"True Monarch Shenxiao praised this individual as the strongest among the supreme powerhouses, the closest to a fairy, and number one of all. I used to disbelieve, but now I must concede and bow in admiration," a powerful figure watching Bai Qicang struggle in the Sea of Blood exclaimed with a sigh.
Even from a great distance, the terror of the Sea of Blood could still be felt; if they were so affected here, what more Bai Qicang who was amidst it?
Therefore, even though Bai Qicang appeared somewhat disheveled as he struggled incessantly, they didn't mock him; instead, they were deeply shaken by his plight.
Had they been in his place, they probably would have long been devoured by the Sea of Blood.
"Mr. Pang, how would you fare if you were in his shoes?" Zhu Houji's voice rose in a low inquiry by Pang Hong's ear.
Zhu Houji, who had just risen to become a powerhouse, was watching the battle from afar, feeling chills; whether it was the all-encompassing Sea of Blood or the continuously struggling yet persisting Bai Qicang, both were existences that could easily annihilate him.
The all-encompassing Sea of Blood wasn't of much concern; after all, it was formed by the Avatar of a True Fairy, and with his realm and power, the True Immortal Realm was still out of reach.
But Bai Qicang, also a supreme powerhouse of the Nine Realms of Spirit, displayed power that was equally terrifying, making him question whether the other was truly of the same realm as himself.
Pang Hong replied with a wry smile, "That Sea of Blood is the Avatar formed by the Blood Fiend Ancestor; not even another True Fairy Avatar may dare to claim an easy victory against it. Even with the divine artifact bestowed to me by my mentor, I wouldn't be able to last long inside it, definitely far beneath Master Bai."
Pang Hong, despite the divine artifact given to him by Pei Xuanjing that allowed him to contend against many supreme strong figures, was clear about his own limits. He knew that even with the divine artifact, he might not be able to rival Bai Qicang, let alone confront a True Fairy Avatar in this Sea of Blood.
Of course, what Pang Hong did not mention was that the divine artifact bore the will and spiritual consciousness of his mentor. If pushed to a dire situation, it could summon his mentor's Avatar, which was his true trump card.
Zhu Houji remained silent upon hearing this, though he had his suspicions.
"But it makes one wonder if Mr. Wang would prove stronger than Master Bai in there?" Pang Hong's eyes shifted toward Wang Boan who stood nearby.
He was very curious about Wang Boan; though he had limited interactions with Mr. Wang, he was well aware of the man's numerous deeds and legendary journey.
In particular, according to his mentor, if it weren't for his own presence, Mr. Wang Boan might well have been the most outstanding figure in the Ancestral Land.
"Hmm?" Hearing Pang Hong's words, Zhu Houji couldn't help but turn his gaze to Wang Boan by his side, wondering if this was also Master Pei's view.
The spectators, who were originally just watching, turned their attention to this conversation upon hearing it.
They knew that while Bai Qicang's chances of victory were slim, there was no doubt that the strength he had displayed struck them with awe.
Now hearing Pang Hong's assessment of Wang Boan, they were all curious as to how he would respond.
Because, almost as Zhu Houji had guessed, they too believed that Pang Hong's favorable view of Wang Boan stemmed not merely from personal opinion, but also reflected the thoughts of True Monarch Shenxiao Pei Xuanjing.
"The Sect Leader flatters me too much," said Wang Boan with a faint smile on his face, modestly stating, "Even if I took action, I wouldn't perform any better than Master Bai."
Though Wang Boan was modest, the multitude of cultivators shifted in their demeanor, their eyes on Wang Boan reflecting a significant change.
He wasn't saying he had no means at his disposal; he was saying he wouldn't do any better than Bai Qicang.
That was no small claim. Bai Qicang was regarded as the strongest among the powerhouses, closest to a fairy, with unquestionable might. The fact that he could still stand up to a True Fairy Avatar under these circumstances was enough to prove Bai Qicang's strength.
Yet even so, Wang Boan, without claiming to surpass the other, implied he was no less formidable, which was remarkable.
"It appears I have indeed underestimated this individual's power," Zhu Houji reflected inwardly, his thoughts brisk.
"Mentor was right; this individual is truly a born Saintly Sage, a unique sage of the Confucian Gate," Pang Hong recalled his mentor Pei Xuanjing's praise for Wang Boan.
…
The crowd had varied reactions to Wang Boan's reply. Though some were skeptical, none voiced their doubt.
Because at that moment, the confrontation between Bai Qicang and the Blood Fiend Ancestor was reaching its final moments.
The towering Sea of Blood was endless; while Bai Qicang could cleave through it with his power, it would instantly heal, rendering all his efforts fruitless.
The Sea of Blood was infinite, but Bai Qicang's human strength would eventually run out, especially as the Sea of Blood cut off the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi, leaving his Primordial Qi nearly exhausted.
Therefore, he decided to make one last desperate effort.
In the Sea of Blood, Bai Qicang's Taoist robe was already in tatters, his divine sword in hand was corroded with fissures by the Sea of Blood, and the thunder that surrounded him no longer held the fierceness of before.
But in that moment, Bai Qicang's expression was resolute, his eyes shone brightly, without a trace of fatigue, his unyielding will almost tangible.
Once again, he swung his divine sword, and countless thunderbolts roared. The thunder merged with the shadows of the sword, slashing toward the blood shadow.
When warriors meet on a narrow path, the brave one wins; faced with a dead end, he did not shrink back or hesitate, bursting forth with a power far surpassing his previous display.
"Hmm? Truly a prodigious talent, this sword strike has already touched upon the domain of the Immortal Path," Blood Fiend Ancestor noted the prowess of the sword strike, admiration flickered through his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a chill, "However, Dragon Tiger Mountain already has an Ancestor Celestial Master who ascended to being a True Immortal; it does not need a second one, especially not now."
He acknowledged that Bai Qicang had great talent, and based on their hand-to-hand combat, it was highly likely he could step onto the Immortal Path if he continued to refine his skills.
But Blood Fiend Ancestor was not willing to see him succeed because, in his view, Bai Qicang should not ascend to immortality, at least not presently.
The emergence of various True Immortals had actually formed a balance, and if Dragon Tiger Mountain produced another True Immortal, that balance would be broken, especially between the Demonic Way and the Righteous Path.
Boom!
The Sea of Blood surged even more violently, with giant waves thousands of feet high crashing down toward Bai Qicang. This time, Blood Fiend Ancestor was not holding back, no longer treating it as a mere jest like before.
Even if he did not kill Bai Qicang outright, he meant to severely injure him, to nip this True Immortal seedling of Dragon Tiger Mountain in the bud and at the very least prevent his adversary from having the chance to attain enlightenment in the short term, maintaining the balance of power between righteousness and demons of the human race.
"Many supreme strong beings joined forces to seize the Spirit Realm Cave Sky, walking the path of Earth Immortals together?"
"Zhu Houji found a top Spirit Realm Cave Sky left by the Ancient Human Race Ruler and used it to enter the Strongest Realm, but was thus besieged by many supreme strong beings, leading him to seek help from the Shenxiao Sect."
"Pang Hong and Deer Elder went together, and they had you invite many powerhouses to make a move, using this opportunity to probe the attitudes and thoughts of these forces?"
"Though they have repelled many besieging powerhouses, the arrival of the demonic giant Blood Fiend Ancestor's True Immortal avatar was provoked."
"Bai Qicang, disciple of the Ancestor Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, challenges the Blood Fiend Ancestor."
…
When Pei Xuanjing had digested the gains from his recent life simulation, he did not continue to seclude himself but dispatched an avatar to leave the Shenxiao World Domain and descend upon Shenxiao Mountain.
After all, ever since his Ascension, he had been in seclusion; these hundred-odd years must have witnessed many changes and significant events in the world, so he wanted to understand what had transpired over this century.
What he did not anticipate was, just as his avatar descended upon Shenxiao Mountain, he happened upon Master Yu Zhenzi returning from his mission.
Master Yu Zhenzi was equally thrilled and excited to see Pei Xuanjing emerge from retreat; one reason being that it had been over a century since they last saw Pei Xuanjing, and another was that his appearance undoubtedly lifted a weight off their shoulders.
You see, even though Pang Hong's mission to rescue Zhu Houji was meticulously planned and didn't result in any significant accidents, Master Yu Zhenzi and the others knew there were still several lingering risks.
Without delving into details, the very fact that so many powerhouses had gathered was a force to be reckoned with in the world, but if they encountered the interference of a True Immortal avatar, what then?
Powerhouses, however formidable they might be, are still mortal beings, and when faced with the transcendent and indomitable existence of True Immortals, even the avatars of True Immortals could not necessarily be taken lightly.
It could be said that Pang Hong's plan was sound, but everything hinged on True Immortals not intervening. Should a True Immortal emerge and decide to involve themselves in the affair, all his schemes would become fruitless and meaningless.
Even against the machinations of powerhouses, True Immortals possessed the ability to overturn the whole situation.
Thus, Master Yu Zhenzi was deeply concerned, and the subsequent news of Blood Fiend Ancestor's avatar's descent undoubtedly confirmed his worries.
He was about to convey that if the situation really became untenable, they should consider withdrawing; after all, as a sect with True Immortals to rely on, if they chose to step back, they definitely wouldn't be too extreme.
As for the importance of this Spirit Realm Cave Sky, however extraordinary it might be, it pales in comparison to life itself, and survival is key. As long as they live and preserve themselves, opportunities are plentiful.
Of course, now that she saw her Sect Leader emerge from seclusion, all of Yu Zhenzi's original worries disappeared without a trace, and even if the Blood Fiend Ancestor made a move, she suddenly felt as though it would be nothing to fret over.
This stemmed from her trust and admiration for her own Sect Leader. In the eyes of Yu Zhenzi and many other disciples of the Shenxiao Sect, their Sect Leader, True Monarch Shenxiao Pei Xuanjing, was an invincible existence, a being who could defeat any opponent.
"Sect Leader…" Yu Zhenzi did not hesitate to recount the entire course of events. From beginning to end, there was no concealment or omission, not even regarding their plans and calculations against Pang Hong. It was all laid out in great detail as she didn't want to disrupt Pei Xuanjing's judgment.
As for Pei Xuanjing, who originally wanted to understand the changes that had taken place in the world during the past hundred years or so, he did not expect to encounter this kind of situation right after coming out of seclusion. After listening to Yu Zhenzi's account, he was no longer eager to find out about other matters.
"Well then, since the Blood Fiend Ancestor has made a move, I might as well join in the excitement." A smile appeared on Pei Xuanjing's face as he said, "Ever since 'I' ascended to True Immortal, 'I' have been wanting to find a Taoist friend to spar with."
After he finished speaking, Pei Xuanjing's avatar dissipated, and then he turned into a bolt of lightning and left Shenxiao Mountain.
…
Bai Qicang's face was filled with shock; he originally thought that his all-out strike, even if it couldn't win, should have been enough to injure the Blood Fiend Ancestor's avatar and buy himself a slim chance of survival.
But when the Blood Fiend Ancestor struck again, he sharply realized the terror of a True Immortal. His everything was utterly insignificant in front of the opponent.
Even though Bai Qicang had already touched the domain of the Immortal Path, his sword strike was so insignificant in comparison to the boundless Sea of Blood that he couldn't contend with it.
"Could it be that I am going to die here!" A chill couldn't help but rise in Bai Qicang's heart.
With his pride, he never imagined that he would have such thoughts.
No!
I will never admit defeat! Even in death, I am not willing to accept such an outcome.
He made up his mind, ready to burn his Primordial Spirit. Even facing death, he would fight desperately and not submit without a struggle.
At that moment, a gentle force descended from the sky, passing through the vast Sea of Blood; the terrifyingly tall Sea of Blood seemed to have no power to stop this force.
Soon after, a voice rang out, clearly reaching the ears of every cultivator around.
"There's no need to bully the weak, Taoist friend." Pei Xuanjing's voice sounded, shortly followed by the appearance of his avatar in the midst of the boundless Sea of Blood. A gentle power protected Bai Qicang, withstanding the endless onslaught of the Sea of Blood, leaving the two of them unharmed.
"True Monarch Shenxiao!" The figure of the Blood Fiend Ancestor became distinguishable within the Sea of Blood, a fierce glint passing through his eyes as he said in a deep voice.
"To bully the weak, if this youngster dares challenge the Ancestor, he must be prepared to bear the consequences. The old Taoist from Dragon Tiger Mountain has not appeared yet, and you intervene–is it your intention to oppose the Ancestor?"
The Blood Fiend Ancestor's expression was displeased as he questioned sharply, though, in his heart, he was also secretly weighing up whether to agree if Pei Xuanjing truly intended to save Bai Qicang.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled lightly, unfazed, and spoke gently, "Master Bai is a talented individual of the human race, with the potential to become immortal. If he were to fall here today, it would be a great loss to the human race. Why should the Ancestor lower himself to the level of a junior?"
Although Bai Qicang was much older than Pei Xuanjing by many years, age was trivial to cultivators who esteemed the accomplished, and since they were not from the same sect, Bai Qicang felt no discomfort being addressed as a junior by Pei Xuanjing, nor did the surrounding spectators find it inappropriate.
On the contrary, those watching felt admiration for True Monarch Shenxiao's willingness to save Bai Qicang, praising his benevolence.
"Hehe, since the True Monarch has spoken, the Ancestor will give you this face," the Blood Fiend Ancestor unexpectedly agreed after hearing Pei Xuanjing's words.
This turn of events surprised many people, as the behavior of the Blood Fiend Ancestor in the world was notoriously inflexible.