Chapter 2: A Bit Late
Zhang Ruochen's figure flickered, and he appeared on the deck of the Divine Ship.
The ship was vast, like a floating continent, with palaces and pavilions rising one after another, and divine light flowing everywhere.
Ahead, a massive city wall stretched across the starry sky, so tall it pierced the clouds, so long it had no end in sight. It was the Starry Sky Defense Line.
Countless cultivators were stationed on the wall, and even more were rushing toward it.
"Brother Zhang, you're here."
A handsome young man in white robes, with a jade crown on his head, walked over with a smile. He was Xiang Chunan.
Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly and asked, "What's the situation?"
Xiang Chunan's expression turned serious. "The Hell Realm's offensive this time is fiercer than ever. Rumor has it that even the Ten Clans of Hell have sent out their strongest warriors. The Starry Sky Defense Line is under tremendous pressure."
As they spoke, a deafening boom came from the distance.
A massive black hand, covering the sky, slammed heavily onto the city wall. The wall trembled violently, and countless runes flickered, barely holding firm.
"It's the Dark Hand of the Hell Realm!" someone exclaimed in shock.
Zhang Ruochen's eyes narrowed. He could feel the terrifying power emanating from that black hand, far surpassing the level of a Great Saint.
"Looks like the Hell Realm is determined to break through this time," Xiang Chunan said gravely.
Zhang Ruochen remained silent, but a sharp light flashed in his eyes.
He knew that this battle would be far more brutal than any before.
"Let's go," Zhang Ruochen said calmly, stepping forward and heading toward the city wall.
Xiang Chunan quickly followed.
On the city wall, countless cultivators were already locked in fierce combat with the Hell Realm army. Blood dyed the wall red, and severed limbs were scattered everywhere.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze swept across the battlefield, and he finally locked onto a figure in the distance.
That figure was shrouded in black mist, exuding a terrifying aura. It was a top-tier powerhouse of the Hell Realm.
"Yan Wushen!" Zhang Ruochen murmured.
Yan Wushen also noticed Zhang Ruochen, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "Zhang Ruochen, long time no see."
Without another word, Zhang Ruochen's figure flashed, and he charged straight at Yan Wushen.
Along the way, any Hell Realm cultivator who blocked his path was instantly torn apart by his sword energy.
Yan Wushen sneered, and black mist surged around him, transforming into countless demonic shadows that rushed toward Zhang Ruochen.
Boom!
The two collided, and a terrifying shockwave spread out, causing the surrounding space to distort.
On the city wall, many cultivators looked on in shock.
"Is that Zhang Ruochen? He's actually fighting Yan Wushen head-on!"
"Yan Wushen is one of the top powerhouses of the Hell Realm, a being at the Infinite Realm. Zhang Ruochen is only at the Great Saint Realm, yet he dares to challenge him?"
"Don't underestimate Zhang Ruochen. He is the Heir of Time and Space, with extraordinary strength."
As the crowd discussed, Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen had already exchanged dozens of moves.
Zhang Ruochen's sword techniques were sharp and fierce, each strike containing the power of time and space, making it hard for Yan Wushen to defend against.
Yan Wushen, on the other hand, was powerful and domineering, his demonic energy overwhelming, seemingly unstoppable.
The two fought to a standstill, neither able to gain the upper hand.
"Zhang Ruochen, your strength has improved again," Yan Wushen said with a hint of surprise.
"You're not bad either," Zhang Ruochen replied calmly.
"Hmph, but if that's all you've got, then you'll die here today!" Yan Wushen's eyes turned cold, and the black mist around him suddenly surged, transforming into a massive black vortex that devoured everything around.
"Darkness Devouring Heaven and Earth!"
Yan Wushen roared, and the black vortex expanded rapidly, swallowing everything in its path.
Zhang Ruochen's expression turned serious. He could feel the terrifying suction force from the vortex, as if it wanted to tear him apart.
"Space-Time Secret Scripture, Space Distortion!"
Zhang Ruochen formed hand seals, and the space around him began to twist, forming a barrier that blocked the vortex's suction.
But the vortex's power was too great. Even with Space Distortion, Zhang Ruochen found it hard to hold on.
"Zhang Ruochen, I'll help you!" Xiang Chunan shouted, about to rush over.
"Don't come!" Zhang Ruochen stopped him. "This is between me and him."
Xiang Chunan gritted his teeth but ultimately stopped.
Zhang Ruochen took a deep breath, and the Sword Dao rules around him began to surge, converging into a massive sword shadow.
"Wordless Sword Manual, Sword One!"
Zhang Ruochen shouted, and the sword shadow slashed down, tearing through the void and striking the black vortex.
Boom!
With a deafening explosion, the black vortex shattered, and Yan Wushen was sent flying backward, blood spilling from his mouth.
"You... how is this possible?" Yan Wushen looked at Zhang Ruochen in disbelief.
Zhang Ruochen didn't answer. He just stood there, his sword aura soaring to the sky.
On the city wall, the cultivators were all stunned.
"Zhang Ruochen actually injured Yan Wushen!"
"He's only at the Great Saint Realm, yet he can fight an Infinite Realm powerhouse. This is incredible!"
"Looks like the Heir of Time and Space truly lives up to his reputation."
Yan Wushen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, a fierce look flashing in his eyes. "Zhang Ruochen, don't get too cocky. This is just the beginning."
After speaking, his figure flickered and disappeared into the distance.
Zhang Ruochen didn't give chase. He knew that killing Yan Wushen wouldn't be easy, and the battle was far from over.
"Brother Zhang, you're amazing!" Xiang Chunan ran over, full of excitement.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head. "It's nothing. The real battle is just beginning."
As his words fell, the Hell Realm's offensive grew even more intense, and countless Hell Realm cultivators surged toward the city wall like a tide.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze was firm. He knew that this battle would determine the fate of the Heavenly Court Universe.
"Let's fight!"