Primordial Era: Starting by overwhelming the Sages, Hongjun was stunned!

The young man looked up at Kong Xuan.

"You're Kong Xuan?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Yes."

The young man said, "My name is Bai Wuhen, and I come from the Loose Cultivator Alliance."

"I've come to take your life for Xiqi."

Kong Xuan remained calm: "Take my life? And you alone?"

Bai Wuhen said, "One person is enough."

He thrust out with his sword.

The sword light was as white as snow, and its coldness was bone-chilling.

Kong Xuan did not retreat.

The Immortal Execution Sword was drawn, and a single strike was delivered.

The sword energy was as black as ink, as dark as night.

Black and white collide.

boom!

The mountaintop exploded, sending debris flying everywhere.

Kong Xuan took a step back, his expression unchanged.

Bai Wuhen took three steps back, his expression slightly changing.

"Late-stage Quasi-Saint, you dare to withstand one of my sword strikes without retreating?"

Kong Xuandao: "Again."

He unleashed a powerful strike with his sword.

Chaotic light was injected into the sword, causing its sword energy to surge threefold.

Bai Wuhen's expression changed drastically, and he raised his sword to defend himself.

boom!

Bai Wuhen was sent flying backward and crashed to the ground.

He coughed up blood and the longsword slipped from his hand.

Kong Xuan sheathed his sword and looked down at him.

You lost.

Bai Wuhen got up, his face pale.

"Who...who exactly are you?"

Kong Xuandao: "Kong Xuan."

Kong Xuan of Jinji Ridge.

Bai Wuhen remained silent, then turned and flew away.

The Xiqi camp was completely silent.

Kong Xuan sheathed his sword and returned to his tent.

Sit in the main seat, close your eyes and regulate your breathing.

Nezha followed in, his face full of admiration.

"Kong Xuan, you're amazing!"

"Defeated a peak Quasi-Saint with a single sword strike!"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "Not a single sword strike."

"It's two swords."

Nezha scratched his head: "Both swords are very powerful!"

Kong Xuan remained silent.

He closed his eyes and continued his practice.

Late stage of Quasi-Saint, not enough.

It needs to be even stronger.

He must be strong enough to withstand a single blow from a saint.

Be strong enough to protect everyone.

This sitting lasted for three months.

No one came from Xiqi for three months.

Neither the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect nor the rogue cultivators came.

Kong Xuan knew that they had not given up.

We are waiting.

Waiting for an opportunity.

Waiting for someone who can kill him.

Kong Xuan didn't care.

He kills them one by one as they come.

Come on, two come, kill them both.

If ten come, kill ten pairs.

As long as he is there, Jinji Ridge will remain.

As long as he is there, Shang Jun will be there.

As long as he is there, those who need protection will be protected.

This day.

Kong Xuan suddenly opened his eyes.

He sensed it.

An aura came from the far distance.

Very strong, very strong.

It was so powerful that it made his heart pound.

saint.

Yuanshi Tianzun.

Kong Xuan got up and walked out of the tent.

Standing atop the mountain, gazing into the distance.

A figure flew in from the horizon.

White robes, white hair, and a cool, aloof expression.

Holding a whisk, he exudes an air of otherworldly grace.

Yuanshi Tianzun.

He landed above Jinji Ridge and looked down at Kong Xuan.

"Kong Xuan, ten years have passed since the eighteen-year agreement was made."

"You have eight years left."

Kong Xuan nodded: "I know."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable asked, "Can you become a saint within eight years?"

Kong Xuandao: "Yes."

Yuanshi Tianzun gazed at him with profound eyes.

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

"If you become a saint eight years from now, I will fight you fairly."

"If you do not become a saint, you will die."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and flew away.

Kong Xuan stood atop the mountain, gazing in the direction where he had disappeared.

His expression was calm, his gaze firm.

Eight years.

Eight more years.

He must become a saint within eight years.

Kong Xuan turned around and walked back into the tent.

Sit in the main seat and close your eyes to meditate.

The light of chaos flowed within his body.

This time, he no longer pursued further improvement in his cultivation.

Instead, they seek the opportunity to achieve sainthood.

Where is the opportunity?

In his heart.

On the road he walked.

On the people he protected.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and focused his mind on his body.

Memories from the illusion resurface.

Chaos, primordial chaos, the boundless void.

Return to the void, the beginning, the emptiness.

He walked through every floor.

He fought in every single battle.

He experienced every burning.

Those memories are etched in my heart.

Let him know which way to go.

Let him know that the path to sainthood is right beneath his feet.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes.

A sudden realization dawned on me.

To achieve sainthood, one does not need to let go.

To achieve sainthood requires taking responsibility.

Take on the responsibilities that should be borne.

Protect those who deserve protection.

Walk the path you should walk.

This is sainthood.

Kong Xuan smiled slightly, closed his eyes, and continued his cultivation.

The light of chaos flowed within his body.

His cultivation is improving.

Late stage of Quasi-Saint, peak.

Half a saint!

He was just one step away from becoming a saint.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and stood up.

Step out of the main tent and stand atop the mountain.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his black robe fluttering in the wind.

At the foot of Jinji Ridge, the lights of the Xiqi camp flickered in the wind.

Kong Xuan gazed into the distance, his eyes resolute.

Eight years.

"That's enough."

......

Eight years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Kong Xuan sat motionless atop Jinji Ridge.

His black robe was covered in dust, and his hair hung down to the ground.

It blends seamlessly with the rocks, resembling a statue.

The light of chaos flowed within his body, slowly and steadily.

His cultivation as a half-step saint was already as solid as a mountain.

But he could never take that final step.

It's not that I lack the strength, it's that my mindset isn't right.

He is waiting.

Waiting for the right opportunity.

Nezha flew up from the foot of the mountain, riding on his Wind Fire Wheels.

He was holding a steamed bun, his mouth full of crumbs as he ate it.

"Kong Xuan, you've been sitting all day again."

Kong Xuan did not open his eyes.

Nezha sat down to one side and gazed into the distance.

The lights in the Xiqi camp were far fewer than they had been eight years ago.

Most of the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect have left, as have the rogue cultivators.

Only Jiang Ziya remained, leading the Xiqi army, stationed at the foot of the mountain.

They are waiting.

The eighteen-year agreement will expire.

Wait for Yuanshi Tianzun to take action personally.

Nezha said, "Kong Xuan, there are still three days left."

Kong Xuan opened his eyes: "Three days?"

Nezha nodded: "The eighteen-year agreement expires in three days."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

Three days.

Only three days left.

He looked up at the sky.

The sky was overcast, as if it were about to rain.

Kong Xuan stood up and stood with his hands behind his back.

Dust settled from the black robe, and black hair danced in the wind.

He gazed into the distance, his expression calm.

Three days is enough.

Nezha asked, "Are you about to break through?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "I don't know."

"It might break through, or it might not."

"Whether I break through or not, I will stand here."

No refund.

Nezha looked at him with a complicated expression.

"Kong Xuan, are you afraid of death?"

Kong Xuandao: "I'm afraid."

"But I'm even more afraid of retreating."

"If I withdraw, I will no longer be able to protect those I want to protect."

"If you can't protect them, living is worse than dying."

Nezha remained silent.

After a long silence, he spoke: "I understand."

He turned and flew down from the mountain peak.

Kong Xuan stood atop the mountain, continuing to gaze into the distance.

Three days.

The last three days.

He wasn't practicing any spiritual cultivation; he was just standing there.

Watch the sunrise and sunset, watch the clouds drift and gather.

Look at the lights of the Xiqi camp, look at the banners of the Shang army soldiers.

Look at this land he guarded for eighteen years.

My heart is as calm as still water.

Day 1.

Yuan Feng has arrived.

Clad in white robes and with white hair, they came from the primordial era.

He landed on the mountaintop and stood beside Kong Xuan.

"child."

Kong Xuan turned his head and looked at his mother.

"Mother, what brings you here?"

Yuan Feng said, "I've come to see you."

"The eighteen-year promise is coming to an end, and your mother is worried about you."

Kong Xuandao said, "There's no need to worry."

"My son won't die."

Yuan Feng looked at him, her eyes slightly red.

He took a bowl from his sleeve; inside the bowl was soup.

It was still steaming.

"Child, drink the soup."

Kong Xuan took the bowl, lowered his head, and took a sip.

It's very hot and smells delicious.

"It tastes good."

Yuan Feng smiled.

Mother and son faced each other, speechless.

The mountain wind howled, blowing their robes.

Yuan Feng stood there for a while, then turned around.

"My child, your mother is gone."

Kong Xuan asked, "So fast?"

Yuan Feng said, "The Phoenix Clan has other matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer."

Take care.

Kong Xuan nodded: "Take care, Mother."

Yuan Feng took flight and disappeared into the hazy sky.

Kong Xuan stared at her retreating figure, motionless for a long time.

Day two.

Yunxiao has arrived.

He wore a blue Taoist robe and had a calm expression.

Standing atop the mountain, gazing at Kong Xuan.

"Senior brother, tomorrow marks the eighteen-year anniversary of our agreement."

Kong Xuan nodded: "I know."

Yunxiao asked, "Are you confident?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No."

"Below the sage, all are ants."

"Even though I am a half-step saint, I am still an ant."

Yunxiao remained silent.

After a long silence, he spoke: "Senior brother, do you regret it?"

Kong Xuan asked, "What are you regretting?"

Yunxiao said, "I regret guarding Jinji Ridge, I regret going against the will of Heaven."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No regrets."

"You chose this path, and you have to finish it, even if you have to crawl on your knees."

Yunxiao looked at him, her eyes slightly red.

"Senior brother, you are the bravest person I have ever met."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

Yunxiao turned around and flew away.

On the mountaintop, only Kong Xuan remained.

He stood atop the mountain, hands behind his back.

His black robes fluttered in the wind, and his black hair danced in the air.

Day three.

early morning.

As soon as it was dawn, the war drums began to beat.

It was earth-shattering and deafening.

At the foot of Jinji Ridge, the Xiqi army stood in formation.

Banners fluttered like a forest, and swords and spears stretched like a sea.

At the front of the battle line stood a man.

White robes, white hair, and a cool, aloof expression.

Holding a whisk, he exudes an air of otherworldly grace.

Yuanshi Tianzun.

The sage himself arrived.

Kong Xuan stood atop the mountain, gazing at that figure.

His expression was calm.

Eighteen years.

finally come.

He raised his hand and drew the Immortal Execution Sword.

The sword light, as dark as ink, illuminated the mountain peak.

He leaped down and landed in front of the formation.

He stands opposite the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

They were a hundred feet apart.

Yuanshi Tianzun gazed at him with profound eyes.

"The eighteen-year agreement has come to an end."

"Have you become a saint?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable asked, "So you've come here to die?"

Kong Xuandao said, "I'm not here to die."

"We've come to keep our promise."

"Eighteen years ago, I said that whether I became a saint or not, I would stand here."

"Now, I have arrived."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable remained silent.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "Okay."

"Then die."

He raised his hand and struck out with his palm.

The palm strike was like the sky collapsing, pressing down on Kong Xuan.

This palm strike was delivered with full force.

When the sage strikes with all his might, the heavens and earth change color.

The wind and clouds reversed, and the mountains and rocks crumbled.

Kong Xuan did not retreat.

The light of chaos was fully channeled into the Immortal Slaughtering Sword.

A sword strike was unleashed.

The sword energy was as black as ink, as dark as night.

He met that palm strike head-on.

boom!!!

The earth trembled, and the peak of Jinji Ridge was leveled.

Kong Xuan was sent flying backward and crashed into the rubble.

He coughed up blood, and eighty percent of his bones were broken.

But he didn't die.

The expression on Yuanshi Tianzun's face changed slightly.

"A half-step saint, you can withstand my full-force attack and survive?"

Kong Xuan climbed up from the rubble.

He was swaying unsteadily, covered in blood.

His left arm was hanging down, and his right leg was also injured.

But he stood there.

He gazed calmly at Yuanshi Tianzun.

"Again."

Yuanshi Tianzun looked at him with a complex expression.

"You still want to fight?"

Kong Xuandao: "Fight."

"Even if we can't win, we have to fight."

He raised his hand, and the Immortal Execution Sword was raised once more.

The sword trembled, and chaotic light flowed around it.

But his strength was almost gone.

This sword strike couldn't cut through.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable shook his head: "Your life is exhausted."

"Give up."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "I don't acknowledge it."

He gritted his teeth and forcefully activated the Chaos Light.

The body's meridians begin to break, and the flesh and blood begin to tear apart.

He is burning.

Burn with your last bit of strength.

To exchange for the final sword.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable's expression changed: "Are you insane?"

Kong Xuan did not answer.

A sword strike was unleashed.

The sword energy was as black as ink, as dark as night.

It was stronger than any of the previous sword strikes.

But he paid for it with his life.

Yuanshi Tianzun raised his hand and met the attack with a palm strike.

The palm wind and sword energy collided.

boom!!!

Heaven and earth collapsed, and the void shattered.

Kong Xuan was sent flying backward and crashed to the ground.

Unable to move, bleeding from all seven orifices.

The Zhuxian Sword slipped from his hand and was stuck beside him.

The sword trembled and made a buzzing sound.

Yuanshi Tianzun stopped and looked down at him.

You lost.

Kong Xuan lay on the ground, gazing at the gray sky.

Blood was trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet he was smiling.

"We didn't lose."

"I'm alive."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable remained silent.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "What's the point of being alive?"

"You're useless."

"The meridians are severed, and the seed of the Dao is shattered."

"All cultivation has been lost."

"Living is worse than dying."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind on his body.

The meridians are severed, and the seed of the Dao is shattered.

His cultivation level is gone.

But the light of chaos still remains.

In his heart, in his very bones.

On every step he took.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and looked at the sky.

It was gloomy, like it was about to rain.

But he knew that the sun would shine again after the rain.

Kong Xuan supported himself on the ground and slowly stood up.

His whole body was trembling, and blood was flowing freely.

But he stood there.

He gazed calmly at Yuanshi Tianzun.

"I said, no retreat."

"I will never retreat, even if it means death."

Yuanshi Tianzun looked at him with a complex expression.

"You're crazy."

Kong Xuandao: "Perhaps."

He raised his hand, intending to draw the Immortal Execution Sword.

But my hands were already too weak.

He couldn't grip the sword hilt.

Nezha flew down from the mountaintop and landed beside Kong Xuan.

She supported him, her eyes red-rimmed.

"Kong Xuan, stop hitting him."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "We can't stop."

"If you stop, you lose."

Nezha said, "You have already lost."

Kong Xuandao said, "I didn't lose."

"As long as you're still standing, you haven't lost."

He pushed Nezha away and raised his hand again.

Chaotic light was gathering in the palm of his hand.

Very weak, very faint.

Like a candle flickering in the wind.

But it is.

Yuanshi Tianzun gazed at the ball of light, his expression subtly changing.

"You still have the strength?"

Kong Xuan remained silent.

He pressed that ball of light into his chest.

The light entered his body and merged with the shattered Dao seed.

boom!

The seeds of Tao are reunited, and the meridians are reborn.

Cultivation level restored.

It's not a recovery, it's a breakthrough.

Half-step saint, saint.

boom!

An invisible barrier shattered with a deafening roar.

saint!

Kong Xuan was startled, and his aura surged.

The light of chaos transformed into holy light, illuminating heaven and earth.

A crack appeared in the gray sky.

Golden sunlight descended from the sky.

The light shone on Kong Xuan.

He closed his eyes, feeling the power within his body.

saint.

He finally became a saint.

Yuanshi Tianzun looked at him, his expression changing drastically.

"A breakthrough in the heat of battle?"

Kong Xuan opened his eyes, his vision clear.

He raised his hand, and the Immortal Execution Sword flew into his palm.

The sword trembled, and holy light flowed around it.

He gazed at the Primordial Celestial Venerable with a calm expression.

"Now, we can have a fair fight."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable remained silent.

After a long pause, he nodded.

"it is good."

"A fair fight."

The two of them took action at the same time.

The palm wind and sword energy collided.

boom!!!

Heaven and earth collapsed, and the void shattered.

Jinji Ridge was razed to the ground.

The Xiqi army was blown away by the shockwave.

The Shang army soldiers were forced to retreat dozens of miles.

The two stood in the void, facing each other.

Kong Xuan was covered in blood, but his eyes were resolute.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable's face turned pale, and his breathing became unsteady.

The two fought for dozens of rounds without a clear victor.

Yuanshi Tianzun stopped and looked at Kong Xuan.

"You win."

Kong Xuan was taken aback: "You won?"

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded: "If we continue fighting, I will lose."

"You've only just become a saint, yet you can fight me to a draw."

"If I were given time, I would surely lose."

"I don't want to lose, so I'm not playing anymore."

He turned and flew away.

The Xiqi army also retreated.

Jinji Ridge has returned to peace.