In the depths of the night, the forest was illuminated by the dazzling light of countless magical artifacts, turning it into a daylit scene. From the heart of the woods to the most intense clearing, sharp and fierce lights seemed to fly everywhere. Amidst the multicolored and beautiful glows, fresh blood continuously rose, spattering on the slightly trembling trees.
The blood formed droplets, silently dripping down.
Lu Xueqi let out a clear cry as she landed on the ground. In an instant, a blue and crystalline light, like the vast, clear sea, radiated from her Tianya Divine Sword, spreading around her. It was like the gentle gaze of a beautiful maiden, sweeping over this mundane world.
Countless lush branches and leaves rustled and swayed, pushed outward by the force of the light.
The surrounding black-clothed disciples of the Demon Sect, howling in shock, tried to resist but were pushed back. Since escaping the Dead Spirit Abyss, her cultivation had seemingly improved greatly.
Zhang Xiaofan, watching from afar, drew a sharp breath, both awestruck and admiring. Around him, Song Daren, Du Bishu, and others were gradually becoming exhausted. The Demon Sect disciples attacking Dazhufeng were few in number but more advanced in cultivation than the others, their garments bearing a skull emblem, possibly marking them as members of the Ghost King Sect.
Tian Ling’er stood before Zhang Xiaofan, her face slightly pale, tiny beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She wielded the Amber Red Silk without a hint of panic.
Though Tian Ling’er was the youngest disciple among the Dazhufeng, save for Zhang Xiaofan, her aptitude far surpassed that of her senior brothers. Her cultivation, next to Song Daren, was the highest. Perhaps the Demon Sect disciples mistook her as weak or had some other reason, but they continued to focus their attacks on her. Even Zhang Xiaofan could sense that Tian Ling’er was struggling.
The night wind quietly blew through the now battlefield-like forest, and in the deep darkness, countless eyes seemed to be watching.
The surrounding shouts grew more urgent. Zhang Xiaofan frowned, looking outwards. In a moment, the situation changed. The Demon Sect had reacted, and the previously unstoppable Lu Xueqi, Fahxiang, and Qi Hao were now entangled with powerful opponents, unable to break free.
Meanwhile, the lesser-advanced righteous sect disciples were increasingly surrounded by Demon Sect followers, their screams piercing the air. The tide of battle began to turn in favor of the Demon Sect.
Zhang Xiaofan gritted his teeth, drawing the Burner Stick, intending to aid his senior brothers and Sister Ling’er. However, as he moved, he heard Tian Ling’er’s startled cry. She stumbled, and several magical lights swiftly approached.
Song Daren and the others were shocked, but too late to help. Zhang Xiaofan rushed forward, but it was already too late.
In this critical moment, Tian Ling’er’s face turned ashen, her hands moving rapidly, the Amber Red Silk swirling in front of her, trying to block the incoming attacks. But it was not enough. In an instant, two fast-moving magical lights, one white and one black, flew straight towards her.
Zhang Xiaofan’s heart nearly leaped out of his chest, his mouth agape, but no sound came out. At that moment, a white shadow flashed, and someone stepped in front of Tian Ling’er, waving their hands to deflect the two magical lights. Angry roars and surprised cries echoed from the distant darkness.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, recognizing the savior as their teacher, Su Ru.
Su Ru turned sharply, examining Tian Ling’er, “Ling’er, are you alright?”
Tian Ling’er, still shaken, nodded, “I’m fine, Mother.”
Su Ru frowned, noticing the advancing Demon Sect disciples. “You must leave quickly; this place is not safe. Once you escape, head to the city of Changhe in the East Sea. We will meet there.”
Song Daren, Tian Ling’er, and the others were startled, but seeing the stern look on Su Ru’s face, they did not dare to question. Tian Ling’er agreed, and the Dazhufeng group began to retreat.
Amidst the chaos, the battle raged fiercely. Su Ru dodged and weaved, rescuing young righteous sect disciples and guiding them to safety. Her cultivation was far superior to the ordinary Demon Sect members, and even in the midst of battle, she maintained a graceful and unhurried demeanor.
When she found a moment, she looked up. Dark clouds filled the sky, and flashes of light illuminated the area where Chongsong Daoist and Tian Buyi fought the Hundred Poison Master and Elder Duanmu.
She was worried, but seeing that Tian Buyi, though just finished battling the Bloodsucking Old Demon, was holding his own against Elder Duanmu, she felt somewhat relieved.
With Su Ru’s repeated interventions, many righteous sect disciples had managed to escape. The remaining ones, mostly advanced disciples like Lu Xueqi, were fewer in number. However, the Demon Sect also sent many in pursuit, so while the righteous sect was at a disadvantage, there was no immediate danger.
But Su Ru’s anxiety grew, for the entire time, the enigmatic Ghost King and Qinglong had been standing there, smiling and observing the battle.
—
On the Demon Sect side, the Ghost King and Qinglong stood side by side, watching the disciples flee. Qinglong remarked, “Are you going to let these people go?”
The Ghost King smiled, “These young disciples are insignificant. Besides, our purpose in coming to Mount Liubo is not to fight the righteous sect to the death!”
Qinglong nodded, glancing up at the sky, “These two, are they part of the five who invaded the Wasteland years ago?”
The Ghost King replied, “Indeed, Daoist Chongsong, Tian Buyi, Shang Zhengliang, Zeng Shuchang, and Wan Jianyi, those are the five.”
Qinglong sighed, “A hundred years have passed. Back then, they were young and eager to fight, but now, they have become formidable leaders.”
The Ghost King chuckled, “If you had been there, with the Four Holy Envoys, the Battle of Qingyun Mountain might not have been such a disaster.”
Qinglong shook his head, “It was during the peak of the three major righteous sects. With all the old masters coming out, we couldn’t have withstood them. Still, it’s embarrassing that those five managed to invade our Wasteland Temple.”
The Ghost King fell silent, then slowly said, “I heard it was a disgrace. The best of our temple’s fighters were sent to the Battle of Qingyun Mountain, and many died. Otherwise…”
Qinglong interrupted, “I was at the temple during that time.”
The Ghost King was startled, “What? You were at the temple?”
Qinglong laughed bitterly, “Yes, not only me, but also White Tiger and Vermillion Bird, except for the lazy Xuanwu.”
The Ghost King’s expression changed, “Why didn’t you recognize these two then?”
Qinglong sighed, “It’s shameful. Those five charged into the temple, causing great alarm. Though we were not on good terms with the Longevity Hall and the Hundred Poisons Sect, we all joined to defend the temple.”
The Ghost King glanced at the sky, “Were these five so powerful even a hundred years ago?”
Qinglong shook his head, “Not entirely. After the defeat at Qingyun Mountain, we were in disarray. They took advantage of our fear, thinking a large force was coming. In reality, it was only five of them.”
He paused, “Among them, I only faced Wan Jianyi. When they attacked, they split into five groups, catching us off guard. We were unprepared and panicked. If we had remained calm, we would have won. But with Wan Jianyi, it was different.”
The Ghost King frowned, “What about him?”
Qinglong closed his eyes, recalling, “He was a prodigy, unmatched in my lifetime. Without him, those from Qingyun Mountain would never have reached the temple. He was a lone warrior, his sword as clear as water. That’s the Dragon Slaying Sword, which I hadn’t seen in a century.”
The Ghost King, following Qinglong’s gaze, saw the Dragon Slaying Sword in Lin Jingyu’s hand. “So, it was in Wan Jianyi’s possession?”
Qinglong nodded, “Yes, it was. He charged in, laughing and slashing through our ranks, unstoppable. Even when Rebirth cut off his left hand, he remained undaunted, revealing her face and declaring her beauty, then charging out again.”
The Ghost King shook his head, “How could he escape?”
Qinglong sighed, “He was too strong. Even with his arm severed, his sword’s power only increased. The others set fire to the temple, and in the confusion, he broke through.”
The Ghost King exhaled, “A true hero. Yet, he met a tragic end.”
Qinglong agreed, “Heroic, but short-lived. Later, his reputation lived on, but he disappeared. Now, I learn he is dead.”
The Ghost King smiled, “Pity. To have missed a chance to test ourselves against such a hero.”
Qinglong looked up, noting the increasing light in the sky. “Those cowards, fleeing from the Wasteland and then daring to ask if Wan Jianyi is here. Shameful!”
The Ghost King chuckled, “They are mere pawns of the Hundred Poisons Sect. Why be angry?”
Qinglong brushed off his robe, “Our humiliation was great. I spent a century finding the Qiankun Clear Light Ring, hoping to face Wan Jianyi again. Now, hearing of his death, I am deeply disappointed. And these fools speak of desecrating graves. Unworthy!”
The Ghost King smiled, “Let’s prepare for the appearance of the Kui Bull. The weather is changing, and the ancient scrolls describe it as the mount of the Thunder God.”
Qinglong nodded, “Indeed. We should focus on the Kui Bull. The rest can be left to the Hundred Poisons Sect.”
The Ghost King turned away, no longer looking at the ongoing battle. The light in the sky intensified, and the dark clouds were lit up. The distant sea echoed with eerie, mournful cries.
The night was particularly haunting.
Zhang Xiaofan, Tian Ling’er, Song Daren, He Dazhi, and Du Bishu flew through the forest, using their magical artifacts. Despite the risk, they decided to stay low, flying between the trees. The forest was thick and dark, and the Demon Sect was numerous. Flying high would make them easy targets.
Song Daren led the way, with Zhang Xiaofan at the rear, focusing on navigating the dense forest. His chest still ached, but the injury from the Bloodsucking Old Demon was not as severe as he thought. The Xuanhuo Mirror on his right arm provided warmth, countering the effects of the vampire’s attack.
However, the coldness from the Burner Stick resisted the warmth of the Xuanhuo Mirror, suppressing its power. Zhang Xiaofan, fully focused on flying, did not notice this subtle change.
As they flew, the sky above was dark, with clouds boiling like boiling water, and bright lights illuminating the heavens. The battle between his master, Tian Buyi, and the Demon Sect raged on, and Zhang Xiaofan hoped his master was safe.
He shook off his worries, focusing on catching up with his senior brothers and sisters. The night was silent, except for the growing, eerie howls from the sea.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage