[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-watching-the-immortals-fall":3,"chapter-watching-the-immortals-fall-watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-416":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Watching the Immortals Fall",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260289,4410,"Chapter 416","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-416",416,"\u003Cp>The metallic sword intent, like a guzheng strummed in haste, sliced through endless winds and waves, circling the sky as it clashed with the iron fist—fist aura and sword qi exploded into a turbid surge, howling in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment, Ji You’s movement suddenly paused for an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a deliberate pause, not caused by external force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was, in a life-or-death duel, the greatest taboo was pausing or shifting the rhythm of attack, for both implied an opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Qi Rong had been searching for such an opening throughout his rain-like punches; thus, as his right fist shattered that powerful Dao sword, his left hand shot forward in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a light—a brilliant violet light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like holding a bolt of heavenly thunder, the violet light erupted from his left palm like a cannon hammer slamming into Ji You’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid a muffled explosion, Ji You was violently flung backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crack echoed with a thud as he was smashed into the mountain forest; when he rose, a fissure had already appeared on his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mud body naturally bled no blood, yet the pain intensified due to his body’s material, causing Ji You to convulse all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did he suddenly close in?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the young nobles from the clans turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young clansman’s sword had shown from its first strike a clean, sharp, decisive aura—his battle intent unmatched, clearly a being who had truly fought to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could he suddenly close the distance and strike?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had a close-range killing technique or a weapon to break through, it would be fine—but he had none!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden shift not only shattered his own sword rhythm but also literally handed his own chest to the enemy’s palm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gong Buyi and the youths standing by the riverbank could see this was a grave mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems you’ve only experienced a few minor skirmishes—you’ve never truly fought for your life. I overestimated you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this how your human race fights? Stopping short, so you dare close in without dodging?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, as Prince Wang Chen said, if you injure an opponent of higher status on the arena, you must later be taken to apologize to them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Rong spoke with mockery, laughing as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You rose from the pit, his eyes narrowing: “True. In my past fights, I never dodged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dull.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Rong had already lost interest the instant Ji You erred; now he looked at him as if he were already dead, and without another word, lunged forward again with a crushing punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The powerful fist aura shook the night with thunderous roars, its overwhelming pressure making countless minds ring with static.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ji You stomped hard, shooting from the forest like a meteor; into the gale before him, he slashed his sword, his sword intent crushing down upon the rushing fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a massive explosion, Qi Rong swelled his muscles, his blood qi boiling as he accelerated his punch speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, he fully activated his [Mighty Body Divine Qi].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his true killing mode—no longer blocking swords with fists, but using divine qi to guard his body, his fists devoted solely to slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Divine qi erupted outward; a fist brimming with killing intent surged along the blade’s length.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You’s sword was braced by the divine qi—he understood his intent, instantly sidestepping—but still took a crushing blow to the shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy fist intent surged through him, forcing a muffled groan; the faint cracking sounds near his ears made his pupils contract sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undoubtedly, his mud body cracked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad this world had no cement—even mixing in some glutinous rice water would’ve helped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp sword intent suddenly surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hesitation was allowed in this critical moment; Ji You swung his arm back, his sword intent exploding violently as it swept forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a silver thread bursting open, the sword moved with blinding speed, as fine and sharp as willow leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword lineage came from Qi Zhengyang, the head of Lingjian Mountain’s sword sect, and his four lifelong sword techniques; Ji You built upon them, refining six distinct swords from these four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the ultimate swift sword, fueled by extreme sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Willow’s Renewal in Return and Departure]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Rong never expected his sword intent to accelerate so suddenly; his protective divine qi was still retracting when the piercing sword intent struck him hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack! The hardened divine qi was cleanly severed! Qi Rong’s pupils shrank sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This protective technique had always been unbreakable—only those far superior in realm had ever shattered it. This sword stroke shook him to his core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ultimate swift sword carried a cutting edge that severed all things—it was not the same sword path as his earlier heavy strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, your sword path is exceptional—but alas, your combat rhythm and awareness fail to match its sharpness. Ultimately, disappointing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Ji You did not reply; his long sword hummed, its intent unextinguished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Qi Rong’s fist intent erupted violently, punching through the sword curtain; his right arm snapped back like a drawn bow, then swung down again with full force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fierce fist wind slammed toward him; Ji You retreated half a step, crossing his sword to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the force of the blow, Ji You was blasted ten zhang away, his qi spiraling wildly out of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, fine cracks appeared on his arm, spreading from elbow to wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cross-block had not been a sword cut—it was pure defense; he absorbed his opponent’s fist power alone. It looked like sword versus sword, but in truth, it was his arm taking the full impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You landed heavily, yet without hesitation, he stomped hard, shattering the riverbank as sword qi erupted violently before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the crowds on both riverbanks changed expression again, now even more speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since the plain-looking human had been punched in the chest, they’d noticed his swordplay and movement had become extremely cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since then, his attacks had grown frantic and clumsy, repeatedly struck hard by the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though none knew why he bled no blood, the clear cracking sounds confirmed he was grievously wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it—he can’t win…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, his sword is faster than before, his dodges more agile.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you know? He’s adapting—but in a life-or-death battle, adaptation isn’t enough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Buyi growled grimly, his gaze fixed on the many descendant clans surrounding the area, seeking a chance to slip his young kin away before the plain human fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after scanning the surroundings, he found no opening at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, every descendant present knew their general’s nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the general, mere killing brought no pleasure—he had slain too many since ancient times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he had spent a century favoring torture, delighting in watching them slowly descend into despair, always leaving some alive to let their minds unravel bit by bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he disliked their interference—battles with chaos would kill them too fast, denying them time to despair; naturally, none dared intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not intervening didn’t mean they’d leave openings for the general’s plaything to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gong Buyi burned with frustration over the lack of opportunity, his granddaughter, grandson, and other young nobles beside him couldn’t help but cry out in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Buyi whirled around instantly, his face turning pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, high above the riverbank, Ji You’s iron sword had been knocked aside by a punch—yet the ferocious fist intent remained unrelenting, driving Ji You backward as if he’d stumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, a violet light flashed from the descendant’s other palm, exploding with a roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, all realized the deadly threat was upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment, Ji You’s long sword suddenly rang out in a clear, resonant tremor; as it struck the ground, the blade bent sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden sword qi erupted, its powerful force flinging his body sharply to the right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Rong’s iron fist grazed past him; the violent fist intent, like thunder, burst through the riverbed, sending water exploding upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Ji You thrust his arm forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a different sword intent—unlike any he had used before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This intent was sharp, clear, and pure, unaided by any mental force, yet it pierced straight to the heavens in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless onlookers sensed this sudden shift in sword intent, realizing the sword qi he had sustained since his first strike had finally boiled over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a wind blade slicing across the face, all could not help but fix their gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Dao Sword: Thought Unblemished]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You gripped his hilt, sidestepped, and slashed in a circular arc!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a silver river cascading from the ninth heaven, this clean, powerful sword slashed toward Qi Rong, who was hurtling toward the ground from momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Rong’s senses were acute—he immediately sensed he was under the blade’s edge, yet he did not panic; instead, he channeled all his qi and fully expanded his [Mighty Heaven Divine Qi].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had full confidence in his protective divine qi and believed he had already gauged the true power of Ji You’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to his shock, the next instant, the incoming sword cut cleaved through his divine qi barrier—the blade’s supreme edge pierced his body with brutal force; the intense pain made Qi Rong’s eyes widen in horror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a muffled boom, Qi Rong was split apart and flung backward; his body smashed through the riverbank, rolling and crashing, kicking up clouds of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heavy body was as hard as steel; when it struck the ground, it shattered countless ancient trees, their lush branches and leaves collapsing with crackling snaps, raising even greater dust storms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You landed swiftly, his sword intent unceasing, roaring like a tiger and dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Losing his brute, unreasonable body was a great problem for Ji You—why? Because combat is improvised; in the split second of life and death, there’s no time for careful thought, so most moves are instinctive muscle responses—this is why experience matters so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body’s inertia was forged under the condition of his peerless physical form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he had begun—instinctively closing in, then killing with fists.\u003C\u002Fp>",1709,"2026-06-19T15:28:41.911Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","282ce72dfc500b76823cec378d2ab12d37a5d0a60038b3fbe3289ec557345dbb","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-417","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-415",430,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwatching-the-immortals-fall-cover.jpg"]