Li Sheng glanced at the panel's prompt without paying much attention; his priority was to comprehend the ape form and break through to the sixth rank. With a focused mind, he mimicked the spirit ape's movements, allowing the true energy within him to circulate, gradually illuminating a realization in his heart.
...
Within the great array, Bai Ye wiped the sweat from her forehead, slightly out of breath. She couldn't recall how many she had slain, but it was surely no less than fifty. Her usually serene eyes were now filled with a murderous intent. As her gaze swept over, several ninth-rank warriors instinctively swallowed hard and stepped back. Previously blinded by greed, the bloody reality shattered their desires, leaving only fear.
Watching the fleeing crowd, Bai Ye chose not to pursue; the real challenges had yet to arrive. Meanwhile, a group of eight ninth-rank warriors from the same faction stealthily approached the Qing Ling Sect. Suddenly, a white light blocked their path, and dozens of gray streams emerged, resembling arrows, launching fiercely at them.
"Chirp!"
The white light emitted a low hum before vanishing. The previously lively figures were pierced through by the gray light, losing all vitality. After merging with demonic energy, Liu Hongfeng's power surged from initial to great completion of the sixth rank, only a thread away from perfection, capable of unleashing tremendous force. As she passed, destruction followed, leaving a trail of corpses. Liu Hongying, following her mother, found no opportunity to strike, her heart heavy with concern as her mother seemed different now.
With fierce eyes and a surrounding aura of killing intent, Liu Hongfeng resembled a female Asura, a stark contrast to her usual gentle demeanor.
"Mother—" Liu Hongying called out anxiously.
"What is it?" Liu Hongfeng replied coolly, not turning back as her sword swiftly dealt with another ninth-rank warrior.
"Uh... nothing." Liu Hongying pouted, her expression fearful.
"Stay close."
Liu Hongfeng's demeanor was icy as she continued forward, a hint of red flashing through her narrowed eyes before dissipating.
"Okay."
The cries around them gradually faded. Of the over four hundred, only a couple dozen managed to escape; the rest perished within the array. As these individuals fled, information about Bai Ye and Liu Hongfeng began to circulate—titles like the White Witch and Black Asura became well-known.
Previously eager factions had now sobered up, with the more rational ones departing, while the unwilling retreated to seek another chance to return. Those leaving were mere minor factions. As time passed, more third-tier forces arrived.
In the eastern part of Qing Ling Sect, at the Evil Wolf Valley's stronghold, the Wolf King smiled as a burly man approached.
"Big Brother, how did the negotiations with Fengjian Valley go?"
The man remained expressionless and replied, "They don't care, but a girl named Bai Ye is off-limits."
"Thank you, big brother. I'll be sure to deliver the three thousand spirit stones we agreed upon later," the Wolf King beamed.
"Well, aside from that, I want forty percent of any top-grade elixirs!" the man smirked.
"Forty percent?!" The Wolf King's smile vanished, his expression darkening. "Chen Hu, that's too much!"
"Too much? Without me here, do you really think Fengjian Valley wouldn't interfere? That guy wants forty percent too, and I’ve only managed to secure you two percent... you should learn to be grateful."
The Wolf King glanced at where Chen Hu pointed, spotting a middle-aged man in blue attire holding a feather fan atop a slope. Upon sensing the Wolf King's gaze, the man waved his fan and smiled.
"Zhuge Fu!" The Wolf King's pupils constricted. Even he, a ruthless individual, felt a deep wariness towards Zhuge Fu, who was, in a sense, more renowned than the Fengjian Valley's sect master.
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Cunning and powerful, Zhuge Fu's bloody methods had contributed significantly to Fengjian Valley's dominance among second-tier factions.
"If it's him, then that forty percent might be worth it. I'll be left with twenty percent, but there's also the secret to rapid realm advancement... if I get that, it won't be a loss."
The Wolf King figured it out and smiled. "Since you have made a decision, as your younger brother, I will naturally comply."
"That's good!" Chen Hu's lips curled into a grin, securing eighty percent of the resources.
As for the forty percent Zhuge Fu mentioned, it was undoubtedly fabricated. Though he couldn't fathom why the man was so generous this time, at least the resources would fall into his hands. He hoped Qing Ling Sect had enough stock.
After previous tests, they discovered the extraordinary nature of the protective mountain array. After discussions, various factions sent out dozens of masters skilled in formations, escorted by several sixth-rank warriors, to begin breaking the array.
Seeing this, the remaining factions couldn't hold back any longer, quickly surrounding the area until the area outside Qing Ling Sect was bustling.
The three inside the array, taking a brief rest, felt their hearts sink at the sight. Faced with dozens or even hundreds of sixth-rank warriors, they dared not easily leave the array, only able to watch helplessly as the enemy dismantled it.
As time passed, the outside world grew increasingly chaotic. Half an hour later, many formation masters wore grim expressions as they stopped.
"All sect masters, the formation is too bizarre. When we break one part, it restores itself in an instant, and it can even shift its focal point. We are powerless..."
"Useless! Is there no other way?" Some hot-tempered sect leaders couldn't help but berate them.
"Apologies, we lack the skills. There is a method, though—destroy the terrain, plow three feet into the ground, inch by inch, and we will eventually find a way to break it," suggested a stooped formation master.
Among the crowd, a robust sect leader scoffed:
"Easy for you to say. That’s a second-tier protective array worth thousands of spirit stones. If we truly destroy it, won't everyone be upset?"
"With so many experts, we can act freely within the array."
"Right! Qing Ling Sect only has three sixth-rank warriors, what’s there to fear? Let’s go, Bai Niao Sect, follow me!"
After some arguing, they quickly reached a consensus and stepped into the array.
Inside, Bai Ye and Liu Hongfeng combined their powers, and under the cover of mist, swiftly eliminated four sixth-rank warriors. After an initial panic, the invading enemies regrouped.
Among them were several capable of exerting immense force nearing fifty thousand pounds. Their combined might inflicted serious injuries on the two, who, after a brief struggle, were forced to retreat once again.
As the crowd surged in, five sixth-rank warriors formed a defensive line against potential ambushes. Watching the approaching enemies, Bai Ye and Liu Hongfeng exchanged determined glances, each recognizing the resolution in the other's eyes.
No more retreat!
Only a fight to the death!
The two figures, one white and one black, charged into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Liu Hongying and a group of miscellaneous disciples stood at the sect's entrance. The oldest among them, Liu Hongying, was only fifteen, while the youngest was just eleven.
Except for Liu Hongying wielding a sword, the other disciples held wooden weapons. Despite the fear on their small faces, none hesitated, gripping their weapons tightly as they stared into the swirling mist.