Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 374 Pill Powder
This Zhenyue is Zhang Cheng's natal magic weapon, a set of nine.

At this moment, perhaps sensing his will to die, the radiance became incredibly intense.

Nine golden sword shadows merged into one once more, relentlessly slashing at the blood-red halberd and the protective demonic energy.

This can be considered the last trump card of a Golden Core cultivator. When spiritual power is insufficient, they use their Golden Core as fuel, burning their core essence to obtain terrifying power to destroy everything.

"Idiot's dream!"

Qin Yang roared fiercely, his long spear swirling wildly, surrounded by a bloody light.

Each swing unleashed raging demonic flames and crimson gales, attempting to force Zhang Cheng back.

boom--!
Each collision unleashed a deafening roar in the clouds, and dark golden blood continuously spilled from Zhang Cheng's mouth—the backlash from burning his Golden Core essence.

His body was visibly decaying and withering, as if it would turn to ashes at any moment.

But Qin Yang was not having an easy time either.

The sword energy remaining on the sword talisman was agitated and became even more restless under such a fierce attack, and the sword wound on his chest even showed a tendency to expand.

"Why is this sword energy still lingering? Is Chen Linyuan really a Golden Core cultivator?!"

Each time he parried Zhang Cheng's desperate attack, his face paled even more, and his energy expenditure increased dramatically.

Every time he tried to escape, white waves of flame rose from below and entered the battle.

The flames of rebirth surrounding Qin Xijun were extremely powerful and yang, burning away all the filth in the world.

The moment the platinum flames came into contact with Qin Yang's blood flames, they emitted a violent burning sound.

The blood flames seemed to have met their nemesis, quickly dissolving and receding!
"Ah—! You wretched servant!"

Qin Yang was already somewhat driven to the brink of delirium, and it was extremely difficult for him to concentrate on dealing with the flames that were suppressing his demonic arts.

The blood-red spear swept across, and a powerful crimson ribbon crashed into the wave of flames, attempting to extinguish it.

"What should you call me?"

Qin Xijun sneered: "You disrespectful brat!"

boom!
The flames did not extinguish; instead, they surged, rising against the current, entangling the blood-red halberd, and scorching the demonic weapon, causing it to hiss and crackle.

At the same time, a hideous demonic shadow moved at high speed along the edge of the battlefield in the clouds, like a ghost.

The heavy black ruler in Xu Xiang's hand was currently sweeping away the demonic energy dissipating from the battlefield.

The demonic energy at the Golden Core stage is too condensed and domineering. The illusory form cannot directly absorb and slowly refine it like it does when devouring Foundation Establishment or Pseudo-Core cultivators. If it is not careful, it will burst the demonic body.

However, the heavy ruler could gather up this demonic energy, ignite it, and then strike Qin Yang again.

With a swing of the heavy ruler, wisps of demonic energy were forcibly drawn in and wrapped around the ruler, causing demonic flames to rise up.

"呷-"

Whenever Qin Yang was restrained by Zhang Cheng or Qin Xijun and revealed a weakness, Xu Xiang would seize that fleeting opportunity and suddenly swing his heavy ruler to strike.

He then immediately withdrew, allowing Song Yan to take over the body and frantically unleash the Six Void Heavenly Falling Sword Finger.

Qin Yang had to distract himself to resolve the situation, which was extremely frustrating.

After all, little by little, you can achieve great things, and even water can wear away stone.

With these three methods working together, Qin Yang's spiritual energy was rapidly dissipated, like a floodgate being opened.

Under the combined attack from both inside and outside, the wound on his chest finally began to burst open, and more sword energy escaped, causing him to groan in pain.

Qin Yang was shocked to find that he seemed to have gone from having victory in his grasp to being in a situation where even saving his life was difficult.

The light of the Blood Spear dimmed considerably, and the protective demonic energy around it became precarious.

For the first time, panic appeared in his eyes—the fear of losing control of his power and all his advantages.

"No! How could I be defeated by ants like you!"

Qin Yang let out a furious roar of resentment, forcibly activating his secret technique in an attempt to make a final struggle. However, the blood flames around him rose again, and his aura was noticeably dimmed, far less powerful than before.

Zhang Cheng suddenly raised his eyes, showing no fear, but a resolute look in them.

"Zhenyue!"

The combined sword light of the nine flying swords instantly transformed into a long rainbow.

Qin Xijun knew perfectly well that this was a golden opportunity. She unleashed all her spiritual power, and her short sword slashed out countless waves of flame, burning away most of the blood flames surrounding Qin Yang.

"you……"

hum-

In an instant, the golden rainbow pierced through Qin Yang's protective demonic energy, stabbed into Qin Yang's already severely injured chest, and emerged from his back!

Zhang Cheng did not let his guard down and pointed his sword at Yi Qu.

But then the sword rainbow appeared to cut across, starting from the left side of his chest and slashing all the way down to his right arm.

Qin Yang's movements came to an abrupt halt. He looked down in disbelief at his shattered body.

The demonic energy around him receded rapidly, and the light in his eyes dimmed.

"Uh... huh..."

A painful roar rolled out of his throat.

Qin Xijun was not careless. She immediately lunged forward, flashed past him, and then Qin Yang's head flew off.

Fresh blood spurted out, and a rich aura of blood immediately spread.

Just then, a wisp of demonic thought suddenly shot out from his corpse and flew away into the distance.

This demonic thought was formless and intangible; Zhang Cheng and Qin Xijun could only sense a deep malice as it soared into the sky and flew away into the distance.

Qin Yang's demonic thoughts were filled with deep resentment and unwillingness. He never expected that he would be defeated in such a small place as the State of Chu.

Damn!

Damn old bastard! Damn whore! Damn little bug!

And that Chen Linyuan!
All deserve to die!
It's okay, we've escaped this time!

He will have a chance to make a comeback someday!

Just as he was thinking this, he heard a whisper in his ear.

"Hmph..."

But then a dark shadow flashed, and the illusory form was already in front of the demonic thought.

"Got you……"

As both are manifestations of demonic thoughts, the illusory form can naturally see his trajectory.

But then Xu Xiang swung the heavy, black ruler in his hand.

"Snapped!"

A soft crack, like a clove of garlic being smashed with a cleaver.

The demonic thought was instantly shattered into countless tiny specks of light, which were gathered in the illusory form's large hand and refined in an instant.

Once the demonic thoughts were eliminated, the illusion continued without pause.

It swooped down and caught Qin Yang's corpse in mid-air. With a flick of its black hand, it pulled a golden pill from his abdomen.

However, before the illusory form could even utter a word, it instantly transformed into countless pure spiritual energies.

High above, a fierce gale swept past, only to be completely dispersed in an instant, disappearing into the spiritual energy of heaven and earth without a trace.

"..."

For the first time, the grotesque figure of the illusory being clearly stiffened.

It looked down at its empty black hand, then looked up blankly at the sky where the spiritual energy had dissipated.

"Hmph..."

Qin Xijun actually saw disappointment and loss in the face of this body writhing in demonic flames.

After a while, Xu Xiang took off the Qiankun Bag.

With a casual toss, he threw Qin Yang's body away like trash.

With his other hand, he tossed the Qiankun Bag to Zhang Cheng.

Zhang Cheng risked his life to kill Qin Yang, and he contributed the most effort.

The illusory one had no interest in this thing, and at the behest of the main body, handed over the Qiankun Bag to him.

Above the Nangong clan's territory, the demonic clouds dissipated, and the black flames on Song Yan's body slowly receded, revealing Song Yan's true form.

He was covered in blood, but his body had been fully restored, and a warm, jade-like luster flowed beneath his skin. Only his complexion was still somewhat pale, and his breath was weak.

Moreover... they were barely clothed.

Qin Xijun flew over, and a gentle flame swept over Song Yan's body, wiping away the bloodstains and filth.

He was then draped in a black Taoist robe.

The three of them descended slowly from the clouds together.

The cultivators in the Nangong clan's territory looked up and saw that the three people were bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Some of the Qi Refining cultivators truly felt as if they were seeing gods.

"Ancestor!"

The cultivators from the Nangong family swarmed forward and surrounded Zhang Cheng.

"Master!"

Li Yi, Xiao Ju, and others also came forward to greet them.

Li Yi laughed heartily: "Junior Brother Song, your near-death experience really gave me a fright!"

He suddenly patted Song Yan on the shoulder.

"hiss--"

Song Yan gasped, nearly fainting from the pain.

"No, no, no, senior brother, my current body was made from that spirit lotus root. You're too strong, don't smash it."

In fact, Song Yan's physical strength was even greater than before; every inch of his muscles and flesh had become incredibly resilient under the influence of that vitality.

The spiritual energy was inexhaustible, and the sword energy recovered extremely quickly as well.

The wondrous inspiration had not yet dissipated, and Song Yan did not know what kind of impact it would have on him if it did, but at least for now, he had no intention of worrying about it. He should focus on adjusting his internal energy and resting properly.

Under the command and coordination of the patriarch Nangong Ming, the surviving cultivators of the Nangong family began to clear the ruins, treat the wounded, and collect the remains of their comrades.

Most of the guests had already left; after this battle, they had no desire to stay any longer.

Although Yan Xun, Wu Duo, and the others wanted to say goodbye to Song Yan before leaving, they saw that Song Yan was recuperating and did not disturb him, so they left on their own.

The faces of the surviving Nangong clan members were a mixture of grief and exhaustion, as well as a vague hope of surviving a catastrophe.

"I'm sorry, Ling'er, our joyous wedding banquet has turned into this mess."

Lu Ziye and Nangong Ling embraced tightly, both feeling indebted to each other.

"Don't say that, my husband, it's my fault for dragging you down..."

On the banks of the Lingyang River, the spiritual energy storm gradually subsided as the great battle ended.

At that very moment, several pale golden streaks of light converged from all directions and hovered in front of all the Dongyuan Sect cultivators.

"Ok?"

Everyone raised their hands to catch the golden light flying towards them.

Upon opening the communication talisman, their expressions changed drastically.

"What does the sect leader mean by this?"

Why would the perfectly good Dongyuan Sect disband?
The members of Dongyuan Sect looked at each other, none of them knowing the reason.

Song Yan was puzzled. He knew that the sect leader was unpredictable, but to disband the sect so easily seemed a bit too frivolous.

Qin Xijun was also somewhat confused.

The Dongyuan Clan had been established for hundreds of years, and it was from her generation that it began to get on the right track. By the time of Song Yan's generation, it had begun to rise.

If things continue to develop in this way, within a hundred years, even if they can't surpass Xuan Yuan in terms of paper strength and become the number one sect in Chu, they will at least be able to stand on equal footing.

Having just experienced such a fierce battle, and before they even had a chance to recover, they received this message: the sect had been destroyed. It was truly a bittersweet feeling.

But both Qin Xijun and Song Yanliyi had deep feelings for the Dongyuan Sect.

The sect treated them well, and even if the sect were to disband in the end, they would still go back to see what was going on.

Qin Xijun said, "You two go back and take a look. Xiaoyue, Xiaoju, and Xiaoye, stay here with me and assist Nangong."

After this battle, the Nangong family lost almost all of its top combat power and was severely weakened, making it the weakest family at this time.

There are countless sects, large and small, inside and outside Jiangxian Pass, and many evil spirits and monsters. It's hard to guarantee they won't take advantage of the chaos.

"Yes, Master."

There were no lengthy farewells; the situation was urgent.

Li Yi and Song Yan immediately transformed into streaks of light and left the Nangong clan's territory, flying towards the Dongyuan Sect.

At this moment, Song Yan was only slightly weak. Due to the presence of that strange spiritual energy, the spiritual power in his body seemed inexhaustible, and his strength was greatly enhanced.

Taking this opportunity to return to the sect to investigate is not risky. The only concern is that by then, the spiritual energy will dissipate, and one's condition may change unpredictably. In that case, even if one wanted to return, it would be too late.

After the two left, Qin Xijun withdrew her complicated gaze and took a deep breath.

"You all go and assist Nangong. I have important matters to discuss with Senior Zhang Cheng."

"it is good."

Qin Xijun walked slowly forward, and the Nangong cultivators surrounding Zhang Cheng made way for her.

"Mr. Zhang, would you mind moving aside so we can have a private chat?"

Zhang Cheng nodded, but did not move.

He turned to the cultivators from the Nangong family and said, "You all go about your business. Xuanlang, you wait here."

"Yes, old man."

When the patriarch spoke, the others dared not linger and departed.

Among the many late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, there was one who looked relatively young. After being pointed at by Zhang Cheng, he walked aside and waited for the ancestor to summon him.

Zhang Cheng casually wiped his hand, setting up a soundproof barrier around himself.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, please speak."

Qin Xijun nodded: "Elder Zhang, the price I paid for using this secret technique to forcibly enhance my strength was my entire cultivation foundation."

Zhang Cheng nodded, already having guessed it in his heart.

At the late Foundation Establishment stage, the strength of someone who uses a secret technique can approach that of someone at the Golden Core stage. Such a secret technique must have significant side effects.

Qin Xijun continued, "This method is irreversible. In less than a month, my cultivation and spiritual power will gradually dissipate, and I will become a mortal, or even my body will fail and I will die."

"The Nangong family is in dire need of rebuilding and is surrounded by powerful enemies. It is a pity that you are willing but unable to do so. In ten days, I fear that you will no longer have the strength to protect the Nangong family. I urge you to make plans as soon as possible."

Qin Xijun had naturally seen Zhang Cheng's condition as well, and perhaps it was even more serious than her own.

He was already nearing the end of his lifespan, and then his spiritual power was drained and his vital essence was burned away.

He will likely pass away in the next few days.

Zhang Cheng chuckled, showing no fear of death whatsoever.

He slowly straightened his hunched back, his eyes sweeping over the ruins of the clan's territory, over the clansmen, and finally landing on Nangong Ling not far away, a hint of affection and determination flashing in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Qin's noble character is deeply appreciated by everyone in Nangong. To protect Nangong, you did not hesitate to destroy your own path of cultivation. This kindness and affection will never be forgotten by the Nangong family!"

“You have done more than enough for Nangong and for this old man like me.”

Zhang Cheng naturally knew that Qin Xijun was able to go to such lengths not for the sake of the Nangong family.

But they did exactly that, saving Nangong Xiushi and even helping him kill Qin Yang.

Judging by her actions rather than her intentions, she is Nangong's savior.

After saying that, he turned his gaze to the cultivator not far away.

“Xuanlang”.

"Junior is here."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Xuanlang immediately came to the two of them respectfully.

"Greetings, Ancestor; greetings, Senior Qin."

In fact, Nangong Xuanlang and Qin Xijun are of the same generation, so he should only address her as "fellow Daoist".

At this moment, she and the ancestor seemed to be on equal footing, so Nangong Xuanlang naturally dared not be negligent.

"Among this generation of the clan, only you possess the potential to reach the Golden Core stage."

Zhang Cheng looked at him with a hint of admiration in his eyes: "My life is coming to an end, and I will soon pass away. Would you be willing to inherit my mantle and protect the Nangong family?"

(End of this chapter)