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Chapter 224: Master Is Invincible, I Yield Before Him
Chapter 224: Master Is Invincible, I Yield Before Him
Chapter 224: Master Is Invincible, I Yield Before Him
Ye Qingcang turned serious upon seeing Shen Tian’s queer expression.
He sneered. “What? Don’t tell me you thought I wanted to give the God of War Pagoda to you because I was angling for your Spirit Stones?”
Ye Qingcang looked very aggrieved. “You must know that the God of War Pagoda is a highly-coveted treasure in the Celestial World. Its value is beyond what you can imagine.”
Shen Tian gazed at Ye Qingcang. Somehow, he felt like this fellow was angry because he was feeling abashed about something.
But he was still in his territory, so it was better for him not to provoke this fellow.
Otherwise, he might be cleaned out by this fellow!
Shen Tian thought about it before asking amiably, “Senior mentioned that the pagoda is a treasure. I wonder what uses it has?”
Ye Qingcang replied loftily, “This was where the first master of the God of War Pagoda cultivated his Purple Aura. It can suppress and refine all types of energy in the world.
“Although the God of War Pagoda has been crumbling, it has managed to retain some energy after 10,000 years of absorbing Spirit Qi.
“But the current God of War Pagoda is still able to launch a triple attack and destroy a Perfected Immortal!”
Pfffttt! It can even destroy a Perfected Immortal!?
Shen Tian couldn’t help inhaling sharply.
It must be pointed out what exactly was a Perfected Immortal. It was an existence that was even more powerful than a Saint!
Only someone who successfully underwent the 12 Lightning Tribulations could refine their body to transcend into an immortal.
Thereafter, the cultivator would have to wash off all the aura of an ordinary mortal before they would be worthy of being a Perfected Immortal.
Even after transforming their physical body into an immortal’s one, they would still be ostracized by the immortal community. They would be able to hang around for at most 3,000 years.
Within those 3,000 years, they would have to leave for the Celestial World. Otherwise, they would be murdered by some of the heavenly sects.
One could not be sure if there were still any Perfected Immortals around the five regions around now.
That was to say this pagoda would be a trump card!
Shen Tian indicated that he was tempted. After all, who would scorn something that could preserve their life?
Ye Qingcang appeared to be very satisfied with Shen Tian’s reaction. He continued. “So easily tempted? So useless!
“So what if you become a Perfected Immortal? When the God of War Pagoda was at its peak, it could kill a whole group of Perfected Immortals with just the flick of one finger.
“The God of War Pagoda’s most useful skill is that it can preserve a copy of the battle prowess of every single person who battled inside the pagoda.
“You can spar with all the greatest prodigies from the past 10,000 years and familiarize yourself with all the various lethal techniques inside this God of War Pagoda.
“Survive 100 wars, and one could become a general! Survive 1,000 wars, and one could become king!
“The current cultivation level of a true prodigy is secondary. The most crucial thing is to be indomitable amongst the other cultivators of one’s own level.
“And consecutive battles with other prodigies is the fastest and most direct way to reach the top!”
Ye Qingcang grew increasingly excited as he spoke, flinging his sleeves in exuberance.
Once again, the entrance mirror appeared before them, depicting a battle scene with Kong Meng and the others.
“You can see that after battling for nine days and nights, your companions have shown significant improvements here. This is something that cannot be replicated outside the God of War Pagoda.”
After all, how could those prodigies from the other races not be tired of sparring with you over and over again?
Shen Tian couldn’t help being secretly awed upon looking at Kong Meng, who displayed her Rainbow Divine Light and utterly defeated a four-star prodigy.
He asked, “The battles which you mentioned previously—wouldn’t you be at a disadvantage if you encountered a prodigy like Kong Meng, who keeps winning?”
Ye Qingcang replied calmly, “Why would I be at a disadvantage? A cultivator only has two chances to win a prize for every prodigy of a certain level whom they challenge.
“In other words, no matter how many times Kong Meng beats a four-star prodigy, she will only be able to choose two four-star techniques.
“Also, it has been stipulated that only the winner can learn the techniques. He or she cannot pass it on to others.
“If she wants to gain more high-level legacy techniques, she will have to challenge more powerful prodigies.
“Anyway, they can pour in all their blood, tears, and sweat to gain from the battles, but I will never be at the losing end.”
Shen Tian fell into deep thought. So why does Kong Meng keep battling four-star prodigies?
The corners of Ye Qingcang’s lips curled up slightly. “This girl has been battling in the pagoda for 10 days. Her Rainbow Divine Light has reached new heights. But she is still somewhere below the level of a five-star Prodigy. She was matched up with a five-star prodigy earlier and was defeated within minutes.
“I think she must be cultivating her Rainbow Divine Light with these four-star prodigies so that she can bring her Rainbow Divine Light to the next level. Thereafter, she can continue her challenge!”
This was...
Had she gotten addicted to these battles?
Shen Tian turned to look at the others and found that they were more or less the same.
Well, as players were able to recharge after every battle and fight as much as they wanted, this fighting and betting premise, as swindling as it was, could be rather enticing and addictive.
Battles would always be the quickest way to improve. But in real life, the higher a prodigy’s reputation and status, the harder it was for a prodigy to truly indulge themselves in fights.
After all, if you were a Saint and lost to another Saint, it would be a downright embarrassment.
But inside the God of War Pagoda, everyone could battle to their hearts’ content.
Only in an all-out battle could one most easily discover their shortcomings.
Given Kong Meng’s eager-to-excel character, it was natural for her to take to this training system like a fish to water.
Ye Qingcang smiled at Shen Tian’s curious expression. “So how about it? Are you interested in stepping onto the platform to try?”
Shen Tian noticed Ye Qingcang’s sly smile, and he pursed his lips. “You want me to get addicted and end up unable to leave the God of War Pagoda so that I have to collect it, right?”
“Cough, cough, cough... You misunderstand!” Ye Qingcang took a sip of tea. “Why, don’t you have the slightest bit of self-control?”
Shen Tian smiled. “In that case, I will give it a try! Do I need to exchange for God of War points?”
Ye Qingcang shook his head. “No need. You are my chosen one. How can I let you spend Spirit Stones to fight on my God of War platform?”
With that, Ye Qingcang patted his sleeves lightly.
Shen Tian suddenly felt a bizarre light flash before his eyes.
By the time he opened his eyes again, he found himself on a huge platform.
A lovely young lady dressed in an emerald-green dress was standing before him.
Four stars floated upon her head, indicating her level.
“Xin Qingyi from the Star-Collecting Vine race, pleased to meet you.”
With that, a long green vine suddenly shot out of the young lady’s right sleeve, like a green snake heading straight for Shen Tian.
Shen Tian quickly dodged, but this lady was a four-star prodigy, and her skills were formidable.
The green vine was like a shadow following him, extremely difficult to shake off. No matter how Shen Tian dodged or swerved, he was unable to free himself of it.
Swoosh!
A long vine suddenly shot out of the ground and wrapped itself around Shen Tian’s right leg.
Following that, the long vine rapidly circled itself up his leg.
Xin Qingyi had indeed laid a sturdy vine in ambush beneath the ground, just waiting for Shen Tian to step over it as he dodged the other vine for a sneak attack.
Just as Shen Tian’s right leg was being completely restrained, the original vine had also caught up with him, binding the rest of his body.
Xin Qingyi smiled coquettishly. Another long vine suddenly shot out of her left sleeve.
This vine was very hard and glistened with a harsh light. It shot straight toward the middle of Shen Tian’s brows.
“This opponent is very seasoned in battle experience. I cannot compare.”
Shen Tian offered his objective opinion, honestly admitting that his battle experience was lacking.
After meeting a prodigy like Xin Qingyi, who also used vines to attack, he had wanted to have a fair fight to test his mettle.
But in the end, under Xin Qingyi’s intense attacks, Shen Tian had absolutely zero chance of counterattacking. She completely controlled him.
Of course, this was under the premise that Shen Tian only used his Divine Devouring Vine and no other techniques.
It would be a different matter if he activated his full arsenal.
“Crimson Phoenix Lightning Armor, activate!”
At his command, Shen Tian’s body was engulfed in Nan Ming Li Fire, and the vines binding him were burned to a cinder.
Then, Shen TIna spread the armor’s wings in a flurry of fiery feathers, and a long sword appeared in his hands.
Swoosh!
A blazing red image flashed across the sky.
Xin Qingyi’s face underwent a major shift. Ten vines shot out of her body, forming a net.
But the net was completely defenseless against the sword aura of his blood-red Executing Heaven Sword. It was instantly hacked into pieces.
Clang!
He returned his sword into its scabbard, and Xin Qingyi’s slender figure disappeared.
Ye Qingcang shouted in amazement, “Aiyo, not bad at all! I wanted to see who would end up binding who... I never expected you to come up with a totally different move.”
In resignation, Shen Tian said, “This vine race prodigy was much more experienced than me in using vine attacks in battles. I am afraid I wouldn’t be able to trap her.”
Ye Qingcang said in an enticing voice, “Is that so? Do you want to learn the vine-controlling techniques of the Star-Collecting Vine race then? Just ask, and I can give it to you!”
Shen Tian, “...”
You are really a sly one, aren’t you?
Ye Qingcang smiled at Shen Tian’s indifference. “Looks like a four-star prodigy is not good enough for you. No problem. I will give you a level-up. I will let you spar with a five-star prodigy.”
As Ye Qingcang spoke, a figure gradually appeared on the platform.
A strange expression crossed Shen Tian’s face when he saw who that person was.
It was a 15- to 16-year-old teenager dressed in a valiant and mighty armor.
It must be pointed out that Shen Tian found this armor very familiar. It was very similar to the Longyuan Divine Armor which Zhang Longyuan had previously given him.
More importantly, this teenager also looked very familiar. He looked somewhat like Zhang Yunting. To be more accurate... he looked like his father.
Five stars sparkled above this teenager’s head.
The youth held a purple sword in his right hand and a golden immortal sutra in his left.
“It is good to read books. Reading books can make one smarter.” The teenager gazed at Shen Tian. “Brother Shen, you should read more books!”
Shen Tian held his forehead. “Senior, are you trying to prank me!”
Ye Qingcang’s voice sounded. “Both you and the kid are good at lightning arts. You have the Divine Sword Constitution, while this kid is also pretty good in sword fighting. He is the most suitable opponent for you to test your skills!
“Sparring with prodigies of the same type so that you can learn from each other... I am looking out for you!
“Hurry up, let me see your true powers!”
Spar? Learn from each other?
This is a projection of my Master!
What happens if I crush him? What if you record this?
This sly old fox is such a bad egg. He must be harboring evil intentions and intends to use this to blackmail me!
Do you think I will fall into your trap?
Before Shen Tian could raise his objections, the youth had launched his attack.
“Heaven and Earth are the origins of Taoism, everything in this world is from the same source. Go through a hundred million trials, prove our powerful and sacred belief.”
The golden immortal sutra in the hands of the Sacred Leader clone wavered.
The pages in the golden book fluttered rapidly as a stream of gold-colored runes shot out.
Those runes imprinted themselves on the Sacred Leader’s armor, and the avatar of the five divine beasts appeared behind.
The Sacred Leader was now engulfed in multi-colored lightning, looking very much like a young God of Lightning.
“He is indeed my Master. He is so powerful even at such a young age.”
Shen Tian calmly took an Image Recording Crystal out of his Archeon Sea Ring.
Shen Tian looked at the projection of Zhang Longyuan’s younger self and said respectfully, “Today, your disciple will exchange moves with Master!”
By the time Shen Tian finished his sentence, the youth had already charged toward him, his sword surrounded by purple lightning and leaving behind streaks of sword shadows.
The youth’s swordplay was very incisive and powerful. Every single stroke was a lethal attack—eyes, throat, heart, kidneys, and even his crotch.
If Shen Tian did not possess the Divine Sword Constitution and had a natural special instinct toward swordplay, he would have found it challenging to dodge the attacks.
“Master’s swordplay is indeed high-level. I am humbled.”
Shen Tian “reluctantly” drew out his Jade Water Sword to counter the youth’s attack. “Master, your reputation at the Sacred Leader Palace was not just for show. You are truly a genius warrior.
“But I will never admit defeat so easily. Master, get ready to meet my attacks!”
A golden blaze covered Shen Tian’s body as his Five Heavenly Lightning Beast Armor appeared. It was a dazzling sight.
He took the Purple Golden Hammer out of his Archeon Sea Ring, which immediately enlarged multiple times. He swung it at the teenager.
Duang!
Golden runes spread out of the teenager’s immortal sutra, forming a golden divine barrier around him.
The Purple Golden Hammer collided with the golden barrier. The barrier was instantly shattered, sending the teenager flying off several feet.
Shen Tian was stunned as he looked at the injured youth.
This can’t be right!
Didn’t Master say before that he was more powerful than me when he was a Foundation Establishment youth?
It was just a simple swing of my Purple Golden Hammer. I didn’t even use any First Essence Heavy Water. But he already can’t take it!
Damn! Did that sly Ye Qingcang secretly decrease Master’s battle prowess?
I will never give you the chance to record this and blackmail me in the future!
At that moment, the Sacred Leader’s projection once again launched an attack.
“Tens of thousands of deities assemble, servants of the thunder.
Demons tremble in fear, monsters disintegrate.
Deities exude their dominance, leading with their swords.
Throughout the entire universe, I am king of it all!”
After reciting another verse, the teenager stepped upon the seven stars onto the Big Dipper, and his aura surged.
The avatar of the five divine beasts merged into the sword in his hand as the lightning surrounding the platform suddenly magnified. It was like Armageddon had arrived.
Streaks of lightning shot through the dark clouds, like purple snakes undulating in the skies.
It must be said that the battle prowess of Zhang Longyuan’s youthful self was indeed very high.
The power he was displaying now was enough to kill off most of the Golden Core cultivators.
Shen Tian’s expression turned serious. A black shield appeared, which formed a massive lightning barrier.
Boom!
In the blink of an eye, a thick purple lightning bolt shot toward Shen Tian.
Lightning and shield clashed, and a terrifying network of smaller lightning streaks spread out, looking very much like a spiderweb.
By the time the lightning dissipated, Shen Tian was holding his hand over his chest, his face full of admiration and respect. “What a formidable Sword Immortal Lightning. You are indeed my great Master. I am left behind in your dust.
“I have lost this battle. But I will continue to train harder and fight for the chance to spar with Master again!”
With that, Shen Tian kept the floating Image Recording Crystal beside him.
At the 7th level of the God of War Pagoda, under the Tree of Enlightenment...
The veins on Ye Qingcang’s forehead were throbbing.
“That’s it? That’s all you are doing?
“Left in his Master’s dust? At the very least, make your own face look a little paler and pant a little harder! Admitting defeat just like that?”
Ye Qingcang suddenly thought of something and shook his head with a smile.
“It is rather rare to see someone so mature and level-headed who cultivates the Tinder Sutra. Looks like no one is more suitable than him to be the God of War Pagoda’s successor.”