Chapter 1198: The Wrath of the Great Red God

"Shou ye!"

"Xu Xiaoshou!"

Feng Xiaoshe and Mu Zixi both jumped up as if electrocuted, but they could only watch helplessly as the berserk giant was obliterated under a kick from Er Hao in combat mode, shattering into glistening fragments.

He had already reached a half-saint level physique, yet...

Feng and Mu couldn't fathom how absurd Er Hao's combat mode must be to destroy the berserk giant so effortlessly. Combining this scene with the earlier incident where Han ye had been similarly crippled in one kick, they wondered, "Xu Xiaoshou, is he dead?"

As these thoughts flashed through their minds, grief surged in their hearts, and Mu Zixi's tears fell in large drops.

But right then, Er Hao's calm voice abruptly stopped, his body frozen in the pose of kicking the berserk giant to pieces, unable to return to normal.

It was as if he had been immobilized.

The fragments of the dead berserk giant dissolved into spiritual energy, drifting and obscuring Er Hao's bewildered eyes. In their astonishment, Feng and Mu felt their bodies lift slightly into the air.

"This..."

Mu Zixi turned her gaze, and Feng Xiaoshe did the same, spotting a golden giant behind them. The giant extended its hands, holding the three of them up.

Xu Xiaoshou's mocking laughter echoed at that moment, unceremoniously directed at the petrified Tianji Shen Shi in the distance: "I generally only boast after my attacks have worked, because I don't want to taunt the wrong person."

"But you don't seem to have that habit. You started spouting nonsense before even hitting my clone."

"Are you afraid that when you get slapped in the face later, it won't hurt enough?"

"Or maybe you're so confident in your so-called 'combat mode' that you think I'll definitely die once it's activated?" Xu Xiaoshou let out a "heh."

Only after this familiar sarcasm fully subsided did Feng and Mu feel like they had returned from a dream world to reality.

Had Xu Xiaoshou deceived Er Hao once again?

In the instant before the attack, he must have swapped his true body with his clone, so what Er Hao kicked to pieces was just a meaningless pile of spiritual energy.

Was that why Er Hao felt something off afterward, causing his movements to freeze? But...

"When did this happen?"

"Wasn't Shou ye's clone self-destructed?"

"How is there another one? Where did it come from? When did he switch?" Feng Xiaoshe was completely baffled; he couldn't understand it.

Mu Zixi, who knew a bit more about the inside story, quickly reacted. She hurriedly wiped away her tears and began recalling her senior brother's teachings, trying to analyze it:

"The one that died just now was only Xu Xiaoshou's portrait clone."

"The action of him preparing to throw the Bronze Ding into the Yuanfu World was also a feint, or perhaps just the first plan."

"His real intention was to use that action to deceive Er Hao, hiding the fact that he pulled out a berserk giant's portrait clone from the Yuanfu World while instantly using 'Invisibility' on his true body."

"As for whether the Bronze Ding could be successfully retrieved, it depended on whether Er Hao allowed it—if possible, take it; if not, let it go. But Xu Xiaoshou's third plan, his true aim, was to use the portrait clone to deceive Er Hao and swap positions."

"He's mainly here to save me!"

"Wow..."

As Mu Zixi analyzed it, she was so moved that her tears fell like a string of pearls again.

Xu Xiaoshou might be arrogant and sharp-tongued usually, but he had a kind heart. He truly cared about her! Even when he was on the brink of being killed by Er Hao, he still came first to rescue her.

Just as she was getting emotional, the young girl let out an "ouch," like Zhu Yike, as the berserk giant threw her into the Yuanfu World. The two fighters who had lost their combat ability couldn't stay under the watchful eye of Er Hao in combat mode anymore. As for Feng Xiaoshe...

Feng Xiaoshe realized he had been tossed aside by the golden giant and hadn't entered that incredibly secure sanctuary—the Yuanfu World.

He froze for a moment.

"Shou ye, what about me?"

The berserk giant, which was Xu Xiaoshou's form, shifted its crimson eyes and glanced at him indifferently, quickly withdrawing its gaze without any ripple of emotion. In this battle, from fighting Yu Lingdi to Jiang Buyi, and now to Er Hao, what had Feng Xiaoshe contributed?

Han ye was crippled. Zhu Yike had given everything.

As the representative of the Wuyue Gray Palace's main battle faction and a descendant of the Southern Domain's Feng family, with the power of the ghost beast, his combat strength shouldn't have been this weak.

Yet, throughout the entire fight, he had done nothing but slack off, play it safe, and use the ghost beast power to protect himself. He hadn't contributed anything else!

Xu Xiaoshou realized he had underestimated Feng Xiaoshe.

This guy wasn't as straightforward as he appeared; on the contrary, he was skilled at playing dumb, looking out for himself, and manipulating emotions.

From his initial arrogance, to being impressed by "Shou ye's" strategies, and now being awestruck by "Shou ye's" power...

Naturally, he had become nothing more than a cheerleader clapping and cheering from the rear, conveniently staying out of the storm's eye.

How clever!

Xu Xiaoshou could understand Feng Xiaoshe's approach.

If he were in Feng Xiaoshe's shoes—as the representative of the Wuyue Gray Palace's main battle faction, allied with Tian Shang First Tower—his purpose here was just to observe their power, not to fight to the death for them, unlike Zhu Yike.

So, looking out for himself was the best choice.

But since Feng Xiaoshe loved playing it safe so much, let him fend for himself from now on!

As the representative of the Wuyue Gray Palace's main battle faction, he had survived and made a name in the chaotic Southern Domain's Sin Land, even betraying the Feng family to join the Wuyue Gray Palace.

With all these impressive achievements, why hadn't Xu Xiaoshou seen through it earlier?

He realized his mind had been too tense, leading to oversights. Before, he had genuinely believed Feng Xiaoshe was fully convinced by him!

Now that he was clear-headed, he understood—this was clearly another sly old fox!

From the results, Feng Xiaoshe's combat and survival abilities were the best preserved amid the chaos of three enemy waves. Even with his ghost beast form, he hadn't drawn Er Hao's main attention.

Could a fool achieve that?

Could it be explained away with "fools have fool's luck"?

True fools would have died or been maimed in this situation, like Han ye!

"Exchange?"

In the distance, Er Hao, now holding the Bronze Ding, spoke calmly.

He had naturally noticed the minor discord between Xu Xiaoshou and Feng Xiaoshe but chose to ignore it. After all, Xu Xiaoshou was full of tricks; this was surely a trap.

Hadn't they just seen this young man pull off a golden cicada shed—predicting and succeeding again? As the Tianji Shen Shi, he had been outplayed once more.

And Xu Xiaoshou had once again surpassed Er Hao's knowledge base and information database, something no ordinary person could do. This young man...

Though reluctant to admit it, he was indeed unfathomable!

Even his sheer scheming ability was on par with Dao Qiong Cang in his youth!

"Isn't this what you wanted?"

Xu Xiaoshou ignored Feng Xiaoshe's pleading look and lifted his gaze to the true master of the battlefield, Er Hao, then slowly continued: "You get the Bronze Ding and Yu Lingdi."

"I get a dead man, and I get my junior sister back."

"This is a fair exchange. From now on, neither of us will be held back; we can go all out and settle things, right?"

The berserk giant shrugged, his words and gestures exuding such composure, as if he stood on equal footing with the Tianji Shen Shi, which was terrifying to behold.

Feng Xiaoshe tried to beg for entry into the safe haven, but his plea went unanswered, leaving his expression stiff. Still, he didn't show anger.

Just as Xu Xiaoshou understood his choices, he also understood that this Shou ye was no ordinary person—they could empathize with each other.

"I really want to help you, but with the Tianji Shen Shi..."

"I've given it my all and still can't help, so since it's come to this, let's all just look out for ourselves." Feng Xiaoshe's inner voice concluded silently as he chose to retreat, planning to distance himself from the battlefield.

Er Hao's lips curved into a smile.

As he dripped a drop of saint blood into the Bronze Ding—seeing that Xu Xiaoshou didn't stop him—he said, "Xu Xiaoshou, my evaluation of you might have been wrong in the second half, but the first part stands."

"You truly deserve the title of the top among the younger generation, even surpassing him."

Er Hao lifted the Bronze Ding slightly, his eyes still fixed on the berserk giant opposite, and continued: "But remember, human strength has its limits."

"Your schemes are clever, but they occasionally fail."

"My countermeasures might not be the best in your eyes—maybe just good—but they're consistently reliable, without mistakes."

"So you think your choice this time is still right? You handed over Yu Lingdi in exchange for your two useless friends, considering it a fair trade?"

Xu Xiaoshou didn't respond. He could feel the vitality in the Bronze Ding increasing bit by bit. That familiar, detestable aura that he wanted to eradicate was about to return! Xu Xiaoshou didn't stop it.

He couldn't stop Yu Lingdi's revival, especially since he was in the hands of the Tianji Shen Shi. Xu Xiaoshou just nodded slightly, his gaze not turning north, and said gravely: "It's fair, and it's worth it."

"Just like how you've gone to such lengths for Si Tu Yongren and Yu Lingdi, making the name 'Tianji Shen Shi' almost a joke with your repeated actions and schemes, only to fail to me every time."

"In my eyes, there are some things worth cherishing too."

The water-element mystic array diagram beneath the Bronze Ding slowly unfolded, and faint, miserable howls emanated from within. Er Hao reached his hand into the ding.

Vaguely visible were sword intent, cinder-white flames, three-day freezing calamity, divine power, demonic power, the power of the four swords and fierce demons, and all sorts of miscellaneous forces—even saint power seemed insignificant—as they were all devoured by Er Hao like nutrients.

The light from the mystic array diagram beneath the Bronze Ding intensified steadily. The life force inside grew stronger, gradually recovering.

"Let me guess, what's your backup plan this time?"

Both were stalling for time. As Er Hao healed the person inside, he spoke, glancing toward Feng Xiaoshe, who had quietly slipped away from the battlefield: "It's strange, have you placed all your hopes on him?"

Feng Xiaoshe had been sneaking through the rubble on the ground.

Compared to the two thousand-zhang giants, his size was as insignificant as dust. Hearing this, his body stiffened, and he could only awkwardly turn his neck.

"Heh, heheh..."

"You two, just carry on your chat."

"I'm not trying to eavesdrop; I'm not interested at all."

Xu Xiaoshou saw Yu Lingdi recovering so quickly and felt immense anxiety in his heart.

But he kept his exterior calm and composed. After glancing at Feng Xiaoshe, he retorted: "You're the Tianji Shen Shi, so what do you think?"

"I think he won't cut it," Er Hao replied.

"Then I think your thinking doesn't really amount to much of a thought," Xu Xiaoshou laughed.

"Oh?" Er Hao's tone carried a hint of irritation. "So, you're saying he's quite capable?"

In that instant, Feng Xiaoshe's hair stood on end, and a chill ran down his spine. He easily deciphered Er Hao's intent!

Even if Er Hao didn't see him as Xu Xiaoshou's guardian or backup plan, to be safe—in case he struck a crucial blow at a key moment to aid Xu Xiaoshou—he had to die!

"Don't kill me."

Feng Xiaoshe looked up at the thousand-zhang Tianji Shen Shi in the sky, pleading humbly: "I pose no threat; I'm just here to watch the show. I'm utterly insignificant."

"I'm just at the Wang Zuo level." Xu Xiaoshou suddenly interjected.

"Shou ye!" Feng Xiaoshe raged, then quickly shifted to begging: "Your Wang Zuo can fight a half-saint, but I can't; I'm just a useless weakling!"

"Then I'm not even as good as a weakling," Xu Xiaoshou said.

Er Hao silently watched the two put on this act of discord in front of him, then extended his hand, pointing straight at Feng Xiaoshe. In an instant, the situation changed dramatically.

"Boom!"

Before a rift could open in Er Hao's palm or the Absolute Black Bind form, the void exploded with a bang, and countless golden swords splintered through the air. Feng Xiaoshe's panic vanished, replaced by endless killing intent!

As his brows furrowed, the sword intent erupting from him was exponentially stronger than before!

Wielding his spiritual sword, he soared upward while the golden swords in the sky whistled toward him, forming a massive, one-sided, blood-red, radiant right wing behind him—nearly as vast as the thousand-zhang giants!

With a soft "whoosh."

The moment this thousand-zhang blood wing took shape, the dark sky of Sin One Hall was slowly dyed crimson. The earth collapsed.

Space sank. Dao principles crumbled.

"Suppressed, passive value +1."

Even before Feng Xiaoshe made a move, the information panel displayed this message.

The berserk giant that was Xu Xiaoshou felt his knees tremble, his body plummeting heavily, as if the entire sky pressed down on his shoulders, suffocatingly heavy.

With a thud, he crashed to the ground, his knees nearly buckling, but "Qi Swallowing Mountains and Rivers" held him up, preventing a full kneel. Struggling, he lifted his gaze.

There, the Tianji Shen Shi was in the same state; even Er Hao in combat mode was forced down, slamming into the ground!

Though he fared better and remained standing, it was barely.

The space in front of Er Hao twisted violently, refreshing in layers at a high frequency. Even his hempen robes were pulled downward, forming endless wrinkles.

It seemed the world's most powerful gravity had all been applied to Er Hao at that moment.

"This is..."

Xu Xiaoshou's pupils trembled wildly as he looked in shock at Feng Xiaoshe, the only one still hovering in the air. The man's aura had suddenly turned extremely cold!

With a soft "buzz."

His eyes frosty and his blood wings vast, Feng Xiaoshe finally embodied the demeanor of the Wuyue Gray Palace's main battle faction representative on Void Island.

Beneath his feet, a complex mystic array diagram slowly unfolded, filled with rampant sword intent and blinding light.

"This is?!"

Xu Xiaoshou's heart raced with excitement as a Sword Dao Disc spun beneath his feet, trying to decipher and learn it.

But he found his own disc paled in comparison to Feng Xiaoshe's—like fireflies against the bright moon—and even in his state of unity with heaven and man, he couldn't see through this technique.

A sword art that even Sword Mastery Lv.10 couldn't comprehend or learn...

Xu Xiaoshou was horrified in his heart, realizing what this outrageous move was that Feng Xiaoshe had unleashed in response to Er Hao's attack.

"Wan Jian Technique, second realm—Great Red God's Fury!"