Volume 2 - Chapter 36: Arrangements - Part 1
Boom!
The demonic hand was utterly consumed by the blazing sun, its demonic aura evaporating into nothingness as the void trembled.
The brilliant sun showed no signs of waning; instead, its golden light continued to shine resplendently, enveloping Li Hao and his two companions.
"Saintheart Talisman!"
Upon seeing the talisman radiating its sacred glow, the Myriad Mountains Demon King’s expression shifted subtly. He hadn't expected Li Hao to possess such a precious artifact.
Then again, considering the Divine General Mansion behind him, it wasn't entirely surprising.
"But it’s just prolonging the inevitable."
He discerned that this was not an offensive type of Saintheart Talisman and inwardly let out a breath of relief. If it had been an offensive type, the talisman's quality would determine its lethality, potentially unleashing a blow comparable to an expert of the Absolute Technique Stage. Such an attack would have been unbearable for them.
However, talismans of that caliber were incredibly rare, and even the Great Yu Divine Dynasty might not have more than a few of them.
"Attack! Tear that talisman apart for me!"
The Myriad Mountains Demon King immediately commanded the Dragon Lord and the silver-robed youth to act, joining the fray himself.
In the void, demonic energy churned as the three demon kings revealed their full aura, sending chills through the masters on the nearby battlefield and those who had come to aid them.
Initially, the warriors below the Heaven and Man Realm had thought of these three demons as no more than beings of the Three Immortals Realm. However, the oppressive demonic might emanating from them now caused many to feel as though their hearts might burst.
Even some grandmasters had turned pale, the blood rushing to their heads extinguished as fear took hold, stirring thoughts of retreat.
Everyone had their own priorities. Some were willing to lay down their lives out of gratitude or loyalty, while others valued their own lives above all else.
They had anticipated that the Myriad Mountains Demon King might attack but had not expected such reckless aggression. To think he had invited two other demon kings to join him!
If it were just the Myriad Mountains Demon King alone, they believed that with the Divine General Mansion behind Li Hao, along with his combat prowess nearing the Fourth Pillar Realm, their combined efforts might still make victory possible.
But the current situation was far grimmer than expected. Tianmen Pass lay desolate, bereft of its former defenses or inhabitants. Now, only an overwhelming tide of demons could be seen, and the presence of these three demon kings was utterly despair-inducing.
Most of the grandmasters, recognizing the identities of the three demon kings upon arrival, had realized escape was futile and resolved to fight to the death.
Amidst the chaos, some shouted for Li Hao to retreat.
At the very least, Li Hao needed to survive. He was their hope!
If he lived, someone would eventually be able to recover their remains, and these demons could still be slain one day!
"Feng Lao, you and the others must leave first."
As the three demon kings launched their attack, Li Hao handed the burning Saintheart Talisman to Feng Lao. The talisman could withstand an attack from someone at the Fourth Pillar Realm, but it was only a lifeline, not a means of escape, especially against three demon kings.
Someone had to stay behind.
And at this moment, the one most suited to hold them off was him.
Regardless of who stayed behind among the three of them, death was a likely outcome. Since that was the case, it might as well be him.
At least, by fighting with his life on the line, he might reach the extreme of Immortal Ascension. In the moment of his body's destruction, perhaps he could still reverse the situation and take one of them down!
"Don’t be reckless!"
Feng Boping shouted angrily, refusing to take the talisman.
Li Hao began releasing his celestial energy, preparing to force Feng Lao and the others to retreat through action.
But just then, the sound of a fierce gust split the air. Suddenly, a deafening bell rang out.
The bell's chime echoed like a Buddhist chant or an evening drum, reverberating in everyone's hearts.
The numerous demons outside the pass were struck by the sound, their demonic energy fluctuating violently. Those with lower cultivation levels saw their demonic power collapse entirely, leaving them unable to muster any strength.
Even the three demon kings flinched, their expressions changing in unison. The Dragon Lord let out a deep growl that gradually crescendoed into a roar, resonating across the battlefield with anger.
A figure in white robes appeared like a ghost, stepping in front of Li Hao and his companions.
"The Grandmaster of Tianji Tower!"
Upon seeing the figure’s appearance, Song Qiumo's eyes narrowed sharply.
Feng Boping’s expression also changed dramatically, his gaze complex as he briefly locked eyes with the newcomer. Their glance was fleeting but carried a profound weight.
...
Decades ago, Feng Boping had once stolen from Tianji Tower and was well-acquainted with its Grandmaster—not as an ally like Li Muxiu, but rather as a hostile acquaintance, the kind whose meetings invariably led to fights.
Yet, in this moment of utter desperation, it was this very person who had stepped forward to save them.
"You’ve got quite the nerve!"
The Grandmaster of Tianji Tower stood tall, his white robes billowing in the wind. Though his appearance was that of a middle-aged man, his actual age exceeded several centuries.
His expression remained calm, but his eyes radiated a piercing coldness as they fixed on the three demon kings before him.
"You were granted the lands beyond the pass to inhabit, and yet you dare invade? Are you tired of living?"
“Spare me the lectures!” the Myriad Mountains Demon King snarled. His complexion darkened as he saw the Grandmaster, realizing that today’s plans were doomed to fail.
“This Eastern Desolation doesn’t belong to the Jiang family! Why should we be confined to such a small territory?”
The Grandmaster of Tianji Tower sneered coldly. “The lands of Great Yu were carved out by the late emperor himself, piece by piece. Do you think you’re capable of claiming them? Even if you could, would you be able to stomach the consequences?”
His voice turned icy, disdain lacing every word. “You are nothing but ants, requiring mere scraps to survive, yet you dare occupy such vast lands. Aren’t you afraid of choking on them?”
The Myriad Mountains Demon King let out a furious growl, his voice trembling with hatred. “Damn you humans! Always occupying the best lands, thinking you’re invincible!”
Despite his fury, he remained painfully aware of the reality. With the arrival of the Grandmaster, the odds of victory had plummeted. What’s worse, they couldn’t guarantee who else might show up.
The Grandmaster’s words hit their mark. This unrelenting sense of inferiority had long been a thorn in the demon king’s heart. Though they towered over humanity in physical strength and lifespans, the presence of certain formidable humans made life for their kind miserable.
They could only watch enviously as humans thrived, protected by monstrous warriors like this one standing before them.
“It’s time to retreat! No use wasting words!”
The Dragon Lord’s expression turned grim as he exchanged glances with the silver-robed youth. Without another word, the three demon kings swiftly retreated together.
As they fled, the Myriad Mountains Demon King abandoned the horde of lesser demons still embroiled in the battlefield. Their fates were inconsequential now; his priority was survival.
The Myriad Mountains Demon King knew full well that, after today’s failed assault, the Great Yu Divine Dynasty would issue a bounty for his capture. Remaining near the pass was no longer an option; he would have to flee further or seek refuge with other powerful demon factions.
The demonic tide, oblivious to their leader’s abandonment, continued fighting fiercely for his sake.
“You’re not leaving so easily!”
The Grandmaster of Tianji Tower sneered as he activated his ancient, dark-silver bell. The artifact shot forward, aiming to trap the fleeing demon kings.
The Dragon Lord countered with a surge of dragon breath, releasing a blade of sword-like energy that struck the bell’s side and slowed its advance.
The silver-robed youth quickly followed up, unleashing a stream of silver light that enveloped the three as they accelerated toward the horizon. Just as they were about to vanish into the distance, another figure appeared as if from nowhere, blocking their path.
With a sudden motion, the newcomer threw a devastating punch.
Whoosh!
The world seemed to erupt into chaos as a hurricane-like force enveloped the battlefield.
The cacophony of the battlefield fell into an eerie silence in the face of this overwhelming power.
Then came a thunderous impact.
A black aura briefly shone on the Myriad Mountains Demon King’s body, followed by a layer of mystical yellow light. Both defenses shattered one after another as his body was hurled like a cannonball, crashing into a distant mountain, creating a massive crater.
The unexpected attack shocked the silver-robed youth and the Dragon Lord. Both turned pale as they hurriedly retreated toward the fallen demon king.
“It’s him!”
Feng Boping was momentarily stunned but then burst into laughter, his eyes filled with excitement. “That old man finally decided to show up!”
Li Hao instantly recognized the new arrival—it was none other than his second uncle, Li Muxiu.
Such overwhelming might, such unparalleled strength—there was no mistaking it.
In all of Great Yu, there was only one individual deserving of the title Fist Saint.
“Li Hao…”
Li Muxiu’s voice trembled as he surveyed the battlefield. Having crushed the Myriad Mountains Demon King with a single punch, he didn’t spare the demon a second glance. Instead, his gaze quickly locked onto the camp below, searching.
When his eyes fell upon Li Hao, covered in blood, his body battered and broken, his mind went blank. A deafening roar echoed in his ears.
This bloodied figure... Could this truly be the lively youth who used to sit by the lake, full of laughter and joy?
“Li Hao!!”
Li Muxiu’s bellow roared like a storm of ten thousand thunders, reverberating across the battlefield.
The sound alone caused the hearts of both men and demons to quiver.
His eyes burned with rage as he turned to see Feng Boping, who was also gravely injured. Li Muxiu’s fists clenched, his knuckles cracking audibly.
Without hesitation, he fixed his glare on the three demon kings.
...
Those present couldn’t help but feel awe and terror as they witnessed the terrifying power of this elder from the Li family firsthand.
This was the greatest strength of the Divine General Mansion.