469: Chapter 484 Madam, you are truly a sight to behold!

"Running away, running away..."

Inside the Secret Realm, Lu Ming sprinted away, quickly distancing himself from that abyssal rift.

At the thought that a Dao Venerable of Spirit Transformation might be buried beneath the spot where he had just stood, his scalp tingled.

However, this didn't hinder his movements; he used Void Realm displacement frantically as if it cost nothing.

Each flash crossed dozens of miles. After jumping dozens of times in succession, he was already an unknown distance away from the abyssal rift before he finally stopped.

"Whew, whew..."

Lu Ming panted heavily, his heart still thumping in his chest.

Recalling the intelligence gathered through his Incarnation, he had an expression as if he had eaten feces.

"Mother of mine, what kind of wretched place is this? A wretched place indeed!"

Who could have imagined that such a major event had occurred during the ancient era!

A Dao Venerable of Spirit Transformation!

To think he had believed that Nascent Soul Cultivators were the ceiling of the Profound Spirit Domain.

He thought that by being about to achieve a Breakthrough to Nascent Soul True Monarch, he could become a titan of the Immortal Path ruling over a region.

In the end, he was now told that a living Dao Venerable of Spirit Transformation existed!

Although suppressed, and looking at the current situation, the Seal should still be very firm and wouldn't have any problems in the short term.

But that damn Soul-Devouring Demon Lord, truly for his own selfish gain and disregarding all living beings, wanted to plunge the entire Cultivation World into peril.

Lu Ming felt like he had truly seen it all—it was a real eye-opener.

The bottom line of these Nascent Soul True Monarchs was truly low!

Now there was a Soul-Devouring Demon Lord attempting to pry open the Seal; it was hard to guarantee other True Lords didn't have other motives.

If one day these people lost their minds and flipped the table to release that Dao Venerable of Spirit Transformation, the Cultivation World would truly fall into chaos.

Fortunately, judging by the current situation, everything hadn't reached the worst point yet.

Now it seemed that his Clone being trapped in the sealed land might not be a bad thing.

At least with him watching over it, if anyone else tried to enter, given his Incarnation's current strength and methods, he should be able to deal with them for a while.

As for himself.

Since he was safe now, Lu Ming began to think about his next move.

Although he had gained a lot from killing Bone Underworld this time, he couldn't immediately convert it into strength, and the human emperor banner was lost in the sealed land, which was a weakening for him.

But Lu Ming felt it was fine. With his current strength bolstered by three Laws, while he couldn't say he could walk over everyone in the Secret Realm, he had few rivals.

"It seems the time has come to plot for the xuan yin jade marrow."

Lu Ming looked up toward the core area in the deepest part of the Secret Realm, calculating in his heart.

"Time to go take a look."

...

Deep within a certain secret location in the Xuanling Secret Realm.

An ancient bronze bell hung in mid-air, its body mottled and engraved with countless ancient runes, emitting a heart-palpitating pressure.

Every time the bell body vibrated slightly, a circle of visible sound waves spread in all directions, distorting the Void Realm and shattering rocks wherever they passed.

At this moment, three factions were surrounding this ancient bell, fighting until blood flowed like a river.

One faction came from the East Sea, led by the Loose Cultivator Alliance. The Cultivators wore various colored robes, and though their Divine Abilities were diverse, they cooperated with tacit understanding.

The leader was an Elder of the East Sea Loose Cultivator Alliance, "Immortal Master Bibo," who had a Late-stage Golden Core cultivation.

His Clear Water Sword Art was superb; wherever the sword light passed, water vapor filled the air, turning into countless ice blades to strangle enemies in all directions.

Another faction came from the West Wasteland, a power of the heterodox paths, led by the "Fiend Demon Sect."

The Cultivators all had sinister faces, with faint blood-light swirling around them. They acted ruthlessly, often using Blood Fiend Qi to corrode the opponent's Physical Body and Divine Soul.

The leader was the Vice Sect Master of the Fiend Demon Sect, "Xue Tuzi," also at the Late-stage Golden Core.

His Blood Fiend Demonic Technique had reached the Transcendent stage. With every gesture, blood-light surged, and within a hundred-foot radius, there was a pungent smell of blood.

As for the last faction, they were Cultivators from the "Heavenly Sword Sect," a Righteous Path Sect in the South Ridge.

The Sword Cultivators wore white clothes as white as snow, their Sword Qi soaring to the skies, every sword strike upright and carrying a noble righteousness.

The leader was an Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, "Jian Wuchen." His sword Dao cultivation was extremely high, having reached the "Sword Moves Like Thunder" stage, one of the four sword Dao realms.

With a Green Light Sword in hand, the Void Realm shattered as the sword glow flickered; even ordinary Late-stage Golden Core Cultivators had to avoid its edge!

Currently, the three factions were in a chaotic brawl, and no one was willing to back down.

"Old man Bibo, this 'taixu ancient bell' was first discovered by my Fiend Demon Sect! You bumpkins from the East Sea dare to come and snatch it?"

A sea of blood surged behind Xue Tuzi as he forced back several Loose Cultivators with a Blood-Transforming Demonic Palm, shouting sharply at Immortal Master Bibo.

To this, Immortal Master Bibo only gave a cold snort.

"Hmph, just because you found it first means it's yours?"

"Besides, this secret land is a place without an owner, belonging to the virtuous. Your Fiend Demon Sect is untrustworthy and without virtue; how do you have the face to be chirping here!"

"You..."

Hearing Immortal Master Bibo's slanderous words insulting the Fiend Demon Sect, Xue Tuzi was fuming with rage, wishing he could rush up and cut down the other party to vent his hatred.

"Boom!"

But just then, a thunderous sound exploded in the field, followed by a sharp sword light that forced both Xue Tuzi and Immortal Master Bibo back.

As the sword light dissipated, Jian Wuchen stood in the Void Realm, his white clothes fluttering. He looked at the two with an indifferent gaze and said with an air of righteous indignation.

"This bell is an ancient treasure and has such a destiny with us Sword Cultivators. It should belong to my Heavenly Sword Sect. How can you wicked heretics be worthy of touching it?"

"Bah!"

Hearing such shameless words, Xue Tuzi immediately spat and laughed with a ferocious face.

"You Righteous Path people are just this hypocritical. You clearly want it, yet you have to speak so grandiosely! I can't stand your faces the most!"

Immortal Master Bibo was not to be outdone: "A bunch of sword-seeds, do you even know how to use a treasure? You should just roll back and honestly play with your scrap metal!"

The three factions engaged in a war of words, none willing to yield.

Seeing that they couldn't agree on anything, they began to brawl again, the sounds of killing shaking the heavens.

Just as the battle reached a fever pitch.

From the horizon, a burst of melodious immortal music suddenly drifted over.

The music was crisp and pleasant, like heavenly sounds, cleansing the mind.

The fighting Cultivators involuntarily stopped their actions and looked up.

On the horizon, nine Qingluan were pulling a magnificent golden carriage, slowly approaching.

The Qingluan' wings were like carved emeralds, each possessing the aura of the Early Golden Core Stage. As they spread their wings, bits of green light fell, a sight of incomparable beauty.

The carriage was entirely made of an unknown golden divine wood, with countless profound runes engraved on its body, emitting a faint golden light.

Atop the carriage, a banner fluttered in the wind, with two large characters written on it:

Yujing!

On both sides of the carriage, dozens of Cultivators dressed in silver-white armor marched, their armor stern and their halberds like a forest.

Every guard had an Early Golden Core Stage cultivation, their auras thick and their killing intent cold.

Their steps were uniform, like a well-trained army, escorting the carriage as it moved forward slowly.

And at the very front of the carriage, a general clad in golden armor with an aura reaching the Late-stage Golden Core led the way on horseback, his gaze like lightning, scanning the surroundings.

"That's... the banner of the Yujing Dao Court!"

Someone with sharp eyes recognized the origin of the banner beside the carriage and immediately cried out in surprise, their voice trembling.

"Yujing Dao Court? One of the Seven Grotto-Heavens, the Yujing Dao Court?!"

"Yeah, it should be right. But which great lord is in that carriage?"

"If I remember correctly, for this Secret Realm trip, the Yujing Dao Court should have sent one of the Eight Kings of the Dao Court, the King of Jiuyi—Zhongli Yuan!"

"Zhongli Yuan? No wonder there's such a grand display; he's the most arrogant among the eight kings!"

"Shh, discussing a Prince of the Dao Court, do you want to die?!"

"..."

Seeing the newcomers, the three factions that were just fighting with bloodshot eyes now collectively withdrew their Divine Abilities and looked at the slowly approaching carriage with grave expressions.

The Seven Grotto-Heavens were the top powers in the Profound Spirit Domain, existing at the peak of the pyramid.

The Thirty-Six Blessed Lands were naturally a level lower before them.

Not to mention the one who came was the King of Jiuyi, Zhongli Yuan!

He was a famously overbearing figure in the Yujing Dao Court, acting flamboyantly and using ruthless methods; even in the outer domains, one could hear of his fierce reputation.

He would come here? Could it be for this taixu ancient bell as well?

At this thought, everyone's hearts sank.

Inside the carriage, the pearl curtains hung down, and a figure could be vaguely seen leaning against a soft couch.

It was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, with a handsome face and a playful smile on his lips.

His left hand held a cup of spiritual wine, while his right hand was wrapped around the slender waist of a beautiful maidservant. Beside him, two other maidservants were diligently peeling spiritual fruits and pouring wine for him.

This person was the King of Jiuyi of the Yujing Dao Court mentioned by others—Zhongli Yuan!

His cultivation had already reached Golden Core Perfection, making him a genuine Dao Realm Expert.

He ranked high among the princes of the Yujing Dao Court and was known for his overbearing behavior and excessive lust.

The carriage stopped, and a corner of the pearl curtain was lifted.

Ji Wujiu squinted at the taixu ancient bell hanging in mid-air in the distance, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

"Good stuff."

He withdrew his gaze and glanced at the Cultivators of the three factions as if he were looking at a group of ants.

"This King is in a good mood today and doesn't want to kill anyone."

His voice was lazy, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

"You few, offer up that bell, and then get lost."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions changed.

Offer it up? And then get lost?

What did he take them for? Servants? Or slaves!

Xue Tuzi was the first who couldn't hold back. He was originally a Demonic Path Cultivator from the West Wasteland, with an extremely fierce personality and a hot temper. How could he stand such humiliation?

"King of Jiuyi, you are being far too overbearing!"

He shouted sharply, blood-light surging around him as his Late-stage Golden Core aura was released without reservation.

"This taixu ancient bell was discovered by our three factions first. On what basis do you want to take it with just a word? Even if you are a Prince of the Yujing Dao Court, you cannot humiliate us like this!"

After Xue Tuzi finished speaking, he turned to look at Immortal Master Bibo and Jian Wuchen with an expectant look.

That meaning was like saying, "I've started the fight, it's your turn to join in."

However, what he saw was the two of them with expressions of "you're so brave" and "how much did you drink to get this drunk," and then the two of them very tacitly took a step back, leaving Xue Tuzi exposed in front.

"You guys...!"

At this point, no matter how thick-headed Xue Tuzi was, he realized he seemed to have said something wrong.

He quickly turned to look and saw Zhongli Yuan's gaze fixed on him, his eyes playful as if looking at a dead man.

"Overbearing?"

He gave a light laugh, his tone casual.

"You call this overbearing? This King will show you what true overbearing means."

He waved his hand.

In front of the carriage, the golden-armored general suddenly drew his sword!

A golden sword light streaked across the Void Realm, so fast that it was impossible to catch with the naked eye!

Xue Tuzi's pupils shrank, and he wanted to dodge, but at that moment, the golden-armored general shouted.

"Stop!"

In an instant, Xue Tuzi discovered to his horror that his body seemed to be fixed in place, unable to move at all!

Right then, the sword light arrived.

"No—!"

Pfft!

Under Xue Tuzi's terrified gaze, the sword light swept past, and his head soared into the sky, while his headless corpse crashed to the ground.

His eyes were still open, filled with confusion and resentment; until the moment he died, he couldn't understand how he had died so inexplicably!

Xue Tuzi, a Late-stage Golden Core Cultivator, was killed with a single sword strike.

The entire field was dead silent.

Immortal Master Bibo's face was deathly pale, and Jian Wuchen's hand was also trembling slightly.

Although they were also at the Late-stage Golden Core, they weren't much stronger than Xue Tuzi.

If even Xue Tuzi was killed in one strike, what were they?

But that golden-armored general's cultivation was also at the Late-stage Golden Core!

Yet his strength was simply too excessive!

Moreover, the two of them recalled the other's shout that seemed to carry the weight of Law, and they immediately thought of the rumors concerning the Yujing Dao Court.

That was... the Dao Court Edict!

As the saying goes, if the monarch wants the subject to die, the subject has no choice but to die.

For the Yujing Dao Court, except for the Seven Grotto-Heavens who were of the same rank, all powers and Cultivators in the outer domains were subjects of the Dao Court.

Anyone who defied the authority of the Dao Court would surely die upon the word being spoken!

This display of the Dao Court Edict immediately made everyone as quiet as cicadas in winter, not daring to make a single sound.

Zhongli Yuan seeing this scene, nodded with satisfaction.

"Now, who else has an objection?"

His gaze swept over the crowd as if he were looking at a herd of livestock, but this time no one dared to speak out of turn.

However, in this way, no one dared to make a sound.

Immortal Master Bibo and Jian Wuchen looked at each other but made no move; the Cultivators behind them retreated one after another, fearing they would be singled out.

Zhongli Yuan's gaze wandered through the crowd and suddenly landed on one person.

It was a beautiful lady in palace attire, with a graceful figure and a lovely face, about thirty years old, still possessing great charm.

She stood at the edge of the crowd, keeping her head down, trying hard to reduce her presence.

Zhongli Yuan's eyes lit up.

"This madam truly is a pitiable sight."

He laughed, his voice carrying a hint of frivolity.

"You shall be the one to offer the treasure to this King."

Seeing that she was targeted, the beautiful lady's face turned pale, and her body trembled slightly.

She had wanted to hide behind the crowd and wait for someone else to step forward, but she hadn't expected to be singled out.

Her name was Wen Lan, and she was the Vice Leader of the East Sea Loose Cultivator Alliance, with a Mid-stage Golden Core cultivation.

Usually, Wen Lan was proud of her outstanding appearance and voluptuous figure.

But at this moment, she wished she had been born ugly.

Wen Lan wanted to pretend she hadn't heard, attempting to muddle through, but the surrounding Cultivators retreated one by one, making her stand out.

Wen Lan cursed inwardly but didn't dare to feign ignorance or defy Zhongli Yuan anymore.

She had seen Xue Tuzi killed with her own eyes and knew this King of Jiuyi truly dared to kill.

She could only brace herself and step forward to the taixu ancient bell, then lift it with both hands, lowering her head as she walked respectfully toward the carriage.

"Your Highness, please have a look."

Her voice was trembling.

Zhongli Yuan took the ancient bell, but after only a casual glance, he set it aside.

Then, he reached out and pulled Wen Lan into his arms.

"Ah—!"

Wen Lan cried out in surprise and tried to struggle, but then she heard Zhongli Yuan's cold snort and found her body imprisoned by an invisible force, unable to move at all.

"Don't be afraid, madam; this King is most tender toward beautiful women."

Zhongli Yuan's laughter was frivolous, his large hand wandering over her waist.

Being toyed with in public, the normally strong Wen Lan felt both ashamed and angry, but she didn't dare to resist, allowing Zhongli Yuan to do as he pleased.

Also seeming to see Wen Lan's thoughts, Zhongli Yuan raised a hand and waved it gently.

"Don't let these eyesores disturb the beauty."

The words were casual, but the golden-armored general understood the King's meaning.

He immediately bowed in salute, then swung his halberd!

Behind him, dozens of Golden Core guards also moved in unison, charging toward the Cultivators of the three factions without the slightest hesitation!