Gate of God

Chapter 650: Withheld Power Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

“What? This brat actually … agreed?!” Third Elder and Fifth Elder exchanged glances and saw the disbelief in each other’s eyes.

All the other Heaven Dao disciples were flabbergasted. After all, they weren’t stupid, and could naturally see that Fang Zhengzhi was exploiting the ‘promise’ made to him by the elders. This way, on account of the elders’ dignity, they would have no choice but to allow Fang Zhengzhi to participate in the third round of the selection test despite their personal grievances.

However, Fang Zhengzhi accepted Kong Qing’s challenge out of the blue! They couldn’t wrap their heads around Fang Zhengzhi’s intentions no matter how hard they thought about it.

“Can he still participate in the third round after his battle against Senior Kong Qing?”

“Is he stupid?”

“I thought this brat was incredibly smart and witty with his words. I never thought he’d make such a foolish blunder at this key juncture! But it’s better this way – we’ll just let Senior Kong Qing butcher this brat and save us the trouble later!”

The Heaven Dao disciples couldn’t believe their ears, but they were still elated about this decision. In fact, even Kong Qing was a little disoriented, as he never expected Fang Zhengzhi to accept his challenge without any qualms.

“You accept?” Kong Qing glared at Fang Zhengzhi with his eyes almost bulging out. He had originally prepared to goad Fang Zhengzhi into a match, perhaps giving Fang Zhengzhi three priority strikes or something along those lines. He didn’t think that Fang Zhengzhi would agree to his little showdown so quickly.

“Yes, I’ve accepted it. Not only that, I’ll give you the first three moves!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded with certainty.

“You’ll give me the first three moves?!” Kong Qing was irate.

“That’s right. You’re already so weak – if I don’t give you the first three moves, it’ll look as though I’m just bullying you, won’t it? If that’s not enough, I can give you a few more moves. What about five? Or six, seven? Just choose whatever number you’d like!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded decisively, appearing extremely generous.

“You, you ….” Kong Qing’s jaw dropped, completely speechless.

The Heaven Dao disciples surrounding them were similarly dumbfounded, completely suspended in disbelief. They could not comprehend what was going on at all.

He’s giving Senior Kong Qing the first three moves?!

That bastard actually gave Senior Kong Qing the first three moves!

The Heaven Dao disciples glanced at each other. This was almost like seeing pancakes drop from the sky – no one could believe what was going on.

And Fang Zhengzhi still wants to participate in the third round of the selection test afterwards.

Unbelievable.

Third Elder and Fifth Elder looked at each other, then gazed back at Kong Qing and Fang Zhengzhi, unable to comprehend the situation.

If Fang Zhengzhi was stupid, then they wouldn’t be this surprised. However, Fang Zhengzhi’s performance – from eliminating the respective candidates and ascending the cliff of Sword Peak, to the series of decisions and actions he made after arriving at the Heaven Academic Altar – told them one thing: Fang Zhengzhi was freakishly smart.

Yet for someone so devilish smart, he has made such an unfathomable decision that would trap himself in an disadvantageous situation. The elders were baffled, yet precisely because they couldn’t comprehend Fang Zhengzhi’s decision, they grew even more anxious, crossing their brows tightly.

Nan Gongmu also looked at Yan Xiu with his mouth agape. He let out a meek little voice, “Is it him?”

“I can’t ascertain that.” Yan Xiu shook his head, “I’ve never seen him offer his opponent so many advantages in a battle before, and to an opponent at the peak of the Rebirth State no less.”

“Um, I think so too. If it really was him, he would have taken the cheap deal. He should be able to tell how eager Kong Qing is to challenge him.” Upon hearing Yan Xiu’s explanation, Nan Gongmu nodded slowly.

Yan Xiu stopped here and continued observing from his current location, gluing his eyes to Fang Zhengzhi’s face, attempting to decipher something from his expression.

“He’s really playing with fire!” Qian Wu let out a cold cough.

Yan Qing, on the other hand, kept mum as though nothing had happened. He just stood there quietly, as though preparing for something.

As for Kong Qing … he suddenly cracked a laugh. He broke into maniacal laughter, cackling so hard that his body shuddered.

“You disgusting little brat, do you really think I’m such a pushover?! Let me warn you – I may not be the strongest disciple of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, but I can still take a shameless ingrate like you in three moves!” After his outburst, his body radiated with a blue glow.

It was a shade of blue between that of water and the sky. It wasn’t as dark as the blue of water, but it wasn’t as azure as the blue of the sky. It sat in between the two, seeming extremely strange yet emanating an overpowering aura.

“That’s enough nonsense. I said I’ll give you three moves, so I will give you three moves!” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Kong Qing, unfazed, and gestured at him flippantly without radiating any light from his body.

“Ah!! You brat, die!” Kong Qing finally attacked.

After all, very few people could endure such humiliation from Fang Zhengzhi. Even a mighty Heaven Dao disciple at the peak of the Rebirth State was still looked down upon by him.

He thrusted the long sword in his hand straight out. The blade was cloaked in a resplendent glow, revealing a chilling murderous intent.

Just seconds ago, it still left a blurry shadow behind Kong Qing, but in the next instant, it was already right in front of Fang Zhengzhi aiming straight for his throat.

“Is this even an attack?” Fang Zhengzhi sighed as he saw the razor-sharp tip of the sword in front of his face. Then, he simply leaned his head to one side and dodged Kong Qing’s strike.

“An attack?” Kong Qing’s lips twitched subconsciously. He wanted to retort: How the f*ck is this a single attack? Which one of your eyes told you that I’m finished? Yet, he was not that particular about these things.

After noticing Fang Zhengzhi avoid his attack, a sinister glint flickered in Kong Qing’s eyes. He twisted the hand wielding the sword and slashed it downwards. At the same time, the blue light cloaking the blade burst forth in full resplendence, morphing into numerous swirling petals.

The Falling Flowers Sword Technique!

Its name just meant that this sword technique could only unleash its full might when flower petals are falling.

If Fang Zhengzhi avoided the attack earlier than he did, Kong Qing certainly wouldn’t have summoned the flowers down so soon. But with Fang Zhengzhi jerking his neck so forcefully … how could Kong Qing let this chance slip?

Countless blue petals rained down on Fang Zhengzhi and at the same time, Kong Qing’s sword became even more sinister, brimming with murderous intent.

“Eh? So this is the complete move!” Fang Zhengzhi finally realized what was going on after noticing the fluttering blue petals.

But … his voice travelled from five steps away.

“What’s going on?!” The pupils in Kong Qing’s eyes contracted, completely astonished. After all, he was supremely confident of slaying Fang Zhengzhi with a single slash at such close proximity. But in fact, Fang Zhengzhi managed to escape right as the petals came fluttering down? It was mind-boggling.

“What speed!”

“He didn’t use the Dao of All Creation, did he? He actually avoided Senior Kong Qing’s Falling Flowers Sword Technique so easily?!”

“This brat may be shameless to the core, but he’s definitely no weakling!”

The surrounding Heaven Dao disciples naturally witnessed how Fang Zhengzhi already retreated backwards when Kong Qing struck his sword down, but it looked as though he had strangely teleported away.

And what was even stranger was, in the instant that Fang Zhengzhi retreated, there was a temporary shadow still remaining at his original position. If Kong Qing was not directly in front of Fang Zhengzhi, he should have realized this much earlier, but Kong Qing still released the flower petals.

It was very simple – it was a blind spot.

Fang Zhengzhi used the shadow to impede Kong Qing’s vision, tricking Kong Qing into believing that he simply twisted his neck while remaining at his spot.

“Ah … how weak! You still have two more chances, make use of them wisely!” Fang Zhengzhi gazed at Kong Qing five steps away, reminding him as he sighed and shook his head.

“Ah!” Kong Qing let out a furious bellow.

He clenched the handle of his sword tightly as blue light surged explosively from his body, as though his entire body was being wrapped in a giant ball of clouds.

“If this brat didn’t give Kong Qing the first three moves, Kong Qing might very well lose!” Fifth Elder let out a sigh after witnessing this scene.

“Mm. Kong Qing is really agitated, unable to maintain his composure. This way, he has already lost half the battle. If his opponent actually retaliated, Kong Qing would have been utterly defeated!” Third Elder nodded and gently flicked his finger, sending out a faint ray of white light.

Instantly, the ray of white light penetrated the back of Kong Qing’s skull and disappeared without a trace.

Kong Qing’s body jerked and the explosive blue light emanating from his body retracted abruptly, as though the clouds were all absorbed into his body.

In the next moment, his body stopped shivering.

“Brat, do you know what’s the Heaven Dao?” After pausing for a brief moment, Kong Qing raised his head up slowly, gradually lifting his sword up and pointing it straight at Fang Zhengzhi.

The glow on his body had faded, but his eyes were still flickering with a sparkling blue radiance like two blue crystals.

“Senior Kong Qing has finally calmed down!”

“Now this is Senior Kong Qing’s true potential!”

“Senior Kong Qing, let this shameless traitor taste the true strength of a Heaven Dao disciple!”

The Heaven Dao disciples buzzed with sheer excitement upon noticing the blue glint in Kong Qing’s eyes. This indicated that Kong Qing was now at the peak of his strength.

He was withholding his power!

Chapter 651: The Strange Explosion, The True Meaning of the Heaven Dao Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

“If you want to fight then let’s cut the crap!” Fang Zhengzhi completely ignored Kong Qing’s words and replied without a care as usual.

Kong Qing clenched his fist again, but this time, he wasn’t as agitated as before.

“Show me your weapon!” Kong Qing glanced at Fang Zhengzhi’s empty hands. He was purely bent on slaughtering Fang Zhengzhi a moment ago, but now, he wanted to retrieve his dignity as well.

“Against you? There’s no need for a weapon.” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

“You’ll regret this, brat!” Kong Qing stopped his bickering just as Fang Zhengzhi had said – speak with actions and not words. He wanted to use his strength to force out Fang Zhengzhi’s weapon.

Shuffling his feet to another side, Kong Qing decided to strike again. But this time, he was a lot slower than before despite still maintaining an adequate level of speed. In an instant, he arrived in front of Fang Zhengzhi again, shortening their distance of five steps immediately to one.

He swung his plain-looking sword out. It looked nothing out of the ordinary, yet it vibrated with a faint piercing sound as dots of light flickered from the tip of the blade. He then thrusted it straight for Fang Zhengzhi’s throat.

However … just as Kong Qing thrusted his sword out, the entire space quaked, as though the surrounding air was all being engulfed and absorbed by this sword.”

“Reusing the same tactic again, is that going to work?” Fang Zhengzhi didn’t seem to notice the changes in the surrounding air, and still continued leaning his head to one side.

The long sword brushed right across Fang Zhengzhi’s neck.

The scene didn’t look too different from their previous confrontation. Both Kong Qing’s attack and Fang Zhengzhi’s dodging motion looked around the same as before. However, just as the sword brushed right past him in the instant that Fang Zhengzhi tilted his neck to one side, the expression he made completely changed.

“What’s going on? I can’t move!” Fang Zhengzhi gasped frantically. His body was completely immobolized.

“You can’t move? Hahaha …. I just warned you, didn’t I? Now, I’ll let you die with the knowledge that my Dao has almost achieved the Heaven Dao’s existence!” Kong Qing finally chuckled after hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s desperate gasps.

From the humiliation he faced below the Heaven Dao Pavilion, to the shame he felt on the Sword Peak cliff, and finally to the rage he endured after being chided and mocked by countless people in the Heaven Academic Altar – he finally released all his pent up frustrations.

He wasn’t hasty to strike, because he knew that the moment the tip of the sword brushed across Fang Zhengzhi’s throat, he had won the match.

The Falling Flowers Sword Technique was a move that relied on an instantaneous explosion – weak before the moment of discharge, but extremely formidable at the point when the energy is released.

For an attack, it wasn’t considered an overly extravagant or overwhelming move, but Kong Qing still chose this sword technique without any second thoughts, simply because this technique could best capitalize on the strength of his Dao of All Creation.

What was the most important thing of an instantaneous explosion?

Chance!

But then again, how could he rely so much on chance in a battle between two true powerhouses? If he couldn’t gain the upper hand early in the battle, how could he then force his opponents to reveal gaps in their defenses?

This was the flaw of the Falling Flowers Sword Technique, but this did not affect Kong Qing at all. His Dao of All Creation has virtually attained the level of the Heaven Dao, and hence could create countless chances to strike by relying on his masterful manipulation of air and Qi.

“He won! That’s Senior Kong Qing for you!”

“That’s right, that brat underestimated Senior Kong Qing. If he distanced himself further from Senior Kong Qing, he wouldn’t have been immobilized so quickly!”

“No matter how fast he is, he’s dead meat once he’s immobilized!”

The surrounding Heaven Dao disciples began to smile. They naturally knew very well that the immobilized Fang Zhengzhi was not a conjured shadow. In other words … he has really been immobilized by Kong Qing, unable to escape.

Then, how can possibly evade the Falling Flowers Sword Technique’s instantaneous explosion?

“Die!” Kong Qing didn’t wait for his opponent’s last words. He has done everything in his power to make Fang Zhengzhi aware of the reason for his imminent demise.

He twisted the sword with his hand and swung it across. Boundless amounts of resplendent blue light burst forth from the blade, morphing into countless swirling blue petals glowing gorgeously under the sunlight.

It was a breathtaking sight, yet it was a chilling scene surging with sinister murderous intent, turning the surrounding air cold.

“Kong Qing, spare his life!” Third Elder and Fifth Elder finally came to their senses after noticing the countless blue petals aiming straight at Fang Zhengzhi.

They knew that the battle would turn ugly after Kong Qing regained his composure, but they did not expect Fang Zhengzhi to lose the battle … or his life so quickly.

Sparing Fang Zhengzhi’s life was definitely not because they felt that Fang Zhengzhi’s crime was unworthy of death. They just needed to clarify Fang Zhengzhi’s true motive for entering the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Third Elder and Fifth Elder yelled, but it seemed like they were too late. Kong Qing’s sword was so quick and merciless as the pent-up rage suppressed in his chest exploded all at once, and the number of falling petals increased instead.

“Boom!” A thunderous blast.

All the blue petals finally morphed into spots of light, dissipating into the air and enveloping the sky in a peculiar shade of blue, forming a blue vortex-like air current.

There was silence. A temporary silence.

And after the silence, came an eruption of cheers!

“He won! Senior Kong Qing won!”

“That shameless bastard is finally defeated!”

“He still died in the end, didn’t he?”

The surrounding Heaven Dao disciples cheered as they gazed upon the man sprawled on the ground beside Kong Qing who was still standing.

“Thank you, thank you all, my fellow disciples. I knew he was too weak. Do you believe me now?” Kong Qing’s voice rang above the commotion.

Then, he kicked the person on the ground twice.

“Cough!” A mouthful of blood spurted out from the victim’s mouth, staining his pale face with blotches of blood. He looked incredibly pathetic, but he wasn’t dead.

“You, you …” The person lying on the ground shuddered with his eyes bulging out furiously. His body was stained with countless streaks of blood of varying sizes, looking completely ghastly and unrecognizable.

“Third Elder, Fifth Elder, I followed your orders and spared his life. Shall you two Elders now honor your promise?” Kong Qing cast his eyes on Third Elder and Fifth Elder not far away, cracking a bright smile.

“Promise? What promise?”

“Hold on, what isn’t Senior Kong Qing … holding a sword?!”

“Where’s Senior Kong Qing’s sword? Why is it in that shameless bastard’s hands?”

“What’s going on?”

Upon hearing Kong Qing’s words, the crowd’s cheers died down as the disciples gazed at the figure standing in the distance.

Very soon, they noticed something wrong. The sword in Kong Qing’s hand was gone! And the person lying on the ground covered in blood … has a sword in his hand, and it’s the same sword that Kong Qing was wielding.

“Brat, you …” Fifth Elder looked at the blood-covered individual sprawled on the ground, then gazed up at ‘Kong Qing’ beaming brightly from ear to ear. He could not believe his eyes.

Third Elder also refused to believe what just happened. Even the emperors and princes sitting in the Heaven Academic Altar stood up one after the other, with everyone focusing their attention on ‘Kong Qing’ at the centre of the battlefield.

“Father, could that be …?” Lin Yun asked Lin Mubai.

“Um, no doubt about it!” Lin Mubai nodded slowly. He knew what Lin Yun was asking, and he also knew what the emperors from the other three kingdoms were thinking.

“Who exactly is this brat?”

“There’s nobody like him in the Radiant Moon Empire!”

“Not in the War Pinnacle Empire either!”

The emperors of the other three empires exchanged glances and shook their heads. Finally, they turned their gaze to Lin Mubai.

“He shouldn’t be from the Great Xia Empire either.” Lin Mubai shook his head and replied after noticing the curious looks from his peers.

All of the emperors shook their heads. They then looked back at the old man donning long white robes sitting behind them on the stone chair sculpted from white jade – Mu Qingfeng, the Pavilion Leader of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Mu Qingfeng opened his eyes slowly after sensing the gazes directed at him by the four emperors, and glanced over at ‘Kong Qing’.

“Hm, that is indeed the Heaven Dao.” Mu Qingfeng spoke slowly, seemingly mumbling to himself yet also answering the emperors’ queries.

“The Heaven Dao?!”

“Senior Kong Qing has already achieved the Heaven Dao? It can’t be … unless, unless Master is saying that ….”

“It’s that shameless bastard! He … actually achieved the Heaven Dao?!”

The Heaven Dao disciples were flabbergasted after hearing Mu Qingfeng’s answer. The Heaven Dao? That shameless bastard has mastered the Heaven Dao of the Six Rebirth Dao Techniques?

Then … who’s the person lying on the ground?

Kong Qing!

But, why is that the case?

That scoundrel didn’t even move. Kong Qing already immobilized him and unleashed the Falling Flowers Sword Technique.

Even if he did master the Heaven Dao and was able to escape from Kong Qing’s grasp, it still doesn’t explain why the Falling Flowers Sword Technique would attack Kong Qing instead and leave that bastard unscathed.

“Right, I forgot to answer your previous question. Of course I have mastered the Heaven Dao!” Fang Zhengzhi glanced down at Kong Qing lying on the ground after recalling the question.

Chapter 652: Everyone Ought To Have Some Limits

Kong Qing’s eyes were bulging furiously. He grasped the sword tightly in one hand as he pressed his other hand forcefully on the ground, attempting to help himself up. But he could not do it ….

The Falling Flowers Sword Technique was a move that he practiced in the Heaven Dao Pavilion himself, but now the tables have turned and he was hit with his own attack. He couldn’t understand how that happened until he heard Fang Zhengzhi exclaim, “Of course I have mastered the Heaven Dao!”

“The Heaven Dao?! You, you just used the …” Kong Qing’s throat wobbled. He wanted to utter something out, but a mouthful of blood spurted out instead, rendering him unable to finish his sentence.

If Kong Qing had one term that was used the most frequently on him, it would undoubtedly be the ‘Heaven Dao’. All this while, Kong Qing’s target has always been to achieve the Sagely State through mastering the Heaven Dao, but reality is cruel – the Heavenly Rebirth Dao State, the top of the Six Dao States, was an insurmountable challenge.

But even so, Kong Qing still used his own methods to close the gap between his own Dao and the Heaven Dao, even achieving the title of having the Dao closest to the Heaven Dao as mentioned by the Heaven Dao Pavilion elders. When he first heard the elders say this, he rejoiced for three full days.

But now … standing before him was a scoundrel he labelled as a shameless brat, yet the scoundrel has grasped everything that he has ever wanted, and even used the Heaven Dao to defeat him.

Why? Why can such an utterly shameless bastard master the Heaven Dao, and yet I, who have slogged so hard, can’t even do it?!

Kong Qing felt indignant, extremely indignant.

But reality was as cruel as ever. He has lost at the hands of Fang Zhengzhi, at the Heaven Dao which he yearned for so much. This fact was already set in stone.

“Oh right, I forgot to ask you something. Do you know how to use the Heaven Dao?” Fang Zhengzhi glanced at the pathetic-looking Kong Qing at his feet and smirked.

“I, I … Blurt!” He expelled another mouthful of blood. He wanted to retort Fang Zhengzhi – Of course I know! – but he had no energy left to utter it. The person standing in front of him was a true master of the Heaven Dao, so how could he even say such a thing?

“Ah … how weak!” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head and sighed.

“I, I only used two attacks, you … didn’t you say you would give me three chances?” Kong Qing still couldn’t let go of the lingering grudge despite having already been defeated.

Fang Zhengzhi did say that he would give Kong Qing the first three moves. Although he was unwilling to admit that he was weaker than Fang Zhengzhi, he would have definitely realized that Fang Zhengzhi has mastered the Heavenly Dao if Fang Zhengzhi didn’t retaliate after his second attack. That way, even though he may have still lost eventually, he wouldn’t have suffered such a miserable defeat, or at the very least, he would have injured Fang Zhengzhi.

“Three moves? Did you really believe me? I didn’t expect Senior Kong Qing is still so naive at such an age!” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Kong Qing, with his expression saying one thing: you can be naive, but not to such a stage.

“You, you … wah ….” Kong Qing couldn’t endure the agony any longer. His body collapsed on the ground with a thud as he expelled another mouthful of blood. His vision blacked out and he passed out.

“Senior Kong Qing!”

“That scoundrel, he … he made Senior Kong Qing faint from anger?!”

“The Heaven Dao. That brat has really mastered the Heaven Dao!”

Upon noticing the unconscious Kong Qing, all the Heaven Dao disciples had only two words floating in their minds – “Heaven Dao”. The pinnacle of the Six Rebirth Dao Techniques, and the Dao closest to the Saint State.

“Is it him? The Heaven Dao, it seems like he …” Nan Gongmu glanced over at Yan Xiu again. This was already the second time he posed this question today.

“No!” Yan Xiu shook his head.

Yan Xiu’s answer was much firmer this time round, without any of the hesitation he showed before.

“It’s not? But as far as I know, when he was at the Southern Region …” Nan Gongmu was slightly taken aback by Yan Xiu’s resolute answer.

“As he was leaving the Flame Capital City, he told me that his mastery of the Heaven Dao has reached a bottleneck and he could achieve true success. The most he could do would be to restrain his opponent temporarily, and it would be virtually impossible for him to swap positions instantaneously like this with the ‘Shifting Forms’ technique. And most importantly, he was only in the Supernatural State, but this is clearly a level of strength only achievable by those in the Rebirth State!” explained Yan Xiu.

“I see!” Nan Gongmu nodded after hearing Yan Xiu’s explanation.

He naturally knew that Yan Xiu was probably telling the truth. In these past two years, Fang Zhengzhi has not shown any progress in his mastery of the Heaven Dao, the pinnacle of the Six Rebirth Dao Techniques. So how could he possibly improve this much in just two months?

Most importantly, the level of strength displayed here was of an entirely different State. Fang Zhengzhi was only at the Supernatural State but the person before them was clearly in the Rebirth State.

Hence, with these two huge disparities virtually impossible to be reconciled at the same time, Yan Xiu firmly dismissed the possibility that the person in front of him was Fang Zhengzhi.

….

“A master of the Heaven Dao, that brat ….” Fifth Elder gazed at Fang Zhengzhi standing in the distance, then looked back at the unconscious Kong Qing. He agonized over this dilemma with his mouth agape.

“Hm, and he even used the ‘Shifting Forms’ technique. If my hunch is correct, he used the Heaven Dao to freeze the explosion of the Falling Flowers Sword Technique instantaneously. Following that, he swapped positions with Kong Qing at the highest speed possible. Because he was in such close proximity to Kong Qing, and because he was dressed just like Kong Qing, it made it so difficult for onlookers to realize this …” Third Elder’s lips twitched.

“But didn’t this brat master the Near-Life Dao of the Six Rebirth Dao Techniques? How could he possibly master the Heaven Dao?!” Fifth Elder pondered over this problem.

“The Near-Life Dao was just a hunch that we had. We have never witnessed him tame the Green Flame Beast with our own eyes before. But if he really has mastered the Heaven Dao, then taming the Green Flame Beast wouldn’t be a problem at all!” Third Elder shook his head and explained after hearing Fifth Elder’s question.

“Hm, that makes sense. The Heaven Dao … Doesn’t that make this brat a Half Sage?!” Fifth Elder nodded and shot a glance straight at Fang Zhengzhi.

“We can’t be sure about that yet. Maybe he’s only just mastered the Heaven Dao. After all, during his battle against Kong Qing, he didn’t really unleash his full strength, but instead exploited Kong Qing’s blind trust in his promise to clinch a surprise victory!” Upon hearing this, Third Elder shook his head again.

“You’re right, Third Elder. From this brat’s tone, it seems like he’s not even 25 years old. Such a young Half Sage was practically unheard of in the entire Holy Region, not just the four empires!”

“This brat’s talent is far greater than we’ve ever imagined, and he’s so utterly shameless. He can’t possibly hail from the four empires, but if he’s really from another sect, then … what’s his true motive?”

“Regardless of what his motive is, if he’s really from another allegiance besides the four empires, we definitely cannot allow him into the Heaven Dao Pavilion. Otherwise, the consequences would be disastrous!”

“Yes, this is the only way!” Third Elder nodded and looked back at Fang Zhengzhi. A cold glint flickered in his eyes as he subconsciously tightened his fist.

While the five sects also belong to the Holy Region, they each occupy a separate area. Although there hasn’t been overwhelmingly violent scuffles between them for hundreds of years, hidden conflicts are nonetheless a common occurrence. This was attributed to the differences in each of their ‘ideologies’.

For instance, the Heaven Dao Pavilion believes in following Heaven’s will and self-cultivation, while the Nine Pinnacle Mountain worships the Nine Pinnacles, believing that the Nine Pinnacles were formed for the balance of the heavens and lands. On the other hand, the Yin Yang Hall believe that all forms of existence hail from Yin and Yang, and everything was created for the balance of Yin and Yang.

Different ideologies naturally set the five sects on different training methods. Although they begin from the same foundations, the final result of their training would definitely differ.

Besides this, they were bestowed with different resources.

The Holy Region was wide, and consisted mainly of great mountains and deep lakes. Besides the existence of countless formidable beasts and hidden demons, there were also boundless natural wealth and treasures.

Although each of the five sects have demarcated their respective territories very clearly after countless wars, it was virtually impossible for any party to respect these boundaries when precious treasures surface!

Third Elder knew very well that there was ongoing conflict brewing among the five sects, and he naturally knew the various tactics employed by the opposing parties.

Using spies is an age-old strategy which was immensely beneficial and most importantly, the cost involved was minimal. Not only were spies ‘fed’ by the enemy forces, they could deliver crucial information at pivotal junctures.

Third Elder took a step out and walked towards Fang Zhengzhi.

The Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test has always been held personally by the emperors of the four empires. Not only was every recommended participant a prodigy, their background had to be ‘clean’. This was the silent agreement between the Heaven Dao Pavilion and the emperors of the four empires.

“Reveal your true identity, you brat. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to attack you myself!” Third Elder stopped five steps in front of Fang Zhengzhi. His broad white sleeves fluttered in the breeze.

The emperors of the four empires and the spectating Heaven Dao disciples all understood Third Elder’s decision.

Identity! A clean identity!

If Fang Zhengzhi simply displayed incredible talent during his battle against Kong Qing, Third Elder would have naturally considered honoring his previous promise and allowed Fang Zhengzhi to participate in the third round of the test.

However, Fang Zhengzhi’s performance was evidently overwhelming. For someone who has mastered the Heaven Dao, it was no longer a question of talent. Mastering the Heaven Dao, the pinnacle of the Six Rebirth Dao Techniques, was already equivalent to having half a foot in the Sagely State.

Then, how could Third Elder possibly ignore Fang Zhengzhi’s true identity?

“It seems like … Third Elder doesn’t intend to honor his promise?” Fang Zhengzhi did not retreat, instead taking a quick sweeping glance at Yan Xiu and Nan Gongmu. He slowly cracked a smile.

Yan Xiu was the reason why he agreed to Kong Qing’s challenge without hesitation and intentionally revealed his mastery of the Heaven Dao – because Yan Xiu had previously asked him about the Heaven Dao. And most importantly, he knew Yan Xiu’s personality very well. If he purposely concealed the Heaven Dao and employed other moves instead, he would definitely arouse Yan Xiu’s suspicions.

But if … he flashed his Heaven Dao out right from the start, Yan Xiu would instead believe that he was not intentionally hiding something. This way, this might possibly cause Yan Xiu to confirm that the person right there was not Fang Zhengzhi.

“Reveal your identity and I’ll honor my promise!” Third Elder seemed to have predicted that Fang Zhengzhi would harbor on the promise as a convenient excuse. He was unfazed by Fang Zhengzhi’s comment.

“Disciple of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Kong Qing!” Fang Zhengzhi replied casually.

“Nonsense!” Third Elder’s tone turned hostile.

“Disciple of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Kong Qing!” Fang Zhengzhi repeated.

“You brat, you’re forcing me to attack you!” Third Elder took another step forward as his eyes flickered with spots of white light.

“Are you bullying the weak?” Fang Zhengzhi retorted.

“So what if I am? The Heaven Dao Pavilion has been around for thousands of years. How can we allow an unidentifiable scoundrel like you to run amuck and spout nonsense? Haha …. Even with the emperors of the four empires here today, I’m willing to forsake the dignity of my old face but I’ll definitely tear off that fake mask of yours!”

Third Elder took another step forward, surging with strength as a spot of white light flashed repeatedly on his forehead.

“It seems that no amount of reason is enough for the unreasonable.” Fang Zhengzhi expressed his disappointment as he watched Third Elder close in.

“You brat, there’s no point of continuing this nonsense. I’ll give you one final chance. Reveal your identity and I’ll honor my promise. Otherwise, don’t blame me for hurting you too severely!” As he spoke, the white glow on Third Elder’s forehead grew brighter and brighter until a word could be seen fading in and out of view.

“Ten moves! Why don’t you let me have the first ten moves? You’re so old and I’m still so young. You’re bullying the weak here. Giving me the first ten moves shouldn’t be too much to ask for right?” Fang Zhengzhi hastily exclaimed as he noticed the concentrating white light on Third Elder’s forehead.

“You brat …” Third Elder was evidently astounded by this comment. He had seen shameless people before, but none as shameless as this.

Ten moves?

Putting the motive and usefulness of this proposal aside, he was clearly not seeking a fair match, was he?

“No? Fine, then make it nine moves. Nine moves should be fine right? You’re at least sixty years older than me, right? I’ll exchange nine moves for the age gap of sixty years. I’ll ignore the fact that you’re bullying the weak, but if you don’t even let me have the first nine moves, wouldn’t this a little immoral?” Fang Zhengzhi continued.

“Immoral?!” Third Elder clenched his fist tightly.

As a respectful elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, how humiliating is it for his morality to be questioned in front of all the Heaven Dao disciples and the emperors of the four empires?

Yet …. It was just as Fang Zhengzhi asserted. He was really bullying the weak!

“Eight moves, how about that? I’ll take it that I stepped on a pile of shit. You’re a powerhouse in the Sagely State bullying a small little fry like me. Where have your morals gone? Shouldn’t everyone have some limits?” Fang Zhengzhi seemingly did not notice the expression on Third Elder’s face as he continued.

Chapter 653: A Decisive Crack, An Indescribable Agony

“Brat, are you trying to provoke me?” Third Elder obviously knew that Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do. In terms of emotional stability, he was undoubtedly far superior to Kong Qing, but that didn’t mean that he could not be angered.

As the revered elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, it was virtually impossible for him to remain completely unfazed by Fang Zhengzhi’s relentless ‘verbal provocations’.

“Make it seven then. Or six would be fine too. Since you’re okay with abandoning your dignity as the respectful elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, bullying an inexperienced junior like this, sigh ….”

“Shut up!” Third Elder’s expression finally changed.

“Are you angry now? Why are you furious when I’m stating the truth? Where’s the logic in this? Let me have the first five moves then. At least five would be fine, right? This is already my limit!” It was impossible to frighten Fang Zhengzhi, and shutting him up would be beyond belief. No one could stop him from rattling on and on.

It was just like how Third Elder was itching was attack. If Fang Zhengzhi asked him to halt his attack, would he even heed that request?

“You want to die, don’t you!” Third Elder clenched his fist even tighter as the white speck of light on his forehead materialized instantly into an extremely complicated white character.

Then, he took another step forward. An immense surge of energy flowed from within his body, like a damn about to burst, causing the surrounding space to tremor.

The distance of two steps was definitely not long, and could be considered extremely close. Fang Zhengzhi could clearly feel this formidable energy deeply. Even the white scholarly robes he donned was fluttering under the force. But he did not retreat.

Or at least … he could not retreat now.

“Third Elder.” Suddenly, a voice rang from within the Heaven Academic Altar. It wasn’t particularly loud, but it was enough to send shivers down everyone in the crowd.

“Master!” Upon hearing this voice, all the Heaven Dao disciples bowed down in unison towards the centre of the Heaven Academic Altar.

Mu Qingfeng, who was originally seated on the white jade stone chair, stood up. He glanced over at the four emperors slowly, then scanned his eyes across the countless Heaven Dao disciples, finally landing his gaze on Fang Zhengzhi and Third Elder.

“Pavilion Leader!” Third Elder looked towards Mu Qingfeng. His face was flushed red, revealing a tinge of displeasure, but he still halted his attack. Fang Zhengzhi then heaved a sigh of relief.

Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t intending on provoking Third Elder for real. He just wanted Third Elder to reveal his flaws in battle. After all, that possibility was really low.

That being said, he knew that the Heaven Dao Pavilion was a place that valued morals, courtesy, fairness and justice. Furthermore, the emperors of the four empires were in the spectator stands. That way, even if Third Elder could forsake his dignity and shame, there would always be someone else who had to safeguard the dignity of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, for example, the Pavilion Leader of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Mu Qingfeng.

Indeed, the greatest flaw of a Sage was the limits of his morals.

This way, he should be able to participate in the third round of the selection test, right?

“Third Elder, I think what he said does make some sense. Give him the first five moves to make it fair.” Mu Qingfeng’s voice reverberated through the pavilion.

“Thank you, Pavilion Leader … Eh?!” Fang Zhengzhi had already prepared to thank the Pavilion Leader, but before he could finish his sentence, his eyes bulged out immediately.

Five moves? For fairness? What’s the meaning of this?

Could it be that, the standard script wasn’t for Mu Qingfeng to prevent the Heaven Dao Pavilion from bullying the weak and allow Fang Zhengzhi to participate in the third round?

The advancement of the plot … seemed wrong!

Didn’t all Sages have their moral standings? Wouldn’t they not bully the weak? Why did all these rules go straight out of the window when applied on himself?

“The Pavilion Leader’s generosity is simply extraordinary!”

Just as Fang Zhengzhi was dumbfounded by this sudden decision, Lin Mubai turned to Mu Qingfeng and expressed his approval for the latter’s call. The emperors and princes from the other three empires also stood up and commended Mu Qingfeng’s remarkable level of tolerance.

“Generosity? How is this considered being generous? Extraordinary …?” Fang Zhengzhi was astounded. He stared at the emperors of the four empires then turned to Mu Qingfeng, slightly disoriented.

Could it be … Is this the ‘background’ that the novels speak of?

Fang Zhengzhi recalled a famous literary masterpiece he came across in his past life, telling the tale of numerous demons of all kinds and a monkey hailed as the demon king. The ending was obvious – all the demons without any background plot written by the author would be killed with a single low from the monkey’s staff, while the demons with various extensive character histories would all be led away in defeat, and would even exclaim pompously, “This is disastrous!”

Upon remembering this, Fang Zhengzhi realized what was going on. After he concealed his identity perfectly, he naturally became a ‘demon’ without any background to his character. So what if the emperors of the four empires were watching him? Who would offend the Heaven Dao Pavilion over an unknown stranger?

This was a real problem, and worse still, Fang Zhengzhi was about to battle Third Elder for real.

“You brat, since the Pavilion Leader has spoken, I’ll heed your request. I’ll give you five moves!” Upon hearing Mu Qingfeng’s orders, Third Elder was slightly astonished, but a smile soon appeared on his face.

Fang Zhengzhi’s heart crumpled after noticing Third Elder’s expression.

A single sentence. Mu Qingfeng merely uttered a single sentence. This completely quelled Third Elder’s rage and even turned his anger into elation. This way, his strategy of provocation has completely gone down the drain.

The Pavilion Leader of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Mu Qingfeng …

This old duff is the real sly fox of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Fang Zhengzhi knew that it was time for him to run, but with nearly a thousand Heaven Dao disciples surrounding him, and with Fifth Elder blocking his escape route along with nine other participants, where could he flee?

And more importantly … Third Elder was extremely close, only two steps away.

Without a doubt, if he makes any attempt to flee, Third Elder would attack immediately and may even ignore the agreement to award Fang Zhengzhi the first five moves.

Fang Zhengzhi suddenly regretted his decision. He felt that he should coerce Third Elder to give him the first ten moves, no matter how tough that would be. No, at least twenty, or thirty. Every move counts!

“Come on, you brat. I won’t retaliate within the first five moves. You’re free to attack!” Third Elder naturally guessed Fang Zhengzhi’s intentions after noticing his wavering gaze, and his smile grew brighter.

The onlooking crowd of Heaven Dao disciples also cracked mocking smiles on their faces.

“Did this scoundrel actually believe that he could trample over the Heaven Dao Pavilion with just his mouth?”

“I want to see how this scoundrel can win Third Elder in this ‘fair’ match. Five moves? Haha … don’t even mention five. I don’t even think fifty moves are enough!”

“That’s right. I’m looking forward to seeing whether this brat still has other tricks up his sleeve. The Heavenly Rebirth Dao? Hahaha, does he not know what sort of place this is?”

As the Heaven Dao disciples broke into laughter, they turned their attention towards Fang Zhengzhi, as though they were looking at a dead man.

“Third Elder, I really do wish to begin the battle, but my level of strength is simply too low. Why don’t you give me the first ten moves instead?” Fang Zhengzhi ignored the gazes of the surrounding disciples and probed Third Elder.

“You truly are utterly shameless. Five moves is the maximum I’ll go. If you don’t start attacking, don’t blame me for … You insolent brat!” Third Elder suddenly hollered without finishing his sentence.

Fang Zhengzhi had already attacked without waiting for Third Elder to complete his sentence.

For Fang Zhengzhi, the distance of two steps voided every possibility of escape, but for Third Elder, it was the closest he could go.

Fang Zhengzhi was incredibly fast, and his speed increased even further after unleashing the Heaven Dao.

A ray of light as azure as the sky illuminated between him and Third Elder.

It was the Heaven Dao.

In the next moment, Fang Zhengzhi’s body traversed the azure ray of light and appeared right behind Third Elder. Following that, a resonant sound erupted.

“A sneak attack below the belt, but you’re not allowed to retaliate!”

After Third Elder barked at Fang Zhengzhi, he could clearly see what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do. Facing a sneak attack below the belt like this at such a short distance, he could only defend himself against this strike.

He instinctively prepared to repel Fang Zhengzhi behind him, which would be the easiest and most useful method to deal with a sneak attack. But under such circumstances, he suddenly heard Fang Zhengzhi’s voice ringing in his ear, “You’re not allowed to retaliate!”

Third Elder’s body shivered very conspicuously.

Repelling him? Is that considered as a form of retaliation? It should be. After all, repelling an opponent would possibly injure him.

In a moment of hesitation, Third Elder finally realized that he had no chance to avoid the attack, and could only take Fang Zhengzhi’s strike head-on.

A sneak attack below the belt? Does this brat really want to use a sneak attack below the belt?

Third Elder boasted a wealth of combat experience, and naturally knew that this was a false cry of distraction. No one would foolishly exclaim that he was using a sneak attack during an actual sneak attack.

Where were the fatal points behind him? The back of his head!

He quickly realized that this brat was luring him to guard his groin before proceeding to strike the back of his head. Based on how shameless this brat was, he would definitely do this. But … he couldn’t leave his groin unguarded.

After all, he had his testicles there!

What if that brat isn’t faking it and actually strikes his groin in the most unlikely scenario? What should he do then?

Third Elder felt chills down his spine.

If this was happening in a secluded place without any spectators, he could just kill Fang Zhengzhi with a single strike without anyone knowing. But now .. there were close to a thousand Heaven Dao disciples watching him, along with the emperors of the four empires and the Pavilion Leader Mu Qingfeng.

He could not take this risk.

Third Elder suddenly regretted his decision to close the distance between him and Fang Zhengzhi. This gave Fang Zhengzhi the perfect opportunity to perform a sneak attack.

Achieving the Heavenly Rebirth Dao State was almost equivalent to having half a foot in the Sagely State. Although a person at this level was not an official Sage, he was still incredibly dangerous, especially up-close. But then, how could he possibly consider all these factors when he was approaching Fang Zhengzhi?

“I can only block him from above and below!” Third Elder gritted his teeth and quickly covered his crotch with one hand while his other hand snaked behind his back and shielded his head.

And then … Third Elder felt an excruciating pain in his abdomen.

At the same time, an ecstatic voice rang in his ear. It was so loud and crisp that the entire Heaven Dao Pavilion could hear it extremely clearly.

“A Thousand Years of Pain!”

“….”

Third Elder’s expression changed drastically, his face turning from red to white, then from green to purple – purplish red like a pig’s liver.

It was an unbelievably acute and piercing pain, as though a torrential stream of water surged straight up his anus, into his spine and penetrating his brain.

At this moment, Third Elder’s brain was completely blank. Besides the pain …. there was nothing else in his head.

If there was a single word to describe Third Elder’s desire in this exact moment, it would be to ‘soar’. He wanted to soar to a place where no one could recognize him.

And sure enough, he actually flew up. Both his feet swiftly lifted off the ground, flying towards the sky at the speed of a meteorite. However, there were no clouds beneath his feet, and he had no wings on his back. Hence, he still fell down eventually.

“Plop!” Third Elder crashed into the ground, distorting the features on his face.

He never imagined that there would come a day where he would be in such a predicament. Neither has he ever imagined that Fang Zhengzhi would strike his anus after announcing that he would aim for his testicles!

He shielded his groin but not his anus?

A teardrop slid down the edge of Third Elder’s eye. It was an genuine sense of agony brought about by excruciating pain.

The entire Heaven Dao Pavilion fell into a deathly silence.

Fifth Elder’s eyes were bulging out, almost about to drop out of his eye sockets.

The nine candidates standing behind him: Yan Xiu, Nan Gongmu, Yan Qing, Qian Wu … were also flabbergasted, staring blankly at this highly unexpected scene.

All the Heaven Dao disciples’ mouths were wide open as they gazed upon Third Elder sprawled on the ground and Fang Zhengzhi still maintaining an extremely awkward stance.

Chills ran down their spines in a frenzy. Their jaws all dropped, but not a single one of them uttered a word. They were all rendered speechless.

Not only were the Heaven Dao disciples speechless, so were the emperors of the four empires. Even though they were all regal rulers, they could not utter a sound in this situation.

The four emperors froze, maintaining their awkward half-standing poses.

In fact, it wasn’t just the four emperors ….

Upon witnessing such a scene, even the Pavilion Leader of the Heaven Dao Pavilion – the usually refined, unfazed, calm and wise Mu Qingfeng – could not maintain his usual demeanour.

Chapter 654: Heavenly Descent, Becoming a Half Sage

Mu Qingfeng’s expression was definitely not as exaggerated as the Heaven Dao disciples, but a drop of cold sweat unknowingly trickled down his forehead. As he gazed at Third Elder sprawled on the ground in agony, he did not know what to say – because he was the one who suggested for Third Elder to give Fang Zhengzhi the first five moves.

Heaven pities and protects us all.

He never expected that Fang Zhengzhi would dare to strike Third Elder’s anus so mercilessly, and even pull off a successful sneak attack!

“….” Mu Qingfeng’s jaws dropped. He wanted to say something to comfort Third Elder, but he still swallowed his words eventually, because he knew Third Elder’s temper very well.

In situations like these, he could only pretend to have gone blind and not witnessed this embarrassing scene, or to have his memories suddenly fragment and pretend to have not remembered anything at all.

There was a strange eerie silence.

Mu Qingfeng was wary of Third Elder’s temper, and the Heaven Dao disciples were completely dumbfounded. After the initial wave of unbelievable shock, all the Heaven Dao disciples subconsciously lowered their heads.

“I didn’t see anything, I didn’t see anything …”

“I didn’t see anything at all!”

“Wow, the sun’s rays are so blinding …”

The Heaven Dao disciples lowered their heads one after another, muttering in their hearts and resisting the urge to do anything rash, too afraid to make a sound.

Yan Qing, Qian Wu and the other candidates looked at each other, noticing the astonishment and bewilderment in each other’s eyes.

As for Fang Zhengzhi … he had no time to hesitate.

After landing a successful strike after much effort, he wouldn’t possibly give Third Elder any chances to recover. As the saying goes, any mercy shown to the enemy is cruelty to yourself. Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t interested in self-harm, hence could only let Third Elder bear the brunt of the pain.

Having dealt Third Elder with the unimaginable Thousand Years of Pain, he naturally knew that Third Elder was now in a world of excruciating agony. And as the saying goes, I’ll kill you when you’re still down!

Fang Zhengzhi decided to strike again before Third Elder could recover.

He didn’t have time to ponder over more intricate issues like whether he would offend Third Elder and the Heaven Dao Pavilion. After all, he had to protect his own life first. Nothing else else mattered.

The Heaven Dao Pavilion wouldn’t be concerned about their moral principles for some unimportant background character, neither would they show any mercy. In such a situation, they would only care about saving themselves.

Fang Zhengzhi’s second strike came just as fast. Even though Third Elder flew about five or six steps away, it didn’t affect Fang Zhengzhi’s attack. The azure ray of light continued radiating in the air.

The Shifting Forms technique.

Fang Zhengzhi’s body traversed through the blinding light. He previously observed this technique being used by the Half Sage Can Yang of the Demon Race, hence had to proceed with caution.

In the blink of an eye, he already arrived behind Third Elder.

There were no extravagant movements, or any announcements made like the previous sneak attack. This time, Fang Zhengzhi acted almost silently.

An attack like the Thousands Years of Pain …. He certainly couldn’t use it again. After all, Third Elder was already sprawled on the ground. With this incorrect posture, Fang Zhengzhi couldn’t possibly execute a similar attack.

He landed a kick straight on Third Elder’s neck and head.

“Bang!” A deep thunderous sound ruptured through the Heaven Dao Pavilion. Following that, Third Elder’s body propelled into the air once again, flying into the distance at a terrifying speed before finally crashing straight into a white jade railing at the edge of the Heaven Academic Altar.

“Crack!” The white jade railing shattered instantly, and Third Elder’s body rolled a full eight steps away after the collision before finally stopping. His body was covered in debris.

“You insolent brat, how dare you ….” Fifth Elder’s voice finally rang. He clenched his fist so tight until it made cracking sounds. A shimmer of light flickered on his forehead. He didn’t complete his sentence, but anyone could tell that he was not only enraged, but extremely furious!

However, he didn’t take a step forward to help his senior even though his body was already shuddering incessantly from the immense rage.

“Shameless, utterly shameless!”

“He even attacked Third Elder while Third Elder was still down!”

“This guy is … really cruel!”

The Heaven Dao disciples began hurling insults at Fang Zhengzhi, but strangely enough, none of them moved forward to help Third Elder up. Even the expressions on their faces did not seem particularly tense.

“Was I not brutal enough? I already channelled 80% of my strength for that kick just now.” Fang Zhengzhi was not bothered by the chiding from the crowd.

He was more concerned about … stabbing Third Elder another time while he was still sprawled on the ground.

He had a tinge of hesitation, but ultimately did not waver for long. Fang Zhengzhi began his third attack. He clenched both his fists as his eyes glowed with a resplendent azure light as blue as the sky.

Shortly after, the same azure light also appeared above Third Elder’s head, with the exact same shade as the glint in Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes.

Thenn, the strangest thing happened. Fang Zhengzhi’s body vanished abruptly, leaving a black shadow at his original location, strangely enough.

In the next moment, Fang Zhengzhi’s fist emerged from the azure radiance above Third Elder’s head, followed by his head and body …

“It’s the Heavenly Descent!”

“It’s recorded in the ancient books that only a true master of the Heavenly Rebirth Dao can use such a technique!”

“How old is that shameless bastard? Judging from his voice, he shouldn’t be any older than 25 years old, right? How can he be a Half Sage?!”

The Heaven Dao disciples gazed upon this puzzling sight, dumbfounded by this realization.

Initially, even though they knew that Fang Zhengzhi has mastered the Heavenly Rebirth Dao, the disciples all believed that he was just a novice in the Dao and could only demonstrate a few simple tricks. But once Fang Zhengzhi used the ‘Heavenly Descent’, they knew that Fang Zhengzhi was a true master of the Heavenly Rebirth Dao.

To cut to the chase … Fang Zhengzhi was already a Half Sage!

“He even mastered the ‘Heavenly Descent’. If he was in my empire, I would have already given him a title equivalent to a prince!”

“From what I know, only Can Yang of the Demonic Race was able to master the Heavenly Rebirth Dao completely. Besides him, there isn’t anyone else!”

“That’s right, I never expected that there would be someone else! And we don’t even know which sect does he belong to!”

The emperors and princes of the four empires marvelled at this sight in awe.

“That brat is no amateur in the Heavenly Rebirth Dao!” Fifth Elder’s eyes closed shut. Even for him, he didn’t believe that Fang Zhengzhi could actually use the ‘Heavenly Descent’.

“The fake Senior Kong Qing … is indeed much stronger than the real one!”

“The Heavenly Descent, how remarkable!”

“I wish this fake Senior Kong Qing was real. Not only would I then have the chance to consult Senior Kong Qing, I would even be exposed to the Heaven Dao. Sigh, what a pity that he’s ultimately a fake …”

Upon witnessing this sight, the few candidates standing behind Fifth Elder revealed expressions of sheer awe and adulation, with a slight hint of pity.

As for Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu, Yan Qing and Qian Wu, the four of them eyed Fang Zhengzhi’s body basking under the azure radiance very closely, not uttering a word.

“Boom!” A thunderous sound reverberated through the arena.

Countless white stone fragments were sent flying in the air. Even the white jade floor was strewn with countless cracks and fissures. A cloud of white dust inundated the air and in the next moment, it fell to the ground.

Fang Zhengzhi’s body was suspended in midair. Only the tips of his feet was cloaked by the azure light, seeming extremely peculiar.

“Cough, cough …” Two coughs came from under the pile of shattered white jade. Then, a figure rose up from the ground very slowly, as though he was carrying a 1000 kg crucible. In fact, he was indeed lifting a person up.

Fang Zhengzhi!

Third Elder’s expression was evidently one of extraordinary pain. The pain caused both his legs to shiver unwillingly. He retracted his butt, clasping it tightly with both his legs.

It was an extremely awkward and ungraceful pose, but he still did it.

He couldn’t say a word. Only those who have personally experienced such excruciating pain would truly empathize with Third Elder’s feelings.

As a powerhouse in the Sagely State and a revered elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Third Elder has rarely felt such traumatizing thrills in the depths of his soul like he did today. And all of this could be attributed to the person standing above him right now.

“The Heavenly Descent. I haven’t seen this move for a very long time. Should I feel honored?” Third Elder glared at Fang Zhengzhi, straightening his arms out in front of him and gritting his teeth furiously.

“No need to feel that way, Third Elder. You stood up so quickly, are you sure you’re not hurting?” Fang Zhengzhi asked with a concerned face.

“You brat, I’ll kill you!” Third Elder’s face distorted freakishly, seeming as dark as the overcast clouds before a storm.

“Third Elder, please don’t be rash. You already took three strikes from me. You won’t possibly go against your promise now, would you?” Fang Zhengzhi’s body slowly retracted the azure radiance and looked at Third Elder with caring eyes.

“Stop your nonsense, you only have two more moves left!” Third Elder bit his lips hard. He naturally knew what Fang Zhengzhi was referring to.

Five moves!

When Third Elder first accept Mu Qingfeng’s decision to honor Fang Zhengzhi’s request, he even chuckled to himself in gratitude, seeming relieved and satisfied.

But now … if Heaven would give him a second chance, he would definitely tell Mu Qingfeng, “F*ck your five moves. If you have the balls, why don’t you give him five moves to attack you instead!”

Chapter 655: The Qian Kun Eight Wastelands

Third Elder was terribly aggrieved, and the excruciating pain overwhelmed him like a flood, surging all over him from his bottom in waves after waves. Yet, he had to endure it.

There were still two more moves. As long as he could withstand two more moves, everything would end.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally knew what Third Elder was thinking. Of course, he also knew that he wouldn’t have an easy time if he allowed Third Elder to tide through his two subsequent blows.

Even though Third Elder seemed to be at a considerable disadvantage after being dealt with his two sneak attacks, Fang Zhengzhi knew that Third Elder’s true strength wouldn’t pale in comparison to Cang Yue of Ling Yun Tower as an elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Fang Zhengzhi clearly remembered the simple exchange between Yan Qianli, Yan Xiu’s grandfather, and Cang Yue back at the Flame City Capital after the battle against King Xieluo. Their conversation allowed him to gauge the strength of those in the Sagely State.

For instance, Yan Qianli would be considered to have just entered the Sagely State not long ago, and have not truly attained the full strength of the State – supposedly a novice in the beginning stage.

By that logic … conservatively, Third Elder would be in the middle stage, or even the advanced stage of the Sagely State.

“No, I must wound him severely with my remaining two free moves!” Fang Zhengzhi quickly affirmed his objective, but how he would achieve that was another problem altogether. After all, Third Elder was not dimwitted, and was definitely a sly old fox.

How could Third Elder not anticipate the tricks that Fang Zhengzhi planned? For his remaining two moves, Fang Zhengzhi already foresaw the limited possibility of closing in on his opponent.

What could he do if he couldn’t get close to Third Elder? Should he continue using the Heavenly Descent?

Fang Zhengzhi quickly dismissed that idea. As great as the Heavenly Descent was, he couldn’t bite off more than he could chew. Most importantly, the Heavenly Descent was not the move with the greatest offensive potential.

In fact, its greatest strength was … the safety it granted the user.

To be blunt, the user could retreat after launching the attack.

“Shoom!” With Third Elder’s arduous effort, Fang Zhengzhi’s entire body finally entered the radiance of the azure light. In the next moment, he bizarrely reappeared at his previous location, his shadow conjuring under the sun’s rays.

Third Elder then heaved a sigh of relief. He was half-kneeling on the ground, clasping his bottom as tightly as possible. He supported himself off the ground gruellingly with both his palms, his forehead dripping with sweat.

Painful, really painful!

“You brat, come at me with whatever shameless underhand strategies you have left!” Third Elder finally managed to stand up after several effortful breaths, but his legs still wobbled unwillingly.

The Thousand Years of Pain of the Rebirth State was no joke.

Fang Zhengzhi knew that he couldn’t drag this on any longer. The longer he waited, the more Third Elder would recover. Someone in the Supernatural State could recover his own injuries, so someone in the Sagely State would definitely be able to do so.

Even though his strike has completely split Third Elder’s anus apart, his opponent would recover completely in no time. What should he do?

At such a considerable distance, the Heavenly Descent he used previously would be the quickest attack for him, but it was already blocked by Third Elder. What other ideas does he still have now?

Countless long-range attacks flashed through Fang Zhengzhi’s mind … but he quickly dismissed them one after another. This way, his two moves would be useless.

If he attacked from afar, the impact would definitely be weaker that of a close-range distance. Even if Third Elder has raised his guard, Fang Zhengzhi would still have to create opportunities to close in on his opponent.

No chances? Then create them!

With his mind set, Fang Zhengzhi couldn’t wait any longer. He skidded towards Third Elder, as though meeting an old friend in a long time.

“Third Elder, we actually don’t bear any personal grudges against each other. Can we shake hands? After that, I’ll forsake my two moves and you’ll let me enter the third round of the selection test, how about it?” Fang Zhengzhi proposed as he walked towards Third Elder.

“You disgusting brat, do you think you still have a chance now?” Third Elder’s face looked extremely ghastly. Upon noticing Fang Zhengzhi closing in quickly, he instinctively shifted his hand down to guard his rear.

How could he possibly not read Fang Zhengzhi’s mind?

Fang Zhengzhi was obviously using some casual banter to provoke him or catch him off guard, exploiting the chance to close in and create the opportunity for another sneak attack. How naive!

Third Elder didn’t retreat immediately. After all, his pride as an elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion prevented him from backing down from opposing pressure, but he had no intentions of allowing Fang Zhengzhi to approach him so easily like this.

A resplendent white light lit up on Third Elder’s forehead. The complicated white character on his forehead slowly morphed, as though gaining a life of its own. In the blink of an eye … it evolved into another character.

Furthermore, not only did the character experience changes, even its color and the surrounding glow changed into a uniform earthy yellow.

“I … F*ck?!” Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes were wide open. He stared at the evolving character on Third Elder’s forehead and the surrounding yellow radiance, and suddenly stopped in his tracks.

That thing can change?

Fang Zhengzhi has met Sages before, and not just one Sage. He met the Heavenly Oasis Saint, Yan Qianli and Cang Yue before, but all three of them have never demonstrated this move. What’s more, Fang Zhengzhi and the Heavenly Oasis Saint spent a full year and more together, but that old duff has never even mentioned this technique to him before.

What the heck?

Just as Fang Zhengzhi appeared slightly dazed, a wave-like yellow radiance dispersed from Third Elder’s forehead. At the same time, the entire space began shuddering, as though something was about to charge out.

Following that … something really charged out.

Rays of black cracks danced across the sky, with each fissure surging with overflowing yellow light. They were specks of faint yellow sand.

“Yellow sand? Yellow sand just appeared out of thin air?” Fang Zhengzhi’s comprehension of the Dao of All Creation was far deeper than before, and he was very familiar with the Dao’s characteristics.

Changes. Fundamental changes, or in other words, manipulation.

If you’re capable of altering a physical entity, you could effectively control all bodies with the same material, and allow this entity to become a weapon in your arsenal.

Take the simplest Water Dao for instance. In the beginning, one could manipulate water for both offensive and defensive techniques, and afterwards, one could then alter its state and turn it into either mist or ice. Ice could be used as a sword, while mist could be used to confuse opponents.

Everything was rooted to a single word – existence.

Nothing in this world can change completely from a state of non-existence to a state of existence. No one can conjure gems and treasures from thin air.

Furthermore, existence came in different forms. For example, existence in the Small Dimension was considered as such. Projecting the water from the Small Dimension into the real world and channeling the Origin Energy could allow the water to have a temporary existence in the real world.

This was an offensive technique of the Dao of All Creation.

For every entity that is projected from the Small Dimension into the real world after both realms become connected, the Origin Energy is used as a pillar to support their ephemeral existence outside and balance out their strengths and weaknesses.

But right before his eyes … Third Elder was about to dispel Fang Zhengzhi’s previous conceptions.

“Creating yellow sand from the cracks? Where did all this yellow sand come from? Did Third Elder prepare them beforehand, or did he shift it from somewhere else?” These questions ran through Fang Zhengzhi’s mind.

Fang Zhengzhi recalled Prince Li of the First Rank using the clouds of the natural world to strengthen his attacks during the battle of the Flame Capital City. Third Elder’s move seemed to stem from the same principles, but they differed from Prince Li’s attack in terms of technique and skill.

The world is truly a fascinating place!

Fang Zhengzhi sighed in awe. Shortly after, he prepared to strike as well. After all, no matter what Third Elder’s technique was, he wasn’t bothered too much since Third Elder could not retaliate for the next two moves.

He sprinted forward. However … just as Fang Zhengzhi took a single step into the falling yellow sand, his body sank. He seemed to be stepping on air.

“The Qian Kun Eight Wastelands!” Third Elder’s voice boomed.

Following that, a massive suction force generated beneath Fang Zhengzhi’s feet. The falling yellow sand swirled incessantly, creating a vortex almost akin to quicksand.

And that was not all.

Just as the vortex formed, mountains of sand dunes piled up, along with cracked sand walls weathered and battered with the merciless winds.

A wasteland. An area void of life. No man’s land.

Yet, a forbidden area such as this has appeared around Third Elder, within the Heaven Academic Altar constructed from white jade.

A drop of cold sweat trickled down Fang Zhengzhi’s forehead. He looked down at the swirling vortex of yellow sand, hesitating to spew out “Your mom’s a bitch!”.

Did he push it too far?

How could he close in like this?!

“Old man, aren’t you flouting the rules?! Didn’t you promise not to retaliate for the first five moves?” Fang Zhengzhi couldn’t care less about showing due respect to his elders.

He had to let Third Elder know that going against his word was not an option!

One can be shameless, but not to this extent, Furthermore, there were the emperors of the four empires and all the Heaven Dao disciples watching him.

This was his speciality after all.

“Cut the crap. I did not break the rules!” Third Elder looked at the immobilized Fang Zhengzhi, cracking a sly smile on his face drenched with sweat. But very quickly, his expression was overwritten by one of excruciating pain, causing his face to distort frighteningly.

Chapter 656: Moon From The Seabed, Destruction to Both Sides

“You are not breaking the rules? Are you sure?” Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the swirling vortexes of sand on the ground as he said. If not for the fact that he landed on one of them, he would have believed it.

“Of course, I mentioned that I will give you five chances to attack. However, I did not say that I would be an unmoving target. The Qian Kun Eight Wastelands is only one of my defensive techniques. If you stand outside the area of the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, you naturally would not be affected by it and can attack as you wish!” The Third Elder gritted his teeth as he was assaulted by the pain searing through his body. He attempted to portray a relaxed demeanor.

Fang Zhengzhi wanted to curse at his words.

He had reasons to do so. By casting a Qian Kun Eight Wasteland around him, the Third Elder had sealed off all possibilities of anyone coming into close proximity to him.

He was indeed a veteran…

And he was obviously not giving any chances.

Fang Zhengzhi stood right outside the boundaries of the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands as he stared at the swirling sands. He then cast his glance back at the Third Elder, who was around ten steps away and fell into a deep thought.

“It seems like this guy is out of options!”

“How could he have any other options? However, he should be proud that the Third Elder has to use the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands against him!”

“Yes, he already looks slightly intimidated. I’m afraid he has no idea about the true strength of the Third Elder. Attaining the Saint State with both his Dao is not something a normal Saint State individual can compare to!”

The disciples of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion stared at the unmoving Fang Zhengzhi with a smirk on their faces.

The other candidates standing behind the Third Elder then exchanged glances. They were clearly surprised.

“So the Third Elder has actually attained the Saint State in both Daos?”

“It is no wonder he is an elder of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion. I wonder if this fake Kong Qing senior has any more tricks up his sleeves?”

“If one cannot get close, it might be extremely difficult to hit the Third Elder. After all, there is a huge difference between the Supernatural State and the Saint State!”

The candidates all shook their heads.

Qian Wu also stared at Fang Zhengzhi with a cold gaze as he smirked. He

If not for the fact that he was in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion and needed to conserve his energy for the third stage of the examination, he would have attacked Fang Zhengzhi straight away.

As for Yan Qing, he seemed interested in seeing how the conflict would unfold, especially how Fang Zhengzhi was going to get around the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands of the Third Elder.

“Yan Xiu, although I know that it isn’t him, he looks strangely familiar!” Nangong Mu whispered after staring at Fang Zhengzhi for a long time. He then continued, “I remember seeing the exact same back view when he is fighting against the Vice Domain Chief of the Demon Army, Ying Shan!”

“Hm, I feel that it is similar as well!” Yan Xiu nodded his head lightly.

“A person can change his appearance and presence easily. However, it is difficult to change the way he looks from the back!” Nangong Mu said in confidence.

“But… Heavenly Dao? Rebirth State? This…” A faint crimson light appeared in Yan Xiu’s eyes as he said. At the same time, he subconsciously clenched his fist.

“This is not possible. How could there be such a huge improvement after merely two months?” Nangong Mu shook his head after hearing Yan Xiu’s words.

Yan Xiu stopped speaking as the faint crimson light in his eyes grew brighter, eventually shining like two brilliant ruby crystals.

Quickly, 15 minutes have passed.

Fang Zhengzhi was still staring at the Qian Kun Eight Wasteland while he stood in silence.

The disciples of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion then stared at him mockingly. They had assumed that Fang Zhengzhi was completely out of options.

Even the four Majesties of the different countries also shook their heads.

“This guy is indeed talented. However, he still has not attained the state required to accomplish this feat. I’m afraid he needs more time before he can shine!”

“It is already commendable to force the Third Elder to use this skill. Alas, if he could practice or a few more years, he might become a powerful individual. It is a waste that he is going to lose his life today.”

“There is no helping it. The world has no lack of talents…”

They sighed regretfully after speaking those words. That was because they knew very well that the Heavenly Dao Pavilion would not let Fang Zhengzhi leave the place.

He might not even live.

After all, the Heavenly Dao Pavilion would not ignore the blow the Third Elder received just for a talent with good potential.

The only way Fang Zhengzhi could live was to defeat the Third Elder.

However, how could one get past this difference in power?

Two moves?

It was preposterous to even think about defeating the Third Elder with just two moves at such a distance.

The moment the last two moves were used up, one could imagine just how ferocious the Third Elder would become. On the premise that Fang Zhengzhi had nowhere to escape to, the battle was set in stone.

The mountain breeze blew.

The pristine white scholarly robes on Fang Zhengzhi’s body fluttered amongst the wind.

After another 15 minutes, when everyone already lost hope in Fang Zhengzhi, he slowly opened his eyes.

Following which, he stepped into the vicinity of the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands.

“He walked inside?”

“Is he mad?”

“Is he trying to test out just how strong the Third Elder’s Qian Kun Eight Wastelands is?”

“If that is indeed the case, this guy is really too naïve. Doesn’t he know that the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands is the materialization of when one reached the epitome of Dao?”

All the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples widened their eyes at this sight. They had never expected Fang Zhengzhi to walk into the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands directly.

Apart from the disciples of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion, the Fifth Elder, the candidates, the four Majesties and Mu Qingfeng also did not expect this.

Even the Third Elder was also startled at this action.

However, a smile quickly appeared on the Third Elder’s face. That was because Fang Zhengzhi had already started sinking into the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands.

Furthermore, he was sinking in extremely fast.

The glowing yellow sand started churning the moment Fang Zhengzhi stepped into the area. They churned violently, quickly turning into a ferocious vortex.

The centrifugal force from the vortex was drawing Fang Zhengzhi in rapidly.

It took only a few blinks of the eye for Fang Zhengzhi’s lower body to be consumed by the churning sand. The yellow sand was now at his waist area.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not give up.

He seemed to be muttering something rapidly under his breath as he struggled. His hands flailed around as he sunk deeper into the sand, as though trying to push himself out from the churning sand.

Though his efforts seemed to be futile.

As Fang Zhengzhi continued to struggle, he sunk deeper into the sand. It merely took a few seconds before only his head and neck was left above the ground.

“You brat, you cannot blame me for this,” The Third Elder stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was about to be consumed by the sand as he smirked, “Show your true identity and I might let you die a painless death!”

“How naïve!” Fang Zhengzhi stuck one of his hands out from the sand and pointed a middle finger at the Third Elder as his response to his statement.

“You are a stubborn one!” The Third Elder stared at Fang Zhengzhi’s determined expression and let down his guard. However, the pain from his previous injury made him aware of the situation once again.

It was an indescribable pain.

A pain that Fang Zhengzhi had dealt.

The Third Elder bit his lips and eventually came to a decision. The moment Fang Zhengzhi was completely consumed by the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, he would be in control of his fate.

“You broke the rules! If not for that, there was no way that I would have lost!” Fang Zhengzhi was clearly upset, though it merely took seconds before he was unable to speak anymore.

He had completely sunk into the sand.

The yellow sand continued to churn in the ferocious vortex, pivoting at the point where Fang Zhengzhi had disappeared.

“Is he dead?”

“I don’t think so, however, I’m certain that the fake Kong Qing senior will not be able to move anymore!”

“Reaching the Saint State in both Daos is truly something!”

The candidates stared at the spot where Fang Zhengzhi disappeared as they discussed how the battle would unfold.

On the other hand, the surrounding Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples started laughing.

If one was trapped in the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, even a Saint State individual would not be able to escape, much less a person who was merely of the Rebirth State.

Was he dead?

What difference does it make?

“Yan Xiu, what should we do?” Nangong Mu said in apprehension. He stared at the spot where Fang Zhengzhi disappeared with a worried expression.

“I have to save him!” Yan Xiu’s eyes sparkled with a crimson brilliance as he said.

“If you act now, it will be akin to losing your chance at the Heavenly Dao Pavilion Examination, you might even… what if he isn’t…”

“What do you think the chances are?”

“Only 10 percent, apart from the back view, everything else…”

Swoosh!

Just when Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu was talking, a shadow sprung out from within the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands. It was extremely fast and strategically appeared right behind the Third Elder.

“He escaped from the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands?”

“How could this be?”

“That is the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, a defensive spell laid out by the Third Elder. How did he do it?”

The Heavenly Pavilion disciples were powerful individuals as well. They naturally noticed the person that sprung out from the churning sands immediately and most of them could not believe their eyes.

It was Fang Zhengzhi.

A face that was exactly the same as Kong Qing as his pristine white scholar robe was now tainted with fine yellow sand. His eyes glimmered with a sapphire brilliance.

“So that is how it is!” The Third Elder seemed only slightly surprised before recollecting himself.

He naturally did not believe that Fang Zhengzhi would allow himself to be consumed by the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands just like that.

He confirmed his suspicions when Fang Zhengzhi tried to display his helplessness. He merely wanted to see what Fang Zhengzhi was planning.

So he made use of the Heaven Dao to force his way through the surging sands of the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands?

That is some tactics!

The Third Elder knew very well that this battle style would bring destruction to both parties.

He allowed himself to first be consumed into the surging sand stream to lower his opponent’s guard. Following which, he made use of the Heaven Dao to maneuver himself within the sand to conduct an ambush attack.

Although Fang Zhengzhi would be trapped within the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, he could still adeptly use his Heaven Dao to move within that area.

As long as his ambush was successful…

The Qian Kun Eight Wastelands would be dispelled.

It was undeniable that this was a risky plan. However, it was a good one at that. Fang Zhengzhi managed to make full use of the Heaven Da within the Six Daos to accomplish this feat.

However…

Could the same tactics succeed twice?

“Moon From The Seabed!” Fang Zhengzhi’s voice rose behind the Third Elder and shook the entire Heavenly Dao Pavilion and the hearts of the disciples.

“Moon From The Seabed?”

“Is this any different from monkey stealing peaches?”

“This lad is truly shameless. He intends to use the same skill twice? Is he trying to make me feel more pain?”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples shuddered in fear upon hearing those words.

The Third Elder, on the other hand, seemed to be reminded of a painful past and his face immediately sunk.

“Once more?” The Third Elder had the urge to push Fang Zhengzhi back into the surging sands with one attack, though he managed to contain himself in the end.

Two moves. He merely had to hold his anger in for two more moves before he could attack.

He did not use his hands to defend against this attack like last time. This was because he could not be sure which part of his body was Fang Zhengzhi aiming at this time around.

The Third Elder moved. The moment Fang Zhengzhi charged forward, he also charged forward without hesitation, his trembling legs barely supporting his body.

The Third Elder seemed unaffected by the surging sands at all. He skidded lightly on top of the surging sand as though he was stepping on the flat ground.

At the same time, the Third Elder turned around and shot a playful glance at Fang Zhengzhi before sneering, “Young lad, you have used your fourth move, you have one last one left!”

“You shall not escape!” Fang Zhengzhi’s expression seemed to be frozen in time as well. It seemed as though the Third Elder escaping was something out of his expectation. He probably thought that the Third Elder would retaliate instead.

Following which, another sapphire light lit up.

The next moment…

Fang Zhengzhi once again appeared in front of the Third Elder as the sapphire brilliance surged within his eyes. He seemed extremely anxious.

“Young lad, think carefully! This is your last chance!” The Third Elder stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was charging at him at breakneck speed, as he said. He continued to retreat as he reminded him of his precarious position.

Chapter 657: The Legendary Sixth Move Makes an Appearance

“The last chance?” Fang Zhengzhi stopped in his tracks upon hearing those words. His palms stopped right in the middle of his attack.

“Haha…” The Third Elder laughed.

The moment Fang Zhengzhi stopped, The Third Elder chuckled. Despite the fact that he was feeling extreme pain, he could not contain the satisfaction he felt.

“How cunning!” Fang Zhengzhi finally reacted to the situation. However, he was too late. The Third Elder had already taken this chance to retreat another five steps.

The disciples of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion also chuckled at this scene.

They naturally noticed that the Third Elder was merely saying those words to create chances for his escape. He could not have been reminding Fang Zhengzhi about his chances at this crucial moment.

This way…

The chance that Fang Zhengzhi painstakingly created was now down the drain. Furthermore, he seemed to be more helpless than ever.

This was because the Third Elder had already figured out Fang Zhengzhi’s plan.

Apart from that, Fang Zhengzhi had even got himself trapped in the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands. Even though he could move freely around within the area, he could not escape from it entirely.

“Young lad, what are you going to do for the last move?” The Third Elder stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was gradually getting consumed by the surging sands as he smirked.

As an elder of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion, he could not lose his composure in a battle like this. However, when he noticed the look of anxiousness on Fang Zhengzhi’s face, he could not help but feel extreme satisfaction.

A similar smirk appeared on the face of the Fifth Elder as he watched from afar. He knew that the battle was already over.

A distance five steps away with Fang Zhengzhi trapped within the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands. Even Fang Zhengzhi was of the Saint State, it would be difficult to turn the tables around.

“Make preparations. The third stage of the examination will be held in the Heaven Academic Altar!” The Fifth Elder then turned to look at the candidates as he said.

“Yes!” The candidates replied in unison upon hearing the Fifth Elder’s words. They then looked at Fang Zhengzhi once again with a hint of pity.

They had to give Fang Zhengzhi credit.

However, this was the Heavenly Dao Pavilion.

How could someone without any background and identity, despite his talent, create any waves in this revered institution?

Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi was facing against the Third Elder, a person who had achieved the Saint State in both his Daos. The battle was decided even before it began.

No one thought that Fang Zhengzhi had a chance to win this battle anymore.

However, Fang Zhengzhi still made his move. Despite knowing that the chances were slim, he radiated immense brilliance and glory.

Nine pillars of azure blue light appeared above the Third Elder. It was a crystal clear brilliance, untainted by even a speck of dust.

The Third Elder lifted his head slightly and stared at the nine pillars of light above him. His face then turned serious.

Apart from the Third Elder, the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples also widened their eyes in shock.

They naturally knew what the nine pillars of blue light stood for. However, they had never expected Fang Zhengzhi to be this powerful.

“Is this the Heavenly Descent? The Nine Pillars of Heavenly Descent?”

“I didn’t think that this guy can control the Nine Pillars of Heavenly Descent. Just how much power source does he possess?”

“If he is not someone from the other four factions, perhaps…”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples stared at the pillars of light above the Third Elder. They would be lying to say that they were no in awe.

At that moment, Fang Zhengzhi made his move.

He disappeared from his original position and appeared within a pillar of light the next moment.

“Young lad, I will test and see how strong you truly are!” The Third Elder stared at the figure above him and said in excitement.

He did not attempt to retreat this time around. Instead, he threw a punch right towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Boom! A loud explosion sound could be heard.

It was the sound of the two fists colliding. At the same time, the surging yellow sand rose from the ground, turning into a giant whirlwind, covering the Third Elder’s body entirely.

“One more time!” The Third Elder’s voice rose amongst the whirling sand.

Following which, a second collision sound could be heard. The ground trembled as a huge shockwave spread through the entire area.

“So powerful!”

“Although this guy is shameless, he is indeed stronger than Kong Qing senior!”

“Yes, apart from the elders and the grandmaster, I’m afraid there are less than twenty people in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion that can defeat him! He can be said to possess immense talent!”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples watched the battle with anticipation and fervor. After all, battles of this intensity were rare even within the Heavenly Dao Pavilion.

Boom! The third collision sound could be heard.

Following which, the fourth, fifth and sixth sound could be heard.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Each collision caused the ground to tremble violently as more sand was flung into the air. The entire Heaven Academic Altar was clouded by a veil of sand, and one could only see the faint glow of an azure blue light amidst the visual obstructions.

Yan Xiu clenched his fist tightly as his eyes glowed with a crimson brilliance. It was cold and shone with a murderous intent.

“Wait a minute, Yan Xiu!” Nangong Mu seemed to have noticed the changes in Yan Xiu’s emotions and immediately placed his hands on Yan Xiu’s shoulders.

“Hm,” Yan Xiu nodded slightly. However, the crimson brilliance in his eyes did not seem to be diminishing. In fact, it shone with greater intensity as time passed.

Boom! When the ninth collision sound was heard…

The center of the Heaven Academic Altar was completely covered in yellow sand. There was also a five-yard tall sand tornado in the middle spinning at top speed.

The sand had blocked out most of the sunlight, making the lighting within the Heaven Academic Altar dim.

However, no one dared to make any noise. Everyone had their gazes glued onto the giant tornado, watching it dissipate slowly.

The wind gradually came to a stop as a ray of sunlight gleamed through the thick veil of sand, making them glisten like tiny crystals in the air.

Finally…

It came to a complete stop.

The Heaven Academic Altar was illuminated once again and the ground stopped trembling.

Two figures appeared.

A white robbed seemed to be tattered. One could also see several wounds beneath the torn fabric. It was clear that the Third Elder was not in a good shape.

However, he still had a smile on his face.

This was because Fang Zhengzhi, who was five steps away from him, was in a worse shape. He was completely pale and had a disheveled look. He was also panting profusely and looked as if he had used every last bit of his energy.

“Young lad, do you still have any last words?” The Third Elder stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was sinking deeper into the swirling sands. His tone was extremely calm.

“Can you let me down the mountain?” Fang Zhengzhi asked without hesitation.

“You are being too optimistic, though I will still promise you that. However, you will not be descending the mountain alive!” The moment he said those words, he also took action.

It was like a flash of light.

A yellow light.

More specifically, it seemed like a sword, a sword that was formed from an attack with breakneck speed. The tip of the sword was formed from two fingers clasped tightly together.

A finger sword attack!

It was nothing too fancy. This was merely an amalgamation of speed and power. Furthermore, it was an attack that aimed straight at Fang Zhengzhi’s chest.

Fang Zhengzhi wished to escape, though he could no longer do so.

That was because he had no more energy to use the Heaven Dao. Furthermore, his legs were already trapped within the swirling sands. How then, could he escape?

Without any surprises, the finger sword attack pierced into Fang Zhengzhi’s chest. Only the Third Elder’s arm could be seen outside of Fang Zhengzhi’s body.

“I finally won!”

Cheers quickly rang across the Heaven Academic Altar. This was because all the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples knew that the battle was over. Fang Zhengzhi’s heart was punctured directly by the finger sword attack. There was no way he could have survived that.

The four Majesties also fell silent.

Were they depressed? Not exactly. However, there were also not exceptionally impressed or elated. After all, this battle should have ended a long time ago given the strength of the Third Elder.

The yellow brilliance swiftly returned back to its original position, resuming the form of the Third Elder. He still had a faint smile on his face.

However, this smile did not last long.

This was because no blood could be seen spouting out of the wound he had just dealt. Furthermore, he did not feel the sensation of raw flesh when he pierced Fang Zhengzhi’s body.

“Something’s not right!” At that moment, a voice rang. It was Mu Qingfeng, who had stayed silent while sitting on his white hade chair the entire time.

At the moment when Mu Qingfeng spoke…

The Third Elder seemed to have reacted to the situation as well. However, he could not fathom why his attack did not damage Fang Zhengzhi’s body.

“Could it be…” The Third Elder’s face sunk. His instinct was telling him to move away from his original position immediately. However, just when he took his first step backward…

He tripped!

It was as though he had stepped into nothingness.

Following which, a strong suction force appeared from the ground. Countless sand particles swirled around him. It was as though the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands was devouring him.

This was something the Third Elder had never expected.

After all, he was the owner of the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands. How could it then turn its back against him? This was something that defied logic.

However, he had truly lost his balance. Furthermore, just after he lost his balance, he felt sharp pain seared through his other leg. He could not help but lift it ever so slightly.

“Third brother, behind you!” At that moment, the Fifth Elder’s voice rang. He sounded extremely concerned and anxious.

“What?” The Third Elder shuddered upon hearing those words. Following which, an inexplicable chill shot through his entire body.