Novel11 Chapter 345 : Three to Zero
Chapter 345 : Three to Zero
One finger!With only a single finger, Chen Beiwu completely crushed the Chief Disciple of Bixiao Immortal Sect with a force that swept away decay like rotten wood.
‘Is the Primordial Golden Core truly this overbearing, truly insurmountable?’
As they looked at Chen Beiwu standing with his hands clasped behind his back, the same thought surfaced in the minds of the cultivators from the thirteen Immortal Sects present.
‘How is that possible!’
A prodigy of Bixiao Immortal Sect blinked, still finding it unbelievable.
On the Immortal Alliance’s official website, there were many legends regarding the Primordial Golden Core—invincible foundation, inexhaustible true qi, supreme dharma body, effortless cross-realm combat, and countless exaggerated descriptions.
But many legends were merely hearsay, not fact. After all, the Primordial Golden Core had not appeared for ten thousand years.
Its specific might could only be gleaned in fragments from ancient texts.
Taking a step back, it was not as though Bixiao Immortal Sect lacked a supreme inheritance of a titled Golden Core.
As titled Golden Cores, even if there were distinctions of superiority and inferiority, how great could the gap between the Bixiao Golden Core and the Primordial Golden Core truly be?
And compared to the Primordial Golden Core, how much difference could there be between the Chief Disciple’s First-Grade Golden Core?
Yet only now, after personally witnessing a battle of absolute suppression, did that Bixiao prodigy finally comprehend something.
Perhaps for truly peerless prodigies, realm was not the sole measure of strength.
The two minor realm barriers that ordinary cultivators deemed insurmountable appeared unbearably fragile before the Primordial Golden Core.
‘This is a late-stage Golden Core cultivator? Absolutely impossible!’
Lei Hao, Chief Disciple of Jiuxiao Immortal Sect, flashed with uncertainty in his eyes.
Although he disdained the fighting style of the Chief Disciple of Bixiao Immortal Sect, one fact was undeniable.
The opponent had unquestionably condensed an Embryonic Yang Spirit—a genuine Golden Core Great Perfection cultivator. In terms of combat strength alone, he could even rank within the top eight at the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference.
Otherwise, Lei Hao would never have wasted time specifically inviting a weakling to join forces at the Heroes Gathering.
Chen Beiwu was merely a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. No matter how solid his foundation, even if he had forged the legendary Primordial Golden Core, the gap between him and the Chief Disciple of Bixiao Immortal Sect could not possibly be this vast.
Unless Chen Beiwu was not a late-stage Golden Core cultivator at all.
At that thought, a sharp gleam flickered in Lei Hao’s eyes, and his gaze toward Chen Beiwu carried an added trace of gravity.
‘The matter of alliance may require further consideration.’ Mu Nanyan of Yuxu Immortal Sect felt hesitation arise in her heart.
“Victory goes to Chen Beiwu of Yuqing Immortal Sect.”
Feng Binhang gave Chen Beiwu a deep look before announcing it publicly.
“My thanks.”
As soon as Chen Beiwu’s voice fell, he turned and left.
“Wait.”
The Chief Disciple of Bixiao Immortal Sect barely propped himself up, his tone complicated. “Can you tell me what that move just now was?”
“Dongzhen Heaven-Tribulation Finger.”
Chen Beiwu paused slightly. Under the gaze of the multitude, he stepped forward slowly and walked down from the Dueling Platform.
Feng Binhang’s expression remained unchanged as he continued presiding over the drawing ceremony.
Taiqing Immortal Sect versus Dongxuan Immortal Sect.
Shangqing Immortal Sect versus Jiuxiao Immortal Sect.
Yuxu Immortal Sect versus Tianyan Immortal Sect.
…
Chen Beiwu did not leave early today. Instead, he watched the Quarterfinals of the Dao Discussion Battle with his teammates.
However, an insurmountable gulf existed between the Three Supreme Immortal Sects and the Ten Great Immortal Sects.
Taiqing Immortal Sect and Shangqing Immortal Sect effortlessly eliminated Dongxuan Immortal Sect and Jiuxiao Immortal Sect.
Yuxu Immortal Sect smoothly defeated Tianyan Immortal Sect, only to be challenged down by Jiuxiao Immortal Sect in the Revival Match.
‘Senior Brother Chen, should we adjust tomorrow’s battle lineup order?’ Xue Tianyi transmitted through divine sense.
After entering the Semifinals, the probability of facing one of the Three Supreme Immortal Sects was extremely high.
If they did not adjust the upcoming lineup, their chances of claiming the championship might face unnecessary variables.
‘Of course.’
Chen Beiwu nodded slightly in response.
Since the Dao Discussion Battle had begun, although Wang Chan, Taiqing Chief Disciple, and Zhao Yue, Shangqing Chief Disciple, had not revealed much of their strength, through sensing their qi fluctuations, he could roughly gauge that neither was to be underestimated.
To secure the strange flame steadily, adjusting the lineup was absolutely necessary.
That night, Yu Zhaohua, Mo Qingshuang, Xue Tianyi, and Ye Xinya arrived together to discuss the lineup order. Their expressions were no longer as relaxed as during the day.
“Mo Qingshuang as Vanguard, Ye Xinya as Second Vanguard, Yu Zhaohua as Core, Xue Tianyi as Pillar.”
After hearing their opinions, Chen Beiwu proposed, “I will still anchor the Final Pillar. What do you think?”
“Isn’t that too risky!” Mo Qingshuang was the first to object.
Unlike previous matches, there was no Revival Match safety net in the Semifinals. The loser could only compete for final rankings in the Dao Discussion Battle.
Letting Chen Beiwu, their strongest, remain as the Final Pillar was almost equivalent to placing victory or defeat entirely upon the four of them.
Ye Xinya and Xue Tianyi’s strength was merely average, not outstanding.
If luck was poor and they encountered either Wang Chan or Zhao Yue, a one-to-three score was highly possible.
At that point, Chen Beiwu would not even have the chance to step onto the stage before Yuqing Immortal Sect was eliminated.
“Senior Brother Mo is right. This is indeed somewhat risky.” Xue Tianyi frowned slightly.
Facing his teammates’ doubts, Chen Beiwu remained calm. “Junior Sister Yu, if you were to face Wang Chan or Zhao Yue, how confident would you be in winning?”
At his words, Yu Zhaohua bit her lip.
When facing Wang Chan or Zhao Yue, she possessed the firm will to win, but very little actual confidence.
The reason was simple—the disparity in cultivation realm was too vast. Even with her Flame Radiance Dao Body and titled Golden Core, it would be difficult to bridge.
“Ten percent.”
Under everyone’s gaze, Yu Zhaohua answered unwillingly.
Chen Beiwu then looked at Mo Qingshuang.
The latter fell silent for a moment before saying calmly, “Five percent.”
“In that case, if I do not serve as Final Pillar but instead as Vanguard or Core, and secure one Victory Point without encountering Wang Chan or Zhao Yue, how confident are you in obtaining the remaining two Victory Points?”
As soon as Chen Beiwu spoke, the atmosphere inside the cave abode froze.
“If I serve as Final Pillar, we at least secure the baseline,” he added.
Hearing this, Yu Zhaohua and the others exchanged glances, understanding his unspoken meaning.
Taiqing Immortal Sect was too strong. The four of them simply could not secure two Victory Points.
Compared to trusting them, Chen Beiwu clearly trusted himself more—even if that meant facing one against five, with slim odds of victory, practically taking the blame upon himself.
“Let’s do as Senior Brother Chen says,” Yu Zhaohua suddenly said, without asking about his confidence.
Taiqing Immortal Sect existed on an entirely different level from the Ten Great Immortal Sects.
In a Supreme Above All battle, Senior Brother Chen would have absolute confidence against the Ten Great Immortal Sects.
But if he faced Taiqing Immortal Sect alone against five, his chances would likely not even reach five percent.
Yet as Yuqing’s team leader, since he was willing to shoulder all the pressure, they could not drag him down.
“I believe in Senior Brother Chen,” Ye Xinya agreed.
Mo Qingshuang and Xue Tianyi exchanged a glance and nodded.
There was no other way. If anyone was to blame, it was their insufficient strength—they lacked the certainty to secure Victory Points, burdening Senior Brother Chen.
“There’s no need to be so solemn. Wang Chan and Zhao Yue might also choose to anchor the Final Pillar and face me directly,” Chen Beiwu smiled, easing the team’s tension.
…
The next morning, at dawn.
At the peak of Luoxia Peak, within the Dueling Plaza.
Under the attention of the masses, the Semifinal drawing ceremony began.
With a flick of Feng Binhang’s fingertip, the jade pearl burst with radiant light, and the four inner points of light darted wildly.
After three breaths, the brilliance gradually faded. Two points of light manifested their respective sect emblems, and lively discussions instantly erupted across the entire plaza.
The higher-ups of Tianyan Immortal Sect also steadied themselves in their seats, divine senses silently enveloping the entire Dueling Platform, intending to personally witness the direct confrontation between the Three Supreme Immortal Sects.
“Semifinals, first match.”
“Yuqing Immortal Sect versus Taiqing Immortal Sect!” Feng Binhang announced loudly. “Vanguards from both sides, please step onto the stage.”
‘Not bad luck.’
A faint smile curved Wang Chan’s lips as his gaze fell upon Chen Beiwu.
He and Zhao Yue had sparred many times, trading wins and losses.
Thus, in this Immortal Sect Exchange Conference, the only opponent he truly looked forward to was Chen Beiwu.
Soon, the Dao Discussion Battle began.
Mo Qingshuang stepped onto the stage first as Vanguard. His opponent was Zhuang Fu, ranked second on the Tai Void Rankings.
“I have heard of you, Mo Qingshuang, sword cultivator of the Azure Abyss. I hope you will not disappoint me.”
Zhuang Fu smiled faintly. A glimmer flashed from the Spirit Storage Ring at his wrist as he summoned a slender and elegant Azure Luan.
At the sight of the Azure Luan, Mo Qingshuang’s pupils contracted slightly. His right hand tightened around the hilt of the Azure Abyss Sword behind him.
This Luan bird was far from simple. It was named the Xunwind Azure Luan, ranked among the Heavenly-Gang lineage. Its escape speed could be called the pinnacle among Mystic Beasts, and the Threefold Xun Gang Wind stirred by its wings was a formless and traceless dissolving wind that penetrated everywhere.
Relying on the profound ability of the Threefold Xun Gang Wind, the Xunwind Azure Luan ranked among the top in the Celestial and Earthly Beasts Confidential Exam Volume of the Immortal Alliance. It was a Heavenly-Gang Mystic Beast coveted by countless wind-attribute cultivators.
“Why not summon that Glazed Sword Soul of yours?” Zhuang Fu arched a brow. “Or do you think it makes no difference whether you summon it or not, since defeat is inevitable?”
Among the younger generation of the Upper Three Immortal Sects, very few sword cultivators had comprehended the fourth realm of the Sword Dao, “One Sword Breaks Myriad Laws.”
Mo Qingshuang’s Sword Dao realm was outstanding, and his reputation was considerable. Yet what truly made him famous among the Upper Three Immortal Sects was the Companion Beast he had contracted—the Glazed Sword Soul.
The name Glazed Sword Soul sounded impressive, but in truth it was merely a Third-Tier Treasure Beast not even ranked among the Earthly Sha.
Before Mo Qingshuang had paid a great price to elevate his Companion Beast’s bloodline, the Glazed Sword Soul had been nothing more than a frail slime creature, its bloodline barely reaching First-Tier Low-Grade.
Zhuang Fu was not exaggerating. Among the numerous First-Tier Exotic Beasts, the slime creature was bottom-tier of the bottom-tier—hardly any cultivator of the Immortal Alliance would be willing to contract one.
But there were always exceptions. Mo Qingshuang was one of them.
He possessed exceptional talent in the Sword Dao and had a boundless immortal path ahead of him. Yet he stubbornly defied the mainstream cultivation path of the Immortal Alliance and insisted on contracting a slime creature.
“Enough nonsense. Watch me cut you down.”
The Azure Abyss Sword left its sheath behind Mo Qingshuang, slashing toward the Xunwind Azure Luan.
“Clang!”
“Clang!”
“Clang!”
Sword light interwove. Mo Qingshuang let out a muffled groan as the web between his thumb and forefinger split open, blood staining the sword hilt red.
“Give up. You are not my opponent.”
Standing atop the Xunwind Azure Luan, Zhuang Fu looked down at him from above.
Before the Xunwind Azure Luan, the so-called “One Sword Breaks Myriad Laws” was but a wisp of breeze.
‘Glazed Light in the Beak · Flashing Swan!’
Mo Qingshuang remained silent. The Glazed Sword Soul on his shoulder instantly merged into the Azure Abyss Sword, no longer distinguishable from it.
In the next instant, a clear and resonant sword cry echoed throughout the entire Dueling Plaza.
Man and sword became one. Mo Qingshuang’s figure suddenly vanished from the perception of Golden Core True Persons’ divine sense. In its place was a streak of sword light that defied the laws of heaven and earth.
That sword light seemed to carry the light of dawn. Even before it was fully unleashed, it had already struck its mark.
“Chirp!”
The Xunwind Azure Luan moved to shield Zhuang Fu. Its body stiffened as a thin line of blood slowly surfaced from its forehead down to its abdomen. Its massive form split cleanly in two.
“I have lost.”
Mo Qingshuang sheathed his sword, protecting the Glazed Sword Soul with his right hand. Then he gave Zhuang Fu a slight nod and calmly turned to leave the stage.
At those words, Zhuang Fu’s hand seal paused. The Xunwind Azure Luan before him burst into a gentle azure wind that restored and healed the severed wound, as though that world-shaking sword strike had been nothing more than an illusion.
Zhuang Fu cast Mo Qingshuang a deep look before stepping down as well.
As expected, the eccentric prodigies of Yuqing Immortal Sect truly had some ability.
Had his cultivation not been superior enough to allow the Xunwind Azure Luan to react in time, he might indeed have overturned his carriage.
“Good work.”
Seeing Mo Qingshuang descend from the stage, body swaying yet spine still straight, Chen Beiwu spoke softly.
Zhuang Fu’s combat strength was no weaker than Yu Zhaohua’s.
For Mo Qingshuang, with only Late-Stage Golden Core cultivation, to fight to such a degree had already been pushing himself to the limit.
‘The rest may have to rely on you.’
With that thought, Mo Qingshuang closed his eyes and began regulating his breath.
Next, it was the turn of the Second Vanguard. Ye Xinya stepped onto the stage. Her opponent was Lu Yuan, ranked third on the Tai Void Rankings, with Golden Core Great Perfection cultivation.
As Chen Beiwu had expected, the battle ended swiftly in defeat for Ye Xinya.
Had her opponent not shown mercy and held back out of consideration, Ye Xinya would likely have suffered even heavier injuries.
‘Two to zero. Yuqing Immortal Sect is likely finished this time.’ Lei Hao’s eyes gleamed.
His earlier analysis had been correct. Compared to previous Immortal Sect Exchange Conferences, Yuqing Immortal Sect’s lineup this year was noticeably weaker. Three were Late-Stage Golden Core cultivators; only one had reached Golden Core Great Perfection—and that one was not even a chief-level prodigy.
Excellent. This would absolutely be Jiuxiao Immortal Sect’s best chance this year!
At the same time, Wang Chan rose and strode toward the Dueling Platform.
‘It’s over!’
Seeing the figure on the stage, Xue Tianyi’s heart skipped a beat.
Ye Xinya pressed her lips tightly and subconsciously looked toward Chen Beiwu. Seeing his expression remain calm—almost as if it were Yuqing Immortal Sect about to claim a three-to-zero victory—her anxiety eased somewhat.
‘What terrible luck!’
Yu Zhaohua’s expression did not change. She took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.
She refused to admit defeat. Even against Wang Chan, Chief Disciple of Taiqing Immortal Sect, with slim odds of victory, she would fight with everything she had.
Seeing Yu Zhaohua step forward, Wang Chan frowned slightly and glanced at Chen Beiwu below the stage.
Interesting. Had he overthought it?
Chen Beiwu was not the Core, but the Final Pillar.
“Begin.”
As Feng Binhang’s voice fell, Yu Zhaohua retreated at once, forming hand seals to cast various enhancement treasure arts upon her Companion Beast.
The Flintrock Coiled Dragon stomped the ground, activating its Earth-Fire Resonance profound ability. Pillars of molten earthfire, blazing with extreme heat, surged skyward one after another, buying time for its contracted cultivator to cast her spells.
Wang Chan remained indifferent. He slowly raised his right hand, five fingers slightly spread, and gently pressed downward toward the Flintrock Coiled Dragon.
“Buzz!” The void trembled; Dao’s Rhythm roared.
As the spiritual mechanisms of heaven and earth converged, the Flintrock Coiled Dragon’s pupils shrank. Behind Wang Chan, a supreme and exalted phantom figure quietly manifested.
That figure resembled a primordial being who had split open heaven and earth. Its height was immeasurable; its features indistinct. Only the eternal aura could be perceived.
Before that aura, all things must bow!
At that moment, Wang Chan’s palm descended. Behind him, the phantom of the Taiqing Venerated Deity opened its indifferent eyes and raised a colossal hand capable of harmonizing earth, water, fire, and wind, slowly pressing down toward Yu Zhaohua.
Before the palm even landed, the Flintrock Coiled Dragon’s body shuddered. Spiderweb cracks spread across its molten scale armor.
Yu Zhaohua’s hand seals faltered, like a faint spark mercilessly extinguished beneath the giant palm.
“Boom!”
The palm fell. Both cultivator and beast were defeated.
The Flintrock Coiled Dragon lay prone upon the ground, its molten scale armor completely shattered, its aura fluctuating chaotically.
Yu Zhaohua lay at the bottom of a molten crater, unable to move, a trace of bewilderment still lingering in her eyes.
Seeing this, Wang Chan withdrew his hand. The phantom of the Taiqing Venerated Deity that overshadowed heaven and earth slowly dissipated behind him.
“Victory goes to Wang Chan of Taiqing Immortal Sect.”
As Feng Binhang’s voice rang out, the cultivators of the Immortal Sects snapped back to their senses as though from a dream.
There had been no evenly matched clash as they had anticipated—only a one-sided suppression.
Three to zero.
Taiqing Immortal Sect, victorious!
Yet Wang Chan’s face bore not the slightest trace of triumph. He lowered his gaze toward Chen Beiwu below the stage.
Chen Beiwu likewise lifted his head, meeting his eyes.