Chapter 643: Outdated

Screeching smoke billowed in from all directions, obscuring the sky and sun, completely trapping the Genesis Sons of the Cangxuan Sect. Trapped within, the Genesis Sons felt the world descend into chaos, making it impossible to discern their bearings. Simultaneously, terrifying orbs of light whistled continuously through the dense smoke, each carrying a hidden deadly intent.

Chu Qing frowned slightly at the sight. He formed hand seals, and the Heavenly Net Umbrella vibrated, deflecting the incoming Genesis Qi orbs.

"Jiang Taishen, Zhantai Qing, and Jin Chanzi have gone straight for the peak," Yaoyao suddenly announced.

At her words, Li Qingchan, Kong Sheng, and the others' expressions shifted. If Jiang Taishen and his companions seized the Jade Disc first, reclaiming it would be incredibly difficult. Moreover, even if they could contend for it, pushing too hard might provoke Jiang Taishen to destroy it, leaving them with no options.

"Let's first try to break through this Bewildering God Smoke!" Li Qingchan, Kong Sheng, and the other Genesis Sons declared gravely. The next moment, their figures shot forth, plunging directly into the dense smoke.

However, their figures swiftly retreated, their expressions grim.

"This smoke can disorient the spirit; once inside, we lose all sense of direction, making progress impossible," Li Qingchan explained.

"To break through, one would need either an exceptionally deep reservoir of Genesis Qi to force their way out, or a soul strong enough to resist the Bewildering God Smoke's interference," Kong Sheng said, his brows furrowed. He and Li Qingchan could attempt to brute-force their way through, but the energy expenditure would be immense. Even if they succeeded, how would they then contend with Jiang Taishen and the others?

Chu Qing slowly stated, "I can break through this Bewildering God Smoke, but I'll need the assistance of at least two others. Jiang Taishen, Zhantai Qing, and Jin Chanzi are formidable opponents; all I can do is contain Jiang Taishen."

The other Genesis Sons fell silent. Jiang Taishen, undoubtedly, could only be kept in check by Chu Qing. However, Zhantai Qing and Jin Chanzi were equally powerful; even Kong Sheng and Li Qingchan would find themselves with little advantage against them. Furthermore, as Li Qingchan and Kong Sheng had just stated, while their Genesis Qi was robust, their souls were a weakness, meaning breaking through the Bewildering God Smoke would incur a considerable drain on their energy. In such a depleted state, they would be no match for Zhantai Qing and Jin Chanzi. Therefore, their situation was dire, disadvantaged to the extreme.

The atmosphere instantly grew somber.

"Zhou Yuan and I can break through this Bewildering God Smoke," a clear, melodious voice suddenly announced amidst their silence. All eyes turned to Yaoyao, who was the speaker.

Li Qingchan's beautiful eyes brightened. They had almost forgotten about Yaoyao; her soul was exceptionally powerful, so while the Bewildering God Smoke could hinder them, it would likely have no effect on her. More importantly, Yaoyao's individual strength was formidable; if she could break through, she certainly wouldn't fear Zhantai Qing of the Sacred Palace.

However... while Yaoyao was capable, Zhou Yuan posed a slight concern.

"As for Zhou Yuan, can he truly contend with Jin Chanzi?" Kong Sheng slowly voiced the question that was on his mind.

While Zhou Yuan's previous feat of slaying two Sacred Palace Genesis Sons was impressive, Jin Chanzi was no ordinary Genesis Son; he was ranked fifth on the entire Sacred Continent's Genesis Son list. Even Kong Sheng himself was not entirely confident in defeating him. The other Genesis Sons also showed hesitation. Anyone stepping out now would inevitably confront the three strongest individuals from the Sacred Palace. If Zhou Yuan's strength proved insufficient, he would be in grave danger. Having killed two Sacred Palace Genesis Sons, his opponents would undoubtedly show him no mercy if given the opportunity.

Chu Qing mused for a moment, then looked at Zhou Yuan. "Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, what are your thoughts? There's no need to push yourself. If it truly proves impossible, we can concede and forgo this King Jade Disc."

Zhou Yuan calmly replied, "I will go."

The King Jade Disc contained the third Saint Rune, which he could not abandon. Furthermore, while Jin Chanzi was indeed formidable, Zhou Yuan was no longer the same as when he had been ambushed by him before. He was eager to settle scores with his opponent.

Hearing this, Chu Qing gave Zhou Yuan a profound look. "Very well. Since Junior Brother Zhou Yuan possesses such courage, then the three of us shall break through the Bewildering God Smoke and intercept Jiang Taishen and his companions."

He then turned to Li Qingchan and Kong Sheng. "This Heavenly Net Umbrella is entrusted to your control. Activating this artifact requires an immense amount of Genesis Qi; you can channel it together."

"Once the three of us break through and engage Jiang Taishen's group, you must also exert yourselves to hold back the other Sacred Palace Genesis Sons, ensuring they cannot interfere."

Li Qingchan and Kong Sheng both nodded in assent.

With his instructions delivered, Chu Qing wasted no time. He looked directly at Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan. "Let's move!"

Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan exchanged glances, both nodding subtly.

Chu Qing tapped his foot, and a surge of Genesis Qi erupted from his body. His figure transformed into a streak of light, plunging directly into the vast Bewildering God Smoke. With their Spirit flickers emanating from their brows, Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao immediately followed suit.

Li Qingchan and the other Genesis Sons watched, their faces grave, as the three figures vanished into the smoke. They knew that the final conflict in the Xuantian Caverns would likely hinge on Chu Qing, Yaoyao, and Zhou Yuan. However, the adversaries they were facing were also the most exceptional prodigies of the Sacred Palace's current generation, and they held no certainty in their hearts as to who would ultimately emerge victorious. The ultimate victor of this Xuantian Caverns contention between the Cangxuan Sect and the Sacred Palace would likely be determined by this pivotal battle.

Outside Jade Disc Mountain.

Countless gazes were fixed on the smoke spreading from the final mountain peak.

"The Cangxuan Sect's Genesis Sons are trapped..."

"Jiang Taishen, Zhantai Qing, and Jin Chanzi have gone directly for the Jade Disc at the summit!"

"It seems their plan is to secure the Jade Disc first. Tsk, tsk, as expected of the Sacred Palace; they are truly formidable. If the Jade Disc falls into their hands, the Cangxuan Sect will likely find it impossible to reclaim."

"It seems the Sacred Palace holds the advantage in this contest."

Numerous whispers arose, clearly indicating a widespread belief that the Sacred Palace held the upper hand in this ultimate confrontation with the Cangxuan Sect.

Zuoqiu Qingyu, Lv Luo, Li Chunjun, Ning Zhan, Zhen Xu, and the others all let out soft sighs.

However, just as countless observers were filled with regret, someone suddenly gasped. From within the thick smoke, three streaks of light had abruptly shot forth.

"Someone from the Cangxuan Sect broke through!"

"Who could it be?!"

"The one in the lead appears to be Chu Qing... and also Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan!"

"Chu Qing is no surprise, but why aren't the other two Kong Sheng and Li Qingchan?"

Many exclaimed aloud. Yaoyao had always maintained a low profile, and Zhou Yuan had only recently risen to prominence. To many, the three strongest Genesis Sons of the Cangxuan Sect should have been Chu Qing, Kong Sheng, and Li Qingchan.

The Sacred Palace's Genesis Sons naturally spotted the three who had broken through. They exchanged glances but made no attempt to stop them; instead, a look of mockery appeared in their eyes.

What did it matter if they emerged? The true challenge didn't lie with them. Jiang Taishen, Zhantai Qing, and Jin Chanzi, who were currently ascending toward the peak, were the Sacred Palace's true pillars of strength.

"Hmph, go on then. Only when you encounter our three strongest from the Sacred Palace will you truly understand that today's Cangxuan Heaven belongs to *our* Sacred Palace! Your Cangxuan Sect is obsolete!"