Immortal of the Nine Realms

As the battle deepened and both sides were reduced to five core disciples each, Fang Chen noticed that even Xie Aman’s expression had grown solemn.

The recent formation battles had been perfectly balanced, proof that the remaining core disciples were extremely close in strength. Even when there were differences, they were negligible.

It reminded him of his sparring sessions with Little Immortal Honglian. Even though their cultivation differed greatly, achieving a clean victory in a duel with formations had never been easy.

Fang Chen thought, Little Immortal Honglian and I will definitely have to fight. It all depends which side ends up with the slight edge. If my opponent is a core disciple whose immortal essence is already spent, then victory shouldn’t be difficult.

He reviewed the previous battles in his mind. By now, he fully understood the Thousand Armed Formation’s attack patterns.

Though each core disciple’s habits differed slightly, as long as they couldn’t use Formation Immortal Arts, their techniques were limited to the same few forms. If he could counter move for move, the worst outcome would be a draw. It would be hard to lose.

“Formation Immortal Arts!? Damn that Rulai Monastery, they’re so treacherous!” cursed the Fourth Brother loudly.

At the same time, the Enlightenment God Palace core disciple who was currently fighting was struck down by his opponent’s Formation Immortal Art.

Xie Aman said nothing, and their Third Sister and the others fell silent as well.

Across the battlefield, the Blood and Flesh Divine Palace, Taiyi Immortal Sect, Ten Thousand Star Palace, Spirit God Sect, and Killing Spiritual Division all came to the same conclusion about the outcome.

“The Rulai Monastery has the victory in hand.” Ye Qingqiu sighed. “No wonder Shao Guangyin refused our offer, they were better prepared than we imagined.”

On the surface, Rulai Monastery’s lineup looked far weaker than the Enlightenment God Palace’s. But that had been nothing more than a deliberate illusion.

“That Shao Guangyin wanted to lull the Enlightenment God Palace into complacency, make them believe victory was certain,” Leng Buqi said, gazing at the damn monk in black robes.

A chill crept through his heart.

He was beginning to believe Xie Aman’s earlier warning. Perhaps Shao Guangyin truly had planned all this to entrap and destroy her.

From the very beginning, Rulai Monastery had been playing the part of the underdog, only to bare its fangs at the end and deliver a vicious bite.

If the Enlightenment God Palace failed to seize the Great Thunder Sound Temple now, it would be a disaster not only for their reputation but for their resources.

Every round of their war cost thousands of shining immortal crystals.

“Miss Xie,” called out Shao Guangyin with a smile. His injuries had already healed, and his lifespan seemed to have recovered. His eyes gleamed with insight. “Why not call it here? End this battle as it is?”

Xie Aman sneered. “Formation Immortal Arts, so what? How many times can they even use them? You really think victory is yours?”

He motioned for the next core disciple to step forward. “Drag it out as long as you can. Force him to burn through his immortal essence.”

“Yes.”

The core disciple nodded firmly and guided the Black Dragon Formation toward the Thousand Hand Formation.

At its center stood a young monk with crimson lips and snow-white teeth. His eyes were cold and lifeless like still water. In the blink of an eye, he unleashed his Formation Immortal Art, giving his opponent no chance to stall.

To everyone watching, Xie Aman seemed to be clinging to empty bravado. They were sure the Enlightenment God Palace was out of options.

“I’ve heard the Enlightenment God Palace recently gained two new core disciples,” said the leading core disciple from the Killing Spiritual Division with a faint smile. “Their promotions were rather coincidental. Most likely, Xie Aman placed them at the end.”

Huang Qingque’s eyes flickered. One of those two was undoubtedly Fang Chen.

Fellow Daoist Fang will likely lose this one, he thought regretfully. Rulai Monastery has seized the advantage. There’s hardly any room left for them to turn the tide. What a pity.

About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, the core disciple of the Enlightenment God Palace on the field could no longer hold out. His formation shattered, and he was forced to surrender.

“Next,” said the young monk, his voice calm and indifferent.

He still had five teammates behind him, while the Enlightenment God Palace had only three core disciples remaining. Even if he lacked the immortal essence to defeat them all, sheer numbers alone would wear the opposition down.

Soon, another core disciple of the Enlightenment God Palace fell at the young monk’s hands. By now, it was clear he was nearing exhaustion, his immortal essence almost gone. At best, he could cast one more Formation Immortal Art before conceding.

Xie Aman gave Little Immortal Honglian an encouraging smile and said, “Junior Sister Hong, it’s your turn. This is your first real battle against an external foe using Formation Arts. Don’t be nervous.”

The others stayed silent. The outcome was already clear. Even if the Little Immortal Honglian won, it wouldn’t change the final result.

Little Immortal Honglian bowed. “Don’t worry, Senior Sister. I’ll do my best.”

She guided her Black Dragon Formation forward to meet the young monk.

Fang Chen’s mind churned. I wonder if she knows Shao Guangyin’s secret technique? Even if she does, she can’t use it here, it would be far too obvious.”

But then his thoughts froze. The young monk’s Thousand Armed Formation had erupted in demonic flames.

“That move again!?” The core disciples of the Enlightenment God Palace around them felt their hearts sink.

How could anyone fight that?!

This young monk not only wielded Formation Immortal Arts but could also amplify his power with that forbidden, lifespan-burning method.

Even someone like Li Shanzi would struggle against him, and most likely lose.

Now his opponents were only two newly promoted core disciples...

“Shao Guangyin, you sly bastard,” Xie Aman spat coldly.

Everyone sighed inwardly. That single sentence from her already revealed what they all knew. Even Xie Aman no longer believed they could win.

“Investigate it,” Xie Aman ordered, her tone icy. “Find out exactly what this so-called forbidden technique really is. Determine whether it’s connected to Formation Immortal Arts.”

Though she didn’t name anyone directly, all the core disciples understood her intent. As core disciples, their influence was immense, looking into it would not be difficult.

Meanwhile, Little Immortal Honglian had already engaged the monk. From the start, she was at a disadvantage, forced on the defensive. Still, she did her best to prolong the fight, dodging desperately and looking for an opening.

Lin Yuan and the others watched with clenched hearts.

The Little Immortal Honglian had once been their teammate, they didn’t want to see her defeated too miserably.

Boom!

A thunderous explosion echoed.

Little Immortal Honglian’s Black Dragon Formation rolled violently through the void until Xie Aman intervened, halting its tumble. Then the Immortal Boats detached one by one, each cultivator aboard bleeding from seven orifices, eyes shut tight.

The Little Immortal Honglian herself lay motionless upon the Black Dragon Ship, eyes closed, her aura faint.

The core disciples’ faces turned grim. It was clear, they had lost the battle.

“Xie Aman,” Nan Ming Ruyue said quietly, “there’s no need for the final match, is there?”

The Third Sister thought for a moment, glanced at Fang Chen, and nodded. “Indeed, there’s no point. Better to let Junior Brother Fang leave unscathed.”

The others understood immediately. Remembering the astonishing speed with which Fang Chen had bonded to the Formation Heart, they realized Nanming Ruyue was trying to protect him.

“He’ll fight,” Xie Aman snapped coldly. “Why wouldn’t he? Without sharpening, how can a blade gain an edge?”

“Aren’t you afraid that blade will break before it’s sharpened?” the Third Sister muttered softly.

Countless eyes turned toward Fang Chen.

He nodded, immortal essence surging within him as he guided the Black Dragon Formation toward the young monk.

At that moment, every member of the 1,500 exploration teams understood. They were heading into a brutal, desperate battle.

“Damn it,” Lin Dong gritted his teeth. “I thought we’d get to watch for free, but since we’re fighting, let’s make it count!”

He locked his gaze on the distant Thousand Hand Formation, fire burning in his eyes.