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1Chapter 776 – Sweep Through All
2The sudden change in events stunned all the martial artists present. Heavencraft Feng was embedded in the wall, vomiting out great mouthfuls of blood.
3Heavencraft Feng had cultivated to the first stage of Life Destruction; and yet, he had still nearly died a miserable death in just a single exchange with Lin Ming.
4Lin Ming’s cultivation was merely at the late Revolving Core realm!
5“Just where is this boy from?”
6Old man Yan and the other second stage Life Destruction old man felt as if they had been backed into to the edge of a cliff. Those several young martial artists also looked like they had seen a ghost appear in front of them. Lin Ming appeared to be only 20 some years old; in fact, he might even be younger than them.
7They were also juniors like him, so how could the disparity in their strength be so great?
8“If he defeated a first stage Life Destruction martial artist that easily, then his strength must be at least the peak of the second stage of Life Destruction, or maybe even at the third stage of Life Destruction.”
9If Lin Ming’s strength was only at the second stage of Life Destruction, then if they gave it their all, Ling Ming would still be an opponent that they could fight against. However, if he had the strength of a third stage Life Destruction martial artist, then it didn’t matter, even if there were several more of them.
10Lin Ming unconsciously exuded a formless killing intent from his body, which was known as the Death God force field. As old man Yan and the other second stage Life Destruction Elder were enveloped in this killing intent, both of them felt extremely suppressed.
11This made them that much more afraid to do anything.
12Once they started a fight, then there would be no end to it. If they angered Lin Ming and provoked their own deaths, then that would truly be a miserable way to die.
13Old man and the other middle-aged man looked at each other, both seeing the hesitation in the other’s eyes.
14Old man Yan hesitated for a moment and then stepped forwards. He said to Lin Ming, “Brat, this old man will fight with you. Victory and defeat will be decided in three moves!
15Old man Yan’s cultivation was at the second stage of Life Destruction. He couldn’t see just what the limits of Lin Ming’s strength were; he could only probe them through a fight. He would challenge him in advance to avoid shaming the both of them, and having the matter devolve further. At the very least, there shouldn’t be a life-threatening situation. Old man Yan also put out a limit of three moves because he was also lacking in self-confidence. He thought that even if he wasn’t Lin Ming’s match, if he used everything he had in these three moves, then he should still be able to defend himself.
16Old man Yan didn’t wait for Lin Ming’s reply. He drew out a soft sword from his spatial ring and cut at Lin Ming’s throat.
17“Lotus Heart Sword!”
18Old man Yan thrust his sword out, an extremely pure and rich wood-attribute energy constantly emitting from it. Without a doubt, this old man Yan was a wood-attribute martial artist. He also had understanding towards the Concept of Wood that was just taking shape.
19The sword light wove into a blue lotus in front of Lin Ming, several dozen blue lotus flower petals spinning around, cutting towards him.
20Everyone stared with wide eyes, waiting to see just what the limits of Lin Ming’s strength were. If his strength was similar to old man Yan’s then they wouldn’t need to care too much. They would only need another master or two to come in order to suppress Lin Ming. But, if Lin Ming’s strength far surpassed old man Yan’s, then there wasn’t anything they could do.
21“Too weak.”
22Lin Ming shook his head. After arriving at this level of cultivation, looking at the entire Sky Spill Continent, there was no longer a young genius anywhere that could stand on par with him. As for those masters of the older generation, none of them were able to make him take them seriously unless their cultivations were at least at the peak of the fourth stage of Life Destruction.
23He gently traced his spatial ring and a long red spear leap into his hands. Without using any martial skill or even opening the Heretical God Force, all Lin Ming did was pour a wisp of his battle spirit into his long spear.
24With that, a red light flashed out as a harsh grating sound surged forth.
25Kacha!
26The blue lotus that old man Yan formed was pierced through by Lin Ming’s spear. The lotus completely cracked and the sharp lotus petals turned into scattered wood-attribute energy that faded away.
27“This is bad!”
28Old man Yan was horrified. He didn’t think that after stepping up, his result would be the exact same as Heavencraft Feng’s. He thought that against this enemy, he should still be able to protect himself within three moves. But now he hadn’t even been able to block a single one!
29“Young Hero, show mercy.!”
30Old man Yan shouted out these words, but all he received was a cold sneer from Lin Ming. To ask for forgiveness at this time, this old man truly didn’t care for face. Lin Ming was well aware that this old man Yan was probing him. If old man Yan fought Lin Ming to an even standstill, then the other people would have swarmed him, suppressing him through superior numbers. Now, however, this old man Yan had been absolutely defeated by him and all he thought about was begging for forgiveness.
31Shameless.
32Lin Ming had also heard Xiaoxiao’s argument with this old man Yan. He knew that this old man was nothing but an ungrateful bastard. So, not only did he not forgive him, but his disgust and anger only increased by several points.
33Lin Ming didn’t take old man Yan’s life, however. Instead, he deliberately manipulated his true essence to ravage the old man’s meridians, directly tearing all his meridians to pieces!
34Old man Yan gave a miserable scream as he flew back dozens of feet, finally crashing into a table and vase, smashing them into bits.
35Old man Yan had countless wounds on his body, and nearly all of his meridians and bones were broken. He didn’t even have the strength to move his limbs.
36This sort of injury would be impossible to treat without top quality miracle medicines. And, even he did, his wounds would never recover to the same state they were before. Old man Yan wasn’t young anymore and the fires of his life were already simmering low. Even if he used the best medicines available his strength would still drop one or two realms.
37“You.” Old man didn’t know just how miserable his current condition was. All he felt was anger and despair in his heart, and that him speaking this word was a result of the mental attack coming from such a heavy wound. Then, he spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.
38As the other martial artists of Heavencraft Trading Company saw this, all of them began to feel fear. Even a second stage Life Destruction martial artist was not Lin Ming’s match!
39Beside Lin Ming, Xiaoxiao was secretly pleased and overjoyed. While she didn’t wish to kill other members of the Heavencraft Family, she also couldn’t bear to see such a wolf that betrayed her father. She wished that all of those traitor’s martial arts would be wasted. Lin Ming’s actions had vented out some of the anger in her heart.
40At this time, the other middle-aged man had an extremely ugly expression. It was just a match of three moves and yet Lin Ming had been so heavy handed in his actions. At this time, he wouldn’t do something so stupid as stir up any trouble with Lin Ming. As the weaker man, all he could do was endure this.
41He depressed the angst in his heart and forcefully smiled, “Young Hero’s strength is astounding. May I ask where you come from?”
42The middle-aged man asked this because he wanted to investigate Lin Ming’s status.
43However, Lin Ming was disinclined to bother him to begin with. He certainly wouldn’t reveal his origin in the South Horizon Region, and there was definitely no need to say anything at all. It would be easy to see through any sort of fabricated identity.
44Seeing Lin Ming failing to respond, the middle-aged man didn’t grow angry. Instead, he started speaking to Lin Ming with a true essence sound transmission.
45As Heavencraft Xiaoxiao saw this event unfold, she felt her heart unconsciously tighten, and used a hand to tightly grab onto Lin Ming’s arm. She didn’t need to hear the conversation to guess just what was happening. Her great uncle must be asking why Lin Ming would bother helping her, and once the topic of dragonspine grass was to be brought about, her two great uncles might even be able beat her in obtaining the grass for Lin Ming. They would be able to entice him with benefits that she couldn’t match.
46After all, Lin Ming was only someone that she had coincidently met. It was possible he might be tempted by their offer. Once she lost Lin Ming’s backing, she would completely lose all status in the family.
47“Not interested.”
48Lin Ming suddenly said. The middle-aged man’s expression stiffened. As for Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, she let out a long breath of relief as the part of the tension left her body.
49That was a close call.
50The middle-aged man didn’t seem willing to accept this answer. He continued to speak, offering Lin Ming many other advantages. However, Lin Ming rejected him all the same.
51“Young Hero, since that is the case, then I won’t stay here wasting your time. Let’s go.” The various youths around him picked up the injured and left.
52Go?
53You think you can just come when you want to, and leave when you want to?
54Lin Ming glanced at Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, who revealed a hesitant look in return. However, she still let them leave. Although Lin Ming could completely exterminate each and every one of them here, she simply couldn’t handle the consequences. If she captured all of them, then she would still face pressure from her family, most likely leading her to free them under this pressure. That would be an embarrassing move that would make her lose face and supporters.
55She was only in her early twenties, and had truly become an adult just several years ago. With her current foundation in the family, just how many people would be willing to support her?”
56“Young Hero Lin, thank you.” Xiaoxiao said with heartfelt admiration after everyone left. “Young Hero Lin, after this matter is settled, not only will I find dragonspine grass for you, I will also pay you 20,000 spirit essence stones in thanks. Additionally, if you have any other materials you need in the future, then please feel free to ask. I will try as hard as I can to find and sell them to you at the lowest price possible.” Xiaoxiao increased her previous reward. She was afraid that Lin Ming would be won over by her great uncles.
57As Lin Ming decided to step onto the road to being an alchemist, he naturally wouldn’t reject such great conditions from Xiaoxiao. Instead, he was concerned about whether or not Xiaoxiao would be able to obtain the position of Family Head if this farce continued.
58Lin Ming said, “You only had me drive them out and they didn’t suffer any great loss. If this trend continues then you simply won’t be destined to become the Family Head.”
59Xiaoxiao certainly knew this too. She said, “Young Hero Lin, my foundation is too shallow in the family, so it’s impossible for me to obtain trust among my family members. However, just a while ago, I received news that my father’s good friend is headed here. He should be able to catch up to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom in a dozen days or so. Once he arrives, I should be able to cement my status in the family. Then, once I can shore up the Heavencraft Trading Companies income, I’ll definitely be able to win the support of the Council of Elders.”
60“Well, do what you want.”
61Lin Ming didn’t have an opinion. Towards these power struggles in the family, there was no convincingly valuable advice that he could give.
62“Yan’er! Yan’er!”
63Beside Xiaoxiao’s older cousin, Heavencraft Yan, was an extremely distressed middle-aged woman bawling at his bedside. There were several highly skilled medical martial artists that had just assessed Heavencraft Yan’s situation. His injuries were even heavier than old man Yan’s were, and not only were all his meridians torn apart, but even his dantian had completely collapsed. Moreover, these wounds may have even harmed the ability for him to leave behind any future descendants.
64To Heavencraft Feng and his wife, this was an immense attack.
65“That brat is too ruthless!’ Heavencraft Feng shouted in anger, “Let’s go ask that Sir to help. As long as he does help, he should be able to easily annihilate that brat!”
66Heavencraft Feng’s injuries were the lightest of the three injured men. In the end, Lin Ming had showed mercy with the saber, only stabbing through Heavencraft Feng’s right lung. To a Life Destruction martial artist, as long as the heart, meridians, dantian, and spiritual sea weren’t damaged, then all other injuries could be quickly healed.
67There was a middle-aged man sitting in front of Heavencraft Feng. The middle-aged man sneered and said, “Look for that Sir? Why not look for his highness the Crown Prince? Although the Crown Prince wishes to subordinate our Heavencraft Trading Company under his control, that is still our good fortune.”
68“Compared to the Crown Prince’s plans, however, our Heavencraft Trading Company is only a minor chess piece. Since he handed this matter to us, this is the best chance to prove our ability and worth to him. If we can’t complete this task and have to go ask that Sir to help, then just what use are we?”
69Chapter 777 – Bronze Battle Spirit Large Success
70The Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Crown Prince, Yang Yun, was the brightest star of the entire Divine Kingdom and the bastard son birthed by a lowly concubine in the Nine Furnace Divine Emperor’s imperial harem. From the moment he was born, he was ignored by everyone. However, when he was 12 years old, he actually revealed an astonishing talent for martial arts.
71He stepped into the Life Destruction realm at only 30 years of age. Now, ten more years had passed and it was unknown just what his cultivation was. His strength was said to be unfathomable.
72In the four Divine Kingdoms, pedigree and background were secondary to strength. Thus, Yang Yun, though not too closely connected to the Royal Family, was actually able to stand out and become the Crown Prince by virtue of his own power. He held the military power and trade of the country in his palms, and his power and influence were horrifying. Even the three great Imperial Scholars were unable to disobey Yang Yun’s wishes.
73In these past years, Yang Yun had frequently created massive stirs in the country – he was obviously ambitious and had high aspirations. Yan Yun continually strengthened his control over all – not only did he want to completely grasp the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s combat strength in his hands, he wanted the economy as well.
74Heavencraft Trading Company was also one of Yang Yun’s goals. However, even though Yang Yun had immeasurable power and influence, he still had no choice but to consider the public’s opinion. He naturally couldn’t recklessly plunder the privately-owned property of his people. Thus, he supported Heavencraft Xiaoxiao’s two great uncles, Heavencraft Xiao and Heavencraft Yun, and had them go ahead and take control of the Company Head position first.
75They didn’t know just what Yang Yun’s final goal was, but what they did know was that following Yang Yun would lead to infinite glory. It was far better than following that little girl Heavencraft Xiaoxiao who was still wet behind the years, as there was simply no future in supporting her.
76Heavencraft Xiao and Heavencraft Yun understood that to Yang Yun, the entire Heavencraft Trading Company was nothing but a tiny piece of meat, and wasn’t worth paying too much attention to. They had to accomplish a few tasks first in order to earn Yang Yun’s attention. If they couldn’t even deal with a hairless late Revolving Core boy, then they might even be discarded by Yang Yun.
77If Yang Yun really wanted to control the Heavencraft Trading Company, he didn’t necessarily need to go through the two of them.
78“Big brother, what do you plan on doing?” In a private chamber, Heavencraft Yun asked Heavencraft Xiao.
79Heavencraft Xiao hesitated for a moment before his eyes flashed with a cold light. “I intend on asking the Corpsemancer for help. The Corpsemancer and I have had some dealings in the past, and if I can tempt him with some things that interest him, then he should be willing to help.”
80“The Corpsemancer ranked 330 in the Destiny Decree!?” Heavencraft Yun’s head chilled, his complexion not looking too well. Although Heavencraft Xiao and Corpsemancer knew each other, he would prefer not to seek the help of such a strange fellow.
81The Corpsemancer was a demonic path martial artist from the Asura Divine Kingdom. He had an extremely cruel disposition, and was known for being a dangerous devil that could kill without batting an eye.
82Demonic path martial artists either walked the slaughter path or the sexual path. As for this Corpsemancer, he specifically trained in the ghosts and corpse puppets of the slaughter path. This is where his nickname had come from.
83If it was just these few puppets, then it still wouldn’t be enough for Heavencraft Yun to feel so creeped out. It was known that Corpsemancer could kill anyone at any time. Whether they were friend or foe, everyone had to watch their backs behind him.
84Moreover, he often used bodies, and even live people in his corpse puppet experiments.
85Babies, children, young girls, pregnant women, the elderly, these were all the Corpsemancer’s favorite subjects. He especially liked to flay the skin off beautiful virgins and use them to complete his puppets. After being experimented on, those subjects of his would experience a fate worse than death.
86Towards such an abnormally strange freak, Heavencraft Yun didn’t want to cross paths with him at all.
87“If I had some other plan, then I wouldn’t look for him at all. However, if I want to deal with that boy, it is much more reliable if I find some master ranked on the Destiny Decree.” Heavencraft Xiao said.
88There were only 360 individuals listed on the Destiny Decree, and although this sounded like a great number of people, it first had to be known that there were only 100 or so Divine Sea powerhouses in the entire Sky Spill Continent.
89In contrast, there were far more Life Destruction powerhouses than Divine Sea powerhouses. A conservative estimate would be in the range of the several tens of thousands.
90To choose 360 individuals from so many Life Destruction powerhouses, one had to have a reputation worthy of being at the very top. If one could be ranked on such a list then, they must be an unrivalled peer of their era, a master of masters.
91In the four Divine Kingdoms, each Divine Kingdom only had several dozen Destiny Decree masters to themselves. The majority of them were in closed door cultivation in order to attempt breaking through to the Divine Sea realm. The Heavencraft Trading Company was only a fifth-grade power, and if they couldn’t pay a high enough price, then there was no way they could every think about moving a Destiny Decree master to action.
92Corpsemancer was ranked 330 on the Destiny Decree. However, for all those lower than rank 200, every 10 ranks were considered a separate level. So, it was more accurate to say that Corpsemancer’s ranking was around 330-340. Although it sounded not that impressive, it was still a terrifying number.
93Ho –!
94A flame burned.
95In a remote mountain cave deep in the border of the Asura Divine Kingdom, a skinny, skeletal old man was playing with large, gooey brain matter.
96Beside him, a naked young girl was nailed to a wooden rack with most of her skin stripped off as her eyeballs dangled outside of their sockets. She weakly groaned. Under the support of the Corpsemancer’s medicine, she continuously hung onto life, unable to die.
97At her side was a child. The child was soaked in an unknown liquid and his entire body was covered with green hair. His small hands had already become a pair of disgusting claws.
98“They want to use a ghost spirit crystal as the price for dealing with a late Revolving Core boy? A little brat with such astonishing strength? Hehe, there is also Heavencraft Trading Company’s little mistress? How interesting! Kekeke, if this little devil is as Heavencraft Xiao said, and has such a powerful combat strength at just the late Revolving Core realm, then he is actually excellent puppet material. As for that young, beautiful woman, she is also a good experimental subject. A new puppet wrapped in the skin of a beautiful woman is simply the best! Jejeje!” Corpsemancer darkly smiled. He took out a crow puppet from his spatial ring, jumped on it, and flew straight towards the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
99The four Divine Kingdoms each covered an incomparably vast territory, and in the middle of them all was the Sea of Miracles. The Sea of Miracles was known for being impossible to traverse, and was known as the absolute life forbidden zone of the four Divine Kingdoms and had to be circled around. Thus, from the Asura Divine Kingdom to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, it still took over a dozen days, even with the help of transmission arrays.
100.
101At this time, Lin Ming was living a very calm and peaceful life. Every day he would train and practice alchemy.
102With the support of the Heavencraft Trading Company, Lin Ming was able to easily purchase massive amounts of alchemy materials and wood jade at extremely low prices. All of this was constantly consumed in the Cosmic Melting Furnace, with at least 90% of it becoming nothing more than burnt ash.
103Lin Ming’s alchemy technique wasn’t poor at all. It was just that, every time he mastered a new level of alchemy technique, he would instantly proceed to challenge one with an even higher one. Thus, the results of Lin Ming’s alchemy ended in failure, failure, and more failure.
104Unconsciously, Lin Ming’s spiritual sea was subtly influenced by his alchemy training. Waves began to appear in his originally calm spiritual sea, and underneath the crest of these waves shone a gloriously pale azure color.
105The great waves smashed together, causing water to splash everywhere, and slowly infiltrating the spear shaped battle spirit in the skies of the spiritual sea.
106This battle spirit was only as thick as a chopstick, was and less than a foot long. It seemed to be made from a dark greenish blue metal, as if it were forged from raw bronze. This was the symbol of a bronze level battle spirit.
107It was only because Lin Ming’s battle spirit had the attribute of endlessness that it continuously emanated a brilliant azure light.
108At a certain moment, the battle spirit suddenly rumbled, issuing a clarion cry. Lin Ming’s spiritual sea furiously roiled, forming rocky waves that shot into the sky, swirling and creating a vortex around the little spear.
109In such a twisting vortex, the little spear violently shook, making sounds of excitement.
110It slowly began to grow longer, thicker, and the brilliant azure light became increasingly dazzling. Its form became more solid, more primal.
111Large success bronze level battle spirit!
112Lin Ming suddenly opened both of his eyes. When a martial artist’s battle spirit was first born, it would constantly grow with that martial artist’s growth in cultivation.
113Lin Ming had repeatedly made breakthroughs in his cultivation and will, and along with a few heavenly materials that were able to nourish battle spirits, it had been enough for his battle spirit to reach the peak of small success, where he had been stranded for a very long time.
114Now, borrowing the practice of alchemy as his turning point, he had finally broken through the next threshold!
115Practicing alchemy could temper the soul. Although a battle spirit belonged to one’s martial arts will, it was inextricably twined with the soul. After all, will only existed because of the soul, and was why the battle spirit floated above the skies of the spiritual sea.
116The soul was like a sea and a battle spirit was like a fish – a small sea could not raise a big fish.
117This was the use of one’s soul force. Although it couldn’t immediately influence a martial artist’s strength, it could actually decide a martial artist’s current and future achievements to a large degree.
118It was also because of this reason that Demonshine recommended Lin Ming focus on alchemy. At the same time, the closely related inscription technique also couldn’t be ignored.
119“Large success bronze level battle spirit. I’ve already surpassed most Divine Sea powerhouses in this aspect, causing my striking force to increase yet again. In addition to my increasing understanding into the Concept of Fire and the Concept of space, I wonder just how powerful my strongest attack would be. How much stronger has it become?”
120“Bury the Heavens, Chain of Stars, Chasing Sun, Chasing Thunder, Penetrating Rainbow, Thunderfire Annihilation. Those are my six self-created moves, of which some are just too singular in their use, and difficult to use too often. It would be good if I could create some newer ones.”
121Lin Ming thought out loud. However, what he didn’t know was that, if the other extraordinary young elites of the Sky Spill Continent heard his verbal thoughts, they would probably have vomited blood in envy and frustration. After all, they were still studying the legacies left behind by their ancestors. There were many elites that could create a half a skill, but these abilities were often far too limited in their power, and weren’t practical for fighting at all. Thus, they had no choice but to continue using the legacies left behind by their ancestors.
122The moves that Lin Ming had self-created actually contained an extremely terrifying strength behind them, however, and could also be used as a final killing blow.
123Of course, this was all related to the top-quality cultivation methods and lucky chances that he had experienced so far in his life. If Lin Ming wanted to create more moves he would need to experience more lucky chances. These weren’t something he could simply imagine up out of thin air.
124“What? Not only do you want two ghost spirit crystals, but you also want to take away Heavencraft Xiaoxiao?” Heavencraft Yun was furious as he heard Corpsemancer’s conditions. Two ghost spirit crystals were reasonable enough, and he intended to give Corpsemancer some bargaining room. Taking away Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, however.
125Everyone knew that the young girls taken away by Corpsemancer all died horrifying and miserable deaths.
126Although Heavencraft Yun was not a good man, he still didn’t want to push his niece into the very depths of the eighteen layers of hell, as it would be hard for him to find peace of mind. In the future, this would even form a heart demon that would destroy his heart of martial arts.
127“What? You don’t agree?” Corpsemancer’s dark, ghostly green eyes stared into Heavencraft Yun. At that time, Heavencraft Yun felt his breath catch in his throat and a chill crawl up his spine, as if he had just been thrust into an icy lake. He didn’t doubt that Corpsemancer would immediately kill him in the next second if he didn’t comply.
128“Third Brother, don’t speak.” Heavencraft Xiao moved Heavencraft Yun behind him.
129“But!”
130“Don’t speak. There is no longer any path left for us to return!”
131Chapter 778 – First Battle of the Destiny Decree
132Although Heavencraft Xiao couldn’t bear to thrust Xiaoxiao into the fiery pit of doom, he was well aware of just what it meant to stand in the Crown Prince’s good grace.
133The Crown Prince was very ambitious. It was even possible that he would become the most powerful Divine Emperor in the history of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. If he could follow the Crown Prince then he would be able to step onto a larger stage and achieve a greater ideal.
134“I’m sorry Xiaoxiao, but a great man must be ruthless. For my descendants, for the future glory of the Heavencraft Trading Company, I can only make you the small sacrifice to achieve the greater good.”
135When Corpsemancer saw Heavencraft Xiao nod in agreement, he strangely cackled and said, “A wise man can recognize the situation!”
136As he said these words he jumped onto his crow puppet and flew away in a cloud of dust.
137Heavencraft Yun was left behind. His face was pallid and his lips trembled. In the end, he merely sighed, not saying anything at all.
138“Little Jade, bring me a basin of water so I can wash my face.” Heavencraft Xiaoxiao ordered a maid.
139“Yes, young lady.” A young girl in an aquamarine dress ran to fetch a basin of water and a white towel.
140“Little Jade, my eyelids have been jumping all day. I fear that something bad will occur today.”
141“Young lady, everything is fine. Don’t you have Sir Lin?” Little Jade chuckled, giving Xiaoxiao a humorous side eye. Xiaoxiao was at the age where she understood matters of love and also knew of the relations between men and women. She was at a similar age with Lin Ming who was strong, talented, handsome, and brave. It would be easy for any girl to fall for him and imagine a life with him.
142However, Xiaoxiao simply didn’t have the energy or time to consider these things. All she felt was that she was tired. Very, very tired.
143“Little Jade. go and deliver more spirit essence stones to Sir Lin. Also, make sure that Sir Lin’s three meals are all prepared with the best spirit food materials. Don’t –”
144As Xiaoxiao spoke to here she suddenly heard a massive explosive sound originating from the front hall as if a thunderbolt had struck the earth. Her complexion immediately changed as she shot up.
145“Young lady! Bad news! There’s a battle happening outside!”
146A maid ran over in panic. Xiaoxiao rushed into the front hall and her apricot eyes suddenly shot wide open. In the front hall, a servant was stabbed through the throat with a bone lance. He lay face up on the ground, his eyes staring wide like a dead fish; he hadn’t died in peace.
147Beside the dead servant was a skinny, skeletal old man who wore a cruel and sadistic expression. His face was full of pins as if he had been stitched from pieces of human skin. His dark ghostly green eyes were like a rabid wolf, and his entire body emitted a hostile, terrifying energy. Just by approaching him one would feel the fire of one’s life rapidly fading away, as if they would extinguish at any given moment.
148“Who are you!?”
149Xiaoxiao felt a chill crawl down her spine. Her cultivation was only at the Xiantian realm and she wasn’t able to see through this skeletal man’s cultivation in the slightest. But she had a premonition that this man was a terrifying existence; he was absolutely not some unknown nobody.
150“Jejeje, this old man’s nickname is Corpsemancer. And you are that little girl Heavencraft Xiaoxiao. not bad, not bad.” Corpsemancer stretched out a scarlet tongue while his ghostly green eyes were observing Xiaoxiao. Then, he said words that made Xiaoxiao’s heart nearly freeze in her chest, “Using your skin to make a corpse puppet, that will certainly be beautiful indeed.”
151“Corpsemancer!” Xiaoxiao’s face whitened to the point where there wasn’t even a touch of red left. Corpsemancer was a character on the Destiny Decree. He was a notorious and infamous individual who had murdered countless innocents. Moreover, his methods of killing were inhumane and grotesque. She didn’t doubt that Corpsemancer would do exactly as he said. If she fell into his hands then that would be a fate a hundred times worse than death. He was simply the devil incarnate.
152Sky Spill Continent’s Destiny Decree had a total of 360 individuals ranked upon it. Among there, as long as one was at the sixth stage of Life Destruction then they would be ranked no matter how poor their foundation was. Even if their foundation was bad and they didn’t have too many years remaining they would still rank in the top 200.
153As for those at the fifth stage of Life Destruction, most of them were arranged below the top 200.
154It was extremely difficult for a fourth stage Life Destruction martial artist to be ranked. The exceptions were if there was something special about their cultivation method or if their talent was unbelievable.
155And for Corpsemancer, his cultivation method was exceedingly special. What he cultivated were the corpse puppet techniques and Yin Corpse Laws of the demonic path; he was an incomparably abnormal existence that gave everyone headaches.
156Xiaoxiao was the successor of the Heavencraft Trading Company so she naturally knew every single master on the Destiny Decree as well as a great deal of information about them. This was because those individuals were possible customers of the Heavencraft Trading Company.
157As she recalled the information of Corpsemancer, she felt as if she had fallen into icy despair. She never imagined that her two uncles would invite a Destiny Decree martial artist.
158“There is also someone called Lin Lanjian. Boy, be a good little child and come out to quietly become my experiment subject.” Corpsemancer poured true essence into his voice. His words penetrated through every inch of the Heavencraft Pavilion.
159“Corpsemancer, are you looking for me?” Without knowing when, Lin Ming had appeared in a corner of the hall as if he had been standing there all this time. Only Corpsemancer realized that Lin Ming had used some incomparably exquisite movement ability to instantly arrive.
160“Hehe, good movement technique, there’s a little bit of meaning to you. You’re so young and yet so strong. You’ll become absolutely great puppet material. This old man really does appreciate you. Thus, I´ll give you a chance to commit suicide so I can take your body. Otherwise, if you fall into my hands, then you won’t even have a chance to beg for death.”
161When Corpsemancer chased down martial artists, many of them chose to commit suicide when they lost all hope of escaping any further. Otherwise, if they fell into his hands then they would have to linger at the border of life for several months, staring helplessly as their own skin, eyes, hands, feet, and everything else was slowly cut and stripped off.
162This sort of pain and despair could be imagined.
163Lin Ming quietly took out his red long spear. Although this guy in front of him was arrogant, that was because he had the qualifications to be arrogant. He was far more powerful than Xuan Wuji!
164Lin Ming had no choice but to go all out in this battle. Moreover, he didn’t have complete confidence he could win. This was because he simply didn’t know the true depths of Corpsemancer’s strength.
165As Corpsemancer saw Lin Ming pull out his spear, his grotesque smile widened. “It seems you want to refuse my generous charity? Very well, let me see just how tough your life is.”
166He then unfolded both his hands. Atop of them were a pair of ghost claws that shined with a cold brilliance. A dim green light flashed intermittently on the edge of the ghost claws; this was corpse poison.
167“Sir Lin.” Xiaoxiao bit her lips and said to Lin Ming with a true essence sound transmission, “Sir Lin, I sincerely thank you for everything you have done for me so far. Before, we have already agreed that if you were to run into someone that you couldn’t deal with, then the arrangement between us could be terminated at any time. Corpsemancer is ranked somewhere around 330-340 on the Destiny Decree. I am so sorry for having dragged Sir Lin into this mess. If there is a chance, Sir Lin, please escape.”
168With every word she said, her face paled ever further. If it were possible she certainly hoped that Lin Ming would stay. However, if Lin Ming couldn’t deal with Corpsemancer then there was no meaning in him staying here to die.
169As she imagined her fate once she was captured by Corpsemancer, she was terror-stricken.
170Lin Ming glanced at Xiaoxiao for a brief moment and responded, “To show mercy to your enemies is to be cruel to yourself. If you don’t take advantage of the time when you have absolute superiority to eliminate your enemies then you will inevitably incur the bitter consequences of your own weakness. Remember this and take care!”
171After saying this, Lin Ming grasped his red long spear and rushed out of the Heavencraft Pavilion.
172Peng!
173The great doors that stood several dozen feet high were instantly broken apart by Lin Ming’s spear. He then soared out without glancing back.
174Xiaoxiao felt as if she had lost her soul at this moment.
175To show mercy to your enemies was to be cruel to yourself.
176This was the simplest truth that everyone understood. But to truly implement this required great courage and determination.
177She closed her trembled eyes. She knew exactly what Lin Ming was referring to. In a situation where she had absolute advantage, she had allowed Heavencraft Yun to freely leave as he willed.
178She didn’t dare to kill Heavencraft Yun because she feared she couldn’t withstand the pressure from the family. She was afraid that Heavencraft Xiao would use this opportunity to punish her, possibly even expel her from the family.
179But now, Heavencraft Xiao had taken the advantage to strike the first blow. The only one to suffer would be herself.
180“Sir Lin should be escaping. can he escape.?”
181As she looked at the broken door and the shattered wood that swayed in the wind, all she felt was incomparable sadness and grief.
182Now that Lin Ming had left, she was nothing but a fish on a chopping block; she had no strength to resist.
183“Young lady, Corpsemancer is chasing Lin Lanjian. We should take this chance to escape as fast as we can.” The black-clothed old woman nervously said. She then reached out her hand to grab Xiaoxiao.
184Xiaoxiao mournfully laughed. She whispered as if she had just lost her very soul, “It’s useless, everything is useless. Corpsemancer has left a mark on my body. I can no longer escape his palm.”
185“That Lin Lanjian, he actually runs when we need him the most! damnit!” The black-clothed old woman angrily said.
186“Grandma White, there is no one in this world that should be born to die for us.” Xiaoxiao shook her head. But as her voice fell she suddenly heard a loud thunderous explosion from outside that caused the entire Heavencraft Pavilion to tremble.
187Hmm?
188Xiaoxiao ran several steps out of the broken door. From here, she could see that several miles away, Lin Ming and Corpsemancer were flying high in the sky, their clothes flapping wildly in the wind.
189Beneath them, the bustling and lively Witch Creek City sprawled out to the endless horizon.
190The air still reverberated with intense true essence shockwaves. It was obvious that a great battle was brewing.
191“Lin Lanjian intends to battle Corpsemancer? The reason he ran out of Heavencraft Pavilion was because he feared their battle affecting the others inside?”
192For some time, Xiaoxiao was lost in thought. And beside her, Grandma White was also stunned. Although she had complained about Lin Ming just now, those were only words said under a veil of angry and helpless desperation. She was well aware that what Lin Ming had done was completely reasonable. After all, their agreement had been that their contract would become invalid once Lin Ming met a powerhouse that he couldn’t contend with.
193And even if there was no such agreement, Lin Ming escaping was also completely understandable.
194If it had been her in Lin Ming’s position, she would also escape at this time. Only a complete fool would die for a stranger.
195However, she never imagined that Lin Ming would actually decide to fight Corpsemancer.
196At this time within Witch Creek City, whether it was martial artists or common mortals, every single person had raised their heads to see the scene unfolding up in the sky.
197Witch Creek City was a medium to large scale city of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. In this city there were naturally a vast number of considerably experienced masters. They were all able to instantly distinguish that these two people up in the air were top class powerhouses.
198In particular that skinny skeletal fellow who was wrapped in white cloth; he was definitely a master amongst masters!
199Who were they? They dared to fight in Witch Creek City?
200The powerhouses of Witch Creek City were bewildered.
201Of course, most of these martial artists were below Revolving Core; they couldn’t see through Lin Ming and Corpsemancer’s cultivation.
202“Those two actually dare to fight in the skies of Witch Creek City! This is far too brazen!”
203“That’s right! Fighting is prohibited within Witch Creek City. This is the general rule of every large city. If these two people dare to blatantly ignore the rules in front of everyone then their punishment will be death!”
204Chapter 779 – The Great Battle of Witch Creek City
205Large cities naturally had the law and order of large cities, otherwise, they simply couldn’t be called a city. There would be no difference between them and the barbaric wilds filled with bandits and strife.
206In Witch Creek City, all who took part in public fighting would suffer severe punishment. Anyone who ignored warnings would even be executed.
207“The city guards are on their way. Then there will truly be a good show to watch, haha!”
208And as everyone expected, they city guards quickly caught up. The captain of them was a man named Rong Lin. Before everyone arrived he, shouted out, “Just who the hell do you two think you are!? You dare to fight so openly in my Witch Creek City! How insolent!”
209As the captain of the city guards, he was generally a solemn and dignified character. Usually, just a single shout from him was enough to frighten others and solve any problem.
210But this time, after he shouted out his warning, he was actually ignored. He stared with eyes wide open, as his vision tightly locked onto that skinny skeleton old man that was flying in the air. Then, his complexion completely paled.
211“C-Corpsemancer!?”
212He was petrified the spot.
213“Captain, those two fellows are far too arrogant, they actually dare to fight in the skies of my Witch Creek City! They are courting death!” Beside Rong Lin, another city guard that had relied on family connections to join suddenly spoke up. He was a young martial artist that served as Rong Lin’s deputy.
214“Captain, why don’t you tell them to lay down their weapons so we can quickly capture them?” The young martial artist looked at Rong Lin in puzzlement.
215However, Rong Lin remained completely silent while his complexion was becoming increasingly ugly.
216Well, if the captain wasn’t going to do it then he would do it for him. The young martial artist felt that shouting out loud and grabbing everyone’s attention would be a very glorious act.
217“To those listening above! We are –”
218The young man only just started shouting when Rong Lin jumped like a cat and quickly covered the young man’s mouth.
219“Do you want to die!?”
220Rong Lin’s entire forehead was covered with nervous sweat. In every Divine Kingdom, there were only several dozen Destiny Decree characters and most of them were in long term seclusion. They simply lived like hermits for the majority of their life.
221If they were a central ruling figure of a mortal nation, then Rong Lin could only be considered a middle-class city guard official. The disparity in status could be imagined.
222And most fearful of all was that Corpsemancer was an infamous fellow known for his capricious cruelty. Anyone that fell into his hands would suffer a fate worse than death!
223He would rather face a top 200 ranked Destiny Decree character than have to cross paths with Corpsemancer. This was because Corpsemancer could randomly kill someone without even batting an eye!
224“Captain?” The young man asked somewhat unhappy.
225“Everyone obeys my command! Evacuate the crowd and isolate the scene! Without my orders, no one can speak a single word of nonsense and absolutely no one can interfere! All offenders will be brutally punished!”
226As Rong Lin spoke to here he suddenly saw that the skeletal man floating in the air shot a glance at him. The skeletal man smiled, revealing a blood red tongue and bone white teeth.
227It was just a single look but Rong Lin was filled with fear and terror. It was like an icy bone lance had been thrust into his heart.
228Rong Lin trembled with dread. He waved his hand and said, “Everyone, retreat ten miles out!’
229“What?”
230“Fuck! I told you to retreat, so retreat! That fellow above us is a Destiny Decree master!” Rong Lin originally didn’t want to reveal the status of Corpsemancer, but as he saw that the young martial artist wasn’t convinced, and even had an eager look to butt his way in, he had no choice but to announce a bit of Corpsemancer’s information.
231“De-de-de-Destiny Decree!?” The young martial artist was not an idiot. In fact, upon hearing the name of the famous Destiny Decree, everyone was shaken to their cores. They were all well aware just what that implied.
232“Is there a mistake? If that skeletal old man is a Destiny Decree master, then what about his opponent? He’s obviously just a 20 some year-old youth, and his cultivation. his cultivation is. at the late Revolving Core realm!?”
233“Yes, he is only at the late Revolving Core realm and his opponent is Corpsemancer. That young man is insane!” Rong Lin’s eyes blazed as he looked at Lin Ming. As captain of the city guard he naturally had an understanding toward all the top-level characters of the four Divine Kingdoms. However, he couldn’t recall the slightest bit of information about Lin Ming.
234It wasn’t just the city guard, but all observing martial artists discovered that the difference in cultivation of the two flying in the air was simply too great.
235“Is this a life or death battle, or a senior advising a junior?”
236“He’s definitely directing him. Don’t make too much of a fuss, that old man might be that youth’s master. He will certainly suppress his strength to a degree.”
237Woosh! Woosh!
238Two shadows flew to a distant point 10 miles away from the battlefield. These two people were Grandma White and Xiaoxiao.
239“Lin Lanjian Isn’t someone from my Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom nor is he someone from the other three Divine Kingdoms. It’s probable that he hasn’t heard the fame of the Destiny Decree yet, thus he rashly acted. Young miss, this is our only chance. If we continue watching the battle from here then it’s the same as waiting to die.” Grandma White anxiously said.
240If Lin Ming really were a junior of the four Divine Kingdoms then it would be impossible that someone with a talent as monstrous and unprecedented as his could remain obscure. Thus, she only thought that Lin Ming came from some faraway region and didn’t know just how fierce the ranked masters of the Destiny Decree were.
241Let alone Lin Ming, even that senior that knew Xiaoxiao’s father couldn’t be ranked on the Destiny Decree.
242“Grandma White, there is a mark planted on my body; escape is no longer possible. I have already accepted my fate. I would rather stay here and watch Young Hero Lin’s battle. Perhaps, there is even a small glimmer of hope that Young Hero Lin can create an opening for us. At that time, we’ll attack together, and even if we can’t win, we can still die an honorable death!”
243“Alright.” Grandma White shook her head, no longer attempting to convince Xiaoxiao.
244At this time, more and more martial artists began filling the skies. All of them felt that something was off about this situation. How come that the usually blustering and swaggering city guards didn’t take this chance to bring these law breakers down?
245Meanwhile, up in the skies, Lin Ming and Corpsemancer had already faced each other for over 20 breaths of time.
246Lin Ming was the first to make a move.
247Bang!
248Before his long spear even shot out, double force fields were already erupting outward.
249The Asura force field combined with the Death God force field as the dual force fields were released together!
250A tide of power rushed out in all directions, setting of a horrifying storm of energy.
251The Death God force field, annihilating all life vitality.
252The Asura force field, universal suppression of a martial artist’s strength and soul!
253The air trembled. Most of those martial artists floating in the air and watching the scene weren’t masters. They hadn’t yet been able to figure out just how Lin Ming’s strength contrasted with Corpsemancer, but now as Lin Ming’s force field enveloped the entire battlefield, all of them became nothing more than leaves in a storm, scattering or collapsing in all directions! The slightly weaker martial artists, even if they were an entire mile away from Lin Ming, still vomited out a mouthful of blood as they were severely injured!
254“What is that!?”
255All of the martial artists were dumbfounded. Was this the power released by that youth?
256“What kind of killing intent is this?” Xiaoxiao forcefully gulped. Lin Ming had never used this power when he fought the Elders of the Heavencraft Family. It was clear now that he didn’t think it was needed at the time.
257“This is a force field ability, moreover he has dual force fields!” Grandma White recognized just what sort of skill Lin Ming had used. Force field abilities were exceedingly rare; even a supremely talented junior of the four Divine Kingdoms wouldn’t necessarily have one. It was a highly revered and respected ability.
258This was not because a force field was freakishly strong, but because a force field could coexist alongside martial skills. It could invisibly increase a martial artist’s strength or have a number of other effects without affecting the martial artist’s fighting ability at all.
259“Hehe, boy, I like you more and more. Once I turn you into a puppet I can keep your force fields. This is far too perfect! Force fields are the ability that puppet masters love the most!” Corpsemancer sinisterly smiled and his ghostly eyes were gleaming.
260A powerful puppet master could restore most of the special abilities a martial artist had before death. In fact, a puppet’s power could even be raised through the passage of time with the application of a number of arcane skills.
261“You really love dreaming.”
262Lin Ming barked out a short laugh and flourished his spear. He poured his battle spirit into it and thrust out. The inherent power of thunderfire broke through the shackles of space, and with a keening cry, a turbulent wave of energy began to rise up from all around.
263Bang! Bang! Bang!
264space nearly collapsed. Lin Ming’s spear instantly passed 1000 feet forward, thrusting straight between Corpsemancer’s eyebrows.
265Corpsemancer creepily laughed as his withered claws suddenly grasped forward. A black ghost claw appeared out of thin air and shot out towards Lin Ming.
266As the claw shot forward a cold wind swirled up around it, as if countless grieving ghosts formed the black ghost claw that issued mournful wails.
267Kacha!
268The spear and sharp claw collided together. The ghost claw disintegrated, but Lin Ming’s spear light also melted away like white snow under the scorching sun.
269True essence shockwaves rolled up in massive waves. All of the surrounding martial artists quickly retreated as their complexions immediately changed.
270It had become crystal clear to everyone here that these two evil stars were simply ancient vicious beasts in human form. If they were caught up in the ensuing storm of energy then there wouldn’t be anything left of them, not even their ashes!
271As for Xiaoxiao and Grandma White, they weren’t affected because they were very far away to begin with. But they could still feel that horrifying energy that rampaged about, even from such a distance.
272“This should only be a testing move. I have no idea how much strength Lin Lanjian used, but if that is the majority of his strength then there isn’t even a slim chance that he’ll win. Corpsemancer hasn’t even brought out his puppets yet.”
273Grandma White’s face was filled with worry. When Lin Ming had unleashed his dual force fields, a faint hope lit up in her heart. She had been slightly optimistic that Lin Ming might be able to create a miracle or even last a period of time against Corpsemancer. In such a massive fight, there would definitely be other masters arriving if it lasted long enough. At that time, there might be a chance for a favorable turn of events.
274“How interesting! So interesting!”
275Corpsemancer’s skin stitched face became more and more excited. He swiped his special ring and a massive demon puppet rushed out. There were two great wings on its back and its entire body was wreathed in thick, dark blue muscles that were as solid as rock.
276Giant Demon?
277Lin Ming’s mind went cold. This was actually a Giant Demon puppet! Just where had Corpsemancer managed to obtain the corpse of a Giant Demon?
278“That is the puppet technique and also a Giant Demon puppet! That man must be.”
279Some of the surrounding martial artists recognized the Giant Demon puppet. Although they didn’t recognize Corpsemancer, they did manage to recognize that puppet. In truth, top masters that wielded puppets were nearly extinct.
280Thinking of all of them, there was only a single person that was this famous for their puppet technique.
281And then combining that with this sinister and ominous old man’s cultivation, the truth of his identity finally revealed itself.
282“The Destiny Decree ranked 330, Corpsemancer!”
283“Corpsemancer? Is that really him!?”
284“Heavens! No wonder the city guards don’t dare to do anything! That old man is actually Corpsemancer. Then just who is that youth? Did that young man come out of nowhere?”
285At this time, no one said anymore that the fight unfolding in the air was a senior directing a junior. Corpsemancer was absolutely not the type to do so, and Lin Ming’s cultivation method was completely different from his.
286This was a true life or death battle!
287For a late Revolving Core powerhouse to challenge the Destiny Decree ranked 330, Corpsemancer, in a life or death battle.
288This was madness!
289Chapter 780 – Stepping onto the Highest Stage
290“This is a Giant Demon puppet that I carefully crafted myself. I call it. the Gargoyle. Let me take a good look at just how many of my puppets you can force me to use!”
291Giant Demon puppet? So, it seemed that the Sky Spill Continent also had a Giant Demon race. Just where had this Giant Demon corpse come from?
292The Sky Spill Continent and the Holy Demon Continent were both isolated from each other. The last time that they had contact with each other was likely when the Netherworld Great Emperor traveled to the Sky Spill Continent through the Demon Emperor’s transmission array and then later on founded the Silent Demon Emperor City.
293If it was said that there were Giant Demon skeletons from thousands of years ago then Lin Ming wouldn’t be surprised. But, puppet techniques required the use of fresh corpses in order to function properly. This meant that one of the four Divine Kingdoms had members of the Giant Demon race within them.
294“Where is your Giant Demon corpse from?” Lin Ming directly asked.
295“Hehe, of course it comes from the Asura Divine Kingdom. Is that so strange? This old man has no interest in bantering with the likes of you. Now die!”
296Corpsemancer gave a loud shout and the Giant Demon puppet extracted a 15-foot axe before cutting it down towards Lin Ming.
297As this axe cut out, roiling black clouds followed behind it. This was obviously the demon essence that the Giant Demon race used. Although it was similar to true essence, they had essential differences between them.
298An astounding puppet master could reproduce all the abilities that the deceased had before their death. Demon essence was no exception.
299‘The Asura Divine Kingdom actually has the Giant Demon race; that is beyond my expectations.’ Lin Ming shook his long spear, filling it with the Concept of Fire as he smashed it against the Giant Demon’s axe.
300But at this time, there was a crackling sound as a two-foot section of the axe broke off. A thick chain pulled out from the shaft, causing the entire weapon to turn into something like a bola.
301With special devices and traps everywhere, it was nearly impossible to guard against. This was one of the special characteristics of puppets.
302Ka ka ka!
303Lin Ming’s red long spear was caught in the chain. At the same time, the axe head was pulled by the chain, smashing straight towards Lin Ming’s head.
304At such a close distance, for such a change to happen in the axe was truly a sinister combat technique. Moreover, since Lin Ming’s spear was twisted into that chain he was unable to dodge it. Unless he abandoned his spear and retreated, his only option would be to directly block that axe.
305But to a martial artist, their weapon was their life. To abandon their weapon in battle was equal to disillusioning their own heart of martial arts.
306“Sir Lin!”
307Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but cry out in alarm as she watched the battle from a distance.
308All of the surrounding martial artists also watched with wide eyes, waiting to see just how this junior would fight against such a top genius.
309But at this moment, Lin Ming appeared nothing but serene. He shook he long spear in his hands.
310The large success bronze battle spirit erupted!
311Kacha!
312With a shattering sound, that chain as thick as an arm was directly broken apart by Lin Ming!
313Soon after, Lin Ming’s spear thrust forwards, piercing through that half foot thick axe with an unstoppable and sharp spear light that stabbed towards Corpsemancer’s head.
314“Mm?”
315Corpsemancer was bewildered. This was. a battle spirits!?
316With his sight and experience he naturally recognized that this was a battle spirit. Lin Ming only had a mere late Revolving Core cultivation and yet his battle spirit was so keen; how could he not be shocked?
317Bang!
318Lin Ming’s spear stabbed into a white bone shield. At that moment, in front of Corpsemancer, another puppet appeared. This puppet looked like a giant turtle. What Lin Ming had pierced through was its shell.
319As the spear punctured the shell, although the shell didn’t break, cracks still appeared, spreading out like a spider web.
320All of the martial artists present could clearly see what happened. A spear had broken apart the axe and simultaneously broke through the first level of armor of another puppet. This striking power was freakishly abnormal!
321“So, you comprehended a large success battle spirit. It seems I truly underestimated you, no wonder you would dare to fight me.” Corpsemancer’s ghostly green eyes flashed with a blazing light. He licked his lips and coldly said, “I have now decided to sincerely kill you.”
322Lin Ming’s talent far surpassed Corpsemancer’s estimations. To have such an enemy, and for him to be so young, Corpsemancer naturally couldn’t allow him to live. Otherwise, his future troubles would be endless.
323“Complete body!”
324With a loud shout, Corpsemancer’s skinny skeletal body began emitting loud crackling sounds. The white cloth that bound his body like a mummy ripped apart and a pair of blood-red wings unfurled. After the wings stretched out they were more than 10 feet long; they appeared like the wings of a giant bat.
325At the same time, scales began to appear all over Corpsemancer’s face. His arms lengthened and his claws became even larger, a chillingly cold light shining from them.
326After the initial probing strike, Corpsemancer was now ready to go all-out.
327Lin Ming was solemn. After reaching this boundary, no other junior was his opponent. If he wanted to fight he could only challenge those old monsters that had been stranded in the Life Destruction realm for hundreds of years. In front of these existences, Lin Ming was still far too young.
328There were several small boundaries within the Life Destruction realm. From the first stage to the seventh stage of Life Destruction, the difference was approximate to the difference between the Houtian realm and the Revolving Core realm.
329For the late Revolving Core Lin Ming to challenge a Destiny Decree master, that meant that he had now transcended the struggles of juniors and transitioned into fighting powerhouses of the older generation. At this moment, Lin Ming had truly stepped onto the highest stage of the Sky Spill Continent.
330Corpsemancer extracted a massive scythe from his spatial ring. The scythe blade glowed with a cold light and its entire body was deep black. It looked like the scythe of the grim reaper.
331As the scythe appeared, a limitless amount of resentment and malice filled the air, as if countless ghosts were weeping and screaming around the scythe.
332“What is this sound? It pains the ears!”
333“It’s drilling into my brain. The scythe is calling to me!”
334All of the surrounding martial artists only felt as if countless demonic spirits were screaming into their ears. This sound seemed to have enormous penetrative power. Even if they covered their ears the sound still passed through, drilling directly into their spiritual sea.
335As the martial artists with weaker cultivations heard this sound they felt as if their heads were about to crack open and all of the blood drained out from their faces.
336“Hurry up and retreat!”
337Some martial artists shook their hands as if they had awakened from a nightmare and began calling out warnings. However, many people were unable to withdraw under the effects of this sonic attack. They lost consciousness and fell down from the skies.
338“This is the Evil Hate Scythe that Corpsemancer forged from countless suffering souls and lives. Every strike contains a near-endless amount of grudge and resentment; it can destroy a martial artist’s will!”
339“If just hearing the sound of it is so terrifying, then what will happen if it cuts down on you!?”
340Lin Ming bore the attack. As he was enveloped in the energy field of resentment from the Evil Hate Scythe, his face remained expressionless.
341He could clearly hear this resentment colliding with his own dual force fields. ‘This Corpsemancer, it seems he really transformed his own body into a puppet.’
342A high-level puppet master’s greatest strength lay in their own bodies. This was because their bodies made the best puppets. Once their skeletons and meridians were modified beyond all recognition, their defensive power would far surpass a general martial artist.
343To be invulnerable themselves and also be able to coordinate three or four puppets together, a powerful martial artist would have an extreme headache if they bumped into a formidable puppet master.
344As Corpsemancer brought out his complete body, his two eyes had already transformed from a ghostly green to a deep blood red. He grabbed the long scythe in both hands and unfolded his wings. Then, he silently slid forwards like ghosts and demons; his speed was shocking!
345All of the observing martial artists tarried. All they saw was a flash as Corpsemancer appeared in front of Lin Ming, his black scythe rapidly cutting down! This sort of speed was in no way inferior to Lin Ming’s Golden Roc Shattering the Void!
346Too fast!
347Lin Ming was already horrified. This wasn’t teleportation, but it was a speed that made it seem as if there were no difference!
348“Nether Strike!”
349The black scythe seemed to emerge from space. It cut through space, carrying with its endless resentment and howls from mourning ghosts as it slashed towards Lin Ming. This attack hadn’t even arrived and yet its aura was so terrifying!
350Lin Ming waved his spear. Facing this all-out Corpsemancer, Lin Ming naturally didn’t dare to hold back.
351Law of Annihilation, Chain of Stars!
352A spear ran up to meet the enemy. The Concept of Fire and the Concept of space were poured into the spear, causing all of the heaven and earth origin energy in a 10-mile radius to restlessly move. The fire energy and the power of space fused together, condensed into tiny little fragments that rapidly spun around like a chain of stars, shrouding down towards Corpsemancer.
353Ca!
354The tiny fragments of fire and space struck with the resentment of the black scythe, creating a harsh keening noise to split the air.
355Lin Ming’s spear crossed with the black scythe. A terrifying wave of true essence exploded, causing the atmosphere to vibrate. They were nearly evenly matched!
356During the battle, Corpsemancer revealed a diabolical grin. Not only did he have his own attack but he also had puppets!
357As Corpsemancer struck out with the Nether Strike attack, the Giant Demon puppet and the great turtle puppet also attacked. The Giant Demon puppet turned the axe shaft in his hands, turning it into a makeshift long spear as he thrust out at Lin Ming’s back. At the same time, the great turtle puppet opened its vast maw and spat out a beam of black energy.
358These two attacks joined together. Their combined power just was slightly less than Corpsemancer’s own Nether Strike.
359This was an attack from the front and back!
360“Sir Lin, be careful!” Xiaoxiao shouted out. Her life was now linked together with Lin Ming’s – how could she not be tense? If Lin Ming was defeated, she would suffer a fate worse than death.
361At this critical moment, Lin Ming took a sudden step forward. space twisted underneath his feet. Although it looked as if he had only taken a casual step forwards, he had actually crossed a mile, causing both of the puppets’ attacks to miss.
362Lin Ming stood in the skies. A mile away from Corpsemancer, he pointed his spear point right at him.
363“I’m also confident in my speed. Although my long-distance speed may not reach the degree of your twin black wings.”
364Bang!
365Dozens of miles away, the black beam of energy released by the great turtle puppet smashed into a mountainside, causing an entire rock shelf to collapse.
366Watching Lin Ming and Corpsemancer fighting in the air, everyone presents felt as if they had lost their breath.
367This was the showdown of Destiny Decree masters. Although the Sky Spill Continent had over 100 Divine Sea powerhouses, all of these existences were secretive individuals that almost never appeared. Most of them had hidden themselves in seclusion for countless years.
368Without the Divine Sea, the Destiny Decree was king!
369The Destiny Decree was equivalent to the highest stage of the Sky Spill Continent!
370“space Laws? What a pleasant surprise.” Corpsemancer sinisterly laughed. As Lin Ming had said, that extreme speed of Corpsemancer’s came from the pair of wings on his back. In terms of long-distance travel, he was faster than Lin Ming. But, in short distances, he was actually slower than Lin Ming. Lin Ming’s Golden Roc Shattering the Void was able to twist space, with a single step, approaching teleportation. This was the strength of Laws. As for those black wings behind Corpsemancer, they were merely heaven-step flight treasures.
371“You are indeed an unrivalled talent. Only killing someone like you can bring me sweet pleasure! Jejejeje!”
372Chapter 781 – The Demon Emperor’s Armor
373When Corpsemancer had finished speaking, he traced his spatial ring, and another puppet came flying out. It was a humanoid puppet that was wearing a set of armor made entirely of bone. Its body burned with dark green corpse fire; simply looking at the flickering flames caused one to feel a chill in their soul.
374“That’s likely the bat puppet recorded on the Destiny Decree.”
375“Those ghostly green flames. you shouldn’t be wrong. That’s a puppet refined from the corpse of another Destiny Decree master!”
376Martial artists had a formidable level of soul force, and thus had near-photographic memory. Nearly everyone presents had memorized all of the information on the 360 masters of the Destiny Decree. Most of the famous abilities used by these masters were recorded on the Destiny Decree.
377And the puppet that Corpsemancer had brought out was his strongest puppet yet—the bat.
378The bat puppet was refined from a Destiny Decree master that Corpsemancer had killed in order to be listed on the Destiny Decree himself. At the time, Corpsemancer’s strongest puppet had been cut down by that master, and completely destroyed. Thus, after Corpsemancer had killed the Destiny Decree master, he used his corpse as the foundation for an even stronger, more powerful puppet. And that was the bat puppet in front of them. By relying on this puppet, he’d managed to become the 330th ranked character of the Destiny Decree.
379Not only was he using the bat puppet, but he simultaneously used the Evil Hate Scythe. This proved that Corpsemancer had been forced to bring out all of his combat strength!
380Corpsemancer had become infamous for over 300 years ago; he was now over 500 years old. As for Lin Ming, he was only in his early twenties. They were people from completely different eras.
381“Being able to force Corpsemancer to this step, regardless of whether he wins or loses, just that is enough to be proud of.” Rong Lin thought out loud. He didn’t know who this youth flying in the air was, but without a doubt, if he managed to live through this, he’d become an extraordinary figure that shook the entire Sky Spill Continent.
382Huuu-!
383High up in the sky, strong heavenly winds were surging. The bat puppet then extended its pair of black wings. In only a moment, it arrived in front of Lin Ming. It stretched out its claws, which shimmered with ghostly blue flames, and grasped at Lin Ming’s neck.
384Lin Ming gripped his spear, his posture becoming as immovable and steadfast as an ancient mountain. The power of thunder and fire poured into the red spear at the same time. The spear issued an excited keening cry as it fiercely shook.
385Penetrating Rainbow!
386The power of thunder and fire fused together. A brilliant beam of blazing light cut through the vast blue skies like a sharp sword, and was as bright as a blazing sun as it tore through the void. Lin Ming’s spear solidly crashed into the bat puppet’s claws.
387Clang!
388A metallic ringing echoed out in the air. The bat puppet’s defensive power was as strong as if it were a heaven-step treasure. A generic martial artist could forget about ever breaking through its defenses. However, Lin Ming’s attack wasn’t normal; it contained a large success bronze level battle spirit!
389Kacha!
390The bat puppet’s claws were abruptly torn off from Lin Ming’s strike!
391“Accept your fate boy!” Corpsemancer shimmered into existence like a ghost directly behind Lin Ming. His eyes gleamed with manic light as he raised his black scythe then cut towards Lin Ming’s open back.
392Endless resentment poured outwards, as if ten thousand grieving ghosts were crying in unison. This resentment condensed into substantialized energy and shot into Lin Ming’s spiritual sea.
393Peng! Peng! Peng! Peng! Peng!
394Under the dual support of the Samsara martial intent and his battle spirit, Lin Ming’s spiritual sea was simply an unassailable iron wall. As the power of resentment entered his spiritual sea, it was immediately burnt to ash and smoke.
395Burning Star Flame!
396The Heretical God Seed trembled. The highly compressed Burning Star Flame then erupted from the Heretical God Seed.
397This was the power of a heaven-step Flame Essence!
398Which a sizzling ‘chi chi chi’, all of the spirits attached to Corpsemancer’s scythe were burnt to nothingness.
399Law of Annihilation, Chain of Stars!
400Lin Ming thrust his spear outwards. All of the heaven and earth origin energy in a radius of ten miles was stirred up by him, then concentrated into countless fragments of light that sparkled like the endless number of stars in the sky, before it all fell downwards. From far away, it looked like a sparkling galaxy had crashed into the earth!
401Such an apocalyptic scene left everyone shocked.
402Bang!
403With an explosion, Lin Ming, Corpsemancer, and the bat puppet were all thrown backwards.
404A trace of blood flowed out the edge of Lin Ming’s mouth. However, Corpsemancer’s shoulder had been pierced through by the spear light!
405When the martial artists of Witch Creek City saw this fight from far away, all of them were shocked speechless. Corpsemancer’s body had gone through the transformative process of puppet techniques. In exchange for a body that couldn’t be called human nor ghost, he’d received a body with durability equal to a treasure. Yet he’d still been wounded by Lin Ming!
406This was an incalculably strong strike.
407Bang bang bang!
408An incomparably brutal melee ensued as Lin Ming collided with Corpsemancer again and again. Their movements were so fast that any martial artist below the Life Destruction realm was entirely unable to even make out their movements. Lin Ming’s body was tough from the start, and he excelled at frontal combat. However, Corpsemancer and his bat puppet were the same.
409They were in sharp opposition!
410“Bury the Heavens!”
411Lin Ming revolved the energy of his Eight Inner Hidden Gates to the limit. He thrust his spear out, and several massive cracks appeared in space. The power of space surged out from these cracks, twisting into a savage spacial storm.
412The Burning Star Flame ignited atop the red spear, becoming even more vivid and fierce as it fused with the spacial storm.
413This was the fusion of fire and space!
414This spear contained Lin Ming’s complete understanding of both the Concepts of space and of Fire. At the same time, he also poured his large success bronze battle spirit within it.
415On the other side, Corpsemancer stepped forward, and fused with his bat puppet. Then, with the sound of a wailing ghost, the bat puppet’s body suddenly rapidly inflated, with a number of bones stabbing out from within its body!
416Ribs, leg bones, arm bones. all sorts of long bones had been turned into white bony lances. At the same time, ghostly green flames burned atop every bony lance!
417In the briefest of moments, the bat puppet had become extremely hideous.
418“Take my strongest attack! 18,000 Deaths!”
419In the blink of an eye, all of those bony lances, as well as the black scythe, shot towards Lin Ming.
42018,000 was not some random number, there really were that many attacks. The attacks overwhelmed covered the sky, blotting out the sun, and blocking all avenues of escape.
421From afar, it looked like both Lin Ming and Corpsemancer had been trapped in a sea of bones!
422Xiaoxiao’s heart tightened.
423“Chi!”
424“Chi!”
425“Chi!”
426“Chi!”
427Mournful wails reverberated through both the clouds and earth—as if the entire world was crying together. Lin Ming revolved the Heretical God Force to the limit, his eyes blazing like two twin infernos. The Flame Essence atop his spear seemed ready to explode at any given moment.
428“Break!”
429With ‘Bury the Heavens’, several thousand bone lances were crushed to pieces. However, over 10,000 remained, which shot towards Lin Ming the same as before!
430Lin Ming waved his spear as if it were a dancing red flood dragon. Shattered bone lances were everywhere, and bone dust endlessly rained down from the skies.
431A strong heavenly wind wildly surged through the skies. Lin Ming’s black hair flapped in the wind. He tirelessly waved his spear, as if he didn’t know what exhaustion was—he was like a demon God incarnate!
432“Bury the Heavens!”
433Lin Ming ignored everything, and consecutively used Bury the Heavens twice. A dazzling black light was suddenly ejected from the sea of bones, directly sent flying into the horizon. Soon afterwards, countless brilliantly dazzling golden lights shot out from every all over the sea of bones. A sun seemed to rise within the sea of bones, emitting golden light as sharp as a sword that could cut through everything. The countless bones in the sky began to disintegrate like collapsing sand sculptures.
434An immeasurable amount of bone dust flew everywhere. It covered the skies, becoming a white fog that filled the heavens and earth.
435“Go die!”
436Lin Ming forcefully cut a path through the sea of bones, thrusting his spear at Corpsemancer.
437At this time, Corpsemancer had already separated from the bat puppet, and they were floating several dozen feet away from each other. Corpsemancer’s blood red eyes had turned vacant. At some unknown point, the black Evil Hate Scythe had returned to his hands. Black corpse flames ignited into a blazing inferno atop the scythe’s edge.
438“Nether Strike, Locking Yin and Yang!”
439With a slight movement of his lips, Corpsemancer spoke these words. Then, all of the resentment within the black scythe suddenly fused into a single mass, which locked the surrounding space!
440Lin Ming’s spear had already been thrust out. However, Corpsemancer had no intention of dodging this strike. Instead, he used the Evil Hate Scythe to cut towards Lin Ming’s waist!
441Lin Ming only felt the power of resentment wrap around his body; he found himself unable to dodge!
442If he were to bring out the Burning Star Flame, then he could reduce the power of resentment to nothing in just a few breaths of time. But by then, Corpsemancer’s attack would have already struck him.
443Their attacks were completely designed such that they would perish together!
444Lin Ming had absolute confidence in his own defensive ability, but Corpsemancer did too!
445Whose defensive power was superior?
446This thought flashed through Lin Ming’s mind, but he instantly rejected it. In this situation, with his strongest attack that also had his large success battle spirit poured into it, no matter how strong the Corpsemancer’s strength was, it would still pierce through his skill!
447Lin Ming didn’t believe that Corpsemancer didn’t value his own life above all else.
448“Bury the Heavens!”
449Facing this inescapable blow, he simply didn’t think of avoiding it. Instead, he poured all of his true essence into the red spear, issuing out his final, most brilliant strike!
450The power of fire and the power of space had perfectly fused together. The might of this spear was earthshaking!
451However, Lin Ming didn’t stab towards Corpsemancer. Instead, he threw his spear towards the bat puppet.
452“Go!”
453The red spear flew out from his hands, crossing the skies like a blazing rainbow!
454With a light piercing sound, the bat puppet’s head was pierced by the spear light. Its skull was cracked apart, and brain fluid shot out!
455At the same time, Corpsemancer’s scythe cut into Lin Ming’s waist. Lin Ming’s bodily protective true essence was instantly melted away, and corpse fire burnt through Lin Ming’s clothes. The scythe seemed as if it would split him apart. However, at that moment, the scythe’s blade was actually blocked by something.
456As Lin Ming’s robes burned away, it revealed a jet-black armor. This was the Demon Emperor’s armor that Lin Ming had taken out from the Cosmic Melting Furnace!
457The Demon Emperor’s armor could weaken the majority of an attack, but it wasn’t an absolute defense. Some of the leftover Yin energy rampaged through Lin Ming’s body, recklessly tearing through his meridians.
458Lin Ming’s complexion paled, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
459Corpsemancer’s final attack had severely wounded him.
460If it weren’t for the Demon Emperor’s armor, Lin Ming might have died here. It was hard to say whether or not his body’s physical defense could withstand Corpsemancer’s strike.
461“It’s over?”
462“What happened?”
463Everyone looked on, dumbfounded, at Corpsemancer’s scythe that was embedded in Lin Ming’s waist. As for Lin Ming’s spear, it was stuck through the bat puppet’s head.
464Corpsemancer stood stock still in front of Lin Ming, completely uninjured.
465“Did the bat puppet block that youth’s final attack for its master?”
466“No wait, why do I feel that the youth intentionally attacked the bat puppet?”
467“Not unless that youth is an idiot. In a fight against a puppet master, you definitely have to attack the main body. Only an idiot would attack the puppet!”
468The final exchange of moves had happened too fast. Almost no one had been able to clearly see what happened. 
469Chapter 782 – Killing Corpsemancer
470“Could that youth have been hacked to death by Corpsemancer?”
471“What an idiot. He actually attacked Corpsemancer’s puppet at the last moment. Was his brain fried or something?” A Xiantian martial artist asked out loud with a mocking smirk.
472“Shut up!” An old man near him coldly humphed, “Do you think that everyone is as stupid as you are? That youth is one of Sky Spill Continent’s favored sons of heaven! It’s impossible that he wouldn’t know how to battle a puppet master!”
473The Xiantian martial artist looked a bit ugly as he was reprimanded. Still, he began mumbling to himself, obviously not convinced.
474“Something’s wrong. Corpsemancer wasn’t injured but why is he standing still there? Could that youth have attacked Corpsemancer somehow and we didn’t notice?”
475“Just who won? What’s happening here?”
476Ten miles away, Xiaoxiao gripped her chest as her heart tightened in pain. Lin Ming and Corpsemancer were both immobile; this made her incomparably nervous.
477To her, Lin Ming’s victory or defeat was the difference between heaven and hell.
478“Grandma.”
479“Don’t worry, that Lin Lanjian is alright. But that Corpsemancer. Lin Lanjian obviously could have attacked Corpsemancer at the last moment, but he chose to attack the bat puppet instead. I really don’t understand what is going on here.”
480As the black-clothed old woman spoke halfway, a scene that left all martial artists confounded occurred. That Corpsemancer who was in front of Lin Ming suddenly fell from the sky, smashing into the ground!
481Everyone was shocked. Just what was going on!?
482Lin Ming’s face was pallid as he reached out a hand and released a wisp of his battle spirit. The red long spear shot out and returned to Lin Ming’s hand.
483Then, everyone found that above Lin Ming’s spearpoint, there was actually some fat meaty thing stuck atop it. And that thing was still convulsing and wriggling around.
484This was actually a human brain!
485As Lin Ming saw this white and glistening human brain, he let out a long breath.
486It was over.
487A puppet master could transform any part of their body, but there was one place that they couldn’t change. That was – their spiritual sea!
488The spiritual sea depended on the brain to exist. Corpsemancer’s body had already been altered beyond all recognition. Now, his only true existence was his brain.
489Zi zi zi!
490The brain mass on Lin Ming’s spearpoint was actually fiercely struggling. Moreover, it was sending out grating screams, vacillating up and down as if it were a giant fat white worm.
491Lin Ming could feel words flowing into his spiritual sea. “Don’t kill me! I will give you puppet techniques; I can tell you all the secrets of the Asura Divine Kingdom! With your talent and my knowledge, you can grasp the entire Sky Spill Continent in your hands and rule the world! It’s impossible for you to find out what I know, even if I don’t tell you of my own volition. Don’t think of using the soul-searching technique on me; I can self-destruct my spiritual sea!”
492“I don’t need you to self-destruct. In fact, I’ll help annihilate you!” Lin Ming sneered, having no intention of bantering with this thing. He had absolutely no desire to learn anything like this strange puppet technique that turned one into something that didn’t seem like a human or ghost.
493“No. no!!!”
494Puff!
495Vibrating true essence sprang forth from Lin Ming’s fingertips and ran up the red spear like a viper!
496“Nooooo!”
497Corpsemancer sent out a final pitiful scream. With a popping sound, the brain burst apart into a thick white liquid like rice porridge.
498Corpsemancer had died.
499As Grandma White, Rong Lin, and other Life Destruction masters saw this, they suddenly realized what had happened. Before that final strike occurred, Corpsemancer had shifted his brain into the skull of the bat puppet. Then, he had controlled his main body to perish together with Lin Ming.
500This was a completely ruthless and insidious move. Once Lin Ming fell for it, he would still be severely wounded even if he didn’t die. He absolutely wouldn’t be able to fight against the bat puppet Corpsemancer.
501But Lin Ming had clearly realized what sort of change had occurred in those fleeting last moments. He had thus given up his attack on Corpsemancer’s main body and switched his target to the bat puppet!
502If these were peaceful times and one carefully investigated with their perception, then it wouldn’t be difficult to find out just where Corpsemancer’s brain had gone. But during that fierce battle just now, in that critical moment, Lin Ming had been able to discover this point! Now that was truly horrifying!
503Slowly, all of the martial artists began to understand what had happened. Even those that were confused had the series of events explained to them.
504For a time, a pall of silence fell over the entire city. Just who was this youth who had managed to exterminate Corpsemancer?
505Some people noticed that Lin Ming was wearing a jet-black armor on his body. There was just a circular gap on the chest area, as if it were missing its heart guard mirror.
506It was because of this armor that Lin Ming hadn’t been cut in half by the Evil Hate Scythe.
507What sort of armor was this that it could block Corpsemancer’s final strike?
508Hu –
509Lin Ming took out a new set of clothes from his spatial ring and tossed it on, immediately covering the Demon Emperor’s armor. When Lin Ming had first worn the Demon Emperor’s armor he placed some minor camouflage on it because he didn’t want to attract others’ attention. But, that powerful attack of Corpsemancer just now had completely ruined his careful concealment.
510For a short period of time, this armor should attract some people’s attention. But Lin Ming didn’t worry too much. Tens of thousands of years had already passed; it was impossible for others to recognize the Demon Emperor’s armor.
511Lin Ming received the broken bat puppet and the other puppets and then dropped down from the skies.
512As he landed on the ground, all of the surrounding martial artists quickly scattered away from him in shock. Facing such an evil star, no one dared to remain near him, much less approach him. Even the city guard couldn’t dream of controlling him. If anyone died here because of him then they could only blame their bad luck.
513Lin Ming ignored the surrounding martial artists and gathered up Corpsemancer’s corpse and spatial ring. Then, he sent a sound transmitting talisman to Xiaoxiao and flew towards her. At this time, he needed to recuperate from his wounds. In that battle just now, he had used every ability he had. Not only did he consume a massive amount of energy but he was also seriously wounded.
514“He won. Sir Lin actually won.”
515As Xiaoxiao saw Lin Ming fly towards her, her lips faintly shivered. Even she didn’t dare to believe that this was real and not a dream.
516A Destiny Decree master had actually been killed by Lin Ming! And Lin Ming was only at the late Revolving Core realm.
517Xiaoxiao never imagined that the young man she met several days ago could actually kill a Destiny Decree master!
518Every character ranked on the Destiny Decree was an earthshaking, all-powerful existence. Even if Heavencraft Pavilion called upon their complete resources they would still find it hard to move such a character to action.
519“He really won. Young miss, your father’s spirit must be protecting us to have us encounter such an amazing person!” Beside Xiaoxiao, Grandma White began to cry. In these past days, Xiaoxiao had faced an infinite amount of pressure, but so had Grandma White. She had looked after Xiaoxiao as she grew up, and after receiving the grace of her father, she completely regarded Xiaoxiao as her own granddaughter.
520When Lin Ming flew in front of Xiaoxiao, her entire face was wet with tears. For a time, she was overwhelmed and unable to speak a single word.
521“Lin. Sir Lin, I sincerely thank you.”
522“I must heal first.”
523Lin Ming had no intention of speaking too much and flew directly to Heavencraft Pavilion. The current environment was not safe and he needed to ensure that he was at his peak condition. Otherwise, if he encountered a more powerful enemy he wouldn’t even be able to escape.
524As the martial artists of Witch Creek City saw Lin Ming fly towards Heavencraft Pavilion with Xiaoxiao and Grandma White in tow, all of them were flabbergasted.
525“So, it’s someone invited by Heavencraft Pavilion.”
526“Just who is he? It’s impossible for him to be in his twenties. He should be several hundred years old but just looks young.”
527A young martial artist muttered out loud. He was a genius of Witch Creek City’s younger generation, but compared to Lin Ming he was nothing at all. He simply couldn’t accept that they were of similar age.
528“Don’t be stupid, he isn’t even at the Life Destruction realm. Only when a martial artist reaches the Life Destruction realm can they burn some of their cultivation to renew their youth. And this is only appearances – it doesn’t lengthen their lifespan. Normally only female martial artists that value their appearance too much would do such things. Men normally wouldn’t. After all, rejuvenating your appearance requires you to burn not a small amount of your cultivation.”
529“This is incredible news. He’s so young and yet he killed a Destiny Decree master. The Destiny Decree will change again. Perhaps the four great intelligence networks will release a revised Destiny Decree soon.”
530Witch Creek City couldn’t be considered a small city of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, thus they naturally had branches of the intelligence networks here as well as eyes from the various major forces.
531The news that Lin Ming had killed Corpsemancer quickly passed through every major intelligence network. And Lin Ming’s name was also inquired – Lin Lanjian.
532At this time, in the front hall of Heavencraft Pavilion the purple-clothed Xiaoxiao knelt down in front of Lin Ming and was deeply bowing with reverential respect. “Sir Lin, I will never forget this gratitude as long as I live!”
533Grandma White also bowed. This was no longer just helping Xiaoxiao ascend to the position of Company Head, but had involved saving Xiaoxiao’s very life. As she deeply bowed before Lin Ming, her heart hated Xiaoxiao’s two great uncles to the extreme. She cursed them for their ruthlessness. They had actually gone to look for someone like Corpsemancer – that was the same as kicking Xiaoxiao into the depth’s hell.
534Since they no longer cared for face, she wouldn’t keep any more scruples with her. As long as Lin Ming was here, she simply didn’t fear a battle to the death.
535“Miss Heavencraft, there is no need to bow to me.” Lin Ming waved his hand. “We are just helping each other out according to the previous agreement. Miss Heavencraft must not forget my dragonspine grass either.”
536“I will definitely help Sir Lin find it as soon as possible. This is my Heavencraft Pavilion’s Snow Ice Divine Pill. It has miraculous healing effects and also has the use of nourishing the meridians and dantian. Sir Lin, please accept it.”
537Xiaoxiao extended a pill box with both hands, respectfully presenting it to Lin Ming.
538This was a miracle cure controlled by Heavencraft Pavilion. With Xiaoxiao’s current authority, she didn’t have the authorization to give it away without the approval of the Council of Elders.
539But now that the situation had devolved to this level and she had nearly been killed by her two great uncles, Xiaoxiao could no longer care about whatever Council of Elders.
540Having Lin Ming restore himself to his peak combat strength was the most important matter at hand.
541Lin Ming glanced at the white divine pill within the pill box. Indeed, it contained an incomparably rich heaven and earth origin energy. Even Lin Ming, who had seen a great number of miracle medicines in his time, also felt his heart stir.
542He didn’t decline. He directly received the box and then entered his training chambers to restore himself.
543The battle with Corpsemancer had been strenuous and exacting on Lin Ming. However, he had gained a number of insights during it and needed to seize this chance to digest them.
544As everyone expected, in just a mere three days after Lin Ming and Corpsemancer’s battle, a new Destiny Decree was issued forth.
545Every three years, the four great intelligence networks would collect all new information on every Life Destruction powerhouse’s cultivation, progress, and recent battles. They would then use all this information to speculate on their current approximate strength. This was when a new Destiny Decree would be released. Generally, there would be far-reaching changes every time.
546Between the two issues of the Destiny Decree, if there was a fight between Destiny Decree powerhouses or a Destiny Decree powerhouse was killed, leading to a clear change in ranks, then a new revised edition of the Destiny Decree would be released.
547And this time, the revision of the Destiny Decree was because of Lin Ming.
548Chapter 783 – First Appearance on The Destiny Decree
549There was a total of 360 Life Destruction powerhouses ranked on the Destiny Decree. Those that could make the list on the Density Decree all had a certain degree of hope that they would one day reach the Divine Sea. Thus, most of those on the Destiny Decree were devoted cultivators and spent the majority of their life closed up in seclusion, rarely seen in public.
550Many major forces hoped to win over a few Destiny Decree masters to act as foreign patrons that could assist them. However, besides a few top national level forces, even the countless organizations as wealthy as the Heavencraft Trading Company could not ever hope to win over one.
551Each Divine Kingdom only had a few dozen Destiny Decree powerhouses at their disposal. Moreover, for someone at their boundary, their main pursuit in life had become breaking through to the Divine Sea realm. Besides training and seeking out lucky breaks, they simply didn’t care for dueling others. As for the struggles of wealth and power in the world, those were even more boring and worthless in their eyes.
552The only reason some Destiny Decree powerhouses were even willing to join top national influences was because of the vast amounts of resources that these organizations could provide.
553Because of how influential the Destiny Decree was, every major player in the world paid close attention to this list. Through this list, they could understand an approximate situation of the powerhouses in the Four Divine Kingdoms, and at least understand the strength they showed to the public.
554The entire Destiny Decree was written in paper and then bound into a book. Every Life Destruction powerhouse occupied their own page, and thus every single issue of the Destiny Decree had 360 pages; no more, no less.
555Within these 360 pages, some characters that were currently attracting attention would be written in the Decree using red ink.
556At this time, the one who was written down in red ink was Lin Ming.
557The 320th page had a name that was written down with large, blood red characters.
558Lin Lanjian.
559The back of that page introduced a variety of information, including Lin Ming’s fighting style; his moves, weapons, and current accomplishments.
560“Lin Lanjian: Weapon – Spear. Killed the ranked 330th ranked Destiny Decree master, Corpsemancer. Cultivation at the late Revolving Core realm. An eternally rare talent.”
561The Destiny Decree was generous with its praise. This ranking list had already existed for several thousand years, and there had been far too many geniuses recorded in its pages. Many of them had even gone on to become Peerless Emperors. However, to enter the Destiny Decree at just the Revolving Core realm, Lin Ming was actually the first person to accomplish this in all these millennia.
562Just this point alone was enough to stir up a storm.
563A massive number of Witch Creek City’s martial artists rushed over to Heavencraft Trading Company for a visit. For a time, the entire Heavencraft Trading Company was packed to the brim with business.
564Many of them wished to inquire about the news, and to also meet Lin Ming. There were also some representatives from major forces that wished to win over Lin Ming. If even this was impossible, then testing the waters didn’t do any harm.
565In turn, this caused the recently struggling Heavencraft Trading Company to be booming with business. This was truly a serendipitous accident. At this time, Xiaoxiao no longer needed to accept the ruling of the family, and had more or less won the struggle for the position of Family Head in advance.
566At this time within the Heavencraft Family, Xiaoxiao’s two great uncles were looking at the scarlet letters emblazoned on the Destiny Decree. It was as if the letters had been written in fresh, glistening red blood.
567Corpsemancer had died!
568Furthermore, he had been killed by Lin Ming!
569“How could this be.” Heavencraft Xiao muttered to himself, unable to believe that this was true.
570“Big Brother, what do we do?” The sudden change in the current situation had rendered Heavencraft Yun listless. He would have absolutely never imagined that the random, young boy that Xiaoxiao drew in from somewhere had actually managed to kill the Destiny Decree ranked Corpsemancer.
571“What can we do!?” Heavencraft Xiao harshly exhaled in a panic. However, he was also at a loss at the time. Paper could not wrap up fire; the truth would eventually come out. They couldn’t depend on finding asylum in their family by arguing they had nothing to do with Corpsemancer.
572They were in the wrong to begin with to involve that Corpsemancer. If Xiaoxiao had been killed then everything would have been fine. However, now that Corpsemancer had died, this would cause all the anger to be directed at them. Since Xiaoxiao also now had Lin Ming’s support, she was in an invincible position. It would be impossible to find another Destiny Decree master that could contend with Lin Ming in a short period of time.
573As for the Crown Prince, Heavencraft Xiao had no expectations that he would help. The Heavencraft Trading Company was only a potential boost to the Crown Prince, and now that things had come to this, the result was already foreseeable. There was no way that the Nine Furnace Crown Prince would be willing to link himself with some dastardly villain like Corpsemancer.
574“We can only take advantage of this time while Lin Lanjian is recuperating from his injuries to immediately leave through the secret transmission array to look for that sir. The changes within the Heavencraft Trading Company have already gone beyond our control; there is nowhere else we can go.” Heavencraft Xiao painfully sighed. He no longer had any other choice.
575Once they made this decision, the two of them fled from the Heavencraft Family under the cover of night. In a family like the Heavencraft Family, they naturally had a special transmission array specifically used for escaping. If they left through this transmission array they wouldn’t need to be afraid that Lin Ming would chase them down and kill them.
576They no longer entertained the hopes of becoming the Heavencraft Family Head.
577At this time, at the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Phoenix City, a young man wearing a five-clawed dragon royal robe was flipping through the new issue of the Destiny Decree, a thoughtful expression on his face.
578“Crown Prince!” A man wearing a green mask appeared in the great hall, respectfully bowing to the young man.
579This young man was the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Crown Prince. He was in his forties, but appeared as if he were in his twenties. This wasn’t because he consumed a part of his cultivation to restore his youthful appearance, but because he had stepped into Life Destruction at a mere 30 years of age. After his physical body had been transformed and reborn, his appearance maintained the look of himself in his twenties, something that wouldn’t change for thousands of years to come.
580Even men were pretty willing to maintain their youthful looks for as long as possible. However, if they were stranded in the Revolving Core realm until their thirties and forties, there would still be a few traces of their age left on their faces, giving off the feel that they were middle-aged in appearance.
581If one wanted to keep the vivid vibrancy of youth, one would have to step into the Life Destruction realm at around 30 years of age. However, this sort of person would be a monstrous genius of their era. Without accident, they would inevitably step into the Divine Sea, and would even grow to become an astounding character amongst all Divine Sea powerhouses.
582“Fleeting Dragon, what’s the matter?” The Nine Furnace Crown Prince quietly said as he closed the Destiny Decree.
583“Reporting to Your Highness, the two chess pieces that your subordinate has arranged in the Heavencraft Family have arrived at the Royal Palace overnight. They wish to seek an audience with the Crown Prince. Does Your Highness wish to grant them a meeting?”
584To the green masked man, Heavencraft Xiao and Heavencraft Yun were both unimportant characters that didn’t have the qualifications to seek an audience with the Crown Prince. It was only the fact that Lin Lanjian had killed Corpsemancer that would pique the Crown Prince’s interest, and then submit this report.
585Indeed, the Nine Furnace Crown Prince nodded and said, “Let them see me. In addition, Fleeting Dragon, I had you investigate the three great trading companies, the two great banks, and the Hundred Treasure Auction House. How have you done so far?”
586“Reporting to Your Highness, the Nine Furnace Guard is currently secretly investigating these groups. There aren’t any major omissions with the two great banks and the Hundred Treasure Auction House, but the three great trading companies all have a few existing problems.”
587“Oh? What about the Heavencraft Trading Company?” The Nine Furnace Crown Prince nodded with satisfaction, a smile touching his face.
588“We’ve already obtained precise evidence on the Heavencraft Trading Company. The Heavencraft Trading Company’s previous head and the one before him had all made transactions in violation of the Divine Kingdom’s laws. There were even some secret transactions done with the Asura Divine Kingdom that we can use to charge them with colluding with an enemy power!”
589The green masked man indifferently said. He was the chief commander of the Nine Furnace Guard.
590The so-called Nine Furnace Guard was a military faction under the direct control of the Divine Kingdom. They governed the nation’s prisons and held great power in all other aspects.
591Their power and influence were terrifying, and they even had five Destiny Decree masters in their ranks. This green masked man was one of them, and also the strongest amongst them. His code name was Fleeting Dragon.
592All of the members of the Nine Furnace Guard wore embroidered robes and green masks. These masks were not for decoration, and were actually tools carved from wood spirit jade. Wood spirit jade had the special characteristic of isolating all external perception. Even a Divine Sea powerhouse could not pierce his perception even half of an inch into the wood spirit jade. Thus, as long as they wore these masks, then no one would ever be able to see the true expression of the Nine Furnace Guard martial artists.
593The entire Nine Furnace Guard had a total of 9000 individuals, and their combat strength was just as fearful. They were under the direct jurisdiction of the Nine Furnace Crown Prince and could be considered as his right hand.
594“Excellent. Organize all the evidence as soon as possible and bring it to me.” The Nine Furnace Crown Prince said with a smile. Although this was a secret investigation, the truth was that the investigation had already been carried out for an entire two years thus far.
595As Fleeting Dragon heard this, he was secretly startled. He didn’t know just what the Crown Prince was plotting, but the three great trading companies, the two great banks, and the Hundred Treasure Auction House summed up to be a total of six major commercial organizations. They grasped nearly 10% of the entire Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s economy.
596Was the Crown Prince really preparing to swallow them all up?
597It had to be known that, for a trading company to develop to such a massive scale, it was impossible for them to wipe their asses clean of all the dirty deeds they committed. As long as one had the mind and resources to search, they absolutely could find some problems. In fact, this was a matter that everyone was aware of.
598Even so, all of the previous Divine Emperors of the four Divine Kingdoms tacitly consented to the existence of the economic oligarchy, because they could help manage the country and create wealth for all. Moreover, over one-third of their profits were collected into the Divine Kingdom’s treasury.
599If one wished to annex these economic organizations then it would be possible with the absolute suppressive strength of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s state power. If one didn’t care for public opinion, then this was a simple matter. But, this had already been tested by another Divine Kingdom once, and the truth had proved differently. After the great economic organizations were also taken under national country, it was easy for corruption to grow in management. This then led to a decline in efficiency and profit, eventually leading these organizations to close down in several years. This was simply not a wise move.
600The state machine was mostly able to grasp spirit essence stone mines, wood spirit jade sites, and other similarly simple resource-based industries. It was difficult to become involved in anything else.
601If a normal Prince were to have these sorts of thoughts then Fleeting Dragon would have thought that he had delusions of grandeur and had become completely incompetent.
602But now, the one making this decision was the Nine Furnace Crown Prince. Fleeting Dragon was well aware of just how great the Nine Furnace Crown prince’s hidden strength was; he certainly wasn’t an idiot that would make such an addled decision. Then, just what was he planning on doing? Was he really preparing to annex these six great economic organizations? That would definitely cause some level of turmoil in the Divine Kingdom.
603Fleeting Dragon imagined all these things but he didn’t question his orders. As the chief commander of the Nine Furnace Guard, his only duty was to obey orders.
604Three days later, Heavencraft Trading Company –
605“Mm? An invitation to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Divine Palace?”
606At the Heavencraft Trading Company, Lin Ming had received a jade slip made from wood spirit jade. It was marked with an invitation to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Royal Palace. Additionally, the one who sent this invitation was surprisingly the Nine Furnace Crown Prince!”
607“The Nine Furnace Crown Prince wishes for me to come to the Divine Palace as a guest and also bring Heavencraft Xiaoxiao?” Lin Ming frowned as he repeated the message on the jade slip.
608Chapter 784 – The Crown Prince’s Invitation
609In the past few days, Lin Ming had come to understand what sort of person the Nine Furnace Crown Prince was.
610His name was Yang Yun, and his martial talent was extraordinary. It seemed as if he had come across an immense fortuitous encounter when he was young, and had now broken through to Life Destruction at a mere 30 years of age.
611Yang Yun was a character that wielded alarming power throughout the entire Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. He wasn’t on a level that the likes of Li Yifeng could even compare to.
612Although Li Yifeng was a Prince, there was a vast difference in their respective influence. Putting aside the disparity between the Seven Star Divine Kingdom’s strength and the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s strength, just Yang Yun and Li Yifeng’s respective status in their Divine Kingdoms alone was incomparable.
613Li Yifeng could at best be considered a playboy, and had a natural disposition towards laziness and fun. His finances were all controlled, and he had even been punished with confinement before.
614As for the Nine Furnace Crown Prince, he had at least five subordinates that were all Destiny Decree masters, and he himself was also ranked on the Destiny Decree. It was just that his ranking had been omitted from the Decree, and there hadn’t been any information dispatched about him for many years. The depths of his strength were a complete mystery to all.
615Compared to Yang Yun, Li Yifeng was just a little baby that hadn’t grown up.
616It was impossible for Lin Ming to be at ease when facing such a character. Yang Yun was nearly twice his age, and even the power of his subordinates wasn’t something Lin Ming could ever hope to contend with.
617For the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, Yang Yun represented the peak of strength outside of the Divine Sea powerhouses.
618Despite the fact that Yang Yun had no enmity or grudge with Lin Ming, and that he shouldn’t even have a reason to harm Lin Ming to begin with, Lin Ming didn’t want to enter a place like the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. That could truly be described as a dragon’s lake or a tiger’s cave; a truly dangerous zone!
619Most of the Destiny Decree masters of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom were subordinates of the Divine Kingdom. After all, the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was not just a nation, but a quasi-sixth-grade super Holy Land!
620The Divine Kingdom’s three great Imperial Scholars, twelve Great Officials, and five Nine Furnace Guard Captains were all Destiny Decree ranked characters, and were also ranked extremely high on the Decree.
621In addition to that, the Divine Kingdom had Emperor Uncles and High Princes that had lived for several thousand years and had gone into seclusion. These people were even more terrifying!
622They had most likely entered into the Divine Sea. In a sense, the current Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom could compare with the Demon God Imperial Palace to a small degree. The Demon God Imperial Palace had once been a great sect that ruled the world, the most terrifying power in the entire Sky Spill Continent!
623In front of these people, Lin Ming simply didn’t have any strength to resist. Once he entered the Divine Palace, he would be at their disposal.
624Directly refusing Yang Yun wasn’t a good idea either, however, as it might anger him. This way, Lin Ming could only sidestep this invitation by saying he still hadn’t recovered from his wounds after his fight with Corpsemancer, and needed more time to recuperate.
625This was a tactful method of rejection.
626After Lin Ming passed out the message, he continued to train and practice alchemy.
627Just yesterday, Xiaoxiao had delivered the dragonspine grass that she had promised, and two tufts of them at that.
628She had also delivered a considerable amount of spirit essence stone and wood spirit jade to him.
629This wasn’t all Xiaoxiao’s doing, but also the gifts that the Heavencraft Trading Company saved up to win over Lin Ming.
630Within the entire Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, including the three great trading companies, two great banks, and Hundred Treasure Auction House, the only business giant that had a Destiny Decree Master serving them was the Hundred Treasure Auction House.
631This guest had also only lent his name, and wouldn’t act unless there was a great event occurring.
632While this Destiny Decree master was ranked somewhere similar to Lin Ming, he was already over 1500 years old. He was far from comparing to Lin Ming’s potential.
633If the Heavencraft Trading Company could be on good terms with Lin Ming, then the future returns would be inestimable.
634Who knew what the future held? Perhaps Lin Ming might even break through to the Divine Sea realm. The Divine Sea realm! A Supreme Elder that could awe even an entire Divine Kingdom!
635The top 100 ranked masters of the Destiny Decree were already charactering that people couldn’t even look up to. Then, what sort of existence would a Divine Sea Supreme Elder be?
636Even the Elders of the Heavencraft Trading Company were unable to imagine this.
637If they could be on good terms, or even merely know of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder, that would make their family’s status skyrocket. The Heavencraft Trading Company was a great power that didn’t lack wealth; what they lacked was strength to take matters into their own hands. Underneath the absolute suppression of the Divine Kingdom, they were no different from defenseless pigs that were being raised up. They could be taken out of their pens and slaughtered at any time.
638Now, because Xiaoxiao was on good terms with Lin Ming, her status in the family had advanced by leaps and bounds. With her two great uncles escaping from the family under the cover of night using the transmission array, there was no longer anyone that was able to threaten her position as Family head. The Council of Elders had already passed a resolution, and after another two months, an auspicious day would be chosen. Heavencraft Xiaoxiao would then complete the grand ceremony of family succession.
639Recently, Lin Ming’s alchemical skills had also been constantly increasing. If he wished to refine the Fivefade Void Pill to open the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates, though, he was still far from being able to do so.
640Lin Ming looked at the Cosmic Melting Furnace alchemy materials that were floating in front of him. There was the Five Color Fruit, Void Tempered Root, dragonspine grass, skyflower stones, as well as three jins of 200,000-year-old wood spirit jade.
641“This wood spirit jade quality is a bit too poor. If I had million-year wood spirit jade, then my chances at success would be much higher. Unfortunately, wood spirit jade that old is just too rare; even the Heavencraft Trading Company would have difficulty finding it.”
642As Lin Ming was murmuring to himself, he suddenly felt a cold air rise up inside his chamber.
643Killing intent?
644Lin Ming’s mind went cold. His training chamber had protective array formations surrounding it. If one didn’t destroy the array formations, and only had their killing intent seep in, then that proved that this person’s killing intent was unimaginably condensed.
645Lin Ming quickly put away the Cosmic Melting Furnace and opened the protective array formation, exiting the training chamber. As he stepped outside, he saw that just 200 feet away from him stood a passive, green masked man, whose ice-cold mask gave off a heartlessly indifferent feeling.
646“A wood spirit jade carved mask?”
647Lin Ming’s mind stirred. With his understanding of wood spirit jade he immediately understood the use of this mask.
648Wood spirit jade was able to isolate away all external perception. Because of this, a mask made of wood spirit jade was the most effective and simple method to hide one’s own appearance. Even if a Divine Sea Supreme Elder stood here, they still wouldn’t be able to identify who this person was. As for normal appearance changing techniques, they could only fool with people similar cultivations. Anyone with sharp enough eyes of high enough cultivation would instantly see through that type of disguise.
649“I could borrow this method later.” If Lin Ming hadn’t seen this man in front of him, then he would never have thought wood spirit jade would also have this sort of function.
650“You are.” As Lin Ming looked at this green masked man’s cultivation, he didn’t know just what sort of arcane ability this man practiced. Since his dantian had also been hidden in a deep fog; it was impossible to see through his cultivation.
651But, just from the aura that emitted from his body, Lin Ming could feel his own heart reacting by beating faster. Without a doubt, this person was a master among masters.
652He had come to Heavencraft Pavilion, but hadn’t disturbed the guards. That killing intent he released just now also didn’t have any malice behind it; this man had simply used this method to inform Lin Ming of his arrival.
653Thus, Lin Ming was able to approximately guess just what sort of status this man had.
654“I am the Nine Furnace Guard’s Chief Commander. You may refer to me as Fleeting Dragon.”
655The Nine Furnace Guard Chief Commander was under the direct control of the Crown Prince. Lin Ming wasn’t surprised at all.
656“When his Highness the Crown Prince invited Sir Lin for an audience, Sir Lin hadn’t yet recovered. Now, a month has passed and his Highness the Crown Prince has specifically sent me here to inquire into Sir Lin’s state and also send a miraculous healing pill. If Sir Lin’s wound is cured, then please follow me back for a visit to the Nine Furnace Divine Palace. If Sir Lin still isn’t feeling too well then, I shall wait at Heavencraft Pavilion until Sir Lin’s wounds are healed.
657As the Nine Furnace Guard Chief Command said these words, Lin Ming no longer had any reasonable argument he could use to refuse. He could only reluctantly agree.
658He didn’t wish to involve himself in the high-level battles of the four Divine Kingdoms. However, just seeing the Crown Prince might not be too bad either. For instance, the million-year wood spirit jade he needed may be very difficult for the Heavencraft Trading Company to find; however, the Nine Furnace Divine Palace should definitely have it or find it.
659The Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was divided into nine provinces. The Nine Furnace Divine Palace was located at the largest and busiest province – the Central Province.
660The area of just the Central Province was larger than ten South Horizon Regions combined.
661Around the Central Province, the other eight provinces surrounded it. As for the back of the Central Province, that area extended to the edge of the Sea of Miracles.
662The Sea of Miracles was the greatest life forbidden zone of the entire Sky Spill Continent. The four Divine Kingdoms surrounded the Sea of Miracles in a giant circle. And, far behind these four Divine Kingdoms was the South Sea, Fog Sea, North Sea, and Crimson Sea. At the very center of everything was the Sea of Miracles. This made the Sky Spill Continent to look like the shape of an irregular donut.
663The Sea of Miracles was also known as the Sea of No Return, and also the Ocean of Endless Storms. It was rumored that the entire sea was pitch black and covered with infinite lightning storms. To enter was to walk into certain death. Even a Divine Sea Supreme Elder was no exception.
664As for the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Divine Palace, that was only 10,000 miles from the shores of the Sea of Miracles.
665As Lin Ming arrived at the foot of the Nine Furnace Divine Palace, he looked up to see a 100,000-foot-high snow-capped mountain rage. The Nine Furnace Divine Palace was actually established above these mountains.
666This wasn’t strange at all, as most sects were built above mountains or spiritual islands. This was because these types of places often had extremely high-quality spirit veins.
667The Nine Furnace Divine Palace was also the same.
668Just by arriving at the base of the mountains, Lin Ming could feel a rich heaven and origin energy rushing over him like a never-ending tide, submerging him within. With every breath he took, he could feel all traces of this energy seep into his own dantian, subtly raising his cultivation.
669If just standing at the base of these mountains had such an effect, then the origin energy density at the summit could be imagined.
670This was also the reason that so many Destiny Decree masters were willing to join the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. If they could close up and train in the Nine Furnace Divine Palace, then that would be far better than any other place they could go to.
671“These are sixth grade spirit veins, or maybe even higher.”
672Lin Ming had never seen a higher spirit vein before, and was thus unable to estimate the level of this land’s spirit veins.
673Beside Lin Ming, even the normally silent Fleeting Dragon revealed a trace of pride in his eyes as he saw the Nine Furnace Divine Palace.
674He said, “This mountain is named the Nine Furnace Divine Mountain and the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s name originates from this mountain. The founding ancestor of the Nine Furnace Sect established his sect on the Nine Furnace Divine Mountain. A it grew from there, it finally becoming the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. The Nine Furnace Divine Mountain came first, and the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom followed after.
675“Sir Lin, Miss Heavencraft, please follow me up the mountain!”
676When the Crown Prince invited Lin Ming, he had also conveniently invited Xiaoxiao. This caused Xiaoxiao to be terrified. Just what sort of legendary existence was the Nine Furnace Crown prince? She had no idea why someone like the Crown Prince would invite her. Was it just to accompany Lin Lanjian here?
677Chapter 785 – Let Me See Your Armor
678The Nine Furnace Divine Mountain reached 100,000 feet high. The summit was covered in pure white snow all year round. Within the endless expanse of snow and the deep blue glaciers, countless towers of jade soared high up into the skies. Every tower was supported by array formations. Ancient snow fell outside, but within the tower, under the effect of these formations, rare flowers from all seasons blossomed in all their splendor, full of life and vitality. It was truly a sight to behold.
679While one side was covered in endless snow and ice, the other side was filled with lush green spiritual plants. Such a sharp and clear contrast was like a heavenly paradise on earth.
680At the summit of the Nine Furnace Divine Mountain there was a beautiful lake that displayed all four seasons. This lake was named the Nine Flower Lake. This entire lake was covered in a dense fog, and at its center was a pavilion carved from jade.
681Within this pavilion was a young man that was lightly playing a zither. The zither’s melody that thrummed in the air was pleasant to the ears. In the Nine Flower Lake, snow lotuses bloomed all around. As this jade-like handsome young man played his zither, he appeared even purer and loftier than a woman, as if he were an immortal that had descended down from the heavens.
682As the young man saw Lin Ming and Xiaoxiao arrive, he faintly smiled, “Brother Lin, welcome to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom as my honored guest.”
683The young man’s voice had a strangely pleasant lilt to it; it made one feel very comfortable listening to him.
684“Is he the Nine Furnace Crown Prince?”
685The Divine Kingdom Crown Prince in front of him was completely different from what he had imagined.
686“Lin Lanjian greets his Highness the Crown Prince.”
687Lin Ming simply cupped his hands across his chest. As someone who wasn’t from the Divine Kingdom, there was no need for him to be overly courteous.
688“Brother Lin is too polite.” Yang Yun similarly cupped his hands across his chest. This was a ritual exchange from those of the same generation; there was no hint of the status of the Nine Furnace Crown Prince behind it. “Fleeting Dragon, guide Brother Lin to the reception hall. I shall head there soon after.”
689“Yes,” Fleeting Dragon respectfully said. Lin Ming could feel from this respect that the Nine Furnace Crown Prince was an extraordinary character. Otherwise it would be impossible to sincerely convince a master like Fleeting Dragon.
690The Nine Furnace Crown Prince’s dantian was also covered in a thick fog; it was impossible to see his cultivation.
691“I heard that Yang Yun crossed into Life Destruction at just 30 years of age. Ten years have passed now. I wonder what stage of Life Destruction he has reached now.”
692Lin Ming didn’t doubt that Yang Yun could even jump ranks to fight. If so, then his strength was terrifying.
693After arriving at the reception hall, Yang Yun arrived in just half an incense stick of time. At this time, he had changed his clothes and was now wearing a purple gold robe as well as a purple gold crown. The robe he wore was embroidered with the image of a five-clawed golden dragon. Whether consciously or unconsciously, he emitted a noble air around him that made others want to fall to their knees and worship him.
694This sort of aura that made one wish to bow before him was called the legendary Breath of the King. This so-called Breath of the King was similar to a force field, the only difference being that it was far weaker in intensity. To a martial artist on the level of Lin Ming, this sort of aura had absolutely no use. But Xiaoxiao was different. She felt a great pressure just from standing in front of Yang Yun.
695That previously jade-like handsome, ethereal Yang Yun had now overlapped with the current Yang Yun that released the Breath of the King. It was impossible to distinguish just which one was the real Yang Yun.
696Yang Yun realized that Xiaoxiao’s complexion had paled. He gently smiled at her and then purposefully restrained his energy. Xiaoxiao immediately felt the pressure on her lighten and her face flushed red again.
697“I apologize Miss Heavencraft. Cuicui, please brew a pot of jade tea for Miss Heavencraft.”
698The last few words were spoken to a palace maid. Xiaoxiao gratefully smiled, flattered that someone like Yang Yun would care about such an unimportant person as her. As for the jade tea, as the Young Mistress of the Heavencraft Trading Company, Xiaoxiao was well aware of just what that was. That was an extremely precious Yin-attribute tea. It was said that if a mortal woman drank a cup of it she would become one year younger, and if she drank an entire pot she would become ten years younger.
699This was no exaggeration. Only after stepping on the path of cultivation would one’s life potential develop. Hence, as a mortal, it was relatively easier to extend their life.
700But for a martial artist, especially Life Destruction martial artists, because they had trained themselves to the limit, they had to completely unearth all of their life’s potential. Thus, wanting to extend their life was far too difficult.
701The maid named Cuicui respectfully served tea to everyone. Her appearance was exquisite and with her young age she still had a Xiantian realm cultivation. For such a heavenly gifted girl to be a palace maid, this was obviously proof of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s legacy.
702She poured the jade tea in Xiaoxiao tea cup and also served ice lotus tea to Lin Ming and the Nine Furnace Crown Prince. This sort of tea was even more precious than jade tea. It was produced from the dried petals of the ice lotuses that grew around the Nine Flower Lake. As for the ice lotuses of the Nine Flower Lake, they could be called heavenly treasures.
703The Nine Furnace Crown Prince smiled and said, “Brother Lin is truly an astounding person. You are just over 20 years of age and yet you’ve managed to step into the pages of the Destiny Decree with just a late Revolving Core cultivation. When I was Brother Lin’s age, the difference was simply far too great!”
704The Nine Furnace Crown Prince ruefully smiled. Lin Ming didn’t respond, only waiting for the Nine Furnace Crown Prince to state his intention for inviting him over here.
705However, the Nine Furnace Crown Prince had no intention of doing so. Instead, he and Lin Ming talked about the customs and policies of the four Divine Kingdoms, as well as relating to him the various large sects and influences, and all sorts of other strange information.
706Yang Yun was an eloquent individual and extremely well spoken. His manner of speaking was charming and light, make him very comfortable and disarming to talk too. Even Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but have a favorable impression of him.
707Finally, after an hour of conversation had passed, Lin Ming asked, “May I ask why Your Highness has requested my presence here?”
708“Haha, Brother Lin need not worry, I merely like to befriend the heroes of this world. Also, Brother Lin, there’s no need to be so polite. Please, call me Yang Yun.”
709Yang Yun’s words were well said and Lin Ming didn’t speak further. The truth was that he knew that the so-called ‘befriending heroes of this world’ and winning over the will of people all meant that he was recruiting others for his own purposes. Yang Yun’s cleverness lay in the fact that he didn’t directly mention this matter. Instead, he first wanted to be friends with Lin Ming. Friends first, leader after. Otherwise, it would be too easy to be turned at the start.
710Even though Lin Ming had guessed Yang Yun’s true intentions, he still didn’t refuse him.
711“Brother Yang’s skill in fine arts and military expertise is renowned throughout the world. In the future, you’ll likely become an unrivalled Divine Emperor. For Brother Yang to value me so highly is truly flattering.”
712“Haha, Brother Lin is too modest. I wonder which force Brother Lin originated from? With Brother Lin’s talent I fear you’ll become the top powerhouse of the Sky Spill Continent in the future. When that time comes, I might need to rely on Brother Lin.”
713The two young men complimented each other. Lin Ming smiled, not responding to Yang Yun’s inquiry of his background. In response, Yang Yun tactfully didn’t ask again. “Brother Lin, I happened to have invited some astounding young elites from the Sky Spill Continent here today for a banquet at the Nine Flower Lake. Would Brother Lin like to join me to the lake and share in some wine whilst meeting the heroes of this world?”
714To be considered an astounding young elite by Yang Yun, they must have the most extraordinary prides of heaven within the entire Sky Spill Continent. Not only would their strength and talent be extraordinary, but they should also be greatly influential. For instance, the successor of a great sect or perhaps an extremely powerful Divine Kingdom Prince.
715Lin Ming hadn’t replied yet when a maid came in to report on some news. “Your Highness, the White Clan Princess has arrived.”
716“Oh? Then I shall immediately go to receive her. Brother Lin, how about going with me?”
717“Mm, alright.” Lin Ming nodded.
718Yang Yun had indeed invited heroic young elites that stood at the very peak of the Sky Spill Continent. These people all ranged from their twenties to their fifties.
719For the Xiantian realm, someone 50 years old would be considered middle-aged. But if one could step into the Life Destruction realm in their thirties, then they would appear in their twenties even if they were 50 years of age. In addition, Life Destruction powerhouses lived for thousands of years. Thus, a 50-year-old Life Destruction powerhouse could also be considered someone of the younger generation.
720The White Clan Princess, the Great Smelting Kingdom Prince, and the Seven Star High Prince Successor, each of them was eminent characters.
721For instance, that White Clan Princess. The so-called White Clan was a family clan that lived at the borders of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom in a hidden world. This Family Clan had a very special bloodline; they had a bloodline seal. A bloodline seal was a special ability inherited through the bloodline of that family clan. This sort of ability could only be inherited by direct descendants.
722Two thousand years ago, a Divine Sea Supreme Elder was born in the White Clan, thus they became worthy of being a true Holy Land level power. And now, their current Family Head also had a high chance of breaking through to the Divine Sea. At that time, their White Clan would have two Supreme Elders backing them. Although that was far from being able to match with the four Divine Kingdoms, it was still a focal super power. The White Clan Princess was the future successor to the Family Head. Thus, her prominent status could be imagined.
723There was not much to say of the Great Smelting Kingdom Prince. He had already earned a similar reputation to the Nine Furnace Crown Prince a long time ago. Within the Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom, the title of Crown Prince was an empty position. Currently, there were several powerful competitors vying for this seat, and this Great Smelting Prince was one of them. He was currently 45 years old and also ranked on the Destiny Decree. Although the combined power of his subordinates was weaker than Yang Yun, he was still extremely terrifying.
724As for the Seven Prince High Prince Successor, his status was a bit poorer. However, his grandfather was ranked in the top two Divine Sea powerhouses of the entire Seven Star Divine Kingdom. That grandfather’s status was absolutely terrifying. If other Divine Sea Supreme Elders ran into him, even they had to greet him as if they were a junior.
725This group of people consisted of some of the most illustrious characters of the Sky Spill Continent, princes amongst princes.
726Because Xiaoxiao accompanied Lin Ming, she also followed him to this banquet. As she faced this crowd of young people that stood at the very peak of the Sky Spill Continent, even she, who she felt was worldly and had seen the ‘great world’, felt breathless.
727Compared to these people in front of her, everyone she had ever come into contact with was nothing at all.
728As the host, Yang Yun introduced everyone one at a time.
729As every person was introduced, Xiaoxiao would be increasingly shocked every time. But as for Lin Ming, he remembered their appearance and background as well as silently estimating their strength. In the four Divine Kingdoms, it was inevitable that he would encounter these individuals in the future.
730As Lin Ming was introduced, Yang Yun only used a few simple words to describe him, “The only Revolving Core talent to enter the Destiny Decree in a thousand years – Lin Lanjian.”
731“Mm? He is Lin Lanjian!?” The Great Smelting Prince looked at Lin Ming, a bit astonished. He had also been wondering who Lin Ming was and why he was standing here. Now that the Great Smelting Prince knew that he was Lin Lanjian, even with his high and prominent status, he still held a deep respect in his heart when facing this sort of top talent that couldn’t be judged by common sense.
732“You are Lin Lanjian?” In the pavilion, a black-clothed youth stood up. He was an Asura Divine Kingdom Prince.
733“I am.” Lin Ming cupped his hands across his chest. He was a bit puzzled as he felt this black-clothed youth’s blazing eyes locked onto him. Just what problem did this fellow have with him? Was it related to Corpsemancer?
734Or was this fellow one of those battle crazies that challenged every powerhouse they saw and now wanted to fight him?
735However, Lin Ming never imagined that this black-clothed youth would suddenly step forward and point at Lin Ming’s clothes. “Lin Lanjian, I want to take a look at the armor you’re wearing. How about it?”
736“Mm?” Lin Ming frowned. Randomly asking to view another’s treasure was extremely rude.
737He didn’t expect the following explanation either. “Lin Lanjian, I suspect that your armor is the sacred relic of my clan, the Demon Emperor’s armor!”
738Chapter 786 – Domineering
739“What?”
740The Asura Prince’s few words shocked all of the martial artists present. These sorts of words were equal to accusing Lin Ming of stealing away their Asura Clan’s Demon Emperor Armor.
741All of the heroic young elite’s present had heard more or less of Lin Ming’s armor. When Lin Ming and Corpsemancer fought, at the moment that both of them attacked each other in a suicidal manner, Lin Ming had relied on this black armor to block Corpsemancer’s final strike.
742Otherwise, this eternal top talent might have perished that day.
743According to this Asura Prince, that Demon Emperor Armor originally belonged to the Asura Divine Kingdom.
744Everyone’s eyes turned to Lin Ming.
745Lin Ming’s eyes became ice cold. The Demon Emperor Armor was a treasure he had personally taken out from the Cosmic Melting Furnace, yet this black-clothed youth in front of him was actually claiming that it was a sacred relic lost by his Asura Divine Kingdom and wanted to take it back. How could Lin Ming not be angered by such an overbearingly false charge?
746“You say that my armor belongs to your Asura Divine Kingdom? What evidence do you have?” Lin Ming slowly stood up, a faint chill in his voice.
747In fact, Lin Ming already thought that there was some connection between the Asura Divine Kingdom and the Holy Demon Continent. The Asura Divine Kingdom cultivated the demonic path, and Corpsemancer also had a Giant Demon Puppet that had come from the Asura Divine Kingdom. From this alone it could be seen that the Asura Divine Kingdom must have members of the Giant Demon race that came from the Holy Demon Continent.
748The black-clothed youth jeered at Lin Ming with disdain, “Evidence? Humph! Do you think that as a noble Asura Divine Kingdom Prince, I would actually lay a false charge against you? Even the common mortals know that the first great Demon Emperor is my Asura Divine Kingdom’s faith and first-generation Sovereign King. As for that black armor you’re wearing, it was forged by the Demon Emperor himself!
749“That’s it? That’s your evidence?” Lin Ming’s lips curved up in a mocking smile, “The Demon Emperor is your Asura Divine Kingdom’s first Sovereign King?”
750From his memories, Lin Ming knew that the sect the Demon Emperor had established in the Sky Spill Continent was the South Sea’s Demon God Imperial Palace. But the Demon God Imperial Palace was destroyed after and the Demon Emperor ascended into the Realm of the Gods. He had simply never established any sort of Asura Divine Kingdom.
751And the most vital point was that the Demon Emperor existed 70,000-80,000 years ago. How could he possibly be the Asura Divine Kingdom’s first Sovereign King?
752As the Asura Prince saw Lin Ming’s taunting smile, he grew angry, “Who do you think you are? Do you dare to ridicule my Asura Divine Kingdom!?”
753As he spoke, the Asura Prince released a thick killing intent. The temperature throughout the entire pavilion lowered until a cold wind blew throughout.
754Lin Ming remained unmoved. There were indeed several people that alarmed him here, especially that Nine Furnace Crown Prince, Yang Yun. It could be said that he was unfathomable.
755But the Asura Prince wasn’t included in that group. This Asura Prince was only around 30 years old; he was simply nothing at all. “How many years of history does your Asura Divine Kingdom have? Do you know how long ago it was that the Demon Emperor existed?”
756Hearing Lin Ming’s question, the Asura Prince’s face flashed with pride and disdain. Although he was staring at Lin Ming, he didn’t even see him at all as if he were nothing but air. “The Demon Emperor is a character that lived 70,000 years ago. My Asura Divine Kingdom was officially founded only 12,000 years ago, but before that my Asura Divine Kingdom was actually a hidden sect for 70,000 years! We are the most ancient sect within the entire Sky Spill Continent, bar none!”
757As the Asura Prince uttered these words, Yang Yun appeared very calm without a trace of an expression at all. But the Great Smelting Prince frowned, obviously not willing to acknowledge this.
758“Although there haven’t been any phantom recordings of your battle with Corpsemancer, but my Asura Divine Kingdom was able to use a special technique to investigate the memories of the spectators. Your Demon Emperor Armor has special characteristics that are explicitly described in the ancient texts of my Asura Divine Kingdom; the appearance and nature are fully consistent with the descriptions! By just this point alone I wouldn’t have full confidence the armor you’re wearing is the Demon Emperor Armor; after all, it might be a replica. But the most important evidence I have is that your Demon Emperor Armor is missing its heart guard mirror, and that heart guard mirror is in the possession of my Asura Divine Kingdom!”
759As the Asura Prince spoke, he took out a black metal disc from his spatial ring; this was the Demon God Emperor’s heart guard mirror.
760“Everyone, this is a replica of my Asura Divine Kingdom’s Demon Emperor Armor’s heart guard mirror. Lin Lanjian, do you dare to show that armor you’re wearing and let us all have a look as to whether you’re missing a heart guard mirror? I can tell you that the shape of the gap in the Demon Emperor Armor exactly matches this replica heart guard mirror!”
761The Asura Prince’s words were aggressively spoken. All of the heroic young elite’s present looked at Lin Ming. Several of them had heard of an approximate description of Lin Ming’s demon armor; it seemed it was indeed missing a heart guard mirror.
762If this were true, then the Asura Prince’s words weren’t groundless.
763In the face of the Asura Prince’s accusations, Lin Ming wasn’t panicked or in disbelief as everyone thought he would be. Instead, his expression was that of cold decisiveness, as if everything the Asura Prince had said about the heart guard mirror didn’t matter at all.
764“Didn’t you hear me!?” The Asura Prince took a fierce step forward and took out a chillingly cold long spear from his spatial ring.
765Yang Yun stood up at this time, “Situ Chuan, everyone here today are guests that I have personally invited. This Nine Flowers Banquet is a gathering of astounding young elites from all over the world. Are you planning on causing an upheaval at my Nine Flowers Banquet?”
766Yang Yun’s words didn’t carry any momentum with them, but they still gave of an inexplicably fearful feeling. Even the Asura Prince felt somewhat afraid.
767At this time, another black-clothed martial artist stood up and said, “Your Highness Crown Prince, we have no intention of causing any conflict at this banquet. It’s just that my Asura Divine Kingdom’s Demon Emperor Armor truly was lost 12,000 years ago. My Asura Divine Kingdom opened the Demon Emperor Mystic Realm left behind by the Demon Emperor in order to take out the rare treasures he kept there. However, because of spies that were mixed into our sect, some dastardly thieves managed to sneak their way in and make out with part of our inheritances and treasures. I suspect that this Demon Emperor Armor is one of them! It is an extremely important holy relic of my Divine Kingdom; we must recover it by any means possible.”
768The martial artist who spoke was also from the Asura Divine Kingdom, a High Prince Successor. Although he was no longer cut off from the inheritances of direct descendants, he still cared a great deal about the Demon Emperor Armor. According to the ancient records the complete Demon Emperor Armor could not only defend against attacks but also increase a martial artist’s strength and true essence, playing a ghostly and unpredictable effect in battle.
769Besides, Lin Ming might even have cultivation methods or other inheritances of the Demon Emperor. If he could recover this then he would have an opportunity to train them.
770The black-clothed martial artist spoke to Yang Yun and then turned to Lin Ming, “Lin Lanjian, we won’t investigate how you came about that Demon Emperor Armor as long as you return it to us. In fact, not only will we not dig into your past but we will also grant you a few gifts in gratitude. We believe that Young Hero Lin truly must not have known that the Demon Emperor Armor originated as a main inheritance of my Asura Divine Kingdom.”
771The Asura Divine Kingdom’s High Successor already felt that he was gracious enough. If Lin Ming knew his limits then he should back down now. But in the next moment, Lin Ming’s response nearly caused his lungs to explode in range.
772Lin Ming traced his spatial ring and sneered, “I’ve never seen someone so shameless that never cared about face before. You’re saying that just because that heart guard mirror matches with my Demon Emperor Armor that it belongs to your Asura Divine Kingdom? How ridiculous. Why don’t you say that your Asura Divine Kingdom’s heart guard mirror belongs to me originally?”
773“Lin Lanjian, do you want to die!?” The black-clothed martial artist pounded the table. He had never seen such a crazy person that dared to insult their Asura Divine Kingdom like so.
774The Asura Prince Situ Chuan had an extremely ugly complexion. He pointed his spear point straight at Lin Ming and said with a voice full of killing intent, “Brother Yang, you saw what happened. It isn’t me not giving you face but this Lin Lanjian doesn’t care about decorum at all. We already decided not to investigate how Lin Lanjian’s seniors stole their way into my Asura Divine Kingdom’s Demon Emperor Mystic realm, but this man actually dares to be so shameless as to say that all those stolen treasures belong to him! Brother Yang, even if you must stop me today I will still wet the earth with blood!”
775At this point, within Lin Ming’s spiritual sea, Demonshine was already angrily growling. No matter how anyone considered it, only Demonshine could be considered the worthiest descendant of the Demon Emperor.
776“This group of smelly brats are truly shameless; they actually dare to pose as the Demon Emperor’s descendants! This Saint is about to laugh to death! They must have somehow found their way into Master’s mystic realm 12,000 years ago. Then, they plundered the mystic realm and obtained the heart guard mirror as well as some rare cultivation method manuals. As for all that talk about spies and thieves, those should have been competitors that entered the mystic realm with them. It’s just that this so-called Asura Divine Kingdom must have obtained the majority of the goods while everyone else only obtained a little bit.”
777“Then those damned fellows must have posed as Master’s descendants and then claimed that all of Master’s inheritances belonged to them. They are simply brain addled idiots! Lin Ming! Kill him! Paint the walls with his blood!”
778Considering what he himself knew, together with his incomplete memories of the Demon Emperor, Lin Ming also agreed with Demonshine. The Asura Divine Kingdom that claimed to be the so-called descendants of the Demon Emperor must have found one of the Demon Emperor’s mystic realms from somewhere, one that hadn’t been the Demon God Imperial Palace either. As for that Demon Emperor Armor being stolen from the mystic realm, that was simply nonsense.
779Lin Ming said, “The mystic realms left behind by the ancient ancestors are all ownerless to begin with. They’re left for the fated ones to obtain the treasures within. Your Asura Divine Kingdom only managed to obtain one of the multiple mystic realms that the Demon Emperor left behind, and yet you actually dare to claim without any justification at all that the Demon Emperor is the first Sovereign King of your Asura Divine Kingdom and say that everything related to the Demon Emperor from all the mystic realms of the world actually belong completely to you. How openly and brazenly shameless of you!”
780“Lin Lanjian! You dare to insult my Asura Divine Kingdom again and again! If I don’t kill you today, I’ll never rest!” The Asura Prince revealed a thick killing intent. His expression as he looked at Lin Ming was as if he were staring at a person who had already died.
781Lin Ming was well aware that further words were useless. He extracted the red spear from his spatial ring and coldly said, “If you want to fight then let’s fight, don’t waste my time!”
782“Good! You truly are crazy! Lin Lanjian, since you want to die so bad then let me help you along! Brother Yang! You have already heard that Lin Lanjian does not oppose this battle! As such, it can’t be described as ruining your Nine Flowers Banquet!” As Situ Chuan spoke, his lips curved up in a vicious smile. He had already decided to kill Lin Ming here and take away the Demon Emperor Armor. This would be a great accomplishment for him!
783If he used a soul-searching technique he might even be able to find traces of the Demon Emperor’s other inheritances from Lin Ming. This might even include the more precious latter layers of the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’! Situ Chuan didn’t believe for a second that Lin Ming could have such accomplishments today without benefitting from top cultivation methods. As long as he could steal away these techniques and study them himself, then his strength would be greater and the Asura Divine Kingdom would be that much stronger.
784Chapter 787 – A Stipulation of Ten Moves
785Battle was inevitable.
786Yang Yun stood at the center of the Nine Flower Lake’s jade pavilion, his clothes fluttering in the wind as he said with a calm expression, “Must you really fight?”
787“Humph, Lin Lanjian has humiliated the legacy of my Divine Kingdom. I must kill him!” Situ Chuan said, his voice brooking no doubt.
788“Since that’s the case, let’s make a stipulation of 10 moves. Victory or defeat will be decided in 10 moves; there will be no more fighting after that!”
789Yang Yun had settled on 10 moves because he was in fact trying to prevent any deaths occurring from this battle. If these two truly did engage in a fierce struggle, dying wouldn’t be unusual.
790Having lives taken at his Nine Flowers Banquet would inevitably bring criticism to Yang Yun. Moreover, his original intention had been to befriend Lin Ming, so he couldn’t allow Situ Chuan to kill him. But on the other hand, it wouldn’t be good if Lin Ming killed Situ Chuan either. Situ Chuan was a Prince of the Asura Divine Kingdom. If he died under Lin Ming’s hands then Lin Ming would be chased down and hunted by the Asura Divine Kingdom. If Yang Yun were to try shielding Lin Ming at that time, then that would be the same as publicly slapping the entire Asura Divine Kingdom in the face.
791Although there was always infighting and espionage occurring between the four Divine Kingdoms, nothing too great had ever broken out. Everyone knew just how terrifying the consequences would be of two Divine Kingdoms engaging in war.
792“Humph, 10 moves are more than enough to kill you! Don’t think that you are invincible just because you managed to hang onto the very end of the Destiny Decree. If it wasn’t for the fact that the Princes of the four Divine Kingdoms weren’t allowed to be listed without permission, I too would be on the Destiny Decree!”
793For the inheritance of the Divine Emperor’s throne, unless one was an absolute successor like Yang Yun, there would always be struggles that caused tides of blood to bloom throughout the kingdom. At that time, a Prince’s strength was an extremely sensitive topic. Thus, the four great intelligence networks wouldn’t easily arrange a Prince on the Destiny Decree. Yang Yun was also the same. Of course, there were also some Princes that were willing to allow themselves to be ranked on the Destiny Decree in order to shore up support for their side. For instance, the Great Smelting Prince was listed on the Destiny Decree.
794Although Situ Chuan was full of confidence, the truth was that he kept 120% vigilance and was ready to display his complete strength. He was well aware just how troublesome Lin Ming could be. Corpsemancer was not an idiot. If he died underneath Lin Ming’s hands then Lin Ming naturally had his strengths.
795Then Asura Divine Kingdom’s High Prince Successor Situ Feng said, “Ten moves. If Lin Lanjian loses in that time then he must hand over the Demon Emperor Armor.”
796Situ Feng was also the descendent of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder and he too was extraordinarily strong, otherwise it would have been impossible for him to participate in this Nine Flowers Banquet. However, Situ Feng, Situ Chuan, Yang Yun, and everyone else here were all the same; their dantian was covered in layers of thick fog so it was impossible to see just how high their cultivation was. This sort of technique to hide one’s cultivation was extremely common in the four Divine Kingdoms.
797Situ Feng’s eyes shined as he glared at Lin Ming, full of provocation.
798Lin Ming was silent for a moment and then he said in a deep bass voice, “If I lose then I will deliver to you the Demon Emperor Armor. But what if I win? Will you hand me the Demon Emperor Amor’s heart guard mirror?”
799“Dream on!” Situ Chuan angrily shouted, “The Demon Emperor Armor is originally the holy relic of my Asura Divine Kingdom. Your ancestors stole the Demon Emperor Armor from us 12,000 years ago, and now you actually desire the heart guard mirror too. You truly have no idea of death or danger!”
800“Hehe!” Lin Ming contemplatively smiled, “The one who has no idea of death or danger is you. You keep on spouting on and on about how the Demon Emperor is your ancestor, but yet you have no evidence at all. Are you afraid of betting the heart guard mirror because you know you’ve already lost?”
801“You!” Situ Chuan was about to rush forwards before Situ Feng held him down.
802“Surname Lin, let alone that it is useless, I will also tell you that it is impossible for us to give you the heart guard mirror. We have no authority to do so and it isn’t in our possession to begin with. If we lose then we will give you 100,000 spirit essence stones!”
803Even though Situ Feng promised 100,000 spirit essence stones in a single breath, Lin Ming didn’t even bat an eyelash. “100,000 spirit essence stones as a bet for the Demon Emperor Armor? Your plans are quite exquisite!”
804100,000 spirit essence stones were not a small number, but it was naturally far from being able to compare to the Demon Emperor Armor. According to Demonshine, the complete Demon Emperor Armor was no less valuable than the Cosmic Melting Furnace, a quasi-Saint artifact.
805Also, a defensive quasi-Saint artifact was extremely rare. In terms of value it would not lose out to a true offensive Saint artifact.
806A Saint artifact was extremely valuable even in the Realm of the Gods. It wasn’t something that could be purchased with a mere 100,000 spirit essence stones.
807“If you lose then take out 10 jin of million-year wood spirit jade and also one jin of wood spirit jade quintessence!”
808Situ Feng’s eyes turned red. There was simply no price for million-year wood spirit jade. There wasn’t much of that even in the treasuries of the four Divine Kingdoms combined. As for wood spirit jade quintessence, that was even rarer. That required at least five-million-year wood spirit jade!
809After wood spirit jade passed through an immeasurable long time, its most basic components would slowly seep out into the surrounding rock and the impurities within the rock would also permeate the wood spirit jade. It was impossible for ordinary wood spirit jade to exist for several million years, it would simply become a fossil.
810In order for wood spirit jade to retain its purity throughout five million years, it would need to be formed from a top heavenly material. For instance, materials such as a 70,000-80,000-year Nirvana Dragon Roots, nine nether grass, profound gold divine fruit, and so on.
811These sorts of spiritual plants were few and far between to begin with. Wood spirit jade of this sort was nearly extinct. Once it was formed, it would swallow the natural life essence of the sun and moon, gaining intelligence after a long period of time, and sometimes even gaining its own life.
812The value of wood spirit jade quintessence was impossible to measure with spirit essence stones!
813“What kind of crazy act are you trying to pull!” Situ Chuan roared.
814“Compared to 10 jin of million-year wood spirit jade and another jin of wood spirit jade quintessence, the Demon Emperor Armor is still more valuable!” Lin Ming coldly said.
815Situ Chuan laughed like a craving madman, “I think that you’ve misunderstood the situation. You simply do not have the qualifications to discuss conditions with us. If my Asura Divine Kingdom wishes to crush you then we can crush you just like an ant!”
816“Oh? Then there’s nothing to discuss. Come see me again when you have the guts to make a bet.” Lin Ming began to put his spear away.
817If Situ Chuan and Situ Feng didn’t dare to make a bet then they wouldn’t be able to take back the Demon Emperor Armor.
818How could the usually proud and arrogant Situ Chuan swallow such an insult?
819“I’m afraid you won’t be alive anymore! Ten jin of million-year wood spirit jade and another jin of wood spirit jade quintessence. I’ll take your life in 10 moves!”
820Situ Chuan had already impatiently jumped out. He pointed his long spear at Lin Ming and said, “I will use your blood as a sacrifice to the Demon Emperor Armor!”
821Woosh!
822With a loud rustling sound, hundreds of crimson seals began spinning around the edge of Situ Chuan’s spear. These were all Blood Drinking Seals!
823“‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’?”
824Lin Ming was slightly startled and then immediately relieved. When he first went into the Demon God Imperial Palace he hadn’t been able to locate the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’. The ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ he knew was the complete cultivation method extracted from the Demon Emperor’s soul fragment. Now it seemed as if the jade slip containing the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ was kept at another ancient ruins site, and this site had been obtained by the Asura Divine Kingdom.
825Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!
826With a loud whistling sound, several hundred crimson seals rapidly revolved around the long spear. Lin Ming was familiar with all of these moves. In the past, he had once tried stepping onto the slaughter path. However, he eventually proved that the road others trod didn’t necessarily suit him. Only by walking his own path would he be able to move towards the peak of all martial arts.
827Lin Ming finally took the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ as well as several other different techniques, using them as a foundation. After comprehending the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ and fusing in the Concept of space, the Concept of Thunder, as well as the Concept of Fire, he was able to create moves such as Chasing Sun, Chasing Thunder, Penetrating Rainbow, and Bury the Heavens. To Lin Ming, the power of these abilities was far mightier than the pure ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’.
828‘Let me experience your ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’!’
829Lin Ming’s eyes flashed with a brilliant fighting spirit. He wanted to just how powerful the Demon Emperor’s famed battle technique would be in the hands of a purely demonic path martial artist!
830He wanted to see how this compared to his own self-created techniques!
831Woosh!
832With a loud cry, Situ Chuan’s spear shot forwards. His first attack was Blood Seal Twisting Murder! The crimson Blood Drinking Seals rapidly revolved, issuing out harsh grating sounds as if space itself was being torn to shreds.
833In these 10 moves, Situ Chuan would go all out with everything he had. He would naturally try to kill Lin Ming in these 10 moves.
834Lin Ming didn’t plan on staying his hand. He also didn’t underestimate Situ Chan. With a thrust of his spear, the dual Concepts of Thunder and Fire fused together, intensely colliding with Blood Seal Twisting Murder.
835Ca!
836Blood Seals smashed onto Lin Ming’s red spear, wanting to bounce the spear away. This was Blood Seal Twisting Murder’s special effect – twisting away the weapon and directly piercing the chest.
837Lin Ming had already expected this. He poured his battle spirit into the shaft of his spear; the Concept of Thunderfire erupted.
838Bang!
839A sound filled the air like a bolt of heavenly thunder crashing into the earth. A terrifying air wave washed out in all directions. Even though the Nine Flower Lake Pavilion was protected by a hidden array formation, this array formation still creaked and trembled like a small boat in choppy seas.
840Great waves rose within the once calm Nine Flower Lake. If the ice lotuses floating on the lake didn’t have the protection of array formations then they would have probably been ravaged into flying ash by the fierce detonation of energy.
841Yang Yun looked the same throughout, but Lin Ming actually knew just how valuable these ice lotuses were. They were all comparable to heavenly materials. Once the array formation was broken, the losses would be immense.
842With a tap of his toes, Lin Ming jumped off the jade platform and flew towards the snowy mountains.
843At this time, Situ Chuan had long since been stirred up into a frenzied rage, his eyes bright red like a rabid madman. He could hardly care for these Nine Flower Lake ice lotuses that were simply used to make tea.
844He thought that Lin Ming had run away because he couldn’t withstand his Blood Seal Twisting Murder. With a sneer, Situ Chuan clearly shouted, “Your gutless small fry! Where are you running to!? Primeval Spear Strike!”
845With a thrust of his spear, Blood Drinking Seals spun around, creating a twisting red storm. This sort of storm seemed to twist space, forming a powerful suction force like a black hole that swallowed all.
846Moves of the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ contained the Concept of space. When Lin Ming first started to comprehend the offensive use of the Concept of space, that had all begun from this ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’!
847Situ Chuan was overjoyed as he saw Lin Ming’s speed suddenly reduce. All martial artists that were caught in his Primeval Spear Strike were like flies in a spider web; it was impossible to escape.
848With a clear cry, Situ Chuan’s killing intent locked onto Lin Ming. The Concept of space fused into his spear as he thrust it towards the point between Lin Ming’s eyebrows!
849This spear seemed slow but it passed through space in the blink of an eye, suddenly appearing like ghosts and Gods in front of Lin Ming!
850Such an ephemeral and mystical style had allowed Situ Chuan to slaughter countless masters. This was the move he was most proud of!
851However, as Lin Ming faced this spear that suddenly appeared in front of him, his expression didn’t even change a tiny bit.
852“This is your Concept of space? Your skill is far too lacking!”
853Ho -!
854Lin Ming also thrust out a spear. This spear strike seemed even slower than Situ Chuan’s!
855However, what was unbelievably strange was that for some unknown reason, Lin Ming’s spear light reached Situ Chuan’s chest first!
856What!?!?
857Situ Chuan was incomparably shocked, losing all his composure. That spear light had suddenly bloomed in front of his eyes, nearly blinding him!
858Peng!
859Situ Chan flew backwards, all of his protective true essence shattered. Blood swelled up within his body but was forcefully suppressed by him. As he looked down, he saw that a large hole had appeared in the heaven-step treasure armor he wore, copious amounts of blood flowing from it.
860Chapter 788 – Slaughter Path Showdown
861“It’s only been two moves and yet Situ Chuan was injured?” The Seven Star Divine Kingdom’s High Prince Successor said with an astonished expression.
862Although every Prince’s strength was kept a confidential secret, the four Divine Kingdoms’ competition with each other was simply too fierce. Situ Chuan was one of the several important Princes of the Asura Divine Kingdom, so it was inevitable that he would be under tight observation from all available intelligence networks. Although it wasn’t known what degree his exact strength reached, people were still able to roughly estimate.
863After all, Situ Chuan was one of the Princes who would compete for the highest throne of the Asura Divine Kingdom in the future – his natural talent was undeniable. At 30 years of age, he should now be able to rank on the Destiny Decree. Although it was unknown just who would be stronger between him and Lin Ming, the difference in their abilities shouldn’t be so great!
864It wasn’t just the Seven Star High Prince Successor who thought this, but even the Great Smelting Kingdom Prince felt this was just too incredible.
865At this time, Yang Yun was calmly drinking some tea when he said,” It isn’t that the disparity in their strength is great, but the disparity in their understanding of the Concept of space is too great. Just now, that move was only a comparison of whose Concept of space was more accomplished. Situ Chuan thought that he would be able to win the advantage by fusing the Concept of space into his attack, but he never thought that his opponent’s attainments in the Concept of space were even higher. He underestimated his opponent and suffered a blow because of it. His injury is due to the fact that he wasn’t mentally prepared in advance.”
866At this time, Situ Chuan felt extremely shamed and bereaved. The Concept of space was their Asura Divine Kingdom’s most famous Concept. It was recorded within the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’, and was something that only the Situ Royal Family descendants were able to study.
867The Concept of space was known as one of the most difficult and powerful Concepts and also known as the King of Concepts. The entire Situ Family Clan inevitably held pride in themselves because their entire Family Clan could utilize the Concept of space. Especially Situ Chuan. His talent was extraordinary and he had an extremely high comprehension of the Concept of space. Even the Divine Emperor appreciated his abilities.
868But now, all of that arrogant pride had been ruthlessly destroyed by Lin Ming!
869‘This boy actually understands the Concept of space and his method of attack seems similar to my own Asura Divine Kingdom’s inheritance. Even the might of the attack is greater! He absolutely has a more complete version of the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’!’
870Situ Chan didn’t think that Lin Ming’s talent in the Concept of space surpassed his own. He only thought that Lin Ming must have a complete inheritance of the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’! All of these things should belong in the grasp of their Asura Divine Kingdom!
871‘Only my Asura Divine Kingdom’s Situ Family is deserving of this inheritance. There is no one else worthy!’
872Situ Chuan cried out within his heart. If he could train in this complete ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ then his strength would inevitably rise. Perhaps when facing Yang Yun, he might not even be overwhelmed by that man’s blinding halo!
873“Brother Situ, consider this match finished!” Yang Yun’s voice suddenly sounded out. Although Situ Chuan had been injured because of a brief lapse in his guard, an injury was an injury. This was only supposed to be a friendly spar, not a life or death struggle. Losing in even half a move was considered a loss.
874“I refuse to accept this!” Situ Chuan shouted out loud, keeping his spear pointed at Lin Ming. Everything on the line was related to the honor of his Asura Divine Kingdom, so how could he just admit defeat like this? Otherwise, if news of today’s happenings spread out, everyone would know that the rampant and lofty Situ Chuan had lost to someone far younger than him in just two moves. Not just that, but that hairless little boy’s cultivation was more than an entire realm lower than his. He would suffer nothing but ridicule!
875“The stipulation of 10 moves hasn’t ended yet. Just because I was surprised for a moment just now doesn’t mean that I lost!”
876Since Situ Chuan insisted on finishing the 10 moves to the end, Yang Yun also didn’t say any more. He only silently looked at Lin Ming. He hadn’t thought that Lin Ming’s comprehension of the Concept of space would reach such a degree, as if he himself were an omnipotent being. This sort of talent was something he had never heard of before; it simply surpassed his own understanding.
877Situ Chuan held his spear flat and his aura exploded from his body. He no longer planned to use the Concept of space. Since his understanding of Concepts was inferior, he would only be embarrassing himself if he continued to forcefully utilize it. Using it to attack the enemy would be the epitome of stupidity.
878But the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ still contained another great supporting pillar besides the Concept of space. That was comprehension of the slaughter path!
879Situ Chuan didn’t believe that Lin Ming would also surpass him in the understanding of the slaughter path.
880Bang!
881Under the incitement of the Blood Drinking Seals, Situ Chuan’s killing intent erupted, overwhelming and covering the entire sky. Several hundred Blood Drinking Seals flew high in the air like stars in flight, covering the entire area as they glowed an increasingly blood red.
882The skies above the entire Nine Flower Lake surged with energy. Black energy rolled everywhere, emitting a suffocating atmosphere.
883By abandoning the Concept of space, he would decide this with only the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’s’ slaughter path!
884In the jade pavilion atop the Nine Flower Lake, several heroic young elites felt indescribably uncomfortable after being enveloped by this killing intent.
885Although those that Yang Yun had invited this time were all the chosen prides of heaven within the Sky Spill Continent, that didn’t mean that they were too strong. If they were too young and their cultivation was only at the Revolving Core realm, their strength would still be limited no matter how great their talent. It was impossible for them to withstand Situ Chuan’s killing intent.
886“Such a solid killing intent and such keen Blood Drinking Seals. Situ Chuan must have killed countless martial artists these past years!” The Great Smelting Prince sighed. One couldn’t effectively accumulate killing intent by killing weaker martial artists. Only by killing martial artists at the same level, or even other similar prides of heaven, only then by watching a strong opponent fall before them would this image engrave itself into one’s heart, becoming an unwavering belief of victory that was able to sweep away all. This sort of belief could be sent out like an energy field, and once combined with the will to kill an opponent this would then turn into killing intent.
887“The Situ Family Clan is indeed a savage and brutal family clan. All of their Princes, successors and other family members will be thrown into dangerous situations at just 15-16 years of age. They are forced to tear down vicious beasts and Giant Demons, and every Royal Family member that fails this test has nothing but death awaiting them.”
888“Yes, within the Asura Divine Kingdom there is a medium-sized dimension that has the Giant Demon race living in it, reared up like pigs in a pen, only becoming the smelting trial field of their Royal Family. For Situ Chuan to understand the slaughter path to such a degree, that means he must have cut down hundreds or thousands of Giant Demons at his level.”
889All of the young heroic elites began discussing amongst themselves. The methods that the four Divine Kingdoms used to train the next generation were no great secret. However, the Asura Divine Kingdom’s methods were the harshest, cruelest, and most lacking in mercy of all. For those Royal Family members that had no talent, their fate was even more miserable than that of the common people.
890“I will take the advantage with this move!”
891Situ Chan fiercely looked at Lin Ming. Although he had been wounded just then because he had underestimated his opponent, no matter the reason a loss was still a loss. He had thrown down his face in order to continue fighting, and if he wasn’t able to suppress Lin Ming and was instead suppressed by Lin Ming, then he would be laughed at by others. This was not a loss he could afford; loss meant complete loss of any face he had left.
892“I will take back the Situ Family Clan’s glory. And all of the Demon Emperor’s inheritances should also return to my Situ Family Clan!”
893Situ Chuan’s heart burned with a raging fire. His anger, his will, his body, everything was fused into this next attack.
894“Great Desolate Halberd Art – slaughter path!”
895By overdrawing his strength and true essence, Situ Chuan poured his complete being into this attack. A black spear light shot out, tearing through the void as it rolled up into the massive clouds of roiling black energy and fused with the hundreds of Blood Drinking Seals that Situ Chuan had released.
896With a thrust of this spear, the mountains and rivers seemed to tremble, creating a dazzlingly blinding attack!
897“You want a slaughter path showdown?” Lin Ming’s lips curved up in a smile. “Although I have to admit I truly do not have much talent in the slaughter path, I still have been able to achieve a bit through hard work.”
898Out of everything that Lin Ming had ever studied, his accomplishments in the Concept of Wind and the slaughter path had never been to his satisfaction. The former had caused Lin Ming’s ‘Golden Roc Shattering the Void’ to be hampered at times, and the latter made it so that he wasn’t able to display the full strength of the Blood Drinking Seals in the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’.
899In particular, as Lin Ming’s strength rapidly grew, the Blood Drinking Seals could no longer keep up with his current strength.
900However, Lin Ming’s slaughter path wasn’t just the Blood Drinking Seals.
901True essence gathered in his dantian.
902The Death God force field and the Asura force field simultaneously erupted!
903Bang!
904The force field energy rushed out like a tide of molten iron. As soon as Situ Chuan’s black energy collided with the Asura force field, it was actually ripped to shreds, half of it immediately dispersing to nothing!
905“What!?”
906As Lin Ming’s Death God force field completely opened to the limit, even Yang Yun was startled. Compared to the scattered killing intent that Situ Chuan had released, Lin Ming’s killing intent had condensed into a true force field.
907Moreover, it wasn’t just one kind of force field but two kinds!
908“A force field formed from killing intent. This Lin Lanjian must have grown up by treading over the corpses of martial artists all at his level or higher!” The White Clan Princess sucked in a breath of cold air. A force field was an extremely rare ability and Lin Ming even had two different kinds.
909As for those twenty some year-old geniuses with a mere Revolving Core cultivation, all of them paled as they were swallowed up by this killing intent, nearly falling down where they stood.
910Bury the Heavens!
911True essence howled. The Concept of Fire and the Concept of space fused together. The Eight Inner Hidden Gates opened to the limit and the large success bronze battle spirit was poured into his spear.
912What Lin Ming used was impressively Bury the Heavens, a self-created move modeled with the strongest aspects of the ‘Great Desolate Halberd Art’ as the foundation.
913A red spear tore through the void, all of the power of space swirling up into a space storm. The Burning Star Flame was galvanized by the wild space claws, evolving into a demonic black flame!
914Chi chi chi!
915The demonic flame burned apart space, causing massive amounts of space fragments to scatter about. These space fragments served as a substitute for Blood Drinking Seals as they spun around at a maddening speed!
916“Ahhhh!”
917As Situ Chuan saw Lin Ming’s fierce attack come at him, he barked out a wild shout. His face flushed an unusual blood red. What he used was an arcane skill. To a demonic path martial artist, this sort of arcane skill that burned one’s bloodline to forcefully enhance one’s strength was extremely common. Of course, after using it, one had to pay the price. If the side effects were light, then his meridians would be damaged. If the side effects were serious, then it would heavily damage his life source.
918At this time, Situ Chuan no longer had any other path to take. He had to win in this move!
919Bang!
920Two spears violently collided together. A wild true essence shockwave surged out, uncontrollably smashing into the Nine Flower Lake’s jade pavilion until it seemed to be on the verge of collapse. Several Revolving Core young elites whitened, and those early Revolving Core martial artists were all forced out of their seats and several steps back, nearly vomiting blood.
921This continued until Yang Yun, the Great Smelting Prince, and the White Clan Princess all acted together, blocking the turbulent energy flows.
922Underneath everyone’s eyes, a surprising scene occurred. The space fragments that swirled around Lin Ming’s spear struck Situ Chuan’s Blood Drinking Seals, crushing them until they were less than half the original size. Then, after breaking through Situ Chuan’s spear light, Lin Ming’s spear potential didn’t yet disappear. It brought along with it a blazing fire and terrifying Concept of space as it struck Situ Chuan’s bodily protective true essence.
923Situ Chuan’s bodily true essence immediately disintegrated and he flew backwards.
924The result of the battle had exceeded everyone’s earlier expectations. Situ Chuan had been completely suppressed and abused by Lin Ming. But how could this be? When Lin Ming first faced Corpsemancer he had become victorious only after a hard-fought battle. But now, facing Situ Chuan, he won with considerable ease.
925Did this mean that Situ Chuan was far inferior to Corpsemancer?
926Chapter 789 - 8000 Mile Black Swamp
927Situ Chuan crashed into the Nine Flower Lake, causing ice cold water to splashed into the clear skies.
928A single spear strike had sent Situ Chuan rocketing into the lake, but Lin Ming was still flying high in the air as if he hadn't used much energy at all.
929"How terrifying!"
930As everyone looked at Lin Ming fluttering high in the air, those several Revolving Core martial artists that had nearly coughed up blood turned even more pallid. A moment ago, they had felt an irresistibly powerful strength in the aftermath of that collision just now. In truth, they were all inferior to Situ Chuan. Although Situ Chuan was older than they were, his cultivation had still reached the peak of the second stage of Life Destruction.
931But that Lin Lanjian, his age was unknown. Perhaps he might not even be over 26 years of age. His cultivation was only at the late Revolving Core realm and yet his strength was enough to completely suppress Situ Chuan.
932This caused them all to feel greatly frustrated and helpless. This simply didn't seem like a talent that a human should possess.
933It wasn't just the Revolving Core martial artists that were startled, but the several other Princes in the audience were also shocked. Lin Ming would inevitably become one of the highest peak powerhouses of the Sky Spill Continent. Such a person would be able to wield near-unlimited influence throughout the entire continent in the future. And the most important factor was that he didn't belong to any of the four Divine Kingdoms or their subordinates. His future possibilities were endless!
934Bang!
935The surface of the water erupted as Situ Chuan shot upwards. At this moment, his face was white and his hair was a ruined mess. His entire body was dripping with water and he was embarrassed beyond being embarrassed.
936Lin Ming indifferently looked at Situ Chuan. Situ Chuan's defensive ability to withstand attacks was too strong. Even though he had been heavily struck twice, his injuries actually weren't heavy at all.
937However, this was also within reason. The 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' had become famous as an offensive battle technique of the Demon Emperor. But, it originally wasn't used only as an offensive ability, but also a defensive one. The Blood Drinking Seals could be used to attack as well as defend.
938Situ Chuan had fused Blood Drinking Seals into his protective true essence, causing his protective true essence to surpass common sense!
939'That Situ Chuan is definitely a true master. Although he might be a little weaker than Corpsemancer, it wasn't by too much. And if he had used that arcane ability to stimulate his bloodline just now then he would even be able to surpass Corpsemancer. Too bad for him, the one he ran into today is me.'
940Meeting Lin Ming was Situ Chuan's own bad luck. As the saying went, know yourself, know the enemy, and be undefeatable. Lin Ming had already practiced Situ Chuan's 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' for many years now, and the version he studied was far more complete.
941For instance, all of those moves Situ Chuan used just now like Blood Seal Twisting Murder, Primeval Spear Strike, the slaughter path, Lin Ming knew all of those techniques like the back of his hand. There might be no one clearer about the characteristics of Blood Drinking Seals than he was.
942Before they fought, all of Situ Chuan's techniques had already been thoroughly understood by Lin Ming. How could he still fight?
943And what was lamentable was that Situ Chuan's two great pillars - the Concept of space and the slaughter path - were all completely defeated by Lin Ming, making it so that he couldn't display the true strength of the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'.
944Then, Situ Chuan's only advantage over Lin Ming was that his cultivation was a realm and a half higher than his. But even so, with the support of his battle spirit, Eight Inner Hidden Gates, comprehension of Concepts, and many other factors, all of this made it so that Situ Chuan was tyrannically oppressed from start to finish.
945Originally, Situ Chuan's terrifying defensive power was the reason that he could rank on the Destiny Decree. However, defense couldn't be compared to offense. Offense could be used to suppress others, but being better in only defense meant that one would be smacked around a lot longer. And as the battle had continued, Situ Chuan had seemed incomparably distressed as it looked as if he were being slapped around without any strength or resistance.
946In his current state, Situ Chuan's face violently distorted with anger. He couldn't accept this defeat. He would rather lose a hundred years of his life than admit defeat to Lin Ming.
947"Brother Situ, you've lost." Yang Yun rose up and said.
948Situ Chuan's lips twitched, blue veins popping out on his forehead. Again, and again he had lost miserably. Situ Chuan could no longer say that he would finish the rest of the 10 moves with Lin Ming. And, even though he didn't wish to admit it, continuing this battle would be futile - he would simply be beaten down again.
949"Don't fight, the two of us are not his opponent. Continuing to fight is just shaming yourself." A true essence sound transmission sounded out in Situ Chuan's ears. This message had come from Situ Feng.
950"This boy obviously understands all of your abilities, he should also have inherited the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'. However, we know nothing about him. All we can see is that there is the shadow of the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' in his techniques. We must report this matter to his Highness the Divine Emperor and allow him to decide what shall be done!"
951Situ Chuan's grim face seemed indecisive. Then, he grit his teeth and slowly fell down from the air.
952"Ten jin of million-year wood spirit jade and one jin of wood spirit jade quintessence." Lin Ming said.
953As Situ Chuan and Situ Feng heard these words, their lips spasmed. Even with their own great net worth’s, producing these sorts of treasures would still be extremely difficult.
954"I haven't brought those things with me. I can compensate you with spirit essence stones and other things." Situ Chuan said with a dark and gloomy expression.
955Lin Ming chuckled, "Million-year wood spirit jade and wood spirit jade quintessence are priceless treasures that cannot be bought; their value cannot be estimated with mere spirit essence stones. With so many heroic young elites here, there are countless treasures on them. With your status as an Asura Divine Kingdom Prince, borrowing them shouldn't be too difficult."
956"You!"
957Situ Chuan's intestines painfully twisted together as he heard Lin Ming's words. Situ Feng was afraid he would open his large mouth and say something irreproachably stupid so he stepped forwards and said, "Since we were willing to make a bet, we're are also prepared to lose. Your Highness the Crown Prince, please allow us to borrow your wood spirit jade!"
958There was only one Divine Kingdom Crown Prince present - Yang Yun. The Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom had the richest wood spirit jade resources, so he was the only one here capable of easily bringing out ten jin of wood spirit jade and a jin of wood spirit jade quintessence.
959Yang Yun smiled as he stood up and said, "Everyone here are grand characters of the Sky Spill Continent. For us to all gather here at my Nine Flowers Banquets is also a stroke of destiny. We must not harm our friendships. Since Brother Lin desires wood spirit jade, I indeed have some that I may lend to Brother Situ."
960As Yang Yun spoke, he took out a jade box from his spatial ring. The crystal clear and dazzling jade box was only three inches long. After opening it, a brilliant flaming light suddenly bloomed outward. Yang Yun took out a wood spirit jade the size of a quail egg from the jade box. Everyone was startled at the sight of this wood spirit jade - the color was an unexpected deep gold.
961"That is wood spirit jade quintessence!"
962Even though the martial artists present were extraordinarily wealthy individuals, this was also the first time they had seen the rare wood spirit jade quintessence.
963Yang Yun said, "Wood spirit jade quintessence is countless times more valuable than common wood spirit jade. Don't look at how small this wood spirit jade quintessence in my hands is; the truth is that there is already one jin and three taels here. As for the million-year wood spirit jade, I haven't brought that with me today. After some time, I shall go to the kingdom's treasury and select some suitable material for Brother Lin."
964Lin Ming said, "Your Highness Crown Prince is too polite. The extra three taels of this wood spirit jade quintessence are far more than enough to make up for ten jin of million-year wood spirit jade."
965Lin Ming had inherited the memories of that Realm of the Gods alchemist so he had an approximate understanding of the value of wood spirit jade.
966"Haha, alright then." Yang Yun didn't argue. A blue light surrounded the jade box and the box then slowly flew towards Lin Ming.
967Lin Ming received the jade box and placed it within his spatial ring, "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
968Lin Ming's words were sincerely spoken from the heart. Ever since coming to the Nine Furnace Divine Palace, Lin Ming had a very favorable impression of Yang Yun.
969"Haha, the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom is truly extravagant. That wood spirit jade quintessence is mined from the 8000 Mile Black Swamp of the Sea of Miracles!" The Great Smelting Prince said with a smile.
970"The Sea of Miracles' 8000 Mile Black Swamp?" Lin Ming asked as he heard the Great Smelting Prince's words. In his mind, a strange association was forming.
971"Mm? Brother Lin hasn't heard of the Black Swamp before?" The Great Smelting Prince shot Lin Ming a strange look but continued to explain, "The Sea of Miracles is known as being the Sea of No Return and the Ocean of Endless Storms. It is the most terrifying life forbidden zone in the entire Sky Spill Continent!"
972As the Great Smelting Prince spoke to here, the Seven Star Divine Kingdom High Successor also smiled, shaking his head as he added, "Brother Ouye, your description of the Sea of Miracles as a life forbidden zone is far too pale. There are many areas in the Sky Spill Continent known as life forbidden zones, but the truth is that there are only one or two big cats within. Most of them can be handled by a mere Revolving Core powerhouse."
973As the Seven Star High Successor spoke to here, the other martial artists smiled. Indeed, to martial artists of different boundaries of strength, the definition of a life forbidden zone was also different.
974"Old Third Li, you don't need to interrupt me." The Great Smelting Prince said with a teasing laugh. It was obvious from his casual tone that he had a good personal friendship with the Seven Star High Successor.
975"The Sea of Miracles is a true-life forbidden zone, and also the most dangerous land in the entire Sky Spill Continent, bar none. After entering deep into the Sea of Miracles, it is said that the entire sea is a lifeless, pitch black, and the skies are forever covered in layers upon layers of lightning storms. It isn't an exaggeration to say that entering the Sea of Miracles is an absolute death sentence, without exception. Even Divine Sea Supreme Elders are the same. Up until now, there has never been a record of anyone ever having managed to cross the Sea of Miracles. Even the four Divine Kingdoms' Divine Emperors all worship and revere the Sea of Miracles."
976"And surrounding the entire Sea of Miracles is the 8000 Mile Black Swamp, which can also be considered as the shores of the Sea of Miracles. Because the land topography is similar to a beach and shallow tidelands, the entire surrounding of the Sea of Miracles appears to look like a black swamp. Even though this black swamp is lower risk than the Sea of Miracles, it still isn't a place that a Divine Sea powerhouse can freely enter and leave. There are even Divine Sea powerhouses that can perish within if their luck is poor enough. For instance, even if I were to enter into the 8000 Mile Black Swamp, it wouldn't matter how many magical treasures and defensive items I brought with me; I would never return."
977The Great Smelting Price had a self-deprecating smile as he spoke to here, but Lin Ming's heart was actually racing with emotions. This Sea of Miracles sounded exactly like the Eternal Demon Abyss!
978The Eternal Demon Abyss was also known as the land of no return. When the number one top powerhouse of the Holy Demon Continent had reached a bitter bottleneck in his cultivation, he had entered the Eternal Demon Abyss to search for a lucky chance. But, the result was that he had died there, never to return!
979And around the Eternal Demon Abyss was the 1000-mile forbidden zone. Although the risks were far, far lower than in the true Eternal Demon Abyss, it still wasn't a place that an Emperor level martial artist could freely enter.
980Whether it was the High Lords of the 12 Skysplit Towers or the Tower Masters themselves, none of them had even returned alive after entering the 1000-mile forbidden zone. As for Lin Ming, he had only managed to escape the 1000-mile forbidden zone by relying on the memories of the Demon Emperor as well as his own unique abilities.
981And listening to this Great Smelting Prince's words, the 8000 Mile Black Swamp was extremely similar to the 1000-mile forbidden zone of the Eternal Demon Abyss.
982The Skill Spill Continent had the Sea of Miracles and the Holy Demon Continent had the Eternal Demon Abyss. Could this really have been a mere coincidence?
983As Lin Ming was thinking this, the Great Smelting Prince's next words raised even greater waves in Lin Ming's mind.
984He said, "Every 10-years, there will be a black tsunami that comes from the Sea of Miracles. Normally, the tsunami will reach out to a distance of 8000-9000 miles, completely covering the 8000 Mile Black Swamp."
985"This black tsunami is wholly terrifying. If one is caught within, then that is certain death. But although this black tsunami is terrifying, there are still great advantages to be had. That is that the wood spirit jade floating in the Sea of Miracles will rush out into the Black Swamp where it can be mined by others. Thus, even though the four Divine Kingdoms were founded over 10,000 years ago, the amount of wood spirit jade resources has never fallen off, always managing to continuously replenish themselves."
986Chapter 790 - Heavencraft Xiaoxiao's Request
987Lin Ming took a deep breath, unable to calm his heart. The Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss were both absolute life forbidden zones, both of them able to bury even Divine Sea Supreme Elders.
988Although the surrounding area was relatively safer, it still wasn't a place where anyone below the Divine Sea realm could hope to live through.
989In addition, the Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss both had eruptions. The Sea of Miracles had its black tsunamis and the Eternal Demon Abyss had its great black waves. After erupting, both of them would carry materials from their center. The Sea of Miracles would bring out wood spirit jade and the Eternal Demon Abyss would bring out Demon God Bones.
990Wood spirit jade was the condensed essence of ancient spiritual plants.
991Demon God Bones were the condensed essence of powerful ancient martial artists and vicious beasts.
992How similar they were!
993The Sea of Miracles was simply the Sky Spill Continent's Eternal Demon Abyss. It would be impossible to describe their similarities as being just coincidental. They must be linked somehow!
994Thinking of the apocalyptic catastrophe that happened in the Sky Spill Continent 100,000 years ago, the immortal Goddess deeply slumbering within the Eternal Demon Abyss, as well as the eternally beating 100,000-year heart of the ancient Great Emperor, Lin Ming had absolute belief that all of these was because of some incredible unknown secret.
995"Brother Lin?" The Great Smelting Prince couldn't help but ask Lin Ming as he saw him deep in thought.
996"It's nothing, I was just shocked by the mysteries of this Sea of Miracles. I wonder, is there anything else special about this Sea of Miracles?"
997"Yes, I hear that there exists a Temple of Marvels that floats above the skies in the Sea of Miracles. It is illusory and elusive like a dreaming mirage. It's only that this temple is deep within the Sea of Miracles and guarded by some wild and ancient sea beasts. These sea beasts can emit a pressure that can stop even the heart of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder. These are existences that are beyond our imagination." The Great Smelting Prince sighed as he spoke to here. Although he was considered fairly strong within the four Divine Kingdoms now, he was simply not worth mentioning when compared to those ancient and mystical existences in the Sea of Miracles.
998Let alone him, even his father, the Divine Emperor, wouldn't be able to return if he went to the Sea of Miracles. The great vastness of this world surpassed all of their imaginations.
999'The Sea of Miracles has this sea beast and the Eternal Demon Abyss has the ancient great beast; this is truly surprisingly consistent.' Lin Ming was already fully convinced that there was some sort of inevitable relation between the Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss. They might be two entrances into a world.
1000But what was strange was that in the vast and endless universe, why would such miraculous mysteries appear on the incomparably ordinary world of the Sky Spill Continent? That ancient vicious beast that seemed like a God beast was not a being that even general Realm of the Gods powerhouse characters like the Demon Emperor could compare with. 
1001"Has anyone entered the Temple of Marvels before?" Lin Ming asked.
1002"Hilarious." The Big Dipper High Successor smiled as he shook his head. "That temple is a legend to begin with; moreover, it exists deep in the Sea of Miracles. No one who has ever stepped foot into the Sea of Miracles has returned, so how could anyone has entered it?"
1003As the Temple of Miracles was brought up, the Nine Flower Banquet became even more lively. Many martial artists began speaking of certain fables of the Sea of Miracles, making Lin Ming feel even more complicated and confused.
1004After the banquet reached its end, Lin Ming was invited by Yang Yun to the Crown Prince Palace. At this time, Yang Yun was wearing a five-clawed golden dragon robe, and floating in front of him was a jade array disc. On top of the array disc was a projected map of the entire Sky Spill Continent.
1005The four Divine Kingdoms, the Sea of Miracles, and even ancient family clans and hidden worlds were all shown on the map, looking incomparably broad and wondrous.
1006Yang Yun looked at this map and suddenly said, "Brother Lin, I heard that you are collecting top grade wood spirit jade?"
1007"Yes."
1008Yang Yun didn't ask why Lin Ming was gathering wood spirit jade. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Why don't you consider joining a side force? You can borrow their power to rapidly collect wood spirit jade and they would even be able to protect you, so why not do it? For instance, about today's matter. Asura Divine Kingdom's Situ Chuan and Situ Feng bullied you because you didn't have any great power supporting you from behind. That is the only reason that they dared to attack you. Moreover. perhaps Brother Lin has already been included on the Asura Divine Kingdom's. hit list. If you somehow end up falling into the hands of the Asura Divine Kingdom's top powerhouses in the future, then the consequences would be disastrous!"
1009Yang Yun's intentions were obvious. He wished to win Lin Ming over to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
1010Lin Ming had already guessed Yang Yun's goal before the Nine Flower Banquet started.
1011If he joined the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, then collecting wood spirit jade would naturally not be a problem anymore. As long as he was able to prove of sufficient value, then the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom wouldn't begrudge him any amount of wood spirit jade. And with the shelter of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, he also wouldn't need to fear the Asura Divine Kingdom anymore.
1012However, there were simply too many secrets on Lin Ming's body. If he joined the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom then he would be surrounded by Divine Sea powerhouses everywhere. It would be far too easy for those Supreme Elders to monitor him without him knowing at all.
1013Not to mention everything else, but if just his Cosmic Melting Furnace that he used for alchemy was revealed to those old monsters, then his fate could be imagined.
1014Lin Ming wasn't used to letting others control his fate, nor would he join a Holy Land level influence.
1015"I thank Your Highness the Crown Prince for your reminder. But, I am used to freely wandering about and don't wish to temporarily join any side influence."
1016"Oh? Well, that is indeed regrettable." Yang Yun shook his head as if he were feeling rather sorry for everything. "If Brother Lin has a change of mind, then my Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's doors are open for you at any time."
1017"Thank you, Crown Prince Your Highness, for your kindness. In the future, if possible, I will certainly thank you for your hospitality." Lin Ming cupped his fists together. He had already succeeded in obtaining the wood spirit jade quintessence. Now, in addition to the Five Color Fruit, Void Temper Root, skyflower stones, and dragonspine grass, he already had 80-90% confidence that he could successfully refine the Fivefade Void Pill. It was nearly time to leave the trouble-laden Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
1018Lin Ming had already made his plans. First, he would refine the Fivefade Void Pill and then open the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates. Then, he would look for some remote hidden area to safely make a breakthrough to Life Destruction.
1019When he had enough strength, he would make sure Divine Phoenix Island was safe and sound and then he would begin the final preparations to ascend into the Realm of the Gods.
1020After Lin Ming bid his farewells to Yang Yun, he first returned to his own room. As he passed through the door, he saw that Xiaoxiao was sitting on the bed, a bit stunned, as if she had lost her soul.
1021There were still tears hanging from the corners of her eyes; it was obvious she had just been crying.
1022"Miss Heavencraft?" Lin Ming asked with some surprised. He didn't know what matter Xiaoxiao had experienced, but this was his room. Her room should be next door, and since it was already nighttime, what was she doing in his room?
1023"Sir Lin."
1024As Xiaoxiao saw Lin Ming, she nipped her lips and began to speak before she hesitated. She looked extremely pitiful.
1025"What's the matter? It's fine to say it."
1026Xiaoxiao took several deep breaths to calm herself down. But, tears still glistened in her eyes. She said, "I saw the Nine Furnace Guard's Fleeting Dragon. he, he showed me some things."
1027Xiaoxiao's lips quivered as she spoke, as if whatever it was had been terrifying.
1028"What is it?"
1029"It's evidence about my father, my grandfather, and even more ancient Family Heads from more distant times. that is the dark history of my Heavencraft Family Clan."
1030Xiaoxiao seemed to use up every last ounce of her strength to speak. She grabbed the table to support herself, revealing a smooth jade white arm even as her full and milky breasts fiercely heaved up and down.
1031"This evidence is real?"
1032"It. it should be." Xiaoxiao had helped and managed the trading company for so many years that she could certainly distinguish if it were true or real. It was only because the evidence was real that she was at a complete loss of what to do.
1033She didn't know what the Nine Furnace Guard wished to do, but such detailed evidence absolutely couldn't be collected in a short one or two days. That meant that the Nine Furnace guard had already been investigating her Heavencraft Family Clan for a long time!
1034Could it be that Yang Yun wanted to control her Heavencraft Family Clan?
1035With an absolute disparity in masters and strength, as well as enough reasons to act, Xiaoxiao had no doubt that as long as Yang Yun wished to, he could easily annex their Heavencraft Trading Company!
1036To Xiaoxiao, it was like she had been struck by a bolt of lightning out of nowhere!
1037"You say that Yang Yun wants to swallow up your Heavencraft Trading Company, but do you think that the Heavencraft Trading Company is worth him doing so?" Lin Ming asked in reply.
1038"I have no idea. the Nine Furnace Guard only showed me the evidence, they didn't actually say what they planned to do with it." Xiaoxiao shook her head. Although she was still extremely afraid, she had a faint guess about some possibilities. It wasn't worth it for Yang Yun to spend so much time and effort on just the small Heavencraft Trading Company. But, if the Nine Furnace Guard investigated not just the Heavencraft Trading Company but other organizations too, then there was likely to be great turbulence in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's future. For such a small fish as her trading company, it was likely they would be washed away in the chaos.
1039"You told me this because you want me to help you?" Lin Ming directly asked. Xiaoxiao wouldn't tell him all this just because she wanted to talk.
1040"I." Xiaoxiao's eyes flashed with shimmering tears. She bit her lips until they turned white and said, "I would like to request Mister Lin stay in the Heavencraft Trading Company for some time again. I beg you!"
1041Xiaoxiao bowed as she spoke. Lin Ming froze for a moment, startled, before understanding Xiaoxiao's intentions.
1042Lin Ming had helped Xiaoxiao obtain the position of Family Head and Xiaoxiao had repaid him with the dragonspine grass. Their former agreement should now have come to an end. Lin Ming could leave the Heavencraft Family Clan at any time.
1043Xiaoxiao wished for Lin Ming to stay in order to be the warding charm of their Heavencraft Family Clan.
1044Behind the Nine Furnace Guard lay Yang Yun. And Xiaoxiao had seen with her own eyes just how much Yang Yun valued and favored Lin Ming. If Lin Ming stayed in the Heavencraft Family Clan then it was likely that Yang Yun would give Lin Ming face and leave the Heavencraft Family Clan a path out of this chaos. After all, the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom had six great commercial organizations, and the Heavencraft Trading Company was ranked near the end of these six. All the trading companies were far from being able to compare to the two great banks and the Hundred Treasure Auction House.
1045After Lin Ming understood all of this, he shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't promise you that."
1046Staying at the Heavencraft Trading Company was impossible. Lin Ming had already been locked on to by the Asura Divine Kingdom. If he continued to stay at the Heavencraft Trading Company, that would only be possible if he joined the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom and found shelter under them. Otherwise, he would just be seeking his own death.
1047Hearing Lin Ming's instant rejection, Xiaoxiao paled. She already knew it was a tough, nearly impossible request, but she never thought that Lin Ming would refuse her so simply and decisively without any wriggle room at all.
1048She fell to her knees like a broken puppet. After several breaths of time, she bit her lips and seemed to fill with determination, as if she had come to a momentous decision. She reached out her slender and trembling fingers to grip the collar of her clothes. "Sir Lin, I beg you to save me, save the Heavencraft Trading Company. If you can help me I am willing to do anything for you. I. I."
1049Tears fell down Xiaoxiao's face, her body quaking as she began to unravel the buckles of her clothes, revealing a pure, powder white neck.
1050Chapter 791 - Refining the Fivefade Void Pill
1051Xiaoxiao's collar was originally very high. As she peeled it off, the deep purple cloth cast a faint silhouette on her pure white skin. Under the swaying and dim candlelight, her luscious body flowed like smooth wood spirit jade; it seemed exceptionally soft and beautiful.
1052After untying the first buckle, Xiaoxiao seemed to have found her courage. She then continued with the second and the third buckle as she bit her tender lips and said, "Sir Lin, I know that you have the eye and appreciation of the Crown prince. I. I'm merely the head of a small trading company; I haven't even held a succession ceremony yet. There's nothing I can bring out that would be able to move you again save for my pure virgin body. Still, even though I know that I am not enough, I have nothing else to offer you."
1053Xiaoxiao closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling in the light. Two drops of crystal-clear tears silently fell from the corners of her eyes.
1054Lin Ming never thought that such a sudden change would occur. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
1055These were the cruel and callous rules of the world.
1056In the face of absolute power there was no mercy or sympathy. In order to survive, one had to pay a high enough price. Even the exquisite and beautiful Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, a beautiful woman that could cause the downfall of nations and had near endless resources, even she could do nothing but bow her head before a stronger power. Otherwise, she could only wait for her own destruction.
1057This was the sorrow of the weak.
1058This was their never-ending plight.
1059Lin Ming shook his head and said, "Miss Heavencraft, you don't have to do this and cause yourself to suffer."
1060"I'm completely willing. Compared to the foundation of my family clan, what worth is my body? Much less, Sir Lin is also a chosen talent gifted by the heavens. As for me, I'm but a nobody. My only fear is that Sir Lin despises my average appearance."
1061As she spoke, she quietly pulled down her veil, revealing an appearance as soft and as glorious as the bright moon. Her purple overcoat also fell, sliding down her fragrant shoulders and ravishing breasts.
1062She felt a cold wind brush by her body, where after her originally pale face blushed a bright red. In fact, she wouldn't have pushed Lin Ming away if he ever desired her. If it weren't for him, she would've already been abducted by Corpsemancer, living a life where she couldn't even die if she wished to.
1063"Miss Heavencraft, I won't stay at the Heavencraft Trading Company. You don't need to ask me anymore."
1064A simple and succinct refusal. Xiaoxiao froze where she was.
1065Lin Ming stood up and let out a long sigh. If he stayed at the Heavencraft Trading Company, he was doomed to seek asylum underneath the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. Otherwise, he would never cross over the perils of the Asura Divine Kingdom.
1066Moreover, if Yang Yun really cleaned up and annexed the trading companies and the other great financial organizations of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, only leaving behind the Heavencraft Trading Company, then this was the same as Lin Ming owing Yang Yun a great favor. One and then two, Lin Ming would slowly become entangled in the affairs of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. At that time, it would be equal to having joined them.
1067There might be over a dozen Emperor level powerhouses in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, and Lin Ming had on him the Cosmic Melting Furnace and the Burning Star Flame. These were treasuring that Divine Sea alchemists would go mad with jealousy over. The only choice would be for him to not use these treasures ever; otherwise, once he was discovered by those old fellows with incomparably sensitive perceptions, his fate might even be worse than falling into the hands of the Asura Divine Kingdom.
1068As he looked at the pitiful and beautiful Xiaoxiao, he had a suspicion floating in his mind. 'When Yang Yun invited me, he also invited Xiaoxiao. Had he already planned for all of this to happen?'
1069Although these sorts of methods left Lin Ming very unhappy, the truth was that the Nine Furnace Guard had only shown the evidence to Xiaoxiao. No one had forced her to look to Lin Ming for help, as if nothing that had happened so far involved Yang Yun. Even Lin Ming couldn't be sure whether or not he was involved.
1070Besides, no one forced him to promise Xiaoxiao anything. The choice between a beauty and to leave was his to make.
1071"Why.?" Xiaoxiao fell to the ground in exhaustion, her voice shaking.
1072By joining the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, Lin Ming would have resources, the trust and appreciation of the Crown Prince, the asylum of the Divine Kingdom, and so much more! This was a massive opportunity that others couldn't even dream of!
1073Lin Ming didn't intend to reveal his thoughts that he felt somehow Yang Yun had plotted this. Regardless of this, because of the many secrets on his body, he didn't intend to involve himself in the upcoming whirlpool.
1074As he saw Xiaoxiao's miserable appearance, he eventually couldn't bear it any longer. He sighed and said, "Miss Heavencraft, while I can't agree to your request, I can leave a letter here for you. As for His Highness the Crown Prince, I can't say whether or not he'll value my words."
1075Lin Ming was self-aware of his own status and strength. Although he could be said to have endless potential, his strength was still far from reaching the peak of the Sky Spill Continent. If he could rank at the top of the Destiny Decree, then he could perhaps request a favor. But, for now, it wouldn't be easy to do so. As for leaving a so-called letter behind. Its main content would be to thank Yang Yun for his gracious hospitality while also vaguely mentioning Xiaoxiao.
1076If Yang Yun agreed, this would be considered as Lin Ming owing Yang Yun a favor.
1077"Thank you, thank you so much Sir Lin." Xiaoxiao bowed again. She was already more than satisfied with this result.
1078She waited for Lin Ming, her fingers pressed against the purple belly band around her waist, still not moving to put her clothes back on.
1079Lin Ming looked at the nervous Xiaoxiao who was overwhelmed with anxiety. Then, he smirked and said, "Miss Heavencraft, please, put some clothes on. While you are indeed beautiful, I already have a wife, and two at that."
1080Lin Ming couldn't help but acknowledge that he was attracted to Xiaoxiao's body. Even though his will was firm, he inevitably felt the fires of lust stir up within him. But not only did he have Mu Qianyu, but more importantly he also had Qin Xingxuan who he hadn't even had a marriage ceremony with or brought to the nuptial chamber. If he were to have sexual relations with another girl before completing his marriage with Qin Xingxuan, then this would be no different from betraying her. 
1081Xiaoxiao blushed red and hurriedly dressed herself. She felt something in her heart but she couldn't quite place her finger on what it was. Although she had made her decision during a time when she was nervous and not totally willing, she had still firmed her determination. For everything to suddenly end like this, she couldn't help but feel an inexplicable sense of failure.
1082After waiting for Xiaoxiao to dress, Lin Ming picked up a pen and some paper, and began writing a letter to Yang Yun. This could also be considered his parting farewell.
1083Three days later at nighttime, within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, at a mountain range that lay close to the Sea of Miracles, a green masked youth landed on the ground like a ghost. This youth that wore a wood spirit jade mask was Lin Ming.
1084A wood spirit jade mask could block even the perception of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder. It could be called the power most formidable and yet most simple method to hide one's identity.
1085The reason he dared to walk within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was all dependent on this wood spirit jade mask.
1086Moreover, these were the lands of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. Even if the Asura Divine Kingdom intended to hunt him down, they wouldn't blatantly and flagrantly do so here.
1087Still, he remained as careful and safe as he could. After leaving the Crown Prince Palace, he walked through several different transmission arrays and also changed routes several times before arriving at this nearly inaccessible and remote mountain range.
1088The heaven and earth origin energy here was barren to the point of nearly not exiting. Without any resources here, martial artists wouldn't search this place either.
1089Bang!
1090With a thrust of his spear, its sharp sword pierced through the mountain side like a knife cutting through tofu, immediately opening up a 200-foot-deep cave. Lin Ming smoothed out the cave, reorganizing the lay out a bit, and then lay down several cloaking array formations and alarm array formations around the entrance. Only then did he fully enter.
1091These array formations all had wood spirit jade powder added to them. They were excellent at isolating energy.
1092He cut several more chambers in this cave and arranged the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array in the largest chamber. With Demonshine's help and in addition to his memories of the array formation, although he couldn't reproduce the complete power of the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array in the Demon God Imperial palace, he could still simulate 30-40% of it.
1093Then, Lin Ming waved his hand and a reddish-golden small bronze furnace flew out of him, spinning in the air. It soared into the air, spinning and growing until it became several dozen feet high with a golden light shining out from within. Brilliant flames burned all over the surface. This was the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
1094For the sake of security, this hiding place he chose had extremely poor heaven and earth origin energy. He had no choice but to fill all corners of the room with great numbers of spirit essence stones and fire-attribute top quality true essence stones. For a time, the entire chamber was thick with fire-attribute origin energy. The Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array released red clouds and the Cosmic Melting Furnace glowed an even brighter crimson color.
1095Alchemy was an extremely tedious and complicated process. On top of that, he had only studied alchemy for less than a year. Even though he had inherited the complete experiences and knowledge of the Realm of the Gods alchemist and had even used over half of all the precious medicinal materials he had obtained from the Yin Yang Profound Palace and the South Sea Demon Region's medicine gardens, he still wasn't skilled enough to have absolute confidence he could successfully refine or even control a top-grade pill such as the Fivefade Void Pill.
1096He estimated that he would need to practice alchemy for another one or two years if he wanted to increase his chances of successfully refining the Fivefade Void Pill to 70-80%. However, he couldn't afford to wait for such a long time. His only chance was to use the wood spirit jade quintessence and forcibly increase his chance of success.
1097Although this method was extremely wasteful, time was the most precious commodity to him.
1098He didn't immediately start refining the Fivefade Void Pill. First, he refined some ordinary pills. This was to familiarize himself with the techniques again and also to preheat the Cosmic Melting Furnace. This would provide the best conditions for refining.
1099This Cosmic Melting Furnace was also one of the main reasons Lin Ming dared to refine the Fivefade Void Pill. As a quasi-Saint artifact, the Cosmic Melting Furnace could increase the chances of successfully refining the pill by 20-30%.
1100After concocting three pills in the furnace, Lin Ming took out all the materials required to refine the Fivefade Void Pill from his spatial ring. He then activated the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array, and with a flick of his hand, a wisp of the Burning Star Flame flew into the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
1101The Burning Star Flame was a reward he acquired from Timeworn Phoenix City. It was considered a good Flame Essence even within the Realm of the Gods and its effects for alchemy were naturally astounding. It wasn't something that the alchemists of the Sky Spill Continent and their earth-step Flame Essences could compare with.
1102Of course, while a higher-grade Flame Essence was more useful and effective for alchemy, the premise of all this was that one could control it. Otherwise, if the energy fluctuations of the Flame Essence were too strong, then it would be easy to burn the alchemy materials down to ash.
1103But this was not a problem to Lin Ming. With the Heretical God Seed as well as his extremely high comprehension of the Concept of Fire, he could control the Burning Star Flame with absolute precision.
1104It was with all these various reasons combined that Lin Ming dared to refine the Fivefade Void Pill.
1105With another slap of his hand, the skyflower stones were the first material to fly into the Cosmic Melting Furnace. Lin Ming then added the Concept of Burning Heat and a touch of the Concept of Annihilation to the Burning Star Flame. At that point, with the assistance of the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array, it only took several more breaths of time before the hard and inflammable skyflower stones began to burn and melt.
1106This was a speed that a general alchemist couldn't hope to keep up with.
1107Next was the dragonspine grass. Dragonspine grass was different from the fire resistant skyflower stones. If the heat was even a trace too much then it would be burnt down to nothing.
1108Lin Ming controlled the Flame Essence and urged it to weaken. The golden totem engraved on the Heretical God Seed began to blaze with a brilliant light. Underneath the steady flame, the dragonspine grass turned into green droplets.
1109Underneath Lin Ming's control, the two different liquids merged together, becoming a crystal-clear whole.
1110Chapter 792 - The Gate of Wonder
1111The direction reagent had already been prepared. Lin Ming then took out the wood spirit jade quintessence. This quail egg-sized jade quintessence was actually several times heavier than gold. At such a small size it was already one jin and three taels.
1112Lin Ming flicked his fingers and the wood spirit jade quintessence flew into the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
1113Wood spirit jade was extremely resistant to high temperatures. The older wood spirit jade was, the more difficult it was to refine. And wood spirit jade quintessence could even cause a Divine Sea powerhouse to exhaust themselves.
1114Lin Ming opened the Heretical God Force as well as the Eight Inner Hidden Gates.
1115Bang!
1116Within the Cosmic Melting Furnace, the Burning Star Flame suddenly erupted. With a heaven-step Flame Essence as the source, the wood spirit jade quintessence began to slowly heat up.
1117"Concept of Burning Heat, Law of Annihilation!"
1118True essence rapidly revolved within Lin Ming. The totem mark on the Heretical God Seed began to shine with the radiant light of the Laws.
1119The Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array fiercely shook. Fire-attribute origin energy twisted into a vortex within the chamber, and the top-quality fire-attribute true essence stones began to rapidly lose their shine before they cracked underneath the intense flow of energy and turned into ash.
1120In such a terrifying convection of heat, the wood spirit jade quintessence began to soften after a quarter hour. Quietly, it began to melt.
1121A drop of shimmering golden liquid wood spirit jade dropped into the directing reagents. Lin Ming's entire forehead was beaded with sweat as his mental concentration reached the peak.
1122Another jin of 500,000-year wood spirit jade was tossed into the Cosmic Melting Furnace. This time, the wood spirit jade quickly melted, forming a thick viscous green wood spirit jade liquid that wrapped all the medicinal materials within.
1123Liquid wood spirit jade made for an ideal medium buffer for alchemy. The inherent rich and pure wood-attribute origin energy within could nourish the medicinal materials and it could also prevent the flames from overheating and burning the medicine. Thus, this would be able to greatly enhance the chances of success in concocting a pill.
1124The directing reagents had already taken form. And with the wood spirit jade liquid as a buffer, Lin Ming then tossed the Void Temper Root and the Five Color Fruit into the Cosmic Melting Furnace, prepared to let them melt within the temperature-consistent wood spirit jade liquid.
1125Chi!
1126With a light sound, the Void Temper Root and the Five Color Fruit fiercely shook. Lin Ming's heart tightly gripped. Even though his soul force had vacillated just the tiniest bit, just that had caused the Five Color Fruit and the Void Temper Root to nearly be destroyed. Luckily, the excess energy was absorbed by the wood spirit jade quintessence fluid, otherwise Lin Ming would have failed here.
1127Using one jin and three taels of wood spirit jade quintessence to refine a Fivefade Void Pill was an extravagant waste, but it was truly worth it at this moment.
1128Three quarters of an hour passed. Lin Ming's clothes were completely soaked in sweat.
1129When an alchemist was concocting pills, they required an extremely high degree of spiritual concentration, constantly sensing and controlling the raw materials in the furnace. In this situation, there would be an exorbitant consumption of soul force. If one didn't have a powerful soul force then they could forget about ever becoming an alchemist.
1130Lin Ming's soul force and willpower far exceeded all other martial artists at his level. But even so, refining such a high-level pill was still difficult.
1131Two hours.
1132Four hours.
1133Six hours.
1134Blue veins on Lin Ming's forehead bulged upwards like worms. Because he had overdrawn his soul force to a high degree, his entire face was stark white and his lips were beginning to turn blue.
1135Still, as long as he could persist, overdrawing his soul force like this would be greatly beneficial to the future growth of his soul force.
1136Every time he completely exhausted his soul force and had to dig out further potential from the depths of his body, this would allow his soul force to reach higher realms. This was also one of the reasons that Demonshine wanted Lin Ming to study alchemy.
1137After a full eight hours passed, every alchemy material was tossed into the pill furnace, thoroughly fusing together. But at this time, Lin Ming's eyes were bloodshot; he had over drafted his soul force to the limit.
1138This was the last step of forming the pill and also the easiest phase to fail at. Although Lin Ming had the wood spirit jade quintessence to form a buffer as well as the Cosmic Melting Furnace, Burning Star Flame, Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array, and other such favorable conditions to help him, Lin Ming's time spent practicing alchemy was still far too short. Also, his alchemy practice had been focused on specifically training for refining the Fivefade Void Pill so his alchemy foundation was far too weak. It was actually uncertain whether or not he would be successful.
1139If he failed here then he wouldn't have the materials for a second attempt.
1140After another hour passed, the Cosmic Melting Furnace began to slowly spin around as it emitted clarion cries from its center. A fragrant medicine smell began to fill the air.
1141Lin Ming's spiritual concentration had reached unprecedented heights. He continuously formed seals with his hand, using the Heretical God Seed to steady the Burning Star Flame's temperature as much as possible. With his perception he was able to see that the medicinal liquid within the pill furnace had begun to contract in on itself and the wood spirit jade essence was completely gathering together in forming the Fivefade Void Pill.
1142Lin Ming suppressed the aching headaches that followed overdrawing his soul force. He used a hand and withdrew a light green jade box from his spatial ring. This jade box was only three or four inches wide and it was actually carved from wood spirit jade.
1143This jade box had an extremely rich wood-attribute origin energy. It could ensure that a pill's medicinal efficacy wouldn't fade for a very long time; even retaining its perfect form for several years wasn't a problem. This was the best storage vessel for a pill. Of course, it was always extremely expensive so it was specifically used for high level pills.
1144Peng!
1145The Cosmic Melting Furnace's lid popped up without a sign. With a faint humming sound, a fist-sized ball of light shouts out from within. At the center of this light was a thumb-sized pill that shined with five different splendorous colors. It glowed like a radiant sun with and emitted intense waves of energy.
1146After the pill appeared it didn't stop rising. It quickly flew up as if it wanted to break out of the stone walls and escape.
1147Lin Ming had already expected this and had arranged an array formation around the Cosmic Array Formation. A high-level pill had its own spiritual sense. After the furnace was opened, it would attempt to flee. If he really allowed this pill that he had used all of his effort to refine to suddenly escape then that would be the greatest joke of all.
1148Bang!
1149The Fivefade Void Pill smashed into the array formation's walls, causing it to shake. However, it didn't manage to break through the array.
1150After the first attempt failed, the Fivefade Void Pill shined even brighter as if it were readying itself to make a second impact. But how could Lin Ming allow it to do as it wished? He quickly stepped on Golden Roc Shattering the Void and grabbed the Fivefade Void Pill in his hand. Then, he formed several dozen seals with his other hand and sealed the pill into the wood spirit jade box.
1151After finishing this, Lin Ming fell straight down from the air as if he had lost all of his strength.
1152With shivering fingers, Lin Ming took out a soul recovery pill from his spatial ring. He only felt as if his eyelids had been replaced by lead and his surroundings seemed to go blurry. Then, he fell asleep as everything turned to darkness.
1153After an unknown period of time, Lin Ming's fingers began to move slightly. He opened both of his eyes and saw only the pitch black of the cave. There were some left over wood-attribute true essence stones scattered on the floor, emitting a glowing green light. In the dark, it seemed exceptionally beautiful.
1154"How long have I been asleep?"
1155"Seven days!" Demonshine's voice sounded out in Lin Ming's mind.
1156Seven days.
1157Lin Ming sat up, his head throbbing. As he examined his spiritual sea, he saw that his soul force really had grown a bit. And the azure spear-shaped battle spirit that floated in the skies above his spiritual sea seemed to glow even brighter, as if it had become more formidable.
1158When Lin Ming had first become an inscription master and completed his first medicinal inscription symbol, he had rested for several days after. The reason had also been that he had overdrawn his soul force. Once the inscription had been completed, his mind had relaxed and he directly fell into a deep slumber.
1159Now, even though his soul force had risen, he had encountered the same situation because the rank of pills he concocted was even higher. Lin Ming couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
1160He had obtained the Magic Cube when he was just 15 years old. Now nearly seven years had passed. In these seven years, his strength had gone through heaven-shaking upheavals. As he recalled the trials and tribulations he encountered on his road of martial artists, he couldn't help but reminisce.
1161Lin Ming stashed away the Cosmic Melting Furnace and sat on the roughly carved stone bed. Then, he entered the ethereal martial intent state and began to meditate.
1162As he cycled the true essence in his body, he found that the Revolving Core crystal nucleus in his dantian had grown even more. He was getting that much closer to the peak of the late Revolving Core.
1163After breaking through to the late Revolving Core, Lin Ming's cultivation hadn't rapidly risen at all. In half a year he still hadn't managed to break through to the peak of the late Revolving Core. This was because after having had his cultivation shoot up with astronomical speed, he now required time to solidify his foundation, accumulating strength so he could prepare to pass through Life Destruction.
1164Although the Life Destruction realm was within the Revolving Core realm, it was still considered an entire large boundary over. Breaking through this bottleneck wouldn't be easy at all.
1165He used two hours to restore his mental state and physical condition to their peak.
1166Then, Lin Ming pulled out the recently refined Fivefade Void Pill.
1167"Lin Ming, do you plan on opening the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates now?"
1168"Yes. I must increase my strength as soon as possible. The earlier I absorb this pill, the more beneficial it will be to my cultivation and ability to resist my enemies."
1169He opened the wood spirit jade box and unraveled the seals. The thumb-sized five colored pills tumbled into his hands. This pill looked small but it was actually extremely heavy; it weighed nearly two jin. This was because it had partially formed from the melted essence of the wood spirit jade quintessence.
1170Lin Ming opened his mouth and swallowed the pill. He immediately felt a burst of coolness from his throat and reaching down to his stomach, gradually becoming a faint burning sensation.
1171Compared to the blue Nameless Divine Pill that he had taken in the past, the Fivefade Void Pill's side effects were much milder and more temperate. But, the time it would take to process it was also much longer. Lin Ming put away the jade box and closed his eyes, entering into the ethereal martial intent as he began to revolve the 'True Primal Chaos Formula'.
1172For the past seven years, because of his diligent training, Lin Ming's understanding of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula' had steadily increased. Now he had full confidence that he could record at least half of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula's' heart mantra into a jade slip so that others could train with it.
1173Within the Realm of the Gods, there weren't many types of body transformation law formulas. This was because there were far fewer people that trained in the body transformation system as opposed to the essence gathering system.
1174The 'True Primal Chaos Formula' was a superior top-level body transformation law formula, and one of its greatest advantages was that it wasn't difficult to practice at all.
1175At this time, Lin Ming could already clearly see faint traces of multi-hued energy flowing and mixing into his meridians and penetrating into his limbs and bones, fusing into his body. This was his final preparation for breaking through to the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates.
1176The third gate was called the Gate of Wonder.
1177After one reached the second stage of body transformation, every time one of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates was opened, one would obtain a greater strength. At the same time, every gate corresponded to obtaining a special ability.
1178For instance, the first gate, the Gate of Healing, was located at the point between the clavicles. After opening this gate, besides a martial artist’s overall strength rising, it would also greatly enhance their endurance and recovery ability.
1179For the second gate, the Gate of Limit, that was located at the spine: the area called the dragon bone. Opening this gate would increase one's balance and explosive force.
1180As for the third gate, the Gate of Wonder, that was located at the two knees. Opening this gate would increase a martial artist's strength, and the special ability it granted was to greatly increase a martial artist's speed.
1181Chapter 793 - Sky High Reward
1182Three days later, a loud explosion rang out as the stone bed Lin Ming sat on completely collapsed underneath him. All of the top-grade true essence stones in the chamber disintegrated, turning into fine powder.
1183Lin Ming stood up from the heap of rubble and casually dusted his hands and feet. His limbs emitted a crackling 'ka ka ka' noise and sounded as if tofu was currently being fried.
1184He had finally opened the Gate of Wonder!
1185The Gate of Wonder had the effect of an overall increase in speed and instant acceleration. This differed from the Gate of Healing, which managed endurance and restorative ability, and the Gate of Limit, which handled balance, coordinated strength, and explosive force.
1186This newly opened gate would be able to increase one's combat effectiveness far more directly than the first two gates.
1187Speed was one of the most important factors of a martial artist's comprehensive combat strength. It was far more straightforward than endurance, recovery ability, or explosive force!
1188Speed was undoubtedly important in evading and chasing. It would also greatly increase a martial artist's attack strength.
1189As the old saying went, speed was insurmountable. A martial artist's own speed could superimpose on the speed of their own attacks. If their attacks were fast enough, then even a tiny stone rock could easily pierce through the body. If Lin Ming poured his battle spirit into his attacks as the foundation, then the resulting power would be even more terrifying.
1190Lin Ming left the cave, sealing the entrance on his way out. He then jumped into the sky.
1191Bang!
1192The rocks underneath his feet shattered into bits and pieces as he ascended up into the air like a rocket. In an instant, he became an azure beam of light that shot across the endless sky, traversing several miles in the blink of an eye.
1193Strong heavenly winds bombarded him, sending his hair erratically dancing in the wind. As he felt himself reaching such extreme speeds, Lin Ming was elated beyond measure; the extreme velocity of the gate of Wonder completely surpassing his imagination. If he was already this fast by only relying on his true essence and the Gate of Wonder, then how fast would he be if he also used his movement technique?
1194As the thought crossed his mind, Lin Ming stepped upon 'Golden Roc Shattering the Void'. His steps became blurry as the space shrank beneath his feet. In a single step, he crossed five or six miles, as the grand mountains that rose thousands of feet into the air were easily crossed over by Lin Ming.
1195When the Gate of Wonder was combined with 'Golden Roc Shattering the Void', Lin Ming's speed limit was several times faster than it was before. This speed was so fast even difficult for him to control.
1196"If I attack in this state."
1197Lin Ming's mind stirred. The red spear appeared in his hands as both the Concepts of Thunder and Fire wove together while he poured his large success bronze battle spirit into his attack.
1198Penetrating Rainbow!
1199Woosh!
1200A brilliant spear light flashed across the skies like a ray of sunlight. Lin Ming had completely fused himself into this light, becoming one with his spear. He then disappeared like a meteor crossing the horizon.
1201When he reappeared, Lin Ming had already travelled a dozen miles in the void. He came across a massive canyon and thrust his spear into the 10,000-foot-high cliffs.
1202Bang!
1203Lin Ming pierced the cliffside like tofu, penetrating all the way until he poked out from the other side!
1204Lin Ming's spear move was founded on the limits of his speed, along with the dual Concepts of Thunder and Fire, and the keenness of his battle spirit. With such a combination, even the cliff side that had been strengthened by a baptism of being near the Sea of Miracles had been pierced through by Lin Ming's spear.
1205Rustle.
1206After Lin Ming soared out from the hole several feet wide that he had left in the middle of the mountain cliff, a great puff of stone powder plumed from within. Underneath the Concept of Fire's Law of Annihilation, the crushed stones turned into dust, blowing and dancing into the wind. For a while, the entire cliff canyon was covered in a faint hazy dust cloud.
1207"My strength has increased yet again after opening the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates. If I were to encounter Corpsemancer now, I should be able to defeat him far more easily than in the past!"
1208As Lin Ming thought this, he flew away from the barren and desolate land that he was currently at and towards the city.
1209He needed to enter the city to purchase a few heavenly materials in order to continuous practicing and perfecting his alchemy technique. Lin Ming also had to begin making the final preparations to impact the Life Destruction realm.
1210However, as he thought of purchasing heavenly materials, Lin Ming suddenly thought of a very depressing and dispiriting matter. That was he didn't have any spirit essence stones.
1211Lin Ming had many treasures on him, such as the Cosmic Melting Furnace, his Demon Emperor Armor, the heaven-step Demon God Bone, and the Concept jade slip that Fairy Feng had left to him. However, it was impossible for him to exchange any of those things for spirit essence stones. None of his other remaining possessions were too valuable either.
1212When Lin Ming killed Xuan Wuji and the Polar Skysplit Tower master, he had managed to accumulate a good deal of wealth. Relative to his current level, however, all of that wealth was close to nothing at all. Besides, he had already spent most of it anyways.
1213Now, besides a few heaven-strep treasures left on him, all of his other belongings combined wouldn't even surpass 5000 spirit essence stones.
1214That was roughly equal to the net worth of an ordinary second stage Life Destruction powerhouse from the four Divine Kingdoms.
1215All of the spirit essence stones that he once had were completely used up while practicing alchemy without a single return.
1216Lin Ming considered relying on his alchemy technique to make money, but then decided that it would simply waste too much time. The only reason that he had managed to concoct the Fivefade Void Pill in less than half a year was because he had practiced without caution or care of burning through any of his materials. Only by freely spending all sorts of precious and materials in his practice had he been able to forcefully raise his skill at alchemy.
1217This sort of practice method would only burn money; it was impossible for him to ever make money.
1218Skyflower Province, Blue Cloud City -
1219Skyflower Province was the smallest of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's nine provinces. However, its prosperity and success were second to only the Central Province. All of the major forces had gathered here within the Skyflower Province's capital, Blue Cloud City, which was also the headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Auction House. In every square, there were countless treasure pavilions and medicinal pill shops. This city could even be called as being paved with gold.
1220The majority of the young martial artists strolling down the streets were all outstanding individuals. There were many of them that had reached the Xiantian realm at 20 some years of age and the Revolving Core realm by 30 some years of age.
1221If this were there South Horizon Region, these individuals could all be called the direct disciples of a large sect.
1222At the very center of Blue Cloud City was a crowded and bustling restaurant with people flowing in and out. Because this restaurant was close to a large auction house, most of the customers here were martial artists.
1223Lin Ming wore his wood spirit jade mask and casually sat in a corner of the restaurant as he ordered a few small dishes of various vicious beast meats and spirit vegetables. He lifted the corner of his wood spirit mask and ate at a moderate pace.
1224At this time, a conversation that several martial artists were having suddenly caught his attention.
1225"Have you heard of that uproarious news that came out about Lin Lanjian a few days ago?" A 30-40-year-old man with a cherry red face said as he took big gulps of wine.
1226"Who doesn't know him? With his late Revolving Core cultivation, he was able to kill Corpsemancer and rank on the Destiny Decree. He was named an eternally rare talent!" A big fellow's words immediately attracted a laugh from all the martial artists around him. He looked back at the drinking man and said, "Are you a foreigner here?"
1227"Hehe, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the most recent news to come out." The drinking man cleared his throat, gathering everyone's attention to him. Then, with an air of self-importance he said, "Lin Lanjian's cultivation method was confirmed to have been stolen from the Asura Divine Kingdom. Additionally, the armor he wore is a sacred treasure of the Asura Divine Kingdom. They had thought that it was lost a long time ago, but it had actually fallen into Lin Lanjian's hands!"
1228"What!? Lin Lanjian stole his cultivation method from the Asura Divine Kingdom? Are you sure of this?" The surrounding martial artists were shocked. This was a major event. Whether it was a sect or Divine Kingdom, their most important treasures were their inheritances. Once these inheritances were leaked to the outside world, then this would cause their very foundation to shake!
1229This was a matter that any Holy Land or Divine Kingdom would absolutely never tolerate. Thus, to any person that stole their cultivation, there was only a single judgment for them.
1230That was - death!
1231"This is absolutely true. It's said that Lin Lanjian or his master killed some important person from the Asura Divine Kingdom and stole away their spatial ring. This spatial ring contained the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' jade slip!"
1232"So, it's like that!"
1233All the surrounding martial artists seemed to believe this, even if just a little. Since the Asura Divine Kingdom said that Lin Lanjian's cultivation method was stolen from them, then there must be some similarities between Lin Lanjian's cultivation method and their own. It was impossible for them to make up stories about this sort of matter. Otherwise, if Lin Lanjian's cultivation method was completely different from the Asura Divine Kingdom's 'Great Desolate Halberd Art', then these rumors would collapse in on themselves after being proven false.
1234The 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' was a secret inheritance of the Asura Divine Kingdom. No matter how powerful Lin Lanjian or his master was, it would be impossible for them to break into the vaults of the Asura Divine Kingdom and steal away their inheritance. Thus, the only other explanation was that they killed a direct descendent of the Asura Divine Kingdom and then obtained a jade slip of the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'.
1235Although many martial artists also wanted to do this, this was simply a disgraceful and shameful matter once exposed. Now, all of the present martial artists felt that there was something questionable about Lin Lanjian's morals. It was likely that he was a corrupt and underhanded individual.
1236In fact, the majority of martial artists believed this. At least, most of those in this restaurant believed this.
1237"What's the deal with that armor that Lin Lanjian wears?" Another martial artist continued to ask.
1238"That is the Demon Emperor Armor. The Asura Divine Kingdom already has the Demon Emperor Armor's heart guard mirror, which happens to completely match with Lin Lanjian's armor! The armor has already been lost for countless years by now, and to think that it actually appeared with Lin Lanjian! There's definitely some problem with this Lan Lanjian!"
1239All of the martial artist's discussion fell into Lin Ming's ears. He calmly listened the entire time as he slowly ate his food. The Asura Divine Kingdom's actions were far more shameless than he had imagined they would be. They had released such rumors in order to galvanize more people into looking for him. Another reason for such rumors was to make up some self-righteous reason to take away his belongings.
1240The general public was much more likely to believe a Divine Kingdom with a 'long and glorious inheritance' than they were to believe a lone and unknown martial artist like Lin Ming. After all, the idea that the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' and the 'Demon Emperor Armor' belonged to the Asura Divine Kingdom had already deeply rooted itself into the hearts of the people.
1241"It looks like the Asura Divine Kingdom has already set their eyes on me. They should have posted some bounty on my head."
1242Lin Ming sarcastically smiled as he downed a glass of wine.
1243The words of the surrounding martial artists indeed confirmed Lin Ming's suspicious.
1244"The Asura Divine Kingdom would never tolerate for something like this to continue. That Lin Lanjian is really in for it this time."
1245"Of course. The warrant for his arrest had already been sent out; it should be posted any time now. It is said that the Asura Divine Kingdom will reward 100,000 spirit essence stones for anyone that can give them clues to Lan Lanjian's whereabouts. If one can capture Lin Lanjian alive, then they will give them a sky-high reward of 300,000 spirit essence stones, top quality pills, and even a peak medium-grade heaven-step treasure!"
1246The big fellow's words sent the hearts of all the martial artists present rapidly fluttering. While it was naturally impossible for them to even think about capturing Lin Lanjian alive, there was a small possibility of providing a clue.
1247100,000 spirit essence stones! This was an unimaginable amount. It had to be known that a slightly less influential Prince, whose cultivation had yet to reach Life Destruction, would only have a total wealth of 40,000-50,000 spirit essence stones.
1248If they could obtain this amount of wealth, then they could buy up any amount of pills to boost their cultivation. If they lucked out and managed to break through to the second or third stage of Life Destruction, then they could even enjoy at least two thousand years of life.
1249Chapter 794 - Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division
1250The temptation of the posted reward was simply too great. Many people wished that they could dig 30 feet underneath themselves to look for Lin Ming, and some dreamed of the luxurious life they could live after obtaining so many spirit essence stones.
1251At this point, a burst of laughter was emitted in the restaurant hall. The crowd turned see that in a corner of the hall there was a martial artist wearing a black bamboo hat who was pouring himself a drink. There was a four-foot-long sword placed on his table.
1252The martial artist didn't look too old, but the fierce spirit he emitted was menacing.
1253He looked at the big fellow who was spreading the news and said, "Friend, did you say that there was a 300,000 spirit essence stone reward for capturing Lin Lanjian alive, as well as a top-grade pill and a peak medium-grade heaven step treasure? Then, let me ask you, just what sort of top-quality pill and what sort of peak medium-grade heaven-step treasure are they?"
1254The black bamboo hat martial artist's words left everyone astonished. According to his meaning, it was as if he really planned on capturing Lin Lanjian alive. All of the other martial artists here hoped at most to be able to find some clues on Lan Lanjian that would lead to his capture; no one dared to possibly think of capturing him alive. After all, Lin Lanjian was a Destiny Decree master - he could use just his finger to stab them to death.
1255"It is the God Transforming Pill!"
1256The big fellow seemed to know a lot of inside information. Lin Ming even suspected that he was one of the Asura Divine Kingdom's intelligence agents that was specifically responsible for disseminating this news.
1257"God Transforming Pill?"
1258As the pill was named, most of the martial artists present had a confused expression, obviously never having heard of it before. However, some of the more knowledgeable martial artists' eyes widened, an expression of terrible shock flitting through their faces.
1259"A God Transforming Pill can help a high stage Life Destruction powerhouse attack the Divine Sea. Of course, one can also use it during the lower stages of Life Destruction to solidify their true essence and strengthen themselves to create a better foundation for breaking through to the Divine Sea in the future. But that second method is definitely more wasteful."
1260"This is a pill that a top 50 ranked master of the Destiny Decree would go mad with jealousy over. Because swallowing one will greatly increase one's chances of reaching the Divine Sea, it is thus named the God Transforming Pill!
1261The big fellow explained with boisterous and flourishing gestures.
1262This explanation caused all the present martial artists to suck in a deep breath of cold air. This item might not be any less valuable than 300,000 spirit essence stones. In fact, it’s worth was probably even higher!
1263Lin Ming drank some wine and pulled his jade spirit mask back down to block his wide taunting sneer. The Asura Divine Kingdom truly had laid down the requisite capital. Even he wanted to report himself.
1264However, this was also reasonable. Whether it was the deep level inheritance of the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' or the Demon Emperor Armor, both of them were legacy treasures that could drive the royal family insane.
1265"God Transforming Pill. if I can obtain that, it can help rapidly increase my strength after I reach Life Destruction."
1266"So, it was the God Transforming Pill. good, good, good!" The bamboo hat martial artist bellowed out three 'goods' in a row, as if the God Transforming Pill had been specifically prepared for him. This caused all the other martial artists to feel extremely unhappy. This sort of pill was something that they could never ever dream of reaching, and yet this fellow seemed as if it were easily obtainable for him.
1267"What are you so happy about? It's as if you think the pill is already yours. You are just far too arrogant. Even if you found Lin Lanjian, do you even think you could capture him alive?"
1268A martial artist bluntly said. After all, Destiny Decree martial artists weren't some random cabbage off the streets. There were only 360 of them within the entire Sky Spill Continent. In addition, because of others that weren't listed for various reasons, there were about 500 individuals of that approximate level in total.
1269All of these people were scattered over the incomparably broad continent. However, most of them were concentrated in the four Divine Kingdoms, their various homelands, and headquarters of super sects. He didn't believe that he would randomly bump into a Destiny Decree master in this restaurant.
1270That would make a Destiny Decree master far too cheap.
1271"Lin Lanjian managed to rank on the Destiny Decree at an extraordinarily young age. After several more months pass his cultivation might grow again."
1272"Defeating a master is difficult, killing a master is even harder, and as for capturing one alive, that is another level of trouble altogether. If you want to capture Lin Lanjian alive then you need to be ranked at least 270-280 on the Destiny Decree. That is equal to being a sixth stage Life Destruction master. Do you think you have that strength?"
1273As someone spoke up first, several other martial artists also chorused in agreement. Many of them weren't feeling so swell about this bamboo hat martial artist to begin with. Did he really think he was so awesome?
1274As the bamboo hat martial artist faced all of the surrounding martial artists' suspicions and doubts, he only sneered in response, not bothering to respond to them and instead only lazily scratching his chin.
1275At this time, the big fellow's eyes turned and he asked, "May I ask what your honored name is?"
1276"Misty Stream Sect, Yan Junxuan!" The bamboo hat martial artist turned his head so that people could finally see his face. He was a very handsome individual, his looks marred only by a scar that flowed down the corner of an eye.
1277To a high-level martial artist, repairing a scar was nothing at all. If a martial artist still had a scar on their face then it was likely intentionally left behind. This scar likely reminded this man of a shameful defeat he had suffered in the past. This proved that the number of times he had been defeated before was also very small. Perhaps it might have only been one or two times, otherwise his face and body would have already been covered with scars.
1278This sort of person was undoubtedly an astounding young elite.
1279"I see, so it is the Misty Stream Sect's Yan Junxuan. It's an honor, an honor!" The big fellow cupped his fists together and quickly bowed. Yan Junxuan was over 30 years old and his strength was far from being able to rank on the Destiny Decree. However, he represented the Misty Stream Sect, and the Misty Stream Sect had two Destiny Decree masters guarding the sect that ranked 300 and above. For a sect to have one or two Destiny Decree masters, that was already the highest sect underneath the rank of Holy Land.
1280Of course, this sort of person may be ranked on the Destiny Decree but their rank wouldn't be too high. All of the high-ranking Destiny Decree masters belonged to various Holy Lands or the four Divine Kingdoms.
1281Although the two Destiny Decree masters of the Misty Stream Sect weren't ranked too high, they were actually proficient in trap arrays. Once one was caught within, they wouldn't be able to make their way out for several months. If they combined forces then there was a very high chance of capturing Lin Lanjian alive.
1282As the big fellow thought of this he said, "Brother Yan, at the border frontier of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom where the Jagged Slope Mountain is, there is a branch division of my Asura Divine Kingdom. If Brother Yan and your masters are interested then you may come to visit. My Asura Divine Kingdom also has three Sir Demon Envoys personally commanding the area and we can put out enough sincerity so that you can help us search for that dastardly Lin Lanjian and recover the inheritance of the Asura Divine Kingdom!"
1283As the big fellow spoke to here, his identity had already become apparent. He was obviously an intelligence agent sent out by the Asura Divine Kingdom to search for Lin Ming. After all, this was still the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's domain; he would have to be a bit discreet in his actions here. Also, it was impossible for the Asura Divine Kingdom to send their own martial artists to carry out such a search in the lands of another Divine Kingdom. They could only draw support from the local strength in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
1284"Oh? Three Sir Demon Envoys!" Although Yan Junxuan was arrogant, he was still startled upon hearing the title of Demon Envoy. For someone to be given the title of Demon Envoy basically meant that they were a top 100 ranked master of the Destiny Decree!
1285The further one went up the Destiny Decree, the greater the disparity in strength was between the martial artists there. In particular, there were several great milestones at rank 300, 200, 100, 50, 30 and 10 - all of those were massive jumps in strength.
1286A top 100 ranked master was on a completely different level from a top 300 ranked master.
1287"Hehe, if there are any clues found about Lin Lanjian and the Sir Demon Envoys personally take action, then that is already the same as capturing him." The big fellow said with a hint of pride.
1288"Indeed." Yan Junxuan nodded in acknowledgement, "They could even instantly kill him too."
1289"Very well Brother Yan, the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division's location is at the east end of the Jagged Slope Mountains, 30 miles southwest from Sloping Lake. I hope that Brother Yan and your masters will be able to visit sometime." The big fellow didn't conceal the existence of the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division as there was no need to; the existence of this branch division was not a secret. Jagged Slope Mountain was not part of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's territory in any case, and the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division also had three Demon Envoys personally on garrison duty - absolute safety was ensured.
1290"Great!" Yan Junxuan readily agreed.
1291In a corner of the hall, Lin Ming quietly left a high-grade true essence stone on the table before slipping out of the restaurant.
1292No one imagined that the young man who just left was the bounty target of 300,000 spirit essence stones, a peak medium-grade heaven-step treasure, and a God Transforming Pill.
1293'Jagged Slope Mountain, Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division, three Demon Envoys. how interesting. that big fellow said that the Asura Divine Kingdom had put out enough 'sincerity', I wonder just what that is?'
1294The so-called 'sincerity' was most likely the posted reward. To directly put the reward out would have the greatest visual impact. If one just solely made a promised reward then one couldn't help but worry that the other party wouldn't honor their bounty reward at the time.
1295"Hm, this Jagged Slope Mountain Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division, I too want to go and join in on the fun."
1296As Lin Ming thought of this, his feet moved and he quickly flew away from Blue Cloud City.
1297Jagged Slope Mountain was located at the border frontier of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. It stretched for 4000-5000 feet and the highest point shot up 40,000-50,000 feet into the sky, directly stabbing into the skies.
1298Here, because there were plenty of rich spirit veins, there were several small martial arts family clans that occupied their own little territories. Of course, the spirit veins they occupied were of a far lower rank than the one lorded over by the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division.
1299Lin Ming fell down in a beam of light. He stood on a 30,000 feet snowy mountain peak and surveyed the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch that lay a few hundred miles away. "A superior fifth-grade spirit vein, how luxurious!"
1300For a mere branch division to occupy a superior fifth-grade spirit vein, the legacy of the Divine Kingdom was something that a sect like the South Sea Demon Region could never compete with. It had been said that the Silent Demon Emperor City had also possessed a top ranked spirit vein. However, when the Silent Demon Emperor City was destroyed, several Divine Sea Supreme Elders had used their mighty supernatural powers to shift it away.
1301"The central lands of the Sky Spill Continent were rich with resources to begin with. And when combined with plundering the surrounding lands for tens of thousands of years, the outer areas of the Sky Spill Continent seem like completely different lands.
1302"Perhaps the reason the central lands of the Sky Spill Continent are so rich in resources is because of the Sea of Miracles?" Lin Ming suddenly thought of this. This was a true possibility. Otherwise, why would all four Divine Kingdoms revolve around the Sea of Miracles?
1303"I wonder just what sort of secrets the Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss hold within them."
1304As Lin Ming stood on the snowy peak, he saw several black spots rapidly approaching from a distance. These black spots quickly became larger, revealing themselves to be spirit boats that were hundreds of feet long. These spirit boats were being pulled by several flying vicious beasts, all of them headed towards the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division.
1305And behind these spirit boats, there were also several multi-colored rays of lights cutting through the horizon. These were Revolving Core and Life Destruction masters that were flying forwards.
1306"It looks like the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division invited many people over."
1307Lin Ming leapt down from the snowy mountain peak and stepped on Golden Roc Shattering the Void, leisurely strolling in the air towards the Asura Divine Kingdom.
1308"I wonder just what sort of sincerity the Asura Divine Kingdom has put forth. My finances have been pretty tight recently. If I could seize this opportunity to grab everything here then that would be perfect."
1309As Lin Ming thought of this, he sped up.
1310Chapter 795 - 300,000 Spirit Essence Stones
1311The Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division was located on the back of a 30,000-foot-high snowy mountain range. The branch division started halfway up the mountainside and built upwards toward the mountain peak. Here, there was plentiful heaven and earth origin energy. With the support of the array formations, various luscious spirit trees and spirit plants grew in maddening luxury, with countless marvelous spirit flowers and spirit grass. And in the higher areas there were snowy peaks capped with white ice that hadn't melted for tens of thousands of years. With these two divergent scenes placed together, it was indeed beautiful to behold.
1312The Asura Divine Kingdom's architectural style was borrowed from the ancient times. Many buildings here were formed from pure black obsidian, giving off a very heavy feeling.
1313Lin Ming landed down early and walked right towards the outside of the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division's entrance.
1314"Halt! Identify yourself!"
1315Two tall guards blocked Lin Ming's path.
1316"I am a martial artist of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. I heard that the Divine Kingdom's branch division is offering a generous bounty to any martial artist that can capture the evil man who stole their Divine Kingdom's inheritance. I've come to gain a more specific understanding of the situation."
1317The two guards looked Lin Ming up and down. Although his late Revolving Core cultivation wasn't too high, it was still pretty decent when compared relative to his young age. They estimated he came from some formidable influence.
1318If the Asura Divine Kingdom wished to capture Lin Ming within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom they would have to depend on the local powers of that area. For martial artists like Lin Ming who seemed as if they came from local forces, they could be considered as a guest of the Divine Kingdom's branch division.
1319"Pull your mask down!" A guard said.
1320Lin Ming didn't hesitate, immediately pulling off his wood spirit jade mask and revealing an exceedingly ordinary face. This was the appearance Lin Ming had taken after using an appearance changing technique.
1321Back when Lin Ming was in the Seven Profound Martial House, the Deputy House Master Bi Luo had been a master of appearance changing techniques. Not only he could alter his appearance but also copy a person's voice, temperament, and even their aura. When Lin Ming had strayed into the Southern Wilderness, that was all because Bi Luo had changed into Qin Ziya's appearance without Lin Ming even noticing.
1322Afterwards, when large scale beast tides erupted throughout the entire Divine Phoenix Province, Lin Ming had rushed to Green Mulberry City to assist them. Bi Luo had been lying in wait there to assassinate Lin Ming, but the end result was that he had been killed by Lin Ming instead with the dreamland enchantment. Bi Luo's special appearance changing technique had also fallen into Lin Ming's hands.
1323It wasn't known just which ancient ruins this appearance changing technique had originated from, but the rank was quite decent. Although it couldn't be considered too profound an appearance changing technique to the current Lin Ming, it was still more than enough to fool two guards with lower cultivation.
1324"You may enter."
1325The guards didn't doubt him. If they really did examine him then it would be easy to discover that there was something off with his appearance. The Asura Divine Kingdom definitely had methods to do this. However, the key was that they never imagined Lin Ming would willingly enter into their Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division.
1326To him, this was the lair of the tiger. There were three top 100 ranked Destiny Decree masters personally guarding this area as well as several other Destiny Decree masters in attendance. These Destiny Decree masters had come from the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom, and even the Seven Star Divine Kingdom, all of them various heroic elites that had come to capture Lin Ming alive.
1327Coming here to cause trouble was simply a death wish. Moreover, this area had the support of the Asura Divine Kingdom. Anyone coming here first had to overcome the tremendous hurdle of the Asura Divine Kingdom's name.
1328After Lin Ming passed through the entrance, he placed his wood spirit jade mask back on again. There were many masters present in this branch division; he didn't believe that his crude appearance changing technique would be able to fool all of them.
1329As he walked forwards, Lin Ming's steps were extremely slow. He looked around and observed the array formations laid down in the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division. All of these were defensive array formations mostly designed to resist against oncoming enemies. Lin Ming continued observing all the way until he saw the main temple grounds and he finally saw a great large-scale sealing array formation that could cut off everyone inside from the outside.
1330Once this array formation was activated, it would require some effort to bypass it.
1331"This sealing formation uses many techniques from the Realm of the Gods. It's extremely clever and the main foundation of this array formation originates from those left behind by the Demon Emperor, such as the array formations used to seal the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array and the Demon Emperor's medicine garden. the Asura Divine Kingdom really has inherited a part of the Demon Emperor's legacy."
1332Lin Ming mumbled to himself. If this array formation had come from a different school of techniques, then it would require a great deal of effort to break through. But since it came from a similar school of techniques, and especially since Lin Ming had a much clearer understanding of the Demon Emperor's array formation techniques, it didn't take him too long to completely see through this array formation. He had full confidence that he would be able to leave once it was activated.
1333"There shouldn't be a problem with my escape path."
1334As Lin Ming thought like this, he stepped into the sealing array. Then, from far off, he gradually began to hear the sounds of fighting.
1335After walking for about an incense stick of time, Lin Ming finally arrived at a great hall. This great hall was entirely black and was shaped like a pagoda. In front of this great hall was an open square and many martial artists were already gathered here.
1336Most of these martial artists had a cultivation at the Revolving Core realm and above. There were also some Xiantian realm juniors, youths that had likely accompanied their elders to visit here.
1337These martial artists were all divided into several obvious camps. Every camp had a high stage Life Destruction martial artist leading them. They were clearly from other fifth-grade sects similar to the Misty Stream Sect.
1338Within the borders of the four Divine Kingdoms, there were numerous fifth-grade sects. They were all led by the four Divine Kingdoms, with a relationship similar to how the Seven Profound Valleys and Divine Phoenix Island were related.
1339At this time, in the front of the square, two late Revolving Core young martial artists were engaged in a fierce confrontation. Beams of energy smashed into the defensive array, constantly causing brilliant rays of light to shine out. Relative to their age, it was already quite good to be this strong.
1340The sounds of fighting that Lin Ming had heard before came from here.
1341'Why are they fighting?' Lin Ming was slightly puzzled. He was just about to ask when he noticed that on a high lifted platform not too from the battlefield, there was actually a box of unknown metal there. This box was open and completely filled with stacks of spirit essence stones.
1342These were impressively - superior spirit essence stones!
1343Spirit essence stones were only divided into three ranks - ordinary, superior, and top grade.
1344Top grade spirit essence stones were the very source of spirit essence stone mines; they had nearly completely vanished from the world. It was considered excellent to produce even a single top-grade spirit essence stone from an entire spirit essence stone mine. This was a treasure that even Divine Sea Supreme Elders would struggle over.
1345As for a superior spirit essence stone, each one had a value equal to 300 ordinary spirit essence stones. Superior spirit essence stones had an extremely rich origin energy inherent within them; these types of spirit essence stones had a magnificent effect when used for making breakthroughs in cultivation.
1346When Lin Ming decided to break through to Life Destruction, it would be safer if he could obtain some superior spirit essence stones. During the breakthrough it would help him absorb heaven and earth origin energy faster and also stabilize his cultivation.
1347'There are about 1000 superior spirit essence stones in that box. That is probably the 300,000 spirit essence stone reward that the Asura Divine Kingdom promised!'
1348300,000 spirit essence stones, and those were proportioned into superior spirit essence stones. If he could obtain that then it would be a massive wealth!
1349Lin Ming was already thinking about how to rob this wealth when he found that in the main hall, not too far away from the high platform, there was a black-clothed middle-aged man meditating with his eyes closed. When he looked more carefully he could see that this man was floating an inch off of the ground - he was actually suspended in the air.
1350'Sixth stage Life Destruction!'
1351The black-clothed middle-aged man didn't hide his cultivation, he was clearly at the sixth stage of Life Destruction. Combined with his not too old age, he even had a slim chance of reaching the Divine Sea realm!
1352Without a doubt, this person was one of the Asura Divine Kingdom's three Demon Envoys, a character ranked in the top 100 masters of the Destiny Decree!
1353And floating beside this black-clothed middle-aged man was a half square foot wood spirit jade box. This jade box was surrounded by layers upon layers of seals and a wild Giant Demon image was carved into the grain of the box. Although Lin Ming couldn't see what was inside, he could already guess what it contained.
1354That box must contain the God Transforming Pill!
1355300,000 spirit essence stones and a God Transforming Pill!
1356Unfortunately, that God Transforming Pill was far too close to the black-clothed middle-aged man. It was extremely unlikely that Lin Ming could hope to steal away that box from such a close range.
1357'This Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division also has two more Demon Envoys, but they aren't in the vicinity. To send out a Demon Envoy to greet these guests is already giving more than enough face.'
1358As Lin Ming thought this, he turned towards a 20 some year-old youth and casually asked, "Why are those two fighting onstage?"
1359The youth was originally excitedly watching the battle occurring in front of him and didn't feel too good being disturbed by Lin Ming. He was about to ignore Lin Ming when he saw that Lin Ming's cultivation was at the late Revolving Core realm. Then, he patiently explained, "They are struggling to rank on a talent list. If the Asura Divine Kingdom wishes to use these fifth-grade sects' intelligence networks and connections to search for Lin Ming, they naturally have to provide some benefits. Besides posting a bounty reward, they have also promised to cooperate with us in order to cultivate some talents."
1360The youth pointed towards the high platform. Lin Ming saw that on the high platform, besides the 300,000 ordinary spirit essence stones' worth of superior essence stones, there was also a list. On the list was written the words - superior talent, medium talent, ordinary talent.
1361There was space left below every rank. It was apparently ready to be filled with names.
1362As Lin Ming saw these he immediately understood what was happening. Divine Phoenix Island had also once held a similar plan throughout the Divine Phoenix Province – the larger sect would help the smaller sects raise their talent. This wasn't too expensive for the larger sect and the smaller sects actually obtained a great advantage for their future talents. At this time, the young heroic elites were now competing against each other for the title of superior talent.
1363"What an interesting competition." Lin Ming's lips curved up in a grin. He had come for two reasons today.
1364The first was to steal, and the second was to mess this place up.
1365As for provoking the anger of the Asura Divine Kingdom, that was simply a joke. Lin Ming had already been tagged on their kill list anyway. If it wasn't for the fact that so many other heroic young elites were present at the Nine Flowers Banquet, Lin Ming wouldn't have minded killing Situ Chuan and Situ Feng there at all.
1366At this time, the match onstage had already ended. A short-haired youth holding a saber had won. He laughed out loud and said, "I, Tu Yifeng, will take the title of superior talent!"
1367As he spoke he leapt onto the high platform and raised a brush, ready to write his own name onto the talent announcement list.
1368But at this time, a loud jeer spread in the air. "Tu Yifeng, if you want to be ranked first then ask my sword first!"
1369This rampant voice seemed familiar. Lin Ming glanced around and saw that the bamboo hat youth from the restaurant, Yan Junxuan, was actually here. The one who spoke just now had been him.
1370It was just that Yan Junxuan had already put his bamboo hat away. The scar still showed at the corner of his eyes, accentuating his arrogant expression.
1371By Yan Junxuan's side was an old man with long eyebrows. He was wearing gray clothes and his cultivation was at the fifth stage of Life Destruction. It was obvious that he was the Honorable Master that Yan Junxuan spoke of in the restaurant.
1372'This old man's fire of life is weak; I guess he's already around 2000 years old. To only be at the fifth stage of Life Destruction at 2000 years of age, he can only be arranged at the end of the Destiny Decree. It's impossible for him to ever make another breakthrough in his road of martial arts. Since their Misty Stream Sect is involving themselves in this matter then they might be thinking of giving that God Transforming Pill to Yan Junxuan. Heh, no wonder that Yan Junxuan was so arrogant in the restaurant, as if the God Transforming Pill had been specifically prepared for him.'
1373Chapter 796 - Lin Lanjian
1374Lin Ming silently observed the strength of the current Destiny Decree masters. The conclusion he drew was that besides the three Demon Envoys, the other Destiny Decree martial artists here were extremely ordinary.
1375"The God Transforming Pill and the 300,000 spirit essence stones are placed apart from each other. The most I'll be able to grab is just one of them. The God Transforming Pill is too close to the Demon Envoy; I'll only be able to snatch the spirit essence stones."
1376As Lin Ming looked at the box of spirit essence stones on the high platform he discovered that there was actually a small protective array formation surrounding it. There was something like a transparent layer of glass covering the spirit essence stones.
1377However, this array formation had only been casually laid down. With Lin Ming's current strength and degree of understanding into array formations, breaking through it wouldn't be difficult at all.
1378Bluntly said, this array formation was simply placed there for grandstanding. The Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division would never even dream that someone would openly and blatantly steal from them at their gathering site.
1379The only one capable of doing so was a top ranked Destiny Decree master, otherwise stealing from here would simply be the same as a death sentence. But, which ranked Destiny Decree master would dare to provoke the wrath of the Asura Divine Kingdom?
1380Lin Ming didn't care about any of that. He and the Asura Divine Kingdom had already reached the point of never giving up until the other party had died.
1381Even if Lin Ming was willing to hand over the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' and the Demon Emperor Armor, the Asura Divine Kingdom would still chase him down so that he couldn't reveal any secrets to anyone else. They would even use a soul-searching technique to confirm whether his cultivation method was true or fake.
1382Moreover, the main point was that it was impossible for Lin Ming to give away the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'. The Asura Divine Kingdom assumed Lin Ming had obtained some jade slip inheritance, but the truth was that Lin Ming had obtained the memories of the Demon Emperor. If he wanted to engrave the cultivation method manual onto a jade slip then first he would need to completely and thoroughly understand the cultivation method in order to do so.
1383Otherwise, Lin Ming would have already recorded the 'Heretical God Force' for Qin Xingxuan and Mu Qianyu to train with.
1384At this point, a loud explosion erupted from the front of the square. Yan Junxuan had sent his opponent flying backwards, vomiting great mouthfuls of blood.
1385An old man flew out from the crowd, catching that severely wounded young elite and then glowering at Yan Junxuan.
1386Yan Junxuan appeared unaware of all of this. He only said, "This is a comparison of skill; serious injuries are oftentimes inevitable."
1387"Humph!" The old man coldly snorted and fed several pills to the severely wounded disciple. Since his disciple was weaker than others, there was nothing else to say.
1388"This Yan Junxuan really lives up to his fame. He should be the top talent of my Skyflower Province's younger generation!"
1389"Humph, that is only the number one talent of the Skyflower Province. There is still an immeasurable difference between them and the talents of the Central Province, let alone a monstrous genius like Lin Lanjian." In the square, a martial artist couldn't bear to see Yan Junxuan act so domineering and haughty, so he began to mock him.
1390"That's right, Lin Lanjian is around the same age as Yan Junxuan and yet he's already ranked on the Destiny Decree!"
1391A disciple from another sect shouted from under the stage.
1392"Lin Lanjian? Hehe." Yan Junxuan sneered. "Lin Lanjian is only a stepping stone on my road of martial artists. Who cares about how talented he is? Once he is captured by my Misty Stream Sect, he is simply a God Transforming Pill to improve my strength. As for the Destiny Decree, once I have obtained the God Transforming Pill then I will inevitably rank on the list in another two years!"
1393"What a load of crap. You think your Misty Stream Sect can even catch Lin Lanjian?"
1394"Humph! Since my Misty Stream Sect dares to say so then we naturally have secret techniques to locate missing persons! Even though I wouldn't say it is 90% assured, it is still 60-70% assured! History only remembers winners. When I succeed, I will be recorded in the annals of history. As for Lin Lanjian, he will be nothing but a brief fading comet, quickly forgotten by everyone!"
1395Yan Junxuan's words were filled with complete confidence. Combined with his aura that proved he had the qualifications to speak, none of the other juniors dared to step forwards to confront him. As for the seniors here, they naturally couldn't lower their status by jabbing themselves into the struggles of juniors. Quickly, the entire gathering site had been pressured by Yan Junxuan alone.
1396"Is there anyone else who disagrees!?"
1397Yan Junxuan shouted out loud. For a time, there was no response.
1398Yan Junxuan was very satisfied with his results. He strode towards the talent announcement on the high platform, preparing to write his name down. But at this moment, he suddenly heard the sound of fluttering clothes from behind him. A blue-clothed man wearing a mask of wood spirit jade had flown onto the stage set up in the square.
1399This person was Lin Ming.
1400Yan Junxuan frowned and placed down the brush in his hands. "There really is someone unafraid of death here."
1401His eyes paused on Lin Ming's wood spirit jade mask for a moment. He quickly remembered that Lin Ming was the martial artist that had been quietly sitting in the corner of the restaurant.
1402It wasn't rare to see a martial artist wear a wood spirit jade mask, but there were differences in every mask. Lin Ming's mask had a touch of black above the eyes. This allowed Yan Junxuan to recognize him.
1403Yan Junxuan lightly humphed, not even placing Lin Ming in his eyes. In his opinion, Lin Ming was just a martial artist that had stumbled onto the news of the reward. This fellow was simply a blind cat hoping to catch a mouse. He thought he could come to the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division and hope to randomly find clues about Lin Ming somehow. Then, when he saw this talent training plan, his blood had heated up for a moment. This sort of person was only looking to get beaten up.
1404"Who are you? Name yourself!"
1405"Mushuang Family Clan, Mushuang Jian." Lin Ming randomly made up a background and name. In such an incomparably vast Sky Spill Continent, there were far too many family clans and even many family clans hidden away in their own mystic realms and territories. It was impossible to know of every family clan.
1406Yan Junxuan sized up Lin Ming. Although this person's facial features were blocked, from what he could see and from the tenor of his voice, this person should be relatively young.
1407"What is the Mushuang Family Clan? I've never heard of it!"
1408"There are many family clans you've never heard of." Lin Ming calmly replied. He wasn't much interested in this fight that was no different from slapping little children around. To the current him, he was on a completely different level from the young juniors of his generation.
1409"Hahahaha! How interesting! Very interesting! A boy from a little-known family clan actually dares to be so arrogant in front of me. Then, let me teach you a lesson. Meet my sword!"
1410Woosh!
1411With a shrill keening sound, Yan Junxuan's sword pierced towards Lin Ming's face. Lin Ming took a step back. In front of the Asura Divine Kingdom powerhouses he naturally couldn't use moves such as Penetrating Rainbow or Bury the Heavens. Otherwise, they would be able to see that his moves shared origins with the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'.
1412Besides those moves, Lin Ming also had the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' as well as the body transformation cultivation method, the 'Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians'. Although the striking power was weaker, it was more than enough to deal with a little baby like Yan Junxuan. In fact, Lin Ming didn't even need to use any special style to defeat him with ease.
1413Stepping to the side, Lin Ming lowered his center of gravity and then moved forwards.
1414Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist!
1415True essence concentrated into filaments of thread. Lin Ming punched out, energy cascading outwards!
1416Peng!
1417With a loud explosion, Yan Junxuan's sword energy was scattered into nothingness by Lin Ming's fist. Lin Ming's fist potential didn't diminish at all, smashing straight towards Yan Junxuan.
1418"What!?"
1419Yan Junxuan was greatly shocked. He cut down with his sword again, hoping to split apart Lin Ming's fist force. In fact, Yan Junxuan's sword speed was quite spectacular. In front of an incoming enemy he was able to immediately cut out with a second attack.
1420However, in the face of an absolute disparity in strength, small advantages like this were negligible.
1421Vibrating true essence erupted. For a time, it was like Yan Junxuan was a leaf caught in a storm of energy, unable to resist at all.
1422Puff!
1423Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Yan Junxuan was sent flying backwards by Ln Ming's punch. True essence rampaged through his body, injuring all of the organs in his body and destroying his meridians!
1424Lin Ming continued to attack. He took a sudden step forwards and punched out again. He had held back on his first punch so that he wouldn't harm Yan Junxuan's life, but this second punch was to demonstrate just how ruthless and cruel he could be. This was to have those little children milling around him open their eyes so that no one dared to challenge him anymore.
1425"Stop!"
1426Yan Junxuan's master shouted. But, he didn't have time to prevent Lin Ming's attack. The second punch solidly smashed into Yan Junxuan's back, and with a loud cracking noise, all of Yan Junxuan's bones were fractured. He vomited a massive mouthful of blood and then fainted on the spot.
1427After this strike, even if Yan Junxuan's master used all sorts of top heavenly treasures to save him, it would still take him at least half a year to recover. Moreover, there would still be damage left behind!
1428This silly fellow had desired to capture him alive to trade him for a God Transforming Pill in order to make a breakthrough. Lin Ming wouldn't pity someone like this. If it wasn't for the fact that killing him would have set off a storm of chaos here, Lin Ming wouldn't have minded sending him off to an early start on the road to hell.
1429"You!!!"
1430As Yan Junxuan's master saw his own disciple beaten to a pulp in front of his eyes, he was furious. If this wasn't the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division then he would have already ripped Lin Ming to shreds.
1431"Haha, Sovereign Yan, don't be so angry. This is a comparison of skill - serious injuries are oftentimes inevitable!" An Elder from another sect sarcastically remarked. When Yan Junxuan had severely wounded his last opponent, Sovereign Yan had spoken these exact words. And the person that Yan Junxuan had severely wounded was his disciple.
1432To be able to speak such words and release the frustration in his heart, his thoughts had become incomparably smooth.
1433"Good! Good! Very good!" The Misty Stream Sect Sovereign said with an extremely cold voice. In his heart, he had already sentenced this Mushuang Jian and his Mushuang Family Clan to death. As long as this family clan was no more than a basic fifth-grade sect then he would have them pay the most painful price.
1434"Would anyone else like to come onstage?"
1435Lin Ming indifferently said as he stood on top of the stage. The wood spirit jade mask covered up any expression he made. Those two strange black marks that angled down above his eyes began to look like black snakes that exuded thick killing intent, causing everyone who looked to shudder.
1436No one dared to respond. This youth was simply sadistic and his strength was so high that it was a complete mess. If anyone stepped on stage. well, Yan Junxuan had already become their example!
1437Lin Ming had expected this situation to occur. He began moving towards the high platform, openly stepping towards the 300,000 spirit essence stones. This was the entire reason that Lin Ming had bothered ruining Yan Junxuan. It was because he needed to approach this area first.
1438He picked up the thickest and roughest brush available. At the same time, Lin Ming's eyes nonchalantly swept over the array formation that covered the 300,000 spirit essence stones. In that instant, the countless complex symbols that comprised the array formation reflected in his pupils as he rapidly deconstructed them.
1439All of the martial artists present were completely focused on Lin Ming's body.
1440The Asura Divine Kingdom's Demon Envoy slightly frowned. He felt something was wrong but he just couldn't place his finger on what it was.
1441Lin Ming dipped the two-foot-long brush fully into the ink. Then, his brush movements flowed like the wind.
1442In the blink of an eye, three words filled with a thick murderous intent suddenly appeared like a flash of lightning on the surface of the talent announcement list.
1443Lin Lanjian!
1444As the word 'jian' was finally completed with a long vertical stroke, because of the daring spirit and powerful strength contained within, the brush seemed to become like a true sword, directly splitting the talent announcement list in half!
1445simply placed there for grandstanding. The Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division would never even dream that someone would openly and blatantly steal from them at their gathering site.
1446Chapter 797 – Robbery
1447The entire square was left in silence. Yan Junxuan was still lying bleeding on the ground as several Misty Stream Sect Elders were glaring at Lin Ming.
1448Lin Ming’s brush speed was too fast. As soon as the words appeared they seemed to tear through the talent announcement list paper, carrying a sharp spear intent with them.
1449Every martial artist present was shocked.
1450“Lin. Lin Lanjian!!!!”
1451Some martial artists were befuddled for a moment. But in that instant, a light flashed in Lin Ming’s hand and a red long spear rushed out like a crimson flood dragon, directly striking the weak point of the spirit essence stone box’s barrier shield!
1452Penetrating Rainbow!
1453Energy roared. With an explosive crackling sound, the entire barrier shattered to pieces!
1454This explosion finally caused everyone’s minds to be shaken out of their daze. This wood spirit jade-masked youth was actually Lin Lanjian! And the red spear he used as well as the spear move absolutely proved this point.
1455He was planning to raise a ruckus at the gathering site?
1456The Demon Envoy who was personally garrisoning this square was furious. The chair he sat on broke apart as he stood up and fired himself towards Lin Ming.
1457The other Asura Divine Kingdom martial artists rapidly blocked the area, wanting to capture Lin Ming. Although they were far from being Lin Ming’s match, they could still manage to delay him a bit.
1458In this heavy encirclement of danger, a mere finger snap of time was enough to take one’s life!
1459Facing the trained and coordinated response of the Asura Divine Kingdom’s martial artists, Lin Ming simply seemed unaware of it all. He grabbed the box of spirit essence stones and stuffed it into his spatial ring.
1460“You dare!?!?”
1461The Demon Envoy’s eyes turned bright red. He finally understood that the reason Lin Ming came here today was to rob them!
1462The Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division had a total of three Demon Envoys guarding the land as well as Elders and masters from various famous sects of the four Divine Kingdoms. Yet, underneath all of these personages’ eyes, Lin Lanjian actually dared to openly rob the reward they had posted!?!?
1463The Demon Envoy simply thought that Lin Lanjian had lost his mind. This was a suicidal action!
1464“If you want to die so badly then let me help you!”
1465The Asura Demon Envoy took out a 10-foot-long overlord spear from his spatial ring. He gripped the spear with both hands and smashed it down towards Lin Ming!
1466This Demon Envoy’s strength was ranked 83 on the Destiny Decree. Against Lin Ming, who was only ranked near the end of the Destiny Decree, he could definitely instantly kill him!
1467The Demon Envoy’s spear strike came tumbling down as if an entire mountain range was collapsing. A terrifying flux of energy tore through space. If Lin Ming was struck by this spear attack then he would definitely be split in half.
1468A Revolving Core realm martial artist who was split apart at the waist could still maintain their life as long as they were treated in time. The Asura Demon Envoy planned to capture Lin Ming alive and torture out all of the details from him that concerned the Demon Emperor’s inheritances.
1469Lin Ming stared blankly on as the Demon Envoy’s spear came smashing down on him. This spear’s power and might far exceeded Lin Ming’s own Bury the Heavens and its speed had reached an incredible degree.
1470This was the strength of a top 100 ranked Destiny Decree master.
1471Lin Ming’s lips curved up in a grin. Energy erupted from his knees; the Gate of Wonder opened!
1472Breaking through the limits of the body and instantly reached the limit of speed, Lin Ming’s feet twisted as space distorted underneath him. With a single step, Lin Ming had vanished like a puff of smoke.
1473Although Lin Ming couldn’t directly face the Demon Envoy, after he had opened the Gate of Wonder, he could rely on his speed alone to show disdain for the Destiny Decree!
1474Bang!
1475The Asura Demon Envoy’s spear crashed into the high platform, causing the entire structure to loudly crumble into nothing. The earth broke apart and all of the surrounding martial artists were sent flying away by the shockwave. Those with weaker cultivations spat out great mouthfuls of blood.
1476And at this time, Lin Ming had already reappeared 1000 feet away.
1477The Asura Demon Envoy’s spear had missed.
1478He couldn’t believe it. His spear had missed!?
1479Not only had his spear speed reached the limit but it also contained the Concept of space. It could be used to twist and lock down the surrounding space. Yet, his attack had actually been dogged by a mere late Revolving Core martial artist!?
1480This was not a speed that a Revolving Core martial artist could have!
1481This ghostly scene caused the Asura Demon Envoy’s heart to seethe with rage. He shouted out, “Stop him! Open the sealing array!”
1482At the moment the Asura Demon Envoy shouted out, three Asura Divine Kingdom martial artists shot towards Lin Ming. Two of them were impressively Life Destruction martial artists.
1483“Die!”
1484Lin Ming coldly spat out that single word. And, without even using a spear move, three arrows of battle spirit-infused true essence air shot out from Lin Ming’s mouth, directly colliding with the three Asura Divine Kingdom martial artist’s heads!
1485Peng! Peng! Peng!
1486With three loud bursting sounds, the three Asura Divine Kingdom martial artists’ heads blew apart like watermelons, their brain fluids showering into the air.
1487“What!?”
1488All of the heroic young elite’s present held their breath, unable to even think properly. They only felt their minds tremble. Of those three Asura Divine Kingdom martial artists, two of them were first stage Life Destruction martial artists that were absolutely not inferior to any of them. Yet, in front of Lin Lanjian, they had been nothing but ants. They had been shot to death by nothing but true essence air arrows!
1489In other words, if Lin Lanjian wanted to kill them, he would only need to breathe in their general direction. And the reason that he didn’t kill Yan Junxuan with a single breath just now was all in order to hide his strength.
1490This disparity couldn’t even be described by clouds and mud. This was the first time that any of them had encountered a talent that was terrifying to the extent of making them tremble with dismay. This was a strength that left everyone weeping in despair!
1491“You bastard!”
1492The Demon Envoy angrily shouted and thrust his spear towards Lin Ming. He revolved his true essence to the limit, completely opening all of his energy. With every step he took, mountains quaked and rivers surged!
1493Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
1494Massive five-foot-deep footprints appeared all over the entire square. All of these footprints were several feet wide and they sent countless shards of rock scattering into the air. All of the martial artists in the square were blown away like pieces of straw in a tornado, thrown out in all directions.
1495The Demon Envoy had only used his movement technique, but the dark energy hidden in the shockwaves was already enough to severely wound the weaker martial artists.
1496Lin Ming heard the sound of air splitting from behind him. He didn’t need to look back to know that the Asura Demon Envoy was chasing after him. He thought little of it, instead completely opening the Gate of Wonder. In addition, with the ethereal and exquisite ‘Golden Roc Shattering the Void’, his speed rapidly climbed to the extreme.
1497Woosh!
1498Lin Ming became a ray of light that cut through the vast horizon, crossing over a dozen miles in an instant. All of the martial artists still at the square were left dumbfounded.
1499Was this really speed that a human could possess?
1500Rumble rumble!
1501The sealing array formation that covered the entire Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division began to activate. But to Lin Ming, this large-scale array formation had started far too slowly.
1502Moreover, he had already found a great weak point in this massive array. Since this array also originated from the Demon Emperor’s inheritance, Lin Ming had been able to easily unravel it.
1503“Penetrating Rainbow!”
1504With a thrust, Lin Ming’s spear stabbed into the weak point of the just now activated array. With a loud tearing sound, a section of the array dozens of feet wide suddenly burst open in front of him, allowing him to run out with ease.
1505“You lunatic!”
1506A loud shout came from somewhere else in the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division, rumbling outwards like a passing thundercloud.
1507The two other Demon Envoys also joined the chase!
1508In broad daylight, under the watchful eyes of everyone, as well as with three Asura Divine Kingdom Demon Envoys personally guarding the branch division, Lin Ming had actually made his way in and stolen away 300,000 spirit essence stones. This was too disgraceful!
1509Once news of this spread out, their Asura Divine Kingdom would lose face!
1510“We must overtake him!”
1511“We have to obtain the Demon Emperor’s inheritance!”
1512“After searching his soul, turn him into a corpse doll and hang him atop the gates of our Divine Kingdom’s cities! Let them see the glory and might of our Asura Divine Kingdom!”
1513“No one is allowed to dishonor the glory of our Divine Kingdom!”
1514The three Demon Envoys all wore black clothes. Their hearts raged with an inferno of hate and anger. Even if they caught Lin Ming today, this would still become a stain on their lives that they would never be able to erase!
1515One person fleeing with three people chasing. They cut through the skies like falling stars, flying into the far-off horizon!
1516Within the square, the martial artists there were bewildered. Although Lin Lanjian’s name and reputation rang out like thunder in their ears, seeing was believing. They never imagined that Lin Lanjian would appear in the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division and openly challenge the very dignity of the Asura Divine Kingdom!
1517A man and his spear, Lin Lanjian by himself had demolished the Asura Divine Kingdom’s gathering of heroes, stolen away 300,000 spirit essence stones, instantly killed three Asura Divine Kingdom masters, and then. left without injury!
1518Just what kind of boldness was this!!!
1519In the face of an entire Divine Kingdom hunting after him, Lin Lanjian hadn’t hidden his identity and secluded himself in some remote mountain range. Instead, he had caused a ruckus in the Asura Divine Kingdom’s Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division!
1520“This Lin Lanjian is too terrifying!”
1521“He looks just over 20 years old and yet he can contend with a Demon Envoy.”
1522“And when he fled, was that even human speed.?”
1523“Even the mountain sealing array formation wasn’t able to stop him. He cannot be judged by common sense!”
1524“What a monster!”
1525All of the martial artists in the square were talking amongst themselves. Many of the heroic young elites had pale and weak complexions. Compared with Lin Lanjian, the difference was simply too great!
1526“What do we do? Should we still involve ourselves in this?” Some martial artists already had the idea of withdrawing. Lin Lanjian was far too ruthless for them. He had even dared break his way into the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division that was guarded by three Demon Envoys.
1527“Don’t be afraid, that Lin Lanjian is only fast; his strength should still only rank at around 300 on the Destiny Decree. That, at least, shouldn’t be wrong. Otherwise he wouldn’t have run, but would have fought with the Demon Envoy!”
1528“If we join forces then we have no need to fear him. We also have many Destiny Decree masters here, and many of them are even above Corpsemancer. Moreover, we have the support of the Asura Divine Kingdom. After Lin Lanjian messed with the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division, the bounty on him will definitely rise again!”
1529“The Asura Divine Kingdom had their face swept to the ground and even had 300,000 spirit essence stones stolen away. They will never let this go.”
1530“Although you say that, I don’t think that Lin Lanjian will be able to successfully run away. Those are three Demon Envoys chasing him! Lin Lanjian’s speed is extraordinary but his strength and cultivation are far too low. Even if he relies on some sort of arcane skill or treasure to momentarily match the three Demon Envoys in speed, he won’t be able to keep it up forever. There is no way his endurance and thickness of his true essence will be able to last much longer. As for those three Demon Envoys, all three of them are sixth stage Life Destruction masters!”
1531“Not wrong. Perhaps that Lin Lanjian will perish here at Jagged Slope Mountain today. Although his cultivation and strength are amazing, he is still far too young. He will pay the price for his impulsiveness!”
1532As the numerous martial artists within the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division were speaking, Lin Ming’s chase by the three Demon Envoys had already continued for several hundred miles!
1533With the speed from the Gate of Wonder combined with ‘Golden Roc Shattering the Void’, Lin Ming produced a sonic boom as he flew in the air. He also used the black bat wings that Corpsemancer had left behind. Before this, Lin Ming had roughly managed to alter them for his own use. After all, this was still a heaven-step flight treasure. It could definitely increase Lin Ming’s speed.
1534With all three of these factors combined together, Lin Ming was a level faster than the three Demon Envoys. But, he controlled his speed so that the three Demon Envoys were following behind him.
1535Behind Lin Ming, just 10 miles away, the three Demon Envoys’ faces had darkened to the point of dripping water.
1536Chapter 798 – Unbelievable Speed
1537“This brat, how is this even possible!?”
1538The three Demon Envoys were running out of breath. They thought that Lin Ming used some kind of arcane ability that stimulated his bodily potential in order reach such extreme speeds. Those arcane abilities usually caused a few detrimental side effects, and were also impossible to maintain forever. However, Lin Ming didn’t seem like he had used up any strength at all, even after flying for such a long time. In fact, he seemed to have a great deal of energy left over. It also seemed that the more he flew, the faster he became! This was just too strange!
15391000-miles.
15402000 miles.
15413000 miles.
15424000 miles.
1543Once they reached 5000 miles, Lin Ming still hadn’t slowed down, even after passing over the entire Jagged Slope Mountain Range.
1544“damn it! What should we do?”
1545The third Asura Demon Envoy asked. He was a middle-aged man, ranked 93rd on the Destiny Decree. He currently had a pained expression as he took a shard of stalactite essence from his spatial ring, bitterly swallowing it down.
1546“We’ve already flown for around 5000 miles, and yet he can still last this long!?” Another Demon Envoy took a jade bottle out from his spatial ring and swallowed a snow-white pill.
1547“We’ve already consumed our true essence to the limit. His cultivation is inferior to ours, so it’s impossible for him to continue flying for much longer.”
1548The one who spoke was the leading second Demon Envoy, his words filled with self-confidence. He was ranked 83rd on the Destiny Decree.
1549However, what happened was.
15506000 miles.
15517000 miles.
1552It seemed as if Lin Ming wanted to fly out to a 10,000-mile distance. Not only that, but the more he flew, the faster he became! The first Demon Envoy had blue veins bulging out from his forehead.
1553This was simply impossible!
1554They had already flown an additional 2000 miles! This could already be considered as having flown far away, even with their standards.
1555The second Demon Envoy’s complexion turned extremely ugly. Just what sort of secrets did this Lin Lanjian have on him? Why was he able to flee so quickly, and for such a long time?
1556Another 1000-miles flew by as everyone approached the 8000-mile mark. Lin Ming still maintained a relatively relaxed state throughout.
1557A flying martial artist was the same as a running mortal. If they ran at their top speeds, then they would only be able to last for about 100-200 meters before falling the ground in complete exhaustion.
1558However, if they maintained 70-80% of their maximum speed, then they could maintain this for several miles.
1559Lin Ming was in the same situation. He was maintaining a flight speed of around 70-80% of his limit. After crossing 8000 miles, his consumption wasn’t too great. Furthermore, because he had already opened the Gate of Healing, his endurance and recovery ability had since far surpassed a normal martial artist. Thus, there was always an enormous amount of true essence in his dantian.
1560However, the three Demon Envoys behind him were in a much more miserable state. For the past 8000 miles, they had to fly as fast as they could, and the further they flew the more they fell behind. The third Demon Envoy had already consumed his third shard of stalactite essence.
1561“Don’t continue chasing.” The second Demon Envoy suddenly stopped. At the start of the chase, they had only been 10 miles far from Lin Lanjian. Now, they were over 100 miles away!
1562They had also taken several medicines to supplement their true essence. No matter how good the medicine was, repeatedly consuming these medicines would eventually cause impurities to appear in their true essence. If that happened, they would be unable to display their peak combat strength. To be in that sort of situation within the borders of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was undoubtedly dangerous.
1563“This Lin Lanjian must have some sort of top supportive flight treasure or some kind of special arcane flight ability. He might even have both.” The second Demon Envoy said with a gloomy tone.
1564For a late Revolving Core youth to surpass a sixth stage Life Destruction master in speed and endurance, this was simply too unbelievable!
1565“damnit! Just how many amazing treasures are there on his body!?” The first Demon Envoy panted out. He had used up so much strength and effort, and had chased so far, just to end up empty-handed. Under their watch, they had only been able to watch helplessly as that Lin Lanjian stole away 300,000 spirit essence stones. This was simply too great a shame, and he could already see the news of this event spreading all through the martial cultivation world by tomorrow. The four Divine Kingdoms and all the powerful family clans in their hidden realms would regard them as absolute laughing stocks.
1566“I will capture that brat and skin him alive!”
1567The third Demon Envoy heatedly said. As he thought of the 300,000 spirit essence stones, he felt as if he would die from his intestines twisting in place.
1568There had been many rare, superior spirit essence stones worth 300,000 spirit essence stones in total. Even he couldn’t afford to use them during his training. He would only cautiously use a few dozen of those superior spirit essence stones if he was either breaking through a bottleneck in cultivation or attempting to cross over to another stage of Life Destruction.
1569To shamefully lose 300,000 spirit essence stones just like that, the three of them would definitely take the blame for this. They would definitely be punished by the Asura Divine Kingdom!
1570“Let’s meditate for some time and then return. There was no harvest from today, but I’ve managed to record a trace of Lin Lanjian’s energy. Even if he were to wear a wood spirit jade mask next time, I would still be able to identify him!” The second Demon Envoy said with a morose expression, before searching for a secluded area to meditate and recover.
1571They had already flown 8000 miles outwards. This area was desolate and deserted, without any transmission arrays nearby. If they wished to return, then they would have to slowly fly back. As the three Demon Envoys remembered this fact, they became even more depressed, and their expressions became that much uglier.
1572“They’ve finally stopped chasing me.”
1573300 miles away from the three Demon Envoys, Lin Ming’s stood suspended in the air, his lips turned upwards in a cunning smile. Although those three Demon Envoys had consumed a great deal of their energy, he wouldn’t be so stupid as to bite off more than he could chew, and challenge the three of them. Those three were still sixth stage Life Destruction powerhouses, after all, and the fires of their lives were still blazing vibrantly. These were characters that had hopes of reaching the Divine Sea. When they were youths, they were definitely Emperor level talents, and outstanding ones at that. Even if only one remained, Lin Ming still wouldn’t dare return to provoke them. At this time, he just fundamentally wasn’t a match for them.
1574Jagged Slope Mountain, Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division –
1575“That Lin Lanjian was way too impetuous. I wonder just what’s happened to him. Unfortunately, this entire Jagged Slope Mountain has been sealed off, so there’s no way for us to catch up to him.”
1576“No kidding. It’s too unfortunate, we missed a great battle!”
1577“Hehe, sealing off this mountain is common, as Lin Lanjian is just that important. There are too many treasures on his body; he is simply a treasure himself. Before he is caught, no news of this can be leaked out to others. Otherwise someone might catch up to him ahead of time, and the Asura Divine Kingdom would lose everything instead.”
1578The Elders of the various great sects were talking about whether or not Lin Lanjian would finally meet a dead end. At this time, however, three black-clothed men walked into the square. One of them was an old man who was in charge of the Asura Divine Kingdom’s Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division.
1579The Asura Divine Kingdom had several dozen branch divisions set up all over the Sky Spill Continent. The leader of a branch division was called the Hall Master. Because there were too many Hall Masters scattered throughout the continent, their status wasn’t considered too high.
1580However, the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division was an exception. Because the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division was in charge of matters within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, their branch division was one of the largest. This branch division’s Hall Master was just strong enough to rank on the Destiny Decree. Of course, he was far from being able to compare with the Demon Envoys.
1581“Hall Master Situ!”
1582Several old men cupped their fists together in respect. They naturally recognized Hall Master Situ, due to frequently interacting with the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division.
1583Hall Master Situ cupped his fists in return and said, “Everyone, please remain patient. My Divine Kingdom’s Sir Demon Envoys are already pursuing Lin Lanjian. They should be able to capture him without incident.
1584As he spoke, he was also glad that the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division had three Demon Envoys garrisoning this place. Otherwise, there was no way that he could contend with Lin Lanjian. He simply couldn’t keep up with that strange, ghostly speed of his.
1585“As long as we can catch Lin Lanjian, then the matter of 300,000 spirit essence stones being stolen away in front of everyone, and the loss of face from that will be wiped clean. This could also be considered a great merit for me, as this gathering of heroes could be my rise to glory.”
1586As Hall Master Situ thought of this, his mood became much more pleasant.
1587Chapter 799 – Sudden Retaliation
1588“The entire Jagged Slope Mountain has been closed off and completely sealed away by the array formation here. Thus, I ask of everyone to please patiently wait for a period of time. do not try to leave. Once the three Sir Demon Envoys return, everyone will be able to freely depart.”
1589As Hall Master Situ spoke, he quietly lifted up the array formation that protected the God Transforming Pill. Then, he put the God Transforming Pill and the medium-grade heaven-step treasure that was on display back into his spatial ring. As he looked around at all the martial artists and saw that none of them seemed bothered by the situation, he nodded with satisfaction.
1590In an emergency, blocking off the area was the standard procedure. Since this area had the protection of the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division and the might of the Asura Divine Kingdom behind it, no one dared to utter a complaint.
1591“The sudden events have certainly caused everyone to be shocked and lose time. After Lin Lanjian has been captured, the Asura Divine Kingdom will be sure to compensate everyone here,” Hall Master Situ promised everyone. If they could catch Lin Lanjian then that would be a massive stroke of fortune for the Asura Divine Kingdom. Naturally, no one would care about some minor compensation such as continuing to carry out the cooperative talent training plan.
1592“Haha, Hall Master Situ is too kind. We shall defer to your recommendation. If there is any assistance you need from us in the future, the Asura Divine Kingdom merely needs to say it and we’ll try our best!”
1593All of the famed Elders of the various sects flattered Hall Master Situ. Then, time ticked on. Like this, four hours soon passed by.
1594“Nearly four hours have passed, how come they haven’t returned yet?” Hall Master Situ’s eyebrows shot up. He felt a bit nervous in his heart.
1595“No matter how much of a genius Lin Lanjian is, he is only a top 300 Destiny Decree martial artist. With the strength of the three Demon Envoys they should be able to capture him. Unless he made some preparations beforehand, such as laying down protective arrays or setting up transmission arrays to escape in time.”
1596“Impossible. If Lin Lanjian laid down a temporary transmission array, then it shouldn’t be too far. Otherwise, it’d be meaningless. In that case, he’d have either already left through it and escaped or he would’ve been captured by now. It’s impossible for things to drag on for this long.”
1597“Hall Master Situ, it’s been four hours and Lin Lanjian still hasn’t been captured? When will the great mountain sealing array be lifted up?” A sect Elder asked. Four hours were indeed a long time.
1598Although Hall Master Situ was cursing in his heart, his face actually revealed a smile full of confidence. “Haha, my Asura Divine Kingdom’s three Demon Envoys are all top 100 Destiny Decree masters. When the three of them act together, there definitely won’t be a problem! The great mountain sealing array will soon be undone. I ask of everyone to please show patience a little while longer.
1599Once the great mountain sealing array was activated, all flow of information would be isolated, even that of the Asura Divine Kingdom. Moreover, even if they could, Hall Master Situ still wouldn’t rashly bother them. Who knew whether or not they were involved in a brutal fight at this very moment?
1600“What Hall Master Situ said is right. Elder Sun shouldn’t worry so much. Come, sit down and have a cup with us.”
1601This gathering of heroes had brought the Elders and outstanding young elites of various great sects together. There was naturally excellent food and wine prepared for all of them. All of it had already been placed on the tables in the square, it was just that no one had had the time to enjoy it yet.
1602“That’s right, everyone, drink to your heart’s content!” Hall Master Situ laughed out while a radiant and confident smile emblazoned on his face. “Lin Lanjian has stolen the holy relics of my Asura Divine Kingdom and also the inheritances of my people. If we can truly recover our lost legacies today, then I must thank all the Elders here for their help. I respectfully raise a cup to everyone present!”
1603As he raised his cup of wine and was about to drink it all at once, great ripples suddenly began to run through the great mountain sealing array barrier.
1604The array got opened?
1605Hall Master Situ was overjoyed. If there were people on the outside, then it should mean that the three Demon Envoys had returned.
1606“Hahaha, everyone, the three Sir Demon Envoys have already returned. I shall go and meet with them first before coming back here!”
1607His face was filled with smiles. The audience all shouted their congratulations but there were also some people that appeared disappointed. If the three Demon Envoys hadn’t caught Lin Lanjian, then that would’ve been better. The bounty reward would have dramatically soared at that time, and if they then joined forces and managed to catch Lin Lanjian, they would have gained even more.
1608Hall Master Situ just took several steps out when the entire great mountain sealing array shook once again. The scale of energy had obviously risen to another level but there still wasn’t a response. Another loud explosion followed, nearly causing the cup of wine in his hand to fall to the ground.
1609What was going on?
1610Hall Master Situ was startled. All of the martial artists present were also stunned. Were the three Demon Envoys attacking the great mountain sealing array?
1611All of the martial artists felt that this was a bit suspicious. They simultaneously released their perception together to look through the curtains that blocked off the grand temple grounds. Like this, they finally saw the scene occurring outside of the great mountain sealing array.
1612A white-clothed youth wearing a wood spirit jade mask was holding onto a red long spear, launching a barrage of attacks on the great mountain sealing array!
1613One spear thrust after the other smashed into the array barrier! Every spear strike caused the ground to shake! Every spear strike caused the entire Jagged Mountain Slope to tremble!
1614This shocking scene sharply contrasted to the seemingly calm young man that was attacking the array barrier. The twin marks on his wood spirit jade mask seemed quiet and eerie. An air of seeming indifference rolled off him that contained nearly endless murderous intent!
1615“L-Lin Lanjian!”
1616“H-how is this possible!? The three Demon Envoys!?”
1617“He can’t have killed the three Demon Envoys, right!?”
1618“That’s impossible! Do you even know how strong the three Demon Envoys are? They even have a chance of reaching the Divine Sea realm! Lin Lanjian is indeed a genius, but those three Demon Envoys were also Emperor level talents when they were young! Now they’re sixth stage Life Destruction masters while Lin Lanjian is only a mere late Revolving Core boy. Even though his talent defies the will of the heavens, he still shouldn’t be the Demon Envoys’ match!”
1619All of the martial artist’s present paled. At this time, Lin Ming thrust out with his by now well-known Penetrating Rainbow attack. The spear light cut through the void, smashing into the great mountain sealing array and causing a crack to appear on the translucent surface of the barrier!
1620This great mountain sealing array stemmed from the inheritance of the Demon Emperor. The array formation that once sealed up the Nirvana Dragon Root within the Demon Emperor’s medicine garden shared the basic foundation with this current great mountain sealing array. With Lin Ming’s current understanding of array formations, he had already completely understood how to break open this array.
1621If he had the array opening token, he would be able to easily open it. But now that he didn’t have the token, he chose to attack the weak point of the array formation instead. With his striking power combined with his battle spirit, he could break open a man-sized gap in the barrier in a mere 10 breaths of time.
1622As the martial artists saw Lin Ming attack the array formation and the cracks extending even further on the barrier, all of their complexions changed. What kind of striking power was this!? This was a great mountain sealing array! Even though it was only the Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division, it was still able to withstand the attacks of several hundred martial artists combined together!
1623How could Lin Ming cause cracks to appear in but a few strikes!?
1624“No one panic! The only reason he can destroy the great array formation is because he is proficient in array formation structures! His true striking power definitely isn’t as strong as it seems! Even if a top 10 Destiny Decree master came here, they still wouldn’t be able to tear open the array formation in a short period of time.”
1625The sealing arrays passed down from the Demon Emperor’s inheritance were naturally powerful. This was an inheritance that the Asura Divine Kingdom was extremely proud of. But now, it had become counterproductive instead. Without a doubt, Lin Ming’s understanding of the Demon Emperor’s array formations far surpassed their own.
1626“This brat definitely has a great number of the Demon Emperor’s personal letters!” This thought instantly crossed Hall Master Situ’s mind when there was suddenly a loud cracking sound. The section of the great mountain sealing array in front of Lin Ming suddenly cracked again, finally giving away as a three-foot-wide opening appeared before him.
1627“It’s broken!!!! The array has broken!!”
1628All of the martial artists present were terrified as some of them had already thoughts of retreating. Although Lin Ming was only a Destiny Decree master in the top 300, the strength and abilities he had displayed today caused them all to feel a dreadful dismay.
1629Lin Ming slowly flew over the square. The reason he had suddenly returned to retaliate was first to teach a profound and lifelong lesson to all of these martial artists that wanted to capture him alive in exchange for a bounty. And the most important point was that he had come to steal the God Transforming Pill.
1630That pill would be greatly beneficial to him when he decided to cross Life Destruction.
1631This had been the very simple plan of luring the tiger out of its cave. The reason that the three Demon Envoys had fallen for this was because their hearts were filled with a raging anger, causing their minds to go completely blank. All the Demon Envoys thought about was killing Lin Ming to erase the shame they experienced. But they had far underestimated his flight ability. They never imagined that he could maintain such an ‘extreme speed’ through 8000 miles and still have ample strength left to make his way back and attack the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division.
1632Thus, this situation had developed into such a strange scene. The Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division, that had three Demon Envoys guarding it, actually had to face the looting of Lin Ming twice!
1633After he opened the gate of Wonder, he had gained an absolute advantage in speed. Compared to the Gate of Healing’s endurance and recovery ability, and the Gate of Limit’s balance and explosive force, this was far more valuable. As long as he could make use of it, he would be able to accomplish all sorts of unpredictable effects!
1634His eyes swept over the area where the God Transforming Pill had been. The array formation had already been lifted and the God Transforming Pill had been taken away.
1635This was to be expected. It was impossible to continue placing the God Transforming Pill in full view of everyone.
1636But what Lin Ming could be certain of was that the God Transforming Pill was on the body of some Asura Divine Kingdom martial artist currently present. When he stole away the 300,000 spirit essence stones after which the three Demon Envoys had chased him in hot pursuit, it was impossible for those three Demon Envoys to undo the array formation and stow away the God Transforming Pill in such a short amount of time.
1637Thus, the God Transforming Pill had to have been left behind in this square. The highest probability was that it was taken away by the person in charge of the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division.
1638As his eyes swept over everyone, they eventually settled on a black-clothed old man. Besides those three high-ranked Destiny Decree sect Elders Lin Ming had already seen, this black-clothed old man was the most glaring and obnoxious looking one. Moreover, his cultivation had also reached the fifth stage of Life Destruction. There was an over 90% chance that he was the person heading the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division.
1639This black-clothed old man was Hall Master Situ. Hall Master Situ extracted a spear from his spatial ring, his expression incomparably solemn and grim. He didn’t know how Lin Ming had tricked the three Demon Envoys, but what he knew was that the three Demon Envoys had failed!
1640This was the most important test in his life as well as the greatest chance he would ever encounter!
1641If he could capture Lin Ming alive, then that would be an unbelievably great merit. He would obtain the generous reward of the Asura Divine Kingdom! As he thought of this, his entire body tensed as even his eyes lit up with a bloodthirsty and excited light.
1642“All heroes present, to anyone that can help me capture this thief today, not only will I reward you 500,000 spirit essence stones and the God Transforming Pill, I’ll also reward a single Life Bestowing Heaven Pill!”
1643At this critical moment Hall Master Situ could no longer care about anything. In order to seize Lin Ming, he had to do everything within his power, even if that meant promising such a heavy reward that he had no authority to hand it out.
1644The Life Bestowing Heaven Pill!!!
1645Hall Master Situ’s words caused the Elders of all the large sects present to be surprised for a moment. Then, their eyes immediately bloomed with a blazingly eager light!
1646Chapter 800 – Blood Washed Jagged Slope Mountain
1647For most of the famous sect Elders present, their fires of life were already subsiding; it was nearly impossible for them to take another step forward in their cultivation within their lives. In this case, the God Transforming Pill that could increase their chances of successfully reaching the divine Sea realm wasn’t too tempting.
1648The reason many of them had come to take a chance of obtaining the God Transforming Pill was in consideration of their disciples. Even if they swallowed the God Transforming Pill themselves, there basically wasn’t any chance for them to pass from the fifth to the sixth stage of Life Destruction.
1649This Life Bestowing Heaven Pill, on the other hand, was different. Not only did it merely attract the attention of the Elders present but it was a divine pill that they would go crazy over!
1650The higher boundary a martial artist reached, the more of their life potential they would have dug out, the more vibrant the fires of their life became, and the more difficult it was to extend their life. To a martial artist, an inferior 100-year medicine could lengthen their lives by dozens of years and even have the effect of resurrecting the dead. To a Xiantian realm martial artist, high quality 1000-year medicines had similar effects. But to a Life Destruction master, medicines that could extend their lives could be called legendary treasures. If one didn’t have the foundation of a Divine Kingdom, it was simply impossible to even think about obtaining one!
1651And this Life Bestowing Heaven Pill was one of those marvelous pills. Not only could it lengthen one’s life but it could also make the fires of their live much more ebullient, turning back their clock and making them younger by up to 500 years!
1652This was a life changing, heaven defying divine pill that even the four Divine Kingdoms only had a small number of. To these Elders, becoming 500 years younger meant there was a chance they could further enhance their cultivation. If this was combined with the God Transforming Pill, there might even be a chance of breaking through to the sixth stage of Life Destruction!
1653After reaching the sixth stage of Life Destruction, if they experienced another massive lucky chance then there might even be the faintest thread of hope to reach the Divine Sea! Although they would only be the weakest of Divine Sea masters, that was still the Divine Sea! They would be reborn! Their dantian would experience great changes and they would have at least 5000 years of life to spend as they wished! To them, this was the same as living like an immortal every day!
1654“Let’s attack together. He only entered the top 300 of the Destiny Decree halves a month ago and his cultivation is only at the late Revolving Core realm. It’s impossible for him to have made another breakthrough in his cultivation or for his strength to have greatly increased in such a short period of time. We have four Destiny Decree masters here. As long as we join forces we can definitely capture him alive!”
1655Hall Master Situ shouted out. As he spoke, Lin Ming’s eyes suddenly locked on his body. The ice-cold mask and the black lines that snaked down the mask seemed to exude a near infinite killing intent, making him feel as if he had fallen into a deep, icy lake.
1656However, he remembered the three Destiny Decree masters behind him. With him, that was a total of four great masters. They held an enormous advantage over Lin Ming. He was suddenly filled with courage and bravado again.
1657“Let’s attack together! Feng Yan, Ju Sun, go to the main temple and activate the protective array formation!”
1658Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division’s main temple naturally had its own great defensive array. Even if Lin Ming was proficient in the Demon Emperor’s array formations, he wouldn’t be able to completely disregard it. Once the array formation started, it would be able to contain Lin Ming to a large extent.
1659The martial artists in the square immediately began running toward the great hall. As for the three famous sect Elders and the other Life Destruction martial artists, they all scattered away, spreading around and occupying favorable positions. They were ready to use all sorts of sneak attack methods on Lin Ming. Although they didn’t dare to directly face him, they could take advantage of the moment when he was fighting the four great masters to sneak in some attacks.
1660After all, Hall Master Situ’s reward was simply too tempting!
1661“Do not be afraid! We have an absolute advantage with our strength! Lin Lanjian must have consumed a great deal of his true essence in escaping; he can’t have much left!” Hall Master Situ’s voice echoed in everyone’s ears.
1662“All disciples of the Misty Stream Sect, follow my command! Prepare the Misty Stream Formation!” The Misty Stream Sect Sovereign was one of the three famous sect Elders. The Life Bestowing Heaven Pill was far too great an enticement to him; he had to obtain it at any cost! Moreover, he still had to take revenge for when his disciple, Yan Junxuan, had been heavily wounded.
1663The Misty Stream Formation needed 12 elite disciples to stand in formation. By relying on their mutual cooperation, the martial artists would be able to fuse their attacks together, combining the weak to defeat the strong. At this time, all of the people the Misty Stream Sect had brought over were outstanding disciples and all of them were familiar with the Misty Stream Formation. Once this formation was formed, then even though it might not be able to harm Lin Ming, it could still serve in a diversionary role.
1664All of these disciples were well-trained elites. Even though the situation was chaotic and tense, they still looked for their spot in an orderly fashion. The Misty Stream Sect Sovereign actually stood in front of these disciples, blocking off Lin Ming. Once Lin Ming started to attack, the Misty Stream Sect Sovereign would find him off, ensuring that the Misty Stream Formation would successfully be formed.
1665At this moment, Lin Ming’s lips curved up in a fierce sneer. Although he didn’t place this battle formation in his eyes, that didn’t mean he would allow them to simply do as they pleased.
1666“Do you really think you can block me?”
1667Heavenly Demon martial intent, open to the limit!
1668Bang!
1669A terrifying force field energy rushed out like a tide. He revolved the Heretical God Force to the limit, simultaneously releasing the strength of the third level of the Eight inner Hidden Gates as he poured his large success bronze battle spirit into the energy of the force field.
1670Asura force field, omnidirectional suppression of the body and soul!
1671Death God force field, cutting down life and extinguishing all vitality!
1672The Misty Stream disciples that were laying down the Misty Stream Formation were suddenly enveloped by the dual force fields. Because the disciples with the weaker cultivations couldn’t withstand the pressure of the Asura force field, their heads exploded like watermelons as red blood and white brain fluid splashed all over the ground!
1673As for the others, their bodies suddenly shook, their eyes blew apart, their blood vessels burst, their meridians tore to pieces, and their dantian completely collapsed on themselves!
1674Peng! Peng! Peng!
1675With several muffled thumping sounds, several martial artists slumped to the ground. Many headless corpses still stood on their feet, their bodies twitching in response.
1676This sudden scene caused the many martial artists present to be stunned in fear. How had their comrades died just now?
1677They hadn’t even seen Lin Lanjian do anything!!!
1678It was as if he just glanced at them and they all died on the spot!
1679“Lin Lanjian! You dare to kill my Misty Stream Sect disciples!? I will take your life!”
1680The Misty Stream Sect’s Old Man Yan’s eyes turned blood red. He drew out a long sword from his spatial ring, revolving all of the energy within his body as he pointed it straight toward Lin Ming.
1681Lin Ming scoffed. “What a joke! You want to kill me but I can’t kill you? Do you think I should stretch my neck out and let you chop it off as you please?”
1682Old Man Yan had no intention of bantering with Lin Ming. He calmly stroked the edge of his sword, causing the blade to become translucent like jade. Energy trembled and a divine light shot into the blue skies.
1683“Skysplit Sword!’
1684Old Man Yan slashed his sword down at Lin Ming. The Misty Stream Sect was a strong fifth-grade sect so their inheritances were naturally good. This Skysplit Sword was the ultimate move of the Misty Stream Sword Art. One had to cultivate the inherited heart mantra to the highest level in order to use it.
1685According to the ancient texts of the Misty Stream Sect, when the Skysplit Sword’s might reach its pinnacle, a single sword strike could split apart the endless blue sky!
1686Zheng!
1687The sword light turned. It looked like a jade dragon descending down the mountains, emitting a harsh, whistling sound that passed through the clouds and could split apart stone.
1688Facing the sword of a Destiny Decree master, Lin Ming didn’t have much of an expression at all. He shook the long spear in his hand and the Concept of Fire wove together with the Laws of space.
1689Law of Annihilation, Chain of Stars!
1690Peng!
1691space shattered like glass. The flame energy fused with the power of space, condensing into tiny fragments that spun in the air like miniature stars. Then, they turned toward Old Man Yan and shrouded over his sword light.
1692Ca!
1693Harsh sounds of colliding energy filled the air. The star fragments tore into the sword light and terrifying true essence shockwaves exploded outward, causing a massive storm to set off in the surrounding area.
1694Under the impact of such a terrifying flow of energy, Old Man Yan was struck in the chest. He was sent flying backward, the blood tumbling in his body as he nearly vomited some!
1695“Sovereign!”
1696As the young elites of the Misty Stream Sect saw Old Man Yan sent flying back in such a miserable state, all of them were inexplicably horrified. The Skysplit Sword their Sovereign used was the ultimate finishing move of their Misty Stream Sect! How could this have happened!?
1697Meanwhile, Lin Ming didn’t give Old Man Yan any chance to recover. He turned the red spear in his hands and the Chain of Stars came out again!
1698This time, Lin Ming was the one taking the initiative to attack. The power of space condensed into countless space fragments that shot outward. Old Man Yan blocked some but many of the other martial artists were also caught within the range of the attack.
1699“Be careful!”
1700“Withdraw!”
1701Several Elders cried out in alarm while they simultaneously released true essence shields around them. However, the most they could protect was themselves; it was impossible for them to help anyone else.
1702The space fragments were just too fast. They sprayed forward like a hail of knives, recklessly firing toward the martial artists.
1703A part of the space fragments violently crashed into several Elder’s true essence shields, erupting into brilliant and deadly sparks of energy. But most of the space fragments had flowed toward the groups of ordinary martial artists. Most of them had a cultivation at the Revolving Core realm and some were even at the Xiantian realm. It was impossible for them to resist such an attack!
1704Peng! Peng! Peng! Peng! Peng!
1705Fresh scarlet red blood bloomed in the air. Miserable screams sounded out from all over. Several Revolving Core martial artists had their heads directly pierced through by these space fragments. Then, the savage and violent power of space broke out, causing their heads to burst apart and their brain fluids to mix with the rain of blood.
1706“Quickly, retreat!”
1707All of the surviving young martial artists from every sect and family clan instantly lost any shred of courage they had left. Their minds cracked in fear as they all fled away. They had originally come here thinking about obtaining the God Transforming Pill and all sorts of other lucky chances, but right now, the Lin Ming in front of them was no different from the devil himself!
1708No amount of wealth or lucky chances were as valuable as their lives!
1709However, they didn’t flee too far when they discovered a despairing truth that took away all their hopes. The entire great temple had been blocked off by the Jagged Slope Mountain Branch Division’s great array formation!
1710They couldn’t leave!!!
1711“Open it! Please, hurry up and open it!!”
1712Many of the young martial artists began screaming at the top of their lungs and there were even some martial artists that began launching attacks against the array formation. But let alone them, even Lin Ming who was skilled in the Demon Emperor’s array formation still required 10 breaths of time to break through it.
1713“Stop panicking! Open the grand temple’s killing array!” Hall Master Situ yelled out as he saw the situation spiraling out of control.
1714Several Asura Divine Kingdom Branch Division Protectors were already standing above the array formation runes. At this time, Lin Ming didn’t even bother glancing at them. He only flicked his fingers and three true essence air arrows fused with his battle spirit shot out.
1715These true essence air arrows were silent and invisible. With his large success bronze battle spirit attached to it and with the support of his Concepts, these air arrows were equivalent to the all-out attack of a three to four stage Life Destruction powerhouse using a heaven-step treasure!
1716With two ‘peng peng’ sounds, two of the true essence air arrows passed through the dantian of the Asura Divine Kingdom Revolving Core martial artists that had been standing on the array runes. The energy of the battle spirit burst out from within their dantian, causing their Revolving Core crystal nucleus to shatter apart.
1717Both people instantly died on the spot.
1718As for the last and strongest first stage Life Destruction martial artist, he loudly roared, retreating as he took out a high-grade earth-step treasure sword and cut down at the true essence air arrow. However, with a ‘kacha’ sound, that high-grade earth-step treasure was broken apart by the true essence air arrow. The air arrow didn’t slow down at all, piercing through the martial artist’s protective true essence before piercing through his head, causing a rain of blood to scatter out.
1719In an instant, that Life Destruction martial artist’s spiritual sea had been completely destroyed by the true essence air arrow.