When Ji Changkong was at the Wuying Sect in the Gray Mountain Range, facing Huang Mu of the Wuying Sect during their battle, he suddenly found himself unable to borrow the power of the Tianyuan Pearl. At that moment, he realized the elemental energy gathered within the Tianyuan Pearl had been completely depleted by him.
However, after the Tianyuan Pearl devoured the Ghost Demon King and the multitude of lesser demons, it was once again filled with considerable energy. Later, at Blood Rain Mountain, the Tianyuan Pearl swallowed Qu Le, the leader of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, causing the power accumulated within it to become even more abundant. Just a few days prior, he had tentatively tested it in secret and discovered he could once again draw upon the Tianyuan Pearl's strength.
Therefore, he dared to speak boastfully, claiming he could withstand a clash with the divine weapon held by Huangfu Jingwei.
Few people knew the secret of the Tianyuan Pearl, so the many onlookers assumed he had gone mad, not believing he possessed the terrifying power comparable to a Bagua Heavenly Scholar.
Huangfu Jingwei naturally did not believe it either. Hearing what Ji Changkong said, a look of disdain curled his lips. He shook his head and laughed dismissively, "I have heard of the might of your Ji family's Xuanyuan lineage, but do you truly think you, with only the cultivation of the Six Harmonies Heavenly Realm, can contend with the divine weapon I possess? Ji Changkong, aren't you overestimating yourself?" "Enough nonsense. If you can defeat me while wielding that divine weapon, I guarantee the Ji family and the Ghost Sect will march with you to Black Rock Cliff. Ji Changkong smiled, his expression remarkably steady and confident, as if he genuinely believed he possessed such power.
Ji Changkong's words only deepened the disdain on Huangfu Jingwei's face, but he did not immediately agree. Instead, he looked towards Gui Die, Gui Hai, and Li Hentian, asking, "Sirs, what are your thoughts?"
Li Hentian maintained his eternally indifferent demeanor, saying, "He can make the decision."
Huangfu Jingwei then looked at Gui Die and Gui Hai.
"His meaning is the meaning of my Ghost Sect," Gui Die and Gui Hai stated in unison.
The crowd erupted in an uproar!
No one had expected Li Hentian, Gui Die, and Gui Hai—all Bagua Heavenly Scholars—to permit Ji Changkong to act so recklessly. In the eyes of the spectators, Ji Changkong's youthful impetuosity might be understandable, but Li Hentian, Gui Die, and Gui Hai, being hardened veterans, should possess greater restraint?
Yet, they too nodded in agreement!
Was this excessive indulgence of Ji Changkong, or did they truly believe in his capability?
The crowd was utterly bewildered, displaying expressions of stunned confusion.
"Good!"
Huangfu Jingwei laughed heartily, feeling he had stumbled upon a bargain. If he truly had to face Gui Hai, an undeniable Bagua Heavenly Scholar, he wouldn't have ten parts certainty of victory. But against Ji Changkong? That was at least a twelve-parts certainty! "If you wish to try, I will not utilize the cooperation of other Seven Star Heavenly Scholars; I alone will wield the Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe. That will be enough!" Huangfu Jingwei stated decisively. The moment the words "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" left his lips, the complex expressions on Chen Yihui, Bai Yanhai, and others' faces changed abruptly.
Chen Yihui, Bai Yanhai, and a few others had heard of this divine weapon held by the Huangfu family. The "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" was forged after the Huangfu family gained control of Shuiyun Mother-Ore, gathering scarce, supremely hard metals from across the realm and fusing them with the power of the Five Elements Metal, taking nine years to temper into a divine weapon.
When the Huangfu family tempered the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," they used the power of Shuiyun Garden to collect rare metals everywhere. Lingbao Pavilion, being a family specializing in such trade, had supplied the Huangfu family with some rare metals, which is why Chen Yihui knew the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" so intimately.
The indestructible power of the Five Elements Metal, gathered from hundreds of scarce metals and tempered through the dedication of numerous Huangfu family experts, pushed the indestructible nature of the Five Elements Metal to its absolute extreme. It was rumored that when the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" was successfully tempered, Huangfu Tong once wielded it to utterly destroy a small mountain with a single strike!
The power to obliterate a mountain with one blow could certainly be described as terrifying.
However, rumors suggested the might of the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" extended even further. According to the initial conception of its creators, if the full power of the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" were unleashed, it could, as its name suggested, actually cleave a rift in the very heavens.
The "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" was not tempered by one person using their vital essence blood; rather, it was forged through the combined efforts of many—core experts from the Huangfu family. These individuals seemed to have placed some sort of restriction on the weapon during its forging.
It was said that only direct descendants of the Huangfu family could properly wield the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe." Others, even if they obtained it, could not bring forth its true power; it was truly miraculous.
The current Empress of Shuiyun Garden, Huangfu Yue, before ascending the throne, wielded the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" at the Seven Star Heavenly Realm cultivation level and once slew five peak Seven Star Heavenly Scholars of the Great Chu Garden simultaneously. It was after that battle that Huangfu Tong acknowledged her capability and passed the throne of Shuiyun Garden to her. Few people knew the full lore of the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," but every individual aware of this weapon carried a deep apprehension regarding the Huangfu family's marvel.
Upon hearing that Huangfu Jingwei possessed the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," the complexions of Chen Yihui, Bai Yanhai, and the others immediately darkened, and concern for Ji Changkong began to grow in their hearts.
Even Li Hentian couldn't help but knit his brow, letting out a cold snort, "Huangfu Tong is truly senile to entrust the 'Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe' to your hands. Hmph, if the 'Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe' is taken from you, you will never be able to rise in the Huangfu family again." The "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" was priceless; for the Huangfu family, its mystical value might even surpass that of a direct descendant expert like Huangfu Jingwei. If Huangfu Jingwei truly lost the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," his life as he knew it would likely be over. "I appreciate Old Li’s concern, but since the 'Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe' is in my hands, that speaks to my capacity to hold it." Huangfu Jingwei smiled, then turned to Ji Changkong, "Still daring to try?"
"Why wouldn't I dare?" Ji Changkong gave a carefree smile, radiating an air of unflappable composure.
On the side of the Yuehua Sect, Bai Qingya had been watching him anxiously. Seeing his expression—unmoved even if Mount Tai collapsed—she suddenly felt a sense of calm she couldn't explain.
Some of the young ladies from other sects and families nearby, observing him chatting and laughing confidently before a major figure like Huangfu Jingwei without a hint of timidity, felt their eyes dazzled with admiration. They thought to themselves that this must be what a truly charismatic talent in this world looks like.
"Worthy of being the new Xuanyuan of the Ji family. Good spirit!" Huangfu Jingwei sneered coolly, without warmth.
"Everyone, please stand further back. The power of the 'Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe' is immense; once unleashed, it is truly indestructible. Do not stand too close." Seeing that Huangfu Jingwei was about to make his move, Chen Yihui frowned and called out to the crowd.
If the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" were manipulated by a seasoned wielder like Huangfu Tong or Huangfu Yue, she might not have said this, as those two possessed the ability to fully command the weapon. But Huangfu Jingwei was only at the Seven Star Heavenly Realm, and it seemed he had only recently acquired the divine weapon.
Chen Yihui worried he might lose control and accidentally harm the innocent, so she quickly offered a reminder.
Her words seemed to finally jog the crowd into realizing that Huangfu Jingwei would be the one controlling the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe." Many were not particularly confident in his skill and hastily retreated far away, instantly creating ample space for Huangfu Jingwei and Ji Changkong to fight.
Huangfu Jingwei nodded, saying no more. His brow suddenly chilled, and a faint golden light shot forth from his sleeve cuff.
Amidst the showering golden rays, the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe"—as thick as an arm and three meters long—slowly flew out from his right sleeve. The "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" lived up to its name; it was entirely golden yellow, tapering sharply from the base to the tip, the apex shining with brilliant, shimmering gold.
Just a glance at it imparted a wondrous sense of being utterly unbreakable.
Huangfu Jingwei seemed to take Ji Changkong entirely lightly. After the weapon appeared, he didn't exert much force upon it, but rather guided the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" slowly and deliberately toward Ji Changkong.
"If you cannot withstand it, just shout 'I concede,' and I will stop immediately," Huangfu Jingwei sneered.
With Bagua Heavenly Scholars like Li Hentian, Gui Die, and Gui Hai present, even if Huangfu Jingwei disliked Ji Changkong, he dared not strike fatally, hence his cautious approach, making this preliminary arrangement before the fight even began.
"No need for politeness, bring it on!" Ji Changkong smiled, not taking Huangfu Jingwei too seriously either.
The "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," gleaming with golden light, hurtled toward Ji Changkong under Huangfu Jingwei's guidance. As it struck through the air, it emitted a sharp aura of killing intent, trailing a long golden thread.
Chii! Chii!
The speed at which the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" approached was not fast, but from its tip emanated a strange sound—an incredibly sharp, piercing golden energy that shot out ahead of the weapon itself, long before the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" reached Ji Changkong.
"Be careful!" Huangfu Jingwei reminded Ji Changkong, fearing he might be accidentally injured by that strand of golden energy.
His expression calm, Ji Changkong fixed his gaze directly on the swift incoming golden energy. The power of the Tianyuan Pearl instantly saturated his entire body. This influx of strength seemed to merge seamlessly with his own Xuanyuan bloodline, granting him a feeling of boundless power.
Although he knew this power was not inherently his own, the sensation of being filled with such strength left Ji Changkong exhilarated.
Roar!
A sound like heavenly thunder suddenly resonated between Ji Changkong’s arms. As the thunder roared, a head-sized ball of azure heavenly lightning rapidly coalesced in his palms, with strands of electricity coiling around it, imbuing it with a violent, murderous aura.
The moment this head-sized bolt of lightning formed, Ji Changkong violently thrust it forward. A drop of scarlet blood slowly swirled within the azure thunder sphere. Relying on the connection between himself and that drop of blood, Ji Changkong precisely guided the heavenly lightning to collide exactly with the beam of golden energy shot from Huangfu Jingwei's "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe."
KABOOM!
A massive explosion suddenly detonated in mid-air. The golden light emanating from the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" scattered in sparks upon impact with the azure lightning, vanishing instantly in the void.
Just then!
Ji Changkong suddenly moved, charging directly toward Huangfu Jingwei. Dozens of fist-sized bolts of lightning materialized out of thin air beside him, tightly circling his body. Wherever he moved, these fist-sized bolts of lightning followed, not falling behind by even an inch.
Thunder Movement of Nine Heavens of the Heavenly Thunder Force!
In the crowd, Mo Yunyi's pupils contracted, showing evident surprise. She stared wondrously at the fist-sized bolts of lightning distributed around Ji Changkong.
The Heavenly Thunder Force was a secret technique Mo Yunyi had passed on to Ji Changkong, yet she was unaware that it contained such a miraculous technique for utilizing heavenly lightning. After the Ghost Sect arrived at the Ji family, she understood from Ji Changkong’s explanation that the Heavenly Thunder Force originated from the Ghost Sect. Seeing him now execute the Thunder Movement of Nine Heavens, Mo Yunyi immediately realized Ji Changkong must have gained additional benefits from Gui Rong and Gui Hai.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Sounds of thunder filled the air as the lightning bolts surrounding Ji Changkong exploded one after another... The explosions were triggered by Huangfu family’s divine weapon, the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe."
As Ji Changkong rushed toward Huangfu Jingwei, Huangfu Jingwei's expression drastically changed. He suddenly realized that Ji Changkong, merely at the Six Harmonies Heavenly Realm, was far more difficult to deal with than he had imagined.
Seeing him effortlessly shatter the incoming golden energy beam from the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," Huangfu Jingwei knew that if he continued to hold back, he might not subdue Ji Changkong. Therefore, he began to truly channel the power of the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," causing it to erupt with a blinding shower of golden light.
Huangfu Jingwei manipulated the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," directing all the golden beams towards Ji Changkong. Every time a golden beam struck a nearby azure lightning bolt, a deafening sound erupted.
As the progenitor of the heavenly lightning, the explosions of those bolts beside him could not injure Ji Changkong. This was because the three heavenly thunder fields within his body had already formed, and a larger thunder field encompassed his surroundings. Any lightning exploding near him was contained within a small radius, in no way hindering his movement. "Hmm!" Huangfu Jingwei frowned, feeling quite astonished. He had not expected a mere Six Harmonies Heavenly Scholar to possess such exquisite control over the profound intricacies of a secret technique he employed.
No longer tentative, Huangfu Jingwei unleashed his full strength. His eyes narrowed, and six beams of starlight shot out, instantly pouring into the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" hanging frozen in mid-air. Driven by the six rays of starlight, the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" became wildly chaotic.
The "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" then lunged toward Ji Changkong. The lightning bolts, guided by Ji Changkong, struck the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," but they could not impede its trajectory in the slightest. Forged from the hardest and rarest ores, this divine weapon was not only indestructible but also inherently unbreakable.
Each lightning bolt impacting the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" only produced earth-shattering explosions; it did not affect the axe's forward thrust. It seemed as if no barrier in heaven or earth could intercept this utterly invincible murder weapon.
His expression shifting slightly, Ji Changkong hadn't anticipated the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" to be truly this formidable. In his view, with the dense lightning barriers he erected, even a Bagua Heavenly Scholar charging in recklessly would surely be injured by the multitude of lightning strikes. That the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" wasn't shattered by the lightning was within his expectation.
However, the path of the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" remained unchanged. Despite the numerous lightning strikes detonating upon it, its trajectory did not deviate by even a fraction of an inch. This genuinely surprised Ji Changkong.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Seven layers of surging waves instantly formed, one right after the other without pause, rushing directly toward the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe." The first wave did not diminish; the subsequent waves crashed down and overlapped, instantly colliding with the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe."
The seven layers of waves, carrying the resistance of water, combined their immense pressure. They finally had an effect!
Although the impact of the seven-layer wave barrage against the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" still failed to deflect its trajectory by even a hair, it managed to slightly slow the speed at which the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" was thrusting forward.
For Ji Changkong, this momentary deceleration was sufficient!
Azure, crimson, gold, white, and yellow—five colors of light—suddenly erupted from Ji Changkong’s hands. A massive five-colored halo materialized in the void, enveloping Huangfu Jingwei from a distance.
Huangfu Jingwei, who was preparing to apply more force to the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," suddenly felt his spirit losing control. A chill ran down his spine. He desperately tried to govern his spirit, attempting to restore order to the internal chaos.
However, no matter how hard Huangfu Jingwei struggled, as the multi-colored halo descended, he could not control the turmoil within his spirit. Not only could he no longer add force to the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," but he even began to lose control over the power he had already exerted upon it.
At this moment, Ji Changkong moved, appearing eerily like a phantom within the confines of the five-colored halo.
Fist-sized bolts of lightning suddenly materialized all around Huangfu Jingwei. Ji Changkong stared coldly and shouted fiercely, "Explode!"
Rumble! Rumble!
A deafening series of explosions erupted right beside Huangfu Jingwei. While those fist-sized lightning bolts were ineffective against the nigh-invincible "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe," they were devastating against Huangfu Jingwei’s physical body.
Amidst the barrage of lightning explosions, Huangfu Jingwei was utterly disheveled. Although he strained his Seven Star power to resist the blasts, he was shaken dizzy, his clothing torn to shreds, and even a few tufts of his hair were standing straight up.
The five-colored halo gradually shrank, but its rotational speed increased rapidly, closing in on Huangfu Jingwei’s head.
Meanwhile, the "Golden Heaven-Shattering Axe" was still being held back by the Seven Waves on the other side. With his spirit in chaos, Huangfu Jingwei had no means of recalling the weapon to aid him.
The five-colored halo finally stabilized directly above Huangfu Jingwei's head, but it did not crash down. "You can't even handle me, a Six Harmonies Heavenly Scholar. What hope do you have against a Bagua Heavenly Scholar? Truly laughable!" Ji Changkong shook his head, coldly sneering. He reached out his hand, and the five-colored halo miraculously settled into his palm, vanishing instantly.