Chapter 237: Fate Soul Fifth Grade, Parasitic Vine Armor, Old Willow Makes a Move

From March 28th to April 5th, Zhao Xing engaged in nine battles. The largest of these involved six individuals attacking him.

Between April 5th and April 15th, ten days saw six battles, with the most extensive being a siege by twelve people.

From April 15th to May 1st, Zhao Xing only encountered three battles. The most intense featured thirty Rank Six experts! However, no battles occurred in the following half-month. By then, his reputation was well-established. Even disregarding his connection to Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing's own strength was enough to deter others. Why continue to send people to their deaths if they couldn't win? Other exploration teams weren't so foolish. Thirty Rank Six cultivators, divided into five small teams, had failed to subdue Zhao Xing and had even lost more than half their members to him. How could they possibly win?

Thus, from May 1st to May 16th, Zhao Xing enjoyed a peaceful half-month. He dedicated his time to capturing spirit fish in the sea.

"Based on my previous life's experience, my Mandate Soul needs at least 1,500 Yin-Yang Fish to break through to Rank Five," Zhao Xing mused. "I've already consumed 1,043 of them." He continued, "If my Mandate Soul breaks through to Rank Five, my various spells will advance further. These days, I haven't just caught Yin-Yang Fish; I've eaten many other types as well. Among the Five Fortunes, I've gathered Fire, Water, and Metal; only Wood and Earth remain. However, it won't matter if I don't collect Wood and Earth here in the Extreme Night Sea. If I can achieve a Rank Five Mandate Soul, then the only significant benefit left in the Extreme Night Sea will be the Dragon Whales. Everything else will be negligible."

Zhao Xing calculated, then his Myriad Arts Avatar piloted a flying boat to transport the excess spirit fish to Night Fortress. Currently, he and Xia Jing were operating separately. This was mainly because Zhao Xing's high notoriety made it inconvenient to stay together, potentially hindering Xia Jing and Chen Shijie's collection of spiritual treasures. Their goal was to gain benefits, not to fight. Operating separately was more efficient, especially with the presence of Water Immortals and Fish Devourer Grass, which made their efficiency much higher than that of ordinary teams.

At Night Fortress, on the Myriad Arts Pagoda Ship, Zhao Xing's flying boat began unloading fish.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

Several figures immediately appeared on the pagoda ship. Besides Ji Zixuan and Murong Xue, there were nine other people. These were all members of the "Liu Tianning Exploration Team," most of whom had joined through connections with either Liu Tianning or Zhao Xing.

"Senior Brother, so many again this time?" Ji Zixuan's eyes sparkled, purely from the reflection of the abundant fish.

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "Pick whatever you want to eat."

"Thank you, Senior Brother, for the food!" Ji Zixuan cheerfully walked over to the categorized fish pools, sweeping her hand to select a batch.

"Thank you, Lord Zhao," Murong Xue, who had become more reserved lately, was the second to choose, and no one dared object.

After Murong Xue and Ji Zixuan had made their selections, three familiar faces approached: Han Bing, Feng Qi, and Cai Jin.

"Brother Zhao, thank you," Feng Qi and Cai Jin clasped their hands.

"It's all thanks to your teacher's arrangements," Zhao Xing joked. "I'm just a deliveryman."

As for why Han Bing was there, it was mainly because he had found his own opportunities in recent days. Zhao Xing and Han Bing had previously encountered a mysterious "Myriad Forms Grotto-Heaven" in the seventy-two grotto-heavens, a treasure ground of the Geomancy Academy. From this Myriad Forms Grotto-Heaven, Zhao Xing had comprehended the Twin Arts Fusion Divine Movement Guard, while Han Bing had comprehended the Extreme Cold Grotto-Heaven. The owner of the Myriad Forms Grotto-Heaven was Marquis Gongwu, whose real name was Gong Tiansi.

During the truce and awards, Han Bing's official rank reached Provisional Rank Six, Lower Grade. With the Grotto-Heaven being upgraded, he couldn't leave Yang City, so he went to study in the seventy-two grotto-heavens. Marquis Gongwu took an interest in him. In early April, Marquis Gongwu found a way to secure a spot for Han Bing. Although Han Bing didn't join a team, he used his connections to be sent to Liu Tianning's side to gain some benefits.

"I have good news," Han Bing whispered while choosing spirit fish. "Engineer Wang went to Crimson Lake as a mid-level scout, and it's said his harvest was excellent. He's now been noticed by the main team and promoted to senior scout."

"Oh?" Zhao Xing said, "That's good. Just as he said, a craftsman can always find work anywhere."

In truth, if Zhao Xing could form his own team, he would certainly call Han Bing and Wang Ji. However, Liu Tianning had drawn a line for him: slots exchanged for favors had to be for veteran Martial Marquises or Conferred Kings. So far, Zhao Xing had only used eight slots, with six remaining unused, still being carefully selected.

"Thanks," Han Bing said after making his selection, then went to his room.

"Brother, we owe you our thanks," a round-faced young man clasped his hands. He was Liu Cheng'an, the youngest son of Prince Xin, Liu Yong.

"No need to be polite, Young Lord."

"Minister Zhao, thank you," an elegant middle-aged woman in colorful magical robes walked over and bowed. "Teaching us to fish is a great kindness, like giving us a new life."

"Madam Ya, you exaggerate," Zhao Xing said, looking at the noblewoman. "It is my honor to assist Madam Ya." Madam Ya came from a family of weavers and had been well-married. However, her husband had recently passed away, leaving her a widow. Without a son, she could not inherit the title, so she had to guard her vast family fortune herself.

While Zhao Xing was distributing fish below, Princess Youruo watched idly from a high platform, holding a pot of wine.

"My dear Liu, your disciple is truly considerate. All these days, he's been focused on fishing and hasn't troubled you once."

"Indeed, he is excellent," Liu Tianning smiled slightly when speaking of Zhao Xing. From Zhao Xing's battle records alone, it was clear he had made rapid progress in recent days! Especially his Strawman Art, which had increased from eighteen strawmen to thirty-six!

"He's gained experience, maintained your reputation, and managed relations with all sides. He's much less trouble than you were in your youth. You used to make Rahu stomp his feet in frustration," Princess Youruo chuckled, covering her mouth.

"Ancient history, why bring it up?"

"Alright, alright, I won't," Princess Youruo placed a hand on Liu Tianning's chest, bringing the exquisite jade flask to his lips. "Let's drink."

"I won't."

"Drink, drink!"

Liu Tianning could only take a symbolic sip. A smile appeared at the corner of Youruo's mouth.

"This Zhao Xing is truly a handful," Xing Ming, clad in black-gold armor with a long sword at his waist, said on the Dragon Scale warship, looking at the intelligence report. "He keeps hovering around the edges of our designated area!"

"In over a month, more than fifty of our members have died by his hand."

Xing Ming was getting a headache. He feared Liu Tianning's intervention and had consistently restrained alliance members from provoking Zhao Xing. Yet, some always tried to challenge Zhao Xing. As a result, more and more people died, only solidifying Zhao Xing's reputation as invincible among Rank Six cultivators.

"There's nothing we can do if the subordinates don't listen," a stout, square-faced man with a massive purple axe on his back said from beside him. "It has calmed down a bit now; they know he's not to be messed with."

"Restrict all Rank Five members within the group," Xing Ming ordered. "Forbid anyone from provoking Zhao Xing. If discovered, their qualification will be immediately revoked! If Liu Tianning gets involved, we won't have to do anything else; the trip to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven can be declared prematurely canceled."

"Understood," the giant axe wielder nodded. "I believe no one will be foolish enough."

"Young Master, we harvested 50,000 catties of spirit fish today," the strategist reported to Pei Yuanchang on the sea vessel. "There were 401 Yin-Yang Fish."

"Excellent, excellent!" Pei Yuanchang happily exclaimed. "Immediately send them to Liu Tianning's Myriad Arts Pagoda Ship as agreed."

"Yes."

Pei Yuanchang was delighted looking at the harvest list. Since partnering with Liu Tianning, his output had increased dramatically! Initially, he only caught over a thousand catties a day, but now, he was catching 50,000 catties daily, plus the magical Yin-Yang Fish that could enhance one's Mandate Soul.

"How is Marquis Yuanrang?" Pei Yuanchang asked. "Is he safe?"

"Young Master, the latest news from Marquis Yuanrang was half an hour ago; his specific location is in the northwest of the Dark Stone Coral Reef," his subordinate pointed to the sea map. "However, Marquis Yuanrang is always unpredictable; he might be somewhere else by now."

Zhao Xing's strength had greatly increased, and his avatar's mobility had also become stronger. He would strike and then move, striving to minimize risk.

"Young Master, should we send someone to Marquis Yuanrang?"

"Don't act on your own initiative," Pei Yuanchang said. "Can't you see? This is a trial Liu Tianning has set for him. How can others interfere? If he truly only wanted to find spiritual treasures for his disciple, Liu Tianning could go himself and sweep Ice Fire Island clean. But he didn't. That means he doesn't want others interfering in Zhao Xing's affairs. We just need to do our part in the cooperation and not act presumptuously."

"Yes, understood."

On the Black Dragon Warship, the Nineteenth Prince Ji Ye's face was ashen as he read the intelligence report. "That scoundrel Liu Tianning is going too far!"

"He's just letting his disciple run wild in my territory?! I sent him a letter warning his disciple not to come east of the coral reef, and he hasn't responded at all!"

Ji Ye was furious. He felt he had given Liu Tianning enough face. Over the past month, his people had encountered Zhao Xing, and each time, he only ordered his men to drive Zhao Xing away. The harshest action they took was merely destroying three of Zhao Xing's strawmen. But this master and disciple pair, Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing, showed no reaction whatsoever, completely ignoring him and carrying on as usual. When had a dignified Prince of Liang ever suffered such humiliation?

"He doesn't even have me in his eyes! Qin Chongwu, Huangfu Song!"

"Here!" Two Rank Five cultivators immediately stood up.

"If you encounter Zhao Xing again, immediately deploy Rank Five cultivators to capture him!" Ji Ye commanded. "Make Liu Tianning come ransom him personally!"

"Yes."

Zhao Xing was completely unaware of Ji Ye's fury, as Liu Tianning hadn't mentioned any of it to him. But even if he knew, he probably wouldn't have held back. "You want to eat, I want to eat too!" How much was the Prince of Liang's face worth?

"This is it."

Zhao Xing activated his Heaven's Eye Art, scanning the depths of the seabed. "There's a school of Yin-Yang Fish here. If I eat just fifty more, my Mandate Soul will break through."

Zhao Xing stopped his Blood Shadow flying boat, then scattered Fish Devourer Grass seeds.

"Splash!"

The waves engulfed the Fish Devourer Grass seeds, spreading their scent far and wide as Water Immortals bloomed in the sea. Soon, several small black-and-white fish cautiously peeked out from within the coral reef.

"They're coming," Zhao Xing anticipated. "Come quickly, come quickly." He wasn't in a hurry to act, patiently waiting.

Three quarters of an hour later, nearly a hundred Yin-Yang Fish had gathered beneath Zhao Xing.

"Now's the time! I can definitely catch fifty!"

Zhao Xing no longer hesitated and immediately made his move. "Ten Thousand Miles of Ice!"

Pale blue light emanated from his fingertips. The light plunged into the seabed, and the seawater froze at an incredibly fast rate. This was a high-level spell Zhao Xing had comprehended over the past month, observing the twenty-four solar terms. He had made a breakthrough in the Great Cold solar term, and the Extreme Night Sea was indeed suitable for comprehending winter solar terms. Zhao Xing's Five Elements talent for Water and Ice was very high, as evidenced by his Raindrop Art. Now, the Ten Thousand Miles of Ice spell had reached High-Level Fourth Transmutation.

"Freeze!"

The moment the pale blue light entered the sea, the freezing effect spread rapidly. The Yin-Yang Fish's senses were usually acute, but lured by the Fish Devourer Grass and Water Immortals, their reaction was half a beat too slow. When the freezing spell struck, most of them were quickly frozen, with only a small portion escaping.

"Rise!"

Zhao Xing extended his hand, and a large chunk of ice surfaced from the seabed, landing on the flying boat.

"Eighty-one of them!"

"That's enough."

Zhao Xing quickly thawed them, his cheeks momentarily sunken, as he inhaled lightly. The eighty-one Yin-Yang Fish were all swallowed into his abdomen.

"Buzz!"

A wave of dizziness surged through his mind. Zhao Xing shook his head. His vision blurred, and he felt as if the sky was filled with Yin-Yang Fish.

"My Mandate Soul has broken through to Rank Five. The Yin has become dominant, and my physical body can barely contain it," Zhao Xing thought. The Mandate Soul dwelling in the body was like a person living in a house. Now the house was too small, and the occupant was too big, causing a sense of confinement. With his Mandate Soul reaching Rank Five, Zhao Xing felt a bit out of control and very uncomfortable.

"Divide!"

Zhao Xing pointed his finger, channeling a large amount of Mandate Soul power into the twelve Myriad Arts Strawmen. As the Myriad Arts Strawmen glowed brighter and brighter, Zhao Xing finally felt at ease.

"Too many Myriad Arts Strawmen would burden the Mandate Soul. But if the Mandate Soul is too strong, it can also be alleviated by the Myriad Arts Strawmen." Zhao Xing let out a long breath. This was like adding three rooms and a living room to the original house, an expansion. Of course, normal cultivation of the Primeval Strawman rarely led to such a situation. It was usually the case that the Mandate Soul wasn't strong enough, not that there weren't enough strawmen.

"My current twelve strawmen are enhanced versions. They are much stronger than the other twenty-four. Each one probably has the combat power of an early Rank Six cultivator." The strengthened Mandate Soul greatly increased control over the Myriad Arts Strawmen, allowing them to contain higher numbers and levels of spells. These twelve Myriad Arts Strawman avatars could now cast high-level spells. However, their power would be reduced; for instance, a High-Level Fourth Transmutation "Ten Thousand Miles of Ice" cast by a Myriad Arts Strawman would only be at the High-Level First Transmutation. Moreover, the number of spells they could contain was capped; even enhanced, they could only hold two high-level spells simultaneously. The remaining twenty-four could still only cast mid-level spells, but they could cast a greater variety. All the mid-level spells Zhao Xing knew could be cast by his Myriad Arts Avatars.

"Fortunately, I consumed many Vitality Spiritual Treasures before, so my physical body is no weaker than a Rank Six martial artist's. It has already reached the stage of golden bones and silver marrow, with blood like a river." Although his golden bones had just begun to form, not matching the golden-boned prodigies like Xia Jing and Long Xiao, Zhao Xing's physical strength was still exceptionally high.

"Now I can be called a 'Martial Minister.' Even in close combat, I could probably take down several early to mid-Rank Six martial artists."

Zhao Xing sat cross-legged on the flying boat, cultivating and adapting to his Myriad Arts Strawman avatars and the new changes after his breakthrough. Due to his Mandate Soul breaking through to Rank Five, his Heaven's Eye Art and Sleep Bug Art had reached High-Level Ninth Transmutation! All his other high-level spells were no lower than Fourth Transmutation, all having reached the 'Minor Attainment' realm. A stronger Mandate Soul deepens one's understanding of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. Enlightenment primarily involves the Mandate Soul; whether the physical body is strong or not has little connection to enlightenment for non-martial artists. For martial artists, cultivating the Dao sometimes involves specialized body training to tap physical potential, which makes a big difference.

Just as Zhao Xing was cultivating, twenty nautical miles away, two flying boats were heading in his direction. When the distance was only ten nautical miles, Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song successively discovered the Blood Shadow flying boat.

"Is that Zhao Xing?" Qin Chongwu asked.

"It should be him," Huangfu Song replied. "The distinctive Blood Shadow flying boat, with a strawman standing next to it. It must be him."

"Brother Huangfu, your saber technique is exceptional, and you've cultivated the Adamant Body. The task of capturing Zhao Xing falls to none other than you," Qin Chongwu said.

Huangfu Song's face turned green. "Brother Qin, we're not trying to kill him. Brother Qin's Thunder Pure Essence Body is fast. Who else but you could handle the Young Master's errand?"

Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song looked at each other, neither wanting to take on the task. However, they couldn't pretend not to see, especially with others on the flying boat. Not carrying out Ji Ye's orders would be even more troublesome. After a moment of silent communication, Qin Chongwu said, "Brother Huangfu, there's no need for us to keep pushing it back and forth. We both serve the Young Master; we can't escape it. Let's act together."

"Alright," Huangfu Song nodded. "We're just capturing him; Liu Tianning won't necessarily do anything to us."

"No time to lose, let's act quickly."

Huangfu Song and Qin Chongwu rapidly approached. They deliberately suppressed their aura, quickly and silently flying within three thousand meters of Zhao Xing.

"Hm?!"

Zhao Xing's Mandate Soul suddenly warned him, and he looked up at the sky. His Heaven's Eye Art scanned, revealing two blurry afterimages, the effect of stealth robes. Through the stealth robes, Zhao Xing perceived their exceptionally pure vital energy bodies. Clearly, they were two Rank Five cultivators.

"Two Rank Five cultivators, targeting me?"

Zhao Xing immediately fled.

"Discovered? Don't run!"

Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song immediately accelerated. For two Rank Five cultivators, it would be too embarrassing if they couldn't even catch Zhao Xing. Simultaneously, Zhao Xing's avatar on the Myriad Arts Pagoda Ship immediately reported to Liu Tianning: "Teacher, two Rank Five cultivators are chasing your disciple!"

"Swish!"

Liu Tianning instantly vanished from the Myriad Arts Pagoda Ship. The next moment, he appeared a thousand meters away. Golden light flickered, and vines wrapped around Liu Tianning, forming a 'vine armor'! If Zhao Xing could see it, he would be incredibly surprised. This was because the vine armor on Old Liu was the extremely rare Rank Seven 'parasitic' plant life—the 'Floating Vine.' "Floating through heaven and earth, instantly spanning ten thousand meters!" It referred to cultivating the floating vine within oneself, allowing it to transform into a symbiotic vine armor that could greatly enhance the host's flying speed! At the cost of consuming the floating vine's life, this speed could be even faster!

"Someone's in trouble," Princess Youruo held her jade flask, watching Liu Tianning's departing back. "The Myriad Arts Pagoda Ship is already moored so close to Ice Fire Island, yet some people still don't believe he'll act?" Princess Youruo took a large gulp, her eyes hazy. "When will he burn the life of the floating vine for me too..."

"Divide!"

Zhao Xing fled, controlling his flying boat while simultaneously releasing twenty-four avatars from the boat, attempting to confuse his pursuers. He might be able to handle one Rank Five cultivator, but two, backed by two warships filled with dozens of perfected Rank Six cultivators... if they formed a battle formation, stopping would be suicide! This was not the time to rely on Liu Tianning's reputation; fleeing was the best option!

"Kid, your Strawman Art isn't fully refined yet!" Qin Chongwu sneered; they completely ignored Zhao Xing's avatars. "You think you're the only one with detection methods?"

"Come back with us obediently; we're not here to kill you," Huangfu Song said. "If you keep running, we'll have to make a move!"

They didn't make a move, but Zhao Xing did. If these two martial artists closed in, how could he possibly survive?

"Coiling Serpent Transformation!"

"Cloud Devourer Domain!"

"Sleep Bug!"

Zhao Xing let his avatar control the flying boat while he immediately cast spells. Coiling Serpent Transformation hit Huangfu Song, and the light flickered only twice. Scales formed on Huangfu Song's hands and chest but immediately faded. The Cloud Devourer Domain expanded, and the two's speed only slightly decreased but still exceeded the flying boat's speed. The instantaneous burst speed of Rank Five cultivators was greater than that of a newly starting flying boat.

The most effective were the two Sleep Bugs! They burrowed into Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song's Mandate Souls. In an instant, a profound drowsiness swept over them; they felt as if they hadn't slept in years. The speed of the Thunder Pure Essence Body sharply decreased.

Qin Chongwu shook his head: "This kid has some tricks! He'll get away at this rate. We can't drag this out any longer; have the flying boats release the Combat Vajras!"

The two immediately ordered the two flying boats behind them to accelerate, drawing level with Zhao Xing's Blood Shadow flying boat.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

Fifteen high-level mechanical puppets instantly transformed into streaks of light and leaped onto the Blood Shadow flying boat's barrier.

"Bang! Bang, bang, bang!"

One by one, the Combat Vajras began furiously smashing the Blood Shadow barrier.

"Heavenly Fire!"

Heavy flames burned on the Blood Shadow barrier. Zhao Xing multitasked, abruptly lowering the Blood Shadow flying boat, but still couldn't shake off these high-level puppets. Zhao Xing kept his composure. Seizing the moment before the enemy's flying boats could release their grappling hooks, he immediately controlled his boat to dive headfirst into the sea. Once in the sea, he still had an escape art. Rank Five martial artists wouldn't be as fast in the sea. As long as he could reach the seabed, he could use his escape art, and the Rank Fives could only watch helplessly.

"Decisive enough!" Qin Chongwu's eyelids twitched. "No wonder Liu Tianning took an interest in him."

"What a fierce temper! Get up!"

Huangfu Song swiftly flew beneath the Blood Shadow flying boat. His body expanded, growing a full circle, reaching five meters tall. A golden halo enveloped him; he now resembled a golden giant.

"Hah!" Huangfu Song stomped on the sea surface, directly pushing Zhao Xing's flying boat back up.

"Bang!"

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!" Eight chains immediately hooked the Blood Shadow flying boat, pulling it upward.

Zhao Xing was about to abandon the boat and flee. His Mist Concealment Art was already ready.

However, at that very moment, Huangfu Song and Qin Chongwu both looked towards the horizon. A rainbow light flashed, rapidly growing larger. In moments, it appeared within a thousand meters.

"Damn it, it's Liu Tianning!" Qin Chongwu's scalp tightened.

"He actually came!" Huangfu Song shivered, quickly blurting out, "Inspector Liu, this is all a misunderstanding..."

"Misunderstanding?" Zhao Xing cursed. "Misunderstand your ancestors for eight generations! Teacher, they want to kill me!"

"No, we didn't mean to kill you..." Huangfu Song tried to explain.

But then he saw Liu Tianning replicating himself in the air, continuously conjuring avatars. In the blink of an eye, the sky was filled with Liu Tiannings! Their three ships, two Rank Fives, fifty Rank Six cultivators, and thirty Combat Vajras were surrounded by Liu Tianning alone!

Huangfu Song: "..."

Qin Chongwu: "..."

Both of them felt their scalps tingle at this sight. They had only heard legends of Liu Tianning; they had never actually seen him in action. Now, witnessing it, it was terrifying. Over three thousand Liu Tiannings, all emanating the aura of perfected Rank Five! How could they fight this?

Liu Tianning calmly looked at the two. "As soon as I arrived, I saw the Blood Shadow flying boat burning and falling, eight chains piercing my disciple's Blood Shadow flying boat, and fifteen Combat Vajras, comparable to Rank Five, boarding his ship..."

"Tell this official... is this a misunderstanding?"

Huangfu Song and Qin Chongwu could not explain. And couldn't explain it clearly! Who would believe them if they said they just wanted to capture Zhao Xing? Moreover, even capturing him was unacceptable!

"Swish!"

Liu Tianning's figure flickered, instantly passing through the barrier. In just one second, the Floating Vine Armor extended its tentacles, carrying Zhao Xing back into the sky.

"Stand aside."

"Yes." Zhao Xing nimbly retreated behind Liu Tianning.

"Lord Liu, we were merely following orders to capture him and had no intention of harming him," Huangfu Song pleaded urgently.

"No need for further words," Liu Tianning said coldly. "This official previously warned the Seven Great Exploration Teams against Rank Five cultivators attacking my disciple. Even if it was just capturing him, you have violated this official's rules!"

Zhao Xing watched silently from behind. This was Liu Tianning's consistent style: before striking, he would always tell the opponent why he was striking.

"Liu..."

Huangfu Song was about to say more, but Qin Chongwu had already begun fleeing for his life. He immediately ordered all Combat Vajras on the flying boat to charge in one direction. He himself followed behind the Combat Vajras, forming a sharp spearhead, intending to break through Liu Tianning's blockade.

"Zzzzzzz!"

The Thunder Pure Essence Body flickered, and Qin Chongwu had already unleashed his move!

Then.

Qin Chongwu died.

The row of Liu Tiannings in front of him extended a hand and pointed. A gray crack, like a cloud trail, spread towards him. The thirty Combat Vajras instantly disintegrated into a pile of scattered materials. The gray fissure continued unchecked, instantly engulfing Qin Chongwu. His body split apart in an instant.

"What a powerful Marquis Transformation Art!" Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow. The Marquis Transformation Art displayed by Old Liu far surpassed the level of his own Coiling Serpent Transformation.

Seeing this, Huangfu Song was terrified. Qin Chongwu hadn't even lasted a single round. He was in the late Pure Essence realm!

"Inspector Liu, Lord Liu!" Huangfu Song completely lost the courage to fight. "Please spare my life!"

Liu Tianning remained unmoved, still extending his hand to cast a spell. He was a man of rules, but if someone broke those rules, there was absolutely no room for pleading! It was so back then, it was so now, and it would remain so in the future!

"Adamant Transformation!"

Huangfu Song tried to buy time; he knew Ji Ye was on his way. If he could hold on for a while, perhaps there would be a chance to live! But he had truly overestimated himself. When Liu Tianning made his move, Huangfu Song's Adamant Body was instantly shattered. First, he returned to his normal form, then disintegrated inch by inch. Before dying, Huangfu Song saw the shadow of a Black Dragon warship, but unfortunately, he didn't last until then.

"Liu Tianning!!!"

Ji Ye rushed over on his warship. But all he saw was Huangfu Song's disintegration and death.

"The rest of you, you may leave," Liu Tianning waved his hand, and the two flying boats, along with dozens of Rank Six cultivators on them, were all thrown a thousand meters away. He killed, but he did not kill indiscriminately. Even if the Rank Six cultivators had attacked his disciple, they had not violated his rules.

"Liu Tianning!" Ji Ye furiously shouted, "You are going too far! Where have I offended you! How dare you commit such a ruthless act!"

Ji Ye trembled with rage. Two of his capable subordinates had turned to dust just like that. He had only wanted to capture Liu Tianning's student and teach him a lesson, yet Liu Tianning dared to kill Ji Ye's people?

"Let's go," Liu Tianning didn't even glance at Ji Ye, taking Zhao Xing and leaving. He had stated his rules once and wouldn't repeat them. Liu Tianning disliked fools, and anyone who couldn't remember his words was a fool. Naturally, he didn't bother to say more.

"You, you! Good, good! Liu Tianning, what immense prestige you have!"

Ji Ye clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly. In the end, he didn't dare to order an attack. Even though he was a perfected Rank Five, and even though his warship, along with its mechanical puppets, contained hundreds of Rank Five combat strengths, he could only watch Liu Tianning depart.

On May 17th, Liu Tianning personally arrived at the periphery of Ice Fire Island, slaying Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song, along with thirty high-level puppets. The Prince of Liang, Ji Ye, was consumed by impotent rage, watching helplessly as Liu Tianning departed.

This news spread instantly throughout the Seven Great Exploration Teams, and even the entire Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. Liu Tianning's action, after decades of silence, once again shocked the world. Especially for forces from the seventy-two academies, anyone who had lived long enough and held a high position recalled the past when they were dominated by Liu Tianning.

"The young one made trouble, and the old one came. This Ji Ye must have lost his mind to dare lay hands on Liu Wanfa's disciple."

"Liu Tianning isn't old; he's only 127 years old."

"They really didn't take Liu Tianning's words seriously, did they? He doesn't compete for the Extreme Night Sea's spiritual treasures; he just lets his disciple train. Yet, someone dared to touch him. Isn't that seeking death?"

"Who knows what Ji Ye was thinking."

"Hahahaha, good, good! My thirteenth brother, why didn't you dare to attack Liu Tianning? Hahahaha," Ji Dan burst into laughter on his pagoda ship. Upon receiving the news, he almost jumped for joy. Unfortunately, his good brother Ji Ye still held back.

"Young Master, Zhao Xing's importance to Liu Tianning must be re-evaluated," Liang Ruohai said. "Young Master must spend more effort to befriend this person."