The Prodigies War-Chapter 2752 A Crimson Line

The following morning, a big crowd had gathered in front of Heaven's Judgment Arena.

“A month ago, it was here that Lin Xun, having just certified immortality, killed Qi Lingzhen and the three other Immortals one fell swoop, becoming as prominent as the blazing sun!”

The lament of a person evoked a wave of sighs. It was hard not to feel this way when the fight a month ago was still fresh in their minds to this day, and Lin Xun was already vying for the position of deputy deacon.

“If I haven't missed anything, then roughly three thousand years have gone by since a disciple last successfully replaced a deputy deacon. Will Lin Xun be able to break this stalemate?” someone was full of anticipation.

“It's going to be hard. Deputy Deacon Jin Zhongyue is ranked twelfth among all deputy deacons in his pavilion. He has also been an Immortal for five thousand years, and is currently at the peak of the Heavenly Longevity Realm.

“Besides his seasoned skill and rich battle experiences, his character is cold and fierce, and his Immortal law has also been condensed from a ninth grade Heaven Rank law power. With his depths, he could have stepped into the Nirvana Spirit Realm long ago if it wasn't for a lack of opportunity!

“Under these circumstances, Lin Xun has little hope to win,” a senior expert concluded their analysis. By saying Lin Xun had little hope instead of no hope to win, they clearly weren't underestimating Lin Xun either.

“I've heard that Deputy Deacon Jin Zhongyue has a weapon he's very proud of, a dagger-axe called ‘Dragon Horse.’[1] It's said to be crafted from over a thousand kinds of immortal divine materials, and hammered by his own Immortal law for several thousand years. Thanks to the power of this weapon, ordinary Heavenly Longevity Immortals are far from a match for him.”

“Speaking of which, Lin Xun has only realized immortality for a month. Has he crafted an Immortal-grade artifact of his own?”

Amidst the discussion, everyone recalled the fact that Lin Xun had been completely barehanded during the fight a month ago. It gave them the impression that he still lacked an Immortal-grade weapon!

The Immortal experts knew very well that Immortal-grade weapons were not easy to make. One needed to refine all kinds of immortal divine materials and mix them together, then use their own cultivation and law to shape, nurture, and harmonize with the weapon.

In the Great Thousand Worlds, a true Immortal-grade weapon could shatter a small world! Even in the Eternal True Realm, an Immortal-grade artifact was not to be taken lightly either. It could easily break mountains, cut off oceans, and even destroy a region. Such a power knew little bounds.

Since it had only been a month since Lin Xun had become an Immortal, there was almost no chance that he had created a true Immortal-grade weapon of his own.

As time passed, many big names arrived at the arena, including Ninth Peak Master Qin Wuyu, Origin Clarity Pavilion Elders Xiao Wenyuan and Li Zhen, and Origin Sky Pavilion Elder Cao Beidou.

Xiao Wenyuan came up to Qin Wuyu and asked with a smile, “What do you think of today's duel, Brother Qin?”

The latter replied with a somewhat powerless look, “Lin Xun has always been the type to do the unpredictable. Still, I naturally want him to win.”

His voice was helpless but vaguely filled with earnest hope for Lin Xun.

Xiao Wenyuan smiled in tacit understanding and mused, “Becoming a deputy deacon means the position of deacon also isn't far away, and when he gets there, he will be your equal in terms of status.”

The status of a pavilion deacon was equal to that of a peak master. Qin Wuyu of course was well aware. He sighed, “Sometimes, progressing too quickly is not a good thing. He has made too big of a splash and shown his edge too boldly, and it easily sparks jealousy. I actually hope that he can dampen down for a while.”

As the two conversed, there was a stir in the crowd. Many started looking in a certain direction, where Lin Xun's handsome figure was seen walking toward the arena.

There were a variety of expressions now that they were seeing him again after a month. He was already gunning for the position of deputy deacon, so the speed at which he advanced made even some old experts marvel and envy. After all, it had only been over a year since he had joined the sect.

“Is Deputy Deacon Jin Zhongyue here yet?” Lin Xun walked straight into the arena and looked all around.

“Hmph, I have, in fact, been waiting for you!” rang a low, icy voice as Jin Zhongyue's skinny figure appeared on stage out of thin air. His beautiful robe fluttered as a blazing black aura of Immortal law evaporated all over him.

The audience stopped talking at once and fixated on the duelists, holding their breath in anticipation. One was a young prodigy who had just entered the Immortal Stage but already possessed heaven-defying battle prowess. The other was a ruthless character from the older generation who had been an Immortal for five thousand years and was ranked twelfth among the twenty-four deputy deacons in his pavilion.

Their duel naturally garnered a lot of attention. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

“Deputy Deacon Jin, there is no need to test the waters between you and I. Let’s use our true strength and decide the outcome quickly,” proposed Lin Xun indifferently.

His casual attitude struck many nine peak disciples with melancholy. A month ago, he had still been a junior brother who was in the same stage as them, but now, he had stepped into immortality and was no longer in the same world.

“As you wish.” Jin Zhongyue's expression was as cold as stone. His radiant aura intertwined, and a polearm appeared in his grip. The weapon was pitch-black from tip to end with a petrifying cold and sharp aura flowing along it.

From afar, it didn't look like a dagger-axe, but instead a black dragon from ancient time with a world-destroying might!

The Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe! It was Jin Zhongyue's dao weapon that he had fused over a thousand kinds of immortal divine materials, and tempered for thousands of years to give it such a murderous aura.

The audience outside broke into a hubbub. By summoning his Immortal weapon before the fight even started, it was obvious that Jin Zhongyue knew how formidable Lin Xun was and intended to get real right off the bat!

Seeing this, Lin Xun revealed a faint smile.

Buzz!

The Limitless Abyss Sword Cauldron swiftly appeared above his head. From the primal-looking artifact, billions of rays of abstract light drizzled, painting a dreamy scene.

“It's his life-bound Emperor weapon!” Cries of astonishment rang out.

“No, it should be an Immortal-grade artifact. That's the aura of immortality, there's no mistaking it.” Several veterans stared at the cauldron emotionally.

Lin Xun used only a month to refine his life-bound Emperor weapon into Immortal-grade? Such speed was simply appalling! Those who had previously speculated that he still hadn't made his own Immortal weapon all gawked in shock.

“Looks like you are fully prepared.” Jin Zhongyue's heart sank. After Lin Xun’s challenge yesterday, he had spent the whole night carefully pondering the weaknesses that the other party might have.

In the end, he had come up with two points.

One, Lin Xun had just broken into the initial Heavenly Longevity Realm, so he was below him in terms of cultivation. However, the opponent's unfathomable depths greatly compensated for this gap, meaning that while he might have an advantage, it wouldn't be substantial.

Second, Lin Xun had fought Qi Lingzhen’s group with his bare hands, so it was highly likely that he didn't have a single Immortal-grade artifact he could use. It was precisely this point that boosted Jin Zhongyue’s confidence, because his Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe far surpassed the average Immortal-grade weapon. With it, he could suppress Lin Xun.

However, to his shock, Lin Xun summoned his sword cauldron before the duel even started, and the Immortal aura permeating it proved that this life-bound Emperor weapon had already been refined into an Immortal-grade one! This raised the pressure on Jin Zhongyue steeply.

“If I'm not well prepared, how would I dare think of replacing Deputy Deacon Jin?” said Lin Xun blandly as his qi operated to the maximum capacity.

He had spent the past month not only solidifying his cultivation, but also thoroughly studying the newly transformed Limitless Abyss Sword Cauldron. However, since he hadn't yet verified it in battle, he was still unsure exactly how powerful the artifact currently was. This duel would be the perfect opportunity!

“Haha, then I’d like to see if you can defeat me!” With a loud laugh, Jin Zhongyue shot out with the Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe.

In an instant, he deployed over a thousand thrusts with the polearm, raising a sea of afterimages that stabbed down. The sharp, black Immortal aura descended like a river of stars in a majestic sight.

Rumble!

All sorts of destructive phenomena manifested, throwing the entire Heaven's Judgment Arena into disarray. With this attack, Jin Zhongyue displayed the terrifying power of a veteran Immortal. Shouts of astonishment erupted in the audience.

Some old experts even frowned. Was it worth exerting so much strength against a young man who had just advanced to immortality?

CLANG!

A deafening collision ensued inside the arena, followed by an eruption of Immortal might that violently rippled outward.

Everyone then saw the Limitless Abyss Sword Cauldron floating in the air as it parried and dissolved Jin Zhongyue's strikes one after another. The powerful Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe couldn't advance an inch, utterly unable to shake the sword cauldron's blockage!

Hearts jumped and expressions of disbelief were everywhere among the spectators. Blocked?!

Jin Zhongyue let out a long shout, his monstrous Immortal aura blazing as if set on fire. The dagger-axe in his hand fiercely swung down violently like a black dragon horse galloping from the sky, domineering to the extreme.

This was the full might of a Heavenly Longevity expert. Even though Jin Zhongyue was merely a deputy deacon, he came from the Origin Sect. In his eyes, same-realm cultivators in the outside world were as weak as farm animals, and he was sure that none of them could stop this strike of his!

Now, such a strike was being used on Lin Xun!

CLANG—!

Another earth-shattering collision resounded. The entire Heaven's Judgment Arena quaked for a second as a blinding torrent of destruction stirred the atmosphere. The clash even stung the minds of some spectators whose cultivation was slightly lesser, making them jump in fright.

To everyone's surprise, when the light cleared up and the dust settled, Jin Zhongyue's unrivaled strike was revealed to be blocked once again by Lin Xun's sword cauldron!

There was an instant commotion outside the arena. Even the bigwigs looked astonished. It had only been a month, but Lin Xun had already honed his sword cauldron to such a level?

“Deputy Deacon Jin, is this really your true power?” Lin Xun's voice rang out with faint disappointment.

Jin Zhongyue's face immediately clouded over. As if enraged, he inhaled deeply and used his strongest move without any nonsense.

“Sky of Cavorting Stars!”

The Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe suddenly emitted a stirring hum that should come from a dragon. As it stabbed out, it was as if all the stars in the sky were dropping. The billions of stars then exploded, setting off a boundless destructive force.

That destructive power current accompanied the dagger-axe as it thrust forth, seemingly tearing through space and time and reducing everything between heaven and earth to fragments!

It was so terrifying that the disciples outside could not keep their eyes open. Even their hearts and minds were rattled. This attack let them intimately feel the terror of veteran Immortal experts.

The old, prominent figures, on the other hand, watched with complete focus. Their eyes gleamed as they perceived the power in Jin Zhongyue's strike.

Sky of Cavorting Stars was a skill that blended all of Jin Zhongyue's cultivation, law, will, and, more than that, his very best efforts. The power it displayed even struck awe in some Nirvana Spirit Immorals.

Clang!!!

Lin Xun stood still as the steaming light of his sword cauldron blocked out the opponent's supreme strike. The dome of billion stars crumbled, its destructive power torrent quickly dispersed, and amidst the vibrating noises, the dagger-axe curved into a heart-stopping arc.

However, it ultimately failed to push the Limitless Abyss Sword Cauldron in the slightest! A commotion ran through the whole field arena. Many people exclaimed out loud in shock.

Three attacks, each one stronger than the last, had been stopped dead by the sword cauldron without fail. Not one of them had even gotten near Lin Xun! It was simply inconceivable.

Even the high-ranking experts had not expected the Limitless Abyss Sword Cauldron to be so sturdy and powerful. It stood there like something eternal and unshakable!

As for Jin Zhongyue, his face had never been so livid and grave. He let out a loud bellow, his beard and hair flaring. Looking like he was burning every bit of strength, he swung up the Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe and angrily slashed it down.

“The third time's the charm. Take this as your reward,” said Lin Xun suddenly, who had been motionless, as he leapt into the air. The Limitless Abyss Sword Cauldron rumbled and boomed, accompanying him as he charged forward.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe stabbed, chopped, smashed, and swept but couldn't break through the defense of the sword cauldron. What it achieved was only a dense burst of thunderous collisions and dazzling strings of sparks.

Right at this moment, Lin Xun's eyes were frosty as he silently intoned, “Rise!”

From the mouth of the sword cauldron that was filled with chaos qi, a dao sword flew out. The blade looked dull in both color and sharpness, but vaguely, strands of obscure and mysterious Immortal aura drifted around it. It didn't seem anything amazing and eye-catching, only plain.

“Go!”

But when it swung down, crack!

With a crisp sound, the tip of the Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe was cleaved off, leaving an even, smooth surface.

The Dragon Horse Dagger-Axe, a mighty Immortal-grade weapon, had been robbed of its tip, being sliced through like it was tofu! The shocking turn of events acutely stabbed Jin Zhongyue’s very soul. He looked besides himself with shock and fury, as though his own heart had been ripped out.

However, he was not given a chance to react as the very dao sword that damaged his beloved weapon proceeded to slash at him. As it swung down, the misty and obscure sword qi transformed into a thin, cold light that nothing in the world could stop. Heaven and earth acted like a canvas that that light soundlessly sliced apart.

Swish!

The next second, the sword qi disappeared. Nothing moved, nothing sounded, no destructive visions occurred, only silence. The sword had vanished the moment it hit.

The dumbfounded crowd outside was confused. What's the situation?

They looked at Jin Zhongyue, and he appeared to have suffered an unprecedentedly heavy blow, standing frozen in place with a dazed look on his face. A long time later, he let out a long sigh, “Like waves hitting shore, each new generation pushes out the last. I...lost...”

His voice betrayed indescribable bitterness and sorrow. It was also then that the audience saw it. There was a straight line of blood that started from the top of his forehead and went down the bridge of his nose, perfectly separating his lips, his jaw, and his throat in half...

That crimson line...was clearly a shallow sword cut!

1. Type of polearm that was usually used to hook the opponent, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagger-axe It fell out of favor as cavalry became more common in warfare. ☜