The words "Let's give it a try" still echoed in the air when Xiao Mo vanished.
The next instant, a streak of blood seemed to appear out of nowhere, stabbing straight toward Ding Jingyi's brow.
Ding Jingyi's pupils contracted. The countless fragments of sword blades swirling around him instantly closed ranks, layering themselves before him into an impenetrable shield.
"Clang!!"
A shrill collision rang out, echoing throughout the entire Myriad Dao Sect.
The weaker cultivators all felt their chests tighten and spat out blood.
The streak of blood struck the sword shield, scattering countless flecks of crimson Saber energy and silvery sword fragments.
Sword Qi and Saber energy intermingled, rending the already-ruined ground below into a patchwork of holes.
"Not bad. I admire you more and more. But if that's all you've got, you still can't kill me." Ding Jingyi gave a cold snort and shoved the sword shield forward.
"Boom!"
Xiao Mo's Saber energy was forcibly scattered, but he had already appeared to Ding Jingyi's left. His saber swept horizontally toward Ding Jingyi's waist.
"Blood Glow!"
This was only the first form of the Blood Demon Blade Art, but each of its nine forms had its own strengths. In close combat, Blood Glow was more than powerful enough.
Xiao Mo's saber struck with the weight of a mountain.
Ding Jingyi neither dodged nor retreated. He held out his right hand, and the fragments of sword blades gathered once more into a longsword, which he brought down in a precise parry.
"Clang!"
Saber and sword collided like two mountains crashing together.
A violent shockwave burst out around them. The peak beneath the two of them could bear no more; with a rumble, nearly a third of its summit collapsed. Boulders tumbled down, and dust billowed into the sky.
The force