Gate of God

Chapter 658: Crippled

The Third Elder tried to dodge the attack subconsciously. However, it was too late.

A sharp pain shot through his entire body following that chill he felt. It was a familiar feeling, though it was a lot more intense than the previous one that he felt.

Crack! Something seemed to be broken.

The Third Elder had no idea which part of his body was damaged. He merely felt that he no longer had control over his own body.

It was an extreme pain, to the point where numbness was all he felt.

However, the psychological impact and shame that he felt could not be anaesthetized. Two lines of tears flowed down along his pale wrinkled cheeks and dripped into the surging sands.

It was already a tragedy to experience such pain once in a lifetime. When the second attack with more force was dealt to the same sensitive area, anyone would crumble immediately.

The Third Elder was close to a breakdown. He had never imagined that he would experience such pain again for the second time.

Furthermore…

It was merely a bit over half an hour after the previous impact.

The old wounds had yet to heal.

Boom! A loud explosion sound could be heard.

The Third Elder’s body flew into the air uncontrollably under the huge impact. He reached a height of about three feet.

At that instant, the Third Elder’s mind was completely blank. He had already lost his cognitive abilities and could only stare at the ground with a pair of soulless eyes.

A dark world.

He saw countless dumbfounded expressions. These included the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples, the four Majesties, the candidates, the Fifth Elder, and the Pavilion Leader Mu Qingfeng…

Boom! The Third Elder smashed right onto the ground. Given his prowess, he would not lose consciousness simply from one attack. However, he had lost all will to fight.

He allowed his body to flail helplessly on the ground.

That was because he could not accept this turn of events.

How could he?

No one could possess that much willpower. This was no longer a question about raw power, but one of shame and dignity.

He could simply say that he was letting his guard down when he was dealt the first blow. He could have been ambushed or looking down on his opponent. There were many excuses.

But what about the second time?

What excuse can he make?

Why did this happen?

The Third Elder could not understand. He had survived the five blows and calculated everything precisely. This should not have happened, but it did.

Most importantly…

Why did he have to go through such humiliation and pain again?

The Third Elder had had a normal life. His life was not particularly smooth sailing, nor was it filled with vicissitudes every step of the way. He had experienced times of glory and also learned to be humble in times when he failed.

However, what happened today was something he cannot bring himself to accept.

This was because he no longer wished to live. When one lost the last bit of dignity that one had, it would be pointless to carry on with life.

As a revered elder of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion, he had been done in by the same technique twice in a row…

How could he still stand up righteously and curse murderously at Fang Zhengzhi?

He could not do it.

Silence. There was complete silence.

All the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples witnessed this scene, though they could not fathom how it happened.

The Third Elder had clearly stabbed through Fang Zhengzhi’s heart.

However, why would Fang Zhengzhi be unscathed? Instead, he emerged from the surging sands the moment the Third Elder attacked. Was it an illusion?

No!

It was not an illusion!

It was a Heavenly Descent!

The Tenth Heavenly Descent. In other words, Fang Zhengzhi’s fifth move was not simply Nine Pillars of Heavenly Descent, but a terrifying ten.

“How can this be? How did he do this?”

“It is already terrifying enough to use Nine Pillars of Heavenly Descent at once, how about ten? Just how much power source does this young lad possess?”

“Ten Pillars of Heavenly Descent. He even placed one five feet away in anticipation. Did he really calculate all this right from the start?”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples were in shock at this scene. They were even more surprised that Fang Zhengzhi could display such prowess right in front of them.

However, there was one thing they could not understand…

Why would the Third Elder be interrupted by the surging sands? If he was not distracted by the sand and lost his balance, Fang Zhengzhi’s attack would not have succeeded.

Just how did Fang Zhengzhi control the sand? That was the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, a field set up especially by the Third Elder. How could he control it?

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples could not understand it.

However, they had no time to consider this problem. That was because Fang Zhengzhi had already moved. The moment the Third Elder landed on the ground, he followed up with another attack.

He was like a shooting star, stepping on the swirling sands as though he was on flat, solid ground, cruising through its violent waves.

Most importantly, Fang Zhengzhi was pointing his two fingers forward as well.

Sword gesture!

It was the exact same technique as the one the Third Elder used. However, Fang Zhengzhi had made use of the Heaven Dao instead. His speed was comparable to that of the Third Elder.

“No, Third Elder, be careful!”

“Third Elder!”

“Young lad, stop right there!”

The previous time, the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples were not worried when the Third Elder fell onto the ground. However, they could not help but worry this time around.

That was because…

The Third Elder’s face deathly pale. There was not as much of a fluctuation of energy around his body. He had given up.

“I will take you when you are down!” Fang Zhengzhi could have cared less about the Third Elder’s current state. He knew that if he did not act now, he would suffer a horrible death.

After all, the Third Elder did not leave him any chances when he supposedly pierced his heart.

He had to cripple him!

Fang Zhengzhi would not allow the Third Elder to get back on his feet. At the very least, he had to make sure he was crippled for half a month to ensure his own safety.

He was getting close!

Fang Zhengzhi carried on forward at full speed, taking aim at the area right above the Third Elder’s chest. This could seal off the power within the small dimension of the Third Elder.

However, just when his attack was around an inch away from the Third Elder’s chest, his body came to a halt.

This naturally was not a conscious effort on his part.

This was because his legs were dragged down by a powerful force. He looked down and noticed a giant thorn vine entangled around his legs.

“Hm?” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Third Elder, who was right in front of him, and noticed that he was still pale and dejected.

Was third elder not the one?

That means…

Not good!

Fang Zhengzhi was just about to dodge, though he was too late. A powerful force had already arrived behind him, surging with malicious intent.

“An ambush?” Fang Zhengzhi finally reacted to the situation, though it was all too late. After all, this force was too powerful and fast.

He had no choice!

Fang Zhengzhi then unleashed all his power and forced himself forward. He was able to move an inch even under the constriction of the thorn vines.

The finger sword pierced through the Third Elder’s heart.

However, the terrifying force had also arrived. It crashed onto him like a tsunami wave, crushing his innards with its tremendous pressure.

Boom! A dull sound reverberated through the area.

Fang Zhengzhi felt as though he was pressed down by a giant mountain. He could hear the crisp sound of his bones breaking.

Crack!

Spurt!

At the same time, Fang Zhengzhi and the Third Elder spurted a mouthful of blood into the air. Following which, their bodies flew across the Heaven Academic Altar.

Fang Zhengzhi collided with a white jade pillar in the middle of the Heaven Academic Altar. The impact was so great that the pillar was smashed to smithereens immediately.

The Third Elder’s body hung in mid-air as a few crystal clear vines held his body in place.

Fang Zhengzhi felt an uneasy force in his chest and spit another mouthful of blood uncontrollably. His face also paled in discomfort.

All of a sudden, the entire Heavenly Dao Pavilion was enveloped in silence once again.

However, this silence was different from the one previously. This silence was not borne from awe. Instead, it was due to the shock they received from witnessing this scene.

All of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples cast their gaze to a spot in the middle of the Heaven Academic Altar. It was the area where Fang Zhengzhi and the Third Elder were at before they were blown away.

At that spot…

A figure stood.

His pristine white robe fluttered amongst the swirling yellow sand.

On his forehead, an emerald character was radiating a brilliant glow. It was an extremely complicated character surrounded by thorn vines.

“It is the Fifth Elder!”

“Did the Fifth Elder just conduct a sneak attack?”

“This… the Fifth Elder…”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples were still reeling in from the shock of the battle between Fang Zhengzhi and the Third Elder when they witnessed yet another preposterous scene.

They were completely dumbfounded.

They naturally noticed the dire situation previously and understood the danger the Third Eder was in. However, when the Fifth Elder made his move, a sneak attack at that, they were still in disbelief.

Not only were the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples in shock…

The candidates who were standing behind the Fifth Elder also could not believe their eyes. Even though this was the Heavenly Dao Pavilion and the Third Elder’s life was at stake…

They could not react in time to the Fifth Elder’s actions.

“This is an extremely weighted attack!” The four Majesties widened their eyes as they stared at the Fifth Elder. They then exchanged glances.

No one dared to speak in this situation. However, they all shook their heads lightly in this scene.

Comments (4)

Gaptekbet

Gaptekbet

Xp

IdaJanur

IdaJanur

Elder lol

kurosaba

kurosaba

Long Live EXP Sect 🙌🙌🙌

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Chapter 659: The Survival of The Fittest

“Fifth Elder, you…” The Third Elder was obviously in pain as he said those words. His facial features were contorted as he tried to struggle out of the vines holding him in place.

He then dropped onto the ground with a loud thud.

“Third brother, I know what you want to say. However, I can no longer watch as you get humiliated by this brat. Even if it costs my title, I will make sure he dies!” The Fifth Elder stared at the fallen Third Elder as he said.

After speaking, he cast his gaze at the Pavilion Leader Mu Qingfeng, who was sitting on directly beneath the stone tablet within the Heaven Academic Altar. He then knelt down on one knee.

A series of sighs echoed through the room.

Mu Qingfeng swept his glance across the four Majesties and the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples before fixing his gaze upon the Fifth Elder.

“Fifth Elder, are you really do this?”

“Please accept my decision!” The Fifth Elder nodded as he said.

“Alright then. From now, you will be stripped of your status as the Fifth Elder and rendered as an ordinary disciple. You will guard the Heaven Dao tablet for ten years as punishment!” Mu Qingfeng said after staring hard into the eyes of the Fifth Elder.

“I thank the Pavilion Leader for his graciousness. I, Li Lingyu, will follow your orders!” The Fifth Elder bowed slightly towards Mu Qingfeng before he stood up.

The surrounding Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples and the four Majesties also cast their glance at the Fifth Elder as no one spoke.

A sneak attack.

No one had any qualms about Mu Qingfeng’s decision. After all, being stripped of the title and ten years of guarding the Heaven Dao tablet was a fitting punishment.

When the Fifth Elder stood up. His gaze once again fell onto Fang Zhengzhi. His white robe fluttered menacingly even without the aid of the wind as he eyes shone with a bladed resolve.

“Young lad, you should feel honored that I am giving up my title in exchange for your life!” The Fifth Elder slowly walked towards Fang Zhengzhi after he said those words.

“Honored?” Fang Zhengzhi stared at the incoming Fifth Elder and naturally understood his intentions.

Just how important and precious was the title of a Heaven Dao Pavilion Elder?

The Fifth Elder simply made a sneak attack. Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi was someone of no importance and background.

To be demoted to an ordinary disciple after such a small mistake was truly a testament to the strict discipline elders in the Heaven Dao Pavilion had to follow.

Should Fang Zhengzhi then really feel honored?

All of a sudden, Fang Zhengzhi started laughing. He glanced around him and stared into the countless indignant gazes from the disciples. He also stared into the calm faces of Mu Qingfeng and the four Majesties.

The survival of the fittest?

It seemed like the Sage Realm played by the same rules as the Empires.

It was survival of the fittest through and through.

However, the empire placed more emphasis on identity, background, and factions, while within the Sage Realm, more emphasis was placed on individual worth. One could have a strong identity in the Sage Realm, though your potential and prowess often played a more important role.

“It seems like I will not be walking out of the Heavenly Pavilion today?” Fang Zhengzhi slowly rose from the ground and wiped the blood at the sides of his mouth, revealing a radiant smile.

“That’s right!” The Fifth Elder nodded his head and cast his glance on Fang Zhengzhi while the character on his forehead glowed brighter.

“Let’s go!” Fang Zhengzhi did not say anything else, nor did he care about the gazes around him. Nothing mattered now.

“Die!” The Fifth Elder moved as he said.

The emerald brilliance flowed from his body and turned into countless thorn vines. It went straight towards Fang Zhengzhi with lightning speed.

However, the moment Fifth Elder launched his attack…

A crimson brilliance appeared behind him. It had a cold and chilling presence that reminded one of the abysses. Even the air became exceptionally cold.

“Hm?” The Fifth Elder stopped in his tracks as a hint of surprise flashed through his eyes. However, he reacted quickly and send his palm flying in that direction immediately.

Boom! A loud explosion could be heard.

Following which, a figure flew backward. Countless crimson crystal-like objects shattered in the air, raining down in the Heaven Academic Altar.

“Yan Xiu?”

“Why would he attack the Fifth Elder?”

“What is going on?”

If the Fifth Elder had attacked Fang Zhengzhi, the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples could understand Yan Xiu’s actions. However, Yan Xiu seemed to be attacking the Fifth Elder without any reason. This was preposterous.

The reason?

Why was Yan Xiu doing this?

Not only could the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples not understand this, even the candidates, who took part in this examination together with him, was confounded. They stared at Yan Xiu, who had taken five steps backward in disbelief.

“Yan Xiu, what are you doing?” Lin Mubai swiftly stood up as he said. Apart from being surprised, he was also perplexed.

As the Emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty.

He knew that Yan Xiu was not a rash person. If one were to say Yan Xiu acted on grounds of justice and fairness, it would be a stretch, After all, this place is the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

And Yan Xiu was currently taking part in its examination.

“Yan Xiu?” The Fifth Elder also turned to stare at the figure behind him as he frowned and suppressed his urge to deal another blow. He then said, “Stand aside, this has nothing to do with you!”

“I have to save him!” Yan Xiu’s face displayed no emotions, though he seemed extremely determined. After stabilizing himself, he once again walked towards the Fifth Elder.

“Save him?” The Fifth Elder frowned as he subconsciously stared at Fang Zhengzhi. Following which, he stared at Yan Xiu and said, “You know his true identity?”

“I do not,” Yan Xiu shook his head as he said.

“You are protecting him even though you don’t know who he is?” The Fifth Elder was startled at Yan Xiu’s reply. He could not fathom his actions.

“That’s right,” Yan Xiu nodded.

“Give me a good reason,” The Fifth Elder stared at Yan Xiu with a cold gaze.

“He is very similar to a friend I have.”

Similar? How similar?”

“His back view.”

“Simply the back view? Yan Xiu, you are now the revered Prince Yan of the Great Xia Dynasty, the ruler of an area. You should learn how to weigh the pros and cons of a situation. There are many people with similar back views in this world. Are you going to give up your chance at being a Heaven Dao Pavilion disciple based on this alone?” The Fifth Elder said in an intrigued tone.

“Yes!” Yan Xiu nodded once again.

“Yan Xiu, you have to consider this properly. If you stand back now, I can still overlook your previous actions and allow you to enter the third stage of the examination!”

“I have already made my decision. Even if the possibility is one in a million, I have to save him. That is because he is the most important friend I have in my life!” Yan Xiu stood still with his eyes glowing crimson red.

Crimson ripples could be seen rising from the ground beneath his feet, enveloping his entire body in a bloody brilliance.

“It’s the Asura Dao!”

“It seems like Yan Xiu is close to a breakthrough. He is just one step away!”

“Although he has yet to achieve a breakthrough, his strength is comparable to that of a Rebirth State individual in the middle stages of his development. He is only 18 years old this year!”

The disciples of the Heaven Dao Pavilion stared at this scene in awe. However, they still could not understand why Yan Xiu would go against the Fifth Elder simply based on a baseless assumption.

Furthermore, he went as far as attacking the Fifth Elder.

Was the one in a million possibility really more important than his chance of entering the Heaven Dao Pavilion?

A friend? Does such a friend really exist in the world?

“Yan Xiu, do not act rashly. He is not Fang Zhengzhi. I have received news that Fang Zhengzhi was still in Northern Mountain Village half a month ago. He could not have reached here on time. Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi is only at the Supernatural State. You know that it is impossible to reach the Rebirth State and master the Heaven Dao in a span of only two months!” Lin Mubai said anxiously. He naturally knew the identity of this friend Yan Xiu was talking about.

That was exactly why he would not allow Yan Xiu to make the Heaven Dao Pavilion his enemy for a person who could not be Fang Zhengzhi. This was so even if the Fifth Elder no longer held the elder position.

This was because he was the Emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty. He knew exactly how politics and power structure worked. Stripping of titles was always temporary.

“He is right, I am not your friend. I do not recognize you at all, scram!” Fang Zhengzhi shouted as well.

“I don’t care who you are. My decision will not change!” Yan Xiu did not seem affected by Fang Zhengzhi’s denial. He acted as if he did not hear Fang Zhengzhi’s words.

“Are you mentally sound?” Fang Zhengzhi shouted quizzically.

“I simply do not want to leave any regrets. He is my first friend and will be the most important friend in my entire life,” Yan Xiu stared at Fang Zhengzhi while deep in thought. He then continued, “My grandfather had once told me to make as many friends as possible. However, I feel that it would be sufficient to just have him in my life!”

“One friend?”

“One friend for a lifetime? What kind of reasoning is that?”

The Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples exchanged glances upon hearing those words. Their eyes were filled with confusion.

Yan Xiu completely ignored the commotion that he caused in the Heaven Dao Pavilion. He continued, “He is the friend I am referring to. In fact, the both of you are quite similar. You are not big on details and would often deceive others. You are both stubborn and like to cause trouble for others.”

“But he has never deceived me, not even once. Even when I told him I am loaded on our first meeting!”

“He loves money, but when we were at the Seven Stars Lane, I followed his bets and placed 50000 silver ingots on the seven stars. I know that if I have not placed my bets, the seven stars would not have come together!”

“That time, I won.”

“I believed that he would lead me to victory. This time, I would also bet on his identity. Even if the chances are one in a million, I have to do so!”

“Quoting my friend, I can let down anyone in the world but him!”

Chapter 660: Explosion, Purple Light That Rise into the Horizon

“I will let down anyone in the world but him!”

Yan Xiu’s voice echoed throughout the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

The disciples all fell silent upon hearing those words. They naturally knew what that sentence meant.

But does such a friend truly exist?

You would rather let down the entire world than that one person alone.

Although they could not understand the type of friendship Yan Xiu spoke of, none of them spoke. They could see the determination in Yan Xiu’s eyes.

“Yan Xiu, you… why are you doing this?” Lin Mubai stared at Yan Xiu’s determined face as he bit his lips in apprehension. He was extremely anxious yet helpless.

“Your Majesty do not have to persuade me in any way. I have already made a decision. I will bet my life and future on this one in a million possibility. I will have to save him even if it costs me my life!” Yan Xiu spoke as his eyes sparkled even more brightly.

At the same time, he brought out a silver fan lined with bloody red lines. The network of red lines on the fan was extensive, making it look like a beautiful painting of nature.

The fan was trembling ever so lightly.

“Yan Xiu, are you sure about this?” The Fifth Elder cast his glance upon Yan Xiu’s Silver Blood Fan as he frowned. He then clenched his fists tightly.

“I have no regrets!” Yan Xiu shouted before he charged forward.

He used his actions to tell everyone that his decision was final.

He then swung his Silver Blood Fan.

Nearly hundred bloody-red lines rose from the fan, forming a picturesque scene of nature in the air. Each of this red line was connected to the crimson brilliance around Yan Xiu.

Boom!

The beautiful scene then crashed down onto the ground, enveloping the Fifth Elder and Qian Kun Eight Wastelands within its field.

The next moment, Yan Xiu arrived right in front of the Fifth Elder and plunged the Silver Blood Fan straight towards the Fifth Elder without hesitation.

“How brazen of you!” The Fifth Elder’s gaze became stone cold as he said. He naturally knew Yan Xiu’s identity and tank in the Great Xia Dynasty.

But that did not mean anything.

Prince Yan of the Great Xia Dynasty was not a title that would strike fear into an elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion. In fact, it would not even catch his attention.

Boom!

Countless thorn vines emerged from the ground. Each of them had the width of a human’s thigh. In an instant, the area within a five-foot radius around the Fifth Elder was completely covered in thorny vines.

The bloody-red line that was enveloping the Fifth Elder was started churning violently. The rivers and seas crashed as the mountains trembled, looking as if they would crumble anytime.

However, Yan Xiu’s gaze remained determined.

The crimson brilliance around him grew more intense, strengthening the threads connecting himself and the bloody-red lines.

He was also using the Silver Blood Fan in his hands to sever the thorn vines in his way, swiftly narrowing the distance between the Fifth Elder and himself to merely a foot long.

“The Asura Dao is truly an offensive one!” The Fifth Elder stared at Yan Xiu, who was using brute force to pave his way and commended. Following which, the character on his forehead glowed with a blinding brilliance as he said, “Enlightenment of Nature!”

Boom!

As the Fifth Elder’s voice rose, an emerald brilliance surged from his body. When the light made contact with the broken thorn vines, the vines wriggled as though they just received a breath of life. They regenerated swiftly and entangled Yan Xiu within their grasp.

The thorn vines pierced straight into Yan Xiu’s body, causing his face to turn paler by the second.

“Yan Xiu!” A voice shouted. Following which, a sapphire light emerged behind the Fifth Elder.

“Two of you at once? That’s exactly what I wanted!” The Fifth Elder was not surprised at Fang Zhengzhi’s actions. More thorn vines then appeared and charged straight towards Fang Zhengzhi.

However, just when the thorn vines were heading for Fang Zhengzhi…

A huge suction force appeared from beneath the Fifth Elder’s feet. The dormant sand vortex had begun moving once again, swirling violently.

The Fifth Elder then gave a serious and concerned expression.

The same goes for the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples. They were dumbfounded and stared at the sight with their mouths agape.

“Qian Kun Eight Wastelands, to think that…”

“How could the Third Elder do this to the Fifth Elder?”

“What is going on? Are you telling me that he…”

All of them could not understand the situation. The Qian Kun Eight Wastelands was supposed to be controlled by the Third Elder. Why would it turn its back against the Fifth Elder now?

However, it was definitely not the time to be concerned about this. This was because, at the moment when the Fifth Elder lost his balance, Fang Zhengzhi had arrived behind him.

“Hm! You have really mastered the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands I see!” The Fifth Elder’s eyes turned emerald as he treated the battle more seriously. He had no idea how Fang Zhengzhi managed to control the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands.

However, he had witnessed it firsthand when Fang Zhengzhi was fighting against the Third Elder.

That was exactly why…

Fang Zhengzhi’s sneak attack on the Third Elder was a success.

How then, could the Fifth Elder not make any preparations for this? The moment he lost his balance, a terrifying shockwave spread from his body, distorting the air around him.

Boom! Fang Zhengzhi suffered the full blow of this powerful shockwave and was completely blown away.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu was held in place by the thorn vines and suffered even greater damage from the attack. His face turned paler and vomited a mouthful of blood.

Though he did not seem to care.

Just like what he said, even if he only had a one in a million chance, he was willing to bet on it. He would naturally have no regrets.

“Ah!” Yan Xiu gave a scream of despair. Following which, his body glowed in a crimson light and started ferociously lashing at the thorn vines constricting his movements.

Clang! Sounds of crystals breaking echoed in the area, causing cracks to appear on the emerald vines.

After a few moments, the vines finally shattered into countless emerald smithereens.

“Yan Xiu! You are hopeless!” The Fifth Elder stared at the fanatical Yan Xiu as his white robes fluttered menacingly.

He knew that there was no need for words at this point. It would not be possible for Yan Xiu would change his mind.

“I will let down the entire world but him!” Yan Xiu’s eyes glowed ferociously as a desolate presence rose from his feet. It was as though claws from the abyss were reaching out to him, blessing him with their destructive powers.

In just a few breathes, Yan Xiu’s skin became bright red. Blood oozed out from the pores on his skin and integrated themselves together with the crimson brilliance.

At the same time, an extremely painful expression appeared on his face. It was as though he was going through a tough torture session.

“Yan Xiu, you are concerned about your friend Fang Zhengzhi. How do you think he will feel if he knew that you died in the Heaven Dao Pavilion? Do you really want him to take revenge for you?” Fang Zhengzhi’s voice rose once again.

“Taking revenge on Heaven Dao Pavilion, for me?” Yan Xiu’s body shuddered as blood stopped oozing out from his body. He seemed to be hesitating.

“That’s right, why are you not willing to wait? The Emperor had made a good point. Fang Zhengzhi was still in the Northern Mountain Village half a month ago. How could he have rushed here in time? For all you know, he could already be at the foot of this mountain!” Fang Zhengzhi stared at Yan Xiu’s hesitant expression as he said.

“Wait, the foot of the mountain?” Yan Xiu muttered those words as the crimson brilliance in his eyes wavered. His emotions seemed extremely unstable.

“Yes, if you do not believe me, you can go and take a look. If Fang Zhengzhi knew that you have died here without a valid reason, how do you think he will feel? He only has a few months left in this world. Do you want him to spend the remaining time taking revenge for you?” Fang Zhengzhi continued.

“Taking revenge for me? No, he has many things to do. I cannot allow him to waste his time. I have to wait…no, you are wrong. He will definitely come to Heaven Dao Pavilion, he has made a promise. Furthermore, how do you know that he only has a few months left? You…” Yan Xiu’s mind was in a whirl as the pain assaulting his body intensified. The crimson glow under his feet trembled violently.

“Since you are so stubborn, die!” The Fifth Elder cast a cold glance at Yan Xiu before he charged forward. He was traveling at the speed of light.

He naturally noticed that Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu had the intention to collaborate in this battle. One of them mastered the Asura Dao while the other had mastered the Heaven Dao. Even if he was the Fifth Elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, it would be a challenge to face two such geniuses at once.

This was especially so for Fang Zhengzhi, who was as cunning as a demon. He struck fear and uneasiness into this heart.

When the Third Elder stepped forward, who would have thought that Fang Zhengzhi would win?

This was impossible!

But the Third Elder indeed lost. Furthermore, he lost shamefully, losing all his dignity in the process. The Fifth Elder was thus constantly on guard from Fang Zhengzhi. Who knew what other shameless tactics he would have up his sleeves?

In that case…

He had to first eliminate one of them.

To prevent any accidents from happening.

Boom! His palm landed on Yan Xiu’s body. This was already the most gentle strike the Fifth Elder could deliver. Even then, Yan Xiu’s body shuddered violently upon impact.

The brilliant crimson light enveloping his body seemed to have found an opening and rushed straight back into Yan Xiu’s body.

Yan Xiu then vomited another mouthful of blood. Together with the strands of red lines still hanging in the air, it looked exactly like a blood rain.

“Yan Xiu!” A painful scream of despair echoed. Following which, a purple light rushed into the horizon. It was demonic and sinister at the same time.

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Chapter 661: Chapter 661 Green Thorn Burial

If the coldness one felt in the Heaven Academic Altar was borne of murderous intent, the atmosphere could be said to be extremely intense. It was almost tangible.

The purple light rose to the horizon with wrathful murderous intent.

A longsword seemed to be hiding within the purple pillar of light. It was completely enveloped as the purple light swirled around its blade.

The sword name was…

Traceless!

“It’s the Traceless Sword?” Lin Mubai shuddered upon seeing that sword. He looked as if he had been struck by lightning.

This did not only apply to Lin Mubai.

Prince Xian Lin Yun and the other three Majesties also stood up immediately as they stared at the sword.

They naturally knew about the legendary sword of the Great Xia Dynasty. The sword that belonged to the Sagely Battle God Meng Tian, drawn from the World of the Sages by Fang Zhengzhi. The Traceless Sword!

“Is this the Traceless Sword?”

“It is completely purple in color and extremely sharp. It is indeed the Traceless Sword!”

“However, what’s with this murderous intent? From what I understand, the Sagely Battle God Meng Tian is not a person who is fond of killing. He is an extremely peaceful person. Why then, would this sword be filled with so much wrath?”

The three other Majesties exchanged glances and recognized the confusion in each other’s eyes.

Their words were naturally heard by the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples. They then cast their gazes in unison towards the Traceless Sword.

“Traceless Sword? Is that the sword’s name? Then wouldn’t it mean…”

“Yes, he is Fang Zhengzhi!”

“What? He really is Fang Zhengzhi? Are you telling me Yan Xiu was right all along?”

“It cannot be wrong. I have heard that after Fang Zhengzhi wielded the Traceless Sword, no one else was able to bring forth its power!”

“Fang Zhengzhi? Are you telling me he is the youngest Prince with a different last name in the Great Xia Dynasty? Shouldn’t he only be at the Rebirth State?”

All the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples were clearly shocked.

Qian Wu, who was looking from afar, suddenly clenched his fist as his face sunk. He muttered, ‘Traceless Sword? Fang Zhengzhi! It really is you!”

“Fang Zhengzhi… it really is him. Yan Xiu… he was right!” Nangong Mu’s eyes widened in disbelief as he gasped.

“Has he already reached the Rebirth State? That is indeed fast…” A person with similar features as Nangong Mu muttered after staring at the Traceless Sword.

“You are Fang Zhengzhi?” The Fifth Elder stared at the figure within the pillar of purple light in disbelief as he said.

Swish!

Fang Zhengzhi did not answer the Fifth Elder. However, an emerald light emerged from his body as started shredding the pristine white robe on his body into pieces.

His face mask was also shredded together with his robe.

A young and clean face was then revealed. However, it bore no resemblance to the usual smile Fang Zhengzhi carried, only a murderous expression was left.

“It’s true!” The Fifth Elder’s expression changed. When Fang Zhengzhi revealed his face, his suspicions were already confirmed.

Fang Zhengzhi, the youngest Prince with a different last name in the Great Xia Dynasty. He was borne in the rural area of the North into an ordinary family. However, he had made a name for himself through the Law of Dao Examinations held in the Great Xia Dynasty.

Capital Examinations, Imperial Examinations, Court Examinations, and Prefectural Examinations Double Roll Champions.

Furthermore, he had even prevented the war between the Great Xia Dynasty and the Demon race, engaging in the battle of the century against Half Sage Can Yang of the Demon Race when he was only a Supernatural State individual.

Eventually, he became the person the most in the Battle of the Southern Region.

That was not all. In the internal political strife that followed, Fang Zhengzhi displayed his ability at strategizing and planning as well, foiling the plans of the Crown Prince and King Duan to usurp the throne.

This also resulted in the emergence of Prince Xian Lin Yun, sitting atop and viewing the battle at this current moment.

Most importantly,

Fang Zhengzhi also killed a Demon King.

An entity that even a sage would have problems dealing with.

A super genius.

That was the Heavenly Dao Pavilion’s evaluation of Fang Zhengzhi’s ability. If not for the fact that he only had a few months left to live, the Heavenly Dao Pavilion would have extended an invitation to such a genius.

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion even called for a meeting chaired by Mu Qingfeng to gather opinions on this matter.

However, some things were not meant to be.

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion still decided to give up on this chance.

Who would have thought that Fang Zhengzhi would end up in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion in the end? Furthermore, he even assumed the identity of Kong Qing to do so.

What was more surprising was that this super genius had once again displayed his prowess and radiance, attaining the impossible. He successfully reached the Rebirth State in two months and mastered the Heaven Dao, defeating Kong Qing easily. He even defeated the Third Elder in front of everyone.

“Pavilion Leader!” Lin Mubai gasped after seeing Fang Zhengzhi’s true identity. He turned towards Mu Qingfeng and said, “Fang Zhengzhi is the new Prince Cang of the Great Xia Dynasty, he has no connections to the other four factions. This is a misunderstanding!”

“Hm…” Mu Qingfeng squinted his eyes and stared at Fang Zhengzhi before casting his glance back at Lin Mubai. He then nodded his head and said, “Just like what your Majesty had said, this is a misunderstanding!”

“Fang Zhengzhi, please put your sword away. There is still turning back!” Lin Mubai exclaimed upon seeing Mu Qingfeng’s approval. He immediately persuaded Fang Zhengzhi to rethink his actions.

“Prince Cang, Yan Xiu was merely injured. His life is not in danger! You cannot act rashly!” Prince Xian Lin Yun was clearly anxious as he muttered those words.

“Kill!” A ferocious bellow could be heard.

Following which, a figure rose into the sky and integrated himself with the purple light. At the same time, the horizon seemed to instantly darken, as though torrential rain would fall anytime.

“Fang Zhengzhi, no!” Lin Mubai stared at this scene and naturally guessed what would happen next. He wanted to prevent it from happening, though it was all too late.

That was because the purple light had fallen.

“What a brazen technique!”

“Not only that, the murderous intent from this attack is almost tangible!”

“Borrowing the powers of the heavens and earth. Is this the technique that killed the Demon King?”

Even the usually arrogant and haughty Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples could not help but exclaim in shock when they saw the falling purple light.

“Fang Zhengzhi, no matter if you have connections with the other four factions, you have to die today for insulting my third brother!” The Fifth Elder stared at the falling purple light as all the hesitation he felt previously instantly dissipated.

Heavenly Dao Pavilion, one of the five factions within the Sage Realm.

How could they condone an insignificant Prince Cang of a Great Xia Dynasty creating a ruckus on their grounds? It did not matter if you were a super genius. After all, you merely had four months left to live.

The Fifth Elder had a cold gaze as pillars of emerald light encircled him. If Fang Zhengzhi was not a person that would soon meet his demise, he might really have to consider his actions now.

One year ago, Fang Zhengzhi had just attained the Supernatural State. One year later, he had already achieved a breakthrough and attained the Rebirth State. He even mastered the Heaven Dao.

Eighteen years old!

To be able to freely control the Heaven Dao and even attain the Rebirth State at 18 years old was simply amazing. Even the Fifth Elder could not imagine what Fang Zhengzhi could achieve in the future.

However, this was fate!

Attaining the Rebirth State was alas, different from attaining the Saint State. Even if Fang Zhengzhi could be termed as a half-sage now, it was still a long distance before he could reach the level of a sage.

The Fifth Elder moved.

He placed both his hands in front of him. At the same time, an intense emerald brilliance emerged from his body, turning into two giant hands formed from countless thorn vines.

“You only have four months left anyway. I will hasten your death!” The Fifth Elder clasped his hands together as the character on his forehead glowed radiantly. He shouted, “Green Thorn Burial!”

Boom!

The two giant hands also clasped tightly together, trapping the purple light in its tight grasp.

A piercing screech of the two techniques grazing against each other echoed throughout the area. The purple light grew even brighter as it fought to release itself from the grasp of the giant vine hands.

The entire Heaven Academic Altar seemed to be trembling from the collision of these two techniques.

This piercing sound forced many weaker disciples to clasp their ears in pain as their face paled.

“This guy is this strong?”

“Even the Fifth Elder seems to be struggling with his Green Thorn Burial. He is only a Rebirth State, right? The Green Thorn Burial is one of the strongest techniques in the Dao of Nature!”

“The thorn vines are said to have the highest tenacity amongst the Daos. Judging from defensive capabilities alone, the Fifth Elder’s technique is even stronger than the Qian Kun Eight Wastelands. To think that it cannot destroy the purple light in one blow!”

As the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples stared at the colliding techniques, they were dumbfounded.

All of their gazes were drawn towards the exciting clash of the purple and emerald light.

The Fifth Elder was clearly giving his all as he stared at Fang Zhengzhi with a cold stare.

However…

Just when everyone was waiting for the conclusion to this collision, a green and a blue light appeared behind the Fifth Elder.

The moment the two light source appeared, they fused together in a peculiar manner and turned into a uniform shade.

“Green Blue Double Slash!” A fierce but soft voice rang.

Following which, the light formed a cross and collided with the Fifth Elder. It was targeted strategically at his left and right arm.

This was a sudden scene. No one could have expected this to happen. Furthermore, they traveled extremely fast. There was no way one could have dodged that at such a short distance.

Blood spurted everywhere.

As the Fifth Elder was caught completely off guard, the light immediately sliced through his flesh. An impact similar to that of a powerful punch seems to spread through his entire body.

He then vomited a mouthful of blood.

That blow was so powerful that he staggered a few steps forward and he had to use all his strength to keep himself from falling.

“What?”

“A sneak attack?”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples stared at the Fifth Elder subconsciously upon hearing the sound of impact. The Fifth Elder then looked behind him in shock.

He simply could not understand…

Who would launch an attack on him at this crucial moment?

However, there was indeed a figure standing behind him. He was wearing an ordinary short-sleeved shirt and had an unimpressive demeanor.

He did not have much of a presence.

However, the Fifth Elder recognized this person. He was the younger brother of Nangong Hao, though he could never remember his name.

Even though he constantly reminded himself to remember this person’s name, it always seemed to slip his mind.

After all, he only needed to know him as the younger brother of Nangong Hao.

However, it was exactly this unimpressive person that was standing behind him. He was even carrying two swords in his hand, one green in color and the other, blue in color.

“You…” The Fifth Elder’s eyes widened in shock. He would never have expected that the person who launched a sneak attack on him would be Nangong Hao’s younger brother.

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples could not believe it as well.

Naturally, almost all of them did not know who this person was. This was because he simply looked too ordinary for one to usually take notice of him.

“Who is this guy?”

“He should be… Nangong Hao’s younger brother, I think? I am not sure.”

“Nangong Hao’s younger brother?”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples subconsciously wanted to turn their gaze towards the new character in this battle. However, the sinister purple light at the corner of their eyes caught their attention once again.

The purple light that shot through the horizon had fallen.

While everyone’s attention was on Nangong Mu, the purple light managed to break through the constraints of the Green Thorn Burial and traveled at a speed that generated visible ripples in the air…

It charged straight towards the Fifth Elder!

Shock and horrified.

The Fifth Elder was extremely pale. After taking a blow from Nangong Mu, he knew that he had lost the battle. However, he did not expect his end to come so soon.

This was because based on his calculations, even after he had lost connection with the Green Thorn Burial technique, it should be able to restrain the purple light for another five breaths.

However, it only took the time of two breaths for the purple light to fall after he was injured.

“This is impossible!” The Fifth Elder stared at the purple light in front of him as he gasped bitterly.

He knew that there was only one explanation as to why the purple light could breakthrough his Green Thorn Burial in two breaths. The purple light was simply stronger.

However, how could he admit to this hard truth?

Boom! A terrifying explosion sound rang.

Whether or not the Fifth Elder was willing to accept the conclusion of this battle, the purple light fell.

The entire Heavenly Dao Pavilion seemed to tremble at that moment. Following which, it felt as though the place was going to explode. Countless gravels and dust flew in all directions.

A fissure then opened up on the ground and slowly extended further away.

Chapter 662: Near-Life Lock of Hell

That was the scar of a blade. A scar that tore open the Heaven Academic Altar. The altar made from white jade was split open in the middle as a cold and murderous presence filled the air.

A veil of dust enveloped the area.

Even though they were in the Heaven Dao Pavilion, such an attack was also sufficiently powerful to come as a shock to everyone present.

“What a powerful technique!”

“It is arrogant and powerful! It gave form to murderous intentions!”

“How can it be so strong? Even though he has mastered the Heaven Dao, he shouldn’t be able to use such a powerful attack!”

As the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples were reeling in from the shock, they also grabbed their swords tightly as they stared apprehensively into the dissipating dust.

A scream of pain rang at that moment. Following which, a jet of crimson red blood could be seen.

“What happened? Is the Fifth Elder injured?”

Upon hearing this scream, all the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples face turned serious. It was the voice of the Fifth Elder.

“Fang Zhengzhi!” The dust settled as a stern and commanding voice could be heard. The Fifth Elder’s figure slowly revealed itself. He was extremely pale as blood dripped from the side of his mouth.

Most importantly, the pristine white robe was now stained with blood. Patches of unsightly stains could be seen.

One of his arms was also missing.

Starting from the elbow, blood poured profusely. It looks extremely disastrous.

Severing the arm in a single blow!

Upon seeing this scene, the disciples, four Majesties and the candidates all gasped in shock. To think that Fang Zhengzhi’s attack succeeded and even managed to sever the Fifth Elder’s arm!

No one believed it.

The Fifth Elder was a person who had attained the saint state. How could anyone believe that a Rebirth State individual could sever his arm?

Even the four Majesties and the candidates were in disbelief. After they took a deep breath, they cast their gaze towards the blue figure standing opposite the Fifth Elder.

The white robes that he donned were already shredded to pieces.

Instead, his blue robe and hair fluttered in the wind. Together with his purple Traceless Sword, he looked magnificent.

What a sight to behold.

Fang Zhengzhi, he had succeeded.

“Pavilion leader, this…” Lin Mubai reacted quickly after seeing this scene with a pale expression.

In fact, when Fang Zhengzhi’s attack landed, he knew that there was no saving the situation. He had witnessed the power of this attack before, despite only once.

He could still remember it clearly in his head.

Now that this technique had made its appearance, how could the Fifth Elder escape unscathed?

Lin Mubai’s voice seemed to have awakened the Heaven Dao pavilion disciples form their shock. They then cast their glance towards Mu Qingfeng. Some of them had already unsheathed their sword.

Mu Qingfeng stayed silent. However, one could see a flash of uncertainty in his eyes. He naturally knew the reason why Lin Mubai and his disciples were looking at him.

He moved his body slightly though he never stood up from his seat. He merely stayed silent and closed his eyes gently.

Complete silence.

This scene was slightly surprising to the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples. They then fell silent and stopped commenting.

Some of them even put their swords back into the sheath.

This was because they had already understood Mu Qingfeng’s decision. This was a shocking decision, though it was not difficult to understand the rationale behind it.

It was simple…

This was something the Fifth Elder himself wanted to do.

When the Fifth Elder launched an attack on Fang Zhengzhi and volunteered to be stripped of his title, it had already become a battle only between the both of them.

The Heaven Dao Pavilion would not interfere.

Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi’s identity was also an issue.

If Fang Zhengzhi truly was a spy from the other four factions, even if the Heaven Dao Pavilion should not interfere in this battle, Mu Qingfeng would not allow Fang Zhengzhi to get away scot-free.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not harbor such intentions.

Furthermore, he was also the youngest Prince with a different surname of the Great Xia Dynasty.

Although a Prince with a different surname would not matter much to the Heaven Dao Pavilion, it proved a crucial point in this misunderstanding. The Third Elder and the Fifth Elder had made the wrong judgment from the very beginning.

It was a disgrace to the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

The Fifth Elder’s decision was an even greater blow to the reputation of the Heaven Dao Pavilion. To thin that he would launch a sneak attack on a mere Rebirth State individual in front of all the disciples and the four Majesties.

If not for the Fifth Elder’s unwavering belief that Fang Zhengzhi was a spy, the Heaven Dao pavilion would never allow such things to happen.

But now, the truth was out.

The Heaven Dao Pavilion could no longer ignore the values of fairness and justice they held dear and risk ruining their reputation any further to protect an elder that was already stripped of his title.

“Kill!” Fang Zhengzhi had no idea what the Heaven Dao Pavilion was thinking. In fact, he did not care. He was merely trying to bring as many people down together with him before he died.

His only focus was to kill the Fifth Elder as of now.

The moment he shouted, Fang Zhengzhi started moving. His sword turned into the form of a dragon as he charged forward with breakneck speed, leaving an illusion of him behind.

“How dare you Fang Zhengzhi create such a ruckus in the Heaven Dao Pavilion!” A stern voice hollered. Following which, a black figure swiftly moved towards Fang Zhengzhi. He had a sword in his hands as well. This sword was black in color and gave off the luster of fine jade.

Boom!

They collided and sent shockwaves across the room.

Following which, both of them were sent flying in opposite directions.

Fang Zhengzhi managed to make a stable landing. However, the figure had to stagger for a total of three steps before he could stabilize himself. There was also a look of disbelief on his face.

“Qian Wu?”

“Why did he move forward?”

“This truly is…”

After the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples recognized the black figure, their eyes flashed with doubts and confusion. After all, there were simply too many people getting involved in this battle.

“Scram or die!” Fang Zhengzhi’s gaze was stone-cold. A purple light danced around in his eyes as he pointed the Traceless Sword towards Qian Wu’s neck.

Qian Wu’s expression clearly changed.

Before he rushed forward, he thought that this was a rare and god-sent opportunity. He could take advantage of Fang Zhengzhi’s lethargy to firstly, take revenge for what happened in Flame Capital City and redeem himself and secondly, save the Fifth Elder and make a name for himself in the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

It was killing two birds with one stone.

However, he regretted after just one attack.

How was he still so strong?

Qian Wu felt that he had already done ample preparations for the past two months. However, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have leaped across the heavens and earth in that same amount of time.

Rebirth State?

He was this strong even when he had just entered the Rebirth State?

Did he not use all his energy in his previous attack?

This was not possible.

Qian Wu was not a reckless person. In fact, he was known to be meticulous. From his observations, Fang Zhengzhi should be in a state of extreme fatigue.

He remembered clearly that Fang Zhengzhi had used the Ten Pillars of Heavenly Descent when fighting against the Third Elder. Following which, when he was attacked by the Fifth Elder, he used something called the Dragon Slayer Slash.

He still had energy left inside him?

What is he made of?

Qian Wu wanted to go back to his original position. However, his hatred for Fang Zhengzhi managed to give him the courage to stay.

He must be pushing himself. It would be impossible to continue performing well after fighting for such a long duration, no matter how strong a person was.

He probably had at most two more moves left.

“Fang Zhengzhi, this is the Heaven Dao Pavilion. It is already a deadly sin to impersonate as one of their disciples. It is an even greater sin to disrupt the proceedings of the Heaven Dao Pavilion examinations. What do you have to say for yourself? Although I have yet to officially enter the Heaven Dao Pavilion, I have the responsibility to protect the dignity and justice within this compound!” Qian Wu declared righteously. Even though he was clearly taking advantage of Fang Zhengzhi’s fatigue, he sounded confident and convincing.

After the Fifth Elder heard Qian Wu’s words, he stared at him for a moment as the expression in his eyes changed. However, he quickly placed his hands on his wound.

An intense emerald brilliance then emerged from his body until the bleeding stopped. Following which, a thick thorn vine latched itself onto his shoulders and instantly turned into an arm.

It would be difficult to completely regenerate an arm even for a Saint State individual. He clearly did not have the time to do that.

“Qian Wu, stand back for now!” The Fifth Elder naturally could tell what Qian Wu was planning. He also understood Mu Qingfeng’s decision.

As an elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion and a powerful sage.

He would not hesitate to launch a sneak attack on Fang Zhengzhi. However, he could not do things that would make him lose his dignity in front of all his disciples. Since this battle belonged solely to Fang Zhengzhi and himself…

He would not allow others to come to his aid.

Even if Nangong Mu launched a surprise attack on him and might even collaborate with Fang Zhengzhi for the remaining part of the battle, he would not request for any help. Only because he was a sage!

That was the Fifth Elder’s opinion.

However, Qian Wu did not wish to stand back. Although the Fifth Elder was temporarily disadvantaged, a saying goes, a skinny camel is still larger than a horse.

Although the Fifth Elder had made it clear that he did not need help, he would still owe Qian Wu a favor if Qian Wu ever saved him. IN fact, Qian Wu had already defended the Fifth Elder against a lethal move.

“Fifth Elder, I am still not a Heaven Dao Pavilion disciple. Furthermore, I have a personal hatred towards Fang Zhengzhi. If the Fifth Elder feels it is unfair, you can always challenge him again after I am done!” Qian Wu had clearly planned this out. His sentences were beautifully crafted, playing according to the Heaven Dao Pavilion rules and saving the Fifth Elder’s dignity at the same time. Furthermore, this would give the Fifth Elder time to recuperate.

Upon hearing Qian Wu’s words, the other disciples nodded their heads in agreement. After all, they were still standing on the side of their Fifth Elder.

Be it from the perspective of the Heaven Dao Pavilion’s reputation or their own, no one wished that the Fifth Elder would lose to Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi did not wait for the Fifth Elder to give an answer. There was no need to.

If there was someone in front of him…

He would merely eliminate them.

It was simple. He was not a person who was fond of killing.

However, the person in front of him was Qian Wu. The person who summoned a Demon King in Flame Capital City which indirectly killed Prince LI of the first rank and caused Ping Yang to be brought to Ling Yun Tower.

There was no need to hesitate.

“Since you do not plan to stand back, die!” Fang Zhengzhi moved without hesitation. The purple light took the form of a crescent and charged towards Qian Wu and the Fifth Elder.

Qian Wu focused his gaze and stared at the ferocious attack. He naturally would not face this attack headlong and instinctively dodged to the side.

“Hmph!” The emerald character on the Fifth Elder’s forehead seemed to have undergone changes. Instead of being covered in a dense overgrowth of vines, it was now lined with fewer, but clearer and longer vines.

At the same time, a thorn appeared in his hands. More specifically, it was a sword that was shaped just like a thorn.

An emerald brilliance flowed throughout the thorn as the countless characters on it glowed menacingly. It had a desolate presence.

For a Saint State individual to use his weapon in a fight against a person of the Rebirth State was truly humiliating.

Though the Fifth Elder could not have cared less.

He had to be the final victor in this battle.

He would continue fighting instead of giving up!

The Fifth Elder and his thorn sword became a jet of light that charged headlong into Fang Zhengzhi’s purple crescent attack.

Boom! The collision generated a large explosion sound.

Just when the explosion occurred, a figure swiftly charged towards Fang Zhengzhi from the sides.

“Die!” Qian Wu’s gaze was stone-cold. Six characters each glowing in a different color appeared on the tip of his sword. Fine threads then connected these six characters together, creating an extremely pressurizing atmosphere. It felt as though the entire space was sealed, making it suffocating.

“It’s the Near-Life Dao!”

“The only Dao that involves seal in the Six Daos. It is also the most effective one against ferocious beasts and demons. I heard that when one masters this Dao, they can summon the Near-Life Lock of Hell!”

“Although Qian Wu has yet to reach that level, he should not be too far off from Fang Zhengzhi in terms of strength. After all, he has reached the pinnacle of the Rebirth State!”

“Yes, most importantly, one of them is already fatigued, while the other is in his top form. If this was a one-on-one battle, the results might be unclear. However, now that the Fifth Elder is also closing in on Fang Zhengzhi, I’m afraid…”

“Wait a minute, what is that?”

Just when the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples were discussing, a crimson chain emerged from the ground, more then followed…

Chapter 663: Sins, Monster, Battle of Life and Death

The colors of the six chains corresponded to the six characters on Qian Wu’s blade. Red, green, blue…

When the six chains emerged from the ground, all the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples widened their eyes in shock.

“Could this be?”

“How is this possible?”

“This is impossible. This… this is the Near-Life Dao. Furthermore, it seems as if…”

The Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples were dumbfounded. Not only were the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples in shock, the four Majesties sitting atop were also taken aback.

This was especially so for the Emperor of the Holy Barbarian Empire. His face paled immediately as he grabbed the white jade table with his bare hands, squeezing it so tightly that he would break it anytime.

“Near-Life Lock of Hell? He… to think that he…” The Emperor of the Holy Barbarian Emperor stared at the scene with bloodshot eyes.

If there were still things in this world that he could never have imagined, that would be for the Near-Life Lock of Hell to be summoned by someone who was not of the Royal Holy Barbarian bloodline.

Furthermore…

It was used against the Crown Prince of the Holy Barbarian Empire, Qian Wu!

In fact, when Qian Wu came forward, he felt relieved and proud. That was because he always thought highly of his son.

Although Mu Qingfeng did not attempt to stop this battle, this did not mean that he had no opinions about it.

It was impossible for him to be completely neutral, to begin with.

Putting Fang Zhengzhi’s lifespan aside, the fact that the Fifth Elder could attain the title of an elder meant that he had built a personal rapport with Mu Qingfeng.

After all, not all individuals who had achieved the Saint State could become an elder in the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

There were too many other factors such as reputation, achievements and so on.

The moment Fang Zhengzhi was dead, the Fifth Elder’s sin would no longer be viewed in a negative light. After his punishment of guarding the stone tablet for ten years or even a shorter duration, he might very well regain his status as a Fifth Elder.

However, the scene in front of him struck fear into his heart for the first time ever since Qian Wi stood forward.

Favors? Achievements?

These were extremely important things in the Heaven Dao Pavilion. However, if one were to lose his life over such trivial things, what good would it do?

“Fang Zhengzhi, you…” Qian Wu was in an even greater shock than everyone else. His feelings were a lot more tangible and heartfelt.

The terrifying presence of the six chains overwhelmed him, threatening to suffocate him anytime. It was as though he was immobilized in front of this magnificent power.

As the wielder of the Near-Life Dao of the Six Daos.

He naturally understood what the six different colored chains in front of him signified. It was the Near-Life Lock of Hell, the state that he wanted to achieve even in his dreams.

His dreams were becoming reality.

Alas, it was turned against him.

Why did this happen?

In the battle of Flame Capital City, Fang Zhengzhi had once stolen the Near-Life Gate of the Holy Barbarian Empire right from the bottom of his nose. At that time, he felt that his dignity and pride was damaged.

For the past two months, he could not fathom how Fang Zhengzhi cold have done that.

However, he could now understand what happened. Fang Zhengzhi had mastered the Near-Life Dao as well. In fact, he was more adept in it, reaching a state he could only dream of.

Boom! The red chain pierced through the arm that was wielding the black sword. It was as though the death scythe of the reaper had cut through his flesh.

Qian Wu’s face became extremely pale.

He had finally experienced how helpless one felt against the overwhelming presence, and how the beasts felt when he used the Near-Life Dao to seal them within the gate.

Stressful, helpless and fearful.

“No!” Qian Wu shouted bitterly.

However, that did not seem to do anything.

Despite his screams of despair, he could not stop the second chain from piercing through his body.

Boom! The green chain pierced his thighs, causing blood to spurt out from the point of impact. At the same time, Qian Wu knelt onto the ground uncontrollably.

This was not all. The third chain had arrived. The overwhelming presence gave Qian Wu completely no chance to retaliate.

The only sealing Dao within the Six Daos.

Boom! The third chain pierced through Qian Wu’s other hand without hesitation, pinning Qian Wu completely on the ground.

He simply lay helplessly as he awaited death.

The fourth one arrived.

It encircled itself around his throat, contorting his facial features and repressing him further into the solid ground. Qian Wu’s body trembled uncontrollably as his face turned a bright red before turning purple.

He was clearly eager to say something, though he could not seem to speak, not even whimpering sounds could be heard.

That was because the Near-Life Lock of Hell had completely sealed off his powers.

The fifth…

And the sixth…

Qian Wu’s eyes widened as bitterness and hatred flashed through his eyes. However, he could only offer a death stare as he lay helplessly on the ground.

In his eyes, Fang Zhengzhi had never thought of him as an opponent. He felt neglected and looked down upon, as though he meant nothing.

Fang Zhengzhi had a stone-cold stare as a purple light could be seen flashing in his eyes. The Traceless Sword in his hands clashed violently with the Fifth Elder’s Thorn Sword.

One against two!

When such a preposterous scene was presented in front of the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples, they had already lost all sense of reason. Never in their wildest dreams would they imagine that such a thing was possible.

Near-Life Lock of Hell!

Fang Zhengzhi’s had reached the epitome of the Near-Life Dao?

That’s not right!

He had also mastered the Heaven Dao, as evident from his use of the Ten Pillars of Heavenly Descent.

A person who had mastered both the Heaven Dao and Near-Life Dao?

How is this possible?

Under normal circumstances, it was already a feat to master a single Dao in a lifetime. How could someone master both at once?

More importantly…

He seemed to have reached the epitome of both!

Is he a monster?

How could the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples believe their eyes? They were all once proud and extremely talented individuals. They were once revered by all.

However, when standing in front of Fang Zhengzhi, they felt as though they were simply ordinary people, even to the point of being useless.

It was not a sin to be talented. However, to be this talented…

Is simply unreasonable!

“Senior Kong Qing, no… Fang Zhengzhi, he… we…”

“Cannot compare, we truly cannot hold a candle to him!”

“After I knew that he was Fang Zhengzhi, I felt that my previous impressions of him were misguided. However, I have to admit that he truly wields power we can never hope to achieve!”

The candidates muttered under their breath as they struggled to keep their mouths closed from the shock.

At that moment…

A figure swiftly flashed past their eyes. It was an extremely fast shadow wielding a green and blue sword in each of his hands.

Nangong Mu.

“Hm?” The Fifth Elder caught something in the corner of his eyes. He could not take his attention off Fang Zhengzhi to notice Nangong Mu’s actions. However, he could clearly feel the slight breeze behind his back.

As a Saint State individual and an elder of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, there was no way he could have let his guard down during a battle. The only reason why he was damaged by Nangong Mu’s attack was that it was an ambush.

After all, he was in the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Who would dare to sneak on him under the watchful eyes of so many powerful individuals?

This was something he had never thought possible. However, after his first experience, he would not allow it to happen again.

“Courting death!” The Fifth Elder hollered as he swung his vine-constructed arm to his back. Over ten vines instantly turned into towering thorns, each of them glimmering dangerously.

This was both an offensive and defensive technique.

There was no way the Fifth Elder would hold back. This was a battle of life and death for him. How could he allow a person who would sneak up on him anytime live?

Even if the person was the younger brother of Nangong Hao.

At the moment when the Fifth Elder made his move, a figure rushed forward from the group of Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples who were watching the intense battle. His pristine white robe fluttered in the wind and he carried a white longsword on his back.

He had already unsheathed his sword. The crystal-like hilt and the almost transparent blade sparkled under the illumination of the sunlight.

“Nangong Hao!”

“Junior Nangong!”

“Is that guy really his younger brother?”

As the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples stared at the colliding figures of the Fifth Elder and Nangong Mu, they gasped in shock.

If one were to single out a person who generated the most buzz amongst the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples in this two years, who would it be?

It would not be the person who was known as the strongest disciple of the Heaven Dao Pavilion. It would be the new disciple that had just entered the premise.

Nangong Hao.

He was the person most debated about in these two years in the Heaven Dao Pavilion. In the previous Heaven Dao Pavilion Examination, Nangong Hao defeated all the powerful Rebirth State individuals with his Supernatural State status. In fact, he was dominating the entire examination.

He took the first place of the entire examinations as a Supernatural State.

This was exactly why everyone was impressed when he became a disciple of the Heaven Dao Pavilion. Following which, many peculiar events centering Nangong Hao also happened.

In the casual competitions held regularly amongst the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples, Nangong Hao’s prowess was seen and acknowledged by all.

That was not all…

Two months ago, Nangong Hao had achieved a breakthrough!

He then welcomed the first meaningful battle of his journey in the Heaven Dao Pavilion. He approached the Seventh Senior and requested a formal battle.

The Seventh Senior was a Saint State individual!

No one knew how Nangong Hao managed to achieve victory. However, the truth was that he did, by just a narrow margin.

Following which, he entered the Divine Rain Pond.

This was merely one version of the story. Another version claimed that Nangong Hao first approached the Pavilion Leader, Mu Qingfeng to request entry into the Divine Rain Pond before challenging the Seventh Senior.

There was not much of a difference apart from the order of things.

After all, not many people would believe that Nangong Hao, who had just attained the Rebirth State, would be able to defeat the Seventh Senior, who had already reached the Saint State.

Despite him winning only by a narrow margin.

The Seventh Senior and Nangong Hao also kept their mouths sealed about the events of that day.

Ask?

Who would dare to ask about such things?

In essence, after Nangong Hao defeated the Seventh Senior, or after he had emerged from the Divine Rain Pond, he had yet to challenge anyone. Apart from Pavilion Leader Mu Qingfeng, even the seven elders had yet to see Nangong Hao’s true power.

Nangong Hao was extremely fast, so much as that his shadow was a blur. However, a figure was even faster than him, arriving in front of Nangong Mu in a split second.

It was a dark-skinned figure. Despite his elegant emerald robes, it could not conceal the ferocious presence hiding beneath that façade.

He was a true monster.

Naturally, he possessed eyes that shone fiercely like a beast.

He is Yan Qing.

The number one prodigy of the Extreme Combat Empire.

A human who was raised by a pack of ferocious beasts. Similarly, he was revered as the monster with the “unbreakable” body.

He made no fancy moves. He merely grabbed onto the two giant thorns heading towards Nangong Mu with his arms and snapped them easily into two.

“He is mine!” A ferocious bellow echoed through the Heavenly Academic Altar. It made the shattered ground tremble precariously.

Chapter 664: Leave or Die

This happened in an instant.

It was an extremely important turning point in the battle.

The snapped thorn vines turned into countless emerald spots in Yan Qing’s hands. His thick body muscles seemed constrained beneath the elegant emerald robe.

After he was done with the two thorn vines, he took a step forward and grabbed all the other vines in his arms.

The peculiar scene, the beastly presence, violent techniques and ferocious howl made everyone stop in their tracks.

Although they quickly regained their composure.

“Does this person not know pain?”

“Pain? If I am not wrong, he is the one people termed as a monster, the number one prodigy in the Extreme Combat Empire. However, I heard that this guy has a peculiar character and is difficult to get along with.”

“That’s normal. Who would be friends with a monster like this anyway?”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples shuddered as they discussed the issue. Even though they have all heard about the terrifying strength of the monster in the Extreme Combat Empire, it was still shocking for them to see such raw brute strength with their own eyes.

Yan Qing acted as though he did not hear those words. Not a hint of pain could be seen from his face. It was as though the thorns on the vines and the blood dripping from the multiple wounds on his body meant nothing to him at all.

Roar! He bellowed.

All the thorn vines were torn apart. This was pure brute strength, using his raw power and body weight to annihilate the thorn vines in his embrace.

Nangong Hao stopped in his tracks. He was around an inch away from Yan Qing’s body as his white robe fluttered amidst the shockwaves from the collision of the Fifth Elder’s and Fang Zhengzhi’s attack.

He cast his glance at Yan Qing.

At the same time, Yan Qing cast his glance on Nangong Hao. The emerald robe he wore had already been torn and stained with blood. However, he had a calm expression, as though the sword in front of him posed no threat.

Boom! Fang Zhengzhi and the Fifth Elder was finally separated from one another.

A murderous intent filled the atmosphere and a purple light rose to the horizon.

Fang Zhengzhi took five steps back as he looked forward with a deathly cold stare.

The Fifth Elder also dodged to the side as he panted heavily. It could be either due to the aftershocks of the collision or simply the finishing pose of his attack.

Naturally, it could also be due to Yan Qing’s sudden appearance which disrupted his original plan, making him extremely infuriated.

However, all of this did not matter…

Most importantly, the situation was now blowing out of proportions. More unexpected people were getting embroiled in this fight.

“Why did Yan Qing rush down to save Nangong Mu?”

“I don’t know, he was saying something about he is mine! Who is this “he”?”

“Is it the Fifth Elder, or Nangong Mu?”

The Heavenly Dao pavilion disciples stared at Yan Qing who was standing in the middle of the Heavenly Academic Altar and Nangong Mu, who was standing behind him. They could not fathom Yan Qing’s sudden appearance.

Isn’t this situation just a tad too chaotic?

It originally started with a simple fight between Fang Zhengzhi and the Fifth Elder. However, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu and Qian Wu somehow got involved in it.

Following which, even Nangong Hao and Yan Qing joined in.

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples stared apprehensively at the figures in the battle. They had no clue how this battle would end.

At that moment, Nangong Hao cast his gaze away from Yan Qing and turned to look at Nangong Mu.

“Have you decided?”

“Yes!” Nangong Mu nodded his head.

“Do you remember the mission that you were tasked to do?” Nangong Hao did not seem surprised at Nangong Mu’s answer and spoke after a moment of silence.

“You alone will be enough,” Nangong Mu said calmly.

“Alright,” Nangong Hao seemed to have understood something. He then turned his body and walked back toward the crowd of onlookers as he said, “Do what you like.”

Nangong Mu stopped talking. He stared at Nangong Hao’s back view as he clenched his fist tightly. A blue and green light appeared in each of his eyes.

“Shall we?” Nangong Mu turned his gaze back at Yan Qing after watching Nangong Hao disappear into the crowd.

“Please,” Yan Qing nodded as he removed the emerald robe covering his body, revealing his tanned and defined muscles.

This scene was witnessed by all the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples. It struck fear into the deepest part of their hearts, as though they were alone in a field during a heavy storm.

“Why is Nangong Junior back?”

“What did he mean when he said battle? What battle?”

“Are you telling me they are going to fight? But isn’t Yan Qing trying to save Nangong Mu? What is going on?”

They were all extremely confused.

However, Yan Qing and Nangong Mu clearly did not feel like explaining themselves. When Yan Qing nodded, Nangong Mu already started moving, he swung his sword mercilessly towards Yan Qing.

It was chaos.

The situation was obviously out of the control of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples. Nangong Hao had retreated, though Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu, Qian Wu and Yan Qing…

They were all still immersed within it.

Apart from them, even the Fifth Elder and Third Elder were not released from that situation.

If the Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples merely thought that Fang Zhengzhi’s appearance was a small disruption to the examination, the situation now was a far cry from what they expected. The examination proceedings were now completely interrupted.

Was it even possible to hold the third round of examination in this state?

No one could answer this question.

That was because the third round of examination was clearly of less importance than what was happening.

Most importantly, after Mu Qingfeng closed his eyes, he had yet to open them. Even when Fang Zhengzhi used Near-Life Dao, he kept it closed.

Silence.

Mu Qingfeng’s silence represented the silence of the entire Heavenly Dao Pavilion.

However, there was one person who could not stay calm no matter what. That person was the Emperor of the Holy Barbarian Empire, Qian Wu’s father.

This was not due to his character or nature. He knew very well what the situation was. However, Qian Wu’s expression was telling him that…

He was in pain, in such extreme pain that he would rather be dead.

“Fang Zhengzhi, let go of my Qian Wu!” The Holy Barbarian Empire Emperor stared at the situation as he hollered. He then leaped from his spot into the battlefield.

He was extremely fast.

As the Emperor of the Holy Barbarian Empire, he was still fully capable of battle.

However, when Fang Zhengzhi heard those words, he acted even faster. The moment when he saw the Holy Barbarian Empire Emperor leap forward, he charged towards Qian Wu.

“Not good!”

The Heavenly Dao Pavilion disciples understood what was going to happen as they gasped in horror. Fang Zhengzhi’s Traceless Sword was aimed right at Qian Wu’s chest.

Killing a candidate?

This would not be sufficient for the Heavenly Dao Pavilion to be enraged. However, if this person was the well-known successor to the throne of the Holy Barbarian Empire, it would not seem like a wise decision.

“No! Fang Zhengzhi, stop!”

The Holy Barbarian Empire shouted desperately. He could accept and withstand most things. However, Qian Wu’s death was definitely not one of them.

This was so despite Qian Wu always attempting to keep a distance between them and that he would always reject the Crown Prince seat,

However, no matter how he shouted, he could not stop Fang Zhengzhi from plunging down his sword.

The Traceless Sword pierced through Qian Wu’s back and straight through his heart. There was no hesitation in that attack.

Crimson red blood stained Qian Wu’s back.

The Traceless Sword then emitted and light humming sound.

Qian Wu’s mouth opened as he tried to speak. However, he was unable to. The Near-Life Lock of Hell suppressed the strength of his entire body, he was unable to even open his eyes fully.

Apart from the overwhelming pressure that he felt, he also felt energy swiftly escaping his body.

If one were to use a word to describe Qian Wu’s feelings,

It could only be bitterness.

He was extremely bitter.

He left the capital at a young age and did not experience a life of wealth and comfort like most royals. This might not seem like a good thing, though it taught him how to be independent.

From the moment he stepped into the capital, his life changed. It became filled with wars, battles schemes, and betrayals.

But he still managed to secure his footing in the Holy Barbarian Empire.

Not only did he secure his position, he even overwhelmed the presence of the other Crown Princes. He was the commander of the Holy Barbarian Empire Army and was also an official in court.

Even his defeat in the battle against the Great Xia Dynasty was not enough to shake his position. That was because he was the hope of the Holy Barbarian Empire.

He was the only one who had mastered the Near-Life Dao at such a young age. He was also the only one who could manage the power balance between the nobles and handle politics with grace.

However, he was about to die.

Furthermore, he would die while he was chained by the Near-Life Lock of Hell.

How could he not feel bitter?

“Why, why can he master the Near-Life Dao? Why can he summon the Near-Life Lock of Hell? What is happening?” Qian Wu was extremely bitter. He felt like screaming in despair to release the anger built up within him.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not give him much time.

He drew the Traceless Sword out from his back which caused blood to spray from the wound. It was quick work. Qian Wu’s eyes then slowly closed.

Following which…

The blade enveloped itself in a sinister purple light once again and charged straight towards the Holy Barbarian Empire Emperor. Qian Wu’s blood did not drip from the blade of the sword. Instead, it seemed to be absorbed into the sword as energy.

“Leave, or die!”