CHAPTER 59: CHAPTER 59: GLIMPSE OF GHOST EMPEROR

Shaurya stood tall upon the colossal Dark Pearl, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, a faint smile playing on his lips. Around him, the members of his sect stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the destruction below. The once-proud sect grounds of the Cloud Spring Sect now lay in ruin—many of its buildings had collapsed into heaps of rubble. Smoke and dust swirled in the air, carried by the cold breeze, veiling the battlefield in a suffocating haze of despair.

Down below, Wang Tian and Luo Chen stood side by side, faint smiles carved across their bloodstained faces. Before them, five elders of the Cloud Spring Sect stood with grim, heavy expressions, their bodies taut with tension. Behind them huddled the remaining seven hundred disciples, trembling in terror. Some clutched at bleeding wounds, while others could barely remain on their feet.

Luo Chen and Wang Tian exchanged a brief glance. With a silent nod of understanding, Luo Chen shifted his stance, slightly backing his right leg. Then, in an instant, he vanished. His figure blurred, dissolving into the air as he rushed forward, his feet tapping against nothingness in rapid succession—an elegant display of Aerial Steps.

Like a gust of wind, he tore past the elders. Their eyes widened in disbelief, their heads whipping around only to find him standing behind them. Luo Chen turned ever so slightly, his face half-lit by the crimson glow of flames consuming the ruins. A devilish smirk curled across his lips.

Fear rippled through the disciples as their gazes fell on him. One muscular elder’s expression twisted with desperation. "No... I won’t let this happen!" he bellowed, summoning a sphere of energy in his hand.

But before he could release it, Wang Tian appeared like a phantom behind him. His sword cut through the air in one fluid motion. A sharp metallic hiss was followed by a spray of scarlet as the elder’s head soared into the sky. Blood rippled outward in a crimson arc, painting the smoky air.

The remaining four elders froze, their bodies trembling in horror.

Meanwhile, Luo Chen raised his sword, its blade gleaming with an eerie pink light. Around him, countless lotus petals spiraled into existence, drifting like a deadly storm. His voice thundered as he declared, "Five Sword Art: First Style—Piercing Lotus Petals Tornado!"

The petals burst forth in a raging spiral, howling like a storm as they cut through the air. The disciples, wide-eyed with terror, raised their arms in futile defense. Their screams were drowned by the shrill whistle of petals slicing through flesh. One by one, bodies collapsed, pierced and shredded, their blood soaking into the earth. In a single strike, Luo Chen had eradicated all seven hundred disciples.

High above, Mu Yuan’s eyes widened in disbelief, her face pale at the massacre unfolding before her.

The three remaining elders roared in fury and charged at Wang Tian, while the frailest of the five, an old elder with trembling hands, rushed toward Luo Chen.

But Wang Tian’s figure blurred once more. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared beside the old elder. His sword flashed upward in a swift arc. The elder turned his head, his eyes widening in horror, but he saw nothing more—his body split cleanly at the waist. Blood sprayed like a fountain, staining the cracked earth below.

The three remaining elders recoiled in horror at the scene. Their faces hardened as they shot upward into the sky, desperation twisting their features.

"We must attack together!" one of them shouted, his voice laced with fear.

The other two nodded grimly. Together, they raised their hands, energy orbs forming in their palms, their combined auras trembling with force.

Wang Tian let out a sharp laugh, his voice dripping with disdain. "Even if you merge your powers, you are still too weak."

He sheathed his sword with a calm motion, letting it slide smoothly back into its scabbard. Slowly, he raised his right hand behind him. Dark purple energy began to gather at his palm, swirling violently. Waves of killing intent poured out from him, filling the air with suffocating dread.

From the sidelines, Elder Liya’s face blanched. Her pupils shrank as recognition struck. "This technique..." she whispered in disbelief.

Shaurya, still watching from atop the Dark Pearl, tilted his head curiously toward her. "Elder Liya, did something happen?"

Her voice trembled as she replied, still in shock. "It’s his special technique. I didn’t expect him to possess enough power to use it."

Shaurya arched a brow, his smile faint but curious, before shifting his gaze back to Wang Tian.

Down below, Wang Tian’s grin widened. His voice carried across the battlefield like a death knell.

"Ghost Emperor Arts—First Technique: Soul Destruction."

Wang Tian raised his hand toward the elders. From his palm, a beam of purple energy surged forth, twisting and warping until it formed the shape of a monstrous skeleton. Its hollow eyes gleamed with malevolence as it rushed toward the three elders.

In desperation, the elders retaliated. Silver, black, and white beams of energy roared from their hands, colliding head-on with Wang Tian’s skeletal blast. The impact birthed a deafening explosion, shockwaves tearing through the air, sending rubble scattering and smoke billowing.

But as the dust settled, horror gripped their faces. Their combined attacks had vanished—swallowed effortlessly.

The skeletal energy continued forward, merciless and unstoppable.

The elders screamed in terror as the ghastly figure enveloped them. A thunderous boom followed, and a burst of purple light ripped through the battlefield.

When the glow dimmed, the three elders collapsed lifelessly to the ground. Their eyes had turned completely white, empty of spirit, their bodies untouched yet utterly void of life.

Xiao Rui’s eyes widened in shock. "What happened? There are no injuries on their bodies... then how did they die?"

Elder Liya’s expression hardened as she exhaled slowly. "Ghost Emperor Arts. This is his special technique—one he created himself throughout his entire life. What you just witnessed was only the First Style: Soul Destruction. It does not target the physical body, but instead annihilates the soul itself."

Shaurya and the others listened intently, their mouths falling open in awe.

Elder Liya’s voice carried a faint note of reverence as she added, "Strong cultivators of our time, and even those of ages past, all created their own unique techniques."

Su Quan’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, Elder Liya... do you also have your own created special techniques?"

A faint smile touched her lips. "Of course. I, too, have my own—Quadra Fairy Arts."

Shaurya’s amazement deepened. Your own created special techniques... whoa, that sounds fun.

His gaze shifted upward to Muo Yuan, who floated in the sky, fury etched across his face. His fists clenched so tightly the veins on his arms bulged.

Wang Tian and Luo Chen appeared beside him, arms folded, standing confidently at eye level.

With a calm glance toward his brother-in-arms, Wang Tian said, "Leave him to me."

Luo Chen scratched the back of his head lazily, a relaxed smile on his face. "Oh, really? You think you can handle him alone?"

Wang Tian’s eyes locked firmly on Muo Yuan. "What’s so big about it?"

Luo Chen let out a short laugh. "Then best of luck." He turned and descended leisurely back to the Dark Pearl.

Shaurya nodded approvingly. "Good job."

Luo Chen’s chest swelled with pride. His gaze drifted toward Su Quan, and with a playful grin, he winked.

Su Quan’s cheeks flushed red, and she quickly averted her eyes.

From the side, Xiao Rui and his companions watched this exchange with irritation, their faces souring.

Back in the sky, Wang Tian stretched his neck with a crack, then rolled his shoulders. His knuckles popped as he flexed his hands. A mocking grin spread across his face. "Muo Yuan, are you ready to die?"

Muo Yuan let out a harsh laugh. "Brat, do you really think you can kill me? Don’t flatter yourself."

A fiery red aura exploded from his body, flooding the air with destructive pressure. "Golden Vein Stage—Level Four."

Wang Tian responded with his own power. Purple light surged from him, his killing intent shaking the atmosphere itself. "Golden Vein Stage—Level Two."

Shaurya’s eyes widened in surprise, his lips parting in awe.

Muo Yuan, too, faltered for a moment. He’s two levels behind me, yet... why is his aura more terrifying than mine? His expression twisted as doubt gnawed at him. No... this must be some kind of trick. Hah! Damn brat, I almost fell for it. Do you really think you can scare me with a little trick like that?

He roared, rushing forward with blinding speed, his fist aimed straight for Wang Tian’s face.

But Wang Tian tilted his head casually, dodging with ease. His fist shot forward, striking Muo Yuan square in the abdomen.

Crack!

Muo Yuan coughed violently, blood spraying from his mouth. Before he could recover, Wang Tian spun gracefully and delivered a devastating back kick to the same spot, sending him hurtling backward through the air.

Muo Yuan halted mid-flight, clutching his abdomen in shock. "How...? You’re two levels below me. Then how are you so powerful?"

Wang Tian chuckled. "Scared already?"

"Nooo!" Muo Yuan roared, charging once again.

Wang Tian smiled faintly, his figure blurring as he activated Aerial Steps. He reappeared in front of Muo Yuan in an instant, driving his knee into his opponent’s face. Without pause, he followed with a crushing fist to his cheek.

Blood and shattered teeth sprayed from Muo Yuan’s mouth as his body spun violently through the air before coming to a halt. His eyes widened in disbelief. "No... no! How am I losing to you?! No! I will kill you!"

His right hand flared with red energy, spiritual force coalescing into the shape of a massive punch behind him. His voice cracked with rage. "Die, you brat!"

Wang Tian raised his palm, which glowed with an overwhelming purple aura. His voice thundered like a war drum. "Earth-Shaking Palm!"

The colossal purple palm shot forward, colliding with the crimson spiritual punch. With a resounding shatter, Muo Yuan’s attack disintegrated into fragments of energy.

Muo Yuan’s eyes stretched wide in terror. "Impossible—!"

The purple palm struck his body directly, carrying him like a ragdoll. He crashed violently into the sect’s grand main hall.

BOOOOM!

The entire structure collapsed into rubble, a massive cloud of dust and debris billowing upward as the explosion echoed through the skies.

Wang Tian tilted his head to the side, letting out a weary sigh.

From within the cloud of dust, Muo Yuan staggered out, his body broken and blood pouring from his wounds. He coughed heavily, crimson spilling from his mouth, his eyes blazing with rage.

"You’ve compelled me to do this," he growled hoarsely.

Reaching into his storage pouch, he pulled out a small purple pill. A suffocating, ominous aura spread through the battlefield the moment it appeared. The pill radiated a sinister, demonic energy that seemed to gnaw at the very air itself. Without hesitation, Muo Yuan swallowed it.

His body convulsed violently, veins bulging as his aura surged. His skin darkened into a grotesque shade of purple, his once-black hair bleached to pure white. A guttural roar tore from his throat as his red aura turned pitch black, erupting outward like a storm. His eyes glowed blood-red, burning with madness.

Lin Shu gasped. "That’s a Demonic Pill! It grants temporary power and raises one’s cultivation... but at the cost of lifespan!"

Wang Tian threw his head back and laughed, his voice echoing with arrogance. "So, you’ve forcefully raised yourself to Golden Vein Stage—Level Five? What a pity. You’re still nothing before me."

Purple aura surged from Wang Tian’s body as he stepped forward, his killing intent suffocating the air.

The two charged at each other, fists colliding with a thunderous impact. Shockwaves ripped through the battlefield, shattering debris and splitting the air. In the next instant, they unleashed a flurry of attacks—fists, kicks, strikes—each blow heavier than the last.

Amidst the chaos, Wang Tian continued laughing, his aura flaring brighter. "Hahaha!" he roared, pushing himself harder. His speed skyrocketed, his fists and feet moving like shadows in a storm.

Muo Yuan bellowed in fury, but no matter how he struck, Wang Tian overpowered him. With a sudden strike, Wang Tian’s fist smashed into Muo Yuan’s jaw. Crack! His jawbone shattered, blood and broken teeth spraying from his mouth.

Muo Yuan reeled backward, halting himself mid-air. He clutched his mouth, blood gushing as disbelief flooded his eyes.

"How?!" he croaked, spitting blood. "You’re two levels below me... then how are you so powerful?"

Wang Tian’s grin faded into a grim expression. His aura surged like a tidal wave as he clenched his fist.

"I will take Muo Qian’s revenge," he said, his voice cold and resolute. "For everything you’ve done. You killed her father—your own elder brother. The one who loved you most. And why? For fame and power." His chest rose and fell heavily, his eyes blazing with fury. "I despise nothing more than betrayal by one’s younger brother."

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, clenching his fist tighter. His aura darkened into a deep, menacing purple, bursting violently outward. "Whenever I think of this, it reminds me of what my own brother did to me."

His eyes snapped open, pupils glowing violet. A dark purple halo shimmered into existence behind his head, radiating with power. His roar shook the battlefield as his aura erupted like a storm.

Elder Liya gasped, then a faint smile curved her lips. "This... this is a glimpse of the Ghost Emperor."

The others could only watch in stunned awe.

Wang Tian raised his right hand, his index, middle finger, and thumb extended while the other two fingers curled inward—his hand forming the shape of a gun. Purple energy gathered violently at his fingertips, crackling with destructive might. His voice, chilling as winter steel, cut through the silence.

"It ends here."

Behind him, a massive purple formation circle materialized, glowing ominously.

Muo Yuan’s eyes widened in horror. Desperation seized him as he drew out a golden spear, its surface glowing under his corrupted aura. Roaring furiously, he infused it with dark energy and hurled it forward.

"Wind-Cutting Spear Strike!"

The weapon howled through the air, wrapped in waves of black energy.

Wang Tian’s eyes glinted coldly. His voice rang like thunder.

"Star-Scattering Finger!"

From his fingertips, a radiant beam of pure destructive energy erupted. It shimmered with countless specks of light, like a stream of stars bound together into a single devastating force. The beam collided with the spear—and in an instant, the golden weapon crumbled into dust.

"No!" Muo Yuan roared, his eyes wide in terror. He thrust his fist forward, shrouded in demonic energy, attempting to repel the attack.

BOOM!

The collision unleashed a spectacular explosion, a radiant blast that lit the battlefield like a starry night sky. The sheer brilliance blinded all who watched.

When the dazzling light finally faded, Wang Tian’s body sagged slightly, his aura dissipating. His chest heaved as he whispered under his breath, "I used too much energy... I still need more training to control this power."

As the dust settled, nothing remained of Muo Yuan—not even ash. He had been obliterated completely.

Wang Tian turned toward his sect members, raising a thumb.

Shaurya returned the gesture with a smile.

Muo Qian rushed forward, throwing her arms around Wang Tian. His eyes widened in surprise, but soon softened as he embraced her with a warm smile. Supporting him carefully, she led him back toward the Dark Pearl.

Luo Chen approached, grinning. The two brothers-in-arms exchanged smiles and bumped fists.

But before relief could settle, a sudden explosion erupted not far away. Everyone turned, eyes narrowing in confusion. From within the haze of smoke, Xiao Rui and Lee Bie emerged, supporting a woman.

She wore a ragged servant’s robe, her body battered and covered in wounds. Despite her condition, her beauty was undeniable, and her face bore a striking resemblance to Muo Qian.

Xiao Rui waved casually. "Yo! Look—we rescued her!"

They brought the woman aboard the Dark Pearl. Muo Qian’s eyes widened, her body trembling. Her gaze turned glassy as tears welled up. The woman’s eyes also glistened with emotion as she locked onto her daughter.

Without hesitation, both rushed into each other’s arms, embracing tightly as tears streamed down their cheeks.

"Mother!" Muo Qian cried, sobbing uncontrollably. "I missed you so much!"

The woman was Muo Qian’s mother—Muo Xia. Though her jade-like skin was stained with blood, her gentle touch carried warmth as she stroked her daughter’s head. "I am glad you are safe, my daughter," she said softly, wiping her tears.

Through her sobs, Muo Qian introduced her proudly. "Mother, these are my sect members. They helped me take revenge for Father."

Wang Tian immediately stepped forward, dropping to one knee. He bowed deeply. "I am Wang Tian. It is an honor to meet you."

The others exchanged awkward smiles, watching his formality.

Shaurya then stepped forward, his posture calm and composed. "I am Shaurya, Sect Master of the Sanatan Flame Sect."

Muo Xia blinked, taken aback by his humility. She bowed in return. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

Shaurya’s voice was steady. "She is my disciple—it is my duty. But the one who cared for her the most is Wang Tian."

He cast a teasing glance toward Wang Tian, a devilish smile tugging at his lips.

Wang Tian chuckled nervously, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. Muo Qian quickly lowered her head, hiding her reddened face.

Muo Xia noticed the exchange and smiled knowingly. She placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So... you’ve already chosen your future husband."

Wang Tian froze, his blush deepening. He shook his head furiously, flustered, while Muo Qian clung to her mother, embarrassed. "Mother, please stop teasing me!"

Muo Xia laughed lightly. "Young man, if you’re my daughter’s future husband, then you are already my son-in-law. So why haven’t you greeted me properly?"

Wang Tian hesitated, confusion flashing across his face as he bowed again.

Elder Liya suddenly smacked him on the head. "Idiot! Don’t you know how to behave in front of your mother-in-law?"

Wang Tian quickly dropped to one knee again, bowing deeply. "Please approve our relationship, Mother-in-law!"

Muo Xia’s laughter rang out as she waved her hand. "Enough, enough. I approve your relationship with my daughter. You don’t need to go that far."

Elder Liya watched Wang Tian with exasperation, pressing her hand to her forehead. Why is my brother so dumb?

Meanwhile, Shaurya and Lin Shu exchanged glances, both smiling knowingly.

To be continued...