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Chapter 257 Return, Martial Arts Covered in Dust, Difficult to Wash Away the Impurities (5K)

Several hours ago.

Li Mu'e traveled thousands of miles to reach Shouyang City.

She was unaware of this at first, and for more than ten years she had been fighting against the Demon Alliance.

They were either chasing monsters or being chased by monsters, almost constantly teetering on the edge of life and death.

However, the location where the Demon Alliance was stationed was extremely desolate and isolated from the world for many years.

This resulted in her rarely returning to human cities, instead wandering in sparsely populated areas every day.

Even though the challenge at Shouyang Mountain was already known to every martial artist in Shengyuan Kingdom, Li Mu'e had never heard of it.

It wasn't until she was chasing a demon that she overheard them discussing a duel at Shouyang Mountain. A familiar name caught her ear, stirring a ripple in her heart that had been dormant for over a decade.

Only then did Li Mu'e realize that, after more than ten years, Su Chen had actually made such a great name for himself.

However, she soon found out the whole story.

Anticipating that Su Chen was in danger, she left the mountains to go and help him.

Fortunately, her location was not too far from the Ziyang Sect, and it took her more than half a month to reach the territory of the Ziyang Sect.

Just as she was about to go to the vicinity of Shouyang City to inquire about Shouyang Mountain, her sister told her that she had sensed Su Chen's aura.

To be precise, it was the aura of the Heaven-Severing Blade that was sensed.

Li Mu'e was stunned when she heard the news. She knew that the entire Holy Yuan Kingdom was searching for Su Chen and hoping for his appearance.

Today is the last day of the deadline, and everyone had almost given up hope, thinking that Su Chen would not appear. Unexpectedly, she ran into Su Chen halfway through.

Knowing the seriousness of the problem, Li Mu'e hurriedly urged the Demon-Slaying Sword to take her to find Su Chen.

The process went very smoothly, taking almost no time, and Li Mu'e met Su Chen with the help of the Demon-Slaying Sword.

only……

Looking at Su Chen's appearance, she could hardly believe it. Was this still the same Su Chen who was full of vigor and ambition back then?
After more than a decade of killing, her heart had long since turned to ice, but the moment she saw Su Chen, a wave of heartache surged up within her.

Li Mu'e looked at Su Chen with no pity or sympathy, only heartache.

Having come this far, she already knew what the challenge at Shouyang Mountain meant.

The glory of the past has now become a shackle, binding the man before him.

Li Mu'e stopped Su Chen, who was struggling to walk and looked like he was on his last legs. Her beautiful face was filled with determination: "You cannot go to Shouyang Mountain."

"Why?" Su Chen raised his cloudy eyes, but his words were sharp as he asked back.

Go there, you'll die!

Li Mu'e opened her mouth, but never uttered those words.

Su Chen chuckled as if he had expected this, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Li Mu'e did not move aside; her delicate brows furrowed as she stood in front of Su Chen, her expression resolute.

Just as Su Chen had persuaded her before, she now wanted to convince Su Chen as well.

"What if you don't come back after this trip?" Li Mu'e tried to persuade Su Chen to give up the idea.

Then you'll never come back!
Su Chen shook his head, not saying anything inappropriate, and instead reiterated, "I will be fine."

His eyes shone with the same unwavering brilliance as Li Mu'e had back then.

Li Mu'e stared intently at Su Chen, remaining silent for a long time.

Immediately, she sighed inwardly. In her confrontations with Su Chen, she was always the first to back down.

It was the same when the Demon-Slaying Sword was upgraded, and it is the same now.

However, she also knew that this was Su Chen's own choice, and while she could interfere, she couldn't make the decision for him.

So she gave in.

He stepped back, making way for Su Chen to walk an unknown path.

Seeing this, Su Chen smiled and nodded, then stepped forward.

Zheng.

The Demon-Slaying Sword detached from its sheath and hovered in front of Su Chen with a whoosh, making the same choice as Li Mu'e.

"Sister, let him go."

Before Su Chen could speak, Li Mu'e came to his rescue.

Zheng.

The Demon-Slaying Sword let out a sound of dissatisfaction, attempting to communicate with Su Chen.

But the moment her divine weapon's power entered Su Chen, it was like a drop of water merging into the ocean, silent and unnoticed.

Su Chen was refusing to communicate with her!
Clang clang clang.

The demon-slaying sword energy trembled violently in front of Su Chen, and even released a divine weapon power.

After more than a decade, the Demon-Slaying Sword has transformed into a top-tier divine weapon, comparable to a martial artist at the Divine Intent Realm, and its strength is undeniably formidable.

Once the power of the divine weapon was revealed, a huge light barrier was erected in front of Su Chen, blocking his path.

“Sister, just as I chose to leave back then, he is making the same choice now. You can stop him physically, but you can’t stop his heart. He will eventually appear,” Li Mu’e advised the Demon-Slaying Sword.

Perhaps Li Mu'e's persuasion was effective, after a brief stalemate, the Demon-Slaying Sword dimmed its light and slowly fell.

As if in a fit of pique, it returned to its sheath and made no further move.

"Thank you," Su Chen said, turning around to express his gratitude.

Li Mu'e shook her head and then said, "I'll wait for you at Shouyang Mountain."

She didn't understand why Su Chen was heading towards Shouyang Mountain step by step, but she didn't ask any further questions.

"Su Chen is here!"

A gasp pulled Li Mu'e back from her reverie: Su Chen has arrived!
A murmur arose from the crowd, which then dispersed, making way for them.

All eyes were focused on this road at that moment.

At the end of the road, a blurry figure gradually came into view, and when it was fully revealed, everyone was speechless.

"He...he's Su Chen? How is that possible!"

Why does he look so old? What has he been through in the past ten years?

"And the aura he exudes is so strange, it feels like that of an ordinary person..."

"You feel that way too? I thought I was just imagining things."

"Could it be that Su Chen failed to comprehend the true meaning of martial arts, which is why he turned into this state?"

“I think it’s not just a failure, it’s even more serious. He has lost his cultivation and looks like he has become a cripple.”

"Then what's the point of him coming here? To humiliate himself?"

"..."

A chorus of voices erupted as Su Chen appeared, and all the martial artists were stunned by his presence.

They were not only surprised by the change in Su Chen's appearance, but also by the change in his aura.

Su Chen resembled an old man in his twilight years, emanating no aura of a martial artist, and even walking seemed difficult for him.

"My benefactor, you..."

As soon as Zhu Yan, Zu Peng and the others saw Su Chen, they couldn't wait to come up to him.

But when they saw Su Chen, all their words were unconsciously stuck in their throats, and they could hardly speak.

Su Chen slightly raised his gaze and looked at the group.

Fang Rou, Zhu Yan, Zu Peng, Shang Shuo, Xie Sui... they are all old acquaintances.

A smile involuntarily appeared on his face, and he reassured the others, "I'm fine."

No one spoke; they all stared at Su Chen with complicated expressions. Even Zhu Yan didn't believe Su Chen was alright, given his miserable state.

Then, Su Chen turned to the others.

Yuan Wu, Jue Wuya, Jian Wuxiao, Jie Wuyou, Shi Tianyi, Yin Sisi, Nie Long... Fortunately, their appearances haven't changed much, and Su Chen still remembers them.

At this moment, they were also watching Su Chen, their expressions varying.

"Su Chen, you've become like this, and you still dare to show your face. I have to admire your courage," Duan Feng said gloatingly.

However, he immediately changed his tone, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "But no matter what you become, you won't leave unscathed today!"

"Duan Feng, there's no need for my benefactor to take action today. I will learn from your superior skills!" Zhu Yan strode forward, his brows furrowed and eyes fierce.

Upon hearing this, Duan Feng mocked without any attempt to conceal his sarcasm: "Su Chen, do you only dare to hide behind others?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yan, Zu Peng, Li Mu'e, Su Rou, and the others sharpened their gazes and all focused on Duan Feng.

Feeling the immense pressure from the group, Duan Feng's smile froze, but the contempt in his eyes grew even stronger.

“He’s right. This matter started because of me, so it should be ended by me. You shouldn’t interfere.” Su Chen agreed with Duan Feng’s words.

However, these words caused everyone's expressions to change.

Zhu Yan and the others looked worried and wanted to persuade Su Chen, while Yuan Wu and the others looked cold and watched coldly, and the onlookers had complicated expressions.

Ignoring the expressions of the crowd, Su Chen stepped forward and said, "I defeated too many people back then to remember them all. Who are they who want to fight?" As soon as he said this, everyone's expression changed drastically.

Does this guy still dare to spout such arrogant words and provoke Yuan Wu and the others?
Yuan Wu and the others' expressions turned extremely ugly.

Su Chen's words undoubtedly laid bare the scars of Yuan Wu and the others, exposing them to everyone.

Jue Wuya couldn't help but shout first, "Why do we need others to do this? Su Chen, I can subdue you by myself!"

"And me!" Jian Wuxiao then spoke up, his Yuan Tai power surging. He had no intention of handing Su Chen over easily.

The Corpse Puppet Sect's Jie Wuyou took a step forward without speaking, his actions revealing his thoughts.

Then, more than a dozen martial artists stepped forward one after another, revealing their auras, and everything was understood without words.

Nie Long was itching to make a move, but since Yin Sisi hadn't spoken yet, he was just anxious and didn't take any action.

"That's enough. With you in this state, there's no point in me taking any further action."

Noticing Fang Rou's pleading gaze and looking at Su Chen's expression, Yin Sisi sighed softly and chose to give up.

"Then I... will listen to Sisi." Nie Long immediately wilted like a frostbitten eggplant, and mumbled in agreement.

Following Yin Sisi and Nie Long's decision to give up, some martial artists who had little grudge against Su Chen also followed suit.

Of course, these numbers are just a drop in the ocean, a mere drop in the ocean.

At this moment, everyone's gaze turned to Yuan Wu, who had been watching silently until now.

Yuan Wu said calmly, "I have no interest in taking action against a cripple."

"Is that so?" Su Chen looked at Yuan Wu and the others not far away and said softly.

No one on the field noticed his change.

He made no attempt to hide his presence, taking a step forward and a sudden change in his aura.

If Su Chen was a rusty piece of iron before, he has now become a sword yet to be drawn.

It exudes a sharp and imposing aura.

This change instantly drew everyone's attention, and they stared at Su Chen with astonishment on their faces.

The changes have only just begun.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Su Chen took another step forward, and his aura changed once again.

The sword, sealed away for ten years, was drawn at this moment.

Ten years of honing a sword, today we test its edge!
An unparalleled sharp aura emanated from Su Chen, spreading in all directions and causing the blood and qi of the martial artists present to freeze and their energy to stagnate.

Sensing this change, Yuan Wu's previously indifferent expression became somewhat moved.

The changes are not over yet.

Then, Su Chen slowly walked forward.

With each step he took, the aura of time that had been building up on Su Chen dissipated, as if a withered tree were blooming with new life.

The body is no longer frail, the eyes are no longer cloudy, and the movements are no longer stiff...

They're back, they're all back, everything's back!
In a daze, everyone seemed to see Su Chen from ten years ago, now standing alive in front of them.

With each step he took, his aura grew stronger, and the cultivation he had accumulated over ten years erupted like a volcano.

Meridian opening, energy gathering, power level, primordial spirit...

Su Chen's aura reached its peak when he reached the perfected state of his primordial spirit.

"How can it be!"

The old man who had been watching Su Chen let out a startled cry, but no one paid any attention to it at the moment.

He stared at Su Chen in astonishment, the shock in his eyes growing stronger with each glance.

"A unified whole, an inner sage and an outer king—his physical body and primordial spirit have reached such a perfect state!"

Although he is an alchemist, he has a wide range of interests and extensive knowledge. He is not only familiar with Yuanli martial arts, but also with Tiandan martial arts and demon soul martial arts.

Leaving aside Su Chen's vast and boundless Yuan Power, what shocked him was Su Chen's physical body and primordial spirit.

The body is pure and flawless, like a pure elixir; even if it is not perfect, it is nine-tenths perfect.

His primordial spirit was perfect and unparalleled, substantial and pure, as if it had been polished hundreds of times, even purer than that of ordinary Dharma Aspect Realm martial artists.

What amazed him even more was how harmonious the physical body and the primordial spirit were, showing a tendency towards perfect compatibility.

It should be noted that such a transformation is usually a phenomenon possessed only by martial artists at the Longevity Realm, yet Su Chen achieved it at the Nascent Soul Realm.

Even someone as knowledgeable as him couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

At this moment, the way he looked at Su Chen changed, becoming profound and unfathomable.

Just like him, there are many elder-level martial artists hiding in the shadows.

The challenge at Shouyang Mountain attracted not only disciples from various sects, but also elders from various sects, though they remained hidden in the shadows and did not show themselves.

Upon seeing Su Chen's transformation, everyone's gaze sharpened.

"Good lad, using a divine weapon to seal his meridians and blood to rebuild his martial arts. Judging from his appearance, he must have rebuilt his martial arts countless times. Although he is a Nascent Soul Realm martial artist, he is not at a disadvantage even when facing a Divine Intent Realm martial artist!"

An elder from a sect exclaimed in surprise, never expecting that Su Chen would have such courage to find a new path and start cultivating martial arts again.

"It's a pity that if this boy had grasped the true meaning of martial arts, he would have become the second Ji Ziyang in my Ziyang Sect!"

Although I admire Su Chen's courage, judging from the current situation, Su Chen still hasn't grasped the true meaning of martial arts.

Without comprehending the true meaning of martial arts, no matter how strong one's Yuan Power cultivation is, one cannot advance further on the path of martial arts.

This is a fatal flaw, a fatal flaw that no one can solve.

"The path of martial arts is tarnished, and it's hard to wash away its impurities!" The elder sighed softly, feeling sorry for Su Chen.

Su Chen turned a deaf ear.

His gaze swept across the entire room, and apart from a handful of people, no one dared to meet his eyes, all of them intimidated by the sudden oppressive aura emanating from him.

Most of the people present were Nascent Soul Realm martial artists, but they were surprised to find that they could not muster the slightest thought of resistance in the face of Su Chen's Nascent Soul Realm pressure, as if they were willingly bowing down.

This change sent a chill down everyone's spines. Even though Su Chen was a Nascent Soul Realm martial artist, he brought them a pressure that even a Divine Intent Realm martial artist couldn't achieve.

how can that be!

Even Yuan Wu and Jue Wuya found it hard to accept.

Even as a martial artist at the Divine Intent Realm, when facing Su Chen's primordial spirit pressure, one felt a faint sense of submission.

This infuriated them, and an immense aura unconsciously surged around them, causing them to confront Su Chen from afar.

Jue Wuya roared, "Su Chen, now that you have regained your strength, do you dare to fight me?"

His eyes blazed with anger. He thought Su Chen had grasped the true meaning of martial arts, but he never expected that Su Chen was still just a Nascent Soul Realm martial artist.

A Nascent Soul Realm martial artist nearly caused him to lose face, which infuriated him, and he was about to make a move.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to Su Chen, their faces showing a strange expression.

In twelve years, the journey from the Great Completion of the Primordial Spirit to the Perfection of the Primordial Spirit can no longer be described as slow, but rather as tortoise-paced.

Not to mention comparing him to Yuan Wu and Jue Wuya, he's not even as good as ordinary geniuses like Duan Feng.

Su Chen has fallen!

The same thought arose in everyone's mind: Su Chen, who was once so glorious, had fallen and become even less than an ordinary genius martial artist.

"it is good!"

Faced with Jue Wuya's provocation, Su Chen replied calmly.

The moment the words fell, Su Chen immediately took action, his speed even faster than that of Jue Wuya.

Upon seeing this, Jue Wuya let out a soft snort.

Su Chen only has this kind of low-level tactic left. He thinks that he can win by striking first. He really doesn't know what he's talking about!
"Ok?"

Yuan Wu stared at Su Chen's extremely simple moves, a look of doubt appearing in his eyes. In less than a moment, the look of doubt quickly turned into astonishment.

Snapped!
To everyone's astonishment, a figure was sent flying backward in a disheveled manner, tearing through the air and crashing heavily onto the peak of Shouyang Mountain, creating a deafening sound and kicking up dust dozens of feet high.

No one expected that Jue Wuya, who had grasped the true meaning of martial arts, would be slapped away by Su Chen before he could even let out a scream.

This scene unfolded extremely quickly, but the flying figure remained etched deep in everyone's memory.

It seems that Jue Wuya was also slapped away like this back then, and the scene is so similar to this one!

"You bastard!" Jue Wuya roared and flew out, glaring at Su Chen.

He was careless; he didn't expect Su Chen to defeat him with just his Yuan Power.

"Again!" As soon as the voice fell, Jue Wuya was about to make another move.

At that moment, a figure rushed out first, and Jian Wuxiao's voice came: "Jue Wuya, you are no match for Su Chen, so I will take your place!"

He transformed into ten thousand swords, each one incredibly sharp and radiating sword intent.

This is not the meaning of a divine weapon, but rather the manifestation of the true meaning of martial arts that Jian Wuxiao imbued into the Yuan Tai Sword, after the Yuan Tai Sword merged with the Yuan Shen!

Once revealed, it carried an overwhelming power, like ten thousand swords and mountains exploding towards Su Chen.

(End of this chapter)