Great Work Accomplished, Wang Yan Slain, the Precious Lotus Claimed-a Treasure That Gave Weight to Fate!

Wild with joy, Wang Yan stamped both feet against the ground and sprang up to seize it. In that instant, Liu Qiufeng's thoughts shifted. He knew that once Wang Yan took the Precious Lotus, he would turn and flee. Facing Yin Jiudu alone, Liu Qiufeng would struggle to succeed. He reached up, caught Wang Yan by the ankle, and slammed him toward the ground. Still hoping Wang Yan would help him kill Yin Jiudu, he held back forty percent of his strength.

Wang Yan curled up and rolled with the impact, shedding its force. The Heavenly Secret Lotus had fallen into a patch of grass in the southeastern corner. Gritting his teeth, he pushed off with both feet and used Flying Snow Step, lunging toward it with astonishing speed. How could Liu Qiufeng let him have his way? Knowing he had to secure the Precious Lotus first to control the situation, he lunged after him with a palm strike.

Yin Jiudu sneered. "Deputy Sect Master Liu, where do you think you're going?" He moved across Liu Qiufeng's path and unleashed Eighteen Ghost-Smoke Hands. Pitch-black ghost smoke accompanied his palms, and after several strikes, swirling ghostly mist blotted out the sky and sun. Liu Qiufeng cursed inwardly and had to stop to defend himself. They exchanged several moves, fists and feet colliding with muffled thuds, locked in a struggle neither could escape. Wang Yan shattered the shrubs with a palm strike, exposing the Heavenly Secret Lotus.

The Precious Lotus had thirty-two Heavenly Secret Leaves, its entire body the color of mystic gold. Its exquisite beauty and nobility defied description. Holding it brought an indescribable sensation. Life had been like duckweed on a surging sea; now, tethered to a massive stone, it finally felt anchored below. An inexpressible peace and steadiness settled