Chapter 375: 377. Chapter 370 Even if it's the Dàjǐng emperor, what does it matter? The blood-stained will of the True Martial Divine

377. Chapter 370 Even if it's the Dàjǐng emperor, what does it matter? The blood-stained will of the True Martial Divine Sect 【asking for monthly tickets】

Rumble—

Lead clouds piled up, spring thunder rumbled, and the originally leisurely spring rain suddenly became urgent and sudden.

Bean-sized raindrops pelted the awning over the white jade plaza, bouncing back and forth as if endowed with life, making the awning sway continuously, emitting a sound like frying beans.

Each distinct raindrop smashed onto the white jade plaza not covered by the awning; one could see the plaza's ground, like a lake surface, bursting with splendid ripples.

And at this moment, the battle within the rain curtain has already come to an end.

Accompanied by countless raindrops bursting into water mist, a figure crashed heavily onto the ground, spilling bright red blood.

Even though it's the Young Dragon Grand Competition, the fights are actually quite bloody; duels... what kind isn't bloody?

Everyone is striving for victory; only ruthlessness can truly secure victory.

If, due to being lenient toward the enemy, one ends up losing the competition duel, then the three-thousand-year-old flat peach offered as sacrifice would simply be wasted...

Being lenient toward the enemy involves one's own interests; that leniency will directly turn into a sharp steel blade!

Inside the enemy's body, things slosh back and forth, dragging out blood trails.

Grand Origin Divine Sect, main banquet area.

Banquet tables were set up, laden with dishes that had been mostly eaten; meanwhile, the little eunuchs and palace maids, holding oil-paper umbrellas, emerged again from the palace halls of Shendu's First City, carrying delicious dishes to replace the meals for those in need.

Li Che furrowed his brow, holding Xixi, watching Xixi happily feast at the newly set banquet table, while Zhang Ya beside her kept serving her dishes, letting her eat her fill.

But Li Che's mind kept thinking about the gaze just projected by the Dàjǐng emperor.

Half-smile, not quite a smile, carrying a bit of curiosity, a bit of appreciation, a bit of strangeness...

That gaze made Li Che's heart slightly tighten.

Could it be that the emperor has some design on Xixi?

No wonder Li Che would have such a thought, after all, as the one who has protected Xixi all along while she grew up, he has endured too many designs and persecutions against her.

So, his heart inevitably becomes a bit wary.

Nowadays Xixi's performance is becoming increasingly outstanding, so Li Che naturally becomes a bit more nervous.

But it's just nervousness; Li Che also has confidence now, no longer the Li Che who needed to seek shelter in the rundown shack of Fēiléichéng.

Leaving aside that Xixi is the beloved personal disciple of Lü Taibai, the sect master of the Grand Origin Divine Sect, just her status as a junior sect member of the Grand Origin Divine Sect would spare her much harassment and threat.

Of course, it will also bring other new threats.

But even so, Li Che now has the confidence and resolve to say he can block all threats for his daughter!

Even if... the opponent is the emperor!

No matter what the emperor's gaze just now meant, Li Che's heart inevitably rose a bit.

Because earlier, Jimo Li had bewitched Consort Ji, letting her enter the palace halls of the First City to issue an imperial decree to the emperor, betrothing Xixi to the Third Prince...

With that precedent, Li Che naturally pays attention.

Although recently Jimo Li has been staying together with Huang Mei in order to join forces, Li Che basically knows Jimo Li's movements clearly.

But what if Jimo Li at some point secretly sends a transmission to the Dàjǐng emperor?

Regarding some threats to his daughter, Li Che always tries to think of the worst-case scenario, because only then can he make full preparations when disaster truly arrives.

Even if the threat comes from the emperor... so what?!

Li Che picked up his wine cup and took a sip.

Lotus Pavilion, main banquet area.

National Preceptor Xie Yunsen picked up a meatball drenched in sauce with his chopsticks, gently sending it into his mouth; the dishes of the Flat Peach Grand Competition are truly delicious, letting him enjoy immensely.

Although as a commoner National Preceptor he holds high authority, in daily life he still lives quite frugally.

The dishes are not overly lavish or luxurious; they merely suffice to briefly satisfy hunger.

"Really good dish, using spiritual beast meat minced into paste, then adding powdered ground spiritual rice, mixed together and formed into meatballs, which while maintaining texture also enriches and preserves the characteristic of spiritual beast meat lacking qi and blood."

"Good dish, good dish."

The National Preceptor praised.

Beside the National Preceptor, Lü Chi also ate the dishes quietly; as a prince, he had not been invited to accompany the emperor and empress, and he felt little sorrow about this, having long grown accustomed to it.

But Lü Chi felt indignant.

He held a breath in his chest, wanting to release it completely.

"Your Highness, try this meatball; don't overthink it, relax. Although we lack the support of the myriad ancient clans, you are indeed attempting to contact the first- and second-rate clans within the nine cities of Shendu; if we could win them over, trading quantity for quality, we might still be able to contend with the other three princes."

The National Preceptor rolled up his sleeves and personally gave Lü Chi a chopstick-full.

Lü Chi immediately came to his senses, somewhat startled, and hastily performed the rites.

The National Preceptor smiled and waved his hand, then turned his gaze toward the direction of the banquet table where the Dàjǐng emperor sat.

There, the emperor lifted his gaze and projected it over; National Preceptor Xie Yunsen lowered his chopsticks and slightly bowed.

The emperor's visage, blurred with vital energy and divinity, could not be made out clearly, leaving subjects unable to discern his pleasure or anger.

The emperor nodded, then shifted his gaze away.

The National Preceptor stroked his beard, gave a light smile, his eyes faintly glimmering as he looked at Lü Chi, his eyes bearing a hint of sparkling light.

And while Lü Chi tasted the meatball drenched in sauce that the National Preceptor Xie Yunsen had personally given him, the gazes of the three princes seated below the emperor and empress's banquet table all fell upon him.

The eldest prince, Lü You sheng, his hair white, his whole person quite aged, merely glanced at him, then shook his head and continued to enjoy the delicacies.

He had waited for this crown prince position for many years...

Even for this position, he damaged his divine fetus, his entire essence and spirit slumped, and he no longer harbored any competitive thoughts.

The second prince, Lü Heng yi, and the third prince, Lü Li tong, both fixed sharp gazes on Lü Chi.

Having contacted the National Teacher, they won the favor of the Commoner National Teacher; they can already feel that Lu Chi, this little young tiger, is raising its claws toward them.

The Third Prince, Lu Lietong, let out a scoff: "Trash, always trash, thinking that cozying up to the National Teacher earns you a seat at the table?"

"What a pity, the National Teacher himself has no cultivation; the reason he is the National Teacher is because the Father Emperor needs him to target the various Divine Sects, suppressing their development..."

"The National Teacher is merely a knife in the Father Emperor's hand, just a tool."

Lu Lietong took a sip of fine wine, then turned his head to look beside him, where Han Sixi sat quietly, as if blended into the air.

"Han Diesi, you're right, aren't you?"

Han Diesi lowered his cheeks, made a bow: "Your Highness... this servant dares not recklessly speak of the National Teacher."

Lu Lietong gave a light smile: "The National Teacher will now be the Father Emperor's knife, and later... it will also be my knife."

"Lu Chi, you dare to think of using the Father Emperor's knife early to rise to power, not fearing that the knife will backlash and cut your throat."

Lu Lietong gave a cold smile, his gaze sweeping over to look at the Second Prince, Lu Hengyi.

This Second Prince is truly Lu Lietong's rival.

The Eldest Prince may have high seniority and great age, but... he is simply too old.

If the Father Emperor were willing to make him crown prince, why wait two sixty-year cycles?

The Third Prince looked toward the field, then suddenly shifted his gaze, sweeping over the area of the Qianyuan Divine Sect.

A strange color flickered in the depths of his eyes.

"That Li Nuanxi... actually defeated the Zifu Divine Sect's Young Dragon Zhang Yunhuang—quite unexpected; this girl's talent... is truly not bad."

"Again, the Qianyuan Divine Sect's Young Sect Master... a pity he's too young; if he were a bit older, it would be good."

"Second Elder Brother would probably really like this kind of little girl."

The Third Prince let out a scoff.

Han Sixi, who had kept his head down, suddenly raised his head and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, this cannot be said..."

"What's there to fear? If Second Elder Brother dares to do it, he dares to let people talk about it," the Third Prince scoffed.

Han Sixi lowered his head again and said nothing more.

Only, his eyes showed an eagerness to clench his fists and rub his palms.

It seems that before long, he will be able to stab the Third Prince from behind, deliver a backstab, then go to the Lord to claim merit!

Our household...

Really looking forward to it.

……

……

Gurgle-gurgle-gurgle—

The rain grew ever more torrential.

In the third round of the Young Dragon Championship, as the final match concluded, the six spots for advancing to the fourth round were finally decided.

These six Young Dragons could each obtain the reward of a Five-thousand-year Peach.

However, contrary to everyone's expectations, these six Young Dragons... two of them chose to withdraw.

One was the disheveled-haired maiden in white gauze from the South Sea Purple Bamboo Forest, the other a Young Dragon of the Dragon God Lineage.

Both chose the Five-thousand-year Peach and ceased further challenges.

Thus, only four spots remained for the fourth round.

They were the Qianyuan Divine Sect's First Young Dragon Li Nuanxi, the Zhenwu Divine Sect's First Young Dragon Shi Xuan, the Zifu Divine Sect's Second Young Dragon Zhang Yunhu, and the Zifu Divine Sect's First Young Dragon Zhang Yunlong.

Of the four spots in the fourth round, the Zifu Divine Sect actually occupied two!

When the spots were announced, even the nobles and officials of the Second City and the banquet attendees from the great clans couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

Not to mention the myriad wandering martial artists who had gathered in the Third City.

"As expected... it feels like this year's Young Dragon Championship champion will again be from the Zifu Divine Sect."

"No way, the Zifu Divine Sect's cultivation method is too slippery; from childhood they nurture the bond between child prodigies and temple deities, feeding them essence blood and divinity, raising the temple deities, obtaining means to borrow the deities' power..."

"Temple deities are proclaimed invincible among peers; thus, in this Young Dragon Championship... they are naturally invincible."

"If it weren't for Li Nuanxi of the Qianyuan Divine Sect defeating Zhang Yunhuang, perhaps the top four would have three spots taken by the Zifu Divine Sect!"

……

The rustling sound echoed without cease.

In the White Jade Plaza.

Streaming light shot out, continuously swirling in the air.

Those were four streaks of divinity.

Purple-robed Marten Temple Senior Attendant stood at the center of the White Jade Plaza, hands folded over his abdomen, head raised, white hair flying, and said in a deep voice: "In the fourth round of the Young Dragon Championship, the winner of this round can obtain a Five-thousand-year Peach..."

Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh—

The words having been spoken.

The entirety of the Second City and Third City fell silent.

Five-thousand-year Peach!

Just how tremendous is the energy stored within? Though its life-extending effect may not match that of a Nine-thousand-year Peach, it is certainly not mundane!

However, for the four Young Dragons on the field, this Five-thousand-year Peach might be obtainable by none of them.

After all, only by winning in the fourth round can one obtain a Five-thousand-year Peach.

And after obtaining victory, one advances to the fifth round, the battle for champion!

Having all entered the fifth round...

Who would still be willing to give up?

Naturally they would choose to continue the challenge, and that five-thousand-year-old flat peach would be offered up, so naturally no one could obtain it.

Unless, in the fifth round the two infant dragons of the Purple Mansion Divine Sect fight each other internally, and then the second infant dragon wins in the fourth round and directly chooses to take the five-thousand-year-old flat peach.

That way, the Purple Mansion Divine Sect could obtain both the five-thousand-year-old and nine-thousand-year-old flat peaches, two in total, maximizing their benefits!

Buzz buzz buzz—

Four strands of West Queen Mother Temple divine essence darted about at extreme speed, intertwining without cease!

Everyone's gaze gathered upon it, extremely tense.

Even Li Che, even Lu Taibai, felt a bit tense.

After all, it concerned Xixi's opponent in the next round.

"They're all tough nuts, none easy to deal with... In terms of sheer strength, Xixi can't match any of them."

Lu Taibai took a sip of wine and involuntarily shook his head.

Xixi, sitting beside Li Che, instantly dissatisfied, waved the chicken leg in her hand.

"How dare you speak of my disciple like that?!"

"Xixi isn't strong enough, and it's not because you, the sect master and teacher, taught her poorly!"

"The True Martial Divine Sect's Shi Xuan, at only fifteen, has already stepped into the realm of the Three Flowers Grandmaster at the pinnacle... Although he just broke through, a fifteen-year-old Three Flowers Grandmaster at the pinnacle is truly shocking."

"Most importantly, the blood and lives on Shi Xuan's hands are certainly more than just one."

Lu Taibai said.

"As for the Purple Mansion Divine Sect... there's no need to say more; the second and first infant dragons are clearly stronger than that Zhang Yunhuang."

"Xixi, the odds of victory are slim..."

"No problem, just consider it training; later your sect master and teacher will enter the West Queen Mother Guiyi Miao, help you pick peaches, and give you many flat peaches to eat!"

Lu Taibai instantly broke into a brilliant smile.

As aloof as he is, he only shows such a side in front of his own wife and this precious disciple of his.

Li Che rubbed Xixi's head, his eyes glinting, took out a Heaven-Earth Jade, and handed it to her.

"Our hard strength is indeed lacking a bit, so we'll add some to our soft strength..."

"They are much stronger than you, Father allows you to set off fireworks."

Li Che laughed.

Upon hearing that, Xixi instantly felt the chicken leg in her hand lose its fragrance, her eyes shining brightly, as if a firework's 'bang' were slowly blooming in her pupils.

"Thank you, Father! Xixi loves setting off fireworks the most!"

Xixi instantly jumped up excitedly, hooked her arms around Li Che's neck, her oily lips planting a big 'mwah' on his cheek.

Li Che, disdainful, picked up the giggling little girl and tossed her into her mother's arms.

At the same time.

On the White Jade Plaza, the four strands of divine essence instantly underwent a brilliantly intense intertwining collision.

Everyone's gaze gathered upon it.

Yet the paired, linked divine essence unfurled slowly like a scroll!

The two infant dragons appearing in the first match...

The True Martial Divine Sect's first infant dragon, Shi Xuan!

A crew-cut young man with metal rings on both hands, sturdy though not bulky, his muscles well-defined.

And Shi Xuan's opponent...

The Purple Mansion Divine Sect's first infant dragon, Zhang Yunlong!

In the intertwining divine essence image, a scene was reflected.

A green-robed Daoist leaning on a peach-wood sword, with a peach-wood sword case slung across his back, his eyes cold, looking down from above.

A clamor rang out.

The appearance of the combatants in the first match meant that the opponents for the second match were also determined.

In the second match, Xixi's opponent is the Purple Mansion Divine Sect's second infant dragon, Zhang Yunhu!

When the divine essence picture unfurled like a scroll.

In the fourth round, both pairs of infant dragons successfully matched up!

"Good heavens... this is completely the rhythm of the two great sects challenging the first sect!"

"The True Martial Divine Sect is indeed not weak; they are a bunch of tough guys, holding the Hidden Depths Path, facing the iron cavalry of the Great Li Royal Court, each exchanging their lives for battle and gaining a body of resounding iron bones."

"It's worth watching, very much so; if one says that other sects' infant dragons have never seen blood, never killed anyone, we'd believe it... but the True Martial Divine Sect's infant dragons, if they haven't even hung a few heads of the Great Li Royal Court's iron cavalry at their waists, they don't deserve to be called infant dragons!"

"The Primordial Origin Divine Sect, the True Martial Divine Sect... the two great sects' infant dragons challenge the Purple Mansion Divine Sect!"

The clamor directly boiled over and exploded.

On the walls of the Third City, it was practically boiling over; even as the spring rain gradually grew heavier and the downpour became fiercer, it could not wash away the enthusiasm of the many cultivators.

And the stakes of this battle were also suddenly raised.

Of course, although everyone hoped for an underdog upset, they were quite honest with their money, basically all betting on the Purple Mansion Divine Sect's infant dragons to win.

Compared to Xixi, Shi Xuan of the True Martial Divine Sect even garnered more trust and support from people.

True Martial Divine Sect's main banquet area.

Shi Jian wore black armor, removed his helmet, revealing a crew cut; the disciples of the True Martial Divine Sect basically all keep crew cuts, appearing even more stalwart.

Lu Taibai and Li Che looked over.

Shi Jian merely shook his head, showing a wry smile: 'Difficult.'

"Shi Xuan is not bad, but... fighting the Purple Mansion Divine Sect's infant dragon is like fighting the temple deity; merely seeking not to lose is already so difficult that it counts as victory."

However, Shi Jian's gaze once again fell upon the White Jade Plaza.

The clanking sound rang out; Shi Xuan, clad in light armor with five metal rings on each arm, stood up and bowed his fists toward Shi Jian.

Sect Leader, I'm going up.

Just do your best; we, disciples of the True Martial Divine Sect, mainly target those folks from the Great Li Royal Court…

Shi Jian said.

Shi Xuan smoothed his buzz cut, smiled, turned, tapped his foot, and shot forward like an arrow.

Entering the White Jade Plaza area, the torrential rain poured down violently, all of it sliced and torn apart by his immensely powerful aura.

Boom——!!!

His feet stomped on the standing water, causing it to ripple and burst.

Shi Xuan spread his arms, then clenched his fists tightly; the five metal rings on his arms, accompanied by a clanking sound, all contracted and struck together.

The majestic golden qi blood surged forth and exploded!

Pure Martial?!

At this moment, a murmuring sound rose.

Not only the Third City, but even the dignitaries and nobles under the big tent each let out sounds of surprise.

Even the emperor and empress presiding over the banquet each cast their gazes.

Golden qi blood can only be cultivated through Pure Martial.

But nowadays, Pure Martial practitioners have become extremely rare.

"Not Pure Martial, still True Martial, but already infinitely close to Pure Martial; the Divine Martial qi blood consists of only a few strands, purer than Shi Jian's."

Buyi National Preceptor Xie Yunshen narrowed his eyes, nodded slightly, and praised.

Truly worthy of being the True Martial Divine Sect, a great sect that is most worry-free.

As for the True Martial Divine Sect, Xie Yunshen holds a favorable opinion, because this sect does not need him to expend effort to restrict and suppress; as long as the over seventy thousand households behind True Martial Mountain remain, never having moved away, the True Martial Divine Sect will steadfastly guard True Martial Mountain.

The only enemy of the True Martial Divine Sect is the Great Li Barbarian Tribe beyond True Martial Mountain!

Even Xie Yunshen couldn't help but admire it.

At this moment, everyone's gaze focused, fixed on the battle in the arena, observing closely.

Yet, the heavy rain falling on Shi Xuan's body was directly evaporated into white mist by his powerful, majestic qi blood.

A top-tier Three Flowers Grand Master……

Three Flowers True Gang!

Watching the flickering, flame-like True Gang outside Shi Xuan's golden qi blood, a mighty oppressive feeling swept the surroundings, as if even the raindrops falling from the heavens were slowed down.

"Pure Martial? Not bad, somewhat interesting."

Suddenly, a faint laugh echoed.

Yet, seen from the direction of the Purple Mansion Divine Sect's main banquet area, a young Daoist in a fluttering blue Daoist robe, his hair bound with a withered-wood pin, carrying a peach-wood sword case on his back, stepped forward gracefully.

It was as if he rode the void and wind; countless raindrops swirled around his body, lifted and suspended, as if a mighty divinity had completely frozen them in midair, each droplet hanging, never falling.

It seemed as if a spring breeze brushed past, his long robe fluttering, giving off an ethereal, otherworldly air.

His whole person resembled a warm, lustrous jade emitting a soft glow.

"Zhang Yunlong……"

Shi Xuan felt the intangible pressure from the young Daoist before him continually weighing on him.

It made the circulation of his qi blood become sluggish and congealed.

The Purple Mansion Divine Sect's, the First Divine Sect's First Prodigy Dragon—just how strong is he?

So far, the opponents Zhang Yunlong has faced…… have basically not exceeded three moves.

"Come!"

"Battle!"

"Let me see just how strong the First Divine Sect's First Prodigy Dragon is!"

Shi Xuan stepped down heavily.

His whole body, like an arrow shot forth, took several steps, causing the standing water on the White Jade Plaza's ground to explode upward.

Bang!

Stomping down, he appeared before Zhang Yunlong like a tiger descending the mountain, at extreme speed, clenched his five fingers, and a long spear materialized in his hand.

Golden qi blood coiled around the spear like a lightning bolt, suddenly lashing out, carrying a terrifying wind that made space tremble, fiercely lashing at Zhang Yunlong's face!

"Clang——!!!"

However, a clear collision rang out.

The terrifying explosive sound wave rolled out like a tide, shattering the raindrops in midair one after another.

A palm-sized, slender peach-wood sword floated in the air, blocking Shi Xuan's mighty, heavy spear strike as a few strands of Zhang Yunlong's hair fluttered downward.

In Shi Xuan's eyes, golden light burst; the next moment, one of the five metal rings in his hand exploded.

In an instant, the suppressed qi blood surged forth and was released!

Boom——!!!

Shi Xuan's speed instantly doubled; he withdrew the spear, flashed aside, the spear slid from his grip, he seized the butt, and fiercely whipped the spear at Zhang Yunlong's unmoving waist.

That terrifying force expelled all the air in the path of the great spear!

A low, howling sonic boom exploded beside the ears!

The fierce wind pressed Zhang Yunlong's blue Daoist robe tightly against his skin, yet the corner of his mouth bore a faint smile, unconcerned, as he flicked two fingers again.

The next moment.

Another small sword appeared out of nowhere on the path the swinging spear must take, blocking this strike!

However, Shi Xuan's lips curled into a grin.

On both hands, the metal rings again burst open two in succession!

Boom boom boom—

Golden qi and blood burst forth like a fire pillar from Shi Xuan's body in an instant.

Power climbed steadily, momentum surged continuously, as if to burn mountains and boil seas.

The long spear was blocked by the small sword; with a sudden twist, it began to spin at high speed amid a clattering sound.

The high-speed spinning spear was fiercely gripped by Shi Xuan's arm, veins bulging like a coiling dragon roaring, and he thrust it out hard, the spear pressing against the small sword and slamming heavily into Zhang Yunlong's body.

From the first round until now, Zhang Yunlong had never moved a single step in combat.

At this moment, however, his body was pushed and his form shifted.

Main banquet area.

Watching Shi Xuan and Zhang Yunlong erupt with astonishing aura and qi in an instant, Xixi forgot to eat her drumstick, her eyes widened, and she watched excitedly.

So strong…… they are both so strong……

Compared to them, Xixi felt she really lagged a bit!

Bang——!!!

Zhang Yunlong's cloth-soled feet rubbed the ground, like a lone boat breaking waves, water continuously exploding outward on both sides.

And his body was pushed back by Shi Xuan's spear thrust, in the process of retreating.

Yet Shi Xuan, like a mad demon, exploded with golden qi and blood fire pillars across his body, like a ferocious flood dragon, charging forward!

His spear in hand continuously danced wildly, countless spear-light afterimages completely enveloping Zhang Yunlong.

Zhang Yunlong had only slid back a hundred meters on the White Jade Plaza when he fully bore the brunt of Shi Xuan's extreme-speed charge, spears raining down from all directions.

Hiss hiss hiss—

Heat waves rolled on!

The continuously booming roar surged without cease, echoing endlessly.

Clatter clatter clatter—

Heavy rain poured down, spring thunder in the clouds exploded.

Everyone held their breath and focused on the dazzling battle above the White Jade Plaza.

Has it succeeded?!

Such a thunderous assault, continuously spewing hundreds or thousands of spear-lights, each spear striking……

Could it be that he still can't win?

Shi Xuan's qi and blood began to wane, the five metal rings on his single arm now left only two……

He panted heavily, his whole body's skin about to turn crimson, staring fixedly at the area where white vapor storms billowed.

That place was where Zhang Yunlong stood.

Suddenly.

A gust of fierce wind howled past.

Shi Xuan's eyes narrowed, and he saw Zhang Yunlong's blue robes fluttering, his body unscathed, hands forming a sword seal, standing silently in place.

His gaze mocking as he looked at him.

"Not bad."

"Unfortunately…… not enough power."

"I've heard that the martial artists of the True Martial Divine Sect are unrivaled in slaying barbarians in the Nether Realm…… but now it seems, just so-so."

"With such strength, what barbarians can you kill?"

Zhang Yunlong said lightly.

After his voice reverberated, many present immediately furrowed their brows.

In the main banquet area of the Purple Mansion Divine Sect, Sect Leader Wuji's brows furrowed instantly, and Zhang Yunhuang's expression shifted slightly.

In the True Martial Divine Sect area, Shi Jian's face suddenly darkened, and he slammed a palm hard on the table, leaving a palm print on it.

Li Che also furrowed his brows, indifferently gazing at this Zhang Yunlong of the Purple Mansion Divine Sect.

The disciples of the True Martial Divine Sect truly slay barbarians in the Nether Realm; are you even qualified to mock them?

In the White Jade Plaza.

Shi Xuan's eyes also flashed with anger.

As if a crimson flame burned.

He gripped the spear; on his arm, the remaining two metal rings again burst like shattering glass.

Shi Xuan's whole being completely changed color, his qi and blood surged again, blazing like golden beacon smoke rushing into the heavens!

A terrifying and mad will, rampantly intertwining between heaven and earth!

However.

Zhang Yunlong looked indifferently at Shi Xuan, took down the sword case on his back, smashed it to the ground; the case opened, revealing it densely packed with metal small swords.

And he raised his hand, touching his brow.

A ripple like a storm spread from his brow; a divine shrine floated up behind him, divine aura thick, a metal chain hanging from the shrine plunged into his spine.

Zhang Yunlong's eyes instantly flashed with brilliant light.

Within the shrine, a sword-wielding deity sat enthroned.

Zhang Yunlong and the shrine rose together, floating in midair, his body emanating boundless divine might, rampantly pouring forth.

Each palm-sized small sword in the case was entwined by invisible threads of divine essence, clinking as they floated out.

"Go."

Zhang Yunlong flicked his finger.

The first palm-sized small sword slowly turned its tip, aiming at Shi Xuan, whose qi and blood erupted, his skin membrane crimson, every pore seeming to seep blood.

"You're practicing a martial art that simulates the Eight Odd Gates Technique, aren't you? Without a divine seed, but you restrict your own qi and blood with metal, as if the divine seed were guiding the Eight Odd Gates to form shackles on the human body……"

"By detonating the Odd Gates divine seed, to shatter the human body's shackles, and steadily raise one's vigor!"

Zhang Yunlong's eyes were deep and dark, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

As if he could see through everything.

"Now, I'll give you a chance: break free of the last metal ring, let me see what this so-called pure martial art really is, otherwise…… you won't get another chance."

As Zhang Yunlong's words fell like a command, that palm-sized small sword began to tremble slightly.

And Shi Xuan's visage was ferocious like a madman's, his body swelling taller and sturdier, his skin membrane crimson and oozing blood, every vein throbbing and bulging, his eyes blazing like the sun, yet he merely raised the great halberd with one hand, aiming it far off at Zhang Yunlong.

From his throat, a sound exploded!

Like a battle charge's horn!

"Battle!"

Boom——!!!

A burst of blood instantly blossomed behind Shi Xuan!

The charging sound cut off abruptly.

Behind Zhang Yunlong, the Divine Altar continuously poured down divinity; he floated in midair, his expression cold.

His fingers maintained the flicking motion, and that palm-sized sword had already pierced Shi Xuan's chest.

Shi Xuan's body staggered, then he endured the pain, lowered his stance, and sprinted away at high speed.

Bang bang bang bang——

Zhang Yunlong kept flicking his fingers, continuously sending out palm-sized swords that shot forth at high speed, as if drilling into space, shuttling through, reappearing, having already penetrated Shi Xuan's body, bringing up a plume of blood mist!

It was almost impossible to catch its trace.

Blood mist continually exploded from Shi Xuan's body; the golden blood mist plus his violently erupting qi and blood caused his bodily blood to drain away at an almost frantic pace!

Whoosh——!!!

When Zhang Yunlong's floating body in midair tilted slightly backward,

A long halberd's sharp tip had already arrived, pressing against a hair's breadth from Zhang Yunlong's face.

But, merely an inch away, Shi Xuan could not thrust this halberd forward; it smashed into Zhang Yunlong's body.

The surging divinity formed a barrier, blocking the long halberd.

Shi Xuan's entire body dripped blood, golden blood droplets pattering down onto the ground……

"Why…… won't you detonate your last ring?"

Zhang Yunlong asked coldly.

He had been waiting for Shi Xuan's last ring, wanting to witness the true power of pure martial arts.

But Shi Xuan simply refused to use it.

Blood-soaked Shi Xuan slowly lifted his head.

On his steadfast face appeared a grin splitting his mouth, a simple, honest smile, as if a will stained with blood was slowly fading.

"I…… this ring…… is prepared for the barbarians……"