Chapter 85

Chapter 344: Eradicating the Roots (Part 1)

"Let me in!" a burly man shouted outside the city.

"No! The City Lord has decreed that no one is allowed to enter or exit without permission!" a soldier on the city wall replied coldly.

"I am the commander of the Black Tiger Legion! Open the gate at once!" the burly man roared in anger.

"Black Tiger Legion?" The soldier paused slightly, then frowned. "I've never heard of any Black Tiger Legion. Don't try to trick us."

"How dare you! I am the commander of the Black Tiger Legion. Open the gate immediately, or you'll face dire consequences!" the burly man threatened.

The soldier's face darkened. "I see you're clearly a thief. Men, seize this person!"

"Yes, sir!" several soldiers on the wall responded instantly. They drew their bowstrings, aiming arrows at the burly man.

The burly man's expression changed, and he bellowed, "You're asking for death!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he blurred into an afterimage and charged towards the city wall.

"Fire!" the soldiers shouted in unison, and a volley of arrows rained down on the burly man.

The burly man was incredibly fast, dodging most of the arrows, though a few still grazed his body.

*Thump!*

He punched the city wall with a tremendous crash. The wall shook violently, bricks cracked, and a fissure quickly spread.

"This..." The soldiers stared at the burly man in shock, their faces filled with horror. They had never encountered such a powerful enemy.

"Break!" The burly man delivered another punch, and the city wall collapsed with a roar. Dust flew, and debris scattered everywhere.

The collapsed wall revealed a massive breach. The burly man charged into the city without hesitation.

"Quick, go notify the City Lord!" the soldiers yelled in a panic.

Meanwhile, in the City Lord's residence, a middle-aged man was reviewing official documents. He wore a scholar's robe and had a refined face; he was the City Lord of this city.

Suddenly, a soldier rushed in, panting, and exclaimed, "City Lord, it's bad! There are intruders attacking the city from outside!"

The City Lord frowned slightly, put down his brush, and said gravely, "What kind of intruders dare to trespass my city!"

"Reporting to the City Lord, the intruder is incredibly strong! He has already collapsed the city wall!" the soldier stammered.

The City Lord's face changed dramatically. He stood up abruptly and roared, "What? The city wall has been destroyed? Quick, immediately summon the experts and follow me to face the enemy!"

"Yes, sir!" The soldiers responded and rushed out. The City Lord also immediately led his guards and experts towards the city wall.

However, when they arrived at the city wall, they found it completely collapsed, with rubble strewn everywhere. The burly man had already surged into the city and was causing widespread destruction. He rampaged through the streets, striking down anyone who dared to block him with a single punch. In the blink of an eye, bodies lay everywhere, and blood flowed like a river within the city.

"Audacious intruder, prepare to die!" The City Lord roared and charged towards the burly man. He was a Martial Emperor realm expert, possessing considerable strength.

The burly man scoffed with a cold smile. "A mere Martial Emperor dares to be presumptuous in front of me?"

As soon as he spoke, he unleashed a palm strike. A colossal palm print soared out, heading straight for the City Lord.

The City Lord's expression changed. He swiftly channeled his spiritual energy and launched a punch to meet the massive palm print.

*Bang!*

With a loud crash, the palm print and fist collided. The City Lord grunted, staggered back several steps, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

"You..." The City Lord looked at the burly man in shock, his eyes wide with horror. He had never imagined the burly man's strength could be so terrifying.

The burly man sneered, "I am the commander of the Black Tiger Legion, sent here to take your life!"

"Black Tiger Legion?" The City Lord's face darkened, and a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. He had never heard of this legion.

"Hmph! Good that you know. Now, surrender and die!" The burly man charged at the City Lord again, throwing a punch.

Gritting his teeth, the City Lord met the attack once more. The two engaged in a fierce battle, their fists and palms colliding with deafening sounds. However, the City Lord was ultimately no match for the burly man and quickly fell into a disadvantage. The burly man grew stronger with each blow, every punch carrying terrifying power. The City Lord was forced to retreat step by step, accumulating several new wounds on his body.

"Die!" the burly man roared, delivering a punch towards the City Lord's chest. The City Lord had nowhere to dodge and could only watch as the fist approached.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the City Lord was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. He coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his face pale.

"City Lord!" The guards cried out in alarm, rushing towards him.

A murderous glint flashed in the burly man's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, a figure descended from the sky, blocking the burly man's path.

"Stop!" the newcomer shouted sharply.

The burly man frowned, looking at the person who had arrived. It was a young man in a green robe, with a handsome face – it was Ye Chen.

"Boy, who are you? How dare you interfere with my business!" the burly man asked coldly.

Ye Chen remained expressionless. "Who I am isn't important. What's important is that you won't harm them today."

"Arrogant!" the burly man roared, launching a punch at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen met it with a punch of his own, without dodging or retreating.

*Bang!*

The two fists collided with a resounding crash. The burly man's body jolted, and he actually took half a step back. Ye Chen remained motionless.

"This... how is this possible!" The burly man's eyes widened in shock. He was a Martial Saint expert, yet this young man could block his attack and show no signs of weakness.

"Who exactly are you?" the burly man asked gravely.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "As I said, who I am isn't important. You only need to know that you've provoked someone you shouldn't have."

"Hmph! Playing games!" The burly man snorted coldly and charged at Ye Chen again. This time, he unleashed his strongest martial technique. Flurries of fist shadows roared forth, carrying destructive power, engulfing Ye Chen.

Ye Chen's face remained calm. His spiritual energy surged within him, and he, too, unleashed his strongest martial technique. Flashes of sword shadows intertwined with the fist shadows, colliding fiercely.

*Boom, boom, boom!*

Violent rumbling sounds continuously echoed, and energy waves surged. The City Lord and his guards watched in astonishment. They had not expected Ye Chen to be able to contend with a Martial Saint expert.

"Boy, your strength is decent, but you're still far from defeating me!" the burly man roared, his fist's power increasing further.

A sharp glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and a slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Is that so?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he blurred into an afterimage, instantly appearing behind the burly man.

"What!" The burly man's face changed dramatically. He quickly spun around and threw a punch. However, Ye Chen was even faster. He pointed a finger, and a sword light pierced through the burly man's glabella.

The burly man's body stiffened, and the life faded rapidly from his eyes.

*Thump!*

His body crashed to the ground. The City Lord and his guards stared at the scene, dumbfounded. A Martial Saint expert had been killed by Ye Chen in a single move. This was simply unheard of.

Ye Chen retracted his finger and said indifferently, "I told you, you provoked someone you shouldn't have." He turned to the City Lord and asked, "City Lord, are you alright?"

The City Lord finally snapped out of his daze and quickly said, "Yes, yes, I'm fine! Thank you, young master, for saving me!" His gaze towards Ye Chen was filled with reverence.

Ye Chen waved his hand. "It was nothing; no need to be so polite." He glanced at the chaotic city, his eyebrows slightly raised. "I'll handle matters here. You all may leave."

The City Lord hurriedly said, "Yes, young master." He led his guards away.

Ye Chen walked over to the burly man's corpse, crouched down, and examined it. He found a tiny blood hole in the burly man's glabella, precisely where Ye Chen's finger had pierced.

Ye Chen shook his head. "What a pity." He searched the burly man's body, finding several storage rings, and his divine sense entered them. Inside, besides pills and spiritual stones, there were also some cultivation techniques and secret manuals. Ye Chen put these items away.

He stood up and looked towards the sky. "Black Tiger Legion, huh..." A thoughtful look flashed in his eyes. It seemed this Black Tiger Legion was not a good organization.

"If that's the case, then I'll eradicate them completely!" A cold light flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he blurred, vanishing from the spot.

In the City Lord's residence, the City Lord sat on a chair, his face pale. "City Lord, who exactly was that young man? To be able to easily slay a Martial Saint expert!" one of the guards asked with lingering fear.

The City Lord shook his head. "I don't know either, but since he could slay a Martial Saint expert, he must have an extraordinary background."

"City Lord, what should we do next?" the guard asked.

The City Lord pondered for a moment. "Send people to repair the damaged parts of the city. As for that Black Tiger Legion, do not provoke them for now."

"Yes, sir!" the guards responded.

After leaving the city, Ye Chen swiftly traveled northward. Based on the map found in the burly man's storage ring, he pinpointed the Black Tiger Legion's headquarters. The Black Tiger Legion was located deep within a remote valley. The valley was surrounded by lush forests and rugged rocks, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Ye Chen arrived outside the valley and found several Black Tiger Legion soldiers guarding the entrance. These soldiers were not weak, all at least at the Martial Sect realm. Ye Chen did not alert them. Instead, he employed a stealthy movement technique, silently infiltrating the valley.

Inside the valley, it was like another world. Buildings stood in rows, brightly lit, and filled with the bustling sounds of people. Ye Chen stealthily moved forward, avoiding patrolling soldiers, and arrived at the deepest part of the valley. He discovered a massive palace there. Above the palace, the characters "Black Tiger Legion" were clearly written.

A cold smile played on Ye Chen's lips. "Indeed, it's here." He didn't hesitate, charging directly into the palace.

Inside the palace, it was brightly lit. A middle-aged man sat on the main seat. He wore black armor and had a stern face; he was the leader of the Black Tiger Legion. Below him sat several high-ranking members of the Black Tiger Legion. They were discussing something.

Suddenly, a figure burst into the hall. Everyone was startled and looked towards the newcomer.

"Who are you? How dare you trespass into my Black Tiger Legion!" The leader roared, suddenly standing up.

Ye Chen remained expressionless. "I am here to destroy your Black Tiger Legion."

"Arrogant!" The leader was furious and punched at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen also threw a punch.

*Bang!*

The two fists collided with a loud crash. The leader's body jolted, and he stumbled back several steps. Ye Chen remained motionless.

"This... how is this possible!" The leader's eyes widened in shock. He was a Martial Emperor expert, yet he had been forced back by a single punch from this young man.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "Nothing is impossible." He took a step, instantly appearing before the leader. "Die!" Ye Chen delivered a punch straight to the leader's chest.

The leader's face changed dramatically, and he hurriedly tried to defend. However, Ye Chen's punch was unstoppable.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the leader was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. He coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his aura weak.

"Leader!" The high-ranking members of the Black Tiger Legion cried out in alarm, rushing towards him.

A murderous glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, a terrifying aura emanated from the depths of the palace. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, looking towards the palace depths. "More experts?" A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

An old man emerged from the palace depths. He wore a gray robe, his face gaunt, and his aura was powerful. "This old man is the Grand Elder of the Black Tiger Legion. Who are you? Why have you intruded upon my Black Tiger Legion?" the old man asked gravely.

Ye Chen said calmly, "I am here to destroy your Black Tiger Legion."

"Arrogant brat!" The Grand Elder was furious and launched a palm strike. A massive palm print roared forth, carrying terrifying might, heading towards Ye Chen.

Ye Chen snorted coldly and also launched a palm strike.

*Bang!*

The two palm prints collided with a loud crash. The Grand Elder's body jolted, and he stumbled back several steps. Ye Chen remained motionless.

"What!" The Grand Elder's eyes widened in shock. He was a Martial God expert, yet he had been forced back by a single palm strike from this young man.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "What of a Martial God? In front of me, you're still no match!" He blurred, instantly appearing before the Grand Elder. "Die!" Ye Chen delivered a punch straight to the Grand Elder's chest.

The Grand Elder's face changed dramatically, and he hurriedly tried to defend. However, Ye Chen's punch was unstoppable.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the Grand Elder was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. He coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his aura weak.

"Grand Elder!" Everyone cried out in alarm.

A murderous glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, an even more terrifying aura emanated from the depths of the palace. Ye Chen's brows furrowed, looking towards the palace depths. "Even stronger ones?" A hint of solemnity flashed in his eyes.

A white-haired old man emerged from the palace depths. He wore a white robe and had a kindly face, but his aura was exceptionally terrifying. "This old man is the Ancestor of the Black Tiger Legion. Who are you? Why do you make an enemy of my Black Tiger Legion?" the Ancestor asked gravely.

Ye Chen said calmly, "I am here to destroy your Black Tiger Legion."

"Impudent!" The Ancestor roared and launched a palm strike. A sky-obscuring palm print roared forth, carrying destructive power, engulfing Ye Chen.

Ye Chen's face remained calm. His spiritual energy surged within him, and he also launched a palm strike.

*Boom!*

The two palm prints collided with a deafening sound. The entire palace trembled violently, on the verge of collapse. The Ancestor's body jolted, and he stumbled back several steps. Ye Chen remained motionless.

"This... how is this possible!" The Ancestor's eyes widened in shock. He was a peak Martial Saint expert, only a step away from the Martial Emperor realm. Yet this young man could block his attack and show no signs of weakness.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "Nothing is impossible." He took a step, instantly appearing before the Ancestor. "Die!" Ye Chen delivered a punch straight to the Ancestor's chest.

The Ancestor's face changed dramatically, and he hurriedly tried to defend. However, Ye Chen's punch was unstoppable.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the Ancestor was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. He coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his aura weak.

"Ancestor!" Everyone cried out in alarm.

A murderous glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the depths of the palace. Ye Chen frowned, looking towards the palace depths. "Still not over?" A hint of impatience flashed in his eyes.

An old woman emerged from the palace depths. Her hair was white, her face gaunt, and her aura was even more terrifying than the Ancestor's. "This old woman is the Ancestral Matriarch of the Black Tiger Legion. Junior, you will not leave here alive today!" the old woman shouted sharply.

Ye Chen snorted coldly. "Is that so? Let's see!" He blurred, instantly appearing before the old woman. "Die!" Ye Chen delivered a punch straight to the old woman's chest.

The old woman's face changed dramatically, and she hurriedly tried to defend. However, Ye Chen's punch was unstoppable.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the old woman was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. She coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, her aura weak.

"Ancestral Matriarch!" Everyone cried out in alarm.

A murderous glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, an ancient voice emanated from the depths of the palace. "Stop!" Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, looking towards the palace depths.

A white-haired old man, leaning on a cane, walked out unsteadily. His face was withered, and his aura was weak, as if he could collapse at any moment. "This old man is the Hidden Ancestor of the Black Tiger Legion. Young friend, could you grant this old man some face and let bygones be bygones for today's matters?" the old man asked gravely.

Ye Chen said calmly, "Give you face? What are you?"

"Arrogant!" The old man was furious and suddenly raised his head. A terrifying light flickered in his eyes. A powerful aura burst forth from his body.

Ye Chen's face remained calm, without the slightest fluctuation.

"If that's the case, then don't blame this old man for being impolite!" the old man roared, throwing a punch at Ye Chen. This punch contained world-destroying power.

A hint of disdain flashed in Ye Chen's eyes. "A petty trick!" He also threw a punch.

*Bang!*

The two fists collided with a loud crash. The old man's body jolted, and he stumbled back several steps. Ye Chen remained motionless.

"This... how is this possible!" The old man's eyes widened in shock. He was the strongest expert of the Black Tiger Legion, yet he had been forced back by a single punch from this young man.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "As I said, nothing is impossible." He took a step, instantly appearing before the old man. "Die!" Ye Chen delivered a punch straight to the old man's chest.

The old man's face changed dramatically, and he hurriedly tried to defend. However, Ye Chen's punch was unstoppable.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the old man was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. He coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his aura weak.

"Ancestor!" Everyone cried out in alarm.

A murderous glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, a golden light soared up from within the old man's body. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, looking at the golden light. Within the golden light, there was indeed a golden token. On the token, a lifelike black tiger was carved.

"This is the Black Tiger Legion's legacy token!" A hint of surprise flashed in Ye Chen's eyes. He hadn't expected the Black Tiger Legion to have such a legacy token.

The golden light shot into the sky, condensing into a phantom figure in the air. The phantom figure was a middle-aged man in a black robe. He had a stern face, eyes like lightning, and a powerful aura.

"I am the founding Ancestor of the Black Tiger Legion! Junior, how dare you destroy my Black Tiger Legion!" The phantom figure roared and launched a palm strike. A massive palm print descended from the sky, carrying terrifying might, heading towards Ye Chen.

Ye Chen's face remained calm, without the slightest fluctuation. His spiritual energy surged within him, and he also launched a palm strike.

*Boom!*

The two palm prints collided with a deafening sound. The phantom figure's body jolted, and he stumbled back several steps. Ye Chen remained motionless.

"This... how is this possible!" The phantom figure's eyes widened in shock. He was the founding Ancestor of the Black Tiger Legion, with strength comparable to a Martial Emperor. Yet this young man could block his attack and show no signs of weakness.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "Nothing is impossible." He took a step, instantly appearing before the phantom figure. "Die!" Ye Chen delivered a punch straight to the phantom figure's chest.

The phantom figure's face changed dramatically, and he hurriedly tried to defend. However, Ye Chen's punch was unstoppable.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the phantom figure was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground. He coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his aura weak.

"Ancestor!" Everyone cried out in alarm.

A murderous glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and he was about to strike again.

Suddenly, the phantom figure's body swelled rapidly.

"Oh no! He's going to self-detonate!" Ye Chen's face changed, and he quickly retreated.

A ferocious look appeared in the phantom figure's eyes. "Junior, today, I will show you the might of my Black Tiger Legion!"

*Boom!*

With a massive explosion, the phantom figure's body shattered. A terrifying wave of energy spread in all directions. The entire valley trembled violently, rocks crumbled, and trees snapped. The members of the Black Tiger Legion, caught in the energy wave, were sent flying, spitting blood.

Ye Chen stood his ground, letting the energy wave impact him. Spiritual energy flowed around his body, forming a protective shield that blocked the impact.

Once the energy wave dissipated, Ye Chen slowly retracted his spiritual energy. He surveyed the devastated valley, a slight curve forming on his lips. "Eradicating the roots was indeed the right choice." He turned, preparing to leave.

Suddenly, a faint aura emanated from the rubble. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, looking at the debris. Amidst the rubble, a man in black armor lay on the ground, his aura weak. It was the leader of the Black Tiger Legion. He was not dead.

A hint of surprise flashed in Ye Chen's eyes. "I didn't expect you to still be alive." He walked over to the leader, looking down at him.

The leader struggled to raise his head, his eyes filled with fear. "Who... who exactly are you?" he stammered.

Ye Chen said calmly, "Someone you cannot afford to provoke." He raised his hand and brought it down with a palm strike.

*Thump!*

With a dull thud, the leader's body exploded. Flesh and blood splattered, leaving no trace of his bones.

Ye Chen retracted his hand and said indifferently, "Since I'm eradicating the roots, I might as well be thorough." He scanned the valley, confirming there were no more survivors.

Then, Ye Chen blurred and vanished from the spot. The Black Tiger Legion was completely annihilated.