Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao (9)

Su Han and Lu Xueqi exchanged a glance. No words were needed; their understanding came naturally. The Primal Scripture within Su Han surged into rapid circulation, and his pale golden spiritual power no longer merely protected his body—it poured into the sword in his hand.

He stepped forward. His sword light was not particularly dazzling or ornate, yet it was steady and condensed, carrying an upright, peaceful intent to vanquish evil. With one slash, sword qi arced like a rainbow, cleaving a brief gap through the oncoming tide of Black Qi.

Lu Xueqi moved with her sword, the Tian Ya Divine Sword blazing with blue radiance as its clear sword cry rang throughout the hall.

Her swordsmanship was nimble and swift, perfectly complementing Su Han's steady, weighty style. Azure sword light wove into a net outside the golden barrier, precisely shredding and purifying every wisp of Black Qi trying to seep in from the sides or above.

Her expression was frosty and calm, her gaze sharp as she fixed her eyes on the blurry figure, searching for any possible weakness.

"Heh heh... Interesting. But trying to stop a chariot with a mantis's arms is ultimately futile!"

The blurry figure cackled strangely, seemingly not particularly wary of Elder Mu's spiritual-power whip or the sword qi of Su Han and Lu Xueqi.

Its form swayed, then scattered like a phantom, transforming once more into boundless Black Qi and merging into the surging torrent.

The next instant, the black tide's attack abruptly changed. No longer did it launch a frontal assault; instead, as if alive, it split into countless tentacles that struck, drilled, and coiled from every tricky angle, constantly probing and battering the golden barrier and the defenses of Su Han and Lu Xueqi.

The mental assault contained within the Black Qi—corruption,