Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's fiery giant hand was blocked by the sword formation, and the scorching flames intertwined with the icy sword light, erupting with dazzling radiance.
The entire valley was instantly filled with violent spiritual energy fluctuations, and the ground trembled violently, cracking open bottomless fissures.
"This... how is this possible!" A hint of shock flashed in Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's eyes; he hadn't expected these Puppets to be able to unleash such a powerful sword formation, subtly gaining the upper hand over him.
The thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets were expressionless, like emotionless combat machines; their movements were uniform, and thirteen Dragon Tooth Dao Swords rapidly shuttled through the sword formation, generating sharp sword beams that left Fire Kirin Immortal Lord covered in blood.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's face turned extremely grim; he realized he had underestimated the strength of these Puppets.
If he continued like this, he would not only fail to seize the "Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron" Artifact Refining diagram but might even perish here.
"Die!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord roared, and the flames around him suddenly expanded, so intense that they almost ignited the surrounding air.
His figure began to twist and deform within this violent power, and with a deafening roar, a colossal creature burst forth from the flames—a fiery Qilin covered in crimson scales, treading on raging flames, with eyes like torches; this was Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's true form.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord transformed into a fiery Qilin, flames surging around him, and a scorching aura instantly swept through the entire valley.
His eyes were like two burning suns, exuding a heart-pounding pressure, as if to incinerate everything.
His four hooves stepped in the Void Realm, and with each step, a trail of flames was left in the air.
"Roar—!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord let out an earth-shattering roar; the sound waves swept forth like a tangible force, shattering the surrounding rocks, and the ground cracked into countless bottomless fissures.
Facing Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's might, the thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets remained expressionless; their movements were uniform, and thirteen Dragon Tooth Dao Swords rapidly shuttled within the sword formation.
The sword light was like a rainbow, forming an impenetrable sword net that completely surrounded Fire Kirin Immortal Lord.
"Origin Reversion Sword Formation—Dragon Roar Nine Heavens!" The thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets shouted in unison; the thirteen Dragon Tooth Dao Swords instantly erupted with dazzling light, the spiritual energy fluctuations within the sword formation suddenly increased, and the sword light transformed into silver giant Dragons, pouncing fiercely towards Fire Kirin Immortal Lord.
A hint of disdain flashed in Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's eyes; he suddenly raised his front hoof and stomped heavily on the ground.
Immediately, a huge crack split open in the ground, and scorching magma gushed out from the crack, transforming into fiery Qilins that tore at the silver giant Dragons within the sword formation.
"Boom—!" The fiery Qilins and silver giant Dragons collided, erupting with an earth-shattering roar; flames and sword light intertwined, forming a massive energy vortex that devoured everything around it.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord did not stop his attack; his figure suddenly leaped, transforming into a fiery meteor, charging fiercely towards the center of the sword formation, his twin horns condensing a scorching light.
"Origin Reversion Sword Formation—Primal Dragon Unification!" The thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets simultaneously formed sword seals; the thirteen Dragon Tooth Dao Swords instantly merged into one, transforming into a massive silver Dragon sword.
A lifelike silver Dragon coiled around the sword body, its Dragon roar shaking the heavens and earth, as it slashed towards Fire Kirin Immortal Lord.
"Roar—!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord let out an angry roar; his twin horns violently collided with the silver Dragon sword, and flames and sword light clashed again, erupting with dazzling radiance.
The massive figure of the fiery Qilin was forced back several steps, and the silver Dragon sword also trembled slightly under this blow, the silver Dragon phantom on its body dimming somewhat.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's body paused, and the next moment, he was sent flying like a cannonball, plunging into the sword formation of the thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets.
...
For a time, in the valley, the battle tableau interwoven with flames and sword light reached an unprecedented climax.
The fiery Qilin, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's Incarnation, with every collision and every roar, seemed to tear apart this world.
The flames surrounding him were like a tempest, indiscriminately bombarding the sword formation, causing the sword formation's light to flicker and fluctuate unstably.
The Origin Reversion Sword Formation, formed by the thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets, displayed astonishing resilience and coordination under Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's fierce assault.
They were like a multifaceted whole; even when facing such a powerful enemy, they showed no signs of panic.
Sword beams were unleashed, delivering precise strikes against Fire Kirin Immortal Lord again and again, though they were difficult to wound his main body, they gradually eroded his strength and patience.
At this moment, Wan Ziliang and the Guest Elders had already retreated to a distance, staring dumbfounded at this earth-shattering battle, their hearts filled with shock and fear.
They had never witnessed such a powerful battle; even confrontations between Mahayana Cultivators might not possess such terrifying might.
"What a terrifying battle, what strong Puppets, actually forcing Fire Kirin Immortal Lord to go all out," Elder Qin muttered, his voice trembling slightly.
Wan Ziliang's face was also grim; he felt a vague unease in his heart.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's appearance had already disrupted his plans, and the fact that Mu Daoyou could command so many high-level Puppets to contend with Fire Kirin Immortal Lord made him feel even more incredible.
"Pavilion Master, what should we do?" a Guest Elder asked in a low voice, a hint of panic in his tone.
Wan Ziliang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the unease in his heart, and said in a deep voice, "Observe the situation and do not act rashly.
This battle is not something we can interfere with."
Just then, a small figure appeared before Wan Ziliang; it was a little girl.
The little girl looked about seven or eight Years old, dressed in a light green silk dress, with a few delicate lotus flowers embroidered on the hem, gently swaying with her steps.
Her hair was dark and smooth, tied into two small buns, adorned with a few crystal-clear spiritual beads that shimmered with a faint light.
Her face was as delicate as a porcelain doll, her skin as fair as jade, and her large eyes were clear and bright, as if they could see through people's hearts.
However, her gaze held a calmness and profoundness unbefitting her age, as if she had experienced countless Years of accumulation.
The little girl's appearance stunned Wan Ziliang and the Guest Elders; her aura was extremely peculiar, possessing neither the spiritual energy fluctuations of a Cultivator nor the mundane Qi of a Mortal, as if she was integrated with this world, yet carried an indescribable majesty.
"Who are you?" Wan Ziliang asked cautiously, feeling a vague unease in his heart; the little girl's appearance was too strange, especially at such a tense moment.
The little girl looked at Wan Ziliang and smiled slightly, her voice as clear as a silver bell: "I am Mingyue, sent by my master to retrieve the high-grade spiritual materials from the transaction."
"Seventh-tier Puppet Spirit?" Wan Ziliang stared at Mingyue, his pupils suddenly contracting; he had already recognized her identity, and a stormy wave surged in his heart.
He had never expected that this little girl before him was actually the spirit of a seventh-tier Puppet!
Seventh-tier Puppets were already extremely rare existences, and seventh-tier Puppets capable of developing independent intelligence were even rarer, their value even comparable to a top-grade Dao Artifact.
"You... you are Mu Daoyou's Puppet?" Wan Ziliang suppressed the shock in his heart and asked tentatively.
Mingyue nodded, her tone calm yet with an undeniable certainty: "Precisely.
My master is currently controlling Puppets to fight Fire Kirin Immortal Lord and has no time for a Clone, so he specifically ordered me to come and retrieve those high-grade spiritual materials.
Do you have any objections?"
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang's heart immediately sank; he hadn't expected Mu Daoyou to also possess a seventh-tier Puppet Spirit!
This meant that Mu Daoyou's strength far exceeded his imagination, perhaps even more terrifying than Fire Kirin Immortal Lord.
"The spiritual materials... are ready, but the 'Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron' Artifact Refining diagram should be given to me, right!" Wan Ziliang took a deep breath, looking at Mingyue cautiously.
"What my master promised, he will never go back on." Mingyue smiled slightly, then looked up at the ongoing battle and reminded him, "However, that one came for the 'Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron' Artifact Refining diagram.
If I give it to you, do you dare to take it?"
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang's expression changed slightly, his gaze wandering between Mingyue and the fierce battle.
The value and significance of the "Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron" Artifact Refining diagram were extraordinary.
Now that its news had leaked, if he took it, it meant he might attract countless covetous eyes and disasters.
However, if he were to give up now, Wan Ziliang was truly unwilling.
"How have you considered it? The Artifact Refining diagram is right here, Pavilion Master Wan, bring those high-grade spiritual materials!
I'm in a hurry to report back to my master!" Mingyue retrieved the parchment scroll from the substitute Puppet's hand and gestured to Wan Ziliang.
Wan Ziliang's eyes flickered, and after a moment of internal struggle, he finally couldn't help but ask, "Miss Mingyue, your master's Puppet manipulation skills are so superb, I wonder if... if he could incidentally eliminate that Fire Kirin Immortal Lord for us and remove this great hidden danger from our hearts?"
Upon hearing this, Mingyue frowned slightly, somewhat surprised by Wan Ziliang's suggestion, yet it also seemed within reason.
"I cannot tell you this explicitly.
My master acts according to his own principles and will not easily make such a powerful enemy unless necessary.
However, my master has never had a good impression of Cultivators from the Immortal Spirit Realm or demonic Cultivators from the Demon Abyss, so that fellow should be dealt with by my master.
As for the rest, you will have to rely on yourselves." Mingyue pondered for a moment before responding to Wan Ziliang.
Upon hearing this, although Wan Ziliang was unwilling, he understood that he was already in a passive position and could only hope for Mu Daoyou's incidental action.
"Understood.
The high-grade spiritual materials are here; please inspect them, Miss." Wan Ziliang took out a storage ring from his bosom and handed it to Mingyue without hesitation.
Mu Daoyou's strength was unfathomable; merely by controlling some seventh-tier Puppets, he could set up such a terrifying sword formation, making it difficult for Fire Kirin Immortal Lord to escape.
If he wanted to do anything unfavorable to himself, he probably wouldn't even have a chance to resist.
"That's right!" Mingyue took the storage ring, swept it with her Divine Sense, and after confirming the spiritual materials were correct, she smiled slightly and handed the parchment scroll to the other party: "The 'Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron' Artifact Refining diagram, keep it safe!"
Wan Ziliang nodded, happily accepted and inspected it, then confirmed it was correct and put it away close to his body.
However, Wan Ziliang's heart was still uneasy, and looking at Mingyue, who was about to leave, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss Mingyue, Mu Daoyou... who exactly is he?"
Mingyue glanced at him, a deep light flashing in her eyes, and said softly, "My master's identity is not something you should ask.
However, I can tell you that my master's strength far exceeds your imagination.
Regarding today's events, Pavilion Master Wan had best pretend nothing happened, otherwise..."
Mingyue did not continue, but the threat in her words sent a chill down Wan Ziliang's spine, and he quickly nodded, "Miss Mingyue, rest assured, I understand what to do."
Mingyue smiled slightly and turned to leave.
Just then, an earth-shattering roar suddenly came from afar, followed by a scorching pillar of flame that shot into the sky, illuminating the entire valley.
"Roar—! You ants, how dare you harm me!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's voice echoed through the valley like thunder, filled with anger and madness.
Mingyue frowned slightly, turned to look at the distant battlefield, and a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes: "A cornered beast still fights; it's not far from death!"
Wan Ziliang and the Guest Elders were also startled by this sudden turn of events and looked towards the distant battlefield.
They saw Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's figure crashing wildly within the sword formation, flames and sword light intertwining, erupting with dazzling radiance.
The entire valley seemed to be torn apart by this power.
"Miss Mingyue, do you need our help?" Wan Ziliang asked tentatively.
Although he dared not interfere in this battle, if he could use this opportunity to build a closer relationship with Li Mu, it might greatly benefit the future of Wanbao Pavilion.
Mingyue shook her head and said indifferently, "No need.
A mere fiery Qilin cannot harm my master's sword formation."
As soon as Mingyue finished speaking, the thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets' synchronized cold shouts suddenly came from the distant battlefield: "Origin Reversion Sword Formation—Dragon Essence Devours Heaven!"
With this cold shout, the already impenetrable sword net suddenly became even more solid.
Thirteen silver giant Dragons seemed to draw endless power from the Void Realm, their bodies expanding several times, transforming into terrifying sword Dragons.
They were wreathed in thunder, carrying the might to destroy heaven and earth, as they pounced fiercely towards Fire Kirin Immortal Lord, who was trapped in the center of the sword formation.
A hint of despair flashed in Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's eyes; he struggled with all his might to break free from this terrifying sword formation, but each collision was like hitting an unmovable mountain.
The recoil left him covered in wounds, and his flame light also began to dim.
"No! I refuse to accept this! I am Fire Kirin Immortal Lord, a hegemon of the Immortal Spirit Realm, how can I die in such a desolate place, at the hands of mere Puppets!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord let out his final roar, and the flames around him surged again, attempting a last struggle.
However, it was all in vain.
The thirteen Myriad Spirit giant Dragons, with the force of thunder, instantly submerged Fire Kirin Immortal Lord in endless flames and sword light.
Accompanied by a deafening roar, the entire valley seemed to be shaken by this power; giant rocks tumbled, and dust rose everywhere.
When everything returned to calm, the sword formation slowly dissipated, and the thirteen silver giant Dragons also reverted to thirteen Dragon Tooth Dao Swords, quietly suspended in mid-air.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's figure had vanished, leaving only a scorched patch of land and a faint smell of burning in the air.
Mingyue looked at this scene, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes, then turned to Wan Ziliang and said proudly, "Pavilion Master Wan, you can rest assured now; Fire Kirin Immortal Lord has been completely dealt with by my master."
Wan Ziliang looked at the scorched earth in the distance, a mix of emotions in his heart.
He was both shocked by Mu Daoyou's immense strength and relieved by Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's demise; this huge hidden danger was completely gone.
"Many thanks to Miss Mingyue and Mu Daoyou for your assistance; I am eternally grateful." Wan Ziliang cupped his fists in thanks, his tone filled with sincerity.
Mingyue smiled slightly and said, "Pavilion Master Wan, you are too polite; we merely took what we needed.
Now that the transaction is complete, I should take my leave."
With that, Mingyue's figure flickered slightly and disappeared from the spot. (End of Chapter)
