852 The Plan
Wang Ju watched helplessly as the colossal claw descended upon her with a power she knew for a fact she could not resist. Oddly, she was remarkably calm as death approached her.
Her demeanor made it impossible to determine whether she had accepted her fate or had something else on her sleeve.
As her final fate approached, many people waited with bated breath. Some viewers outside felt her defeat might change Di Tian’s current situation. After all, these two shadows displayed prowess that shocked the world.
The people who did not know about the Lord Shadow Technique were freaking out as they believed a third person in this generation acquired the power of a Great Emperor.
Meanwhile, other people believe Di Tian’s only victory will not change his predicament. Although the final victory will be decided by the battle between these two unparalleled geniuses that have never appeared in the history of the Myriad Emperor World, these generals might play a significant role if used correctly.
Meanwhile, Di Tian and Wang Wei observed the final clash between these Shadows.
Di Tian was not worried about Wang Ju’s death since he already ordered Demonraise to capture her alive at all costs. However, he was on guard, preparing to intervene and intercept.
As long as she captures Wang Ju, his chances of victory will increase drastically. Regardless, he did not celebrate yet, as he knew she would not go down without fighting back.
More importantly, Wang Wei will not allow anything to happen to his people; his nature will not allow such a thing to happen. Although cold and calculating, he had a weak spot for his friends and family.
Di Tian knew of this since their first battle in the Heavenly Abode World. When he schemed against him, his intuition could have allowed him to escape alive and unscathed.
However, Li Jun and Yan Liling would have died in that world. So, he saved them while staying behind, knowing the danger.
Di Tian observed his opponent and saw his expression or aura had no change for a moment during the entire situation, making it impossible for people to know what was on his mind.
Then, Di Tian suddenly squinted.
Wang Ju disappeared at the very last minute.
‘No, that fluctuation–Shadow Switch,’ thought Di Tian, his mind as everything that occurred before he happened in slow motion.
Wang Ju disappeared, and someone else took her place–Li Jun.
The mighty general who walked the path of Slaughter did not have a chance, as his body, soul, and Dao were instantly annihilated. Demonraise’s attack was meant for Wang Ju, and Li Jun could not even sustain the latter’s attempt at capturing him.
Furthermore, Wang Ju’s sudden disappearance made Demonraise’s mind fluctuate and his attack slightly uncontrollable.
‘Li Jun is dead?’ thought Di Tian, his mind galloping like wild horses that were provoked. He concentrated on controlling his emotions and remaining calm.
‘He sacrificed Li Jun for Wang Ju? This doesn’t make sense for many reasons. Plus, such an act does not fit his character.’
Then, Di Tian’s face suddenly changed as he thought of something. And immediately, he also sensed something–but it was too late.
Wang Wei and Wang Ju were already before him, their aura reaching the pinnacle. Wang Ju had replaced her two Fake Dao Weapons with Emperor Artifacts.
Meanwhile, Wang Wei’s Proving Dao Artifact had already turned into a sword, and the aura he released was similar to a supreme swordsman like his father.
[Fate Cutting]
They used the same attack as they swung their respective weapon in tandem. Upon closer observation, people would notice their breath, body, soul, and Dao resonated with each other similar to a formation, combining and elevating their attack to a higher level.
Their attack did not create a regular slash. Instead, a projection of the River of Fate manifested in the Western Quadrant. The river was composed of countless tiny strings, yet it behaved fluidly like water. However, none of that mattered, as most people who laid eyes on it would be in awe at its beauty, majesty, and horror behind its implications.
Am I in control of my fate?
People cultivate for various reasons: strength, power, political status and influence, immortality, fear of death, and freedom. However, no matter the reason, as they become more powerful and learn of the world’s secrets, they will ask themselves that question at one point or another.
Sadly, few people can actually find the answer. And once they do, plenty wish they had never asked in the first place.
After the River of Fate manifested, it followed the trajectory of Wang Wei and Wang Ju’s swords, generating a silver-gray moon slash that rushed toward Di Tian with absolute speed.
Bang!
The entire cosmic battlefield shook after that slash landed. Di Tian’s Fate Line almost snapped, eliminating him from this mortal coil.
Di Tian’s body then appeared with a seal with the character for Samsara engraved on it floating above his head. A large wound that went from his right shoulder, across his torso, and to his left leg was on his body.
Di Tian looked at the wound on his body, his emotions extremely calm in such a dangerous situation. Since his battle with Empress Wu, this was the first time he was injured in a direct confrontation with his peer.
“So, you do bleed,” said Wang Wei with a voice that seemed to naturally irritate anyone who heard it.
“I guess I should have expected these low-level and shameless tactics from you.”
“Low-level? Shameless? Hahaha,” laughed Wang Wei, who exuded a sense of freedom; it was like he had been in a cage for many years and was released for the first time.
“This kind of mindset is why you could not pass the Supreme Outlaw Trial, thus losing the love of your love.”
A great killing intent flashed from Di Tian, making the entire battlefield tremble. However, it was brief as he quickly regained control of his emotion.
Meanwhile, Wang Wei did not care as he took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relaxation he had not felt in millions of years.
“Do you know, your influence on my life is more than you could fathom,” said Wang Wei. “I experienced my first true defeat and humiliation during our battle in the Heavenly Abode World. And after day, my life contained a mountain that seemed insurmountable.
“I admit that I owe a great deal of today’s success to you. The pressure you brought me forced me to uncover my true potential and even go beyond it.”
Wang Wei sighed out loud.
“I once heard a storyteller say a hero or protagonist is as good as their villain. And his words are true, but I don’t like them. I don’t like how you forced me to live under so much pressure; I don’t like how much influence you’ve had in my life.
“I always felt fate put you in my path to push me to greater heights, to tap into my latent potential–I hated that feeling of not having control.”
“How narcissistic,” replied Di Tian with a sneer. “Have you considered you were placed here to stop me and not the other way around?”
Both can be true,” nodded Wang Wei. “Heavenly Dao does not want someone of your strength, potential, and story to prove the Dao. Meanwhile, Fate wishes to push to greater heights for a higher purpose.
“So, in many ways, our battle today was destined.”
“You have a lot of nonsense today.” Di Tian did not hide his sneer and scornful eyes. The Wang Wei he knew was direct and hardly wasted time unless he needed to.
Furthermore, he disdained the concepts of fate and destiny. Their very existence indicated that his wife was fated to die the moment he created her. And that’s something he refused to accept.
“Haha, I do, but I can’t help it. I’ve been bottling too many things inside,” said Wang Wei with a smile. “Now that I have the chance to let them out, I feel relieved.”
Wang Wei then cracked his neck and shoulder. A terrifying battle intent emanated from his body.
“I should have given you plenty of time,” continued Wang Wei. “Now, it’s time to start?”
Wang Wei was feeling good. Despite his words condemning fate, he felt destiny was on his side in this battle. So, his confidence was at its peak.
Fire Dimension:
Wang Ju returned to this place after playing her part in the entire plan. The first thing she saw was Yan Liling and Tie Gang, along with the Slaughter and Undying Legion, surrounding Demonraise, trying to seal him.
The assassin with bestial qualities and instinct seemed enraged as he discarded his safety and sanity, trying to get out of the legions’ array. Unfortunately, he had entered a weakened state after that last attack.
So, not only could he no longer use Dao Ancestor strength, even his Immortal Venerable Tier power was unstable.
Wang Ju did not hesitate to rush to help. Although she was in a similar situation as him, she could still provide some assistance. Plus, her team had an Immortal Tier Alchemist, meaning she should return to decent fighting shape in a short period.