Chapter 2010: Obtaining Truth Esoterica Once More
(This chapter is 4,800 words!)
Shang Zihong's crown exploded into pieces, his silver hair disheveled, his face covered in blood, looking extremely embarrassed and pitiful.
He had already used all his skills, but still could not reverse the defeat. As his injuries worsened, death was constantly approaching him.
"I have lost. I actually lost to Zhang Ruochen..."
Shang Zihong's eyes became somewhat dim, unable to accept this reality.
Recalling a few years ago, Zhang Ruochen was like an ant in his eyes, posing no threat at all, easily crushed.
But Zhang Ruochen had grown too fast, too fast for him to react. In one confrontation after another, he had never gained any advantage, and this time, he suffered a crushing defeat.
Suddenly, Shang Zihong raised his head, looking at Zhang Ruochen with venomous eyes, and roared: "I am not willing! I will never lose!"
Accompanied by Shang Zihong's roar, his body quickly became withered and shriveled, a large amount of vital energy lost, injected into the Red Child Sword.
Immediately, the Red Child Sword turned completely blood-red, with many blood-colored patterns emerging on it, like the blood vessels in a human body, releasing an extremely evil and sinister aura.
A vast, evil divine power surged from the Red Child Sword, as if a deity was rapidly awakening. A terrifying pressure enveloped a vast region.
"What is happening?"
For a moment, many cultivators felt their scalps go numb, their sacred souls trembling uncontrollably, their bodies almost involuntarily kneeling down.
This divine might was extremely terrifying, spreading for tens of thousands of miles, as if a true god had descended here.
"Shang Zihong is really desperate this time. He is using his own vital energy, spirit, and soul as a guide to release the supreme divine might of the Red Child Sword."
A powerful observer couldn't help but tremble as he spoke.
Supreme divine might is the ultimate power contained in Divine Relic Ancient Artifacts. Generally, only Great Saint realm experts can release it. Saint King realm experts can usually only activate part of the divine power contained in a Divine Relic Ancient Artifact.
Although Shang Zihong was not a Great Saint realm expert, he paid a huge price at this moment to release the supreme divine might.
Feeling the terrifying pressure released by the Red Child Sword, Zhang Ruochen's expression changed, clearly sensing a huge threat.
"Zhang Ruochen, go to hell!"
Shang Zihong roared, swung the Red Child Sword, and unleashed the supreme divine might he had activated.
This was his final and strongest trump card. Although he paid an enormous price for it, as long as he could kill Zhang Ruochen, everything would be worth it.
"The power of this strike is enough to kill an Immortal Great Saint. Although Zhang Ruochen's strength is great, I'm afraid he won't be able to withstand it either."
"Shang Zihong is ruthless enough. He actually risked his life to use such a terrifying killing move. He is determined to fight Zhang Ruochen to the death, with no intention of stopping."
"From the looks of it, Shang Zihong will still be the one to win in the end."
"It's hard to say, but after this strike, their battle should basically be over!"
.............
Many cultivators focused their gazes on Zhang Ruochen and Shang Zihong, eager to see the final outcome of their battle.
At the same time, the experts on both sides of Zhang Ruochen and Shang Zihong also showed nervous expressions, temporarily stopping their slaughter.
In this situation, even if they wanted to intervene, it was impossible. They could only watch from the sidelines.
Facing Shang Zihong's desperate strike, Zhang Ruochen's expression became extremely solemn. The Space-Time Secret Scripture appeared in his hand, instantly opening, forming dozens of layers of multi-layered space, enveloping him within.
Shang Zihong had already lost two of his corpses. The remaining Fire Corpse was also severely injured, and all its power was used to activate the Red Child Sword, leaving it unable to care for the Five-Colored Merit Divine Stele.
Thus, space was no longer suppressed, and Zhang Ruochen could freely use time and space techniques.
Inside the multi-layered space, Zhang Ruochen immediately mobilized the space rules within his body, using various space techniques.
Because he knew that even the multi-layered space formed by the Space-Time Secret Scripture was not enough to withstand the supreme divine might unleashed by the Red Child Sword. He had to use other means to defend against it.
"Space Rift."
Zhang Ruochen pressed his hand down, and within the dozens of multi-layered spaces, enormous space rifts appeared.
"Boom."
The supreme divine might approached, crushing everything, unstoppable.
In an instant, the outermost dozen or so multi-layered spaces shattered, unable to withstand the supreme divine might.
The impact of the supreme divine might was truly more terrifying than a star collision, as if a true god was striking.
Then, the dozens of space rifts Zhang Ruochen had created also collapsed, unable to devour much of the divine power.
"Space Freeze."
"Space Distortion."
"Space Collapse."
"Space Fold."
"Space Compression."
.............
Zhang Ruochen captured time imprints and, at an unimaginable speed, used one space technique after another.
He didn't think these space techniques could block the supreme divine might released by the Red Child Sword. He only wanted to use them to continuously weaken the power of the supreme divine might.
In the eyes of others, Zhang Ruochen was instantly engulfed by the supreme divine might, causing extremely terrifying power ripples in space.
"Bang."
The formation protecting the Peacock Manor was torn apart in an instant by these power ripples.
Then, the Great Saint inscription runes were also rapidly being worn away.
For a time, the entire Peacock Manor shook violently, like an isolated island in the vast sea, battered by wind and rain.
Everyone inside the Peacock Manor showed expressions of terror, as if the end of the world had come.
Fortunately, in the end, the Great Saint inscription runes withstood the impact of the divine power and were not completely worn away.
Of course, this was because the supreme divine might unleashed by the Red Child Sword was mainly aimed at Zhang Ruochen. What impacted the Peacock Manor was merely the aftermath.
Otherwise, the Peacock Manor's defenses would definitely have been broken, and the Peacock Manor would have been ruthlessly destroyed.
"Master."
Han Xue's fists clenched involuntarily, a deep worry in her eyes.
If she had known this would happen, she shouldn't have left earlier. At least now she could be with Zhang Ruochen to resist the supreme divine might.
"Don't worry, Zhang Ruochen has a tough life. He won't be taken down easily." Xiao Hei said, trying to comfort her.
But even as he said this, his gaze was fixed on Zhang Ruochen's position, his nerves clearly tense.
In another direction, the Thousand Star Celestial Maiden, disguised as a graceful young man, frowned and said: "Shang Zihong is a madman. In his severely injured state, he still dares to use such a method. Doesn't he want to live? I hope Zhang Ruochen isn't really killed by Shang Zihong's move."
The supreme divine might was too terrifying. The area where Zhang Ruochen was located was completely filled with terrifying divine power. Even with her Origin Divine Eye, she couldn't see Zhang Ruochen's situation clearly.
After a long time, the terrifying divine might that had enveloped tens of thousands of miles finally began to dissipate.
"Look! Zhang Ruochen is still alive!"
"Zhang Ruochen's life is really tough. He even withstood the supreme divine might!"
.............
Seeing Zhang Ruochen's figure reappear, many cultivators couldn't help but exclaim.
Zhang Ruochen stood quietly in mid-air. The Flame God Armor on his body had become very dim, all flames extinguished.
Anyone could see blood flowing from the Flame God Armor, constantly dripping downwards.
Undoubtedly, although Zhang Ruochen had withstood the supreme divine might unleashed by the Red Child Sword, he had also suffered extremely severe injuries, his five viscera and six bowels almost completely shattered.
"How is this possible..."
Shang Zihong stared fixedly at Zhang Ruochen, his eyes full of disbelief.
Zhang Ruochen held the Abyssal Ancient Sword, blood flowing down the blade. He said very calmly: "Shang Zihong, any last words?"
"Don't you care about Chi Kunlun's life or death?" Shang Zihong sneered.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's eyes narrowed, and he said in a deep voice: "Hand over Chi Kunlun, and I will spare your life."
"It's not that simple. Chi Kunlun is your son, right? If you want to save him, you can try kneeling and begging me." Shang Zihong's sneer grew stronger.
Since no one knew that Chi Kunlun had already been taken away by a Yama Clan expert, he could deceive Zhang Ruochen however he wanted.
No matter how strong a person is, they will have weaknesses, and Chi Kunlun was undoubtedly Zhang Ruochen's weakness.
As long as he held this trump card, he wasn't afraid that Zhang Ruochen wouldn't submit.
Thinking of this, Shang Zihong was also filled with anger. If the Yama Clan expert hadn't taken Chi Kunlun away and seized the top-grade Flowing Light Merit Armor, how could the situation have deteriorated to this point?
A thousand miles away, by the shore of a lake, the Heart Demon Qiu Yichi looked into the distance, a smile appearing on her face. Then, using the Way of the Heart, she transmitted a message to Zhang Ruochen from afar: "Don't worry, Chi Kunlun is not in Shang Zihong's hands. As long as you go to the Endless Abyss, you will naturally be able to see him."
Earlier, Qiu Yichi had personally seen a mysterious Yama Clan expert take Chi Kunlun away. She had already guessed the identity of that mysterious expert, so she wasn't worried about Chi Kunlun's safety.
Her only goal was to invite Zhang Ruochen to the Endless Abyss.
"It's Qiu Yichi's voice. Has Kunlun been rescued by her?"
Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred, and in an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
At the very beginning, he had used the lives of Feng Gudao and the other three as a threat, demanding that Shang Zihong hand over Chi Kunlun. Shang Zihong had personally said that Chi Kunlun was not in his hands.
Combined with what Qiu Yichi was saying now, it was indeed very likely that Chi Kunlun was not in Shang Zihong's hands. Otherwise, even if Shang Zihong didn't care about the lives of Feng Gudao and the other three, he wouldn't risk his own life.
"Shua."
Zhang Ruochen suddenly moved. Using Great Space Teleportation, he appeared in front of Shang Zihong in an instant.
"Hua."
The Abyssal Ancient Sword slashed down like lightning.
Instantly, Shang Zihong's body was split in two from the middle, and even the Three-Colored Treasure Armor could not protect him.
"You..."
Shang Zihong's eyes widened, finding it hard to believe.
A moment ago, he was complacent, thinking he had grasped Zhang Ruochen's weakness, but he never expected Zhang Ruochen to suddenly kill him.
Everything happened too suddenly. Not only others, but even Shang Zihong himself couldn't react.
Zhang Ruochen's sword strike used all his strength. Not only was Shang Zihong's body split, but his sacred soul was also completely shattered.
"It's over."
Zhang Ruochen murmured, letting out a deep breath.
Suddenly, Zhang Ruochen's mind stirred. He felt some very peculiar things enter his body.
He was very familiar with this thing. It was the Truth Esoterica.
"Shang Zihong is indeed formidable. He actually possessed eight ten-thousandths of the Truth Esoterica. This way, I now have twenty ten-thousandths of the Truth Esoterica."
Zhang Ruochen felt very pleasantly surprised in his heart.
The Truth Esoterica is extremely rare. It can only be obtained by having an outstanding performance when crossing the Sea of Truth.
Zhang Ruochen has killed many powerful experts, but among them, only one person, Wang Xu, possessed the Truth Esoterica before Shang Zihong. This shows how precious it is.
Even if he can't gather one percent of the Truth Esoterica to become a Truth Envoy, having a little more Truth Esoterica will greatly help in comprehending the Sacred Dao Rules. The comprehension speed will increase exponentially.
"Zhang Ruochen actually killed Shang Zihong! This..."
Many of the observing cultivators were stunned.
Shang Zihong was the leader of the Merit Divine Temple and held a pivotal position in the Heavenly Realm Faction. Now that he was killed, this was an absolute major event that would cause a huge uproar. Zhang Ruochen was completely tearing the sky apart.
The experts of the Heavenly Realm Faction were also stunned at this moment. They had never imagined that Shang Zihong would lose to Zhang Ruochen, let alone lose his life.
"Hmm?"
At this moment, Zhang Ruochen's expression changed drastically.
Forgetting to collect the treasures on Shang Zihong's body, he immediately retreated at the fastest speed.
A brilliant divine light flew out from Shang Zihong's split body, like a divine sun, emitting a dazzling light that was impossible to look at directly.
"Is there another change?"
Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but widen their eyes.
Under everyone's gaze, a Radiant Divine Hand reached out from the divine light, heading straight for Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen's body immediately tensed up. He wanted to retreat backward, but found that his body could no longer move.
Just as the divine hand was about to touch him, the Divine Envoy Staff bestowed by the Moon God flew out on its own, forming a divine power shield to protect Zhang Ruochen.
Then, the Divine Envoy Staff released a powerful divine force, striking the Radiant Divine Hand.
"Bang."
The Radiant Divine Hand exploded, unable to withstand the divine power released by the Divine Envoy Staff.
Then, this divine force vibrated outward, acting on the Three-Colored Treasure Armor Shang Zihong was wearing.
"Crack."
The Three-Colored Treasure Armor had astonishing defensive power, but at this moment, it directly shattered, turning into pieces of scrap metal.
Even Shang Zihong's withered body, which had been split in two inside, was shattered into pieces and turned into dust.
The divine light that flew out of Shang Zihong's body became much dimmer but did not dissipate.
Immediately, it wrapped around the Red Child Sword and the Five-Colored Merit Divine Stele, shot straight into the sky, and disappeared in an instant.
Having lost its target, the Divine Envoy Staff restrained its aura, returned to its ordinary state, and fell into Zhang Ruochen's hand.
Looking at the Divine Envoy Staff in his hand, Zhang Ruochen felt a lingering fear.
That was truly dangerous just now. If the Divine Envoy Staff hadn't appeared in time to resolve the crisis for him, he would probably have been crushed by that Radiant Divine Hand.
"The Moon God, this backing, is indeed very reliable."
With a low murmur, Zhang Ruochen put away the Divine Envoy Staff.
Under normal circumstances, the Divine Envoy Staff has only two uses: one is a symbol of identity, and the other is to contact the Moon God.
Only when Zhang Ruochen is attacked by a Great Saint or even a deity can the Divine Envoy Staff release its terrifying power, borrowing the Moon God's powerful divine force.
Looking at the fragments of the Three-Colored Treasure Armor floating in mid-air, Zhang Ruochen waved his hand, collecting them all without missing a single piece.
Even if the Three-Colored Treasure Armor cannot be repaired, these fragments are still valuable and can be given to the Abyssal Ancient Sword to absorb.
It's a pity that the Red Child Sword and the Five-Colored Merit Divine Stele were taken away by that divine light and could not be kept. Those were the true treasures.
"Zhang Ruochen, how dare you kill Shang Zihong! No one can protect you!" Xing Yuan said, extremely gloomy.
With him present, Shang Zihong was killed. When he returned to the Merit Divine Temple, he would have no way to explain to the Yan God.
The only way to make amends now was to kill Zhang Ruochen.
Raising his hand, Xing Yuan struck out a terrifying palm print, heading towards Zhang Ruochen.
"Bang."
Luo Chen made his move, swinging the Nether Moon Blade, shattering the palm print Xing Yuan had struck.
"If you want to hurt my junior brother, you have to get past me first."
Luo Chen's eyes were sharp. He struck with his blade like lightning, one slash after another heading towards Xing Yuan.
As long as he was there, he would never allow Xing Yuan to harm a single hair on Zhang Ruochen's head.
At the same time, others also made their moves, restarting the slaughter.
"Shua."
Xiao Hei shrank in size and appeared beside Zhang Ruochen.
"Not bad, you actually managed to kill Shang Zihong on your own. Now, you rest on the side and watch this emperor take action, wiping out all these experts of the Heavenly Realm Faction." Xiao Hei said, raising his head.
As he spoke, Xiao Hei sacrificed one black formation flag after another, inserting them in various directions.
To deal with so many experts of the Heavenly Realm Faction, the best method was naturally to use formations.
"Rumble."
Very suddenly, a vast Great Saint might came from beyond the sky, scattering clouds for a thousand miles and also dispelling the darkness. A sacred light fell from beyond the sky.
Feeling this vast sacred might, all the cultivators on the ground changed color and looked up towards the sky.
High in the sky, tens of thousands of miles above the ground, stood a majestic figure clad in silver armor, with seven brilliantly feathered tails, and a rainbow bridge-like light shadow behind him.
"Patrolling Heavenly Envoy."
Seeing the majestic figure beyond the sky, all the cultivators' hearts trembled.
"Stop!"
The Patrolling Heavenly Envoy roared, his voice like thunder, extremely heavy.
Some cultivators with weaker cultivation were immediately shaken, blood flowing from their seven orifices, collapsing to the ground.
...
(New book "The Legend of the Heavenly Emperor" has been released. Dear readers, be sure to check it out! The protagonist this time will be somewhat different from Zhang Ruochen.) ()