Chapter 805: Zhong Shan and Kong Xuan

The Sea of Blood Asura Formation, reversed by Wangchen, surged back. However, Wangchen was merely a secondary controller, not the primary one. Ren Zun still controlled the formation, and with a wave of his hand, he stopped the blood sea from moving westward.

Wangchen had betrayed them!

Ren Zun smiled faintly. "Kong Lietian? What of the Kong family? A ruler inferior to his minister, how could the minister truly be loyal?"

Ren Zun was not surprised by Wangchen's departure; it seemed inevitable. Kong Lietian, a scion of the Kong family, would never fully utilize Wangchen's talents. Even if Wangchen entered the Kong family, he would not be valued. If Kong Lietian were an ordinary disciple, Wangchen could surpass him through his abilities. However, Kong Lietian's noble lineage created a master-servant relationship that Wangchen could never overcome. Kong Lietian's limited future meant Wangchen would eventually rebel.

Ren Zun turned his head to look at Kong Lietian on the city wall of End of Year City.

At that moment, Ren Zun's pupils contracted.

"Kong Xuan?" Ren Zun's face turned serious as he quickly turned towards Lingxiao Heavenly Court.

With a wave of his sleeve, countless blood seas enveloped Ren Zun, as if to hide his presence from prying eyes.

To the north of Lingxiao Heavenly Court.

Tian Chenzi sat in a mountain, concealing his aura and staring intently at the west gate of Lingxiao Heavenly Court.

Tian Ling'er, standing among three other women, felt a strange sensation and shifted her gaze from the blood sea to her surroundings.

"What's wrong?" Bao'er asked.

"Nothing, just a strange feeling," Tian Ling'er replied, dismissing it.

Tian Chenzi quickly averted his gaze, knowing this was not the right moment to act. Zhong Shan and numerous Great Zhen experts were present, making any move now too risky.

Suddenly, Tian Chenzi sensed a familiar aura. The Great Peacock? His face changed as he looked towards End of Year City in the southwest and saw Kong Xuan. A look of joy spread across Tian Chenzi's face.

"Truly, heaven helps me!" he murmured.

In the southern military camp below Lingxiao Heavenly Court, Wangchen pondered deeply after Zhong Shan's departure. After a while, he walked out of the grand hall.

No soldiers dared to stop him. Wangchen's previous battle had established his strength and respect. He had broken the Four Symbols Formation; his prowess was undeniable. Additionally, Yin Luori had emphasized that Wangchen was a guest to be treated with utmost respect.

Standing at the hall's entrance, Wangchen gazed at the west gate of Lingxiao Heavenly Court from afar.

He furrowed his brow, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

Memories of the past replayed in Wangchen's mind.

After a long while, he muttered to himself, "Father, why can I never understand you?"

"Why call me Wangchen and not Shijiu? Are you still holding a grudge?"

"No, Father is as magnanimous as the vast sea; he wouldn't hold a grudge. There must be a reason for it!"

"The death of my adoptive mother has always been a nightmare for Father. I believe, even after tens of thousands of years, he feels the same. But why was he so calm just now? Is it because he doesn't trust me?"

"Is it because of Yinglan? I deliberately provoked her with reverse psychology; Father couldn't have missed that."

In the southern military camp, Wangchen's mind raced as he tried to decipher Zhong Shan's intentions. Despite his turmoil, he remained composed on the outside, a testament to his training and discipline. The camp buzzed with activity, soldiers preparing for the next phase of the battle, unaware of the inner conflict their leaders faced.

At End of Year City, Kong Lietian's fury knew no bounds. The betrayal of Wangchen had struck a deep blow.

"Traitor! Traitor Wangchen, how dare you betray me?" Kong Lietian roared in rage.

"He betrayed you? It seems your judgment isn't as great as you thought!" a soft, ethereal voice came from behind Kong Lietian. He turned abruptly to see a handsome young man standing there, his face covered in cracks like a shattered porcelain mask pieced back together.

Kong Xuan had arrived!

"Greetings, Grandmaster!" Daojun Shen Ya immediately said.

"Senior Kong Xuan!" Kong Lietian, suppressing his anger, bowed in respect.

"He betrayed you, and what can you do about it?" Kong Xuan said with a cold smile.

"I want him dead. He bears my divine mark. I want him dead!" Kong Lietian said with a chilling tone.

With that, Kong Lietian made a gesture, and the crack on his forehead flashed with three-colored light.

"Why isn't it reacting?" Kong Lietian's face changed.

"Because he has already shattered your divine mark!" Kong Xuan said indifferently.

Kong Xuan walked to the front of the city wall and gazed into the distance towards Lingxiao Heavenly Court.

Zhong Shan, standing at Lingxiao Heavenly Court, looked back at Kong Xuan from afar.

Kong Xuan? You have finally arrived!

Zhong Shan's mind whirled with thoughts of Wei Kuier. If what Wangchen said was true, if there was even a chance that her soul was trapped in Kong Lietian's black banner, he had to act. But not now. The battle required his full attention, and any rash move could jeopardize their position.

"Master, what did Shijiu say? Should we acknowledge him?" Bao'er asked.

Zhong Shan's agitation was interrupted by Bao'er. He took a deep breath, looked at Bao'er, and then at the distant military camp.

"Shijiu? This will be his final test. If he remains in the camp after the battle, it will prove his sincerity and loyalty to the Zhong family, and he will become the fourth prince of Great Zhen. If he leaves, then..." Zhong Shan shook his head, not finishing the sentence.

"What could that be?" Wangchen's face continued to change.

Just as Zhong Shan had intended, this period in the southern military camp was the ultimate psychological test for Wangchen. It was a journey of self-reflection.

If Wangchen's heart truly lay with Zhong Shan and the Zhong family, if he believed without regret that his roots were with the Zhong family, he would find peace in his return. However, if Wangchen had ulterior motives, his conscience would be troubled, and Zhong Shan's earlier calm demeanor would lead to endless speculation. The smarter the person, the more they would find "evidence" to support their suspicions. Wangchen, being exceptionally intelligent, would be tormented by his own doubts for the duration of the war.

On Lingxiao Heavenly Court, Zhong Shan watched the blood sea surge once more. His expression remained unperturbed. This final battle would not end so easily.

"Di Xuan Sha, this might be the last battle in the Small Thousand World. This time, I officially leave Shen Ya Daojun to you. Unlike last time, I want him dead," Zhong Shan said to Di Xuan Sha beside him.

"I understand," Di Xuan Sha nodded.

"Give it your all in this final battle. Leave a legend for the world," Zhong Shan said, looking meaningfully at Di Xuan Sha.

Di Xuan Sha was surprised by Zhong Shan's gaze, which seemed to pierce his soul. It felt as if Zhong Shan knew everything about him, making Di Xuan Sha break into a cold sweat.

Taking a deep breath to calm his shock, Di Xuan Sha nodded solemnly, "Rest assured, I will give my all this time!"

"Good," Zhong Shan nodded.

Their brief exchange was unnoticed by others, but the depth of meaning was clear to the two of them.

"Zhong Shan, the blood sea is coming again. Do you need my help to curse them?" Hao Meili eagerly offered.

"Not now," Zhong Shan replied.

"Why not?"

"Because it would be dangerous for you."

"How could it be dangerous for me?" Hao Meili asked incredulously.

"Do you see that green-clad youth on End of Year City?" Zhong Shan pointed.

"Ew, he's covered in cracks, how disgusting!" Hao Meili showed a disgusted expression.

"His name is Kong Xuan. His strength is no less than that of 'Ying.' Just as you couldn't curse Ying, you won't be able to curse him either. Moreover, the curse master in the underworld might have been trained by him. If you act, you will disrupt the balance and force him to act prematurely. That's not what I want, and you will be targeted," Zhong Shan explained.

Seeing Zhong Shan's concern, Hao Meili smiled faintly and nodded, "Okay."

Zhong Shan had another reason he didn't mention: he was buying time, continuing to feign weakness. On this battlefield, the strongest was not himself but the heavily injured Kong Xuan.

Having chosen to confront Kong Xuan, Zhong Shan needed to prepare thoroughly. Kong Xuan was a cunning opponent, and brute strength alone wouldn't secure victory. The battle had to be fought strategically, from the heart. Last time, Zhong Xuan had been there; this time, it would be even more challenging without him.

Additionally, after Zhong Xuan's painful lesson, Kong Xuan would be much more cautious. This caution needed to be exploited perfectly.

To fight Kong Xuan, Zhong Shan had to give his all, leveraging every possible advantage—timing, terrain, human resources, mental fortitude, ferocity, and even powers beyond the Great Thousand World. Everything had to be utilized against Kong Xuan.

Kong Xuan? An ancient mighty figure, so what? With his severely injured body, he was like a dragon stranded in shallow waters, mocked by shrimp. This time, I, a mere mortal, will challenge your might!

With a gaze full of determination, Zhong Shan stared at the distant End of Year City.

Kong Xuan, standing atop the city wall, smiled coldly. Beneath that smile lay a hint of solemnity. The memory of Zhong Xuan's Great Derivation Life-Slicing Technique was still fresh. He had to be cautious; Zhong Shan was extremely cunning.

"Senior Kong Xuan, should we kill Zhong Shan first?" Kong Lietian asked.

"Kill? Don't you want to contend with such a formidable adversary?" Kong Xuan asked with a sidelong glance.

"Contend? We can contend any time, but not now. On the battlefield, it's a matter of life and death, winner takes all. With you here, we have an absolute advantage. Why waste the effort?" Kong Lietian shook his head.

Kong Xuan raised an eyebrow at Kong Lietian. "Didn't Confucius teach you? The path of the emperor requires both strategy and tempering. Court struggles and imperial battles are the best ways to hone your skills. Only by repeatedly defeating opponents and personally destroying enemy dynasties can your path of the emperor become sharp and invincible."

"But..." Kong Lietian frowned.

"Do you know why you are not as good as Zhong Shan?" Kong Xuan asked bluntly.

On the city wall, only Kong Xuan could speak to Kong Lietian so candidly. Although Kong Lietian was unwilling to admit it, he could only listen with a grim face when Kong Xuan spoke.

"You're smart, but you lack Zhong Shan's decisiveness and courage. Your power and influence came too easily, protected by the Kong family, our Immortal Realm, and the previous Taishui Heavenly Dynasty. Look at Zhong Shan's life—he started from nothing. Everything he has was built with his own hands. His ten army commanders, aside from the deceased woman, which one didn't he conquer with his own means? I've reviewed his records; most of these commanders were once his enemies. Yet Zhong Shan, with his vast tolerance, turned these strong adversaries into his allies. He has the courage to contend with any dynasty on his own. Do you?" Kong Xuan said solemnly.

"I don't?" Kong Lietian retorted, displeased.

"Then why did you call for me? Because only I can kill him. Such lack of courage to face the enemy will make you weaker and Zhong Shan stronger," Kong Xuan stated firmly.

Hearing Kong Xuan's words, Kong Lietian remained silent, his eyelids twitching.

"Skills aren't meant to be hidden. Over time, hidden skills become outdated as opponents develop new abilities that surpass yours. This is the final battle; show your full strength and let me see what the Kong family has chosen in you. When you truly can't defeat Zhong Shan, I will step in and ensure his destruction," Kong Xuan said.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior!" Kong Lietian took a deep breath and nodded.

With renewed courage, Kong Lietian looked towards Lingxiao Heavenly Court, while Kong Xuan stood behind him, his eyes narrowing slightly.

While Kong Xuan was instructing Kong Lietian, his primary motive was self-preservation. By having Kong Lietian lead the charge, Kong Xuan could observe carefully and ensure there were no unforeseen dangers before decisively striking down Zhong Shan.

Zhong Shan's gaze met Kong Xuan's from afar, each recognizing the other's presence and strength. This was a battle of wits, courage, and strategy, where only the most prepared would emerge victorious.

Within the southern military camp, Wangchen's thoughts were a maelstrom of confusion and introspection. Zhong Shan's calm reaction to the news of Wei Kuier had thrown him off balance. Was it mistrust? Strategy? Or something deeper? As he stood lost in thought, he realized this was his ultimate test—one that would determine his place within the Zhong family and his future.

Zhong Shan, maintaining his composed exterior, was internally calculating every move, every possibility. He knew this battle against Kong Xuan required more than just raw power. It demanded precision, patience, and the element of surprise. He had to draw Kong Xuan out, make him commit, and then strike with everything he had.

"Master, what did Shijiu say? Should we acknowledge him?" Bao'er asked, breaking Zhong Shan's reverie.

Zhong Shan took a deep breath, considering his response. "Shijiu? This will be his final test. If he remains in the camp after the battle, it will prove his sincerity and loyalty to the Zhong family, and he will become the fourth prince of Great Zhen. If he leaves, then..." Zhong Shan's voice trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.

Bao'er nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Zhong Shan's decision would shape the future of their dynasty and the fate of those loyal to it. The coming battle would be a defining moment, one that would resonate through history.