Chapter 270 – Heaven's Net, Earth's Snare—Who's the Hunter, Who's the Prey?

Facing the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain that Lu Chen casually unleashed, Nangong Siying’s mind went completely blank.

At this moment, Nangong Siying wasn’t even thinking about how to resist the slowly descending colossal Immortal Sword.

Instead, she was wondering how Lu Chen could wield such an overpowered force like the Harmony Realm while still being at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Nangong Siying knew all too well just how difficult it was to grasp the Harmony Realm at this stage.

If not for the support of her entire Nangong Clan, coupled with her own considerable Aptitude, she wouldn’t have been able to master two Entering Dao Conceptions during the Foundation Establishment Stage.

But that was pretty much her limit.

Nangong Siying estimated that, at most, she could master three Entering Dao Conceptions during the Foundation Establishment Stage.

As for the Harmony Realm?

That was something she didn’t even dare to imagine.

And it was at this moment that Nangong Siying understood why Jiang Dongliu held Lu Chen in such high regard.

Whether in terms of cultivation Aptitude or Comprehension Ability, Lu Chen truly surpassed her by more than just a notch.

She had previously thought that she and Lu Chen were on par, with only a slight gap between them—nothing as vast as heaven and earth.

But now it seemed she wasn’t just wrong; she was terribly mistaken.

The gap between her and Lu Chen was so immense that even a hundred of her couldn’t catch up.

Meanwhile, the spectators in the audience were equally stunned by the Sword Domain Lu Chen had displayed.

Jiang Dongliu and Jiang Qing, already aware that Lu Chen had mastered more than one Harmony Realm Sword Domain, weren’t too surprised.

But the others had no prior knowledge of this.

Even the City Lord of Linjiang City, Nangong Hongjiang, who had some understanding of Lu Chen’s strength, was so shocked that he stood up abruptly.

Seeing this, Jiang Qing, Jiang Dongliu’s aunt, chuckled and said, “City Lord Nangong, I told you earlier that your precious daughter was no match for that boy. Do you believe me now?”

Nangong Hongjiang silently gazed at Lu Chen in the arena for a moment before sighing. “It’s not that I didn’t believe you. I just never expected his strength to be as terrifying as the rumors claimed.”

“Even my nephew Dongliu falls short compared to him.”

Hearing Nangong Hongjiang place him below Lu Chen, Jiang Dongliu couldn’t help but retort, “Uncle Nangong, what do you mean I’m far inferior? My previous spar with Lu Chen ended in a draw.”

“Now that I’ve advanced to the Golden Core Stage and also mastered a Harmony Realm Sword Domain, with my current strength, it’s likely that Lu Chen won’t catch up to me anytime soon. How can you say I’m not as good as him?”

Nangong Hongjiang didn’t argue further.

Although Lu Chen had only displayed Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation at the moment, Nangong Hongjiang had a feeling that Lu Chen was still holding back.

If Jiang Dongliu were to face Lu Chen now, the outcome would be far from certain—even though Jiang Dongliu was already a Golden Core Stage Cultivator.

As the two conversed, the massive Immortal Sword, transformed from the Fiend-Severing Sword, completely enveloped Nangong Siying’s figure.

Surprisingly, the once overwhelmingly powerful Fiend-Severing Sword, upon touching Nangong Siying, dissipated into gentle, sparkling specks of spiritual light around her, like soft bubbles vanishing into thin air.This was certainly not because Lu Chen’s Fiend-Severing Sword was merely for show.

Rather, at the instant his sword was about to strike Nangong Siying, Lu Chen voluntarily dispersed the power of his Sword Domain.

Although Lu Chen had already deliberately held back,

the terrifying sword momentum emitted when the Sword Domain appeared, along with the subsequent earth-shattering power that seemed like an insurmountable chasm,

had long since extinguished any thought of resistance in Nangong Siying.

Thus, without even realizing it, Nangong Siying had not only slumped to the ground,

but even the Entering Dao Conception surrounding her had long since vanished.

“Fellow Daoist Nangong, you’ve lost.”

Hearing Lu Chen’s words, Nangong Siying gazed at him with vacant eyes, as if not yet fully recovered from the shock.

After what seemed like an eternity, Nangong Siying finally snapped back to reality as if awakening from a dream.

Then, with a complex expression, she looked at Lu Chen, ultimately saying nothing as she voluntarily stepped down from the platform.

Though she possessed a proud nature, she was not one ignorant of propriety.

It was just that her birth and family background destined the vast majority of people in this world to never receive such courtesy from her.

This was what had forged Nangong Siying’s spoiled and domineering personality in the eyes of outsiders.

Ultimately, Nangong Siying was merely a pampered Young Miss—her nature wasn’t truly bad.

Not long after Nangong Siying departed,

the Stadium, which had been quiet for a long time, suddenly erupted with fervent cheers.

Although the duel between Nangong Siying and Lu Chen had been completely one-sided,

the spectacle of this battle far surpassed any previous match.

After all, a Sword Domain at the Harmony Realm was not something just anyone could witness.

This was an ability almost exclusively mastered by Cultivators at the Golden Core Stage.

And within the Immortal Alliance, the Golden Core Stage already represented genuine high-ranking status.

When such an extraordinary power manifested in such a young prodigy of the Immortal Alliance,

it filled the audience with the thrill of witnessing a miracle firsthand.

After all, they might never see anything like this again in their entire lives.

Faced with the audience’s cheers, Lu Chen remained remarkably composed—

so composed that it seemed as if he had merely done something trivial.

Yet, among the cheering crowd, the expressions of some individuals were quite intriguing.

In the VIP section, a woman dressed in luxurious attire suddenly stood up.

Immediately, several bodyguards around her rose as well.

Noticing this, a few middle-aged wealthy merchants nearby began to eagerly curry favor.

“Young Miss Ruolin, the competition for the top rank is about to begin. Are you certain you wish to leave now?”

“Indeed, indeed! Although this student Lu Chen possesses terrifying strength, that young lady named Mu Xiaoye is also quite formidable. Who knows what hidden cards she might have?”

“If you leave now, you might very well miss an spectacular match.”

Hearing the words of her two ‘admirers,’ Bai Ruolin’s lips curled slightly, revealing a charming yet noble smile.

It utterly captivated the two portly middle-aged merchants, who seemed almost ready to kneel at her feet.

“President Li, President Chen, sometimes it’s enough to grasp the general picture.”

“I have already seen what I came to see, so there’s no need to waste any more time.”

“Although I am leaving, I do hope you two gentlemen will watch the remainder of the competition and later give me a detailed account of the final match. Would that be acceptable?”The two executives, who had previously shown disappointment at Bai Ruolin’s departure, now looked as excited as lapdogs rewarded by a goddess with a milk tea run upon hearing her request. Their obsequious demeanor made it hard to believe they were prominent figures in Qingzhou.

It was evident Bai Ruolin excelled at manipulating hearts and understood her advantages perfectly, playing these two like puppets. After offering them a mere crumb of favor, she left the VIP lounge with her bodyguards.

The lounge featured an exclusive VIP passage—discreet and undisturbed by outsiders. But shortly after her departure, Bai Ruolin abruptly halted. Gazing down the empty corridor, she addressed the void coldly:

“To think your Shanhai Bureau reacted so swiftly this time. Did our cult leak information? How else could you have anticipated our plans and set this ambush? Deploying the Mountains-Seas Scroll—a feat requiring simultaneous efforts from a Grand Scripture Master and multiple Scripture Masters—is quite the extravagant move.”

Soon, two figures emerged from either side of the passage: Liu Chuanjing, Linjiang Shanhai Bureau Director and Nascent Soul Stage Grand Scripture Master, and Yu Tianqi, Bai Ruolin’s old acquaintance and former Scripture Master.

Instead of answering directly, Liu Chuanjing warned Yu Tianqi, “Old Qi, don’t let vengeance cloud your judgment. Letting this big fish escape would be an unforgivable failure.”

Yu Tianqi chuckled, “Rest assured, I’ve waited a decade for this. A few more moments won’t hurt.”

“Good. With your word, I’m at ease.”

Liu Chuanjing then turned to Bai Ruolin. “Bai Ruolin—CEO of Qingzhou Ruoying, celebrated female entrepreneur of the Immortal Alliance. Who’d have imagined such grotesque secrets lay beneath that glamorous exterior? Had that junior not insisted we covertly monitor the college entrance exams, your scheme might have succeeded. To think we veterans have lived decades only to be outdone in caution by a youth—shameful, truly shameful.”

Bai Ruolin’s expression remained unruffled, as if it were Liu Chuanjing’s group being cornered.

“It seems our Holy Son possesses not only astounding Aptitude but remarkable foresight. No wonder the Leader is so determined to retrieve him, risks be damned. In hindsight, the Leader’s decision proves wise. Allowing such a prodigy to grow unchecked bodes ill for us. One with such heaven-defying talent ought to return to the cult early and receive the Buddha Mother’s enlightenment.”

As she spoke, a bronze artifact materialized in her right hand—a Gu Insect intricately carved with mystical patterns.The moment the Gu insect appeared, Liu Chuanjing and Yu Tianqi nearby immediately changed expressions, revealing looks of disbelief.

Because both of them sensed an aura of ‘immortality’ from this Gu insect.

“Fortunately, our Leader is also a cautious individual who long considered how we should escape if we were prematurely exposed.”

“Let me give you a proper taste of this Celestial Artifact from the ancient era.”

“Stop her!”

Seeing the Bronze Gu Worm in Bai Ruolin’s hand, Yu Tianqi immediately shouted.

Almost simultaneously with Yu Tianqi’s words, numerous Golden Talismans surfaced on Liu Chuanjing’s body.

Each of these talismans was a precious third-level Mystic Talisman.

Then these talismans flew toward Bai Ruolin’s location as if they were free.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The talismans landed around Bai Ruolin, instantly transforming into rolling heavenly thunder that exploded.

In an instant, the entire VIP passage was reduced to ruins.

However, all these talismans ultimately stopped five steps away from Bai Ruolin, unable to advance further.

They failed to cause even the slightest harm to Bai Ruolin.

As the explosions subsided, one quarter of the massive gymnasium immediately collapsed.

Had Liu Chuanjing and others not previously used multiple Mountains and Seas images to piece together a Mountains and Seas Scroll,

thereby silently drawing all the Black Lotus Cultists in the gymnasium into the sub-space where the scroll resided,

Liu Chuanjing’s talisman technique alone would have been enough to kill nearly one quarter of the audience.

Similar situations were occurring in other parts of the Mountains and Seas Scroll at this moment.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the entire stadium had already become the Immortal Alliance’s hunting ground for encircling and eliminating the Black Lotus Sect.

The origin of all this traces back to one hour earlier…

One hour ago, during the preparation time before the ranking matches began, when all examinees were getting ready.

In a room outside the examinee rest area, Lu Chen was discussing something with Yu Tianqi and Liu Chuanjing.

“Little Lu, are you certain you’ve identified all the Black Lotus Cultists currently in this gymnasium and can accurately locate their positions?”

Yu Tianqi looked at Lu Chen, still somewhat uncertain.

Beside Yu Tianqi, Liu Chuanjing also wore a serious expression.

Because Lu Chen’s actions would determine not only whether they should act now,

but also whether they could eliminate the Black Lotus Sect in one fell swoop.

After all, this was a rare opportunity to heavily damage the Black Lotus Sect.

Liu Chuanjing didn’t want to miss it.

Facing Yu Tianqi’s inquiry, Lu Chen nodded seriously.

Then he glanced at Diting beside his feet and said: “Uncle Tian, Director Liu, you both know what type of Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast I’ve contracted with, and you should understand how special the destiny power of these mythical beasts is.”

“Diting’s Aura Observation and Sound Perception technique can detect even the most dark-hearted individuals like the Black Lotus Cultists. Even some Seniors in the Immortal Alliance with firm Dao Hearts might not be able to evade its ability.”

“I’m certain that there are currently three Nascent Soul Stage high-level Black Lotus cultivators in the venue, along with one powerful Black Lotus cultivator of unknown strength.”

“If my estimation is correct, that powerful Black Lotus cultivator of unknown strength is very likely the Deputy Leader of the Black Lotus Sect, or perhaps the Leader himself.”After hearing Lu Chen’s words, Yu Tianqi and Liu Chuanjing pondered for a moment before ultimately choosing to trust him.

Since they needed to precisely draw all the Black Lotus Sect demonic cultivators within the gymnasium into the sub-space of the Mountains and Seas Scroll, they had to incorporate Lu Chen’s “Mountains and Seas Scroll” as part of the puzzle forming the “Mountains and Seas Scroll.”

Therefore, once the Mountains and Seas Scroll was activated, Lu Chen would not be able to remain safely outside the scroll like others. Instead, he would be drawn into the sub-space of the Mountains and Seas Scroll along with the formation masters and the Black Lotus Cultists.

Yu Tianqi and Liu Chuanjing did not hold back and explained this situation clearly to Lu Chen.

After brief consideration, Lu Chen decisively took out his own Mountains and Seas Scroll.

Although this would place him in some danger, compared to dealing a heavy blow to the Black Lotus Sect, his so-called risk was not particularly dangerous.

After all, even though he was only at the Golden Core Stage, ordinary Nascent Soul Stage cultivators were hardly a concern to him.

And from this moment on, a meticulously woven net designed specifically for the Black Lotus Sect was fully deployed.

Rewinding to the moment when the Immortal Alliance launched its full-scale assault.

The vast Linjiang Gymnasium now appeared eerily empty. Seats that should have been filled with spectators were now occupied only by rows of vacant chairs.

In several directions within the gymnasium, intense battles had broken out.

First was the fight between Lady White Bone Bai Ruolin and Liu Chuanjing and Yu Tianqi.

Next was the battle between the Black Lotus Sect’s Nascent Soul True Person Faceless and Linjiang City’s City Lord Nangong Hongjiang.

Then came the confrontation between the Black Lotus Sect’s Perfected Thousand Poisons Chu Feng and the Myriad Enterprises Immortal Sect’s Elder Jiang Yuezhong.

Finally, there was the clash between the Black Lotus Sect’s Leader Black Lotus Holy Mother and the Myriad Enterprises Immortal Sect’s Elder Jiang Qing.

As for Lu Chen, he faced off against the Black Lotus Sect’s Altar Lords and other minor followers.

Ten Golden Core Stage Altar Lords, along with dozens of Foundation Establishment Stage Black Lotus Cultists.

This time, the Black Lotus Sect had pulled out all the stops.

If not for the sudden appearance of the Mountains and Seas Scroll catching them off guard, these Golden Core Stage Altar Lords alone would have been enough to cause massive chaos throughout the ten-thousand-seat stadium and even the entire Linjiang City.

This would have forced the numerous high-level Nascent Soul Stage cultivators of the Immortal Alliance to fight with hesitation and restraint.

Lu Chen stood in the direction of the gymnasium’s former VIP room, his expression serious as he looked up at the sky above.

High in the air, the powerful Jiang Qing was struggling to fend off the attacks of the Black Lotus Holy Mother.

Though referred to as the Black Lotus Holy Mother, her true form was that of a child with an androgynous appearance, somewhat reminiscent of the Buddhist concept of a male body with feminine features.

For some reason, Lu Chen sensed two familiar auras emanating from the Black Lotus Holy Mother.

One was the aura of a Divine Ability, and the other was the aura of a Magic Treasure.

The Divine Ability aura was the one currently radiating from the Black Lotus Holy Mother. Lu Chen was extremely familiar with this aura, as it was the same as that of his second Innate Divine Ability, the Heretical Avatar.

This led Lu Chen to deduce that the figure before him was likely not the true body of the Black Lotus Holy Mother but merely one of her Clones.

As for the other familiar Magic Treasure aura, it originated from the Bronze Fragment currently held by the Black Lotus Holy Mother.

Though the Bronze Fragment appeared small and unassuming, Lu Chen vaguely recognized it as resembling the Celestial Artifact, the Gathering Immortal Bell, from the recent True Immortal Trial.However, since it was only a fragment, Lu Chen couldn’t be certain if his speculation was accurate.

It was precisely because of that fragment’s existence that Jiang Qing and the others were unable to quickly subdue the members of the Black Lotus Sect.

In terms of cultivation level, aside from the Black Lotus Holy Mother at the Sixth Revolution of the Nascent Soul Stage, who surpassed Jiang Qing at the Fourth Revolution, the others had only recently entered the Nascent Soul Stage and were far from being a match for seasoned Nascent Soul Stage cultivators like Liu Chuanjing.

Yet, because of the Bronze Gu Worm in their possession, they could disregard the spells and Divine Abilities of Liu Chuanjing and the others, forcing them to retreat repeatedly with desperate tactics.

This situation, however, was exactly what Lu Chen and the others wanted to see.

After all, news of this place had long been transmitted. Within half an hour at most, the higher-ups of the Immortal Alliance would receive the message.

Previously, the Immortal Alliance had been unable to completely eradicate the Black Lotus Sect, not because they lacked the strength or the will, but because they had too many matters to handle, preventing them from focusing all their efforts on the Black Lotus Sect.

But now that the Black Lotus Sect was trapped, the Immortal Alliance would not let this opportunity slip away. Upon receiving the news, they would quickly dispatch other experts.

Not to mention, the Linjiang Capital was not far from the Clear River Dao Academy, one of the Four Great Academies. In just half an hour, the powerful cultivators from the Dao Academy would arrive in full force.

By then, the already trapped members of the Black Lotus Sect would be like meat on a chopping block, completely at their mercy.

It was precisely because of this that Jiang Qing and the others, upon seeing the Black Lotus Sect members protected by a “Celestial Artifact,” decisively chose a delaying strategy. As long as they held out, victory would be on their side.

The Black Lotus Sect members clearly understood this as well, so they all adopted a desperate stance.

But even with the “Celestial Artifact” aiding them, allowing them to fight without restraint, the vast difference in strength meant Bai Ruolin and the others still couldn’t overcome Liu Chuanjing and his group.

Moreover, Liu Chuanjing and the others had chosen the most despair-inducing tactic: delay.

In no time, Bai Ruolin and the others began to grow anxious, realizing that if things continued this way, they would undoubtedly meet their doom.

Perhaps sensing their current predicament, the Black Lotus Holy Mother, after forcing Jiang Qing back with a palm strike, suddenly tore off her own left arm.

Squelch!

Ignoring the gruesome wound on her left shoulder, the Black Lotus Holy Mother expressionlessly held her severed arm before the Bronze Fragment in her right hand.

Seeing this, Jiang Qing felt a surge of foreboding and immediately cast aside all caution, preparing to unleash the Law of Heaven and Earth to stop the child-like Black Lotus Holy Mother.

Unfortunately, the Black Lotus Holy Mother’s actions were too swift.

The moment the severed arm touched the Bronze Fragment, the fragment devoured it ravenously, as if it had been starving for a long time.

In the next instant, the original Bronze Fragment transformed into a small, cracked Bronze Bell.

The moment Lu Chen saw the Bronze Bell, his pupils contracted sharply.

Because the appearance of that Bronze Bell was identical to the “Gathering Immortal Bell” from the True Immortal Trial.

Holding the Bronze Bell with her remaining arm, the Black Lotus Holy Mother said expressionlessly, “Although I had long anticipated that this operation would not go smoothly, I never expected it to be such a deadly trap.”Though this is a flawed Celestial Artifact, its power is not even one ten-thousandth of what it once was.”””Yet a Celestial Artifact remains a Celestial Artifact. Let me show you what the might of an Immortal truly means.”

As her words faded, the Bronze Bell in Black Lotus Holy Mother’s hand began to vibrate.

In the next instant, a deep toll reverberated in everyone’s ears.

An overwhelming drowsiness instantly washed over every person present.

The emergence of this drowsiness made Jiang Qing and the others’ hearts sink.

As cultivators at the Nascent Soul Stage, they had long transcended mortal flesh and knew no fatigue.

For such a situation to occur could only mean they were being affected by the Bronze Bell.

Though they tried to resist the drowsiness, Jiang Qing and the others ultimately fell from the sky and slipped into a deep slumber.

Fortunately, it wasn’t just them who fell asleep; Bai Ruolin and the others were affected as well.

But just as the Black Lotus Holy Mother thought the situation was under control,

an unexpected development occurred.

She noticed that not far away, one person remained unaffected by the Celestial Artifact.

And this person was none other than her target this time—the Black Lotus Holy Son, Lu Chen.

Watching the conscious Lu Chen, the Black Lotus Holy Mother’s pupils contracted.

She spoke, “You… why are you unaffected?”

Lu Chen had a rough idea of the answer himself.

But this was an answer he would never share with the Black Lotus Holy Mother.

Not only that, as he observed the Black Lotus Holy Mother, whose cultivation had fallen to the third revolution of the Nascent Soul Stage, he began to entertain other thoughts…

(End of Chapter)