But Xue Zhenhai's body suddenly moved backward. Seeing that Shangguan Yunchong had not pursued him, Liang Wensheng had circled back to rescue him again. Though he was no match for Shangguan Yunchong in a head-on clash, he still held the advantage in movement techniques.
Annoyed by his interference, Shangguan Yunchong thrust the Three-Edged Sword forward. Formless Sword Energy shot out, piercing Xue Zhenhai's chest like Chasing Wind and Pursuing Lightning. Liang Wensheng had no choice but to release Xue Zhenhai and dart left at astonishing speed, narrowly avoiding having his own chest pierced by the sword energy.
Xue Zhenhai was not so fortunate. A hole roughly an inch across opened over his heart, and blood sprayed from his chest and back. With a miserable scream, he raised his Dog-Beating Staff and hurled it at Shangguan Yunchong with every ounce of strength he possessed. In his final moments, he concentrated a lifetime of cultivation into that single throw. Even Shangguan Yunchong dared not underestimate it. He slid one step sideways, avoiding the Dog-Beating Staff as it hurtled toward him like a powerful crossbow bolt. Missing its target, the staff flew onward and struck a beggar in the head-one of the subordinates who had accompanied Xue Zhenhai that day. Already poisoned, the beggar could not dodge even though he saw the staff coming. It struck him squarely, bursting his skull and killing him on the spot. Blood and brains splashed across the other beggar's head and face. Before he could recover from his terror, Shangguan Yunchong drifted before him like a phantom and drove his sword into his throat.
Liang Wensheng watched all three die at Shangguan Yunchong's hands. Though he could not bear the sight, his will exceeded his strength. He could only wring his hands in regret, his sympathy of