Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao's fates had long been sealed. They were meant to die in the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods after a chance encounter with Ran Deng on Wuyi Mountain drew them into the conflict. There, their bodies would perish and their souls be destroyed.
But Xiao's appearance had forcibly changed their destinies. By taking the Treasure-Dropping Coin ahead of time, he had severed the Karma that bound them to that fate.
Though Ran Deng had been defeated and driven from Wuyi Mountain, he would no longer encounter Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao along the path laid out by the Heavenly Mandate. The two had escaped their destined roles in the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods and avoided their deaths.
At that moment, Zhao Gongming finally caught up. Ran Deng's detour to claim the treasure had delayed him just long enough.
"Ran Deng, you old thief! You're not getting away!"
With an angry shout, Zhao Gongming activated the Judge's Brush and prepared to strike again.
Ran Deng's heart lurched. He instinctively wanted to flee, but when his gaze fell on the Treasure-Dropping Coin in his hand, his fear vanished.
He turned toward the approaching Zhao Gongming and gave a cold smile.
"Zhao Gongming, I admit I cannot match your cultivation or fighting strength. Nor can I compare with your talent, Dao Foundation, or years of practice.
"But in this world, luck is also part of strength!"
Zhao Gongming could not tell what Ran Deng was hiding beneath that mysterious act, but he had no interest in guessing.
Ignoring him, Zhao Gongming channeled his Dao Resonance. The light of the Book of Life and Death intertwined with that of the Judge's Brush, bringing the crushing power of the Netherworld down upon Ran Deng.
As the