Volume 1 Volume 7 Chapter 110

Volume 7 Chapter 110: Before the Storm

"Anluo is dead, and Base Number One is destroyed…"

Zhang Xusheng’s words caused a huge uproar among the members of the "An" organization in front of him.

Anluo is dead?!

That Anluo, who could control all opponents with blood, could replicate their strength and abilities, and would never die as long as a drop of blood remained, the so-called invincible Anluo, Zhang Xusheng’s perfect creation, has just died like this?!

Is there anyone in this world, besides Zhang Xusheng, who can kill this monster?

"Who killed Anluo?"

Mingluo forced down the shock and disbelief in his heart, struggling to stay calm, and asked Zhang Xusheng.

"Chou," Zhang Xusheng replied softly, "I thought that letting Anluo take the lead, even if Xu Qingfan came in person, would not bring good results. But I never expected that the strength of that Chou far exceeded my expectations… His strength now surpasses Xu Qingfan’s, at least equal to mine. Compared to Zhong Ling from back then, he is much stronger and much smarter."

Although Anluo was dead, there was no trace of sadness on Zhang Xusheng’s face; he was only amazed by the power of the Chou, still smiling.

"How can the Chou be so powerful? It’s impossible!"

Jiluo exclaimed.

"What’s impossible?" Zhang Xusheng toyed with a jade stone in his hand, a mysterious smile on his face, and said softly, "The Chou strengthens itself by devouring others. Over the years, how many masters from the Shura Clan and our people has he devoured? It’s not surprising he has such power… I once dissected Zhong Ling, who was connected to him, and such demons can probably gain about one-third of a person’s power after consuming them. This led me to misjudge… The power he has absorbed should be around eighty percent. He must have encountered something extraordinary in the last eighty years."

Hearing Zhang Xusheng’s words, the members of the "An" organization fell silent, secretly thinking of a plan.

"Don’t worry…" Zhang Xusheng said with a light laugh, "Such things will not happen again from now on."

Everyone looked at Zhang Xusheng in confusion.

"Xu Qingfan has surprised us three times in a row in this matter. He has indeed grown, and since the fruit is already ripe, it needs to be picked," Zhang Xusheng said softly. "From today onward, I will personally deal with Xu Qingfan."

Upon hearing Zhang Xusheng’s words, everyone froze in shock!

How long has it been since Zhang Xusheng seriously dealt with someone himself? In their memory, it seemed like never. Even when he faced Immortal Zizhen, Mr. Liu, and Li Fulu, the three Grandmasters, alone back then, or fought countless Shura Clan masters over the years, he had never been serious. What he did was simply follow the script he had already designed, participating as the director, directly or indirectly controlling the situation among all parties.

It can be said that since Zhang Xusheng set this script a thousand years ago, he had not seriously dealt with anyone. At that time, his opponents had risen from being a single person to independently challenging the world, and the situation of the world still remains under his control. It is like a skilled musician playing the world as their instrument, easily controlling and changing the sounds of the world. As for the dust on the edges of the instrument, it never caught his attention.

Now, if Zhang Xusheng has become serious again, then what is there that he cannot deal with?

So after hearing Zhang Xusheng’s words, everyone showed signs of respect. At Zhang Xusheng’s signal, they slowly retreated, no longer worrying about the future situation.

In their eyes, although Xu Qingfan still hung on the tree like a fruit, it was no different from being picked and swallowed.

Once his subordinates had retreated, the smile on Zhang Xusheng’s face became even more mysterious and ethereal.

"If a person goes against the heavens, the heavens will abandon them…"

Zhang Xusheng stood by the window, looking up at the blue sky and fluffy white clouds outside. Suddenly, he softly muttered a well-known saying from the cultivation world.

While others thought Zhang Xusheng was dealing with just a few people, he knew he was not just facing some individuals; he was still up against the heavens!

When Xu Qingfan had the ability to reopen the "Azure Crystal Treasure House," Zhang Xusheng began to sense that something was wrong.

Everything that happened was one surprising event after another, and these things were supposed to be certain, like the closed "Azure Crystal Treasure House," the well-timed battle between the Shura Clan and humanity, and the already established power of Chou…

One unexpected incident after another appeared, making it feel like everything was coincidentally turning against Zhang Xusheng…

When coincidences happen so frequently and all are unfavorable to you, can we still call them coincidences?

In Zhang Xusheng’s view, it was no longer just a person targeting him; it was the heavens—the elusive yet controlling Heavenly Way—going against him.

The Heavenly Way has its own senses, and when it realizes that the world’s situation is shifting from its design to be controlled by a human, it will surely reject that person!

Just like Zhang Xusheng’s current state, unexpected events continued to occur, all turning against him.

If a person goes against the heavens, the heavens will surely abandon that person.

This is not just a saying from some wise elder; although it is well-known, no one takes it seriously. That is because no one has reached the point of going against the heavens.

To Zhang Xusheng, the Heavenly Way and fate seemed like a tightly working machine, and in its turning gears, anything trying to change how it works would be crushed to dust. Although these gears are not visible on the outside, their danger cannot be hidden.

"Are you going to abandon me? Do you… think I have grown to the point that scares you? Alright, let’s have a battle then. If a person goes against the heavens, the heavens will surely abandon that person? Ha… When a person truly reaches the point of going against the heavens, they have long abandoned the heavens themselves, so why wait for the heavens to abandon them?"

Zhang Xusheng’s smile grew wider as he looked at the blue sky, speaking softly, but in that moment his presence challenged the very heavens and earth!

It seemed to be a response from the heavens; suddenly, Zhang Xusheng’s body shook, and he looked toward the south!

…

Liu Ziqing walked along the road, silently thinking about the news he had just received.

Chou actually killed Anluo!

Liu Ziqing, who hated Zhang Xusheng deeply, naturally knew what Anluo was like. In fact, he believed that no one in this world, except for the creator Zhang Xusheng, could defeat Anluo in a one-on-one fight.

Liu Ziqing knew about Chou’s strength, but in Liu Ziqing’s view, the best outcome would merely be a draw between this demon and a monster.

"A mere piece of ‘Swelling Earth’ has actually improved Chou’s power so much?"

Liu Ziqing thought to himself.

Over the years, although Liu Ziqing had been staying in the Human Alliance, Xu Qingfan had always been very honest with him, bringing all the news related to the Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands to his attention, including how fifty years ago, during his retreat, Xu Qingfan had suddenly sent word for Chou to meet him and then handed a piece of ‘Swelling Earth’ to Chou.

Before that, Chou had some wins and losses in hunting the Shura Clan, but ever since he received that piece of Swelling Earth, he had not heard of any losses from Chou.

It turned out that Xu Qingfan had carefully studied the piece of Swelling Earth he obtained from the "Azure Crystal Treasure House" during his retreat, but he couldn’t find any clues. Finally, Xu Qingfan suddenly remembered that the "Spirit Eater" broke free by absorbing Swelling Earth, so what would happen to Chou, who was similar in nature to the Spirit Eater, after obtaining the Swelling Earth?

So, Xu Qingfan handed the Swelling Earth to Chou, and after Chou received the Swelling Earth, his growth significantly increased his body control, while also greatly improving his efficiency in devouring opponents and providing a noticeable enhancement to the characteristics of his body structure.

If it were not for that piece of Swelling Earth enhancing Chou, he would never have had the ability to make Anluo ultimately drink his blood to survive. Chou’s blood also would not have caused Anluo to die so quickly. The two beings would have only fought to a draw.

"It’s a pity that there are too few Swelling Earth, otherwise it would be better to study it more thoroughly."

Liu Ziqing thought to himself.

However, this news would greatly help him with his next actions.

While he was thinking, Liu Ziqing had already arrived in front of a courtyard.

"Please come in."

Before Liu Ziqing could speak, the person inside seemed to have noticed his arrival.

Liu Ziqing pushed the door open and saw three cultivators sitting cross-legged inside: a Taoist, a scholar, and a monk.

These three were the Three Anchorets who had met Xu Qingfan a few times in the past: Taoist Crane, the Green Pine Scholar, and Master Wan Shi. Because of their backgrounds, they had never been fully accepted by Zizhen and others. Under Zhang Xusheng’s influence, they formed an alliance with him, subtly opposing Immortal Zizhen and Mr. Liu together with Zhang Xusheng.

Liu Ziqing came to find them to persuade them to abandon Zhang Xusheng. He did not expect them to ally with Xu Qingfan, but at least he hoped they would remain neutral in future conflicts.

This was the third secret meeting between both sides. The Three Anchorets did not tell Zhang Xusheng about Liu Ziqing, which gave Liu Ziqing a little more confidence.

"Have the three of you thought it over?"

After sitting down cross-legged, Liu Ziqing asked with a smile.

The Three Anchorets exchanged glances, and then Taoist Crane hesitantly asked, "The Taoist friend said some days ago that Zhang Xusheng wanted to destroy and create the world. That seems too exaggerated; we still do not dare to believe it."

Liu Ziqing shook his head and sighed, "I do not ask you to believe, only to remain neutral in future conflicts. Is that too much to ask?"

"Taoist Friend Zhang has treated us well over the years, we…"

The young scholar paused halfway through his sentence when Liu Ziqing interrupted, "Speaking of it, you are allies with Zhang Xusheng, but do you really know what he has done over the years? Does he truly consider you as allies? He is just using you. Furthermore, although he has treated you well, you have helped him resist Immortal Zizhen for these years, which is enough to repay him. Open your eyes; as the power of Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands grows, he will inevitably align with Immortal Zizhen, Mr. Liu, and others. At that point, Zhang Xusheng’s failure will be certain."

Upon hearing Liu Ziqing’s words, the Three Anchorets showed a look of disbelief. They clearly did not think Zhang Xusheng would fail so easily.

Noticing the hesitation in the Three Anchorets’ eyes, Liu Ziqing sighed, "If the three of you do not believe Zhang Xusheng’s actions, in ten days I will have proof for you. However, by then, I will no longer be the one in charge of the negotiations."

"What do you mean?"

"A day ago, Chou killed Zhang Xusheng’s top expert, Anluo, and found a lot of evidence of Zhang Xusheng making new humans. Now he is coming here…" Liu Ziqing smiled and said, "By then, it will be Chou leading the negotiations, not me. I believe the three of you know a bit about Chou’s attitude towards Zhang Xusheng’s supporters. When that time comes, the mood of the negotiations won’t be so easy."

The three Anchorets were surprised; one because they didn’t expect Chou to kill Anluo, and two because they didn’t expect the legendary Chou to come.

Over the years, Chou’s reputation has soared within the Human Alliance. While the Shura Clan hunts human cultivators everywhere, Chou has gone against the tide, hunting the Shura Clan all over the Shenzhou Continent. He has never failed, and none of the Shura Clan he faced ever escaped. By now, at least three thousand Shura and Half Shura have died at his hands, including five true experts from the Shura Clan, and there are only twenty-five true experts in total known to exist in the Shura Clan.

It is said that for years, Grand Tantian and Asura have searched the world for Chou, but not only have they not seen a trace of him, their subordinates have been continuously killed. The Shura, known for hunting others, have finally experienced the fear of being hunted themselves. Now, unless there are three or more of them or they are accompanied by Grand Tantian or Asura, the Shura Clan does not dare to step out of their stronghold.

The Three Anchorets have a more direct understanding of Chou’s strength. In the great battle eighty years ago, the Three Anchorets struggled to fight against Grand Routian, one of the top ten experts of the Shura Clan. He was just killed by Chou three years ago…

Equally well-known as Chou’s power is his hostility towards Zhang Xusheng. Basically, just like the Shura Clan, once Zhang Xusheng’s people encounter Chou, hardly anyone survives.

"Are you threatening us?"

Immortal Crane responded with shock.

"Can Zhang Xusheng really create a new human race? But that doesn’t mean that Zhang Xu Sheng wants to end the world."

Master Wan Shi said.

"No, I am just stating a fact. The rise of Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands is already unavoidable, and the battle between Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands and Zhang Xusheng will certainly unfold. I just hope that my three Taoist friends will not get involved in this dispute. If my three Taoist friends wait another ten days, evidence of Zhang Xusheng creating a new human race will be in your hands. Although it cannot prove he wants to end the world, it will at least show that he has not been honest with you. Also… compared to Zhang Xusheng, who seeks to use my three Taoist friends, I believe Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands is a more suitable force for an alliance or even joining with my three Taoist friends. Our Island Master had met you three Taoist friends a few times, and you should know his character. Moreover, the attitude of Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands towards cultivating immortality is the same as that of my three Taoist friends, open-minded and without bias. Over the years, countless cultivators have joined Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands, exchanging knowledge freely and growing quickly in their abilities. Isn’t this exactly the cultivation world that my three Taoist friends pursue? Essentially, my Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands shares the same ideals as my three Taoist friends, and there is no fundamental conflict. We should not become enemies in the future because of Zhang Xusheng, right?"

After hearing Liu Ziqing’s words, the Three Anchorets fell silent for a long time. Finally, after exchanging glances, Taoist Crane replied, "In that case, we promise to remain neutral in the future struggle between Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands and Zhang Xusheng."

"A gentleman’s word?"

"A promise is hard to break!"

Liu Ziqing smiled and nodded, saying, "In that case, I will take my leave."

With that, Liu Ziqing’s tasks in the Human Alliance over the years were completely done. All of Zhang Xusheng’s supporters and allies had left him, and at this moment, other than his old subordinates, Zhang Xusheng was basically left all alone.

The only thing that troubled Liu Ziqing was that Zhang Xusheng seemed completely unconcerned about all of this and gave no indication of what he was planning.

After speaking, Liu Ziqing bowed to the Three Anchorets and walked towards the door.

At that moment, Taoist Crane seemed to remember something and suddenly asked Liu Ziqing, "Dear Island Master, did Xu Qingfan really die eighty years ago?"

Over the years, there have been rumors in the Human Alliance that Xu Qingfan did not die.

Liu Ziqing turned back, gave a mysterious smile, and said, "About this, I believe that soon the three Taoist friends will find out."

Just as Liu Ziqing turned back to leave, suddenly, both he and the Three Anchorets felt a shock, their faces changing greatly as they looked toward the south of Shenzhou Continent.

…

Meanwhile, in the Human Alliance, all the master-level experts except for Zhang Xusheng, Liu Ziqing, and the Three Anchorets…

At Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands, the top cultivators led by Xu Qingfan…

Chou, hunting the enemies of the Shura Clan everywhere in the Shenzhou Continent…

Inside the Shura Clan’s main camp, all the Shura Clan experts…

Everyone was looking towards the south of the Shenzhou Continent.

In the same direction, in the same place, their expressions were filled with disbelief.

There, a powerful and ancient force, like a raging tide from the dawn of time, carried a terrifying presence that made all living souls tremble deep inside, as if it was the ultimate nemesis of every creature in the world, instantly swept across the entire Shenzhou Continent.

At that moment, all beings below the master level couldn’t help but shiver, as a feeling of an impending apocalypse filled their minds…

But they did not know what it was all for.

Yet, the master-level experts were well aware… that the incredibly terrifying "Spirit Eater" had come back to life.