Heaven Refining physique Chapter 228: Deng Xi

For three distinct reasons, Jiang Hao went about annihilating the teleportation pavilions belonging to these sects. The first, quite simply, was that he possessed the capability to destroy anything associated with them, and thus, he did.

The second objective behind his actions was to deliberately draw their attention, to make them notice him. There was no question that they would easily deduce the perpetrator of the destruction, given their existing knowledge of him.

Once they identified him, they would realize that Jiang Hao had made his presence known within the Central Region. This crucial shift would compel them to redirect their focus away from the Eastern Region.

Such a development would present an ideal scenario for him. While his mother was presently secure, her proximity to the forbidden zone posed a lingering threat. Should a protracted conflict erupt between the spirit beasts and the human cultivators of the Central Region, her hidden status would offer little protection.

Jiang Hao was certain that Senior Yao had implemented other protective measures, but drawing the enmity of his enemies directly towards himself was still the superior course of action.

The third and final reason was straightforward: once the cultivators from these three sects became preoccupied with pursuing him, the journeys of Senior Huan and the others would be considerably safer. This was because the majority of their cultivators from other regions would likely flock to the Central Region in search of him. He had done all he could; the rest now depended on how these sects chose to react.

Jiang Hao produced two spirit stones, grasping one in each hand. From this point forward, he decided to forgo practicing with his sword, opting instead to cultivate while in motion, utilizing the spirit stones.

His immediate ambition was now set on achieving the Heavenly King Realm as swiftly as possible.

...

Numerous cultivators from various organizations congregated at the city's core, where only vast, spherical chasms now marked the landscape. The entire 400-meter expanse where three of the most prominent pavilions had once stood was utterly gone.

Only three cultivators managed to survive the devastation. They were seated cross-legged at the periphery, diligently mending their injuries with the aid of vitality pills.

Zi Hao, the chief of the Alchemy Hall Pavilion, observed the woman beside him – Gao Fei, the head of the Emerald Leaf Pavilion – and gave a nod, indicating their approach.

They had been awaiting the full recovery of these three individuals. Jing Ze from the Azure Sky Sect had already rejoined them, having fully healed. He stood as the strongest among them, precariously close to entering the mid-stage of the Heavenly King Realm.

Hao Xuan from the Ethereal Cloud Sanctuary and Hong Yu from the Golden Lotus Temple required a bit more time, but it appeared they would soon regain their ability to converse.

As Zi Hao and Gao Fei arrived at their position, Jing Ze spoke first, his voice sharp, "Where is Wen Bo?"

"He returned to the main region for an unspecified matter," Zi Hao replied with composure.

Wen Bo held the position of head for the Sky Pavilion within this very city.

"Then assist me in dispatching a message to the main sect," Jing Ze instructed, his teeth gritted in profound humiliation. Not only had his entire pavilion been reduced to rubble, but he had also sustained injuries at the hands of a cultivator who was not even thirty years of age.

This incident had irrevocably tarnished his reputation. There was only one individual whose attack style bore resemblance to this – Jiang Hao. The urge to eliminate him surged within him at that moment.

"Zi Hao, Gao Fei… mobilize all your cultivators to pursue him. I shall provide you with fair compensation for this endeavor," Jing Ze declared, his voice laced with simmering rage.

Both Zi Hao and Gao Fei cast their gazes upon the colossal craters, struggling to comprehend that such destruction could be wrought by someone yet to reach the Heavenly King Realm.

A tremor of apprehension coursed through them. They silently pondered what might transpire once that individual ascended to that very realm. If at all possible, they wished to avoid incurring the enmity of Jiang Hao, a cultivator possessing such terrifying potential.

Zi Hao emitted a sigh. "I doubt he can be apprehended. He would have long since escaped via a minor or major teleportation array. I conversed with the guard stationed around the city; he reported that the individual materialized inexplicably just prior to the assault."

Despite his reluctance, Jing Ze acknowledged that Jiang Hao would likely not linger to be found. "Then, simply ensure the message reaches my sect."

"That, I can accomplish," Zi Hao affirmed with a nod before vanishing from his spot.

Gao Fei shook her head, murmuring, "This time, all of you have cultivated a formidable enemy."

"Let it be. I have no desire to argue with you. Put some clothes on." With those words, she vanished.

Jing Ze clenched his jaw, the sound audibly grating if anyone had been nearby.

...

Within the grand hall of the Azure Sky Sect, a woman sat upon the primary seat, her eyes shut. Despite seeming youthful, she held the status of an Elder.

Yet, no one else in the hall dared to take a seat; they remained standing, awaiting her command. This woman was none other than the sect's former supreme elder, Deng Xi, who had ascended in the preceding generation.

She had recently returned from the upper world, accompanied by another individual from the Ethereal Cloud Sanctuary.

Upon learning the full details concerning Jiang Hao and Ming Yue, she became enraged that Jing Han had kept such information from her for so long.

Consequently, she had ordered him confined to the sect's most brutal prison, the Frozen Hell, with his cultivation sealed.

Truthfully, she might have ended his life, had Jing Han not been a valuable asset to the sect, potentially capable of achieving ascension himself.

This was not mere speculation; she had already executed the sect master, as he too possessed the ability to communicate with the upper realm. Although the sect master had been subservient to Jing Han, it made no difference to her.

"So, you're informing me that Jiang Hao and Ming Yue have journeyed to the Central Region?" Her voice was measured and calm, yet devoid of any discernible emotion.

"Yes, Supreme Elder Deng."

"Then what in the blazes is that incompetent Hong Yi doing in the Eastern Region... tsk... everyone here is utterly useless. Contact every sect and clan throughout the Central Region. Instruct them to search for him. Make it clear that any who refuse will face annihilation within a month."