Chapter 157: Battle at the Peak (6K Combined Chapter)

The purple-robed youth raised an eyebrow, a wry smile curling at his lips, and reached out to catch it.

Boom! He clenched the chess piece that had once suppressed all under heaven's masters.

The brilliant ten-thousand-zhang radiance was casually seized in his palm—as if the sun had been extinguished! All present turned pale, but at that moment, a sudden explosion erupted from the youth's palm, like a thunderclap, and faint gray-white smoke drifted from between his fingers, like powdered stone.

The purple-robed youth's calm smile froze; he loosened his fingers, revealing his palm—flesh and muscle shredded, as if slashed by countless blades.

He was wounded! The many masters stood stunned; they had all clashed with Li Hao's chess piece and knew how terrifying its martial intent was. Seeing it crushed effortlessly by this great demon, their hearts had leapt in fear—but now, even this Tri-Imperishable-level demon had been injured?

Seeing his young master wounded, the gray-robed elder behind the youth turned his face cold, and slowly stepped forward.

The heavens and earth darkened, as if a black storm cloud rolled in.

Everyone present felt their hearts skip a beat, a suffocating pressure gripping their breath.

But the purple-robed youth raised his hand to stop the elder, gently rubbing the remaining ash between his fingers, the wound on his palm healing at a visible pace.

He looked up at the calm boy seated among them, his violet, starlit eyes smiling.

"Interesting."

"You're the Young Demon King of Wanshan!"

At that moment, a shocked voice rang out—it was Huang Tianji Shanren.

He had just recognized the origins of these two great demons, his face filled with astonishment: they were the only son of the Wanshan Demon King beyond Tianmen Pass!

This young demon king was said to possess extraordinary talent, fully nurtured by his father, and after centuries of cultivation, had reached the peak of Tri-Imperishable!

Moreover, he had multiple records of devouring Tri-Imperishable frontier generals; decades ago, this young demon king roamed the Liangzhou border, attacking numerous frontier cities—a terrifyingly restless demon! "The Young Demon King of Wanshan?!"

Hearing Huang Tianji Shanren's words, over a dozen Liangzhou masters turned pale with terror.

This young demon king was notoriously bold and violent, striking repeatedly on the border—they had heard rumors and knew his realm.

If he were merely Immortal-Death, they could overwhelm him with numbers and defeat him.

But Tri-Imperishable? The gap was too vast; even human-wave tactics would fail, for he possessed Tri-Imperishable power.

"Why would this demon come here? Damn it—could they be targeting us?"

"I heard he's a serial killer with an enormous appetite—how did such a monster slip in?!"

The masters turned ashen; though revered, they were merely delicious morsels before such great demons.

Some already harbored thoughts of retreat, their eyes filled with despair.

If the city-protection array still stood, they might use its power to resist such a demon.

But the array had been shattered—even the Grand Commander of Dayue had died. Their only hope now rested on Wen Tian'en of Mount Wuliang Mountain!

Thinking of this, many masters' gazes fell upon Wen Tian'en and Huang Tianji Shanren—these two were now Dayue City's last pillars.

Yet the Tri-Imperishable demons before them, including the ox demon afar, numbered three.

Even disregarding realm, their numbers held advantage.

And beyond the city, wave after wave of demons surged forward—clearly intending to encircle the entire city and slaughter it all! "Fight to the death, everyone!"

Not all masters placed hope in others; one stepped forward, and after shock and despair, his eyes blazed with resolute, fatal determination.

"Running means death—while the demon horde hasn't closed in, carve a bloody path out!"

"If even one escapes to summon nearby garrison reinforcements, it's not too late—we won't all perish!"

"Correct! Cowardice only hastens death!"

As one led, more masters gathered their shattered spirits; after all, they were masters of their domains. Though they knew this battle would be brutal and grim, what choice did they have? Flee?

If they scattered like birds and beasts, they'd be hunted and slaughtered at leisure by these great demons!

They were masters—not pigs or dogs, not ants fleeing in panic before terror.

The waves of the long Longjiang surged, crashed, and battered the riverbank beyond the Dao Discourse Platform—as if roaring in fury!

Dozens of masters now stepped forward, their eyes filled with resolve.

Zhou Zhou Haitang raised his hand, blocking his daughter and two disciples behind him. He drew a deep breath; though a master, he was only at Precious Form, not even a Grand Tianren Zongshi. Even an ordinary Tri-Imperishable demon would make him flee in terror on any other day.

But now—how could he flee? Behind him stood his daughter, his disciples.

He would use his flesh and blood, his lifetime of cultivated martial Dao, to carve a faint path to survival for them!

"White brother, our sparring will have to wait for next time."

Zhou Zhou Haitang saw the figure stepping forward nearby—Bai Bai Chunhai.

Two longtime rivals, now in perfect unison, exchanged a glance—beneath their solemn resolve, a faint, resigned smile emerged.

"No need to wait for next time—let's see who inflicts more damage on it this time."

Bai Bai Chunhai smiled. His hunched frame cracked audibly along the spine, straightening upright, revealing the bearing of a true master!

"Good!"

Zhou Zhou Haitang's eyes blazed with light and battle-lust.

Among other masters, many shared Zhou Zhou Haitang's mindset; none had anticipated this nightmare when they came for the Tianren Zongshi Dao Discourse.

Each had brought close disciples or family—only a few came alone—but now, there was no retreat.

Among the crowd, Li Li Wushuang's face was pale; she carried no distress signal—the device was in her carriage, but it was too far from the arena, impossible to reach.

Beside her, two fifteen-li-level maids shielded her, their eyes filled with shock and fury—but mostly, resolute killing intent.

In the army, they had faced many great demons; their courage was forged in iron. Even if they died, they would protect Li Li Wushuang.

"Jiao Bo, entertain them for a while."

The Young Demon King of Wanshan, seeing the masters' battle-lust, smiled indifferently. His gaze fixed on Li Hao. "A mere master-level insect managed to wound me? That's… intriguing."

The gray-robed elder glanced at the human boy—only a Heaven-Man realm cultivator, nothing but a plaything before his young master. He bowed respectfully, then his body began radiating terrifying demonic energy.

The energy coalesced above his head, forming a hundred-zhang phantom dragon, its scales forged like molten iron, radiating dreadful power.

His cultivation level was now revealed—also Tri-Imperishable peak.

Seeing this, the masters' newly kindled battle-lust turned grim again—but then, deeper, more tragic resolve ignited in their eyes.

"Take the Buddha Child and leave."

On the Dao Discourse Platform, Wen Tian'en's face darkened. He swiftly whispered to the three venerables beside him.

He glanced at Qin Qin Wuque, unconscious on the ground, sighing inwardly—this battle alone would leave an indelible wound on the Buddha Child's soul.

After giving the order, he leapt forward, flying toward the front of the masters. His body blazed with golden Buddha light, aiming to draw the attention of both great demons.

"Don't obstruct the young master."

The gray-robed elder spoke calmly, then slapped his palm—demonic energy formed a dragon claw that swept across the air.

Wen Tian'en's face changed instantly. He flung his prayer beads, forming a golden shield, while unleashing his solemn Precious Form—like a Buddha—raising his hand to cast the Mount Wuliang Mountain's supreme technique: Heaven Buddha Suppressing Demon Palm!

The palm, blazing with divine flame and radiance, descended like a blazing sun, crushing all demonic evil.

As if meant to suppress every demon in the world!

Yet the instant the Buddha palm met the dragon claw, the claw tore through the palm, shattering Wen Tian'en's golden divine shield.

The terrifying impact hurled Wen Tian'en's body sideways, flinging him into the crowd.

Many masters rushed to catch him, but the residual force knocked over seven or eight before it stopped.

Those who held Wen Tian'en churned their blood, worsening their injuries.

They had already fought on the platform, holding back little, and were already wounded. No one expected a demon attack—now they were in poor condition, unable to recover quickly, their eyes filled with despair.

The battle erupted instantly. Shen Shen Yunqing and Su Ye hua turned pale and solemn, rising to shield the White Hall disciples behind them.

Had they known of this surprise, they would never have come to the banquet.

But now, there were no "what-ifs," no retreat.

"Find a chance to escape!"

Shen Shen Yunqing whispered to the disciples.

These White Hall disciples were mostly Spirit-Travelers—nowhere near capable of resisting this demonic aura. Their faces were as white as paper, bodies trembling uncontrollably.

Yet at that moment, Li Hao, who had been sitting still, stood up.

His face was solemn and icy. The ox demon afar continued destroying without restraint—he could not delay; he must end this swiftly.

He raised his hand, forming a sword grip.

A sharp, piercing cry rang out—like a dragon's roar—suddenly echoing through the arena. A dragon's cry erupted from Ren Ren Qianqian's arms, surging skyward with overwhelming force, soaring straight to the heavens! The Long Xiao Divine Sword, ranked first among the Ten Greatest Swords of the World, now blazed with ten-thousand-zhang of divine light, carrying a torrent of sword qi and killing intent—like a primordial dragon awakening and coiling—soaring through the air, then plummeting swiftly into the boy's palm.

The sword was in hand.

Instantly, the churning waves of the entire Longjiang seemed to pause for a breath.

The Young Demon King of Wanshan, who had worn a casual smile, now withdrew it. His eyes grew serious, faint surprise flickering within.

The gray-robed elder who had just hurled Wen Tian'en also stared at the boy in astonishment.

But Li Hao did not pause—he stepped forward abruptly. His 98 major meridians surged instantly, his cultivation technique spinning seven times within his body, activating the Seven Stars Lighting Lamp effect.

Simultaneously, the Yin-Yang meridian forces flowed through his entire body.

As his foot landed, the earth beyond the Dao Discourse Platform trembled beneath the weight of tens of millions of catties! A blade of light slashed out violently, cleaving a trench into the ground. The surging sword qi roared like a dragon, hurtling toward the Young Demon King of Wanshan.

The gray-robed elder's face changed instantly—he had thought this Heaven-Man human merely a tasty snack, yet now he felt genuine threat from the sword qi.

"Hahahaha…"

The Young Demon King of Wanshan burst into roaring laughter, then slammed his fist forward. His robes exploded into tatters, his body covered in thick, swelling fur, purple demonic energy engulfing his fist as he punched.

A sound like heaven collapsing and earth splitting rang out—the dragon's sword qi shattered, and the Young Demon King's body transformed, becoming a monstrous half-beast of four or five meters tall, his once handsome youth now monstrous.

A deep fissure, bone-deep, split open between his fingers, blood gushing freely.

"Young master!"

The gray-robed elder's face turned grim. His robes tore apart as a dragon's roar echoed—his true form emerged, merging with the hundred-zhang demonic aura behind him, glaring furiously at Li Hao.

"Don't interfere—I'll handle him myself!"

A chilling voice, burning with fury, came from the Young Demon King of Wanshan. His face twisted with murderous rage and grotesque greed, his eyes locked on Li Hao: "Such exquisite flavor—I'll savor you slowly!"

In response, Li Hao slashed his second sword.

With one strike, the ground sprouted countless flowers.

Their spaces vanished instantly; the sword qi had already reached the Wanshan Little Demon King's face the moment it was released.

The Wanshan Little Demon King's pupils shrank sharply, but his reaction was lightning-fast—he let out a roar like a lion, shaking the sword qi, then slammed both palms forward, sending forth a palm print wreathed in churning black qi that canceled the sword qi.

Their clash was swift and terrifying; all other masters and Wen Tian'en and others stood frozen, stunned, staring at the boy.

They had already witnessed this boy's ultimate martial art—unrivaled among masters—but could he truly fight a top-tier demon of the Three Imperishables?!

Not just them—even Shen Shen Yunqing, Su Ye, and others who knew Li Hao were dumbfounded, unable to believe it.

"You go first."

Li Hao murmured, then charged straight at the Wanshan Little Demon King.

After only two strikes, Li Hao sensed this little demon king was far stronger than the Chihu Jun he had slain before—his flesh and skin were tougher! Even the Long Xiao Sword couldn't seriously wound him; had he used his old Zhuya Sword, he'd barely have pierced his defense.

Both were at the Non-Decay realm, yet the gap was immense.

"Fascinating, fascinating. You must be a top prodigy among your human kind—royal blood, or a disciple of some True Person?"

The Wanshan Little Demon King's eyes gleamed with ferocious delight; his bloodlust ignited. He wondered what a prince's flesh would taste like—he'd never tried it.

Whoosh! Countless meteors flashed—Li Hao arrived, sword in hand.

The true dragon soul sealed within the Long Xiao Sword also unleashed its aura, awakened.

Though masters could not yet unleash the sword's full power, even the mere dragon pressure radiating from it was enough to intimidate many masters.

"Lionheart Shatter-Sky Fist!"

The Wanshan Little Demon King roared, his fist shadows echoing like growls, shattering countless meteor-like lights.

But that sword light fell like a meteor, carrying the weight of Wanshan Mountain.

His half-healed fist now bore a fresh, massive crack—extending from the previous wound, nearly cleaving to his wrist.

Agony filled the Wanshan Little Demon King with fury. If his earlier strike had been careless, this one had been lethal—and still, he hadn't killed this junior master!

Li Hao didn't pause—he surged his strength and slashed his third sword.

The sword intent shifted again, like a single drop of water, holding unstoppable force.

This strike pierced straight for his chest. The sudden threat made every hair on the Wanshan Little Demon King stand on end; his pupils contracted, he roared in rage, his body rapidly demonicized, swelling to monstrous size, his demonic aura multiplying tenfold—he became a towering, upright lion.

His demonic qi formed a divine armor; iron-like plates shot from his thick fur, blocking the Long Xiao Sword.

A metallic clang rang out; blazing sparks flew—the iron plate was pierced, but the brief delay let the Wanshan Little Demon King raise a house-sized claw and smash it down upon Li Hao's head.

Li Hao countered with a reverse punch; the Half-Invincible Fist's power erupted. Though their sizes were disproportionate, the sheer force of the punch sent the Wanshan Little Demon King staggering backward several steps.

Li Hao landed, his feet sinking deep into the earth; his face was icy. The little demon king's hide was thicker than he'd imagined—far stronger than Chihu Jun.

Not far away, his Heavenly Manifestation turned and strode over, standing behind Li Hao, then rapidly shrank and merged into his body—the manifestation fused with his flesh, his inner power surging to a higher level.

Feeling the aura radiating from Li Hao, the Wanshan Little Demon King's expression turned grim, his eyes burning with rage. He no longer toyed—he wanted to tear Li Hao into pieces.

A mere human, lower in realm, had forced him to reveal his true form.

As a future demon king, this was an unforgivable humiliation.

While Li Hao and the Wanshan Little Demon King faced off, the gray-robed elder, transformed into a true dragon, charged straight toward Huang Tianji Mountain Man and the other masters, plunging into the crowd.

His massive dragon body was like a tiger among wolves—many masters stepped forward, yet shattered at the first touch; they were no match for even a single blow! Swords, soul attacks, and object-control suppressions struck the dragon's body, leaving not a single scratch.

Once reaching the Indestructible realm of the Three Imperishables, the body became as resilient as divine weapons and armor—untouched even in an army of a million.

Though Grand Masters were called "ten-thousand-man foes," capable of slaying enemies in the heart of an army, they relied on perfect martial qi perception—essentially, evasion.

The Indestructible realm could stand firm and absorb blows—even under a storm of arrows and crossbows, unharmed! The masters had assumed their combined efforts could at least wound this great demon—but his body was even more terrifying than ordinary Indestructible bodies.

Huang Tianji Mountain Man struck—he too was Indestructible—but one blow sent him flying, spitting blood.

"All of you die!!"

The Dragon Demon roared, venting his fury over his master's injury upon these masters.

But at the edge of the crowd, two figures charged in—one was Li He, secretly guarding Li Hao.

He and another joined forces to strike out, blocking the Dragon Demon, shouting for the masters to retreat and defend the city walls.

The demonic tide beyond the city was nearly upon them.

Without the city's protective array, if these masters didn't hold the walls, the entire city would fall instantly, drowned beneath the demonic tide—and the millions within would become demon food; none could escape!

In the crowd, Li Li Wushuang recognized Li He; she exhaled in relief, her gaze flicking briefly over the boy's back, but had no time to dwell—she dashed away with her two sword attendants from the other side.

She knew she was useless here—she must quickly send the signal and beg her father for aid.

The other Three Imperishables was an elder of the Helian Clan, known to Li He; he had come secretly to protect his clan's prodigy, a fifteen-lee realm youth who had come here to seek Dao, hoping to enter the Celestial Realm.

Now both struck together, barely holding back the Dragon Demon, giving the masters a chance to flee.

Seeing hope of survival, the masters abandoned their suicidal resolve and hurriedly fled with their disciples and families.

This battle was beyond their participation. With ordinary Three Imperishables demons, their numbers might help—but these two great demons were too far beyond them; masters were useless, unless it was that boy.

Many glanced at the boy's back as they left, suppressing their shock, fleeing quickly.

Far away, the Ox Demon also faced a hidden Three Imperishables, locked in fierce combat.

In an instant, the battlefield split into three parts.

Seeing this, Li Hao quietly exhaled—he'd planned to deal with the Ox Demon first, but with the little demon king's nature, he'd fixate on him alone, and wouldn't randomly harm others.

"Hmph!"

Seeing the emerging Three Imperishables, the Wanshan Little Demon King merely sneered, unbothered.

His demonic qi boiled as he strode straight toward Li Hao.

Li Hao didn't pause—he shifted his thoughts, weaving newly comprehended Dao insights into his sword technique.

His figure blurred as he slashed at the Wanshan Little Demon King, infusing the sword with the power of the Invincible Fist and the Yin-Yang Star Rotation.

"Great Annihilation Fist!"

The Wanshan Little Demon King's eyes blazed with piercing light; he smashed forward with a thunderous punch, the force making Li He, fighting the Dragon Demon nearby, turn pale—he wanted to rush to Li Hao's aid.

But the next instant, Li Hao's blade cut through—a giant fist seemed to follow, tearing apart the churning demonic lion fist, the blade driving straight into the massive fist, slicing five to six meters deep! Li Hao yanked the sword back quickly, fearing it would get stuck; he was stunned—the little demon king's body was absurdly hard!

Half his forearm was severed; the Wanshan Little Demon King, nearly a hundred meters tall, let out a pained grunt.

Li Hao gave him no chance—he slashed again, this time aiming straight for the throat.

(End of Chapter)