Chapter 455: with translation of title

Boom—

Boom—

A deafening roar burst from the mouth of the horrendous giant black ox demon god, sending rippling sound waves spreading outward.

Translation: "A deafening sound erupted from the mouth of the terrifyingly huge black bull demon god, spreading sound wave ripples outward in all directions." Need to be concise but keep all info. Let's craft: "A deafening sound burst from the mouth of the immensely terrifying black bull demon god, spreading sound-wave ripples outward in all directions." Keep meaning.

The flying sword hovered in the vast sky.

Translation: "A flying sword hovered in the vast sky."

Lu Tai Bai stood on the sword's tip, his shining silver‑white hair fluttering, his eyes showing a hint of solemnity.

We need to keep all info. Translation: "Lu Taibai stood on the sword's tip, his shining silver-white hair fluttering constantly, his eyes revealing a hint of solemnity."

Beside him, Lu Qiankun and Fang Hanshu exchanged eager glances, their faces twitching with anticipation.

Translation: "By his side, Lu Qiankun and Fang Hanshu had flickering expressions, eager to act."

Entering Qitian City ahead of time would naturally confer a huge advantage in resonating with the deity of the Qitian Strange Temple.

Translation: "If one could enter Qitian Cheng early, it would naturally be greatly beneficial for resonating with the temple god of the Qitian Guiyi Miao."

After all, Qitian City was once the domain of Qitian Temple, so it likely holds many traces; by following clues we could discover ways to resonate with the Qitian Strange Temple.

Translation: "After all, Qitian Cheng was originally a city left behind by the Qitian Temple; its interior might retain many traces, and through some clues one might possibly learn some means and methods of the Qitian Guiyi Miao's resonance."

Indeed, not only Lu Tai Bai and his group, but even the powerful warriors who had risen from the Five Fingers Stronghold from all over the world flashed a strange light in their faces.

Translation: "In fact, not only Lu Taibai and his companions, even the mighty ones who had risen into the air from Five Finger Town, coming from all corners of the world, also showed a flicker of unusual color on their faces."

Of course, some harbored doubts, wondering whether this old black ox really meant to open Qitian City.

Translation: "Of course, some people hesitated in their hearts, doubting whether this old black bull truly intended to open Qitian Cheng."

Or was it a pretense, tricking them into the city only to slaughter them?

Translation: "Or was it a feigned opening, luring them into the city to kill them?"

If that's really the case, I'd rather not enter on those terms; instead, we'll keep gathering forces from all sides and then storm Qitian City together.

Translation: "If that were truly the case… then I would rather not enter under such rules, but continue gathering the strong from all sides and then jointly storm into Qitian Cheng."

But the forces are not united; the Great Jing contingent, for example, consists of Ye Pengju, the first warrior of Heaven's Gate Pass, Wang Kui and other Temple Guard masters, plus a Divine Tribulation elder from the Great Jing imperial house.

Translation: "However, the forces from all sides were not of one mind; for instance, those from Da Jing included Ye Pengju, the top expert from Heavenly Gate Pass originally, and Wang Kui, among other masters of the Temple Garrison Office, plus additionally a Divine Tribulation Elder Ancestor from the Da Jing imperial household."

They work with the Great Li royal court, but inevitably mistrust creeps in, hindering genuine cooperation.

Translation: "They cooperated with the Da Li Royal Court, naturally breeding mistrust in each other's hearts, making true cooperation and mutual benefit difficult."

Furthermore, the Western Regions' Buddhist lands are enemies of both Great Jing and Great Li, seeking to turn the entire world into a Buddhist state.

Translation: "Moreover, the Western Regions Buddhist Land, Da Jing, and Da Li are in hostile relations, because the goal of the Western Regions Buddhist Land is to turn the entire world into a Buddhist nation."

May the Great Buddha dwell forever, with billions of people embracing Buddhism and seeking refuge in the Buddhist realm!

Translation: "Let the Great Buddha reside permanently, with billions of common folk simultaneously believing in Buddhism and taking refuge in the Buddhist nation!"

Both Great Jing and Great Li are naturally within the Western Regions' Buddhist lands' sights.

Translation: "And Da Jing and Da Li naturally fall within the Western Regions Buddhist Land's target."

Indeed, the Western Regions' Buddhist lands have already begun this work; their evident aim has caused many areas of Great Jing and Great Li to become Buddhist territory.

Translation: "Even the Western Regions Buddhist Land has already begun doing this; its obvious purpose has caused many regions of Da Jing and Da Li to fall into Buddhist land."

For example, Great Jing's Xiling Dao and the border where Great Li abuts the Western Regions' Buddhist lands, among others.

Translation: "Such as Da Jing's Western Mausoleum Path, and the border where Da Li meets the Western Regions Buddhist Land, etc."

Humanity's hearts are not united; at least, until a sky‑falling catastrophe strikes, they will not stand as one.

Translation: "One can only say that human hearts are not united; at least, before encountering a calamity that overturns the heavens, they will not be of one mind."

Just as now, when the second‑calamity black ox demon god garrisoned in Qitian City spoke, the Five Fingers Stronghold erupted in turmoil, and many felt their hearts sway.

Translation: "Just as now, after the Second Calamity Black Bull Demon God Sovereign seated within Qitian Cheng spoke, Five Finger Town fell into chaos, with many people feeling stirred."

Fang Hanshu stood on the flying sword; a single glance showed that the coalition gathered to assault Qitian City would crumble without a fight.

Translation: "Fang Hanshu stood upon the flying sword; merely glancing, he understood that the allied army assembled to jointly attack Qitian Cheng would collapse without attack."

But this is hardly surprising; the alliance was never solid to begin with.

Translation: "But this is also normal, for it was never a solid alliance to begin with."

Fang Hanshu sighed softly; humanity… is always like this.

Translation: "Fang Hanshu let out a light sigh; humanity… is always like this."

Everyone harbors thoughts, personal little schemes, all seeking advantage and avoiding harm.

Translation: "Everyone has thoughts, everyone has their own little calculations, all are profit‑seeking and harm‑avoiding."

In a joint attack, nobody knows how many will perish, how many masters will fall, and maybe none will even get into Qitian City.

Translation: "In a joint assault, no one knows how many will die, how many masters will fall, and perhaps they may not even be able to enter Qitian Cheng."

Now the demon god has offered a way to enter Qitian City without bloodshed, and it has naturally won the support of most of the powerful.

Translation: "But now the demon god sovereign has proposed a method that allows entry into Qitian Cheng without bloodshed, naturally gaining the enthusiastic support of most of the strong."

Failing to enter Qitian City merely reflects one's own lack of ability.

Translation: "Being unable to enter Qitian Cheng can only be said to be one's own inadequacy."

After all, defeating the gate‑guarding demons grants entry; failing to do so is merely a sign of one's own inadequacy.

Translation: "After all, as long as one defeats the guarding demon tribe, one can enter the city… if one cannot beat those guarding demons, naturally the reason is one's own inadequacy."

"Hahaha, fear not, upholding Qitian's will—since I've spoken these words, I'll keep my promise. If you can enter the city, you may find lodging within Qitian City; my demon clan will harm not a hair."

Translation: "\"Hahaha, everyone, rest assured, upholding the will of Qitian, since I have spoken these words, I will naturally keep my promise… if you can enter the city, you may all find a place to reside within Qitian Cheng; my demon tribe will absolutely not harm a hair! \"

The gigantic old black ox, rolling with immense demonic energy, burst into loud laughter.

Translation: "The enormous old black bull, rolling and surging amidst the mighty demonic qi, burst into loud laughter."

Then its massive bell‑like eyes flashed forth light, a terrifying aura bursting out and shaking the whole Qitian City as if it trembled.

Translation: "Then, its giant bell‑like eyes suddenly blazed with light; a terrifying aura erupted, rumbling forth, as if the entire Qitian Cheng trembled."

"Where are the countless demons of the Myriad Rivers?!"

Translation: "\"Where are the myriad demons of the Ten Thousand Great Rivers!! \""

The old bull was buoyed by countless demonic vapors, as if it were about to surge into the heavens.

Translation: "That old bull was upheld by countless demonic qi, as if about to charge into the heavens."

"The west gate of Qitian City is held by the Celestial Crane demon god and its top demon kings. To enter, a human Divine Tribulation cultivator must defeat the Thousand‑Crane demon god; those below Divine Tribulation must overcome the top demon king guarding the gate."

Translation: "\"The western gate of Qitian Cheng is guarded by the Celestial Crane Demon God and its top demon kings! If a human Divine Tribulation expert wishes to enter the city, they must defeat the Celestial Crane Demon God! For those below the Divine Tribulation level wishing to enter, they must overcome the guarding top demon king! \"

A booming roar burst forth.

Translation: "The roaring sound exploded."

Lu Tai Bai had just rapped on one gate of Qitian City; the white‑crane‑formed middle‑aged man grasped a shining, iridescent longsword, releasing dreadful tribulation power, a disaster‑karma wheel appearing behind him and sword energy stretching ten thousand feet.

Translation: "The gate of Qitian Cheng that Lu Taibai had just knocked on, the middle‑aged person transformed from a white crane, gripped a long sword flowing with radiant colors, unleashing a fearsome tribulation‑bane power; behind him, the disaster‑retribution wheel appeared, sword energy soaring ten thousand zhang!"

"The north gate of Qitian City is guarded by the Jade‑Horn Rhinoceros demon god and its top demon kings."

Translation: "\"The northern gate of Qitian Cheng is guarded by the Jade Horn Rhinoceros Demon God and its top demon kings! \"

"The south gate of Qitian City is guarded by the Golden‑Wing demon god and its top demon kings."

Translation: "\"The southern gate of Qitian Cheng is guarded by the Golden Wing Demon God and its top demon kings! \"

……

Translation: "……" (keep ellipsis)

Boom—

Translation: "Boom—"

Demonic qi surged heavenward, churning incessantly; the old black ox demon god opened its mouth, its voice like rolling heavenly thunder.

Translation: "Demonic qi surged skyward, churning without cease; the old black bull demon god sovereign opened its mouth, its voice like rolling heavenly thunder."

Thereafter, three pillars of demonic qi shot up to the heavens in each of Qitian City's three directions.

Translation: "Thereafter, in the three directions of Qitian Cheng, three pillars of demonic qi shot up to the heavens!"

The demonic qi thickened like substance, surging into the heavens, as if it scattered the black clouds and turned them into streams of demonic vapor.

Translation: "The demonic qi, dense and substantial as matter, rushed into the firmament, as if scattering the black clouds in the sky and turning them into streams of demonic qi!"

Demonic winds howled, heaven trembled and earth shook!

Translation: "Demonic winds wailed, heaven trembled and earth shook!"

Such a display is truly terrifying beyond measure!

Translation: "Such a spectacle was truly terrifying to the extreme!"

Inside Qitian City, the Myriad Rivers demon forces, upon moving, already fielded this formation: three demon gods enthroned at the three city gates.

Translation: "Within Qitian Cheng, the demon tribe of the Ten Thousand Great Rivers, upon making a move, actually deployed this formation: three demon gods enthroned at the three city gates!"

To enter the city, one must defeat the demon gods.

Translation: "To enter the city, one must defeat the demon gods!"

Upon Qitian City, great demons rose one after another, joining the demon ranks and stirring up a terrifying, heaven‑topping surge of demonic qi.

Translation: "Upon Qitian Cheng, great demons rose up one after another, joining the demon tribe and stirring up a terrifying, heaven‑topping surge of demonic qi!"

They wore half‑smiles, mocking gazes full of ridicule, looking upon the human cultivators outside Qitian City.

Translation: "They wore half‑smiles, looking with mocking amusement at the human cultivators outside Qitian Cheng."

Taking Qitian City early means taking the initiative, giving one the freedom to advance or retreat as they please.

Translation: "To occupy Qitian Cheng early is to seize the initiative, thus being able to advance and retreat with ease."

Hum—

Translation: "Hum—"

Lu Tai Bai's heart and mind stirred.

Translation: "Lu Taibai's heart and mind stirred."

Instantly, the Tai Bai sword bore everyone back to the ground.

Translation: "Instantly, the Supreme White Sword bore everyone back to the ground."

Li Xie led Xiao Xi and the little ones out of the flying sword; Fang Hanshu, Lu Qiankun, and Lu Tai Bai then stood firm on the ground.

Translation: "Li Che led Xixi and the little ones out of the flying sword; Fang Hanshu, Lu Qiankun, and Lu Taibai three persons stood firm on the earth."

Behind them, one after another, the sound of tearing through the air rang out.

Translation: "Behind them, one after another, the sound of tearing through the air rang out."

Li Xie took Xiao Xi's hand, looked back, and saw countless figures rushing from the direction of the Five Fingers Stronghold.

Translation: "Li Che took Xixi's hand, looked back, and saw countless figures rushing from the direction of Five Finger Town."

At a glance, he even saw many familiar faces.

Translation: "At a glance, he even saw many familiar faces."

For example, the sect master of the Xuanfu Divine Sect, namely Lu Tai Bai's elder brother‑in‑law Xuan Jiuzhuan!

Translation: "For example, the sect leader of the Mystic Talisman Divine Sect, namely Lu Taibai's brother‑in‑law Xuan Jiuzhuan!"

However, Xuan Jiuzhuan came alone, without bringing the patriarch of the Xuanfu Divine Sect, which is actually quite unreasonable.

Translation: "However, Xuan Jiuzhuan came alone, without bringing the patriarch of the Mystic Talisman Divine Sect, which is actually quite unreasonable."

Besides that, there is also the sect leader Wuji of the Purple Mansion Divine Sect, the sect leader Purple Moon of the Purple Bamboo Forest, and so on……

Li Che's gaze swept over, his heart stirred slightly.

It must be said, the opening of Qitian Cheng drew the gathering of heroes from all under heaven; even the Dàjǐng side came in full force.

The five ancient clans of Dàjǐng, the three great ancient clans of Shendu—the Ji, Yue, and Gongshu clans—plus the Huang clan, an ancient clan of Xiling Dao, and the Fang clan, an ancient clan of Jiangnan Dao.

They dispatched many strong cultivators, among whom were not a few extremely elderly Divine Tribulation experts, hoping to make one last stand in their lives.

Of course, the various great sects within Dàjǐng also sent strong cultivators.

Besides these, there were also strong cultivators from the Western Regions' Buddhist lands, the Great Li Royal Court, and Wu Shen Mountain that Li Che hardly knew, identifiable only by their attire as non‑Central Plains people.

They had originally been staying within Five Fingers Town, but upon hearing the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign's words, they all rushed over.

All factions had taken their positions; clearly, Lao Hei Niu's words caused the unreliable alliances among humanity to collapse without attack.

Li Che merely glanced over it briefly, then withdrew his gaze.

These visitors were likely already among the top echelon of the present world.

Of course, in Li Che's view, the Grand Supervisor, the Great Wu Shen Mountain Witch God, the Master of the Hunting God Pavilion, and the founding emperor of the Dàjǐng court were likely the few strongest people in the present world.

Today, such high‑level experts have not appeared.

They have not appeared, likely due to the limitation of heaven and earth's will.

Outside Qitian Cheng, the strong cultivators gathered; after exchanging glances, they tacitly took their places according to faction.

Xuan Jiuzhuan flew swiftly toward the direction where Lu Taibai and the others were.

In fact, only he, Xuan Jiuzhuan, chose to stand with the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.

Xuan Jiuzhuan looked at Lu Taibai, who had broken through to Divine Tribulation and was extraordinarily flamboyant, with a complex expression: "I ought to congratulate you, kid—you finally reached Divine Tribulation."

Xuan Jiuzhuan said sincerely.

Although he had always looked down on Lu Taibai, he had to admit that his sister Xuan Qisha's gaze was indeed somewhat better than his.

Lu Taibai smiled: "This also proves that letting Qisha follow me is not wrong, right…"

Xuan Jiuzhuan gave a light laugh.

Although he usually cursed over this, this time he rarely dwelled on it and did not snap back at Lu Taibai.

He turned his head to look at Qitian Cheng, at the soaring demonic aura pillar; that soul‑seizing demon god's pressure made his body tremble slightly.

"Lu Taibai, the Xuan Fu Divine Sect received Qisha's distress signal… The patriarch has encountered some trouble, you know that; now the Xuan Fu Divine Sect, my word doesn't count, I prefer to stay out of sight and mind, having left the Qingyun Dao of the Xuan Fu Divine Sect…"

"When the news reached me, I originally wanted to go support Qian Yuan, but I ended up being late, so upon hearing of your great victory, I changed course."

Xuan Jiuzhuan explained softly.

He still placed great importance on his sister's affairs.

Lu Taibai's eyes narrowed; the matter of the Xuan Fu Divine Sect… is it really that serious?

Even Xuan Jiuzhuan, this divine rune prodigy, was driven out and unwilling to return to the sect.

Lu Taibai sighed lightly, saying nothing more.

The atmosphere gradually grew heavy; at Qitian Cheng's three city gates, three demon gods sat enthroned, demonic aura rising like pillars to the heavens.

Below the city, the strong cultivators from each faction stood in their respective camps.

No one took the initiative to attack the demon gods guarding Qitian Cheng's three gates.

It seemed no one wanted to be the first to try.

After all, it was too dangerous.

No one knew what would happen if they truly defeated the demon god and stepped into Qitian Cheng…

Whether they would be besieged by the demon race, or even the Demon God Sovereign would personally strike them down on the spot.

Those capable of cultivating to the Divine Tribulation realm are all old‑immortal level beings; the longer they live, the more they cherish their lives.

Therefore, after the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign finished announcing the rules, the many strong cultivators who had originally been clamoring to charge into Qitian Cheng all suddenly went silent, as if muted.

Li Che took Xixi's hand, standing behind the shelter of Lu Qiankun and the others.

His eyes involuntarily flickered; in his mind, a bold idea arose… perhaps it could satisfy.

In his chest, the Myriad Demon Emperor Dao Fruit trembled incessantly.

A strong yearning spread from Li Che's heart.

"I can't hold back…"

Li Che muttered softly.

Xixi immediately tilted her head up in doubt, looking at Li Che: "Father, what can't you hold back?"

Li Che gave a light smile, ruffling Xixi's head, making the little girl's hair a bit messy.

"Nothing."

Li Che finished ruffling Xixi's head.

What remained in place was already a clone of the Immortal in the Painting.

Xixi was completely unaware, knowing nothing of it.

She merely held her head high with enthusiasm, staring at Qitian Cheng's gate, grumbling dissatisfiedly: "What are you all afraid of? Fight! Attack!"

"How can you not fight when there's a fight to be had?"

"Let's get hype!"

Xixi kept muttering.

Whoosh—

A wind rose between heaven and earth.

Outside the gloomy Qitian Cheng, as they pondered and waited for the first to stick their neck out, many strong cultivators suddenly opened their eyes.

One after another, strong cultivators felt the heaven‑earth dao souls surging, and suddenly noticed among the many wandering martial artists who had come to watch the fun…

A burly figure wrapped in a black robe, wearing a bamboo hat, slowly stepped out of the crowd watching the fun, walking step by step.

The black robe swept and fluttered in the wind.

The straw hat pressed low, obscuring the face.

Yet this lone figure, as if betting everything, walked toward the magnificent, towering Qitian Cheng, where the demon god burst forth a pillar of demonic aura, ravaging heaven and earth.

It made many people's hearts and minds involuntarily quiver slightly.

"Who is it?"

Many felt curiosity stir in their hearts.

"A wandering martial artist?"

Those who roam the martial world—how could there be many fools?

Many great cultivators who had weathered divine tribulations were waiting, waiting for someone to lose composure; the result… a wandering martial artist dashed out of the martial world to throw away his life?

Could a wandering martial artist even interfere in such a grand event?

Many looked at him with cold eyes, their gazes even carrying a hint of mockery.

The powerful present were all from the major divine sects, the Dàjǐng court, the Dàlý royal court, the myriad ancient clans, and other great powers.

Naturally, they looked down on the wandering martial artist.

They merely regarded it as a farce.

The figure wrapped in a black robe and wearing a straw hat slowly stepped forward, arriving beneath the western city tower.

The Celestial Crane Demon God seated atop the city gate shot down a sharp, sword-like gaze, icy to the extreme, as if it wanted to cleave the very air.

The terrifying tribulation pressure unique to those who have weathered divine tribulations descended like a weighing mountain.

However, the wandering martial artist wrapped in the black robe's hood showed not the slightest tremor.

Utterly calm.

Boom——!!!

The next moment, a surge of Heaven-Man resonance unique to a Martial Saint erupted!

On the city tower.

The Celestial Crane Demon God narrowed its eyes: "Four-Open Martial Saint… heh."

"White Mantis Demon King, you go up."

"This is your food."

As his words fell, a flash of white blade light burst from behind him, with surging blade aura raging wildly, endless and turbulent!

The White Mantis Demon King… is a powerful demon king rivaling a peak Martial Saint, and one of the five great demon kings that first occupied Qitian Cheng.

However, later the myriad rivers sent forth many powerful demon gods, causing these demon kings to fall back to the second line.

The White Mantis Demon King landed on the ground, and the earth before Qitian Cheng seemed as if sliced apart by an invisible blade aura.

Although it had a humanoid form, its hands had no palms, only two sharp, stern white longswords seemingly fused to its bones.

With a light wield of the twin blades, the air itself seemed to be sliced and exploded.

Peak perfection versus a Four-Open Martial Saint…

There is no suspense whatsoever.

However, the wandering martial artist gave a light smile, his voice carrying a hint of vigorous vigor.

"Can it be killed?"

A faint voice came from the wandering martial artist's mouth, as if addressing the Black Ox Demon God formed from countless demonic aura stacked above Qitian Cheng; the Black Ox Demon God's house-sized eyes narrowed slightly.

"Naturally."

"Killing the opponent also counts as a victory."

"If you can slay my demon race's demon king, then go ahead and kill him; but if you lack the ability and are slain by my demon race's demon king, then you can only blame yourself for being insufficiently strong yet insisting on being the one to stick your neck out."

The Black Ox Demon God's voice boomed like a great bell.

Upon hearing the Black Ox Demon God's words, the White Mantis Demon King's two protruding eyes suddenly flashed with light.

"Die——!!!"

Bang——!

As the foot slammed down, instantly the surrounding air currents were stirred, white waves surged, air waves cleared, and countless blade auras, thick as rain, sliced in all directions!

At the instant the White Mantis Demon King made its move.

Everyone's gaze focused, their eyes turning toward it.

Bang——!!!

Countless blade auras mixed with demonic aura instantly exploded.

Looking at each one/p>

The wandering martial artist's straw hat was sliced apart by the blade aura, revealing a head of dark, lustrous hair that whipped about like black lightning in the air, sending up countless white waves.

Beneath those dark tresses lay a mask covering a cute bovine face, upon which a knife had carved the number 'one'.

Boom——

The blade aura burst apart!

The peak-level White Mantis Demon King suddenly felt a terrifying pressure!

Countless blade auras wildly whipped down from all sides!

Meanwhile, the surrounding spectators were instantly invigorated.

Huh?!

"Ox Demon?!"

Many hearts trembled, instantly recalling that name.

"Netherworld Ox Demon!"

It's truly too famous—or rather, the name of the underworld beneath the heavens is already renowned far and wide, not like its initial obscurity when it had just emerged from the Flying Thunder, unknown and nameless.

The Underworld!

The cultivators of the various major powers, who had thought they were merely brainless pugilists seeking death, suddenly had their eyes flash with a gleam of light!

Even mighty Divine Tribulation cultivators could hardly sit still, as the powerful Heaven-Earth Dao souls swept over at breakneck speed.

"I am… Niu Yi of the Underworld."

A hoarse voice rang out from beneath the cute ox mask that now bore a slash.

Boom——

Yet that figure's body suddenly swelled, cords of muscle like coiling dragons bundling together; as his fist clenched, nine ferocious, trembling dragon‑like tendons almost burst his black robe.

The White Mantis Demon King, who had just slashed out blade qi, felt his hairs stand on end, sensing a mountain‑like crushing pressure bearing down from the side.

Its demonic qi, as if stared down by a supremely terrifying demon god, was subjected to an unbearable oppression that left the White Mantis Demon King nearly frozen in place.

Ah——!!!

The threat of death poured down upon him, making the White Mantis Demon Emperor instantly shout in fury.

His twin mantis blades lashed out violently and swiftly, breaking free of the inexplicable pressure as countless blade qi merged with demonic qi and swept forth!

Boom——!!!

A plain, unadorned clash of fist and blade!

The fist's surge rolled like a vast sea, bursting forth like a released flood!

Countless blade qi exploded, shattering like glass; the air trembled as if cloth were snapping, and the shockwave spread outward in all directions.

It was merely a single punch.

The blast was like a thunderclap!

The terrifying force smashed the blade qi, shattered the White Mantis Demon King's twin blades, and struck his chest.

As the blast spread, it was like a thunderclap in an instant!

The White Mantis Demon King instantly fell into a boundless daze.

Is this a person?

What kind of physique can a human possibly possess?!

This must be fake!

Beneath that black robe, could he not be hiding a terrifying ancient demon elephant?

As a demon king, his physique… simply couldn't withstand it!

His fist struck the White Mantis Demon King's chest, feeling the terrifying, mountain‑moving, sea‑overturning power continually gushing forth from the fist.

The White Mantis Demon King instantly threw his head back and screamed!

Bang——

The air behind him instantly exploded, being extremely compressed and blasted into a pillar‑like shockwave that slammed hard into the gate of Qitian Cheng.

A bursting sound rang out.

The White Mantis Demon King's flesh instantly burst apart into pieces!

Countless drops of green demonic blood poured down like a torrential rain.

Woo——

Wind and waves swept by, demonic qi spreading like a strip of agarwood incense.

Both inside and outside Qitian Cheng seemed to have fallen into silence.

On the city tower, the Heavenly Crane Demon God's sharp pupils suddenly contracted.

One… a single punch?!

The White Mantis Demon King was his top subordinate, even mastering the Witch‑Demon Tribulation; by forcing its eruption and borrowing its power, he could reach half‑step Demon God level!

However…

Yet the White Mantis Demon King couldn't even withstand a single punch—he was blown apart outright!

Elsewhere.

The cultivators from the various major powers under heaven were also struck into silent astonishment.

Indeed, this is the Overbearing and unreasonable style of the Underworld's actions.

"Not the Ox Demon, but Niu Yi?"

"Isn't this just the Ox Demon?!"

"Even a strongman of the Underworld under the Ox Demon can be this strong?"

……

Voices of discussion rose without cease.

Xixi excitedly shook Li Che's arm: "Father! Is this a valiant general under Master Niu Niu?!"

Li Che's lips curled into a gentle smile as he gave a slight nod.

Lü Taibai, Fang Hanshu, Lü Qiankun and the others all had their gazes turn strange.

But they quickly focused, beginning to watch how the demon clan occupying Qitian Cheng would react—whether they would let Niu Yi enter the city, or become enraged and turn hostile.

Gazes filled with amazement all turned to the Underworld's Niu Yi, whose five fingers were splayed open, gathering up the White Mantis Demon King's shattered flesh and demon core.

"Leave the demon core!"

A voice like grinding teeth rang out, and supremely sharp sword qi surged wildly, as if heaven and earth were being cut, emitting the sound of blades grinding glass.

Li Che wore a mask with a horizontal slash, taking on Niu Yi's identity, his five fingers gripping the White Mantis Demon King's demon core.

Within his chest.

The Myriad Demon Emperor's Dao Fruit seemed to turn into a bottomless pit, devouring every trace of demonic qi within the demon core.

It only took a moment to suck clean a demon king's demon pill.

Li Che, still unsatisfied, put away the demon pill.

"My demon pill, earned by my own strength—why should I leave it behind?"

"If I were to lose, would you really not take my Qiankun Jade?"

A hoarse voice echoed.

Afterward, Li Che looked at the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign and said, "Or perhaps… the rules you set are just a joke?"

"You've passed, Qitian Cheng… you may enter."

The Black Ox Demon God Sovereign, its terrifyingly huge cow face drooping down, stared at the adorable scratched-cow mask, as if letting out a faint laugh.

The Celestial Crane Demon God felt somewhat unwilling: "Demon God Sovereign…"

"Open the city gate!"

However, just as the Celestial Crane Demon God began to speak, the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign's voice, like a great bell and thunder, exploded!

The Celestial Crane Demon God immediately dared not say anything else.

Among the demon race, the hierarchy is extremely strict; the demonic aura's pressure between them is not much less than divine pressure.

Since the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign has spoken, he, a demon god of the One Disaster One Calamity realm, naturally dare not retort.

Creak—creak…

The West Gate, accompanied at once by a heavy, distant sound, resonated.

Then it slowly opened.

Li Che glanced over and gave a light smile.

He adjusted his mask, stepped forward, and walked into the city.

"To show that my demon race will not kill you without cause, you may first choose a house within Qitian Cheng, then… come to the city tower."

The Black Ox Demon God Sovereign spoke.

"Good."

Li Che gave a faint reply.

His whole person drifted into the black cave within the city gate.

Passing through the dark gate's extremely thick demonic aura, it almost permeated every corner of the city, even seeping into the cracks of the city walls.

For five hundred years, the demon race has indeed thoroughly studied the entire Qitian Cheng.

Li Che entered the city, where countless demon creatures thronged—some not humanoid, some still bestial, some with vicious eyes full of killing intent……

Lining both sides of the streets, extremely thick eerie mist mixed with demonic aura drifted within the city.

The whole Qitian Cheng seemed to have become a minor cave heaven, with the sense of heavenly and earthly will largely shielded.

Under the gaze of countless demon creatures, Li Che chose a courtyard.

Then, leaving the courtyard, he appeared on the city wall, not far from the Celestial Crane Demon God.

The Celestial Crane Demon God lost a capable aide, his visage extremely ugly, even filled with brutality and killing intent.

Yet, he dared not disobey the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign's command.

"Primordial Leopard Demon King! You will take the place of the White Mantis Demon King!"

"Kill! Viciously kill! Show no mercy! Tear apart any humans who dare to challenge!"

"I want them dead!"

The Celestial Crane Demon God's voice was extremely cold, filled with rolling, boiling killing intent.

Losing a subordinate is not the point.

The point is that the West Gate he was guarding has been breached!

This will make him a laughingstock among the great demon gods—it is a disgrace!

Since it is a disgrace, only slaughter can cleanse it with blood!

"Who else wants to storm Qitian Cheng!"

The Celestial Crane Demon God's hair flew like swords, his crane robe fluttering, clanking as if it were slicing the air.

However, Li Che, standing on the city tower, curled the corners of his mouth beneath his mask.

His mind stirred.

In a silent instant, he had already completed the alteration of the Painting Immortal Avatar.

Among the bustling crowd of Jianghu wanderers……

Suddenly.

Another figure slowly stepped forward, pushing through the Jianghu crowd, walking out step by step.

In his chest, the Dragon Elephant Golden Vajra Dao Fruit throbbed, then transformed his form.

The Jianghu wanderers immediately erupted in an uproar.

"Our Dàjǐng Jianghu actually produces so many talents!"

Hum——

On the city tower, the Primordial Leopard Demon King instantly landed on the ground, his leopard head gleaming with intense eyes, utterly solemn, not daring to show the slightest contempt.

His aura burst forth, instantly releasing a half-step demon god aura and a strand of witch-demon calamity power, forming Dao Essence Demon Calamity Force!

The White Mantis Demon King's lesson is right before his eyes—how could the Primordial Leopard Demon King dare to be careless?

The Primordial Leopard Demon King fixed his gaze on the figure stepping out from the Dàjǐng Jianghu wanderers, the black robe fluttering, the bamboo hat flying.

Most Jianghu wanderers dress like that, yet it gave the Primordial Leopard Demon King a feeling of his hairs standing on end.

But since the Celestial Crane Demon God ordered him to act, he could only act.

Moreover, the behind-the-scenes of the city-defense battle is the rule set by the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign's decree.

How could he dare to defy again?

"Kill——!!!"

The Yuan Leopard Monster King let out a fierce roar, the leopard's roar blasted, and the air currents endlessly exploded.

The demonic aura on his body surged and rolled continuously.

A colossal golden-spotted leopard emerged, ferociously baring its sharp fangs.

He held nothing back, unleashing full firepower.

However.

The wandering martial artist simply drew his longsword slowly; the blade trembled, and instantly endless clashing sword intent arose, vast and desolate.

As if he were a solitary figure walking a thousand mountains alone.

As the sword rose, its light shone like an azure dragon.

The fierce exchange lasted only three strokes.

Defying Heaven Half-Child, a hundred-foot Dao domain!

The Yuan Leopard Monster King, whose strength had been suddenly stripped, roared in panic and fury.

It was then split in half, then drawn into the endless blade light and chopped into countless fragments.

Blood fell like a rain of blossoms...

But see, the second wandering martial artist who challenged the Black Ox Demon God Sovereign's rules, clenched in one hand the Yuan Leopard Monster King's demon core, while wisp after wisp of demonic aura was drawn into the Myriad Demon Emperor Dao Fruit.

Meanwhile, he slowly removed his straw hat.

Beneath the straw hat.

Then he revealed the same cute cow mask.

However, the cute cow mask now bore two scratches instead of one.

Under the mask, Li Che's lips curled slightly.

By using and controlling the rules, repeatedly leaping sideways, only then can one feed the Dao Fruit.

You dare release the monster king... then the underworld will not politely claim it.

Under the mask, his eyes shone brightly.

He stared directly at the Celestial Crane Demon God seated atop the city tower.

His laughter rose lightly.

"Underworld Ox Two, I concede."

(End of chapter)