Xu Qingtong smiled faintly and sent the Soul-Chasing Spear hurtling toward Gong Chu. With a bang, the spear struck the barrier of light and became stuck as though it had plunged into a mire, unable to advance or retreat.
Xu Qingtong poured in more spiritual power, but it still could not advance an inch.
Gong Chu's voice came from within the barrier. "Little Junior Brother, put some more strength into it!"
Seeing that the Soul-Chasing Spear's attack had failed, Xu Qingtong decided to test the Rushou Seal's power. He brought it out and drove it straight toward the barrier with a surge of magic power. Pop! The barrier finally gave way and shattered.
Gong Chu was somewhat dazed. He stared blankly at the Rushou Seal hovering above his head and murmured, "You have another spirit artifact?"
"Fourth Senior Brother, try attacking me with the Cloud-Mountain Mist-Covered Bowl." With that, he tossed out a Shield Talisman, protecting his entire body.
Gong Chu came to his senses, formed a hand seal with his right hand, and pointed at Xu Qingtong. The Cloud-Mountain Mist-Covered Bowl flew toward him. Suddenly, light flashed inside the bowl, and Xu Qingtong was instantly frozen into an ice sculpture.
He had prepared beforehand, so he was not injured. Even so, he could not move a muscle and could only watch helplessly as Gong Chu approached with a mischievous grin.
Gong Chu came up beside Xu Qingtong, patted the ice sculpture, and laughed smugly. Once his excitement had passed, he withdrew his magic power and released Xu Qingtong, saying with no small amount of swagger, "Little Junior Brother, how was that? Felt pretty good, didn't it?" He rather resembled a pauper newly come into wealth, straightening his back and thrusting out his belly.
Back in Xu Qingtong's cave abode,