Chapter 280: "You really scared me with that realistic act."

Chapter 280: "You really scared me with that realistic act."

"I want to see it too."

The sky of the Fourth Rank Continent, Jiang Taiping Continent, was completely shattered, and amidst the infinite and majestic spiritual energy, Badan soared upwards, carrying Zhao Yishi with him.

Chen Qiu gazed at this scene with a hint of yearning in his voice.

This was the first time he had witnessed such immense power. He could clearly sense that his ultimate move, a 92nd-rank Body Fusion Killing Technique, was completely ineffective against this might. It was as if an ordinary mortal, no matter how powerful, could not contend with an immortal.

This was a difference in quality, and rank no longer mattered.

He really wanted to see who Badan's opponent was and what the battle looked like, but unfortunately, he couldn't see it.

The passage between the Fifth Rank Immortal World and the Fourth Rank Continent had been shattered. At this moment, one could bypass the need for ascension and directly smuggle into the Immortal World through this hole, but the countless cracks surrounding the hole were not something that ordinary Tribulation Ascension Stage cultivators could withstand.

Even a Tribulation Apex cultivator would face certain death upon touching those spatial cracks.

Only someone like Badan, whose cultivation had suddenly surged to surpass that of an immortal, could pass through this deadly zone.

It was a bit regrettable.

The Fourth Rank Continent was already the farthest he could reach with his reputation as the 'Heavenly King'. As for the Fifth Rank Immortal World, it was completely out of his reach for now, an existence he couldn't even touch temporarily.

Although he didn't know who Badan's opponent was, he inwardly hoped that Badan would win this battle.

Perhaps...

At this moment, many powerful beings in the Fifth Rank Immortal World instinctively looked towards the east. They could clearly sense that the sky over the Demon Forest had collapsed, and an extremely powerful force had briefly shattered the Heavenly Dao Shackles between the Fourth Rank Continent and the Fifth Rank Immortal World.

This force originated from the Fourth Rank Continent, Jiang Taiping Continent, but how could someone from a Fourth Rank Continent possess such might?

Wait...

This familiar aura... It's Immortal King Badan! He had contracted Immortal Cancer, sought the Shadow Emperor's Fortune in vain, and was even trampled and humiliated by the Demon Clan Leader, his longtime enemy. He then disappeared without a trace for many years. How could he suddenly reappear now, and his cultivation seemed to have only dropped slightly?

Without much hesitation, many powerful beings instantly vanished from their original locations and rushed towards the Demon Forest. At their level of cultivation, witnessing a battle where high-level cultivators fought with all their might was a significant opportunity.

For example, they could learn from these powerful beings' battles to comprehend their own paths, or study how these powerful beings utilized and combined Entry techniques, especially in life-and-death battles where all their hidden trump cards would be revealed. Even if they didn't learn anything, it would still be a rare feast to behold.

This spectacle was not to be missed.

Watching the excitement wasn't just a human trait; it was inherent in all races, including the Maan Clan, Dragon Clan, and Demon Clan. Regardless of cultivation level, everyone had a penchant for witnessing such spectacles, and this couldn't be changed.

When they arrived, they saw a crimson giant with a body composed of stones. This Skytouching Giant wore armor adorned with ferocious horned spikes and held a massive heavenly halberd, hovering in the air and overlooking the entire Demon Forest.

Beside him was another giant, smaller in stature and with an obscured face, also from the Maan Clan.

"It's really him."

The powerful beings who had already arrived had found the perfect viewing spots. They activated talismans and formation disks to protect themselves from the battle's aftermath before engaging in conversation: "That's the same Badan who knelt before the Demon Clan Leader, pleading for the Shadow Emperor's Fortune. The scene where he knelt was widely circulated, and the phrase 'Greedy for life, afraid of death, little Badan' became a proverb among mischievous children."

"Enough. Those ordinary people only care about the spectacle and don't understand the situation. How can you not be clear about it?"

An elderly white-haired man beside them spoke without expression: "Back then, the Demon Clan Leader made a vow before the Demon Clan's sacred object, the Immortal Spring, saying that as long as Badan knelt, he would definitely grant him the Shadow Emperor's Fortune."

"You should know that the Demon Clan's tradition is to always fulfill their promises or vows made before the Immortal Spring, no matter the cost. That's why Badan knelt, but in the end, the Demon Clan Leader broke his promise."

"Shouldn't the Demon Clan Leader be the one ridiculed in this situation?"

"To be blunt, if you encountered Immortal Cancer and the Demon Clan Leader vowed before the Immortal Spring that he would grant you the Shadow Emperor's Fortune if you knelt, would you not kneel?"

"I wouldn't."

The middle-aged man who had spoken earlier replied seriously: "Everyone knows that Badan and the Demon Clan Leader are mortal enemies. Why would Badan believe that his enemy would be willing to save his life, even if it was a vow made before the Immortal Spring?"

"I firmly believe that all rules are meant to be broken at the moment they can bring the greatest benefit."

"The Demon Clan has deliberately publicized this tradition to the outside world so that one day, they can break a promise and bring immense benefits to the clan. Since the Demon Clan started promoting this tradition, they've been preparing for this moment of betrayal. I never imagined that the Demon Clan Leader would use this ancestral trump card for such a trivial matter."

"It's evident that the Demon Clan Leader also deeply hates Badan. He's willing to pay such a high price just to make Badan kneel."

". "

The white-haired old man, expressionless, remained silent, neither refuting nor speaking. He and Badan were old friends, having known each other for a very long time, so long that they had forgotten how many years of friendship they shared. He only remembered that in their youth, he and Badan had ventured together in the Heavenly Dao Mystic Realm.

He sat on Badan's shoulder, slaying their way through the realm.

Badan was a Body Cultivator, while he was a Law Cultivator, and they made a great team. The treasure on Badan's wrist was the one he had just lent to Badan.

He had always known the kind of humiliation Badan endured. Badan was a carefree person who often talked about wanting a woman but never took action. He was generous and reliable with his friends.

Perhaps everyone has a reliable person by their side, someone you can trust to handle a task, and they will surely accomplish it. Badan was such a person.

However,

Several years ago, Badan and the Demon Clan Leader became mortal enemies. The Demon Clan Leader started a relentless pursuit, hunting down Badan's friends and family. To protect them, Badan cut off all contact with these friends.

And today, he had come to see Badan off on his final journey.

The old man stood high in the sky, a hint of turbidity flashing in his eyes, his body slightly trembling. He had disguised himself today, not fearing the Demon Clan Leader's discovery, but fearing Badan recognizing him.

He didn't want Badan to know that his friend was watching him die without intervening.

He dared not act; he was afraid to die.

Behind him was his family, and if he died, his family would instantly fall from grace. Many relied on him for their survival, living in the Immortal World under his protection. He had countless reasons not to die.

Soon,

As more powerful cultivators rushed in from afar, the once quiet Demon Clan Forest suddenly became lively.

"Tsk tsk."

A cold laugh echoed through the Demon Clan Forest.

A young man with white robes, a single hand behind his back, white hair, and two horns on his head slowly walked into the air, standing at a higher position, looking down at Badan with a sneer, "I thought it was someone else, but it's just the greedy and cowardly Badan."

"What, do you still want to kneel and beg me?"

"Didn't I tell you before? As long as you capture all your friends and bring them to me, I will definitely give you the Shadow Emperor's Fortune. I even swore to the Heavenly Dao, and you still don't believe me?"

". "

Badan didn't speak, slowly swinging the halberd in his hand, spirit qi surged, forming a soundproof barrier. With a hoarse voice, he said, "Zhao Yishi, all higher races in this world are greedy for life and afraid of death in their youth."

"This is our nature. For us higher races, we possess incredibly powerful strength once we grow up, so our nature makes us more fearful of death and avoid all dangers when we're young."

"You are like this, and I was like this in my youth too."

"But you're different. Your bloodline is of a higher grade than mine, which means you won't break free from this shackle in adulthood. Without external factors, you'll remain this way for life."

"My master used his life to help me break through this shackle. Today, I'll use my life to help you break through this bond."

"Perhaps this is the legacy."

"I didn't understand my master back then. Although his time was limited, he could still live for a few hundred years. Why did he seek death? Now I understand."

"Next,"

"Look closely and remember this sissy's face. He will be the enemy you need to spend your life killing."

Badan's voice was hoarse and calm, without much emotional turmoil. In truth, he knew this was a selfish act, akin to kidnapping Zhao Yishi, destroying his current life, and forcing him onto the path of revenge.

Yes.

He didn't understand before, and even hated his master for it.

But later, he gradually understood. This was the fate of the Barbarian Celestial Pride.

Ordinary barbarians didn't have the qualifications to break free from their shackles by having their loved ones die for them, and their shackles weren't as difficult to break.

"Grandpa."

Zhao Yishi's voice trembled with fear, "I..."

Before Zhao Yishi could finish, Badan roared and swung the halberd down with all his might. In an instant, the sky turned dark.

A massive spatial rift tore open, and the pitch-black light from the rift enveloped the entire Demon Clan Continent.

This strike was nearly Badan's most powerful in his life, infusing all his abilities into it, carrying the humiliation and frustration he had endured.

However,

The gap between the two had gradually widened over the years.

The Demon Clan Leader snapped his fingers, and countless rays of light emerged from the Demon Clan Forest, forming a seemingly fragile rainbow shield. Yet, this light shield effortlessly blocked Badan's most powerful attack.

He snapped his fingers again.

The shield transformed into a spear, piercing Badan's chest with a speed beyond the capture of spiritual sense.

As blood splattered in the sky, Badan's body fell heavily to the ground.

One strike, and he was defeated.

The two had been mortal enemies, fighting for countless years without a clear victor. But today, Badan was defeated in a single strike.

"It seems like the Demon Clan Leader reaped quite a harvest during the last Heavenly Dao activity."

A man among the onlookers nearby expressed his envy and jealousy, "The last Heavenly Dao Edict only mentioned a nomination, without specifying any rewards. Now it appears that the edict simply didn't mention the actual rewards."

"Nonsense."

A woman nearby whispered, "Clearly, Ba Dan came here with the determination to die, but the Demon Clan Leader not only used the power of his entire clan but also the Clan's Supreme Treasure. It's like using the strength of an entire race against Ba Dan alone. How could he possibly win?"

"Ba Dan's power was obviously forced, burning his life force. At the brink of death, he came to settle things with the Demon Clan Leader, and he never intended to leave alive. Yet, the Demon Clan Leader didn't even dare to accept a one-on-one duel. Such a coward, and you still praise him? It's embarrassing."

". . ."

". . ."

As the words fell, several people nearby instantly turned to look at the woman with peculiar expressions. Everyone knew that the Demon Clan Leader was a petty person who would send people to deal with anyone who mocked him, even if they were just mortals, as long as he found out.

There were many people around, and if this woman's words were leaked, she would likely face dire consequences.

The woman coldly snorted, and with a wave of her sleeve, she turned into a cloud and disappeared from her original spot. When she reappeared elsewhere, she had transformed into a bearded man. He was originally a man, but he had disguised himself to come and watch the battle.

He was also a close friend of Ba Dan.

In his heart, he knew that Ba Dan had come here to die. He wanted to use his blood to wash away his shame, and the Heavenly Halberd he held was borrowed from Ba Dan. He didn't plan to intervene, as he couldn't die. If he died, many others would follow.

But...

Even though he had mentally prepared himself and was trying to remain calm as he saw his friend off on this final journey, upon witnessing this scene, he couldn't help but feel enraged. Why? Why wouldn't you even accept a duel with Ba Dan? Why wouldn't you even grant Ba Dan a dignified death?

"Is that all?"

The white-robed man, the Demon Clan Leader, slowly descended above Ba Dan, gazing at the massive pool of blood beneath him. He smiled lightly, "I thought you had some secret killer move with that aggressive momentum, but it's just the same old tricks."

"I've been looking for you all this time. I didn't expect you to deliver yourself today. It's a relief to settle this matter."

"Cough, cough..."

Ba Dan, severely injured and lying on the ground, couldn't help but cough up a mouthful of blood. Although his body had turned to stone, he still had blood, just not as much as before. But given his massive size, it was still significantly more than a typical cultivator.

He looked up at the Demon Clan Leader standing high in the sky with a gaze filled with resignation and a faint smile.

"And then?"

"Do you think I'd feel regret? I merely used the Clan's Supreme Treasure. Back when I possessed the Barbarian Clan's Supreme Treasure, I didn't see you being so arrogant. It's just that my Barbarian Clan isn't here today; otherwise, you wouldn't be having it so easy."

During his words, he staggered and struggled to get up from the ground, preparing for a final counterattack.

As he rose, countless trees fell, and even the ground trembled slightly.

He had come here to seek death.

But he wanted to die in battle, not be killed. There was a fundamental difference between the two.

Just then—

Ba Dan suddenly froze in place. He noticed that the Barbarian Clan Leader was floating in the air not far from the Demon Forest, and his eyes lit up. He burst into cheerful laughter, "Good, good, good! It seems this battle before my death will be slightly more enjoyable."

"Clan Leader, may I borrow the Barbarian Clan's Supreme Treasure!"

However...

The Barbarian Clan Leader showed no reaction upon hearing this. He stood in the air with an indifferent expression.

"Clan Leader?"

Ba Dan, feeling a bit lost, called out again, "I am Ba Dan, the Immortal King Ba Dan."

"You are no longer one." The Barbarian Clan Leader finally spoke with indifference, "The Clan's Supreme Treasure cannot be lent to you again. The Barbarian Clan and the Demon Clan have signed an agreement to avoid war for a thousand years."

"Both sides have reached a peace agreement. This is a joint decision by the higher-ups of both the Barbarian Clan and the Demon Clan."

"A peace agreement?"

Ba Dan paused, and the eyes that had once shown resignation now burst with boundless anger. He roared with all his might, "What kind of joke is this? How can there be peace? The Demon Clan has killed countless of our Barbarian Clan!"

"My brothers, my friends, my loved ones, they all died at the hands of the Demon Clan!"

"And now you want to make peace with the Demon Clan?!"

"They were your family, and this is your grudge with the Demon Clan." The Barbarian Clan Leader paused for a moment before speaking expressionlessly, "It has nothing to do with the Barbarian Clan. I hope you can see the bigger picture. You're about to face a tribulation, so don't let your grudge with the Demon Clan escalate and involve the Barbarian Clan."

"Many from the Barbarian Clan have also died in these years, and this matter has dragged on for too long. It's time to let it go."

"The bigger picture?"

Ba Dan, who had originally sought death to wash away his shame and break free from Zhao Yishi's shackles, now stood in place, looking at the unfamiliar Barbarian Clan Leader with a dazed expression. He muttered, "Such a strange term, you're raising the stakes a bit too high. You're overestimating me."

"I am the Barbarian Clan's only Immortal King."

"My strength is the strongest in the Barbarian Clan, but I've never coveted the position of Clan Leader. I'll do whatever you ask of me. I don't think too much; I just feel that while I'm out here fighting, my contributions are not as great as yours."

"Back then, when I contracted Immortal Cancer and needed the Shadow Emperor's Fortune, you refused to give it to me, saying that the Maan Clan had more important plans."

"I can understand that."

"I could have just taken it by force, but I chose to leave. The Demon Clan Leader made me kneel and beg, and he deceived me after I did."

"Now, I just want to ask you one thing."

"I'm clearly the strongest in the Maan Clan, so why do you think I'm not important at all? Without me, won't the Maan Clan's strength plummet?"

The Maan Clan Leader, who had maintained a detached demeanor, suddenly laughed: "You're still the same, always pretending. If I hadn't been suppressing your reputation, you would have become the Clan Leader long ago."

"You prefer to have others cheer and force you into the position of Clan Leader, and then reluctantly accept it with a helpless wave of your hand, saying, 'Alright, then.'"

"That's just your personality."

"You want both face and substance."

"And..."

"I hope you understand this clearly. It's not you who is strong, but the Maan Clan's Clan Treasure. Without the Clan Treasure, you, Badan, are not an Immortal King. But with the Clan Treasure, the Maan Clan can create another Immortal King."

"Allow me to introduce the new Immortal King of the Maan Clan, San Kui."

As his words fell, a giant in massive armor slowly appeared beside the Maan Clan Leader, holding a crimson hammer. This hammer was the Maan Clan's Clan Treasure. The moment the giant appeared, he proudly brandished the crimson hammer in his hand and grinned.

"Badan, do you remember when you instructed me in the Maan Clan's arena, saying that I lacked combat experience and couldn't handle the heavy responsibility of an Immortal King?"

"And now?"

"Now I've become the new Immortal King of the Maan Clan. I must say, the power of the Clan Treasure is truly formidable. I used to think that your strength was solely due to your abilities, but it turns out it's just the Clan Treasure."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

The white-robed, long-haired man who had been watching from high above couldn't help but clap his hands in satisfaction: "Amazing! Truly amazing! So refreshing! Too refreshing!"

"Suddenly, I feel like all the trouble with Badan has been for nothing. Look at me; the entire Demon Clan follows my commands. And you? You're not even respected within your own clan."

"Remember this."

"No matter how strong you are, being a lackey has no meaning."

"Indeed."

Badan stood there, dazed and staggering, as his blood stained the exposed stone skin on his body. After a long silence, he spoke softly: "Zhao Yishi."

"Huh?"

Zhao Yishi, who was still trying to understand the plot, responded instinctively. Then, with reddened eyes and a hoarse voice, he said, "Grandpa, rest assured. I've memorized each of their faces. When I return, I'll tell Chen Qiu about this, and he'll take care of them in the future!"

"Let them accompany you in death."

"Sigh."

Badan's words froze on his lips, and he let out a long sigh. Suddenly, he realized that Zhao Yishi's shackles seemed a bit difficult to break, but he still shook his head: "I don't want to die anymore."

"Huh?"

Zhao Yishi was stunned again: "Is it possible to survive? Grandpa, is there no cost to your rapid cultivation?"

"There is."

Badan whispered: "I was supposed to die, but if I have a strand of the Shadow Emperor's Fortune, I can live on and even kill some people."

"My original plan was to end my life here, to put a perfect period to my story."

"Let Badan die here but live forever in everyone's hearts."

"But..."

"Suddenly, I want everyone here to die instead."

"I had everything planned out, but they had to ruin it. These people, they won't even let you die in peace."

He muttered to himself for a while, then after a brief pause, he spoke softly again: "You often mention Chen Qiu. Are you close to him?"

"He's alright. We haven't interacted much, but he's a good person."

"Hmm."

Badan nodded. Suddenly, he took a deep breath and, to everyone's astonishment, slowly bent his knees and knelt on the ground. Facing the empty east, his voice filled with rage and ferocity, he roared.

"Master Chen!"

"Lend me a strand of the Shadow Emperor's Fortune. Today, I borrow your power. If Badan survives by chance, he will forever remember this favor!"

As his words fell, the Demon Clan Leader, the Maan Clan Leader, and the other powerful beings who had come to watch the battle were all slightly startled. Instinctively, they looked towards the empty east, where Badan had just shattered his shackles. The area was still filled with spatial cracks, making it impossible for anyone to stand there.

Master Chen?

In the Fifth Rank Immortal World, no one had heard of a figure named Chen. To whom was Badan seeking help?

But after a few breaths, despite everyone's watchful eyes, nothing happened. The wind and waves remained calm.

"You scared me!"

The Demon Clan Leader, who had been feeling uneasy, suddenly burst into laughter upon seeing this, "You really went all out with this act, you gave me quite a fright. I'll lend you a strand of the Shadow Emperor's Fortune, Badan, Badan, are you overestimating your own face a little too much?"

"You're a dying man, what can you repay?"

"Even if you use the Shadow Emperor's Fortune now, you're still in a state of certain death, with your oil lamp about to burn out. You only kneeled once in this life, and now it's become twice. You, before your death, still want to put on a big show for everyone."

". . ."

Badan remained silent, kneeling on the ground with a dazed expression, facing the east. He wasn't sure if Chen Qiu would lend him the fortune, and if he didn't, his reputation would be completely ruined.

An Immortal King who had been invincible throughout his life.

In his later years, due to the Shadow Emperor's Fortune, he knelt twice, and both times he was rejected.

But he wanted to take a gamble.

He couldn't accept dying just like this. He couldn't accept the Demon Clan Leader's blatant ridicule. He couldn't accept that the Barbarian Clan dared to negotiate with the Demon Clan. And he couldn't accept that the person who once cautiously requested his guidance was now standing before him, holding the clan's treasure, and acting so arrogantly.

He knew his friends would come in disguise to send him off on his final journey, and he didn't want to die in such a humiliating manner in front of them.

He wanted to take a chance.

In the crowd, an old man with white hair had his eyes turning red, his fists clenched tightly, and his teeth grinding as he looked at Badan kneeling on the ground. He was struggling to control his emotions and wanted to rush forward.

He didn't want to see his friend humiliated like this.

He wanted to charge forward and fight alongside his friend.

If it were any other friend, he might not have felt this way, but Badan was too sincere with everyone. Even those with deep schemes would be moved by his sincerity after getting to know him.

In this world, there was only one kind of power that could move everyone, and that was sincerity.

A person with enough sincerity was like a magnet, attracting people to befriend and trust them.

Perhaps his emotions were too obvious.

A woman beside him placed her hand on his shoulder and shook her head slightly, communicating with him through divine sense.

"If you die, the Demon Clan will send an army to slaughter the Kang Family."

"A fearless sacrifice has no meaning. If there's a chance, we should take it, but currently, there's no chance of winning. This is a battle we're destined to lose."

The old man's mouth moved unconsciously a few times, and he felt a sense of powerlessness wash over him. His eyes were filled with guilt and reluctance as he looked at Badan kneeling in the distance.

Old friend,

Don't blame him. He's no longer the young Kang who shared your passion for conquering the world. He's now the clan leader, with his own clan to protect. If he were alone, he wouldn't have done this.

Just then—

A startled cry suddenly rose from the crowd.

In the empty east, a meteor with seven-colored light was shooting towards Badan, and in the blink of an eye, it entered his body.

"The Shadow Emperor's Fortune, it's really the Shadow Emperor's Fortune!"

"Who is this Master Chen, to actually possess the Shadow Emperor's Fortune, and to actually be willing to lend it to Badan?"

"It's just a loan, what's the difference between that and giving it away?"

The crowd erupted in discussion, unable to believe it. Could this Master Chen be from the Chen Family in the west? But the strongest member of that family didn't have the surname Chen!

As the strand of fortune entered Badan's body,

The wound that had pierced Badan's abdomen began to heal rapidly before everyone's eyes.

The chaotic aura on his body, caused by being forcefully brought here, gradually calmed down.

Kneeling on the ground with his eyes closed, Badan felt the changes in his body and suddenly laughed. He slowly stood up, threw the heavenly halberd into the distance, and it pierced the ground, its tail end trembling.

"Master Chen, thank you."

Chen Qiu was truly willing to lend it to him, and at the moment when Badan needed to take a desperate gamble, he lent it to him. This gratitude didn't need to be stated.

After just one meeting, after sharing a drink, he was willing to lend him such a precious item.

In this life,

He had gained the trust of so many friends, and that was enough.

So, next.

Badan straightened his back, his eyes filled with bloodthirsty madness, and he looked at the current Immortal King standing in the sky above the Demon Clan's forest. He smiled again, "Today, I'll let you know that what's not yours won't be yours, even if you take it by chance."

Then—

The current Immortal King's crimson hammer began to tremble rapidly, about to break free.

"What did you do!"

The current Barbarian Immortal King's face was filled with fear and anger, and his spirit energy surged as he tried to hold onto the hammer, but the next moment, the crimson hammer broke free and shot towards Badan's palm.

It buzzed with excitement and joy.

"Little Red."

Badan looked at the hammer in his hand with a dazed expression, "I'm sorry, but this time, I won't give you up so easily, no matter who it is."

"It's been a while since we had watermelon, right?"

"As always, you eat the flesh, and I'll eat the skin."

PS: Corrections will be made later. Please vote for this month's chapter, my dears~

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end