Chapter 2030: Xiao Hei Makes His Move
The ancestral spirit hovering above Mu Lingxi, though extremely faint, exuded a pressure vast as an abyss.
At a single glance, the ancestral spirit seemed to coil within an endless void, where even stars appeared insignificant before it. With a mere flap of its phoenix wings, countless stars could be annihilated.
Such an extraordinary phenomenon was in no way inferior to the scenes engraved on the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription.
Suppressed by the ancestral spirit's might, the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription that Qin Wuchang had summoned began to tremble violently. Its images dimmed, showing signs of slipping from his control.
"What kind of technique is this? How can she unleash such terrifying pressure?"
Qin Wuchang's mind quaked, and he couldn't help but panic.
At this moment, Qin Wuchang no longer thought about attacking; he only wanted to retrieve the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription as quickly as possible to avoid any mishap.
Within the Black Demon Realm's camp, many powerful figures wore grim expressions. Anyone could see that Qin Wuchang's situation was dire.
"How can merely condensing an Ice Phoenix phantom be so fearsome?"
Zuo Li's eyes narrowed, and he felt a deep wariness toward the Ice Phoenix phantom.
Mo Sheng also stared intently at the Ice Phoenix phantom. His heart stirred, and a look of intense surprise flickered in his eyes. "This is the legendary 'Spirit Summoning.' The Phoenix Clan of the Kunlun Realm has long declined—even pure-blooded phoenixes are unseen. How can someone still cultivate the Heavenly Phoenix Dao Body?"
As far as he knew, even within the Phoenix Clan of the Demon God Realm, only a handful of Saint Kings in the current era could successfully perform "Spirit Summoning."
Not just in the Demon God Realm, but across all the myriad realms under the Heavenly Court, those few prodigies who could do so were renowned and feared by few.
Unlike their situation in the Kunlun Realm, the Phoenix Clan in the Demon God Realm had always been one of the most powerful races, with an astonishingly deep foundation.
In a remote location ten thousand miles from the Blood God Sect, a figure stood quietly, gazing at the battlefield from afar, her eyes locked on Mu Lingxi.
She was a graceful and beautiful woman with an incredibly alluring figure, clad in a crimson long dress. From a distance, she looked like a blazing flame.
Her eyebrows were slender, like willow leaves, and her deep, bright eyes seemed to hold a starry sky within them. Paired with a straight nose and cherry-like lips, her face was breathtakingly beautiful, like a celestial maiden descending from the nine heavens.
At the center of her brow was a peculiar flame mark, adding a unique charm to her appearance.
If any cultivator from the Heavenly Court Realm were present, they would immediately recognize her as the Fire Phoenix Fairy from the Nine Immortal Beauties Chart. She hailed from the Phoenix Clan of the Demon God Realm, and her true form was a pure-blooded Profound Heaven Fire Phoenix.
The Fire Phoenix Fairy not only possessed a peerless immortal visage but also an exceptionally powerful bloodline and physique, attracting countless suitors.
"I never expected that someone in the Kunlun Realm could cultivate the Heavenly Phoenix Dao Body. Even if it's only an acquired Heavenly Phoenix Dao Body, it far surpasses most of the clan members."
The Fire Phoenix Fairy murmured, a strange light flickering in her eyes.
The Heavenly Phoenix Dao Body was divided into three levels: Acquired, Innate, and Primordial. Typically, one first cultivated the Acquired Heavenly Phoenix Dao Body. Only the most powerful ancient Heavenly Phoenixes could directly cultivate the Innate version.
As for the Primordial Heavenly Phoenix Dao Body, it belonged to legend. Over the long ages, only a handful had ever achieved it.
"Judging from the aura she emits, she should be a descendant of that legendary Ice Phoenix from the Middle Ages. A human being able to activate such a powerful bloodline—how interesting."
A faint smile curved at the corners of the Fire Phoenix Fairy's lips, and an intrigued expression appeared on her face.
In all her time in the Kunlun Realm, Mu Lingxi was the most interesting person she had encountered.
Although the Phoenix Clan of the Kunlun Realm had migrated from the Demon God Realm long ago, they still shared the same origin.
One of the Fire Phoenix Fairy's main goals in coming to the Kunlun Realm was to explore matters related to the Phoenix Clan. If she could obtain some great opportunities, that would be even better.
Now, seeing Mu Lingxi perform the "Spirit Summoning" technique was undoubtedly a significant gain for her.
"Through her, I might be able to uncover some information about that legendary Ice Phoenix." The Fire Phoenix Fairy thought to herself.
On the battlefield, Mu Lingxi was fully channeling the ancestral spirit, paying no heed to the commotion caused by her "Spirit Summoning."
Her only thought now was to seize the Heavenly Demon Blade-Drawing Diagram.
Feeling his connection to the Heavenly Demon Blade-Drawing Diagram weakening bit by bit, Qin Wuchang grew increasingly anxious.
He knew that if this continued, he would be unable to stop Mu Lingxi from taking the diagram.
Gritting his teeth, a ruthless glint flashed in Qin Wuchang's eyes. He bit his tongue and spat out a large mouthful of essence blood.
"Heavenly Demon Blood Sacrifice."
The essence blood directly adhered to the black stone tablet and was instantly absorbed.
This secret art would severely deplete one's essence, energy, and spirit, making recovery extremely difficult afterward.
But at this point, Qin Wuchang had no other choice. The Heavenly Demon Blade-Drawing Diagram was the foundation of his rise, and he could not afford to lose it.
Driven by the secret art, the black stone tablet began to vibrate violently, as if it had come to life. A terrifying demonic aura started to awaken, attempting to break free from the ancestral spirit's suppression.
Mu Lingxi's gaze turned sharp. "Trying to stop me from suppressing the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription? You're dreaming."
As she spoke, the hand seals she formed changed. The Ice Phoenix bloodline within her was fully activated, instantly solidifying the ancestral spirit.
Correspondingly, the power released by the ancestral spirit grew even stronger, nearly crushing the heavens. The entire sky seemed to darken.
The ancestral spirit unleashed a terrifying force of Extreme Yin Nether Ice, clearly of a higher grade than what Mu Lingxi herself had cultivated.
In an instant, the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription under Qin Wuchang's control was completely frozen, severing all connection with him.
"Pfft! My Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription..."
Qin Wuchang spat blood, his eyes filled with unwillingness.
In the blink of an eye, the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription that had belonged to him had changed hands. No matter what technique he tried, he couldn't reclaim it.
Mu Lingxi retrieved the frozen Heavenly Demon Blade-Drawing Diagram and said calmly, "You lost. With your strength, you're not worthy of possessing the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription."
"Give me back my Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription!" Qin Wuchang roared in fury.
He was now completely mad, recklessly charging at Mu Lingxi.
A cold light flickered in Mu Lingxi's eyes. With a wave of her hand, the Divine Throne Planet slammed heavily into Qin Wuchang.
At the same time, the ancestral spirit she had summoned quickly faded and then merged back into her body.
"Spirit Summoning" consumed a great deal of energy, and Mu Lingxi was not yet proficient in using it, so she couldn't sustain it for long.
This was, in fact, the first time Mu Lingxi had used "Spirit Summoning" in battle, and the result was quite satisfactory.
Having lost the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription, Qin Wuchang was like a tiger without its fangs, utterly unable to contend with the Divine Throne Planet.
"Boom."
Struck by the Divine Throne Planet, Qin Wuchang was sent flying backward, his body covered in cracks and on the verge of shattering.
Just as Mu Lingxi was about to press her advantage and kill Qin Wuchang, a figure appeared before him, blocking the Divine Throne Planet with one hand.
At that moment, Zhang Ruochen's form materialized beside Mu Lingxi.
Gazing at the one who had intervened, Zhang Ruochen's eyes turned cold. He said loudly, "Mo Sheng, can't the Black Demon Realm afford to lose? We agreed to five rounds of gambling battles. You've only lost one, and you're already stepping in. Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by cultivators from all realms?"
Zhang Ruochen's voice clearly reached the ears of the onlookers, startling everyone.
Although they knew the two sides were engaged in gambling battles, they hadn't expected it to be a series of five matches. This was undoubtedly a major undertaking.
Mo Sheng understood Zhang Ruochen's intentions well and replied coldly, "Since I agreed to the gambling battle, I will not go back on my word. But this battle is already decided. There's no point in continuing. Prepare for the next match."
With that, Mo Sheng grabbed the severely injured Qin Wuchang and turned into a streak of light, returning to the Black Demon Realm's camp.
Losing a piece of the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription was a capital offense. Mo Sheng had no desire to care about the life or death of a waste like Qin Wuchang, but with so many watching, allowing Qin Wuchang to be killed by Mu Lingxi would only further damage the Black Demon Realm's prestige.
Seeing Mo Sheng leave with Qin Wuchang, Zhang Ruochen turned to Mu Lingxi and asked softly, "Are you alright?"
Mu Lingxi smiled playfully and handed both pieces of the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription to Zhang Ruochen. "Of course I'm fine. Mission accomplished. Did I disappoint you?"
"Lingxi, you've worked hard." Zhang Ruochen waved his hand, storing away the two Heavenly Demon Stone Inscriptions, then gently pulled Mu Lingxi into his embrace.
Mu Lingxi's smile grew even brighter, her eyes filled with happiness and sweetness.
After a brief embrace, Zhang Ruochen led Mu Lingxi back outside the Blood God Sect's protective formation.
"Sister-in-law, you're amazing!"
Bao Lie couldn't help but give Mu Lingxi a thumbs-up.
"Well done, Lingxi girl. Those white-eyed wolves of the Black Demon Realm have no right to possess the treasures of the Kunlun Realm. Who's next?" Xiao Hei praised Mu Lingxi while turning his gaze to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen smiled. "Since you asked, you'll be the one to fight. Don't let me down."
"When this emperor makes his move, victory is assured. Just watch." Xiao Hei said confidently.
Zhang Ruochen didn't say much. He straightforwardly handed a piece of the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription and a Space Teleportation Scroll to Xiao Hei.
To be honest, Zhang Ruochen didn't know Xiao Hei's exact strength, but given that Xiao Hei was a Formation Earth Master, there shouldn't be too many problems.
Besides, he knew Xiao Hei was too proud to slack off. If he did, he'd never be able to hold his head high in front of them again.
Carrying the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription, Xiao Hei flapped his wings and swaggered to the spot where Mu Lingxi and Qin Wuchang had fought earlier.
Looking down at the Black Demon Realm's camp, Xiao Hei's eyes were full of disdain. He raised his head and declared, "This emperor stands before you. Who dares to contend?"
"A mere owl dares to call itself emperor? How laughable." Zuo Li sneered.
Hearing the word "owl," Xiao Hei bristled with anger. His eyes bulged as he shouted, "You ignorant demon whelp! Your whole family are owls! Look closely—this emperor is an Undying Bird!"
Zuo Li soared into the air and quickly arrived opposite Xiao Hei. Clearly, he would represent the Black Demon Realm in this battle.
"Undying Bird? You'll soon be a dead bird." Zuo Li scoffed.
As he spoke, Zuo Li's gaze fixed on the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription at Xiao Hei's side. Since Qin Wuchang had failed to seize the Heavenly Demon Mad Dragon Diagram, he would have to do it himself.
Xiao Hei was also staring at the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription Zuo Li had brought. This one was engraved with a ferocious tiger. With a single roar, countless stars shattered, plunging the entire starry sky into darkness.
The Black Demon Realm possessed a refined mid-rank sacred art called Tiger Roar Shattering Spirit, which was derived from this Heavenly Demon Tiger Roar Diagram.
"Die."
Zuo Li's gaze turned sharp as he suddenly launched an attack.
With a palm strike, demonic qi condensed into a pitch-black dragon claw, striking Xiao Hei like lightning.
"Boom."
Caught off guard, Xiao Hei was sent flying by the dragon claw.
Seeing this, Zuo Li sneered, "Pathetic. The Blood God Sect truly has no one. Zhang Ruochen actually sent out such trash."
In his view, Zhang Ruochen sending Xiao Hei to fight was simply handing him the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription.
"Little junior brother, is that bird really up to the task?" Bao Lie frowned, feeling that Xiao Hei was unreliable.
Not just Bao Lie, but Jin Yu and the others also looked worried. They all hoped Xiao Hei could bring back another piece of the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription. If Xiao Hei ended up using the Space Teleportation Scroll to flee, the Black Demon Realm would likely stop the gambling battle immediately.
If that happened, it would be difficult to reclaim the remaining Heavenly Demon Stone Inscriptions.
Only Zhang Ruochen remained calm, showing no sign of concern. Knowing Xiao Hei as he did, he didn't believe he would be defeated so easily.
In the Black Demon Realm's camp, many cultivators looked excited, feeling that Zuo Li had victory in hand.
If Zuo Li could win this round, it would restore much of the Black Demon Realm's face and make up for their losses.
If Zuo Li obtained the authentic Heavenly Demon Mad Dragon Diagram, his strength would surely increase dramatically, at least reaching the third level below Great Saint. That would be of great significance to the Black Demon Realm.
Meanwhile, the distant onlookers were in an uproar.
"Is that owl here to be a joke? He got sent flying by Zuo Li so easily."
"With Zuo Li's strength, even if that owl isn't dead, it must be severely injured. I didn't expect this battle to end so quickly. How boring."
"No, that's not right. Since Zhang Ruochen sent it to fight, it can't be that weak. Could it be that Zhang Ruochen really has no better candidate?"
"What a pity. They just won back a piece of the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription, and now they're giving it back so soon. I never thought Zhang Ruochen could misjudge someone like this."
Just as almost everyone thought the battle was about to end, a crimson light suddenly burst from the ground. Who else could it be but Xiao Hei?
Now, Xiao Hei was furious, his feathers standing on end. He gritted his teeth and said, "You demon whelp! How dare you ambush this emperor! I'll make you pay a heavy price!"
"How is this possible?"
Zuo Li's eyes widened in disbelief.
His earlier strike was by no means weak. Anyone hit by it would suffer, yet Xiao Hei was completely unharmed. It made no sense.
Shocked, Zuo Li struck again, sending the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription flying like lightning.
"Boom."
Xiao Hei was a step too slow and was once again blasted into the ground.
"Let's see if your body is harder than the Heavenly Demon Stone Inscription." Zuo Li muttered coldly.
"Boom."
The ground exploded again, sending countless rocks flying.
Xiao Hei shot into the sky, roaring, "This is infuriating! Is ambushing all you know how to do?"
"What kind of monster is it?" Zuo Li's heart sank.
By now, cultivators from all sides were dumbfounded, not knowing what to say. No one had expected this battle to be so ridiculous.