearance just now. In a deep voice, she said, ¡°So what¡­¡±


    The crowd finally knew what happened when they saw that she was not as weak as before. In shock, they said, ¡°Oops! 11:45 has passed! She was stalling for time!¡±


    They were right. Red Sleeve told them such a long story just now only to buy her some time. Now it had passed 11:45. The Yang Qi between heaven and earth had turned into the Yin Qi. Since they were in the Miasma Mountain Range covered by Rancorous Qi, they felt the change. Suddenly, a dark cloud came and hid the sun in the sky. A current of cold air gradually penetrated through from the underground.


    ¡°No good!¡± The crowd gasped. For a time, they rushed on like a swarm of hornets. However, Red Sleeve laughed twice, insidiously. Then, her whole body shocked with Malicious Grudge. She managed to knock her six Immortal¡¯s Swords that nailed her up into the air. All the people from the Orthodox Path were violently pushed into the air by this tremendous force while vomiting mouthfuls of blood.


    Red Sleeve looked up, laughing. But suddenly, her eyes turned cold. ¡°11:45 had passed already. The Yang Qi had also turned into the Yin Qi. Now endless Rancorous Qi and Yin Qi enveloped the whole Miasma Mountain Range. None of you can leave alive!¡±


    Just as her words fell, ten people suddenly appeared in the cave. It was the ten people who went to look for Li Muxue in previous. The leader of them said, ¡°Master, we failed to find Miss Li¡­¡±


    With that, a strong wind came at the ten people. Red Sleeve launched her attack. However, Xiao Chen had already expected that she would strike so that he used the Star-shifting Substitution. Within a second, he drew the ten people to his side.


    ¡°Boom!¡± There was a loud bang. It turned out that Red Sleeve collapsed the cave. Now that she completely blocked the entrance of the cave, around which, the dust and smoke were rolling.


    Ten people, including Levitating Dark Fragrance, barely escaped with their lives. All of them were still in a state of shock. One of them who regained consciousness reported to Xiao Chen, ¡°Master, we searched the entire cave but could not find Miss Li. I¡¯m afraid¡­ I¡¯m afraid Miss Li was not here¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen crunched his fingers. He turned into a beam of light and rushed fast toward Red Sleeve. ¡°Where is Muxue?¡±


    ¡°Poom!¡± With a quick bang, Red Sleeve blocked his attack and said sternly, ¡°I told you that she was in a place that you could never find!¡± As she finished shouting, she gathered all her force coming from the Malicious Grudge and directly knocked Xiao Chen out into the air.


    The boundless Yin Qi was gathering quickly, which covered the entire valley in an instant. The dark clouds that gathered blotted out the sky and covered the sun¡­


    Tianyi Zi¡¯s hands were casting spells with waves of golden light shining between his fingers. Suddenly, he shouted in a loud voice. ¡°The just Qi of heaven and earth, kill the devils and defeat the evil creatures! Go fast!¡± At the end of his words, three beams of golden sword radiance stabbed at Red Sleeve. All of a sudden, the Immortal energy was surging, shaking heaven and earth.


    Red Sleeve growled with her fierce eyes. Stretching out her left arm, she actually withstood the three golden swords by her force coming from the Malicious Grudge. When other people from the Orthodox Path in the distance saw this, they held their Immortal¡¯s Swords and tried to take her by storm. Immediately, the Mystic Power dashed to the skies, which nearly cracked the whole valley.


    ¡°Er-ah!¡± Red Sleeve performed her force to push. As a consequence, she instantly knocked back Tianyi Zi¡¯s three Universal Devil-vanquishing Swords. Those people from the Orthodox Path could not even withstand such a single blow. The souls and bodies of some people with low cultivation were directly destroyed. Some people with high cultivation were also knocked back into the air while vomiting blood.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­¡± Red Sleeve laughed in a ferocious voice. At this moment, the Yang Qi had turned into the Yin Qi. The whole Miasma Mountain Range was shrouded in the Rancorous Qi and Negative Qi, which almost made her an invincible existence at this moment.


    Gasping, everyone looked at each other in horror. Just then, an ice-cold chill suddenly emerged behind them. One after another, they turned around and were all shocked. Xiao Chen¡¯s pupils were red with looming coldness. The boundless Yin Qi around seemed to be slowly introduced into his body.


    As they saw such a scene, many people were stunned. If the Yin and Yang were unbalanced in ordinary people¡¯s bodies, they would be severely damaged or even lost their lives. Now it was evident that the Yin Qi inside Xiao Chen had accumulated to its fullest, but he even appeared to be much stronger.


    ¡°Er-ah!¡± With a loud reproach, Xiao Chen flew toward Red Sleeve like a ray of light. Everyone on the spot merely felt that a stream of strong wind went past. When they understood what was happening, they heard a loud bang. Then the whole valley trembled. Xiao Chen and Red Sleeve were confronting each other in mid-air.


    Their forces were surging like torrential tides, which seemed to tear heaven and earth apart. Wild winds suddenly filled the whole valley, and rubble started to roll down. Everyone was stunned. After the Yang Qi had turned into the Yin Qi, Red Sleeve became much stronger. But why did Xiao Chen also look much stronger?


    All the up-and-coming talents like Xiaoyue, Zuoqiu Yang, and others looked shocked. On the other side, Qi Heng, who was from the Order of the Divine Fire, was standing behind the crowd. His face was ghastly pale. Cold sweat kept rolling down on his forehead, and his palms also turned sweaty. It seemed that he was waiting for something.


    In mid-air, strong winds whistled past. Xiao Chen still stood there, facing Red Sleeve. With blue veins stood out on their faces, they refused to give in to the other. Xiao Chen said fiercely, ¡°Who took you away three thousand years ago?¡±


    Red Sleeve said as her eyes looked malicious. ¡°If I knew who she was, I would let her live in the hell forever!¡±


    Xiao Chen¡¯s heart sank. ¡°The person could not be Weiyang. Usually, only because a person cannot enter the Samsara, he or she has to use the Samsara Life-reversing Technique to resurrect. Even though Weiyang exerted the Three-Life Soul-Breaking Spell at that year, her soul didn¡¯t dissipate. It was unreasonable that she could not enter the Samsara. So, could it be¡­¡±


    Xiao Chen was suddenly shocked. Someone used the Samsara Life-reversing Technique and resurrected him, which meant that he himself could not enter the Samsara at all. But after he was executed at the Mystic Cyan Sect, there was no reason that he could not enter the Samsara. Therefore, he guessed that there was only one possibility¡ªWeiyang and he did not die at that time! ¡°But what happened later to keep Weiyang and me out of the Samsara?¡±


    ¡°But what happened later on?¡± Xiao Chen tried hard to think about it. But he could not even recall a little bit. He could not remember anything that happened after his execution of the Mystic Cyan Sect.


    ¡°What exactly had happened that year? Where did all the gods go? It was impossible that all of them had gone to the Heaven Realm. If they all went to the Heaven Realm, how could there be no record about that? It seemed that my memory at that time had totally disappeared. What exactly had happened at that time? Who resurrected Weiyang and me?¡±


    Xiao Chen felt more and more confused. Seeing that he was in a trance now, Red Sleeve struck him in the chest, catching him off guard. Xiao Chen gave a grunt, feeling that his internal organs were smashed. Abruptly, he flew backward.


    When he fell to the ground, Xiao Chen composed himself. ¡°Now it is not the time to think about those things. I should think about how to deal with Red Sleeve. Once it has passed 13:00, the Yin Qi in the Miasma Mountain Range will become much heavier. I¡¯m afraid that we will be no match for her even if the Immortal King from Heaven¡¯s Realm descends to the Human World to help.¡±


    Thinking about this, Xiao Chen quickly chanted a few spells. Then a brilliant ray of light went to strike Red Sleeve. On the other side, Tianyi Zi also turned into a beam of golden light with his Immortal¡¯s Sword and came directly at her.


    On the ground, Perfected Immortal Qing Chen gathered the strength of everyone, and suddenly, the white radiance on his body suddenly increased greatly. Like an immortal that descended to the world, he shouted loud and attacked with his Immortal¡¯s Sword.


    At this moment, there was Tianyi Zi, who was the Sect Leader of Kunlun, Xiao Chen, who could turn the supreme Yang Qi and the supreme Yin Qi, and Perfected Immortal Qing Chen, who gathered all people¡¯s strength. The three of them were considered as the top three masters in the world. However, when they worked together to attack Red Sleeve, their swords were stopped by her force coming from Malicious Grudge. None of them could move forward even a little bit.


    It looked like they had made great efforts to fight her. A sneer was hanging on Red Sleeve¡¯s face. As the Yin Qi around them became increasingly dense, she seemed to be more and more relaxed. In the end, she growled and vehemently knocked the three of them into the air.


    Everyone was startled. After falling back to the ground, Tianyi Zi instantly adjusted his breath. When Perfected Immortal Qing Chen got back to the ground, he spurted a mouthful of blood. As for Xiao Chen, he could not help stepping back repeatedly. He felt that he vaguely lacked in strength. It seemed that he had severely overdrawn today.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­¡±


    Red Sleeve laughed loudly, and there was more and more Yin Qi gathering around. Each of them looked as white as a sheet. If Tianyi Zi could not deal with her, then who else in this world could defeat her? All her enemies on the spot felt a chill, for they knew that the death was approaching.


    ¡°Use the Rancorous Qi in this Miasma Mountain Range to attack her!¡±


    Suddenly, a clear woman¡¯s voice came from the valley¡¯s entrance. Following the sound, they saw a woman in lilac clothes coming over like a butterfly. The woman held the Reed of Frosted Blue-Violet Jade. She was precisely Su Lianyue, who was from Fort Raksasa.


    Upon hearing her suggestion, the crowd felt a little puzzled. Red Sleeve made a living with Rancorous Qi. If they used the Rancorous Qi to attack her, would it only have an exactly opposite effect? However, Red Sleeve¡¯s expression changed dramatically. Without thinking, she directly turned into a ray of red light and went to kill Su Lianyue. But Xiao Chen reacted as fast as the lightning and stood in front of Su Lianyue in an instant. ¡°Boom!¡± After a loud bang, stones cracked, and the earth quaked.


    Xiao Chen stared firmly at Red Sleeve, who had been repulsed to prevent her from killing Su Lianyue. In a deep voice, he asked, ¡°What did you say just now?¡±


    Although Su Lianyue had almost lost her life, she was still not panicked at the moment. She replied, ¡°Do you remember the old man whom we met in the mystic domain¡¯s cave that night? I have no time to explain everything to you right now. Since the Yang Qi had just turned into the Yin Qi, the whole Miasma Mountain Range was filled with Rancorous Qi now. You must hurry up to gather all the Rancorous Qi. Only by using the three thousand years¡¯ Rancorous Qi in this Miasma Mountain Range can you destroy her for real!¡±


    Once again, Red Sleeve¡¯s face changed, and she wanted to attack again. But Tianyi Zi immediately blocked her. Xiao Chen seemed to understand Su Lianyue¡¯s words instantly. Then he shouted, ¡°I will make a formation. Please help me to resist her for a moment!¡±

 Chapter 490 - The Phantom King

    With a sudden gust of evil wind, everyone retreated subconsciously. The ghostly voice that came as a shock also gave Ziyun¡¯er a good scare. She hurriedly picked up the Koo-chee beast and retreated to Xiao Chen¡¯s side.


    Xiao Chen pulled her behind. Gazing into the imperial palace, he asked coldly, ¡°Who is it? You don¡¯t have to use the spooky voice. Show yourself!¡±


    Before his voice fell, a strong wind rushed towards everyone. They immediately raised their hands to block their eyes from the sand blown by the wind. Abruptly, a dark shadow floated out quickly. It was about 3 meters tall, wearing an imperial robe and a crown. His eyes turned red, red rays coming out from there constantly. Besides, there was a two-meter-long heavy sword hanging on his waist.


    ¡°Who are you? Why don¡¯t you kneel when you see me, your honorable king?!¡± The black shadow yelled. His voice resounded through the skies. Being unable to endure the buzzing sound, everyone shrank back a little.


    Xiao Chen could not help feeling surprised. This person looked a bit like the Corpse King that he saw in the Miasma Mountain Rang. By gathering the Malicious Grudge, the Corpse King was reborn to be a Walking Corpse, but this one before him should be the soul body formed by Malicious Grudge. Instantly, Xiao Chen¡¯s expression darkened and he warned these people around him, ¡°Be careful, this is¡­¡±


    But before he could finish speaking, the Phantom King abruptly threw his sword to them. A fierce gale sprang up and came with extremely violent power, which directly pushed Ziyun¡¯er, Yang Qing and the others into the air in an instant.


    After falling back to the ground, all of them managed to stand still after stepping back several paces. Stunned, they thought, ¡°This Phantom King has such a powerful strength!¡± Yi Tong turned serious and said, ¡°Watch out! This person has absorbed the power from the Dragon Vein for a long time and is very powerful now. I¡¯m afraid he wants to resurrect by the power of the Dragon Vein.¡±


    Yi Tong had hardly finished his words when the Phantom King suddenly pointed his long sword to the sky and roared, ¡°Capture these traitors!¡±


    All of a sudden, chilly wind rose from all around with dark clouds rolling low. From all directions, seemingly came the heavy clatters of horses¡¯ hoofs. And there, coming out on them from the imperial palace, was a swarm of ghost soldiers and their devil rides, their imposing manner surging high to the skies. Then, the whole imperial palace began to rock violently.


    Everyone¡¯s face changed. Xiao Chen cried out in a hurry. ¡°Watch out!¡± Just when he finished speaking, he sent Gui Xian back. As a soul body, Gui Xian would be badly hurt if another soul body attacked him.


    After sending Gui Xian to a safe place, Xiao Chen leaped up, summoned his Unsullied Sword instantly and wielded the Storm of Swords in the next second. In mid-air, shadows of swords were everywhere. Tens of thousands of rows of sword radiance slashed at the sea of ghost soldiers and devil rides that was surging toward them.


    The wind kept whistling. Both Yi Tong and None-flower used their mystic arts, cutting at those ghost soldiers that moved toward them waves upon waves. However, after all, the power of the three of them was limited. By contrast, those ghost soldiers were incessant as if Xiao Chen and the others could never kill them all. Meanwhile, the rest of them could only try hard to deal with those little ghost soldiers that attacked from the mid-air.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Xiao Chen ordered. He knew that these ghost soldiers were inexhaustible. Once these soldiers wounded them, they would suffer great loss. Therefore, Xiao Chen decided on the moment and covered others to withdraw. But before they could reach the steps, the Phantom King yelled, ¡°Ten-directions Icy-hell!¡±


    Everyone on the spot could see dark clouds gather from all sides quickly and block the space in a split second. They were all astounded because the strength of the Phantom King was surprisingly horrifying. ¡°This Phantom King is no weaker than the Corpse King in the Miasma Mountain Range,¡± Xiao Chen thought to himself. More importantly, it seemed that normal attacks could not do any harm to him.


    At the moment, all of them were trapped while ghost soldiers were coming to attack them from all directions. Beyond that, ordinary flying swords, including some magic spells, could hardly injure those soldiers effectively. Xiao Chen couldn¡¯t help feeling a little regret in his heart. He blamed himself for his carelessness, which got everyone into trouble now.


    Those ghost soldiers became increasingly powerful, constantly whistling with their sharp voices. Now there was no room for retreat. Suddenly, Xiao Chen had a brainwave and found a good solution: since these ghost soldiers, including Phantom King, were soul bodies, how about using the Spirit-annihilation Halberd to handle them? Thinking of this, he immediately took out the Spirit-annihilation Halberd from the Divine Vessel.


    Suddenly, waves of devil howlings sounded. In Xiao Chen¡¯s hand, the entire Spirit-annihilation Halberd was cocooned in a layer of black Qi. Because this halberd was too evil, Xiao Chen found it hard to control it every time. Thus, he would basically not use this halberd.


    This time when Xiao Chen held this halberd, he nearly fell into a trance. There were three weapons of him. The Unsullied Sword could quiet him down, so he used it the most frequently. But when he confronted his personal or formidable enemies, he would choose his Blood Lotus Demon Blade for it could make him eager to kill. At this time, if he also ran the Mystic Diabolic Enchantment, he would ultimately go into the devil state. That was why he would not use the Spirit-annihilation Halberd easily.


    After he set his mind slightly calm, Xiao Chen whispered the Mystic Cyan Heart-clearing Incantation to prevent himself from being affected by the halberd. Then he waved his long halberd, and it went out fast, whistling. Those ghost soldiers who would never get hurt by ordinary flying swords now couldn¡¯t withstand a single blow. Both their bodies and the spirits were destroyed directly.


    In less than a few moments, those ghost soldiers no longer dared to approach. The light in Phantom King¡¯s eyes became much redder, and he glared at Xiao Chen, saying, ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± After this scream, he flashed and cut right on Xiao Chen¡¯s head.


    ¡°Clang!¡± With a loud noise, Xiao Chen held up his halberd and blocked this attack. But in the meantime, his legs sank, crushing the nearby floor tiles.


    ¡°Brother Xiao!¡± Yi Tong instantly flashed to him like a ray of purple light, but the Phantom King flung his left arm and pushed him into the air.


    ¡°Argh¡­!¡± With a deep bellowed, Xiao Chen seemed to have used his Seven-apertured Octarine Core Fruit¡¯s strength that was put aside in his elixir field. All at once, he pushed the Phantom King¡¯s heavy sword that weighed a ton back and then vehemently stabbed the Phantom King with his halberd.


    ¡°Clang!¡± Another loud sound. This time, the Phantom King raised his sword and blocked Xiao Chen¡¯s halberd. It seemed that he also knew that this halberd could cause fatal injuries to him.


    Yi Tong and None-flower Dust exchanged glances and moved. They attacked the Phantom King respectively from the left and right sides. Yi Tong formed a sword made of purple radiance on his palm while, and None-flower Dust turned his feathered fan into tens of thousands of rays of cold light.


    Following closely, Huangfu Xin¡¯er leaped into the sky, throwing five rays of red light over the top of the Phantom King¡¯s head. The twelve ladies of the Hidden Fragrance Wafting Under the Moon also launched their attacks and besieged the Phantom King from all directions. Aside, Yang Qing and the other six people joined their forces and slashed at the Phantom King with the flying sword.


    Facing the siege of more than 20 people, the Phantom King finally stepped back a little. Taking this chance, Xiao Chen moved the heavy sword away and stabbed his halberd into the Phantom King¡¯s abdomen. But unexpectedly, when his halberd was about 15 centimeters away from the Phantom King, it uttered a clear metallic sound, making Xiao Chen¡¯s whole face go numb and pushing him a few steps back.


    At this moment, a shield covered by a layer of golden light faintly emerged before the Phantom King¡¯s abdomen. In other parts of his body, the golden light was slightly lighter, which wrapped him like a suit of armor. Yi Tong looked solemn and said, ¡°It is the armor formed by the power of the Dragon Vein!¡±


    ¡°It is my city! Don¡¯t imagine you can take it away!¡± The Phantom King bawled. Exerting all his strength, he pushed these more than twenty people about twenty meters away.


    Falling back to the ground, everyone felt that their True Qi was somewhat in disorder. Secretly, Xiao Chen couldn¡¯t help feeling surprised because this Phantom King was indeed too powerful. He had thought before that he was going to take this city and the Dragon Vein underground. But since he obviously couldn¡¯t win this battle against the Phantom King, he had to put the ideas out of his head.


    And suddenly, Huangfu Xin¡¯er silently chanted a few spells. Immediately after that, her ten fingernails grew about centimeters longer. With waves of red light coming from her body, she went to attack the Phantom King again in a flash. Xiao Chen was greatly shocked. ¡°Xin¡¯er! What are you doing?!¡± While speaking, he rushed up as fast as a flash of lightning.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± The Phantom King bellowed and swept his sword across. A black beam of sword radiance that was more than ten meters cut the two of them at their waists. Xiao Chen raised his halberd and kept them away from the sword radiance. Once again, the Phantom King lifted his palm. This time, out of the void, he brought out a few black beams of sword radiance and hacked away at them.


    ¡°Boom!¡± With a huge bang, they were sent up into the air by the black radiance. When they fell back to the ground, Xiao Chen supported Huangfu Xin¡¯er, exclaiming in a shock, ¡°Xin¡¯er! What are you doing?!¡±


    Huangfu Xin¡¯er flicked her sleeves, staring at the Phantom King with her cold eyes, and she said in an icy voice, ¡°Anything that you want, I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± As she finished speaking, she began to run the high-level Heartless Cultivation Method.


    This time, the red radiance around her whole body became much redder, and even, her eyes turned red. A red mark between her eyebrows was partly hidden and partly visible. Then with a dip of her toes, she went forward to hit the Phantom King. The sudden fierce wind made the rest of them gasp.


    ¡°Xin¡¯er!¡± Xiao Chen instantly shouted, but it was too late for him to stop her. Huangfu Xin¡¯er had already rushed into the midair, her five fingers slightly bending. She came at the Phantom King, rays of the red radiance constantly surging out of her. She and the Phantom King were now facing out.


    The wild wind was roaring. The sudden outbreak of Huangfu Xin¡¯er¡¯s terrifying strength was far more powerful than everyone had imagined. A shower of stones fell and shattered those thistles, thorns, and vines around. Even worse, numerous deep gashes were left on the square ground, which looked as if it were going to collapse.


    ¡°Xin¡¯er!¡± Seeing that Huangfu Xin¡¯er would soon lose to the Phantom King, Xiao Chen unleashed his Immortal-overriding Steps. Holding his Spirit-annihilation Halberd, he rushed up and stabbed the Phantom King in the abdomen. Suddenly, his halberd was wrapped in a dark mist.


    ¡°Clang!¡± With a loud sound, the Phantom King raised the sword and kept Xiao Chen from stabbing him with his halberd. The red radiance in his eyes increased sharply, and he growled, ¡°You can take nothing from me! All things here are mine!¡±


    As soon as he said these words, the entire square shook violently, and in an instant, there appeared numerous deep cracks, from which Black Qi was constantly oozing. Then, the Black Qi quickly crawled to the Phantom King and gathered on him. The scene looked really weird.


    ¡°Uh, ah!¡± The Phantom King cried out loud. With him as the center, an overwhelming force spread around fiercely and fast. Xiao Chen and Huangfu Xin¡¯er bore before others the brunt of his attack and were washed away in an instant. Then the others were also knocked a dozen meters away into the air.


    Since the cultivation of Yang Qing and others were slightly weaker, each of them immediately sprayed a mouthful of blood. Xiao Chen steadied Huangfu Xin¡¯er. Seeing that she still tended to come forward and attack again, he immediately stopped her in an anxious voice, ¡°Xin¡¯er, go away! I want nothing now! ¡±


    Levitating their swords, all of them were leaving. However, there came a shout from the Phantom King, ¡°Don¡¯t think about escaping unharmed!¡± After that, his huge hand reached out. Then, rising from all directions, a layer of black cloud instantly envelope them. The space was blocked again.


    Knowing that there was no way to retreat, Xiao Chen gritted his teeth, thinking, ¡°Guifeng is definitely no match for this Phantom King. After all, Guifeng is the general human spirit so that he naturally feared a king.¡± Thinking of this, Xiao Chen simply jumped up and yelled, ¡°Dragon¡¯s Decimation!¡±


    After shouting, dark clouds rolled in mid-air and instantly covered the whole imperial palace. Two black dragons as long as 300 meters abruptly rushed down from the clouds. When the two dragons came over in full fury, they looked like they were going to destroy the whole world. All of a sudden, the entire imperial palace began to shake as if it would fall.


    ¡°Boom! Boom!¡± Along with two loud explosion sounds, the heaven and earth trembled. And suddenly, the dust was rising in clouds so that all of them couldn¡¯t see anything distinctly.


    Gradually, the dust cleared off. The crown on the Phantom King¡¯s head had been shattered, and there were deep cracks that appeared on the heavy sword. Between the tangle of dark-brown hair falling around his shoulders was his pair of eyes, from which red light was seeping out. His breathing grew somewhat labored, and his chest heaved. Now the Phantom King appeared to be even more terrifying.


    The Phantom King glowered at Xiao Chen. Suddenly, the entire imperial palace shook violently, and even the city below started to vibrate. Now, even the whole city was quaking violently as if an unsettling force deep under the ground would breakthrough.