[Fantasy Martial Arts] The Legend of the Heavenly Evil (Complete) - Chapter 38

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Chapter Seven: The Undefeated Body.

Dugu Bingxin was like a perfect statue sculpted from ten thousand years of mysterious ice, exuding a terrifying and chilling ghostly aura. He seemed to have transformed into a young warrior who had transformed into a god-slaying Asura, confronting Naraku, the shikigami of the "Hungry Ghost Path," on one side, creating a tense atmosphere of impending conflict.

Naraku quickly sensed from Dugu Bingxin the aura of a master beyond his years, and even that vaguely familiar feeling suddenly reminded him of who it came from—it was one of his former "allies"—the "shikigami" Rasetsu of the "Asura Path"!

This young man before him actually possessed a power and killing intent nearly equal to Rasetsu's!

Naraku was the most low-key among the six shikigami. In fact, his martial arts and wisdom were definitely no less than the top three in the Six Paths of Reincarnation. Now that the other four shikigami had all perished, he was still alive. This alone showed how superb Naraku's cunning and methods were.

Naraku's phoenix eyes, more beautiful than a woman's, held an intensely provocative gaze amidst his interested scrutiny; while Dugu Bingxin's cold gaze held a composure and calmness completely different from his youthful appearance, along with a murderous aura that only those who had survived countless battles could possess.

Naraku's tone carried seven parts contempt and three parts scrutiny.

"You, are you the representative of the first battle?"

Dugu Bingxin's tone was arrogant and boastful, a stark contrast to his cold exterior and demeanor.

"I am your soul-reaper."

Naraku chuckled, "It's good for young people to be confident, but be careful not to let your arrogance cloud your judgment."

"Relying on your seniority, is this your last words?"

Naraku chuckled again, turning his gaze to Di Shitian below the stage, clearly seeking the other's opinion.

At this moment, in this place, only "Great Sun Heavenly King" and "Peerless Evil God" truly had the power to decide who would represent them in the battle. Emperor Shitian remained noncommittal, his gaze drifting to the "Heavenly Palace" camp below the stage. He saw Lou Xueyi, "Sword Marquis," who had originally been one of the Three Heroes of the White Path but had now officially declared his allegiance. Lou Xueyi nodded slightly with an almost imperceptible movement. Then, Emperor Shitian sank into his dragon throne and said calmly, "Let's begin." As

soon as Emperor Shitian finished speaking, the entire summit of "Life and Death Peak" fell into absolute silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Only countless killing intents flowed through the space. Naraku's ghostly aura and Dugu Bingxin's killing intent became the focus of countless martial artists' attention.

"I want to know, what's your reason for fighting?"

Dugu Bingxin said coldly. "I didn't expect the 'Hungry Ghost Path' shikigami to be such a talkative and indecisive fellow."

Naraku smiled and said, "This might be your last speech in your life, shouldn't you cherish it?"

Dugu Bingxin didn't answer. Instead, she withdrew her cold gaze from her opponent and turned it to the person below the stage, "Sword Marquis" Lou Xueyi. When their eyes met, a deep melancholy and sorrow appeared on the former's usually cold face.

Although it was only a fleeting change of expression, it didn't escape Naraku's keen eyes. Surprisingly, Naraku didn't use this momentary weakness to attack her opponent. Instead, she revealed a kind of relief and... a smile of sympathy.

—An emotion that can't be blessed, nor can it be acknowledged? To be able to stand on the battlefield to fight someone with the same curse as me, is this what they call destiny...?

Just as Naraku was moved by the scene, Dugu Bingxin's gaze also left the stage and returned to her opponent.

"Let me show you a technique that surpasses even the 'God of War' Xuanwu's from three hundred years ago..."

As soon as he finished speaking, "Cold Asura's" gaze sharpened again, and his inner energy surged forth, forming a layer of almost tangible black mist on his skin. This mist was then absorbed into Dugu Bingxin's body, and a mysterious and domineering aura surged forth from him, making him appear like an Asura war demon bursting forth from hell, ready to wreak havoc

! —Yes! It's this aura! It's this Asura battle aura that defies the heavens!

Sensing a unique battle aura from Dugu Bingxin that was similar to that of his former comrade, Naraku realized that the other party's cultivation had entered the "ultimate" realm.

"I didn't expect you to have grasped the essence of 'Ultimate' at such a young age..."

Dugu Bingxin sneered. "I have your companion to thank for that. He taught me the essence of 'Ultimate'."

Naraku asked in astonishment, "My companion?"

Dugu Bingxin's lips curled into a meaningful smile. "It was the shikigami Rasetsu of the 'Asura Path.' He sacrificed his life to give me the understanding of 'Ultimate'."

"What?"

Upon hearing of his companion's death, even Naraku, with his deep cunning, was taken aback. This gave Dugu Bingxin, who had been planning her move carefully, a perfect opportunity to strike.

—She moved!

Dugu Bingxin's figure flashed, like a black dragon soaring, appearing directly in front of Naraku. Her "Asura Soul-Slaying Claw" seemed capable of shattering everything, and her speed was as fast as the wind, almost invisible to the naked eye. She was about to tear her opponent's body apart in an instant.

Having lost the initiative, Naraku didn't even have time to complain about his lapse in composure. However, he possessed the fastest speed among the six shikigami. Before Dugu Bingxin's claws could reach him, Naraku's body had already dissipated like mist.

"It's 'Shadow Reflection'!"

Realizing that Naraku was merely an afterimage left by his high-speed movement, Dugu Bingxin immediately extended her "Manas Consciousness" to capture him. Sensing a barely perceptible fluctuation five zhang away, she swung her hand back, and the "Asura Shuttle" flashed like lightning, shooting towards the location Dugu Bingxin sensed, but still missed.

"Hey! Where are you looking? I'm right here!"

A laugh as alluring as a rabbit floated in the air, and Naraku's figure suddenly appeared behind Dugu Bingxin, appearing out of nowhere. Three consecutive "Killing Yin Finger" strikes landed on Dugu Bingxin's back almost simultaneously, producing a chilling sound like a snapping of the skull.

"Damn it!"

The schemer had fallen into the trap himself. Enraged, Dugu Bingxin roared, unleashing his full power to repel Naraku and the Xuan Yin Finger Force that had forced its way into his body.

Dugu Bingxin activated his "Asura War God" power. Since his battle with the "Asura Path" shikigami Rakshasa, he had deeply realized the inadequacy of his own power. Therefore, he completely severed all contact with the outside world, retreating into seclusion to cultivate the secrets of the "Ultimate."

To master the power of the "Ultimate" is not through talent or effort, but rather through "enlightenment" or "sudden realization," like water flowing into a channel, like the changing of the seasons. This principle is either understood by those who will, or by those who will not.

And after a hundred days of seclusion, Dugu Bingxin finally understood the profound meaning of the "Ultimate."

To master the "Ultimate," one must first comprehend the "True Self."

Finally, Dugu Bingxin dared to confront his "true self," the emotions that had tormented his soul like a brand he had never dared to face. When his mind was finally freed from the shackles of self-imposed confinement, he understood that he had mastered the "ultimate" power!

Having grasped the "ultimate," Dugu Bingxin believed his strength was now among the top five in the world, and it was time to compete with the heroes of the land, pushing the reputation of the "Shura Sect" to unprecedented heights. Then, he himself could surpass the achievements of his ancestor—the "God of War," Dugu Xuanwu!

His advantage lay in surpassing the invincible body of the "Shura God of War."

Completely overturning traditional martial arts concepts, Dugu Bingxin believed that "defense is the best offense," and thus adopted a bold approach that broke away from the martial arts doctrines of his predecessors.

He combined the power of the first strike of the "Ultimate" he had comprehended with his cultivated "Asura War God," essentially wearing armor made of the "Ultimate." Only the "Ultimate" could break through the "Ultimate," and the "Invincible Body" of the "Asura War God," combined with the power of the "Ultimate," was already close to the power of the second strike of the "Ultimate." In other words, to break through his armor, one would need to use the power of the third strike of the "Ultimate" or higher.

Dugu Bingxin believed that, apart from the deceased "Yanhuang" Jun Nitian and "Tianjian Juedao" Ding Chenyi, no one else in the world could break through to the third strike of the "Ultimate."

Since no one in the world could cross the threshold of the third strike of the "Ultimate," or unleash two consecutive second strikes of the "Ultimate" without needing to recover, it meant no one could break through his "Asura War God," and his "Invincible Body" was truly deserved.

"Absolute defense" is the best attack, and "an impenetrable defense" is Dugu Bingxin's greatest asset and confidence. He believed that even someone with greater skill than himself could not break through his "invincible body."

Since he was neither defeated nor dead, it was his opponent's turn to die.

"Hungry Rabbit Path" shikigami Naraku, you are doomed!

Black fighting spirit surged again, and the body shrouded in it resembled the reincarnation of the celestial war god Asura. His black, gem-like pupils radiated supreme power, and even the battle-hardened Naraku felt this invisible pressure, his already pale face turning even paler.

—Good lad, you actually managed to force out my Yin-Yang Finger Technique in an instant, the recoil even numbing my fingers. So young, yet your protective aura is so formidable! No wonder even Rakshasa died at his hands.

—But! Even if Rakshasa were resurrected and came in person, it wouldn't necessarily be able to defeat me now!

Naraku took a breath in mid-air, his figure blurring as he appeared ghost-like above Dugu Bingxin's head. A barrage of finger strikes rained down, all aimed at the latter's vital acupoints. Dozens of profound Yin finger strikes surged into her meridians; any other expert would have been frozen solid by this onslaught.

"Ugh!"

Dugu Bingxin's body shuddered, her fighting spirit fueled by pain growing even stronger. Ignoring the agony of being slashed by a thousand ice blades, she roared and immediately retaliated with a punch.

"Bang!"

Naraku's greed for victory perfectly described his current state. Dugu Bingxin's punch struck him in the abdomen, a single blow that felt like the combined force of hundreds of strikes. Intense pain, accompanied by Naraku's surprise, coursed through his nerves, instantly shattering his protective aura and severely damaging his meridians.

"Wow!!"

The force, no less than the one that nearly killed him in the temple, pounded into the consciousness and body of the Hungry Ghost Path shikigami. The taste of blood awakened the long-dormant pain, but also the long-dormant ferocity hidden beneath his reason. As one of the dignified shikigami of the "Six Paths," how could he be defeated by a junior?

"Heh!"

Naraku increased his power, unleashing the "Mysterious Yin Technique," the ultimate technique of the Hungry Ghost Path, at its full power. The icy energy surged and erupted, instantly turning the arena into a scene of frost and snow in June, with the temperature plummeting. At the same time, countless Narrakus appeared on the arena, moving rapidly, making it impossible to distinguish which was an illusion and which was real.

"Hmph! So you won't fall so easily after all?"

Dugu Bingxin's cold eyes flashed with the sharp edge of killing intent. With a flick of her fingers, black sword energy shot out like thousands of snakes, the sharp and menacing sword energy weaving layers of death nets, sealing off every inch of space on the arena!

"Asura's Hell-Slaying Sword - Heavenly Net Kill!"

A dense net of swords shot towards the countless Naraku figures on the arena, but it couldn't catch the ever-changing Naraku, who was like a kaleidoscope of images. Then, all the clones disintegrated, instantly appearing behind Dugu Bingxin.

"Die!"

A sharp shout rang out, and Dugu Bingxin felt the murderous aura building behind her vanish instantly. Even the surrounding air seemed to be sucked away in an instant, the world suddenly silent, the space frozen, as if Naraku had suddenly become the king who ruled the space, and Dugu Bingxin could only be slaughtered at his mercy.

—Has the "ultimate" finally arrived? I've been waiting for you!

Dugu Bingxin was like a puppet on a stage, her body bound and pulled by an invisible force, like a doll tied with transparent threads, unable to even move a finger.

"To be defeated by this shikigami's 'ultimate' divine skill, you die with honor!"

A tremendous force rapidly expanded and condensed before Dugu Bingxin's eyes, forming a giant ice spear in the void. Naraku appeared behind the ice spear, amplifying its power, his killing intent erupting like a demon sword being unsheathed.

The tip of the ice spear instantly pierced through to Dugu Bingxin's face, reflecting a pair of eyes that remained lonely, arrogant, and unruly.

Naraku disliked such a gaze.

His "ultimate" skill, like his personality, always prioritized invincibility. His "ultimate" skill focused on "sealing," using a near-perfect "Manas consciousness" level to create a spatial seal. Even "ultimate" masters of his level would be imprisoned by this powerful seven senses, their power reduced to less than half. Then, he would use the reserved half of his "ultimate" power to finish off the enemy, making it a flawless "ultimate" divine skill.

Naraku assessed that unless one was a master who had mastered the "ultimate" third strike, like Ni Tianxie or Di Shitian, no one in the world could withstand his attack.

Dugu Bingxin was doomed .

However, is anything in this world absolute?

The ice spear struck Dugu Bingxin, creating a deafening roar like an avalanche. The icy blade, meant to sever all life force, failed to penetrate her "Asura War God" body. Her expression of astonishment and surprise was met with contempt and mockery, and a gaze as sharp and cold as a sword piercing through the air.

"How...how is this possible?"

Dugu Bingxin sneered, "Surprised? I didn't expect that your 'ultimate' and mine would lead to the same result. You used all the power of your first strike on 'blocking'; while I used it all on 'defense.' However, my 'invincible body,' in terms of defensive power alone, is already at the second ultimate level. Your move is only qualified to block me, not to hurt me."

"The strongest attack is inevitably followed by the weakest defense. You must know this principle...So can you guess what I'll do next..."

A strange smile appeared on his cold face. Dugu Bingxin unleashed his "ultimate" power, his killing intent surging like a giant wave. The heavy air pressed down on Naraku like a thousand-pound boulder, making it hard for him to breathe.

"Asura Soul-Snatching Claw!"

By unleashing his "ultimate" power in his most familiar and preferred move, Dugu Bingxin's practical personality was evident. It was also because of this that he could unleash the full power of his "ultimate." With a deafening roar, Naraku's entire lower body was shredded to pieces by Dugu Bingxin's surging "ultimate" power, exposing bone fragments and a bloody mess.

—I ...I actually lost, died at the hands of a mere brat... No one in the arena could accept defeat more than Naraku himself, yet the bloody reality was staring him in the face. His lower body was completely mangled; even a Great Immortal couldn't save him. The "Hungry Ghost Path" shikigami Naraku had been utterly defeated by the "Cold Asura" Dugu Bingxin! Dugu Bingxin's emotionless words echoed in Naraku's ears: "Do you know how powerful I am now...? Do you have any last words? I'll give you one last chance..." Naraku's lips curled into a helpless smile. "What an annoying brat! But since you've mastered power surpassing mine, what else can I say? Just send me on my way!"

Dugu Bingxin smiled and said, "That was satisfying! As expected of one of the Six Paths Shikigami. Farewell!"

With that final word, Dugu Bingxin's claws moved, instantly tearing apart the remaining upper body of the exhausted Naraku. A spray of blood rained down on the arena floor, becoming Naraku's final relic in this world.

Chapter Eight: Return from Hell.

Countless bits of flesh and blood were scattered on the arena. The black-clad man, like a demon of the night, stood proudly with the calm and indifferent air of a victor. His disdainful gaze swept over everyone before settling on Ni Tianxie's face.

"Your men are all dead, not even bones remain. Can I consider this a victory?"

Ni Tianxie smiled faintly, completely indifferent to the deaths of his men, his expression as serene as if he had just returned from a wedding banquet.

"Of course you won, without a doubt."

Hearing Ni Tianxie's words was tantamount to formally admitting defeat. Even Dugu Bingxin, who was usually expressionless, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. After all, he had defeated one of the strongest representatives of the "Six Paths Realm," a Six Paths Shikigami!

And this was just another big step for him towards the pinnacle of his life.

Dugu Bingxin turned and walked off the stage. Ni Tianxie had watched the former's every move from beginning to end, seemingly without any intention of intervening. But what the real reason was, only he himself probably knew.

—The first battle of the five-way showdown was won by "Cold Asura" Dugu Bingxin, the representative of the Martial Arts Alliance!

Naraku was killed, and immediately the "Heavenly Palace" camp sent someone to announce the result of the first battle as the master of ceremonies, showing that they had come prepared. "Peerless Evil God" remained unmoved, as if acquiescing, or as if completely indifferent.

The first battle ended, and the result was far beyond everyone's expectations. The Six Paths Realm Shikigami had actually been defeated by a junior! The arrogance of the "Peerless Evil God" immediately subsided significantly, and with it, the radiance of "Great Sun Heavenly King" Indra seemed to brighten even more.

Indra squinted coldly and said, "You lost the first battle. For the second, who will you send to die?"

Ni Tianxie merely smiled, ignoring Indra's provocative gaze, and looked up at the distant sky, saying each word clearly, "The representative for this second battle should be able to give the Heavenly King a pleasant surprise."

"Oh, then I'll certainly look forward to it."

Ni Tianxie flicked his finger, revealing a mischievous smile, and said, "Then come forth! My 'Six Paths Realm's' representative for the second battle—Long Bufei!"

These three unexpected words came from Ni Tianxie's mouth. Just as everyone was still wondering why this name would come from Ni Tianxie's mouth, a fierce killing intent, as if rising from the depths of hell, instantly seized everyone's hearts!

—Pfft!

"This is…" Sensing the source of this killing intent, even Indra was moved.

—Pfft! Pfft!

"Has he arrived? My loyal servant..." Ni Tianxie closed his eyes, revealing a smug smile.

—Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!

"How is this possible?! It really is him!!" Everyone wore expressions of disbelief.

—Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! !

What everyone thought they heard were footsteps, was actually the sound of their own hearts pounding wildly. The reason for this illusion was the terrifyingly chilling killing intent emanating from the newcomer, causing them to hallucinate.

—Impossible! How could it be "him"?

How could "him" have become like this?

A figure in white robes flew through the wall of people and landed on the arena. His posture was like that of a god of death, his entire being devoid of the upright and righteous aura he once possessed. His tattered white clothes were stained with old wounds and bloodstains, a horrifying sight. His intense aura exuded a fierce hatred that seemed capable of annihilating everything. Beneath

his disheveled hair, crimson eyes revealed a crazed killing intent. His empty expression, tightly pursed lips, and familiar features concealed a completely different aura from before.

"So... this is your secret weapon..."

Di Shitian's sigh was exceptionally clear amidst the deathly silence.

"Is that... 'Natural Enemy' Long Bufei?"

The whispers in the crowd shifted from doubt to fact. Although his appearance had changed drastically, he was, after all, a renowned hero in the righteous path. No matter how much he changed, his essence remained the same. Even though his will had been stripped away, turning him into a pathetic killing machine, the physique and face of "Natural Enemy" Long Bufei would never change!

—Wait! "Natural Enemy" Long Bufei?

Shouldn't he be irreconcilably opposed to the evil forces, the last remaining pillar of the righteous path—"Natural Enemy" Long Bufei—why is he in the camp of the "Peerless Evil God"? And even appointed by the Heavenly Evil One as their representative for the second battle?

Di Shitian's tiger-like eyes glared at Ni Tianxie, their cold, sharp light flashing. He said, "I heard that Long Bufei once single-handedly stormed the 'Six Paths Holy Temple,' and then disappeared without a trace. So you turned him into a killing machine?"

Ni Tianxie revealed an extremely mocking smile. "The Six Paths Realm has a long history of modifying consciousness. Although my elder brother is a bit more difficult than the average person, after I personally intervened, it was all done. The results are now laid out before the Heavenly King. Are you satisfied?"

Di Shitian snorted coldly, "Just some low-down methods, nothing to brag about."

Ni Tianxie said, "Anyway, our second representative has already taken the stage. Where is your second representative?"

Suddenly, someone shouted from the crowd, "Bullshit! Hero Long is the rising star of our righteous path. How could he possibly represent your evil heretics in battle?"

"Too noisy. Kill him." Ni Tianxie coldly flicked his finger.

A figure flashed across the arena, followed by a bloodcurdling scream. A burly man was struck in the heart by Long Bufei's fist, the blow penetrating deep inside and out. The man was lifted high, warm blood dripping onto Long Bufei's face and clothes.

The man's pupils dilated, his face contorted, seemingly unable to believe that his opponent would actually kill him.

"Great Hero Long... I am Tieyi... a brother who has faced life and death with you... have you... forgotten..."

"Kill!"

A merciless growl, a surge of energy into the fist, instantly blasting the man called "Tieyi" to pieces. Blood rained down within a five-zhang radius, terrifying the onlookers.

The killing weapon, now a demon, showed no emotion. With a flicker, having completed its mission, it returned to the arena, as if it had never made a move.

The crowd below fell into a chilling silence. Even their "natural enemy," Long Bufei, had become a killing tool of the "Peerless Evil God." Was the righteous path truly doomed?

Lou Xueyi's face turned extremely ugly. She hadn't expected Ni Tianxie to have such a trump card up his sleeve. Looking around her side, only Di Shitian could confidently defeat Long Bufei. However, Di Shitian had to be the last to fight, and with the rule that each person could only participate once, who should they send out? It was a real headache.

—Damn it! Had he planned all this all along?!

Following Grand Tutor Wen, Lou Xueyi also tasted the profound wisdom of the "Peerless Evil God," and felt a bitter sense of awe.

"What? No one wants to challenge my 'Big Brother'?"

Ni Tianxie's chuckle sounded particularly ironic and terrifying to everyone.

Di Shitian coldly interrupted Ni Tianxie's laughter, saying, "Don't be impatient. Long Bufei's opponent was already decided before the battle even began."

"Oh, who is it?"

Di Shitian remained silent, shifting his gaze to the area below the peak, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "They've arrived... You sensed it too, didn't you... Your nemesis's battle..."

"What did you say..." Ni Tianxie stammered, his words trailing off as if sensing something, turning to follow Di Shitian's gaze.

"This is..."

"You sensed it too... 'His' return..."

"It really is 'him'! But how could 'him' have become so..."

He didn't utter the word "terrifying," his pride as a "Peerless Evil God" forbidding him from uttering words that would glorify his enemy.

Ni Tianxie closed his eyes, sensing the source of this terrifying killing intent. After a moment, he looked at Di Shitian and said, "So that's it. To be reborn from the brink of death is the eighteenth level of 'Journey to Hell'... I didn't expect you to help the old man's disciple. Did you foresee this day..."

Di Shitian merely sneered, offering no comment.

The winds shifted, the clouds surged.

On the Peak of Life and Death, a dense aura of death suddenly enveloped and corroded the area, causing the flowers, plants, and trees to wither rapidly.

Influenced by this lifeless, utterly devastating aura, some among the crowd on the summit, whose will was weak, felt an indescribable unease, as if life had lost all meaning and death was the only option before them!

As they thought this, their breathing became difficult, and a nauseating feeling welled up in their abdomens.

—What's happening?

Some were horrified to discover something terrifying: their bodies, limbs, and skin were rapidly drying and atrophying, their skin slowly turning grayish-blue, like that of a corpse.

—Why…why is this

happening? Despite this horrifying transformation, these people felt no pain. Clumps of hair were falling out, and their withered faces were covered in rotting spots—they looked like living corpses!

Some were experiencing physical mutations, others psychological mutations.

The intense aura of death inhaled, and a deep sorrow welled up within them. Drawn by the deathly energy, they felt utterly lost, heartbroken, and devoid of any will to live.

"Ah! My heart... my heart... cannot bear this damned grief... my heart... is aching so badly..."

Before the main figure even appeared, over three hundred heroes on the summit had already perished due to the influence of the deathly energy!

Even Di Shitian, who had orchestrated this whole affair, felt a chill run down his spine, unsure if his initial decision was right or wrong.

—What powerful deathly energy! Indeed, the "ultimate" path leads to extremes. To comprehend extreme death from the utter depletion of life—truly worthy of being the only beloved disciple of "Yama Emperor" Jun Nitian!

—It's here!

The dense deathly energy descended like a collapsing sky. Everyone on the summit felt this oppressive and terrifying aura, as if they had encountered their nemesis, unable even to muster their survival instincts.

What should have been a battlefield teeming with carnage and chaos was now eerily quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop, so quiet you could hear the heartbeats of the two "people" facing off on the arena—no! They were two "deaths"! This feeling was far more terrifying than facing death itself, a utterly helpless feeling of being unable to struggle, only able to sit still and await death!

No one could have imagined that the "he" who stood before his "nemesis," Long Bufei, and was rumored to be dead, would be reborn from hell just like his nemesis, and that no amount of words could describe the strength of the third strongest in the world! His strength had reached a point where only the word "terrifying" could describe it! Even Long Bufei, transformed into a killing machine,

paled in comparison. Disheveled hair, a pale face, and a pair of emotionless eyes that could no longer be called "human," those deep yet chillingly empty eyes fearlessly surveyed his inextricably linked nemesis.

"Pitiful..."

No one expected that the first word uttered by the Third Under Heaven would be these two.

"Losing your will, becoming a soulless puppet, such an end is certainly something you wouldn't want to see... Pitiful man... Considering you were once my nemesis, I'll give you a quick release..."

A flash of anger suddenly appeared on Long Bufei's expressionless face. Even without his own will, his instincts seemed to sense his nemesis's contempt, and a nameless rage rose within him.

"...Kill!"

Before the referee could announce it, the second battle of the five-way finals, the final battle between "natural enemies" Long Bufei and the Third Under Heaven, two nemesis destined to clash, had already begun.

Long Bufei struck at the Third Under Heaven with a palm strike. Even before the palm arrived, the powerful force of the palm had already caused the granite beneath the latter's feet to crack.

The Third Under Heaven didn't even glance at it. The deathly black aura emanating from his body grew even thicker and stronger, until he was completely enveloped in the black mist. Long Bufei's palm struck into the black mist, and he was immediately met with the corrosive deathly aura that touched his skin. However, having already had his consciousness taken away, he was unaffected by the deathly illusion and felt no pain. His original strength remained unchanged as he cleaved through Mount Hua!

"Good!"

The Third Under Heaven roared, and the deathly black aura exploded, with rings of black energy spreading outwards. His uncontrollable fighting spirit filled every nerve in his body.

"Death Blade - Death by Extinction!"

The Third Under Heaven dodged Long Bufei's attack and then unleashed a new move he had comprehended from the realm of death, a move even more powerful than the "Peerless Demon Blade"—the "Death Blade"! A deathly blade aura lashed out with his single arm, turning everything around into darkness, halting all life, as if all things were about to perish!

Having become a god of death, Long Bufei showed no fear. He flipped his palms outward, unleashing the power of the "Tathagata Realm" from his "Prajna Subduing Dragon Skill," directly confronting the death blade aura of the third-ranked expert in the world. Although his self-awareness had been taken away, the power of his "natural enemy" had not decreased but increased!

"Boom!"

The two arch-enemies clashed with a single move, creating a storm of wind and clouds, a truly earth-shattering force. Although they had different fates, the fact remained that they possessed similar strength.

Without needing to catch his breath, the third-ranked expert swung his death blade again. Black energy, like ink staining white paper, crisscrossed the space. Within the five-zhang radius of the death blade's influence, every inch of air was filled with powerful blade energy capable of causing an instantaneous explosion. Long Bufei's reaction was equally impressive. He threw a straight punch at the third-ranked expert's face, the force of which was powerful and overwhelming. The mere gust of wind from the punch was enough to break bones and kill an ordinary expert.

"Bang!"

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, both men simultaneously abandoned any thought of defense in this exchange, focusing solely on unleashing their killing blows on each other. The result was that both achieved their goal simultaneously, being struck at the same time.

"Roar!"

"Heh!"

One was a death god returned from hell, the other a killing god whose soul had been lost. Both were completely immune to the feeling of "pain." Even with the Third Under Heaven covered in blood and Long Bufei's ribcage fractured, only one thought remained in their minds: to kill each other!

Chapter Nine: The Death of the Undying .

Even less adept at using internal energy for protection than his opponent, Long Bufei was covered in blood and his wounds were deep enough to expose bone after only a few moments of fighting. However, his fighting spirit remained undiminished, burning even more fiercely.

"Roar—!"

But he wasn't the only one with such unwavering fighting spirit. His opponent, the Third Under Heaven, was also a fearless killing god, possessing the peak power of the eighteenth level of "Hellwalk." From any perspective, he had no reason to lose.

"How could a puppet that has lost its self-awareness possibly defeat me!"

The black blade energy that slashed across the ground was a brutally sublimated aura of domineering killing intent. The power gleaned from the brink of death gave the Third Under Heaven absolute confidence—the confidence that he would never be defeated by anyone again!

One was Long Bufei, the hope of the righteous path, who had swept through armies and was now a weapon of slaughter—his "natural enemy"!

The other was the Third Under Heaven, who had slaughtered thousands of miles in a rage, the incarnation of death, whose power was now almost comparable to that of his master in life!

His palm was the palm of demon subjugation, and his blade was the blade of death.

With each strike of the Third Under Heaven, a thick, nauseating stench of corpses wafted out. The black blade energy was sharp enough to cut through metal and sever the wind. Even after the palm strike had passed, the black blade energy lingered in the void for a long time.

In contrast, even though Long Bufei possessed an undying fighting spirit, his fighting style was too aggressive and unrestrained. Moreover, the aura of the third-ranked swordsman in the world, the Death Blade, contained a corrosive potential. Initially, this wasn't apparent, but as the fight dragged on, the shift in power became increasingly obvious.

"Death Blade—Hell Without End!"

The third-ranked swordsman's eyes blazed with intense killing intent. With a sudden flick of his sleeves, a sea of black flames erupted on the arena. The heaven-devouring fire waves, carrying the death blade aura capable of annihilating all life, concentrated and slashed towards Long Bufei.

The wailing of ghosts stirred up the vengeful spirits of the nine heavens and ten earths, causing their energy to surge and surge violently. Long Bufei, caught in the midst of this, immediately raised his full protective energy. However, under the destructive attack that had reached the second strike of the "ultimate" technique, even the strongest protective aura couldn't withstand the winds of death, resulting in a gruesome and shattered death.

"Ah—!!"

Possessing the title of the hope of the righteous path, he dedicated his life to upholding justice, but unfortunately, he was born at the wrong time, always ending up with a tragic end despite his good deeds. Long Bufei, the "natural enemy," died a gruesome death at the hands of his destined nemesis, the Third Under Heaven, at the age of thirty-five.

If their original strength were considered, even if the Third Under Heaven had broken through the eighteenth level of the "Hellwalk," it would have taken him over a thousand moves to kill Long Bufei. Unfortunately, after being brainwashed by Ni Tianxie, the latter's original "Prajna Subduing Dragon Skill" lost its tranquility and could not reach its "ultimate" state, thus he was defeated by the Third Under Heaven's ultimate death blade— a defeat not due to a lack of skill.

However, the fact remains that in the decisive battle of the five, Ni Tianxie's side from the "Six Paths Realm" suffered another defeat.

After annihilating his nemesis, the Third Under Heaven showed no joy, not even giving himself time to recover. His lingering killing intent concentrated once more on one place

—the Peerless Evil God!

"Ni Tianxie! It's time for us to settle the score!"

The Third Under Heaven's roar shook the entire peak, his accumulated anger exploding like gunpowder, the released death energy creating a violent shockwave that caused immense destruction in the surrounding area.

During those days of struggling to survive on the brink of death, the only reason that kept him from falling into the deepest hell was his desire for revenge against Ni Tianxie!

Now, he has returned from hell, possessing power even greater than in his previous life, solely to personally avenge this attack!

The Third Demon Body of the World stirred, and a dense killing intent, like a thick fog, quickly enveloped Ni Tianxie.

The latter remained seated on his dragon throne, showing no intention of moving, only smiling slightly at Di Shitian: "If you want to break the rules, you'll have to see if the host agrees..."

Di Shitian frowned upon hearing this. Ni Tianxie's words were tantamount to delivering the Third Demon Body of the World to his doorstep, but for the sake of his second victory, he couldn't refuse this troublesome task.

In a flash, he made his decision, rising and snorting, "Third Demon Body of the World, don't cause trouble here, get out of my way!"

However, blinded by rage, the Third Demon Body of the World wouldn't listen.

"Emperor Shitian! This is our family matter, don't interfere!"

Emperor Shitian laughed angrily, "What if I insist on interfering?"

The Third Under Heaven didn't speak again, but half of the death aura emanating from his body shifted towards Emperor Shitian's Dragon Shield.

The latter, caught in a bind, couldn't help but feel anger rising in his heart, coldly snorting, "A mere grain of rice dares to shine!"

Emperor Shitian stood up and raised his hand, instantly as if a thousand suns had moved to his body, emitting blindingly hot light. The Third Under Heaven's death aura melted away instantly, like snow meeting the sunrise.

Emperor Shitian knew the Third Under Heaven was no longer what it used to be, so he attacked with eighty percent of his power, setting up a blazing sun defense line, hoping to block without harming him. Unfortunately, although he had overestimated the Third Under Heaven, he didn't know that the Third Under Heaven today was a truly terrifying "Undying Death God"!

"The Blade of Death - Utter Despair!"

A sword technique comprehended from despair, adversity and pain only amplify the power of the Blade of Death. The fierce and tragic sword intent of the Overlord seeped from every pore of his body, absorbing the divine power of Emperor Shitian's light like ink dripping into water, and then turning it into his own power, multiplying his attack!

"Hmph!"

Unexpectedly, the third-ranked expert in the world would pull this move. Killing intent finally ignited in Emperor Shitian's eyes. With a swift movement of his hands, he formed a light seal. The light around him suddenly intensified. Black and white, light and darkness, two ultimate masters who went to opposite extremes, were about to unexpectedly clash in an unofficial competition.

"Wait!"

Just as tensions were running high, Ni Tianxie unexpectedly spoke up to stop them. Not only did he stop them, but he also took action and stood between the two, saying to Di Shitian, "Since Senior Brother thinks this is a family matter, then let me and him settle it!"

Upon hearing this, Di Shitian's doubts resurfaced. He had originally thought that Ni Tianxie had used a scheme to instigate a battle between him and the third strongest in the world in order to weaken his own strength. However, Ni Tianxie's actions of testing the waters after igniting the war disrupted his original assumptions.

However, given the many uncertainties, observing from the sidelines seemed to be the wisest choice. Thus, Emperor Shitian quickly returned to his throne, coldly stating, "Let you dogs fight it out. What does it matter to me?"

Ni Tianxie's satisfied smile vanished as he turned to the Third Under Heaven, saying, "Senior Brother, do you hate me so much that you want to grind me to dust?"

The Third Under Heaven didn't reply. The hatred between him and Ni Tianxie was indelible, even if the waters of the Three Rivers and Five Lakes were poured out. Words would only diminish the overflowing killing intent in his heart. He chose the most direct and swift answer.

"Kill!"

The deathly blade energy gathered again, tearing through space with a suffocating pressure. The heavy, black blade energy was a terrifyingly powerful expression of death, a force that should not exist in this world. Ni Tianxie

remained calm and composed, saying leisurely, "Senior Brother's progress is indeed astonishing. It seems I should also show you my true abilities."

Everyone thought the "Peerless Evil God" was about to make his move, but at this moment, he made a decision that no one expected. Ni Tianxie clapped his hands and smiled, "Come out, my good brother."

As soon as Ni Tianxie finished speaking, a whirlwind suddenly formed on the arena, and a figure moved with the wind, landing on Ni Tianxie's dragon throne. The wind dispersed and the figure appeared, a long-lost, handsome young man standing tall against the sky, a sword and a saber hanging on his back.

"He... he is 'Sword and Saber' Ding Shenzhao..."

His body exuded a clear and elegant sword aura, and his body exuded a majestic and domineering saber aura. The sword and saber were extremes, yet they were perfectly matched. His young and handsome face was expressionless and calm.

With a mocking chuckle, Ni Tianxie addressed the crowd atop the peak: "Let me introduce you. This is the representative of my side in the third battle, and—I believe most of you have heard of him—the last of the Four Great Generals—'Sword Emperor, Blade King' Ding Shenzhao!"

Di Shitian, who had been listening quietly, finally paled when Ni Tianxie uttered the words "Sword Emperor, Blade King."

—So, this was your plan all along…

Unexpected changes occurred again on the arena, and the crowd below buzzed with discussion.

"Is that the last of the Four Great Generals, the 'Sword Emperor and Saber King'? He's so young!"

"Wait a minute, I've seen him before, he's 'Sword and Saber' Ding Shenzhao!"

"So it's him! No wonder he seemed familiar. But weren't he and the 'Peerless Evil God's' predecessor, Jun Tianxie, once sworn brothers?"

"Wait a minute, I heard that because Ni Tianxie later killed Ding Shenzhao's lover, the two became bitter enemies!"

"Then what's going on on the arena now? Does Ding Shenzhao have a twin brother?"

"This… I can only say, old habits die hard."

"It should be said that a leopard can't change its spots."

Ding Shenzhao heard all the mocking words from the crowd. Possessing the top-tier cultivation of "Heavenly Vision and Earthly Hearing," he could clearly see and hear who said what unpleasant things and what kind of faces were used to slander him. But what did it matter? Was he going to kill everyone who spoke ill of him? What would be the point? Besides, the culprit behind all this was watching him from below the arena, secretly laughing!

He agreed to fight for Ni Tianxie, even temporarily abandoning the blood feud over Xiao Lian's murder, all for the same reason.

Ni Tianxie had said that only if he agreed to fight and won could he return Xiao Lian to him. Although the tragic girl, turned into a "human pig," could never be restored, at least Ding Shenzhao could personally free his former love, preventing her from enduring endless suffering!

To free Xiao Lian from the darkness and pain, he—"Swordsman Ding Shenzhao"—had to transform once again into the "Tearful Star of Death," a demonic being!

Ni Tianxie laughed at the third-ranked opponent, "Defeated opponent, you must defeat my brother first before you have the right to fight me again." The third-ranked opponent was furious, unable to contain himself, and roared, "Damn it! Ni Tianxie, are you toying with me?" "I'll kill you both! Let's see what nonsense you have to spout then!"

The third-ranked martial artist in the world raised his power again, instantly as if surrounded by countless vengeful spirits, wailing and howling. A dense aura of death shot straight into the sky. As his arms rose, the black death aura condensed into two large black blades, shooting straight out, targeting Ni Tianxie and Ding Shenzhao!

Facing the deadly blade aura hurtling towards him, Ni Tianxie didn't even blink, only looking at Ding Shenzhao and saying, "What... my good brother, are you unwilling to act for this emperor..."

Although his tone was calm, how could Ding Shenzhao not hear the deliberate threat? He gritted his teeth, leaping off the dragon throne. The swords on his back automatically unsheathed and came into his hands. Instantly, the light of the swords and blades ignited like a raging inferno, spreading like wildfire, appearing at first glance like a giant ice lotus blooming.

The ice lotus formed by the combined swords and blades... It instantly absorbed the deathly blade energy unleashed by the third-ranked

warrior in the world. A true expert's skill is immediately apparent! Ding Shenzhao's exquisite combination of sword and saber techniques immediately drew the attention of the crowd below the arena. At least, no one doubted his identity as the "Sword Emperor and Saber King" anymore!

The third-ranked warrior in the world never dreamed that the boy he once disregarded would now have grown to a level where he could rival him.

A powerful figure who has crossed the wall of life and death considers defeating the Heavenly Evil as their ultimate and sole obsession, and will not back down no matter who the obstacle is. The third-ranked warrior roared to the sky, then spat out a cloud of blood mist. The added bloodiness to the deathly energy stirred up a chilling wind, echoing with mournful ghostly howls.

"Death Blade—Ghostly Cry and Divine Howl!"

Seeing his opponent willing to sacrifice his life essence and blood to boost his power on the battlefield, Ding Shenzhao realized the depth of his obsession with killing Ni Tianxie. In a different situation, perhaps they could have fought side-by-side. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and his desire to free Xiaolian from her suffering would not be diminished by the killing intent of the third-ranked swordsman in the world. "

Alright! Let's settle this! The third-ranked swordsman in the world!"

Ding Shenzhao made up his mind. He sheathed his left hand and thrust forward with his right, unleashing his newly mastered "Sword of Life" technique—a flowing, unrestrained swordplay! The sword shadows were like water, the sword energy like flowers, the sword's momentum like a torrent, flowing endlessly.

Since Ding Shenzhao's appearance, Di Shitian had been observing his every move. Now, seeing the latter unleash this perfectly natural and exquisite swordsmanship, he couldn't help but be moved and praise, "Excellent!"

"It's my brother's signature move, of course it's excellent." “Ni Tianxie continued, “If the Heavenly King knew that the ‘Sword of Life’ is the nemesis of the ‘Blade of Death,’ he would surely applaud even more.”

“You…” Even the usually calm and collected Di Shitian couldn’t help but change color upon hearing this. “You knew all along that the Third Prince would be competing, which is why you arranged for Ding Shenzhao to fight for you?”

Ni Tianxie’s lips curled slightly, offering only a nonchalant answer to Di Shitian’s sharp question.

“What do you think?”

“You…”

Di Shitian was furious, yet unable to retaliate.

“Heavenly King, don’t be angry. Instead of focusing on me, pay more attention to the outcome of the battle!” "

Di Shitian had no other choice but to do as his hateful enemy suggested, shifting his gaze to the arena, where he witnessed an unexpected variable.

Chapter Ten: The New Master of Floating Life.

One sought to kill, the other to seek redemption; each had their own irresistible reasons.

Blades drew deadly blades, swords reflected life; sword energy and blade flowed in the wind, each clash a chilling example of slaughter, a trembling breath.

The sword of life, the blade of death—these two were a pair destined to be enemies."

"Fight! Battle! Regardless of who wins or loses, you are merely pawns in my carefully orchestrated game!"

Below the arena, Ni Tianxie's eyes were fixed on the two locked in fierce combat, his gaze filled with smugness, excitement, and arrogance.

The third-ranked Death Blade Qi in the world swept across the battlefield, its afterimages like black lightning leaving traces in the void. The shockwaves that struck even a casually would result in broken bones and torn flesh.

However, Ding Shenzhao was not to be outdone. He wielded his sword with one hand, slashing and thrusting swiftly, leaving behind only weak points of Death Blade Qi at the point of impact. His "Eye of the Broken Weapon" cultivation was already at its peak. The

Death Blade Qi was invincible, capable of destroying the heavens and the earth.

The Life-Giving Sword was plain and unassuming, skillfully crafted yet unpretentious.

Green sword qi and black blade light surged and churned against each other, accompanied by the endless clanging of metal against metal. As the battle intensified, the figures of the two became increasingly difficult to discern, and even with their eyes wide open, the onlookers could not make out the situation. The life-or-death sword battle seemed to have reached its final stage.

"Clang!"

After a fierce clash, the two returned to their positions, their bodies noticeably different from before. Deep, bone-revealing wounds, chipped blades, and dripping blood symbolized the brutality of battle. On

the other side, the Third Under Heaven was enveloped in swirling black death energy, his posture like a demon emerging from the depths of hell. His merciless eyes stared at his opponent, as if branding him with death.

"Tsk...it seems I played too hard..."

Ni Tianxie looked at Ding Shenzhao, who was barely supporting himself with his sword, and let out a half-smile.

Di Shitian frowned and said, "'Sword Emperor and Blade King' is indeed not a name without merit..."

Di Shitian's words seemed inconsistent with the results of the battle on the stage, but at that moment, a deep and heavy sound was heard, and the Third Under Heaven was completely enveloped in the blood mist he had exploded, half of his body almost as if it had been brutally devoured by some large beast, a bloody mess.

It was a mutual defeat!

The Third Under Heaven laughed bitterly, "It seems...I underestimated...the abilities of the descendant of 'Heavenly Sword and Blade' Ding Chenyi..."

Ding Shenzhao looked at the Third Under Heaven with a calm, unwavering gaze, and said, "You're not bad either... I've never seen such terrifying... deathly blade energy..."

A strange glint flashed in the Third Under Heaven's eyes as he said, "If the setting were different, perhaps we would be friends instead of enemies."

"Perhaps," Ding Shenzhao nodded, "Unfortunately...

" He didn't finish his sentence, but both men on the stage understood that they each had their own unavoidable stances, forcing them to the brink of war.

"I don't have much time for sentimentality. After dealing with you, I still have to deal with the mastermind behind it all!"

"Me too."

After exchanging a conversation devoid of hatred, both men understood that this next move would be their final one, the one that would bring them to a complete halt!

The Third Under Heaven let out a low growl, his entire body enveloped in black energy, until finally he was completely encased in a black sphere, radiating an eerie, fierce, painful, and desperate atmosphere.

Ding Shenzhao channeled his power into his sword, countless sword energies bursting forth from his body, then forming behind him a colossal, towering golden greatsword, its imposing power unstoppable.

"Ultimate Death!"

"The Beginning of Heaven and Earth!"

The power of creation and the ultimate destruction were intertwined in the two men, each at the pinnacle of martial arts. The ultimate intent of the sword and the ultimate purpose of the saber—just as they were about to clash…

"Swoosh!"

A blue sword light hidden in the wind—a completely unexpected and despicable strike! The sword's speed surpassed even the speed of sound, reaching a level comparable to the speed of light—a sniper attack that left no time to react, a merciless, deadly strike piercing the forehead!

Ding Shenzhao stood frozen, utterly bewildered, only able to let the blood of the third-ranked martial artist splatter all over him.

Living his entire life in the shadow of his master, "Yan Huang" Jun Nitian, he chased the pinnacle of "strength," rising from the depths of death to become a vengeful Grim Reaper, returning to the mortal world. The finish line seemed within reach, but a cruel, unexpected sword strike turned that step into an insurmountable chasm.

"Tianjiao..."

There were no wails, no roars, only a sigh from the depths of his heart. The one-armed figure, emerging from the black mist, let out a final, bitter laugh before collapsing onto the arena.

Everyone was stunned, utterly unable to accept this unexpected ending.

"Damn it!"

A furious roar came from one of the survivors on the arena—the "Sword Emperor and Blade King" Ding Shenzhao, who refused to consider himself a victor! He was filled with rage at the despicable act of the assassin. His eyes, blazing with hatred, turned to the source of the sword's edge. The sword, originally meant to be the third strongest in the world, was unleashed in a counterattack, its target the despicable villain who had struck.

"Heavenly Evil!!"

The sword energy of life surged forth in fury, scattering desolate life force and destructive sword energy in all directions, seemingly capable of shattering even the invisible space itself!

"Why did you do this?"

Facing the furious sword strike, the Heavenly Evil remained calm, raising a finger with a light laugh, not to defend, but to stop it.

"Little

Lotus." The simple two words were whispered, yet they seemed to carry more weight and be more lethal than the "Blade of Death" and the "Sword of Eternity" combined. The evidence was that Ding Shenzhao's expression changed drastically. He turned and hastily sheathed his sword, but this sudden movement caused his blood to become chaotic, injuring himself and spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"You..."

Ding Shenzhao's expression showed not only anger but also heartache. His hand gripping the sword was pale from excessive force, and the veins bulged!

The sword stopped less than three inches from Ni Tianxie's face. A mere sliver of force would have been enough to finish off this wicked villain. But remembering Xiao Lian, now a "human pig," the sword simply couldn't bring itself to strike.

"Birds of a feather! Stop your act! It's disgusting!"

Many among the crowd were utterly disgusted by the outcome. While they might not have much affection for the third-ranked warrior, they feared Ni Tianxie and his followers far more. Having finally seized this opportunity, they were naturally eager to create chaos.

"Shut up!"

Ni Tianxie didn't even glance at them. With a casual flick of his wrist, he unleashed the first move of the Eternal Sword—"Cut the Extraordinary!" Instantly, countless blue rays erupted like a raging torrent, swirling and churning through the crowd, blooming into countless bloody flowers. Wails filled the air; nearly fifty people were likely either dead or wounded by this single strike!

"Incompetent ants, stop making a fuss..."

The cold tone, coupled with the merciless gaze, clearly conveyed the message of "quiet" to everyone. The murderous atmosphere emanating from Ni Tianxie, in contrast to the utter silence of the crowd, created a very eerie scene.

"I see." Di Shitian broke the awkward silence with an extremely disgusted tone: "Rumors are circulating that you killed Ding Shenzhao's first love, causing you two to become enemies. Now it seems the truth is more than that. That woman wasn't dead, but rather you captured her as a hostage, wasn't she?"

"As expected of the wise and insightful Di Shitian, your prediction, though not entirely accurate, is not far off..." Ni Tianxie laughed: "However, even if you knew, what could you do?"

"Hmph!" Di Shitian's face darkened: "How could I, the King, sit idly by while you commit such a despicable act?"

"Are you mistaken about something, Your Majesty?" Ni Tianxie said casually: "It was the third-ranked player in the world who broke the rules of the arena first. My intervention was to maintain the overall situation and to protect the safety of our third-ranked representative. What's wrong with that?"

Although Ni Tianxie's explanation was clearly sophistry, it did point out some facts. It was indeed the third-ranked player in the world who broke the rules first! As one of the two natural arbiters of this five-way battle, Di Shitian could not possibly turn a blind eye to the third-ranked player's violation unless he admitted to forfeiting the competition.

"So, what do you intend to do?"

"Of course, continue the competition. We've only had two matches so far!"

Ni Tianxie said this while looking at Ding Shenzhao, who responded with a venomous glare that could kill.

"Don't forget, you've already lost two out of five matches," Di Shitian said sarcastically.

"Don't forget, there are still three matches left," Ni Tianxie replied with equal optimism.

"What makes you think I'll still play in the third match for you?"

Ding Shenzhao's voice was deep and firm, causing Ni Tianxie to turn his head and suddenly sneer, "Well done, Ding Shenzhao. It seems you've made up your mind to fight to the death."

Ding Shenzhao's eyes held a resolute determination, and he said in a deep voice, "I've thought it over. I can't let you continue to harm more people for the sake of Xiaolian alone. I will stop you!" His last sentence was delivered with a resounding force, like thunder in winter and snow in summer.

Yet Ni Tianxie remained calm and composed, a smile playing on his lips. "How righteous and awe-inspiring! I never imagined such words would come from the mouth of someone once known as the 'Tearful Killer.' You want to lay down your butcher's knife, become a Buddha on the spot, and incidentally kill your sworn brothers as well? Fine, then bring it on!"

Ding Shenzhao fell silent, his eyes flashing with countless complex emotions, before finally saying somberly, "The brother I knew… Jun Tianxie… he's dead. The one before me now is not him."

Ni Tianxie laughed wildly, throwing his head back.

"Not Jun Tianxie? You're completely mistaken! Let me, the Emperor, tell you the real answer!"

Ni Tianxie's eyes blazed with fierce light, burning like torches as he stared intently at Ding Shenzhao's face.

"There is no such person as Jun Tianxie as you know him! From the very beginning, he has never existed!"

Ding Shenzhao said calmly. "You are free to deny your past, but for me, Jun Tianxie is my only and best brother in this life, and I will always remember him." Ni Tianxie's

expression changed, and a surge of killing intent erupted. He said coldly, "It seems you won't understand if I try to reason with you properly..."

Ding Shenzhao suddenly sensed that when he talked about Jun Tianxie, the other party was genuinely angry, not just putting on an act like emotional fluctuations. No one else could discern the difference, but for some reason, he could.

Ni Tianxie smiled coldly, and Ding Shenzhao felt the killing intent emanating from the former, instantly enveloping him completely.

"I will ask you one last time, are you willing to fight?"

"If I really want to fight, the opponent will only be you."

"Very well..." The tone ended with a chilling glint.

Ding Shenzhao's intuition was correct; the "Peerless Evil God" was truly enraged! This ungrateful wretch dared to use the history of Jun Tianxie, that "puppet," to deny his existence? He deserved to die!

Forget all plans! He was going to send this detestable thing to the deepest hell!

Just as Ni Tianxie's killing intent was about to be released, Di Shitian interjected with displeasure, "Ni Tianxie, are you going to ruin this final match yourself?"

"Hmph!"

Ni Tianxie was slightly taken aback, but being the "Peerless Evil God," he quickly regained his composure and said, "Of course not, Heavenly King, please wait a moment. I will resolve this matter immediately."

Ni Tianxie's right hand repeatedly stretched and clenched, intending to finish off Ding Shenzhao within three moves! Di Shitian could certainly sense Ni Tianxie's killing intent, but he had no obligation to protect Ding Shenzhao and was worried that if the two made peace, it would turn against him. Therefore, he decided to remain on the sidelines.

Sensing the ruthless killing intent of the evil god, Ding Shenzhao couldn't hide his sorrow. But facing the wrath of the "evil god," he could only transform himself into a "Shura," taking a deep breath and gripping the hilts of his sword.

"Come on."

"Wait!"

At the critical moment, a female voice, like a Buddhist chant, carried a penetrating power that could transform conflict into peace, gently reaching everyone's ears and instantly dissolving most of the overwhelming killing intent.

—Hmph! Finally willing to show herself?

A white palace dress floated gracefully before everyone's eyes, landing on the arena. Her beautiful eyes, clear and unfathomable, silently gazed at the two below.

"'Guanyin Heavenly Maiden' Fan Xin Di?"

The tense atmosphere on "Life and Death Peak" unconsciously subsided, as if this suddenly descending celestial beauty herself represented peace and beauty, and those who wielded swords and spears were merely defiling her existence.

Ni Tianxie, however, completely ignored him, saying, "What are you doing here, you remnant of the 'Bodhi Throne'?"

Fan Xindi's snow-white skin, gleaming in the sunlight, was as translucent as jade, radiating an otherworldly luster. Seemingly delicate, yet subtly revealing a rare heroic spirit.

"If I remember correctly, the final five are being held here, aren't they?"

Ni Tianxie laughed.

"Yes, and you fucking want to go up on stage to challenge?"

"If I could."

"Who do you want to challenge?"

"Him." Fan Xindi pointed at Ding Shenzhao.

"Why?" Ni Tianxie asked.

"On what grounds?" Di Shitian asked.

Fan Xindi said, "Because I am the new master of the 'Bodhi Throne,' the new master of the Floating and Sinking Star, inheriting the destiny of my master, the 'Master of Floating and Sinking.'"

Chapter Eleven: Fulfilling the Great Self.

Fan Xindi's words were like a silent bomb, detonating between Di Shitian and Ni Tianxie.

"Master of Floating and Sinking… Star Destiny Transfer…" Di Shitian seemed to have grasped some key point he had previously struggled with, his face showing anger.

"So that's how it is! The stinking monk's skills were passed down to you, weren't they! If a Buddhist practitioner is so convinced of the principle of passing on the torch, do you think you have the strength to avenge your master now?"

Fan Xindi said, "Revenge is not my purpose here."

"Then what is it?"

"I've already said, I'm here to challenge Brother Ding."

Ding Shenzhao seemed a little bewildered and at a loss when Fan Xindi called him out for the second time. Having only met the other party once, he couldn't understand why "Guanyin Tiannu" was so determined to fight him.

But Ni Tianxie Siping knew the reason clearly.

"Hahahaha! This is hilarious!" Ni Tianxie placed a hand on his forehead, fiddling with his silver bangs, and laughed loudly, "So the old monk also foresaw today's outcome? Perhaps I really eliminated him too soon!"

"Ding Shenzhao."

Faced with Ni Tianxie's sudden call, Ding Shenzhao coldly replied, "What?"

Ni Tianxie didn't seem to care, only smiling faintly, "Since Miss Fan is so insistent, you should agree to her request."

"Why do you think I would..."

Before Ding Shenzhao could finish speaking, Ni Tianxie interrupted him in a low voice, "As long as you fight, regardless of victory or defeat, I will return Xiaolian."

Ding Shenzhao was taken aback, "You mean seriously..."

A strange smile appeared on Ni Tianxie's face, "I keep my word."

Ding Shenzhao was silent for a moment, then finally said, "I'll trust you one more time."

Ni Tianxie smiled slightly, as if he knew Ding Shenzhao would definitely agree, and said, "You will never regret it, my good brother, ah."

"Don't be so smug. I will never kill anyone for you again." Ding Shenzhao walked towards the arena. "After we finish fighting her, we'll settle things once and for all."

"Do as you please!"

Ni Tianxie watched with satisfaction as Ding Shenzhao walked back onto the arena, stood before Fan Xindi, and looked at the latter, asking, "Why?"

Fan Xindi wore a smile as gentle as the Buddha's, making the onlookers feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"For no reason, life is always full of helplessness, don't you think, Brother Ding?"

This seemingly unintentional remark struck at Ding Shenzhao's heart. He closed his eyes, and after a long while, said, "I understand, let's fight."

The notary by the arena looked at Di Shitian, and seeing the latter nod in agreement, loudly announced, "The third match of the top five finals, 'Sword Emperor and Blade King' Ding Shenzhao, versus 'Lord of Floating and Sinking' Fan Xindi, now begins!"

Fan Xindi smiled, her body motionless. Although her expression remained unchanged, the onlookers strangely felt that her smile seemed to grow stronger and stronger, gradually spreading outwards from her. With each smile that drifted out, the surrounding space became a little more peaceful.

—Good heavens! Just this level of "restraining the mind and temper" in her Zen practice is already on par with her master's. That stinky monk certainly picked a good successor!

Di Shitian's eyes were sharp, and he was fully aware of the commotion on the arena. However, he still couldn't discern the truth from the unfathomable actions of Ni Tianxie beside him, and the unease in his heart was piling up higher and higher like sand forming a tower.

"Grand Tutor, if only you were still alive!"

While mourning the deceased, Di Shitian cast a hateful glance at the culprit responsible for the tragic deaths of his most trusted subordinate—the Peerless Evil God.

The Peerless Evil God seemed oblivious to Di Shitian's gaze, his eyes fixed solely on the arena.

This only fueled Di Shitian's suspicions.

"Having lost two out of five battles, why is this kid still so calm? And he seems to have anticipated Fan Xindi's appearance and her chosen opponent. Could this entire duel have been under his control from beginning to end?"

Just as Di Shitian's doubts remained unresolved, Ding Shenzhao and Fan Xindi clashed.

Sword energy crisscrossed, blade winds howled—Ding Shenzhao attacked with both sword and blade simultaneously. Regardless of the opponent's reasons for challenging him, once the fight began, he gave it his all; this was his basic respect for every "enemy."

Fan Xindi drew her sword, "Good Thoughts," in her right hand. With a flick of her wrist, her movements were as swift and agile as riding the wind. Her swordplay was like a cold wind blowing snow, or waves swirling sand. Her sword intent was as powerful and unpredictable as the might of nature itself.

Ding Shenzhao, facing such unpredictable and elusive swordplay for the first time, and with his fighting spirit not yet fully developed, was forced to switch from offense to defense, his body constantly retreating.

"Brother Ding, I know you're more than this strong. Please show your true strength and fight Xindi!"

Being forced into a corner by a woman in front of everyone filled Ding Shenzhao with both embarrassment and anger. Although his reason warned him repeatedly, as Fan Xindi's sword drew ever closer, the "Sword Emperor and Blade King" finally lost his temper.

"You forced me to this!"

Ding Shenzhao uttered a clear cry, his voice rising as his sword flashed. Two sharp crescent-shaped arcs shot towards Fan Xindi with a speed faster than the blink of an eye.

"Excellent!"

Fan Xindi exclaimed in praise, her sword flashing like ink splashes, each stroke imbued with the Zen spirit of Mount Sumeru. She used roundness to overcome sharpness, skill to overcome clumsiness, defusing the imminent danger just before the sword's aura reached her.

Although she had blocked the attack, facing Ding Shenzhao's first counter-offensive since the start of the battle, Fan Xindi had to halt her flowing sword dance, her movements momentarily halting.

Having received the training from Ding Chenyi and Du Qingshan, and further guidance from the previous generation's Lord of Floating and Sinking, Ding Shenzhao was now a completely different person, his strength having leaped to become one of the world's top masters, a force to be reckoned with.

Ding Shenzhao wielded his left saber and right sword simultaneously, his moves simple yet seemingly infusing his entire being with his spirit and consciousness, carrying an incomparably noble and arrogant aura, as if he possessed the supreme imperial power to command all things, split the universe, and reshape the land!

Fan Xindi dared not be careless. Her six senses vanished into the nameless void. Her sword stance shifted slightly, seemingly about to strike, yet not quite. It was as if the thought of striking had never crossed her mind. Countless rays of light emanated from the blade of "Good Thought," withering and flourishing in the blink of an eye. The beams of light gathered like an immovable Mount Sumeru, continuously supporting Ding Shenzhao's descending sword energy.

She managed to support it, but the force of Ding Shenzhao's sword strike was like the collapse of the thirty-three heavens. Fan Xindi channeled her Buddhist power, causing the "Good Thought" sword to wither and flourish seven times, its energy flowing endlessly, yet it could barely withstand the earth-shattering power of the sword.

—Indeed formidable! Master, you certainly didn't choose the wrong person. He is the only hope against the "Peerless Evil God"!

Fan Xindi felt the pressure on her sword increasing, but a secret joy filled her heart. The reason she had ventured into the lion's den was precisely to witness the power of Ding Shenzhao's sword.

Now, it was time to accomplish another purpose of her journey.

"Sevenfold Lotus Bloom!"

Fan Xindi twirled her sword, instantly conjuring seven blades, both real and illusory, advancing simultaneously from all directions, forcing Ding Shenzhao to temporarily evade their attacks.

"Buddha Crosses the Void!"

Fan Xindi swung her "Benevolent Thoughts" sword again, the boundless Mahayana Buddhist energy extending outwards, completely isolating Ding Shenzhao and herself from the outside world, granting the former a fraction of a second of complete restraint.

"Come!"

Fan Xindi suddenly abandoned her sword, striking out with her jade palms, striking Ding Shenzhao's dantian. The latter shuddered upon receiving the attack, but felt no pain. Instead, it was as if he had swallowed a divine elixir; his spirit and strength surged continuously from his body, incomparably vigorous, circulating endlessly. Yet, in terms of divine consciousness, he felt an unprecedented peace.

The energy Fan Xindi sent into his body was like mud meeting water, instantly and without hindrance merging into every meridian and blood vessel, then extending from within to merge with this boundless universe.

At first, his spirit was but a tiny speck compared to the boundless天地 (heaven and earth). His inner consciousness had to constantly evolve to adapt to the influx of immense energy. Gradually, his form and spirit merged, his spirit and the heavens merged, and the two became seamlessly intertwined. His spirit could penetrate both the inside and outside, reaching a state where he was the heavens and the sky was himself.

Ding Shenzhao was lost in a world he had never seen before, unaware of the passage of time, experiencing the cycle of birth, decay, and flourishing. Spiritual versions of Ding Shenzhao were constantly born, then died; died, then were born again. His power grew slowly and steadily in this cyclical spiral evolution.

He didn't know how much time had passed when Ding Shenzhao finally awoke from his state of complete absorption in the universe. He felt completely refreshed, full of vitality in every movement, and his progress was simply unimaginable!

He suddenly remembered that he was still in the midst of a competition. He opened his eyes and saw Fan Xindi before him, and was immediately shocked!

Fan Xindi's exquisite face turned deathly pale, her lips purple, her eyes unfocused, and her delicate body swayed precariously. Finally, she lost her footing and fell onto Ding Shenzhao.

Ding Shenzhao, without thinking, instinctively caught her.

A delicate, subtle fragrance wafted into his nostrils at near-instantaneous distance, combined with the warm, fragrant touch of the jade in his arms, almost causing Ding Shenzhao to lose himself, oblivious to the world around him.

"You…"

Ding Shenzhao was about to ask when a soft, melodious voice resounded directly in his mind.

"Don't speak, Brother Ding, please listen to me."

Just as Ding Shenzhao recalled the "Mind Reading" technique, the powerful communication method Ding Chenyi had once mentioned to him, Fan Xindi's voice rang out again.

"That's right, Brother Ding. I'm currently using 'telepathy' to establish a conscious connection with you. Only through this method can we maintain absolute secrecy. It's also because you've received my master's relic power that we can communicate in this way."

"I received your master's power... When did I..."

"Actually, when my master and you first met, he used 'Understanding Beyond the Law' to enlighten you and make you the 'Sword Emperor and Blade King' among the Four Great Generals, secretly planting the seed of the Holy Relic within you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to transfer half of my master's power, which he placed within me, to you so quickly."

"You mean... the Lord of Floating and Sinking... he gave me half of his power... Why..."

"Because of astrological revelation, you will be the only general who can contend with the 'Peerless Evil God.'"

"That ethereal and illusory astrological talk again, you really are..."

"You may not believe it, but you cannot look down on my master's methods, because for this hope, my master was willing to sacrifice his own life."

As Ding Shenzhao said this, he saw a fleeting tear in Fan Xindi's eyes.

"These are all expectations you've imposed on me. I have no obligation to fulfill them!"

"You can choose to run away, but fate will eventually push you to your rightful place, and that cannot be changed."

"You...you all schemed and plotted to arrange my battle with Tianxie. Is this what you call a cultivator?"

"You're wrong! Your battle with Ni Tianxie is not something anyone can arrange, nor can anyone change. You must believe that." "

Even without your meddling, Tianxie and I were destined to fight sooner or later. Why go through all this trouble? Just to make me owe you a favor?" "

No, it's because the 'Peerless Evil God's' destiny is too strong. Even if the 'Great Sun Heavenly King' is more powerful, due to the clash of celestial signs, he will likely meet a tragic end. Although the celestial signs indicate that the 'Sword Emperor and Blade King' is the 'Peerless Evil God's' only nemesis, your current power is still far inferior to the Heavenly Emperor. My master, after much deliberation, finally calculated that only by combining the 'Sword Emperor and Blade King' with the 'Lord of Floating and Sinking's' destiny can there be a chance of defeating the 'Peerless Evil God'!"

"So your master transferred the relic's power to you, asking you to give it to me?"

"That's right."

"You forced this kind of free stuff on me, do you really think that with the power of the Lord of Floating and Sinking, I can defeat Tianxie?"

"Perhaps not, but this is our... only... hope..."

Fan Xindi's telepathic message suddenly weakened, startling Ding Shenzhao. Upon closer inspection, he found that the latter's face had turned from white to purple, and his once deep and clear eyes seemed to be covered with a gray film, without a trace of light.

Ding Shenzhao exclaimed in shock, "You..."

Fan Xindi slightly opened her eyes and said in an almost inaudible voice, "You're right... Even with my master's power... we might not be able to defeat... the Peerless Evil God... So, even my share is sacrificed..."

"Why? Why?! Why must we sacrifice ourselves to this extent?!"

"The Peerless Evil God's... destiny is... destruction... If we let him continue... all living things will suffer... the fate of destruction... The only one who can stop him... is you... You must..."

Ding Shenzhao's eyes widened, and she dared not move her hands, which were holding Fan Xindi's body, as if if she let go, that delicate body would turn into smoke and fly away.

"I'm sorry... for entrusting such a heavy burden... to you..."

Fan Xindi struggled to raise her trembling hand, as if she wanted to touch Ding Shenzhao's cheek, but in the next moment, the hand fell limply.

"You—?!"

Ding Shenzhao's mouth gaped open, unable to utter a single word, and tears streamed down her face like broken pearls, dripping onto Fan Xindi's body.

Feeling the life force of the woman in his arms completely vanish, an indescribable sorrow coursed through Ding Shenzhao's body. It felt as if a thousand tiny knives were tearing at his chest, as if it were about to explode, and his heart was shattered.

Although he and Fan Xindi had barely interacted, seeing her die in his arms, sacrificing herself for him, filled Ding Shenzhao with indescribable grief.

"The third battle of the Five Finals, the victor is 'Sword Emperor, Blade Queen' Ding Shenzhao!"

Lost in his grief, Ding Shenzhao didn't even hear the announcer's words of victory. Even disregarding the reactions of the crowd, he felt no joy whatsoever for his victory. For a victory that didn't belong to him, a great woman had been sacrificed!

"Good brother, I knew you would win."

A frivolous and smug voice rang in his ears through the haze. Ding Shenzhao barely needed to turn around to know who it was; the peerless evil god—Ni Tianxie—had somehow already entered the arena, patting his shoulder with an intimate tone and gesture. He had been too grief-stricken to notice his arrival.

Ding Shenzhao sidestepped—he felt nothing but utter disgust at Ni Tianxie's intimate actions.

"Don't touch me! I didn't fight this battle for you!"

Ni Tianxie's hand slammed down—and landed squarely on Ding Shenzhao's shoulder!

"Regardless, you are the victor, and I must now keep my promise and return Xiao Lian to you."

Ding Shenzhao's pupils dilated, not because of Ni Tianxie's words, but because he remembered Fan Xindi's final instructions.

—Hurry up and leave.

Fan Xindi was right. There was still an insurmountable gap between his power and Ni Tianxie's. The power transferred into his body by the Lord of Floating and Sinking and Guanyin Tiannv was not something he could digest in a short time. That's why Fan Xindi wanted him to leave the scene immediately and find a quiet place to cultivate until the three true energies in his body merged into one. Only then would the "Sword Emperor and Blade King" have any hope of surpassing the "Peerless Evil God."

Moreover, he couldn't leave Fan Xindi's body unattended at the scene.

Ding Shenzhao picked up Fan Xindi's body and quietly, deeply gazed at Ni Tianxie.

Only Ni Tianxie could understand the meaning conveyed in that glance: "I will definitely come back and fight you one last time!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Ni Tianxie's face.

Only Ding Shenzhao could understand the meaning of that smile: "I'm waiting for you."

Ding Shenzhao didn't speak. Holding Fan Xindi, he flew away from the arena without mentioning Xiao Lian again.

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[Fantasy Martial Arts] The Legend of the Heavenly Evil (Complete) - Chapter 38

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