Starry Sky Professional

In the virtual space.

"This student named Nick, who has never logged into the battle arena before, has suddenly fought his way into the top twelve?"

"Even Gu Jiantong was defeated... He must have some skills, probably an upperclassman from the fourth or higher year."

The virtual space still struggles to manifest power beyond the Martial Golden Core stage, so the highest level achievable is the peak of external vision.

As long as it remains at the external vision level, Fang Xing has nothing to fear.

His mind was on another issue.

Since climbing onto the battle rankings in the second semester of his freshman year, he has steadfastly maintained the ninth position for nearly two years, accumulating more than forty academic credits.

Additionally, from his first through third year, he earned about ten credits annually.

Apart from twice understanding the Myriad Spirits Recording, he has had no other expenses.

Now, he has accumulated 70 credits!

“In theory, in just one more year, I should be able to exchange for a 'Restorative Elixir'...”

“But if I lose my ranking in the arena, I would be delayed by two or three years… directly putting it off until after the internship…”

“Undoubtedly, this is Wei Shentong’s revenge… or perhaps… a minor inconvenience?”

Fang Xing looked at the challenge notification and decisively hit the refuse button: “Just because you challenge me, I have to accept? Declined!”

…

In another part of the virtual space.

Several members of the Blood Kill Squad gathered together.

The curly-haired youth with crimson pupils, Nick, shook his head: “He refused my challenge…”

“That Fang Xing must know how strong our captain is and doesn’t dare face him.”

A female team member looked at Nick with admiration.

“This doesn’t matter, during the end-of-month challenge, even if he wants to avoid it, he won’t be able to…”

Nick smiled: “With the recent updates to the battle arena system… given my current ranking, he cannot refuse!”

“Let him be arrogant until the end of the month, does he really believe he’s the university’s ninth?”

Another older student crossed his arms: “If we weren’t always fighting bloody battles in the secret realms, unwilling to play child’s play… this battle ranking would have to be entirely rearranged.”

“You can't say that, Hu Yan Qiushui, Luo Kai, and Dark Star, they all are quite skilled.”

A hint of seriousness appeared on Nick’s face.

These individuals are true prodigies, even he doesn't have much confidence against them now.

...

The end of the month arrived swiftly.

In the virtual space, the number of visitors was extraordinarily high.

Every end-of-month challenge brought bustling activity to the battle platform.

On the virtual battlefield.

Fang Xing flicked his finger, a blade of light soaring to the skies, beheading his opponent across from him.

In the next moment, he saw the opponent the system had arranged automatically: "As expected... It's Nick, huh?"

Rumbling sounds filled the air!

The sky was covered in dark clouds, lightning flashing and thunder rumbling.

On a stretch of green grass.

Fang Xing saw a young man opposite him with slightly curly hair and crimson pupils: "What year are you in?"

"Seventh year..."

Nick chuckled, "Just got back from the battlefield, thought I'd have a few rounds here on the battle platform."

He didn't mention Wei Shentong at all, acting as if he was just here to play.

"Heh heh..."

Fang Xing remained noncommittal: "Let's begin!"

"Junior, let your senior show you what real combat is."

Nick raised his hand.

Fire!

A spark appeared at his fingertips, then turned into a blaze, as if burning a city to ashes, flames filling the sky!

In an instant, the surroundings became a hell of flames, the clouds in the sky seemingly scorched and evaporated...

"A domain of fire?"

"Such a powerful domain force, he's already at the peak of the outer vision, isn't he?"

Dragons roared and tigers growled around Fang Xing, faintly transforming into a Yin-Yang Taiji diagram.

In the area covered by this diagram, no flames could grow, and the grass remained lush green.

"Oh?"

Nick let out a long laugh. "Ranked ninth on the battle leaderboard, it seems you indeed have some skills!"

With a swift motion, a blood-red long saber appeared in his hand. His entire demeanor transformed dramatically from carefree and frivolous to a battle-hardened warrior, returning from the battlefield stained in blood!

An S-rank martial art—Blood Battle Thirteen Styles!

Nick swung his saber fiercely, and the sky seemed to collapse. Flames erupted and converged into a colossal giant of fire, standing tall as if it too wielded the long saber!

The enormous flame blade seemed to sweep through everything, descending upon Fang Xing!

……

"The captain's getting serious."

Outside the battlefield, the other members of the Blood Kill Squad watched keenly. Seeing this scene, a hint of a smile appeared on their faces. "I bet this Fang Xing can't last three moves!"

"Two moves!"

"One move!"

"Hmph, from what I see, even thirteen moves might not be enough for your captain to prevail."

At that moment, the voice of a young girl cut in from the side.

She had her hair styled in two buns and possessed delicate features—it was none other than Gu Yun!

"You're just students from a second-rate college... not worth the trouble!"

The Blood Kill Squad members sneered, dismissing her. To them, squabbling with a naive student like Gu Yun was truly beneath them!

Upon witnessing this, Gu Yun grew furious, her small chest rising and falling sharply. She despised being ignored more than anything!

Meanwhile, the situation on the battlefield began to change!

Around Fang Xing, a Yin-Yang Taiji diagram rapidly formed, transforming into a sword shape to meet the fiery giant's blade!

The sword moved like a torrential downpour, and instantly countless streams of water filled the air.

The cascading autumn waters washed over the world!

Surprisingly, the flames filling the sky began to extinguish en masse, with hardly any smoke remaining.

"Impressive swordsmanship!"

Unfazed, Nick swung his saber again.

This time, the light of the blade was tinged with streaks of red, almost tangible with menacing energy!

Clang! Clang!

Blades and swords clashed, and countless flashes of light crisscrossed in the air.

In the end, the longsword of Fang Xing, formed from the power of his domain, broke in half!

Two figures met midair; Fang Xing summoned a new blade with a greenish glow and continued his battle with Nick.

“I take back what I said earlier, this Fang Xing is truly formidable…,”

sighed a member of the Blood Kill Squad.

“But he still can’t beat the Captain. The Captain is incredibly strong… Especially his ‘Thirteen Techniques of Blood Battle’; once they start flowing, the continuous blade techniques can stack their power infinitely... Not to mention, there's even a fourteenth move!”

a female squad member added.

“Heh…”

Gu Jiantong shook his head upon hearing their conversation. “Those ‘Thirteen Techniques of Blood Battle’ may be a formidable S-class martial art, but having faced both of them, I know that Nick has only mastered this martial art. However, Fang Xing has already perfected a blade technique to the ultimate pinnacle…”

Even though the Ghost Spirit Blade is merely an A-grade martial art, Fang Xing has now fused his own learning into the Three Supreme Martial Techniques, which, as praised by Pan Xiong, hold an S-grade might!

With a swoosh, two bursts of bladed light flashed brilliantly.

Fang Xing observed Nick, who had already executed thirteen strikes, and nodded appreciatively, “Your swordsmanship is impressive… After thirteen strikes, you should have a fourteenth, right?”

Nick fell silent, an ominous feeling creeping over him, as though his trump card was laid bare.

Originally, he believed his martial skills were among the best at Blue Star University.

Yet, he never expected that in terms of intricate transformations, he would lose to Fang Xing!

In terms of proficiency, his blade technique was merely at a master level, while Fang Xing’s had ascended to the level of a grandmaster!

“The fourteenth strike!”

Nick’s crimson pupils seemed to ignite with flames.

At this pivotal moment, he still chose to trust the blade in his hand.

The myriad streaks of blade lights transformed, seemingly imbued with life, each with its own unique transformation!

“This tedious game should end.”

Fang Xing's longsword vanished, golden light blazed in his eyes, and his finger glowed with a golden hue, reaching forward!

With a tearing sound, the countless blade lights dispersed, and that blood-colored war blade found itself pinched between his two fingers, like a poisonous snake caught by its seven-inch spot.

No matter how Nick exerted his strength, he couldn't move an inch!

"Impossible!"

The scene was unbelievable not just for Nick, but for all the onlookers as well.

"Fang Xing..."

Hu Yan Qiushui's eyes sparkled with a hint of a smile on his face, "To think you've honed the Dragon Elephant Technique and the Vajra Prana Power to such a level... If you really intend to compete, I'm afraid my third place might be in jeopardy..."

Bang!

In the scene, with a forceful pinch of Fang Xing's two fingers, the blood-colored saber was snapped in half!

Next, with a pointed finger, he created a huge hole in Nick's chest, sending his lifeless body flying backward...

Upon seeing this, Wei Shentong's expression instantly turned exceedingly grim.

At that moment, a phone call came through, it was from Pan Xiong.

"Hahaha... Wei Shentong, did you see the performance of my student?"

Pan Xiong laughed heartily, seemingly quite pleased.

"I did, truly an exceptional talent."

Wei Shentong nodded, unsure of what scheme Pan Xiong might be plotting.

"Sigh... my student is of unfortunate circumstances, both a creation of biotechnology and a hard-fighting warrior... He’s achieved his current standing solely through his fists. If he were to be sabotaged again, wouldn't it disheart the hearts of countless students?"

Pan Xiong sighed nostalgically, yet his expression turned slightly mocking, "Tell me... if the big shot behind you finds out that you could easily have seized this opportunity but instead shut out this genius due to your arrogance, what do you think would happen?"

"Nothing much. Before a genius matures, they are always just a genius." Wei Shentong's face remained emotionless, "Are you threatening me on behalf of your student?!"

"No, no, no... I simply believe that fairness should be upheld in a university setting, don't you agree?"

Pan Xiong left it at that.

With him keeping an eye out, Wei Shentong wouldn't go too far.

Moreover, Wei Shentong, being at the Vajra Realm, is someone with a potential future as a Martial God.

Offending him too much wasn’t advisable.

"Besides... Fang Xing is just a small student, his affairs don’t matter much, but if it impacts your standing in the eyes of the big shots, wouldn’t that be quite the shame?"

Pan Xiong added with a smile.

"You're good..."

Wei Shentong squinted his eyes, "Seems you hold this student in high regard, planning to introduce him to the academic faction?"

"Haha, who knows what the future holds?"

Pan Xiong shook his head slightly, "In my opinion, the future should allow these young people to make their own choices. Wouldn't you agree?"

144. Formation (Survivor's Journey in the Chaotic World of Demonic Cultivation - Chapter Backlog Update 1)

"Sigh... I don't want trouble, so why does it always find me?"

In the world of cultivation, by the Drunken Moon Pool.

Fang Xing leaned against the railing, casually tossing fish food, with a hint of lament.

"Now that Wei Shentong has set his sights on me, it won't be more than two years before I have to intern... It's almost certain I'll be sent to the secret battlefield. Although the treatment is slightly better than that of soldiers, it's still very dangerous."

"I must quickly improve my strength!"

"In the secret realm, it's all about low-level, high-explosion... Such cultivators have the highest survival rate. If one possesses power far beyond their current level, it's almost like walking on flat ground, without much danger."

The secret realms reject technological weapons and have realm suppression.

Martial artists entering will only encounter enemies of the same tier, or at most, one tier higher.

If one can wield power far beyond their tier, they naturally ensure their safety.

"Thinking about it this way... Gu Jiantong has always suppressed his own level and hasn't broken through to the Outer Realm. Apart from consolidating his state and creating his own martial techniques, maybe he's also considering this. Truly a clever little fellow... or perhaps his family or a major power tipped him off?"

"Right, after all, coming from one of the three major educational planets, with such strong backing, he wouldn't face coercion from Wei Shentong."

"In truth, encountering these factions early can be an opportunity for some students... These major powers often have many good things, like the 'Cosmic Yin-Yang Qi,' and other rare items that enhance the foundation of the golden core... Without these, relying on one's own martial efforts, one might reach at most a seven-turn Vajra Realm..."

"Actually, even a seven-turn Vajra isn't bad; there's a high chance of breaking through to Martial Sage, and advancing to Martial God isn't entirely out of the question..."

Though the treasury has Cosmic Yin-Yang Qi, the exchange price is high, very high!

Even for the average genius, it's enough to induce despair.

If joining a major power grants it for free, surely many would choose that path.

"But that's different with Wei Shentong, only speaking of responsibilities, not benefits; it's outright bullying a novice like me..."

In truth, Wei Shentong merely sought to recruit talented individuals for his faction at minimal cost.

Benefits and such, he would discuss after signing a service contract.

It was this attitude that greatly displeased Fang Xing, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

"Currently, I can't break through to the Golden Core Realm in the short term. The matter of the Solar True Power is important, but not the top priority..."

"The top priority should be elixirs like the Bodhi Sap that can promote the advancement of Mighty Vajra Prana!"

If I enter the battlefield with a Golden Core Realm, I'll inevitably be placed in even more dangerous secret realms!

It's far less cost-effective than mastering the Dragon Elephant Vajra Unbreakable Technique!

Now, Fang Xing's Dragon Elephant skill has long reached the master level; as long as the Mighty Vajra Prana is similarly advanced, achieving the Dragon Elephant Vajra Unbreakable Technique will be as natural as flowing water.

"Once the Mighty Vajra Prana advances to the master level, the effect of Bodhi Sap significantly declines..."

"Perhaps... I need a higher-level body-strengthening elixir, maybe even... a third-tier one?"

"Still no results from Zheng Qian's side, as expected, Purple Orchid Immortal City is still too low-level?"

With this thought, Fang Xing flicked his 'Wind Snow Sword' lightly in hand.

Amidst the sound of the sword's cry, he soared into the sky!

A Foundation Establishment cultivator can fly with their own body, though long journeys greatly tax their mana, necessitating the use of spiritual tools.

At this moment, he barely managed to fly with his sword, simultaneously attempting to merge with it.

‘The Snow Wind Sword is ultimately not a specialized flying artifact...’

‘And the path of the sword cultivator is even more challenging... Even though I’ve gathered a few books on sword cultivation from the market, the most of them are only first or second rank.’

Sword cultivators!

They are a category among cultivators, renowned for their astounding combat power.

It is said that at their peak, they can ‘break all laws with a single strike’!

Not every cultivator who wields a flying sword can be called a sword cultivator.

“The foundation of sword cultivation lies in forging one’s life-bonded sword... Once it is achieved, your life is intertwined with the sword, and whether in cultivating sword energy or battling in duels, you progress rapidly...”

“It’s even rumored that sword cultivators don’t form a golden core, but a ‘sword core’!”

“This means... if I want to truly transition to a sword cultivator, it’s best to do so before forming my core; otherwise, at best, I’ll only be a dual cultivator...”

High above the sky, the wind roared fiercely.

Fang Xing’s form was like a dragon, the Snow Wind Sword becoming a streak of white light, piercing through cloud after cloud.

“This body has celestial-grade metal spirit roots; it would truly be a pity not to walk the path of sword cultivation...”

The power he currently cultivates naturally carries a sharp edge.

If converted into sword energy, it would only grow stronger!

The way of the sword cultivator is to make the strong stronger!

“The ancient path of sword cultivation comprises four major stages—Qi, Gang, Intent, and Force!”

The first stage of the sword path is ‘Condensing Sword into Qi’!

One only needs to cultivate sword Qi to be considered a novice.

This step is quite simple, something even Fang Xing has achieved.

His current Geng metal sword Qi is lethal enough that an ordinary Qi Condensation cultivator would die if merely brushed by it, let alone directly hit.

With a thought, the Snow Wind Sword emitted a delightful hum, transforming into a sharp, unparalleled golden sword Qi, slicing through the air in front, propelling his flight speed even further.

“The second stage of the sword path is ‘Forging Sword into Gang’!”

This step is as elusive as looking at flowers in fog; he knows that once the sword gang is condensed, the power of the flying sword will multiply, making it an almost unbeatable technique even among the Foundation Establishment stage.

Yet he is unable to enter this stage.

This is likely not due to a lack of aptitude or talent, but a lack of proper guidance and a truly bonded sword.

“The third stage of the sword path is perceiving Sword Intent... It feels somewhat akin to a martial artist’s will, but with subtle differences. I should have an advantage, but without forming the sword gang, it’s like building castles in the air.”

As for the fourth stage, ‘Sword Intent into Force’, it remains only in legends.

Moreover, the path of the sword is continuously evolving.

In contemporary times, there are additional branches such as ‘Unity of Man and Sword’, ‘Sword Qi Thunder Sound’, ‘Refining Sword into Threads’, ‘Sword Heart Clarity’, and so on...

This shows that the present may not necessarily fall behind the ancients.

However, these are supplementary techniques within each realm; the major realms of the sword path should still be Qi, Gang, Intent, and Force.

To master sword aura, one must first be able to use the technique of Sonic Sword Thunder.

Only by refining the sword gang can one weave sword into a thread, splitting sword light!

Finally, one must comprehend the 'Sword Heart' to achieve clarity of mind and wield sword intent.

These insights were gleaned from a manual on sword cultivation he had read.

Unfortunately, the book only provided an overview of levels without specific cultivation methods.

As Fang Xing traveled north towards Li Xian City, he practiced the Snow and Wind Sword technique, hoping to gain some enlightenment on Sonic Sword Thunder.

"Sonic Sword Thunder is likely an enhancement to sword aura, making it not only substantial but also drastically increasing its speed…"

"Once mastered, a Qi Refinement stage cultivator could be unbeatable, even posing a threat to Foundation Establishment cultivators…"

"This implies that the Sonic Sword Thunder emitted by a Qi Refinement stage sword cultivator could potentially penetrate a Foundation Establishment cultivator's True Essence shield."

Fang Xing casually unleashed several Geng Metal sword auras.

Though impressive, they lacked the accompanying thunder sound.

"As expected, I'm still missing a sword cultivation technique... Perhaps joining the Heavenly Sword Sect in Qi Country would be wise? They are famed for their swordsmanship, surely they have numerous sword cultivators…"

After some playful trials, Fang Xing recalled the Snow and Wind Sword, casting an incantation.

The sword transformed into a giant sword, about ten feet long, beneath him, allowing him to fly.

"This is rather wasteful… The Snow and Wind Sword isn’t a true flying artifact…"

"Strictly speaking, it’s only slightly better than a Foundation Establishment cultivator flying with their body…"

Fang Xing estimated that even flying like this, it would take nearly six to seven days.

During the day, he traveled; at night, he’d casually land, find a place to rest, and restore his magic.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and he reached the eastern frontier of Zheng Country.

He saw the craggy mountains, where once scattered residences had vanished, and occasionally the tracks of demonic beasts appeared—truly a region of desolate mountains and rivers.

It was impossible for ordinary people to cross the borders.

Even large merchant caravans needed to follow carefully charted safe routes, yet Qi Refinement cultivators could still face danger and suffer losses.

The perilous journey and difficult communication laid the foundation for many merchants' profits!

However, for Foundation Establishment cultivators capable of flight, crossing mountains and ridges was an effortless task.

Fang Xing plunged into the mountains, but soon his brow furrowed.

At the horizon, there was a mass of dark clouds, with faint thunder and violent magical fluctuations.

“A formation?”

“Is there a cultivator battle? Or are they besieging a demonic beast?”

Approaching slightly, he discovered a formation and became cautious.

“Better not meddle, just leave quietly…”

Fang Xing immediately maneuvered the Snow and Wind Sword, intending to steer clear of the area.

At that moment, an unforeseen change occurred!

Amidst the dark clouds, an immense force emerged, as if it were absorbing everything around it. The black clouds quickly expanded and engulfed him entirely!

...

Just moments before.

On a mountain peak.

Senior Brother Lian and Junior Brother were guarding a pitch-black formation flag. The flag was painted in a deep black hue, featuring a thunderous beast that spewed lightning, exuding a ferocious and ancient aura.

On the surrounding mountain peaks, other formation tools were faintly visible.

The many formation patterns combined to form a shroud of dark clouds, covering an area several miles across.

At the center of the dark clouds, a figure with long purple hair was being relentlessly bombarded by lightning.

They wielded a violet treasure, emanating a brilliant purple light, barely holding off the thunderous assault.

Meanwhile, an emaciated elder stood atop a Second Grade Superior winged flying serpent, wielding a pitch-black saber treasure, launching continuous attacks.

Under the combined assault of the formation and the elder, the figure with purple hair was in extreme danger.

"Good, with the intervention of the sect elder, we'll capture that wretch for sure this time!"

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily at the scene before him: "Our ambush has not been in vain. Even our ancestor ventured into the wilderness to lower her vigilance... By then, Ziyuan Immortal City will belong to our Lian family and the Ten Thousand Beast Sect."

The one under siege was none other than the ruler of Ziyuan Immortal City—Master Ziyuan!

"Hmm... Our sect will gain a substantial source of wealth, benefiting numerous disciples," the late-stage Qi Refinement Junior Brother chuckled, his eyes revealing an inexplicable gleam: "It's a good thing our sect can so accurately track Master Ziyuan's movements... allowing for this ambush."

"Haha, our sect aims to dominate the Kingdom of Zheng, how could we not prepare in advance? Naturally, there are insiders from our Ten Thousand Beast Sect within Ziyuan Immortal City!"

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily: "With the foundation collapsing, even those merely passing messages eagerly offer more, rallying more to our cause..."

"I see... Hmm? A cultivator is approaching... It's a Foundation Establishment cultivator!"

Junior Brother took out a formation disk, observing a light point that was rapidly closing in, his expression shifted.

"Hmph, our Ten Thousand Beast Sect is conducting business here, those with sense should retreat of their own accord... For a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to dare step into our 'Ancient Thunder Thousandfold Formation', it would mean death for him!"

The Lian-named cultivator pointed a finger, chanting incantations under his breath.

On the formation disk, the light point expanded, revealing a young cultivator in silver robes riding a sword, appearing extraordinarily carefree. At this moment, he seemed intent on avoiding the area by a wide margin.

"It's him?!"

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily: "An unexpected stroke of luck... The Ancient Thunder Thousandfold Formation can extend its reach. We should expand the formation's scope immediately, drawing him into the formation's core... With this near-Third Grade formation, suppressing a Foundation Establishment cultivator is a mere trifle... He'll cough up all the fortune he's acquired!"

He had long since claimed the opportunity of Fang Xing's Foundation Establishment for himself, making the decision without a second thought.

Even if the Foundation Establishment opportunity had been expended, the storage bag and spirit tools of a Foundation Establishment cultivator were ample compensation.

"This isn't a good idea, is it? We're already handling something important, it's best not to complicate matters further," Junior Brother hesitated slightly.

"I'm in charge this time, do it. Any problems, I'll handle it,"

Senior Brother Lian took out a medallion, pouring in his magical power with determination.

In a corner of the Ancient Thunder Formation, a mass of dark clouds suddenly expanded, engulfing Fang Xing's figure...

“What's happening?”

The disciples from other directions, upon seeing this scene, couldn't help but cast their gazes over: “Turns out it's Senior Brother Lian planning to grab a bite in the wild... But dealing with a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, he can suppress them with a turn of his hand."

...

“Hmm?”

When Fang Xing's vision cleared, he found himself atop a small hill, with thousands of thunderbolts crackling overhead.

On the opposite side stood two very familiar figures.

“Haha, Fang, you’ve finally fallen into my hands. Let’s see who will save you this time...”

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily, preparing to mock Fang Xing mercilessly, unleashing the pride swelling in his chest.

With his Qi Refinement cultivation, dominating the life of a Foundation Establishment cultivator indeed filled him with satisfaction.

Whoosh!

Before he finished speaking, the Blizzard Sword transformed into a streak of white light, fiercely slashing forward.

Sizzle!

A web of lightning appeared, completely blocking the sword's energy.

“Now that you’ve fallen into the formation, you still want to turn the tables?”

Senior Brother Lian’s smile grew wider.

Facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he had naturally prepared thoroughly.

With a near third-grade formation guarding him, even though most of its power was on Master Ziyuan’s side, it wasn’t something a mere early Foundation Establishment stage...

Whoosh!

Suddenly, within his eyes, a sword light appeared.

That gleaming, cold sword light, dotted with gold, shook the lightning web, carving out a narrow gap.

And then...

There was a flash of light.

Senior Brother Lian’s head was instantly vaporized, his body crumbled to the ground.

His nearby junior was frozen with a look of horror, not having time to react before his head too vanished...

“I hadn’t intended to find you, yet you dare to walk into my hands?”

Fang Xing smiled faintly. Before the cries of the other disciples reached him, he raised a finger.

Whoosh!

The Blizzard Sword turned into a streak of white light, striking fiercely upon the formation flag at the mountain peak!

Boom!

The entire Ancient Thunder Formation shuddered suddenly!

145. Chapter 145: Battling the Pseudo Core

Master Ziyuan held a violet treasure orb, struggling to hold her ground.

Suddenly!

A tremor shook the earth and a massive chunk of the thunderclouds collapsed!

“An opportunity!”

Having honed her skills to the False Core stage, Master Ziyuan—a rogue cultivator—had seen her share of duels, amassing a wealth of experience.

Though she was uncertain why the formation fell apart, she seized the chance.

“Go!”

Forming a seal with her hands, a drop of vital blood was forced out.

The violet orb absorbed the blood, glowing intensely, and transformed into a blood-feathered violet bird that soared into the thundercloud, erupting in countless runes and exploding with a resounding boom.

The sky, once covered in thunderclouds, cleared instantaneously, revealing endless blue.

On the mountaintops, the disciples from the Myriad Beasts Sect turned pale, spitting blood wildly.

Three beams of Foundation Establishment light charged aggressively towards Fang Xing.

Aware of the dangers in the False Core battle, they'd rather trouble Fang Xing than join the fray.

“Myriad Beasts Sect, mark my words, I will repay today's events,” declared Master Ziyuan, her slender figure donned in a purple gown, her beautiful face exuding authority.

“Repay one day? I'm afraid you won't live to see it,” the sect elder remarked, standing on a four-winged serpentine creature, retrieving his black blade treasure to shield himself while stroking his pet with a hint of regret on his face. “I didn't want to use this trump card, but that damned Lian, even if he survives, will face execution upon my return!”

As the formation leader, he understood the changes within the formation.

He realized that troublemaker, the true disciple Lian, had imprudently trapped a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the formation.

Not only failing to kill Fang Xing but also allowing him to find an opportunity for a counterattack, destroying part of the formation.

Otherwise, Master Ziyuan would never have broken free, eventually wearing out, and he wouldn't have to pay such a high price.

But now, things had changed.

“Little Blue...”

Elder Zong shouted sharply, retrieving a bottle of pills from his storage bag hidden in his robes, and tossed the bottle directly into the mouth of the four-winged flying serpent seated beneath him.

The giant serpent exerted a bit of force, crushing the jade bottle to powder, allowing a single crimson pill to swiftly slide down its throat.

Hiss!

The four-winged flying serpent immediately let out a long hiss towards the sky, its scales cracking, while a small bump began to protrude from its head, seemingly ready to sprout a horn.

Master Ziyuan, witnessing this scene, recalled something: "I've heard that old ghost Lian gained great benefits from the Wild Lands, raising a 'Horned Serpent' to mid-grade tier two... Half of the Horned Serpent's bloodline is of dragon origin. Could this pill be a 'Dragon Transformation Pill' refined from its blood?"

“Precisely, it’s a 'Dragon Transformation Pill'. Though it's merely a fake, it’s enough to grant my spirit beast temporary dragon blood.”

Elder Zong sneered and began chanting spells with hand signs.

With power surging around him, he pushed the fake pill to its limits, emitting a formidable magical fluctuation.

Beneath him, the four-winged flying serpent twisted uneasily as if on the brink of transforming into a dragon.

“Not good, Spirit Possession Technique?!”

Master Ziyuan urgently lifted her hand, casting a talisman.

Countless azure thunderbolts raged, resembling serpentine dragons, targeting Elder Zong. It was a third-tier Azure Wood Divine Thunder Talisman!

Boom!

Endless lightning swept across but was entirely blocked by a pitch-black long-bladed treasure.

The azure thunderbolts, imbued with unspeakable destructive and vital forces, fell upon the dark sword's manifested black light screen, silently dissolving away...

Though the Azure Wood Divine Thunder Talisman was indeed third-tier, so too was the black sword, and Elder Zong had prepared in advance, solely defending without attacking, making the resistance rather effortless.

Master Ziyuan chanted softly, seemingly preparing a high-powered spell, casting a glance at the 'Purple Brush Pearl' treasure in her hand, then sighed internally.

Earlier, in order to break through the large formation, she had reluctantly pushed this low-tier treasure to its full power. Now, its essence was damaged, needing to be nurtured back in her dantian to regain its original condition.

Going head-to-head with the black sword treasure now yielded little hope of victory.

Meanwhile, Elder Zong had finished his spell, his eyes glinting with a touch of bloodred, and a peculiar smile emerging on his face: “Spirit Possession Technique!”

This was a secret art of Myriad Beasts Sect, requiring the sacrifice of a tier two dragon-race beast, with extremely rich dragon blood!

A former great elder of Myriad Beasts Sect, a master alchemist, spent half his life formulating a 'Fake Dragon Transformation Pill', capable of dramatically enhancing the bloodline power of dragon-race beasts like serpents and carps for three hours!

The creation of this pill requires blood from a horned serpent of at least the second mid-tier as a catalyst.

It is for this reason that even Old Ghost Lian is so invested in that ink jade python, with the goal of upgrading his horned serpent!

Currently, the horned serpent, through regular bloodletting, can continuously produce the pseudo 'Dragon Transformation Pill', significantly boosting the power of various pseudo-core and core formation cultivators within the Myriad Beasts Sect.

Amidst the roars of the sect elder, the four-winged flying serpent beneath him let out a painful screech, and a single horn emerged from its head.

Then, an aura of blood-red light ignited across its scales.

The massive second-tier serpent demon turned to ashes in an instant, leaving only a poison dragon-like demon soul extracted and held in the sect elder's hand.

Gazing at the demon soul in his hand, which resembled a poison dragon, a look of regret and reluctance flashed in his eyes. Then, pointing a finger at Master Ziyuan, he commanded: "Go!"

Like an arrow, the poison dragon shot towards Master Ziyuan.

Master Ziyuan waved her hand, and a layer of purple crystal stone materialized from thin air, forming a gigantic shield to protect her.

The purple pearl treasure fell in front of her, casting a dense, impenetrable purple light barrier, adorned with countless runes swirling like tadpoles.

With a swoosh, the demon soul-transformed arrow easily pierced through the purple crystal shield, leaving a hole in the light barrier. Though its size shrank significantly and it became almost transparent, it still managed to burrow into Master Ziyuan's forehead.

"A third-tier method!" Mammoth skill, using a demon soul as a base, transforming it into a soul-chasing poison arrow; to be struck by it is like having a festering wound attaching itself to one's bones!

If performed by Old Ghost Lian from the Myriad Beasts Sect, not even mid to late-stage core formation cultivators would dare to take it head-on.

The sect elder, although only possessing a pseudo-core, executed a genuine third-tier incantation of possessing skill, akin to the strike of a true core, dealing serious damage to Master Ziyuan!

Moreover, the poisonous dragon demon soul carried a bizarre, potent toxin, continuously corroding Master Ziyuan's body, mana, spirit, and even her pseudo core!

Without treatment, she would perish within three days!

"Such a possessing skill... it's indeed as formidable as rumored, no less than divine powers."

Master Ziyuan swallowed a spiritual pill, barely suppressing her injuries, yet despair loomed in her heart.

"I've sacrificed my spiritual pet for this; today, you will surely die here."

Wielding his black blade treasure, the sect elder's expression turned ferocious.

At that moment, as if sensing something, he scanned with his spiritual sense.

Amist the chaotic battlefield, two of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the sect were taken down in rapid succession by a shadowy figure.

The Qi Refinement disciples fared even worse, hunted down one by one by a swift silver silhouette.

“Elder… save me!” cried the last remaining Foundation Establishment cultivator, desperately fleeing towards Elder Zong under the cover of a defensive spirit bell.

Completely baffled, the cultivator had merely set out to eliminate an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, only to be ambushed by a terrifying body cultivator who emerged from underground, killing his two companions in the blink of an eye.

Fortunately, the ‘Golden Yuan Bell’ in his hand was a high-grade spirit tool known for its defensive abilities and its automatic protection feature.

Otherwise, he would have been struck dead by a single punch!

Elder Zong's eyes widened with rage: "Today, I must not spare you!"

Despite Fang Xing's aura feeling as mundane as a mortal's, the two pseudo Core cultivators found it laughable.

How could a mortal possibly fly with their physical body?

It was clear he used a technique to hide his true power. Judging by his earlier display of immense strength, he must be a quasi-third-stage body cultivator, comparable to a pseudo Core cultivator.

However, quasi-third-stage body cultivators did not possess the variety of techniques pseudo Core cultivators had, invariably leaving them at a disadvantage in battle.

Elder Zong was among the strongest of the pseudo Core cultivators and was on the verge of achieving the feat of slaying another pseudo Core cultivator, so he naturally looked down on these lower-ranked body cultivators.

"Die!"

As Fang Xing charged toward him, Elder Zong immediately gestured towards his black-bladed magical weapon.

The black long blade hummed, and the ghostly head carved into its hilt emitted a chilling scream that attacked the spirit.

Elder Zong knew that most body cultivators had weak spirit defenses, so he specifically targeted this vulnerability.

Not only that, but the black-bladed weapon flashed, launching a barrage of dark wind blades.

Countless slashes of black gusts spiraled into a tornado, coalescing into a massive dragon-like shadow that aimed to engulf Fang Xing.

Suddenly!

Fang Xing's nanomaterial protective suit began to crack under the assault, revealing skin as tough as if clad in golden silk armor.

‘My body's resilience cannot match a magical weapon in direct combat... However, if I dodge the weapon's direct attacks, these magical strikes and their aftereffects will feel like nothing more than a gentle breeze.’

With a swift use of the Aerial Dance Steps, Fang Xing leaped out of the dark vortex, his feet barely touching the ground as he closed in on Elder Zong.

“Impossible...”

Elder Zong's eyes were wide with disbelief; how could this body cultivator's spiritual defenses be so fortified and his aerial agility unmatched?

But he had no time to delve further.

Golden lights flickered in Fang Xing’s eyes, and an overwhelming martial will crashed into the pseudo Core cultivator's mind, causing a fleeting moment of distraction.

Then, Fang Xing extended three fingers, channeling immense power through them!

—The Tri-Talent Star Martial Technique!

—Vajra Prajna Divine Force!

(End of Chapter)