Chapter 1454: Who Dares Not Bow

The scene fell silent; no one spoke anymore. No one understood how the two individuals had died; they had only seen them transform into gruesome splatters of blood with two loud bangs just as they were about to touch Zihuan’s body, a truly shocking sight.

Could this be the rumored revival? The awakening of a Great Cosmos-level Dao fruit?

But what kind of joke was this?

Such beings were few throughout history, meticulously documented in the Yang Realm. Was there ever one like this?

The Li Fire Heavenly Crow's heart pounded, his old face wrinkled like a shriveled orange peel. He was filled with doubt and alarm. After careful recollection, he found that there was indeed a record of an avian being – a certain senior who had disappeared in recent antiquity, rumored to have reincarnated but never reappeared.

Everyone's expressions were strange; they still found it hard to believe.

At this moment, not a single drop of blood had splattered onto Zihuan. Instead, a layer of mysterious immortal light covered her, making her appear sacred and flawless, radiating an astonishing brilliance. A dazzling halo formed around her body; she seemed to stand within a luminous divine moon, exceptionally miraculous. The metal cage that had trapped her instantly turned into dust, crumbling to the ground and disappearing completely. This was due to the immortal light radiating from her body; the shackles disintegrated, the cage turned to dust, and she floated in the air, her body emitting countless rays of light, impervious to all attacks.

At this moment, even the Phoenix King's expression changed. That cage had been forged from a divine metal; even a Heavenly Venerate would struggle to break it without considerable effort. But now, Zihuan's body had merely emitted a burst of light, radiating the cage into dust. This was a power that made even the Phoenix King tremble with fear!

This miraculous sight stunned everyone.

Inside the bronze hall, auspicious light radiated in all directions, and immortal mist billowed. Faintly, an ethereal scene appeared behind Zihuan: tens of thousands of immortal mountains, floating islands, and celestial palaces suppressing the sky above. Those scenes were distant and illusory, yet they continuously revolved around her, as if a heavenly realm had descended. It was very similar to the legendary ultimate beings' reincarnation and revival, drawing back their previous life's Dao Fruit.

Those around her felt their hair stand on end. Was this little bird, initially arrogant but later tormented, crying and pitiful, truly the reincarnation of an invincible being?

But it was truly unbelievable. How could she be a Great Cosmos-level being?!

Someone searched around, trying to find something unusual.

Zihuan's little heart was trembling wildly. 'What's happening?' she thought. 'Am I really a Great Cosmos-level invincible being? Am I finally going to be the master?' She had a strange illusion that she could poke a hole through the sky with a single finger! This wasn't an illusion. The energy surrounding her was now so dense that space itself was collapsing. With a slight movement, large black cracks appeared in the void around her body, truly terrifying!

Indeed, most of it was real.

In the shadows, Chu Feng used a force field to infuse a large amount of life essence into her body through the ground, replenishing her deficiencies and healing her injuries. Furthermore, Chu Feng had also arranged dense offensive energy around her, surrounding her but not touching her body like the life essence. This was an unpredictable technique of a Field Grandmaster, imperceptible to those present.

Zihuan naturally also had an illusion: 'I'm going to defy the heavens! I truly am a Great Cosmos-level being reviving!'

"'I shall rule the world and shatter everything by myself!'" Zihuan murmured, lost in a trance. She was in a daze, utterly surprised. 'So I'm actually this powerful!'

Her words left those around her speechless. Some had complex expressions, their hearts pounding with fear, while others simply couldn't believe that this arrogant, tearful little woman was an awakened invincible being.

Zihuan remained in a daze for a long time before finally patting her chest, reminding herself: 'Be a lady, be reserved, don't be too violent.'

"'Be low-key!'" she thought. "'I should be more understated.'"

"Cough!"

She gave a dry cough and declared, "I am Great Cosmos-level, invincible throughout heaven and earth! All of you, come and kneel!"

She claimed to be low-key, yet she held her head high, radiant and confident, blurting out such a statement.

Everyone was petrified. 'Is this what you call reserved and low-key?!'

They felt both shock and anger, but even deeper, fear. Who could kill silently in front of several Heavenly Venerates? Could it truly be her... after her revival?

"'Right, stay low-key!'" Zihuan coughed, reminding herself as if self-hypnotizing. Yet, the result was that she became arrogant again, looking down on everyone. She declared, "You simpletons, you fools, are you all stupid? Aren't you going to come and apologize, bearing thorns on your back, and kneel to receive my decree?"

'Is that how you stay low-key?'

Everyone closed their mouths, unwilling to speak.

Even Chu Feng was speechless, quietly watching her perform from a distance. He wondered how much further she would go, if she would ascend to the heavens, or how ostentatious she could become.

Zihuan glowed all over, transforming into a purple-clad maiden, surrounded by divine radiance. She was ethereal and otherworldly, like a celestial fairy hovering in the air, except her luminous white chin was practically pointing to the sky.

"'I'm truly starving; I haven't eaten in ages! Hurry up, I want a plate of dragon liver and phoenix marrow! You, the red-haired one, yes, you! Go prepare it for me!'" She pointed at the Red-Haired Heavenly Venerate. Then, she cast a sidelong glance at the Phoenix King and said, "You, old hag, go prepare my bathwater. I've just awakened, and my Great Cosmos-level body feels rusty. I need to bathe in Primordial Golden Immortal Flowers to properly nourish it. Go arrange it quickly! You probably can't get enough, so if you really don't have them, then settle for Phoenix Blood Buds. Hurry, I'm waiting!"

The Phoenix King almost spat out a mouthful of blood. The little bird who had been trembling like a pecking chick just two days ago, having been disciplined by her, was now defying the heavens? Calling her an 'old hag' to her face, bossing her around, and shouting loudly—the Phoenix King truly wanted to strangle her right there! However, she was wary. The area was extremely dangerous, with energy emerging that frightened them all. Whether it was emanating from Zihuan or from someone else, their situation was dire.

"'My heart is fluttering from hunger! I hear there are many Li Fire Heavenly Crows in the Sun River. Someone, go stew a Li Fire Heavenly Crow for me!'" Zihuan spoke again, pointing at another Heavenly Venerate present. It was precisely the Li Fire Heavenly Crow Heavenly Venerate, who had lived for an immensely long time. But at this moment, he could no longer keep his composure; veins pulsed uncontrollably on his forehead. Zihuan raised her chin and added, "Oh, I forgot to ask, what kind of Li Fire Heavenly Crow is it? Is it the 'crow' as in a duck, or 'crow' as in a raven? If it's the latter, then forget it; I have no appetite!"

At this moment, the Li Fire Heavenly Crow Heavenly Venerate's orange-peel face was practically on fire. He endured it repeatedly, then decided to act. He was a Heavenly Venerate; when had he ever suffered such insolence?

"'Audacious!'" With a soft cry, Zihuan's phoenix brows shot up as she looked down at the Li Fire Heavenly Venerate. "How dare you rebel against your superior and disobey my decree?!"

In an instant, the void around her exploded, and black cracks spread. Even the bronze hall shattered, turning into powder in the void and falling to the ground. This was a precious treasure, yet it had shattered when her body merely trembled slightly? For a moment, even the Li Fire Heavenly Venerate was stunned, frozen in place.

"'I have awakened, unrivaled in the world! Who among you dares not bow down?'" Zihuan clasped her hands behind her back, growing increasingly confident. "'I am a Great Cosmos-level being, and this is how it should be: low-key yet majestic! Oh right, since I'm so powerful, shouldn't I settle old scores with that human trafficker?'"

"'I command you all to continue luring the demonic Chu Feng into the trap! I want to beat him—no, I want to properly teach him a lesson! How dare he make me suffer so terribly!'" Zihuan said, holding her head high.

Chu Feng couldn't bear to watch any longer. This little bird was getting too carried away, soaring past outer space into the great cosmos. If she continued like this, she'd float into the heavens, and soon enough, she might even challenge the various Heavenly Emperors of history.

Zihuan staggered, then plummeted—or more accurately, crashed to the ground! Her face was blank. 'I'm invincible in the world, so why did I fall from the sky?!' Falling from mid-air, she ached all over. Tears were about to fall; it hurt so much! Instantly, everyone's gazes were peculiar as they stared at her.

In an instant, Zihuan's hair stood on end. 'I'm a Great Cosmos-level expert, so where's the revived energy in my body? Why has it all rapidly receded?'

"'I'm a bit tired, so I'm temporarily pausing my revival to rest. But don't provoke me! If I'm stimulated, I'll instantly awaken and can still crush all of you!'" Zihuan threatened, but no matter how one looked at it, she was feigning fierceness while inwardly terrified. She talked tough but was actually scared to death, knowing herself that something was very wrong and that trouble was coming.

"'Heh heh...'" The Phoenix King sneered, truly wanting to slap her to death. However, in the end, she began scanning her surroundings with extreme vigilance, searching for the hidden strong individual.

Zihuan was on the verge of tears. This experience of falling from heaven into hell was too drastic. No matter how hard she tried to compose herself, it was useless. She had already begun to tremble uncontrollably, then buried her head in her hands and squatted on the ground. Such a display was truly... pathetic!

"'I... I'm tired. I'll rest for a bit,'" she explained softly.

'Still 'this palace'?' At this point, no one paid her any mind!

Chu Feng strode out of the pine forest, stepping onto the green grass. He stood alone facing the group by the lake, his hair fluttering, his eyes bright as he stared at everyone. In an instant, the entire training ground was seized by panic. A chilling aura swept through, making everyone's hair stand on end!

"'Chu Feng!'"

"'He... why is he here now!'"

"'Isn't he being pursued by the powerful experts of the Martial Emperor lineage?!'"

Many were terrified, their hair standing on end, feeling death approach!

Zihuan, who was squatting on the ground, heard these cries of alarm and instantly looked up, wiping away her tears. "'Ah, Chu Feng, why do you seem to be getting smaller? You're still not as tall as me!'"

In an instant, Chu Feng's face turned dark. He really wanted to hit her. 'Is that the point? I came to save you; shouldn't you be crying tears of joy? Besides, you say I'm small—where am I small?! Of course, that's not the point!' Yet, he wanted to emphasize it anyway!

Chu Feng felt aggrieved and indignantly rebuked Zihuan in front of everyone. The group was also speechless, thinking, 'You've had enough; you're also missing the point!' Even Zihuan was in a daze. 'Who exactly is missing the point?'

She quickly came to her senses and swiftly complained: "Chu Feng, you great demon king, you've caused me so much suffering! This time, they captured me because of you. I've been wishing for someone to save me, but instead I suffered torture, beaten every day, and even my beautiful divine feathers were almost plucked out! The Yang Realm is too terrifying; I've endured so much torment these past few days, losing a full thirty pounds!" Then she quickly added: "Fortunately, I was quick-witted just now, calmly impersonating a Great Cosmos-level being to intimidate them, otherwise my fate would have been miserable. Of course, your timely arrival was also very important, I... I'm so touched!"

She showered him with exaggerated flattery, trying to make amends. By the end, she even believed herself, convinced that she had been calm and composed, unflustered in crisis, having long forgotten her pathetic trembling and tearful crying.

"'So touched that you wanted to continue luring and beating me?'" Chu Feng scoffed.

"'That was just improvising, you know,' Zihuan muttered awkwardly." Indeed, she secretly harbored a dream: when could she finally beat up this demonic Chu Feng? This guy was too detestable; ever since they met, he had constantly provoked and intimidated her.

"'Chu Feng, I think there have been some misunderstandings between us,' the Phoenix King said. Her sense of crisis was strong; she realized their situation was dire and wanted to ease the tension."

"'Elegant planning, hunting, amusing... these are all misunderstandings?'" Chu Feng sneered. As he brought these up, he was once again filled with righteous indignation. These people were too arrogant. How dare they target him and those around him, believing themselves superior? They dared to treat him as prey. So Soul Light Cave was impressive, huh? He'd overturn it sooner or later!

At this moment, the red-haired man became more direct. He moved against Zihuan, thinking this might be the most effective method: capture the little bird to make Chu Feng hesitant. The Heavenly Venerate acted, swift as a lightning strike, and dazzling runes engulfed Zihuan. However, as quickly as he attacked, he retreated just as quickly. In front of Zihuan, large areas of field symbols lit up on the ground, forming a dazzling light curtain that enveloped her, making her impervious to all techniques! Since Chu Feng had arrived, how could he possibly let Zihuan be harmed again? He had already taken precautions.

With a loud boom, the void shattered, and Chu Feng's fist appeared directly before the red-haired man, too fast for him to evade. It was so fast that it terrified him, making the hair on his body stand on end. Almost upon contact, a large amount of blood mist exploded, and half of the Red-Haired Heavenly Venerate's body was gone. This was the disparity. He flew backward, landing motionless on the ground, various runes circulating on his body, suppressing him and threatening to disintegrate him instantly!

The difference in their strengths was too vast! Consider this: even an old Heavenly Venerate like Taiwu's senior sister was shattered by Chu Feng in six punches. There was simply no suspense when it came to a newly ascended Heavenly Venerate from Soul Light Cave.

During this process, Chu Feng meticulously controlled his energy, not affecting anyone else. The entire training ground remained intact, because he had truly discovered some good things and didn't want to destroy them. Not far away, there was a patch of snow-white bamboo forest, each bamboo stalk crystal clear and pristine. They encircled a plot of land where some immortal herbs, also snow-white, glowed softly.

"Soul Strengthening Grass!"

Chu Feng smiled for the first time. Coming here this time was worth it. He had long known that Soul Light Cave was most famous for its research into souls. At the same time, the cave also cultivated some great elixirs that were highly nourishing for the soul, among them being the Soul Strengthening Grass! This item sounded common, but its effects were exceptional. It could restore significant vitality to aged and fragmented souls, truly extending lifespan.

"'Heavenly Venerate Yu Shang, you might be saved!'"

During the Three-Way Battlefield, Heavenly Venerate Yu Shang had been very kind to Chu Feng, sheltering him multiple times. Unfortunately, this old man had been targeted by the Yuan clan, experiencing a difficult fate and losing all his children. Originally a descendant of a Heavenly Emperor, he was now the only one left in the Yang Realm. He himself didn't have much longer to live, at most a few years, perhaps even only a few months. This was truly unfair to him; Chu Feng wanted to save him. Moreover, this old man was likely Yaoyao's ancestor. No matter what, Chu Feng wanted to save him!

"'You still have Yaoyao as a descendant in the Lesser Underworld. I truly hope you can both live and meet someday.'"

Now, Chu Feng saw hope in saving Yu Shang. Ordinary rare treasures might be useless, but the great elixirs of Soul Light Cave should be effective. Last time, the Phoenix King bribed assassins from Black Capital by promising them Soul Strengthening Grass, which shows its rare and precious nature; even organizations in the underworld greatly desired it. At the same time, Chu Feng noticed that the soil in the medicinal field enclosed by the white bamboo forest was also extraordinary; some of it was even Great-Power level?!

Chu Feng's mood instantly improved significantly, one could even say it became excellent. This time's harvest might be quite massive!

While Chu Feng was distracted, the Li Fire Heavenly Crow soared into the sky, intending to escape. He was truly afraid and simply couldn't be a match for this demon. Unfortunately, he failed. In an instant, Chu Feng extended a large hand, forcibly pulling a Heavenly Venerate down from the sky and slamming him to the ground, rendering him immobile and suppressed!

In an instant, everyone's faces turned pale. This demon was too terrifying; even Heavenly Venerate-level cultivators were utterly incapable of resisting him.

"'Demon Chu—no, Divine King Chu, you are too mighty!'" Zihuan flattered, her large eyes sparkling as she proudly stood up, looking down at everyone. She declared, "See who among you still dares to disobey me, who dares to defy my decree!?"

This was a classic example of a fox borrowing a tiger's prestige.

Chu Feng glanced at the medicinal field, then turned his fiery gaze to the Li Fire Heavenly Venerate and said, "Later, I'll visit your cave dwelling as well, and you can present me with all sorts of rare treasures!" Soon, he narrowed his eyes again, looking towards the horizon, and muttered to himself, "That dark light is plundering the world. Actually, I can also seize this opportunity to collect benefits from various places. It's decided then; this might be a great chance!" He was truly preparing to loot the world! This included a visit to the Mad Martialist's training ground.

At this very moment, that dark light, as if sensing his thoughts, was indeed in the same state as him, lingering outside the Soul Light Cave, intending to conquer it. Meanwhile, in Yin Province, some ultimate beings felt uneasy, experiencing unsettling thoughts. For example, the master of the Black Blood Institute was currently frowning, wondering what was happening. 'Why am I feeling so unsettled? Is this place extremely dangerous?' Taiyi was ancient, with terrifying and boundless power. At this moment, he felt an even stronger sensation. He was currently looking up at the sky, pondering, 'Should I not emerge? Something feels wrong.'

"'Everyone, are you still not going to act!?'" The Mad Martialist roared. He had already taken action, divine light surging, the Martial Emperor exuding heavenly might, and a portion of his soul power invading the Great Underworld to seize the Ten Thousand Mother Golden Seal! The others also moved, attacking together!

In an instant, the Martial Emperor coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, staggering backward. This caused the entire Yin Province land to crack and threaten to collapse, an immensely terrifying sight!

"'Li, that lunatic! Damn you!'" The Martial Emperor roared. He was known as the Mad Martialist, yet he was now cursing Li in such a manner, showing how perverse and astonishing the situation he encountered was. The others also rapidly retreated, continuously splattering true blood! Something extremely terrifying had happened here!