Zhongwen’s intention was not aimed at the stone tablet in the air, but rather precisely targeted at Mei Qing.
Although Tao Zhongwen did not yet know the origin of the stone tablet, judging from its single strike shattering Zhuo Wanchun’s Immortal Jade Seal, he could already imagine its immense power. Though Tao was conceited, he wasn’t foolish enough to actually attempt a direct confrontation with such a terrifying object.
Even if Tao Zhongwen could withstand the stone’s impact, his relationship with Zhuo Wanchun hadn’t reached a point where he would risk his life for him.
Tao Zhongwen harbored intentions of treachery mainly because Mei Qing’s performance had been too extraordinary. Although Tao had already greatly overestimated Mei Qing’s cultivation before coming here, the power Mei Qing displayed during the recent battle with Zhuo Wanchun still surprised him greatly.
Zhuo Wanchun had long enjoyed a prestigious reputation, and the saying goes that a renowned figure always has real abilities. Whether in terms of cultivation foundation, magical techniques, or usage of magical artifacts, he was undoubtedly top-tier. Especially that Jade Seal just now had left everyone on the scene somewhat dazzled.
Yet, facing this “Junior Immortal” Zhuo, Mei Qing had shown absolutely no disadvantage, performing all along with apparent ease.
Tao Zhongwen had come specifically for Mei Qing. However, Mei Qing’s dazzling performance caused Tao some concern about whether he could successfully subdue him.
Therefore, as soon as he saw the situation turning unfavorable, while everyone was still stunned and gaping at the sudden turn of events, Tao Zhongwen unhesitatingly struck first.
There was no obvious movement from Tao Zhongwen, only a subtle hand seal formed within his sleeve, followed by a crisp shout of “Qi!” (Quick!). Immediately, high above Mei Qing in midair, five multicolored orbs suddenly appeared, swirling and rolling like a giant plum blossom, pressing downward.
Though Tao Zhongwen was widely known as the National Master, few had actually seen him fight. Now, as this technique was unleashed, many people at the scene instantly recalled the time when the Six Plums of the Plum Blossom Sect once challenged others, using exactly this kind of technique. In an instant, everyone snapped out of their shock at Mei Qing shattering Zhuo Wanchun’s jade seal and turned their attention back to the battlefield.
At this moment, Mei Qing was suspended in midair. Although his earlier confrontation with Zhuo Wanchun seemed effortless, it had actually cost him greatly. Finally, under the jade seal’s immense pressure, seizing the stone tablet had required him to mobilize all his inner energy. With the last thousand-jin talisman pressed onto the stone, he had already exhausted himself completely. If he had to face Tao Zhongwen’s attack now, he had no strength left to respond.
Yet, as Mei Qing saw the five plum blossom shapes appear above his head, he remained completely calm, merely smiling faintly. He spread the white crane’s wings and, chasing after the falling stone tablet, dove downward rapidly.
Tao Zhongwen’s face was icy cold. Within his sleeve, his five fingers twisted slightly, and immediately the multicolored plum blossom in the air began spinning rapidly. The wind changed, stirring up thick mist, flying clouds and lightning, darkening the sky as if heaven itself were collapsing, chasing after Mei Qing.
Just when everyone thought this time Mei Qing would surely be doomed, suddenly they heard Zhang Yuchong shout, “Ji Ji Ru Lü Ling!” (As commanded, so it must be!). Immediately, five small talismans suddenly appeared above Mei Qing, precisely intercepting the fiercely advancing multicolored plum blossom.
A faint white flame silently erupted, then like a sudden gust of wind, twisted into a blazing array of flames between black and white, shining dazzlingly above Mei Qing. Within this radiant mist appeared countless snake-like tongues of fire. Then, a wave of intense heat burst outward in all directions, scorching the surrounding air until white vapor rose from the evaporation.
As the flames erupted, a deep rumble of thunder rolled over. Large chunks of earth and stone spewed forth like a tornado from beneath the talismans, accompanied by flying sand and dust. Countless large and small grains of sand and stone rained down like a waterfall, mixed with the flames that had not yet fully erupted, pouring down fiercely toward Tao Zhongwen.
In an instant, it seemed as if heaven and earth were collapsing. Wild water arrows, enormous wooden beams, and sharp deadly weapons activated the Five Elements together, shooting out rays of various colors and shapes, producing strange and terrifying roaring sounds, merging into a boundless Five Elements Formation. While exploding and colliding, it filled the entire space in front of Tao Zhongwen.
Tao Zhongwen was greatly startled. He immediately felt that the multicolored plum blossom he had been controlling remotely was on the verge of shattering under the violent onslaught of the Five Elements Talismans. His inner energy was almost about to explode into chaos. He quickly focused his mind, forcibly gathering the multicolored plum blossom into one mass. At the same time, his free right hand formed another seal, chanting incantations as another multicolored plum blossom-shaped energy ball surged forward from behind to reinforce the first.
Everyone was greatly surprised. Initially, seeing Tao Zhongwen suddenly launch a sneak attack, although some were shocked and others disdainful, all believed that this time Mei Qing would certainly be unable to recover and would inevitably fall victim. No one expected that Zhang Yuchong would suddenly intervene, his Five Elements Talismans even more powerful than Tao Zhongwen’s, leaving everyone astonished at Zhang’s cultivation level.
Actually, both Zhang Yuchong and Mei Qing clearly understood that although Tao Zhongwen seemed to have struck first, only the two of them truly knew about the stone tablet Mei Qing possessed. They had already guessed the outcome and thus made preparations in advance. Therefore, in reality, it was Zhang Yuchong who gained the advantage.
Tao Zhongwen, unaware of this, thought Zhang’s cultivation was indeed far superior to his own, and with just a casual strike, Zhang had created such a formidable display.
Despite his extensive combat experience, Tao Zhongwen found himself somewhat flustered. Seeing the first layer of energy ball nearly dissipating under Zhang’s Five Elements Talismans, he quickly flicked his left hand again, releasing another Five Elements energy ball, barely managing to counter the opponent’s attack.
At this moment, Mei Qing was not idle either. Circulating his inner energy to recover while simultaneously locking onto Zhuo Wanchun from a distance, he shouted, “Yin and Yang separate, thunder arises and movement is forbidden—Freeze!”
Zhuo Wanchun had just been struck by the stone tablet, his inner energy and spiritual consciousness nearly shaken out of his body. His magical artifact, the jade banner, had transformed into the jade seal to withstand the blow, damaging its original form and rendering it unusable. Ignoring the chaotic inner energy surging through him, he was just about to retreat when he suddenly felt his entire body stiffen, trapped in place by Mei Qing’s restraining technique.
Actually, Mei Qing himself was already at his limit, and this restraining technique lacked its usual strength and firmness. However, Zhuo Wanchun was in even worse condition—his life force was already seventy percent gone. His inner energy was running wild uncontrollably, and with Mei Qing’s restraint, he had no strength left to break free.
Though Zhuo Wanchun did not lift his head, he could already feel the rushing wind and cold sweat pouring down his back. He knew that if he hesitated any longer, today might be the day he met his end.
Suddenly, Zhuo Wanchun roared fiercely. A golden light burst from the top of his head, and a baby-like halo emerged from his crown, its two fingers pointing upward while chanting, “Shang Qing Yuan Shi, San Dong San Yuan, Jiu Shen Zhi Jie, Du Jia Hua Xuan! Command!”
After the halo completed its incantation, Zhuo Wanchun suddenly opened his eyes wide. A golden ring of light sprang into existence around his body, tightly enveloping him. His body trembled, and he finally broke free from Mei Qing’s restraint. Then, with both fingers dancing frantically and struggling to form seals, he managed to chant, “Dun!” (Disappear!) and finally activated an earth遁术 (earth遁术).
However, just how swift was the stone tablet? Coinidentally, while Zhang Yuchong and Tao Zhongwen were engaged in fierce combat, the chaotic Five Elements energy disrupted everything. As a result, Zhuo Wanchun’s escape technique only managed to move him a few meters before he reappeared at his original position, his golden light completely dissipated. Fortunately, this brief movement had just enough to take him out of the stone tablet’s striking range. Still, the golden wind struck him, sending him flying backward with a “plop,” sliding several more feet before collapsing on the ground, unable to rise immediately.
Mei Qing secretly chuckled inwardly but didn’t pause, urging his spirit crane to pursue. Just as the stone tablet was about to hit the ground, he secretly cast a spell and retrieved it back into his own spatial pocket.
The reason he hurriedly concealed the stone tablet was because of his own plans. This time, he had caught the young immortal Zhuo off guard and dealt him a humiliating defeat. This move would surely make him famous. Since that was the case, he should strive to maintain the stone tablet’s mystery, hiding it before everyone could get a clear look, to prevent anyone from discovering its secrets. After all, it wouldn’t be as fun to use it again if its secret was exposed.
Everyone was greatly astonished to see how powerful Mei Qing’s mysterious stone was, winning decisively in one strike, and then disappearing with a mere wave of his hand. His effortless display truly amazed everyone present.
As soon as Zhuo Wanchun struggled to rise, Mei Qing had already put the stone away and was standing there, smiling broadly at him without saying a word. Zhuo had suffered damage to his magical artifacts, been beaten nearly to death, and even been forced to use his sect’s secret technique originally reserved for future tribulation, all in front of the entire Daoist community. He had truly suffered a humiliating defeat. Looking at Mei Qing’s smug expression, Zhuo felt a surge of blood rising to his head. He opened his mouth to say something, but instead spat out a mouthful of dark purple blood and lost consciousness.
Meanwhile, the aerial battle between Zhang Yuchong and Tao Zhongwen was still ongoing.
Under Zhang Yuchong’s pressure, Tao Zhongwen had been forced to retreat repeatedly. His movement techniques embodied the profound essence of the Divine Thunder Sect—his figure moved without a trace of mundane energy, flashing with five colors, and suddenly he had retreated several dozen feet away. With alternating palms, wave after wave of five-colored plum blossom energy was released. Although seemingly always at a disadvantage against Zhang Yuchong’s aggressive Five Elements Talismans, wave after wave, by the fifth or sixth strike, he finally managed to destroy all the talismans.
Zhang Yuchong laughed loudly, saying, “Master Dian, why didn’t you even greet me before attacking? This doesn’t seem to fit your status as the National Master, does it?”
Tao Zhongwen’s face remained expressionless, seemingly not hearing Zhang Yuchong’s teasing at all. After a brief pause, suddenly his figure moved again—but this time not advancing, instead retreating silently and swiftly flying backward.
His movement technique was extremely fast, yet completely without any trace of mundane energy. After flying only dozens of feet, his figure suddenly became transparent and then disappeared completely.
Everyone was stunned. Could it be that Master Dian, realizing the unfavorable situation, had actually chosen to flee? After all, Master Dian’s reputation was well-established, and he had arrived with such a fierce aura—how could he give up so easily?
Mei Qing was also momentarily stunned. Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind like lightning, and he shouted loudly, “No good!”
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