Chapter 12: The Test

The energy hub.

Zhang Yujun inserted the three keys into their slots, opening the gate.

A disheveled, filthy man sat on the ground; far from the imposing city lord image she had imagined. Hearing the gate open, he paused, then slowly raised his head toward her.

Zhang Yujun noticed his eyes were deep blue, glowing faintly in the darkness.

“Who are you?”

The man stood slowly. At the same time, waves of blue light spread from his feet, traveling up countless fine networks in the floor and walls, converging at the top of the hub into a transparent crystal sphere. A single drop of blue liquid suddenly appeared inside; crystalline, gem-like.

The man stared at Zhang Yujun. He was Mo Qing, lord of Wei Qing City and guardian of the original Source.

For decades, moths drawn to flame had come seeking Source; none succeeded.

They all became nourishment for Source’s further growth.

In his eyes, the intruder Zhang Yujun was no different.

Zhang Yujun looked up.

The sphere indeed held Source, but unlike any Core Formation item she knew.

But this was Heavenly Universe Hundred Lands; unknown things were normal.

Zhang Yujun looked back at Mo Qing. By power division, he had indeed reached Foundation threshold, but barely; lacking true Foundation wonders.

At this level, their prior preparations seemed overkill.

“I came for Source. I hope the city lord understands and avoids unnecessary conflict.” Zhang Yujun stated directly, hiding nothing.

Typical Ask Immortal Sect disciple style.

No need for pleasantries. Disagreement? Overwhelming strength usually replaced words.

“As expected. Another one. Best end it quickly.” Mo Qing didn’t bother talking. As he spoke, lightning flashed. His body shot forward like electricity, reaching her in an instant.

Blue arcs coiled around him, colliding in air, crackling with a peculiar burnt smell.

In that instant, the surrounding temperature soared past a hundred degrees; his form twisted strangely.

Zhang Yujun remained calm. As Mo Qing closed the final distance, her protective true domain activated automatically.

Instantly, a qi ring formed around her, expanding rapidly to the hub walls with a muffled boom; the entire energy hub seemed to shake.

Bang!

Mo Qing flew backward faster, crashing into the wall. Dense cracks spiderwebbed across it.

Zhang Yujun watched him. Should still be combat-capable.

The thought barely formed when the Source in the crystal sphere flickered. A figure rose high; Mo Qing. His entire body had turned to lightning; eyes covered in flame-like light, spreading sideways.

What’s with this guy?

His Source reaction wasn’t strong, yet he easily knocked him away. A first.

Mo Qing carefully recalled the earlier sensation: like being hit head-on by a hundred-ton truck at full speed. No warning; seemed merely her thought.

Similar to repulsion field, but different.

No matter. Once at full power, no special ability could withstand ultimate speed and strength.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yujun silently sensed Mo Qing’s energy reaction, waiting for him to peak.

Compared to his desire to win, she was more interested in observing Source’s nature.

Not looking down on him; if he could break her protective true domain and reach a certain power level, she’d naturally respond accordingly.

Though both thinking, only seconds passed.

Mo Qing’s light illuminated the dark space blindingly white.

Then his figure vanished. Air exploded with sound, like the sun crashing down; light and heat flooded the hub floor.

Steel flooring groaned under load, softening in high heat, turning red.

Mo Qing reached Zhang Yujun again. His energy surged another level. At the same time, the protective true domain still functioned.

This time Mo Qing felt resistance but wasn’t blasted away like before.

He kept closing in, heart rejoicing. This might work.

Being unable to even approach would be too ridiculous.

Zhang Yujun’s eyes shifted.

Though protective true domain blocked most attacks, facing this energy pressure, she felt strain.

Partly because her Dao Body awakened recently; true domain not at limit. Partly because his energy seemed corrosive.

From Source?

As Mo Qing rejoiced at breaching the true domain, Zhang Yujun said calmly,

“Next, if you survive one strike from me, I’ll leave temporarily.”

As she spoke, she extended a finger.

Vast Fundamental Mana converted to Supreme Yin chill, gathering at the fingertip into a striking white light point; the most common attack for Ask Immortal Sect Foundation disciples.

Mana impact.

No special dao art; just smashing with solid dao foundation.

The light point instantly dominated the hub space; not visually, but perceptually. No one could ignore it.

Mo Qing took it seriously. He wouldn’t let her attack freely. The moment she spoke, he tried interrupting.

But too late.

Rays burst from the light point. Instantly, massive Supreme Yin mana poured out, engulfing Mo Qing. The hub floor sank sharply, then plummeted.

Mo Qing was nailed to the ground, sinking with it.

His light grew feeble, like a candle in gale.

The entire Wei Qing City quaked lightly.

Atop a tower, Chen Zhao’s eyes flickered.

They’ve started. Need backup? Probably not.

He stayed outside partly for ritual setup, partly to guard against possible other forces; no excluding special communication among city lords.

Chen Zhao’s perception covered Wei Qing City. Suddenly, one spot drew attention.

“This is… Xu Cheng?” Chen Zhao raised a brow. He arrived later than estimated.