Meng Qi's pupils contracted sharply. The skull head phantom on the Netherworld Flag was shattered by the blade aura, and the black banner split apart inch by inch. She rapidly retreated, and the seventy-two soul bells at her waist suddenly exploded at once, transforming into a sky full of black butterflies that shielded her.
"Ding-ling—ding-ling—"
The shattered soul bells let out mournful cries like they were on the verge of death. The Runes on the black butterflies' wings flickered like fireflies, barely blocking Steward Situ's slashes.
Meng Qi took the opportunity to summon the Soul Guiding Lamp. Thirty-seven ancient lamps formed the shape of the Big Dipper behind her, their flames suddenly surging three feet high and casting her face as pale as paper.
"Old dog Situ, you actually cultivated the Blood Demon Technique?"
Meng Qi's voice trembled, and the Nether Fire condensed at her fingertips swayed in the wind.
Steward Situ laughed wildly. The blood gushing from his severed arm transformed into Blood-colored Vines that coiled around the Netherworld Blade and grew madly.
"Thanks to you! If you hadn't used the Soul Hooking Bell to shatter my nascent soul, why would I have risked everything and fused with the Blood Demon Secret Canon of the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild?" Bloodshot veins bulged in his eyes. The Blood-colored Vines on the blade suddenly exploded, sending countless drops of blood shooting toward Meng Qi's face.
"Pfft!" Meng Qi was struck in the shoulder by the blood droplets and immediately felt an icy force spreading through her meridians. Half her body went numb, itchy, and agonizing.
She gritted her teeth and activated the Soul Guiding Lamp. Its flames turned into thirty-seven streams of black smoke, winding toward Steward Situ's neck like spiritual serpents.
"Trivial tricks!" Steward Situ swung his blade, severing the