The sword flashed out, cleaving a sliver of sky open amid peals of thunder.
Jin Zhong's face turned deathly pale. He was a transformed golden silkworm, renowned for the toughness of his Dharma Body. The black fire earlier had merely weakened his aura and inflicted minor injuries, but this flying Dharma Sword truly threatened his life.
He turned into a streak of golden light, and the golden silkworm settled over his body once more. It was his own shed skin, now used as protection, yet a chill rose behind him, making even his soul tremble.
Cinnabar Thunder came hurtling in, wreathed in lightning, its movement accompanied by celestial sounds. Its blade, refined with [light-river gold], had turned dark black, bearing the star patterns of the Northern Dipper. The Heavenly Gang stars shone brightly, murderous intent rippling as it locked onto Jin Zhong.
"What formidable spiritual perception."
Jin Zhong gritted his teeth and burned his blood essence. Golden light blazed around him, shielding his body.
Cinnabar Thunder rang out, closing in inch by inch. Dread chilled Jin Zhong's heart. There was nowhere to dodge, and the golden light around him was steadily ground away. He had no means left to block it.
Sword qi poured down. Jin Zhong's aura plummeted, and his protective magical light shattered completely. Horror filled his face as he cried out:
"Master!"
From the wooded hills to the east, a great hand formed of black curse script reached out. Wreathed in Incense Offerings Golden Qi, it slammed into Cinnabar Thunder.
Lightning surged, clashing with countless black curse characters. An immortal foundation unleashed its might, and the black curse script became a cage, relentlessly grinding against the Dharma Sword.
Sword qi soared like a rainbow, breaking through the curse script. Cinnabar Thunder remained fixed on Jin Zhong, delivering