# Chapter 2149: If They Don’t Submit, Kill Them
Above the imperial city, lines of text reflected across heaven and earth. Each character emitted a terrifying pressure, like stars suspended in the sky, pressing down so heavily that many cultivators in the city could barely breathe.
For a moment, the entire imperial city trembled. No one could ignore what was happening.
“So domineering! He actually wants to use such harsh rules to restrict cultivators from all realms.”
“What a joke. No matter how strong Zhang Ruochen is, he’s only a Saint King. He actually dares to dream of establishing so-called realm rules. He really doesn’t take any of the major worlds seriously.”
“The Kunlun Realm has already become a merit battlefield. It relies on aid from various realms to temporarily hold back the Hell Realm’s invasion. What right does it have to talk about dignity and status?”
“Realm rules? He wants to use his own strength to suppress ten thousand realms? Zhang Ruochen is still far from that. The will of cultivators from ten thousand realms cannot be opposed by one person alone.”
…
All kinds of voices arose, all filled with disdain for the realm rules Zhang Ruochen had established. They felt it was a joke.
Even if it were Empress Chi Yao herself personally establishing realm rules, it was doubtful anyone would obey.
Their authority was far from comparable to that of the Heavenly Palace.
Within the Violet Micro Imperial Palace, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden, Yin Yuanchen, and others saw the words in the sky and couldn’t help but show surprised expressions. They hadn’t expected that the blood-sealed sacred decree Zhang Ruochen had written was actually a set of realm rules aimed at cultivators from all the realms of the Heavenly Court.
“Brother Zhang, forgive my bluntness, but the realm rules you’ve established are too restrictive on cultivators from all realms. They severely impact their interests. I’m afraid very few people will be willing to obey them.” Yin Yuanchen said.
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, “Whether they are willing or not, they must obey. This is the bottom line of the Kunlun Realm.”
“I’m afraid this matter isn’t that simple. If things go wrong, even the Heavenly Palace might get involved.” The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden frowned slightly.
Of course, she knew that Zhang Ruochen had established these realm rules for the sake of the Kunlun Realm, but the final outcome might not be what he wished.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Don’t worry. We’ll soon know what the Heavenly Palace’s attitude is.”
“Could it be…”
Inevitably, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden and Yin Yuanchen began to form some guesses in their minds.
Within the Heavenly Joy Palace, the pressure on Gu Xin’ao grew heavier and heavier. He could barely lift his head to look at the lines of text above.
How could Gu Xin’ao not see that the first article of the realm rules Zhang Ruochen had established was clearly targeting him?
Moreover, Zhang Ruochen had specially sent an envoy to the Heavenly Joy Palace to deliver the decree, even specifying that Gu Xin’ao should receive it. This made Gu Xin’ao feel a sense of foreboding.
After finishing reading the sacred decree, the evil spirit looked coldly at Gu Xin’ao and said, “Gu Xin’ao, leader of the Sword God Realm, severely wounded Xue Wuye, the realm son of the Kunlun Realm, without cause, and seized a inherited item. This violates the first article of the realm rules. The crime warrants death, to serve as a warning to others.”
“Kill me? On what basis does Zhang Ruochen establish realm rules? On what basis does he kill me?” Gu Xin’ao let out a long roar toward the sky.
As he had expected, Zhang Ruochen was indeed planning to use him to establish authority. But he hadn’t expected Zhang Ruochen to be so domineering as to take his life with a single sentence.
He had to understand that with his status and position, even if he violated the heavenly laws, the Heavenly Palace might not necessarily execute him. There were always ways to adapt in any matter.
The evil spirit said coldly, “The Eastern Domain King is one of the rulers of the Kunlun Realm, so naturally he has the right to establish realm rules. Any cultivator from the Heavenly Court realms who enters the Kunlun Realm must obey them.”
“Gu Xin’ao, you have not only violated the realm rules but also challenged the dignity of the Eastern Domain King. Your crime is unforgivable. You will be executed on the spot.”
Hearing this, Gu Xin’ao’s pupils contracted sharply. He immediately tried to break free from the suppression of the sacred decree while shouting, “Form the formation!”
He knew very well that with his strength alone, he could not resist Zhang Ruochen’s blood-sealed sacred decree. Only by combining the power of many Sword God Realm cultivators could he hope to escape.
No matter what, he could not just wait to die.
A large number of Sword God Realm cultivators immediately moved, instantly forming a mysterious sword formation, channeling powerful strength into Gu Xin’ao.
“Boom, rumble.”
A large area of space cracked, on the verge of shattering. Gu Xin’ao finally managed to straighten his body.
“How dare you! Anyone who obstructs law enforcement shares Gu Xin’ao’s crime!” The evil spirit shouted coldly.
Vast divine power surged from the evil spirit’s body, condensing into pitch-black divine clouds. Terrifying divine might instantly enveloped the entire Heavenly Joy Palace.
The evil spirit opened its mouth, revealing a pitch-black thunderbolt in spherical form. It frantically gathered divine power, growing larger and larger.
When the thunderbolt expanded to a thousand zhang in size, it suddenly contracted rapidly, becoming only the size of a chicken egg. The surrounding space collapsed violently.
“Whoosh.”
The thunderbolt pierced through space, moving at an unimaginable speed.
“Boom.”
The thunderbolt exploded violently, releasing a terrifying destructive force.
Although the sword formation formed by the Sword God Realm cultivators was powerful, it could not withstand this destructive force. It was torn apart in an instant.
Screams rose one after another.
A large number of Sword God Realm cultivators were impacted, their bodies turning black and charred, almost turning into charcoal.
Fortunately, Zhang Ruochen’s blood-sealed sacred decree suppressed the area, stabilizing the space within several hundred zhang. The violent force did not spread recklessly.
Otherwise, not just the Heavenly Joy Palace, but even the entire Third District would have suffered severe damage.
“How can this be? How does Zhang Ruochen have so many top-tier experts by his side?” Gu Xin’ao’s emotions churned, both shocked and angry.
During the Luo River battle, Zhang Ruochen had already revealed the Azure Heaven Sacred Dragon and the Divine Devouring Flower as two powerful allies. Now another one had appeared.
In terms of pure strength, the evil spirit was probably already comparable to the first tier below the Great Saint level.
How could Gu Xin’ao know that as long as the evil spirit’s sacred soul was strong enough, it could freely unleash the powerful divine power contained within the divine python corpse? It couldn’t be judged by normal standards.
When the day came that the evil spirit fully mastered the power of the divine python corpse, even bursting out with top-tier Great Saint combat power would not be strange.
Zhang Ruochen was not selfish. He would share precious cultivation resources with the cultivators around him. He spared no effort in cultivating the Divine Devouring Flower, the evil spirit, and the Abyssal Ancient Sword.
Therefore, unlike Yan Wushen, who was a lone wanderer, Zhang Ruochen had cultivated many top-tier experts around him. The Four Heavenly Kings could chase Yan Wushen across the world, but if they dared to come after Zhang Ruochen, they would probably end up being chased instead.
“Stop!”
Seeing that the evil spirit was about to strike again, Zhou Zhen finally spoke to stop it.
Zhou Zhen walked out of the dilapidated pavilion, his gaze fixed on the evil spirit. He said in a deep voice, “Go back and tell Zhang Ruochen that although he is powerful, he cannot act recklessly. The leaders of major worlds are not his to decide life and death over. He should be careful not to incur the wrath of the masses.”
“Who are you? Do you also want to obstruct my law enforcement?” The evil spirit said coldly.
The evil spirit exuded thick killing intent. According to Zhang Ruochen’s instructions, Gu Xin’ao must be killed this time to establish authority. Anyone who obstructed would be suppressed.
Only in this way could the cultivators of the Heavenly Court realms be truly cowed, making everyone firmly remember the realm rules and not dare to violate them easily.
If they didn’t kill the chicken to scare the monkeys, the realm rules would become worthless.
Zhou Zhen snorted coldly, “I am the leader of the Array Destruction Palace, sent by the Heavenly Palace to deal with the Hell Realm’s formation masters. What? Does Zhang Ruochen also want to make a move against me?”
The Array Destruction Palace held a very transcendent position in the Heavenly Court. Zhou Zhen really didn’t believe Zhang Ruochen would dare to act recklessly.
As soon as Zhou Zhen finished speaking, the blood-sealed sacred decree floating above suddenly released an extremely powerful restraining force, rendering everyone present unable to move.
Then, a sword light as solid as substance flew out from the blood-sealed sacred decree, heading straight for Gu Xin’ao.
“No!”
Gu Xin’ao shouted, desperately trying to break free from the restraint.
But with Zhang Ruochen’s current spatial mastery, how could the spatial confinement he unleashed be something Gu Xin’ao could break free from?
Zhou Zhen’s expression darkened. Sacred light bloomed from his brow, and a circular formation plate flew out, instantly splitting into four.
Under the activation of powerful spiritual power, the four formation plates immediately formed a mysterious ninth-rank formation, enveloping Gu Xin’ao and the Sword God Realm cultivators within.
No matter what, Zhou Zhen could not stand by and watch Gu Xin’ao be killed.
“Rip.”
Although the ninth-rank formation was powerful, it could not withstand the sword light. It was easily sliced open.
This sword light condensed Zhang Ruochen’s full sword intent, equivalent to a full-powered strike from him. Even a top-tier expert below the Great Saint level would have to retreat.
Borrowing the power of the ninth-rank formation, Gu Xin’ao broke free from the spatial confinement. Without hesitation, he struck with all his might, swinging the sacred sword in his hand and unleashing his strongest sword strike.
“Block it for me!”
Gu Xin’ao roared, pouring all his sacred qi into the sacred sword without regard for anything, while simultaneously mobilizing sword dao rules and truth rules.
Although he was far inferior to Zhang Ruochen in the way of truth, he was not bad, able to amplify his attack power by six times.
“Pfft.”
The sacred sword flew out of his hand, and Gu Xin’ao’s physical body was directly cut in two.
Even the divine patterns inscribed on his body by a god could not withstand it.
“How dare Zhang Ruochen…”
This was the last thought that flashed through Gu Xin’ao’s mind. Then, his sacred soul was also extinguished by the sword qi.
Until his death, he could not believe that Zhang Ruochen actually dared to kill him, and in full view of everyone.
Seeing Gu Xin’ao killed, Zhou Zhen’s expression became extremely gloomy. After he had stepped forward, Zhang Ruochen still insisted on killing Gu Xin’ao. This showed that Zhang Ruochen had no regard for him at all.
At the same time, Zhou Zhen was also shocked. He truly felt the terror of Zhang Ruochen. He could be certain that Zhang Ruochen’s strength was definitely greater than that of the blood-sealed sacred decree.
As for the Sword God Realm cultivators, they were terrified, wishing they could immediately flee the Heavenly Joy Palace and return to the Sword God Realm.
“Killing the leader of a major world in public? Has Zhang Ruochen gone mad?”
“Zhang Ruochen is showing his attitude and will. He is warning all of us.”
“He really is a madman. There’s nothing he wouldn’t dare to do.”
“The Sword God Realm has always been protective of its own. Gu Xin’ao being killed is a great humiliation. The Sword God Realm will never let this go. Moreover, the Heavenly Palace will certainly not tolerate such a thing.”
“I heard that yesterday, the Heavenly Palace’s law enforcement team arrived at the Central Imperial City, led by Commander Jin Hong. With such a major incident happening, the law enforcement team should take action.”
…
Having witnessed Gu Xin’ao’s death with their own eyes, cultivators from all realms could no longer remain calm. They all realized that Zhang Ruochen was not playing around this time.
Such crazy actions could probably only be done by Zhang Ruochen.
Everything happened too suddenly. Apart from Zhou Zhen, who was right there, even if others wanted to intervene and save him, it was too late.
“Brother Zhang, you killed Gu Xin’ao. This…” Xue Wuye fell into a daze.
He knew very well how serious the consequences of this action would be. Zhang Ruochen would once again be pushed to the forefront of the storm.
Regardless, this matter had started because of him. Now that it had turned out like this, Xue Wuye couldn’t help but feel extremely guilty.
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, “If I don’t kill Gu Xin’ao, the realm rules I established will be meaningless.”
“The Sword God Realm is one of the top twenty powerful realms in the Western Universe. Will they be willing to suffer such a loss? Especially now, during this extraordinary period, the situation is even more complicated. Do you really think you don’t have enough trouble?” The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden complained, her eyes full of melancholy.
Since things had come to this point, saying more was useless. The urgent task was to think of a countermeasure.
The death of a major world’s leader in the imperial city would inevitably stir up a huge storm. Even gods would be alarmed. It would not be easy to calm down.
Meanwhile, in the Fourth District, within a grand and imposing saint’s mansion.
Twenty-four experts stood side by side, gazing into the distance at the sky.
They wore identical silver armor that covered their entire bodies, with only their faces exposed. They all exuded a thick killing aura.
The armor they wore bore the mark of the Heavenly Palace, symbolizing their identity within the Heavenly Palace.
They were the Heavenly Palace law enforcement team that had just entered the imperial city. Each was a top-tier Nine-Step Saint King, equipped with standard sacred artifacts and skilled in mysterious battle formations. Their combined combat power was extremely formidable, inspiring awe among cultivators from all realms.
“Zhang Ruochen has quite the nerve, killing a strong member of the Heavenly Court side without reason. Does he still have the heavenly laws and the Heavenly Palace in his eyes?”
“Even if Gu Xin’ao committed a crime, it should be handled by our Heavenly Palace law enforcement team. When did it become Zhang Ruochen’s turn to act?”
“Commander, Zhang Ruochen has disregarded the heavenly laws. He must not be indulged. We should immediately capture him and send him to the Heavenly Palace for punishment.”
Three experts spoke in succession, all of them exuding killing intent.
For a moment, everyone’s gaze fell on the person standing in the middle. This man was seven feet tall, with a heroic appearance and a fierce aura between his brows that inspired fear.
His name was Jin Hong. He was the youngest commander of the Heavenly Palace law enforcement team and the only Saint King realm commander. He had been heavily cultivated by the Heavenly Palace, possessing formidable combat power and limitless potential.
Since becoming an enforcer, Jin Hong had suppressed and killed countless experts, condensing a terrifying killing aura and earning a fearsome reputation. He was known as the “Heavenly Fiend Young Master.”
In the Heavenly Palace, apart from the Four Heavenly Kings, no one at the Saint King realm could surpass Jin Hong.
Now, with the Central Imperial City being a mixed bag, Jin Hong had been ordered to lead a law enforcement team here to maintain order in the imperial city and prevent major problems.
But he hadn’t expected that shortly after arriving at the Central Imperial City, before he could even make any moves, such a serious incident would occur.
Jin Hong glanced at the three enforcers who had spoken. He knew very well why they were so radical.
Maintaining the dignity of the Heavenly Palace was just on the surface. The real reason was that they all belonged to the Paradise Realm faction and wanted to take the opportunity to eliminate Zhang Ruochen.
Although the Heavenly Palace law enforcement team belonged to the Heavenly Palace, it was also composed of cultivators from various realms to maintain balance and ensure that all realms were convinced.
Jin Hong, however, was not a cultivator from the Paradise Realm. Therefore, after pondering for a moment, he said, “First, report this matter to the Heavenly Palace and let them make the decision.”
“Commander, why bother with such trouble? As long as we show ourselves, would Zhang Ruochen dare to resist?” One enforcer said.
Another enforcer said, “Zhang Ruochen’s actions have already incurred public wrath. Right now, cultivators from all realms are probably waiting to see how we react. If we don’t act now, many will laugh at us, thinking we’re afraid of Zhang Ruochen.”
Since ancient times, anyone facing the Heavenly Palace law enforcement team could only surrender. No one had ever dared to resist them.
Jin Hong shook his head slightly, “Zhang Ruochen is different from others. He has even dared to clash with gods. He has always acted without restraint. Without full certainty, it’s best not to provoke him easily.”
“Wait until the Heavenly Palace issues a clear order, then we can act. By then, no matter how great Zhang Ruochen’s abilities are, he won’t be able to stir up any trouble.”
With the authority of the Heavenly Palace, once an order was issued, not even Saint Kings, Great Saints, or even gods could defy it. Otherwise, how could it govern the myriad realms of the heavens?