Chapter 743: The New Child of Destiny, The Ten-Thousand-Fold Return System (Combined Chapter)
"Miss, we..."
Everyone from the Cold Frost Immortal Palace looked towards Luo Shui Xian. The previous dispute over the portal had been the first confrontation among the top talents of these major powers, ultimately ending with Holy Light Son holding a slight upper hand. Throughout it all, Luo Shui Xian, who should have been dazzling, remained silent as if she were an outsider.
Luo Shui Xian raised her hand, cutting off the words of the person behind her.
"No rush."
She said calmly, her voice still as cold and clear as frost and snow.
"Let them fight first."
The three Ancient Freaks from the Cold Frost Immortal Palace behind her exchanged glances but dared not say more.
Although they were all Ancient Freaks, in terms of status, they were far inferior to Luo Shui Xian, who had fused the power of three freaks.
For this tomb expedition, Luo Shui Xian was the core pillar.
"If just a single portal is already this troublesome,"
"do you really think the Tomb of Emperor Bailian will be so easy to enter?"
"If nothing goes wrong, this realm... is probably not simple."
Luo Shui Xian spoke slowly, scanning her surroundings as if searching for something.
"It shouldn't be. I clearly sensed your aura... my dear sister..."
...
"What is this woman planning?"
Luo Shui Xian believed she occupied a supreme position, observing everyone, but in reality, she had always been within the web woven by Gu Yun.
Qin Xiang and Zhang Chen had already followed Luo Lie's group into the tomb. As Children of Destiny, the two of them were bound to gain significant rewards.
However, if this secret realm expedition only yielded these two small fish, it would be rather dull.
"Brother Yun, shall we go in too?"
Moon Dance was eager, rubbing her hands together, already prepared.
"Alright."
Only after Luo Shui Xian moved to enter the secret realm did Gu Yun speak calmly.
Everyone began to move but found Snow Thousand Years still standing in place.
"Thousand Years, what's wrong?"
Flame Princess noticed her unusual behavior and inquired.
Snow Thousand Years snapped back to reality, a faint smile curling at the corner of her mouth. "N-nothing."
People from the Hantian Sword Sect had actually come here too. It seems this time, a final resolution must be made.
She thought this to herself, unaware that all her thoughts were being observed by Gu Yun.
During their advance, the boy deliberately restrained the concealing power of the deceiving heaven mask, which indeed allowed the belated Hantian Sword Sect group to discover Snow Thousand Years's trail.
"It's the Sword Child's aura?!"
"How could she be here?"
A leading elder frowned deeply.
"Sword Child?"
The leading young woman turned her head, her gaze as cold and sharp as a sword's edge.
She was extremely beautiful, yet so cold it made people dare not approach. A faint sword intent circulated around her, as if she were a divine sword drawn from its sheath.
"You mean that traitor, Snow Thousand Years?"
The leading elder quickly bowed. "Reporting to Sword Fairy, it is indeed her!"
"She was originally this generation's Sword Child of the sect, but she suddenly vanished after the expedition to the Ancient Continent."
"The sect searched tirelessly but found nothing. Unexpectedly, she reappeared some time ago and even colluded with outsiders to kill one of our sect's elders!"
As he spoke these words, the leading elder's tone grew increasingly furious.
The dignity of the Sword Sect could not be challenged, yet this Snow Thousand Years repeatedly danced on this red line.
If this can be tolerated, what cannot?!
"Oh? There's such a thing!"
Sword Fairy raised an eyebrow slightly, her gaze piercing through layers of gray mist to land on the snow-white figure in the distance.
"To break through to the Quasi-Emperor Realm at this age, she does have some skill."
"However..."
Sword Fairy's tone shifted, a cold curve forming at the corner of her lips. "A traitor is ultimately a traitor, unworthy of living."
"Let her live a little longer. Once we enter the tomb, I will deal with her myself."
"But, this place is suppressed by the 'All Beings Are Equal' grand formation."
"Everyone's cultivation will be restricted to the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer. Although Snow Thousand Years has only just entered the Quasi-Emperor Realm, within it, wouldn't she be..."
"Hah? Are you comparing me to her?"
Sword Fairy sneered, her gaze as sharp as a blade.
"I wouldn't dare."
"'All Beings Are Equal' only suppresses cultivation level, not one's foundation."
"How many years have I been immersed in the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer? How many so-called geniuses have I slain?"
"As for her? In a battle at the same realm, she's nothing but trash to be casually crushed. What's there to pay attention to?"
"The rivals I seek are true geniuses like that Holy Light Son, not these fame-seeking wastes."
The leading elder quickly lowered his head, not daring to say more.
"Let's go. Let's see if the collection of Emperor Bailian is truly as rich as the legends say."
Sword Fairy said indifferently, darting towards the broken portal.
"Yes!"
The few elders behind her also stopped speaking and followed.
Dozens of disciples followed suit. Among them, however, was one figure whose expression remained as calm as still water from beginning to end.
"It really is better to get out more often. Just by coming on this sect mission, I've directly gained six or seven new binding targets."
"And the return multiples are at least two thousand times. Before this, only Sword Fairy could reach that multiple."
"Especially that Luo Shui Xian from the Cold Frost Immortal Palace—she's directly three thousand times! If I can get involved with her, how smooth would my future path be!"
A shrewd light flashed in Su Chen's eyes, and a confident curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Any fairy would succumb under his shameless offensive!
This Tomb of Emperor Bailian was simply a treasure trove for him!!
...
[Ding! New Child of Destiny detected]
[Name: Su Chen]
[Age: 40]
[Cultivation: Quasi-Emperor Second Layer]
[Identity: Male lead of 'Ten-Thousand-Fold Return, Who Reaches the Peak at the End of the Licking Path?']
[Golden Finger: Ten-Thousand-Fold Return System (System Value: 8000)]
[Aura: Child of Destiny Aura (Red)]
[destiny value: 150,000]
[Associated Heroines: Liu Ruyan, Water Flowing Clouds, Snow Quinghuan, Teng Hua, Luo Shui Xian, Wu Ling, Ling Muxue, Mu Liuli, Ling Xiyue, Nie Wanli, Yin Yao, Sword Fairy, Snow Thousand Years... (Those not listed on the xuan qing treasure mirror are omitted.)]
"The Ten-Thousand-Fold Return System has finally appeared."
A faint smile touched Gu Yun's lips as he looked at Snow Thousand Years beside him, appearing somewhat like a pervert.
"M-master, is there something on Thousand Years's face?"
Snow Thousand Years touched her cheek, her pretty face slightly flushed. Her master had never stared at her for so long before.
"Nothing. It's just that today, I find my Thousand Years baby exceptionally adorable."
Gu Yun pulled her into his embrace and gave her a fierce kiss.
Snow Thousand Years felt as if an electric current shot through her brain. Her entire body stiffened completely, losing all strength to resist, and she could only let the young man do as he pleased.
Beside them, Moon Dance covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, while Flame Princess rolled her eyes.
Chu Ruoyao pursed her lips and muttered, "You really never miss a chance to think about that, do you?"
"This is the Tomb of Emperor Bailian, with Great Emperor Xuanji involved in its construction."
"The collaboration between a forging grandmaster and a formation grandmaster means this place is definitely not a simple mausoleum. Being as careless as you are, be careful you don't... capsize in a ditch!"
Since stepping into this tomb, Chu Ruoyao had felt her power suppressed at the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer.
Hearing about it was one thing; truly experiencing it was another.
She suddenly felt a lack of security. Seeing Gu Yun acting like this naturally displeased her somewhat.
"Didn't Senior Chu consider this before entering?"
"Or are you incredibly confident in my abilities?"
Gu Yun released Snow Thousand Years, ignoring the girl's reddened earlobes, and teased.
"Don't get too cocky. Usually, the ones who fall the hardest are people like you."
Chu Ruoyao snorted lightly and strode ahead to take the lead.
With someone clearing the path, the trio's progress sped up considerably.
The journey was eerily quiet. Moon Dance couldn't help but ask, "Brother Yun, we all entered through that dark portal. Why haven't we seen anyone else?"
They walked through the void, enveloped by deathly stillness and darkness. Additionally, the spiritual energy within their bodies showed a tendency to leak out uncontrollably.
The emotions in their hearts gradually grew increasingly anxious and restless.
Moon Dance couldn't resist asking, but her voice could only echo in the void, leaving no trace.
Darkness devoured everything, as if placing a massive stone upon everyone's hearts.
"It is indeed too strange. This isn't just a simple suppression of power."
"As soon as spiritual sense leaves the body, it's devoured by some invisible force, disappearing without a trace."
"It's simple. The trial began the moment we stepped through that door."
In the darkness, Gu Yun's voice was calm and clear.
"A trial?"
Moon Dance was slightly taken aback, her lively eyes blinking.
Gu Yun patted her head and said with a smile, "Only those who can endure boundless solitude are qualified to proceed to the next step."
"The trial set by the two Great Emperors aims to weed out those with unstable hearts and minds from the very start."
"Keep walking. We'll soon leave this darkness behind."
Gu Yun's words acted as a shot of confidence for the women. Although they still doubted whether they could leave this place,
they at least held hope in their hearts and followed Gu Yun's footsteps.
They didn't know how long they walked. Their willpower had reached its limit. Xiao Wu had even shrunk into a small calico cat, curling up in Gu Yun's arms and falling into a deep sleep.
Flame Princess was also swaying unsteadily, but seeing Snow Thousand Years and Chu Ruoyao persevering beside her, she gritted her teeth and endured.
Her inner pride absolutely forbade her from showing weakness in front of Gu Yun's other women. The comfortable environment of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda had indeed caused them to lose some of their fighting spirit.
But within this tomb's trial, they gradually reclaimed everything that should have belonged to them.
Finally, perseverance paid off.
The previously dead void ahead rippled with layers of waves, spreading out like water. Wherever they passed, the darkness receded.
"W-we passed the trial!!"
Flame Princess instantly became extremely excited. As the last bit of her strength gave out, her legs suddenly felt weak and sore. She had to lean on Gu Yun's shoulder, breathing heavily.
"A-are we there?"
Moon Dance also opened her drowsy eyes. What met her gaze was no longer boundless darkness but... a corridor paved with blue stone.
The corridor stretched straight ahead. On both sides stood massive stone pillars, each carved with dense formation patterns, exuding an ancient and weathered aura.
"Brother Yun, i-is this the real tomb?"
"You could say that. We're at the entrance."
Gu Yun smiled and gently rubbed her furry ears.
They were soft and comfortable. Once he touched them, he found it hard to stop.
"Why does it feel like you know everything about this place inside out?"
Chu Ruoyao asked suspiciously.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Where else do you think my confidence comes from, Senior Chu?"
Gu Yun asked with a smile. In his hand was a map of the Tomb of Emperor Bailian, which he had studied several times during his previous boredom.
Now that he had finally entered, it was practically no different from coming home.
"Don't get too carried away."
Chu Ruoyao snorted lightly. "Which way do we go next? This corridor... can we proceed?"
"Of course... Just follow my steps. Don't fall behind."
Gu Yun said indifferently and took the lead towards the corridor.
The women quickly followed.
...
The corridor was long. The formation patterns on the stone pillars on both sides glowed faintly, as if watching every passerby.
After walking for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, a clamor of voices suddenly came from ahead.
Faintly, one could hear angry curses and sighs of helplessness.
"Damn it, what's the deal with this damn stone wall?"
"How on earth do we get past it?!"
"I've been trying here for half an hour and still haven't gotten through. Stop yelling nonsense."
"People?"
Flame Princess whispered, a hint of vigilance flashing in her eyes.
"Just keep walking. If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up."
"It's not your turn to fight."
Gu Yun passed by Flame Princess and gave her small, fragrant bottom a slap.
"You!!"
Flame Princess's pretty face flushed slightly as she quickly caught up.
Soon, the view opened up.
It was a massive stone chamber, hundreds of zhang in diameter and about ten zhang high.
Four thick stone pillars stood around the stone chamber, reaching from floor to ceiling.
Before the group was a massive stone wall.
Completely black, like the end of the world, it spanned before everyone present, blocking all paths forward.
At this moment, hundreds of people had gathered here.
These people came from different factions, but they were all doing the same thing—
attacking the stone wall!
Boom!!
A Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer cultivator slammed his palm fiercely against the stone wall. Violent power erupted instantly, leaving a massive palm print about one zhang deep on the wall.
However, after just a few breaths, the palm print healed at a visible rate, soon returning to its original state.
"Damn it! How is it like this again!"
The cultivator cursed angrily, his eyes filled with unwillingness.
"What the hell is this thing? It won't break no matter how you hit it!"
Someone nearby chuckled bitterly. "Stop complaining. People from the Sacred Radiance Immortal Palace and the Daluo Imperial Dynasty have already passed through. That means this stone wall can be broken. It's just that our power isn't enough."
"Not enough power? With this palm, I can shatter stars, yet I can't break a piece of stone?"
"I think those guys from the major powers must have gotten some information in advance. That's why they passed through so easily!"
//744//
Chapter 744: The Stone Wall (Two-in-One, Unfinished)
A burly man with a face full of fierce flesh spoke up, his expression one of defiance.
The aura around his body surged wildly as his fist winds howled, striking the stone wall in rapid succession. Yet, all the imprints left by his punches vanished, the wall restoring itself in an extremely short time.
Before long, he could only stop his assault, panting heavily.
The onlookers all shook their heads.
"Don't waste your effort. This stone wall has a self-repairing ability. If you can't leave a mark deep enough in a single strike, there's simply no way to pass through."
"What you're doing, attacking continuously like that, serves no purpose other than to exhaust your own stamina."
"A single strike?"
"How deep does it need to be, then?"
Someone asked curiously.
"I don't know. But I just saw that Golden Pupil Battle Body from the Daluo Imperial Dynasty leave a three zhang deep crater in the wall with just a single glance."
"After that, the wall didn't heal anymore, and he walked right through."
"three zhang?!"
Someone gasped sharply. These people were all experts at the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer. Leaving a one zhang deep imprint with their full strength was already quite a feat.
three zhang?
What kind of terrifying attack power would that require?
"The gap... is actually this big?"
The burly man dejectedly lowered his arms, his expression gloomy.
"What's three zhang?"
Someone sneered and pointed towards the upper part of the stone wall: "Luo Lie was the first to pass through. His attack was just a casual effort."
"The prodigies who arrived later all went all out, precisely to outdo each other in this aspect."
"Look there. Their records have been inscribed."
As the words were spoken, everyone looked up. Indeed, lines of large golden characters shimmered into view on the pitch-black stone wall.
Those large characters, written in a flowing, vigorous script, emanated a faint, oppressive pressure, as if proclaiming to all.
[Shi Potian — Wall-Breaking Depth: three zhang, three chi]
[Mo Wuya — Wall-Breaking Depth: three zhang, four chi]
[Zhang Chen — Wall-Breaking Depth: three zhang, six chi]
[Holy Light Son — Wall-Breaking Depth: three zhang, seven chi]
[Luo Shui Xian — Wall-Breaking Depth: four zhang]
Line after line, the golden characters shone brilliantly, their light stinging the eyes.
"There are even more masters?!"
Everyone looked up at the lines of golden characters, their expressions complex.
"four zhang..."
"I never would have thought that Luo Shui Xian from the Cold Frost Immortal Palace, who seemed so low-key and unremarkable outside the portal, actually went three chi deeper than Holy Light Son."
"That woman is no simple character either."
"Indeed. She didn't say a word earlier. I thought she was just a pretty vase making up the numbers. Now it seems these disciples from the Immortal Palaces truly cannot be underestimated."
"Not necessarily. After all, Holy Light Son struck first and might not have used his full power."
"If Luo Shui Xian barely managed to surpass him only by exerting her utmost, then the true disparity in their strength is still open to debate."
"Hmm, that is indeed a possibility."
"Look quickly, who is this Zhang Chen anyway? He actually managed to surpass prodigies like Shi Potian and Mo Wuya to rank third."
"Never heard of him. Perhaps he's some special talent who specifically cultivates this kind of path."
"His attacks must have a peculiar effectiveness against the stone wall. How else could you explain an unknown junior ranking ahead of these top prodigies from major powers?"
"That does seem to be the only explanation."
While these people were discussing animatedly, Moon Dance stood with her hands on her hips, her pretty face etched with indignation.
"Brother Yun, shall we give it a try?"
"Even those guys managed to pass. Brother Yun is definitely much more powerful than them."
"No rush. The protagonist always makes their entrance last. We... shouldn't steal others' thunder."
Gu Yun spoke with a laugh, his tone filled with calm.
//745//
Chapter 745: Shocking the Crowd (Two-in-One)
As the ripples from the exploding flames dissipated, the crowd finally got a clear look at the newcomer's appearance.
She wore a fiery red long dress, with a tall and graceful figure, features as beautiful as a painting, yet carrying an innate pride and sharp edge.
Standing there, she was like a walking inferno; even without deliberately releasing her aura, the surrounding air grew subtly scorching.
It was Flame Princess.
Behind her, Su Chen staggered back several steps.
The sword energy he had just gathered had long been shattered into pieces by the impact.
His face flushed red, but upon clearly seeing the newcomer, his anger seemed to be doused by a bucket of ice water.
So... so beautiful!
Su Chen was somewhat mesmerized, waiting for the system's voice feedback.
However, to his disappointment, the system remained silent.
And there was only one possible reason for this situation: the woman before him, radiating pride and sharpness from head to toe—
was not a virgin.
Instantly, an indescribable mix of emotions surged in Su Chen's heart.
Disappointment, unwillingness, mixed with a layer of regret.
He couldn't help but glance at Flame Princess a few more times.
Tall figure, exquisite face, and perfect curves... from any angle, she was a top-tier masterpiece among masterpieces.
What a pity, what a pity!
Su Chen sighed inwardly, but quickly adjusted his mindset.
It's fine, it's fine.
There are plenty of beautiful women in this world; Su Chen doesn't need to hang himself on a single tree.
After all, she's just a loose woman who doesn't know how to behave. Su Chen has the system; only pure and chaste existences like the Sword Fairy and Luo Shui Xian are worthy of his attention.
Thinking this, Su Chen shifted his gaze away from Flame Princess, about to say a few words to save face and recover from the embarrassment of being repelled earlier.
But Flame Princess seemed to have already forgotten his existence, casually glancing at the stone wall as she gracefully lifted her foot and stepped forward.
Su Chen: "..."
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his voice seemed stuck in his throat, unable to come out.
He covered his mouth in shock, looking around.
The gazes of the surrounding cultivators had all fallen on Flame Princess, with no one paying him any attention.
Compared to an insignificant disciple of the Han Tian Sword Sect and a dazzling, radiant beauty who descended from the sky, who garnered more attention was already obvious.
He was merely an insignificant extra.
[Ding! The Son of Destiny, Su Chen's self-esteem is wounded, reward: 100 points of villain value.]
Su Chen's face turned pale and then flushed, but he didn't make any outburst. Unable to find the source of the target, he retreated to the side.
"This Su Chen, truly the king of the licking path; his psychological endurance is not something ordinary Sons of Destiny can compare to."
Gu Yun chuckled softly while stroking Yue Wu's furry little ears.
The little one seemed to enjoy it, narrowing her eyes and rubbing against Gu Yun's palm: "Brother Yun, look quickly, Sister Flame Princess is about to make her move!"
Clearly, she also completely ignored Su Chen, this simp.
"Do you think she can surpass those people above?"
"These people are all ancient geniuses cultivated with the full resources of major powers. If they could be surpassed so easily, wouldn't the Path to Emperorhood be filled with useless trash?"
Chu Ruoyao crossed her arms, her tone flat.
"Hmph! Who knows, maybe they are just useless trash."
"Sister Flame Princess is only a little over two hundred years old and is already a Quasi-Emperor Realm powerhouse."
"If this doesn't count as a genius, then who does?"
Yue Wu snorted lightly, somewhat unconvinced. They had all ascended together from the Cangxuan Realm and spent most of their time in Gu Yun's Great Luo Dao Tower, hardly having any direct confrontations with the geniuses of the Dao Domains.
As the saying goes, newborn calves are not afraid of tigers; Yue Wu was filled with confidence in Flame Princess.
Chu Ruoyao raised an eyebrow but didn't continue the argument.
For her, there was no need to get angry with a little girl.
She lifted her chin, signaling Yue Wu to look at the dazzling golden names on the stone wall.
"Then let's wait and see which name on that stone wall you can knock off."
Yue Wu pouted; she naturally heard the belittling tone in Chu Ruoyao's words.
"Sister Flame Princess definitely can do it!"
She muttered softly, clenching her small fists.
...
Before the stone wall.
Flame Princess stopped: "Just attack this stone wall, right?"
Calming her mind, even the Queen felt a bit nervous.
Back in the Cangxuan Realm, she was a Snake-kin Queen who ruled a region, but after meeting Gu Yun, she realized there were heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people.
During her time in the Great Luo Dao Tower, whether Gu Yun suppressed his cultivation or went all out, she always ended up being thoroughly suppressed.
Every time she was exhausted to the point of not being able to lift a finger, the young man remained lively and vigorous.
On the surface, she was defiant, but in reality, her heart was deeply shaken.
Now, finally about to display her strength before everyone, the nervousness in her heart was simply inescapable.
"Hoo—"
Flame Princess took a deep breath, her eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
She had never been one to hesitate.
Since she was here, she would give it a try.
She refused to believe that the Three Thousand Dao Domains were filled with people like Gu Yun everywhere!
Whatever Ancient Freaks, she, Flame Princess, would test them!
She lifted her gaze.
Looking at the pitch-black stone wall.
The next moment—
Boom!!
A terrifying aura erupted from her body!
The aura was as scorching as magma, as violent as a volcanic eruption, carrying the domineering power to incinerate all things!
The Devouring Divine Python Bloodline, fully unleashed!
"This is—"
Someone exclaimed.
Majestic blood and qi energy swept in all directions, symbolizing Flame Princess's extraordinary origin and identity.
"A demon! Why would a demon appear in a human secret realm?!!"
"No, we can't let her go. Charge, everyone, let's suppress this demon creature together!"
Countless people shouted, yet not a single one dared to step forward.
The imposing aura on Flame Princess was terrifyingly powerful. Although it was said that those not of our kind must have different intentions, no one dared to be the first to act.
In the shadows, those figures cloaked in black robes also showed surprise in their eyes.
They were cultivators from the Dragon Clan, who had sneaked in while the human forces were distracted.
The black robes they wore were tools to conceal their demonic aura, undetectable by anyone below the Emperor realm.
Inside the secret realm, everyone's cultivation was suppressed, making their actions even more unrestrained.
Long Yuan, the leader, flashed a strange light in his eyes: "I never thought the Devouring Divine Python, extinct for so long, would still have bloodline descendants in the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
Dragon Splendor beside him sneered: "What, you have your eye on her?"
"Of course."
Long Yuan licked his lips, a wicked smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Such a beautiful little snake-kin woman is worthy of being my next meal!"
"A demon like her, able to walk in human territory... her background is probably not simple either."
Dragon Splendor said solemnly.
"I know that, of course."
"So what if she has someone backing her? In the Three Thousand Dao Domains, which power dares to challenge our Dragon Clan?!!"
Long Yuan sneered: "No woman I, Long Yuan, set my eyes on has ever escaped my grasp."
He had already made plans in his mind: later, he would spare Flame Princess's life and take her back to be his thirty-sixth Dragon Consort.
"Can't take a step when you see a woman."
Dragon Splendor looked down on his temperament and walked to the side, sitting cross-legged.
At the center of the field.
Flame Princess's power accumulation had reached its peak, her aura profound and her demonic energy flourishing.
She finally opened her eyes, then—gently raised her hand.
Slender, jade-like hands, fair as white jade, yet the moment they were raised, they erupted with terrifying high temperatures!
"Devouring Divine Fist!"
At this moment, Flame Princess's palm seemed to transform into a concentrated sun.
Then she threw a punch!
The fist wind, wrapped in towering flames, slammed fiercely into the stone wall!
Boom!!!
The stone wall trembled violently!
The earth shook and mountains swayed; rubble flew everywhere!
The pitch-black stone wall was instantly torn apart under this fiery fist wind!
One zhang!
Two zhang!
Three zhang!
The palm imprint exploded, leaving a huge crater on the stone wall.
Instantly surpassing Luo Lie, yet still continuing to grow.
Three zhang and five chi!
Three zhang and seven chi—three zhang and eight chi!
The entire crowd fell silent.
Then, it erupted.
"Three zhang and eight chi!"
"Heavens, three zhang and eight chi! Surpassing Holy Light Son, second only to the Sword Fairy and Luo Shui Xian!"
"Who exactly is this woman? How can she have such terrifying combat power?"
"An Ancient Freak from the demon race, why would she appear in a human secret realm? Could she be a pet raised by some human mighty figure?"
"Who would seal a pet in divine source? This one... could she be a newly risen genius of this era?"
"How is that possible?"
For a moment, discussions erupted.
Everyone was shocked, their gazes towards Flame Princess filled with even more awe.
Exorcising demons?
You'd need the capability first!
Those with the capability had already passed through here; the rest of them going up would just be offering themselves as cannon fodder.
How many dared to face death with such resolve?
On the stone wall, golden light flickered.
Flame Princess's result slowly appeared, landing in the third position, dazzling and brilliant.
Flame Princess withdrew her hand, a slight curve lifting the corner of her lips.
Although not the highest, it had proven that she, Flame Princess, at the Quasi-Emperor Realm, was enough to compete with those Ancient Freaks!
It was enough.
She turned around, her gaze falling on Gu Yun, a confident smile curling at her lips.
Gu Yun smiled, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Not bad at all. I'll give you special training later."
"Bah! I don't want it!"
"You'd better catch up first!"
Flame Princess snorted, directly taking a step into the stone wall and disappearing from everyone's sight.
"See, I told you Sister Flame Princess is amazing, right?"
Yue Wu excitedly clapped her hands, her lively eyes sparkling.
Then she turned her head, looking at Chu Ruoyao, a sly smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
"Senior Chu, what do you think?"
Chu Ruoyao: "..."
She was choked up, her expression somewhat unnatural.
"Three zhang and eight chi, that's all. It's not first place."
"She just has the advantage of being a later participant. Your all-out strike barely surpassed someone else's casual attack."
"You're just blowing hot air."
Yue Wu pouted, retorting without any courtesy.
Chu Ruoyao raised an eyebrow, looking at Gu Yun: "I won't argue with you. Gu Yun, you say."
"Me say?"
Gu Yun's lips curled into a light smile: "Maybe these so-called Ancient Freaks are just a bunch of useless trash."
"You!"
Chu Ruoyao never expected Gu Yun to say that. Seeing Yue Wu's triumphant look, she felt even more stifled.
Her ample chest heaved up and down, clearly furious.
Gu Yun paid no more attention to her, instead saying to Yue Wu: "Didn't you want to try too?"
"Then go ahead."
"Okay!"
Yue Wu's eyes lit up, nodding like a chick pecking at rice.
Then she let go of Gu Yun's sleeve and skipped towards the stone wall.
Before the crowd could fully recover from the shock of Flame Princess, they saw a cute, unfamiliar young girl walking over.
"Another one?"
"Who is this little girl? She looks even younger than the last one. Could she be another Ancient Freak from some family?"
"Ancient Freak? These days, you think anyone can be an Ancient Freak? Look at her slender arms and legs; if she can hit two zhang, I'll eat my words on the spot!"
Someone sneered disdainfully.
Yue Wu turned a deaf ear, walking straight to the stone wall.
She steadied her horse stance and slapped out with her palm.
Her posture looked serious, but the attack she launched was light and soft.
The crowd was stunned.
Then, they burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha! What is this? Palm technique? Or tickling?"
"I thought she had some skills, but it's just this?"
"Little girl, you should go home and play with mud. This isn't a place for you!"
Laughter shook the heavens.
However, the next moment—
Boom!!!
The stone wall trembled violently!
Everyone widened their eyes; the laughter abruptly ceased.
That palm, landing on the stone wall, actually blasted out a deep crater!
Three... three zhang and seven chi!!
The entire place fell dead silent.
You could hear a pin drop.
Everyone widened their eyes, looking incredulously at the deep palm imprint embedded in the stone wall.
"This... how is this possible?"
A random little girl coming out can match Holy Light Son?!
What's wrong with this world?
"Hey, that guy over there, didn't you say you'd eat your words?"
"Perfect timing, I had something spicy yesterday."
The air was filled with a lively atmosphere, though only Yue Wu seemed somewhat dissatisfied.
"Three zhang and seven chi?"
"I'm really not as good as Sister Flame Princess."
Tilting her head, Yue Wu gave Gu Yun a sweet smile and then also passed through the stone wall.
Chu Ruoyao finally snapped out of her astonishment.
Three zhang and eight chi.
Three zhang and seven chi.
Two little girls, one stronger than the other.
She had just looked down on them, and in the blink of an eye, she was proven wrong.
"Where... where did you find these freaks?"
"Why are they each more monstrous than the last?"
"What, is Senior Chu afraid of losing face?"
"It's fine. The new generation surpasses the old; after all, you're older, so being surpassed by the younger generation is only natural. Don't worry, I won't laugh at you."
"You—"
Chu Ruoyao's beautiful eyes widened, her ample chest heaving violently, wishing she could bite this reckless jerk to death.
Older?
She's older?
She's a great Emperor powerhouse in the prime of her youth, beautiful as a flower!
When has she ever been spoken to like this?
"Fine, fine, fine!"
She gritted her teeth, "Since you said that, then I'll show you what true strength is!"
Before the words faded, Chu Ruoyao took a step forward.
In an instant, a terrifying pressure erupted from her body!
The pressure was as deep as an abyss, carrying the domineering air of overlooking all living beings, instantly enveloping the entire area!
//746//
Chapter 746: Surpassing (Two-in-One)
"Wh-what a terrifying aura!!"
"H-how is there another one? Is there no end to this?!"
The third genius to emerge almost numbed the nerves of the cultivators present with shock.
On the edge of the crowd, Su Chen's brow twitched slightly.
He had already lost hope in these women appearing one after another.
When that little girl named Moon Dance took action, he had investigated with high hopes.
The result...
Was absolutely nothing.
She was actually no longer a virgin!
At that moment, Su Chen felt as if the sky had collapsed.
Which beast had already laid hands on such a tiny and cute little girl?
He cursed inwardly but was helpless.
His expectations had been lowered to such an extent that even when Chu Ruoyao appeared, he didn't hold much hope.
However—
[Refundable target detected]
[Name: Chu Ruoyao]
[Refund Multiplier: 4000x]
Su Chen was stunned.
Then, his eyes lit up.
That light was incredibly dazzling.
Four thousand times!
Even Luo Shui Xian was only three thousand times!
"There... is actually such a surprise?"
Su Chen muttered to himself, his lips curling up unconsciously.
Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his wild joy.
His gaze crossed the crowd and landed on that proud, standing figure.
Chu Ruoyao.
He remembered this name.
From this moment on, this woman's status in his heart skyrocketed; the likes of the Sword Fairy and Luo Shui Xian had to step aside.
He licked his lips and began to calculate in his mind how to get close to this woman.
"I haven't used my Critical Hit chance for this month yet. No matter what treasures I get in the tomb later, I must personally hand them over to her!"
Su Chen made up his mind; with such a big fish appearing, he couldn't let this unique opportunity go to waste.
Meanwhile, Chu Ruoyao had already walked to the stone wall.
She stopped, glanced back at Gu Yun, and a faint, confident smile appeared on her lips.
"Brat, today I'll let you see my true strength!"
Using voice transmission, Chu Ruoyao focused her mind and boldly raised her hand, throwing a punch!
Boom!!
An aura terrifying to the extreme erupted from her body.
Pitch black as ink, as if it could annihilate all things in the world.
As the fierce wind howled, everyone's hearts pounded wildly, and they stumbled back.
"Wh-what kind of technique is this?"
"So terrifying... I-I feel like my throat is being choked."
"What's wrong with this world? Why are super geniuses who were once rare sightings appearing one after another!"
"What are you staring at? Hurry up and retreat!"
"Do you want to be caught in the shockwaves and be annihilated together?!"
Everyone retreated one after another, fearing they would be caught in the aftermath.
The punch force finally landed on the stone wall, causing it to vibrate violently and send gravel flying.
As the dust cleared, a huge crater was deeply embedded in the stone wall.
Everyone focused their attention and looked up.
On the stone wall, the golden characters quickly updated the results.
[Chu Ruoyao — Wall-breaking depth: Three zhang and nine chi]
Although it was also three zhang and nine chi, with everyone's eyesight, they could see that Chu Ruoyao's was slightly deeper than the Sword Fairy's.
"It's just a pity she still couldn't surpass Luo Shui Xian."
Someone sighed with regret.
Su Chen, on the other hand, was somewhat happy: "Great, her strength still has flaws, so there might be a way to approach her!"
If she were a perfect person, giving her anything would just be the icing on the cake.
But if it's like this, maybe he could provide help in her time of need; that way, wouldn't the Critical Hit feedback be unimaginable?
Su Chen was already dreaming of becoming rich overnight.
Chu Ruoyao, however, only frowned slightly.
"Tch."
She let out a soft click of her tongue, a flash of unwillingness in her eyes.
The feeling of her cultivation being suppressed was truly unpleasant.
If she were in the outside world, a single finger would be enough to annihilate stars.
But here, with her cultivation suppressed to the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer, the power she could mobilize was limited.
Four zhang...
That little girl named Luo Shui Xian indeed had some skill.
She had already used ninety percent of her strength; it was unknown how much strength the other party had used.
Regardless, at the level of the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer, she was indeed inferior to her.
Withdrawing her gaze, she looked at Gu Yun.
"It's only a slight difference, it doesn't mean anything."
"Yes, yes, yes. If Senior Chu had spent more time immersed in the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer, she would be nothing."
Gu Yun spoke with a smile.
Chu Ruoyao's chin lifted slightly: "Naturally."
After saying these words, her figure also vanished, entering behind the stone wall.
Leaving the crowd of cultivators looking at each other in bewilderment.
"Three zhang and nine chi, another one above three zhang seven chi. Why have these geniuses suddenly become so common, like they're being sold wholesale?"
"The world's heroes are as numerous as crucian carps crossing a river; we still need to keep forging ahead."
Someone murmured, their voice full of bitterness.
They were also powerhouses in the outside world, but here, they weren't even worthy of carrying these geniuses' shoes.
The gap was too large.
"Who do you think will be the next to take action?"
Someone couldn't help but ask.
Everyone's eyes landed in the same direction—
Before the three women vanished, they had all looked in this direction.
And there, only one man and one woman remained.
"What exactly is the background of this young man?"
...
In the shadows.
The moment she saw Gu Yun's face clearly, a sharp glint flashed in Dragon Splendor's eyes.
As her partner, Long Yuan knew her nature all too well.
He asked with a half-smile, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"What, have you taken a liking to that human pretty boy?"
Dragon Splendor did not deny it.
"He looks good."
She said flatly, "His temperament is also good."
"Pity, there are too many women around him!"
A faint killing intent swirled in the air.
Long Yuan hurriedly said, "You want to kill them?"
"Why, is that not allowed?"
Dragon Splendor asked back.
"Don't do that. How about this, leave them to me, and I'll definitely punish them severely!"
"Who told me to be your brother? As the older brother, I naturally have to help my sister vent her anger."
"If you keep talking nonsense, I'll slaughter you along with them."
A sharp glint flashed in Dragon Splendor's eyes.
Long Yuan's mouth twitched: "Just kidding, I don't know what's wrong with you."
...
On the other side.
Su Chen's gaze also fell on Gu Yun.
"It's this person?!"
Neither Flame Princess nor Moon Dance were virgins anymore; this bastard must be the culprit. He practically had a death wish.
He gritted his teeth, suppressing the jealousy in the depths of his heart.
"It couldn't be you, right?"
Qin Xiang's gaze locked onto Gu Yun, alarm bells ringing in his heart. He felt that something bad was about to happen to him.
"After entering the stone wall, I must stay away from this guy."
His intuition told him that he must not provoke Gu Yun, or he would die a miserable death.
Lie low, wait, and look for opportunities.
That was his style.
...
"Thousand Years, won't you give it a try?"
Gu Yun's voice was very soft, but it made Snow Thousand Years's heart tremble slightly.
She looked up at the youth, and in those cold eyes, a rare trace of nervousness flashed.
"Ma... Master... I..."
"Are you worried that you are inferior to that Sword Fairy?"
Gu Yun asked with a light laugh.
Snow Thousand Years was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "She is an Ancient Freak of the Hantian Sword Sect. The sword strike she displayed earlier was already the pinnacle of the Sword Dao."
"Thousand Years... is afraid she is inferior to her."
Her voice was very soft and trembling.
Slap!
Gu Yun directly slapped her perky buttocks.
Snow Thousand Years's face instantly turned red as she looked at the youth: "Ma... Master, what are you doing?!"
She looked around nervously, wanting to find a hole to crawl into.
"Did you forget what I told you before?"
"You... are stronger than her!"
"Go, let them see the true strength of Frost-Snow Millennium!"
The youth's words echoed in her ears, seemingly possessing magic that helped Snow Thousand Years steady her mind.
"Okay!"
She took a deep breath and gripped her sword tightly.
Seeing Snow Thousand Years approach, everyone made way.
"This person, she seems... seems to be Snow Thousand Years?"
A disciple of the Hantian Sword Sect recognized her.
"So it's her. I was wondering where this Sword Child had run off to."
"Now that she saw the Sword Fairy take action and enter the stone wall, she pops up. Wasn't she just scared and hiding from her?"
"Isn't that right? Some'Sword Child' she is, not even having the courage for a direct confrontation. To think she wants to be compared to someone like the Sword Fairy? Pure wishful thinking!"
The Hantian Sword Sect disciples' mockery rose and fell.
Snow Thousand Years's footsteps paused slightly.
Her hand tightened around her sword.
Those voices were like needles pricking her heart.
"Thousand Years."
"Calm your heart and mind."
Just then, the youth's voice surfaced in her mind.
"Don't forget, you are stronger than her. I said so!"
These words seemed to have magic, making Snow Thousand Years's heart completely firm.
The hand holding the sword loosened, then tightened again.
She looked up at the pitch-black stone wall.
And then—
She drew her sword.
The blade was snowy bright, like a pool of autumn water.
The sword light was cold, like the first descent of frost and snow.
At this moment, all the mockery suddenly stopped.
Because everyone felt a chill.
Not just the coldness of the temperature, but the chill of the sword intent.
Sharp to the extreme, keen to the extreme!
"This... this..."
The Hantian Sword Sect disciple who had mocked her most fiercely was suddenly speechless.
The Sword Fairy's appearance had made them forget that Snow Thousand Years was once a presence that crushed them all!
Snow Thousand Years didn't care about these clowns.
She simply maintained her sword-drawing stance, her expression as if she were immersed in it.
The sword light, like snow, slashed through the void and entered the stone wall in an ethereal manner.
And then—
Boom!!!
The stone wall exploded from the inside!
Countless gravel fragments flew, and dust filled the air!
As the dust cleared, everyone saw a scene they would never forget—
On the stone wall, a huge sword mark pierced from top to bottom.
The edges of the sword mark were as smooth as a mirror, as if cut by the sharpest blade.
Golden light flashed, and a row of large characters slowly appeared.
[Snow Thousand Years — Wall-breaking depth: Four zhang and one chi]
The Hantian Sword Sect disciples were stunned.
All the cultivators present were stunned.
The mocking words from earlier seemed to still echo in the air, but this first-place ranking was like a heavy hammer, smashing into everyone's hearts.
"Impossible... this is impossible..."
"How... how could she possibly surpass the Sword Fairy?"
"This traitor, traitor!!"
Someone refused to accept reality and roared hysterically.
But the moment he said those words, his body completely dissolved, like butter.
His aura vanished completely, as if he had never existed in this world.
"Some people should keep their mouths clean."
Gu Yun's voice was calm yet crisp and bright.
He stepped forward slowly and arrived at Snow Thousand Years's side.
"Master, I... I did it!"
Snow Thousand Years's voice trembled slightly; all the mockery and doubt had been completely shattered by this single sword strike.
The geniuses of this era would not necessarily lose to those Ancient Freaks!
Gu Yun looked at her, his lips curling into a gentle smile.
"I told you, you are stronger than her!"
He raised his hand and gently rubbed the top of Snow Thousand Years's head.
Snow Thousand Years closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of that hand.
Where her heart was at peace, that was her home.
"Thank you, Master. I'll wait for you up ahead."
Snow Thousand Years's voice was very soft and gradually faded away.
The actions of the four had pushed the atmosphere to a climax, and everyone who had been constantly trying now focused their attention on Gu Yun.
There was confusion, curiosity, jealousy, and awe.
A myriad of emotions.
With four women and one man, it was obvious who the central figure was.
And he himself had not yet taken action.
"What... what level will he be at?"
Someone murmured, their voice trembling.
No one answered.
Because no one dared to guess.
When Luo Lie acted, they thought three zhang was the limit.
Luo Shui Xian told them that someone could reach four zhang.
And now... whether four zhang and one chi was the limit, no one was sure anymore.
Was it really possible to go even higher?
Under everyone's intense scrutiny, Gu Yun moved.
He walked slowly toward the stone wall, and everyone's eyes followed his every step.
Finally, he stopped before the pitch-black stone wall.
The youth did not build up power like the others before him, nor did he release any terrifying aura.
He just stood there quietly, looking up at the ink-black stone wall, his expression as calm as if he were looking at an ordinary wall.
"What is he waiting for?"
"Why hasn't he acted yet?"
"Could it be... just posturing?"
Some people discussed in low voices.
Gu Yun turned a deaf ear.
He simply raised his hand and gently pressed it against the stone wall.
His movement was gentle, as if it were the most ordinary action.
One breath.
Two breaths.
Three breaths.
The whole world fell into complete silence because of his actions, but for a long time, nothing happened.
The crowd's emotions reached a peak.
"Is... is that it?"
Su Chen sneered: "Could he be just a pretty boy who only knows how to live off women?"
Swoosh—
Countless gazes converged on him simultaneously.
This made Su Chen feel slightly uneasy, but he still stiffened his neck and said stubbornly, "What, did I say something wrong?"
"Isn't it true that nothing has happened?"
Before his voice could fade—
Crack.
A soft sound came from deep within the stone wall.
It was very light.
So light it seemed like an illusion.
However, in the next moment—
Countless cracks, centered on Gu Yun's palm, spread frantically in all directions!
Crack, crack, crack, crack—
The cracks were like a spider web, covering the entire stone wall in an instant!
//747//
Chapter 747: Shattered in an Instant, Gu Yun Acts with a Slight Hand
The once continuous expanse of dark stone wall now fractured outwards from Gu Yun's palm like a shattered mirror, cracks spreading in all directions.
Everyone's eyes widened, staring at the scene in disbelief.
All those before him, whether prodigies or Ancient Freaks, had merely been able to leave marks upon this stone wall.
Who could have caused such extensive damage like Gu Yun?
"P-perhaps it's all thunder but little rain."
"With the attack range expanded to this extent, how could it still possess great power?"
"Hmph, as if all good things could be yours!"
Su Chen, still unconvinced, spoke with cold mockery.
Before his words fully faded, as if defying him, a terrifying roar erupted from the stone wall.
Countless stone fragments shot out like a violent storm in all directions, crashing onto the ground and among the crowd with dull, heavy thuds.
Dust filled the air, blotting out the sky.
Everyone was stunned.
Those who had been questioning earlier now seemed as if their throats were seized, unable to utter a single word.
"This... this..."
Long Yuan and Dragon Splendor exchanged glances. Even with their experience, they were deeply shaken by the sight before them.
"Perhaps he found the key to shattering this stone wall."
"As expected, this barrier is an illusionary array constructed by Great Emperor Xuanji's formations. If that's the case, it might make sense."
"That's the only plausible explanation. Otherwise, an attack of that level just now—even we dragonkin cultivators couldn't achieve it."
"There absolutely cannot be a human cultivator this powerful in this world."
"Exactly. That Gu Changqing and Gu Changge merely had the advantage of their weapons. Bare-handed, we dragonkin are the strongest!"
The two great dragonkin Ancient Freaks spoke one after another, quickly settling on this interpretation of the event.
The outcome seemed to need no further explanation.
The dust gradually settled.
The dark stone wall that had loomed before everyone was now completely shattered.
In its place was a massive, deep crater.
Looking through the crater into the distance, one could even glimpse a sliver of light.
Innumerable stone fragments littered the ground. This time... they did not slowly restore themselves as before.
The youth in black robes stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
[Ding! Child of Destiny Su Chen suffers immense shock, confidence severely damaged. Reward: 500 villain value points.]
[Ding! Child of Destiny Qin Xiang suffers immense shock, fear of the Host reaches its peak. Reward: 5000 villain value points.]
"I'll take my leave first, everyone."
Gu Yun's voice was utterly calm. With a flicker, his figure vanished from the spot.
Only after the youth's figure departed did everyone snap back to reality.
They trembled as they looked towards the sky.
"W-what kind of result would this be?"
Someone swallowed hard and voiced the question on everyone's mind.
The stone wall was directly shattered, even pierced through.
How should that be scored?
As if by unspoken agreement, everyone's gazes turned upwards on the stone wall.
Those large characters still shone brilliantly, recording the achievements of all who came before.
Line after line, gleaming with golden light.
From Luo Lie's three zhang, to Snow Thousand Years's four zhang and one chi.
Yet now, this golden light seemed extraordinarily dim.
Above them, there should have been another name.
There should have been!
Everyone held their breath, waiting for a long time.
But that name never appeared.
The atmosphere, which had held some vitality, now fell into complete, deathly silence.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
"H-how is there none?"
"His result? Why isn't it displayed?"
"Could it be... because the stone wall is broken, it can't be recorded?"
Someone guessed.
"Monster..."
Someone muttered, their voice full of bitterness.
"This damn well is the real monster..."
Long Yuan and Dragon Splendor exchanged a glance, confident smiles curling at the corners of their mouths.
"A bunch of fools. If the golden characters can't even display, doesn't it clearly mean the formation of this stone wall has been destroyed?"
"But that fellow just now did have some skill. He might have considerable attainment in the Dao of Formations."
"Perfect. Take him back to our clan and have him properly repair the long-unused mountain-protecting grand array."
"Naturally. Hunting these foreign prodigies is what I love most!"
Dragon Splendor licked her crimson lips, as if Gu Yun was already her captive.
"Let's go. Since someone has saved us such great effort, we shouldn't waste their kind intention!"
Long Yuan called out with a laugh. Several black-robed figures instantly shot out from the shadows.
"Move aside! Don't block the way!"
In the crowd, Su Chen slowly climbed to his feet, intending to make another move.
But he was struck by a palm from Long Yuan. Caught off guard, he was instantly sent flying, spitting blood and crashing heavily to the ground.
"Who are you?!"
Someone exclaimed in shock.
However, the black-robed figures paid no heed, directly charging into the crater behind the stone wall. They each made their moves and soon vanished into the vast, gray mist.
Everyone looked at each other.
Then, one by one, they too went mad, rushing towards the passage Gu Yun had opened.
...
Beyond the Stone Wall.
Gu Yun's figure materialized again. His surroundings were misty and gray, as if he had returned to the boundless void from the beginning.
"It seems the arrangements of Great Emperor Xuanji have taken effect."
The great dao heavenly evolution diagram appeared in his hand. Used in conjunction with the tomb map, he quickly grasped the locations of several key targets.
"Moon Dance and Flame Princess were actually teleported together. They have good luck."
"No need to worry about Chu Ruoyao's side. Thousand Years..."
Gu Yun's brow lifted slightly.
As the saying goes, enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road. The two light points representing Snow Thousand Years and Sword Fairy were approaching each other at an extremely rapid speed.
It seemed it wouldn't be long before these two prodigies from Hantian Sword Sect, one from ancient times and one from the present, would have their first direct encounter.
"If that's the case, it saves trouble."
A faint smile curled at the corner of Gu Yun's mouth. His figure flashed as he sped off in that direction.
...
Meanwhile, within the void, atop a frozen plain.
Surrounding it was boundless darkness, yet this peculiar stretch of land alone remained.
A bitter wind howled, snowflakes swirled.
As far as the eye could see, there was only endless white snow, ice stretching for a thousand miles.
And at the very center of the frozen plain, a divine sword was thrust into the ground.
Chill air radiated from it, extending outwards, ultimately forming this bizarre, wondrous scene between heaven and earth.
Two figures stood facing each other from a distance.
One, in robes whiter than snow, held a long sword. Her black hair drifted gently in the cold wind. This was Snow Thousand Years.
The other, also dressed in snow-white robes, had a fierce sword intent about her. A faint, elusive chill surrounded her. This was Sword Fairy.
A hundred zhang apart, their gazes met in the air.
"I never thought you could make it here as well."
Sword Fairy spoke lightly, her tone carrying a trace of condescending scrutiny.
//748//
Chapter 748: Sword Fairy vs. Snow Thousand Years
"As expected of this generation's Sword Seed of the Sword Sect, you do have some skill."
"However... it ends here!"
Snow Thousand Years didn't speak, merely watching the Sword Fairy quietly.
There was no expression on that cold and stunningly beautiful face.
However, this silent confrontation caused a flicker of displeasure to rise in the Sword Fairy's heart.
As an Ancient Freak of the Hantian Sword Sect, ever since she awakened, she had been met with nothing but respect and admiration.
Who else would dare to ignore her like Snow Thousand Years? But she quickly accepted the situation.
How much foresight could someone who would even betray the Sword Sect possibly have?
"It's useless even if you don't speak. Since we've met here, it must be the will of heaven!"
"That divine sword over there is an ice-attribute supreme emperor weapon."
"It is protected by countless restrictions. Whether for you or me, it is a rare and precious divine weapon."
"In that case, why don't we decide the winner first!"
"Today, I shall clear the sect's ranks on its behalf!!"
The Sword Fairy's aura erupted violently, her sword intent surging, sharp and cold as frost.
From beginning to end, Snow Thousand Years remained silent.
She felt no need to explain anything; right and wrong didn't need to be debated with others. As long as she and her master understood her choice, that was enough!
"If you want to fight, then let's fight!"
Snow Thousand Years spoke coldly.
"You reckless fool!"
A flash of killing intent crossed the Sword Fairy's eyes as the chill around her surged. The wind and snow between heaven and earth seemed to be drawn by her alone, and countless icicles condensed from the void, transforming into thousands of tiny sword shadows.
She held herself in high regard and had never once taken Snow Thousand Years seriously.
To an Ancient Freak like her who had slumbered for eons, a junior who had only risen in the current era was nothing more than an ant she could crush at will, no matter how high their talent.
"Since you're so intent on seeking death, I shall grant your wish!"
"I'll show you what the true Hantian Sword Intent is!"
Before her voice had even faded, the Sword Fairy's figure suddenly vanished from the spot.
In an instant, she had crossed a distance of a hundred feet, her sword thrusting straight for Snow Thousand Years's throat!
The sword light was like a rainbow, carrying an incomparably sharp killing intent!
She hadn't even used her full power, only exerting thirty percent of her strength.
In her view, this was already showing respect to this "junior" of the current era.
Snow Thousand Years's eyes narrowed as she simply stepped aside, dodging the strike.
The sword light grazed her cheek, severing a few strands of her hair.
The Sword Fairy's brow twitched.
"You're quite quick at dodging."
She sneered, shifting her sword stance into a horizontal slash!
The void trembled wherever the sword light passed.
This strike used fifty percent of her strength!
Snow Thousand Years dared not be careless. With a flick of her wrist, her longsword instantly unsheathed.
Her white robes fluttered as she met the Sword Fairy's attack.
"Good, that's how it should be!"
"Let me see just how capable this generation's Sword Seed of the Sword Sect really is."
The Sword Fairy shouted coldly, her sword strikes continuous and relentless, each one faster and more ruthless than the last!
Hantian Sword Art, Third Form — Frost and Snow Filling the Sky!
The terrifying sword light wove into an airtight net, enveloping the young girl!
Every sword shadow was incomparably sharp, strangling forward with a keen edge capable of piercing through stars.
Snow Thousand Years's expression tightened as she tapped her longsword repeatedly. Sword light like snow formed a defensive screen before her.
Clang, clang, clang, clang—
The ice blades struck the sword screen, erupting in a dense cacophony of clashing metal and scattering sparks.
However, there were too many ice blades and they were too dense. Although the sword screen blocked most of them, several still pierced through, tearing Snow Thousand Years's dress and leaving bloody gashes on her fair skin.
"Is this all you've got?"
The Sword Fairy sneered, her sword momentum not slowing but becoming even sharper!
"This is only... the beginning!"
Before she finished speaking, her sword technique changed again!
Hantian Sword Art, Fourth Form — Frost Chilling the Nine Provinces!
This form was the most lethal within the Hantian Sword Art.
Above the Sword Fairy's head, countless ice crystals moved with her sword, transforming into a massive ice blade a hundred feet long. Carrying a world-destroying power, it slashed down toward Snow Thousand Years.
Everywhere the giant sword passed, the void itself froze!
Snow Thousand Years's pupils constricted.
She did not retreat.
Nor could she.
Because her master had said that she... was stronger than her!!
Taking a deep breath, the girl gripped her longsword tightly, the spiritual power within her body surging wildly.
Her sword intent climbed to its peak at this moment!
And then—
A single sword strike was unleashed!
This strike did not come from the Hantian Sword Art.
Ever since she defected from the Sword Sect, she had made up her mind never to use any of its remnants again.
During the countless days and nights on the sixth floor of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, she had synthesized her knowledge and eventually devised this strike.
This was a strike that belonged solely to Snow Thousand Years.
Its name was—
"Frosty Snow Millennium!!"
The sword light, like snow, met the hundred-foot giant sword!
Boom!!!
The two terrifying sword intents collided violently, erupting in a deafening explosion!
A violent shockwave swept out in all directions, shattering the ice for miles around!
Snow Thousand Years's figure was sent flying, smashing heavily onto the ice and dragging out a trench dozens of feet long.
She propped herself up with one hand, a trace of blood leaking from the corner of her mouth.
Meanwhile, the Sword Fairy staggered back several feet, a look of shock flashing in her eyes.
She looked down at her shoulder, where a sword wound deep enough to see the bone was gushing blood.
If she hadn't dodged quickly at the last second, that strike might have severed her right arm.
"You actually managed to wound me?"
The Sword Fairy's voice grew low, laced with disbelief.
Having immersed herself in the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer for so many years, she had actually been wounded by such a junior?!!
"Good, very good!"
She took a deep breath, and the chill around her surged, instantly freezing the suppressed wound to stop the bleeding.
"I admit, I underestimated you before."
"But it ends here!"
"Next, I will not hold back. I hope you can still withstand it!!"
She gripped her sword with both hands, the fighting spirit in her eyes boiling and rising to its peak!
This time, she would give her absolute all; she would only accept victory, not defeat!!
A terrifying chill began to condense on the blade, and the area for a thousand feet around seemed to fall within the influence of her sword intent.
The void began to freeze, and the world began to tremble.
"Hantian Sword Art, Seventh Form — Eternal Ice Seal!"
This was a forbidden move of the Hantian Sword Art; even for the Sword Fairy, performing it would consume a massive amount of energy.
But now, she didn't care.
She had to make this reckless traitor pay the price!!
A terrifying chill erupted from the sword blade, transforming into countless frost chains that wound toward Snow Thousand Years!
Every chain carried a chill that could freeze the soul; once ensnared, there would be no redemption!
Snow Thousand Years's pupils constricted.
Having been part of the Hantian Sword Sect, she naturally knew the horror of this form.
If she were caught by the chains, her death would be certain.
And now, in just a brief moment, the attack was already upon her.
She had no way to retreat!
//749//
Chapter 749: Resolving the Knot, Turning Defeat into Victory (Two-in-One)
Frost chains swept in from all directions, each emitting a chill sufficient to freeze the soul.
Snow Thousand Years's pupils constricted as she retreated rapidly.
However... the speed of those chains exceeded her imagination; in the blink of an eye, they had blocked all paths of retreat.
"Die!!"
The Sword Fairy gave a cold shout, her hands pressing down abruptly.
The frost chains that had already taken their positions, surrounding Snow Thousand Years, suddenly tightened and coiled toward her.
As the chill rushed at her face, frost began to form on Snow Thousand Years's eyelashes.
She had nowhere to hide.
The chains wrapped around her ankles, wrists, and waist like venomous snakes... the bone-piercing cold instantly invaded her limbs and bones, as if to freeze and solidify her very blood.
Snow Thousand Years's expression became incredibly solemn; she struggled to break free, only to find her strength seemingly frozen by the chill of the chains.
Her spiritual power circulated slower and slower, and even her consciousness gradually became blurred.
"It's useless."
The Sword Fairy's sneering voice came from a distance: "Once entangled by the Eternal Ice Seal, there is no longer any possibility of breaking free."
"Your spiritual power, your consciousness, and your life will all be completely destroyed under this attack, eventually turning into an ice sculpture to remain on this ice field forever!!"
She approached slowly, watching Snow Thousand Years's struggles grow weaker, a self-satisfied smile curling at the corners of her mouth.
"Do you feel regret now?"
"Thinking that because you learned everything from the sect, you could betray the Sword Sect?"
"Little did you know that ordinary disciples can only learn the first six forms of the Hantian Sword Art, while these final three forms are the true foundation upon which my Hantian Sword Sect dominates the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
"And today, for a traitor like you to die at the hands of the Eternal Ice Seal can be considered a fitting end!"
The Sword Fairy's voice grew more distant, and the world before Snow Thousand Years's eyes began to blur.
She had heard rumors regarding the secrets of the Hantian Sword Art, but from the very beginning, she never had the opportunity to touch these three secret techniques.
The Sword Fairy's words could not shake her heart; defeat was defeat, and death was merely death.
It was only a pity that she had not yet been able to offer everything she had to her master...
Truly... a regret...
Her consciousness felt as if it were falling into an abyss, wrapped in endless darkness.
Snow Thousand Years felt as if she had turned into a snowflake, drifting in the biting cold wind, unsure of where she was headed.
So cold...
It was really so cold...
She had been an orphan since childhood, not knowing who her parents were or where her home was.
Fortunately, she was taken in by the Sword Master and joined the Hantian Sword Sect as a child.
But... the Sword Master only gave her the chance to enter the sect; he gave her no special treatment.
During those years, she had seen too many contemptuous looks and heard too many cold words.
"Just a lowborn brat from who-knows-where, yet she dares to dream of becoming a Sword Seed? Keep dreaming!"
"A piece of trash who can't even hold a sword steady should just roll down the mountain as soon as possible!"
Those words were like knives stabbing into her heart.
She was unwilling.
Why? Why couldn't she practice the sword?
She secretly followed behind the formal disciples, watching them practice their swordsmanship and mimicking the movements on the ground with a tree branch.
Later, she was discovered.
She was terrified, but fortunately, the person was her Uncle Sword Master.
Upon discovering her talent for the Dao of the Sword, he appeared very happy and immediately wanted to take her as his personal disciple.
"Girl, are you willing to take me as your master?"
That was the Sword Master.
The supreme existence of the Hantian Sword Sect!
Snow Thousand Years was very happy; she thought she finally had a home.
"What? She actually became the Sword Master's personal disciple? She must have relied on her beauty to get the position."
"Exactly. Look at that icy expression of hers, keeping everyone at a distance; who knows how seductive she acts in front of the Sword Master."
Those words never stopped.
They simply moved from the open into the shadows.
She cultivated desperately, striving to become stronger.
"Withered Leaves Never Defeated, Frost and Snow for a Thousand Years."
"Among the youth under two hundred years old, there isn't a single person who can withstand a single blow from Snow Thousand Years!!"
"A genius, she is a true genius; we were all blind."
"Heh, so what if she's a genius? Isn't she still..."
"Stop talking, do you want to die?!"
Behind her back, there were still whispers.
Snow Thousand Years turned a deaf ear to them.
She had grown used to it.
Used to practicing the sword alone, being alone, and facing all the criticism alone.
She... didn't need anyone.
...
The scene shifted once more.
That figure appeared in her life.
"Your name is Snow Thousand Years?"
The youth in green robes stood before her, his gaze calm and profound.
"You cannot betray the Sword Master? Then do you know the true cause of your mother's death?"
She was stunned.
At that moment, she learned that the "Sword Sect" she had been proud of all these years was actually the murderer of her mother.
Those who had once taken her in and nurtured her were actually her greatest enemies.
"Follow me; from now on, I am your master!"
The hand the youth reached out made Snow Thousand Years feel a warmth from the bottom of her heart for the first time.
So this was what it felt like to be accepted.
Later, she always followed by the youth's side.
She watched him suppress powerful enemies with a smile, watched him calmly lay out plans for the world, and watched as the women around him increased one by one, yet he always treated everyone with gentleness.
She did not fight or grab; she just silently practiced her sword.
For her, that was enough.
The time spent practicing the sword within the Great Luo Dao Pagoda was the happiest and most joyful period of her life.
"Thousand Years, what's wrong with you? Clearly your sword intent is so strong, yet why have you been unable to display it?"
Once again, her sword was flicked away by the youth; she sat on the ground, panting heavily.
"I... I don't know. Master, your strength is too great; Thousand Years is truly no match..."
She spoke incoherently, her heart filled with frustration.
The youth only looked at her, remaining silent for a moment.
Then, he crouched down, his gaze calm and profound.
"In terms of the Dao of the Sword, you and I are only neck and neck."
"But you have never been able to exert your true strength."
"Do you know why?"
She shook her head blankly.
The youth picked up her longsword lying to the side and gently stroked the blade.
"Because in your heart, there is always a knot."
"Your sword is bound by that knot."
"Untie it, and only then can you truly swing your sword."
There was a knot.
But what exactly was it?
She thought for a long time but never understood.
...
Until now.
Frost chains bound her body, and a chill eroded her soul.
Life was ebbing away bit by bit, and consciousness was blurring bit by bit.
Just before falling into eternal darkness, she finally understood.
That knot was the reason for fighting.
Once, she thought she could face death calmly.
After all, since the moment she was born, she had never truly lived.
Her life was woven from lies.
Living was nothing more than day after day of sword practice and day after day of loneliness.
Until she met him.
It turned out she hadn't been alone for a long time.
It turned out she had wanted to live for a long time.
In the darkness, that figure became clearer and clearer.
A trace of an emotion she had never felt before sprouted in her heart.
That was... reluctance to part!
In the past, when she struck with her sword, she just struck, not knowing why she did so.
Now...
She understood!
In a daze, she seemed to hear that voice again.
That warm voice.
"Thousand Years, you are stronger than her."
"I said so."
Boom—
In an instant, within the darkness, a light shone.
It was sword light.
An incomparably sharp, yet gentle sword light.
Snow Thousand Years snapped her eyes open!
The frost chains still coiled around her body, and the chill still eroded her soul.
But this time, she no longer felt cold.
Because the fire in her heart had been ignited.
She gripped the sword in her hand tightly.
"H-How is this possible?!!"
"Why can you still wake up?!!"
The Sword Fairy's pupils shrank abruptly as she looked at the scene before her in disbelief.
Those frost chains that were enough to freeze the soul were now melting at a speed visible to the naked eye!
They were not broken by external force, but were being melted away by a sword intent surging from within Snow Thousand Years's body!
That sword intent was warm yet sharp, carrying a determination to protect everything; she was a completely different person than before!
"You—"
Before the Sword Fairy could finish her sentence, her expression changed drastically.
Because she saw Snow Thousand Years's eyes.
Those eyes that were originally as cold and clear as frost and snow were now shimmering with a faint light.
Not just icy cold, but more—a leaping vitality.
"Of course I had to wake up, because he said that I... am stronger than you!"
The corners of Snow Thousand Years's mouth curled into a faint arc, very slight, but very beautiful.
Boom!!
The moment her words fell, a brand-new sword intent erupted from her body!
That sword intent was still sharp, but it was no longer so cold.
Compared to before, it was even more resilient!
The frost chains shattered with a bang, turning into ice crystals that filled the air!
Snow Thousand Years's body jolted, and as her power rose while her opponent's waned, her momentum reached its peak.
The Sword Fairy's expression changed greatly, and alarm bells rang in her heart.
But she was an Ancient Freak after all, with extraordinary experiences, and she quickly suppressed her shock.
"Just some mystical tricks. Since I could push you to the brink, I won't give you a chance to escape!!"
"Eternal Ice Seal!!"
She shouted coldly, forcibly mobilizing the spiritual power in her body.
Being pushed to this point by a contemporary genius was something she had not expected.
But at this moment, she had no other choice but to give it her all.
Countless frost chains condensed once more, sweeping toward Snow Thousand Years from all directions!
This time, they were even stronger than before!
However—
Snow Thousand Years simply raised the sword in her hand slightly.
Then, she swung the sword.
The sword light was like snow, yet it carried a warm glow.
Everywhere it passed, the frost chains shattered one after another, dissipating into ice crystals.
"What?!"
The Sword Fairy's pupils shrank abruptly as she watched this scene in disbelief.
The offensive that had just pushed Snow Thousand Years into a desperate situation was now being shattered by a single sword strike?!!
"Impossible, this is impossible!!"
She roared, the spiritual power on her body surging frantically.
She struggled against Snow Thousand Years's offensive.
"It's just a futile effort!"
Snow Thousand Years's momentum grew stronger and stronger: "But I should also thank you; if not for you, how could I have comprehended this sword move?"
"Spring Warmth... Flowers Bloom!!"
As if echoing Snow Thousand Years's words, the cold ice melted, and the sword intent collapsed.
The Sword Fairy's expression trembled.
"How, how can this be!!"
She murmured, her eyes filled with unwillingness.
She was an Ancient Freak of the Hantian Sword Sect.
An existence who had been immersed in the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer for countless years!
She had stepped onto the Emperor Road three times and had seized the opportunity to become an emperor each time, only giving up the chance to attain the Dao in order to further temper herself.
How could she, how could she possibly lose to a junior of the current era?!
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
Manipulating the residual spiritual power in her body, she still wanted to make a desperate final struggle.
However, Snow Thousand Years did not give her another chance, and the warm sword light fell upon her body.
Boom!
A massive sound echoed between heaven and earth, and a violent shockwave swept out in all directions, completely destroying the ice field for thousands of miles around!
After a long time.
The ice dust dispersed.
Two figures stood facing each other from a distance.
One person stood holding a sword, her white clothes like snow and her expression calm.
It was indeed Snow Thousand Years.
And the other person—
The Sword Fairy was kneeling on one knee, spitting blood, the longsword in her hand already broken into two pieces.
On the precious armor on her chest, there was an additional, shocking gash.
She lifted her head and looked at Snow Thousand Years, her eyes full of resentment and disbelief.
"You lost."
"No... I, how could I be defeated?!!"
"I am an Ancient Freak... I slept for countless years... I have been immersed in the Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer for so long..."
"How could I lose to a... a piece of trash like you."
Ignoring her hysteria, Snow Thousand Years walked straight toward the divine sword stabbed into the very center of the ice field.
She was very clear about her current state; she was strong on the outside but weak on the inside, and any random Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer cultivator could defeat her.
At this moment, her only way to break the situation was to obtain this supreme emperor weapon—the frost snow divine sword.
Only in this way, by borrowing the power of the emperor weapon, would she have a slight chance of survival.
One hundred zhang.
Ninety zhang.
Eighty zhang—
"Stop!"
A hysterical roar came from behind her.
Snow Thousand Years's footsteps paused slightly, but she did not look back.
She knew who it was.
The Sword Fairy struggled to crawl up from the shattered ice, the sword scar on her chest shocking to behold, blood staining half of her white clothes red.
Her sword was broken, but her killing intent was not.
"Do you think you've won?"
The Sword Fairy's voice was hoarse and crazed, "Do you think that if you get that sword, you can leave alive?"
"In your dreams!"
She suddenly raised her hand, and a sword light shot into the sky, exploding in the void!
That was the distress signal of the Hantian Sword Sect!
Snow Thousand Years's pupils shrank slightly.
She quickened her pace.
Seventy zhang.
Sixty zhang.
Fifty zhang—
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Dozens of figures descended from the sky, landing on the ice field.
They were the disciples of the Hantian Sword Sect!
The leading elder was at the forefront; his gaze swept across the battlefield, and his expression changed drastically.
"Sword Fairy!"
He cried out in alarm, his figure flashing as he arrived by the Sword Fairy's side, supporting her swaying body.
"You are injured? Who was it?!"
"Don't worry about me, quick, go stop that traitor!"
"The frost snow divine sword can only be mine!!"
The Sword Fairy pointed in Snow Thousand Years's direction, roaring.
Everyone looked in the direction of her finger, their pupils shrinking slightly.
They were all too clear on what the Sword Fairy's strength was.
That was an Ancient Freak of the Hantian Sword Sect, an existence who had stepped onto the Emperor Road three times!
She had actually lost to Snow Thousand Years?
When did this former Sword Seed become strong to such an extent?
"What are you still standing there for?! She is already at the end of her rope; whoever can kill her will be the new Sword Seed of my Hantian Sword Sect!"