The messiness of his landing went without saying.
As the ripples of the spatial tunnel settled, and before Gu Chengming could suppress the churning in his stomach, his Elder Yu was already frantically grabbing Luo Jinyao’s sleeve, urging her to check Gu Chengming for injuries. Her state suggested that Gu Chengming wasn’t just exhausted, but on the verge of death. Luo Jinyao, caught up in the panic, immediately activated her fourth realm sense to investigate.
She and the other Wenjian Sect female cultivator were both stunned by what they found.
The expected tragedy of shattered meridians and a withered soul did not appear. Aside from some weakness due to depleted strength, the true essence within Gu Chengming’s body was incredibly active. After consuming just one high-grade pill meant for foundation strengthening, the "patient" who had been pale and needed support was standing energetically on the city wall, enjoying the breeze in less than the time it took to drink half a cup of tea.
This level of recovery was astonishing even to Luo Jinyao, a major cultivator on the Heaven Ranking who had seen much of the world. Even Yu Wenqiu, who had always viewed Gu Chengming as a junior who needed her protection, fell into a deep state of self-doubt.
Which one of them was actually the accessory who just cheered from the back?
Gu Chengming was also surprised. He hadn't been injured after clashing a punch with that monster, and he hadn't even activated Emperor State at that time.
'Could it be a hidden mechanism of "Emperor Bai, help me"?'
A guess surfaced in his mind, but he wasn't certain. His expression turned strange.
However, now was clearly not the time to delve into hidden mechanisms. The wind and snow on the city walls remained biting. Although the sounds of slaughter in the distance had faded, it did not mean the end. As a key figure in this battle, Gu Chengming barely had time to catch his breath before being swept into the aftermath.
The news brought by Gu Chengming and Yu Wenqiu was undoubtedly useful. Many people, including Luo Jinyao, had gone to support the Night Guard Division.
The final outcome was quite unexpected. Perhaps because the news arrived so timely and reinforcements arrived so quickly, Zhou Qingmu did not fall under the siege. Instead, she had forcefully decapitated 【Wolf Lord Xuan Shuo】 and 【Bat Lord Bi Qiong】. She had even shattered the physical body of 【Rock Sovereign Yue Ting】, whose defense was said to be unrivaled among his peers, leaving only a tattered demon soul to flee back into the depths of the demon realm.
Though the Night Guard Division suffered losses, achieving such a result in a situation that could have overturned the entire northern defense line was more than just a "grand victory."
In the subsequent reorganization, the members of the Tianshu squad, including Li Dujiang and Song Qing, suffered only minor injuries. Fortunately, their lives were safe. They were then dispersed and assigned to various stable guards to assist with defense.
As a hero with connections, Gu Chengming naturally followed Yu Wenqiu to officially reside in this fortress known as the "First Gate of the Northern Great Wall," Falling Snow Pass.
After a few days of rest, Gu Chengming's fatigue had completely vanished. Once everything was settled, a Northern Mansion invitation was delivered to his desk.
Falling Snow Pass.
There was none of the desolation and coldness typical of a border fortress here. Instead, because of the existence of earth fire arrays, it was as warm as spring. Several plum trees that did not belong to this season were even planted in the courtyard, blooming proudly against the wind and snow.
"I heard from Junior Sister Yu... your name is Xiao Gu, right?"
The woman speaking was sitting at a stone table, her slender hand holding a teapot as she pushed a cup of steaming spirit tea toward Gu Chengming. She wore a white robe as white as snow, without armor, and her long black hair was tied up with a seemingly casual wooden hairpin. Her face was beautiful, possessing a touch of cool detachment, yet her tone at the moment was overly gentle, almost like the intimacy of a sister next door.
This impactful contrast made Gu Chengming feel dazed for a moment. This was the seventh on the Heaven Ranking, the Luo Jinyao who made the northern demon kings tremble with fear?
"This junior is named Gu Chengming."
Gu Chengming quickly stood up, took the teacup with both hands, and after considering his wording, explained somewhat unnaturally, "The name Xiao Gu is more of a friendly way Elder Yu addresses me in private."
The term "pet name" had originally popped into his head, but he felt it sounded too flippant, so he forced himself to swallow it back.
"Friendly... that does fit Junior Sister Yu's temperament."
Luo Jinyao’s lips curled up slightly into a gentle smile. "In that case, I will also call you Xiao Gu. It sounds more natural."
She did not put on any airs of a senior expert. Her gaze carefully scrutinized Gu Chengming, her eyes showing a hint of concern. "It was a bit rushed earlier. Now that I can look closely, your complexion has indeed recovered well. However, the baleful qi here in the North is heavy, and hidden injuries left by spatial turbulence can sometimes run deep. If you feel any discomfort in the next two days, remember to come to me anytime."
"Thank you for your concern, Senior. I understand."
Gu Chengming felt a warmth in his heart. He could tell that Senior Luo wasn't just being polite; she truly treated him like a junior of her own family.
After some small talk, Luo Jinyao took out a token made of obsidian with the words "Falling Snow" carved on the front from her sleeve and placed it gently on the table.
"This is the Luoxue Guard Token. Keep it well."
Luo Jinyao’s voice remained gentle, but she became more serious when discussing official business. "Since you have entered the pass, you are considered one of our Falling Snow Pass people from today onward."
"The rules here in the North are slightly different from those in the Great Qian hinterlands or within the Night Guard Division. Here, everything is determined by military merits, and everything is centered around defending the pass."
She patiently explained the intricacies to him. "Although you still maintain your status in the Night Guard Division, within the jurisdiction of Falling Snow Pass, our military orders have the highest priority. Of course, you don't need to worry too much. In most cases, the Night Guard's orders do not conflict with our defenses; they can even be said to complement each other."
"As for the specific unit..."
Luo Jinyao looked at Yu Wenqiu, who was gorging herself on a plate of pastries at the next table, and smiled helplessly. "Since Junior Sister Yu brought you to me, she naturally hopes you can operate under my watch. Conveniently, I need to organize some border defense maps these few days. You will be temporarily assigned as a guard in the Northern Mansion. On ordinary days, if there is no combat, you can move freely within the pass to familiarize yourself with the environment."
"Yes, I shall follow Senior's arrangements."
Gu Chengming tucked away the token, his heart settling. With this identity and Luo Jinyao's personal arrangement, his start in the North was going incredibly smoothly. Compared to those colleagues scattered to various bitter and cold outposts, it was like heaven and earth.
After finishing the official business, Luo Jinyao did not dismiss Gu Chengming immediately. Instead, as if seeing his curiosity about the unfamiliar environment, she stood up proactively.
"Sitting around is dull. I happen to need to inspect the city. Why don't you walk with me, Xiao Gu?"
"This Falling Snow Pass might be different from the border you imagined."
Gu Chengming followed Luo Jinyao out of the Northern Mansion. The two of them passed through quiet corridors and bypassed several heavily guarded sentries. As the thick vermilion side door was slowly pushed open, a heat wave mixed with the aroma of food and the clamor of voices instantly dispersed the tranquility of the mansion.
He had expected to encounter wind, snow, and a solemn atmosphere, but he never expected to see a completely different world.
When he truly stepped onto the streets of Falling Snow Pass, even though he was mentally prepared, the sight still caused a flicker of astonishment. How was this a border pass? It was barely inferior to the capital.
Wide streets were lined with shops, taverns, and teahouses. The sounds of peddling, horse carriages, and even the distant music of silk and bamboo intertwined into a vibrant tapestry of mortal life. Walking on the streets were not only armored soldiers, but even more so cultivators in various robes, merchants, and even ordinary commoners.
If not for the black city walls towering into the clouds and the persistent chill in the air, Gu Chengming would have thought he had returned to a bustling neighborhood in the capital.
"Are you surprised?"
Luo Jinyao slowed her pace to walk side by side with Gu Chengming. Wherever she went, the passing soldiers and commoners bowed respectfully. She smiled in response to their greetings and turned to explain to Gu Chengming.
"In many people's eyes, the North is synonymous with bitterness, slaughter, and desolation. But in fact, it is precisely because of the danger here that this distorted prosperity was born."
"Because this is one of the safest places in the entire North."
Luo Jinyao pointed to the pedestrians who seemed relaxed but were actually walking in a hurry. "The North is vast. Aside from the passes guarded by us humans, other places are overrun with monsters. Those rogue cultivators who come to the North to gather herbs, mine, and hunt demons for a living, as well as the merchant caravans responsible for transporting goods, they need to lick blood off a blade's edge, but they also need an absolutely safe haven to spend their money and rest."
"With me and tens of thousands of elite border troops here, even a fifth realm demon king would gain no advantage at Falling Snow Pass. Therefore, most people who make a living in the North choose to live here or in the other large guard passes nearby."
Gu Chengming nodded thoughtfully. The logic wasn't hard to understand. In a chaotic world, safety was the greatest asset.
"Of course, there is an even more important reason."
Luo Jinyao’s voice dropped slightly. She extended a slender finger and pointed at the ground beneath them. "Great Qian dragon qi."
"Dragon qi?" Gu Chengming’s expression shifted.
"Correct," Luo Jinyao explained. "Great Qian's territory is vast, but the power of this dragon qi is not omnipresent. The capital is where the dragon veins converge, naturally impervious to all evil. But the North is, after all, a remote frontier, too far from the capital. The effect of the dragon qi is greatly weakened."
"Dragon qi originates from the earth veins, but it also originates from the people's aspirations."
"The more people gather, the stronger the human popularity, and the thicker the dragon qi becomes. If this place didn't have these hundreds of thousands of permanent residents and this city full of mortal life, Great Qian's dragon qi probably wouldn't even be able to protect the city walls, let alone suppress those great demons trying to cross the border."
Gu Chengming suddenly understood. No wonder Great Qian supported border trade so much, even spending vast amounts of money to build these border cities. It wasn't just an economic calculation; it was a political calculation concerning national destiny and defense.
Using people as an array, using human popularity to nourish dragon qi. This was the underlying logic of Great Qian’s suppression of the North.
The two walked all the way to the central square of the pass, which was also the most bustling place in the entire city. A huge stone monument, ten yards tall and carved entirely from white jade, stood in the center of the square, emitting a faint spiritual light. It was densely packed with names.
"That is..." Gu Chengming’s gaze was drawn to the stone monument.
"That is the Myriad Demon Ranking."
Luo Jinyao stopped, her gaze falling on the stone monument. "To be precise, this wasn't compiled by Great Qian, but by the demon realm itself."
"Just as Great Qian has the Heaven Ranking, Earth Ranking, and Hidden Dragon Ranking, the demon realm has its own rankings. But the names on this list are not everyone."
"Demons are cunning by nature, so this Myriad Demon Ranking can only roughly indicate the strength distribution of those active powerhouses in the demon realm."
Speaking of this, Luo Jinyao glanced at Gu Chengming, her lips curving into a somewhat helpless smile. "Speaking of which, your name is probably already listed on the demon realm’s side, Xiao Gu."
"Although the demon realm and Great Qian have signed an agreement to maintain relative peace on the surface, as you have seen, friction continues in the North, and the mutual slaughter has never stopped. The demon realm takes pride in killing human cultivators on the Heaven, Earth, or Hidden Dragon Rankings, and they can even use that to exchange for corresponding resources within the demon race."
"You are currently ranked tenth on the Hidden Dragon Ranking. In the eyes of those young demons eager to rise, you are quite conspicuous."
Gu Chengming rubbed his nose, not particularly surprised.
"Of course, we return the favor."
Luo Jinyao shifted the topic. "It's the same for us in the North. What is carved on this stone monument are the names of great demons with high bounties from the demon realm. Starting from the names higher up on the Myriad Demon Ranking, the more merits you get for killing them."
"These merits are not interchangeable with your Night Guard system, but the things you can exchange for here are even more abundant."
Luo Jinyao pointed to a grand building next to the stone monument; it was the Falling Snow Pass Merit Hall. "For example, if you can slay a third realm demon ranked low on the Myriad Demon Ranking and bring its core and token here, the military merits you earn can be exchanged for a top-tier second-tier Dharma Sword."
"If you can slay those ranked higher..."
Luo Jinyao smiled and didn't continue, but the meaning was clear.
A single third realm demon could be exchanged for a top-tier second-tier Dharma Sword?
"How about it?"
Luo Jinyao looked at the light flickering in Gu Chengming’s eyes. She didn't think he was being reckless; instead, she nodded with some satisfaction.
A sword cultivator should have some edge. If they didn't even have this much competitive spirit, they wouldn't be able to cultivate the sword.
She reached out and naturally straightened Gu Chengming’s collar, which had been ruffled by the wind. "But while you compete, you must be careful about everything."
"If you truly encounter trouble you can't solve..." Luo Jinyao looked directly into Gu Chengming’s eyes. "Remember to run to me."
Gu Chengming agreed, feeling a strange sensation in his heart. Along the way, they stopped and started, and by the time the two returned to the Northern Mansion, the sky was near dusk.
The night in the North came quickly. The wind that had just been slightly cool was now laced with a bone-chilling cold.
Luo Jinyao didn't seem to have had her fill of talking, or rather, she had some more private advice to give. She led Gu Chengming back to a warm side hall.
Inside the side hall, the earth fire was burning brightly, driving away the pervasive cold. Luo Jinyao sat opposite Gu Chengming, looking down at a border defense map that had just been delivered, while several exquisite jade bottles and a stack of talismans engraved with runes lay by her hand.
"These are Returning Snow Pills. The cold qi in the North is heavy. Since you just arrived, even if you have cultivation, you'll inevitably be invaded by cold poison while practicing at night. Taking one pill a day can protect your heart meridians."
Luo Jinyao pushed the jade bottles toward Gu Chengming, her voice soft. "And these talismans are sword talismans I drew in my spare time. Although they can't compare to sect treasures, each one contains one of my sword intents. If you encounter danger, don't save them; just crush them directly."
Gu Chengming looked at the pile of priceless pills and sword talismans personally crafted by a fourth realm sword cultivator, feeling their weight in his hands.
He subconsciously tried to refuse. "Senior Luo, this is too precious. I don't deserve such gifts..."
"Take them."
Luo Jinyao looked up, her cool eyes filled with concern. "You were brought here by Junior Sister Yu, and you call me Senior. If I don't protect you here at Falling Snow Pass, Junior Sister Yu will surely make a scene with me later."
This meticulous care and reliable, almost overwhelming consideration... Gu Chengming couldn't help but feel a very strange sensation.
He subconsciously recalled his own Elder Yu. Usually, she did nothing but eat and sleep. Although she would protect him when trouble arose, most of the time she was a hands-off manager who would say, "Xiao Gu, you handle it." Even on the way here, she had righteously intended to treat herself as an "accessory."
They were both elders of the Wenjian Sect, but the difference was far too large.
Surrounded by Luo Jinyao’s gentle yet powerful "sense of reliability," Gu Chengming didn't feel relaxed. Instead, he felt uncomfortable, like someone used to a hard bed suddenly being shoved into a pile of clouds; no matter how he lay, it felt unsteady.
"What is it?" Luo Jinyao noticed his stiffness and retracted her hand with a light laugh. "Do you think I'm being too nagging?"
"No, no." Gu Chengming quickly shook his head and gave a bitter smile. "It's just that I've been around Elder Yu for a long time. Suddenly being cared for like this by Senior, I'm just not used to it for a moment."
Luo Jinyao was stunned for a moment and sighed. "I know Junior Sister Yu's temperament. Only a sensible junior like you could stand her."
"She was this lazy back when we were in the sect. As her senior sister, I naturally have to make up for it for her."
"Alright, it's getting late. Keep your things and go rest early. If you want to visit the Merit Hall tomorrow, remember to bring your guard token."
Gu Chengming breathed a sigh of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted. He quickly gathered the pile of pills and talismans and gave a respectful bow. "Thank you for the generous gifts, Senior. This junior shall take his leave."
Walking out of the side hall, hit by the cold wind outside, Gu Chengming couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Was this what a true benefactor was like?
No wonder Elder Yu was raised to be such a useless piece of work; who wouldn't slack off in this situation?
【Huiyuan Sword Manual thinks of Luo Jinyao's appearance just now, lost in thought】
【It seems to have found its future direction for development!】
The next day.
There was no morning sun in Falling Snow Pass, only fine snow fluttering in the sky. Gu Chengming followed Luo Jinyao’s directions to the square in the center of the city.
That giant white jade stone monument—the Myriad Demon Ranking—was currently being surrounded by countless cultivators. This was the most concentrated place for information in Falling Snow Pass, and a place every cultivator wanting to make a name for themselves and earn resources in the North had to pass through.
Gu Chengming squeezed through the crowd, stood before the stone monument, and looked up.
This Myriad Demon Ranking was very detailed. From top to bottom, it featured the 【Demon Emperor Ranking】 corresponding to fifth realm demon kings, the 【Demon Sovereign Ranking】 for fourth realm great demons, and the 【Green Tooth Ranking】 and 【Crimson Blood Ranking】 for the third and second realms.
Gu Chengming’s gaze skipped over the dense low-level names and looked directly at the middle of the 【Demon Sovereign Ranking】.
Soon, he found the name that had left a deep impression on him.
【Demon Sovereign Ranking, 46th: Green-Scaled Eagle King】
【Cultivation: Early Fourth Realm (Peak)】
【Species: Azure Sky Roc collateral bloodline】
【Achievements: Has repeatedly attacked border supply lines. Brutal by nature, extremely skilled in wind control, and incredibly fast. Participated in an ambush on a Night Guard flying boat formation three days ago. Escaped with heavy injuries.】
【Bounty: 15,000 military merits, or natural treasures of equivalent value.】
Looking at the words "escaped with heavy injuries," Gu Chengming narrowed his eyes slightly.
"So it didn't die..."
Gu Chengming’s fingers lightly brushed the hilt of his sword, silently drawing a red circle around this name in his heart.
"Green-Scaled Eagle King..."
【Hundred Bones Resonating exclaims indignantly in the sea of consciousness: When we level up two more times, we must pluck all its feathers and roast it to eat!】
Gu Chengming soothed the restless Emperor Bai and continued searching downward. Since he couldn't kill the old one for now, he would start with the small ones.
Revenge was about having a clear mind. Since you want to kill me, I’ll kill your family first. That’s reasonable, right?
Gu Chengming looked down the Green-Scaled Eagle King’s lineage and quickly found his target in the latter half of the 【Green Tooth Ranking】.
【Green Tooth Ranking, 72nd: Iron-Feathered Goshawk】
【Cultivation: Second Realm, Perfection Stage】
【Species: Direct descendant of the Green-Scaled Eagle King】
【Activity Range: 300 miles northwest of Falling Snow Pass, Gravel Canyon area.】
【Notes: Cunning nature. Although it's second realm, it uses its flying speed to hunt lone human second realm cultivators. Its feathers are like iron, difficult for ordinary artifacts to damage.】
Second realm perfection, fixed location, and a descendant of that old demon. It was a perfect whetstone. Gu Chengming didn't hesitate and turned toward the giant notice wall next to the stone monument.
This was Falling Snow Pass's unique "claim the list" system. To prevent infighting among cultivators over prey and to ensure information accuracy, all cultivators wanting to hunt demons on the Myriad Demon Ranking needed to first "claim the list."
This so-called "list" was actually a specially made spiritual power paper. Each piece of paper was imprinted with detailed information and the general location of the corresponding demon. Once claimed, the paper would turn into a temporary tracking token. Only the holder of this token could exchange the kill for military merits.
Of course, claiming the list had a time limit. If the kill wasn't completed within the allotted time, or if the claimant died, the mission would refresh back onto the ranking.
Gu Chengming walked to the paper belonging to the 【Iron-Feathered Goshawk】.
Many cultivators were nearby picking targets. Seeing a young man whose cultivation only seemed to be the middle stage of the second realm directly reaching for a second realm perfection demon list, they couldn't help but stare.
Swish—
The moment the paper touched his hand, it turned into a streak of light and entered his token.
At the same time, an excited prompt sounded in his sea of consciousness.
【Hundred Bones Resonating cheers loudly: Vengeance must be taken! If we can't touch the old one, we'll kill the small one first! Wipe out their whole family!】
【As expected of Emperor Gu!】
【Hundred Bones Resonating Favorability +5】
【Current Favorability: 210/∞ (Never Abandoned in Life or Death)】
Gu Chengming subconsciously ignored Hundred Bones Resonating's somewhat villainous "praise," but he felt a bit amused. Although the old fool's choice of words was poor, it did indeed match his current state of mind. He could take revenge, soothe his heart, and use the opportunity of real combat to verify the new characteristics of 【Emperor Bai, help me】 while stacking a multiplier for his punch. Three birds with one stone, why not?
The preparation wasn't complicated. After collecting necessary supplies at the Merit Hall and spending a few merits at the information desk for a more detailed map of Gravel Canyon, Gu Chengming left Falling Snow Pass alone.
The wind and snow of the North became exceptionally violent once outside the pass. Gu Chengming wrapped his cloak tightly, his figure moving like a streak of lightning as he flew low across the snowy plains.
A distance of 300 miles was only an hour's trek for him now.
Gravel Canyon.
This was a typical wind-eroded landscape. On both sides were towering brown cliffs, and in the middle was a winding, jagged canyon filled with scattered rocks. Because of the constant howling gales, the rocks here were polished as sharp as blades.
Gu Chengming withdrew his aura and activated the 《Yin Yang Creation Strategy》, minimizing his presence. He was like a grain of dust in the swirling snow, silently slipping into the depths of the canyon.
On a protruding cliff, he found his target. It was a giant eagle with a wingspan of two yards, covered entirely in feathers as black as pig iron. Only a tuft of feathers on its head showed a faint green tint, revealing its noble bloodline.
At this moment, the Iron-Feathered Goshawk was lazily preening its feathers, its sharp eagle eyes full of arrogance and disdain. As the overlord of this area and a descendant of the Green-Scaled Eagle King, its life in Gravel Canyon was quite comfortable.
Suddenly, it paused and snapped its head around to look at the rock pile below. There, a human cultivator in black martial attire was walking out openly.
"Hmm?"
A human-like confusion flashed in the Iron-Feathered Goshawk's eyes. Its sharp perception instantly swept over the opponent—Second Realm, Fourth Level? In this northern battlefield, a second-realm, fourth-level human cultivator wasn't weak, but before a second-realm perfection great demon like itself, what was the difference between him and a snack delivered to its door?
Skre—
The Iron-Feathered Goshawk let out a short cry, its voice full of mockery. Food delivered to its door? It didn't even get up to fly; it just flapped its wings, and several iron-like black feathers shot out like arrows, whistling through the air toward Gu Chengming’s vital points. It wanted to play with him like a mouse, pinning his limbs to the ground before slowly enjoying him.
However, in the next moment, its expression changed. Faced with the overwhelming arrows of feathers, the young human didn't panic and dodge; he didn't even stop walking.
Clang!
A clear sword chime echoed through the canyon. Five streaks of light whistled out from behind the man without warning. Zhanjiao, Tinglan, Light Splitting, Stone Cracker, and Night Guard!
The five Dharma Swords instantly intertwined into a net in the air, not only easily shredding those feather arrows but also turning the situation around in a blink, transforming into a solemn sword array that completely enveloped the cliff.
Gu Chengming’s voice was flat as he pointed his finger gently.
The air, which had been normal, suddenly became as thick as glue. An invisible yet omnipresent binding force, like an unseen giant net, tightly wrapped around the Iron-Feathered Goshawk.
Sword intent—Entanglement!
The Iron-Feathered Goshawk felt its entire body become heavy. Its originally light wings now felt as if they were filled with lead, and even a single flap consumed several times more strength.
"Not good!"
Alarm bells rang in the Iron-Feathered Goshawk's heart. This level of sword array control and this strange "Entanglement" sword intent belonged to a genius disciple carefully nurtured by a major human sect! Escape!
Without any hesitation, the Iron-Feathered Goshawk abandoned the idea of a direct confrontation. Though arrogant, it valued its life even more. As a flying demon, as long as it pulled away and rose into the sky, it would be invincible.
Eee—!!!
It let out a piercing shriek, and demon qi erupted from its body. Its black feathers glowed with green light, and using this burst of power, it forcefully broke free from the moment of sword intent binding, turning into a green-black shadow and charging into the clouds. It was so fast that it even pulled a long sonic boom cloud in the air.
"Shift array."
With a thought from Gu Chengming, the five originally scattered flying swords suddenly merged. The heavy and ancient 【Stone Cracker】 and the black and deep 【Night Guard】 glowed brightly, and two completely different sword intents violently collided and fused in mid-air.
It was as if an invisible mountain had pressed down out of thin air. The Iron-Feathered Goshawk's lightning-fast figure suddenly stalled, and then its massive body began to fall uncontrollably!
It couldn't escape.
A flicker of madness and ferocity flashed in its eagle eyes. Since it couldn't escape, it would fight to the death!
"Die!!!"
The Iron-Feathered Goshawk stopped trying to climb; instead, it used the momentum of its descent and burned its essence blood frantically. Its black feathers instantly turned blood-red, and an extremely violent demon qi exploded from within its body.
It folded its wings, turning its entire body into a blood-colored blade falling from the sky, charging toward Gu Chengming with a tragic aura of mutual destruction. This essence-burning strike would leave even an early third realm human cultivator heavily injured if they dared to take it head-on.
The wind howled, and the blood-red light rushed toward him.
Gu Chengming looked at the demon bird falling like a meteorite. Not only was there no fear in his eyes, but a burning light also lit up within them. "Good."
He took a deep breath, and the true essence in his body stopped flowing at this moment. In its place was a domineering power originating from the depths of his flesh, from that phantom of the ancient emperor.
—Emperor State, open!
He didn't use his sword, because he wanted to test his initial guess.
"Emperor Bai—"
Gu Chengming growled in his heart.
【Emperor Gu! Crush it!!!】
An invisible wave of air exploded from Gu Chengming. The void behind him distorted slightly, as if an emperor phantom that stood between heaven and earth was slowly raising its arm, overlapping with his movements. All his strength converged into this one punch.
"Help me!!!"
As the last words left his mouth, Gu Chengming punched toward the sky.
Boom—!!!
The canyon shook, and rocks crumbled. A visible white pillar of light, carrying a terrifying punch intent of supreme dominance, surged upward and slammed violently into the falling blood-red figure.
There was no stalemate, no screaming. Before the absolute power of 【Emperor Bai, help me】, which was enough to shatter city walls, the Iron-Feathered Goshawk's so-called desperate strike was like a fragile joke.
The blood-red demon body completely disintegrated the moment it touched the wind from the punch. Its iron-hard feathers were ground to dust, its solid bones shattered inch by inch, and even its burning demon core was smashed into the finest particles under this punch.
No blood rain fell, because it was evaporated into a bloody mist in mid-air by that terrifying punch force. After the punch, the world was clear.
The figure of the second realm perfection great demon was gone from the sky, leaving only a pile of blurred mush slowly sliding down the cliff.
Gu Chengming maintained his punching posture, gasping for breath. That familiar feeling of exhaustion returned, making his legs a bit weak, but his spirit was more excited than ever before. Below his field of vision, the semi-transparent words flickered again.
【Hundred Bones Resonating cheers: This is the feeling! Again! Again!】
'I have to say, that monster was quite tough.'
With this thought, Gu Chengming, in his Emperor State, spoke aloud, "To witness a punch from This Venerable, you have died without regrets."
【Emperor Gu is mighty! I am also very impressive.】
【Hundred Bones Resonating Favorability +10】
【CG/Emperor Bai, Help Me: Damage multiplier increased to 1.05】
Seeing the increased damage multiplier, Gu Chengming felt much more confident. Then, another line of text appeared before his eyes.
【Current Kills: 1】
【Hidden Trait Revealed: If your clash power is greater than the enemy's attack power, the Emperor's will completely suppresses the opponent. This attack will ignore all reflection, recoil, and backlash effects from the enemy, and you will not suffer any recoil damage.】
【If your clash power is less than the enemy's attack, the enemy will not suffer any recoil damage from this attack.】
【If both powers are similar, the two forces cancel each other out, and this attack is negated.】
Holy crap, so that's how it is!
He had wondered why he wasn't injured after taking a strike from the Green-Scaled Eagle King, and now he understood.
So this is actually a clash skill?!
Rate on N.U.
