Immortals of the End Times

"Rumble--"

With the wind and rain at their command, a dark abyss suddenly split open in the sky.

A thousand-foot-long black dragon swooped down from the ninth heaven, its body churning and unleashing a world-destroying gale.

Each black scale formed by the Soul-Devouring Black Wind emitted a blinding, eerie light.

Wherever it passed, the void trembled, as if the end of the world had arrived.

Many cultivators in the distance had only recently emerged from the Dharma Decline period to this time of flourishing spiritual energy, and had never witnessed such an astonishing scene.

Everyone exclaimed in surprise, their minds now deeply imprinted with the image of Zhao Wuji commanding the wind and rain in the sky.

"Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!"

The immense, bone-chilling rain transformed into a sky full of silver light, weaving and intertwining between the gaps in the dragon's body.

Every drop of rain gleamed with a chilling light, turning the surrounding area into a deadly battlefield.

The ground rock layers were swept by the aftershocks, instantly corroding them into honeycomb-like holes.

"You brat!!"

The two broken bodies of the Bone Demon Lord let out a mournful roar, and as the demonic energy surged, it transformed into a hundred-foot-tall demonic shadow.

Eighteen demonic arms swung wildly, and the Nine Nether Bone Demon Blade unleashed a towering wave of blood, but it made a crisp 'crack' sound the moment it touched the dragon scales.

Like glass striking black iron, the demonic blade shattered inch by inch.

These two mere clones of the Nine-Nine Returning Heart Demon are less than 20% of their peak strength, so how could they possibly withstand this killing field of heaven and earth?
With a flick of its tail, the two demonic figures were torn to shreds like rags.

Before the demonic blood could even splatter, it was evaporated into a foul-smelling blood mist by the bone-corroding rain, and only two powerful divine consciousnesses swiftly fled with screams.

"I will remember you!"

"Want to leave!?"

Zhao Wuji's double pupils flashed, and he activated the Exorcism Technique at full power.

But it only managed to catch two wisps of lingering consciousness that were fleeing in panic.

That vast demonic consciousness vanished like an eel entering the sea, disappearing into the distance in an instant, leaving not a trace of the nascent soul or primordial spirit.

"What a magnificent Nine-Nine Returning Heart Demon Art! It seems to be able to transfer the power of the primordial spirit after death; truly remarkable."

Zhao Wuji raised his eyebrows slightly and made a hand seal to sense the location of the demon tree clone.

But as the demonic body fled, its divine sense suddenly surged.

Clearly, the more other clones perished, the more refined the divine consciousness of the remaining demonic body became.

However, the surging demonic energy did not increase; instead, it seemed to have absorbed all the essence of divine consciousness for its own use.

"Cut the weeds and nip them in the bud! Eradicate evil completely!"

Zhao Wuji's mind stirred slightly, and the space within his sleeve, like a burst dam, instantly poured a massive amount of pure spiritual energy into his body, replenishing his depleted energy in an instant, and causing his spiritual pressure to rise steadily.

He used his fingers to perform medical techniques, and the clear light transformed into miraculous healing hands.

The lingering demonic influence within his consciousness melted away like snow, and his injuries healed in the blink of an eye.

After doing all this, he casually rolled up his sleeves and collected all the remaining fragments of the Demon Lord's body that were flying everywhere and had not yet dissipated.

"Whoosh!!"

In an instant, his true form transformed into a sword rainbow that tore through the sky, carrying with it his newly recovered peak spiritual power, and sped toward the location of the demon tree clone!

Before his physical form even arrived, his divine sense had already spread out and enveloped the battlefield.

The Bone Nether Demon Body, entangled with the Demon Tree's clone, seemed to sense the impending doom. Its face twisted into an extreme grimace, and its demonic energy surged violently, with destructive energy suddenly compressed.

"Oh no! It's going to explode!"

The demon tree clone shouted a warning.

Zhao Wuji's eyes flashed with a sharp light, his double pupils locking onto his target. He pointed a finger into the air, and his words boomed like thunder:
"Qi-sealing technique! Disperse!"

The instant the spell was unleashed.

It's as if words become law!
The monstrous demonic energy that was originally violently compressed and about to explode within the demon's body was instantly gripped by an invisible giant hand.

The core energy of the demonic body, which had been condensed to its extreme, suddenly became chaotic, like boiling hot oil being poured with cold water.

The swollen demonic body was abruptly stopped and stiffened, and its destructive momentum was brutally and domineeringly strangled into nothingness!
"Roar!" The Demon Lord's mangled body let out a desperate and unwilling roar as it struggled.

"break!"

Zhao Wuji and the demon tree's clone were of one mind and body, and they launched an attack simultaneously!

The golden markings on his right arm suddenly shone brightly, and Xiang Yu's true blood boiled, condensing into a golden-red pillar of energy that stretched for hundreds of feet.

The demonic tree clone's left arm surged with demonic energy, and thousands of gnarled vines coiled into a ferocious demonic hammer, which crashed down with chilling demonic flames.

"boom--!!!"

The moment their fists met, the void trembled!

The remains of the Demon Lord, who had once fought against the Nascent Soul stage, were now crumbling like glass.

First, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the surface, then a series of crisp cracking sounds followed, and finally it shattered under immense force!
Amidst the thick black fog, a divine consciousness frantically tried to escape.

"cut!"

Zhao Wuji's eyes gleamed, and he swiftly made a sword-like gesture, unleashing a golden flying sword through the air using the Divine Exorcism Technique.

The Demon Lord's divine consciousness let out a shrill scream as 30% of it was forcibly removed, and the remaining part scattered and fled in panic.

"Hey!"

The demonic arm of the demonic tree clone instantly split into thousands of roots, greedily devouring the scattered demonic energy and residue.

With each unit absorbed, the vines grew increasingly black, their surface adorned with strange demonic patterns, their menacing aura steadily rising.

It even accelerated the dissolution of some of the nascent soul light clusters deep within the tree's core.

"Unfortunately, two demonic beings escaped."

Zhao Wuji's divine sense surged like a tide, sweeping towards the distant mountains of the White Jade Sword Tower.

But the sky above was filled with eerie, strange light, and the aurora borealis seemed to stain the sky with blood.

Although the sword light that filled the sky had dimmed, it still left sharp sword marks in the clouds, as if the sky was weeping blood.

The distant roar gradually subsided, indicating that the fierce battle was nearing its end.

Only at the main peak and main hall, thunderous sounds continued to rumble and muffled booms echoed.

Suddenly——

"boom!"

Several streaks of light pierced through the clouds, with demonic energy surging ahead like a black dragon soaring into the sky, and a spiritual rainbow piercing the sun in hot pursuit from behind.

As the two forces chased and tore at each other, the shockwave shattered layers of clouds and plowed out a hundred-foot-high air wave in the sky!

"The Nine Nether Demon Lord escaped?"

Zhao Wuji's gaze narrowed slightly. "Could it be that the demon kings and that strange demon have also fled?"

He raised his hand and put the demon tree clone beside him into the space within his sleeve.

He then transformed into a beam of sword light and sped away.

The fleeing cultivators along the way all turned their heads in surprise, exclaiming "Heavenly Qilin" and "True Man Zhao" repeatedly.

As they were hurrying along, a familiar figure suddenly appeared and rushed towards them.

"Uncle-Master!" Zhao Wuji quickly stopped the sword light.

Yan Lan's cloak billowed, a fleeting look of worry flashing in her eyes before she reverted to her usual carefree demeanor. She stepped forward and punched Zhao Wuji in the chest: "You brat, I knew you wouldn't die!"

Feeling the familiar strength in his chest, Zhao Wuji smiled slightly, "It's nothing, just a minor injury. I'll be fine after a short rest. How's the situation up ahead?"

Just as he was about to set off to investigate, Yan Lan grabbed his sleeve, her eyebrows furrowing slightly: "What are you showing off for? It's very dangerous over there! It's all Nascent Soul True Monarchs fighting. I just came from there."

Although the demon kings were severely injured, they had already escaped and shouldn't be able to cause any trouble for the time being.

She parted her red lips slightly and continued, "As for that strange demon, it seems that your sect leader, Sword Lord Wentian, has dealt with it, but we don't know if it's completely dead."

They're all chasing after the Nine Nether Demon Lord now. This is a Nascent Soul battlefield; why are you rushing over there to join the fun? Your own safety is the most important thing.”

"I'm just going to take a look."

Seeing that Zhao Wuji was still hesitant, she flashed her phoenix eyes and sighed, "This time, with such a commotion, the World's Number One Sword Cultivator Tournament is likely to be affected. Don't rush over there yet; wait until the situation becomes clearer."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji stopped insisting and immediately stopped the sword light with Yan Lan. The two found a secluded place to talk.

"Uncle-Master, what are your plans for the future?"

Yan Lan's eyes flickered, and she lowered her voice, saying, "This time, we're entering the Ancient Sword Domain to find the second Great Yu Nine Cauldrons for that old bastard Huang Chang."

She paused, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "I already informed you of this through the cursed seal within my body."

She suddenly leaned closer, her breath sweet as orchids: "If you're confident you can deal with Huang Shang, why don't we join forces and seize the cauldron after we enter the Sword Domain?"

"Oh?"

Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow, somewhat tempted but also hesitant. "The Nine Cauldrons of Yu the Great are something Huang Chang is determined to obtain. If I were to take them, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to explain it to Huang Chang." Yan Lan snorted lightly, her tone grave: "After that old ghost obtained the first cauldron, not only did his complexion improve and his lifespan increase significantly, but his strength also advanced by leaps and bounds. He has now returned to the Nascent Soul realm."
Although he hasn't reached the peak of the late Nascent Soul stage, if he were to obtain another cauldron, I fear...

She didn't finish her sentence, but the implication was already clear.

Huang Shang needs to lie low for the time being, and be kept in check by the Immortal Saint Sect, so that he can play the role of a harmonious master and disciple with her.

Once it recovers to its full strength, it will most likely no longer care about the checks and balances imposed by the Immortal Saint Sect.

Given his ruthless and vicious nature, he might break away from the Immortal Saint Sect and even turn against her, this "pawn."

"Your guess is not without merit."

Zhao Wuji nodded slightly, glanced at Yan Lan, and suddenly smiled, "Uncle-Master's cultivation has also greatly improved, reaching the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. It seems that Old Ghost Huang has spent a lot of resources on you over the years."

Yan Lan's lips curled slightly, but there was no smile in her eyes: "It's just a matter of checks and balances. The stronger that old ghost is, the more I need to keep some backup plans."

She twirled a strand of hair at her temple with her fingertips, her voice carrying a hint of smugness, "Although I was forced to leave with this old ghost back then, it was also a kind of opportunity."

If we stay with the Wang family, how can we not consume your resources? We will only become a burden, just like now.

She suddenly leaned closer, her breath sweet as orchids, "Not only can my master protect himself, but he can also obtain such a treasure as the Nine Cauldrons of Yu the Great for you, just like when you obtained the Inner Realm Refining Divine Technique. How do you plan to thank me, nephew?"

Zhao Wuji felt a faint fragrance waft towards him.

The beautiful face before me was so close, and the familiar beauty mark at the corner of her eye trembled with a seductive charm.

He couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. This senior master was indeed still the same fiery and alluring person he had been back then, and he didn't change his true colors even when he was in danger.

The two talked for a while longer. Zhao Wuji's double pupils flashed slightly, like fiery eyes, and he saw a sudden flash of spiritual light in the distant sky.

The roaring sound gradually grew closer and then faded away, clearly indicating that the fierce battle had come to a conclusion.

Before long, several dazzling streaks of light descended from the clouds, falling straight to the summit of Baiyujianlou Mountain.

"boom!"

Baiyu Louzhu's divine sense resonated like a great bell, instantly spreading in all directions: "The demon has retreated. You may return in peace or disperse on your own."

The sword competition has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The spots for entering the Ancient Sword Domain will be selected from the disciples who have already qualified in the finals; the rankings will be announced later. If there are any objections, another challenge may be initiated to change places.

Upon hearing this, the scattered cultivators from all directions immediately erupted in uproar!
"What?! The conference is over?!"

"Demonic attacks forced even the White Jade Sword Pavilion to suspend its competition..."

Many sword cultivators who had not yet had a chance to participate in the second round of sword fighting suddenly changed their expressions, feeling uneasy and wondering if they would be selected for the list.

At this moment, the protective array of the White Jade Sword Tower in the distance had been fully activated, and spiritual light, like a curtain, enveloped the mountains.

Many cultivators were buzzing with discussion as they began to regroup at the Sword Tower, eager to find out what would happen next.

Some people felt a sense of fear and whispered among themselves, "The demons may have retreated, but they might still come back..."

"Yes, let's go back first. Don't lose your life while watching the excitement. During our escape, I saw many fellow cultivators get injured or even killed in the commotion."

"Oh dear, this is an undeserved disaster, but the Jade Sword Pavilion will definitely provide compensation."

The cultivators discussed among themselves, while the more cautious and steady ones immediately formed small groups, transforming into sword rainbows and scattering away to bring the news back to their respective sects as soon as possible.

"Wuji, come back, come to Baiyulou."

At this moment, Zhao Wuji felt the First Sword Order trembling incessantly.

It was the message sent to him by the sect leader, Lord Wentian Sword Monarch.

He immediately looked at Yan Lan and whispered, "Uncle-Master, let's go back to the White Jade Sword Tower. For now, let's pretend we don't know each other to avoid arousing the suspicion of that old ghost Huang Shang."

"That's natural."

Yan Lan nodded slightly.

Suddenly, she grabbed his hand and pinched it hard in his astonished gaze, a sly smile playing on her lips: "The debt you incurred by unexpectedly pricking your senior uncle with needles when we parted last time has been settled today!"

Before she finished speaking, she had already transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the distance.

"This determined senior apprentice."

Zhao Wuji looked at the faintly fragrant nail mark left on his palm, shook his head and chuckled, then rolled up his sleeves and rode away on the wind.

Before long, at the summit of the main peak of the White Jade Sword Tower.

Zhao Wuji arrived on a cloud and entered the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the White Jade Pavilion, spiritual power was as deep as an abyss.

Pang Xixue, the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect, sat at the head of the table, holding a jade ruyi. Wei Le, the Master of the White Jade Pavilion, had bloodstains on his shoulder and was frowning as he regulated his breathing.

Huang Shang sat alone at the end of the table, his black robe as dark as ink, like the gnarled roots of an old tree.

"The Nine Nether Demon truly lives up to his title as the leader of all demons."

Wei Le gently touched the claw marks shrouded in demonic energy on his shoulder, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "This time, having seven ancient sword tokens taken away by this old demon, I'm afraid the consequences will be endless!"

Zhao Wuji felt a chill run down his spine.

He was able to inflict injuries on the master of the White Jade Sword Tower during the siege, and then calmly leave.

The Nine Nether Demon Lord's strength has probably reached the late Nascent Soul stage, surpassing even the mid-Nascent Soul stage of the Immortal Saint Sect's Supreme Elder!
"Zhao Xiaoyou"

Huang Shang stared at Zhao Wuji, a forced smile appearing on his gaunt face, his hoarse voice like a viper's hiss: "Long time no see."

"I hope you are well!"

Zhao Wuji clasped his hands in greeting, thinking to himself, "I'm not even that familiar with you, old man. We're always on the opposing side, so why are you being so enthusiastic in greeting me?"
He then turned to the other seniors and bowed respectfully.

Pang Xixue, the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect, held a jade ruyi in her hand, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes beneath her white hair: "Young friend Zhao, there's no need for such formalities. If it weren't for your prior planning, and even your personal act of luring the enemy, we wouldn't have been able to seize the initiative."

He changed the subject and sighed, "It's a pity that despite all our calculations, we didn't expect these demons to be using a feint to cover their tracks. In the end, the Nine Nether Demons still managed to find a loophole."

The Sword Master of Asking Heaven's gaze swept over Zhao Wuji with lightning speed: "Are you injured?"

"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master. I am unharmed."

Zhao Wuji shook his head slightly, then waved his sleeve, and fragments of the Bone Nether Demon Lord's demonic body flew out and hovered in mid-air.

He said in a deep voice, "I have destroyed the four demonic bodies of the Bone Demon Lord, but two of them still managed to escape."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze.

"Good boy!"

Baiyu Sword Tower Master Wei Le stared at the four clumps of debris, able to sense the trembling demonic energy within them. His pupils contracted slightly, and he looked at Zhao Wuji with a surprised expression.

The Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect suddenly stopped stroking the jade ruyi, his white hair fluttering without wind, and laughed loudly, "Good, young friend Zhao has managed to save face for us."

"This kid's strength seems to exceed my expectations. Does he have some other trump card?"

Huang Shang's gaunt face twitched almost imperceptibly, his gaze sweeping over Zhao Wuji, a mixture of apprehension and scrutiny in his eyes.

"If that's the case..."

Baiyu Louzhu Wei Le glanced at the four handfuls of demonic slag in Zhao Wuji's palm and nodded slightly.

Turning to Pang Xixue and Wentian Sword Lord, he said, "I propose that the title and reward of this Sword Tournament be taken by our young friend Zhao. With his demon-slaying feat and the swordsmanship he has demonstrated, he is more than capable of winning over the crowd."

These words, seemingly a question, actually contained a hidden meaning.

Who doesn't know that Lin Dengxian, the Holy Sword Master of the Immortal Saint Sect, was originally a favorite to win the championship?
However, Zhao Wuji's strength today has already surpassed that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators, and his talent in swordsmanship is outstanding. Such a monstrous performance must have an extraordinary opportunity behind it.

"Hahaha"

The Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect, Pang Xixue, stroked his beard and laughed: "That is exactly what I was thinking!"

His gaze swept over Wentian Sword Lord and Huang Shang, and seeing that neither of them had any objections, he immediately made the decision: "Then it's settled!"

Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow slightly.

Unexpectedly, the title and reward of becoming the number one swordsman were obtained so easily.

The Creation Jade Spirit Pill, which could save half a century of arduous cultivation, and the Purple Gold Fire Stone Sand, which could be used to refine Nascent Soul magic treasures, were thus acquired.

They got what they wanted.

Sword Master Wentian waved his sleeve and looked at Zhao Wuji, saying, "Although you have been decided as number one, during the seven-day public announcement period, if any sword cultivator is not convinced and challenges you, you still need to win in the swordsmanship to secure your position as the champion."

Zhao Wuji clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "This disciple understands."

The Sword Master of Asking Heaven nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with sword intent. He was clearly very satisfied with this disciple and had even more confidence in him.

"Ugh"

Baiyu Louzhu Wei Le suddenly sighed, his brows furrowed with worry: "That Nine Nether Old Demon has taken away seven ancient sword tokens this time, and the allocation of quotas originally agreed upon by the various sects has become a problem."

It will be difficult to take it back from the Nine Nether Demon Lord!

The Sword Lord of Asking Heaven frowned slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Wu Ji, you may step back now. We will discuss this matter ourselves."

"The disciple retire."

Zhao Wuji bowed deeply, knowing that the following discussion would definitely involve negotiations, or even arguments, between the various sects. It was truly inappropriate for him, as a disciple, to be observing from the sidelines.

He immediately turned and left, appearing calm on the surface, but his heart was in turmoil.

The Nine Nether Demon Lord has seized seven sword tokens; his upcoming journey to the Ancient Sword Domain will likely involve facing those Nascent Soul stage demons head-on.
(End of this chapter)