One punch shattered divine intent, one punch claimed a life!
Chen Jiuyang had embodied the path of the domineering and invincible to its absolute extreme.
Those who block me! Die!
The remaining nine elders fell silent. This archer elder was no different in strength from them, and he couldn't withstand three moves from Chen Jiuyang. How much longer could they possibly hold him back?
Chen Jiuyang's fist power blazed as he charged towards the spear-wielding martial artist.
Spears and bows. This time, as he had fought his way from the Qinling Mountains, these two weapon types had inflicted multiple injuries upon him. They were the only weapon-based killing moves in the Way of Arms that he truly feared.
The archer elder was already dead. The only one left was this spear elder. Once he died, the remaining eight would be nothing more than mere pawns!
The spear elder wielded a black steel spear with a red tassel, clearly a master from the Shandong region.
The north practiced techniques, the south practiced methods.
Since emerging from the Qinling Mountains, the martial artists Chen Jiuyang had encountered were vastly different from those in Feng Province, Suhang, or Shushan.
"Buzz!"
Facing Chen Jiuyang's blazing fist assault, the elder with the black steel spear and red tassel lightly flicked his long spear. The spear's hum was clear and resonant, indicating his mastery of the Way of Spears and his considerable attainments. However, his martial path was incomplete, preventing him from reaching the pinnacle.
A point of red cold light appeared on the spear tip, and then the entire spear, along with the elder himself, began to emanate a fiery red glow. He had clearly reached a state of near unity between man and spear.
Someone mused, "The Spear General of Shandong, Qin Qishan. He was a great general under the King of Yan in his day. It's unexpected that he would meet such an end in his old age."
"Alas... it's all for profit..."
Martial artists were ranked like royalty and generals. Those from aristocratic families, without the noble title of Marquis, were called Generals, a high form of praise in the common folk.
Chen Jiuyang's eyes gleamed, and he declared loudly, "A fine spear! Let me test how sharp your spear truly is!"
"Boom!"
Chen Jiuyang unleashed a punch from a distance, his blazing fist shadow pressing down ferociously towards Qin Qishan.
"Buzz!"
The spear hummed loudly as it was thrust forward. With dragon-like and tiger-like steps, it possessed the momentum to shatter the heavens. It immediately pierced Chen Jiuyang's fist strike. The spear shaft was raised, charging towards Chen Jiuyang.
The spear moved like a dragon and tiger, its speed, power, and momentum reaching an extraordinary level.
Chen Jiuyang felt a sharp pain in his brow. This spear, without form or name, posed a threat to him.
The more this was the case, the more Chen Jiuyang's fighting spirit surged!
Only through tempering in the face of life and death could one advance. If Chen Jiuyang had remained in Feng Province, calmly heading to the capital for the Martial Rankings, his combat strength would certainly not have matched these peak Divine Intent masters of the Way of Arms.
Chen Jiuyang unleashed another punch, his fist moving before his intent. He had reached a state of mastery, no less than Qin Qishan's unity of man and spear.
"Clang!"
The spear tip and the fist shadow collided, igniting waves of fire and gold energy that clashed, creating a continuous barrage of sonic booms.
Chen Jiuyang met Qin Qishan's spear tip head-on with his physical body and vital energy. The impact produced a sound like metal striking metal, causing many to change their expressions.
"This is not just vital energy like a blazing furnace; this is... vital energy like gold... A body with innate Dao foundations, truly enviable..."
Someone exclaimed with envy, their eyes filled with jealousy.
If not for Chen Jiuyang's special physique, how could he have crossed realms to defeat his enemies?
After a brief exchange, Qin Qishan, being advanced in years, could not match the vital energy of the youthful Chen Jiuyang. His spear momentum weakened, and he was repelled dozens of steps.
Chen Jiuyang seized the opportunity and shouted, "Momentum!"
Just as he had dealt with the archer elder, Chen Jiuyang's aura surged. His fist transformed into a palm, and he grabbed fiercely at Qin Qishan.
Qin Qishan's body stiffened for a moment. The vital energy and true essence within him suddenly became chaotic. Although it was only for an instant, it was enough for Chen Jiuyang to exploit this opening and strike a killing blow!
With his other hand, Chen Jiuyang unleashed a punch. Qin Qishan had no time to counter. His expression changed drastically, and he could only passively defend with his black steel spear and red tassel.
"Pfft—"
"Bang—"
Qin Qishan took Chen Jiuyang's peerlessly domineering punch squarely. First, he spat out a mouthful of blood, then his body was sent flying backward, smashing into the wall and creating an indentation.
"...Well done, young descendant of Shushan, comparable to the King of Yan in his prime. I congratulate Dragon Country on having such a prodigy among its new blood."
"This journey... was not in vain..."
Blood seeped from Qin Qishan's pores. His internal organs were shattered, and his life force extinguished. As his eyes closed, a look of unregretful satisfaction appeared. He perished.
As an old soldier, how could he die of old age in solitude? To die on the battlefield was his destiny!
Therefore, Qin Qishan's eyes held no regret.
Having dealt with the two major threats, the archer and the spear elder, Chen Jiuyang raised his hand. The Yan Sheng Saber, stuck in the ground, rose effortlessly and flew into Chen Jiuyang's hand.
"Buzz!"
The weapon hummed without being commanded.
Chen Jiuyang looked at the remaining eight elders, his gaze sharp, and said coldly, "Don't say I didn't give you time to delay me... All eight of you old fools come at me together, otherwise, you'll still have regrets on the road to the Yellow Springs."
Behind these eight elders was the capital, Longjing. Previously, they were all peak masters of the Divine Intent of the Way of Arms, revered elders among the younger generation in their families and sects. To block and kill a martial artist in his early twenties, even if they had no shame, they could not have attacked Chen Jiuyang together.
Otherwise, even if they died, the reputation of their families and sects would be ruined.
But now, with Chen Jiuyang's invitation, the eight elders exchanged glances.
The strongest among them, Qin Qishan and Zhang Baidao, had both died at Chen Jiuyang's hands in less than three moves. Thus, they decided to join forces!
"Kill!"
A cold voice rang out, and then all eight elders moved in unison, attacking Chen Jiuyang.
"Clang! Clang! Bang! Boom!"
Numerous muffled explosions echoed through the scene. Even the combined might of eight peak Divine Intent masters of the Way of Arms could not subdue Chen Jiuyang. Chen Jiuyang endured with great difficulty, astonishing countless onlookers!
The Chen family of Shushan had truly produced a peerless prodigy!
As time passed...
"Awooo!"
The crowing of roosters sounded, and the sky began to show the pale white of dawn. It was at this moment.
"Pfft—"
The last old man spat out a mouthful of blood, killed by Chen Jiuyang.
Thus, the final barrier that had prevented Chen Jiuyang from entering Longjing had failed. Ten masters of Divine Intent of the Way of Arms had held Chen Jiuyang back for six hours, but ultimately, they could not stop him from reaching Longjing.
News of this instantly spread throughout the entire capital.
"Hahahaha!"
The Chen family patriarch laughed heartily, his complexion ruddy. The more than forty people before him all wore bitter and gloomy expressions. Previously, if they had managed to stop Chen Jiuyang, even at great cost, it might have been somewhat justifiable. But to pay such a heavy price, only for Chen Jiuyang to arrive in Longjing on time, was an utter loss.
The Chen family patriarch declared loudly, "It's six o'clock. Esteemed brothers, let us proceed to the Martial Rankings arena together."
...
On the other side.
In the capital's Prefecture Governor's Mansion, Hong Jiangjing, the champion of the capital's Martial Rankings, was having his clothes changed by a beautiful maid. Upon hearing the news, he sneered:
"A village cur. Even if he has survived the ordeal, he shouldn't expect to participate in the Martial Rankings competition."
...
After Chen Jiuyang slew the ten martial artists of the Way of Arms, there was no one left to block his path. Those standing on the walls of Longjing also dispersed, heading towards the Martial Rankings arena.
As Chen Jiuyang stepped through the gates of Longjing, a constable from the Six Doors appeared before him and sneered,
"Lord Xuan Yang, Chen Jiuyang, is that right? You've committed an offense. Come with us."