At Xiao Zhantian's command, the alliance of the four great powers surged toward the Blood Blade Hall's headquarters like a raging tide. The Blood Blade Hall's guards scrambled to meet them, but their resistance crumbled before the four powers' overwhelming assault. Ye Lingyun led the charge, unleashing the Star-Splitting Void Sword Technique, infused with the Star-Palm Illusion Sword Intent. Sword energy swept in every direction, and the Blood Blade Hall's guards fell wherever he passed.
The Blood Blade Hall's headquarters had a sinister architectural style. Skull-shaped oil lamps cast an eerie glow from the surrounding walls, making the atmosphere all the more oppressive. Working closely with the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild's elites, Ye Lingyun swiftly broke through the outer defenses and pushed deeper into the Blood Blade Hall.
Suddenly, a group of Blood Blade Hall experts in tight-fitting black combat clothes poured out from both sides, blocking Ye Lingyun and his companions. Leading them was Iron Mask, one of the Blood Blade Hall's guardians. His expression was grim, and a hideous scar ran from his forehead to the corner of his mouth. He brandished a massive black battle-axe, radiating a chilling aura.
"How dare you barge into our Blood Blade Hall! Today, you die!" Iron Mask roared and struck first. He raised his battle-axe high, stirring up a black storm of Spiritual Power as he brought it crashing down at Ye Lingyun. Ye Lingyun remained composed. Using Breeze Phantom Steps, he flitted like a phantom and easily evaded the ferocious blow. At the same time, he thrust his longsword forward, sending a streak of sword energy imbued with the Star-Palm Illusion Sword Intent toward Iron Mask.
Sensing the tremendous power within the sword energy, Iron Mask dared not be careless. He swung his battle-axe and shattered it. The Blood Blade Hall experts behind him then rushed forward, plunging into a fierce melee with Ye Lingyun and his companions. Ye Lingyun wove freely through the crowd, and Blood Blade Hall experts fell with every sweep of his longsword. But there were many of them, each possessing considerable strength, and for a time, the two sides reached a stalemate.
Elsewhere, the Spirit Wind Sword Sect's disciples unleashed exquisite sword techniques. Flickering sword shadows flowed like drifting clouds and running water as they cut down the Blood Blade Hall's fighters. The master of the Mystic Spirit Pavilion personally joined the battle, holding an ancient-looking fan. With each sweep, mysterious runes flew forth, posing a tremendous threat to the Blood Blade Hall's experts. Meanwhile, members of the World-Saving Hall treated their wounded companions in the rear, ensuring that the alliance's fighting strength remained undiminished.
Xiao Zhantian faced Blood Blade, the master of the Blood Blade Hall, in its main hall. Blood Blade was tall and powerfully built, his entire body exuding an evil aura. He held a blood-red saber, and his eyes brimmed with venomous hatred.
"Xiao Zhantian, you actually joined forces with the other powers to attack my Blood Blade Hall. Aren't you afraid the power behind me will retaliate?" Blood Blade said through gritted teeth.
Xiao Zhantian sneered. "Blood Blade, you've committed countless atrocities in Lingfeng City. Your punishment is long overdue. As for the power behind you, if we dared to come here, we have no reason to fear them. Today marks the end of your Blood Blade Hall!"
With that, Xiao Zhantian attacked first. A golden longsword appeared in his hand, its blade covered in mysterious runes. He unleashed the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild's supreme martial technique, the Golden Light Sky-Splitting Sword Technique, sending streaks of golden sword energy flashing toward Blood Blade like lightning. Refusing to be outdone, Blood Blade used the Blood Shadow Demon Blade Art. As he swung his saber, blood-red blade light collided with the golden sword energy, erupting in dazzling flashes.
In the courtyard outside the main hall, the battle between Ye Lingyun and Iron Mask grew increasingly fierce. Iron Mask's battle-axe attacks became ever more ferocious, each blow carrying immense Spiritual Power and smashing a deep crater into the ground. Ye Lingyun relied on his exquisite sword techniques and nimble footwork to hold him at bay while searching for an opening.
Suddenly, Ye Lingyun noticed that Iron Mask was slightly slow to draw back his axe after every attack. An idea stirred in his mind, and he decided to seize the opportunity. When Iron Mask swung his battle-axe down again, Ye Lingyun did not dodge. Instead, he charged straight toward it. Just as the axe was about to strike him, he unleashed the Spirit Shadow Evasion Technique and vanished from the spot. Iron Mask's blow missed, and his momentum carried him several steps forward.
Seizing the opening, Ye Lingyun appeared behind Iron Mask, concentrated all his strength into his longsword, and thrust it toward his back. Iron Mask sensed the danger and tried to turn around to defend himself, but it was already too late. The sword pierced his back, spraying blood. Iron Mask let out an agonized scream and pitched forward onto the ground.
After dealing with Iron Mask, Ye Lingyun swiftly rejoined the battle against the other Blood Blade Hall experts. Under his leadership, the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild's elites fought with renewed morale and soon drove back this group of enemies.
As the battle wore on, the Blood Blade Hall's defenses gradually collapsed. Blood Blade, too, steadily lost ground in his fight against Xiao Zhantian. Seizing an opening, Xiao Zhantian drove his sword into Blood Blade's chest. Blood Blade spat blood and collapsed helplessly to the ground.
Seeing their hall master fall, the Blood Blade Hall's members descended into panic. The alliance of the four great powers pressed its advantage and wiped them all out. The battle lasted several hours, finally ending in victory for the four powers.
Ye Lingyun gazed at the wreckage of the Blood Blade Hall's headquarters, a thousand emotions surging through his heart. He felt gratified to have taken his revenge and proud to have helped cut this cancer out of Lingfeng City.
Xiao Zhantian walked over to Ye Lingyun, patted his shoulder, and said approvingly, "Ye Lingyun, you performed exceptionally well in this operation. Your hard-fought contributions were instrumental in destroying the Blood Blade Hall. Our Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild will reward you well."
"You flatter me, Guildmaster," Ye Lingyun replied respectfully. "The credit belongs to everyone. Doing my part for Lingfeng City is only what I ought to do."
After this battle, Ye Lingyun's name resounded throughout Lingfeng City. He earned not only the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild's high regard, but also the respect of the other powers. Yet he did not grow arrogant or complacent. He knew full well that, on the vast Lingxi Continent, he still had a long road ahead.
In the days that followed, Ye Lingyun continued cultivating at the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild. To reward him, the guild provided him with more precious cultivation resources and secret manuals. Ye Lingyun devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation, hoping to use this opportunity to achieve another breakthrough in his strength and prepare for the even stronger enemies that might emerge in the future...
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