Chapter 894 - First Battle

It was no wonder Bai Jin dared to speak so arrogantly and declare war upon all the sects of the Southern Province. It turned out he had requested reinforcements.

The cultivators at the True Profound Realm were considered the strongest in the Southern Province, and several experts from the ten major sects were at the True Profound Realm.

Only a Spirit Profound Realm cultivator could suppress so many True Profound Realm experts.

Although no one was at the Spirit Profound Realm in the Southern Province, that didn't mean Bai Jin couldn't invite them from somewhere else.

The Transcendent Plume Gate, who were getting restless, suddenly fell silent. They didn't fear the Heavenly Origin Sect, but someone at the Spirit Profound Realm was a different story; they were powerhouses they couldn't afford to offend.

Instinctively, everyone's gaze shifted to the middle-aged man behind Bai Jin. Unlike the tense atmosphere surrounding him, he appeared completely indifferent, his arms wrapped around two stunning beauties as if he had no interest in the unfolding conflict. Ignoring the piercing stares directed his way, he brazenly slid his hands into the women's bosoms, indulging in his debauchery without restraint.

However, no one dared to look down on this man. An unfathomable aura surrounded him, and even those at the True Profound Realm were unable to sense his cultivation. This could only mean one thing—he had surpassed the True Profound Realm.

They didn't know who this man was or why he had come to the Southern Province, and this mystery clouded everyone's minds.

Mu Tianli had long noticed this man, and it was precisely because of him that he was hesitant to act. After all, it could spell the end of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion if a fight broke out.

However, the situation had escalated beyond negotiation—even if Mu Tianli wished to avoid conflict, Bai Jin was determined to act.

......

Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie was traversing the ocean, the silhouette of the island growing larger in the distance. He executed the Ghost Eye to scan the island, and observed everything unfolding there.

Although he couldn't hear what they were saying, he could tell the tense situation from their expressions.

"They all deserve to die!" Liu Wuxie increased his speed, transforming into a divine dragon and soaring through the skies.

If anyone were flying above the ocean at this moment, they would've been scared out of their wits and plunged into the sea. What flew across the sky was a golden divine dragon, looking as though it wanted to break through the sea and soar to the sky.

This signified that Liu Wuxie had become more familiar with the Soaring Dragon.

As the island drew closer, Liu Wuxie didn't rush in immediately. Instead, he retrieved a set of array flags and began strategically placing them around the island's perimeter.

"No one will leave the island alive!" Liu Wuxie murmured, his eyes flashing with cold determination.

After setting the final flag, he took out several pills and tossed them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.

He had drained much of his true essence to get there and needed to maintain his peak condition. What awaited him would be a brutal battle—perhaps the most vicious he had faced since stepping into the cultivation world.

This time, he wasn't facing a single opponent. He was about to go against the combined forces of the five major sects.

"Sect Master Mu, find a chance to break out when the battle begins," Quan Zhong said as he approached with a deep frown.

Qi Hanyan stood silently by the side, but the fluttering fly-whisk in her hand had signified a battle was unavoidable.

"Alright. We'll concentrate all our strength on breaking through a single point," Mu Tianli nodded. With so many of them, it shouldn't be difficult for them to tear an opening.

"Scums of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, come and die!" The one who spoke was Zhang Bei, an elder of the Heavenly Origin Sect.

During the Ten Grand Ceremony, Liu Wuxie had repeatedly mocked him, and Bai Jin had slapped him across the face. His hatred for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion ran deep, festering like a wound that refused to heal.

"I'll face you!" Tian Xing leaped out. He had a fiery temper similar to Zhang Bei.

No one else moved as Tian Xing and Zhang Bei were both experts, and the conflict hadn't yet reached the point for a large-scale battle.

This was like a face-off between two armies; no general would immediately charge forward with their troops. Instead, both sides would send their champions to duel first.

After all, victory would boost the winning faction's morale, greatly influencing the upcoming battle.

Tian Xing faced Zhang Bei barehanded.

"Tian Xing, I've long wanted to face you!" Zhang Bei pounced like a ferocious tiger, swinging his fist toward Tian Xing.

Tian Xing snorted in response and launched his punch.

A terrifying surge of the Nascent Transformation Realm aura swept out in an overwhelming force like a tidal wave, uprooting and swaying the surrounding trees.

With the laws of the True Martial Continent becoming complete, Tian Xing and Zhang Bei had made significant progress in their cultivation. They were now one step away from the True Profound Realm.

Both Tian Xing and Zhang Bei were sent flying when their fists collided, their bodies tracing an arc in the air before landing on the ground.

A powerful shockwave erupted from the impact, tearing through the air like a violent storm. The ground cracked and shattered into dust, which scattered into the wind, creating an eerie spectacle.

The two fighters were evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand. Despite this, Tian Xing seemed more composed, his movements fluid and controlled.

Tian Xing slowly walked toward Zhang Bei, his momentum growing with each stride. This battle was crucial as it could decide the course of the entire conflict.

If Tian Xing lost, it would deal a severe blow to his allies' morale. He could not afford to be defeated.

That was the same for Zhang Bei, who represented the five major sects in this fight. He would be reduced to a laughingstock if he lost to Tian Xing.

This time, Tian Xing made the first move. He moved so fast that his body became a blur, unleashing an overwhelming force that surged like a tsunami.

The fact that Tian Xing could become the Law-Enforcement Hall's hall master was a testament to his strength.

Yet strangely, Zhang Bei stood his ground with a cruel smile rising on his lips. He waited until Tian Xing got close to him before he finally made his move.

"Tian Xing, fall back, quick!" Mu Tianli yelled. He could sense that Zhang Bei had reached the True Profound Realm, and he had been concealing his strength earlier.

However, it was too late for Tian Xing to withdraw his attack, and even if he tried, it would be futile.

Zhang Bei's fist was already upon him, and a suffocating aura at the True Profound Realm swept out like a tidal wave, neutralizing all of Tian Xing's force.

All eyes were on this battle. Only the middle-aged man seated behind Bai Jin seemed uninterested; his hands continued to roam across the bodies of the two women beside him.

It was too late for Mu Tianli to intervene as the five major sects' experts stood ready nearby. He knew the other party's Spirit Profound Realm expert would join if he acted.

Besides, this was the first fight, and both sides would refrain from interfering.

Tian Xing's gaze turned cold as he channeled his remaining true essence, preparing to fight Zhang Bei to the death.

"Tian Xing, you're too weak and no match for me," Zhang Bei snorted.

In reality, Zhang Bei was no match for Tian Xing in terms of talent and reputation, but luck was on his side. He had stumbled upon a rare spiritual fruit a few months ago and successfully made his breakthrough into the True Profound Realm with it.

His attack carried the sounds of howling wind and rumbling lightning. This should be the Thunderclap Fist, one of the Heavenly Origin Sect's most powerful martial techniques.

Tian Xing had no way out and charged forward instead of retreating. His true essence conjured a colossal fist that barreled toward Zhang Bei.

"Break for me!" Zhang Bei roared, channeling the laws of the True Profound Realm to manifest a phantom of a mighty lion. The spectral beast lunged forward, devouring Tian Xing's attack in an instant, creating a terrifying spectacle. This was the immense chasm between the Nascent Transformation Realm and the True Profound Realm—a gap that could not be bridged by sheer true essence alone.

Tian Xing's attack was completely obliterated, vanishing without a trace, leaving no sign that it had ever existed.

In the next moment, Zhang Bei launched his counterattack. After the lion dissipated Tian Xing's attack, it continued to charge toward him.

The situation turned dire—if the attack landed, Tian Xing would either be killed or severely injured.

"Torrent Force!" Tian Xing roared, summoning a fresh surge of power. It was one of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion's ultimate techniques, embodying the profundity of an unending torrent.

The fact that he could unleash such power in such a short time proved he was just one step away from the True Profound Realm. If he survived this battle, a breakthrough was within reach.

However, the technique drained all his true essence, and to push it further, he ignited his blood essence, pouring everything he had into the attack.

Zhang Bei sneered, "What futile resistance! I'll end you completely!" as the lion crashed into the Torrent force under his control.

Tian Xing's attack collapsed once more, and he ultimately lost to Zhang Bei. Even so, his strength was undeniable. His defeat wasn't due to inferior martial techniques but rather the overwhelming gap in cultivation—Zhang Bei held the clear advantage as a True Profound Realm cultivator.

When his attack was broken again, Tian Xing felt as if a heavy hammer had slammed into his chest. Blood burst from his mouth, spraying into the air as he was sent flying, his face drained of color.

Zhang Bei's attack hadn't damaged Tian Xing's foundation; he had merely knocked him back. Then again, Zhang Bei had no intention of letting Tian Xing go as his goal was to kill the latter.

In a flash, he vanished and reappeared in front of Tian Xing, sword in hand, slashing downward.

A collective gasp rose from the crowd—no one had expected the battle to spiral in this direction. Most had believed Tian Xing would win, and few had realized Zhang Bei had been concealing his true cultivation all along.

Caught mid-air, Tian Xing had no time to counter. He twisted his body at the last moment, avoiding a fatal strike to his vitals. The blade, redirected by his movement, would only sever his arm at most.

"Tian Xing, let's see how long you can keep dodging!" Zhang Bei let out a sinister laugh as his sword swept down again, this time even faster, aiming straight for Tian Xing's neck.

Many people in the crowd rose to their feet, craning their necks to watch every moment. A battle involving someone at the True Profound Realm was a rare spectacle in the Southern Province. Even fights between Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators were uncommon, so it was no surprise that excitement buzzed through the audience.

Even without the usual exchanges and trades, this year's Ten Grand Assembly was worth attending for this battle alone.

The sword aura continued to lock onto Tian Xing's neck, whooshing through the air as it slashed down.

This time, Tian Xing couldn't dodge—he was already plummeting toward the ground.

When death seemed imminent, a figure appeared above the island, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield. His eyes narrowed as a flash of murderous intent lit up his face.

He unleashed cold rays that shot toward the battlefield with a consecutive flick of his fingers.

No one had noticed his arrival—everyone's attention had been consumed by the duel below.

It was only when the chilling rays cut through the air that the crowd realized—someone had intervened.