Blood Drinking Jade (Part One)

The Dragon Phoenix Ranking is held once every ten years. All Cultivator under the age of thirty in Yanling Commandery with a cultivation level of the Innate Realm or above can participate. Moreover, there are only thirty-two spots for each edition of the Dragon and Dragon Phoenix Ranking. The entire Yanling Commandery has a population of nearly two hundred million. With such a huge population and countless Cultivators, being able to leave a name on the Dragon Phoenix Ranking is definitely a way to prove oneself and a matter of being remembered in history.

Once you successfully compete for the Dragon Phoenix Ranking, you can not only prove yourself, but also leave your name in the history of the Dragon and Phoenix Dragon Phoenix Ranking. Who would let go of such a thing that brings both fame and fortune? The two from the Qingxu Sword Sect, Shadowless Sword Zhou Tai, and Thousand Shadow Sword Wu Xuefei, are Limit Expert are ranked twenty-fifth and thirty-second on the Dragon Phoenix Ranking, respectively.

Li Ying, in order to settle the score with Zhou Tai from ten years ago, took the initiative to confront Zhou Tai, while Zhuge Xiang naturally faced Thousand Shadow Sword Wu Xuefei.

Judging from Wu Xuefei's appearance, she was about thirty years old. Cultivator generally look younger than ordinary people, so this Thousand Shadow Sword Wu Xuefei should also be over thirty years old. Her cultivation level did not show any fluctuations, indicating that she was also a master who had reached the Return to Simplicity Realm Peak. When she unleashed her incomparably sharp Sword Intent, it was not only fierce but also carried a dreamlike lightness.

"Your cultivation is not bad, but you've met someone of Dragon Phoenix Ranking strength like me. You can only lament the injustice of fate..." Wu Xuefei stared at Zhuge Xiang with her beautiful eyes filled with arrogance.

As Cultivator Dragon Phoenix Ranking, Wu Xuefei commands respect from everyone in Yanling Commandery, naturally cultivating an air of superiority. Revealing her Dragon Phoenix Ranking Cultivator before making a move always puts pressure on her opponents; this is a tactic Wu Xuefei frequently employs.

"The Dragon Phoenix Ranking? You old woman, you're about to be removed from the Dragon Phoenix Ranking, while I will definitely be on it." However, how could this psychological pressure tactic be effective against Zhuge Xiang? Revealing a set of gleaming white teeth, the killing intent in Zhuge Xiang's eyes intensified. "Haven't you heard the saying, 'The Yangtze River's back waves push the front waves, and the front waves die on the beach'?"

The words "old woman" and "the old wave dies on the beach" made Wu Xuefei's pretty face turn fierce. She brandished a Short Sword as thin as a cicada's wing, creating a flurry of sword shadows, and shouted in a delicate voice, "Fine! I'll see how you make this old wave die on the beach."

Thousand Shadow Sword Wu Xuefei Thousand Shadow Sword, truly lived up to her name, displaying her profound Sword Technique. Hundreds upon hundreds of sword shadows appeared in the air, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake. The shadows of thousands of swords were dazzling, yet the sharp Sword Intent locked onto its target, instilling a profound and heavy pressure in those who beheld it.

"Myriad Purples and Reds!" With a delicate shout, countless sword shadows swept in, creating a sea of sword flowers that truly made one feel as if they were wandering in a floral paradise. However, these flowers were fraught with deadly danger.

"Hahaha, well done..." The stronger the enemy, the more unpleasant it is, but Zhuge Xiang felt the opposite. Looking at Wu Xuefei's Sword Moves, Zhuge Xiang was not surprised but delighted and shouted happily.

The stronger the opponent, the more experience he would gain by defeating her. Therefore, Zhuge Xiang was actually quite pleased to see Wu Xuefei's formidable strength.

"Innate Astral Qi", "Qi Energy Bodyguard".

Innate Astral Qi is a unique defensive technique for Cultivator at the Treasure Artifact Innate Realm. Combined with the defensive effects of the Thorn Armor, a magic treasure, Zhuge Xiang's defense has reached a very high level. Furthermore, the Qi Energy Bodyguard increases his defense by another 60% on top of the original defense. In addition, the Poisonous Flood Dragon Spear, although it only has one passive effect, reduces the damage he takes by 30%.

With the added passive effect of the Thorn Armor reducing the opponent's defense, Zhuge Xiang was fully capable of going head-to-head with any Cultivator in the Return to Simplicity Realm.

Bang!

The fierce Sword Moves, enhanced by the Sword Intent, instantly pierced through Zhuge Xiang's defenses. The sword, with its undiminished momentum, stabbed Zhuge Xiang hard. The enormous impact made Zhuge Xiang feel a tightness in his chest, as if he were about to vomit blood. Despite the thousands of sword shadows, Zhuge Xiang neither dodged nor avoided, using his own defense to withstand the opponent's attack head-on.

Suppressing his discomfort, Zhuge Xiang's eyes were filled with intense killing intent as he stared at Wu Xuefei. As her attack landed squarely on his body, the countless sword shadows naturally vanished.

Looking into Zhuge Xiang's eyes, filled with killing intent and destructive aura, Wu Xuefei couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. That look... was it really like a madman's? He was actually using his own defenses to withstand her attack? Had he gone insane?

No, Zhuge Xiang wasn't crazy. As the sword shadows disappeared, Zhuge Xiang made his move. He brandished the Poisonous Flood Dragon Spear, which transformed into a circular streak of light, like a crescent moon appearing suddenly.

With a bang, Zhuge Xiang's Sweep Through Thousands of Soldiers sent Wu Xuefei flying back more than ten meters. She coughed up a mouthful of blood. Zhuge Xiang's attack was already strong, and with the Thorn Armor reducing the opponent's defense by 30%, his Sweep Through Thousands of Soldiers severely injured Wu Xuefei.

Undeterred by his momentum, Zhuge Xiang pushed off with his feet and charged forward again. The Poisonous Flood Dragon Spear in his hand transformed into Blood-Colored Spear Glint, accompanied by deafening sounds of Wind and Thunder and thunder—it was the Blood Thunder Slash.

"Thousand Flower Bewitching Shadow," Wu Xuefei said, enduring her injuries as she watched Zhuge Xiang charge towards her menacingly, deftly wielding her thin sword.

In an instant, thousands of pink flowers filled the sky, obscuring the sun and making it impossible to see clearly. Taking advantage of the thousands of petals blocking Zhuge Xiang's view, Wu Xuefei withdrew and hurriedly took out a Pill and put it in her mouth to heal her injuries.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh...

At this moment, Xiao Yue on Zhuge Xiang's shoulder also made its move. Its mouth opened, and the Heaven and Earth Vital Energy surged, transforming into beams of light. This was its Moonlight Arrow Skill, which shot towards the dense area of petals.

Zhuge Xiang's attacks were extremely fierce, with thousands of sword shadows unfolding, dazzling the eye. However, the battle on Li Ying's side was even more intense.

In Li Ying's hand, a black Heavy Sword erupted with Sword Intent, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing. However, Shadowless Sword Zhou Tai Swordsman, could not see the shadow of his sword at all. His Sword Moves seemed transparent and difficult to see. The reputation of the Shadowless Swordsman was indeed well-deserved.

Compared to the myriad sword shadows on Zhuge Xiang's side, there was no imposing force to be seen on the other side. However, it was precisely this lack of visible force that made the battle all the more perilous...

The fierce battle lasted for the time it takes to brew One Incense Stick of tea. Although Zhuge Xiang's attacks were extremely fierce and injured Wu Xuefei several times, the Thousand Shadow Sword always managed to conceal Zhuge Xiang's vision, allowing him to calmly find ways to heal or suppress his injuries. Despite the intense battle lasting the time it takes to brew One Incense Stick, Zhuge Xiang still couldn't defeat his opponent.

As expected of Cultivator on the Dragon Phoenix Ranking, even though he was only ranked last, his cultivation was high, his Martial Skill were strong, his equipment was good, and more importantly, he had rich combat experience and was very skilled in using his own Martial Skill. Facing Wu Xuefei, especially with her countless sword shadows, Zhuge Xiang felt like a tiger trying to bite a turtle, unable to find a way to start.

The battle lasted for a long time. Skill were continuously released, and with the Eagle Eye Technique and Spear Intent sustaining him, a large portion of Zhuge Xiang's internal Qi Energy had been consumed. If it weren't for the fact that Zhuge Xiang had taken several Qi Energy -restoring Pill during the battle, and the effects of the Blood Demon Heart, Zhuge Xiang internal Qi Energy would have been completely depleted long ago.

But looking at Wu Xuefei, who was still full of energy and showed no signs of exhaustion, Zhuge Xiang knew that he could not continue fighting and had to end the battle as soon as possible.

The advantage of Cultivator in the Reversal of the Return to Simplicity Realm lies in their control over their own Qi Energy, ensuring that not a single drop is lost or wasted. Moreover, the speed at which Cultivator in the Return to Simplicity Realm recover their Qi Energy is terrifying. Two Cultivator the Return to Simplicity Realm fight for three days and three nights without stopping, which shows how terrifying their Qi Energy recovery speed is.

Unfortunately, Zhuge Xiang's Spear Intent and Eagle Eye Technique, these status Skill, consume a lot of Qi Energy. With this imbalance, Zhuge Xiang naturally could not continue fighting Wu Xuefei.

What are some ways to change the current situation? Zhuge Xiang pondered to himself. Although Wu Xuefei was very strong, she was no match for him now that she had unleashed her Spear Intent and Demonic True Body. There were quite a few options to break the current stalemate.

Firstly, the Heavenly Dragon Town Evil Pagoda summons the Heavenly Dragon Town Evil Pagoda to smash down. This can be said to be the strongest killing move below the Deity Transformation stage. As long as one has not reached the Deity Transformation stage and cannot borrow the power of Heaven and Earth, no matter how strong Cultivator in the Return to Simplicity Realm is, it is impossible for them to withstand the weight of a Treasure Pagoda on their own.

Secondly, there's the Night Emblem, which increases all attributes by 50%, boosting Zhuge Xiang's strength by at least two levels, potentially breaking the current stalemate.

Thirdly, there is the ability to Devourer's Treasure and use this Skill, which grants one the Innate Ability of Xiao Yue. One can even mobilize the power of Heaven and Earth for one's own use. In a short period of time, Zhuge Xiang can even compete with a Deity Transformation Stage Cultivator.

Finally, there's the Bloodthirsty Technique. Perfection Level fully mastered Bloodthirsty Technique increases all attributes by 100%. Zhuge Xiang believes that with this state activated, he will be able to face any Cultivator below the Deity Transformation stage.

All four methods could break the current stalemate, but Zhuge Xiang secretly shook his head at all of them. The Heavenly Dragon Town Evil Pagoda was of utmost importance, and Zhuge Xiang would never use it unless his life was in danger. The Night Emblem? It was still a long way from nightfall.

Bloodthirsty Technique? After actual combat, there will be a period of weakness. If one's cultivation is about to break through, using Bloodthirsty Technique is not a problem. Once the level is upgraded, the weakness period of Bloodthirsty Technique will disappear. However, Zhuge Xiang has only recently broken through to the Innate Realm Fourth Layer. This is just a probing battle, and he wants to use Bloodthirsty Technique? What if a decisive battle breaks out in the end? Wouldn't that affect his strength?

Finally, Zhuge Xiang focused his attention on the Devourer's Treasure. It seemed this was the only ability he could use. The Devourer's Treasure, his strongest power, was being used in this tentative attack? It wouldn't be as effective later. (To be continued...)