I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 591 Shi Xuan: Then I Shall Deepen the Fear in Your Heart
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Clang!
Resonating with a sharp sword cry, Shi Xuan was seen by the crowd executing a simple move from the Basic Sword Technique.
There were no world-shaking anomalies accompanying that strike, nor did any tangible Sword Intent manifest from it.
Nevertheless, it was this remarkably ordinary technique—one that any commoner could replicate—that effortlessly shattered Shi Hao's Sword Intent.
As the sword landed, the chaotic atmosphere vanished, returning everything to a state of stillness.
Silence reigned.
The entire arena fell so quiet that the sound of a bird would have been deafening. Cultivators who had been preparing to challenge their rivals froze where they stood, their gazes fixed on Shi Xuan as he hovered in the sky.
A singular realization gripped everyone’s mind simultaneously: Is this youth not far too monstrous?
"Impossible, how can this be happening?"
Shi Hao was stunned; he never imagined his maximum-power strike would be neutralized so casually by Shi Xuan.
The high-ranking figures of the Northern Abyss Holy Dynasty felt their expressions darken. The speed of Shi Xuan’s advancement was simply too staggering, far outstripping their most generous projections.
Throughout these years, the Northern Abyss Holy Dynasty had funneled massive amounts of secret resources into Shi Hao to mold him into a supreme heaven-gifted genius.
Shi Hao had lived up to those investments, rising to become a premier talent among the younger generation at the Sacred Dao Academy. Even within the imperial bloodline of the Holy Dynasty, only a tiny elite could claim to be his equal.
Yet, a genius of his caliber was unable to even force Shi Xuan to reveal his true depth.
Just what level of strength has Shi Xuan attained?
"Shi Hao, you have left This Seat profoundly disappointed. Had I known your abilities were so limited, This Seat would never have consented to this duel that day."
Shi Xuan looked down upon Shi Hao with a gaze of utter indifference.
However, those words felt like needles in Shi Hao’s ears. Since the day of his birth, he had always lived in Shi Xuan’s shadow, trailing a step behind in every category.
In his youth, Shi Hao had frequently questioned the clan Elders: why did Shi Xuan receive superior treatment when both were recognized as heaven-gifted geniuses of the Shi family?
Despite his relentless efforts, the influential figures of the Shi family had always looked past him.
The most agonizing blow, however, was the news that the woman he loved was destined to become Shi Xuan’s bride.
The moment he heard that, Shi Hao made a silent, burning vow that he would eventually grind Shi Xuan under his heel.
Even when Shi Xuan later stepped aside and allowed him to be with the woman he loved, Shi Hao’s resentment did not waver.
For over a decade, Shi Hao had dedicated every waking moment to Cultivation, all to prove to the world today that he was in no way inferior to Shi Xuan.
But the reality he just witnessed was nearly impossible for him to digest, causing his Dao Heart to tremble with instability.
"Shi Xuan!"
Shi Hao roared with fury: "You brought this on yourself. Since you are begging for death, do not hold me responsible!"
Following his outburst, a thick baleful energy erupted from his body. This dark aura caused Shi Hao’s form to warp and distort, looking as though he might be consumed by the malevolent force at any moment.
On the observation deck belonging to the Asking Path Academy.
Watching the scene unfold, Cao Youqian couldn't resist a smirk: "Little Junior Brother is not just killing him; he’s destroying his heart as well!"
Xiao Chen gave a slow nod: "Once this fight concludes, even if Shi Hao survives, his Dao Heart will be in ruins."
Qin Qin’s brow furrowed slightly as she noted: "Senior Brothers, the baleful energy surrounding Shi Hao feels unnatural. I detect a hint of Demonic Energy within it."
Cao Youqian replied dismissively: "Do not worry, Junior Sister. As long as Shi Hao hasn't grasped the Truth of the Great Dao, his actions are nothing more than drifting clouds."
Chu Feng remained expressionless as he listened to his disciples' banter. He maintained absolute confidence that Shi Xuan would not fail him.
Observing the transformation in Shi Hao, Shi Xuan smiled thinly: "I see you actually ventured to that place for your training. However, this meager amount of baleful energy is truly insignificant."
"You will understand soon enough."
As Shi Hao spoke, his presence expanded violently, his aura skyrocketing from the Initial Stage of Harmonizing Dao to the very Peak of Harmonizing Dao within seconds.
He was almost entirely engulfed by the dark mist, with only his face remaining visible to the spectators.
"Is that all?"
Shi Xuan’s face was etched with mockery: "Judging by your expression, do you believe you’ve endured great suffering to achieve this power?"
"That is right."
Shi Hao’s eyes burned with resolve: "I sacrificed everything for this moment. To surpass you, I exerted effort that common people cannot even conceive. Today, I will make both you and the Great Wilderness feel the weight of regret!"
The passion in his voice caused the blood of many onlookers to surge with excitement.
They began to imagine the grueling hardships a cultivator must endure to overcome such unfair odds.
It seemed Shi Hao was truly a hidden dragon.
And today, that dragon was finally taking flight.
"Hehe."
Shi Xuan let out a soft laugh, and suddenly, a monstrous killing intent erupted from his frame. This aura transformed into a literal ocean of slaughter, blanketing nearly half of the Nine Cauldrons Secret Realm.
Standing high in the heavens, he resembled a Killing God descending to the mortal plane. The sheer intensity of the killing intent struck fear into the hearts of everyone present.
Even the powerful experts gathered at the venue, numerous as the clouds, found themselves frowning at the terrifying pressure Shi Xuan was exerting.
Compared to the killing intent Shi Xuan radiated, the baleful energy coming from Shi Hao was completely negligible.
"This youth possesses such a heavy aura of slaughter. Isn't he the student of the Universe Great Saint? Why would he carry such a horrific killing intent?"
"Indeed. While all the Universe Great Saint's disciples are unique, this is the first time I’ve seen one so defiant of traditional expectations."
"..."
The most shocked person was undeniably Shi Hao, who was bearing the brunt of the pressure. Staring at the aura exploding from Shi Xuan, he stammered: "You... just what have you been doing?"
Shi Xuan smiled and said: "Don't assume you are the only one who has suffered through bitter Cultivation or sacrificed everything for strength. It looks like you are quite intimidated by my killing intent. In that case, let me deepen that fear in your heart."
As he finished speaking, Shi Xuan retrieved a bronze mask from his storage ring and fastened it over his face.
The sight of that mask caused a wave of different emotions to wash over the crowd.
A chorus of shocked cries broke out.
"Shi Xuan is actually the top powerhouse of the Slaughter Land—the Break Kill Sword!"
Shi Hao’s face paled instantly. He was well aware of the Break Kill Sword's reputation; the man was a legendary cultivation fanatic, far more dedicated than he had ever been.
But he never suspected that the Break Kill Sword and Shi Xuan were the same person.
In the Northern Abyss Holy Dynasty’s section, Jin Xi’s body began to tremble as she stared at the familiar mask. A sudden thought struck her: Was it actually Shi Xuan who rescued me all those years ago?
It appeared he truly didn't care about the past and had moved on long ago.
Could a man who had reached such a state of detachment really be defeated by Brother Hao?
Overwhelmed by these thoughts, Jin Xi shut her eyes, unable to watch the impending clash.
Shi Hao ground his teeth and roared: "Shi Xuan! I don't care who you are, you will face this sword of mine!"
With a thunderous shout, a brilliant holy light burst through the dark mist. Under the pressure of this light, the baleful energy was forced to condense onto Shi Hao’s blade.
With a twisted expression and eyes full of fanaticism, Shi Hao swung his long sword forward with all his might...