Explosive Essence Shatters Peaks, Sends Bamboo Flying; Dragon Roar Pierces Clouds, Shakes Sword Mound

The next instant.

Boom!

The True Essence, compressed to its utmost, exploded with a roar!

Countless fine blades of True Essence burst in every direction like a rainstorm. Each one carried a keen edge capable of cleaving metal and stone, instantly tearing apart the "Layered Peaks and Ridges" before him.

Amid the deafening crash, the aftershock of Sword Qi swept across the area. Green Bamboo Sword Urn didn't even have time to grunt before his whole body was sent flying like a ragged sack caught in a gale.

His robes were slashed with dozens of savage wounds by the blades of True Essence. Blood sprayed from them, spattering the ground in bright red spots.

He slammed heavily into the rocks, then tumbled several times before finally managing to brace himself with his sword and rise. His face was as pale as paper, and his eyes brimmed with shock and disbelief.

How could this be!?

How could such a refined, difficult-to-control technique still have a second variation!?

What kind of person had come up with this!?

And even if someone could think of it, how could they have mastered it!?

It was simply unbelievable!

Jianlongzi had learned this Heart-Condensing Moon-Piercing Sword from him.

He understood better than anyone how difficult it was to control a move that gathered the momentum, intent, and strength of the entire body into a single point, then unleashed it at blinding speed to break through a broad defense with a single strike.

He had never imagined that someone could add a variation to the very same technique!

He stared in utter horror at the imposing figure in the sky.

The clash of sword and halberd had seemed to take a while, but in truth it had lasted no more than an instant.

All the elders of