Chapter 2034: Xuanwu Corpse Accumulation Qi

The Xuanwu divine beast had turned out exactly as the Vermilion Bird divine bird and Jiang Chen had anticipated. Enraged by Jiang Chen's attitude, the beast steeled itself and thought, *If this human cultivator really is that powerful, let's see whether he can withstand my final strike.*

*If he can't, what right does he have to act tough in front of me?*

Fury surged through the Xuanwu's heart, and malice boiled up from its gall.

A fierce gleam flashed in its eyes, and it let out an eerie laugh. "Young man, if you can take this final strike of mine, I'll agree to whatever you say. If you can't, then you only have yourself to blame for running your mouth too early."

Jiang Chen smiled faintly. "You mean that?"

"Absolutely!" said the Xuanwu.

"Can I get that in writing?" Jiang Chen wanted precisely this pledge from the Xuanwu.

"What writing? I am a divine beast of the Xuanwu bloodline — would I lie?" The Xuanwu flew into a rage, feeling deeply offended. Its gaze swept toward the Vermilion Bird. "You all heard it. I'll use my full strength for this strike. If he can't take it, don't blame me. But if he can, from that moment I'll join your ranks and take orders from this human. Whatever you say goes."

"And if you break your word?" the Vermilion Bird asked coldly.

"If I break my word, may heaven destroy me and earth annihilate me — may the divine tribulation descend upon me at once and reduce me to ash." The Xuanwu was showing genuine resolve.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen was secretly delighted. The Xuanwu really was simple-minded, and he had finally been provoked.

"Good — straightforward. Truly worthy of the bloodline of one of the Four Great Ancient Divine Beasts. I respect that." Jiang Chen cupped his fists. "Please, make your move."

"Hmph, save the flattery. No matter how sweet your words, I won't hold back. I'll use everything I have for this strike — you'd better watch yourself!"

The Xuanwu looked all business. It was clear that the beast truly intended to show no mercy.

Jiang Chen smiled leisurely. "I know your most powerful technique should be the Xuanwu Corpse Accumulation Qi. I have absolutely no fear of this move. You'd best not use it."

He was playing mind games once more.

He knew the Xuanwu had many tricks, and the Corpse Accumulation Qi was the strongest of them all. But Jiang Chen wanted precisely this move — because he had absolute confidence in countering it.

If the Xuanwu used some other technique, Jiang Chen might not have such certainty.

From his understanding of the Xuanwu's temperament, if he told the beast *not* to use a move, its contrarian nature would compel it to do the exact opposite. It would absolutely use it.

But if he encouraged it to use it, it would absolutely refuse.

Martial combat was sometimes not merely an exchange of techniques but a battle of wits. One had to play to the opponent's personality and temperament.

With this particular Xuanwu, the strategy was clearly to point east while striking west.

The Xuanwu let out an eerie laugh. "Stop trying to bluff me. The only reason you're telling me not to use this move is because you're afraid of it. The Corpse Accumulation Qi of the Xuanwu — even the bloodlines of the Four Great Divine Beasts may not be able to overcome it. You, a mere human, claim to have some insight into it? Very well — let's see what kind of insight you've got!"

The Xuanwu reacted exactly as Jiang Chen had predicted, giving no consideration to anything else. It was going to use the Corpse Accumulation Qi.

Jiang Chen was secretly pleased, though his expression remained deliberately grave. "Fine. Then you'll definitely lose. Don't go back on your word when that happens."

This was a deliberate provocation, designed to stoke the beast's fury further.

The Xuanwu snorted in rage. "Keep dreaming! Me, lose? If you can actually withstand this strike, I'll be your ox and horse for all eternity — never mind just joining your little group."