128: Kyushu shock, myth creation

“Lost…”

On the seats, the people from Cangjian Palace had pale faces.

This outcome… was unexpected!

But reality was reality, and even if they were unwilling, they had to admit it.

Nie Cangqiong did indeed lose by a hair.

—

“Victory! Good, good, good!!!”

At this moment, the Grand Elder could no longer suppress the joy in his heart, his face beaming with smiles.

In the Breakthrough Battle, Han Li, in the Innate Qi Realm, successfully reached the top.

He broke a powerful, unprecedented record.

First, Wu Wuji entered the God Realm, and now Han Li swept across the Nine Provinces—double happiness!

For the Qingyuan Sect, this was a historic moment.

Among the Twelve Sects of the Nine Provinces, even though the Qingyuan Sect had performed well in the past, their number of championships was few.

Since the God Chaos incident erupted eight hundred years ago, the Qingyuan Sect had slid down from being a top Sect in the Nine Provinces.

Now, they had finally broken the pattern.

Han Li’s battle completely established the Qingyuan Sect.

After today, the Qingyuan Sect’s reputation would also become the best in the Nine Provinces.

Breaking a historical record to a new Peak.

Having been at the bottom for several rounds, this time, the champion’s throne appeared within the Qingyuan Sect.

Lights flickered, and the figures of Han Li and Nie Cangqiong appeared.

“Whoosh!!!”

Thunderous applause suddenly erupted, millions of people in the audience rose, and cheers almost tore through the sky.

The Ultimate Battle!

The final battle also greatly broadened the horizons of millions of people.

Absolutely brilliant!

The applause continued, and countless eyes looked towards the central Formation.

Han Li’s body swayed; since Cultivating the Dragon Elephant Overlord Body Art, this was his first time enduring such severe injuries.

This battle had completely exhausted him.

His True Qi was completely depleted.

Just as the thunderous applause resounded, two divine lights swept over, and the figures of Han Li and Nie Cangqiong disappeared from the central Formation, returning to their seats.

Their respective God Realm Supremes had acted.

The Grand Elder looked at Han Li, and Wu Wuji once again took out a Life-Creation Medicinal Pill.

Han Li took the Medicinal Pill and swallowed it under everyone’s watchful eyes.

The potent medicinal power nourished his flesh, blood, tendons, and bones; the effects of the Life-Creation Medicinal Pill were very obvious.

Han Li’s pale face visibly regained its ruddy color.

The applause and cheers continued non-stop.

Countless eyes were fixed on Han Li in the seats.

The Xiantian Second Realm, winning the Nine Provinces Tournament.

This record was absolutely legendary.

To break it would likely be extremely difficult, with the possibility being virtually zero.

Every Nine Provinces Tournament always had at least a few top-tier Prodigies.

This record was not only unprecedented but probably also unrepeatable… After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Han Li opened his eyes, which were still somewhat dim.

The damage was too great; in the intense confrontation with Nie Cangqiong, Han Li was thoroughly depleted of Origin Qi.

Even the Life-Creation Medicinal Pill could not fully heal his injuries.

However, he had at least recovered about seventy percent, and within his flesh and blood, thirty Dragon Elephant Primordial Embryos had regained their vitality.

This was the first time he had fought to the point where even the Dragon Elephant Primordial Embryos completely lost their vitality—a situation Han Li did not want to experience a second time.

There were many factors contributing to success or failure.

But the most crucial one was the final desperate confrontation; under the threat of life and death, Devouring Heaven and Earth broke its limits, and although it still caused him immense damage, compared to Nie Cangqiong, he was at least a hair better.

It was this slight edge that gave him the crucial victory.

Given a little more time, he might have also vomited blood.

Compared to Nie Cangqiong, the actual situation was still evenly matched.

“Han Li, how are you? Feeling better?” The Grand Elder asked with concern, looking at Han Li.

Han Li nodded lightly, “Much better, no need to worry.”

Hearing this, the Grand Elder finally breathed a sigh of relief.

In this battle, Han Li had barely won by a narrow margin.

However, such a spectacular performance was indeed unexpected.

Who would have thought that the champion’s throne this time would appear in the Qingyuan Sect?

Even the Grand Elder hadn’t thought of it.

Initially, he had only hoped that Han Li could secure a ranking; that way, the Qingyuan Sect wouldn't be at the bottom.

Han Li’s performance not only didn’t disappoint him but, on the contrary, he surged ahead to the championship.

“Junior Brother, you are amazing!”

Baili Changqing looked at him, his expression serious.

This battle essentially meant that Han Li could now roam freely among Innate Cultivators.

This Junior Brother, who had only joined the Sect for about two years, had also completely made a name for himself in this Nine Provinces Tournament.

Tomorrow, the hot topic of the Wu Dynasty would undoubtedly be Han Li.

The creator of a legend, breaking multiple records and achieving a myth in one fell swoop.

He would definitely be on the front page of the Wu Dynasty Daily… An hour passed.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Han Li and the other nine Disciples ascended the stage to receive their awards.

There were rewards for the top ten.

Nie Cangqiong had also recovered significantly; the exhaustion from this battle had also left him severely depleted of Origin Qi.

Awards were presented one by one, and finally, it was Han Li’s turn.

A Medium Grade Dao Artifact, this was the reward he was most interested in; besides that, there were also three million Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

This was the reward system jointly established by the Twelve Sects of the Nine Provinces, and it had never changed.

However, the second and third place only received a single top-grade Spirit Treasure.

The difference between a Dao Artifact and a Spirit Treasure was more than a hundredfold.

Thunderous applause erupted once more, continuous and unending.

Amidst the final uproar, the Nine Provinces Tournament officially drew to a close… Han Li’s name instantly spread throughout the entire city, becoming almost universally known.

The champion of the Nine Provinces Tournament, and moreover, winning the championship at the Xiantian Second Realm—it was hard not to notice him.

And this was just the beginning.

The various forces participating in the Nine Provinces Tournament were a mixed bag, spread throughout the Nine Provinces.

In less than half a day, Han Li’s name had already spread a hundred thousand li away, and it was increasing at an alarming rate… In Tianling City, within a suburban mansion, there was a lively hubbub.

In the center courtyard of the mansion, Han Li and Wu Wuji sat side by side, with the Grand Elder willingly taking a lower seat.

On a jade table, various delicacies were laid out.

Everyone’s faces showed brilliant smiles.

“Come, to celebrate Junior Brother’s victory, let us all raise our cups!”

Wu Wuji rose and raised his cup, and Han Li also rose and raised his cup.

The Grand Elder and the others also stood up in unison.

“Cheers!”

Everyone clinked their cups, drained the wine in their cups, and then sat down.

“Junior Brother, this time, you’ve worked hard.” Wu Wuji looked at Han Li, his expression sincere.

“It’s no hardship; for the Sect’s honor, it’s what I should do.” Han Li smiled.

“After returning this time, I will speak to the Sect Leader, and the next Peak Master of Yuhua Peak will be you.”

Wu Wuji said.

“Pfft… cough, cough!!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Han Li almost spat out his drink, reacting quickly and coughing a few times.

Looking at Wu Wuji, Han Li was stunned.

Me, the Peak Master of Yuhua Peak… You… didn’t get it wrong, did you?

Han Li looked surprised.

The others also paused for a moment.

“Senior Brother… you’re not joking with me, are you?” Han Li asked.

Wu Wuji drank a cup of wine and said, “I already had this idea yesterday. After your battle today, I have decided: the position of Yuhua Peak Master is yours and yours alone!”

Han Li: “…”

Good heavens… he was just going to become the Peak Master of Yuhua Peak?!

This was probably the youngest Peak Master in the history of the Qingyuan Sect.

He was currently… only sixteen.

A sixteen-year-old Peak Master was unprecedented in the history of the Qingyuan Sect.

“Two Junior Brothers, you… who agrees and who objects?!” Wu Wuji looked at Baili Changqing and Yan Qingfeng.

As soon as he spoke, both of them quickly shook their heads.

“I have no objections!” x 2!

Having witnessed Han Li’s strength, who would have objections?

This guy was even more formidable than their Senior Brother back in the day.

The champion of the Nine Provinces Tournament was the best proof.

“Senior Brother, this… I’m still young, not qualified enough!” Han Li said.

“In martial arts, strength is qualification. It’s not about living long; strength is what matters for qualification.” Wu Wuji said.

“Hahaha, very good! Han Li becoming the Peak Master of Yuhua Peak will definitely be a historic moment for our Qingyuan Sect.” The Grand Elder laughed heartily, his face beaming.

“…”

Me, a Peak Master? Are you really not afraid I’ll lead Yuhua Peak astray… Han Li muttered to himself; he had truly never considered becoming the Peak Master of Yuhua Peak.

A Peak Master held a lofty position.

But… Han Li hadn’t thought about it!

This was not just a title, but also a responsibility.

How could he know how to teach and guide others?!

The path he walked was fundamentally unreplicable.

“No, after returning, I must refuse. Senior Brother should still hold the position.”

A thought flashed through Han Li’s mind as he held his wine cup and drained the wine… Tianling City, City Lord’s Mansion.

Deep within the mansion, in a secluded small courtyard, three figures appeared: two were seated, while one stood nearby, who was Bai Yi.

The two seated figures were none other than the highest commander of the Demon Suppression Division, Supervisor and the City Lord of Tianling City.

“This Nine Provinces Tournament was truly unexpected; this Han Li is simply too incredible.” The City Lord of Tianling City sighed.

“Indeed, Nie Cangqiong and Qin Wushuang both fell to him, and he even Cultivates martial arts related to the Ten Primordial Fiends. This guy is truly unbelievable, and he’s just an ordinary Physique, not some special Physique, which makes it even more terrifying.”

Supervisor said.

“The Qingyuan Sect has truly found a treasure this time. Tsk tsk, judging by this person’s potential and performance, he can probably rival that Supreme from the Qingyuan Sect several hundred years ago. If there are no accidents, he might just be the next Ba Huang Zhen.”

The City Lord of Tianling City said lightly.

Hearing that name, Supervisor’s pupils slightly contracted.

Bai Yi, who was nearby, was very curious. He couldn’t help but look at his Master and ask, “Master, who is Ba Huang Zhen? Why haven’t I heard of him?”

Supervisor held his teacup, gently turning it: “He was the most powerful Elder in the history of the Qingyuan Sect, almost reaching the Supreme Paragon. This was over eight hundred years ago. Unfortunately, a turmoil later occurred, and this Supreme seemed to have suffered Qi Deviation, slaughtering several God Realm Supremes of the Qingyuan Sect. In the end, it took the Qingyuan Sect exhausting the power of its entire Sect to barely suppress and kill him. However, the Sect was also severely depleted of Origin Qi as a result, and thus, it fell from being the number one Sect in the Nine Provinces to its current last place.”

“!!!!”

That powerful!!

Bai Yi’s pupils contracted.

Almost reaching the Supreme Paragon—good heavens, that was the existence of a God among men.

He hadn’t expected that the Qingyuan Sect actually had this part of history.

He had never heard of it before.

But thinking about it, that was also something from eight hundred years ago; with such a long time passed, it was normal not to know.

“If Ba Huang Zhen hadn't suffered Qi Deviation back then, causing the Qingyuan Sect to be greatly weakened, then today, the Qingyuan Sect would probably still be firmly established as the number one Sect in the Nine Provinces, perhaps even more powerful than the current Cangjian Palace.”

The City Lord of Tianling City said slowly.

Bai Yi nodded.

“By the way, how did that Ba Huang Zhen suffer Qi Deviation?” Bai Yi asked curiously.

A peerless giant who had cultivated to the God Realm Peak, the probability of such an existence suffering Qi Deviation should be very small, right?

Moreover, it reached an irreversible degree, requiring the combined strength of a Sect to completely suppress and kill him.

That indicated that there was no hope of recovery, otherwise, it wouldn't have come to that.

“Legend has it that a Heavenly Demon invaded and he was bewitched by it, which led to Qi Deviation,” the Supervisor said.

“Heavenly Demon invasion…”

Bai Yi was stunned.

He had only seen descriptions of Heavenly Demons in ancient texts; they were extremely terrifying existences.

True demons, they destroy everything.

Legend has it that the ancient “War of Darkness” was orchestrated by Heavenly Demons behind the scenes.

It shattered the human world and caused a drastic reduction in the Spiritual Qi of the human world.

However, these were just legends from ancient texts, and their veracity was unknown.

The time was too ancient; they were merely legends.

“Judging by this person's performance, it is highly probable that he will become the next Ba Huang Zhen.”

The City Lord of Tianling City said.

“That should be possible,” the Supervisor nodded.

“This matter has already been reported to Your Majesty; I wonder how Your Majesty will respond.”

The City Lord of Tianling City narrowed his eyes… “How to respond?”

“My beloved minister, how do you think I should respond?”

In the Imperial Study of Wu Capital, Emperor Jianwu looked at a purple-robed middle-aged man before him and said.

“Your Majesty, this person is a great unexpected factor. If he can be used by the imperial court, he will undoubtedly be a great asset,” the purple-robed middle-aged man said.

“You want me to issue an imperial decree, bestowing upon him a noble title?” Emperor Jianwu looked at him and asked.

The purple-robed middle-aged man nodded: “This minister indeed has such an intention.”

“Such a powerful Prodigy, even surpassing Nie Cangqiong and Wu Wuji, if he cannot be used, then… he must be killed!”

The purple-robed middle-aged man said with a solemn gaze.

Emperor Jianwu looked at the purple-robed middle-aged man, his eyes unblinking. The Imperial Study was deathly silent.

“Minister He, I didn't realize that although you are a civil official, your Heart-Nature is even more ruthless than a military official's!”

Emperor Jianwu said indifferently.

Hearing this, the purple-robed middle-aged man said: “Your Majesty, this minister is considering the welfare of the Wu Dynasty.”

“If this person can be used, it will naturally greatly benefit our Wu Dynasty. Conversely, he could also be a disaster,” the purple-robed middle-aged man said.

“Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you!”

“They are all my subjects. If my subjects are outstanding, must I force them to serve me? And if they refuse, I kill them? Do you take me for a tyrannical tyrant?”

Emperor Jianwu's voice rang out, his tone calm, but his words contained an unparalleled sharpness.

Hearing this, the purple-robed middle-aged man's body trembled, and he quickly bowed: “Your Majesty, please do not misunderstand, this old minister meant nothing else.”

Emperor Jianwu looked at him and said indifferently: “Alright, I am not blaming you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” The purple-robed middle-aged man bowed again, then stood upright.

Looking at Emperor Jianwu, he asked: “Then, what are Your Majesty's plans?”

“Let nature take its course. Since this person has a good relationship with the Demon Suppression Division, let's maintain that relationship,” Emperor Jianwu said indifferently.

“This old minister understands,” the purple-robed middle-aged man nodded.

Emperor Jianwu stood up, his single hand clasped behind his back, and looked at the purple-robed middle-aged man, saying: “Minister He, I can understand your consideration for the nation's welfare, but some things, when pushed to the extreme, will backfire!”

“The Wu Dynasty's dominion is not something that can be swayed by one person. Of course, I am very happy that my subjects are outstanding, but please pay attention next time. I do not wish for you to be like this in the future, otherwise, your position might need to be reconsidered for a replacement.”

“This old minister… this minister understands.” The purple-robed middle-aged man's face turned pale, and sweat appeared on his forehead.

“You may withdraw,” Emperor Jianwu waved his hand.

“Yes!”

“May Your Majesty be well, this old minister takes his leave!” The purple-robed middle-aged man bowed and then quickly left the Imperial Study.

“Such a Heart-Nature, unable to tolerate even a Prodigy. It seems he has been in a high position for too long…” Emperor Jianwu murmured to himself, shaking his head and sighing… Tianling City.

Stars hung in the night sky, moonlight illuminating the city and land.

Tianling under the night was even more prosperous.

In the mansion on the outskirts of the city.

Deep in the night, at midnight, Han Li, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, suddenly opened his eyes.

With the help of several top-grade Medicinal Pills, he had finally fully recovered.

Slowly exhaling a turbid breath, Han Li checked himself.

In his Dantian, the earthy yellow True Qi dominated, with Qingyuan True Qi as an auxiliary.

After this near-exhaustion and recovery to his Peak, Han Li felt that his True Qi had also improved slightly.

It became even more refined.

Not only that, the seven Dragon Elephant Divine Embryos and twenty-three Dragon Elephant Primordial Embryos were also slightly stronger than before.

Within his body, a vast power circulated, reflecting abundant vitality.

“The brink of life and death indeed makes it easier to improve…”

Han Li smacked his lips, then he dismissed his thoughts. A flash of light appeared, and a golden bow appeared before him.

This was the Medium Grade Dao Artifact reward.

Zhuxian Bow!

Shooting Gods and Executing Immortals!

It emitted a terrifying aura.

Looking at the Zhuxian Bow, Han Li caressed it with adoration.

His strength was insufficient to unleash the power of a Medium Grade Dao Artifact.

Let alone a Medium Grade Dao Artifact, even a Low-Grade Dao Artifact would be difficult for him to fully utilize.

“Let's refine it first. Once my True Qi improves, I can unleash a portion of its power.”

With this thought, Han Li immediately forced out fresh blood and dripped it to refine the artifact.

Refining a Dao Artifact would require a longer time.

It certainly couldn't be completed in a short while.

Currently, only the initial refinement was completed. After returning, Han Li would slowly refine it… At dawn, Han Li opened his eyes.

After a night of refinement, he had finally completed the initial refinement.

Standing up, Han Li tried to draw the Zhuxian Bow, and the True Qi in his body rapidly depleted.

A vast power of heaven and earth gathered.

A light arrow of shadows appeared.

But suddenly, Han Li stopped.

“No, this movement is too grand, and my True Qi cannot sustain it.”

In just a few breaths, his True Qi had been depleted by more than half.

If he were to draw the bow fully, his True Qi might not even be enough to completely exhaust it.

Dao Artifacts can only have their power fully unleashed by those in the God Realm.

Upon Breakthrough to the God Realm, after the Heavenly Tribulation baptism, True Qi would transform into “True Essence,” or, in simpler terms, True Essence is “mana”!

No matter how strong True Qi is, it cannot compare to mana.

Vast Divine Abilities, boundless mana!

This phrase alone is enough to summarize the terror of “mana.”

Mana is what can perfectly activate Dao Artifacts.

Because Dao Artifacts contain the rules of heaven and earth, they are no longer comparable to Spirit Treasures.

Mana is what can unleash the more powerful might of Dao Artifacts.

Even if Han Li's True Qi undergoes another transformation, he cannot catch up in this regard.

This is also one of the biggest differences between the God Realm and the Innate Realm.

An Innate expert, even an extreme Prodigy like Nie Cangqiong, cannot withstand a single move from a God Realm Supreme.

In terms of power, the difference is even hundreds of times greater.

Complete suppression in all aspects.

Innate is a martial arts expert, while God Realm is a martial arts giant.

One hundred Peak of the Acquired Realm experts are not enough to fight one God Realm Supreme.

The gap is like a chasm!

Why did Wu Wuji's Breakthrough to the God Realm shake the Nine Provinces?!

This is the reason.

Top Sects must have God Realm giants guarding them.

Otherwise, no matter how prosperous, if a God Realm giant makes a move, they can be completely annihilated.

Putting away the Zhuxian Bow and placing it in his Dantian for nourishment, Han Li recovered a bit.

“I should go back first; the Sect Leader's Shaking Heaven Seal cannot be missed either.”

With that thought, Han Li tidied his clothes and then stepped out of his room.

Arriving at the mansion's main hall, the Grand Elder and his Senior Brother had already gathered.

“It's about time, now, we will set off on our return journey,” the Grand Elder said.

“Mm.” Everyone nodded, then stepped out of the mansion.

Other great Sects also departed around the same time.

They met on the way, and Han Li was the center of attention.

And just as they stepped out of Tianling City, Han Li and his group encountered the people from Cangjian Palace.

“Han Li!”

Nie Cangqiong suddenly spoke.

Everyone's gaze turned to Han Li, and Han Li looked at Nie Cangqiong.

“Brother Nie, is there anything else?”

“When I Breakthrough to the God Realm in the future, I hope you and I can have another battle!” Nie Cangqiong looked at him and said.

“Uh…”

Hearing this, Han Li was stunned for a moment, then nodded.

“If I Breakthrough to the God Realm, I will certainly accompany you!”

Nie Cangqiong nodded, then he and the group from Cangjian Palace flew into the sky and departed.

“Junior Brother, it seems you've been targeted,” the Senior Brother turned his head, looking at Han Li with a smile.

“It doesn't matter, Breakthrough to the God Realm is still a long way off,” Han Li said indifferently.

“Next time, it will be earth-shattering,” Wu Wuji smiled.

“I believe there's no problem,” Han Li replied.

Wu Wuji nodded and said no more.

“Let's go!”

The Grand Elder brought out theBuilding Ship (multi-storied boat), and the group boarded it, instantly flying into the sky and disappearing into the firmament… One day later, outside the Qingyuan Sect's mountain gate, in the Void Realm, a white jadeTower Ship (multi-storied boat) broke through the air.

At this moment, in front of the Qingyuan Sect's mountain gate, the Sect Leader and the various Peak Masters stood, along with many Elders of the Qingyuan Sect. Looking at theBuilding Ship (multi-storied boat) appearing in the sky, everyone's hearts trembled.

“They're back!”

An Elder spoke.

The Sect Leader's eyes also lit up.

The situation of the Nine Provinces Tournament had already been reported back; the champion of this Nine Provinces Tournament was Han Li of the Qingyuan Sect.

This result, even the Sect Leader, was greatly surprised.

That Han Li could win the championship was beyond imagination.

Incredible, but this was reality, and it had now spread throughout the Nine Provinces.

Therefore, the Sect Leader, accompanied by the Elders and Peak Masters of the Qingyuan Sect, was here to welcome them.

This Nine Provinces Tournament had completely washed away the Qingyuan Sect's decline.

One person's strength made the Qingyuan Sect the champion of the Nine Provinces Tournament.

A historic moment, it should be so!

Explode, thirteen thousand, please support!!!