Chapter 655: Crimson Robed Holy Envoy!
"Elder Chen Ming... actually died?"
Nearby, Xuan Qingdao, Elder Yin Shaojun, and the other powerhouses of Martial Ascension Gate all revealed expressions of shock.
Li Yun’s sudden appearance had already shocked them beyond measure, but the fact that Li Yun had actually killed Elder Chen Ming left them even more stunned.
Peak Lord Shen Ming, in particular, looked on with an incredibly complex gaze.
There had been no small grievance between him and Elder Chen Ming. Back then, they had belonged to the same batch of disciples who entered the Heavenly Sword Sect. However, due to differences in talent and background, Peak Lord Shen Ming’s development had been far inferior to Elder Chen Ming’s. In the end, he could only return to Martial Ascension Gate in disgrace.
In contrast, Elder Chen Ming had relied on the background of the Starheaven Ancient Kingdom and thrived like a fish in water. He broke through all the way to the 6th level of Heavenly Core Realm and firmly suppressed Peak Lord Shen Ming for many years.
But now, this old rival and old enemy had died before Peak Lord Shen Ming’s eyes, killed by the junior he valued the most.
This filled his heart with gratification, but it also made him sigh with emotion. If he had not met Li Yun, who knew how long it would have taken before he could take revenge?
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Just then, the sound of applause suddenly rang out.
In the empty surroundings, the sound was incredibly abrupt and piercing, causing everyone to involuntarily look toward its source.
From within a pitch-black shadow, the figure of a crimson-robed youth slowly walked out.
It was the Crimson-Robed Holy Envoy of the Ironblood Sect.
With a mocking look on his face, he chuckled lightly and said, "Li Yun, no wonder some people suggested ranking you alongside the Holy Son. It seems you do indeed have some skill."
"At the mere 4th level of Earthly Core Realm, you were actually able to kill Elder Chen Ming, who was at the 6th level of Heavenly Core Realm. Although you used tricky methods, and although Elder Chen Ming was nothing but trash, being able to achieve this is still not bad."
The crimson-robed youth glanced at Elder Chen Ming’s corpse, seemingly indifferent to his death. Then, he said calmly, "For the sake of this achievement, I can give you a chance to become my slave. As long as you are willing to serve me, I will not kill you today."
"Hm?"
Li Yun’s expression became solemn.
He had actually failed to notice when this crimson-robed youth had appeared.
Although the crimson-robed youth was at the 8th level of Heavenly Core Realm, as long as he was nearby, Li Yun should have been able to sense him to some extent. Yet until the other party appeared, Li Yun had not felt even the slightest trace of his presence.
"No need to keep guessing."
The crimson-robed youth spoke indifferently, his voice carrying the calm confidence of someone who believed absolutely in his own strength. "You should know that each of our Seven Holy Envoys possesses a special secret art. My ability is the Shadow Divine Ability."
"As long as there are shadows around me, I can merge into them at any time. Unless someone’s cultivation is several realms higher than mine, no one can force me out. While hiding inside the shadows, I can launch attacks whenever I wish. Not only that, the more shadows there are around me, the stronger I become."
"In other words, in any place that has shadows, I stand in an invincible position."
His gaze fell on Li Yun, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "With your strength, defeating me is impossible. Even with that sword immortal puppet of yours, it is still impossible."
The crimson-robed youth’s voice was calm, but the arrogance hidden within it was extremely obvious.
He did not take Li Yun seriously at all.
It was precisely because he looked down on Li Yun that he openly explained his own ability. In his opinion, even if Li Yun knew the secret of the Shadow Divine Ability, there was still nothing he could do.
Before cultivators of the same rank or lower, this ability was almost unsolvable.
Li Yun’s expression became solemn.
He had to admit that the crimson-robed youth’s ability was extremely troublesome. If his opponent could freely merge into the shadows and attack from any direction, ordinary attacks would be meaningless. Even his Soul Sword Control Art and sword formation would find it difficult to lock onto the crimson-robed youth’s true body.
"Well, Li Yun, have you thought it through?"
The crimson-robed youth spoke again, his voice still calm. "I will not give you too much time. Either become my servant, or be killed by me. Give me your answer."
"Who do you think you are?"
Li Yun’s voice was cold.
Although the Shadow Divine Ability was indeed troublesome, asking him to become the crimson-robed youth’s servant was nothing more than a pipe dream.
"It seems you want to die."
The crimson-robed youth’s face darkened. "In that case, I will grant your wish."
As soon as he finished speaking, his figure suddenly vanished.
Not only did his body disappear, but even his aura vanished completely, as if he had never existed in the first place.
Li Yun’s expression became even more serious.
He knew the crimson-robed youth had not truly disappeared. The other party had merged into one of the surrounding shadows and was hiding there, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Whoosh!
In the next instant, the crimson-robed youth suddenly appeared beside Li Yun.
His palm formed a hand blade, and a terrifying aura erupted from it. Although the attack was only formed by his palm, its sharpness surpassed that of an ordinary weapon as it slashed straight toward Li Yun’s throat.
"Slow Sword."
Li Yun’s eyes flashed.
He immediately displayed the mysterious Slow Sword. His sword moved slowly in his hand, but its rhythm was strange and profound. At the same time, crimson Slaughter Sword Intent and pale Immortal Sword Intent overlapped around his blade.
The sword seemed slow, yet it appeared at the correct position at the perfect moment.
Clang!
His sword blocked the crimson-robed youth’s hand blade.
The crimson-robed youth’s expression changed slightly. He had not expected Li Yun to react so quickly. Even more strangely, Li Yun’s sword had not tried to chase his speed. Instead, it had predicted the rhythm of his attack and intercepted him directly.
However, the crimson-robed youth only sneered.
His body immediately sank back into the shadows, causing Li Yun’s following Sword Light to strike empty air.