Chapter 64: Spiritual Eye Seeks the Lost, Immortal Heavenly Silkworm 9 Transformations Kill
Li Mingzhu faced off against the assassin dressed in white within this isolated space, engaging in a life-and-death battle of patience. Outside, Fu Yao was pacing back and forth in anxiety. Hadn't he promised to protect Li Mingzhu?
And now look—Li Mingzhu's whereabouts were completely unknown after being swallowed by that whale-like beast. Fu Yao dared not leave to seek reinforcements, fearing the possibility of Li Mingzhu suddenly emerging in his absence.
Though his mind spun with worry, Fu Yao could only suppress his emotions and wait patiently. This state of anxious waiting was something most people had likely experienced before.
Inside the Void Cage, the Chaos Silk Sash, Treasure Lotus Lamp, and River Map and Luo Book continued to whirl around Li Mingzhu, forming an unyielding defense. Yet, compared to their initial brilliance, their glow had dimmed considerably.
Though little time had passed, Li Mingzhu's mana was draining rapidly. After all, these artifacts—each considered a rare Spiritual Treasure—consumed an astonishing amount of power when used.
Even with Li Mingzhu's cultivation through the Chaos Creation Skill—a Foundation Establishment Skill known for its abundant mana reserves—this kind of limitless expenditure was unsustainable.
"Whizz!"
A dazzling flash of white appeared—a Sword Light streaking forth, growing from far to near, small to large.
Though the Sword Light was visible, the assassin in white showed no trace of himself. At first, the Sword Light still resembled a blade, but as it approached Li Mingzhu, its form began to shift infinitely.
From chaotic changes to eventual stabilization, the Sword Light transformed into a ferocious White Dragon. Once that evolution was complete, it marked the moment of the assassin's ultimate strike.
The attack targeted the weakest point in the defenses formed by Li Mingzhu's Spiritual Treasures. As a peak assassin, his observational skills were razor-sharp!
Finding vulnerabilities like these was something he had trained for countless times.
The White Dragon Sword Light slammed against Li Mingzhu's defensive barrier. Though it didn't break the defense outright, it further depleted Li Mingzhu's mana.
The already faltering defense barrier now teetered on the edge of collapse. If the assassin launched another attack, the barrier would undoubtedly shatter.
Frustratingly, just as Li Mingzhu concentrated all his strength to plan an unexpected counterattack against the assassin, the white-clad assassin slipped back into stillness.
Like a seasoned hunter, he deeply understood the exact moment prey might strike back viciously, leaving no openings for retaliation.
Seeing the assassin withholding action for so long, a wave of helplessness surged in Li Mingzhu's mind. Against such an opponent, even with mastery of the Spiritual Eye, could he truly emerge victorious?
Though doubt briefly tugged at his resolve, Li Mingzhu quickly composed himself. He believed in his own abilities, and he was certain that given a chance for direct confrontation, he could slay the assassin.
This wasn't arrogance, but conviction. Perhaps reality would prove otherwise; however, a steadfast belief undeniably impacted one's combat strength.
Faltering before the battle even begins ensures failure, even if victory seems within reach!
Ignoring whatever schemes the assassin had, Li Mingzhu focused entirely on comprehending the Spiritual Eye. "Attack if you wish; I shall remain unmoved," he thought.
The white-clad assassin likewise refrained from making a move, patiently waiting for Li Mingzhu's mana to dry up.
Li Mingzhu, in his current state, seemed to be enveloped by darkness. It was as if he had grasped the essence of the Spiritual Eye—and yet, had not. He seemed to hold onto a glimmer of Spiritual Light—but likewise felt it elude his grasp.
Time ticked by little by little. The Spiritual Treasures protecting Li Mingzhu now resembled candles flickering in the wind, each moment teetering on the brink of extinction.
At last, the assassin—having restrained himself for so long—struck again. Once more, his Sword Light flashed with lethal precision. The momentum stayed consistent, but this time it was profoundly different from his earlier attacks.
Though still white, the Sword Light now resembled a Fire Phoenix soaring through the skies—serene yet brimming with an aura of death.
Phoenix Pecking Sky! It was clearly sword qi pouring forth. And at this exact moment, Li Mingzhu suddenly opened his eyes, each hand gripping a different blade: the Cheng Ying Sword and the Three-foot Magic Sword!
"Take this back!"
Li Mingzhu shouted fiercely. The Cheng Ying Sword blocked the assassin's Phoenix Sword attack, while the Three-foot Magic Sword—or rather, the newly ascended Spirit Communication Sword—transformed into a phoenix-like stance and darted toward the assassin's hiding place.
In an instant, Spiritual Eye enlightenment was achieved, along with mastery of the Spirit Communication Sword and Spirit Communication Nine Transformations.
"Foolhardy!"
The white-clad assassin was astonished that Li Mingzhu had identified his location and even mimicked his sword technique. Yet he remained unconvinced that Li Mingzhu could turn the tide.
Casually unleashing another Sword Light, he intercepted Li Mingzhu's imitation attack from the Spirit Communication Sword. Comparing their cultivation levels and mastery, Li Mingzhu was simply outmatched—especially since his technique was but a replica.
If the Spirit Communication Sword were fully perfected, Li Mingzhu's strike would have been remarkable. But in its current form, it was clearly deficient.
When his move was countered, Li Mingzhu took no offense. Summoning his Physical Body Divine Domain once more, he grasped the Qiankun Ring tightly and leaped fiercely toward the assassin's concealed space.
Though the assassin changed his hiding spot once again with impeccable precision, even believing it flawless, he still failed to escape Li Mingzhu's Spiritual Eye perception.
Due to the advancement of the Spirit Communication Eye to the Spiritual Eye, Li Mingzhu uncovered the assassin's true origins—it turned out he possessed the legendary bloodline of the Undying Heavenly Silkworm, surpassing even the Dragon Clan and Phoenix Clan of ancient times.
It was said this race had been annihilated in the ancient era due to their overwhelmingly powerful bloodline. Yet here it was, not only surviving but cultivated into an assassin set on killing Li Mingzhu.
Should he count this as fortunate or cursed?
Without the advantage of staying hidden, the assassin revealed himself and engaged Li Mingzhu in hand-to-hand combat.
Armed with a bloodline stronger than the Dragon Clan or Phoenix Clan, how could the Heavenly Silkworm's physical prowess be weak?
Far from it—the Heavenly Silkworm's physical body had reached the Daluo Golden Immortal's perfect stage. Though weaponless, he fought Li Mingzhu to a stalemate.
Keep in mind, Li Mingzhu was already deploying all his abilities—using every method from the Domineering Magic Skill to maximizing his arsenal of Magical Treasures—just to achieve parity in this battle.
Li Mingzhu was clearly at a disadvantage in terms of stamina. The Heavenly Silkworm, having expended far less, still had plenty of reserves.
Speed was crucial. Li Mingzhu understood he had to end this quickly. Dragging out the duel would inevitably lead to his death, no matter the twists and turns along the way.
Moments of power and weakness may determine the journey but not the destination.
Though Li Mingzhu was currently equal with the Heavenly Silkworm, the outcome couldn't be judged by this fleeting equilibrium.