The world of martial arts, the immortal swordsman in the mortal realm.

Chapter 161, Chapter 176: Battle Against Yin! He killed Qu Ao with just his back!

Lu Chen never expected the situation to turn out this way.

Seeing the drastic change in the expressions of Fa Nan and Chang Zhen, Lu Chen shook his head with amusement and flicked his fingers to shoot out two sword energies.

Fa Nan roared and swung his heavy iron staff, following the energy flow, he blasted towards the invisible sword energy that was invisible to the naked eye.

Chang Zhen danced with colorful sleeves, the shadows of her sleeves overlapping like a colorful cloud, using her "Soul-Stealing Colorful Robe," which was most adept at dissolving internal energy, to resist the sword energy.

however.

Lu Chen's two sword energies were not ordinary sword energies.

Both sword energies possessed both Yin and Yang energies. The moment they made contact with their target, the Yin and Yang energies collided suddenly at a special frequency, releasing an explosive force like thunder.

boom!
With a thunderous explosion, Fa Nanzhong's iron staff suddenly twisted and bent, and he was struck in the chest as if by a battering ram, spitting out blood and falling backward.

Chang Zhencai's sleeves exploded into countless shattered pieces, and she, like Fa Nan, was thrown into the air, spitting blood.

Lu Chen flicked his finger and shot out two more sword energies, aiming straight for the heads of the two men.

But two white ribbons flew from behind the two men. When they collided with the two sword energies, there were two muffled thuds. The sword energies shattered, and the ribbons flew back, wrapping around the waists of Fa Nan and Chang Zhen, and suddenly dragging the two men back to the large ship.

Of all those present, only Empress Zhu Yuyan had the ability to save someone from Lu Chen's clutches.

Seeing that Fa Nan and Chang Zhen were seriously injured in a single encounter, Empress Yin frowned slightly, and when she looked at Lu Chen again, her eyes were somewhat solemn.

Today, Lu Chen's strength has actually reached a new level compared to last night's fierce battle with Qu Ao at Manqing Academy!
Even the most exceptional genius shouldn't see such progress in martial arts in just one day and one night.

So, he was actually hiding his true strength last night?

Seeing Wanwan and the elders who were being intercepted by Dugu Feng, Shi Feixuan, Kou Zhong, and Xu Ziling and were locked in a fierce battle, Zhu Yuyan's eyes flashed with a dark light, and her long, jet-black hair, as dark as ink clouds, suddenly moved without any wind.

With her clothes fluttering, she took a step forward, her figure seemingly weightless, and floated gracefully across the river.

Wherever it passed, the broken logs and stumps floating in the river were all lifted into the air by the invisible force field, and then bombarded towards Lu Chen by invisible repulsive forces.

The first thing to fly over was a broken stump, more than two feet long and as thick as a bowl.

It was clearly just a piece of wood, yet the sound of it breaking through the air was like thunder, and its force was as strong as a thousand-pound flying stone.

Although Empress Zhu Yuyan was tricked by Shi Zhixuan and her Heavenly Demon Technique stopped at the seventeenth level, making it difficult to reach the eighteenth level of perfection, her strength was only slightly inferior to that of a Grandmaster.

It is said that Ning Daoqi tried to cause trouble for Zhu Yuyan three times, but all his efforts were in vain.

Whether it was Zhu Yuyan's speed or her use of "mutual destruction" to intimidate Ning Daoqi, it proved that even a Grandmaster couldn't do anything to her.

now.

Facing the roaring broken wooden stake, Lu Chen did not hesitate, and with his fingers forming a sword, he thrust out a "Yin Yang Two Qi Sword".

The invisible sword energy met the broken wooden stake, creating a deafening roar.

The broken wooden stake shattered into pieces, the wood fragments flying like bullets, filling the riverbank with dust and splashing water all over the river.

Just as the broken wooden stake was cut off, more pieces of broken planks and broken wooden stakes of various sizes flew towards them.

Each plank is like a rotating saw, and each broken stake is like a massive stone projectile launched from a giant catapult.

Lu Chen unleashed a barrage of sword energy, each "Yin Yang Two Qi Sword" whirling and piercing, shattering the bombardment of broken planks and stakes one by one.

Having just intercepted all the wooden planks and broken stakes that had been bombarded, Yin Hou flew over Lu Chen. As her black hair danced wildly and her clothes fluttered, a dark blue light suddenly burst forth from Yin Hou's eyes. Her entire being seemed to transform into a black abyss, radiating a terrifying suction force.

Lu Chen's clothes and hair all floated diagonally upwards towards the Yin Hou in the air, and the broken wood of the waterside pavilion around him also floated off the ground, drifting in the air around him like satellites.

Lu Chen himself remained rooted to the ground, unmoved.

The dark blue light in Yin Hou's eyes intensified, and her body swooped down. The upward pulling force suddenly transformed into a huge downward repulsive force.

With a loud crash, the splinters of wood hovering around Lu Chen plummeted back to the ground. Lu Chen's clothes and black hair also drooped downwards, becoming completely still. Even the dust around him was pushed to the ground by the repulsive force, and in the blink of an eye, not a speck of dust remained around Lu Chen.

Lu Chen, who was the first to be hit, felt as if an invisible giant hand, with immense force, was falling from the sky, pressing down on his head and shoulders, compressing his back and waist, and forcing him to bow his head and bend over to be slaughtered.

But Lu Chen remained unmoved.

He stood ramrod straight, his knees were firmly planted, his chin was slightly raised, and his eyes gleamed with a faint light, like the gleam of a sword, as he calmly watched the Yin Queen descend from the sky.

Empress Yin descended with suppressive power, and when she was only a few feet away from Lu Chen, her slender hand emerged from her water sleeve. Her five fingers trembled and flicked, creating many afterimages, like blooming flowers or hand seals being cast.

After the ever-changing finger seals, the extremely refined Heavenly Demon True Qi condensed in the index and middle fingers.

Yin Hou thrust her fingers down, demonic energy swirling around her fingertips, transforming into an indestructible cone of heavenly demonic energy. Wherever it passed, the wind howled like ghosts wailing and gods howling, and the space itself seemed to groan and vibrate, bursting out layers upon layers of ripples of energy.

Faced with the Empress's all-out attack, which seemed to have gathered all her life's strength, they were met with a fierce counterattack.

Lu Chen raised his right hand seemingly slowly but actually swiftly, his index and middle fingers forming a sword-like gesture, and thrust it towards the sky.

Zheng——

Even though it was just a finger, when the sword was pointed, everyone heard a long and clear sword cry.

Everything before my eyes turned white inexplicably, as if a blinding white sword light or a bolt of lightning pierced the night sky had appeared before me.

The sword pointed wherever it passed.

The invisible pressure that had been pressing down on Lu Chen split in two like tearing silk.

Sword energy burst forth from his fingertips, colliding in mid-air with the Heavenly Demon Qi Cone on Yin Hou's finger. They clashed and annihilated each other, exploding into a series of deafening air explosions.

The sword energy and the Heavenly Demon Qi Cone cancel each other out.

Lu Chen's sword finger finally collided with Yin Hou's slender finger.

This moment.

The air seemed to freeze.

On the river, they leaped and flew, crisscrossing the water. The two sides, who were in the midst of a fierce battle, stopped for a moment and turned their gazes toward Lu Chen and Yin Hou.

Subsequently.

A deafening roar erupted, and a visible ring of true energy surged outwards in all directions, cracking the ground, sending mud and rocks flying, and causing the river to sag and surge with huge waves.

Yin Hou trembled slightly and floated backward.

Lu Chen was also startled and retreated.

Just as he retreated.

A figure parted the water's surface and burst forth from the river below the pavilion. His eyes flashed with extreme hatred as he stared intently at Lu Chen's back. His powerful claws, capable of tearing through steel, ripped at Lu Chen's neck with one claw and clawed at his back with the other.

It is none other than Flying Eagle Qu Ao!

He was defeated in public by Lu Chen at Manqing Academy and had to rely on his disciples and external help such as Shangguan Long to escape. His reputation was ruined and he lost face. He hated Lu Chen to the bone.

Taking advantage of Lu Chen's full attention to Yin Hou, he launched a ruthless sneak attack, determined to tear his neck apart and pull out his spine alive, only then could he vent his hatred!
Qu Ao believed.

Although Lu Chen had blocked Yin Hou's attack, Yin Hou was right in front of him at that moment, and all his energy was focused on her. Even if he noticed the sneak attack from behind at the critical moment of life and death, he would not have time to react.

Below the three grandmasters, who else could have the leisure to pay attention to what was behind the scenes while facing the Empress Yin head-on?
Moreover, Lu Chen took Yin Hou's attack head-on and was forced to retreat several steps. Even if he was not injured, his blood and qi must have been churning and he would have difficulty recovering for a while!
Logically speaking, Qu Ao's deduction is correct.

Below the three grandmasters, indeed no one could face Yin Hou head-on, and when he just withstood Yin Hou's full-force attack, he still had the strength to deal with a sneak attack from a grandmaster like Qu Ao from behind.

Even if one wanted to, one is powerless to do so.

However, Lu Chen could not be reasoned with by common sense.

He is a divine sword from beyond the heavens, and also a person beyond reason!
Just as he was still unsteady on his feet, and Qu Ao's powerful claws were already within reach, seven acupoints on Lu Chen's back—the Dazhui, Shendao, Zhiyang, left and right Shentang, and left and right Tianzong—simultaneously unleashed fierce sword energy, and there was more than one wave!
After the first wave, another wave of sword energy shot out from seven other acupoints, followed by a third wave!
Wave after wave, seven after seven, the sharp sword energy was endless and never-ending!
Although the sword energy emitted from acupoints is much weaker than that emitted from the hand, and cannot combine yin and yang energies in a single sword energy, it has the advantage of being more abundant, and can also be used in pairs, with yin and yang flying together!

Just as Qu Ao was about to succeed, he was suddenly struck by a counterattack of sword energy erupting from acupoints on Lu Chen's back, and was immediately shocked:

"Nine Transformations of True Essence? How is that possible?"

Amidst the exclamations, he disregarded his attack on Lu Chen and unleashed a flurry of claw shadows with both hands, stirring up a powerful surge of energy in an attempt to block the sword energy.

However, the two sides were too close, and Lu Chen's sword energy came too fast and too densely. Moreover, most of them were Yin-Yang flying swords in pairs. When the two sword energies collided, they created an explosive force like thunder and lightning.

Under the relentless bombardment of sword energy, Qu Ao's claw defense was quickly torn to shreds.

Then, a normal sword aura pierced through the claw defenses and shot straight at Qu Ao's acupoint.

Qu Ao also unleashed his true strength, using a burst of true energy from his chest to intercept it.

However, his Nine Transformations of Condensation, which used the power generated by the acupoints of his body, was actually no match for Lu Chen's sword energy. When they collided, Lu Chen's sword energy was indeed destroyed, but Qu Ao was shocked and his face turned pale. His already clumsy double claw defense line instantly revealed more flaws!

Whoosh...

The sword energy whistled, piercing through Qu Ao's claws one after another, raining down on his vital points in the chest and abdomen.

Qu Ao used the Nine Transformations of Condensed Truth to continuously unleash his true energy to intercept the sword energy, but every time he intercepted a sword energy, his body would tremble, his face would turn paler, and blood would begin to flow from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

He couldn't even extricate himself from the battle.

Because Lu Chen's sword energy was not only fast and dense, but could also be guided by the flow of energy and its trajectory could be slightly adjusted, it had completely sealed off his space to dodge and retreat.

The current all-out defense can barely hold on, but once a disengagement attempt is made and some of the energy is diverted to evasion and retreat, the already flawed defense will inevitably collapse completely, and Lu Chen's relentless sword energy will bombard and kill them.

"Queen of the Underworld, save me!"

Qu Ao cried out for help in a pitiful voice.

But only three breaths had passed since he launched his sneak attack.

Within three breaths, he unleashed a sword aura on Lu Chen's back, beating him mercilessly. Even Empress Yin hadn't expected such a turn of events—she had been sent flying backward by Lu Chen's incredibly powerful sword finger strike and had only just landed.

However, Empress Yin did not want to watch Qu Ao die. She lightly touched the ground with her toes, and her figure was like a white phantom. She rushed to Lu Chen in a flash, and her palms used a light and graceful palm technique to create layers of palm shadows, covering Lu Chen.

Her palm techniques appeared light and airy, but in reality, each strike contained the power to shatter iron and break rocks, aiming to force Lu Chen to abandon his attack on Qu Ao.

However, Lu Chen remained unmoved.

Sword energy continued to erupt from his back, fiercely attacking Qu Ao, while his right hand formed a sword with his fingers together, forcefully clashing with Yin Hou's palms.

Lu Chen's arms have been "refined" to the point that they are difficult to harm with divine weapons. With the added power of 70% of his unarmed skills, even the Yin Hou Palm technique cannot shake Lu Chen's two fingers.

His swordsmanship was superb, each strike like a divine sword flying from the heavens, each blow possessing the strength forged through countless trials and tribulations, indestructible and unbreakable.

With Yin Hou's martial arts skills, she could only suppress Lu Chen for a time, but she could not break his sword finger, threaten his life or death, nor force him to give up attacking Qu Ao!
bang bang bang bang...

With a short, rapid burst of air, Yin Hou launched a quick attack, forcing Lu Chen back three steps.

And behind Lu Chen, Qu Ao...

Qu Ao took flight again.

But it wasn't that he wanted to fly.

He was thrown into the air by Lu Chen's sword energy.

Under the relentless bombardment of the Yin-Yang Twin Flying Swords, Qu Ao's arms were already covered in blood.

His chest and abdomen were a complete mess, covered with stab and cut marks, and his eyes, ears, mouth and nose were covered in blood. He looked dazed and his eyes were unfocused.

His claws were still waving, but it was just a mechanical, instinctive parry. His claw technique was already scattered and ineffective against Lu Chen's sword energy.

puff puff puff...

After another series of sharp, continuous stabbing sounds.

Qu Ao froze, his claws falling limply to his sides.

Lu Chen's relentless barrage of sword energy finally stopped.

Thus, Qu Ao's floating body finally gained its freedom and fell straight into the Luo River.

Upon seeing Qu Ao's body fall into the river, the fierce battle on the river surface involuntarily slowed down.

No one could have predicted that Qu Ao, who fought fiercely with Lu Chen in Manqing Courtyard last night and even gained the upper hand at one point, would not even have the right to make Lu Chen turn around and look at him tonight.

Even if Qu Ao had a mental weakness, he was still a martial arts master with extraordinary skills. Even though he was defeated by Lu Chen last night, his mind was shrouded in a shadow, and his injuries had not fully healed, it was still too much for him to die today...

Lu Chen actually managed to kill Qu Ao with just his back during Qu Ao's sneak attack!

And he faced the Empress's relentless attacks head-on the entire time!

Lu Chen's fighting style is indeed puzzling.

Qu Ao's death was even more infuriating.

Seeing Qu Ao die like that, even Empress Yin couldn't help but feel a ripple in her eyes.

It's not that I'm saddened by Qu Ao's death.

Instead, they began to seriously consider whether to offer a higher price to attract Lu Chen to join them...

Yes, she doesn't want to fight anymore.

She discovered that although Lu Chen's skill was far inferior to hers, his arms were incredibly strong, almost like divine weapons, and his strength was astonishing. The strength of his muscles and bones, combined with his true qi, was enough to barely contend with her skill.

Her skill was barely enough to contend with his, her swordsmanship was divine, and with that domineering explosive sword energy, even she could only suppress him, not truly defeat him.

But when it comes to suppression...

Last night, Qu Ao also had a significant advantage, firmly suppressing Lu Chen.

A day and a night later, Qu Ao was killed by Lu Chen with his back.

If Lu Chen were to pull something like that again...

Empress Yin was unaware that Lu Chen's strength had increased so dramatically in just one day and night because he had absorbed and refined most of the He Shi Bi's power. This not only changed his acupoints and meridians, but also allowed him to master the "Nine Transformations of Condensed Truth" technique, which would normally take many years to cultivate. His cultivation in "Heart Sword" and "Refining Muscles and Bones" also greatly increased.

Next time, it won't be so easy to replicate this miracle.

Unaware of the truth, Empress Yin was already considering retreating.

A swift attack forced Lu Chen back three steps. Empress Yin retreated, saying:
"My previous suggestion remains valid..."

Then it drifted away towards the large ship.

Wanwan and the other Yin Gui Sect experts also forced back their enemies and retreated to their ships.

Lu Chen glanced at the demonic sect experts, who, apart from Fa Nan and Chang Zhen, were only slightly injured, then looked at his own reinforcements who were somewhat exhausted from fighting due to their smaller numbers. After contemplating the essence of the Heavenly Demon Great Art he had just discovered, he abandoned the idea of ​​pursuing them.

Empress Yin's skill is too profound, and she has a move called "Jade and Stone Burn Together," which even Ning Daoqi cannot do anything to. For now, it is best not to push her too hard.

Anyway, I've already killed Qu Ao tonight and obtained some of the essence of the Heavenly Demon Technique from the Yin Empress, so it can be considered a small gain.

Once I've digested tonight's insights, and with my meridians and acupoints fully developed, my cultivation efficiency will skyrocket, allowing me to quickly boost my power. Or perhaps I'll have mastered the "tendon and bone tempering" technique for my entire body. Then, the next time I see Yin Hou, she won't be able to come and go as she pleases.

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(End of this chapter)