Previously on Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister...
Chen Xuan watched Hong Ling retreat after a tense confrontation. He then allowed two seedlings, eager for the Spiritual Spring, to absorb its energy. After three days, the spring dried up, leaving the seedlings significantly taller and more communicative. They revealed their inability to comprehend ranks but declared themselves the strongest. The seedlings then guided Chen Xuan to their home, the Spirit Pool, where they embedded themselves into spring eyes. Chen Xuan prepared to cultivate in another spring eye, instructing Zhan Tian's seedling to monitor its master's condition. Suddenly, a powerful surge of energy erupted from underground.
Chen Xuan's countenance brightened with delight.
This influx of Qi possessed a purity even surpassing that which he had absorbed from the Qingsui's initial sprout.
Thus, he immediately activated his jade bones to assimilate it.
Moments later!
With a resounding "boom..." the ninth aperture was effortlessly unsealed.
Furthermore, this newly opened aperture began to fortify his jade bones!
"Magnificent!" Chen Xuan exclaimed inwardly.
This accelerated pace, this sensation, was utterly intoxicating.
At this juncture, his foremost query revolved around the true nature of this Qi; it felt significantly more potent than ordinary spiritual liquid.
However, he could not afford to dwell on such thoughts at present.
Cultivation! He must absorb this Qi and forge more apertures.
...
"What is occurring?" At the threshold of the Blood Cry Realm, within the human encampment, Zhan Tian expressed his profound confusion.
Since the cataclysmic confrontation within the Blood Cry Realm previously, that mysterious voice had ceased its utterance.
Nevertheless, the peculiar sensation associated with it continued to intensify.
"Zhan Tian, are you coming to the formation array?" Duke Liu's voice cut through his reverie, causing Zhan Tian a flicker of irritation.
Despite his annoyance, he rose and departed from the tent.
Moments later!
"For what purpose have you summoned me?" Before his arrival, his query had already reached the interior.
As he entered with evident impatience, he observed two unfamiliar individuals present.
Moreover... they were cultivators at the Dao Realm, specifically at the peak of the eighth layer!
With a fleeting deduction, he discerned their origins.
Such formidable experts undoubtedly hailed from the retinue of Emperor Yu.
What astonished him was Emperor Yu's willingness to dispatch them.
He nonchalantly took a seat beside Duke Liu, bypassing the two strangers, deeming it unnecessary given their cultivation level – mere peak eighth layer!
Duke Liu regarded him subtly from the corner of his eye, a hint of helplessness in his expression.
Nevertheless, he proceeded with the introductions, "These two have been dispatched by His Majesty, and they are not alone; ten additional eighth-layer experts accompany them!"
"Oh!" Zhan Tian responded with a measure of indifference.
He then inquired, "Were those two venerable elders entrusted to their care?"
"The combined efforts of us two can momentarily contend with an early ninth-layer cultivator!"
"As for that ancient Blood Race elder, that responsibility rests with you!"
"Allow me to introduce ourselves; we are twin brothers. I am Jiang Wen, and this is my younger brother, Jiang Wu!" Jiang Wen offered with a smile, unperturbed by Zhan Tian's earlier remark.
He was aware that only Zhan Tian possessed the mettle to confront the formidable Blood Race elder.
Zhan Tian slightly elevated his gaze, observing them, "Entrust the Blood Race Clan Leader to the two of you. He can unleash early ninth-layer strength, though it is short-lived."
"Agreed!" Jiang Wen readily consented.
He then addressed Duke Liu, "The remaining adversaries will be handled by you and Duke Yuan. I have detected numerous peak eighth-layer auras, at least five or more! You two will face considerable pressure!"
His approach was not reckless; rather, it was meticulously considered, albeit laced with a degree of lethargy.
Last time, while he had indeed vented his suppressed irritation, he had also inadvertently revealed the Blood Race Clan Leader's true strength.
The twin brothers, both at the extreme peak of the eighth layer, could momentarily erupt with early ninth-layer power.
Furthermore, they had seized the opportunity to gauge the Blood Race's might.
Duke Yuan declared, "I can contend with three on my own!"
Upon uttering these words, he fixed a determined gaze upon Zhan Tian, "If you can break through in battle, so can I!"
So many years had passed!
His Path of Slaughter had remained stagnant; he too yearned to push his limits.
He wished to ascertain if he could achieve further advancement!
Even if he could not reach the Breaking Ninth Layer, he intended to transcend the ordinary peak eighth layer, perhaps even unleashing early ninth-layer strength.
"You?" Zhan Tian raised an eyebrow?
It was not a matter of disdain for Duke Yuan; on the contrary, among the Three Dukes, he held Duke Yuan in the highest regard due to his sheer ruthlessness!
Ruthless towards others!
And even more so, ruthless towards himself!
"What? Do you doubt my capabilities?" Duke Yuan retorted, his glare conveying his displeasure at Zhan Tian's tone.
"As you wish!" Zhan Tian casually replied, "The choice is yours. Should you perish, your fate will be your own, with no bearing on me!"
"Take care of yourself!" He then addressed Duke Liu, "Great Yu is experiencing a shortage of peak eighth-layer experts; ensure a suitable arrangement."
"Understood!" Duke Liu acknowledged, a matter he had naturally anticipated and prepared for long ago.
Late eighth layers, augmented by formation support, might not secure kills against peak eighth layers, but they could certainly engage and hold them off.
He and Duke Yuan, combining their strengths, should be capable of managing five or more adversaries.
Ultimately, the outcome of this conflict hinged upon the duel between Zhan Tian and the ancient Blood Race elder.
Whichever warrior emerged victorious!
It was that straightforward!
This type of warfare was not decided by sheer numbers but by the prowess of the top-tier combatants. It mirrored the past, when the Star Hall Master alone forced the Blood Race, Tree-man Race, and Stone Race into submission!
This was also the primary reason for the prolonged period of tranquility that Great Yu had enjoyed over the years.
Emperor Yu held the Hall Master in high regard due to his profound contributions to the Great Yu dynasty. The Hall Master had even endured multiple Celestial Punishments to protect Great Yu, significantly shortening his own lifespan in the process. This was precisely why Emperor Yu hesitated to ask the Hall Master to act again.
"Prepare yourselves!" Zhan Tian announced, rising slowly. "I sensed that ancient entity nearing its full awakening during the last encounter. The final battle is imminent!"
Following his departure, a somber atmosphere descended upon those remaining, each feeling an immense weight of pressure. Tension rapidly spread throughout the Great Yu military camp.
Meanwhile, on the Blood Cry Realm's side, the three tribes were already poised for action. The moment the Blood Race ancestor fully awakened, they would launch their full-scale assault against Great Yu.
Time continued its relentless march.
Deep within the Spirit Pool located in the Celestial Eye Forest, a familiar sound echoed.
"Boom—"
A short while later, Chen Xuan's eyes slowly fluttered open.
"Hoo—"
Exhaling a long breath, he then conjured the system interface.
...
[Jade Bone: Seventh Grade (68%)]
[Sacred Body: (29/108)]
[Realm: Martial Cultivator: Dao Realm (Fifth Layer), Spirit Cultivator: Dao Stage (Fifth Layer)]
[Cultivation Technique: Nine Elements Dao Skill (Dao Grade) (Seventeen Layers (2.59 billion/7.2 billion)), Myriad Manifestation Skill (Twenty Layers (427 million/8.32 billion))]
