On the diamond-shaped lens, the Yanluo Clan’s points plummet from 25 million to 14 million.
The Immortal Blood Clan’s points also drop from 23 million to 20 million, temporarily claiming first place among the ten clans.
The Shura Clan, ranked third, sees a slight decrease but still surpasses the Yanluo Clan with around 17 million points.
In the Cloud City Lord’s Mansion.
Zhang Ruochen sits at the head of the hall, eyeing the rankings and data on the diamond-shaped lens, “The Yanluo Clan lost 11 million points, likely due to the massive deaths of their clansmen.”
“But why were 3 million points deducted from us?”
Wind Empress, seated to his right, says, “When we invaded the Yanluo Clan’s home star, attacking a single Yanluo Clan Great Sage deducts 5,000 points.”
Zhang Ruochen replies, “We attacked fewer than 300 Yanluo Clan Great Sages. That should deduct at most 1.5 million points. How did it reach 3 million?”
Blade Prison Emperor shows an embarrassed expression, “It was me. I accidentally killed two Yanluo Clan Great Sages, costing 1 million points.”
“I also killed one,” Wind Empress adds.
On the Hunting Heaven Battlefield, maliciously attacking a Hell Realm Great Sage deducts 5,000 points.
Killing one deducts 500,000 points.
Negative points result in immediate expulsion from the battlefield.
This is the Temple of Destiny’s rule to prevent large-scale internal slaughter.
Zhang Ruochen checks Blade Prison Emperor and Wind Empress’s points on the lens.
Wind Empress has only 70,000 points left.
Blade Prison Emperor’s situation is dire, with just 800 points remaining.
In other words, Blade Prison Emperor is effectively crippled, unable to attack anyone.
One attack would deduct 5,000 points, and with negative points, the All-Seeing Divine Eye would expel him from the battlefield.
Though the Immortal Blood Clan seems to have won a great victory, it was a close call, nearly costing Wind Empress and Blade Prison Emperor their place on the battlefield.
Blade Prison Emperor stands abruptly, grabbing his war blade, heading out, “I’ll hunt Heavenly Slaves now to earn points. I’ll make up for the deductions and not drag the Immortal Blood Clan down.”
“Hold on.”
Zhang Ruochen stops him, “The battle on the Yanluo Clan’s home star reached a point where it was life or death. No one could control their strength. Killing one or two Great Sages is understandable.”
Blade Prison Emperor expected Zhang Ruochen, known for his ruthlessness, to seize this chance to punish him harshly for revenge.
Instead, Zhang Ruochen lets it slide, making Blade Prison Emperor even more uneasy.
“No need to be so tense. Our priority is indeed hunting Heavenly Slaves, but not you alone—we move together.”
Zhang Ruochen gestures for Blade Prison Emperor to return to his seat and continue the discussion.
Blade Prison Emperor cautiously returns, striving to maintain a composed, commanding demeanour, “Moving together isn’t ideal, is it? We just wreaked havoc on the Yanluo Clan’s home star. They’ll surely retaliate.”
“Moreover, our Immortal Blood Clan now leads the ten clans in points, standing in the spotlight. The other nine clans likely want to invade our home star and wipe out our clansmen.”
“Anyone can hunt Heavenly Slaves, but you, Great Sage Ruochen, must stay to guard our home star. Only you can ensure absolute safety.”
Wind Empress’s deep, elegant eyes nod in agreement, “Blade Prison Emperor is right. Only you have the deterrence.”
“Not just because of your strength, but because you’re outside the Hunting Heaven Battle’s rules. Attacking or killing any Great Sage doesn’t deduct your points. Who would dare provoke you lightly?”
On the diamond-shaped lens, Zhang Ruochen’s personal points remain at 10.84 million, half of the Immortal Blood Clan’s total.
Across the entire battlefield, he ranks first in individual points.
He attacked numerous Great Sages on the Yanluo Clan’s home star, yet not a single point was deducted.
Now, nearly all cultivators know Zhang Ruochen is beyond the rules.
Zhang Ruochen shakes his head, “No, we must seize the moment to conquer the Dark Stars. The Yanluo Clan suffered heavy losses and is too preoccupied to launch a large-scale attack on our home star soon.”
“The other clans are likely still focused on their own home star opportunities. They’d prefer to see the Yanluo and Immortal Blood Clans clash, delaying their own moves.”
“Most crucially, the Ten Thousand Deaths and One Life Realm’s Chi Emperor has yet to appear. No one knows where he’s hiding.”
“So, I must join the hunt for Heavenly Slaves. If we encounter Chi Emperor, I can at least hold him off.”
“The home star will be guarded by Yu Huang and Wind Empress, ensuring its safety.”
The Immortal Blood Clan members present, all top-tier Hundred Shackles Realm powerhouses, nod in agreement with Zhang Ruochen’s analysis.
Wind Empress furrows her delicate brows, “Why must I stay? My points are too low. I need to hunt Heavenly Slaves.”
Zhang Ruochen says, “Your task is critical. You must guard the home star.”
“The greatest threat to us now is Yan Huangtu.”
“In the battle on the Yanluo Clan’s home star, he was the least injured but lost all face. He harbours deep hatred for us and may come alone to destroy our clansmen.”
Yu Huang snorts, “Though Yan Huangtu is strong, I’m confident he can’t breach our home star’s defensive array alone.”
Zhang Ruochen counters, “What if Yan Huangtu uses transformation arts to disguise himself as an Immortal Blood Clan Great Sage? Or employs other secret techniques to infiltrate?”
Yu Huang falls silent, pondering.
Zhang Ruochen continues, “Only Wind Empress’s Path of Destiny and my Path of Truth can detect foreign cultivators sneaking onto our home star. That’s why Wind Empress must stay.”
“Fine! I’ll guard the home star for now, personally overseeing the protective array’s gates, ensuring no foreign cultivator enters,” Wind Empress says, then adds with concern, “How are your injuries? Why not rest for two days before conquering the Dark Stars?”
Her voice is exceptionally soft and melodious.
Any man, hearing such concern and seeing her tender eyes, would feel their heart melt.
Yu Huang’s eyes flash with disdain, muttering to herself, “Hypocrite.”
Zhang Ruochen says, “No matter. Half a day is enough to stabilise my injuries. You all go prepare. Gather the Great Sages of the ten tribes. In half a day, we depart from Cloud City via the spatial teleportation array to the First Dark Star.”
The ten tribes’ cultivators disperse, busily preparing for battle.
Zhang Ruochen looks at Yu Huang, still seated, “Why are you still here? Are you idle? Our home star will soon face a brutal war. Your arrays could be pivotal.”
Yu Huang’s stunning face is as if frozen, expressionless.
“I stayed to warn you not to be swayed by beauty. Don’t think your charm is irresistible, easily winning women’s hearts. Some may just be using you,” Yu Huang says.
Zhang Ruochen chuckles, “You mean Wind Empress?”
“I wouldn’t dare criticise the future Destiny Goddess, but…”
Yu Huang’s gem-like eyes meet his, “With Wind Empress’s noble status, pure bloodline, and potential for divinity, even gods would vie to marry her. If she becomes the Destiny Goddess, her options will multiply. Why would she choose you? Your identity is too unique.”
“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t criticise her?” Zhang Ruochen teases.
Yu Huang snorts, “Did she promise you something?”
Zhang Ruochen, still casual, says, “How did you know?”
“You gave her two Blood Shadow Ghost Seeds, one a Saint Blood Shadow. If you weren’t smitten, why make such a foolish move?” Yu Huang snaps, her tone almost scolding.
Zhang Ruochen says, “She promised to marry me, whether or not she becomes the Destiny Goddess. Such a promise would sway any man.”
“If she becomes the Goddess, she’ll sever emotions for a thousand years. After stepping down, with her former status, even War Gods would pursue her. You think you can win her? You’re being played,” Yu Huang says.
Zhang Ruochen touches his hair, “You make sense, but why does it concern you? Why are you angrier than me?”
Yu Huang’s bright eyes glare, speechless.
Zhang Ruochen adds, “I gave you a Supreme Saint Artifact. Am I smitten with you too? Played by you?”
“I’m not like her,” Yu Huang says coldly.
Zhang Ruochen waves dismissively, “Go. Don’t meddle in the future. If Wind Empress learns of this, she might bring you trouble. Women can be petty.”
Yu Huang stands, flicks her sleeve, and strides out coldly.
“Wait.”
Zhang Ruochen’s voice calls from behind.
Yu Huang pauses, voice low, “What now?”
“I have one last Saint Blood Shadow. Take it and refine it. It’ll boost your blood qi, saint soul, and spiritual power, greatly benefiting you.”
Zhang Ruochen tosses the Saint Blood Shadow, a ball of bloodlight, toward her.
Yu Huang catches it, her eyes filled with surprise, confusion, and a hint of panic.
From childhood, aside from her late brother and the Xia Clan’s ancestor, Zhang Ruochen is the only one to treat her so generously, gifting treasures even gods covet.
If he’s not foolish, he must have ulterior motives.
“What… what are you after? What’s your game?” Yu Huang’s voice trembles slightly.
She wants to say, if you’re buying loyalty, target Blade Prison Emperor or Yi Xuan Great Sage, who have divine backers. Her Xia Clan’s divine ancestor is dead, offering little support.
Zhang Ruochen takes out the Emperor-Grade Saint Will Pill, studying it in his palm, not looking at her, “You’re important. Boost your spiritual power further. Breaking through to the sixty-fifth tier would be ideal.”
“Oh, and you’re both an array geomancer and a talisman geomancer. I’ll assign the Immortal Blood Clan’s talisman masters to you alongside the array masters. You must guard our home star. If you fail, you’ll get no more treasures!”
In Hell Realm, Zhang Ruochen trusts few.
Yu Huang is worth investing in heavily.
But her temperament needs tempering.
Guarding the home star is her test.
After Yu Huang leaves, Zhang Ruochen stores the Emperor-Grade Saint Will Pill. As expected, though its spirit’s will is refined, its energy is too vast for his current cultivation to handle.
Swallowing it would likely cause his body to explode.
Only at Hundred Shackles Realm Perfection, with all shackles broken and his demigod body fully awakened, could he withstand it.
He closes his eyes, probing the ten dragon souls flowing in his saint veins.
The ten azure dragon souls, exuding a cold aura, swim cyclically, repelling the divine flames from his Flame God’s Leg.
These mysterious dragon souls saved his life.
Otherwise, the consequences would have been dire.
Examining closely, Zhang Ruochen notices the ten azure dragon souls are identical, each bearing a “字” on their heads. Their aura isn’t saintly.
It’s divine.
The ten share the same origin.
“Could they be ten strands of a divine dragon’s soul?”
Zhang Ruochen’s heart jolts.
Each strand’s aura rivals a Thousand Questions Realm dragon soul.
“Related to the Yanluo Clan’s home star opportunity? No, the ten clans’ home star opportunities are extraordinary. How could it be just ten divine dragon soul strands?”
Ten Thousand Questions Realm dragon souls are remarkable for Great Sages.
But for a divine dragon, they’re akin to ten scales.
“No matter. Since I’ve got them, I’ll refine them first. They might enhance the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Palm’s power,” Zhang Ruochen thinks.
