Embers of Sword

Chapter 601 The Scales Tilt
Golden talismans hung above the reeds.

Chen Jingxuan spent the entire night setting up the grand formation. He knew that the strength of the two sides in this battle was vastly different... His only remaining advantage was probably the "home advantage" of taking the initiative to form the formation in Beihai. If he wanted to win this battle, he could not afford to lose even the slightest detail.

Just as magical artifacts have grades, so too do talisman arrays.

While a formation of the Great Eagle Sword Palace's Mountain-Suppressing Formation can certainly withstand attacks from "Yang God Realm" cultivators, many stringent conditions must be met before it can be successfully constructed.

Beihai lacks a sacred mountain, and the reed marshes are relatively devoid of vitality.

Therefore... the talisman array that Chen Jingxuan set up this time is the famous "Nine Bright Phoenix Fire Refining Void Array"!
This great formation is renowned for its extraordinary killing power, but it is also too complex, leading to the creation of many simplified versions, and it was almost lost at one point... It is said that this Nine Bright Phoenix Fire Refining Void Formation was created by the "First Lord" a thousand years ago. Throughout the long history of a thousand years, the First Lord can be considered the most powerful formation master in the world. The killing formation created by "him" himself is naturally incredibly powerful.

Those who came after them, one after another, tried to replicate this great formation, but almost all of them ended in failure.

A formation master needs extremely strong mental strength and must remain focused at all times.

However, this array was simply too massive. The person who inscribed it not only needed to memorize the locations of a large number of suspended talismans, but also needed to expend a great deal of mental energy. Even those renowned array masters would find it difficult to complete this task alone.

But Chen Jingxuan was an exception.

He has many identities.

Array pattern masters... are just one of them.

As he had said before, he wasn't that interested in spiritual practice, array formations, or many other things.

He is able to do it so well.

It's simply because he is exceptionally talented.

Throughout history, great array masters have spent too much time studying arrays, which has led to stagnation in their cultivation. Apart from the initial masters, only a very small number of great array masters have been able to reach the "Yang God Realm".

Because their spiritual level is insufficient, their divine sense and spirit are much weaker.

Therefore... the Phoenix Fire Array, which even the greatest array masters could not draw despite exhausting all the power of their divine sea and heart lake, was not too difficult for Chen Jingxuan. It was just a complex work that would take a lot of time to complete.

In the process of inscribing the "Nine Bright Phoenix Fire Refining Void Array", Chen Jingxuan did not expend too much effort. He simply placed all the talismans of the array into their proper positions according to his memory, and then infused them with Yuan Power to condense the array talismans.

The dawn broke through the dark clouds that shrouded the North Sea.

The long night gives way to dawn.

Chen Jingxuan stood by the reeds and water, silently holding the array talisman, admiring the faint light and fire burning by the water.

behind him.

Tang Fengshu, having removed his Taoist robe and donned a coarse linen shirt, sat cross-legged on the shallow beach where the tides swayed, ripples spreading out beneath him.

The sound of a biting wind could be heard in the distance.

The void shattered.

A wide, jet-black Taoist robe fluttered out from the shattered void, followed by a complete, swaying black robe.

From the other side of the void, a travel-worn Taoist priest in a black robe emerged.

He did not hide the blood on his robes.

He didn't even try to hide his injuries.

He arrived in the reeds and stood indifferently on the outer edge of the burning light of the great formation, watching the man and woman enveloped by the Nine Bright Phoenix Fire Refining Void Formation.

"Great Master, we meet again."

Chen Jingxuan held the array talisman, his expression calm and composed as he greeted the crowd.

The woman being protected behind Chen Jingxuan didn't even open her eyes.

Tang Fengshu remained seated with his eyes closed, completely absorbed in a state of "selflessness." The coarse linen robe he wore was burning with a faint soul fire, a sign that only appeared when attempting to break through to the Yang God realm.

Chongkan gazed at the young man and woman.

Over the years, people have said that Chen Jingxuan and Tang Fengshu are a match made in heaven.

Looking at it now...

That does indeed have some meaning.

Chongkan looked at the man in blue robes in front of him and said slowly, "I should have told you... leave the capital, the farther the better."

"This is Beihai."

Chen Jingxuan sighed softly.

Xingping is already one of the northernmost small towns in Dachu.

"Not far enough."

Chongkan frowned and said quietly, "If I were you, I would go to a much farther place."

Chen Jingxuan asked, "For example?"

Chongkan said, "For example... the Demon Kingdom."

"Actually, I've thought about it too."

Chen Jingxuan sighed again and said helplessly, "After advancing to the Yang God realm, crossing the void and traversing the North Sea... doesn't seem so difficult. But after thinking it over, I really don't want to escape to the Demon Kingdom."

After leaving the imperial city.

Chongkan's biggest worry was that this young man surnamed Chen would abandon his dignity and his concerns, and actually travel to the North Sea to disappear from public view.

Fortunately.

He found the two people in Xingping.

Now that we've met...

Then there's no need to rush what comes next.

Chongkan didn't mind talking a few more words with the young man in front of him.

There are no perfect people in this world. The vast majority of people have flaws...

Chongkan slowly said, "Chen Jingxuan, I have to admit that you are the closest genius to perfection I have ever seen. You have very few flaws, but these flaws are enough to cost you your life."

Should we abandon the northward crossing and stay here to form an army and fight?
What a foolish and ridiculous idea this is.

Did Chen Jingxuan not know how great the gap was between the two in this battle? How could a mere Nine Bright Void Refining Array possibly bridge such a gap?

"you're right."

Chen Jingxuan smiled and said, "However... only flaws that can be corrected are called shortcomings. If I had to do something again, I would still make the same choice... This is a flaw that cannot be corrected, not a shortcoming, but probably... a weakness?"

"Women. Power. Fame."

Chongkan shook his head and said dismissively, "The things you care about... are all fleeting."

"..."

Chen Jingxuan frowned but did not argue further.

For him, it was a good thing that Chongkan didn't rush to take action after appearing...

If the other party was willing to continue the conversation, he was naturally happy to keep them company, especially since Tang Fengshu was at a crucial moment in his breakthrough to the Yang God realm.

"maybe."

Chen Jingxuan said calmly, "What I care about is not important. Survival is the most important thing."

Upon hearing this, Chongkan couldn't help but laugh.

"Do you think... this great formation can save your life?"

He gazed at the golden talismans suspended in the void. The array diagram of the Nine Bright Phoenix Fire Refining Void Array was extremely complex, and even he could not completely replicate it... It was indeed a powerful array with extraordinary killing power, but in the face of an absolute difference in strength, these tricks were meaningless.

"You are hurt."

Chen Jingxuan stared into Chongkan's eyes and said, word by word, "After the battle with True Person Xuanzhi... you participated in another battle. Let me guess, could it be that the one from Renshou Palace invited you to participate? Did you participate in the annihilation of Qin Zu?"

"..."

Chongkan's eye twitched involuntarily. The events that occurred in Moon Hidden Cave were top secret, and news of the annihilation of Qin Zu was not something those secret agents of the Book Pavilion could have obtained.

Did Chen Jingxuan guess the Empress's plan?
Yan Xin, this disciple, has indeed surpassed his master—

Hearing this, Chongkan became even more determined in his decision.

Chen Jingxuan must not be allowed to live!

boom!
Chongkan suddenly took a step forward, using only a third of his strength to throw a punch at the great formation in front of him.

This seemingly casual punch caused the sky and earth within a hundred feet to change color!
The Nine Bright Phoenix Fire Refining Void Array suddenly burst into flames!

Chen Jingxuan, holding the array talisman, looked solemn. Behind him, a Confucian scholar in a green robe materialized. This Confucian scholar had a kind face, but his sleeves exuded a murderous aura.

Chen Jingxuan held the array talisman in both hands—

Thousands of phoenix flames rose up on the shore of the North Sea, transforming into countless phoenix feathers that slashed towards the black-robed Grandmaster!

Dangdang Dangdang!
Even after participating in two major battles and suffering serious injuries in the Moon Hidden Cave, Chongkan still easily withstood the Phoenix Fire offensive from the North Sea.

Black robes billowed, obscuring the sky.

He took a step back, transformed himself, and unleashed his Dharma form. With a single punch, he shattered thousands of phoenix fire feathers, causing countless sparks to erupt from the sky. It was as if a divine craftsman was swinging his hammer heavily. This strike was incredibly powerful, transforming the entire world from darkness to clarity!
Bang!
Chongkan merely took a step back.

But Chen Jingxuan retreated several steps.

"Well……"

Chen Jingxuan groaned, blood trickling from the corner of his lips. He reached out and lightly dabbed the blood on his sleeve, his expression unchanged.

He was originally a "frail scholar".

To be able to advance to the Yang God realm so easily at such a young age, while holding the position of Celestial Watcher...

This is a miracle that has been seen only once in a thousand years!

Chen Jingxuan is not good at fighting. Even in a life-or-death battle with a cultivator of the same realm, he may not be able to gain much of an advantage.

Not to mention that his opponent at this moment is the Daoist Master Chongkan, who is at the eighth level of the Yang God realm.

"It seems I guessed it right."

After wiping away the blood, Chen Jingxuan smiled nonchalantly and asked sarcastically, "That punch didn't hurt much... Did the Great Master lack strength because he had been fasting for too long? Or... did the battle with Qin Zu aggravate your injuries? I remember when I visited the Daoist sect a few days ago, the Great Master seemed to have a completely different aura than he does now?"

"A tough talk?"

Chongkan's expression was gloomy as he threw another punch.

This time.

He no longer simply suppressed Chen Jingxuan with the power of the Great Dao and its intent, but instead unleashed his divine abilities, shattering the dark clouds and gathering lightning. A majestic thunder pool descended above the North Sea, crashing directly towards Chen Jingxuan.

"go with!"

Chen Jingxuan held his breath and pointed.

Countless phoenix flames rose from the ground, sweeping towards the direction the fingertip pointed. The phoenix flame array collided with the thunder pool, and the entire world was completely ignited by thunder and fire, bursting out with continuous explosions!
Amidst the roar of thunder and fire.

An immense pressure swept down, and Chen Jingxuan's body crackled with a crisp sound. He withstood the might of the Thunder Pool, his spine remaining straight, though his expression was slightly pale.

This attack wasn't entirely aimed at Chen Jingxuan.

Countless bolts of lightning flashed from within the Thunder Pool, their sharp arcs like arrows, shooting towards Tang Fengshu.

Chen Jingxuan stopped them all.

"It's understandable that the Great Master wants to kill me, after all, I've been in charge of the [Hun Yuan Yi] for many years and have seen many things I shouldn't have seen..."

"However, Mr. Chen couldn't understand it."

Chen Jingxuan grinned, turned to look at the woman who was in seclusion, and said with emotion, "Why is the Grand Master so cruel to her... Doesn't the Master of the World Sect count as a disciple of the Daoist sect? Tang Fengshu is, after all, the sect leader's beloved disciple, and the Daoist sect hopes... Killing her is inappropriate in terms of both morality and reason, isn't it?"

“Those who break the rules should be beaten and killed.”

Chongkan responded coldly.

"Aren't you afraid that Xiaoyaozi will come out of seclusion?"

Chen Jingxuan raised an eyebrow. For him, there was another important backup plan in this battle: the Junshan Master, who was eager to investigate the secrets of Tianyuan Mountain!
At this moment, Junshan should have already obtained the "roadmap" he left behind and successfully sneaked back into the Daoist sect with Deng Baiyi...

"Ah."

To Chen Jingxuan's surprise.

Upon hearing the name Xiaoyaozi, Chongkan merely gave a cold laugh without any expression.

Chen Jingxuan's heart skipped a beat. Although he didn't know the meaning of that cold laugh, he vaguely guessed that the Daoist sect leader, Xiaoyaozi, was probably no longer able to threaten Empress Chongkan's plans.

"You're so good at predicting things..."

Chongkan asked in a low voice, "Have you figured out how you died?"

Behind the Great Master, the majestic Dharma image raised a hand, slowly turned it over, and pressed it down.

The pressure in Leichi suddenly increased.

The Phoenix Fire Formation began to collapse uncontrollably.

Chen Jingxuan's knees also bent slightly.

"He will not die."

At this moment.

A cold, calm, and resolute voice came from the surface of the North Sea.

The Thunder Pool, which kept pressing down, suddenly encountered tremendous resistance and got stuck, unable to advance any further.

"……Um?"

Grand Master Chongkan narrowed his eyes.

The woman, who had been sitting cross-legged, slowly opened her eyes. The life fire within Tang Fengshu was still burning, but her aura was no longer chaotic. Instead, it broke through the bottleneck with a steady momentum and then rapidly rose. Rays of dazzling silver light swept down from the sky, and the dawn light completely pierced through the remaining night, falling on her hair, her eyebrows, and her hemp robe.

Yin spirit and Yang spirit, a difference of just one word, are like an insurmountable chasm.

This formidable barrier, which had hindered countless heroes, was now crossed by Tang Fengshu in a single step.

Because the Great Dao and its meaning are profound enough, and the foundation is solid enough.

After advancing to Yang God...

Tang Fengshu's rising aura did not stop there.

Her aura directly surpassed the first level of the Yang God realm and reached the second level of the Yang God realm!
This is an extremely rare instance of enlightenment and breakthrough!
The difficulty of advancing to each of the ten levels of the Yang God realm is almost comparable to that of "Entering the Dao as a Yin God".

Who among those who can attain the Yang God status is not a genius?

To achieve the feat of breaking through to a higher realm immediately upon promotion, the test is no longer about aptitude or talent.

It is accumulation, not just accumulation.

The reason why a being like "Master Xuanzhi" exists in this world is because Xuanzhi ignored "loneliness and solitude" and cultivated the Qingnang Mountain, which shielded the secrets of heaven and the Great Dao, for sixty years. Therefore, after leaving the mountain, she was able to accumulate knowledge and skills and then ascend to the sixth heaven in one step.

Given Tang Fengshu's years of cultivation, the fact that he immediately ascended to the second level of the Heavenly Realm upon achieving the Yang God status is already a testament to the profoundness of the Great Dao!
In terms of cultivation aptitude and future potential.

Master Xuanzhi may not necessarily be stronger than this young junior sister.

"This battle is now two against one."

Tang Fengshu spoke softly.

This was an unfair duel, and Chen Jingxuan exhausted all his efforts to prevent the scales from completely tipping over.

Now that Tang Fengshu has successfully broken through to a higher realm, he has forcibly shifted the balance of power slightly in his favor!
……

……

(PS: Although the update is a bit late, I've fulfilled my promise of an 8-word update.)
(End of this chapter)