Chen Lin advanced instead of retreating.
He activated the Azure Origin Sword Art, and spiritual power surged through his body.
Nine azure sword silhouettes materialized out of thin air, spinning into a shield before him—a defensive variation of the Second Layer of the Azure Origin Sword Art that he had never used in actual combat.
Clang, clang, clang!
Three streaks of black light struck the sword shield, bursting into dazzling sparks.
Two of the sword silhouettes shattered, but the remaining seven still stood guard before him.
Despite the gap of five minor cultivation stages, the Azure Origin Sword Art's exquisite control allowed him to withstand the attack.
The demonic cultivator's expression shifted slightly.
He took half a step back, reached toward his waist with his only arm, and drew a short blade that glowed blood-red from end to end.
His Life-Bound Dharma Artifact. Spiritual power wound around its edge like threads, and a blood-scented gust swept toward Chen Lin.
"Die, you little bastard!"
The demonic cultivator roared and brought the blade down.
The strike channeled the full cultivation of his Great Perfection of Qi Refining. Wherever the edge passed, it tore a visible black line through the air.
Chen Lin did not dodge.
The Cloudborne Sword rose to meet it.
A Core Formation flying sword collided head-on with a Life-Bound Dharma Artifact at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining.
CLANG!!!
The deafening clash of metal rang out.
The short blade snapped in two.
The broken surfaces were as smooth as mirrors.
With such an overwhelming difference in artifact grade, the outcome was never in doubt.
"Pfft!"
The demonic cultivator spewed a mouthful of black blood.
The backlash from the destruction of his Life-Bound Dharma Artifact instantly ravaged his already damaged meridians. He staggered backward, his aura rapidly weakening.
"That's a