Unrivaled Martial Emperor

Chapter 878 - Tomb Opens

Rumors spoke of a spring in the depths of the tomb, known as the Heavenly Soul Holy Spring. It could help martial artists condense their Martial Souls and advance to the Manifestation realm.

A martial artist’s Martial Dao Will reached the level of perfection at the peak Heavenly Star realm, completely metamorphosing their soul. That would make them Manifestation realm experts; unfortunately, it was a slow process.

Many couldn’t even condense their Martial Soul even after spending their entire lives. And without metamorphosing their soul, they couldn’t advance to the next realm.

Barely one percent of all peak Heavenly Star realm martial artists ever advanced to the Manifestation realm. Even the slightest increase in success rates—by just one percent or even a tenth of a percent—was enough to drive people mad with desire.

Everyone cultivated to become stronger and gain eternal life. Every breakthrough extended one’s lifespan, an irresistible temptation for all.

Furthermore, only Manifestation realm experts were considered true elites among martial artists.

Guan Wei drew so much attention because he possessed a map of this legendary tomb.

Many had entered the tomb before but only his elder brother, Guan Sheng, had returned alive. His brother had used the Heavenly Soul Holy Spring to ascend to heaven in a single step, advancing to the first-level Manifestation realm quickly. That helped him gain a seat in the competition for the ten thrones. Ultimately, he became a demonic child candidate and ascended the demonic mountain.

News of this feat turned the tomb into a coveted treasure trove for peak Heavenly Star realm and half-step Manifestation realm experts, all hoping to replicate Guan Sheng’s legendary rise.

Yet, the mountain range’s dangers, coupled with the tomb’s unknown perils, made the journey treacherous. Thus, everyone coveted the map that might be in Guan Wei’s hands.

However, Guan Wei’s peak, late-stage, half-step Manifestation realm strength and the Guan Clan’s formidable influence deterred most would-be challengers.

Those strong enough to act—having already condensed their Martial Souls—saw no need to risk their lives for the Heavenly Soul Holy Spring.

Despite his arrogance, Guan Wei wasn’t foolish. He issued a stern warning to the restless figures eyeing him.

Chen Fan could also tell that these people were only wolves. A pack of wolves could take down a tiger, but they would need a wolf king to lead them.

But here, such a wolf king was missing. No one wanted to step forward and take the lead, lest they stood out and were taken out.

Therefore, many people were waiting for another tiger to appear.

Chen Fan happened to see Shang Ziyan, seated in a cross-legged position. He was looking at Guan Wei, his gaze, surprisingly, containing traces of disdain.

This unexpected reaction stirred Chen Fan’s curiosity, reinforcing his belief that Shang Ziyan had some hidden ace up his sleeve.

Amid the tense atmosphere, a second tiger appeared very soon. It wasn’t a human but a literal beast, one at the peak, late-stage, half-step Manifestation realm.

The creature, a Scarlet Flame Demon Ape, stood over two meters tall with flames dancing across its scarlet fur. Clad in golden-scaled armor and wielding a black staff, it exuded a crushing aura.

“A Scarlet Flame Demon Ape. It’s the Scarlet Flame Demonic Island’s Zhan Kong!” exclaimed someone in the crowd, recognizing the ape’s origin immediately.

The Myriad Demon Islands weren’t just home to human martial artists but also to demon beast clans.

Take the Scarlet Flame Demon Ape clan, for example. They ruled over the Ping Shan Demonic Domain’s Scarlet Flame Demonic Island. Rumors said that they had an ape king at the peak Manifestation realm.

A strong sense of caution also flashed across Guan Wei’s eyes.

Scarlet Flame Demon Apes were said to possess the bloodline of an ancient ferocious beast. Usually, they were unmatched by others of the same cultivation level.

“Hehe, there’s actually something as good as the Heavenly Soul Holy Spring in this place. Tsk tsk, how can I be left out?” said the Scarlet Flame Demon Ape, Zhan Kong, in fluent human tongue, but the crowd was not surprised.

Chla!

Suddenly, another figure appeared—a massive silver eagle, even larger than Zhan Kong. Standing over three meters tall, its silver feathers gleamed like molten metal, reflecting dazzling light. Its arrival stirred a terrifying wind that swept across the area.

Native to the secret realm, the eagle had evidently caught wind of the situation and rushed over to compete for the Heavenly Soul Holy Spring, seeking its own breakthrough.

The silver giant eagle silently swept its icy gaze across the crowd. It stood proudly, waiting for the tomb to open.

However, no one dared to look down on it. Its aura was no inferior to the Scarlet Flame Demon Ape Zhan Kong or Guan Wei.

Before the tension could settle, a lazy voice rang out from the distance.

“Haha, sorry, sorry, I’m late,” came the call of a young man in loose white robes. Appearing to be in his twenties, he strolled toward the crowd with an easygoing demeanor.

The crowd looked over and narrowed their eyes. Another peak, late-stage, half-step Manifestation realm expert had joined the fray.

The presence of these three experts made the atmosphere grow even tenser as all eyes turned to Guan Wei, waiting to see when his formation masters would finally decipher the tomb’s formation.

Guan Wei felt a little annoyed by the stares. Why were they always staring at him? A little angry now, he wanted to fly into a rage when a loud rumble suddenly rang out.

Countless formations were undone at once, transforming into several terrifying energy storms that swept outward.

Although Guan Wei’s formation masters were all in the eighth or ninth-level Heavenly Star realm, the shock killed them instantly, decimating even their divine nascent. Their organs had ruptured, and they bled from their seven orifices. As they died, they looked miserable.

The explosion tore a massive hole in the tomb, unleashing waves of boundless Yin qi that surged like a storm.

Guan Wei wasted no time. Ignoring the formation masters who perished in the blast, he shot toward the opening like a lightning bolt.

The experts Guan Wei had brought with him also came back to their senses. They immediately blocked the entrance to the hole, attempting to stall the crowd and buy Guan Wei precious time.

“You’re asking to die!” The Scarlet Flame Demon Ape Zhan Kong was enraged. Swinging his massive steel staff, he unleashed a devastating strike that seemed capable of tearing the heavens apart.

Rumble!

The eighth and ninth-level Heavenly Star realm experts were obliterated on impact, reduced to pulp before they could even scream.

Meanwhile, the Scarlet Flame Demon Ape Zhan Kong sprang into motion and rushed into the hole at once like a flame.

From the other direction, the silver giant eagle also moved, swooping toward the hole. Its wings were like the sharpest weapons in the world, cutting everything open.

The experts blocking the way were directly cut in half, unable to stop it in the slightest.