Why…
“My formation has fallen! Flee! Do not linger in battle!”
“This humble priest shall perish together with you all today!”
“Let Little Sister escape! Little Sister, go! We’ve killed ten of them—that’s worth it! Run, Jin Guang!”
Why…
“Golden Immortal Mother, do you still dare show disrespect to this humble priest? Do you still think this humble priest cannot strike you down? How laughable.”
“Zhunti! Just try touching them! I, Zhao Gongming, shall not rest until one of us falls today!”
“Hmph, those who haven’t achieved sainthood are mere insects.”
Why…
“Changgeng, run! You cannot hold them back!”
“Changgeng, flee! Elder Brother has become your burden. Elder Brother willingly accepts this tribulation! Please, just go!”
“Jieyin! Zhunti! Come kill me! Come kill me!”
Before her stretched a haze of confusion.
A misty sky, a blurred earth, and the Taiji Diagram hovering overhead filled her entire vision. Above the diagram stood two majestic figures, one left and one right, as if they could suppress all of this void space.
Golden Immortal Mother’s left hand trembled as she gripped the short sword at her side. She wanted to catch her breath but couldn’t move under the overwhelming pressure.
Why did she have to survive? Why did she have to live…
The familiar figure wrapped in yin-yang energy was struggling against two Saints’ attacks, already on the verge of collapse.
Her Senior Sisters supporting each other, barely able to move, her Senior Brother cursing through tears…
With the wound on her shoulder, the Enlightenment Sect disciple collapsed in the distance struggling to stand…
Was it all because of me?
Was it my fault…
It was because…
…
Half an hour earlier.
“Face your opponents! Watch each other’s backs!”
Hearing Elder Brother’s words, Golden Immortal Mother’s heart sank as she realized their defeat was certain.
That mysteriously appearing magical power not only fixed the flow of energy in their chain formation but also weakened the power of each of their Ten Ultimate formations by thirty percent.
Was it Second Grand Master’s doing?
Or did the Enlightenment Sect have a hidden expert—was it the South Pole Immortal?
Golden Immortal Mother’s heart was slightly chaotic when a figure burst into the formation.
She immediately became alert and looked up. Within the Golden Light Formation, rays of golden light flashed as countless golden mirrors reflected layer upon layer of radiance toward the intruding figure.
This golden light could harm both immortal bodies and primordial spirits, but the opponent merely snorted softly as a circular shield appeared around them, steadily blocking all the golden light.
Was it Yang Jian?
Golden Immortal Mother stood up from the center of the formation, her heart slightly relieved.
Though Yang Jian couldn’t see her now, she could observe his every move. She immediately directed more golden light toward him.
This Yang Jian cultivated the Eight-Nine Mystical Art, his physical body comparable to a Primordial Treasure. Previously when breaking through formations, he had circled through the Ten Ultimate Formation once, but none could harm him.
In the end, Elder Brother had to lure Yang Jian out of the formation, fearing he would discover the secrets of the Ten Ultimate Formation and destroy their formation base.
He was considered their most troublesome opponent, even more difficult than those second-generation disciples of the Enlightenment Sect.
Now that Yang Jian had appeared in her Golden Light Formation, at least the pressure on the other formations would be lessened.
Golden Immortal Mother let out a light shout, her voice resonating from all directions:
“Yang Jian! Submit yourself!”
It was merely a perfunctory statement. At this moment, Golden Immortal Mother’s hands were slightly sweaty.
Though small in stature and dressed in a short skirt and light clothes, she now emanated a murderous aura that carried considerable presence.
Yang Jian said: “I have found the method to break this formation. Please surrender, Master-Aunt.”
“Ridiculous!”
Golden Immortal Mother snorted coldly. Just as she was about to speak further, her heart suddenly trembled.
In the distance, a great seal blotted out the sky, completely crushing the Blood Transformation Formation.
Then a yin-yang mirror reflected two beams of black and white light, piercing through the mist of the Soul-Dropping Formation.
This!
Without the chain formation, were they so helpless before the Twelve Golden Immortals?
Golden Immortal Mother’s heart was already in chaos. She hurriedly activated the bronze mirrors throughout the formation. Golden light filled the formation but couldn’t harm Yang Jian in the slightest.
Was this the power of the Eight-Nine Mystical Art?
Golden Immortal Mother gritted her teeth and channeled her magical power. She still held onto a glimmer of hope, wanting to trap Yang Jian so she could rush to aid the other formations.
Suddenly, Zhao Jiang’s angry roar came from the side:
“My formation has fallen! Quickly flee! Do not linger in battle!”
At the Earth Fierce Formation, the Great Master of Magical Treasures raised his sword, extending tens of thousands of sword rays that directly cut through the lotus-like earthen flames!
Zhao Jiang perished, and the Earth Fierce Formation broke.
Following that.
The Raging Flame Formation, Red Water Formation, Red Sand Formation!
“Run! However many can escape, let them escape!”
“Jin Guang, retreat! Yang Jian holds no killing intent toward you!”
“This humble priest shall perish together with you all today!”
A trace of bewilderment flashed through Golden Immortal Mother’s eyes. She stepped back half a step on the ritual platform, then immediately gritted her teeth, ignited her primordial spirit, and exhausted everything to direct golden light toward Yang Jian.
Yang Jian frowned slightly, his right hand forming a grip—the Three-Point Double-Edge Spear quickly condensed amidst the golden light, lightly striking the ground.
Dong!
The formation trembled slightly everywhere.
“Hmph!” Yang Jian let out a light snort through his nose, the vertical eye on his forehead suddenly opening, a dark golden light shining toward the layers of bronze mirrors.
Almost instantly, the bronze mirrors everywhere reflected Yang Jian’s divine eye, also reflecting the moment the dark golden light burst forth.
Ping—
With several crashes, thousands of bronze mirrors in the formation shattered simultaneously. The wooden frames supporting the mirrors and the formation bases hidden underground developed web-like cracks before completely exploding.
The Golden Light Formation was broken.
This was the main reason Guangcheng Zi chose Yang Jian to break this formation.
Golden Immortal Mother lowered her head and spat out a mouthful of blood. She immediately gripped a sharp sword to strike at Yang Jian, but shadows flickered before her as a flash of silver light appeared, several afterimages overlapping!
Yang Jian now stood before her, his right hand holding the spear, pushing forward lightly, splashing a few drops of blood.
The Three-Point Double-Edge Spear pierced Golden Immortal Mother’s shoulder. As Yang Jian withdrew his spear, it drew forth a spray of blood.
Sealing her Golden Light primordial spirit with mystic power, Yang Jian looked at Golden Immortal Mother and said calmly:
“Go report to the Canonization Platform yourself. As long as you willingly accept Heaven’s Dao constraints, the Canonization Platform will allow your physical body to enter, equivalent to death.”
Golden Immortal Mother’s eyes trembled with light.
What was this?
Pity?
“Yang Jian! Why don’t you just kill me!” Golden Immortal Mother shouted softly.
But Yang Jian seemed not to hear, turning to walk in the direction he had come from.
The spiritual energy around the Golden Light Formation was rapidly dissipating, revealing the situations in various places. Several formations were still engaged in great battles, and the ‘Heaven Lords’ within had discovered Yang Jian sparing Golden Immortal Mother.
From within the Heaven Severance Formation, Qin Wan immediately shouted: “Jin Guang, run! Go to the Canonization Platform! Living is better than death!”
“Let Little Sister go! Little Sister, go…”
Amid the thunderous sounds, the Heaven Severance Formation, Wind Howl Formation, and Cold Ice Formation collapsed almost simultaneously.
Just then!
A sword light flashed, striking down at Golden Immortal Mother’s head without any mercy.
Yang Jian’s brows furrowed slightly. His toes lightly touched the ground as his form seemed to tear through the cosmos, making a forward thrusting motion with his spear. The spear tip swept through layer after layer of grey-green light shadows, deflecting the sword that was striking at Golden Immortal Mother.
From the direction of the Heaven Severance Formation, Manjusri, now bearing some injuries, frowned slightly and said calmly:
“Nephew Yang Jian, what is the meaning of this?”
“She is my opponent,” Yang Jian looked at Manjusri and said coldly, “I have already promised to let her bind herself and go to the Canonization Platform. Senior Uncle, please do not make me break my word.”
Manjusri frowned and said: “Who allowed you to make such decisions? She is a powerful enemy who killed our Enlightenment Sect immortals!”
“Weren’t those ten people sent to their deaths by you Senior Uncles and Masters?”
Yang Jian planted the Three-Point Double-Edge Spear beside him, his handsome face slightly raised, his divine eye closed, but carrying a faint majesty about him, his armor reflecting the light of the Sun Star.
“She is my defeated opponent, naturally to be handled as I see fit.”
“Hmph! Is the Canonization Platform something you can open as you please?”
“The Star Lord of Supreme White has specially permitted Yang Jian three rights of clemency, allowing three defeated opponents under Yang Jian’s hand to enter the Canonization Platform with their physical bodies. Golden Immortal Mother is one of them. Is this not acceptable?”
Manjusri’s face showed anger as he frowned and said: “The Clear Origin Wonderful Dao True Lord carries quite the official authority.”
“If speaking of official authority, you should address me as Marshal.”
“Yang Jian!” Manjusri stepped forward quickly, pointing at Yang Jian and scolding, “Don’t go too far!”
Yang Jian lowered his head to look at Golden Immortal Mother and said calmly: “If Senior Uncle finds this inappropriate, I shall escort her to the Canonization Platform now. If Senior Uncle insists on taking action—
Yang Jian is willing to engage in battle.”
“You!”
“Enough! Don’t make ourselves a laughingstock!”
Guangcheng Zi appeared from the side, frowning as he said: “Yang Jian, stand down. This is the time of great tribulation. The tribulation also needs powerful beings to perish to level it. Your Senior Uncle Manjusri is not acting out of spite. If Jin Guang dies today, our Enlightenment Sect will lose one fewer person tomorrow.
Stand down.”
Yang Jian frowned as he looked at Guangcheng Zi and said calmly: “Great Senior Uncle, the words Yang Jian spoke earlier cannot be taken back.”
“Yang Jian,” Yu Ding True Lord sighed, “come back.”
Yang Jian unconsciously gripped the Three-Point Double-Edge Spear tighter, then slowly let out a breath. He didn’t say anything more, turning to walk toward the military camp.
Manjusri snorted coldly. At this point, he certainly couldn’t back down. He raised his sword and walked toward Golden Immortal Mother.
Golden Immortal Mother watched Yang Jian’s retreating figure, struggling to stand up and making a Daoist salute toward Yang Jian before turning to face Manjusri.
Even with her immortal power sealed, she still raised the short sword in her hand, her feet somewhat unsteadily stepping off the ground.
“All of this is to reduce casualties in our Enlightenment Sect.”
Manjusri spoke coldly, raising his treasure sword from hundreds of zhang away. His sword finger made a casual stroke, and the sword light was about to slash across Golden Immortal Mother’s snow-white neck, blood about to stain her light white short skirt.
Jin Guang pressed her lips tightly together, not saying a word, her eyes already lifeless.
Elder Brother;
Senior Brother Gongming;
Jin Guang has caused you too much trouble before this.
“Get lost!”
With this sudden light shout, her body’s magical power was unsealed without warning. Golden Immortal Mother stared blankly at the sword light that had stopped before her, watching that slender jade-white hand grip the sword blade and slightly apply force, directly crushing that sword…
A light tinkling sound drifted past.
A golden gauze slowly floated down as a figure wearing a long dress appeared out of thin air above the ruins of the Ten Ultimate Formation.
Behind her floated faint Dao rhythms, and there were still remnant Dao rhythms in the air that could trace out her extremely swift approach just before.
Her long hair floated gently as her tall figure stood proudly. Her phoenix eyes swept over Manjusri, who unconsciously stepped back half a step.
Her fierce presence was overwhelming, her pressure astounding.
Severing Sect, Jin Ling.
“I originally did not want to appear,” Golden Immortal Mother said calmly, “I am also not convenient to appear at this moment, but Enlightenment Sect fellows, haven’t you gone too far?”
After speaking, Golden Immortal Mother turned her head to look at her Junior Sister Jin Guang, her eyes holding a complex gaze.
“Senior Sister…”
Jin Guang called out softly, “You’re not…”
“I’ll take you to the Canonization Platform,” Golden Immortal Mother said calmly, raising her hand to grab Jin Guang’s arm.
Guangcheng Zi’s figure flickered as he appeared a hundred zhang away from Jin Ling.
Chi Jing Zi, Manjusri, Puxian True Lord, and Cihang Dao Person immediately rushed behind Guangcheng Zi.
Guangcheng Zi said: “Since fellow Daoist has appeared, why not have a bout today?”
“You think you can detain me?”
Golden Immortal Mother’s lips curled slightly as she released Jin Guang’s arm, turned around, and manifested her eight-armed legal body, holding the Dragon-Tiger As-You-Wish Zhenzhu, Four Symbols Pagoda, and Flying Golden Sword, forming the Lotus Seal, Sun-Moon Seal, and Stars Seal.
She received the radiance of the sun, moon, and stars, stirring the spiritual energy for a hundred thousand li.
Her long hair floated as her eyes turned golden, causing even Guangcheng Zi and Chi Jing Zi to feel a subtle pressure of the Dao realm.
The Severing Sect’s number one female immortal, Golden Immortal Mother!
“Let us battle.”
Guangcheng Zi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he held the Heaven-Turning Seal. His figure disappeared simultaneously with Golden Immortal Mother’s, leaving only two afterimages dispersing in the wind.
Suddenly spiritual energy surged in the sky as layers of clouds were blown away by a powerful wave of qi, revealing the clear firmament.
Two streams of light rapidly collided in the sky. The Heaven-Turning Great Seal pressed down from above but was directly knocked away by the phantom of a jade As-You-Wish Zhenzhu!
Chi Jing Zi held the Yin-Yang Mirror and said softly: “I shall go aid Senior Brother!”
After speaking, his form shot into the sky, as black and white beams of light turned over the firmament, their colliding silhouettes transforming into three…
But shortly after, both Chi Jing Zi and Guangcheng Zi were simultaneously suppressed!
The two Daoists joined forces with two supreme-grade spiritual treasures, the Heaven-Turning Seal and Yin-Yang Mirror, yet were beaten back by the Golden Immortal Mother without any chance to retaliate!
Manjusri, Puxian, and Cihang exchanged glances, their forms immediately rushing to the clouds, each deploying their magical treasures to distract Golden Immortal Mother’s attention from the periphery.
Golden Immortal Mother let out a low roar, her voice carrying a sense of resolution, her Great Dao pressure intimidating countless immortals and mortals!
At the Jade Void Palace, Patriarch Tongtian suddenly opened his eyes, his form tearing through the cosmos as he rushed out directly.
Inside the Jade Void Palace hall, Zhao Gongming was somewhat distracted as he spoke quietly with Many Treasures Dao Person for a few sentences before retreating to a corner of the great hall.
He circulated the mantra Li Changshou had given him, somewhat laboriously moving a strand of consciousness to the paper person in Luofu Cave. His immortal awareness spread out, but he didn’t see his wife’s figure.
Wasn’t she here earlier?
Zhao Gongming frowned slightly, his heart trembling inexplicably several times as he immediately stood up.
“What’s wrong?” Many Treasures asked.
Zhao Gongming’s eyes flashed with consideration before he smiled and said: “Nothing, I’m concerned about Jin Ling’s situation. I’ll return to Luofu Cave to check, then come back later.”
“Stay by Junior Sister Jin Ling’s side to take care,” Many Treasures Dao Person smiled and said, “None of us have ever nurtured offspring, we don’t have any experience. You must be attentive.”
“Alright,” Zhao Gongming smiled, as twenty-four points of light appeared around him, transforming into streams of light flying far away.
Many Treasures Dao Person rubbed his tired face and said to the several junior brothers and sisters before him: “Let’s try again, see if we can open the Cloud Mirror. At the very least we need to see the current situation of the Ten Ultimate Formation.”
Supreme Mother of Void said: “Zhunti has severed the connection between that cosmos and the outside world. I’m afraid we can only rush over there.”
Many Treasures sighed and said: “Qin Wan and the others have probably already fallen from broken formations. The Twelve Golden Immortals are not easy to deal with… Ah, Master was right, going out means tribulation.”
Above the East Sea.
Zhao Gongming frowned tightly, completely lacking his previous composure.
Zhunti had appeared earlier, his Saint’s Dao rhythm covering ten thousand li around Mount Qi;
His wife wasn’t in the cave;
The Ten Ultimate Formation would surely be broken…
Jin Guang and himself had once shared an inappropriate period, and though nothing had happened, they were still considered close.
Moreover, his wife had mentioned this before and had been angry about it.
Suddenly, Zhao Gongming felt a gentle tremor transmitted through the cosmos’s Dao principles and the source of the tremor…
Zhao Gongming’s eyes widened.
Saint’s Dao rhythm! Two Saint’s Dao rhythms!
His master and Second Grand Master’s Saint’s Dao rhythms were clashing!
What was happening, why would this be?!
Zhao Gongming’s heart rose with an ominous feeling as the twenty-four stars around him blazed with light, his form moving countless times faster than before as he rushed toward Mount Qi in the South Jambudvipa Continent.
Don’t go there, absolutely don’t go there, that lantern-holder is Zhunti, a Saint has appeared, and the Ten Ultimate Formation has become a trap for the Severing Sect immortals.
‘You’re still with child!’
…
“Jin Ling! Release him! What do you want!”
Mount Qi, high in the sky.
Several Enlightenment Sect experts took encircling positions, surrounding Golden Immortal Mother in the air.
Guangcheng Zi’s left shoulder bore a sword wound, Chi Jing Zi’s chest was caved in one area, and both Puxian and Cihang also carried injuries.
Further away, the Enlightenment Sect’s Twelve Golden Immortals and numerous immortals wore rather ugly expressions as they all watched the surrounded Golden Immortal Mother.
At this moment, Manjusri had the Flying Golden Sword at his throat, his primordial spirit sealed, his entire body bound by immortal rope, becoming Golden Immortal Mother’s ‘hostage.’ Though Golden Immortal Mother was currently unwounded, her energy was somewhat chaotic, her magical power somewhat failing.
If her condition hadn’t been affected, she wouldn’t have used such methods.
Golden Immortal Mother calmly said: “I’ll spare Manjusri’s life in exchange for my Junior Sister Jin Guang’s life, and send Junior Sister Jin Guang to the Canonization Platform. This matter will then be concluded. How about it?”
Traces of anger flashed through Guangcheng Zi’s eyes, but his constantly trembling left arm reminded him of how formidable this Severing Sect inner door great disciple and leader of female immortals was.
When one should decide but doesn’t, chaos ensues. Guangcheng Zi looked at Yu Ding True Lord still standing in the military camp and coldly snorted:
“Fine.”
Golden Immortal Mother didn’t hesitate, casually throwing Manjusri toward the Enlightenment Sect immortals.
Guangcheng Zi made a gesture, and though the Enlightenment Sect immortals showed unwillingness on their faces, they didn’t say much, each descending toward the military camp.
Golden Immortal Mother looked toward Jin Guang below and said: “Junior Sister, I’ll escort you.”
Her voice carried several parts tenderness, also bearing undisguisable fatigue.
“Senior Sister…”
Jin Guang called out tremblingly, just about to ride a cloud up when pressure suddenly descended without warning!
Jin Ling’s form sank from the cloud top as she immediately looked up toward the sky.
There, an old Daoist stood holding a lantern, his eyes carrying unconcealed killing intent. Without speaking, his left hand struck out a palm toward Jin Ling!
“Western Religion!”
Jin Ling squeezed out an angry rebuke through her teeth, yet showed no fear at all as her form, wrapped in golden light, shot skyward.
Her legal body blazed with light as treasures shot toward the sky.
“Mere firefly light.”
The lantern-holding old Daoist spoke thus in a calm voice as the palm shadow he struck out suddenly changed from faint to incomparably solid, like a mountain, like falling heaven, containing boundless magical power, seeming able to suppress all living beings.
Several treasure lights struck this palm’s center, yet continuously held back this great palm.
The lantern-holding old Daoist frowned tightly.
He certainly had various methods of combat, but when a Saint takes action, using anything but the simplest moves would be taking these insects too seriously.
But at this moment, Golden Immortal Mother’s legal body charged up from below, almost dispersing that great hand…
“Golden Immortal Mother, do you still dare show disrespect to this humble priest? Do you still think this humble priest cannot strike you down? How laughable!”
The lantern-holding old Daoist put away the treasure lantern in his palm as a Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree appeared in his palm, lightly sweeping toward Golden Immortal Mother.
Seven-colored light filled the horizon like a rainbow, transforming into seven streams of light crashing toward Jin Ling.
The various treasures Jin Ling had deployed had their spiritual nature sealed upon touching these rainbow light streams, unable to resist head-on for even an instant.
The seven streams of light intersected and encircled, transforming into a comet-like form, directly colliding with Golden Immortal Mother’s raised eight arms.
“Puh—”
Golden Immortal Mother lowered her head and spat out a great mouthful of blood, her face deathly pale. Her legal body was instantly sealed as her form was struck downward violently, yet she had to use all the magical power she could control to protect the area around her belly, bearing the impact herself.
Amid the thunderous sound, Golden Immortal Mother crashed into the Ten Ultimate Formation.
Crisscrossing ‘Dao principle manifestations’ appeared on the ground like the earth’s veins, all blocking Golden Immortal Mother’s impact force.
This was Heaven’s Dao protecting the earth to prevent living beings from destruction.
“Senior Sister!”
Jin Guang shouted, immediately flying to dive toward Golden Immortal Mother, but was stopped by Golden Immortal Mother’s raised left hand.
Golden Immortal Mother took a slight breath, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand, and slowly stood up from the shallow crater in the earth, raising her head to stare at the old Daoist in the sky.
By now the lantern-holding old Daoist had revealed his true form, holding the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree as he sat quietly in the sky.
A Saint, Zhunti.
Before Jin Ling could speak, Zhunti’s treasure tree swept down toward her again.
Golden flames ignited in Jin Ling’s eyes!
“Jin Ling, today this humble priest shall settle the karma of you destroying my Western Mountain Gate.”
“Come then!”
Jin Ling shouted lowly, her long hair somewhat disheveled, but her gaze like that of a killing god.
Golden flames rose vigorously!
Zhunti’s eyes were half-lowered as his Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree bloomed with gold and silver treasure light. Following Zhunti’s gentle sweep, it exploded into a sky full of stars, crashing down toward the ground for dozens of li in all directions.
Red and blue interwoven squares appeared on the ground as the earth’s veins reappeared. Golden Immortal Mother’s form leaped up again.
Jin Guang nearly bit through her lower lip as she raised her sword wanting to follow, but found herself now under a Saint’s pressure, her form immediately kneeling prostrate on the ground as soon as she moved.
The golden flames were blasted back by the sky full of flowing light.
Even with Heaven’s Dao reinforced earth, within three zhang directly below Golden Immortal Mother’s figure, it was beaten into a pile of powder and fine sand…
After the light passed, Golden Immortal Mother knelt on one knee on the ground, her left hand propped on the Flying Golden Sword, her right hand covering her belly, her eyes filled with anger, rage, and also a kind of sorrow and pain.
‘Child… Mother’s child is quite unfortunate, right?
But Mother has never submitted, has never been afraid.
Mother has wronged you all, but Mother has never regretted it.
What of Saints!
What of Saints!’
Golden Immortal Mother was bathed in blood, yet slowly stood up amid trembling, her gaze still fierce, her long sword full of grooves.
“If I had been born ten great kalpas earlier, how could you Western Saints have attained your Dao fruit!”
Zhunti seemed to be angered as his treasure tree blazed with light, stream after stream of light fiercely crashing down toward Golden Immortal Mother!
Jin Ling raised her sword as her own magical power erupted!
Outside heaven and earth, in a certain place full of distorted cosmos, Patriarch Tongtian watched the middle-aged Daoist before him with bloodshot eyes, his sword shadows flying but continuously being blocked back by the middle-aged Daoist.
“Senior Brother, consider it my plea, let me pass to slay Zhunti!”
Original Heavenly Lord frowned slightly, only shaking his head as his jade As-You-Wish Zhenzhu sent out sky-filling cyan light, blocking all of Patriarch Tongtian’s sword shadows.
Patriarch Tongtian certainly knew their strengths were close. If Original Heavenly Lord wouldn’t let him pass, he would need to fight for hundreds of years to find a chance of victory.
At this moment Jin Ling was just about to resist Zhunti’s final strike.
Zhunti waved the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree, now showing no mercy at all, his eyes already carrying the pleasure of eliminating such a powerful opponent.
“Second Brother!”
Patriarch Tongtian’s eyes bulged as he shouted, “Jin Ling is with child! She’s pregnant!”
Original Heavenly Lord frowned slightly, traces of hesitation flashing through his eyes as he closed them and sighed lightly, the phantom of the Pangu Banner appearing behind him.
“Things have come to this point, don’t blame this humble priest for being hard-hearted.”
Patriarch Tongtian suddenly calmed down, his nostrils lightly jumping, his long hair floating backward as the Green Pine Sword emitted a light sword hum. The Four Execution Swords circled and rotated around him as his left hand already formed a sword finger.
He no longer said more as his form moved forward, his eyes without waves or ripples, yet his sword seemed about to slash through this cosmic imprisonment.
The original Heavenly Lord’s expression was extremely grave as the Pangu Banner’s phantom directly solidified, yet was used as a defensive supreme treasure, supporting layer upon layer of heaven-opening Dao rhythms.
Outside the cosmos!
That stream of seven-colored light engulfed Golden Immortal Mother’s form!
Golden Immortal Mother’s surrounding magical power was rapidly exhausted. Just as she was about to be pulverized, two points of starlight suddenly appeared in her belly, one blue and one purple.
Swoosh!
The phantoms of two infants appeared on Golden Immortal Mother’s left and right. They simultaneously looked up at Zhunti, each clenching their fists and gritting their teeth, supporting two thin layers of light that persisted for an instant amid the seven-colored light.
The sky suddenly became night sky as two great stars, one purple and one blue, crossed the heavens, exploding with extremely brilliant points of light.
In the Jade Imperial Palace, the Jade Emperor who had been watching this scene suddenly stood up.
Four Sovereigns!
The Four Sovereigns’ Stars!
The children in Golden Immortal Mother’s womb were the Purple Subtlety and Hook Revelation Four Sovereign Imperial Stars!
The Jade Emperor’s form was about to rush toward the Cloud Mirror before him. At this moment the imperial stars were protecting their mother, but could only persist for an instant—how could they block a Saint’s strike?
In the Purple Void Palace, that stalwart elder had already frowned and formed a sword finger, about to point down toward below.
In this very instant!
Faster than the Heavenly Thunder the Jade Emperor would send down, swifter than the finger the Dao Ancestor was about to point.
The cosmos suddenly split open beside Golden Immortal Mother as a figure darted out, immediately pulling the cosmic rift closed behind him, causing several gray-robed old Daoists giving chase to grasp at empty air.
The figure that had darted out had already flashed in front of Golden Immortal Mother, his back to Zhunti, first using his physical body to intercept that seven-colored light pillar as yin-yang energies rapidly interwove into a Taiji Diagram phantom behind his back, completely swallowing this beam of light.
“Changgeng…”
Golden Immortal Mother called out softly, her form powerlessly falling backward, but was wrapped in immortal power and gently pushed to the side.
The newcomer raised his head to look toward the clouds as the Taiji Diagram opened, covering an area of ten li in all directions.
His robes had some tears, and his energy slightly. Now as he raised his head to stare at Zhunti, his eyes revealed traces of mockery.
Who else could it be but Li Changshou?
Li Changshou turned his head to look at Jin Ling, then at Jin Guang, and then toward Yang Jian and Yu Ding in the military camp.
He didn’t say much, only letting out a light sigh.
He understood why Jin Ling couldn’t help appearing even knowing Saint Zhunti was here.
Those few sentences Jin Ling had said earlier were all about sending Jin Guang to the Canonization Platform, but the Enlightenment Sect immortals had retreated, and the Western Religion’s two Saints had stepped forward.
This was just some uncontrollable variable.
But Yang Jian was taught by himself, and he had made a choice, a reasonable choice at that, so he should support it.
“Saint Zhunti,” Li Changshou said calmly, “let’s stop here today.”
Zhunti’s eyes were full of severity: “Li Changgeng, who do you think you’re talking to?”
“Second Patriarch of the Western Religion.”
Li Changshou said: “The children in Golden Immortal Mother’s womb are the Four Sovereigns’ Stars destined for the Heavenly Court, second-rank proper divine mandates. Do you intend to oppose the soon-to-fully-rise Heavenly Court?”
Zhunti was silent for a while before saying calmly: “Jin Guang stays.”
“Jin Guang can already enter the Canonization Platform,” Li Changshou looked toward Zhunti, “Yang Jian is the Heavenly Court’s Marshal and is valued by His Majesty, granted three rights of clemency.
As the main administrator of canonization, I shall today take Jin Guang back to the Heavenly Court.”
“You want to take both Jin Ling and Jin Guang?”
“Please grant this, Saint.”
Li Changshou’s eyes narrowed slightly, yet showed no sign of yielding.
As Zhunti’s Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree raised slightly, the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda appeared on Li Changshou’s shoulder, strands of mysterious Dao rhythms circling him.
The Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree swept down as a seven-colored rainbow condensed out of thin air, like a long whip or spear, pressing horizontally toward Li Changshou!
The black and white light of the Taiji Diagram before Li Changshou blazed as Old Pagoda’s spirit consciousness cursed wildly.
A head-on clash!
“Zhunti, you dare!”
A great shout came from the east as water-blue light dyed the horizon.
Zhao Gongming!
And it was an enraged Zhao Gongming!
“Zhunti! Just try touching them! I, Zhao Gongming, shall not rest until one of us falls today!”
Twenty-four water-blue great stars shone as Zhao Gongming’s form turned, the Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhu sending out the boundless roar of waves!
Seemingly endless huge waves pressed over from the east, bearing down horizontally toward Zhunti!
On the ground, Li Changshou held up the Taiji Diagram as he leaped up, the Ground-Leaving Flame Banner protecting Jin Ling and Jin Guang’s heads, leaving only a transparent outline.
Saint Zhunti frowned tightly as his Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree brushed out streams of treasure light, focusing especially on brushing down Zhao Gongming’s Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhu.
But Zhao Gongming let out a light shout as the twenty-four Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhus returned to his body, his form rapidly expanding as he struck a palm toward Zhunti’s precious body!
Zhunti flew up with a palm strike.
Li Changshou struck out a punch through the Taiji Diagram, the punch shadow rolling up two streams of black and white energy attacking Zhunti head-on.
Zhunti’s Saint magical power was undoubtedly manifest now as the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree slid down toward the punch shadow.
Behold!
Zhao Gongming, carrying the might of the Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhu, faced Zhunti’s fist and palm head-on as the cosmos violently shook like shattered crystals appearing full of dense cracks.
In the end, Zhao Gongming’s magical power was inferior as his form flew backward spitting blood, endless waves exploding apart and his Dao rhythm became somewhat unstable.
But below, the punch carrying the might of the Primordial Supreme Treasure Taiji Diagram knocked away the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree, the punch striking directly on Zhunti’s precious body!
Li Changshou’s form flashed, displaying the ultimate in the Way of Teleportation, appearing behind Zhunti while the cosmos wasn’t paying attention.
Cosmic Ruler, advance three, slash!
This Supreme Clarity disciple’s robes fluttered as the bladeless Cosmic Ruler cut through the cosmos, instantly swallowing Zhunti!
At the side, Zhao Gongming had already forcefully suppressed his injuries to counterattack, gripping in his hand the Cosmic Ruler that had once belonged to Burning Lamp, infusing it with the power of the Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhu. The two sets of supreme-grade Primordial Spirit Treasures were resonating, continuously vibrating!
Their might was not below a Primordial Supreme Treasure!
Zhao Gongming struck out in anger, his beautiful beard stained with blood, his battle armor bulging, as another ravine burst forth from his Cosmic Ruler, pressing down horizontally toward Zhunti who was trapped in the void rift!
This heaven and earth seemed to tremble!
At this moment Zhunti was naturally greatly angered as the seven-colored treasure light flickered and the treasure wheel behind him shone with dazzling light, actually illuminating that void ravine.
He had already displayed his ultimate skill as his body was dyed with a layer of darkish golden light.
The Eight-Foot Golden Body!
Heaven’s Dao power swept past as the heaven and earth rifts instantly closed. Zhunti had already changed from sitting to standing position, light continuously shining around his body!
Li Changshou and Zhao Gongming’s gazes met as their two figures suddenly moved one forward and one back, rapidly circling Zhunti.
Zhunti struck out sky-filling palm shadows as the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree bloomed streams of flowing light.
Li Changshou held up the Taiji Diagram as yin-yang energy disturbed left and right, wrapping around Zhao Gongming.
Zhao Gongming relied on the power of the Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhu, seemingly borrowing the power of twenty-four great thousand worlds, now also reinforced by the Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhu. When facing Zhunti’s palm shadows he temporarily didn’t fall to a disadvantage!
In the Zhou army camp.
Yu Ding True Lord’s eyes burned with two flames as he, Yang Jian, and Nezha almost simultaneously stepped forward half a step.
Beside them, Guangcheng Zi raised his hand to stop Yu Ding, saying softly: “The Western Religion is after all our ally.”
The Jade Emperor’s expression was somewhat hesitant as Yang Jian snorted coldly, stepping forward with the Three-Point Double-Edge Spear.
Nezha’s lips curled as he said calmly: “Great Senior Uncle, your judgment in choosing allies is too poor.”
But then, Nezha was pulled back by Supreme Unity True Lord.
“Master!”
“Do you have the Eight-Nine Mystical Art?” Supreme Unity True Lord scolded, “What are you showing off for, this is a Saint!”
Yang Jian took a light breath as the divine eye on his forehead blazed with light, his form transforming into a golden light streaking toward the sky.
“Heavenly Court General Yang Jian, reporting!”
However, Yang Jian was still ultimately lacking in strength. Even with the Eight-Nine Mystical Art perfected, without deeper understanding, he couldn’t participate in such a great battle.
He had only managed to move forward a bit before being knocked down from the clouds by one of Zhunti’s palms, crashing not far from Golden Immortal Mother.
But at this moment, just as Yang Jian shot skyward Zhunti was distracted for an instant!
Li Changshou seized the opportunity, his form flashing hundreds of times in the air as his right-hand sword finger pointed at the back of Zhunti’s head, striking Zhunti forward two stumbling steps as he lowered his head to spit out a mouthful of Saint’s blood!
All immortals were shocked!
Zhunti was even more enraged!
As Zhao Gongming tried to press the attack, Zhunti’s eyes were dyed golden as he struck a fist against Zhao Gongming’s punch.
With several cracking sounds, Zhao Gongming’s left arm broke inch by inch!
This wasn’t even finished as suddenly two bright lights flashed in the high sky, striking horizontally toward Zhao Gongming.
Divine light flashed in Li Changshou’s eyes as his left hand pointed at Zhao Gongming, pulling down forcefully.
The cosmos around Zhao Gongming solidified into a square, exchanging positions with the ‘square’ near the ground!
Cosmic Exchange!
Li Changshou’s figure flickered as he held up the Taiji Diagram and braced the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda, steadily blocking Zhunti’s follow-up attack.
The two bright lights in the high sky struck down as two beams of light, barely blocked by the Taiji Diagram, but Li Changshou was also directly pressed back near the ground.
On the ground, the earth’s veins condensed by Heaven’s Dao piled layer upon layer as the earth within a hundred zhang had already been shattered to its limit.
Li Changshou took a light breath, his expression extremely grave.
Zhao Gongming’s left arm was completely gone as he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. At this moment he had already received heavy injuries, barely standing up to block in front of Golden Immortal Mother, then being supported by Golden Immortal Mother’s raised hand.
In the sky, clouds formed, condensing into a hundred-zhang-tall Saint legal body.
Western Religion, Jieyin!
“Junior Brother, this is too unsightly.”
Jieyin spoke calmly as Daoist Zhunti nodded expressionlessly, dispersing his golden body and returning to his robes. He sat cross-legged in the clouds as boundless clouds formed around him, condensing into a hundred-zhang-tall legal body, sitting with Jieyin left and right in the firmament.
Jieyin spoke loudly: “Today we only settle accounts with Zhao Gongming and Golden Immortal Mother, concluding the karma of our Western Religion disciples, not harming Heavenly Court immortals and gods.”
Li Changshou frowned tightly.
Was he preventing his master from appearing?
“Junior Brother Changgeng,” Golden Immortal Mother said softly, “you should go. We husband and wife will block them. Master should have been stopped by Second Grand Master.”
Zhao Gongming gave a bitter laugh as he looked at Jin Ling, saying in a trembling voice: “What were you being impulsive for?”
“I won’t submit.”
“It’s alright, it’s alright,” Zhao Gongming gripped Jin Ling’s hand, “I just feel sorry for our children. I’ll stay with you, stay with you no matter what.
In the end, it’s because I, old Zhao, am useless.”
Golden Immortal Mother’s eyes reddened as she almost lost her composure.
The cosmos was locked down by the Saints’ Dao rhythm. If they moved rashly, they would fall into an even more passive situation. Trying to escape before Saints was a hundred times more difficult than taking their frontal attack.
Li Changshou sighed lightly with his hands behind his back as the Dao rhythm of the Taiji Diagram above his head grew dense once again.
Jieyin’s legal body struck out a stream of light, instantly pressing down the Taiji Diagram, but Li Changshou raised his hand to hard-brace it, his form barely managing not to move.
Jieyin’s legal body pressed down with his left palm, again pressing down the Taiji Diagram. Li Changshou held up both hands to the sky, his whole body making crackling sounds as his form suddenly sank.
“Hmph, those who haven’t achieved sainthood are mere insects.”
Zhunti laughed coldly as his legal body struck out a palm, pressing toward the Taiji Diagram above Li Changshou’s head.
The power of two Saints…
Li Changshou’s form was almost instantly struck down as he lowered his head to spit out a mouthful of blood, his form swaying as if about to collapse.
Eight-Nine Mystical Art!
Great Dao Balance!
Golden Immortal Mother called out: “Changgeng, run! You cannot hold them back!”
Li Changshou still didn’t move as he took a deep breath, the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda appearing beneath his feet.
Boundless spiritual energy converged toward him, but the Taiji Diagram couldn’t move up half an inch.
The Saints’ palm shadows fell again!
Jieyin and Zhunti struck simultaneously!
Li Changshou’s entire body burst out with golden light, blood light, and purple light. His form was hunched for an instant from the strike, but after enduring it, he again held up the Taiji Diagram.
Yang Jian lay in a pool of blood, now opening his eyes to watch that figure, flames burning in his eyes, but his nearly shattered body was completely unable to move.
Yu Ding True Lord clenched his fists tightly, but beside him Manjusri spoke softly, saying the Saints wouldn’t kill Li Changgeng.
Zhao Gongming called out through tears:
“Changgeng, just go! Elder Brother has become your burden, Elder Brother willingly accepts this tribulation! Please, just go!”
“Jieyin! Zhunti! Come kill me! Come kill me!”
“I, Zhao Gongming, can never repay this debt! You might as well let me die! Li Changgeng! Li Changshou!”
Li Changshou’s hands trembled lightly.
Daoist Jieyin suddenly spoke: “Jin Ling need not die today, Zhao Gongming’s life alone will suffice.”
Light ignited in Zhao Gongming’s eyes as he tried to push Golden Immortal Mother away, but was firmly held by her grip on his right arm.
Golden Immortal Mother, who had been suppressed by the Saints’ Dao rhythm all along, suddenly gripped the sword in her hand.
Why could Saints arbitrarily decide others’ fates?
Why would the Second Grand Master help the Western Religion instead of us?
Why must we of the Dao School kill each other…
“Everything began because of me, please, Noble Saints, spare my Senior Brother and Sister!”
Golden Immortal Mother looked toward Yang Jian, suddenly covering her mouth as she broke into tears, her eyes full of pain.
If only I had died earlier.
It was my fault…
It was my fault…
“It was my fault.”
Li Changshou suddenly turned around, wanting to reach out to save her, but at this moment had not half a bit of strength left, his form even being pressed to one knee in midair by the Taiji Diagram.
He only saw…
Golden Immortal Mother gripped the sword in her left hand as the blade crossed her neck. Her small form that had been kneeling fell backward as her primordial spirit shattered, blood flowing from her neck, her form slowly sinking into the fine sand.
“Ah, ah!”
Yang Jian’s voice trembled as he could only powerlessly strike the ground with both hands.
Though they were strangers, he was consumed by anger, the flames in his eyes igniting the pool of blood around him.
Her fault?
Li Changshou’s gaze somewhat stiffened.
The vast boundless pressure from above crashed down again as his form continuously trembled, yet he suddenly stood up.
Raising his head to look toward the Saints, toward the nine heavens.
Jieyin and Zhunti unconsciously stopped their attacks, frowning somewhat at Li Changshou’s current gaze.
In the Saints’ perception, there was some apprehension.
“By what right does she say it was her fault?
Answer me!
By what right? Does she say it was her fault!”
Li Changshou questioned, his voice trembling as he questioned.
Heaven and earth fell completely silent.
Zhunti suddenly had the intention to retreat, but this intention also made him somewhat angry as he coldly stared at Li Changshou.
Li Changshou suddenly gave a self-mocking laugh, traces of sorrow flashing through his eyes.
He wanted to disregard everything, wanted to expose his trump cards, wanted to take out the trump cards meant for dealing with Heaven’s Dao and use them here, to beat these two Saints to death.
But he still maintained his rationality, even now unconsciously calculating how he could help Zhao Gongming fully withdraw today.
Slap!
Li Changshou suddenly slapped himself.
His clear and bright Dao heart dispersed as Li Changshou gave a bitter laugh, opening his left hand toward Zhao Gongming.
Emotional balance.
In an instant, Li Changshou’s eyes bulged as he gritted his teeth, his hair floating up strand by strand, his fists almost squeezing out blood.
Despair, rage, regret, pain!
Taking half of what Zhao Gongming bore had already made him want to disregard everything, and want to fight to the death.
But!
‘Saints cannot die.’
‘Yes, Saints cannot die. The Six Saints balance Heaven’s Dao power. If one Saint dies, Heaven’s Dao can completely overwhelm living beings. If Heaven’s Dao swallows one Saint, Heaven’s Dao will completely lose its checks and balances.’
‘So even the strongest Saint won’t erase the weakest Saint, even if the latter continuously provokes the former.’
‘So Saints can do whatever they want.’
‘So Saints can view living beings as insects.’
‘So Saints can have no bottom line, can have no principles, no conditions whatsoever in deciding the life and death of other living beings.’
‘Isn’t this the same?’
‘Heaven’s Dao is for maintaining heaven and earth’s stability, so Heaven’s Dao can restrain living beings, so Heaven’s Dao can suppress humanity’s Holy Mother, Heaven’s Dao can calculate everything, manipulate everything.’
‘For living beings, there is no fairness, no justice, no freedom, no hope.’
‘Can Saints truly not die?’
‘Haven’t the Six Saints long since lost their ability to restrict Heaven’s Dao?’
‘When the Great Canonization Tribulation ends and the Heavenly Court completely rises, won’t Heaven’s Dao use this to fully suppress the Six Saints?’
‘Sooner or later, isn’t that so?’
‘Since it’s like this since it’s like this!’
‘Why can’t Saints die!’
‘My master was just a mundane immortal, he hadn’t done anything, just because his name was Qi Yuan, he had to be killed by the Golden Crow’s breath! To become Jiang Ziya, the source of the Qi state!’
‘Why did the Fire-Starting Lord have to bear endless pain while gazing at Heaven’s Dao from the lake bottom? Why in the end did he have to apologize to me, a junior, even after fighting to the death to suppress Heaven’s Dao’s will!’
‘Why did the Holy Mother have to be nailed in that void for several great kalpas? Why does she now not even dare speak a word exposing Heaven’s Dao!’
‘Why must the Great Canonization Tribulation require the Dao School to kill each other!’
‘Why couldn’t Jin Guang go to the Canonization Platform with her physical body!’
‘Why must living beings follow the script given by Heaven’s Dao, by what right must they bear so-called destiny!’
‘Why! And by what right!’
‘You all, by what right are you high above! Just because you lived longer, just because you were the ancient winners, just because you have no face no skin, just because you can have no humanity!’
‘Such a Primordial Chaos!
Such a heaven and earth!
Better without it! Better not to exist!’
“Master… Master!
This disciple still has three backup plans! I still have three other final methods to save living beings!”
Li Changshou suddenly raised his head and shouted, looking at the firmament, staring fixedly at the Saint’s legal body on the left, gritting his teeth.
“I want to kill Saints! I want to kill the Western Religion’s two Saints!
I’ll bear all the consequences! I’ll resolve them! I’ll shoulder them!
But today, I want to kill Saints!”
Dong—
The Primal Chaos Bell’s sound echoed through the nine heavens as the old Daoist in the Purple Void Palace frowned in concentration.
Above the huge legal bodies of Jieyin and Zhunti, a Taiji Diagram slowly spread out, covering the cosmos, cutting off the ages. Endless, boundless pressure sprinkled down, causing Zhunti and Jieyin to change color violently.
Patriarch Tongtian pressed down on his sword hilt, somewhat lost as he looked toward the Ten Ultimate Formation ruins, at that figure slowly standing up wrapped in golden light.
The original Heavenly Lord closed his eyes, now only sighing slightly.
Heaven and earth fell silent.
Above the nine heavens, an old Daoist sat cross-legged in the clouds, his gaunt face bearing traces of loving kindness, his slightly opened eyes revealing traces of satisfaction.
“Granted.”
The Taiji Diagram suddenly became solid, covering Li Changshou and Zhao Gongming’s heads as the light flashed in the high sky, the Primal Chaos Bell hovering before Zhao Gongming.
Li Changshou raised the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda, gripped the Cosmic Ruler, and with his right hand cut open the cosmos to pull out the Small God-Killing Spear.
Stepping forward in the void, his Dao robes split open as streams of energy shot skyward, three flames already burning on his forehead.
Burning primordial spirit power.
Burning primordial spirit.
Burning mystic body essence blood.
Amid piercing yet faint friction sounds, the cosmos around and beneath his feet appeared with layers of cracks like crystal, light distorting around him as heaven and earth seemed about to develop holes.
Li Changshou raised his head to look at those two Saint legal bodies that had already put away their smiles and ferocity, only cold detachment remaining in his eyes.
“Heaven’s Dao, protect your heaven and earth well.”