Chapter 274: A Man Needs To Be Fast!
Under usual circ.u.mstances, the battle prowess of the cultivators from the various sacred grounds, grotto-heavens, and blessed-lands would be far beyond that of the vengeful ghosts.
Supported by weapons, talismans, and elixirs, a sacred ground/grotto-heaven cultivator would be able to handle at least five normal vengeful ghosts.
Talented pract.i.tioners might be able to handle 10 or even kill over a dozen same-level ghosts.
But those beings in front of everyone now were not your usual Golden Core vengeful ghosts. They were special ghosts, which had undergone refinement.
Some possessed a lethal poison refined from the various venomous beings in the Immeasurable Ancient State, while others possessed h.e.l.lfire refined from evil karma fires.
Anyway, every single one of them had battle prowess that was much more powerful than your usual vengeful ghost.
More importantly, this ghostly troop was just too ma.s.sive. They easily numbered in the tens of thousands.
The force of tens of thousands of ghost soldiers charging forth was indescribable. It was enough to make even a Heavenly Venerable shiver in fear.
If this ma.s.sive ghostly army completely surrounded them, the mere hundred-over cultivation sect allied troops would probably end up as fish food.
Even an elephant could be killed if a huge swarm of ants bit it. No cultivator could hope to beat the charging force of tens of thousands of same-level vengeful ghosts.
“Form the array formations immediately. Everyone, do your best to kill those ghosts.”
The Jade Lake Sacred Leader’s eyes dimmed. The moon-shaped divine artifact behind her back flew into the sky and floated in mid-air.
In the next second, a huge silver spotlight enveloped all the cultivators. Its soft glow shimmered as it formed a shield against those ghosts.
The Jade Lake Sacred Ground people had absolute trust and faith in their Sacred Leader.
The moment she made her move, the other three Heavenly Venerables from the Jade Lake Sacred Ground also started to take action.
“Everyone, please don’t panic. Although there is a huge number of vengeful ghosts, only the front section of their troops is able to attack us at a time due to the bottleneck effect.”
Heavenly Venerable Scarlet Dance’s Jade Mirror had also flown up into mid-air in coordination with the Jade Lake Sacred Leader’s Divine artifact to strengthen their defenses.
In addition, Heavenly Venerables Snow Dance and Spirit Dance were infusing their own powers into the Divine artifacts to strengthen the formation.
The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s heavenly aura rippled slightly. “Divine Firmament disciples, summon the lightning!”
Everyone knew that lightning was the punishment of the heavens.
Lightning arts had always been one of the most powerful cultivation arts, and the Divine Firmament was the best in it.
Not only could it cause major damage, but it was especially effective against demons, evil monsters, and vengeful ghosts.
At that moment, the sea of vengeful ghosts was swarming over. Nevertheless, the Divine Firmament disciples stood firm.
“Wood Element Azure Dragon Divine Lightning!”
“Fire Element Vermilion Bird Lightning!”
“Fire Element Snake Divine Lightning!”
“Metal Element White Tiger Lightning!”
“Mixed Divine Lightning!”
“Mixed Lightning Fist!”
...
Streaks of lightning shot out of the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground’s side, blowing away the vengeful ghosts one by one.
Some of the more powerful lightning strikes blew those vengeful ghosts into pieces.
At that moment, Shen Tian was also putting a lot of effort into his attacks. He continuously executed lightning fists as if he would never tire.
Every one of his lightning fists could destroy several vengeful ghosts in one strike, sending the remnants of those ghosts flying across the sky. It was very powerful.
He attracted the attention of many others.
“He is indeed the Divine Firmament Saint. His powers are extraordinary!”
“He is so much more powerful than our own disciples. The sacred grounds are indeed on a different level.”
“Even the Divine Firmament Saint has not given up, how can we? We must attack. d.a.m.n them all!”
The two sacred grounds’ counterattack was a morale booster to the grotto-heavens’ and blessed-lands’ cultivators. The fighting spirits of the troops rose.
Even if they died here, they would not let the Evil Spirit Sect win that easily. Regardless of the outcome, they would give them a good fight.
“You are just a bunch of Golden Core dirty ghosts, but you still dare to attack me?”
A domineering holler rang out from the crowd. The old Taoist priest covered in azure-colored flames shot out of the array formation. He was without fear as he charged straight into the swarming vengeful ghost army. His body was submerged in their thick, black aura.
“Supreme Ocean Staff: Rolling Clouds Pouring Rain!”
A rageful cry echoed through the air. An opening appeared in that swarming black aura.
Tens of thousands of staff afterimages shot out of the black aura, bringing with it a dazzling Azure Green Sky Flame. Countless vengeful ghosts were instantly torn to bits.
One could see an azure-colored figure fighting valiantly amongst the ghostly enemies through that opening. None of the vengeful ghosts could fend against his powerful attacks.
“He is indeed Senior Brother Chu. He is still able to exert such dominance even when immersed in that army!”
Even as Heavenly Venerable Scarlet Dance was contributing all her strength to the Jade Mirror to defend against the waves of vengeful ghosts, she didn’t neglect to admire Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ actions.
Her eyes sparkled.
However, Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ dominant run didn’t last very long. This was because his showy manner soon attracted the attention of even more ghostly soldiers.
Their endless malevolent aura started to completely devour Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus. It was like a fast-moving black tornado, utterly trapping Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus right inside.
Hidden within that black aura tornado were countless Golden Core vengeful ghosts, which attacked Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus relentlessly.
More importantly, the black aura tornado cut off all Spirit Qi, such that Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus was unable to draw on the energy of the outside world to replenish himself.
As a result, Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ Azure Green Sky Flame started to flicker.
Under the vicious kamikaze-style attacks of countless vengeful ghosts, Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus started to feel rather frantic now.
After all, trapped within that black aura tornado, he wasn’t being attacked by just eight or nine vengeful ghosts. He was being attacked by over 100 or even up to 1,000 ghosts!
“h.e.l.lo there, are you done?
“You guys look so pitiful. I will have mercy on you this time.
“d.a.m.n, I already said I am going to let you guys go. Why are you still fighting me? Let me out!
“I am not in good form right now. If you dare, let me go back to nourish myself first. I will come right back to kill you all!
“d.a.m.n, d.a.m.n, d.a.m.n! You are a Golden Core vengeful ghost. Can you have more dignity? Fight me if you must, but why must you bite me?
“Sucking my life essence? Do you think you are the only ones who know how to do that? I will gobble you up! Pfft, why does it taste like s.h.i.t!?
“You can’t bite me there! d.a.m.n, I will fight you, scoundrels, to the death!
“Junior Brother, save me, please. I can’t hold on anymore!”
...
Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ strident cries echoed through the crowd.
He was clearly trying to retreat but was being trapped by those vengeful ghosts.
Black teeth marks covered his entire body.
The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s eyes hardened. After performing some hand seals, a golden lightning bolt suddenly morphed into a divine light and shot straight out.
Boom!
The lightning divine light completely dispelled the black aura tornado.
Following that, the Mixed Divine Lightning continued on to sweep away all the vengeful ghosts surrounding Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus.
“Junior Brother, you are great! You are awesome! Three cheers for Junior Brother!”
Having a phobia now, Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus quickly transformed into a streak of azure divine light and shot out of his original spot.
His formerly pristine Taoist robe was now in tatters from being bitten by the vengeful ghosts. Bite marks covered his entire body.
Due to the Mixed Divine Lightning’s residual electricity, Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ hair was all standing straight up and smoking.
He looked rather pathetic.
Meanwhile, those swarming vengeful ghosts had finally made their way to the frontline of the cultivation sect allied troops.
Boom!
A powerful wind surged over like a ma.s.sive wave crashing down.
Even the fabrics of s.p.a.ce were distorted and torn as a large portion of the vengeful ghosts were vaporized by the backlash from those two array formations.
In the Divine Firmament’s protective array, lightning transformed into the divine beasts—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Crimson Phoenix, Black Tortoise, Soaring Snake, and so on. The beasts hollered into the skies as they battled the vengeful ghosts.
In the Jade Lake protective array, countless divine light morphed into various traditional musical instruments, which emitted powerful sound waves, forming a wide chasm that separated all the attacking ghosts.
The other cultivators from the grotto-heavens and blessed-lands were also giving their best efforts to fend off those vengeful ghosts.
But the number of vengeful ghosts was just too great. Although only a portion of the vengeful ghosts was able to attack the array formations at any one time, it was still a losing battle!
Before the cultivators could even catch their breath after the first batch of vengeful ghosts finished their attack, the second batch was already close behind.
The array formation shattered as it suffered wave after wave of continuous attacks.
Although the cultivation sect allied troops quickly formed a new array formation, the backlash from the first array formation’s breach had injured many of them.
Even with Heavenly Venerable White Lotus’ miraculous healing skills, she was still frantically trying to heal everyone.
...
Shen Tian’s face grew solemn as his companions started to fall one by one.
He had not rested for even a second. He had been continuously lashing out with his Nan Ming Li Fire-covered Divine Devouring Vine at those vengeful ghosts.
All the vengeful ghosts who came into contact with his vine were sliced in half and then burned to cinders by the Nan Ming Li Fire.
But the vengeful ghosts numbered in the tens of thousands, and Shen Tian’s contribution was but a drop in the ocean.
More vengeful ghosts would instantly surge forward to fill the s.p.a.ce left behind by their fallen comrades.
Kill, kill, kill!
Shen Tian entered into a wondrous and special state in that bloodbath.
The strange thumping of battle drums echoed in his mind as he felt his blood churning with exhilaration.
He exuded a faint golden glow which gradually turned brighter and brighter!
For a moment, he felt like he was in contact with a layer of membrane—a mysterious barrier.
This was the barrier to the Golden Body Third Refinement Stage. Previously, he was already close to attaining it. And now, he was just one step away!
While facing the all-encompa.s.sing black aura outside the array formation, Shen Tian stepped out. His Longyuan Divine Armor shed its low-profile look and resumed its original glory.
The golden armor dazzled with lightning swirling on the surface. Behind him, the avatar of the five howling divine beasts appeared.
At this moment, Shen Tian’s startling aura made him the center of attention. All eyes were turned toward him!
Shen Tian took another step forward. He was now right at the edge of the array formation. Just a couple of feet away from those vengeful ghosts.
Lifting his head, he could feel the surging evil aura.
His golden wings spread out behind him. They radiated with divine light and made him even more heroic and dashing.
“G.o.d of War Transformation: Heavy Water Transformation!”
Shen Tian’s hair turned silver-white, and his aura suddenly magnified. The air around him vibrated intensely when he clenched his right fist.
“Executing Heaven Sword, attack!!!”
The sound of his sword rang out clear across the skies, making all the other swords vibrate in the hands of the cultivators.
It was like they were shivering in fear!
A sword had suddenly appeared in Shen Tian’s hands. The blade looked like it was covered in a rippling sheen of water.
The sword vibrated slightly and produced a clear metal sound.
Its edge was so sharp that it even managed to cut the wind apart.
As Shen Tian held his Executing Heaven Sword, his golden wings suddenly spread open.
He morphed into a streak of golden light and shot toward the ma.s.sive vengeful ghost army.
...
Those vengeful ghosts had already been provoked by Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ earlier antics.
If the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader hadn’t personally intervened, Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus would not have found it that easy to escape.
Yet, Shen Tian still dared to attempt the same stunt. The vengeful ghosts were incensed.
Filth!
Strident ghastly shrieks rang out from the black aura cloud.
Countless wretched, malevolent, and hideous faces appeared in the thick aura cloud.
The aura cloud morphed itself into the shape of multiple knives, swords, axes, and pitchforks, all exuding terrifying dark yin energy. It surged straight toward Shen Tian.
“The Divine Firmament Saint is taking such a huge risk?”
“That’s tens of thousands of Golden Core vengeful ghosts! Isn’t he just committing suicide!”
“A pity that the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground finally found a Son Providence, but he is going to die today...”
Woeful comments spread throughout the crowd. The corners of Heavenly Venerable Azure Lotus’ lips twitched.
“That young punk. I already tried that earlier. Those vengeful ghosts are being controlled by hidden masterminds and have perfect coordination. No single person is able to break their formation. What’s he trying to do!?”
Heavenly Venerable White Lotus was very worried. “Sacred Leader, do call Tian’er back. It’s too dangerous.”
Unexpectedly, the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader didn’t look worried at all.
His heavenly aura rippled gently. “Don’t worry. Tian’er is the Son of Providence, and the heavens will protect him. He will never come to any harm.
“Perhaps, Tian’er is our only chance of breaking out of this predicament.”
Tian’er is our only chance of breaking out of this predicament?
Everyone frowned slightly at the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s words.
Shen Tian was just a Golden Body Perfected One. He was also much younger than the rest of them.
This was a deadly situation with tens of thousands of Golden Body vengeful ghosts. No one could imagine how Shen Tian would be able to turn the tide on his own!
“Just wait and see! Nothing is impossible for the Son of Providence.”
The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s voice remained mild and impa.s.sive.
Although one would find that statement doubtful, these words sounded so sure, so confident from his lips.
At that moment, a terrible shriek sounded out from that looming black aura cloud.
“Arh!”
A figure dropped down from the dark cloud as he shrieked.
Is it Shen Tian?
Everyone’s eyes hardened as they gazed at that figure. However, it wasn’t Shen Tian. It was someone dressed in a black robe.
He was holding a strange-looking black flag filled with lines of scripture. It looked extremely evil and malevolent.
“It’s a cultivator from the Evil Spirit Sect. He has been hiding amongst the vengeful ghosts and controlling them!”
The Evil Spirit Sect and cultivation sects had been battling for 10,000 years. The cultivation sects already knew most of the Evil Spirit Sect’s methods.
Amongst them was the Myriad Souls Sail. It was one of the evilest Dharma artifacts of the Evil Spirit Sect.
This kind of artifact could only be refined by a Heavenly Venerable of the Soul Formation stage and above. It could be used to control thousands of vengeful ghosts, to form all sorts of terrifying ghost arrays to attack and kill the enemy.
The most advanced Myriad Souls Sail could even be used to control tens of thousands of Nascent Soul vengeful ghosts. Even a Sage would find it difficult to fend against such an array formation.
Of course, this kind of advanced Myriad Souls Sail was extremely rare. You would be hard-pressed to find even one in the entire Evil Spirit Sect.
The Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerable whom Shen Tian had cut down was holding just a normal Myriad Souls Sail.
This Heavenly Venerable appeared to be severely injured. His left arm was broken, and the Myriad Souls Sail in his hand had been sliced in half.
“Arrogant punk. If not for the fact that we are in the All Are Equal Domain, I could easily squash you bunch of ants with just one finger!”
A reddish-golden figure appeared in mid-air.
The golden color was from the Longyuan Divine Armor and Feather Immortal Metal Wings.
The reddish light was from the Executing Heaven Sword.
Clang!
The Executing Heaven Sword sang as it lengthened into an ultra-long blood-red ma.s.sive sword.
Following that, it swung straight down on that Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerable, pinning him to the ground. His physical body dissolved into nothing.
A ball of essence energy emerged and frantically tried to return to the dark aura cloud.
A pity that compared to the Feather Immortal Metal, it was moving just too slowly.
Shen Tian’s body flashed and stood in front of that ball of essence energy. He kicked the ball after raising his leg and sent it flying straight toward the cultivation sect allied troops.
“Well done, Tian’er!”
The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s lightning and heavenly aura dazzled. He formed some hand seals, and a golden sutra book appeared in his hands.
The ball of essence energy was sucked straight into the sutra book, where it became completely defenseless.
...
“He was actually able to find a completely-masked controller amongst the tens of thousands of ghostly soldiers.”
“This young man is so strange. We can never let him come near us!”
Hidden in the black aura cloud were the Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables, their faces pallid.
These vengeful ghosts were able to move with such perfect coordination because they were under their control.
If they all lost their Myriad Souls Sails, not only would they be unable to form such a powerful army, but the backlash from those vengeful ghosts would also be enough to give those Heavenly Venerables a headache.
“Use all efforts to destroy that kid!”
Several Heavenly Venerables came to a decision as they stood within the black aura cloud.
Most of the mighty ghost army continued to charge toward the array formation of the cultivation sect allied troops, hoping to break the formation as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, a smaller portion came together to form a spine-chilling evil tornado, spiraling straight toward Shen Tian.
“There might be a lot of ghosts, but too bad that every single one is so weak. There’s no way you can stop my advance.”
Shen Tian had his Executing Heaven Sword in hand. Although he hadn’t practiced any advanced sword skills, the basics of all fighting techniques were the same. The only thing different was the shape of the weapon.
A strange reddish sword light swirled as countless divine blades appeared behind Shen Tian in a devastatingly powerful avatar.
“I have found you all!”
Shen Tian held a teasing smile as his golden wings flapped.
His speed was beyond that of a Golden Body pract.i.tioner. He looked as if he had teleported through s.p.a.ce.
Countless vengeful ghosts surged toward Shen Tian, but none of them were able to touch him. In the blink of an eye, Shen Tian was gone.
A man needs to be fast!
His Executing Heaven Sword slashed all vengeful ghosts in his way in half.
Ah!
Tens of thousands of sword aura rained down like a thunderstorm, piercing straight through one of the Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables hiding amongst the vengeful ghost army. His Myriad Souls Sail was shredded.
Having lost his Myriad Souls Sail, the Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerable lost control of the surroundings vengeful ghosts that pounced on him.
If he had been at his real cultivation level, that Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerable would have no need to fear those Golden Core vengeful ghosts at all. As many ghosts as there were, he would still be able to escape in one piece.
But everyone in the All Are Equal Domain had their cultivation levels suppressed to the Golden Core stage. After the physical body of that Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerable was destroyed, all that was left was his essence energy. He was completely defenseless.
In just a short period of time, those vengeful ghosts had gobbled up his physical body and essence energy.
Shen Tian didn’t stop even then. Following Ye Qingcang’s instructions, he continued to pursue the other Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables hidden amongst the ghost army.
With the Longyuan Divine Armor protecting his body, Shen Tian’s defenses were mind-numbingly powerful.
With the Feather Immortal Metal Wings, Shen Tian’s speed was so fast that none could catch him.
With the Divine Devouring Vine’s restoration abilities, Shen Tian did not have to worry about being drained of his energy and powers.
With the Executing Heaven Sword, both humans and ghosts were sliced in half anywhere the blade went.
...
At this moment, Shen Tian looked like a domineering G.o.d of War, dashing and formidable.
Even the Jade Lake Sacred Leader’s face was full of shock.
The Divine Firmament Sacred Ground is truly blessed to have such an exceptional cultivator!
Little Spirit Fairy had once told the Jade Lake Sacred Leader that Shen Tian had previously gone with her to obtain Spirit Venerable Divine Water’s legacy. As a result, he had formed an unbreakable bond with the Jade Lake Sacred Ground.
At that time, the Jade Lake Sacred Leader had still felt rather doubtful.
After all, a prodigy was nothing to the Jade Lake Sacred Ground.
But as more and more stories about Shen Tian reached her ears, she started to understand.
Now, seeing Shen Tian in his divine get-up and his exceptionally powerful battle prowess, the Jade Lake Sacred Leader felt a deep sense of envy.
Why? Why did our ancestors set that no-male disciple rule!?
If not for that, Shen Tian would have joined the Jade Lake Sacred Ground after forming that unbreakable bond with them.
Just because of that stupid rule, our sacred ground missed out on this exemplary prodigy who is on par with Huang Shi!
“No, no, no. Shen Tian’s talents are so exceptional. We cannot miss out on it!”
The Jade Lake Sacred Leader secretly started to scheme.
Amongst all the sect disciples, Ling’er and Shen Tian are the closest to one another.
In that case, I will promote Ling’er to this generation’s Jade Lake Saintess when I return. Thereafter, I will find an auspicious date to bind the two of them together.
Yes! Since I can’t have you as my disciple, I will have you as my son-in-law!
I am hitching my wagon to his, no matter what!
...
The Jade Lake Sacred Leader was not the only one scheming.
Of course, Shen Tian himself had no idea what those cultivators were thinking. He was fully focused on killing off those Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables.
No matter how deep those Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables tried to hide, he managed to find and kill every single one of them.
He was full of exhilaration.
Why? Wasn’t the reason obvious enough?
All along, Shen Tian had held back as he was of a low level.
But now, the Lifeless King had inadvertently helped him by suppressing everyone’s cultivation levels to the Golden Core stage.
Inside the All Are Equal Domain, even the Evil Spirit Sect members themselves were no exception.
Shen Tian finally knew what it was like to dominate over all.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
...
Seven.
Eight.
Soon, Shen Tian killed all eight Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables.
Three of them had their essence energy taken by Shen Tian, while the other five had their essence energy swallowed by those vengeful ghosts. It was rather apt retribution.
Meanwhile, as he battled on, Shen Tian could feel that faint barrier breaking.
Battles would forever be the fastest way to progress. Shen Tian had finally reached the Golden Body Third Refinement Stage. His physical body became stronger by another level.
Shen Tian enjoyed this battle very much!
...
“Not bad, not bad. You managed to clear out all those rats so quickly.”
Ye Qingcang’s voice rang out in his mind.
Shen Tian smiled. “This is all thanks to your instructions.”
Ye Qingcang smiled. “Your current battle prowess is already comparable to when I was younger. Continue to work hard.”
Shen Tian was slightly taken aback. He then nodded his head. “I will continue to work hard!”
At that moment, the tide suddenly turned again.
The out-of-control vengeful ghosts seemed to grow more powerful after swallowing those Evil Spirit Sect Heavenly Venerables.
They restarted their attack against the cultivation sect allied troops!