Chapter 731: Take the Flag and Never Forget (9k Requesting Monthly Votes)

The instant Song Ju was slain, Xu Jin activated his divine sense to command the celestial authority, sensing all changes in qi within the Xiazhu Star Region.

After carefully sensing for three breaths, he confirmed no tenth-rank qi remained, and only then did he relax.

The scenario he most feared had not occurred.

What Xu Jin feared most was naturally Qu Qu Shanze, the Yu Tianyang Xingjun who guarded the celestial authority of Xiazhu Star Region from beyond the heavens.

This man was among the top-tier tenth-rank Tianyang Xingjun.

If he were to directly launch a Dao-embryo weapon into Xiazhu Star Region now, the outcome would be uncertain.

Although Xu Jin's Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai was powerful, he wasn't certain he could trap him inside.

Just like Song Ju—when fully alert and without direct eye contact, the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai might not even ensnare him.

Especially if Qu Qu Shanze learned of Xu Jin's achievements, he would be exceedingly cautious.

As for You Le, the Zhen Tianyang Xingjun whom Xu Jin obliterated in a single glance, this fool had simply walked into a trap.

He never imagined that a mere glance would instantly drag him into the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai's illusion.

He died without ever understanding what happened.

Slightly unjust!

With no immediate threat, Xu Jin immediately sealed away Song Ju's shattered corpse, then drew out the Meridian Space of the slain minor Tianyang Xingjun he had obliterated earlier, and finally turned his gaze toward the last remaining tenth-rank minor Tianyang Xingjun trapped in his Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai.

It has to be said that the power of the Tai Xu Wen Xin Platform truly stands the test.

This tenth-rank minor Tianyang Xingjun had been trapped within the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai for over thirty breaths, with no sign of escape.

The vast quantity of Divine Dao Golden Pearls Xu Jin had spent during the forging of the Seven Emotions Mirror had not been wasted.

This made Xu Jin nostalgic for Yuan Ling Tianyang Zhenjun's killing artifact, the Floating World Shadow Heart Lamp.

When would he get another chance to pluck some wool?

In the next instant, Xu Jin's gaze settled on the trapped tenth-rank minor Tianyang Xingjun—he intended to keep this one alive for another experiment.

The combined power of Sha Meng and the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai had already been demonstrated.

Using eye contact to draw targets into the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai was incredibly practical.

But Xu Jin now wanted to test whether Sha Meng's true function could fully merge with the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai.

In the next instant, as Xu Jin activated his intent, he consciously used Sha Meng to drive the Wen Xin Tai—the illusion within the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai immediately shifted.

Sha Meng's power activated instantly.

After more than ten breaths, the spiritual soul of this tenth-rank minor Tianyang Xingjun shattered and dissolved within the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai.

Yet at the same moment, he awoke—his spiritual soul's aura plummeted drastically!

Sha Meng had succeeded.

But he wasn't dead!

In the instant the tenth-rank minor Tianyang Xingjun's face turned ashen, Xu Jin's pre-prepared Spatial Law Dao instantly lashed out—a single finger strike shattered the star, ending the battle immediately.

At the same time, Xu Jin understood why Sha Meng had succeeded yet the man had not died.

Because what was trapped within the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai was merely a wisp of spiritual soul—or consciousness—while his Dao-embryo remained outside.

Previously, in Kunling Domain, Xu Jin's Sha Meng had succeeded because most cultivators possessed only spiritual souls, not physicalized Yuan Ling.

Thus, when the spiritual soul perished in the illusion, it was truly gone.

But with a physicalized Yuan Ling and Dao-embryo, things were different.

Only the spiritual soul's origin was damaged—the Dao-embryo remained intact.

Upon awakening, it felt like a fleeting dream.

It seemed Sha Meng could never fully merge with the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai.

Yet even the mere ability to pull a target's spiritual soul into the Tai Xu Wen Xin Tai with a single glance was priceless.

If he ever had the chance again, he could further refine Sha Meng—explore and comprehend it to the level of spiritual soul Dao principles—perhaps then, change would come.

At last, Xu Jin exhaled a long breath of relief.

The remaining twelve minor Tianyang Xingjun, including the Zhen Tianyang Xingjun You Le who entered with Dao-embryo weapon, had all been slain by him.

Only Yu Tianyang Xingjun Qu Qu Shanze, guarding beyond the heavens, remained in unknown status.

As Xu Jin prepared to report this victory to Zhu Zhu Shizhen, his divine sense suddenly stirred—the celestial authority sensed that the two fixed star-gates still glowed dimly.

This meant Xiazhu Star Region remained sealed.

Still cut off from outside reinforcements and internal escape.

"What's going on?"

Instantly, Xu Jin released Lu Sheng's Dao-embryo from the Meridian Space he had sealed, and as his palm touched it, he activated Wen Meng interrogation.

Only this man might know the mystery behind it.

After several breaths, Xu Jin had fully interrogated him—and his gaze turned toward the heavens.

The scale of this operation by the Bi Chu Xuan Tianyang Zhenjun's mansion was larger than he had imagined.

Not only was Yu Tianyang Xingjun Qu Qu Shanze present, but they had even deployed Xi Ji Tianyang Xingjun Liu Xi's Spatial Sealing Artifact.

Remember, Xi Ji Tianyang Xingjun was a Sealed Tianyang Xingjun.

A Sealed Tianyang Xingjun was among the absolute pinnacle of Yu Tianyang Xingjun—only those granted titles by the Emperor himself could bear such a designation.

His sealing artifact was among the supreme treasures of its kind.

The Western Wind Chaos Sky Flag!

This was not Xi Ji Tianyang Xingjun's true-life sealing artifact, but a top-tier Spatial Sealing Artifact he had forged during wartime by spending vast battle merits.

It was precisely with this Western Wind Chaos Sky Flag that he had sealed space and restricted enemies, earning him legendary battlefield achievements.

Because it was not his true-life artifact, he had lent it out, entrusting Lu Sheng to bring it and seal the entire Xiazhu Star Region.

This was a precious treasure.

The reason it still maintained its seal was that although Lu Sheng had been captured alive, he still lived—and as a supreme-level sealing artifact, the Western Wind Chaos Sky Flag could autonomously draw star energy from the void to sustain its blockade.

But if Lu Sheng were killed, the artifact would become ownerless.

The spatial seal over Xiazhu Star Region would instantly dissolve.

Yet Xu Jin did not immediately kill Lu Sheng.

Killing Lu Sheng was easy—but acquiring the Western Wind Chaos Sky Flag was difficult.

Yu Tianyang Xingjun Qu Qu Shanze still waited beyond the heavens; Xu Jin dared not rush out.

Not only could Xu Jin not guarantee he'd survive the star Gang beyond the heavens, but even if he could, Qu Qu Shanze would surely kill him effortlessly.

Once outside the heavens, Xu Jin lost all his advantages, while Qu Qu Shanze would likely be in full combat readiness.

Xu Jin could not risk this.

Though the supreme-level sealing artifact was precious, compared to his own life and safety, it meant nothing.

But this did not mean he would abandon the Western Wind Chaos Sky Flag.

Xi Ji Tianyang Xingjun Liu Xi had participated in the ambush against him; Xu Jin could not yet retaliate—but if there was any chance, he still wanted to make him pay.

In the next instant, Xu Jin sent a starlight message directly to his exceptionally understanding and obedient Princess Zhu Zhu Linxiao.

【If you encounter Yu Tianyang Xingjun Qu Qu Shanze, can you escape unharmed?】 Xu Jin asked directly.

At this moment, Princess Zhu Zhu Linxiao's excellence and obedience shone through—if anyone else had received this, they'd have fired off a dozen questions first before answering. But Zhu Zhu Linxiao offered no extra queries—she replied instantly: 【Husband, if I encounter Yu Tianyang Xingjun Qu Qu Shanze, I can escape unharmed. Though I am only a Zhen Tianyang Xingjun, and though my Yutang Tianyang Zhenjun Mansion has declined, I still possess survival techniques—I just can't kill him.】

【If you enter battle with Dao-embryo weapon against Yu Tianyang Xingjun Qu Qu Shanze, can you escape unharmed?】 Xu Jin asked again.

【Husband, in that case, I have a sixty to seventy percent chance of escape—and it also depends on Qu Qu Shanze's determination and condition. Unless absolutely desperate and in a completely hidden location, Qu Qu Shanze dares not kill me.】 Zhu Zhu Linxiao replied instantly.

【The Yutang Tianyang Zhenjun Mansion still has countless old allies—if they spare no cost, my brother Zhu Zhu Shizhen will surely summon a True Person to slay him and avenge me.】

Instant reply!

Watching this instant starlight reply, Xu Jin shook his head—he had originally thought this woman was merely tea.

But when such tea reaches its extreme, it becomes a man's fatal poison.

【Hmm, then hurry to Xiazhu Star Region. Send me a starlight message before you depart—I'll break the star-gate seal.】 Xu Jin said.

【Husband, give me twenty breaths to prepare—I'll enter the star-gate with Dao-embryo weapon in twenty breaths.】 Zhu Zhu Linxiao did not hesitate, asked no why, no danger, no task—she simply agreed at once.

Xu Jin had planned to explain further, but Zhu Zhu Linxiao's reply left him speechless.

What's the point of explaining?

This woman.

Xu Jin felt that if this woman were in danger, he might truly risk his life.

Inside the Dao Palace's Punishment Hall of Emperor Dongxuan Star Realm, Princess Zhu Zhu Linxiao, while handling official duties, merely gave a brief instruction, then instantly soared through the stars, returning directly to the Yutang Tianyang Zhenjun Mansion.

Less than ten breaths later, she arrived at the mansion, entered her quiet chamber, sat cross-legged—and instantly, her Dao-embryo emerged from behind her, a three-colored silk ribbon flashing like a startled crane, coiling like auspicious clouds beneath her Dao-embryo.

In the next instant, her Dao-embryo shot straight toward the Yutang Tianyang Zhenjun Mansion's Star Gate Hall.

【Zhu Shizhen, your brother-in-law has summoned me to Xiazhu Star Region—prepare yourself and guard my physical body.】

After sending a starlight message to Zhu Zhu Shizhen, Zhu Zhu Linxiao watched the Xiazhu Tianyang Xingjun's star-gate flicker with starlight—and her Dao-embryo stepped in instantly.

Zhu Zhu Shizhen, meditating in his quiet chamber, instantly rose upon receiving the message and rushed toward the Star Gate Hall.

Upon arriving, a guard informed him the Princess had already entered Xiazhu Star Region.

Zhu Zhu Shizhen stared in shock, then a bitter smile spread across his round face.

"Sister, you left so cleanly—but dumped the entire thousand-jin burden on me."

The four words Zhu Zhu Linxiao had left—"prepare yourself"—held deep meaning in Zhu Zhu Shizhen's eyes.

It meant preparing for the worst-case scenario.

The worst-case scenario: Zhu Zhu Linxiao dead, Xu Jin dead!

They had long ago discussed what such a worst-case preparation entailed.

Naturally, the bloodline of Jade Hall True Person's mansion shall continue, awaiting the future!

For a moment, Prince Zhu Zhu Shizhen wore a face full of sorrow—his elder sister truly was

Theoretically, at this point, not going is not impossible.

In the Xiuzhu Star Region, amid flickering starlight of a fixed star domain, Zhu Zhu Linxiao's Dao Embryo arrived riding her artifact.

Just stepping out of the star gate, she prepared to send a starlight message to ask where Xu Jin was.

She had come here already prepared for the worst.

As she was about to send the starlight message, her gaze suddenly sharpened—spatial ripples appeared ahead in the void.

As her aura surged and she prepared to strike, she saw Xu Jin step forth from the void, riding the stars. Zhu Zhu Linxiao exhaled slightly in relief, immediately rushing over—then, seeing the blood at the corner of his mouth, she was stunned.

With a small hand of Dao Embryo, tinged with faint Yin and icy chill, she instantly supported Xu Jin. "My lord, how is your injury? Where is the enemy now? What should I do?"

Emotional value, calmness, and crisis handling—all were perfectly addressed in an instant.

"Enemy? The enemy is gone!" Xu Jin smiled.

"What?"

Zhu Zhu Linxiao stared in shock, her Dao Embryo's large eyes fixed on Xu Jin. "My lord, what do you mean? I don't quite understand."

"Twelve Minor Star Juniors, plus the Dao Embryo of Star Commander You Le who came to reinforce—all have been slain by me. Now, only the one beyond the heavens remains!" Xu Jin pointed to the void.

"What?"

Zhu Zhu Linxiao instantly drew a sharp breath, her beautiful eyes widening to their fullest—her gaze toward Xu Jin was now filled entirely with worship.

She believed every word he said.

Not a single shred of doubt.

"My lord is truly a divine being!"

After lavishing this praise, Zhu Zhu Linxiao turned her gaze to the heavens. "My lord, what should I do? If Star Commander Qu Qu Shanze beyond the heavens still lives, I wish to slay him—but my strength is limited; I fear I cannot kill him!"

"I don't ask you to kill him. Qu Qu Shanze's life is to be kept—for in a few years, I shall collect it myself."

"Right now, I want you to seize the West Ji Star Junior's Wind Chaos Banner!" Xu Jin swiftly explained the current situation, causing Zhu Zhu Linxiao's beautiful eyes to gleam brightly.

"If what my lord says is true, Star Commander Qu Qu Shanze must have suffered severe backlash injury—likely grave!"

"Too bad I came here with my Dao Embryo riding an artifact—I still find it hard to kill him."

"If I had come in my physical body, perhaps I might have had a chance to slay him."

"Still, seizing the Wind Chaos Banner should not be difficult!" Zhu Zhu Linxiao said.

"Good, then go. Remember: if you can take it, take it; if not, safety first!"

"My lord, I understand!"

As she spoke, Zhu Zhu Linxiao's Dao Embryo embraced Xu Jin, kissed him lightly—and in an instant, shot skyward.

Watching Zhu Zhu Linxiao depart, Xu Jin felt a faint sense of lingering warmth.

The sensation of that Dao Embryo kiss—icy and cool—had a unique flavor. I wonder…

Beyond the heavens, Star Commander Qu Qu Shanze sat cross-legged within the star river, sullenly recovering his injuries.

He never expected the second sealing to be interrupted—he had suffered backlash himself!

Just now, he had reported the full details to Prince Bi Chu Xuan.

For the time being, he could not reseal the celestial will of the Xiuzhu Star Region again.

So he requested permission from Prince Bi Chu Xuan to return.

But Prince Bi Chu Xuan did not immediately agree—he told Qu Qu Shanze to remain and hold his position, waiting until the battle situation was confirmed before deciding his next move.

Qu Qu Shanze understood.

Perhaps at a critical moment, they needed his Dao Embryo to enter riding an artifact!

But his current state…

Yet he had no choice but to obey Prince Bi Chu Xuan's order!

His heart burned with suppressed fury!

As he pondered, Qu Qu Shanze's expression suddenly shifted—he saw a Dao Embryo figure burst forth from below, from the Xiuzhu Star Region. The moment it emerged into the star river, it reached directly for the silver Wind Chaos Banner hovering above the Xiuzhu Star Region!

To his utter shock, that single grasp snatched the Wind Chaos Banner away—instantly sending shockwaves through Qu Qu Shanze's heart!

How is this possible?

Unless?

He recognized the Dao Embryo figure!

The Eldest Princess!

Zhu Zhu Linxiao, Eldest Princess of Jade Hall True Person's mansion, had arrived in the Xiuzhu Star Region riding her Dao Embryo!

Could it be…

At that very same instant, Zhu Zhu Linxiao reclaimed the now-orphaned Wind Chaos Banner. Seeing Qu Qu Shanze's inaction, she understood—he must be severely wounded.

Otherwise, he would never have sat idle.

Too bad she, too, had come only as a Dao Embryo.

"The favor you showed today, Star Commander Qu, Jade Hall True Person's mansion shall never forget!"

Bowing from afar, Zhu Zhu Linxiao's Dao Embryo, now in possession of the Wind Chaos Banner, shot downward like a falling star—returning to the Xiuzhu Star Region!

(End of Chapter)