One fleeing, one pursuing, they broke through the sealing of the dimensional boundaries, returning to the World beyond Worlds.
The region of Fog Tea Mountain of the eastern Vast Heaven Territory reappeared before them.
While the scenery there was no different from before, their moods had changed completely.
Wang Zhengcheng dared not linger in the least as he shot through the border between the central Jun Heaven Territory and the eastern Vast Heaven Territory, rushing back towards Kunlun Mountain as quickly as he could.
The martial arts of Qilin Cliff were renowned for their vigour and heaviness and had no advantage in terms of speed.
Still, as Wang Zhengcheng expanded the Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram and sank to the bottom of the earth, tunnelling through the ground with the help of the soil, his speed was rapid, surpassing that of ordinary martial practitioners by far.
Sadly for him, though, while he was fast, Yan Zhaoge was faster!
Having continuously fought a few peak level battles and utilised An Instant’s Thunder, Yan Zhaoge was vaguely also feeling slightly drained at this moment.
Still, with the help of the Origin Opening Sword, he was still swift as he instantly traversed tens of thousands of kilometres, successfully catching up with Wang Zhengcheng!
Gazing at the great earth before him, Yan Zhaoge emitted an intense roar.
A majestic sword light cleaved downwards, descending onto the great earth as it hacked out a large crevice within it that extended into the horizon on both sides, seemingly having no end.
The sword-light resembled a barrier as it landed before Wang Zhengcheng who was in the midst of tunnelling through the underground, obstructing his path.
Yan Zhaoge raised his palm and brought it downwards, the great earth concaving mightily as rivers and mountains and fertile soil alike were all shattered.
Helpless, Wang Zhengcheng could only stop and emerge from the soil, returning to the surface.
Looking at the dense mountain peaks of Kunlun Mountain that were already within his field of vision yet seemed an endless distance away, Wang Zhengcheng was rendered at a loss for words.
“Earth Exalt, Old Mister Wang, Wang Zhengcheng,” One hand behind his back and holding the sword with his other, Yan Zhaoge stood before Wang Zhengcheng, “Do you think that just because you were not going to get your hands dirty, you trying to kill someone is simply unrelated to you?”
“It is not enough to our family of three that Daoist Oneheaven has been exterminated. This matter is still not over yet. I believe that the same is true for you, too.”
Yan Zhaoge looked coldly at Wang Zhengcheng, “If my mother has survived this tribulation today and you too do not die, I believe that you would not let the matter rest as simply as that, right?”
“That’s right,” Wang Zhengcheng was silent for a long time before he eventually said candidly, “As this matter does not just concern this old man alone, I simply have no way of ignoring it.”
“I admire your candour and your persistence. Still, it is precisely because of this that we just cannot coexist,” Yan Zhaoge said mildly, “Unless the Concealed Sovereign emerges from seclusion or the Earthly Sovereign returns, you are dead for sure today.”
The decisive killing intent was not concealed at all within his otherwise calm tone.
Wang Zhengcheng had a calm look on his face, “It was never this old man’s wish to make enemies out of you and your father. Yet, fate makes fools of us. Despite knowing the toughness of this path, this old man never had the option of retreating.”
Looking at Yan Zhaoge, he appraised him once more before sighing emotionally, “Really, so young!”
“So young, so overwhelmingly talented. As long as you do not die early, you were destined to be a leading figure of Daoism. You and your father should be blessings to Daoism. Yet, this was wrecked at the hands of Dim Radiant Yin and Bright Connection Hu. A pity, a pity!”
Wang Zhengcheng slowly shook his head, “Although you unfortunately learnt of the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord and had your prospects wrecked, it is not that you have no chance at all. Your father has also stably demonstrated an extraordinary flair. Given enough time, you two are immeasurable.”
“You have worried much over this, Earth Exalt,” Yan Zhaoge said in an indifferent tone, “For the World beyond Worlds to be thriving like this all these years, the credit definitely lies with the Sovereigns. As for you, Earth Exalt, you have also worked hard in watching over the place.”
“It is just regarding the Immortal Court. Other things aside, in this matter regarding my mother, neither I nor my father might possibly be able to tolerate it, coming to a compromise.”
Wang Zhengcheng’s gaze was deep and distant, “Tolerating it, coming to a compromise…in this world, there are some things that we must be unwavering about, but also some things that we can only tolerate.”
“This old man does not dare claim any credit for how our World beyond Worlds is thriving now. That stability stems from the countless efforts of Master and co, the sacrifices of countless generations of seniors before us.”
“This includes your grandfather, the Exalted Gold Luminary!”
Wang Zhengcheng’s emotions finally overran somewhat as he said quite painedly, “The sacrifice of countless forefathers, your grandfather included, culminated in the current World beyond Worlds and the flourishing of Daoism, giving us hope for our future!”
“Yet, all this may now be lost because of Dim Radiant Yin and Bright Connection Hu!”
“The wrong has already been done. If we do not think of how to remedy it, we will only be able to regret it when things are really too late!” Wang Zhengcheng said in a heavy tone.
Yan Zhaoge had a calm expression on his face, “I actually thought that because you had experienced those dark, dangerous times before, those of the older generation should better understand that we can never let down our guard. Instead, it should be us of the younger generation, having grown up in relatively more peaceful times, who are more prone to mistakenly failing to recognise that forgetting to battle spells unavoidable death.”
“No, you lot are more prone to making mistakes, out of arrogance, ambition, blind optimism,” Wang Zhengcheng sighed, “While you have been to the Immortal Court before, you probably do not know how many bigwigs they have, what a terrifyingly substantial foundation of power they possess.”
“You do not even know what kind of cultivation base the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord has. What kind of existence do you think that is who is able to contend with the Future Buddha?”
Looking at Yan Zhaoge, Wang Zhengcheng said in a heavy tone, “We of the Three Clear lineage’s orthodox Daoism will definitely never bow our head down to a false dao! Still, if we want to rid falseness and install rightness, we cannot do it just with passion alone. We need time and also accumulation, fortuitous encounters.”
Looking at Wang Zhengcheng, Yan Zhaoge suddenly smiled, just that his smile was rather cold.
“You very nearly forgot something, Earth Exalt. You sent Daoist Oneheaven to find trouble for my mother,” The smile on Yan Zhaoge’s face faded, “Others aside, if Daoist Oneheaven were to succeed, my mother would be dead for sure.”
“If you intend to quell the fury of the Immortal Court, the main thing would be the fragment of the legendary Heavenly Essence Stone and not my mother’s life.”
Yan Zhaoge gazed coldly at Wang Zhengcheng, “Only if you intend to keep the Heavenly Essence Stone and still account for things to the Immortal Court somewhat would you need my mother to pay with her life. No, to be exact, you would need the lineages of the Dim Radiant Emperor and the Bright Connection Emperor to be discontinued for good.”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1159: If others won’t reap your old bones, I will!
HSSB1159: If others won’t reap your old bones, I will!
“Since you intend to keep that Heavenly Essence Stone fragment, Earth Exalt, that means that you kno
w of its importance too,” Yan Zhaoge looked at Wang Zhengcheng.
Wang Zhengcheng pondered momentarily before saying, “For the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord to prioritise it so much, it would surely be remarkable. While its specific uses are not yet determined, this should be an important treasure.”
Yan Zhaoge said coldly, “If the words of the Dim Radiant Emperor are true, his merits would be immeasurable whereas your actions would be damning indeed.”
“If the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord would really be able to illuminate and convert even our True Immortals after obtaining the Heavenly Essence Stone fragment, the Dim Radiant Emperor’s actions were indeed of considerable merit,” Wang Zhengcheng nodded.
“Even if this was the case, however, all that happened then was unavoidable.”
“After all, the many are more important than the one. With the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord losing the Heavenly Essence Stone fragment, this would only prevent him from extending his lead over us, slowing his footsteps,” Wang Zhengcheng said calmly, “Time is still needed for Daoism to rise up.”
“While this may sound heartless, there is simply nothing we can do about it. On one side is a few people, and the other the entire World beyond Worlds. This old man had no other choice.”
Wang Zhengcheng said, “In order to buy time, to ultimately rid falseness and install rightness, there are some prices that we just have to pay.”
Yan Zhaoge raised the Origin Opening Sword in his hand, saying in an indifferent tone, “In that case, you can be the one to pay this price, Earth Exalt.”
“If this old man had to sacrifice himself, this old man would not hesitate at all. Sadly, it is not my old bones that the Immortal Court wants,” Wang Zhengcheng had a calm expression on his face.
Yan Zhaoge pointed at himself, “My mother is the descendant of the Bright Connection Emperor while my untalented self seems to be considered the descendant of the Dim Radiant Emperor.”
“Fortune and calamity always coexist,” Wang Zhengcheng pondered momentarily before saying, “Sometimes, fortuitous encounters can bring about disasters as well. You really should not have lusted after the relics of the Dim Radiant Emperor back then, Fallen Deity.”
“There is no need for you to worry about me, Earth Exalt. You should worry more about yourself.”
Yan Zhaoge said coldly, “If the Immortal Court won’t reap your old bones…”
“I will!”
A majestic sword-light descended from the heavens, breaking through the numerous layers of Yin Yang Earth Spirit Soil as it hacked down towards Wang Zhengcheng.
Wang Zhengcheng sought to flee as he swept along the Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram and shot off in the direction of Kunlun Mountain.
Only if he managed to successfully return to Qilin Cliff where there were mechanisms left behind by the Earthly Sovereign would he be safe.
Yet, Yan Zhaoge’s sword-light changed from domineering to agile at this moment, freely traversing the layers of soil.
Then, wisps of white qi suddenly appeared amidst that sword-light!
It was a terrifying aura that could extinguish all things!
“Immortal Ending Sword! You are indeed versed in sword arts of the Prime Clear lineage!” Wang Zhengcheng was shocked as he saw numerous layers of spirit soil shatter beneath that white qi.
Yan Zhaoge emitted a low roar, the sword-light flying out of his hands and spinning in a circle, forcibly separating Wang Zhengcheng from the Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram!
Next, he strode forward, striking out with a Cyclic Heavenly Seal.
Wang Zhengcheng pushed both his hands upwards, seeking to block it.
Still, without the Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram, how could he block Yan Zhaoge’s Cyclic Heavenly Seal?
He was immediately sent flying by that palm.
Yan Zhaoge left the Origin Opening Sword to engage the Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram as he went forth, arriving before Wang Zhengcheng once more.
“Easily arrogant in youth, only regretting when aged,” Both his arms broken and blood leaking from the corners of his mouth, Wang Zhengcheng coughed unceasingly, “It is just a pity that the talent of Fallen Deity has been pointlessly ruined and wasted…argh!”
Before he could finish speaking, Yan Zhaoge had already launched a punch which struck his chest!
The terrifying destructive power of the Grand Shattering Brightness Fist caused Wang Zhengcheng’s flesh and blood to collapse.
Yan Zhaoge’s fist resembled the sharpest spear in existence which embedded itself in his chest!
It was only because of the vigour, heaviness and high defense of Qilin Cliff’s martial arts that although Wang Zhengcheng had his chest pierced through, he was still alive.
Even so, he was still unable to move with his cultivation base and the strength of his fleshly body as fresh blood surged, spilling unceasingly out of his mouth and nose with his breathing thus hindered.
“Whether I am talented or not is my problem. Even if my talents are ruined, that would not happen in your hands. There is no need for you to worry about this, Earth Exalt,” Yan Zhaoge said mildly, “I think you should really be more concerned about yourself.”
“Right now, your very ‘heart’ is in question.”
While Wang Zhengcheng was virtually unable to speak any longer, he could clearly sense that his heart was being gripped by someone!
His chest had been penetrated by Yan Zhaoge’s fist as a large hole had been opened within.
From the front, it could be seen that Yan Zhaoge’s arm was still stuck inside his chest.
From the back, Yan Zhaoge’s hand could visibly be seen amidst Wang Zhengcheng’s mangled flesh and blood, grabbing a still beating heart!
As Yan Zhaoge furled his fingers, Wang Zhengcheng’s face instantly turned from pale to purplish-red!
“Stay your hand!”
A shout now resounded from the distance as someone sped over from Kunlun Mountain.
It was the Dense Encompassing Emperor!
“Stay your hand, Fallen Deity! Do not be rash!” The Encompassing Emperor sought to approach, but Yan Zhaoge exerted force with his fingers, Wang Zhengcheng’s face virtually turning purplish black at once.
The Encompassing Emperor could only helplessly halt, advising him urgently, “Do not be rash, Fallen Deity! Otherwise, things may become completely irreparable!”
Yan Zhaoge had a calm expression on his face, “Hello, Encompassing Emperor. Forgive this Yan for being unable to greet you properly now.”
“No need for that,” The Encompassing Emperor forced a smile as he urgently said, “First things first, let the Earth Exalt go! With the state of his current injuries, he will be in danger if he is not treated in time!”
Yan Zhaoge looked as if he had no idea what the other party was talking about, “Well, killing him is exactly what I am planning on doing.”
“Fallen Deity, you have a bright future ahead of you. Do not make a mistake!” The Encompassing Emperor said in a heavy tone, “This old man has already learnt of what happened. There is still room to work around this. Still, if the Earth Exalt dies in your hands, there would really be no going back.”
“I am still not yet certain of my mother’s safety,” Yan Zhaoge said mildly, “If anything has happened to her, there is already no going back.”
The Encompassing Emperor exclaimed, “You have still not gone beyond the point of no return. But should the Earth Exalt die in your hands, even the Sword Sovereign would not be able to protect you!”
Yan Zhaoge looked calmly at the Encompassing Emperor as a hint of a smile suddenly appeared at the corners of his mouth, “If you really wished to mediate, Encompassing Emperor, why did you not advise the Earth Exalt and the Heaven Emperor against their actions beforehand?”
“When they obstructed us while attempting to claim my mother’s life, what were you, the Encompassing Emperor, doing?”
The Encompassing Emperor was silent for a time.
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“I understand. If they were able to covertly capture and kill my mother without my father and I detecting it, you would actually be fine with that,” Yan Zhaoge said calmly, “Still, if we detected it, you would instead not wish for Wang Zhengcheng’s lot to succeed lest a conflict arises between us.”
The Encompassing Emperor had just wanted to speak when Yan Zhaoge suddenly laughed, “I should thank you, really. Through you, I have learnt of one thing.”
“From the direction in which you came from Kunlun Mountain, you came not from your cave manor at Circle Intelligence Ridge’s Myriad Phenomena Cave but from the Concealed Sovereign’s Restful Immortal Valley, right?”
Hearing his words, the Encompassing Emperor’s expression changed slightly.
“It looks like the Concealed Sovereign has indeed still yet to leave seclusion,” Yan Zhaoge turned to look at Wang Zhengcheng, his smile widening as his white teeth were revealed, “So, it looks like your luck isn’t good enough.”
He exerted force with his fingers as Wang Zhengcheng’s heart was instantly reduced to a haze of blood!
The force swept through his blood vessels like a raging thunderbolt, causing Wang Zhengcheng’s other internal organs to shatter as well!
Next came the flesh, blood and bones of his entire body!
Finally, even his very soul exploded!
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1160: Today’s battle is only the beginning
HSSB1160: Today’s battle is only the beginning
Yan Zhaoge exerted force with his fingers with Wang Zhengcheng’s heart mightily imploding as his other internal organs shattered as well.
The force was directed through his body as his bones, meridians and blood vessels also broke apart.
Wang Zhengcheng’s body seemed to shrivel completely at this moment, turning old before decaying further.
Finally, he dissipated like ash into the wind.
Even his soul dissipated alongside it.
The most senior Martial Saint expert of the World beyond Worlds since it was established, the Earth Exalt Wang Zhengcheng, had been decimated in both body and soul this very day!
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