Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 579: The Bloodbath Triggered by a Fake Key

The longer Wang Daoning fought with Lady Three, the more surprised he was.

There had been rumors circulating that both Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise had already reached the third layer of the Profound Mysteries, but no one had actually verified these rumors. Most of those on the Ranking of Heaven assumed that even if the two of them had truly reached the third layer, their combat power would be far inferior to those who had been at the level for years. Some of them even believed that even if the two fought together, they would not be able to defeat a more seasoned expert of the third layer.

However, as this fight went on, Wang Daoning realized that Lady Three was far from someone who could be regarded as a newcomer of the third layer. The foundation of her cultivation was much more solid than he had anticipated, and her combat awareness was far beyond what one would expect from a newcomer.

Her overwhelming, relentless punches were enough to make Wang Daoning feel rather overwhelmed. His sword was practically useless against her powerful fists. She had already reached a level where it made no difference whether her opponent wielded a weapon or not. In fact, Wang Daoning felt as though it would be better to engage her with his bare hands; he felt that he would be able to exert more force using his palms.

This woman might be slightly weaker than Cui Wenjing, but the difference is almost negligible.

Lady Three had indeed been rather inexperienced when it came to fighting those at the third layer of the Profound Mysteries. In fact, aside from sparring with Vermillion Bird, her first battle—first real battle—at this level was against the water construct. She thus made numerous mistakes, leading to the crystal core of the construct managing to slip away and herself getting injured badly in the fight against the giant octopus. This unfortunate series of events eventually led to her being, well, taken by a certain brute. In any case, it was simply because her control over her newfound power had yet to be refined.

Truly, it was a heart-wrenching story, perfectly illustrating how a woman in the jianghu who was not strong enough would inevitably be taken advantage of. The only question was whether the one who took advantage was a scoundrel or the protagonist.

But after these battles and losses, she had well and truly learned her lessons, and as a young genius who had already reached the third layer of the Profound Mysteries, she did not need years of further refinement. She was already more than capable.

As for her cultivation foundation, no one could really say why Zhao Changhe’s Pure Bliss Art was so effective in consolidating her cultivation. Lady Three cautiously suspected it may also have something to do with the Rejuvenation Art. Regardless, dual cultivation with him felt like taking powerful medicinal pills—it was invigorating in every possible sense.

She had initially expected there to be a noticeable gap between her and Wang Daoning. After all, Wang Daoning was said to be ranked tenth on the Ranking of Heaven, but he was not just any cultivator at the third layer of the Profound Mysteries. He had already made some progress in the third layer, and he was likely at least at around the middle of the stage. Yet now, in battle, while there might be a slight gap, it was truly minor. It was a gap that could be overcome with tactics and the right strategies.

And those, she had!

After countless exchanges, Wang Daoning was almost convinced that Lady Three’s combat style was as straightforward as it was, further believing the conclusion he had arrived at based on what he had heard about the Black Tortoise. But just then, a snake-like whip managed to silently sneak its way behind him, coiling menacingly around his ankle with sinister precision.

Wang Daoning had already sheathed his sword, only for his opponent to suddenly bring out a weapon—a flexible whip, utterly contrasting the fierce punches and strikes they had been exchanging earlier. The drastic shift threw Wang Daoning off for a split second, and as he quickly drew his sword again to counter, the whip vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

One moment it was in front of him, and the next, it was behind him. It was almost as though there was another person controlling it.

Wang Daoning’s heart tensed slightly. Rumor had it that the Black Tortoise embodied the fusion of a tortoise and a snake, embodying the attributes of both. Judging by her fighting style, there was a strong possibility that she was pursuing a cultivation path involving a divided soul—a highly dangerous path that could potentially drive her mad.

Yet, regardless of what her future cultivation held, she was proving incredibly difficult to fight even now.

With his years of experience to guide him, Wang Daoning decided to take a risk. He deliberately left an opening, thrusting his sword toward the center of the whip’s ripples. As expected, the whip coiled around his sword, binding it. Lady Three then seized the opportunity to launch a punch directly at his chest.

This, however, was precisely what Wang Daoning wanted. Having already sheathed his sword, he had no use for it. By sacrificing his sword, he could neutralize the annoying whip. With his free hand, he unleashed a palm strike aimed straight at Lady Three’s fist.

As fist and palm collided once more, a massive Black Tortoise manifested behind Lady Three. At the same time, the constellation of the Black Tortoise in the sky, previously concealed by heavy clouds, suddenly shone brightly, piercing through the clouds and illuminating the sea. Behind Wang Daoning, a manifestation of his own appeared—a boundless sky and a tranquil sea, blending seamlessly into the surroundings, almost unnoticeable unless one paid close attention.

The battle had reached its peak, with both combatants unleashing their full power.

But a smile tugged at the corner of Lady Three’s lips.

Does he really think that neutralizing my whip with his sword is clever? That’s exactly what I want.

While Wang Daoning’s left hand was occupied by his bound sword and his right was locked against her palm, a chilling sword of ice shot up from below the ocean’s surface, aimed directly at his back!

Xia Chichi, who had been waiting for an opportunity, suddenly struck!

In the sky, the Azure Dragon and White Tiger constellations shone in tandem, resonating with the Black Tortoise constellation above, forming a synergy among the four idols. It was as if the two of them had somehow activated some kind of battle formation.

Wang Daoning felt the strength of the Black Tortoise’s Fist increase by at least ten percent, and the fierce, razor-sharp presence of the White Tiger from behind was unnervingly powerful. The White Tiger saintess was clearly using a divine sword—something no mere flesh could withstand!

And at this moment, both of his hands were occupied!

Where the fuck did the White Tiger saintess come from?

Wang Daoning stomped his foot, sending a column of water surging from the sea, rushing toward Xia Chichi behind him. At the same time, he twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the edge of the incoming sword.

Xia Chichi’s eyes remained unwavering as the water column slammed into her. Her divine sword did not falter, slicing forward without hesitation, leaving a gash across Wang Daoning’s left shoulder.

The ferocity of the Black Tortoise’s Fist surged, and Wang Daoning could no longer hold on. He spat out a mouthful of blood and abandoned the sword entangled in the whip, retreating at full speed.

So this is the current generation of the Four Idols Cult? Wang Daoning thought as he fled. Such precise timing, such fearlessness in the face of death... How will the next generation of the Wang Clan ever match up to enemies like this?

No... Will the Wang Clan even have a next generation?

Xia Chichi also spat out a mouthful of blood, tumbling into the sea with a loud splash. The water column she had endured was far from just a splash to the face—it was akin to taking a blow from Wang Daoning himself, and it was a strike that she could hardly withstand at her level.

Yet before she could fall into the water, she found herself enveloped in a warm embrace, an embrace soft and comforting.

Xia Chichi could not resist snuggling a little closer, and when she looked up, she saw the “benevolent” face of Lady Three. Blood was trickling from the corner of her aunt-master’s mouth, evidence of the backlash from the power she had unleashed just moments earlier.

Wang Daoning had been renowned for a long time now, and he was truly no easy opponent.

Xia Chichi asked, “Aunt-Master, why aren’t you chasing after him?”

“My mission is to protect you, little... saintess. Wang Daoning’s fate is already sealed; he’ll be captured sooner or later,” Lady Three said, maintaining her composure as a senior. She was about to offer some words of concern for Xia Chichi’s injuries when a deafening explosion resounded from the ongoing battle between Hai Pinglan and the Sea Emperor. The shockwave pushed both of them back several zhang.

They turned to see Zhao Changhe darting beneath the flood dragon, appearing like nothing more than a small mouse compared to the massive creature.

Yet, Dragon Bird’s edge sliced through the flood dragon’s soft underbelly, and with one swift motion, Zhao Changhe tore it open.

Lady Three and Xia Chichi were stunned. They were unable to comprehend how he had managed to achieve such a feat. That was the Sea Emperor, not a random shrimp you could just gut!

The Sea Emperor thrashed in agony, his massive claw swiping at Zhao Changhe. Zhao Changhe barely managed to raise his saber to shield his face before being struck and sent flying far into the sky.

But at the same moment, Hai Pinglan’s fist came smashing down on the flood dragon’s forehead.

The flood dragon let out a heart-wrenching wail, shaking Hai Pinglan off violently before diving toward the statue below.

The Azure Dragon Seal suddenly appeared, pressed firmly against the statue.

Hai Pinglan spat out a mouthful of blood, unable to catch his breath, and rushed forward. “No! He’s trying to escape into the secret realm! Stop him!”

Lady Three and Xia Chichi ignored him.

The Azure Dragon Seal pressed against the statue, but nothing happened—there was not even a flicker of light.

The flood dragon turned back in rage, fixing his gaze on Xia Chichi. “You dare deceive me?”

Xia Chichi grinned. “Aren’t you supposed to be the mighty Sea Emperor? I can’t believe you actually fell for it. Did you really think that I threw out the real key just so you can take it?”

The Sea Emperor was utterly baffled. Earlier, he had clearly sensed a reaction between Xia Chichi and the statue, which indicated that the seal had unlocked something. The Azure Dragon Seal and the statue shared an unmistakable connection, proving that it should be the key.

The Sea Emperor made his move, Xia Longyuan intervened, Tngri descended, Hai Pinglan fought his decisive battle, and Wang Daoning launched his betrayal. The resulting upheaval and turmoil in the world to come were beyond anyone’s ability to foresee. Yet, now it turned out that the source of it all was nothing more than a fake key that could not open a single door?

Hai Pinglan, overcome with delight, roared as he threw a powerful punch downward, shouting, “Die!”

At the same time, Zhao Changhe shot back into the fray from afar, Dragon Bird slicing through the air with furious intensity. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Lady Three picked up Wang Daoning’s abandoned sword, while Xia Chichi raised Iceheart. Together, they attacked, aiming for the wound on the Sea Emperor’s exposed belly.

Little did anyone know, this scene could very well be called... a family hunting the Sea Emperor together.

THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM