NOVEL NEXT Chapter 255: Sword Qi Soaring
Following closely behind He Zhengming were the four registered disciples of the same lineage he brought along.
They all unleashed their magical treasures, turning into various spiritual lights, colliding with the Xunfeng Position Demon Soul Banner together with the Bronze Bell.
"Such nerve!"
At the location of the Xunfeng Position Demon Soul Banner, Hou Feifan appeared, his small demon body wielding the Chaotic Heaven Staff, staunchly resisting the attack from He Zhengming's Bronze Bell and the magical treasures of the four junior brothers.
The sound of "clang, clang, clang" resounded through the heavens and the earth.
Hou Feifan's strength was incredibly great, managing to face He Zhengming and the five Sect Foundation Establishment magical treasures without falling behind.
At the same time.
Shen Xuan unleashed nine premium Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talismans, flashing golden light, swiftly bombarding the Qian Celestial Position Demon Soul Banner in the northwest corner.
This location was the entrance of the Nine Nether Soul Capturing Array.
"Master Shen Talisman, this path is closed!"
Nangong Guang appeared, raising a Blood Spirit Demon Tower before him, rapidly enlarging to ten feet high, blocking the Thunder Talisman's attack.
The thunder light from the Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talisman crashed into the Blood Spirit Demon Tower, causing azure arcs to rise along the body of the tower to the tip, quickly dissipating.
"Hmm, Nangong Guang, well done. This Demon Tower is specifically made to deal with me!"
"Hmph, Master Shen Talisman, are you afraid?"
For over a decade, Nangong Guang had been suppressed by Shen Xuan; rescuing Su Jiayuan from him even cost him his own avatar.
Now, the accumulated frustration was swept away.
"Indeed, I'm very afraid!"
The moment the words fell.
Shen Xuan activated nine premium Silver Hook Snake Poison Talismans again, flying towards Nangong Guang.
"Poison Talisman?"
"A trivial Poison Talisman, it can do nothing to me!"
"Master Shen Talisman, witness Nangong's methods!"
Nangong Guang gloated.
The Blood Spirit Demon Tower spun rapidly, the tower door flung open.
A Ghost Night Demon, three feet tall, with a human body and beast head, ugly-faced and exuding a violent aura, wielding a pair of gigantic black demon claws, let out a terrifying scream and charged towards Shen Xuan.
"Middle Stage ghost creature?"
Shen Xuan remained stationary.
Softly pointed.
A streak of golden light flashed.
The golden body zombie from the Corpse Nourishing Gourd, equally growing to two feet high, let out a furious roar and went forward.
This golden body zombie obtained from a Li-named demon cultivator of the Corpse Refining Sect had its original Divine Soul Brand erased by Shen Xuan, now recognizing him as master.
After over a year, it recuperated in the Corpse Nourishing Gourd, plus Shen Xuan infused Corpse Refining Gold Powder, restoring it as before.
Even so, the golden body zombie was still at a disadvantage in close combat with the Ghost Night Demon.
Barehanded against a pair of demon claws.
Though both were as hard as gold and stone, after continuous clashes, the golden body zombie's hands inevitably suffered minor damage.
Looking around further.
In the Nine Nether Soul Capturing Array, demonic qi was rolling endlessly.
With the support of demonic qi, the demon cultivators attacking the Cyan Cloud Sect were, in superior numbers, further boosting morale, each displaying their methods.
As the leading figure, He Zhengming was entangled by Hou Feifan.
Their fight shattered the sky and earth, with continuous "rumble" sounds.
For a moment, it was difficult to determine the victor.
Shen Xuan shook his head.
He saw it clearly.
He Zhengming was holding back, not giving his all.
Perhaps he was wary of Hou Feifan, not daring to fight to the death.
Or perhaps he was distracted, guarding against the hidden Wu Yulan.
However, with He Zhengming being held up, the Cyan Cloud Sect among others were gradually unable to resist the numerous demon cultivators, the encirclement continuously compressing.
Shen Xuan counted.
Our side only had twenty-eight people, with eleven being loose cultivators.
The strength of loose cultivators, in Shen Xuan's eyes, was nothing to speak of.
Under such circumstances, not defecting or betraying already counted as very good.
Expecting them to turn the tables was akin to dreaming.
On the opposing side, besides the hidden Wu Yulan, there were thirty-seven appearing in the Nine Nether Soul Capturing Array.
Their strength was clearly much superior to the loose cultivators.
Additionally, supported by demonic qi.
Only Master Lingxiao's four registered disciples were able to engage in one-on-one magical combat, with an evenly matched back-and-forth.
The rest were fighting while retreating, only defending and not attacking.
"Speed!"
Shen Xuan was contemplating whether to continue laying low or break this demon array.
Opposite.
Nangong Guang noticed Shen Xuan being distracted and seized the opportunity, unleashing a Blood Demon Sword transforming into a streak of blood light, heading straight for Shen Xuan's neck.
"Master Shen Talisman, watch out!"
Nearby, Tie Wenda raised his Phoenix Wing Saber, turning into a blaze of fire, directly confronting it.
The sudden turn of events left even Shen Xuan somewhat puzzled.
He and Tie Wenda had only interacted when following Xiao Keyuan to negotiate with the three major demon cultivator leaders in the past.
From start to finish, the two hadn't exchanged a word.
Not that Shen Xuan was arrogant.
He himself climbed up from the bottom of the loose cultivator layer.
Very aware of the characteristics of the loose cultivator group.
Timid, opportunistic, selfish, unscrupulous for gains...
These labels can't be said to apply to all loose cultivators.
But fitting them to ninety percent of loose cultivators is unquestionable.
Tie Wenda, though quite renowned among loose cultivators in the Cyan Yang Prefecture.
His Realm Cultivation had reached the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.
Yet at best he could put on airs among loose cultivators.
His status, let alone compared to Cyan Cloud Sect disciples.
Even Zhao Family Early Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators stand above him.
In terms of combat power, Tie Wenda might not even be able to defeat Zhao Family Early Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
This is the sorrow of loose cultivators.
Even if they obtain fortune, elevate their Realm Cultivation.
The inherent deficiencies in Cultivation Techniques, Magical Treasures, Spiritual Power, Divine Souls, and Divine Sense, place them at a disadvantage.
If truly capable, they would have joined a sect long ago.
At the very least, become a tributor for a strong cultivation clan.
Like Tie Wenda, besides slightly decent magical combat, there's nothing to boast about; he could only blend in with the loose cultivator crowd.
Aiming to become a tributor for a strong cultivation clan, they don't want him!
Weak cultivation clans fear inviting wolves into their fold, equally unwanted!
The best path is the current one.
Rallying a group of equally unremarkable Foundation Establishment Realm loose cultivators for mutual support.
Taking advantage of the Dao-Demon War to make a windfall.
Then, participate in the auction for a Tier Two Dao field, establishing a cultivation clan.
Shen Xuan never expected.
Tie Wenda to be so fierce, charging ahead, taking the strike of Nangong Guang's Blood Demon Sword for him.
Despite being at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.
He was certainly no match for Nangong Guang!
"Boom!" An explosion sounded.
Tie Wenda, along with his saber, was sent flying backward like a broken kite.
Just as he steadied his stance, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.
Evidently, he had already suffered serious injuries.
Shen Xuan glanced once, realizing Tie Wenda was not feigning.
"This is indeed an honest person!"
"Perhaps, it's because of the favor I granted him last time?"
"It's a pity, his intellect is worrying!"
Shen Xuan's figure flickered.
He sped towards Nangong Guang.
"Nangong Guang, you have some nerve to injure my friend!"
"Courting death!"
His words had barely fallen.
Three figures flew out in front of Shen Xuan.
Eagle shriek, snake hiss, octopus bellowed.
Then, the three Taiyin Corpse Beasts shone with golden light, as if coated in a layer of gold powder.
All charged at Nangong Guang.
Nangong Guang's face changed dramatically.
He spat out a mouthful of Essence Blood, merging himself with the Blood Demon Sword, transforming into nothingness, and instantly escaped the Nine Nether Soul Capturing Array.
He could see clearly.
It wasn't just three Taiyin Corpse Beasts.
They had also been refined into a Golden Body by Shen Xuan.
Power greatly boosted.
If the three Golden Body Taiyin Corpse Beasts got close.
Even if he survived, he'd be severely battered.
"Break!"
Shen Xuan shouted.
The Shadow Octopus Corpse Beast stretched out eight tentacles, tightly entangled the Qian Celestial Position Demon Soul Banner.
The Red-winged Snake Corpse Beast, Golden Claw Divine Eagle Corpse Beast similarly wrapped and held onto.
The three Golden Body Taiyin Corpse Beasts exerted their forces simultaneously.
The Qian Celestial Position Demon Soul Banner was forcibly ripped out.
The demon cultivators besieging the Cyan Cloud Sect people suddenly changed color and halted their actions.
Shen Xuan ignored them.
His body flashed with several arcs of thunder.
With a flurry of "crackling" sounds, Shen Xuan disappeared from his original place.
When he reappeared, he was already two hundred zhang away.
"Nangong Guang, stay here for me!"
Shen Xuan swiftly used the Thunder Escape Technique repeatedly.
Within ten breaths, he surpassed Nangong Guang's Sword Flight, blocking his path.
"Shen Xuan, don't push people too far!"
Nangong Guang formed a spell with his hands, rolling demonic qi surged, and the Blood Spirit Demon Tower blocked in front.
The tower gates opened wide.
Not only was that Ghost Night Demon there, but five more similar ghostly beings.
"Five Spirits United Ghosts? So what!"
Shen Xuan couldn't bother to summon even the Golden Body Zombies.
The Bishui Sword unsheathed.
Centered upon him, the temperature sharply dropped for several miles around.
Dust particles in the sky all transformed into snowflakes, falling down one after another.
Nangong Guang's face changed dramatically.
For years, he's been cultivating to counter Shen Xuan's Thunder Technique, enhancing his combat power.
Now, Shen Xuan used Ice Technique against him.
A fear rising from within rendered his Divine Soul restless.
"This man cannot be contended with!"
An absurd thought emerged from his mind.
Could he perish here?
Nangong Guang shouted: "Old Hou, Junior Sister Yulan, if not now, then when!"
They had discussed it beforehand.
If Shen Xuan was alone.
The three of them should join forces to attack.
Strive to take his life in one strike.
In the battle between dao and demon, how could mercy be shown!
Two laughs erupted.
"Master Shen, Yulan apologizes to you!"
"Junior, meet your end!"
The concealed Wu Yulan revealed herself, with a pair of Female and Male Demon Swords guarding in front, ready to move.
Hou Feifan and He Zhengming exchanged a blow, using the force to transform into a blood shadow, blocking Shen Xuan's retreat.
The three formed a vague triangle encapsulation.
Unending demonic qi rolled forth again, entangling with Shen Xuan's Ice Soul Cold Qi.
Nangong Guang chuckled strangely, eyes gleaming with joy.
As long as they kill Shen Xuan.
With the power of the three, even if He Zhengming was fierce, he could only flee in panic.
They were always wary of Shen Xuan's unfathomable power.
Not the supposed Golden Core Inheritor He Zhengming.
He Zhengming was predictable.
Though strong, there's always a way to confront.
Shen Xuan might seem somewhat weaker.
But his skills were countless, all countering demon techniques, making him a persistent threat.
Seeing Shen Xuan about to break through to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.
By then, power would soar.
They would have even less means to suppress Shen Xuan.
"Don't worry, Junior Shen, I'm here!"
He Zhengming pursued Hou Feifan relentlessly.
However, Hou Feifan was premeditated.
No matter how fast He Zhengming was, it'd take two to three breaths.
This period was enough for the three of Hou Feifan to strike at once!
At this moment.
Shen Xuan's momentum surged, Divine Sense swept across Hou Feifan, Wu Yulan, and Nangong Guang.
He remained calm.
In front, the Bishui Sword emitted a timeless dragon roar.
Transforming into a Cold Ice Divine Dragon, it suddenly lunged at Nangong Guang.
Opposite.
Nangong Guang gritted his teeth, simultaneously activated the Blood Spirit Demon Tower and Blood Shadow Sword.
Ghost Night Demon and Five Spirits United Ghosts shrieked and met the challenge.
Behind was Hou Feifan, racing in with the Chaotic Heaven Staff, casting multiple shadowed staff images.
On the flank, Wu Yulan with a flick of her jade hand, the Female and Male Demon Swords flew silently, shooting swiftly.
Three major demon cultivator leaders from Cyan Yang Prefecture, three Core Formation seeds from Blood Spirit Sect, experienced elders and saintess, combined their full power strike towards Shen Xuan!