"No matter what, I don't lose."
Song Wanníng's smile grew even more arrogant, driving a vein to bulge on Feng Jinchuan's temple. His head throbbed fiercely. Even though he knew she was deliberately provoking him, he couldn't help it. His pupils snapped sharply as he launched an attack at Song Wanníng.
The moment he moved, a fierce gale roared toward Song Wanníng.
At the same time, his left hand formed a seal. A small orange flower bloomed at his fingertips, then shattered into countless stars falling from the sky. Anything touched by those stars seemed drained of spiritual power, collapsing like a limp rag doll.
Meanwhile, another elder launched his attack. A gourd appeared in his hand, which he hurled forward. A clear spring slid down from the horizon like a raging waterfall, crashing down with tremendous force. In his right hand appeared a black spear, shimmering as it swung, the gleam so sharp it hurt the eyes.
Both fought with life-or-death determination. Their power was overwhelming, even Bai Yang outside the formation could feel it. He watched Song Wanníng nervously, worried if his master could withstand their combined assault.
Then something shocking happened.
Song Wanníng stepped forward again. This time, it was not just golden light flashing, but a black-and-white Taiji symbol weaving into it. At the same time, the Shenyou Mystic Flame merged into the mix. The three intertwined, radiating a strange aura as they surged toward the two attackers.
In an instant, Feng Jinchuan's heart skipped a beat. Horror flashed across his face. He immediately cut off his spiritual energy, choosing to withdraw to protect himself. In his haste, he nearly lost balance, falling several meters before steadying and flying backward.
The elder's reaction was slower. Already heavily injured, he hesitated just briefly before being swept up by the golden light and Taiji symbol. His Primordial Soul was violently struck. The elder felt an intense dull pain before letting out a agonized scream.
But even more terrifying happened next.
The Shenyou Mystic Flame leapt high, flames shooting over ten meters into the air.
The Taiji symbol spun madly, so fast it appeared frozen to the naked eye.
Then the elder's Primordial Soul burst from his head, twisting and tearing like a deformed specter, screaming in agony.
"Ah—ah—"
The screams echoed across the wasteland.
Bai Yang's blood froze in place as he stared motionless.
His Primordial Soul was burning in torment. No matter how much he struggled, he could not escape his body.
The pain of the Primordial Soul was ten or even a hundred times worse than physical pain. Few could endure it. Once the Primordial Soul was damaged, the cultivator became extremely fragile. Elixirs to heal the Primordial Soul were precious and expensive beyond measure. This elder's suffering was no mere injury—it was a hellish crucible.
His Primordial Soul burned continuously. Just thinking about it made one shudder.
This torment was worse than the previous elder's quick death. At the same time, Feng Jinchuan stood in the corner, covered in goosebumps. The elder's wretched screams reminded him her techniques were rare and vicious. He had cultivated for years but never seen such sinister arts. Who was she? Where had she learned these spells?
The Secluded Land's legacies were far weaker than this. Their outside world lineage had long since died out. There was no way such powerful techniques could exist!
But no matter what they thought, it would not change the elder's fate. In less than six breaths, the elder's Primordial Soul was reduced to ashes, completely dissipating.
The screams ceased abruptly. Song Wanníng's sword sliced through his body and Yuányīng, cleaving him in two.
Thud—
The corpse hit the ground, dust billowing around it. The elder's eyes were wide open, veins bulging on his face, frozen in his final moment.
Silence returned to the formation.
Song Wanníng's face was cold and indifferent. She hovered in midair, sword in hand. Her robes fluttered, long hair spilling out around her. At this moment, she looked like a war goddess descending, spiritual energy radiating in celebration.
Feng Jinchuan was stunned. His brows and eyes were now engulfed in murderous intent. Since there was no escape, they might as well drag each other to hell. His expression changed abruptly. His aura surged violently. His muscular frame suddenly expanded.
In a single breath, he became a giant several meters tall. His flesh transformed into chunks of solid stone. This was his trump card, his ultimate weapon for survival.
But this move cost too much spiritual energy. Even if victorious, his cultivation would regress and his Primordial Soul be harmed. He would never use it unless at absolute desperation.
The giant rose from the ground, lifting a foot that shook the earth and mountains.
Even the formation trembled and threatened collapse.
Song Wanníng narrowed her eyes, swiftly soaring high and slashing her sword at the giant. At the same time, the golden sword roared in dragon form, the golden light and Taiji symbol appearing again.
All aimed squarely at Feng Jinchuan.
Boom—
A tremendous explosion shook the giant, making his body sway. The ground trembled once more. The stones composing the giant's body scraped and ground loudly. But when the dust settled, the giant remained intact without a scratch.
Instead, he raised his foot and kicked toward Song Wanníng. She immediately flew backward, a trailing afterimage stretching behind her. In a blink, she vanished from her original spot.
Yet the giant was surprisingly agile, leaping forward in pursuit.
A palm struck behind Song Wanníng.
"Pft—"
She spat a mouthful of blood and fell forward.
"Master, be careful!"
Bai Yang panicked outside, shouting helplessly. But he could not enter the formation or assist.
"Phh—"
Just before hitting the ground, Song Wanníng steadied herself and spat out the blood. Seeing the giant raise his foot to stomp down, her pupils shrank. She rolled dozens of times on the ground and barely avoided the blow.
Thud—
The ground shook loudly beside her. Her scalp tingled as she pushed off the ground with force, launching straight for the giant's waist. Her longsword slashed hard.
Clang—
The sharp clash rang out across the wasteland again.
The giant only left a scratch.
He lowered his head coldly, eyes full of mockery. Another palm came down.
Song Wanníng's heart sank. She tried to fly backward, but it was too late. Another palm sent her flying again.
Pft—
She fell once more, fresh blood staining the ground crimson. The murderous rage in her heart flared. She shot up again, rushing straight at the giant.