Watching the Mountain

Chapter 322: Chapter 188: Not Fast Enough

The men gathered outside the Profound Pure Sect’s main gate did not underestimate the duo of the Evergreen Sword Saint and Wuchen True Monarch.

The two of them looked extraordinary based on their appearance alone. This was especially true for Shen Wuchen, with his snow-white robes, his aloof and glacial temperament, and his gaze as placid as still water.

To those from outside the Eastern Domain, upon first seeing him, they mistook him for the Evergreen Sword Saint, Zhang Zhentian.

Instead, they mistook Zhang Zhentian—the man beside him in dark martial attire, standing as steadfast as a pine tree and betraying not a hint of his aura—for Wuchen True Monarch.

It was no wonder they got it wrong. Shen Wuchen was remarkably handsome, with sharp brows, piercing eyes, and chiseled features. Combined with his unique temperament, he was the absolute center of attention no matter where he stood.

So, as Shen Wuchen and Zhang Zhentian stepped through the Profound Pure Sect’s main gate to stand before the twelve Nascent Soul True Monarchs, several cultivators from outside the Eastern Domain, who had never seen their portraits, immediately fixed their gazes on Shen Wuchen.

Sizing him up, they praised him in their hearts:

’Worthy of the man who single-handedly fought five Nascent Soul True Monarchs and slew them—the Evergreen Sword Saint. His bearing is truly extraordinary.’

’Though we have the absolute advantage in numbers this time, we can’t be careless. We could lose everything, and possibly our lives.’

Just as they were thinking this, they suddenly sensed something was amiss. Their fellow cultivators from the Eastern Domain seemed to be focusing all their attention on the ”Wuchen True Monarch” beside him.

This took them by surprise, and one couldn’t help but ask:

”Why are you all so focused on Wuchen True Monarch? Don’t tell me he’s even more dangerous than the Evergreen Sword Saint.”

The man frowned after speaking, his gaze landing on Zhang Zhentian. He continued, as if answering his own question:

”I heard about what happened with the Demon Race before I came. They say the Evergreen Sword Saint slew several of the Demon Race’s True Monarchs with Wuchen True Monarch’s assistance.”

”But back then, the Evergreen Sword Saint hadn’t yet had his breakthrough. Now that his comprehension of the Life and Death Reincarnation Law has reached such a profound level, he can slay five Nascent Soul True Monarchs on his own, without any assistance from Wuchen True Monarch.”

”So even if there’s something special about Wuchen True Monarch, his actual combat power is low. I heard that after he broke through to the Nascent Soul Stage, he lost to Golden Core Stage Cultivators on two separate occasions. His strength has practically set a new low for Nascent Soul True Monarchs.”

”Could he possibly be more dangerous than the Evergreen Sword Saint is now?”

Seeing the reaction from the Outer Domain cultivators, one of the men from the Eastern Domain Cultivation Realm said with a resigned look, ”The one in black is the Evergreen Sword Saint.”

Hearing this, the cultivators from the Outer Domain were stunned. They studied Zhang Zhentian’s reserved demeanor for a moment before saying in astonishment:

”*He’s* the Evergreen Sword Saint? Is the Sword Saint really that understated?”

Their gazes then shifted back to Shen Wuchen, and their shock intensified.

’So that means *he’s* Wuchen True Monarch? The Wuchen True Monarch who’s never won a battle in his life, the one they call ”Shen the Defeated”?’

They became even more bewildered when they saw Shen Wuchen’s haughty bearing.

’Wait, what right does he have to carry himself like that? Is it his perfect losing streak? If even *he* dares to put on such airs, does that mean we should be looking down our noses at everyone?’

Seeing the incredulous reactions of the cultivators from the Outer Domain, one of the Eastern Domain natives said with a hint of resignation:

”Haven’t you seen their portraits?”

Hearing this, the cultivators from the Outer Domain shook their heads. One said:

”The Cultivation Realm is vast. In any given era, brilliant prodigies are as numerous as stars in the sky. There’s no shortage of monstrous talents in any domain.”

”Only figures who can shape the course of the entire Cultivation Realm are truly memorable—people like Sword Dao Ye Shan, Master Vermilion Bird, that unknown modern-day Shennong from the Profound Pure Sect, or the Immortal Ancestor who created the Flying Immortal Stream of cultivation.”

”For anyone else, the mere fact that their names have reached our ears is proof enough of their brilliance.”

”In recent years, our own Northern Domain has produced several prodigies on par with the Evergreen Sword Saint. I hear the Central Domain has even more dazzling talents, and the other domains are no different. Do you know what any of them look like?”

Hearing this, the Eastern Domain cultivators understood. One nodded slightly and said:

”That’s true. Although the Cultivation Realm is interconnected, people usually only care about what happens in their own corner of the world. The distances are just too vast. Without the Cross-border Teleportation Arrays, it would take even us Nascent Soul True Monarchs at least a century of non-stop travel to get from one domain to another.”

He finished with a wistful sigh. ”For someone like the Evergreen Sword Saint or Wuchen True Monarch to have their name spread to other domains is an honor most people could never hope to achieve in a lifetime.”

His words resonated with many, who nodded in agreement. Then, someone else spoke in a heavy tone:

”However, these two figures, whose fame has spread across the Cultivation Realm, are about to die by our hands. When they do, I imagine our names will be known everywhere.”

At these words, everyone’s expression sharpened, their gazes glittering as they turned to Zhang Zhentian and Shen Wuchen.

”That’s right! HAHAHA! Let’s enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention for once.”

”Indeed. But everyone, be careful. We must not be careless. Otherwise, we’ll perish before we even have a chance to become famous.”

”Especially the Evergreen Sword Saint. The man is terrifyingly powerful. A moment of carelessness against him will cost you your life. As for that Wuchen True Monarch, you don’t need to pay him much mind. Even if he has a few tricks up his sleeve, his actual combat power is pathetic. You could let him attack you freely and you probably wouldn’t even get hurt. Just keep a slight eye on him; there’s no need to worry.”