The cracks in Ning Xiong's iron spear had spread to seven as he fought the Nine Evil Sect's two True Astral Realm experts.
Within the spear formation, another Pacification Guard was shaken by the Wu Family death warrior's keen blade until he spat blood, dropped to one knee, and lost his weapon.
A gap suddenly appeared in the complete formation composed of twelve Pacification Guards and Ning Xiong.
The smoothly flowing internal energy circulating through the spear formation broke off. The astral power within it visibly stalled, and a vicious gleam flashed in the trapped Nine Evil Sect Incense Master's eyes as he seized that fleeting opportunity.
Like a phantom, he slipped in from the flank, his saber carrying icy astral energy as it thrust straight for Ning Xiong's back.
Ning Xiong was resisting the True Astral Realm Wu Family death warrior's furious assault head-on. His back lay completely exposed, and he had no time to defend it.
He could feel that icy killing intent behind him biting into his skin like a venomous snake.
It's over.
That was the only thought left in Ning Xiong's mind.
Just as the Nine Evil Sect Incense Master's saber was about to pierce Ning Xiong's back.
A figure skimmed silently along the ground.
Clang!
A pitch-black saber swept out with unerring precision, its blade crashing hard against the Incense Master's saber.
Sparks scattered amid the piercing clash of metal.
Yi Yang forcibly stopped the Nine Evil Sect Incense Master's lethal, all-out strike.
The tremendous saber energy rebounded, forcing the man back three steps and leaving his sword arm numb.
Ning Xiong, who had narrowly escaped death, looked back.
His blood-smeared face turned toward Yi Yang's cold, utterly expressionless profile.
"Stay focused."
Yi Yang's voice was quiet, as casual as if he were discussing