Chapter 328-329 (Patreon)

328. The fate of the Illusion Worry City

Illusion Worry City.

Ever since Lin Fei defeated the Worry-free Sovereign last time, not only has the Worry-free Sovereign retreated into seclusion, refraining from meddling in the affairs of Illusion Worry City, but Jiang Tianyun also hardly left his secret chamber. It seemed that unless he became a Martial Sovereign, Jiang Tianyun would not come out. Clearly, Jiang Tianyun had been deeply affected and could no longer maintain his previously detached demeanor.

This was understandable. Martial artists must compete fiercely and pursue bravery. Without this determination, how can one practice martial arts? In the way of the immortals, they emphasize self-cultivation and a tranquil state of mind. Martial artists are different; they must vie for the top position. The path of martial arts is like sailing against the current; if you don't advance, you regress.

Even the Worry-free Sovereign, who was once laid-back, has been diligently cultivating his Divine Abilities. What more for Jiang Tianyun? However, regardless of whether it's Jiang Tianyun or Worry-free Sovereign, the ordinary martial artists and Qi cultivators of Illusion Worry City remain unaffected. The city continues to thrive as usual. However, discussions about the three major factions and the Taiyi Dao Palace have clearly increased.

"The current situation is tense. After Taiyi Dao Palace's heavy losses, they're unlikely to let things be," someone commented.

"The drama between the three major factions in this war is truly sensational. I thought that with Profound Light Cave Heaven's betrayal, Taiyi Dao Palace would wipe out the Ancient Origin Sect and Red Hades Mansion. But now, the Profound Light Cave Heaven was destroyed by Sovereign Lin instead," another chimed in.

"With Sovereign Lin present, what does it matter if the Taiyi Dao Palace doesn't back down? If he keeps growing stronger, he might become a Martial King. Then, even Taiyi Dao Palace would be in danger!"

"Heh, you think Taiyi Dao Palace isn't aware of this? They must've prepared thoroughly, ready to spare no expense to eliminate Sovereign Lin!"

Amidst the heated discussions about the current situation, Illusion Worry City finds itself in a precarious position. Although the city has existed for many years, it was previously a neutral zone with a tacit understanding of the three major powers.

If Taiyi Dao Palace eliminates the Ancient Origin Sect and Red Hades Mansion, would they still allow Illusion Worry City to exist? It's doubtful. Similarly, if the Ancient Origin Sect defeats Taiyi Dao Palace, will they spare Illusion Worry City? That's also hard to say.

As people were engrossed in discussions and speculating about the future, a voice suddenly resonated from outside Illusion Worry City, "Worry-free Sovereign, Illusion Heart True Person, come out and see me!"

The voice echoed throughout Illusion Worry City, causing many to wonder, "Is that... Sovereign Lin's voice?"

"It's Sovereign Lin! He's come to Illusion Worry City, and he's specifically asking to see Illusion Heart True Person and Worry-free Sovereign. Is he asking Illusion Worry City to take a stance and choose sides?"

Many recognized the voice. It was none other than the recently famed Sovereign Lin, the top-tier Martial Sovereign who single-handedly annihilated the Profound Light Cave Heaven. Consequently, many hurried to the city outskirts, where they saw Lin Fei, calmly standing in mid-air, hands behind his back. This wasn't his first time in Illusion Worry City. In fact, it was his third visit.

"Swoosh."

A figure emerged step by step, from the void outside the city: the Worry-free Sovereign. At this moment, the expression on the face of Worry-free Sovereign was somber. Still, he didn't say anything, his eyes complex as they rested on Lin Fei.

During their previous encounters, Worry-free Sovereign could still posture and assert himself before Lin Fei. But now, even if he had been in retreat or wasn't fond of Lin Fei's tone, the fact remained: Lin Fei's attitude was assertive. He directly summoned both Worry-free Sovereign and Illusion Heart True Person to come to him, displaying the posture of one who was superior. Without any hesitation, he left his chamber immediately and appeared outside the city.

Times had indeed changed. Now, even if Lin Fei merely made an offhand comment, Worry-free Sovereign could not afford to take it lightly but rather would consider it deeply.

"Swoosh."

Another figure appeared. It was Illusion Heart True Person.

Illusion Heart True Person and Worry-free Sovereign exchanged glances, both bowing respectfully towards Lin Fei, saying, "Greetings, Sovereign Lin. We wonder why Sovereign Lin has summoned us. Is there a matter you wish to instruct?"

Both Illusion Heart True Person and Worry-free Sovereign understood well that the golden days of Illusion Worry City had come to an end. Whether it was Taiyi Dao Palace or Ancient Origin Sect, both powers now vastly overshadowed Illusion Worry City. Lin Fei had managed to annihilate Profound Light Cave Heaven, erasing its entire existence. To him, obliterating Illusion Worry City would be an even smaller feat.

Though Worry-free Sovereign was proud, he wasn't foolish. He knew that even if he and Illusion Heart True Person joined forces, they might still be no match for Lin Fei. Consequently, they adopted a humble stance.

Lin Fei seemed quite pleased with their attitude. His current lofty posture indicated he wasn't here for a casual visit; he intended to resolve the matter of Illusion Worry City once and for all.

"Illusion Heart True Person, Worry-free Sovereign," Lin Fei began, "I believe you are both aware of the situation between Ancient Origin Sect and Taiyi Dao Palace. Now, you have three choices: Either join Taiyi Dao Palace, align with the Ancient Origin Sect, or leave Illusion Worry City altogether. Choose one of the three options. I'll give you half an hour to decide," Lin Fei spoke calmly.

"Boom."

Upon hearing Lin Fei's words, the crowd immediately burst into an uproar. Not only were Illusion Heart True Person and Worry-free Sovereign's faces darkened, but the expressions of all the martial artists and cultivators in Illusion Worry City also drastically changed, their hearts filled with discontent.

If Illusion Worry City were to disappear, these individual cultivators would lose an ideal refuge. Particularly within Illusion Worry City, there were many who had offended some significant powers elsewhere. They had fled to this city for protection. Should the city be no more, their safety would be at great risk.

"Sovereign Lin, aren't you being too overbearing? We, the Illusion Worry City and its two city lords have never offended Sovereign Lin, nor have we intended to offend the Ancient Origin Sect. We don't wish to get involved in the great war between the Ancient Origin Sect and the Taiyi Dao Palace. Is that not allowed?"

Amid the crowd, a martial saint voiced his concerns loudly. His words resonated with many, causing the crowd to become even more agitated, echoing his sentiments.

"Overbearing?" Lin Fei's eyes turned cold.

"Buzz."

Without any movement from Lin Fei, just a mere thought was enough for his Life Wheel to emerge rapidly from behind him. The second layer of the Life Wheel instantly radiated with immense light.

Worry-free Sovereign's face changed color, and he cried out, "Sovereign Lin, please calm your anger!"

However, before he could take any action, a terrifying force of gravity descended instantly, rendering him completely immobile. Gravity Domain! The domain made Worry-free Sovereign feel as if he was sinking.

"What kind of Divine Ability is this?" Worry-free Sovereign thought anxiously. In the past, he could at least match Lin Fei in battle for a while. But now? Just one Divine Ability made him feel overwhelmed. Of course, he might be able to break free from Lin Fei's Divine Ability with all his strength. However, Lin Fei had yet to use his Saber Domain. Once Lin Fei employed it, Worry-free Sovereign knew he wouldn't be able to withstand it. So, he dared not move.

The martial saint who had voiced his opinion seemed to realize something; his face turned deathly pale.

"Thud."

The next moment, an overpowering gravity descended. Before the watchful eyes of everyone present, the martial saint was instantly crushed into a pulp by the immense force.

329. Choice

Silence.

Outside Illusion Worry City, there was a deathly stillness. No one spoke. All eyes were firmly fixed on the pool of flesh and blood on the ground.

Martial saint! That was a full-fledged martial saint, even one of the top ones. Yet now, he didn't even have the slightest power to resist and was crushed to a pulp.

Lin Fei hadn't even visibly acted, and with just one Divine Ability, he crushed a top martial saint to death. Just moments ago, Worry-free Sovereign tried to intervene but now stood completely still, his face ashen. Clearly, he was suppressed by Lin Fei.

Many had seen Lin Fei before. In fact, most of the martial artists and cultivators had seen him. They had witnessed Lin Fei's battle with Worry-free Sovereign outside Illusion Worry City. Lin Fei had won then, but Worry-free Sovereign had only narrowly lost. How much time had passed since then? Merely a few months. Yet in those months, Lin Fei's power had grown unimaginably, enough to suppress Worry-free Sovereign effortlessly.

It's no wonder Lin Fei could obliterate Profound Light Cave Heaven. Such strength was beyond the imagination of average martial artists and qi cultivators. For a moment, no one dared to utter a word. The notion of "strength in numbers" meant nothing in the face of such power. If Lin Fei could erase Profound Light Cave Heaven, he could certainly erase Illusion Worry City.

"Worry-free Sovereign, Illusion Heart True Person, what is your decision?" Lin Fei calmly inquired, as if the execution of the martial saint was just a trivial matter.

Worry-free Sovereign and Illusion Heart True Person exchanged glances, their expressions grim.

"Sovereign Lin, must you be so ruthless?" Illusion Heart True Person's tone grew cold. Illusion Heart True Person was always known for his calm demeanor, adept in dealing with worldly matters. But now, he showed rare firmness. "Sovereign Lin, are you not afraid that you might push us towards Taiyi Dao Palace? While the Ancient Origin Sect is powerful now, Taiyi Dao Palace remains your fiercest adversary. We, Illusion Worry City, only wish to remain neutral and not partake in your conflicts."

Upon hearing Illusion Heart True Person's words, Lin Fei responded, "So, you've made your choice?"

"Indeed. Of the three choices, we pick none. We choose to stay neutral. Sovereign Lin, please don't press us too hard."

Illusion Heart True Person spoke out, making clear his and Illusion Worry City's stance. Worry-free Sovereign remained silent, obviously aligning himself with Illusion Heart True Person.

"Staying neutral..." Lin Fei pondered.

Lin Fei shook his head, his voice serene. "The Taiyi Dao Palace won't allow your neutrality. Likewise, the Ancient Origin Sect will not tolerate your indifference. If you dare defy me, it means you have something to lean on. Reveal your strengths then. If you can withstand my Divine Ability, then your Illusion Worry City shall persist."

Illusion Heart True Person and the Worry-free Sovereign exchanged a firm gaze. Their resolution was evident. They didn't question the consequences of their inability to resist. Some answers were unspoken. If they failed, they would perish. Such was the cost.

"No matter," began Illusion Heart True Person. "We, the free cultivators, have weathered countless battles both great and small. The Illusion Worry City has stood resilient against the onslaught of your three powerful factions. Power, in the end, has the final say. I beseech you, Sovereign Lin, to impart your wisdom upon us."

Illusion Heart True Person swiftly reached up, touching the center of his forehead. A resonant hum filled the air. Moments later, a white orb emerged from his brow. Concurrently, Lin Fei felt as though everything around him had vanished. It felt as though he was suspended amidst an endless expanse of white, stretching infinitely in every direction.

"Illusionary realm..." Lin Fei recognized it instantly. This was an illusion. He discerned the origins of Illusion Heart True Person's moniker—it was due to his mastery over illusions. His illusions were so lifelike that even when one knew they were in a mirage, breaking free was not easy. Only those with an unyielding spirit could shatter Illusion Heart True Person's illusions.

The three dominant factions had besieged Illusion Worry City, but due to Illusion Heart True Person's illusions, they were thwarted, trapped within this illusionary realm. It was only after this that they had to grudgingly acknowledge the city's existence. The city's two main pillars of strength, in essence, were rooted in Illusion Heart True Person.

Lin Fei reached out, his hand clenching the emptiness around him. There was nothing, it felt as though he was truly ensconced within a void. The sensation was eerily real.

"What a mesmerizing illusion!" He mused. "This isn't merely an illusion anymore. It might even be the Dao of Void! Reality and illusion, martial arts and immortality. In the vast Ancient Continent, myriad paths of cultivation exist in all their peculiarities."

Lin Fei wasn't taken aback. The Ancient Continent was vast beyond measure, and there were innumerable means of cultivation. It was said that in ancient times, a hundred schools of thought contended, offering diverse methods of cultivation.

Yet, as time elapsed, only the ways of immortality and martial arts prevailed. Immortality, exalted and sublime, involved harnessing the power of the universe, understanding the cosmos, and achieving profound self-realization. Possessing powers that pierced the heavens and traversed the earth.

Martial arts, on the other hand, was the path for all beings, an approach devoid of prerequisites. Consequently, these two methods gradually dominated, becoming the mainstream. However, this hegemony didn't signify the extinction of other schools of thought.

Unfortunately, this path seems flawed, and hard to achieve the end. However, the methods of the Dao of Void are unpredictable, just like Illusion Heart True Person's current illusion. His illusion must belong to the Dao of Void!

Lin Fei closed his eyes and stopped looking around. A layer of light gradually emanated from him. A loud bang sounded as his Saber Domain descended! The Transcendence Saber Domain transformed the void into reality. Under the shroud of the Saber Domain, all illusions were shattered. He opened his eyes again and saw that everything was back to normal. Illusion Heart True Person seemed exhausted, and the bead magic treasure in front of him was vibrating intensely.

Worry-free Sovereign was approaching Lin Fei, ready to deploy his Divine Ability. If Lin Fei had been a little slower, Worry-free Sovereign's Divine Ability would have been executed. However, Lin Fei deployed his Saber Domain in an instant, breaking through Illusion Heart True Person's illusion.

A gigantic Life Wheel emerged behind Lin Fei, with the second layer shining brightly. "Gravity Domain!" he exclaimed. An invisible force enveloped Worry-free Sovereign and Illusion Heart True Person. The two were shocked. It wasn't just the Gravity Domain; it was the combination of the Saber Domain and the Gravity Domain. The two forces acted simultaneously, paralyzing Illusion Heart True Person and Worry-free Sovereign.

Under the pressure of the Gravity Domain, the bead magic treasure in front of Illusion Heart True Person fell to the ground and shattered. His magic treasure was destroyed! For a moment, Illusion Heart True Person looked ashen.

"Defeated..." Illusion Heart True Person was proud. Ever since he obtained this magic treasure and delved into the Dao of Void, his mastery in illusions had reached its peak. However, he met Lin Fei, whose Transcendence Saber Domain completely restrained his illusion.

The main reason, of course, was Lin Fei's overwhelming strength. Even without the Saber Domain, no one could harm him under the shroud of his Gravity Domain.

"You have been defeated, so now, die! Divine Ability, Dual-World Saber!"

Lin Fei flicked his finger.

"Whoosh."

The power of the Life Wheel instantly condensed into a saber. One glance at this saber would make one's heart palpitate. And now, Illusion Heart True Person and Worry-free Sovereign who were suppressed by the Saber Domain and Gravity Domain could only watch helplessly as it fell.

"Swoosh."

With the saber's descent, the two remained motionless.

Illusion Heart True Person on the left shuddered all over. Then, his body slowly turned to dust. A gust of wind blew, and he vanished completely.

Worry-free Sovereign on the right also shuddered all over. With a "thud," he fell to the ground. His body was intact. However, there was no longer any sign of life in him.

This is the Dual-World Saber. Death of the body on the left. Annihilation of the soul on the right!

The two city lords who once dominated the world both fell in front of Lin Fei with a single stroke of the saber!