255: Soul-Reaping Arrow! The White-Haired One's Caution

Seeing the massive, dark army of cultivators swarming in like locusts, their menacing demeanor clearly indicating hostility, Chen Dengming felt a chill run down his spine.

Could it be that things went wrong? Did the First Ancestor lose to the Northern Yin Holy Mother?

Or perhaps some other unexpected situation has occurred.

The situation was critical, and Chen Dengming didn't have time to think much. He immediately instructed He Yingyu to activate the defensive Formation of the house and set up several more layers of protective formations.

They even summoned Third-tier High-grade spirit boat, filled it with ample spirit crystals, and were ready to activate the Tier 3 magic array, the Gangjin Blade Net Array, at any time.

"Junior Brother, these people look like Devil Cultivators from the Soul Devouring Sect. I saw many of them carrying soul banners. The Border Town has Mountain Protecting Formation, so it should be able to hold out, right?"

He Yingyu said urgently.

"It's hard to say. With so many Devil Cultivators, knowing that the Tiandao Sect and the Dragon Transformation Sect were launching a large-scale invasion, they still took action. It couldn't have been without reason."

"I've also figured it out these past few days. The Tiandao Sect and the Dragon Transformation Sect only have one Golden Core Cultivator stationed here."

Before Chen Dengming could finish speaking, he saw the city-protecting formation begin to light up, Formation power rising steadily, forming circles of light green light waves in all directions, gradually taking the shape of an inverted bowl.

"Um?"

Just then, he suddenly looked suspicious. The Heavenly Immortal Clone that he had been keeping watch over the Zou family discovered that a large number of cultivators were pouring out of the Zou family and rushing towards the Inner City's walls.

His keen instincts alerted him to the strange behavior of the Zou family members, and he ordered his clone to quickly follow.

Before long, Zou Yongchang and Zou Ziyong, two cultivators from the Zou family, flew out and rushed towards the city wall. They forcefully resisted the suppression of the anti-air Formation and used their Law Artifact and Law Treasures to force back and kill several unsuspecting Tiandao Sect cultivators.

One of the Law Treasure slammed down on the Formation Flags atop Border Town walls, producing a deafening explosion that blasted a hole in the battlements, causing the Formation Flags to shatter.

"Are the Zou family traitors planted and trained by the Devil Cultivators of the Western Regions?"

Chen Dengming's expression changed slightly as he frowned at the Formation that had been instantly destroyed and partially opened.

After this Formation Flag was destroyed, the bowl-shaped Formation barrier also immediately developed a clear and ever-expanding crack.

Outside the rift, a large number of the Soul Devouring Sect Devil Cultivators, seemingly already aware of the situation, swarmed in like a dark mass.

"Patriarch Zou, what are you doing?"

At this moment, the Tiandao Sect disciples who had rushed over from other directions roared in unison.

"Kill! -- No need for further words!"

With a loud shout, Zou Yongchang suddenly took out a Soul Guiding Banner. The moment he shook the banner, countless Yin spirits roared and rushed out, baring their fangs and claws. They charged towards the many Tiandao Sect cultivators along with the many Zou family cultivators, and at the same time, they went to destroy the other Formation Flags.

"Stop!"

Just then, a cold snort came, and the Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy in the sky quickly gathered, instantly covering all the Zou family cultivators like a tide, including Zou Yongchang and Zou Ziyong, who were all hit instantly.

Puppet Technique!

A group of cultivators were frozen in mid-air, all controlled by the Puppet Technique. Some of them could not withstand the combined pressure of the anti-air Formation and the Puppet Technique and fell down like dumplings, screaming in agony.

"Who are you?!"

A few Law Power cultivators, such as Zou Yongchang, were able to barely maintain their positions in the air, but they were all unable to move and could only stand there, glaring angrily at Chen Dengming's clone who was casting spells in the air opposite them.

The person who made the move was an unfamiliar face with a face full of scars, surrounded by a strong aura of Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy. He was completely unknown to the person before.

In the short time it took to delay, a large number of cultivators from the Dragon Transformation Sect arrived, one of whom was surrounded by Golden Light and exuded a powerful aura of a Golden Core cultivator.

Although the cracks caused by the destruction of the Formation Flags have widened, they are still not enough to allow a large number of Devil Cultivators to quickly break in.

Damn it!

Zou Yongchang roared, and the power of the fake core in his forehead, chest, and abdomen erupted simultaneously, impacting the control of the Puppet Technique Method.

Instantly, a large amount of Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy that had invaded its body was forced out.

Zou Ziyong and other Zou family cultivators also exerted their power almost simultaneously.

But in that instant, Chen Dengming's clone, who looked exactly like the butcher Zhu Xun, took the initiative to retreat, and his figure disappeared into the chaotic crowd in the street below in a flash.

"Zou Yongchang! You dare to rebel? You're asking for death!"

At the same moment, the Golden Core Cultivators from the Dragon Transformation Sect arrived, radiating intense Golden Core aura, and unleashed their Law Treasure weapons.

However, at that very moment, a sharp whistling sound suddenly came from the crack in the Formation.

A dark light pierced through the crack, shattering the void, and went straight to the chest of the Golden Core Cultivator from the Dragon Transformation Sect, instantly tearing apart the Golden Core shield around his body.

"The Soul Reaping Arrow? Dou Han!"

The Dragon Transformation Sect from the Golden Core Great Cultivator was greatly alarmed. By this time, it was too late to recall his Law Treasures. The only option was to quickly activate his Defense Magic Item.

With a loud clang, like a thunderclap exploding in the sky, a wave of Spiritual Qi surged outwards in all directions.

The Dragon Transformation Sect the Golden Core Great Cultivator coughed up blood and was forced to retreat, the Jade Ruler ruler-shaped Defense Magic Item surrounding his body already shattered and cracked.

At the same time, the black arrow shadow collapsed, but transformed into countless shrill ghostly remnants that raged and filled all directions, like demonic sounds instilling chaos in the minds of the cultivators of the Dragon Transformation Sect.

Outside the rift in the Formation, among the Devil Cultivators, a pretty young woman held a large black bow that seemed completely out of place with her figure. The bowstring emitted an unusually deep and resonant sound. A contemptuous smile graced her beautiful face as she waved her hand.

"Charge in!"

"Kill!!"

A large number of the Soul Devouring Sect Devil Cultivators roared excitedly and waved their soul banners.

Waaah--

Instantly, tens of thousands of vengeful spirits, like dark clouds, swept across the sky, layer upon layer, stumbling and crashing towards the cracks in the Formation. Their howls made the entire Border Town seem to be plunged into the apocalypse, and even began to alarm the nearby Fallen Forbidden Zone.

"The Border Town is doomed, it's about to fall. The enemy has two Golden Core cultivators, and they don't look like ordinary ones, plus that traitorous fake Golden Core cultivator from the Zou family."

"Only one Golden Dragon Transformation Sect and one Pseudo-Core cultivator from the Tiandao Sect are stationed here on the Border Town. It seems they have already thoroughly investigated the situation here."

Inside the rented house, Chen Dengming spoke with a solemn expression, quietly sensing his greatly weakened clone quickly return.

Having experienced many major events, He Yingyu remained calm despite the initial shock and said, "Junior Brother, what do we do now? Shall we break through while we have the chance?"

Chen Dengming shook his head, "It's not good yet. These Devil Cultivators from the Soul Devouring Sect have completely surrounded the Border Town. Unless we run to the Fallen Forbidden Zone, it will be too conspicuous to fight our way out now. We might attract most of their firepower, and then those two Golden Core Devil Cultivators will deal with us."

Moreover, it's completely unclear whether they have even more powerful experts lurking in the shadows; these are all unknowns.

He Yingyu frowned, "But if we hide here now, and they can't break through our Formation after they've dealt with that Dragon Transformation Sect from the Dragon Transformation Sect, they'll eventually attract their attention. If we're surrounded then, we'll be completely isolated and helpless."

Chen Dengming took a deep breath, his eyes shining with seriousness, and said, "So you stay here now, I'll go out and take a look. If they don't have any more powerful experts, I'll find the right opportunity to strike, and maybe I can severely injure one of the Golden Core Devil Cultivators."

He Yingyu frowned slightly. She wanted to go with him, but she knew that Chen Dengming was going out to find an opportunity to ambush Golden Core Great Cultivator. She wouldn't be able to help him and might even distract him.

Moreover, given Chen Dengming's strength, as long as they are not Golden Core Late Stage cultivators or Golden Core Mid Stage cultivators who have inherited the Dao lineage, they can easily defeat him.

Ordinary Golden Core Cultivators really can't do anything to this Longevity Dao Child, so his safety is still guaranteed.

"Okay! Be careful!"

"Um!"

Chen Dengming transmitted his thoughts to his clone, who quickly flashed away from the Formation.

He Yingyu remained in the courtyard, which was heavily Formation. Unless Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator made a move, it would be difficult to break through the third-tier Formation guarded by False Core Great Cultivator, so her safety was guaranteed.

However, simply waiting for the enemy to eliminate all the defenders before focusing their attacks on them is indeed a foolish way to hold out. The only option is to actively create Life Force.

A dozen or so breaths later.

"Whoosh!--"

Just as Chen Dengming arrived at the most chaotic spot near the broken Formation, a flying sword tore through the air and hurtled towards him.

His eyes flashed with Golden Light, and he unleashed a golden aurora that seemed to solidify, enveloping the flying sword.

The Gold Control Technique!

The flying sword suddenly hovered in front of him, then turned and flew out like a golden lightning bolt, instantly piercing the head of a Devil Cultivator.

Several other Devil Cultivators waved their soul banners in an attempt to resist, but their bodies were pierced by flying swords in the blink of an eye, causing them to fall to the ground on the spot, their souls suffering a backlash from the myriad ghosts.

This scene immediately attracted the attention of some leaders in the Devil Cultivator camp.

But looking across the Battlefield, no one was found to have made a move.

Just as they were wondering, a burly figure with a fake pill aura rushed through the air and broke through the city wall, shouting arrogantly.

"You murderer, Zhu Xun! Have the guts to come after me!"

"Chase him! Kill him!"

Zou Yongchang, who had been rescued by the Golden Core female Devil Cultivator, immediately recognized Chen Dengming's clone and roared angrily, leading Zou Ziyong and the others to give chase.

"Stop him!"

A large number of the Soul Devouring Sect cultivators also shouted, ready to intercept Chen Dengming's clone.

"Stop chasing!"

Just then, a soft shout suddenly came from the large group of Devil Cultivators who had entered the city. The powerful Divine Sense force immediately deterred many of Devil Cultivator, causing them to obey the order and stop their pursuit.

Chen Dengming was hiding inside the Myriad Gold Pearl using the Golden Escape Technique, frowned, thinking to himself that his plan to lure away a large number of the Soul Devouring Sect Devil Cultivators had failed.

He secretly observed the woman holding a large bow, who was surrounded by Devil Cultivators, and then looked at another male Devil Cultivator in the air on the other side, who was already fighting with the Dragon Transformation Sect Golden Core Cultivator from the Dragon Transformation Sect.

The female Devil Cultivator exuded an extremely strong golden core spiritual power, while her pretty face was filled with a charming and captivating smile. She looked down at the group of cultivators fighting and fleeing below and smiled gently.

"I am Dou Han of the Soul Devouring Sect. I have come here on behalf of the Soul Devouring Sect to take over the Border Town. If you fellow cultivators wish to live, you have two paths to take."

First, you can defect to our side, eliminate the cultivators of the Tiandao Sect and the Dragon Transformation Sect, and continue to stay in the Border Town in the future. Your houses and resources will not be taken away.

Secondly, get out of the Border Town now, and we will absolutely not pursue you."

Upon hearing this, even the Zou family cultivators immediately stopped pursuing Chen Dengming's clone. Although they were unwilling, they had no choice but to obey. Many of the city's cultivators who were still fleeing or fighting in resistance also softened their stance.

Some even immediately turned against their own side, attacking the Tiandao Sect or Dragon Transformation Sect cultivators beside them.

Chen Dengming thought to himself how impressive this woman's move was. She had further weakened the resistance of the cultivators in the Border Town, greatly increasing the pressure on the guardians of the Tiandao Sect and the Dragon Transformation Sect.

However, this also seems to indicate that this is the only number of people the Devil Cultivators have sent this time.

If there are even more powerful experts lurking in the shadows, given the Soul Devouring Sect and soul-extracting nature, they will absolutely not let any of them go.

"Let's play it safe for now. Let the clone probe the area again to make sure there are no experts. Then we'll deliver the fatal blow to this beauty!"

Chen Dengming decided to follow the example of his sect's patriarch, prioritizing the overall situation and continuing to exercise restraint to prevent a sudden and unexpected setback.

The main body immediately remained hidden, while controlling the clone that had just escaped to rush back and continue to provoke.

"Big brother, that fleshy-faced bastard is back in the fray."

Zou Ziyong of the Zou family pointed to the distance and said.

"This guy walked right into a trap?"

Zou Yongchang's anger flared up again, and he abruptly turned to look at the direction of the city wall that was being pointed at.

A large group of the Soul Devouring Sect cultivators had already surrounded Chen Dengming's clone.

Unexpectedly, Chen Dengming's clone suddenly smiled, raised his hand in a gesture of respect, and sent out his Divine Sense from afar.

"Fellow Daoists! Brother! It's a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding! I've come back to help you kill the cultivators from the Tiandao Sect and the Dragon Transformation Sect!"

Upon hearing this, a group of the Soul Devouring Sect Devil Cultivators were dumbfounded. Before they could even process what was going on with this guy turning into an ally after just killing their people, they suddenly felt a large amount of Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy invading their bodies. Their bodies stiffened, and then they began to kill each other like puppets on strings.

Almost as soon as he finished casting a Puppet Technique, Chen Dengming's clone immediately fled.

"What misunderstanding?! I'm killing you all! You killed me and ran, come and chase me if you dare! Idiots!"

"You bastard!"

At this moment, not only the Zou brothers, but also a large number of the Soul Devouring Sect cultivators were enraged.

That chubby guy is so hateful!

Aren't you afraid of dying!?

"Court death!"

Dou Han's eyes turned cold. Suddenly, she grabbed the large black bow and drew it back. In the instant it was drawn, countless ghostly spirits flew toward the bowstring and quickly twisted in agony into an arrow.

The next moment, the arrow shot out as a black shadow.

The air was torn open, creating a vacuum zone and leaving behind a trail of white mist.

With a loud "boom!"

Before a cultivator blocking his way could react, his head was instantly blown apart.

The black arrow, however, did not lose momentum. It even devoured the souls of the slain cultivators to enhance its power, Swift as the Wind and Lightning toward Chen Dengming's clone with lightning speed.

"So strong!"

Chen Dengming, who was hiding in the shadows, felt a chill run down his spine, but he immediately communicated with his clone and personally controlled the clone to suddenly perform a master-level Substitute Peach for Plum technique.

The Substitute Peach for Plum no longer needs wood as a casting material to perform the substitution technique, as its entire body is shaped from Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy, and only the severed finger is required.

Boom!--

A black arrow streaked past.

It only tore apart the short finger that Chen Dengming's clone had left behind.

Its figure appeared on the canopy of a tree a hundred feet away.

The master-level Substitute Peach for Plum technique, combined with the Wood Escape Technique, allows for an escape range of up to a hundred feet.

"Hmm? What a formidable False Core Cultivator!"

Dou Han looked surprised and embarrassed. She glanced at Senior Brother Lu, who was already dominating the Dragon Transformation Sect cultivator from the Dragon Transformation Sect not far away. It was only a matter of time before he won.

Her beautiful face immediately turned cold as she aimed at Chen Dengming's clone in the distance and drew back the bowstring once more.

Instantly, a large number of spirits flew out from the banner beside him, including some who had even reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

This time, however, she did not shoot immediately. Tiny wisps of black, malevolent Devil Qi flickered on the arrow, and the woman's black hair stood up like burning black flames, emitting a faint glow.

At the same time, the faces of tormented Soul Spirits twisted into contorted rings, beginning to densely wrap around the arrows.

Chen Dengming, hidden within the Myriad Gold Pearl, keenly sensed a dangerous aura, as if a Malevolent Spirit Power was about to lock onto and invade his mind.

"This arrow can lock onto a person's soul? It can even lock onto the main body while locking onto a clone."

Chen Dengming realized something was wrong and immediately severed his connection with his clone to avoid exposing his true self.

Almost at the same time, Dou Han narrowed her beautiful eyes and instantly let go.

With a loud "boom," the arrow vanished in an instant like a black lightning bolt.

Chen Dengming's clone, located a moment in the distance, began to use Wood Escape Technique to escape on its own.

However, just as its body passed through three large trees, the black arrow pierced through all three trees and struck its body instantly.

With a 'bang', the clone exploded in two, instantly disintegrating into a ball of Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy and dissipating.

"Um?"

The Devil Cultivator Dou Han's pretty face changed again, "A clone?!"

In that moment of distraction, she suddenly felt an extremely powerful mental force invade her mind. A tall and handsome man appeared in her mind, his eyes looking at her with a sharp glint in them. His white hair at his temples was quite conspicuous. The strong threat made the hair on her body stand on end.

"The Longevity Dao Child! Chen Baimao!"

(We're still 60 votes short, so I'll be adding an extra chapter tonight! Let's go, brothers!)