If one were to ask who the Lion Emperor wants to kill most in all of heaven and earth, perhaps previously there was no answer, but now, without a doubt, it's True Monarch Shenxiao Pei Xuanjing.
The interruption of his ancestral bloodline's transformative regression was an obstruction on his path, for which the Lion Emperor wished nothing more than to slay the True Monarch Shenxiao to quell the rage in his heart.
The notorious reputation of this True Monarch Shenxiao was largely built upon the demon race, truly making him the bane of their existence.
…
All the True Immortals between heaven and earth, except for a few who were still in closed-door cultivation and had not emerged, were alerted to the conflict between Pei Xuanjing and the Blood Fiend Ancestor.
For True Immortals, their kind were few, and as over a hundred years had passed, each had become familiar and stabilized their own Realm, as well as enhanced their divine abilities, naturally leading to an earth-shattering change in strength.
Therefore, when True Immortals do battle at this time, they're reluctant to miss the opportunity and all wish to take the chance to observe.
Above the azure vault of heaven, the confrontation between the Blood Fiend Ancestor and Pei Xuanjing continued. Both were aware that various True Immortals from around the world were watching their battle.
"Taoist Friend, do you still wish to persist?" Pei Xuanjing's eyes shimmered with divine light, as if he could see right through the Blood Fiend Ancestor. His divine presence was commanding, continuously shaking the void as if everything should fall at his feet in submission.
Indeed, the strength demonstrated by the Blood Fiend Ancestor at this moment, combined with the quasi-immortal artifacts in his hands, was extremely formidable among True Immortals.
It was precisely for this reason that he was taken seriously by all True Immortals, who had shifted from previously undervaluing him to regarding him with importance.
But unfortunately, he was up against Pei Xuanjing, who had not only authenticated the Dao of Spirit Immortals but also the Path of Human Immortal twice, making him a True Immortal to reckon with. Thus, even though Pei Xuanjing was merely an avatar without immortal artifacts at hand, his understanding of Daoist Magical Powers far surpassed that of the Blood Fiend Ancestor.
Pei Xuanjing easily meandered through the Endless Blood Sea, radiating a divine aura. Although he was just an avatar, having grasped the ultimate truth of the Path of Human Immortal's own small heaven and earth, he seemed detached, and the endless sea of blood posed no threat to him.
"I couldn't have imagined that your strength would have increased so tremendously," said the Blood Fiend Ancestor with an ugly expression, looking at Pei Xuanjing.
He had originally thought that even if he couldn't defeat his opponent, he would at least fight to a standstill. However, in the current situation, he couldn't do anything to the other party.
While others might not notice, he felt clearly that with each of his opponent's moves, his Endless Blood Sea was being gradually worn down; with each slash of the sword, the obliterated part of the sea demanded replenishment by consuming infinite Heaven and Earth Essence Qi.
"But how could I, the Ancestor, admit defeat so easily!" A resolute light flickered through the Blood Fiend Ancestor's eyes.
As a giant of the Demonic Way, he never lacked decisiveness, especially when his own life was not in danger. What was an avatar to him? He had been ready to sacrifice this avatar from the moment he made his move.
Boom!
The Blood Sea surged towards Pei Xuanjing once again, as the Blood Fiend Ancestor made his final gamble.
Blood ascended to the sky, and the blood glow around the Blood Fiend Ancestor was dazzling. Behind him, the sea of blood ebbed and flowed as though it had connected to the Netherworld. With every step, his figure grew larger and larger.
The Blood Spikes in his hands fused together, turning into a long spear. The scarlet shadows interweaved with the spear, forming a blood-colored banner that fluttered in the wind. The Blood Ghost Banner, with blood lotuses blooming and falling toward Pei Xuanjing with its sway.
This strike was far stronger than before, yet Pei Xuanjing remained undaunted.
In his hand, the Six-Color Sword glinted brilliantly, and the moment he raised the blade, the resplendent Will of Heaven and Earth descended as if it sought to tear apart the blood-red firmament.
The Four Seasons Rotation, endless and ever-recurring, as if there was no beginning and no end, an unceasing loop.
Standing there, Pei Xuanjing moved with the sword, the sword with his heart. At this moment, with the Will of Heaven and Earth upon him, he seemed like a divine king judging all creation from the high heavens.
The Shenxiao Heavenly Will Sword! A sword slashed down, godly might as overwhelming as a prison, adjudicating mortal lives.
Pei Xuanjing, in his previous life simulation, had observed the Martial Arts of the Martial Lunatic, which greatly enhanced his own Sword Way.
Initially, he had wanted to develop the tenth form of his Sword Way into a Sword of the Immortal Way, but after perusing numerous scriptures, he realized his Sword Way had already reached its pinnacle. In terms of technique alone, there was no room for further advancements.
Thus, his swordsmanship should now transform into Tao, aiming to return to the state of pristine simplicity. This Shenxiao Heavenly Will Sword evolved once again, becoming the true Sword of Heaven's Will, the Sword of the Immortal Way.
One sword to break through Chaos, one sword to cleave Yin and Yang…
The radiant and domineering essence of the sword cut across the sky, as if slicing through both space and time. At this moment, throughout heaven and earth, all living beings could see only the existence of this sword.
This sword was not merely swordsmanship, but also the Will of Heaven and Earth.
Obliterating Myriad Laws, cutting across time and space, the terrifying Sword of Slaughter unveiled supreme might.
Pieces of the void vanished, countless fragments of space emerged, as if the end of the world had come. Only the will of the Sword Way penetrated through the sun, moon, and stars, encompassing the Eight Directions, past, and Future.
Everything dissolves, but the Sword Way enduringly persists!
Within this sword, from the birth to the advancement of the Sword Way, it almost unfolded an entire history of the rise and fall of the Sword Way.
Even though the Blood Fiend Ancestor's Blood Path was terrifyingly unmatched, faced with Pei Xuanjing's sword that could obliterate all things, all efforts were in vain.
"No! Such Sword Way!" The Blood Fiend Ancestor's face showed horror, revealing an expression of shock, unable to believe the sight of this sword.
The blood lotuses filling the sky dissipated. His Blood Spike, which composed the Blood Ghost Banner and nearly reached the existence of Immortal Artifacts, also burst apart in this very moment. The blood-colored banner shattered, the Blood Spikes returning to their original form, flickering with a dim light.
This was his all-out strike, almost the strongest move his avatar had, yet it was so easily broken, driving him to show a crazed expression as he propelled the Sea of Blood to engulf the sky, attempting to reverse the situation.
"Taoist friend, the tide has turned, why insist on struggling?" Pei Xuanjing said with a somber expression, taking the Blood Fiend Ancestor's frenzied counterattack seriously.
The Sanbao Jade Ruyi flew out, spreading light that enveloped his body, in conjunction with Pei Xuanjing's Emperor Robe and crown, making him look even more saintly and divine.
With fingers spread wide, he unleashed a palm strike–the Shenxiao Thunder Palm–and five Thunder Dragons roared furiously, spiraling and dancing, accompanied by Heavenly Thunder everywhere they passed, evaporating the Sea of Blood.
The next moment, everything disappeared without a trace. Above the firmament, only Pei Xuanjing stood alone, his gaze imperious as he looked around in all directions.
"What exactly happened to the Blood Fiend Ancestor?"
"Was his Immortal Path avatar slain, or was it suppressed?"
"Given the strength the Blood Fiend Ancestor just displayed, even someone like myself would not take him lightly, yet he was so easily subdued."
"That sword was terribly powerful, as if facing it was akin to making an enemy of Heaven and Earth!"
"Such swordsmanship can already be called Sword Way. I wonder if the Sword Emperor from the Sword Sect can remain seated?"
"The Sword Sect, where Sword Way is revered, is the holy land for all sword practitioners and is known as the birthplace of Sword Way. This time, the Sword Way displayed by this person, heh, there's something to talk about."
…
The clash between Pei Xuanjing and the Blood Fiend Ancestor attracted countless True Immortals to peer into it, especially after the final move by the Blood Fiend Ancestor, which left countless True Immortals in awe, as such combat power was nearly among the top even among many True Immortals.
Yet, the subsequent Shenxiao Heavenly Will Sword by Pei Xuanjing shocked them. It was a situation even True Immortals rarely faced; that sword was far too terrifying.
Even without facing the sword directly, the Will of Heaven and Earth contained within it made them feel as if they were facing it, they would be making an enemy of Heaven and Earth itself.
Moreover, this sword also completely severed their perception, causing them to lose sight of the battlefield. Once the impediment of the sword disappeared, the Blood Fiend Ancestor had already vanished.
These True Immortals were curious about what ultimately happened–whether the Blood Fiend Ancestor's avatar was suppressed or slain.
Many True Immortals were particularly interested in this sword, and some even thought of the Sword Sect's situation, feeling a bit of schadenfreude.
…
No matter what these True Immortals were thinking, now that this confrontation had concluded, the name True Monarch Shenxiao Pei Xuanjing was deeply imprinted in their minds.
From his ascension to True Immortal, slicing through the heavens to sever the Demon Race Lion Emperor's bloodline transformation, to slaughtering the Celestial Ape King's avatar amidst the scramble for the Creation Profound Mystery by many True Immortals, and now suppressing or even slaughtering the formidable Blood Fiend Ancestor's True Immortal avatar.
This record of achievements firmly established True Monarch Shenxiao Pei Xuanjing's reputation, making it clear to these True Immortals, who closed themselves off for over a hundred years and significantly increased their power, that this True Monarch's might was unmatched and not to be taken lightly or provoked.
True Immortals do not die, and they have many means to preserve their lives, but that does not mean they cannot be suppressed.
In the upcoming era where True Immortals dominate Heaven and Earth, this True Monarch will undeniably be an existence none can afford to overlook.
Emperor of the South Pole Eternal Life, True Monarch Shenxiao, truly worthy of the name.
As for the thoughts of these True Immortals and the onlooking cultivators, Pei Xuanjing didn't care. His gaze turned toward the direction of the Blood Fiend Sect, with an unfathomable expression playing on his lips.
He had indeed slain the Blood Fiend Ancestor's True Immortal avatar just now, but it could also be said that in the face of dire circumstances, the Blood Fiend Ancestor had actively detonated his own True Immortal avatar.
"Decisive and resolute, truly a grand figure of the Demonic Way," Pei Xuanjing praised inwardly.
In the face of the Blood Fiend Ancestor's decisive self-destruction of his avatar to avoid being suppressed by Pei Xuanjing, a strategic sacrifice of a lesser component to preserve greater assets, Pei Xuanjing, as the victor, held no scorn but instead acknowledged the move with approval.
The adversary's actions were befitting of someone who had spent so many years as a towering figure in the Demonic Way. Even though the opponent was defeated by him today, Pei Xuanjing was aware that the adversary would certainly rise again in the future.
"With the opponent's mastery of the Blood Path, even with the losses this time, it won't be long before they can reconstitute a True Fairy Avatar." Pei Xuanjing knew this well, but the corners of his mouth revealed a hint of a smile as he looked at the struggling Blood Spike in his hand, thinking, "I just wonder what price the adversary will pay to retrieve this item?"
Indeed, the opponent's resolution to self-destruct was unexpected for Pei Xuanjing, but even so, he took action to suppress one of the Blood Spikes as it attempted to flee through the air.
Although it was only one spike, it was extremely important to the Blood Fiend Ancestor who would certainly not give it up.
Therefore, whether to barter it with someone else or to extort a hefty price from the Blood Fiend Ancestor, for Pei Xuanjing it was a good choice either way.
"After all, the time of their rise has been too short, lacking the foundation and accumulation compared to those old ones who have dominated for thousands, even tens of thousands of years," Pei Xuanjing thought to himself, then his figure appeared before Pang Hong and the others.
"Greetings, Master!"
"Greetings, Master Pei!"
"Greetings, National Preceptor."
"Many thanks for your timely rescue, True Monarch."
"We have seen the True Monarch."
…
Pang Hong and others hurriedly greeted Pei Xuanjing upon his arrival, and with varying terms of address from Pang Hong, Zhu Houji, Wu Shijiu, Wang Boan, Bai Qicang, and other Supreme Strong individuals, one could discern the closeness of their respective relationships.
Nevertheless, although these individuals were among the powerhouses between Heaven and Earth, their gazes towards Pei Xuanjing were filled with respect and yearning.
After all, the divine might that Pei Xuanjing had just displayed was what they were eagerly anticipating and dreaming of for their future.
"I thank everyone for coming to our aid today," Pei Xuanjing said with a slight nod, then turned to Bai Qicang and the others with a gesture of acknowledgment.
Even if the Spirit Realm Cave Sky had been seized by the Blood Fiend Ancestor and others, as long as Pei Xuanjing emerged from seclusion, he could still reclaim this Spirit Realm Cave Sky.
However, this would inevitably cause a series of troubles, and Zhu Houji would also suffer injuries because of it, hence Pei Xuanjing considered himself indebted for their assistance.
"You are too kind, True Monarch," Bai Qicang and the others responded.
Pei Xuanjing smiled and said, "Regardless, I take note of today's assistance from everyone, and I will visit to express my thanks another day."
"Since that's the case, we'll take our leave first," Bai Qicang and the others said after exchanging a glance, then suggesting departure.
"Please," Pei Xuanjing replied.
After waiting for Bai Qicang and others who had come to help to leave, only Pang Hong, Zhu Houji, Wu Shijiu, Wang Boan, Deer Elder, and the rest remained.
Zhu Houji proposed, "It's inconvenient to talk here. If Master Pei doesn't mind, we could enter this Spirit Realm Cave Sky for a chat."
Indeed, despite their formidable ability to block others from prying with Pei Xuanjing's power, it was not the appropriate place.
Since these individuals had come to help defend the Spirit Realm Cave Sky out of goodwill, it was only reasonable and polite to invite them into the interior of the Spirit Realm Cave Sky.
Moreover, even though the core of this Spirit Realm Cave Sky had been refined by him, many aspects of it were still not fully understood by Zhu Houji, who would need Master Pei's help.
The most crucial point was that Zhu Houji, originally the lord of the Divine Dynasty and following the Incense God Path by gathering the power of faith with the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, would likely follow the Dao of Spirit Immortals just like Master Pei when he becomes immortal.
Now, with the Spirit Realm Cave Sky in hand, Zhu Houji was also somewhat hesitant and uncertain, unable to make a choice.