The Prodigies War

During the battle, Ji Xingyao glanced down at the foot of the mountain with a worried look.

There, a group of Underworld experts had assembled. How was Lin Xun’s situation now?

It was that glance that made her catch a bloody scene.

Yu Liangyin, a charming beauty, was split into two halves straight down the middle of her body.

That way of death looked particularly violent and bloody when it happened to such a dainty and beautiful woman!

Ji Xingyao’s pupils shrank, and she almost cried out loud.

Yu Liangyin was not only a captivatingly beautiful woman, but also an ancient-era eccentric genius known for her cruel means.

But she was killed just like that!

“That guy is more abnormal than before,” Ji Xingyao mumbled to herself.

At the foot of the mountain, the battle grew more intense and fierce and the air was saturated with the smell of blood.

Some people fled in panic, only to be either slashed to death by Broken Blade or killed by Little Silver. The scene would make anyone lose hope.

In addition to Yu Liangyin and Tuo Teng, there was another warrior-level character among the Underworld figures.

He was a powerful slender swordsman armed with a blood-colored sword. He exuded an aura stronger than that of even Yu Liangyin and others.

But to Lin Xun’s surprise, as soon as the battle broke out, the young swordsman called Zhan Yuan decisively bolted.

Moreover, he activated a secret treasure and fled with amazing speed.

Even Lin Xun and Little Silver could not catch up to him.

However, Zhan Yuan’s escape only accelerated the defeat of the Underworld cultivators.

Shortly after Yu Liangyin was killed, the area was strewn with dismembered corpses. Everyone except for Zhan Yuan had been slaughtered!

The stench of blood hanging in the air was extremely nauseating and suffocating.

It was a purgatory-like scene. Lin Xun, who was untainted by a speck of dust or dirt, looked particularly out of place and visually striking.

On the mountain summit, the battle already ended.

Zhen Yunfeng, surrounded by Mo Tianhe, Ji Xingyao and other disciples of Unsolved Mystery Sword Alms, could not hold on for long and was beaten to his knees.

Earlier, Zhen Yunfeng was confident of winning, joking and laughing freely, and did not take anyone seriously.

Now, he was kneeling on the ground. His clothes were ripped and stained with blood, his hair was disheveled, and his body was covered with horrible injuries. Even his breathing sounded labored.

Noticing Lin Xun heading their way, the Unsolved Mystery Sword Alms disciples all assumed a solemn expression mingled with admiration and respect and parted to allow his entrance.

Four years ago, Lin Xun was already so strong that he was hailed as Demon God Lin and the mention of his name made faces pale.

Now, he seemed to have come back from the dead, appearing much stronger and amazing than before!

“Haha, I took everything into account, but I never thought that you would still be alive. Heavens...you are blind!”

Zhen Yunfeng raised his head with difficulty, his face smeared with blood and twisted into an angry scowl. His voice was full of indignation and hatred.

Correct, he believed that today’s defeat was entirely due to Lin Xun!

“The great dao is like heaven. Are you not afraid of being punished by the heavens for venting your grievances like that?”

Lin Xun shot a glance at him, feeling not a shred of pity for him.

“Hmph, we cultivators all walk a path that goes against heaven. Who has ever been afraid of the heavens? Lin Xun, don’t be so smug. You likely don't know that Underworld Son has now passed four longevity tribulations and possesses many great fortunes and blessings. If he learns that you are still alive, then your time of death will come very soon!” Zhen Yunfeng hissed resentfully.

Bang!

Enraged, Mo Tianhe lashed out at Zhen Yunfeng with a kick and sent him face planted into the ground. “Even when death is near, you still don’t know how to repent. Zhen Yunfeng, you have disappointed me!”

“Haha, the winner becomes king and the loser becomes bandit. Since I failed to capture your Unsolved Mystery Sword Alms this time, I won’t be able to see you again.” Zhen Yunfeng cackled sinisterly.

Mo Tianhe’s eyes flashed murderous intent, but Lin Xun stepped forward to stop him.

Glancing down at Zhen Yunfeng, he said aloud, “You are heartless, but I can’t be unrighteous. Don’t you admire Underworld Son very much? Let’s see how he will treat a loyal pawn like you if you don’t have your current cultivation.”

“What are you going to do?” Zhen Yunfeng screamed.

Bang!

With a kick, Lin Xun crushed his Dao Seed.

His cultivation was basically destroyed, and even if his primordial spirit escaped and seized a new shell, he would struggle to seek the longevity path again!

Suddenly, Zhen Yunfeng seemed to have aged countless years. He was stupefied for a good moment before he unleashed a blood-curdling roar.

“Lin Xun, even if I become a ghost, I won’t let you off! Don’t forget, besides Underworld Son, Ancient Buddha Son also sees you as a thorn in the way!” His voice was hoarse, furious and resentful.

Bang!

Lin Xun waved his sleeve, and Zhen Yunfeng flew away and disappeared into the distant horizon.

“Why did you not kill him?” asked Ji Xingyao.

“He is crippled. Do you think Underworld Son will still treat him the same way as before? It won’t be long before he suffers a fate worse than death,” Lin Xun answered.

His one sentence made everyone shudder like a cold breeze of wind.

Indeed, in the Upper Nine Realms, losing one’s cultivation was definitely hundreds of times more unbearable than death!

……

On the peak of Kongzhe Mountain, in a grand hall.

“Brother Lin, thank you so much, please accept my bow!” Mo Tianhe stood up and bowed respectfully.

Seeing this, everyone else rose and bowed.

A perilous predicament was resolved simply with the appearance of Lin Xun. Who among the disciples of Unsolved Mystery Sword Alms would not feel grateful towards him?

“Everyone, no need for this, please take a seat,” Lin Xun urged.

Once everyone was seated, he said aloud, “I came here to inquire about some things.”

“Is it about Fellow Daoist Jin Duyi?”

Ji Xingyao’s bright eyes glinted, and she guessed it right away.

Lin Xun nodded with a smile.

“Back then, when he learned about your death, he left alone without hesitation. We speculated that he had gone to look for traces of Ancient Buddha Son.” Ji Xingyao couldn’t help but say apologetically. “I and Senior Brother Mo were too careless and failed to stop Fellow Daoist Jin in time.”

Lin Xun waved his hand repeatedly. “I am not blaming you all. I know what Toady’s temper is like. If he wants to leave, none of you can stop him. But...over the past four years, have you heard anything about him?”

Ji Xingyao shook her head.

Mo Tianhe chimed in, “In my opinion, Fellow Daoist Jin must be fine because ever since Brother Lin disappeared four years ago, Ancient Buddha Son has also vanished without a trace from the world.

“In the past four years, many people have been searching for Ancient Buddha Son, but they all failed without exception.”

Lin Xun was taken aback. Ancient Buddha Son has also disappeared?

“Then have you seen that big black bird?” asked Lin Xun

“You mean the bird that stole Underworld Son’s kettle?”

“Yes.”

“That bird moves unpredictably. It has shown up a few times over the years, but every time it is in some extremely dangerous place,” Ji Xingyao quickly answered. “However, as far as I know, Underworld Son has already retrieved the Underworld Emperor Spirit Refining Kettle from the bird.”

Lin Xun frowned. The big black bird failed to protect the Underworld Emperor Spirit Refining Kettle?

In the following conversation, Lin Xun learned about some matters that happened in the Upper Nine Realms in the past four years.

For example, Mad Blade Xiao Cangtian and Sword Demon Ye Chen caused a bloodbath in the Golden Crow Clan, Sea Soul Clan, Thousand Beast Spirit Mountain and other ancient orthodoxies.

For example, Yun Qingbai appeared in the Mythic Fire Realm…

For example, Yue Jianming traveled across the Nine Upper Realms alone with just his sword to search for traces of Ancient Buddha Son…

For example, Xiao Qinghe from Moon Sun Sacred Palace vowed to avenge Lin Xun...

All that filled Lin Xun with warmth in his heart and he couldn’t help looking touched, but immediately his face scrunched up with worry again.

He knew very well what sort of dangers that would bring to them!

In addition, Ji Xingyao also mentioned some major news that happened in the Upper Nine Realms.

For example, Yun Qingbai was ranked first on the Genius Gold Rankings three years ago and his position remained unshakable to this day!

Some even proclaimed that Yun Qingbai was the strongest person in the Supreme Realm!

For example, in the present Upper Nine Realms, after several reshuffles, those who survived had received many benefits and fortunes over the years, improving by leaps and bounds.

At first, cultivators entered and competed in the Upper Nine Realms to become kings. Anyone able to become a Supreme King was strong enough to do whatever they wanted.

But now, the number of Supreme Kings who have set foot into the third longevity tribulation stage was in the thousands!

Furthermore, Underworld Son had already passed the fourth longevity tribulation.

Hearing this, Lin Xun felt a swirl of emotions in his heart.

It had only been four years since he was gone, but so many changes had taken place. Batches after batches of Supreme Kings were born and made triumphant progress on their own dao path.

This would never happen in the outside world.

But in the Upper Nine Realms, where opportunities and fortunes were abundant, it happened frequently!

It was almost the fifth year since the Supreme Realm came to the world, and everything would come to an end in around four years.

Predictably, the competition would only become more and more brutal!

Although Lin Xun had passed the third longevity tribulation, after hearing the news, he knew he could not slack off.

Cultivation could be compared to sailing against the current—If you did not advance forward, you would be pushed back.

He understood this very early on in his cultivation path.

“Brother Lin, are you going to find Ancient Buddha Son to settle a score?” asked Mo Tianhe

“Or are you going to find Underworld Son?” Ji Xingyao asked curiously.

Lin Xun shook his head. “There is no need to find them. Once they know that I am still alive, they will come to me.”

After a thought, understanding dawned on everyone.

Indeed, currently, no one in the Upper Nine Realms knew that Lin Xun was alive, but it would not be long before the news spread like wildfire.

When that happened, how would those with a grudge against Lin Xun, including Underworld Son and Ancient Buddha Son, be able to sit still and do nothing?

“For now, I wish to stay here. Can I ask if you all are willing to take me in temporarily?” Lin Xun asked.

“Of course.”

Mo Tianhe quickly agreed with a hearty laughter.

Ji Xingyao took a long look at Lin Xun and a smile touched her lips.

She knew that Lin Xun only requested to stay here because he was worried that the Underworld forces would invade again and bring trouble to Unsolved Mystery Sword Alms.

His presence would no doubt act as an inviolable deterrent force!

This was the Lin Xun she knew. Even when helping others, he would do it quietly and discreetly.