Chapter 72: Insolence! Get Down Here This Instant!

The impact of Liu Jianchen becoming a terrestrial Sword Immortal was simply too great, for his identity was extraordinary in itself... Like Yue Chan, he too stood alone against the world, making enemies of all, with no backing, no one to shield his path—how could he not draw murderous intent? After all, if he did not die, it would inevitably be those with grudges against him who would fall; no one wished to face such a terrifying adversary, so only underhanded means remained.

He was unlike Yue Chan, who at least possessed the power of a Heavenly Palace, wielded authority, and commanded great strength—naturally, few dared lay hands on her. Liu Jianchen was different: he was a solitary Sword Immortal, wandering alone, with neither friend nor kin.

The atmosphere was tense; aside from those from Tianshan Sacred Land, several recently emerged ancient monsters watched from afar, though most merely observed with detached curiosity. In their eyes, Liu Jianchen’s breakthrough to the Immortal Realm had nothing to do with them—they were only spectators.

“Boss, something feels off about all this!” Even Cao He, usually slow-witted, sensed the oppressive air growing thinner and couldn’t help but speak up.

“I see it too…” Ye Qiu nodded absentmindedly, thinking to himself, “It seems someone intends to make a move against that boy. No matter what, he’s half a disciple of mine by chance—if I can help, I should lend a hand…”

Ye Qiu hadn’t intended to get involved; after all, he wasn’t one for fighting, and aside from a silent skill or two, he had little to show for himself in battle. Yet Liu Jianchen was clearly protagonist material—if he lent him a hand now, wouldn’t his own future be smooth sailing? Such a sure bet, Ye Qiu would never let slip. Besides… the boy already regarded him as a master in his heart—if he didn’t step in, wouldn’t he be branded heartless?

No, thought Ye Qiu—even if I’m shameless, I still have a conscience!

The suffocating tension did not abate. As Liu Jianchen split open the Heavenly Gate with his sword, the sacred light depleted and his body erupted with sword energy—

“Do it now…”

The Elder of Destiny hissed coldly, and in a flash, lunged forth, palm striking toward the Abyss.

“Hm? So it’s that old fiend?” All were startled by this sudden turn. Among the crowd, several elders recognized the Elder of Destiny.

With scornful disdain, they muttered, “Shameless wretch! Using such base tricks against a junior…”

“No wonder they call him the most treacherous old villain in the Wilds… No one else would stoop so low.” All who knew the Elder of Destiny looked on with contempt, but not one was willing to intervene; after all, such a gamble was not worth it. Liu Jianchen was indeed formidable, but to risk offending such a sly, dangerous fiend for an uncertain cause? Not worth it at all…

The Elder of Destiny’s palm struck forth, unsettling even the void; with all his immortal might unleashed, heaven and earth were shrouded in golden light.

Liu Jianchen awoke just in time to see the Elder of Destiny’s sneak attack. Yet at this moment, his strength was utterly spent—he could not resist.

“My life is over!” Liu Jianchen cried in despair. Facing an Immortal Realm master’s ambush, he was powerless, forced to accept his fate.

Despair gripped him. Of all those present, not one would lend a hand—not even to stall the blow for a moment.

Had there been even one, he could have reacted in time. But… truly, not one person would shield him.

Ye Qiu’s words proved true: to walk the world friendless is impossible. Liu Jianchen hadn’t believed it before—now he was utterly convinced.

He abandoned all resistance, as the Elder of Destiny’s palm closed in. He sneered coldly, “Boy, don’t blame me for showing no mercy—only blame yourself for being too dazzling. If I don’t eliminate you today, I fear you’ll threaten me in the future…”

The Elder of Destiny had not expected events to unfold so smoothly. Just as he was certain Liu Jianchen would die beneath his palm, a voice rang out from below.

It was like the voice of the Great Dao, deep and resonant. In that instant, the Elder of Destiny felt his consciousness go dim, as if the world had gone black.

“How dare you! Get down here…” The resounding command echoed like a divine rebuke, intercepting the Elder of Destiny’s power and forcibly breaking his attack.

A mighty, righteous energy gathered between heaven and earth, surging toward the Elder of Destiny, and in a flash, his body felt as if it would explode. He plummeted from the sky.

“Impossible!” The entire crowd was stunned.

Even the ancient monsters lurking in the shadows were dumbfounded. That single voice had instantly felled an Immortal Realm master—one who had lived millions of years and survived countless tribulations!

“Incredible—unbelievable! Just one shout, and the old fiend is finished?”

“There’s a true master below!”

“No wonder the boy dared to break through here, with no attempt at concealment… So that’s why…”

For a moment, all were struck dumb by the sudden, overwhelming turn. None could have anticipated such a swift change, catching everyone off guard.

“How can this be? Why can’t I move?” The Elder of Destiny was even more bewildered than the others. As soon as that voice sounded, his body was flung down uncontrollably, carving a deep pit in the earth. Even now, he couldn’t recover—only his immortal power kept him from collapse.

“Ancestor, are you all right?” Qianji Daoist and others rushed over, lifting him from the crater, their eyes filled with shock, confusion, and disbelief.

“Ancestor, what happened?” Qianji Daoist couldn’t understand. In his eyes, the ancestor was invincible—how could he lose, and so easily?

The Elder of Destiny, pale and shaken, gazed anxiously at the distant tavern. In a cold, trembling voice, he said, “We’ve been tricked. There’s a true master here—an unparalleled master of the ages. No wonder that boy was so fearless, daring to make his breakthrough without any concealment. He had a supreme protector. I fear our Tianshan Sacred Land is doomed to fall here today…”

“Impossible!” The crowd was horrified by his words. Qianji Daoist quickly shouted, “No, Ancestor, we’re not finished yet! You all, cover our retreat—escort the Ancestor out! As long as he lives, Tianshan will not fall!”

Remaining calm, Qianji Daoist made a swift decision, commanding the others to shield the Elder of Destiny as they made their escape. The Elder of Destiny wasted no words, turning to flee from this perilous place. Suddenly, a green light flashed across the sky.

A single vine whipped down, and with one strike, sent him flying back.

“What’s happening?”

“Heavens! She’s here too?”