Chapter 528: The Might to Uproot Mountains

As he took a step forward, a ripple spread through the surrounding void around Meng Qi.

Faintly, Guo Tianshi seemed to see lightning flashing, thunder roaring, winds rising and clouds swirling, the sun rising in the east, and brilliant stars shining. The heavens and earth were disturbed as if flesh, skin, and acupoints had created subtle illusions, resembling inner visions and illusory forms.

Guo Tianshi closed his eyes briefly, relying purely on his perception. He sensed that Meng Qi’s blood and qi were extremely vigorous, as if containing successive suns within his body, continuously igniting and surging upward, as though striving to pierce the skies, yet restrained by his physical form, only able to affect the immediate vicinity.

However, even from a distance, Guo felt pain, as if his very soul was being scorched by Meng Qi’s blood and qi.

What a terrifying body!

Even a demon that had initially refined its primal blood might not be able to match such a physical form!

Upon hearing Meng Qi’s words, Zhu Kui was momentarily stunned before narrowing his eyes slightly and speaking in a calm tone: “Do you truly wish for this old man to take action?”

The previous changes in heaven and earth were indeed shocking, causing him to feel astonishment. Yet upon reflection, most of it was due to Meng Qi’s use of pure physical strength without employing Daoist techniques or activating mechanisms. In terms of actual essence and scope, those like Chen Zongzhe, who had obtained the “Rain Duke” secret artifact, or Wu Zongzhe, who had obtained the “Wind Master” secret artifact, could achieve similar feats. His own “Zhu Long” merely excelled less in this aspect. When it came to actual combat, he might not lose to anyone!

The martial artists watching from outside inhaled sharply, their bodies trembling with excitement slightly subsiding. Could it be that Su Xiansheng was directly challenging Zhu Long, Zhu Kui?

Although Meng Qi had just displayed divine-like abilities, inspiring admiration, excitement, and reverence, the term “Zongzhe” had accumulated authority over tens of thousands of years, deeply rooted in their hearts. They dared not oppose it or even look directly at it, believing only a Zongzhe, Tianshi, or perhaps a Shenshi or Zhenren could defeat such a figure. Even the most accomplished martial artists seemed unable to achieve that.

For a moment, they felt uneasy.

Meng Qi laughed heartily, lifting his right foot upward and stepping directly into the empty air as if an invisible staircase lay ahead: “Zhu Zongzhe, are you afraid to fight?”

Jiang Zhiwei felt her eyelid twitch. The little monk had once jokingly said he had “filled his taunt skill bar.” She had never quite understood what that meant, but now she seemed to grasp it slightly.

“Don’t regret it,” Zhu Kui said calmly.

Zhu Long soared higher, preparing to attack from above.

Guo Tianshi, Guo Feihu, suddenly spoke up: “Both of you, wait a moment. Once Zhu Long attacks, not only the inn but the surrounding streets will be difficult to escape unscathed. Before long, the entire Yongzhou City would be destroyed. Allow this humble Daoist to set up a formation first to contain the aftermath.”

This interruption seemed to disrupt the momentum both fighters had built up, but Meng Qi was unfazed, smiling and saying: “Tianshi Guo’s consideration is thorough. I could not have done better myself.”

Meanwhile, the martial artists watching saw Meng Qi slowly ascending into the air and then hovering there, once again stunned into silence:

“L-L-L-Lingering across the void…”

This was the symbol of martial cultivation reaching the divine level—something imaginative martial artists had only dreamed of after reaching the “pinnacle” of their cultivation, a feat to rival the achievements of cultivators and Mechanists. Now, seeing it truly manifest before their eyes, their hearts were filled with countless shocks and reflections.

Guo Tianshi took out several formation flags embroidered with cloud patterns, tossing them outward, where they landed around the inn’s plaza.

Though Meng Qi appeared to be locked in a gaze with Zhu Kui, he was actually sensing the surrounding energy shifts through his connection with heaven and earth, wary of Guo secretly setting up a deadly formation.

Though he was not skilled in formations, his ability to sense the flow of cosmic energy and the danger-detecting instincts of the “Eight and Nine” allowed him to perceive some of its mysteries. Smooth energy flows felt natural, stagnant energy felt congealed; life had a sense of vitality, while killing intent carried a deadly aura.

Shortly afterward, the formation was completed. The martial artists peering from outside noticed a slight blur in their vision, as if a faintly rippling transparent water curtain had appeared between them and the plaza.

“This is better. Now I won’t have to hold back,” Zhu Kui patted the dragon’s back.

“Haha, I feel the same,” Meng Qi laughed aloud, suddenly moving forward, thudding heavily as he ran up the invisible “staircase” toward Zhu Long.

The Zhu Long, its scales golden yellow and skin bright red, lowered its head sharply. As its mouth opened, the surrounding air became extremely hot, distorting the vision and making everything seem like an illusion.

Roar!

A torrent of golden flame spewed forth, igniting the surrounding air currents. The all-encompassing blaze surged from every direction toward Meng Qi. Even outside the formation, the martial artists felt difficulty breathing—each inhalation felt like drawing in a thread of flame, scorching their lungs painfully.

What terrifying flames!

What terrifying Zhu Long!

They watched helplessly as the flames engulfed Meng Qi, leaving him seemingly no chance to evade, as golden fire fell upon his body.

Why doesn’t he run? As the thought arose, their pupils constricted. They saw the flames part, revealing a figure continuing to “run” toward Zhu Long.

A faint golden glow surrounded him, all the flames clinging to his exterior like an adornment!

Surrounded by golden flames, each step Meng Qi took exploded the air, creating a series of loud booms.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Watching Meng Qi charge relentlessly toward him, even the composed Zhu Kui couldn’t help feeling his spirit shaken!

This… this is still human?

Zhu Long extended its claw, dark crimson within, launching a red orb toward Meng Qi. Even from afar, one could sense the terrifying destructive intent contained within.

Guo Tianshi’s eyelid twitched, recalling a mountain peak that had once been blown apart.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Just as he thought Meng Qi would counter or dodge, Zhu Kui saw Meng Qi’s speed unchanged, his foot stomping on the void, exploding the air currents, charging directly toward the red orb.

Boom!

The transparent water curtain violently shook. The people outside were blown backward several steps by the shockwave.

Was Master Su alright? They instinctively worried.

As the formation activated, the chaotic air currents calmed, and the smoke dispersed. Before them, the entire plaza of the inn was reduced to shattered flagstones, in complete disarray.

Yet Su Xiansheng, his body glowing faintly golden, continued his aerial sprint. Puffs of air exploded behind him like blooming lotus flowers. Jiang Nü’e floated midair, her garments fluttering, while residual flames near her silently disintegrated.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Meng Qi was now nearly upon Zhu Long.

Zhu Kui’s pupils constricted. He had never encountered a fighter like this before. Even a Tianshi who had cast the Golden Armor Technique couldn’t possibly endure such punishment!

Zhu Long soared higher again, swinging its tail fiercely toward Meng Qi. The Gengjin essence on it gleamed, unleashing sword qi in all directions. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The ground suddenly bore countless deep holes!

Meng Qi charged straight ahead, his hands outstretched, surrounded by purplish lightning, exuding an aura of unyielding dominance.

Daring to withstand Zhu Long’s deadly strike? Connected to Zhu Long’s mechanical core, Zhu Kui couldn’t resist pouring in his full strength to show him the consequences!

At that moment, Meng Qi’s hands suddenly softened, shifting yin and yang, his body swaying slightly, narrowly avoiding Zhu Long’s tail. Then, two powerful, white hands landed on Zhu Long’s tail, enduring the torrent of sword qi, which clanged against them but could do nothing.

With a mighty shout, Meng Qi exerted force: “Move!”

As he shouted, his body expanded, reaching two zhang tall, his primordial energy converging, almost weaving laws and principles into its fabric. His muscles bulged, embodying the aesthetics of pure power.

After days of cultivation, Meng Qi had finally begun to grasp the “Law of Heaven and Earth” technique, testing it now!

“Move!”

His thickened arms, muscles taut, gripped Zhu Long’s tail and swung it with force!

Zhu Long’s golden glow flared, Zhu Kui’s veins bulging as he poured in all his strength, yet utterly unable to resist this immense force!

“Move!”

With another roar, Meng Qi swung Zhu Long itself down toward the ground.

Boom! The massive Zhu Long was slammed heavily into the ground by Meng Qi, a terrifying gale rolling outward. The transparent water curtain groaned, and several formation flags exploded outright!

Looking at Meng Qi, his hands gripping the giant dragon, his towering figure exuding might, not only the stunned martial artists outside but even Guo Tianshi showed clear signs of shock.

Jiang Zhiwei looked at the two-zhang tall Meng Qi, her eyes flickering with eager anticipation.

Zhu Long rolled, its body showing small cracks, one of its horns broken halfway, dangling from its head. It turned back, ready to unleash its true Solar True Fire, determined to fight to the death!

At this moment, Guo Tianshi released a palm thunder, striking nothing, jolting Zhu Kui back to his senses.

“The formation is broken. Stop fighting,” Guo Feihu said, still shaken.

This is the physical power of a cultivator?

Zhu Kui’s face darkened, his hair disheveled, glaring at Meng Qi.

Meng Qi dispersed the Law of Heaven and Earth, returning to his original form. His green robe fluttered, spotless and untainted, his lips curling into a slight smile: “Thank you, Zhu Zongzhe, for yielding.”

Zhu Kui took a deep breath: “This old man will report to Mo Palace as soon as possible and await the decision of the Shenshi. Please, Su Xiaoyou and Jiang Nü’e, stay here temporarily.”

Guo Feihu smiled: “This humble Daoist has already reported to the Sect Leader. Su Xiaoyou and Jiang Xiaoyou won’t have to wait long.”

After exchanging a few polite words, the two departed. The martial artists by the door exchanged glances, their bodies trembling intensely.

Even if they could learn just ten percent of Su Xiansheng’s skills, they would become like immortals!

How powerful was the “Zhu Long” secret artifact? How imposing was Zhu Kui’s name? Yet before Su Xiansheng, it was as if a child playing with his toy, being manipulated at will!

We martial artists can also become so extraordinary!

They one-sidedly romanticized the battle, recalling the feeling of masculine vigor and power. Unable to contain their emotions, disregarding the danger, they rushed into the inn together, directly kneeling before Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei.

As they were about to speak and plead, they saw Su Xiansheng ignoring them completely, hands behind his back, walking into the room. His green robe slightly swayed, without the slightest hesitation.

Their words stuck in their throats, leaving them momentarily stunned.

Inside the room, Jiang Zhiwei looked at Meng Qi with a light smile: “You’ve been watching them for a long time. You intended to enlighten martial artists here and gather moral and meritorious energy. Why leave without even glancing back?”

Meng Qi stood with his hands behind his back, smiling: “The Dao must not be easily transmitted.”

Within the deep, machinery-filled Mo Palace, several seemingly ordinary individuals sat in their respective seats.

“The man named Su Meng is indeed a cultivator. Based on his displayed strength, he could rank within the top ten among ‘Zongzhe’,” said an elderly man with hollow, dark eyes. “He is worth recruiting.”

“However, their origins are unclear. The South Sea frequently experiences earthquakes and tsunamis, swallowing old islands and creating new ones, making it difficult to investigate,” said a woman in a deep red dress. Her face was taut, expressionless, like a doll.

The hollow-eyed elder said: “Origins are not an issue, as long as they pose no harm and are willing to abide by the rules of the Mohists.”

Suddenly, a square-faced man spoke: “They first appeared at the foot of Huowu Mountain, and so did the evil cultivators. Could it be… could they be from outside?”

Instantly, all five fell silent.

“This matter remains unclear to us. Let’s see how the Myriad Phenomena Sect reacts,” the hollow-eyed elder sighed.

On a mountain peak filled with celestial birds, an old Daoist with white hair and a youthful face, wearing a jade hairpin, looked at a letter in his hand, pondering for a while before turning and walking into the grand hall, proceeding directly to the back.

Then, he activated the formation, stepped onto steps that materialized from thin air, and slowly descended.

After passing through several deadly arrays, he reached the end, where an ancient, weathered door was embedded. Various patterns were carved upon it.

The Daoist stopped before the door, extending his right hand as if to open it. Yet through the cold touch, he keenly sensed the extreme danger from the other side had not diminished in the slightest, just as it had been for many years.

Sighing, he shook his head and left.