Chapter 1319: Completely Erased
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
"Well, it might be normal for some demi-gods to refer to themselves as gods, right? It's in their title, after all. I know enough stuffy spirits around these parts that have a god complex," Han Sen said, grasping at straws for a possible reason why the spirit might have called itself God.
"Well, those thoughts crossed our minds, too. And thinking it to be arrogance, we wanted to kill it even more. That, however, was when the spirit said something else." When Dragon King's sentence came to a close, his face drooped into an unsettling grimace.
Han Sen did not ask or prompt him to tell what was said; he just stared at Dragon King intensely.
With bent vocals, Dragon King stuttered out a few words. He said, "Whoever kills God will be erased."
Han Sen didn't think much of it, at first. More than anything, he believed the demi-god that called itself God was merely bluffing. It was like a riff on the cliche of, "If you strike me down, I'll become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." That sort of thing.
It would either be that, or "I'll haunt your *ss from beyond the grave."
Dragon King went on to elaborate, given the awkward silence that followed what he had just spoken. He said, "Again, we didn't care much for what the demi-god said. Asura had heard enough of the pompous spirit he believed it to be, and with great anger, he struck it down. This, of course, was to the grand and terrible displeasure of Mister Ancient Devil."
"Me and Asura were tight. We were very good friends. That being said, I knew where my allegiances lay, and I did not want to betray Mister Ancient Devil. The others, for whatever reasons compelled them, did not. They were with Asura and immediately started fighting."
"Asura was the strongest out of us all, though. After he killed the demi-god, that might and power were only amplified."
"Those who followed him believed Asura would win. And as spirits often do, they gravitated towards the strongest amongst them, which was likely to be him. If Mister Ancient Devil was going to lose, of course the generals would want to support the master that took his place. But that did not come to pass, and shortly after the transgression, he disappeared." Dragon King almost looked afraid, speaking this.
"What do you mean exactly?" Han Sen asked. The tale was riveting, and he was eager for an elaboration of every detail.
"He disappeared. He vanished. He was simply gone. The prevailing belief over what might have occurred was split between two ideas; either he was taken to the Fourth God's Sanctuary, or he legged it and had no need for anyone else."
Dragon King's speech stumbled once more, as it frequently did. After a breath for composure, he went on to say, "Aside from those of us who accompanied Mister Ancient Devil in the hopes of slaying a summoned demi-god, everyone seemed to forget Asura's existence. He was a famous spirit, and his name was heralded far and wide. But after those events, it was like he had been forgotten about. Everyone forgot who he was! Even spirits who had known him for one-hundred-thousand years forgot the name "Asura." Neither his creatures nor his heirs recalled who he was. It was just as that frightening spirit had said, before its death... He who killed him would be completely erased!"
"The only ones who remembered him were the generals that were there with him, but even that was only for a brief while. Even they soon forgot."
Dragon King looked visibly afraid as he told this story, and he leaned closer to tell Han Sen, "Before Asura left, though, he made me swear not to tell anyone what had transpired that day. He also wrote down the sutra on my scale. He told me to look after the people who practiced that power, and while I initially believed him to be talking about his kids, I later learned none of them had practiced his powers."
"I tried looking for Asura for a long time after, but over time, the notoriety of our band began to fade, too. Even we were forgotten about; Mister Ancient Devil, included. We faded to legend, and then to myth, and then to nothing. The only difference was, we remained here," Dragon King explained.
Han Sen was shocked, hearing all this. He told him, "Maybe Asura was taken to the Alliance, and the shura are his descendants. And maybe that's why they cannot enter the sanctuaries. It all adds up!" If the story was true, Han Sen firmly believed that to be the most logical reason. The pieces seemed to fit.
Dragon King said, "You could be right! And if you have shura blood, you can practice the Asura Sutra. I've stewed in the memory of this strange affair for far too long, and I think it's time I myself received some answers."
Han Sen knew Dragon King had told him everything he could, and there was little more he knew. His mention of the shura blood was curious, but it had thinned and become so light, the relation was practically non-existent.
The one with the true blood relation was the Luo family who followed the shura.
"Maybe I'll need to enter that shura tomb myself and do a little archaeology if I'm to search for definitive answers. In retrospect, it's almost a shame I did not associate myself a little more with the Luo family. Given my history and spats with them, I doubt they'd let me take a peek in their big book of secrets now," Han Sen's mind wandered down the various avenues of how he might learn even more.
Han Sen told Dragon King more about the shura and the Falsified-Sky Sutra, after that.
Judging from what he was told, Dragon King started to believe Asura must have indeed gone to the Alliance. But in regards to how that had even happened, he had no clue.
Perhaps he broke through the dimension, but if that was what had happened, Asura would have found himself in the Fourth God's Sanctuary, instead. The demi-god they had killed most certainly had some strange powers.
"I wonder, is Asura still alive?" Han Sen asked himself, fancying an encounter with him one day. He'd have much to ask.
If his spirit stone had not broken, he should still be alive. Provided the rules for spirits still applied, even when they were outside the sanctuaries.
Chapter 1320: Another Lock
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
"If Ancient Devil Emperor killed a demi-god, what would he gain from obtaining a core and its blood? Minus the whole being erased business, mind you." Han Sen wondered this, reflecting on all he had been told in his conversation with Dragon King.
With the magnitude of Ancient Devil Emperor power, he was the sort to have no problem ascending to the Fourth God's Sanctuary and becoming a demi-god. From what he had heard, there would be no need for him to try something as risky as challenging a demi-god in the Third God's Sanctuary.
There must have been a great benefit or bonus to achieve and retrieve, by willingly summoning a demi-god and attempting to kill one. Even the weakest demi-god would be no laughing matter to deal with.
What transpired after Asura killed the demi-god went completely against what anyone imagined might happen. Even Ancient Devil Emperor must not have expected the results, and so that was a catalyst for Han Sen asking this.
Dragon King answered, saying, "Mister Ancient Devil said spirits and creatures, and now humans I guess, could only open ten gene locks. If you became a demi-god, you were unable to open any more."
"He must have opened ten of them, yes?" Han Sen asked. He thought this was a given, but asking for confirmation did not hurt.
Dragon King said, "He did, yes. But he was driven by the belief that more could be unlocked."
"There is an eleventh gene lock?" Han Sen asked.
"Not quite. There is another gene lock, but it isn't one of simple progression. It operates on a slightly different spectrum," Dragon King said.
"Okay, and what's the difference?" This was the first Han Sen was hearing about such a thing, and he was keen to learn more.
"Admittedly, I'm not entirely sure. Mister Ancient Devil didn't tell us much about it, but other emperors pursued the opening of this gene lock, too."
Dragon King continued, saying, "Mister Ancient Devil strived tirelessly to open it. He worked on it for the longest time, employing various different means and methods. He never was successful. The demi-god method was his last resort."
Dragon King did not explain what this special gene lock was, so Han Sen was still at a loss.
"Is No God Emperor like Ancient Devil Emperor, I wonder? Is he going after this special gene lock? The dude wrecks, and he could totally become a demi-god if he wanted to. There has to be something keeping him here, not wanting to ascend just yet." Han Sen mulled the oddities surrounding his latest nemesis.
Han Sen returned to the Alliance shortly after the discussion was over, at the behest of Ji Ruozhen who had given him a call.
Han Sen picked it up and said, "Hey Dad, how's Mom?"
Ji Yanran's mother had been sick for a while. It wasn't an illness of any life-threatening capacity, but he still thought it polite to ask.
Ji Ruozhen seemed to not be in the mood for the exchanging of social niceties, and he immediately asked, "Did you send all those humans back to the Alliance? If you did... is it true?"
"Hmm, that depends. What did you hear?" Han Sen asked.
Ji Ruozhen explained to Han Sen, "The spirits believe a child of Godslayer Luo is in one of your shelters, and now they're out for blood."
Han Sen told him, "Yes, I sent all the humans back. I'll get this situation ironed out, though, don't worry. And when I've resolved the matter, they can all go back."
"Hmm, what are you planning to do?" Ji Ruozhen asked.
Han Sen told it to him straight, "Fight, of course!"
"You really think you can pull a feat such as that off? You've accomplished things not thought possible, so I won't doubt you. But you're certain you can pull this off?" Ji Ruozhen sounded worried for Han Sen's wellbeing.
"Yes, I'm certain." Han Sen answered Ji Ruozhen resolutely, with no room for doubts or second-thoughts.
Ji Ruozhen said, "Good. But take care, please. Take a step back and understand the gravitas of this situation, for the entire stake of humanity's advancement in the Third God's Sanctuary will be in your hands. You shoulder our future there, right now. If you lose, all will be lost."
"I understand it well," Han Sen said.
Ji Ruozhen then muttered something inaudible before pausing. As if to compose himself, he then cleared his throat and spoke, "I said that as a president. As a father, it would pain me greatly to... see my daughter be upset."
"Don't worry; I understand. I'll see this through to the end and come away smiling. You have my word on that," Han Sen spoke with the intent to inspire confidence.
Han Sen went on Skynet next to read the news. Reports of what was going on were everywhere. You'd have to be living beneath a very large rock on some icy asteroid in the distant corners of the galaxy to not know what was happening.
Dismayingly, people thought Han Sen should quit while he was ahead. They thought he shouldn't stand his ground, and that it would be best to retreat and throw in the towel.
The humans who had been sent to the Alliance were all worried for what their future would hold. If their shelters were lost, then they'd be unable to return, and their time in the sanctuaries was over.
Many professionals analyzed the situation to the best of their abilities, and the general consensus amongst them was that Han Sen should leave, too.
Before things went any further, though, Han Sen decided to have dinner with Ji Yanran. Throughout the meal, her lips staggered on the precipice of saying something. She clearly had something on her mind, but some phantom force stayed her from speaking.
Han Sen decided to approach her from behind, knowing what she was feeling. He embraced her from behind and spoke on her behalf. "Do you believe I can do this?"
"Yes, but I'm afraid," Ji Yanran said, stroking the arms that caressed her.
"I would never do something that would prevent my return to your loving warmth. I will be careful, I promise. I don't want my time with you to end, ever. I might not be the strongest, and things might turn awry, but if they do, I'll run. I'll run right through the teleporter, through that door, and into your arms. You'll see me again." Han Sen leaned down to kiss her, and then said, "Plus, I want a son. I can't let myself die just yet."
Ji Yanran laughed and said, "I'd rather a daughter, one that is like Bao'er!"
"I wouldn't mind a little princess of my own, either. Four or five of them would be ideal, I think. That would sure make for a lively household."
"Are you sure you don't just want to revel in the exercise of making so many children?"
"Well, that is always fun."
"Oh, you have some cheek!"
"Ouch!"
Han Sen then returned to the sanctuary. His companions had been on red alert, not wanting to miss the precise moment an approaching enemy could be spotted. This was not the time for sloppiness nor mistakes.
A few days later, while Han Sen spoke with Xie Qing King, he saw a shadow begin to approach the shelter. It had the intimidating presence of a looming mountain that was set to swallow the earth.
Boom!
A giant landed atop the rubble of the ruined shelter, forming two craters; one for each foot.
Chapter 1321: Biggest Problem
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
"Giant God Emperor has come; child of Godslayer Luo, come forth and challenge me!" The spirit's voice was unbearably loud and frighteningly deep. When he spoke, his voice boomed, and the reverberations rattled one's chest and shook the land around.
"That's one big boi!" Han Sen muttered, in half-jest.
"Hey, BFG, how about you tone it down a little? We aren't deaf!" Xie Qing King said, in immediate response.
Giant God Emperor brought his head down low to meet them. It was so big, it was like a toppling skyscraper swooping down.
"Can it, squirt! I'm already breathing gently and speaking quietly. If you can't handle it, shove a baton in both your ears," Giant God Emperor spoke again. Although the words were meant to intimidate, they were really just funny.
He was facing Xie Qing King while he spoke, and with each stressed word, spit was fired at Xie Qing King like heavy rainfall.
"F*ck you! That's disgusting. Stop spitting!" Xie Qing King was infuriated by the spittle downpour and sought to throw a punch towards Giant God Emperor.
But Xie Qing King was little more than a bothersome fly when standing next to Giant God Emperor. Still, Xie Qing King was unfazed by this difference in size, and so he made his fist blaze, right as he leaped forward to clobber the larger spirit's forehead.
A big thumping sound followed the hit, and the massive body went flying backwards to ruin what little was left of the charred shelter behind him. It was a weird thing to see.
Han Sen said, "Hey, you shouldn't fight here! Look at that thing. The shelter can't take much more of a beating."
Giant God Emperor stood up with a displeased grimace. He did not speak, and just immediately threw a punch back towards Xie Qing King.
Xie Qing King dodged and flew up into the skies.
The two then fought, eye to eye, level to level with Xie Qing King's airborne assist. There was no beating around the push or clever tactics being employed by the alu-alu-puncher, and he was going as direct as one could be.
The silver fists repeatedly went up against the giant ones with surprising—and amusing—competency. The shockwaves that erupted non-stop were rather dizzying, though.
Han Sen was shocked, seeing how powerful Xie Qing King had become after opening his tenth gene lock. It had made an impressive change.
And as the two battled, Moment Queen approached. She turned and looked to the skies and then watched.
Moment Queen commented, "Whoa! He's the sixth Son of God. You should run while you still can!"
Han Sen merely smiled and continued to enjoy the spectacle, as if he were watching a friendly bout.
On the peak of Moving Star Shelter, three other spirits were watching the fight as well. One of them was robed in a black cloak. In his hand was a can. This was Gu Demon Emperor. Beside him was the all-too-familiar No God Emperor, who had become a bit of a pest for Han Sen, in recent times. The third spirit was unknown to them, but he was a little spooky to see. He had a large third eye lodged in his forehead.
"Xie Qing King is quite impressive! It is no wonder he was so famous back in the day," this three-eyed spirit said.
"Age has done little to rust the grumpy old coot. If Xie Qing King starts firing on all cylinders, I don't believe Giant God Emperor can defeat him. Unfortunately, his special powers can only be used twice," Gu Demon Emperor said.
He had watched Xie Qing King defeat Gold General. The felling of that creature was a goliath task even for them, so he was well aware how strong Xie Qing King could actually be.
The three-eyed spirit replied to his observations, saying, "Killing the big lug shouldn't mean too much. We have many more emperors on the way, all eager to rip this lot to shreds."
The three-eyed spirit then looked around and asked, "And that aside, where is Godslayer Luo's child? That's what we came all this way for, wasn't it?"
"Inside the shelter someplace, or what's left of it. Either that or she's retreated to the Alliance, like all the weakling humans would when put to the test." Gu Demon spoke with clear contempt for the human race.
"We tried going after Godslayer Luo himself once before, did we not? Even he was too much of a chicken and clucked off. We can't make mistakes this time, and our vengeance has been a long time coming." The three-eyed spirit echoed the hatred Gu Demon Emperor was speaking with, and he looked bitter and spiteful.
Gu Demon Emperor responded, saying, "I sent word to many emperors. I can only presume they're on their way, and I suspect once they're here, we can finally let the slaughter commence."
No God Emperor chimed in to say, "You're all so blinded by the need for revenge against Godslayer Luo, you're failing to acknowledge the real problem we face. And that problem is the man down there. Do you see him?"
The other two now turned to look at where No God Emperor was aiming his eyes. They all saw Han Sen, who almost looked relaxed as he spectated the battle that was on-going.
The three-eyed spirit asked, "Hey, there's a thought! Do you think he might be another heir of Godslayer Luo, as well?"
"Probably not. But believe me when I tell you he'll be an even harder foe to deal with. Don't underestimate him," No God Emperor said.
The three-eyed spirit said, "It almost sounds like you're complimenting the boy; sheesh, where did your spine run off to? If he's not an heir, as you say, then he doesn't have that one-hit kill power the girl does. If he doesn't have that, then we have nothing to be afraid of."
Gu Demon Emperor was surprised by what No God Emperor had said, but he viewed things differently than the three-eyed spirit. Understanding No God Emperor wouldn't say what he had lightly, he asked, "Can you elaborate on the powers he possesses?"
No God Emperor said, "His body hardens to become the strongest material I have ever had to deal with. I fought him, and not even my No God Sword was able to bring him harm with a clean hit."
"What? You jest, surely!" Gu Demon Emperor and the three-eyed spirit were both taken aback by what they had just heard.
They knew how powerful No God Emperor was, and the power wielded by his blade of choice. They thought a resistance to its killing power was impossible.
If even he could not slay that man, then he might actually be a foe to be wary of.
The three-eyed spirit's attitude to his warning became more serious, and with a grim look, he offered the suggestion, "I can try to break his body through the use of my own power."
Gu Demon Emperor explained on his behalf, saying, "His powers are very effective against physical defenses."
No God Emperor then went on to say, "His swords wield the powers of time and space, too. I was unable to block his attacks."
Hearing this, they were in shock. Such a fierce combination was unheard of, and they viewed the man in a different light. They almost couldn't believe what they were hearing, but they knew No God Emperor all too well. They knew he wouldn't joke or make up a falsehood.
"The human is that strong?" the other two asked in tandem.