Chapter 293: Human Race Ancient Road Tenth Pass

The third to emerge seemed not human; he wielded a black great halberd, mighty and overbearing, declaring I alone am supreme.

On him, Yang Zhu felt an incredibly powerful aura, yet very familiar.

"Stone Emperor."

Yang Zhu narrowed his eyes for a moment, thrust his palm forward; countless runes fell from the sky, condensing in his palm into the character "Kill".

"Boom—"

Palm flat, the "Kill" character was gently pushed out; instantly the heavens trembled, an unparalleled terrifying killing formation appeared in the nine heavens, deterring the universe.

Killing intent streaked, capable of ripping the sky, striking down stars, like a vast ocean flooding, boundless.

Puff! Stone Emperor's gaze sharp, the Desolate Heaven Halberd in his hand burst with light; a strand shattered heaven and earth, causing Gu Xing to sway on the verge of collapse.

The sound of breaking air rang out, as if the universe exploded; the black halberd split the heavens, like a primordial beast emerging, slashing forward!

"Bang—"

The halberd clashed violently with the killing formation; endless killing intent surged, countless strands of killing intent could erase time itself, even the traces of the Dao were worn away.

Black divine light flowed from the halberd, shattering the void; enough to suppress peers of the same realm, terrifying beyond compare.

"Bang—"

Finally, after the fierce collision, the killing formation dissipated, while Stone Emperor was forced to retreat step by step, his hand gripping the halberd trembling uncontrollably.

"Watch how I suppress and kill you!"

Yang Zhu opened his mouth and spat out nine great characters, carved from beginningless essence blood; pressure swept over, like a great emperor awakening, the six harmonies and eight wastes trembled!

The nine great characters trembled slightly; Yang Zhu's body grew ever more crystalline; heavenly and earthly Dao patterns appeared, drifting down threads of mist.

"Boom—"

In the next instant, all formation patterns flickered, chaotic mist stirred; each strand could crush the great Dao, now all pressed toward the opponent.

As for those nine origin Dao patterns, they silently reflected the myriad worlds, without unleashing killing intent.

As Yang Zhu would say, "Just killing a Stone Emperor—why need to use great emperor essence blood?"

Stone Emperor is a holy spirit who attained the Dao, possessing innate advantages in mastering many heaven-defying laws; even against a holy body, he might not gain the upper hand.

But facing him now is a chaotic holy body, the fusion of the two strongest physiques in this world; no matter the opponent's physique, it ultimately cannot match it.

Chaotic essence pressure swept over, vast and mighty; a single strand could shatter stars, reverse yin and yang—now surging like a sea; even gods would fall! "Bang bang bang… puff!"

Light and law flooded this place; lasting only a few breaths, when all visions faded, Stone Emperor's body was completely shattered.

Only a wisp of remnant soul survived under the self‑explosion of the Desolate Heaven Halberd.

"Puff—"

Yang Zhu's eyes turned icy; giving no chance, he pointed a finger and shattered the divine soul.

Hence another great emperor's imprint was slain by him; immediately, an old Daoist in Daoist robes stepped forward, performing the Walking Character Technique, having reached the extreme of time!

Carefree Heavenly Sovereign!

Yang Zhu showed no fear; all divine abilities were displayed; a great battle erupted, and within a few rounds he subdued his opponent.

Next, the remaining great emperors came one after another, continually launching terrifying assaults.

Though they are merely imprints of this heaven and earth, their unique invincible conviction compels them not to join forces against the enemy.

For them, doing so would be a lack of confidence, a great disgrace!

Yang Zhu fought the nine emperors alone; his divine power within was like a vast star sea, showing no sign of decline.

After attaining sainthood, his physique became ever more terrifying; wherever he is in the universe, as long as there is life essence and great Dao principles, he can use them all! Finally, the nine great emperors were slain one by one by him; none could match him, displaying his invincible posture! "Just a mere imprint."

Yang Zhu stood before that immortal palace, did not enter, merely turned away after a moment.

Whether there are immortals in the heavenly court, he already knew; no need to go see for himself, after all this is only an imprint, not the true ruins.

Before leaving, Yang Zhu looked down at the ancient star beneath his feet—ruined and broken, ravines everywhere; without the imperial Dao principles sustaining it, it would have exploded long ago.

He plucked two tender shoots from the life ancient tree, slipped them from beyond the realm, placed them on this land, and vanished instantly on the spot.

The human race's second pass is more grand and solemn than the first, standing on the human race ancient road like a coiled dragon, exuding immense pressure.

"What kind of person are you? Surely not from the first pass? But the altar of the first pass has only just opened a year ago."

Just reaching the city gate, Yang Zhu was stopped by a leader for routine questioning.

The first pass has been open for over a year since its last opening; logically no one should come from there, so the only possibility is that this person has lingered in the ancient land for a year.

"Second pass guide, greetings, imperial son."

Yang Zhu was about to speak when a voice came from within; immediately the second pass guide appeared before the city gate.

"Earlier I learned the imperial son would undergo tribulation, expecting him soon, so I waited here especially."

Unlike the first layer, there are no formation patterns sensing imperial Dao principles here, but shortly before, he and three other guides had caught a glimpse of Yang Zhu.

Now seeing Yang Zhu again, even this guide was stunned; he could not see through Yang Zhu's strength—so vast it beggars imagination.

"What… he is that imperial son?"

In an instant, all soldiers stared wide‑eyed; though Yang Zhu had not arrived, his fame had already spread throughout the ancient road.

Over the past year, countless big shots have come to the second pass hoping to witness him, yet never got the chance.

Yang Zhu nodded, did not linger; after entering the city he did not rush to leave, he retreated to break through to sage, consuming much time, still unaware of the current situation.

He went to the city's most famous tavern, where past travelers often gather, making it a hub of news.

"Ah, Fairy Qing Shi has not left yet; she's been waiting over a year—truly surprising."

"To obtain the source of the Dao, she has also paid dearly; she once did not hesitate to turn back and come here."

The tavern was crowded; aside from a few lingering travelers, most were native residents of the city.

Their talk undoubtedly concerned various events on the ancient road.

"The holy body of the Emperor Burial Star grows stronger, yet too arrogant; recently it stirred trouble again, and a powerful being has come via the Divine Light Platform to seek it."

"The Divine Light Platform? Such an existence cannot be dealt with by a mere holy body; he probably won't live long." "Bang bang bang… puff!"

In this year, Ye Fan made quite a name for himself; the fame of his Holy Body spread far and wide, yet he also earned the contempt of many, who openly declared they would kill him.

"Damn, have you heard? That big black dog has taken on a few more human pets..."

"It's practically a 'disaster star'—who would have thought a big black dog would spend all day shouting about taking heavenly pride as pets? That's simply a disgrace." Whenever people mention the Black Emperor, their faces shift between green and white, quite a sight.

The black dog remained as usual; no matter where it went, it still caused chaos like chickens flying and dogs jumping, making people's teeth itch with anger.

Some couldn't tolerate it, repeatedly lashing out, wanting to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Yet everyone knows he follows Yang Zhu close by, making it hard to openly strike against him, and they are quite wary.

After all, no one wants to provoke Yang Zhu—since that battle he killed half of the trainees, and even now, recalling it still sends chills through many.

But what happens in secret remains unknown.

"Little Black, little Black..."

Yang Zhu had long grown accustomed to it, calmly sipping his enlightenment tea, still appearing "composed".

After gaining a rough understanding of what had transpired during this period, Yang Zhu walked toward the top floor, where only the heavenly pride among the trainees were qualified to enter.

It can be said that those who can go up are all outstanding among them.

Upon arriving, he saw a woman resembling a fairy, sitting quietly by the window, closing her eyes to nurture her spirit.

"You..."

Qing Shi Xianzi sensed something, slowly opening her eyes, and upon seeing Yang Zhu for the first time, she froze.

She had traveled far along the Starry Sky Ancient Road, having seen countless heavenly pride and heroes, many of whom were transcendent, possessing invincible potential.

Yet upon seeing Yang Zhu with just a glance, she was stunned.

The man before her wore a black robe flowing like a waterfall, as if the heavens' stars clung to it, radiating a divine, holy aura.

Simply standing there, without any movement, the surrounding air resonated with heavenly dao music, like a banished immortal descending to the mortal world, his posture godlike, shaking past and present! She had never seen anyone so breathtaking.

"Qing Shi has greeted you, sir; may I ask your esteemed name?"

Unbeknownst to her, Qing Shi Xianzi had actually drifted off; when she came to, she spoke with a slight apology.

"Yang Zhu."

"Yang Zhu... are you that person?"

Upon hearing that name, the other party stared for a moment before suddenly realizing.

Actually, many only knew Yang Zhu as the Imperial Son, unaware of his name; it was only after the big black dog once shouted it out that a few learned it.

"What, the Imperial Son has come?"

Besides Qing Shi Xianzi, a few others were here chatting about the Dao; hearing this, they were startled, rose abruptly, and looked over.

"What do you want to exchange for the Source of the Dao?" Yang Zhu said bluntly, getting straight to the point.

"I have several catties of Purple Sand River, half a scroll of ancient volumes..."

Qing Shi Xianzi spoke; everything she mentioned was a rare treasure, enough to make anyone envious.

"Sorry, I'm not interested in these; now that I've left seclusion, I'll continue on my journey—you don't need to keep waiting."

Having said that, Yang Zhu departed; he had come merely to give a heads‑up, otherwise making the other party wait in vain would leave him feeling uneasy.

"Imperial Son! Please wait a moment..."

However, Qing Shi Xianzi could not easily give up; she hurriedly called out to the departing Yang Zhu, obviously somewhat anxious.

Yang Zhu stomped his foot and looked at her; it wasn't that he was cold, but truly ordinary things hardly interested him.

"I have a Great Saint‑level holy weapon, with only minor damage that can be almost ignored—this is the utmost sincerity I can offer."

After Qing Shi Xianzi finished speaking, she nervously clenched her jade hands; if this still couldn't move him, she truly would have no recourse.

For she could sense that Yang Zhu was far beyond her ability to handle.

Seeing this, Yang Zhu calmly gazed at her, as if seeing through illusion, scanning her spirit and soul, then after a moment produced a clump of Source of the Dao and handed it to her.

"Forget it—just consider this a fortuitous encounter I'm giving you."

Having said that, he turned and left, while Qing Shi Xianzi remained rooted in place, unable to react for a long time.

The Source of the Dao, such a rare immortal treasure—who knows how many dream of it—yet he so easily gave it away; what magnanimity and nonchalance!

What people don't realize is that each Source of the Dao is most effective only upon first consumption; afterward its potency wanes greatly, much like an Immortal Pill.

He had previously consumed six, having exhausted their effects; the ones he now holds are of little use to him.

Besides, she had waited a long time, and her nature in Heart Intent City is not bad; it would be better to simply give it to her, leaving behind a fine story.

(I won't elaborate on this behavior—just like when Wu Shi initially returned the imperial arms, it's not anything like "licking".) "The Imperial Son has come!"

Yang Zhu departed, continuing forward along the ancient road; meanwhile, the news of his return spread like wings, sweeping quickly.

Soon the ancient road trembled; after a year's interval, at last there was news of Yang Zhu, and no one could stay calm! "The Imperial Son left the second pass, and before departing he granted a portion of the Source of the Dao to Qing Shi Xianzi."

"As expected of the Imperial Son, to have such broad-minded generosity—truly admirable!"

When the news broke, people were stunned, not knowing how enviable it was, all chatting excitedly.

What Yang Zhu didn't know was that this matter would thereafter circulate forever; even after countless ages, whenever someone brings it up, they will praise it without end.

Next, Yang Zhu treaded across river after river of stars, charged through vast life‑forbidden zones; many challenged him there, but all ultimately fell, turning to dry bones that paved the road to proving the Great Emperor.

All the way he was invincible, sweeping aside the ancient road; nothing could stand against him.

In merely half a year, Yang Zhu arrived at the Human Race's Tenth Pass.

The Tenth Pass of the Starry Sky Ancient Road is a special place, for it is the first ancient pass built upon a life‑bearing ancient star on the ancient road.

In the dark universe, a holy city hangs in space, emitting brilliant holy radiance, orbiting an ancient star like a satellite.

Looking down from this city, one can see vague mountain‑and‑river scenery on the life star below, many of which are ancient ruins.

Even occasionally, terrifying beasts soar into the heavens, emitting frightful howls that shake the vast cosmos.

This is a dangerous star, teeming with overbearing creatures; danger lurks everywhere, yet often danger coexists with opportunity, brimming with various chances.

In theory, ordinary people cannot directly descend here; they must pass through a dedicated Five‑Colored Altar.

Because outside Gu Xing, a terrifying formation pattern envelops it; even a Saint King-level expert who comes will fall.

Although it cannot compare to the Big Dipper, it is also not to be underestimated.

However, Yang Zhu entered as if into an uninhabited realm, standing above the nine heavens, overlooking this Gu Xing; all the killing intent around it could not affect him in the slightest.

(End of chapter)