A swarm of tiny violet needles burst forth from Li Yan's fingertips, each one pulsing with lethal poison as they streaked through the air toward Xue Ren. Their speed was astonishing, forming a dense storm of deadly projectiles that left faint trails of violet light in their wake.
Xue Ren remained unmoved, his sharp gaze locking onto every incoming needle. His senses traced their paths effortlessly, predicting each movement before they even reached him, and as the swarm closed in, he stepped forward and struck with a bare fist.
A powerful gust surged outward from his strike, dispersing the needles instantly. The deadly projectiles shattered into harmless violet dust, which was carried away by the wind as if they had never posed a threat.
Li Yan scoffed, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed his calm response. "Just as anticipated from someone bestowed with the Crystal Harmony Physique - naturally, you're able to predict the vulnerabilities in any attack. No wonder the position of this physique fluctuates so often on the Celestial Physique Rankings."
The Celestial Physique List was a well-known compilation within the cultivation world, ranking various physiques based on their potential and capabilities. It was updated periodically, reflecting new insights and changes as more information about different physiques came to light.
Factors such as compatibility with techniques, adaptability across realms, and overall combat effectiveness were all taken into account. The rankings were determined by experts and seasoned cultivators, ensuring that the list remained both credible and highly regarded.
Realizing that direct attacks would not be enough, Li Yan extended her arms outward. Dark smoke began to rise from the ground, coiling and twisting as ghostly apparitions formed within it.
Each specter carried a toxic aura, their forms flickering as they let out eerie wails before rushing toward Xue Ren in a relentless tide.
Xue Ren's expression remained unchanged as his body began to shift. His skin turned translucent, veins glowing faintly beneath the surface like threads of crystal, refracting the surrounding light into overlapping illusions.
The battlefield transformed into a chaotic interplay of light and shadow, distorting perception and disrupting Li Yan's focus. Seizing the opportunity, Xue Ren moved.
His sword flashed.
Each strike was precise, cutting through the incoming apparitions one after another. The specters dissolved into toxic mist upon contact, but he avoided them effortlessly, his movements guided by his heightened perception.
Within moments, the last apparition dissipated.
Xue Ren lifted his gaze toward Li Yan, just as her aura shifted once more.
Her back suddenly bulged, and delicate, dragonfly-like wings burst forth, shimmering with an eerie beauty. As they fluttered, the poisoned air around her began to gather and move under her control, converging toward Xue Ren.
For a brief moment, he paused, observing the transformation.
"Sister Yan, Your Nether Dragonfly Physique is quite impressive," he said. "However, I must say, it pales in comparison to what I possess."
The Nether Dragonfly Physique drew its power from the poisonous energies of the Netherworld. These energies embodied both decay and rebirth, forming a cycle that granted the physique its unique and deadly nature.
Yet even as the poisoned winds surged forward, Xue Ren remained composed.
He stepped through the toxic currents with precise control, allowing only the faintest traces to brush against him while avoiding the most lethal strands. At the same time, the refracted light around him shifted again, forming new illusions that disrupted Li Yan's control.
Her concentration faltered.
That was enough.
Xue Ren moved instantly, closing the distance between them in a blur. His sword swept forward, dispersing the poison in his path while his intent cut through the surrounding illusions.
Li Yan's eyes narrowed sharply.
With a single motion of her wings, dark nether flames erupted around her, gathering rapidly before condensing into a massive arrow.
Without hesitation, she released it.
The flaming arrow tore through the air with overwhelming speed, streaking toward Xue Ren like a bolt of destruction.
On another side of the battlefield, the clash grew even more intense.
Mi Ling stepped forward, her presence rising sharply as she joined Chang Jin in facing the monk. Her expression was calm, yet her eyes carried unwavering resolve.
"I hope the Honoured Monk would pardon my offense."
Her seven-colored armor shimmered brilliantly, radiating a powerful aura that seemed to blend multiple elements into one. A golden saber formed within her grasp, its blade glowing with seven distinct hues.
The energy surrounding her surged, illuminating the battlefield with a radiant light.
Not far from the chaos, hidden within the shadows, a lone figure remained concealed. He observed everything in silence, his attention fixed on every movement and exchange.
With careful precision, he retrieved a jade pendant, its surface faintly glowing with an ancient aura. Placing it gently on the ground, he extended his hand.
A beam of golden light shot forward from his fingertips, striking the pendant directly.