Chapter 548

Chapter 548: A Stalemate?

Across the Great Qin Empire, Shu Anshi and Murong Wuqing stood as unmatched leaders among the younger generation. Though Shu Anshi was renowned while Murong Wuqing remained obscure, their clash instantly revealed each as the strongest opponent the other had ever faced. If life and death weren’t decided today, they might remain entwined as rivals and allies for life.

Breaking the Heavenly River!

Murong Wuqing struck first. His right arm rose, and the God of War Drums’ massive form behind him shrank into a streak of light merging into his arm. War drums boomed from his body like thunderous waves crashing forward.

His arm transformed into a heavenly sword, slashing everything in its path. The overwhelming force tore upward as if ripping the sky itself. As the sword cut through the air, a crack split the heavens, expanding rapidly into a churning river of spiritual energy—a true heavenly river.

Breaking the Heavenly River!

The attack’s sheer power stunned all witnesses. Even the Divine Grace Palace Master, Yan Rushui, and Tian Yunzi stared in disbelief. A peak Golden Core unleashing such force seemed impossible.

Ye Yun and the others held their breath, unwilling to distract Shu Anshi.

Shu Anshi’s expression hardened. The Heavenly Barrier Sword in his hand erupted with blinding blue light, spreading bone-chilling cold across dozens of zhang. The air froze, slowing to a crawl.

He swung the sword. The frozen air shattered like glass, exploding into glittering ice crystals.

“Sword Slashing Stars!”

Shu Anshi’s whisper sharpened the blade’s speed. The ice crystals splintered, then surged toward the incoming heavenly sword, coalescing into a glacial star meant to freeze it.

Boom!

The heavenly river’s power obliterated the icy star in a deafening blast. Shards of blue light sprayed outward, piercing disciples who failed to dodge. Blood froze mid-wound, though none died—every Divine Grace Palace observer was at least Golden Core stage, avoiding fatal blows. Still, seven or eight retreated with mangled shoulders or severed arms.

Boom!

The heavenly sword, fused with the God of War Drums’ Buddha-like projection, crashed into the Heavenly Barrier Sword. Shockwaves exploded outward, each capable of killing those below the Fifth Level of the Golden Core stage. Prepared disciples dodged, but terror gripped them—mere residual energy could reduce them to dust.

Light and shadow flared like a supernova, blinding all. Energy waves scoured the sky, clearing clouds for hundreds of zhang and toppling distant towering ancient trees.

On the platform, Tian Yunzi and the others frowned. Even their cultivation couldn’t pierce the light to see the combatants. This battle’s intensity defied expectations.

Cheng Yuweng gaped. Had he known Murong Wuqing’s strike held such power, he’d never have dared protest.

However, he never imagined Shu Anshi’s Sword Technique could rival Murong Wuqing’s so completely. Even now, nobody could predict the battle’s outcome.

Boom!

Another great crash shook the air as shockwaves rippled outward. Without the great formation’s protection, the mountaintop would’ve been stripped bare.

Boom!

Before the echoes faded, another thunderous collision followed.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The sky trembled under relentless impacts – pure, brutal exchanges without any fancy maneuvers.

Ye Yun watched the sun-bright explosions, excitement boiling in his chest. He nearly gave in to the reckless urge to charge into that destructive brilliance.

Common sense prevailed instantly. Charging into that battle with his current cultivation level meant instant death. This wasn’t his fight yet.

"Second Brother, will elder brother win?" Zhuge Chong’s voice quivered.

"Quiet, Little Bug!" Kun Huazi snapped without turning. "How could I comprehend battles at this level?"

The Divine Feather Vulture King shuddered. "I nearly attacked him at the Spiritual Pond! One strike would’ve reduced me to ashes!"

Ye Yun’s fighting spirit burned as explosions echoed around him. After Marrow Cleansing by the Heart of Immortals and Demons, his potential matched anyone’s. Though slower in advancement than Jun Ruolan due to cultivating multiple spiritual energies and the demanding Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique, his determination only grew stronger.

With the Heart’s aid, reaching peak Golden Core seemed certain. Beyond pill has broken and they’re reborn lay the Earth Immortal realm. Those illusionary youths he’d seen? True immortals beyond even that realm.

Ye Yun’s jaw tightened as true qi surged within him, eyes locked on the blazing sky.

"What’s the point of staring?" A child’s voice cut through the awe. "You can’t even see properly! How would you learn from Earth Immortal realm battles?"

They turned to see Tongtong, hands on hips. Strange lights flickered in her black-and-white eyes as she gazed upward.

"Little girl, you can actually see?" Kun Huazi blinked.

"Tongtong sees elder brother fighting Murong Wuqing?" Zhuge Chong gaped.

Ye Yun studied Tongtong’s emotionless eyes – identical to those illusionary immortals’. If those eyes appeared here…

"Of course I see." Tongtong scoffed. "Your untrained eyes are useless. Use your heart to see hidden truths!"

"Heart-seeing?"

The men exchanged confused looks.

"Hopeless." Tongtong sighed, turning to Ye Yun. "Do you understand heart-sight?"

Frowning, Ye Yun willed the Heart of Immortals and Demons to his forehead. Black and white light flashed briefly, leaving icy essence in its wake.

Suddenly, the blazing curtain parted.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Two figures stood grounded, trading colossal blows. The Heavenly Barrier Sword clashed against a heavenly sword bearing the God of War Drums’ ethereal figure. Shockwaves tore through surrounding light.

Shu Anshi looked pale, true qi nearly drained. Murong Wuqing fared worse – without his Buddha-like projection of the Golden Core, he’d have collapsed already.

Equal!

Their slowing strikes held mortal peril. Any weakening meant instant slaying.

BOOM!

The final collision dwarfed all others. Instead of scattering, the energy coalesced into a light beam piercing the heavens.

The crowd stared dumbly. This force could obliterate even a Fifth Level Nascent Soul Ancestor! How could peak Golden Core cultivators achieve this?

As light faded, both combatants remained standing.

"Brother Murong." Shu Anshi’s gentle voice broke the silence. "A draw."

Murong Wuqing’s reply rang clear: "I lost. I used my Buddha-like projection. You didn’t." His tone held no bitterness, only renewed fighting spirit.