Chapter 00244: Blood and Tears, Iron and Steel
# Blood and Tears, Iron and Steel
Chapter 244
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 244: Blood and Tears, Iron and Steel
Boom!!!
The sound of shattering and collapsing seemed to envelop everything.
Above the sky, rainbow light twisted and turned, while on the ground, flames surged forward.
The towering workshop was shrouded in darkness and blazing light.
Silence engulfed that area, appearing deceptively peaceful.
However, any existence in the surrounding realm—be it ruins, clouds, or living creatures—would suddenly be cleaved into fragments without warning.
Or even crushed to dust.
Bodies collapsed, the nature of materials lost control, dissipating into wisps of green smoke or ash.
Everything was encapsulated within an invisible furnace, reshaped or destroyed at will.
In the duel between the two craftsmen, there was no room for a third party to intervene.
Nor would there be any oblivious souls coming to disturb the scene.
Smoke and flames lit up every corner.
The mortal world was steeped in destruction and obliteration, unable to extricate itself.
Spring City was on the verge of collapse.
Whether it was the remnants of crumbling walls or the twisted transformation and accumulation of the cult over the years, as pillars collapsed one by one, the invisible weight that originated from the heavenly source grew increasingly violent, becoming impossible to bear.
The sky trembled.
Dark rainbow light surged like tides, filling the heavens above, as if boiling over and violently colliding with the laws of the heavens, an ear-piercing shriek echoed endlessly.
At the heart of Spring City, the figure of the surviving disaster loomed like a pillar of heaven, disdainfully overlooking the heavenly counterattack and the impending tide.
Unwavering.
At that moment, in the iron whale song, as the flame-washed airship ascended into the sky, it was instantly locked onto by three sets of eyes, their insight unerringly penetrating.
"... Heavenly track?"
In the moment of confusion and realization, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but scoff, “I thought T5 would straightforwardly give me a good show, but I didn’t expect even now there are so many antiques lingering in this world!”
No one responded.
As if they were indifferent.
As if they despised answering.
In the piercing sound of the steam whistle, the iron bird, which had long slept for over two hundred years, unfurled its invisible wings and took to the sky.
Like a phantom that did not belong here, it penetrated layers of obstructions, ignoring the residual shockwaves from the collision between the great calamity and the supreme virtue, once again looking down upon the mortal realm.
Wherever it passed, it left behind a dazzling scarlet trace.
That moment lingered.
At last, Lu Changsheng saw, beyond the cracked window, in the cockpit, the almost fragmented and critically weak young man, someone who seemed familiar.
Ji Jue.
Ji Jue was also looking at him.
So cold, without a ripple.
That gaze, apathetic, swept past him, falling toward the higher realms, gazing at the sky… at the countless boiling dark rainbow lights.
Complex changes, endless, the divine essence of calamity manifested and whirled within, colliding with the laws of heaven and miraculous echoes erupted, sharp enough to make the world seem like it was tearing apart.
So dazzling.
And so noisy.
“Shut up.”
Ji Jue said.
Thus, the explosive roar ceased, silence descended without warning, enveloping all.
The swirling rainbow light seemed abruptly cloaked, dimming the world.
With his words, it was as if an invisible hand rose from the ground, spreading its fingers, covering the earth, blocking the sky.
The whole world froze for a moment, welcoming a brief stillness.
However, the familiar wails and screams in his ears grew increasingly jarring…
At this moment, when he looked down from above, he found everything was strikingly familiar.
When the city of yore was consumed in flames, shedding its disguise and embellishment, the so-called mortal world’s complexity dwindled down to nothing but the tragic visage of hell.
No different from what he saw in nightmares.
Simply a transition from one hell to another.
Perhaps what Jian Yuan said was not wrong; everything witnessed in the design of illumination represented one’s own essence.
Because of this, he could see such a world, could hear those echoes of despair.
Those wails and cries came from the past, from beneath the burning heavens, from the already deceased in Spring City, from within his own soul.
All along, they had been together.
Born from the same fierce fire, buried within the same darkness, reduced to the same ash that burned away, slipping into the same hell without ever parting for a moment.
When they embraced each other, tears fell.
Thus, their cries were so clear.
Yet…
Ji Jue shut his eyes, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “Why do you weep for me?”
Did I ever show kindness or generosity towards you?
No one responded.
Boom!!!
The mighty shockwave expanded, shattering the immobilized world, causing it to revolve once more, with destruction and collapse becoming irreversible.
Underneath the flowing rainbow light, the surviving calamities laughed maniacally, reclaiming all that rightfully belonged to them, controlling everything!
The vastness of the heavenly track was indeed terrifying, but it was a pity that it was not entrusted to the right individual…
It couldn’t possibly unleash even a fraction of that power!
But Ji Jue was already unfazed.
Once again, he extended his hand toward distant hell.
Toward… the source of the cries!
To tell them, “I am here!”
In that moment, a flaming light, like an illusion, soared from the earth, spreading everywhere, raging and flowing, devouring Spring City, yet it bore no warmth.
Endless ashes poured down like rain from the sky, cloaking the heavens, covering everything yet beyond reach.
As if the gates of hell had swung open!
Then, the unnoticed wails, the unheard cries surged forth like a tide, echoing in every ear, surfacing in their souls.
In the conflagration and cries, countless souls lifted their gazes, looking towards that sun-like brilliance above the heavenly sphere, scarlet tears flowing down their cheeks and pooling into blood.
Thus, amidst ruins and ashes, within the shadows of blood and death, countless invisible hands emerged, opened up, and clutched their hands.
Even if only a void remained.
In that moment, an unprecedented high-pitched call resonated, sounding from the heavens above.
Ripples of the void manifested, spreading, enveloping all, endless brilliance pouring down like torrential rain, flooding the mortal world.
Under the interference of the comprehensive control of the field, amidst the supply of infinite spiritual essence, the non-offensive matrix spread from the void, expanding, overloaded, burning to a fiery red.
As large-scale as it was unprecedented…
—[Mechanical Descent]!
In that fleeting moment, the light of redemption flowed in hell, delivering this gift to every clenched hand!
Bestowing the final blessing:
“You are free.”
Then, the world abruptly fell silent.
When the illusion of flames and ashes vanished without a trace, no one could sense a modicum of relief; what arose from their chests were only unprecedented fear and oppression.
“What’s that sound?”
In the sanctuary, the followers of the corrupted cult turned back in shock.
No one responded.
In the silence, only a plume of dust rose from the shadows, fluttering in terror, and then, amidst the quaking of the earth, a rising tide composed of countless clanging noises erupted!
On the dilapidated street of ruins, a dusty lamp flickered suddenly.
Light burst forth from the broken bulb.
A blinding scarlet!
Like a thirsty gaze from the realm of the dead, looking at them, unblinking.
Then, the sound of steel grinding erupted.
Underneath the rusty, fragmented car shell, the scrapped engine roared back to life, howling tragically, thick smoke billowing from within, spreading out.
As if an invisible vitality spread from the lifeless, bestowing mercy, the iron constructs long dormant in the darkness stirred once more, opening their eyes, gazing at the hell that created them.
“Save… save…”
The hushed shelves crackled to life as a broken radio powered up again, the static screeching loudly, transmitting the echoes left by the dead, weeping blood, questioning, “Why… why…”
No one responded.
Thus, the wailing became sharper, higher.
Eventually, it morphed into a hysterical shriek!
From corners and crevices, from desolate streets, amidst chaotic battlefields and raging flames, beneath every lit scarlet light…
In every inch of space and domain within Spring City.
The dark was illuminated once again, from one flickering light to another in the distance.
It was as if invisible blood surged from the veins, flooding everything, encompassing all.
Then, the jarring sounds of friction resounded, rising and falling.
From every crack and seam in the machines, sticky blood gushed forth, spilling out, amidst the cries, sparks flew, the rusty iron shells shattered, bespeckled faces and claws rose.
With a dreadful roar!
The first oblivious corrupted cultist turned in shock only to be knocked down to the ground.
Then, from within the discarded steel and constructs, one distorted monstrosity after another crawled out, screaming madly, pouncing, mouths wide open to bite, ravenously feasting, wildly brandishing their newly minted claws and teeth, a glutton for flesh and blood!
A piercing alarm blared, spreading everywhere, covering every corner of Spring City.
The broken truck shook off dust, transforming into a colossal beast, recklessly smashing through walls, trampling, brutally devouring the blood and bones beneath its feet.
Even if it were to splinter apart in the very next moment during the counterattack, even in the twisted wreckage, lights resembling bloodshot eyes continued to flicker unwaveringly.
Each bizarre construct, pieced together, resembled birds, unfurling their steel wings, taking flight into the sky, joining together until they coalesced into a grey-black storm.
Wherever they went, they left behind nothing but ruins amidst the rust.
Beneath the quaking earth, fissures spread rapidly.
Twisted and corrupted trains burrowed out of the tunnels, mouth gaping, bursting into the sanctum, rampaging, entangling with the idols, disturbing their forms.
More and more sounds cascaded in from the ventilation ducts, sewage, and shadows, countless small monsters seemingly cobbled together from unknown parts and remnants, streaming by in droves.
Though they were only the size of a palm, when gathered, they transformed into a terrifying tide, countless in number, with no end in sight.
Indistinguishable cries and wails echoed from who knew where.
When they surged past, in the desiccated blood, all that remained were shattered bones and ruins.
As the safety bureau’s troops cautiously readied their defensive formations, they witnessed that overwhelming tide of steel racing past without a care in the world!
At this very moment, when casting a glance, it was evident that the entire Spring City was enveloped by that inexhaustible wave.
Countless metals and remnants were brutally pieced together to form frightening visages, derangedly destroying everything within reach as foe or enemy.
No matter how they were obliterated, within the fragments, there were thirsty monsters coalescing anew.
No matter how they were destroyed, beneath the ruins, the blood and rampaging fury never ceased.
Even Jian Yuan, perhaps, could never have imagined what dreadful consequences the techniques he taught Ji Jue could unleash!
In this moment, hell was like a furnace.
Unquenchable resentment burned within this furnace.
Tears and death, was this not the origin of such monsters?
No need to resist the corruption, no need to fear the distortion.
All that was required was to freely release this pain and hatred in one’s heart!
With this resentment as the source, the non-offensive creation spread everywhere.
Utilizing transmutation alchemy to ignite all rage and ferocity, using fluid alchemy, gifting it with the most fitting transformation…
To elevate grievances, condense blood feud, purify despair, and unify all!
At the moment of the avalanche, every innocent flake of falling snow came from the ashes of despair; after the breach, every involuntary drop of mud derived from blood and tears.
All suffering has its source.
Yet, those ambitious figures high above, had they ever considered the wails of every snowflake, or the tears contained within every drop of blood?
Now, the time for reckoning had come—
Everything shall face the final judgment!
From beginning to end, Ji Jue had never controlled them.
Pouring out all spiritual essence, surpassing his own limits, he merely delivered that power destined only to create hell into the hands of every soul in hell.
Then, he would teach what hell had taught him to everyone…
Do not remain silent, do not endure, do not stop!
Go hate, go burn, go destroy!
Go recklessly release this pain and hatred!
To all that birthed despair…
—Seek great vengeance!
At this moment, amidst the tide of self-hate, flames expanded, the sound of steel friction echoed endlessly, resonating throughout.
From above, looking down, countless mechanical monsters surged forth like a tide, rampaging wildly.
No visible origin, no apparent end.
Within the cries and wails that at last no one dared to ignore, they violently destroyed everything.
The loud crashes thundered, echoing through the heavens and earth.
Faced with the relentless tide of the spawned calamity, the various sanctums and halls that were once heavily fortified were immediately submerged, covered, and devoured.
Roars of fury erupted within collapsing buildings.
“Get away!”
The corruptor unleashed electrical sparks, rising into the sky.
On the remnants of broken walls, frenzied steel monsters flew up, gaping mouths chomping down, only to be burnt to ashes.
But amidst the shrieks, the trend of the corruptor suddenly halted for a moment.
As if something had grabbed hold of it.
Treading upon the remains of its kin, struggling monsters leapt into the air, biting down hard on its foot, refusing to loosen their grip.
Even as they were about to implode.
But before then, greater numbers had already trampled onto its body, climbing higher!
Until a shadow shrouded the remaining fierce visage.
It was over.
In a moment of realization, that writhing mountain of steel suddenly rose, gaping wide, closing in!
Boom!
Blood, carnage, flames, and lightning erupted from the cracks, staining vast areas of steel and gears crimson.
Beneath the melding of flesh and blood, countless monsters coalesced, transforming under the alchemy of fluidity into new and revitalized forms, as if reborn.
On the face assembled from broken steel and machinery, remnants of beast-like viciousness lingered, glowing scarlet lights resembling eyes flickered.
Locking onto the scattered figures among the ruins.
Suddenly, they pounced!
One after another, one by one.
When one monster broke apart from the stumbling, more monsters opened their eyes anew from the blood-stained machines, crawling forth in hunger, feasting upon the evils, bodies expanding endlessly.
The cries rang so crisp, the wails becoming hauntingly pleasant.
Above the heavens, the dark rainbow radiated in fury, continuously showering down blinding beams of light, crushing the rampant monsters, but it was all in vain.
Again and again the massive creatures awaited cleanup beside the sanctums, yet nothing could stop the pillars from collapsing and crumbling.
The once towering remaining calamity was now hunched beneath the weight of the present world, no longer able to support the projection of the vortex, that large, gaping wound slowly retracting, the vast vortex behind it becoming ghostly, ethereal, and unreachable.
Above its four heads, rage could no longer be concealed.
Rainbow light fell like a storm, shattering vast swathes of monstrous steel, yet from amongst the countless flying shards, more monsters crawled out once again from the blood and vengeance.
Greedily devouring their corruption, welcoming the distortion, and then, completely disregarding the suppression and control of the upper calamity, rebounding to bite back!
“How does it feel, esteemed Saint Master?”
From amidst the tumult, a distant voice seemed to come forth.
When Lu Changsheng turned back with cold eyes, he saw within the airship, that figure leaning against the railing, fragmented, a face lined with scars and cracks.
White hair was speckled, body broken, yet the eyes resembled the furnace of hell, blazing red and surging unceasingly.
Seeming curious, he asked indifferently, “Is the hatred and despair forged by this great calamity sweet and delicious?”
Boom!!!
Lu Changsheng had no more reservations, raising his hand sharply towards that glaring gaze, tightening his grip.
Rainbow light surged and gathered, instantly extending countless streams, eroding, crushing, transforming, permeating, impacting, tearing apart… an immeasurable volume of attacks emerged in an instant, yet Ji Jue merely waved his hand.
Under the comprehensive control over the domain, all plunders and impacts were transferred entirely into Spring City, crushing one node after another created by Jian Yuan.
In the end, the furious residual force charged unthwarted against the workshop, now transformed into a pillar of the heavens.
The earth trembled.
Amidst the darkness, a low roar of anger seemed to resound but could not be distinctly heard.
Following that, Ji Jue waved again, issuing orders—[Convergence]!
In the blink of an eye, amidst the countless rampaging monsters, a titanic figure suddenly arose.
Massive machines connected at that point, intertwining, countless ghastly faces howling in pain, overlapping, transforming into brand-new forms.
Like a monstrous deformity.
Limbs buoyed its heavy asmountains body, violently crashing into Lu Changsheng’s manifestation of calamity, even though in comparison, that power was trivial and feeble against Lu Changsheng.
“Merely a facade!”
From beneath the fallen sky, Lu Changsheng suddenly waved his hand, extracting a portion of energy from the myriad of tumults, turning the approaching massive monster to dust: “What use is there aside from its size?”
Yet right after, as countless fragments fell to the ground, fresh outlines appeared from within.
Once broken, once reassembled.
After devouring and assimilating more of its kind, that body grew clearer and more distinct, resembling a raging beast, endlessly entwined!
Upon opening its mouth, it spewed forth unlimited corruption.
Blood gushed out, and from the hot fuel, sparks erupted, forming a torrent of flames.
Colliding, entangling, gnawing upon flesh.
Soon after, a second colossal form arose from the ground, then a third…
Boom!
From the contempt of the calamity looking down, another towering monster was reduced to nothingness.
Futile.
Yet, at some point, countless crimson dots had begun to float in midair.
A massive bounty of resentment and hatred shimmered with light.
Once again, Ji Jue extended his hand.
Under the authority of the comprehensive control over the domain, the countless invisible hands previously filling Spring City resurfaced, overlapping once again.
In the end, it was as if the figures of the ancient sages were once more revealed.
What was restored was merely one among ten thousand hands!
But now, when that hand rose alongside Ji Jue’s actions, the entire world seemed to freeze under the movement of those five fingers.
When those five fingers spread out, countless metallic shards surged from the earth, restructuring, piecing together, falling into palm, transforming into a rough and heavy massive handgun.
The torrents of lingering resentment and blood light suddenly shook, contracting, converging, sweeping forth.
Collapsing, crystallizing.
The transmutation alchemy unfurled; countless spiritual essence circuits intertwined, circulated until at last, morphing into a crystal-clear bullet.
Click.
With a sharp sound, the bullet slid into the chamber, with a skilled flip of his hand, the chamber closed, rotating, the bullet set into position, the hammer pressed down.
The dark muzzle was already aimed at the face of the remaining calamity.
Thus, disregarding the engulfing rainbow light, it casually targeted the most glaring part of the head.
“You will receive what you deserve, for I intend to be your enemy.”
In the wind, a voice seemed to echo coldly, “Let this be the beginning, Lu Changsheng…”
Ji Jue pulled the trigger.
—From this day forth, the enmity between us shall not rest until we are both dead!
(End of chapter)