My gorgeous wife Chapter 1962 - 1930: Drawing Hatred
Previously on My gorgeous wife...
While it was indeed Christina who had activated the sword intent, Li Chen found he wasn’t the absolute first to arrive on the scene.
That distinction belonged to Zhang Shutong.
At this very moment, Zhang Shutong was positioned with his back to Christina, confronting a different, equally formidable foe in another direction.
The sight presented Li Chen with a slight headache.
If he were unaware of Zhang Shutong’s true identity, it wouldn’t be a problem. The crucial point was that Li Chen *knew* this individual was a Destroyer.
From Li Chen's perspective, the situation felt inherently bizarre and out of place.
Were it not for his knowledge of Zhang Shutong's actual identity, the circumstances might have seemed less peculiar. Yet, the fact remained that Li Chen possessed this crucial information.
For a Destroyer to stand against cultivators from the other Four Realms, all in defense of a demon, would likely be a source of great amusement if the truth were known.
Naturally, this assumes that someone would even comprehend what a Destroyer truly signifies.
However, it was abundantly clear that none of the individuals present had the slightest inkling of Zhang Shutong's origins.
In their eyes, Zhang Shutong was merely another cultivator, no different from themselves. Within this specific locale, regardless of one's cultivation level, it was all forcefully suppressed below the Domain Realm!
Confronting the pincer movement of numerous experts, the two combatants maintained a remarkable composure.
Their inherent strength was undeniably exceptional, managing to hold their ground even under duress and suppression below the Domain Realm, though they had not yet been decisively defeated.
"Possession by a Palm Realm powerhouse, is it?" Li Chen couldn't help but narrow his eyes, a multitude of questions swirling in his mind regarding the Palm Realm.
He desperately wished to ascertain the true nature of that realm.
Could an entity like the Heavenly Dao be considered a Palm Realm existence?
These were questions Li Chen had no means of answering.
Yet, if the legends concerning the Four Emperors held any water, then the ancient conflicts that transpired might have escalated far beyond anyone's wildest imaginings.
To what terrifying degree did that war rage, compelling even Palm Realm powerhouses to seek refuge?
Just then, two experts from the Demon Realm approached Li Chen, their voices ringing out: "Hey, you're after those Four Emperors copper coins too, aren't you? Come on, join forces with us for now, and we'll deal with those two first!"
Li Chen responded with a smile and a shake of his head.
The Demon Realm expert's expression shifted dramatically: "What do you mean by that? Do you believe that by opening the formation, you've earned a debt from all of us? We also invested significant treasures! Investment leads to reward; if you intend to fish in troubled waters without contributing and reap the benefits, you should depart!"
As they voiced their displeasure, several individuals flanking the Demon Realm expert cast sinister glances at Li Chen.
It was evident that despite Li Chen's prior action of opening the formation before the secret realm's activation, which had come at a considerable cost to everyone, their perception of him was less than favorable.
Observing as several figures began to subtly surround him, radiating an oppressive aura, Li Chen let out a chuckle and uttered a single, dismissive word.
"Scram!"
Their faces contorted in unison: "Telling us to get lost? Just who do you think you are?"
As they spoke, they prepared to make their move. Indeed, even if they were unaware of Li Chen's scheme to exploit them through treasure investment in the formation, their existing resentment towards him was palpable.
Furthermore, the sheer number of people already aware of this location made them apprehensive about anyone else gaining access to its secrets.
And Li Chen's brazenly arrogant demeanor had, quite predictably, irked them.
"I'm no one special," Li Chen replied with a broad grin, "But do you insignificant minnows DARE attempt to snatch what belongs to me?"
At that precise moment, Christina and Zhang Shutong also caught sight of Li Chen, their eyes lighting up with evident delight as they looked towards him.
In their estimation, Li Chen might not possess overwhelming strength, but he was undoubtedly the most adept at strategizing amongst them all.
Li Chen's resourcefulness was indeed a strong suit, but Christina had misjudged one crucial aspect.
Beyond his cunning, Li Chen possessed a very considerable level of strength!
"Selflessness."
Just as they were poised to attack, Li Chen had already initiated his counter-offensive. In a flash, his domain expanded, encompassing all the individuals surrounding him.
"It's that brat who opened the formation!"
"What is he attempting? To attack all of us? We are all in the Domain Realm now; does he imagine he can contend against each of us simultaneously?"
"That kid has lost his mind! We must eliminate him first!"
"I concur with that assessment!"
Amidst the throng, certain Martial Artists, upon realizing they were enshrouded by the domain, promptly unleashed their own domains in an attempt to overpower Li Chen's.
However, the instant their domains manifested, a terrifying force descended, crushing down upon them.
Several Martial Artists barely had time to fully unfurl their domains before they were utterly shattered by Li Chen's overwhelming power!
"Domain, Domain Realm, World Prototype," Li Chen murmured inwardly, a silent smile gracing his lips.
He possessed all these advancements, and his domain had long since matured to the Domain Realm, now actively progressing towards the embryonic stage of a true world.
Though the Domain Realm couldn't be fully unfurled here, Li Chen's domain already harbored the essence of a nascent world. To challenge him in domain matters now was akin to an ant attempting to topple a mighty tree!
"Crunch! Crunch!"
The domains of several Martial Artists instantly shattered, their faces turning ashen as they coughed up Vital Essence blood.
Witnessing the plight of these Martial Artists, the onlooking crowd finally grasped the gravity of the situation: Li Chen was not to be underestimated. The oppressive domain pressure he exerted instantly suppressed their combat power by several tiers. Almost in unison, they resolved to abandon their assault on Zhang Shutong and Christina, setting their sights on Li Chen first.
Even though, at this advanced level, sheer numbers were no longer the deciding factor.
It still hinged on the disparity in individual strength.
In this battlefield where everyone was confined to the Domain Realm, the collective might forged by a united group was formidable.
Furthermore, amongst the combatants were cultivators who had previously reached the Soul Realm. Despite being suppressed to the Domain Realm, the power they could now wield far surpassed that of ordinary Domain Realm practitioners.
Dozens of individuals combined their power, unleashing a tempestuous storm of attacks that surged towards Li Chen.
Replace this attacker with any average Domain Realm expert, or even one at the Domain Realm's zenith, and they would likely be annihilated in an instant.
A faint smile played on Li Chen's lips; being encircled and assailed by a multitude was a predicament he was no stranger to.
Indeed, his experience in confronting such scenarios had only honed his skills.
With a mere flicker of movement, Li Chen reappeared in a different sector, and the tempestuous onslaught sailed harmlessly past its intended target.
The entirety of the surrounding space was now ensnared within his domain's influence. Coupled with his mastery of Space Law, Li Chen could vanish and reappear instantaneously anywhere within this domain.
Attempting to land a blow on him through sheer force was, quite simply, a fool's errand.
"Die!!"
A baleful voice suddenly boomed from behind Li Chen.
Simultaneously, a cluster of sinister, dark purple Ghost Hands snaked out from behind him, reaching with claw-like intent.
Just as these spectral appendages were on the verge of ensnaring the seemingly defenseless Li Chen, a blood-red longsword materialized behind him, slashing through the encroaching Ghost Hands.