Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2162 1551: Demanding
Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
It took Li Zhirui a full quarter-hour to cautiously inch his way towards the battlefield's epicenter, a distance of merely one hundred miles.
Throughout this slow advance, he maintained extreme vigilance, careful not to betray even the slightest hint of his presence, lest his location be discovered.
As he drew nearer, a shocking transformation of the central battlefield greeted his eyes: it had become a world of ice and snow!
The surrounding gray haze of chaos was replaced by a stunning tableau of icy blue and pristine snow white.
While visually beautiful, this scenery was imbued with a terrifying, lethal aura.
Dominating this frozen landscape, a colossal 'boulder' nearly one hundred zhang tall stood sentinel at the very heart of the conflict!
Upon closer inspection, however, it became apparent this was no mere rock, but a living entity petrified by an immense power.
Residual energy confirmed the being was still alive, yet hovered at death's door, its strength depleted to a mere fraction of its former might!
This was a dire predicament far beyond Li Zhirui's capabilities; even a Heavenly Immortal would find it difficult to contend with such a state.
"Weren't there two peak Profound Immortals? Where has the other one gone?" Li Zhirui scanned his surroundings, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze, finding no trace of another presence.
"Could he have departed after delivering a final, devastating blow?"
He found it improbable that You Han, the Profound Immortal, would resort to self-destruction for a mutual demise. While the Hundred-year Dao Fruit held immense value, life itself was paramount. Sacrificing one's existence for a mere Spiritual Object, especially when it prevented its acquisition, seemed illogical.
Furthermore, even from the periphery of the conflict, Li Zhirui could discern the energy fluctuations, and the situation had not escalated to a point where both combatants were critically wounded.
Therefore, their departure from the battlefield, without resorting to self-annihilation, would have been relatively unhindered.
A pang of disappointment struck Li Zhirui; he lamented the missed chance to acquire a wealth of rare cultivation methods and precious Spiritual Objects.
However, this fleeting greed was swiftly extinguished from his heart.
Confronting a peak Profound Immortal demanded caution, not fantasies of abundant Spirit Fruits and techniques.
"It's you!"
Just as Li Zhirui contemplated his next move, the colossal stone figure stirred, emitting a muffled voice.
"I never expected you to possess such audacity. To remain unharmed after our assault and arrive here so rapidly, likely lurking at the fringes of the battle?"
Li Zhirui offered no reply, his gaze fixed warily on the immobilized opponent.
Despite Chong Yan's current state of extreme enfeeblement, Li Zhirui refused to underestimate him, the vivid imprint of the recent battle weighing heavily on his mind.
"Considering your cultivation level, not even Mid-stage Xuanxian, do you truly believe you can end my life? You significantly underestimate me."
Li Zhirui maintained his silence, his hands igniting with a vibrant Spirit Light as his mana surged forth. He harbored no intention of probing his foe; his sole aim was to swiftly defeat and neutralize the gravely injured peak Profound Immortal in a single, decisive blow.
Instantly, a myriad of vines and ancient trees erupted from the ground, transforming the immediate vicinity into a dense, thriving forest that began ravenously absorbing the surrounding chaotic Spiritual Energy.
Rumble—
Within mere moments, the vines and ancient trees strained against their limits, emitting a terrifying roar, as if on the verge of unleashing the colossal energy they had amassed!
Though originating from wood-attribute divine power, the energy exploded with a ferocity comparable to a raging inferno.
This was the very divine power Li Zhirui had acquired from the Human Immortal, Wang Chi, within the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm. His subsequent refinements and enhancements had amplified its already formidable might.
It was rumored to be the most potent divine power within his current arsenal.
The ability to absorb chaotic Spiritual Energy further augmented this power, allowing it to transcend its inherent limits and unleash even greater destructive force.
Even the peak Profound Immortal's composure began to waver, a hint of apprehension now clouding his features.
"I concede, I underestimated you."
Before the divine power could fully detonate, Chong Yan hastily declared, "You seek the Hundred-year Dao Fruit, do you not? I shall gift it to you."
With that, he propelled a seemingly exquisite jade box towards Li Zhirui.
"Insufficient. A single Spirit Fruit cannot possibly ransom a senior's life." Li Zhirui effortlessly intercepted the box, unconcerned about any potential traps the opponent might have laid within.
"You!"
Chong Yan was absolutely enraged, feeling like a mighty tiger brought low, now scorned by mere curs! He, a dignified peak Profound Immortal, a renowned half-step Golden Immortal, was actually being intimidated by such a minor Profound Immortal!
Were it not for You Han's residual Extreme Cold Power festering within him, forcing him to burn through vast reserves of mana just to stave off further self-inflicted harm, he would have undoubtedly taught this upstart the true meaning of 'a fate worse than death'!
"Just what else do you demand?" Sensing the ambient temperature steadily escalating and observing the ominous swaying of the vines and ancient trees, which seemed on the verge of detonation, he ultimately bowed his head and posed the question himself.
In truth, Li Zhirui had initially considered unleashing the full might of his divine power, aiming to eradicate this adversary completely and perhaps even claim his life.
However, upon making contact, he perceived that the opponent hadn't entirely depleted his strength. Instead, he was actively suppressing something that hindered his movements, a realization that prompted an immediate revision of his strategy.
Given the circumstances, if Li Zhirui were to pose a genuine existential threat to Chong Yan, he knew full well that Chong Yan would retaliate fiercely, potentially placing Li Zhirui himself in grave peril.
```