Chapter 1916: Grim Situation
The Merit Exchange Hall became extremely quiet, so much so that even a needle drop was audible as everyone focused their eyes on Zhang Ruochen. Time and space seemed to stand still during this moment.
“Only 3.5 billion merit points. Compared to those in the front, the gap is really big.”
Zhang Ruochen sighed and shook his head, not satisfied with the current merit points he had.
The Celestial Court’s Saint King Merit List had a total of 183,673 people on the list. The four dominant worlds alongside the top hundred worlds accounted for most of the names on the list, with few people from other worlds.
For example, before Zhang Ruochen, there was only a single person from the Guanghan Realm on the list. Also, that person’s ranking had not been that high, and the Guanghan Realm’s power had already been exhausted.
With Zhang Ruochen’s current merit points, he was only ranked beyond the ten-thousands, and he was very, very far away from the top spot of the merit list.
Getting into the top ten thousand on the Saint King Merit List was itself a bumpy road that was not easy to get past because the merit points required were in the 4 to 5 billion mark.
In accordance with the rules of the Fane of Merit, anyone who entered the top ten thousand on the Saint King Merit List would receive great benefits and obtain a large amount of Merit Qi to lustrate his or her body and soul.
If one could get into the top one thousand, top one hundred, or even top ten, the benefits would be even greater, and no one could resist it.
In fact, many of those who were ranked high on the merit list could have broken into the realm of a Supreme Saint long ago, but they had been suppressing their cultivation base.
There were three reasons for this; firstly, they wanted to cross the tenth region in the Sea of Truth and obtain a supreme opportunity. Secondly, they were going to play a big role in the Battlefield of Merits since they were the most crucial trump cards for the Celestial Court to dominate the Battlefield of Merits. Thirdly, the benefits given by the Fane of Merit were simply unimaginable to an ordinary person.
Unfortunately, it was just too difficult to get into the top rankings of the Saint King Merit List.
Zhang Ruochen recognized one of the ten Divine Disciples of the Fane of Truth, Nie Xiangzi. The latter was already a top-tier elite beneath a Supreme Saint rank and had accumulated a great amount of merit. Yet, he was only ranked 93 on the list, barely squeezing into the top 100.
Most of those at the top were being propped up by those powerful forces with all their might.
It was almost futile for someone to rush to the top alone.
Just like how Zhang Ruochen had gotten 3.5 billion merit points, it was also the result of the joint efforts of many, and many of the Immortal Vampires were not actually slain by him.
“Zhang Ruochen, did you really annihilate the Immortal Vampire army that besieged the Sword Vault?” a female cultivator asked.
Hearing that voice, Zhang Ruochen snapped back to his senses as he turned around and said, “Shouldn’t I do that? All of you went to the Battlefield of Merits; don’t you need someone to protect the Kunlun Realm? I’m a coward, and I dare not go to the Battlefield of Merits, so I can only stand guard in Kunlun and wait for the Infernal Court cultivators to show up.”
In response, many could not help but wear humiliated expressions, wishing that they could hide their heads somewhere.
They had been mocking Zhang Ruochen as a coward earlier for not daring to go to the Battlefield of Merits.
And now, Zhang Ruochen’s words were undoubtedly in response to them.
If wiping out a hundred thousand strong Immortal Vampire army was considered a coward, then what were they?
“It’s said that the Immortal Vampires not only deployed five Shenzis, as well as seven princes and princesses, but they also invited Immortal Ming to help. Did you really wipe them all out?” the female cultivator who asked the earlier question asked again.
Clearly, she knew plenty of inside information, especially about Immortal Ming and Xuetu Shenzi.
That was why she found it unbelievable.
How could Zhang Ruochen and the Zhenyu Clan alone deal with so many top-tier powerhouses?
Forget the rest, Xuetu Shenzi alone was probably enough to take down the Sword Vault.
Also, that Immortal Ming’s attainments in both formation arrays and curses were terrifying, hence he had the ability to destroy the Sword Vault too.
Zhang Ruochen smiled and said, “Since you are so well-versed with your information, why do you need to ask me about this?”
As he turned his gaze, Zhang Ruochen looked at King Daxi and smiled. “Fairy Lianxi, long time no see. Your beauty is still something I miss a lot. You left in a hurry the last time and left this Shadowless Heavenly Robe behind. I’ll return it to you now.”
Between words, a shining transparent robe appeared in his hand before it flew slowly over to King Daxi.
King Daxi reached for the Shadowless Heavenly Robe and was stunned, clearly did not expect Zhang Ruochen to pull such a stunt.
On one side, a cold glint flashed in Shang Ziyan’s eyes as he could not help but tightly clench his fist behind him.
At that moment, Zhang Ruochen looked over, and a provocative glint filled his eyes.
The next moment, he smiled again and said, “Fairy Lianxi, you’re welcome to visit the Eastern Region anytime. Let me do my best as the master of the land and take you to see the various sights in the Eastern Region. I have something else to attend to now, so please pardon my leave.”
As he said that, Zhang Ruochen smiled deeply at King Daxi before he turned around to leave.
Whoosh.
Many stared at King Daxi with a bizarre look in their eyes.
As far as they knew, Zhang Ruochen and Shang Ziyan were nemeses, and King Daxi should also be hostile toward Zhang Ruochen.
However, after listening to what Zhang Ruochen said, it was clear that his relationship with King Daxi was not ordinary, and this was undoubtedly very strange.
“Your Highness, you and Zhang Ruochen…” Si Han revealed a look of doubt on his face.
King Daxi reacted and stared coldly at Si Han as she hissed. “I have nothing with Zhang Ruochen. Can’t you see that he is provoking us?”
Si Han immediately shut up and dared not say anything more.
Actually, he already had doubts in his heart. The last time he easily rescued King Daxi from Zhang Ruochen, the latter did not even intervene. Also, he found that King Daxi was not under any seals, and at the very least, her spiritual powers could still be used.
With his understanding of Zhang Ruochen, the latter was decisive on the kill, and he would never spare someone just because the foe was a female. So, why was King Daxi treated differently?
Was there really something between King Daxi and Zhang Ruochen?
“Ziyan, I don’t suppose you believe Zhang Ruochen’s words, right?” King Daxi looked at Shang Ziyan.
Shang Ziyan smiled. “Of course not, how could I not see through Zhang Ruochen’s little trick?”
It was just when he said those words, a glint appeared in his eyes, and no one knew what he was thinking deep down.
“Brother Ziyan, how about taking this opportunity to kill Zhang Ruochen?” Si Han whispered to Shang Ziyan with a gloomy face.
Before Shang Ziyan even spoke, King Daxi interjected to stop them. “It’s better not to act rashly. For Zhang Ruochen to be able to destroy an Immortal Vampire army with a hundred thousand members, he certainly has some powerful cards at play. If we rush headlong, we might suffer another setback.”
“He has trump cards and we don’t? Now that he’s alone, it’s the best time to strike. Once he leaves the Main Terminal of Merit, we can pull off a lightning strike and kill him,” Si Han said without much concern.
Even after knowing that Zhang Ruochen might have annihilated a hundred thousand Immortal Vampires, he still looked down on Zhang Ruochen and felt that he could deal with him.
“You underestimate Zhang Ruochen too much. He is far more difficult to deal with than you think,” King Daxi said as she shook her head.
Si Han frowned as he mused. “Your Highness, you keep speaking up for Zhang Ruochen… Do you really have nothing to do with him?”
“Insolence! You dare to doubt me. Zhang Ruochen is Ziyan’s enemy, which means he is also my enemy. That will never change,” King Daxi rebuked him in a chilly tone.
Had it not been for the fact that Si Han was a top elite of the Soul Realm and had a profound background, she would have made it so that he would never be able to speak again.
Shang Ziyan interjected at the right time. “All right, there’s no need for flaring tempers. Si Han just does not want to waste a great opportunity. However, there is no need to worry about Zhang Ruochen. He and I will have a battle sooner or later, and I’ll make sure he will never get another chance to turn things around.”
Anyone could feel that he had an unparalleled aura about him, and was extremely confident of his own strength.
After he stared deeply at Zhang Ruochen’s disappearing silhouette, Shang Ziyan turned around toward the Merit Exchange Hall’s exit.
He wanted to go to the Battlefield of Merits to continue killing Infernal Court cultivators, accumulate merit points, and surpass Zhang Ruochen.
No matter what, he must not fall behind Zhang Ruochen.
King Daxi also stared at Zhang Ruochen’s back, her gaze was complicated. This feeling of being controlled did not feel good at all.
She needed to find a way to get a few important things back from Zhang Ruochen, especially the Mystic Soul Jade for her subsequent cultivation. If she did not take it back, she would not be able to break into the realm of Supreme Sainthood.
If not for that, how could she be controlled by Zhang Ruochen?
Seeing Shang Ziyan and the rest left, the people who had gathered around also slowly dispersed.
They had seen some fun this time around, but it was different from what they had expected.
After he vanished from the presence of Shang Ziyan and the others, Zhang Ruochen arrived at the Merit Treasure Exchange.
There were no workers there, and the exchange needed to be done by himself.
The Merit Treasures were extremely precious, and each would require a great number of merit points to redeem.
“The Gold Pill of Merit, Weapon of Merit, Artifacts of Merit… There are so many types, and all of them are good.” Studying the various introductory information on the Merit Treasures, Zhang Ruochen could not help but feel a little emotional.
The Gold Pills of Merit were pills refined by Merit Qi, and there were many types with different effects. Some could increase one’s cultivation base, some could increase one’s physical attributes, while some could increase lifespans. Each of them was priceless and could not be bought elsewhere.
The Weapons of Merit were weapons forged using Merit Qi and were extraordinarily powerful. The Divine Seal of Merit that Shang Ziyan had once used was itself a powerful Weapon of Merit.
As for the Artifacts of Merit, they were supporting items. The Merit Sword-cleansing Marrow, which Ling Feiyu had obtained, belonged to that category, and it could be used to cleanse, as well as refine one’s Sword Soul. It was extraordinary.
“A small bottle of a Merit Sword-cleansing Marrow requires 10 million merit points for the exchange. Damn, it’s expensive.” Looking at the merit points that corresponded to the merit treasures, Zhang Ruochen could not help but feel astonished.
The Merit Sword-cleansing Marrow was a consumable, and a sword cultivator needed to consume no small amount if he wanted to refine his Sword Soul to a very strong state.
Merit points did not come easy, so he could not just spend it willy nilly.
After some consideration, Zhang Ruochen exchanged some merit treasures, not just for himself but also for the people around him.
Everyone had worked hard to guard the Sword Vault, and naturally, he would not monopolize the merit treasures he had exchanged with the merit points.
“Have you heard? The seal in Xianji Mountain in the Northern Region was further broken, and a large number of Deathkins poured into the Kunlun Realm. Wherever they passed through, all life perished, and many cities there have been reduced to dead cities.”
“Your news is too out of date. Just three days ago, the Constellation Sect was besieged by the Deathkins, and it suffered heavy casualties. However, the Constellation Sect was also ruthless enough to use the Star Manipulation Technique to annihilate a large number of Deathkins and force them to retreat. This battle alone has greatly wounded the Constellation Sect, and it has announced that it is closing its gates.”
“The Constellation Sect is one of Kunlun’s seven ancient sects, and it has a profound background. For them to be so easily maimed by the attack, the Deathkins are really terrifying.”
“I’ve also heard a piece of news that yesterday, Pei Yutian smashed into a city occupied by the Deathkins, and sank the entire city in the process. No one knows how many Deathkins were slaughtered but someone saw Pei Yutian bloodied before falling down a cliff. Whether he is dead or alive is anyone’s guess.”
“The Ashuran appeared in the Southern Region, and a fierce battle broke out with the Kunlun Realm’s First Central Empire army. Heaven King Douzhan fell in battle, and Prince Shajin was grievously wounded. The Huo clan was breached, and it nearly suffered total annihilation.”
“The situation in the Eastern Region is even worse. The Corpse Clan and the Ghost Clan are on a vicious offensive, and the Battle of Merits there has long been reduced to hell. Many powerful people have lost their lives there, and many top-tier Sixth-Tribulations Ghost Kings, as well as Corpse Kings, have entered the Kunlun Realm, setting up strongholds while advancing step by step. It looks like they want to turn the Eastern Region into a land of death.”
“However, two days ago Empress Chi Yao’s weapon, the Blood Dripper appeared. The cold light from her sword lit up all nine regions as she killed two Ashuran Shenzi’s and caused the Ashuran to fall back, allowing the imperial army to stabilize its position.”
“The situation in the Kunlun Realm is getting more and more complicated. Many powerful characters from both the Celestial and Infernal Court are here. I feel that Kunlun Realm is really doomed.”
…
As Zhang Ruochen was exchanging merit treasures, a series of comments suddenly came to his ears.
Upon hearing these pieces of news, Zhang Ruochen’s expression could not help but turn grim.
The situation in the Kunlun Realm was terrible, and both the Infernal and Celestial Court wanted to carve the place up. Surviving the catastrophe in itself was extremely difficult.
If Kunlun had more time to prepare, when it was fully recovered, and a large number of powerful elites born, it would not be in such a difficult situation.
“It looks like I need to rush to Xianji Mountain as soon as possible. The situation in the Northern Region is just too complicated. If I’m too late, then the Divine Sky-connecting Tree’s trunk may fall into someone else’s hand.” Zhang Ruochen thought to himself.
Putting away all of the merit treasures, Zhang Ruochen did not continue to dally in the Main Terminal of Merit and immediately headed back.
As he expected, someone followed him, but it was not Shang Ziyan and his clique, and that disappointed him somewhat.
If Shang Ziyan and his clique dared to follow him, he would make it a one-way trip for them.
As for others tailing him, it was mostly just to scout the situation.
As long as these people did not provoke him, he could not be bothered with them.
Inside the Sword Tomb Palace, Zhang Ruochen summoned everyone and distributed the various merit treasures that he had exchanged.
He did not favor one over the other; Bao Lie, Ji Fanxin, Xiang Chunan, and Murong Yue all had their share, even Luo Yi too. Each treasure had been chosen specifically for them.
In addition, the Zhenyu Clansmen too got a share of the merit treasures, but there were too many of them and he was unable to ensure everyone got a share so he left it to Shi Qiankun to distribute them.
“Master Uncle, we cannot follow you to the Northern Region. Master has asked us to go to the Fane of the Earth. There are some important things to attend to,” Sikong the Elder said.
Zhang Ruochen knew that the Lord of the Fane of the Earth was a Living Bodhisattva, and probably have something to do with the Buddhist Sect, so for Master Indra to ask Sikong the Elder and Sikong the Younger to go to the Fane of the Earth meant that there was something to it.
“Your Highness, I want to go back to the Murong household and help my ancestors out,” Murong Yue also said.
Bao Lie spoke at the same time too. “Little Junior Brother, I plan to visit the Central Region to investigate the situation of our brothers. If you need me, just send me a message and I’ll rush over as quickly as possible.”
“Zhang Ruochen, I have nothing else to do, I can follow you to the Northern Region.” Awesome, the Little Taoist sniggered.
However, Zhang Ruochen shook his head. “No, you have to stay back here. While the Immortal Vampires are beaten back temporarily, I don’t think they will give up that easily. So I hope you can stay here to help the Zhenyu Clan repair the ancient wards, and guard against another Immortal Vampire attack.”
“You guys run around and leave all the hard work to me.” Awesome, the Little Taoist curled its lips, clearly a little unhappy.
Shen Jia, the head of the Shen Family stood up and said with a smile, “I also would like to ask for your help to stay and help the Zhenyu Clan. I am willing to hand over the Big Dipper Portrait for your enlightenment.”
“The Big Dipper Portrait, good stuff, okay, since you are so sincere, I’ll stay behind for a while to help you out.”
Awesome, the Little Taoist’s eyes lit up, and it immediately changed its mind.