Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1382 The lingering ghost

The smoke and blood of battle from Jingu Plain weighed heavily on the vast wilderness.

After months of stalemate, the battle lines between the seven factions of Yue Kingdom and the six sects of the Demonic Path had long since turned into a meat grinder.

Initially, the black light from the demonic and treacherous techniques and corrupted magical artifacts caught the disciples of the seven sects off guard, resulting in heavy casualties; the corpses almost filled the initial trenches. After paying a heavy price, the fear in the eyes of the survivors faded, replaced by a bloodthirsty ferocity and experience. The battle damage was no longer shocking, and the seven sects barely managed to establish themselves on the bloody battlefield, resulting in a dull and brutal stalemate between the two sides.

Deep within the Qingxu Sect's main camp, the atmosphere inside the main tent was as heavy as lead. Fuyunzi sat at the head of the table, and the oppressive aura of a Core Formation cultivator caused the Foundation Establishment disciples below to lower their heads and hold their breath, none daring to look directly at his gloomy face.

“Uncle-Master Fuyunzi,” Deacon Liu bowed, his voice cautiously probing, “the Fairy of Rainbow Robes from the Hidden Moon Sect… has sent another batch of talisman-making materials…”

"Materials?" Fu Yunzi didn't even lift his eyelids, letting out a cold snort as he interrupted Deacon Liu: "What good are materials alone! Of the entire Seven Sects, is my Qingxu Sect the only one that employs talisman makers? You think you can exchange these scraps for finished talismans? The Yanyue Sect, what audacity! This is outrageous!"

He slammed his hand on the armrest of the chair, and the hard spirit wood groaned under the strain. A violent spiritual pressure suddenly erupted, and everyone in the tent fell silent, their foreheads almost touching the cold ground.

Fu Yunzi's chest heaved violently a few times, but he ultimately forced down his anger. Circumstances were beyond his control; the Hidden Moon Sect was the strongest of the seven sects and had contributed the most to this battle, while the Pure Void Sect… he couldn't afford to offend them.

"...How much do you want this time?" The voice was squeezed out through clenched teeth, carrying a suppressed suffocation.

Deacon Liu wore a pained expression, as if he were holding not a jade slip but a scorching hot iron: "Five hundred intermediate-level talismans... one thousand basic and advanced-level talismans..."

"Five hundred intermediate-level talismans?!" Fu Yunzi suddenly looked up, his eyes blazing with fury: "Why didn't she just rob them?!"

In their confrontation with the Six Demonic Sects, the Seven Sects of Yue Kingdom also learned a lot of lessons. The Six Demonic Sects had the advantage of having strange techniques and magical artifacts. In particular, some of their magical artifacts had the effect of corrupting them. Many disciples of the Seven Sects were caught off guard when their artifacts were corrupted and they were unable to control them, and were killed by the Six Demonic Sects.

After paying a bloody price, the seven factions of Yue Kingdom discovered that talismans were an effective means of countering demonic artifacts. Talismans were pure magical attacks, so there was no need to worry about them being countered by demonic artifacts. Moreover, they were simple to use and saved mana.

However, this resulted in an astonishing consumption of talismans, causing their price to more than triple. Even so, they were in high demand but short supply, frequently selling out.

"Uncle-Master, please calm down..." Deacon Liu almost bent over: "Fairy Ni Chang also said... if we have the improved intermediate-level talismans like the one from last time... only one hundred are needed..."

"Improved talismans?" Fu Yunzi's anger subsided slightly. He tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, making a dull thud. His sharp eyes swept over Deacon Liu like those of a hawk: "If I remember correctly, most of the improved talismans that were transferred from the sect last time were made by one person?"

Deacon Liu nodded hurriedly: "Uncle-Master is wise! Although there are many talisman makers in the sect, very few are skilled in improving intermediate-level talismans, and the success rate is extremely low. Junior Brother Zhang Tie alone... took on more than half of that batch of talismans."

“Zhang Tie…” Fu Yunzi pondered the name, his brows furrowing slightly: “Is he the Zhang Tie who went missing after being ambushed by the demonic forces during the reinforcement mission?”

At this point, Deacon Liu's face showed deep sorrow: "That's right. According to Junior Brother Qingyuan and Junior Sister Liuyun, who were lucky enough to survive, Senior Brother Zhang Tie covered their escape and stayed behind alone... He was surrounded and attacked by the Blood Child and his two companions... I'm afraid..."

"Foolish!" Fu Yunzi shouted again, his voice filled with disappointment and regret. "At this critical moment of life and death, your own path to enlightenment is paramount! Why care about the lives of others! All the effort I've put into nurturing you has been wasted..."

Before the words were finished, a voice that Steward Liu recognized very well suddenly came from outside the tent:

"Disciple Zhang Tie greets Master!"

The deathly silence inside the tent was instantly shattered.

"Zhang... Senior Brother Zhang Tie?!" Deacon Liu looked up abruptly, his expression shifting from grief to astonishment, followed by unbelievable elation. He practically stumbled towards the tent flap and flung it open!

The sunlight outside the tent was blinding, and a figure dressed in a blue Taoist robe from the Qingxu Sect stood quietly.

"Senior Brother Zhang! It really is you!" Deacon Liu excitedly welcomed Qin Hao in, his voice trembling.

Fu Yunzi's gaze flashed like lightning, instantly landing on Qin Hao. He scrutinized him from head to toe several times, then coldly snorted, "Hmph! You still know how to come back?"

Deacon Liu quickly smoothed things over: "Uncle-Master! It's a great blessing that Senior Brother Zhang has returned safely! These past few days, Uncle-Master has been worried about Senior Brother's safety day and night, and has mentioned him many times..."

Qin Hao knew in his heart that this was just polite talk, but a hint of gratitude appeared on his face at just the right moment. He bowed and said, "I am grateful for your concern, Master. On that day, in order to cover the escape of my junior brothers and sisters Qingyuan and Liuyun, I was entangled by those three Blood Child. I fought desperately and was seriously injured and on the verge of death. Fortunately, the heavens took pity on me and I managed to escape. I hid in an abandoned cave, kept myself alive with pills, and secluded myself to cultivate until my injuries healed and my cultivation improved slightly. Only then did I rush back to the camp to report."

"Blood Child? Pseudo-Core Formation!" Fu Yunzi's lips curled into a half-smile, his sharp gaze piercing Qin Hao: "One against three, and still managed to turn the tables and break through? Zhang Tie, your skills truly impress me!"

An invisible pressure descended. Qin Hao's face showed a hint of bitterness and lingering fear. He cupped his hands and said, "Master, you are wise enough to know that I also narrowly escaped death. It was all thanks to a chance encounter at a market fair that I obtained a 'Heavenly Thunder Stone.' That Blood Child, confident in his pseudo-core cultivation and seeing that my magic weapon was ordinary, underestimated me. I took advantage of this and severely damaged his foundation with the Heavenly Thunder Stone. I exhausted all the talismans I had accumulated over the years to barely tear a bloody path and escape. It was truly an act of extreme luck!"

Fu Yunzi gave him a deep look, and after a moment, the invisible pressure slowly dissipated. He was, after all, his disciple, and the Qingxu Sect was currently in dire need of manpower, especially in talisman crafting; this person was indispensable! He said in a deep voice, "Enough! It's a blessing for the Qingxu Sect that you've returned alive! Talismans are scarce at the front lines, especially improved talismans. From today onwards, you will dedicate yourself to drawing improved intermediate-level talismans! The sect will purchase them at twice the market price based on your contribution points! You are already a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator; accumulate more contribution points, and when the war eases, those rare pills in the sect's treasury that aid in Core Formation… perhaps one day you too will be able to condense your Golden Core!"

"I will obey Master's decree!" Qin Hao was secretly delighted. The reason he did not use the ancient teleportation array to go to the Chaotic Star Sea was partly because he planned to bring Han Li with him, and partly because he wanted to take advantage of the confrontation between the Seven Sects and the Six Demonic Sects to exchange for some rare materials.

For Qin Hao now, ordinary magical artifacts are no longer of any interest to him, and he doesn't even care much for talisman treasures.

Only the materials needed to refine his natal magic weapon could pique Qin Hao's interest.

"Junior Nephew Liu, take him to a quiet place and make sure no one disturbs him while he's making talismans."

“Disciple obeys! Senior Brother Zhang, please follow me.” Deacon Liu quickly agreed.

Soon, Qin Hao was placed in the innermost area of ​​the camp. His tent was right next to the residences of the two Core Formation elders, Fu Yunzi and another. Ordinary disciples dared not approach this area at all, and the noisy patrol sounds became distant and indistinct here.

"Thank you for your trouble, Junior Brother Liu." Qin Hao cupped his hands in greeting.

Deacon Liu smiled broadly: "It is a great joy that Senior Brother Zhang has returned safely. I still have to report to Uncle-Master Fuyunzi, so I will not trouble you any longer. I will send someone to deliver the talisman-making materials shortly. Senior Brother, you must be tired from your journey, so please rest for a while."

After seeing Deacon Liu off, Qin Hao entered his tent. He set up a simple soundproof barrier but didn't immediately begin meditating. He took out a specially made cyan communication talisman, his lips barely moving as a silent thought entered it.

With a flick of his finger, the sound transmission talisman transformed into a faint, almost imperceptible streak of blue light, silently emerging from the tent and disappearing into the winds of Jingu Plain, a place stained with blood and dust.

Half an hour later, the tent's protective barrier flashed, and a figure silently entered. His skin was dark, and his face was so ordinary that he would be easily lost in a crowd—who else could it be but Han Li?

"Senior brother!" Han Li's voice was deep but filled with excitement: "I knew... you would never perish so easily!"

Qin Hao looked him up and down, a slight smile playing on his lips, "It's a pity that I've been away from home these past few days and haven't been able to witness firsthand your heroic figure on the battlefield of Jingu Plain, where you slaughtered everyone and struck fear into the hearts of the demonic sects!"

"Senior brother, please don't make fun of me!" Han Li's face showed a hint of helplessness, but his eyes were much sharper and more composed. He had long since shed the naivety of his days in Jiayuan City, and his words had become sharper. "How can my meager skills compare to yours, senior brother? I heard that you were ambushed by a trio led by a fake core demon cultivator. I'm afraid those three have already become spoils of war in your storage bag, and are now just withered bones in a graveyard, right?"

After exchanging pleasantries, Han Li cautiously set up several more layers of soundproofing barriers before lowering his voice and asking with a hint of urgency, "Senior Brother, regarding that ancient teleportation array we mentioned when we parted last time... has the repair been completed?"

Qin Hao's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "Junior brother, rest assured, our escape route is at stake, and everything has been arranged."

Han Li's tense nerves visibly relaxed, and he let out a long sigh. The devastation of Jingu Plain far exceeded his initial expectations; every step he took was like walking on thin ice. His survival until now was largely due to his "unremarkable" mid-Foundation Establishment stage and his deeply ingrained caution.

"So, what are your plans next, Senior Brother?"

Qin Hao understood the deeper meaning behind Han Li's words—when should they leave? He pondered for a moment, then analyzed, "Although the seven sects and the demonic path are currently locked in a stalemate, the higher-ups are extremely strict in their control. As Foundation Establishment cultivators, if we leave the camp without cause, we are likely to attract attention and invite trouble. Furthermore, it is still unknown what world lies on the other side of that teleportation array, whether it brings fortune or misfortune. If the battle here is not beyond saving, rashly escaping into the unknown may not be less risky than staying. It would be better to hold back for now, observe the situation, secretly accumulate strength, and closely monitor the developments."

Han Li thought for a moment and found it to be reasonable: "Senior Brother's consideration is thorough, I admire you."

Qin Hao nodded, took out a jade slip he had prepared beforehand from his storage bag, and handed it to Han Li: "This is a detailed map and route to the rendezvous point. If the situation changes drastically one day, Junior Brother, you must go here to reunite with me as soon as possible! Remember, do not linger in battle, survival is the priority!"

"Understood! Thank you, Senior Brother!" Han Li solemnly accepted the jade slip, and with a sweep of his divine sense, he firmly memorized the route. He felt much more at ease. With this backup plan, he finally had more confidence to maneuver in the bloody grinder of Jingu Plain.

Over the next few months, Qin Hao set up numerous restrictions inside and outside his camp, remaining indoors and transforming himself into a sophisticated talisman-making machine.

For the next few months, Qin Hao stayed in his tent drawing talismans. Only one-tenth of these talismans were given to Qingxu Sect to be exchanged for contribution points; the rest went into his own pocket to make up for the losses incurred in the previous annihilation of the Black Fiend Sect.

During this period, Han Li's reputation also rose rapidly. However, as he killed more and more demonic cultivators, many powerful demonic cultivators also set their sights on him. As a result, every time Han Li returned, he had to come to Qin Hao to replenish his talismans.

Of course, Qin Hao wasn't doing charity work. If he wanted talismans, he would have to exchange them for pills. Although he was already in the late Foundation Establishment stage, he would definitely need to cultivate the "Three Revolutions Rejuvenation Technique" to increase his chances of successfully forming a Golden Core after going to the Chaotic Star Sea. Therefore, the more pills the better.

That day, Qin Hao had just exchanged a fist-sized piece of gold essence with the quartermaster when suddenly, the outer tent erupted into chaos.

Woo-woo-woo-woo!!!

A piercing, ear-splitting alarm conch shell blared without warning throughout the entire Seven Factions camp! This sound was unlike any ordinary enemy attack warning; it was filled with the panic and chaos of an impending doom!

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!!"

"Spirit Beast Mountain!! Spirit Beast Mountain has betrayed us!!"

"The great formation has been broken! The demon bastards have stormed in from the east!!"

"Stop it! Stop it now!!"

"Run for your lives—!"

Upon seeing this, Qin Hao immediately retreated behind the others, but did not leave the camp immediately. At this time, the formation behind the camp had not yet been broken, and running away now would easily make an example of him. It was better to lie low and see how things went first.

Just as Qin Hao had predicted, the first group of disciples who tried to escape were immediately beheaded by the Core Formation cultivators from the seven sects.

At this critical juncture of utter chaos, a majestic and resolute voice, like rolling thunder, forcefully overwhelmed all the noise, resounding above the area where the Qingxu Sect disciples were gathered. It was Fuyunzi:

"All disciples of Qingxu Sect, heed my command!!"

His voice carried a hint of barely perceptible weariness and a deeper sense of grief and indignation.

"The Spirit Beast Mountain sect has rebelled, and the great formation has been broken! It's hopeless!"

"Each of you break out! Retreat towards Danxia Valley!!"

"If even one person can leave... that's one less!!"

"To preserve the flame of our sect!!"

Before he finished speaking, the cyan light that Fu Yunzi had transformed into burst forth with an unprecedentedly dazzling brilliance, like a meteor burning with life, and crashed headlong into the front line battlefield on the east side of the camp, where the fighting was most fierce!

"We will obey the decree of our Grandmaster!" A sorrowful and resolute cry rang out among the disciples of Qingxu Sect.

With this clear order, the remaining Qingxu Sect disciples grasped at straws. Without hesitation, streaks of light of various colors shot into the sky, like a flock of startled birds, frantically yet with a glimmer of direction, desperately fleeing towards the rear of the camp, towards Danxia Valley as designated by Fuyunzi!

Qin Hao didn't hesitate any longer. A glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly patted the storage bag at his waist.

"Dragon Boat, rise!"

A streak of dark light shot out, instantly transforming into a flying boat about ten feet long. The naturally formed dragon scale patterns on the boat's surface flickered in and out of view within the light. Qin Hao stepped onto the flying boat's core array, frantically pouring his pure late-stage Foundation Establishment mana into it without reservation!

hum!

The Ink Dragon Boat emitted a deep yet powerful dragon-like roar, and its hull shone with a burst of dark light, instantly transforming into an incomparably condensed light stream of light. Its speed far exceeded that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators in their ability to fly on their artifacts, and even approached the escape speed of ordinary Core Formation cultivators!

With a flash, the boat merged into the dissipating torrent of escape light and sped off toward Danxia Valley!

Escape! Escape at all costs!

A streak of inky light tore through the air, emitting a sharp, explosive sound. The path was far from smooth. The demonic path had clearly planned this in advance; elite squads, like venomous snakes, lurked along the escape route the seven sects' disciples were sure to take, launching sudden ambushes. Screams filled the air as streaks of light plummeted from the sky like birds shot down.

Qin Hao's eyes were icy cold, devoid of any of the gentleness he displayed at the Qingxu Sect camp. He showed no mercy to the demonic cultivators blocking his path. The Ink Dragon Boat maintained its speed, ripples spreading across the spiritual energy shields on either side of its hull. His hands moved with lightning speed, forming hand seals, and one after another, the talismans he had prepared beforehand—Golden Blade Storm Talisman Arrows and Exploding Flame Talismans—shot out like a torrent. The roar of exploding fireballs, the clang of clashing metal, and the dying screams of the demonic cultivators intertwined behind him, creating a cruel backdrop of death.

The dark streak of light swept ahead, leaving most of the chaos behind, and disappeared into the thick smoke and dust of blood and fire that filled the Golden Drum Plain.

Three days and nights!

Without sleep or rest! His spiritual energy was almost exhausted! Qin Hao relied on the extreme speed of the Ink Dragon Boat and the occasional consumption of pills to replenish it, and finally broke out of the main battlefield of Golden Drum Plain.

Only when the scorched, blood-stained earth beneath his feet was replaced by a desolate, barren, and rocky Gobi Desert did he dare to slow down slightly. The pale ink-colored streak of light, carrying the scent of dust and gunpowder, swooped down like a meteor, silently landing deep within a vast and boundless wasteland.

After another two days of arduous trekking, Qin Hao finally arrived at the foot of the huge weathered rock formation resembling a reclining ox deep within the Stone Forest.

The jagged rocks and howling wind created an excellent natural hiding spot. He quickly set up several warning and concealment barriers, sat cross-legged, and quietly waited while regulating his breathing to recover his nearly depleted magical power.

One day passed... two days passed... three days passed...

Just as the scales in his heart were beginning to tip, and he was almost about to get up and leave!

A faint yet extremely familiar fluctuation of spiritual energy, mixed with several other auras of varying strengths, was rapidly approaching from not far away!

coming!

Qin Hao abruptly stood up, his gaze shooting like lightning towards the direction from which the fluctuations originated. However, when he clearly saw the several streaks of light flying from the sky, his expression instantly turned extremely grim!

It was a familiar cyan escape light belonging to Han Li, slightly dimmed, clearly indicating that he had consumed a great deal of energy.

Beside Han Li, walking alongside him, was none other than Nangong Wan!

What alarmed Qin Hao even more were the three streaks of light that were relentlessly pursuing Han Li and Nangong Wan!

A streak of blood-red light, brimming with malevolent energy, moved with incredible speed!

A streak of pink light escaped, carrying a strangely sweet and alluring fragrance!

A jet-black, ghostly streak of light locked onto Han Li, radiating an unyielding and venomous hatred!

"That Han Li... how did he get involved with this woman again?! And he's caused such a huge mess!" Qin Hao cursed inwardly. This wasn't escaping for his life; it was practically a family affair with pursuers all to his name!

Almost in the blink of an eye, several streaks of light arrived above the stone forest.

"Senior brother, help me!!" Han Li was also in a sorry state at this moment, his yellow robe from the Yellow Maple Valley was torn in many places and covered with blood and dust.

"Junior brother! You really know how to give me 'surprises'!" Qin Hao almost gritted his teeth as he squeezed out these words to Han Li.

At the same time, he swayed and soared into the sky. His powerful aura as a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator was no longer concealed. Like a sharp sword suddenly drawn from its sheath, he stood between Han Li, Nangong Wan, and the pursuers!

Han Li was incredibly frustrated: he had been extremely cautious since leaving the camp, deliberately choosing secluded paths to sneak around, and was almost at the rendezvous point when he suddenly ran into Nangong Wan, who was being chased! This woman had actually diverted the trouble! He was forced to join forces with Nangong Wan and fight his way back, but the three people behind him were all more troublesome than the last!

When Nangong Wan saw Qin Hao, her pale face showed no surprise. Instead, she let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief. Her clear, cold voice carried a weak yet undeniable tone: "Late Foundation Establishment stage... barely worthy of being called a helper."

She had just fought a fierce battle with a Core Formation cultivator from the demonic path, resulting in mutual injuries. Already severely wounded and with her spiritual energy nearly depleted, she was hampered by the three demonic cultivators clinging to her like leeches. In desperation, she "encountered" this cunning and slippery junior from Huangfeng Valley halfway through her journey, forcibly dragging him into the fray. Unfortunately, facing three Foundation Establishment stage experts, one of whom was only at the Pseudo-Core Formation level, even with her remaining strength and Han Li's support, she still couldn't escape and could only fight and flee.

"Li! Fei! Yu!" The pitch-black ghostly aura suddenly stopped, its light receding to reveal a pale, sinister young face—Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect! His eyes were bloodshot, fixed on Han Li, his teeth grinding together: "You escaped from Yan Family Fortress by sheer luck, but today, let's see where you can run to! I will take your dog's life to vent my hatred!"

"Young Master, please calm your anger!" A gaunt, skeletal old man in a black robe spoke in a sinister tone: "It is this old servant's duty to avenge the young master! Leave Li Feiyu to me! After I behead him, I will join forces with the young master to capture this Core Formation female cultivator from the Hidden Moon Sect!"

The old man didn't mention Qin Hao at all, clearly not taking him seriously.

"Be careful! This man is a guest elder of the Ghost Spirit Sect, nicknamed 'Black Bone.' He has a pseudo-core cultivation level and his 'Soul-Binding Ghost Claw' is extremely vicious, specializing in corrupting magical artifacts! The black banner at his waist is a sub-banner of the magical treasure Myriad Souls Banner, containing countless ferocious souls! Don't let him get close!!" Nangong Wan took a deep breath and quickly transmitted her voice to Qin Hao, pointing out the power of the black-robed elder.

"Black Bone Elder, Li Feiyu is mine. I'm leaving that kid to you!" Wang Chan's eyes were only on Han Li. He and the strange man in the pink escape light formed a triangular formation, locking onto the weakened Nangong Wan from afar. Clearly, he planned to have Black Bone deal with Qin Hao first, and then join forces to kill Nangong Wan.

"Hehehe! Boy, prepare to die!" The black-robed old man named Black Bone let out a strange laugh like an owl, and his withered, chicken-claw-like hands suddenly stretched forward!

boom!

Two jet-black claws, thick as ink and exuding a pungent, bloody stench and the howling of ghosts, materialized out of thin air! These claws were not physical, yet they carried a chilling and filthy aura that chilled the soul. They swelled in the wind, instantly growing to several meters in size, blotting out the sky as they slashed down at Qin Hao's head! Before the claws even arrived, the sinister power that specifically corrupted the spiritual light of magical artifacts and eroded the souls of cultivators had already spread out, making one's soul feel like it was about to be torn apart!

At the same time, the palm-sized black banner around Black Bone's waist, entwined with countless distorted faces of pain, moved without wind, and the wailing of ghosts instantly amplified! A dozen fierce ghostly figures, condensed to the point of being tangible and radiating the fluctuations of the Foundation Establishment stage, shrieked and pounced out, baring their fangs and claws, striking first despite being behind, like vengeful ghosts rushing straight at Qin Hao's face!

Faced with the furious attack from the fake Core Formation cultivator, Qin Hao's expression changed drastically, showing both shock and anger, seemingly completely unprepared for the opponent's ruthless and swift attack. He frantically patted his storage bag, hastily producing two gleaming magical artifacts: a bluish-green tortoise-shell shield and a gleaming flying sword. These were spoils of war he had obtained during his previous campaign against the Black Fiend Sect, both of superior quality magical artifacts.

"Go!" Qin Hao shouted, manipulating the tortoise shell shield to block in front of him, while his flying sword transformed into a streak of light and pierced towards the oncoming ferocious soul.

However, when the filthy and sinister ghost claw struck the bluish-green tortoise shell shield, the shield's spiritual light fluctuated violently as if it had encountered its nemesis, emitting a piercing "hissing" sound, and instantly became dim and lost its spiritual power!

Immediately afterwards, with a crisp "crack," the tortoise shell shield was forcefully smashed into several cracks by the ghostly claws! The flying sword that was piercing towards the evil spirits was entangled by the filthy ghostly energy spewed out by several evil spirits together. The sword's spiritual light quickly went out, and it let out a mournful cry. It completely lost control and fell into the stone forest below with a clatter!

"Pfft!" Qin Hao's face turned deathly pale. As if struck by a heavy blow, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. His body swayed precariously in the air, his breath instantly weakened, and his eyes were filled with horror and despair, as if he had lost his last reliance.

"Hmph! Ignorant brat! You dare to flaunt your mere high-grade magic weapon in front of me? Die!" Upon seeing this, the old man with black bones showed even more contempt and cruelty in his eyes, and his strange laughter became even more ear-piercing.

In his eyes, Qin Hao's methods were crude; he was merely a sect disciple who relied on magical artifacts and had little practical combat experience. Now that his magical artifacts were tainted, he was like a fish on a chopping board! In order to get rid of this "obstacle" as soon as possible and then go to help the young master, his fake core was running wildly, and he was pushing those two huge tainted ghost claws with all his might!

The vengeful spirits coiling around the pitch-black claws twisted and shrieked, their power increasing threefold. Like two small black mountains, they crashed down on Qin Hao, who was "incapacitated" and standing frozen in mid-air, with the force of Mount Tai! They intended to crush him and his soul into a pulp!

Just as that dark, ghostly claw was about to touch Qin Hao's head!

All the horror and despair in Qin Hao's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by an extreme calmness and sharp killing intent as if frozen for eternity! Like a venomous snake that had been lying in wait for a long time, he finally bared his deadly fangs!

"It's now!"

His right hand, which had been hanging limply at his side and appeared weak and powerless, suddenly swung out faster than the naked eye could see!

call out--!

A tiny, almost imperceptible, dark green glint, nearly blending into the surrounding dimness, shot out from his sleeve without warning! Its speed was incredible, like teleportation! It also carried a chilling, sweet-smelling odor—it was the Poison Fang Dagger forged from the fangs of the Ink Dragon!

The timing of this dagger strike was absolutely perfect! It was precisely when the old man with black bones was fully controlling the tainted soul claw, his old power exhausted and new power yet to arise, and his mind had a slight lapse due to his absolute certainty of victory! The target was directly aimed at the old man's dantian, a vital point slightly open due to his full-force spellcasting!

"What?!" The savage grin on the black-boned elder's face froze instantly! He tried to dodge, tried to recall his ghostly claws for defense, but it was all too late! The momentum from the full-force attack left him completely unable to react effectively!

puff!

A very faint sound, like the bite of a venomous snake, rang out.

The dark green light pierced through the protective demonic energy hastily erected by the black-boned elder with unparalleled precision! It stabbed hard into the dantian (energy center) of his lower abdomen!

"Ugh—!!" The old man with black bones let out a shrill scream that was inhuman! He clearly felt an indescribable, terrifying poison, like a bone-deep infection, frantically invading his dantian through the wound pierced by the dagger!

That poison was incredibly potent; wherever it passed, his magic melted away like snow being poured on boiling water.

The venom of the Ink Dragon is deadly; it kills instantly upon contact with blood! Even a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator would find it difficult to withstand!

The deadly poison attacked his heart, and his magical power backfired! The old man with black bones convulsed violently as if his spine had been ripped out, and dark green, foul-smelling blood flowed from his seven orifices. The condensed filthy ghost claws lost their magical support and instantly dissipated into black mist! The dozen or so ferocious spirits also became chaotic and howled due to their master's severe injury!

Qin Hao had been waiting for this moment!

His eyes flashed with a fierce light, and all his magical power erupted like a volcano! The Crimson Soul Blade transformed into a breathtaking blood-red streak, which he hurled into the air!

At the same time, he swiftly struck out with his left hand the golden talisman that had been gleaming with spiritual light, which he had been holding in his palm—the Greatsword Talisman!

"cut!!!"

Qin Hao roared like thunder! The immense golden spiritual power of the giant sword talisman surged wildly into the Crimson Soul Blade! The Crimson Soul Blade emitted a deafening hum, and its blade instantly grew to more than ten zhang in length!

The blade, imbued with indestructible Geng metal energy and immense, mountain-like strength, transformed into a gigantic guillotine capable of splitting the heavens and earth. With a piercing shriek and an aura of annihilation, it slashed fiercely down at the black-boned elder, who had lost the ability to resist due to the corrosive poison and collapsed to the ground!

puff! ! !

The blood is soaring to the sky!

Like a hot knife slicing through solidified lard! Without the slightest resistance! The powerful demonic body of the pseudo-core cultivator was as fragile as paper under this earth-shattering strike infused with immense force and golden sharpness!

The black-boned elder, along with the frozen terror and disbelief on his face, was severed in two by a single strike! His mangled body was shredded into a cloud of blood and flesh by the fierce blade energy! Even his remnant soul could not escape, and was instantly torn apart and annihilated by the violent blade intent!

Instant kill!

The dignified Ghost Spirit Sect Elder "Black Bone," a pseudo-Core Formation Realm cultivator, was actually killed on the spot by an unknown cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage in such a clean, efficient, calculated, and ruthless manner!

All of this happened in the blink of an eye! From Qin Hao's feigned defeat and the defilement of his magic weapon, to the successful sneak attack with the Poison Fang Dagger, and then to the earth-shattering slash of the Crimson Soul Blade, the whole process was swift and fluid, so fast that Wang Chan and the strange man from the Hehuan Sect in the distance did not have time to make any effective reaction!

"Useless!!" Wang Chan's heart tightened. He then realized that among the three, this seemingly easiest-to-bully Qingxu Sect cultivator was actually the most troublesome.

"Not good!" The strange-looking man from the Hehuan Sect's expression changed drastically, his eyes filled with shock and apprehension. He had originally thought that capturing the heavily injured Nangong Wan and the two "ordinary" Foundation Establishment cultivators would be a piece of cake, but he hadn't expected that such a cunning and ruthless character was hidden within the enemy's ranks! (End of Chapter)