“Begin,” the Sword God told Yun Fan. “Go to the first disobedient one and test the waters.”
He was pushing Yun Fan into a difficult situation, immediately having him challenge a slightly weaker opponent.
From the Sword God’s explanation, Yun Fan learned that Mie Shi Shen commanded six Invincible War Gods, the weakest of whom had one foot in the Void Realm. This was a formidable lineup. Even in the Origin Realm, there weren’t so many masters.
If one were to compare overall, the Origin Realm’s lineup wasn’t weak. Xi Huang, the strongest, could easily overwhelm all seven of them. This was because Xi Huang had completely entered the Void Realm, though like the two top figures, he hadn't truly stabilized his footing there. Following him was Chen Huang, who also had one foot in the Void Realm. Wang Shuai could reach this level as well.
As for Yun Fan, he was considered an existence below the Origin Realm, having one foot in the Void Realm, but he couldn't compare to Xi Huang. Nevertheless, he was a renowned powerhouse. However, the Origin Realm had become history; now, only Xi Huang remained alive.
At this point, the Sword God transformed into his true form, for Yun Fan to wield. If Yun Fan weren't a fraud, he would truly embody the might of Mie Shi Shen. Both exuded an air of dominance and flamboyance, yet with an underlying restraint and humility. They were, in essence, perfect beings.
“Are you sure they truly cannot see my appearance?” Yun Fan asked cautiously.
“I am certain!” the Sword God replied. “Firstly, although they are Mie Shi Shen’s subordinates, they have never seen Mie Shi Shen’s true face. Secondly, as long as you wield me, it’s enough to prove you are Mie Shi Shen. Your appearance is secondary; when they look at you, it’s actually blurry.”
“Alright, then I’m relieved!” Yun Fan’s shoulders relaxed.
Led by the Sword God, Yun Fan arrived at a location within Mie Shi Shen Jie. It was incredibly prosperous and vast. Even if the Eight Directions Dao Prefecture and the Alien Demon Realm were combined, they might only equal the size of this single Dao Prefecture. It was evident that the guardian of this place was an expert not to be trifled with.
Indeed, the being residing here bore a unique title: Mie Shi Sha Huang (World-Destroying Killing Emperor). He had once been Mie Shi Shen’s foremost assassin. After Mie Shi Shen vanished, he had taken control of this region and declared himself king. This created a standoff with the other five, leading to constant warfare and suffering for the populace. This was especially true since this individual initiated a great extinction of life every few eons.
This was precisely why the Sword God wanted Yun Fan to confront Mie Shi Sha Huang first; he intended to use the Killing Emperor as an excuse to keep the other five in check, before dealing with them one by one. He was, in effect, taking over Mie Shi Shen's business. Previously, he had been hindered by the lack of a suitable candidate, which was why he hadn't dealt with these six. Now, he had found the right person. It was time for a restructuring. Before Mie Shi Shen’s return, he wanted to thoroughly reform Mie Shi Shen Jie. Otherwise, Mie Shi Shen, upon his return, would certainly not kill these subordinates. Despite bearing the name World-Destroying God, he was, like the Creation God, incredibly benevolent towards the world and people he had created. Yet, in the eyes of others, they were both regarded as undeniable demons.
As Yun Fan entered Mie Shi Sha Huang’s domain, Mie Shi Sha Huang sensed Yun Fan's presence. Yun Fan's aura was even stronger than his own. This angered Mie Shi Sha Huang; he would not allow anyone who could threaten him to enter his territory.
“Who are you? Why do you trespass on my land?” Mie Shi Sha Huang demanded. Indeed, thanks to the Sword God’s machinations, his perception of Yun Fan was blurry, preventing him from seeing Yun Fan’s true appearance. Even his sharp and piercing eyes couldn't penetrate this illusion.
Yun Fan replied, “After so many years, you don’t even recognize me?”
“Who exactly are you?” Mie Shi Sha Huang roared. “Stop playing games with me!” Clearly, he was becoming enraged. Yun Fan then produced the divine sword.
Instantly, Mie Shi Sha Huang was deeply shocked. “Master!” He hadn’t expected that after countless eons, the creator of this realm had returned. He might not recognize Yun Fan, but he certainly recognized the divine sword, as it was the standard weapon of Mie Shi Shen. It was impossible for him not to be moved at this moment, considering the many heinous deeds he had committed after his master’s disappearance. These were outstanding debts.
Yun Fan scoffed, “So you know to call me Master now. What were you doing before?”
Faced with Yun Fan’s humiliation, Mie Shi Sha Huang dared not utter a word of complaint. “Master, I have always awaited your return! Those few companions who fought alongside you have betrayed you and wish to usurp your position. Only I have patiently waited for you, never betraying you!”
“Silence!” Yun Fan said sternly. “You dare claim never to have betrayed me? You have betrayed me for more than just a day or two. I know everything you have done, and your actions are worthy of death ten thousand times over!”
At these words, Mie Shi Sha Huang nearly soiled himself. He had indeed committed many terrible acts, only daring to step out of line when he learned that Mie Shi Shen’s return was nowhere in sight. Now that Mie Shi Shen had returned, his previous arrogance vanished, revealing a trembling demeanor.
He quickly pleaded, “The other companions were even more ruthless than I was. I implore Master to spare my life!” He intended to divert the blame, drawing Mie Shi Shen’s attention to the others and away from himself. However, Yun Fan’s purpose was to deal with him, so he wouldn’t fall for such a trick. Although his agreement with the Sword God stipulated dealing with the others as well, he had to deal with Mie Shi Sha Huang thoroughly first.
“You have no chance,” Yun Fan told Mie Shi Sha Huang. “I once said that betrayal is acceptable, but harming my people is not!”
“For your cultivation, you have undoubtedly killed countless beings. I will hold you accountable for all these transgressions. Will you take your own life, or shall I assist you?”
These words deeply affected Mie Shi Sha Huang. He hadn’t expected that Mie Shi Shen would show him no mercy. He then resorted to emotional appeals. “Master, you were gone for countless eons, and I was merely swept along by the tide of events. If you believe I have wronged you, then I have, but I implore you to spare my life in consideration of our past battles. I am willing to fight for Master again!”
However, Yun Fan remained unmoved. “It seems you have no intention of acting, so I will help you!”
As soon as he spoke, Mie Shi Sha Huang exclaimed, “All my glory and power were given to me by Master. If you wish to kill me, I have no complaints. Master, strike!”
At that very instant, Yun Fan’s sword descended. Mie Shi Sha Huang, who had appeared ready to accept death, quickly sprang up, dodging the powerful killing blow.
“It seems you aren’t entirely sincere about seeking death!” Yun Fan said disdainfully.
“Hmph!” Mie Shi Sha Huang retorted. “If it were you from back then, I would have no choice but to await death. But years have passed, and your strength is no longer at its peak. Do you think you can still subdue me?”
“So, even if I let you go, you would no longer submit to me?” Yun Fan asked with a cold smile.
“That’s right!” he declared. “Times have changed. Even if this world was created by you, it ultimately no longer belongs to you but to all of us!”
“Delusional!” At that moment, Mie Shi Sha Huang attacked, unleashing his “Desperate Three Kills,” his three most powerful moves, unmatched by any other. This was why he had become the foremost assassin.
As the first move landed, spacetime was thrown into chaos, and the void collapsed. The sharpness of this sword was truly unprecedented. When this attack struck Yun Fan, he realized Yun Fan was unharmed.
“How is this possible?” He looked at Yun Fan in disbelief. It was just like before Mie Shi Shen disappeared; he couldn’t see through him. He didn’t know Yun Fan was a fraud, but he knew that even if Mie Shi Shen was weaker than before, his power remained terrifying.
Subsequently, he unleashed his second move. With this strike, ten thousand swords converged, and the surroundings were enveloped in sword energy and killing intent. But as these two ultimate energies merged, he slashed his sword. This time, Yun Fan directly drew his divine sword and withstood the attack head-on. Although he retreated a few steps, it was inconsequential, as he sustained no injuries, proving his standing at the pinnacle.
Mie Shi Sha Huang felt a tremor of fear. He had been brimming with confidence earlier, but after Yun Fan easily blocked his two moves, he had to admit, even in his heart, he was no longer sure. Sū Dān Xiǎo Shuō Wǎng.
“I didn’t expect that after all these years, you still haven’t improved!” Yun Fan said disdainfully. These lines were all prompted by the Sword God. In reality, Yun Fan had never met Mie Shi Sha Huang before; this was their first encounter.
Facing such humiliation, Mie Shi Sha Huang said coldly, “I haven’t unleashed my strongest sword yet. I will make you realize that I am no longer the subordinate you could order around at will!” In the next moment, he merged with his sword, forming his ultimate killing move, a sharp edge cutting towards Yun Fan. Wherever it passed, anything in its path was cleaved apart. He was convinced this strike would bisect Yun Fan. However, at that instant, Yun Fan unleashed his divine sword, cleaving through the void.
*Boom!*
When the two swords collided, Yun Fan was sent reeling by the sword energy, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Mie Shi Sha Huang, on the other hand, was far more tragic, covered in blood as he looked at Yun Fan. It was clear that in this battle, he was no match for Yun Fan. After all, there was a gap between having half a foot and a full foot in the Void Realm. While not as vast as the difference between having one foot and two, the gap was undeniable and insurmountable. This was especially true for Yun Fan, who was known as the number one under the great powers.
“Everything you have done, in my eyes, is merely a futile resistance,” Yun Fan said. “It poses no threat to me!”
“Damn it!” he roared. “You have clearly fallen from that realm, so why are you still so strong?” At this moment, he felt a surge of unwillingness.
Yun Fan replied, “Don’t you know that before the Void, after the Heaven War, there are several tiers? A starving camel is still bigger than a horse. No matter how weak I am, I am not someone like you, a subordinate, can compare to!”
Insulted thus, he cursed furiously, “I don’t believe it! Since you’ve fallen from that realm, you have no right to be arrogant!”
As quick as lightning, he attacked again, aiming to kill Yun Fan. This time, he fought with his life on the line. Although he had considered fleeing, this Dao Prefecture had been sealed by Yun Fan, leaving him no chance of escape. He had also considered begging for mercy, but he realized Mie Shi Shen had changed, and even begging wouldn't save him. For Mie Shi Sha Huang, only one path lay before him: death.
At that precise moment, Yun Fan struck, unleashing the twelve ultimate moves of the divine sword upon Mie Shi Sha Huang. The initial moves were barely parried by Mie Shi Sha Huang, but as they progressed, he was driven back by Yun Fan, his life hanging by a thread. At this point, he finally realized Yun Fan’s terrifying prowess. As Yun Fan’s final move struck him, Mie Shi Sha Huang’s very soul was nearly annihilated. The disparity was immense.
Mie Shi Sha Huang then said, “You are not Master. Who exactly are you?”
“Oh? You suspect me?” Yun Fan asked dismissively, though inwardly he was somewhat moved. He hadn’t expected that such a perfect disguise could be seen through by Mie Shi Sha Huang. It seemed his opponent wasn't brainless after all.
Mie Shi Sha Huang continued, “Your realm is only slightly stronger than mine, yet you can fight me without any ability to retaliate. When Master was at your level, subduing me was inevitable, but he absolutely couldn’t fight me to the point where I had no chance to counter!” To him, it felt as though, at the same level, Yun Fan was superior to Mie Shi Shen.
“Does it matter whether it’s true or false to you anymore?” Yun Fan asked dismissively.
“It truly doesn’t matter, because I am destined to die. But before I die, I desperately want to know why you are impersonating Master.” While the killing sword in Yun Fan’s hand was indeed Mie Shi Shen’s, he didn't know what role Yun Fan was playing.
Yun Fan replied, “Because I want to eliminate these scoundrels for him. Isn't that reason enough?”
“So that’s how it is!” Mie Shi Sha Huang said calmly. “I didn’t expect that even after he disappeared for so many eons, we couldn’t escape his scheme. He is truly heartless. Even though he vanished himself, why wouldn’t he allow us to become kings and rulers?”
Facing his resentment, Yun Fan said, “What you sow, you shall reap!” The next moment, he struck again, completely annihilating Mie Shi Sha Huang.
“Well done,” the Sword God told Yun Fan. “But he was only the first. There are five more to go!”
“No problem, but please remember your promise!” Yun Fan said. After all, he and the Sword God were partners, not allies. He considered Ling Qingzi and Yin Lingzi his own people. Therefore, business was business.
“Understood!” The Sword God then asked Yun Fan, “Tell me, did you gain anything from this battle?”
“Yes!” Although he had become the Sword God’s enforcer, Yun Fan undeniably gained something. Mie Shi Sha Huang’s power had entered his body, becoming a part of his own strength. He had grown, not significantly, but he had definitely grown.
The Sword God told him, “This is your reward. From now on, you will grow stronger with each opponent you defeat. Accumulating this power, you will reach that level after dealing with the rest!” Originally hesitant to act as an enforcer, Yun Fan was suddenly intrigued. His ultimate goal was revenge. As long as he could achieve revenge, he had no regrets. So, being an enforcer was acceptable, especially since his strength was improving rapidly. Otherwise, he would never catch up to Xi Huang, a prospect more despairing and cruel than anything else.
“Next!” Yun Fan eagerly said.
The Sword God smiled. “Excellent. Since you are so eager, I will take you to challenge the next one!”
“Will they all die?” Yun Fan asked curiously.
“Indeed, they will all die,” the Sword God replied. “For countless eons, they have committed too many wrongdoings, so they must all die!”
“Understood!” Yun Fan nodded. Then, he proceeded to challenge the next opponent.
Here lay a void world, deep within the abyss. Within this void, a palace floated, suspended in the void. It was a place of great mystery and eeriness. This was the renowned Void Divine Palace of Mie Shi Shen Jie. Upon arriving at the Void Divine Palace, the other party sensed Yun Fan's presence. Instantly, countless experts rushed out, intending to kill Yun Fan, but they were stopped by a voice.
“Make way!”
“Yes, sir!” Although resentful, the group obediently cleared a path for Yun Fan. Thus, Yun Fan officially entered the palace.
From the palace emerged a middle-aged man, the Void War God, one of Mie Shi Shen’s subordinates. In terms of cultivation realm, the Void War God was similar to Yun Fan, at the same level. However, Yun Fan was confident he had absolute suppression over the Void War God. Although he had been mercilessly crushed by figures like Xi Huang before, it was understandable. For someone of Xi Huang's caliber, crushing him was normal; not crushing him would be abnormal.
“I know you’ve come for me,” the Void War God told Yun Fan. “I just didn’t expect you to come for me right after killing Mie Shi Sha Huang. I have become your second challenger!”
At these words, Yun Fan asked, “You know I killed Mie Shi Sha Huang?”
“Of course, I do!” the Void War God replied. “He and I were brothers, though we later fell out. But we have a psychic connection. I can no longer feel his presence, so I deduced he died at your hands!”
“That’s right!” Yun Fan nodded. “He died at my hands, and you are second!”
“Then why are you doing this?” he asked Yun Fan directly.
“Isn’t this sword enough to explain?” Yun Fan directly brandished the divine sword.
“Not enough!” he told Yun Fan. “Because you are not Master, it doesn't explain anything!”
“How do you know?” Yun Fan was dumbfounded. This Sword God was too unreliable. He had confidently guaranteed him that there would be no flaws. Yet, with any challenge, his identity could be seen through at a glance. This superficial disguise was truly unnecessary.
He then nodded at Yun Fan. “That’s right. Although your personality and style are similar to Master’s, Master possesses an aura that you lack. Therefore, it’s very easy for me to recognize him!” If that was the case, then it was meaningless.
Yun Fan said to the Sword God, “You answer him!” Then, the Sword God transformed into human form and said to the Void War God, “Void, long time no see!”
“Indeed, it has been a long time,” the Void War God replied. “Back then, Master disappeared after battling the Creation God. I never expected his sword to remain in Mie Shi Shen Jie!” Even he hadn't anticipated this.
“That’s no longer important,” the Sword God said. “What’s important is that the moment you betrayed Master, it signified your end, understand?”
“None of us betrayed Master. We were merely following Master’s will. With Master gone, this realm must have someone to lead, to inherit Master’s will!”
Upon hearing this, the Sword God scoffed mockingly. “To paint usurpation in such noble terms, you are indeed the first! No need to say more, because you have no turning back!” With that, he reverted to his true form and fell into Yun Fan's hand.
The Void War God then cautioned Yun Fan, “Fellow Daoist, you are still young. I advise you not to easily become someone else’s pawn!” Clearly, in his eyes, Yun Fan was a pawn. Little did he expect Yun Fan to directly retort, “I only know he saved my life and helped me regain my strength! Do you think I should help him?” After all, the Sword God had sacrificed two people he considered daughters to save him. In this regard, the Sword God had indeed acted admirably. Now, it was time for Yun Fan to repay the Sword God. Furthermore, he detested those who, like Xi Huang, would destroy worlds to achieve their goals. He would kill anyone he encountered.
“For reasons of sentiment and logic, you should indeed help. But have you considered that you might die at my hands?” the Void War God asked.
“I killed Mie Shi Sha Huang with ease. I hope you don’t disappoint me and can at least withstand a hundred moves, otherwise, it would be too boring!” Yun Fan wasn't exaggerating his own prowess. He possessed the strength to fight against powerful beings in the Void Realm multiple times and survive, a feat no one else could claim since ancient times. This was Yun Fan’s pride.
“Very well!” In the next moment, the Void War God held a large hammer in his hand. This was his ultimate weapon, the Void Hammer. Forged with void power, it was a divine artifact surpassing the Heaven War level.