The Great Ruler

Boom!

In the dark space, lightning raged within the black clouds, a violent aura covering the entire area. A few shadows, surrounded by a spiritual light, flew carefully at a low altitude within the space. They looked pathetic, frantically trying to avoid the lightning that continued to strike them.

This was the third level of the Body-refining Tower, and the shadows belonged to Zong Teng, Han Shan, and the others. They had entered the third level at a fast speed, arriving well before the rest. But, after entering, they had slowed down suddenly. It was apparent that the third level was much tougher than the other two levels.

Spiritual light surged around Zong Teng, and a golden feather floated before him. The golden feather was filled with ancient runes and exuded an overbearing fluctuation.

Every time the violent lightning struck, the golden feather would let out a ray of golden light to divert the lightning. Thus, although the lightning that had been dispersed struck Zong Teng, it could not harm him.

This feather was the treasure of the Heavenly Roc Clan, formed by the feather of the Golden-winged Roc. Although it was not conducive for use in attacks, it was good for protection, thus making it a precious divine weapon. It was apparent that Zong Teng had prepared himself well for the Body-refining Tower.

“That guy seems to be lagging far behind.” Before he made a move, Zong Teng looked behind him, no longer feeling Mu Chen’s spiritual energy fluctuation. Mu Chen had obviously not gotten out of the second level.

Zong Teng smiled and sneered. Mu Chen was an interesting person. He had used some means to overtake them to the second level, but he was now back to square one in no time.

“What a disgrace.”

This was how Zong Teng viewed Mu Chen. If Mu Chen had followed behind them at a consistent pace, no one would have noticed him. However, he was too eager to stand out and impress everyone. Now that he had fallen hard, after rising up so high, the Nine Netherbird Clan would surely be mocked by the rest of the clans.

“Ink Blade is not an easy one to deal with.” Zong Teng looked at the red burning flame in the distance. Whenever lightning struck, the red flame would absorb much of the force, so he was not deterred.

Although Zong Teng had not fought with Ink Blade before, he knew that Ink Blade was as powerful as Nine Nether. Thus, he would have a hard time, should they face off against one another.

“The rest of the people should be able to get into the third level, but they will not be able to go any further than that.” Lightning flashed across the sky and Zong Teng’s eyes glittered.

From what he knew, as long as one was prepared, he would have no problem getting through the third level. However, once they were at the fourth level, most of them would be eliminated regardless.

No matter what, Zong Teng was not worried. Although he would have a tough fight with Han Shan, Ink Blade, and the rest if he wanted to be the champion, he had full confidence that he would be among those who would enter the fourth level.

“We’ll see who has the last laugh. I am not afraid of any of you!”

A cold light flashed across Zong Teng’s eyes, then he pushed away his thoughts and increased his speed. As he went, he golden feather continued to divert the lightning away from him.

…

“Very soon, Zong Teng and the rest will go deep into the third level. This seems to be the most crucial part, as half of them will be eliminated at this level.”

The top powers outside of the Body-refining Tower watched the third level on the screen, talking among themselves.

“Mu Chen is still not taking any action. If the nine of them get deep into the third level and he is still not there, he will be eliminated.”

Someone looked at the light spot on the second level and felt sorry for Mu Chen. Soon, he would be kicked out of the Body-refining Tower.

When Liu Qing saw this, she was overjoyed. Mu Chen was too presumptuous. He had climbed up high, but now, he had fallen hard. He had not only brought disgrace to himself, but to the Nine Netherbird Clan as well.

Liu Qing turned to look at Nine Nether, who looked calm. However, Nine Nether was grasping her fists, so it was apparent that she was still a bit worried.

Liu Qing saw that and sneered in her heart. Although half of them would be eliminated, Mu Chen would break the record for being eliminated before entering the third level.

Mo Ling stood beside Nine Nether and looked worried. She knew that the Nine Netherbird Clan would be mocked if Mu Chen was eliminated. Moreover, the elders would be furious…

“Sister Nine Nether…”

Nine Nether ignored her failed attempt to speak, continuing to look at the light spot on the second level. She still could not believe that Mu Chen would remain at the second level.

“Eh?”

All of a sudden,Nine Nether was shocked. She noticed that the light spot had started to glitter.

…

A thin figure sat cross-legged on the lonely hill, while the strong, cold wind blew and the horrifying cold waves rolled across the land.

Swish. Swish.

The strong wind cut Mu Chen’s body like a sharp blade, but surprisingly, he had no wounds. His flesh simply swirled, and in no time, it went back to normal.

A careful look at Mu Chen’s body would reveal that his skin had a cold faint blue luster. Under normal conditions, a Grade Six Sovereign’s body would have been frozen instantly. However, there was so much vitality and power in Mu Chen’s body, it seeped into his flesh, yet did not completely freeze.

A blue, cold air appeared on Mu Chen’s face, then gradually disappeared. After it had disappeared, Mu Chen opened his eyes.

That blue cold air had gathered in his eyes, and as he looked forward, the air froze and turned into ice. At that moment, an ice crystal-like symbol flashed across his eyes.

Hoof.

Mu Chen blew out a chunk of blue, cold air. As it spread out, it froze every bit of strong wind that it came into contact with. Golden light burst out from Mu Chen’s body and dispersed the chill that was within him. He felt the warmth in his body, the chill no longer posing any problem to him.

He lowered his head to look at the real dragon symbol on his chest. It had not only expanded, but its eyes had opened even wider.

Buzz!

Although the dragon’s eyes were only halfway open, the real dragon’s oppression that it exuded had caused the hill to crack. The real phoenix symbol that had curled up on his back was halfway open as well. The oppression of the dragon and phoenix swirled out, and as cracks started to form, the hill collapsed, no longer able to bear it.

Mu Chen stood in the air, no spiritual energy fluctuation around him. However, when the strong wind that could tear apart a Grade Six Sovereign swirled toward him, it simply left white traces on his skin.

This was because, after going through the polishing of his physical body, his body had been strengthened tremendously. He could even feel that the second stage of Dragon-Phoenix Body was within his reach. However, this place was no longer helpful for him in his quest to strengthen his body.

“It is finally over…” Mu Chen mumbled to himself.

Then, he slowly clenched his fists, acutely aware of the explosive power in his body. He smiled and looked in the distance.

Those guys must be attempting to break through to the fourth level.

It was time for him to give it his best shot, or else he would be eliminated. If this happened, he would be doing Nine Nether a disservice and make her regret giving him the quota.

As he thought of all of these things, Mu Chen immediately flicked his fingers. Golden light burst out from his back and a large pair of golden wings started to spread out.

Boom!

As the wings spread out, a gale tore the strong wind apart. The cold blue waves could no longer obstruct him. Mu Chen then turned into a shadow and dashed out of the area at lightning speed.

…

As Mu Chen started to move, the top powers outside of the Body-refining Tower noticed it, quickly shifted their gazes to watch him. They were stunned, looking at the light spot in awe. Liu Qing, who was looking scornful, suddenly stiffened his whole body.