"Golden Roc, follow Green Emperor. But this time, we don't need to worry about Sikong Zhaixing anymore. Seizing first place is what matters most. Of the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations, five have already passed—Weak Water River, Wind Disaster, Blade Mountain, Sea of Fire, and Flying Cloud Bridge. That means there are still at least seven tribulations ahead."
A glint flashed in Yi Tianxing's eyes as he pondered silently.
This time, Xiang Yu had locked onto Sikong Zhaixing like a hound on prey—his desire to kill far stronger than his desire to win. Unless he slayed Sikong Zhaixing, Xiang Yu would feel too ashamed to face the world again.
At least, eliminating a strong contender for the championship gave Yi Tianxing one less rival to worry about.
Under such circumstances, securing and maintaining his advantage was the top priority. As for the Green Emperor—there likely wasn't a single creature in this entire secret realm that could threaten its life. Just seeing it would make most opponents retreat in fear. Since it had gone off chasing Sikong Zhaixing, Yi Tianxing had no intention of calling it back.
Awoo!!
A sharp gleam flashed in the eyes of the Golden Roc.Receiving the command, it didn't hesitate—a golden light flashed around its body, and a current of wind-based Daoist rhythm began to flow. With a flap of its iron wings, the Golden Roc transformed into a golden streak of light, darting forward like a bolt of lightning.
"So fast! Look—Fellow Daoist Yi Tianxing has begun his final sprint! His mount is unleashing its full power—it seems to be using some sort of innate divine ability to instantly double its speed. He's moving like a flash of golden light through the skies—clearly aiming to charge straight to the front. But even though five of the tribulations are done, there are still seven more to go. Speed alone won't be enough to get through them," said Handsome Commander Black with a deep gaze.
"True. These Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations vary in difficulty. Some are easier, some nearly impossible. The mount matters too—flying mounts offer an edge, sure, but only relatively. Earning one is its own display of power. You can envy them, but there's no use being bitter—it's not unfair," said Chill Brother with a grin.
"Now, let's take a look at the current front-runner—this guy is incredible. He doesn't tangle with others, but his speed is insane. He's held the lead all the way so far. Clearly, he's very strong. But it seems this fellow Daoist still isn't ready to reveal his identity. So let's wait and see—if he wins the championship, his reveal is bound to be dramatic. Of course, it all depends on luck. Being ahead now doesn't mean much," said Commander Black with his trademark cool pose.
This track was where everyone showed their skills—many hidden threats weren't even out in the open yet.
"Up ahead is the Misty Swamp. This swamp can bewitch the mind, and once you're inside, you'll lose your sense of direction. It's hard to see anything, and beneath the fog lies treacherous swamp—you fall in, even cultivators get dragged under, never to return. The swamp is poisonous, and the mist carries miasma. For the contestants on foot, this is bad news," said Chill Brother, still smiling.
Clearly, the Misty Swamp was another tribulation.
Fail to pass it, and you'd be lost—wandering like a blind man. One mistake, and the lead could be overturned. The gap could close. To lead here, one needed true skill and powerful divine arts.
"Where do you think you're going?!"
After a rapid chase, they arrived at the Misty Swamp.A dense, grey fog engulfed the view—nothing ahead was visible. But Sikong Zhaixing had no other choice. His body had already emerged from his shadow escape state.
That shadow escape couldn't be maintained for long. Once he escaped immediate danger, he had to stop and deactivate the divine art. Facing the mist, his eyes flashed.
"This mist might be my chance to finally lose Xiang Yu. If I hide well enough, no way he finds me."
With that thought, he dove straight into the swamp without hesitation.
"You think a little mist can hide you from me? Foolish. You think these eyes of mine are for decoration? Whatever trick you try—my Heavenly Dual-Pupils will see through it," Xiang Yu sneered coldly, following on his Tyrannosaurus into the Misty Swamp.
The endless fog was meaningless to his dual pupils, which saw through illusions and hidden things. The mist posed no obstacle—Sikong Zhaixing's location was still crystal clear.
But inside the swamp, Sikong Zhaixing truly lost his sense of direction. His flight path began to drift. Below, swamp and solid ground alternated unpredictably. If you couldn't tell the difference, you'd fall at any moment.
"Golden Roc, fly straight ahead. Follow my instructions," Yi Tianxing commanded, riding on its back as they entered the Misty Swamp.
As soon as they entered, the thick mist blocked all vision. But black and white light flashed in Yi Tianxing's eyes—his Innate Yin-Yang Eyes had activated. The surrounding miasma and fog became as transparent as air. Everything was crystal clear.
New/Important Technique: Innate Yin-Yang Eyes
Can see through illusions, fog, and darkness.
If cultivated to the extreme, they can perceive the heavens and the underworld, rivaling the sun and moon.
But once inside, strange grey energy started creeping into his eyes—bringing an icy chill.
"This is… death qi and yin energy? It's actually tempering my Yin-Yang Eyes!"
The fog wasn't just miasma—it was filled with decay, poison, and the energy of death and rot. That made it deadly to the living, but for the Innate Yin-Yang Eyes, it was nourishment.
Inside Yi Tianxing's eyes, the Innate Yin-Yang Diagram began to rotate, drawing in the mist's essence. A natural devouring force sucked in death qi and yin energy, refining it into Yin-Yang energy.
This energy flowed into his internal divine tools—Yin-Yang Locks and Yin-Yang Shears, tempering them further.
"I remember absorbing vital energy from the wind disaster before. The source of my Yin-Yang Eyes is growing deeper—Yin-Yang energy now almost covers the entire Yin-Yang Space."
Yin-Yang Space:
An inner spiritual domain tied to the Yin-Yang Eyes.
Contains the Innate Yin-Yang Diagram, a black-and-white Tai Chi symbol that expands as Yi Tianxing grows stronger.
Energy here powers Yin-Yang divine arts—not regular true qi.
Currently nine zhang (about 30 feet) in diameter.
As the Diagram devoured souls and spiritual energy, its foundation expanded, strengthening Yi Tianxing's Yin-Yang powers. And now, from the swamp's miasma, the Diagram absorbed even threads of calamity qi, merging them into its core.
He vaguely remembered the Diagram devouring life force from the wind disaster as well.
"Could it be… it's about to birth another divine power already? Isn't that too fast?"
Yi Tianxing was startled. The potential of the Yin-Yang Eyes was limitless, but the last divine power—the Yin-Yang Shears—hadn't been born that long ago. To manifest another so soon? Perhaps these rapid trials had accelerated the process.
Of course, more powers only meant more trump cards. He welcomed it.
With a thought, he channeled his true qi to accelerate the Yin-Yang Diagram's spin.
The devouring force surged intensely.
Splat!!
Just then, a flash of danger burst in his mind.
His back was suddenly slashed—his clothing torn.Luckily, his Black Armor Life Aperture had activated on instinct, forming a protective suit of armor just in time.
Still, a chilling energy spread across the armor's surface—almost forming frost.