Chapter 43 : Sacrifice

[This palm swings like a colossal pendulum, carrying unparalleled force, instantly striking the Ant King!]

[The underground palace continued to tremble, and the Ant King appeared powerless to retaliate, resembling a puppet colliding with several massive stone pillars before bouncing and collapsing to the ground!]

Many humans in the Hunter World were exhilarated by this spectacle and shouted in excitement.

However, the three guardians of the Ant King, Neferpitou, Shaiapouf, and Menthuthuyoupi, remained expressionless, showing no signs of panic.

Several renowned figures from various worlds shook their heads, recognizing that this attack, although impressive, failed to inflict any harm.

It wasn't that the elderly human was feeble; it was that the creature known as the Ant King possessed an exceptionally resilient body.

[Boom!]

[The Ant King displayed no signs of injury whatsoever and appeared provoked by this assault!]

[In the next instant, his body once again glowed with a purple aura, transforming into a shadowy blur to strike at Netero!]

[Simultaneously, a multitude of golden afterimages illuminated the hall as the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva attacked relentlessly under Netero's control.]

[At this point, the Ant King realized he couldn't draw near!]

[Every time he approached, the colossal golden Guanyin shadowed him closely, striking him unfailingly!]

[After analyzing the attack again, the Ant King noticed that his opponent's swinging arms were nearly ineffective in combat, yet strangely, incredibly swift!]

[But Netero felt no doubt whatsoever!]

[Many years ago, he had swung his arms fully, delivering 10,000 punches every day, with relentless dedication.]

[Initially, it took an entire day, but eventually, he could execute all 10,000 punches in under an hour!]

[And today was no different!]

[Netero's rapid movements initiated a series of relentless attacks.]

[In Ant King's eyes, the opposing defenses resembled an ever-changing game of military chess!]

[Furthermore, due to his game with Komugi, Ant King had acquired the ability to anticipate his opponent's moves, as every individual possessed their unique breathing rhythm, forming a distinctive pattern.]

[And if one could perceive this pattern, they could uncover their adversary's vulnerabilities!]

In the Shinigami world, Aizen marveled at how quickly this creature was learning!

Each attack wasn't in vain but instead lured the opponent to strike from different angles!

Suddenly, his eyes lit up!

[In the scene, the Ant King was sent flying once more!]

[However, as he soared through the air, he swiftly kicked off the ground and retaliated in an instant!]

[An opening had emerged, and like a skilled chess player capturing a piece, the Ant King severed Netero's right leg!]

In the real world, the previously excited humans were now bewildered and in disbelief.

Their ostensibly unbeatable opponent had been unable to touch the human's body, so how could he suddenly be defeated?

Nonetheless, the facts remained unchanged.

[The Ant King nonchalantly shook the blood off his hands and spoke with the demeanor of a victor:]

["Stop the bleeding, then tell me my name!"]

[However, Netero refused to concede, forcefully slapping his palm against his thigh, causing the blue veins to swell, muscles to contract, and staunch the bleeding!]

[Observing the humans who still possessed a fighting spirit, the Ant King grinned for the first time, almost making a declaration:]

["Next, I shall relieve you of your left arm!"]

[Boom!]

[The hall continued to vibrate as two figures of contrasting colors engaged in rapid combat!]

[At this point, the naked eye could no longer follow their movements!]

[All that could be seen were a multitude of golden fists, all of them mirages created by the Ant King!]

[But the final outcome mirrored the previous encounter.]

[Just as he had declared earlier, the Ant King cleanly severed Netero's left arm!]

[As if assuming that the humans before him were already defeated, the Ant King resumed his seated position!]

[However, could one fight with just one arm?]

[Netero paid no attention to the injury, flashing a sardonic smile, and stood with one hand placed over his chest.]

[In the next moment, the massive golden Guanyin materialized behind the Ant King!]

[At this juncture, Guanyin bore a compassionate expression, with all of her arms extended in a Senju shape!]

[100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva!]

[Zero Hand!]

[A look of shock crossed the Ant King's eyes as he realized he could not evade!]

[He could only watch as two massive palms slowly enveloped him.]

[The touch was gentle, akin to a warm embrace.]

[Then, abruptly, the compassionate Guanyin's visage contorted into something hideous.]

[Her mouth stretched grotesquely wide, revealing a dark and terrifying void within!]

[The energy within Netero's body now poured from him like a brilliant star into the black abyss!]

[Boom!]

[A blinding and terrifying golden torrent, brimming with destructive power, roared forth, striking the Ant King in the palm of his hand!]

[The torrent continued to pound, shattering the ground instantly and melting countless soils!]

[When the tumult ceased, a chasm of immeasurable depth remained, alongside cooling magma, and the Ant King had vanished.]

Many viewers from various worlds were in awe; this was the first time they had witnessed an attack that couldn't be avoided.

Even through the screen, they felt their hearts gripped by an inexplicable warmth that made it impossible to conceive of an assault.

In the Shinigami world, Zaraki Kenpachi frowned, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

Aizen contemplated the situation. Throughout the worlds, this was the first time he had seen such an extraordinary attack!

This expanded his horizons.

However, in the Hunters world, everyone's concern was whether the Ant King had perished or not.

The energy attack they had just witnessed had clearly undergone a qualitative transformation.

[The scene continues.]

[Amidst the settling dust, Netero leaned against the ground with one hand, gasping for breath.]

[What was even more astonishing was Netero's current appearance!]

[At this moment, he resembled an elderly man who had been plagued by disease for centuries, his once robust body now emaciated, his eyes sunken, and his flesh clinging to his skeleton like a layer of parchment!]

[He looked like a mummy drained of its life essence.]

Many immediately grasped that the attack had not only unleashed all of Netero's energy but had also converted all the essence of his flesh and blood into power.

[Drip, drip...]

[Footsteps suddenly resounded, and the Ant King reappeared.]

[Not only was he not dead, but he appeared slightly disheveled and not severely wounded.]

[Gazing at an opponent who resembled a centuries-old elder, the Ant King calmly remarked:]

["For your sake, I will establish a special zone for humans to reside."]

["As for the humans suitable for consumption, I will consider a selection process."]

["So, you shall not fight alone in vain."]

In the Hunter World, ordinary people were trembling.

In their eyes, the President of the Hunter Association had lost. Would their future be consigned to becoming food?

Many wept, and some even contemplated joining the Ant King prematurely, hoping to secure their survival.

Meanwhile, many hunters were disheartened, feeling overwhelmed by the Ant King's power.

In other worlds, powerful beings shook their heads.

What an unequal battle!

Was it all over?

Although the human's life-threatening strike was astounding, many believed that this battle was nothing compared to previous encounters.

However, at this moment, all viewers were struck by horror.

I see...

[In the scene, Netero's eyes darkened as a tremendous malevolence emanated from his form.]

[This malevolence was so vast that it seemed tangible, akin to a grinning skeleton selecting its next victim to consume.]

[From Netero's lips came a voice, old and hoarse.]

["I'm not fighting alone..."]

["Do not underestimate humans, Meruem!"]

Netero laughed for the first time, though beneath his gaunt and horrifying visage, he appeared more like a demon.

["This is the malevolence within the human heart..."]

[At this moment, the underground palace seemed to vanish, enveloped in boundless malevolence, resembling hell.]

[Netero clasped his sword fingers together, driving them into his own heart without hesitation, uttering his final words.]

["If there is a hell, we'll meet there..."]

Listening to Netero's gradually slowing heartbeat, the Ant King's eyes widened suddenly.

For the first time, he felt the sensation of fear.

The Ant King didn't comprehend why his opponent had chosen suicide, but he sensed death looming.

He realized he could die here.

[Ant King instantly understood what Netero did...]

[This battle...]

["You..."]

["Indeed..."]

["So from the beginning... Netero was ready to sacrifice himself...to kill Ant King"]

[The next second, a blinding white light consumed everything!]

[Hidden within Netero, a small nuclear bomb triggered by cardiac arrest detonated!]

[First, the fireball collapsed and then erupted ruthlessly in the following moment!]

[A colossal flame soared into the sky, and a devastating shockwave devoured everything!]

[Finally, a crimson pillar of evil rose stood amidst the scorched earth!]

*****

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