CHAPTER 457: CHAPTER 94: EACH DISPLAYS THEIR UNIQUE TRICK_2

Daoist Gao’s face may have darkened, but his eyes showed no trace of fear—instead, a fleeting glint of viciousness flashed through them.

Bao Dingheng’s heart stirred. At this moment, Daoist Gao’s side had already lost three men to Li Yuanba, leaving only himself. The threat to Bao’s own group was now greatly reduced, so he could safely make his move.

Hovering midair amidst the shimmering light, Bao spoke out, "Daoist Gao, I have a treasure capable of breaking this man’s Daoist skills. When I take action shortly, I hope you will not hold back."

The two had known each other for quite some time. Bao had secretly investigated Gao Yingtu’s background and discovered that, though Gao was a Loose Cultivator, he had inherited the Cave Mansion of a deceased cultivator. Unlike ordinary Loose Cultivators, he was not impoverished and possessed several remarkable treasures. Besides the Thunder Splitting Seal he just used, it was rumored he carried even finer Dharma Treasures.

Such wealth, if measured within the Yuan Yang Sect, might even surpass that of some True Disciples.

Daoist Gao cursed inwardly, thinking to himself, "You, Bao, waited until my people were all dead to put on this hypocritical face. Do you think I’m alone and afraid of your two senior brothers? Once this day passes and we slay Li Yuanba, I’ll settle accounts with you. By then, who lives and who dies will still remain undetermined."

Though he could see Bao Dingheng intentionally allowing Zhang Yan to kill his men, it was now impossible to break away and flee. Who knew if that ferocious man would seize the chance to hunt him down for being alone? Thus, he tempered his rage and responded coldly, "Rest assured, Daoist Bao. I, Gao Yingtu, am not someone who ignores the big picture."

Bao Dingheng shouted to Fang He, "Junior Brother, cover me as I activate my treasure!"

Fang He responded without hesitation and swiftly reactivated the Mo Stone sword plate. Green light filaments, thin as silk strands, stretched out everywhere, scattering across the sky. Eight Flying Swords burst from his back and soared into the plate, merging with the Gold Qi. Immediately, streams of green light began to fly outward, forming a sword array spanning over one hundred zhang. Within this array, countless Blade Radiances swirled, with green and white hues intertwining like the spinning spokes of a wheel. The formation emitted a noise akin to the buzzing of a swarm of bees.

Though Daoist Gao’s expression remained grim, he also raised his Thunder Splitting Seal, awaiting Bao Dingheng’s move before unleashing his own attack.

Zhang Yan noticed their refusal to retreat and counterattacking instead; his eyes narrowed slightly. The actions of these three were precisely what he had anticipated.

Using the Xuanhuang Dragon Capturing Hand today, Zhang Yan had already resolved to eliminate everyone and let none escape alive.

If they scattered and fled individually, while he could use sword escape to chase them down and kill them one by one, such pursuits would exhaust him greatly. Worse, if others intervened during the chase, it would complicate matters further. Dealing with them all at once in one place was undoubtedly more efficient.

Laughing loudly, Zhang Yan activated the Xuanhuang Great Hand, sweeping it toward the sword array and immediately stirring up violent sword winds and Qi Waves.

Each strike collided with thunderous force, reverberating across the battlefield, causing Fang He’s body to tremble uncontrollably. Yet he gritted his teeth, struggling to hold on and resisting fiercely.

Bao Dingheng noticed Fang He sustaining the sword array, albeit with difficulty. However, even Li Yuanba couldn’t break through instantly. Relieved, Bao reached into his Sleeve Bag and retrieved a pitch-black Iron Ruler.

The ruler, matte and dark like Mo Stone, bore talismanic script etched along its surface. As he brushed his hand over it, the markings emitted a faint glow.

Bao held the artifact aloft, chanting incantations. The glow grew brighter until it transformed into a black fiery cloud, swirling ominously in the air.

He shouted, "Junior Brother, step back!"

Fang He had never seen this ruler-like Dharma Treasure before, but Bao’s words implied its tremendous power. Exhausted from enduring the relentless strikes of the Xuanhuang Great Hand, Fang He quickly withdrew his sword plate and retreated far to the side.

Daoist Gao, wary as ever, thought to himself, "I don’t know what kind of treasure this is, but judging by his sanctimonious demeanor, Bao Dingheng is ruthless and cunning. I mustn’t let him drag me into trouble. Best to distance myself as well."

With a flick of his sleeve, Gao likewise stepped back, flashing into the distance.

As the two retreated, Zhang Yan’s view in front cleared, allowing him to see Bao Dingheng lifting the black cloud in both hands. Zhang Yan laughed, "Daoist Bao, aren’t you planning to dodge?"

Not waiting for Bao to act, Zhang Yan expanded the Xuanhuang Great Hand, enlarging it significantly, and reached out toward Bao with a ferocious strike.

Bao Dingheng shouted, "Good timing!"

He hurled the black cloud toward the incoming Xuanhuang Great Hand. From within the cloud, a streaking Iron Ruler darted out, smashing into the Xuanhuang Great Hand in an instant.

A deafening crash reverberated through the air, as if mountains were crumbling and jade pillars were toppling. The Xuanhuang Great Hand shattered violently, dispersing into rolling yellow clouds. At the same time, the black fiery cloud pressed downward like stormy skies, emitting eerie beast-like noises as it aimed to engulf Zhang Yan entirely.

From within the cloud, Bao Dingheng’s voice rang out, "Daoist Gao, what are you waiting for? If you don’t act now, it’ll be too late!"

Though Bao had temporarily broken the Xuanhuang Great Hand, Zhang Yan could easily reform it by executing another spell. Only by launching a coordinated assault now could they keep Zhang Yan too occupied to act.

Daoist Gao’s eyes gleamed sharply as his hand revealed a handful of red copper-colored granules that he clenched firmly.

He didn’t know the origins of this substance, only that he had discovered it inside a gourd while exploring the Cave Mansion of a deceased cultivator. Its power was extraordinary—upon contact, it destroyed flesh and bone, capable of grinding even metallic bodies to dust. With this weapon in hand, Gao had never truly feared Zhang Yan.

The only drawback was its scarcity; each use consumed some of the granules, and he was loath to waste them. What he held now was just four or five dozen grains, but he believed it was more than enough for Li Yuanba.

Focusing his gaze on Zhang Yan, Gao flicked his hand, scattering the handful of red sand toward him.

...

...(To be continued. If you like this novel, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)