The First Sage of Military Strategists

This ghostly claw carried a mysterious and unpredictable power. Han Qing suddenly felt that the space around him was completely imprisoned, as if he could not dodge it and could only forcefully confront the ghostly claw that fell from the sky.

Han Qing felt that if he unleashed his full power, he would surely break through the confinement and restraint of the Netherworld Claw, but he did not, and instead chose to confront it head-on.

He wanted to have a good battle with Tianming Shangren. This was an avatar, and he would likely fight the real Tianming Shangren in the future. He could use this avatar as a training subject so that he would have a better chance of success when he encountered the more powerful Tianming Shangren in the future.

His response was still simple and brutal: he raised his hand and threw a punch upwards. But this punch was unusual; he used a new fist technique he had recently created, called "Heaven-Shattering Strike."

It originated from the "Chuangwang Fist" of the Great Shun Emperor, and is a powerful move that combines magic and martial arts.

This punch, unleashed from below, combined a vast fist intent with the power of magic, forming a highly destructive white pillar of energy that shot straight up towards the Netherworld Ghost Claw.

In an instant, the ghost claw collided with the pillar of air, and the former suddenly collapsed, turning into a cloud of mist that drifted between heaven and earth.

The white column of energy emanating from Han Qing's fist continued upwards, heading straight for Tianming Shangren.

The latter suddenly opened its mouth and spat out a white bone shield. At first, the shield was only the size of a date pit, but in the next second it grew larger and larger in the wind, and in an instant it became more than ten feet long and wide, just like a thick white bone wall, firmly protecting Tianming Shangren behind it.

boom!
The white column of air immediately collided with the white bone shield wall, which shook violently but did not collapse. Instead, the white column of air was impacted by the recoil and dissipated into the world.

Han Qing immediately changed his moves, suddenly soaring upwards and arriving at the edge of the Wujie Void Array in an instant. There was an illusory barrier that was imperceptible to the naked eye.

Han Qing raised his hand and punched the barrier. In the next instant, the barrier collapsed, and the Wujie Void Array also collapsed and dissipated.

Seeing this, Young Master Xu felt very uncomfortable. In the battle just now, Han Qing hadn't exerted his strength at all, and didn't even care whether he could use magic weapons. He was just toying with him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have waited until now to destroy the Wujie Void Array.

As soon as the magic array broke, Han Qing immediately regained his connection with all the magic treasures. He reached out and grabbed, and a faint light appeared, revealing the Manglong Spear in his hand.

"Old ghost, this battle has only just begun. You dare to act wildly in front of me with just a clone? I'll wipe you out right now!"

Han Qing's figure flashed and disappeared from the spot. When he reappeared, he was already standing in front of the white bone shield in front of Tianming Shangren, and he raised his hand and thrust out with his spear.

A massive surge of blood energy coursed through his body, unleashing the full power of his physique as a mid-level Martial Saint. The force of his spear thrust was more than a million jin. At the same time, he poured a large amount of magical power into the spear, fully unleashing the Heavenly Dragon power contained within it.

A golden dragon appeared at the tip of the spear. Compared to before, this golden dragon was more solid, almost like a physical entity. Accompanying the spear, it carried an irresistible and terrifying power, and slammed into the white bone shield.

With a loud bang, the white bone shield was suddenly knocked away, shrinking back to the size of a date pit, revealing the figure of Tianming Shangren behind it.

However, a strong sense of crisis suddenly arose in Han Qing's heart. The Heavenly Netherworld Master's actions and expressions were very strange at the moment. His mouth was wide open, and he suddenly spat out a ball of clear and raging fire.

This is the Heavenly Netherworld Ghost Fire, one of the most powerful secret techniques of the Ghost Netherworld Sect, capable of burning away the soul of another.

In an instant, Han Qing was engulfed by the ghost fire. However, Han Qing immediately responded by suddenly revealing the Manglong Devouring Heaven Armor on his body, which also contained a Yuanjing Star Armor.

The two suits of armor combined to unleash astonishing defensive power, completely isolating the ghost fire from the outside.

Then, with a thought, Han Qing unleashed a powerful surge of magical energy that transformed into a black mist, forming a malevolent domain that violently impacted the surrounding area, dispersing the ghostly flames that filled the surroundings. He then escaped from the ensuing chaos.

However, Tianming Shangren's next attack immediately followed.

Wow!
As the power of the Dharma surged, a great river appeared out of thin air on the horizon. Its image suddenly solidified and crashed violently towards Han Qing below.

This move is called Falling into the River of the Underworld. Legend has it that the River of the Underworld is a river of death, existing between illusion and reality. The water of the River of the Underworld is the most yin and poisonous substance in the human world. People who fall into it will have their souls washed away, lose their memories, and eventually become part of the water of the River of the Underworld.

While Tianming Shangren's move did not actually summon the Yellow Springs River, it still possessed extremely terrifying destructive power, capable of causing amnesia and the dissipation and destruction of one's soul.

Han Qing looked up and saw the yellow, turbid river water pouring down from the sky, the huge waves crashing down on him, trying to suppress him.

Suddenly, the phantom of an ancient city appeared out of thin air, instantly enveloping this area.

The Yellow Springs River was also shrouded and suppressed by the phantom of the ancient city, its flow speed greatly reduced, and it eventually froze completely in the air.

"Disperse!"

Han Qing whispered, and the Yellow Springs River suddenly collapsed in the air, then completely disappeared into the world.

Tianming Shangren was also shrouded in the phantom of the ancient city. He could feel a powerful binding force that trapped him inside, making him unable to move.

However, he showed no sign of panic; instead, he wore a cryptic smile.

“Your strength is indeed formidable. It seems that my avatar is no match for you. I never imagined that there would be such a powerful genius in this world. However, my Ghost Nether Sect will definitely take control of this world. No one can stop us. Why do you have to stand against me? Bow down to me, and I can help you achieve even greater success,” said Venerable Tianming suddenly.

"Old ghost, you've been talking too much nonsense. I'm sending you on your way!"

He could sense the contempt for people from the lower realm from Young Master Xu and the others. In their eyes, Han Qing and the others were just lowly pigs and dogs, and no matter how powerful they were, they could not change their status. Therefore, he would never bow down to the Ghost Nether Sect. Even if he did, he would most likely not have a good ending.

Moreover, from the memories he gained by devouring soul light points, he learned that the Heavenly Netherworld Master was ruthless and merciless, and was by no means a kind person; his words could not be trusted.

In reality, Tianming Shangren was indeed scheming against Han Qing. He wanted to possess Han Qing's body, descend to this world, and uncover the secret of Han Qing's ability to quickly become stronger, so that he could use it for his own purposes. However, he did not expect that Han Qing would not fall for it at all.

However, he didn't hold out much hope. Intrigue and trickery are ultimately beneath him; in the end, it all comes down to his own strength.

"This is my last resort. Let's see if you can handle it."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Heavenly Netherworld Master's body suddenly disintegrated, transforming into illusory ghostly figures soaring in the sky, each with a completely different face.

"This move is called the Myriad Soul Devouring Sound, which I recently created!"

The deep, resonant voice of the Heavenly Netherworld Master echoed between heaven and earth. In the next instant, the thousands of ghostly figures opened their mouths simultaneously and let out a silent roar.

Han Qing's figure flashed, and he directly disappeared into the Boundless Monument.

He had just sensed a life-or-death crisis. This move seemed quite unusual, so relying on the Boundless Monument to fight back was the most rational approach.

As the roaring sound arrived, the Boundless Monument emitted a ghostly light, swaying constantly, its brightness shifting unpredictably, as if it were resisting the powerful force contained within the sound.

Han Qing, who was hiding in the Boundless Monument, was completely unharmed. He watched as the howling ghostly shadow gradually dissipated and eventually vanished into nothingness.

Han Qing flashed back to the outside world, only to find that the Heavenly Netherworld Immortal's clone was no longer there. He acted decisively, choosing to perish together with the enemy despite knowing he was no match for him.

This move, the Soul-Devouring Sound, is a life-or-death technique, which is why it poses a strong threat to Han Qing's life.

Han Qing's gaze sharpened as he saw Young Master Xu's remnant soul fleeing at an extremely fast speed into the distance.

He reached out and grabbed at the air, his magical power surging, and a black and gold lotus flower appeared out of thin air, suddenly closing up and taking Young Master Xu into it.

It's that familiar move again: Yin Yang True Realm.

This time, Young Master Xu had no more tricks up his sleeve.

The black and gold lotus flew back to Han Qing's hand from a distance in a flash.

As the incantation was activated, the lotus flower slowly rotated in Han Qing's palm, and the surging power of nothingness permeated and eroded his soul.

Young Master Xu wailed incessantly within the lotus flower, his face filled with resentment and malice.

At one point, his soul collapsed and dissipated, turning into nothingness.

The next instant, a point of soul light appeared before the Seven Killings Stele, which was none other than Young Master Xu.

Han Qing immediately absorbed the soul light spot. He was very curious about the Pan Yuan World, and this Young Master Xu was the son of the Heavenly Netherworld Master. He should be considered a core figure of the Ghost Netherworld Sect. By peering into his memories, he would surely be able to obtain more key information.

In an instant, a long river of memories slowly unfolded before Han Qing's eyes. Han Qing's eyes flickered as he quickly read from beginning to end, gathering a lot of information from it.

Even as he pondered, he didn't forget to rescue Qi Wufeng.

He pointed a finger, and a wisp of light shot out from his fingertip, striking the magic array formed by the seven-colored light around Qi Wufeng's body. The light barrier suddenly collapsed, and the magic array disappeared immediately.

Qi Wufeng took the opportunity to break free, then turned his gaze to Han Qing, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"Han Qing, I never imagined that you would have already reached the Rainbow Realm. From ancient times to the Middle Ages and to today, over thousands of years, how many people have been able to reach this level, not to mention that you are still so young? I envy you, let alone others."

"Uncle Qi, you don't need to flatter me. I have an important matter to ask you right now: has the Ancient Void Domain appeared?" Han Qing asked.

He saw some key information in Young Master Xu's memories, a large part of which was about the Ancient Domain of the Void.

This is a small world with an unpredictable entrance, sometimes located in the nine layers of gale-force winds, and sometimes in the endless void turbulence above the gale-force winds. It was once occupied by the demon race in ancient times and became a demon cave. Later, the battlefield of the final battle to destroy the demons was also located here.

In that battle, countless powerful figures from ancient times perished. Since then, the Ancient Void Domain has become a forbidden area, also known as the Tomb of Immortals and Demons.

However, over the thousands of years, many people have entered it and returned safely, gaining great benefits. Such examples have attracted countless powerful individuals in later generations to enter the Ancient Void Domain in search of fortune.

Qi Wufeng nodded slightly: "The Ancient Domain of Taixu has appeared once again. One of the main reasons why Young Master Xu attacked me is to enter this secret realm of the Ancient Domain of Taixu. He wants the Shadowless Secret Token of my Black Sparrow Alliance!"

"The Shadowless Secret Order?" Han Qing raised an eyebrow. He had never heard of this item before, but from Young Master Xu's memories, he vaguely felt that it was an extremely special and powerful magic weapon.

"This magic weapon is a secret treasure of my Black Sparrow Alliance. It doesn't have much killing power, but it can turn people into nothingness, allowing them to freely enter and exit various secret places and ignore various magic arrays."

"All the major holy lands and martial arts families have means to enter the Ancient Void Domain, and our Black Sparrow Alliance relies on the Shadowless Token!" Qi Wufeng explained, "However, as far as I know, this situation is extremely special. The entrance to the Ancient Void Domain has appeared in a dangerous forbidden area deep within the turbulent currents of the ninth level. This forbidden area is called the Burial Immortal Abyss, and it contains turbulent currents. Even a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator who rashly enters it may perish. Under these circumstances, the methods of many powerful families have become ineffective, but the Shadowless Token is still useful. This is also a major reason why Young Master Xu is so persistent."

"I see. I'm actually interested in exploring the Ancient Domain of the Primordial Ancestor!" Han Qing pondered.

Once he reaches the Rainbow Transformation Realm, there are very few martial arts techniques, secret methods, or magical treasures in the world that can enhance his strength.

If you want to go further, there are only four paths: either you can go into seclusion and cultivate diligently to comprehend the truth on your own, which is the path taken by the Great Sage of Nine Yin; or you can go to the Pan Yuan World, which is the path taken by many people in ancient and medieval times; or you can enter a dangerous and secret place like the Tai Xu Ancient Domain to seek opportunities; or you can take pills, such as supreme treasure pills like the Tian Xuan Pill, which may also have some effect.

However, the path of secluded cultivation is not suitable for Han Qing. With the Seven Killings Stele, he must constantly hunt down targets.

He had heard that some ancient immortals and demons who had died in the Taixu Ancient Domain had become half-dead, and these people were perfect targets for his hunt.

Therefore, from any perspective, he had to go to the Ancient Domain of the Void to explore.

Qi Wufeng nodded and said, "Han Qing, I was just thinking of taking you to the Black Sparrow Alliance's ancestral land. The Supreme Elder Geng Buxiu originally wanted to give up this competition because the imperial court would also be involved. Our Black Sparrow Alliance has ultimately declined and is no match for the imperial court. But with your help, things are different now. I believe Elder Geng Buxiu will definitely agree."

"Thank you, Uncle Qi. Let's go back to Guiqiu City first. I'll pick up a few people, and then we'll head straight to Mangshan!" Han Qing said.

“Okay!” Qi Wufeng replied.

With a flash of eerie light, its figure was immediately swallowed up. Then, with a whoosh, the Boundless Monument flew away as if by teleportation, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

Several hours later, Han Qing returned to Guiqiu City, took Zhou Xiaoru and Qi Guanzi into the Boundless Monument, and then headed straight for Mangshan, which was the ancestral land of the Black Sparrow Alliance.

...

Half a day later.

Deep in the Mangshan Mountains, shrouded in thick fog, the Black Sparrow Alliance's ancestral city stands majestically on the wasteland.

Inside the city.

Han Qing saw Geng Buxiu again. The last time he met Geng Buxiu, although he had managed to block one of his swords with all his might, Geng Buxiu was truly unbelievably strong in his eyes, like a mountain.

This time when they met again, he had already trampled that mountain under his feet.

When Geng Buxiu saw Han Qing, he was looking at a monster. Now it was his turn to not be able to see the depth of Han Qing's power. He just felt that Han Qing was emanating a terrifying pressure. Even if Han Qing did nothing, he would feel fear from the bottom of his heart.

Han Qing immediately explained his purpose: he wanted to use the Shadowless Secret Order to enter the Ancient Domain of the Great Void in search of good fortune.

Geng Buxiu first remarked with admiration, "The younger generation is truly formidable! This is the Shadowless Order. Take it if you want it, but I have one condition: I also want to go!"

Geng Buxiu flipped his palm over, and sure enough, he had a token in his hand.

This token is extremely unique; it is circular, as if multiple layers of phantoms are superimposed, resembling a shadow that is completely unfathomable. (End of Chapter)