The Steward Demonic Emperor Chapter 1337: Thrashed

Zhuo Fan immediately began gathering the paths together, rushing out to combat the Heavenly Sovereign without delay. Rather than dragging out the process of fusing them, he utilized the paths only to leverage the dark energy released during their combination, maximizing his potential. His power climbed rapidly, eclipsing that of the Heavenly Sovereign just as his right hand burst into a scarlet glow. With a sudden motion, he retracted his fist and delivered a devastating punch to the Heavenly Sovereigns face, catching his opponent off guard and crushing his features with ease. Thrown into the earth, the Heavenly Sovereign left behind a cavernous,底less crater. Zhuo Fan did not hesitate, diving straight in to deny his foe a moment of recovery. Seconds crawled by, and the ground began to tremble like a violent ocean. The Sovereigns watched in dread, fearing the earth might collapse and leave the Sacred Domain with only the sky overhead—assuming anyone remained alive to see it after such a catastrophic clash. Occasionally, the terrain would bulge rapidly, birthing new mountain ranges in the blink of an eye, or it would tear open into gaping chasms where lava could be seen roiling deep below. It was a terrifying display of the chaos the pinnacle of power could wreak upon the Sacred Domain, and they were not even fighting at the Supreme Stage yet. The true potential of that final stage remained beyond their imagination.

Once they had sufficiently devastated the landscape, the Sovereigns and sacred beasts waited in anticipation. Some consumed healing pills just to regain their footing. Even then, they gaped as the Heavenly Sovereign crawled from the earth, his body crumpled from a brutal blow to the midsection. He did not remain broken for long, however, quickly restoring himself only to be slammed back into the dust a second time. Zhuo Fan struck out with a scarlet-clad blow aimed at his side, but the Heavenly Sovereign maneuvered behind him, delivering a strike of 12th Heaven purple lightning. Instead of evading, Zhuo Fan allowed the Demon Transformation Art to absorb the brunt of the assault. Though weakened, the force remained, sending him crashing into the very pit he had carved out moments prior. Hovering above, the Heavenly Sovereign grunted, his aura flickering and waning with every exchange. [The nine paths brought him closer than ever to the Supreme Stage, but he still refuses to fully commit to it.] His gaze shifted toward the surviving Sovereigns, questioning if a hostage might turn the tide. The thought had taunted him throughout the duel, but he dismissed it just as quickly. At their level, any lapse in concentration meant certain death. Even if he attempted to seize someone, Zhuo Fan would never permit it; besides, both men were locked in a battle to the bitter end.

Zhuo Fan emerged from the debris, dusting off his robes and brushing away rocks. He was battered, the grueling combat taking its toll, yet he clearly maintained the advantage. The sight infuriated the Heavenly Sovereign, who found no opening to exploit. He had exhausted every resource, from Void Walls to Mirage World and the myriad techniques derived from the fused paths, but Zhuo Fan proved relentless. Although he managed to draw blood occasionally, he lacked the opportunity to deal a finishing blow, as Zhuo Fan’s speed and evasive maneuvers consistently left him in the dust. The Heavenly Sovereign was forced to continuously stabilize his form after every major impact, fueled by the union of the nine paths. He dared not leave wounds festering, yet stalling to reset left him vulnerable to a follow-up attack. Zhuo Fan wore a smug, infuriating smirk as he provoked him. Heavenly Sovereign, I can continue this forever. You are free to target the others as hostages, but that will not alter my resolve. This is where you die, and nothing you do can change that.

The Heavenly Sovereign was being methodically beaten down, while Zhuo Fan showed no signs of fatigue, his power seemingly bottomless. Do not grow arrogant, little brother! the Heavenly Sovereign roared, his frustration masking the truth he dared not admit. What could he possibly do to reverse his fortune? He grew frantic, his eyes scanning the horizon for any hint of a tactical advantage, until his gaze fell upon the encroaching sea of darkness. [Of course! How could I have forgotten? I let him dictate the pace of this battle, but that ends today!] Ha-ha-ha, you are mistaken. A path to victory exists, and I will seize it regardless of the cost! The Heavenly Sovereign cackled, emboldened by his new plan. Zhuo Fan tensed, remaining on high alert. Fine, show me! To the shock of everyone present, the Heavenly Sovereign turned and fled, flickering through the air until he vanished into the black abyss. Tell me he simply grew tired of losing and chose to accept his end with some dignity, Ye Ling muttered to Zhuo Fan, who hovered over to the group before collapsing and coughing up blood.