Chapter 422: The Powerful Jing Kui! Meeting the True Deity

Chapter 422: The Powerful Jing Kui! Meeting the True Deity



Before Jiang Yuan, the True God, made a vow with Li Yuan, he only had the mindset of 'giving it a try, as there's nothing to lose'.

He never truly believed that Li Yuan would definitely become a Celestial Deity.

After all, becoming a Celestial Deity is incredibly difficult.

So what if he awakened the Eight-Star Meridian? Many of the Celestial Deity's direct disciples also awakened the Eight-Star Meridian, but only a few of them eventually becoming Celestial Deities.

Therefore, after bringing Li Yuan back to the Yuan Kingdom's capital, Jiang Yuan gave Li Yuan an opportunity rather than bestowing treasures upon him directly.

He was also observing Li Yuan.

In Jiang Yuan's eyes, if Li Yuan truly had the potential to become a Celestial Deity, then with the opportunities provided, he should quickly rise to prominence in the capital and even in Star City.

How could one talk about becoming a Celestial Deity without first dominating the Star Perception Continent in their generation?

However, Jiang Yuan never expected that Li Yuan would create such a stir in just a few days.

"He also has the Eight-Star Meridian in the Flight Heaven Realm."

"It seems he might be even more exceptional than I was at his age." Jiang Yuan revealed a faint smile.

Back then, before receiving the inheritance of An Chi, the Celestial God, he had already awakened the Seven-Star Meridian as a Source Warrior. Later, after obtaining the Celestial Deity's inheritance, he broke through once more and awakened the Eight-Star Meridian!

"I should give him some real benefits."

"Perhaps this Xu Yuan will awaken the Nine-Star Meridian when he reaches the Half-God Realm." Jiang Yuan thought to himself.

The difficulty of advancing from the Eight-Star Meridian to the Nine-Star Meridian was terrifyingly high. On the Star Perception Continent, almost every generation produced Half-Gods with the Eight-Star Meridian, but in over a billion years, the number of those who awakened the Nine-Star Meridian could be counted on one hand.

At the very least, Jiang Yuan hadn't achieved it in his time.

"However."

"Being too eye-catching isn't necessarily a good thing." Jiang Yuan's eyes suddenly turned cold. "Once the news spreads, many will have their own agendas."

After dominating the Star Perception Continent for tens of thousands of years, Jiang Yuan had made quite a few enemies, and many of them were formidable.

At this thought, Jiang Yuan's mind stirred, and soon after, a gust of wind blew by, followed by a whirlwind that condensed into a blurry figure.

"Your Majesty," the blurry figure said respectfully.

"Shadow Demon, I have a task for you. Next..." Jiang Yuan quickly explained his request.

"Should I inform him?" the blurry figure asked.

"No need, just act in secret," Jiang Yuan shook his head. "If nothing happens, there's no need to reveal yourself."

"Yes." The blurry figure turned into a gust of wind again and disappeared within the hall.

...

The Celestial Star Mountain in the Yuan Kingdom's capital spanned hundreds of kilometers.

Numerous top-tier experts were stationed inside, but the overall number of people was not high, unlike the Divine Families that bred like crazy. As a result, the area was quite spacious, with mountain ranges stretching out, and many rare and exotic beasts living there.

On one of the unremarkable peaks, there was an ancient wooden cabin.

"Hua!"

A black-robed youth stood in the air dozens of meters high, holding a long sword. The sword trembled, and his body erupted with countless twisting lightning bolts that resembled snakes, covering the sky densely.

In an instant, with him as the center, it was as if he were the source of the lightning, emitting an incredibly powerful aura.

What was astonishing was that the countless lightning snakes did not harm the surrounding giant rocks and trees in the slightest. After writhing around, they quickly gathered back together.

Countless fine lightning bolts converged on the sword, intertwining with each other and perfectly merging with the long sword.

"Thousand Thunder Mystique," Jing Kui silently contemplated. This was a supreme technique he cultivated from a Celestial Deity's secret art.

"It's a pity."

"Although my sword technique has improved significantly, after merging with the Space Law, its power is already approaching the pinnacle of the Void Deity's Mystique." Jing Kui seemed deep in thought. "But it's still a step away from breaking through to the eighth level of the Thunder Law."

He, although only a Half-God,

possessed an incredible talent in the Thunder Law, and had already reached the middle stage of the eighth level... Once he continued to improve, when he ignited the Divine Flame, his strength would further increase, and he might quickly condense the Divine Heart, becoming a True Deity!

"I hope I can break through before the Ancestral Realm Battle." Jing Kui thought to himself. "Then defeating those guys from Eternal Green Ancient City and Celestial Serpent Ancient City should be much easier."

As the top genius of Perception Star City, even the Celestial Deity paid great attention to him and personally interacted with him.

Naturally, he was aware of some of his main opponents, and each one was very troublesome.

Suddenly—

"Hmm?" Jing Kui's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.

He had just received intelligence from Donglin, the Void Deity.

"Jiang Shan and Xu Yuan both passed the Nine Sounds Realm?" Jing Kui showed a hint of confusion. "Is the Nine Sounds Realm that easy? Or has Xu Yuan's Soul Will broken through?"

He had been in the Yuan Kingdom's capital for over half a month, mainly for the well-known Nine Sounds Realm.

However, whether it was Jiang Shan or Xu Yuan, he had already met them.

"It doesn't matter."

"Even if the Nine Sounds Realm isn't as difficult as its reputation... My progress in sword techniques is also not bad." Jing Kui's heart remained calm.

After cultivating for hundreds of years and traveling across the vast lands, he had gained considerable insight.

"Hmm, then I won't wait. I'll give it a try too."

With this thought, Jing Kui transformed into a streak of light and quickly flew out of the range of Celestial Star Mountain, passing through layers of clouds and mist, heading towards the Nine Sounds Tower.

...

Inside the Nine Sounds Tower, the Nine Sounds Realm was still ongoing.

However, as time passed, fewer people were attempting the challenge, especially since most of the most outstanding individuals had already succeeded. The excitement had significantly decreased.

Among the millions of spectators, the main topic of discussion was still Xu Yuan and Jiang Shan. It was indeed rare to have two individuals pass the Nine Sounds Realm in the same generation.

Of course, at this moment, numerous people looked up at the ninth level of the Nine Sounds Pagoda, where a purple light point was located.

Another person had reached the ninth level!

"It's Wu Beihong."

"Ranked second on the Demi-God Ranking! It's said that his strength is no less than Jiang Shan's, and they are evenly matched, but Jiang Shan is of royal blood, so he's ranked first."

"If Jiang Shan could pass the ninth level, can Wu Beihong do it too?"

"It's hard to say, as the Nine Sounds Realm primarily tests one's soul will, not absolute strength." Countless spectators discussed in hushed tones.

Especially some of the more powerful Demi-Gods, all of them understood that Wu Beihong and Jiang Shan were like fire and water, neither willing to yield to the other.

Suddenly,

"Boom~" The purple light point on the ninth level dissipated, and right behind it, a golden-armored figure flew out from the eighth-level exit. It was none other than Wu Beihong.

"He failed?"

"What a pity!"

"As expected, passing through the Nine Sounds Realm is still challenging. Xu Yuan is just an exception." Countless spectators communicated through sound transmission.

Whoosh!

Wu Beihong, who had just flown out of the Nine Sounds Pagoda, had a gloomy expression: "Damn! How could the ninth level be so difficult? Those countless illusions... How did that bastard Jiang Shan manage to pass through?"

Xu Yuan's success didn't sit well with Wu Beihong, but he could grudgingly accept it as they had no personal grudges.

But Jiang Shan passing through? It was more unbearable than eating shit.

Whoosh!

A black streak of light suddenly flew past Wu Beihong, heading towards the Nine Sounds Pagoda at an undiminished speed.

Moreover, there was no intention of yielding.

Wu Beihong's mood soured further. Seeing this, he glared at the approaching black-robed figure and coldly commanded: "Don't know how to give way? Get out of my way!"

"You want me to move?"

The black-robed figure paid no heed to Wu Beihong. He was initially startled but then revealed a strange smile: "It's been a while since I've heard a Demi-God tell me to move."

The next instant,

Buzz~ A terrifying soul fluctuation erupted, crushing Wu Beihong layer by layer.

"Boom!" Like a heavy hammer, this terrifying soul impact nearly stunned Wu Beihong, causing his soul consciousness to tremble violently.

"Not good! What Demi-God is this?" Wu Beihong struggled to maintain his consciousness, but his heart was already in turmoil.

It should be known that although his soul will hadn't broken through to the Void Deity level, it was still considered the pinnacle of Demi-Gods. A typical Void Deity's soul impact would only cause him minor suppression, not this level of terror.

Sizzle~

A terrifying electric snake suddenly pierced the sky, attacking Wu Beihong.

"Not good!" Wu Beihong's face paled as he felt a deadly threat. Without hesitation, he unleashed the Nine Levels of Body Tempering Technique, causing his body to rapidly expand. His palms then lashed out fiercely.

The opponent's attack was too fast, combining soul and physical attacks in one seamless motion.

"Bang~"

The terrifying clash resulted in the electric snake retracting instantly, but Wu Beihong's palms were already torn with countless small wounds, and his entire person was blasted backward.

"He didn't use the Body Refining Star Technique."

"One move and I'm sent flying? This strength is definitely close to the middle stage of the Void Deity level." Wu Beihong was shocked: "If he uses the Body Refining Star Technique again, how strong will he be?"

He didn't believe the opponent wouldn't use the Body Refining Star Technique.

Instantly, Wu Beihong realized he had kicked an iron plate. This seemingly ordinary black-robed youth was probably a top genius from a major power touring the Yuan Kingdom Capital.

"Since we're both under the same ancient city, I'll just teach you a lesson."

"Next time, watch your mouth." A detached voice sounded in Wu Beihong's mind.

And that black-robed figure had already flown into the Nine Sounds Pagoda.

"Under the same ancient city? Is he a top Demi-God from the Perception Star City?" Wu Beihong's eyes flickered.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Over a dozen figures flew by, none other than Wu Beihong's group of Demi-God friends. Their faces were also filled with shock.

"Beihong, who is that?"

"Is he that strong?"

Wu Beihong's Demi-God friends had witnessed the clash, and although it was fast, Wu Beihong was almost pitiful.

Wu Beihong's expression turned gloomy. If it had been any other Demi-God, he might have immediately contacted his family's guard legion for backup.

But recalling the other party's words and their fearless attack, Wu Beihong suppressed the impulse in his heart, almost spitting out two words through gritted teeth: "Go back."

...

"Did they fight?"

"Did Wu Beihong lose? Who is that Demi-God, and I didn't even see him use the Body Refining Star Technique." The countless spectators were even more astounded, filled with shock.

Although Wu Beihong's fame wasn't as great as Jiang Shan's, he was still a formidable figure, known for his Void Deity-level combat power.

"Look, that mysterious Demi-God has already passed the fourth level!"

"Fifth level!!!"

"So fast!"

"He's already on the sixth level!" This scene left countless onlookers dumbfounded.

In less than ten seconds, he had gone from the first to the sixth level?

And that purple light's speed was almost unaffected. In just a short time, it had flown out of the ninth-level exit and soared into the sky.

The entire Nine Sounds Tower shone with dazzling light.

The challenge was complete.

"Good heavens, what did I just see?"

"It's been so long, and he's already passed the entire Nine Sounds Pagoda?" The previously slightly dull millions of spectators suddenly boiled with excitement.

The impact this mysterious Demi-God had on them was no less than when Li Yuan passed through the Nine Sounds Pagoda.

In the end, Li Yuan had indeed passed through the Flying Heaven Rank, but from the surface, it seemed like an extremely long time had passed.

The time this mysterious Demi-God spent was enough to prove that the Nine Sounds Pagoda was far from his limit.

Huff!

"This Nine Sounds Pagoda is indeed quite profound. If only I could obtain the complete secret technique," Jing Kui's figure flashed, and he had already traversed the sky. His peripheral vision glanced at the high void.

With his strength, he could sense the gathering of a large group of powerful beings up there.

But he didn't care at all.

"Hmm, let's pay a visit to the Nine Sounds True God then." A thought flashed through Jing Kui's mind.

...

High in the void, the dozens of Ethereal Deities were all in a state of shock.

Whether it was defeating Wu Beihong with a casual move or passing through the Nine Sounds Pagoda at an astonishing speed, Jing Kui's displayed strength exceeded their imagination.

"Donglin, is this the Celestial City Prodigy you mentioned?" Sha Xi Ethereal Deity asked curiously.

"Yes," Donglin Ethereal Deity smiled and nodded.

Technically, Jing Kui's confrontation with Wu Beihong was against the Abyss Kingdom's laws. It was only because Donglin spoke up that the group of Ethereal Deities silently approved of everything.

Otherwise, no matter how powerful Jing Kui was, facing a group of Ethereal Deities wouldn't end well. There was more than one Ethereal Deity Peak-level existence among them.

"Who is it?" An Ethereal Deity couldn't help but ask.

"I cannot say." Donglin Ethereal Deity shook his head. "I've already reported it to the Abyss King and the Black Abyss True God... All I can tell you is that he is the Sacred City's Sacred Son."

Sacred Son?

The group of Ethereal Deities took a collective breath.

The Sacred City's recruitment of prospective members had high requirements, but since the recruitment scope covered the entire Star Perception Continent, the total number of recruits was still considerable.

However, those qualified to be honored as Sacred Sons were few and far between, all representing the top geniuses of the Sacred City's younger generation.

It could be said that anyone who obtained the title of Sacred Son, as long as they didn't perish, was almost destined to become a True Deity in the future.

"I never expected that a Sacred Son would travel the continent, reaching the Abyss Kingdom's capital city." Sha Xi Ethereal Deity sighed inwardly. "Wu Beihong is already our kingdom's top genius... Compared to the Sacred City's Sacred Son, he is indeed much weaker."

...

Divine Flame Palace, Quiet Chamber within the Mansion.

Li Yuan, with his transformed will, had resumed his cultivation after returning to the Mansion.

"Powerful will."

"But it will make my cultivation path more stable and my spirit even more unshakable. However, to make my strength even stronger and eventually become a Heaven Deity, his mind focused on spear technique intricacies.

"Hmm?"

Li Yuan suddenly received a sound transmission from Sha Xi Ethereal Deity, and the content wasn't complicated; he quickly finished reading it.

"Wu Beihong didn't pass the Nine Sounds Pagoda? That's normal."

"But, the mysterious Sacred Son from the Sacred City, without using Body Refining Star Technique, defeated Wu Beihong in one move?" Li Yuan was inwardly shocked. "And he passed through the Nine Sounds Tower within a minute?"

"Is this the first time you met Jing Kui at the Nine Sounds Tower?"

Even though his will had transformed to level 54, Li Yuan knew that even with his full strength, he couldn't pass through the Nine Sounds Tower so quickly... The opponent's soul will was terrifying.

The key was the strength they displayed.

"Jiang Shan said that both he and Wu Beihong's Law Insight had reached the seventh level of perfection, and their spear technique's intricacy had reached the Ethereal Deity level. They could break through at any time." Li Yuan silently contemplated.

"With their powerful Star Techniques, their foundation has reached the Ethereal Deity level... Their overall strength can rival that of an early-stage Ethereal Deity."

Both Jiang Shan and Wu Beihong had surpassed Fang Hai from the Flight Heaven Rank.

"Jiang Shan himself felt that both he and Wu Beihong, with their Law Insight at the seventh level of perfection and their spear technique's intricacy at the Ethereal Deity level, could break through at any time." Li Yuan silently contemplated.

"With their powerful Star Techniques, their foundation has reached the Ethereal Deity level... Their overall strength can rival that of an early-stage Ethereal Deity."

Both Jiang Shan and Wu Beihong had surpassed Fang Hai from the Flight Heaven Rank.

"Jiang Shan himself felt that both he and Wu Beihong, with their Law Insight at the seventh level of perfection and their spear technique's intricacy at the Ethereal Deity level, could break through at any time." Li Yuan silently contemplated.

"With their powerful Star Techniques, their foundation has reached the Ethereal Deity level... Their overall strength can rival that of an early-stage Ethereal Deity."

"If this mysterious Demi-God is indeed Jing Kui... If he uses his Body Tempering Star Technique, his strength among early-stage Ethereal Deities might be considered relatively strong."

"Is this the strength of the Sacred City's Sacred Son?"

The strength of an early-stage Ethereal Deity was quite broad, with a significant difference between the lower and upper limits.

"Even the Eastern Alliance Lord, as powerful as he was, during the Flight Heaven Rank a few years ago, only barely had the strength of an Ethereal Deity Peak." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.

Ethereal Deities comprehensively surpassed Demi-Gods.

Even an exceptional Demi-God with an awakened Eight-star Meridian, using a ninefold Body Tempering Technique, could at most approach the strength of an early-stage Ethereal Deity in terms of power foundation... It would be extremely difficult to fight across levels.

"It's like this."

"If this mysterious Demi-God is indeed Jing Kui... If he uses his Body Tempering Star Technique, his strength among early-stage Ethereal Deities would be considered relatively strong."

"Is this the strength of the Sacred City's Sacred Son?"

The strength of an early-stage Ethereal Deity was quite broad, with a significant difference between the lower and upper limits.

"Even the Eastern Alliance Lord, as powerful as he was, during the Flight Heaven Rank a few years ago, only barely had the strength of an Ethereal Deity Peak." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.

Ethereal Deities comprehensively surpassed Demi-Gods.

Even an exceptional Demi-God with an awakened Eight-star Meridian, using a ninefold Body Tempering Technique, could at most approach the strength of an early-stage Ethereal Deity in terms of power foundation... It would be extremely difficult to fight across levels.

"It's like this."

"If I want to obtain the Ancestral World Seal in the competition ten years later, I must have strength close to the Ethereal Deity Peak."

In such a short time, wanting to possess that level of strength, saying there's no pressure, is obviously false.

"Good."

"At least let me fully understand the top Demi-Gods on the Star Perception Continent. With a clear mind, Li Yuan continued to unravel the intricacies of spear techniques.

Even with the highest Law talent.

One must accumulate knowledge day after day, through continuous cultivation and insight, to bring about a qualitative change one day.

...

Jing Kui's outburst indeed shocked many people. Because he didn't reveal his identity, it sparked speculation among many unaware Ethereal Deity powerhouses in the Abyss Kingdom.

At the same time, due to Li Yuan and Jing Kui's consecutive actions, the news about this Nine Sounds Realm spread at an astonishing speed.

However, all of this had no significant impact on Li Yuan for the time being, and two days passed in the blink of an eye.

As the Nine Sounds Realm closed again, Li Yuan also received a sound transmission from Sha Xi Ethereal Deity.

It was time to meet the Nine Sounds True God.

"I'll be going out for a bit." Li Yuan flew out of the quiet room and instructed Ren Qing.

"Yes, Master," Ren Qing replied with utmost respect, then added, "Master, in these few days, numerous Divine Families have come to visit... The gifts they brought alone exceed three thousand Divine Crystals."

She was indeed overwhelmed by this.

Days passed, and she, along with the other servants in the mansion, had all come to know about Li Yuan's deeds at the Echoless Tower.

Just from the visiting Divine Families, one could glean some insights, and among them were even many royal families.

This made Ren Qing even more grateful to be under Li Yuan's command.

"Hmm." Li Yuan casually took the storage treasure, which also contained a list and a large number of Divine Crystals.

"Indeed, many Divine Families have come to visit."

"The gifts are clearly much heavier than before," Li Yuan thought to himself, knowing that these Divine Families didn't expect to befriend him with just these gifts.

It was merely to 'get acquainted'.

After all, if things followed the usual course, he would likely become a True Deity in the future, and might even succeed to the throne of Abyss Kingdom...

Indeed, the succession of a Divine Kingdom's royalty is not always through war.

In many powerful Divine Kingdoms, when the reigning ruler approaches the end of their lifespan, they often willingly abdicate, choosing a suitable heir... The heir need not be of their own bloodline.

Take the capital of Abyss Kingdom, for example; it has always been the capital of Divine Kingdoms, but it wasn't always Abyss Kingdom.

In a Divine Kingdom, if a True Deity can be born from their bloodline, there's hope for the kingdom to continue indefinitely.

However.

Looking at the entire Star Perception Continent, aside from a few powerful families, most Divine Families are already doing well if they can continuously produce Demigods... To produce True Deities in succession? Extremely difficult!

And Abyss Kingdom, as a core Divine Kingdom under Perception Star City, wouldn't usually qualify for a True Deity to succeed.

"I estimate that many Divine Beings are guessing that I'll succeed the Divine Kingdom in the future," Li Yuan said, "After all, among the descendants of Jiang Yuan True God, not a single True Deity has been born yet, let alone a peak True Deity."

"What a pity."

"I'll have to leave when I reach the Demi-God Realm."

Except for a few gifts with amounts too large, Li Yuan basically accepted them all, and the total value of the gifts he received was already close to five thousand divine crystals

……

Whoosh! Li Yuan arrived in the void amidst the clouds, where Sha Xi Void Deity and Thousand Illusions Ethereal Deity were already waiting.

In addition to the two Void Deities, Jiang Shan was also present.

"Greetings to the two Void Deities," Li Yuan respectfully bowed.

"Wait a little longer, there's someone else coming," Sha Xi Void Deity said with a smile.

Someone else? Li Yuan and Jiang Shan exchanged a glance, and both had an idea in mind.

As they expected, not long after, two figures appeared, cutting through the clouds and descending.

One of them was Jing Kui, whom Li Yuan had met once.

"Xu Yuan, let me introduce you to the 'Eastern Lion Ethereal Deity' from Celestial Star Mountain." Sha Xi Void Deity introduced.

"Eastern Lion Ethereal Deity," Li Yuan respectfully bowed.

As far as he knew, in terms of status, among the thousands of Void Deities in the capital of Abyss Kingdom, Eastern Lion Ethereal Deity was probably the highest, as he represented Perception Star City.

"No need for formalities, in a few months, when we meet again, I might be the one bowing to you," Eastern Lion Ethereal Deity said, well aware of Li Yuan's terrifying talent.

"Let me introduce you to this person..." Eastern Lion Ethereal Deity was about to speak.

"I'll introduce myself," the purple-robed youth smiled, "Brother Xu Yuan, we've met before. Last time, I didn't tell you my identity, but I'm a prospective member of Perception Star City."

"Ah, Brother Jing Kui, I'm impressed," Li Yuan said.

The others were surprised. Jing Kui and Xu Yuan had met before? This sparked further speculation in their minds.

"Jiang Shan, I've met you before, but you probably don't remember," Jing Kui turned to Jiang Shan and said casually, "Although you're not as good as Xu Yuan, once you join Perception Star City, ranking within the top thousand of the Demi-God Ranking shouldn't be a problem."

Jiang Shan gave a wry smile.

He could tell that Jing Kui was treating Li Yuan as an equal, someone who would reach the same level as himself.

As for himself? Jing Kui probably didn't think much of him.

"Good, since you all know each other, follow me," Thousand Illusions Ethereal Deity smiled, and with a wave of his hand, an invisible force enveloped Li Yuan, Jiang Shan, and Jing Kui, swiftly carrying them through the clouds towards a higher altitude in the void.

The highest region of the capital was heavily restricted, and even Void Deities couldn't trespass without permission.

But Thousand Illusions Ethereal Deity obviously had access to this area.

Soon, the four of them arrived at a vast void mountain range.

From afar, pavilions, lush with exotic birds and beasts, and a dense aura of Source Energy greeted them.

It was like a fairyland.

"This is 'Nine Sounds Sacred Mountain', the residence of my master, Nine Sounds True God," Thousand Illusions Ethereal Deity smiled, "According to his instructions, you three will enter separately, Xu Yuan, you go first."

"Yes," Xu Yuan nodded and flew towards the distant pavilion suspended in the void, quickly approaching it.

Suddenly, the space distorted, and many blurred scenes became clear, revealing a pavilion by a waterfall.

In the pavilion stood two ethereal figures.

"The king?" Li Yuan's eyes widened in surprise, and one of the figures was indeed Jiang Yuan True God.

"Come closer," Jiang Yuan True God saw Li Yuan and smiled.

---

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end