Chen Tian and the Evil Young Slayer stared at each other. With the battle in a stalemate, they both knew their only option was to go all out, without regard for the consequences, to severely injure the other. Only then could a victor be decided. This was not a game; it was the shared sentiment between Chen Tian and Evil Young Slayer. If they continued fighting like this, it would remain a draw, and deciding a winner would be too difficult. Chen Tian's figure collided with Evil Young Slayer's. Chen Tian swung his twin blades, forming a spinning vortex, his entire body whirling. Evil Young Slayer held his Evil Spirit Spear, which he thrust forward like a beam of light. The two figures clashed, sending out shockwaves. The thunderous roars echoed, and explosions erupted. From the center of the blasts, a metallic ringing could be heard.
Chen Tian and Evil Young Slayer battled amidst the explosions. Chen Tian's twin blades danced like sprites in his hands, their trajectories fluid, ever-changing, and unpredictable. The blades attacked Evil Young Slayer from all angles. Evil Young Slayer moved his hands left and right, wielding the Evil Spirit Spear with ease, parrying Chen Tian's attacks with the spearhead and tail. Chen Tian's assaults were rendered futile. Chen Tian attacked ferociously. As the explosions dissipated, their fierce battle continued unabated. Chen Tian's twin blades struck the shaft of the Evil Spirit Spear. With a powerful upward thrust, Evil Young Slayer sent Chen Tian's blades flying. He then swept the Evil Spirit Spear in a hundred and eighty-degree arc towards Chen Tian. Chen Tian leaned back, his head snapping back. The spearhead grazed past his face.
At that moment, the spear shaft and tip were a mere millimeter from Chen Tian's cheek. It could only be described as a liminal evasion, something Chen Tian had truly mastered. This evasive technique remained formidable even now. Evil Young Slayer couldn't fathom how Chen Tian's evasive skills were so exquisite, allowing him to dodge two fatal attacks in succession. If this continued, he wouldn't be able to inflict any damage on Chen Tian, while Chen Tian's attacks were impossible for him to evade with such precision. This situation was unsustainable.
Evil Young Slayer knew that if this continued, he would be the one to lose. Chen Tian lunged towards Evil Young Slayer, his twin blades spinning. They merged into the Qiankun Blades. Chen Tian, holding the Qiankun Blades with one hand, charged directly at Evil Young Slayer. The latter watched Chen Tian approach, completely unfazed. Their strengths were identical; he couldn't believe Chen Tian could do anything to him. Chen Tian indeed couldn't, but that didn't stop him from attacking!
Facing Chen Tian's aggressive charge, Evil Young Slayer swung his Evil Spirit Spear, creating a dazzling display of spear flowers. The Evil Spirit Spear moved constantly in his hands, the spear flowers intertwining with the surrounding energy waves. A black lotus bloomed, radiating light as it shot towards Chen Tian before he even reached him. The black lotus was incredibly sinister. Chen Tian felt a sense of unease and immediately retreated, choosing not to attack.
Chen Tian's choice was correct. As the lotus attacked, it exploded mid-flight. Fortunately, Chen Tian had sensed something amiss beforehand. If the lotus had collided with Chen Tian's technique, the resulting explosion would have been enough to heavily wound him. Chen Tian's timely retreat had averted disaster. He hadn't expected Evil Young Slayer to resort to such underhanded tactics. Chen Tian had assumed he wouldn't use this move, as individuals at their level possessed a keen sense of danger.
Chen Tian's detection of the anomaly was within expectations; the goal was to force Chen Tian to retreat. Evil Young Slayer gripped his long spear, adopting a one-handed stance. With the spear held in one hand, his left hand gripping the shaft, energy converged at the spearhead, emitting a black, cold glint that seemed to make the surrounding space tremble in fear. Seeing Evil Young Slayer prepare to unleash a move, Chen Tian also adopted a stance, crossing his twin blades in front of him. The armor on his chest vibrated, then detached and merged with his twin blades. The blades combined with the armor on either side, forming a shield with sharp blades extending from it. He held the shield in his left hand, the shield-sword in his right.
The shield-sword gathered power, a terrifying force accumulating within it. Countless energies of heaven and earth, cosmic energy, and the energy of reincarnation were channeled from Chen Tian's body. Chen Tian's energy absorption ability allowed him to withstand any amount of energy. He could absorb any energy in the universe. Coupled with his rapidly increasing strength, his energy absorption level had risen to four, just one level short of maxing out. This was the source of Chen Tian's confidence. His shield-sword was engulfed in energy, forming a colossal sword that pierced the heavens, its length continuously extending.
Evil Young Slayer had never witnessed such a sight. How could one person channel so many energies? Indeed, over a hundred types. Chen Tian's shield-sword pulsed with the powers of the five elements, yin and yang, starlight, reincarnation, and cosmic energy, among countless others. Chen Tian was channeling almost all the energy in the universe. Was he insane? Could he withstand such immense power without self-destruction? Even Evil Young Slayer, at this moment, could not channel such a vast amount of energy.
This demonstrated the terrifying power of Chen Tian's move. Fortunately, Chen Tian and he were of similar strength, and he could barely resist this attack. The Evil Spirit Spear in his hand glowed, a dragon's roar emanating from its tip. From the spear's tail, a black flaming phoenix slowly rose, coiling around the Evil Spirit Spear. Empowered by the dragon and phoenix energies, the Evil Spirit Spear radiated an even more formidable aura. This spear, carrying the might of the ancestral dragon and phoenix, was thrown like a streak of light.
Two beams of light split from the spear: one a black dragon, the other a black phoenix, with the Evil Spirit Spear itself at the center. These three beams of light converged on Chen Tian from his left and front. Evil Young Slayer knew that if Chen Tian chose to confront this head-on, he would surely be injured. Once Chen Tian was hurt, victory would be his. Evil Young Slayer still had trump cards he hadn't used; it wasn't time for them yet.
The dragon and phoenix phantoms attacked. To others, such a perilous situation would undoubtedly cause panic, but not Chen Tian. He remained as calm as a still sea, swinging his shield-sword in a rotation. A 360-degree spin formed a giant light blade, creating a luminous wheel. Bang, bang, bang! Three consecutive explosions rang out, engulfing Chen Tian. Evil Young Slayer's expression shifted to surprise. Was Chen Tian's move defensive? Had he somehow anticipated this tactic?
Evil Young Slayer couldn't comprehend it. It seemed Chen Tian knew he would use such a move and had prepared a defense from the start. Hilariously, Evil Young Slayer had mistaken Chen Tian's move for an offensive one, never expecting it to be defensive. Emerging unscathed from the center of the explosion, Chen Tian looked at Evil Young Slayer and sneered, "Is this all you've got? After millennia."
"What's there to be proud of? You're only at my level, and I haven't even used my full strength. What makes you so arrogant?"
Evil Young Slayer despised Chen Tian's gaze. Chen Tian hadn't expected to extract such information so easily. From this statement, he could deduce that Evil Young Slayer still had trump cards. Evil Young Slayer's inner thoughts never lied; he valued his pride immensely. The fact that Chen Tian mentioned he hadn't used his full strength indicated he had more aces up his sleeve. Chen Tian became cautious. He didn't yet know what Evil Young Slayer's trump cards were, but it was best to be careful. However, Chen Tian's expression remained impassive.
Evil Young Slayer was unaware that he had just revealed his hand. His armor separated, and the Evil Spirit Spear merged with the Evil Spirit Armor. Chen Tian hadn't designed such a mechanism. Suddenly, Chen Tian roared, "Where is that traitor? Tell me."
"Hahaha, do you think I would tell you? But honestly, humans are indeed selfish. They actually willingly help our Evil Spirit race."
Evil Young Slayer laughed heartily, relishing Chen Tian's helpless expression. Chen Tian's hatred for that human traitor was no less than his hatred for the entire Evil Spirit race. Because that human traitor had prematurely broken the seal, allowing the Evil Spirit race to grow in strength and even learn human knowledge and techniques.
It could only be said that person deserved to die. Traitors must die!
Even if they were Chen Tian's own kind, he would not let them go. The Evil Spirit Armor and Evil Spirit Spear fused to form a long sword. The sword's blade was a combination of the spear shaft and armor, while the hilt was the spear's handle, with a spearhead emerging from the hilt. Evil Young Slayer's aura surged, indicating this was his true strength. The previous Evil Young Slayer had not fought with his full power. Evil Young Slayer declared arrogantly, "I thought I could defeat you with my strength from thousands of years ago, but it seems I must take this seriously now. Let's see how you withstand my current power."
His figure erupted, moving too fast for Chen Tian to perceive, darting through space, up, down, left, and right. Chen Tian completely lost control of his body. Evil Young Slayer's speed was simply too immense, so fast that Chen Tian couldn't sense it. This was the first time Chen Tian had encountered such power. Chen Tian remained unruffled. If Evil Young Slayer wasn't using his full power, neither was Chen Tian. Now, witnessing Evil Young Slayer's full might, Chen Tian's eyes blazed with silver light. The light in his left eye intensified, and the surrounding space seemed to freeze.
Chen Tian could see Evil Young Slayer's figure. Evil Young Slayer's speed was now no different from normal. His speed was negligible. Chen Tian mirrored his movements. Evil Young Slayer distanced himself. Evil Young Slayer exclaimed in shock, "Domain of Time! You can actually control time."
Evil Young Slayer could not accept what he was seeing. Chen Tian could control time. If Chen Tian had displayed this ability in his first life, he wouldn't have been surprised. But this Chen Tian had only begun cultivating a few months ago.
After rebirth, his cultivation had to start from scratch. Typically, cultivation began at fifteen. Even if Chen Tian wanted to cultivate earlier, he lacked the aptitude. Chen Tian's physique was that of a pure human, devoid of any special traits. Moreover, the world Chen Tian had reincarnated into was energy-scarce. How had Chen Tian mastered the Domain of Time?
"Space does not appear, time reigns supreme.
"Xuanhuang does not appear, Chaos is the master."
These two sayings were not mere platitudes; they were universally acknowledged truths in the universe. Even the will of the universe bowed to space and Xuanhuang. Space existed in all worlds; without space, there would be no world, and without a world, there would be no order. Above space was Chaos, and above Chaos was Xuanhuang. It could be said that time was equivalent to the Heavenly Dao, while space was an existence that surpassed the Heavenly Dao. There were two beings above the Heavenly Dao that even the Heavenly Dao dared not contend with.
It was evident that mastering even one of these four abilities would drive cultivators to madness. Chen Tian, having cultivated for only a few months, had already mastered the power of time. This was unacceptable. Evil Young Slayer, even now, couldn't achieve this. His current self, hundreds of times stronger than Chen Tian in his first life, was still incapable of it.
Evil Young Slayer's gaze toward Chen Tian intensified with killing intent, envy clouding his mind. Why could Chen Tian achieve this, and why couldn't he? Chen Tian absolutely could not be allowed to live.
He gripped his long sword. With a gentle swing, Chen Tian's activated Domain of Time slowed the flow of time, causing both Evil Young Slayer and Chen Tian's speed to revert to normal. The speed might be the same as before, but the destructive power of the moves would not change.
Chen Tian knew that activating the Domain of Time would put both of them in slow motion. Chen Tian's speed was inferior to Evil Young Slayer's, so this was his only recourse. Facing Evil Young Slayer's sword energy and blade, Chen Tian's shield separated, returning to his chest. Wings of light unfurled, and the feathers on the wings continuously covered his twin blades. In one second, tens of millions of feather-like blades shot out, like a torrential downpour sweeping towards Evil Young Slayer.
Evil Young Slayer's sword energy was shattered by these feathers. The feathers continued their assault. Evil Young Slayer watched the attack, his sword moving, his entire body enveloped by another barrier. Chen Tian's attacks were all repelled by Evil Young Slayer's barrier, the feathers striking it as if tickling him.
Chen Tian had nothing to say about Evil Young Slayer's defense. This move was merely a minor tactic. His opponent hadn't even unleashed his killing moves, so it would take a long time to decide a winner. Chen Tian stepped forward, his footfall echoing. A sword strike descended, carrying an immeasurable power that shattered Evil Young Slayer's shield like a bubble. Evil Young Slayer's figure turned into an afterimage. Chen Tian's attack passed straight through Evil Young Slayer's body. Evil Young Slayer instantly appeared behind Chen Tian, slashing with his sword. Chen Tian had been prepared for this. Facing Evil Young Slayer's attack, he brought his sword behind him to block. The sword's body and tip collided, and Chen Tian distinctly felt a surge of energy coursing through his body.
Chen Tian immediately swung his sword, repelling Evil Young Slayer's figure. He then shook his body, expelling the energy within. Chen Tian said calmly, "Don't think these petty tricks can defeat me. You're still too naive."
"Heh."
Evil Young Slayer spared no underhanded tactic in his attempts to kill Chen Tian, resorting to any means necessary. Chen Tian's figure split into two, attacking from both sides. Evil Young Slayer faced Chen Tian's onslaught as if it were mere daily routine, his sword defending and attacking in tandem. For a time, they were locked in an intense struggle, their strengths evenly matched. Chen Tian's clones exploded under his control. Evil Young Slayer, caught in the center of the explosion, had never anticipated Chen Tian's decision. After all, the explosion of a clone would also affect himself. However, the explosion occurred so suddenly that Evil Young Slayer had no time to dodge and was at its epicenter. As the dust settled, his face was pale, indicating the explosive effect of Chen Tian's move.
Evil Young Slayer roared, "Chen Tian!"
"How can you have your tricks, but I can't?"
Chen Tian wore a playful expression. If you can be cunning, why can't I? Since you've thrown all pretense of honor aside, why should I care about being a gentleman?
Elsewhere in the universe, two universal wills were frantically bustling about.
"Have you found it on your end?"
"Not yet. Keep looking. Honestly, why would you leave something so important so carelessly?"
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The sound of objects being rummaged through echoed. The universe's will on Chen Tian's side felt speechless, unable to retort. Indeed, the items were too numerous and chaotic, making it difficult to locate that particular object. Then, it suddenly spoke, "Do you feel like we've forgotten something?"
"Have we? I don't recall. It must be unimportant. Don't just stand there, help me look!"
"Coming, coming."
The two universal wills searched for an item amidst the vast expanse of the galaxy. The galaxy contained countless items; it looked like it would take some time.
The forgotten matter was undoubtedly the battle between Chen Tian and Evil Young Slayer. However, compared to this task, their battle seemed insignificant, so it was normal for them not to remember.
On Chen Tian's side, Evil Young Slayer fiercely resisted Chen Tian's attacks, counterattacking while searching for an opening. They were essentially evenly matched, as both had anticipated. Evil Young Slayer knew he couldn't defeat Chen Tian and could only resolve the situation by using his trump card.
Chen Tian was also waiting for Evil Young Slayer's trump card. Evil Young Slayer repelled Chen Tian's attack and retreated hundreds of meters away. Evil Young Slayer seemed to have made a decision, his entire body cracking. Chen Tian looked on in confusion, wondering what he was doing.
Chen Tian was unaware that Evil Young Slayer possessed such a technique. He watched silently, not daring to attack. As the cracks filled Evil Young Slayer's body, he exploded. Chen Tian was utterly bewildered. "Who am I? Where am I?" Evil Young Slayer had self-destructed.
Was he dead just like that?
Chen Tian couldn't believe what he was seeing. As Chen Tian was about to leave, an attack shot out from the explosion. Chen Tian's palm instantly conjured a barrier, and he was sent flying back. Such immense power. A man slowly emerged from the center of the explosion. Chen Tian initially thought it was Evil Young Slayer, but the newcomer was not.
"Is this the universe? It seems to be a pacifist universe. No wonder it's so weak."
"Who are you?" Chen Tian asked. This person was definitely not from this universe, but how had he appeared just now?
"You only need to know that since I've appeared, your death is imminent. After all, this is my mission. Die!"
The man spoke and attacked directly. Chen Tian knew he was no match and could only choose to evade. With liminal evasion, he repeatedly dodged the attack. The man had to praise, "To be able to dodge so many attacks from me, you can be proud. It seems you are indeed a hidden danger, just as our King said. You must be eliminated."
Hearing this, Chen Tian was almost certain that this situation was orchestrated by "Tian."
That damned fellow! Perhaps after losing the bet last time, "Tian" couldn't enter this universe and instead dispatched someone else.
The universal will suddenly appeared and said, "You, stowaway, leave here immediately."
The universal will had sensed an unusual aura after Evil Young Slayer's self-destruction. The person before him had parasitized Evil Young Slayer and entered this universe. He was a stowaway, and his strength was terrifying. Even the universal will itself was no match for him. He came from a higher world.
"Universal Will, what is going on? Stowaway...?" Chen Tian asked curiously.
The universal will explained, "This guy parasitized Evil Young Slayer, voluntarily suppressed his power, and entered this universe. He only appears when Evil Young Slayer dies. These people are called stowaways, entering a universe without the knowledge of the universal will."
"Chen Tian, you must be careful. This guy is after you. I'm not his match either. He comes from a higher world, possibly the world above."
"The Saint Divine Realm?"
"You actually know."
The universal will showed a hint of surprise. Chen Tian knew of the Saint Divine Realm's existence. Chen Tian was puzzled; he hadn't offended anyone in the Saint Divine Realm.
He hadn't even been to the Saint Divine Realm. Did he know the "King" the man mentioned?
Chen Tian suddenly thought of two things. If nothing was amiss, this person might indeed be here for revenge.
Chen Tian had encountered opponents from the Saint Divine Realm in the Godly Realm before. They were opponents who traveled through time and space. It was highly likely they were from their faction.
Chen Tian looked at the man before him and then asked, "Are you not afraid of being punished for interfering in lower universes as people from the Saint Divine Realm?"
"There's nothing to fear. We are the overlords of the first layer. Everyone submits to us. Punishment is negligible."
The man looked nonchalant. Chen Tian's probing questions confirmed he was indeed from the Saint Divine Realm.
This statement was an admission. Chen Tian quickly called out to his system, but it remained silent. Damn it, when he needed the wretched system, it always failed to respond. He hadn't heard the system's voice in days.
Chen Tian and Evil Young Slayer's battle had lasted for nearly several days. The concept of time in the universe was much faster than in the normal world. In terms of normal time, it had been about three days in the outside world.
"Kid, do you have any more tricks? If not, you die here."
The man looked arrogant, holding the beings of this universe in contempt. Chen Tian could only watch. If he were to increase his power slightly, Chen Tian would not even have the capital to resist. Chen Tian did not want to die. He took the initiative to attack. Running was a dead end; only by attacking could he have a chance to survive. Seeing Chen Tian dare to attack proactively, the man felt a slight admiration for his courage.
There were few people like Chen Tian. Chen Tian was destined for greatness but would perish here today. Chen Tian's figure moved towards the man. The man merely opened his eyes, and Chen Tian's figure froze in place, then exploded. Chen Tian turned into dust, leaving no trace behind.
Thus, Chen Tian died. The universal will mourned, having lost a piece it had arranged. What was to be done now?
The universe would return to its former state, with the unchanging rules.
The man carefully observed that Chen Tian's aura had dissipated. Satisfied, he stepped forward. A vortex swallowed him, and he slowly left. The mission was complete.
After the man left, the universal will was still grieving. A beam of light slowly ascended from the universe's space. Chen Tian's figure reappeared from the light.
Chen Tian patted his chest, saying, "Fortunately, fortunately, I have the resurrection ability of the World Tree seedling. As long as that guy leaves."
Chen Tian was gambling. He had one chance to revive within a day. He would not use it unless it was absolutely necessary. He had just used it.
Chen Tian first allowed the opponent to kill him, then asked the system to extend the resurrection time to give the opponent the illusion that he was completely dead. After the opponent left, he revived. It was a gamble. If the opponent had stayed to observe and wait, Chen Tian would have been surely doomed.