443: Chapter 458 A Manifestation Before the Public [Hands on Hips]

This was to be blamed on Lu Ming's lack of proficiency with the Great Ode of Intertwined Yin and Yang.

His original intention was to make Murong Jingyang's image more closely resemble the Lady of Oblivion.

He wanted to manifest the solemn and majestic dignity that a deity of the Netherworld should possess.

However, after a series of operations, he had turned the person into a neither-fish-nor-fowl monstrosity.

If Murong Jingyang still possessed his self-awareness, he would likely be cursing in rage.

But setting aside Murong Jingyang's personal opinion, Lu Ming himself was quite satisfied.

Though it looked a bit strange, this current appearance somehow fit the image of a Netherworld deity even better.

Eerie, mysterious, and indescribable!

Especially that blurred face, the deep Aura, and that faint sense of oppression—it was simply the perfect vibe.

Thus, Lu Ming didn't bother to adjust it further.

And the effect indeed did not disappoint him.

The moment the Lady of Oblivion appeared, the several people present were instantly stunned by this sudden, eerie figure.

However, before they could react, an invisible ripple quietly spread out.

That ripple was silent and formless, yet it struck directly at the depths of the Divine Soul!

A female cultivator from the Yuluo Sect was about to strike secretly, but she suddenly froze in place.

Her eyes became hollow and vacant.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, only to find she had forgotten what she wanted to say.

She looked down at her hands, which were currently forming a hand seal for a Spell.

"Huh, what is this hand seal for?"

Then she began to forget where she was and what had just happened.

"And who am I?"

She murmured to herself like an amnesiac idiot.

"What are you doing! Hurry up and strike!"

At that moment, the Charming Consort shouted urgently via Divine Sense transmission.

However, the female cultivator only gave her a blank look, then tilted her head and asked vacantly,

"And who are you?"

Hearing such a nonsensical question, the Charming Consort nearly spat blood in anger!

What the hell was going on? They had clearly agreed through secret transmissions just now to launch a simultaneous sneak attack to create an opportunity to escape.

And then this idiot suddenly pulled this stunt on her!

"No, that's not right. It's you doing something!"

The Charming Consort suddenly realized something and turned her head, her eyes fixed intently on the Lady of Oblivion.

But at that moment, the Lady of Oblivion moved again.

She lightly lifted the alms bowl in her left hand, while the slender fingers of her right hand lightly tapped the Chaos liquid within the bowl.

With a slight ripple, an eerie light shot toward the amnesiac female cultivator.

At this point, the female cultivator didn't even know how to dodge; she just watched blankly as the light entered between her eyebrows.

In the next moment, she fell straight down, completely losing all signs of life, and then her body began to gradually dissipate.

As if entering the cycle of Reincarnation, she was completely erased.

Along with her Divine Soul, her dao foundation, and her everything.

When the Charming Consort and the last two female cultivators saw this scene, their Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering in fear!

"This... what kind of sorcery is this!"

They had never seen such an eerie method.

There wasn't a single ripple of Spell fluctuations, nor a trace of Qi remaining, yet it directly obliterated a person's entire existence!

One must know that the female cultivator just now was a Late Golden Core Stage existence.

No matter how poor her combat strength might have been, she was still at the Late Golden Core Stage, not some random nobody!

She hadn't even offered a shred of resistance.

Especially remembering the woman's bizarre behavior earlier, this fear of the unknown was more terrifying than any Spell!

"Run! Run quickly!"

The Charming Consort finally reacted; this person could not be fought. She shrieked and turned to flee!

Seeing this, the last two female cultivators followed close behind, beginning to flee for their lives!

However, how could Lu Ming let them escape?

He simply raised a hand and pointed a finger.

In the next instant, an eerie scene appeared.

Even though the three Yuluo Sect women were desperately running forward, their distance from Lu Ming was actually getting closer and closer.

It was as if they weren't fleeing forward, but were instead rushing backward!

"What... what's happening!"

The Charming Consort discovered in horror that while she was clearly trying to dash forward, her body was uncontrollably moving backward!

She watched helplessly as she got closer and closer to Lu Ming, yet she was completely unable to resist!

That sense of powerlessness nearly drove her insane!

"No—!"

She shrieked in despair.

Lu Ming looked at her, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

The technique 'Changing Cause and Altering Effect' from the Heavenly Mandate Compilation and Fortune Diagram Record was already profoundly mysterious, and now, with the enhancement of the karma golden book, it directly negated their act of fleeing on the level of Karma.

In the chain of Karma, he had changed the 'cause' of 'fleeing' and altered the 'effect' of the 'destination,' resulting in the bizarre scenario where the more they ran, the closer they got to Lu Ming.

This process sounded complicated, but doing it was actually even more complex!

It was fortunate that Lu Ming now had a cultivation of Golden Core Perfection, plus the enhancement of the karma golden book, which barely allowed him to reach this level.

Additionally, the opponents seemed to have been scared witless and didn't have much will to resist, which allowed him to succeed so easily.

Otherwise, facing three Late Golden Core Stage cultivators, Lu Ming's meager attainment in the Dao of Karma might have been a bit stretched.

But regardless, he had achieved his goal.

At this time, the Charming Consort and the others also seemed to realize that they were facing a Life and Death crisis; blindly fleeing would likely only lead them deeper into the trap.

They were originally demonic witches, and the ruthlessness and decisiveness of their Heart-Nature far exceeded that of ordinary people.

Quickly, they adjusted their mindsets and exchanged looks, seeing the resolve in each other's eyes.

In that moment, the women one after another summoned their Magical Artifacts and quickly formed hand seals, intending to fight a final, desperate battle.

However, Lu Ming's next Karma Secret Art was already being cast.

Reversing Cause and Effect!

This time, what was reversed was the 'attack.'

The Divine Ability attacks launched by the women had barely left their hands when they seemed to be manipulated by an invisible hand, suddenly turning around and slamming hard into themselves!

"Ah—!!!"

This sudden turn of events gave the women no time to react at all.

Amidst screams of agony, they all spat blood, their figures stumbling!

"How... how is this possible!"

Blood overflowed from the Charming Consort's mouth, her eyes full of confusion.

This method of reversing Karma and confusing order was simply not a Domain they could comprehend!

"Please... please spare me..."

The Charming Consort finally broke down, begging for mercy with tears and snot streaming down her face.

"I'll do anything... anything..."

As she spoke, she began to undo her flimsy garments, attempting to use this to gain a slim chance of survival.

But what kind of person was Lu Ming?

As everyone knew, he was a man of integrity! He was not lustful!

So he only took a few extra glances, then raised his hand and gave a light squeeze.

Bang!

The two female cultivators behind her, along with the Charming Consort, simultaneously turned into three clouds of blood mist.

The four demonic witches of the Yuluo Sect were completely wiped out!

From beginning to end, it had taken no more than the time for a cup of tea.

Like crushing dry weeds, he had crushed everything.

The field fell silent.

Lu Ming gave a casual wave, and the Lady of Oblivion turned into a streak of light, returning to the human emperor banner.

The Nether Profound Yin Fire was also withdrawn by him, and the surrounding temperature began to gradually return to normal.

Only after finishing all this did he slowly turn around to look at Yun Chenzi.

At this moment, Yun Chenzi was still kneeling on one knee, his face pale and his Aura withered.

But his eyes were fixed on Lu Ming, filled with shock and wariness.

A mix of various emotions left him momentarily unsure of what to say.

Others might not recognize those methods, but with his experience, he could naturally distinguish them clearly.

Demonic fire, Soul Refining, Karma...

These were three completely different methods, each sufficient for an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator to spend a lifetime researching.

Yet the person before him had gathered all three in one body, and each had reached an extremely high level of mastery.

Especially that Dao of Karma—to toy with Karma and even briefly reverse rules—this was a Domain even he had never touched.

However, knowing was one thing, but in his heart, he simply couldn't understand it.

How could a single person be so Heaven-Defying?

Refining a soul devouring banner so brazenly and playing with the Dao of Karma so recklessly—did he not fear a backlash?

Heh, Lu Ming really didn't!

Seeing Yun Chenzi's shocked expression, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly; he couldn't have been happier in his heart.

Back then, he could only look up to Yun Chenzi, watching from afar his Aura that looked down upon the world.

But now, he had already reached the same level and even put on a serious show in front of him.

That's right, Lu Ming did it on purpose.

Dealing with those few demonic witches didn't need to be so troublesome; he simply wanted to show off in front of Yun Chenzi.

Who told Yun Chenzi to leave such a deep shadow on him when he was still weak, making him feel somewhat inferior?

Now that he had risen, if he didn't show off properly, how could he face all the years of storms and walking on thin ice?

(Hands on hips)

But he had to say, this feeling was simply fantastic!

"We meet again," Lu Ming said softly with a smile on his lips.

Yun Chenzi's expression shifted several times before finally settling into a bitter smile.

He opened his mouth, his voice hoarse.

"Just who... is Your Excellency?"

"Does that matter?"

Lu Ming tilted his head and asked back.

Hearing these words, Yun Chenzi fell silent.

Yes, did it matter?

He had fallen to such a state; the outcome was already nearly clear.

Whether he asked or not, what difference did it make?

He lowered his head and sank into silence.

"Is this the Human Tribulation..." he murmured in his heart. "It is indeed extraordinary, not something human power can contend with."

He raised his head, looking at the gloomy sky, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

"Divine Abilities cannot match the Mandate of Heaven..."

He once thought he could act against the heavens and break free from the shackles of fate.

But in the end, he still couldn't escape those two words: 'Mandate of Heaven.'

He slowly looked at Lu Ming, his eyes devoid of anger, resentment, or even fear.

There was only a kind of calm.

A calm that had seen through everything.

"Fellow Daoist."

He suddenly spoke.

"Could you tell me what your name is?"

Lu Ming was slightly taken aback.

He looked into Yun Chenzi's eyes; there was none of the anger, begging, or venom he had expected.

Only calm, a calm like an ancient well.

This was quite unexpected, but he still answered Yun Chenzi's question truthfully.

"This seat does not change his name when traveling, nor his surname when sitting... I am Li Feiyu!"

"Li Feiyu..."

Yun Chenzi didn't care whether to believe it or not; he just nodded and then suddenly smiled.

That smile held relief amidst the bitterness.

"To lose to a person of such exceptional talent like you can be considered a fair defeat."

He looked at Lu Ming, his gaze frank.

"In that case, Fellow Daoist, do it!"

Lu Ming was silent for a moment.

He had thought Yun Chenzi would be angry, would beg for mercy, or would try every means to delay for time.

After all, this was human nature; no one wanted to die.

But Yun Chenzi did none of that.

He simply accepted everything calmly.

That calm was a frankness after having done one's best.

When one has done their best, there are no regrets.

This was a heart for the Dao that was pure to the extreme.

In Lu Ming's heart, a trace of respect suddenly rose.

This was a true seeker of the Dao.

On the path of the Dao, he had walked all the roads he could walk and seen all the scenery he could see.

Now that he had reached the end, he had no regrets, no resentment, only calm.

Such a person deserved respect.

However, respect was respect, but Lu Ming was not a soft-hearted person.

Yun Chenzi was too important to him; no matter what, he had to die.

Thinking of this, Lu Ming's gaze suddenly turned cold, and he raised a hand to beckon; the human emperor banner flapped loudly behind him.

"Yun Chenzi, enter my banner. If I attain the Nascent Soul one day, perhaps you can use my power to glimpse the scenery from a higher place."

Hearing this, Yun Chenzi was slightly startled, seemingly not expecting Lu Ming to say such words.

But then, he smiled.

"Scenery from a higher place..."

"If I could see it once, this life would not have been in vain."

Yun Chenzi murmured to himself, a trace of longing flashing in his eyes, but then a flash of resolve suddenly appeared.

"However... I will not just surrender without a fight!"

Before his voice had even faded, a weak but sharp fluctuation of magic power suddenly erupted from within his body!

Though this magic power was weak, it was extremely pure, condensing his final comprehension of the Yin-Yang Law.

That was the last shred of magic power remaining to him, the final dignity of a Dao Realm powerhouse!

He didn't want to surrender; even if death was certain, he would fight until the last moment!

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, not surprised by Yun Chenzi's action.

The strong valued their dignity above all else, but since that was the case, he would grant his wish.

Lu Ming pointed a finger.

Severing Cause and Cutting Off Effect!

An invisible barrier instantly cut off Yun Chenzi's connection with the Laws of heaven and earth.

His half-condensed attack suddenly dissipated like a kite with its string cut.

Yun Chenzi gave a muffled groan, blood overflowing from his mouth again.

He gave a bitter smile and stopped struggling.

He allowed the black mist of the human emperor banner to completely swallow him up.

When he reappeared, only a husk remained; his soul had already been drawn out.

With a slight vibration of the human emperor banner, everything returned to calm.

Yun Chenzi had entered the banner!

...

When all the dust had settled, Lu Ming breathed a deep sigh of relief.

He had finally taken care of this 'great enemy,' Yun Chenzi.

He didn't need to worry too much about the aftermath; the human emperor banner would automatically refine his soul and transform him into a Banner Spirit.

This would likely be the most powerful Banner Spirit he had ever collected into the soul banner.

After all, he was a Dao Realm powerhouse who also possessed the Yin-Yang Law...

Tsk tsk, he really couldn't imagine what the human emperor banner, which already had the potential for the Law of Life and Death, would transform into after absorbing Yun Chenzi's Yin-Yang Law.

Lu Ming felt some emotion in his heart, along with some anticipation.

It was also fortunate that he had made preparations earlier and stabilized the strength of the Netherworld Space.

Otherwise, the impact of that massive power when Yun Chenzi entered would likely have burst the space immediately.

Good thing he had planned ahead and resolved the hidden danger in advance!

"Done."

Lu Ming clapped his hands and began to clean up the battlefield.

He naturally wouldn't let Yun Chenzi's corpse go; the Physical Body of a Dao Realm powerhouse was a good thing.

Whether used to refine an Incarnation or devoured by himself, it was an excellent choice.

Lu Ming casually put it into his Storage Pouch and then picked up the Storage Pouches of the four Yuluo Sect women.

He erased the Restrictions on them, probed inside with his Divine Sense, and then smacked his lips.

"Though they're a bit poor, even a mosquito's leg is still meat."