Chapter 1352: Slay Through the Red Dust to Battle Ghost Pass, Divine Shattering Fist at the Savage Saint Mountain

"Aunt Xiang."

The second true self finally revealed itself.

Though a single glance had nearly gotten him killed, Aunt Xiang and Shen Yi weren't outsiders.

With the misunderstanding cleared, this bald man shouldn't attack him again.

Only now, with the second true self appearing, did Shen Yi have the chance to size up this young man whose reputation had faintly reached the Cross Street Corner.

A fair-faced youth, slender build, looking frail and sickly...

Yet, from their earlier encounter, Shen Yi knew that beneath this seemingly weak body lay immense power—enough to call it a semi-saint level physique.

It was hard to imagine that after himself, another young person could cultivate their body to such an extent.

"This is Xu Gusheng."

Before Shen Yi could speak, Aunt Xiang introduced him first, afraid this fool might blurt out, "So you're Xu Xiaoshou?"

After a pause, she turned to her man: "Shen Yi."

Just two simple words, no prefixes or suffixes.

Aunt Xiang believed Xu Gusheng understood the weight of that name.

"Greetings, senior."

The second true self clearly had a strong will to live. He rejected his original self's cheap suggestion of "insult him if you can't beat him, at least get a verbal edge," and instead bowed properly and respectfully with clasped fists.

Even though, in secret, as the second-in-command of the Saint Slaves and Shen Yi as the third, Shen Yi should be the one bowing to him—anyone who thought that way would likely drop dead unexpectedly.

"Where did you learn your ancient martial arts?" The bald illusory form of Shen Yi had no time for small talk and got straight to the point.

At his words, even Aunt Xiang couldn't help but look over curiously.

She knew Xu Gusheng's body was very strong, and there were rumors he could gigantify, multiplying his combat power.

Clearly, none of that could have been taught by Wu Xiu.

So, Xu Gusheng must have had his own fortuitous encounters.

"Self-taught." The second true self explained while scrutinizing the bald man, as if committing every detail of him to memory, not missing a thing.

"Then you're impressive." Shen Yi nodded in genuine approval.

The second true self was stunned for a moment, looking up and seeing not a trace of sarcasm on the bald man's face.

He was sincerely praising!

He believed it!

—Such an absurd thing, even if he said it as half the truth, any normal person wouldn't believe it, right?

Aunt Xiang was a normal person, and hearing this, she pouted, "Who are you trying to fool!"

"I started self-taught too." Shen Yi glanced seriously at his Xiang Er.

Aunt Xiang was at a loss for words, her cheeks puffed, unwilling to admit that such excellence was one of a kind in the world.

"Do you know Ba Men and Qi Su?"

"No." The second true self thought these must be the ancient martial arts methods for opening meridians and acupoints.

"What about Liu Dao?"

"Not that either." Earlier, Shen Yi had used "Human Dao," one of the Liu Dao, turning his illusory form into a real body with some of his original power.

Shen Yi took a breath, his expression showing surprise: "It seems you've learned Jiugong, just starting out, but that's already impressive."

The second true self shook his head again.

Shen Yi's expression froze.

He didn't think deeper, as that was absolutely impossible, so he pulled back and asked: "You haven't learned any real ancient martial arts techniques?"

The second true self nodded: "I'm just fumbling my way across the river, and I only just heard the words 'ancient martial arts' recently."

Shen Yi was surprised but delighted, his eyes lighting up.

He turned to Aunt Xiang, pointing at the sickly young man: "This kid is three parts like me; he'll become a true dragon one day!"

Aunt Xiang was greatly shocked.

She knew Xu Gusheng's physical techniques were extraordinary, known to all under heaven, but she hadn't realized he hadn't even heard of ancient martial arts.

If he could self-teach to such a level of body techniques without knowing that, how incredibly talented must he be?

With a mutual understanding, Aunt Xiang instantly saw the look of regret in Shen Yi's eyes—this fool was moved!

"My time is limited..." Shen Yi grabbed the sickly young man's shoulder, "Go to Ghost God Gang, find someone named Gui Mian, and have him teach you Ba Men and Qi Su. Xiang Er can arrange it."

Xu Gusheng hadn't expected such a drastic change in Shen Yi.

Clearly, moments ago, he wanted to kill him, but now he was offering to teach him ancient martial arts?

Was it because of the character "Shou" that Aunt Xiang wrote in his hand?

Then this fool trusted the Eight Honored Ones too much, right? Just like that, he could be absolutely sure he was a good person?

"Your talent is good; it shouldn't take more than a few years."

"Once you've learned those, come to the Cross Street Corner in Dead Futu City to find me, and I'll teach you Liu Dao."

"Don't worry, the Great Dao Eye is busy watching me; it won't have time for you. After you come in and learn, I'll find a chance to send you out."

Shen Yi was in a hurry, speaking quickly while glancing up at the sky, clearly sensing something approaching.

Aunt Xiang frowned: "You fool... Shen Yi, you haven't even asked him yet!"

Only then did Shen Yi react, staring seriously into the sickly young man's eyes:

"Brat, tell me, do you want to learn ancient martial arts?"

Yes!

I want it so badly!

Inside the Apricot Realm, Xu Gusheng never imagined happiness would come so suddenly. He was still thinking of finding time to trick Gui Mian.

At the very least, he could steal his "Kai Yang" and "Yao Guang."

But if Shen Yi was willing to teach, that would be even better.

Yet, the second true self only parted his lips, not yet speaking.

Shen Yi's eyelid suddenly twitched, and he turned away.

"No time left!"

"Brat, think it over carefully, and tell Aunt Xiang your answer when you're ready. She'll arrange everything."

"Now, some pests are being annoying..."

"Just right, this is Yu Jing Cheng, far enough away—I can give them a piece of my mind."

No sooner had he spoken than Xu Gusheng's heart constricted, that familiar feeling returning.

It was as if a large part of his body's power had been stolen.

And the bald illusory form in front of him solidified instantly, becoming as real as flesh.

He bent his knee and, with a boom, leaped out from the top of You Gui Ge through the big hole, vanishing from sight.

Human Dao?

It must be this special ancient martial arts technique that could plunder others' physical strength and rewrite his own form!

But what was Shen Yi planning to do?

"He..."

The second true self clutched his chest, where his heart was racing after suddenly stopping, his face full of shock as he looked at Aunt Xiang.

He had so many questions, but clearly, there were no answers now.

Aunt Xiang didn't turn back, her eyes fixed blankly on the hole in the ceiling, worry deepening in them:

"He's always so impulsive."

Outside You Gui Ge.

"What happened here?" A plainly dressed man holding a fine silver disk curiously examined the collapsed wall and casually asked as he approached.

The wood-type refiner repairing the wall and the array master calculating how to maintain the spirit array glanced up but didn't respond.

Instead, a bystander watching the excitement answered offhandedly:

"I heard an Eastern Domain noble young master clashed with Gui Mian from Ghost God Gang, and he slashed a wall of You Gui Ge with his sword. What a pity I didn't see the battle firsthand."

"Eastern Domain? An ancient sword cultivator?"

"Not sure, possibly..."

"Oh, thanks. I'll watch how they repair the spirit array and learn a thing or two. My dream is to become an array master."

"Hey! If you could learn it just by watching, array masters wouldn't be so sought after." The bystander joked and turned back to observe.

The plainly dressed man gripped his Ji Jian Pan, unobtrusively collecting traces of the battle here.

As a member of the Outer Division, such post-battle intelligence gathering was routine.

With the new chief leading the mission, he didn't dare slack off at all and was eager to make a good impression.

Hehe, once this mission ends, he could go home and marry his little wife.

Not far away, in a teahouse.

Xi, dressed casually, had removed his hood and mask, revealing a clean and refreshing face.

A gentle breeze brushed his face, and he enjoyed it immensely.

The waiter was busy inside, and people around kept watch, so Xi didn't worry about his identity being exposed or facing assassination.

With a flip of his hand, a jade slip appeared in his palm.

During the succession ceremony on Gui Zhe Sheng Shan, he couldn't receive external intelligence and had no time for it.

Now that he had some free time, he had a pile of matters to handle.

Xi instructed his subordinates to keep a low profile, then infused spiritual energy into the jade slip and quickly read the latest intelligence:

"Sword Tower's Liu Fuyu entered Yu Jing Cheng. The city guard captain, Zhao Ping'an, at Wang Zuo Dao realm and wielding the Tianji Xuanjin Card, which can block a strike from Tai Xu, was slain by Liu Fuyu with a casual sword."

Seven Sword Immortals, Liu Fuyu?

Xi's expression turned serious as he looked at the portrait in the jade slip, feeling the person looked familiar.

He glanced up.

At the entrance of You Gui Ge not far away stood a sword-wielding woman—wasn't that Liu Fuyu from Sword Tower?

The Seven Sword Immortals had entered the city? What for?

Xiao Kong Dong was in the Eastern Domain... had Lao Gu and Yang Lao gone missing, and now they were in Yu Jing Cheng?

Was Liu Fuyu here to challenge those two and make a name for herself?

In a flash of thought, Xi's gaze fell on the slender white sword at the voluptuous woman's waist, a light gleaming in his eyes as he murmured:

"Sword Tower's Twelve, number seven, Hu."

Below You Gui Ge, Liu Fuyu sensed something and turned her head.

Across the busy long street, one tall and one short, one man and one woman, they gazed at each other from afar.

Ancient sword cultivator against ancient sword cultivator—even a single glance carried that needle-point-to-wheat-tip tension, impossible to hide!

Battle intent ignited in Xi's eyes.

Spiritual light appeared in Liu Fuyu's hollow gaze.

But in the teahouse, after waiting a while, Xi slowly rose, took the tea and meat from the waiter, nodded slightly in greeting to the distant woman, and withdrew his gaze.

Liu Fuyu's aura also subsided, realizing this person didn't want to fight now.

"This Liu Fuyu is very strong."

"The Tianji Xuanjin Card borrows a thread of power from the capital's great array—that's the Dao Hall Master's array—and she still killed Zhao Ping'an with a casual sword... yes, casual..."

Xi sipped his tea, memorized Liu Fuyu's aura, set the matter aside, and looked at the next piece of intelligence:

"The Eastern Domain's hidden Tai Xu successor and unofficial disciple of Burial Sword Tomb, Xu Gusheng, entered the city. He sought Aunt Xiang in You Gui Ge. Ghost God Gang's Feng Xiao, a sword dao Wang Zuo, caused trouble and was repelled by his guard Jin Ren."

"Later, Gui Mian led his group to stir trouble. Jin Ren used Ten Duan Sword Fingers to stand against Gui Mian, Xu Gusheng verbally shattered Feng Xiao's dao heart, and Aunt Xiang approved."

"To be continued."

Ten Duan Sword Fingers!

Xi's lips parted—Yu Jing Cheng really had all sorts of monsters and ghosts; even Ten Duan Sword Fingers had appeared.

I want to learn it... After a silent sigh, he continued reading the description of Jin Ren:

"A sword dao prodigy with extraordinary strength, a candidate for Sword Immortal, but his master Xu Gusheng has no intention of letting his subordinate compete for fame and has restricted him."

This Xu Gusheng deserves to die... Xi hated this kind of master-servant relationship, especially when the servant was an ancient sword cultivator.

He immediately looked at Xu Gusheng's description to see who this person was.

"Ambitious, with excellent vision, exceptional resolve, quick and unconventional thinking. He handled Gui Mian with ease, calm and fearless, and with his guard Jin Ren, he must have a significant background. Under investigation."

"Xu Gusheng hasn't made a move, so his strength is unknown."

This description fits the mindset of a major force's successor. Are all Eastern Domain Xu family members this impressive?

Xi thought of the Seven Sword Immortals' Xu Xiaoshou and casually reached for his detailed intelligence.

Just then...

"Thump!"

Xi's heart constricted, his pupils contracted, and he suddenly stood up.

He scanned around; his subordinates were the same, clutching their chests.

Others in the teahouse collapsed directly, and on the long street, hundreds more slumped instantly.

At the same moment, everyone's power was mysteriously drained!

"What kind of spiritual technique is this?" Xi was greatly alarmed.

He hadn't detected any fluctuation of a saint-level spiritual technique, not even a trace.

As he pondered, a massive beast plummeted from the sky...

No, it was a person sitting down from the heavens!

He sat arrogantly, eyes fierce, his right foot embedded deep in the shattered floor, left foot bent with a head under it, left elbow casually on his knee.

In his fingertips, he held a Ji Jian Pan...

Ji Jian Pan?

Xi's mind went blank as he looked down.

Beneath the massive beast's backside was the mangled corpse of an Outer Division member, blood spreading.

Xi Laosan...

That guy who was about to get married, Xi A Cheng, had been sat to death?

Xi barely restrained himself from rushing out, but his subordinates held his sleeve, and he suppressed the red in his eyes.

"Heh! A Ji Jian Pan? Interesting..."

Amid the street's terror and everyone's stunned gaze, the bald man sitting on the corpse crushed the toy in his hand with a snap.

The explosion of the Tianji Spirit Array didn't even scratch his skin; his voice was chillingly cold:

"Back when Bai Yi chased me, he used up all these trash and didn't even touch my clothes."

"Now, how dare you openly show it in front of me?"

"Are you asking for death?"

Thump—Xi's heart clenched again.

This time, it wasn't that unknown force draining power; it was heart palpitations, a surge of blood, a sense of impending death.

Xi hadn't reacted yet when he felt the world shrink...

No! The massive beast had somehow rushed to him and lifted him up!

How was that possible?

Xi's scalp tingled—this speed was unbelievable; he hadn't even seen it clearly?

"Chief!"

His three subordinates could no longer hide their identities, exclaiming as they drew their knives with a clang.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Xi didn't even see when the bald man had struck.

But his subordinates' heads exploded, their bodies sent flying by immense force and embedded in the teahouse wall.

The wall collapsed.

In the blink of an eye, four Wang Zuo!

It was faster than killing a chicken!

"Sir, spare me! I'm a good... I'm a bad guy, wah!"

The waiter saw this and knelt with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly, his pants soaked.

He was just a worker earning a living; he never imagined disaster would strike so fast, wiping out so many in an instant.

The most absurd part was, the bald man had just sat on someone seconds ago, and by the time he reacted, heads in the teahouse were exploding.

Such killing speed—how could anyone not be terrified?

The bald man didn't even glance at the waiter, just stared at the flushed young man in his hand, his lips curling in mockery, his words like frost:

"I said, dogs of the Saint God Hall, don't approach Chang Le Street!"

"Is it that you don't understand human speech, or have I been gone so long you've forgotten me?"

Saint God Hall's...

Xi felt a wave of humiliation, his teeth gritted, about to erupt.

But his earpiece for micro-combat communication transmitted the Dao Hall Master's voice directly into his soul:

"Don't resist! Don't speak! Don't make eye contact!"

Three don'ts.

The tone was tense, anxious, and absolutely commanding.

No, I can fight back; even if I can't kill him, I can at least escape successfully and not be at his mercy... As Xi thought this, about to lift his gaze, he suddenly remembered the Dao Hall Master's look in the Saint Huan Hall earlier.

Yes, he was now a Tian Zu operative; how could he disobey the Dao Hall Master's orders?

He forcibly kept his ancient sword cultivator's head lowered, using all his strength not to look up, though his gums bled from biting.

"Go back and tell Dao Qiong Cang, if there's a next time, even Ai Cang Sheng won't be able to hold me back."

The bald man had no interest in bullying the weak; he casually tossed the young man into the teahouse.

Xi was young and hot-blooded; in the end, he couldn't suppress his anger and lifted his head.

Ai Cang Sheng won't hold me back—what does that mean... Before getting an answer, Xi's eyes widened.

"Boom!"

A shockwave exploded on the long street, space rippling like water for ten li.

The massive beast-like man leaped toward the distant Gui Zhe Sheng Shan, his body expanding section by section.

He roared angrily, like a wild beast:

"Xiu! Sheng! Shang! Du! Jing! Si! Jing! Kai!"

One word per beat, each beat radiant.

The bald man's body, now grown into a small giant, could no longer hide the light bursting from his internal acupoints.

Point after point, star after star, it was as if he had many blazing suns inside, all detonating at once.

Inside You Gui Ge, Xu Gusheng was already gaping in shock.

Shen Yi, what are you trying to do?

He was clearly using "Ba Men," that much was obvious.

But Shen Yi stared toward Gui Zhe Sheng Shan and opened eight gates, his face fierce, as if he wanted to shatter the sacred mountain with a punch from afar...

What did that mean?

Xu Gusheng looked at Aunt Xiang.

Aunt Xiang shook her head slightly, saying nothing, her eyes filled with even deeper worry.

In the void above the long street, after Shen Yi opened the eight gates, he descended like a god, his aura alone shattering the entire ten-li street, sending debris flying.

Whoosh!

As Aunt Xiang feared, a black light shot from the horizon, turning into a black arrow.

"The arrow of the Xie Zui Bow!"

Xi was horrified—had the Three Emperors' Ai Cang Sheng made a move?

Then this bald man was at least a saint level... no, peak semi-saint!

But it didn't stop there!

Shen Yi continued!

After a pause, he roared to the sky again.

"Tian Shu! Tian Xuan! Tian Ji! Tian Quan! Yu Heng! Kai Yang! Yao Guang!"

Seven shouts in a row, and the sacred light bursting from Shen Yi was so intense it completely enveloped him, obscuring his true form.

He shone like a human-shaped sun, emitting a dazzling light no mortal could behold.

"Yes, just like that, shoot him dead..."

What Xi saw was that the bald man made no move to defend, his eyes full of anticipation.

The Xie Zui Bow's arrow, as expected, paused slightly before piercing through the colorful light around the bald man.

"Roar—"

The colorful light turned black in an instant.

The burly man let out a deranged beast-like roar, throwing his head back completely.

"Qi deviation!"

Xi jumped up from the ground, clenching his fists.

Even Saint Slave Wu Xiu had gone into qi deviation after being struck and was helpless.

How could this unknown guy escape it?

But in the air, the black beast's fists swung open, and the demonic energy exploded, revealing his true form.

Somehow, his eyes were bloodshot, transformed into a three-headed, six-armed fiend.

And in his crimson eyes, there was clear hatred—he hadn't lost his sanity at all and could still shout:

"Xiu! Luo! Dao!"

After the shout, his three heads intensified, six arms expanded, compressing all his energy into one palm, condensing it into an ultimate "Yuan Zhong."

Xu Gusheng watched in horror.

This thing was all too familiar—it was exactly like the Explosion Factor!

Snap.

In just a moment, Shen Yi didn't throw the Yuan Zhong; he crushed it in his hand.

Xu Gusheng felt his heartbeat stop at the sight.

"Boom!"

The void erupted with a massive blast, but the explosive energy didn't ravage all of Yu Jing Cheng; Shen Yi somehow guided and adsorbed it onto his fist!

Even the Great Dao rules couldn't approach; they were shredded to dust just by getting near that deadly force.

Who in the world could withstand this punch?

"Heaven... Dao!"

Shen Yi wasn't done yet!

He closed his bloodshot eyes, and when he opened them again, they were empty of all desire.

The sky responded with divine bindings that enveloped him, and his form vanished.

The next second, atop the distant Gui Zhe Sheng Shan, a colossal bald giant appeared.

The giant swung a fist the size of half a sacred mountain, and under the shocked gazes of everyone in Yu Jing Cheng, he hammered it down on Gui Zhe Sheng Shan.

"Shen Deng Sui Fist!"

(The end of this chapter)