Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen, carrying Li Mu, sped towards the Xuantian Sword Sect on their swords, having clearly discovered several waves of pursuers behind them.
"Bastards! Do you really think our Xuantian Sword Sect has no one? How dare you act so presumptuously in the Central State Spirit Domain!"
Sword Master Feng's Divine Sense swept out like a sharp sword, instantly revealing several figures hidden in the clouds behind them. These figures were from the Xuanxiao Sect, Nether Sect, Taiyi Sect, and Extreme Yin Sect. They rode various Spirit Ships, working together, clearly having planned this in advance.
"Sword Master Feng, I merely wish to meet Great Master Li and discuss Artifact Refining matters. This has nothing to do with you, so why push me away?" Nether Sect Master Gao Hong shouted, his voice piercing through the clouds and echoing all around.
"Surname Feng, have you gotten used to being overbearing! This Central State isn't solely controlled by your Xuantian Sword Sect," Sect Leader Xin Tiansen transmitted with a cold voice.
"Isn't that right! Aren't you perhaps looking down on the Taiyi Sect!" Extreme Yin Sect Master Liu Zongwei glanced at Taiyi Sect's Vice Sect Master Xu Wen, and transmitted his Divine Thought with a sarcastic tone.
A hint of anger flashed in Taiyi Sect's Vice Sect Master Xu Wen's eyes as he looked at Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen, quickly transmitting his thoughts to distance himself: "Brother Feng, Brother Chen, please don't misunderstand, I merely have something I wish to discuss with Great Master Li, and have no connection with them."
Sword Master Feng was too lazy to respond to them. He carried Li Mu and sped on his sword. Once they reached the Xuantian Sword Sect's territory, these petty individuals would naturally not dare to act so presumptuously.
Sword Master Chen followed closely, his gaze like a torch, constantly vigilant of his surroundings, his hand forming sword incantations, ready to respond to any sudden attack at any moment.
"Hmph, a bunch of clowns, daring to cause trouble here?" Sword Master Feng sneered inwardly, but his expression remained calm. His speed did not decrease but increased, as he skillfully weaved through the mountain ranges, leaving behind trails of afterimages, making it difficult for the pursuers behind him to lock onto him.
Li Mu, caught in the middle, felt the tense atmosphere around him, yet he remained exceptionally calm.
Li Mu fully circulated the Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture, preparing to assist Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen at the critical moment. At the same time, he was also contemplating how to resolve the current crisis.
"Everyone, what virtue or ability do I, Li, possess to warrant your esteemed presence?" Li Mu's Divine Thought spread widely, clearly reaching everyone's ears, then he continued: "Seniors, if you truly have questions regarding Artifact Refining, why not wait until Li has safely returned to the Xuantian Sword Sect, and then extend an invitation for a straightforward exchange? Wouldn't that better showcase your Sect's demeanor?"
At these words, many of the pursuers showed embarrassed expressions. They had to admit that Li Mu's words had indeed hit their weak spot. Their actions on this trip were indeed not honorable, and could even be described as somewhat despicable.
However, the arrow was on the string and had to be loosed.
Li Mu's Artifact Refining ability truly made them envious. Firstly, they could not let him stay in the Xuantian Sword Sect, lest the Xuantian Sword Sect grow too strong. Secondly, they also wanted to obtain Dao Artifacts refined by Li Mu to aid them in acquiring the Opportunity for Dao. If not, they could only eliminate him to prevent future troubles.
"Hmph, less nonsense! Today, you either come with me, or you won't live to return to the Xuantian Sword Sect!"
Nether Sect Master Gao Hong roared, taking the initiative to attack. His figure flickered, transforming into a black shadow, holding the Nether Ghost Banner, and charging towards the three of them.
Facing Gao Hong's fierce offensive, Sword Master Feng's eyes narrowed, and a cold smile played on his lips.
"A defeated opponent, daring to boast before me!" Sword Master Feng growled, his spiritual power surging like a rushing river. With a wave of his right hand, a brilliant sword light shot out from his palm, directly at Gao Hong.
But this was merely a bait; the true killing Move was yet to come.
Just as Gao Hong's attention was drawn by the sword light and he prepared to block it, Sword Master Feng's left hand quietly reached into his storage ring. With a gentle stroke, a green Dao Sword—Qingyuan—instantly appeared in his palm.
The Qingyuan Sword's body shimmered with a faint green glow, as if it contained dense wind Dao. This sword was connected to Sword Master Feng's will, appearing silently, and instantly transforming into a green streak of light, bypassing Gao Hong's defense and striking directly at his vital point.
"What?" Gao Hong was greatly shocked. He had never expected Sword Master Feng to have such a terrifying hidden Move. He hastily mobilized the Nether Ghost Banner, attempting to block this sudden strike, but the Qingyuan Sword was extremely fast, and its Sword Intent was sharp, easily penetrating the Ghost Banner's defense and pressing directly towards Gao Hong's vital point.
"Bang!" With a loud crash, the Qingyuan Dao Sword collided with Gao Hong's protective spiritual power, erupting in dazzling light.
Gao Hong felt an indescribable immense force, and he was sent reeling backward, his face ashen, clearly having suffered a significant injury.
"A High Grade Dao Sword, its power is indeed extraordinary!" Gao Hong gritted his teeth, suppressing the churning Qi and blood within him.
At this moment, Gao Hong's eyes were filled with murderous intent, raging with anger, but more than that, there was shock and apprehension. He had not expected that Sword Master Feng had refined the Seventh-Order Dao Sword to such an extent, easily breaking his Move with a single sword strike.
"What are you still standing around for? This Opportunity is rare. If you let them escape, you'll suffer!" Gao Hong's voice, tinged with urgency and unwillingness, echoed in the chaotic air, attempting to spur the other Sects into action.
Upon hearing this, the Sect Masters of the other forces changed their expressions slightly, knowing that once Sword Master Feng and his two companions escaped back to the Xuantian Sword Sect, it would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens to try and deal with Li Mu again.
"Everyone, if not now, then when!" Gao Hong roared.
Hearing this, Xin Tiansen's eyes hardened, and he was the first to respond. The Xuanxiao Sect's Spirit Ship suddenly accelerated, its Formation glowing brightly. Several sharp sword lights, accompanied by thunderous roars, tore through the sky, heading straight for Sword Master Feng and his group.
Seeing this, Extreme Yin Sect Master Liu Zongwei no longer hesitated and launched his attack, waving his hands lightly.
Instantly, the surrounding clouds converged into several black giant pythons, opening their gaping maws and hissing as they lunged towards Sword Master Feng and his companions.
The power of the Combined Body Realm's Law Domain instantly activated, causing the entire world to change color.
Taiyi Sect's Vice Sect Master Xu Wen appeared cautious. Both Taiyi Sect and Xuantian Sword Sect were located in the Central State Spirit Domain, so he found it difficult to directly intervene. He merely instructed his subordinates to control their Spirit Ship to closely follow the group.
At the same time, Sword Master Chen also seized the Opportunity to attack. His figure flickered, appearing like a ghost beside Liu Zongwei, and he swung out his Seventh-Order High Grade Gengjin Dao Sword.
In an instant, the power of the Gengjin Sword Formation within the Gengjin Dao Sword erupted completely. Countless sharp Sword Qi, like ten thousand arrows unleashed simultaneously, instantly tore through the air, intertwining with the black giant pythons, erupting in deafening roars.
The Gengjin Qi, utterly unyielding and fierce, was indestructible. Even the giant pythons formed by the Extreme Yin Sect's Yin Sha Qi appeared fragile and weak under these incomparably sharp sword lights. One by one, the giant pythons were cut into segments, turning into black smoke and dissipating into nothingness.
Sword Master Feng was not to be outdone. He controlled the wind-elemental Dao Sword, Qingyuan, unleashing its full power. His figure in the wind seemed to merge with Qingyuan, graceful and agile. With a gentle wave of the Qingyuan Dao Sword, the surrounding air surged, forming swirling green wind vortices, accompanied by whistling sounds, like the wrath of nature, once again sweeping towards Gao Hong.
Facing Gao Hong's anger and shock, Sword Master Feng merely smiled indifferently. The Qingyuan Dao Sword in his hand seemed to have a life of its own; every swing was accompanied by the rhythm of the wind, precise and deadly. His figure was like a ghost, moving through the battlefield. Wherever the Qingyuan Dao Sword passed, enemies were swept up by the strong winds, blood splattered, and they were thrown far away.
"Gao the Thief, experience my Wind Dao!"
Sword Master Feng's voice echoed in the wind, brimming with killing intent. He once again activated the Qingyuan Dao Sword. With a light tap of the sword tip, a powerful gust of wind instantly condensed into a green Wind Phoenix, spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, then suddenly swooping down, striking directly at Gao Hong's location.
Gao Hong's face turned ashen. He hadn't expected Sword Master Feng's sword techniques, bolstered by a Seventh-Order Dao Sword of the same attribute, to increase in power severalfold, becoming so elusive. Nor had he expected that the seemingly gentle wind power could condense into such a terrifying offensive.
Gao Hong had no choice but to release a Nine Nether Kun Whale ship and use its defensive array to block, but the ship's hull was still shaken back repeatedly by that force, causing his Qi and blood to churn within him.
On the other side, Sword Master Chen was locked in an intense battle with Xuanxiao Sect's Sect Leader Xin Tiansen. Their clash was like the clang of metal, each collision of sword light stirring up ripples in space.
Xin Tiansen, as the Sect Leader of Xuanxiao Sect, his strength was naturally not to be underestimated. He wielded a long sword wreathed in flames, with what seemed like fire spirits dancing on its blade. Every sword swing was accompanied by raging flames, scorching the surrounding air into distortion.
In a flash of lightning, Sword Master Chen's figure suddenly blurred, leaving an afterimage in his original spot, while he himself appeared like a ghost on Xin Tiansen's flank. The Gengjin Dao Sword was swung out again, and this time, he condensed all his power, the sword light dazzling.
"Instantaneous Sword, Slash!" With Sword Master Chen's low roar, the Sword Qi within the Gengjin Sword Formation instantly condensed into an indestructible, sharp sword light, like a meteor streaking across the sky, instantly piercing through Xin Tiansen's defense.
Xin Tiansen felt an irresistible force coming from the sword tip. His protective spiritual power was as fragile as paper in front of this force, instantly tearing apart. He was greatly alarmed and wanted to dodge, but it was too late. He could only watch helplessly as the sword light slashed towards his chest.
Just at this critical moment, a protective Magical Artifact on Xin Tiansen's body instantly activated, forming a temporary shield that barely blocked Sword Master Chen's fatal blow. But even so, he was sent flying backward, his face ashen, clearly having suffered a significant injury.
"Good! Good!"
Xin Tiansen steadied himself, a trace of blood spilling from his lips, but his eyes gleamed with an even more intense light. It was a fighting spirit and defiance pushed to the extreme. "Sword Master Chen, you truly live up to your reputation. Today's battle, I, Xin Tiansen, have truly experienced it!"
With that, he tightly gripped the flaming longsword, closed his eyes in concentration, and moments later, the flames around him surged violently, as if his entire Aura had merged with the longsword. Within the flames, faint Dragon roars could be heard. That was the ultimate Profound Truth of his Xuanxiao Sect's treasured artifact, the "Heaven-Burning Dragon Flame Sword"—"Dragon Flame Burning Heaven."
"Take my sword!"
Xin Tiansen roared, his figure transforming into a crimson streak of light, carrying a world-destroying Aura, and lunging towards Sword Master Chen. The flaming longsword drew a dazzling arc in the air, brilliant and deadly.
Facing this sudden offensive, Sword Master Chen's expression was solemn. He did not retreat but advanced, true essence surging within him. The Gengjin Dao Sword glowed brightly, and golden sword shadows condensed around its blade, like the convergence of myriad starlight, a supreme manifestation of his Sword Dao—"Extreme Gold Sword Domain."
"Kill!" With Sword Master Chen's soft chant, the sword shadows instantly materialized, forming a massive Sword Domain that enveloped Xin Tiansen's attack.
Within the Extreme Gold Sword Domain, every golden sword shadow contained destructive power, fiercely colliding with Xin Tiansen's Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Slash, erupting in deafening roars and dazzling light that obscured the sky.
...
At this moment, Sword Master Chen's Gengjin Dao Sword and Sword Master Feng's Qingyuan Dao Sword shone brilliantly, one gold and one green, together weaving a thrilling battle tableau.
The two were perfectly in sync, their cooperation seamless. They protected Li Mu behind them, fighting as they fled, resisting attacks from all directions. Sword light crisscrossed, forcing their opponents to retreat steadily.
Li Mu could not intervene in the battle of Combined Body Realm experts. He knew his duty was to protect himself.
Li Mu summoned the Seventh-Order High Grade Dao Artifact, the Yin-Yang Essence Wheel. This Dao Artifact integrated the Dao of Yin and Yang Reversal, containing both terrifying destructive power and infinite life force, perfectly suited as a trump card prepared specifically for today's perilous situation.
In the fierce battle, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen continuously struck and contained their pursuers, gradually turning the tide of the battle.
After a prolonged assault without success, they gradually approached the Xuantian Sword Sect, and the intense battle fluctuations were very likely to attract reinforcements from the Xuantian Sword Sect.
Nether Sect Master Gao Hong was somewhat exasperated and prepared to seize an Opportunity to act against Li Mu, completely eradicating the Xuantian Sword Sect's Artifact Refining Great Master.
Perceiving the hidden killing intent from the other side, Li Mu's mind sharpened. He quickly formed hand seals, and the Yin-Yang Essence Wheel slowly rotated above his head, releasing waves of profound fluctuations that condensed the Yin and Yang power of heaven and earth.
Just as Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen were focused on dealing with Extreme Yin Sect Master Liu Zongwei and Xuanxiao Sect Leader Xin Tiansen, Gao Hong unleashed his Combined Body Realm Nether Law Domain, attempting to silently envelop Li Mu.
"Yin-Yang Wheel, Rotate!"
However, Li Mu had already prepared. With his low roar, the Yin-Yang Essence Wheel suddenly accelerated its rotation, as if transforming into the purest intersection of Yin and Yang Qi in heaven and earth, releasing dazzling light. Within that light, there was both destructive black lightning and vibrant emerald vitality. The two intertwined, forming a unique defensive barrier that tightly enveloped Li Mu.
Gao Hong's Nether Law Domain, upon touching this barrier, was like encountering an invisible wall, being forcibly blocked outside and unable to advance further. However, all of his Combined Body Realm true essence surged out, instantly breaking through the Sun Moon Essence Wheel's protective shield.
But, Li Mu, who was inside the Yin-Yang Essence Wheel, had already disappeared, causing him to momentarily freeze.
"Gao the Thief! How dare you!"
Seeing this, Sword Master Feng was enraged. He abandoned his opponent and the Qingyuan Dao Sword flew through the air towards Gao Hong.
"Die!"
Sword Master Chen was instantly enraged. He dared to lay a killing hand on Li Mu. Thousands of Gengjin Dao Sword shadows instantly merged into one, slashing down towards Gao Hong.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, lend me a hand, I, Gao, will be eternally grateful!" Gao Hong's face changed drastically, and his figure transformed into a black shadow, fleeing towards the Taiyi Sect's fleet of ships.
Facing Gao Hong's hasty escape, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen did not hesitate in the slightest. Their figures shot up, pursuing relentlessly. The Gengjin Dao Sword and Qingyuan Dao Sword intertwined in the air, forming a dazzling sword net, vowing to slay Gao Hong. (End of Chapter)
