CHAPTER 453: CHAPTER 92: ADVANCING BY RETREATING_2

Zhang Yan glanced at the group and laughed heartily, saying, "What if I, Li Yuanba, refuse to stay?"

Bao Dingheng merely smiled faintly, then turned to Ke Xiu Jun with a gentle demeanor and said, "Nephew Ke, since Li Daoist is close to you, why don’t you try persuading him?"

Ke Xiu Jun nodded her head. Although she had been traveling with Zhang Yan, it was only because his cultivation was decent. Compared to Chu Shaohong, Zhang Yan was undoubtedly the better choice. However, in terms of relationship, there wasn’t necessarily much between them. When compared to Bao Dingheng, Zhang Yan’s importance in her heart was undoubtedly much lighter.

She clearly saw the current situation. If the two sides truly clashed, she would undoubtedly side with Bao Dingheng. But out of regard for past interactions, she didn’t mind offering a word of persuasion. As her lotus steps lightly moved forward, she stepped out, preparing to speak.

However, just as she parted her lips, Bao Dingheng suddenly raised his hand and lightly tapped the top of her head. In an instant, a Sword Qi pierced straight down from the crown of her skull and into her internal organs.

They were less than an arm’s length apart. Ke Xiu Jun never expected Bao Dingheng, her elder, to suddenly strike her. She was caught completely off guard. In an instant, the Sword Qi pierced through her brain, pulverizing her five viscera and six organs. Her primordial spirit couldn’t even escape before it was shredded apart, and she died almost without any awareness of what had occurred.

Bao Dingheng sighed lightly. In his view, the bond between Ke Xiu Jun and Zhang Yan might have posed a problem if handled later, so it was simpler to kill her now.

Yet, his cold and ruthless actions caused Master Shi, standing not far away, to furrow his brows deeply, his eyes showing a trace of disgust.

Bao Dingheng loosened his grip, letting Ke Xiu Jun’s lifeless body slump to the ground. He glanced at Daoist Gao and the others, then pointed at Zhang Yan and exclaimed, "Since this man is intent on leaving, he’s bound to ruin our plans. Why are you all still hesitating? Attack together!"

At his command, Daoist Gao and the others, who had long contemplated striking, immediately released their Xuan Guang Magical Swords. In this cold, desolate forest, flashes of radiant light instantly streaked across the sky, murderous intent thick in the air.

But before they could act, Zhang Yan let out a resounding shout. With a flick of his robe sleeve, he summoned two golden hammers into midair. Moments later, two thunderous booms echoed as the hammers descended mercilessly toward the group.

Everyone below, including Daoist Gao, was taken aback. They knew these golden hammers were Divine Weapons and dared not let them get close. Out of caution, they all took to their Xuan Guang and retreated to a safer distance.

Only one robust cultivator remained, relying on his formidable Xuan Guang and expertise in defense techniques. He stood his ground, snorted coldly, and shook his shoulder, sending his Xuan Guang upward to meet the descending hammers.

A golden beam, wide as five to six zhang, thick and vibrant, rose to intercept the hammers.

He planned that, even if he couldn’t hold back these Divine Weapons, at the very least he could divert them to create an opening for his comrades to strike.

After all, taking away the weapons of a Power Cultivator would weaken their strength by a significant margin.

His plan seemed sound, and he could have managed against ordinary Divine Weapons. However, unbeknownst to him, Zhang Yan had imbued the hammers with a trace of Taiyin Golden Fire Xuan Light. As soon as the Xuan Guang and the hammers made contact, it was like molten sun searing through snow. His Xuan Guang, as if it were mere paper, was shredded apart, and the hammers continued their descent unabated.

The cultivator was instantly struck with soul-scattering terror. Just as he thought to retreat, it was already too late. The two hammers landed almost simultaneously, striking his forehead. The sound of a watermelon bursting resounded. His head was obliterated in an instant, and his lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

Daoist Gao, witnessing Zhang Yan kill one of their own with a single move, was both horrified and enraged. He shouted, "This man is a Power Cultivator! Fellow Daoists, quickly deploy your Dharma Treasures and end him!" He then turned to Bao Dingheng and barked, "Bao Dingheng, don’t think you can just stand by! If this man escapes, you won’t fare well either!"

Those gathered with Daoist Gao were all Loose Cultivators. Most of them carried only magic artifacts they had occasionally refined. True Dharma Treasures were far out of their reach. Yet seeing Zhang Yan’s ferocity, they hesitated no longer and set their artifacts loose. Two streaks of radiant light flashed overhead, descending toward Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan didn’t so much as look at them. With a flick of his finger, the two golden hammers spun midair and then barreled toward Bao Dingheng.

Having just witnessed the hammers’ devastating power, Bao Dingheng dared not face them head-on. Fighting a Power Dao Practitioner required maintaining maximum distance, and he certainly wasn’t keen to be dragged into the fray prematurely. His ideal scenario was for Zhang Yan and Daoist Gao’s group to wear each other down. Thus, he refrained from counterattacking. Instead, he wrapped himself in Xuan Guang and transformed into light, retreating swiftly into the distance.

Seeing Bao Dingheng flee, Fang He also dared not face Zhang Yan alone. He activated his tunneling light and hurriedly followed his senior brother up into the clouds.

At that moment, the two magic artifacts struck Zhang Yan’s body with resounding clangs, but he merely swayed slightly and emerged unscathed.

With a single step forward, Zhang Yan stirred the winds and clouds, scattering swirls of fallen leaves into the air. The flurry momentarily obscured the skies, impairing the vision of those above. Amidst the chaos, the faint outline of a figure flashed briefly. When they could see clearly again, Zhang Yan had already appeared beside Master Shi, causing their expressions to change drastically.

Master Shi froze momentarily, opening his mouth as if to say something. But Zhang Yan merely smiled and said, "Master Shi, I apologize for the offense."

With a flip of his hand, Zhang Yan flung out a human bag that enveloped Master Shi. With a flick of his sleeve, he sealed him away before turning to face the others.

Bao Dingheng was both shocked and enraged. Never in his wildest imagination did he think Zhang Yan had such a move. "Li Yuanba," he roared, "do you think holding Master Shi hostage will make us afraid to deal with you?"

Fang He also threatened, "Li Yuanba, you won’t escape today. Surrender now, and we may permit your primordial spirit to leave."

Despite their words, Daoist Gao and the others were hesitant. They’d seen Master Shi’s prowess in seeking Medicine Mushrooms firsthand and didn’t dare act rashly. For now, they chose not to press too close.

Zhang Yan sneered. His eyes gleamed with a sharp, icy light as he declared, "Capturing Master Shi was simply to ensure he wouldn’t be harmed in the chaos. As for you lot, I don’t need to waste such efforts."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)