Ye Lingyun and his teammates set out for Star City, where the Lingxi Star Tournament would be held. Located at the heart of the Lingxi Continent, Star City was renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich concentration of spiritual power. Like a brilliant star, the city drew cultivators from every corner of the continent.
Along the way, Ye Lingyun and the others took in the magnificent scenery of the Lingxi Continent, but they also encountered plenty of danger. While passing through a mysterious forest, they were suddenly attacked by a pack of Shadow Demon Wolves. The wolves were agile, extraordinarily fast, and adept at concealing themselves, making their attacks nearly impossible to guard against.
"Be careful, everyone! These Shadow Demon Wolves are trouble!" Ye Lingyun shouted to his teammates. At the same time, he swiftly drew his longsword and unleashed the Star-Splitting Void Sword Technique. Sword energy swept in every direction, instantly cutting down a demon wolf that lunged at him.
Li Hao swung his saber and fought the demon wolves at close quarters. His strength was immense, and every slash carried tremendous force, driving back any wolf that approached. Wang Li quickly prepared several pills with a stunning effect and hurled them into the pack. The pills burst, releasing clouds of pungent smoke that stunned some of the wolves and slowed their movements.
Standing at the rear, Chen Yao repeatedly fired arrows imbued with powerful spiritual power, striking precisely at the demon wolves' vital points. Zhang Feng watched their movements from the side, trying to identify their weaknesses. After a fierce battle, the group finally succeeded in driving off the Shadow Demon Wolves.
However, the battle also made them realize that the road to Star City was full of uncertainty, and they would have to be even more cautious. After traveling for several more days, they arrived at a small town. Though modest in size, it bustled with activity, with numerous cultivators coming and going. Ye Lingyun and the others decided to rest there briefly and replenish their supplies.
In the town's tavern, Ye Lingyun heard several rumors about the Lingxi Star Tournament. Apparently, it had attracted gifted disciples from all the major top-tier powers, including several exceptionally formidable dark horses. Its rules were also brutally unforgiving: it used a knockout format, and a single defeat meant immediate elimination.
Ye Lingyun understood that the competition would be extraordinarily fierce, but he had no intention of backing down. On the contrary, the news only fueled his fighting spirit. Yet just as they were preparing to leave the town and continue their journey, something unexpected happened.
A group of mysterious figures dressed in close-fitting black clothes suddenly appeared in town, asking everywhere about Ye Lingyun and his companions' whereabouts. Sensing danger keenly, Ye Lingyun quickly led his teammates out of the tavern, intending to slip quietly out of town. But the mysterious figures soon caught up with them.
"Who are you? Why are you chasing us?" Ye Lingyun asked, eyeing the mysterious figures coldly.
Their leader sneered. "Ye Lingyun, someone doesn't want you taking part in the Lingxi Star Tournament. If you know what's good for you, come with us quietly. Otherwise, don't blame us for getting rough!"
Anger surged through Ye Lingyun. He knew someone must have feared that he would perform well in the tournament and sent these people to stop him. "If you want to stand in my way, let's see whether you have what it takes!" Without hesitation, he drew his longsword.
His teammates assumed fighting stances as well, ready to fight shoulder to shoulder with him. The mysterious figures rushed them all at once, and a fierce battle erupted immediately. Their strength was not to be underestimated; their coordination was seamless, and their moves were ruthless. But after their long trials and training, Ye Lingyun and his companions had also become highly adept at working together, and each possessed unique skills.
Ye Lingyun unleashed sword techniques infused with the Star-Palm Illusion Sword Intent. Sword energy crisscrossed through the air, making it difficult for the mysterious figures to approach him. Like a fierce tiger, Li Hao charged through their ranks, forcing them back with every sweep of his saber. From the rear, Wang Li continually cast enhancement spells on her teammates, boosting their fighting strength. Chen Yao's spiritual power arrows rained down on their opponents, inflicting considerable damage. Meanwhile, Zhang Feng deftly set up small Spirit Arrays to hamper their movements.
As the battle reached a fever pitch, Ye Lingyun noticed that their opponents' attacks were becoming increasingly fierce, as though they were waiting for something. Suddenly, a massive flying demon beast swooped down from the sky, carrying a young man dressed in lavish clothes.
"Ye Lingyun, I advise you to give up on entering the tournament. You aren't worthy of competing with me!" the young man said arrogantly.
Ye Lingyun was startled. He could sense the powerful fluctuations of spiritual power emanating from the young man, whose strength far surpassed that of the mysterious figures. Still, he was not afraid. "Whether I'm worthy isn't for you to decide!"
The young man snorted coldly, leaped off the demon beast, and attacked Ye Lingyun. He held a folding fan, and with a sweep of it, a powerful storm of spiritual power surged toward Ye Lingyun. Ye Lingyun swiftly circulated his spiritual power and deployed the Star Guardian Array, blocking the blow.
"You have some ability, but that's nowhere near enough!" The young man attacked again, even more ferociously this time, and Ye Lingyun felt the pressure multiply. Seeing this, his teammates hurried to support him, joining the chaotic battle against the young man.
With his teammates' help, Ye Lingyun gradually grasped the pattern of the young man's attacks. Seizing the right moment, he unleashed the Starry Illusion Spirit Slash. A brilliant streak of sword energy carrying the power of the stars shot toward the young man. He had never expected Ye Lingyun to wield such a powerful sword technique. Unable to dodge in time, he was struck by the sword energy.
"Aah!" The young man screamed as he was sent flying backward. He stared at Ye Lingyun, his eyes filled with shock and resentment. "You... you dared to hurt me! We're leaving!" Taking the mysterious figures with him, he departed in disgrace.
Watching their retreating backs, Ye Lingyun understood that this was only the beginning, and the road ahead was still full of challenges. Yet he firmly believed that as long as he and his teammates stood united as one, there was no obstacle they could not overcome. After the battle, they resumed their journey to Star City. They drew ever closer to the Lingxi Star Tournament, where fiercer competition and unknown challenges awaited them...
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