Chapter 32 - Destroying the Shadow

Seeing the projection other people soon fell into silence.

Wei Canglan said in a serious voice, "We'll attack together. The power of this Imperial Decree may be strong, but it will not last for long."

The others nodded in acknowledgment. Any one of them would likely be killed if they were to face a five-layer Alpha-Origin stage opponent alone.

However, just as Genesis Qi began to surge around them, Zhou Qing, who was at the very front, suddenly extended his hand to stop them.

"Your majesty?" Wei Canglan looked toward Zhou Qing in confusion.

Zhou Qing's hand tightly gripped the scarlet-red Nine Flames Spear while his body continued to tremble. Blood-red veins had already climbed out in his eyes as he stared at the golden figure.

Moments later, a hoarse voice sounded from this mouth.

"I will deal with him."

Wei Canglan's expression immediately changed upon hearing this and could not help but say, "Please don't be reckless Your Majesty. That Imperial Decree golden figure… has the cultivation of the five-layer Alpha-Origin stage!"

The current Zhou Qing was only at the third layer Alpha-Origin stage!

Zhou Qing slowly turned his head and looked towards Zhou Yuan, his voice still hoarse as he spoke, "The defeat from back then left a shadow in my heart, leading to a huge drop in my strength and making me unable to progress ever since that day…"

"I need to overcome this myself, or I will never be able to take another step forward."

Warmth suddenly surfaced in Zhou Qing's eyes as he looked at Zhou Yuan. He gently patted the latter's shoulders as he smiled and said, "My failure to protect you back then was my mistake, but… I will not let him hurt you this time."

This was his final pride as a father.

After saying these words, Zhou Qing delayed no further. With a small jerk of the Nine Flames Spear, he slowly advanced as he pointed the spear at the golden figure of King Wu.

"Come Wu Xuan!"

Zhou Qing took a step forward as the scarlet-red spear pointed at the golden figure. His expression was determined as if nothing could stop him from destroying the shadow that had been left in his heart.

"Zhou Qing ah Zhou Qing, it seems that you will not shed tears till you see the coffin." Qi Yuan let out a sinister laugh, his eyes filled with mockery when he saw that Zhou Qing was going to take on King Wu's projection alone.

"If you were at your peak, this Imperial Decree golden figure would not be able to do anything to you. But the current you is a mere third layer Alpha-Origin, yet you still dare to be so arrogant?"

Zhou Qing ignored Qi Yuan's mockery. The former's gaze was so tightly glued to the blurry golden figure that it was as if no other foe could enter his sight.

"Since you wish to seek death, I will grant your wish!"

Qi Yuan laughed icily, more than happy to watch Zhou Qing try to act tough. If Zhou Qing was killed, the advantage would be theirs again.

With these thoughts in mind, Qi Yuan shook the golden Imperial Decree. Astonishing Genesis Qi exploded from the golden figure, making it even more intimidating.

The bottom of Zhou Qing's spear slammed into the ground. Thunder rumbled within his scarlet-red Genesis Qi as it dashed out from the top of his head.

Boom!

A hundred-foot-long stream of scarlet-red Genesis Qi swept out and headed straight for the golden king Wu projection. The Genesis Qi was scorching and violent, burning even the surrounding air.

However, King Wu's projection did not even flinch. Instead, it shot forward as a punch was sent straight into the scarlet-red stream.

Bang!

The berserk Genesis Qi was blown away by the punch, causing the scarlet-red stream to fall apart.

The power of this king Wu projection was more than enough to overwhelm any third-layer Alpha-Origin.

Rumble!

King Wu's projection stepped forward, fast as lightning as numerous fist images began to engulf Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing did not back down, choosing to match force with force!

However, the outcome a dozen rounds later was him sent flying backward. Blood had appeared at the corner of his mouth, evidence that he had gained no advantage in the previous clashes.

"I'm afraid that Zhou Qing has gone mad." Qi Yuan laughed coldly. It was indeed insane for a third-layer Alpha-Origin to clash directly against a fifth-layer Alpha-Origin.

It seemed that Zhou Qing had been triggered by the golden king Wu's projection, causing him to lose all reason.

The two figures continued to exchange blows in the sky. Zhou Qing seemed not to care how much he was being overwhelmed, continuing to relentlessly charge forward and meet the King Wu projection head-on.

Thud! Thud!

Muffled sounds echoed in the air, originating from the King Wu projection's fists landing on Zhou Qing's body.

Crack!

Zhou Yuan's eyes were glued to the battle in the sky, fists clenched so tightly that cracking noises were emitted.

After a few minutes, the King Wu projection was practically undamaged, while Zhou Qing's figure now appeared exceptionally miserable, his lone arm gripping his spear as fresh blood dripped from his body.

Even with such serious injuries, the Nine Flames Spear in his hand did not tremble as it was slowly raised.

It was a tragic yet solemn scene.

However, Zhou Yuan and the rest knew that the one Zhou Qing was challenging was not the golden King Wu projection in front of him, but the shadow that had been branded in his heart when King Wu had taken one of his arms so many years ago.

Fresh blood flowed down the long scarlet-red spear as Zhou Qing looked at King Wu's projection and said in a hoarse voice,

"Come!"

Qi Yuan's expression darkened somewhat. Zhou Qing's tenacity made him a little uneasy. Hence, he immediately said in an eerie voice, "Fine, since he wants to die, I shall grant him his wish. It has been tiring for him to live in King Wu's shadow for so long after all."

The golden Imperial Decree in his hand jerked.

The King Wu projection paused for a moment before making a grabbing motion as powerful Genesis Qi began to gather behind it. As golden light surged, the Genesis Qi transformed into a golden wheel of light that was about a dozen feet wide.

Rays of golden light emerged from the wheel, floating in the air in front of it as each ray transformed into a golden sword made from Genesis Qi.

Swish! Swish!

In the next instant, several thousand golden swords abruptly shot forward, seemingly covering the entire sky while blocking every possible route of escape for Zhou Qing. Such an attack could be said to be a finishing move.

Golden swords filling the entire span of his vision, Zhou Qing roared the Nine Flames Spear in his hand spinning like a fiery-red wheel. Flames and lightning twisting around it, forming a wheel of light.

Clang clang!

The swords arrived and smashed into the fire lightning wheel, astonishing Genesis Qi undulations exploding from every hit.

The scarlet-red wheel did its best to endure, but the golden swords were too many and too powerful. Several penetrated the wheel's defenses, stabbing Zhou Qing's body with a 'squelch'.

A dozen breaths later, the golden swords finally disappeared.

Countless gazes were cast in Zhou Qing's direction, only to see that his head was slightly lowered, his only arm tightly gripping the Nine Flames Spear. Golden swords dotted his body, fresh blood dripping from them.

Even with such serious injuries, his body remained as straight as a rod like the spear in his hand.

This scene shook everyone from both sides, making them incapable of speaking. Even the soldiers of Great Qi were awed by his fearless posture.

"He should soon be dead, right?" Qi Yuan's eyes were grim as he stared at the extremely battered form of Zhou Qing. The former could feel the Genesis Qi around the latter gradually weakening.

Every gaze both inside and outside the city had converged on Zhou Qing.

Blood slowly dripped from the long spear. However, Zhou Qing's eyes slowly cracked open at this moment. With a jerk of his body, the golden swords embedded in it were shattered.

His eyes seemed to become extremely dazzling at this moment as if the many years of dirt that had obscured them were gradually being washed away.

The bloody holes on his body had also begun to close.

He stared at the King Wu projection. Although he knew that it was merely an empty vessel endowed with power, he still slowly said, "The battle back then had indeed ended your victory."

"And I had always believed that I lost to you."

"But… I now suddenly realize that I did not lose…"

"Because I managed to protect my son's life."

"You may have won the lands of the Great Zhou Empire and the sacred dragon blessing… however, you will one day realize that all of these external things you have won are not even worth a single hair on my son."

"He will take everything back!"

"The battle between Zhou and Wu has not ended yet!"

The moment his final word faded, scarlet-red Genesis Qi exploded from within Zhou Qing's body like a volcano. His eyes became as glaring as the sun, while his Genesis Qi undulations began to rise!

Fourth layer Alpha-Origin stage!

Fifth layer Alpha-Origin stage!

In a short span of several breaths, Zhou Qing's cultivation had risen from the third layer to the fifth layer of the Alpha-Origin stage!

Horror immediately filled the faces of Qi Yuan, Zhao Tianlun, and the rest.

"His majesty… has broken free of the shadow in his heart and his strength has gradually begun to recover!" Wei Canglan trembled as he watched, his eyes suddenly reddening.

Zhou Qing seemed to have cast off his many years of concession and tolerance, once again regaining his kingly dignity.

Just like many years ago during the golden age of the Great Zhou Empire, the king whose might made even the seas shudder.

Zhou Qing gripped his scarlet-red spear as powerful Genesis Qi erupted like a volcano. In the next instant, his figure disappeared as a streak of scarlet red was painted across the horizon.

Speed so quick that no one could detect him.

Nine flaming pythons seemed to curl around the long scarlet-red spear while lightning danced at its tip.

Squerch!

Zhou Qing's figure appeared behind King Wu's projection as a flash of scarlet pierced the golden figure's chest. Back facing back, Zhou Qing's hand closed around the Nine Flames Spear that landed within it.

The King Wu projection began to tremble violently at this moment. In the end, it gradually crumbled, transforming into a golden light that filled the sky.

Bang!

The golden Imperial Decree in Qi Yuan's hand exploded at this moment. Behind him, Zhao Tianlun and the rest were trembling, ashen-faced as they looked up at Zhou Qing in the sky.

They never imagined that the shadow that had trapped Zhou Qing for so many years would be broken by him today through the King Wu projection!

"It's… truly over now."

Despair began to rise in Qi Yuan's eyes.

Outside the main city gate, Zhou Qing stood in the air, flames burning and lightning cackling on the Nine Flames Spear in his hand. The powerful pressure that flooded out from his body was akin to a storm as it engulfed the land.

As countless people gazed upon this figure, they seemed to once again see the dignified king of the Great Zhou Empire at its peak.

"King Zhou Qing!"

"King Zhou Qing!"

Innumerable cheers filled with reverence exploded from the city walls, almost bursting one's eardrums.

Joy flooded Zhou Yuan's eyes as he gazed at Zhou Qing's mountain-like back. Overcoming the shadow in his heart meant that his strength would gradually recover, something that made Zhou Yuan sincerely happy.

"Father, you did not lose to King Wu. The baby you gave everything to protect has now begun to grow up."

"Retreat!"

"Quickly!"

While Great Zhou's morale had skyrocketed, Great Qi's had completely crumbled. Even Qi Yuan had a frightened look on his face as he yelled for them to withdraw.

A split second after giving the signal, he was the first to shoot away, hoping to escape.

The Zhao Tianlun duo tried to retreat. Zhou Qing's strength had reached the five-layer level, making none of them his match.

"Stop them. Since you've decided to come, don't even think of leaving." Zhou Yuan's eyes flashed coldly when he saw them flee.

Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King nodded in acknowledgment before immediately giving chase.

In the air, Zhou Qing coldly looked over, his gaze locking onto Qi Yuan as his grip around the spear slowly tightened.

He indifferently said, "I allowed you to do as you place in the Great Zhou Empire for the past few years. Allow me to personally correct all of these mistakes today."

Vigorous scarlet-red Genesis Qi surged around him as the faint sound of rumbling thunder echoed, giving off an imposing pressure.

Swoosh!

Zhou Qing took a step forward, his figure transforming into a streak of scarlet that headed straight for Qi Yuan.

Qi Yuan's expression immediately turned to terror when he sensed this. Without the slightest hesitation, he pushed his Genesis Qi to the limit and frantically fled.

However, the current Zhou Qing was much stronger than before, far surpassing a three-layer Alpha-Origin like Qi Yuan. Thus, it only took several breaths for Zhou Qing's figure to appear right behind the latter.

Zhou Qing was expressionless, the long spear in his hand akin to a dragon of fire and lightning, rippling the surrounding space as it dove toward Qi Yuan.

The ferocity of the attack caused Qi Yuan to be filled with horror. Metallic runes of light exploded from the sword in his hand as he frantically poured Genesis Qi into it.

Swish!

Qi Yuan thrust his sword. All of his Genesis Qi had been poured into this very strike and it could be said to be deadly without equal.

Clang!

However, it was as if lightning exploded the moment the spear tip touched the sword as a surge of astonishing power cackled.

Bang!

Space violently warped and rippled. Qi Yuan let out a miserable cry as the Black tier Genesis sword in his hand disintegrated.

Terrified, he hastily shouted, "I surrender your majesty, I surrender!"

Unfortunately, the only response was a decisive fatal thrust from Zhou Qing's spear. With a squelch, it pierced Qi Yuan's heart. Violent blazing Flame-Thunder Qi crazily poured into Qi Yuan's body, scorching away everything inside in a short few breaths.

The terror on Qi Yuan's face turned rigid at this moment. He grasped the spear that had penetrated his chest, his eyes staring at Zhou Qing as he mumbled, "Zhou Qing… King Wu will not let you off!"

Zhou Qing was expressionless. With a jerk of the spear, Qi Yuan's body fell from the sky, his life fully extinguished.

"King Qi has been executed. Kill everyone who does not surrender!" Zhou Qing's icy voice thundered across the battlefield.

The morale of the originally fleeing King Qi army hit rock bottom when they heard of King Qi's death. Countless individuals fell to their knees and cast off their weapons and armor, making the ground look like a complete mess.

The Alpha-Origin Zhao Tianlun trio were surrounded by Zhou Yuan, Tuntun, Wei Canglan, and the Black Venom King, each of the trio cutting a more sorry figure than the previous.

While Zhao Tianlun was evading, he angrily shouted, "Zhou Qing, don't push it! If you kill us, King Wu will not let you off!"

"Even if I do not kill you lot, neither King Wu nor myself will let this matter rest!" Zhou Qing let out an icy chuckle. With a swing of the spear in his hand, he too joined the encirclement. The Alpha-Origin Zhao Tianlun duo were quickly defeated and subsequently killed after a dozen exchanges.

Three Alpha-Origin experts fell one after another, their blood spraying onto the ground below. Countless individuals in the Great Qi rebel army shuddered as they lay on the ground, not daring to make even the smallest of movements.

The imperial guard surged out from the city like a flood and swiftly took control of the battlefield.

It was at this very moment that the flames of rebellion were finally smothered.

The many residents inside the city exploded into earth-shaking cheers when they saw this.

"All hail the king!"

"All hail the prince!"

Amongst the cheers that filled the sky, Zhou Qing landed on the city wall, his only arm holding the Nine Flames Spear as a smile appeared on his determined face. The gloominess that had entrenched itself between his brows for far too long had completely vanished.

After this battle, the king of Great Zhou from many years ago finally returned.

"Congratulations father. You will surely ascend to your peak again after dispelling the shadow in your heart." Zhou Yuan also landed and grinned at Zhou Qing.

"Yuan'er, I have to thank you this time." Zhou Qing sighed. If not for Zhou Yuan, victory would have been Qi Yuan's even without the King Wu Imperial Decree.

Moreover, Zhou Qing would naturally not receive the chance to break free of the shadow in his heart.

Zhou Yuan smiled before he turned towards the corpses of Qi Yuan and the rest. "Although we managed to suppress King Qi's rebellion, news of this will spread to King Wu's ears."

The current Great Wu Empire was enjoying a golden age of prosperity and had numerous powerful practitioners. The Great Zhou Empire was far too weak in comparison.

Zhou Qing slowly said, "The Great Wu Empire is currently occupied with other top-tier empires such as the Sword Empire, and has no time to worry about us for the time being. As long as I recover my strength, any petty tricks they try will not be able to affect us."

"However… when they are finally able to find some time to deal with us, I'm afraid that they will attempt to deal a fatal blow to the Great Zhou Empire."

Zhou Yuan nodded. Soon after, he chuckled and said, "It seems that we still have a little room to breathe…"

"I will take my leave, Father, since the rebellion has been crushed, I will go back to cultivating, I have to explore my Genesis Qi too."

"I see you may leave than Yuane'r"

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END

3120 Words