"Bold!"
"Cease!"
"The Monument Sea Hall strictly prohibits private fights!"
It wasn't until this moment that the expert enforcers of the ancient hall regained their senses. Ten gray-robed enforcers flew out, brandishing their green and red sickles, glaring at Adamo menacingly.
On the other side, Andrea, struggling for breath, desperately stuffed handfuls of spiritual medicine into his mouth. The elders from the Infinite Cave Sect, the Great Zen Head Sect, and the Flying Snow Sect hesitated for a moment, then took out their own miraculous medicines to heal Andrea. Only Damei Shitai remained motionless, glaring at Andrea, suppressing his murderous intent.
"Get out of my way!"
Adamo's long hair fluttered as he tapped his right foot, unleashing a powerful wave of energy that surged from his feet in all directions. In an instant, ten green pillars of light rose, lifting the ten gray-robed enforcers into the air.
With each step, Adamo, like a surging dragon, exuded boundless dominance, pressing toward Andrea. At the same time, the imposing spear in his hand transformed into a mass of black light, breaking through the void and instantly thrusting toward Andrea.
The elders of the three sects all stepped aside, feeling the killing intent even before the spear arrived. Andrea's just-healed chest bone was torn apart again, his face contorted in pain as he spat out another mouthful of blood.
Hum!
At this moment, the grand bell on top of the ancient hall suddenly trembled.
The sound waves coalesced in a visible manner, forming a transparent palm that traversed half the ancient hall, blocking Adamo's spear at arm's length.
"Adamo, have you considered the consequences of violating the hall's prohibition?" A hoarse voice emanated from a remote corner outside the ancient hall, tinged with a gloomy air.
At the same time, the mysterious patterns on the four sides of the ancient hall began to move, emitting strange radiance that coalesced into ten statues of three-headed, six-armed ancient guardians, descending from the sky to block Adamo's advance.
"Since the lord knows that I am ruthless, why waste words! Today, I will avenge my friend Luo! I'll take that hypocrite's life!"
Adamo laughed to the sky, golden radiance flashing in his eyes as his spear transformed into countless shadows, enveloping the ten ancient guardians. He knew full well that once Andrea returned to the Kunting Mountain through the teleportation array, he would lose the opportunity to kill him. At this moment, it was his best and only chance.
Shuro? Was Adamo here for Shuro?
The disciples of the Empty Mountain Sect, such as Huaxin, Luis, Alan, and Berta, were all stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
In the center of the ancient hall, Adamo's progress slowed. With each step forward, he faced attacks from the ten ancient guardians. Within three moves, his wrist was already bleeding profusely.
The six-armed guardians each displayed their unique techniques, surging waves of energy and torrents of various-colored artifacts ruthlessly striking Adamo.
After ten exchanges, Adamo was covered in blood.
"Wow…" Edoardo couldn't help it anymore, tears streaming down his face.
He subconsciously wanted to rush forward but was firmly held back by a withered hand.
The old man appeared out of nowhere, his expressionless face staring at the bloodbath in the ancient hall. "This fool… Boy, remember what you've seen today. This is the consequence of recklessness."
"Grandpa, please help my dad. Please, I beg you…" Edoardo knelt down, banging his head on the ground.
"Humph, begging me won't help. Everything has a price, and this is his price." The old man's face showed no emotion.
Crack! The sound of bones breaking echoed.
Adamo's right arm, flesh and bone, was severed, revealing horrifying white bones, but he only advanced a small step. The ancient hall fell into silence. Such a brutal battle shocked not only the disciples of various sects but also the leading elders. Adamo, the Southern Sky's ruthless character, lived up to his name!
Edoardo trembled violently, his eyes seeming to burst open. Suddenly, he raised his head and let out a painful roar: "No!"
A strong aura of gloomy blue surged from the top of his head, piercing through the hall's ceiling. The sky outside the ancient hall was covered in dark clouds, with wind and thunder raging, and the celestial phenomena changing dramatically.
Strange black runes emerged from the boy's body, dense and full of ancient and mysterious aura.
Everyone was stunned, staring at Edoardo intently.
"The Mysterious Rune Marvel!" an elder from the Infinite Cave Sect sighed.
Adamo's body trembled violently, his footsteps slowing.
The old man widened his eyes and suddenly shouted, "Adamo, get back here! Do you know what it means to have a born Mysterious Rune Marvel? You are seeking death, but in less than a month, your son will become a pawn in the struggle of various forces! Can you bear it?"
Adamo didn't look back, his broad back trembling slightly as he spoke wearily, "Boy, do you hate your father?"
"N-no… I don't… hate." Edoardo choked back tears.
Adamo chuckled, coughing up blood. "Haha, good boy! I, Adamo the Southern Sky's ruthless character, repay kindness in person and avenge enmity on the spot, never leaving anything for tomorrow! You often ask why people call your father the Southern Sky's ruthless character. This is why!"
Tears streamed down Edoardo's face as he choked out, "I understand, father! I'll, I'll, I'll also become a ruthless character in the future!"
The old man's gaze flickered, and a deep regret appeared on his face after a while. "In that case, consider that you've sold Edoardo to me… and I'll burn three sticks of incense at your grave next year."
"Deal." Adamo said lightly.
In the corner of his eye, Andrea, who was weak, showed a hint of greed. Adamo was furious. "Don't even think about it!"
Adamo pounced forward again, and the ten ancient guardians struck once more.
Crack! His left arm was already broken!
The disciples of the Empty Mountain Sect were shaken to their core. At this moment, they truly entered the cruel and merciless world of cultivation.
Huaxin, Luis, Alan, and Berta couldn't help but think of Shuro. From the initial resentment to later astonishment at every step Shuro took, their dissatisfaction had long disappeared, replaced by admiration mixed with jealousy.
It wasn't until Adamo, the Southern Sky's ruthless character, stormed into the ancient hall, risking his life, battling bloodily, just to avenge Shuro, that the last trace of jealousy in Luis and the others disappeared. They finally realized that the secular youth they had once looked down upon had been far ahead of them since the moment he appeared, so far ahead that they couldn't even see his back, as if he existed in a different world.
Instinctively, Berta turned her head towards the Beihai, blinked in astonishment, and suddenly exclaimed, "Heavens! Look!"
All eyes turned towards the distant Beihai, including Adamo and the ten ancient guardians, all frozen in shock.
Just moments ago, everyone's attention had been focused inside the ancient hall, with no one paying attention to Shuro. In their eyes, Shuro's fate seemed sealed, with no possibility of redemption.
At the peak of the Beihai, the young man stood motionless, his body intact as if untouched.
A cold wind blew from afar, lifting the young man's long hair, which fluttered in the distance.
Although the Beihai was at the other end of the ancient hall, everyone could feel a suppressed but astonishing wave of energy slowly brewing.
Two Yin-Yang Blade symbols hovered above Shuro's head, hesitating to descend.
"What are Yue Qun and Diego waiting for?" Andrea's face turned pale, his gaze cold.
At that moment, Shuro lifted his head, a smile appearing on his face, a smile so eerie it sent shivers down Andrea's spine.
Andrea's eyelids trembled.
Near Shuro's fist, the air shattered layer by layer, as a powerful and domineering aura surged from within, forcefully resisting the impending strike of the Yin-Yang Blades!
It wasn't that Diego and Yue Qun didn't want to kill Shuro; they were simply powerless to do so!
"Hypocritical! Shameless! Despicable! Truly worthy of being Andrea's disciple," Shuro laughed heartily, his dark eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
In the horrified gazes of Diego and Yue Qun, Shuro's right hand blurred, and he unleashed a punch!
The air shattered layer by layer as Shuro's fist collided with the Yin-Yang Twin Blades, causing the air within a radius of half a mile to rupture simultaneously. In the heavens and earth, gusts of fist winds swept through, whistling like whirlwinds, emitting a humming sound, as if lamenting and pleading.
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"I am merciless in my demon compassion, I am not merciful!" The bloodthirsty intent in Shuro's eyes gradually converged, compressing into a chilling point.
This punch was far from over.
Shuro unleashed his self-created technique, the first move of the Marvelous Demon Fist, City Destruction!
The power of his punch surged suddenly, with the wind and clouds roaring, pressing toward the Beihai Mountains and even the entire Warden City, showing signs of overwhelming destruction.
Here was the Beihai, filled with ominous energy, which had no effect on Shuro but instead boosted his power. However, for Yue Qun and Diego, this was a dead end where they dared not move recklessly.
In comparison, this Beihai had become Shuro's domain.
By the time Yue Qun and Diego realized this, it was too late.
Diego's Yin Blade trembled violently, and a visible crack appeared on its surface. Under the impact of Shuro's fist, the Yin Blade, crafted by a master, shattered into pieces.
In the air, a transparent, massive cityscape emerged, enveloping Diego.
A surge of profound fear erupted from the depths of his soul. Diego coughed up three mouthfuls of blood, his handsome face twitching, collapsing to the ground in despair, "Have mercy!"
The cityscape shadow shattered into pieces, and the force of the fist pierced through the dark sky, crashing into Diego's forehead.
Blood splattered, and bones shattered.
In the Silver Monument District, Diego, the Tenth Young Lord, perished!
Suddenly, cries of mourning emanated from all ninety-six tombstones, the sound echoing one after another. The previously overwhelming murderous aura unexpectedly receded.
At the same time, floating texts appeared on the front of each tombstone, listing the proudest martial arts of the deceased masters! A thousand years ago, it was Nine-Dragon Sovereign who, with one city and three moves, harvested their lives. A thousand years later, facing the descendants of Nine-Dragon Sovereign, the spirits of the tombstones trembled and submitted without exception.
Yue Qun raised his head, staring blankly at the descending cityscape. Through the cityscape, an irresistible force of fist swept toward him.
"This is impossible! He's just a mere mortal! Master, save me!" Yue Qun exclaimed in disbelief and terror.
Crack!
The Yang Blade snapped in half, its aura dissipating.
Yue Qun's face was full of fear. Without hesitation, he reached for his waist badge. Although his hand was quick, Shuro's Marvelous Demon Fist was quicker. Just as he touched the waist badge, the force of the fist arrived.
In the ancient hall, everyone's gaze turned to Andrea, including the disciples of the Kunting Mountain, their eyes filled with a hint of doubt. Andrea, helpless, suppressed his injuries, formed hand seals, and suddenly reached into the void, grabbing Yue Qun.
The backlash of the murderous aura from the Beihai and the force of the fist poured into the void. At the edge of the ancient hall's void, intense fluctuations of energy surged, the murderous aura howled like waves and clouds, seeming to engulf all living beings in the ancient hall, and the elders of each sect protected their disciples from a distance.
Andrea swung his left hand to chop fiercely, the blade radiating continuously like rolling waves, resisting the roaring murderous aura. At the same time, Andrea's right hand reached through the void, lifted Yue Qun, and quickly retreated.
This move exhausted all his strength, exacerbating his already severe injuries. His eyes lost their luster, and he staggered, spitting out a mouthful of blood, then collapsed, unconscious.
Midway, when he saw the blurry mass of flesh and blood in his hand, the seemingly dead Yue Qun, Andrea's body suddenly swayed, his face pale, and he collapsed, unconscious.
The Seventh Young Lord, Yue Qun of the Kunting Mountain, perished!
In the ancient hall, Adamo retracted his Overlord Spear, wiped away the blood from his face, and sighed lightly. Turning his head, he saw Edoardo looking excitedly at the Beihai, crying and laughing. Adamo smiled faintly, a hint of contentment in his eyes.
The old man snorted discontentedly, glancing at Adamo, then turned to look at Shuro, his eyes gleaming with astonishment.
"This is definitely not the first time… He really has killed immortals," Alan muttered.
"Obviously!" Luis and Berta glared at him simultaneously.
"Qin Jia Tian…" Hongyin Gu likewise looked excited, frowning when she saw Qin Jia Tian about to speak. "Don't you dare chuckle again!"
Not far away, Damei Shitai remained stern. Amidst his satisfaction, a hint of worry arose. Shuro's secrets were more numerous than those of Qin Jia Tian. His rise was already a certainty, but it remained to be seen whether the Empty Mountain Sect could control him.
Gradually, the ancient hall fell silent.
Not a sound could be heard, not even the sound of breathing.
Amidst countless complex gazes, the young man hopped down from the Beihai.
With each descent, the cries of mourning diminished by one layer. By the time he leaped down from the Beihai, the vast Beihai was exceptionally quiet, surrounded by the mountains.
The dense miasma of murderous aura that had shrouded the Beihai for years gradually dissipated, disappearing completely.
The north wind blew, scattering the white bones covering the mountainside.
Back to Caelius Capital，it was already four days passed。
"Feels like a lifetime ago," Lee sighed under the old tree in the backyard.
Even after four days, Lee still felt a bit excited.
At first, Lee thought of the young man in front of him as just an outer disciple of the Immortal Sect, someone he could use to get close to the Immortal Sect.
But later, when Shuro broke away from the Immortal Sect's judgment, helped Marco step into the path of immortality, and restored Lee's own power, he realized that the young man before him was not an ordinary disciple of the Immortal Sect.
Then, during the trip to Warden City, Shuro befriended the wandering cultivators, gained fame, and was invited by two major Immortal Sects. And finally, he astonished everyone at the Beihai.
As Lee thought of the scene described by others — Shuro standing at the peak of the Beihai, surrounded by clamoring monuments, and everyone looking up to him, followed by his serene descent, hands behind his back, gracefully stepping down — his blood boiled with excitement. Little did he know, Shuro had been in a great mood at the time, skipping and humming, completely devoid of any elegance.
Thinking of each monument filled with treasured techniques, Lee's heart ached.
He could understand why Shuro concealed his identity and returned quietly to Caelius Capital. But he couldn't fathom why Shuro ignored the techniques on the monuments, smiling as the Southern Immortal Sects divided them among themselves. This only added to the mystery surrounding Shuro in Lee's mind.
"Leaving behind the monuments of the ninety-six strong ones, causing the Southern Sects to fight over them, soon the techniques on those monuments will become the exclusive skills of various sects... However, the owners of these monuments were just subordinates of the Nine-Dragon Sovereign, easily defeated by him. Truly a generation of heroes. With just this method, even though his cultivation has greatly declined, he can still easily conquer the Southern Immortal Realm," Shuro silently mused under the old tree.
To others, the techniques on the monuments were treasures, but to Shuro, they were no different from trash. Although they were once famous figures in Southern history, none could withstand the Nine-Dragon Sovereign's three moves. With all the techniques of the Nine-Dragon Sovereign at his disposal, Shuro naturally looked down on them.
Probing into the storage ring with his true energy, Shuro grabbed a pile of Yin coins and various pills and artifacts acquired from Warden City. Among them stood a solitary black wooden monument, inscribed with intricate patterns.
"This is the real treasure. I wonder when I'll be able to unravel its mysteries," Shuro muttered, flipping the black wooden monument over and over, finding nothing special except for those intricate patterns.
"The ultimate weapon against the sages? How is it used? Just by using this wooden monument, can I crush them?" Who died? Lee perked up his ears, bent down, and listened sneakily.
"Lee," Shuro suddenly called out.
"Yes!" Lee eagerly approached.
Before Lee's smile could fully blossom, it was met with a smack from the black wooden monument on his left cheek, leaving behind two black lines.
"Is there anything wrong?" Shuro murmured.
Lee's mouth hung open, cold sweat dripping.
Lewis chuckled beside them, leaving Lee feeling extremely embarrassed, realizing that his earlier eavesdropping had been too sneaky, and he dared not eavesdrop again.
After hesitating for a moment, Lee whispered, "Several seniors from the Southern and Northern regions have shown us a lot of kindness. It might not be appropriate for us to leave without saying goodbye."
"The seniors are very enthusiastic. They know I'm returning to the capital and will surely accompany me. Although their cultivation is high, they are only worldly wandering cultivators. It would be unwise for them to make enemies with the Immortal Sects because of me. Besides, we're leaving anyway," Shuro said, although he was thinking of Adamo and his son.
Edoardo was found to have the mysterious patterns, so for safety reasons, Adamo took him away. Before leaving, Adamo specifically instructed that if there were any danger, he would come immediately, even if Shuro's performance in the Beihai ensured that Andrea wouldn't act recklessly for a long time.
As for the old man Tian Can, he had been pestering Shuro shamelessly for four whole days. It was only thanks to Lee's clever plan that Shuro managed to escape.
"The young master is thoughtful, and I'm sure the seniors will understand," Lee sighed.
At that moment, the sound of bells rang out from the center of Caelius Capital.
Today was not a festive occasion; unless it was a significant event, the bells would not ring.
"The birthday banquet has begun," Faithe walked into the courtyard.
"Tera has organized a birthday banquet for the York Old Lady at the Royal Palace as a gesture of gratitude. Apart from the big Tera officials, various family heads, the eight national champions, and the Immortal Sects of Solitary Moon Mountain will also attend."
Returning to Caelius Capital, Faithe once again donned her customary attire, adorned in flowing chiffon and tall boots, accentuating her commanding figure with a strikingly noble demeanor. Having successfully established her foundation, her aura became even more captivating, appearing noticeably younger, with a radiant glow reminiscent of a maiden in her prime.
"Oh? Quite grand," Shuro remarked with a smirk.
Lee and Lewis chuckled in agreement. Their recent excursion to Warden City had broadened their horizons to an unprecedented extent, rendering the Eight Great Nations and the Immortal Sects of Solitary Moon Mountain no longer objects of reverence.
"By the way, I recall that members of Solitary Moon Mountain are still in Warden City, with most of their disciples perishing in the trials of the Monumental Sea Enlightenment. What significance does the palace hold?" Shuro inquired.
"It's said that this time, Solitary Moon Mountain divided their disciples into two groups for the trials. One group is participating in the Monumental Sea Enlightenment, led by the Sect Master himself. The other remains in Caelius Capital, under the leadership of the Sect Master's son," Faithe replied, her eyes flashing with a cold gleam. "John believes that with Solitary Moon Mountain backing him, victory is assured."
"Let's go," Shuro said, leading the way out of the courtyard.
Shortly after their departure, an unexpected group began to gather in the rear courtyard. Some were astride celestial cranes, while others were enveloped in a halo of sword light, exuding an aura of profound mystery. If Shuro were present, he would have found them familiar.
"Even Wang Dao has come."
"Oh? It's Dao, are you also here to find Lord Chuan?"
"Thanks to that Lord Chuan's blessing, my Tanhu Cave Mansion has also gained insight into the Monumental Sea Method, a sixth-grade proficiency."
"Hehe, that Lord Chuan truly arrived at the opportune moment. If not for a subsequent message from the Celestial Palace, proclaiming an early prediction of the Monumental Sea's impending breakthrough, I would have thought Lord Chuan to be a reincarnated immortal."
"Even with the aid of celestial predictions to decipher the Monumental Sea, Lord Chuan's future is boundless. His talent, comprehension, and state of mind are all first-rate. Forming a bond with him today will surely be beneficial in the future."
Present were elders from eighth-grade sects, entitled to a share of the Monumental Sea Method.
During their days in Warden City, they were busy vying for access to the Monumental Sea. By the time they remembered Shuro, he was nowhere to be found.
"Where could he have gone?"
"Let's split up and search, Caelius Capital is not that large."
Beams of light soared from the rear courtyard, dispersing in all directions towards Caelius Capital.
At the heart of Caelius Capital stood the thousand-year-old Tera Palace. Legend had it that this palace was personally overseen by the founding elder Bruno, attuned to the heavens above and the earth below.
The opulent main hall was now filled with attendees for the celebratory feast.
Tera King had yet to make an appearance, and neither had the warriors, aristocrats, nor the young scions of the Tera Dynasty taken their seats. They occasionally cast glances towards the head of the hall, their faces filled with admiration.
Seated on the left side of the head table were the immortals, sitting upright and composed. Leading them were the youthful disciples of Solitary Moon Mountain, followed by representatives invited by Solitary Moon Mountain from three other immortal sects.
On the right side of the head table sat the renowned martial artists, with York Old Lady as the honoree of the day, occupying the first seat among the martial artists. Apart from York Old Lady, one individual attracted particular attention, seated at the far end of the table, Marco. In less than a month, Marco had broken through to the fourth stage of foundational cultivation, reaching the level of a wandering immortal, thereby joining the ranks of the martial artists and adding another chapter to the legend of the Tera Dynasty.
Among the immortal and martial artist guests, Marco was undoubtedly the most leisurely. Even before the feast began, he was already pouring himself wine and drinking with ease.
It seemed that the Tera Palace had not been visited for many years.
Another sip of wine, and Marco's eyes revealed a complex expression.
He hadn't anticipated the feast being held at the Tera Palace. If he had known a month ago, he would never have attended. Yet now, having stepped onto the immortal path, he looked back and saw the struggles of the mortal world, as well as the grudges with the Tera King, as fleeting clouds, leaving them behind.
However, before leaving the Great Tera and joining the immortal sects, there was still one thing weighing on his mind.
"Lord Chuan, finding you is truly difficult."
With a sigh, Marco lamented. In the past month, he had searched almost every corner of Caelius Capital, yet there was no trace of Lord Chuan, as if he had never existed.
The more elusive Lord Chuan seemed, the more curious Marco became. But he knew his time was running out, aware that his days in the mortal world were numbered.
"If you don't show up soon, I'll have to leave." Marco sighed lightly, feeling that the exquisite wine in his jade cup suddenly lacked flavor.
In front of the Golden Dragon Hall, on the jade steps of the grand hall, John stood among the many scions of noble families, particularly conspicuous. In terms of appearance, lineage, and cultivation, he surpassed those around him, wearing a modest smile on his handsome face that evoked a sense of warmth and goodwill.
Glancing towards Marco at the head table, a subtle hint of envy flickered in John's eyes.
Although today was York Old Lady's celebration, in John's mind, it was his moment of triumph. Months ago, he had begun to envision stunning everyone at York Old Lady's celebration, earning the recognition of Solitary Moon Mountain, and stepping onto the immortal path in front of the entire Tera Dynasty, becoming a new legend of the Tera Dynasty.
However, who would have thought that Marco would suddenly rise to prominence, stepping onto the immortal path in one fell swoop, continuing his own legend and stealing the spotlight that should have belonged to John.
From discussions about Solitary Moon Mountain and John a month ago, to the past month where everyone in Caelius Capital was only talking about the legendary Marco and the mysterious Lord Chuan, it seemed as if John had been forgotten.
Watching the extraordinary and independent Marco, John became increasingly annoyed. However, his smile remained unchanged, maintaining the demeanor of a humble gentleman.
Shifting his gaze away from Marco, John looked towards a seductive figure not far away.
"Blanche..." A wicked fire ignited in John's heart, lifting his spirits slightly.
He had desired this enchanting woman for more than just a few days. However, due to considerations for York Old Lady and the Bai family of Bashu, as well as to maintain his own reputation, he had no choice but to endure, even reluctantly sacrificing Blanche to the immortals of Solitary Moon Mountain. Over a month ago, when he watched the disciples of Solitary Moon Mountain push Blanche to the ground and mount her, John felt a burning sensation of jealousy and desire, wishing he could take her place.
However, as long as he could join Solitary Moon Mountain and step onto the immortal path, he would have no more worries. Neither York Old Lady nor the Bai family of Bashu would pose a threat to him in the future.
Thinking about the soon-to-be-forbidden fruit, the once unattainable and pure Lady Blanche, whom he would soon be able to enjoy in various ways day and night, John felt elated.
As for the mysterious deaths of the three servants, although John had suspicions and had once devoted considerable effort to investigating, at present, his only focus was on joining Solitary Moon Mountain. Everything else was no longer important to him.