Xi Zhong ordered the Templars to retreat into the distance after he looked at the surging seawater. He stood alone in front of the others with a cold expression on his face. Then, he said, “I know who you are…”
The thing or person in the sea did not respond.
Bang!
The water was clear, but the depths were dark. All of a sudden, a column of water shot up, forming a sharp icicle that was shrouded with rich Primal Qi. It shot toward Xi Zhong at lightning speed.
Xi Zhong manifested his astrolabe and held it in front of him before he retreated 300 feet. His astrolabe was positioned perfectly.
The other Templars calmly spread out and manifested their astrolabes as well, ready to counterattack. As soon as Xi Zhong gave the order, they would attack the giant beast in the sea.
Xi Zhong did not order the Templars to attack. Instead, he said, “You can still launch such a powerful attack from such a distance. Zhi Ming, you’re as powerful as you were 100,000 years ago.”
Gurgling noises rang from the bottom of the sea.
It was said that among the Four Divinities of Heaven, only Zhi Ming alone retained most of its power. It was far away from the Great Void, and no one knew its whereabouts. The Great Void only knew that it was somewhere in the east of the Endless Ocean. However, even the eastern Endless Ocean was too vast. Searching for Zhi Ming would be like searching for a needle in the haystack. If a divinity like Zhi Ming sank into the sea, how could humans find it?
Xi Zhong really did not expect to encounter Zhi Ming today. He felt the blood in his body surging restlessly as he said, “His Majesty has been looking for you for many years, hoping that you’ll maintain the balance between heaven and earth. I didn’t expect you to be here.”
Splash!
The icicle fell, and the seawater stopped surging.
Zhi Ming did not say anything and did not continue to attack.
After the seawater calmed down, Xi Zhong searched for Jiang Aijian again.
On the surface of the sea in the distance, two figures looked at the Templars calmly. Their feet hovered just right above the surface of the sea. One of them was the owner of the eastern Lost Island, Bai Zhaoju; the White Emperor. The other figure was Jiang Aijian.
Bai Zhaoju raised his head and said with a smile, “The Templars aren’t patrolling the Great Void and the Unknown Land… Why are they here at the Lost Island?”
When Xi Zhong saw Bai Zhaoju, he revealed a regretful expression on his face and said, “His Majesty has asked me to escort Commander Qi Sheng back. I hope the White Emperor won’t stop me.”
Bai Zhaoju said, “Even if Ming Xin were here, he has to speak to me properly. You’re just a mere leader of the Templars, how dare you act recklessly in my territory. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll kill you?”
Xi Zhong frowned briefly before a smile appeared on his face as he said, “The White Emperor won’t do such a thing.”
“You’re wrong,” Bai Zhaoju said before he tapped the tip of his foot lightly on the surface of the water. He turned into a streak of light and began to attack the Templars.
No wonder Zhi Ming had disappeared. Bai Zhaoju’s appearance was more than enough to turn the tide. Moreover, the current Zhi Ming was not suitable for battle.
Bai Zhaoju arrived in front of Xi Zhong. His attack was sharp and fierce.
Xi Zhong reacted quickly and hastily flew back.
Palm seals sailed in the air. When they fell into the sea, the impact caused the sea beasts within a radius of 100 miles to scatter.
Bai Zhaoju attacked three times in a row, and Xi Zhong could no longer take it. His breathing grew more and more rapid. His law of space and law of times were being suppressed.
Then ten Templars saw that the situation was not right so they hurriedly moved into their respective positions to use the formation flags in their hands to help Xi Zhong.
Bai Zhaoju said in a deep voice, “You overestimate yourselves!”
Bai Zhaoju flashed and appeared in front of Xi Zhong again. Spatial energy churned in his hand like a vortex as he attacked, tearing the space in the surroundings.
Xi Zhong, who was almost devoured by the spatial energy, hurriedly used both his hands to defend himself. He slid back on the surface of the sea, parting the sea water and spitting out blood. He only managed to stabilize himself after flying about almost 3,000 feet back. He quickly tapped the tip of his foot and flew away from the surface of the sea.
After all, the sea was the most dangerous place for humans. Who knew what lay in its depths?
“What a good move,” Xi Zhong said reluctantly. He was unwilling to admit defeat.
Bai Zhaoju slowly moved forward as he said, “For Ming Xin’s sake, I’ll forgive your offense today. When you return, tell Ming Xin that the bigger picture is more important.”
Xi Zhong wanted to retort, but he knew it would not be wise. He could only glare at Jiang Aijian and said, “Commander Qi Sheng, you’ll have to return to the Great Void sooner or later.”
In other words, Xi Zhong might not be able to do anything to Jiang Aijian today, but there would be plenty of chances in the future.
Buzz!
At this time, a circle of light appeared in the sky. It had a diameter of about 3,000 feet.
Everyone looked up in unison.
A huge avatar slowly emerged from the circle of light.
Only a supreme being who was a runemaster was capable of something like this. Only a few supreme beings were capable of opening up a passage with their bare hands. Before the person arrived, a voice said, “Your Majesty, the Sacred Temple must bring Commander Qi Sheng back today.”
Bai Zhaoju frowned. “Hua Zhenghong?”
Xi Zhong led the others and called out, “Greetings, Lady Hua!”
Hua Zhenghong looked at Bai Zhaoju and Jiang Aijian before she said, “A crack has appeared at Xieqia’s Pillar of Destruction, and it could collapse at any time. We need the Heaven Suppressing Pestle to stabilize the pillar. Zhong Guang Hall corresponds to Xieqia’s Pillar of Destruction so we need the hall’s Heaven Suppressing Pestle. Your Majesty, I don’t think you’d want to see Xieqia’s pillar collapse, do you?”
Bai Zhaoju raised an eyebrow. “Another pillar is about to collapse?”
Although Bai Zhaoju did not like the people of the Sacred Temple, he did not want to see the Great Void collapse. His emotions were rather complicated at this moment.
Hua Zhenghong said, “Commander Qi Sheng, this matter is of great importance.”
Jiang Aijian said helplessly, “The Heaven Suppressing Pestle is still missing. Even if I return, there’s nothing I can do.”
“You’ve collected so many Heaven Suppressing Pestles. Isn’t it to protect the pillars?”
“I’ve already explained this matter to the Great Emperor.”
Huang Zhenghong had expected this so she did not dwell on the matter. Instead, she moved to the side and said, “Please.”
Bai Zhaoju said, “I saved Qi Sheng’s life. I still have a lot to say to him. Lady Hua, you should return.”
Hua Zhenghong raised her voice and said again, “Please.”
Flying beasts appeared one after another in the sky.
The huge runic passage in the sky had yet to close; this meant that Hua Zhenghong could use it to force Bai Zhaoju to back down. She said indifferently, “I can temporarily ignore Zhi Ming’s matter. White Emperor, do you really intend to stop the Sacred Temple from doing its work?”
Bai Zhaoju was a new divine emperor, after all. He hesitated upon hearing these words. The Sacred Temple had a lot of methods, and this was just the tip of the iceberg. This was just a very small part of the Sacred Temple’s force.
The Great Void was filled with experts, but Ming Xin was the only one who stood above all.
On the other hand, Chi Biaonu, Ling Weiyang, Zhi Guangji, and Bai Zhaoju, the Scarlet Emperor; the Azure Emperor; the Black Emperor; and the White Emperor respectively, were forced to leave the Great Void.
Moreover, there were also the ten halls of the Great Void.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
At this time, a huge beast with nine wings appeared in the sky. The person standing on its back said in a clear voice, “Lady Hua, please instruct us.”
Hua Zhenghong raised her hand, gesturing for the person to wait.
The nine-winged beast was called the nine-winged divine dragon. It was an ancient Saint slayer. Its status was not as high as the Four Divinities of Heaven, but its strength was not inferior to the Four Divinities of Heaven. Its body was pitted and hard, and it was as long as a 1,000-mile city wall. Its eyes were as bright as the moon, and its wings were the canopy of heaven.
Bai Zhaoju turned to look at Jiang Aijian. It was incredibly difficult for him to hand Jiang Aijian over to Hua Zhenghong. However, he did not seem to have a choice at this moment. Zhi Ming was the foundation of the Lost Island. He could afford to make any mistake. He really did not know what to do at this moment.
Suddenly, Jiang Aijian said in a clear voice, “I’ll go with you.”
“A wise man submits to circumstances,” Hua Zhenghong said with a slightly smug smile, “Would you have acted differently if you knew it was going to end up the same anyway?”
Jiang Aijian stepped forward.
Bai Zhaoju pulled Jiang Aijian back and said, “If you really don’t want to go, I can give it a try.”
Jiang Aijian said with a smile, “There’s no need. I can handle this small problem.”
Jiang Aijian flew into the air and arrived in front of Hua Zhenhong. As soon as he came to a stop, the Templars surrounded him immediately.
Hua Zhenghong extended her hand and said with a smile, “Hand over the Hourglass of Time.”
“I’m afraid that’s inappropriate,” Jiang Aijian said.
“This item is a taboo in the Great Void. Only those especially chosen by the temple can use it. Its former owner is the beast tamer, Yue Qi. The next one will also be a beast tamer,” Hua Zhenghong said as she pointed at the nine-winged divine dragon, “The Hourglass of Time is able to make ancient Saint slayers like this submit. Commander Qi Sheng, you’re so intelligent, don’t tell me you don’t understand this?”
Then, after a moment, Hua Zhenghong asked, “Oh, that’s right. I’m very curious. Where did you find the Hourglass of Time?”
Jiang Aijian replied with a smile, “Why? As his former student, do you feel flustered when you see his belongings?”
Hua Zhenghong’s smile froze immediately upon hearing these words. She frowned and said, “Impudent!”
Boom!
The soundwave swept out and struck Jiang Aijian, causing him to fly back. He was stopped by the two Templars standing behind him.
Upon seeing this, Bai Zhaoju said clearly, “If you dare to hurt him, I won’t let you go so easily.”
Hua Zhenghong boiled with anger as she looked at Jiang Aijian.
Qi Sheng had mentioned this matter more than once. He had mocked her countless times, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In the past, she could still tolerate it, but the matter of her damaged light disk during the commanders’ competition had angered her to this day.
Jiang Aijian inhaled deeply before he laughed and said, “Oh, it seems like I accidentally hit a sore spot.”
Hua Zhenghong said coldly, “You’re not Commander Qi Sheng.”
“Hmm?”
“White Emperor, this person is impersonating Commander Qi Sheng. He deserves to be executed. Today, I’ll execute him on behalf of the heavens,” Hua Zhenghong said as a red lotus appeared in her hand.
Bai Zhaoju said angrily, “What a grand excuse! How dare you act impudently in front of me?”
Boom!
Bai Zhaoju shot into the sky as his avatar appeared.
The divine emperor’s avatar towered between heaven and earth, parting the waves and clouds.
The flying beats and the beast tamers in the sky retreated, except for the nine-winged divine dragon. It turned and looked at Bai Zhaoju’s avatar, ready to attack.
Hua Zhenghong held the red lotus and looked at Jiang Aijian as she said to Bai Zhaoju, “White Emperor, look carefully.”
Swoosh!
The red lotus landed on Jiang Aijian.
Crack!
The red lotus cut across Jiang Aijian’s mask, breaking it.
Everyone looked over.
Bai Zhaoju frowned when he saw the unfamiliar face. He wondered inwardly, ‘Who’s this person?’
Jiang Aijian did not expect to be exposed. He was slightly surprised but quickly regained his composure. He smiled and asked, “When did you find out?”
Hua Zhenghong replied, “Although you tried to imitate the way he speaks, it’s still a little lacking.”
Jiang Aijian spread his arms and said, “This reason isn’t sufficient.”
“It’s sufficient,” Hua Zhenghong said.
Jiang Aijian smiled and said, “Enough. Your goal is to kill me regardless if I’m the real Qi Sheng or not. You’re going to label me as a fake and kill me. Isn’t that right?”
That atmosphere changed immediately.
Jiang Aijian looked to the left and right before he said, “To go to such trouble for a fake…” He clicked his tongue before he continued to say, “For a lowly person like me to receive such a treatment, I really didn’t live in vain… In any case, I’ve lived long enough.”
Everyone was puzzled. They did not understand Jiang Aijian’s words.
Jiang Aijian brought the Hourglass of Time out and said with a smile, “Even if you’re going to kill me, I should at least struggle symbolically, right?”
At this time, the Hourglass of Time began to tremble.
Faint blue electric arcs swept out into the surroundings before the Hourglass of Time shot out of Jiang Aijian’s hand.
Jiang Aijian was stunned for a moment before he muttered, “Oh, no. I’ve gone too far!”
