Chapter 143: Battle at the Apex (6K Second Unity Chapter)

The purple-robed youth arched his brows slightly, a sly smile curling at the corner of his mouth. He raised his hand and caught the chess piece—one that had previously suppressed the Heavenly Master—mid-air.

Boom!

He clenched it tightly. The dazzling, ten-thousand-li brilliance that had once filled the sky was crushed in his palm like a dying sun.

The onlookers all flinched, their expressions shifting in shock—until, suddenly, a violent crack echoed from within his palm, like a thunderclap detonating inside. A faint trail of grayish-white smoke seeped between his fingers, like powdered stone.

The youth’s calm smile flickered, then froze. He loosened his grip. Beneath his palm, flesh and muscle were torn apart, shredded as if by countless blades.

He was wounded.

The other Masters were stunned. They had all clashed with Li Hao’s chess piece before—knew the terrifying Martial Dao Atmosphere it radiated. At the moment the Great Demon casually crushed it, they’d felt their hearts lurch. Yet now, even a Three Immortal Realm Great Demon had been injured?

What?

Seeing his master injured, the gray-robed elder behind him turned pale. Slowly, he stepped forward. The sky seemed to darken, as though a storm of black clouds had swept in from the horizon.

Every person on the battlefield felt their heartbeat stutter. A suffocating pressure pressed down on their chests.

But the purple-robed youth raised a hand, halting the elder. With a delicate finger, he rubbed the remaining ash between his palms. The wound on his hand healed before their eyes, flesh knitting together at an impossible speed.

He lifted his gaze to the calm young man at the dining table. His eyes—like purple night stars—gleamed with amusement.

“Interesting.”

“You’re the Young Demon King of Wan Mountain!”

A voice thundered through the air—none other than the Sky Mechanism Mountain Man.

He had just recognized the origin of the two Great Demons. His face twisted in shock. The enemy was none other than the sole heir of the Wan Mountain Demon King, a figure beyond the Heavenly Gate Pass!

The Minor Demon King was rumored to possess extraordinary potential, groomed by his father with relentless devotion. After centuries of cultivation, he had already reached the peak of the Three Immortalities Realm.

Moreover, he had consumed the records of three Immortal Generals of the Border on multiple occasions. Decades ago, he’d roamed the Liangzhou frontier, attacking numerous border cities—making him a dreadfully feared Demon Beast.

“The Young Demon King of Wan Mountain?!”

Hearing the Sky Mechanism Mountain Man’s words, the dozen or so Masters from Liang Prefecture paled instantly, their faces etched with horror.

They knew of this Minor Demon King’s arrogance and ferocity. They’d heard tales of his raids across the frontier. They knew his realm.

If he were merely at the Immortal Life Stage, they could have joined forces and driven him back. But now, at the Unfading Stage? The difference was too vast. Human Tide Strategy would be useless—this foe possessed Immortal-Endurance Power.

“Why is this Demon Beast here? Damn it—did they target us?”

“I heard he’s a bloodthirsty killer with insatiable hunger. How did such a monster even sneak in?!”

Their faces drained of color. Though Masters, their status meant nothing before such Great Demons. They were but meals to be devoured.

Some already entertained thoughts of retreat, their eyes filled with despair.

If the City Defense Formation still stood, they might have held the line using the formation’s power. But the formation was shattered. Even the Lord of Dajue City had fallen in battle.

Now, their only hope lay with the Three Immortalities Master from Mount Wu Liang—Wen Tianen.

Glancing around, many Masters turned toward Wen Tianen and the Sky Mechanism Mountain Man. The two were now the last pillars standing in Dayue City.

Yet, before them stood not one, but three Great Demons: the Young Demon King, and the distant Ox Demon. Even counting only their realms, the enemy had overwhelming advantage.

And beyond the city walls, the Demon Tide surged forward without end. Clearly, they intended to surround the entire city and annihilate it completely.

“Everyone—fight to the death!” Not all Masters placed their hope in others. One stepped forward, his shock and despair replaced by a cold, determined killing intent.

“Running won’t save us. While the tide hasn’t fully encircled us, let’s carve a blood trail out!”

“As long as one escapes, he can call for reinforcements. We still have a chance. We won’t be wiped out!”

“Right! Cowardice only hastens death!”

One bold move sparked the rest. More Masters, shaken from their despair, steeled themselves. They were Masters—yes, they knew this battle would be brutal, desperate, and likely fatal. But what choice did they have?

Flee?

If they scattered like frightened insects, they’d be hunted and slaughtered without mercy.

They were Masters—not livestock. Not ants to be crushed under the shadow of fear.

The waves of the long Dragon River roared, crashing against the riverbank, as if screaming in fury.

At that moment, the Masters stepped forward, eyes resolute.

Zhou Haitang raised a hand, shielding his daughter and two disciples behind him. He drew in a deep breath of Qi. Though he only reached the Baoxiang Realm within the Sect Master Stage—barely a true Master, let alone a Great Master—any ordinary Three Immortal Realm Demon Beast would have made him flee in terror.

But now? Could he run?

Behind him stood his daughter. His disciples.

He would use his flesh and blood, his lifetime of cultivation, to carve out even the faintest chance of survival for them.

“Bai Brother,” Zhou Haitang said, spotting the figure stepping forward nearby—Bai Chunhai. “Looks like our sparring will have to wait for next time.”

The two longtime rivals exchanged a glance. In their eyes—filled with solemn determination—there was also a flicker of quiet relief.

“Not necessarily next time,” Bai Chunhai smiled. His hunched back cracked as he straightened, spine rigid and proud. For the first time, the true aura of a Master radiated from him.

“Good!” Zhou Haitang’s eyes blazed with battle fire.

Among the other Masters, many shared Zhou Haitang’s resolve. Few had come to this Martial Discourse expecting such a catastrophe. Most had brought family or disciples—only a few had come alone.

Now, there was no turning back.

Among the crowd, Li Wushuang’s face was pale. She hadn’t brought a distress signal—she’d left it in her carriage, far from the battlefield. No chance to retrieve it.

Beside her, two Fifteen Li Stage Female Generals stood firm, eyes wide with shock and fury, yet beneath it all, a cold, unyielding killing intent.

In the military, they’d faced Great Demons before. They’d forged iron wills. Even if it meant dying, they’d protect Li Wushuang.

“Jiao Bo, you entertain them for now.”

The Young Demon King of Wan Mountain smiled, utterly unconcerned. His gaze lingered on Li Hao, intrigued.

“A mere Sect Master Realm insect… how amusing. You actually wounded me. I’m curious.”

The gray-robed elder glanced at the human youth—just Human-Heaven Stage. A plaything before the young master. He bowed respectfully. Then, terrifying Demon Qi began to rise from his body.

It coiled above his head, forming a hundred-zhang-tall phantom Jiao Dragon, its scales forged like molten iron, radiating an oppressive aura. His cultivation level revealed itself—also the peak of Three Immortalities.

Seeing this, the Masters who had just kindled their battle spirit paled once more. Yet, in their eyes, a deeper, more desperate fire reignited.

“Take the Buddha’s Heir away,” Wen Tianen said through mental transmission, his face grim. He looked at Qin Wujue, unconscious on the ground. This one will carry trauma for life.

He didn’t delay. With a leap, he soared forward, golden light blazing from his body—his Golden Buddha Body radiating divine power. He intended to lead the Masters, drawing the Great Demons’ attention.

“Don’t let him interfere,” the gray-robed elder said coldly. Then, he slammed his palm forward. Demon Qi surged into a claw-shaped aura, slashing through the air.

Wen Tianen’s face twisted. He threw out his Buddha Beads, forming a golden shield. At the same time, he summoned his Sacred Dharma Appearance—a Buddha-like figure—and unleashed one of Mount Wu Liang’s ultimate techniques: Heavenly Buddha Demon-Subduing Palm.

The palm, blazing with divine flame and radiant light, descended like a blazing sun, aiming to crush all demons.

But when it met the demon claw, the claw tore through the palm like paper. The golden shield shattered. The shockwave hurled Wen Tianen backward, crashing into the crowd.

Masters rushed to catch him, but the residual force sent seven or eight of them flying. Their Qi blood churned, injuries worsening. They were already wounded from earlier, unprepared for this assault. Now, hope was fading.

The battle had begun.

Shen Yunqing and Su Yehua paled, standing up immediately, shielding the White Hall disciples behind them.

If they’d known this would happen, they wouldn’t have come.

But now, there was no turning back.

“Find a chance to escape,” Shen Yunqing whispered to the disciples.

The White Hall disciples—mostly in the Divine Travel Realm—were pale as paper, trembling uncontrollably. They couldn’t withstand this spiritual terror.

But then—Li Hao stood.

His face was cold, expressionless. The Ox Demon still raged outside. He couldn’t delay. He had to end this swiftly.

He raised his hand, mimicking a sword grip.

Clang!

A sharp, dragon-like cry echoed through the arena.

From Ren Qianqian’s embrace, a roar erupted—like a dragon awakening from slumber. The Dragon Sky Divine Sword, ranked first among the Ten Greatest Swords Under Heaven, burst into the sky, its divine light blazing ten thousand li high. Sword Qi and killing intent surged, forming a massive, coiling True Dragon that soared into the heavens—then plunged down, roaring into the young man’s palm.

The sword was in his hand.

For a moment, the crashing waves of the Dragon River stilled.

The once-smirking Young Demon King of Wan Mountain’s smile vanished. His eyes narrowed, a flicker of genuine surprise in them.

The gray-robed elder, who had sent Wen Tianen flying, stared in disbelief.

But Li Hao didn’t stop.

With a single step, all 98 great meridians in his body surged with power. The Circulating Qi Combat Scripture spun seven times in his core. The Seven Star Pointing Light effect flared. Yin-Yang Dual Meridians flowed through his entire body.

His foot struck the ground—millions of jin of force sent tremors through the Discourse Platform beyond the border.

The sword slashed forth—cutting the earth like a knife through silk. Sword Qi roared like a dragon, lashing toward the Young Demon King.

The elder’s face darkened. He’d thought this Human-Heaven Stage human was just a snack. But now, he felt real danger in that Sword Qi.

“Hahahaha!” The Young Demon King laughed wildly. Then, with a thunderous roar, he punched forward.

His robes tore apart. Fur burst from his body. Purple Demon Qi surged around his fist. He struck.

CRACK!

The sky split. The Dragon Roar Sword Qi shattered into chaos.

The Young Demon King’s body twisted—half-transformed, his form bloating to nearly five meters tall, a monstrous half-beast. Deep cracks split his middle finger, bone visible, blood streaming.

“Master!” The elder cried.

His robes ripped open. A deep, dragon-like cry echoed as his true form emerged—a serpent dragon that merged with the hundred-zhang demon phantom behind him. Fury burned in his eyes as he locked onto Li Hao.

“You stay out of this. I’ll deal with him myself.”

A chilling voice, laced with bloodlust, roared from the demon king’s lips.

“You’re so fresh… I’ll savor you slowly.”

Li Hao didn’t answer. The second sword slashed.

The ground bloomed with cracks like flowers. Space itself seemed to erase. The Sword Qi arrived at the Young Demon King’s face in an instant.

The demon king’s pupils contracted. He roared like a lion, shattering the Sword Qi. Then, with both hands, he launched a palm seal of swirling black Qi—absorbing the blow.

The clash was fierce, rapid, terrifying. The other Masters and Wen Tianen could only stare, stunned.

They’d seen this youth’s ultimate martial arts—unstoppable. But now, his true strength… he was holding his own against a peak Three Immortalities Demon Beast?

Even Shen Yunqing and Su Yehua, who knew him well, were dumbfounded—unbelievable.

“Go,” Li Hao whispered. Then, he charged straight toward the Young Demon King.

He’d already sensed it—this Minor Demon King was far stronger than the Chi Hu Jun he’d slain before. His hide was tougher, denser. Even the Longxiao Sword couldn’t inflict real damage. If he’d used the old Pig Tusk Sword, it might have barely scratched the surface.

Same Immortal Endurance Stage—but the gap was immense.

“Interesting… fascinating. You must be the top monster among your kind. Are you from an Imperial Clan? Or a True Immortal’s disciple?” The Young Demon King grinned, his eyes gleaming with hunger. The thought of devouring a prince… how delicious.

Zhi!

A streak of light—like a meteor shower—flashed through the air. Li Hao charged, sword blazing.

The Soul of the True Dragon sealed in the Longxiao Sword flared, its aura surging. Though still only a Sect Master, the pressure was enough to intimidate most Masters.

“Lion Heart Rending Sky Fist!” The Young Demon King roared, fists like thunder. The sky shattered into fragments of starlight.

But the sword came down like a falling mountain.

The demon king’s already healing fist was torn open again—this time, the wound extended all the way to his wrist.

Pain surged through him. If the first wound was due to carelessness, this one was from real intent. And yet—this small master still stood.

Li Hao didn’t stop. His Qi surged. The third sword fell.

Sword Intent shifted—like a single drop of water, yet unbreakable, unstoppable.

The sword plunged toward the demon king’s chest.

A surge of instinctive danger sent every hair on his body standing on end. His pupils contracted. He roared in fury, transforming instantly into a towering, upright lion demon—his Demon Qi multiplying tenfold.

Treasure armor, iron-plated and glowing, burst from his fur, shielding his body.

Clang!

Fire erupted. The iron plate cracked—but the delay was enough. The demon king swung a massive claw, the size of a house, slamming down.

Li Hao countered with a reverse fist—Half-Step Invincible Fist—its power erupting.

Though the two were mismatched in size, the force of the blow sent the demon king staggering back several steps.

Li Hao landed. His feet sank into the earth, creating deep craters. His face remained cold.

This Minor Demon King’s skin… harder than anything he’d faced. Far stronger than Chi Hu Jun.

From afar, his Heavenly-Earth Avatar stepped forward, then rapidly contracted—merging into his body.

The fusion sent a surge of power through him.

The Young Demon King’s expression hardened. His eyes burned with fury. No more mockery. Only one thought remained: tear this human apart.

A mere human, lower in realm—yet forced him to reveal his true form?

As the future Demon King, this was a grave humiliation.

While Li Hao and the Young Demon King faced off, the gray-robed elder—now in full Serpent Dragon form—charged straight into the crowd, toward the Sky Mechanism Mountain Man and the other Masters.

Like a tiger entering a wolf pack, he tore through them. Masters stood to fight—but collapsed on contact. Not even a single blow.

Swords, knives, soul attacks, control-object techniques—nothing could wound him.

At the Unbroken Realm, the body was as durable as divine armor. Unscathed in a thousand battles.

Grand Masters were called “Enemies of Ten Thousand,” capable of cutting heads in the midst of war—but only through precise movement and evasion.

The Unbroken Realm, however, could withstand direct blows. Unharmed even under a storm of arrows.

The Masters had hoped to wear him down through numbers. But the body before them was terrifying—beyond ordinary Invincible Stage.

The Sky Mechanism Mountain Man, also at the Unbroken Realm, was struck once—and sent flying, spitting blood.

“ALL OF YOU DIE!!” The Serpent Demon roared, unleashing his fury upon the Masters.

But then—two figures burst into the battlefield from outside.

One was Li He, secretly protecting Li Hao.

Together with another, he broke through, intercepting the Serpent Demon. He bellowed for the Masters to retreat—toward the city walls.

The Demon Tide was nearing.

With the City Defense Formation gone, without these Masters to garrison the walls, the city would fall in an instant. Ten million citizens would be devoured.

The crowd recognized Li He. Li Wushuang exhaled, her eyes flicking toward Li Hao’s back—but there was no time. She turned, leading her two sword attendants away.

She knew she was useless here. She had to send the signal—summon her father’s aid.

Li He wasn’t alone. The other Three Immortalities was an elder from the Helian Clan, also protecting a prodigy—only fifteen Li stage, here to hear the Dao, hoping to ascend to Human-Heaven Stage.

Together, they held the Serpent Demon at bay—giving the Masters a chance to escape.

Seeing hope, the Masters abandoned their suicidal resolve. They fled with their disciples and families, desperate to survive.

This battle wasn’t theirs to fight. A normal Three Immortalities Demon Beast? They could help. But these two heads? The difference was too vast. Only the young man could stand.

As they left, many cast one last look at the young man facing the Minor Demon King—suppressing shock, fleeing in haste.

Meanwhile, far away, the Ox Demon had engaged another hidden Three Immortalities—locked in combat.

In the blink of an eye, the battlefield split into three.

Li Hao exhaled silently. Good. He’d planned to deal with the Ox Demon first. But now, the Young Demon King would focus solely on him—no need to

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end