The End of the Immortal Path

Jiang Man stood his ground, watching the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit.

She was summoning her subordinates—the ones in black robes.

Jiang Man didn’t stop her. This was a good opportunity to see just how many of them there were.

He could also find out how much more Spiritual Source he could earn.

’As for the danger...’

’Do the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit’s subordinates even have Primordial Spirits?’

’Even if they did, they’d be no match for me.’

’Especially not in a place filled with my Arrays.’

’The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit herself is destined to meet her bitter end here, so what chance do her subordinates have?’

As the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit’s power radiated outward, figures began to materialize outside the ruined temple.

All of them were clad in black robes, standing respectfully.

A grim, murderous aura enveloped all of them.

It was as if they were ready to charge into battle at any moment.

Seeing this, even Jiang Man, who had been dismissive, was momentarily taken aback.

He quickly retracted his scorn.

’They’re serious.’

’In that case, I can’t underestimate them. As an Unparalleled Celestial Pride, I should at least show my enemies some respect.’

’Besides, my future supply of Spiritual Source depends on them.’

’You could say they’ve already paid their Spiritual Source fee.’

As the light flared, rows of black-robed figures appeared.

Their presence was overwhelming.

Even the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit was stunned by the sight.

Although their numbers had dwindled, she never expected them to possess such a grim, murderous aura.

For a moment, she felt even more reassured.

A radiant light began to flow around her.

It cast her in a holy light, and the voice that emerged was ethereal and immense:

"Someone has desecrated an Immortal Spirit and shown it contempt. Tell me, what should be done?"

As her voice faded, all the black-robed people fell silent.

They didn’t react at all.

But their tense demeanor confirmed that there was nothing wrong with their Heart Spirits.

They were simply choosing not to answer.

The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit frowned. Their silence was a blow to her authority.

’After this is over, I’ll replace every last one of them.’

’Fools must pay the price for their foolishness.’

’Without me, these people with their damaged Heart Spirits will never advance again in this lifetime.’

’Poor, weak, and disobedient.’

But just as she was thinking this, all the black-robed people turned in unison to look at Jiang Man, who stood at the entrance.

Jiang Man looked at them and asked with curiosity, "Why are you looking at me? Your Immortal Spirit asked you a question. Someone has desecrated an Immortal Spirit and shown it contempt. What should be done?"

Only then did all the black-robed people turn back to the Immortal Spirit and say, "Kill!"

Their voices were not in perfect unison; some even trembled.

They weren’t particularly brave people to begin with.

Their current actions were fueled solely by courage born from a surge of passion.

Naturally, it was impossible for them to be completely devoid of emotion.

But the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit was not pleased by their response.

She glanced from her subordinates to Jiang Man.

For a moment, she felt as if the world had changed drastically after a brief slumber.

She looked at Jiang Man. "So, you were prepared. You must have gone to great lengths to win their support."

"They’re just a disorderly mob. I don’t see the point in any of this."

"Was it just to shock me at a time like this?"

The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit shook her head. "As a human, you are far too naive, too dull. Do you really think an Immortal Spirit can be controlled by you?"

The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit took a step back.

Then, power erupted from her body, and the entire space began to tremble.

It was as if this space existed only because she did.

The tremors in the space immediately distorted the black-robed people. In an instant, their figures grew faint and vanished completely.

Jiang Man, standing at the entrance, was unaffected.

’I don’t know what she’s planning this time, but I can’t just stand by and watch.’

’I need to force the next person to show themselves.’

’Otherwise, if I let the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit do as she pleases, I’ll never draw out the one pulling the strings.’

’Only after I’ve crushed them all can I make my demands.’

’So, I’ll fight first and talk later.’

Putting his thoughts aside, Jiang Man took a step forward.

He appeared before the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit in an instant.

"You’re audacious, daring to come so close to me—"

Before the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit could finish, Jiang Man’s fist connected with her face.

BANG! Her entire head exploded on impact.

But it reformed just as quickly.

"You..." The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit pointed at Jiang Man.

The instant she tried to speak, Jiang Man grabbed her wrist.

He twisted.

CRACK!

BANG!

The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit’s entire arm was instantly crushed to pulp.

The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit roared, and her entire body began to swell.

It transformed into a series of incomprehensible symbols.

An Attack from the Heart Spirit formed, resembling a cage.

As the cage descended, Jiang Man grabbed hold of its lock.

In that instant, he felt countless memories surge forth: ostracism, poverty, ridicule, contempt, low self-esteem, silence, despair, and helplessness.

These emotions swirled within his chest.

Then, he was shown the lives of others—their wealth, adoration, care, and the envy they inspired; their confidence, pride, and composure.

The contrast between the two threatened to let the darkness in his heart completely consume him.

It sought to lock him away completely.

Seeing Jiang Man’s hand freeze, the Ling Hua Immortal Spirit felt a surge of joy.

’Did it work?’

However, before her joy could last, Jiang Man’s voice slowly rang out, "So this is how those so-called geniuses feel when they look at me."

As he spoke, Jiang Man gripped that lock tightly and squeezed.

BANG.

The Heart Lock shattered, and the cage disintegrated.

The Ling Hua Immortal Spirit stared at Jiang Man, stunned. She was bewildered and utterly baffled.

’And what did he mean by that?’

She asked aloud.

Jiang Man stood amidst the collapsing cage, everything falling apart around him. His voice followed, calm and unruffled, as he answered her question: "Being a genius is merely the minimum requirement to meet me."