A World-Shaking Turn of Fortune

On the battlefield, both the Grand Xia and the Seamless Gate were stunned.

The Grand Xia side had already begun to prepare for a retreat. The Seamless Gate, moments ago brimming with morale, had been eager to strip even more flesh from the Grand Xia's bones.

And yet—

True Immortal Chibing was dead?

A mighty Pure Yang True Immortal, dead?

“How is this possible?”

“How did Ji Ning do it? Wasn’t he trapped? Even if he broke free, how could he kill True Immortal Chibing in an instant?”

“Wasn’t there a snow-white lotus beside True Immortal Chibing earlier? Could it be related to the innate spirit treasure, the Nine-Leaf Snow Lily?”

The Seamless Gate side was utterly baffled. None of them could accept it.

They had been on the verge of victory. How had this sudden twist occurred?

…

The only one on the field who was not stunned was Ji Ning himself.

“Success.” Ji Ning let out a breath of relief. Although he had possessed an absolute advantage thanks to the Xingtian manifestation, he hadn't been certain he could kill True Immortal Chibing.

He had first manipulated the innate spirit treasure, the Nine-Leaf Snow Lily.

The Nine-Leaf Snow Lily was supremely skilled at binding enemies. Previously, as a mere Celestial Immortal, even when channeling the might of the Xingtian manifestation to activate the Snow Lily, its power had been limited. But now, as a Pure Yang True Immortal, his Pure Yang magic power combined with the Xingtian’s might was on an entirely new level. The countless snow lotuses he formed were terrifyingly powerful.

They instantly enveloped the unprepared True Immortal Chibing.

At the same time the snow lotuses closed around Chibing, Ji Ning erupted with power, instantly shattering the black chains that bound him.

“Not good.” The moment he was surrounded by the snow lotuses and sensed his own technique break apart, True Immortal Chibing knew something was wrong. Something sudden had happened. But Chibing couldn’t see what was going on. He couldn’t use Greater Teleportation, and he didn’t dare hide in his immortal mansion. If he took refuge inside, his enemies would simply seize the mansion itself.

And so, the only thing he could do was—

Wield his Pure Yang magic treasure to protect himself.

Boom!

A chilling sword strike.

After breaking through the black chains, Ji Ning launched a silent sword attack, using a shadow-killing swordsmanship technique he had learned on Mount Innerheart. He had learned a vast number of sword techniques on that mountain, including some created by Daofathers themselves. He rarely used these techniques in battle, as they were creations of others; even though they were incredibly powerful in his hands, they could not achieve the state of absolute, perfect unity. But for this assassination, Ji Ning had not created his own technique. Using this shadow-killing sword art, propelled by the inconceivable power of the Xingtian manifestation… it was more than enough.

Boom!

The snow-white lotuses parted. Ji Ning’s sword struck directly against True Immortal Chibing’s protective magic treasure.

Because he had been trapped within the snow lotuses, Chibing’s protective treasure was extremely close to his body. Ji Ning’s assassination sword was a ‘vibration’-type technique. The instant the sword struck, a strange wave of force was transmitted. The immense, terrifying power transformed into a pulse of vibration. Even the Pure Yang magic treasure could not fully block it. The vibration was transmitted directly into True Immortal Chibing’s body.

This single vibration was enough to shatter the Pure Yang Golden Core within True Immortal Chibing’s body.

One could see how tremendous the power of Ji Ning’s sword strike was.

In truth, even True Immortal Chibing would not dare to take a direct hit from the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon, the Godbeast Legion, or the Yinglong Legion. And Ji Ning was far more powerful than any of them. How could Chibing possibly withstand this blow? The truth was, Ji Ning was fortunate to have the Nine-Leaf Snow Lily. Without it, Chibing would have swiftly fled the moment Ji Ning broke free. If Celestial Immortal Wuxiao knew that it was his own former treasure, the Nine-Leaf Snow Lily, that had ultimately sent the True Immortal he had invited to his death… who knows what he would have thought?

…

“Seize the momentum. Kill.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Ji Ning charged directly toward the nearest enemy position.

There, three White-Faced Flood Dragons from the Seamless Gate, along with a group of Heavenly Fiend puppets, were besieging the Grand Xia’s five Xingtian manifestations. Under the Xia Emperor’s earlier orders, the five Xingtian manifestations had been cooperating to cover a retreat. Now, they had come to a halt, their minds filled with shock and a surge of ecstatic joy.

“Not good.”

“Go help him.”

“Support him.”

Of those on the Seamless Gate’s side, True Immortal Baiji and Sect Leader Qinghu were the first to snap out of their stupor. Too shocked to dwell on True Immortal Chibing’s death, they immediately issued orders.

True Immortal Baiji redirected his spells. A cold sun hung high behind him, and streaks of frigid light shot toward the speeding Xingtian manifestation of Ji Ning.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

A cascade of frigid light.

“Hmph.” The barefoot Xingtian manifestation of Ji Ning snorted. He had already witnessed True Immortal Baiji’s spell earlier and was not afraid. He swung the Universal Salvation Sword of Ananda in his hand. The sword-light spun, flowing like water. Ji Ning had been skilled in defensive swordsmanship since childhood. The flowing, river-like sword-light effortlessly intercepted the incoming streaks of light.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The immense power contained within his sword easily withstood the frigid light.

“Can’t stop him,” True Immortal Baiji said, his expression darkening. “Quick, Junior Disciple Sister Qinghu, help me. Commander Ji Ning’s Xingtian manifestation is too strong. I can even hold off the Godbeast Legion, but I can’t stop him!”

“Mm.” Qinghu was also growing anxious.

They were both too far away to engage Ji Ning in person. All they could do was cast spells and use magic treasures from a distance.

They saw nine furry fox tails stretch across the sky, blotting out the heavens as they descended to envelop him.

“Get out of my way.” Ji Ning, charging forward with great strides, wielded his double swords. With one sword, he had already blocked True Immortal Baiji. Now, he swung his other sword. Boom! Boom! Boom! With a single swing of his sword, the nine layers of the sky cleared. The nine furry tails exploded, a large portion of them vanishing. But moments later, the nine tails extended outward once more.

Ji Ning did not slow down at all. His speed was simply too fast.

Whether it was the Godbeast Legion, the Xingtian manifestations, the White-Faced Flood Dragons, or the Yinglong Legion, none could match the speed of Ji Ning’s Xingtian manifestation. Even the Bloodcloud puppets could only barely keep up with him. It was clear just how terrifying his speed was!

“Quick, go help!”

“Stop Ji Ning!”

“Hurry!”

True Immortal Baiji’s orders were filled with urgency. Ji Ning’s power had suddenly skyrocketed to this degree, and it could completely change the situation on the battlefield. If they couldn’t hold Ji Ning back and allowed him to charge about like this… none of the armies, Heavenly Fiends, or True Immortals present could withstand this Xingtian manifestation of Ji Ning alone. The Seamless Gate side would likely be defeated one by one. They had to combine their strength to hold him back!

Whoosh!

A flash of sword-light.

Three White-Faced Flood Dragons were retreating, pursued by five Xingtian manifestations, and now by Ji Ning as well. As his sword-light flew toward them… a White-Faced Flood Dragon let out a reluctant roar. Squelch! Ji Ning’s long sword cleaved through its head. The head flew into the air, then collapsed, revealing the Celestial Immortals and Loose Immortals within. The body of the White-Faced Flood Dragon also collapsed, and a flood of scattered immortals fled in all directions.

“Kill! Kill! Kill!” Celestial Immortal Tonghe, Celestial Immortal Fengdian, and the others led their respective Xingtian manifestations in a furious slaughter.

“Charge!”

“Block him!”

Boom!

With a thunderous crash, one of the enraged White-Faced Flood Dragons charged straight at Ji Ning. It was the closest one, the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon, swinging its tough, razor-sharp claws.

Ji Ning swung the Universal Salvation Sword of Ananda in his hand.

Boom!

The two ten-thousand-zhang-tall Fiendgod manifestations collided head-on.

The Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon was actually sent flying backward, scales and all, its feet leaving the ground. A look of stunned shock appeared on its face. It was… it was this much weaker than Ji Ning?

“This…” True Immortal Baiji’s expression changed dramatically.

They had already guessed from Ji Ning’s momentum that he would be stronger, stronger than the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon. But to send it flying like this exceeded all their expectations. The gap in power was enormous.

“Hold him off!”

Shaking off their shock, True Immortal Baiji and Sect Leader Qinghu both cast spells to restrain Ji Ning. The power of their spells was extraordinary, and Ji Ning had to use one of his swords to block them. With those two affecting him, the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon could catch its breath and continue to fight Ji Ning. For the moment, the combined efforts of True Immortal Baiji, Sect Leader Qinghu, and the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon could barely hold Ji Ning in check. ‘Barely’ was the key word! He could still charge and rampage, just at a somewhat slower pace.

“Retreat!” True Immortal Baiji’s expression was grim as he sent out a mental order.

They couldn’t continue the battle.

They had already lost True Immortal Chibing and a White-Faced Flood Dragon. A single Ji Ning could tie up both him, his junior disciple sister, and the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon. The Seamless Gate no longer had any advantage.

The Seamless Gate side immediately began a rapid retreat.

Although the Seamless Gate had possessed a significant advantage earlier, with True Immortal Baiji, Sect Leader Qinghu, and the Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon holding Ji Ning in check, the Seamless Gate was not at a disadvantage. They began a very stable, orderly retreat.

Soon.

This sudden, massive clash came to an end.

“Withdraw the troops.” The Xia Emperor’s voice rang out with renewed vigor. His ambition and fighting spirit had been rekindled.

This war for the Grand Xia…

He had not yet lost!

The Xia Emperor looked toward the mighty, awe-inspiring Xingtian manifestation in the distance, gratitude filling his heart. Ji Ning had indeed been the key to turning the situation around.

…

Outside the Three Realms, at the Daoist monastery of Daofather Crimsonbright.

Daofather Crimsonbright was present, along with a host of Heavenly Gods and True Immortals, all watching the battle scenes displayed on a circular light-mirror.

“Excellent!”

“It’s Ji Ning!”

“He broke through!”

“True Immortal Chibing is dead, just like that.”

“Look, he’s charging! He’s unstoppable! The Seamless Gate is panicking. True Immortal Baiji and Sect Leader Qinghu are casting spells with all their might, but they can’t stop him! The White-Faced Flood Dragons are fleeing, but it’s useless, they’re too slow. Ji Ning’s sword is out! Haha, one down! The Poisonbeak White-Faced Flood Dragon is charging him. Hmm, this might be trouble. Oh… he sent it flying?”

The atmosphere, which had been somber, exploded as the emotions of the Heavenly Gods and True Immortals were ignited.

They were thrilled.

Some of them had lost their home Major Worlds to the enemy. Even those who hadn’t felt a pang of sympathetic grief, watching the Grand Xia fall into such peril. If the Grand Xia couldn’t hold, could they? Only a selfish figure like Evergreen Sword Immortal, who had no Major World territory of his own, would be completely indifferent.

“How did Ji Ning become so strong? Could it be that he’s become a Pure Yang True Immortal?”

“Too strong!”

“This momentum is simply…” Everyone was in awe.

Who wouldn’t wish for such a ferocious existence to appear on their own side in a war?

The Xia Emperor’s avatar stood there, smiling a smile of pure joy.

He glanced at Evergreen Sword Immortal beside him, whose expression was rather sour, remembering his earlier boast.

“It was fortunate that Junior Disciple Brother Evergreen failed to take him as a disciple. Otherwise, you would have held Ji Ning back,” the Xia Emperor remarked.

“You…” Evergreen Sword Immortal’s face darkened, and he was about to retort. He was not one to back down easily.

Suddenly, Daofather Crimsonbright, seated high above, laughed heartily. “This Ji Ning… excellent! Truly excellent!”

Evergreen Sword Immortal’s retort was choked off in his throat, unable to escape.

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