Volcanic Age

Arrows weren't a significant threat to martial artists. However, they were vulnerable to the net of fire they encountered for the first time.

Exhausted from the fierce battle they had just fought, they had greatly depleted their qi and stamina.

Because of this, most couldn't withstand the rain of fire lances as they normally would. Although none of them died, many of them ended up seriously injured.

“Sichuan Tang Family!”

Zhou Xuchuan shouted as he cut down the warriors of the Ximen Family.

“Guard!”

The short phrase flustered the Sichuan Tang Family. They all looked as if they didn't understand what Zhou Xuchuan wanted.

"Follow me!"

Tang Hui flew through the surrounding guards.

Only then did the warriors of the Sichuan Tang Family move. To them, protecting Tang Hui was the priority in any situation.

Unlike the warriors of the Nangong Family, who already lost track of her, a dozen Sichuan Tang Family warriors ran forward as if their feet were on fire, quickly catching up with her. Zhou Xuchuan took the lead, followed closely by the Gold Will Sword Sect.

Then, the Sichuan Tang Family surrounded them, acting as their guard.

"Stop them!" Ximen Erjin shouted urgently.

“You dare!"

Nangong Caiying rushed in to prevent him from giving more orders.

"Destroy that thing!"

It wasn't just the Ximen Family who sensed the danger of the Multiple Fire Lance Launcher; the Evil Faction martial artists of the Evil Valley, who were surrounding them, sensed it too.

Zhou Xuchuan concentrated intensely as the enemy rushed in. He could almost sense the auras of everyone rushing in from all directions.

Woosh!

From the left, an Evil Faction martial artist thrust his spear forward. Zhou Xuchuan leaned forward and twisted his body slightly, his sword following the natural movement of his waist. With a swift, circular motion, his blade sliced through the Evil Faction martial artist. The rapidly approaching Evil Faction martial artist suddenly collapsed, his intestines spilling out.

"You brat!"

A barrage of attacks came without pause. He could see sabers flashing and emitting rays of light from three different directions. Looking at how fast and aggressive the techniques were, the new enemies had to be members of the Ximen Family.

"Is this the Triple Lightning Strike Saber?”

Although the technique had only three forms, as long as one imbued enough qi into each form, its strength was as vast as its technique simple.

This was the Ximen Family's most basic martial art.

Zhou Xuchuan gripped his sword tightly, his upper arm muscles swelling slightly as he held the hilt. He harnessed strength through his physical and internal cultivations, and his speed increased dramatically.

Flicker!

He deliberately simplified his technique and used the Fourteen Sword Forms of the Plum Blossom. Through his movements, he unleashed the first through the fourth forms.

Roadside Plum Blossom

Plum Blossom Butterfly

Plum Blossom's Seduction

Plum Blossom's Lead!

On the side of a road, a butterfly drifts through the wind. It begins to dance seductively, its beauty blooming like a flower and pulling one in.

Even if the enemy were to use the Triple Lightning Strike Saber, he was no match for a Harmony Realm Master.

Zhou Xuchuan's sword cut through the air, leaving an afterimage. It was only after the afterimage faded that the Ximen Family martial artists dropped to the ground, their blood staining the dirt.

In an instant, three people had lost their lives.

The Evil Faction martial artists trailing behind or nearby flinched as they tried to attack.

"It's been a while since I've seen that."

While Zhou Xuchuan's face wasn't visible, it was easy to imagine that he had a nostalgic expression on his face.

Before he regressed, he had fought against the Ximen Family during the Great War of Good and Evil.

There, he had experienced both the Triple Lightning Strike Saber and the Thunder and Lightning Saber Technique.

"The Fourteen Sword Forms of the Plum Blossom!”

“Look at the base of his sleeve!"

"It's a plum blossom! Is he from Mount Hua?!"

Zhou Xuchuan could hear martial artists talking about his sword technique. That was why he deliberately didn't use the Twenty-four Sword Forms of the Plum Blossom.

If today’s events became known, he wouldn't be able to avoid getting interrogated by the sect. So, he simplified the technique to avoid the hassle.

"Now, come!"

Except for the two who had the only Multiple Fire Lance Launcher left, the eight warriors of the Gold Will Sword Sect drew their swords and charged into battle.

Gold Will Sword Sect members were elite warriors, skilled enough to protect their own lives.

Chu Lian's performance was particularly outstanding. She moved like a whirlwind, evading every attack and countered with her quick swordsmanship.

Her title as one of the Ten Gale Swordsmen wasn't for nothing.

Ahem! How great!

Zhou Xuchuan was satisfied with the power of the Gold Will Sword Sect. It was the first time he had seen them fight like this.

While he had been a little concerned, it seemed his worries were unfounded. They fought so well, he didn't have to worry at all.

As expected, the Merchant King's skill in selecting people was truly amazing.

"Ugh!"

The Sichuan Tang Family was no exception when it came to combat prowess.

It wasn't just because they belonged to one of the Five Great Ancient Families. Tang Hui and her loyal guards actually had particularly high-level skills within the family.

Every time their sleeves billowed and hidden weapons flew out, screams erupted across the battlefield.

"Agk!"

Among them, Tang Hui stood out the most.

"Miss, please leave this to…"

"Move."

Tang Hui pushed Yuan Dashi aside and struck out with her palm. A quick, light strike hit the enemy's chest.

"Ugh!"

Although no one was thrown back or even moved after being hit by her palm, everyone hit by her palm was immediately paralyzed.

Someone eventually mustered up the strength to remove their robe and check where they got hit. Instead of a palm print, a lotus mark was imprinted right in the center of their chest.

“Crimson Lotus Poison Palm!”

It was a rare and famous technique of the Sichuan Tang Family.

"Cough, cough! I heard that the Poison Phoenix's techniques weren't ordinary, but I didn't expect them to be this…"

Tang Hui’s hand was merciless.

Everyone had rushed in, assuming she was a delicate flower, but she turned out to be a poisonous rose. Moreover, it wasn't just any ordinary poison; it was a deadly one. Each and every one of them lost their lives to her poison.

Tang Hui occasionally glanced at the Multiple Fire Lance Launcher as she struck down enemies with the Crimson Lotus Poison Palm.

Zhuge Shengji?

Tang Hui was also well-versed in intelligence. She knew the key figures of the murim, as well as the most talented of the younger generation.

However, she hadn't heard much about the creator of the Multiple Fire Lance Launcher, Zhuge Shengji.

Just who the hell is he that he could make something like this?

Tang Hui swallowed her doubts and focused on the battlefield.

"The Poison Phoenix is standing next to Mount Hua!”

"It's the Phoenix Slayer! He must be the Phoenix Slayer!"

"What? Phoenix Shitter?"

Zhou Xuchuan misheard the shouter and went on a rampage.

With every swing of his sword, two or three people fell, blood splattering the ground.

Swish, swish, squelch!

A light flashed and reflected on his sword blade. Every time his sword qi flew through the air, screams erupted all around. He fought countless enemies, but instead of growing tired, his momentum continued to grow stronger.

"Ugh… agk!"

"Just how much qi do you have?!”

"Just go and fucking die! You monster!"

While his companions were getting tired and their movements gradually slowed down, Zhou Xuchuan, on the contrary, charged forward like a storm and ran at full speed.

If he had just been running, it would have been different. However, he was flitting across the battlefield, trampling his enemies in every direction.

"Shoot it!" Zhou Xuchuan commanded the party behind him.

Chu Lian hesitated.

“Captain Zhou! Are you in your right mind?”

There were many of the Evil Valley warriors standing before them, but the problem was that Zhou Xuchuan was right in the middle of them.

“Hurry up!”

"Damn it, don't blame me if you die!"

Chu Lian raised her hand and clenched her fist.

"Quickly!"

One of the warriors braced the Multiple Fire Lance Launcher while another cut the long wick and lit it.

Although the Evil Valley warriors ahead noticed it, it was already too late. The wick had been cut so short that it caught fire in an instant.

Bang, bang, bang!

Around a hundred arrows shot out, raining down from the sky. The warriors on the sides of the group parted like waves, quickly moving to either side.

Those in the center, caught in the storm of fire lances, tried to dodge, but it was already too late.

The fire lances rained down, striking them from above.

"AGH!!!"

"Ugh!!!!"

"AHHHHHH!"

The unlucky ones were hit in the chest or head, while the fortunate few only took blows to the arms or legs.

Some of them used their weapons to deflect the arrows, but in doing so, those right next to them were either hit by random arrows coming out of nowhere or, worse, their blades.

Zhou Xuchuan half-heartedly swung his sword while covering his body with a thin layer of translucent defensive qi to block the arrows.

While he could also unleash a sword wind to deflect them all, he deliberately held back from doing so as it would also reduce the amount of casualties within the enemies.

“Impossible!!"

The group gaped in shock. Even Chu Lian, who had a rough idea about Zhou Xuchuan’s cultivation, seemed quite surprised this time.

I knew he was strong, but I didn't think he was this strong…

While Tang Hui was the only one who actually knew what realm Zhou Xuchuan had reached, this was the first time she had seen his cultivation in person.

Though she didn't stand there gaping like the others, she was still quite surprised.

"We've broken through!"

Zhou Xuchuan gestured with his chin, signaling the others to follow.

"Forward!"

Tang Hui took the lead, their companions following behind her.

Ximen Erjin's face twisted with frustration.

He hadn't bought enough time. Even with the Flower Scattering Palm, he couldn't predict what would happen if those people reached the peak.

More importantly, since he hadn't been able to see anything, he was concerned about the possibility that Zhou Xuchuan and his companions had defeated all of his allies in an instant, using sheer overwhelming force in one-on-one combat.

"Where do you think you're looking?"

Nangong Caiying’s voice cut through his thoughts, followed quickly by a sword.

"Damn it!"

Ximen Erjin cursed as he tried to swing his saber.

“Ugh!”

In battle, even between experts, taking your eyes off your opponent wasn't acceptable.

Ximen Erjin tried to deflect Nangong Caiying's sword with his saber, but it was already too late.

Although he twisted his body instinctively, Nangong Caiying's sword moved like lightning, cutting deep into his side. A burning pain surged through him, as if fire had scorched his flesh.

"Nangong Caiying you bastard!!"

Ximen Erjin refocused his attention on Nangong Caiying.

***

Meanwhile, up above, things were taking an unexpected turn.

"Damn it!" the Flower Scattering Palm shouted, his voice filled with frustration.

If things went according to plan, he should have been descending the Plateau with the Blood Muscle and Tendon Classic in his hands.

Those Righteous Faction children weren't a problem. It was the cultists who appeared all of a sudden that were frustrating him.

"If it's those brats of the Righteous Faction, we can kill them anytime!"

"Yeah, kill the Flower Scattering Palm first!"

The Demon Cult rushed in aggressively as if they had met their sworn enemies. So, in the end, the Flower Scattering Palm had to deal with them first. He left his subordinates to handle the Martial Alliance instead.

While the Flower Scattering Palm was relaxed at first, as time went on, he started to get agitated, as if he had ants inside of him.[1]

Who knew when the winner between Immortal Shang Ming and the Raging Fire Blood Demon would be decided? He also needed to buy time for his escape.

Even though it meant straining himself, he fought the Demon Cult with everything he had.

"Ugh!"

"Damn it, you Demon Cult lunatics who know nothing but pig-headed strength!"

After giving it his all, he was finally able to fend them off.

The more the Demon Cult was pushed back, the more they abandoned reason and relied on instinct. However, in return, their cultivation grew stronger.

The most annoying thing was that as their reserves of demonic qi grew, the less pain they felt, eventually just losing all care for their lives.

In the end, they all rushed in like they were deathsworn, making them difficult to fend off.

"Get out of my way!"

When the Flower Scattering Palm shouted, the Evil Valley warriors retreated.

"Hehe, to think the young generation of the Five Mount Sword Sects Alliance is still alive and well."

The Flower Scattering Palm's subordinates did a great job of preventing the Martial Alliance members from escaping. Although the damage they took to do so was severe, the Martial Alliance suffered just as much.

There were only about a dozen of the Alliance members left, most of them wounded and exhausted.

“I originally planned to kill every single one of you, but I’ll show you some special mercy. If you just give me the Blood Muscle and Tendon Classic, I’ll spare your lives.”

“Nonsense!” An Aiyuan answered without hesitation.

"Not only do we not believe you bastards, who lie as easily as eating rice, but do you really think we'd surrender it to you in the first place?"

Gao Canzheng added to An Aiyuan’s words.

“Hmph! It looks like you’re tired from fighting the Demon Cult, anyway. Fine, I'll give you the same offer!"

Guo Cai didn’t even blink an eye.

“Hehe.”

A laugh escaped the Flower Scattering Palm's lips.

"I showed you mercy since I was tired of fighting, to think you'd beg me to kill you…"

A dazzling light radiated from Flower Scattering Palm’s eyes. It was murderous bloodlust that was incomparable to before.

“Hmph! Did you think we'd be scared if you said that?”

Gao Canzheng snickered, stepping forward. The Mount Tai Sect disciples behind him were startled and tried to stop him, but he ignored them.

"Haven't you all realized that the Flower Scattering Palm is exhausted from fighting the Demon Cult? He's definitely bluffing—"

Before he could finish, the Flower Scattering Palm lunged forward, closing the distance in an instant.

"Ugh!"

Gao Canzheng was surprised and tried to swing his sword. However, his efforts were futile.

The Flower Scattering Palm had already grabbed him by the neck.

Cough, cough!

Gao Canzheng clawed at the Flower Scattering Palm’s wrist, desperately trying to break free, but it was no use.

"You dare?! Let him go!"

"To think you'd attack while we're talking! You should be ashamed of yourself!" Guo Cai and An Aiyuan shouted.

"Aw, tsk, tsk, tsk. Looks like those idiots still haven't figured out what's going on. I'm not even angry anymore; it's just so pitiful. Just how did they live this long… huh?"

Swish!

The Flower Scattering Palm gasped as he jumped back. A long sword scar cleaved through the ground he had just been standing on.

"Who are you?!"

The Flower Scattering Palm turned his head to the side.

“Mount Hua Sect.”

At the end of his gaze stood a young man holding a sword.

“Zhou Xuchuan.”

1. Lit. His insides began to dry up like a desert. ☜