Chapter 1961: Greed
It was extremely quiet outside the space-time barrier at that very moment. As the sound of a needle could be heard, many revealed a stunned expression.
Originally, when Zhang Ruochen stayed inside the space-time barrier, many thought that he had a death wish. It was simply impossible for him to win against so many Deathkin elites.
Yet, no one thought that Zhang Ruochen could turn the tide and wiped out nearly 200,000 Deathkin elites with his own strength, and even the Deathkin Shenzis and Shennüs were unable to escape. This was an achievement beyond all comprehension!
“I’ll be damned, Zhang Ruochen, you are really amazing. No wonder Feng Yan would become sworn brothers with him. Feng Wuxing could not help but exclaim.
Zhang Ruochen was his lifesaver, and he was naturally very happy to see such a result. His tensed heart could finally completely relax now.
A bizarre glint appeared in Fairy Yuan’s eyes as her eyes were affixed on Zhang Ruochen, she felt that Zhang Ruochen getting more and more unfathomable to her.
“Zhang Ruochen is really amazing. He has not even cultivated his own Precept Dominion, yet he managed to play a leading role in this battle.”
“He is indeed amazing, but that’s also because he took advantage of the hidden hands left behind by Saint Monk Xumi and used the Xianji Compass’ power.”
“How did the Xianji Compass ended up in Zhang Ruochen’s hands?”
“At that time, the one who snatched the Xianji Compass was definitely not Zhang Ruochen. Could it be that Zhang Ruochen has other helping hands lying in the dark?”
“I never expected the Xianji Compass to have such a great function, and could actually activate the powerful formations left behind by Xianji Sect back in the day. With the Xianji Compass, Xianji Mountain is literally invincible, and no matter how many Deathkins were to come, they’ll only be running into a dead end.”
“I heard that Zhang Ruochen has become the Prince of the Eastern Region. Is he going to be the Prince of the Northern Region now?”
…
For a moment, many of the Celestial Court powerhouses were discussing the matter, and they found it difficult to calm their minds. They were deeply shocked by Zhang Ruochen’s accomplishments at the very end.
Zhen Yuan smiled. “Junior Brother Zhang really did have full confidence. He alone was enough to defeat armies of hundreds of thousands. Now that the Deathkin on Xianji Mountain have been annihilated and the Deathkin’s pathway to invade the Kunlun Realm has been temporarily blocked, things will be much easier for us.”
Lu Baiming nodded and said, “Junior Brother Zhang has indeed made great contributions, and I believe this news will spread across the realms soon enough. His fame will probably surpass the top-ranked fellows on the Saint King Merit List. For him to be named as Saint Monk Xumi’s heir can only mean that he is no ordinary person.”
From his perspective, there were barely any people whom he looked up to, and Zhang Ruochen was a new addition to that list.
On one of the warships, the three Tu brothers leaned on the guardrail as they looked at Zhang Ruochen’s figure from a distance. Their emotions were very complicated at the moment.
Looking back, the three of them had been extremely arrogant. They had refused to accept Zhen Yuan’s arrangement and wanted to challenge Zhang, only to suffer complete defeat in the end.
On the surface, they had submitted, but there was still some dissatisfaction in their hearts. They felt that the only reason Zhang Ruochen could defeat them was due to trickery, and he was not really much stronger than them.
However, in the battle of Xianji Mountain, they were almost killed by Qi Yang’s terrifying ocular technique, and it was Zhang Ruochen who intervened at the most critical moment that allowed them to survive the ordeal.
At that moment, they were truly convinced, and no longer doubted that Zhang Ruochen was indeed stronger than them. Additionally, there was a hint of gratitude in their hearts.
Now, they were full of admiration for Zhang Ruochen and felt that Zhang Ruochen was deserved the moniker of the Kunlun Realm’s God of War.
A glint appeared in Xuanyuan Liekong’s eyes, no one knew what he was thinking.
Without a question, he had totally never expected Zhang Ruochen to pull off a stunt like this.
However, as he thought in the beginning, Zhang Ruochen’s value was indeed great, far beyond the Ten-eyed Qiankun Insect’s ability to compare.
“Damn it, Zhang Ruochen actually wiped out the Deathkins in Xianji Mountain.” Bi Yunhai clenched his fists, and his expression was extremely bitter.
He was not at all happy. He thought that Zhang Ruochen was dead meat, yet who would have thought that the end result would turn out the way it did. Those Deathkin were straight-up useless.
However, with things as they were, no matter how angry he was, he could no longer change anything.
Whoosh!
A series of communication talismans were sent out one after another in all directions because many could not wait to pass on the news about the outcome of the battle on Xianji Mountain.
All of the cultivators present were all from different major worlds, and as long as they sent out word, all of the major worlds would soon know the results of the battle.
In a blazing cavern near the Tomb of the Gods in the Easter Region, Shang Ziyan was sitting inside it as he practiced his cultivation.
Right then, Shang Ziyan was divided into three, and all bodies received the flaming cultivation of the Earthfire. Each of them exuded an extremely powerful aura as densely packed Saint Path Precepts appeared on his body, approaching 15 million in number.
When he first came to the Kunlun Realm, Shang Ziyan had only broken through the realm of the Eight-step Saint King. Currently, he was already at the peak of the Greater Precept World realm and was only a step away from culminating his Precept Dominion.
Many factors contribute to his ability to make such great progress in a short period of time. One of them was Shang Ziyan’s excellent talents. He was not beneath Zhang Ruochen in every aspect. He had cultivated the Path of the Three Corpses, which was on the Taiyi Divine Techniques Rank, and it was equivalent to three people cultivating together. Besides, its effect was by no means just a simple stacking effect.
Secondly, Shang Ziyan had a very deep and profound background. With the support of the clans behind him and with Yanshen’s personal cultivation, whatever training resources he wanted, he could get.
Thirdly, Shang Ziyan’s own luck was strong, and after arriving in the Kunlun Realm, he had encountered a series of great finds.
For example, this cavern with raging flames was one of the great finds Shang Ziyan had come across.
The flames burning in the cavern were extremely unusual, and they were of great help to Shang Ziyan in his cultivation of the Path of Flames.
As a disciple of Yanshen, how could Shang Ziyan not cultivate the Path of Flames?
In addition, there was an extraordinary fire lotus inside the cavern, and after refining it, Shang Ziyan’s cultivation base greatly improved.
Whoosh!
All of a sudden, a figure appeared in the cavern.
Shang Ziyan’s three bodies merged into one as he opened his eyes and said, “Si Han, why are you here?”
“Ziyan, something big has happened,” Si Han said with a serious expression.
Shang Ziyan stood up. As he got out of the pool of fire and walked to Si Han’s side, he asked, “What happened?”
“I’ve just received news from the Northern Region. Xuanyuan Liekong and Zhen Yuan assembled an army to attack Xianji Mountain. The battle started poorly but Zhang Ruochen unexpectedly turned the situation around. He activated the hidden hand that Saint Monk Xumi had set up, as well as the contraptions that the Xianji Sect had left behind, completely destroying a 200,000-strong Deathkin army by himself. Many of the Deathkin Shenzis and Shennüs, on top of a candidate for the Lady of the Fane of Destiny, failed to escape.
“Also, the Divine Sky-connecting Tree has fallen into Zhang Ruochen’s hands.”
A cold glint appeared in Si Han’s eyes.
Knowing that Zhang Ruochen had made the headlines again, he was naturally very upset.
Hearing this, a strange gleam appeared in Shang Ziyan’s eyes. “Zhang Ruochen is my arch enemy, and there will be a battle between me and him someday. The stronger he gets, the better. Otherwise, this battle will appear meaningless.”
“Zhang Ruochen is now in full swing. He first became the Prince of the Eastern Region, then he stopped the Immortal Vampires in the Central Region Sword Tomb, and now, he has annihilated the Deathkin on Xianji Mountain. His strength is climbing by the day, and there are few who can stop him. Ziyan, aren’t you worried?” Si Han said with a frown.
Shang Ziyan’s eyes were calm as he lightly said, “If I’m worried, I will certainly be defeated in my battle with Zhang Ruochen. If he is not strong enough, what right does he have to be my opponent then?
“Let’s go to the underworld, kill the Bloodridge Ghost Lord, and seize the Earth Soul Fluid.”
As he said that, Shang Ziyan took a step and left the cavern.
Seeing this, Si Han immediately followed after Shang Ziyan. He could not refuse to take part in the slaying of the Bloodridge Ghost Lord after all.
On Xianji Mountain, Zhang Ruochen and the five others cleaned up the battlefield at the fastest speed possible.
“The Deathkin are indeed richer than the Immortal Vampires. Any random Nine-step Saint King has high-level sacred artifacts. Big Brother, this time, your Ancient Abyssal Blade will not have to worry about lack of food.” Xiang Chunan guffawed.
After the battle of the Sword Vault, he had also helped clean up the battlefield, and the treasures that the Immortal Vampires possessed truly could not be compared to that of the Deathkin.
Although they were unable to get their hands on the treasures of the Deathkin Shenzis and Shennüs, their haul this time around was still very spectacular. It was far beyond what they had expected and far greater than the haul they had gotten in the Sword Vault.
Zhang Ruochen put the Evil Spirit back into the Qiankun Realm and smiled. “Let’s head out first. Senior Brother Zhen Yuan and the others are still waiting for us outside.”
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen took out the Secret Tome of Space and Time and used a secret dimensional technique.
The space distorted slightly, and the five disappeared without a trace. When they reappeared again, they were already outside the space-time barrier.
Zhen Yuan greeted him with a smile, “Junior Brother Zhang, you have shocked all of us this time around, leaving everyone with nothing but admiration. I even suspect this to be an elaborate trap that you’ve deliberately set up for the Deathkin.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “Senior Brother Zhen Yuan, you flatter me. This is not my contribution alone. Without everyone’s help, I wouldn’t even be able to step on Xianji Mountain, and we can just forget about what happens next.”
“Junior Brother Zhang, you don’t have to be too humble. You were the key to winning this battle. To be able to see such a spectacular battle, this trip was not in vain.” Lu Baiming laughed.
After what he just went through, his attitude toward Zhang Ruochen had undoubtedly changed greatly, and he was even more willing to get close to Zhang Ruochen.
With the abilities Zhang Ruochen had shown, he was indeed worthy of getting the support of the Taoist clans, and if there was a need, he would not mind providing Zhang Ruochen some aid.
“Let’s go. Let’s go back to the Northern Region Basecamp to celebrate Junior Brother Zhang’s achievements!” Zhen Yuan smiled.
Xuanyuan Liekong interjected. “Wait a moment, Junior Brother Zhang, will there be any problem on this side of Xianji Mountain?
“Senior Brother Xuanyuan, you can rest easy. Now that the Xianji Mountain is covered by the space-time barrier, the Deathkin will not be able to easily enter the Kunlun Realm anymore. While I dare not vouch for it in the long term, maintaining it for a few years should not be a problem. The battle can be shifted to the realms behind Xianji Mountain,” Zhang Ruochen said with confidence.
The space-time barrier had been activated by his own hands, and he knew how powerful the barrier was. It would take a very long time for the Deathkin to break through it.
Xuanyuan Liekong nodded and said, “Since there won’t be any problem, let’s go back to the Northern Region Basecamp.”
Immediately, everyone boarded the warship and returned to the Northern Region Basecamp.
All of the top elites who had participated in the attack had gathered inside Zhen Yuan’s manor.
“Come, everyone, cheers for Junior Brother Zhang.” Zhen Yuan stood up and raised his glass.
Immediately, everyone present stood up and raised their glasses, even Bi Yunhai joined in. After all, he could not afford to spoil the mood at this moment.
However, while everyone else was smiling, he wore a gloomy face.
Zhang Ruochen straight up ignored Bi Yunhai as he raised his glass to the many elites present with a smile on his face as he finished the wine in his glass in a single shot.
As the banquet progressed, many continued to toast Zhang Ruochen, all wanting to forment a good relationship.
To this, Zhang Ruochen would naturally not refuse such gestures as he returned their toast one by one. He got along very well with the group of elites.
Bi Yunhai suddenly stood up and walked toward Zhang Ruochen’s table before he said, “Zhang Ruochen, even though you have contributed greatly to the attack on Xianji Mountain, you still owe us an explanation regarding certain matters.”
Zhang Ruochen got up and faintly asked, “What matters are you referring to?”
“There are two in total. First, who took the Xianji Compass away? And why did it appear in your hands earlier on? Secondly, what do you plan to do with the Divine Sky-connecting Tree?” Bi Yunhai stared sharply at Zhang Ruochen.
For a moment, everyone’s eyes were all locked on Zhang Ruochen.
Anyone could tell that Bi Yunhai was deliberately looking to cause Zhang Ruochen trouble, but these two things were indeed everyone’s concern.
So, many were waiting for Zhang Ruochen to answer.
How could Zhang Ruochen not know what Bi Yunhai was on about, so he plainly said, “Who took the Xianji Compass? That has nothing to do with anyone here. As for why it appeared in my hands earlier, the owner of the Xianji Compass was obviously being righteous and willing to aid me in destroying the Deathkin.”
After a pause, Zhang Ruochen continued, “With regard to what I plan to do with the Divine Sky-connecting Tree, your concern is totally unnecessary.”
“Hmph, Zhang Ruochen, are you planning to take the Divine Sky-connecting Tree for yourself? Then you have to ask if everyone present if they agree to that.” Bi Yunhai snorted.
Undoubtedly, Bi Yunhai had still not given up, and he wanted to use the name of the Celestial Court elites to force Zhang Ruochen to submit.
The Divine Sky-connecting Tree was a rare item with many legends surrounding it. It was by no means comparable to ordinary divine bodies, and its value was most likely no less than that of a divine artifact.
Anyone would be tempted and eager to get their hands on it when in the face of such a rare divine item.
Xuanyuan Liekong rose up and smiled faintly. “Junior Brother Zhang, how about you take the Divine Sky-connecting Tree and let us have a look?”
While his tone might have sounded diplomatic, in reality, it was an inviolable command.
“Why? Are you afraid that we’ll snatch it away from you?” a short young man said, somewhat displeased.
This person had a short-stature with a plain look, but his eyes were extremely deep, and the aura exuding from his body was even more powerful. The most conspicuous thing was the vertical eye on his forehead that had black lightning faintly flashing inside it.
“Brother, he is Lei Juexing from the Thunder Clan of the Cloudthunder Realm. While he may look human, he isn’t one. He was born with three eyes, and he has powerful talents related to controlling thunder. More importantly, he is a scion of a god and is extremely powerful.” Feng Yan sent a secret telepathic message.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen was not too surprised. How could someone who was good enough to sit with Zhen Yuan, Xuanyuan Liekong, and the like, as well as fight against the Deathkin Shenzis and Shennüs, be someone ordinary? Even if he was not a Shenzi himself, his background had to be extraordinary.
Looking lightly past Lei Juexing, Zhang Ruochen calmly said, “There are countless God-eater Bugs inside the Divine Sky-connecting Tree. If I take it out, no one will be able to control them, and there may very well be a catastrophe.”
“Zhang Ruochen, you underestimate us too much. This is not the void, what can a mere God-eater Bug do to us?” Lei Juexing snorted coldly.
Xiang Chunan put down his wine jar and said irritably, “The Divine Sky-connecting Tree was retrieved by my Big Brother, so what right do you have in asking him to take it out?”
Bi Yunhai gave Xiang Chunan a cold glance and said, “Without us, how could Zhang Ruochen even take the Divine Sky-connecting Tree? That thing should belong to everyone. How can Zhang Ruochen take it for himself?”
“This is daylight robbery, and I will never agree to it.” Xiang Chunan’s chest was burning with fury.
Zhang Ruochen reached out and held Xiang Chunan’s shoulder as he said, “Chunan, don’t have to be so agitated.”
“Big Bro, they are just too much. I cannot bear it any longer!” Xiang Chunan was furious and now pissed at everyone.
Bullying his big brother was something he absolutely could not tolerate. Even if his opponent was someone amazing and powerful, he would not take a step back.
Ever since he started cultvating, he had never been afraid of anyone.
Seeing Xiang Chunan’s reaction, Zhang Ruochen could not help but feel very moved as he smiled and comforted the former. “Don’t need to be so angry. If they want to see it, just let them have a proper look then.”
As she spoke, Zhang Ruochen walked out of the hall, opened the Qiankun Realm, and simply just took out the Divine Sky-connecting Tree as he suspended it in the sky above the manor.
The Divine Sky-connecting Tree was dozens of miles wide, not to mention its height. It could really connect with the heavens.
A pity however, all of the leaves on the Divine Sky-connecting Tree had already withered, and there was no trace of vitality in it.
“What is that?”
For a moment, the entire Northern Region Basecamp was startled as countless of cultivators looked up at the Divine Sky-connecting Tree.
The Divine Sky-connecting Tree was indeed too large that it covered the entire Northern Region Basecamp.
With the huge amount of Divine Tree Qi being released, they formed into a blue mist, causing the entire Northern Region Basecamp to become hazy.
The majestic divine aura that emanated from the Divine Sky-connecting Tree caused many to feel compelled to kneel down and worship it.
All of the elites in the manor all rushed out as they cast their gaze at the Divine Sky-connecting Tree trunk, all showing shocked expressions.
There were divine trees in many major realms, but none of them could compare with the Divine Sky-connecting Tree.
For a while, a look of greed appeared in the eyes of many, and Bi Yunhai, as well as Lei Juexing, were no exceptions.
“Let’s divide the Divine Sky-connecting Tree between ourselves,” Lei Juexing said with anticipation.
It was as though the Divine Sky-connecting Tree was his, and he never thought of asking for Zhang Ruochen’s opinions.
Bi Yunhai was the first to agree. “Yes, it is only right to do so.”
While the rest did not speak, many were obviously very tempted. If it was at another place, they would have already snatched it themselves.
“Damn you all, I dare any one of you to touch the Divine Sky-connecting Tree!” Xiang Chunan blew his top again as he took out the Metal Demonic Crown.
Feng Yan too opened his four closed eyes as wind blowed around his body, making it clear that he was standing unwaveringly on Zhang Ruochen’s side.
Pei Yutian had also infused his Saint Qi into the stone blade. As long as Zhang Ruochen gave the word, he would strike without hesitation and use everything he had to rouse the stone blade. Although he would die, he could still very well take a few down with him.
A purple petal appeared in Ji Fanxin’s hand as a powerful spiritual force was unleashed. She could not be bothered about any other thing, but no one was allowed to touch the Divine Sky-connecting Tree.
On the other hand, Zhang Ruochen was extremely calm and composed as if everything had nothing to do with him.
Zhen Yuan frowned and said, “This is improper. The Divine Sky-connecting Tree was collected by Junior Brother Zhang from the void, and it should belong to him by right.”
Lu Baiming nodded and added, “Moreover, the Divine Sky-connecting Tree was left behind by Saint Monk Xumi. As Saint Monk Xumi’s heir, it is only right that Junior Brother Zhang inherits the tree.”
It was clear that the two were standing on Zhang Ruochen’s side and had no intentions of taking the Divine Sky-connecting Tree for themselves.
Xuanyuan Liekong stood out and said, “Allow me to say a few fair words. As Brother Bi said, everyone has contributed much effort in the battle of Xianji Mountain. It was also with everyone’s efforts that Junior Brother Zhang managed to retrieve the Divine Sky-connecting Tree. Therefore, it stands to reason that everyone should get a share of the boon. What say you, Junior Brother Zhang?”
While he said this, Xuanyuan Liekong looked at Zhang Ruochen with a faint smile on his face as if he want to discuss something with Zhang Ruochen.
“Brother Xuanyuan is right. It was through everyone’s efforts that the Divine Sky-connecting Tree was taken. No one should take sole credit for it.” Bi Yunhai followed up.
He was in a very good mood now. With Xuanyuan Liekong and Lei Juexing piling on the pressure, he was not afraid of Zhang Ruochen not coming to a compromise.
Even if he could not get the entirety of the Divine Sky-connecting Tree, getting a part of it was good enough.
Plus, being able to take advantage of the opportunity to cause Zhang Ruochen trouble was something even more of a pleasure for him.