"Gate Master Luo, forgive me!"
Before Chen Ming's words had faded, the Ancient Sword in his hand became a dazzling streak, tearing through the sky straight toward Luo Qingxuan's throat! The strike was as swift as lightning, without the slightest flourish, yet it carried a supremely fierce sword intent, as though it would cleave heaven and earth apart!
Luo Qingxuan's pupils contracted slightly. He had not expected Chen Ming to attack without warning, much less open with such a vicious killing move. But he was, after all, a long-established middle Nascent Soul Stage cultivator with abundant combat experience. Startled but composed, he traced a circle in the air before him with his right hand. An azure Water Shield instantly formed, blocking the sword light.
Clang!
The sword light struck the Water Shield with the crisp ring of metal against stone. The shield shuddered violently, ripples spreading across its surface, but ultimately held against the strike. Luo Qingxuan's expression nevertheless shifted slightly-he realized he had still underestimated this young man's strength. That seemingly simple strike contained power far beyond an ordinary early Nascent Soul Stage cultivator's level, almost matching a middle Nascent Soul Stage cultivator's full-force blow!
"Excellent swordsmanship!" Luo Qingxuan praised, but his hands never paused. He formed a seal with his left hand, murmuring an incantation. Vast quantities of moisture suddenly emerged from the surrounding air, condensing into countless Water Needles as fine as ox hairs that shot toward Chen Ming, blanketing the sky!
These Water Needles looked slender and fragile, but each possessed tremendous penetrating power. Even a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator's flesh would struggle to withstand a hit. Chen Ming dared not be careless. As he swiftly retreated, he swept the Ancient Sword into a curtain of sword light before him, deflecting every needle. The Water Needles