Chapter 233: Fearless
In mid-air, the warship exploded with a deafening roar, threatening to rupture eardrums, as terrifying flames surged towards the heavens. This scene, a warship disintegrating and on the brink of falling, was heart-stopping.
On the secret network, there was a momentary silence. Many were in a daze, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed. Had that young man just brought down a warship?
Many felt a tingling on their scalp, their bodies seemingly jolted by an electric shock. After a brief silence, many couldn't help but exclaim loudly, overwhelmed by their turbulent emotions.
The previously dark night sky was now as bright as day, illuminated by the disintegrating warship. It continued to explode, crashing towards a distant mountain range.
The images captured by the detectors were presented in a three-dimensional format. Every viewer felt as though they were right there at the scene. The room around them virtually reconstructed the scenario, immersing them in the event.
The night sky was lit up like a series of thunderbolts, the spectacle of destruction unfolding before everyone’s eyes.
The Sun family members were also watching. In their massive audio-visual room, the blinding light illuminated every face, their hearts sinking deeper and deeper. In that moment, the Sun family felt a bone-chilling cold, as if they were in an icy cave. Some trembled and shivered, while others, consumed by anger, roared out loud.
Against the backdrop of the bright sky and the burning warship, Wang Xuan strode forward on the ground. Without any delay, he covered hundreds of meters in what seemed like flight, the ancient lamp hanging beside him casting a soft, hazy halo.
The Sun family's Transcendent, impaled and in agony, struggled to break free. But the long spear had nailed him to the ground, creating a massive bloody hole, nearly splitting his body in two, leaving him unable to escape.
The runes on his silver armor, interspersed with solar gold, dimmed as they were pierced and shattered by the spear. Blood drenched the armor, and the yellow gourd lay not far away.
The Sun family's strongest had been defeated. His identity was significant, and now he lay there bloodied, gasping for breath.
......
"This truly seems like a reenactment of ancient myths – a single person combatting the Sun family's mechanical army and even bringing down a warship!" The special circles of the financial dynasties and major organizations were astounded, with many young people now deeply fascinated and yearning for the path of cultivation.
"Hey Zhou, are you back on New World? I'm buying, let's have a good talk!" someone reached out to Zhou Yun.
As for the higher echelons of the financial dynasties, while some were deeply shaken, others were contemplative, pondering over the implications. "Is this the last brilliant display of Transcendents, a final flicker before extinction? Or could it signal a turning point?"
With rumors of Transcendents turning to ordinary beings in three years, speculation was rife, but no one knew for certain what the future held. Regardless, after this battle, Wang Xuan could no longer keep a low profile or hide his abilities. His presence was now firmly acknowledged by the top tiers of the financial dynasties.
Different factions had varied reactions – some were wary, others relieved, and still others indifferent or thoughtful.
"Zhong Qing, I think I've moved beyond a secret crush. I'm in deep love now. I'm coming to see you, take me to meet that young sword immortal!"
...
Wang Xuan beckoned, and a small gourd, no bigger than half a palm, flew into his hand. It was smooth and lustrous, exuding an indescribable charm – undoubtedly a rare and legendary treasure.
He sensed that it wasn't crafted from metal or any alloy, but was naturally formed, its wooden texture and structure clear. A naturally grown gourd, so powerful and divine, transformed into a legendary artifact?
Thump!
Wang Xuan kicked off the helmet of the man on the ground, revealing a face not quite young – perhaps in his sixties or seventies – with a fierce gaze. Even in pain, he showed no signs of submission, his hostility evident. He knew well that the young man before him was resolute, unfazed by his identity or the might of the Sun family.
Many gasped in recognition upon seeing his face, causing a stir on the secret network, as they realized his identity.
Sun Rongting, a true high-level member of the Sun family's core circle, lay defeated on the ground. His status and identity were astonishing. Many knew of the close ties between the Sun family and Superstar, with some even speculating that the Sun family controlled it. Now, such rumors seemed credible.
Sun Rongting's defeat shocked many, including Qin Hong from Pingyuan City, who never imagined he would see such a respected elder pinned bloodily to the ground by a martial artist he once scorned.
"Old Sun, I heard he delved into new arts, but never did I imagine he'd reach such heights," remarked others within the financial dynasties and major organizations. They were stunned, then sighed at the depth of the Sun family's resources, having such a Transcendent within their ranks.
Even though the Sun family was closely allied with the realm of new arts and used warships for control, nothing could be more reassuring than having one of their own as a pinnacle expert in that field. They understood the rationale behind investing heavily to elevate their own to the summit of new arts.
"Who would've thought it was Sun Rongting!" Ling Qiming felt a mix of emotions, recalling how Sun Rongting had coldly dismissed his plea for leniency for Old Chen. Now, this unexpected top expert of the Sun family lay dying, stripped of his domineering demeanor.
Zhao Zejun was also in a daze, having recently spoken humbly with Sun Rongting to spare Wang Xuan's life. He hadn't anticipated such a drastic turn of events.
The revelation stirred unrest among various factions. Sun Rongting, a powerful Transcendent and a trump card in the Sun family's decision-making layer, was now half-killed by Wang Xuan.
Wang Xuan, using his ability to control objects with his mind, swiftly removed Sun Rongting's armor, a treasure worth keeping. He was cautious with Sun family members, who often had self-destructive devices or implanted energy blocks.
He pulled out his long spear, shaking off the blood, and coldly looked down at Sun Rongting. Attempting to probe him with his spiritual domain, Wang Xuan faced strong resistance. Sun Rongting, a Transcendent himself, preferred self-destruction over yielding his secrets.
"Wang Xuan, release Sun Elder, we can negotiate everything!" Voices emanated from the numerous detectors scattered around, ranging from tiny ones to those as large as night birds, floating in the night sky.
All sides fell silent, everyone listening intently, wondering what choice Wang Xuan would make.
Wang Xuan ignored the Sun family's pleas. In mid-air, energy sparks flew as some detectors exploded, easily destroyed by him. Then, with a kick, he sent Sun Rongting flying, his actions demonstrating his unyielding stance.
Sun Rongting groaned, nearly split in two by the force, his blood spraying in mid-air before he crashed down in the distance. He felt humiliated. Who was he? A core figure of the Sun family, personally taking action with the support of a warship, yet now reduced to a prisoner, treated so dismissively.
"Wang Xuan, what are you doing? Do not cross the line! We are willing to talk openly and honestly with you. Don’t you and Chen Yongjie want to cease hostilities? Don’t misjudge the situation!" came a desperate yet assertive voice from a middle-aged man in the Sun family, transmitted through more detectors appearing nearby.
Wang Xuan looked up, his expression obscured by the silver mask, and said, "Talk, yes. After this man dies, you can come to collect his body and talk to me in Jingyue City."
He had been attacked, and now a mere offer of negotiation was expected to make him relent? No way. Even a super financial dynasty could not sway his resolve. If they dared to attack him, they must pay a bloody price. Otherwise, what would prevent other powers from following suit?
Regardless of the identity, even if it was the Sun family's top figure, once they entered the fray, they were fair game.
Sun Rongting felt his spirit tearing apart as Wang Xuan forcefully probed, seeking to uncover his and the Sun family's secrets.
Boom!
In the next moment, Sun Rongting experienced unbearable agony as he was struck by a bolt of lightning from Wang Xuan's palm. His body turned black, most of his bones shattered, and the smell of charred flesh filled the air.
Sun Rongting was engulfed in a mix of shock, humiliation, and rage. As one of the few core members of the Sun family, he couldn't fathom being so publicly demeaned and nearly roasted alive for all on the secret network to see.
As he lay on the ground, he saw the young man's calm and indifference, as if he was of no consequence at all. Amidst his agony, Sun Rongting sighed, realizing his impending death, thinking of many things. In the most resplendent era of the ancient times, such a person would have been the stuff of legends, capable of astral projection and spiritual projection over miles just after stepping into the realm of Transcendents.
In another era, this young man would have undoubtedly held a very high status, looking down upon him. Even the top sects might not have had such a disciple.
But times had changed. Now, financial dynasties dominated the New World, and the old arts had declined, their former glory unrepeatable.
Wang Xuan made several attempts to probe Sun Rongting's spiritual domain, encountering fierce resistance each time, pushing his opponent's spirit to the brink of collapse.
"Wang Xuan, stop now, and it's still not too late. Don't make a mistake!" came a desperate and angry shout from the detector.
"Do you not understand me? Or are you just eager for him to die sooner?" Wang Xuan responded. Then, with a powerful kick, he severed Sun Rongting's torso, effectively bisecting him.
"How dare you?!" yelled the middle-aged man from the Sun family.
"What can't I dare?" replied Wang Xuan. His flying sword, dazzling like a ribbon, descended and decapitated Sun Rongting.
"No desire to talk? If you seek revenge, then let the battle continue!" Wang Xuan, taking his spoils, turned and walked away, leaving behind a solitary figure.
Subsequently, all nearby detectors exploded, leaving Wang Xuan completely alone under the starlight and moonlight. He strode away, leaving behind a void.
At the Sun family, an icy chill set in, a stifling silence that felt like the calm before a raging storm.
On the secret network, everyone was speechless. Sun Rongting, beheaded with a single strike? The shock was palpable.
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