Volume Two: First Signs of Brilliance Chapter 63: Collapse

Chen Tian and the Three-Eyed Demon King were locked in battle. Beneath the swirling dust, a lone figure moved slowly—Zhang Kuang’s brows drew together in a faint frown. At that moment, understanding flashed between them. He took a step back, unsheathing the Jinghong Blade.

Since Qin Yang was unharmed, the plan must proceed.

Although the two had not known each other long, for reasons he could not name, Zhang Kuang chose to trust him unconditionally.

Moreover, the coming events put Qin Yang in far greater peril than himself. If the Three-Eyed Demon King discovered him, Qin Yang would face utter destruction, while Zhang Kuang’s task was merely to intercept others. He was no match for a truly formidable master.

On the way, after searching for a long time without finding Wu Jian’s whereabouts, Zhang Kuang realized that although his earlier attack was powerful, it had not been fatal. Did this man, like himself, also covet the Blood Infant Fruit?

No, Wu Jian should have been under the Demon King’s control—acting rashly would only invite disaster. So what was his true purpose?

Qin Yang had guessed the first part, but not the latter.

The terrifying power of thunder had shattered the shackles within Wu Jian’s body. Though gravely wounded, Wu Jian felt ecstatic: he had been reborn. Yet gratitude was absent from his heart; instead, killing intent surged. The Blood Infant Fruit was coveted even by the Three-Eyed Demon King—its energy must be immense. No matter what, he had to obtain it.

The branches of the Enlightenment Tree exuded ancient majesty, its countless roots exposed and stained crimson—clearly to better absorb blood, clinging to the earth’s surface.

The tree’s trunk was so massive that not three, but ten men could barely encircle it. Its lush branches and leaves brimmed with an energy that seemed both vibrant and tinged with the sorrow of a final, glorious bloom.

Running his hand over the bark, Zhang Kuang felt an endless grief and rage emanate from within.

I understand your pain, he murmured, knowing none of this was the tree’s wish. But the Three-Eyed Demon King is too powerful for me to oppose. I have no choice but to pluck the Blood Infant Fruit; once the shackles are broken, you’ll finally be free.

He spoke softly, unsure if the Enlightenment Tree understood. Gazing up at the ten fruits, he leapt skyward.

Just as he reached for the first Blood Infant Fruit, a frigid sword aura swept toward him, sharper, fiercer, colder than before.

As expected, Wu Jian appeared once more, his strength now even greater—he had reached the mid-level Profound Connection Realm.

The air crackled with the sounds of their fierce clash, instantly drawing every eye. Shock was soon replaced by seething fury.

They had guarded this place together, only to see one attempt to steal the Enlightenment Fruit. How could they not be enraged?

A chill like a thousand winters flashed in Leng Qianyou’s eyes.

Zhang Kuang, seeing the others ready to charge forward, set his jaw and planted the Jinghong Blade before him. “Their battle isn't over. Best not interrupt.”

“Nonsense!” someone cried. “They’re after the fruit! If we’re late, there’ll be nothing left!”

“Zhang Kuang and Qin Yang are in league. Don’t trust him—brothers, let’s go!”

Looking at them, Zhang Kuang could only sigh in resignation. So long as secrets were kept, friendship was possible; now that they’d been laid bare, friendship was impossible.

Very well, then. Let battle begin.

He roused his will, unleashing his full battle strength, soaring instantly to his peak.

The Starfall Blade danced in his hands, blocking Wu Jian’s assault. With a swift motion, Zhang Kuang seized two Blood Infant Fruits. Wu Jian’s own deadly skill netted him three fruits in a single move.

Nine Steps to Shatter the Heavens was pushed to the limit; just as Wu Jian prepared to strike again, his expression shifted in shock—a massive presence emerged from the void above.

It was a giant python.

Its terrifying blood-red eyes locked on them, and with a snap of its jaws, it extended both hands, snatching four Blood Infant Fruits, which it tossed into its storage ring.

The python bellowed, shaking the heavens. Seeing this, the Three-Eyed Demon King flew into an even greater rage.

These fruits had been painstakingly cultivated, and now others had reaped the rewards. Fury ignited within him.

The third eye in the center of his brow snapped open, blazing with murderous intent.

Wherever the black light shone, corruption followed.

Chen Tian’s face changed drastically. The Demon King was already formidable; now, in a state of berserk fury, he was even more terrifying.

Bang!

Struck hard, Qin Yang was sent flying by the python. Blood spurted from his lips; his organs felt shattered, his meridians snapped in countless places.

His body was strong, but how could it withstand the python’s blow?

“You will all die,” the Three-Eyed Demon King declared, stepping beside the Enlightenment Tree. Gazing at the python that had just swallowed his fruit, he brought down a massive palm.

“Beast! How dare you steal from me! Today, you die—I’ll turn you into a pill to make up for my loss.” His gaze was ice, his laughter cold. “This place is sealed. A year from now, this will be your tomb.”

Ten Blood Infant Fruits—Wu Jian had seized three, but as his own pawn, the Demon King left him unscathed, his eyes fixed on the heavily wounded youth below, surprised that he had managed to collect six fruits.

Under the evil radiance, even the giant python’s massive body sizzled and burned.

With a piteous cry, the python coiled defensively, its lantern-like eyes glowing a ghostly blue.

Sensing danger, Chen Tian swiftly moved to Qin Yang’s side, glaring coldly at the Demon King.

“If you would protect this boy, let’s see if you have the strength.”

With those words, a dreadful pressure bore down on Chen Tian, while the python above launched another attack.

The weak joined forces against the strong—clearly, this python had gained true intelligence.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The earth collapsed; seawater poured in. It was as if the world were ending.

Zhang Kuang and the others halted their infighting—the situation was dire, survival itself now in doubt; who still cared about the Enlightenment Fruit?

Staying alive was the only priority.

Leng Qianyou’s eyes locked on Qin Yang, her aura surging. Suddenly, her form vanished, shooting straight for him.

“Not good!” Zhang Kuang’s face changed. He tried to intercept, but it was too late.

Just as her attack was about to succeed, a faint green aura shrouded Qin Yang, enveloping his body. Countless vines coiled around Leng Qianyou, tightening the more she struggled.

“Damn it—the Enlightenment Tree has awakened!”

Others might not understand, but as the instigator, the Demon King knew full well.

Bang!

Blocking Chen Tian’s assault, he was struck from behind by the python.

Blood spattered the air; his already pale face turned ghostly white, his skin growing ever more withered.

His gaze locked on Wu Jian: “Hand over the Blood Infant Fruit.”

Wu Jian complied, but as the Demon King prepared to consume it, Wu Jian drew a dagger and plunged it into his heart.

What?

Everyone stared in disbelief. Who could have foreseen Wu Jian’s betrayal at this moment? For the Demon King, it was a disaster atop disaster.

Pocketing the fruit, Wu Jian departed without a backward glance. Gravely injured, he would have left sooner if not for the Demon King’s control.

A chill flickered across his heart—let’s see if you survive this.

If the Demon King lived, he would always be a grave threat.

Together, the python and Chen Tian could gain no advantage; for the Demon King to suffer such a blow and yet remain unvanquished only proved their own weakness.

“Hurry! Escape through the breach—the place is sealed, and it’s the only way out!”

Everyone nodded, moving swiftly.

“Want to leave? Dream on.” With a wave of his hands, the Demon King sent black threads flying in all directions. The swiftest among them were sliced to pieces, dying hideously.

At this moment, the Enlightenment Tree surged with new life, expelling the dense demonic energy from the air.

Countless branches lashed out at the Demon King.

“Three-Eyed Demon King, you’ve roused the wrath of all—now even the python and the Enlightenment Tree move to punish you.”

“Punish me? You’re not worthy.” He stood resplendent above, weaving seals with his hands, the air behind him stained with blood.

“Begone!”

He punched forth; the space trembled, the rupture widening.

Zhang Kuang glanced at Qin Yang and Leng Qianyou, hesitated not an instant, and fled.

The situation was too perilous—remaining meant only death.

Qin Yang slipped into unconsciousness, feeling as if he were adrift in an endless forest, or perhaps soaking in a hot spring—his body suffused with warmth and bliss.

The terrifying battle raged on, the entire space shattering bit by bit under the unbearable force, until at last the ancient ruin collapsed.

Endless seawater flooded in. Bound by vines, Leng Qianyou could not escape; terror filled her beautiful eyes.

Was this to be her watery grave?