Chapter 2217: The So-Called Heaven Hunting
Guchenzi's eyes darkened slightly as his hands rapidly formed various strange hand seals. Brilliant sacred light immediately burst forth from within his body, spreading through his limbs and bones, connecting them like sacred rivers flowing, releasing an extremely terrifying power fluctuation.
At this point, Guchenzi held nothing back, releasing all the shackle power within his body and pouring it into his sacred manifestation. He had broken a total of eighty shackles, and the power contained in his physical body was equivalent to eight times an undying sacred body—and not an ordinary undying sacred body at that.
In the blink of an eye, the Undying Sacred Manifestation condensed a blood-colored demon blade hundreds of miles long in its hand, exuding fierce evil energy and overwhelming killing intent. This was the Soul-Slaying Blood Blade secretly passed down by the Undying Divine Temple, requiring the collection of the blood and resentment of ten thousand living beings to cultivate successfully. It could destroy cultivation foundations and extinguish sacred souls, making it the most insidious of techniques.
At the same time, Yu Huang appeared on Zhang Ruochen's other side. Using a flute as a brush, she traced in the air, instantly outlining over a hundred mysterious talisman symbols glowing with blood light. Their powers combined to form a terrifying talisman array radiating an aura of destruction.
Yu Huang's spiritual power was extremely formidable. She had delved deeply into the talisman path and the formation path, reaching the Earth Master level in both, and could skillfully combine the two, doubling their power. With a flick of her wrist, she placed an extremely ancient jade talisman into the formation.
The jade talisman released a faint jade divine light, penetrating every talisman symbol that made up the formation. This caused all the symbols to bind together more tightly, becoming a seamless whole, as if they had gained life. Then, ninety-nine beams of sacred light burst forth from Yu Huang's body, coursing through her entire being, releasing immense power that poured into the talisman array.
"Yu Huang is only one step away from reaching the Great Perfection of the Hundred Shackles Realm. After a hundred years of secluded cultivation, she has finally walked ahead of me and Guchenzi." A hint of surprise appeared in Yi Xuan Dasheng's eyes.
Perhaps it wouldn't be long before Yu Huang could take that final crucial step, achieving perfection. In the Hundred Shackles Realm, she would have few rivals, and might even be able to contend with Thousand Questions Realm experts.
Breaking ninety-nine shackles meant Yu Huang already possessed nearly ten times the power of an undying sacred body. Now, fully unleashed and combined with the mysterious and unpredictable talisman array, such methods were unimaginable in terms of how powerful they would be.
Guchenzi and Yu Huang had finally chosen to join forces, which was exactly what Zhang Ruochen had hoped for. In the end, they simply didn't want Zhang Ruochen to be the leader.
Without a doubt, this strike would truly decide the outcome. If Zhang Ruochen couldn't withstand it, not only would he fail to become the leader, but he might also suffer a great loss.
Zhang Ruochen withdrew the Immovable Wisdom King Sacred Manifestation and let out a light breath. The blood energy within his body surged violently, emitting the sound of rivers and seas roaring.
"Whoosh."
Vigorous blood energy burst forth from Zhang Ruochen's back. Ten enormous golden fleshy wings appeared, fully spread, frantically absorbing the power of heaven and earth.
Seeing Guchenzi and Yu Huang attacking simultaneously from both sides, Zhang Ruochen extended his hands, releasing the power contained in his demigod body to the fullest.
"Boom."
Zhang Ruochen's palms erupted with extremely powerful force. Divine glow rose, and chaotic energy spread, as if splitting heaven and earth.
"Crack."
The Soul-Slaying Blood Blade condensed by Guchenzi and the talisman array created by Yu Huang both shattered simultaneously.
This time, Guchenzi's Undying Sacred Manifestation finally exploded, unable to withstand the force of Zhang Ruochen's palm strike. As for the jade talisman Yu Huang had placed in the formation, which had already had cracks, now several more cracks were added, with a large amount of divine power leaking out.
"Pfft."
Guchenzi and Yu Huang both spat out a large mouthful of sacred blood, their bodies involuntarily retreating backward. If they hadn't been strong enough, their undying sacred bodies might have been broken by that blow. Indeed, the power Zhang Ruochen had released was already capable of destroying an undying sacred body.
Guchenzi and Yu Huang both stared at Zhang Ruochen with cold eyes. Even if they were unwilling to admit it, they couldn't change the fact that they had been defeated by Zhang Ruochen. Although neither of them had used the Path of Fate, Zhang Ruochen hadn't used the Way of Truth either.
Seeing this scene, the Hanhai Bieyuan became extremely quiet. Many cultivators widened their eyes, their gazes locked on Zhang Ruochen. They were not only surprised by this outcome but also by the ten golden fleshy wings behind Zhang Ruochen. Almost everyone found it hard to believe.
Among the Undying Blood Clan, golden fleshy wings were a rarity seen once in a thousand years. No one had expected Zhang Ruochen to possess them. And he was only at the Immortal Realm, yet he had grown ten of them. How powerful must his blood energy be?
Involuntarily, many cultivators' eyes showed reverence. The cultivators of the Blood Absolute Family were elated. Everything was settled. The leader of the Blood Heaven Tribe would ultimately be held by a strong expert from their Blood Absolute Family.
Zhang Ruochen stood proudly in the air, casting his gaze toward the Hanhai Bieyuan, and said calmly, "I will be the leader leading the team to participate in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast. Does anyone else have objections?"
Even the "Three Peerless of the Blood Heaven" had been defeated one after another. Who would dare to go and court trouble? If they truly angered Zhang Ruochen, how could they still obtain the qualifications to participate in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast?
After a long silence, no cultivator spoke.
With a movement of his body, Zhang Ruochen appeared directly on the floating island.
At this moment, the cultivators on the island looked at Zhang Ruochen with noticeably different eyes than before—some with reverence, some with eagerness, some with excitement...
"Zhang Ruochen has only just arrived in the Hell Realm and is unfamiliar with everyone else, even facing exclusion and isolation. If I take this opportunity to befriend him, take the initiative to show goodwill, and even offer some treasures, I might be able to obtain a spot in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast. Relying on my own strength, my chances of getting a spot are slim."
Some cultivators with relatively weaker cultivation levels thought to themselves. The benefits of the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast were too great; no one could resist them. Even if they had to pay a price, it would be completely worth it.
Xue Ningxiao looked at Zhang Ruochen's towering figure, her heart unable to calm down for a long time. Those were the Three Peerless of the Blood Heaven, the most stunning prodigies of the Blood Heaven Tribe, and they had all been defeated by him. Although she had long known that Zhang Ruochen was extraordinary, she hadn't expected him to be this strong.
"Participating in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast means I can eat Mysterious Extreme Sacred Fruits and drink Divine Jade Nectar. Maybe I can cultivate several of my sacred paths to Great Perfection. Such a huge benefit—even if I have to sell all my treasures to exchange for a spot, it would be worth it."
"Since Ruochen cousin has become the leader, I might be able to take a shortcut."
"Right, Ruochen cousin needs divine stones. I'll sell all my treasures and exchange them for divine stones."
Xue Ningxiao thought it over and found it more and more feasible. She stared at Zhang Ruochen, her eyes shining, wishing she could go do it right away.
Looking at the expressions of the crowd, how could Zhang Ruochen not guess what they were thinking? Every spot in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast was precious, representing enormous benefits. And one only had one chance in a lifetime. Who wouldn't be tempted?
Zhang Ruochen had just arrived and wasn't very familiar with the cultivators of the Blood Heaven Tribe. Having him determine the candidates was a headache. Although the strong had priority, the great saints gathered here didn't have huge differences in cultivation. The gaps between saint kings were even smaller. It was hard to determine who was stronger just by looking at cultivation.
But if he had to conduct battles one by one to screen them, he didn't know how long it would take to finalize the candidates.
Zhang Ruochen walked over to Xue Ningxiao and sat down.
Xue Ningxiao appeared very restrained and nervous, just like when she had first met Zhang Ruochen. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something but held back.
"If it were up to you to determine the candidates, what would you do?" Zhang Ruochen suddenly asked.
Xue Ningxiao was stunned, not reacting for a long time. "You... you're asking me?"
"Mm." Zhang Ruochen nodded.
After deliberating for a long time, she said in a low voice, "If it were me... it's actually very simple. Our Blood Absolute Family has collected information on all these cultivators."
"For example, there are seventy-eight great saints in total. Fifteen have reached the Hundred Shackles Realm, and twenty-three are at the peak of the Immortal Realm. Their strength is unquestionable, so they can be directly selected. The remaining twelve spots can be contested by other Immortal Realm great saints."
"And what about the fifty spots for saint kings?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
Xue Ningxiao said, "Of course, the same method of screening."
"Alright, I'll leave this matter to you," Zhang Ruochen said.
"Ah?"
Xue Ningxiao was dumbfounded, thinking she had misheard. Selecting the candidates for the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast—such an important matter—was being entrusted to her?
In truth, Zhang Ruochen was very at ease leaving this matter to Xue Ningxiao. Because Xue Ningxiao's father was Qingsheng Dasheng, the current acting family head of the Blood Absolute Family. With such an important matter, Qingsheng Dasheng would inevitably get involved and wouldn't let Xue Ningxiao act recklessly.
So, although Zhang Ruochen appeared to be handing it over to Xue Ningxiao, he was actually handing it over to Qingsheng Dasheng. He figured the other cultivators would understand his intention.
After a moment, Xue Ningxiao came to her senses and quietly asked, "Ruochen cousin, are you really entrusting this matter to me?"
"Do I look like I'm joking with you?" Zhang Ruochen said.
Xue Ningxiao quickly nodded, smiling with joy. "Ruochen cousin, rest assured. I won't let you down."
Immediately, Xue Ningxiao got busy, carefully organizing the information on all the cultivators. She even personally went to visit Qingsheng Dasheng, appearing especially serious.
Before long, Xue Ningxiao stood up and said with slight nervousness, "Next, I will determine the candidates for the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast. First, for the great saints. The great saints whose names I call will be selected. Ahem, Yi Xuan Dasheng, Yu Huang, Guchenzi... Mo Xun Dasheng."
Xue Ningxiao in one breath called out thirty-eight names, all of whom were at the peak of the Immortal Realm or above.
"There are twelve spots left. Anyone who thinks they can participate can step forward. The first to step forward gets the spot."
"However, if anyone disagrees, they can issue a challenge to take the spot."
As soon as she finished speaking.
"I want to participate."
"I want to participate too."
...
With the rules set, the challenges among the great saints quickly began.
With Xue Ningxiao handling this matter, Zhang Ruochen was free of worries. He sat in his seat, drinking alone.
Watching the challenges that had already started, Zhang Ruochen sighed inwardly. Whether it was the beings of the Hell Realm or the Heavenly Court Realm, they were all the same. For the sake of benefits, no one would yield. Even if they were of the same clan or family, they would still fight fiercely.
To participate in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast, no one would hold back. They would use every means at their disposal.
"We have to head to the Wugui Forest in seven days. Are you sure letting that little girl handle things will get the job done?" Just then, Yi Xuan Dasheng suddenly walked over.
Zhang Ruochen glanced at Yi Xuan Dasheng and said, "Strong cultivation doesn't necessarily mean one can handle things well. People shouldn't be judged by appearances. Some things, she might do better than us."
"Makes sense. Maybe one day, she'll become stronger than us."
After a pause, Yi Xuan Dasheng continued, "Oh, I almost forgot the main matter. There are a few incredibly lucky fellows who want to meet you."
"Incredibly lucky?" Zhang Ruochen showed a curious expression.
Yi Xuan Dasheng said, "Yeah, a few guys who rely on luck. Yet they're called the most stunning prodigies born in the Blood Heaven Tribe in the last thousand years."
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred. Weren't the Three Peerless of the Blood Heaven the most stunning prodigies of the Blood Heaven Tribe? Were there others stronger than them?
What realm were those few at? Had they already reached the Thousand Questions Realm?
Undoubtedly, the prodigies Yi Xuan Dasheng mentioned piqued Zhang Ruochen's curiosity, greatly arousing his interest.
"Where are they?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
Yi Xuan Dasheng said, "They're right inside the Hanhai Bieyuan. I'll take you there."
Immediately, the two left the floating island and entered a courtyard within the Hanhai Bieyuan.
Compared to other places, this courtyard was exceptionally quiet, with an elegant environment. It was planted with a large number of blood sorghum flowers, their fragrance filling the air.
Passing through a beautiful garden, from a distance, Zhang Ruochen saw an ancient pavilion. Inside the pavilion were five figures—four men and one woman—sitting in a circle. The four men were drinking, while the woman was playing a zither. The music was soothing and melodious, easily relaxing people.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze swept over the four men and one woman, a strange light flashing in his eyes. With his current cultivation, he couldn't see through them. He only felt that they were shrouded in a layer of mist, unfathomable.
"Since you're here, come over and have a few drinks," said a man with a refined temperament, smiling.
This man emitted no power fluctuations, like an ordinary scholar. His most distinctive feature was his double pupils—each eye had two pupils, deep and profound, as if containing a strange magical power.
Zhang Ruochen didn't hesitate and walked toward the pavilion with Yi Xuan Dasheng.
Yi Xuan Dasheng extended a hand and said unceremoniously, "I've brought the person for you. Where's my good wine?"
"You won't miss out."
The refined man with double pupils flipped his hand, producing an exquisite wine gourd, and tossed it to Yi Xuan Dasheng.
The refined man smiled. "Yi Xuan, Zhang Ruochen has just arrived in the Hell Realm. He certainly doesn't know us old fellows who've lived for nearly a thousand years. Why are you only thinking about drinking instead of introducing us?"
"Old fellows? Don't include me in that," said the stunning woman playing the zither.
The woman was extremely beautiful, exuding an invisible charm that could affect even great saints.
Yi Xuan Dasheng glared. "Introduce you? Introduce how amazing you are? That you reached the Thousand Questions Realm before a thousand years old? And you, Muyang Tianjun, you're at the Ten Thousand Deaths One Life Realm? Pfft, it's all just good luck."
"If I had such good luck, I would have reached the Supreme Realm long ago. Why would I be here watching you all act so high and mighty?"
Seeing Yi Xuan Dasheng's reaction, the refined man shook his head helplessly. "Fine, I'll do the introductions. These four are Zhiyuan Xue Di, Tu Yun Dasheng, Qiang Huang, and Xi Yuan Nü Di. As for me, my name is Muyang."
Zhiyuan Xue Di was very burly, clad in blood-colored armor, exuding an extremely cold aura.
Tu Yun Dasheng was extremely handsome, with silver long hair and a red dot on his forehead, as if painted with cinnabar, adding a unique beauty to him.
As for Qiang Huang, he gave off an extremely sharp and domineering impression, sitting to the side, quietly wiping a silver sacred spear covered in blood-colored secret patterns.
Xi Yuan Nü Di was naturally the stunning woman playing the zither.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze swept over the five experts one by one, slightly surprised. Within a thousand years, the Blood Heaven Tribe had produced four Thousand Questions Realm experts and one Ten Thousand Deaths One Life Realm expert. The foundation of the Blood Heaven Tribe was truly impressive. From this, one could also guess how powerful the entire Undying Blood Clan was.
"We came to find you to talk about the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast. You should know that the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast is not just a feast; the key is the hunting. Our cultivation has already exceeded the Hundred Shackles Realm, so we can't participate in the hunting."
"At the feast, no matter what trouble or provocations arise, we can handle them for you. But fighting for the glory of the Blood Heaven Tribe on the battlefield will have to rely on you." Muyang Tianjun said.
Unable to participate in the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast, Muyang Tianjun felt quite regretful. A grand event that occurred once every thousand years, a chance to fight for the honor of the Blood Heaven Tribe—no one wanted to miss it.
"Zhang Ruochen, since you are the son of Qingyin True God, no matter whether you were a cultivator of the Kunlun Realm or the Guanghan Realm before, you are now a member of our Blood Heaven Tribe. At the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast, I hope you will perform well and not lose the prestige of the Blood Heaven Tribe." Tu Yun Dasheng said gently.
Before he finished speaking, Zhiyuan Xue Di snorted, "Zhang Ruochen, since you're the leader, you'd better give it your all and crush those turtle bastards from the Ghost Clan, Bone Clan, and others. Whatever force you used on the Merit Battlefield, use the same force at the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast. If anyone doesn't accept it, beat them until they do. What matters most? The glory of the Blood Heaven Tribe."
"I agree. At the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast, don't show any mercy to the other clans. Let them know the might of our Blood Heaven Tribe. Of course, you first need to take down those powerful experts from the Undying Blood Clan—Dao Yu Huang from the Qitian Tribe, Jin Kun Dasheng from the Qingtian Tribe, and Feng Hou from the Huangtian Tribe. All three are at the Great Perfection of the Hundred Shackles Realm. Take them down, and our Blood Heaven Tribe will have a chance to surpass the other nine tribes." Yi Xuan Dasheng agreed.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's mind turned. Since the Blood Heaven Tribe had Thousand Questions Realm and Ten Thousand Deaths One Life Realm experts, it was only natural for other tribes to have Great Perfection Hundred Shackles Realm experts. The other nine clans of the Hell Realm would also certainly have Great Perfection Hundred Shackles Realm experts, possibly even more than the Undying Blood Clan.
Breaking ninety-nine shackles and achieving Great Perfection might seem like a difference of just one shackle, but the gap was enormous, with an insurmountable chasm in between. So, if Yu Huang were to face Dao Yu Huang, Jin Kun Dasheng, and Feng Hou, even with her mysterious and unpredictable methods, she would likely struggle to gain an advantage.
But what did they mean by hunting? A grand feast, yet they described it as extremely dangerous.
"Zhang Ruochen, when hunting, don't go soft just because the prey are prisoners from the Heavenly Court Realm. Remember, you are now the leader of our Blood Heaven Tribe. You must fight for the tribe's glory."
"What?"
Zhang Ruochen's heart shook violently. So the so-called Heaven Hunting was actually hunting cultivators from the Heavenly Court Realm.
Before this, Zhang Ruochen had never imagined such an outcome. How ridiculous that he had even competed for the position of leader.
No wonder Xue Hou had said that only by fully winning the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast could he truly establish himself in the Hell Realm. This test was truly cruel. It was clearly meant to make Zhang Ruochen completely stand against the Heavenly Court Realm, leaving no way back.
Although the Heaven Hunting Grand Feast was held in the Hell Realm, such an extraordinary event would inevitably spread across all heavens and realms. It couldn't be hidden.
"I'm very curious. What are your plans? How will you make our Blood Heaven Tribe stand out in the hunting?" Xi Yuan Nü Di asked with a faint smile.