The Stone Clan’s home planet was covered in yellow sand, devoid of oceans or vegetation. Viewed from space, it appeared lifeless, indistinguishable from billions of barren planets.
At the planet’s northern pole, the atmosphere was dim and chillingly cold, with only streaks of aurora weaving through the heavens.
Beneath the aurora’s misty layer stood a magnificent pyramid-shaped structure, enveloped in dense Great Saint inscriptions, emitting a white holy radiance that illuminated a thousand miles.
Great Saint Yuanfei, Divine Son Yuanmo, and Great Saint Dasenluo of the Death Clan were the first to arrive, standing within the pyramid, listening as Baiyu Mad Lion recounted his battle with Zhang Ruochen.
Of course, Baiyu Mad Lion withheld certain details.
After all, he had been thoroughly humiliated in that fight and naturally wouldn’t reveal the full extent of his defeat.
It was too embarrassing!
After hearing the account, the three Death Clan Great Saints wore grave expressions.
Divine Son Yuanmo felt deeply unsettled, saying, “How long has it been since Zhang Ruochen broke through to the Great Saint realm? How could he already have the strength to defeat you? And the Hundred Shackle Realm… how could it be so easily attained?”
Back in the Kunlun Realm, Divine Son Yuanmo had never taken Zhang Ruochen seriously.
Even after his defeat at Immortal Machine Mountain, he attributed it to Zhang Ruochen’s use of external forces and remained unconvinced.
But now, Zhang Ruochen had reached the Hundred Shackle Realm, while he had only just entered the late stage of the Immortal Realm. The gap in their cultivation was now vast.
Great Saint Yuanfei, Divine Son Yuanmo’s elder brother and the Death Clan’s top powerhouse in this Hunting Heaven Battle, spoke calmly, “Zhang Ruochen wields the Sundial and possesses vast cultivation resources. His rapid progress is understandable.”
“He could defeat Moro War Emperor in the Immortal Realm. Now that he’s entered the Hundred Shackle Realm, it’s not surprising that Baiyu Great Saint lost to him.”
Then, Great Saint Yuanfei fixed his gaze on Baiyu Mad Lion’s eyes, as if trying to see through him, and asked seriously, “Did you really exchange dozens of blows with Zhang Ruochen?”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Would this Saint lie? Zhang Ruochen is indeed strong, but I’m not much weaker,” Baiyu Mad Lion retorted, his eyes wide with indignation.
Great Saint Yuanfei quickly soothed his emotions, saying, “That’s not what I meant. I just want a clearer understanding of Zhang Ruochen’s current strength to avoid misjudgments. Based on what you’ve said, it’s likely he’s awakened an ancestor’s bloodline. But how strong is this ancestor’s bloodline? You’re the only one who knows.”
Baiyu Mad Lion’s expression grew solemn. “The ancestor’s bloodline has greatly enhanced Zhang Ruochen’s speed. Even without using time or space, his speed surpasses some Thousand Inquiry Realm Great Saints.”
“When I fought him, I could only defend passively, struggling to seize the initiative.”
Divine Son Yuanmo snorted, “In a clash between Great Saints, speed alone isn’t decisive. A Great Saint’s strike can devastate a thousand miles. No matter how fast you are, can you escape that range instantly? Besides, arrays, death intent, curses… many methods can’t be evaded by speed alone.”
“If Divine Son Yuanmo underestimates a Great Saint’s speed, you might not even know how you died.”
A clear, youthful voice echoed in the pyramid.
Divine Son Yuanmo looked toward the sound and saw a figure in black armour, who had appeared in the pyramid unnoticed.
The figure stood at the edge of the stone tower, facing a stone window, his back to them. Light streaming through the window cast a long shadow on the floor.
Divine Son Yuanmo touched his neck, feeling a trace of blood on his fingertips, and thought, *What terrifying speed! Not only did he enter from outside in an instant, but he also left a blood mark on my neck. A warning?*
Great Saint Dasenluo and Great Saint Yuanfei exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.
Great Saint Yuanfei asked tentatively, “Are you, perhaps, Que Fei of the Nether Clan?”
The man in black armour turned around, saying, “Indeed.”
Though he turned, Que Fei’s black armour was peculiar, seemingly absorbing light. Anyone looking at him could only see a black silhouette, unable to discern his features.
It was like a humanoid black mirror, eerily strange.
“So, it’s Que Fei, the Nether Clan’s second strongest. No wonder he’s so formidable,” Divine Son Yuanmo thought.
Que Fei was a hidden powerhouse of the Nether Clan, recently rising to prominence, now ranked sixteenth on the Hundred Shackle Realm peak list.
Baiyu Mad Lion asked, “Where’s Great Saint Wanshou? Why hasn’t he come?”
Que Fei’s tone was cold. “Great Saint Wanshou is refining a Quasi-Emperor-grade Holy Intent Pill, aiming to condense a Second-Grade Holy Intent. Once he succeeds, our Nether Clan will surely claim first place in this Hunting Heaven Battle. Yan Huangtu and Lan Ying will be trampled beneath him. Even the mysterious Que might not fare well against a Second-Grade Holy Intent.”
Hearing this, Great Saint Yuanfei, Great Saint Dasenluo, and Baiyu Mad Lion showed no dissatisfaction. After all, in this Hunting Heaven Banquet, the Death Clan and Stone Clan were somewhat weaker, and they had to defer to Great Saint Wanshou Wujiang.
Baiyu Mad Lion said, “Without Great Saint Wanshou, it’ll be difficult for us to surround and kill Zhang Ruochen.”
Que Fei scoffed, “To deal with a mere Zhang Ruochen, why need Great Saint Wanshou? We have four peak Hundred Shackle Realm Great Saints here. Killing him is like slaughtering a pig or dog.”
Baiyu Mad Lion knew Zhang Ruochen’s strength but, considering Great Saint Yuanfei and Que Fei were unfathomably powerful, his concerns eased slightly.
*Tap, tap.*
Light footsteps sounded.
Prajna, dressed in men’s clothing, entered the pyramid. Tall and with a divine aura, she said softly, “If you underestimate Zhang Ruochen, you might not kill him but instead fall in the Hunting Heaven Battlefield.”
Having broken through to the Great Saint realm, a radiant Gate of Destiny hovered behind Prajna, casting her figure in alternating clarity and shadow, as if she flickered between light and dark.
This was a manifestation of mastering the Path of Destiny to a profound level, called the “Gate of True Self.”
The Gate of True Self was also a Gate of Destiny.
However, it had fully merged with the cultivator, becoming inseparable, with the power of destiny ever-present, never fading.
With the Gate of True Self, Prajna could weaken her opponents at all times, constantly suppressing them. The extent of suppression depended on her cultivation relative to her opponent’s.
The higher an opponent’s cultivation compared to hers, the weaker the suppression.
The others in the pyramid approached, bowing and smiling. “Congratulations, Your Highness Prajna, on cultivating the Gate of True Self. The Divine Maiden position is yours for the taking.”
By the Temple of Fate’s tradition, a cultivator who manifested the Gate of True Self could directly become a Divine Son or Divine Maiden.
However, Prajna achieved this after entering the Hunting Heaven Battlefield, making her case unique.
Though her cultivation was lower than those present, Prajna’s gaze was commanding and cold, exuding an air of superiority. She took the highest seat and said, “To deal with Zhang Ruochen, we must not be careless. If we strike, we must ensure he falls into an irredeemable abyss.”
Rumours held that Prajna was backed by the Fury Heaven Divine Venerable, one of the Temple of Fate’s twelve deities, giving her immense influence. Even the proud Que Fei and Great Saint Dasenluo dared not act arrogantly before her.
Moreover, Prajna’s talent in the Path of Destiny was extraordinary, with limitless potential.
Divine Son Yuanmo, a staunch supporter of Prajna, quickly asked, “What brilliant plan does Prajna have?”
Prajna looked at Baiyu Mad Lion. “When Zhang Ruochen defeated you, did he use the powers of time or space?”
Baiyu Mad Lion, looking troubled, shook his head.
Prajna asked, “Did he use a holy intent?”
Baiyu Mad Lion shook his head again.
Prajna pressed, “Did he use a weapon?”
Baiyu Mad Lion shook his head once more.
Great Saint Yuanfei, Great Saint Dasenluo, and Divine Son Yuanmo were all shocked, realising Baiyu Mad Lion had concealed much from them.
Without using time, space, holy intent, or a weapon, he defeated Baiyu Mad Lion?
Zhang Ruochen’s strength required reassessment.
Prajna said, “Zhang Ruochen at the Hundred Shackle Realm is far more terrifying than you imagine. What’s worse, we still don’t know the full extent of his power.”
Que Fei said, “He’s only broken the first shackle. No matter how strong, I’m confident I“Can defeat him.”
“Great Saint Que Fei, understand this: we’re not aiming to defeat him but to kill him. Are you confident you can kill him?” Prajna asked.
Que Fei fell silent.
Killing someone was far harder than defeating them.
Prajna continued, “I propose a three-step plan to deal with Zhang Ruochen.”
“First, borrow a knife to kill.”
“Borrow a knife? Does Your Highness mean Lan Ying, or Great Saint Yanhong and Xu?” Great Saint Yuanfei asked.
Prajna replied, “Lan Ying and Yan Huangtu are still pursuing Que for the Emperor-grade Holy Intent Pill and likely have no time for Zhang Ruochen. We can only borrow the knives of Xu and Great Saint Yanhong.”
Divine Son Yuanmo exclaimed, “Brilliant! Let Xu and Great Saint Yanhong deal with Zhang Ruochen. First, we can gauge his strength. Second, we can let them wear each other down, ideally to mutual destruction.”
Prajna said, “This task falls to Baiyu Great Saint. Inform Xu and Great Saint Yanhong that Zhang Ruochen has reached the Hundred Shackle Realm. Great Saint Yanhong has long wanted to kill him to gain support from various factions and will surely act swiftly.”
“Moreover, both Great Saint Yanhong and Xu suffered significant losses at Zhang Ruochen’s hands during the Hunting Heaven Banquet and the Holy Intent Pill contest. They already hate him to the core.”
Great Saint Dasenluo said, “Great Saint Yanhong and Xu aren’t fools. Won’t they see we’re using them? Why would they willingly be manipulated?”
Prajna shook her head. “That’s why Baiyu Great Saint will inform them. Everyone knows Baiyu Great Saint supports Empress Feng, offending the entire Stone Clan and even us. Now, humiliated by Empress Feng and stripped of his weapon, he’s left with no choice but to seek revenge. We won’t accept him, so he’ll naturally turn to Great Saint Yanhong.”
Baiyu Mad Lion laughed, “Your Highness Prajna thinks of everything.”
Divine Son Yuanmo asked, “If Great Saint Yanhong and Xu can’t kill Zhang Ruochen, is the second step for us to act?”
Great Saint Dasenluo smiled, “Even if Zhang Ruochen escapes from Pink Skull and Xu, he’ll surely be gravely injured. Then, I alone can slay him.”
Prajna shook her head. “Killing Zhang Ruochen deducts fifty thousand points. Unless absolutely necessary, we shouldn’t act directly. The second step is still to borrow a knife.”
“Whose knife?” Divine Son Yuanmo asked.
Prajna answered, “Celestial Slaves.”
The others suddenly understood.
In the Hunting Heaven Battlefield, Celestial Slaves were a massive force. Though they were prey, they had many powerhouses. More importantly, they deeply despised Zhang Ruochen, the traitor, and wished to grind his bones to dust.
Prajna said, “I’ve received word that a large group of Celestial Slaves has gathered near the third Dark Star, led by a Thousand Inquiry Realm Celestial Slave. Great Saint Que Fei, I hear your illusion techniques have reached the Earth Master level. You’ll inform the Celestial Slaves of Zhang Ruochen’s whereabouts.”
Que Fei let out a long laugh. “Your Highness Prajna is brilliant, another masterstroke. Whether Zhang Ruochen or Great Saint Yanhong wins, they’ll face the Celestial Slaves’ assault, and we remain invincible. Once the Celestial Slaves kill them, we can eliminate the slaves for points. Haha!”
Prajna remained calm. “The third step: if the Celestial Slaves also fail to kill Zhang Ruochen, then we must act ourselves.”
Divine Son Yuanmo smiled. “With these three strategies, no matter how strong Zhang Ruochen is, he’s doomed this time.”
…
On the Undying Blood Race’s home planet, Zhang Ruochen stood in a sea, repeatedly practising Demonic Suppression.
A massive demonic shadow appeared, merging and separating with the Motionless Bright King Holy Aspect, creating a vast vortex in the sea that reached a thousand meters below.
Combining Demonic Suppression with the Motionless Bright King Holy Aspect wasn’t too difficult. The challenge was incorporating the Yin-Yang Five Elements Holy Intent during the fusion.
After dozens of attempts, all ended in failure.
“Combining any two forces is no easy task. I was too impatient.”
Zhang Ruochen stopped, exhaling deeply, and flew to a nearby island, sitting on a reef. He soon entered a state of contemplation and comprehension.
How could he grow stronger in a short time?
With the Heart of Truth’s aid, Zhang Ruochen had located the second shackle in his left arm.
But even with the Divine Roaming Pill and Yandao Sacred Fruit, breaking it would likely take more than a few days.
Beyond that, Zhang Ruochen considered using a Holy Intent Pill to fuse a fifth holy intent. If he could truly reach a Second-Grade Holy Intent, he could face powerhouses like Wujiang or Lan Ying with ease.
*Boom, boom.*
A piercing sound rang from the sky.
Zhang Ruochen looked up, seeing a fiery light streak from beyond, piercing the atmosphere like a meteor crashing toward his sea.
*Crash.*
The fiery light plunged into the sea, sinking it and raising waves dozens of zhang high.
A black meteor, the size of a stone mountain, appeared there.
Zhang Ruochen sat by the island’s edge, his long hair flowing, calm and ethereal. The oncoming waves parted naturally around him.
Looking closely, he saw words carved on the meteor: “Great Saint Manjian is in my hands. Within three days, come alone to the Ghost Clan’s home planet for a duel. Settle the score, decide life or death.”
A challenge delivered from space.
From the holy path aura in the meteor’s words, Zhang Ruochen knew the challenger was Xu, the Ghost Clan’s top powerhouse.
