The sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard. However, Zhang Yukong was quick to react. With a swift motion, he threw out a paper talisman and shouted, “Activate!” A wave of light appeared in the distance, providing a momentary shield.
However, Zhang Yukong’s hasty action was no match for the combined assault of Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong. The light barrier, under their attack, lasted only a brief moment before it shattered.
Fortunately, that brief moment was enough for Lu Bing to act.
Lu Bing raised a jade tablet in his hand and roared, “Mountains halt, Xuanyuan unbreakable! Infinite!”
Suddenly, four strange beast-like forms appeared around Mei Qing.
These four beasts, resembling tigers and bears, stood upright, clad in armor, wielding weapons, and let out a deafening roar.
The ferocious aura, accompanied by the savage roar, immediately intimidated everyone. Even Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong were momentarily startled.
The tiger-like beast was the most ferocious. Seeing Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler approaching, it charged forward, raising its claw-like weapon, and with a strange cry, it swung a golden light, smashing it towards Tao Zhongwen.
A loud clang echoed, followed by a continuous buzzing sound. The tiger-like beast roared again, but its body was flung back by the jade ruler.
Although the jade ruler repelled the tiger beast, it also trembled violently, halting its attack. It then returned to Tao Zhongwen’s hand with a summon.
Meanwhile, Duan Chaoyong’s black mist was blocked by the bear beast’s paws. The bear beast howled in pain but was unable to advance, forced to retreat.
“Master Lu, you truly have remarkable skills,” Tao Zhongwen said with resentment. “Even the ancient four beasts are under your control. Truly worthy of being the leader of the Imperial Guards.”
“Likewise, Master Tao. Your Heavenly Net is not bad either. But now the situation is clear. What else do you have to say?”
Tao Zhongwen glanced at the four beasts and said with hatred, “I’m afraid controlling these four beasts isn’t that easy for you, Master Lu. If you could truly command them at will, my brother and I would naturally surrender.”
Lu Bing chuckled and shook the jade tablet in his hand. The four beast forms turned into green smoke and were absorbed into the tablet. “Controlling the four beasts is beyond my cultivation. But it seems I don’t necessarily need such means to restrain you two.”
As Lu Bing spoke, several streams of various energies began to intertwine behind Tao and Duan, gradually forming a strange array.
The people who had accompanied Lu Bing had already moved forward, shielding Mei Qing behind them. Once the array was complete, each took their position within it. Although Zhang Yukong was not within the array, he was positioned outside, monitoring the retreat paths of the two.
Additionally, Master Ku and the other monks were positioned on the periphery. Although the Buddhist sect would not deeply involve themselves in Taoist affairs, Master Ku’s temperament was not one to be trifled with. Even if they wouldn’t directly attack, it was unlikely that Tao and Duan could escape from this direction.
Li Daoding and the other Taoists formed an arc on the other side.
They had been persuaded by Zhuo Wanchun to remain neutral. Now, seeing the situation drastically reversed with Tao and Duan at a disadvantage, they immediately changed their stance, glaring at the two, ready to attack at the slightest provocation.
Lu Zeyou, being a scholar, didn’t need to engage in the fight. He quickly went to help Mei Qing up and retreated to the side.
Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other’s eyes.
Turning back, Tao Zhongwen’s round face gradually broke into a smile as he addressed Lu Bing and Zhang Yukong, “I didn’t expect that today’s internal affairs would trouble you two so much, leading to such an outcome. Seeing that both sides are momentarily at odds, with our side’s Zhuo Xiaoxian and Master Huang severely injured, and my junior brother likely also harmed, and Mei Qing’s condition not looking good, perhaps we should all cease hostilities for now, tend to our wounded, and leave our grievances for another day?”
Lu Bing laughed heartily, “Master Tao, now that the situation is unfavorable, you come with such a proposal? Don’t you think that with our side outnumbering yours, and you two being at the end of your strength, I would let you go?”
Tao Zhongwen’s smile widened, “Master Lu, it’s said that a cornered beast will still fight. As cultivators, should we not strive for a resolution rather than a fight to the death? Are you not afraid that in our desperate struggle, both sides might suffer?”
Zhang Yukong shouted from the side, “Tao Zhongwen, even if Master Lu were to let you go today, I would never agree. Your schemes are too sinister. Letting you go would only lead to more trouble in the future. It’s better to settle this now. Even if you were to self-destruct in desperation, I would bear it!”
Hearing Zhang Yukong’s words, Tao Zhongwen’s smile gradually froze, and he sneered, “It seems Master Zhang harbors deep hatred for me. But considering your current predicament, many have plotted against you. If you seek revenge, would you have to kill everyone in the Taoist world?”
Zhang Yukong, hearing Tao Zhongwen repeatedly call him “Master” and bring up the past incident of praying for rain, laughed, “At death’s door, you still try to sow discord? Indeed, many were dissatisfied with me or fanned the flames back then. But as fate would have it, manipulated by others, I have long since let go of such grievances. However, your underhanded schemes, causing an inexplicable battle with Fan Wentai, the Plum Blossom Master, and then ambushing us with a pre-set array, hoping for mutual destruction—such enmity cannot be left unavenged. All these years, I’ve searched for you in vain. Now that you’ve walked into the trap yourself, I must see this through!”
With that, Zhang Yukong turned to Li Daoding and the others, “Today’s matter, I hope you all can lend me a hand. Once we capture this man, I will consider the past as if it never happened. I swear by our ancestors, I will not go back on my word!”
Tao Zhongwen shouted, “If that’s the case, what more can we brothers say! Fourth Brother, since it has come to this, there’s no need to hold back. Let’s fight to the end!”
Duan Chaoyong gave a sinister smile, “Since no one is willing to give us a way out, then let’s fight!”
With that, Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong suddenly separated. The ground behind them seemed to tear apart, accompanied by a deafening roar, a massive fissure spanning dozens of feet opened up. The surrounding area collapsed, sending sand and stones flying, and smoke billowing.
Like an earthquake, the ground around them shook like waves, accompanied by thunderous roars. Large amounts of sand and mud continuously sank, revealing a dark, gaping hole. From within the mud, several enormous skeletons slowly emerged.
The skeletons, covered in grayish mud, only partially revealing their heads and limbs, were colossal. As the ground shook, they emitted a cacophony of sounds like roaring mountains and surging seas, with sand and mud splattering everywhere, as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth splitting.
“Nightmares!” Zhang Yukong and Master Ku shouted in unison, recalling the enormous skeleton they had seen at the Shi residence. They both charged forward, one throwing a talisman, the other manifesting a dharma form, both attacking simultaneously.
“We two will contain these Nightmares. Everyone else, quickly capture the enemy!” Zhang Yukong, calm in the face of danger, shouted.
The power of the Nightmares was something Zhang Yukong and Master Ku had personally experienced. Back then, a single Nightmare had left them helpless. Now, with several appearing, it was likely that no one present could withstand them. But since Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong were controlling the Nightmares, if they could temporarily contain them, the others could join forces to capture Tao and Duan, and the Nightmares would naturally be defeated.
Among the others, like Lu Bing, who knew about the Nightmares, and disciples from major sects who had heard of their power, upon hearing Zhang Yukong’s shout, immediately realized how troublesome these skeletons were. Without further ado, they all unleashed their abilities, attacking Tao and Duan.
The surrounding spiritual energy was immediately stirred by these various techniques, becoming wildly chaotic. Black, red, fire, and lightning—various magical artifacts and spells rained down like a storm, pouring out around everyone.
Although the Nightmares were powerful, their movements were clumsy, and their attacks were not particularly fast. Both Zhang Yukong and Master Ku had fought them before, so they naturally avoided direct confrontation, instead opting to entangle and harass, just to keep these giants at bay.
Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong both looked ferocious. Duan Chaoyong’s eyes were bloodshot, and his bird-like claws extended from his sleeves. He let out a ghostly wail, and the Nightmares, hearing the sound, tried to shake off Zhang Yukong and Master Ku, charging towards the attacking crowd.
Zhang Yukong and Master Ku were determined not to let them succeed, exerting their full strength. However, the power of several Nightmares was indeed overwhelming. Gradually, the two began to falter, and the Nightmares were getting closer to the crowd.
Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler continuously emitted swirling green lights, like snowflakes dancing wildly, spinning and revolving. In a matter of moments, the space between the two and the cultivators was filled with these green lights. The green lights devoured the spells raining down from the crowd, mixing into a dazzling light screen, making it momentarily impossible to locate Tao Zhongwen’s figure.
“Be careful, he’s trying to escape!” Lu Bing’s spiritual sense couldn’t keep up with Tao Zhongwen, and he momentarily lost track of him. Realizing that Tao Zhongwen was using a diversion to escape, he quickly warned everyone.
The Imperial Guards’ envoys, having faced many formidable opponents in this battle, had been somewhat frustrated. Now, with the array set up to trap Tao Zhongwen, they were eager to showcase their abilities. Upon hearing Lu Bing’s warning, they all focused their energies, pressing forward, determined to capture this Master Tao.
Suddenly, a burst of green light flashed within the light screen, and a massive wave of energy erupted, striking the foremost black-robed elder, scattering his green light and sending him flying, his body severely injured and tattered.
“Be careful!” Everyone shouted, avoiding the energy wave, each casting protective spells. A white-haired Taoist behind, seeing the black-robed elder flying towards him, pale and weak, quickly reached out to catch him.
But as he extended his hand, the black-robed elder suddenly self-destructed.
However, Zhang Yuchong had acted hastily, and his attack could not match the combined strength of Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong. Under their assault, the protective barrier lasted only a moment before shattering.
Nonetheless, even that brief moment was enough for Lu Bing to gain the necessary time.
The sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard in the distance. However, Zhang Yukong was quick to react. With a swift throw of a paper talisman, he shouted, “Activate!” A wave of light appeared in the distance, momentarily blocking the attack.
However, Zhang Yukong’s hasty move was no match for the combined assault of Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong. The light wave, under their attack, lasted only a brief moment before it shattered.
Fortunately, even that brief moment bought Lu Bing enough time.
Lu Bing raised a jade token in his hand and roared, “Four Dimensions Halt, Xuanyuan Unbreakable! Infinite!”
Suddenly, four strange beast-like forms appeared around Mei Qing.
These four beast forms, resembling tigers and bears, stood upright, clad in armor, wielding weapons, and let out a fierce roar.
The ferocious aura, accompanied by the savage roar, immediately shook the surroundings. Even Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong couldn’t help but feel a pang of fear.
The tiger-like beast was the most ferocious. Seeing Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler approaching, it charged forward alone, raising its claw-like weapon, letting out a strange cry, and swung a golden light towards it.
With a loud “clang,” the sound reverberated endlessly, followed by another roar from the tiger-like beast, which was sent flying back by the jade ruler.
Although the jade ruler repelled the tiger beast, it also trembled uncontrollably, its attack halted, and it quickly returned to Tao Zhongwen’s hand upon his call.
Meanwhile, Duan Chaoyong’s black mist was also blocked by the bear beast’s paws. Although the bear beast was struck and howled in pain, it couldn’t advance and had to retreat.
“Master Lu, indeed, you have impressive skills,” Tao Zhongwen said with resentment. “Even these ancient four beasts are in your hands. Truly worthy of being the leader of the Imperial Guards.”
“Likewise, Master Huang’s Heavenly Net is not bad either. But now the situation is clear. What else do you have to say, Master Tao?”
Tao Zhongwen glanced at the four beasts and said resentfully, “I’m afraid these four beasts aren’t so easy for you to control, Master Lu. If you could command them at will, my brother and I would naturally surrender.”
Lu Bing chuckled, shaking the jade token in his hand. The four beast forms instantly turned into green smoke and were absorbed into the token. “Controlling the four beasts is beyond my capabilities. But it seems I don’t necessarily need these methods to restrain you two.”
As Lu Bing spoke, several streams of various energies gradually emerged from behind Tao and Duan, converging into a strange formation.
The people who had accompanied Lu Bing had already moved forward, placing Mei Qing behind them. Once the formation was complete, each took their position within it. Although Zhang Yukong was not in the formation, he was beyond it, remotely controlling the retreat path of the two.
Additionally, Master Ku and the other monks were already on the periphery. Although Buddhist matters wouldn’t interfere too deeply with Taoist affairs, Master Ku’s temperament was not one to be trifled with. Even if they wouldn’t directly attack, it was unlikely that the two could escape from this direction.
Li Daoding and a group of Taoists formed an arc on the other side.
They had been persuaded by Zhuo Wanchun to remain neutral. Now, seeing the situation drastically reversed with Tao and Duan at a disadvantage, they immediately changed their stance, glaring at the two, ready to attack at the slightest provocation.
Lu Zeyou, being a scholar, didn’t need to engage in the fight. He quickly came forward to help Mei Qing up and retreated to the side.
Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong exchanged glances, both seeing the gravity of the situation in each other’s eyes.
Turning back, Tao Zhongwen’s round face gradually broke into a smile as he addressed Lu Bing and Zhang Yukong, “I didn’t expect that today’s internal matters would trouble you two so much, leading to such an outcome. Seeing that both sides are momentarily impassioned, with our side’s Zhuo Xiaoxian and Master Huang severely injured, and my junior brother likely also harmed, and Mei Qing’s condition not looking good, perhaps we should call a truce for now, tend to our wounded, and leave our grievances for another day?”
Lu Bing laughed heartily, “Master Tao, now that the situation is unfavorable, you come to say this? Don’t you think about how we outnumber you, and you two are at the end of your strength, yet you still want us to let you go?”
Tao Zhongwen’s smile widened, “Master Lu, it’s said that a cornered beast will still fight. As cultivators, should we really fight to the death like ordinary people? Aren’t you afraid that in our desperate struggle, we might both be severely injured?”
Zhang Yukong shouted from the side, “Tao Zhongwen, even if Master Lu is willing to let you go today, I will never agree. You are cunning and malicious. If we let you leave, who knows what troubles you’ll cause in the future. It’s better to settle this now. Even if you self-destruct in desperation, I will bear it!”
Hearing Zhang Yukong’s words, Tao Zhongwen’s smile gradually froze, and he sneered, “It seems Master Zhang hates me deeply. But Master Zhang, your current predicament involves many people. If you seek revenge, tracing back to the source, would you have to kill everyone in the Taoist world?”
Zhang Yukong, hearing Tao Zhongwen repeatedly call him “Master” and mention the past rain-seeking incident, laughed, “At death’s door, you’re still trying to sow discord? Indeed, many were dissatisfied with me or contributed to my downfall. But since I’ve let go of worldly affairs, I’ve long since become indifferent. However, your underhanded schemes, causing Fan Wentai and me to fight inexplicably, and then ambushing us with a pre-set formation, trying to make us both perish—such enmity cannot go unavenged! Over the years, I’ve searched for you in vain. Now that you’ve walked into this trap yourself, I will settle this with you!”
With that, Zhang Yukong turned to Li Daoding and the others, “Today’s matter, I hope you all will lend me a hand. Once we capture this man, I will consider the past as if it never happened. I swear by our ancestors, I will not go back on my word!”
Tao Zhongwen shouted, “In that case, what more is there to say! Fourth Brother, since things have come to this, there’s no point in holding back!”
Duan Chaoyong gave a sinister smile, “Since no one is willing to give us a way out, then let’s fight to the death!”
With that, Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong suddenly separated, and the ground behind them seemed to tear open with a deafening roar, creating a massive fissure dozens of feet wide. The surrounding ground collapsed, sending sand and stones flying, and smoke billowing up.
Like an earthquake, the ground around them shook like waves, accompanied by thunderous roars, as large amounts of sand and mud sank, revealing a dark, gaping hole. From the mud and sand, several enormous skeletons slowly emerged.
The skeletons were covered in grayish mud, revealing only their massive heads and limbs. As the ground shook, they emitted a cacophony of roars, sending sand and mud flying in all directions, as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth splitting.
“Nightmares!” Zhang Yukong and Master Ku shouted in unison, recalling the enormous skeleton they had seen at the Shi residence. They both charged forward, one throwing a talisman, the other manifesting a dharma form, and attacked simultaneously.
“We will handle these Nightmares, the rest of you, capture the enemy!” Zhang Yukong, calm in the face of danger, shouted.
The power of the Nightmares was something both Zhang Yukong and Master Ku had personally experienced. Back then, a single Nightmare had left them helpless. Now, with several appearing, it was likely that no one present could withstand them. But since Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong controlled the Nightmares, if they could temporarily restrain these creatures, the others could join forces to capture Tao and Duan, and the Nightmares would naturally be defeated.
Among the others, Lu Bing and others who knew about the Nightmares, as well as disciples from major sects who had heard of their power, immediately recognized the skeletons as formidable foes upon hearing Zhang Yukong’s shout. Without further ado, they each unleashed their skills and attacked Tao and Duan.
The surrounding spiritual energy was immediately stirred by these various techniques, becoming wildly chaotic. Black, red, fire, and lightning-like spells and artifacts rained down around them like a storm.
Although the Nightmares were powerful, their movements were clumsy, and their attacks weren’t particularly fast. Both Zhang Yukong and Master Ku had fought them before, so they naturally adopted a strategy of avoiding direct confrontation, instead harassing and delaying these massive creatures.
Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong both wore fierce expressions. Duan Chaoyong’s eyes were bloodshot, and his bird-like claws extended from his sleeves as he let out a ghostly wail. The Nightmares, hearing this, tried to break free from Zhang Yukong and Master Ku’s entanglement and charge towards the attacking crowd.
Zhang Yukong and Master Ku were determined not to let them succeed, exerting their full strength. However, the power of the Nightmares was indeed overwhelming. Gradually, the two began to falter, and the Nightmares drew closer to the crowd.
Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler continuously emitted swirling green lights, like snowflakes dancing wildly, creating a disorienting whirlwind that, in a matter of moments, filled the space between the two and the other cultivators. The green lights swallowed the spells raining down from the crowd, blending into the light curtains, making it impossible to locate Tao Zhongwen’s figure.
“Be careful, he’s trying to escape!” Lu Bing’s spiritual sense couldn’t keep up with Tao Zhongwen, and he suddenly realized that Tao Zhongwen might be using a diversion to slip away. He quickly warned the others.
The Imperial Guards’ envoys, who had been somewhat frustrated by the many powerful figures they had encountered in this battle, were eager to showcase their abilities. Upon hearing Lu Bing’s warning, they all focused their energy, pressing forward with full force, determined to capture Tao Zhongwen and make a name for themselves.
Suddenly, a burst of green light erupted from the light curtains, accompanied by a massive shockwave that sent the foremost black-robed elder flying, his body severely injured and tattered.
“Be careful!” Everyone shouted, avoiding the shockwave and protecting themselves with spells. A white-haired Taoist behind them, seeing the black-robed elder flying towards him, pale and defeated, reached out to catch him.
But as he extended his hand, the black-robed elder suddenly self-destructed.
Instantly, four strange beast-like figures appeared around Mei Qing. These creatures resembled tigers and bears, standing upright, clad in armor, and wielding weapons. They let out a simultaneous, fierce roar.
The ferocious aura accompanying the roar shook the surroundings. Even Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong could not help but feel a jolt of alarm.
The tiger-like beast was the fiercest. As Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler bore down on it, the beast charged forward alone, raising its clawed weapon with a shriek. A golden arc of light spun toward the attacker.
With a tremendous clang and a lingering vibration, the tiger beast roared in fury before being flung backward by the impact.
Although Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler managed to repel the beast, it trembled violently itself, halting its assault momentarily before returning swiftly to Tao’s grasp.
Meanwhile, Duan Chaoyong’s black mist was blocked by the bear-like beast’s dual strikes. The bear let out a pained howl but was forced to retreat, unable to advance further.
“Director Lu, indeed a formidable opponent,” Tao Zhongwen growled. “Even the ancient Four Beasts are now under your command. Truly worthy of being the head of the Jinyiwei.”
“Mutual respect, Master Huang. Your heavenly net is no less impressive. But now the situation is clear. What more do you have to say, Master Dian?”
Tao Zhongwen glanced at the four beasts and sneered, “But I doubt even you, Director Lu, can fully control these four creatures. If you can command them perfectly, my brother and I will willingly surrender.”
Lu Bing chuckled, shaking the jade tablet. The four beasts immediately transformed into wisps of green smoke, returning into the tablet.
“As for controlling the beasts, I myself lack such cultivation. But to detain you two esteemed gentlemen, perhaps such methods aren’t even necessary.”
As Lu Bing spoke, several colorful streams of energy began to emerge from behind Tao and Duan, gradually converging into a strange formation.
The people accompanying Lu Bing had already moved forward, shielding Mei Qing behind them. Once the formation was complete, each person took their designated position. Though Zhang Yuchong was not within the formation, he stood outside it, covering the retreat path of Tao and Duan.
Additionally, Master Ku and the other monks had taken positions on the outer perimeter. Though the Buddhist sects usually refrained from deep involvement in Daoist affairs, Master Ku’s temper was not one to be trifled with. Even if they did not directly attack, it was unlikely Tao and Duan could escape from that direction.
Li Daoding and the other Daoist practitioners formed an arc on the opposite side. Initially swayed by Zhuo Wanchun to remain neutral, they now, seeing the tide turning decisively against Tao and Duan, shifted their stance. They glared at the two, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.
Meanwhile, Lu Zeyou, a mere scholar, did not need to join the fray. He hurried over to help Mei Qing up and led him to safety.
Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong exchanged glances, each seeing the gravity in the other’s eyes.
Tao Zhongwen, his round face slowly breaking into a smile, addressed Lu Bing and Zhang Yuchong: “I hadn’t expected our internal matter today to trouble you two Daoist friends so much. It seems the outcome has turned unexpectedly. My side has suffered severe injuries—Zhuo Xiaoxian and Huang Daoyou are gravely wounded, and my junior brother may have also sustained damage. Mei Qing’s condition is also grave. Perhaps we should all pause for now, tend to our wounded, and leave our grievances for another day?”
Lu Bing laughed heartily. “Master Dian, now that you see the situation turning against you, you speak of peace? Have you considered that at this moment, we outnumber you, and you two are already at your last strength? Do you really think I would let you go?”
Tao Zhongwen’s smile deepened. “Director Lu, they say a cornered beast will still fight. Can cultivators stoop to the level of ordinary men, fighting to the death? Are you not afraid that in our desperation, we might bring mutual destruction?”
Zhang Yuchong shouted from the side, “Tao Zhongwen, even if Director Lu were willing, I would never let you go today. Your schemes are too treacherous. If I let you escape now, who knows how much chaos you will bring in the future? Whether it takes your life or your self-destruction, I will see it through!”
Upon hearing Zhang Yuchong’s words, Tao Zhongwen’s smile froze as he coldly replied, “So, Master Zhang, you bear such hatred toward me. But tell me, how many others have plotted against you over the years? If you seek revenge, will you wage war against the entire Daoist world?”
Zhang Yuchong, hearing Tao Zhongwen repeatedly call him “Master Zhang” and referencing the past rain-summoning incident, laughed aloud. “You dare still sow discord at death’s door? Indeed, many have held grudges against me over the years, and many have fanned the flames. But destiny flows through human hands, and since I’ve withdrawn from the world, I’ve long since let go. But you, secretly scheming, fighting with Master Mei in confusion, and then ambushing us with a prearranged formation, hoping to kill us both—how can such a grudge be left unavenged? These years I’ve searched endlessly for you, fruitlessly. Now that you’ve finally come to me, I will settle this once and for all!”
With that, Zhang Yuchong turned to Li Daoding and the others. “Today, I ask all my Daoist friends to lend me your strength. Once this man is captured, I will forget all past grievances. I swear this by my sect’s ancestors—there shall be no betrayal!”
Tao Zhongwen shouted, “If that’s the case, what more can we say! Fourth Brother, now that it’s come to this, there’s no need for restraint!”
Duan Chaoyong sneered darkly. “Since you won’t leave us a path to live, then we’ll fight to the end!”
With that, the two suddenly split apart. The ground behind them tore open with a deafening roar, splitting into a massive chasm over ten zhang wide. The earth trembled, sand and stones flew, and smoke rose.
Like an earthquake, the ground rippled like waves. Thunderous booms echoed as the earth collapsed, revealing a dark, yawning pit. From the dust and debris, several enormous skeletons slowly emerged.
The skeletons were gray and covered in mud, their heads and limbs massive. With each tremor of the earth, they emitted a deafening cacophony, like mountains collapsing and seas surging, sending mud and sand flying in all directions.
“Nightmare spirits!” Zhang Yuchong and Master Ku shouted in unison, recalling the giant skeleton they had encountered at the Shi residence. They rushed forward, one flinging a talisman, the other manifesting a divine form, both attacking at once.
“We’ll hold off these nightmare spirits. Everyone else, quickly attack the enemies!” Zhang Yuchong commanded calmly amid the chaos.
Both Zhang Yuchong and Master Ku had experienced the nightmare spirits’ power before. A single one had once left them helpless. Now, with several appearing together, the assembled crowd might not be able to withstand them. But if they could temporarily contain the spirits, and the others captured Tao and Duan, the spirits would collapse on their own.
The others, such as Lu Bing, were already aware of the nightmare spirits. The disciples from the major sects had also heard of their power from their masters. Upon hearing Zhang Yuchong name them, they immediately understood the skeletons’ danger. Without further prompting, they unleashed their various techniques toward Tao and Duan.
The surrounding spiritual energy became wildly chaotic. Black, red, fiery, and electric techniques rained down like a storm upon the two men.
Though the nightmare spirits were powerful, their movements were clumsy and their attacks slow. Zhang Yuchong and Master Ku, having fought them before, instinctively avoided direct confrontation, instead entangling and harassing them to buy time.
Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong wore grim expressions. Duan’s eyes glowed blood-red as he extended his claw-like hands from his sleeves, emitting a ghostly wail. One of the nightmare spirits responded, attempting to shake off Zhang Yuchong and Master Ku to charge at the others.
But Zhang Yuchong and Master Ku would not allow it. They poured all their strength into holding the spirits back. Yet, the nightmare spirits’ power was immense. The two cultivators gradually struggled, and the spirits edged closer to the crowd.
Tao Zhongwen’s jade ruler flashed repeatedly, emitting swirling green lights like snowflakes. Within moments, the lights filled the space between the two men and the cultivators, swallowing the incoming attacks and weaving them into a confusing, illusory veil. In the haze, Tao Zhongwen’s figure became untraceable.
“Watch out—he’s trying to escape!” Lu Bing, unable to track Tao Zhongwen’s movements, immediately realized Tao was attempting to flee under the cover of illusion and shouted a warning.
The Jinyiwei attendants, eager to prove themselves after watching many masters fight, responded to Lu Bing’s warning by advancing as one, determined to capture Master Dian.
Suddenly, the veil of light flared with a blinding burst. A powerful shockwave erupted from within, striking the leading black-robed elder. His aura shattered, and he flew backward, his body battered and torn.
“Look out!” the crowd cried as they scattered, shielding themselves with their techniques. A white-haired Daoist behind tried to catch the elder mid-flight as he tumbled toward them.
But just as he reached out, the elder suddenly exploded.
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