“Victory report!”
“Victory report!”
…
“The Eastern Region King battled Bone Nether Emperor at Four Emperors Ridge, defeating him in seven moves, slashing one hundred eighty swords to extinguish his soul. The Bone Clan’s top powerhouse below the Great Saint level has fallen.”
A resonant voice suddenly rang out in the tranquil imperial city.
A heavily armored imperial city knight, riding a tall and majestic beast, shouted the victory report while rushing toward Lianzhu Mansion.
The entire imperial city was instantly shaken by the news.
“Zhang Ruochen killed Bone Nether Emperor? How is that possible?”
“Bone Nether Emperor was the Bone Clan’s top powerhouse below the Great Saint level, ranked among the top ten of the Hell Realm’s ten clans. His demigod-level bone body was indestructible, and his Hell Annihilation Flame could incinerate all things. Just yesterday, he defeated a divine disciple of the Time God Hall.”
“Who’s spreading such nonsense? Can such claims be made lightly?”
…
The imperial city was vast, and as the news of Zhang Ruochen’s solo challenge to the Hell Realm had not yet spread to all districts, many cultivators from various realms were skeptical of the knight’s report.
It was hard to believe. Bone Nether Emperor’s status was extraordinary, hailed as the Bone Clan’s strongest below the Great Saint, with the potential to become a god. How could he fall so easily to Zhang Ruochen’s sword?
On Qingluan Avenue, the atmosphere was electric, with many Kunlun Realm cultivators believing Zhang Ruochen had such strength.
On the left side of the street, atop a six-story pavilion, over a dozen array masters from the Array Extinction Palace gathered, watching the departing knight with puzzled expressions.
“Uncle Zhou, you’ve fought Zhang Ruochen. Is he really that strong to slay Bone Nether Emperor with his sword?” a genius array master from the palace asked, astonished.
Zhou Zhen shot the young array master a cold glance, causing him to shut his mouth in fear.
Fought?
There was no fight—Zhou Zhen had been suppressed in an instant. Was this nephew mocking him?
A grand array master, equal to a Great Saint, had been captured by Zhang Ruochen and then doubted and sidelined by the Heaven Realm’s people.
No leader of the Array Extinction Palace had ever been so humiliated.
Mentioning Zhang Ruochen irritated Zhou Zhen, but in front of juniors, he maintained his composure, saying calmly, “Zhang Ruochen’s strength is immense, truly immense, invincible below the Great Saint. I’m actually shocked Bone Nether Emperor withstood seven of his swords.”
The array masters present remained skeptical, suspecting Zhou Zhen was exaggerating Zhang Ruochen’s prowess.
Indeed, if Zhang Ruochen was invincible and Bone Nether Emperor fell in seven swords, Zhou Zhen’s suppression by Zhang Ruochen wasn’t shameful but an honor.
At least he survived Zhang Ruochen’s hand.
How many could claim that?
Zhou Zhen had!
Ignoring what the array masters thought, Zhou Zhen mused to himself, *Zhang Ruochen, make your achievements even grander. Best slay Yan Wushen too!*
“Victory report!”
“Victory report!”
…
“The Bone Clan’s Three Emperors joined forces to avenge Bone Nether Emperor, but Zhang Ruochen fought them. The outcome is clear: the Three Emperors’ Diamond Power could pierce the void but failed to break Zhang Ruochen’s sword formation. All three perished, their bones shattered, dealing a heavy blow to the Bone Clan.”
“Victory report: the Bone Clan’s Three Emperors fell, defeated in Kunlun.”
As a second knight galloped by, the cultivators of the Central Imperial City were shaken once more.
“The Three Emperors inherited Diamond Power and excelled in joint attacks, capable of sweeping all foes. No matter how strong Zhang Ruochen is, he shouldn’t be able to kill them.”
“Impossible, absolutely impossible.”
…
To many, the Three Emperors together could rival the Heavenly Palace’s Four Heavenly Kings. How could they die by Zhang Ruochen’s sword?
“Victory report!”
“Victory report!”
“The Eastern Region King faced the Seven Ultimate Killers of the Nether Hall, unstoppable. Three were killed, four wounded, fleeing in disgrace.”
Before the cultivators could recover, a third imperial city knight sped by on his mount, shouting another victory report, his voice brimming with excitement.
“Too outrageous! The Seven Ultimate Killers of the Nether Hall together could make even Yan Wushen retreat. Rumored to be destined for divinity, how could nearly half die by Zhang Ruochen’s hand?”
“Let’s go outside the city. The commotion earlier suggests Zhang Ruochen has indeed gone to challenge the Hell Realm’s powerhouses.”
In an instant, cultivators from all realms could no longer sit still, rushing toward the Eastern City Gate.
As the saying goes, hearing is believing, but seeing is truth. Everyone wanted to witness the situation firsthand.
Meanwhile, imperial city knights streamed into Lianzhu Mansion, reporting the battlefield results to the court’s dignitaries.
At that moment, Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady was in Lianzhu Mansion, discussing the cosmic chessboard and critical matters with Grand Chancellor Wang Shiqi and others.
Hearing the knights’ reports, everyone in the mansion was stunned, finding it unbelievable.
Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady’s eyes gleamed with intrigue. She hadn’t parted from Zhang Ruochen long ago, yet he had caused such a stir.
Bone Nether Emperor, the Bone Clan’s Three Emperors, and the Seven Ultimate Killers of the Nether Hall—none were ordinary. Each bore a fearsome reputation, dominating merit battlefields and slaughtering countless Heavenly Realm powerhouses.
Their names alone struck fear into many Heavenly Realm cultivators, none daring to imagine their death on the battlefield.
“Well done!”
“The Eastern Region King lives up to being Saint Monk Xumi’s heir, a peerless genius of our Kunlun Realm. Henceforth, who dares claim our Kunlun Realm lacks heroes?”
A saint scholar exclaimed, feeling a surge of pride.
Recently, the Central Imperial City’s atmosphere had been oppressive. These victory reports were a tremendous boost to morale.
The Heavenly Realm’s top powerhouses had suffered repeated defeats, with many falling, making optimism scarce.
Now, Zhang Ruochen alone had overwhelmed the Hell Realm, slaying seven of its top powerhouses—a desperately needed triumph for the Heavenly Realm.
Unable to resist, Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady, Wang Shiqi, and others set out for the Eastern City Gate to see the battlefield’s reality.
Outside the Central Imperial City, Zhang Ruochen stood in the heavens, black hair flowing, gazing dominantly across the land. The Shen Yuan Ancient Sword and Blood-Dripping Sword orbited him, radiating towering killing intent, making him seem like an unrivaled god of slaughter.
The Bone Clan’s Three Emperors’ remains lay scattered on the ravaged ground, their bones intact but their saint souls extinguished.
Bone Nether Emperor’s demigod body was unbroken, yet his soul was gone.
Three of the Nether Hall’s Seven Ultimate Killers lay dead on the battlefield, dark red blood soaking the earth, their potent curse lingering.
The remaining four had fled to the Hell Realm’s camp, gazing up at Zhang Ruochen with anger but mostly fear.
Had they escaped slower, they too would have died.
Since their debut, the Seven Ultimate Killers had been nearly invincible, their only two defeats at Zhang Ruochen’s hands—and this time, so devastatingly.
Having witnessed Zhang Ruochen’s peerless prowess, no one from the Hell Realm dared challenge him. Pride was less important than life.
In the Undying Blood Clan’s camp, Xue Ningxiao’s eyes sparkled. “He’s truly formidable. I’m starting to believe he could defeat Yan Wushen.”
“With Zhang Ruochen’s temperament, Grandfather would likely take a liking to him. Back then, Grandfather rose with such dominance, crushing all foes. I’m eager to see him in the Blood Absolute Family—wonder what expressions those mainline folks will have,” Blood Chen Heavenly Lord said, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.
He couldn’t subdue the clan’s mainline geniuses, but what if Zhang Ruochen returned?
“Return to the Hell Realm?” Xue Ningxiao shook her head lightly.
Impossible.
…
“Zhang Ruochen’s momentum is unstoppable. Below the Great Saint, who can restrain him?”
Both Heavenly and Hell Realm cultivators shared this thought.
Yan Wushen’s good-and-evil dual bodies were a closely guarded secret, known to few.
Even those aware of it felt uncertain, given Zhang Ruochen’s terrifying strength.
With a wave, Zhang Ruochen collected the remains of Bone Nether Emperor, the Three Emperors, and the three Nether Hall killers, along with their treasures—his spoils of war.
The bones of Bone Nether Emperor and the Three Emperors were especially valuable, with myriad uses.
The Hell Realm’s side watched, eyes blazing, but none dared intervene.
“Eastern Region King, invincible, ever-victorious!”
A thrilled voice rang out.
“Eastern Region King, invincible, ever-victorious!”
Kunlun Realm cultivators joined in, blood surging, some even tearing up.
Zhang Ruochen surveyed the surroundings, proclaiming, “Yan Wushen, I await our life-and-death battle. You’d best show yourself soon.”
With that, he stepped forward, returning to the Central Imperial City.
His purpose was fully achieved, exceeding expectations. With no more challengers from the Hell Realm, there was no need to linger.
The powerhouses on the city walls looked uneasy, none daring to speak.
Initially, seeing Zhang Ruochen attack the Hell Realm’s camp, they thought him mad, courting death, and many mocked him.
But now, no one could laugh.
Especially the Blood Heaven Evil Lord and Prince Yaotian, who stayed silent, hiding in the crowd, fearing Zhang Ruochen’s notice.
Yet Zhang Ruochen ignored them all, vanishing with another step.
In the following days, Zhang Ruochen went silent, his whereabouts unknown.
The more he vanished, the more wary cultivators became, strictly adhering to his realm rules.
Ten thousand li from the Central Imperial City, a hidden valley with a natural maze array baffled even Saint King Realm cultivators.
The valley’s saint qi was dense, teeming with saint herbs—a cultivation treasure.
At its center, a massive dark green saint jade hosted a tall figure: Yan Wushen, who had fought Zhang Ruochen in the city.
His state was unstable, alternating between holy and evil auras, as if his good and evil bodies might split again.
As Zhang Ruochen sensed, Yan Wushen hadn’t fully merged his dual bodies, their good and evil natures clashing, causing significant issues.
Even after days of secluded cultivation here, he couldn’t fully integrate, the origins of his good and evil bodies deeply repellent.
This was expected—had the path been easy, the Buddhist sect wouldn’t have deemed it taboo.
“Who’s there?”
Yan Wushen’s eyes snapped open, gazing toward the valley’s entrance.
A figure appeared, humanoid but with four eyes and four arms, exuding intense demonic killing aura—a Shura Clan member from the Hell Realm’s ten clans.
“Wan Xin, what do you want, intruding on my seclusion?” Yan Wushen asked coldly.
Wan Xin smiled. “I went to great lengths to find you, naturally for something important—a great opportunity for you.”
“Speak,” Yan Wushen said.
Wan Xin didn’t waste words. “On my master’s orders, I bring a treasure to mend your cultivation flaw, fully merging good and evil to reach your peak.”
Yan Wushen’s heart stirred. Wan Xin’s master was a mighty, ancient Shura Clan god, surviving multiple eon tribulations, mastering the Path of Time.
In the brutal divine war ten thousand years ago, this god joined the siege on Saint Monk Xumi but was gravely wounded, his foundation damaged, rarely appearing since, leading many to speculate his fall.
“What does Xiu Chen Heavenly God want?” Yan Wushen asked directly.
He didn’t believe Xiu Chen would offer such aid without motive. A treasure to merge good and evil was no ordinary item, so there must be a purpose.
Wan Xin said, “My master has one request: after you defeat Zhang Ruochen, bring his body to the Hell Realm.”
“Hm? Xiu Chen Heavenly God wants to seize Zhang Ruochen’s body?” Yan Wushen instantly understood.
He knew Xiu Chen was gravely injured, his origin on the brink of collapse. If unrepairable, he’d need a suitable body for possession.
As a Time Path cultivator, ordinary bodies wouldn’t suffice.
Zhang Ruochen, with his Five-Element Chaos Body and divine destiny, was ideal.
Wan Xin didn’t respond, merely watching Yan Wushen.
Decisive, Yan Wushen said, “Fine, I agree.”
He and Zhang Ruochen were destined for a life-and-death battle.
If he won, Zhang Ruochen would die. How he died made no difference.
If he lost, could he survive? Likely, he’d be devoured by the Saint Eater Flower.
Pleased, Wan Xin produced a delicate jade box. “This contains the Yin-Yang Dual Life Flower, which can resolve your issue.”
Yan Wushen took the box.
Wan Xin bowed, hands clasped. “I await good news.”
His form faded, departing the valley cleanly.
Yan Wushen opened the box, revealing a peculiar flower, black and white, shaped like a Yin-Yang Taiji, its yin and yang qi intertwining and transforming seamlessly.
A single glance brought Yan Wushen clarity, illuminating his flaws.
With the treasure in hand, he began refining it immediately, eager to fully merge good and evil and become truly invincible.
…
In the Central Imperial City, Zhang Ruochen reappeared after days of absence.
Under the gaze of many cultivators, he entered the Merit Sub-Station alone, using the spatial teleportation array to leave the Kunlun Realm.
“Zhang Ruochen went to the Truth Heavenly Domain!”
The news soon reached the imperial city.
“Why would Zhang Ruochen go to the Truth Heavenly Domain now? Is he attempting to cross the Sea of Truth?”
“Likely. He’s probably trying to cross the tenth sea of the Sea of Truth to claim the Truth God Hall’s reward.”
“The tenth sea is no easy feat. Even among the Truth God Hall’s ten divine disciples, only a few crossed the ninth, barely entering the tenth.”
“Since the Heavenly Realm’s founding, only thirteen below the Great Saint level have crossed the tenth sea and reached the Truth Mountain, each becoming a monumental figure. Though Zhang Ruochen is strong, he hasn’t joined the Truth God Hall, so his chances are slim.”
Cultivators discussed fervently, keenly interested in Zhang Ruochen’s movements.
With his current prominence, few wanted him to cross the tenth sea.
Already so powerful, if he gained the legendary reward that even gods envied, he might become even stronger, overwhelming all.
…
After Zhang Ruochen’s departure, outside Ziwei Imperial Palace, an ancient, elegant saint carriage descended. A tall, refined figure stepped out—none other than the low-profile Prince Yaotian.
Due to Zhang Ruochen, Prince Yaotian hadn’t visited Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady for some time.
As he prepared to enter the palace, he sensed something and turned, seeing an excessively handsome face.
“Yin Yuanchen.”
Prince Yaotian’s expression shifted slightly.
