Chapter 370: Thunder and Embers

Rumbling clouds gathered as spring thunder rolled in. What began as a gentle spring drizzle quickly escalated to a torrential downpour.

Bean-sized droplets hammered the glasshouse atop the White Jade Plaza, bouncing relentlessly as if imbued with life, causing the roof to undulate with sounds like sizzling beans.

Each distinct drop pounded onto the exposed plaza, the water creating rippling circles across the surface like a radiant lake.

Meanwhile, the rain-soaked battle had drawn to its closing act.

With an explosion of water splashed into a fine mist, a figure crashed to the ground, leaving a spray of deep, crimson blood.

Even in a fledgling dragon contest, combat was unavoidably brutal – how could any fight be free of bloodshed?

Everyone charged toward victory, knowing that only ruthless force could clinch a win.

If mercy towards the enemy cost you the match, that three-thousand-year Paotao you sacrificed would be lost in an instant.

Compassion for your foe was directly converted into a sharp, unforgiving blade when your own interests were at stake!

It slashed through the enemy, drawing vivid streaks of blood as it went.

Qianyuan Divine Sect – Main Banquet Area.

Tables were set in neat rows, with half-devoured feasts laid out. Young eunuchs and palace maids hustled about,

balancing oil-paper umbrellas as they reemerged from the Divine Temple of the First City in Divine Capital, carrying sumptuous dishes to satiate the banquet attendees.

Li Che frowned as he held XiXi close, watching her gorge on the freshly presented feast. Zhang Ya stood by, continuously serving her extra helpings so she wouldn’t leave hungry.

Yet Li Che couldn’t shake the image of the Great Jing Emperor’s gaze just moments earlier.

A half-smile mingled with curiosity, admiration, and something strange in that look—

That gaze made Li Che’s heart tighten ever so slightly.

Could it be that the Emperor has designs on XiXi?

It wasn’t surprising for Li Che to wonder, having once raised XiXi himself. He had witnessed too many instances of both admiration and persecution directed at her.

Naturally, his feelings turned wary.

Now that XiXi was performing exceptionally well, Li Che felt even more anxious.

Yet it was just nervousness—he had gained confidence. No longer was he the laborer seeking refuge in a dilapidated shack back in Feilei City.

Not to mention that XiXi was not only the prized protégé of Lü Taibai, the sect leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect, but her status as the young heir of the sect spared her much harassment and threat.

Of course, new dangers would surely accompany this newfound status.

But even so, Li Che now had the resolve and daring to shield his daughter from any threat!

Even if—if the opponent were the Emperor himself!

Regardless of the Emperor’s enigmatic glance, Li Che’s heart pounded with apprehension.

After all, not long ago, Ji Mo Li had seduced Consort Ji into entering the Divine Temple of the First City, persuading her to issue an edict to betroth XiXi to the Third Prince…

The past was notorious, which made Li Che all the more alert.

Though recently Ji Mo Li had been skulking with Huang Mei in cahoots, Li Che knew her movements all too clearly—but he feared she might secretly communicate with the Great Jing Emperor at any moment.

When threats against his daughter arose, Li Che deliberately imagined the worst, so that he’d be fully prepared when disaster struck.

Even if the threat came from the Emperor—so what?!

Li Che clutched his wine cup and took a long swig.

Lotus Pavilion – Main Banquet Area.

National Teacher Xie Yunshen delicately picked up a meatball drenched in rich sauce with his chopsticks, savoring the delectable Paotao banquet dishes with immense pleasure.

Although a man of humble attire, as National Teacher he still held high authority, yet he lived very frugally.

The fare was simple, designed only to briefly satisfy one’s hunger.

“What a superb dish – meat from a rare beast minced with spirit rice flour creates meatballs that capture texture while compensating for the spirit meat’s lack of vitality,” he commented.

“Delicious, absolutely delicious,”

National Teacher Xie Yunshen exclaimed in admiration.

Beside him, Lu Chi quietly enjoyed his meal. As a prince excluded from dining with the Emperor and Empress, he felt little sorrow, having long grown accustomed to it.

Yet Lu Chi’s spirit rebelled.

A surge of indignation built within him, eager to be unleashed.

“Your Highness, try this meatball. Don’t overthink it—relax. Even without backing from an aristocratic family, aren’t you easing into alliances with the top and second-tier clans of Divine Capital? With enough support, you might even compete with the other three princes.”

National Teacher Xie Yunshen rolled up his sleeves and personally served Lu Chi a generous helping.

Startled, Lu Chi snapped back to attention and quickly bowed in courtesy.

The Teacher smiled and then shifted his gaze toward the banquet table where the Great Jing Emperor sat.

There, the Emperor directed his inscrutable glance, and National Teacher Xie Yunshen lowered his chopsticks and bowed slightly.

The Emperor’s face, shrouded in a haze of vitality and divinity, was inscrutable, his emotions hidden deep beneath layers of mystery.

After a brief nod, the Emperor averted his eyes.

A slight smile played upon the National Teacher’s wrinkled face as he looked back at Lu Chi, his gaze gleaming with a flicker of determination.

Meanwhile, as Lu Chi sampled the spiced spirit meat meatballs personally served by Xie Yunshen, the eyes of the Emperor and Empress as well as those of the three princes at the banquet converged on him.

The First Prince, Lu Yousheng, with his shock of white hair and an aged demeanor, merely glanced and shook his head before returning to his meal.

He had waited for this crown for so many years——

Even at the cost of his divine progeny, he had long abandoned any real hope of competition, while the Second Prince, Lu Hengyi, and the Third Prince, Lü Litong, fixed their sharp gazes upon Lu Chi.

Interacting with the National Teacher and earning his favor, they sensed that Lu Chi—this young cub—was readying to flex his claws.

His defiant spirit was on full display.

With a sneer, Third Prince Lü Litong quipped, “Trash. Always trash. You think cozying up to the National Teacher earns you a seat at the table?”

“What a pity—the National Teacher has no real cultivation. He’s only been appointed because the Father needs him to suppress rival sects,”

he continued, “The Teacher is nothing but a tool in His Majesty’s arsenal.”

Lü Litong downed a sip of fine wine, then turned his attention to the silent figure beside him—Han Sixi, who blended into the background as if part of the air.

Lü Litong smirked, “Han Diao Si, wouldn’t you agree?”

Han Diao Si lowered her gaze in respect and curtsied, “Your Highness… I dare not speak out of turn about the National Teacher.”

Lü Litong chuckled softly, “Today the National Teacher serves the Father’s blade; tomorrow, it might well be mine.”

“Lu Chi, if you think you can use the Father’s blade to seize power ahead of time, you’d better not fear its retaliatory strike.”

Lü Litong laughed coldly, his sharp eyes flickering as he looked at the Second Prince, Lu Hengyi.

That Second Prince was Lü Litong’s true rival.

Though the First Prince was experienced and aged, his advanced years were a liability.

If the Father were willing to designate him Crown Prince, why wait for the time of the two prodigies?

The Third Prince’s gaze swept across the assembly and then shifted to the Qianyuan Divine Sect area.

A flash of unusual color shimmered in his eyes.

“That Li Nuǎnxi—she even defeated the fledgling dragon Zhang Yunhuang of Purple Mansion Divine Sect. Quite unexpected. Her talent is… impressive,”

he mused, “And she’s the young heir of Qianyuan Divine Sect—if only she were a bit older, things might be different.”

“My second brother would surely fancy such a little girl,”

The Third Prince chuckled.

Han Sixi, who had been looking down all along, suddenly lifted her gaze and grumbled, “Your Highness, you shouldn’t say that—”

“What’s there to fear? If my second brother can act, why should anyone dare criticize?” The Third Prince laughed.

Han Sixi once again lowered her eyes, remaining silent.

Yet her eyes betrayed a readiness to pounce.

It seemed that before long she would strike a backstab on the Third Prince to claim credit for her deed!

“Our family—”

“I can’t wait!”

The heavy rain roared on.

In the third round of the fledgling dragon contest, as the final battle ended, the six qualifying spots for the fourth round were finally decided.

Each of these six young dragons would earn a five-thousand-year Paotao reward.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, two of the fledgling dragons chose to withdraw.

They were a disheveled white-clad girl from the South Sea Purple Bamboo Forest and a young dragon from the Dragon God lineage.

Both opted to take the five-thousand-year Paotao, giving up the chance to challenge further.

This left only four spots in the fourth round.

They were: Li Nuǎnxi of Qianyuan Divine Sect’s top fledgling, Stone Xuan of True Martial Divine Sect, Zhang Yunhu of Purple Mansion Divine Sect’s second fledgling, and Zhang Yunlong, Purple Mansion Divine Sect’s top fledgling.

In a twist, Purple Mansion Divine Sect managed to secure two of the four spots!

When the list was announced, even the dignitaries and influential families from the Second City couldn’t help but sigh quietly.

Not to mention the throngs of martial artists from the Third City.

“I expected it—the champion of this fledgling dragon contest seems to be from Purple Mansion Divine Sect again.”

“No wonder—the cultivation method of Purple Mansion Divine Sect is so underhanded. They train prodigies from a young age by intertwining their fates with the Temple Spirit, feeding it with essence and divinity to channel its power.”

“Claiming invincibility among peers, the Temple Spirit essentially makes them unbeatable in this contest.”

“Had Li Nuǎnxi of Qianyuan Divine Sect not defeated Zhang Yunhuang, three of the top four spots might have already belonged to Purple Mansion Divine Sect!”

An impressed murmur echoed throughout.

At the heart of White Jade Plaza,

flashes of radiant energy erupted, swirling continuously in the sky.

They were four threads of divine essence.

At the center of White Jade Plaza, standing with hands folded over his abdomen, the venerable Purple-Clad Diao Si declared in a booming voice, “In this fourth round of the fledgling dragon contest, the victor will earn one five-thousand-year Paotao.”

After his resounding statement,

a hush fell over both the Second and Third Cities.

A five-thousand-year Paotao!

Its inherent power was vast—its life-extending properties might not match a nine-thousand-year Paotao, but they were far from ordinary!

Yet for the four fledgling dragons on stage, this five-thousand-year Paotao might remain unattainable.

Only by winning the fourth round could one claim it.

Victory here would lead to the contested fight for the top spot in the fifth round!

Once the fifth round began—

who would willingly give up?

Everyone would opt to battle on, leaving the five-thousand-year Paotao sacrificed and unreachable.

Unless the two Purple Mansion fledglings clashed internally in the fifth round, allowing the second fledgling, after winning in round four, to directly claim the five-thousand-year Paotao.

In that case, Purple Mansion Divine Sect could secure both a five-thousand-year and a nine-thousand-year Paotao—maximizing their gains!

The four streams of divine essence from Xi Wangmu’s Temple Spirit whirled by at breakneck speed, interweaving in a dazzling display!

Everyone’s eyes fixed on them, anxiety mounting.

Even Li Che and Lü Taibai felt a twinge of tension.

After all, it would determine who XiXi would face next round.

“They’re all tough opponents—none of them are easy to beat. In a head-to-head comparison, XiXi just can’t match them in raw might.”

Lü Taibai took a sip of his wine and shook his head.

Beside Li Che, XiXi angrily waved her chicken leg, protesting,

“How can you say that about your own protégé?!”

XiXi’s lack of strength was, in her view, a consequence of her master’s poor teaching!

“Stone Xuan of True Martial Divine Sect may be just fifteen, but he’s already breached the apex realm of the Three Flowers. It’s truly awe-inspiring for someone of his age,”

Lü Taibai continued, “What’s more, the blood and lives stained on his hands speak volumes.”

He added, “And as for Purple Mansion Divine Sect—

the second and first fledglings are clearly superior to Zhang Yunhuang.”

“XiXi, the odds aren’t in your favor—”

“Don’t worry, consider it a trial. Later, when your master enters the Bizarre Temple of Xi Wangmu, he’ll pluck a bounty of Paotaos for you!”

Lü Taibai’s face lit up with a rare, brilliant smile.

Even someone as composed as he could only break into such a grin in front of his beloved daughter and cherished disciple.

Li Che gently tousled XiXi’s hair, his eyes sparkling as he produced a Qian Kun Jade and handed it to her.

“If our raw strength is lacking, we’ll bolster our finesse instead—

“They’re far stronger than you. Father grants you permission to set off fireworks.”

Li Che laughed.

Hearing this, XiXi suddenly found her chicken leg far less appealing; her eyes shone bright, as if fireworks were bursting inside her pupils!

“Thank you, Father! I love fireworks more than anything!”

Excitedly, XiXi leapt up, wrapping her arms around Li Che’s neck, and planted a big, sloppy kiss on his cheek.

Exasperated, Li Che scooped up the giggling little girl and tossed her back into her mother’s embrace.

Meanwhile, above the White Jade Plaza, four streams of divine essence collided in a dazzling display.

All eyes were fixed upward.

Two threads interwove into a sweeping panorama like an unfolding scroll!

The first match had its two contenders…

Stone Xuan, the top fledgling of True Martial Divine Sect!

A resolute young man with a buzz cut and metal rings encasing his arms; not overly bulky, but every muscle was defined.

And his opponent—

Zhang Yunlong, the top fledgling of Purple Mansion Divine Sect!

Amid a tapestry of divine energies, a green-robed Taoist leaning on a peachwood sword and carrying a peachwood sword casket, his eyes cold and looking down from above.

A murmur of astonishment echoed.

The appearance of the first duel’s combatants signaled the matchups for the second round as well.

In the second match, XiXi was pitted against Zhang Yunhu, the second fledgling of Purple Mansion Divine Sect!

As the divine panorama unfolded like a scroll, the pairings for the fourth round became clear!

“Oh my—this is like two major sects challenging the top sect!”

“True Martial Divine Sect isn’t weak at all. Their fighters are rugged men who defend Tongyou Road and charge headlong against Great Li Wangting’s cavalry. Each has forged their iron will through life-and-death battles.”

“There’s real spectacle here. If other sects haven’t tasted blood or slain foes, we might believe them—but a True Martial dragon who hasn’t sported a Great Li cavalry head as a trophy can’t be called a fledgling!”

“Qianyuan Divine Sect and True Martial Divine Sect—two major sects’ fledglings now duel against Purple Mansion Divine Sect!”

An uproar broke out, bubbling over like an explosion.

The city walls of the Third City practically boiled over, and even as the spring rain grew heavier and fiercer, nothing could quench the martial artists’ fervor.

And the stakes of this battle were raised even higher.

Although many hoped for an underdog upset, nearly everyone bet on the Purple Mansion fledglings to triumph.

Compared to XiXi and even Stone Xuan of True Martial Divine Sect, more people placed their trust in them.

True Martial Divine Sect – Main Banquet Area.

Shi Jian, clad in black armor with his helmet removed to reveal his buzz cut—like all disciples of True Martial Divine Sect—exuded a rugged determination.

Lü Taibai and Li Che exchanged glances.

Shi Jian shook his head with a wry smile, “Difficult.”

“Stone Xuan is impressive, but a battle against a Purple Mansion dragon is like facing the Temple Spirit itself. Even not losing would be a tall order.”

Yet Shi Jian’s eyes drifted back to White Jade Plaza.

With a resounding clang, Stone Xuan, clad in light armor with five metal rings on each arm, rose and clasped his fists in salute to Shi Jian.

“Sect Leader, I’m coming!”

“Do your best. Our disciples of True Martial Divine Sect aim to subdue those of Great Li Wangting—”

Shi Jian remarked.

Stone Xuan flashed a grin, then shifted his footing. In an instant, his body propelled forward like an arrow,

entering White Jade Plaza as torrents of rain split apart under the force of his overwhelming Qi.

Boom!!!

As his feet struck the ground, water splashed and rippled outward.

Stone Xuan extended his arms and threw a fierce punch; the five metal rings on his arm clanged together as if set off by an explosion.

A burst of golden, mighty qi erupted!

Pure Martial Arts?!

At that moment, a roar of astonishment broke out.

Not only in the Third City but even the dignitaries sheltered under the canopies gasped in surprise.

Even the Emperor and Empress at the main banquet stole glances.

That golden qi could only be attained through Pure Martial cultivation.

Yet nowadays, pure martial warriors were exceedingly rare.

“It isn’t pure martial, but it is True Martial—and it’s nearly pure. The divine martial blood here is but a few strands, purer than even Shi Jian’s.”

Clad in simple robes, National Teacher Xie Yunshen squinted, nodding in appreciation.

“As expected of True Martial Divine Sect—the most hassle-free of them all.”

Xie Yunshen held the sect in high regard. As long as the people behind True Martial Mountain remained, their sect would hold fast.

Their only enemies were the barbarians outside True Martial Mountain!

Even Xie Yunshen couldn’t help but respect that.

At that moment, every eye was fixed on the unfolding battle, absorbing every detail.

Suddenly, torrential rain hit Stone Xuan’s body, evaporating into white steam under the force of his explosive qi.

Apex Three Flowers Grandmaster…

The true Three-Flower True Gang!

As Stone Xuan’s golden qi flared with fiery, dancing True Gang, a crushing pressure swept over the area, as if even the falling raindrops were slowed.

“Pure Martial? Not bad. Interesting,”

a faint, amused laugh resounded.

From the Purple Mansion Divine Sect’s main banquet area, a figure in flowing green robes—

a young Taoist with his headband secured by a dried twig and carrying a peachwood sword casket—stepped forward gracefully.

Countless raindrops clustered around him as if frozen by a formidable divine aura, hanging in midair like suspended pearls.

He moved as though carried on a breeze, his robe swirling with an ethereal, otherworldly grace.

He resembled a luminous, warm, polished jade.

“Zhang Yunlong—”

Staring at the young Taoist, Stone Xuan felt an invisible pressure settling upon him,

slowing the flow of his Qi.

In all his battles, Zhang Yunlong rarely had to exchange more than three moves.

“Come!”

“Fight!”

“Show me what the top fledgling of the top sect is truly made of!”

Stone Xuan advanced heavily,

covering the plaza with rapid strides, splashing up water with every determined step.

Boom!

Landing heavily like a tiger descending a mountain, he burst forth in front of Zhang Yunlong, and a long halberd materialized in his hand.

The golden qi coiled around the halberd like lightning as it was suddenly whipped out, unleashing a terrifying gust of wind that slammed into Zhang Yunlong’s face!

“Thud!”

A crisp collision rang out.

The explosive sound wave, like crashing tides, shattered the suspended raindrops.

A slender peachwood sword, barely the size of a palm, floated in the air between Zhang Yunlong’s falling hairs,

blocking Stone Xuan’s devastating halberd.

In Stone Xuan’s eyes, golden light burst forth as, in the very next moment, one of the five metal rings in his hand suddenly shattered.

In that instant, pent-up qi was explosively released!

Boom!!!

Stone Xuan’s speed doubled; he retracted his halberd, then swiftly slid it out by its haft and lashed it at the unyielding Zhang Yunlong’s waist.

The sheer force sent shockwaves through the air!

A deep, roaring blast echoed!

Zhang Yunlong’s blue robe clung tightly to his skin as he was buffeted by the force, yet a wry smile played on his lips as two fingers flicked once more.

In the next moment, another small sword materialized in the trajectory of the halberd’s swing, intercepting the blow!

But Stone Xuan’s lips curled into a lopsided grin.

With both hands, two more metal rings shattered in succession!

Boom, boom, boom—the burst of golden qi erupted like pillars of flame from Stone Xuan, his strength surging as though he could scorch mountains and boil seas.

The halberd, now intercepted by the small sword, spun wildly with a metallic whir,

and with a fierce twist, his halberd slammed into Zhang Yunlong’s body.

From the first round until now, Zhang Yunlong had never taken a step from his position.

Yet at that moment, he was shoved back visibly.

At the main banquet area,

XiXi stared wide-eyed at the breathtaking duel between Stone Xuan and Zhang Yunlong, momentarily forgetting her chicken leg.

They were so strong…

In comparison to them, she felt so insignificant!

Boom!

Zhang Yunlong’s cloth shoes scraped the ground as he slid, like a lone boat parting crashing waves, with water surging on either side.

While his body was pushed back by Stone Xuan’s halberd,

Stone Xuan, like a berserk demon, erupted in a burst of golden, fiery qi—charging forward like a rampaging dragon!

His halberd whirled violently, its afterimages completely enveloping Zhang Yunlong.

Within a hundred meters on White Jade Plaza, Zhang Yunlong found himself pummeled by Stone Xuan’s relentless strikes from every direction!

The heat was overwhelming!

The relentless roar and booming explosions echoed incessantly!

As thunder boomed behind the spring clouds,

everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the dazzling combat unfolding over White Jade Plaza.

“Is it over?!”

With such thundering strikes, unleashing hundreds or thousands of halberd afterimages with every blow—could he possibly fail?

Stone Xuan’s qi began to wane, and the five metal rings on his single arm were reduced to just two.

He panted heavily, his skin flushed crimson, his gaze fixed intently on the swirling white energy where Zhang Yunlong stood.

Suddenly,

a gust of wind howled by.

Stone Xuan’s eyes narrowed as he saw Zhang Yunlong’s green robe fluttering; the latter bore no sign of injury and stood calmly, executing sword techniques with his hands, an amused glint in his eyes.

“Not bad,” he murmured, “but—still not powerful enough.”

After his cool remark echoed, many present frowned.

At the Purple Mansion Divine Sect main banquet area, Sect Leader Zhang Wuji’s brows furrowed while Zhang Yunhuang’s expression shifted subtly.

Meanwhile, in the True Martial Divine Sect area, Shi Jian’s face darkened as he slammed his palm onto the table, leaving a clear handprint.

Li Che also frowned, his gaze cold as he watched Purple Mansion’s Zhang Yunlong.

True Martial disciples were truly slaying barbarians along Tongyou Road—how could he mock them?

At White Jade Plaza, anger flared in Stone Xuan’s eyes,

a crimson flame burning as he gripped his halberd. The remaining two metal rings on his arm shattered with a glass-like crack.

Stone Xuan’s entire being changed as his qi surged again, blazing like golden wildfire into the skies!

A savage, frenzied will raged, entwining the heavens and the earth!

But then,

Zhang Yunlong’s gaze turned calm as he removed the sword casket from his back and slammed it onto the ground. The casket opened, revealing countless small metal swords.

He raised a finger to his brow.

A storm-like ripple emanated from his forehead as a small shrine mysteriously floated behind him, exuding overwhelming divinity. A single golden chain fell from the shrine and plunged into his spine.

Suddenly, Zhang Yunlong’s eyes flashed with a blinding light.

Inside that shrine, a solemn Temple Spirit sat with a sword in hand.

Zhang Yunlong and the shrine ascended slowly, hovering in midair as boundless divinity burst forth from him.

Every small sword from the casket was drawn out, jingling as if ensnared by invisible divine threads.

“Go.”

At his command, the first small sword slowly rotated its tip, aiming at Stone Xuan whose qi was erupting in a reddish burst from every pore.

“This must be your imitation of the Eight Mysterious Gates technique. Without a Divine Seed, you’re merely using metal to restrict your qi—like a human lock in the Eight Mysterious Gates,”

Zhang Yunlong remarked coolly, “By triggering your Qimen Divine Seed, you try to shatter that lock and skyrocket your might!”

His eyes deep and distant, a slight smile curved his lips as if he saw through everything.

“Now, I give you a chance—break your final metal ring. Show me what you call Pure Martial, or… you won’t get another chance.”

Zhang Yunlong’s tone was as commanding as an order. At that, the small sword trembled slightly.

Stone Xuan’s face contorted with a wild, ferocious grimace, his body imposing and scarlet with blood seeping from every pore. Veins throbbed vigorously as his eyes burned like the sun. With one hand he raised his halberd, pointing it distantly at Zhang Yunlong.

From deep within his throat erupted a sound—

like the clarion call of a charge!

“Fight!”

Boom!!

A burst of blood exploded behind Stone Xuan!

The charge came to an abrupt halt.

Divine essence dripped continuously from the shrine behind Zhang Yunlong. Suspended in midair, his face remained cold.

Still, his fingers remained in the ready-to-launch gesture as the small sword had already pierced through Stone Xuan’s chest.

Stone Xuan collapsed onto his knees before, stifling his pain, he lowered his body and bolted away.

Boom, boom, boom—Zhang Yunlong’s small swords sprang forth with blinding speed, darting through space, reappearing to pierce into Stone Xuan’s body, trailing a cloud of blood mist!

Their movements were nearly impossible to track.

Stone Xuan’s body erupted into bursts of bleeding mist as golden blood droplets sizzled onto the ground!

With a roar, Zhang Yunlong, floating in midair, tilted back slightly.

A long halberd’s razor tip was then brought perilously close to Zhang Yunlong’s face, mere inches away.

Yet, though only a hair’s breadth away, Stone Xuan could not push his halberd forward to strike him.

The overwhelming divine aura formed a barrier, stopping the halberd in its tracks.

Stone Xuan bled profusely as golden droplets pitter-pattered to the ground.

“Why… are you still not shattering your final ring?”

Zhang Yunlong asked coldly.

He had been waiting for Stone Xuan’s last ring, eager to see the true power of Pure Martial Arts.

Yet Stone Xuan stubbornly refused.

Bloodstained, Stone Xuan slowly lifted his head.

A rugged smile broke across his scarred face, as if a bloody resolve was fading away.

“I—this ring… was meant for the barbarians…”