Chapter Ninety-Nine: A Passion Still Burning Bright
Amidst the wild mountains, two figures engaged in fierce combat.
Not far away lay the ruined Graystone Village, its desolation echoing with the howling mountain winds—sounds resembling the mournful wails of lost villagers, resonating around the two fighters.
...
In the realm of cultivation, battles often involve the simultaneous use of multiple techniques. Nearly every cultivator can multitask with great skill.
While evading, Bi Fengzi unleashed his Azure Scale Bone Flame and simultaneously propelled blood-red flying needles, his movements fluid and unhesitant—undeniably the mark of a seasoned veteran.
For a novice inexperienced in the cultivation world, even a slight mistake could prove fatal.
But although it was Fang Junmei’s first formal foray into the cultivation realm, his earthly combat experience provided a solid foundation; fighting against multiple opponents was commonplace for him. With the aid of the Three Breath Spirit Stone, his evasive maneuvers were near perfect.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Each dodge sliced through the air with a crisp sound. Fang Junmei’s movements were elegant, graceful, and composed—never once betraying panic.
Sensing the blood-red needles approaching again, Fang Junmei once more wielded his peachwood sword. A swirl of sword energy summoned a tempest in the air.
Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—
Before the needles could reach him, they were swept aside, none striking his body. However, the peachwood sword inadvertently caught some of the Azure Scale Bone Flame. The sword's tip immediately ignited, burning almost to ash in an instant. The flames crept toward Fang Junmei’s hand, forcing him to hastily discard the sword.
“Haha, boy, you truly are from the Peach Origin Sword Sect, even bringing out a peachwood sword. But here in Wanman Mountain, we’re not intimidated by your sect. If you leave now, there’s still time. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless,” Bi Fengzi boasted arrogantly.
Fang Junmei remained silent.
His hands were empty of swords. While evading, a golden bell-shaped light shield flickered around him, radiating golden brilliance.
This technique was the Golden Bell Shield, a metal-element spell Fang Junmei had learned during his Dust Phase before leaving his sect—its defensive capabilities were impressive.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The blood-red needles struck the golden shield with a dull thud, but it neither shattered nor was pierced.
Enduring the needle assault, Fang Junmei skillfully dodged the Azure Scale Bone Flame while controlling the swordless attacks to continuously strike his opponent. By now, Bi Fengzi had sustained several wounds, though none were serious.
Though Fang Junmei clearly detected traces of his opponent’s movements and even anticipated them, Bi Fengzi’s vast experience made him unpredictable. Sensing Fang Junmei’s awareness, he began to flicker in a chaotic, inscrutable manner.
Upon seeing Fang Junmei’s Golden Bell Shield, a faint smirk curled on Bi Fengzi’s lips. He recognized the technique instantly; it was not an exclusive or top-tier spell. Cultivators from other sects also knew it, and he had even dealt with some, understanding its power.
The old man’s right hand twitched; a faint blood glow appeared.
Fang Junmei grew wary, but no new attacks came.
Just as he wondered, his pupils dilated, sensing something amiss. Among the blood-red flying needles aimed at him, several began to merge in a strange manner.
It looked as if the needles melted into two drops of blood, then fused into a single new blood-red needle.
Can they do that too?
Fang Junmei was greatly surprised.
In truth, he didn’t yet know that these blood-red needles were forged using the blood of demonic beasts as a primary ingredient. The melting effect was caused by the Azure Scale Bone Flame.
By simultaneously wielding these two spells and artifacts, Bi Fengzi aimed to ensnare his opponent without them noticing.
Needless to say, the fused blood-red needle would be far more powerful!
...
Thud!
With a muffled sound, a merged blood-red needle pierced through the golden shield. Though Fang Junmei dodged swiftly, he was still struck; the needle pierced his shoulder blade. After fusing, the needle’s speed had increased somewhat.
Yet, despite the hit, it didn’t fully penetrate—only producing a metallic clash.
“How can this boy’s bones be so tough?” Bi Fengzi was clearly shocked.
...
The moment Fang Junmei was hit, a dreadful sensation began to stir within him.
As a cultivator of Wanman Mountain, notorious for their venomous and insidious methods, the needles surely had more tricks up their sleeves. A burning sensation, as if his flesh were aflame, began at his shoulder blade and spread through his body.
Though no flames were visible, the sensation was vivid and searing, causing Fang Junmei to grit his teeth. He quickly channeled his energy to suppress it, but could not fully dispel it in a short time.
Unease crept into his heart. If the blood-red needle grew stronger through fusion, what could he use to stop it?
Whoosh!
Fang Junmei extended his hand, summoning the swordless blade to fly back to him.
Hum!
A golden radiance burst forth from his body, revealing a golden skeletal silhouette within his muscles, shining like a blazing sun in the sky.
“Sword Dao ingrained in the bone? No wonder your bones are so hard!” Bi Fengzi exclaimed, his expression one of astonishment. “Sword Dao ingrained in the bone at the late Dust Phase? Who exactly are you? Since when has the Peach Origin Sword Sect produced such a genius swordsman? Why do you meddle in my affairs?”
Surprise gave way to suspicion.
“This matter concerns you, and I intend to settle it. Hand over the method to dispel the poison, now!” Fang Junmei’s voice rang out with righteous severity, reminiscent of his younger days when he single-handedly challenged the Ghost Willow Cave with only a sword.
His fervor had not cooled.
Bi Fengzi’s gaze darkened sharply. He naturally would not concede so easily.
Smack!
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