Chapter 327: He is Already a Heaven-Earth Grandmaster!

Chapter 327: He is Already a Heaven-Earth Grandmaster!

"This Demon Body does have some merits, but not many."

After Chen Mu struck the Earth-Heaven Wheel Seal, piercing through the Loam Demon Sovereign's body, he calmly walked forward along the cracked passage, approaching the Loam Demon Sovereign's side and observing him.

Despite the devastating blow, the Loam Demon Sovereign did not die instantly. Although his chest was pierced, creating a gaping hole that destroyed his heart, and blood coughed from his mouth and nose, strands of crimson Demon Energy intertwined within his body, frantically attempting to repair the damaged area, preventing excessive blood from gushing out.

It seemed that if given enough time, he might genuinely be able to restore his injuries and recover.

A chest wound and a destroyed heart would be fatal for any Grandmaster, even those in the Blood Replacement Realm. However, the Loam Demon Sovereign, having cultivated the Demon Body, was not critically injured. Indeed, in terms of body modification and vitality, the Demon Body of the Heavenly Demon Sect had some commendable aspects.

"Cough, cough..."

The Loam Demon Sovereign lay there helplessly, coughing up blood clots, struggling to move but lacking the strength to do so. He could only look at Chen Mu with a pleading gaze.

Chen Mu carefully examined the Demon Energy changes in the Loam Demon Sovereign's chest, observing its condensation and flow as it simulated a heart and lungs, sustaining his life. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

According to the Loam Demon Sovereign's technique, even an ordinary Grandmaster with destroyed heart and lungs could, within a short time, use Primordial Energy to forcefully mimic the function of heart and lungs, circulating the energy throughout the body to maintain life for a brief period.

For ordinary Grandmasters, even those who have cultivated a Martial Body, it would still be impossible to regenerate a heart after such a severe injury. Over time, the Primordial Inner Energy would gradually decline, eventually leading to death.

However, the Loam Demon Sovereign's Demon Body was different.

The damaged area of his chest showed signs of regeneration as the flesh wriggled and grew, persistently repairing his body with remarkable resilience. This vitality seemed capable of recreating a heart.

Observing the Loam Demon Sovereign, Chen Mu suddenly realized that among the countless paths in the world, both righteous and evil, had commendable aspects. Although cultivating the Demon Body was considered the dark arts, this 'Blood Flesh Derivation' ability might be achievable through the cultivation of a legitimate Martial Body.

It was worth noting that Chen Mu's current state had transformed his five viscera and six entrails into a crystallized condition. Although he hadn't tested what would happen if they were destroyed, at least minor damage could be easily repaired. This transformation had turned his internal organs into a state akin to the condensation of Heaven and Earth's power, changing his flesh into a 'spiritual object'.

Chen Mu did not possess this ability to regenerate. For example, if his arm were severed, he couldn't regrow it. However, the Loam Demon Sovereign's state seemed to allow for such regeneration.

In comparison, Chen Mu's Heaven-Earth Martial Body was undoubtedly far superior to the Loam Demon Sovereign's Demon Body. Since it had already surpassed the latter in essence, Chen Mu should be able to cultivate this blood flesh derivation ability through some method.

"Perhaps this is the essence of the demons' longevity."

Chen Mu muttered to himself.

Even after cultivating his Martial Body, Chen Mu didn't know how long his lifespan would be, but it would undoubtedly far exceed that of any Grandmaster, and even those in the Blood Replacement Realm. No one would complain about having a long lifespan.

Despite being tempered by the martial arts, a body couldn't achieve immortality. If Chen Mu could uncover the essence of the Demon Body's 'Blood Flesh Derivation', it might truly defy aging when he advanced to the Blood Replacement Realm.

Of course,

It was still too early to discuss such matters, as Chen Mu wasn't yet invincible in the world. He hadn't reached the stage of challenging time itself, and hadn't yet reached the pinnacle of martial arts. The Loam Demon Sovereign's Demon Body changes merely provided him with some inspiration.

As Chen Mu carefully observed the Demon Body's changes and contemplated the intricacies of its Demon Energy, he finally raised his hand again.

"Spare me..."

At this moment, the Loam Demon Sovereign's remaining Demon Energy was entirely focused on maintaining his damaged body, leaving him powerless to resist Chen Mu's actions. Even if he could move, he wouldn't be able to oppose Chen Mu. He could only plead for mercy.

However, just as Chen Mu's hand was about to land, a dull and indifferent voice resonated from within the earth's pulse, spreading through the soil and rocks, causing a hundred-foot-deep layer of dirt to tremble.

"Stop."

In the next instant, a faint light tore through the air, slicing through dozens of feet of soil and rocks, creating a gaping rift. The strike clashed with Chen Mu's descending palm, emitting a resounding hum as the two forces collided and intertwined, causing the nearby earth pulse to riot, with rocks and walls constantly collapsing and being crushed, only to be reassembled again.

The faint light that blocked Chen Mu's palm was a piece of scale armor resembling jet-black jade!

"So, you've finally arrived."

Chen Mu showed no surprise at this sight and continued to press his palm downward.

The Loam Demon Sovereign, whose path was blocked by Chen Mu's palm, was protected by the flying scale armor, and his previously weak and pleading eyes now gleamed with joy.

Earlier, he had been lying there, appearing to be on the brink of death, but at this moment, a burst of crimson light exploded from his body, enveloping him in a cocoon of blood. With a violent surge of Demon Energy, he slammed his body backward, shattering over ten feet of the earthen layer and creating some distance between himself and Chen Mu.

Snap! Just then, the jet-black jade scale armor under Chen Mu's palm cracked and shattered, falling to the ground and embedding itself there.

At this moment, a shadowy figure appeared beside the Loam Demon Sovereign, his body covered in a layer of scale armor resembling jet-black jade. The Demon Energy surrounding him was several times stronger than that of the Loam Demon Sovereign.

It was the Eighth Rank Grand Venerable of the Heavenly Demon Sect, the Jet-Black Demon Sovereign.

Earlier, the Loam Demon Sovereign had secretly contacted Kun Wu using a secret technique, and when the Forbidden Valley was breached, Kun Wu had also escaped from underground, not far from Chen Mu and the Loam Demon Sovereign's location. He finally arrived at this critical moment!

"Interesting, in such a situation, you still have the strength for a final struggle. You even managed to deceive my eyes with this method. It seems that sometimes, the fear of death can be a source of progress.

Chen Mu stood in his original position, seemingly unconcerned about the appearance of the Jet Black Demon Sovereign. Instead, he continued to look at the Loam Demon Sovereign, his expression calm as he spoke, revealing a thoughtful demeanor.

He had once killed the Demon Sovereign Hou Hao from the Celestial Demon Sect and had also slain many other Demon Sovereigns like Xianyu Chen, but none of them possessed the same tenacity as the Loam Demon Sovereign. Although this person's strength wasn't particularly formidable, his resilience was remarkable, like a tenacious rat. Even in his previous state, he had feigned weakness, pretending to be on the brink of death to buy time.

In reality, his vitality was even stronger than Chen Mu had anticipated. In that state, he still had the strength for a final struggle. He managed to delay until the Jet Black Demon Sovereign arrived, and then, with his last burst of energy, he used his remaining demonic power to create some distance between them.

"You are indeed powerful. You almost took my life, but you're still too young and too careless... I was waiting for Kun Wu to arrive. If you had acted sooner, I would have already been a corpse. But now, you've lost your chance."

The Loam Demon Sovereign's face was pale, and his weakness was evident despite standing beside the Jet Black Demon Sovereign. It seemed difficult for him to even support his own body, but his eyes now held a hint of relief, replacing the previous pleading look.

He had survived!

Although he had exhausted his last bit of strength and was now struggling to move, Kun Wu's arrival meant he had survived. Even if Chen Mu was powerful, he couldn't bypass Kun Wu to take his life.

It wasn't in vain that the Loam Demon Sovereign had feigned weakness and begged for mercy, even going as far as to reveal his demonic power's mimicry of a beating heart to attract Chen Mu's attention and prevent an immediate attack. His efforts hadn't been in vain.

"You did your best to survive," Chen Mu nodded slightly towards the Loam Demon Sovereign.

Sometimes, the fear of death can be a driving force for improvement. The Loam Demon Sovereign's previous tactics were indeed ingenious, and Chen Mu had learned a thing or two from them. Such skill was indeed worthy of praise.

"So, you've mastered the Heaven and Earth Concept. It seems you are Chen Mu?" The Jet Black Demon Sovereign stood tall, his aura oppressive, causing the nearby Earth Pulse Energy to seem frozen in place. He stared at Chen Mu, finally speaking after a long silence, his gaze indifferent.

At that moment, Chen Mu finally turned his gaze towards Kun Wu, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign, and said, "The Jet Black Demon Sovereign? I heard that a few months ago, in the Ice Province, you fought with Jiang Changsheng, and the battle ended in a draw. Among the grandmasters of the Cold Northern Region, there are very few who can rival you."

Jiang Changsheng, as one of the top grandmasters, is currently ranked among the top three in the Cold Northern Region, making him one of the strongest grandmasters. The fact that the Jet Black Demon Sovereign could match him indicates that his strength is indeed second only to that of an absolute grandmaster.

Looking across the entire Cold Northern Region's eleven provinces, aside from those in the Blood Replacement Realm, there are very few who could pose a threat to Chen Mu.

"Since you've recognized me, and you haven't fled, your composure is commendable." The Jet Black Demon Sovereign spoke in a cold tone, "But it's too late now. Even if you want to leave, it won't be that easy. This hundred-foot-deep underground will be your burial ground!"

As his words fell, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign took action.

Boom!!

A shadowy figure moved at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye, crossing nearly twenty feet in an instant and reaching Chen Mu's front like a black spear piercing through the Earth Pulse.

Deep underground at a hundred feet, Kun Wu's cultivation path differed from that of the Loam Demon Sovereign, and he couldn't make good use of the Earth Pulse Energy. As for Chen Mu, who cultivated the Heaven and Earth Concept, he could utilize both heaven and earth to his advantage. Once they had some distance, Chen Mu wasn't sure if he could catch up with the Jet Black Demon Sovereign. At this distance and in this situation, it was the perfect time to kill Chen Mu!

The Loam Demon Sovereign, standing by, was nearly a cripple. He struggled to support his body as he witnessed this scene, and he couldn't help but gasp. Although both the seventh and eighth ranks were Demon King bodies, corresponding to the 'Marrow Washing Grandmaster' realm in martial arts, the actual gap between them was immense.

Among the seventh-rank Demon Sovereigns, the strongest would struggle to defeat an ordinary grandmaster in a one-on-one fight.

However, once they cultivated to the eighth rank, they could contend with top grandmasters and even rival figures like Jiang Changsheng!

The Jet Black Demon Sovereign's attack was incredibly fast and powerful. His demonic power, demonic body, and brute strength were all perfectly integrated, making his speed and might terrifying. In one strike, he could tear apart and kill two or three beings like Chen Mu!

It was a mistake for Chen Mu to dare to face the Jet Black Demon Sovereign at close range, even with his mastery of Heaven and Earth and the advantage of the Earth Pulse. If he couldn't react and mobilize his power in time, he might die on the spot from the Demon Sovereign's frontal assault!

Just as the Loam Demon Sovereign had anticipated, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's attack was incredibly fast and forceful. In this narrow underground path, where movement was restricted, there was no chance to dodge. Chen Mu could only manage to form a fist seal to meet the incoming shadowy light.

Boom!!

The fist seal collided with the shadowy light, and the two overwhelming forces erupted in the depths of the Earth Pulse, shaking the nearby mud and rocks like waves and causing the Earth Pulse Energy to surge like a raging river, with pieces of it exploding.

The mud and rocks obscured the Loam Demon Sovereign's vision, and he couldn't see clearly. At that moment, he was too weak to move, and he was swept away by the chaotic debris, coughing up another mouthful of blood, his face turning even paler.

When the commotion subsided, he directed his gaze towards the direction where Chen Mu and the Jet Black Demon Sovereign were, and his entire body froze. His eyes revealed a look of shock and disbelief because, in the middle of the battlefield, Chen Mu maintained the posture of his fist seal, and it was locked in mid-air with the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's dark claws. The Demon Sovereign's demonic power continued to surge, but he couldn't advance an inch!

Not only was the Loam Demon Sovereign surprised, but even the Jet Black Demon Sovereign himself showed a hint of astonishment.

Clearly, he had exerted his full strength in that attack, intending to take advantage of Chen Mu's momentary carelessness and decide the outcome in one strike, directly killing Chen Mu to avoid further trouble.

But even with this all-out attack, the perfect integration of his demonic body, power, and other abilities couldn't budge Chen Mu's fist seal!

This strike was a pure physical clash!

Chen Mu, with his human body and the Primordial Essence True Force within, had withstood the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's strike with his eighth-rank Demon King body!

How was this possible?

(End)

The Jet Black Demon Sovereign felt the overwhelming and immovable force within Chen Mu's fist imprint, akin to a towering mountain. Amidst his shock, an incredulous thought emerged.

This physique, this power, was definitely beyond the capabilities of the Six Viscera Realm.

This is the level of a Marrow Washing Grandmaster, this is the power of a Grandmaster's martial body!

Chen Mu...

Has he already achieved this level of cultivation?

At this moment, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's gaze towards Chen Mu changed completely. Beyond his disbelief, a sense of horror grew. He himself had once been a Grandmaster of the Alien Race, later switching to the Celestial Demon path. He was well aware of the challenges in breaking through the Profound Barrier and attaining the Grandmaster level. Even the youngest Grandmaster in the history of the Great Xuan, was over thirty-five years old.

How old is Chen Mu now?

Most importantly, Chen Mu practices the Heaven-Earth path, the most challenging and formidable martial path in the world!

A Grandmaster at just thirty-one years old, possessing the Heaven-Earth martial body, and likely having just broken through, he could still withstand a head-on clash with an Eighth Rank Demon Body. His Primordial Essence True Force was so refined that it was truly monstrous!

"This is the standard of a top-tier Grandmaster."

At this moment, Chen Mu held his fist imprint with one hand, suppressing the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's attack. He stood firmly in place, his body not swaying an inch, calmly feeling the power of the Demon Sovereign's attack. He briefly assessed the situation in his mind.

It seemed his judgment was correct; his current strength was indeed above that of a top-tier Grandmaster. The Jet Black Demon Sovereign's all-out attack didn't pose much of a challenge for him.

"Mystic Scale True Technique!"

Hearing Chen Mu's words, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign instinctively felt something amiss. His pupils constricted intensely, but he dared not hold back any longer. Demon energy surged around him, rippling like waves of light, causing his scaled armor to nearly overflow with blood. He pushed his power to the limit, launching a strike forward, hoping to create an opportunity to retreat.

He no longer dared to hope for victory against Chen Mu!

The Jet Black Demon Sovereign knew that his previous attack was almost all-out, yet Chen Mu didn't even need to summon the power of Heaven and Earth, relying solely on his Heaven-Earth martial body to withstand the blow. If Chen Mu were to harness the power of the Earth Pulse, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign would surely be defeated.

Grandmasters of the Heaven-Earth path were undoubtedly the supreme Grandmasters of this era, an undisputed fact. This was the true path to invincibility!

Humm!

The Jet Black Demon Sovereign desperately unleashed his power, his body enveloped in a rolling, ink-black demon energy, transforming into a jet-black demon form resembling a Jade Kirin. He quickly retracted this form into his body, revealing his sharp claws in an attempt to suppress Chen Mu's attack.

However, Chen Mu merely maintained his fist imprint, pressing down on the Demon Sovereign's attack.

The Eight Aspects Light of Heaven-Earth radiated brilliantly, gathering overwhelming power from all directions into Chen Mu's fist imprint, forming a Heaven-Earth Seal on his fist.

This Heaven-Earth Seal pressed forward, an unstoppable force crushing the Demon Sovereign's unleashed demon energy. It slowly overwhelmed and crushed the Demon Sovereign's power.

Boom!

The Jet Black Demon Sovereign's body trembled as his dark demon energy shattered. His sharp claws, along with his entire arm, shattered into countless pieces. He was flung backward, spraying ink-like demon blood onto the mud and rocks!

The Eighth Rank Demon Sovereign of the Celestial Demon Sect was comparable to a top-tier Grandmaster.

Defeated in a single move!

From a distance, the Loam Demon Sovereign was stunned, finding it hard to believe the sudden turn of events. He had thought he was buying time, waiting for the Jet Black Demon Sovereign to arrive. But even with the Demon Sovereign's assistance, escaping Chen Mu's attack seemed impossible.

Yet, the Jet Black Demon Sovereign, an Eighth Rank Supreme, was completely overwhelmed by Chen Mu in a direct confrontation!

"A Heaven-Earth Grandmaster?"

The Loam Demon Sovereign's eyes widened in disbelief. At such a young age, Chen Mu had already attained the Grandmaster level, and in the most challenging and powerful Heaven-Earth path!

He couldn't believe it, but the facts were right before him. Moreover, it confirmed the rumors about the Heaven-Earth path being the invincible martial path of this era. Even a Grandmaster like the Jet Black Demon Sovereign couldn't withstand Chen Mu's attack!

Boom!

The Loam Demon Sovereign, shocked and without any further thoughts, mustered his remaining demon energy to escape. But before he could try, Chen Mu struck again with his fist imprint.

The Loam Demon Sovereign's head was pierced, shattering under the fist imprint. His headless corpse stumbled a few times before collapsing into a pool of blood, his life force and demon energy quickly dissipating.

After finishing off the Loam Demon Sovereign, Chen Mu turned his gaze towards the Jet Black Demon Sovereign. This Eighth Rank Demon Sovereign, at this moment, had no trace of his previous oppressive aura. He desperately burrowed into the ground to escape, his heart filled with terror.

A monster.

An absolute monster!

Even the Founding Martial Emperor of Great Xuan, in his time, wasn't as terrifying as Chen Mu. At such a young age, he had attained the Grandmaster level, and even the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's Eighth Rank body couldn't withstand Chen Mu's attack.

Chen Mu hadn't even mastered the Heaven-Earth Domain, yet he had already reached such a terrifying level, surpassing even the top-tier Grandmasters. Once he cultivates the Domain, who knows what level of terror he will reach, becoming invincible among Grandmasters and perhaps even glimpsing the power of Blood Replacement!

"Knowing you can't escape, why struggle?"

Chen Mu's voice echoed like a demon king's whisper from the depths of hell, reaching the Loam Demon Sovereign's ears through the Earth Pulse.

Almost instantly, Chen Mu stepped through the Earth Pulse, covering dozens of yards of mud and rocks, catching up to the fleeing Jet Black Demon Sovereign. He arrived behind the Demon Sovereign and lightly patted with his palm.

He didn't summon the Heaven-Earth Seal, merely unleashing the power of his Heaven-Earth martial body.

"No!!!"

But even this power shook the Jet Black Demon Sovereign's spirit. Trapped in the narrow Earth Pulse, he had no choice but to muster all his remaining demon energy, swinging his palm to block Chen Mu's attack.

The previous Jet Black Demon Sovereign, even with all his might and desperate measures, couldn't withstand Chen Mu's attack. Now, it was even more futile, watching helplessly as his demon energy crumbled under Chen Mu's palm.

In the end, his entire body was slammed into the Earth Pulse, his body piercing through dozens of yards of mud and rocks. His mouth spewed out blood and organ fragments, falling deeper into the underground!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end