Chapter 2100: A Glimmer of Hope
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After 100,000 years, the remnant of divine forces from the War of Gods had not dissipated. Instead, it had condensed into terrifying monsters. Path of the Ancients was truly mysterious and unfathomable. It was worthy of the word ‘Ancients’.
‘It turns out that there aren’t any divine force crystals here—the biggest pit. Instead, they have all become powerful monsters. Only by killing them can they return to their original state,’ Zhang Ruochen thought.
In the multi-dimensional space formed by Secret Tome of Time and Space, a crystal the size of a human head floated quietly. It was what was left after killing the monster formed of Dimensional force.
Just as Zhang Ruochen had thought, there were indeed the most divine force crystals in the central area, but it was challenging to get them.
Right now, he wasn’t thinking about how to get a large number of divine force crystals. He was thinking about how to escape.
Hundreds of divine-force monsters were equivalent to hundreds of Neverwilt Supreme Saints who had practiced the ancient way. Any Saint Kings would be terrified if they came.
Of course, these monsters were not on par with a true Supreme Saint.
After all, those who could become Supreme Saints were all amazing people. Their temperament, wisdom, saint spells, and paths of cultivation weren’t comparable to these monsters.
“How can there be so many monsters?”
The Maiden of a Thousand Stars’s eyes were full of uneasiness. She approached Zhang Ruochen closer without realizing it.
She felt every monster around her a great threat. No matter how many trump cards she had, she might not be able to resist them.
Zhang Ruochen’s expression also became serious. He hadn’t expected such a situation to happen.
They were now deep underground. They couldn’t fly, and there was no way to pull Great Dimensional Shift off. It really felt like there was no way out.
If there were only three or five monsters, Zhang Ruochen was confident to handle them. But now, there were dozens of times more. Even a Supreme Saint in the Hundred-Shackle Realm would have to retreat.
After thinking for a bit, Zhang Ruochen looked at the gloomiest tunnel. He’d noticed that monsters were rushing out from other tunnels, but there was none for this tunnel.
However, the amount of divine forces pouring into this tunnel was the largest. So much so that the divine forces had almost turned into a tangible stream.
“Everything has a silver lining. Maybe—” Zhang Ruochen suddenly thought of something.
RAAAWRRR!
At this moment, hundreds of monsters formed of divine forces roared in unison. They released an extremely violent aura, wanting to destroy everything.
Suddenly, dimensional storms, Marks of Time, Tides of Darkness, and Divine Light of Origin launched simultaneously. They were targetting Zhang Ruochen and the Maiden of a Thousand Stars.
As she saw this, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars couldn’t keep her calm. She could not think straight.
Contrary, the more dangerous the situation was, the calmer Zhang Ruochen was. He instantly activated the Secret Tome of Time and Space and used all his strength to construct a multi-dimensional space. What was different was that this time, he created it to cover himself.
Of course, it also covered the Maiden of a Thousand Stars to protect her against attacks from the divine-force monsters.
“Now is not the time to drift into a trance. If we stay here, we will all die. We must go to a place where there is no divine-force monster,” Zhang Ruochen said seriously.
The Maiden of a Thousand Stars shook her head and said, “This is the lair of these monsters. Unless we can go up to the ground, we can not escape.”
“There are no divine-force monsters in that tunnel. If we go through, we might be able to survive.” Zhang Ruochen pointed at the deepest tunnel.
Upon hearing this, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars looked over. She used her Divine Eye of Origin to probe.
Before long, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars saw something unusual about this tunnel; she said in a low voice, “You may be right, but we are about 2,100 meters away from that tunnel. I’m afraid these divine-force monsters won’t let us pass easily.”
“We’ll know after we try.”A determined look flashed across Zhang Ruochen’s eyes.
As he spoke, he already mobilized the precepts of Time and Dimension to display all kinds of powerful techniques of Time and Dimension.
The Maiden of a Thousand Stars stared at Zhang Ruochen deeply. It was hard for her to understand why he was so calm and confident in such a dire situation. He didn’t show any panic or fear. He could make the most accurate judgment.
This kind of person would give people a sense of security. She was slightly distracted for a moment.
After calming herself down, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars also activated Origin Bead. It released a mysterious divine light of Origin, supporting layers and layers of multi-dimensional space. This made the structure of the multi-dimensional space even denser.
The situation was too dangerous. Only by working together with Zhang Ruochen could they have a chance to survive.
Naturally, Zhang Ruochen and the Maiden of a Thousand Stars would not stay where they were and let the divine force monster attack them. The structure of the multi-dimensional space was constantly changing, allowing the two to change their positions and approach the deep tunnel a little by little.
No one knew what was awaiting them in the tunnel, but now, they could not find a better way, so they had to take a risk.
BOOM!
Under the attack of the monster, the multi-dimensional space was torn apart.
Fortunately, with the support of Saint Qi, the multi-dimensional space could repair itself.
However, this was not a long-term solution. The speed—at which the dimensional membrane wall was repaired—was obviously not as fast as monsters’ attack speed.
A dimensional-force monster that looked like a divine python, with a tail as sharp as a divine spear, suddenly thrust out its tail.
BANG!
Layers of dimensional membrane shattered like glass, appearing extremely fragile.
CLANG!
The dimensional-force monster’s tail stabbed into Zhang Ruochen’s chest.
The Armor of the Fire God blocked the terrifying force from the monster’s tail. However, a sharp force of Dimension directly hit Zhang Ruochen’s body through the armor.
Zhang Ruochen groaned, and blood flowed out of a corner of his mouth.
Enduring the pain in his chest, Zhang Ruochen quickly mobilized the precepts of Dimension and condensed an unparalleled striking light with powerful dimensional force.
CRACK!
The unparalleled striking light cut off the monster’s tail.
CRASH!
Before Zhang Ruochen could breathe a sigh of relief, another divine-force monster broke into the multi-dimensional space and charged at him with a paw of sharp claws.
Zhang Ruochen turned around instantly, tried his best to mobilize the Saint Qi in his body, and threw a palm strike.
A sonorous Dragon’s roar was heard, and a giant dragon wrapped in flames flew out and collided with the monster’s sharp claws.
BOOM!
The flaming dragon and the monster’s paw of sharp claws exploded at the same time. However, a terrifying force of Darkness invaded Zhang Ruochen’s palm in an instant.
Most of Zhang Ruochen’s power was used to activate the Secret Tome of Time and Space. In addition, he had countered the attack hastily. Therefore, it was inevitable to take some damage.
This power of Darkness was tough to deal with. Even if Zhang Ruochen used the precepts of Time and Dimension, he could only temporarily suppress it instead of expelling it immediately.
As a Master of Time and Space, Zhang Ruochen was not afraid of attacks of Time and Dimension. However, he was troubled by the attacks of Origin and Darkness.
At the same time, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars was also attacked by a monster. Although She blocked most of the force using Origin Bead, she still suffered serious injuries.
In terms of her cultivation base and physical body, she was more than a little inferior to Zhang Ruochen.
If Zhang Ruochen had not stood before her and blocked the attacks, she would definitely have suffered more serious injuries.
Seeing that another monster had broken in the multi-dimensional space, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars hurriedly threw out a Saint-level talisman.
The Saint-level talisman glowed with red light and released terrifying energy.
BOOM!
Half of the monster’s body was destroyed by the energy.
Unfortunately, it was useless. As long as the furious will in the monster’s body was not extinguished, it could regenerate infinitely.
The constant attacks from the monsters had disrupted Zhang Ruochen and the Maiden of a Thousand Stars. Their speed was greatly affected, and the deep tunnel seemed out of reach.
Not long after, both of them were covered in wounds. Their clothes were dyed red with blood.
With a wave of her hand, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars blasted out another Saint-level talisman to defend against the attack of a time-force monster.
‘I don’t have many Saint-level talismans left. Am I really going to die here?’ A hint of despair appeared in the Maiden of a Thousand Stars’s eyes.
Without the Saint-level talismans, even if she had the Divine Mark carved by Elder Tianzu, how many times could she withstand the monsters’ attacks?
When Zhang Ruochen noticed the change in the Maiden of a Thousand Stars’ emotion, he shouted, “Hey Yu Chenjing! It’s just a bunch of Supreme-Saint level monsters, and yet you give up so early? Our current situation is indeed very dangerous, but it’s far from enough to make us despair. Those who are timid will never become a true superior cultivator.”
“I’m timid?” the Maiden of a Thousand Stars muttered.
Ever since she embarked on her journey of cultivation, everything had been smooth sailing. She could master any techniques by learning them just once. She was so perfect that she was destined to become a deity.
However, Zhang Ruochen pointed out that her state of mind was flawed. No matter how talented she was, she couldn’t attain greater achievement. That kind of flaw wouldn’t show itself at normal times.
However, it would come out when she was in a life and death situation and encountered an invincible enemy.
Because of Zhang Ruochen’s words, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars chose to go out alone for experiential learning. She wanted to prove that she was not as bad as he had said. At the same time, she also wanted to perfect her state of mind through experiential learning.
She had made many changes. For example, she had joined the battles in Xumi Dojo and Peacock Manor. In the past, there was no way she would do it without expecting anything in return.
But obviously, such changes were not enough to make up for the flaw in her state of mind. When she encountered real danger, her state of mind was still fragile. She could not stand alone and was far from being resilient.
Just as the Maiden of a Thousand Stars was stupefied, a dark-force monster suddenly appeared. Its wings filled with potent dark power slashed down like a sky blade.
BANG!
Zhang Ruochen moved and appeared in front of the Maiden of a Thousand Stars in an instant. He unleashed a palm strike. The shadows of dragon and elephant appeared together, blocking the slash of dark-force wings.
This impact was powerful. Zhang Ruochen’s arms trembled, and the bones in his arms cracked. Of course, the most horrible thing was the erosion from the power of Darkness. No one could easily withstand it.
Zhang Ruochen’s posture was as steady as a rock as if his feet had grown roots; he didn’t take a single step back. “You are looking for death?” he shouted.
An invisible vortex appeared in front of Zhang Ruochen and instantly crushed the monster’s dark-force wings.
This was his Saint Aspect of Dimension. With his current cultivation level, he could even crush a top Thousand-Inscription Sacred Artifact into pieces and turned it into scrap metal when it got near his Saint Aspect of Dimension.
Under normal circumstances, Zhang Ruochen would not fight using the Saint Aspects of his six major martial paths, because once a Saint Aspect was damaged, his future cultivation would be greatly affected.
But now that it was a life-and-death situation, there was no need to have so many scruples.
As long as he could survive the crisis, he could use any means.
The Maiden of a Thousand Stars came back to her senses. She stared at Zhang Ruochen with an incomprehensible look.
Why did Zhang Ruochen save her?
As the holders of parts of the Canon of Truth, they were enemies, not friends. She had clearly said that she would take away the portion of the Canon of Truth that Zhang Ruochen held one day.
Zhang Ruochen had the best chance to do so during the two previous occasions where they had intimate contact, but he did not attack her.
Why did he save her? Of course, it was because Zhang Ruochen knew very well that the Path of Origin that Maiden of a Thousand Stars practiced could play a great role here. Only by combining their strength could they escape.
“How long do you want to stay in a daze? I can save you once, but it doesn’t mean I can save you a second time,” said Zhang Ruochen.
The Maiden of a Thousand Stars completely came back to her senses, and an unprecedented emotion emerged in her heart. She actually felt that Zhang Ruochen did not seem to be that annoying anymore.
“Yu Chenjing, what are you thinking?
“This guy forced you to write the marriage contract and used you as a human shield. He even looked down on you, saying that your state of mind is lacking and that it was hard for you to achieve great things.
“I must hate such a despicable and shameless person. I must continue to hate him.”
Quickly retracting her emotions, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars glared at Zhang Ruochen and said, “Why are you yelling? I’m thinking of a countermeasure.”
“What strategy have you come up with?” asked Zhang Ruochen.
At this moment, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars didn’t dare to joke. She waved her hand and took out an exquisite Saint Chariot. It was the Starlight Saint Chariot she had used in Divinity Bestowment Altar.
Starlight Saint Chariot was an ancient artifact. It had once been a Supreme Saint’s chariot. As time passed, it was naturally infused with the Supreme Saint’s aura and became a Supreme-Saint level ancient artifact.
Most importantly, there was a huge space inside. The cultivation environment was excellent, and its value was no less than a regal weapon.
Zhang Ruochen was no stranger to the Starlight Saint Chariot. He had entered it more than once when he was at the Divinity Bestowment Altar. He had even fought with the Maiden of a Thousand Stars inside it.
At that time, he had forced the Maiden of a Thousand Stars to write the marriage contract.
In an instant, Zhang Ruochen understood what the Maiden of a Thousand Stars meant. With the help of the Starlight Saint Chariot, they could break through faster.
However, although the Starlight Saint Chariot was extraordinary, it was obviously impossible to withstand the attacks of hundreds of divine-force monsters. It would probably be shattered into pieces after a few hits.
“The Starlight Saint Chariot definitely won’t be able to withstand the attack of that monster, so we still have to rely on your Zangshan Demonic Mirror and artifact of Time and Dimension,” the Maiden of a Thousand Stars said seriously.
When he heard her, Zhang Ruochen did not think too much. He immediately said, “Act now. If we delay, things will change.”
At this time, they had to make a prompt decision. If they continued to delay, the situation would only be more disadvantageous for them.
With no hesitation, the Maiden of a Thousand Stars entered Starlight Saint Chariot, while Zhang Ruochen was outside. This way, he could control the Secret Tome of Time and Space and Zangshan Demonic Mirror.
When the surface of the Saint Chariot shone with bright starlight, complicated inscriptions interweaved into a net.
Zhang Ruochen began to gather the multi-dimensional space and wrapped the Saint Chariot.
At the same time, Zangshan Demonic Mirror was also shot out. It became hundreds of feet in size and hung above the Saint Chariot, releasing thick demonic Qi.
Rumble!
The Saint Chariot was activated. Streams of Supreme-Saint power burst out like stars.
BANG!
Several divine-force monsters blocking in front were knocked away by Starlight Saint Chariot. The Saint Chariot forcefully made a way through the crowd of monsters toward the dark tunnel—without monsters—at full speed.
All of a sudden, all the divine-force monsters were enraged and attacked Starlight Saint Chariot crazily.
All kinds of destructive attacks, including Dimensional Rift, Dark Divine Light, River of Time, Light Beam of Origin, were launched constantly. They could almost cover an entire starry sky.
Zhang Ruochen’s expression was solemn. He was doing three things at once. He used Zangshan Demonic Mirror and Secret Tome of Time and Space to defend himself. At the same time, he used the Golden Sun of Destruction to strike the divine-force monsters that were approaching.
Fortunately, his mind was strong, and his Saint Qi was strong. That was why he could hold on.
Even so, there were still attacks that landed on Starlight Saint Chariot. It was almost sent flying.
“You must hold on.”
The Maiden of a Thousand Stars gritted her teeth and activated all the arrays in the Starlight Saint Chariot.
For her, the dangerous situation she was facing now was the best way to steel herself. As long as she could endure it, perhaps the flaw in her state of mind could be remedied.
After continuous attacks from monsters, Starlight Saint Chariot was inevitably damaged. The bright starlight that it emitted gradually dimmed.
“900 meters, 600 meters, 300 meters—”
Zhang Ruochen’s eyes were determined. He stared at the dark tunnel as they were getting closer and closer to it.
He was unsure if he could get rid of the monsters’ attacks when he entered it, but he had no other choice now.
As they got closer and closer to the dark tunnel, all the divine-force monsters became irritable and launched more terrifying attacks.
CRASH!
The multi-dimensional space was completely torn apart, and the monstrous divine forces instantly flooded Starlight Sacred Chariot.
Under the impact of this divine force, Starlight Saint Chariot rushed into the dark tunnel ahead even faster, making a loud sound.
When they were still 30 meters away from the dark tunnel, all the divine-force monsters stopped as if they were afraid of something. They dared not take one step further.