Chapter Twenty Two: Sword of Death
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无罪 update:2022-07-21 15:26
With a soft sound, a burn mark appeared on Shi Changluo’s chest. Gray mist appeared in his eyes as his body flew back, but his feet kept contact with the ground as he slid.
Zhao Ce was still in his posture of swinging the sword. The whirlpool in front of him had been cut apart by a sword mark, and then started to burn. Just a few feet from him, a hand-sized gray dust wildly inundated the air, like a pile of parasol leaves blown and carried up by the wind.
There was a layer of black energy where Shi Changluo’s feet were in contact with the ground. A terrifying power kept on landing on the ground under his feet,causing spiderweb cracks appearing on the ground.
Shi Changluo was very shocked. He could not understand how a casual slash from the other was so strong.
Zhao Ce was also slightly shocked. He could not understand how his sword essence had invaded the other’s body, but the other used a strange method to dissolve the power that had gone deep into the body.
Shi Changluo was flying back, while Zhao Ce was motionless.
This scene, in the eyes of everyone inside and outside the city, was that Shi Changluo was losing.
But at this time, Zhao Ce and some of the strongest cultivators on the battlefield right now inside some details. From the spiderweb contraction on the ground, some gray energy was rising up.
The deep gray energy was like dried bones stabbing out of the ground, giving off a rotten smell. However, they pulled fresh energy from the world.
Fresh was newly formed, but relative.
The essence of the energies gave off a strong dark air. They came from the energies and bodies of many cultivators on the battlefield who had just died. This yin energy was what cultivators who cultivated the ghostly path needed. This came from death. This came from the presence of beings who had once been very powerful and accumulated a lot of primal energies which they released after death.
This was the reason that cultivators on the ghost path usually needed to cultivate near ancient graves. Yet few could gather such large amounts of yin energy to face the enemy. Especially on a battlefield like this covered in corpses. Such means could only be described as terrifying.
The cultivators who could sense this, including Zhao Ce himself, knew that Shi Changluo’s next attack would be stronger. From a certain point of view, the attack Zhao Ce had just done possessed some of the air of that legendary Zhao Sword Furnace grandmaster, and was not very different from his master back then.
This was the strongest attack that Zhao Ce could perform. If even this could not win against Shi Changluo, then was there a chance to win?
All the cultivators who noticed this thought that Zhao Ce would undoubtedly lose. But Zhao Ce did not think so.
He attacked. The sword mark just now had been a light swing through the air, but when he used his sword this time, he crisply raised his sword and then cut down at Shi Changluo in front of him.
The air in front of him suddenly grew heated. Even the people hundreds of feet away sensed the incoming waves of heat.
Such heat was not unfamiliar to the surrounding cultivators. In the many records of the cultivation world, the cultivators of the Zhao Sword Furnace were accompanied by the flame for long times. In their usual cultivation, their body contained endless he’d, and the primal energies that had accumulated in their bodies grew usually hot. But to their shock, the heat now surpassed any of Zhao Ce’s previous attacks, and was incredible to them.
At this moment, many gasps sounded.
The red sword in Zhao Ce’s hand started to burn. This was unprecedented heat, coming from the sword burning in his hand.
Before, his sword had been flowing with fire, and even the sticky energy like that of magma. But now, all the cultivators who could not help gasp because they could see that his sword was truly burning from the inside!
The sword giving off powerful lifebond presence was naturally Zhao Ce’s lifebond sword that had been nurtured for many years. The vital energy and primal energies of the universe in the bodies of Zhao Sword Furnace cultivators were so hot they could melt metal. So the sword nucleus they spent so many years to smelt were the best in the world. No one knew how high a temperature they could endure. Especially a lifebond sword that had formed after many years of cultivation. This was a divine weapon that no craftsman in the world could create.
But at this time, Zhao Ce used a violent method to cause his sword to start burning. Truly burning, cracking apart like firewood. This had nothing to do with sword essence.
This was just a pure slash, but the mad increase in temperature brought along a mad increase in power. There was no room left for retreat.
In this moment, his lifebond sword turned into a fierce ball of fire with a boom. Then he raised this scorching flame and cut at Shi Changluo.
But this was just the start.
His vital energy and primal energies of the universe started to burn, turning into terrifying heat.
Buzz buzz buzz……
There were explosions through the air. The threads of yin energy coming out of the ground started to burn. The entire space seemed to be locked down by fire, but there were still primal energies being madly pulled in.
One monument ago, Shi Changluo’s expression had been calm. He believed that he could win this battle. But in this moment, his face was ashen, and his eyes filled with disbelief.
This was the burning of a sword that a cultivator had forged for a life, his vital energy and life burning together with resolve and courage that was hard to surpass in the world. He could not face the power of a sword like this. He knew the basic reason that he could not match this. He thought that the victory on the sword path was determined by life and death. But facing the other’s sword, he could not ignore life and death. Regardless of whether he would win against this sword or not, the other would die, and he would also die.
What was the meaning in a sword like this?
“Sword of death!”
These three words appeared clearly in his mind.
This was the opinion that Wang Jingmeng had expressed of the Zhao Sword Furnace cultivators. Now, these three swords appeared in his mind. An indescribable bitterness formed in his mouth and through his body.
Even after many years, if he faced Wang Jingmeng of the past, he still could not win. Because back then, Wang Jingmeng knew what was truly terrifying about the Zhao Sword Furnace cultivators, but knowing that they were so strong because they would fight disregarding death, he still had the courage to make an appointment to fight that grandmaster.
Right now, he did not have the courage to face Zhao Ce’s sword.
A cry of pain and indescribable meaning came out of his mouth. All of the vital energy and primal energies in his body went out, countless black flowers blooming in the air. The power of these flowers were not directed forwards, but wrapped around him, andtory the space behind him.
In everyone’s sight, Shi Changluo’s skin was burnt black. All he could do was madly flee black, turning into a wisp of green smoke. This sword had forced him to use all his power. The burning lifebond sword in Zhao Ce’s hand disappeared. His vital energy had all been forced out, and turned to hundreds of streams of fire in front of him. He had burned up most of the energy and blood in his body. When he breathed right now, he would cause several wisps of flame.
Volume 2 17 - The Sword In Stone
This chapter has been brought to you by me, and larkspur.
The sky was full of stars. It looked especially clear from the mountain peak, even the rarely visible galaxy was reflected in Li Lingjun’s eyes.
The reason this rare conference was to occur at Deer Mountain was due to the unique location. It was possible to see the lands of multiple dynasties from the peak. Also, because of Deer Mountain’s elevation and planarity, the entire world was in sight. Deer Mountain was tall, but most of its peak was flat land. When one walked, one did not seem to be at the peak of the mountain, but on the plains.
At this time, before Li Lingjun, was a small palace set up on a flat part of Deer Mountain’s peak.
The travelling palace was exquisitely slender, making people think of slender waists.
A delicate red carpet led towards this palace that was built in a day. Standing on the sides of the carpet were Chu beauties in palace attire and powerful cultivators.
Seeing Li Lingjun come over, these beauties and powerful cultivators all knelt in greeting.
The Chu Dynasty had been the first to ascend Deer Mountain today. He had already been ennobled as crown prince. There were many existence among the kneeling beauties and cultivators present that he had to carefully ponder and even look up to.
Seeing their respect, and even fear and regret, Li Lingjun felt extremely strange.
He should feel immense hatred towards these people, and even his father-king in the palace. But when he was ennobled as the crown prince, this kind of hate seemed to have dissipated.
Perhaps because he had stayed too long in Changling, that it felt very unfamiliar when he saw the Chu people.
He felt that he was one of the Qin looking at the Chu.
The Chu crown prince was fated to be the future Chu king, but before truly ascending to the throne, the master of the Chu Dynasty was still the old person in the palace. He had to abide by palace protocol.
He needed to go pay respects, morning and night.
He walked into the quiet palace, and disbelief flashed through his eyes immediately.
The figure of the wrinkle-faced emperor was not on the pure gold dragon couch.
"Do not worry. Just like how you never imagined he would leave after ascending Deer Mountain, no one in the world will know that he has left Deer Mountain at this time." Consort Zhao Xiang, dressed in light robes, looked at his shocked features and said, "He will return before the Deer Mountain Conference starts."
Li Lingjun suppressed his shock, his gaze still remaining on the empty couch. He asked softly, "Where did Father-King go. What is he doing?"
Consort Zhao Xiang shook her head and answered seriously, "Even I do not know."
Li Lingjun was completely dumbstruck.
The monarch travelling privately was not logical, especially when his body was not in good condition. The Deer Mountain Conference, that would determine the fate of the Chu and the entire world, was about to start ……
He didn’t even dare to think further because he knew, based on his present capabilities, he could not deal with or control a situation like that.
The Chu King, who was said to be in ill health, his body ruined by alcohol and lust and about to die, suddenly left after ascending Deer Mountain. The strongest emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Yuanwu, was travelling quickly on the armored ships towards Deer Mountain.
At this time, Ding Ning and Fu Su were entering the Wu Mountain.
Forefather Zhou did not enter the Wu Mountain from any of the Qin forts. This meant they were on a path that ordinary carriages could not travel.
The carriages of the Zhou Family had long been abandoned. Even the three carriage drivers did not follow them into Wu Mountain.
Within the humid and wild forest, Ding Ning swung the Last Flower remnant sword to create a path. Before him, Fu Su supported Forefather Zhou whose lower limbs could no longer move.
The thick mist had permeated Ding Ning and Fu Su’s clothes. Adding on the water dripping down from the leaves and branches, Ding Ning and Fu Su’s clothes were dripping as well.
They were cold all over. The mountain was steep and had no paths. Insects and snakes were also travelling through the forest. They had to keep up their guard at every moment. Even if Ding Ning and Fu Su’s vital energy could flow, this kind of travel could not be described as easy, much less when the pair’s vital energy was sealed, and even their blood flowed slowly.
Knowing that Forefather Zhou would not act before they reached their destination, Ding Ning and Fu Su’s attitudes were not respectful.
"The blood channels in half of your body are completely frozen. Even I can see you will die in less than half a year." Fu Su was usually kind. But at this time, he was in pain all over. He also had to carry such a hateful person and travel in such discomforting circumstances. Due to all this, his tone was full of scorn. "You are not preparing for your funeral in Changling, and want to come to such a horrid environment. What do you want to do?"
This was not many days after the battle with Chen Chu. Forefather Zhou was slowly releasing his presence at the moment to maintain the dryness and cleanliness of his body. However, his features had withered, and wrinkles had appeared on his skin.
Even if insects hollowed out a tree, if the roots were still strong, the tree could still have a rich crown. But if the roots were wilted and energies in chaos, this tree would quickly wither away.
At Fu Su’s scornful words, Forefather Zhou was not angry at all. The maliciousness in his eyes had long disappeared into a kind of harsh calmness. "We are in about the same situation. Why shall we mock each other?"
"While I do not know why you have made a special trip to this Wu Mountain, if you wanted to come, you could have come long ago. Why do you have to have me come with you?" Hearing Fu Su’s scornful words and Forefather Zhou’s retort, Ding Ning looked back at Forefather Zhou and asked calmly.
Forefather Zhou looked at Ding Ning with admiration and answered. "For you possess the most comprehensive ability I have ever seen. I have met many cultivators with an astounding ability to comprehend, but none as fast as you. In reality, I suspect even if I did not teach you, you will comprehend the star fiend condensing method on the Painting Remnant Scroll."
Ding Ning did not look back but raised his eyebrows slightly. "A question per person?"
Forefather Zhou smiled unconcernedly and nodded. "Without my teaching, would you have comprehended the star fiend condensing method on the Painting Remnant Scroll that day?"
Ding Ning nodded to show his admittance and then asked, "From your words, you need a person who is able to comprehend well and fast? Why?"
Forefather Zhou looked at his back and said, "You will naturally know once you get there."
Fu Su was immediately incensed. "You do not keep your word!"
"Taking you to see in person means I am keeping my word." Forefather Zhou said in a cool voice, "Your talent is not bad. When it is time, I hope that you will not disappoint me. Otherwise, I will quickly kill you, and then return to Changling to prepare my affairs."
Ding Ning travelled silently for a while before abruptly breaching the silence. "I hear that Wu Mountain is like Ba Mountain, surrounded by mountains; even hunters cannot penetrate deeply. It is suitable for cultivation and building hidden sects isolated from the outside world. Yet, Wu Mountain is too cold and not good for a cultivator’s health. In history, there has never been a spirit vein here, so no sects were ever founded here, and no ancient sect ruins were left behind. But because of the terrible environment that even cultivators do not go, there are many beasts and spirit medicines in several parts."
"Some ancient sects will discover spirit medicines and useful beasts, but if they are not mature, out of fear that other sects will discover and steal them, the powerful cultivators of the sect would set up powerful formations. This would trap the beasts and medicines, and hide them from the world."
After saying this, Ding Ning glanced back at Forefather Zhou and said coolly, "Is it spirit medicine or a beast?"
Fu Su stilled slightly as he realized.
Forefather Zhou frowned, a harsh light flashing through his eyes. "As expected, you are the best strategist of Two Level Tower."
"If you are truly able to help me this time, I will give you a chance to choose."
He took a deep breath, looked at Ding Ning, and slowly said, "Support the Zhou Family or die. Have you ever thought what kind of power would the Zhou Family, the Xie Family and Two Level Tower form?"
"To grow into the strongest force in Changling, and then have someone cut out your intestines again?" Before Fu Su could even imagine the scene, Ding Ning started to laugh.
"Haha."
Fu Su also couldn’t help but laugh.
He had truly hit Forefather Zhou at his weak spot. Forefather Zhou’s hair started to dance. A terrifying presence swept outwards with him at the center to form walls of wind.
"How much longer?"
Wavering in the wind, Ding Ning looked unconcernedly at the snarling Foreafther Zhou, saying flatly, "Rather than waste energy, how about opening the path for me. That way, we can reach our destination faster. Perhaps I can discern something faster."
Forefather Zhou forced down the murderousness filling his body. He closed his eyes and stopped talking.
But his body started to release a sharp presence pointing ahead of Ding Ning. Like an invisible sword, it created a path that people could quickly pass through.
Translator Ramblings: For just a second there, it felt like Forefather Zhou was the exasperated parent with two kids on a roadtrip.
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