# Chapter 1959: Greed
(Two chapters merged and released together.)
Outside the space-time barrier, it had become exceptionally quiet now, so quiet that a falling needle could be heard, and many people wore stunned expressions.
Originally, when Zhang Ruochen remained inside the space-time barrier, many people thought he was seeking his own death. Facing so many Death Clan experts, there was simply no possibility of victory.
But no one had expected that Zhang Ruochen, relying on his own strength alone, would turn the tide and annihilate nearly two hundred thousand Death Clan troops in Immortal Machine Mountain. Even those Death Clan divine sons and divine daughters couldn't escape. What astonishing battle achievements were these?
"What a Zhang Ruochen! Truly formidable. No wonder Feng Yan became sworn brothers with him." Feng Wuxing couldn't help but praise.
Zhang Ruochen was his lifesaver, so he was naturally delighted to see such a result. The suspended heart in his chest could finally be completely put at ease.
Primordial Fairy Yuan's eyes flickered with strange light, her gaze fixed tightly on Zhang Ruochen. She felt increasingly unable to see through him.
"Zhang Ruochen is truly remarkable. He hasn't even cultivated a Dao Domain, yet he could dominate this great battle."
"Indeed, he is very formidable, but it's also because he borrowed the hidden hand left by Xumi Saint Monk and the power of the Immortal Machine Compass."
"How did the Immortal Machine Compass end up in Zhang Ruochen's hands?"
"Given the situation at that time, the one who took the Immortal Machine Compass definitely wasn't Zhang Ruochen. Could Zhang Ruochen have other helpers in the shadows?"
"Who would have thought the Immortal Machine Compass's role would be so great, able to mobilize the powerful formations left behind by the Immortal Machine Sect in the past. With the Immortal Machine Compass, one is virtually invincible in Immortal Machine Mountain. No matter how many Death Clan come, they can only die."
"I heard Zhang Ruochen became the Eastern Domain King. Could he now become the Northern Domain King as well?"
…………
For a time, many experts from the Heavenly Court discussed animatedly, their minds unable to calm down, deeply shaken by Zhang Ruochen's final performance.
Zhen Yuan revealed a smile and said, "Junior Brother Zhang truly had full confidence. He alone is worth a thousand troops and ten thousand horses. Now that the Death Clan in Immortal Machine Mountain have been completely annihilated, and the passage for the Death Clan to invade the Kunlun Realm has been temporarily sealed, we can relax a great deal."
Lu Baiming nodded and said, "Junior Brother Zhang's contributions in this battle are paramount. I believe the news will quickly spread across all realms. His reputation will likely surpass those ranked at the top of the 'Saint King Merit Ranking.' It's truly not simple that he was chosen as Xumi Saint Monk's successor."
In his eyes, there weren't many people he could look up to, but Zhang Ruochen was a newly added one.
On a warship, the three Tu brothers leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance at Zhang Ruochen's figure, their emotions extremely complicated.
Recalling the beginning, when the three brothers were wildly arrogant, refusing to accept Zhen Yuan's arrangements, wanting to challenge Zhang Ruochen, they had suffered a crushing defeat.
On the surface, they had submitted, but deep down, there was still some dissatisfaction. They felt that Zhang Ruochen's victory over them was entirely opportunistic, not that he was truly much stronger than them.
But on the battlefield of Immortal Machine Mountain, they had nearly been killed by Qi Yang's terrifying pupil technique. It was Zhang Ruochen who acted at the critical moment, allowing them to escape disaster.
At that moment, they had truly submitted from the bottom of their hearts, no longer doubting that Zhang Ruochen possessed strength greater than theirs, and they even felt some gratitude.
And now, they were filled with admiration for Zhang Ruochen, feeling that he was worthy of the title War God of the Kunlun Realm.
Xuan Yuan Lie Kong's eyes flashed with several gleams of essence, no one knew what he was thinking.
Without a doubt, he had never expected Zhang Ruochen to perform like this.
However, it was just as he had initially thought: Zhang Ruochen's value was indeed extremely great, far beyond what the Ten-Eyed Qiankun Insect could compare to.
"Damn it! Zhang Ruochen actually annihilated all the Death Clan in Immortal Machine Mountain." Bi Yunhai clenched his fists, his expression extremely ugly.
He was not happy at all now. He had thought Zhang Ruochen would surely die. Who would have thought the result would be like this? Weren't those Death Clan too useless?
But things had come to this point. No matter how angry and displeased he was, he couldn't change anything.
"Shua."
One after another, message light talismans flew out, heading in all directions. Many people couldn't wait to spread the news of the Immortal Machine Mountain battle.
The cultivators present all came from different great worlds. As long as they transmitted the news, all the great worlds could quickly learn the result of the Immortal Machine Mountain battle.
In a blazing fiery cavern near the Fallen God Tomb Forest in the Eastern Domain, Shang Zihong was sitting cross-legged inside, cultivating.
At this moment, Shang Zihong had split into three, all undergoing the burning refinement of the earth fire. Each body emitted an extremely powerful aura, with dense sacred dao rules appearing on the surface of their bodies, numbering close to fifteen million.
When he first arrived at the Kunlun Realm, Shang Zihong's cultivation had just broken through to the Eight-Step Saint King realm. Now, however, he was already at the peak of the Rule Great Heaven and Earth, only one step away from condensing a Dao Domain.
Being able to increase his cultivation so much in such a short time had many reasons. First, Shang Zihong was exceptionally talented, not inferior to Zhang Ruochen in any aspect. Cultivating the "Three Corpses Refining the Dao" from the "Taiyi Divine Skill Ranking" was equivalent to three people cultivating together, and that effect was far from a simple accumulation.
Second, Shang Zihong had a deep background, with support from both his clan and the cultivation of the Flame God. Whatever cultivation resources he wanted, he could basically obtain.
Third, Shang Zihong himself had strong luck. After arriving at the Kunlun Realm, he had encountered one fortuitous encounter after another.
For example, this blazing fiery cavern was one of Shang Zihong's great fortuitous encounters.
The flames burning in the cavern were extremely unusual, greatly helping Shang Zihong cultivate the path of flame.
As a personal disciple of the Flame God, how could Shang Zihong not cultivate the path of flame?
Additionally, there had originally been an extraordinary fire lotus growing in the cavern. After refining it, Shang Zihong's cultivation had been greatly enhanced.
"Shua."
A figure suddenly appeared in the cavern.
Shang Zihong merged his three bodies and opened his eyes, saying, "Si Han, why have you come?"
"Zi Hong, a major event has occurred." Si Han's expression was very serious.
Shang Zihong stood up, walked out of the earth fire pool, and went to Si Han's side, saying, "What major event?"
"I just received news from the Northern Domain. Xuan Yuan Lie Kong and Zhen Yuan gathered their armies to attack Immortal Machine Mountain. The situation in this battle was not good at first, but unexpectedly, Zhang Ruochen completely turned the situation around. He activated the hidden hand left by Xumi Saint Monk, combined with the remaining means of the Immortal Machine Sect, and single-handedly annihilated the Death Clan's two hundred thousand troops. Many Death Clan divine sons and divine daughters, as well as a divine daughter candidate from the Destiny Temple, could not escape either."
"Additionally, it seems the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree has also fallen into Zhang Ruochen's hands."
Si Han's eyes flashed with cold light.
Learning that Zhang Ruochen was stealing the spotlight like this, he naturally felt very displeased.
Hearing this, a strange light flickered in Shang Zihong's eyes. He said, "Zhang Ruochen is my destined great enemy. There will inevitably be a battle between him and me. It's better that he is stronger; otherwise, this battle would be meaningless."
"Zhang Ruochen is now at the peak of his glory. First he became the Eastern Domain King, then he blocked the Undying Blood Clan in the Central Domain Sword Grave, and now he has completely annihilated the Death Clan in Immortal Machine Mountain. His strength is growing stronger and stronger, and there are few people left who can suppress him. Zi Hong, aren't you worried?" Si Han frowned.
Shang Zihong's gaze was calm, and he said indifferently, "If I am worried, then in the battle with Zhang Ruochen, I will surely be defeated. If he weren't strong, how would he be qualified to be my opponent?"
"Let's go. To the Underworld. Kill Blood Sheng Ghost King and seize the Earth Soul Liquid."
Having said that, Shang Zihong took a step and walked out of the cavern.
Seeing this, Si Han quickly followed. Killing Blood Sheng Ghost King could not be done without him.
In Immortal Machine Mountain, Zhang Ruochen and his five companions cleaned up the battlefield at the fastest speed.
"The Death Clan are indeed wealthier than the Undying Blood Clan. Any random Nine-Step Saint King realm Death Clan uses a high-rank ten-thousand-pattern sacred artifact. Big Brother, your Abyssal Ancient Sword won't lack for rations now." Xiang Chunan laughed loudly.
After the Sword Grave battle ended, he had also helped clean up the battlefield. The treasures owned by the Undying Blood Clan really couldn't compare to the Death Clan.
Although they hadn't obtained the treasures of those Death Clan divine sons and divine daughters, their gains this time were still extremely astonishing, far exceeding expectations, even greater than the harvest at the Sword Grave.
Zhang Ruochen put the evil spirit into the Qiankun Realm, then smiled and said, "Let's go out first. Senior Brother Zhen Yuan and the others are still waiting outside."
Having said that, Zhang Ruochen took out the Space-Time Secret Scripture and performed a space secret technique.
Space twisted slightly, and the figures of the five people instantly disappeared. When they reappeared, they were already outside the space-time barrier.
Zhen Yuan came forward and smiled, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, you have shocked all of us this time. It's truly admirable. I almost suspect that you deliberately dug a pit for the Death Clan."
Zhang Ruochen said, "Senior Brother Zhen Yuan flatters me. This is not my achievement alone. Without everyone's help, I couldn't even enter Immortal Machine Mountain, so naturally, I wouldn't need to think about what happened afterward."
"Junior Brother Zhang, you don't need to be modest. The key to winning this battle was you. Seeing such a splendid battle, this trip of mine was not in vain." Lu Baiming smiled.
After experiencing this matter, his attitude toward Zhang Ruochen had undoubtedly undergone a great change. He was more willing to get close to Zhang Ruochen.
With the various abilities Zhang Ruochen had displayed, he was indeed qualified to receive the support of their Daoist lineage. If there was a need, he wouldn't mind giving Zhang Ruochen some help.
"Let's go. First, back to the Northern Domain Camp to celebrate Junior Brother Zhang's achievements." Zhen Yuan smiled.
Xuan Yuan Lie Kong said, "Wait a moment. Junior Brother Zhang, there won't be any problems with Immortal Machine Mountain, will there?"
"Senior Brother Xuan Yuan can rest assured. Immortal Machine Mountain is now shrouded by the space-time barrier. The Death Clan can no longer easily enter the Kunlun Realm. I can't say for too long, but maintaining it for a few years should be no problem. The battlefield can be shifted to the world behind Immortal Machine Mountain." Zhang Ruochen said with great confidence.
The space-time barrier was personally activated by him, and he knew very well how powerful it was. For the Death Clan to break through it would require an extremely long time.
Xuan Yuan Lie Kong nodded and said, "Since there's no problem, let's return to the Northern Domain Camp."
Immediately, everyone boarded the warship and returned to the Northern Domain Camp.
In the manor belonging to Zhen Yuan, all the top experts who had participated in the attack on Immortal Machine Mountain gathered.
"Come, let's all toast Junior Brother Zhang together." Zhen Yuan stood up and raised his glass.
Immediately, everyone present stood up and raised their glasses, even Bi Yunhai was no exception. After all, at this time, he couldn't spoil everyone's mood.
However, while others had smiling faces, his face was gloomy.
Zhang Ruochen directly ignored Bi Yunhai, a smile on his face, raising his glass to toast the many experts present, then downed the fine wine in his glass in one gulp.
As the banquet progressed, people kept coming to toast Zhang Ruochen, all wanting to form a good connection.
As for this, Zhang Ruochen naturally wouldn't push people away. He returned the toasts one by one, getting along very harmoniously with the group of experts.
Bi Yunhai suddenly stood up, walked step by step to Zhang Ruochen's table, and said, "Zhang Ruochen, although you are the great contributor to the attack on Immortal Machine Mountain, there are still some matters you should explain to everyone."
Zhang Ruochen stood up and asked indifferently, "What matters are you referring to?"
"Two matters in total. First, who took the Immortal Machine Compass? And why did it appear in your hands earlier? Second, what do you plan to do with the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree?" Bi Yunhai's gaze was fixed tightly on Zhang Ruochen.
For a moment, everyone present turned their gazes over.
Anyone could see that Bi Yunhai was deliberately causing trouble for Zhang Ruochen, but these two matters were indeed of great concern to everyone.
Therefore, many people were waiting for Zhang Ruochen to answer.
How could Zhang Ruochen not know what Bi Yunhai was thinking? He said calmly, "Who took the Immortal Machine Compass? That actually has nothing to do with anyone. As for why it appeared in my hands earlier, naturally, the owner of the Immortal Machine Compass was righteous and willing to help me annihilate the Death Clan."
Pausing, Zhang Ruochen continued, "As for how to handle the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree, there's even less need for you to worry about."
"Hmph! Zhang Ruochen, do you intend to monopolize the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree? Then you need to ask if everyone present agrees." Bi Yunhai snorted coldly.
Clearly, Bi Yunhai had not given up. He wanted to use the name of the Heavenly Court's experts to force Zhang Ruochen to submit.
The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was no ordinary thing. It had too many legends, far beyond what an ordinary divine body could compare to. Its value was probably not inferior to a divine artifact.
Faced with such a rare divine object, anyone would be tempted and yearn to obtain it.
Xuan Yuan Lie Kong stood up and smiled lightly, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, take out the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree and let us have a look, how about?"
His tone seemed to be discussing, but it actually carried an irresistible meaning.
"What? Are you afraid we will snatch it?" A short, young man said somewhat displeased.
This man had a short stature and an unremarkable appearance, but his gaze was extremely deep, and the aura emanating from his body was exceptionally powerful. The most conspicuous feature was the vertical eye on his brow, faintly flickering with black thunder light.
"Big Brother, he is Lei Jue Xing, from the Thunder Clan of Cloud Thunder Realm. Although he looks similar to humans, he is not human. He was born with three eyes and possesses astonishing thunder-controlling talent. More importantly, he is the offspring of a deity and extremely powerful." Feng Yan secretly transmitted.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen was not too surprised. The people who could stand with Zhen Yuan and Xuan Yuan Lie Kong had the strength to contend against the Death Clan's divine sons and divine daughters. How could their origins be ordinary? Even if they were not divine sons or divine daughters, they must have extraordinary bone structures and physiques.
His gaze swept lightly over Lei Jue Xing, and Zhang Ruochen said calmly, "The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree contains countless Devouring Spirit Insects. If it is taken out, no one can control it, and it might bring great disaster."
"Zhang Ruochen, you underestimate us too much. This is not in the void space. Can't we deal with a few Devouring Spirit Insects?" Lei Jue Xing snorted coldly.
Xiang Chunan put down his wine jar and said very discontentedly, "The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was obtained by my big brother. Why should he take it out?"
Bi Yunhai coldly glanced at Xiang Chunan and said, "Without us, could Zhang Ruochen have obtained the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree? This object should belong to everyone. How can Zhang Ruochen be allowed to monopolize it?"
"You are robbing openly. I absolutely will not agree." Xiang Chunan was filled with anger.
Zhang Ruochen reached out and pressed Xiang Chunan's shoulder, saying, "Chu Nan, don't be so agitated."
"Big Brother, they are going too far. I can't tolerate it." Xiang Chunan was furious, now seeing everyone as disagreeable.
Daring to bully his big brother was something he absolutely could not tolerate. Even if the other party had an astonishing background and powerful strength, he would never back down.
Since he had emerged into the world, he had never been afraid of anyone.
Seeing Xiang Chunan's performance, Zhang Ruochen was deeply moved in his heart. He smiled and comforted him, saying, "No need to be so angry. If they want to see, let them see."
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen walked out of the hall, opened the Qiankun Realm, and very straightforwardly took out the trunk of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree, suspending it above the manor.
The diameter of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree trunk reached dozens of miles, and its height was even more indescribable. It truly seemed able to connect with the heavens.
Unfortunately, all the leaves on the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree trunk had withered yellow, lifeless and without any vitality.
"What is that?"
For a moment, the entire Northern Domain Camp was stirred. Countless cultivators looked up at the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree.
It was truly because the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was too massive, covering the entire Northern Domain Camp.
And a vast amount of divine wood qi was released, turning into green mist, making the entire Northern Domain Camp hazy.
The majestic divine might emitted by the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree trunk made many people want to kneel and worship.
The group of experts in the manor flashed out one after another, their gazes all directed toward the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree trunk, all revealing shocked expressions.
In many great worlds, there were divine trees, but not one could compare to the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree.
For a moment, greed appeared in the eyes of many people, and Bi Yunhai and Lei Jue Xing were naturally no exception.
"Let's divide the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree equally." Lei Jue Xing said somewhat impatiently.
As if the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree were his thing, he hadn't even thought about seeking Zhang Ruochen's opinion.
Bi Yunhai was the first to agree: "Yes, it should be so."
Although others didn't speak, many people were clearly very tempted. If this were another place, they would probably have already directly attacked to snatch it.
"Outrageous! Who dares to touch the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree?" Xiang Chunan became angry again and took out his metal demon crown.
Feng Yan also opened his four tightly shut eyes, a breeze blowing outside his body, clearly standing firmly on Zhang Ruochen's side.
Pei Yutian injected sacred qi into his stone knife. As long as Zhang Ruochen said one word, he would not hesitate to act. If he truly disregarded everything to activate the stone knife, although he would die, he might be able to drag one or two people down with him.
Ji Fanxin produced a purple petal in her hand, releasing powerful spiritual power. She didn't care about other things, but the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was something no one could touch.
On the other hand, Zhang Ruochen appeared calm and composed, as if everything had nothing to do with him.
Zhen Yuan frowned and said, "This is inappropriate. The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was obtained by Junior Brother Zhang from the void space. It should belong to Junior Brother Zhang."
Lu Baiming nodded and said, "Moreover, the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was originally left by Xumi Saint Monk. As Xumi Saint Monk's successor, it is only natural for Junior Brother Zhang to inherit the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree."
Clearly, both of them stood on Zhang Ruochen's side and had no intention of taking the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree trunk.
Xuan Yuan Lie Kong stepped forward and said, "Let me say a fair word. As Brother Bi said, everyone contributed to this attack on Immortal Machine Mountain. Junior Brother Zhang was able to obtain the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree also thanks to everyone's cooperation. It is only reasonable to let everyone share some of the benefits. What do you think, Junior Brother Zhang?"
Having said that, Xuan Yuan Lie Kong turned his gaze to Zhang Ruochen, a faint smile on his face, as if he wanted to discuss with Zhang Ruochen.
"Brother Xuan Yuan is right. Being able to obtain the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree is everyone's achievement. No one can enjoy it alone." Bi Yunhai echoed.
He was in an excellent mood now. With Xuan Yuan Lie Kong and Lei Jue Xing helping to apply pressure, he was not afraid that Zhang Ruochen would not compromise.
Not being able to get the entire Sky-Connecting Divine Tree, getting a part was also good.
And being able to make Zhang Ruochen suffer was an even more pleasing thing for him.
(Chapter End)