"What a spectacle."
The Abyss Overlords watched the contest unfold, their interest heightened by the accompanying treats and exquisite wines.
Unsurprisingly, no one stepped up in defense of Overlord Yandi.
Notorious for his impulsive and domineering behavior, Overlord Yandi had made more enemies than allies among the Overlords of the same Abyssal space. Indeed, they were secretly hoping he'd get his comeuppance. And the more spectacular his defeat, the better.
Added to this, Wu Ming's formidable power was enough to give them pause—even Overlord Yandi was struggling against his few clones. Joining the skirmish would likely lead to a quick defeat for most.
"All the half-step third realm beings of the Heart Realm lineage are crafty. The genuine treasure has been relocated long ago! These clones are worthless. Even if we destroy a few, we'll get no spoils," reasoned the Abyss Overlords.
Were there a chance to seize a treasure, they might be enticed to engage.
But with no such opportunity in sight? They were content to watch the duel, treating it as a form of amusement.
A lengthy lifespan called for some entertainment, after all. And seeing Overlord Yandi on the back foot provided a certain satisfaction to many.
Urgh.
Amidst the excited crowd, the Abyss Sovereign, Sovereign Heshan, was enjoying the company of several women while observing the distant battle.
"Sovereign, who do you think will emerge victorious? They're battling like they've lost all reason," a group of women inquired, their eyes trained on the unfolding clash.
"Yandi might be a brute, but his lack of intellect and consciousness, typical of the Abyss lineage, makes him an easy target for the Heart Realm's tactics," mused the handsome Sovereign Heshan, observing the battle with an amused smile. "Wu Ming is a master of the Heart Realm's three main schools: Red Lotus Fire, the illusory Abyssal Void, and psychic weaponry… Yandi is outmatched."
"But Sovereign, didn't you mention that Yandi's Body of Sin is a formidable tool?" a woman questioned, puzzled.
"Yes, it is indeed formidable. It's the very reason he's been able to withstand the Red Lotus Fire and psychic attacks, even managing to retaliate. Look! His Demonic Sound Fork has pierced Wu Ming's body once again," explained Sovereign Heshan.
As Xu Jingming's three clones unleashed their psychic weapons on Overlord Yandi's colossal form, Yandi managed to shake off the effects of the illusory realm. Upon regaining his senses, he struck back, his Demonic Sound Forks appearing out of nowhere to pierce two clones. One clone suffered a grievous injury before dissipating, leaving behind only a psychic spear.
Without hesitation, Overlord Yandi claimed the abandoned Soul Spear.
"Although Wu Ming has only deployed eight clones, all of them have sustained severe injuries. Observe, the first clone has finally been completely obliterated, even losing his psychic weapon," Sovereign Heshan remarked with a smile. "The outcome of this battle is still very much in the balance."
…
Xu Jingming was relentless in his assault, launching his arsenal of illusory realm and psychic weapons at every chance. Yet, against the odds, his adversary was quick to seize opportunities for retaliation.
His injuries were escalating, even leading to a loss of his psychic weaponry.
He's even more wounded than I am. Xu Jingming was certain.
I… I… Overlord Yandi was wracked with pain that consumed his mind and consciousness. With his mind already severely compromised, being impaled by Dawn Piercer—affecting nearly 90% of his consciousness—was agonizing. He felt his clone's mental faculties spiraling into disorder.
Regardless, he was committed to fighting till the bitter end.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Enveloped by the Red Lotus Fire and the Abyssal Void, beams of Dawn Piercer ripped through Overlord Yandi's body.
His response was equally ferocious; his sole focus was to retaliate!
Every chance he got, he lashed out at Xu Jingming with his Demonic Sound Fork.
With each assault, Xu Jingming grew more wary. Even when he was stabbed by the Demonic Sound Fork, he forced himself to throw the psychic weapon into the Heart Realm.
However, after the demise of five clones, the three Soul Spears were ultimately claimed by his enemy.
Only three of Xu Jingming's clones, all severely wounded, remained!
"Ahhh!" Overlord Yandi's consciousness was in disarray. His battle cries echoed as he launched his desperate attacks.
"Die!"
The remaining three battered clones of Xu Jingming persisted in their assault. Bereft of psychic weapons, they turned themselves into weapons! Their minds and bodies merged to execute a deadly spear attack!
Finally—
With only two severely wounded clones left, Xu Jingming gazed at the majestic Sin Spring Water, now devoid of any consciousness.
I've won, he reflected, a smile gracing his face as he beheld the three psychic spears and two Demonic Sound Forks suspended in the Spring Water.
From start to finish, neither Overlord Yandi nor Wu Ming had called for reinforcements. Overlord Yandi hadn't sent any additional clones for backup, and Xu Jingming had restricted himself to eight clones. He hadn't introduced any additional weapons.
I barely scraped a win, depending on my ability to hide and the restraint of my psychic weapon, Xu Jingming reflected. Simultaneously, he collected the consciousness-devoid Sin Spring Water, the Demonic Sound Forks, and other weaponry.
"Wu Ming, you are the victor," came a voice from the distance. It was another of Overlord Yandi's clones.
Overlord Yandi was speechless.
It might seem like it was only one clone, but in reality, cultivating even one was a formidable task. Over the years, he'd only managed to create twelve clones, one of which he just lost.
And Wu Ming? As part of the Heart Realm lineage, he could split into numerous clones with ease! His eight clones were vastly inferior to Overlord Yandi's solitary clone.
"Overlord Yandi, are you interested in this pair of Demonic Sound Forks?" Xu Jingming asked, his voice transmitted through the air, a smile playing on his lips. "Third-realm weapons from the Demon Sound school that complement each other are quite the rarity."
"Indeed, I am interested," came the distant reply.
"If you desire them, I could sell them to you," Xu Jingming suggested, transmitting his words. Since he couldn't use the Demonic Sound Forks himself, selling them seemed the best course of action. Overlord Yandi was obviously a potential high bidder.
"If you wish to gift them to me, I'll accept. But buy them? No chance," the voice responded, unfazed by the loss.
"Are you certain you don't want them?" Xu Jingming probed, again transmitting his voice. "In that case, I'll offer them to other high-dimensional beings."
"Do as you please!" The voice had nothing further to add.
If he didn't want them, he didn't want them.
He wouldn't lament his decision.
Xu Jingming merely shook his head with a smile, surveying his surroundings.
"Time to head back," he declared, promptly entering the Heart Realm and embarking on his return journey.
As he traveled, Xu Jingming took stock of his loot.
I acquired a complete Abyss Red Lotus and a pair of third-realm Demon Sound Forks. In total, I've gained more than 200 drops of Abyssal Mother Blood. Adding what I claimed from the Spirit Cleansing Iceberg, I've made quite a haul. I can comfortably afford a third-realm weapon from the Heart Realm lineage, he mused, his journey home filled with a sense of satisfaction.
In the meantime, among the various Abyss Overlords, tales of Wu Ming's exploits over the past three centuries began to circulate.
