Faced with the legendary Summoning Art, even Shangguan Yuntian dared not be careless. For the first time, both of his hands moved simultaneously. With each seal he formed, the air trembled, and the surrounding spiritual energy, instead of surging toward the black demon ape, was being drawn toward him.
“Aarrr…”
The black demon ape let out a deafening roar, unleashing a tide of dark demonic mist that pressed down on Shangguan Yuntian. The soundwaves rumbled out, shaking the very heavens.
“Kill!”
On the other side, the former master of the Yin-Yang Sect bellowed. His body split into thousands, and his figures filled the sky. The Yin-Yang Sword in his hand seemed capable of shattering the heavens as it swept out terrifying beams of yin and yang divine light.
The black-robed elder was even more aggressive. His entire being transformed into a divine weapon, becoming a humanoid divine sword that ripped through the space ahead. He managed to briefly control a space-time passage, plunging into it with his Fangtian halberd. In the next moment, sword and halberd reappeared above Shangguan Yuntianâs head, descending with earth-shattering might. Even before they struck, the space beneath Shangguan Yuntianâs feet had already started collapsing.
Boom…
Three unstoppable attacks landed, sending Shangguan Yuntian flying backward. His hands, which had been forming seals, trembled slightly. Yet around him, a faint golden barrier flickered with mysterious light. The attack hadnât broken through it, causing the three top-tier cultivators to pale in shockâhow could a mere incarnation possess such terrifying power?
“Aarrr…”
The black demon ape raised its head and howled, beating its chest. Its blood-red eyes glowed with a demonic light as it charged forward again, radiating divine might so intense that even distant onlookers felt their scalps tingle. This was definitely no ordinary magical beastâat the very least, it was at the peak of the Hunyuan realm, possibly even a Saint Beast of the Ascension realm.
“Nineteenth SwordâSoul Annihilation!”
At that moment, Shangguan Yuntian gave a cold snort. A circular divine energy barrier appeared around him, completely enveloping his figure. The spiritual energy of the world trembled violently, and whirlpools of energy appeared within a hundred-mile radius, all converging at the center where Shangguan Yuntian stood.
A chilling voice escaped his lips. Countless purple-gold divine swords manifested, filling the entire area with light. It was a surreal sceneâone man stood motionless at the center, yet the overwhelming pressure made even the three top-tier experts and the Sacred Beast-like creature freeze in place. They knew that the slightest movement would bring annihilation. Their very souls trembled.
“The nineteenth sword… terrifying. Hey, be honestâhow many swords have you mastered?”
Watching the scene unfold in the sky, Tian Fan couldnât help the goosebumps. Sword Twenty-Three was simply monstrousâa divine technique created purely for battle, its offensive power unrivaled.
“Iâve already reached the twenty-first sword. Hmm… I feel like I forgot something.”
Zi Ying tilted her little head and thought for a moment, then replied nonchalantly. The response made Tian Fan stumble and nearly fall flat on his butt. He didnât even dare imagine what she would be like when using this sword art. Would she turn into some kind of she-demon? He shook his head hard at the thought. No wayâhe much preferred the playful, mischievous Zi Ying who faked tears to trick people.
“Ah! I remember nowâI buried Xiao Hua over there!”
Suddenly, Zi Ying smacked her forehead. She had finally remembered that sheâd forgotten to dig out the little tiger sheâd buried for fun earlier. Watching the girl leap away, Tian Fan smiled softly. He really did like this version of her best. But just then, as he looked at her back, a sharp pain struck his chest, and that ominous feeling grew stronger than ever.
“Iâll say it one last timeâthis ends here. Donât force me.”
Shangguan Yuntianâs calm voice echoed, stirring everyoneâs blood. Thisâthis was what it meant to be a true man. Alone, he faced off against three unparalleled masters and a suspected Sacred Beast, yet he showed no sign of defeat. He even had the upper hand, suppressing them steadily. His domineering aura commanded respect from every cultivator present.
“You…!”
The former Yin-Yang Sect Master shouted angrily. Yet even with the Yin-Yang Sword in hand, he didnât dare act rashly. Tens of thousands of golden divine swords pointed at them, their cold gleam flickering. Cold sweat dripped down their faces.
“Heh… timeâs up…”
Suddenly, a sinister voice echoed. Ghost Immortalâs figure vanished from the sky.
Shangguan Yuntianâs heart skippedâhe had no idea how the man had left.
“What the hellâs going on?” Tian Fan muttered, pressing his right hand over his chest.
“Heh heh… the Son of God… is mine now…”
A chilling voice came from behind. Tian Fanâs eyes widened in shock, and cold sweat poured down his face. The ground cracked open, and a black figure burst out. Ghost Immortalâs eerie green eyes met his, his body shrouded in black mist. He let out a crazed, sinister laugh as a giant black hand came crashing down. The divine pressure froze Tian Fan in place. He couldnât moveâhe could only watch helplessly as the massive hand descended toward his head.
“Pfft…”
Hot blood splattered across Tian Fanâs face.
A delicate figure dressed in purple collapsed at his feet like a withering flower. Blood gushed from her mouth as she fell, her once vibrant face drained of color. Her violet dress was soaked in blood. She looked like a broken-winged angelâholy and heartbreakingly beautiful.
Boom…
As Tian Fan stared at the girl on the groundâher purple dress dyed crimson, her beauty pale and lifelessâhis mind exploded. It was as if the heavens themselves began to shake violently.
Pop…
High above, Shangguan Yuntianâs tall figure blurred. All the golden divine swords vanished. His body trembled violently as he looked down toward the earth.
“Zi Ying! Zi Ying, whatâs wrong? Donât scare me!”
Tian Fanâs lips quivered as he cradled her in his arms. Looking at her blood-soaked figure and deathly pale face, a murderous rage surged in his heartâa desire to slaughter the world.
âDaughter, daughterâŚâ
In the distance, Shangguan Yuntianâs tall and mighty figure suddenly seemed to have aged a thousand years. He stumbled forward, his form flickering in and out like a mirage. This projection of his was created through Zi Yingâs life force. Now that Zi Ying was wounded, the projection was also destabilizing.
âCoughâŚâ
Zi Ying coughed lightly, fresh blood flowing uncontrollably from her mouth. Tian Fan was overcome with grief and rage. A terrifying killing intent erupted from him, so intense it shattered a sand dune not far behind.
âHow could this happenâŚâ
Ghost Immortalâs green eyes twitched slightly. From the very beginning, he had secretly used a forbidden technique powered by his footwork to plant a divine fetus beneath this land. His true body could emerge at any time. Just now, he seized the opportunity to descend in person and struck at Tian Fan. It should have been a flawless attackâbut in that crucial moment, a purple figure appeared out of nowhere and took the blow in Tian Fanâs place.
âDaughter! Daughter! How are you? Are you alright?!â
Shangguan Yuntian finally reached them. Seeing the beloved princess of the Shangguan family lying limp in Tian Fanâs arms, the undefeated legend of the Divine Martial Continent showed a look of deep panic for the first time. He flailed helplessly, not knowing what to do.
âWhy⌠why, Zi Ying? That strike was meant for me!â
They say real men donât cry easily, but at this moment, Tian Fan couldnât hold back the sorrow pouring from the depths of his heart. Tears streamed from the corners of his eyes, soaking Zi Yingâs cheeks.
âCoughâŚâ Zi Ying coughed up blood again, her voice frail as she whispered, âYou⌠dummy⌠Xiao Tian⌠why⌠why are you⌠making my⌠face all⌠dirtyâŚâ
Her broken words made Tian Fanâs heart ache even more. His tears flowed without end as he choked out, âZi Ying, donât speak. Iâll save you. Iâll get you help. Iâll take you to a doctor, I swear!â
âN-No⌠donâtâŚâ Zi Ying said weakly, holding onto Tian Fan just as he was about to stand. A faint golden glow appeared from her right hand. âTh-this⌠is⌠for⌠youâŚâ
The golden light, stained with her blood, drifted out of her hand and slowly merged into Tian Fanâs body. A thought suddenly struck him, and he shouted, âRight! Zi Ying, donât be afraid. I still have the sacred fruit! Youâll be okay, I promise!â
Excited, Tian Fan took out two crystal-clear fruits from his hand. Their rich aroma filled the air. Even Shangguan Yuntian was stunned, his expression turning to one of joyâhe knew the power of these fruits. They could bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh from bone. They could definitely save Zi Ying.
âHurry, give it to her!â Shangguan Yuntian urged anxiously.
Whooshâ
Suddenly, two streaks of divine light flashed past, and the sacred fruits in Tian Fanâs palm vanished. They reappeared in the hands of the former Yin-Yang Gate Master and the black-robed elder standing in the distance. The two men looked ecstatic.
âSo this is the legendary fruit from the sacred mountain on the Immortal Island of No Return. Truly a treasure of heaven and earth!â
Tian Fanâs eyes went bloodshot with fury.
Shangguan Yuntian roared in grief and lunged forward, but with Zi Yingâs life hanging in the balance, he couldnât fight the two at full strength and was knocked back instantly.
âN-No⌠donâtâŚâ Zi Ying weakly whispered. She grabbed both menâs arms, her voice barely audible. âXiao⌠Tian⌠you⌠have to⌠live on⌠I⌠believe⌠in youâŚâ
âF-FatherâŚâ she called out, barely able to turn her head to look at Shangguan Yuntianâs now-flickering projection. âI⌠Iâve been⌠an unfilial⌠daughter⌠always so⌠mischievous⌠never⌠listening to you⌠always⌠making you mad⌠In the⌠next life⌠I⌠still want⌠to be⌠your daughterâŚâ
âSo⌠tired⌠I⌠just want⌠to restâŚâ
And with that, her voice faded. Zi Ying slowly closed her eyes, so peaceful in that final moment.
Shangguan Yuntianâs form also began to fade, until he vanished completely from Tian Fanâs sight.
âNo⌠please⌠Zi Ying, donât sleep⌠donât sleepâŚâ Tian Fan was no longer thinking about anything else. His entire world had narrowed down to the girl in his arms. He choked out his plea, but it couldnât bring back the soul that had already slipped away. Zi Yingâs presence disappeared completelyânever to return.
âAaaargh!â
Tian Fan let out a heart-wrenching roar to the heavens. His expression turned wild, long black hair whipping through the air like a storm.
A terrifying aura of killing intent surged out from him in all directions. A vast and mighty power exploded from within his body, and behind him, a faint soul shadow began to manifest. The endless void shattered, and within a hundred miles, several towering mountains crumbled into ash in an instantâŚ
(Chapter 122: Zi Ying’s Death)