Beyond the spacetime barrier, the atmosphere turned eerily silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with many wearing expressions of utter astonishment.
Initially, when Zhang Ruochen stayed within the spacetime barrier, most believed he was courting death. Facing such a multitude of powerful Death Clan warriors, victory seemed impossible.
Yet, no one could have predicted that Zhang Ruochen, single-handedly, would turn the tide, annihilating nearly 200,000 Death Clan troops in Xianji Mountain. Even the Death Clan’s divine sons and daughters couldn’t escape. What an astonishing feat!
“What a Zhang Ruochen, truly formidable. No wonder Feng Yan swore brotherhood with him,” Feng Wuxing couldn’t help but praise.
Zhang Ruochen was his saviour, so he was naturally delighted with this outcome. The anxiety in his heart could finally be fully relieved.
Fairy Yuan’s eyes shimmered with an unusual light, her gaze fixed on Zhang Ruochen, feeling increasingly unable to fathom him.
“Zhang Ruochen is incredible. He hasn’t even cultivated a Dao Domain, yet he managed to dominate this battle.”
“Indeed, he’s remarkable, but it’s also because he leveraged the hidden hand left by Saint Monk Xumi and the power of the Xianji Compass.”
“How did the Xianji Compass end up in Zhang Ruochen’s hands?”
“In that situation, it couldn’t have been Zhang Ruochen who seized the Xianji Compass. Could he have another ally in the shadows?”
“Who would’ve thought the Xianji Compass was so powerful, capable of activating the formidable formations left by the Xianji Sect? With the compass, one is practically invincible in Xianji Mountain. No matter how many Death Clan come, they’d only face death.”
“I heard Zhang Ruochen became the East Domain King. Is he now aiming to be the North Domain King as well?”
For a moment, the powerhouses of the Heavenly Court buzzed with discussion, their emotions far from calm, deeply shaken by Zhang Ruochen’s final performance.
Zhen Yuan smiled and said, “Brother Zhang truly had full confidence. He alone surpassed an army of thousands. Now that the Death Clan in Xianji Mountain has been eradicated, and their invasion route to the Kunlun Realm is temporarily sealed, we can breathe a bit easier.”
Lu Baiming nodded, saying, “Brother Zhang deserves the greatest credit for this battle. I believe the news will soon spread across the realms. His fame might even surpass those at the top of the Saint King Merit List. Being chosen as Saint Monk Xumi’s successor is no small matter.”
With his discerning eye, few caught his attention, but Zhang Ruochen had just become one of them.
On a warship, the three Tu brothers leaned against the railing, gazing at Zhang Ruochen’s figure from afar, their emotions complex.
Recalling the beginning, the three brothers had been arrogant, unwilling to accept Zhen Yuan’s arrangements, and challenged Zhang Ruochen, only to suffer a crushing defeat.
On the surface, they conceded, but deep down, they harboured some resentment, believing Zhang Ruochen’s victory was due to trickery, not genuine superiority.
But on the battlefield of Xianji Mountain, when they were nearly killed by Qiyang’s terrifying pupil technique, it was Zhang Ruochen who intervened at the critical moment, allowing them to escape death.
In that moment, they were truly convinced, no longer doubting that Zhang Ruochen possessed strength greater than theirs, and they even felt some gratitude.
Now, they held deep admiration for Zhang Ruochen, believing he was worthy of the title of Kunlun Realm’s War God.
Xuanyuan Liekong’s eyes flickered with a few glints, lost in thought.
Undoubtedly, Zhang Ruochen’s performance was entirely unexpected.
However, as he had initially thought, Zhang Ruochen’s value was indeed immense, far beyond what the Ten-Eyed Qiankun Insect could compare to.
“Damn it, Zhang Ruochen actually wiped out all the Death Clan in Xianji Mountain,” Bi Yunhai clenched his fists, his face grim.
He was far from pleased. He had thought Zhang Ruochen was doomed, but who could’ve imagined this outcome? The Death Clan was simply too useless.
But the matter was done, and no amount of frustration could change it.
“Swoosh.”
Beams of communication talismans flew out in all directions, as many were eager to spread the news of the Xianji Mountain battle.
The cultivators present hailed from various great worlds, and once they sent out the news, the results of the Xianji Mountain battle would quickly reach every major world.
Near the Godfall Tomb Forest in the East Domain, inside a cavern blazing with fierce flames, Shang Ziyan was cultivating.
At that moment, Shang Ziyan had split into three, all enduring the tempering of the earthfire, each radiating an immensely powerful aura. Their bodies were covered with nearly 15 million densely packed Saint Path Rules.
When he first arrived in the Kunlun Realm, Shang Ziyan had just broken through to the Eight-Step Saint King realm. Now, he was at the peak of the Rule Heaven and Earth, just one step away from condensing a Dao Domain.
His rapid progress was due to several factors. First, Shang Ziyan’s exceptional talent rivalled Zhang Ruochen’s in every aspect. Cultivating the *Three Corpses Refining Dao* from the *Taiyi Divine Techniques List* was equivalent to three people cultivating together, with effects far beyond simple addition.
Second, Shang Ziyan had strong backing, supported by both his clan and Yan God’s mentorship, granting him access to nearly any cultivation resource he desired.
Third, Shang Ziyan possessed great fortune. Since arriving in the Kunlun Realm, he had encountered numerous opportunities.
For instance, this cavern of blazing flames was one such opportunity.
The flames burning within were extraordinary, greatly aiding Shang Ziyan’s cultivation of the Path of Fire.
As Yan God’s direct disciple, how could Shang Ziyan not cultivate the Path of Fire?
Moreover, the cavern originally housed an extraordinary fire lotus. After refining it, Shang Ziyan’s cultivation had surged dramatically.
“Swoosh.”
A figure suddenly appeared in the cavern.
Shang Ziyan merged his three forms, opened his eyes, and said, “Si Han, why are you here?”
“Ziyan, something major has happened,” Si Han said with a grave expression.
Shang Ziyan stood, stepping out of the fire pool to Si Han’s side, and asked, “What’s happened?”
“I just received news from the North Domain. Xuanyuan Liekong and Zhen Yuan rallied an army to attack Xianji Mountain. The battle was initially unfavourable, but Zhang Ruochen completely turned the tide. He activated the hidden hand left by Saint Monk Xumi and used the Xianji Sect’s remnant methods to single-handedly annihilate 200,000 Death Clan troops, including several divine sons and daughters, and even a candidate for the Goddess of the Temple of Fate, none of whom escaped.”
“Also, it seems the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree has fallen into Zhang Ruochen’s hands,” Si Han said, his eyes glinting coldly.
Learning of Zhang Ruochen’s spotlight, he was naturally displeased.
Hearing this, Shang Ziyan’s eyes flickered with an unusual light. “Zhang Ruochen is my fated rival. There will inevitably be a battle between us. The stronger he is, the better. Otherwise, the fight would lack meaning.”
“Zhang Ruochen is now in the limelight, first becoming the East Domain King, then thwarting the Undying Blood Clan at the Sword Tomb in the Central Domain, and now wiping out the Death Clan in Xianji Mountain. His strength is growing, and few can suppress him. Aren’t you worried, Ziyan?” Si Han frowned.
Shang Ziyan’s expression remained calm. “If I were worried, I’d surely lose in a battle against Zhang Ruochen. If he weren’t strong, how could he be worthy of being my opponent?”
“Let’s go to the Netherworld to slay the Blood Sheng Ghost King and seize the Earth Soul Liquid.”
With that, Shang Ziyan stepped out of the cavern.
Seeing this, Si Han hurriedly followed. Slaying the Blood Sheng Ghost King couldn’t be done without him.
In Xianji Mountain, Zhang Ruochen and his five companions swiftly cleaned up the battlefield.
“The Death Clan is indeed wealthier than the Undying Blood Clan. Even a random Nine-Step Saint King of the Death Clan wields high-tier Ten Thousand Pattern Saint Weapons. Big Brother, your Shen Yuan Ancient Sword won’t lack nourishment now,” Xiang Chunan laughed heartily.
After the Sword Tomb battle, he had helped clean the battlefield, and the treasures of the Undying Blood Clan truly couldn’t compare to those of the Death Clan.
Though they didn’t obtain the treasures of the Death Clan’s divine sons and daughters, their haul was still astonishing, far exceeding expectations and surpassing their gains at the Sword Tomb.
Zhang Ruochen stored the Evil Spirit in the Qiankun Realm and smiled. “Let’s go. Brother Zhen Yuan and the others are waiting outside.”
With that, Zhang Ruochen took out the Secret Tome of Time and Space, casting a spatial technique.
The space rippled slightly, and the five figures vanished, reappearing outside the spacetime barrier.
Zhen Yuan approached with a smile. “Brother Zhang, you’ve shocked us all this time. It’s impossible not to admire you. I’m almost tempted to think you deliberately set a trap for the Death Clan.”
Zhang Ruochen replied, “Brother Zhen Yuan, you flatter me. This wasn’t my achievement alone. Without everyone’s help, I wouldn’t have even entered Xianji Mountain, let alone what followed.”
“Brother Zhang, no need for modesty. The key to this victory was you. Witnessing such a spectacular battle made this trip worthwhile,” Lu Baiming said with a laugh.
After this event, his attitude toward Zhang Ruochen had undeniably shifted, and he was more inclined to befriend him.
With the abilities Zhang Ruochen displayed, he was indeed worthy of the support of their Daoist lineage. If needed, Lu Baiming wouldn’t mind offering some assistance.
“Let’s head back to the North Domain camp to celebrate Brother Zhang’s success,” Zhen Yuan said with a smile.
Xuanyuan Liekong interjected, “Hold on. Brother Zhang, is everything secure with Xianji Mountain?”
“Brother Xuanyuan, rest assured. Xianji Mountain is now enveloped by the spacetime barrier. The Death Clan can no longer enter the Kunlun Realm easily. I can’t guarantee it for too long, but maintaining it for a few years shouldn’t be an issue. The battlefield can shift to the world behind Xianji Mountain,” Zhang Ruochen said confidently.
The spacetime barrier was activated by his own hand, and he knew well its formidable strength. The Death Clan would need considerable time to breach it.
Xuanyuan Liekong nodded. “If there’s no issue, then let’s return to the North Domain camp.”
With that, everyone boarded the warship and headed back to the North Domain camp.
In Zhen Yuan’s estate, the top powerhouses who had participated in the attack on Xianji Mountain gathered.
“Come, let’s all raise a toast to Brother Zhang,” Zhen Yuan said, standing and lifting his cup.
At once, everyone rose, holding their cups, even Bi Yunhai, though he couldn’t spoil the mood at such a time.
However, while others smiled, his face remained dour.
Zhang Ruochen ignored Bi Yunhai, smiling as he raised his cup to the gathered powerhouses, then drained it in one gulp.
As the banquet continued, many came to toast Zhang Ruochen, hoping to build goodwill.
Zhang Ruochen, naturally, didn’t rebuff them, returning each toast and mingling amicably with the powerhouses.
Bi Yunhai suddenly stood, walking step by step to Zhang Ruochen’s table. “Zhang Ruochen, though you’re the hero of the Xianji Mountain attack, there are some things you should explain to us all.”
Zhang Ruochen rose, asking calmly, “What are you referring to?”
“Two things. First, who took the Xianji Compass, and why did it appear in your hands earlier? Second, what do you plan to do with the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree?” Bi Yunhai stared intently at Zhang Ruochen.
In an instant, all eyes turned to them.
Anyone could see Bi Yunhai was deliberately targeting Zhang Ruochen, but these two matters were indeed of great interest to everyone.
Thus, many awaited Zhang Ruochen’s response.
How could Zhang Ruochen not see through Bi Yunhai’s intentions? He said calmly, “Who took the Xianji Compass? That has nothing to do with anyone here. As for why it was in my hands earlier, naturally, its owner was righteous enough to lend it to me to exterminate the Death Clan.”
Pausing, Zhang Ruochen continued, “As for what to do with the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree, that’s even less of your concern.”
“Hmph, Zhang Ruochen, are you trying to keep the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree for yourself? You’ll have to ask if everyone here agrees,” Bi Yunhai sneered.
Clearly, Bi Yunhai hadn’t given up, hoping to use the Heavenly Court’s powerhouses to pressure Zhang Ruochen into yielding.
The Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree was no ordinary object, steeped in countless legends, its value likely rivaling a divine artifact.
Faced with such a rare divine object, anyone would be tempted, eager to claim it.
Xuanyuan Liekong stood, smiling faintly. “Brother Zhang, why not bring out the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree for us to see?”
His tone seemed negotiable, but it carried an undeniable weight.
“What, are you afraid we’ll snatch it?” a short-statured young man said, displeased.
This man was stocky and unremarkable in appearance, but his eyes were profoundly deep, and his aura was exceptionally powerful. Most striking was the vertical eye on his forehead, faintly flickering with black lightning.
“Big Brother, that’s Lei Juexing, from the Lei Clan of the Yunlei Realm. Though he resembles a human, he’s not human. Born with three eyes, he has an astonishing talent for controlling lightning. More importantly, he’s the offspring of a god, incredibly strong,” Feng Yan transmitted secretly.
Zhang Ruochen wasn’t too surprised. The few accompanying Zhen Yuan and Xuanyuan Liekong, capable of facing the Death Clan’s divine sons and daughters, couldn’t have ordinary origins. Even if not divine sons or daughters, their constitutions and foundations were surely extraordinary.
Glancing calmly at Lei Juexing, Zhang Ruochen said evenly, “The Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree contains countless God-Devouring Insects. If brought out, no one could control them, and it might cause a catastrophe.”
“Zhang Ruochen, you underestimate us. This isn’t the Void Space. Mere God-Devouring Insects, and we can’t handle them?” Lei Juexing scoffed.
Xiang Chunan slammed down his wine jar, clearly upset. “The Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree was taken by my Big Brother. Why should he show it?”
Bi Yunhai shot Xiang Chunan a cold glance. “Without us, could Zhang Ruochen have taken the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree? It should belong to everyone, not just him.”
“You’re blatantly robbing us. I won’t stand for it,” Xiang Chunan seethed with anger.
Zhang Ruochen placed a hand on Xiang Chunan’s shoulder. “Chunan, no need to get so worked up.”
“Big Brother, they’re going too far. I can’t take it,” Xiang Chunan fumed, glaring at everyone.
Anyone daring to bully his Big Brother was something he absolutely wouldn’t tolerate, no matter how powerful or prominent they were. He wouldn’t back down.
Since his debut, he had never feared anyone.
Seeing Xiang Chunan’s reaction, Zhang Ruochen felt deeply moved. He smiled reassuringly, “No need to be so angry. If they want to see it, let them.”
With that, Zhang Ruochen stepped out of the hall, opened the Qiankun Realm, and decisively brought out the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree’s trunk, suspending it above the estate.
The trunk stretched dozens of miles across, its height seemingly touching the sky.
Unfortunately, all the leaves on the trunk were withered and yellow, exuding a sense of decay, devoid of any vitality.
“What is that?”
In an instant, the entire North Domain camp was stirred, countless cultivators looking up at the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree.
The tree was simply too massive, overshadowing the entire camp.
A vast amount of divine tree energy radiated, forming a cyan mist that shrouded the camp in a hazy veil.
The overwhelming divine might emanating from the trunk made many feel an urge to kneel in worship.
The powerhouses in the estate rushed out, their gazes fixed on the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree’s trunk, all showing shocked expressions.
Many great worlds had divine trees, but none could compare to the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree.
For a moment, greed flickered in many eyes, Bi Yunhai and Lei Juexing included.
“Let’s divide the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree equally,” Lei Juexing said eagerly.
He acted as if the tree were already his, not even considering Zhang Ruochen’s opinion.
Bi Yunhai was the first to agree. “Yes, that’s only fair.”
Though others remained silent, many were clearly tempted. In another setting, some might have already tried to seize it.
“Outrageous! I’d like to see who dares touch the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree,” Xiang Chunan roared, pulling out his Metal Demon Crown.
Feng Yan opened his four closed eyes, a gentle breeze swirling around him, clearly standing firmly with Zhang Ruochen.
Pei Yutian infused saint energy into his stone blade. With one word from Zhang Ruochen, he’d act without hesitation. If he unleashed the blade’s full power, he might die, but he could take one or two down with him.
Ji Fanxin held a purple petal, her powerful mental energy radiating. She could overlook other things, but no one could touch the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree.
Zhang Ruochen, however, remained calm and unbothered, as if it all had nothing to do with him.
Zhen Yuan frowned. “This isn’t right. The Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree was taken by Brother Zhang from the Void Space. It rightfully belongs to him.”
Lu Baiming nodded. “Moreover, the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree was left by Saint Monk Xumi. As his successor, it’s only natural for Brother Zhang to inherit it.”
Clearly, both stood with Zhang Ruochen, with no intention of claiming the tree.
Xuanyuan Liekong stepped forward. “Let me say something fair. As Brother Bi said, everyone contributed to the attack on Xianji Mountain. Brother Zhang’s ability to take the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree relied on our cooperation. It’s only right that everyone gets a share. What do you say, Brother Zhang?”
He looked at Zhang Ruochen with a faint smile, as if open to discussion.
“Brother Xuanyuan is right. Taking the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree was a collective effort. No one should monopolize it,” Bi Yunhai echoed.
He was in high spirits, with Xuanyuan Liekong and Lei Juexing pressuring Zhang Ruochen, confident Zhang Ruochen would have to compromise.
Even if he couldn’t get the entire tree, a portion would suffice.
And making Zhang Ruochen suffer in the process was an added bonus.
