Chapter 390: Chapter 290: Signs of Great Chaos Under Heaven Chapter 390: Chapter 290: Signs of Great Chaos Under Heaven Whoosh!

A shocking clamor suddenly spread around Ba Mountain.

Everyone was dumbfounded as they watched the scene unfold; no one had anticipated that Zongzheng Huachun, who had been dominating the battle, would ultimately be dismembered by the Ghost Swordsman and meet his death.

In Houjin, the experts from Zhao Country were all in disbelief as they watched the scene, especially Jiren Tai, whose face was completely blank, unable to believe that Zongzheng Huachun, who had reached the Grandmaster Level, could still be defeated by the Ghost Swordsman.

At that moment, the world seemed to quake, and all was eerily silent.

It was as though time itself had stopped.

No one had expected this legendary battle to end this way.

Today’s battle had completely overturned the current situation in the world, with Great Yan even reversing its previous decline, and this battle was destined to be recorded in history books, remembered by countless future generations.

An Jing, with the strength of a Five Qi Grandmaster, had slain a contemporary expert of the Grandmaster Realm, creating a record that likely no one in the past or future could surpass.

It could be said that today’s battle was enough to prove that An Jing possessed the strength to stand as the world’s number one expert.

After all, how many Grandmasters were there in the world today fit to be slain by this first swordsman?

“My heavens! Even Zongzheng Huachun, who had ascended to Grandmaster Level, is dead?”

“From now on, An Jing is probably the number one expert in the world,”
“A Grandmaster has died at his sword… truly the greatest swordsman of all time!”

……..

Discussions surged like a tide throughout the world.

What kind of person is a Grandmaster?

That’s a land immortal who could extend one’s life by three hundred years. Everyone thought Zongzheng Huachun had advanced to Grandmaster level and would defeat the Ghost Swordsman today and thus make a name for himself in the world, but unexpectedly, he died at the hands of the Ghost Swordsman.

Zongzheng Huachun was indeed a genuine Grandmaster, but now he lay fallen on the ground!

In history, the death of a Grandmaster is an extremely rare occurrence, so at the moment, everyone still harbored some disbelief, as if in a dream.

Qiu Lun could no longer contain the excitement in his heart and ecstatically exclaimed, “Big brother has won! Big brother has won!”

He too was somewhat in disbelief; originally An Jing was at a disadvantage, but this final sword not only leveled Ba Mountain but also killed a living land immortal.

The leader of the Southern Barbarians incredulously said, “Who else can stop this Ghost Swordsman now?”

When Zongzheng Huachun displayed his Grandmaster Cultivation, he thought the Ghost Swordsman was doomed, but the reality was the exact opposite.

Cong Yue, witnessing the scene, was already at a loss for words.

Today’s battle was truly shocking.

Regaining his senses, Jiren Tai despondently said, “Impossible, this is absolutely impossible. How could the Holy Master possibly lose?”

He couldn’t believe that the person in front of him, Zongzheng Huachun, would lose to An Jing, but the reality was Zongzheng Huachun’s body lay in the distance, forcing him to believe it.

Zongzheng Huachun was indeed dead!

The sky had fallen for Houjin!

Xiao Qianqiu sighed deeply, the glow of that sword still seemed to linger in his mind as if he was still savoring it.

Luo Chongyang said, “He has reached the Seventh Realm.”

The Seventh Realm is the pinnacle of Sword Dao, with no records in historical texts about any swordsman reaching this realm, demonstrating the terror of this achievement.

Although Grandmasters are rare, at least some have reached this realm, but a swordsman of the Seventh Realm like An Jing is truly unique.

“Such a terrifying sword,”
Xiao Qianqiu shook his head softly, “In that sword, no matter how one predicts, I only see one outcome.”

Luo Chongyang asked, “What is it?”

Xiao Qianqiu said, “Death. Even a Grandmaster couldn’t withstand that sword unless…”

Luo Chongyang asked, “Unless what?”

Xiao Qianqiu looked toward the south, speaking solemnly, “Unless that undying monster sitting atop Cloud Tower.”

An Jing, having reached the Seventh Realm, now truly stood at the pinnacle of the world, but there was still one person whose strength might withstand a full-force strike from An Jing.

The experts of the Demon Sect were also wildly ecstatic, their hearts throbbing with excitement; An Jing’s feat of slaying an expert of the Grandmaster Realm was an extraordinary achievement. Today’s battle not only elevated An Jing’s reputation but also pushed the Demon Sect to the true pinnacle.

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes were exceptionally serene, but her heart also stirred slightly. Watching the figure who now stood above the world, a proud smile curved on her lips.

“It’s over.”

An Jing looked at Zongzheng Huachun lying on the ground, stepped forward, and extended his palm, catching a strand of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence in it.

This strand of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence was dozens of times purer than Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence, and although it could not help him reach the Grandmaster Realm, it was enough to bring him to the pinnacle of Five Qi, enhancing his strength somewhat.

Afterward, An Jing picked up the dust bead, looked into the distance, and muttered to himself, “Great Elder, your wish has been fulfilled.”

The battle between Jun Qinglin and Zongzheng Huachun in the desert seemed to still be before his eyes, vividly remembered.

Now, thinking back, it seemed as if Jun Qinglin resisted Zongzheng Huachun out of concern that Zongzheng might strike him; if Jun Qinglin wanted to leave, Zongzheng probably couldn’t have stopped him.

Now that Jun Qinglin’s great vengeance was avenged and the grievances of Dongluo Pass were completely resolved, An Jing’s internal conflict completely relaxed.

Suddenly, the sky above became densely covered with dark clouds, and a surge of Yin Evil Qi blanketed the entire sky, causing the heavens and the earth to darken as an immensely oppressive emotion welled up in everyone’s heart.

Just as Qiu Lun was about to command the Pingyang Guard to charge the Houjin army, he saw this and was momentarily stunned, “What in the world is happening?”

It was not only Qiu Lun, many masters present raised their heads to look at the sky, a trace of surprise flashing in their eyes.

Suddenly, from within that Yin Evil Qi, a towering and majestic great hall appeared before everyone, surrounded by fierce and terrifying ghostly shadows, as if it were a ghost city suspended in mid-air.

“Fengdu!?”

Someone cried out in horror upon seeing this.

A sense of panic emerged in everyone’s hearts, their hearts pounding chaotically as if they wanted to jump out of their throats.

“Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace!?”

An Jing’s eyebrows raised slightly, a gleam of sharp light flashing in his eyes.

Others did not know what this great hall was, but he was very clear that this was not Fengdu; it was merely an exotic treasure belonging to the Palace Master of the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace. Now that this exotic treasure was emitting Yin Evil Qi, it seemed that the Palace Master, who had been in seclusion in Guishuang for many years, had emerged.

A gloomy voice resonated from the great hall, and then a figure appeared among the many ghostly shadows, “Truly worthy of being The World’s First Swordsman, today’s sight has indeed been an eye-opener for this one.”

The person’s face was unclear, draped in a blood-red robe, surrounded by Yin Evil Qi and ghostly shadows that produced a frightful sensation in those who looked upon him.

“Hmm!?”

Xiang Hafu, from a distance, slightly furrowed his brows upon seeing this.

The newcomer was not only a Great Grandmaster but also not a novice in the Grandmaster Realm; his cultivation was significantly higher than Zongzheng Huachun’s, likely just having refined his internal organs once with True Yuan.

Through ancient and modern times, most Great Grandmasters have only refined their organs once with True Yuan; only a very few top-tier Great Grandmasters like the Buddha or the Grand Ancestor of Great Qin have done so twice.

And Xi Hafu himself was a Great Grandmaster who had refined his organs twice; the sudden appearance did not perturb him, but what made him frown was the exotic treasure beside the Palace Master of the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace.

This exotic treasure emitted an extremely rich Yin Evil Qi, clearly not an ordinary object.

Zhao Qingmei leaped up to stand in front of An Jing.

An Jing waved his hand and said, “Since you have come, why not show your true face?”

Wutzhu said, “All who have seen my true face have died.”

An Jing chuckled lightly, “Oh? It seems your honor cannot be seen then.”

Wutzhu shook his head, “Perhaps not for others, but you can.”

An Jing said, “Why can I?”

From within the chilling Yin Evil Qi, a cold voice transmitted, “Because I want you dead!”

The moment he finished speaking, the robust Yin Evil Qi surged out from the great hall like a raging tide.

At this moment, An Jing had just been through a fierce battle with a Grandmaster such as Zongzheng Huachun; in Wutzhu’s eyes, he was gravely wounded and simply incapable of confronting him.

From within the tide of Yin Evil Qi, a hand as white as bone stretched out, grasping towards An Jing.

“Boom–!”

The moment the white skeletal hand reached down, the void split open around it.

“Shattering Void! Another Great Grandmaster level expert!”

“So powerful, who is this person?”

“There are still Great Grandmaster level experts in this world?”

…..

As everyone watched the shattered void, they realized that this was another Great Grandmaster level expert, but confusion arose in their hearts.

An Jing pulled Zhao Qingmei behind him and lightly said, “Don’t worry.”

“Hmm?”

Zhao Qingmei, seeing An Jing’s expression, a trace of surprise appeared in her eyes, but it soon disappeared.

“Amitabha!”

Though it was said late, it happened quickly, and a robust golden light swept through, impacting the Yin Evil Qi, after which a golden hand also stretched out towards the white skeletal claw.

“Bang!”

The two massive palms collided, like mountains crashing against each other, emitting a piercing roar as the terrifying true Yuan waves spread wildly around.

“Go!”

An Jing and Zhao Qingmei leaped away and vanished from their spot upon seeing this.

Beneath that brilliant golden light, an old monk, stepping on golden radiance, slowly approached.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Wutzhu’s eyes narrowed, “Xi Hafu?”

Seeing this Great Grandmaster appear caused another uproar at the scene; the battle at Yulong Snow Mountain was well known across the world, and Xi Hafu, being a contemporary Buddha, was already a household name. Today, this Great Grandmaster had appeared here, and it seemed he was there to protect the Ghost Swordsman, which was astonishing.

Xi Hafu joined his palms together and said, “It seems the guest must be the Palace Master of Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace from Guishuang.”

If one were to rank the understanding of Guishuang’s power in the world, the Buddhist sect would undoubtedly be first, after all, Pure Land and Guishuang had always been neighbors and had some previous frictions and grudges.

Wutzhu replied in a heavy voice, “Master, why do you stop me?”

The monk before him exerted tremendous pressure on him, obviously Xi Hafu’s cultivation was above his, and although both were grandmasters and he had a powerful exotic treasure in hand, Wu Shu was still unwilling to directly confront Xi Hafu.

Xi Hafu spoke in a low voice, “Amitabha, this poor monk has promised the Human Emperor to protect Master An’s safety.”

“Human Emperor?”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes lifted to look at An Jing, a cold light flashing through them.

An Jing felt a chill in his heart and quickly transmitted his voice, “My lady, I know nothing about this matter.”

Zhao Qingmei glared at An Jing, then said nothing more.

An Jing quietly lamented by the side, everything about Zhao Qingmei was good, except she was particularly prone to jealousy, and once her jealousy jarred, it took a long time to settle.

Moreover, he really had no idea that the Human Emperor of Yong’an could actually get such a great grandmaster to follow by his side.

Upon hearing Xi Hafu’s words, Wu Shu said, “Master, the most critical moment has arrived, I think you do not want both of us to be injured, right?”

On hearing this, Xi Hafu’s eyes shone with a hint of gold, “It seems the master knows quite a lot.”

Wu Shu said, “Master jests, what I know is merely superficial.”

Xi Hafu’s gaze lifted slightly, he spoke faintly, “That exotic treasure of yours is not ordinary, you were able to reach the great grandmaster and knew some secrets by relying on it, right?”

Yin Evil Qi tumbled around Wu Shu, as if he had lost all patience, he said, “Master, are you truly going to stop me?”

Xi Hafu pressed his hands together, “Amitabha!”

“If you won’t let me kill the Ghost Swordsman, today I will start by killing a Demon Sect Hierarch as an offering to heaven.”

Wu Shu’s gaze turned towards An Jing and Zhao Qingmei, suddenly a hint of brightness appeared in his eyes.

Xi Hafu said he would protect An Jing, but he didn’t say he would protect the Demon Sect Hierarch.

Boom!

Having said that, Yin Evil Qi surged around the great hall, transforming into an endless dark Long River.

This dark river shattered the void wherever it passed, its might horrifying.

This scene happened too swiftly, many people hadn’t even reacted yet.

Xi Hafu stood motionless in place, completely unconcerned about Zhao Qingmei’s expression.

“Sect Leader, run for it!”

Duanmu Xinghua and Ouyang Ping, upon seeing this, promptly shouted.

Zhao Qingmei, seeing the black river, felt a chill in her heart and just as she was about to grab An Jing’s arm to retreat, she heard a voice by her ear, “Don’t worry.”

Hearing those words, Zhao Qingmei’s heart somehow calmed down.

As the vast black river surged forward, at that moment, a mighty force pierced the air from afar, instantly splitting the malevolent Qi into two.

The technique of the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace’s master was instantly destroyed, vanishing without a trace.

“Who?!”

Wu Shu looked towards the origin.

He saw a man in a large cloak walking slowly from a distance; his complexion was extremely pale, and his way of walking was a bit strange, but his aura was not the slightest bit inferior to Wu Shu’s above, in fact, it was even stronger by a degree.

This man was none other than the King of Xuwang from Xuwang Mountain.

The King of Xuwang looked towards An Jing, grinned and said, “Jing’an, I have arrived.”

An Jing, seeing the visitor, couldn’t help but smile, “Thank you for coming.”

The two exchanged glances, their smiles deepening.

Back when he came to Ba Mountain, An Jing had made a trip to Xuwang Mountain; he knew that the King of Xuwang was truly extraordinary, likely possessing the strength of a great grandmaster. Although due to Corpse Qi he couldn’t stay outside for long, coming out for a few days was not a problem at all, and the King of Xuwang, a bona fide great grandmaster, was his real trump card.

The Southern Barbarians’ leader felt like he was in a dream, “Another great grandmaster?”

Normally, seeing even one great grandmaster was extremely rare, but today they had appeared one after another. It was rare in history for three great grandmasters to appear at the same time.

Cong Yue sighed, “This might be the harbinger of chaos my father spoke of.”

“Wait!”

The Southern Barbarians’ leader suddenly felt a shock in his heart, “Why do I sense a familiar feeling from his body?”

“Me too.”

Cong Yue looked at the King of Xuwang, oddly saying, “It’s like the Corpse Chasing skill practiced by my Southern Barbarians.”

Corpse Chasing is one of the Southern Barbarians’ two great secret techniques, where the produced corpses are hard-bodied, immensely strong, devoid of any cognition, entirely controlled by the Corpse Chaser.

But how could the aura of Corpse Chasing be on a great grandmaster?

Who could turn a great grandmaster into a corpse?

The thought felt utterly absurd.

Xiao Qianqiu held a copper coin in hand, and said gravely, “There’s something off about this person.”

Luo Chongyang shook his head, “I can’t see through him either.”

Another grandmaster!?

The Island Master of Bibo Island glanced at the Sect Leader of White Mist Sect; shock was evident in both their eyes.

This mysterious Great Grandmaster, who had suddenly appeared, left everyone stunned.

Had it not been for today’s duel, they would have never known that so many immortals were hidden in the corners of this world.

While everyone was shocked, they increasingly sensed the signs of great chaos enveloping the world.

Xinghua was also frowning, having not expected that besides the Ghost Swordsman, there was another Grandmaster, whose power seemed extraordinary, evidently a high-ranking Grandmaster like Zhangyang Wang.

Utasu looked at Xu Wang, his heart sinking to the depths. “And who might you be?”

Who could have guessed that upon his arrival today, intending to kick An Jing while he was down with a final blow, he would encounter not one, but two high-ranking Grandmasters?

Now, with the intervention of these two Grandmasters, it was he who had found himself in a dangerous deadlock.

Xu Wang looked up at Utasu in the sky and said indifferently, “I didn’t expect that the Life and Death Hall would end up in your hands.”

“Life and Death Hall!?”

An Jing and Zhao Qingmei exchanged glances, seemingly reminded of something.

Xiao Qianqiu was quick to react, furrowing her brow, “So this is the rumored Exotic Treasure from the netherworld, now in the hands of Tian Sha Divine Palace of Guishuang.”

Luo Chongyang said, “This item is ominous.”

Xiao Qianqiu, observing the Yin Evil Qi surrounding Utasu, slowly said, “Good or ill fortune depends on the person.”

Xinghua stared at Xu Wang, thinking to himself, “This person recognizes the Life and Death Hall; he truly is no ordinary man.”

Feeling alarmed, Utasu began to retreat, “Who in the end are you?”

Xu Wang said, “Perhaps names are not the most important thing for you and me. This person is my friend. I value loyalty highly–anyone who makes a move against my friend is making a move against me.”

After speaking, Xu Wang extended his palm, and immense True Yuan surged out from his body.

This True Yuan carried a rolling yellow Corpse Qi, clashing against the forward Yin Evil Qi.

If Utasu’s Yin Evil Qi was like a river sweeping in, then at this moment, Xu Wang’s overwhelming True Qi was more like a vast flood pouring down from the heavens.

This alone showed that Xu Wang’s strength was superior to Utasu’s.

“You aren’t a Grandmaster of this era!?”

Feeling this robust aura, Utasu’s heart chilled, and then his Qi Sea trembled, as vast True Yuan emerged from his meridians.

The collision of the two auras caused the mountains and rivers to shake.

Violent Qi scattered in all directions, forming visible whirlwinds, which, like knives, blew away the Yin Evil Qi surrounding Utasu, exposing both the appearance of the great hall and Utasu’s features.

It was an decrepit old man, thinly built and hunched, with a somber gaze that sent chills down one’s spine.

Laughing, Xu Wang looked at Utasu, “I’ve heard that those who see your true face will die. I wonder if you plan to kill everyone present here.”

Utasu glanced around; immediately, many experts quickly averted their eyes, retreating to the distance.

Once again looking at Xu Wang, Utasu said calmly, “You should be aware that I control the Life and Death Hall, and if I exert my full strength, you might not be my match.”

As the Palace Master of Tian Sha Divine Palace, he naturally wouldn’t show his emotions over a few words from Xu Wang–controlling emotions is an instinct for a skilled master. If a master is clearly emotional, he’s likely not a true master.

Xu Wang took a step forward, “Then you might try.”

Seeing Xu Wang’s defiance, Utasu looked around and said, “You’ve managed to live this long, which clearly involves some unknown secret techniques. But since you’ve surfaced, you should know that it’s almost time for the Earth Vein Spirit to fully purify itself–an essential element for breaking through the Grandmaster’s shackles. I, naturally, will not waste time and effort on you here.”

With Utasu’s words, it was as if a stone had stirred a thousand ripples; the entire surroundings of Ba Mountain were boiling.

“What!? The Earth Vein Spirit can actually break through the Grandmaster’s shackles!”

“If an ordinary person obtained the Earth Vein Spirit, could they ascend to heaven in a single step?”

“So that’s why so many Grandmasters suddenly appeared in the world!”

“Can breaking through a Grandmaster grant immortality?”

…….

For a moment, all the Jianghu experts were discussing fervently, their expressions filled with immense excitement.

After all, this news was shocking indeed, setting many minds ablaze with fantastical thoughts–ascension in a single step, immortality ahead; any sane person would be irresistibly tempted.

Even though the experts present were highly disciplined, they couldn’t help but show bloodshot eyes upon hearing this, and those who just realized why many masters had rushed to Yujing City were now making plans to arrive there, waiting for the perfect time to fish in troubled waters.

Despite knowing the slim odds of winning big from small bets, they were still willing to take the chance, even if it meant being cannon fodder.

Such is human nature.

Not good!

An Jing frowned, understanding that Utasu had deliberately revealed this, aiming to thoroughly muddy the waters of the world.

After today, this piece of information would likely spread at a shocking pace across the world, and soon, experts from all over would swarm over–the signs of great chaos were now truly before his eyes.

…….