Zhou Wuji wanted to kill Xie Yunfeng, but he wouldn't rush in.
He had already exhausted all his strength to kill Xie Sanqiang. Xie Yunfeng's martial arts skills were far superior to Xie Sanqiang's, so he had to be extremely cautious.
As for the Black Deer King that he killed, the demon was of a higher rank, but it was completely restrained by the orthodox Daoist methods. In addition, he had the White Rainbow Sword, which was perfectly suited to the Army-Breaking Sword Technique, which enabled him to kill the Black Deer King with one sword.
He knew very well that Xie Yunfeng was far more powerful than the Black Deer King!
Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing knew this, and neither of them wanted to risk their lives against Xie Yunfeng.
Zhou Wuji had to give the two a push. They were both young and couldn't be like his Uncle Yiping. They needed to be ambitious and enterprising!
Xie Yunfeng retreated quickly, but without the Black Deer King, he couldn't shake off Zhou Wuji.
Wang Xing and Xie Yunfeng quickly followed, and the four of them soon left the camp and arrived at a puddle.
The puddle appeared to be several tens of acres in size, its surface shimmering faintly in the deep night, like a light black mirror.
Xie Yunfeng retreated all the way to this point; any further and he would have to go into the water.
This puddle was so big it could almost be called a lake. Xie Yunfeng could only stand still. He said to Xie Yunjing, "Yunjing, I've always treated you well."
"I'll show mercy tonight. Don't let this bastard provoke you into thinking you can trade my head for military merit."
If you push me any further, don't blame me for turning my back on you!
Xie Yunjing remained silent. Tonight, he and Xie Yunfeng were entangled. Regardless of Xie Yunfeng's reasons, the other party had indeed not gone all out.
He had originally intended to let Xie Yunfeng leave, but Zhou Wuji's words clarified the situation, leaving him no choice but to follow.
"Commander, this man killed the commander-in-chief and the imperial envoy; he has already been expelled from the Xie Household."
Before Zhou Wuji could speak, Wang Xing became anxious and hurriedly said, "Only by capturing and killing this traitor can we wash away the shame of our Lineage. The Marshal's spirit in heaven will surely be pleased!"
Wang Xing and Xie Yunfeng are not related. Also, because he doesn't have the surname Xie, he is only a deputy commander in the Fire Phoenix Army, and it's very difficult for him to rise any higher.
Previously, he was unwilling to risk his life against Xie Yunfeng, but after being encouraged by Zhou Wuji's words, he realized that this was a shortcut to promotion.
Especially Zhou Wuji, who was able to kill Xie Sanqiang, his skill far surpasses that of Zhou Wuji.
The three of them working together will surely be able to kill Xie Yunfeng. Zhou Wuji is a cultivator from the Lower Court, so this credit will be shared between him and Xie Yunjing, enough to promote him to a thousand-household commander.
Putting everything else aside, this alone makes it worth risking your life for!
Xie Yunfeng glanced coldly at Wang Xing. If Xie Yunjing hadn't been holding him back, he would have killed this guy within three moves.
The situation was too chaotic just now, and he had to conserve his strength to react, which is how Wang Xing survived.
Now he was truly regretting it. If he had known, he would have been better off paying a price to deal with Wang Xing first. Then Xie Yunjing and Zamao wouldn't have dared to chase him!
Xie Yunfeng knew that empty words wouldn't scare them off, so he shook his black iron spear, which hummed and vibrated like a snake.
He said in a low voice, "Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish!"
That being said, Xie Yunfeng didn't rush to make a move. He simply adjusted the flow of True Qi in his middle and lower Qi Sea and regulated his breathing.
In Zhou Wuji's Mind Mirror, he could see Xie Yunfeng's chest and lower abdomen, where the Qi Sea were slowly rotating, and the True Qi flowed out of the Qi Sea in an orderly manner like flames, spreading throughout the whole body.
Xie Yunfeng's muscles were very relaxed, and his circulation of Qi and Blood was in a stable state.
Fifth Rank martial artist can condense a second Qi Sea Middle Qi Sea their chest, which doubles the level of their True Qi.
The middle and lower Qi Sea work together to exhale and inhale True Qi True Qi, which in turn cleanses the body inside and out, continuously strengthening the internal organs, muscles, and bones.
Putting aside Xie Yunfeng's character and personality, his martial arts skills alone are superb, making him an extremely powerful master among Fifth Rank.
Compared to Xie Yunjing, he was much worse. His two Qi Sea were flickering and very unstable, clearly indicating that his True Qi was being consumed too much and that Xie Yunjing was finding it difficult to maintain the normal and orderly operation of True Qi.
As for Wang Xing, he was even further behind. He only had one Dantian, and his True Qi was almost exhausted... Fortunately, Wang Xing was young and still had plenty of energy, which gave him the spirit to want to make a name for himself!
Zhou Wuji observed the true state of the three martial artists and found that Xie Yunfeng was indeed formidable, which made him even more cautious.
Even with the protection of the Heavenly Puppet, one might not be able to withstand being stabbed by such a powerful martial artist.
Fortunately, he killed many black deer, especially the Black Deer King, which was enough to convert six taels and three coins of Origin Mystic Essence.
As long as he doesn't die instantly, he can be brought back to life using this Origin Mystic Essence.
With another life still at stake, Zhou Wuji grew bolder. He said to Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing, " Xie Yunfeng is stalling for time to recover his True Qi. You two should hurry up and make your move."
Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing both looked helpless. They naturally knew what Xie Yunfeng was doing, but the problem was that they had been fighting for a long time and had also consumed a lot of True Qi and physical strength, so they were both in a very tired state.
Before the two could speak, Zhou Wuji flicked his finger and sent two points of green light landing on Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing.
The perfect level of the Rejuvenation Technique merged into their bodies, restoring their depleted True Qi and physical strength to their peak state. Even their spirits were invigorated, and their minds became exceptionally clear.
The Rejuvenation Technique only consumes a portion of one's True Qi to achieve such an effect; otherwise, it would require consuming one's life essence to produce such a remarkable result.
Zhou Wuji estimated that it probably cost Wang Xing and the others five or six days of their lifespan, which they were probably willing to accept.
Living an extra five or six days won't get them much, but the sudden restoration of their strength will allow them to accomplish great things!
Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing were both surprised and delighted to discover the strange changes within their bodies.
With this wonderful method, both of them gained much more confidence.
Xie Yunjing immediately shouted and stepped forward, raising his sword. He practiced the Crimson Yang Gang Qi, but his sword technique was the Heavenly Saber Sect's secret Gale Saber.
The Gale Saber relies on rapid changes in movement, which can be too cumbersome in military combat, but it is more effective in individual duels.
Having recovered to his peak condition, Xie Yunjing's five-foot-long sword was radiating intense energy. As the sword made a feint, crimson energy enveloped Xie Yunfeng.
Xie Yunfeng also saw Zhou Wuji casting Law Technique, and he also saw Xie Yunjing recover to his full strength. He immediately sensed something was wrong.
But having come this far, it's not an easy time to back down.
He swung his black iron spear to meet the longsword, and Xie Yunjing did not dodge, but met the attack head-on with his own blade.
As the swords and spears clashed, Xie Yunjing's longsword was deflected, and Xie Yunfeng had no choice but to retract his black iron spear.
Throughout their fight, Xie Yunfeng held the advantage. Xie Yunjing gained the upper hand for the first time, which further fueled his fighting spirit, allowing him to unleash the full power of his swift and varied Gale Saber.
Xie Yunfeng learned the Mountain-Breaking Spear, which emphasizes fierceness and brutality.
At this moment, his True Qi and strength were no match for Xie Yunjing's, so he was forced to use his spear to firmly defend the gate.
Wang Xing also joined in, brandishing his sword. His Six Harmonies Saber technique was a secret art passed down within the army, characterized by its concise and precise execution, combining fierce attacks with tight defense.
In the battle of twin swords against a spear, Xie Yunfeng was suppressed, but his spear was fierce and powerful, and Wang Xing and Xie Yunfeng's twin swords were blocked and they could not get close.
Knives and guns clashed, sparks flying continuously in the darkness.
All three practiced the Crimson Yang Gang Qi, and as the battle intensified, their bodies emitted a torrent of fiery Qi and Blood. The air near the water was thick with moisture, and the weather was cold, causing a large amount of visible white vapor to rise from their bodies...
The mud beside the puddles was trampled into deep pits, and mud spurted up several meters high.
Zhou Wuji watched the battle from the sidelines, and he too was amazed by the pure destructive power of the martial artists.
The three fought for a while and it seemed like they weren't making any progress, but in reality, each move carried the force of thousands of pounds.
Although Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing wielded fine swords, the fierce battle had left them chipped and broken, rendering them practically useless.
Xie Yunfeng's spear was indeed made of better material, and of course, it was also more substantial in shape, but it was incomparable to a sword.
The twelve-foot-long black spear, which Zhou Wuji estimated to weigh at least forty or fifty pounds, was as light and agile as a bamboo stick in Xie Yunfeng's hands, its movements simple yet precise.
After dozens of fierce exchanges, Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing were both flushed, while Xie Yunfeng's expression remained unchanged, though his breathing became somewhat rapid and unsteady.
If this continues, Xie Yunfeng won't be able to hold on for more than twenty moves.
Zhou Wuji felt something was amiss. First of all, Xie Yunfeng should be very familiar with the surrounding environment, yet he deliberately ran to the side of the huge puddle, which was tantamount to actively choosing this place as a battlefield.
Secondly, even if Xie Yunfeng wasn't afraid of death, he should be anxious by now, and at least he should try to find a way to change the course of the battle.
"Be careful, you two commanders! Xie Yunfeng is definitely up to something," Zhou Wuji warned loudly.
In such a fierce battle, Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing were both desperately calculating the next move, and had no time to think about anything else.
After Zhou Wuji's reminder, the two were also taken aback. Indeed, Xie Yunfeng was obediently being suppressed by them, but he didn't try to break through, which was very unusual!
Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing became much more cautious and stopped putting all their pressure on Xie Yunfeng.
Zhou Wuji not only offered a verbal warning, but he also activated the White Eyebrow Needle to distract Xie Yunfeng from the side.
The White Eyebrow Needle is too small, so even if you add True Qi, its power is limited. However, his method of launching it is secretive, and the places he targets with the White Eyebrow Needle are extremely insidious, always aiming at Xie Yunfeng's face, neck, ankles, and other unprotected areas.
The hissing White Eyebrow Needle shooting out were extremely disgusting to Xie Yunfeng, but Zhou Wuji was standing far away, and his spear could not touch them no matter what.
After fighting for more than ten more moves, Xie Yunfeng finally couldn't hold back any longer. He took out a piece of Cangwu Wood Essence from his pocket and swallowed it directly.
This is a spiritual object bestowed by Lord of Yunmeng; it can enhance one's physical body and True Qi, and is truly wondrous.
Xie Yunfeng took it twice and discovered the wonderful effects of the wood essence, so he kept one in case of emergency.
The Cangwu Wood Essence was extremely potent. As soon as it was swallowed, it transformed into pure spiritual energy that spread throughout Xie Yunfeng's True Qi and physical strength fully restored, but his body and spirit were also enhanced.
This drastic change in aura greatly shocked both Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing.
Zhou Wuji reacted immediately, activating the Rejuvenation Technique again to bless Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing.
A flash of blue light appeared, and Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing felt a powerful force flowing within their bodies, which calmed them down.
Xie Yunfeng narrowed his eyes. This kind of Secret Method could be repeatedly enhanced?!
Zhou Wuji laughed heartily, "You two just go ahead and do it. Three to five times a day shouldn't be a problem!"
Xie Yunfeng didn't quite believe Zhou Wuji's words, but he didn't want to gamble.
Taking advantage of his good condition, Xie Yunfeng turned around and headed straight for the puddle. His True Qi was so strong that he couldn't fly, but walking on water was no problem for him.
Seeing this, Wang Xing couldn't help but look troubled. Although his True Qi cultivation was quite good, walking on water was still a bit of a struggle for him.
Xie Yunjing hesitated. He could catch up, but without Wang Xing's help, he wasn't confident he could take down Xie Yunfeng.
"Traitor, you still want to escape? Thunder, come!" Zhou Wuji pointed forward with a hand Method Formula, activating the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder.
Like lightning striking silently from the void, it struck Xie Yunfeng directly.
Xie Yunfeng knew he couldn't avoid it, so he could only swing his gun to shatter the lightning.
Strands of Yin Thunder descended along the black iron spear, causing Xie Yunfeng's hands to go slightly numb.
That wasn't the end of it; Zhou Wuji then unleashed three more Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder.
To counter the Yin Thunder, Xie Yunfeng had to stabilize himself, submerging his feet deep in the water. Only with support from his feet could he minimize the consumption of his True Qi.
Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing saw that the water was only knee-deep. Even without True Qi supporting their bodies, they could keep their feet firmly on the ground and wouldn't expose any fatal flaws.
Both of them were overjoyed and immediately surrounded Xie Yunfeng.
The three men were locked in a fierce struggle in the water, their violent energy even parting the water, which was about a foot deep, revealing layers of silt and sand beneath.
Xie Yunfeng was at his peak, and he originally intended to kill the weakest one Wang Xing, first, so that the predicament would be resolved.
But Wang Xing was also very clever and never acted rashly or greedily. Xie Yunfeng made several mistakes, but he was unable to lure Wang Xing over.
This left Xie Yunfeng somewhat helpless, and he could only fight and retreat. The water was getting deeper and deeper, reaching waist-deep, which had a significant impact on all three of them.
This is where the difference in skill level becomes apparent. Wang Xing is the weakest and is most affected by the water, followed by Xie Yunjing.
Zhou Wuji understood. This was actually Xie Yunfeng's backup plan: using the puddle to forcibly deplete everyone's strength. As the strongest, he naturally had the biggest advantage.
Their numerical advantage was negated by their geographical advantage.
If he really couldn't win, Xie Yunfeng could still escape by walking on water.
"We can't wait any longer." Zhou Wuji immediately activated the Rejuvenation Technique again, giving Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing a boost.
The third Rejuvenation Technique can only restore 80% of the two people's True Qi and physical strength.
Even so, it was a huge help to Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing. The fierce battle in the deep water was too exhausting, and they were on the verge of collapse.
"Gentlemen, I'm here to lend you a hand."
As Zhou Wuji spoke, he gracefully arrived, stepping on a seven-pointed star. He used the Tianji Step, which he was most skilled at making subtle changes within a small range.
The flowing Yin-Yang True Qi supported his body, allowing him to walk on water with a graceful and agile gait.
His azure robes made him appear like an immortal.
Xie Yunfeng's expression immediately changed. While the rest of them were rolling around in the mud, Zhou Wuji was riding the water, completely unaffected by it, and his speed was faster and more varied.
Before Zhou Wuji even arrived, he pointed and unleashed another bolt of Big Dipper Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder.
As the lightning struck, Xie Yunfeng could only grit his teeth and raise his gun to block it. Just as he shattered the lightning, Wang Xing's knife arrived. He raised his gun again and flicked it, sending Wang Xing and his knife flying.
If Xie Yunjing hadn't followed up with a stab, he could have easily killed Wang Xing with a single spear thrust. But instead, he could only parry with his own spear.
Xie Yunjing's Gale Saber moved with lightning speed, unleashing more than ten strikes in a flash. Xie Yunfeng, having blocked a few blows, grew impatient as Zhou Wuji arrived.
He had witnessed Zhou Wuji's Swordsmanship in killing Xie Sanqiang, and it was extremely skillful! If this fight continued, he would truly die here.
However, this was exactly the opportunity he had been waiting for. Zhou Wuji was standing far away, and he really had no choice. Now, he would just watch how this bastard died!
Xie Yunfeng stomped his foot hard on the ground, and countless streams of mud and water gushed up. His upper and lower Dantian surged violently, and his Essence Blood burned simultaneously.
This Crimson Yang Blood Baleful Intent Transformation is Secret Method of the Xie Household, used with a desperate gamble. Using it almost always results in certain death.
However, with the blessing of the Cangwu Wood Essence, he could withstand such a drain.
"Retreat!"
Xie Yunjing, of course, recognized this Secret Method and hurriedly shouted as he retreated rapidly.
Wang Xing scrambled backward in a panic to avoid the danger.
Zhou Wuji's Mind Mirror reflected Xie Yunfeng's changes, but he also knew that it was too late to retreat now, so he simply held the hilt of his sword and waited.
"Break!" Xie Yunfeng unleashed his full power; how could he let the three retreat? He shouted in a deep voice.
This kind of thunderous sound technique isn't exactly a secret skill; almost Seventh-Rank Martial Artist knows it. The key is that he burns his Essence Blood and True Qi to unleash the power of the thunderous sound to its fullest extent.
The thunderous sound pierced the air, and the turbid mud and water that shot into the sky suddenly shattered into countless fine water-powder mists, which gushed outwards in a ring.
Wang Xing and Xie Yunjing were both shaken violently by the thunderous sound. Wang Xing's skin was even ripped open by the thunder, and blood gushed out.
Xie Yunjing also staggered backward, his mind buzzing, his vision blurring, and he could hardly circulate his internal True Qi.
Only Zhou Wuji floated lightly on the turbulent water. His White Rainbow Sword was drawn a foot from its sheath, the blade humming softly, faintly resonating with the thunderous sound.
With the exquisite reflection of the Mind Mirror, Zhou Wuji activated the Evening Bell Sword in advance, using the sword's sound to resonate with the thunderous sound, thus avoiding the most ferocious impact of the thunderous sound.
It was only because his Divine Sense, True Qi, and physical body were all extremely strong, and he used the Army-Breaking Sword to control them as one, that he was able to withstand it.
Even so, his protective azure light robe disintegrated and shattered amidst the thunderous roar.
Xie Yunfeng unleashed his full power, intending to take advantage of the situation to kill one or two, but found that Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing had retreated far away, and the only one he could obtain was Zhou Wuji.
However, Zhou Wuji remained calm and composed, seemingly completely unaffected by the thunderous sound.
Xie Yunfeng felt that this kid was strange. If he couldn't defeat him in one or two moves, the other two would come to help, and then it would be difficult to leave.
He wasn't really crazy; since there was no chance to end the fight, he could only turn around and leave.
To Xie Yunfeng's surprise, he had only taken two steps across the water after turning around when he sensed a sharp Sword Qi attacking from behind. He was furious; this kid was courting death!
Unable to shake off his opponent, Xie Yunfeng could only turn around and draw his gun. Zhou Wuji, undaunted, raised his sword to meet him.
Having observed the battle, Zhou Wuji had already understood Xie Yunfeng's spear technique, and most importantly, he had understood the changes in his True Qi.
Whatever Xie Yunfeng intends to do, his True Qi will always come first. With the wondrous power of the Mind Mirror, he can make preparations in advance.
The two traveled on water and engaged in a fierce battle on the surface.
Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing were both greatly surprised. Just now, Zhou Wuji was hiding behind and pointing, and they both thought that Zhou Wuji was afraid of Xie Yunfeng. They never expected that Zhou Wuji was so brave and fought Xie Yunfeng alone.
"I'll go help..." Xie Yunjing immediately urged his True Qi to rush over upon seeing this.
Wang Xing hesitated for a moment but still didn't go up. The battle was too intense right now, and if he went up, he wouldn't be able to intervene at all; on the contrary, he might get in the way.
He watched the battle intently as the three figures constantly shifted positions. The most dazzling of them all was the long sword in Zhou Wuji's hand, its bright light crisscrossing and completely obscuring the flashing blades and spears.
Even with Wang Xing's keen eyesight, the sight was dazzling. Suddenly, a series of bright sword rainbows surged and spit out, and in an instant, it seemed as if hundreds of cold lightning bolts crisscrossed and flashed...
When the lightning dissipated, Xie Yunfeng stood quietly, with Zhou Wuji and Xie Yunjing standing on either side.
All three remained motionless. After a moment, Xie Yunfeng's body erupted with blood as he crashed backward into the water...