A Single Kick to the Head

The phenomenon marking the maturation of the Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng was extraordinarily dazzling.

A strange look appeared in Xia Wuji's eyes.

He only knew from the memories of his previous life that a Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng would soon mature here, its eruption of light drawing many powerful cultivators. But as for what exactly was going on with this Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng, he actually had no idea.

Under normal circumstances, Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng was a First-tier Peak-grade Spirit Medicine. It could nourish the body, strengthen cultivation, and nurture the soul.

Even Core Formation Realm cultivators would covet this medicine. Its effects were all-encompassing—once obtained, it could simply be eaten directly.

But as Xia Wuji looked at the crimson radiance soaring into the sky, he realized that this Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng had clearly undergone a certain degree of mutation.

It had broken through its original limit and should be comparable to a Second-tier Low-grade Spirit Medicine!

If he obtained it, the benefits would be immense!

"Boom!"

All of a sudden.

A massive rumble erupted.

Powerful shockwaves swept outward.

Within the area shrouded in crimson light, a colossal ape several zhang tall appeared. Ferocious beyond measure, it slammed both arms viciously against the ground. A high-grade Fierce Beast that had just approached the site of the phenomenon was instantly reduced to a pulp!

A peak-grade Fierce Beast—the Giant Demon Ape!

Its strength rivaled that of a human Primal Energy Realm martial artist!

The Giant Demon Ape possessed astonishing strength, and its physical defense was equally outrageous.

At that moment, a hurricane suddenly swept through the heavens and earth, with even azure wind blades condensing within it!

The spinning wind blades slashed fiercely toward the Giant Demon Ape.

The Giant Demon Ape's arm was immediately cut open by the wind blades, its hide split as blood flowed out.

"Awooo!"

A shrill wolf howl rang out. An enormous azure wolf appeared not far away, lifting its head to howl at the sky. Its blue fur was sleek and smooth, shining with a peculiar luster.

Another peak-grade Fierce Beast—the Storm Blue Wolf!

"Roar! Roar! Roar!"

Every strand of black fur on the Giant Demon Ape stood on end, while blood-red light covered its eyes.

The Giant Demon Ape's innate talent—Berserk Transformation!

After transforming, a terrifying aura surged around the Giant Demon Ape. Like a rapidly moving mountain, it charged toward the Storm Blue Wolf!

The Storm Blue Wolf spat wind blades, one after another slashing toward the Giant Demon Ape. Yet the berserk Giant Demon Ape was overwhelmingly powerful, taking the wind blades head-on.

Xia Wuji stood atop a nearby mountain, watching the battle. As for the Arrow Feather Eagle, it had been scared witless and buried its head in the dirt, not daring to look that way... terrified of bringing disaster upon itself.

Cowardly as hell.

Xia Wuji did not expect the Arrow Feather Eagle to be of any use now. He patted its head, sat on its back, and had it slowly approach the place where the Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng was maturing.

Meanwhile.

"Did you see clearly?" Li Chunfeng asked excitedly.

"Brother Feng, I really saw him. That man riding the giant eagle was definitely Xia Wuji. I couldn't possibly be mistaken. Even if he were burned to ashes, I'd still recognize him!" a Sword Feather Guard from the Sword Pavilion said in an utterly resolute tone.

They had been searching deep within the Monster Suppression Mountain Range for Xia Wuji. When this phenomenon appeared nearby, they all became excited and immediately rushed over to investigate.

Li Qing, commander of the Sword Feather Guard, was bold because of his skill. He had already quietly infiltrated ahead, hoping to fish in troubled waters!

His son, Li Chunfeng, led the others in waiting here, prepared to receive Li Qing.

Then a Sword Feather Guard spotted Xia Wuji!

"You two, stay here and wait for my father. Everyone else, come with me—capture Xia Wuji!"

At this moment, Xia Wuji had already landed and was near the Crimson Jade Blood Ginseng.

Two more peak-grade Fierce Beasts had appeared over there—the Wind Swallowing Eagle and the Lightning Leopard.

Four peak-grade Fierce Beasts were locked in a chaotic melee.

Xia Wuji merely intended to get closer and take up position in advance. When the moment came, he could strike in an instant.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Xia Wuji's brows furrowed.

He looked to his left and saw figures darting through the dense forest.

He was all too familiar with these people.

The Sword Feather Guard, cultivated by the Xia Family's Sword Pavilion with enormous resources...

The Sword Pavilion's most elite force.

They were the Sword Pavilion's sharpest sword against outside enemies!

"They're coming for me?"

"So, in Xia Xuan's eyes, this useless son of his has already become an outside enemy?"

A mocking expression appeared on Xia Wuji's face as he spoke with self-derision.

"Xia Wuji, you stole the Sword Pavilion's Crimson Blood Sword. By the Pavilion Master's order, the Sword Feather Guard is to apprehend you!"

Li Chunfeng, son of Sword Feather Guard commander Li Qing, shouted excitedly.

Xia Wuji's expression turned cold.

As for the accusation that he had stolen the Crimson Blood Sword, he knew exactly what had happened after a moment's thought.

It was nothing more than those disgusting people crying thief while playing the thief, turning black into white.

"Will you surrender willingly, or do you need me to make a move?" Li Chunfeng laughed, brimming with confidence.

Xia Wuji swept his gaze around.

Li Chunfeng was merely at the fourth level of the True Essence Realm.

This group of Sword Feather Guards ranged from the first to third levels of the True Essence Realm.

A cold, disdainful look surfaced on his face as he said indifferently, "Just you?"

"You still dare to talk tough?"

"I, Li Chunfeng, will personally suppress you!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Chunfeng leaped into the air. His fourth-level True Essence Realm cultivation burst forth without reservation, and his longsword instantly bloomed with a vicious, icy gleam.

As Xia Wuji watched Li Chunfeng attack with his sword, his eyes held nothing but deep contempt.

He casually swung the Jinghong Sword!

"Clang!"

The two swords collided violently in midair.

Li Chunfeng's expression changed drastically!

A terrifying force traveled from the sword into his hand, then surged into his body!

"Aah!"

Li Chunfeng screamed.

His body immediately lost its balance and flew backward!

"Bang!"

Li Chunfeng's body slammed heavily into the ground, blood pouring from his mouth in great gulps.

"You... how can you still be this strong..." Li Chunfeng struggled to his feet, his body swaying unsteadily as blood continued to spurt from his mouth and nose.

Xia Wuji said flatly, "You are too weak."

"What are you standing around for?"

"Attack!"

"Get him together!"

"Move!"

Li Chunfeng roared!

In an instant, the stunned Sword Feather Guards came back to their senses and charged Xia Wuji with furious shouts.

Facing the dense sword lights surging at him from all sides, Xia Wuji unleashed a sword technique. Sword light and firelight intertwined—True Sun Swordplay, Raging Flames!

Not a single sword light could come within three feet of Xia Wuji!

"Whoosh!"

Xia Wuji stepped with the Shadowless Wind Step and vanished from where he stood. The Sword Feather Guards could no longer catch sight of him. Only gusting winds swept across the battlefield.

Wherever the winds passed, a sword light suddenly flashed, followed by spurting blood blossoming through the air into crimson flowers!

Several breaths later.

Xia Wuji's figure came to a stop once more.

The last Sword Feather Guard clutched his throat and collapsed with a thud!

Li Chunfeng was scared stupid, his entire body trembling.

Then he suddenly turned and tried to flee!

Xia Wuji grabbed with his left hand, instantly seizing a longsword dropped by a Sword Feather Guard. With a sweep of his arm, the sword shot forth with a howl and pierced through Li Chunfeng's body.

"Xia... Xia Wuji... I... I was only following orders... I had no choice..."

"It was the Pavilion Master who ordered your capture..."

Xia Wuji stood beside Li Chunfeng, looking down at this miserable and groveling defeated foe.

Just then, an enraged shout rang out.

"Release my son!"

Violent shockwaves surged over. Li Qing, commander of the Sword Feather Guard, stood before Xia Wuji.

He had originally intended to fish in troubled waters within the area where the peak-grade Fierce Beasts were fighting.

But after realizing the risk was too great, he chose to give up. Then he learned that Li Chunfeng had discovered Xia Wuji. By the time he rushed over, he saw this scene, leaving him shocked and furious!

Xia Wuji planted one foot on Li Chunfeng's head and stared at Li Qing.

Some days ago, when he repaired his Dantian, the lingering aura within his shattered Dantian had felt very similar to Li Qing's aura of power.

"Three months ago, was it you who shattered my Dantian?" Xia Wuji asked coldly.

Li Qing did not answer that question. He took a deep breath and said, "Xia Wuji, you killed every Sword Feather Guard here but deliberately spared my son. You merely wish to use him as a hostage and a bargaining chip to negotiate with me."

"Release my son, and I will let you leave!"

Xia Wuji laughed, his laughter full of mockery!

"Use Li Chunfeng as a bargaining chip to negotiate with you?"

"You think far too highly of yourself."

"What right do you have to negotiate with me?"

The next instant, the foot pressing down on Li Chunfeng's head suddenly exerted force!

Crack!

A head was stomped apart in one kick!