Immortals of the End Times

Three days later, the aftershocks of the demon invasion gradually subsided.

This sudden catastrophe caused considerable damage, with more than forty cultivators injured and more than twenty losing their lives.

Among them were masters of minor grotto-heavens at the Concentration Realm, truly an undeserved calamity.

The White Jade Sword Pavilion, in conjunction with various sword sects, provided generous compensation to the victims. With the compensation in place, the turmoil finally came to an end.

However, beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were surging.

Although most of the demons in this attack were severely injured and defeated, the Nine Nether Demon Lord's plan had already succeeded.

The seven ancient sword tokens kept by Baiyu Sword Tower were stolen by them.

This unexpected change directly led to a sharp reduction in the original eighteen slots for entering the Ancient Sword Domain to fourteen.

Fortunately, Feng Xie, the swordsman of the Seven Swords Sect, who should have been a prominent swordsman from the Hewai Liezhou region, probably knew that things were going badly and deliberately disappeared during the battle, thus freeing up a spot for other cultivators.

Even so, the remaining fourteen spots have intensified the already fierce competition.

When the final list, jointly agreed upon by the top leaders of the major sword sects, was made public, it immediately caused a great uproar among the many eagerly awaiting sword cultivators.

Top of the list—Zhao Wuji, the Heavenly Qilin of the Qilin Sword Sect!
Second place – Lin Dengxian, the Holy Sword Master of the Immortal Saint Sect!

Third—Xiao Xuan, the Heavenly Crystal Sword Master of the Heavenly Crystal Sect!

Fourth – Qilin Sword Sect Saint Qilin Kong Jingxian!
Until the thirteenth—Yan Lan of Penglai Sword Pavilion!
Fourteenth – Blood Kirin Xiao Chenzhou!
Ten members of the Qilin Sword Sect participated in this tournament, with four making it to the finals. Ultimately, they secured three spots. Li Feiyuan, who fought her way from the periphery to the finals, was unfortunately eliminated, but she still shone brightly.

Zhao Wuji, who topped the list, was particularly radiant and dazzling!
After the list was published for several days, the other top talents faced challenges to varying degrees.

Even Xiao Xuan once pointed his sword at Lin Dengxian, wanting to compete for the second place. Only Zhao Wuji, who was listed at the top, was unchallenged, and no one dared to challenge him.

The scene of Zhao Wuji boldly drawing his sword against the Nascent Soul Demon Lord on Sword Peak that day, even injuring the Bone Nether Demon Lord, has long been deeply etched in everyone's hearts.

In comparison, Lin Dengxian, the Holy Swordsman who hastily escaped from the demon's clutches, appeared to be three points inferior.

Zhao Wuji truly deserves the title of 'Number One Swordsman in the Nine Provinces,' and the title of Heavenly Kirin is well-deserved!

Even Zhao Wuji himself did not expect that his days of vigilance would be in vain, as no one came to challenge him.

Inside the VIP room of the White Jade Sword Pavilion, Xiao Chenzhou slumped in a jade chair, complaining wearily, "I can't take it anymore! Three matches in a row, I'm going to collapse from exhaustion if this continues! This damn ranking system is terrible, it would have been better to let me have a proper sword fight, at least I could have made it into the top eighteen!"

Zhao Wuji chuckled and shook his head: "You should be grateful to have made it into the top fourteen. If it weren't for this unexpected event, you would probably have been eliminated like Li Feiyuan."

"Li Feiyuan?!" Xiao Chenzhou gritted his teeth upon hearing this. "This guy dares to challenge me? He's courting death! That's why I'm hiding here to avoid trouble." Zhao Wuji tapped the table lightly with his fingertips and said leisurely, "If you think there are too many challengers, you might as well try to climb the ranks. The higher the ranking, the fewer people will dare to challenge you."

"Easy for you to say!" Xiao Chenzhou rolled his eyes. "What kind of monsters were those before? Take that mysterious female cultivator from Penglai Sword Pavilion, for example. She's always wrapped in a cloak and acting all mysterious, but when she fights, every move is deadly, and she can recover from an injury in the blink of an eye—who would dare to provoke such a ruthless character?"

Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly, knowing that it must have been Huang Shang who treated Yan Lan's injuries.

That old ghost was proficient in all kinds of arts, and medicine and traditional Chinese medicine were naturally second nature to him.

Moreover, Huang Shang was hoping that her senior uncle would enter the Ancient Sword Domain, so how could she let her fall out of the top fourteen?

"And then there's Yun Wuyai, the sect leader of the Jingyun Sword Sect. His swordsmanship is truly astonishing!" Xiao Chenzhou exclaimed in amazement. "His cultivation has actually reached the late Golden Core stage, yet he had kept it hidden all along. Although the Jingyun Sword Sect is now in decline, he's a ruthless character who fought his way up!"

He shook his head and sighed, "After being ranked fifth, he was challenged by Leng Wushuang, and that's when he truly showed his talent. He really is..."

"The Shocking Cloud Sword Sect." Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly, as if he were deep in thought.

He was very familiar with this sect—it was from Chu Tianyun, a Golden Core cultivator from this sect, that he obtained the jade slip containing the Demon Tree Avatar and the Seven Great Treasures.

They also learned that the other party had left an ancient sword domain exploration map within the sect, which might be able to help them find the source of the demon tree seed, and even more clues about the seven great treasures.

He secretly made a mental note of Yun Wuyai.

Letting Xiao Chenzhou chatter on in the hall, he turned and walked into the inner room, then quietly stepped into the second pot-shaped heaven space.

The second Heavenly Realm has now expanded to a radius of nearly 700 zhang.

After the demon tree's clone returned to this place, it had already manifested its true form, which was a thousand feet tall. The spiritual energy condensed among the twisted branches, but a sinister demonic aura was wrapped around a thick main branch.

The branch absorbed the blood of the Nine Nether True Demon and the essence blood of the Bone Nether Demon Lord's demonic remains.

Now, even the Seven Emotions Demon Flower and the Six Desires Demon Leaf, which can only be born in the depths of the Nine Netherworlds, have grown.

The Seven Emotions Demon Flower blooms alluringly, its blood-red stamens exhaling a mesmerizing red mist.

The mere whiff of it is enough to stir up a torrent of emotions, with greed, anger, ignorance, hatred, love, aversion, and desire sweeping over one's mind like a tidal wave. If one is not careful, one will be unable to extricate oneself from it.

The six desires demon leaves are covered in dark purple patterns.

A seductive melody seemed to echo between the veins of the leaves, arousing all six senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and thought—leaving one dazzled and mesmerized, as if falling into an illusion, unable to distinguish between reality and illusion.

The ancient tree, amidst the intertwining of spiritual mist and demonic energy, appeared both sacred and sinister.

The oppressive aura was now even more unpredictable than before.

It seems that a single thought can elevate someone to immortality, or it can lead someone into demonic possession.

The wounds left from the previous battle with the Bone Demon Lord's demonic body had long been completely healed by the abundant vitality of the demon tree.

"This clone now appears to be both demonic and monstrous, yet it also radiates a sacred vitality."

Zhao Wuji stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the demon tree clone. A dark glint flickered in his eyes, revealing that only a small wisp of nascent soul power remained within the tree's core.

This tree is only a stone's throw away from breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm, but at that time it will have to face the terrifying Nascent Soul Tribulation.

"The Ancient Sword Domain might be a good place for a breakthrough..."

His eyes flickered slightly as his thoughts raced. "Or perhaps... once this matter is settled, I can return to the Wang family and, with the power of a fifth-level spiritual vein, break through to the next realm in one fell swoop?"

With this thought in mind, Zhao Wuji turned his gaze to the two magical treasures, shrouded in demonic energy, that were floating in mid-air.

These are all spoils of war obtained when the Bone Nether Demon Lord's demonic body was destroyed, including the Netherworld Soul-Devouring Blade and the Heavenly Demon Heart-Eroding Seal.

Although tainted by demonic energy, it cannot conceal its true nature.

These are all top-tier magical artifacts forged from level five or six spiritual materials; if they were placed in the outside world, they would be enough to cause a bloodbath.

"Let the demon tree's clone use it; the clone doesn't have a suitable magical weapon."

With a slight thought, he flicked his sleeve.

In an instant, the two demonic artifacts seemed to be drawn by something, transforming into streaks of dark light that swept towards the demonic tree.

The gnarled demonic arms suddenly stretched out, and the branches and vines unfurled, eagerly devouring all the magical treasures.

The demonic runes spread along the branches, gradually merging with the aura of the magical artifact. The entire demonic tree suddenly flared with demonic flames, its ferocity intensifying.

Meanwhile, above the Nine Nether Abyss, black mist surged within the Demon Palace's main hall.

The remnants of the Bone Demon Lord's demonic body roared and howled within the palace, his demonic power causing the entire demon palace to tremble. "Zhao Wuji! I will tear you to pieces!"

His eyes were bloodshot, and he exuded a sinister demonic aura.

The loss of seven demonic bodies nearly damaged their very essence.

It should be known that each of those demonic bodies was something he had painstakingly crafted and cultivated over hundreds of years.

Many of them even included his most outstanding offspring.

Now that it has been almost completely destroyed, how can one not hate it?

What angered him even more was that the Nine Nether Demon Lord had clearly used him as bait to launch a feint attack, while he himself suffered heavy losses, while the Nine Nether Demon Lord not only successfully obtained the Ancient Sword Token, but also escaped unscathed!
"Nine Netherworlds."

He gritted his teeth, the venom in his demonic eyes growing even stronger, "You plotted against me!"

Just now.

"boom!"

A vast demonic power suddenly descended, causing the entire demon palace formation to tremble violently and emit cracking sounds as it struggled to withstand the pressure.

The black demonic mist surging inside the hall suddenly churned violently like boiling water.

Under the suppression of demonic power, it actually condensed into streaks of pitch-black chains, twisting and dancing in the air.

Outside the Demon Palace, a hideous rift suddenly appeared in the void, and eerie demonic energy poured down like a waterfall.

A tall and imposing figure slowly walked along the river of demonic energy, with nine dark demonic lotuses blooming beneath his feet with each step.

The figure was about ten feet tall, wearing a dark purple robe with demonic patterns, on which nine ferocious demonic dragons were embroidered.

The dragon's eyes were inlaid with blood-red crystals, shimmering with a captivating, sinister light.

A white bone belt was tied around its waist, and each bone segment seemed to writhe like a living thing, emitting a chilling 'clucking' sound.

The Nine Nether Demon Lord's face was as sharp and resolute as if carved by a knife, with a blood-red vertical line between his brows that opened and closed intermittently, vaguely revealing a strange demonic eye hidden within. His long, dark red hair moved without wind, and wisps of ghostly blue demonic flames swirled among the strands.

The most frightening thing is those eyes.

His left eye was as black as ink, as if it could devour everything, while his right eye was as red as blood, as if countless vengeful spirits were struggling and wailing within it, like some kind of terrifying pupil technique.

"Bone Demon, why are you so angry?"

The Nine Nether Demon Lord's voice was deep and resonant, each syllable seemingly imbued with magic, echoing endlessly within the hall.

A faint smile played on his lips, and as the blood-red light swirled in his right eye, the demonic mist in the air spontaneously coalesced into a throne for him to sit upon leisurely.

"Although you have suffered some damage to your demonic body this time, our plan has ultimately succeeded."

It's important to understand that both the demons and the monstrous demons suffered losses; some sacrifices are inevitable in achieving great things.

"Nine Netherworlds!!"

Bone Nether Demon Lord's demonic eyes narrowed. Even though he was still furious, he was also very wary at this moment. He stared coldly at Nine Nether Demon Lord outside the Demon Palace: "You call this a success? My seven demonic bodies were completely destroyed, while you were unharmed. Is this your so-called cooperation? How do you plan to compensate me?"

The Nine Nether Demon Lord smiled faintly, waved his sleeve, and seven ancient sword tokens floated out, their eerie light flowing and exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

"With this sword token here, how could I possibly mistreat you?"

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority: "Once your injuries have healed, you may enter the Ancient Sword Domain with me. At that time, countless opportunities will arise, so why worry about not being able to recover to your peak condition?"

Bone Demon Lord stared at the seven sword tokens, his resentment lessening slightly, but he was still unwilling: "But my strength is greatly diminished now. Even if I enter the Sword Domain, I'm afraid I won't be able to achieve anything. You must give me other compensation!"

"No problem. This is easily resolved!"

The Nine Nether Demon Lord approached slowly, his demonic aura as deep as an abyss, causing the air in the hall to freeze. "I have my own way to help you."

The Bone Demon Lord's vigilance eased slightly, and he was about to speak again.
"boom!!"

The Nine Nether Demon Lord suddenly attacked, pushing his palm horizontally. The demonic flames in his palm transformed into a Nine Nether Evil Dragon, roaring out with astonishingly terrifying power, instantly piercing through the Demon Palace's grand formation.

The layers upon layers of protective barriers crumbled like thin paper before this overwhelming demonic power, unable to withstand even half a breath!
"you!!"

Bone Demon Lord's pupils shrank suddenly. In his haste, demonic energy surged, and nine demonic shadows split from his body, attempting to form an array to resist.

However, his injuries had not yet healed, and his demonic body was slowed down even slightly. Before the nine demonic shadows could solidify, they were ruthlessly crushed by the raging dragon-like demonic flames!

"Bang!!"

The demonic flames exploded, and the Bone Demon Lord's mangled body shattered like glass, black blood splattering everywhere, and his demonic bones breaking into pieces.

A faint light emerged hastily from the blood mist; it was his nascent soul, now filled with shock and rage, roaring as it tried to tear through the void to escape.

"Escape?" The Nine Nether Demon Lord sneered, his five fingers suddenly closing in like a net.

"Crack!" The void shattered like a mirror, and the Bone Demon Lord's nascent soul fell into a quagmire. The space around him solidified inch by inch, and he was forcibly imprisoned in mid-air.

"Nine Netherworlds! How dare you break your oath to the Nine Netherworlds and attack me!?"

The nascent soul roared, its voice filled with resentment and disbelief.

"I represent the Nine Netherworlds, why would I care about a mere soul oath? You, a heavily injured piece of trash, do you even deserve to share the Sword Domain quota with me?"

The Nine Nether Demon Lord's demonic eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said in a chilling tone, "Since you're demanding compensation, your cultivation level and Nascent Soul will be perfect to help me!"

"No!! After you die, you will be condemned to the deepest hell, never to be reborn!"

The nascent soul struggled frantically, its demonic energy surging like a tide, yet it could not break free from the five-fingered cage.

The Nine Nether Demon Lord said no more. The demonic flames in his palm suddenly surged, transforming into a chilling refining fire that enveloped the nascent soul.

"Hey!"

The Bone Nether Demon Lord's nascent soul twisted and howled in the demonic flames, and the pure demonic essence was forcibly extracted, turning into wisps of black light that flowed into the Nine Nether Demon Lord's body like rivers flowing into the sea.

"boom!!"

With his demonic power surging, the Nine Nether Demon Lord's body was enveloped in abyssal and hellish demonic flames, and his aura rose steadily. The injuries he had previously suffered were rapidly healed, and his cultivation even made further progress.

"What a delicious Nascent Soul!"

He lightly licked the corner of his lips, a sinister smile appearing on his face. His eyes blazed with demonic flames that pierced the dome of the demon palace and soared straight into the heavens.

"Once we enter the Ancient Sword Domain... I will help you deal with that brat from the Qilin Sword Sect. You can die in peace then. I always feel there's something alluring about that brat."

(End of this chapter)