The situation had been decided. If Heavenly Sword Union did not have backup, Shen Liang and the others would not be able to turn the tide. However, Heavenly Sword Union was only a Second Class great force. After Kong Feng’s death, sending two more Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters to set up an ambush here was already their limit. Even if they still had another Master of such calibre, it was impossible for them to be here, since they still needed someone to assume command of their headquarters.
Only if this ambush was part of a greater plot, where a stronger mastermind was waiting behind the scenes, could the situation be reversed, but that was unlikely.
Since the mastermind was using the Proprietress to lure Yang Kai to the Shattered Heaven, they must be planning to strike there. Shen Liang and others were probably just the vanguard, sent to test Yang Kai’s depths.
In fact, Shen Liang and others had already accomplished their mission, since at least Zhu Jiu Yin and Qu Hua Shang had been exposed. This news could naturally not be concealed from those plotting behind the scenes, giving them time to prepare.
With so many unknowns though, Yang Kai did not dare to be careless. He continued to surge his Space Principles in case he needed to escape.
In front of Zhu Jiu Yin, Luan Bai Feng was simply unable to fight back. In a matter of just two or three moves, she was severely wounded and was coughing up blood. Luan Bai Feng was also a very decisive woman. Knowing that she was definitely not Zhu Jiu Yin’s opponent, and that a prolonged battle would lead to her death, she used a Divine Ability that Yang Kai had never seen before, and turned into a red beam of light, travelling thousands of kilometres away in the blink of an eye.
Zhu Jiu Yin didn’t pursue her as a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master who was determined to flee was not so easy to kill. Not to mention, Zhu Jiu Yin was also worried about possible ambushes lying in wait for her. Seeing that she couldn’t kill Luan Bai Feng in short order, she simply gave up and turned her gaze towards Shen Liang.
Shen Liang felt so depressed that he almost spat out blood. Yue He alone was enough to constrain him, so with Zhu Jiu Yin joining in, how could he be their match? Even though he went all out to resist, he was surrounded by danger and was repeatedly walking along the edge of death.
On the other hand, Jiang Yun Shan, who was tied down by Qu Hua Shang, saw Luan Bai Feng’s escape and Shen Liang’s desperate situation and decisively attacked Qu Hua Shang with all his strength. Creating an opening, he immediately fled in the opposite direction.
He knew that Shen Liang, who was targeted by an existence like Zhu Jiu Yin, was finished, and if he didn’t leave, when Zhu Jiu Yin was done dealing with Shen Liang, he would be next!
Two of the three Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters had fled immediately after Zhu Jiu Yin and Qu Hua Shang showed up.
Shen Liang also wanted to flee, but how could he manage to escape? Seeing his own Vice Union Master running faster than a rabbit from the corner of his eyes, he felt a mixture of grief and anger as his face turned ashen.
Teetering on the brink of death, Shen Liang cried out, “Spare my life, and from now on Heavenly Sword Union will follow only Void Land!”
Zhu Jiu Yin’s jade-like white hand latched onto the top of his head at that moment and a violent and unstable power emanated from within her palm. Turning her head to look towards Yang Kai, she silently asked for his opinion.
Seeing this, Shen Liang understood that his survival depended entirely on Yang Kai’s thoughts, so how could he still care about their gap in cultivation and status? He hastily pleaded, “This Shen is willing to swear an oath on his Martial Heart. Please show mercy, Sect Master Yang!”
Yang Kai was not moved and uttered only one word, “Kill!”
Shen Liang’s eyes widened as Zhu Jiu Yin’s jade-like white hand clenched, and with a fierce twist, she directly wrenched his head off! The now headless body twitched a few times before it stopped moving!
If he really wanted to subdue Shen Liang, Yang Kai could use the Loyalty List; after all, right now, the Loyalty List only had three names on it, and there were still six pages left. Shen Liang, was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master; thus, he could not resist the power of the Loyalty List. The only thing Yang Kai had to do was make him leave his name and imprint on it, and Yang Kai would be able to control his life and death. Chen Tian Fei, Hei He, and Yun Xing Hua, were all in this situation.
Perhaps Shen Liang really could be used to influence Heavenly Sword Union.
However, Heavenly Sword Union had already attacked Yang Kai twice, so how could he let them off so easily? He had long been determined in his heart to someday eradicate Heavenly Sword Union from the 3,000 Worlds. Naturally, when he was strong enough.
Shen Liang, the new Union Master, only held his position for two or three years before he was killed by Void Land. Including Kong Feng, Heavenly Sword Union had already lost two Union Masters at Void Land’s hands. There was absolutely no way to resolve such a deep grudge.
However, since Heavenly Sword Union was willing to be a blade in the hands of others, they should be prepared to be broken.
“En, many thanks to Senior for rushing to my aid.” Yang Kai hurriedly thanked Zhu Jiu Yin while cupping his fist in gratitude.
Zhu Jiu Yin snorted coldly, “If it wasn’t for Luo’er’s incessant begging, do you think this Queen would have come? This Queen is only here for Luo’er’s sake, so don’t flatter yourself.”
“Yes, yes, it’s Luo’er’s good fortune that she is so valued by Senior.” Yang Kai nodded repeatedly while smiling secretly in his heart. Shan Qing Luo was currently in secluded retreat under Zhu Jiu Yin’s tutelage, so she knew nothing about outside events. How would she have gotten to know about Yang Kai’s trip? Zhu Jiu Yin’s statement was clearly just a pretence.
Yang Kai guessed that she was afraid Shan Qing Luo would blame her if he fell prey to any accidents during this trip of his, which was why she secretly followed him here.
Yang Kai did not reveal any such thoughts that flickered across his mind.
“But brat, don’t forget about the conditions you promised before. This Queen will help you this time. Whether you live or die, once this is over, you will consider this Queen’s oath fulfilled. This Queen will regain her freedom either way.”
“Naturally!” Yang Kai nodded sternly, “Although this Junior is young, he always means what he says. After this trip, Senior will no longer be bound by anything.”
Zhu Jiu Yin’s expression cleared up a little, “Seems you still have some sense.”
Yang Kai turned to Qu Hua Shang next and asked with a sigh, “Senior Sister Qu, why did you come here too?”
Qu Hua Shang withdrew her zither and said with a smile, “Naturally, I had to come because you were in trouble. Junior Brother Yang, you’re really something. Why didn’t you call me when you were short of hands? If Senior Zhu hadn’t invited me, I wouldn’t have even known that you had left Void Land.”
Yang Kai realized that Qu Hua Shang was called by Zhu Jiu Yin, and hesitantly said, “With Senior Sister’s status…”
Qu Hua Shang smiled and said, “I am only acting in my personal capacity on this trip. My actions have nothing to do with Yin-Yang Cave Heaven.”
While that sounded well and good, in the end, she was still a Core Disciple of Yin-Yang Cave Heaven. After this trip, she would definitely be reprimanded by her Sect. Perhaps it was precisely because of her identity that Zhu Jiu Yin specifically invited her, because it would be more convenient to act if she took advantage of Qu Hua Shang’s identity.
Yang Kai let out a slight sigh, “Forget it. No matter what happens next, you have my sincere thanks, Senior Sister.”
Qu Hua Shang pursed her lips and smiled, “Junior Brother, you could pledge yourself to me if you’re so moved.”
Zhu Jiu Yin coldly snorted from the side, “Stop flirting. You were ambushed right after you exited Void Territory, and there are undoubtedly many more dangers lying ahead. If you have enough time to profess your undying love, you may as well use it to think about how to overcome those dangers and defeat your enemies.”
Yang Kai coughed lightly and said, “Since Senior has shown up, there should be no more difficulties along the way, unless they want to fight Senior to the death! Those people have already used Proprietress to lure me out of Void Land, so they will definitely try to finish me off in the Shattered Heaven.”
Zhu Jiu Yin pondered for a moment and said, “According to your speculations, we should be safe until we reach the Shattered Heaven?”
“I believe so, but I can’t be sure. In any case, it’s better that we act carefully.”
“Saying that is the same as saying nothing.” Zhu Jiu Yin gave him a blank look.
Yang Kai scratched his nose and said, “No matter what, we should continue forward first. Right now, we can only take one step at a time.”
Yue He’s wooden shuttle had been broken in the battle; thus, Qu Hua Shang summoned her flight-type artifact. The small group entered the artifact, after which it zoomed ahead, following the Universe Chart’s guidance.
Even as they passed through one Great Territory after another, there were no further ambushes, just like Yang Kai expected.
Luan Bai Feng and Jiang Yun Shan had escaped from the previous battle, so the news that Zhu Jiu Yin was accompanying Yang Kai must have reached the ears of the people behind the scenes. Zhu Jiu Yin’s strength was close to that of an Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, so they would need more than two Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters to join hands to deal with her.
As Yang Kai had said, unless they wanted to fight against Zhu Jiu Yin to death, they wouldn’t attack them easily. However, all High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had cultivated for many, many years, so which one of them didn’t cherish his or her own life? Who would want to fight with a Divine Spirit for nothing?
However, Yang Kai was clearly able to notice that someone was following and monitoring them, which was to be expected; thus, he did not pay attention to it. Now that his whereabouts had already been exposed, he simply prioritized reaching the Shattered Heaven, since no matter what, he would be exposed sooner or later when he arrived there anyway.
After nearly two months since he had left Void Land, Yang Kai finally arrived at the Shattered Heaven after passing through the last Territory Gate.
Yang Kai said hesitantly while looking straight ahead, “Is this the Shattered Heaven?”
As far as he could see, there was a vast region of Shattered Spirit Provinces that were filled with many shops and people. Cultivators were coming and going in droves from this place.
Yang Kai originally thought that since the Shattered Heaven was filled with dangers, there wouldn’t be too many people present, even including those who came to explore. But, contrary to his expectations, this place seemed very lively. While not as well organized or laid out as Void Star City, the level of activity in this patchwork-like area was no less.
After two months of recuperation, Old Bai had somewhat recovered. Hearing Yang Kai’s words, he smiled and said, “This is the Shattered Heaven, but we’re still only in the outermost periphery. This place has been explored by countless people, so there will be no danger here.”
“What’s that about?” Yang Kai pointed to the Shattered Spirit Province.
“Where there are people, there will naturally be trade. This is essentially the Shattered Heaven’s Star City, an ungoverned place that is more chaotic than any other in the 3,000 Worlds. People who come in and out of the Shattered Heaven need a place to rest and recuperate, and the people who come out of the Shattered Heaven’s depths also need a place to sell the treasures they acquired, which is why this Star City came into being.”
Yang Kai nodded lightly as he commented, “It’s quite lively.”
Old Bai replied, “It’s naturally lively. There are many people killing others and stealing goods every day there.”
“Understandable.” Yang Kai nodded, “Let’s go and have a look.”
Old Bai frowned and said, “We can always watch the liveliness later, but we don’t know how Proprietress is doing right now. We should prioritize finding her.”
Yang Kai, however, patted his shoulder and shook his head, “Believe me, I’m just as concerned as you are about Proprietress’ situation, but you don’t even know how she and the others disappeared or where she is trapped, so even if you go there, what would you do? Going to this Star City first is not to watch the commotion, but to wait for those people to come to us.”
After hearing this, Old Bai hesitantly said, “You mean….”
Yang Kai confirmed, “Those people lured me to come to Shattered Heaven. Now that I’m here, it’s time for them to get down to business, and do what they have planned to do. At the very least, we should be able to find out about the Proprietress’s current location and situation.”
After giving it a thought, Bai Qi realised that Yang Kai was right, so he nodded in agreement.
Following that, they moved into the lawless Star City. Not only was this place chaotic, but the buildings were also built in a haphazard fashion.
There were some people who had gotten into scuffles on the streets, and the stains of blood on the ground suggested that many lives were lost here.
As Yang Kai silently scanned his surroundings, he was horrified to learn that the cultivators moving around this damned place were mostly Open Heaven Realm Masters. There were rarely any cultivators like him who hadn’t ascended to the Open Heaven Realm.
After pondering on it for a moment though, he realised that Shattered Heaven was a truly dangerous place, so no weak cultivators were able to venture into this area. Being an Open Heaven Realm Master was probably the minimum requirement. Furthermore, most Open Heaven Realm Masters here looked destitute, which explained why they took a huge risk to look for opportunities in this dangerous place.
Yang Kai was a Half-Step Open Heaven Realm Master who was followed by Zhu Jiu Yin, Yue He, and the other strong cultivators, so this group of people looked rather conspicuous in this city.
The people who could make a living here were all cultivators with sharp vision, so they were able to easily tell that it was difficult to deal with Zhu Jiu Yin and the others; therefore, even though many people had their eyes on them, no one dared to go anywhere near them. Whenever Yang Kai and the others went, there seemed to be a pair of invisible hands that separated the onlookers.
“Some people are secretly paying attention to us,” Zhu Jiu Yin said in a small voice all of a sudden.
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “That’s expected. It’d be strange if no one is paying attention to us.”
Upon seeing a restaurant, Yang Kai led all of them inside. People from all walks of life had gathered together in the restaurant and it was quite bustling, with shop hands running around with their backs soaked in sweat.
The shopkeeper looked grumpy and had ugly facial features, but he was truly powerful as he was a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master.
After getting a private room, Yang Kai’s group ordered some signature dishes before sitting down and waiting.
Soon, the dishes and bottles of wine were served. Even though they were delectable, no one started eating as Yang Kai just sat with his eyes closed, waiting.
Since he hadn’t made a move, Yue He and the others would naturally stay still. On the other hand, Bai Qi kept squirming as though he was sitting on pins and needles. It had been half a year since the Proprietress got into trouble, but they hadn’t found out her whereabouts until now, so he was expected to be apprehensive.
Just one hour later, Zhu Jiu Yin suddenly took a look at Yang Kai, who seemed to have noticed it as well and opened his eyes.
Zhu Jiu Yin said impassively, “He’s here.”
Yang Kai gently let out a breath and replied, “Good.”
Even though he had comforted Bai Qi earlier, he wasn’t confident that the mastermind would show up to see him here. His plan was that if no one showed up after a day, he could only ask Bai Qi to lead them to the place where the Proprietress got into trouble, then they’d search for her slowly.
Now, it seemed that his speculation was right.
Since he had come to Shattered Heaven as he was told, the mastermind was supposed to show up and reveal his intentions.
Next, they heard a series of footsteps as some people were coming upstairs in a calm manner. Before they even arrived, a disturbing aura started permeating the place.
Yang Kai frowned and snorted, “They’re from Myriad Demons Heaven.”
He was certain that the aura was Demon Qi as he was familiar with it.
After the Hundred Sects Alliance invaded Void Land, Yang Kai found out that Myriad Demons Heaven was the culprit behind the siege. Now, the mastermind behind the incident this time was also from that great force, so it seemed that the feud between them was bound to worsen.
A moment later, the door was pushed open from the outside. Yang Kai looked up and saw two figures stepping into the private room. As expected, they were from Myriad Demons Heaven as they were engulfed in black Demon Qi, which undulated and concealed their faces.
However, Yang Kai had a feeling that the person at the front was the same High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master who had appeared in Void Land previously. At the moment, this man was followed by another Open Heaven Realm Master, but this person’s aura suggested that he was only in the Fifth Order.
Faced with such formidable enemies, Yue He and the others immediately rose from the chairs and stood behind Yang Kai to protect him. On the other hand, Zhu Jiu Yin remained seated in a dispassionate manner, as though she hadn’t seen the people who came in.
Even though the person at the front was covered in Demon Qi, Yang Kai could clearly sense that the other party was examining him with a pair of piercing eyes.
An unafraid Yang Kai stared back at him, but the next instant, he felt the person’s Demon Qi turning into a swirl and sucking his Soul into it.
It was totally beyond Yang Kai’s control as he felt his eyes burning all of a sudden. The Demon Eye of Annihilation on his left and the Black Purgatory Eye on his right revealed themselves. At that moment, his golden eye was bright while his black eye was pitch black.
Just then, Zhu Jiu Yin gently flicked the wine glass in front of her. Following a clang, a ripple spread around in Yang Kai’s mind like a glimmer of light that tore apart the darkness, extricating him from that strange state.
Yang Kai hurriedly looked down and closed his eyes, which felt like they were burning.
“I respect you as a guest, but if you dare to make a scene, don’t blame this Queen for becoming rude with you.” Zhu Jiu Yin gave him a warning impassively.
The High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master from Myriad Demons Heaven put on a smile and cupped his fist, “Myriad Demons Heaven, Ti Zheng, greets Senior Sister Zhu. The reason I did some probing just now was that I had some doubts, so I hope that you’ll forgive me.”
Even though he was covered in eerie Demon Qi, he was rather polite when he spoke, unlike how haughty he was in Void Land previously. It seemed he wouldn’t dare to be presumptuous in front of a Divine Spirit; after all, he had suffered a setback because of Zhu Jiu Yin back then.
Zhu Jiu Yin snorted.
Then, Ti Zheng turned to look at Yang Kai and nodded gently, “The last time we met, this Monarch was curious about why you exuded an aura that was supposed to be exclusive to Myriad Demons Heaven. Now, it seems to be the case. Demon Eye of Annihilation and Black Purgatory Eye… Haha. These two are very abstruse Eye Secret Techniques from our great force that are never taught to outsiders. Even within Myriad Demons Heaven, rarely anyone has successfully cultivated one of the two Secret Techniques, let alone mastered both. Where did you learn these Eye Secret Techniques?”
Yang Kai was slightly taken aback, but he didn’t let his emotions show on his face and simply replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
His two Eye Secret Techniques came from Great Demon God Mo Sheng. When Mo Sheng’s physical body was destroyed in the past, his eyes were cast into the Void and wound up far far away. As time passed, they gained their own sentience and life. One of them became the Great Demon God of Tong Xuan Realm while the other became a one-eyed giant monster.
There came an opportunity for Yang Kai as he obtained the Demon Eye of Annihilation first, followed by the Black Purgatory Eye, which was how he mastered both Eye Secret Techniques.
The moment Yang Kai found out that there was a Myriad Demons Heaven in the 3,000 Worlds, he warned himself to be cautious if he came across anyone from that great force so that his secrets wouldn’t be exposed. Those from that great force might not be aware that Mo Sheng eventually lost his life in the Star Boundary, but if he showcased the two Eye Secret Techniques from Great Demon God, it would catch the attention of those from that great force.
In fact, Yang Kai had been cautious enough as he rarely used these Eye Secret Techniques, he hadn’t expected that Ti Zheng had already noticed them when he came to Void Land previously.
Upon some probing this time, he easily found out Yang Kai’s secrets.
Both the Demon Eye of Annihilation and Black Purgatory Eye were Secret Techniques that came from Myriad Demons Heaven, so the other party’s understanding of the two Eye Secret Techniques must be far greater than Yang Kai’s. As such, he was unable to resist Ti Zheng’s inspection.
With a faint smile, Ti Zheng took a seat and said, “It’s pointless for you to deny it as the characteristics of these two Eye Secret Techniques are too conspicuous. Even though this Monarch has never cultivated them, there are a number of people in our great force who have mastered these Secret Techniques. That’s why I can easily recognise them. However, there’s something I don’t understand. You’re not a disciple from our great force, so how did you get to learn these techniques? Over the years, only a small number of the disciples from our great force have had the aptitude to learn these Secret Techniques, and they’re also the most talented people in Myriad Demons Heaven.”
After he finished speaking, the Demon Qi around him dissipated and revealed his face. As he stared fixedly at Yang Kai’s eyes, he licked his lips and said, “This Monarch is interested in your eyes. Why don’t you sell them to me? I’ll offer a reasonable price.”
Yang Kai asked impassively, “I’m interested in your head as well. Are you going to sell it to me?”
Ti Zheng grinned, “You’re pretty bold; however, even though you have these Eye Secret Techniques, you’re unable to fully activate their powers without the core Secret Art. Furthermore, you’re not a disciple from our great force. It’d be a waste if you hold onto these eyes of yours.”
“That’s none of your business,” Yang Kai shook his head.
Ti Zheng examined him and also shook his head, “What a shame. This Monarch is not going to force you since you’re not willing to sell your eyes. In any case, I’ll be fine with it if you join our great force.”
Yang Kai arched his brow, “Oh? Are you trying to recruit me?”
Ti Zheng replied seriously, “Yes, but it’s because I don’t want the two Eye Secret Techniques from our great force to go to waste.”
A curious Yang Kai asked, “What are the benefits I will get if I join Myriad Demons Heaven?”
Ti Zheng said, “You’ll never have to worry about putting food on the table again, and all your trouble will be gone. This Monarch can give you everything you want, as long as you make a heart demon oath and start working for me from now on.”
“Everything?” Yang Kai raised his brow, “Does it include a High-Rank Yin Element treasure?”
“If you want, this Monarch can give it to you,” Ti Zheng said with a smile.
“That’s attractive, but your conditions are too harsh. I’m not used to being subservient to anyone.”
There seemed to be a look of regret on Ti Zheng’s face, “I wanted to lead you to a bright future, but you wouldn’t appreciate my kindness. Despite the fact that you have two great eyes, you’re no different from a blind man. How pitiful!”
Yang Kai snorted, “Enough nonsense. You told me to come to the Shattered Heaven, and I’m here now. Where’s my Proprietress?”
Ti Zheng asked, “Are you talking about the woman named Lan You Ruo?”
“Stop asking the obvious.”
“Well…” Ti Zheng smiled and fished out a jade slip before pushing it towards Yang Kai, “She’s in this place now. Do you have the guts to go there?”
Yang Kai frowned as Ti Zheng readily revealed the Proprietress’ whereabouts, so he wasn’t sure if he should believe him.
Then, he gave Zhu Jiu Yin a signal with his eyes, whereupon the woman picked up the jade slip and examined it. Then, she nodded at Yang Kai to mean that there was nothing wrong with it.
It was then Yang Kai picked up the jade slip and infused his Divine Sense into it. With a frown, he gazed at Ti Zheng and asked, “How would I know if you’re telling the truth?”
“It’s up to you whether you want to believe me.” Ti Zheng grinned and rose from the chair, then cupped his fist to Zhu Jiu Yin, “I’m sorry for disturbing you, Senior Sister Zhu.”
Following that, he turned around and nonchalantly left.
After he was gone, Bai Qi asked anxiously, “Where’s Proprietress now?”
Yang Kai replied, “Have a look.” Then, he passed the jade slip to him.
After scanning the jade slip, Bai Qi furrowed his brow, “Shadowless Cave Heaven?”
The jade slip indeed contained the Proprietress’ whereabouts, but it was actually a Universe Cave Heaven called Shadowless Cave Heaven, which was just as powerful as Blood Monster Cave Heaven. Both of them were Universe Cave Heavens left behind by Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters after they passed away.
“Old Bai, do you think we can believe the information in this jade slip?” Yang Kai asked.
Bai Qi replied, “It’s likely to be true. The location marked in this jade slip was where Proprietress and the others disappeared back then. It explains why they went missing if they really fell into a Universe Cave Heaven. However… I’ve never heard of Shadowless Cave Heaven before.”
Yue He said, “It’s rumoured that many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters lost their lives in the Shattered Heaven. After they died, they left behind many Universe Cave Heavens and Universe Paradises. So, it’s expected that you’ve never heard of it, but…”
“But what?” Yang Kai turned to look at her.
“Universe Cave Heavens and Universe Paradises are usually sealed off from the outside world. No one can find entrances unless they’re extremely lucky. Since those people could make Big Sister Lan fall into this Shadowless Cave Heaven, it probably means that they already have control over its entrance.”
As Yang Kai suddenly thought of something and narrowed his eyes as he asked, “Old Bai, you said that the reason Proprietress came to the Shattered Heaven was that she was looking for a High-Rank Yin Element treasure for me. How did you all get wind of it? Did you find out about it yourselves?”
Bai Qi replied, “It was Proprietress who somehow got word of it. Do you think someone deliberately leaked news of a High-Rank Yin Element treasure to lure Proprietress into the trap that sent her into the Shadowless Cave Heaven?”
Yang Kai snorted, “I don’t think it was a coincidence. It seems that they’ve really discovered a portal into the Shadowless Cave Heaven. At the very least, they know how to enter it.”
The heritages of the Cave Heavens and Paradises were all extremely rich, so it wasn’t odd that they could control the entrance to the Shadowless Cave Heaven, and it also wasn’t difficult for them to use it to trap the Proprietress and lure Yang Kai to the Shattered Heaven.
“In that case, are you still going?” Zhu Jiu Yin shot Yang Kai with a dispassionate glance, “The reason they generously told you the location must be that they’ve set up a trap. Even if this Queen goes with you, I can’t necessarily ensure your safety. You’ll probably lose your life there.”
Yang Kai pursed his lips and said, “I was ready for that before I came here. There’s no turning back now. Regardless of how dangerous the road ahead of us is, I have to move forward.”
Zhu Jiu Yin stared intently at him and said calmly, “Don’t worry. If you lose your life there, I’ll at least bury your corpse.”
An offended Yue He glared at her.
“Let’s go. I’m eager to find out what kind of an amazing trap they’ve set up for me.” Yang Kai rose from his seat without hesitation.
After shuffling out of the restaurant, they headed for the Star City’s exit. Yang Kai sported a solemn expression as he was worried about the Proprietress. Countless ideas flashed through his mind as he pondered on the circumstances that he might come across, but a moment later, he realised that someone was staring at him.
As their eyes met, Yang Kai became startled for a moment.
There was a middle-aged man across the street who had a look of disbelief on his face. It seemed that he hadn’t expected to bump into Yang Kai in this place. Following that, a sense of resentment rose within this man and his eyes seemed able to spurt endless wrath and hatred. His expression suggested that he was eager to skin Yang Kai alive and drink his blood.
However, as soon as he noticed the people around Yang Kai, he knitted his brow. Even though the auras of Zhu Jiu Yin and the others were concealed, it was apparent to this man that it would be difficult to deal with them. Given his power now, he was unable to kill Yang Kai to get his revenge.
As he darted his gaze around, he shot towards the Star City’s exit.
“Follow him!” Yang Kai yelled and chased after the man. Despite the fact that Zhu Jiu Yin and the others had no idea what was going on, they still promptly followed Yang Kai.
After leaving the Star City, they looked up and saw a ray of light shooting towards the depths of the void. Qu Hua Shang quickly summoned her flight-type artifact, after which they boarded and raced after him.
A puzzled Zhu Jiu Yin asked, “Brat, who is that guy?”
“Give me a moment to think!” Yang Kai frowned without answering her question. Innumerable memories flashed across his mind, and just a moment later, he seemed to have figured out something, “I got it!”
An impatient Zhu Jiu Yin asked, “What do you mean?”
Yang Kai grinned, “We might be able to recruit some helpers.”
Bai Qi asked curiously, “Helpers?”
All of them looked at him in puzzlement as they didn’t understand why he was chasing after someone unrelated to the matter instead of heading straight to the Proprietress’ location.
After letting out a breath, Yang Kai gazed at Qu Hua Shang and asked, “Do you remember Abundance City, Senior Sister Qu?”
Qu Hua Shang replied with a smile, “Of course I do. We were even held captive together there. Aren’t those people living in Void Land now?”
She had frequently visited Void Land over the years, so she had seen Mo Mei and the others a number of times. When she and Yang Kai were held captive in Abundance City, they had met Mo Mei and the other inhabitants of the city and found out about their situations.
“The ancestors of Abundance City were implanted with a Blood Principle Restriction by Blood Monster Divine Monarch, so their descendants had to live in Blood Monster Cave Heaven for their entire lives. Without the nourishment from the Cave Heaven’s aura, they would immediately lose their lives. Back then, I joined forces with Black Crow Divine Monarch and obtained a Secret Technique that could resolve the Blood Principle Restriction. After the collapse of Blood Monster Cave Heaven, I managed to return to Abundance City in time and brought Mo Mei and the others out, eventually bringing them to settle in Void Land. However, when we were still captives, there was an Elder from Abundance City who tried to kill me. Do you remember that, Senior Sister Qu?”
After giving it a thought, Qu Hua Shang nodded, “En, he was named Tan Luo Xing, right? It’s no wonder I found that man familiar just now.”
When Tan Luo Xing saw the Wooden Token given to Yang Kai by the Proprietress in the past, he attempted to kill him outright. However, Tan Luo Xing failed miserably and soon after forcefully opened the city’s Defensive Grand Array and fled as he was worried that he would get punished. After that, Golden Gorilla King stormed into Abundance City and made a scene.
The person Yang Kai came across just now was Tan Luo Xing who had fled from Abundance City.
After finishing her words, Qu Hua Shang asked in perplexment, “There’s something I don’t understand, Junior Brother Yang. Tan Luo Xing fled pretty early on, so he supposedly shouldn’t have survived. After the Blood Monster Cave Heaven collapsed, all the cultivators in that place must have passed away except for the ones from Abundance City that you managed to save.”
Yang Kai said with a smile, “The only possibility is that his Blood Principle Restriction was also removed.”
“But who could have helped…” Before Qu Hua Shang finished her words, her gaze brightened as she figured everything out.
Yang Kai went on to say, “That’s right. There’s one more person who can resolve the Blood Principle Restriction other than me…”
Qu Hua Shang completed his sentence, “Black Crow Divine Monarch!”
Yang Kai chuckled, “He’s really something. He had killed many disciples from the Cave-Heavens and Paradises in Blood Monster Cave Heaven. After the collapse of Blood Monster Cave Heaven, all of the Cave Heavens and Paradises got wind of Black Crow Divine Monarch and began hunting him down. Initially, I thought that he must have lost his life in the Blood Monster Territory. Now, it seems that not only is he still alive and kicking, but he’s also come to the Shattered Heaven.”
After a moment of deliberation, Yang Kai nodded, “I’m sure he’s in the Shattered Heaven now. His life must be worse than mine since he’s being actively hunted down by the Cave Heavens and Paradises. There’s nowhere in the 3,000 Worlds that he can go except for the Shattered Heaven where there’s nothing but chaos…” He tutted, “Did you notice, Senior Sister Qu? Tan Luo Xing is also an Open Heaven Realm Master now.”
Qu Hua Shang nodded, “En, Fifth-Order.”
Yang Kai went on to say, “There was no way Black Crow Divine Monarch would help Tan Luo Xing resolve his Blood Principle Restriction out of kindness. He was aware that he was on his own, so he had to recruit some subordinates. As a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, Tan Luo Xing is powerful enough to be used as a pawn. Moreover, in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, Abundance City alone was able to produce so many Open Heaven Realm Masters. What about other cities? If my speculation is right, Black Crow Divine Monarch must have amassed a lot of helpers who are in the Fifth-Order and Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm.”
After all, Black Crow Divine Monarch was a former High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master, reborn after seizing someone else’s body. Since Black Crowd Divine Monarch possessed the necessary Secret Technique to resolve the Blood Principle Restriction, it would be easy for him to enslave some people when the Blood Monster Cave Heaven began to collapse.
Since Yang Kai was able to save the people from Abundance City at that time, Black Crow Divine Monarch could naturally do something similar. The fact that Tan Luo Xing was still alive was the best proof.
[Moreover…]
Yue He said, “Tan Luo Xing seems to be luring us somewhere, Young Master.”
Yang Kai said, “He’s completely resentful of me. After his failed attempt to kill me back then, he was forced to flee Abundance City and became homeless. When he saw me in the Star City just now, he wouldn’t dare to make a move as all of you were around me. However, if he can lure us to the place where his companions gather together, he can join forces with them and get his revenge.”
Qu Hua Shang remarked, “That must be the place where Black Crow Divine Monarch resides.”
Yang Kai nodded, “You’re right. He’s trying to make use of Black Crow Divine Monarch’s power to deal with us.”
Even though there were only a small number of people with Yang Kai, they were obviously all powerful Masters. Since Tan Luo Xing had the guts to lure them to that place, it meant that Black Crow Divine Monarch must have amassed a lot of subordinates, and he believed that the Divine Monarch was able to deal with Yang Kai and the others; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made such a decision.
Zhu Jiu Yin warned him by saying, “Are you trying to make use of that Black Crow Divine Monarch’s power? Be careful, as you might go for wool and come back shorn.”
Qu Hua Shang said, “You should really think twice about it, Junior Brother. I remember that you made Black Crow Divine Monarch suffer a huge loss in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, so he also abhors you.”
“The reason Black Crow is resentful of me is that I ruined his plan to refine the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. Now that the Blood Monster Cave Heaven is no longer around, it’s useless for him to keep on hating me. On the other hand, those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises hunted him in the Blood Monster Territory and even though he escaped from that Great Territory in the end, he was forced to live miserably in the Shattered Heaven. I believe that if there’s a chance, he won’t mind retaliating against those people.”
Back then, Black Crow Divine Monarch was trying to refine the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. If he had succeeded, the life or death of all the people in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven would have fallen into his hands. Unfortunately, Yang Kai foiled his plans at the critical moment. This was indeed an unresolvable feud.
However, fighting back in order to survive as Yang Kai had done, and the active hunt to exterminate him by the Cave Heavens and Paradises were not equal in weight. Yang Kai had ruined his plan while those from Cave Heavens and Paradises wanted to kill him, so both of these parties were also his enemies. With that said, it was more difficult to deal with the Cave Heavens and Paradises in comparison.
Black Crow Divine Monarch must be fully aware of that, which was why he had hidden in the Shattered Heaven.
It was said that the enemy of an enemy was a friend. Perhaps they could join forces over this matter temporarily. As for their feud, they could settle it at a later date. Black Crow Divine Monarch had lived for a long time, so he must be able to see the big picture.
“Regardless, we have to meet him first. Maybe we’ll get what we want, but even if we don’t, we won’t suffer any losses.”
Since Yang Kai had made a decision, the others were not in any place to say otherwise, especially Qu Hua Shang; after all, she was a disciple from Yin-Yang Cave Heaven that was also involved in hunting down Black Crow Divine Monarch.
As they raced after the ray of light, they moved forward at full speed.
Broken Spirit Provinces were scattered everywhere in the Shattered Heaven. There was no vitality in these Spirit Provinces, and their World Principles were long gone. These shattered Spirit Provinces were supposed to be parts of Universe Worlds in the Shattered Heaven, but after the epic war in the past, the neighbouring Great Territories were all broken, and their Universe Worlds were destroyed, leaving behind only remnants.
On a certain small Spirit Province, many figures had concealed themselves while there were some strong cultivators who stood guard around the periphery.
All of a sudden, a shriek was heard coming from the deepest part of the Spirit Province, which sent a chill down everyone’s spine. The Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters who stood guard shuddered upon hearing that as they mourned for the lost life.
These people were cultivators who were born and bred in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. When the Blood Monster Cave Heaven broke apart, they were found by a person called Black Crow Divine Monarch, who helped resolve the Blood Principle Restriction in their bodies and brought them away.
Initially, they thought that they could finally break free from the cage that had confined their ancestors and them and start a new life; however, no one could’ve expected that it was just the beginning of their nightmare.
They were still Half-Step Open Heaven Realm Masters when they left the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, but Black Crow Divine Monarch gave them resources and helped them ascend to the Open Heaven Realm in a short period of time. Due to years of accumulation and Black Crow Divine Monarch’s help, they were able to ascend to the Fourth Order at minimum. Many of them were in the Fifth Order while there were a small number of Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters among them. Very few lost their lives when breaking through.
Following that, Black Crow Divine Monarch led them all the way to Shattered Heaven.
Due to the fact that Black Crow Divine Monarch loved drinking human blood, he would need an Open Heaven Realm Master to use as blood food from time to time. The Shattered Heaven was a chaotic and lawless place, where countless lives were lost every day. As a formidable force like them wandered around, they could wait for the right targets and make a move at the right time.
There were many unlucky Open Heaven Realm Masters who were captured by them and brought to this place to be served as blood sacrifices for Black Crow Divine Monarch.
However, even though they were powerful, there were times when they were not lucky enough to find any target.
For a time like this, Black Crow Divine Monarch would choose one of them to be his blood sacrifice.
Initially, 35 people had left the Blood Monster Territory with Black Crow Divine Monarch, but after just 3 years, only a little more than 20 of them were left. Those who were gone didn’t lose their lives in battle but instead had their Blood Essence sucked dry by Black Crow Divine Monarch.
Luck wasn’t on their side recently as they couldn’t capture anyone to serve as blood food, so as soon as they heard the shriek, they knew that one of their companions had perished.
Now, their life or death was basically in Black Crow Divine Monarch’s hands. Although some of them were stronger than him, none of them dared to rebel.
If this went on, all of them would be killed by Black Crow Divine Monarch in a few years. Nevertheless, there was nothing they could do. When Black Crow resolved the Blood Principle Restriction for them, he also left something in their bodies, which ensured that they wouldn’t be able to break free from his control even after they advanced to the Open Heaven Realm.
The shrieks didn’t last for a long time. After slightly more than ten breaths’ time, the voice weakened. The Open Heaven Realm Masters on the Spirit Province sported indifferent expressions as they were already used to this.
All of a sudden, someone exclaimed, “Someone is coming!”
The people who were responsible for standing guard immediately looked around and saw a ray of light approaching them at high speed and they quickly put their guard up.
However, just a moment later, someone recognised the person who was approaching and shouted, “Don’t panic. It’s Tan Luo Xing!”
As expected, Tan Xing Lu appeared within everyone’s sight just a while later, but before he even reached them, he exclaimed, “Hide yourselves! There are some new blood sacrifices following me!”
Upon hearing that, all of them became energised as they used their Secret Techniques to conceal their auras and figures.
They had been extremely unlucky recently as they were unable to capture any blood sacrifice at all. They had just lost another companion, and no one knew who the next among them would be; therefore, when they heard that some blood sacrifices were following Tan Luo Xing, they quickly got prepared. As long as they could catch those blood sacrifices, they would be safe in a short period of time.
On the other hand, upon informing his companions about it, Tan Luo Xing shot towards the deepest part of the Spirit Province.
Just a moment later, he arrived at a collapsed Grand Hall that was protected by powerful cultivators in all directions. However, all of them looked as pale as white sheets now. In the middle of the Grand Hall stood a figure that was engulfed in blood mist. For some reason, he was trembling violently, and the blood mist around him contracted and expanded irregularly.
There was a withered corpse lying on the ground in front of this figure. The corpse didn’t contain any moisture, as though it had been left in the burning sun for countless years. His skin was horrendously pale, and all his Blood Essence was gone. He must have gone through a terrifying experience before his death. His hollow eyes almost popped out, and horror was written all over his shrivelled face.
Tan Luo Xing took a glance at the corpse and instantly recognised his identity. Just a few days ago, he had chatted with this man over some casual topics, so it never crossed his mind that after he returned from the Star City in the Shattered Heaven, the other party would already be dead.
Still, he quickly retracted his gaze and called out, “Divine Monarch!”
All of a sudden, the figure covered in blood mist extended his hand and slapped Tan Luo Xing. The slap was so forceful that he flipped over several times in the air, and when he landed on the ground, half of his face was swollen up while several of his teeth were broken.
“How dare you disturb this Monarch when I’m having my meal? Is it your first day working for me? Or do you also want to be my blood food today?” Black Crow Divine Monarch’s grim voice was heard coming from the weltering blood mist.
Tan Luo Xing shuddered and fell on all fours as he pleaded, “Please forgive me, Divine Monarch! Please forgive me! I know I’ve made a mistake. Please don’t kill me!”
Black Crow roared like he was an injured beast. His eyes were bloodshot as he said through clenched teeth, “Old Dog Blood Monster, you still taunt this Monarch even after your death! What did you do to the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture!? Damn you!”
It wasn’t until Black Crow fled from the Blood Monster Territory and arrived at the Shattered Heaven that he realised there was something wrong with the Scripture that he had cultivated. That was because after he ascended to the Open Heaven Realm, he had to look for suitable blood sacrifices from time to time and swallow all their Blood Essence; otherwise, he would be at risk of self-detonation.
Even though the learner of the Scripture was supposed to consume others’ Blood Essence to increase their power, there was a difference between doing it proactively and being forced to do it. He had a speculation that the Scripture he had obtained was tampered with by Blood Monster Divine Monarch, which was why he had fallen into such a state.
Whenever he needed a blood sacrifice, he would feel unbearably itchy as though countless cats were scratching his Soul. He was unable to control his emotions as he’d become highly irritable.
Then, he turned his head and stared fixedly at Tan Luo Xing, “Why did you disturb this Monarch? If you can’t provide a good reason, I’ll devour you immediately!”
Tan Luo Xing became horrified as he knew that Black Crow wasn’t pulling his leg. If he couldn’t come up with a satisfactory reply, he would lose his life the next instant.
Not daring to be negligent, he pressed his head against the ground and said in a shaking voice, “I found Yang Kai in the Star City.”
“Yang Kai?!” Black Crow Divine Monarch became startled for a moment, then the blood mist around him exploded as he shot towards Tan Luo Xing and yanked him up before saying through gritted teeth, “Are you talking about that damn brat who ruined this Monarch’s plan back in Blood Monster Cave Heaven? Where is he!?”
If Yang Kai hadn’t foiled his plan, he wouldn’t have fallen into such a state. At that time, as long as he could refine the Blood Monster Cave Heaven and make use of its resources, he could wait until he recovered his strength before leaving. By then, he could go anywhere he pleased instead of hiding from his enemies in this place.
Tan Luo Xing quickly said, “I’ve lured him to this place. He’ll be here soon.”
Upon hearing that, Black Crow was elated, “Good, very good! That brat ruined this Monarch’s plans in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. I’ve been wanting to get my revenge, but I didn’t know where he was. Now that he dares to show up in the Shattered Heaven, he’s basically stepping right into his grave. This Monarch will definitely catch and kill him!”
After he finished speaking, he gently put down Tan Luo Xing and said with a mild expression, “You’ve done well.”
After getting a compliment, Tan Luo Xing put on a fawning smile, “It’s my duty to help solve your problems, Divine Monarch. However, Yang Kai is followed by some Open Heaven Realm Masters this time. I couldn’t see through their strength as they were concealing their auras, but I don’t think they’re pushovers.”
Black Crow sneered, “I was worried that they would be too weak. To this Monarch, the more powerful a blood sacrifice is, the better they’ll taste. Hmm?” As he spoke, he suddenly turned to look in a particular direction. Apparently, he had sensed something.
At the same time, explosive sounds were heard as World Force undulated. There was also an aura that was extraordinarily powerful and eerie. Obviously, the people who were responsible for standing guard had engaged Yang Kai in battle.
“A Divine Spirit!” Black Crow turned pale and widened his eyes in disbelief. Why was there a Divine Spirit following Yang Kai around? Moreover, judging from the Divine Spirit’s energy fluctuations, she should be a mature one! In other words, she was at least as strong as a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master!
Black Crow’s expression darkened instantly. To him, there was no doubt that a powerful blood sacrifice would taste better and be more beneficial to him. Still, he had to be wary of a mature Divine Spirit. Even though he had many strong cultivators in the Fifth-Order and Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm who worked for him, they would be useless when faced against such a foe.
Despite his wariness, he wasn’t afraid. More than twenty Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were a force to be reckoned with. If they got into a life-and-death battle with this Divine Spirit, both parties would likely be equally matched.
While he was pondering on whether he should fight or retreat, he heard someone speaking to him, “Black Crow, your friend has come all the way here to see you. Why don’t you let me in?”
Upon hearing that voice, Black Crow immediately had the urge to kill. That was the voice of the accursed brat who had repeatedly ruined his plans in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. First, he failed to seize Yang Kai’s body and had to settle for an inferior one. Then, he foiled his plans to refine the Blood Monster Divine Palace, leading to the collapse of the Blood Monster Cave Heaven which forced him to flee to the Shattered Heaven. Yang Kai was the cause of all of his misery. Whenever Black Crow thought of that brat, he was eager to skin him alive and drink his blood.
In fact, he had secretly made an oath that as soon as he returned to his peak, he would scour the 3,000 Worlds to look for this boy and let him taste the cruellest torture imaginable. However, it never crossed Black Crow’s mind that they’d meet again so soon.
As he narrowed his bloodshot eyes, he raised his arm and bellowed, “Let them in!”
Black Crow was fully aware of his subordinates’ strength. Since Yang Kai had a Divine Spirit with him, there was no way his blood slaves could stop him. In that case, he decided to directly let them in. He wanted to find out why Yang Kai had come all the way to the Shattered Heaven to look for him.
The battle ended as the explosive sounds died down.
Soon enough, under the attention of many Mid-Rank Open Realm Masters, Yang Kai led Yue He, Zhu Jiu Yin, and the others to barge into the place and walked up to Black Crow.
*Shua shua shua…*
The cultivators who were hidden earlier flew over from all directions and surrounded Yang Kai and his group.
At this moment, nearly 30 Mid-Rank Open Realm Masters had gathered together in this small Spirit Province. There was also the Divine Spirit Heavenly Moon Demon Spider. People who had no idea what was going on would be shaken to the core if they saw such a powerful group.
As their eyes met, Yang Kai smiled and saluted in a friendly manner, “Good to see you again, Black Crow. Who could’ve thought that we’d reunite in this place?”
Black Crow’s eyes seemed able to spit fire as he snarled, “Quit being so presumptuous. How dare you call this Monarch by his name?”
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “It’s just a name. Please don’t mind it, Divine Monarch.”
Black Crow snorted, “Stinking brat, you ruined this Monarch’s plans in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, yet you still have the gall to show up in front of me? Do you think I can’t do anything to you just because you have a Divine Spirit to protect you?”
Then, he lifted both arms and put on a smug smile, “Do you see it now? I have many powerful subordinates with me. As soon as I give the order, they’ll kill you.”
Yang Kai spoke up with an amiable expression, “I believe that you’re capable of doing that; however, it’s pointless for you to kill me now. The Blood Monster Cave Heaven is gone, and you’re currently being hunted down by the Cave Heavens and Paradises. I believe that life has been terrible for you in the Shattered Heaven, am I right?”
At the mention of this, Black Crow became even more infuriated, “If you hadn’t interfered, this Monarch wouldn’t have fallen into such a miserable state!”
If he had managed to refine the Blood Monster Divine Palace, he could’ve taken control of the Blood Monster Cave Heaven and made use of the resources left behind by Blood Monster Divine Monarch to restore his strength while remaining hidden from the world, rather than being forced to flee and getting hunted down.
“I was forced to do that, Divine Monarch. If you had really refined the Blood Monster Divine Palace, I would’ve died. In order to survive, I had to oppose you at that time,” Yang Kai said with a smile, as though he wasn’t the one who did that back then.
Black Crow barked, “What do you want, boy? Have you come all the way here just to annoy me? In that case, this Monarch will never let you off!”
“Of course not,” Yang Kai shook his head and said solemnly, “I’m here to join forces with you.”
Black Crow gawked for a moment before growling, “Are you saying that you want to join forces with this Monarch? Did you fumble your words? Or did I mishear you?”
Yang Kai replied, “You didn’t mishear me, nor did I speak wrongly.”
Black Crow looked around and laughed in a maniacal manner. His laugh reverberated across the entire Spirit Province.
A moment later, he stopped laughing and snorted, “Even though this Monarch has no idea what your intentions are, I know that you’ve not some kind-hearted saint. Scram while I’m still in a good mood; otherwise, all of you have to lose your lives here!”
Yang Kai stared at him and shook his head, “You haven’t even asked about what I want to join forces with you for, Divine Monarch. Why are you in a rush to chase me away?”
Black Crow scoffed, “If possible, you’re the first one this Monarch would kill. Are you taunting me by telling me to work with you? Who do you think you are? Do you even have a right to join forces with me?”
Ignoring his mockery, Yang Kai went on to say, “You had no choice but to flee from the Blood Monster Territory and hide in this broken Spirit Province because of those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises. Don’t you want to get your revenge?”
Black Crow stared at him with narrowed eyes as a dangerous glint flashed through his gaze. It was as though he was pondering on whether he should attack Yang Kai here and now. Certainly, he had no regard for the latter whatsoever. When he was in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven back then, he had just taken over someone else’s body, so he was only able to exert a fraction of his true power. That was the reason Yang Kai was able to repeatedly foil his plans.
But now, he was already a Fifth-Order Realm Master while Yang Kai was still just a Half-Step Open Heaven Realm cultivator. They were not even comparable anymore.
However, he was wary of the Divine Spirit. With this Divine Spirit’s protection, it would be unrealistic for him to kill Yang Kai even though he had many strong subordinates with him.
“You hold some grudges against those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises, and it’s the same case for me,” Yang Kai continued, “Since we have common foes, why don’t you join forces with me?”
Black Crow’s interest had been piqued as he asked, “Why is there a feud between you and those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises?”
Yang Kai explained, “That’s because I want to directly break through to the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm, and it seems to have affected some people’s interests, so I’ve been targeted by them. In fact, I was lured to this place and there is a trap waiting for me in the depths of the Shattered Heaven.”
Understanding now, Black Crow nodded faintly, “As expected, you really want to ascend to the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm directly. It’s no wonder that the Cave Heavens and Paradises won’t let you off. If I were them, I wouldn’t let you achieve your goal either. However, since you’re aware that it’s a trap, why are you still going straight into it?”
“There’s a reason I must go, but I’m not going to tell you about it. It’s a coincidence that we’ve come across each other here. I didn’t deliberately look for you.”
Black Crow turned to look at Tan Luo Xing and reckoned that the latter must have exposed his whereabouts by being followed. Faced with Black Crow’s deathly stare, Tan Luo Xing was instantly drenched in cold sweat.
Black Crow snorted, “Since those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises have set up a trap for you, it’ll be useless regardless of how many people you bring with you. This Monarch isn’t a fool, so why would I decide to perish together with you?”
“You’re wrong, Divine Monarch.” Yang Kai shook his head, “If all Thirty-Six Cave Heavens and Seventy-Two Paradises had joined forces, there’s no way I would survive and even trying to resist would be pointless. However, we’re only going to deal with some of them here, so they can’t possibly summon a large number of their strongest cultivators. They are currently targeting me and the people around me, so if you seize the chance and make a move now, they won’t be able to counterattack. Since you have so many powerful cultivators with you, don’t you want to deal a heavy blow to them?”
While Black Crow was contemplating it with a frown, Yang Kai just stared silently at him without urging.
A moment later, Black Crow sneered, “Regardless of what you say, this Monarch will not believe even one word from your wicked mouth. I indeed hold some grudges against the Cave Heavens and Paradises, and I’ll storm into their Headquarters some day, kill all of their disciples and destroy their inheritances that have been accumulated over so many years. However, I also very much want to see you dead! Hahaha. You want to use me to ease your burdens? You’re too naive, brat.”
Yang Kai said with a frown, “We can settle the score between us in the future, Divine Monarch. Such a chance is hard to come by, if you don’t make a move now, you’ll regret it in the future, won’t you? Do you want to keep hiding in the Shattered Heaven forever? If they discover your whereabouts, do you think they’ll let you live peacefully here?”
“This is none of your business. Get lost now, or else I’ll kill you right here.” Black Crow waved his hand to chase them away.
“Divine Monarch!”
While Yang Kai attempted to keep persuading him, the blood mist around Black Crow undulated as he snapped, “If you don’t leave within three breaths, you’ll have to stay here forever!”
Following that, the twenty or so Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters circulated their strength. At that instant, the aura of World Force permeated the broken hall. Yue He, Qu Hua Shang, and Bai Qi became alarmed with only Zhu Jiu Yin remaining impassive as she stared coldly at Black Crow Divine Monarch.
A frustrated Yang Kai shot Black Crow Divine Monarch a glare and said through clenched teeth, “We’re leaving!”
Then, he turned around and swung his sleeve before walking off, seemingly quite vexed.
In the blink of an eye, they left the Spirit Province and headed straight to the depths of the Shattered Heaven.
It wasn’t until they flew for a long time after leaving the Spirit Province that Yang Kai’s expression turned milder as he let out a breath.
To the side, Zhu Jiu Yin asked, “You wanted to join forces with him, but he didn’t seem interested one bit. What are you going to do now? Walk right into the trap like a fool?”
There was a faint smile on Yang Kai’s face, “He wasn’t interested? I don’t think so.”
Zhu Jiu Yin said with a frown, “Black Crow made his stance clear. Are you blind or what?”
Yang Kai explained, “It’s exactly because he made his stance clear so quickly that I’m sure he’s interested. As for whether he’ll make a move, it depends on our ability to deal with the trap they’ve set up. If my speculation is right, Black Crow will secretly follow us then play it by ear. If there’s a chance, he’ll gladly have a hand in this matter; however, if the difference in power between our enemies and us is too great, he’ll stay clear of it. He’s not the charitable sort. Since he has suffered such an immense setback, there’s no way he won’t want to get his revenge. The most important thing now is whether we can create a chance for him to make a move.”
Zhu Jiu Yin refuted, “That’s just your speculation.”
Yang Kai nodded, “That’s right. It’s just my speculation. Maybe Black Crow won’t make any move in the end.”
If they couldn’t use Black Crow’s power, they had no choice but to face the trap in the Shadowless Cave Heaven on their own. In any case, it was a surprise that they came across Black Crow in the Shattered Heaven. Yang Kai had never expected Black Crow to hide in that place, and the latter even had so many Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters working for him.
In fact, it never crossed his mind that Black Crow had actually fled from the Blood Monster Territory. Initially, he thought that the latter must have lost his life there; after all, every single Territory Gate of that place had been controlled by the Cave Heavens and Paradises at that time, and all the cultivators who passed through gates were carefully screened. It wasn’t certain what trick Black Crow had used, but not only had he managed to flee, he had even brought many people with him.
This kind of old fox who had lived for countless years must never be underestimated.
After giving it a thought, Yang Kai turned to look at Qu Hua Shang and asked, “Senior Sister Qu, since you’re a disciple from Yin-Yang Cave Heaven, what kind of trap do you think those from Myriad Demons Heaven have set up in the Shadowless Cave Heaven?”
Following a moment of deliberation, she replied, “I know little about the information at the top level. Even though my great force did its best to gather information, we’re unable to do so as we’re not involved in this matter. However, High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters are all powerful figures with supreme identities, so they won’t easily make a move unless it’s absolutely necessary. Senior Zhu’s existence has been exposed, so if those from Myriad Demons Heaven want to set up a trap, they’ll specifically target her. Moreover, Senior Zhu showcased her power in the battle in Void Land a few years ago; therefore, I think at least three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters will be waiting outside the Shadowless Cave Heaven.”
Upon hearing that, Yang Kai nodded gently. What Qu Hua Shang had said was the same as his speculations. Since they wanted to target Zhu Jiu Yin, they’d need three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters at the very least. That was because two High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were unable to defeat Zhu Jiu Yin previously.
Moreover, only Myriad Demons Heaven had exposed themselves in this matter so far. The other Cave Heavens and Paradises remained hidden. Yang Kai had no idea whether there were other players in this game apart from Myriad Demons Heaven.
However, Qu Hua Shang was right to say that High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were powerful figures with superb identities, so they wouldn’t easily make a move. Even if they did, they wouldn’t come in large numbers. That was because they had a reputation to preserve.
As the ship moved forward, Yang Kai stood on the deck and looked at the endless void while pondering on his future.
Before coming to the 3,000 Worlds, he would never have expected that a mere Emperor Realm Junior like himself would be able to raise such waves one day. Now, faced with an extremely difficult trial, he realised that he was still too weak after all.
When the Hundred Sects Alliance invaded Void Land, he was still able to use the Nine Heavenly Layers Grand Array to play some role. Since the Array Jade was in his possession, he could make use of the Grand Array to fend off his enemies.
However, he practically became useless after leaving Void Land.
Initially, he wanted to make use of the Star City’s development and wait for a chance to look for a High-Rank Yin Element treasure that suited him. Once he became a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master, he would make a name for himself. However, those who had been paying attention to him thought that he was going to disrupt the order in the 3,000 Worlds, so they decided to take care of him before he had a chance and lured him out of Void Land.
Faced with the siege by Shen Liang, Jiang Yun Shan, and Luan Bai Feng, all Yang Kai could do was stay behind his companions’ protection as he watched Bai Qi and Yue He fend off the enemy while he looked for a chance to flee.
This ambush was just a probe to find out his true power, and the trap in the Shadowless Cave Heaven was the real deal. Given his current strength, there was nothing Yang Kai could do even if he reached the Shadowless Cave Heaven. Was he going to rely on Zhu Jiu Yin to save the Proprietress and then just run back to Void Land?
Since Zhu Jiu Yin’s existence had been exposed, it was expected that she’d be targeted. By then, she might not even be able to protect herself, let alone save the Proprietress.
Which path should he follow as he stepped into the unknown? Yang Kai was a resolute man who made decisions firmly. Even if the road ahead was paved with thorns, he had to charge forward despite knowing that he’d be injured. However, at this moment, he was at a loss.
As the ship sailed forward, Yue He and Bai Qi remained silent. They worriedly exchanged glances as they could sense that Yang Kai was feeling conflicted.
The Shattered Heaven was indeed a dangerous place. As they moved forward, they would come across unknown dangers from time to time. A series of mighty fluctuations could be felt spreading from seemingly ordinary Spirit Provinces, and some of these fluctuations were as strong as a strike from someone in the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm.
If they accidentally triggered these fluctuations, they would be turned into dust.
These hidden dangers were left behind from the ancient war. Due to that great battle, countless restrictions and Spirit Arrays were left behind in the Shattered Heaven. Other than the Divine Abilities and Secret Techniques that might explode at any moment, there were also many Open Heaven artifacts that had gained spirituality.
Fortunately, as a Divine Spirit, Zhu Jiu Yin had sharp perception. It was thanks to her warnings that they were able to stay away from many of the dangers. With that said, she wasn’t able to detect all of them.
On the third day since they entered the Shattered Heaven, a ray of light suddenly came at their ship when they were passing by a Spirit Province.
The ray of light contained a horrifying power. The expressions of Yue He and Bai Qi changed drastically as they stood in front of Yang Kai while Qu Hua Shang quickly drove the ship forward. At the same time, Zhu Jiu Yin roared and spat out a snow-white spider web to intercept the ray of light.
The ray of light was soon covered in the spider web, but just one breath of time later, it broke free and continued shooting towards the ship.
Zhu Hiu Yin’s expression changed as she took Yang Kai’s arm and flew away for several dozen kilometres.
At the same time, Qu Hua Shang and the others also dispersed.
When they looked back, they realised that the ship had already turned into dust after coming into contact with the ray of light. Meanwhile, the ray of light exposed itself. It turned out to be a blue wolf that stood in the void and stared at them.
The wolf’s figure flickered, so it was apparent that it wasn’t a real beast. Moreover, one could see an arm-long jade sceptre floating inside its body.
Without stopping, the wolf turned into a ray of light again and disappeared into the depths of the Shattered Heaven.
After they regrouped, Yue He and the others all had pale faces. Zhu Jiu Yin sported a solemn expression as she gazed at Bai Qi and asked, “Was it also this dangerous the last time you were here?”
Bai Qi replied, “We didn’t come across that wolf previously; however, it’s a well-known fact that the Shattered Heaven is full of dangers. We bumped into different kinds of attacks from time to time.”
“What was that?” Yang Kai asked. He was the weakest among all of them, so just now, he couldn’t clearly see what was going on. All he saw was the wolf’s figure.
“It was an artifact that gained sentience,” Yue He said seriously, “It was likely the manifestation of the jade sceptre’s Artifact Spirit. The jade sceptre’s owner was probably an Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master before his death. No ordinary Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master could wield such a weapon.”
Yang Kai was stunned as he finally understood why the ray of light easily broke through Zhu Jiu Yin’s Secret Technique. No ordinary person could resist this kind of attack. If Zhu Jiu Yin hadn’t made a move, all of them would’ve been severely wounded.
Obviously, the jade sceptre had been hidden in that Spirit Province. It was triggered when Yang Kai and the others passed by this place.
The Shattered Heaven was indeed a place full of danger, but at the same time, it was also a treasure trove. If anyone could obtain the artifact they had seen earlier, even a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master would also see their power increase significantly. However, in order to obtain it, the person had to be in the Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm at the very least.
After pulling themselves together, they continued moving forward.
Wherever they went, they could see that some people had gotten into fights for one reason or another. Those who could make a living in the Shattered Heaven were all Open Heaven Realm Masters who were ruthless; otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to survive in this lawless place.
They had no reservations when fighting and constantly used fatal blows.
Zhu Jiu Yin would spread her aura from time to time to intimidate the people who passed by or were fighting nearby, reducing the number of people who dared confront them greatly.
Even so, they were still only at the periphery of the Shattered Heaven. What would the core of the place look like?
According to Bai Qi, the core area of the Shattered Heaven was a place where only High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had a right to step into. Despite that, there was no guarantee that they would come out alive. That was the reason so many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had lost their lives here over the years.
When Bai Qi and Proprietress were looking for a High-Rank Yin Element treasure, they never went near the core area. She was indeed searching for the resource for Yang Kai, but she wasn’t so foolish as to take such a risk.
As they flew forward carefully, they were relieved that the following journey was much safer. Half a month later, they arrived at their destination following the instructions in the jade slip given to them by Ti Zheng.
This was a quiet place in the void as Spirit Provinces of different sizes hovered around them. Yang Kai scanned his surroundings with the jade slip in his hand, and upon making sure that there was no mistake, he asked Bai Qi, “Is it here?”
After looking around, Bai Qi nodded with a solemn expression, “That’s right. It’s here.”
Yang Kai stared at the void in front of him. They had arrived at this place following the instructions in the jade slip given by Ti Zheng, and Bai Qi confirmed that Proprietress had disappeared here. It meant that the entrance to the Shadowless Cave Heaven was somewhere around this place. As long as they could find the entrance, they could enter and save her.
However, this was easier said than done. The first difficulty they were facing was where to look for the entrance.
The Shadowless Cave Heaven had remained undiscovered in this place for countless years, which suggested that the entrance must be well hidden. After all, innumerable people had moved around the Shattered Heaven over the years. If the entrance could be found easily, the Shadowless Cave Heaven would’ve been exposed by now.
In reality, this Universe Cave Heaven had essentially remained undiscovered.
Only the masterminds here knew how to open up the entrance as they had lured the Proprietress to this place and made her fall into the trap.
Despite the fact that it was serene in the void, anyone could feel the hidden murderous intent.
With a solemn expression, Zhu Jiu Yin spoke up, “Brat, I have a bad feeling.”
As soon as she arrived at this place, she could feel that they were being watched over by countless pairs of eyes. After scanning the surroundings with her Divine Sense, she could clearly feel that many auras of living creatures had hidden in the Spirit Provinces around them.
Yang Kai said gently, “Please stand guard for me, Senior.”
Zhu Jiu Yin turned to look at him and realized that he had closed his eyes. As Space Principles swirled around him, it was apparent that he was looking for the entrance.
“Such a troublesome brat!” Zhu Jiu Yin snorted in disgust, but she wouldn’t dare to be negligent as she paid close attention to her surroundings. At the same time, she secretly made a decision that the moment things turned South, she would immediately take Yang Kai away. It wasn’t a wise choice to fight enemies in a trap set up by the other party. She wasn’t a fool, so she wouldn’t do such a silly thing. Now, she just had to ensure Yang Kai’s safety. As for the life or death of the others, it had nothing to do with her.
As Space Principles undulated, Yang Kai scanned the surroundings with his Divine Sense.
The Universe Cave Heaven was actually an independent Sealed World that lingered in the Void of the Shattered Heaven. If there was really an entrance, there would be some Space Principle fluctuations coming from where the two places intersected.
When the Blood Monster Cave Heaven opened up in the past, Yang Kai made use of Space Principles to discover entrances in advance,
Therefore, he believed that he could also find the entrance of the Shadowless Cave Heaven by doing the same thing here.
Even though Yang Kai was just a Half-Step Open Heaven Realm Master, which meant that he was the weakest among everyone here, even Zhu Jiu Yin was no match for him when it came to this. There was no doubt that she was powerful, but she knew nothing about the Dao of Space. The entrance of the Shadowless Cave Heaven was well hidden, so perhaps only some slight Space Principle fluctuations could be felt. She couldn’t sense them, but Yang Kai might be able to.
As long as he could find the entrance, he could try to enter it.
As he emptied his mind and carefully examined every part of the Void with his Divine Sense to observe the tiny differences, he fell into a kind of trance.
“Come out!” Zhu Jiu Yin suddenly bellowed and turned to look at a particular Spirit Province while raising her hand.
In silence, a Spirit Province of several hundred square kilometres exploded. As the stones scattered everywhere, a few figures appeared in embarrassment as they looked both horrified and doubtful.
However, before Zhu Jiu Yin could make a move again, she heard someone guffawing, “You’ve got a short temper it seems, Senior Sister Zhu. That isn’t good for you as it might make you grow old faster.”
Following that, a figure engulfed in Demon Qi shot out of a Spirit Province in a different direction. He was none other than Ti Zheng, who showed up in the restaurant in the Shattered Heaven Star City before.
He wasn’t on his own as he was followed by two others. Fog was seen weltering around them, so no one could clearly see their figures.
However, the auras exuding from their bodies suggested that they were High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters.
*Shua shua shua…*
Many figures started appearing above the Spirit Provinces around them. Yue He and the others looked around and became alarmed. That was because, in the depths of the Shattered Heaven, more than 20 Open Heaven Realm Masters had gathered together in this part of the void. Apart from Ti Zheng and the other two High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, the rest of them were Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters. Even the weakest one was in the Fourth Order.
This kind of formation could be described as horrifying. Throughout the 3,000 Worlds, only the Cave Heavens and Paradises were able to mobilize so many powerful Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Judging from the current situation, Qu Hua Shang’s speculation some time ago was right. This time, they had indeed gathered three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters at the Shadowless Cave Heaven to deal with Zhu Jiu Yin. As long as they could hold her down, the rest of Yang Kai’s companions were no match for their people.
The difference in numbers on the two sides was glaring.
“I’m old enough to be your Grandmother, so what if I’m a little foul-tempered?” Zhu Jiu Yin snorted and reproached him.
Ti Zheng replied with a smile, “I hope that your power justifies your terrible temper, Senior Sister Zhu.”
Just then, someone beside Ti Zheng asked, “Qu Girl, what are you doing here? Don’t forget your identity,” He could apparently recognise Qu Hua Shang.
She pressed her lips together and replied, “Junior Brother Yang has saved my life on multiple occasions. Since he’s in trouble now, I can’t sit back and do nothing. My actions today are mine and mine alone; they have nothing to do with my Master Sect. After this incident, I will return to the Sect to accept any punishment they deem necessary.”
“There’s never a gentle fight in this world. Are you sure you can leave this place alive?” The person asked.
Qu Hua Shang replied with a smile, “If I die, I won’t have anything to worry about anymore.”
The person nodded, “Since you’ve understood, this King will say no more. We are all responsible for our own actions.”
“Many thanks for your lesson, Senior,” Qu Hua Shang elegantly saluted him.
An impatient Zhu Jiu Yin scoffed, “Cut the crap. Yang Boy has come here as he was told. Make a move now if you want to kill him. Let’s see if you’re capable of doing that.”
Ti Zheng grinned, “Senior Sister Zhu, since you can’t wait any longer, I’ll grant your wish!”
As soon as he spoke the last word, he turned into a fog of Demon Qi and brought with him a horrifying World Force as he pounced on Zhu Jiu Yin.
Meanwhile, the two High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters beside him made a move at the same time. One of them was wielding a sword while the other flicked his fingers and sent out numerous beams of light.
At that instant, the auras of the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm permeated and shook the world.
As soon as these three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters took action, the Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters around them moved towards specific places to form an Array. Following that, they sent flags into the Void and started forming hand seals, linking them in a profound and mysterious manner.
A fight between High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters was terrifying, so these Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were unable to interfere at all. It seemed that their only purpose here was to operate some kind of Array, rather than to face Zhu Jiu Yin head-on.
This was undoubtedly a wise move as not only could they prevent any loss of life on their side, but they could also weaken Zhu Jiu Yin’s strength.
Before the Array fully activated, Zhu Jiu Yin already felt a pressure coming at her. She immediately realised that this mysterious Array was targeted at Divine Spirits.
Thus, she yelled, “Protect Yang Boy!” As she spoke, she charged towards the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters on her own, initiating a world-shaking battle.
Yue He and the others formed into a triangular formation as they surged their powers to ward off the fallout from the battle, protecting Yang Kai behind them. Presently, Yang Kai was just a Half-Step Open Heaven Realm Master, so if he was hit by a shockwave from the battle between Zhu Jiu Yin and her enemies, he would die on the spot. Therefore, Yue He and the others wouldn’t dare to be negligent.
When the Hundred Sects Alliance invaded Void Land previously, Zhu Jiu Yin was able to fend off two High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters; however, it seemed taxing for her to battle against three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters now as she fell into a disadvantage almost immediately. Faced with the attacks of Ti Zheng and the others, she could only protect herself but not counterattack.
Furthermore, the current situation was different from the previous one. Back then, Zhu Jiu Yin had nothing to worry about, so she could focus on the battle against her enemies. But this time, she had to ensure Yang Kai’s safety, so she was even more constrained.
Just a moment later, a rumbling sound was heard as the Array targeted at Divine Spirits took shape. An abstruse pattern lit up in the void as Zhu Jiu Yin and the others stood in the centre of effect.
Zhu Jiu Yin suddenly became slightly sluggish, and following a rain of attacks from Ti Zheng and the others, she fell into a perilous situation. Just a while later, wounds could be seen appearing on her body.
“What is this damned Spirit Array?” Zhu Jiu Yin bellowed through gritted teeth.
While Ti Zheng calmly attacked her, he replied, “Locking Divine Spirit Array. It’s an Array specifically designed to suppress Divine Spirits. Senior Sister Zhu, you’re extremely powerful, so this Array won’t have much impact on you; however, in a life-or-death battle, even the slightest influence might cost your life.”
“Despicable!” Zhu Jiu Yin snarled.
It seemed that the siege by Shen Liang and Jiang Yun Shan from Heavenly Sword Union previously was indeed just a probe. Zhu Jiu Yin was forced to make a move in that fight, so the other party brought out this Locking Divine Spirit Array to deal with her.
Ti Zheng grinned, “Senior Sister, you’re quite beautiful, so you shouldn’t waste your time protecting a boy in the Emperor Realm. Why don’t you side with me from now on?”
“Side with you?”
“That’s right.” Ti Zheng smiled faintly, “I do need a mount now. Since you’re a Divine Spirit, you would be qualified. As long as you side with me, I’ll treat you well.”
Murderous intent surged as Zhu Jiu Yin roared, “You dare blaspheme this Queen!? You court death!”
She couldn’t believe that someone had the gall to want to make her, a Divine Spirit Heavenly Moon Demon Spider, their mount. There could be no greater humiliation. However, it was useless for her to be enraged at this moment. Under the restriction of the Locking Divine Spirit Array, her Divine Spirit Source had been slightly suppressed, so she wasn’t able to fully exert her strength. What’s more, she still had to protect Yang Kai. In short order, her fair skin was marred with wounds.
Fortunately, as a Divine Spirit, Zhu Jiu Yin’s vitality was quite astonishing; otherwise, she would’ve been weakened significantly from these wounds.
She secretly cursed at Yang Kai for being obstinate as she was dragged into this mess. There were times when she had the urge to grab him and simply flee from this place. However, she was even more infuriated by Ti Zheng’s words, so she became determined to teach him a lesson today.
On the other hand, when Yue He and the others, who were protecting Yang Kai, saw that Zhu Jiu Yin was suffering a setback, they realised that the Array had some impact on her. They wanted to break the Array, but the battle between the three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters and Zhu Jiu Yin was so intense they didn’t dare to act rashly. Left with no choice, they could only remain in place with their anxieties.
Above a certain Spirit Province fragment that was a few thousand kilometres away, some figures hid and suppressed their auras.
Apart from the fact that there was not even a single High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master around, this group of people were a match for the ones attacking Yang Kai and the others when it came to the number of people and collective strength.
The person at the front was seen with a pair of bloodshot eyes as though blood was swirling around behind them. He was none other than Black Crow Divine Monarch.
Just like what Yang Kai had expected, even though Black Crow had turned Yang Kai down outright, he was actually interested in this opportunity. However, he didn’t want to reveal his intentions in front of Yang Kai.
Certainly, he was aware that Yang Kai wanted to use him to deal with the Cave Heavens and Paradises, which was why he rejected him so firmly.
However, he wouldn’t want to miss such a good chance either; therefore, after Yang Kai and the others left, Black Crow led his people to secretly follow them to this place.
Presently, he could see that they had gotten into an intense battle. Even though he was several thousand kilometres away, he could still feel the horrifying World Force explosions sweeping across him, which made him feel elated, “Wonderful! Keep fighting so that this Monarch can appear at the last moment and reap all the benefits!”
He was resentful of both parties in this battle. The Cave Heavens and Paradises hunted him down and forced him to sneak into the Shattered Heaven. On the other hand, Yang Kai had repeatedly foiled his plans in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. It could be said that he had fallen into such a state because of Yang Kai; therefore, he was determined to kill both parties.
Seeing both his enemies fighting to kill one another, he was naturally quite jovial.
Regardless of which party emerged as the winner, he would be able to reap all the benefits by kidnapping some blood sacrifices for himself. Both Yang Kai and the other party had many Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters with them after all.
To the side, Tan Luo Xing said with a fawning smile, “Everything is within your expectations, Divine Monarch. This dog-eat-dog fight between them is splendid.”
Black Crow grinned, “It seems that brat is on the losing side, though.”
Tan Luo Xing’s interest had been piqued as well, “Do you think Yang Kai will die?”
Since Black Crow was in a good mood, he decided to explain the situation, “He’s not going to have an easy time. Even though he has a Divine Spirit to protect him, there are three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters on the other side, and those Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters have set up the Locking Divine Spirit Array. As soon as they can break through the Divine Spirit’s protection, that brat will definitely die. Now, it seems that even though the Divine Spirit is powerful, she’s unable to ensure that little bastard’s safety. It’s just a matter of time before her guard is broken through.”
An excited Tan Luo Xing said, “I knew that he would have a short life. I hope he dies a horrible death!” Yang Kai was the main reason he had fallen into such a state. If Yang Kai hadn’t brought the Wooden Token to Abundance City, he wouldn’t have attempted to kill him and then been forced to flee from that place. Yang Kai was the cause of his misery.
Of course, if he hadn’t fled from Abundance City and come across Black Crow Divine Monarch, he would’ve exploded and lost his life just like Mo Mei and the others because of the Blood Principle Restriction.
At the thought of Mo Mei, Tan Luo Xing appeared dejected. Even though he was a slave now, he was still alive at the very least; however, the others from Abundance City were not so lucky.
Unbeknownst to him, the people from Abundance City were now living a great life in Void Land. It would be interesting if he ever found out about it.
It was apparent to Black Crow which party was on the losing side. Zhu Jiu Yin was in a perilous situation as she had to keep retreating, so he frowned and said, “This is bad. That Divine Spirit is no match for them. It’s time for us to make a move.”
Tan Luo Xing was shocked, “Are you going to help that boy, Yang Kai, Divine Monarch?”
Black Crow grinned, “The best scenario for this Monarch is if the battle drags on. If one side loses too soon, how am I supposed to get my blood sacrifices?”
Tan Luo Xing was unwilling to act, but since Black Crow had given the order, there was nothing he could do.
And so, they secretly began moving from the Spirit Province fragment towards the battlefield. There were countless such Spirit Province fragments in the Shattered Heaven, so neither side currently in combat could’ve expected that a large number of Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters was hiding behind this one like a pack of ferocious beasts, just waiting to strike.
Usually, regardless of how perfectly Black Crow’s group could hide, they would be unable to evade the perception of the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters and a Divine Spirit. However, Zhu Jiu Yin and her enemies were engaged in a life-or-death battle now, so they were unable to pay attention to anything else.
The Spirit Province fragment slowly approached.
Just when they were about several dozen kilometres away from the Array, a strange turn of events took place.
An unfamiliar aura abruptly spread around as a figure appeared in the battlefield like a phantom and turned into a ray of light before charging towards Yang Kai.
Black Crow’s expression changed, “There’s one more person here?”
The aura that had suddenly appeared was that of a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master. Initially, Black Crow thought that both sides had shown all their cards, with three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters being sent to deal with the Divine Spirit, so it surprised him when he realised that there was a fourth such Master who had been hiding all along.
This person was pretty skilful as Zhu Jiu Yin wasn’t even aware of his presence. As soon as he made his move though, Ti Zheng and the others bombarded Zhu Jiu Yin with their attacks to tie her down. As long as she was unable to extract herself from the fight, Yang Kai was bound to lose his life following the fourth High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master’s attack even though he had Yue He and the others with him.
Things played out just as expected. The moment the fourth High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master made a move, Zhu Jiu Yin was unable to rescue Yang Kai as she was forced to counter the attacks from Ti Zheng and the others. The fourth Master shot past her and lightly pushed out his palm, whereupon Yue He and the others spat blood and were sent flying away. Following that, the person pointed a finger at Yang Kai.
“Young Master!” Yue He wailed as she pushed all her power in an attempt to save Yang Kai, but her efforts were futile.
Right before the finger was about to reach his forehead though, Yang Kai, who had been looking for the entrance of the Shadowless Cave Heaven, suddenly opened his eyes and clenched his teeth before summoning a small tortoiseshell, which spun around and rapidly enlarged in front of him.
Following a loud boom, Yang Kai was injured as he sprayed out a mouthful of blood and was sent flying. At the same time, the tortoiseshell was glowing brightly.
“Hmm?” The fourth Master arched his brow as he realised that it was no ordinary tortoise shell, he then pushed out his palm at Yang Kai three times in quick succession. As the horrifying World Force surged, Yang Kai felt like he was in a small boat caught in a tempest, at risk of drowning at any moment.
The tortoise shell obstinately stood guard in front of Yang Kai and glowing fiercely. It managed to fend off the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master’s successive attacks, but despite that, Yang Kai still felt his blood weltering in his body from the impact alone.
“Bi Xi’s tortoiseshell!” The person quickly figured out the tortoise shell’s origins.
As the saying went, ‘Bi Xi bears a heavy load’. Known for carrying a world on his back, Bi Xi naturally had exceptional strength and defence. The tortoise shell he shed was undoubtedly extraordinary. It was only natural that the shell could ward off several strikes from a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master.
However, regardless of how great a defence was, it could not withstand persistent bombardment forever. Moreover, Yang Kai was only in the Emperor Realm, so even though he could activate the power of Bi Xi’s tortoise shell, he was unable to persevere for a long time. Just the shockwaves from the clash would eventually be enough to kill him.
The fourth High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master seemed determined to kill Yang Kai in this place, so even though he could recognise Bi Xi’s shell, he didn’t seem to have the intention of holding back as he was ready to strike again. As his murderous intent surged, a terrifying aura suddenly spread out.
At the same time, a woman was heard yelling, “Heaven Covering Web!”
As the Divine Spirit’s aura swept across the sky, a colossal figure suddenly appeared. It was a gigantic silver spider. As her terrifying figure hovered in the void, all her legs were seen dancing. The crescent moon symbol on her back was especially conspicuous.
Zhu Jiu Yin had shown her true form!
When a Divine Spirit assumed their true form, it meant that they had fully activated their power. Previously, Zhu Jiu Yin was forced to reveal her true form by the two High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters in Void Land. Now that she was faced with four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, she couldn’t possibly have any reservations.
Furthermore, as soon as she revealed her true form, a huge spider web suddenly appeared and unfolded in the void before engulfing all four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters. At that instant, a sense of danger rose within them as they felt like they were insects who had accidentally crashed into a spider web.
Zhu Jiu Yin was heard laughing in an eerie voice as she gently flicked a thread of the spider web with her huge leg. Following a clang, which sounded like a sword leaving the sheath or the music played by devils, the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master who was raining attacks on Yang Kai fell into a dazed state. When he snapped back to reality, he suddenly saw a ray of light coming right at him.
Horrified, he was forced to stop attacking Yang Kai and quickly defend himself.
Following a loud boom, the local space shook. The High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master flew backwards for a thousand metres as he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Being injured after just one strike, he became quite wary when he turned to look at Zhu Jiu Yin.
While Zhu Jiu Yin made this move though, Ti Zheng and the others didn’t stand idly by and seized the chance and fiercely strike at her body. Unable to deal with both sides at the same time, Zhu Jiu Yin was seriously wounded. There was a thirty-metre-long wound on her back that revealed her squirming flesh.
However, she was still slowly flicking her gigantic spider web as clanging sounds were heard in succession, which seemed able to shake the universe. The sound contained a mysterious power that could bind Ti Zheng and the others to their spots regardless of how hard they tried to struggle out of the web.
Rays of light were seen moving around the spider web, and each one contained immense powers. The High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters wouldn’t dare to underestimate these rays as they jumped around in embarrassment.
Ti Zheng snarled through clenched teeth, “You were concealing your true strength all along!”
Even though Zhu Jiu Yin had showcased great strength in the battle back in Void Land several years ago, it was still only slightly difficult to deal with. Ti Zheng and the others had estimated that just three High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters would be enough to deal with her.
The reason they used the help of a fourth person was to make sure that no accidents would happen.
Furthermore, the Locking Divine Spirit Array was arranged here to suppress her Source and weaken her.
Now, it seemed that Zhu Jiu Yin hadn’t revealed all her might in the battle in Void Land. At the very least, she had never showcased this Heaven Covering Web.
She was able to hold down four Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters all on her own, so it was obvious that her power was equivalent to that of an Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master.
In truth though, Ti Zheng was mistaken.
Previously in Void Land, Zhu Jiu Yin used all the strength she had to fight him. The reason she appeared stronger now, on par with an Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, was because she originated from the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary and needed time to adapt to the 3,000 Worlds’ Principles. It had been three years since the last battle, a period of time that was neither long nor short, but it was sufficient for her to restore more of her strength. That was the reason she seemed more formidable than in the past.
They had four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters and used 20 Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters to form the Locking Divine Spirit Array. Nevertheless, instead of killing Yang Kai quickly, they had become bound in Zhu Jiu Yin’s Heaven Covering Web. Ti Zheng and the others naturally sported dark expressions because of that.
Following a roar, a grim voice was heard shouting, “Fear nothing, spare no one!”
Demon Qi surged as a gigantic demon phantom appeared behind Ti Zheng. The demon phantom was covered in narrowed and eerie-looking eyes. There were probably more than 1,000 eyes, and every one of them was darting around randomly as though they were suffering from hysteria. There was a huge blade that was almost 300 metres long in the demon phantom’s hand. Its horrifying presence was able to shake the universe and shatter space itself.
As soon as Thousand Eyed Demon Phantom appeared, Ti Zheng became even more overbearing than before.
“Divine Manifestation!” Bai Qi exclaimed.
Divine Manifestations were techniques exclusive to High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, but not all High-Rank Open Heaven Masters possessed one. The people who could successfully cultivate a Divine Manifestation were the top Masters among the High-Rank.
There had never been anyone in history who could comprehend a Divine Manifestation below the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm except Yang Kai.
Ti Zheng was an Elder from Myriad Demons Heaven who had lived for a very long time. It had been a couple thousand years since he ascended to the Seventh Order, so it wasn’t surprising that he had a Divine Manifestation.
Once the Divine Manifestation was cast, it suggested that Ti Zheng was no longer holding back.
While the Thousand-Eyed Demon Phantom came into existence, another High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master also used his Divine Manifestation. Unlike Ti Zheng’s Thousand-Eyed Demon Phantom, this person’s Divine Manifestation looked ordinary as it was just a Spirit Peak that hovered behind him. However, a thick and dangerous Earth Attribute aura could be felt coming from the Spirit Peak.
The remaining two High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters didn’t reveal Manifestations, either because they were concealing their strength or because they simply didn’t have one.
With that said, the latter was most likely to be true; after all, they had fallen into Zhu Jiu Yin’s Heaven Covering Web. Faced with such a formidable Divine Spirit, they could lose their lives if they still tried to hold back.
Even though they didn’t have Divine Manifestations, the Divine Abilities and Secret Techniques they used were still quite horrifying.
Clanging sounds were continuously heard as Zhu Jiu Yin kept flicking her spider web, binding everything within her domain. As the screeching music sounded, ripples were seen spreading across the Thousand-Eyed Demon Phantom and the Spirit Peak.
The Thousand-Eyed Demon Phantom roared as all its eyes beamed out dark lights which pierced the void and flew at Zhu Jiu Yin from all directions. Even though Zhu Jiu Yin kept avoiding the dark lights, she was still struck as some parts of her skin became burnt. However, she ignored her injuries as though she couldn’t feel any pain. Her countless threads of spider silk turned into razor-sharp blades that whipped and slashed at the four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters.
The demon phantom raised his blade and forcefully brought it down, whereupon a few threads of spider silk snapped with a metallic clang.
In an instant, Ti Zheng felt less pressured as he became elated and attempted to break free from the Heaven Covering Web. Nevertheless, the moment he jumped up, he saw dozens of rays of light coming from above his head, which forced him to fall back down.
Looking up, he realised that the broken threads had been reconnected.
The sight of it made him feel vexed.
In the void, the lights of Secret Techniques and Divine Abilities glittered as Zhu Jiu Yin was locked in an intense battle with the four Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Even Yue He and Qu Hua Shang, who were in the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm, were unable to join such a battle, let alone Bai Qi, who was only in the Fifth-Order. All they could do was stay by Yang Kai’s side and help him fend off the fallout. Fortunately, they were in the centre of the spider web, so most of the pressure was still being borne by Zhu Jiu Yin and the fallout that reached them was negligible.
However, anyone could tell that even though Zhu Jiu Yin appeared to be domineering, she was unable to persevere forever. Moreover, she was too heavily outnumbered, so she was in a really tight spot in this battle.
Once Zhu Jiu Yin’s Secret Technique was broken through, all of her companions wouldn’t stand a chance to counterattack.
Now, they could only hope that Yang Kai could find the entrance to the Shadowless Cave Heaven as soon as possible so that they could enter and rest.
During the fierce battle, a shriek was suddenly heard from an unexpected place. Everyone involved in the battle was shocked as they turned to look in that direction.
Upon finding out what was going on, Zhu Jiu Yin remained indifferent while Ti Zheng and the other High-Rank Masters became enraged.
A Spirit Province that had been approaching them slowly exploded all of a sudden. Following that, more than twenty Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters shot out and bombarded the people who were supporting the Locking Divine Spirit Array.
This group appeared too abruptly, catching everyone off guard. By the time the Myriad Demons Heaven disciples realised what was happening, it was already too late.
The instant the attack began, several people already lost their lives, which included a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters.
“How dare you! Who are you!?” Ti Zheng bellowed.
A grim voice was heard cackling, “It’s your Grandpa Black Crow!”
Upon hearing that, the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were stunned and Ti Zheng widened his eyes in shock, “Black Crow Divine Monarch!”
[How can this be? Why is Black Crow Divine Monarch here?]
Back then, Black Crow ruthlessly killed many disciples from the Cave Heavens and Paradises in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. After the Blood Monster Cave Heaven collapsed and the Cave Heavens and Paradises got wind of Black Crow’s doings, they cordoned off all the Territory Gates in the Blood Monster Territory. Everyone who wanted to pass through the Territory Gates had to submit to inspection.
The Cave Heavens and Paradises had spent an entire year trying to capture Black Crow, but they were unable to find any trace of him.
Since the collapse of the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, Black Crow seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Black Crow was an old fox who had lived for innumerable years and possessed an incredible Secret Art like the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture. Naturally, the Cave Heavens and Paradises wouldn’t let him off.
Ti Zheng had been paying close attention to this matter as well, so he immediately understood who the other party was when he heard the name Black Crow.
[How did this bastard flee from the Blood Monster Territory and sneak into the Shattered Heaven? Why does he have so many Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters serving him?] Ti Zheng could not understand what was happening.
His heart sank as he knew that his side was in trouble now.
If he came across Black Crow at any other time, he would’ve been ecstatic. As long as he could capture this fellow, he could stand a chance to comprehend the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture. Moreover, this kind of old dog who had lived for countless years must have other secrets with him as well.
However, at this moment, Black Crow suddenly appeared with a group of Masters, giving Ti Zheng a big headache.
Now, all four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were stuck in Zhu Jiu Yin’s Heaven Covering Web. They couldn’t break free from it if Zhu Jiu Yin wasn’t killed. Without their support, their disciples scattered around the Locking Divine Spirit Array wouldn’t be able to fight Black Crow and his band.
Like a tiger that had just left the mountain, Black Crow led his subordinates and attacked the enemy. In just ten breaths of time, they managed to kill five more Open Heaven Realm Masters, including the one in charge of the Array.
Black Crow pointed his finger at the front and ordered, “Kill them all!”
Ti Zheng yelled, “Don’t you dare, Black Crow!”
Black Crow glared at him and sneered, “Open your eyes wide and see whether this Monarch dares to!” He was forced to live miserably in the Shattered Heaven because he was hunted down by the Cave Heavens and Paradises. Now that he had a chance to get some revenge, he certainly wouldn’t miss it. The grudges between those great forces and him had been formed, so it made no difference to him whether he killed even more of their disciples.
The cultivators behind him turned into rays of light and shot towards another Array Node where five more Open Heaven Realm Masters had gathered together to support the operation of the Array.
Seeing so many enemies coming at them, this group of 5 wouldn’t dare to remain.
Upon seeing that, the other Open Heaven Realm Masters in other Array Nodes ground their teeth and stopped operating the Array before gathering together in the same spot. If they worried about the Array, they would be killed by Black Crow and the others one by one. By then, none of them could hope to leave this place alive.
Only by gathering together could they stand a chance to go against Black Crow and his subordinates.
Soon, two groups clashed in a fierce battle.
Black Crow remained in the same spot as a mysterious aura swirled around him. The vitality of the deceased Open Heaven Realm Masters was attracted by this aura and converged around him. In the blink of an eye, Black Crow was engulfed in a thick layer of blood mist.
“So delicious! The Blood Essence of those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises tastes so different!” Black Crow was heard laughing from inside the blood mist.
The High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters caught up in the Heaven Covering Web were infuriated. The Thousand-Eyed Demon Phantom behind Ti Zheng kept beaming out dark lights and wielded his blade. At the same time, the gigantic Spirit Peak Manifestation behind another Master repeatedly attempted to smash Zhu Jiu Yin’s true form.
All four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were trying their hardest in an attempt to break free from the web.
However, without the restriction of the Locking Divine Spirit Array, Zhu Jiu Yin became even more powerful as she was able to hold down the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters more easily.
One would expect that the centre of the spider web would be the most chaotic, but it was the most serene spot instead. Space Principles undulated around Yang Kai as he kept using different hand seals before pushing out his palms at the Void in front of him.
He could sense that there were some unusual space fluctuations before him and he could even faintly feel the aura of another world from it.
[It must be the aura of the Shadowless Cave Heaven!]
As long as he could open up the portal, he would have a chance to look for the Proprietress inside and bring her out.
Despite that realization, Yang Kai was still unable to achieve his goal regardless of how hard he tried. The entrance of that Universe Cave Heaven was like a hefty door. No matter how much force he exerted, he was unable to open it.
The intense battle went on.
The appearance of Black Crow and his subordinates divided the battlefield into two separate clashes. One of which was Zhu Jiu Yin battling against four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters on her own while the other was the intense battle between two groups of several dozen Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Even though the battle between Zhu Jiu Yin and the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters was world-shaking, they all possessed incredible strength and abilities; therefore, despite the fact that they had fully used their powers, they had fallen into a kind of stalemate. With that said, it was inevitable that they became injured, especially Ti Zheng. Zhu Jiu Yin was incensed that this man humiliated her earlier, so most of her attacks were targeted at him, causing him to groan in exasperation.
In the other clash, people were heard shrieking as lives were lost with great frequency.
Both sides had roughly the same number of people, and they were equally matched when it came to their Orders. However, Black Crow and his subordinates were undoubtedly weaker when it came to their collective power. Just like how Mo Mei, a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, wasn’t a match for Luan Bai Feng in the past, Black Crow’s subordinates were all newly promoted Open Heaven Realm Masters, so they hadn’t had time to consolidate their foundations and build up their heritage, leading them to be weaker than the Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters brought to this place by Ti Zheng and the others.
Moreover, the Secret Techniques and artifacts they used were inferior to those of the other party.
Surprisingly though, Black Crow and his subordinates actually gained the upper hand quite quickly.
When Black Crow resolved the Blood Principle Restriction on these Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters in the past, he used a trick and made sure that he could control their life or death. Therefore, as soon as he gave the order, none of them dared to be negligent as they went all out, risking their lives.
Furthermore, Black Crow and his subordinates had killed some opponents in their initial surprise attack, so the momentum was already on their side.
Once they engaged in battle, the Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Cave Heavens and Paradises found it hard to breathe and were soon suppressed.
The situation was exacerbated for them when Black Crow joined the battle.
The body taken over by Black Crow was that of Zhou Yi from Great Thousand Blood Land. Even though Zhou Yi was a Core Disciple in his great force, he was still far weaker than Qu Hua Shang and the others as he only managed to condense Fifth-Order Powers.
Black Crow had inherited Zhou Yi’s heritage, so he could only reach the Fifth Order when he ascended to the Open Heaven Realm.
However, after using the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture to absorb the Blood Essence of all the deceased Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters around him, his aura surged to the point where it was on par with an ordinary Sixth-Order Master.
He was an Old Master who was reborn in someone else’s body; coupled with his Sixth-Order strength, no one beneath the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters was his match.
He had mastered the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture, which contained many powerful methods that he could now use with ease. Immediately after he joined the battle, countless Blood Crows flew around and squawked loudly, blinding and distracting his opponents. All of the Blood Crows were relentless, and even after they were destroyed, they would simply re-condense. The Cave Heavens and Paradises’ side soon found themselves overwhelmed.
If a person was covered in three to four layers of blood mist, he was basically doomed in such a battle.
Within an incense stick, six Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Cave Heavens and Paradises had been captured alive. Black Crow sealed their cultivations and had one of his subordinates guard them.
Obviously, he was planning to bring these people back to serve as his blood sacrifices.
A lot of Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had lost their lives already. In a short period of time, more than ten such Masters were killed on both sides, most of which came from the Cave Heavens and Paradises. Black Crow had only lost a couple of subordinates so far.
Whenever someone was killed though, Black Crow would use the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture to absorb all of their Blood Essence.
The Blood Qi around Black Crow thickened by the moment, and his aura became increasingly horrifying. He was starting to show signs of truly breaking through to the Sixth Order.
Certainly, the four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters who were caught up in the Heaven Covering Web could see that the other battle wasn’t going in their favour as many of their subordinates had lost their lives. While Ti Zheng roared repeatedly, another person threatened that he would skin Black Crow alive sooner or later.
Of course, Black Crow just snorted and ignored them.
Such a great chance was hard to come by. Even though he was fairly strong now, he could only run for his life if he was faced with High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters. That was the reason he had been hiding in the Shattered Heaven all this time.
However, the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Cave Heavens and Paradises were presently held down by Zhu Jiu Yin, so Black Crow had nothing to worry about.
It felt exhilarating to take advantage of the disciples from the Cave Heavens and Paradises in such a brazen manner.
Although he was indirectly lending Yang Kai a hand, he had indeed gained a lot of benefits; therefore, he decided to let Yang Kai off for now. As for the grudges between them, he would get even with him when he fully recovered in the future.
The subordinates of the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were all either dead or injured now. If the remaining ones stayed any longer, all of them would be killed or captured. While facing Zhu Jiu Yin’s wrath, Ti Zheng yelled at those surviving Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, “All of you, leave!”
The reason he brought them over was to arrange the Locking Divine Spirit Array to pin down Zhu Jiu Yin. Now that the Spirit Array was destroyed and could no longer be used, it was pointless for them to keep staying here. They would only be killed by Black Crow in the end. Since some of them were still alive, the best course of action was for them to flee.
The remaining eight Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had been waiting for permission to leave, so as soon as they heard Ti Zheng’s order, they activated their Secret Techniques and ran for their lives without hesitation.
“None of you can flee from here!” Black Crow snorted and shook his figure, whereupon rays of blood light beamed out of his body. Like maggots on rotting bones, those rays of blood light chased after those disciples. Once someone was struck, his figure would be greatly weakened, and then Black Crow’s subordinates would pounce on and capture them.
Meanwhile, Black Crow charged towards a certain Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master who was engulfed in Demon Qi.
He had his eyes on that person not because the latter was powerful, but because he was running the fastest. As blood light broke through the air, Black Crow was about to reach that person and with a grin, he extended his hand and shouted, “You won’t get away!”
That person hurriedly turned around and pushed out his palm.
Black Crow sneered in disdain. He usually wouldn’t even have any regard for a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters, not to mention that he had absorbed a lot of high-quality Blood Essence just now and was significantly more powerful than before.
As they traded moves, their World Forces clashed violently. Black Crow performed a hand seal and activated the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture.
Given his power and his mastery of the Blood Light Scripture, there was no way an ordinary Fifth-Order Master could get away from having his Blood Essence absorbed by him.
However, what took place next surprised him. As they traded moves, Black Crow could feel a horrifying suction coming from the other party’s palm. The suction power was similar to his Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture, but there were some slight differences. Even though the person seemed inexperienced when using this technique, his suction power was just as great as that of Black Crow.
Instead of absorbing the other party’s Blood Essence, the overconfident Black Crow had some of his own Blood Qi sucked away by that person.
Following a loud boom, that person was sent flying away as Demon Qi around him undulated.
In the end, there was still a gap between their powers. Following the clash, this Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master suffered a setback as expected; however, he was pretty swift and using the momentum from being flung back, he turned into a cloud of Demon Qi and flew away.
Black Crow was still shocked by the exchange of attacks earlier, and by the time he came to his senses, the other party was already nowhere in sight.
Then, he looked down at his palm as his bloodshot eyes glistened, “Interesting! How interesting!”
He wondered what kind of Secret Art that Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master from Myriad Demons Heaven had cultivated. Through their brief contact just now, he could feel that the other party’s Secret Art must be extremely abstruse, but due to the fact that the person still hadn’t mastered it, his execution appeared somewhat amateurish.
That person could already display such an immense power before mastering his Secret Art. Therefore, the Secret Art must be as powerful as the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture, if not even more so.
It seemed there truly were innumerable wonders in this expansive world.
As Black Crow stared intently in the direction that person had fled, he snorted before turning around with his hands behind his back.
In just a short while, the dust had settled and of the original twenty or so Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Cave Heavens and Paradises, other than six who managed to flee, all the others were either killed or captured.
Black Crow’s subordinates were also wounded as their auras faltered and World Forces trembled. There were over twenty of them initially, but now there were only about a dozen. He had lost ten subordinates in that battle.
Rays of blood light could be seen shooting out of the corpses and gathering around Black Crow.
Tan Luo Xing and the others stared at him in horror, but none of them dared to utter a word.
Meanwhile, the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters and the gigantic Heavenly Moon Demon Spider were still locked in an intense battle in the Heaven Covering Web that stretched across the void. Black Crow licked his lips as though he was drooling over some delicious dishes.
If possible, he wouldn’t mind interfering in that battle too. The Blood Essence of High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters and a Divine Spirit were on a completely different scale compared to what he had absorbed earlier. The Blood Essence of a powerful Master would be greatly beneficial to him.
However, he was incapable of interfering in such a battle. Even if he made all his subordinates join in, it wouldn’t make a difference.
Suppressing his greed, Black Crow sneered, “All of you from 36 Cave Heavens and 72 Paradises, widen your eyes and look! This is the consequence of going against me! And this is just the beginning. There will come a day when this Monarch re-enters the 3,000 Worlds, storms into your Headquarters, and kills all of you!”
Ti Zheng bellowed, “Old dog, how dare you act so presumptuous! You court death!”
Black Crow scoffed, “You’ll find out whether this Monarch is the presumptuous one later. Let’s go!”
Following that, he turned around and left.
Ti Zheng and the others were both shocked and infuriated. One of them bellowed, “Don’t flee, you coward!”
There were four High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters around, so how could they possibly let Black Crow just take their subordinates away? However, even though they wanted to save them, they were unable to do so. Before destroying Zhu Jiu Yin’s Heaven Covering Web, none of them could leave this place.