Chapter 347 - 346: Shock

Chapter 347: Chapter 346: Shock

The Vajra Sect!

This behemoth, ranked among the top ten in the Great Xia Dynasty, had truly been uprooted overnight. All of its treasures and resources were plundered.

The cause, it was said, was an earth-shattering duel. A mysterious Human Race True Monarch had engaged the infamous Black Ape Demon Monarch—a Level 12 Demon Beast from Black Mountain—in a world-shaking battle atop Little Sumeru Mountain, completely destroying it in the process.

The details of the battle, embellished by the survivors, spread like wildfire, growing more legendary and exaggerated with each retelling.

Some said that when the True Monarch threw a punch, phantom images of a golden dragon and tiger followed, their roars shaking the heavens. The might of a single fist shattered the Black Ape Demon Monarch’s mountain-sized fist, breaking its bones and tearing its sinews, leaving it almost powerless to retaliate.

Others claimed the True Monarch was shrouded in a pale, golden-silver, bell-shaped energy. No matter how wildly the Black Ape Demon Monarch attacked, he remained as immovable as a mountain. He even reflected the immense force back, making the Demon Monarch’s Qi Blood churn and forcing it to retreat again and again.

Still others said that by the end of the battle, the Black Ape Demon Monarch was forced to use its Talent Secret Skill, its body swelling to the size of a Demon God. Yet, the True Monarch still struck it with an unparalleled Fist Technique—one that combined the forms of the dragon and tiger with the essence of the Golden Bell—and punched a hole straight through its chest. Grievously wounded, it fled and nearly died on Little Sumeru Mountain.

...

These descriptions may have been exaggerated, but the core information was surprisingly consistent and universally acknowledged.

A Human Race True Monarch, using incomparably powerful Body Refining Cultivation and a masterful Fist Technique, had faced the Level 12 Black Ape Demon Monarch—an opponent renowned for its physical Power—head-on, defeated it, and achieved ultimate victory. He had even come close to killing the Black Ape Demon Monarch.

"A dragon and tiger in his wake... Golden Bell Protection... A Body Refining True Monarch!"

"Could... could this be the legendary Dragon Tiger True Monarch? It’s said he possesses the power of Subduing Dragons and Taming Tigers!"

A well-informed, older Martial Artist in a teahouse slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet, exclaiming, "Ancient texts speak of a great Body Refining master from antiquity who cultivated the power of dragon and tiger, forged an indestructible golden body, and was followed by a dragon and tiger whenever he threw a punch! He was protected by a Golden Bell, was Impervious to All Techniques, and was utterly unstoppable! Could such a figure have reappeared in our time?"

The name "Dragon Tiger True Monarch" spread like it had grown wings. Carried by the shocking news of the Vajra Sect’s destruction and the Black Ape Demon Monarch’s defeat, it flew across the Great Xia Dynasty at an astonishing speed.

In teahouses, taverns, relay stations, and even the secret chambers of grand estates... everywhere, people were discussing this powerhouse who had appeared out of nowhere. This was especially true among the upper echelons, who knew exactly what a warrior capable of defeating the Black Ape Demon Monarch signified.

It signified an Overlord-level existence, a being capable of changing the fate of the world.

"Did you hear? The Dragon Tiger True Monarch punched a hole right through that old ape from Black Mountain’s chest! My goodness, that’s a Level 12 Demon Monarch we’re talking about!"

"That’s not all! You know the Vajra Sect? That major Buddhist Sect that was cozying up to the Fifth Prince and always throwing its weight around? Heh, someone razed their entire mountain gate overnight! Word is, it was the Dragon Tiger True Monarch. They say he specifically punishes evil and promotes good."

"Just who is this Dragon Tiger True Monarch? I’ve never heard of anyone like him before. How did he just pop up all of a sudden?"

"An expert of that caliber is as elusive as a divine dragon—how could we mere mortals possibly know? He’s probably some old monster from a Hidden Sect who’s come out of seclusion after years of closed-door cultivation."

"I’m not so sure. Haven’t you heard? The Vajra Sect has helped the Fifth Prince with plenty of shady business over the years. They’ve offended a sea of people. It’s possible one of his victims hired this True Monarch to get revenge and wipe out the Vajra Sect."

"Shh... Watch your words! Be careful! How can you gossip about a Prince? But still, this Dragon Tiger True Monarch suddenly appeared near the Capital City and targeted the Vajra Sect... Could he be after the Imperial Court? Is something going to happen to our Great Xia?"

...

All sorts of speculation, discussion, awe, and even faint apprehension churned among the common folk and in the Martial World like boiling water, stirring up a massive commotion.

For a time, the name Dragon Tiger True Monarch was unrivaled, becoming the hottest topic on every street corner. Among the upper echelons, his name resounded like thunder. His mystery and power even overshadowed the ongoing wars in the north and south.

Naturally, the news also flew like snowflakes into the various Government Offices of the Great Xia Imperial Court, eventually converging at the heart of the world’s power—the Qianqing Palace.

BANG...

A detailed secret report—verified by the Shadow Guard, the Divine Capture Sect, and the local Government Office—was slammed furiously onto the polished golden floor tiles, making a piercing sound.

Emperor Xia stood behind his imperial desk, his chest heaving violently. His face was ashen, yet held an unnatural flush. His eyes were bloodshot, filled with unconcealable shock, rage, and confusion—as well as a deeply hidden trace of fear.

"Dragon Tiger True Monarch... defeating a Demon Monarch in one punch... razing the Vajra Sect..."

He repeated the key phrases from the secret report through gritted teeth. Each word was like a needle piercing his heart, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

He wasn’t actually too heartbroken or concerned about the destruction of the Vajra Sect.

The Sect had long been corrupt and was too deeply entangled with the deposed Fifth Prince, Xia Wushang. Its destruction was no great loss; it even saved him a lot of trouble and eliminated a potential threat.

To some extent, it was as if someone had cleaned up one of his dirty little secrets for him, which was actually beneficial.

What truly made his heart pound with fear was the Dragon Tiger True Monarch himself—this Overlord-level powerhouse, this Extraordinary-level existence, who had appeared out of thin air.

’What does it even mean for a Human Race Body Refining True Monarch to be able to defeat a Level 12 Demon Monarch in a direct confrontation?’

’This means his Body Refining Cultivation is at least at the level of a Two Spirits True Monarch, or perhaps even higher. And what about his Qi Refining Cultivation? What level has that reached? It must be at least as high as his Body Refining, right?’

’His combat prowess is probably enough to rival the old ancestor of the Great Xia Royal Family, who is currently in seclusion. And that ancestor is a Three Spirits True Monarch, one of the top Overlord-level existences in the Fallen Dragon Land!’

For such a terrifying powerhouse to appear silently near the Great Xia Capital Region, cause such a huge disturbance, and destroy all of Little Sumeru Mountain...

’What is he planning?’

’Is he merely acting on behalf of heaven to eradicate a cancer like the Vajra Sect? Or does he have other motives that could be detrimental to the Great Xia Dynasty?’

Especially when he thought about the recent months—the string of strange incidents in the palace, the unfavorable progress of the wars in the north and south, the turbulent undercurrents in the Imperial Court... The ominous feeling in Emperor Xia’s heart grew stronger and stronger, and so did his fear.

’Could this Dragon Tiger True Monarch be connected to those strange affairs in the palace? Could he be colluding with the Northern Desert and Southern Barbarians? Could he even be targeting the Great Xia Dynasty—targeting me, the Emperor...? All of these are possibilities.’

It was a classic case of a guilty conscience.

Having done so many wicked things over the years, how could Emperor Xia’s heart be at peace?

The thought of such a terrifying enemy lurking in the shadows sent a chill down Emperor Xia’s spine. He was restless, unable to sit or stand still, and felt an overwhelming urge to eliminate this threat as soon as possible.

The feeling of exhaustion, of being drained of energy and unequal to the task, seemed to worsen because of it, making him feel even more distressed.