Qi Desheng was still holding his ground against Lin Yun's Great River Sword Style, managing to lead the Crimson Ghost Sect disciples almost halfway to the exit. If no one intervened, they would be able to escape in the next moment.
But in that instant, an icy chill enveloped the battlefield.
The disciples at the front, their cultivation shallower, suddenly coughed up mouthfuls of blood. They looked back at Qi Desheng, their brows furrowed.
"Senior Brother Qi, what… what is that?"
Some were already showing symptoms of having difficulty breathing.
Qi Desheng said nothing. Just then, a disciple collapsed to the ground, all signs of life gone. The others panicked.
"What's happening? Zhang Shan was fine just a moment ago!"
As one companion after another fell to the ground, everyone was dumbfounded. They looked over at Fei Yuming. That man was actually kneeling on the ground in pious reverence. Even the monsters had stopped trying to prevent Qi Desheng and his group from leaving.
To think that any of this was normal would be a grave mistake.
After a moment's thought, Qi Desheng didn't hesitate. "I don't care what's happening here. But right now, everyone, run as fast as you can!"
The moment he finished speaking, another wave of icy aura drifted past. Several more people instantly collapsed. The power of the Blood Demon was completely beyond their imagination.
Qi Desheng finally saw the Blood Demon face-to-face. A playful smile was on its face as it watched him.
"All these years, this is the first time I've seen someone dare to dig up my tomb," the Blood Demon said, its voice a savage rasp. "You're a brave one, boy!"
Qi Desheng gave a dry cough. Brave? He and that word had never been on familiar terms. At this thought, he didn't hesitate for a second and was the first to charge out of the formation. The lives of those behind him no longer mattered.
But dragging the heavy greatsword along, how could escaping be so easy? He frowned. "Damn it, why is this sword so heavy?"
The Blood Demon seemed completely unconcerned about him escaping. It very slowly raised its right hand. "Hmph. Thinking of running? Let's see if I agree."
Lin Yun watched with his own eyes as the space at the Blood Demon's fingertips began to continuously collapse and compress. In the next moment, a pitch-black, bottomless ball of energy formed there. No one could know what terrifying power would be unleashed if an energy mass of that quality were to explode.
Qi Desheng naturally understood this as well. But he was still unwilling to let go of the sword in his hands. What a joke, he had worked so hard to obtain it.
BOOM—
With a deafening explosion, the ball of energy fell from the sky. Qi Desheng waved his Netherworld Banner, sending waves of black flames to block the Blood Demon's assault.
But the Blood Demon seemed completely at ease. "Is the Firmament Sword something a person like you is worthy of holding?" it sneered, slowly pressing its right hand downwards.
Qi Desheng felt the weight on his shoulders grow heavier and heavier. He looked down at the Firmament Sword in his hands. After a moment's thought, he didn't hesitate, tossing it aside.
At a time like this, a treasure was no longer important. He couldn't even get the damn thing into his storage space. Since that was the case, he might as well abandon it. His own life was what mattered most.
But the instant Qi Desheng let go of the sword, he saw a black shadow flash past him. When he came to his senses, the Firmament Sword on the ground was gone.
Qi Desheng could give it up, but he absolutely could not let someone else have it. Especially not when that someone was Lin Yun.
God knows how long Qi Desheng had prepared for this day. His eyes nearly split at the corners with rage as he glared at Lin Yun. "You bastard! You dare to steal my things?"
Lin Yun just smiled. "The treasures of this world belong to those with the strength to possess them. Qi Desheng, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I never would have had this chance!"
After saying this, Lin Yun was about to flee like a wisp of smoke. He had felt the killing intent. It wasn't strong, but his appearance had now certainly attracted the Blood Demon's attention.
"An interesting little mouse. Stealing things right under my nose. Do you truly think I don't exist?" The Blood Demon's icy voice sounded almost directly in Lin Yun's ear.
"You're finished, boy!" Ezu jeered in his mind.
Even the Chongqing Bird grew tense. "Don't even think about fighting this thing head-on! You are not qualified!"
Lin Yun didn't speak. One hand was already gripping the Firmament Sword. The moment he grasped it, he felt a flame ignite within his body. A terrifying energy began to pour out of him in a continuous stream.
Is this the true power of the Firmament Sword? Lin Yun muttered to himself. He sighed, realizing his previous assessment of the sword had been far too simple.
Just then, the Blood Demon waved its hand again. A terrifying wave of energy, like a tidal wave, surged towards Lin Yun. It hadn't even condensed its energy into a ball. Could a mere Origin Sea Realm cultivator withstand its attack?
But soon, the Blood Demon was shocked. Although it hadn't used its full strength, Lin Yun had only been pushed back a few steps by the assault. Such a feat was simply unbelievable.
Watching Lin Yun's performance, the Blood Demon frowned. It increased its power and flicked a finger again.
"This guy… is he trying to test my strength?" Lin Yun wondered, looking at the Blood Demon with curiosity. He didn't summon his Coldflame Sword. Instead, he met the challenge head-on with the Firmament Sword in his hand.
Great River Sword Style!
A vast and mighty sword Qi surged forth like a great river rushing into the sea. The explosive power instantly slammed into the energy attack from the Blood Demon.
RUMBLE—
A strong gale of astral wind swept out, stunning even Qi Desheng. He had previously thought Lin Yun was just a slippery and cunning character. Without his schemes and tricks, he would surely be no match for him. But now, seeing this one sword strike from Lin Yun, he was left completely speechless. The power of this attack alone was enough to silence him.
Too strong. This boy was on a completely different level than he had previously imagined.
It wasn't just Qi Desheng; even the Blood Demon was incredulous. In all its years, when had it ever seen such a strange young man?
"Interesting. To have such strength at the mere Origin Sea Realm?" it mused. "Hiss… no, that's not right. Looking at you, you must possess the extremely rare Immaculate Sword Physique! You cultivate the Primal Chaos Sword Embryo Heart Art?"
To think that the Blood Demon was so experienced and knowledgeable.
Lin Yun took a deep breath, gripping the hilt of the Firmament Sword with both hands, his eyes locked on the Blood Demon. He didn't know what it was thinking, but it was obvious that after realizing he possessed the Immaculate Sword Physique, the Blood Demon's killing intent towards him had grown much stronger.
This creature… was it not going to let him go?