The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 410: One Strike Again!

One Strike Again! . . .

Ji Mengzhan turned his attention in the direction of the voice, and an abrupt wave of respect washed over him. He inquired, "What are your thoughts, Brother Zhao?"

The individual addressed as Brother Zhao stood clad in black attire, of average stature, a lean figure, with a cold countenance marked by thick, imposing eyebrows. He exuded an aura of solitude, as though he were perpetually a solitary figure even in the midst of multitudes. His eyes, akin to lifeless water, bore an air of weariness and desolation.

Upon hearing Ji Mengzhan's question, he made no effort to conceal the sneer concealed within his heart and replied, "Your analysis is quite astute. Well done."

A man with a lengthy beard expressed annoyance and spoke with bland frankness, "Brother Zhao, do you think I've erred in my judgment? I'm curious about the valuable insight you can offer us."

Brother Zhao regarded him indifferently, his gaze seemingly devoid of focus, as if he were gazing at nothing in particular. He completely disregarded the man and uttered in an unembellished manner, "Qin Wu will undoubtedly meet his end, and it won't take more than a single strike."

Ji Mengzhan sought further elucidation, but Brother Zhao remained reticent, withholding any additional information.

Ji Mengzhan was left in a state of indecision. Brother Zhao was clearly no ordinary figure; he wielded significant influence within the Land of Han-Yang. [His assessment is entirely at odds with the prevailing consensus. There must be a rationale behind his statement. But can a cultivator of Qin Wu's caliber, positioned at the pinnacle of the fourth level of the Sky Origin Stage, truly be vanquished with a single strike? What does he mean by 'no more than one strike'?]

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Qin Wu completed his ninth step.

In line with the elderly man's prediction, Qin Wu's vigor surged to its peak as he concluded the steps.

"Feng Zhiling, surrender your head!" Qin Wu bellowed, and his sword descended.

Sword lights erupted, an iridescent blue cascade of brilliance. Within a ten-meter radius, the surroundings were awash with a sea of cerulean luminescence.

An endless barrage of sword lights coalesced into a ceaseless, meandering river, hurtling toward Cha Eun Xiao.

"Sky Origin Blade! Azure Skies Unleashed!" A voice within the crowd exclaimed.

"It appears Qin Wu seeks to conclude this battle in a single decisive strike."

"Indeed, to execute the Azure Skies Unleashed attack, a fourth-level Sky Origin Stage cultivator must exert themselves fully. They must meld their mind and blade, creating a vortex of power. Qin Wu's strike evidently epitomizes the fusion of mind and sword. He wields it with unwavering determination and channels the full extent of its might. Even I would need to retreat if faced with such an onslaught. I'd have to withdraw thirty meters to evade it and devise a strategy for retaliation."

These words were spoken by a sixth-level Sky Origin Stage cultivator, and as he observed Qin Wu's techniques, admiration shone in his eyes. His commendation was evident.

It was nothing short of perfection.

Impeccable!

For a cultivator of the fourth level, executing the Azure Skies Unleashed technique to perfection was a feat that only one in ten thousand could achieve. And Qin Wu was accomplishing just that. His execution was flawless, merging his vigor and spiritual qi at a level of completeness that bordered on the divine. It harmonized seamlessly with his colossal, robust physique, forming a symphony of perfection.

The resulting maneuver was a masterpiece, capable of shattering everything in its path. It would rend asunder those of lower cultivation levels, even those on par with him. Against adversaries of a slightly higher level, it remained an indomitable strike.

As the accolades flowed, Cha Eun Xiao sprang into action.

Amidst the colossal tapestry of sapphire-hued sword lights, he soared skyward without preamble. His flight led him into the very heart of the luminous storm, and in his wake, the lights erupted into myriad, frigid motes.

The entire expanse became a perilous domain, a realm steeped in trepidation.

Yet, Cha Eun Xiao, with an air of nonchalance, moved effortlessly within this perilous ballet of sword lights. His pace was unhurried, defying the potential danger.

Ji Mengzhan's visage underwent a swift transformation.

"Retreat! Swiftly!" he cried out, his voice marked by urgency.

He bellowed once more, "Reinforcements, go to his aid! Bring him back!"

Finally, it dawned upon him that something was amiss.

[Feng Monarch displays such composure. Evidently, his confidence knows no bounds. Amidst this deluge of relentless attacks, he traverses with nonchalance, bearing the unmistakable assurance of dismantling the onslaught without suffering any harm!

On the opposing end, once he executes his move, Qin Wu's fate is sealed!]

"Too late!" Brother Zhao, standing alongside Ji Mengzhan, intoned in a nonchalant manner. "He allowed Qin Wu the liberty to take nine steps and unleash his Azure Skies Unleashed technique. He is deliberately crafting the spectacle that unfolds before us now. Do you truly think he would grant you the opportunity to recall your comrade? Qin Wu is already beyond salvation!"

As Brother Zhao articulated his notion of 'crafting the spectacle,' Feng Monarch finally initiated his assault.

In an instant, golden radiance illuminated the heavens.

- Clang! -

A resounding clash reverberated through the air, a clash akin to the meeting of unyielding metals.

As Brother Zhao uttered the fateful declaration that "Qin Wu is dead," Cha Eun Xiao sprang into action with a swiftness that defied the human eye. His right hand, akin to a lightning strike, descended upon Qin Wu's throat with a resounding impact.

- Crack! -

A collective gasp of astonishment swept through the onlookers as Qin Wu's eyes bulged with shock. Everyone bore witness to the horrific transformation wrought upon Qin Wu's neck. It had crumpled under the force of the strike, and subsequently swelled, but not in its usual form. The region below his shattered neck turned a crimson hue, swollen and disfigured.

[Qin Wu's fate had been irrevocably sealed!]

A unanimous realization swept through the spectators. The gruesome sight bore testimony to the obliteration of every bone within Qin Wu's neck, every vein severed. The shattered bone fragments had coalesced, forming an insurmountable blockade, severing the connection between his head and torso. While his body fought valiantly, the blood, unable to ascend due to the obstacle, surged relentlessly toward his head, causing it to swell with the crimson tide.

The golden luminescence revealed itself once more. It became apparent that Feng Monarch wielded his left hand, devoid of any weapon, which radiated with a brilliant golden glow. His hand transformed into an instrument of gleaming gold. Qin Wu's sword had already been wrested from his grasp and now rested within Feng Zhiling's hand.

With a kick to Qin Wu's lifeless form, Cha Eun Xiao sent it into a whirl, and with a fluid motion, he swung the sword down. The decapitated head ascended towards the heavens, and the headless body spun for a brief moment before aligning its neck, now severed, in Ji Mengzhan's direction, as if by some grim design.