The Emperor Dragon Fist!
The supreme killing technique of the royal family, demonstrated powerfully by the Spirit Realm Third Level Zhu Yousong, left countless people astounded.
Ever since his defeat at the hands of Pei Xuanjing, Zhu Yousong had rarely made his move in public. Many people believed that he was no longer able to keep up with the current top powerful talents.
But today, the power he displayed made many people realize that the long-silent Prince of Xiang hadn't regressed, but had advanced further.
Boom!
The collision between the Fist Seal and Sword Qi let out a thunderous noise.
The roaring air waves, surging True Qi, fiery Blood Qi, sharp Sword Qi, and the dominating Heavenly Dragon clashed fiercely, like the thunder destined to destroy the world, the Heavenly Dragon roared in anger.
"It's impressive that you were able to withstand my attack; you have some ability," a hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the Black-armored Guard.
The power behind the opponent's punch was much stronger than he had expected, but it was only that much and nothing more!
The next thing, he took a step forward again, and the terrifying aura on his body was released.
Then, sword light flashed, and an even more horrifying strike was slashed out.
Such a terrorizing aura darkened Zhu Yousong's face, a touch of astonishment in his eyes.
Spirit Realm Fourth Level!
The Black-armored Guard was a strong warrior at the Fourth Level of the Spiritual Realm. Then, how strong would the leader—the man in silver armor—be, and what is his cultivation level?
Not only him but also many Spirit Realm powerhouses around had noticed the guard's strength by now.
"This is the Honghu Feather Sword! These are people from Jiang Country," Xue Hanyi suddenly spoke, his words reaching clearly into everyone's ears.
He had felt slightly familiar when facing the opponent's casual strike before, but he hadn't been able to see through their identities yet. However, when the opponent made the second strike, Xue Hanyi finally remembered the opponent's swordsmanship.
Honghu Feather Sword, also originating from the Sky Wasteland World, is a royal martial art from the Great River ancient country. Only members of the royal family or those with their approval can practice it. Anyone else found practicing it will face relentless revenge from the Great River ancient country.
Like Da Xue ancient country, this Great River ancient country also inherited the status of the vassal country from the Heavenly Zhou Era. After many years, they have also become a primary power in the Sky Wasteland World.
Being two ancient countries, Da Xue and Great River are relatively close, and frequent conflicts happen between them. They bear a grudge against each other.
The last thing Xue Hanyi expected was for people from Jiang Kingdom to be here as well.
"However, even if they bring along a Spirit Realm Sixth Level powerhouse, they may not necessarily get the upper hand and are likely to lose more than they can gain," Xue Hanyi looked at those numerous strong men from Jiang Country who stood proudly in the sky, secretly thinking.
After noticing Pei Xuanjing's show-stopping performance at the fight against the Howling Moon Gray Wolf, Xue Hanyi's admiration for Pei Xuanjing had reached a new height.
From his perspective, Pei Xuanjing, in this ancestral land, is an invincible existence currently. Unless a Spirit Realm Seventh Level powerhouse appears while Heaven and Earth have yet to fully recover, nobody can resist Pei Xuanjing.
The arrogance of these people from Jiang Country, daring to try and seize the Golden Book and Jade Scroll, was a search for a dead end.
Seeing these people's identities exposed by Xue Hanyi, many at the scene realized that these unexpected guests were also from the Sky Wasteland.
However, now facing the powerhouses who have returned from the Sky Wasteland, the Spirit Realm powerhouses on the scene were not particularly intimidated. After all, the strength demonstrated by Pei Xuanjing was enough to suppress everything.
Boom!
Zhu Yousong, Prince of Xiang, was forced back several miles by the violent force. After all, he had just broken into the Spirit Realm's Third Level. Facing a Spirit Realm Fourth Level powerhouse, even with his top-notch martial skill, he could hardly make up for the gap between them. His defeat was not surprising.
Just as the Black-armored Guard tried to attack the Prince of Xiang again intending to kill him, someone blocked him.
A ray of light emitted from the Imperial Jade Seal in Zhu Houji's hand, shot towards the opponent's long sword.
Clang!
A soft sound was heard; the light swept over, dissolving the long sword directly, and the remaining light pierced through the body of the Black-armored Guard, leaving a huge hole in his chest.
"Aargh!"
In tremendous pain, the Black-armored Guard screamed and fell from the sky.
However, one of his comrades acted immediately and rescued him.
Everyone was shocked, unable to believe that the powerful Zhu Yousong would be defeated so easily, and he had almost lost his life too.
What caused them to stare in disbelief was what happened next. The Black-armored Guard, who had so easily defeated Zhu Yousong, was unable to react in time and was almost killed instantly by Zhu Houji using the power from the Imperial Jade Seal.
This was the first time Zhu Houji had made a move in front of everyone; no one would have thought that the Emperor of Great Ming would be hiding his skills so deeply. The way Zhu Houji easily defeated the Spirit Realm Fourth Level Warrior, even almost killing him, caused a chill to run down everyone's spines.
If their previous attitudes towards Emperor Zhu Houji had been somewhat contemptuous, now this one move alone was enough to cause people's fear and awe.
"Is this the might of the Divine Dynasty's ruler?"
"Ascending to the Divine Dynasty, even without possessing the Golden Book and Jade Scroll, the power they possess simply due to the Imperial Jade Seal places them at the apex of the world."
Many minds were racing with conjecture, speculating about what benefits Emperor Zhu Houji had gained when ascending to the Divine Dynasty.
Seeing the warrior rescued, Zhu Houji's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness. Several rays of light emanated from the Imperial Jade Seal again, falling over the group.
"Courting Death!" The silver-armored young man's face twisted with anger at Zhu Houji's move. With a roar, he swung his long spear and stabbed out.
The terrifying Spear Intent emerged, seeming to pierce everything, crossing the sky. In an instant, it blocked all the rays of light.
The silver-armored youth jolted the body of his spear; the spear stabbed through the void, like a starry river. The roar of dragons and the howl of tigers echoed as he suppressed Zhu Houji.
Hmm!
Zhu Houji's face tightened, feeling the terrifying Spear Intent. He felt as if he was submerged in a sea of corpses and blood, surrounded by countless spears stabbing towards him, unavoidable and inescapable.
He was able to display such tremendous strength just now by borrowing the power of the Imperial Jade Seal and the blessings of Heaven and Earth, as the heaven's favor had not yet dissipated after the Divine Dynasty's ascension. That was why he manifested such mightiness.
But Zhu Houji's real experience in battles was hardly profound. He had just suppressed his strength, and now when facing such domineering and brutal Spear Intent from the silver-armored youth, he didn't have many means to counter it.
In an instant, he felt his hair standing on end, and his heart trembled with terror.
"Hehe!"
A soft laughter echoed, spreading in all directions. Like a spring breeze, it easily dispersed the fierce and domineering Spear Intent of the silver-armored youth.
Zhu Houji saw Pei Xuanjing appear before his eyes, not knowing when he'd arrived. The moment he saw Pei Xuanjing, Zhu Houji's nervousness instantly dissipated.
"Isn't your move a bit excessive?" Pei Xuanjing's face turned a little cold, addressing the silver-armored youth before him.
The youth was indeed extraordinary. As he made his move, Pei Xuanjing had already felt his power—it was at the Spirit Realm Sixth Level.
Even if Zhu Houji at this moment had the blessing of Heaven's Will and the power of the Imperial Jade Seal, he would still find it difficult to resist such a formidable adversary.
"So you're Pei Xuanjing?" The silver-armored youth said, his eyes showing a hint of surprise as Pei Xuanjing made his move.
Even though he had only casually struck, his blow was not something just anyone could easily resist—especially with such indifference. It was clear that the youth was very skilled.
Based on the information he'd gathered, there might only be a few at the Fifth Order in this world that could match him—like the national master of the Great Ming, Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing's expression didn't change, and he didn't respond to the youth's words.
The youth didn't seem to care, continuing on his own: "I am Ying Zhong, the Prince of the ancient Jiang Country in the Sky Wasteland. Seeing your strength, why not serve under me. How about it?"
The Silver-armored youth, Ying Zhong, princely of the ancient Jiang Country, said arrogantly, as if having Pei Xuanjing serve under him was a generous offer, a great honor for Pei Xuanjing.
As members of ancient clans, the attitudes of Xue Hanyi and Ying Zhong were almost identical. Only Ying Zhong was even more arrogant and conceited than Xue Hanyi.
After all, Xue Hanyi was merely a cultivator at the Spirit Realm Third Level, despite being hailed as a genius. His position in the ancient Da Xue was not high, and he only had some vanity titles.
But Ying Zhong was different. As a Great Cultivator in the Spirit Realm Sixth Level, even among the long-established and powerful entities of Jiang Country, he played a pivotal role. A direct descendant of the Jiang royal family and appointed as a Prince, his arrogance was incomparable to Xue Hanyi's.
"Arrogant!" Pei Xuanjing let out a cold snort.
Even with his temperament, he felt a tinge of anger at Ying Zhong's attitude. Such a high and mighty person made him uncomfortable.
Given Pei Xuanjing's current strength, it is impossible for anyone below the Spirit Realm Seventh Level to easily defeat him, unless they are a cultivator proficient in three different arts.
Just a Spirit Realm Sixth Level cultivator like the other party, what qualifications did he have to speak to him in this way? If it was their country's ruler, perhaps they might have a bit of qualification.
Ying Zhong didn't get angry at Pei Xuanjing's attitude. His arrogant voice stated, "Perhaps you, being in the ancestral lands, are unaware. My Jiang Country has a long lineage; we are descendants of Emperor Zhuanxu and one of the vassal states anointed by Heavenly Zhou…"
His words were cut off by a voice, filled with derision: "The lineage from Bo Yi, although once enfeoffed as nobles in Tian Zhou, was later wiped out by the Great Chu Dynasty. If not for the mercy of the master from Pre-Qin out of shared roots, Jiang Country would have long been annihilated. Where would the present Jiang Country have come from?"
The speaker was the mysterious Mr. Wu, who explained some of Jiang's history for Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing's eyebrows twitched upon hearing this, a hint of scoffing arose at the corners of his mouth.
"Impudent!"
"Seeking death!"
The black-armored guards were immediately outraged and reprimanded loudly.
"No harm, these are well-known facts, there's no need to be afraid of mentioning them."
Even though some unpleasant past events were mentioned, Ying Zhong didn't get angry, "What does it matter? Doesn't this prove the long lineage and deep accumulation of my Jiang Country? Not only is our bloodline noble, but our branch lines are also strong."
They were descendants of the ancient Emperor Zhuanxu. Their own branch was an ancient country, and another branch had given rise to the powerful Divine Dynasty. Such a glorious history was a proud matter for sure.
However, despite his words, his gaze involuntarily moved from Pei Xuanjing to Mr. Wu, who had spoken.
Who is this man who knows so much about my Jiang Country's history? Ying Zhong frowned as he examined Mr. Wu's face, searching his memory for any recollection of such a person.
The history of their Jiang Country, even if someone wanted to know, required certain qualifications. And anyone with the audacity to bring it up in his presence couldn't be a pushover.
As for Mr. Wu's apparent Spirit Realm Third Level strength, Ying Zhong didn't take it seriously. If he really was only this powerful, he wouldn't know these things much less dare to assert them so openly.
As he observed Mr. Wu, when his gaze fell on the small black snake coiled around his arm, he cried out in surprise: "You're with the Witch Deity Teaching!"
Of course, only someone from there would dare behave so audaciously.
Mr. Wu just smiled and didn't answer, neither confirming nor denying this remark.
A flicker of apprehension appeared in Ying Zhong's eyes. Seeing that Mr. Wu was no longer speaking, he knew his origin and didn't ask any more questions, knowing to stop while he was ahead.
"Is the Witch Deity Teaching involved in today's events?" Ying Zhong asked in a deep voice.
Based on his position, there was no doubt that he had participated in the succession of the Divine Dynasty. If he truly represented the Witch Deity Teaching, then Ying Zhong would need to reconsider.
The Golden Book and Jade Scroll were divine artifacts of Heaven and Earth. If he could seize them and benefit from the immense Qi Luck within them, perhaps the ancient Jiang Country could break its limits, step into the ranks of top-tier powers, and transform into an imperial dynasty.
This temptation was too great for Ying Zhong to simply give up. After all, if he could pull off this feat, he would certainly be rewarded by the ruler. Not to mention advancing to the Spirit Realm Seventh Level, even his ancestor may personally instruct him, and he may even have a chance to compete for the position of Crown Prince in the future.
However, among the top powers of the Sky Wasteland, the Witch Deity Teaching was undoubtedly the most mysterious.
As descendants of the long-established Jiang Country, they were particularly aware of how terrifying the ancient and mysterious Witch Deity Teaching could be. Ying Zhong was absolutely unwilling to mess with them or hold grudges against them lightly.
For a moment, Ying Zhong's heart was in a tumult, fearing that he would get an unpleasant answer.
Mr. Wu flashed a bit of a smile and was about to speak when Pei Xuanjing suddenly raised his hand to stop him.
A cold gleam appeared in Pei Xuanjing's eyes: "This matter has nothing to do with him. If you want it, just go ahead and make your move!"
He didn't want to use the prestige of the Witch Deity Teaching to handle this matter. After the ascension to the Divine Dynasty, they would have to face similar problems continuously. They couldn't always rely on the Witch Deity Teaching's reputation.
Moreover, even if others didn't know, Pei Xuanjing had been wary of the mysterious top power, the Witch Deity Teaching.
If the other party could only rely on their reputation to scare off these people, then Pei Xuanjing was even less inclined to get involved.
There are no free lunches. The favor one took today may cost hundreds of times more in the future.
So, he stepped forward, ready to settle the matter himself.
At his words, Ying Zhong's eyes shimmered with delight. He was already considering retreat, yet did not anticipate such a response from Pei Xuanjing.
He looked at Mr. Wu for advice.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing take charge, Mr. Wu understood his intentions, so he reluctantly nodded in response to Ying Zhong's questioning gaze.
"Very well!" Ying Zhong nodded, he glanced at Mr. Wu, considering to give him face, and then stated, "I will not take away all of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll. If only the Qi Luck within it is handed over to me, this matter today will be settled."
"Dream on!"
"Wishful thinking!"
Upon hearing his words, immediate shouts of rebuke followed, people found him utterly shameless.
Pei Xuanjing raised his hand to silence the crowd, his eyes looking coldly at Ying Zhong, he decreed, "Either you leave now, or you stay forever!"
A flash of icy light passed through Ying Zhong's eyes. He coldly declared, "Since you don't know how to appreciate kindness, don't blame me for not being courteous!"
He was initially considering letting them off due to the presence of a member from the Witch Deity Teaching, but given their ungratefulness, he won't show any more consideration.
He stomped his foot, immediately causing the space around him to shudder. His blatant attack was tremendously forceful.
With a sharp gaze that dominated the world, he moved swiftly, leaving only an afterimage, his speed far exceeding everyone's expectations. He thrust his spear, releasing a chilling glow, extreme sharpness emerged which was truly terrifying.
However, in the face of his attack, Pei Xuanjing wasn't surprised. He had been prepared for it and countered as soon as Ying Zhong struck.
Within his body, the Shenxiao Origin Qi surged out massively, the Innate Thunder Gang Qi covering his body in an instant. Later, the Primordial Qi flowed, the flesh and bones of his whole body vibrated, and the viscera seemed to be vibrating rhythmically, he struck out a palm.
The terrifying palm imprint carried an infinitely powerful Gang wind, like thunder, he strode forward, and with each step, a gust of wind followed, making his presence felt overwhelmingly like a mountain.
With Pei Xuanjing's current strength, he had reached the limit of the present Heaven and Earth. He struck out with a palm, causing the void to burst. Wherever his arm passed, the pressure caused the space to distort slightly.
The horrifying power erupted, causing the heavens and earth to tremble, like an ancient monster awakening within him.
Bang!
Struck by the immense power, shock flickered in Ying Zhong's eyes as he was thrown backwards. He only came to a halt after retreating several li, had it not been for his silver armor, he would have been injured by Pei Xuanjing's tremendous power.
"You!" A shocked expression was clear in Ying Zhong's eyes. He never imagined that such terrifying power would erupt from Pei Xuanjing's body.
"Spirit Realm Sixth Level practitioner, moreover, one who walks the Way of Essence Refinement. How is this possible!" Ying Zhong roared in his heart.
Even his black-armored guards were astonished. They simply couldn't comprehend how a strong practitioner of the Spirit Realm Sixth Level, especially one who cultivates in the slowest Body Refining path, could have appeared in their Ancestral Land, which had only been restored just over ten years ago.
"Unless I was completely certain that the person was born and bred in the Ancestral Land, having witnessed his realm, I would have almost mistaken Pei Xuanjing for a powerful being who descended from the Sky Wasteland." Mr. Wu's eyes flickered with a deep light, he too was immensely shocked.
Undoubtedly, despite having guessed at Pei Xuanjing's power, after all, his incarnation back then already boasted such power, his true self was bound to be more horrifying.
However, when Pei Xuanjing revealed his true power, Mr. Wu was still astonished, even to the point of shock.
Although practitioners of the Sky Wasteland who cultivate in all three paths of refining Essence, Qi, and Spirit are rare, those who are in Refining Spirit realm are in Spirit Realm's second or third level, those who are in the Refining Qi realm are at least on the fourth level, and those who are in Refining Essence realm are in the Spirit Realm's sixth level.
Mr. Wu had already sensed 90% of Pei Xuanjing's strength and understood, unless a being who cultivates in three paths simultaneously and has a similar realm level as him, under the Spirit Realm Seventh Level, perhaps no one would be a match for Pei Xuanjing.
It can be said that at this moment, Pei Xuanjing is an unrivaled being in their Ancestral Land, capable of suppressing the world single-handedly.
"However, so what if you're at the Sixth Level of the Spirit Realm, so am I!" Ying Zhong roared, and launched another attack.
Steps were taken and the spear in his hand swung, generating a dominant and sharp intent which transformed into a substantial form, like a primordial beast roaring in the sky.
"Sweeping a thousand armies!" The spear in his hand swung across wildly, stirring up a horrifying Heaven and Earth Essence Qi. His spear darting across the sky creating flashes of silver light, as this spear swept across; it was like a river being poured down, falling onto Pei Xuanjing.
Boom, boom, boom…
The sound of the spear piercing through the sky echoed, the sweeping spear created an image like countless raining arrows, the spear's glow embodying a sharp momentum, an unparalleled power, falling onto Pei Xuanjing.
"Bring it on!"
With an unchanged expression, Pei Xuanjing sprang into the air, stepping forward.
As he called out, the sky changed its color within a hundred li, clouds tumbled, air currents rolled, and thunder sounded over the horizon. Even the Golden Book and Jade Scroll that were being formed above the altar seemed slightly disturbed.
Pei Xuanjing stood proudly in the void, his aura surging, as vast as the infinite sky.
At this moment, he was the embodiment of dominance, looking more like a king than Ying Zhong. Every step he took was filled with a martial spirit, countless waves of air swirling around him, his every movement was accompanied by rippling air currents.
His fist shot out, and the fierce fist force burst out like a bursting Heavenly River, rushing and surging.
This punch contained the terrifying power that he had cultivated by opening all acupoints at the Sixth Level of the Spirit Realm. The profound Primordial Qi roused, his powerful physical body shone brilliantly, circling his body, the Yin Spirit power diffusing around him.
This was a punch he had never thrown before, transcending his past, surpassing everything.
A punch!
Earth-shattering!
The air trembled, even space twisted under it, the domineering fist almost occupied the entire world. It seemed as though only this domineering fist existed between heaven and earth, everything else was expelled or destroyed.
Bang!
The domineering fist covered the sun, blocking all the spear shadows. Those spear shadows had no significant power before this overpowering fist.
"Humph!"
Ying Zhong snorted coldly, going on the offensive once again.
Countless Heaven and Earth Essence Qi surged, forming a pair of wings made of white light feathers behind him, gently flapping, decorated with an aura of wind and fire.
The skill cultivated by the royal family of Jiang Country was related to that of Honghu, a descendant of the Phoenix. At this moment, the wings of light feathers behind Ying Zhong were the wings of the Honghu, bearing the power of wind domination and fire control.