Chapter 212

Chen Ku's eyes flashed like lightning, gripping people's hearts and souls.

Translation: Chen Ku's eyes flashed like lightning, seizing people's hearts and souls.

We need to keep it concise but faithful. "Chen Ku's eyes were like lightning, seizing people's hearts and souls." Could be: "Chen Ku's eyes flashed like lightning, seizing people's hearts and souls." We'll choose: "Chen Ku's eyes flashed like lightning, seizing people's hearts and souls."

Above the nine heavens, a vast, abyss‑like aura surged forth, rolling and rising, mighty and boundless.

Translation: Above the nine heavens, a vast, abyss-like aura surged forth, rolling and rising, mighty and boundless.

We need to keep meaning: "Above the nine heavens, a vast, abyss-like aura surged forth, rolling and rising, mighty and boundless."

Boom!

Translation: Boom!

In an instant, all beings heard a tremendous heavenly sound explode, deafening.

Translation: In an instant, all beings heard a tremendous heavenly sound explode, deafeningly loud.

Better: "In an instant, all beings heard a tremendous heavenly sound explode, deafening." Keep: "In an instant, all beings heard a tremendous heavenly sound explode, deafeningly loud."

He fixed his gaze on the arena.

Translation: They fixed their gaze on the arena.

This fierce collision sent Chen Ku's body shuddering violently.

Translation: In this fierce collision, Chen Ku's body shuddered violently.

However, on the other side, Taiyi's offensive also stalled.

Translation: However, on the other side, Taiyi's offensive also stalled.

The towering qi dissipated into nothingness, ceasing to exist.

Translation: The towering aura was annihilated in the void, ceasing to exist.

The chaos bell above Taiyi's head hummed incessantly, five‑colored rays bursting forth, yet giving a sense of disorder.

Translation: The Chaos Bell above Taiyi's head hummed incessantly, five-colored rays bursting forth, yet it felt chaotic.

All beings were filled with shock and regret.

Translation: All beings were filled with shock and regret.

In such a head‑on clash, neither could gain the upper hand.

Translation: In such a head‑on clash, the two could not tell who was superior.

Taiyi's pupils also contracted sharply, staring fixedly at Chen Ku.

Translation: Taiyi's pupils also contracted sharply, staring fixedly at Chen Ku.

"Hiss... this..."

Translation: "Hiss... this..."

Although he feigned calm on the surface, his heart was churning with tumultuous waves.

Translation: Although he feigned calm on the surface, his heart was now churning with shock and turmoil.

Only now did Emperor Jun Taiyi, along with all beings, finally see clearly the spectacle surrounding Chen Ku.

Translation: Only then did Di Jun, Taiyi, and all beings finally see clearly the spectacle surrounding Chen Ku.

Dharma‑body!

Translation: Dharmakaya!

Reward‑body!

Translation: Sambhogakaya!

Response‑body!

Translation: Nirmanakaya!

The three‑time Buddha bodies have all appeared.

Translation: The Three Worlds Buddha Body had fully manifested.

Each figure is majestic and expansive, enveloped in boundless golden light.

Translation: Each figure was majestic and vast, wrapped in boundless golden light.

Their solemn, dignified appearance stands like a pillar between heaven and earth; the Buddha light shines brilliantly, as if the supreme Buddha were observing all beings in the world.

Translation: Their solemn, dignified appearance stood heaven‑high and earth‑firm, Buddha‑light blazing, like the supreme Buddha scrutinizing myriad beings between heaven and earth.

Even in a daze, this magnificent sight gave beings the illusion that a sage had descended.

Translation: Even in a daze, this magnificent sight gave all beings the illusion that a sage had descended.

Chen Ku's true form also radiated mighty vigor, his Daoist robe fluttering like a banner, possessing the power to crush the void.

Translation: Chen Ku's true self also exuded a mighty aura, his Daoist robe fluttering like a banner, bearing the power to collapse the void.

Terrifying!

Translation: Terrifying!

Indeed terrifying!

Translation: Indeed terrifying!

In fact, this is precisely the source of Chen Ku's confidence.

Translation: In fact, this is precisely where Chen Ku's confidence lies.

Even though there are many powerful demons, so what?!

Translation: Though the Demon Race has many strong ones, so what?!

Know that the three‑time Buddha bodies differ from the ordinary cultivator's severing of the three corpses technique.

Translation: Know that the Three Worlds Buddha Body differs from ordinary cultivators' Three Corpse Slaying Method.

Now Chen Ku's true form is a late‑stage mixed‑element golden immortal; correspondingly, each of his three‑time Buddha bodies is also a late‑stage mixed‑element golden immortal, extraordinarily powerful.

Translation: Now Chen Ku's true self is at the late Primordial Golden Immortal stage, and correspondingly each of his Three Worlds Buddha Bodies is also late Primordial Golden Immortal, extraordinarily powerful.

Moreover, each Buddha body possesses a self‑like consciousness and can wield many powers of law.

Translation: Moreover, each Buddha Body can be said to possess its own consciousness and to wield the power of many laws.

Heavenly Dao law!

Translation: Heavenly Dao Law!

Spatial law!

Translation: Space Law!

Temporal law!

Translation: Time Law!

In short, everything Chen Ku commands is likewise at the fingertips of his three‑time Buddha bodies.

Translation: In short, everything Chen Ku commands, the Three Worlds Buddha Body can wield just as easily.

Compared with the ordinary cultivator's severing of the three corpses, it is completely a crushing‑level existence—no exaggeration.

Translation: Compared to ordinary cultivators' Three Corpse Slaying Method, it is completely a crushing‑level existence, no exaggeration.

After all, the severing‑three‑corpses method, as far as present times go, has no exception; the strength of the three corpses is far inferior to that of the true self.

Translation: After all, the Three Corpse Slaying Method, as far as present cultivators go, admits no exception; the strength of the three corpses is far inferior to the true self.

Thus, countless cultivators of the present age, even in the midst of great battles, rarely summon the three corpses for aid.

Translation: Therefore, countless cultivators of the present age, even when engaged in great wars, rarely summon the three corpses for aid.

Doing so makes the three corpses more like a useless rib, becoming a burden to the true self.

Translation: Thus, the three corpses are too feeble, becoming a burden rather than an aid to the true self.

Even after countless ages have passed, when we reach the later era's Fengshen calamity,

Translation: Even after countless ages have passed, arriving at the Fengshen Great Calamity of later ages.

only Laozi alone created the supreme divine art of transforming one breath into the Three Purities, thereby uniting the three corpses.

Translation: Only Laozi alone created such a supreme divine ability, One Qi Transforms into Three Purities, thereby uniting the three corpses.

At that point, Laozi's three corpses finally possessed strength not inferior to his true body.

Translation: At that point, Laozi's three corpses also gained strength not inferior to his true self.

At this moment, Chen Ku felt a stir in his heart.

Translation: At this moment, Chen Ku's heart stirred.

"In the unseen, all things give birth to and restrain one another."

Translation: "In the unseen, all things give birth and restrain each other."

"Could it be... that the Immortal‑Slaughter Sword Formation cannot be broken except by the four sages precisely because of this principle?"

Translation: "Could it be... that the Zhu Xian Sword Formation, which only the Four Saints can break, is precisely for this reason?"

Chen Ku came to understand many things.

Translation: Chen Ku came to understand much.

The Immortal‑Slaughter Sword Formation can be called one of the top two killing formations of all ages; that is no exaggeration.

Translation: The Zhu Xian Sword Formation, called one of the top killing formations of all ages, is no exaggeration.

The single statement "cannot be broken except by the four sages" already suffices to show how terrifying that formation is.

Translation: The single phrase "only the Four Saints can break it" suffices to show how terrifying that formation is.

And Chen Ku suddenly thought: if everyone's three corpses could possess strength not inferior to their true self,

Translation: And Chen Ku suddenly thought, if everyone's three corpses could possess strength not inferior to the true self,

then during the Fengshen era, any sage who summoned his three corpses and added his true self could surely break the Immortal‑Slaughter Sword Formation, right?

Translation: then, during the Fengshen era, any saint who summoned his three corpses and added his true self could surely break the Zhu Xian Sword Formation, right?

One must say that the heavenly secrets are subtle; sometimes they are profoundly mysterious and ineffable.

Translation: One must say, the heavenly secrets are subtle; sometimes they are profoundly mysterious, beyond words.

Now turn to the other side, Taiyi.

Translation: Now, turning to the other side, Taiyi.

Regarding Chen Ku's horrifyingly extraordinary aura, Taiyi was indeed startled,

Translation: Regarding Chen Ku's terrifying spectacle all around him, Taiyi was indeed startled.

but he still naturally assumed it was merely a manifestation of the three corpses.

Translation: However, he still naturally assumed that it was merely a manifestation of the three corpses.

Taiyi could not have imagined that Chen Ku cultivated the Mixed‑Element Dao.

Translation: Taiyi never imagined that Chen Ku cultivated the Primordial Dao.

"Hmph, what good is severing the three corpses?!"

Translation: "Hmph, what good is cutting off the three corpses?!"

"Just a trifling display of three corpses, and you dare to challenge my might?"

Translation: "A mere manifestation of three corpses, and you dare to challenge my might?!"

"Laughable, truly laughable!"

Translation: "Ridiculous, truly ridiculous!"

Taiyi spoke, full of contemptuous mockery.

Translation: Taiyi spoke, full of contemptuous mockery.

As his words faded, he suddenly waved his hand.

Translation: As his words fell, he suddenly waved his great hand.

As his words fell, he suddenly waved his hand.

Whoosh!

Instantly, a fierce rainbow light burst forth, dazzling and brilliant.

Within the rainbow light lay the true fire of the sun, emitting a terrifying heat capable of burning down the heavens.

Then it charged at the responding incarnation, one of Chen Ku's Three Worlds Buddha bodies.

To Taiyi, his true self had acted, and he had unleashed the might of the innate companion true fire of the sun.

Chen Ku's three corpses could certainly not block this strike; they would surely dissipate, turning to ash and smoke.

But seeing Taiyi's move, Chen Ku merely snorted in laughter.

No need for him to speak.

Immediately thereafter, the Boundless Bracelet suddenly appeared above the responding incarnation's head.

This supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure suddenly swelled in the face of the storm, hovering above the responding incarnation's head.

Boom—

With mighty divine power, it forcibly blocked Taiyi's assault, leaving the responding incarnation unharmed.

This sight left all beings staring agape.

"Hiss... Such a top-tier spiritual treasure, yet it's merely used to protect the three corpses?"

"This... this... Chen Ku truly is extraordinary."

All beings exclaimed in astonishment.

Supreme-grade innate spiritual treasures are exceedingly rare.

In the eyes of all beings, such a treasure naturally ought to protect oneself.

To entrust it to one of the three corpses? That's simply a waste of heavenly treasures.

Waste!

Too wasteful!

In the field, Taiyi grew even angrier.

"Hmph, I'd like to see just how many spiritual treasures you possess."

"Can you still protect all three corpses?!"

With a furious shout, Taiyi unleashed an even vaster, more mighty assault.

A sun true fire spanning a million zhang in breadth spread forth, like rolling thunder, vowing to utterly crush Chen Ku's three corpses.

This time, all beings changed color.

But hearing Taiyi's words, the smile on Chen Ku's face grew even deeper.

"Hehe, want to know?!"

"If so, then I shall satisfy your curiosity."

Before his words even fell, Chen Ku unhesitatingly pointed finger after finger.

Each pointed finger was accompanied by a flash of dazzling divine light that burst forth, landing one after another on the heads or in the hands of the Three Worlds Buddha bodies.

Dragon-Phoenix Zither!

Azure Lotus Treasure Banner!

Mysterious Origin Water-Control Banner!

Pastoral Immortal Staff!

Myriad Buddha Seal!

Twelve-Grade World-Annihilating Black Lotus!

Twenty-Four Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls!

One spiritual treasure after another emerged, leaving all beings dazzled.

In just a brief moment, each of the Three Worlds Buddha bodies had already taken command of a spiritual treasure.

Around Chen Ku's person, spiritual treasures also circled, myriad Buddha lights illuminating the heavens.

Silence!

Between heaven and earth, only a deathlike silence remained!

All beings had already stared agape, faces blank!

Numb!

Totally numb!

What a magnificent sight!

You should know that for the vast majority of cultivators in the world, possessing even one or two upper-grade, or even supreme-grade, innate spiritual treasures would already be considered a tremendous fortune.

Yet Chen Ku's methods are truly shocking to the world.

Not only his true self, but even his Three Worlds Buddha bodies can be fully armed.

More importantly, all beings clearly sensed it.

The many spiritual treasures Chen Ku sacrificed, even the upper-grade innate spiritual treasures were merely baseline.

Supreme-grade innate spiritual treasures are far from few.

"Hiss... It turns out Chen Ku was not wasting heavenly treasures."

"But rather, this kid's accumulation is also astonishing."

"Damn, the three corpses can have numerous spiritual treasures supporting them; truly, having many spiritual treasures is enough to be willful."

"So this is truly Chen Ku Daoist friend's true foundation?!"

All beings exclaimed in unison, unable to help but repeatedly draw in cold breaths.

Only then did all beings suddenly realize.

Using a spiritual treasure to protect the 'Three Corpses' body? That's not a waste.

It's just that Chen Ku has far too many spiritual treasures; he has the qualifications to be so willful.

In the arena, the Demon Court's people had long been dazzled.

"Hiss... hiss... so many top-grade spiritual treasures!"

"This kid's fortune is also astonishing."

"If we can capture him today, even if we only get any one of these items, it would be worth endless years of travel and exploration."

"Not bad, not bad; this kid has practically delivered himself today."

"Hahaha..."

"Envious!"

"Jealous!"

"Envious!"

Hundreds of Demon Saints gazed with fervor, greedily wandering over Chen Ku's spiritual treasures one after another.

The covetousness in their hearts overflowed, impossible to conceal.

If before this, the Demon Court's goal was merely to take down Red Cloud Ancestor and help Kun-Peng seize the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi.

Then, at this moment, in their hearts, Chen Ku's value is clearly higher.

After all, even if they obtained the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi, other Demon Court powerhouses would hardly have a chance to enjoy it.

By comparison, Chen Ku's myriad spiritual treasures are all the more tempting.

It must be said, Chen Ku's display of such staggering accumulation also, to some extent, diverted most of the Demon Court powerhouses' attention.

By Chen Ku's side, Red Cloud watched this unprecedented spectacle, equally shocked and speechless.

"This... Fellow Daoist Chen Ku, what an astonishing accumulation!"

"Even a saint probably isn't that wealthy, right?"

Red Cloud unconsciously muttered, voicing the shock and incredulity in his heart.

Only now did he finally understand.

Why, back in the Western Heavens, Chen Ku could casually produce two top-grade innate spiritual treasures and give them to Xi He and Chang Xi.

Such grade of spiritual treasure is, for Chen Ku, really too commonplace.

Truly, people compare themselves to death, goods compare to be thrown away.

Just as Red Cloud's thoughts were racing, Tai Yi finally came to his senses.

"Hmph, Chen Ku."

"To protect that Red Cloud, you're really willing to sacrifice."

Tai Yi gave a cold laugh.

Even in the initial war between the Demon Race and the West, Chen Ku never revealed such astonishing trump cards.

Who would have thought that today, for a single Red Cloud, he would not hesitate to reveal all of them.

As he spoke, Tai Yi's expression gradually became extremely solemn and reverent.

Nothing else!

Tai Yi clearly noticed.

The many spiritual treasures Chen Ku sacrificed still lacked the shadow of the God-Slaying Spear and the Primordial Chaos Measuring Heaven Ruler.

Those two primordial supreme treasures are also Chen Ku's most powerful killing moves.

Even without saying it, Tai Yi's heart was already full of envy.

He was even envious to the point of numbness!

Hearing Tai Yi's words, Chen Ku gave a strange smile.

"Alas... suffering, suffering..."

"I, myself, don't want this either."

"Why do you keep forcing me like this?"

Chen Ku wore a look of helplessness.

That appearance made it seem as if today's affairs left him completely innocent, merely forced by the Demon Court, helplessly compelled to act this way.

Hearing this, all beings wore strange expressions, unable to resist secretly curling their lips.

Alright!

This pretense, on the contrary, lets you act nonchalant.

Of course, no matter how shocked and astonished Tai Yi and the others are,

but since things have come to this, they naturally cannot just stop fighting.

Moreover, the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi has not yet been obtained.

Only one battle remains!

Tai Yi's gaze turned icy, and he no longer wasted words.

"More talk is useless!"

"Then let me see, even with all those spiritual treasures boosting you, just how much power you can exert."

The words fell, and the great war reignited!

Tai Yi's figure flashed swiftly, and the Golden Crow Rainbow Transformation Technique was unleashed.

At the same time, streams of grand divine abilities unfolded, obscuring the sky and covering the sun, their momentum terrifying, making one's heart tremble upon beholding them.

Tai Yi was in no way feeble.

Although Chen Ku possessed spiritual treasures to an astonishing degree.

But back when Purple Cloud Palace was giving its Dao lecture, he had merely managed to catch the last one.

In other words, compared to Chen Ku, Taiyi had listened to the sage's Dao lectures two more times.

If today we cannot take down the latter, where is the face of the Demon Race's war god?!

The two fought again in the same place.

However, as the battle intensified, Taiyi grew ever more alarmed.

No matter how powerful an attack technique he unleashed, against Chen Ku he could hardly break through the latter's defense.

After all, the Azure Lotus Treasure Banner, the Primordial Origin Water-controlling Banner, the Twelve-grade Lotus Platform and so on are top-tier spiritual treasures with unmatched defense.

Any one of them would be enough for Taiyi to drink a pot.

On the contrary, Chen Ku revealed his late-stage Primordial Golden Immortal cultivation; each strike was extraordinarily violent, fierce and overbearing, making Taiyi feel increasingly strained.

Unbeknownst to them, in their great battle Taiyi secretly fell into a disadvantage, his form continually retreating violently.

This left Taiyi fuming, roaring repeatedly, yet to no avail.

All beings stared blankly, stunned beyond measure.

Such a sight truly blew their eyes.

All beings had never imagined that Chen Ku, a mere surface-western 'junior' spirit, facing the Demon Court's arguably strongest Taiyi, could actually fight to this extent.

Outside the arena, watching this scene, Di Jun had long since sunk his face like water, brows tightly furrowed.

"Hmph, giving face yet refusing face!"

With a furious shout, Di Jun's aura all around also began to boom— and turn, unable to be restrained.