Ge Wunian had misjudged Lu Xiaotian's ability to withstand blows. Even if Ge Wunian was confident that his next strike could leave Lu Xiaotian unable to fight back—or even kill him—Mu Ziyan, Fang Shiji, and the other alchemy sages of the Jade Mystic Celestial Court were no pushovers.
Although Fang Shiji and his group showed no immediate intention of attacking, Ge Wunian and Xie Ying didn't dare risk another move. Lu Xiaotian had obtained the alchemy materials from Yin Hu, and given the astonishing speed he'd shown in refining pills, he would undoubtedly become a major threat later.
But Fang Shiji and the thirty-plus alchemy sages with him were the truly deadly threat. If they were forced to divide their attention again, the slightest lapse could spell total defeat.
Rumble! Seeing that Ge Wunian and the others had no intention of taking advantage of the moment to kill Lu Xiaotian, Fang Shiji and Mu Ziyan exchanged glances, silently lamented the missed opportunity, then launched their attack at once. Vast clouds of alchemical energy transformed into ten enormous dragon-shaped shadows that roared toward their opponents.
Ge Wunian, Xie Ying, and the other alchemy sages on the Honghao Celestial Court's side hurried to meet them. Their alchemical energy formed a massive, fearsome barrier. They had already spent some of their strength dealing with Lu Xiaotian, and the sudden assault left Ge Wunian's group at a slight disadvantage. The tremendous shockwave sent the floating islands beneath them hurtling thousands of yards backward.
Transformed alchemical energy took the shape of all kinds of weapons, clashing violently. After a long struggle to hold their ground, Ge Wunian and Xie Ying's side finally weathered the danger and regained their footing.
For the moment, Lu Xiaotian had no opponent. He kept apart from the other alchemy sages