At a thought from Song Wen, the Soul-Splitting Blade hovering not far from him suddenly shot forth, striking straight at Azure Nether Hermit.
Azure Nether Hermit, who had been inspecting the storage pouch, tensed abruptly and hurriedly activated his shield once more.
Clang!
Before the shield could be fully activated, the Soul-Splitting Blade had already struck it. The clash of metal exploded like thunder from the Ninth Heaven.
Azure Nether Hermit felt an overwhelming force crash into him like mountains toppling and seas overturning.
The spiritual power he had poured into the shield shattered instantly like brittle glass.
The shield immediately flew out of control and slammed toward him.
Pfft!
Azure Nether Hermit was struck by the shield and spat out a mouthful of blood, sent flying backward along with it.
Several blood-red tentacles as thick as arms tore through the air. Before Azure Nether Hermit could hit the ground, they had already wrapped around his limbs, waist, and abdomen.
Azure Nether Hermit was instantly terrified. He hurriedly circulated his spiritual power, trying to break free from the tentacles' restraints.
However, the tentacles coiled around him like giant pythons, binding him tightly. Not only did they restrain his limbs, but they also emitted a foul, fishy stench that invaded his meridians. Wherever it passed, his spiritual power froze instantly.
The tentacles wriggled, dragging Azure Nether Hermit before Song Wen.
"Fellow Daoist, you and I have never met. Why did you suddenly launch a sneak attack on me?" Azure Nether Hermit shouted in panic.
Song Wen still did not respond. His right hand transformed into a blue-black claw and suddenly clawed toward Azure Nether Hermit's chest.
The claw sank into his chest, twisted slightly, then tore outward, ripping out his still-beating heart.
"Ah..."
Azure Nether Hermit let out a shrill scream.