Chapter 72: Chapter 72: The Heart of the Emperor

"Fellow Daoist Chen, perhaps we should stop here?"

As the atmosphere on the field had shifted, Chu Xuan’s suggestion at this moment seemed like offering Chen Yusheng a way out.

However, Chen Yusheng resolutely refused, "No! If he wants to fight, then I’ll fight him. To insult my reputation, this cannot be settled so easily."

A mere mid-Foundation Establishment stage, a kid barely grown, Chen Yusheng hadn’t wanted to waste his energy without reason before, but that didn’t mean he was afraid of the other party.

If he were to back down now, how would the sect’s disciples view him in the future?

So this battle must be fought, and it must be won gloriously, decisively!

Seeing the situation had come to this, Chu Xuan looked at Gu Haitang, who also gave a slight nod.

Thus, he could only say, "Then let’s have a spar, but only to the point of friendly competition."

Although Chen Yusheng’s anger was hard to suppress, he understood the gravity of the situation, and it was impossible to go too hard on someone else’s ground. But at least he intended to make this kid lie in bed for ten days to half a month.

Thus, both groups of disciples stepped back, leaving enough space for a duel.

In Ye Xingming’s hand was a standard peach wood sword, an inferior magical artifact usually used in minor examinations and duels.

Given this, Chen Yusheng naturally could only pick a magical artifact as well, unable to use a treasure. His cultivation was already higher than the opponent’s, and using a treasure would be unspeakable.

Ultimately, he also chose a peach wood sword. The two faced each other after Chu Xuan counted down from three, and the duel began.

Chen Yusheng knew well that in battles of the first three realms, the best defense was a strong offense, especially when one’s strength was greater than the opponent’s.

Therefore, he didn’t foolishly stand still reciting incantations or using talismans; instead, he activated his heart method and proceeded with full sword control aggression.

The peach wood sword rose into the air, a layer of massive golden sword light instantly covering it. Under Chen Yusheng’s control, it descended like the sword of a god.

Such a powerful attack at the outset left the spectators astounded, with Chen Yusheng’s two followers exclaiming the name of the move: "Jade Emperor’s Heart Sword!"

This was one of the famous attacking Daoist techniques from the "Jade Emperor Heart Seal Scripture," initially needing the sword as a medium, but developing to be formed at will with formidable power in later stages.

Faced with such an assault, Ye Xingming, who had been embracing his sword with closed eyes, suddenly opened them, and golden radiance burst from his pupils! Within the light, two small swords could be faintly seen.

Simultaneously, the swords belonging to everyone present began to vibrate as if influenced by some mysterious force, almost wanting to unsheath themselves.

Even the large golden sword originally about to strike Ye Xingming slowed down, slower and slower, until finally, it hovered stationary above his head.

The scene left the crowd in astonishment, what was happening??

Chen Yusheng’s face changed drastically. He desperately channeled magical power, trying to control the Jade Emperor’s Heart Sword to strike, but the sword remained motionless, as though a greater force had seized control.

At this moment, Ye Xingming finally drew his sword, the golden radiance shooting from the scabbard like a rainbow, magnificent and captivating.

Chen Yusheng decisively decided not to attempt to reclaim control of the Jade Emperor’s Heart Sword, preparing to counter with other divine techniques and spells.

Yet, to his immense surprise, after drawing his sword, Ye Xingming didn’t let it fly but instead savagely struck the heart sword itself!

"Bang~!"

A thunderous explosion almost deafening enough to burst eardrums followed, shattering the large golden sword. The spiritually-connected Chen Yusheng spurted a mouthful of blood, his face turning pale and listless, his entire body unsteady.

On the other side, Ye Xingming’s single swing not only shattered the Jade Emperor’s Heart Sword but also split the peach wood sword, which served as the heart sword’s medium, into two pieces.

However, his condition was also poor. The wooden sword fell from his hand, the light in his eyes extinguished, his body swayed, and blood trickled from his mouth, as if he had now exhausted some power he couldn’t yet control.

Gu Haitang looked surprised, "Emperor’s Heart Sword Body?"

Only then did the stunned Zichen disciples realize that this boy possessed this legendary supreme sword cultivator physique.

Before they could marvel at the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace’s good fortune, neither of the two, despite their poor states, wanted to yield.

Ye Xingming spoke with a serious tone:

"Senior brother said, the most important thing for the Emperor’s Heart Sword Body is to have an undefeated emperor’s heart!"

Chen Yusheng, trembling, extended his hand to quickly draw a sigil in the air with blood, and as the talisman formed, he softly shouted, "Order! Nine Heavens Divine Thunder as fast as—"

Before he could finish, everyone witnessed Ye Xingming transforming into golden sword light, soaring into the sky, colliding with Chen Yusheng with astonishing speed, knocking him out of the arena, uncertain how many bones were broken.

Ye Xingming also fell to the ground, but he managed to prop himself up and struggled to stand, saying confidently:

"In debate, I’m not competent; in fights, you’re not."

Having delivered that final line of bravado, he closed his eyes and collapsed with a thud.

This prompted many to remark that he seemed to have forced himself to rise just to say that.

Chu Xuan, half-helplessly and half-amusedly, stepped forward to help the younger brother up.

The Zichen disciples hurried to aid Chen Yusheng. Though the battle had reached a conclusion quickly, both had gone to extremes which could have resulted in serious injuries for both.

Fortunately, amid the hurried examinations and administration of pills, the awareness of both injured parties was restored.

Upon awakening in Chu Xuan’s arms, Ye Xingming said excitedly:

"Senior brother, I didn’t embarrass you."

After experiencing the helpless pain during the previous demon hunting trip, Ye Xingming made up his mind and specifically asked his master for guidance, wishing to master a powerful finishing move.

However, the "Cyan Lotus Technique," which emphasizes mental state, had no such ultimate moves at the Foundation Establishment stage, even for Ye Xingming, who was on a sword cultivator path.

Lu Jianxin, the Realized Man, was driven to impatience by his disciple and could only suggest attempting to forcibly awaken the potential of the Emperor’s Heart Sword Body.

Initially, he didn’t have high hopes for the disciple’s success, believing Ye Xingming would have to wait until after the Core Formation stage to harness such power.

Initially pondering for over two years with no breakthrough, Ye Xingming eventually sought guidance from his senior brother.

But what did Chu Xuan know about this??

Seeing the younger brother’s expectant face, Chu Xuan couldn’t bear to refuse, so he merely uttered four cryptic words, "undefeated emperor’s heart," and left him to his own understanding.

In truth, it could have been called invincible emperor’s heart, mighty emperor’s heart, desolate ancient emperor’s heart, or any other impressive term, just to fill in some awe-inspiring words.

Chu Xuan never expected his younger brother to take it so seriously and actually achieve results...

"You really overexert yourself," Chu Xuan shook his head helplessly, "Thanks for getting me out of this, but next time, don’t push yourself so hard."

Ye Xingming nodded excitedly.