Chapter 2407: Sword Cuts Down Yan Wushen
Wujiang's injuries from the Heaven Hunting Battlefield had not yet healed. Upon hearing the news of Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen's life-or-death duel, he decisively stopped his recovery and rushed to watch the battle.
Yan Huangtu was the same.
Beside the two of them stood a large number of cultivators from the Darkness Temple and the Yama Clan.
Wujiang spoke with a firm tone, "The Fate Divine Domain is located at the top of the World Tree, with a stable spatial structure. With Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen's cultivation levels, it's impossible for them to break through the world wall and enter the Void Space."
"Only gods can shatter a corner of the divine domain's space. Demigods and Supreme Realm Great Saints might also be able to crack the space, but the cracks that split open will absolutely not be large enough for cultivators to enter the Void Space," Yan Huangtu judged.
Even just a crack in space is fatal to cultivators.
Entering the Void Space is as dangerous as a mortal jumping into a sea of fire—a suicidal act.
"Yes, how could the space of the Fate Divine Domain be so easily broken by those two?"
Wen Chu and Qingsheng Great Saint came to their senses and breathed a sigh of relief, then began to think about whether they could separate the two duelers.
Was there no way to avoid a life-or-death grudge? Why must they fight to the death?
Like Xue Jue War God and Desolate Heaven, couldn't they be the unparalleled pair of their era? Why must they determine victory and defeat, life and death, and claim sole supremacy?
"Boom."
Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen each mobilized tens of millions of Space Rules within their bodies and executed a Space Sacred Art. In an instant, space trembled violently, like boiling water.
Cultivators nearby were unable to stand steady, their bodies twisted and deformed by the fluctuating space.
At the center of the most intense spatial fluctuations, a space hole about a zhang in diameter appeared. Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen instantly dove into it like two fish.
"This..."
Yan Huangtu and Wujiang were both stunned, then quickly realized that Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen were not ordinary Great Saints but two Space Controllers.
With the methods of a Space Controller, tearing space apart was naturally easier than for a Supreme Realm Great Saint.
Wen Chu and Qingsheng Great Saint were both greatly alarmed and immediately flew toward the area where space had shattered. But by the time they arrived, the space hole had already healed.
They struck out with attack power, trying to tear the space open again, but no matter how hard they tried, they could only tear open a half-meter-long space crack at most.
"What can we do? The Void Space contains dangers that even gods fear. They truly have no scruples, daring to enter it for a duel," Qingsheng Great Saint said anxiously, stomping his foot.
If Zhang Ruochen fell in the Void Space, it would be a huge loss for the Blood Absolute Family. Qingsheng Great Saint was even more afraid that Xue Hou would be unreasonable and come after him.
Wen Chu was relatively calmer, but he still inscribed a Message Light Talisman, preparing to inform the gods of the Yama Clan.
"Whoosh!"
Xue Jue War God and a god from the Yama Clan manifested their divine shadows, descending onto this chaotic battlefield.
Qingsheng Great Saint breathed a sigh of relief, stepped forward, and bowed, "This battle between Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen has slipped out of my control. Please, War God, stop them from continuing this reckless behavior."
Xue Jue War God waved his hand, "Let them go to the Void Space to duel if they wish."
Qingsheng Great Saint's heart trembled slightly. He hadn't expected Xue Jue War God to have such an attitude. He knew better than anyone how much the War God valued Zhang Ruochen, even far more than he valued his own son.
Did the War God not care about Zhang Ruochen's life or death at all?
Seeing Qingsheng Great Saint's bewildered expression, Xue Jue War God shook his head, slightly disappointed, and said, "Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen are both walking the path of a First-Rank Sacred Intent, and both have reached the final checkpoint. They are only one step away from making history, achieving what no one has done before and no one will do after."
"But that step is far too difficult."
"If this era had only one Zhang Ruochen, or only one Yan Wushen, neither of them could have crossed that step."
"But since the two were born in the same era and both cultivated the path closest to a First-Rank Sacred Intent, the impossible has gained a slight glimmer of possibility."
"They need to seek the true essence of a First-Rank Sacred Intent in a life-or-death duel, and they also need the mindset and spirit of claiming sole supremacy. This battle, if it doesn't happen now, will happen in a few years. No one can stop it."
Qingsheng Great Saint said, "But what if..."
"On the true path of the strong, how many 'what ifs' are there? If there's a chance to reach an unprecedented height, then even death is worth it."
Xue Jue War God's tone was profound, and then he said with high spirits, "If Zhang Ruochen can kill Yan Wushen in one battle and cultivate a First-Rank Sacred Intent, then even if I go to seek marriage with those Fate Divine Maidens who have cultivated to the Divine Realm, they should seriously consider it."
Why did the topic of marriage come up again?
Qingsheng Great Saint was a bit speechless, feeling that Xue Jue War God's heart was too big. He actually wanted Zhang Ruochen to marry a Fate Divine Maiden with Divine Realm cultivation. Those proud daughters of heaven, each with a lofty spirit, were peerless experts themselves. How could they be willing to marry a junior Great Saint?
Even if Xue Jue War God himself wanted to marry them, they might not be willing.
That Yama Clan god was none other than Wuqingzong, a titan-level figure of the Dark Abyss Yan Clan, the fifth son of the previous Yama Clan patriarch, a god who had survived five Eon Calamities.
Wuqingzong had no intention of stopping Yan Wushen and Zhang Ruochen, sharing the same attitude as Xue Jue War God.
...
...
Just after entering the Void Space, Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen felt their bodies lighten, as if falling off a cliff. Then, invisible pressure surged from all directions, eroding the Yama Qi and Blood Fiend Qi that had spread out from them.
Even their Space True Domains were constantly corroded, growing smaller and smaller.
Yan Wushen's Path of Origin had a strong restraining effect on void power. He quickly adapted, activated his Supreme Sacred Artifact fist gloves, and unleashed a Thousand Questions-level high-rank Sacred Art, shattering Zhang Ruochen's Space True Domain layer by layer.
The power of the void seeped through the cracks of the shattered Space True Domain, eroding toward Zhang Ruochen.
"Dragon-Elephant World Destruction."
From within Zhang Ruochen's body came the roars of tigers and dragons. Ten dragon souls and ten tiger souls surged from his arms with his palm force, unleashing a heaven-shaking battle might.
With the ten tiger souls obtained from Zangjin Baihu, Zhang Ruochen had cultivated the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Palm to the level of a perfected Thousand Questions-level high-rank Sacred Art.
Of course, it could no longer be called the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Palm; it should now be called the Dragon-Tiger Prajna Palm.
"Boom."
Fist and palm collided.
In the Void Space, a massive cloud of force and energy appeared, and both were sent flying backward.
Zhang Ruochen once again raised his Space True Domain, used the Space-Time Secret Scripture to protect his body, and unleashed the Mountain-Hiding Demon Mirror. The mirror manifested an endless range of mountain peaks, enveloping Yan Wushen and suppressing him beneath the mountains.
Seizing this opportunity, Zhang Ruochen released his Truth Realm Form.
"Break for me."
Yan Wushen's long hair danced wildly as he swung the Tongtian Ruyi, shattering one demon mountain after another and charging out from within.
Above Zhang Ruochen's head, a Blood Mill shadow had already condensed, with flames dancing within it. The rumbling sound of the Blood Mill turning made even Zhang Ruochen's eardrums ache.
Yan Wushen felt a strong sense of danger and his expression changed.
"Not good, Zhang Ruochen has fused the Way of Truth into the Thousand Questions-level high-rank Sacred Art Blood Mill Embers, about to unleash a tenfold attack power."
Just as this thought arose in Yan Wushen's mind, the Blood Mill spun and flew toward him, crushing his Space True Domain, piercing through the Light of Origin, and colliding with the Death Heavenly Scripture protecting him.
"Rustle."
The Death Heavenly Scripture flipped rapidly, forming pages of book shadows.
Zhang Ruochen had finally seized the opportunity, and the tenfold attack power he unleashed was terrifying. Even the Death Heavenly Scripture couldn't defend against it; all the book shadows shattered into specks of light.
Yan Wushen was fearless in his heart. He let out a long roar and, with his Supreme Sacred Artifact fist gloves, punched toward the burning Blood Mill.
"Boom!"
The Blood Mill sent him flying backward.
Yan Wushen spat blood, finally injured. The arm wearing the Supreme Sacred Artifact fist gloves was covered in blood, revealing white bone.
"Unfortunately, the power of the void eroded the Blood Mill Embers, reducing its power. Otherwise, this strike, even if it couldn't kill Yan Wushen, should have severely wounded him and secured victory."
Zhang Ruochen sighed inwardly, then pressed his advantage, repeatedly striking with the Mountain-Hiding Demon Mirror and the Seven-Star Ghost Lotus, forcing Yan Wushen to retreat continuously.
Yan Wushen's blood qi churned within him. Each strike of the Supreme Sacred Artifact felt like a hammer hitting his heart, as if his body was about to split apart.
Several divine shadows broke into the Void Space, watching the battle from afar.
They saw Zhang Ruochen fighting more and more fiercely, like a battle god, with inexhaustible power. He didn't care at all about the void power eroding his physical body, only wanting to kill Yan Wushen as quickly as possible.
Yan Wushen was in danger time and again, but he always managed to turn danger into safety, blocking Zhang Ruochen's fatal attacks.
"Naihe Bridge."
Seizing a brief gap, Yan Wushen gritted his teeth, quickly formed hand seals, and a strange mark appeared on his brow.
"Boom."
A stone bridge rushed out from between his brows.
Only half of the bridge's body emerged, ancient and grand. The secret patterns on the bridge awakened, nullifying all the attack power Zhang Ruochen had unleashed.
Zhang Ruochen's Sacred Soul was affected by the power of the Naihe Bridge, showing signs of leaving his body and flying away.
"This stone bridge is extraordinary, possessing the strange power to capture Sacred Souls."
Zhang Ruochen pulled back the Sacred Soul that had half-fled from his body, then quickly retreated, hiding his Sacred Soul within his Sacred Source.
Yan Wushen finally turned the tide. How could he let go of this perfect opportunity?
The secret patterns on the Naihe Bridge emitted a dazzling light, instantly breaking through the boundaries of the Void Space and appearing before Zhang Ruochen, piercing through all his defenses.
"Boom."
The Seven-Star Ghost Lotus, Space-Time Secret Scripture, and Mountain-Hiding Demon Mirror were sent flying, falling into the depths of the darkness.
Zhang Ruochen's battle intent boiled. The Flame God Armor on his body ignited, and both arms struck out simultaneously, drawing on the power of ten dragons and ten tigers to clash with the stone bridge.
The dragon and tiger shadows shattered instantly.
The divine flames scattered, turning into a brilliant sea of fire.
Zhang Ruochen's arms dripped blood, and his body was sent flying by the Naihe Bridge.
Yan Wushen let out a long roar and pursued closely, wanting to deliver the final blow and kill Zhang Ruochen beneath the stone bridge. He spat blood onto the bridge, causing its radiance to bloom further.
At the same time, more of the bridge's body rushed out from between his brows.
Yan Wushen and the Naihe Bridge merged into one, and the momentum they unleashed reached its peak.
Even though Zhang Ruochen had hidden his Sacred Soul within his Sacred Source, the ancient power of the stone bridge still pulled it out. His soul body was uncontrollable, flying outward. At the same time, the stone bridge, like a stone sword, swung down from above, slashing toward Zhang Ruochen's physical body.
Even Xue Jue War God could no longer remain calm. His divine eyes suddenly blazed with light.
If Zhang Ruochen was hit by this strike, both his physical body and Sacred Soul would likely be lost.
"Boom!"
The Naihe Bridge struck the top of Zhang Ruochen's head. Contrary to everyone's expectations, he was not crushed. Instead, he blocked the strike, his body only sinking a few dozen zhang.
Above Zhang Ruochen's head floated a circular stone disk.
It was the Sundial.
The moment the Sundial collided with the Naihe Bridge, it emitted a cyan radiance, releasing dense specks of Time Imprint light.
In the Void Space, there was originally no time or space, but under the influence of the Sundial, a River of Time appeared in this area, crashing into Yan Wushen.
Time became chaotic.
In the area where Yan Wushen was, the flow of time changed unpredictably.
Yan Wushen was an extraordinary person. He knew very well that the reason the Time Imprint light specks could exist for so long was because his Space Domain had blocked the void power.
To neutralize the effects of time, he only needed to retract his Space Domain.
"Retract!"
After Yan Wushen retracted his Space Domain, his body was completely exposed to the void power. His skin instantly became ethereal. Blood seeped out from within his body, turning into specks of red light that disappeared.
"It's time to end this."
Zhang Ruochen held the Sundial, stepping on the River of Time as he approached, and swung the Abyssal Ancient Sword, cutting Yan Wushen's physical body in half at the waist.
As a Space-Time Controller, Zhang Ruochen's speed was incomparable. Yan Wushen couldn't match it. Even if he saw the sword coming, he had no chance to block it.
Yan Wushen's two halves flew out and were quickly devoured by the void power.
Even the Naihe Bridge and the Supreme Sacred Artifact fist gloves couldn't resist the erosion of the void. Yan Wushen's body, as if made of sand, turned into particles and was lost to the darkness.
"Is it over just like that?"
Zhang Ruochen stood in the pitch-black, boundless world, surrounded by emptiness. There was no joy in his heart, only a sense of loneliness and desolation.
Since he began his cultivation, Zhang Ruochen had encountered countless proud sons of heaven, but no one had ever brought him as much pressure as Yan Wushen. Yet this pressure had also transformed into motivation.
If Yan Wushen hadn't been relentlessly pursuing and pressing him, Zhang Ruochen might not have chosen the path of a First-Rank Sacred Intent.
"I didn't expect Yan Wushen to lose so quickly. In the end, the Space-Time Controller is still stronger."
"Time and space are the most perfect combination among the Nine Eternal Paths. Zhang Ruochen might become the next Xumi in the future."
The divine shadows watching the battle whispered among themselves.
Xue Jue War God did not show joy at Zhang Ruochen's victory. Instead, his expression turned grave. He looked toward Wuqingzong's divine shadow, as if trying to confirm a suspicion in his heart.
Wuqingzong was very calm, appearing composed and unhurried.
This made Xue Jue War God's heart sink slightly.