Jiu Shen's face hardened after being knocked away by Wuka who was already suffering from being poisoned.
This was the second time he was overpowered in a frontal clash against someone after Lao Gou. The feeling of weakness was new to Jiu Shen who was used to defeating his opponents with ease.
'The realm of the Celestial Emperors is truly different. When I was in Nuar, I can fight opponents who are several realms higher than me because of my vast experience and advanced sword techniques. However, the power of a Celestial God Realm expert is something that couldn't be surmounted by normal means...' Jiu Shen muttered in his heart.
Wuka who had lost his sense of reason didn't give Jiu Shen the time to think. He released blows after blows that caused violent explosions.
The armor that Jiu Shen made was only at the peak of the Heavenly-rank, so it received heavy damage under the barrage of attacks from the enraged High Chieftain Wuka.
Despite the severe injuries in his body, Jiu Shen remained calm throughout the battle. He evaded and blocked the heavy attacks while also counterattacking occasionally.
More injuries covered Jiu Shen's battered body, but he never let go of his sword. "According to Asmodeus, this guy just advanced recently, but his raw power is almost comparable to that old fart Lao Gou!"
Suddenly, Jiu Shen noticed that the wounds on Wuka's body were slowly healing.
Wuka regained clarity, but the rage in his eyes didn't diminish. He glared at Jiu Shen with a gaze full of hate and spite. "I will peel your skin and make ornaments out of your bones! ROOARR!! He bellowed while madly charging like a bull that had escaped its enclosure.
Jiu Shen knew that he should finish this battle soon. He would be disadvantaged if Wuka's wounds would be healed.
Jiu Shen covered his body with anma and he also gathered his true essence to strengthen the Baleful Dragon Sacred Sword.
"Now!" He decided to use his full strength to summon a powerful sword movement. He brandished his sword exquisitely, his movements akin to an immortal's sword dance.
A beautiful ray of light was emitted at the tip of his sword, producing a sharp keening sound that penetrated the clouds.
Puchi!
A huge hole appeared on Wuka's chest, but the beast seemed unruffled by the deadly gaping wound. He grabbed Jiu Shen's left shoulder and tore his arm with a savage expression.
Rip!
Jiu Shen gritted his teeth in pain. His left arm was torn down by Wuka and the beast even swallowed it with a ferocious look!
Wuka licked his bloody lips and looked down at Jiu Shen who only have one arm. Blood gushed out from his left shoulder, making the man's face dreadfully pale.
Jiu Shen hurriedly distanced himself from Wuka while sealing the wounds on his body using anma. He managed to stop the bleeding, but the unbearable pain was still there.
He was enveloped by a feeling of weakness.
"How can I kill Lao Gou when I can't even defeat a mere barbarian?!" Jiu Shen's golden eyes shame. He grabbed a healing pill from his space and swallowed it down.
The wounds on his body were slowly regenerating and flesh started to grow from his empty left shoulder.
Soon, Jiu Shen fully regenerated his arm.
With a face full of sweat, Jiu Shen pounced toward the injured Infernal High Chieftain and resumed his counterattack.
***
"Celestial Emperor, we received news from our subordinates in the desert region. The entrance of hell has emerged and a Celestial God Realm Infernal High Chieftain is leading billions of his brethren to fight against the allied army gathered by Jian Wang." Valir reported in a solemn tone.
Lao Gou displayed a look of interest upon hearing the report. "Oh? There's actually a barbarian who managed to reach the realm of Celestials? Interesting..." He smiled as he stroked his beard.
"Also, it is reported that there's another man leading the allied army together with Lao Gou... Just that... this guy..." Valir was nervous and he found it hard to utter the name written on the document.
Lao Gou's eyes turned dark when he saw Valir's hesitation. He grabbed the old man's collar and spat out coldly. "Speak! Who is it!?"
Valir felt scared when he met the eyes of Lao Gou. It was deep and terrifying! "J-Jiu Shen. It's Wine Master Jiu Shen, the true owner of the wine store!" He answered right away.
Lao Gou who had trained his heart realm to the fourth level almost failed to calm his agitation. The rage he felt towards that man was bone-deep. "Jiu Shen!? So you're still alive?!"
He released Valir's collar and glanced in the direction of the faraway desert region. He frowned as he muttered in a cold voice. "How did you resurrect? No. Who resurrected you? Jiu Shen... Just who are you?"
Lao Gou wasn't the least bit worried about the affairs of the desert region. Initially, he planned not to engage in battle with the Infernals and wait for Jian Wang to weaken himself. He would then kill the weakened Jian Wang and find Asmodeus who had already exhausted himself after sealing the entrance of Hell for millions of years.
By then, he would be the sole powerhouse of the Primordial God Realm and would be revered by everyone as the strongest being!
However, an unexpected variable suddenly appeared.
Jiu Shen. The man he hated the most in this world. It was a name that he would never forget and haunted him for a long time! "I've killed you in the past. This time is no different!"
"Valir, observe the battle in the desert region. If Jiu Shen is still alive after the war, bring Telu and the Celestial Paragon Tower's army to destroy him! If anyone blocks your way, kill them all!"
Valir shuddered when he heard the command. They might be hated by everyone if they followed Celestial Emperor Lao Gou's order. However, he dared not decline when he saw the unreadable expression of Lao Gou. "Yes, Celestial Emperor!"