What descended was an enormous pitch-black palm. It moved so fast that Chen Lin had no time to dodge in advance and could only activate the Xuanwu Shield to block it.
The enormous palm slammed into the Spirit Boat's protective barrier, which instantly collapsed. The terrifying force even shattered the boat itself, breaking it into several pieces that scattered in all directions.
But with his defenses ready, Chen Lin escaped unharmed. The Xuanwu Shield dissipated all the force that struck his side and even helped shield Elder Hu.
"Thank you for saving my life, Daoist Chen!"
After flying a thousand feet away, Chen Lin looked up at the enemy. Elder Hu also fled toward him in a panic and thanked him solemnly.
"Don't mention it, but from here on, you'll have to look after yourself, Daoist Hu!"
Chen Lin replied casually, his gaze still fixed above the mountainside to one side. Black vapor churned there, giving off waves of strange energy. Judging by the strength of its fluctuations, it had not reached spirit transformation, but it was close.
He could fight an enemy of this caliber, but without knowing whether they had allies, he did not dare act rashly.
"Black Mountain Old Devil!"
Just then, a startled cry rang out nearby.
The voice belonged to the ugly Nascent Soul Cultivator.
He had just used a broken saber, a Damaged Spirit Treasure, to cut a gap through the black palm and escape. The Trading Firm's steward and the brother and sister had also seized that chance to survive.
The other two Golden Core Cultivators had died on the spot.
"Who is Black Mountain Old Devil?"
Chen Lin sensed Elder Hu's body begin to tremble upon hearing the name and immediately asked.
Knowing that Chen Lin was a cultivator from elsewhere, Elder