Chapter 363

Chapter 363: Chapter 362 The grand duel between Dongfang Meng and Qing Chengyue culminated with both women unleashing the ultimate techniques of their respective sects. The clash of these strikes devastated everything within a thousand meters, despite being bolstered by the protection of Ancient Martial Arrays. Even Ye Tianchen was shaken off the large tree he was perched upon and had no choice but to use his Superpower Light Shield to protect himself, for fear of being injured by the massive surge of scattered energy.

The Ancient Tomb Sect’s ultimate technique "Jade Maiden Dance Sky" from the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture faced off against the "Extinguishing Sky-shocking Palm," the ultimate technique of the Turquoise Pool Sect’s Extinction Scripture. It was like the tip of a needle against the edge of wheat. When Dongfang Meng and Qing Chengyue released their respective techniques, Ye Tianchen felt as if two earth-shattering powers had collided. Both were so powerful, each embodying a force of destruction.

To Ye Tianchen’s surprise, both Dongfang Meng and Qing Chengyue possessed peerless beauty, extraordinarily stunning in a way that could even make the heavens envious, and make any man’s heart flutter. Too pure for desecration or lewd fantasies, the two women represented different styles of beauty—one with a touch of modern elegance, the other with a classic allure. In Ye Tianchen’s eye, who had seen countless beauties, there was no clear winner in terms of attractiveness; they were equally matched.

Qing Chengyue had thought she’d certainly defeated Dongfang Meng, whose martial prowess had dazzled even her, earning her respect. Yet, credited as being a once-in-a-century prodigy of the Ancient Martial Sect, Qing Chengyue did not yield an inch when faced with Dongfang Meng’s technique from the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture. With her sect’s technique "Extinguishing Sky-shocking Palm," she steeled herself for a showdown of strengths.

Unexpectedly, just as Qing Chengyue was reveling in her assumed victory, she noticed a jade sword had pierced through her left shoulder, with blood dripping down the blade. Meanwhile, Dongfang Meng, who floated midair, also fell to the ground, with blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Dongfang Meng had suffered significant injuries from the exchange, as her cultivation of the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture had not reached Great Perfection; she had yet to master the final layer, lacking just a bit of refinement. But even so, she managed to inflict damage on Qing Chengyue, which was truly remarkable.

"The Jade Maiden Heart Scripture really is powerful," Qing Chengyue said with a faint smile, disregarding the wound on her shoulder. "If you could cultivate the final layer to Great Perfection, perhaps I might not be your match!"

Dongfang Meng furrowed her brows and remained silent, not from unwillingness to speak but due to her lack of strength and her reluctance to waste energy. The move "Jade Maiden Dance Sky" nearly depleted all her True Power, and she hadn’t expected Qing Chengyue to fiercely counter the attack, leading to Dongfang Meng sustaining serious internal injuries. If she spoke now, she might spit blood, which would only embolden Qing Chengyue further. Dongfang Meng felt she was in a deadly predicament; in that moment, she realized just how strong Qing Chengyue truly was—that even such a formidable attack couldn’t seriously harm her. This woman was no empty reputation.

"Not speaking? It seems you’re quite injured. Our duel between the four women of the Ancient Martial Sect should come to an end now," Qing Chengyue said with a cold laugh.

At that moment, Dongfang Meng yearned to charge at Qing Chengyue and engage in fierce battle, but she truly had no strength left. Merely keeping herself from collapsing was a feat, let alone clashing with a master like Qing Chengyue. It was then she remembered her master’s words on her deathbed: do not use the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture if it’s not cultivated to the final layer, as it may backfire. If you can’t defeat your powerful enemy, you’ll be the one to die!

The Jade Maiden Heart Scripture Dongfang Meng practiced had flaws; she had not yet found a man to deeply fall in love with, hence unable to undertake the scripture’s final dual cultivation, which would lead to its Perfect completion. Forced use of an incomplete technique not only drained her Inner Strength, but also caused backlash. The internal injuries Dongfang Meng now suffered were partially inflicted by Qing Chengyue and more so her own overextension in employing "Jade Maiden Dance Sky."

The Grandmaster of the Ancient Tomb Sect created the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture intending that its final layer required female disciples to find a beloved man for dual cultivation. This aimed to prevent the Ancient Tomb Sect’s disciples from living a life of unrequited love and never experiencing true happiness. Even the strongest woman needs someone to lean on; the lack of such support makes a woman pitiable. This concern from the sect’s founder was precisely why, over the years, hardly any Ancient Tomb disciples could attain Great Perfection with the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture.

Initially, the early stages of cultivating the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture demanded immense talent and purity, a transcendence from the mundane world. Without high comprehension and diligent cultivation, it was impossible to practice the scripture. And reaching the final layer required the challenging task of dual cultivation with a beloved man, which was particularly difficult since the reclusive Ancient Tomb Sect only admitted female disciples. The ultimate requirement thus posed a significant challenge. At this point, Dongfang Meng truly understood her founder’s intent not to let the sect’s disciples live and die in seclusion, devoid of the joys of womanhood.

While Qing Chengyue certainly was powerful, she was also quite surprised within. She did not anticipate Dongfang Meng to be as formidable, able to engage in a tough duel without mastering the full Jade Maiden Heart Scripture, and even wounding Qing Chengyue herself. If Dongfang Meng had cultivated the complete scripture, she could have potentially fought Qing Chengyue to the death, throwing the outcome of such a battle into uncertainty.

By then, Qing Chengyue had pulled the jade sword from her left shoulder, stopping the bleeding with her Inner Strength. Looking at the blood-stained sword in her hand, she said, "This must be the Phoenix Jade Sword from the Ancient Tomb Sect. I’ve heard the Jade Maiden Heart Scripture contains many ultimate techniques that not only allow for the cultivation of the purest Inner Strength but also formidable Slaughter Skills, as well as a set of profound and inscrutable Dual Swordsmanship techniques."

"Seems like you know quite a bit..." responded Dongfang Meng through gritted teeth.

"It’s a pity your sword techniques just now lacked a partner’s coordination. Many of your Ancient Tomb Sect’s martial arts require male and female dual cultivation. It looks like you really need a man," Qing Chengyue said, smiling at Dongfang Meng.

"You talk too much. We haven’t determined a winner yet!" Dongfang Meng said with steely determination in her eyes.

Qing Chengyue was taken aback for a moment before smiling slightly and saying, "I actually find it a little hard to part with you. Killing you would make it difficult for me to find such a good opponent again. But my master has given the order that all three of you must die. So, I will still honor my previous words, kill the other two first, then kill you!"

At that moment, Xie Yuhe and Tianshuang, who had already lost their ability to fight, frowned. They had witnessed Qing Chengyue’s strength with their own eyes. This woman was incredibly powerful, and Dongfang Meng was just as strong. If only she had perfected her Inner Strength Skill like Qing Chengyue, her strength might not be inferior. Among the four people present, it was still Qing Chengyue who possessed the strongest combat power. Even with an injury to her left shoulder, it had no effect on her abilities. This woman was truly a martial prodigy rarely seen in a century.

However, just as Qing Chengyue took a step forward, Dongfang Meng still stood in her way, forcibly pushing through her increasingly exhausted body, disregarding her internal injuries, and coldly stood before Qing Chengyue, "You keep your word, and I must keep mine too. I said, as long as I’m here, you won’t lay a hand on them!"

"Do you really think you can stop me now?" Qing Chengyue asked.

"Even if I can’t stop you, I will give it my all unless I die!" Dongfang Meng stated firmly.

Upon hearing Dongfang Meng’s words, Qing Chengyue held some admiration for her. She indeed was a rare opponent. However, Dongfang Meng seemed somewhat inflexible. The Ancient Tomb Sect had long sought to establish a Martial Arts Alliance to reduce the strife in the martial world. But it was all empty talk. As long as there was power, as long as people walked the earth, there would never be true peace, only a semblance of balance. The only way to achieve real peace in the martial world was for a person of great virtue and outstanding martial prowess to rise, someone who could command the respect of all Ancient Martial Sects.

"The Ancient Tomb Sect is indeed respectable. You have good intentions, but sadly you’re too rigid..."

Whoosh!

Qing Chengyue disappeared in a flash. Dongfang Meng was startled and by the time she turned around, it was too late. Qing Chengyue had already reached Xie Yuhe and Tianshuang, with both palms striking at them.

"No..."

Thump!

Thump!

Two muffled sounds rang out, but Tianshuang and Xie Yuhe weren’t killed or blown away. In their moment of life and death, two masked figures in black appeared and blocked Qing Chengyue’s palms. Despite this, the two figures were almost knocked back. But as Qing Chengyue retreated, the two masked figures carried Xie Yuhe and Tianshuang away.

"Hmph, the Flying Knife Sect and the Heavenly Number Mysterious Sect had backups all along. They wouldn’t just watch their sect’s finest disciples die. What about your Ancient Tomb Sect? There’s only one person left. No one will come to save you, right? Could it be someone from the Dongfang family will come to your rescue?" Qing Chengyue snorted coldly and turned to look at Dongfang Meng.

"It’s good that they’ve escaped. Now you and I can truly fight without holding back!" All of a sudden, Dongfang Meng’s eyes brightened up, emitting a presence that didn’t seem like she was gravely injured. On the contrary, she appeared stronger than ever before, which was beyond belief. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote and commit monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)