Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 586: Battle Martial Emperor Realm 5th Layer

Fortunately, with the restorative effects of the Wood-Attribute Energy and the Mingyuan Refining Heart Array, Ye Qingchen soon returned to his peak state. However, the sight of him killing the three men had left everyone present completely stunned.

"Is... is he really just in the Martial King Realm?"

"His combat power is just too insane, right?" a disciple from Pingtian Academy gasped, his face filled with disbelief.

During the first stage, they had all heard that Ye Qingchen’s combat power far surpassed a typical cultivator at the Third Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm and that he had single-handedly eradicated Li Kai’s team. However, none of them had ever imagined he could defeat three opponents at the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm so easily.

Huo Ziyang and Shui Changkun exchanged glances, both seeing deep shock and surprise in each other’s eyes. Although each of them possessed the strength to eliminate several opponents at the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm, neither could do it as cleanly and decisively as Ye Qingchen. Although those three disciples were only at the early stage of the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm, they had been killed with astonishing ease. In fact, Huo Ziyang and Shui Changkun hadn’t even been able to clearly see Ye Qingchen’s movements.

The disciples of Central Celestial Academy watching from in front of the light screen were also left agape in shock.

"Our academy actually has someone this powerful!" This was the thought running through the minds of everyone present.

Cao Zong cheered excitedly, "Did you see that? I told you Junior Brother Ye’s combat power was extraordinary! He instantly killed three cultivators at the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm! These are the very people you were just mocking. Aren’t you ashamed now?"

Cao Zong’s cheering stoked resentment in those around him, but they could not refute his words. After all, the combat strength Ye Qingchen now displayed was undoubtedly among the absolute top tier within Central Celestial Academy.

Wang Meng swallowed hard, his expression extremely somber. He couldn’t believe this was the same youth he had casually tormented just over two months ago. Ye Qingchen’s current display of strength had left him far behind.

Watching Ye Qingchen steal all the limelight, Wang Teng felt even more resentful. He snorted coldly and said, "Killing the three weakest is nothing to brag about. They still have so many experts. I refuse to believe Ye Qingchen can hold out!"

Meanwhile, the Saint Heir and Li Rui, who were observing the battle, had already predicted such an outcome, so they were not overly surprised. Still, Li Rui asked the Saint Heir with some confusion, "Your Highness, Saint Heir, I think I sensed a trace of Wood-Attribute Energy on him just now. Could it be..."

The Saint Heir sneered and replied, "Fool. Have you ever heard of someone mastering Attribute Energy while still in the Martial King Realm? The Wood-Attribute Energy is emanating from the sword in his hand. If I’m not mistaken, that sword must be far more than a mere low-grade treasure weapon."

Li Rui had a sudden realization. After all, even the Saint Heir himself had only mastered Attribute Energy upon reaching the First Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm. No matter how heaven-defying Ye Qingchen was, could he possibly surpass the Saint Heir?

Back on the battlefield, everyone had recovered from their initial shock. No matter how astoundingly talented Ye Qingchen appeared, they believed he was facing certain death today; he could not escape the fate of utter obliteration.

Huo Ziyang waved a hand, and a disciple at the peak of the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm stepped forward. This was the second fighter Huo Ziyang was sending out.

Shui Changkun also looked back at his group and asked, "Who among you wishes to fight the second match?"

"Hold on!" Ye Qingchen called out coldly when he saw they were about to send another person in a battle of attrition. "I know what you’re planning, so don’t waste time. If you want to kill me to curry favor with your master, these cultivators at the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm are no match for me! If you want a fight, then both of you can come at me at once."

Ye Qingchen pointed at Shui Changkun and Huo Ziyang, his eyes filled with provocation.

"Am I hearing things? Ye Qingchen actually wants to challenge two cultivators at the Fifth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm?" The disciples of Central Celestial Academy were appalled upon hearing Ye Qingchen’s words.

Those were cultivators at the Fifth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm. Although Ye Qingchen had just killed three disciples at the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm, the chasm between the fourth and fifth layers was unimaginable.

"Alas, Junior Brother Ye is facing a dead end. Rather than being slowly worn down and killed by them one by one, it’s better to go out in a blaze of glory against two opponents at the Fifth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm. That way, he can die without regrets."

Some speculated that Ye Qingchen, seeing no hope of victory, wished to prove his strength one last time before his death. This view quickly gained a consensus among the crowd. Thinking of Ye Qingchen’s tragic resolve, these disciples couldn’t help but feel a sense of pity for him.

Mu Changfeng turned to Elder Yang with concern. "Elder Yang, Qingchen has already proven himself. Are you really going to let him continue fighting?"

Elder Yang simply waved his hand. "Be patient. Let’s wait a bit longer."

On the battlefield, both Shui Changkun and Huo Ziyang looked upon Ye Qingchen’s challenge with disdain. However, since Li Rui had instructed them not to let Ye Qingchen die too easily, neither accepted the challenge immediately. Instead, they waited for Li Rui’s next command.

A moment later, Li Rui’s voice echoed in their minds, "Shui Changkun, you go teach him a lesson. Don’t hold back; the Saint Heir wants to see his full strength! Remember, this is also an opportunity for you to distinguish yourself!"

Shui Changkun nodded excitedly and walked toward Ye Qingchen.

Huo Ziyang, on the other hand, was annoyed. Either one of them could have dealt with Ye Qingchen with absolute certainty. Now that the task was given to Shui Changkun, the opportunity to gain merit in the Saint Heir’s eyes had also been handed to him, leaving Huo Ziyang to watch with envy.

Seeing only Shui Changkun step forward, Ye Qingchen frowned and said to Huo Ziyang, "Aren’t you joining him?"

Already frustrated, Huo Ziyang snorted coldly at Ye Qingchen’s words. "Don’t think you’re invincible just because you killed three cultivators at the Fourth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm. With Brother Shui making a move, killing you will take but a moment."

Ye Qingchen did not think he was invincible. On the contrary, he was well aware of the power possessed by someone at the Fifth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm. If merely grasping the basics of Wood-Attribute Energy could boost his combat power so much, then the enhancement a true master at the Fifth Layer would receive would be even greater.

Shui Changkun looked at Ye Qingchen with disdain, wagging a finger at him condescendingly. "It’s time to end this farce," he said indifferently. "Ye Qingchen, I admit you’re impressive, but now that I’m taking action, one move—just one—will be enough to annihilate you!"

Ye Qingchen took a deep breath. He did not retort to Shui Changkun’s mockery, saying plainly, "I, too, am looking forward to a battle with someone at the Fifth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm."

Shui Changkun gave a disdainful smile as murderous intent billowed from him. He said coldly, "You can count yourself fortunate to die by my hand. Now, die!"