Zhang Chen was taken aback by Liu Feng's resolute words, staring at Liu Feng's soul in disbelief. How could the other recognize him when his entire body was disguised?
Hearing the other's firm reply, Zhang Chen knew he must have inadvertently exposed some flaw, causing the other to see through his disguise. There was no room for bluffing now, as Liu Feng would not think him capable of such a feat. But now that Liu Feng recognized him so decisively, it must be genuine.
"How did you recognize me?" Zhang Chen asked, as the Ice Rod in his hand turned to water and fell into the Miluo River, while he slowly stood up from the Ice Ship.
"Because of your actions! You probably haven't noticed, but you often use one hand to touch your chin, and the arc of your arm when doing so is very distinctive. Moreover, there's no one as concerned about Chengyu in the Daoist Temple as you." Liu Feng's eyes were fixed on Zhang Chen, his voice full of emotion: "Who could have imagined that the most deeply hidden one in the temple was you? With such ability, why did you stay in the temple at all? Why not just fight your way out back then?"
Liu Feng's voice was filled with confusion and doubt.
Zhang Chen sighed softly. Liu Feng, a veteran of the Martial World, had discerned his slightest nuances: "At the time, I was being hunted by Prince Pingbian's Mansion and had nowhere to go. It was better to lay low in the Daoist Temple."
"We are fellow disciples, after all. I've plotted so much for today; why not spare me, on account of our past relationship? If you let me go, I will fully support you against Zhang Xiaohua in the future." Liu Feng's words were full of pleading. He was unwilling to give up the last spark of hope and desperately pleaded with Zhang Chen.
"You've already pledged loyalty to Zhang Xiaohua, becoming part of Prince Pingbian's Mansion. If you return to the Miluo River, I will have no means to restrain you. If you betray me later, I will have no place to bury. I can't afford to take that risk!" Zhang Chen looked at Liu Feng: "Does the Observatory Master have any unfulfilled wishes? Perhaps I can help you fulfill them."
"I hate it!" Liu Feng, furious, gritted his teeth, bloodshot eyes glaring, as divine power radiated around him. A jade plate emerged from his soul, attempting to make one last struggle.
The jade plate was peculiar, shimmering with water-blue hues, facing the Sea Calming Divine Pearl. It was inscribed with intricate, inscrutable symbols, ostensibly providing Liu Feng with a sliver of opportunity to summon his divine power despite the Pearl's suppression:
"This jade plate was Prince Pingbian's Mansion's scheme against me, yet who would have thought it possessed such marvels? I discovered its mysteries after becoming a god. Who will win, who will be the ultimate victor, we must test to know!"
Seeing Liu Feng counting on the jade plate for a final turnaround, Zhang Chen dared not give him the chance to act. The next moment, the Sea Calming Divine Pearl in Zhang Chen's hand shone brightly, majestically hurtling towards Liu Feng.
Unfortunately, the power released from the jade plate was too feeble against the suppressive force of the Sea Calming Divine Pearl, not even stirring a small wave.
"I won't let you off even in the afterlife!" Liu Feng's voice was filled with anger, fixing Zhang Chen with a wrathful gaze.
"Boom~"
As the Sea Calming Divine Pearl struck, Liu Feng's soul instantly disintegrated into dust. However, in the next moment, a figure walked out from the jade plate, its mouth opened wide, swallowing Liu Feng's soul and divine position whole.
Seeing the phantom emerging from the jade plate, Zhang Chen's pupils contracted. It was Zhang Xiaohua's Celestial Soul!
Zhang Xiaohua's Celestial Soul was ablaze with mysterious lines that flowed like fish, one end linked to Zhang Xiaohua's soul, the other to that enigmatic jade plate.
"Heh heh heh~ The divine position belongs to me after all. In the end, you drank my foot wash, old guy. I knew you'd undoubtedly die under the Godslayer battle. I had been waiting in the jade plate for you!" Zhang Xiaohua's Celestial Soul laughed maniacally, as threads covered its body, pulling towards the divine position, wriggling to draw it into its body.
"You're celebrating too soon." Just then, Zhang Chen sighed softly from the side.
"Who are you?" Zhang Xiaohua's Celestial Soul, noticing Zhang Chen, was taken aback, a sense of imminent dread welling up.
Without answering Zhang Xiaohua, the Sea Calming Divine Pearl's brilliance flared again, crashing towards Zhang Xiaohua.
Feeling the terrifying power of the Sea Calming Divine Pearl, Zhang Xiaohua turned pale in rage: "Stop. I am the Celestial Soul of Prince Pingbian, Zhang Xiaohua. If you dare to harm me, I won't spare you in the future."
While speaking, it mobilized the jade plate behind it as a shield.
The Sea Calming Pearl, with unmatched force, struck the jade plate, and a 'crack' sounded. The jade plate was riddled with cracks, emitting water-blue luminescence. Blue light transformed into chains that entangled the divine position, giving Zhang Xiaohua's Celestial Soul no time to react, dragging the divine position inside.
"What the hell is this thing? The jade plate seems off!" Zhang Chen's pupils shrank as he witnessed this scene, eyes revealing caution. Without another word, he summoned the Sea Calming Divine Pearl again, directing it at the jade plate.
The Sea Calming Pearl, wielding force of 'fruit' grade, crossed the void and suppressed it. With an unmatched stance, it shattered the blue light emanating from the jade plate before striking its core. A crisp 'crack' echoed as the jade plate shattered under the Sea Calming Divine Pearl's suppression.