Shennong Dao Master-Chapter 1383 - 21: Absolute Heaven and Earth · Battle of Mortals (Part 1)

Ji Che maintained his stance of gazing into the distance, but upon hearing Ji Wen Chang's words, he immediately lowered his head to look down at Ji Wen Chang.

"Ji Wen Chang, I have said before, anyone who dares to bring up this matter again will be executed. Do you think my words are just air?"

Ji Wen Chang still wanted to say something, but found himself unable to speak at all.

He realized that his strength was quickly fading, and his hair was visibly turning white.

"Considering you're my Minister of Rites, I won't kill you. I demote you to a commoner and grant you twenty years of life. Return and enjoy your twilight years."

Ji Wen Chang found he could speak again, but only managed a 'Thank you, Your Majesty'.

The Taiji Palace finally quieted down.

Not long after, a figure emerged from the shadows behind the throne.

"Your Majesty, I still haven't received any news about the Grand Minister of Agriculture." Ji Si spoke in a low voice, "But I believe he is still alive."

"I too don't believe he is dead." Ji Che's gaze was profound: "Otherwise, the Wu Yue God wouldn't be continually wrestling with me."

...

Southern Barbarians, Holy Mountain, Wushen Temple.

The tall and ancient divine temple stood on the Holy Mountain; the temple's great hall was empty, with only a wide stone chair existing.

The temple walls were engraved with obscure runes, shimmering faintly as if echoing with the stars.

On the stone chair, a youth in a white robe mirrored Ji Che's posture, gazing at the sky outside the temple.

"Kaka~"

From the throne came the sound of bones grinding, interrupting the youth's contemplation.

His gaze returned to his chest.

A great sword was impaled there, the very sword that pinned him to the throne.

The great sword radiated supreme imperial might, its blade shining with brilliance like the sun, flickering with the youth's breathing.

The Emperor Sword's blade was deeply embedded in the back of the seat, firmly immobilizing the Wu Yue God.

The Wu Yue God's alabaster fingers released gentle strands of white light, entwining the blade.

"Zheng!"

Golden lines extended from the sword's body, wrapping around the Witch God like chains, each bearing formidable power, suppressing the Wu Yue God's strength.

Under the white robe, muscles were tense; the Wu Yue God's fists clenched tightly, but whenever he exerted strength, the sword's light intensified, the repressive force growing heavier, preventing escape.

After much deliberation, the Wu Yue God sent a message outside the temple: "Ke, come in."

"Wu." A Dharma Body appeared outside the temple; the Keshen, with black horns and blade-edged wings, entered the temple, glancing at the sword on the Wu Yue God's body, asking, "Wu, is it still not removable?"

Ke recalled clearly when the Wu Yue God clashed with the Emperor of Great Zhou, that sword pierced the mighty Wu, pinning him back in the temple.

The Grand Minister of Agriculture from Great Zhou was also thrust into an unknown place.

Wu had struggled for eight years, yet the sword had only been withdrawn by one-tenth.

"The power of the Emperor Sword shouldn't be this strong," the Wu Yue God spoke.

"However, the sword's owner has grown much more powerful than expected."

"All because the entire Great Zhou's national destiny is much stronger than anticipated," the Wu Yue God murmured, "and that's all Zhao Xing's doing."

"His death should weaken Great Zhou's fortune, correspondingly reducing the Emperor Sword's power. Yet you haven't removed the sword. Could he still be alive?" Keshen pondered aloud. "Can you discern if he is alive or dead? If alive, we should find him and kill him."

"He likely hasn't died yet." The Wu Yue God gazed into the distant sky, "He cultivated 'Three Gods Fate Palace', and I've been unable to find him for many years."

"Ke, it's up to you and Jiu You to find him, using the most primitive methods to prevent his return to Great Zhou."

"Understood." Keshen respectfully replied, "Jiu You and I will do our utmost."

...

"After hurried travel exhaustedly undertaken over half a month, finally traces of humanity are seen."

Zhao Xing stood at the foot of a small hill, excitedly touching the blackish soil in his hands.

"Traces of military stoves, left roughly three days ago."

"Three days ago, an army passed through here."

"Whether it's Great Zhou's or Southern Barbarians' camp is unknown."

It's possible; generally speaking, where the Southern Barbarians march, Great Zhou deploys forces.

Judging solely by the stove ashes, Zhao Xing found it difficult to determine if they were left by Great Zhou or the enemy troops.

"I must be careful."

"If it's the Southern Barbarian army encountered, then I'm in danger."

If the elder brother doesn't intervene, killing Zhao Xing would require only a sharper arrow.

Even though the Cloud-climbing Vine could act, it could now only exert fifth-grade combat power, and its range was very limited; however extensive the Pure Essence Projection was, the Cloud-climbing Vine could affect only an equivalent scope.

Maintaining Zhao Xing's life activities and vitality use, possessing such conditions in Absolute Heaven and Earth is impressive.

If tracks are exposed within the Southern Barbarian army's vision, the danger is significant; without the Wu Yue God's personal intervention, even a couple of fifth-grade attackers would lead Mr. Zhao to lament northwest.

"Disperse!"

Zhao Xing dismissed the Grassman, then personally shouldered the Cloud-climbing Vine.

He now set out to conceal his actions; employing too many Grassmen easily gave away his position.

Following the traces of army stoves, Zhao Xing explored for two more days, judging this to be a transportation supply team, and a Great Zhou convoy at that!

"Only Great Zhou folks use arc-shaped stoves, burying them so deeply, and even taking care to cover them upon departure." Zhao Xing sifted through the soil, "Heh, Yan Jiu's fortune really stands proven; he encounters Great Zhou's army right out of the gate."