Peng Wudi's sword strike was so powerful that the Zhou court gasped. This was a killing move堪比 (comparable to) a full-powered Grade Nine attack. All eyes turned to Lin Yu, worried if he could block this恐怖 (terrifying) blow.
Lin Yu gripped the Wind Controlling Sword and swung at the incoming silver-black light. The flames on the sword had turned gold, and as he struck, the golden flames converged into a blazing sun, rising in the capital to meet the sword infused with thunder and demonic qi.
The Great Sun Demon-Slaying Sword, like a scorching sun, seemed to melt all in its path. Before anyone could react, it cleaved into the flying sword.
Bang! A deafening roar erupted in the capital, causing the entire city to tremble. Peng Wudi's flying sword was sliced in two by the Great Sun Demon-Slaying Sword. The thunder and demonic qi within vanished in the golden flames.
After斩断 (slicing) the sword, the golden flames shot toward Peng Wudi like a rainbow.
"Impossible! This can't be..." Peng Wudi stood frozen, unable to believe that after taking the pill and reaching Grade Eight, his strongest sword control attack had been destroyed by Lin Yu. The Great Sun Demon-Slaying Sword not only broke his sword but also shattered his confidence and will to fight. Seeing the golden flames approach, his only thought was to flee. Lin Yu had become invincible in his eyes.
But first, he must block the Great Sun Demon-Slaying Sword to escape. His eyes swirled with demonic qi, his face frenzied as he gathered all his spiritual energy to unleash a thunderous sword intent against the golden light.
Bang! The thunderous intent was annihilated, and the golden light bypassed Peng Wudi, dissipating from view. He looked down in disbelief: scarlet blood seeped through his robes, staining them red. His chest erupted, revealing a sword wound, and blood gushed from his heart, turning him into a bloody man.
"The Profound Heaven Gate won't forgive you! Wait for us!" Peng Wudi勉强 (barely) raised his hand, and the broken sword returned to his grasp.
"Hehe! This guy wants to send a sword message to warn his sect," the Cauldron Lord's voice sounded in Lin Yu's mind.
"Then I'll intercept him and stop the message," Lin Yu said coldly, preparing to kill Peng Wudi.
"Relax. Let him send the message. With your strength, you can handle anyone below Void Formation. If the Profound Heaven Gate sends more Grade Eight or Nine cultivators, you can break through to Void Formation," the Cauldron Lord chuckled proudly.
"Good point. A great way to boost my cultivation." Lin Yu nodded, watching coldly as Peng Wudi tried to send the sword message.
Peng Wudi raised the broken sword with all his might. "The Great Zhou's National Protector is extremely powerful! Request the Sect Master to emerge and slay this man!" He threw the sword, which turned into a lightning bolt vanishing into the clouds.
Lin Yu watched Peng Wudi send the message, then walked toward him.
"How dare you kill me? The Immortal Gate will hunt you down relentlessly!" Peng Wudi shouted,狰狞 (ferocious) as Lin Yu approached.
"I've already killed several of your gate's members. They'll hunt me regardless. One more makes no difference," Lin Yu smiled. Peng Wudi's threat meant nothing—his mind was too chaotic to realize.
The Zhou Emperor hesitated, then called out: "National Protector, spare his life! Holding him hostage gives us leverage to negotiate with the Profound Heaven Gate."
Lin Yu slapped Peng Wudi's head, a surge of spiritual energy obliterating his soul. He looked up at the emperor. "What did you say?"
Thud! Peng Wudi collapsed dead at Lin Yu's feet.
The emperor苦笑 (smiled bitterly). "It's nothing now."
Lin Yu nodded, lifting Peng Wudi's body. "I'll handle this corpse. The rest is up to you." He rose into the air, vanishing from sight.
Though curious, no one dared ask about the corpse, watching Lin Yu disappear with gratitude.
"We won! We withstood a hidden sect!"
"The protector is amazing! Even after Peng took the pill and reached Grade Eight, he couldn't win."
"Of course—he's a sword cultivator who can fly thousands of li. His strength must surpass Han's Prince Su."
Ministers whispered, grateful to Lin Yu for saving their lives. If not for the veil, some might have built him a shrine.
"Your Majesty, having the National Protector is a blessing," the chief minister sighed in relief. "From now on, the Profound Heaven Gate will think twice before retaliating."
The Profound Heaven Gate claimed to have Void Formation cultivators, but they were in seclusion to extend their lives. Emerging would undo their progress and shorten their lifespan—elder Void Formation cultivators might even die if they acted. Thus, they wouldn't move unless the gate faced destruction. With the protector, Grade Eight or Nine Myriad Manifestations posed no threat.
The emperor understood and ordered: "Reimburse all damaged properties. Heavily compensate the fallen cultivators and cavalry. Also, proclaim to the world: the Great Zhou's National Protector has slain a Profound Heaven Gate Myriad Manifestations Grade Eight!"