NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 743: 529
As time passed, the decisive battle day between Gu Chen and Bastu arrived, an event that captivated the attention of the entire Nine Provinces!
The chosen battlefield, the so-called Moon Reflecting Lake, lay on the border between Da Xia and Da Yuan. There, amidst a pristine mountain range, stood the Moon Reflecting Lake, renowned for its scenic beauty—it was said that at night, the surface of the lake would reflect the moon in its entirety, clear and complete.
It was for this reason that the lake was named Moon Reflecting Lake.
Because of the impending battle, countless martial artists from the Jianghu had already occupied the Moon Reflecting Lake early on, with more continuously arriving.
On this day, as the battle drew near, Moon Reflecting Lake was buzzing with activity to an unprecedented degree, with even disciples from sacred lands making their appearance!
After all, martial artists from the Divine Intent Realm were rarely seen even in sacred lands, let alone one that would fight in a duel against Gu Chen.
Figures like Yuan Feng and Xuan One were among the crowd, all of whom stood on the perimeter, waiting for the two main characters to appear.
Of course, it was still early for the time set by Bastu for the duel; there was quite a bit of time remaining, but the spectators had arrived much earlier to wait.
On the Da Xia side, top-notch sects from the Jianghu, such as the Yao Platform Sect, Canghai Sect, Giant Spirit Gate, and even Longhu Mountain, had representatives intently observing the battle.
Meanwhile, despite looking pale from previously suffering a great defeat at Bastu's hands, Qin Wu, the deputy commander of the Jing Tian Department, was also in attendance.
Following Qin Wu were several Heaven-order commanders. This battle was deemed one that could decide Da Xia's fate. Although victory appeared hopeless, they still harbored an extremely slim glimmer of hope.
The fact that so many people's fates were intertwined with this battle meant that many who came were fraught with tension.
"Will the Marquis of Wu'an show up today?" This was a question on the minds of many present.
In fact, even the Heaven-order commanders of the Jing Tian Department had asked Qin Wu before setting out, but he had not responded, leaving many with a sense of apprehension.
Bastu had stated that if Gu Chen failed to show up today, he would massacre the entire Tiandu, leading to a catastrophe for all living beings. Hence, while many didn't wish for Gu Chen's death, they were left with complex emotions due to this reason.
On one hand, they hoped that Gu Chen would appear, unwilling for him to shy away from the battle; on the other hand, they were well aware that if Gu Chen did enter the fray, his death would be certain, not to mention victory. Even survival seemed unlikely.
"Noon is almost upon us."
At this moment, one warrior looked up. There was only a little time left until the scheduled duel.
"Da Yuan's forces have appeared!"
A commotion stirred among the nearby crowd. From the border, the entourage of Da Yuan appeared, including soldiers, martial artists, and some clad in red kasayas—who were from the Dragon Elephant Buddha Sect of Greater Snow Mountain.
The National Master of Da Yuan Country, Bastu, had once practiced in what was so-called the foremost sect of Da Yuan in his youth. Now, the leaders of Dragon Elephant Buddha Sect were Bastu's juniors. Moreover, since the battle involved the fate of two nations, it was only natural that they would come.
Most of the people from Da Yuan looked smug, their eyes carrying a trace of disdain as they looked down upon the people of Da Xia from their lofty position.
Clearly, due to Bastu's influence, they believed that Da Xia would shortly fall and its people would become slaves to Da Yuan, leading them to such arrogance.
"Damn Da Yuan, look at how haughty they are!" cursed a martial artist from Da Xia, grinding his teeth in secret.
Many were incensed by this, but utterly powerless, for the mere presence of Bastu alone was enough to overwhelm the world.
Whoom!
Suddenly, an extremely heavy aura of oppression emerged, making everyone feel as heavy as if they could not breathe.
In the distance, high above the sky, a tall figure appeared, dressed in a black robe, with a handsome countenance and piercing eyes full of spirit. He walked through the air towards this place. This man was none other than the National Master of Da Yuan Country, Bastu!
"The National Master of Da Yuan!"
"Bastu has arrived!"
Upon seeing Bastu's appearance, many trembled. He was a warrior of the Divine Intent Realm; such beings only emerged once in many years. In a way, it was considered a stroke of luck to be born in the same era and witness the might of such exalted characters.
Bastu's gaze was as sharp as that of a hawk, and not a single person present dared to meet his eyes. He didn't emanate a speck of his aura, yet he still managed to suppress everyone gathered by Moon Reflecting Lake.
Even martial artists from sacred lands, including those from the higher realms like Yuan Feng, wore grave expressions as they observed Bastu.
The significance of achieving the Divine Intent Realm in the deteriorating lands of the Nine Provinces was very clear to them; it was extraordinarily remarkable.
Such a figure, were he in the higher realms, would stand a not insignificant chance of reaching the apex of the martial path—the position of a celestial Immortal, the Heaven-man Realm!
Certainly, Bastu was somewhat advanced in age, but that wasn't too great an issue, especially since the rules of the Nine Provinces were not well-established. Reaching this stage was already no small feat, demonstrating his extraordinary talent.
"National Master."
Upon Bastu's appearance, everyone from Da Yuan bowed respectfully, their eyes burning with fervor as if they were disciples in the presence of a deity.
Indeed, to the people of Da Yuan, Bastu was no different from a god. His existence had completely transcended imperial authority and reigned supreme over all else.