Chapter 342: Post-Battle Gains! Ascension to Celestial Immortal! (5k2)

Chapter 342: Post-Battle Gains! Ascension to Celestial Immortal! (5k2)



Tap. Tap. Tap.

In the majestic and solemn depths of the imperial palace.

In the solemn and quiet grand hall, the atmosphere was heavy and filled with a sense of death.

Behind the desk sat a man in black robes, his brows and eyes exuding an air of authority.

He was currently tapping his fingers on the desk, his face devoid of any expression.

In the spacious hall before him stood a young man in dark robes, his presence exuding a chilling coldness.

"A demon god artifact, twelve top-rank immortals, and a multitude of celestial immortals, and yet they couldn't bring down that human?"

The man behind the desk spoke slowly, his voice calm but making the atmosphere in the hall even more oppressive.

Upon hearing this, the young man in dark robes lightly placed his right hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist and said indifferently, "Your Majesty summoned me to kill that human, didn't you?"

His tone was calm, as if he were stating a mundane fact, showing no hesitation at the man's words.

It was as if he believed that what 'a demon god artifact, twelve top-rank immortals, and a multitude of celestial immortals' couldn't accomplish, he could.

The man behind the desk did not refute this but shook his head lightly and said, "With a demon god intervening, we don't need to get involved anymore."

As he spoke, he tapped the desk harder, the crisp sound echoing louder in the hall.

After a few breaths.

The man continued, "In a short while, the Dragon Palace and Phoenix Nest will hold a wedding banquet. I summoned you to ask you to attend."

The young man in dark robes frowned slightly, his tone turning cold as he said, "You know I have no interest in such things and won't agree to it."

The man behind the desk did not get angry but instead smiled lightly and said, "I know you have no interest, but—"

"If I tell you that by attending, you will have the chance to kill Phoenix Luo, would you go?"

As soon as he finished speaking,—

Boom!

A surge of killing intent erupted in the hall, a chilling coldness spreading rapidly, freezing and cracking the ground.

"What do you mean?"

The young man's expression remained unchanged, as if the overwhelming killing intent filling the hall did not emanate from him.

The man behind the desk tapped his fingers lightly on the desk and said slowly, "After this battle, although our demon race suffered heavy losses, it also revealed the terrifying talent of that human to all the forces in the Spirit Ruins Realm, drawing the demon god's intervention."

"With the Absolute Immortal Sword watching, the seven great demon gods cannot act personally."

"And after two consecutive defeats, the Demon Emperor's Palace will not place their hopes on us."

"So next, they will send Phoenix Luo to eliminate that human's anomaly!"

"When she engages with the human's anomaly, the battle will be chaotic and brutal, and you can take the opportunity to strike and kill Phoenix Luo!"

His calm voice echoed through the hall.

After hearing this, the young man in dark robes retracted the surging killing intent and coldness, nodding lightly and saying, "I understand."

He then turned and walked towards the palace gates behind him.

He did not ask why the human anomaly would confront the demon race at the wedding banquet of the Dragon and Phoenix Clans.

It seemed that knowing this information was enough.

The man behind the desk, before the young man completely left the hall, said, "If you have the strength, kill the human anomaly as well."

"Doing so will save you from death!"

The young man paused slightly, then continued stepping out of the hall, instantly disappearing from the vast imperial city.

In the quiet grand hall, only the man in black robes remained, seated behind the desk, watching the direction in which the young man had left.

"Phoenix Luo, Qin Zheng—"

"Hmph."

A cold, mocking laugh echoed through the hall a moment later.

Human Race, Celestial Tower City.

In the City Lord's Mansion.

All the top-rank immortals had gathered here.

In the center of the group lay the remains of Free Spirit Immortal Lord.

The atmosphere was extremely heavy.

"Is there no way?"

Qin Zheng broke the silence first, asking the question.

Although he had not known the man for long, he still remembered him clearly.

Outside the Spirit Ruins, the man appeared carefree and unrestrained, but he had wielded a thousand-zhang spear, piercing the deep sea and intimidating the demons with his might.

After returning, he had hosted a grand feast at Dongyang Immortal Lord's mansion, inviting everyone to eat and drink with him.

But now, he had become a cold, lifeless corpse, lying silently before them.

"Amitabha Buddha!"

"I tried to revive him with Heavenly Essence Dew, but there was no change," said Demon Subduing Holy Monk, his hands clasped in prayer but trembling slightly.

"Demons!!!"

Bright Moon Immortal Lord shouted, his voice filled with intense killing intent.

The others, looking at the remains of Free Spirit Immortal Lord, had expressions of both wrath and great sorrow, their emotions complex.

Clear Subtlety Daoist stepped forward and said, "Free Spirit with your Inner Universe is shattered, and there is no way to save him. We should not disturb him any further."

"The dead are gone, but we need to consider what to do next, now that the Human Race has lost a top-rank immortal."

The battle had just ended, and the news had not yet spread.

But if everyone were to know about the battle at Celestial Tower City, the fall of the frontier city, and the death of a top-rank immortal, it might cause panic among the Human Race.

After all, for ten thousand years, apart from the Absolute Immortal Sword, the seven Top-Rank Celestial Immortals have been the pillars supporting all of humanity, symbols of invincibility!

Now, with one of these pillars collapsing, it could very well cause chaos within the Human Race.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately pulled their thoughts back from their grief.

They were the most powerful top-rank immortals of the Human Race, the protectors of humanity, and they needed to remain rational and avoid getting caught up in extreme emotions.

"Are there any promising candidates for top-rank advancement in the Nine Domains of the Human Race now?"

"Demon Calming Ascetic spoke up again.

Currently, with a top-rank fallen, the best solution is to quickly promote another top-rank to fill the gap."

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze turned to Qin Zheng.

If we're talking about the Human Race's foundation, the one with the most potential to swiftly advance to the top rank is likely the one before us."

However, the next instant, they dispelled this thought.

Although Qin Zheng's cultivation realm isn't top-rank, in the battle at Celestial Tower City, he turned the tide and killed a top-rank Demon Race as if it were nothing.

With such strength, his realm is irrelevant.

Moreover, everyone's expectations of Qin Zheng aren't for him to reach top-rank, but to surpass the Celestial Immortals!

"Let's not discuss this matter for now."

At this moment, Harmony Immortal Lord spoke, drawing everyone's attention to him.

But Harmony Immortal Lord's gaze shifted to Qin Zheng.

Then, he continued, "In this battle, Brother Qin's performance can be described as awe-inspiring and extraordinary."

"The Demon Emperor Palace's top-ranks must have sensed Brother Qin's presence."

"Therefore, the next step is extremely dangerous for Brother Qin!"

"After all, with Brother Qin's talent, if he ascends to the realm above Celestial Immortals, it's almost a certainty!"

"And the Demon Race will never allow the Human Race to have a second person above Celestial Immortals!"

These words instantly made the top-ranks in the room focus their gaze on Qin Zheng.

Demon Emperor Palace. Above Celestial Immortals.

Harmony Immortal Lord's words, when connected, lead to a conclusion.

The next one to make a move is likely not an ordinary Demon Race member, but possibly one of the Seven Demon Gods!

If a Demon God personally takes action, and Immortal Severing Sword is unable to stop them in time, even with Qin Zheng's formidable talent, he will undoubtedly perish!

Above Celestial Immortals.

Although it carries the term 'Celestial Immortal', it is an entirely different realm, separated by an immense chasm that cannot be crossed!

Qin Zheng's eyebrows slightly rose.

But before he could speak, Harmony Immortal Lord's voice continued:

"Therefore, we want you to go to Ten Thousand Mile Green Mountains, only there can your safety be fully guaranteed!"

Upon hearing this, except for Dongyang Immortal Lord and Demon Subduing Holy Monk, who already knew, the remaining three top-ranks also instantly realized.

Indeed!

Given Qin Zheng's current display of talent, the Demon Race will never let it go.

Only by having Qin Zheng stay by Immortal Severing Sword's side can all attempts to stifle him be thwarted.

However, if he truly goes to Ten Thousand Mile Green Mountains and stays by Immortal Severing Sword's side...

The Human Race will likely face an unprecedentedly frenzied invasion from the Demon Race!

To force Immortal Severing Sword to take action, or to hand over Qin Zheng!

The former allows the Demon Race to seize the opportunity, ensuring the soon-to-advance Demon Race member's promotion to above Celestial Immortals.

The latter involves eliminating Qin Zheng, preventing the Human Race from having another person above Celestial Immortals.

Regardless, the Demon Race will be in an invincible position.

But the Human Race will suffer a ruthless slaughter.

The top-ranks' expressions instantly turned grave.

Naturally, Qin Zheng was also aware of this, and he shook his head. As Harmony Immortal Lord was about to persuade him, he took a step forward and said:

"I've already seen the Demon God and Immortal Severing Sword."

This statement caused everyone to pause.

Qin Zheng continued, "Immortal Severing Sword will keep an eye on the Demon God, and they won't be able to take action. Please rest assured."

Harmony Immortal Lord's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

He naturally knew that Qin Zheng had encountered the Demon God and Immortal Severing Sword.

But the Demon Race is cunning and will definitely devise a plan to deal with Qin Zheng.

Even if Immortal Severing Sword retaliates, the Demon Race can afford to lose, but the Human Race cannot.

Dongyang Immortal Lord also shook his head, "Brother Qin, you should know that the stronger Immortal Severing Sword is, the more the Demon Race will be determined to kill you."

"Immortal Severing Sword might be able to watch over the Seven Demon Gods, but he's alone, and there are seven Demon Gods!"

"They might pay a certain price to temporarily stall Immortal Severing Sword, and then they can take action against you!"

Then, the other top-ranks spoke, all expressing the same sentiment.

In essence, they want Qin Zheng to go to Ten Thousand Mile Green Mountains, hide by Immortal Severing Sword's side, and then safely advance to the realm above Celestial Immortals.

The top-ranks' intentions are both well-meaning and for the greater good, but Qin Zheng's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Everyone thought that by staying by Immortal Severing Sword's side, Qin Zheng could safely advance to the realm above Celestial Immortals.

But only Qin Zheng knew that if he went to Ten Thousand Mile Green Mountains and stayed by Immortal Severing Sword's side, there would be no Demon Race to kill, no merit to accumulate, and his time to advance to the realm above Celestial Immortals would likely be greatly delayed.

Thinking of this, Qin Zheng firmly shook his head, then solemnly and seriously scanned the top-ranks.

"Qin Zheng understands that you all have my best interests and the Human Race's overall situation in mind, but please believe me."

"I will soon advance to the Celestial Immortal realm!"

"At that time, a voice filled with rage, "Even if the Demon God takes action, I should still have a sliver of self-preservation power, so please rest assured!"

After saying a few words, Qin Zheng's gaze fell on Funei Immortal's remains, and he bowed three times before turning and leaving.

Speaking of which, he should hurry back to seclusion!

Although the top-ranks' expressions varied, none of them spoke to stop him.

"By the way."

Before leaving, Qin Zheng paused, and said, "The Dragon and Phoenix Clans are about to have a grand alliance, and this is their invitation scroll."

Qin Zheng reached out, tossed the invitation scroll to Harmony Immortal Lord, and with a single step, he vanished from everyone's sight.

"What should we do now?"

After a brief silence, Bright Moon Immortal Lord spoke first.

"Since Immortal Severing Sword already knows about this, and Brother Qin has his own plans, let's just let things take their course."

Clear Subtlety Daoist slowly spoke, and everyone's gaze turned to the invitation scroll in Harmony Immortal Lord's hand.

Dragon-Phoenix Alliance

The Human Race's situation seems to be getting more perilous.

Town Ning City, City Lord's Mansion.

Amidst the flowing light and shadows, Qin Zheng reappeared and directly stepped into the cultivation chamber.

From the top-ranks' reactions, Qin Zheng also sensed the impending crisis.

The moment Dongyang Immortal Lord spoke those words,

"The stronger the Immortal Severing Sword, the more intense the demonic race's desire to kill you."

Perhaps next, the demonic race won't abide by the agreement and instead employ various methods to strangle me!

Hence, advancing to the Celestial Immortal Realm, time is of the essence!

With this thought, Qin Zheng's consciousness sinks into his inner universe, gazing upon the Merit Scroll.

[Qin Zheng]



[Lifespan: 200,000 years]



[Cultivation Method: Primordial Golden Scripture (Incomplete), Pure Dao Sutra]



[Treasures: Great Dao Tree (Young), Holy Trinity Jade Damaged, Immortal Slaying Sword Intent (Damaged)]



[Innate Merit: Four Strands]



[Posterior Merit: 75,473,356 jin 4 liang 1 qian]



[Current Treasure: Great Dao Tree, can consume one strand of Innate Merit to enhance, whether to enhance?]



[

[Current Treasure: Immortal Slaying Sword Intent, can consume.)



Four strands of Innate Merit!

Upon seeing the information on the Merit Scroll, Qin Zheng's heart stirred slightly.

Even with prior expectations, witnessing four strands of Innate Merit, still excited him.

With this, even one strand of Innate Merit, unable to advance to the Celestial Immortal Realm, wouldn't leave him helpless!

Without hesitation, Qin Zheng's heart immediately recited, "Consume one strand of Innate Merit, enhance the Great Dao Tree!"

Buzz!

The Merit Scroll vibrated.

One thick strand of Innate Merit emerged from the Merit Scroll, then dropped into the inner universe, landing on the Great Dao Tree.

Boom!

The Great Dao Tree began to grow at a visible rate.

The profound aura of the Dao became denser, and the tree trunk started to reveal strands of Dao patterns.

Before long,

Whoosh! The Great Dao Tree gently shook.

Countless leaves, far exceeding the previous ones, fell from the branches, transforming into bright stars.

In this instant, over a thousand stars appeared in Qin Zheng's inner universe, revolving around the Great Dao Tree at the center.

A flood-like feedback force swiftly emerged from the inner universe, affecting his entire body.

Under the influence of this force, Qin Zheng clearly felt his realm beginning to loosen.

Then, he started to advance!

Success!

Indeed, with just one strand of Innate Merit, he could advance to the Celestial Immortal Realm! Qin Zheng's heart stirred.

But just at this moment,

Buzz!

Within the inner universe, the Great Dao Tree, having grown to twelve zhang in size, gently shook.

The four thousand stars stopped rotating.

And the feedback force that propelled Qin Zheng's advancement returned to the inner universe.

What's going on?!

Qin Zheng was slightly taken aback, his consciousness sinking into the inner universe, gazing at the Great Dao Tree.

Why was the Great Dao Tree hindering him when he was about to advance to the Celestial Immortal Realm?

As his consciousness solidified, the Great Dao Tree gently swayed.

And at this moment, two words suddenly emerged in Qin Zheng's mind.

Not enough!

Was this the Great Dao Tree's hint?

Qin Zheng's consciousness slightly condensed.

What wasn't enough?

Was it insufficient accumulation?

Qin Zheng's consciousness shifted to his entire inner universe.

Perhaps his inner universe was too vast, with nearly four thousand stars, yet they seemed sparse.

He secretly understood something.

Thus, Qin Zheng immediately returned to his inner universe, gazing at the Merit Scroll, and once again recited, "Consume one strand of Innate Merit, enhance the Great Dao Tree!"

Buzz!

Changes appeared again!

As one thick strand of Innate Merit fell into the inner universe, the Great Dao Tree excitedly shook violently.

And this time, more leaves fell, over two thousand, and two thousand bright stars appeared in Qin Zheng's inner universe.

An even more overwhelming feedback force, compared to before, surged into Qin Zheng's body.

But just at this moment, the Great Dao Tree gently swayed again.

The feedback force subsided.

Without hesitation, Qin Zheng immediately consumed another strand of Innate Merit, enhancing the Great Dao Tree.

This time, the changes were more intense, and the fallen leaves reached three thousand!

The number of stars in the inner universe reached nearly ten thousand.

The feedback force became even more terrifying.

Yet, the Great Dao Tree continued to suppress this force.

Qin Zheng's expression turned solemn.

He had obtained four strands of Innate Merit, and now only one remained.

If this last strand of Innate Merit was used, and the Great Dao Tree still suppressed the feedback force, preventing his advancement to the Celestial Immortal Realm, what would happen next might be troublesome.

Thinking this, Qin Zheng simultaneously used his last strand of Innate Merit.

"Consume one strand of Innate Merit, enhance the Great Dao Tree!"

Boom!

The Innate Merit that surged this time seemed slightly more than before, rendering his entire inner universe a golden hue.

And when this last strand of Innate Merit fell onto the Great Dao Tree, even more intense changes occurred than before!

The Great Dao Tree grew wildly, having grown to around fifteen zhang in the previous three advancements, but this time, it directly reached eighteen zhang!

Whoosh! The Great Dao Tree gently shook.

Four thousand leaves fell, transforming into four thousand stars.

At this moment, the number of stars in Qin Zheng's inner universe reached fourteen thousand eight hundred!

Then, an extremely terrifying feedback force instantly surged from his inner universe.

Under this overwhelmingly powerful force, Qin Zheng felt like a small boat sailing in the vast ocean.

In this instant, the raging and turbulent ocean waves instantly lifted him, pushing him towards the pinnacle!

Bang!

It was almost instantaneous.

Qin Zheng heard a faint cracking sound.

He knew.

Celestial Immortal, success!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end