Chapter 235: Soul Scattered, Spirit Dissolved

Ten cuts!

A hundred cuts!

Above Shilong County, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was flaying alive, cut after cut.

Tens of thousands of Shilong County civilians, along with elite troops from Songzhou and Songzhou's Peach County, and ever-growing numbers of rogue cultivators, watched in furious silence.

They longed to step forward and carve a single slice from Hu Zhen's soul-core themselves.

A thousand meters away, Qin Da, Third Elder of the Tianyang Star Temple, watched silently as Hu Zhen's soul-core was flayed, his expression blank.

Qin Da himself was an eighth-rank powerhouse, flanked by two seventh-rank cultivators and over a dozen sixth-rank ones, all standing behind him.

Yet none could match Qin Da's composure; some were furious, their star-force rippling uncontrollably, yet none dared move.

Come on, fury was one thing.

But even the eighth-rank Second Elder Hu Zhen had fallen to Cheng Yuexiao—how could they act when the Third Elder stayed still?

They weren't fools!

Each time Hu Zhen's soul-core was flayed, he screamed curses at Cheng Yuexiao.

But after over a hundred cuts, he began cursing Third Elder Qin Da.

He called Qin Da a coward!

A waste!

A spineless worm!

Yet no matter how Hu Zhen cursed, Qin Da remained unmoved.

Just a short distance behind Cheng Yuexiao, Left Sacrificer Meng Yanhui's expression grew grim beyond measure.

Anything out of the ordinary is a sign of evil!

Normally, even if Qin Da dared not act, he should have stepped forward to negotiate, to speak terms with Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

At the very least, he should have uttered some polite words, asking Cheng Yuexiao to show mercy in the name of the Tianyang Star Temple.

But he said nothing. Did nothing.

He just watched.

That was the most terrifying thing of all!

Because it likely meant the Tianyang Star Temple had already unified its course of action.

Only one person could compel the Tianyang Star Temple to act this way—the Tianyang Star Jun!

The one who, many years ago, had come impossibly close to the ninth rank.

In other words, before Qin Da even arrived, similar orders or arrangements had already been made.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be so calm.

In other words, the Tianyang Star Temple was very likely already moving.

At this thought, Left Sacrificer Meng Yanhui urgently contacted Wan Yi, seeking news of any changes there.

If the Tianyang Star Temple was acting, their first target would surely be Wan Yi.

But the reply came: all was normal.

Then Meng Yanhui contacted the Left Secretary of the Star River Battlefield Marshal's Office.

This was the most crucial witness to Grand Master Cheng's public execution of the city-slaughterer Hu Zhen.

The star-message had been sent.

But no reply came immediately.

A cold dread rose in Meng Yanhui's heart.

At that moment, seven streaks of starlight shot in from Leizhou; the leader flew fastest, radiating the overwhelming aura of a seventh-rank cultivator.

"Elder, Deputy Governor Hu has arrived, along with six Hu clan members," someone whispered forward.

The ever-expressionless Qin Da frowned.

Why were the Hu family showing up now? Were they here to cause chaos?

The Deputy Governor was Hu Jinshan, Deputy Chief of the Tianyang Star Temple's Grand Star Patrol, Hu Zhen's eldest son, and current head of the Hu clan.

From afar, Hu Jinshan and the Hu clan members roared in fury: "Cheng Yuexiao! You dare harm my father—I swear to fight you to the death!"

As he roared, Hu Jinshan's starlight surged forward, attempting to bypass Qin Da's group and charge straight at Cheng Yuexiao.

In that same instant, Qin Da's brow furrowed again; with a subtle glance, his two seventh-rank followers spun around and intercepted, their star-force exploding—combined, they slammed Hu Jinshan into stillness before he could move.

Trapped, Hu Jinshan glared at Qin Da: "Third Elder, you won't save my father—can't I save him myself?"

The Hu clan youths all glared furiously at Qin Da; several had their star-force surging, ready to charge the moment Hu Jinshan gave the order.

Hu Zhen was their ancestral patriarch.

This gave Qin Da a pounding headache.

The Hu clan was deeply rooted in the Tianyang Star Temple, and loyal to the very death to the Star Jun!

Otherwise, how could Hu Zhen have grown so arrogant and cruel? And yet, the Hu clan produced many talented successors.

They were one of the temple's great clans—even Qin Da, as Third Elder, dared not utterly offend them.

Helpless, he could only explain.

But now was no time for open words; he sent a private voice-message to Hu Jinshan.

Hearing Qin Da's message, Hu Jinshan froze.

"Third Elder—is this true?"

"Do you think I'd lie? Given my friendship with your father, even if I were gravely wounded, I'd have snatched back your father's soul-core."

Just wait a moment.

It should be soon." Qin Da said.

"Very well. If this is the plan, I will obey." Hu Jinshan submitted.

The two seventh-rank cultivators released Hu Jinshan; the rest of the Hu clan calmed down.

Several kilometers away, Left Sacrificer Meng Yanhui's face darkened further.

Everything pointed to one truth: the Tianyang Star Temple had already begun its move.

But why had no trace been found?

Where had things gone wrong?

Above Shilong County, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao continued flaying Hu Zhen's soul-core—over one hundred and thirty cuts now.

Mid-flaying, Grand Master Cheng's Star-Picking Token suddenly trembled.

Cheng Yuexiao ignored it.

At this moment, ordinary star-messages were the last thing he wanted to see.

Routine matters could wait until after this was done.

Right now, he only wanted to flay alive this city-slaughterer Hu Zhen—to appease the spirits of the tens of thousands of Shilong County dead!

Another cut.

But the next instant, his Star-Picking Token trembled again—this time, three times in rapid succession!

This meant urgent, life-or-death!

No one would casually send a ten-thousand-life-or-death star-message to Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

Doing so invited punishment.

He had to read it.

But he was mid-flay—he planned to finish this cut first, just one breath's wait.

Yet before he could complete the cut, his Star-Picking Token trembled again—three times in rapid succession.

Ten-thousand-life-or-death!

Cheng Yuexiao frowned, swiftly delivered the next cut, and plunged his mind into the Star-Picking Token.

He couldn't afford to miss something critical.

But the moment his mind entered, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's face turned utterly grim!

Even furious!

【Grand Master, enough.】

【Grand Master, stop. It's sufficient.】

【Grand Master, the Tianyang Star Jun now sits across from me—do you want me to die alongside this Hu Zhen?】

Three consecutive star-messages—all from one man: Emperor Gao Ye of Chen Guo.

The third message made Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao explode in rage.

How had the Tianyang Star Jun breached the Chen imperial palace and sat across from the Emperor?

Hadn't Wan Yi been sealed off when he arrived?

Hadn't Grand Star Patrol Director Pei Ze been stationed in the Chen Star-Picking Tower?

Even if the Tianyang Star Jun came in person, what then?

Director Pei Ze, wielding the power of the main tower, could still resist the Tianyang Star Jun; the palace's own eighth-rank elder could intervene—no matter how hard the Star Jun fought, he couldn't break into Wan Yi.

Everything had been arranged before he came!

How had it…?

The instant he thought of it, Cheng Yuexiao moved to send a star-message to Director Pei Ze, demanding details.

Just as he prepared to send it, his Star-Picking Token trembled violently—it was Director Pei Ze sending a ten-thousand-life-or-death message.

【Grand Master, the Tianyang Star Jun has arrived in Wan Yi. I tried to block him, but the Emperor himself welcomed him into the palace—I could do nothing but report to you. Please decide as you see fit.】

Cheng Yuexiao's face instantly turned grim.

He had prepared everything.

He had arranged all external enemies clearly.

But he never imagined the problem would come from within his own courtyard.

While pondering, the Star-Picking Token vibrated again in rapid succession—a message of utmost urgency.

【Grand National Master, the Star Lord of Tianyang has already apologized on behalf of Hu Zhen and agreed to compensate the dead civilians; Hu Zhen has also paid his price. Please release him quickly—I fear a repeat of what happened twenty years ago.】

Emperor Gan'an pressed again.

This was already the fourth urgent imperial decree.

Emperor Gan'an's starlight messages were not edicts, but imperial will.

Yet after only a few breaths of hesitation, Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao made his decision!

A general in the field need not obey the sovereign's command!

Why would the Star Lord of Tianyang go straight to the Chen imperial palace to threaten the Chen emperor—and make the Chen emperor so compliant?

From his current actions, he clearly wishes to avoid escalating this matter.

Then it's even less likely he'd dare commit regicide over Hu Zhen's massacre and incur the wrath of all under heaven.

That would make the Star Lord of Tianyang an enemy of all.

Not just others—even the emperor of Dahong under Tianyang Star Temple's rule would be unable to sleep or rest!

Regicide, without righteous justification, must bring retribution.

The consequences would be unbearable even for the Tianyang Star Temple!

Moreover, Hu Zhen's massacre of the city was already standing against righteousness.

If the Star Lord of Tianyang dares commit regicide over Hu Zhen's massacre, what difference is there between him and the Blood Cult?

But Cheng Yuexiao could not directly say: "Then go ahead and kill him!"

He must continue maneuvering against the Star Lord of Tianyang to have any chance of utterly executing Hu Zhen and terrifying all evil forces!

Moreover, for the sake of the greater cause, Hu Zhen must be publicly executed.

Let all sides bear witness!

Let the Tianyang Star Temple swallow this bitter blow.

In the short term, they cannot act yet!

Thus, those few key witnesses become crucial.

He slashed Hu Zhen's soul-spirit once more, then Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao turned to Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui, his gaze urging him on.

But in the next instant, Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui's face drained of all color!

His eyes were filled with fury!

This made Cheng Yuexiao's brow snap up—what now?

"Grand Master, the Left Marshal of the Star River Battlefield Headquarters says he won't come—he has returned to headquarters," Meng Yanhui transmitted mentally.

"Why?"

"The Left Marshal says he received an edict from our Chen emperor stating the matter has been resolved, no need for him to come, so he turned back!"

Instantly, Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao's eyes widened in shock, his chest churning with rage.

He nearly spat blood!

This betrayal from behind was thorough indeed.

The next instant, Cheng Yuexiao turned his gaze toward Wanyi, his eyes turning icy—he still had one move left.

The final one.

"Yanhui, immediately order Song Bing to distribute the recorded jade tablets of Hu Zhen's massacre to every Star Temple and every commandery—spare no cost, get them out!"

Today, I will execute Hu Zhen!

If I do not execute Hu Zhen, Chen will never be at peace!" Cheng Yuexiao resolved instantly.

"Yes."

As he spoke, the Star-Picking Token vibrated again in rapid succession—two more urgent starlight messages.

Without looking, he knew they were from Emperor Gan'an.

Seven imperial wills now.

Cheng Yuexiao slashed Hu Zhen's soul-spirit once more.

At the same time, Meng Yanhui's expression darkened further.

"Grand Master, Right Sacrificial Officer Song Bing cannot be reached."

"What?"

"How is that possible?"

"Didn't I order him to remain at the National Road Academy?"

"The Grand Commander says the emperor sent three edicts summoning Right Sacrificial Officer Song Bing to court for audience; he had no choice but to obey," Meng Yanhui said.

Hearing this, Cheng Yuexiao's blade slicing Hu Zhen's soul-spirit struck harder, making Hu Zhen scream in agony.

His chest boiled with furious blood—but he could not unleash it.

He had imagined every possibility—but never imagined the one cutting off his own rear was the Chen emperor himself!

Is this emperor so afraid of death?

At that same instant, Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao's Star-Picking Token vibrated violently three times.

It was the seventh starlight decree from Emperor Gan'an.

【Grand National Master, prioritize the greater good!】

【Grand National Master, the Tianyang Star Temple has shown sincerity.】

【Grand National Master, I rarely issue edicts to you. When I do, you won't dare defy me, will you?】

After reading these three starlight decrees, Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao's heart turned cold.

According to Emperor Gan'an's tone, if he refused again, the emperor would accuse him of treason and ambition to secede.

But now, even if he wished to gamble everything, his backup plans had all been severed—forcing Hu Zhen's execution would bring disaster to Chen.

It would also pressure the emperor.

Worse, it could plunge Chen into internal chaos and unrest.

At that point, he would truly become Chen's traitor!

He was Grand National Master!

But before that title came two words: Chen!

He could only stop here.

But his heart burned with resentment.

At that same instant, the Star-Picking Token flashed again—Cheng Yuexiao assumed it was the emperor's eighth decree.

But when he delved inward, he saw it was from the Star Lord of Tianyang.

【Grand Master Cheng, Hu Zhen erred first. Now his physical body is destroyed, and his soul-spirit has been slashed by a quarter—even if he recovers, his cultivation will plummet to the seventh rank and his lifespan greatly reduced. He has suffered sufficient punishment.】

Grand National Master Cheng, Hu Zhen erred first; now his physical body has been destroyed by you, and a quarter of his elemental soul has been flayed away—even if he recovers, his cultivation base will surely plummet to the seventh rank, and his lifespan will be drastically shortened. He has already been punished enough.

【Grand Master, why not come to the palace? We may discuss this matter face to face.】

After reading it, Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao fell into silent resignation.

This was the Star Lord of Tianyang offering him a face-saving exit!

At this moment, Cheng Yuexiao felt hatred.

Hatred for his high position, for being Grand National Master of Chen—hatred for being powerless!

If he were merely a wandering cultivator, right now he would not care about the Star Lord's threats or the Chen emperor's safety—he would simply slash Hu Zhen to oblivion!

If he were merely a wandering cultivator, right now, he wouldn't care about the threats of Tianyang Star Jun or the safety of the Chen Emperor—he'd simply slash Hu Zhen to dust with one stroke.

But now...

The next instant, Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao dismissed the soul-slicing blade formed from his divine soul-star core, and once again clenched Hu Zhen's soul-spirit in his hand.

Across from him, the Tianyang Star Temple's Third Elder Qin Da finally exhaled in relief; Hu Jinshan also let out a deep breath.

It seemed the Star Lord had already acted.

He had successfully forced the Chen Grand National Master to compromise!

Overjoyed, Hu Jinshan instinctively flew toward Cheng Yuexiao.

He wanted to retrieve his ancestral elder.

Qin Da was startled but did not stop him.

Cheng Yuexiao was in the throes of bitter resentment.

His mood was foul.

Seeing Hu Jinshan dare approach him now,

His inner fury deepened!

The next instant, the Nine Sheng Bells materialized; Cheng Yuexiao's slender fingers swept across them, and instantly three-colored meteors surged forth, blasting toward Hu Jinshan.

In the next instant, the Nine Sheng Bells materialized; Grand National Master Cheng Yuexiao's slender fingers swept across the Nine Sheng Bells, and instantly, three-colored meteors surged forth, slamming toward Hu Jinshan.

Hu Jinshan's face twisted in terror; he activated every star artifact and life-saving technique he possessed in an instant.

Hu Jinshan's expression instantly twisted into utter terror; in haste, he deployed every star artifact and life-saving technique he had at his disposal.

Bang!

In the next instant, Hu Jingshan was blasted backward, his chest cracking incessantly with the sound of shattering bones, blood spurting continuously from his mouth!

Qin Da flashed forward, caught Hu Jingshan, and blocked the last remnants of the shockwave—otherwise, Hu Jingshan's chest might have been blown clean through, meeting the same fate as his father!

At that same moment, the members of the Tianyang Star Palace were stunned!

Is Cheng Yuexiao really that powerful?

Hu Jingshan, at the peak of the seventh realm, couldn't even withstand Cheng Yuexiao's casual strike!

Seeing the third elder of the Tianyang Star Palace, Qin Da, step forward, Cheng Yuexiao's expression grew colder. "So you want to force the issue? Fine—I'll oblige you!"

His finger swept again, and the three-colored meteor shot forth once more!

This strike terrified Qin Da!

Hu Zhen had fallen!

Qin Da and Hu Zhen were evenly matched—he dared not provoke Cheng Yuexiao while the latter was in a rage!

In an instant, Qin Da retreated, carrying the severely wounded Hu Jingshan; the entire Tianyang Star Palace contingent fled in terror.

They retreated several miles in an instant; Qin Da barely blocked the residual force of the three-colored meteor, then another one struck—he was flung back another thousand meters.

Seeing this, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao finally ceased.

His inner fury eased slightly.

At this point, the Tianyang Star Palace members had retreated to the southernmost edge of Shilong County.

Glancing at the Tianyang Star Palace group, Cheng Yuexiao flew toward Meng Yanhui and the others, clutching Hu Zhen's nascent soul.

Meng Yanhui and the others were on the eastern outskirts of Shilong County.

Thus, the two sides were roughly ten li apart, facing each other across Shilong County!

Meanwhile, the scattered cultivators, including some disciples from the Dachen State Academy, had begun entering Shilong County to rescue civilians.

Pulling people from the ruins.

Xu Jin silently joined them, treating the injured within Shilong County.

Without hesitation, Xu Jin activated the fifth-rank wood-star core he had obtained, unleashing the Star Healing Technique at its initial stage.

Too conspicuous?

Xu Jin didn't care.

Right now, all he wanted was to save lives!

Adults, elders, women, children—even infants!

Yet as he was rescuing, he suddenly noticed the Grand Master's actions.

Not going to flay him?

What's going on?

Xu Jin was puzzled.

Are they not going to kill Hu Zhen, this demon?

At that moment, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, having met with Meng Yanhui and the others, sighed deeply as he looked at Meng Yanhui.

"Grand Master, you've done all you could."

Meng Yanhui offered comfort.

"Though today's mission wasn't fully accomplished, you've shattered Hu Zhen's physical body and flayed his nascent soul—enough to deter the wicked!" Meng Yanhui added.

The Grand Master nodded slightly.

Meng Yanhui was right.

But not annihilating Hu Zhen's soul today still left him with unbearable regret.

After a deep breath and a few moments of composure, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao spoke loudly.

"The city-slaughterer Hu Zhen has had his body shattered and his nascent soul flayed one hundred and fifty-seven times! As he is the second elder of the Tianyang Star Palace, the Tianyang Star Lord himself has intervened, demanding that Hu Zhen be spared to atone for his crimes and make restitution!"

"Therefore, his nascent soul is temporarily released, to be observed for future conduct!"

As he spoke these words, Cheng Yuexiao felt boundless regret.

Instantly, thousands upon thousands of Dachen soldiers' eyes turned red.

Only because Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was so revered—if anyone else had announced this, they'd have been drowned in spittle!

Hearing this, Xu Jin's fury nearly burst his lungs!

He can live!

He never imagined Hu Zhen would survive!

Yet Xu Jin bore no resentment toward the Grand Master.

He heard the desolation in the Grand Master's words.

He heard the unbearable regret.

But!

Why can this city-slaughtering demon live?

Why is he allowed to live?

Isn't evil supposed to be punished?

Then why isn't it?

Xu Jin's heart pounded wildly.

At that moment, Xu Jin felt an overwhelming urge to kill Hu Zhen on the spot!

But there was no chance.

Hu Zhen's nascent soul was still in the Grand Master's grasp.

And the Tianyang Star Palace's experts stood across from him.

Fury!

Xu Jin understood the Grand Master, yet he couldn't comprehend it.

Earlier, the Grand Master's demeanor clearly signaled his intent to flay Hu Zhen's nascent soul alive until it scattered into nothingness.

So why had he suddenly changed his mind?

Had something major happened?

Xu Jin could barely contain himself.

The matter was already public knowledge—he could ask without risk.

【Grand Master, why are you not executing Hu Zhen this demon? Has something happened?】

Xu Jin sent a Starlight Message directly to the Grand Master.

The Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao replied instantly to Xu Jin's Starlight Message.

Xu Jin's question only slightly surprised the Grand Master—he had no idea Xu Jin was present.

After all, countless people were watching this event, and it was no secret.

It was natural for Xu Jin, still at the State Academy, to ask.

【The Tianyang Star Lord entered the palace; the Emperor issued seven edicts in succession. As a subject, I could only obey.】 The Grand Master gave Xu Jin a guarded reply, even hinting at defending Emperor Gan'an.

He dared not let this future seed develop hostility toward the current Emperor too early.

Xu Jin frowned.

So it was like this!

The Tianyang Star Lord had once again stormed into the Wan Yi Imperial Palace.

Is the Tianyang Star Lord really that powerful?

Xu Jin instinctively assumed the Emperor had been coerced by the Tianyang Star Lord.

But Xu Jin pressed further: 【Grand Master, are we just going to let Hu Zhen's nascent soul go? Are we just letting this demon escape? Is there truly no way to kill him?】

Xu Jin sent another Starlight Message.

【None left—at least none I have. Right now, Hu Zhen cannot die by my hand, nor by any Dachen strong hand. Only later, when opportunity arises.】 The Grand Master replied, his words still heavy with unbearable regret.

Seeing the reply, Xu Jin's heart sank sharply, rage surging straight to his skull.

In the end, Hu Zhen would still be allowed to return alive!

Xu Jin seethed with hatred.

In the sky, Cheng Yuexiao sighed helplessly, then in the next instant, silently released his grip on Hu Zhen's nascent soul.

"Hahahaha!"

Hu Zhen's nascent soul, freed and knowing he was saved, laughed wildly, lingering without haste, glaring at Cheng Yuexiao with venomous hatred.

"Cheng! I remember this grudge! You'd better wait—I'll make you pay!"

With that threat, Hu Zhen limped slowly toward the Tianyang Star Palace group on the other side of Shilong County.

Today, he had lost his body and his nascent soul had been flayed one hundred and fifty-seven times—he was grievously wounded!

Though his nascent soul appeared intact, it was barely holding together—just a few more cuts and it would collapse.

After all, he had only formed a nascent soul.

Thus, Hu Zhen's flight toward the Tianyang Star Palace group was painfully slow.

Slower than many Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The Tianyang Star Palace members, especially the Hu family, had intended to retrieve their ancestral elder's nascent soul.

But after Cheng Yuexiao's outburst, Hu Jingshan, head of the Hu family, had been severely injured on the spot.

Even Qin Da, the third elder of the Tianyang Star Palace, dared not approach Cheng Yuexiao now.

Everyone understood: Cheng Yuexiao had been forced to release a demon he had publicly intended to flay alive—his suppressed fury was unimaginable.

Then let Hu Zhen's soul spirit fly over itself.

It's already been released; a few more moments won't matter.

Let it fly slowly if it must.

At the same instant, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao instructed Meng Yanhui: "Record an image, for evidence."

At the same moment, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao sent starlight messages to the Emperor of Qian'an and the Star Lord Tianyang.

【Your Majesty, Hu Zhen has been released. I shall return shortly.】

【Good, good, good! Grand Master, you've worked hard.】

【Star Lord Tianyang, Hu Zhen has been released, just as you wished. I shall return shortly.】

【Hahaha, Grand Master Cheng is indeed straightforward! I'll wait for you in the palace for tea.】 The Star Lord Tianyang immediately replied with a starlight message.

In fact, he already knew.

At the very moment Cheng Yuexiao released Hu Zhen, he knew.

Third Elder Qin Da had reported to him at once.

Thus, the Star Lord Tianyang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Hu Zhen must be protected.

Otherwise, who would do all those dirty tasks for him?

In the sky, Hu Zhen's severely wounded soul spirit drifted toward the Star Lord Tianyang's entourage at an extremely slow pace, not too far away.

Just over ten li.

Normally, it would take one breath to reach.

But today, wounded as he was, he wouldn't make it in less than a hundred breaths.

But at least he was returning alive.

In the future, when he sought revenge against Cheng's family and against Chen Guo, he had countless ways to torment them.

In Shilong County, Xu Jin stood amid thick pools of blood, watching Hu Zhen's soul spirit slowly drift over the county—his frustration nearly made him vomit blood!

Why do evil men never suffer retribution?

In that instant, Xu Jin recalled a line from his past life: If evil men never face punishment, then I shall deliver it to them!

But the problem was, Xu Jin could not kill Hu Zhen himself.

That would only cause trouble for Grand Master Cheng!

Besides, killing Hu Zhen would likely get Xu Jin killed too.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Xu Jin's mind.

He thought of many things.

Hadn't Grand Master Cheng just said that as long as Hu Zhen wasn't killed by Chen Guo's experts, it wouldn't matter?

Maybe it wasn't impossible!

Suddenly, Xu Jin had an idea.

The moment the idea formed, it surged through him like a flood, making his heart pound violently!

The most critical issue: identity!

Xu Jin suddenly thought of another possibility.

In an instant, he ran through every possible scenario in his mind.

He ran through them again, rapidly!

It seemed feasible!

Only one final detail remained!

【Grand Master, if Hu Zhen were killed right now, would you face trouble?】

Xu Jin thought it best to ask.

【I've already released him. If someone else kills him, as long as it's not one of Chen Guo's experts, what's it to me? What's it to Chen Guo?】

Cheng Yuexiao, still furious, replied coldly to Xu Jin.

The next instant, Cheng Yuexiao suddenly realized.

Why was Xu Jin asking that?

But then he thought: even if Xu Jin asked, what could he possibly do?

Wasn't Xu Jin still inside the State Academy?

In Shilong County, Xu Jin ran through the plan that had just formed in his mind once more.

Simultaneously, he made his final preparations.

His left hand gripped the Star-Picking Token.

One thread of intent sank into the fourth-rank star artifact, Luansheng Zui.

Another thread of intent sank into the Can Dou Platform.

Then he watched Hu Zhen's soul spirit slowly drifting above Shilong County.

Closer!

Even closer to Xu Jin.

Xu Jin silently shifted his position, moving to the path directly ahead of where Hu Zhen's soul spirit would fly overhead.

Seven or eight breaths later, Hu Zhen flew directly above Xu Jin.

Straight and true.

Less than a hundred meters above him.

The next instant, Xu Jin took a deep breath.

Without hesitation, he shot upward.

Only a hundred meters—he needed to close within fifty meters, and that would be enough.

Fifty meters, for Xu Jin now, was an instant.

The moment he surged forth, a torrent of divine soul energy erupted—Poison-Shattering and Illusionary Intent!

Instantly unleashed!

Hu Zhen never imagined that, at this moment, under the watchful eyes of two eighth-rank experts, someone would dare ambush him!

He never imagined anyone in Shilong County would try to kill him!

Too unexpected!

Too sudden!

And his soul spirit was already on the brink of collapse!

The Poison-Shattering and Illusionary Intent struck instantly, causing Hu Zhen's soul spirit to shudder violently, leaving it momentarily confused.

At that very same instant, violet lightning rained down upon Hu Zhen in a furious torrent!

In an instant, the torrent of violet lightning drowned Hu Zhen's soul spirit.

The violet lightning, striking Hu Zhen's soul spirit—unprotected by flesh or star energy—melted it like hot broth on snow, dissolving it at blinding speed.

In barely an instant, amid Hu Zhen's screams, half his soul spirit had dissolved, and it began to collapse rapidly.

But Xu Jin feared it wasn't enough, and fired another Purple Thunder Blast!

All of this happened in a single instant.

Qin Da, third elder of the Star Lord Tianyang's court, was stunned.

He had never anticipated such an outcome.

The next instant, Qin Da moved.

In the streets of Shilong County, Xu Jin's figure, having launched the ambush against Hu Zhen's soul spirit, radiated intense star energy and divine soul energy.

Especially the violet lightning rising above his head, which stood out like a crane among chickens among the common folk.

"Bold indeed!"

With a roar, Qin Da shot toward Xu Jin like an arrow.

He intended to capture this assassin alive!

At the same instant, Cheng Yuexiao was utterly dumbfounded!

He had not reacted at all!

Almost simultaneously, the assassin with the lightning above his head vanished before everyone's eyes!

Invisibility!

True, genuine invisibility technique!

That was the supreme art of Lingji Star Court!

"Trouble! It's a Lingji remnant!" someone from the Star Lord Tianyang's court shouted.

The Star Lord Tianyang had hunted Lingji remnants for twenty years—they knew this best.

So their judgment came fastest.

At the very instant he vanished, Xu Jin activated the Luansheng Zui's Luansheng Technique!

A flash of starlight!

Xu Jin, who had just vanished, reappeared—and vanished again!

Luansheng!

Vanished again!

The assassin vanished once more!

The next moment, Qin Da rushed to the spot where Xu Jin had vanished, but found nothing.

Enraged, he heard Hu Zhen's final scream.

"Save—"

Before the word "save" could be finished, the remaining Lei Guang obliterated Hu Zhen's last wisp of Nascent Soul into nothingness!

Hu Zhen's Nascent Soul was utterly scattered!

Completely erased from existence!

All of the Chen Guo Dao Academy, including Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, were stunned into silence by this sight!

Hu Zhen had been killed like this!

Killed by a remnant of the Lingji!

"Hahaha!"

Cheng Yuexiao burst into loud laughter.

Laughing with utter relief, with complete satisfaction!

He couldn't help but recall another saying.

Evil begets evil retribution—just see whether Heaven spares anyone!

(End of Chapter)