Chapter 290: The Eight Treasures Merit Pool, One Sword to Defeat the Enemy

Chapter 290: The Eight Treasures Merit Pool, One Sword to Defeat the Enemy

"You don't even recognize him?" Someone nearby exclaimed in surprise.

Ni Yu and the others turned to see a sword-wielding man, and in front of him sat another woman with her eyes closed.

Upon seeing the woman, everyone was shocked. Another expert?

Who was this person, and why hadn't they come out yet?

Looking around, they noticed that only the Tian Ren warriors remained in the hall.

"That's Miaodie from the Azure Heaven Palace!" Someone recognized the woman and whispered, "It's said that she inherited the legacy of the Azure Heaven Palace Master and possesses the Divine Prohibition physique."

At that moment, among those who had not yet emerged from the Xin Xiang Realm, there were only two people left: Miaodie from the Azure Heaven Palace and the man sitting across from Ji Jingqiu.

"This is Chang Sheng from the Five Virtues Palace. Not long ago, he challenged Chi Ji from the Saint King lineage and now he's here to challenge the Yanhuang Federation's representative," Jian Shiqi added, "and he's also a Divine Prohibition expert."

The last two words seemed to be more startling than the first half of the sentence.

Challenged Chi Ji from the Saint King lineage?

Everyone's gaze shifted back to Chang Sheng, their expressions changing.

If it weren't for the fact that she had already embarked on her journey, preparing to fight her way back to the Saint King lineage's star system, and had no interest in this place, this Feisheng Platform would have been a forbidden area.

Not only did the woman carry the legacy of the Tian Shen Guang, which was equivalent to the word 'invincible' in the current Grand Universe, but the Saint King lineage's uniqueness also made any cooperation impossible, and there were almost no weaknesses to exploit.

How could this man, who had challenged Chi Ji, have returned alive?! Even if he was a Divine Prohibition expert!

"A disciple of the Five Virtues Palace...?"

"The Five Virtues Palace, I remember another core disciple who already possessed four virtues, but still hadn't entered the Divine Prohibition realm. Could this man have attained all five virtues and achieved the legendary Five Virtues Physique?"

"It's no wonder it's one of the oldest and most revered true saintly dojos, quietly nurturing a Divine Prohibition expert."

The crowd whispered among themselves, and their conversation was overheard by the warriors from the Federation. They all looked at the young man sitting below, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, with a sense of surprise.

This young man was theoretically on par with Ji Jingqiu in terms of talent?

At that moment, some Tian Ren warriors began to regain consciousness one after another.

When they realized their current situation, they couldn't help but doubt what had just happened. Was it all just a dream?

"You lost too?" A Tian Ren warrior communicated with a familiar person, asking about the situation.

"What about you?" The other person asked in return.

The two looked at each other and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

For a moment, the crowd was more horrified than shocked.

Even if Ji Jingqiu had demonstrated the power to suppress the second tier of Tian Ren, they wouldn't have been too surprised.

After all, months ago, he was already capable of confronting the first level of Tian Ren.

With the support of the Mu family's divine weapon, he could even suppress the second level.

And at that time, he had just entered the Xin Xiang Realm.

Months later, with Ji Jingqiu's talent, there would undoubtedly be a leap in progress in the Xin Xiang Realm. Although suppressing the second level seemed far-fetched, there was at least a 'precedent'.

But at this moment, the methods Ji Jingqiu displayed were unfathomable, making everyone feel a suffocating pressure.

Losing wasn't the problem, but not understanding was a huge issue!

Even after being defeated, they realized that they hadn't been facing Ji Jingqiu himself but some mysterious means, which left the Tian Ren warriors in a state of dead silence.

Sensing the unusual atmosphere in the hall, the younger generation who had been chatting also gradually fell silent.

Only the warriors from the 3,000 Yan Fu Ti continued to discuss Chang Sheng, debating who would win between the two.

In the end, everyone still believed...

Ji Jingqiu had a higher chance of victory!

Although Chang Sheng had the record of challenging Chi Ji and surviving, they hadn't witnessed the battle themselves, so they couldn't gauge his true strength.

However, they had all experienced Ji Jingqiu's abilities firsthand.

In just a hundred days, their various methods and foundations had been thoroughly understood by this monster, who even leisurely pointed out their flaws. Such insight and talent were unheard of!

Perhaps even the true saints in their youth weren't as remarkable!

...

...

Regardless of the methods Ji Jingqiu used, he faced the descent of five radiant lights—red, blue, white, and yellow.

The five colors intertwined, creating an almost impenetrable defense.

Compared to the previous Four Virtues expert with the Zhoutian Light fragments, this was on a completely different level.

With the Five Virtues Physique, Chang Sheng's body was naturally protected, and the five-colored divine light swept away all obstacles, making him possess both the strongest defense and offense.

After a hundred days of fighting, they were still testing each other, trying to find each other's weaknesses.

All things in the universe are interconnected and restrained by each other, and the same is true for the principles of the Dao.

The reason Chang Sheng's Five Virtues Physique was considered invincible was that the five virtues complemented each other.

The five virtues are Virtue, Saintly Virtue, Merit Virtue, Yin Virtue, and Blessing Virtue.

Those who cultivate the five virtues must not violate the principles they represent. For example, a warrior who cultivates Saintly Virtue must act with righteousness and justice. Otherwise, if they rely solely on deceitful means, their virtues will dissipate.

Although there are many restrictions, the effects of the five virtues are unparalleled.

With Saintly Virtue, one is immune to all laws;

With Merit Virtue, the body is protected from all evil;

With Virtue, one understands the source of all laws;

With Blessing Virtue, one is protected from deadly calamities;

With Yin Virtue, hidden blessings follow.

As long as the five virtues are present, only the destruction of heaven and earth can defeat them!

After a hundred days of fighting, Chang Sheng's brows slightly furrowed as he believed he had discerned the origins of Ji Jingqiu's abilities.

It seemed to be a fusion of the Great Dream and the Tian Mo cultivation paths, especially the latter, and he wondered where this fellow had acquired such knowledge.

Dark Sea?

That Tian Mo is not easy to deal with. Once entangled, even a Heavenly King's body would find it extremely difficult to escape.

That's right, this is the Grand Universe. Even if Tian Mo is powerful, it's challenging for it to truly descend, and its infiltration power is extremely limited.

Chang Sheng secretly analyzed Ji Jingqiu's abilities while searching for his weaknesses, and he had already made some progress.

But this did not satisfy him.

Because the Ji Jingqiu before him was not the real person but an incarnation born from the demonic thoughts in his heart.

Although, with the support of the demonic thoughts in his heart, the two of them were now on par in all aspects, which was why the fight was so intense.

But at their level, the competition was no longer about Tian Ren's unity or physical strength but who could find the other's root of the Great Dao first and then locate their weaknesses and loopholes.

Ji Jingqiu's mysterious and unpredictable abilities alone had entangled him for so long. How could Chang Sheng be satisfied? Just as Chang Sheng was about to end this battle and go outside to fight a satisfying battle with Ji Jingqiu's true body—

The "Ji Jingqiu" in front of him suddenly raised his hand, and a strand of Xuan Huang's merit and virtue energy, containing an infinite sense of thickness, fell upon his shoulders.

Not only was Chang Sheng observing Ji Jingqiu, but Ji Jingqiu was also 'observing the Dao' of Chang Sheng! Witnessing this, Chang Sheng was startled. Had this guy figured out the method of Five Virtues' condensation during their battle?

But why was it merit and virtue first?! Among the Five Virtues, Sacred Virtue was too distant, Merit and Virtue were difficult to achieve, Fortune was predetermined, Morality was elusive, and Benevolent Virtue depended on the legacy of one's ancestors.

Merit and Virtue were easy to achieve in small tasks but challenging for grand endeavors, and one could easily suffer from their own actions. Good and bad could easily reverse.

Furthermore, this guy was younger than him. Where did he accumulate so much merit and virtue?

And this was just the beginning. One by one, strands of Xuan Huang's merit and virtue energy descended, hanging above Ji Jingqiu's shoulders and head.

As they fell, there were eight strands in total! Chang Sheng almost cursed out loud. Up until now, with the help of his sect, he had only managed to condense two strands of Xuan Huang's merit and virtue energy.

Where did this guy get so much merit and virtue?!

After the eight strands of Xuan Huang's merit and virtue energy...

There was a faint golden Sacred Virtue energy flowing like water ripples.

Then, black and white alternating Moral Virtue light appeared! In an instant, this guy had consecutively manifested Xuan Huang's merit and virtue energy, faint golden Sacred Virtue energy, and black and white Moral Virtue energy!

Chang Sheng, who had left his sect not long ago, was dumbfounded.

He took a deep breath. Was this not real because of the demonic thoughts in his heart? Yes, the heart demon's thoughts could make everything come true! This was the terrifying aspect of the external Tian Mo! It was also the reason why that Tian Mo was jointly targeted, resisted, and despised by various forces.

He was born with Fortune and Benevolent Virtue energy, which was why he was chosen by his master to walk in the secular world as the Five Virtues Palace's representative. After decades of cultivation, he finally managed to cultivate the other three virtues with great difficulty, ultimately achieving the Five Virtues.

This guy, apart from the predetermined Fortune and the Benevolent Virtue from his ancestors, had condensed the light of the other three virtues in the blink of an eye...

This didn't make sense!

In "Ji Jingqiu's" opinion, the path of the Five Virtues was somewhat similar to the method of the Dharma Body, both requiring adherence to a grand vow and gradually approaching the corresponding principles and the Great Dao to eventually merge with the Dao.

Before coming here, he had witnessed the Four Virtues in the fragments of the universe, but he never expected someone to achieve the Five Virtues in the Xin Xiang Realm.

With the Five Virtues, one had already reached perfection. The protective ability of the body alone had reached an unimaginable level, like the evolution of the Five Elements, alternating and regenerating in an endless cycle.

So...

"All Dharmas are empty!"

"Ji Jingqiu" used his palm as a sword, and as the sword intent rose, it was as if the vast sky was pressing down, causing the laws of all heavens to crumble.

The water-like Sacred Virtue light surrounding Chang Sheng suddenly dimmed. Even with the mutual brilliance of the other four virtues, they couldn't make it shine again.

In the age of the end of the Dharma, the Sacred Dao no longer existed, and Sacred Virtue was lost!

With the Five Virtues incomplete, the sense of perfection was instantly lost, and a flaw appeared in Chang Sheng's protective divine light.

Chang Sheng's expression changed, and the five-colored divine light merged, striking down repeatedly! This time, "Ji Jingqiu" remained unmoved, not dodging or evading. The eight strands of Xuan Huang's merit and virtue energy descended, not forming the Xuan Huang Merit and Virtue Pagoda that Chang Sheng was familiar with to resist all evil. Instead, they formed a golden pool of water!

Sacred Virtue was like water, Moral Virtue as the foundation, and Merit and Virtue filled the pool.

Eight Treasures Merit and Virtue Pool!

In an instant, Chang Sheng felt the heart demon's intense presence, and in his ears, there was a vast and elusive call of "The sea of bitterness has no end, but turning back is the shore; put down the butcher knife, and you will become a Buddha," which stirred up his greed, anger, and ignorance.

Chang Sheng's heart in his chest pounded violently, and the four virtues' light flickered. Apart from the purple Fortune and the pale Benevolent Virtue, the other two Moral Virtue lights showed signs of scattering.

The abilities of the World-Honored One's lineage! Before coming here, Chang Sheng had clearly heard about Ji Jingqiu's lineage.

The World-Honored One's lineage might not be well-known in various realms, but it made the most top-tier powerful beings extremely wary.

Before coming here, both of his masters had specifically instructed him to be cautious about three things.

The first was that if he encountered anyone with the surname Ji, he should kill them without hesitation and avoid any conversation.

The second was to be cautious of the World-Honored One's lineage in the Yanhuang Federation.

As soon as the Eight Treasures Merit and Virtue Pool appeared, the 'Yuan of the Beginning' domain around "Ji Jingqiu" became more real and clear.

Especially when the Merit and Virtue Pool slowly merged with the pool of water reflected in the center, eventually becoming indistinguishable.

Chang Sheng clearly sensed that the "Ji Jingqiu" before him was no longer a simple incarnation.

Whether it was the spirituality or the authenticity, everything was rising with the tide.

Chang Sheng's eyes shimmered with water ripples, and the shattered Sacred Virtue water waves reappeared around him, gathering the Five Virtues once more.

The sacred water of virtue seemed ethereal and illusory, not like a solid entity, as if it were a dream.

If you have an epiphany, how can I possibly lose to you?

"Ji Jingqiu" took a step forward, and the pool of merit behind him rippled with faint golden waves. Although it was just a shallow pool, it felt like an ocean, and Chang Sheng felt as if he were facing a vast sea.

The five virtues reunited, and the five-colored divine light blazed as bright as the heavens, rivaling the power of the "Origin of All Things."

"Ji Jingqiu" remained calm, drawing a long sword from the void and using the move "All Laws are Empty," causing the sacred water to dissipate.

He took another step forward, facing the vast ocean, but this time, Chang Sheng's expression changed drastically. This was not the pressure that the pool of merit could bring.

The water of merit was invincible, but the water of merit that this fellow had condensed gave him a sense of erasing all laws.

It was as if beneath the ocean's tide, everything was covered, and even the world seemed to sink. Even with the five virtues, they would be buried along with it.

It seemed to be...

The sea of bitterness has no end, but turning back is the shore. But looking around, where is the shore?

...

Ji Jingqiu stood there with his hands behind his back, his robe undisturbed. The "Tian Qingzi" felt a chill in his heart and mind, as if his "Heavenly Heart" had been completely shattered.

The man stood under the sky, but it was as if he were standing at an infinite height, looking down at the heavens and also at her. He spoke calmly, "Miaodie, do you understand?"

"I don't understand. Then let's continue."

Miaodie clenched her teeth, her mouth filled with the taste of blood.

...

"Is this transformation technique of the old Daoist master related to the federal divine path system?"

"Ji Jingqiu" asked, as this was the first time he had witnessed the "Transformation" technique in the Heavenly God Shrine. It involved evolving one's own divine body and borrowing the laws and powers of various divine lords.

It was called "Transformation," but perhaps "Inviting Gods" would be a more appropriate term.

Zhang Jianshen stroked his beard, "Not bad. The Heavenly God Shrine inherits the powers of various divine lords. What do you think, Junior Ji?"

"It's indescribably wonderful," Ji Jingqiu said sincerely. He vaguely sensed that the core of this divine power was not about inviting gods but rather the concept of "transformation."

It seemed to have a similar effect as his "Tian Mo Hua Sheng."

It was precisely because of this that, in the early stages of the battle, the old Daoist master had already seen through part of the foundation of this divine power and couldn't help but sigh.

"Your divine power is also indescribably wonderful," Zhang Jianshen laughed, and then sighed, "Indeed, there are talented people in every generation. With you, Junior Ji, the federal can finally have a moment of peace. The Heavenly God Shrine is willing to serve you."

He then changed the topic, "Do you know, among those who came today, how many have ulterior motives?"

Ji Jingqiu smiled and said, "After today, they will learn to be patient."

Zhang Jianshen was stunned and suddenly burst into laughter.

Not a single mistake, a poem, a shot, a heart, a containment, a one, a six, a one, a nine, a one, a book, a one, a look!

Such a mysterious and unfathomable divine power was well deserved!

...

Ji Jingqiu and Bailu did not fight but instead explored the vast landscapes of this inner world.

Some of the scenes they encountered were from Bailu's "Heavenly Land Map" from years ago.

During their journey, Bailu shared the other five maps of the "Heavenly Land" that he had created after traveling to nearly a hundred star domains in the federal and combining it with his spiritual travels.

"This is probably all that we elders can teach you."

"Thank you, Senior Bailu!"

"There's no need for thanks. You are a gifted genius, and what you lack the most after ascending to Tian Ren is accumulation. This is the sediment of time, which cannot be fully compensated by talent alone. I hope these will be of help to you."

"I still want to thank you."

"Jingqiu, what are your plans for the future?" Bailu suddenly asked.

"Cultivation and combat, that's all," Ji Jingqiu replied.

Some questions didn't need to be complicated.

"Well said!"

Bailu looked upon the vast landscapes, clapped his hands, and laughed, "What a magnificent world, a true masterpiece of nature!"

...

...

"Miaodie from the Azure Heaven Palace also lost..."

"Isn't that normal? She lasted longer than many Tian Ren! It seems the legend is true; she does have the potential to break through the Divine Prohibition."

"Look, the Tian Ren on the second tier are also waking up one by one."

"Chang Sheng... he's waking up too!"

"It's over! Who won?!"

As the qi mechanisms awakened one by one in the palace, piercing through the dome, the Tian Ren woke up one after another.

Many of them seemed to have stronger qi mechanisms than before.

Upon realizing this, many people murmured, "What a monster..."

Ji Jingqiu's ghostly divine power was like a reflection of the demonic thoughts in their hearts. It could drag them into hell but also allow them to face the most challenging tempering.

And it was precisely because of the latter that many of them gained something from this journey.

A junior in the Xin Xiang Realm pointing out the flaws in their cultivation—if that wasn't a monster, who was?

Below the palace, a muffled groan sounded, and Chang Sheng, the last Tian Ren to wake up, slowly regained consciousness.

Everything seemed like a grand dream.

As his memories returned, his gaze immediately locked onto Ji Jingqiu on the platform, his eyes filled with intense battle intent.

Were the things he had seen and heard just now the evolution of his own demonic thoughts, or something else...

Another battle would reveal the truth!

At that moment, Ji Jingqiu on the platform also seemed to be waking up.

Everyone's expressions turned solemn.

As they sensed Ji Jingqiu's qi slowly rising, it became deep and profound like an abyss, and then it seemed boundless like the starry sky, encompassing everything.

The crowd couldn't help but smile bitterly and feel a sense of suffocation.

Because this guy has become stronger again.

With a single divine ability, he simultaneously withstood hundreds of people, and not only did he emerge victorious, but he also steadily grew stronger. Is there any justice left in the world?

"Everyone, I concede."

Ji Jingqiu opened his eyes, and his aura, which was once as deep as the ocean, returned to its pure and true nature, resembling nothingness.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, and then some sighed, some laughed, some admired, and some remained silent.

Inside the grand hall, the scene could be described as a myriad of wonders, with countless expressions among the onlookers.

"Junior Brother Ji, you are a heaven-blessed genius. Our Heart-Contemplation Shrine admits defeat!"

"After today, with the hundred veins united, we can also fulfill the wishes of our ancestors from ten thousand years ago and guard the Union!"

Witnessing the agreement from the crowd within the grand hall, the martial artists from the 3,000 Yan Fu Ti clenched their brows.

They were more or less aware of their sect's plan, such as drawing in a certain power within the Yanhuang Union and using it as a foundation, gradually expanding their influence.

But at this moment...

Looking at the brilliance within the hall, the crowd felt a chill, especially Ni Yu and the others.

With the rules of the Grand Universe unchanged and the Heavenly Person's perfection not descending, who could defeat this monster?

They could only wait for him to break through to the Heavenly Person stage, and he would almost possess the strength of Chi Ji. One person could guard a Feisheng Platform!

Just as the crowd was in a state of chaos, Chang Sheng, who had finished adjusting his breath, stepped forward and challenged, "Ji Jingqiu, in the previous battle, neither of us used our true bodies. Let's fight again!"

Everyone in the hall turned their gaze towards him, as they were genuinely curious about the intense battle that had just taken place.

Also, what does it mean to not be the true body?

The vast majority of people still couldn't figure out the true nature of the previous battle.

Ji Jingqiu shook his head and said, "The previous battle was very fair."

Fair?

Does it mean that both the physical body and the mind were at the same level, and he didn't take advantage of the other party?

Chang Sheng looked at him deeply and said through gritted teeth, "You, this guy, are even more arrogant than Chi Ji!"

Ji Jingqiu smiled and said, "Senior Brother, have you fought Chi Ji before? How was the outcome?"

Chang Sheng coldly snorted, "She has broken through to the Heavenly Person stage. Before the upheaval of heaven and earth, she can be considered invincible in the Grand Universe. I was lucky to survive after receiving one of her attacks."

Hearing this comment, Ji Jingqiu instantly understood.

"If we fight again, the outcome will be decided in one move." Chang Sheng said.

Ji Jingqiu politely declined, "Senior Brother, your injuries haven't healed yet. Let's leave it for next time."

His impression of this person was still acceptable, after all, he was someone with the Five Virtues, and at the very least, he was a straightforward person.

Chang Sheng snorted coldly, "You're overthinking it. With the Five Virtues, who can kill me within the same realm? Go ahead and attack."

"Since Senior Brother is so persistent, then Ji will fulfill your wish."

Ji Jingqiu no longer declined, and there was no reason for him to continue refusing.

As the two were about to engage in another intense battle, the crowd's eyes shone with excitement.

Both being at the Divine Prohibition stage, this battle would reveal the true strength of both sides.

Ji Jingqiu stood up and gripped Qingzhu in front of him.

The sound of the blade ringing out was like the surging of a great river, or the sound of the tides, echoing through the heavens.

In an instant.

Two streams of qi intertwined, causing the heavenly timing to change! The crowd felt as if the sky above them had become dim, as if they had suddenly fallen into the night, with the starry sky shining brightly, illuminating this place with a chilling and surreal light.

This was the 【Origin of Unity】, which many had already experienced! Chang Sheng remained calm and unafraid, adjusting his breath to its peak.

Witnessing Chang Sheng with the Five Virtues, the five-colored divine light leaping behind him, the crowd was truly moved.

This was indeed a Divine Prohibition expert! A Divine Prohibition expert who possessed the Five Virtues while in the Heart Image Realm!

Under the pull of the energy.

Ji Jingqiu slowly drew his long blade, and with a plain and unassuming movement, a ringing sound of the blade suddenly rose, echoing through everyone's hearts and minds.

He no longer restrained his aura, and at this moment, his pure and true nature returned.

His sharp aura was fully revealed.

With a brilliant light, he seemed capable of cutting open the heavens and the earth.

The pressure within the hall was so intense that it left the crowd struggling to breathe.

Ni Yu and the others felt a chill down their spines. Was this his full strength?! Everything before was just "playing around"?

Facing this blade, even Chang Sheng, with all his confidence, couldn't help but prepare himself for a fierce battle.

Was it the previous blade?! At this moment, he was fighting with his true body. Even if Ji Jingqiu's ability to create the End of Law could sever the Sacred Virtue, he also had his own methods to maintain the Five Virtues!

At this moment.

Everyone seemed to see a faint shadow.

Turning his back to the crowd, he stood tall and proud.

But his silhouette gradually overlapped with Ji Jingqiu's figure.

Ji Jingqiu drew his blade and slashed downward.

Amidst the vast and chaotic void, the blade's light suddenly shone brightly, leaving an indelible mark in everyone's hearts and minds, forcing many to squint, or even close their eyes.

When they opened their eyes again.

Below, there was no one left.

Chang Sheng's figure was nowhere to be seen.

"One slash... and he's gone?" someone muttered.

The Heavenly Persons remained silent.

They had seen it most clearly; Chang Sheng hadn't died but had fled with severe injuries.

With the Five Virtues, nothing could harm him? Ji Jingqiu had used strength to break the law!

This guy's physical body and soul had already far surpassed the scale of the Heart Image Realm, rivaling the second stage of the Heavenly Person, and he might even be stronger!

With a single slash, he created the End of Law era, shattering not only the Sacred Virtue but also the Five Virtues! At this moment, they imagined themselves in his position, wondering if they could have withstood that previous slash.

Only a portion of those who had entered the second stage of the Heavenly Person had the confidence to do so.

The crowd looked again, their gazes heavy, and they once again recalled Ji Jingqiu's earlier declaration of breaking through to the Heavenly Person stage.

There was no mistake.

The former number one genius of the Union was now contending for the position of the current strongest.

They only needed to wait for Ji Jingqiu to step into the Heavenly Person stage, and that would be the day he dominated the world!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end