Chapter 2142: Return to Saint Court
The Azure Dragon took out seven Dragon Pearls. Each of them was left behind by the fallen Supreme Saint of the dragons. They contained the dragon soul and possessed the Neverwither power of the Supreme Saint.
The Azure Dragon dripped seven drops of sacred blood into the Dragon Pearls and fused seven wisps of its Saint Soul into them. It formed seven shadow clones and headed to the other seven ferries. His true body was stationed at the Tiankun Crossing.
It was enough to suppress most Nine-Step Saint Kings after activating its Neverwither power with Azure Dragon’s current cultivation. Even if it was just a Dragon Pearl shadow clone.
If he really encountered a top-notch cultivator, he could just let his true body rush over.
Zhang Ruochen didn’t stay long at the Tiankun Crossing. He took Jiang Yunchong and Moyin and headed to the Eastern Region Holy City on the White Dragon Ferry.
The Eastern Region Holy City was protected by ancient wards. Thus, no one could force their way in. Instead, they had to take this special ferry.
Even Yan Wushen had sneaked into the Eastern Region Holy City and attacked. After being attacked by the ancient wards, he had no choice but to retreat.
In a short time, Zhang Ruochen’s order had spread across the eight ferries. It was written in holy prose. As long as one entered the eight ferries, they could see it.
“Zhang Ruochen is too overbearing. He actually restricted us from entering the Eastern Region Holy City and enforced on taking Saint Stones. Does he think that cultivators from all realms are easy to bully?”
“We can not compromise on this matter. We can not let Zhang Ruochen do whatever he wants. I don’t believe that no one can suppress him.”
“We cultivators from all realms have come to participate in the War of Merit. There is no place in Kunlun Realm that we can not enter. Even the so-called Central Imperial City, we can still enter. No matter how strong Zhang Ruochen is, his tyranny has its limit.”
…
When the news spread, it immediately caused a huge fuss. Cultivators from all realms of the Celestial Court were resisting and putting pressure on Zhang Ruochen.
Although these people roared very loudly, no one dared to act recklessly because of the Azure Dragon guarding the eight ferries.
Standing on the White Dragon Ferry, Jiang Yunchong sighed and said, “The Eastern Region Holy City is one of the most mystical places in the Eastern Region. It is a naturally precious planet. A large number of sacred medicine are born every day. There are also all kinds of rare treasures.
“Not long ago, the Yuanhui Tribulation sacred herb was found, which attracted a lot of top cultivators.
“The cultivation resources that have been born are mostly taken away by outsiders. Our local cultivators of Kunlun Realm have received very little, and we are being bullied everywhere. It is very gratifying that you have issued such a ban.
“However, this will definitely cause dissatisfaction from all sides. There might be a lot of trouble.”
Jiang Yunchong had been staying in Eastern Region Holy City and was very familiar with the situation. However, because he was a Re-Awakener, he kept a low profile and would not attack unless it was necessary.
Otherwise, with Jiang Yunchong’s strength, he could have taken the treasures.
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, “If I was afraid of trouble, I wouldn’t have agreed to be the Prince of the Eastern Region, and provoked the cultivators of the Heavenly Realm.”
No matter how big the trouble was, Zhang Ruochen wouldn’t back down.
Sensing Zhang Ruochen’s calmness, Jiang Yunchong didn’t say anything more. Instead, he said, “With your current spiritual power, you can control the Seal of Flames. Let’s go to the Tower of Flames first and get the Seal of Flames from Yanruo.”
Zhang Ruochen had gotten the Seal of Flames from Chen Yuhua and became the new Prince of the Eastern Region. However, since his spiritual power hadn’t reached the 59th level, he couldn’t control it. Therefore, he asked Jiang Yunchong’s partner, Yanruo, to hold on to it.
While Zhang Ruochen was away from the Eastern Region Holy City, Yanruo was also in charge of restoring the ancient wards. Otherwise, the city wouldn’t have been able to resist Yan Wushen’s attack.
“I may not stay in the Eastern Region Holy City for too long. I’ll keep the Seal of Flames with Yanruo. Thank you for guarding the Eastern Region Holy City,” Zhang Ruochen said.
The current situation in Kunlun Realm was pretty grim. There had to be a top cultivator whose spiritual power had reached the 59th level. One had to be in charge of the Seal of Flames and stay in the Eastern Region all the time. Zhang Ruochen obviously could not do that.
Jiang Yunchong shook his head helplessly. “As the Prince of the Eastern Region, you have done it so easily. Well, since you have more important things to do, we will help you guard the rear.”
Not long after, the White Dragon Ferry flew over the inscripted ward above the Eastern Region Holy City and landed on the most prosperous Jinhong Continent.
Once off the ferry, Jiang Yunchong part ways from Zhang Ruochen and hurried to the Tower of Flames.
Zhang Ruochen had thoroughly sensed that Jiang Yunchong’s cultivation should have been fully restored. He did not have the special aura of a Re-Awakener, so he did not give him the spring water of the Sun-Moon Dragon Spring.
As Jiang Yunchong said, because the ancient ward was activated in time, Yan Wushen did not cause too much damage to the Eastern Region Holy City. Only one or two urban areas on the Jinhong continent were affected, and during this time, the restoration was almost complete.
Compared to before Kunlun Realm became the Battlefield of Merits, the population of the Eastern Region Holy City had increased tenfold. Apart from the local cultivators who came to take refuge, there were also a large number of Saint-level cultivators from other realms. It was chaotic and very complicated to manage.
If anything went wrong, the casualties would undoubtedly be shocking.
Zhang Ruochen and Luo Xu had agreed to meet at the Saint Court, so he did not delay any longer and went straight to the seventh district where the Saint Court was located.
The cultivation environment of the Saint Court was excellent. With the revival of the Eastern Region Holy City, it became more of sacred ground for cultivation.
Speaking of which, it had been a long time since Zhang Ruochen had returned to the Saint Court. He wondered if there were any old friends in the Saint Court?’
Without alerting anyone, Zhang Ruochen quietly arrived at the heart of the Saint Court, the sacred mountain.
Then, he entered a valley full of pear trees.
Because of the revival of the sacred mountain, the 3,600 Spiritual Crane Pears grew more luxuriously. The trees were full of fruits, and the bottom of the trees was covered with snow-white pear flowers.
After passing through the pear garden, Zhang Ruochen came to a steep black cliff. He glanced at the waterfall that was falling vertically and finally locked his eyes on an irregular stone platform at the bottom of the cliff.
Suddenly, Zhang Ruochen saw an old man with a white beard and hair, dressed in a white robe smiling at him.
This was where he apprenticed to Elder Xuanji. It could be said that his path as a Sword Saint began here.
Zhang Ruochen was full of respect and gratitude for Elder Xuanji. Not only did he teach him the Sword Path, but he also saved him when Empress Chi Yao ordered him to be captured. After that, he even fought to the death with Sword Saint Jiuyou in Zhang Ruochen’s place.
‘I wonder where Master is now? What important things is he doing?’ Zhang Ruochen whispered.
The so-called Nether Realm was a part of the Infernal Court and it’s full of dangers. Zhang Ruochen was really worried that Elder Xuanji would be in danger.
Unfortunately, he still had many things to do in Kunlun Realm, so he could not rush to the Nether Realm.
Zhang Ruochen walked slowly towards the stone platform, his eyes were gloomy.
There was no news of his master, and only he and Qing Xiao were left among his fellow apprentices.
Thinking of Zhu Hongtao, Wan Ke, and Lingshu, Zhang Ruochen’s heart ached. He was filled with guilt and endless anger.
Zhang Ruochen would never forget that Zhu Hongtao and the others’ heads were hung on the gate of Yin-yang palace hall and exploded in front of him, but he could do nothing.
If Zhang Ruochen was strong enough, the tragedy might not have happened.
After a while, Zhang Ruochen walked out of the valley and came to the outside of the sacred mountain.
Zhang Ruochen still remembered that he apprenticed to Elder Xuanji here. He had fought with Ao Xinyan, who refused to accept him as captain here as well.
Ao Xinyan was the proud daughter of the Divine Dragon Halfling clan. She had the battle soul of a Divine Dragon, so she was very cocky.
Ao Xinyan had been defeated by Zhang Ruochen in that battle. From then on, she had been obedient to him.
Even though Ao Xinyan had become Princess Shenlong, she still addressed Zhang Ruochen as captain, just like before.
Some things had changed, but some things never.
Zhang Ruochen stood there for a long time. Images clearly appeared in his mind, as if it had just happened yesterday.
After many twists and turns, Zhang Ruochen arrived at the starting point of entering the Saint Court, the Stairway to Heaven.
Back then, Zhang Ruochen was only a warrior in the Tianji Realm. Half-saints and saints were unattainable in his eyes, and he needed to look up to them.
Many years passed in the blink of an eye, Zhang Ruochen now stood at the pinnacles below the Supreme Saint. Only he knew how much effort he had put in.
Zhang Ruochen stepped onto the Stairway to Heaven. Images of his past flashed through his mind. With his current cultivation and strength, the Saint Aura of the Stairway to Heaven couldn’t affect him at all.
Before he knew it, Zhang Ruochen had reached the end of the Stairway to Heaven and entered the palace hall.
This palace hall was a special place. It held stone statues of saints who had walked out of the Saint Court for generations to be worship for eternity.
Only those who had become half-saints were qualified to enter.
There were many stone statues in the palace hall. They were densely packed and lifelike, exuding Saint Aura that was both strong and weak. In front of these stone statues, there was a stone platform. Some had tributes, while others were empty.
This was also a tradition of the Saint Court. Every saint would leave a treasure in the palace hall.
Zhang Ruochen looked around and saw a stone statue that belonged to him. However, this stone statue was ordinary and didn’t have any saint power.
It was normal to think about it. After all, when the Saint Court carved this stone statue for him, his true body wasn’t there.
Whoosh
Suddenly, as if there was some sort of feeling, Zhang Ruochen and the stone statue formed a miraculous connection. The heavenly and earthly precepts in the entire palace hall became active at this moment.
The ordinary stone statue suddenly added a sacred charm and gave off a powerful Saint Aura.
At this moment, the stone statue finally reached saint level.
Zhang Ruochen looked at the stone statue that looked exactly like him as if he was looking in a mirror. However, the aura that the stone statue gave off made him feel a bit unfamiliar. It was as if he didn’t even know who he was anymore.
‘It’s just a stone statue.’
Zhang Ruochen dispelled the distracting thoughts in his mind. He took out a sacred artifact and placed it on the stone platform in front of the stone statue.
No matter what, he was still a member of the Saint Court. He could never forget his roots.
‘Since ancient times, the number of Saint-level cultivators born in the Saint Court must be enormous. There must be more than a few hundred of them.’
Glancing at the hundreds of stone statues in the hall, Zhang Ruochen could not help but whisper.
Zhang Ruochen had an idea. He released his spiritual power and carefully examined them.
This inspection really made him discover something. It turned out that there was a folded space in the palace hall. It was very hidden. Even ordinary dimensional cultivators could not find it.
“What a strong dimensional barrier. Even with my current dimensional attainments, I can’t break through it forcefully. It seems that this folded space is not simple. There must be a big secret hidden,” Zhang Ruochen said.
The Saint Court had a deep foundation. It was common for them to have secrets. Although Zhang Ruochen was curious, he didn’t investigate rashly.
Suddenly, Zhang Ruochen turned around and looked at the entrance of Saint Hall.
There was a middle-aged man in his fifties with broad arms, bronze skin, and was full of power.
Zhang Ruochen moved and came in front of him. He bowed and said, “Greetings, Master.”
He was none other than Zhang Ruochen’s first master, Lei Jing.
As the saying went, once a master, always a master. Especially since Lei Jing had helped him a lot, Zhang Ruochen would never forget it.
When he first returned to Kunlun Realm, Zhang Ruochen had met Lei Jing once. At that time, Lei Jing was only a half-saint in the branch of the Martial Market Bank in Qianshui Commandery.
He did not expect to see him in the Saint Court this time. Moreover, Lei Jing had already condensed the Sainthood Source and become a real saint.
Perhaps that was why Lei Jing could return to the Saint Court from Qianshui Commandery.
Lei Jing quickly helped Zhang Ruochen up and teased him, “You are now the strongest cultivator below the Supreme Saint. I can’t afford to have you bow to me.”
“No matter how strong I am, I am still your disciple. Or is Master still not satisfied with me?” Zhang Ruochen stood up and teased.
Lei Jing couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, how can I not be satisfied? Having you as my disciple is the proudest thing in my life. Besides, what do you mean? Still think of yourself as the disciple years ago?”
Zhang Ruochen laughed.
“The people who used to look down on me have completely changed their attitude. I went to the Martial Market Bank in Qianshui Commandery because I couldn’t stand them. It was not until I broke through to the Saint-level that I returned to the Saint Court.”
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen could not help but laugh. “If not, how could I meet you in the Saint Court? I’d like to congratulate you on becoming a Saint.”
“It’s all thanks to the Sainthood Source you left last time. Otherwise, I don’t know how long it would have taken me to become a saint. I couldn’t ask for more after becoming a saint.” Lei Jing’s eyes were full of joy.
Lei Jing walked into Saint Hall and waved his hand to take out a stone statue that belonged to him. He also left a treasure.
“I, Lei Jing, can finally leave my name in the history of the Saint Court.” Lei Jing’s eyes were full of excitement.
To leave a stone statue in Saint Hall was a supreme honor for every disciple of the Saint Court.
Swoosh
Suddenly, a beam of saint light flew from the sky.
Zhang Ruochen reached out a hand and grabbed it. It was a Communication talisman sent by Luo Xu.
Zhang Ruochen glanced at it and said to Lei Jing, “Master, I have something to discuss with Principal Luo. I’ll accompany you after I’m done… forget it. Haha, we’ll have a few drinks then. I have a lot of good wine.”
“Let’s get down to business first. Don’t keep Principal Luo waiting. I have plenty of time.” Lei Jing nodded. The smile on his face grew brighter.
Unlike others, no matter how strong Zhang Ruochen became, Lei Jing didn’t feel any pressure. He knew what kind of person Zhang Ruochen was.
Without any further delay, Zhang Ruochen used Great Dimensional Shift and left. Since Luo Xu had arrived in Eastern Region Holy City, it was time to exchange for the Saint Ancient Tea Tree.