# Chapter 3359: Sword God Temple Emerges
Fate could sometimes be truly marvelous, often intertwining through twists and turns while destiny remained entangled.
From that first glance across the bookshelves in the Myriad Realms Bookstore of Heavenly Capital Sacred Market, to joining forces against the Yin Yang Hall, forming alliances, trading, sharing hardships, then watching each other's backs on the Merit Battlefield of Kunlun Realm, and the suspicion and eventual understanding during the Origin Divine Temple expedition...
There were too many memories worth cherishing.
When Ji Fanxin recovered from her thoughts, she found herself in Zhang Ruochen's embrace.
Leaning against his chest.
She made no deliberate effort to push away, nor any argument—only tranquility and peace, like an old married couple sitting under the eaves watching the sunset, clouds rolling and unrolling.
There was no sunset, nor clouds rolling and unrolling.
All was within their thoughts.
Ji Fanxin suddenly spoke: "I lied to you earlier. Actually, when I hated you the most, I really wanted to beat you up. But at that time, I couldn't defeat you."
"After reaching the eighty-fifth level of spiritual power, I thought I had a chance. But when I saw so many people in the Hundred Clans Royal City Star Domain wanting to beat you up, even kill you, I got angry instead. Even if someone needed to teach you a lesson, it could only be me."
Zhang Ruochen said: "If beating me up would make you happier and let go of all past grievances, then do it now. I won't fight back."
Ji Fanxin looked up at him and said: "Forget it."
She no longer had that impulse.
When a woman was willing to lean against a man's chest, what resentment could remain? Even if she hit him, her fists wouldn't strike hard.
"Do you know when I hated you the most? You think it was during the Heavenly Beginning Civilization? No. It was after I returned to the Heavenly Court, and you never came to find me. I know you returned to the Heavenly Court!"
A woman's hatred for a man often stemmed not from his mistakes, but from his lack of attention to her.
Zhang Ruochen wanted to explain, but the words changed as they reached his lips: "Maybe you should just beat me up."
Ji Fanxin said: "Actually, I know your identity is special, and going to the Heavenly Court carries great danger. So while I hated you, I also found reasons to understand you."
Xiu Chen Heavenly God felt these two were being unbearably sentimental—neither able to truly fight nor hate thoroughly. She somewhat regretted cultivating a female physical body. The Stone Clan was much purer—if they wanted to fight, they fought; if they hated, they killed.
If she ever became this sentimental, she might as well end herself!
Zhang Ruochen realized something and said: "So, you came to the Hundred Clans Royal City Star Domain intending to teach me a lesson?"
"Perhaps. Want to spar a bit?" Ji Fanxin said.
Zhang Ruochen said: "Better not."
"Come on," Ji Fanxin said.
Zhang Ruochen thought for a moment—it might be good to exchange blows with Ji Fanxin, each finding their own shortcomings. "Alright."
"Forget it."
Ji Fanxin said: "It's dangerous here. Let's wait until we leave."
You two still know it's dangerous?
Xiu Chen Heavenly God couldn't take it anymore. These two were too nauseating.
So she brought Chi Yao and Bai Qinger out from Xinghuantian.
Xiu Chen Heavenly God immediately said to the confused Chi Yao and Bai Qinger: "We're now in the extremely dangerous Dark Night Star Gate, surrounded by endless darkness. Oh, and three Divine Kings from the Hell Realm are chasing us."
Chi Yao and Bai Qinger were even more puzzled.
If Divine Kings were chasing them, why summon them, two Taiyi Great Gods, out?
Their gazes simultaneously turned to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin had already separated, each bearing an extraordinary demeanor—like two peerless Divine Venerables standing in the void, one heroic and proud, the other ethereal as an immortal, complementing each other perfectly.
Zhang Ruochen said: "We've temporarily shaken off the Divine Kings chasing us. Although the Dark Night Star Gate is dangerous, it's where the Sword God Temple is located, holding great opportunities. Miao Li brought you out so we could seek these opportunities together."
After speaking, Zhang Ruochen first took out the Divine Soul Pills he had refined from Guo Shenwang's divine soul, giving one each to Bai Qinger and Chi Yao. Then he distributed all the remaining Taiyi Divine Pills to them.
These divine pills were useless to Zhang Ruochen now, but could rapidly elevate their cultivation.
Bai Qinger said: "If Divine Kings are truly pursuing us from behind, we could manifest Xinghuantian and use the Thousand Star Xinghuan Formation to fight them."
"The space here is special. If Xinghuantian manifests, it could face the calamity of realm destruction," Zhang Ruochen said.
Ji Fanxin said: "Miss Bai need not worry. This Venerable will protect you."
Bai Qinger and Chi Yao stared intently.
Ji Fanxin had immortal-like jade bones and was elegant like an orchid. She said: "Ruochen can temporarily entrust the Black Water Divine Staff and the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations to me. With divine artifacts and divine formations aiding us, what fear is there of a severely wounded Divine King?"
Xiu Chen Heavenly God nodded inwardly. This was the bearing a Divine Venerable should have.
Indeed, to make a woman possess tenfold combat power, another woman must be used as a catalyst.
...
Another half month passed. Zhang Ruochen and his group arrived at the rendezvous point, "Broken Heavenly Ladder."
Taiqing Ancestor and Yu Shenwang had not yet arrived.
Although they had been swept into chaotic space zones, with their profound cultivation and Taiqing Ancestor's multiple entries into the Dark Night Star Gate, they likely wouldn't perish inside.
Zhang Ruochen wasn't particularly worried—after all, even Feixue Shenwang had escaped from within.
These old fellows all had extraordinary methods, rich experience, and endless life-preserving techniques.
After carefully sensing and confirming no danger, Zhang Ruochen condensed a ball of Purifying Divine Flame, illuminating the darkness.
Before them, broken stone steps appeared.
The stone steps hung in the void, extending upward like a heavenly ladder, many sections broken.
They stretched beyond where the firelight could reach, with no end in sight.
"Broken Heavenly Ladder" was a name Taiqing Ancestor had given himself.
Zhang Ruochen looked up and said: "Taiqing Ancestor said that ascending the Broken Heavenly Ladder leads to the Sword God Temple. But the divine ladder holds great danger. We must wait for him to guide us and not rashly attempt it."
Bai Qinger's almond eyes held mist as she said: "The binding power here is extremely strong. The space is even more stable than the ruins of the Star Huan Heavenly Venerable Hall. If divine souls and spiritual power are released too far, they'll be corroded by unknown forces. This is indeed a dangerous secret realm."
Ji Fanxin unfolded the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations, being the first to envelop Bai Qinger.
Chi Yao planted the Space-Time Chaos Lotus on the ground and began cultivating directly, not wasting any opportunity to improve herself.
Zhang Ruochen took out a three-inch-long sword seal, holding it in his hand, sensing it carefully.
The former Realm Lord of Sword South Realm had called it a "Sword Token."
Whoever held the sword token was the master of Sword South Realm.
The Sword Ancestor had called it a "Sword Seal." Something that could attract the Sword Ancestor's attention was clearly extraordinary. But it wasn't any attack secret treasure. Zhang Ruochen had never known its purpose.
Now, having arrived at the Sword God Temple, perhaps he could unravel the secret of the sword seal.
Sensing nothing special, Zhang Ruochen nevertheless detected a faint fluctuation in the endless darkness behind him, his gaze sharpening.
He pointed a finger, sending out a powerful sword wave.
"Boom!"
A thousand miles away, a gray mist shield manifested, blocking the sword wave.
Behind the shield, Feixue Shenwang appeared, saying: "Impressive perception ability."
"You actually caught up," Zhang Ruochen said in surprise.
If they could shake off Guo Shenwang, how could Feixue Shenwang have caught up to them?
Zhang Ruochen and Ji Fanxin carefully examined themselves, confirming nothing was attached to them.
The Illumination Heavenly Mirror flew up from behind Feixue Shenwang, like a bright moon rising.
She said: "Two juniors, you underestimate the methods of a Divine King too much. Once the Illumination Heavenly Mirror has shone upon you, even if you flee to the ends of the earth, this one will find you."
"So what? Your injuries haven't healed yet, have they?"
Zhang Ruochen took out the Heavenly Venerable Word Scroll, calm and composed.
"The space and darkness power here are heavier. A thousand miles away, the Heavenly Venerable Word Scroll won't find it so easy to hit us."
In the darkness, an old, hoarse voice sounded.
A Yellow Spring River approached from afar, gradually manifesting.
Guo Shenwang flew above the river, his wings flowing with ghost fire. With his body as the center, ghost patterns densely covered a thousand miles of void, with countless shadowy soul figures.
His aura was powerful, his killing intent piercing the heart.
Previously, with Taiqing Ancestor and Yu Shenwang opposing him, Zhang Ruochen hadn't found Guo Shenwang particularly terrifying. But now, just as his divine soul will clashed with his, it immediately collapsed. The gap was indescribably vast.
Zhang Ruochen laughed: "Guo Shenwang arrived late. Your divine soul has already been refined into pills and absorbed by this Realm Master. Truly nourishing."
Guo Shenwang's gaze turned sharp and cold, but he soon laughed: "No matter. Your souls will suffice to compensate for this one's divine soul losses."
Feixue Shenwang said: "They've already brought us to the destination. Let's act. Delay brings unforeseen变故."
They were very wary of the Heavenly Venerable Word Scroll and dared not approach.
Feixue Shenwang raised her hand above her head, instantly filling the sky with flying red snow, chilling for a hundred thousand miles.
The snow was like long blades, flying out in unison.
Ji Fanxin's pupils emitted Origin Divine Light. Eighteen divine formation worlds manifested around her. The Black Water Divine Staff in her hand struck out, raising continuous heavenly water waves, blocking the red snow blade rain.
Guo Shenwang moved to another position, and the Yellow Spring River beneath him surged forward.
The river channel was wide, rising with rotting corpses, white bones, and lost souls, their numbers growing.
One hundred million, one billion, ten billion...
The undead army was endless, assaulting the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations.
Zhang Ruochen snorted: "All gods, come forth!"
Xiu Chen Heavenly God appeared, suspended in midair.
Behind her, space trembled slightly. One god after another flew out from Xinghuantian.
The four Taiyi Ancient Gods of Heavenly Beginning Civilization, the three experts of Divine Ancient Nest, Zangjin Baihu, Red Profound Ghost Lord, Wu Gan, Cang Jue, Xu Wenzhi, Xiao Hei, Source Heaven Lord, Red Soul Lord...
Including false gods, there were over a hundred gods, each radiating bright divine light, their aura formidable.
"Possession!"
Around Zhang Ruochen, a mass of ghost cloud appeared.
Including Chi Yao and Bai Qinger, the divine souls of all gods within the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations flew out, merging into the ghost cloud.
The ghost cloud converged onto Zhang Ruochen, condensing into a suit of armor.
Possession Armor!
A treasure of Fengdu Ghost City, more precious than a sub-god-level supreme sacred artifact, seized from Se Realm King.
Zhang Ruochen held the eldest of the six divine swords, swinging it in a slash. A scorching sword light flew out together with the other five swords, annihilating all the hundreds of billions of undead troops released by Guo Shenwang.
Like cutting grass.
Where the sword light passed, nothing grew.
"Boom!"
The Yellow Spring River collapsed. Sword waves surged sky-high, rushing forward.
Guo Shenwang naturally knew of the Possession Armor, but who would have thought it had fallen into Zhang Ruochen's hands?
The power of this sword strike required even him to handle carefully.
Guo Shenwang evolved a divine ability, condensing a ghost city.
It collided with the sword waves.
The ghost city shattered, turning into mist. Guo Shenwang flew backward hundreds of miles.
Having lost his Yulan Ghost City and being severely injured, facing Zhang Ruochen at this moment, he was actually at a disadvantage after a single clash.
"Is this all the strength of a Divine King?"
Zhang Ruochen stood with his sword, the sound of sword cries filling heaven and earth.
His heroic bearing suppressed even the might of a Divine King.
The divine souls of Xiao Hei, Cang Jue, Red Profound Ghost Lord, and others merged into the Possession Armor. Their physical bodies remained still, but their consciousness endured, each excited.
"So a Divine King is nothing special."
"With over a hundred gods united, plus the Realm Master's first-rank divine path empowerment, why can't a Divine King be opposed?"
"Today, this Emperor officially fights a Divine King!"
"Fight! Slay a Divine King, write an immortal myth!"
...
Divine thoughts transmitted one after another, each boiling with battle intent.
They urged Zhang Ruochen to step out of the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations, suppress the two Divine Kings of the Hell Realm, and use this achievement to shock all races across the universe.
Zhang Ruochen knew very well that the Possession Armor was not invincible.
If struck by a Divine King's power, the divine souls within the armor would surely die in droves.
Standing within the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations, there was nothing to fear.
Zhang Ruochen looked at Ji Fanxin. The next moment, the two controlled the Yin Yang Eighteen Formations, flying out to actively attack Guo Shenwang and Feixue Shenwang.
"Don't fight them head-on. Retreat!"
Guo Shenwang felt aggrieved. If he hadn't lost the Yulan Ghost City, how could he be forced to flee by mere Zhang Ruochen?
Of course, even with Zhang Ruochen's Possession Armor, it wouldn't have forced him to retreat.
What he truly feared was the Heavenly Venerable Word Scroll.
"Why not ascend the heavenly ladder?"
Feixue Shenwang was bold, feeling that great opportunities must lie atop the ladder.
Better to advance than retreat.
Just as Guo Shenwang was weighing the pros and cons, particles of light rain drifted down from the dark sky, illuminating the broken heavenly ladder.
At the hazy end of the ladder, an ancient hall larger than a planet appeared, seemingly extremely far away, located at the other shore of time and space.
The light rain was falling from a divine tree within the ancient hall.
Zhang Ruochen opened his palm to catch the light rain, feeling his skin sting as if pierced by divine swords.
The penetrating power of the light rain was astonishing.
"Is this... the power of Sword Origin?" Zhang Ruochen looked up, his eyes flashing with strange brilliance.
It was very similar to the drop of white liquid that Yunshen Daozhu had extracted from the eight million divine soul thoughts of Shangqing—suspected to be Sword Origin substance.
But these light rains were too small, luminous particles that needed to be collected and refined.
"Is that... the Sword God Temple?"
Guo Shenwang and Feixue Shenwang were well-traveled, having seen records about the Sword God Temple in the Ancestor Realm, and had some understanding of Sword Origin.
Without any hesitation, they decisively flew out, charging up the Broken Heavenly Ladder.