Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Divine Abomination!

Amid the endless void storm, eight warships sailed like reefs amidst towering waves—small yet unyielding, the divine light flowing along the interconnected rune chains forming their first line of defense, keeping all the consuming darkness at bay.

Within the void storm, there was no sense of direction; they could only follow the divine fluctuations emanating from the Forsaken Land as their guide.

Three days had passed since their departure. The ancient ships were well-equipped with all basic necessities, and the cabins had been expanded with spatial arrays, so there was no fear of feeling cramped.

Zhou Tian emerged from his room. Since boarding the ship, he hadn’t had any opportunity to court death—there were only so many people on board, and strict rules forbade violence.

The main hall of the ship resembled a tavern; though spacious, only a few sat drinking there—Zhou Zui and his companions.

Seeing Zhou Tian approach, Zhang Yi spoke, “What brings you here today? Suddenly have time for us?”

Zhou Tian and Tian Ling had been all over each other for the past two days, much to their friends’ annoyance.

“Why is no one else ever around?” Zhou Tian ignored Zhang Yi, glanced around the hall, and asked.

Since boarding, only their small group ever came here. Occasionally, Zhou Tian and Tian Ling would show up, showering affection. At first, Zhou Tian thought the others were simply shy, but it was now the third day, and still, no one else appeared.

“Who knows? Maybe they're cultivating,” Zhou Zui shrugged.

“What about my second brother and the others? Still haven’t seen them?” Zhou Tian asked again. Since boarding, Zhou Yan and Zhou Ying had been absent, nowhere to be found, their actions shrouded in mystery.

“Nope.” Zhang Yi lifted his cup, the jade-like liquor sliding down his throat. After a satisfied sigh, he added, “I’m afraid something’s going to happen this time. Be prepared.”

“Something’s going to happen?” Zhou Tian frowned. Although Zhou Ying’s explanation had seemed forced, surely they wouldn’t be leading them into a pit of fire.

“Yeah, I’ve felt uneasy ever since that ‘Heaven’s Secret’ suddenly emerged. The Eight Provinces Tournament will likely be a turbulent affair.” Zhang Yi set down his cup.

“Enough worrying. Tian Qin isn’t going to let us die here. Let’s wait and see,” Zhou Xunchuan, who had been silent, concluded.

Another three days slipped by. The Forsaken Land drew ever closer; through the storm, they could now make out the silhouettes of towering divine mountains.

Zhou Tian and Tian Ling stood on the deck, gazing at the approaching scene—a vast continent slowly looming nearer, the sight filling them with awe.

Behind them, the sound of footsteps echoed. Zhou Tian withdrew his hand from Tian Ling—he’d been teasing her—and turned to see Zhou Zui approaching. Drawing near, Zhou Zui exclaimed, “What a breathtaking sight! It’s a pity the others won’t come up to see it. Ever since they found out you two were here, everyone else has been too embarrassed to join.”

“Then why are you here? To bask in our affection?” Zhou Tian retorted irritably. Tian Ling, her eyes shimmering, shot him a glare—this was all his fault. Lately, Sister Liu Yan’s teasing had grown ever more embarrassing.

“Scenery like this is rare. One should take the chance to enjoy it,” Zhou Zui chuckled. “It seems Sun Zhuo was right—Zhang Yi really is a doomsayer. We’re almost at the Forsaken Land, and nothing’s happened yet. Once we arrive, I’ll—”

Before he could finish—

Boom!

The ancient ship shuddered violently. From the void storm burst forth an unimaginably enormous snake head, its eyes crimson as giant stars. Its tail lashed the formation created by the eight ships, sending ripples through their defenses.

Zhou Tian shot Zhou Zui a speechless look—didn’t he know you never tempt fate?

In a flash, a figure appeared on deck—Zhou Yan, unseen for days. He shot them a glance, frowning, and barked, “Get inside the cabin, now.”

Without hesitation, Zhou Tian grabbed Tian Ling’s hand and hurried below deck, Zhou Zui trailing close behind.

On the other ships, several figures emerged as well, each exuding a formidable aura as they stared down the colossal serpent. Before it, the ships were as insignificant as grains of rice. The defensive formation of eight imperial-class warships was already cracking under a single blow.

“They’re taking action,” Zhou Yan said. Beside him, Zhou Ying and two others appeared, all fixing their gazes intently on the serpent.

“But wasn’t the location of the Chaotic Emperor Python still some distance from us?” Wei Chuan frowned. They’d been informed they would serve as bait, but by their calculations, the python should not have reached them until the next day. Why had it appeared early?

“They must have used something to obscure Heaven’s Eye detection. Looks like they’re well prepared.” Zhou Yan withdrew a formation disc from the void, golden light swirling around it. On the other ships, formation discs rose as well.

Eight discs floated upward, radiating light. Runes surged forth, and a formation of resplendent gold enveloped all eight warships.

Boom!

The serpent’s tail struck again, but this time, the golden formation didn’t even ripple.

A boundless brilliance erupted as a six-winged creature strode forth from the void, its true form a thousand feet tall, face obscured. Its wings quivered, stirring endless storms.

“A formation of Heavenly King level—what extravagance!” Though the void storm ought to have swallowed all sound, the creature’s voice rang clearly in every ear, deep as a great bell, neither male nor female.

“Godspawn! So it’s you!” A figure emerged, shrouded in surging blood energy, surrounded by phantoms of ancient beasts, all roaring at the sky. Even the void storm stilled in his presence.

“Spawn? You’re the abominations!” the radiant-winged being bellowed. The storm grew fiercer, mingling with beams of light that struck the formation, erupting in dazzling symbols.

“Enough words. Unleash all your trump cards!” From the bloody radiance, a wolf’s head emerged—red-maned, a single horn atop its skull, fangs as massive as sky-piercing pillars.

Opening its gaping maw, it lunged for the winged creature, its bite shattering space, draining the void storm—a true devourer of worlds, refining all things.

Enshrouded in light, the winged being swung its arm. A holy sword wreathed in white divine fire appeared. Its whole form radiated might and sanctity—a vision of perfection.

The holy sword struck, boundless light trailing its arc. Suddenly, prayers resounded through the void. Around the winged being, a divine kingdom unfolded, and its believers prayed, bestowing their blessings.