Chapter 170: Beast of the Abyss

In the blink of an eye, the torrential rain of swords descended upon them, the fierce wind stinging their faces. In this moment of lightning and thunder, the Beast God’s form suddenly vanished, disappearing into a swirling mass of dark clouds. Instead, the massive evil beast beneath him surged with black energy, leaping up with a rumble. Its bones crackled ominously as it was enveloped in the ominous aura, making it even more terrifying.

The evil beast roared to the heavens, its breath turning the very air, and the ground beneath its feet trembled. Sand and stones were scattered by the force of its roar. In the midst of the storm, the black energy surged, merging with the demonic creature, expanding to three times its original size. From the bony skeleton, dozens of tendrils of black energy emerged, writhing like living tentacles in the air.

As the Divine Sword Rain from the sky descended, the power of the ancient sword array could not be taken lightly. The black energy surged forward, only to be obliterated by the sharp sword qi before it could reach them, leaving no trace. The relentless sword qi continued to plunge down, heading straight for the monstrous beast.

The beast roared unceasingly, and just as the unstoppable rain of swords was about to strike, those tentacle-like tendrils of black energy suddenly rose up, blocking the way. The black energy covered the sky, stopping the divine swords in their tracks.

The Divine Swords, now in a flurry, clashed with the strange black energy tentacles. Unlike the weak outer layer, these black energy tendrils were far more resilient, unlike the initial shield-like defense of the Beast God. Over a hundred divine swords rained down, and the tentacles entwined around them, gradually slowing their momentum. The light of the swords dimmed, fading away.

Yet, the Divine Swords were no ordinary weapons. Although they were made of ethereal qi, the surrounding black energy was still wounded by the sharp edges, vaporizing significantly. However, the black energy from the evil beast seemed endless, swiftly replenishing the losses. Soon, the once formidable Divine Swords were completely neutralized.

On the Azure Ethereal Conclave’s Peak, there was a dead silence, as if all life had ceased.

In the sky, Taoist Dazhen Xuan’s expression was grave, but he showed no fear. His dignified figure stood tall in the clouds, holding the dazzling Divine Sword, like an ancient celestial being.

With a cold smile, he raised the sword and slowly swung it. As the sword’s light flickered brilliantly, the sound of distant thunder rumbled through the sky. The entire horizon shone with the majestic Divine Sword Array, especially the seven-colored main sword, which radiated an intense light that was almost blinding.

From the ancient Divine Sword, a purple aura shot up into the sky, entering the Divine Sword Array. Instantly, within a ten-zhang radius, purple energy swords gathered. Then, one by one, six other colors of light arose, shining brilliantly, forming a seven-pointed star in the sky, each a massive monochromatic sword array, awe-inspiring in their might.

The wind howled, and the sky was filled with a resounding boom, as if the hearts of thousands trembled. The sky was alight with a myriad of colorful energy swords, streaking across the sky with a piercing whine.

Like a heavenly tide, the surge came, led by the purple aura, stretching as far as the eye could see. Behind the purple, at every ten-zhang interval, a new color of energy swords converged, roaring and surging, beyond the limits of human imagination.

Witnessing this almost apocalyptic scene, everyone’s faces turned pale, and sweat formed on their palms.

Amidst the thunderous roars and shrill cries, an ancient, rugged song faded away, and even the strange drumming sounds were no longer heard. But the massive evil beast, facing this terrifying tide of sword energy, did not retreat. It only roared louder, challenging the heavens, defiant and arrogant.

In an instant, the sword light reached it, and dozens of black energy tendrils surged forth. Despite the vastly different sword energy, the ancient witchcraft of the Southlands proved to be extraordinarily powerful. The black energy tendrils grew stronger, despite being pierced countless times, and quickly replenished themselves, expanding even further.

The first wave of purple energy swords, however, pushed the black energy back. But it was only a moment before the black energy retaliated, swallowing the energy swords one by one. Before the black energy could fully recover, the second wave of energy swords arrived.

The sky was filled with a myriad of sword lights, and as Taoist Dazhen Xuan channeled his true power, the ancient Divine Sword shone even brighter. The seven-colored main sword in the sky continuously split into more monochromatic energy swords, each wave forming a massive and devastating sword array, plunging into the black energy.

Under the relentless assault of the Divine Sword Array, the black energy was no longer as domineering. Gradually, it was compressed, and the monstrous beast roared, its black energy weakening. Each wave of sword rain drew closer to its core, and the black energy grew thinner, the strange tentacles weakening, struggling to withstand the onslaught.

Somewhere in the prolonged silence, the crowd below burst into a wave of cheers.

The last six black energy tendrils, after barely withstanding a wave of azure energy, finally dissipated, leaving only the massive evil beast in the sky.

The world was solemn, and the sword energy cut through the air!

Ancient songs echoed in the desolate wilderness!

Like thunder and lightning, infinite sword light descended from the heavens, piercing the massive evil beast from all directions.

The great white bones shattered instantly, and black blood splattered everywhere. The monster lifted its head, letting out a heart-wrenching roar.

The wind dissipated, and the sword rain gradually ceased.

Amidst the gazes of thousands, the huge body, every inch of skin and bone, trembled slightly. Looking closely, it was punctured with countless small swords, from head to toe, not a single part left intact.

On the Azure Ethereal Conclave, people gasped in shock, feeling a strange, pricking sensation on their backs.

Yet, the evil beast seemed not to have died. Its head, impaled with the various energy swords, slowly turned, looking at its tattered body, then lowered its head. Its voice, no longer fierce, was low and sorrowful, with a hint of reluctance and pain.

Its mouth opened, and two red flames flared in its eyes, burning fiercely, but soon dissipated.

Suddenly, a loud explosion erupted from the evil beast’s massive body, shaking the heavens. Countless energy swords flew back, and even the Divine Sword Array in the sky was thrown into disarray.

Then, the once invincible evil beast crumbled, its bones and flesh turning to sand and stone, scattering in the wind.

People silently gazed at the sky. Despite the imminent victory, no one cheered. A strange feeling hung over everyone’s hearts.

In the sky, the massive body was about to dissipate entirely when a sudden cry from below startled everyone. They saw within the beast’s torso, although flesh and bones had vanished, a clump of black energy remained, slowly rotating. Soon, the evil beast’s body was destroyed, and the black energy dissipated, revealing a startling sight.

There, in the middle, was a young man—none other than the Beast God. But he looked far from his earlier composed self, appearing quite battered. His once splendid silk robes were now in tatters, and the strong wind in the sky turned them to ashes.

In a moment, he was naked, but there was no fear or despair on his face. Instead, he smiled, looking at the magnificent sword array, and clapped his hands, saying, “Impressive, impressive!”

Taoist Dazhen Xuan’s face changed, clearly not expecting the Beast God to be so formidable. He had withstood the attack, and although he looked paler and more exhausted, there were no wounds on him.

Below, a sudden commotion broke out as the female disciples of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, blushing, averted their gaze. In the sky, the Beast God, despite his nudity, seemed indifferent, as if it were the natural state of the world. He fixed his gaze on the ancient Divine Sword in Taoist Dazhen Xuan’s hand.

Taoist Dazhen Xuan laughed coldly, saying, “If you surrender now and agree to abandon your powers, retreating to the Illusory Moon Cave for reformation, I will spare your life. Otherwise, the Divine Sword will not spare your kind.”

He waved the Divine Sword, and the sky filled with a dazzling array of sword light. At that moment, a flicker of pain crossed Taoist Dazhen Xuan’s face, though fleeting, it caught the Beast God’s eye.

The Beast God floated in the air, his eyes glowing strangely, a smile on his lips. “A sword so fierce, empowered by the mountain’s spiritual energy, yet you can hold it without faltering. Truly, you are extraordinary.”

Taoist Dazhen Xuan frowned, “What do you mean?”

The Beast God chuckled, “The ancient sword is born of the world’s malevolent energy, and so am I. I know this well. You may have wielded the sword against me, but the outcome is uncertain, and the sword qi may turn against you. Why should I explain more? Hehe, I advise you to relinquish the sword, or the sword spirit’s backlash will bring you an even worse fate.”

Taoist Dazhen Xuan glared at the Beast God, then burst into laughter, his eyes full of disdain, “A demon like you knows nothing of the Daoist heart! Our supreme sword, our true teachings, are not to be mocked by the likes of you!”

He let out a clear whistle, and the sky quivered with sword qi. “Demon, face your end!”

The Beast God laughed, his eyes blazing, “Very well, today you shall see the true power of our Southern Witchcraft!”

As he spoke, black energy emerged from his bare skin, transforming it into a pitch-black hue. Beneath the skin, tiny lumps began to move, as if alive.

From the distant, desolate wilds, a deep, eerie drumming sound echoed, like a heartbeat. The sky darkened, and black clouds surged from all directions, gathering around the Beast God.

Taoist Dazhen Xuan’s face was grim, his body tense, watching the transformation.

In the swirling black energy, a low, otherworldly sound grew faster and denser, speeding up the listeners’ heartbeats. Some of the weaker disciples fainted, unable to withstand the pressure.

In the sky, as the black energy thickened, a low, growling roar sounded. On the Beast God’s arm, the skin burst, and from the twitching lumps beneath, another arm emerged, much larger and stronger than the original.

This was just the beginning. With each bursting sound, the Beast God’s body sprouted new, enormous limbs. These new limbs, in turn, burst to form even larger ones.

On the Azure Ethereal Conclave, people stared in horror, having never seen such a bizarre and frightening magic. Even Taoist Dazhen Xuan gasped, astonished at the transformation of the Beast God, who now towered ten zhang high, with a multitude of arms and heads.

Behind the Azure Ethereal Conclave, at the Illusory Moon Cave, the purple energy pillar still rose, showing no signs of weakening.

In the sky, the Divine Sword Array filled half the sky, and even from a distance, Ghost Li and Lin Jinyu felt the power of the ancient sword.

Lin Jinyu, clutching his Dragon Slaying Sword, looked at the sky, awestruck by the power of the Divine Sword. He and Ghost Li, who were about to fight, paused, captivated by the spectacle.

Looking at Ghost Li, Lin Jinyu thought of the complexities in his heart. Turning to Ghost Li, he saw a man who had endured much, gazing at the sky, lost in a whirlwind of memories.

The world fell silent, and a distant wind carried the echoes of the past. The soft, tinkling sound of a bell, and the warmth of a gentle presence, brought back the haunting memories of Biyao.

Deep, icy coldness welled up in his heart, numbing his body. He felt no pain, only the cutting edge of time, invisible and relentless.

“Biyao…”

He whispered, his body trembling. In his eyes, the dazzling sword light reflected, reminding him of the past. The green figure, standing beside him, unyielding and regretless.

“Ah…!”

Ghost Li roared, his eyes wide, fists clenched, teeth grinding.

The Demon Soul, sensing his anger, rose, its surface glowing with dark red veins, reflecting in his eyes, turning them blood-red.

A crisp sound jolted him, and Ghost Li turned to see Lin Jinyu’s cold, contemptuous smile.

“You are truly beyond redemption!” Lin Jinyu declared, “I should have known that once you fell to the dark path, there was no turning back. Yet, I foolishly hoped for your return. Today, on this Azure Ethereal Conclave, we will settle this once and for all!”

Ghost Li stared at him, then laughed, a wild, haughty laugh.

Enraged, Lin Jinyu roared, raising the Dragon Slaying Sword. The sword’s light surged, and he flew into the air, his white robes billowing, his face full of murderous intent. In the sky, he struck, and the ground cracked under the force.

Ghost Li, with a crazed look, disappeared like a ghost. The sword missed, shattering the ground, and Ghost Li reappeared, the Demon Soul flying towards Lin Jinyu, who dodged, counter-attacking.

The two childhood friends, now sworn enemies, clashed in the air, their battle sending shockwaves through the forest. In the center, both men winced, Ghost Li’s face flashing with a golden light.

In the midst of the chaos, somewhere in the crowd, Lu Xueqi’s body shook, a faint golden light flashing in her eyes. She turned, her body stiff, and gazed at the distant, desolate hillside.