An invasion from the Abyss? I, a demonic cultivator, laughed.

Chapter 243 An Era of Loss of Faith

"Boom!"

The colossal war god, towering a thousand meters tall, swung its ever-expanding palms and slammed them toward the abyss rift. The surging mist swallowed the entire fissure, and the gusts of wind it whipped up even had the sound of thunder!

Faced with the overwhelming attack, the eerie eyeball in the crack changed its mockery into shock and anger. The countless black spikes, as fine as hair, hardened instantly and shot out rapidly in all directions like a sea urchin!
"Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!"

The illusory image of the God of War had countless holes pierced through its palm in an instant, and the enormous impact caused the surrounding mist to swirl backward.

However, this was a palm formed from black mist, and even though it was pierced, it still slapped forward without any hindrance!

The sweeping mist suddenly condensed and contracted upon touching the insect monsters that were trying to break out. The insect monsters enveloped in the mist were like a ball of black flame burning, and their flesh and blood began to be rapidly corroded!

The insect monsters let out sharp cries and twisted their bodies frantically, trying to shake off the black mist, but how could they break free from the invisible mist? No matter how they moved, all their flesh and blood were eventually melted away, leaving only their mangled skeletons falling from the sky!
In just a few breaths, hundreds of insect monsters perished!
"The combination of reality and illusion, with endless variations, what a powerful divine ability!" Ye Yunzhou murmured to himself as he watched this scene.

That strange mist could corrode enemies in its misty form, and it could also coalesce into an incomparably sharp giant sword. It was truly infinitely mysterious. Ye Yunzhou pondered it carefully for a while, and then realized with some fear that even he himself would probably find it difficult to resist this supernatural power!

When did Jiangcheng get such a powerful Awakened One?
However, after the initial surprise, Ye Yunzhou quickly frowned again.

"Although this supernatural power is extremely profound, the person who wields it seems to be only at the King level, just like me, and his specific level should even be weaker than mine, and his overall energy is slightly inferior."

Energy is conserved. After devouring hundreds of insect monsters, the fog in the sky suddenly thinned out a lot, and the illusory figure of the God of War in the distance became shaky, as if it was having some difficulty even maintaining its form.

In this way, although a large number of insect monsters were eliminated, they were still insignificant compared to the massive invading monsters, and Jiangcheng was still going to fall!
Just as he was debating whether to leave, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him without warning.

The moment Ye Yunzhou saw the figure, he was overjoyed.

"Senior Ya Zi!"

Ya Zi glanced at Ye Yunzhou sideways, but did not answer. He simply raised his hand and pointed forward lightly.

In an instant, the heavens and earth changed, as if hundreds of thunderbolts exploded in the sky above Jiangcheng! Under Ye Yunzhou's shocked gaze, a crack even larger than the abyss rift suddenly opened up above the abyss rift!
A giant sword, as large as a mountain, descended from the crevice, carrying unparalleled power as it fell downwards!

"Boom!"

That immense mass seemed to cleave space itself!

If the thoughts emanating from the rift when facing the illusory image of the God of War were filled with shock and anger, then now they have transformed into utter terror!
Countless black thorns clung together, extending and hardening wildly upwards, trying to block the arrival of the giant sword. However, in front of the giant sword, these indestructible black thorns, which could even pierce through a king-level expert, were as fragile as coal, crumbling at the slightest contact!
The abyssal creatures among them were pierced by a wisp of sword energy emanating from the giant sword before they even got close!
Ye Yunzhou had never seen such an astonishing sight. The mountain-like giant sword could not stop its descent, as if it carried an invisible gravity, pulverizing all the enemies it pointed at!

One hundred thousand abyssal creatures were instantly shredded, their bones crushed, turning into a rain of blood that stained the entire city center of Jiangcheng into a blood-soaked city.

The terrifying creature that had been peering at them through the crack also vanished with a scream.

As it departed, the crack, as if deprived of its support, began to slowly collapse.

Ye Yunzhou stared blankly at this scene, his eyes filled with envy: "Such power exists with a mere flick of the finger... Senior Ya Zi has probably already crossed another hurdle and advanced to the [Demigod] level."

The distant phantom of the God of War, upon seeing that Ya Zi had completely destroyed the crack, seemed to have fulfilled some wish and could no longer hold on, suddenly collapsing.

As Ya Zi watched the disappearing phantom of the Martial God, a smile crept onto his lips.

At the same moment, Chu Xiu opened his eyes in the sewer.

"Is it really a test?"

Ya Zi had been waiting on the sidelines for a long time, and the fact that he hadn't made a move yet was probably because he was watching his performance!
"He destroyed the entire abyss rift with a single blow. If he really wanted to harm me, I'm afraid I would be killed instantly before I could even react."

Although he already knew that Ya Zi was very strong, the scene he witnessed today still refreshed Chu Xiu's understanding and gave him a deeper understanding of the strength of top experts.

These top-tier experts not only possess high ranks, but their talents are also among the best of the SS or even SSS level! This combination creates an insurmountable gap between them and ordinary awakened individuals!
"But I think my performance today should satisfy him."

The skill he just used was the newly unlocked General-rank inheritance, [Demonic Energy Transformation]!
This skill, which took him a full 300,000 karma points to cultivate to perfection, is incredibly powerful.

As a general-level inheritance, its power is already a level higher than the [True Demon Blade of Judgment]. Chu Xiu has also cultivated the [Divine Demon Foundation], which further enhances its power. Not to mention, after Chu Xiu was promoted to the general level, he also gained an additional 50% bonus to the power of his Foundation Establishment Divine Power!

The combination of these three factors brings the power of this divine ability to an astonishing level. It can be said that once it is unleashed, even a top-tier King-level Awakener like Qin Xiang would not be able to withstand Chu Xiu for long!

In reality, the thousand-meter-tall Martial God phantom that Chu Xiu had just displayed was only the result of mobilizing one-sixth of its power so as not to attract too much attention. This is why it seemed to be all show and no substance, and it was exhausted after killing only a few hundred insect monsters.

If Chu Xiu were to go all out, although he couldn't shatter the entire rift with a single blow like Ya Zi, he could at least eliminate a third of the abyssal creatures!
Of course, that would be amazing. Such unprecedented talent, far surpassing that of others, would probably even tempt a superstar!

However, although Chu Xiu only displayed one-sixth of his power on the surface, he had used all his strength to mobilize the demonic energy just now, which not only depleted his magic power, but also exhausted the Golden Embryo's origin.

The remaining five-sixths of the demonic energy were all stored up around him.

Chu Xiu discovered that demonic energy can be ever-changing and has the property of corroding demonic objects, making it an excellent barrier to block detection.

Ordinary detection skills are greatly disrupted by demonic energy, and even the divine sense of cultivators can be blocked by demonic energy!

Chu Xiu hid his true form in the intricate sewer system, completely enveloping the area with five-sixths of his demonic energy. He also activated his energy concealment technique and mind copying, and assigned high-level demons to guard each passage.

With such hidden strength, even a reconnaissance class like [Heroic Spirit] might not be able to find him for a while!

That's why he had the confidence to take action.

This move brought him great rewards, allowing him to advance two ranks to the third level of the General rank, further enhancing his strength. He will be able to unlock a new inheritance once he advances another rank.

"In that case, I should be able to relax for a while," Chu Xiu murmured, then his figure flickered and completely disappeared from the spot, leaving only boundless demonic energy.

Almost a minute after Chu Xiu left, the dense demonic energy in the sewer was suddenly dispersed by a gust of wind, and a figure appeared where Chu Xiu had just been.

This is a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses who looks refined and cultured.

At first glance, he seems unremarkable, but upon closer inspection, one will find that although he is thin, he has a very upright posture, and through his white shirt, one can see his sculpted, explosive muscles.

He scanned the area around him, his gaze finally settling on the spot where Chu Xiu had been sitting cross-legged.

"This kid is indeed something, no wonder Ya Zi values ​​him so much."

Shaking his head, the man's figure flickered again, appearing on the street as if he had traveled through space. In another flash, he was already beside Ya Zi.

"How is it?" Ya Zi was currently suspended in mid-air, looking down at the entire Jiangcheng.

“We arrived too late. That kid’s abilities are quite bizarre; even my ‘Past and Future Eyes’ couldn’t completely penetrate them.” The bespectacled man said, then suddenly chuckled. “It’s amazing that this kid could come up with a way to hide in the sewers. This is the first time I’ve realized that even the sewers in a small city are so complicated.”

Ya Zi laughed too: "Jiangcheng has also developed. Now they're building subways, laying cables, underground parking lots, shopping malls, and a lot of shelters. It would be strange if it weren't complicated."

The man with the gold-rimmed glasses asked, "Should I activate my [Talent] Tracking?"

Ya Zi shook his head: "No need. It's enough to confirm that it was that kid who made the move. Your talent is taking too much damage to your body. There are more important things to do."

The bespectacled man nodded, paused, and then asked, "Was it done by the Yakuza?"

"It's still unclear. Although it seems only the extraterrestrial demons behind them have the ability to manipulate the abyss invasion, however..." Ya Zi seemed to have thought of something, his gaze becoming profound. "What's wrong?"

"Zhao Jie, do you think every Extreme Path cultivator is a slave who had to sign a contract with an extraterrestrial demon because they failed in the trials?"

Ya Zi's words startled Zhao Jie slightly. He adjusted his glasses and said, "Based on the current intelligence, that's roughly the case. However, there are indeed a few 'sworn traitors' who are causing trouble under the guise of the extreme sect."

"The oath-breaker."

Ya Zi chewed on the word gently.

After completing the awakening trial, each awakener will take an oath, vowing not to break the law or violate the law, to protect their homeland, and to protect innocent civilians.

But after gaining extraordinary powers, are they truly willing to be bound by the law like ordinary people?
Even before the invasion of the Abyss, the wealthy had already begun to pursue privileges, let alone the Awakened Ones who could fly and escape into the earth.
Ya Zi lowered his gaze, looking at the group of soldiers cleaning up the corpses of the insect monsters in the distance, and said indifferently, "Zhao Jie, do you know how many high-level awakened beings above the Ferocious Rank have come to Jiang City this time during the Abyss invasion?"

Zhao Jie was slightly taken aback, but before he could answer, Ya Zi continued, "20%, only 20%."

Zhao Jie pondered for a moment, then said, "Most of the Awakened are probably in the Abyss."

“No,” Ya Zi shook his head, “the 20% I’m talking about is the 20% that’s currently in Jiangcheng.”

Zhao Jie fell silent.

Ya Zi continued, "There are more kings and generals coming because they know we are here and have the confidence to leave at any time."

"But the vast majority of awakened individuals, even those who have signed defense agreements with us and receive our salaries on a daily basis, fled the city the moment they saw that huge crack."

"There are also bodyguards for the rich and lackeys of capitalists who would rather escort a truckload of high-value goods than stay here to protect civilians."

Ya Zi sighed softly: "I don't blame them. We have no right to ask others to die. I just feel a bit emotional."

"Times are changing. As fewer and fewer of the awakened ones who liberated us from the dark ages, the awakened ones are gradually losing their faith, and many have even begun to miss that dark age of survival of the fittest."

"Although the extraterrestrial demons behind the extreme path have only recently begun to take action, the ideology of the extreme path has already taken root in the hearts of many people."

Zhao Jie fell silent again.

He was born at the end of the dark ages. Life in China was relatively stable, but he could hear news of horrific tragedy from abroad from time to time.

In that era, feudalism and slavery were revived, and the core principle was that might makes right! Especially in the occupied territories, awakened individuals could slaughter civilians at will without any punishment. In their eyes, ordinary people were no different from pigs and dogs.

Fortunately, China has never lacked heroes. Even in the darkest days, the proportion of occupied areas did not reach 30%, making it one of the first countries to end the dark ages.

"With three Heavenly Kings around, what use would it be even if they wanted to? Do you think our Fourth Bureau upholds the law by reasoning?" Zhao Jie sneered.

Ya Zi sighed, "That's why they need to rely on extraterrestrial demons."

Zhao Jie suddenly looked up: "Senior, what do you mean?"

“That’s right,” Ya Zi nodded slightly. “I suspect that some people are dissatisfied with the Heavenly Kings who are pressing down on them and want to overturn the existing order!”

Zhao Jie's expression turned serious. He originally thought that Ya Zi had invited him to Jiangcheng this time just to find a little guy who was a bit too wary. He didn't expect that this was the real purpose!
Those who are qualified and ambitious enough to challenge the Heavenly King.
He didn't dare to think about it any more.

"Senior, shall we proceed now?"

“Keep a close eye on that little guy Chen Ce,” Ya Zi said thoughtfully. “For some reason, those extraterrestrial demons seem to be particularly interested in him, and they’ve even gone so far as to manipulate the abyss to invade for his sake.”

"It seems this little guy is hiding some secrets we don't know about."

"If I'm not mistaken, the other side most likely already has [Heroic Spirits] infiltrated into Jiang City!"

"You can't control a Heroic Spirit with just a simple slave mark. If you capture this person, you'll definitely get useful information."

"Next, I want you to do everything in your power to track down this person!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Jie nodded, took off his glasses, revealing his thin face.

The instant he took off his glasses, his pupils turned completely white! Deep within his eyes, mysterious runes flowed.

On the other hand, Chu Xiu was finally relieved after he had completely blended into the crowd of people returning home and found no trace of anyone following him.

But just to be on the safe side, he didn't let his guard down.

With a flash, he arrived at a deserted corner, took out the Gladiator Badge, and decisively activated the teleportation.

He planned to hide in the bloody arena for a while before he could feel completely at ease.

A few minutes later, as the familiar dizziness returned, Chu Xiu found himself in the ancient and majestic arena.

The hundred-meter-tall Blood Servant knelt on the ground, seemingly asleep.

Chu Xiu's sudden appearance startled it awake. It slowly turned its head, and although its face remained expressionless, Chu Xiu sensed its surprise.

Are you ready to participate in the gladiatorial combat?

A thought came through.

Chu Xiu shook his head.

The Bloody Arena is a tremendous opportunity, not only allowing you to obtain SSS-level blessings but also to exchange for [Legendary] and even [Mythical] items and equipment.

However, there's no rush. This arena includes top experts from countless worlds. It's easier at the Fierce Rank because there are fewer people, but the difficulty skyrockets at the General Rank. Chu Xiu doesn't underestimate the top geniuses from other worlds in the slightest.

He plans to wait until he has reached his full strength before challenging again.

"Your master is waiting for you."

After leaving those words, Blood Servant lowered his head again.

Chu Xiu casually found a place to sit down and, after using a recovery item, began to quietly recover his condition.

Three days later, the day arrived for the agreed-upon transaction with Ya Zi and the others.

Having recovered most of his strength, Chu Xiu did not hesitate, and his figure gradually became ethereal.

When he landed again, he was already in the world of corpses.

(End of this chapter)