Chapter Eight: The Sovereign's Might (Part Two)

Deep within Gu Ding’s heart, a flame of defiance burned quietly. He mused to himself, "To flee is merely to prolong a wretched existence; to fight might just buy a glimmer of hope. Since death awaits either way, why not stake everything on one final gamble? If I can emerge victorious from this life-and-death struggle, I shall carve my name into the annals of the Southern Kingdom and become a hero sung of for generations."

Gu Ding’s laughter erupted suddenly, sweeping forth like a tempest, filled with arrogance and unbridled wildness. He bellowed, "Hahaha... do you truly believe that because you style yourself an SSS-rank Martial God, you can rest easy? Let me tell you, a Third-Stage Poison Emperor of the Southern Kingdom is no mere pushover! Today, I shall show you what a true master of the poison arts looks like!"

His laughter was heavy with confidence and dominance, as if he had cast aside all concern for his own survival. His eyes, burning with resolve, seemed ready to incinerate the entire world.

Southern Kingdom Hierarchy:
Poison Apprentice: Stages one to three. All begin with basic toxins. A mere flick of a finger can render cultivators of lesser standing powerless, including those of B-rank Martial God capability. Their poisons are like invisible assassins: silent, yet lethal.

Poison Master: Stages one to three. Stepping into this realm, their art evolves. Beyond mastering various techniques, they test toxins upon themselves, becoming immune to all poisons as their bodies strengthen through this toxic baptism. Their physical forms act as impenetrable shields, impervious to any venom.

Poison Duke: Stages one to three. Also known as the intermediate poisoners, their art has reached a state of refinement. They can harbor potent toxins deep within their systems; their blood, semen, urine, bodily fluids, and even every drop of sweat contain lethal venom. They are revered as having the "Body of Hundred Poisons." In rare instances, when a Poison Duke reaches the absolute limit, their constitution undergoes a miraculous transformation into the more powerful "Sacred Poison Body."

Poison Marquess: Stages one to three. At the pinnacle of the art stands the Poison Marquess. Every breath they draw carries lethal toxicity; within a thousand miles, all life withers. Their mere presence is like the source of a plague; to step within ten meters is to be annihilated in an instant. The might of a Poison Marquess strikes terror into the hearts of all living beings.

Poison King: Stages one to three. This realm marks the initial awakening of true toxic power. Each stage signifies a deepening and intensification of this force. A First-Stage Poison King can corrode solid stone into sludge; a Second-Stage can release a toxic shroud spanning ten miles with a mere gesture, leaving nothing alive in its wake; a Third-Stage Poison King commands ten miles of death, a true sovereign of the toxic domain.

Poison Emperor: Stages one to three. Upon reaching the zenith of the Poison King realm, one ascends to the level of Poison Emperor. The body of a Poison Emperor is immune to all toxins and can even consume an opponent’s toxic arts, assimilating them to strengthen their own power. Before a Poison Emperor, all other poisonous entities are insignificant; he is the lord of a hundred poisons, the master of all venom.

Poison Monarch: Only the First Stage exists. Above the Poison Emperor lies the legendary realm of the Poison Monarch. The power of a Poison Monarch is enough to poison through the ages; its magnitude transcends mortal comprehension. Like an ancient sovereign, he stands at the summit of the path of poison, the supreme deity in the hearts of all poison cultivators. When a Poison Monarch strikes, it is a poison that lasts for eternity, invincible to all.

"A petty Poison Emperor, how dare you be so arrogant here? Even if your master, the Poison Monarch 'Du Guhan,' were to descend upon this place in person, I would not hold him in regard. The Martial God Kingdom is now the crown jewel of all nations, possessing a deterrence against mutant beasts that no other can match. The nations have united to build a dam of peace, yet you in the Southern Kingdom stir up trouble like ants, attempting to dismantle this stable alliance."

As Lisa spoke, she stamped her left foot heavily once more. The force swept out like a violent storm, instantly saturating the heavens and the earth. Gu Ding was forced back repeatedly by the sudden pressure. He clutched his forehead, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"This pressure... hahaha... truly, your reputation is well-deserved. Is this the strength of an SSS-rank Martial God? Though I, Gu Ding, once fell at the hands of King Kai, I feel my own insignificance before this power today. Yet, back then, I had not reached my true peak. Now, I have crossed the threshold into the Third-Stage Poison Emperor realm, only a step away from the legendary Poison Monarch. Given but one proper opportunity, I shall be reborn and ascend to the absolute summit."

A burning light shone in his eyes, as if he could already see himself becoming the Poison Monarch. He continued, "Once I become the Poison Monarch, the first thing I shall do is execute that old thief Du Guhan and rid my Southern Kingdom of that great scourge. Afterward, I will bring you, Lisa, back to the Southern Kingdom to be my sole Empress, to share in the splendor of this world with me."

Lisa responded with cold laughter, her eyes filled with disdain. "Utterly laughable," she said, her lips curling with mockery. "Even if you were to become the Poison Monarch, so what? Great power does not grant you the right to act lawlessly. Moreover, the Southern Kingdom is not yours alone to command; how can you be so selfish as to decide everything? Furthermore, do you think I, Lisa, am some plaything to be manipulated? Your ambition and arrogance will only lead to your own undoing. In this vast world, your power is but a drop in the ocean. The things that truly deserve to be swept away by the tides of history are the corrupt lands you call the 'Southern Kingdom'!"

Before she finished speaking, Lisa moved again. She stamped her foot once more. This strike seemed to concentrate all her power and will, filled with an endless, intimidating force that declared an unshakeable sovereignty. As she acted, a massive surge of power erupted, causing the very heavens and earth to change color.

Heavenly phenomena swirled like a tempest. The wind, seemingly filled with boundless fury, left everything around it teetering on the edge of destruction; the rain poured down like a deluge, with the force of thunder, blinding to the eyes. With that single stamp, the shockwave spread to all surrounding nations, even startling the mutant beasts hidden in the endless abyss.

They awoke from their slumber one after another, sensing the powerful fluctuations of energy, and were filled with terror, as if they sensed a storm approaching. Yet, no matter how they reacted, they could not change the fact that this single step had become a part of history, etched forever into the memory of this world.

Lisa’s eyes shone with a steady light. She swore, word by word, "On this sacred territory, we shall never bow to any enemy, nor shall we allow any faction to recklessly infringe upon or divide us. Should such a grave situation arise, the people of the Martial God Kingdom will surely rise up and strike the enemy with the force of thunder."

However, when she spoke of Ye Heng, her tone softened significantly. She sighed gently, looking into the distance, as if seeing the hope of the future. "Ye Heng, you carry our expectations. I shall guard these lands, and you need only keep that flower-like smile of yours. Every generation has its own mission; though the world is chaotic now, sister believes that your existence will be the brightest light of this era."

A flicker of worry crossed Lisa’s eyes. She shook her head slightly, lamenting the unpredictable nature of the times. "Furthermore, rumors of the 'Child of Light' are spreading. I am no fool; how could I not understand the implications? But I understand even more that you are the key to all of this. Therefore, Ye Heng, you must grow strong. For our future, for the peace of this land, for the entire world..."

"If our generation cannot end this collapse, then this burden will inevitably fall upon the shoulders of the next. If they, too, cannot fulfill the mission, then this endless cycle will continue until someone can truly break these shackles and lead the world into a new epoch."

"You..." Gu Ding’s voice revealed a trace of panic, yet beneath that panic, a firm resolve was hidden. He took a deep breath, his gaze turning sharp. "If I fight, I may find it hard to escape death; if I do not, it is a dead end regardless. Since that is the case, why not fight you and see who has the last laugh!"

Lisa’s brows knit together, her eyes filled with cold, decisive intent. "Since you insist on fighting, then come. I will not hold back, and the Southern Kingdom will not be shaken by your fall. You are merely a legend about to fade away."

Hearing this, Gu Ding laughed, his voice filled with madness and defiance. He tore off his clothing, revealing a powerful upper body; every inch of his skin seemed to radiate a dangerous aura.

Lisa’s pupils constricted. "The Emperor’s Poisonous Sacred Body!" she exclaimed in shock.

The Emperor’s Poisonous Sacred Body was the supreme pinnacle of all toxic physiques. It originated from the ancient and mysterious Sacred Poison Body, having evolved through countless ages to reach this state. It was as hard as millennium-old dark iron, its defenses nearly impenetrable, and within its veins flowed a terrifying, lethal venom. Even if mortally wounded and on the brink of death, as long as a single breath remained, one could use the power of the toxins within to rapidly restore vitality and regain strength.

However, to reach such a realm required the level of a Poison Monarch. Yet, the Gu Ding before her was merely a Poison Emperor, still some distance from that rank. This showed just how staggering his talent was, and how unfathomable his potential.

"The Emperor’s Poisonous Sacred Body is complete. Now, am I worthy to fight you?" Gu Ding waved his arms violently, and thick, concentrated toxic vapors erupted from his body, spreading in all directions. The intensity of the toxin seemed capable of melting anything in existence, making it unbearable to look upon. Wherever the vapor passed, even the air seemed to corrode with a hissing sound.

Lisa’s eyes widened like twin stars. She gripped her twin blades and swung them with force. A sharp, golden beam of sword qi, like the light of dawn, swiftly tore through the encroaching poison. Yet, the toxic vapor seemed to possess a strange, self-aware consciousness; after being scattered, it coalesced again like a phantom, stubbornly resisting every one of Lisa’s strikes.

Though Lisa continued to strike, putting her all into every movement, the poison possessed endless resilience and refused to be completely dispersed. Seeing the vapor closing in, a look of resolve appeared on Lisa’s face. She closed her eyes slowly, and six wings of light unfolded from her back, wrapping tightly around her to form a glowing golden sphere. She seemed to merge with the heavens and the earth, the power within her surging and converging.

At that moment, countless beams of golden light erupted from her wings, like scorching sunlight piercing through the toxic fog.

"Celestial·Glory!"

As Lisa whispered the command, the golden light exploded, creating a powerful wave of energy. This force surged forth like a tsunami, shattering the surrounding poison and purifying it into nothingness in an instant.

Gu Ding felt a surge of inexplicable shock, yet he knew he still held many cards yet to be played, which gave him the confidence to face Lisa. He believed he had the capability to defeat this opponent.

Lisa looked at Gu Ding and said in a low voice, "Take your forces and crawl back to the Southern Kingdom. This place cannot withstand the ravages of war."

"The situation is tense now; surely you in the Southern Kingdom know how powerful the mutant beasts are! Even if you could truly destroy my Martial God Kingdom, so what? Would the remaining nations be able to handle the beasts? In the end, it would still fall to us to clean up the mess. If you are so persistent in being our enemy, then you shall be the first to be sacrificed."

Though Gu Ding felt a touch of lingering fear, it did not reach his marrow, nor did it cause him to lose control. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his gaze sweeping over the unique tattoo on his right hand. His thoughts flashed like lightning, touching upon the extraordinary nature of the Emperor’s Poisonous Sacred Body.

At this moment, an indescribable excitement surged within him, as if he had found the source of a certain power. Gu Ding took a deep breath, hesitated no longer, and charged toward Lisa like a tiger descending a mountain.

"The Emperor’s Poisonous Sacred Body—the lord of poisons, the head of all toxins! To see this sacred body is to stand face-to-face with the monarch of the toxic world!" Gu Ding shouted, his voice filled with certainty and confidence, as if every word contained endless toxic power, chilling the soul.

Lisa replied, "My Martial God Kingdom has always held peace as its faith; we do not worship the so-called imperial hegemony of your Southern Kingdom. We pursue equality and harmony in this world, the prosperity of our nation, and the peace of our people. We serve the people with our whole hearts; this is the tenet established at our founding, a concept incomprehensible to your world of power and desire."

At that instant, two dazzling beams of golden light shot from Lisa’s eyes, like brilliant stars descending upon the world. She rose into the heavens, and from that vantage point, she looked down like a deity judging the mortal realm. Her gaze locked onto Gu Ding, and with that single look, Gu Ding felt as if he were bound by invisible chains, his body stiffening, unable to move.

His breathing became incredibly difficult, as if a great stone pressed upon his chest. His heart hammered, and sweat flowed like a stream, bringing with it a chill. Dizzy and disoriented, he felt as if he had been cast into a bottomless abyss, surrounded by endless darkness and terror. Finally, he could no longer support himself; his body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground.

Only now did Gu Ding truly grasp the chasm between their strengths. Looking up at Lisa in the sky, an unprecedented fear welled up within him. In that second of eye contact, he felt as if he had traversed time and space, experiencing countless cycles of life and death. The terror contained within was something only he could deeply comprehend.

Lisa looked down at the now-powerless Gu Ding, a flicker of resolution in her eyes. She knew this was the best moment to end the battle. She moved like a shooting star across the sky, speeding toward Gu Ding, ready to press the advantage and end this long-drawn-out duel.

Terror and despair were etched onto Gu Ding’s face. He shrieked with his remaining strength, "Don't kill me! Don't kill me! I concede! I concede!" His voice echoed across the empty battlefield, sounding helpless and bleak.

Lisa was cold as ice, her gaze like a sharp blade piercing Gu Ding’s heart. She spoke indifferently, "It seems you finally have a shred of self-awareness. If I were to continue this fight, not even that world-renowned Poison Monarch Du Guhan could save you. Your so-called toxic body is merely stuffing venom into your flesh to forge power, but before the Martial God power of my kingdom, your body is nothing more than a joke. Our armor, born of Martial God power, is immune to all poisons and can traverse the skies and earth. No matter how high your skill, it is all in vain."

"Take your troops and leave at once! I may loathe the people of the Southern Kingdom, but I am not unreasonable. Consider this a harsh lesson for your nation!"

The burden on the hearts of the people of the Martial God Kingdom seemed to lift, and the atmosphere grew lighter. Kana glanced at Lisa, stepped forward, and faced them, her tone firm yet laced with mockery. "The Martial God Kingdom will not be seeing you off. Lord Gu, though the road is long, there is truly no place for you here in our kingdom." Her words carried a hint of indescribable ridicule.

Before she finished speaking, Kana’s expression changed suddenly, her smile widening. "So, Lord Gu, may your journey home be... 'pleasant'." Her smile seemed to hide some profound, unfathomable meaning, leaving one unable to guess her true intent.