Outside the sword tomb, a massive army of the Undying Blood Clan gathered, their overwhelming bloodthirsty aura seeping from their bodies, forming rolling blood clouds that blotted out the sky, enveloping the entire sword tomb as if doomsday had arrived.
The Nether Immortal’s efforts to break the ancient divine runes had reached their final stage.
Though the ancient divine runes guarding the sword tomb were profoundly intricate, they were severely damaged and had not been repaired by a master of array formations, allowing the Nether Immortal to exploit certain flaws.
The Nether Immortal swiftly threw out thirty-six ancient array flags, from which intricate array patterns emerged, giving rise to a dense nether mist, as if the gates of the underworld had been opened.
Under the influence of the array flags, the ancient divine runes began to disintegrate visibly.
In the blink of an eye, a tear appeared in the ancient divine runes, revealing a path into the sword tomb.
“Now, it’s up to you,” the Nether Immortal said calmly, glancing at Xia Wenzin and the others.
This time, he had come alone, so the task of storming the sword tomb fell to the Undying Blood Clan.
The sword tomb was shrouded in mystery, and he figured it would be wiser to let the Undying Blood Clan break through and assess the situation before he entered to search for the Star Chart.
The Nine-Eyed Heavenly King immediately raised his arm and shouted, “Storm the sword tomb, release the Pluto, kill!”
“Kill!”
Instantly, the Undying Blood Clan army surged forward, flooding through the torn opening like a tidal wave.
Despite knowing the dangers within the sword tomb, they charged in fearlessly. Consuming the blood of the ancient prison-guarding clan’s cultivators could make them stronger, and freeing Pluto was a monumental achievement, making the risk entirely worthwhile.
The Undying Blood Clan had come well-prepared this time, amassing an army of hundreds of thousands, determined to seize the sword tomb at all costs.
Meanwhile, the other factions of Kunlun Realm were too preoccupied with their own troubles to offer aid, leaving the ancient prison-guarding clan to fight alone.
As soon as they breached the tomb, the Undying Blood Clan army encountered resistance. Powerful arrays were activated, unleashing waves of killing intent that shredded scores of their warriors.
Clearly, the ancient prison-guarding clan had anticipated that the ancient divine runes wouldn’t hold and had made preparations in advance.
The Shen family cultivators, lying in ambush as the vanguard, launched attacks using the arrays.
Beyond the outer ancient divine runes, the clan’s territory was also laced with numerous array patterns, laid down by generations of the Shen family.
Unfortunately, the Shen family had declined, lacking even a single Array Saint Master now. Otherwise, with their array heritage, the Undying Blood Clan wouldn’t have stood a chance of breaking in.
Following close behind, the Shi family cultivators sprang into action, unleashing a barrage of talismans—thunder, fire, ice, wind blades, and more—various forces erupting in a storm of destruction that engulfed the Undying Blood Clan army.
“Facing my Undying Blood Clan army and still daring to resist,” the Nine-Eyed Heavenly King sneered, his eyes filled with cold indifference.
The Martial Realm Emperor’s Son stepped forward, his voice icy, “I’ll lead the army to storm the sword tomb.”
His repeated failures earlier had left him humiliated, and now he was eager to reclaim his honour.
If he could conquer the sword tomb, who would dare mock him again?
“You alone won’t suffice. All seven of you, go together and wipe out the ancient prison-guarding clan as quickly as possible,” Xia Wenzin said calmly, his words carrying an undeniable authority.
“Very well,” Yun Emperor’s Son and the others nodded in agreement.
Since Xia Wenzin had spoken, they had no choice but to comply.
“I’ll take on that mysterious powerhouse,” the third divine son declared.
Before his words even settled, he vanished, as if afraid the Nine-Eyed Heavenly King might steal his target.
Based on what they knew so far, that mysterious powerhouse posed the greatest threat.
If he wasn’t pinned down, the Undying Blood Clan army would suffer devastating losses.
Such a figure couldn’t be overwhelmed by sheer numbers alone.
“What’s next?” the Nine-Eyed Heavenly King asked, turning to Xia Wenzin.
For this assault on the sword tomb, the three divine sons were the leaders, but Xia Wenzin was the one truly in charge, overseeing the bigger picture.
Xia Wenzin’s gaze remained steady as he replied coolly, “We watch and wait.”
On the surface, it seemed like a sure victory, but he had a faint hunch that things might not be so straightforward.
Regardless of the sword tomb’s mysteries, they had to rescue Pluto this time.
Outside the cold volcano, Bao Lie stood up, gripping his golden war spear, his body radiating intense battle intent.
“Little Junior Brother, the Undying Blood Clan has breached the tomb, it’s time to come out,” Bao Lie called, his deep voice ringing clearly into the cold volcano.
The next moment, Zhang Ruochen’s figure appeared, sighing slightly, “They came faster than I expected. If I’d had just a bit more time, I might’ve mastered ‘Soul Returning to the Void.’”
Though reluctant, with the situation now critical, he had no choice but to emerge early.
A glint flashed in Bao Lie’s eyes as he said, “Little Junior Brother, I’m off to deal with a tough one, take care of yourself.”
“Also, Luo Yi’s gone missing!”
“Hmm? Luo Yi’s missing?” Zhang Ruochen’s expression shifted slightly.
As he’d suspected, Luo Yi was indeed trouble. Disappearing at a time like this raised concerns about some grand scheme.
Luo Yi had better not try anything clever, or Zhang Ruochen would make him regret it bitterly.
Watching Bao Lie depart, Zhang Ruochen summoned everyone who had been in seclusion in the cold volcano. With the battle erupting, they could no longer stay hidden and cultivate.
Only the Chenyuan Ancient Sword remained in the cold volcano, its body-forging process at a critical juncture that couldn’t be interrupted.
If it were halted, the King-Grade Saint Jade Essence, Heavenly Blood Stone, Rootless Sky Crane Flower, and Void Universe Tears—four supreme materials—would go to waste.
The Heavenly Blood Stone, for instance, was exceedingly rare, something only Great Saints might chance upon, its value immeasurable.
If those materials were squandered, Zhang Ruochen couldn’t guarantee he’d gather them again anytime soon.
From a distance, he already felt the terrifying killing intent and saw the thick blood clouds overhead, oppressive to the extreme.
A bloody battle was inevitable, and who knew how many would perish in this clash.
“Follow me to meet the enemy, stop the Undying Blood Clan army, and defend the sword tomb!” Zhang Ruochen roared, his powerful aura bursting forth.
A luan shadow appeared beneath one foot, a phoenix shadow beneath the other, and he soared into the air, charging ahead.
Seeing this, the others didn’t hesitate, following closely behind, even Ji Fanxin joining them.
She was still counting on Zhang Ruochen to take her to claim the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree trunk, so at a time like this, she naturally had to stand with him and show her sincerity.
At that moment, the ancient prison-guarding clan was being overwhelmed by the Undying Blood Clan army. Though the fighting had only just begun, their casualties were already heavy, and they were being pushed back relentlessly.
Watching the Undying Blood Clan slaughter freely, drinking the blood of the clan’s cultivators, Zhang Ruochen’s rage boiled over.
Before even reaching the battlefield, he formed palm seals with both hands, unleashing the Dragon-Elephant Prajñā Palm.
“Dragon-Elephant Reaching the Heavens.”
Countless dragon and elephant shadows flew forth, striking the Undying Blood Clan army.
“Boom.”
The bodies of numerous Undying Blood Clan warriors exploded, their formidable vitality useless against this palm strike.
In an instant, Zhang Ruochen appeared on the battlefield proper, a dragon shadow on one arm, an elephant shadow on the other, striking repeatedly.
“Bang, bang.”
Each palm felled scores of Undying Blood Clan warriors, shattering them into pieces; almost none could withstand a single blow from him and live.
Zhang Ruochen ploughed through like this, killing swathes of them, leaving behind a field of blood-soaked bones and wreckage.
He never showed mercy to the Undying Blood Clan.
“Zhang Ruochen, don’t get cocky!”
The Martial Realm Emperor’s Son bellowed, charging from afar to block Zhang Ruochen’s path.
His aura was razor-sharp, his eyes brimming with killing intent, clearly still bitter about his earlier defeat at Zhang Ruochen’s hands.
As the offspring of a Great Saint, he’d never suffered such a humiliating loss since his debut, especially to someone far below him in cultivation—a disgrace beyond measure.
Only by killing Zhang Ruochen and bathing in his blood could he wash away this shame.
Close behind him came the Long-Faced Empress and Yun Emperor’s Son, both with blood on their lips—not from wounds, but from feasting on the blood of the ancient prison-guarding clan’s cultivators.
To them, these cultivators were mere food; the more they consumed, the stronger their cultivation and power became.
The Martial Realm Emperor’s Son, for instance, had consumed vast amounts of blood on the battlefield, pushing his cultivation from Eighth Step Saint King to the brink of the Domain Realm.
“Human blood is truly delicious. If I absorb more, my cultivation could reach the peak of the Domain Realm,” the Long-Faced Empress said with a cold laugh.
Yun Emperor’s Son snorted, “This time, I’ll break through to the Heaven-Connecting realm in one go. Zhang Ruochen, I’m looking forward to your blood.”
Facing the three Undying Blood Clan emperor’s offspring, Zhang Ruochen showed no fear, replying coldly, “You think you can survive on my home turf?”
“Arrogant fool, I’ll kill you myself,” the Martial Realm Emperor’s Son roared, his eyes flashing with icy light as he unleashed an incredibly thick blood energy.
Though brash, he was noticeably more cautious this time, immediately summoning the Gate of Destiny.
He knew Zhang Ruochen’s deep insight into the Path of Truth allowed him to unleash multiplied combat power, posing a real threat.
Only the Gate of Destiny could suppress Zhang Ruochen’s Path of Truth.
“The Gate of Destiny? You think the same trick will work on me again?” Zhang Ruochen scoffed.
As he spoke, he struck decisively, unleashing the Dragon-Elephant Prajñā Palm toward the Martial Realm Emperor’s Son’s chest.
“You’ll see soon enough. Destiny inevitably trumps truth,” the Martial Realm Emperor’s Son declared with utmost confidence.
Last time, he’d been too careless, which led to his loss against Zhang Ruochen.
This time, he wouldn’t make the same mistake.
A surge of bloodlight gathered as he threw a punch, unleashing a terrifying fist force, a storm of fist wind sweeping toward Zhang Ruochen.
“Bang.”
The Martial Realm Emperor’s Son staggered back, the Gate of Destiny behind him trembling, nearly collapsing.
“How could…”
Disbelief filled his eyes.
He’d just poured his full strength into the Gate of Destiny to suppress Zhang Ruochen, but the effect was far less than expected.
“Your cultivation broke through?” he finally realised.
In just a few days, Zhang Ruochen had gone from Eighth Step Saint King to Ninth Step Saint King—an astonishing speed of cultivation.
What he couldn’t accept was that even with this breakthrough, Zhang Ruochen had only reached the miniature world of rules, while he was in the Domain Realm, two sub-realms ahead. Yet he was still losing.
“Attack together,” Yun Emperor’s Son called out, signalling the Long-Faced Empress.
Without a word, she acted swiftly, unleashing a blood seal.
The seal was an Eight-Yao Ten-Thousand-Pattern Sacred Artifact, and she’d fully activated its power, aiming to cripple or kill Zhang Ruochen in one blow.
Meanwhile, Yun Emperor’s Son used a secret technique, silver patterns blooming with radiant light from his brow, nearly turning the entire sword tomb silver.
The silver patterns extended, forming countless threads that wrapped toward Zhang Ruochen.
“Since you’re so eager to die, I’ll oblige,” Zhang Ruochen said, his gaze icy, his body radiating intense killing intent.
He unleashed the Luoshui Fist Technique, a faint river appearing, stretching across the void like a celestial stream falling to earth.
“Bang.”
The blood seal was blocked, then sent flying.
The silver threads were caught by the river and shattered, unable to get close to Zhang Ruochen.
Both the Long-Faced Empress and Yun Emperor’s Son grunted, clearly taking a hit.
“How did he get so strong?” they wondered, their minds reeling.
Their cultivation outstripped Zhang Ruochen’s by two sub-realms, and with Great Saint bloodlines, they still couldn’t overpower him together.
If he’d used time and space techniques, it might’ve made sense, but Zhang Ruochen relied solely on his raw power to dominate them.
He didn’t stop, striking with a palm that unleashed Chen—Chen-level Pure Extinguishing Divine Fire, surging forth in a sky-covering blaze.
With his cultivation breakthrough, the fire’s power had soared, capable of incinerating heavens and boiling seas.
Under its flames, the ground melted rapidly, turning into scalding, porridge-like lava.
“Ahh!”
Screams echoed as countless Undying Blood Clan warriors were engulfed in the molten rock.
“Swish.”
Abruptly, Zhang Ruochen appeared above the Martial Realm Emperor’s Son, striking downward with a palm.
Sensing it instantly, the Emperor’s Son raised his chains to block, infusing them with countless holy path rules to form a nine-layered vortex.
“Boom.”
The palm shattered the vortex, sending a wave of frigid air in all directions.
Then, Zhang Ruochen’s palm struck the Emperor’s Son’s head, driving him into the lava.
The blow was fierce; despite his sturdy physique, the Emperor’s Son’s skull cracked, nearly spilling his brains.
Last time, Xia Wenzin had stopped Zhang Ruochen from killing him.
This time, he’d see who could save him.
Seeing the Emperor’s Son in peril, Yun Emperor’s Son and the Long-Faced Empress moved to assist, flapping silver wings and attacking from both sides with lightning speed.
“Seven-Aperture Blood Nether Palm.”
Zhang Ruochen roared, fourteen apertures in his hands bursting open as he struck left and right.
Torrents of blood energy poured from him, forming unmatched palm force.
Faintly, a towering blood shadow appeared behind him, like an invincible emperor dominating the era.
The Seven-Aperture Blood Nether Palm, a supreme technique created by Pluto, was vast and profound, its power unmatched. Only now, at this level, had Zhang Ruochen truly grasped its essence.
In this moment, he seemed to embody Pluto himself, standing tall between heaven and earth, ready to turn the world into a hellscape.
Using a technique born from the Undying Blood Clan against them—how delightfully ironic.
