Everyone was stunned, staring dumbfounded at the boatman who had suddenly stepped forward. In the sharp void, without seeing him employ any visible means, the divine fire of the Purple-Armored King was utterly extinguished, vanishing without a trace.
Such means could be called peerless!
Robin and the others widened their eyes in shock. Even the beautiful Miss Qin couldn't help but part her rosy lips slightly, revealing jade-like teeth, looking both surprised and adorable.
Was this still the same boatman who had seemed to struggle even with poling the boat?
This was no mere boatman at all, but clearly a reclusive, world-shaking master. Astonishingly, everyone present had overlooked him.
Even the Purple-Armored King and the Crown Prince in five-colored divine armor hadn't truly seen through him, and a deep gravity now colored their expressions.
Because this man before them... they couldn't see through him!
Unfathomable!
This was absolutely a fearsome figure.
However, neither of the two felt fear. They were both genuine King-level figures, true talents who could look down upon the heroes of the younger generation. Only Immortal True Kings were stronger than them.
They didn't believe they could be so unlucky as to actually encounter an Immortal True King.
Although this mysterious man before them was strong, his face was unfamiliar, and they had no impression of him.
Generally speaking, even the most obscure figures of their caliber were like gold—they would always shine and become known to some.
But clearly, this man was not among them, nor was he a King from any domain or a young successor of an Immortal Force. While they were somewhat wary, they were not afraid.
Unfortunately, they were even more unlucky than encountering an Immortal True King, for the one before them was a taboo figure—the Battle Saint King!
"May I ask, sir, who exactly are you?" The Crown Prince in five-colored divine armor spoke up. "I am Crown Prince Yang Han of the Wushuang Kingdom. This is the Purple Heaven Saint Son of the Purple Heaven Sacred Land."
They announced their titles, both genuine young Kings hailing from Immortal Forces, possessing sufficiently powerful backgrounds to fear nothing.
Facing the mysterious boatman, the Purple-Armored King no longer wore an expression of contempt. His tone carried a note of gravity as he said, "Sir, this is a grudge between us and these people. We hope you will not involve yourself without cause. Otherwise, if a fight breaks out and casualties occur on both sides, it would be unfortunate. Moreover, our side has more powerhouses after all. You are alone, sir, so the advantage likely lies with us. Why must you oppose us for their sake?"
The first part was reasonable persuasion, but the latter part was a veiled threat.
Miss Qin's expression changed, a flicker of gloom crossing her face. Although she sensed this mysterious boatman was powerful, perhaps also a young King, the other side had two Kings present. If a real fight broke out, he would be at a severe disadvantage.
Thinking this, she spoke softly, "Big brother, thank you for saving us earlier, but you should leave now. Don't oppose them for our sake; it's not good for you."
"Miss Qin!"
Robin and the others paled. Miss Qin was clearly pushing away a helper who had come forward willingly.
But Miss Qin glanced back at them, her tone slightly cold. "To cling to survival by dragging an innocent person to his death—can your consciences bear it?"
Robin and the others opened their mouths, only to let out a bitter smile.
"Big brother, take this chance and leave," Miss Qin urged.
The Purple Heaven Saint Son and Crown Prince Yang Han of Wushuang Kingdom did not stop him. If Ye Chen left, they would naturally save themselves some trouble.
Though unafraid, they understood the formidable means of a King. Even two against one, without a true life-or-death decisive battle, it would be difficult to kill the other party.
"Miss Qin, could you tell me your name?" Ye Chen suddenly asked.
At a time like this, why ask such things? Miss Qin gave a slight, bitter smile but replied, "I am Qin Ruxian."
"Ruxian, Ruxian... a person like a celestial being, a heart like an immortal's. Truly a fine name," Ye Chen smiled slightly. But then he looked at the Purple Heaven Saint Son and Crown Prince Yang Han, nodding with a smile. "My apologies. My worldly tempering must end early. Since Miss Ruxian has saved me repeatedly, I cannot retreat. I have no choice but to act."
"Hmph!"
Hearing this, the two Kings snorted coldly, their voices filled with ice. "In that case, we can only kill you first, then kill them. Even as a King, you must understand that saving a beauty requires the right occasion."
"Attack!"
The two Kings moved simultaneously, not wanting to waste more time. They struck together, a dual-King assault against Ye Chen.
A divine sword appeared in Crown Prince Yang Han's hand, its entire body radiating five-colored divine light, draped with Dao patterns as it tore through the air. A terrifying Dao might spread out, capable of shattering heaven and earth. Not to mention the river below, even the void was easily split in two, appearing fragile.
On the other side, the Purple Heaven Saint Son held a divine bell, its entire body bursting with endless purple mist and divine light, not the least bit inferior to a true saint weapon. Waves of bell sound spread out, causing the void to ripple in vast swathes that collapsed one after another as it pressed down.
The two Kings, from the very first move, employed truly fierce means.
Clearly, they intended to slay a King.
"Big brother, be careful!" Qin Ruxian cried out in worried alarm.
"You dare try to kill me with just these methods? Utterly laughable!"
Ye Chen's expression suddenly turned indifferent. His figure remained unmoving. Facing the five-colored divine sword, he merely brought together his fingers like a sword and pointed directly upward. Instantly, a golden divine light appeared, shaped like a heavenly sword, bursting with the most dazzling sword radiance that split the sky as it collided with the five-colored divine sword.
"Arrogant!"
Crown Prince Yang Han snorted coldly. Although this man was strong, to dare clash his fleshly body against a divine sword was clearly seeking death.
*Clang!*
Sparks flew as the void was torn apart layer by layer. But to everyone's shock, Ye Chen's finger was unharmed, while Crown Prince Yang Han's five-colored divine sword was sent flying high, trembling incessantly, with several cracks appearing at the point of impact.
Meanwhile, the purple divine bell descended with a thunderous roar, enveloping heaven and earth, aiming to completely suppress Ye Chen within and refine him with the bell.
But Ye Chen's left fist had already punched out, carrying a ball of dazzling, radiant golden crystalline immortal fire that shook the entire world. Even the two Kings could clearly feel the terror of this punch.
*Boom!*
The purple divine bell was sent flying, exploding into swathes of purple light that shot back up into the clouds, staining the sky purple for a thousand li around.
On the bell itself, a clear fist imprint was visible.
Too overwhelmingly powerful! He had actually used pure physical strength to withstand the Dao weapons of two Kings and directly sent them flying.
Such might was unprecedented.
Qin Ruxian was nearly dumbstruck. "Big brother... who exactly are you?"
Ye Chen suddenly slapped his forehead and smiled at her. "Look at my memory. You told me your name, but I haven't told you mine. I am Ye Chen, though more people like to call me—"
"The Battle Saint King!"