A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 309 Taking Advantage of the Situation to Retreat
Shangguan Yun watched as Xiao Shengbai and the other three were defeated one by one, his face turning extremely ugly. He had underestimated the abilities of this innate master. He secretly channeled the dragon pearl in his hand and chanted an incantation. Suddenly, the four of them, who had been retreating, straightened up and attacked again, each wielding their weapons. This time, Shangguan Yun changed his strategy and used the One-Three Technique to fight them.

Xiao Shengbai's longsword trembled, and dozens of sword energies shot out, attacking Ni Qingfeng from different angles. This move was continuous and endless, like fine needles in spring rain. If one did not observe carefully, it would be difficult to detect the dense sword energy.

"As expected of the Twilight Rain Sword, even after becoming a puppet, its sword aura remains undiminished."

Ni Qingfeng, seeing the approaching fine sword energy, straightened his expression and immediately used his protective aura to block it all. The sounds of sword energy colliding were deafening, but following the sword energy, an extremely loud sound wave rushed in, striking the aura just as the sword energy dissipated. The timing was incredibly precise; although the aura wasn't broken, the flow of energy was momentarily halted. At that very moment, the golden dragon pearl, gleaming like lightning, shot towards the source of the sound wave attack. With a crack, as if glass were shattering, a gap was instantly torn in Ni Qingfeng's protective aura. Just as the gap appeared, a shower of dark red flying needles shot out like rain, followed closely by countless silver stars. In the blink of an eye, they had closed to within half a foot of Ni Qingfeng. These two killing moves were executed with exquisite skill. If an ordinary expert encountered these moves, he would surely die. Even a master of the innate realm would at least panic. Once that happened, he would fall into the opponent's rhythm and lose the initiative.

Ni Qingfeng noticed the energy shield shatter, but showed no surprise. He waved his hand, and a gentle force deflected the flying dragon pearl aside. As for the flying needle and silver whisk, they were enveloped in a ball of crimson light. In less than half a breath, the flying needle and whisk were completely refined. Then, a powerful palm strike heavily landed on the weaponless Li Chen Dao Ren. The latter's eyes froze for a moment, the crimson light in his eyes faded, and he briefly regained his clarity. He glanced at Ni Qingfeng, smiled, and nodded slightly before being violently blasted away. He died before even hitting the ground.

Shangguan Yun felt a pang of pain as he watched Li Chen Dao Ren die. He had spent a great deal of effort to acquire these four people, originally intending them as a trump card to deal with those disobedient martial arts sects. Now, before even reaching Tianshan, he had lost one of them. How could he not be furious?

"I have already suffered great losses today. Now that things have come to this, I will kill Ni Qingfeng here, no matter the cost!"

With a thought, Shangguan Yun retrieved the dragon pearl that had attacked Ni Qingfeng and recited the incantation again. Although he had lost one of the Daoist Lichen, it made Shangguan Yun more adept at controlling the other three. The three of them joined forces again and fought Ni Qingfeng to a standstill.

A few more moments passed, and Shangguan Yun gradually realized something was wrong. Ni Qingfeng was slowly adapting to the attacks of Xiao Shengbai and the other two. The battle, which was originally evenly matched, began to tilt in Ni Qingfeng's favor. Shangguan Yun's expression became serious, and when he saw Ni Qingfeng slash Xiao Shengbai with his sword, he finally made his move.

Xiao Shengbai's swordsmanship was not weak, and since he was being controlled, he used some reckless sword moves. Ni Qingfeng was temporarily restrained. However, after the two fought for dozens of moves, Ni Qingfeng had already seen through the weakness of "Twilight Rain Sword". This sword move was intricate and endless, but it had a fatal flaw: the person who used the move sacrificed defense for attack power. If the opponent also sacrificed defense and hit the person who used the move before the sword move reached them, the move would definitely be broken.

Others were not unaware of the flaws in this move, but Xiao Shengbai was a renowned swordsman with an extremely fast sword speed. At that time, no one in the martial arts world could surpass him in sword speed.

As Xiao Shengbai unleashed "Twilight Rain" once more, a glint of light flashed in Ni Qingfeng's eyes. At the same time, "Power Vajra" Xue Xiao and "Illusion Demon" Shi Lingwei's attacks also arrived. Ni Qingfeng erected a protective aura to withstand the attacks from all three sides. Instead of retreating, he advanced, his longsword flashing a white light as it pierced three vital points of Xiao Shengbai. If Xiao Shengbai were hit by this move, he would die instantly. But at this moment, a dark figure rushed into the battle, blocking Xiao Shengbai's path, and a fierce palm wind rushed towards Ni Qingfeng.

Upon seeing this, Ni Qingfeng exclaimed in surprise. This Shangguan Yun was truly audacious, daring to barge in. Thinking this, Ni Qingfeng continued his attack without slowing down, his sword energy clashing with his palm wind. Instantly, shockwaves scattered, billowing dust obscuring everyone's vision. Shangguan Yun's mind stirred, and he threw the dragon pearl in one direction. With a clang, the sound of a sword rang out, and the dragon pearl was knocked back, its golden light dimmed slightly. However, this also revealed Ni Qingfeng's location. Shangguan Yun's eyes sharpened, and he manipulated Xiao Shengbai and the other two to surround and attack, while he himself hid behind, preparing for a fatal blow!
Ni Qingfeng swept away Shi Lingwei's red umbrella with a sword. The sharp sword light cut several sword marks on the umbrella surface. If Xue Xiao hadn't made a timely move and rushed up with the Vajra Palm Force, this sword could have cut off Shi Lingwei's arm. Even so, Shi Lingwei was still sent flying far away.

Although Li Jingang blocked Ni Qingfeng's killing move with his hard body, he was also cut by the sword light. In just a few breaths, twelve more wounds appeared on his body. Each wound was the same depth, but no blood flowed out. That was because the blood had not yet flowed out before it was sealed in his body by the sword energy.

At this moment, Li Jingang was in extreme pain. If it were just bleeding, he could use his internal energy to expel the sword energy through the wound. But now the sword energy was constantly destroying his meridians from the inside out. If this continued, his meridians would be severed in no time.

Upon seeing this, Shangguan Yun's heart sank. He activated the incantation again, and Xiao Shengbai's eyes, which were gathering sword energy, turned crimson. The long sword in his hand hummed incessantly, and the sound of the sword's resonance grew louder and louder, reaching Ni Qingfeng's ears.

Another sword pierced the body of the Vajra, who endured the attack. Suddenly, he clasped his hands together and pushed forward. A golden Buddhist light appeared, with a Buddha image flickering within and chanting Buddhist hymns. A Buddhist aura emanated from his body and rushed straight to Ni Qingfeng's mind. Just then, a pale white sword light and a black fist imprint arrived at the same time.

Li Jingang used the "Buddha Zen Palm," instantly draining his internal energy. He could no longer withstand the sword light of Ni Qingfeng's longsword. With a soft sound, the longsword severed Li Jingang's right arm as easily as cutting tofu. However, no blood flowed from the cut; instead, a bright white and lustrous light emanated from it.

Just as Ni Qingfeng's longsword slashed down on Li Jingang's arm, Xiao Shengbai's "Twilight Rain and Heavenly Splendor" and Shangguan Yun's "Shadowless Heaven-Covering Palm" also landed on Ni Qingfeng at the same time.

"It's done!"

Shangguan Yun was secretly delighted, but his expression changed drastically. He hurriedly withdrew and told Xiao Shengbai to flee. However, to his horror, Xiao Shengbai seemed to be frozen in place. His long sword was thrust diagonally at Ni Qingfeng. Then a gust of wind blew by, and the sword shattered. Then, Xiao Shengbai was thrown away heavily. A sword light followed, cleaving him in two at the waist.

Shangguan Yun was shocked to see Xiao Shengbai killed by a single sword strike, but his killing intent towards Ni Qingfeng intensified. With a deep shout, a black palm wind, like a soaring dragon, hurtled towards Ni Qingfeng. At the same time, "Illusion Demon" channeled his true energy, and a red umbrella appeared, its surface revealing eight sharp blades that shimmered with a ghostly light. With the help of the soaring dragon palm wind, it instantly arrived above Ni Qingfeng, its colorful ribbons swirling downwards, attempting to trap and bind Ni Qingfeng.

Seeing this, Ni Qingfeng snorted coldly, and his aura trembled, instantly shattering the colorful ribbons. Then, his aura surged and collided with the tornado palm wind. The two forces of true energy clashed continuously, and rolling waves of energy spread outwards. The area within three zhang was like a furnace. The Vajra was unable to react in time and was immediately trapped by the scorching waves of energy. After a few miserable screams, his body was instantly turned into nothingness. Shangguan Yun watched with eyes bloodshot with rage.

Not only did he fail to kill Ni Qingfeng in this battle, but he also killed three of his men. Even Shangguan Yun, with his large family and powerful business, could not afford such a price.

The Azure Dragon Palm's wind was gradually weakening under the pressure of Ni Qingfeng's aura. The red umbrella in the sky was also unable to make any progress, and was fluctuating due to the rising air waves. If it weren't for Shi Lingwei controlling it with his true energy, it would have been shattered by now.

After another half-hour of fighting, the Azure Dragon Palm Wind was no match for the protective Xuan Light. After a mournful cry, the palm wind scattered. Shangguan Yun felt a tightness in his chest and took two steps back, his face turning pale. Shi Lingwei was not so lucky. Ni Qingfeng had already decided to cut off Shangguan Yun's wings, and in his eyes, Shi Lingwei was already a dead man. Just as Shangguan Yun retreated and Shi Lingwei was sent flying, a flickering sword light flashed across the void. Shangguan Yun was momentarily stunned. When he recovered, he saw that Shi Lingwei had been slit in the throat by a sword. The red umbrella fell to the ground and turned into countless red fragments, which landed neatly on his corpse.

Shangguan Yun glanced at the dead Shi Lingwei, but remained calm. Seeing Ni Qingfeng approaching slowly, Shangguan Yun made a startling move: he swallowed a dragon pearl. Ni Qingfeng paused, staring at Shangguan Yun with a grave expression. "This hall master will not allow defeat! Ni Qingfeng, prepare to die!"

After consuming the dragon pearl, Shangguan Yun's aura suddenly surged, instantly propelling him into the Innate Realm. Moreover, his aura continued to rise, with gusts of black wind swirling around him, lifting him into the air. With a bang, Shangguan Yun's hair ornament came undone, his hair disheveled, his dark eyes flashing with crimson light, his robes fluttering as he looked down at Ni Qingfeng. He reached out and pressed down, and a huge palm print slammed down, with a dazzling golden light emanating from its palm.

Ni Qingfeng's heart sank slightly. He hadn't expected Shangguan Yun to be so bold. Swallowing the dragon pearl was not a good thing. Apart from the Chamu clan chief's lineage, such an action was no different from swallowing poison. Sooner or later, it would backfire.

Without time to think, Ni Qingfeng's true energy surged, and the sword in his hand shone brightly. A sharp and incomparable sword light shot into the air, piercing towards the huge palm print. The Sun and Moon Duo, who were watching from afar, only saw a soaring divine sword like a pillar supporting the sky, firmly holding back the palm print. The light flashed continuously at the point of contact, and the sword light and palm energy clashed with each other. The entire area three zhang away from the square was destroyed by the energy, forming large holes of varying depths.

"Humph!"

Shangguan Yun watched as Ni Qingfeng's sword light blocked the Sky-Supporting Seal. Then, he drew upon the power of the Dragon Pearl and sent it into the palm print. A cracking sound rang out, and the sword light dimmed instantly, its height decreasing continuously. After only a few breaths, the sword light only guarded about ten feet above Ni Qingfeng's head, a distance that was already extremely dangerous.

Ni Qingfeng sensed the immense and unfathomable power opposite him, his expression slightly changing. A flash of light appeared in his hand, and the sword's radiance increased again, a solid mass of clear light steadily resisting the palm energy. At the same time, Ni Qingfeng pushed upwards with his left hand, and a frost-white aura shot into the sky, instantly covering the center of the palm print and continuously eroding the golden light in the palm. In just a few breaths, the golden light gradually lost its color, turning grayish-white. Just as Ni Qingfeng's Ice Soul Profound Light melted the golden light... Shangguan Yun had already sensed something. His eyes sharpened, and he took out another dragon pearl from his robes. After a moment's hesitation, he swallowed it. As soon as the two dragon pearls entered his body, Shangguan Yun's appearance changed drastically. His originally resolute face became extremely sinister, his sword-like eyebrows turned crimson, and his eyes shone with black light. His black hair turned white at a visible speed, his robes fluttered, and black gale protected his body, making him look like a demon from the end times. This shocked the Sun and Moon Duo who were watching from afar.

With the help of the Dragon Ball, Shangguan Yun had never possessed such immense power. It seemed as if a single, gentle strike could tear the heavens apart. He laughed heartily a few times, and looking down at Ni Qingfeng, who was still defending, he added ten times more force to the attack. The palm print suddenly shrank to its normal size, but the power contained within it increased several times over. The Ice Soul Mystic Light shattered instantly, the palm print disappeared, and the oppressive sword light descended. Once struck by this move, one could be instantly pulverized.

As Ni Qingfeng watched the palm print continuously break through the sword light defense, his heart sank. He took a deep breath and slashed forward with his longsword. Three white sword beams shot up, trying to block the palm print. However, this time the sword beams shattered instantly when they touched the palm print, and the speed of the palm print also suddenly increased. It crashed down and headed straight for Ni Qingfeng's face!
At this critical moment, Ni Qingfeng revealed a profound look in his eyes. He sheathed his longsword, and a mysterious aura suddenly surged up his body. He raised his right hand and blasted a beam of azure light upwards. As the light appeared, strands of azure light, like spider silk, continuously wrapped around the descending palm print. In less than half a breath, the palm print was completely covered and stopped half a foot above Ni Qingfeng's head.

Seeing this, Shangguan Yun's pupils constricted, his expression changed several times, and he hardened his heart. He once again activated the power of the Dragon Pearl and poured it in. The stagnant palm print began to slowly fall again. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Ni Qingfeng split his figure into seven separate bodies, each using the "Silver Dragon from Beyond the Heavens" technique. Eight silver dragon sword energies roared out, raised their heads, and continuously crashed into the palm print. Finally, the eight silver dragon sword energies lifted the palm print several feet, and the scattered sword energy regrouped and condensed, transforming into six silver dragon sword energies again, continuing to push the palm print up. After this happened three times, the palm print could no longer hold on under the double blow of the green light and the silver dragon sword energies. With a loud bang, it exploded into waves that filled the sky.

Ni Qingfeng, deep in the heart of the battle, also let out a muffled groan. Then, his figure flashed, quickly leaving the square and rushing towards the outside of Zhongxin Hall. At this moment, Shangguan Yun was also in bad shape. The palm print was broken, and the rebounding force was drawn back into his body by the dragon pearl, causing his meridians to ache and his blood to surge. What was worse was that his forced suppression of the dragon pearl's true energy was also shaken away, and the two dragon pearls in his body began to move around continuously, which aggravated Shangguan Yun's injuries. He groaned a few times, staggered to the ground, spat out several mouthfuls of black blood, and knelt on one knee, panting heavily.

"Hall Master!"

Seeing Shangguan Yun's miserable state, the Sun and Moon Duo rushed over. They exchanged a glance, pressed against Shangguan Yun's back, and channeled their partially restored true energy into his body. The two streams of true energy arrived just in time, and Shangguan Yun immediately mobilized the remaining true energy in his body to slowly guide them in, suppressing the restless dragon pearl. The remaining energy was used to repair the damaged meridians. After the Sun and Moon Duo channeled their true energy for a full quarter of an hour, their bodies were depleted. At this moment, Shangguan Yun still felt that it was slightly insufficient. With a determined heart, he was about to absorb the Sun and Moon Duo when suddenly a figure flew by, placing both palms on Shangguan Yun's body. A weak but very pure stream of true energy filled the last link, and Shangguan Yun immediately felt much more relaxed. His body trembled, knocking the Sun and Moon Duo aside. He opened his eyes and realized that it was Shangguan Feiyan.

"Dad, are you alright?"

Suppressing her bitterness, Shangguan Feiyan looked at Shangguan Yun, whose face was ashen, and said...

"It's nothing, Riyue. Take Miss down to rest. The main hall master is in seclusion to heal his injuries. During this period, all affairs of Zhongxin Hall will be handled by the two of you."

Shangguan Yun glanced at Shangguan Feiyan, then gave an order to Riyue before turning and walking towards the main hall. He was only barely suppressing his injuries at the moment, and he needed to go into seclusion immediately in order to fully recover.

"Yes, I obey."

The Sun and Moon Demons immediately responded. Watching Shangguan Yun leave, the Moon Demon sighed, glanced at the sorrowful Shangguan Feiyan, and said softly, "Miss, please wait until the Hall Master comes out of seclusion before discussing anything else."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Feiyan shook her head. Looking at the traces of battle on the square, she felt a pang of sorrow. She walked alone toward the treasure vault. Ri Sha also felt a tightness in his chest when he saw this. However, as members of the Zhongxin Hall, Shangguan Yun's orders were their only principle. It was just that this time, the young lady had truly suffered.

"Today's battle was a complete defeat for Zhongxin Hall, and their leader..."

When Yue Sha saw Ri Sha looking over, he stopped talking and ordered people to clean up the square. The two of them issued an order in the name of Shangguan Yun, forbidding anyone from spreading today's events. If anyone was found to be causing trouble, they would be made to wish they were dead.

After leaving Zhongxin Hall, Ni Qingfeng fled for more than ten miles to a quiet valley. He found a cave, sat cross-legged, and slowly forced out the remaining frenzied power of the Dragon Pearl from his body. Half an hour later, a flash of red light appeared in the cave. Ni Qingfeng slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air. On his right fingertip was a crystal-clear, dazzling light pearl the size of a grain of rice. This was the solidified power of the Dragon Pearl. This single point was enough to kill a first-rate expert. This object was called "Dragon Fiend".

(End of this chapter)