I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 395: Might of the Spiritual Treasure, Reaping and Dividing the Spoils

Lan Changʼan did not hesitate in the slightest; in the center of the black-water region under the Ocean Sky Saint Banner, he deployed his puppet army formation.

The puppet formation condensed a gigantic arrow of crystalline light, radiating a sharp aura, and in a flash, it shot toward True Monarch Netherwater. Meanwhile, Jing Wufeng’s Voidless Blade provided a long-range threat against True Monarch Netherwater.

Lan Changʼan then summoned his Dragonwood Staff, its magical power coalesced yet unreleased, as he fixed his gaze on the figure of True Monarch Netherwater.

“Do you two really think that by joining forces you can deal with me? How naive!” she taunted.

True Monarch Netherwater stood at the crest of a wave and let out an oddly cackling laugh; yet her swaying figure was dispelled by the combined attacks of the two.

Whoosh!

Her body transformed into a stream of black water and merged with the vast sea, only to reappear in an instant behind Lan Changʼan.

High above, the Ocean Sky Saint Banner floated, emanating an astonishing spiritual radiance; with a gentle swing—

Boom!

The raging, stormy hurricane in the sea devoured the heavens and the earth as it swept in from behind, engulfing Lan Changʼan and the puppet formation.

“Your Excellency really thinks Xiang is easy to bully?”

Lan Changʼan seemed to have anticipated this taunt. The Dragonwood Staff, with its power still condensed, transformed into a towering ancient tree outlined with blood-colored dragon patterns and suddenly smacked into the roaring hurricane from behind.

Moreover, the surface of the Dragonwood Staff shone with a verdant glow; affixed to it was a wood-element treasure talisman from which large, lush green branches grew. This not only imbued the giant wood form magical treasure with vibrant life but also allowed it to root more stably in the sea domain.

At the Nascent Soul stage, early fourth-rank treasure talismans may not be decisive, yet in battles they serve as useful supplements or emergency measures.

The Dragonwood Staff blocked most of the assault’s power, and the puppet formation activated its defensive array, causing True Monarch Netherwater’s attack to fall futile.

“Not bad, the reaction was quick.”

True Monarch Netherwater was slightly taken aback; she had expected that at the very least, it would leave Xiang Dalong flustered and struggling to cope. Back during the probing at the Nascent Soul Ceremony, she had believed that Lan Changʼan was easier to deal with than Jing Wufeng.

What she did not know was that Lan Changʼan had, through the memories of True Monarch Shazhai from the Tinghai Pavilion, gained a thorough understanding of her fighting methods. In fact, many of True Monarch Netherwater’s secret divine abilities were passed down in the same lineage as those of True Monarch Shazhai, sharing numerous similarities.

A faint tremor resonated from the shallow layers of the void as Jing Wufeng’s Voidless Blade materialized out of thin air to strike.

Not daring to be careless, True Monarch Netherwater whose form was still shrouded in dark, swirling water once again merged into the waves, using the Water Escape Technique to put distance between herself and the attackers.

Jing Wufeng’s spatial divine art, to some extent, bypassed many protective measures, posing an even greater threat to her.

“One’s attacks are bizarre and nearly impossible to defend against; the other excels at positional warfare, steady and methodical. These two thieves joining forces truly are not easy to deal with.”

True Monarch Netherwater had to admit that even within the Ocean Sky water domain she held not even the slightest advantage—in fact, the two combined were suppressing her. Yet it was unrealistic for them to threaten a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator like her in such a short time.

She reasoned that she could easily stall until Old Monster Golden Kun and the others arrived, and she would be more than pleased if the two remained entangled and failed to break free.

…

After True Monarch Netherwater retreated, a giant Rat King appeared at Lan Changʼan’s side, chanting incantations and casting spells as it gathered a surge of violent demonic power.

Rumbling deeply, within the black-water waves a rocky peak surged upward, driving a “nail” deep into the black water domain.

Lan Changʼan, Lord Earthrock, and the puppet formation all positioned themselves atop this rocky peak, from which a yellowish earthen aura spread out to repel the corrosive negative influences of the black-water domain.

This strategy was different from before. Lan Changʼan did not require Lord Earthrock to engage in head-on combat, he simply let it continuously unleash earth-elemental divine spells.

Whoosh and swish!

Centered on the anchored rocky peak, countless grains of sand and stone began to swirl, and the surrounding black seawater became mixed with a great deal of yellow sand.

The once-black water turned yellowish and murky.

Though the swirling sand and gravel posed little direct threat to True Monarch Netherwater, they imposed certain restrictions on water-based divine arts such as the Water Escape Technique, making their execution less smooth.

In other words, Lord Earthrock’s level was inferior; if he were a mid-stage fourth-rank Demon King, his earth-elemental divine arts could more decisively counter True Monarch Netherwater.

“Xiang Dalong is experienced and seasoned in fighting, he’s not like an ordinary early Nascent Soul cultivator.”

True Monarch Netherwater’s dark, glistening eyes flashed with gloom as her Water Escape Technique struggled to function properly. She faintly sensed that Xiang Dalong was well-prepared and had a thorough understanding of her divine techniques, leaving her feeling rather constrained.

Of course, since True Monarch Netherwater had once dared to offend and strike during the Nascent Soul Ceremony, it was only natural that her common enemies, Jing Wufeng and Xiang Dalong, would have gathered detailed intelligence on her.

Not one to sit idly by waiting for her end, True Monarch Netherwater merged her form into the dark, expansive ocean. Her mid-stage Nascent Soul magical power surged violently as she unleashed a water-element divine art: Black Marsh Water Demon.

Crash!

A giant water demon burst forth from the depths—a creature composed entirely of viscous black water, resembling an enormous octopus with a massive head, its imposing aura comparable to that of an early Nascent Soul cultivator.

The Black Marsh Water Demon paid no heed to Lan Changʼan; it stealthily swam beneath the water’s surface and brazenly charged at the rocky peak that was rooted by Lord Earthrock in the water, with the intent of wrenching that “nail” from its place.

Lan Changʼan understood that such divine techniques were merely a temporary manifestation of magical power, inherently weaker than a fourth-rank Demon King.

However, within the black-water domain, the Black Marsh Water Demon received clear enhancements, not only did it lack any obvious vulnerable spots, but it could also rapidly repair its injuries by drawing upon the black water, making it extremely tenacious.

Forced by circumstances, Lord Earthrock had no choice but to halt its spellcasting and engage in a fierce battle with the Black Marsh Water Demon.

…

”Hmph! You still dare to be distracted in front of me?”

A cold snort rang out.

True Monarch Netherwater, who had merged into the vast black waters, felt a slight chill run down her spine.

She had just cast the Black Marsh Water Demon divine ability, consuming a large amount of magical power while also needing to split her spiritual sense to control it.

This brief distraction created a temporary opening in the Ocean Banner’s water domain.

Ssshh—!

In that instant, a semi-transparent silver-white silk thread suddenly materialized within the water, moving in a bizarre and unpredictable manner before tightly ensnaring True Monarch Netherwater!

”Celestial Silkworm Crystal Threads?!”

A sharp cry escaped her lips.

Her silken, water-drenched curves were now clearly outlined under the constraining grip of the Celestial Silkworm Crystal Threads, as they slowly pulled her true form out from the black water.

These silk threads contained the power of spatial distortion, rendering True Monarch Netherwater’s Water Escape Technique temporarily ineffective.

Additionally, the earth-elemental spells infused into the black waters further restrained her movements.

Though it lasted only for a momentary pause—

Rip!

True Monarch Netherwater let out a muffled grunt.

Her robes tore open, revealing cold, pale-white skin, now etched with deep crimson marks where the Celestial Silkworm Threads had cut into her flesh.

Whoosh!

In the next instant, her mid-stage Nascent Soul aura erupted in full force.

With an overwhelming surge of dark water energy, she forcefully broke free from the spatial entanglement and vanished once more into the sea using the Water Escape Technique.

Jing Wufeng’s expression showed regret—

Had he also reached mid-stage Nascent Soul, or if Lord Earthrock’s earth-elemental divine arts were stronger, they could have held True Monarch Netherwater for longer and forced her to pay a heavier price.

In the cultivation world, realm is the foundation of power.

The higher oneʼs cultivation, the greater the innate advantages in all aspects.

This was why fighting beyond oneʼs realm was exceedingly difficult.

Moreover, True Monarch Netherwater’s magical treasure, the Ocean Sky Saint Banner, created a battlefield perfectly suited to her abilities, giving her an even greater advantage.

With True Monarch Netherwater momentarily injured and in retreat, Lan Changʼan turned his gaze beyond the dark water domain, his expression heavy as he sent a voice transmission:

”Fellow Daoist Jing, within the Ocean Banner’s domain, her defensive capabilities are too strong. Even if two fully-powered Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivators fought her, she wouldn’t be taken down easily in a short time.”

”If ʼOld Monster Golden Kunʼ arrives, my divine abilities and treasures will all be restrained. We’ve already eliminated two Nascent Soul early-stage opponents, so we might as well take what we can get.”

”Mm. True Monarch Xiang’s words make sense.”

Jing Wufeng nodded in agreement, choosing not to continue pursuing True Monarch Netherwater.

...

”Those two thieves want to leave?”

Deep within the black water, she had merged into, True Monarch Netherwater’s eyes darkened as she let out a cold sneer.

Within the Ocean Banner’s domain, wherever the black water reached, all winds and grasses were under her control.

Furthermore, as a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, her spiritual sense was superior.

Thus, Lan Changʼan and Jing Wufeng’s secret voice transmissions, though concealed, were still partially eavesdropped upon by True Monarch Netherwater.

At the same time, she had already received word from Old Monster Golden Kun, reinforcements would arrive soon.

Having reached a decision, Lan Changʼan and Jing Wufeng decisively began their retreat.

Swoosh!

Jing Wufeng, wielding the Voidless Blade, slashed open a pathway in the water domain’s boundary.

Since True Monarch Netherwater was injured and had exhausted power controlling her divine abilities, her grip over the Ocean Banner’s domain had weakened, making it easier to break through.

Jing Wufeng swiftly exited first.

Lan Changʼan retracted his puppet formation, delaying slightly before following after.

Meanwhile, Lord Earthrock held the rear, repelling the Black Marsh Water Demon to cover its masterʼs retreat.

Just as Lan Changʼan and Lord Earthrock were about to step beyond the breach—

A faint ripple stirred in the water behind them.

Whoosh!

The Water Escape Technique activated instantly, and True Monarch Netherwater’s aura emerged from within the tides.

”Be careful, True Monarch Xiang!”

Jing Wufeng, having already passed through the exit, shouted a warning.

As soon as the words fell, a strange change occurred!

The dark waters, previously calm, suddenly erupted with a torrential cascade of countless black threads, streaming out like a waterfall of death!

The threads moved at an unimaginable speed, too fast to dodge.

”Pfft! Pfft!”

Both Lan Changʼan and Lord Earthrock were instantly ensnared by the strange, unyielding black threads.

Especially Lord Earthrock, who was covering the retreat, was immediately wrapped up like a massive black cocoon, struggling fiercely as its demonic wind and fiendish aura erupted, yet unable to break free.

”Squeak… Master…!”

Lord Earthrock’s face flushed red, its stone-like demon king skin cracking as bloody gashes appeared where the black threads dug into the flesh.

The black threads tightened mercilessly, constricting its limbs and torso, and even began coiling toward its neck and head.

This time, Lord Earthrock was not pretending, its eyes turned bloodshot, sensing a true life-threatening crisis, as it struggled madly!

The black threads had also entangled Lan Changʼan.

Swish!

In the blink of an eye, Lan Changʼan’s form dissolved into a piece of spiritual wood, which was immediately shredded into dust by the black threads.

On the other side, Lan Changʼan’s true body reappeared, his expression slightly shaken.

The black threads’ ambush had been utterly unpredictable.

Fortunately, he had been on guard, and at the last moment, used his Illusory Wood Doppelgänger technique’s substitute escape method.

Additionally, Lord Earthrock’s sacrifice had bought him a crucial moment to react.

Otherwise, with the speed of those black threads, only Jing Wufeng’s spatial divine arts could have the certainty to evade them.

Following the direction of the black threads, a coldly elegant bald female True Monarch emerged from the waters, surrounded by flowing black water.

The black waterfall-like threads turned out to be a hidden weapon cleverly disguised as a wig worn by True Monarch Netherwater, her supposed hair was actually a magical treasure in disguise!

Jing Wufeng’s heart turned cold, grateful that he didnʼt engage in close-quarters with True Monarch Netherwater earlier, if those black hair-like threads had suddenly ensnared him mid-fight, even if he survived, he would have suffered greatly.

...

”Keh keh! You want to leave? Not so easily!”

True Monarch Netherwater, her bald head gleaming, wore an alluring yet eerie smile on her otherwise cold and elegant face.

”Jing Tian True Monarchʼs spatial arts may be beyond my reach, but Xiang Dalong, you and Lord Earthrock will remain here today!”

Seeing Lan Changʼan hesitate, seemingly attempting to rescue the bound Lord Earthrock, True Monarch Netherwater’s piercingly bright eyes gleamed with a deadly frost.

Profound Nether Heavy Water!

Raising her jade-like hand, she conjured forth dozens of fist-sized, pitch-black water spheres, each emanating a crushingly heavy aura of destruction, before hurling them toward Lan Changʼan and Lord Earthrock.

Though the majority of these deadly Profound Nether Heavy Water orbs were aimed at Lan Changʼan.

Each sphere carried the weight of a mountain, streaking through the air like meteors, making even Lan Changʼan’s breath feel oppressed.

If struck directly, even a quasi-fourth-rank body cultivator would be shattered beyond recognition!

A few of the orbs smashed into Lord Earthrock, even with his demon king physique, his skin split open, bones cracked, and he suffered severe injuries on the spot.

Faced with an even greater barrage of these deadly water spheres, Lan Changʼan activated Illusory Wood Doppelgänger, intending to repeat his escape technique.

But, suddenly!

A piercing wail, as if from the depths of hell, tore through the very fabric of the soul, all Nascent Soul spirit bodies present trembled in response.

In front of True Monarch Netherwater, a simple, ancient oil lamp flickered into existence.

Within the lamp’s ghostly light, a massive, nightmarish ghostly face—twisting and grotesque, its features contorted in agony—manifested, wreathed in dark crimson ghost flames, like a demonic Shura’s visage.

Shura Extinguishing Soul Ghost Claw!

With a shrill, otherworldly screech, the ghostly face unleashed a phantom claw, wreathed in eerie ghostfire, that ignored physical space entirely and instantly struck Lan Changʼan’s Nascent Soul within his body!

”A ghost-path soul-extinguishing divine technique!”

Jing Wufeng’s expression darkened, realizing the grim danger.

This Shura Ghostface’s divine art was a secret ghost-path technique capable of directly injuring Nascent Souls.

For any cultivator below mid-stage Nascent Soul, it was enough to cause serious internal damage.

Even if Lan Changʼan had cultivated soul-defense arts or possessed a protective soul treasure, this attack would still stun him for at least one breath’s time.

And in that brief moment, the incoming Profound Nether Heavy Water would be more than enough to obliterate any Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator!

True Monarch Netherwater’s lips curved coldly, a victor’s smirk laced with mockery and amusement.

These two fools thought that just because she had only recently advanced to mid-stage Nascent Soul she would be easy prey.

They couldn’t be more wrong!

Boom!

The countless mountain-weight Profound Nether Heavy Water spheres instantly engulfed Lan Changʼan, distorting space itself from their sheer gravitational force!

For a moment, even the void trembled.

Lord Earthrock’s eyes widened, his expression briefly flashing with fear.

Jing Wufeng remained expressionless, but his hands moved in a blur, channeling vast amounts of magic power.

”Something’s not right! Fellow Daoist Netherwater, be careful—!”

From within the ancient oil lamp, the Shura Ghost Monarch’s remnant soul which was weak after casting the Ghost Dao secret technique sensed something off.

…

Whoosh!

Atop a cresting wave, a flicker of emerald light shimmered—

A white-robed man appeared, his long hair streaked with gray, exuding an ancient, distant aura.

”So, it was merely a remnant avatar of the Shura Ghost Monarch, capable of only a single attack, yet still potent enough to threaten early Nascent Soul cultivators.”

Lan Changʼan’s expression remained calm, not showing the slightest sign of injury, having once again escaped using Illusory Wood Doppelgänger.

This scene made True Monarch Netherwater’s eyes widen in shock and disbelief.

He actually emerged completely unscathed?

Taking a direct hit from the Shura Extinguishing Soul Ghost Claw, even a newly advanced mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator like her would experience some level of suppression and disruption—Yet this early Nascent Soul cultivator was completely unaffected?!

Could it be that True Monarch Evergreen had cultivated powerful soul-protecting techniques or even possessed a rare soul-path treasure?

Otherwise, how could he simply shrug off an attack that should have at least staggered him for a breathʼs time?

But before she could dwell on it, the battlefield shifted once more as a sudden, terrifyingly ancient aura of destruction surged forth from beyond the Ocean Banner’s domain.

True Monarch Netherwater turned to look, Jing Wufeng, standing near the breach in the water domain, had raised his hands. An ancient, dark-green axe materialized within his grasp.

The axe’s handle was jet black, its blade wide yet rough, dull, and unpolished.

At first glance, it looked no different from an ordinary woodcutter’s axe.

Yet it was silently devouring massive amounts of magical power and worldly spiritual energy.

”A pseudo-spiritual treasure! So the Sky-Cleaving Axe really did end up in his hands…!”

A chill crept up True Monarch Netherwater’s spine, and her instincts screamed danger, she immediately attempted to flee using Water Escape Technique.

But just before the Sky-Cleaving Axe could be activated, her Nascent Soul consciousness trembled, she was already under attack!

A sharp, metallic screech, like the tearing of reality itself, ripped through the soul plane.

”A soul-path attack treasure?!”

Within the ancient oil lamp, the remnant Shura Ghost Monarch let out a terrified cry, sensing the chilling aura of soul annihilation.

Whoosh!

In a flash, an illusory long nail-shaped arrow pierced through the fabric of existence, moving so fast that even a Nascent Soul’s spiritual sense could only catch the faintest glimpse before it struck.

True Monarch Netherwater felt an agonizing, soul-rending pain.

Her Nascent Soul spirit body reeled in disorientation and dizziness, wounded by the devastating impact of the Soul-Piercing Barbed Arrow.

Even though Lan Changʼan’s fourth life cultivation had elevated his soul’s strength to peak mid-stage Nascent Soul level, he was still unable to instantly destroy a true mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivatorʼs soul.

However, the damage was still considerable, and the resulting stunning effect disrupted her consciousness, forcibly interrupting her Water Escape Technique.

In that fleeting instant, Jing Wufeng swung the Sky-Cleaving Axe.

The void thundered as a gargantuan axe light cleaved through the heavens.

That single axe stroke was like a great chasm splitting the world itself apart.

A tyrannical, annihilating aura swept forth, so immense that even Nascent Soul Greast Cultivators would feel a chill.

”The might of a pseudo-spiritual treasure!”

Far away, Old Monster Golden Kun, who was rushing toward the battlefield, felt the terrifying aura before he even arrived.

Boom!

Pfft!

The vast Ocean Banner’s water domain was split in half by the devastating axe strike.

”Ahh! No—!”

The Shura Ghost Monarch’s remnant soul let out a final, miserable shriek.

Just as it tried to flee into the sky, it was grazed by the colossal axe light, instantly disintegrating into nothingness.

And then the massive axe light chopped True Monarch Netherwater head-on.

Lan Changʼan did not attempt to add any more attacks.

Instead, he retreated instantly, activating Illusory Wood Doppelgänger once again to distance himself, avoiding any risk of being caught in the pseudo-spiritual treasure’s destructive aftermath.

The dark currents surrounding True Monarch Netherwater immediately dimmed and shattered.

Crack!

At the brink of life and death, the jade pendant on True Monarch Netherwater’s chest shattered, unleashing a barrier of dark water, its defensive strength nearly on par with a mid-grade fourth-rank spirit talisman.

Although the barrier collapsed instantly, it still bought her a sliver of survival time.

Whoosh!

Her body exploded, dissolving into black waves, splattering the battlefield with blood and shredded flesh.

A few li away, amidst the raging waters, her mangled body reformed, but she was almost cleaved in half, her flesh in tatters, bones shattered.

The Sky-Cleaving Axe had not landed a full-force hit, yet it had still inflicted a devastating injury.

At the final moment, True Monarch Netherwater’s Water Escape Technique was half a beat slower than before.

Firstly, the Ocean Banner’s domain had been split in half, reducing its amplification on her abilities.

Secondly, the Soul-Piercing Barbed Arrow’s lingering effect had still not fully worn off, leaving her momentarily dazed.

…

”Fellow Daoist Jing, Old Monster Golden Kun is almost here. Let’s strike together one last time, this time, we finish her off!”

Lan Changʼan turned to Jing Wufeng, whose magical energy was severely depleted, his face slightly pale from exhaustion.

”Agreed.”

Jing Wufeng forcefully mustered his remaining magical power, preparing to activate Sky-Cleaving Axe once more.

At the same time, Lan Changʼan reclaimed the bloodstained Soul-Piercing Barbed Arrow, and another brand-new arrow manifested in his palm.

Seeing this, the severely wounded True Monarch Netherwater was overcome with terror.

At this moment, she couldnʼt care less, she abandoned her heavily damaged physical body, and her Nascent Soul spirit body emerged.

For a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, the speed of an out-of-body Nascent Soul was more than twice as fast as an early-stage Nascent Soul’s.

Swish!

A pale-black female Nascent Soul flashed across the water’s surface, in the blink of an eye, she had only snatched her spatial ring, leaving everything else behind, and disappeared from their line of sight.

She didn’t even bother retrieving the Ocean Sky Saint Banner or the black-thread magical treasure that had bound Lord Earthrock.

With her control severed, the black threads lost their spiritual power, and Lord Earthrock easily broke free.

Squeak!

Having barely escaped death, Lord Earthrock was covered in blood, its flesh torn open in multiple places.

Ignoring the pain, it opened its mouth and swallowed the black-thread treasure whole.

Previously, it had also devoured True Monarch Soaring Snow’s Cold Ice Divine Chain, which had been wrapped around its body.

Though the injuries were severe, the acquisition of multiple spoils of war brought it some comfort.

...

”Haha! Fellow Daoist Netherwater fell for it.”

Lan Changʼan chuckled lightly, and without hesitation, he put away the second Soul-Piercing Barbed Arrow he had raised. At the same time, his soul energy dropped sharply, his complexion turning pale.

In truth, firing a Soul-Piercing Barbed Arrow at full strength consumed an enormous amount of soul power.

Lan Changʼan simply could not fire three arrows in quick succession.

With the mid-stage Nascent Soul fleeing at high speed, he might have landed one final hit, but it wouldn’t have been enough to kill her outright.

In that case, Lan Changʼan might as well conceal his true strength and feign weakness, giving the illusion that his soul technique greatly amplified the arrowʼs power, but could only be used once per battle.

”Hah… The pseudo-spiritual treasure consumes far too much mana…”

Jing Wufeng sighed, his face still pale, his magical energy drained and unstable.

He secretly muttered that it was far worse than a true spiritual treasure.

Jing Wufeng wasnʼt lying.

Each strike of the Sky-Cleaving Axe required tremendous magical energy.

Even under ideal conditions, he could only unleash one attack, needing a significant recovery period before using it again.

Moreover, since Nascent Soul early-stage cultivators lacked the full control necessary to wield a pseudo-spiritual treasure, every activation had a brief charging delay, which was why he had never used it in combat before.

Swoosh!

With a wave of his hand, Jing Wufeng used his spatial abilities to retrieve the scattered Profound Nether Heavy Water and the floating Ocean Sky Saint Banner.

At the same time, he took the opportunity to take the Thousand-Year Spirit Milk, rapidly replenishing his magic power.

Hearing their exchange, the fleeing black-water female Nascent Soul was seething with fury.

If Nascent Souls could spit blood, she would have coughed up mouthfuls by now.

For a Nascent Soul cultivator, abandoning one’s physical body was a desperate last resort.

Rebuilding a body through body possession required an immense price, and even then, it would never be as perfectly attuned as one’s original form.

And to make matters worse, she had lost the Profound Nether Heavy Water that had been refined for years and the Ocean Sky Saint Banner.

”Fellow Daoist Netherwater!”

In the distance, a golden radiance, like the rising sun, streaked toward them at high speed.

It was Old Monster Golden Kun, rapidly closing the distance, and following behind him were the White Bone Guild Master and his wife, who had also rushed to the scene upon hearing the commotion.

By now, Lord Earthrock was gravely injured, and both Lan Changʼan and Jing Wufeng had expended significant mental and magical energy.

Neither of them had any intention of prolonging the battle.

...

Before leaving, Lan Changʼan’s gaze fell upon a crystal-clear, lifelike ice sculpture, it was True Monarch Soaring Snow, still self-sealed in ice.

Through the ice, he could sense her trembling consciousness, shaken by the destructive power of the pseudo-spiritual treasure.

”Fellow Daoist Jing, now that your mana has recovered a little, the two of us joining hands to activate the pseudo-spiritual treasure should be able to easily break through this womanʼs ice seal.”

Lan Changʼan smirked, his words laced with amusement.

”Agreed.”

Jing Wufeng’s eyes flashed with killing intent, he had long been annoyed by her persistent pursuit.

Once again, he raised the Sky-Cleaving Axe.

”Stop—!”

From a distance, Old Monster Golden Kun roared in rage, sending a golden-scaled claw hurtling through the air. But it was too late.

Crack!

The thick ice shattered from within, as a small fissure appeared at the top of True Monarch Soaring Snow’s head.

Whoosh!

A frightened, pale-white female Nascent Soul darted out, vanishing into the distance.

Jing Wufeng hesitated, he could have intercepted her. But doing so risked entanglement with Old Monster Golden Kun and the others.

”Hahaha! Let’s go!”

Seeing that their plan had succeeded yet again, Lan Changʼan let out a joyous laugh.

He quickly ordered Lord Earthrock to gather all remaining spoils.

Whoosh!

Lord Earthrock, delighted, spat out a yellow demonic wind, sweeping up True Monarch Soaring Snow’s icy corpse, her spatial bracelet, and the fallen Ice Lotus Treasure, before swallowing them whole.