Chapter 396: Regicide (10,000+ Characters, Requesting Moon Tickets)

After ten breaths, you may act as you see fit.

After receiving the starlight message from State Master Cheng Yuexiao, Xu Jin took a deep breath and instantly entered inner observation.

Inside the Star Palace, the Nine Heavens' Thunder Rhythm had already accumulated over one hundred sixty units, yet Xu Jin did not use them to form a Thunder Pool.

All preparations were made for today!

Within the Earth Sign Pattern, the Earth Core Rhythm had also accumulated over thirty units.

This was Xu Jin's guarantee of survival.

His mind swept from the Upper Star Palace, his soul and star force both at peak condition.

"Success or failure rests tonight!"

Xu Jin knew well that tonight would be a crucial turning point in his life.

In terms from his past life, success meant luxury and beauties; failure meant fleeing for one's life.

In the next instant, as Xu Jin slowly exhaled, his vast soul force spread like spring rain soaking silently.

Wen Meng!

Outside the villa, the first to collapse was the sixth-rank mid-aged eunuch guarding Xu Jin; the other four eunuchs, upon seeing their leader fall unconscious, felt their eyelids weighed down by a thousand jin, and in the next instant, all fell into deep sleep.

With a gesture, star force extended like vines and transported the five living men into the villa room.

These five would not awaken for half an hour, but palace patrols never ceased—this small oversight could not disrupt Xu Jin's grand plan.

In the next instant, Xu Jin's figure vanished into thin air, then moved toward the location of the decadent emperor at a slow pace.

At this moment, exactly ten breaths had passed.

A meteor-like light suddenly erupted from the State Academy, racing toward two streaks of light approaching from afar.

Behind each of them trailed two vast, ocean-like meteoric auras, slightly slower.

They were the ordinary eighth-rank experts of the two palaces.

In the next instant, State Master Cheng Yuexiao's laughter echoed throughout the entire Wanyi City.

"Two palace masters, arriving uninvited and unannounced—you are unwelcome guests!"

"State Master Cheng, even unwelcome guests are still guests!"

As they spoke, the Wood Spirit Palace Master Chi Lei and the Sumeru Palace Master Luo Xian appeared together above Wanyi.

Their four eighth-rank disciples remained far behind, holding the rear.

With the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower still standing and Cheng Yuexiao present, they dared not rush forward recklessly.

Almost simultaneously, in the Star Patrol Camp, Grand Marshal Pei Ze, who had been playing go with the Senior Provider, glanced at the sky above Wanyi, suddenly tossed his go piece into the basket, rose with a surge of aura, and laughed, "Senior Steward, foreign enemies have arrived—allow me to join State Master Cheng in driving them off, then return to play go with you!"

"Grand Marshal, wait!"

The Senior Provider thrust out a palm, pressing it onto Grand Marshal Pei Ze's shoulder; immense star force surged forth, the old man's hunched body straightened instantly, his entire form glowing like a divine being, and behind him, a towering eighty-four-tier Star Tower phantom erupted.

The Senior Provider had instantly pushed his star force to its utmost limit.

The Star Tower surged like an ocean; under the old man's palm, Grand Marshal Pei Ze was slowly forced to bend his body.

"What is the Senior Provider's intent?!"

On Grand Marshal Pei Ze's battle armor, starlight flared without wind, and behind him, another Star Tower phantom emerged, resisting the old man's full pressure without yielding.

Under the clash of star force, everything in the central command hall—except the go board and chairs beside them—turned to dust.

At the same moment, throughout the entire Star Patrol Camp, swords and spears were drawn, star force surged upward, and hundreds of elite fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-rank Star Patrol warriors instantly surrounded them.

"Grand Marshal, the Emperor's decree!"

"Play three games of go!"

"Within the three games of go,"

"Grand Marshal and all Star Patrol personnel must not step one foot outside the Star Patrol Camp!"

As he spoke, the Senior Provider flung the Emperor's golden edict into the sky; under star force, it glowed with golden radiance and overwhelming authority in the night air.

Grand Marshal Pei Ze looked at the Senior Provider, then at the two terrifying eighth-rank peak auras now hovering above Wanyi, then toward the palace.

"Senior Provider, is this imperial command truly so?"

"Truly so!"

"Must it be obeyed?"

"Must be obeyed!"

"Good!"

In the next instant, Grand Marshal Pei Ze retracted his Star Tower and sat back down, waving his hand, and the Star Patrol commanders dispersed instantly.

"Since the imperial command stands, then we shall play three games of go today!"

"Grand Marshal, please."

The Senior Provider sat back down, his Star Tower retracted into his body; Grand Marshal Pei Ze had already picked up another go piece from the basket.

Above Wanyi, two meteoric lights came from the north, one shot upward from within the city.

"Unwelcome guests arrive—let them face thunderous retribution!"

State Master Cheng Yuexiao instantly surged skyward; as he rose, the Nine Sheng Bells materialized.

BOOM!

As the thunderous sound of the great bells echoed across Wanyi's night sky, a terrifying four-colored meteor slammed into the light-form of the Sumeru Palace Master.

Seeing Cheng Yuexiao fully activate the state relic, the Sumeru Palace Master instinctively tried to dodge.

But in that very instant, the Nine Sheng Bells rang three times in succession!

Two invisible waves swept through, causing the Sumeru and Wood Spirit Palace Masters to instantly sink as if into mud, their movements slowed by a fraction.

At the third bell's chime, the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower blazed with radiant light, its brilliance so intense it turned Wanyi into daylight; a torrent of starlight flashed toward the Wood Spirit Palace Master!

BOOM!

The Wood Spirit Palace Master moved like lightning, desperately evading the torrent of starlight as if being hunted.

The Sumeru Palace Master Luo Xian, meanwhile, collided head-on with the four-colored meteor unleashed by Cheng Yuexiao through the Nine Sheng Bells.

The space before him layered endlessly, yet his boundless space was shattered layer by layer; in the next instant, the Sumeru Palace Master Luo Xian was struck by the full-force four-colored meteor from the Nine Sheng Bells.

His entire body was blasted backward like a meteor.

Though his protective starlight remained intact, the violent shock caused blood to well at the corner of Luo Xian's mouth.

He suffered a minor injury from a single strike.

At the same instant, the Wood Spirit Palace Master was struck by the torrent of starlight from the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower; in mid-turn, his figure split instantly into eight.

The torrent of starlight from the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower directly shattered one of the figures before dissipating.

The Wood Spirit Palace Master Chi Lei, though battered, turned his gaze toward the palace.

Simultaneously, the Sumeru Palace Master also looked toward the palace.

At the very moment the battle began, starlight messages within Wanyi surged to an uncontrollable density.

Almost simultaneously, immense auras erupted from the nearest Star Tower branch in the border city of Wanyi, then shot toward Great Chen's Wanyi like comets.

During combat, State Master Cheng Yuexiao had already shut down all Star Tower teleportation functions within Great Chen's borders.

Almost simultaneously, the high-ranking Star Lords of every Star Hall mobilized.

Such a major event could not be missed—observe, yes, but also watch for opportunities to profit from the chaos!

At the same moment, the Sun Star Lord, the Azure Star Lord, and the Calamity-Subduing Star Lord sped toward Great Chen's Wanyi.

Even the Star River Battlefield stirred, but could only watch helplessly.

In an instant, upon first contact, Great Chen's Wanyi became the epicenter of swirling celestial and earthly forces.

Above Great Chen's Wanyi, State Master Cheng Yuexiao, wielding the state relic Nine Sheng Bells and the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower, struck a single blow and gained the upper hand, calming the panicked citizens of Great Chen.

At the same moment, inside the Star Dome Secret Realm of the Great Chen Star Tower's main tower, Peng Lao, who had long since mastered the eighth-rank Earth Sign Pattern, began activating his aura.

Inside the palace's Star Gazing Pavilion, Emperor Gao Ye watched the distant battlefield calmly, like a supreme commander, his expression one of perfect control.

He had long sensed the glances of the Sumeru and Wood Spirit Palace Masters toward the palace.

He understood their intent.

Naturally, they were urging—or even accusing—him: why had he not resolved the issue of the Nine Sheng Bells?

This was the imperial art Emperor Gao Ye had cultivated.

If he had resolved it early, before they truly witnessed the threat, how could he demonstrate his value?

Only after Cheng Yuexiao activated it, then he would resolve it—that was the proper way.

And now, the moment was right!

In the next instant, the State Seal rose instantly from atop Emperor Gao Ye's head; under star force, even beneath the brilliant radiance of the Great Chen Star Tower's main tower, the State Seal's starlight remained strikingly visible.

This sight caused both the Sumeru and Wood Spirit Palace Masters to see and understand Emperor Gao Ye's intent.

In the next instant, both the Sumeru and Wood Spirit Palace Masters launched their full force toward State Master Cheng Yuexiao.

Space distortions and lightning surged simultaneously toward Great Chen's State Master Cheng Yuexiao.

At the same instant, the Nine Sheng Bells shot skyward, meeting the terrifying lightning from the Wood Spirit Palace Master, reversing upward, its surroundings swirling with four-colored starlight, constantly resisting the terrifying spatial cutting force.

As the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower shimmered, from among the myriad stars, over a dozen stars rained down streams of starlight into the tower, instantly making its starlight even more brilliant.

While defending, State Master Cheng Yuexiao prepared to unleash the main tower's starlight in counterattack.

But in that very instant, above the Star Gazing Pavilion, the State Seal's radiance suddenly flared; under Emperor Gao Ye's activation, its invisible light spread across all directions of Great Chen's Wanyi—including the Nine Sheng Bells and the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower!

"I am the supreme sovereign of Great Chen. Now, with the blood of the imperial lineage, I temporarily reclaim the authority of the state relics—the Nine Sheng Bells and the main tower of the Star Tower—and I shall wield them myself!"

As he softly murmured, Emperor Gao Ye bit down hard on his tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood into the State Seal.

Instantly, as the blood merged into the State Seal, it erupted forth again.

Two crimson dragon phantoms shot from the State Seal, flashing upward to envelop the state relic Nine Sheng Bells and the main tower of the Great Chen Star Tower.

In the instant the blood-red dragon phantom coiled around it, the radiance of the State-Protecting Dao Artifact, the Jiucheng Bell, vanished instantly.

The lightning, pouring down from the sky like a flood, lost all resistance and, in an instant, became a celestial river cascading onto the head of State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

Before he could react, the lightning had already poured onto the head of State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

Just as he was about to be gravely wounded, a Seven-Star Spirit Artifact battle armor suddenly materialized, shielding Cheng Yuexiao's entire body.

Yet both the Xumi Palace Master and the Mu Ling Palace Master seized the opportunity!

A small seven-stringed qin suddenly appeared in the Xumi Palace Master's hand—only the instrument, no strings.

The Xumi Palace Master flicked his fingers lightly, and the four layers of protective starlight before State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao shattered violently.

At the same moment, the Mu Ling Palace Master hurled a purple-black lightning pearl into the sky, and in that instant, the lightning crashing toward Cheng Yuexiao turned from black to deep purple-black, its aura becoming terrifyingly immense, like the wrath of heaven itself!

Boom!

The Seven-Star Spirit Artifact battle armor that had just surfaced on Cheng Yuexiao's body was struck with full force by the two eighth-rank peak masters, precisely exploiting the moment.

In an instant, it shattered piece by piece!

Puff!

With the Spirit Artifact shattered and destroyed, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao spat a gush of blood and was blasted downward from the sky.

But Cheng Yuexiao, crashing to the ground, showed no fear; his gaze swept over the Jiucheng Bell trapped by the blood-red dragon and the Zhai Xing Tower's main hall, then over the State-Protecting Jade Seal shimmering with starlight above the imperial palace.

With all his strength, Cheng Yuexiao saw Emperor Gao Ye's face, filled with triumph and confidence.

This entire scheme was, of course, the work of His Majesty!

When he turned back, certain things had shattered beyond repair!

Twenty years of sovereign-minister bond—today, reduced to nothing!

In the next instant, Cheng Yuexiao shifted his intent, and the four-colored starlight circling his body instantly transformed into five-colored starlight, while the accumulated earth essence from the planet's core surged into him in multiple streams.

Instantly, the previously cracking protective starlight became flawless and complete, directly withstanding the Xumi Palace Master's full assault.

In the next instant, a dazzling five-colored star tower appeared behind him; lightning surged like dragon and serpent from Cheng Yuexiao's head, striking upward to meet the Mu Ling Palace Master's Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl.

Counter-attack!

As the lightning erupted, Cheng Yuexiao poured ten streams of Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythm into it.

Though surprised by Cheng Yuexiao's sudden surge, the Xumi Palace Master and Mu Ling Palace Master had anticipated it.

Someone of Cheng Yuexiao's caliber could never lack hidden reserves.

But if this was his only hidden card, then today's task would not be difficult.

The lightning surged upward, melting the Mu Ling Palace Master's purple lightning like snow under boiling water—soon it would strike the Mu Ling Palace's ancestral treasure, the Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl.

But Mu Ling Palace Master Chi Lei let out a cold laugh, and a faint shadow of his star tower appeared behind him.

He unleashed his soul-force to its utmost, driving the Lei Yuanxing and Lei Xiangxing runes and the Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl!

No more reserves!

Ridiculous!

He was a master of lightning—if he were wounded by Cheng Yuexiao's lightning, even slightly, it would be a grave loss of face.

How could such a thing happen?

In the next instant, the lightning spewed from the Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl turned deep purple, radiating majestic heavenly authority.

The seventh- and eighth-rank experts watching from afar were stunned by that overwhelming heavenly might.

They gained new understanding of Mu Ling Palace Master's power.

Even farther away, where meteors blazed, Star Juniors Tianyang, Cangming, and Zhen'e, though distant, faintly sensed this terrifying disturbance!

Boom!

The black lightning and deep purple lightning collided, intertwining into rolling thunderclaps; the sky became a tangled mass of lightning.

As Mu Ling Palace Master unleashed his full power, Cheng Yuexiao's lightning began to falter.

But in that very instant, at the critical moment, Cheng Yuexiao detonated the ten streams of Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythm.

Instantly, Cheng Yuexiao's lightning turned pitch-black and gleaming, and a muffled thunderclap drowned out the majestic heavenly aura of the Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl!

In the next instant, the purple lightning melted like snow in boiling broth.

The blindingly bright black lightning struck the Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl!

Counter-attack succeeded!

Boom!

As the lightning poured down, the majestic heavenly aura of the Purple Lightning Annihilation Pearl vanished instantly; as fine cracks appeared on its surface, its radiance dimmed and it shrank into a streak of purple light, flying back toward Mu Ling Palace Master.

Puff!

With his life-linked Spirit Artifact damaged, Mu Ling Palace Master Chi Lei spat a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythm!"

"The legendary Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythm!"

"Cheng Yuexiao, where did you get this?!" Mu Ling Palace Master Chi Lei, his long beard stained with blood, roared at Cheng Yuexiao.

Trapped by the Xumi Palace Master's spatial star technique, Cheng Yuexiao's form instantly split into four.

Three illusions surged forward; the remaining one was instantly shredded by the Xumi Palace Master's spatial star technique.

But the other three illusions merged into one in an instant.

Boom!

Another blindingly bright black thunderbolt slammed toward Mu Ling Palace Master.

Mu Ling Palace Master dared not meet it head-on; he instantly split into eight clones, scattering in all directions, letting one clone be obliterated by the lightning.

But as the lightning struck the clone, he realized—there was no Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythm within it!

"Master Chi, if you join my sect, I shall teach you Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythm!"

Laughing heartily, Cheng Yuexiao swung a bolt of lightning toward the Xumi Palace Master—but it was blocked by his layered spatial barriers, and he was trapped once more.

Seizing this opening, the Xumi Palace Master and Mu Ling Palace Master once again joined forces to surround and kill Cheng Yuexiao.

But their expressions had grown grim.

Cheng Yuexiao's hidden strength was far greater than they had imagined.

Much greater!

Previously, once Emperor Gao Ye seized Cheng Yuexiao's State-Protecting Dao Artifact and sealed the Dachen Zhai Xing Tower, they had been confident they could kill him.

But now, that confidence was gone.

Yet matters had come to this.

There was no room for retreat.

They were already in close combat—no more holding back.

This was why each had brought two eighth-rank disciples.

This was another layer of preparation.

At their level, actions always involved multiple layers of preparation and hidden cards—never reckless gambles.

As they fought Cheng Yuexiao, they had already sent soul-messages, ordering their eighth-rank disciples to find positions and wait for the right moment.

Mu Ling Palace Master Chi Lei had brought his third disciple Lu Shu and second disciple Wei Quan—one eighth-rank mid-stage, one eighth-rank early-stage—both core pillars of Mu Ling Palace.

Xumi Palace Master Luo Xian had brought his second disciple Zong Yan and third disciple Song Gui—both eighth-rank experts.

At the masters' signal, Mu Ling Palace's third disciple Lu Shu and Xumi Palace's second disciple Zong Yan instantly joined the battle.

But neither dared engage Cheng Yuexiao up close.

Reputation precedes the man.

Three eighth-rank experts had already died in Cheng Yuexiao's hands—they dared only launch distant, stealthy attacks to assist.

They harassed Cheng Yuexiao intermittently.

As for Wei Quan and Song Gui, they did not dare enter the fray directly; instead, they circled the battlefield, distracting Cheng Yuexiao and searching for an opening.

When they finally found the perfect opening and struck with full force—that would be Cheng Yuexiao's death.

Countless civilians of Wanyi watched this scene, their tension reaching its peak.

Their fury reached its peak!

Why, when foreign enemies invaded, was only the Grand State Tutor fighting?

Had Dachen become so weak that only State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao remained as an eighth-rank expert?

Where were the imperial elder advisors? Where was Grand Commander Pei?

But this was merely the people's anger.

Many nobles and officials had already received subtle orders from Emperor Gao Ye: Dachen's great transformation would come tonight.

Tonight would be the night Dachen's power was reshuffled.

How much power they could seize from this banquet was what truly mattered to them.

In the Guodao Academy, students and teachers were in uproar—but were immediately suppressed by Left Sacrificial Officer.

Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui wanted to aid the Grand State Tutor—but it was useless.

Top-tier eighth-rank battles were beyond their participation.

If he rashly charged in, even one casual move from either the Xumi or Mu Ling Palace Master would kill him instantly, body and soul.

So they could only wait.

The Grand State Tutor had already arranged everything.

They could only wait.

In the Xunxingwei Garrison, it was the same.

The generals looked up at the sky, then at the old attendant playing chess with the Viceroy; some, their blood boiling, would have charged out already had it not been for their comrades holding them back and the Viceroy's orders.

It's so damn frustrating.

The enemy has six Eighth-Rankers at the gate, while our own three Eighth-Rankers—two are here playing chess, and only one is fighting to the death.

And yet, the main tower of Chen Guo's Star-Picking Tower seems to have malfunctioned.

As they say, when it rains, it pours.

Frustration reached its peak!

Many had already guessed what was happening—but dared not think it through!

The collapse of Chen Guo's Pillar of Heaven seemed imminent.

Even the Viceroy Pei Ze, who was playing chess with the old attendant, could no longer remain seated amid this battlefield crisis.

He truly feared the State Master couldn't hold on!

It wasn't just one-on-two anymore—it was now one-on-six.

Worse still, due to the interference of the State Seal, State Master Cheng Yuexiao had lost his home-field advantage.

The State Dao Artifact and Chen Guo's Star-Picking Tower had both been sealed.

Otherwise, who among those below Eighth-Rank Peak would dare fight above Chen Guo's Wan Yi?

Unless they wanted to die!

But now, both had been sealed!

Seeing the Viceroy's aura shift, the old attendant's star-tower subtly emerged behind him, warning, "Viceroy, three games of go—this is the Sacred Order!"

Pei Ze sneered in response, his gaze toward the imperial palace growing even sharper!

He finally understood—the State Master was right!

But the question was, where was the State Master's countermeasure?

Beneath the Imperial Palace's Star-Gazing Pavilion, the moment the two Grand Masters and State Master Cheng Yuexiao began their battle, Xu Jin had already stealthily arrived.

Xu Jin did not act immediately—he too was searching for an opening!

The reason? The State Seal had remained suspended above Emperor Gao Ye's head.

The moment Emperor Gao Ye activated the State Seal with his imperial bloodline, the Seal projected a radiant aura that enveloped him—this was not yet the best moment to strike!

A few breaths later, the State Dao Artifact and Chen Guo's Star-Picking Tower were sealed, and State Master Cheng Yuexiao immediately fell into crisis.

As the other four Eighth-Rankers began circling the perimeter, State Master Cheng Yuexiao stepped onto the edge of life and death.

Yet the radiant light cast by the State Seal still enveloped Emperor Gao Ye!

Xu Jin knew he could wait no longer!

If he delayed further, State Master Cheng Yuexiao might truly perish!

On the rooftop of the Star-Gazing Pavilion, Emperor Gao Ye, watching State Master Cheng Yuexiao teeter on the brink of death, burst into a triumphant laugh!

He laughed with utter delight, utter confidence!

The feeling of controlling everything had returned to his hands.

This was the true posture of an emperor!

With Cheng Yuexiao about to perish, future Chen Guo would be a realm where he alone decided heaven and earth!

Suddenly, Emperor Gao Ye frowned slightly—as if a ripple of star-force had risen.

Shhh!

A piercing sound of tearing air erupted instantly.

At the very moment the piercing sound rang out, two blades of crimson and azure light shot straight toward Emperor Gao Ye's face.

Before Emperor Gao Ye could react, the Fire Ox Sword and Moonshadow Sword slammed into his very face.

But they were blocked by a thin veil of light.

The starlight cascading from the State Seal, like a radiant cloak, halted Xu Jin's quintuple Flowing Flash assassination.

Under quintuple Flowing Flash, the Moonshadow Sword, merely a Sixth-Rank Low-grade artifact, shattered instantly into fragments.

It was completely severed.

The Fire Ox Sword also cracked with countless fissures.

Yet at that same instant, as the light veil was struck, the State Seal suddenly blazed with radiant light—the veil thickened impossibly in an instant.

The ultimate assassination of quintuple Flowing Flash only caused the State Seal's radiant cloak to ripple violently.

Like a massive ripple spreading outward.

Then—it vanished!

No more movement!

Xu Jin was stunned.

The State Seal's defense was this strong?

It was absurdly strong.

Yet, a State Dao Artifact capable of suppressing the Nine Sheng Bells, and further empowered by countless Grand Masters of the Spirit Era Star Palace, possessing such power was only natural.

"Assassin?"

Startled at first, Emperor Gao Ye then smirked with amusement.

"You… are Cheng Yuexiao's hidden card."

Before he finished speaking, Emperor Gao Ye's face turned pale.

"Xu Jin! Is it you?"

"You're still alive?"

"Damn it!"

The moment he recognized Xu Jin, Emperor Gao Ye's expression twisted into a snarling, monstrous rage!

What enraged him most was not the murder of his son!

But this man—this was the second person in decades to trample the imperial dignity beneath his feet!

The first one, he could not touch!

But this one—he would kill him!

Faintly, the humiliation of twenty years ago resurfaced before his eyes, making Emperor Gao Ye's face twist with fury!

"Perfect! Since you've come, today I shall slay you, traitor!"

A small earth-yellow blade suddenly materialized in Emperor Gao Ye's hand, instantly transforming into a dragon-shaped earth-yellow light, slashing toward the starlight.

The Seven-Star Spirit Artifact: Yellow Dragon Sword!

This strike carried immense power.

With the Seven-Star Spirit Artifact and Emperor Gao Ye's Seventh-Rank cultivation, even a Seventh-Rank Late-Stage cultivator couldn't withstand it—let alone Fifth or Sixth-Rankers.

Xu Jin might have been able to block it with Earthheart Earth Rhythm.

But there was no need to block it!

"Foolish emperor, long time no see!"

Xu Jin sneered, watching the incoming blade-light—Lei Guang exploded, instantly splitting into eight.

This was a new star-art Xu Jin had inadvertently deduced.

Lei Yuanxing, Lei Xiangxing, Lei Dun, linked star-patterns, and Willow-Fluff Star-Pattern—somehow produced Lei Dun clones.

Extremely practical!

And each clone's aura was utterly lifelike!

The rolling yellow dragon-light instantly shattered one clone; the other seven clones simultaneously raised their hands, and a crimson lightning bolt surged downward toward the State Seal.

Not Fire Cloud Divine Thunder.

But Xu Jin's newly deduced Binghuo Divine Thunder!

The Divine Thunder struck the State Seal—the Seal merely rippled, unharmed!

"You, a mere Fifth-Ranker, dare try to shake the State Seal?"

Emperor Gao Ye sneered, "Not you—even a Seventh-Ranker couldn't shake it.

Only Cheng Yuexiao himself might have a chance!"

As he sneered, the Yellow Dragon light surged forward, relentlessly slashing at Xu Jin's Lei Dun clones.

"Is that so? Foolish emperor, take a look at this strike!"

The next instant, another Binghuo Divine Thunder slammed down.

But this Binghuo Divine Thunder blazed with brilliant crimson light!

Xu Jin had infused it with a thread of Jiutian Lei Yun.

"Shut up! I am not a foolish emperor!"

"I am the revitalizing sage-emperor of Chen Guo!"

"Pah! If you're not a foolish emperor, who is?"

"You are the greatest foolish emperor Chen Guo has ever seen!"

As Xu Jin cursed, his Lei Dun twisted aside, evading several of Emperor Gao Ye's sword strikes—and he had fully gauged the State Seal's strengths and weaknesses.

The two previous lightning strikes were merely to test it.

After all, Xu Jin didn't have much Jiutian Lei Yun—he couldn't waste it in a piecemeal battle.

"I am the sage-emperor, yet I shall still exterminate your ten clans!" Emperor Gao Ye roared.

The sound of "Assassin!" echoed throughout the palace.

Another seventh-rank in the imperial palace, the newly appointed Grand Eunuch Jia Bao, led several sixth-ranks in rushing over to protect the emperor.

Xu Jin didn't even turn his head—he unleashed a Binghuo Divine Thunder, instantly summoning five bolts of lightning.

Jia Bao, a seventh-rank beginner, was directly struck to the ground, life or death unknown.

The other four sixth-rank eunuchs were instantly reduced to charred corpses by Xu Jin.

In the next instant, Xu Jin dodged another blade flash from Emperor Gan'an, his mind sinking into the Lei Xiangxing rune.

In a flash, Xu Jin infused fifty Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythms into the newly formed Binghuo Divine Thunder.

BOOM!

The Binghuo Divine Thunder, blazing crimson as if swollen, suddenly exploded, illuminating the entire sky and the night over Wan Yi.

Only then did anyone notice: there was another great battle within the imperial palace!

Far away, the Three Star Juniors, still hurtling through the air, had drawn near enough to sense something was amiss.

But they were still too far—what could they do?

Fifty Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythms poured into the State Seal, and the vast store of starlight within it erupted in that instant.

Lightning and starlight intertwined, as if two suns had collided.

In an instant, they illuminated Wan Yi once more!

As if a great sun had descended upon Wan Yi.

Lighting every detail of Wan Yi with crystal clarity.

And illuminating Emperor Gan'an's twisted, snarling face!

Yet in a place no one noticed, a flicker of fear passed through Emperor Gan'an's eyes.

In the next instant, the magnificent heavenly power of fifty Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythms converging and exploding utterly suppressed the State Seal's radiance; its starlight melted away like snow poured over boiling water.

At the same moment, the blood-red dragon formed from Emperor Gan'an's blood infused into the State Seal was completely shattered.

The State Seal was blasted into dullness and retreated back into Emperor Gan'an's body.

Instantly, the blood-red dragons coiled atop the Jiusheng Bell and the Grand Chen Star-Picking Tower began to loosen and disintegrate!

"No!"

Emperor Gan'an roared in fury!

He spat a mouthful of essence blood—the Yellow Dragon Sword erupted with a thousand-meter blade flash, lashing toward Xu Jin.

At the same instant, over thirty sixth-rank superior rune tablets were hurled by Emperor Gan'an and detonated simultaneously.

In an instant, the night sky over the imperial palace exploded like fireworks, one after another.

The terrifying star-force fluctuations even shook the entire capital of Grand Chen, Wan Yi!

Even the Star-Gazing Pavilion beneath Emperor Gan'an's feet was shattered outright by the detonation of thirty sixth-rank superior rune tablets.

At the moment the thirty sixth-rank superior rune tablets exploded, Xu Jin sensed danger!

This power was too terrifying!

If he took it head-on, even a seventh-rank peak cultivator would be obliterated!

Without hesitation, Xu Jin plummeted straight to the ground.

As he fell, he activated Earthly Magnetic Force, instantly accelerating his descent.

But during his fall, the explosive force of the thirty sixth-rank superior rune tablets struck him in wave after wave.

At least ten.

The instant ten or more sixth-rank superior rune tablets exploded against Xu Jin's back, the Yumu Golden Bell, infused with a thread of Earth Core Earth Rhythm, shattered instantly.

The Fire Scale Armor surfaced.

Fortunately, using this shockwave, Xu Jin landed early—his feet touched ground, and the Earth Root instantly activated; the Yumu Golden Bell reformed, and the moment it reformed, the Yellow Dragon Sword slashed down again!

"Villain, die, you scoundrel!"

Roaring, Emperor Gan'an, wielding the Yellow Dragon Sword, brought it down upon Xu Jin's head.

The Divine Thunder Chain Shield instantly formed, infused with five Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythms, and met the Yellow Dragon Sword head-on.

The Yellow Dragon Sword did not break upon impact—the Divine Thunder Chain Shield instantly transformed from shield to chain, twisting and entangling the blade.

Emperor Gan'an was stunned—yet Xu Jin's mind stirred.

Earthly Magnetic Force activated again.

In an instant, the immense force pulled Emperor Gan'an, still airborne, down to the ground.

At the same moment, Xu Jin stomped the earth—the ground churned, and over thirty spears of wrath instantly formed, surging upward to pierce Emperor Gan'an.

Both the falling speed and the spear launch speed were extreme.

Yet Emperor Gan'an showed no fear!

The Seven-Star Spirit Armor, the Yellow Dragon Armor, suddenly surfaced, shielding his entire body.

When the thirty wrathful spears struck, they could not pierce the defense of the Seven-Star Spirit Artifact, Yellow Dragon Armor.

Seeing this, Emperor Gan'an relaxed, exhaling a sigh of relief.

"Villain, I am protected by the Seven-Star Spirit Armor—how could you possibly harm me!"

"Again!"

Xu Jin roared instantly—retracting and releasing Earthly Magnetic Force, Emperor Gan'an was flung skyward by the residual force of the wrathful spears, then helplessly pulled back down by Earthly Magnetic Force!

The ground surged again!

Thirty earth spears instantly shot upward from below, slamming toward Emperor Gan'an!

But this time, one of the thirty spears glowed golden bright!

One spear—Xu Jin infused ten Earth Core Earth Rhythms into it!

SHHH!

The moment the piercing sound rang out, the golden-bright dark-gold spear pierced through Emperor Gan'an's Seven-Star Yellow Dragon Armor—and simultaneously shattered his protective starlight—Emperor Gan'an's face turned green!

"No!"

"No!"

Puff! Puff-puff-puff-puff!

The sound of spears piercing flesh echoed endlessly.

In an instant, Emperor Gan'an was pierced through like a sieve by the upward-thrusting earth spears.

As he fell to the ground, Emperor Gan'an still stood upright.

Yet one spear had pierced him straight from his anus to his forehead.

"Tyrant, today is your death day!"

The moment his head shattered upon impact, Emperor Gan'an's Nascent Soul surfaced—no sooner had it appeared than thunder cracked.

Xu Jin's Binghuo Divine Thunder had already descended!

"I am not a…tyrant."

These were the first words Emperor Gan'an's Nascent Soul spoke—and his last.

The moment the words left his mouth, his newly surfaced Nascent Soul was drenched in Xu Jin's Binghuo Divine Thunder.

The State Seal, which had retreated into Emperor Gan'an's Upper Star Palace, instantly surfaced, attempting to shield his Nascent Soul.

But the terrifying Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythms reappeared.

In an instant, they extinguished the State Seal's spiritual light and starlight, causing its starlight to scatter completely and fall to the ground.

Emperor Gan'an's Nascent Soul was also utterly dissolved into nothingness within this wave of lightning.

The ruler of Grand Chen, Emperor Gan'an, is dead!

For this Binghuo Divine Thunder, Xu Jin infused forty Nine Heaven Thunder Rhythms!

(End of Chapter)