Chapter 56: The Heavenly Demon Blood-Shedding Blade

“My third brother doesn’t have any strength at all.” Speaking of his three brothers, Yuan Mu’s face darkened once more.

Li Chengzhu patted his shoulder, diverting his attention. “Tell me, did something happen back then?”

“How did you know?” Yuan Mu smiled faintly.

“If nothing had happened, why would you remember him? You’ve lived for centuries, seen countless people.”

“Hmm.” Yuan Mu nodded. “That time, the three of us were out searching for the Heavenly Secret Stone to cultivate. We ran into him fighting a group. We were only at the Out-of-Body stage, but he was already in the early Great Success stage. He was surrounded by at least four or five people, all late Consolidation stage or higher.”

“How do you know their cultivation levels?” Li Chengzhu interrupted. Cultivators can’t discern the exact level of those above them due to an impenetrable defense.

“I guessed,” Yuan Mu said with an awkward smile. “Although outnumbered, Luo Bad Dao managed to dismember one of them with just a celestial sword.”

“And then?” If that was all, it wouldn’t be surprising. Battles in the Immortal Realm are ruthless; a careless move can mean death.

“Then,” Yuan Mu chuckled, “Luo Bad Dao grabbed that person’s Nascent Soul and stuffed it directly into his mouth, chewing it.”

Damn! Li Chengzhu shuddered; this guy was truly unrestrained, matching even the little creatures in savagery.

“Because of that, it shocked the others, breaking their focus. Luo Bad Dao then slaughtered them one by one. The outcome was the same as the first victim.” Yuan Mu smiled bitterly, gazing at Li the Boss.

When Li Chengzhu took Xia Mai’s and Keba’s Nascent Souls, Yuan Mu was present. Months had passed, yet the Boss hadn’t released them—probably feeding them to the little creatures, in Yuan Mu’s eyes. Li Chengzhu bore some similarity to Luo Bad Dao, but as a cultivator of centuries, Yuan Mu knew better than to expose his hand. Since he wasn’t close with either, he chose to remain silent.

“Also, this guy relies on brute strength. His cultivation method fortifies the body itself, not dependent on magical treasures.” Yuan Mu snapped back to reality, seeing Li Chengzhu’s ambiguous look, and hurried to explain.

“Oh?” Li Chengzhu’s interest piqued; this was the first time he’d heard of such a cultivation method.

“Look at him—except for protective spiritual energy, he carries no defensive treasures. His weapon is just a celestial sword.”

Yuan Mu pointed down to the arena to redirect attention.

Li the Boss stared a long while. Indeed, Luo Bad Dao was fearless—carrying no protective treasures, relying solely on his body to withstand attacks. The celestial sword was held tightly, not remotely controlled, slashing fiercely.

Even so, his opponent was battered. Luo Bad Dao’s method allowed rapid regeneration of minor wounds, barely hindered.

Li Chengzhu was impressed—Luo Bad Dao’s physical fortitude could rival Yuan Mu’s, assuming neither released protective spiritual energy.

Moreover, Luo Bad Dao’s face was fierce, wielding a weapon broader than usual celestial swords, his entire being exuding a bloodthirsty aura akin to a reaper harvesting lives, forcing opponents to retreat.

“His opponent’s doomed,” Yuan Mu sighed. Those marked by Luo Bad Dao never had a good end.

Li Chengzhu glanced at other ongoing matches—still tense stand-offs, cautious and precise.

“Looks like Qiu Feng’s real rival is him,” Li Chengzhu mused, stroking his chin and glancing at the equally focused Qiu Feng on stage.

Yuan Mu was about to nod when the arena erupted in sudden change. Luo Bad Dao’s opponent, barely holding on by pride, suddenly panicked as a celestial artifact hurled toward him was cleaved in two by Luo Bad Dao’s sword. The protective treasure and spiritual energy collapsed simultaneously, blood splattered as Luo Bad Dao severed one of his arms.

“Damn, what kind of celestial artifact was that?” Li Chengzhu stood abruptly.

The power behind that slash was immense; he worried for Qiu Feng. Luo Bad Dao’s swordplay didn’t resemble light, agile swordsmanship—it was like wielding a heavy broadsword, chopping, slashing, and hooking without restraint.

“The Blood-Demon Transmuting Divine Blade,” Qiu Feng’s voice whispered nearby. Li Chengzhu turned to see Qiu Feng had silently approached.

“A blade?” Li Chengzhu frowned, thinking it was a sword.

“Yeah.” Qiu Feng smiled at Li Chengzhu, grateful for his earlier help. His mood visibly improved.

“Sit.” Li the Boss waved carelessly toward the vacant seat beside him. Qiu Feng didn’t refuse, sitting close to Li Chengzhu.

“What’s the story behind this blade?” Li Chengzhu asked.

“The Blood-Demon Transmuting Divine Blade, a sixth-grade celestial weapon. Originally wielded by an evil immortal—surprisingly, he managed to get it.”

“An evil immortal?” Li Chengzhu was stunned. His image of immortals was lofty, benevolent beings devoted to saving the world. How could evil immortals exist?

“Yeah.” Qiu Feng nodded.

“What about demon immortals?” Li Chengzhu recalled what Keba had told him and couldn’t help but ask.

Qiu Feng smiled wryly, then frowned, feeling it rude to mock his ally’s ignorance. “No matter the type of immortal, if the heart is good, they’re a good immortal; if evil, then an evil immortal.”

“So the blade’s former owner was wicked?” Li Chengzhu interjected.

“Yes. The Blood-Demon Transmuting Divine Blade.” Qiu Feng reminded, though the ally’s ignorance rivaled that of a newborn.

“Does the Immortal Realm not govern this?” Li Chengzhu asked.

“Who would?” Yuan Mu’s eyes widened. “The Immortal Emperor and the Ten Great Immortal Lords reside in the Heavenly Court Palace, but who knows where they’ve drifted off to? They don’t even show up at the tournament. Who else would care?” Li Chengzhu defended their image.

“Hmph.” Yuan Mu sneered. “Those people only care about their cultivation. Do you really think there are merciful beings?”

“Damn.” Li Chengzhu’s heart sank, his idealized image shattered like a bubble, inevitable disappointment washing over him.

“Moreover, conflict breeds progress,” Qiu Feng struck at the core truth. Older than Yuan Mu, he saw more clearly. “If all evil were eradicated, what would the Immortal Realm become?”

Li Chengzhu thought of utopia. Indeed, without conflict, would the realm thrive, stagnate, or collapse? Its existence must have a reason.

“So we must strive to strengthen ourselves, lest we be destroyed by evil forces,” Qiu Feng said calmly. After centuries pursuing the Way, had he truly glimpsed the heavenly secret? What about the Immortal Emperor? What did he see? As the highest being, was there nothing left to seek? Such thoughts sent a chill through Qiu Feng, feeling almost sinful to sully the supreme being’s name.

“But the weapon’s power is truly immense.” Li Chengzhu eyed the stage coldly. No matter the defense, each strike left a fissure.

“He hasn’t unleashed his full strength yet,” Qiu Feng said lightly. “The blade’s true form isn’t like this.”

Li Chengzhu trembled, steadying his voice. “This weapon can change its form?”

“Yes. Its true form is a blood-red great blade, radiating overwhelming killing intent.”

Li Chengzhu glanced at Yuan Mu, who shook his head, indicating ignorance.

That useless fellow, Li the Boss cursed silently. At least a late-stage immortal, yet ignorant compared to Qiu Feng. Pathetic. But Li Chengzhu recalled his own Annihilation God Bow, which could also change form, though requiring massive energy. Remembering the overwhelming energy surge when unleashing it, his heart skipped a beat.

He still didn’t understand why that energy converged.

The match neared its end. The cultivator missing two limbs trembled before Luo Bad Dao, ready to concede. Luo Bad Dao smiled wickedly, as if entertained. Spiritual energy rapidly gathered toward his Blood-Demon Transmuting Divine Blade.

Even those watching below sensed the energy flow, holding their breath, eyes glued to every move.

Luo Bad Dao raised his weapon with one hand, a sinister grin on his lips. As the energy surged, his hand trembled uncontrollably; the blade emitted a sharp clang.

Suddenly, spiritual pressure peaked, a flash of red light blinded the arena. Li Chengzhu closed his eyes; the light held a lethal force, as if piercing his very soul.

When he opened them, the arena was deathly silent. The blade, once sword-like, now revealed its true form—its body engulfed in blazing red flames. Li Chengzhu knew this was the physical manifestation of spiritual energy at its peak.

Li the Boss was shocked—the weapon resembled his Annihilation God Bow. The bow’s first form was a spirit arrow formed from gathered spiritual energy.

Luo Bad Dao’s opponent tried to surrender but found his mouth frozen. Luo Bad Dao sneered; his blade descended in a devastating chop.

A sharp hiss swept through the arena; the cultivators collectively gasped. This was just the unreleased power—what of its full release?

Li Chengzhu looked up. The opponent’s arms were severed; his eyes wide in disbelief. Slowly, his upper body toppled, crashing to the ground, while his lower half remained upright, blood spurting from the severed stump, splattering Luo Bad Dao.

“Damn.” Not only Li Chengzhu but even Yuan Mu’s mouth hung open like a hippo’s.

“Too brutal,” Li Chengzhu muttered, glancing sympathetically at Qiu Feng and silently praying for him.

Luo Bad Dao planted the blade into the platform. The arena, hard enough to resist spells, crumbled like tofu under the blade. The roaring flames flickered like a red banner, casting a crimson glow over Luo Bad Dao.

He formed a few hand seals, his fingers like eagle claws, and plucked a fist-sized Nascent Soul from the bleeding lower half of his opponent.

Li Chengzhu and most onlookers stood abruptly.

He really dared to devour others’ Nascent Souls openly? Li Chengzhu was shocked. In the Immortal Realm, devouring others’ Nascent Souls was taboo. Even newcomers like him knew to do it stealthily.

Yuan Mu, familiar with Luo Bad Dao’s savagery, showed little surprise, merely shaking his head and turning away.

Luo Bad Dao seemed possessed, grinning fiercely at the Nascent Soul in his hand. Some self-righteous cultivators even unleashed their flying swords to attack him, but the arena’s protective shield was formidable—countless attacks over time left it untouched.

Luo Bad Dao glanced at the angry crowd behind him, opened his mouth wide. As the cruel scene was about to unfold, the softer-hearted female cultivators turned away, unable to watch.

Suddenly, a shadow flickered. With a bang, Luo Bad Dao was blasted back by the arena’s shield, staggering and falling to the ground. His spot was immediately taken.

Li Chengzhu focused: Ye Zhiqiu. That made sense—Ye Zhiqiu commanded all cultivators in the Immortal Realm; this matter surely required his intervention.

Ye Zhiqiu held the Nascent Soul Luo Bad Dao had seized, coldly eyeing the slowly rising Luo Bad Dao. The brutal man seemed dazed. The speed of a Great Dao Golden Immortal wasn’t visible to most.

Wiping blood from his mouth and nose, Luo Bad Dao glared at Ye Zhiqiu.

“The tournament rules forbid intentional harm to those who have surrendered or lost fighting capability. Did you forget?” Ye Zhiqiu’s authoritative tone pressed heavily on Luo Bad Dao.

Spitting a mouthful of blood, Luo Bad Dao glared resentfully, strode beside Ye Zhiqiu, hoisting the Blood-Demon Transmuting Divine Blade embedded in the ground. With a wave, the fiery blade calmed, returning to its sword-like form.

Shouldering his weapon as if to flaunt it, Luo Bad Dao slowly descended from the stage. Those in his path fled in fear.

“Heh heh,” Li Chengzhu laughed, “this is your opponent. How confident are you?” He glanced at Qiu Feng.

“Foolish courage is no threat,” Qiu Feng replied coolly.

“Let’s go.” Li the Boss flicked his white hair, signaling Yuan Mu. Nearby, Yu Chun still trembled from earlier shock.

At that moment, the Nascent Soul of the cultivator whose body was destroyed suddenly emitted a low cry and flew out ahead of everyone. About to exit the city gates, Li Chengzhu swiftly cast a spell on him, then casually followed the group. Others in the hall mirrored his gesture.

Many cultivators had lost their bodies; without special pearls to rebuild them, their cultivation waned until they vanished or were captured by unscrupulous individuals for magical treasure refinement or consumption.

Thus, that fleeing Nascent Soul was certain to attract many watchers.

Behind, Ye Zhiqiu looked embarrassed—the Nascent Soul had escaped unnoticed, a significant loss to a Great Dao Golden Immortal’s dignity. Yet, he wasn’t a prisoner; pursuing him was tricky, so he let it be.

Once outside the arena, Li Chengzhu glanced back, signaling Yuan Mu, and said to Qiu Feng, “Brother Qiu, you’ve overexerted yourself. Rest at the inn.”

“Alright,” Qiu Feng nodded, indeed fatigued.

“Wait.” Li Chengzhu added, “Take this girl with you. Yuan Mu and I have some business.” Without waiting, he dragged the frightened Yu Chun to Qiu Feng. Yuan Mu clicked his tongue but said nothing.

After they disappeared from sight, Yuan Mu asked, “What now?”

Li the Boss smiled mysteriously, beckoning, “Follow me.”

Yuan Mu, uncertain but unwilling to refuse, followed. Though nothing good usually came of it, he had gained some benefits by humoring Li Chengzhu’s whims.

Flying was forbidden in the city for cultivators below Great Dao Golden Immortal level. But Nascent Souls, weak as they were, had no guard. They couldn’t be expected to walk out safely—one careless step could crush them. So the Nascent Soul had flown straight out of the arena.

Li the Boss led Yuan Mu in that direction.

Outside the city gate, Li Chengzhu tossed out his celestial sword, stepped on it, and beckoned Yuan Mu: “Follow me. Watch the show.”

Yuan Mu likewise launched his fine flying sword, following steadily.

Li Chengzhu led them through desolate terrain. Yuan Mu couldn’t help but ask, “Where exactly are we going?”

“Shh.” Li Chengzhu gestured for silence, then pointed ahead.

Yuan Mu squinted. Ahead, a cultivator raced swiftly on a flying sword. Meeting others outside the city wasn’t rare, but here, far from the city in desolation, it was odd.

“What’s going on? Who are you chasing?” Yuan Mu whispered.

“Heh heh.” Li Chengzhu smiled. “That Nascent Soul that fled? We’re after him.”

“Again, to devour others?” Yuan Mu frowned at Li Chengzhu’s behavior.

“When have I ever devoured others?” Li the Boss felt wronged.

Yuan Mu opened his mouth but said nothing. Li Chengzhu ignored him—he surely thought Li had devoured Xia Mai’s and Keba’s Nascent Souls. Was he really that despicable? Those two little guys were still safe in his Blood-Stained Ring.

The farther they flew, the colder Yuan Mu’s heart grew. It was just a cultivator’s Nascent Soul—at most, it could boost cultivation by one rank. Why were so many people so desperate to snatch it? Since the first person they saw, several others had appeared, with the same target as them.

In such a desolate place, it was unlikely to be mere coincidence.

Li the Boss patted Yuan Mu’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Xia Mai’s and Keba’s Nascent Souls are safe in my Blood-Stained Ring, well cared for. We’re not going to devour this Nascent Soul; we’re going to save him.”

Yuan Mu smiled bitterly, muttering, “I wonder how many of these people share your ‘noble’ intentions.”

“Who cares?” Li Chengzhu swore as ever. “Who knows if they’re rescuing him? Even if they do, how will they protect that Nascent Soul without a Blood-Stained Ring? Anyone who gets in our way will be killed without mercy.”

Li Chengzhu was already consumed by his plan. Xia Mai and Keba were dealt with, but one more Nascent Soul wouldn’t hurt. That was why he plunged into this muddy water so eagerly. But first, he had to clear Yuan Mu’s mental block—if Yuan Mu refused to help, it’d be a disaster. He was only a late-stage Fragmented Spirit cultivator; the others nearby were probably much stronger.