Chapter 105: Rising Fame

The Phoenix Chariot, drawn by the divine bird under Gu Tianfeng's command, is adorned with exquisite ornaments, exuding an aura of sanctity and luxury. The Azure Luan spreads its wings as it pulls the cloud-imbued chariot touchingly close to the ground, trailing alluring celestial mist behind. Ancient, mythical beasts, whose names have long faded from memory, lug ancient war chariots, their archaic designs coming step by steady step closer...

On the bustling streets, cultivators from the Celestial Domain notice these magnificent carriages and instinctively maintain their distance. The disparity in status is stark, and they would not risk provoking these prominent figures, lest their lives face irreversible consequences.

Carriages stop casually along the roadsides. Various ancient creatures crouch solemnly on the ground, silently awaiting their masters' return.

Those who disembark from these carriages and enter the Chaos Tavern are unmistakably influential figures within Hunyuan City—heirs of major powers, venerable strong cultivators of ancient doctrines... all have arrived upon hearing rumors. Some beings from other celestial cities have traveled through the night to Hunyuan City, eager to witness this rare battle among the successors of Immortal Kings.

On one side stands the progeny of an Immortal King from the Primal Ancient Realm's royal lineage; on the other, the atavistic descendant of the venerated Hunyuan Immortal King, both youthful and remarkable, drawing considerable attention.

The key importance lies within the Xixue Realm, where the combat among cultivators hinges significantly on the potency of their bloodlines.

Thus, the duel between these two young scions holds profound undertones, subtly symbolizing the contest between their fathers.

The clandestine comparison of status between the King's Immortal and the Hunyuan Immortal King has begun spreading silently across the universe, stoking ever-increasing fervor and infusing this Xixue Realm confrontation with extraordinary significance.

Within the ancient halls, Wang Heng is fully prepared, reaching his peak condition.

At this moment, the Black King walks in with a worried expression.

"Black King, what's wrong? Has something unexpected occurred?" Wang Heng inquires.

"No true changes, but certain individuals have ascribed an additional significance to this clash, framing it as a proxy battle between your father and the Hunyuan Immortal King.

This complicates matters, for we're guests at Shangcang Mountain, and offending our host would be unwise."

Wang Heng, hearing this, falls into thoughtful contemplation.

Compromising his performance is out of the question. A cultivator must forge ahead unperturbed, giving free rein to their genuine intentions.

With such confidence, there's no room for hesitation or concern.

"Black King, I believe the matter isn't as severe. Even if I emerge victorious, it's unlikely to escalate into a definitive distinction between the two Immortal Kings, given that one is an Immortal King's progeny and the other an atavistic ancestor."

The Black King scratches his chin contemplatively with an inky paw, pondering for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"True, although the atavistic one's bloodline is significantly closer to a direct descendant, it still falls short.

Let's proceed. Time's almost upon us, and as guests, it's best if we arrive at the arena first."

Wang Heng nodded and followed closely behind.

...

In the Chaos Tavern's arena, the usually sparsely populated stands were filled to capacity today.

Not only had prominent figures from Hunyuan City gathered, but also beings from other immortal cities had arrived. Among them were true immortals and even several quasi-immortal kings, including the protector of the ancestral regressor youth.

Due to these distinguished guests, the atmosphere in the arena was solemn and austere. Ordinary cultivators whispered quietly, refraining from speaking loudly.

Many wore Chaos Tavern's unique chaos masks, concealing their true identities and origins.

With the stands fully occupied, the true immortal in charge of the arena from Chaos Tavern appeared, standing at the center to loudly introduce the identities of the combatants.

"Wang Heng, progeny of the Immortal King of the Primal Ancient Realm's Wang Family, and Hunyu, descendant of Lord Hunyuan, with ancestral regressor lineage and unmatched talent."

The mention of 'Hunyu' sparked rounds of cheers from the audience, as he was a descendant of the Hunyu City's ruler, a native of the Immortal Domain, while Wang Heng was considered a foreigner from the Primal Ancient Realm.

Since ancient times, beings of the Immortal Domain have viewed the Primal Ancient Realm as a lower realm. In these inter-realm duels, they naturally favored the Immortal Domain, hoping for their victory.

Then the two central figures emerged. Wang Heng stepped out first, standing at one side of the arena. The youth named Hunyu also appeared, positioning himself opposite Wang Heng.

The true immortal of the Chaos Tavern announced the start and vanished instantly.

The two youths did not rush towards each other immediately but looked at each other, observing every move.

It was the first time Wang Heng had seen the youth named Hunyu. He had dark skin, was clad in battle armor that wasn't particularly ornate, and had resolute eyes devoid of arrogance or haughtiness.

By rights, as an ancestral regressor cultivated by his family, at his age, it would be easy for him to grow proud. However, Wang Heng found no trace of arrogance in Hunyu, indicating that he was a deeply steadfast being, not to be underestimated.

While Wang Heng pondered, Hunyu made the first move without any hesitation, initiating with a peerless technique from the Hunyuan Dao Sutra—the Hunyuan Punch.

The vigorous power of blood and qi, along with the brilliant light of the primordial spirit, converged in this supreme punching technique, tracing the path of the Dao with every swing.

A being at the Dawn Blood Stage unleashed astonishing power, causing the Immortal Domain spectators to marvel at the ancestral regressor's reputation.

Wang Heng remained expressionless, though he was inwardly surprised. Normally, the Hunyuan Punch from the Hunyuan Dao Sutra should be practiced at the third stage of immortal arts, the 'Spirit Molding' Stage.

Yet, here was Hunyu executing it at the Dawn Blood Stage, clearly demonstrating formidable strength and a spirited aim for the immortal king status.

"Boom!"

The sound of the Hunyuan Dao rumbled like thunder, swirling around Hunyu's fist with an overwhelming force that seemed capable of shattering all things, exuding an unstoppable aura.

Wang Heng, undeterred, responded with his Transcendent Blood State Dao Fruit, mobilizing all the divine glow in his body, transforming it into countless ancient bells vibrating in unison.

In the next moment, a layer of hazy blood-red brilliance emerged from his body, resonating with an extreme force of blood and energy that pressed upon Hunyu with unprecedented pressure.

Filled with excitement, Hunyu shouted and swung his Hunyuan Fist with relentless determination.

Wang Heng gathered his strength, launching a punch that contained nothing more than pure blood energy, empowered by his Transcendent Blood State Dao Fruit and divine aura.

"Dong!"

A thunderous clash echoed like two small mountains colliding.

Following this was the crisp sound of bells ringing from every corner of Wang Heng's body, layering together to form a terrifying wave of sound that spread in all directions.

Hunyu, being the closest, bore the brunt as the horrifying force struck him, instantly flinging him back, shattering his fist, rendering his flesh a bloody mess, exposing the stark white bones.

This scene struck fear among the Celestial Domain cultivators watching from the stands.

What was anticipated to be an evenly matched duel was resolved in a single exchange, with Hunyu clearly overmatched, forced into retreat and sustaining considerable injuries.

"Cough!"

In that moment, he felt as though he hadn't struck flesh but had punched a massive human-shaped bell.

The opponent's attack, combined with the bell's rebound, formed a shockwave that completely battered him, rendering him unable to withstand such a formidable force, leaving him gravely injured in an instant.

"Transforming blood into ancient bells, Brother Wang is indeed skillful," Hunyu praised, his eyes shimmering with admiration for Wang Heng's Dao Fruit mastery.

He realized that the Transcendent Blood State should not merely increase the density of blood and energy or serve as a transitional state but also be a versatile realm for exploration and development, just like Wang Heng exemplified.

The stronger the foundational realm, the more stable the Dao basis, leading to greater achievements in the future—a truth plain and simple.

"Brother Hunyu is formidable too, not inferior to the true progeny of an Immortal King.

I imagine that the ancestral bloodline awakening occurring in Brother Hunyu must be akin to a phoenix's rebirth in fire—an intense transformation," Wang Heng complimented in return.

This isn't mere flattery, but a heartfelt admiration.

From the recent clash, Wang Heng discerned the other's prowess, far surpassing typical offspring of Immortal Kings. No wonder the Hunyuan Family had decided to focus their nurturing efforts on him.

"Haha, Brother Wang, you flatter me. Next, please go all out, no need to hold back. I wish to see how vast the gap is between us," Hunyu said, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with a laugh.

Despite the exchanges, Hunyu had already seen the disparity, knowing he couldn't possibly seize victory. Hence, he hoped his opponent would give his utmost effort.

Even in defeat, it should be a resounding one.

Wang Heng understood his opponent's intentions, nodding solemnly. This was a worthy adversary, unafraid of failure. Otherwise, he wouldn't have emerged prematurely from the first stage to battle him.

"Alright, Hunyu, be careful."

He gave a brief warning, then the divine brilliance of blood transformed endlessly, leaving traces of Dao.

A series of ancient bells turned into razor-sharp divine swords, exuding unparalleled sharpness.

Just by standing there, Wang Heng couldn't help but release sword intent, as if he were a human-shaped divine sword, shooting sword energy in all directions.

Hunyu's whole body shivered as the sword energy swept past, causing him to feel stinging pain.

"What a terrifying domain. Brother Wang's Dao fruit in the blood boundary is truly astounding and awe-inspiring."

He sighed in admiration before unleashing the Great Hunyuan Dao.

Mysterious sutras echoed, symbolizing a supreme existence, appearing outside Hunyu's body, forming an indestructible Hunyuan Divine Armor.

"Kill!"

Hunyu roared, his momentum immense, like a fierce dragon unleashed, charging towards Wang Heng.

On the opposite side, Wang Heng stayed dormant, accumulating sword intent until the moment was ripe to rise like a meteor traversing the sky.

"Boom!"

Sword energy erupted, unparalleled in attack, forming a stark contrast of offense and defense against the unbreakable Hunyuan Divine Armor.

In the vast arena, the two figures constantly intersected, each showcasing their ultimate skills in an earth-shaking showdown.

After dozens of exchanges, blood splattered everywhere. Hunyu was sent flying backward, his body covered in smooth cuts from the sword energy. The so-called Primordial God Armor had long dissipated, his body armor reduced to mere scrap.

As for Wang Heng, he remained standing where he was, unmoving like a mountain.

He withdrew the radiance of his blood, his entire being becoming composed, no longer exuding the sharpness he had before.

"I have lost."

With his body covered in scars, Hunyu let out a bitter smile and said as much.

Then, he spoke with self-mockery: "I have long heard that the Wang family is renowned for their Divine Soul Sword Technique. Brother Dao, you must have mastered this supreme sword art. Amusingly, I was defeated before even witnessing it firsthand.

No, now it should be called the Peacebreaking Technique."

Shaking his head, he let out another bitter smile.

Wang Heng said nothing, unsure of what to express. His divine body inherited the Primordial Spirit of his original form, which was already powerful. Later, it merged with the soul seed on the brink of extinction, elevating him further with endless potential. Had he employed the Peacebreaking Technique, Hunyu might not have withstood even a second strike.

By this time, the spectators were in an uproar. No one anticipated that the Ancestral Regressor of the Hunyuan family would suffer such a thorough defeat, being dominated throughout the battle.

Clearly, Hunyu was not weak and was one of the outstanding descendants of the Ancient Bloods, yet he still suffered a decisive defeat at Wang Heng's hands.

It could only be said that Wang Heng's combat strength was too formidable, leaving cultivators of the same realm far behind.

"This Wang Heng is indeed interesting," remarked a True Immortal, nodding in approval. "He achieved extraordinary results in the Blood Dawn Realm, no wonder Hunyu was overwhelmed.

One has made a breakthrough in this realm, pioneering a new path of evolution, while the other buries himself in enhancing blood intensity by treading the old path—it is clear who stands superior."

Many experts were discussing the unique Blood Dawn Realm exhibited by Wang Heng, highly praising his talent.

"Haha, as expected from someone trained by me, the Black King. This is no longer just about Blood Dawn; it's about Blood Transformation."

Standing in the betting area, the Black King laughed heartily, his large black claws constantly collecting, amassing a vast amount of divine medicine and celestial materials, grinning from ear to ear.

In stark contrast were several True Immortals veiled in chaotic energy, their expressions hidden. Nonetheless, given the staggering stakes lost, their expressions were undoubtedly grim.

"Blood Transformation... indeed an apt name," a watching Supreme Immortal King agreed with the Black King's comment.

"Indeed, as the radiant blood flowed, it was as if a celestial river was being transported. From here onwards, the Blood Dawn Realm should be renamed.

It has been ages since such an innovative change occurred in the initial stages of cultivation. The entire Immortal Domain seemed stagnant, but only by continuously breaking new ground can it return to its former flourishing times. This Wang Heng, very good," concurred another Supreme Immortal King.

The audience of cultivators buzzed with discussion, all focusing on Wang Heng's extraordinary talent and formidable battle prowess. They couldn't help but mention his father's legendary feat of single-handedly quelling the unrest at the border of foreign lands.

Soon enough, Wang Heng's triumph over Hunyuan swiftly spread like wildfire, reaching several great immortal cities and establishing his burgeoning reputation.