Chapter 2298: Practice

Boom! Boom!

The heavens and the earth rumbled, as if billions of iron cavalry were charging, shaking the mountains and rivers of Da Chu. The vast army of the Honghuang swept in from the stars, assaulting the city walls of Nan Chu. They were like a black carpet covering the ground and a canopy of clouds filling the sky.

This scene held profound historical significance.

The forces of Zhutian Wanyu and the Honghuang great clans finally faced off. One side was inside the city, with Zhutian battle flags planted everywhere. The other was outside, with Honghuang war banners fluttering fiercely. They were destined for a fight to the death.

"If a heavenly tribulation struck now, it would be quite the spectacle."

Gazing at the dense crowd of the Honghuang outside the city, this thought flashed through the minds of the Zhutian cultivators.

Recalling the past, every Honghuang gathering had brought heavenly tribulations. Now, with the entire Honghuang great clans assembled and filling the view, if a tribulation came, it would be more than spectacular – it would destroy heaven and earth.

"You insects of Zhutian, will you continue your futile resistance?"

From the Honghuang army, atop a massive jade carriage, the Taotie Zu Huang smirked, gazing leisurely at Nan Chu. He reclined in his chair, toying with the ring on his thumb finger.

Like him, the other Honghuang Zu Huangs were much the same, all of noble status with their own jade carriages, laughing mockingly, their eyes filled with a sinister cruelty that they could barely conceal.

Looking out, one clan after another stood in neat formations. The foremost Honghuang clans were lined up, without exception, all inheritors of the emperor's path. As for the Honghuang clans that had never produced a great emperor, they had to stand further back. In such a grand scene, only the great clans could hold the stage.

"On second thought, who is this? Oh, just a bunch of turtles hiding in their shells."

Someone on the Nan Chu city walls spoke up. It was Tian Lao, stroking his snowy white beard without even bothering to look at the Honghuang forces, his eyes slanted as if to say, "I look down on all of you."

"A turtle and a Xuanwu are still different species, after all. I hope you fellow daoists will watch your words and not mix them up."

Xuanwu Huang said meaningfully.

"Can't mix them up—the ones outside are all turtles hiding in their shells."

Sheng Yuan Huang huffed on his iron staff and wiped it with his sleeve until it shone. It was about to see blood, after all, and he aimed to take down one enemy per strike, never hitting the same beast twice.

The Zhutian quasi-emperors chatted away happily, one remark after another. But the Honghuang side only smiled without responding, watching them with amusement, as if observing a group of clowning buffoons.

Their gazes grew even more playful and mocking. They hadn't launched an attack yet because they were savoring this feeling. In their eyes, no matter how the Zhutian forces struggled, they were doomed to die, and the despair on the Zhutian people's faces would be the greatest pleasure for the Honghuang clans.

This was a unique understanding between Zhutian and Honghuang.

This understanding created a stillness before the storm, oppressively heavy, making even the space feel solidified. Cultivators with weaker foundations found it hard to breathe.

"Does anyone want to have some fun? If not, I can order the attack."

Qiongqi Zu Huang said casually, glancing sideways at the other Honghuang clans.

Sure enough, as soon as he spoke, a figure stepped forward from the ranks.

It was a towering Kui Ba, a genuine peak quasi-emperor, and not just any ordinary one—he belonged to the ultimate level. Though he appeared aged, his bloodline was extraordinarily fearsome, his aura faint yet ever-present, with visions manifesting around him. In those visions, suns were destroyed and stars collapsed, illustrating his path of destruction.

"Not bad skills."

Ji Huang remarked upon seeing him.

The Honghuang clan's quasi-emperors were all on the level of ancient veterans, their bloodlines and origins crushing those of later generations. Tempered by the ages, they were even more terrifying, with no shortage of ultimate-level peak quasi-emperors.

"Looks like he's here for a one-on-one challenge!"

Kui Niu Huang sneered, already gripping his battle axe. If the challenger was him, he wouldn't mind stepping out for a fight, even knowing he might not win against Kui Ba. He had to fight, for he was an inheritor of the emperor's path and couldn't disgrace his ancestors' glory.

"In a standoff like this, we always need to pick a few heavy hitters to spar with."

"If it's a one-on-one, that would be fun—it could buy us more time."

Sheng Zun adjusted his hair, unbothered by anything except perhaps a solo fight. In single combat, he feared no strong one from this era, though freaks like the female Sheng Ti were another story.

"From the looks of it, Honghuang plans to wear us down one by one."

"Honghuang clans are all like that—brainless, with only this kind of amusement left."

Chi Yang Zi shrugged. "We don't fear one-on-ones, but if they all charge at once, our lineup might not hold."

"Everyone, stay sharp. No matter who that guy challenges, try to drag it out as long as possible."

This sentiment was agreed upon by all in Zhutian. What they lacked was time—even a couple of incense sticks' worth could let Ye Chen advance to quasi-emperor. Since the Honghuang great clans were being so formal about it, insisting on some sparring, they had to go along with it and seize every second.

Compared to Zhutian, the Honghuang people seemed utterly relaxed.

They weren't in a hurry—the Da Chu barriers were already breached, and the Zhutian forces trapped in Nan Chu were like turtles in a jar, just waiting to be wiped out. Since they'd come all the way to Zhutian territory, they had to enjoy it fully. Without some sparring, how could they do justice to this confrontation?

Even the Ming Emperor was amused by the scene. They were already at the doorstep, just one order away from attack, and yet they were pulling this one-on-one nonsense. The Honghuang really had no brains!

Di Huang, at his side, saw it more clearly.

It wasn't that Honghuang lacked brains; it was their arrogance and perverse desire to torment. They wanted to wear down Zhutian's peak experts one by one in front of everyone, to slowly erase Zhutian's will—that was what Honghuang truly desired.

Under the watchful eyes of all, the Kui Ba quasi-emperor turned his gaze toward a section of the city wall.

Clearly, the one he wanted to challenge was there. His eyes were profoundly desolate, like the depths of starry space or a silent abyss, with dao principles evolving and destructive forces swirling, making it impossible to look directly. Even a second's glance could swallow one's mind.

"He's looking this way—obviously gunning for me!"

Sheng Yuan Huang declared boldly, hoisting his dark gold iron staff and stepping out from the city wall, his domineering aura fully unleashed.

But before he could roar, he felt someone grab him.

In the next instant, Sheng Yuan Huang, who had just stepped out, was casually tossed back onto the city wall.

The one who acted was Wu Tian Jian Zun, Mo Qin.

Indeed, he had also left the city wall, but a second later than Sheng Yuan Huang. Why was he called Jian Zun? Because throwing a Sheng Yuan Huang was as easy as tossing a stone. Though both were peak quasi-emperors, he outclassed Sheng Yuan Huang by far—they weren't even in the same league.

This time, it wasn't about showing off; it was because the Kui Ba quasi-emperor was truly challenging him.

This required a bit of backstory from the starry sky. Before coming to Da Chu, Mo Qin had saved Ye Chen in the stars and, in passing, slain a peak quasi-emperor level Kui Ba. That Kui Ba and the one outside were obviously from the same clan, and they even looked somewhat alike.

The facts confirmed it—the Kui Ba outside was indeed challenging him, and the one slain earlier was his nephew from the same lineage. He knew it was Jian Zun who did it because he had used a heaven-defying divine ability to deduce the events of that day.

This time, he was here for revenge and to slay Jian Zun in front of both Zhutian and Honghuang, not just to settle the grudge but to add a significant mark to his own record.

The most awkward one was Sheng Yuan Huang—he hadn't even figured it out before charging out.

Now, he ended up embarrassing himself on the spot, his attempt to act tough completely foiled.

"Dad, that's awkward, isn't it?"

Xiao Yuan Huang poked Sheng Yuan Huang.

"Get lost."

Sheng Yuan Huang snapped in frustration, swinging a palm at him.

No one paid attention to their antics; everyone's eyes were fixed on the scene outside the city.

Jian Zun's expression remained indifferent as he walked through the air, each step imbued with dao principles, revealing no trace of cultivator aura. He seemed like an ordinary mortal, but both sides knew he had reached the state of returning to simplicity, with his dao principles concealed in formlessness. People like him were all world-shaking figures.

"Fatty, do you know who he is?"

Xie Yun tugged at Xiong Er's sleeve.

"He should be a person."

Xiong Er tiptoed and said thoughtfully.

"What kind of person?"

"That's Wu Tian Jian Zun, from the era of Xian Yu Great Emperor."

Zhou Ao suddenly spoke up.

His words drew curious glances from many juniors, all turning to Zhou Ao.

"During the ancient heavenly demon invasion, an ancient sacred ground was wiped out entirely, and Jian Zun was the sole survivor of that sacred ground. He cultivated the sword path in reverse, not inferior to any Zhutian sword gods."

Zhou Ao explained slowly. "Legend has it he was Xian Yu's junior brother, and in the same rank, his combat power surpassed Xian Yu's. Like many world-shaking heroes, he never became an emperor due to lacking the opportunity, yet his fame eclipses ancient and modern times. Three thousand years ago, when the Qiongqi clan ravaged the Eastern Wasteland, he alone drove them back in defeat."

His account left the juniors swallowing hard, shocked by what they heard.

Even many of the more ignorant elders couldn't help but click their tongues in amazement.

Indeed, the four great peak sword cultivators still alive were all formidable figures, each with ties to emperors. Like Jian Shen and Jian Xian, who were disciples of Di Zun; like Jiu Jian San Ren, who nearly defeated the unevolved Jiu Huang Great Emperor; and like Jian Zun, who was Xian Yu Great Emperor's junior brother. None had ordinary backgrounds, and their combat powers were evenly matched, all symbols of their eras.

Many people glanced toward one side, looking at the other three masters of the sword path.

"Very strong."

In the void, these two words were uttered in unison, from Jian Shen, Jian Xian, and Jiu Jian San Ren, revealing a hint of wariness in their eyes.

That wariness was a unique understanding among peak experts. With combat powers on par, they warily respected each other, all having forged their own myths, their sword paths different yet leading to the same great dao.

"If Ye Chen were here, I wonder if he'd curse."

Tian Lao stroked his beard.

"Why?"

The juniors all turned to look.

"Back then, the one selling Ye Chen's portraits everywhere was Jian Zun—or more precisely, Jian Zun during the calamity."

Di Lao picked up the thread, chuckling mischievously.

"This..."

Not just the juniors, even the elders twitched their mouths.

The portraits of Da Chu's tenth emperor were all collector's editions, and basically everyone present had one. Who would have thought the seller was Wu Tian Jian Zun? How fresh!

Many people opened their storage bags for a peek. Hmm, Ye Dashao's portraits were quietly lying there. They had to treasure them, not just because they came from Jian Zun, but because each one featured that scoundrel named Ye Chen.

Among them, Xiong Er stood the straightest.

The little fatty's face was full of pride. The Ye Chen portraits that Jian Zun sold everywhere were all bought from him. If there was an original version, his were it.

"I say, where's the person?"

Those who checked their storage bags looked back outside the city, but the Kui Ba challenging Jian Zun was gone, leaving only a mist of blood drifting in the void.

"Gone."

Gu San Tong coughed dryly.

"What a joke?"

Too many people leaned over the city wall, staring wide-eyed. That was a Kui Ba, with a powerful bloodline and origin, a ultimate-level peak quasi-emperor. In the blink of an eye, he was wiped out? How ridiculously strong was the legendary Wu Tian Jian Zun?

Not just Zhutian was stunned—the Honghuang side was even more so.

The juniors didn't see it clearly, but the elders saw it all: Jian Zun only used three swords, and Kui Ba was finished, not even getting to unleash his emperor's path immortal techniques.

It was a good thing Ye Chen wasn't there, or he'd have been amused by that Kui Ba. You wanted to avenge your nephew with that level of power? You're not even as strong as him. Where did you get the confidence? You should've picked on Sheng Yuan Huang instead of challenging the tough one—you're quite the character.

"This guy doesn't play by the rules at all!"

Kui Niu Huang grimaced, feeling a sudden urge. "We were supposed to drag this out, but he made it so straightforward. Not cool."

"From what I can tell, Xian Yu Great Emperor's junior brother doesn't like following routines."

Chi Yang Zi coughed.

"I'm embarrassed for the Kui Ba clan."

Bei Lin sighed. "Charging in to challenge the strong one."

Outside the city, it wasn't just the Kui Ba clan that was embarrassed—the entire Honghuang was. Even the Zu Huangs reclining on their jade carriages sat up straight. A one-on-one challenge, and they were utterly defeated.

This was disgustingly overpowered!

Glancing at Wu Tian Jian Zun, he stood elegantly, his expression still indifferent, showing no emotional fluctuations from start to finish, and never once revealing a sword in his hand.

His silhouette was ancient and desolate. After slaying a Kui Ba quasi-emperor, he showed no sign of returning—or rather, from the moment he stepped out of the city wall, he had no intention of coming back until death. Though not an inheritor of the emperor's path, he had ties to emperors and would never disgrace his senior brother's glory.

"Damn it."

In the midst of the silence, a furious roar erupted, and another from the Honghuang rushed out—it was another Kui Ba clan peak quasi-emperor, his purple-gold robe billowing, his divine eyes radiating golden light, his momentum overwhelming, and his combat power even surpassing the previous Kui Ba.

"Come and die."

The Kui Ba quasi-emperor snorted coldly, drawing his divine saber and slashing down from the sky. A ten-thousand-zhang saber light appeared, easily cleaving through that stretch of heavens.

Zheng!

Jian Zun moved as well, his sword appearing and disappearing, seemingly illusory yet substantial—it was likely the legendary dao sword. With a light swing, he carved out a brilliant immortal river.

Boom! Crack! Puff!

These three sounds came almost simultaneously. The Kui Ba's divine saber shattered, a blood-red sword mark imprinted on his body, fresh blood spraying out, and through the wound, one could see his gleaming silver bones.

"Good, very good."

Kui Ba gritted his teeth, his recovery ability domineering as the blood from his wound reversed flow, the sword mark healing instantly. An ancient divine pattern etched on his forehead—he had activated some secret technique, boosting his combat power and momentum in an instant.

With one step, he ascended to the ninth heaven, spreading his five fingers and pressing down from the air, as heavy as a mountain.

What met him was another brilliant immortal river, shattering his five-finger seal and sending him flying with a single sword, nearly splitting his domineering body in two.

Zheng!

Before he could steady himself, Jian Zun was already upon him, his sword sweeping across the sky.

Puff!

The spraying blood was still so striking as Kui Ba's head rolled into the misty void, exploding into ash mid-fall, his origin soul extinguished along with it.

"See, he really doesn't play by the rules."

Sheng Zun sighed. "Wiped out so cleanly."

"The facts prove that in commander-to-commander combat, we in Zhutian can still hold the line."

Sheng Yuan Huang scratched his monkey fur, the two fights leaving him impressed.

"If this keeps up, we might actually provoke Honghuang."

The Six Divine Generals sighed.

"Getting angry out of humiliation—that's Honghuang's style."

The various emperors spoke leisurely.