The Lone King Aghast

Everyone on the Misty Rain Tower stared, utterly dumbfounded. That was the peerless, undefeated Heavenly King Wu Ming—reputed to be one of the strongest men in five centuries! How could a mere two sentences have sent him fleeing?

And he had fled in a panic, as if he'd seen a ghost.

What manner of man could make an invincible Heavenly King so wary?

The Misty Rain Tower erupted in pandemonium.

"Devil take it! Was that really the Heavenly King Wu Ming?"

"Too bizarre! Someone scared off an undefeated Heavenly King with just two words—this is beyond belief!"

"Is this a joke? An illusion, surely an illusion!"

No one could trust their eyes. Wu Ming had roamed the world for over two centuries without defeat, merged with the legendary Undying Imperial Heaven Divine Bell, possessed an indestructible body and an immortal soul. Man and bell were one—eternal, imperishable. He had fought the Five Element Heavenly Kings, contended with the Heavenly Human clan elders, and even a half-ancestor would struggle to kill him.

Yet today, without a fight, he had fled… Inconceivable!

"Odd… that voice sounded familiar." An old man with white hair and beard on the Misty Rain Tower wore a puzzled expression. "Could it be some figure from the past? There are precious few in this world who would make the Heavenly King Wu Ming so wary."

He swept his gaze across the tower, and everyone else joined the search, suspicious eyes darting about.

But even during the clamor, a single person had silently vanished from the Misty Rain Tower. No one noticed—it was as if he had never been there at all.

It was a masterful illusion technique. Even after he left, the phantasm he had created persisted, making the empty seat seem unremarkable.

Thirty li from the Misty Rain Tower, Xiao Chen stood in midair, barring Wu Ming's path. "Wu Ming, long time no see. Your fame has only grown, but your courage has shrunk. When an old friend appears, why run? I bear no ill will."

Wu Ming's expression shifted. He was a schemer; his present achievements owed much to his cunning. Empty fame meant nothing to him—only tangible benefits mattered.

Back then, he had suffered a crushing defeat at Xiao Chen's War Swords, and the subsequent great battle on the Forbidden Sea had left an indelible impression. The twenty-odd War Swords under Xiao Chen's command had numbered a terrifying sum each streak of divine rainbow could shake even a half-ancestor. Even his Undying Imperial Heaven Divine Bell could not withstand them.

From that day forward, Wu Ming knew those War Swords could suppress his divine bell—if they dueled, he would surely lose.

Thus, after a hundred and fifty years, when he again met Xiao Chen, he immediately chose to flee. He had no wish to court death, knowing Xiao Chen bore him no goodwill after that treacherous plot in the Heavenly Burial Valley.

Now blocked, Wu Ming summoned the divine bell to shield himself; it floated above his head, dazzling radiance illuminating all directions, lending him a majestic, awe-inspiring appearance. In his hand appeared the purple-gold Heavenly Thunder Hammer, terrifying bolts of lightning dancing around him, purple light soaring to the heavens.

Wu Ming had already assumed his strongest defense, ready lest the War Swords suddenly ambush him.

"Long time no see. You've grown ever more unfathomable." Wu Ming forced a hearty laugh. He would avoid a fight if at all possible. In that instant, his mind raced, seeking a way to avert conflict. "Remember how we once planned to join forces and eliminate the Five Element Heavenly Kings? Pity we never acted. Are you still interested?"

At this moment, Wu Ming exhausted his wits. If this excuse to avoid battle failed, he would redirect the trouble by dragging in the local powerhouse, the Tiger Clan.

"Wu Ming, you overthink. Am I truly so bloodthirsty?" Xiao Chen looked at him with a faint, sardonic smile. "You've probably devised dozens of plans by now. But we can be friends—there's no need for a life-or-death struggle. If you invited me for a drink, I'd gladly accept."

"Oh?" Make friends? Go to hell! Wu Ming sneered inwardly. He wouldn't believe a word of it. But outwardly he feigned surprise, staring at Xiao Chen in confusion. "I've long ceased to regard you as an enemy. Why not go to the Misty Rain Tower and have a cup together?"

"I would like to, but someone else has already invited you there. I wouldn't want to delay you."

"Nonsense! I'll cancel it at once. Come, let's drink heartily." Whatever the other's intentions, Wu Ming was unafraid so long as there was no immediate life-or-death battle.

Xiao Chen shook his head with a smile. "Go keep your appointment. I have plenty of time now, no need to rush."

"But…"

"Go. When you finish, don't sneak off without a word. I'll wait for you."

Hearing this, Wu Ming understood: Xiao Chen wanted something from him, else they would already be locked in mortal combat.

'He wants to use me,' Wu Ming thought coldly, but his face remained genial. "Then I'll follow your advice."

Back on the Misty Rain Tower, the crowd was still buzzing, unable to guess who had startled the invincible Heavenly King.

But then someone cried out in surprise: "Look! That's the Heavenly King Wu Ming! He's come back!"

"It is indeed him!"

"What happened? How can this be?"

The crowd was baffled.

A dazzling divine rainbow shot out from a private chamber, unfurling toward the outside of the Misty Rain Tower—a seven-hued bridge radiating myriads of colored light.

The burly Tiger clan man walked out with a broad smile. "Heavenly King Wu Ming, this way please. My elder brother has been waiting for you."

Celestial music began, dancers and songsters emerged—a lavish reception.

The burly man received Wu Ming onto the rainbow bridge and could not help asking, "Heavenly King Wu Ming, what happened just now?"

"A long story."

Just then, a refined middle-aged man emerged from the private chamber to greet him in person. "Brother Wu, I've been anticipating your arrival."

"I wouldn't dare. Brother Tiger, sorry to have kept you waiting." Wu Ming smiled and returned the courtesy with cupped hands.

The party entered the chamber, and the rainbow bridge withdrew.

This private chamber led directly to the topmost tenth floor, which was wreathed in divine radiance and decorated like a heavenly palace. The floor was paved in finest mutton-fat jade, and the tables and chairs were carved from supremely rare Purple Diamond Yin Wood, translucent and shimmering with violet light.

The tenth floor normally was not open to the public; only special guests could enter. The paintings and calligraphy on the walls were enough to shock anyone just from the signatures.

A feast had already been laid out, awaiting Wu Ming's arrival—truly an immortal banquet. The dishes on the table glittered, and if cultivators saw them, they would be stunned, for the ingredients were astonishing.

On the seventh floor of the Misty Rain Tower, everyone was talking about why Wu Ming had returned.

Many were delighted to have caught a glimpse of the legendary great expert, but some were puzzled by his earlier behavior, feeling it unbecoming of an undefeated Heavenly King.

After much discussion, they gave up guessing who had initially scared off Wu Ming, turning instead to the Tiger family's banquet.

"Did you notice? The refined man who welcomed Wu Ming seemed to be the Tiger King Hu Xifeng, third generation of the Tiger clan."

"Yes, I think so. The third generation's leading Heavenly King, a true Tiger King."

"Ah, I understand. I've heard King Tiger Hu Xifeng has a daughter of peerless beauty—could she be betrothed to the Heavenly King Wu Ming's son, Wu Xiaoshi?"

"That should be it. For some time, these two families have been rumored to be forming a marriage alliance."

"I've heard the Tiger clan's founding ancestor perished many years ago, but their influence remains vast."

"And the Heavenly King Wu Ming's backing is no weakling either—the famous Artifact Refining Sect of the Cultivation World, a great school passed down from ancient times."

…

On the seventh floor, Xiao Chen sat calmly drinking, listening to the conversation. He had come and gone without disturbing anyone; even those who glanced his way saw only an ordinary man. Such was the peculiar nature of reaching a certain realm of power—one could be rendered invisible even to a familiar face sitting nearby.

For instance, Sha Polang, not far away, had not noticed him at all.

"Do you know Hu Xifeng? They say he's incredibly formidable, his power unfathomable—some suspect he is about to break into the Earth-Penetrating realm."

"The Tiger clan has kept a low profile all these years, their true strength immeasurable. This Hu Xifeng is indeed an extraordinary figure, said to be stronger than many of the second generation."

"He has only one battle record, known to few. It's said he once defeated a Heavenly Human clan expert of the same rank."

"What?!"

The crowd immediately exclaimed. The Heavenly Human clan was one of the most mysterious and terrifying races. Though their numbers were minuscule—reportedly no more than thirty or fifty souls—each member was a born genius, nearly invincible among their peers.

Thus, if a same-realm warrior could defeat one, he was undoubtedly a peerless talent, dominating his level.

"Hu Xifeng actually defeated a Heavenly Human of equal cultivation? That's astonishing! Truly worthy of the name Tiger King!"

"Truly unexpected. The Tiger clan's strength is hard to gauge—no wonder they are a king clan passed down from ancient times."

The Tiger clan's third generation leader Hu Xifeng, and the secret exploits of his battle, delivered a powerful shock.

The Heavenly Human clan was the benchmark: to defeat one proved one's own might and terror.

"The Tiger clan has endured in silence for so long—they might now rise!" The white-haired old man sighed. "They've bided their time for years. First they form a marriage alliance with the Artifact Refining Sect; there will surely be more moves to come."

"Waiter!" Sha Polang suddenly yelled.

"What is your wish, senior skeleton?" The waiter scurried over, all smiles. As long as you spent money, you were a god here.

"Bring me a jar of tiger-penis wine."

"Ah…" The waiter was stunned.

"What? Isn't this supposed to be the second greatest restaurant in the world? You don't have such wine?"

"We have it, but…" The waiter's face paled, and he glanced upward as he spoke—the tenth floor was hosting the Tiger clan's honored guest today.

"If you have it, bring three jars. And I haven't finished." Seeing the waiter about to slip away, Sha Polang called him back. "Also, grill me a few skewers of tiger kidneys, and a large platter of tiger meat in sauce. And for the main course—Dragon Tiger Combat. But I don't want cat against snake! If you don't have dragon, then snake against tiger will do—just don't fob me off with cat."

The waiter was speechless. This patron was far too difficult. If the Tiger clan upstairs learned of this, heads would roll.

All the cultivators in the tower stared at this priceless skeleton, alarmed. Chang'an was closest to the Tiger clan's territory—this was their home ground. For this fellow to act so brazenly, so unafraid, was astonishing.

"What are you looking at? Haven't you seen such a handsome skeleton before?" Sha Polang shook his cloak, then tossed his head—but his bald pate had no hair to toss.

"This skeleton brother is something else. He wants to go up against the Tiger clan? But from the look of him, how could he be a match for Hu Xifeng?"

"A true rare breed. He just stirred up trouble on Skeleton Island, and now he's come here to make mischief."

"I think he's bored of living. Bragging about finding a beautiful female skeleton on Skeleton Island, and now causing trouble on the Tiger clan's turf—I believe he'll soon be torn apart."

…

"You people are so vulgar. Big Brother Skeleton can't be bothered with you." Sha Polang struck a narcissistic pose, wholly self-absorbed.

Everyone was at a loss for words.

Just then, footsteps sounded from the staircase. A young Asura walked up. Wherever he passed, it seemed he became a world unto himself—utterly illusory and ethereal. His gaze made it hard for anyone to look him in the eye.

He was undoubtedly a supremely powerful Asura. Every movement seemed to merge with heaven and earth, natural and harmonious, as if embodying heavenly principles. An ineffable majesty diffused around him.

"This man is terrifying!"

"Yes, he must have reached the Perfected Man realm. He carries the aura of Union of Heaven and Man—incredible!"

Many cultivators on the Misty Rain Tower were shocked, whispering.

"Could he be the legendary Little Asura?"

At this conjecture, many drew in cold breath.

If it were indeed the Little Asura, he was a force to be reckoned with. According to legend, he could walk sideways through the world, and even old-timers would withdraw before him. A single cross word could trigger a river of blood.

"Little Asura has reached the Heavenly King realm? This is staggering!"

"Yes, it is indeed the Little Asura. I once glimpsed him from afar. They say he wanted to marry the bright pearl of the Undying Sect, Yan Qingcheng, and was refused. He flew into a rage on the spot and tore two Fish-Leap realm experts in half."

"Hush—keep your voice down! The man himself is here, and you dare to discuss this?"

The buzz on the Misty Rain Tower dropped significantly, and many felt ill at ease.

But just then, someone could not care less. Looking at the Little Asura, he remarked, "What an ugly one."

The crowd was floored. Who was that? Did he have the guts of a bear and the heart of a leopard? To say that in front of the Little Asura—was he tired of living?

Everyone turned to look for the speaker.

"What are you looking at? Big Brother Skeleton is just that handsome—you're just jealous!"

Seeing it was that priceless skeleton again, everyone rolled their eyes inwardly, silently cursing: You are dead meat!

"Were you speaking of me?" The Little Asura swept his icy gaze toward Sha Polang. Two beams of blood light shot from his eyes, piercingly dreadful.

Among the Asura race, women were born strikingly beautiful, while men were naturally hideous—it was an inborn trait. Even though he was considered a handsome man among Asura, by other races' standards he was indeed ugly.

"Ugly brother, don't mind me. I just accidentally spoke the truth. Come, come, have a drink with me." Sha Polang invited him warmly.

The crowd was speechless. How had this fellow survived so long? A miracle, truly!

"Where did this priceless skeleton pop up? Does he really have some astonishing background?"

"Right. Otherwise, how would he dare go swaggering on Skeleton Island and now raise trouble here?"

"You know, no one knows his origin after all. Maybe he really is a formidable master?"

The crowd was taken in by Sha Polang's act, murmuring amongst themselves.

What left them dumbfounded was that this fellow had a thick skin like no other. He seemed to catch their whispers, striking a narcissistic pose: "Now you know? I am a once-in-a-millennium prodigy!"

"Your death is certain." The Little Asura had only that one phrase. He walked forward like a mountain bearing down. The Misty Rain Tower remained still, but the sky outside quaked violently. This was a mighty pressure that could shake sun, moon, and mountains—a true Union of Heaven and Man.

"A Perfected Man Heavenly King!"

"Little Asura has indeed cultivated the body of a Heavenly King. How terrifying!"

"Small wonder he dared to propose to the Undying Sect's bright pearl Yan Qingcheng. Many strong men covet her beauty but dare not rashly go to the Undying Sect to ask for her hand. With power like this, the Little Asura truly has the qualifications."

Having witnessed his strength, everyone was stunned. And he had only emerged a few years ago.

An invisible power of the world itself cut off the Misty Rain Tower from the outside. Merging Heaven and Man, the Little Asura summoned his supreme Asura divine power to envelop the building, trapping Sha Polang within.

He sat down calmly across from Sha Polang. "I will kill you slowly."

Everyone was astonished.

"Truly worthy of a master trained by the number one Imperial expert Leng Hanbing—such fierce combat prowess!"

"The personally tutored disciple of the imperial number one—truly extraordinary. I'm afraid he is the strongest among his peers."

Everyone whispered.

In truth, though the Little Asura had only recently appeared, he was already over forty years old—strictly speaking, no longer a youth.

Otherwise, to reach the Perfected Man realm in one's twenties would be unprecedented, a true hero of the ages.

But his talent was undeniable, just slightly weaker than Leng Hanbing back in the day. Leng Hanbing's talent in that era was already the finest, barely qualifying as a rare heroic figure of the past.

"Now the younger generation of the Asura clan must look up to the Little Asura."

"Yes. They say the Asura Heavenly King and Asura Saintess from back then were also very powerful, but both were killed and imprisoned by the same person."

"The Asura clan had other Heavenly Kings?"

"Of course. The old Asura Heavenly King and the Yaksha Heavenly King once dominated the world, sweeping all before them—until the same person slew them both. And later, the Asura Saintess, on her first day leaving Asura Island, was taken captive by that same individual."

"A terrifying person! Could it be that great demon king mentioned in many legends?"

"Of course—the great demon king who roamed the world over a hundred and fifty years ago. Who else?"

At this, many drew in cold breath.

"So those legends are true. Though there are many versions, they all seem to feature that great demon king."

"It's said that when the Little Asura went to the Undying Sect to propose, Yan Qingcheng mentioned just one name, and he withdrew in defeat. Many suspect it was that great demon king."

"I've heard that too. The Little Asura has sworn that one day he'll slay that great demon king."

"What is the great demon king's name?"

"No one knows. Every legend seems to call him the great demon king. His name is seldom spoken."

Just then, Sha Polang spoke again, sounding impatient: "Brother Asura, you really are boring. Sitting across from me like a door god, you've killed my appetite. If you're going to fight, hurry up."

The crowd's eyes bulged. This fellow had the audacity to ignore the Little Asura entirely!

"Let me tell you the truth—the great demon king you all speak of is my sworn brother. If I recite 'Heaven-Earth spiritual, spiritual,' I can summon him at once." Sha Polang boasted without blushing, rambling on. "I just started out a little late, or else there would be two great demon kings today."

The crowd had no words for him. Bragging didn't mean you could blow that hard—who would believe it?

"You truly seek death!" The Little Asura had intended to overwhelm Sha Polang with his presence, then slowly torment him to death, but this priceless skeleton seemed entirely unaffected.

The void shattered. A blood-colored Asura world descended, about to engulf Sha Polang. The piercing blood light turned the whole Misty Rain Tower crimson.

"The Dao follows nature—break!" Sha Polang bellowed.

But Sha Polang's method of 'breaking' was utterly shameless. He swept a large group of people standing behind him forward to block his own body, making them face the Little Asura alongside him. Among them was Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen considered for a moment and decided to help this fellow. Otherwise, Sha Polang would certainly flee directly back to the Death World. His combat power might be uncertain, but he surely possessed the Divine Clan's method of instantly dispersing all strength and escaping to the Death World.

The others were all thrown back. Xiao Chen strode forward and pushed out a casual palm to meet the Little Asura's millstone-sized blood-colored divine hand.

"Bam!"

What happened next stunned everyone. The Little Asura flew backward, spitting blood, crashing through the window and tumbling hundreds of zhang away before unsteadily stabilizing himself in midair.

"Ah!"

Sha Polang sensed Xiao Chen's aura and nearly shouted, but choked back the name "Xiao Chen" at the last moment.

Everyone was awestruck.

The Little Asura's face grew solemn. He flew back into the Misty Rain Tower and fixed his gaze on Xiao Chen.

Just then, Sha Polang yelled, "Waiter! Where's my tiger-penis wine? And are those grilled tiger kidneys ready yet? Oh, and the most important dish—Dragon Tiger Combat—don't forget!"

The innkeeper and waiters were ready to curse. Shouting so loudly like that would surely alert the Tiger clan experts on the top floor!

The crowd could only marvel again: this was a priceless skeleton indeed!

"Bam!" The private chamber door was flung open, and the burly Tiger clan man emerged, shouting, "Who is it? Who!"

"Dragon liver and phoenix marrow… how I miss such a flavor." Xiao Chen murmured to himself.

At that moment, everyone smelled an intoxicating fragrance that made their mouths water.

Xiao Chen walked straight toward the private chamber. The burly man immediately tried to block him, but this Heaven King of the Perfected Man realm found himself pinned down, unable to move. Xiao Chen passed through the chamber and proceeded to the top tenth floor.

This outcome horrified everyone.

On the seventh floor, the white-haired old man's voice trembled: "Can my eyes be deceiving me? I… I saw him!"

"Old sir, who is this 'him'?"

The cultivators nearby pressed for answers.

"Don't go!" The Little Asura shouted, giving chase to the tenth floor.