Three Kingdoms: Start by marrying Cai Yan, then vie for supremacy.

14

Xu Xiao pondered, "So, other sects must also have their own guardian deities, right?"

Just as Chu He was about to answer, she suddenly stared at Xu Xiao warily: "Why are you asking so many questions? Hurry up and sign the contract!"

Judging from her reaction, the Five Elements Sect worships at least five guardian deities.

These deities are like evil generals pledging allegiance to evil gods; believers can gain extraordinary power through devout faith.

Xu Xiao recalled what Mr. Shui Jing had said: many ancient powerful beings were awakening one after another, and the world was about to descend into chaos.

It's just unknown how strong the Five Elements Sect God that Chu He mentioned is, and what special abilities he has.

However, now is not the time to consider that—if we were to actually encounter those beings, even ten lives wouldn't be enough.

"The contract is ready," Chu He said, pointing to the strange pattern drawn on the ground with water. "You just need to put your hand on it, and the power of the contract will seep into your body and merge with your own water-based spiritual power."

"If you dare to violate the terms of the contract..." she drawled meaningfully.

Xu Xiao calmly placed his palm over the pattern and immediately sensed a strange energy trying to invade his body.

He secretly mobilized his spiritual power to surround and intercept it—no matter what kind of contract power it was, it was just a variant of spiritual power in the end.

Once this external force is completely refined, the contract will naturally become meaningless.

This is a matter of great importance, and Xu Xiao absolutely cannot allow such a hidden danger to exist in her body.

He bears the safety of millions of people in Daliang on his shoulders, and he cannot afford to make any mistakes.

The power of the contract seemed to sense the danger as well, surging and surging through the meridians, bringing the characteristics of the water-attribute spiritual power to their fullest extent.

No matter how Xu Xiao tried to encircle and suppress it, it always managed to find a gap and escape like flowing water.

After several rounds, even with Xu Xiao's composure, he couldn't help but become a little restless.

Xu Chen suddenly realized something was wrong—with Chu He's cultivation level, it was impossible for her to control water-attribute spiritual power so skillfully, and to be able to fight him to a standstill!

The only explanation is that this is not Chu He's power at all, but rather originates from the supreme being of the Water Element Sect—the Water Sect!

"It's actually the Water Sect's true form fighting me?!"

The thought flashed through Xu Chen's mind, his pupils contracted sharply, and his spiritual power surged instantly.

If it really is that legendary being, ordinary moves probably wouldn't even be able to touch the hem of their clothes.

—We have to use our trump card!

Xu Chen's mind raced, and the Heaven-Burning Power left by Chi Ya within his body suddenly surged and boiled.

This is a forbidden fire that uses life as fuel. It can burn away the spiritual power flowing between the meridians, dry up the blood surging in the veins, and naturally burn the water sect power lurking in the contract into nothingness!

"boom!"

A raging inferno erupted from the depths of the spiritual sea, burning even the contract imprint to ashes wherever it passed.

......

"What are you staring at?" Chu He waved her hand in front of Xu Chen's eyes.

After signing the contract, the guy seemed to have lost his soul and didn't even notice that he was being stared at.

Of course, she didn't know that Xu Chen had just exchanged blows with Shui Zong from a distance, and—won.

Pack your luggage.

"Xu Chen turned around with a smile on his lips, "I'll go find your master now."

"

As he left the camp, he made a decision: to leave the Great Snow Dragon Riders behind.

This iron cavalry is indeed an invincible force, but guarding the territory of Daliang would be a better use of their value than accompanying me on expeditions.

Strangely enough, as long as this iron cavalry was by his side, Xu Chen even felt fearless in the face of evil gods.

Sima Hui, also known as Mr. Shui Jing, wanted to accompany them, but was politely declined.

Although his cultivation level increased significantly after absorbing the inheritance, the strength that the White Shadow Knight displayed that night... Xu Chen recalled the overwhelming pressure that could crush mountains with a single step, and the burden of carrying it only made him feel constrained.

"The Liang Kingdom was entrusted to Wenhe."

Xu Chen patted Jia Xu on the shoulder.

This cunning strategist will use carrier pigeons to deliver intelligence at any time, becoming the king's eyes from afar.

As the two figures, carrying their packs, headed north, Chu He suddenly said, "Master lives in seclusion in a snow-covered mountain near the border of the Kushan Empire."

"

"It's time to change your tune."

"Xu Chen's boots crushed the withered branches, and his laughter startled the birds in the forest." The territory he conquered in the past six months is called Daliang.

"

Along the way, Xu Chen would occasionally sneak around asking Chu He about the details of the Five Elements Sect.

From this girl's words, he roughly figured out the ins and outs of the Five Elements Sect.

It turns out that these five sects each have their own leaders and are only brought together by faith, unlike the strict hierarchy on the side of the evil god—the evil generals are completely obedient to the evil god, and will not hesitate to go to their deaths even if they are asked to.

"Can faith alone really drive people to fight so hard?" Xu Chen wondered to himself.

It seems that even a silly girl like Chu He is capable of such a thing, but what about the others? Nine out of ten probably have their own ulterior motives.

After traveling for three days straight, Xu Chen, the old soldier, was fine, but Chu He's face was as white as paper.

Xu Chengang said he needed to rest for a while, but the girl stubbornly refused—she was eager to find her master to clear her name and expose Uncle Jiang, that hypocrite.

It turns out that rumors of her "betrayal and defection" had already spread throughout the Five Elements Sect, and even her kind guardian, Wei Ke, had fallen victim to Uncle Jiang's cruelty.

"Uncle Ke..." Chu He clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

We were only two days away from the snow-capped mountain, but the surroundings were so desolate that we couldn't see a soul in sight.

Xu Chen suddenly pulled on the reins: "Stop!"

"What is it now?" Chu He looked up irritably; all she wanted to do was get out of this awful place as soon as possible.

Xu Chen ignored her complaints and squinted at the distance: "There's a murderous aura."

"

Chu He looked around blankly.

This arid, desolate place made her spiritual energy sluggish, so how could she detect anything unusual?

"My friend ahead," Xu Chen dismounted, a gust of wind gathering in his palm, "what kind of hero hides and stalks like this?"

In the wilderness, only the wild wind swirls sand and gravel.

Chu He held her breath and stared intently at her surroundings, but saw nothing.

"Xu Chen, are you sure you're not mistaken?" Chu He couldn't help but ask.

There's not a soul in sight, so where did this person come from?

Xu Chen smiled.

Others may make mistakes, but Xu Chen will never misjudge.

"Show yourself now!"

Xu Chen raised his hand and pointed forward lightly, and an invisible sword aura shot out!

A piercing sound of wind being cut suddenly exploded!

Chu He watched helplessly as the air in front of her was cleaved open by this sword!

"Huh?"

Just as the sword energy was about to strike the front, the fierce sword aura vanished into thin air.

What's going on? Why is there such a big show of things but no movement?

Xu Chen's expression suddenly turned serious.

The person before me is definitely a top-notch master!

To be able to so easily dissolve the invisible sword energy, causing the sword's momentum to vanish without a trace—

This person's strength is probably no less than my own!

Why is the other party deliberately hiding their identity and refusing to show themselves?

Is it necessary to force myself to ask him to come out?

With this in mind, Xu Chen no longer hesitated, and the Tai'a sword was drawn with a clang, pointing straight ahead.

A surge of spiritual energy erupted from his body!

Chu He, who was standing close by, felt an overwhelming force rushing towards her.

"That's amazing!"

Xu Chen's gaze was like lightning, and seven stars shone brightly around him, while a long dragon roar echoed from the sky!

"The sword shatters mountains and rivers!"

Xu Chen roared, and his sword energy surged forward with overwhelming force!

The raging spiritual energy transformed into towering waves, like a flood bursting its banks, determined to devour all obstacles in its path.

Suddenly, a crimson light flashed!

The surging spiritual power and sword energy were shattered by a single sword strike!

It was as if Xu Chen's earth-shattering attack was nothing more than a child's trick!

Chu He, who witnessed this scene, covered her mouth in shock.

Xu Chen was right, there really were people ahead!

Moreover, he was a peerless master who was on par with Xu Chen!

Such immense power was actually cleaved apart by a single sword strike!

Just how strong is this person?

Xu Chen was also startled. He gripped the Tai'a sword tightly with both hands, staring intently ahead, waiting for his opponent to appear.

As the red light gradually faded, a man dressed in a black robe slowly appeared.

The man's face was shrouded in a layer of gray mist, obscuring his features.

He held a long sword that was entirely crimson in his hand, with a lifelike dragon pattern coiled around its blade!

A name suddenly flashed through Xu Chen's mind—

Swordsman!

The Crimson Sky Sword has been born! Xu Chen and Chu He's expressions changed simultaneously, and the two stared intently at the crimson sword that was emitting a red glow.

This is actually the legendary sword of emperors! Back then, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, used this sword to slay a white snake and start a rebellion, overthrowing the tyrannical Qin Dynasty and establishing unparalleled achievements.

After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, this divine weapon disappeared without a trace.

Rumors have it that the Emperor's Sword has become one with Liu Bang's flesh and blood—who would have thought it would reappear here today!

"The Emperor's Sword?" Xu Chen gripped the Tai'a Sword tightly, and a chill ran down his spine from its blade.

This renowned sword, which is famous throughout the world, is now filled with fear!

"Although the King of Liang comprehended the invisible sword intent, he did not embark on the path of an emperor."

"The voice of the Crimson Sky Sword Master was like the clash of cold iron, 'I'm here to help you.'"

Before he could finish speaking, a crimson light had already reached Xu Chen's throat!

Fast! Faster than any logic! From ten feet away to the tip of the sword at his throat, it didn't even take half a breath.

This was by no means the kind of trickery Jiang Qi used to tear through the void; it was purely physical speed at its absolute limit.

Xu Chen hastily drew his sword, but he couldn't even see the opponent's sword path clearly; all he could see was a crimson afterimage.

Clang! A blinding green light exploded from Xu Chen's chest.

Shennong Armor was activated by a single sword strike!

"interesting.

The Crimson Sky Sword Master chuckled, his sword strikes suddenly becoming like a torrential downpour.

Hundreds of red rays bombarded the green light barrier one after another, and the sound of metal clashing echoed throughout the land.

Ordinary experts would have been riddled with holes long ago. Although Xu Chen was unharmed thanks to the Shennong Armor, the armor's luster was dimming at a visible speed.

Xu Chen's heart sank slightly.

This is the first time I've seen this armor show signs of decline since I acquired it.

This is only the Crimson Sky Sword, ranked third. If it were the Xuanyuan Sword, which ranks first...

"Get out!" King Liang roared, his voice shaking the heavens, and a jet-black sword light erupted!

Xu Chen knew he could no longer sit idly by and wait for death. He roared and unleashed a torrent of violent sword energy.

He knew that against such a swift opponent, only an overwhelming barrage of killing moves could be effective!

But the swordsman's strength far exceeded Xu Chen's expectations.

Suddenly, the Crimson Sky Sword emitted a deafening hum, and its scarlet light surged, completely dissipating the sword energy that Xu Chen had unleashed with all his might.

Before this swordsman, the mighty King of Liang appeared so utterly vulnerable!

"How could this be!"

"Is this the path you've chosen, King Liang?"

"It's truly regrettable!"

The swordsman sighed in disappointment, slowly raising the Crimson Sky Sword, its tip pointing directly at Xu Chen's brow.

"break!"

With a clear shout, the sword, as sharp as a crimson rainbow piercing the sun, aimed straight at Xu Chen.

The power of this sword strike completely overturned Xu Chen's understanding of the way of the sword.

Even when facing the White Shadow Knight, he never considered backing down.

But at this moment, facing this earth-shattering sword strike, he instinctively wanted to dodge.

Despite constantly chanting for Shennongjia's protection, his body involuntarily took a half-step back.

It was this tiny half-step that caused the Crimson Sky Sword to suddenly stop.

"Although the King of Liang comprehended the essence of swordsmanship, he did not find his own path."

The swordsman sheathed his sword and stood there, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "His will is not firm, and his Dao is not clear."

When faced with a truly strong opponent, they are utterly vulnerable.

"

"The way of the king, the way of the tyrant, the way of the emperor... you will eventually have to make a choice."

"

Having said that, his figure had already drifted away into the distance.

"What a terrifying sword aura..."

Xu Chen stared at the disappearing figure, still feeling lingering fear.