Chapter 2162: Execute Those Who Refuse
Above the imperial city, lines of characters illuminated the heavens and earth. Each character emitted a terrifying presence, like stars floating in the sky. Their presence shocked many cultivators in the city.
For a moment, no one could ignore it, and the entire imperial city was thrown into an uproar.
“Such tyranny. He’s using such harsh rules to restrict cultivators from all realms.”
“What a joke. No matter how strong Zhang Ruochen is, he is merely a Saint King. How dare he dream of making the so-called Kunlun Laws? He had disregarded the other Macroworlds.”
“Kunlun has been reduced to a Battlefield of Merits. We have to rely on the help of the other Macroworlds to temporarily hold back the Infernal Court’s invasion. What right do we have to talk about dignity and status?”
“Kunlun Laws? Zhang Ruochen is far from being able to suppress all the Macroworlds by himself. The will of the cultivators of all Macroworlds is not something he can fight alone.”
…
All kinds of voices sounded. They were full of disdain for the laws set by Zhang Ruochen. They felt that it was a joke.
Even Empress Chi Yao might not be able to abide by the laws set by herself. Let alone Zhang Ruochen.
Their authority was far inferior to that of the Celestial Palace.
In Ziwei Palace, the Nine-heavens Maiden, Yin Yuanchen, and the rest were surprised when they saw the words in the sky. They did not expect that the Blood Decree written by Zhang Ruochen was aimed at the cultivators of the Celestial Court.
“Forgive me, brother Zhang. The laws you have set are too restrictive for the cultivators of all realms. It has seriously affected their interests. I’m afraid that no one will be willing to abide by them,” said Yin Yuanchen.
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, “Whether they are willing or not, they must abide by Kunlun Laws. This is the bottom line of Kunlun.”
“I’m afraid it’s not that simple. If things go wrong, Celestial Palace will be involved.” The Nine-heavens Maiden frowned slightly.
Of course, she knew that Zhang Ruochen had set the laws for Kunlun. However, the outcome might not be as he had hoped.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Don’t worry. We shall know the responses from Celestial Palace soon enough.”
‘Could it be…’
The Nine-heavens Maiden and Yin Yuanchen had some guesses in their hearts.
At Welkin Lounge, Gu Xin’ao was under more and more pressure. He reluctantly lifted his head and looked at the lines of words in the sky.
Gu Xin’ao could not miss the first Order that Zhang Ruochen had made. It was aiming at him.
Moreover, Zhang Ruochen had specially sent an emissary to Welkin Lounge to announce the Decree and even specified for Gu Xin’ao to receive it. Gu Xin’ao had a bad feeling about this.
After reciting the Decree, Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit looked at Gu Xin’ao coldly and said, “Gu Xin’ao, the leader of Saber Empyrean, injured Xue Wuye of Kunlun for no reason and stole his inheritance. You have violated the first Order of the realm. You shall be executed as a warning to others.”
“Execute me? How can Zhang Ruochen make the laws? How can he kill me?” Gu Xin’ao roared into the sky.
Just as he had thought, Zhang Ruochen had planned to use him to establish his authority. He hadn’t expected Zhang Ruochen to be so overbearing. Zhang Ruochen wanted to take his life with just one sentence.
Celestial Palace might not execute Gu Xin’ao. With his status, even if he violated the rules. There was always a way to turn things around.
Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit said indifferently, “The Prince of Eastern Region is one of the rulers of Kunlun. Naturally, he has the right to set the laws of the realm. All cultivators of Celestial Court must abide by them when they enter Kunlun.”
“Gu Xin’ao, not only did you violate the laws, but you also challenged the Prince of Eastern Region’s prestige. Such crime is unforgivable, and you shall be executed instantly.”
Gu Xin’ao was struck by its words, and his eyes narrowed. He wished to break free from the suppression of the Blood Decree immediately and at the same time shouted, “Array formation”.
He knew very well that he couldn’t fight against Zhang Ruochen’s Blood Decree alone. Only by combining the powers of many Saber Empyrean cultivators could he escape.
No matter what, he couldn’t just be a sitting duck.
The large group of Saber Empyrean cultivators immediately moved. They formed a mysterious sword formation in an instant and gathered vigorous power onto Gu Xin’ao.
Rumble
Cracks appeared in a large area of space, and it was on the verge of shattering. Gu Xin’ao was finally able to straighten his body.
“Impudent! Do you dare to obstruct law enforcement? You all are as guilty as Gu Xin’ao!” Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit coldly shouted.
Vast divine force surged out from Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit’s body, condensing into a pitch-black divine cloud. A terrifying divine might instantly envelop the entire Welkin Lounge.
Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit opened its mouth, revealing a pitch-black bolt of lightning. It was spherical and crazily gathered divine power, becoming larger and larger.
When the bolt of lightning expanded to ten thousand feet in size, it suddenly shrank rapidly, becoming only the size of an egg. The surrounding space then violently collapsed.
Whoosh
The bolt of lightning pierced through space at an unimaginable speed.
Boom
The lightning exploded and released a terrifying destructive power.
The sword array formed by Saber Empyrean cultivators was powerful, but it couldn’t resist the destructive power. It was torn apart in an instant.
Many screamed after the impact.
A large number of Saber Empyrean cultivators were hit. Their bodies were charred black and almost turned to charcoal.
Fortunately, with the suppression of Zhang Ruochen’s Blood Decree, the space within 300 meters was exceptionally stable. The violent power didn’t spread out wantonly.
Otherwise, the Welkin Lounge and the entire third city district would have been severely damaged.
“How could this be? How could Zhang Ruochen have so many top-notch elites by his side?” Gu Xin’ao’s mood fluctuated. He was shocked and annoyed.
During the Battle of Luoshui, Zhang Ruochen had already revealed his two powerful helpers. The Azure Dragon and the Saint Devourer. Gu Xin’ao did not expect another one to appear now.
Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit was probably comparable to the first level below the Supreme Saint in terms of strength.
Gu Xin’ao didn’t know that Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit could activate the powerful divine force contained in the Divine Python’s corpse as it wished. As long as its Saint Soul remained powerful. It was not comparable on normal occasions.
One day, Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit would completely control the power of the Divine Python’s corpse. Naturally, it would gain the power of a Supreme Saint.
Zhang Ruochen was a selfless person. He would share his precious cultivation resources with the cultivators around him. He also spared no effort to cultivate Saint Devourer, Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit, and the Ancient Abyssal Blade.
Therefore, Zhang Ruochen was different from a lone ranger like Yan Wushen. He had trained many top-notch elites around him. The Four Heavenly Kings could chase Yan Wushen all over the world, but if they dared to chase after Zhang Ruochen, they would be hunted down.
“Stop.”
Zhou Zhen finally opened his mouth to stop Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit after seeing that it was about to attack again.
Zhou Zhen walked out of the dilapidated pavilion. He looked straight at Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit and said in a deep voice, “Go back and tell Zhang Ruochen that although he is powerful, he can not act recklessly. The leader of the Macroworld is not someone who can decide life and death at will. Be careful not to offend the public.”
“Who are you? Are you here to obstruct the law enforcement as well?” Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit said coldly.
Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit exuded a strong murderous intent. As he was instructed by Zhang Ruochen to kill Gu Xin’ao this time to establish his authority. Emperor Yi’s Evil Spirit would suppress anyone who stood in his way.
Zhang Ruochen could truly intimidate the cultivators of the Celestial Court from all realms by doing so. He would make everyone remember the laws and dare not to violate them.
If he did not show an example, the laws would become a blank piece of paper.
Zhou Zhen snorted coldly. “I’m the leader of the Formation Sect. I’m here to deal with the High-Saint Array Master of the Infernal Court on behalf of the Celestial Court’s order. Does Zhang Ruochen still wish to make a move on me?”
The Formation Sect held a very high position in the Celestial Court. Zhou Zhen firmly believed that Zhang Ruochen would not dare to act recklessly.
As soon as Zhou Zhen finished speaking, the Blood Decree floating in the sky suddenly released an extremely powerful binding power, making everyone present unable to move.
Then, a sword materialized from the Blood Decree and headed straight for Gu Xin’ao.
“No!”
Gu Xin’ao shouted, desperately trying to break free from the binding.
But with Zhang Ruochen’s current dimensional attainments, how could Gu Xin’ao break free from the Dimensional Lockdown?
Zhou Zhen was getting furious and a saint light shone between his eyebrows. A circular array disk flew out and instantly split into four.
Immediately, Zhou Zhen used his intense spiritual power and formed a mystical Ninth Stratum Array with the four disk arrays. It enveloped all the Saber Empyrean cultivators, including Gu Xin’ao.
Zhou Zhen could not watch Gu Xin’ao be killed no matter what.
“Crash.”
Although the Ninth Stratum Array was powerful, it could not resist the sword. Its formation was cut open easily.
This sword contained entirely of Zhang Ruochen’s Swordwill. It was equivalent to him attacking with all his strength. Even an elite of the first level below the Supreme Saint had no choice but to retreat.
Gu Xin’ao broke free from the Dimensional Lockdown using the power of the Ninth Stratum Array. He attacked with all his strength without hesitation. He waved the saint sword in his hand and performed his strongest attack.
“Block it for me.”
Gu Xin’ao growled. He poured his Saint Qi into the saint sword without hesitation. At the same time, he mobilized both the Precepts of Swordsmanship and the Precepts of Truth.
Although Gu Xin’ao was far inferior to Zhang Ruochen in the Path of Truth, he was not bad either. He could increase his attack power six times.
“Puff.”
The saint sword left his hand. Gu Xin’ao’s body was directly cut into two halves.
Even if there were Divine Marks carved on his body by the gods, he could not resist it.
How dare Zhang Ruochen…’ Gu Xin’ao thought with his remaining consciousness.
Then, his Saint Soul was also destroyed by the Sword Qi.
Even to death, he could not believe that Zhang Ruochen dared to kill him in front of everyone.
Seeing Gu Xin’ao being killed, Zhou Zhen’s face darkened. Zhang Ruochen persisted to kill Gu Xin’ao even after he showed up. Zhang Ruochen didn’t respect him in the slightest.
At the same time, Zhou Zhen was shocked. He truly felt how terrifying Zhang Ruochen was. He was sure that Zhang Ruochen’s strength was stronger than the Blood Decree.
The cultivators of Saber Empyrean were terrified. They wanted to escape from the Welkin Lounge and return to Saber Empyrean.
“Killing a leader of a Macroworld in public? Has Zhang Ruochen truly gone mad?”
“Zhang Ruochen is showing his attitude and will. It’s a warning to us all.”
“He’s a madman. He dares to do anything.”
“Saber Empyrean has always been protective of its people. It is a great shame that Gu Xin’ao was killed. They will never let this pass easily. Moreover, the Celestial Palace will certainly not tolerate such a thing.”
“I heard that just yesterday, the celestial law enforcers of the Celestial Palace arrived at the Central Imperial City. Led by Commander Jin Hong. The celestial law enforcers would have made a move by now.”
…
Witnessing Gu Xin’ao death, the cultivators from all realms could no longer remain calm. They all realized that Zhang Ruochen was not joking around this time.
Perhaps only Zhang Ruochen dared to do such a crazy thing.
Everything happened too suddenly. Except for Zhou Zhen, who was at the scene, no one could save him in time even if they wanted to.
“Brother Zhang, you killed Gu Xin’ao. This…” Xue Wuye fell into a daze.
He knew very well how serious the consequences would be after doing this. Zhang Ruochen would be pushed to the middle of the storm again.
No matter what, this incident was caused by him. Xue Wuye couldn’t help but feel guilty.
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, “If I don’t kill Gu Xin’ao, the laws I set are meaningless.”
“Saber Empyrean is one of the top 20 powerful worlds in the Western Universe. How could it be willing to suffer such a loss? Especially now, it’s an emergency and the situation is even more complicated. Do you think you don’t have enough trouble?” The Nine-heavens Maiden’s face turned dark as she complained.
Since things had already come to this point, it was useless to say anything more. The most important thing now was to think of a countermeasure.
A leader of a Macroworld who died in the imperial city would cause a huge commotion. Even the gods would be alarmed and it wouldn’t be easy to calm them down.
At the same time, in a great saint’s mansion somewhere in the fourth city district.
24 elites stood side by side and looked at the sky from afar.
They wore the same style of silver armor that covered their entire bodies. Only their faces were exposed, and their bodies exuded a strong murderous aura.
The armor they wore had a mark that belonged to Celestial Palace, symbolizing their status in the Celestial Palace.
They were the celestial law enforcers from Celestial Palace that had just entered the imperial city. Each of them was a top-notch Nine-step Saint King. They were equipped with sacred artifacts and specialized in mysterious battle formations. Their combined battle strength was extremely shocking, and cultivators from all realms were in awe of them.
“How dare Zhang Ruochen kill an elite from the Celestial Court? Doesn’t he know there are rules of heaven and the Celestial Palace?”
“Even if Gu Xin’ao was arrogant and committed a mistake, it should be handled by the celestial law enforcers. How could Zhang Ruochen act as he wishes?”
“Commander, Zhang Ruochen has disregarded the rule of Celestial Palace. He must not be tolerated. He should be captured immediately and taken to the Celestial Palace to be punished.”
Three powerful elites spoke one after another, all of them filled with murderous intent.
All of a sudden, everyone’s gaze turned to the person standing in the middle. This person was seven feet tall and looked valiant. There was a murderous aura between his brows that made people fear him.
His name was Jin Hong. He was the youngest commander in the celestial law enforcers and the only commander at Saint King realm. He had been nurtured by the Celestial Palace and was extremely powerful. He had endless potential.
Ever since he became a celestial law enforcer, Jin Hong had killed countless experts. He condensed a terrifying murderous aura and became famous for his killing. He was known as The Reaper.
In the Celestial Palace, besides the Four Heavenly Kings, no one else at the Saint King realm could beat Jin Hong.
Right now, the Central Imperial City was in chaos and disarray. Jin Hong was ordered to lead a unit to maintain order in the imperial city to avoid any major problems.
However, he had just arrived at the Central Imperial City. Before he could do anything, something so serious had happened.
Jin Hong glanced at the three enforcers who had spoken. He knew very well why they were so radical.
Maintaining the order of the Celestial Palace was only part of their purpose. The truth was that they all belonged to the sect of the Heavenly Realm. They all wanted to seize the opportunity to get rid of Zhang Ruochen.
Although the celestial law enforcers were subordinate to the Celestial Palace, it was also composed of cultivators from all realms to maintain a balance with everyone.
Jin Hong was not a cultivator from Heavenly Realm. Therefore, he thought for a moment and said, “Let’s first report this matter to the Celestial Palace and let them decide.”
“Commander, it was not necessary. Zhang Ruochen wouldn’t dare to resist as long as we are here,” said one of the enforcers.
Another enforcer said, “Zhang Ruochen’s action has offended the public. I’m afraid that cultivators from all realms are waiting for our action. If we don’t act now, many people will laugh at us and think that we’re afraid of Zhang Ruochen.”
All along, anyone who faced the celestial law enforcers could only surrender. No one had ever dared to fight against them.
Jin Hong shook his head slightly and said, “Zhang Ruochen is different from others. He dares to clash with the gods and is never afraid of anything. It’s best not to provoke him without full confidence.”
“We can attack after the Celestial Palace gives a clear order. At that time, no matter how powerful Zhang Ruochen is, he won’t be able to cause any trouble.”
With Celestial Palace’s prestige, all Saint Kings, Supreme Saints, and even the deities wouldn’t disobey their order. Otherwise, how could they rule the universe?