Chapter 297
The Crimson Demon King acted without hesitation, aiming to disrupt the emotions of the Stone City Lord.
He understood very clearly that if Senju Yukika, the Lord of Stone Town, successfully ascended, then he would no longer be a match.
Because beyond the ultra-grade tier lies the realm of the world-class powerhouses. A being of that level is a legendary existence, far beyond what any ultra-tier warrior could contend with!
Even someone like the Crimson Demon King, an old fiend who had dominated the Rakshasa Kingdom for decades, would tremble and yield in the presence of a world-class powerhouse—completely devoid of any will to fight.
Without delay, the Crimson Demon King hurled the blood-red orb in his hand toward the airborne Yukika with a deafening crash. Bloodlight exploded in a blinding flash, trying to disrupt the sword aura that enveloped Yukika.
Senju Yukika frowned slightly. He had just emerged from that meditative state when the outside interference jarred him sharply. Yet his instincts told him that he needed to return to that state—there was immense benefit in doing so.
Thus, the Lord of Stone City began to focus again, quietly refining and understanding his sword technique.
If he could break through from his current sword realm into that of a world-class warrior, the rewards would be tremendous.
This only drove the Crimson Demon King into a greater frenzy.
Suddenly, the crimson orb in midair split into countless smaller orbs, all darting simultaneously toward Yukika.
This explosive moment didn't escape the notice of Maple Leaf, who had been secretly watching from afar. Even he now took the time to carefully study this magical technique.
Since arriving on this planet, this was the first time Maple Leaf had seen such a dark magical art.
Others watching also had their varied reactions. Witnessing Yukika about to ascend to world-class strength, the Lords of Tyrant City and Sunrise City were overjoyed.
The three city lords had always advanced and retreated together. If the Lord of Stone City succeeded in ascending, the other two would also gain significant political leverage.
In the future, the three city-states would hold far more influence over the royal family.
Thus, they were willing to defend Senju Yukika at all costs to ensure his breakthrough.
"Crimson Demon, you lunatic!" roared the Lord of Tyrant City.
He then leapt skyward, and the Lord of Sunrise City followed closely, transforming into radiant streaks of light that flew across the sky.
Using their own techniques, they intercepted the crimson orbs one by one, doing everything they could to prevent any disruption to Yukika.
The Crimson Demon King grew increasingly anxious. Observing Yukika's aura, he knew time was running out.
The world-class energy radiating from Yukika was intensifying. Once the Heavenly Dao Law stabilized, it would be too late for regret.
Letting out a thunderous blood-curdling roar, the Crimson Demon King unleashed a flood of blood energy from atop a mountain of corpses, creating a scene of hell on earth.
Seeing him go berserk, the other old demons followed suit, launching coordinated efforts to drag Yukika out of his enlightenment.
Thus, a full-on battle broke out between the three city lords and the ancient monsters, the sky filled with ferocious, clashing energies.
But within this chaos, Senju Yukika had already stabilized in his enlightened state, and the raging battle around him no longer affected him in the slightest.
Then, something utterly unexpected happened—something that shocked the three city lords.
The Jade Emperor suddenly raised his hand.
A toady beside him let out a cold laugh and launched a hidden weapon.
This weapon, glowing with a toxic green hue, screamed through the air. Not only was it clearly laced with poison, but its speed was terrifyingly fast. It caused barely any spatial fluctuation, making it nearly impossible to detect or block.
It pierced through the defenses of two city lords almost effortlessly and struck Senju Yukika squarely in the chest!
A surge of pain wracked Yukika's body. Poison spread quickly through his system.
It was as if lightning had struck him. Senju Yukika abruptly snapped out of his meditative state, his eyes flying open, and a trickle of blood emerged at the corner of his mouth.
His gaze was now filled with overwhelming hatred and fury.
He knew very well that he had just missed his once-in-a-lifetime chance to become a world-class powerhouse.
And once missed, that opportunity might never return.
Do people realize how many cultivators remain stuck at the ultra-tier realm their entire lives, never able to take that final step?
It is one of the deepest regrets in a cultivator's path. Senju Yukika had come so close, only to be yanked back at the critical moment by treachery!
To destroy someone's path is to forge a blood feud.
And this hidden weapon came from the Rakshasa royal family.
The Lords of Tyrant City and Sunrise City hadn't expected the glow they had just seen to be a sneak attack from one of the Jade Emperor's own men.
Everything became clear now. Just as Yukika was about to ascend, he had been sabotaged by his own people.
The three lords descended slowly, standing side by side. Their faces were marked with disbelief and deep suspicion.
That feeling of betrayal was bitter and now haunted their hearts.
Senju Yukika, now poisoned, had his chakra thrown into complete disarray.
He needed to retreat to a quiet place to recover immediately. Continuing to fight now would mean certain death.
This poison, concocted by the royal family, was no ordinary toxin.
Maple Leaf, who was still secretly observing, saw everything and sighed.
He knew how rare an opportunity Yukika had just lost.
And he also knew—such chances, once missed, are almost impossible to reclaim.
Just moments ago, Maple Leaf had felt it—Senju Yukika had already stepped into the realm of a world-class powerhouse. He was just a sliver away from fully comprehending the laws of the Heavenly Dao.
But before Maple Leaf could intervene, that hidden weapon had already shattered Yukika's breakthrough.
Even Maple Leaf felt a hint of pity, so one could only imagine how deep Yukika's hatred must have run in that moment.
He had never wanted to kill someone this badly before.
Now, Senju Yukika stared coldly at the royal henchman who had attacked him and said in a chilling voice, "Feng Wuyá, you despicable coward. You will die by my hand."
Feng Wuyá looked utterly contemptuous, as if what he had just done was trivial.
He sneered and replied, "You dared oppose the Jade Emperor? This is what you deserve."
His words revealed both his arrogance and a signal to the Jade Prince.
Truly, the entourage surrounding the Jade Emperor was full of sycophants and schemers.
Senju Yukika was filled with killing intent, but he knew better. In his current state, any attempt to activate his chakra would cause the poison to spread instantly.
He had no choice now but to retreat.