Xu Guangzong's eyes narrowed slightly, and his sword aura suddenly surged!
He did not draw his sword, but merely pointed his fingers as if drawing a sword, making a gesture in the air.
One after another, sharp and unparalleled sword lights poured out from his fingertips, covering the sky and instantly weaving into an impenetrable sword net!
That was no ordinary sword energy, but a sword formation imbued with some profound laws.
Each sword aura followed a specific trajectory, connecting end to end, endlessly enveloping the dozen or so Brocade Guard experts under Leng Feng's command who were trying to surround him!
"Sizzle sizzle sizzle--!"
Wherever the sword light passed, countless fine cracks were cut into the air, which lingered for a long time.
Two people were unable to dodge in time, and their protective True Essence was pierced on the spot. They groaned and staggered backward, with several deep, bone-revealing bloodstains on their bodies.
The others managed to hold off the attack, but they could barely move an inch and could only struggle to withstand the relentless bombardment of the sword formation.
Leng Feng's pupils contracted sharply.
The attacks from Leng Feng and Meng Ran's forces were like mud oxen entering the sea when they collided with the sword formation; they vanished without a trace, without even making a sound.
Xu Guangzong didn't even glance at them, as if he had merely swatted away a few annoying flies.
"Buzz--!"
The sound of countless swords echoed through the valley.
Countless fine sword energies appeared out of thin air, like a white blizzard, instantly filling every inch of space.
The sword energy didn't strike directly, but hovered in mid-air, its sharp tip aimed at everyone who exuded hostility.
Whether it was the Brocade Guard or the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, anyone who had just made a move or harbored murderous intent was now locked onto by streaks of sword energy.
That chilling sharpness pierced straight to the soul!
"A sword formation?!"
Leng Feng's heart trembled violently, and the arrogance and composure on his face finally shattered completely, replaced by an incredulous horror.
"This is impossible! The intelligence clearly states that the Outsider specialize in external objects, possessing unique skills in weapons and equipment, but their own cultivation is merely so-so! How could you possibly possess such formidable swordsmanship?!"
He stared intently at Xu Guangzong, as if trying to see a flower bloom in that wrinkled face.
Leng Feng was filled with shock and rage, his teeth clenched, his gaze fixed on Xu Guangzong.
He boasted of his exceptional talent, having survived three Heavenly Human Decay Tribulation before the age of fifty, and consistently ranked among the top three of his peers in the Brocade Guard.
Having been ordered to enter the Painting Saint Mountain, I was determined to succeed and achieve another merit before the imperial court.
But what he saw before him completely shattered his understanding.
Even though this person has overcome more Decay Tribulation than I have, as fellow martial arts Heavenly Human, he shouldn't be this overbearing!
He himself had only recently survived the Decay Tribulation Heavenly Human, and his foundation was still somewhat unstable. However, the old man before him had a perfectly harmonious aura, showing no signs of Decay Tribulation at all!
What kind of monster is this old man?!
Upon hearing this, Xu Guangzong didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, merely glancing indifferently at Leng Feng.
That glance was like looking at a worthless, stubborn rock.
"A grandmaster who has overcome three tribulations in one stage is not bad at all."
Xu Guangzong's voice was flat, revealing no emotion.
"Unfortunately, although Heavenly Pass of Qi, his martial will is impure and mixed. He is considered a decent fighter among the Heavenly Human Realm cultivators in the Blood Moon Realm, and his foundation is also relatively solid. But... that's all. Without the blessing of the Heavenly Pass of Spirit, and without the tempering of the Heavenly Pass of Essence, his upper limit is too low. He has no hope of becoming Martial Saint in this lifetime."
These comments were like a resounding slap across Leng Feng's face.
He, Commander of the Imperial Guard the Embroidered Brocade Guard and a top expert in the Heavenly Human Realm, had his path cut off so easily!
In his shock and anger, Leng Feng was almost about to attack without regard for the consequences.
But Xu Guangzong didn't give him that chance at all.
Xu Guangzong's gaze swept over Leng Feng and his men, instantly discerning their biggest weakness.
"You're distracted, yet you dare to fight me?"
Before the words were even finished, the sword energy that had been hovering in the sky suddenly trembled!
With a change of his hand seals, the sky-filling sword formation suddenly contracted, its offensive no longer scattered, but condensed into unstoppable sword intents, bombarding the dantian of everyone who showed him killing intent!
That's where the Martial Dao Golden Core resides!
"Not good!"
Leng Feng's expression changed drastically, and his Brocade Guard were thrown into chaos.
They already had to devote some of their attention to continuously channeling their True Essence into the key at their waists in order to resist the domain power of the Secret Realm realm.
Some were terrified and tried to escape, only to find themselves trapped by the sword formation! The sword light poured down like a torrential rain, each sword precisely piercing the vital points of the dantian, forcing them to mobilize a large amount of True Essence to desperately protect themselves!
The more he mobilized his True Essence, the more the key in his hand was consumed, and he immediately lost his composure.
Having to Dual-Mindedness defend against the sword energy and maintain the output of True Essence, the flow of True Essence within his body instantly became sluggish due to the multitasking.
Some people were deathly pale, with veins bulging on their foreheads, struggling to maintain their balance. Others groaned, blood trickling from the corner of their mouths, clearly indicating that their True Essence circulation had become disordered.
The rules of the Secret Realm finally seized this opportunity.
One of the top Brocade Guard) fighters couldn't hold on any longer. His protective True Essence essence was pierced by a sword aura, and then more sword auras swarmed in.
He tried to mobilize the True Essence in his dantian to fight back, but found that the True Essence was like a wild horse that had broken free of its reins, rampaging through his meridians and completely out of control!
"Ah--!"
A piercing scream.
The body of the Brocade Guard was like an inflated balloon, with bulging veins and blood vessels beneath his skin.
Immediately afterwards, his jet-black hair turned gray and withered at a visible speed, and then fell out.
Wrinkles quickly spread across the smooth skin, and the vital energy was drained away like a flood.
Decay Tribulation Heavenly Human!
In that instant of chaotic True Essence energy, it was captured by the power of the Secret Realm's rules, directly triggering the most terrifying calamity!
In just two or three breaths, a once vigorous Heavenly Human Realm expert was reduced to a withered skeleton, which fell to the ground with a "thud".
This scene caused everyone in the valley to gasp in shock.
That's not all!
It was as if the first domino had been toppled, and the chain reaction had begun.
"No! My True Essence!"
"Help me! Commander... Ah!"
One scream after another rang out.
Two more Brocade Guard followed suit, rapidly aging and turning to ashes under the combined effects of disordered True Essence and the Decay Tribulation of Heavenly Human.
The remaining people barely managed to hold on, but they were all pale and their breathing was disordered. They no longer dared to show the slightest disrespect to Xu Guangzong. They desperately tried to stabilize their own True Essence and didn't even have the courage to look at the snow lotus.
Meng Ran, Qin Lan, and the others felt a chill run down their spines.
They also made a move, and were similarly locked onto by the sword energy, but fortunately, they did not launch any actual attacks.
Therefore, it seems that Xu Guangzong only gave them a warning, and most of the pressure was poured on the Brocade Guard.
Even so, Meng Ran felt Yuan Yi within her body, and she quickly calmed herself down, focusing all her efforts on maintaining the stability of the key.
Yan Zheng broke out in a cold sweat, secretly relieved that he hadn't rushed to the front.
That old man is too fierce!
Killing Heavenly Human is as easy as killing a chicken!
Chen Yan stood in the crowd, taking in everything.
He felt little emotional.
This is the style of operation of Blue Star's top combat forces.
Decisive, efficient, and effective.
At that moment, no one dared to move.
Outside the sword formation, Xu Guangzong stood with his hands behind his back, his expression as calm as if he had merely brushed away a speck of dust.
Leng Feng trembled all over, staring intently at Xu Guangzong, his eyes filled with disbelief and horror.
He couldn't understand it.
How could this person be so domineering, given that we are both Heavenly Human?
He had studied the information about the Outsider martial artists repeatedly.
The Outsider were indeed well-equipped, their True Martial were incredibly sharp, and their various special physical attributes were simply unbelievable.
However, in terms of martial arts foundation, they have only risen to prominence for a century. How can they compare with the sects and families of the Blood Moon Realm that have been passed down for thousands of years?
But he was wrong.
Martial artists in the Blood Moon Realm may have a unique advantage in terms of the foundation of their cultivation techniques.
However, in terms of honing their martial will and combat wisdom, they are far inferior to the strong individuals who have emerged from the fiercely competitive Star Ring, where martial arts are valued by all.
The Blood Moon Realm is like a microcosm of the countless dynasties on this continent—the strong are respected, and the weak are enslaved.
Once someone transcends the Heavenly Human, they will spontaneously seize resources and oppress those who follow.
Ordinary people are always the ones being exploited, and for talented children from poor families to rise above their circumstances is as difficult as climbing to heaven.
On Blue Star, the entire population is martial.
Within the East Continent Alliance system, it is difficult for someone with qualifications and talent to go unnoticed.
Numerous competitions, selections, and resource allocations allow every martial artist with a dream to see a path forward.
Competition is fierce, but opportunities are never lacking.
Martial artists raised in such an environment possess a temperament, willpower, and dedication to martial arts that far surpasses those of the Blood Moon Realm martial artists whose social class is predetermined from birth.
Furthermore, there is a difference in perspective.
As an S-rank Rift, the Blood Moon Realm's upper limit is fixed at the eighth rank. Those who wish to break through here must " Shattering the Void and ascend to the Upper Realm!"
While Martial Saint- level beings on Blue Star are extremely rare, each one is the product of competition among billions of people, so their prestige is self-evident.
In that short time, the three middle-aged men behind Xu Guangzong had arrived beside the Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus.
This was clearly not their first time doing something like this; their teamwork was extremely seamless.
One person set up a perimeter defense array, while the other two took out a specially made jade box and carefully began to pick the radiant snow lotus.
The roots and stems of the snow lotus are connected to the icy rocks below, making the harvesting process extremely complicated.
Leng Feng watched this scene with wide eyes, his teeth grinding together.
Those were his achievements! They were the basis for his promotion! They were the proof he had to give to the imperial court!
Now, all of this is going to be taken away by someone else!
"Don't even think about it!"
A roar, suppressed to the extreme, erupted from Leng Feng's throat.
He suddenly slapped his chest, spitting out a mouthful of blood essence. Instead of decreasing, his aura increased, as he forcefully activated a secret technique to temporarily suppress the injuries and disordered True Essence within his body.
In the next instant, he transformed into a blood-red afterimage, rushing headlong towards the Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus that was about to be picked!
Leng Feng's blood-red afterimage was so fast it almost tore the air apart.
His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked like a madman, with only one thought in his mind—to seize the snow lotus!
However, Xu Guangzong didn't even turn his head.
He simply raised his right hand casually, his index and middle fingers together, and pointed it in the direction of Leng Feng.
"Noisy."
Buzz--!
The sword formation that had been floating in the sky, trapping the Brocade Guard and rendering them unable to move, suddenly split into a torrent.
Countless sword energies converged, compressed, and spun, instantly condensing into a gigantic claw made of pure sword light, which slashed down at Leng Feng!
Its sharp claws tore through the air with an unparalleled power, as if it could crush even the heavens and earth.
Leng Feng sensed a deadly threat. He roared and poured all the True Essence he had extracted by activating the secret technique into his arms, crossing them in front of him to block.
"Break!"
The crimson True Essence shield exploded violently, attempting to block the sword-like claw.
However, all of this was in vain.
"Snap!"
A crisp sound.
The crimson light shield shattered inch by inch, like thin ice.
Without the slightest pause, the sword energy and sharp claws grabbed Leng Feng and then, like swatting a fly, slammed him down from mid-air!
Boom!
A huge, human-shaped crater was smashed into the ground of the valley, and smoke and dust filled the air.
Leng Feng lay at the bottom of the pit, his bones broken in countless places, mouthfuls of blood mixed with fragments of internal organs gushing from his mouth, making it impossible for him to even move a finger.
His once arrogant eyes were now filled with nothing but endless fear and confusion.
One move.
With just one move, this powerful figure who had survived three tribulations of Heavenly Human Decay Tribulation, the Commander of the Imperial Guard of the Brocade Guard, was defeated.
The defeat was so complete and so decisive that there was not even a shred of room for resistance.
But at that very moment, another unexpected event occurred!
Rumble--!
The entire valley—no, the entire area covered in snow—began to shake violently!
The earth beneath our feet undulated as if it were alive, with countless huge Rift spreading out from the bottom of the valley, their depths unfathomable.
"What's going on?!" Qin Lan's expression changed, and she barely managed to steady herself.
"Oh no! Look at where the lotus flower used to be!" Meng Ran suddenly exclaimed.
Everyone looked over.
The ice rock where the Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus once grew was now rapidly melting.
No, that's not melting!
Something has awakened beneath the ice!
As the ice and snow melted, what was revealed was not rocks, but a vast expanse of pitch black, like an abyss!
In the pitch-black center, a crimson light slowly began to appear, growing larger and brighter!
That's an eye!
A gigantic eye made of thick ink and the deepest malice!
As this eye opened, a power even more bizarre and chilling than the previous illusion swept across the entire valley like a tidal wave!
"Grumble--!"
A piercing shriek came from underground, making everyone's eardrums ache and their souls feel like they were about to be torn apart.
Immediately afterwards, countless streams of pitch-black ink gushed out from the Rift, twisting and condensing in mid-air, transforming into ink monsters with no facial features, only blurry humanoid shapes!
As soon as these ink monsters appeared, they pounced on all living things in the valley like madmen!
"Watch out! Something's wrong with these things!"
The three reacted the fastest, immediately forming a triangular formation to protect the jade box containing the snow lotus, and with a wave of their hands, they unleashed several sharp attacks towards the Ink Monster.
However, a bizarre scene unfolded.
Whether it was the light of a blade or the energy of a sword, when it struck the Ink Monster, it was as if it were being cut into water, passing right through without causing any damage.
The Ink Monster, however, were completely unaffected and pounced directly on the protective True Essence of one of them.
"Sizzle--"
A sickening, corrosive sound rang out.
The protective True Essence of that grandmaster was being corroded and dissolved by the ink at a speed visible to the naked eye!
"Damn it! What the hell is this?!" The man's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly channeled more True Essence to replenish his defense.