Zhang Ruochen stood in a divine realm, with winding blood rivers flowing beneath his feet and thousands of crimson stars twinkling above. The space was vast and boundless, stretching beyond sight.
He bore the weight of two immense divine pressures, yet stood tall, his presence commanding.
“War God, I wish to be the sole wielder of the Supreme Saint Artifact for the Immortal Blood Clan,” Zhang Ruochen said.
The Blood Absolute War God, still playing chess with the Blood Radiance Divine Lord, didn’t look at him, saying, “Do you think your strength is up to the task?”
“Yes.”
Zhang Ruochen’s tone was resolute.
The Blood Absolute War God said, “The Qitian Tribe ranks first among the ten tribes in overall strength. Blade Prison Emperor is the top cultivator among all. Why wouldn’t the gods of the Immortal Blood Clan choose him instead of you?”
“The Huangtian Tribe ranks among the top three. Empress Wind’s strength may not be inferior to Blade Prison Emperor’s, and as a divine maiden candidate, she could wield the Supreme Saint Artifact to secure the divine maiden position, benefiting the lower three clans. Why not choose her over you?”
Zhang Ruochen responded calmly, “At this Hunting Heaven Banquet, the Qitian Tribe’s dominance may not hold. Blade Prison Emperor’s strength may not surpass mine. As for Empress Wind’s bid for the divine maiden position, I can aid her.”
The Blood Absolute War God’s gaze finally turned to Zhang Ruochen, “You think you can defeat Blade Prison Emperor?”
His eyes, like ancient stars, were both radiant and filled with infinite mysteries. Though calm, they seemed to pierce Zhang Ruochen’s soul, seeing through all his secrets.
Facing this legendary War God, revered in both the Heavenly and Infernal Realms, Zhang Ruochen remained composed, unshaken.
Slowly, he raised both arms, hands forming palm seals.
In that instant, three dragon souls and three elephant souls materialized at his sides. The dragon souls stretched a thousand miles, the elephant souls loomed like divine mountains, all exuding the aura of the Thousand Questions Realm.
At the same time, the blood rivers beneath Zhang Ruochen’s feet stilled, sprouting blood trees, vines, and flowers.
The Blood Radiance Divine Lord sensed something, his eyes gleaming with brilliance, letting out a soft exclamation.
“Roar.”
Zhang Ruochen struck with a palm, and the three dragon and three elephant souls leaped, some extending claws, others stomping with legs, merging with his palm seal, striking toward the Blood Absolute War God and Blood Radiance Divine Lord.
To dare attack gods as a non-god required earth-shattering courage.
It demanded a heart that defied divinity.
Yet this awe-inspiring palm, before reaching the two gods, was shattered by an invisible divine pressure, dissipating into nothing.
Zhang Ruochen wasn’t discouraged. The strike was meant to show his resolve and demonstrate his current strength.
A glint of approval flashed in the Blood Absolute War God’s eyes, “With such strength, I have enough confidence to convince the gods of the Immortal Blood Clan to let you take Blade Prison Emperor and Empress Wind’s place. Go.”
Zhang Ruochen clasped his hands, bowed slightly, and left the divine realm.
The Blood Radiance Divine Lord sighed deeply, “He’s fused the Wood Path of the Five Elements, showing the form of a second-grade Saint Intent. He’s just a step away from a true second-grade Saint Intent. To reach such heights without cultivating his primary paths, he’s truly a freak.”
The Blood Absolute War God said, “It’s already a second-grade Saint Intent, just not fully balanced, so it’s slightly lacking.”
“Is there no solution?” the Blood Radiance Divine Lord asked.
“There is.”
The Blood Absolute War God said, “Fusing the Palm Path, Fist Path, and Five Elements Paths completely would achieve perfect harmony, aligning with the universe.”
The Blood Radiance Divine Lord shook his head, unconvinced Zhang Ruochen could succeed on this path.
“He’s fused four Saint Intents. If he fused the Sword Path now, he could surely form a top-tier second-grade Saint Intent. Though difficult, it’s a path with a chance of success. Why didn’t you tell him to try it?” the Blood Radiance Divine Lord asked.
The Blood Absolute War God’s gaze deepened, “During his seclusion, he didn’t study the sword, space, or time paths, only the Five Elements mystery seals. He’s set on a do-or-die path. Why not let him try?”
The Blood Radiance Divine Lord dropped the topic; after all, Zhang Ruochen wasn’t his grandson.
“Zhang Ruochen’s bid for the Supreme Saint Artifact will face opposition from the entire Immortal Blood Clan and Immortal Temple. Are you really going to convince those stubborn old gods?” the Blood Radiance Divine Lord asked.
“Not convince, but force them to yield with strength. With three Great Perfection Hundred Shackle Realm cultivators and a peerless Great Saint with a second-grade Saint Intent, the Blood Sky Tribe will make them submit, whether they like it or not.”
The Blood Absolute War God’s eyes sharpened, placing a chess piece firmly.
Hanhai Manor.
Zhang Ruochen sat with Emperor Yu, Gu Chenzi, Yi Xuan Great Saint, and Xue Qi Great Saint, discussing strategies for the Hunting Heaven Banquet.
Mo Yin approached gracefully, handing Zhang Ruochen an invitation.
Since news of Emperor Yu defeating Shen Nansheng spread, both Zhang Ruochen and Emperor Yu received numerous invitations and visit requests, as Emperor Yu’s breakthrough to the Great Perfection of the Hundred Shackle Realm happened in Hanhai Manor.
The manor had gained a legendary aura.
Emperor Yu’s breakthrough, Princess Luo Ji’s seclusion, and the Heavenly Realm’s Shadowless Fairy residing here—each a stunning figure, the subject of countless discussions—made Hanhai Manor impossible to ignore.
Reading the invitation, Zhang Ruochen said, “It’s from Empress Wind, inviting Emperor Yu and me to tonight’s Ten Tribes Night Banquet hosted by the Huangtian Tribe.”
“No way. Even if they beg, we’re not going,” Yi Xuan Great Saint said, still bitter about the last Ten Tribes Night Banquet.
Xue Qi Great Saint snorted, “With our Blood Sky Tribe’s strength, we don’t need to ally with the other nine tribes to dominate the Hunting Heaven Banquet.”
Zhang Ruochen looked at Gu Chenzi, “What’s your view?”
Gu Chenzi, the calmest present, said, “The banquet is imminent, and Empress Wind’s invitation to key figures from the ten tribes is likely to finalize strategies and decide who wields the Supreme Saint Artifact.”
“I disagree with you all. The Blood Sky Tribe should ally with the other nine tribes. This is a clan-versus-clan struggle, and our strength alone is insufficient. The Hunting Heaven Banquet is of great importance, and we cannot act on impulse.
Zhang Ruochen said, “I agree with Gu Chenzi. Our representatives must attend tonight’s banquet and show strength to intimidate them. We must reclaim our honor. Emperor Yu, this task is yours. Yi Xuan and Gu Chenzi, keep your strength hidden; you’re our trump cards.”
“You’re not going?” Emperor Yu asked, a strange look in her eyes.
Zhang Ruochen gazed at the vast sky, “I have another appointment tonight. I must go.”
His tone was intriguing.
…
At nightfall, nine dragon souls pulled a radiant golden carriage out of Hanhai Manor.
It was Zhang Ruochen’s Nine Dragon Carriage.
Xue Qi Great Saint drove, his cultivation having soared during seclusion in the Seven Star Emperor Palace, breaking seventy-two shackles, becoming a top Hundred Shackle Realm expert.
But unable to afford divine travel pills and divine blood, he owed Zhang Ruochen a massive debt.
Thus, he worked for Zhang Ruochen to repay it.
Inside the carriage, Zhang Ruochen sat upright on a jade-carved couch, his hand on Lianxi’s jade-white back, drawing strands of yang energy from her.
Lianxi, soft as a white cat, sat on his lap, her breaths captivating.
Her dress half-fell, revealing creamy skin, her chest pressed against Zhang Ruochen’s, her long legs straddling his sides, swaying gently.
During decades of seclusion, whenever Zhang Ruochen condensed or fused Saint Intents, he transferred yang energy to her unique physique to avoid interference.
After retrieving the energy, he lifted the sweat-drenched Lianxi, placing her on the couch, covering her breathtaking body with a blanket.
Her dark hair, wet with sweat, clung to her face as she said weakly, “How long will you torment me?”
Zhang Ruochen said, “Can’t endure any longer?”
Lianxi’s eyes were lost, “I’ve paid enough for my past. It wasn’t entirely my fault; we were both bound by duty.”
Zhang Ruochen, donning his white saint robe and tying his belt, said, “True, it wasn’t entirely your fault.”
“But you’ve turned me into a cauldron for your cultivation,” Lianxi said, her eyes red, shoulders trembling.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Fifteen years ago, I told you you could leave anytime. You chose to stay. That first night in the Seven Star Emperor Palace, I gave you a choice, and you chose to be mine.”
“In the Infernal Realm, what choice did I have? Where could I go?” Tears welled in Lianxi’s eyes.
Zhang Ruochen turned away, avoiding her gaze, “In the Infernal Realm, I had no choice either. You could choose to stay with me. Have I treated you poorly?”
“Don’t overthink. In the Infernal Realm, strive to cultivate. Your shame and grievances are your greatest drive. You’ve endured decades; why not continue? If you grow strong enough, you can come for me.”
The Nine Dragon Carriage entered the heart of Hanye Saint Domain, arriving at Jiayin District.
Two black-robed cultivators awaited, leading Zhang Ruochen and Xue Qi Great Saint into the district, toward a grand palace, ascending its steps.
Xue Qi’s expression was uneasy, transmitting, “Jiayin District is the Yanluo Clan’s territory. Are you sure we’re in the right place?”
“Why the fuss?” Zhang Ruochen said.
Xue Qi said, “Before the banquet, the ten clans host events and invite other clans to probe their strength.”
“But the Yanluo Clan, always first at the banquet, rarely invites others beforehand, showing little interest.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “If the Immortal Blood Clan won first every time, we’d care less too.”
Yan Wushen’s laughter echoed from the palace, “Brother Ruochen, you’re mistaken. The Yanluo Clan isn’t arrogant; we find such events boring. Better to spend time cultivating.”
Xue Qi’s eyes widened in shock, glancing at Zhang Ruochen, who showed a hint of surprise.
Their mental transmission had been overheard by Yan Wushen.
How could they not be stunned?
Zhang Ruochen strode into the palace, saying loudly, “I heard you were a mental strength Great Saint before entering the Kunlun Realm’s Merit Battlefield. I thought sixty-first tier was impressive, but I underestimated you.”
During decades of seclusion, Zhang Ruochen’s mental strength had reached the peak of the sixty-first tier.
For Yan Wushen to overhear his transmission, his mental strength was at least sixty-second tier, if not higher.
Xue Qi tried to follow but was stopped by a guard, “His Highness Wushen invited only Great Saint Ruochen. Others wait outside.”
“What? My Hundred Shackle Realm cultivation isn’t enough to enter?” Xue Qi said angrily.
The Yanluo guard said, “Great Saint Ruochen enters because of his strength. Even if I didn’t stop you, you couldn’t pass.”
“I’ll prove you wrong. It’s just a door.”
With his surging cultivation, Xue Qi’s confidence soared. He stepped forward but fell into a chaotic space, trapped by spatial inscriptions.
The palace was filled with spatial traps, a great test for any intruder.
Inside, Zhang Ruochen saw Yan Wushen alone, sitting on the floor at the hall’s center, before a long bronze table with a wine jug and two cups.
Nothing else.
Simple.
Almost shabbily so, unfit for an important guest.
Navigating the spatial traps with steady steps, Zhang Ruochen reached the table, facing Yan Wushen, “I’ve been waiting for you to emerge since arriving at the Temple of Destiny. Finally, we meet again. You got my challenge, right? This palace, so intricately designed, isn’t your chosen battlefield, is it?”
