He just had to show off and demonstrate to his disciple how to crack the mystery hidden within the parchment scroll, and ended up making it disappear completely. Now Jun Gou Sheng could only stand before the stone door shedding empty tears.
“Am I!”
“Not a fool!”
The System loudly delivered the finishing blow: “Yes!”
“Sigh.”
Jun Changxiao let out a long breath, calmed his emotions, then stood before the stone door. Clenching his fist, he said proudly, “Without the parchment scroll, I still can’t get in? Naive!”
“Whoosh! Whoosh!”
Powerful spiritual energy gathered in his right fist, carrying ten thousand pounds of force as it struck forward.
This strike’s power was incredibly strong—even a Half-Saint might not dare to face it head-on!
“Boom!”
“Thud thud thud!”
His right fist struck heavily against the stone door, and Jun Changxiao was also forcefully bounced back, nearly stumbling and sitting on the ground.
The System maintained absolute silence throughout.
Actually, it wanted to remind the host that the stone door’s material was special, possibly forged from some kind of hard ore, but it never spoke up, fearing it would be instantly proven wrong—after all, this had happened before.
“A bit hard!”
Jun Changxiao steadied himself, relaxed his right hand’s five fingers, summoned the Mechanical Armed Wings, activated attack mode, and his fist was instantly enveloped in steel.
“Stomp!”
Jun Changxiao took a running start of several steps, planted one foot before the stone door, swung his fist forward, and learning from anime protagonists who gained super strength by shouting during battle, he roared loudly, “Break for me!”
“Boom—”
The ground instantly shook along with it.
“Thud thud thud!”
“Thud!”
Jun Changxiao retreated several steps wildly, then fell sitting on the ground, collapsing as he said, “This is way too hard!”
He just wouldn’t believe it!
“Crimson Sky Blazing Flame Slash!”
“Boom! Boom!”
“Seven Profound Radiant Light Break!”
“Boom! Boom!”
Jun Changxiao no longer used his fists but relied on various martial techniques for long-range output. However, when the power struck it, it was immediately bounced away without leaving even a trace.
The System finally couldn’t help but speak up: “The stone door’s material is extraordinary. The host definitely cannot break it with fists and martial techniques.”
“Understood.”
Jun Changxiao stood up, summoned the True Yang Set, then held the True Yang Sword in his left hand and the Jade Dragon Heaven-Questioning Sword in his right hand.
With the Armed Wings’ combat form enhancement in front and the set equipment attribute bonuses behind.
Full firepower!
System: “…”
“Swish! Swish! Swish!”
“Clang! Clang! Clang!”
Dense sword shadows appeared one after another, but no matter how fierce the sword energy bombardment the stone door endured, it always stood calmly in place, completely unharmed.
“Thud!”
Half an hour later, Jun Gou Sheng collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath as he said, “Does the Shop have any items for time reversal? I… want to go back to the past and stop my foolish behavior…”
“No.” The System said.
“Ahhhhh!”
Jun Changxiao held his head and roared, “Why did I have to burn it with fire!”
“Buzz!”
After a while longer, the flowing light barrier around the perimeter disappeared, and the impregnable stone door vanished from sight.
And outside, night had already fallen.
The System said, “It seems this opportunity only opens during the twilight period.”
After Jun Changxiao wiped the sweat from his forehead, he said, “Tomorrow I’ll call Hall Master Zi and Old Ding over. I refuse to believe we can’t break through this stone door!”
Having always been smooth sailing in his search for opportunities, he had hit a snag today.
The more this happened, the more it stirred up his stubborn temper.
Never mind whether there were opportunities inside the stone door—he had to break it!
…
The next day.
Jun Changxiao brought Zilin Demon King and Ding Xingwang over, and during the twilight period, once again triggered the flowing light formation.
“It’s this door.”
“Break it!”
“Yes!”
Ding Xingwang was about to condense his spiritual energy.
Zilin Demon King gestured for him to step back, saying coolly, “Leave it to this Hall Master.”
As an Upper Realm Demon King, aside from eating food made by Liu Wanshi, he maintained a strong demeanor at all times.
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
Violent demonic energy wildly surged within the formation. After a moment, Zilin Hall Master was seen lying bare-chested in the distance, drenched in sweat.
The stone door remained intact and undamaged!
“Old Ding.”
Jun Changxiao collapsed, saying, “You try.”
“…”
Ding Xingwang’s mouth twitched slightly.
Even a fierce person like Hall Master Zi couldn’t break it open—he definitely couldn’t either.
But since the Sect Master had spoken, he could only step forward, then stop before the stone door and begin circulating his spiritual energy. Just as he was about to raise his fist to strike, he suddenly turned his head sideways and said, “Sect Master, the dot on this ‘fang’ character seems a bit different.”
“Different?”
Jun Changxiao hurried over and immediately discovered that the dot’s color was slightly darker than the other characters. Unless one looked closely, it would be hard to notice even with spiritual sense.
“Snap!”
Old Ding raised his finger and pressed on it. The dot immediately sank inward, and the tightly closed stone door suddenly opened from bottom to top!
“…”
Grand Sect Master Jun stood frozen in place like a wooden chicken.
Zilin Demon King, lying in the distance, casually picked up a corner of his torn clothes and covered his face, thinking silently, “Can’t see me, can’t see me, no one can see me.”
…
Water soaking, fire roasting.
Using fists, martial techniques, weapons.
All of these were fancy tricks.
Ding Xingwang found the mystery at a glance and easily opened the stone door—that was the simplest and most direct method!
“This handsome face of mine has been swollen from beating!” Jun Changxiao roared inwardly.
“Sect Master.”
Ding Xingwang said, “Should we go in?”
“Go in.”
Jun Changxiao stepped inside.
Since Zilin Demon King and Ding Xingwang had come, they would naturally follow to take a look.
The other end connected to the stone door was a tunnel that seemed bottomless. As soon as the three entered, they felt a desolate and ancient aura.
“Sect Master!”
Ding Xingwang said, “In my judgment, this place must hide an incredible treasure!”
As a Martial Saint who had lived for a long time, he was most experienced with this kind of opportunity exploration and could gain insight from the environmental atmosphere alone.
“I hope so.”
Jun Changxiao spoke while remaining vigilant.
This kind of opportunity location that the Treasure Detector hadn’t detected might have traps.
“Hall Master Zi.”
Jun Changxiao said, “You lead the way ahead.”
Since he had followed them in, naturally the one with the extremely strong physical body had to take point.
…
Before long.
The three entered a cavern that was as bright as daylight.
Zilin Demon King, walking at the front, had patches of blue and red all over his exposed skin, showing he had been targeted by mechanisms quite a bit while walking through the tunnel.
“Hmph.”
He said proudly, “Mere mechanisms and traps—how could they harm this King?”
The camera turned to behind him, where arrow after arrow was stuck in his back.
Jun Changxiao couldn’t bear to look and turned his gaze away, then carefully surveyed the cavern. He immediately spotted a patch of earth in the central area where a rather strangely shaped plant was growing.
“Sect Master.”
Ding Xingwang said gravely, “This is definitely a heavenly treasure of extremely high quality!”
Jun Changxiao’s eyes flickered with a trace of disappointment.
He had hoped to find equipment and weapons here, as they could immediately strengthen his own power.
Heavenly treasures were certainly good, but unless consumed to enhance strength, they basically needed to be refined to demonstrate their value.
“This is…”
Zilin Demon King exclaimed in surprise, “Jade Pure Profound Spirit!”
—
# Chapter 986: Master Fan? That Name Sounds Familiar
With the help of soil from the Upper Realm, Peppa unexpectedly awakened the bloodline of the Earth-Devouring Sacred Beast, achieving a comprehensive evolution.
The term “wild boar” would truly become history, because it now had good looks. Though not as flashy as the Purple Lightning Young Tiger or as imposing as Xiao Longlong, it was at least much more handsome than before!
However, Peppa was courting death a bit. It actually volunteered to let Jun Changxiao punch it once.
Admirable courage!
Dog Sheng also wanted to see how strong his contracted beast had become after evolution. With one punch at fifty percent power, he nearly pounded it back into pig form again.
On the hospital bed, Peppa licked its wounds while crying, howling in its heart: “Why is Master so fierce!”
“Baby.”
At this moment, Jun Changxiao walked over, gently placing his right hand on its forehead, smiling: “To endure this seat’s punch and still survive—you’re already quite remarkable!”
This was the first time Peppa saw its master being so gentle with it, and tears immediately flowed uncontrollably.
“After your wounds heal, go help Elder Wei and the others improve the soil in the medicine fields.”
Peppa’s defense had earned Jun Changxiao’s approval.
But that wasn’t important. What was important was that eating dirt and squeezing out milk was the most excellent thing!
“Yes!”
Peppa said with determined eyes: “Master!”
Jun Changxiao stood up, stopping at the door of the hospital room, with his back to it: “On the day this seat reaches the mountain peak, you must accompany me.”
Peppa’s expression suddenly froze, its inner universe instantly ignited. Then with a bang, it burst through its bandages, crying: “Master, I will work hard!”
“Swoosh!”
It jumped off the bed and flew out.
At the medicine field, Peppa ran back and forth. Patches of soil were swallowed into its belly, then quickly spat back out, with every grain of sand containing spiritual energy.
“Sect Master.”
Elder Wei, sitting in the small pavilion, took a sip of tea and said: “Your contracted beast is very diligent. Its wounds haven’t even healed yet, but it’s already here improving the soil.”
Jun Changxiao said in a serious tone: “Only this way can one become stronger.”
The system was speechless. Clearly using it as a laborer, yet having to pretend to be deeply caring.
…
A few days later, the medicine fields below Medical Peak were renovated. The soil that gathered spiritual energy could be used to grow medicinal herbs, not only improving growth cycles but also increasing spiritual energy intensity—definitely a blessed land!
“Peppa.”
Jun Changxiao pointed toward the grassland where Hunger-Relief Grass was planted: “This area also needs to be renovated as soon as possible.”
“Yes!”
Peppa immediately got to work.
Perhaps due to its awakening and evolution, after working busily for several consecutive days, not only did it not feel tired, but it became more energetic the more it worked.
“Wow, Peppa has changed appearance?”
“It looks so handsome!”
“I still prefer the chubby Peppa from before!”
The sect disciples saw Peppa’s transformation and all discussed it competitively. Hearing them talking about itself, Peppa proudly walked with a gait that showed no concern for anyone.
Before, it had been very self-conscious, shrinking away in the medicine fields every day. Now with its form changed and strength improved, it had regained its dignity.
I! Peppa! Have been completely reborn!
That sky can no longer cover my eyes, that earth can no longer bury my…
“Bang!”
In the midst of its grand aspirations, Peppa was suddenly sent flying. When it landed staggering, it immediately grimaced in pain.
After evolution, this fellow had developed a temper too!
However, when it saw clearly that it was Xiao Longlong who had hit it, it quickly closed its mouth, pretending not to have seen anything, then continued walking toward the medicine field.
“Stop.”
Xiao Longlong said coldly: “You bumped into me. Aren’t you going to apologize?”
“…”
Peppa roared in its heart: “You’re the one who bumped into me!”
“Serves you right for not having eyes and getting hit,” the barefoot Little Witch said coldly from the rooftop.
Xiao Longlong glared at her, then looked at Peppa and angrily said: “You think so too?”
“Peppa.”
The Little Witch said: “Don’t be afraid of him!”
“…” Thinking that it had awakened the Earth-Devouring Sacred Beast bloodline, Peppa held its head high and said: “That’s right!”
“Whoosh! Whoosh!”
Xiao Longlong was instantly enveloped in flames, transforming into its second form. A young boy’s head emerged from inside, saying coldly: “I’m going to beat you up.”
“Come on!”
Peppa was very manly!
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
“Awooo~~~~~”
Under the setting sun, Peppa lay in the medicine field with a bruised and swollen face, occasionally sticking out its tongue to lick its wounds, crying: “Master, I’m still too weak!”
…
“Sect Master.”
Elder Wei came and said: “According to calculations and statistics, the renovated medicine fields can speed up the growth cycle of medicinal herbs by thirty percent.”
“Good, good.” Dog Sheng Jun laughed.
The pills in the Alchemy Pavilion all needed continuous supply of medicinal herbs. The medicine field soil that could accelerate herb growth would definitely bring significant benefits.
“By the way.”
Jun Changxiao waved his hand and took out the Jade-Pure Profound Spirit, saying: “How do you think this heavenly material treasure is?”
Elder Wei examined it carefully and exclaimed: “Such pure energy—its grade has probably reached Divine Grade!”
In such treasure-class medicinal materials, he still had quite authoritative judgment.
“This item comes from the Upper Realm.” Jun Changxiao said calmly.
“The Upper Realm?” Elder Wei’s eyes widened: “Then its grade definitely surpasses Divine Grade!”
“However…”
After examining it carefully again, he said: “It seems not yet fully mature.”
“You can even tell that?” Jun Changxiao was surprised.
The Jade-Pure Profound Spirit indeed hadn’t fully matured; otherwise, it would have already lifted its seal and been announced on the Plane Battlefield.
No big problem. After all, he had the Heavenly Material Treasure Nurturing Device. As long as he prepared enough energy, he could rapidly mature it.
However, at present, the Jade-Pure Profound Spirit had no practical use yet, so Jun Changxiao hadn’t spent resources to cultivate it. He just placed it inside for the original 1.5x acceleration.
“Elder Wei, as the number of sect disciples increases, more and more medicinal herbs will be needed. Your Medical Hall must work harder.”
“Mm.”
“Hall Master Li.”
Jun Changxiao continued: “How is Xiao Mu doing lately?”
Li Luoqiu said: “After entering the Ten Perfect Spirit Imperial Tower, she hasn’t sent any intelligence. She should be in closed-door cultivation.”
“Qingyang and the others have already broken through to Emperor Level. Only Xiao Mu delayed her cultivation because of being undercover. Hopefully this time she can use Taixuan Sacred Sect’s martial arts resources to break through.”
“Has the Demon Emperor Gate made any moves?”
“Not yet.”
Jun Changxiao shook his head: “The powerful experts who entered the battlefield won’t stay inside long. If the Demon Emperor Gate doesn’t take advantage of the opportunity to do something, they won’t have much chance.”
This fellow’s current mentality was to hope the world would be in chaos!
“Sect Master.”
Li Luoqiu paused slightly, then said: “On the southeastern beach of Shi Province, many people have continuously discovered drifting bottles with rescue letters inside.”
“Oh?”
Jun Changxiao listened quietly.
This woman received intelligence from all over the world every day, but she didn’t report everything to him. Since she took the initiative to mention it today, there must be something special about it.
Li Luoqiu said: “The rescue letters were written by Master Fan. The content says he’s trapped on Donghai Fisher Isle and hopes powerful experts from various sects will come to rescue him.”
“Master Fan?”
Jun Changxiao stroked his chin: “That name sounds a bit familiar.”
# Chapter 987: The King of Base Construction
The name Master Fan sounded a bit familiar to Jun Changxiao, but he couldn’t remember it for the moment.
Li Luoqiu said: “The contemporary forging master of Xingyun Continent. Weapons forged by him not only have extraordinary power but also possess extremely high collection value.”
“Forging master?”
Jun Changxiao suddenly remembered that he often encountered weapons engraved with the character ‘Fan’ when fighting enemies, and suddenly realized: “So it’s him!”
If Master Fan were present now, he would definitely pound his chest with his little fists. After all, so many weapons he forged had been destroyed by this fellow, and sometimes they even had to serve as props for his showing off, yet he only just remembered!
“I thought Master Fan had long since passed away, but unexpectedly he’s still alive.” Jun Changxiao said.
“…” Li Luoqiu said: “According to my investigation, over twenty years ago, Donghai Fisher Isle sent people over and invited Master Fan and others to go there.”
“Invited to go?”
Jun Changxiao didn’t understand: “Then why is he calling for rescue?”
You went with them yourself, but then use drifting bottles to call for help—that’s a bit mischievous.
Li Luoqiu said: “Perhaps there are hidden circumstances.”
Fine Rain Hall’s intelligence had already spread throughout the nine provinces, but couldn’t extend to Donghai Fisher Isle, so she couldn’t learn about Master Fan’s situation either.
Elder Wei said: “I also heard a bit about events from twenty years ago. Apparently Donghai Fisher Isle discovered a miraculous ore, so they came to the continent to invite a forging master, hoping to forge it into weapons.”
“Master Fan is someone who’s obsessed with forging techniques and can’t help himself. He’s been single for several hundred years without a female companion. Upon hearing about the ore, he would definitely go there regardless of everything.”
The first half was what he heard; the latter half was his own speculation.
Jun Changxiao said: “Elder Wei, not all men in this world care about relationships as much as you do.”
“For example.”
Li Luoqiu added: “The Sect Master.”
At first she was very confused—the Sect Master was young and promising, with strong abilities, so his romantic life should be rich and colorful. Yet he was even more detached than a monk. It wasn’t until later when she heard villagers say he fell once as a child that she suddenly understood.
Elder Wei said: “Master Fan’s forging techniques have reached the peak of perfection. Perhaps Donghai Fisher Isle used the ore as bait and forcibly kept him there to forge weapons?”
“Peak of perfection?”
Jun Changxiao said: “This seat doesn’t think the weapons he forges are very strong.”
If Master Fan heard this, he would definitely cough up three liters of blood. For a cheat-user like you, of course the weapons I forge wouldn’t seem strong!
“Have other sects gotten the news?” Jun Changxiao asked.
“They have.”
Li Luoqiu said: “But judging from the current situation, all the major sects are worried about the battlefield and no one is considering going to Donghai Fisher Isle to rescue Master Fan. Moreover, many people are skeptical about this matter. After all, the East Sea is extremely far from the continent—how could bottles possibly drift over?”
“Even if he’s truly trapped, with the Plane Battlefield situation, who would have the mood to go out to sea to rescue someone who only knows how to forge weapons?” Jun Changxiao said.
“Alas.”
Elder Wei sighed: “I heard Master Fan has wide connections and good relationships with all the major sects. Now that he’s trapped in the East Sea, yet no one will help rescue him—truly tragic.”
“Even husband and wife are like birds in the same forest—when great disaster strikes, each flies away separately. Let alone friends who claim to be loyal brothers.” Jun Changxiao stood up and said: “The sect’s affairs are handled first. This seat is going out for a bit.”
“To rescue Master Fan?” Elder Wei asked.
“No.”
Jun Changxiao said: “To the Plane Battlefield.”
He’d only heard of Master Fan, and they had no connection whatsoever, so of course he wouldn’t go rescue him.
Moreover, he himself was very busy and still had to develop the stronghold within the stipulated time. How could he have time to perform good deeds and accumulate virtue?
“Sect Master.”
Elder Wei’s expression became serious: “Master Fan’s understanding of forging techniques is quite strong. If our Myriad Ancient Sect rescues him and recruits him into our sect, it will definitely be beneficial without any harm!”
Li Luoqiu said: “I think so too.”
The two wanted to rescue Master Fan not for chivalry and justice, but because of his extremely high forging skills. The sect had developed to this point and still lacked technical talent in forging.
Jun Changxiao considered briefly, then said: “Rescuing him is fine, but first we must confirm whether the information is true.”
“As long as we confirm whether the handwriting comes from Master Fan’s hand, we can verify it.” Li Luoqiu said.
“This matter is entrusted to you.” Jun Changxiao said: “This seat will go to the Plane Battlefield first.”
With that said, he turned and left.
“Elder Wei.”
Li Luoqiu said: “Master Fan is the forging master with the highest achievements in forging throughout history. Why does the Sect Master seem so unconcerned?”
Elder Wei said: “Perhaps he has doubts about the rescue letter.”
Jun Changxiao’s lack of enthusiasm was because the system had a Forging Pavilion. If he wanted to craft any equipment, as long as he had the formula and ore, he could do it. Why would he need a forging master?
If the system now issued a side quest to rescue Master Fan, see if he’d be enthusiastic!
…
Plane Battlefield.
Jun Changxiao held the treasure detector, continuing to search around inside. The light spots displayed on it also became fewer and fewer as he kept searching.
These opportunities left by powerful beings from the Upper Realm averaged one discovery every few years. After he came, he found three to five on average per day—who could withstand that!
“Sect Master.”
Li Qingyang said: “The stronghold now has the scale of three towns. Many places are empty. Should we continue building?”
“Tomorrow bring Peppa over. With its help, it should be much faster.” Jun Changxiao said.
Actually, he didn’t want to continue constructing the stronghold. After all, the current scale was sufficient. But the epic quest said to reach city-level, without specifying whether it meant reaching city-level in area or necessarily having the appearance of a city.
To ensure that after half a year he could smoothly complete the task without being stuck at a realm barrier, Jun Changxiao could only proceed with the most comprehensive approach—not only expanding the area but also creating the scale.
This project was quite large. However, fortunately Peppa had evolved and its strength reached the entry standard. Its control over earth-element attributes had also become stronger, so using it for construction would only be faster.
…
The next day, Peppa came to the stronghold through the teleportation gate. Its four limbs stepped on the ground, and its gaze immediately became fervent.
As an earth-element spirit beast, it could sense that every grain of sand beneath its feet contained earth-element attributes much stronger than Xingyun Continent. Taking a bite would definitely be good!
The special aspect of the Earth-Devouring Sacred Beast was its ability to obtain heaven and earth attributes from soil. First, it could use them for strengthening; second, it could use them to grow itself.
After evolution, Peppa worked tirelessly in the medicine fields every day. Though it was a bit miserable, through repeated devouring and absorption, its strength improvement was still quite significant.
In this regard, Xiao Longlong and the Little Witch couldn’t compare.
So although Peppa was currently weak, with its earth-devouring ability, as long as it had a good environment, its strength improvement wasn’t slow at all.
“Roar!”
On the empty ground of the stronghold, Peppa raised its head and roared.
The surrounding soil began to roll slightly, then rapidly sank, forming crisscrossing foundations.
Li Qingyang and the others were stunned.
This ability to instantly create foundations with one roar—truly a natural-born king of construction!
# Chapter 988: Even the Demon Emperor of the Past Was Far Inferior to Sect Master Jun
With Peppa’s help, the stronghold’s construction speed accelerated. Paths were laid out one after another, buildings erected one by one.
The various martial artists who had previously been suspicious watched from high positions as Myriad Ancient Sect disciples busily worked, finally truly realizing that the Xingyun Continent stronghold was built by them brick by brick, piece of earth by piece of earth.
City Lord Han said: “If Sect Master Jun hadn’t entered first, we would probably have died in battle long ago.”
“That’s right.” Mu Changhong agreed.
Upon entering the battlefield, who hadn’t arranged their affairs well? Who hadn’t embraced certain death? But until now, not only were they fine, but other planes fled at the sight of them.
All of this was because of Jun Changxiao.
To say he saved all of Xingyun Continent was absolutely not putting a high hat on him, nor was it exaggerating.
The various powerful experts already had sufficient respect for Jun Changxiao, as could be seen from the expressions that appeared whenever they saw him.
People naturally harbored a heart of gratitude; it was just rarely triggered in daily life.
After staying at Suspended Mountain for several more days, many powerful experts developed plans to return to Xingyun Continent. After all, they had seen what there was to see and played what there was to play—it was time to go back and report their safety.
“Everyone.”
Jun Changxiao said: “You cannot leave yet, because…” His expression suddenly became serious: “The true test for our Xingyun Continent entering the battlefield hasn’t ended yet.”
City Lord Han said in surprise: “What is the true test?”
Jun Changxiao’s gaze swept across the various powerful experts in the martial arts arena, his tone profound: “The Slaughter Asura Field!”
“The Slaughter Asura Field?” Everyone’s expressions changed.
Just from the name alone, they could tell it wasn’t anything good.
“The Upper Realm has regulations. All planes entering the battlefield must enter the Slaughter Asura Field for a life-and-death battle with other planes, or they will face severe punishment.” Jun Changxiao said.
This wasn’t bragging but actual fact.
As long as a plane entered, regardless of strength, regardless of stronghold scale, they all had to go to the Slaughter Asura Field—the only difference was sooner or later.
With Myriad Ancient Sect’s strength, entering the Asura Field was no problem.
But since the continent’s powerful experts had come, they naturally had to contribute. They couldn’t always let his sect do all the dirty and tiring work.
“Sect Master Jun.”
City Lord Han asked: “When do we enter the Slaughter Asura Field?”
“Within a year. The specific time is still unclear.” Jun Changxiao said.
The system said speechlessly: “The host doesn’t want them to contribute—he wants them to help complete the epic quest!”
“Helping me is helping Xingyun Continent. Is there a problem?” Jun Changxiao asked.
“This…”
The system said: “No problem!”
…
The next day, Jun Changxiao entered the Plane Battlefield from the sect.
Li Qingyang hurried over to report: “Sect Master, the battlefield ghosts have come!”
Jun Changxiao released his spiritual sense and indeed discovered several hundred outside the stronghold. He said speechlessly: “This seat has been behaving properly lately. Why have they come again?”
He hadn’t fought or killed anyone.
But going to the battlefield every day to steal opportunities—almost having stolen everything clean—the Upper Realm definitely couldn’t stand it!
The battlefield ghosts that appeared this time were similar to before, but their overall strength had clearly improved considerably. It seemed the difficulty of punishment had also risen.
“Notify the disciples to prepare for battle!”
“Yes!”
Li Qingyang immediately took action.
In no time, the sect’s core disciples and high-level members all assembled together.
“What are those things outside?”
“From the looks of it, they don’t seem to be human!”
City Lord Han and the others stood on Suspended Mountain, witnessing substantial-looking creatures appearing outside the stronghold, all looking bewildered.
“Father.”
Mu Honglian explained: “These are battlefield ghosts. Their strength and equipment are very strong.”
“Why are they standing outside?” Mu Changhong asked.
Mu Honglian said: “To attack our stronghold.”
“Ah?”
Everyone was dumbfounded.
City Lord Han frowned: “The aura these creatures emanate is probably no weaker than ours. If they truly attack the stronghold, it will be quite troublesome!”
“Therefore!”
A Martial Saint said solemnly: “We must defend to the death!”
The various powerful experts all burst forth with heavy cultivation, about to rush out and engage the battlefield ghosts. But they heard Jun Changxiao say: “Everyone, please continue resting. My Myriad Ancient Sect will handle this.”
Experience packages sent by the Upper Realm—how could he share them with others!
“Charge!”
“Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!”
Li Qingyang and the others rushed out.
An intense battle instantly began outside the stronghold.
Though the battlefield ghosts’ overall strength had improved considerably, Myriad Ancient Sect had also improved greatly during this period. So after an hour of combat, they were completely annihilated.
All the powerful experts were stunned.
“That purple-haired fellow who strips his clothes can actually fight several battlefield ghosts comparable to Martial Saints at once—this is truly terrifying!” City Lord Han exclaimed.
The Purple Lin Demon King, who had just walked into the stronghold and heard what he said, roared: “Whether I strip or not has no relation to whether I’m strong!”
Everyone: “…”
“There’s also Li Qingyang and Xiao Ziji—those disciples who participated in the Dragon-Tiger Competition can actually kill battlefield ghosts with ease!”
At first, when Myriad Ancient Sect disciples welcomed them on the battlefield, it had already deeply shocked the various martial artists. Today, witnessing them fight firsthand, their hearts were impacted violently once again.
The second and third-rate sect powerhouses were still okay.
The first-rate sect powerhouses all had bitter expressions.
As the continent’s top forces, they naturally had quite a few outstanding talented disciples, but compared with Li Qingyang and the others, they were utterly pathetic!
Especially several elders from Taixuan Sacred Sect, looking at Lu Qianqian, their eyes filled with complex emotions.
This woman had once been their sect’s most outstanding, most worthy of cultivation disciple. Later, due to certain reasons, she was expelled. Unexpectedly, after joining Myriad Ancient Sect, she became even stronger than before.
When Myriad Ancient Sect won first place in the Dragon-Tiger Competition, many powerful experts had previously believed that the top sects didn’t seriously send out talented participants. Now, having witnessed them fight battlefield ghosts firsthand and the combat power they unleashed, they were ruthlessly slapped in the face.
If they held it again, even if they sent all their elites, they would definitely be brutally thrashed.
Honestly, with Li Qingyang and the others’ current strength, never mind thrashing sect talented disciples—thrashing some sect high-level members would be no problem either.
…
Myriad Ancient Sect’s strength had never been known to Xingyun Continent martial artists. Now, having experienced the battlefield ghost battle, they had a thorough understanding.
The more this was so, the more it shocked the various powerful experts!
Having just advanced to third-rate, the disciples were already incredibly powerful. If they developed for decades or centuries more, who in the entire continent could contend with them!
“Sect Master Jun.”
In the great hall, City Lord Han cupped his fists: “Back then, Han only thought you were young and promising. Now it seems you’re a hegemon with great talent and bold vision!”
“City Lord Han is too kind!” Jun Changxiao said.
“No.”
City Lord Han said earnestly: “Han is not flattering you. With Myriad Ancient Sect’s current strength, you already have the qualifications to dominate Xingyun Continent. Looking throughout history, even the Demon Emperor of the past was far inferior to Sect Master Jun!”
Jun Changxiao’s mouth twitched: “City Lord Han is trying to flatter me to death.”
# Chapter 989: Heaven-Character
Even the past Demon Emperor couldn’t compare to him—City Lord Han’s words were more than Jun Changxiao could bear.
In terms of achievements alone, he couldn’t compare to that kind of fierce person who dared oppose the entire world. But from Myriad Ancient Sect’s development trajectory, he was definitely stronger than the Demon Emperor Sect.
According to historical records, although the Demon Emperor established the Demon Gate very early on, he was always devoted to cultivation. Only after his realm matured did he integrate various demonic forces, leading to Demon Emperor Sect’s sudden emergence.
Jun Changxiao, on the other hand, built from scratch. The sect climbed up step by step from being unranked, and in just a few short years achieved its current accomplishments. So the Demon Emperor couldn’t compare.
As Master Yi once said: A true master always maintains an apprentice’s heart.
Jun Changxiao didn’t want to be high-profile, nor did he want to compete with ancient people over who was stronger or weaker, because it had no meaning. He only sought comfort and satisfaction.
“Sect Master Jun.”
City Lord Han said: “Han has seen countless people and won’t misjudge you. You and your Myriad Ancient Sect—if you continue developing, you will certainly hold the reins of Xingyun Continent!”
Holy crap! This fellow was getting more and more exaggerated!
Jun Changxiao shook his head: “This seat only wants to develop the sect steadily and peacefully, without any ambition. City Lord Han, please don’t use the Demon Emperor to describe me, or it will easily cause misunderstandings.”
Who was the Demon Emperor? The number one public enemy of righteous sects back then!
Saying he was awesome was fine, but using him for comparison—if those self-proclaimed embodiments of righteousness from major sects heard it, they would definitely feel displeased.
Jun Changxiao wasn’t afraid of offending righteous sects, but there was also no need to antagonize the entire world.
“True as well.”
City Lord Han cupped his fists respectfully: “Sect Master Jun, for the sake of all living beings in the world, brought disciples into the battlefield early to test the dangers with their own bodies. That greatness far surpasses the Demon Emperor!”
“…” Jun Changxiao was speechless.
This fellow really knew how to speak pleasantly. However, it sounded quite comfortable.
…
The battlefield ghosts that appeared again after an interval not only brought experience but also stronghold area. Since their overall strength was higher, the expansion wasn’t small either.
“If a batch came every day, how could we worry about not reaching city-level scale?” Dog Sheng Jun laughed.
“Whoosh! Whoosh!”
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh!”
Inside the stronghold, Peppa released its earth-element attributes, arranging pieces of bluestone slabs around, forming a spacious boulevard.
“Sect Master.”
Li Qingyang stood at a high point: “In this disciple’s design, this is the eastern district of the city. After subsequent expansion, there will also be western, southern, and northern districts.”
“Since it’s a city, walls are indispensable.” Jun Changxiao said.
Li Qingyang said: “This disciple has also considered this, but given that the stronghold expands daily, we can only build them separately after reaching city-level scale.”
Jun Changxiao nodded, then flew out of the stronghold to continue searching for opportunities within.
The next day, battlefield ghosts appeared again, and for several dozen consecutive days, allowing Myriad Ancient Sect disciples to fully gain massive experience with rapidly increasing strength.
In Myriad Ancient Sect, due to soil renovation, many medicinal herbs had shortened growth cycles. Li Qingyang not only had to be busy with construction but also responsible for refining pills.
The most critical were Martial King Pills, because they were the main material for crafting Surge Talismans and also the key to whether disciples could break through to Martial Emperor faster.
Xiao Ziji wasn’t idle either, undertaking the heavy responsibility of crafting equipment. After ores were delivered, he crafted various weapons and armor sets in batches.
The entire Myriad Ancient Sect had entered a virtuous cycle. Jun Changxiao’s daily tasks were just finding opportunities, fishing, and occasionally appearing in the “Chapter Comments” section to brag with readers.
…
“Master, sending battlefield ghosts to punish them every day not only doesn’t trouble the Xingyun Continent stronghold but keeps making them stronger. If this continues and the Realm Hall finds out, I’m afraid they’ll cause you trouble again.”
In the ethereal palace, the stooped elder frowned.
“This emperor is executing according to their orders. How could they cause trouble?” The graceful woman sitting on the throne, shrouded in clouds and mist, said impatiently.
“Master.”
The elder said: “This subordinate believes that to prove yourself, you should appropriately increase the difficulty, lest people talk behind your back.”
The woman considered briefly, then said: “Send a Heaven-character battlefield ghost down.”
“How many?”
“One is enough.”
“Yes!”
The elder hastily withdrew.
The woman leaned back in her chair, thinking darkly: “Once this emperor breaks through that layer, will I still fear a small Realm Hall?”
…
Outside the stronghold, space gradually distorted.
“The battlefield ghosts are coming again!”
Myriad Ancient Sect disciples put down their work and began warming up.
Over the past month, battlefield ghosts appeared punctually every day, so they had long grown accustomed.
“Step!”
A battlefield ghost wearing crimson war armor and a crimson war helmet walked out.
“It’s different from before!” Myriad Ancient Sect disciples said in surprise.
This battlefield ghost’s face and hair could be clearly seen. If not for the red glow flashing in its eyes, at first glance it looked no different from a human!
Jun Changxiao walked out, surprised: “The aura it emanates is much stronger than Earth-character. Could it be Heaven-character?”
“Correct.” The female system said: “This is a Heaven-character battlefield ghost. Its strength is very formidable. Dear participant, you must be careful.”
“Interesting.” Jun Changxiao became intrigued.
Having been in the Plane Battlefield so long, he had not only fought Earth-character but also killed them. Only Heaven-character he’d never seen. How strong was it? Could it be comparable to Martial Emperor?
“Sect Master Jun.”
City Lord Han walked over, his expression serious: “This fellow has probably reached the Great Perfection Realm.”
“Great Perfection Realm?” Jun Changxiao was confused.
City Lord Han said: “This is a realm after peak Martial Saint, also called Martial Saint Great Perfection. It represents complete mastery of the martial way. If one breaks through again, they can ascend to the Emperor position and explore the secrets of Shattering the Void.”
Jun Changxiao said speechlessly: “What’s the difference from the Half-Saint between Martial Emperor and Martial Saint?”
“No difference.”
City Lord Han said: “But it seems stronger and more prestigious!”
“Fine.”
Jun Changxiao looked at the battlefield ghost, thinking darkly: “In other words, in the Plane Battlefield, those who reach Heaven-character haven’t reached Martial Emperor level yet.”
The system said: “Martial Emperor-level existences are the strongest in a plane. They’re all busy trying to Shatter the Void and ascend to the Upper Realm. Who would be bored enough to come fish in a fishpond?”
“If I became a Martial Emperor, I’d definitely come fish. Because a max-level account bullying low-level accounts feels incredibly satisfying.”
Jun Changxiao said seriously.
The system roared: “You’re sick!”
“Hall Master Zi.”
Jun Changxiao waved his hand: “Go meet him.”
“Swoosh!”
The Purple Lin Demon King flew out from the main peak, landing ten zhang away from the battlefield ghost, saying proudly: “Finally one that can fight.”
The Heaven-character battlefield ghost raised its head, its pupils growing even redder. Then with an arrow-step, it charged over.
“Boom!”
An explosive sound rang out, rolling dust clouds rising.
“Swoosh—”
The Purple Lin Demon King burst out from within. After his feet landed, they still didn’t stop, continuing until he retreated a hundred zhang before braking. His arms crossed, his expression slightly ferocious.
The battlefield ghost’s attack wasn’t fast—he could defend in time. But the strength contained in that fist was completely incomparable to five or six Earth-characters combined!
“Sect Master.”
Li Qingyang exclaimed: “This battlefield ghost is quite strong!”
“Indeed.” Jun Changxiao said.
“Bang!”
Just then, the Purple Lin Demon King’s clothes and pants completely burst. Stepping with vigorous legs, he charged forward, demonic energy bursting forth as countless fist prints instantly gathered!
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
In an instant, violent energy bloomed like fireworks outside the stronghold. The shocking sight left Xingyun Continent martial artists stunned!
“Bang—”
Suddenly, another explosive sound came from the battle zone, rolling up clouds of dust. That piece of earth instantly collapsed dozens of zhang downward.
“Thud thud thud!”
The Purple Lin Demon King retreated wildly again, stabilizing several hundred zhang away. His clenched fists relaxed, his arms bringing waves of numbness. He transmitted: “Sect Master, this fellow is very strong. I’m a bit panicked!”
# Chapter 990: Hall Master Zi’s Exclusive Divine Weapon!
The Purple Lin Demon King who could take on multiple opponents was pounded out again by the battlefield ghost, pounded until his arms went numb—clearly the Heaven-character battlefield ghost’s strength was extremely terrifying!
City Lord Han and the others watched with cold sweat streaming down.
This exhibitionist was a fierce warrior, yet in such a brief exchange he was sent flying twice. If it were them, they’d probably be done for already!
“Keep fighting!”
Jun Changxiao transmitted: “This seat wants to see just how strong this fellow is!”
“…”
Though the Purple Lin Demon King was speechless, he still stomped his foot and charged in again, demonic energy pervading his entire body—partly for attack, partly for defense.
This cowardly method of preparing defenses in advance—he’d never used it even when fighting several Earth-characters alone!
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
The two clashed intensely again.
Instantly fighting from ground to low altitude, from low altitude to high altitude, powerful forces churning space into fragments!
“Boom!”
Not long after, the Purple Lin Demon King fell like a cannonball. A large piece of ground collapsed again.
Li Qingyang, Xiao Ziji and the others’ mouths twitched.
This battlefield ghost that appeared was truly super strong. If they went to battle, they probably couldn’t withstand even one move.
Jun Changxiao thought darkly: “Without using the Difficult-to-Retrieve Blade, I’d also get thrashed if I went!”
“Sect Master.”
Ding Xingwang transmitted: “Should I ambush?”
He didn’t dare fight the battlefield ghost head-on, but playing some tricks while Hall Master Zi fought—he had the courage for that.
“No.”
Jun Changxiao quickly stopped him: “This fellow’s strength is too strong. Once you’re hit, your fate will be dire.”
Except for the Purple Lin Demon King with his inhuman powerful physique, any Martial Saint present would be half-crippled if not dead after taking one punch.
Before absolute power, without matching cultivation and defense, there was no possibility of battle.
This was just a battlefield ghost without thought or emotion. If facing a true Heaven-character powerful expert, the pressure they released alone could easily influence the battle!
“Swoosh!”
The Purple Lin Demon King flew out from the pit, his eyes flashing with towering fury. Purple demonic energy burst forth madly, gathering the phantom of his true form—the Purple Firmament Dao-Transforming Kun—in midair!
“Whoosh whoosh!”
Purple energy howled, swirling around his fist!
The Purple Lin Demon King charged to within ten zhang, and the massive fist print, enhanced by his true form’s phantom, directly tore through space!
Everyone: ∑(O_O;)
“Boom—”
The purple giant fist carried violent power, directly hitting the battlefield ghost, sending it flying with a whoosh.
“Huff! Huff huff!”
The Purple Lin Demon King suspended in midair, his right hand still in striking position, breathing slightly labored, sweat gradually seeping from his forehead.
With true form phantom and power fully unleashed, this was his killing move. But executing it also consumed greatly.
The battlefield ghost suspended several hundred zhang away. Its crimson war armor showed not the slightest trace of damage—clearly not only was its strength formidable, but its equipment was also excellent!
“Swoosh!”
Gently raising its hand, the void gradually blurred.
A crimson battle axe appeared. The moment the battlefield ghost gripped it, the glow in its eyes became even more powerful!
“…”
The Purple Lin Demon King’s mouth twitched.
This king fighting naked against this armored Heaven-character was already very disadvantageous. Now it brings out a battle axe that’s clearly extraordinary—way too damn excessive!
Speaking of fighting in full excellent equipment, martial artists from various planes had something to say, because they’d been bullied plenty by the fully-equipped Li Qingyang and others!
“Swoosh!”
Just then, the battlefield ghost suddenly swung its battle axe!
“Crack crack crack—”
One axe fell, space instantly shattered, forming an extremely cold crescent-shaped light.
The Purple Lin Demon King’s expression changed, hastily retreating backward, clearly not daring to use his physical body to directly receive that light condensed from a weapon.
“Swoosh!”
“Swoosh!”
“Swoosh!”
The battlefield ghost pressed its advantage relentlessly, frequently swinging its battle axe, forming space-tearing lights one after another.
The Purple Lin Demon King could only dodge awkwardly. Though each time he narrowly avoided disaster, his scalp still went numb.
Damn it! If this king had his cultivation from the Upper Realm, why would he fear an equipment-laden trash!
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
Axe lights flew from all directions. Though unable to hit their target, when bombarding the ground, they instantly created deep, crisscrossing trenches.
Jun Changxiao frowned: “A bit troublesome.”
The system said: “The host can buy an exclusive divine weapon for Hall Master Zi. Perhaps that can turn the tide!”
“Makes sense!”
Jun Changxiao quickly opened the Divine Weapon Pavilion, then rapidly locked onto a pair of gauntlets that belonged exclusively to hall masters.
“Hall Master Zi has always fought with his fists. Giving him swords or blades might not have good effect. These gauntlets should be most suitable.”
“Bought!”
“Ding! The host spent 10,000 contribution points to obtain Hell’s Fury x1. Delivered to spatial ring.”
“Ding! Sect contribution points: 27,750/70,000.”
…
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
Outside the stronghold, the battle raged fiercely.
Hall Master Zi, completely outmatched in both strength and equipment, was beaten into utter disarray, not even having a chance to counterattack.
“Sect Master!”
He roared in transmission: “I can’t hold on much longer!”
“Hall Master Zi!” Jun Changxiao said: “This seat bestows upon you a divine weapon inherited from ancient times!”
Inherited from ancient times, a divine weapon?
The Purple Lin Demon King instantly recalled Li Qingyang’s weapon that could gather tribulation lightning, his eyes immediately flashing with light.
As a beast clan demon king, though he didn’t care for weapons forged by humans, he was still very interested in divine weapons—moreover, they might be from the Upper Realm!
“Swoosh!”
Flowing light shot out from within the stronghold!
The Purple Lin Demon King waved his hand, purple demonic energy enveloping it, instantly pulling it before him.
The next second, his expression completely collapsed!
The divine weapon appearing before him wasn’t a sword or blade, but a pair of pink gauntlets with a heart printed on each. (Imagine boxing gloves.)
“Sect Master…” The Purple Lin Demon King’s mouth twitched violently: “These… are the divine weapons inherited from ancient times?”
“Correct.”
Jun Changxiao said: “This item is named Hell’s Fury.”
The Purple Lin Demon King nearly spat out blood.
Even if it were a dagger, he could barely accept it. But these pink maiden-heart gauntlets—were they for fighting or selling cuteness!
“Swoosh—”
Just then, the battlefield ghost raised its battle axe and swept horizontally, powerful force directly cutting through space, whipping up gusts of wind.
The Purple Lin Demon King quickly grabbed the gloves and dropped downward.
“Boom!”
Stabilizing himself on the ground, his eyes showed extreme conflict.
“Stop dawdling!”
Jun Changxiao transmitted: “Hurry and put them on—beat the crap out of him!”
“…”
The Purple Lin Demon King lowered his head, looking at the pink gauntlets, saying painfully: “If this king puts them on, my lifetime of glory will be gone!”
“Swoosh—”
The battlefield ghost pressed down from above, its battle axe flashing with light, bombarding waves of explosive flows. Space was instantly torn into strips.
“Trouble!”
Elder Ding and the others’ expressions changed drastically.
The Purple Lin Demon King, in the midst of violent struggle, steeled his heart and finally put on the pink gauntlets!
At that moment, his naked body paired with pink maiden-heart gauntlets—the image was simply… eye-searing!
“Swoosh!”
Suddenly, the heart patterns on both gauntlets flashed with light. A strange memory traveled along his arms instantly spreading to his consciousness. The Purple Lin Demon King immediately fell into a daze.
“Hall Master Zi, dodge!” Elder Ding roared.
“Dodge?”
Just then, the Purple Lin Demon King’s consciousness returned. He raised his head, his eyes flashing the same pink color as the gauntlets, saying proudly: “That’s not this king’s style!”
“Step!”
His body retreated half a step backward. His arms suddenly raised up, purple hair flying as he roared: “Bear the fury from hell!”
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Enhanced by the gauntlets, fist prints mixing purple and pink colors bombarded upward from below, producing the most violent collision with the axe lights. Violent power spread recklessly as space collapsed over a large area!