When Xuan Ming and the other seven ghosts saw Yan Chihuo nearing the Geng Metal Sword Formation, their hearts settled completely. They all thought, "Once you enter the sword formation, we'll tear out your soul and refine your spirit, leaving you unable to reincarnate for all eternity. Only then can this great hatred be avenged."
The eight ghosts had originally been eight snow leopards born of the same mother who had gained sentience, and their bond had been exceptionally close. Even after they were captured by the Zither Fairy—one refined into a Nether Beast and the other seven into Evil Ghosts—their feelings had not faded in the slightest. Instead, they had grown even deeper. Yan Chihuo's killing of the Snake Scale Evil Ghost this time had made the seven ghosts hate him to the marrow.
Yet these eight ghosts were also old, crafty schemers. Though each of them dearly wished for Yan Chihuo to enter the Geng Metal Sword Formation, none revealed the slightest hint of it. They merely fought Yan Chihuo with all their might, but every attack spread toward Snow Fairy, forcing Yan Chihuo to defend against them.
In order to protect Snow Fairy, Yan Chihuo greatly reduced the range of every defensive divine ability he used, making their defensive power even stronger. He would occasionally attack one of the seven ghosts, but Xuan Ming and the others had learned their lesson this time. Whenever Yan Chihuo attacked one of the six soul-refining ghosts, Xuan Ming would devote his full strength to defending that one, while one of the remaining ghosts would specifically attack Snow Fairy. Yan Chihuo had no choice but to rush back to save her.
After fighting for so long, Yan Chihuo could not help feeling puzzled. Xuan Ming had taken a heavy blow and