Chapter 2192: The End of Kunlun’s Imperial Court
“Zhang Ruochen, take another hit from me.”
Yin Yuanchen’s narrowed his eyes and used a secret technique to control the divine corpse to attack.
In order to make the divine corpse even more powerful, Yin Yuanchen did not hesitate to consume his own blood essence, and he used his bloodline connection with the divine corpse to make the corpse fully recover.
Yin Yuanchen was not a weakling. According to Zhang Ruochen’s evaluation after several battles with him, he had at least 70 percent of evil Yan Wushen’s combat strength. In all of the Celestial Court and Infernal Court, no one below the rank of Supreme Saint could match him.
His bloodline and the talents he displayed were rare.
A streak of divine light flew out of Yin Yuanchen’s body and landed on the divine corpse’s hand. The light transformed into a dark sword with numerous Divine Precepts within, and it gave off a thick aura of death.
This sword was left behind by Yin Yuanchen’s father. Refined with a strange secret technique from ancient times, it was a powerful special artifact belonging to G.o.ds.
As the divine corpse held the divine sword in its hand, boundless divine power poured in continuously, pus.h.i.+ng its power to the limits.
The divine sword trembled, and a burst of sky-reaching light erupted from it, with an endless miasma of death surging out as if it was about to bring on a terrifying kingdom of death that devoured all souls.
Just this strange vision alone made the people’s hearts tremble.
At the same time, the Six Celestial t.i.tan Generals, who had been cut in half, were moving. b.l.o.o.d.y mist surged out of the twelve halves of their bodies and reformed into twelve Celestial t.i.tan Generals that were as big as they were before but with weaker aurae.
As top Saint Kings, they possessed a tenacious lifeforce and could not be killed easily.
A t.i.tan’s lifeforce was incredibly tenacious.
The twelve Celestial t.i.tan Generals jointly took out a giant axe, and displayed surging divine power, as if they possess the power to split heaven and earth.
Even if a realm stood in front of them, it would probably be cut in half by the axe.
Zhang Ruochen’s eyes were indifferent. With a thought, the Zangshan Demonic Mirror flew out of his body and recovered at an alarming speed. Millions of Supreme Inscriptions appeared clearly and interweaved with each other. A faint huge illusory world seemed to materialized.
BANG!
Zangshan Demonic Mirror released out overwhelming demonic power which crushed the kingdom of death that came from the divine Sword.
As for the giant axe, it was suppressed by the illusory world, immobilized in place.
In the next moment, Zangshan Demonic Mirror released endless Demonic Qi, condensing a myriad of demonic mountains. An invisible “power” began to spread out.
BANG
The divine corpse was sent flying by the demonic mountain, falling into a Saint Lake hundreds of miles away. Yin Yuanchen was also affected by the blow. As if he was struck by a star, he was sent flying far away while gus.h.i.+ng blood.
The giant axe also moved in reverse direction. It slashed many Celestial t.i.tan Generals, splitting their bodies. As a result, blood splattered everywhere.
Then, Zangshan Demonic Mirror Demonic Mirror flew above the twelve Celestial t.i.tan Generals. Water-like ripples began to appeared on the surface of the mirror, which released a powerful devouring power.
“No.”
The twelve Celestial t.i.tan Generals fought back with all their strength. But their eyes couldn’t help but show fear.
As Zhang Ruochen’s cultivation and strength increased, Zangshan Demonic Mirror’s condition had improved. Hence, its power had grown stronger.
The fact that Zhang Ruochen had ascended the Mountain of Truth had benefited Zangshan Demonic Mirror greatly. It absorbed the power of Truth and underwent some indescribable changes.
Now, Zhang Ruochen could now move Zangshan Demonic Mirror more easily. The attacks he displayed were more powerful, and their forms varied widely.
In an instant, the ten Celestial t.i.tan Generals were absorbed into Zangshan Demonic Mirror.
Only two Celestial t.i.tan Generals managed to survive the attack from Zangshan Demonic Mirror by using the giant axe as a s.h.i.+eld.
In the next moment, the two Celestial t.i.tan Generals merged into one, but they couldn’t help but retreat a little further with eyes were full of fear.
With a single strike, Zhang Ruochen had heavily injured Yin Yuanchen and suppressed the five Divine t.i.tan Generals who had merged into two bodies. The end result was remarkable, but Zhang Ruochen did not want to drag the fight further. Instead, he wanted to break out of the encirclement.
He had to hurry to meet up with the Nine-heavens Maiden and Chi Kongyue.
“Where do you think you are going!”
A roar sounded, and a huge creature suddenly appeared in the air.
It was a ferocious beast not of flesh and blood. Instead, it was constructed with countless exquisite runes. However it was very lifelike and gave off monstrous power.
“The Rune Beast of Runeterra.”
Zhang Ruochen stared at it.
Runeterra was one of the top twenty Macroworlds in the Western Universe. It was known for its powerful Rune Beasts.
The so-called “Rune Beast” was a beast that was constructed with talismans. It was also imbued with spiritual power by secret techniques. Each of them were in different shapes and sizes with unique power.
For Natal Rune Beasts, it could even become stronger as a cultivator’s cultivation increased.
Zhang Ruochen could sensed a strong Supreme Saint aura from this Rune Beast. He was sure that it had been made by a top-tier Supreme Saint.
This Rune Beast appeared similar to a fierce tiger with blood-red eyes. As soon as it appeared, all the precepts and Saint Qi in the s.p.a.ce gathered towards it.
At the same time, the twelve Angels of Vengeance from the Fane of Light also attacked. They brought out the twelve Swords of Judgment. By combining their powers, they unleashed an unparalleled sword strike.
Zhang Ruochen’s mind spun, and he threw out the Zangshan Demonic Mirror to face the twelve Swords of Judgment.
His hands quickly formed seals, and mobilized the numerous precepts within his body. Combining with the boundless Saint Qi, he formed a majestic figure that resembled a divine demon.
“Incarceration of Divine Demon.”
The majestic figure descended from the sky, and pressed the fierce tiger-like Rune Beast onto the ground with its feet.
Roar!
The Rune Beast let out an earth-shattering roar. Billions of talismans extended out from its body as it struggled desperately.
However, the divine demon figure possessed boundless power. It was like a macroworld had crushed the Rune Beast.
In the next moment, the divine demon figure stretched out a hand and grabbed at the Runeterra elite who was controlling the Rune Beast.
This person was extremely powerful and could be considered a top-notch elite below the rank of Supreme Saint. His body emitted a powerful encompa.s.sing aura and his essence, energy, spirit were extremely powerful as well.
But at this moment, his eyes showed fear.
The top elites of Runeterra usually practiced both martial arts and spiritual power. They would attain the near highest standard, as only by this way could they cultivate the most powerful Rune Beast.
“What Saint Technique is this? Why haven’t I seen Zhang Ruochen use it before?”
The Runeterra elite was shocked.
He immediately took out another Rune beast shaped like a dragon turtle with countless runes interweaved on its sh.e.l.l.
In order to resist the divine demon figure, the Runeterra elite forced out a mouthful of blood essence and fused the body of the Rune Beast with it.
Pow!
However, the Rune Beast still could not block the divine demon figure. It was pierced through like a piece of paper immediately.
“How can it b-b-be so powerful?”
This last thought flashed through the mind of the top elite of Runeterra before his body exploded apart.
After the elite of Runeterra died, the Rune Beast in the form of a fierce tiger immediately quieted down, reverting to its original state: a beast-shaped talisman. Zhang Ruochen then kept it in his sack.
The Rune Beast refined by a top tier Supreme Saint was very valuable. If he could refine it, it would undoubtedly be of great use.
On the other end, Zangshan Demonic Mirror displayed terrifying strength. Not only had it blocked an attack from the twelve Swords of Judgement, it even heavily injured the twelve Angels of Vengeance.
If the twelve Angels of Vengeance had not reacted fast enough, they could even lose their twelve Swords of Judgment to Zangshan Demonic Mirror.
Taking this opportunity, Zhang Ruochen did not hesitate. He charged out of the encirclement as fast as he could.
“Stop!”
An elite tried to stop Zhang Ruochen.
s.h.i.+nk!
Unfortunately, before he could make a move, an iron sword pierced through his head.
“13.”
Le pulled the iron sword out of the elite’s head expressionlessly, leaving scarlet Saint blood splattering on the ground like paint on canvas.
In a flash, Le appeared beside another elite and chopped his head off with a swing of his sword.
With Le’s restraining the enemy, Zhang Ruochen was able to escape successfully and rushed to Ziwei Palace as fast as he could.
“Stop him!”
Yin Yuanchen shouted with his eyes bulging with anger.
As he spoke, he controlled the divine corpse and soared into the sky, following closely behind Zhang Ruochen.
The other elites from Heavenly Realm also followed.
Zhang Ruochen slowed slightly and glanced at them. Then he tore opened the Doors of Dimensions and released a huge creature, forming a huge shadow.
Hiss
The huge creature opened its terrifying b.l.o.o.d.y mouth and swallowed three elites from Heavenly Realm in one gulp.
It was none other than Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit that had taken over the Divine Python’s corpse.
After devouring a large number of cultivators’ Saint Souls and blood, Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit had become stronger and could mobilize the boundless divine power contained within the Divine Python’s corpse.
More importantly, after undergoing the effect of the Spring of Life, the corpse smell contained in the Divine Python’s corpse was gradually decreasing, and replaced with vitality.
Bang!
Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit shook its huge body and sent more than a dozen Nine-Step Saint Kings from the Heavenly Realm flying.
After Le killed another elite, he reappeared above Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit head in a flash.
Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit immediately shrank down and retreated quickly with Le.
“D*mn it.”
The cultivators of Heavenly Realm were furious.
They had so many top Saint Kings attacking together. However, not only had they failed to defeat Zhang Ruochen, but they had also suffered heavy losses. If word got out, they would definitely become laughingstock.
Akash frowned as he worried. If Zhang Ruochen could not be killed this time, he would undoubtedly be a big threat to him.
In fact, he was not the only one. Everyone present had this concern.
Judging from Zhang Ruochen’s style of doing things, one could predict that Zhang Ruochen would not let this matter rest.
No matter how huge the price he had to pay, he must kill Zhang Ruochen this time.
At this moment, Ziwei Palace had already resembled h.e.l.l. Corpses were strewn all over the place, and blood flowed like a river.
The murderous intent within soared to the sky, and resentment filled the air.
Under Empress Chi Yao’s efforts, the Imperial Court had nurtured many Saints and Saint Kings in recent years. However, the number were still far lesser compared to Heavenly Realm.
Faced with the sudden attack from the Heavenly Realm, the Imperial Court had suffered heavy casualties in a very short period of time.
It was a one-sided battle.
Luckily, the Blood Dripper was available to hold off the elites from Heavenly Realm briefly. Only then could the Imperial Court’s troops successfully retreat into Yuanchu Palace where Empress Chi Yao stayed.
Yuanchu Palace was located at the highest point of Ziwei Palace. In the oasis at the center of the Heaven Lake, there were many divine marks personally carved by Empress Chi Yao. There the defense was powerful and when its fully activated, even a Supreme Saint with cultivation rank at Hundred-Shackle Realm or a Thousand-Koan Realm would not be able to force their way in.
However, since Empress Chi Yao was not in Yuanchu Palace and there were no Supreme Saint elites overseeing it, the divine marks’ power would be greatly reduced no matter how exquisite they were.
Those in charge of controlling the divine marks was Empress Chi Yao’s personal guard, the 72 Court Saintesses, who were also the guards of the deities.
They were divided into six teams, each guarding one location.
Before Kunlun recovered, the 72 Court Saintesses were already Saints.
Under Empress Chi Yao’s efforts, they had already become Supreme Saints, cooperating well together.
However, activating the divine marks consumed a lot of Saint Qi and spiritual power. Although the 72 Court Saintesses were not weak, they could not last for too long.
At this moment, all their faces were as white as paper, and their breaths faltering. They had to rely on their strong willpower to hold on.
There were a large number of corpses outside Yuanchu Palace. Almost all of them were elites from the Imperial Court.
When the elites from Heavenly Realm attacked, they did not manage to retreat in time.
Many elites from the Imperial Court were originally in Ziwei Palace. However, only a few hundreds managed to successfully retreat into Yuanchu Palace.
They could be said to be the best elites of the Imperial Court and the last bastion of defense.
Once they all died, the Imperial Court would most likely fall apart.
As a result, Kunlun would fall into an even more chaotic state, which would led to destruction sooner.
Of the the Four Schools of Confucianism only the Master of the Calligraphy Sect survived. He was among the crowd. When the Heavenly Realm attacked, he was not in Syzygy Mansion so he was spared.
One of the seven Realm Bearers was missing. It was Sui Han, who represented the Path of Confucianism.
Sui Han had done the opposite of what the Master of the Calligraphy Sect did. He went to Syzygy Mansion before the Heavenly Realm launched an attack.
In the Saint hall, the Kunlun cultivators were worried, and the atmosphere was extremely depressing.
Since the War of Merit broke out, cultivators from all Microworlds had said that the end of Kunlun was near. At this rate, Kunlun cultivators would not be able to live to see the end of Kunlun. They would be dead even before Kunlun’s destruction.
Heavenly Realm had come prepared this time. They had brought along treasures to crack the divine marks. Even though the divine patterns were activated, they were still being destroyed gradually.
Outside Yuanchu Palace, a large number of elites from the Heavenly Realm were gathered. Archangel Michael was also among them.
“Give up and surrender. I can give you a way out. Otherwise, do not think of walking out of Yuanchu Palace alive,” Archangel Michael voice echoed throughout the temple.
The Nine-heavens Maiden was covered in blood. Supporting herself with her slender body, she stood straight in front of the door. She said, “Aren’t you afraid of the punishment from the Celestial Palace for acting so brazenly? Don’t forget that Heavenly Realm is no longer able to control the battlefield in Kunlun’s War of Merit.”
“The Celestial Palace laws have always been set by the elites. Even before the fall of Kunlun, it has long lost its influence. When Saturn Peach Tree breaks and Kunlun has completely dried up, even lesser people will care about what happens here,” said Archangel Michael.
“The weak are prey to the strong” was a law that had never changed since ancient times.
Among all the ten thousand Macroworlds of the Celestial Court, the weak ones could only survive on the edge.
“There’s no need to talk to them much. When the Divine Marks break, I will have my own ways to make these people listen to me.” A malicious laugh was heard.
Beside Archangel Michael, a skinny man appeared. His head was very big but with only a few strands of hair, and the scalp was covered with arcane runes. His eyes protruded creepily, as if they would pop out any moment.
This man gave off an extremely evil aura, and held a skull staff in his hand. His mouth was partially open, showing shreds of meat clinging on his teeth.
He was a leader in Cha Realm, Saint Lord Wu Xin. He came from the most ancient dark cult in Cha Realm and practiced a terrifying evil technique.
Anyone who fell into Saint Lord Wu Xin’s hands would wish they were dead.
“I have sensed the aura of Ancient Abyssal Blade. Zhang Ruochen has arrived at Ziwei Palace. He is… on his way to Yuanchu Palace.”
Blood Dripper’s vessel spirit suddenly spoke.
As soon as they heard her, the faces of those gathered in the palace could not help but change.
Some of the people were ecstatic, as if they had seen a glimmer of hope.
Some people were calm and unperturbed. They knew that although Zhang Ruochen was strong, he was only one person and could not overturn the big tide.
The Nine-heavens Maiden frowned slightly and sighed. “Almost all the top Supreme Saints elites of Heavenly Realm have been dispatched. They have already set up an giant net in Ziwei Palace, and this place has become very dangerous. He shouldn’t have come!”
Of course, the Nine-heavens Maiden knew that with Chi Kongyue in Ziwei Palace, Zhang Ruochen would definitely come no matter how dangerous it was.
He was that kind of person.
The reason why Heavenly Realm insisted on attacking Yuanchu Palace after taking her blood was obvious.
They wanted to capture Chi Kongyue and use her to deal with Zhang Ruochen.
Or perhaps, they also wanted to capture her.
The operation by Heavenly Realm this time were mainly targeting Saturn Peach Tree, and they also wanted to kill Zhang Ruochen.
Chi Kongyue quietly walked to the Nine-heavens Maiden’s side. She held a green paG.o.da miniature in her blood-stained hand, and her eyes was full of worry.
This paG.o.da miniature was very similar to the Azuresky PaG.o.da. It was a replica made by Chi Yao and considered as a regal weapon.
Inside it was a brand that belonged to Azuresky PaG.o.da’s vessel spirit. Using this as a foundation, another powerful vessel spirit can be quickly cultivated.
The real Azuresky PaG.o.da was no longer in Kunlun. It was in Empress Chi Yao’s hands.
“Aunt, could you send father a message? Tell him to leave as soon as possible and not to save us.” Chi Kongyue looked at Blood Dripper’s vessel spirit resoluteness in her eyes.
Blood Dripper vessel spirit shook her head and said, “Heavenly Realm has sealed off Yuanchu Palace. I can only sense the aura of Ancient Abyssal Blade and could not send a message.”
“Then what should we do? Heavenly Realm has deployed so many elites here. Father will be in danger. It doesn’t matter if we die, but he can’t. He’s the future and hope for Kunlun!” said Chi Kongyue.
Chi Kongyue would rather Zhang Ruochen ignore her than risking his life for her.
“Don’t worry,” Nine-heavens Maiden comforted Kongyue. “With your father’s strength, it won’t be easy for Heavenly Realm to subdue him. Even if he can’t defeat them, he can certainly retreat unscathed.”
Even though she said that, she knew that with Zhang Ruochen’s personality that if he knew they were in danger, he would not fall back easily.
The Nine-heavens Maiden sighed deeply to herself.
The six Realm Bearers looked at each other. Their eyes were filled with bitterness and anger simultaneously.
As Realm Bearers of Kunlun, they had enjoyed best resources for cultivation training. Yet, they couldn’t do anything at this critical moment.
Looking at Zhang Ruochen’s numerous achievements, the six Realm Bearers felt even more ashamed.
Things that should have been done by them had fallen on Zhang Ruochen’s shoulders.
The Divine Marks located in the southeast of the palace were controlled by the Twelve Saintesses of White Feather. At this moment, they all looked worried.
When the Twelve Saintesses of White Feather had followed Warrior Saint Canglan to Xianji Mountain, they had been attacked by the Immortal Vampires. Among them, six of Saintesses survived after being saved by Zhang Ruochen.
The Twelve Saintesses of White Feather were like sisters. Zhang Ruochen had saved six of them, so the others were grateful to him.
Now that they heard that Zhang Ruochen had arrived at Ziwei Palace, they were worried that he would fall into the trap set by Heavenly Realm.
“It is a pity that our cultivation is too weak. Otherwise, we would really like to fight side by side with Zhang Ruochen, just like when we were at Xianji Mountain back then,” Saintess Yuan Su sighed.
Saintess Liu Li frowned. There was a surge of emotion within her. She hoped that Zhang Ruochen could turn the tide and defeat Heavenly Realm fraction effortlessly like before.
That hero in her fantasy could do what others could not.
He would break through numerous obstacles and make his way.
However, the reality was that there were countless elites from Heavenly Realm, and Ziwei Palace was already under their control. Although Zhang Ruochen was very powerful, it was impossible for him to reach here without help from others.
Now, the entire Ziwei Palace had became hunting grounds for Heavenly Realm to kill Zhang Ruochen. They were just waiting for him to fall into the trap.
What Liu Li wanted most now was for Zhang Ruochen to leave Ziwei Palace and ignore them.
At this time, Archangel Michael also noticed the movement below. He gave an order, “Do whatever it takes to invade Yuanchu Palace.”
Many deities of Heavenly Realm had personally demanded for Zhang Ruochen’s death. To achieve this goal, they needed to utilize all means.
Both Chi Kongyue or the Nine-heavens Maiden were people that Zhang Ruochen cared. As long as they captured both, everything would be within their control.