Xie Yue's Surprise Attack—Dai Mubai Seriously Injured

Chapter 38

The pink mist over the Star Dou Arena still rolled slowly, though it had become noticeably more stagnant than before. The seven members of the Cauldron Sword Team stood in a semicircle. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass had quietly extended underground, the fragments of Sun Flame Grass wrapped around its tips glowing with a faint red halo as they spread through the soil toward the formation core. Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda rested at an angle against the ground, its glazed radiance flickering on and off. Fine sweat covered her forehead. The three continuous minutes of Spiritual Amplification had consumed forty percent of her Soul Power, and she could only barely steady her breathing through deep breaths. Oscar crouched at the rear flank of the team, his sausage maker running at high speed. Light blue Detoxifying Clear Heart Sausages and golden Recovery Sausages piled up in his hands. Every ten breaths, he stuffed one into each teammate's hand to ensure they remained in peak condition.

"Tang San, can the Sun Flame Grass energy reach the formation core?" Lin Che kept his voice extremely low. The Azure Water Sword trembled softly in his palm, while the glazed bead on its tassel remained locked onto Xie Yue's twin blades. The moonlight patterns on those silver weapons were brighter than before; Xie Yue was clearly gathering power. The Universe Cauldron floated by Lin Che's feet, its pale golden Soul Power field quietly expanding to protect Tang San and Jiang Zhu behind him. "The Black Mist will erupt in two incense sticks' time. We don't have much time to waste."

Tang San's fingertips moved slightly. The sensation from the Blue Silver Grass made him frown. "There are Soul Devouring Spider threads in the soil. The Sun Flame Grass energy is being blocked. We need to get five zhang closer before we can break through the spider-thread barrier." He looked toward Xie Yue and Yan. The two were slowly approaching, Xie Yue deliberately stepping through the densest areas of mist. His twin blades occasionally sliced through the air, leaving behind fine silver blade marks. "They're compressing our range of movement. They want to force us into the thicker mist and worsen the poison's corrosion."

Dai Mubai suddenly groaned. He held his forehead and staggered back half a step. The pink glow on the White Tiger Body Protection lit up again, and the mental poison that had already faded showed signs of rebounding. "Damn it, this poison is still running wild inside my body." He gritted his teeth and activated his Soul Power to suppress it, but failed to notice Xie Yue's gaze locking onto his opening. When he had stepped back, his left shoulder had dipped slightly, creating a fleeting gap in the White Tiger Body Protection.

"Now!" Xie Yue's voice suddenly pierced through the mist. Without any warning, his body turned into a silver rainbow as his fourth soul skill, Full Moon Twin Blades, abruptly launched! The pale silver blade qi was no longer scattered crescent shapes. It condensed into a circular blade of light three chi in diameter, its edges entwined with pale purple poison patterns—the fusion of Soul Devouring Spider Poison and his Soul Power. It cut through the air without making the slightest sound, silent as moonlight as it shot straight toward Dai Mubai's left shoulder.

"Mubai, watch out!" Lin Che's warning came a step too late. Dai Mubai had just suppressed the poison inside his body and had not had time to adjust his protective barrier when the circular blade light reached him. He instinctively raised his claws to block it. The White Tiger Body Protection erupted with dazzling white light, but the instant it came into contact with the blade qi, a crisp crack rang out. The fracture eroded by the Charm poison earlier had become a fatal weakness. The blade light sliced through the crack, easily tearing open the protective barrier and carving a half-chi-long wound across Dai Mubai's chest.

"Sshhk!" Blood sprayed out in an instant, but turned blackish purple the moment it met the air. The skin around the wound visibly blackened and shriveled as Soul Devouring Spider Poison surged wildly through Dai Mubai's blood toward his dantian. He let out a pained roar. The light of his White Tiger Martial Soul immediately dimmed, and his massive body swayed before crashing heavily onto the obsidian floor, scattering broken stones.

"Mubai!" Lin Che's heart tightened sharply. He wanted to rush over to rescue him, but Yan suddenly burst into wild laughter from the other side. His fourth soul skill, Volcanic Eruption, launched without warning! The crimson flames were no longer scattered sparks. They erupted from three cracks in the ground, forming three walls of fire that completely sealed off the Cauldron Sword Team's retreat like a cage. Lava flowed along the fire walls, and the temperature of the ground instantly soared. Even the pink mist in the air warped from the heat.

"Want to save him? You'll have to get past me first!" Flames surged in Yan's palms. With a wave of his hand, three fire spears shot out from the fire walls and rushed toward Jiang Zhu, who was attempting to approach Dai Mubai.

"Blue Silver Grass, Cage!" Tang San reacted with extreme speed. He gave up channeling the Sun Flame Grass energy and activated the Blue Silver Grass with all his strength. Countless emerald blades of grass burst from underground, weaving into a three-layered, airtight cage between the fire spears and Jiang Zhu. "Boom!" The fire spears struck the cage with a muffled huge sound. The grass blades were instantly scorched yellow. The first layer of the cage turned to ash within three breaths, and the second layer was riddled with dense holes.

"Useless! My flames can burn through any plant Martial Soul!" Yan's voice was arrogant as he waved his hand again. More fire spears poured from the fire walls, this time targeting Tang San. As long as they eliminated the Cauldron Sword Team's control core, the rest would be lambs waiting for slaughter.

Tang San was forced to withdraw the Blue Silver Grass, abandoning Jiang Zhu's protection to wrap the grass around his own wrists and avoid being struck directly by the fire spears. But this left Dai Mubai completely exposed to Spirit Hall's attacks. Xie Yue had already landed beside Dai Mubai, his twin blades pressed against Dai Mubai's neck. His gaze was icy. "Cauldron Sword Team, surrender now, and I can spare his life."

Cries of alarm erupted from the audience. Spectators who had supported the Cauldron Sword Team rose to their feet, some angrily waving their fists. "Despicable! What kind of skill is taking advantage of someone in danger?" Others looked worried and whispered among themselves. "Dai Mubai is too badly injured. The poison has already spread. If this continues, he may lose his life..."

In the VIP area, Emperor Xue Beng slammed his palm against the dragon throne's armrest, splashing tea all over the floor. "Bibi Dong! Your disciples are openly violating the competition rules, ambushing and severely injuring their opponent. Are you going to do nothing?" The guards behind him immediately entered Martial Soul Possession, their hands pressing against their sword hilts, ready to charge into the arena at any moment.

Bibi Dong, however, leisurely wiped her fingertips, her tone calm. "Victory and defeat are part of any competition. Injuries are common as well. If Your Majesty cannot bear to watch, you may simply have the Cauldron Sword Team surrender. Then Dai Mubai will naturally receive treatment." Her gaze swept over Ning Fengzhi, carrying a trace of provocation. "Sect Master Ning, doesn't your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect value the lives of its disciples most? Would you really let that Shrek kid die for the sake of a championship?"

Ning Fengzhi's jade fan had been gripped so tightly that it had turned white. He looked at Chen Xin, only to see the old Sword Douluo shake his head slightly. Chen Xin's eyes remained fixed on the Star Dou Arena, while the sword qi of the Seven Kill Sword had quietly gathered. "Wait a little longer. The Cauldron Sword Team hasn't given up yet."

On the Star Dou Arena, Jiang Zhu's eyes were red from crying. She wanted to rush over and detoxify Dai Mubai, but Lin Che held her back tightly. "Don't be impulsive!" Lin Che's voice was slightly hoarse but exceptionally firm. "Xie Yue is waiting for us to panic. If you go over now, you'll only get yourself killed too." He looked at Tang San. "Is there any way to temporarily suppress the poison inside Mubai's body?"

Tang San's face was pale. His Blue Silver Grass had just been scorched by the flames, consuming an enormous amount of Soul Power, and the continued use of his Purple Demon Eyes had left him with stabbing pain. "I'll try injecting Mysterious Heaven Skill inner power into his body to temporarily seal his meridians, but it can last at most half an incense stick's time. And someone will need to cover me while I get close."

"I'll cover you!" Ma Hongjun suddenly shouted. He took a deep breath and poured all his remaining Soul Power into Phoenix Fire. This time, the flames were no longer orange-red, but carried a faint golden hue. This was Phoenix Sun, which he could use only after breaking through level thirty-five. Although it was less powerful than Sun Flame True Fire, it was enough to temporarily suppress Yan's flames. "Yan! I'm your opponent!" He tossed the blazing sun toward the fire wall. The golden and crimson flames collided with a sizzling sound. The temperature of the fire wall dropped sharply, opening a brief gap.

"Oscar, give Tang San a Speed Sausage!" Lin Che seized the opening. The Azure Water Sword suddenly launched Wind Scar Slash, and azure sword qi shot toward Xie Yue's back. "Xie Yue, take this!"

Xie Yue was forced to pull back the twin blades at Dai Mubai's neck and turn to block. Sword qi collided with the twin blades, producing a piercing metallic clash. Xie Yue was shaken back half a step, temporarily losing control over Dai Mubai.

"Now!" Tang San caught the Speed Sausage Oscar tossed him. His body turned into an afterimage as he rushed toward Dai Mubai. Squatting down, he gathered pale golden Mysterious Heaven Skill inner power at his fingertips and gently pressed them against Dai Mubai's dantian. The instant the inner power entered, Dai Mubai's body trembled violently. More blackish-purple blood poured from his wound, but his breathing temporarily stabilized.

"It can only last half an incense stick!" Tang San hurriedly retreated. The moment he left Dai Mubai's side, fire spears from the fire wall came hurtling toward him, grazing his shoulder and blasting a deep pit into the ground.

The referee finally rushed into the arena. Holding the competition token, he stood between Xie Yue and Dai Mubai. "The match is suspended! Dai Mubai's injuries are too severe and he requires immediate treatment. This match—"

"Hold it!" Hu Liena's voice suddenly rang out. She slowly walked before the referee, her fox tail gently swaying as pink mist gathered around her. "Referee, the match isn't over yet. How can you declare a suspension just like that?" She looked at Lin Che, a mocking smile curling at the corner of her mouth. "If the Cauldron Sword Team surrenders now, I can have Xie Yue stop and let you take Dai Mubai for treatment. If you refuse to surrender..." She paused, her eyes turning icy. "Then whether Dai Mubai survives until the end of the match will depend on him."

"You're shameless!" Ma Hongjun shouted furiously, Phoenix Sun gathering once more. "If you have the guts, fight us fairly! What kind of hero threatens others with their opponent's life?"

Hu Liena did not care in the slightest. She walked to Dai Mubai's side and nudged his shoulder with the tip of her foot. "Look at him. He can't even move now. The poison has already spread to his heart. If this drags on, even Poison Douluo won't be able to save him. Lin Che, you're the captain. It's time to make a decision."

Lin Che's fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles went white. He looked at Dai Mubai, who was staring at him with all his strength. His lips moved, though no words came out. Yet the determination in his eyes was unmistakable—it meant, Don't surrender. Lin Che then looked at Tang San. Tang San gently shook his head, helplessness in his eyes. "The poison is spreading too fast. My Mysterious Heaven Skill can only seal his meridians temporarily. It will fail after half an incense stick."

Ning Rongrong suddenly burst into tears. "How about... we surrender? Mubai's life is more important than the championship..." Her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had completely dimmed. Her Soul Power was exhausted, and she could barely remain standing.

Oscar lowered his head as well. His sausage maker was empty. Every sausage had been used, and he could barely protect himself now.

The voices in the audience became complicated as well. Some shouted, "Surrender! Keeping him alive is what matters most!" Others remained silent, clearly unwilling to see the Cauldron Sword Team give up just like that.

In the VIP area, Emperor Xue Beng was just about to order the match stopped when Ning Fengzhi stopped him. "Your Majesty, wait a little longer." Ning Fengzhi's gaze fell on Jiang Zhu. "That girl hasn't given up yet."

Sure enough, Jiang Zhu suddenly wiped away her tears and raised the Seven-Colored Sacred Staff. The gem at its tip erupted with dazzling green light. "I can save him!" Her voice trembled slightly, but it was exceptionally resolute. "My Poison and Heal Dual Ability can't cure Soul Devouring Spider Poison, but it can temporarily suppress the poison's spread and buy time for Lin Che!" She looked at Lin Che. "Captain, if you can hold off Xie Yue and Yan for half an incense stick, I can temporarily force the poison inside Mubai back into the wound and buy him time for treatment!"

A trace of hope flashed in Lin Che's eyes. He looked at Xie Yue and Yan, then at Hu Liena, and suddenly smiled. "You want us to surrender? Impossible!" He raised the Azure Water Sword, its tip pointing at Hu Liena. "Hu Liena, you think you can threaten us with Mubai's life? You're wrong! Our Cauldron Sword Team has never surrendered because of an opponent's threats, and we will never abandon our teammates!"

He turned to his teammates, his voice reverberating with Soul Power and spreading across the entire Star Dou Arena. "Tang San, keep trying to channel the Sun Flame Grass energy. As long as we ignite the Sun Flame Seed, the Black Mist can't erupt, and we'll have a chance to turn this around! Rongrong, rest first and use your remaining Soul Power to give Jiang Zhu a healing amplification! Oscar, think of something else. See if you can make a sausage with stronger poison resistance! Hongjun, keep Yan occupied. Don't let him get near Jiang Zhu!"

"Alright!" everyone answered in unison. Their earlier dejection and despair vanished, replaced by determined looks. Ning Rongrong forced herself to stand as the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda lit up once more, this time amplifying Jiang Zhu. Oscar dug out the last of his herbs from his Storage Soul Tool and began making new sausages. Ma Hongjun threw Phoenix Sun at the fire wall once again, and the flames burned even fiercer than before. Tang San sent the Blue Silver Grass underground again, this time adding his Mysterious Heaven Skill inner power into the blades as he attempted to break through the Soul Devouring Spider thread barrier.

Hu Liena's expression darkened. She had not expected the Cauldron Sword Team to retain their fighting spirit under such circumstances. "Since you refuse to appreciate our kindness, don't blame us for showing no mercy!" She gave Xie Yue and Yan a look. "Xie Yue, kill Dai Mubai! Yan, burn their Blue Silver Grass!"

Xie Yue nodded, and his twin blades lit up again, now aimed at Dai Mubai's heart. Lin Che immediately rushed over. The Azure Water Sword blocked the twin blades while the Universe Cauldron activated at the same time, its pale golden Soul Power field shielding Dai Mubai within it. "If you want to touch him, you'll have to get past me first!" Lin Che poured Soul Power into his sword frantically. The azure sword qi surged, actually suppressing Xie Yue for the moment.

Yan launched Volcanic Eruption again. Fire spears poured from the fire walls like a torrential downpour, this time targeting Tang San's Blue Silver Grass. Tang San was forced to withdraw the blades again, abandoning the energy transmission to wrap the grass around the fire spears, attempting to draw the flames elsewhere.

The situation on the Star Dou Arena fell into a deadlock once more. On one side was Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, anxious to kill Dai Mubai and seal off the Cauldron Sword Team. On the other was the Cauldron Sword Team, desperately protecting their teammate while searching for an opportunity to turn the battle around. Dai Mubai's breathing grew weaker and weaker, blackish-purple poison spreading over his cheeks. Jiang Zhu was rapidly approaching, the Green Markings of the Holy Staff ready. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass continued entangling with the Soul Devouring Spider threads, while the battle between Lin Che and Xie Yue had entered a fever pitch...

In the VIP area, Bibi Dong's face finally sank completely. She gave Ghost Douluo behind her a look. "Speed up the Black Mist's eruption. In half an incense stick, I want the Star Dou Arena to become the Cauldron Sword Team's grave."

Ghost Douluo's figure slipped into the shadows. The black Soul Power at his fingertips entered the ground, causing faint tremors beneath the Star Dou Arena. The Soul Devouring Spider Eggs at the formation cores began to hatch, and pale black mist slowly seeped from the soil. Black Mist Devour was about to launch.

Lin Che keenly sensed the tremors in the ground and knew time was running out. "Jiang Zhu, hurry! Get a little closer!" He increased his Soul Power output. The Azure Water Sword carved a larger arc, temporarily forcing Xie Yue back. "Tang San, get ready. Once Jiang Zhu suppresses the poison, we'll immediately trigger the Sun Flame Seed!"

Tang San nodded and sent the Blue Silver Grass underground again. This time, he poured all his Mysterious Heaven Skill inner power into the blades. The Sun Flame Grass fragments at their tips shone with dazzling red light, finally breaking through the Soul Devouring Spider thread barrier and touching the Sun Flame Grass buried earlier.

Jiang Zhu finally reached Dai Mubai's side. She crouched down and pressed the holy staff against Dai Mubai's wound. The green markings turned into threads and slowly seeped into the wound. "Poison and Heal Dual Ability—Poison Seal!" The green markings rapidly traveled through Dai Mubai's body, attempting to force the spreading poison back into the wound, while golden markings simultaneously repaired his damaged meridians.

Dai Mubai's body shook violently as he let out a pained groan, but his eyes became clear again and his breathing stabilized somewhat. "It worked!" Jiang Zhu cried out in delight. "I can seal the poison for half an incense stick!"

At that moment, the ground of the Star Dou Arena suddenly shook violently. Three dense streams of Black Mist erupted from the eastern, southern, and northern formation cores, spreading toward the center like a tide. Where it passed, the obsidian floor was corroded with fine holes. Black Mist Devour had launched ahead of schedule!

"This is bad!" Lin Che's expression changed drastically. He knew that the true crisis had only just begun.