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Chapter 896: Chapter 896: Three Battlegrounds

"Husband, you've been acting strangely these past few years," the sect leader's wife remarked, puzzled.

"It's nothing," Luo Xingchen shook his head, but the gloom between his brows remained.

"It's not nothing. There's definitely something! Tell me, please!" His wife clung to his arm, shaking it.

Luo Xingchen turned to look at her, his brow deeply furrowed, his eyes revealing a mix of heartbreak and reluctance.

"Let's not talk about it now. We'll deal with it after avenging Tianhe," Luo Xingchen sighed.

The woman noticed his unusual behavior and asked timidly, "Do you already know? It was I who sent Tianhe to kill Empress Xianxian. I didn't expect that outcome. I was afraid you'd be angry, so I didn't tell you."

Luo Xingchen shook his head, remaining silent. His inner turmoil wasn't just about Luo Tianhe's death; it was about the rift between him and his wife.

Five years ago, carrying that suspicion, Luo Xingchen had conducted a thorough investigation. Despite Chen Zihao and his wife behaving impeccably during these years, Luo Xingchen discovered some unsettling truths.

He always believed those findings to be false. Even now, he refused to accept them—not because his mental resilience was weak, but because of the depth of his love for his wife. In an instant, it seemed his entire world had changed.

With a sense of loss, Luo Xingchen followed the predetermined path, hoping to steer his derailed life back on track.

As Luo Xingchen left the Spacetime Dojo, far away in the forested mountains outside the dojo, three figures stood on a peak—Xianxian, Wang Ku, and the old drunkard.

"Spacetime Dojo? Another diversion tactic, but I like it!" Xianxian said excitedly.

It was her first time experiencing such a strategy. She had missed the battles against the Undying Realm and the Longevity Realm in the Small Thousand World.

"The Spacetime Dojo still has many Da Xian experts. We must be cautious," Wang Ku cautioned.

"What's there to fear? My wolf clan elites are all here, and Zhong Shan has mobilized many strong warriors from the Da Ming Sect. With you and me, what's there to worry about? Right, old drunkard?" Xianxian asked.

The old drunkard, never without his wine, took a swig from his gourd and nodded, "I sense no danger. Rest assured, as soon as the Sacred King gives the order, we can attack the Spacetime Dojo."

"See, Wang Ku, you can relax. Zhong Shan has everything under control," Xianxian teased.

Wang Ku remained silent, thinking, The Sacred King sent me along because he doesn't trust you alone.

Meanwhile, in the north of the Great Da Jing Sacred Court, the so-called Zhuanlun Hall loomed.

Zhuanlun Hall was famous for two reasons: it was one of the Ten Halls, and it was nearly inaccessible. Shrouded in dense black mist, the area was filled with towering palaces, majestic and vast.

However, these palaces were enveloped in the black mist, which carried a heavy, malevolent aura. The further one ventured in, the more oppressive it became. Prolonged exposure to the mist felt like being engulfed in misfortune.

Those with lower cultivation dared not approach, while those with higher cultivation could enter but not deeply. Even supreme experts like saints avoided the place, treating it like the ghost island in the mortal realm, where the Five-Color Divine Stone sealed the ancient fierce demon, Ghost Car. Zhuanlun Hall seemed to be shrouded in worldly secrets.

The day of the duel arrived, and the atmosphere around Zhuanlun Hall grew tense. The stakes were high, and the outcome would shape the future of the Great Da Jing Sacred Court and the Spacetime Dojo.

Many powerful beings had distanced themselves from Zhuanlun Hall, avoiding its sinister aura and the potential karmic entanglements associated with it. Zhuanlun Hall remained a mysterious place shrouded in black mist, universally avoided.

However, on this particular day, the periphery of Zhuanlun Hall was surrounded by a large number of strong individuals. Most of the Zhuanlun Domain's elite had gathered here.

Zhong Shan challenging the Zhuanlun Domain's top expert? Such a pinnacle duel was a must-see for anyone hoping to gain insight that could surpass centuries of closed-door cultivation.

This battle was neither in Changjing nor at the Spacetime Dojo, meaning no one could leverage the power of fortune or merit. It would all come down to pure skill.

Zhong Shan arrived early.

Seated on the floating Nine Dragon Sky Chair, Zhong Shan sat in a commanding posture, surrounded by key ministers and a large contingent of Da Jing's military. With his eyes closed, Zhong Shan awaited Luo Xingchen's arrival.

In the distance, atop a mountain peak, stood five individuals, including the Third Prince of the Wu Xiang Sacred Court.

"Third Prince, is this Zhong Shan really that powerful?" one of them asked.

"He's a Tianxian, Eighth Heaven," the Third Prince replied, frowning.

"What?" The others were shocked, looking at the Third Prince in disbelief.

They couldn't understand. The Third Prince himself was also conflicted. What was Zhong Shan doing? A Tianxian? Just in the Tianxian realm? The Eighth Heaven? And he wanted to challenge Luo Xingchen?

The difference was not just in realms but in two entire levels. Where did Zhong Shan get his confidence?

"Third Prince? Is he really a Tianxian, Eighth Heaven? How is that possible?"

"Do I need to lie to you?" the Third Prince retorted, frowning.

"Yes, my apologies, Your Highness," the man quickly replied.

The Third Prince didn't blame his subordinate. This situation was unprecedented. A Tianxian-level Sacred King? That was indeed the weakest Sacred King in history. But would the weakest Sacred King dare challenge Luo Xingchen?

The inexplicability of it all made the Third Prince even more solemn.

"Whoosh!"

A gust of wind blew, and suddenly hundreds of people appeared in the void.

Luo Xingchen, in his blue robe, arrived with his wife and numerous disciples of the Spacetime Dojo. They all gathered outside Zhuanlun Hall.

From a distance, Luo Xingchen coldly stared at Zhong Shan. At that moment, Zhong Shan, who had been waiting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them. A spark of lightning shot from his eyes, meeting Luo Xingchen's gaze.

Zhong Shan stood up, and the Nine Dragon Sky Chair vanished. He waved his hand lightly, and Yi Yan behind him bowed slightly, seemingly receiving Zhong Shan's command.

Simultaneously, far away outside the Spacetime Dojo, in the valley.

"Zhong Shan's order has arrived. Quick, everyone get ready. Follow me to attack the Spacetime Dojo!" Xianxian shouted excitedly.

Back at Zhuanlun Hall, Zhong Shan and Luo Xingchen faced each other coldly. The appointed time for the duel had arrived.

Luo Xingchen, however, was still puzzled as to what gave Zhong Shan the confidence to challenge him.

"Five years have passed. Sect Master Luo Xingchen, have you gathered all the information?" Zhong Shan asked calmly.

"Zhong Shan, I don't understand your confidence. You, a mere Tianxian, dare to challenge an Ancient Immortal?" Luo Xingchen replied, his tone icy and full of contempt.

"Confidence comes from understanding," Zhong Shan responded. "Five years is plenty of time to uncover the truth, don't you think?"

Luo Xingchen's eyes flickered with uncertainty. Five years of investigation had unearthed many truths and inconsistencies, especially regarding the details provided by Chen Zihao. Luo Xingchen had begun to question everything, including his own motivations and the integrity of those around him. But now, face to face with Zhong Shan, his resolve was clouded by doubt and the weight of potential betrayal.

"Let's see how your understanding fares against reality," Luo Xingchen said, preparing for the imminent clash.

Luo Xingchen's pupils contracted as he coldly stared at Zhong Shan.

"Investigate? Husband, what are you talking about?" Chen Xiaoqian asked in confusion.

"Where did you get your information?" Luo Xingchen's brows furrowed deeply. Despite his reluctance to admit it, he felt deeply uncomfortable. Why was this happening?

"Husband, what's going on?"

From a distance, Zhong Shan glanced at Chen Xiaoqian, making her feel as though their conversation was directly related to her.

"Where did I get my information? Does that even need investigation? Everyone in the Spacetime Dojo knows, or rather, many people in the Zhuanlun Domain know. It's only you who's in the dark," Zhong Shan said coldly.

"Husband, what are you talking about?" Chen Xiaoqian asked worriedly, grasping Luo Xingchen's arm.

"Bang!"

Luo Xingchen gently shook off Chen Xiaoqian's hand. Without answering her, he stared intently at Zhong Shan.

Everyone knows? Only I didn't?

"Haha, hahaha, hahahaha..." Luo Xingchen laughed bitterly.

"Husband!" Chen Xiaoqian's expression changed repeatedly.

"Zhong Shan, no matter what, Luo Tianhe died because of you. Killing my disciple demands a life for a life. This is the life-and-death battle you announced to the world. You deserve to die!" Luo Xingchen said angrily, seemingly transferring all his rage onto Zhong Shan.

"A life-and-death battle means one of us must die. Either the Great Da Jing Sacred Court will fall, or the Spacetime Dojo will be destroyed. I know you're troubled inside. Come, let's have a fierce battle! Unleash your five years of anger. Show me how valuable you, Luo Xingchen, really are!" Zhong Shan shouted.

In the distance, the Third Prince was perplexed.

"What's with Zhong Shan's tone? I'm familiar with this kind of tone. The Wu Xiang Sacred King uses it when trying to recruit new ministers. Is Zhong Shan trying to subdue Luo Xingchen? This seems reversed!" The Third Prince thought.

The scene was indeed bizarre. Evaluating 'Luo Xingchen's value' should logically be something Luo Xingchen would say to Zhong Shan.

The Third Prince and the surrounding experts found the situation increasingly strange.

With a wave of his sleeve, Zhong Shan's followers retreated, ready for the impending battle. A pinnacle duel between the Sacred King and the Sect Master.

Luo Xingchen, feeling deeply agitated, did not refute Zhong Shan's tone. Seeing Zhong Shan dismiss his subordinates, Luo Xingchen did the same.

"Husband, I believe in you. Defeat him!" Chen Xiaoqian encouraged Luo Xingchen.

Looking at his beloved wife, Luo Xingchen felt a suffocating pain in his chest, as if torn apart. Was everything an illusion? Was it all fake? Why did he still yearn to live within this illusion?

The members of the Spacetime Dojo retreated to a distance.

In a vast open area, only Zhong Shan and Luo Xingchen remained. To the east was the black mist-shrouded Zhuanlun Hall, surrounded by numerous onlookers.

The battle was about to erupt!

At this moment, Xianxian led a large number of warriors into the Spacetime Dojo.

While Xianxian's plan was to use the diversion tactic, Zhong Shan himself was also drawn away.

Far from the capital Changjing, atop a mountain peak, representatives from the eight celestial dynasties at war with Da Jing had gathered.

"Is everyone here?" someone asked.

"The eight celestial dynasties stand united against a common enemy. How could they not come? The battle at Zhuanlun Hall is about to begin; it's our time to act!"

"Not yet. Wait until noon to prevent any unforeseen changes," another replied cautiously.

Meanwhile, outside the Immortal Hall in Changjing, Nangong Sheng and Xiao Wang stood with their hands behind their backs.

"They've arrived?" Xiao Wang asked.

"Yes, eight Da Xian, three hundred Tianxian, and eight hundred Dixian. These are the strongest generals of the eight celestial dynasties. If they don't return, the morale of the eight celestial dynasties will plummet. Coupled with the news of the Sacred King's victory over Luo Xingchen, they will have no chance of recovery," Nangong Sheng said gravely.

"How confident are you in your formation?" Xiao Wang asked.

"This formation is called the 'Heavenly Calamity Chessboard,'" Nangong Sheng replied with a smile.

"Oh? The Heavenly Calamity Chessboard? Isn't that...?" Xiao Wang frowned.

"Yes, it's the same formation from the mortal realm. Although I broke it before, it wasn't easy to decipher. Over the years, I've studied it extensively, finding it increasingly intricate. The creator of this formation possessed exceptional wisdom. No one from the eight celestial dynasties will escape; not a single one!" Nangong Sheng said with determination.

"Alright."

As they spoke, thick clouds began to spread from all directions outside Changjing. Even the high skies started to flicker with lightning, resembling the scene when Zhong Shan broke Su Daji's Heavenly Calamity Chessboard, a vast and boundless display of calamity.

In the distance, the waiting strongmen from the eight celestial dynasties furrowed their brows.

"Something's wrong. Why did the weather suddenly change?"

"Look at that mountain; why did it turn black?"

"And over there, why is that mountain pure white? Something's not right!"

"We've been tricked; this is a grand formation!" said a man knowledgeable about formations.

"A grand formation? Commander Liu, you have the highest understanding of formations. What is this formation?" the others asked, turning to a man.

The man, Commander Liu, was sweating profusely, his eyes filled with panic.

"A formation of heavenly calamities, a catastrophic grand formation. How is this possible? This level of formation shouldn't exist in a Small Thousand World. It's too terrifying," Commander Liu said, trembling.

"Commander Liu, what's going on? Speak!"

"We can't escape. There's no way out. We're trapped!" Commander Liu said in horror.

"We're trapped? Then we'll destroy Changjing. The formation will break naturally. We have so many strong warriors; I refuse to believe we can't take down a small city like Changjing!" another man shouted.

"You can't escape. It's best not to move. Don't move!" Commander Liu said with a grim expression.

"Coward!" another man snorted, flying into the sky.

"Everyone, follow me! Destroy Changjing!" the man shouted, leading the charge toward Changjing.

At that moment, from the distant stars, golden lightning formed from the power of the stars descended like a roaring sea.

It was too fast, descending in an instant.

"General Ma, watch out!" several people shouted.

General Ma saw the terrifying golden light descending from the sky.

"Damn it!"

"Boom!!!"

General Ma raised a massive shield, but it shattered instantly. General Ma, who had just flown up, fell to the ground, becoming a clear example of absolute defeat.

"What kind of grand formation is this?" The others were stunned, their jaws nearly dropping in disbelief.