Battle in the Canyon

"Pfft!"

The Little Black Sword, wreathed in biting cold, accurately pierced the chest of a Qi Transformation Realm demon. Profound Ice True Qi surged into its body, freezing its meridians and dark energy.

"Ughhh–"

The leader of the Exotic Races let out a shrill scream. Its body rapidly stiffened under the erosion of the Profound Ice True Qi, eventually turning into an ice sculpture before crashing to the ground.

"Leader!"

Seeing this, the remaining Dark Demon Race members descended into chaos. Fang Yan pressed his advantage, fully deploying his Profound Ice Domain to envelop several Bone Refining Realm demons that approached. The frigid temperatures within the domain slowed their movements. Fang Yan's Little Black Sword danced, its blade flashing as several heads tumbled to the dust.

"Kill!"

The Human Martial Masters who had been lying in ambush everywhere were greatly encouraged by the sight. They rushed out from their hiding spots, launching a fierce assault on the chaotic Dark Demon Race. Chu Feng, clutching his bleeding shoulder, still directed the archers in precise volleys. Lin Mengyao's Flowing Water Sword Technique became increasingly agile, her sword shadows weaving a tapestry as she continuously reaped enemy lives. Li Hao led his team, using pre-prepared boulders to block the canyon passage, keeping the majority of the Dark Demon Race outside.

However, the Exotic Beasts controlled by dark energy were unaffected. Having lost their leader's command, they became even more ferocious. Especially the massive Black Wind Leopard. Seeing its companions killed, a crimson glint flashed in its eyes as it suddenly turned and lunged at Fang Yan.

"Be careful!" Lin Mengyao shouted, wanting to come to his aid, but she was entangled by several Ironclad Bears.

Fang Yan focused his mind, Profound Ice True Qi condensing into a thin layer of ice armor on his body. Facing the Black Wind Leopard's surprise attack, he neither dodged nor weaved. He slashed horizontally with the Little Black Sword in his hand.

"Clang!"

The blade collided with the Black Wind Leopard's claws, sparks flying. The Black Wind Leopard's strength was immense, and Fang Yan was forced back repeatedly, his arm going numb. But his Profound Ice True Qi was not in vain; a trace of coldness penetrated the Black Wind Leopard's body along its claws, causing its movements to falter slightly.

In that instant, Fang Yan seized the opportunity, leaping forward. The Little Black Sword thrust directly at the Black Wind Leopard's throat. This was the Exotic Beast's weakest point, the key to the dark energy's control.

"Pfft!"

The long sword pierced accurately. The Black Wind Leopard let out a short howl, its massive body crashing to the ground. The crimson in its eyes gradually faded, returning to its original clarity before it breathed its last.

After dealing with the Black Wind Leopard, Fang Yan had no time to catch his breath. He immediately turned to support the others. By now, the battle within the canyon had entered a white-hot stage. Although the Human Martial Masters were elite, the Dark Demon Race had too many numbers. Coupled with the charge of several Ironclad Bears, they were gradually falling into a disadvantage.

"Everyone, concentrate your attacks on the Ironclad Bears' abdomens!" Fang Yan shouted, charging towards an Ironclad Bear at the same time.

He circulated his Profound Ice True Qi, concentrating his strength into his right fist, and smashed it fiercely into the Ironclad Bear's abdomen. It was unprotected by thick armor, its weak spot.

"Bang!"

With a single punch, the Ironclad Bear let out a roar of pain, its massive body staggering back a few steps. The fur on its abdomen was shaken loose, revealing tender pink skin, upon which a thin layer of frost had condensed.

"Now!"

Seeing this, several Martial Masters immediately swarmed forward, their long swords all thrusting towards the Ironclad Bear's abdomen. The Ironclad Bear had no time to react before it was pierced by several long swords and crashed to the ground.

With Fang Yan leading the way, the Human Martial Masters followed suit, concentrating their firepower on the Ironclad Bears' weak points. One by one, the Ironclad Bears fell. The Dark Demon Race, having lost their greatest support, became utterly routed.

"Retreat! Retreat quickly!"

Seeing that the situation was lost, the remaining Dark Demon Race members had no more will to fight and fled towards the canyon exit. Fang Yan did not order a pursuit. He knew his mission was to delay, not annihilate the enemy. Moreover, after this fierce battle, his team had suffered considerable casualties and needed to rest.

"Clean up the battlefield, treat the wounded!" Fang Yan ordered.

The Martial Masters immediately got to work. Some collected spoils of war, while others tended to their injured comrades. Chu Feng's shoulder had been bandaged, but his face was still pale. Lin Mengyao and Li Hao also sustained injuries of varying degrees, but their eyes remained resolute.

"Fang Yan, we did it!" Li Hao walked over, his face showing a hint of exhaustion but unable to hide his excitement.

Fang Yan nodded, looking at the corpses and injured companions scattered everywhere, his heart filled with mixed emotions. "We've only repelled them temporarily. The main force of the Dark Demon Race is still out there. The battles ahead will be even more difficult."

He looked up towards the direction outside the canyon, a grave expression flashing in his eyes. He knew this was only a small-scale encounter; the real war had just begun.

Just then, a familiar engine sound came from afar. Fang Yan's heart leaped with joy. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a convoy of hover vehicles speeding towards the canyon, the flag of the Human Alliance fluttering on their vehicles.

"Reinforcements have arrived!" a Martial Master shouted excitedly.

Everyone broke into joyful smiles, their taut nerves finally relaxing. Fang Yan watched the approaching reinforcements, secretly making a vow: no matter the cost, they would defend Black Wind Canyon and the hope of humanity.