A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 138 A Fierce Battle

Xue Ming's mind jolted, and he turned around to see chaos behind him. Amidst the billowing dust, he could only make out a few figures. Xue Ming's eyes flashed with malice, and before the dust had settled, he immediately unleashed several beams of bloody light.

With a few clangs, the blood-red light was sent flying. Xue Ming's eyes narrowed. During his earlier probing, he discovered that the newcomer's cultivation was no less than his own.

It dared not act rashly, and with a deep shout, it guided the slightly chaotic blood puppets, who quickly took their positions, armed and guarding, awaiting Xue Ming's orders.

On the other side, Chen and his companion succeeded in their attack, using the Thunderfire Pearl to obliterate more than two hundred blood puppets. Then, following their previous strategy, they dispersed and guarded their respective positions.

"Mr. Fang, no matter what happens later, neither of us must move an inch, or the consequences will be unimaginable," Chen Cong solemnly instructed Fang Wei.

The most important part of this "Two Elements Annihilation Array" is the Yin and Yang array eyes. As long as these two array mechanisms do not dissipate, the array will remain intact. With the addition of the Thunderfire Pearl, it will be enough to severely damage the remaining blood puppets.

"Don't worry, Master Chen, I know what I'm doing," Fang Wei replied immediately.

Seeing this, Chen Cong nodded, looked ahead, and said in a deep voice, "It begins."

A moment later, the smoke and dust dissipated, and Xue Ming finally saw the scene before him. However, what he saw filled him with rage. More than two hundred elite blood puppets had disappeared without a trace. Looking around, he saw that hundreds of humans had surrounded them. The patterns that were flashing with light under their feet were probably an array set up by the humans.

Seeing this, Xue Ming roared a few times and issued a command to the blood puppet to shatter the formation and kill all the humans. After speaking, he raised the blood blade in his hand and slashed a blood beam about ten feet long towards the edge of the formation. However, when the blood beam hit the formation, it was like splashing water, only creating some ripples before returning to normal.

The remaining blood puppets charged out in all directions with their weapons, but after taking only a few steps, golden threads bound them. Then, with a flash of golden light, the blood puppets were reduced to a pile of withered bones, and with a burst of energy, they turned to ashes.

After the first strike, Xue Ming stood still, scanning the formation with his eyes. Upon seeing this, he was immediately enraged. He rushed forward, slashing down with his broadsword and shattering a layer of light shield.

Seeing the impending threat, the person in charge of the array remained fearless. After pouring all his true energy into the array, he was struck by a beam of blood and died without making a sound.

As Xue Ming swung his blade, it seemed he had struck something, but upon inspection, he found nothing left behind. Just as he was wondering about this, dozens of blood puppets in the distance were engulfed by the emerald flames that erupted from the ground and were screaming in agony.

Xue Ming's expression changed drastically. He leaped forward and arrived close. Not knowing the origin of this Azure Flame, he dared not make direct contact. He reached out and grabbed inside, drawing in streams of blood energy. As the blood energy decreased, the Azure Flame slowly sank into the ground.

Looking at the nine remaining strands of blood energy in his hand, the red light in Xue Ming's eyes flickered uncertainly.

On the other side, the Blood Puppet also broke through dozens of array points, killing all the people in the array positions. Their life essence was poured into the Yin-Yang Annihilation Array, which made the array even more powerful.

Chen Cong immediately formed a hand seal and spat out a mouthful of blood. As his hands formed the seal, clusters of emerald flames suddenly appeared within the formation and flew towards the blood puppets. Any blood puppet that came into contact with these flames vanished in just three to five breaths.

This is a forbidden technique that Chen Cong cultivates, called "Hundred Refinements of Netherfire". This technique is specifically designed for cultivators with weak souls but strong bodies. Anyone who is hit by this technique will die if they cannot surpass the caster in cultivation. Even if they encounter someone of equal cultivation, they will either die or be injured.

However, this technique consumes a lot of vital energy, and it takes several years to recover after using it once. Moreover, it will damage one's foundation in the Dao, which is equivalent to cutting off one's future path in the Dao.

However, Chen Cong did not regret it. He knew that his cultivation was not exceptional, and that it was enough that he could not tarnish the reputation of the Supreme Dao before his death. Based on this achievement alone, his family would be properly taken care of.

Once the "Hundred Refined Netherfire" was unleashed, it was truly unstoppable. Hundreds of blood puppets had no power to resist and were immediately reduced to ashes. The remaining hundreds of blood puppets could only resist a little with the blood net they had woven, but they were gradually forced into a corner.

Seeing this, Xue Ming's eyes blazed with red light. He leaped into the air, looking down at all directions. After silently sensing for a moment, he discovered two places where the aura was strongest. He muttered something, raised his blood blade high, and swung it around, sending two blood-red blade beams toward Chen Cong and Fang Wei.

"not good"

Chen Cong and Fang Wei exclaimed in surprise at the same time. They hadn't expected Xue Ming to find the array key so quickly. Chen Cong was currently using his supernatural powers to the fullest, while Fang Wei had to preside over the operation of the array. Neither of them could spare much energy.

If either of them were injured, the formation would inevitably reveal a flaw, and their advantage would vanish.

Just as the two blade beams flew over, a series of explosions suddenly came from the surrounding array points. A layer of light enveloped the array points where Chen Cong and Fang Wei were located. When the blade beams struck, the two forces canceled each other out. Chen Cong and Fang Wei felt a sinking feeling in their hearts and their faces showed grief.

The 43 people risked their lives to save them, and it was not in vain. Chen Cong immediately increased the burning of the Netherfire and poured his vital energy into it without regard for anything else. In just a few breaths, hundreds more blood puppets disappeared.

After this ordeal, many of those in charge of the formation were killed or wounded, Chen Cong was severely weakened, and the "Two Elements Refining God Formation" was also greatly reduced in power. The remaining blood puppets hurriedly dodged the erosion of the Netherfire.

The red light in Xue Ming's eyes faded, and its aura weakened slightly. However, it was worth it. They didn't understand formations, and if they weren't broken quickly, the remaining blood soldiers might not be able to survive. Now that the formation had an opening, the initiative was in its hands.

"Once we eliminate the two most powerful ones, the rest are not a threat."

Thinking of this, Xue Ming immediately issued an order, and the blood puppets rushed towards Chen Cong's location.

Seeing this, Chen Cong's expression remained unchanged. He changed his hand seals again and, together with the others, rocks suddenly rose from the ground, blocking the charging blood puppets. But before Chen Cong's side could breathe a sigh of relief, several streaks of blood light flashed, the blocking rocks were broken, and the blood puppets moved forward unimpeded, roaring as they attacked Chen Cong.

"Don't worry about me, Mr. Fang. Take this opportunity to block their retreat."

Upon hearing this, Fang Wei immediately mobilized the array's power to block Xue Ming outside. He firmly instructed him, and strands of golden threads continuously flew towards Xue Ming. Knowing the power of this, the latter shifted his body to prevent the golden threads from reaching him. However, this deprived the blood puppets attacking Chen Cong of their support, and they were surrounded.

"Everyone, release the Thunder Pearls!"

Upon hearing Chen Cong's words, the people in the array all threw out the thunder beads in their hands. First, a flash of dark light appeared, followed by a deafening roar. A pillar of smoke shot into the sky and stood in the array. The blood puppets seemed to vaporize and were instantly torn to pieces. They were swept away by the shockwave and left without a trace.

The "Two Elements Refining Spirit Formation" was severely damaged and immediately shattered. Although the person guarding the formation was warned, his blood and qi were still churning.

"Master Chen, how are you?" Fang Wei, whose face was slightly pale, rushed over and looked at Chen Congdao.

"It's alright. That attack just now should have been enough to wipe out those blood puppets," Chen Cong coughed a few times, his eyes fixed on the front.

Those Thunderfire Pearls were forged using the sect's secret techniques, containing Yin Sha Thunder Qi within them; even if one were to be struck by one, it would be extremely unpleasant.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared in the smoke and dust. Chen Cong and Fang Wei's eyes narrowed, and they ordered everyone to be on high alert. Suddenly, several streaks of blood-red light shot over. The people couldn't dodge in time, screamed a few times, and turned into a pool of black blood.

"Watch out!" Chen Cong exclaimed in alarm. He realized that the streaks of blood were actually bone spikes. He immediately raised his hand and sent several talismans to meet them. The talismans flashed with golden light and only managed to block the bone spikes for half a breath before being pierced. The bone spikes continued their momentum and, in a flash, several more people died.

"It's Blood Demon, it's not dead yet."

Fang Wei secretly held several Thunderfire Pearls in his hand, his eyes scanning the surroundings, while Chen Cong told everyone to stick together and not to scatter.

A few moments later, bone spurs continued to appear and injure people. Chen Cong spotted them and pointed. His long sword flashed with black light, and several sword lights attacked from behind, swirling and flying. With a few clangs, the bloody light of the bone spurs dimmed and they fell to the ground. Chen Cong's already limited true energy was completely exhausted.

"Due south"

Chen Cong spoke softly, and Fang Wei immediately threw the Thunderfire Pearl in his hand towards the south. After several explosions, a tattered figure was revealed, which was Xue Ming.

With his scarlet eyes fixed on Chen Cong and Fang Wei, a cloud of blood mist condensed around the half-broken blood blade. Xue Ming leaped forward, swinging the blood blade at the two men. Fang Wei's eyes flashed, and with a flick of his spear, he created several spear flowers. A cold glint flashed like a star, heading straight for Xue Ming.

Apart from a few people who stayed behind to look after Chen Cong, the remaining dozens of people rushed forward with their weapons and surrounded Xue Ming. Once they found the right opportunity, they would definitely throw thunder and fire beads at it without hesitation.

Seeing Fang Wei charging forward, Xue Ming's ferocity was aroused. It opened its mouth and spat out a blood arrow that shot swiftly toward Fang Wei. Fang Wei coiled his spear like a dragon exploring the sea. A golden light flashed, scattering the blood arrow, while the spearhead pierced through Xue Ming's body. A fierce and masculine force continued to ravage its body.

With a flick of his spear, he withdrew it, followed by a sudden thrust of starlight. Xue Ming parried repeatedly, but his blood energy was gradually stripped away. Soon, the blood energy on his right arm dissipated, revealing Bai Ying's bones.

Without waiting for Fang Wei's orders, several people immediately detonated the Thunderfire Pearls, scattering them towards Xue Ming. A series of explosions caused Xue Ming's blood energy to become unstable, and even the blood fire within his skeleton began to weaken. "No, I'll die here if this continues," Xue Ming thought with great fear. He had reached his end, and now there was only one path left for him to take.

"You forced me to do this."

Seeing Fang Wei and his group surrounding him again, Xue Ming hardened his heart, mustered his blood energy, and slashed out with his sword. In the brief moment of respite, he immediately communicated with the Blood God, who was far away in the Corpse Bone Plain.

In just a few breaths, Fang Wei felt that the aura on Xue Ming's body was becoming more and more abnormal. Just after it finished communicating with the Blood God, Fang Wei noticed an astonishing aura constantly gathering, and immediately shouted.

"Everyone, retreat quickly!"

After saying this, he immediately threw the remaining Thunderfire Pearls in his hand towards Xue Ming. Upon hearing this and seeing Fang Wei's action, the others also threw out their Thunderfire Pearls. Just as the Thunderfire Pearls exploded one after another, a blood-red flying blade flew out from it, circled around, and dozens of people were unable to dodge in time. Their bodies were immediately separated from their heads, and their flesh and blood were completely absorbed, turning them into skeletons in an instant.

Seeing this, Fang Wei did not retreat but advanced, leaping into the air, his spear flashing with a sharp light as he swooped down to pierce Xue Ming, who was shrouded in blood mist.

The moment the spear pierced the blood mist, Fang Wei's expression changed drastically. He unleashed his true energy, and the spear immediately flew out of his hand, rushing into the blood mist with a whoosh. He then swayed and withdrew.

The spear that plunged into the blood mist was instantly stained with blood before disappearing.

Looking at the churning blood mist before them, Fang Wei and Chen Cong both felt heavy-hearted; something unpredictable must have happened to Xue Ming.

"Master Chen, be careful!" Fang Wei reached out and took another spear, looking ahead warily. Chen Cong held a sword in one hand and a blood talisman between his other hand. The other four people also secretly held Thunderfire Pearls.

A moment later, the blood mist dissipated, and Xue Ming appeared before everyone unharmed. He was even taller than before, and his blood aura was so thick and solid that it was almost solid. He held a blood-red blade in each hand, and the crimson light in his skull eyes was exceptionally dazzling.

You deserve to die.

Xue Ming opened his mouth and uttered clearly audible words, which shocked Chen Cong and the others.

Dozens of thick, blood-red arrows shot out rapidly, hissing as they pierced the air.

"This creature can now speak human language and is no longer the Blood Demon it once was. Everyone, it's not too late for you to retreat."

"Master Chen, don't say any more. Let's deal with the immediate matter first," Fang Wei replied in a deep voice.

The other four gripped their weapons tightly, looking as if they were ready to die.

Chen forced himself to calm down, and the blood talisman in his hand lit up. A red light suddenly appeared, enveloping all six of them. The blood arrows struck the light shield, and the blood talisman burned rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Seeing this, Fang Wei said, "This evil creature mainly relies on its blood energy. Once the blood energy dissipates, any one of us can defeat it. Master Chen, do you have a plan?"

Looking at the rapidly depleting blood talismans, Chen Cong said solemnly, "I can only do my best."

Chen Cong had already resolved to die and decided to fight to the death. Just as the blood talisman burned out, Chen Cong shouted loudly. Fang Wei and the other five were all moved. They saw Chen Cong's body burst into green flames and shoot towards Xue Ming like a sharp arrow.

Master Chen

Fang Wei let out a mournful cry, then straightened his expression, gripped his spear tightly, and waited for an opening to appear. Xue Ming, on the other hand, disregarded Chen Cong's desperate move.

If Chen Cong had used this when his true energy was abundant, I would have had to be wary of him. Now that his energy is depleted, how much power can he unleash?

The two soldiers crossed their blood-red blades, unleashing a cross-shaped beam of blood that flew straight towards the Azure Flame. To their surprise, the blood beam failed to disperse the Azure Flame; instead, it added three points of force to it.

As the azure flames swept in, Xue Ming's expression became much more solemn. His blood energy rapidly condensed to form a protective shield. At the moment of impact, a blood-red ghost face suddenly rushed towards the azure flames. The flames paused for a moment, then burned the ghost face and crashed solidly into the protective shield in front of Xue Ming.

With a deafening roar, the emerald flames scattered and flew away, and the crimson protective shield shattered, revealing an opening, but fortunately, it was not completely breached.

Even so, the Azure Flame had consumed half of its blood energy. Just as Xue Ming was secretly relieved, five flying beams, swift as lightning, pierced through the gaps in the protective shield and struck him heavily. Caught off guard, Xue Ming staggered back several steps, and the remaining half of his blood energy dissipated.

Before it could catch its breath, it was struck by a sword wound on its left shoulder again. A figure suddenly appeared. Xue Ming was furious. The red light in his eyes intensified. He stared at the figure and slashed down with his blood-red blade.

After a bloodcurdling scream, the corpse was completely destroyed, and the spilled blood was swallowed up by the blood-stained blade.

Brother Zhou

The other four looked sorrowful and launched rapid attacks. Fang Wei's spear whistled as it came, and Xue Ming retreated repeatedly. Each time he retreated, he would carefully leave behind a trace of blood energy. Therefore, in the eyes of the other three, this was a sign that Xue Ming's blood energy was insufficient.

Only Fang Wei noticed something was wrong. Even if Xue Ming was at his worst, he shouldn't have fallen into a disadvantage so quickly. After careful observation, he was shocked and shouted at the other three.

"Please withdraw for now."

But Xue Ming had finally managed to separate Fang Wei from the three of them, so how could he let this opportunity pass? Two blood blades flew out to block Fang Wei's rescue, as he was triggering the blood energy he had previously buried.

Lines of blood rose from the ground, and within half a breath, they formed a blood-red cage, trapping Xue Ming and the three others inside.

Upon seeing this, Fang Wei was furious. He used his spear to knock away the blood-stained knife, then leaped into the air and struck the blood-red cage with a white light, but it was like a mud ox sinking into the sea, without any reaction.

Even more cruelly, the blood-red cage was transparent, displaying the scene of Xue Ming's brutal killing of the three people to Fang Wei without any omission.

A few breaths later, the three were brutally tortured and killed by Xue Ming. The cage was opened, and Xue Ming walked out carrying three skeletons. He threw the skeletons to the ground and crushed them with one foot.

Catching the flying blood-stained blade, Xue Ming pointed it at Fang Wei, his cruel gaze fixed on him, the heavy stench of blood emanating from him nauseating.

"brute"

Fang Wei remained calm, uttered a single, understated word, and then launched a relentless barrage of attacks.

A red light flashed in Xue Ming's eyes, and he launched a rapid attack with his blood-red blade, engaging Fang Wei in battle. In just over ten moves, Fang Wei was already at a disadvantage, his armor tattered and torn. On the other hand, Xue Ming's fighting prowess grew stronger with each battle, his blood energy soaring into the sky like a pillar, with blood shadows floating within it, like a demon god looking down on a weak ant.

After repelling Fang Wei once again, Xue Ming reached out and drew in, and Fang Wei, leaning on his spear, still couldn't stop himself from heading towards it, but he had already made up his mind.

Just a few feet away from Xue Ming, Fang Wei unleashed his true essence, reached out and grabbed dozens of thunderfire beads, which rained down on Xue Ming and exploded simultaneously. Xue Ming smiled playfully, and as his figure was shattered, two blood blades flashed by and severed his two arms.

"I've suffered quite a bit at the hands of Thunder Pearl, how could I not be on guard? Ignorant humans always think they're superior, but they don't realize that we can also learn."

Xue Ming's figure reappeared, sheathed his blood blade, looked at the silent Fang Wei, grinned maliciously, and was about to kill him when a sense of crisis suddenly came, and Xue Ming immediately dodged.

After dodging, Xue Ming turned around and looked back. A long sword was stuck in the ground where he had been standing, gleaming with blood, and the red sword tassel fluttered in the wind.

Xue Ming's eyes narrowed. This longsword seemed to be a magical artifact. His eyes were fixed straight ahead when four figures appeared in front of him.

Before it could see clearly, a spindle-shaped magical artifact rushed up with a streak of fire.

(End of this chapter)