War God Long Ao

A muffled groan escaped his lips.

Paying no mind to whether Long Ao lived or died, Zhang Mo stood frozen in place.

What was wrong with Zhang Mo?

Everyone watched the motionless Zhang Mo, their curiosity piqued, but no one dared approach.

Because Zhang Mo had underestimated him, the Soul Attack had indeed managed to corrode his soul. However, Long Ao's own Realm was still too low. If he had broken through to the Void Realm, that single strike would have been enough to take Zhang Mo's life.

The soul, after all, is the most important thing for a Martial Artist. Annihilation was one thing, but even severe damage to the soul was a devastating blow.

At his current level of strength, Long Ao's Soul Attack was nowhere near enough to kill Zhang Mo. Even so, with his soul severely injured, Zhang Mo dared not be careless and immediately began to repair the damage.

Long Ao, who had been sent flying, managed to grind to a halt in mid-air. He was lucky to have Long Fu's help; otherwise, he would already be dead.

'Long Ao survived?'

The crowd's reaction was muted, as if this was nothing out of the ordinary. In the eyes of the average Martial Artist, the true difference in power between the likes of Zhang Mo and Zhang Zhihang was an abstract concept.

But Ao Tian and the others knew Zhang Mo's strength all too well. A powerful strike from a Venerable—could a mere Transformed Martial Artist, or even a Human King Martial Artist, possibly withstand it?

Long Ao.

Watching the solitary, proud young man in the distance, Ghost King Ao Tian and the others began to see Long Ao in a new light. They were discovering that beyond his formidable innate talent, he was shrouded in secrets.

"Zhang Mo, you have two moves left. Bring them on at the same time."

It had to be said, Long Ao was truly arrogant. But after everything that had happened, the crowd was convinced he had every right to be.

Zhang Mo didn't answer. He was still focused on repairing his soul. A severe soul injury was no small matter; the slightest misstep could affect his future Cultivation. Even now, Zhang Mo found it hard to believe. 'How could that boy attack my soul?'

Opening his eyes, Zhang Mo was filled with a helpless, seething rage.

His soul was grievously wounded, and he couldn't risk attacking again so soon, or it would hinder his recovery. In other words, he was powerless to deliver the next two strikes.

"Long Ao, out of respect for your character, I will let you off. The three moves are over. You may proceed to the second trial."

'The three moves are over?'

'When did that happen?'

Hearing Zhang Mo's words, everyone was stunned. Zhang Mo had clearly only made one move, so how had it become three? No one understood what had just happened.

"Father, what's wrong?"

"We'll discuss it later."

Seeing his father's grim expression, Zhang Zhihang didn't dare press the matter. The father-son duo was a tragic sight, both having been struck down by Long Ao's Soul Attack. Zhang Zhihang, in particular, had nearly been killed by it.

Long Ao had successfully passed the first trial. Even the disciples of the Ghost King Sect were filled with a sense of anticipation, even pleasant surprise. This was the reality of the situation. Long Ao's strength, his perseverance, and his profound devotion had deeply moved them all.

After giving Long Ao a long, meaningful look, Ghost King Ao Tian said, "Follow me."

With that, the Ghost King led the crowd toward the rear mountain of Ghost King Peak. There, in a small valley, lived a Heaven-Devouring Python. No one knew how long it had been alive, but no one from the Ghost King Sect was willing to harm it.

"Long Ao, are you alright?"

Shaking his head, Long Ao took Ao Xue's hand but said nothing. Words were unnecessary. 'I know that even if I can kill the Heaven-Devouring Python, I still have to compete in the battle between the Six Sects in a month to win the Venerable Golden Core if I want to take Ao Xue away.'

Walking behind them, Zhang Mo spoke with a grave expression, "Zhixiang, was your soul attacked just now?"

Zhang Zhihang nodded. As if realizing something, he asked in astonishment, "Father, you too?"

"Yes. That boy is no simple character. He actually knows how to use Soul Attacks."

A Soul Attack. Zhang Zhihang, of course, knew what that implied. Just then, Xia Army drifted over with a cold smirk. "You two are really something else. The Golden Sun Sect is at the end of its rope."

Seeing the mock pity on Xia Army's face, both Zhang Zhihang and Zhang Mo were furious, but they had indeed lost face and had no retort.

「Outside the small valley on Ghost King Peak.」

"Brother Ao, if Long Ao actually manages to pass all three trials, what becomes of the marriage agreement between Ao Xue and Zhixiang?"

Zhang Mo didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear. Today was supposed to be his son's wedding day. 'And what happened instead?'

"Brother Zhang, there's no need to worry," replied the Ghost King. "Although the Heaven-Devouring Python is only at the Earth Emperor Realm, it is incredibly powerful, especially inside its valley. Forget Long Ao; even you or I would not be guaranteed to slay it."

After a moment's thought, the Ghost King continued, "And let's take it a step further. Even if Long Ao really does manage to kill the Heaven-Devouring Python, do you think he can survive the battle between the Six Sects a month from now?"

"I understand."

During the battle of the Six Sects, each of the Six Great Sects would send ten disciples. If the Golden Sun Sect and Ghost King Sect joined forces, killing Long Ao would be child's play. And so, Zhang Mo accepted the situation.

Zhang Zhihang was thoroughly dejected. 'Today was supposed to be my wedding day, but instead, it became Long Ao's moment of triumph. Not only has he become famous throughout the Celestial State, but he's even ranked third on the Wind and Cloud Ranking.'

Staring coldly at Long Ao, Zhang Zhihang wished he could strike him down on the spot, but he ultimately restrained himself.

"Long Ao, I am giving you one last chance," Zhang Zhihang said. "Leave the Ghost King Sect now, and we can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, once you enter Heaven-Devouring Valley, your chances are over."

"Ao Xue will always be my woman," Long Ao stated firmly.

With a resolute expression, Long Ao finally turned and strode toward Heaven-Devouring Valley. A moment later, he vanished without a trace into the black mist.

Ao Xue stood perfectly still. She didn't try to stop him, nor did she show any sadness, excitement, or even worry. She had already made her decision. 'Where he lives, I shall live. Where he dies, I shall die. If any harm were to befall Long Ao, I would follow him from this world. Since that is my resolve, what use is there in doing anything now?'

Standing behind the contingents from the Six Great Sects, Emperor Zhao Mang of the Thunder Empire had witnessed everything. His original calculations had been completely upended. Zhao Mang made a firm resolution: 'From this day forward, no matter what happens, I must never make an enemy of this young man.'

'Someone who nearly killed Zhang Zhihang and took a direct hit from Zhang Mo... one can only imagine what he'll become in the future. Would a God of Slaughter who fears nothing in heaven or on earth be afraid of the Thunder Empire?'

The answer was an obvious no. And for that very reason, Zhao Mang was afraid—truly terrified. He had no choice but to yield. He breathed a silent sigh of relief. 'Thank goodness I pulled out of the conflict between Long Ao and the Nebula Royal Family when I did.'