Chapter 148 : Chaotic Fists Slay the Zifu Beast

Although the Golden-Horned Savage Bull possessed profound cultivation, its magical power was remarkably feeble. The war spear treasure in its grasp, while made of extraordinary materials, had been crudely forged and was merely quasi third-tier.

The Magnetic Treasure Bracer (Magic Treasure) specifically countered such artifacts. With merely a flash of silver light, it forcibly grounded the Cyan-Gold War Spear.

Seeing the Golden-Horned Savage Bull fail to rescue its ally, the Crimson Flame Qi Python's pupils chilled imperceptibly. Overpowering Xu Daoyuan's obstruction with sheer force, it suddenly inhaled—devouring Eldrin across a 1000-zhang void in 1 gulp.

"Heaven-Devouring Serpent Art."

The old clan leader's pupils contracted slightly as he recognized this formidable divine ability—the Heaven Devouring Python Art was an innate supernatural power of the Celestial Python Lake lineage.

The might of this divine ability was truly astonishing. Even a fellow Purple Mansion cultivator, if caught off guard and devoured into its belly, would be refined into a pile of ashes.

However, the old clan leader had his own methods to counter such divine abilities.

With a mere flick of his hand, he unleashed the 3 Treasures Vermilion Gold True Qi. The 7 formation flags soared into the sky, weaving a spatial array that stabilized the very fabric of heaven and earth across thousands of feet. Astonishingly, even the innate divine ability of the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) Python proved powerless against it.

Clang—

However, in that brief moment of delay, the 6-Winged Golden Butterfly regained its senses. It forcibly activated its Golden Wing Divine Light to block Eldrin's 2 third-grade immortal swords, then flapped its wings and flew into the distance.

Just as it was about to escape, how could the cultivators on the treasure ship stand by idly? A dozen or so Foundation Establishment cultivators attacked simultaneously, and in an instant, dozens of magical treasures and divine abilities descended like a torrential storm.

As the saying goes, 2 fists are no match for 4 hands. The 6-Winged Golden Butterfly was never a demon beast with formidable physical strength, let alone now that it was severely wounded. Facing the frenzied assaults of a dozen or so Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was beaten until blood sprayed in all directions.

In its panic, it whirled around to flee, only to be met head-on by a cyan treasure pearl. The impact shattered its bones and tendons, sending it hurtling backward through the air.

The old clan chief had just blocked the Crimson Flame Qi Python’s supernatural power with the Crimson-Gold Banner of the 3 Treasures, then immediately summoned a third-tier treasure—the Yimu Qingling Pearl—and hurled it forward.

This strike was swift, ruthless, and precise, nearly shattering the 6-Winged Golden Butterfly’s physical form to pulp, giving the vile creature a taste of how a master can be overwhelmed by a flurry of reckless blows.

Clang—

At the same time, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) sliced through the air with a metallic ring, cleaving the thrown-back 6-Winged Golden Butterfly in 2.

With a single strike that proved successful, Eldrin felt his hands and feet trembling slightly. He swiftly flew back onto the treasure boat and consumed a Purple Aura Pill (Spiritual Object).

Even though his primal energy had been refined and reinforced by the feedback from his lifebound immortal sword, fully activating a low-grade, third-tier magical artifact still consumed nearly 10 percent of his energy reserves.

In this battle, he had slain 2 Zi Fu realm demon beasts in succession. Despite consuming several Recovery Pills (Spiritual Object) midway, continuously activating a third-grade magic treasure had drained 90-5 percent of his true essence by now.

After the old clan leader and Eldrin (Person Name) consumed the Purple Aura Pill (Spiritual Object), they soon felt their meridians brimming with renewed vitality, their true essence nearly restored to its peak state.

At this moment, the battle in the heavens had escalated into a white-hot frenzy.

The Golden-Horned Savage Bull and the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) Python, witnessing the 2 Zi Palace experts being slain, were already contemplating retreat. Yet the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast), driven to madness, blocked the 2 Zi Palace demon beasts from fleeing for their lives.

Its gaze was icy as it stared at Eldrin, clearly harboring a deep-seated hatred for him.

"You hold them off,"

"I shall spare no cost to slay him first before departing."

The Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) commanded through divine sense, then activated a mystical art to block Patriarch Yang's Thunderfire Sword, while simultaneously summoning a mid-third-grade flying sword to parry several of Xavier's (Person Name) magical techniques and treasures.

Then, with the third-grade, superior-quality defensive treasure 'Purple Gold Heavenly Canopy' hovering above his head, he forcibly charged toward Eldrin (Person Name).

"Don't let it succeed!"

Patriarch Yang let out a loud cry and swiftly summoned his Mountain-Cleaving Soul-Severing Axe, slashing forward. The strike sent the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast)'s 'Violet-Gold Heavenly Aura Shield' trembling violently, its radiance dimming by over 40 percent.

The chaos of demon beasts was no trivial matter. Everyone spoke of shared peril—when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. Naturally, they would not stand by and watch the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) slay Eldrin (Person Name).

Elder Xu snorted coldly. Disregarding his severely depleted spiritual energy, he summoned the Xu Clan's ultimate heritage—the Qianjin Fire Dragon Scissors (Magic Treasure).

"Hymn—"

A dragon's roar echoed through the air as Xavier raised his hand, summoning forth this supreme magic treasure that had shaken the entire Chu Kingdom.

Throughout the entire Chu Kingdom, the accumulation of peace over the past century since the last beast tide had resulted in approximately 130-odd Foundation Establishment cultivators combined from the 9 provinces' immortal clans and the 3 great sects.

Among them, there were about a dozen or so cultivators at the Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm). The total number of third-grade superior magic treasures currently existing and historically preserved in Chu Kingdom (Location) amounted to just over 40.

Among these magical treasures, the Qian Golden Fire Dragon Shears could rank within the top 10, a testament to the formidable power of this artifact.

At this moment, Xavier channeled all his power into driving the Dry Gold Fire Dragon Shears, transforming them into 2 fiery dragons that soared into the sky and descended in a deadly spiral, pouncing toward the Purple-Spotted Wolf King.

The Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) revealed a grave expression, yet still gritted its teeth and lunged at Eldrin (Person Name) with killing intent. It was clear the beast was prepared to endure injury if it meant eliminating Eldrin (Person Name), this harbinger of death.

It was simply that Eldrin was far too adept at provoking the hatred of demons. A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator had actually slain 2 Purple Mansions right before his very eyes.

Although the Purple Mansion Demonic Wolf had only just stepped into the Purple Mansion realm, and the 6-Winged Golden Butterfly had perished under the siege, it was still enough to leave him utterly astonished.

This method was far too ruthless and terrifying. Throughout the entire Chu Kingdom, 1 would be hard-pressed to find anyone who could rival it—perhaps it could even stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those prodigies from the Nascent Soul immortal clans. Such a thought stirred a deep sense of caution within the Purple-Spotted Wolf King.

"To possess such methods before even entering the Violet Mansion realm—if you were to break through to the Violet Mansion stage, you would inevitably become a calamitous scourge."

"This day, you shall be eradicated!"

Killing intent boiling, the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) forcefully activated its Violet-Gold Heavenly Aura Shield and lunged toward Eldrin (Person Name) with unstoppable ferocity.

The fiery dragon roared as the Dry Gold Fire Dragon Scissors surged forth with overwhelming force, crashing against the Violet Gold Celestial Barrier. With a resounding clang, the defensive glow shattered. Yet, having breached the protective artifact, the treasure’s power was finally depleted.

The Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) forcibly suppressed a surge of rebellious blood, finally closing in to an optimal range. Its sharp gaze fixed upon Eldrin (Person Name) as it abruptly spat out a beam of violet radiance, shooting directly toward Eldrin (Person Name).

"Damn, it's the Violet Radiance God-Slaying Curse!"

The moment they saw that flash of light, everyone present paled in horror, a trace of unwilling resentment flickering across their faces.

The Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) fought through the encirclement even at the cost of grave injury, determined to slay Eldrin (Person Name). With its first move, it unleashed a soul-reaping divine ability.

At this moment, both Yang Yuanhe and Xu Daoyuan were entangled in combat. With only the old clan leader and Eldrin standing against it, there was no possibility of withstanding the divine power personally unleashed by this Purple Palace, Late Stage demonic beast.

"Alas—"

Seeing that the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) had already locked onto him, Eldrin (Person Name) let out a sigh.

With a flick of his hand, a white jade bracelet soared into the void. Crafted from translucent jade that glistened intensely, it emanated a blazing immortal radiance before ultimately transforming into a dazzling sword-light that swept forth.

What manner of sword was this? The instant it appeared, it illuminated hundreds of miles of void, sweeping away the clouds in the sky in the blink of an eye.

The void fell silent, save for that single streak of sword light soaring into the heavens. The pure white sword radiance swept all before it, cleaving through the air with unstoppable might as it descended toward the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast).

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it the scent of snow and decay. Lin Feng tightened his tattered robe, his breath misting in the frigid air. He had been traversing these desolate mountains for 3 days now, his body pushed to its absolute limits. "Just a little further," he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. "The Hidden Abyss Sect should be just beyond this ridge." His fingers unconsciously traced the jade pendant hanging from his neck—the only relic from his long-dead parents. The intricate carvings seemed to pulse with a faint, warm energy, a constant reminder of the legacy he carried. Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the silence. Lin Feng dropped into a crouch, his senses immediately alert. Through the dense foliage, he spotted 2 figures locked in combat, their movements too fast for ordinary eyes to follow. "Hand over the Heavenly Crystal, old man!" a harsh voice snarled. "The Blood Demon Sect shows no mercy to those who defy us!" Lin Feng's blood ran cold. The Blood Demon Sect—notorious even among demonic cultivators for their cruelty and bloodthirsty methods. He peered closer and saw an elderly man in blue robes, his beard stained with blood, standing defiantly against a younger cultivator clad in crimson. The elder laughed bitterly. "You think the Heavenly Crystal would serve your wicked purposes? This artifact has been guarded by my family for generations. I would rather shatter it than see it fall into your hands!" The Blood Demon cultivator's face twisted in rage. "Then you shall die!" Crimson energy erupted from the demonic cultivator's hands, forming into vicious, blood-red claws that shot toward the elder. The air itself seemed to scream as the attack tore through the space between them. But the elder was prepared. His hands moved in a complex pattern, and a shimmering blue barrier materialized before him. The blood claws shattered against it, dissipating into mist. "Is that all the Blood Demon Sect has to offer?" the elder taunted, though Lin Feng could see the strain in his posture. The demonic cultivator sneered. "Merely a taste of what's to come!" He reached into his robe and produced a black banner embroidered with silver skulls. As he chanted, the banner began to writhe as if alive, and ghostly wails echoed through the mountains. "Soul-Devouring Banner!" the elder gasped, his confidence finally cracking. "You would use such forbidden magic?" "Whatever it takes to achieve our goals," the demonic cultivator replied coldly. The banner unleashed a torrent of dark energy, and this time, the elder's barrier began to crack. Lin Feng watched in horror as fissures spread across the blue shield like spiderwebs. He knew he should stay hidden. This was a battle between cultivators far beyond his level. A mere mortal like him would be crushed in an instant. But as he watched the elder struggle against the overwhelming dark energy, something within him rebelled. The jade pendant around his neck grew warm, almost hot against his skin. Memories of his parents' teachings about righteousness and protecting the weak surfaced in his mind. "No," Lin Feng whispered, his decision made. "I cannot stand by and watch this injustice." He scanned the area, his eyes falling on a loose boulder perched precariously on the cliff above the combatants. It wasn't much, but it might provide enough distraction for the elder to turn the tide. Moving as quietly as he could, Lin Feng began climbing toward the boulder. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed through the pain, fueled by adrenaline and determination. Below, the elder was on his knees now, the dark energy from the banner pressing down on him like a physical weight. The Blood Demon cultivator laughed triumphantly. "Your end has come, old fool! The Heavenly Crystal will be ours!" Just as he was about to deliver the final blow, Lin Feng reached the boulder and put all his weight against it. For a terrifying moment, nothing happened. Then, with a groan of shifting stone, the boulder broke free and tumbled down the cliffside. The Blood Demon cultivator looked up in shock, his concentration broken. The dark energy wavered, and in that split second of distraction, the elder struck. A brilliant blue light erupted from the elder's hands, striking the demonic cultivator square in the chest. The man screamed as he was thrown backward, his banner falling from his grasp. "You!" the Blood Demon cultivator snarled, his eyes locking onto Lin Feng. "A mere mortal dares to interfere?" He raised a hand, and a bolt of crimson energy shot toward Lin Feng. There was no time to dodge. Lin Feng closed his eyes, awaiting the inevitable. But the attack never landed. When Lin Feng opened his eyes, he saw the elder standing before him, having intercepted the deadly energy with his own body. "Run, boy!" the elder gasped, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. The Blood Demon cultivator laughed harshly. "Fools, both of you! You've merely delayed the inevitable!" He began gathering energy for another attack, this 1 far more powerful than the last. The air grew thick with malevolent intent, and Lin Feng felt his knees grow weak. This is it, he thought. This is how I die. But then, something extraordinary happened. The jade pendant around his neck grew unbearably hot, and a brilliant golden light erupted from it, enveloping Lin Feng completely. The light spread outward, pushing back the dark energy as if it were nothing. "What is this?" the Blood Demon cultivator cried out in shock and fear. "What manner of power is this?" The elder stared at Lin Feng, his eyes wide with astonishment. "The Heavenly Guardian's Blessing? But that's impossible! That art was lost centuries ago!" Lin Feng himself didn't understand what was happening. He only knew that the fear had vanished, replaced by a strange, powerful calm. The golden light seemed to be singing to him, whispering secrets of the universe in a language he somehow understood. The Blood Demon cultivator, seeing his advantage slipping away, made a hasty decision. "This isn't over!" he snarled, then turned and fled into the forest. As the golden light faded, Lin Feng stumbled, suddenly exhausted. The elder caught him before he could fall. "Who are you, boy?" the elder asked, his voice filled with wonder. "How do you possess such power?" Lin Feng shook his head weakly. "I... I don't know. The pendant... it was my parents'..." The elder's eyes widened further. "Your parents? What were their names?" "Lin Jian and Su Xuan," Lin Feng whispered. Recognition dawned in the elder's eyes, followed by profound sadness. "So the legends were true. The Heavenly Guardians did leave an heir." He helped Lin Feng to his feet. "Come, we must leave this place before more Blood Demon cultivators arrive. You have saved my life, and in doing so, may have saved the entire cultivation world." "But I don't understand," Lin Feng said, his mind reeling. "What are Heavenly Guardians? What is this power?" The elder smiled gently. "All will be revealed in time. For now, know that your destiny is far greater than you ever imagined." As they made their way down the mountain, Lin Feng glanced back at the battlefield. His life had changed forever in the span of a single afternoon. The path of an ordinary mortal was closed to him now, replaced by something far more dangerous—and far more extraordinary. Little did he know that this was only the beginning of a journey that would shake the very foundations of the cultivation world.