Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 263: Divine Adoration

Chapter 263: Divine Adoration

"Roar!"

A piercing shriek echoed as a beastfolk was killed, crushed by a force that was utterly overwhelming.

Four figures emerged simultaneously. The man leading the way, wielding a battle axe, was the one who had just launched the attack.

"Ridiculous!" he muttered, shaking the massive axe whose handle was over a meter long with clear disgust. "Don't these ferocious beasts and demonic creatures know how to gauge their opponents before attacking? A bunch of ordinary creatures, not even worthy of being called mid-tier, dare to attack a High-Class Astral Cultivator like me. Where are their brains?"

Someone behind him responded respectfully, "Captain Gao Feng, many of these ferocious beasts and demonic creatures act purely on instinct. When they sense a concentration of starlight, they'll rush in, hoping to devour and refine the immense astral energy to strengthen themselves.

“Compared to other creatures that evolve through mutation, we human Astral Cultivators seem to have an Astral Energy purification process that makes us more tempting to them."

"Enough, enough. I was just venting. No need for an explanation." Gao Feng waved his hand dismissively. "Here I am, a High-Class Astral Cultivator, hunting a puny Martial Saint.... If word gets out..."

In the next moment, his tone shifted. "Hahaha, how interesting! After all, this Martial Saint is known as the 'King of the Century!' A martial arts prodigy of just twenty-three!

“If he can break through that life-and-death barrier, he's destined to become a Master Astral Cultivator. Killing a future Master Astral Cultivator and claiming a piece of top-tier astral equipment in the process.... Just the thought of it makes me tremble with excitement!"

"Captain, Her Highness has given clear orders. We're to recruit Li Pin first. If that fails, we eliminate him to prevent future trouble," another person behind him reminded. fs

Gao Feng shot a sidelong glance at the man. "Got it, Chi Yang. Go scout ahead. You're a Martial Saint, after all. Don't let an ordinary beast force you back and make me step in."

Chi Yang understood his captain's temperament. Though his words were blunt, Gao Feng always acted when it mattered. Just like with that beastfolk, he had ultimately dealt with it himself.

In reality, even if Gao Feng had chosen to turn a blind eye to the beastfolk that had appeared earlier, Chi Yang could have killed it himself. However, he couldn’t guarantee he’d come out unscathed. That was not ideal as any injury would surely affect the team's search efficiency.

"Are the coordinates Her Highness provided even accurate? How could anyone be around a desolate place like this?" Gao Feng asked.

"The latest coordinates came through an hour ago. Though the target has been constantly moving at top speed, we've managed to track his general direction," revealed a man carrying various equipment on his back.

He glanced toward a distant area where dark clouds were gathering. "If nothing goes wrong, he should be in that region."

"Over there? It looks like the rain's about to fall. Is this guy hiding from the storm?" Gao Feng remarked.

At that moment, a few drops of water fell from the clouds, wetting the ground. As the droplets fell on Gao Feng’s face, they stirred a thought in his mind. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Killing someone in the rain, now that's got some flair! In storybook terms, it's as if the heavens wept bitter tears for the fallen prodigy. If we wrote a poem about it, wouldn't it make the atmosphere more tragic? Hahaha!"

His words elicited laughter from the others.

"Captain, we've arranged the route. Once we kill Li Pin, you can leave Tianyuan immediately by sea...."

Gao Feng interrupted with a wave of his hand.

He said, "What's there to fear? What does it matter that the people of Tianyuan have been relentlessly pursuing us for months? We're still thriving, aren't we? Other than losing a few minor outposts, the sect remains strong! Besides, we have plenty of people among Tianyuan's higher-ups. No matter how strong Fu Qingtian is, how can he hope to challenge us, the Divine Adoration Sect?"

"Better safe than sorry," the man advised cautiously.

"Alright, alright," Gao Feng said dismissively. "Think of it as a vacation, enjoying some foreign scenery."

The group then moved swiftly toward the battlefield. As they advanced, the rain intensified, accompanied by continuous rumbles of thunder.

However, the four members of Gao Feng's team remained unfazed by the weather, as even the two weakest among them were Martial Saints, each possessing unique skills.

After progressing a few miles, Chi Yang returned from his scouting mission and nodded solemnly.

"We've finally found that little insect," Gao Feng exclaimed joyfully.

Then, realizing his choice of words was off, he laughed and clarified to Chi Yang. "I didn't mean to say he is weak, just that he's been scurrying around like an insect."

Chi Yang and the other Martial Saint remained silent. They didn’t mind. If anything, they were eager to complete the task as soon as possible. Finding Li Pin relieved them a bit.

The group pressed on for another mile until they reached a barren, brown hill devoid of trees, where a lone figure stood silently in the pouring rain. Though the figure was just a Martial Saint, the moment they laid eyes on him, even Gao Feng, a High-Class Astral Cultivator, felt a brief moment of awe.

It was as if they were gazing upon a vast world, where the sun and moon rose and set, and all things moved in harmony.

He... had only ever felt this from a Master Astral Cultivator with profound cultivation.

Almost as soon as they saw him, the figure slowly turned his head, his gaze sharp as lightning, locking onto the four of them.

This was no metaphor. When the figure had turned his head around, there seemed to have been electricity flickering in his pupils. The four saw it clearly.

"This kid's a bit strange," another Astral Cultivator in the group whispered.

Gao Feng shared the same feeling.

But thinking it over, Li Pin was still just a martial artist no matter what... merely feigning mystery!

"He's a Martial Saint hailed as the King of the Century after all. It's only natural that he has a unique constitution and exhibits certain extraordinary qualities."

Gao Feng let out a cold snort, then turned to another Martial Saint. "Bullet, you'll handle convincing him. It's the Saintess' orders, so we have no choice. Though, I do hope he doesn't know what's good for him, so I can experience firsthand what it feels like to twist off the head of the so-called strongest martial artist."

He didn't bother raising his voice. The keen senses of Martial Saints allowed them to capture voices even in heavy rain easily.

"A wise man knows when to bend. I trust Martial Saint Li will make the right choice," the Martial Saint nicknamed "Bullet" replied with a smile.

He then strode past Gao Feng and the others, stopping a few dozen meters away from Li Pin.

Bullet began, "Martial Saint Li, you don't seem to be doing too well. With your status and talent, if you break through the life-and-death barrier and embark on the path of an Astral Cultivator, you'd undoubtedly be a Legend in the making.

“But now, because the people of Tianyuan didn't value you, or maybe they thought winning the title of King of the Century was more important than nurturing a future Legend, you're left all alone, drenched in the rain on a desolate mountain. This... looks a bit pitiful,"

"Who do you represent?" Li Pin asked.

However, before Bullet could respond, Li Pin shook his head and said, "Forget it. I don't care."

He shifted his gaze directly to Gao Feng, the High-Class Astral Cultivator. He had been the first to speak when they arrived. "The strongest martial artist? I'll take that as a compliment. I'm curious though, how exactly are you planning to do that? Perhaps... you could demonstrate it for me?"

Hearing this, Gao Feng seemed genuinely amused. However, he simply made several inviting gestures towards Bullet, signaling him to continue, while he himself stood back, watching with interest.

"Haha, Martial Saint Li, you are very bold with your words." Bullet wasn't fazed and continued with a smile, "Do you know our captain's identity?"

"He’s an Astral Cultivator," Li Pin responded. "Apart from an Astral Cultivator, I don't think any martial artist would dare speak to me like that."

"Indeed, he is. But if you think our captain is an Ordinary Astral Cultivator, you couldn't be more wrong," Bullet said. "Six years ago, our captain comprehended the meaning of Core Formation Perfect Primordial Unity. He condensed almost all his astral energy and forged his Astral Palace with secret arts, becoming a High-Class Astral Cultivator."[1]

He looked at Li Pin. "Even if it’s someone like you, the King of the Century, a Martial Saint standing at the pinnacle of martial arts, it wouldn't be too difficult for a High-Class Astral Cultivator to twist your head off, don't you think?"

He immediately changed his tune and added, "Of course, we've come with sincerity. Our true purpose is to invite you, Martial Saint Li—"

"You're from the Divine Adoration Sect?" Li Pin interrupted.

"Correct," Bullet nodded slightly. "But don't let Tianyuan's propaganda and its allies make you fear us. The Divine Adoration Sect is a faith-driven, idealistic organization. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the threats of the ferocious beasts and demonic creatures surrounding humanity, leading humanity to evolve and eventually achieve godhood. Like stars orbiting the sun, we will safeguard the great Astral God—"

"I have no interest in your sect’s ideals. I just wanted to remind you that not long ago, a group of your people died at my hands."

"No matter." Bullet smiled, unbothered. "I know what you're worried about, but for us, death is not the end. They've merely returned to the Divine Kingdom, becoming part of the great family there. They continue to support the kingdom in a different form and stand with us. So you don't need to worry. I bear no grudge over that incident. We're here with genuine intentions, hoping to—"

"Wait, I think you've misunderstood me." Li Pin stopped him. "I just wanted to remind you that six Martial Saints from your Divine Adoration Sect have fallen by my hand. With such a tremendous loss, there's only one thing your sect should be doing, and that's... seeking revenge!"

His gaze shifted to Gao Feng. "Why don't you, as a High-Class Astral Cultivator, demonstrate your strongest Astral Technique and avenge those followers who died because of me?"

His words made Chi Yang, Bullet, and the others furrow their brows simultaneously.

Gao Feng merely sneered and stepped forward. "I get it now. Not only did you reject us, you're also courting death."

"Smart. You're absolutely right," responded Li Pin, smiling in praise. "So, mighty High-Class Astral Cultivator, why don't you just get on with it and twist my head off to honor your fallen comrades?"

1. Core Formation Perfect Primordial Unity is a concept in Daoist alchemy representing a state of ultimate spiritual and physical perfection. ?