Chapter 304: Chapter 102: Deja Vu Conversation (10/2)
BOOM!
BOOM!!!
Inside the Exiled Immortal Valley, two battles were erupting. One was between Xiao An and Xiang Yuan, and the other was between Shen Changqing and Shimohe. The latter battle was attracting even more attention.
Both Fei Yun and Xun Qu were fully aware of Shen Changqing’s strength. During the struggle for the Longevity Fruit, he had suppressed three people with his power alone, demonstrating overwhelming strength. However, Shimohe was able to fight Shen Changqing until now and even seemed to have the upper hand. Such strength was truly shocking.
"When did the Myriad Buddhas Sect gain such a powerful force!" Xun Qu’s expression was extremely serious. The strength displayed by Shimohe was too shocking. No matter how hard he racked his brains, he couldn’t figure out the opponent’s mysterious identity. To say he was a hidden force within the Myriad Buddhas Sect was impossible. After all, the sect had only so many known and named powerful individuals in the last hundred years; to find one from beyond that timeframe was even more impossible. For all powerful beings, lifespan was an insurmountable chasm.
While the two Defender Envoys were shocked, the people of the Myriad Buddhas Sect, like Xuanye, were truly horrified. Nobody knew Shimohe’s true identity better than them. The man was a top-tier powerhouse of the Myriad Buddhas Sect from eight hundred years ago. He had broken limits no one had ever surpassed, making him the only Great Grandmaster of the current era. Even though this Great Grandmaster had not fully recovered his strength, killing an ordinary Grandmaster Peak would not require much effort from him. However, to think that with Shimohe’s strength, he had not quickly defeated Shen Changqing but was instead caught in a stalemate. Such strength was powerful enough to cause alarm.
Suddenly, the battle between Xiao An and Xiang Yuan ceased, and both of their gazes fell upon Shimohe at the same time. By this moment, Xiang Yuan was very clear that Xiao An was not Fu Yue’s murderer. His attack had merely been to vent the fury in his heart. Now that his anger had mostly been vented, it was natural to stop.
"Since when did the Buddha Sect produce such a powerhouse? Such strength is in no way comparable to an ordinary Defender Envoy!" Xiao An’s expression was cold. When it came to the Buddha Sect, they did not get along with the Demon-Subduing Division. The two Sect-Defining Martial Arts of the Myriad Buddhas Sect had been snatched away by the Demon-Subduing Division; it was impossible to say that their relations were good. Speaking of which, he glanced at Xiang Yuan. "Instead of suspecting me of killing Fu Yue, it’s better to suspect the person in front of us. His strength is not weak, and if he were to kill Fu Yue, the probability is not low!"
Upon hearing this, the look in Xiang Yuan’s eyes turned a few degrees colder. He knew that what Xiao An said was not without reason. Actually, as fellow members of the Demon-Subduing Division, the likelihood of one killing a Defender Envoy was always low. On the contrary, if someone else had made a move, the possibility was not small. Shimohe, considering his identity and strength, was a very likely candidate.
At this time, Xun Qu approached the two and spoke indifferently, "That Buddha Sect powerhouse is not simple; he clearly came for us from the Demon-Subduing Division. I suspect that Defender Fu Yue also died at his hands. As for Yun Dingtian, I’m afraid it’s the same. If Elder Shen falls, with our strength, we might not be able to withstand him."
With his combat experience, he could clearly see Shen Changqing was already at a disadvantage. Shimohe’s strength was too strong. The only reason he hadn’t been defeated immediately was due to his profound foundation. But if the battle dragged on, defeat was inevitable.
Xiao An glanced at him. "Speak plainly; there’s no need to beat around the bush."
"It’s simple. You and I should join forces with Elder Shen to suppress this man and prevent future troubles."
"Why should I help you?" Xiao An sneered. Although they were all from the Demon-Subduing Division, they didn’t get along. To help without reason was a joke.
Xun Qu’s expression remained impassive. "Even if you don’t help, he certainly won’t let you off."
"What do you mean?" Xiao An’s expression darkened.
Xun Qu did not answer, instead turning to look at Fei Yun. "If I’m not mistaken, did Yun Dingtian obtain the Longevity Fruit?"
"That’s right!" At this, Fei Yun’s expression also soured. To be a Defender Envoy whose Longevity Fruit had been snatched by someone else... what a shameful matter to speak of.
Xun Qu nodded, appearing to understand completely. "Just as I thought."
Seeing his reaction, Xiao An immediately became impatient. "If you have something to say, just say it. What’s the point of all this roundabout talk?"
"It’s simple!" Xun Qu was not angered, instead turning to look at Shimohe in the battle. "His move against Elder Shen is for a simple reason: because Elder Shen ingested the Longevity Fruit, he wants to kill Elder Shen. Yun Dingtian also had the Longevity Fruit, yet he’s dead. Thus, I have reason to suspect that his targets are those who have ingested the Longevity Fruit. I have consumed the Longevity Fruit, and you, Xiao An, have also done so. That means, if Elder Shen falls, the next target will either be you or me. No matter the order, you certainly won’t escape."
After saying this, his gaze settled on Xiao An. Now, Xiao An appeared much younger than he did in the Heavenly Realm. Without a doubt, the man had definitely consumed the Longevity Fruit.
Hearing this, Xiao An’s heart sank.
Xun Qu said, "You’ve seen his strength for yourself. If it were just you, you would definitely not be his match. If you don’t make a move now, then you’re just waiting for death."
"Moreover— Fu Yue was almost certainly killed by his hand. Xiang Yuan, as the Defender Envoy of Baiyue City, if you don’t seek revenge, it would be unjustifiable."
"Now that Elder Shen is restraining him from the front, if you don’t fight, you will have no chance."
These words caused Xiao An’s and Xiang Yuan’s hearts to stir.
At this moment, Xun Qu, while grabbing Tiankui with one hand, struck towards Shimohe’s back with his other palm.
Feeling the gust of wind from the attack behind him, Shimohe did not turn around but simply took the hit with the defense of his Flesh.
BANG!
The palm that could split open steles and shatter rocks hit Shimohe’s body; it was like hitting an indestructible Diamond, and it couldn’t shake him in the slightest.
However, the interference from Xun Qu caused Shimohe’s movements to falter. For Shen Changqing, who was directly facing the brunt of the offensive, the pressure was instantly reduced a great deal.
Up to this point in the fight, I have to admit one thing, Shen Changqing thought. Shimohe’s strength is exceptionally formidable. I even suspect he might have reached the peak in both major cultivation systems. Otherwise, I don’t believe anyone in the Grandmaster Realm could be so much stronger than me.
"You evil monk! Daring to kill a Defender Envoy of the Demon-Subduing Division—your crimes deserve death!" After Xun Qu made his move, Xiang Yuan also hesitated no more. With a fierce shout, he directly joined the fight.
On the other side, Fei Yun and Xiao An did not stay idle as mere spectators.
Instantly, four Defender Envoys attacked, along with Shen Changqing, who was at Grandmaster Peak.
Under the combined assault of the five, Shimohe’s pressure greatly increased. His originally calm expression now became solemn, and golden light diffused throughout his Flesh, bestowing upon him a divine and dignified aura.
"Amitabha Buddha!"
In the void, the phantom of a Buddha appeared. Immediately after, the Buddha’s raised palm in the void descended, casting a shadow as if it were obscuring the sky, and the frightening pressure crushed down, making everyone feel tremendous stress.
"Kill!" Fei Yun roared in anger, his long sword exploding with dreadful Sword Qi, tearing the sky as he made his slash.
The other Defender Envoys also unleashed their trump cards.
As the main force of the battle, Shen Changqing did not hesitate either. At this moment, he cleared his mind. His blood surged vigorously. His Golden Core shook. All his power coalesced, pouring into the Tiger Fang Blade. The long blade quivered, as if it was unable to withstand a certain force, and emitted a wailing noise.
When his power climbed to its peak—
BOOM—
The long blade ferociously slashed out. The crimson Blade Gang shot through the air, unleashing a sea of murderous aura.
RUMBLE!!
The two colossal forces finally collided. The golden light was ripped apart. The dark aura was extinguished. The Buddha in the void stood still, and after half a breath, it split in half as if it had been severed with a single Blade Slash.
Shimohe let out a muffled grunt, golden blood leaking from the corner of his mouth. On his body, a fine line of a cut appeared. But the wound did not persist for long, healing completely within moments.
The other Defender Envoys were also jolted by the force, their vital energy and blood churning.
The Tiger Fang Blade in Shen Changqing’s hands had already shattered; even a weapon as strong as it was could not withstand such power. What he held in his hand was nothing more than an empty hilt. He glanced down at it briefly, his expression showing regret, but then he casually tossed aside the hilt and drew out a Red Phosphorus horn from his back, looking coldly ahead.
As Shimohe’s wound healed, his indifferent expression vanished, replaced by a chilling coldness that made one’s heart tremble.
"Good. There are not many in the world who can wound me. You indeed have reason to be proud. I will let you off this time, but you won’t be so lucky the next time."
Lastly, Shimohe gave Shen Changqing a deep look.
"I will remember you!"
Having said that, he stepped into the void and left.
Seeing Shimohe leave, Xuanye and the others dared not linger and hastily retreated.
The battle, it could be said, started with a bang but ended with a whimper. However, the strength displayed by Shimohe weighed heavily on the minds of Xun Qu and the others. If the opponent were a Demon Evil, that would be a different story, for there are many strong among the Demon Evils. But it was rather unusual for the opponent to be a Martial Artist and not a Demon Evil.
"A mysterious strong figure has emerged in the Buddha Sect; this matter must be reported immediately. Moreover, the death of Fu Yue must be thoroughly investigated. I take my leave!" Xiang Yuan said coldly and turned to leave.
On the other side, Shen Changqing’s expression was somewhat odd.
Those words Shimohe said as he left... they feel eerily familiar, he thought. Unknowingly, it seems I’ve acquired yet another problem.