Chapter 297: How Many Years Has the Country Been Fallen

“Changkong, what are you talking about? What double act?”

Liu Bing’s expression turned somewhat unnatural, the ice crystal flower in her hand dissipating.

Jiang Changkong’s expression turned cold: “Whether you’re still Liu Bing or not is debatable. Hua Tianrui, get out here now.”

Hum

The statue trembled, and a hundred flowers bloomed in the void, radiant and vivid.

Hua Tianrui materialized, stepping barefoot on the illusory flowers: “When did you discover it?”

“From the moment you disappeared, I wanted to leave. I’m not like this pig here, forgetting all sense at the sight of a little benefit. The floral scent in the passage also came from Liu Bing’s body. It couldn’t hide from my soul.”

Jiang Changkong glanced at Jin Guangxuan, who was still kowtowing: “Another illusion?”

In such a situation, Jin Guangxuan hadn’t awakened, clearly trapped in an illusion.

“A pity. Although your soul is powerful and your mastery profound, you are far too arrogant.”

A faint smile appeared on Hua Tianrui’s face as she drifted toward Jiang Changkong: “Several battle physiques gathered in one body, possessing a soul and Power Runes. If we merge, we will surely Attain the Dao and become immortals in the future.”

“Changkong, be careful.” Jiang Jiuqiao’s body surged with flames but was stopped by Jiang Changkong: “Don’t act. You’ll disturb Jin Guangxuan.”

“So you’re wary of him too. Though his will is weak, he still has some strength. Rest assured, I won’t disturb him. No one will interrupt us as we become one.”

Hua Tianrui’s faint, illusory hand penetrated Jiang Changkong’s body.

“Just call it Body Seizure. Don’t make it sound like something else.”

Jiang Changkong looked disgusted: “I have no desire to become a woman.”

“That’s not for you to decide. After all these years, with so many people and Star Demons entering, you are the only one who has truly moved my heart.”

With that, Hua Tianrui’s entire form entered Jiang Changkong’s body.

The latent floral scent also stirred, sealing Jiang Changkong’s body and rendering him completely rigid.

“Don’t struggle, Young Master Jiang. I’ve got you now.”

The last trace of Soul Power also entered Jiang Changkong’s body.

Jiang Changkong sneered, activating the Divine Control Art silently, enveloping all the soul energy.

Soul and Stellar Body intertwined, his form turning transparent as intangible runes flowed through Jiang Changkong’s body.

Soul Stellar Body!

All martial arts were transformed, the Divine Control Art sealing his entire being!

“Eight-Star Gate?”

Slightly taken aback, Hua Tianrui was momentarily stunned before understanding—after all, he had condensed several Stellar Bodies. Having an Eight-Star Gate wasn’t strange!

She stepped directly into the Star Gate without encountering any resistance.

Jiang Changkong’s Soul Body sat cross-legged atop the vast Star Power, coldly watching Hua Tianrui enter.

“From today onward, this body belongs to me.”

Hua Tianrui declared like a queen issuing a command.

The Soul Body remained seated: “Do you think you can defeat me here? Our Soul Power is not far apart. Against anyone else, you could easily seize control.”

“Though I am not a Soul Warrior, I know more soul secrets than you. Killing you is more than enough!”

Hua Tianrui laughed coldly, the pleasant floral scent transforming into soul flowers that attacked Jiang Changkong.

“Heh.”

Jiang Changkong chuckled softly as immense Star Power gathered, merging into his soul, causing it to suddenly swell.

Hum

A sapling trembled, manifesting from within his soul, countless roots shooting out to entangle Hua Tianrui.

“Soul-Stabilizing Tree…”

Hua Tianrui’s face paled, her expression horrified.

“So, don’t speak too confidently. If your soul were far stronger than mine, this Soul-Stabilizing Tree would be yours. But now, you… are mine!”

Jiang Changkong snorted coldly, boundless Star Power surged, sealing the Eight-Star Gate.

The Soul-Stabilizing Tree’s roots coiled and lashed out, while Hua Tianrui’s figure flickered as she dodged its attacks.

Unfortunately, the Eight-Star Gate was already sealed, and the Divine Control Stellar Body had been activated. For a short time, there was no escape.

“Jiang Changkong, I’ll give you all the flower fertilizer and Star Crystals. Just let me go, and from now on, we’ll go our separate ways,” Hua Tianrui hastily spoke while evading.

“I, Jiang Changkong, never listen to such talk. Once I kill you, everything you have will be mine!” Jiang Changkong said coldly.

“I can give you all the knowledge I possess.”

“Unnecessary. What I’ve learned is already more than enough.”

Jiang Changkong paid no heed to her words, as the Soul-Stabilizing Tree pursued her relentlessly.

With overwhelming Star Power surging, Hua Tianrui’s space to survive grew smaller and smaller.

“I am only an arm. Think carefully—if the other parts of the body survive, killing me will only gain you a terrifying enemy.”

“One more enemy won’t make a difference!”

The Soul-Stabilizing Tree howled, wrapping around Hua Tianrui’s ankle before the rest of its roots swarmed over, binding her tightly.

A shimmering light flashed as the Soul-Stabilizing Tree released a torrential suction force, absorbing Hua Tianrui’s Soul Energy.

Jiang Changkong watched as Hua Tianrui’s soul visibly shrank at a rapid pace.

“Jiang Changkong…”

With a final, piercing scream, the last trace of pure energy vanished, and Hua Tianrui dissipated completely.

The small tree swayed, growing an inch taller.

Jiang Changkong circulated the Divine Control Art, his form still transparent.

Opening his eyes, he saw Liu Bing staring at him anxiously.

Without hesitation, Jiang Changkong channeled the Star Power of the Divine Control Art directly into her body.

“You are not the King—”

“I’ll send you to meet her!”

Roots of the Soul-Stabilizing Tree extended from within him, piercing directly into Liu Bing’s body.

“The Soul-Stabilizing Tree… you actually have the Soul-Stabilizing Tree…” Hua Tianluo’s voice rang out, filled with terror.

The roots of the Soul-Stabilizing Tree burrowed directly into the Star Gate, locating Hua Tianluo.

As for Liu Bing’s soul, it was no longer present.

Boom!

A wave of icy power spread, and Jiang Jiuqiao quickly intervened, unleashing a sea of flames to suppress it.

Thud!

Splat!

Liu Bing spat out a mouthful of blood, her body tumbling backward, yet the Soul-Stabilizing Tree remained connected to her.

“So weak?” Jiang Jiuqiao was stunned.

Liu Bing was a mid-stage Star Martial Artist—how could she be forced to spit blood by a single move from him?

She was far too feeble!

“She is not Liu Bing, but Hua Tianluo,” Jiang Changkong snorted coldly, the Soul-Stabilizing Tree forcibly tugging at her soul. “After all, it’s not her own body. She hasn’t adapted yet.”

“Jiang Changkong, the King will never let you go…”

“How many years has it been since that kingdom fell? Still calling him ‘King’?”

Jiang Changkong’s expression was icy as the Soul-Stabilizing Tree absorbed the Soul Power, trembling with excitement.

Hum…

Hua Tianluo dissipated, and the roots of the Soul-Stabilizing Tree retracted. This time, it grew only a tiny bit, taking root within the soul.

Suddenly, an extreme sense of danger swept over him. Jiang Changkong’s expression shifted slightly as he unleashed a powerful surge of Star Power, swiftly retreating backward.

Boom!

The palace shook violently, statues crumbled, and a brilliant golden light shone forth. Jin Guangxuan stood holding a longsword, his gaze cold and sinister as he stared at Jiang Changkong.

Jiang Jiuqiao’s earlier attack had already awakened him.

“A dog of Shengjin, so eager to die?” Jiang Changkong’s expression turned fierce as his Stellar Body transformed, shifting into the Power Runes Stellar Body.

Jin Guangxuan’s face darkened. “I should thank you for killing them. Only then could I break free from the illusion. Now, it’s time for you and me to settle this.”

“People of Shengjin truly know nothing of gratitude. Today, I’ll cut you down!”

Jiang Changkong struck out with a palm, unleashing a vast surge of Star Power.

“Die!”

Jin Guangxuan shouted lowly, a sword gleam bursting forth.

“Don’t forget about me.” Jiang Jiuqiao’s longsword appeared in his hand, and a crimson sword gleam slashed out.

Boom!

As the three Star Constellation Experts clashed, the palace could no longer withstand the force and exploded violently.

Light shone down from above, while below the palace, emerald light and multicolored starlight emerged.

“Star Crystals and pearls.” The three of them reacted simultaneously.

“Uncle Jiuqiao, you collect the items. I’ll handle this one.”

Jiang Changkong raised his palm and charged toward Jin Guangxuan once more.

“Let’s fight above. After I kill you, I’ll finish off this old man.”

Jin Guangxuan slashed his sword upward, tearing open the palace roof, and soared upward.

Jiang Changkong followed closely behind, also worried that fighting here might damage these treasures.