The First Venerable of All Paths

"Cracked ground squirrel claws!"

A fierce wind howled, sharp claws shattered the void, and a chilling killing intent pierced the bone.

The rat's claw strike condensed the profound spiritual power of the third level of the Divine Realm. The move was vicious and cunning, targeting the vital point at the back of the head. It was clearly intended to kill Fang Xuan in one blow.

In his view, no matter how strong Fang Xuan was, he would definitely not be able to withstand his full-force, angry attack in such a hurry.

"Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot."

Fang Xuan's eyes were indifferent. He neither dodged nor avoided the attack. There was no explosive spiritual power around him. He simply gathered all his physical strength into his right fist and threw a simple backhand punch.

There are no fancy moves, only overwhelming and domineering power unleashed.

"Bang!"

The moment fists and claws collided, a piercing sound of bones cracking suddenly rang out.

The rat's proudly sharp claw technique was no match for the ultimate power; the bones in its five fingers shattered instantly, and the flesh and blood of its entire arm exploded.

Even the spiritual energy and blood within the rat's body were shattered by this punch.

A terrifying and domineering force swept past with overwhelming force.

"No--"

The rat's pupils constricted sharply, its face filled with extreme horror, and it let out an incredulous roar.

He wanted to retreat, he wanted to escape.

Fang Xuan's punches were too fast and too powerful, giving him absolutely no chance.

The next instant, his fist slammed into Rat's chest.

"Snap!"

His sternum collapsed and shattered, and the violent force pierced through his body, directly shattering all his spiritual energy, blood, internal organs, and meridians.

"you......"

The rat, at the third level of the Divine Realm, couldn't even leave behind a complete last word. Its body suddenly stiffened, then collapsed limply, completely lifeless.

one move.

Sold out instantly!

The entire room fell silent.

The remaining dozens of Rat Shadow mercenaries were all stunned.

They had originally planned to ambush and kill Fang Xuan to claim the reward from the alliance.

But looking at the cold, lifeless corpse of the rat, everyone felt a chill run down their spines and their scalps tingle.

The greed in my heart was completely swallowed up by extreme fear.

Instantly kills a third-level Divine Realm expert!

This is no big fish or fat sheep that they can surround and kill; this is clearly a bloodthirsty god of death!

"He's far weaker than other martial artists of the same level."

Although Fang Xuan's Chaotic Saint Body had been cultivated to the third level, his power was extremely strong.

Fang Xuan was somewhat surprised that he killed the rat so easily.

"Run! Run for your lives!"

Someone roared, and the remaining mercenaries instantly lost their morale. They dared not linger any longer and turned to flee in all directions, pushing their speed to the limit.

I'm afraid that if I'm even a little late, I might lose my life here.

"Can you leave?"

Fang Xuan remained indifferent, showing no emotion whatsoever.

If these people don't take action, that's fine.

Having chosen to take action, Fang Xuan naturally wouldn't let anyone escape.

"The Phoenix Cries!"

"Blue Lotus!"

Fang Xuan bent his ring and little fingers, pressed them against his palm, and then pressed them down with his thumb.

Bring your index finger and thumb together and move them forward a little.

"Clang!"

The innate sword box behind him opened with a clang.

"Hey!"

"Sing!"

Two clear, resonant sword cries pierced the sky.

The Phoenix Cry Sword burns fiercely like fire, while the Azure Lotus Sword is as clear as frost.

Two dazzling sword lights shot out from the sky, not raging wildly, but precisely locking onto each fleeing figure.

The sword flashed like lightning, killing instantly without leaving a trace.

No matter how fast or agile these mercenaries are, they are no match for the two natal flying swords.

"Pfft pfft pfft!"

A series of piercing screams rang out, only to abruptly cease.

Even the mercenaries of the Rat Shadow Gang who wanted to sneak underground and escape by using earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic or technique) were accurately located by the flying sword and pierced through with a single strike.

In just a few breaths, all the fleeing Rat Shadow mercenaries perished in the yellow sand, with not a single one surviving.

Silence returned to the desolate wasteland.

Fang Xuan's sword finger changed again, and his two natal flying swords returned to their scabbards, dispelling the overwhelming sword energy.

As for the corpses scattered on the ground, they had long been burned to ashes by the heavenly fire power carried by the flying sword.

Fang Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

After his divine soul advanced to the third rank, Fang Xuan's control over his two natal flying swords surpassed that of the past.

Where the mind goes, it is as easy as moving one's arm or fingers.

Sword intent follows the heart!

After clearing the battlefield, Fang Xuan lightly touched the yellow sand with his feet, his figure transforming into a stream of sword light, and calmly headed towards the territory of the Dao Asking Sect.

......

About half an incense stick's time after Fang Xuan left, several powerful streaks of light tore through the sky and crashed down onto this blood-stained wasteland.

The person in the lead was none other than Tang Xuan.

Several core experts from the Merchant Alliance, all at the Divine Intent Realm, followed behind him. They rushed over immediately after receiving the message.

All that could be seen was a ground littered with corpses; the entire Rat Shadow Gang had been wiped out, but Fang Xuan was nowhere to be seen.

"We're late."

Tang Xuan stared at the empty wasteland, his face ashen and his eyes filled with solemnity.

"The Rat Rampant God's intent reached its third level, and his dozens of elite troops were all instantly killed."

"Old Tang, is it really Fang Xuan?"

One of the alliance's powerful members said, "Could it be that the Rat Shadow Gang has offended other powerful figures? Rat Rampant hasn't been robbing anyone lately, so it's normal that they've run into a brick wall."

The others nodded in agreement.

They had naturally heard about the business that the rats were doing.

This place is adjacent to the territory of the Dao Seeking Sect, so it's quite normal to encounter some powerful figures here.

"It's Fang Xuan!"

Tang Xuan said sternly, "That communication talisman was made by our alliance. It can only be used if Huang or Fang Xuan is discovered."

"There are also reports from the Fierce Bull Mercenary Group that they encountered Fang Xuan."

Tang Xuan's eyes flashed with intense coldness, and his tone was chilling: "So, I'm certain it's that little beast!"

"So what should we do?"

Everyone looked on in astonishment: "He didn't die after falling into Huang's hands, and he even killed everyone, including Shuchang, so quickly. His strength must have greatly improved."

"What's the panic?"

Tang Xuan coldly retorted, "No matter how strong that little bastard is, he's still just one person. My alliance now has over a dozen experts at the Divine Intent Realm, and with the Alliance Leader in charge, would we be afraid of a mere beast?"

Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed.

They were well aware of the strength of their alliance leader, Shangguan Yun.

That was the strongest person in Sunset Town, a top expert at the seventh level of the Divine Intent Realm.

If he were to make a move, he could definitely kill Fang Xuan instantly.

"But since Fang Xuan has entered the territory of the Dao Seeking Sect, we dare not set foot there lightly."

Lady Bone's beautiful face contorted in a shrill voice as she said, "If we give him a few more years to seek revenge, even the Alliance Leader might..."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression subtly changed.

Tang Xuan's expression also became increasingly grim.

This is exactly what he is most worried about.

Even if one is unwilling to admit it, Fang Xuan, at such a young age, already possesses the strength of a Divine Intent Realm expert.

He is not only a sword cultivator, but also a secondary cultivator of array formations, and possesses heavenly fire.

In the same realm, there are few rivals.

Give them a few more years, who knows how far they'll go?

Thinking of this, Tang Xuan felt a pang of regret for no apparent reason.

If only I hadn't been greedy back then...

"Since we've already become enemies, there's no use in regretting it!"

Tang Xuan's eyes flashed with killing intent, and his aura was chilling.

"Only by killing him as soon as possible can we prevent future troubles!"

Thinking of this, Tang Xuan said, "Let's go back first and report this matter to the Alliance Leader. He will make his decision!"

...

"Merchant Alliance, just you wait."

Fang Xuan looked back, his eyes flashing with a cold light.

"I'll settle accounts with you all one by one after I return from the Dao Seeking Sect!"

With his current strength, he could easily kill his way through Sunset Town several times over.

However, he had more important things to do.

Fang Xuan suddenly accelerated and continued towards the City of Inquiry.

Although flying was forbidden in the territory of the Dao Asking Sect, Fang Xuan was able to see a city lying on the ground in just half a day, thanks to his speed.

"We've finally arrived at the City of Inquiry."

Fang Xuan tightened the sword case on his back and followed the crowd into the City of Inquiry.

As the Daoist Sect was about to hold its investiture ceremony, the Daoist City was bustling with people and becoming increasingly lively.

In just a few days, representatives from various powerful factions, families, and merchants gathered in the city, creating an unprecedented spectacle.

But in a certain area in the northwest corner, the atmosphere was oppressive and undercurrents were surging.

The area in front of Qiu's Trading Company was sparsely populated and deserted, a stark contrast to the bustling and prosperous surrounding businesses.

Several richly dressed managers of the merchant guild, accompanied by a group of guards, blocked the entrance, their faces mocking and their expressions arrogant.

"Boss Qiu, your Qiu family business has been occupying this territory for three years. It's time to hand it over."

The head of the business manager looked at Qiu Yun with a forceful and domineering tone.

"On what grounds?"

Qiu Yun's face flushed with anger as she said, "I paid real money to rent this shop, and the contract is still in effect. How dare you come here and coerce me?"

"Boss Qiu wouldn't dare to speak carelessly."

The manager of the trading company smiled coldly: "We're here to reason with you, so how can you say we're forcing you?"

"If this isn't coercion, then what are you doing?"

Qiu Yun said, "I have a contract in hand, and the lease hasn't expired yet. What right do you have to block my door and disrupt my business?"

"Since Boss Qiu is talking about a contract, let's have a proper discussion."

The manager of the shop took out a contract, waved it at Qiu Yun, and said with a smile, "This is the contract we just received from Steward Zhao. This shop has been rented to me."

Qiu Yun glanced at the contract, which not only bore the signature and seal of that Deacon Zhao, but also the unique seal of the Dao Seeking Sect.

The time is today.

"you......."

Qiu Yun clenched her hands, feeling humiliated but helpless.

Although that Deacon Zhao's cultivation level was not high, he represented the Dao Seeking Sect and was responsible for managing all affairs of Dao Seeking City.

If you offend them, you can forget about doing business in Daocheng.

"For a dignified steward of the City of Inquiry to do such a thing as changing orders in the morning and evening is simply despicable."

At that moment, a cold, clear voice came from behind.

Lu Zhao led Manman out, accompanied by Li Guanlan.

"The date of signing shall be the determining factor for the contract."

Lu Zhao stood at the door, looking at the group of business managers without fear, and said coldly, "I do not recognize the contracts in your hands."

"Oh? I'd like to see who dares to deny the contract I, Zhao, signed."

A sinister voice rang out, and the crowd dispersed.

Zhao Yao walked over with an arrogant expression, giving Lu Zhao and the others a cold look.

"Deacon Zhao!"

As soon as Zhao Yao appeared, all the managers immediately bowed and paid their respects, their attitude extremely humble.

Zhao Yao gave a light "hmm," then pointed at Lu Zhao and the others and said, "Three breaths' time. Either move out, or I'll ask you to leave Daowen City."

These words are tantamount to a threat.