Chapter 87: Spear and Shield

Han Li turned to glance at Sect Master Wang. Wang Juechu's expression was grim as he discussed something with three world-weary strangers beside him. They all seemed to find the golden light emanating from the dwarf problematic.

The Golden Light Immortal's eerie laughter echoed once more. Amidst his cackles, he threw his head back, nostrils flaring skyward, and arrogantly proclaimed, "I'll stand still and let you attack as you please. If anyone can break my Vajra Indestructible Technique, then perhaps I'll spare your wretched lives!" He then continued to mock them with a triumphant sneer.

The Golden Light Immortal's provocations thoroughly infuriated the Seven Mysteries Sect disciples, who had initially harbored some fear of the golden light shield. Immediately, several powerful martial artists attempted to charge out of the crowd towards the dwarf, but Sect Master Wang held them back.

Wang Juechu waved his hand, signaling the protector still on the field to return. He then whispered a few words to the burly man among the three standing beside him. The man nodded, then strode confidently, step by step, until he stood before the dwarf.

The dwarf gazed at the full-bearded man before him, a malicious glint flashing in his eyes.

Because of his congenital deformity, he had been ridiculed since childhood, fostering a profound hatred for tall and imposing individuals. The man before him fit perfectly within the scope of his resentment, and the dwarf was already contemplating what brutal methods he would use to torment his opponent.

This bare-chested man was one of Wang Juechu's three martial uncles. Despite his full beard, one shouldn't mistake him for a simple brute; he was, in fact, over sixty years old. As a formerly renowned general of the Seven Mysteries Sect, who had slain countless enemies, he naturally wouldn't act rashly when facing this peculiar golden shield.

The man carefully examined the golden aura, then glanced at the Golden Light Immortal inside. He cracked a smile, suddenly extended two fingers, and lightly flicked the golden shield, producing a clear 'clang'.

The man's flippant gesture enraged the Golden Light Immortal, who menacingly declared, "You brute, do you wish for this Immortal Master to send you to your next reincarnation prematurely?!"

The man's expression remained impassive at these words. Instead, he took a swift step, moving to the dwarf's side, then, with another shift, he was already behind him.

Thus, the man began to circle the Golden Light Immortal, his steps growing larger and the circle spinning faster. In the blink of an eye, his form became a blur, impossible to discern clearly.

The Golden Light Immortal grew dizzy and disoriented from his opponent's ceaseless circling, and his anger intensified. Without thinking, he reached into his robe, seemingly to retrieve something.

The circling bearded man, naturally, noted his opponent's actions.

He suddenly let out a long, resonant howl that sounded like both a dragon's roar and a tiger's cry. It was deep and sustained, making everyone on Sunset Peak's ears buzz and causing even the branches and leaves of nearby trees to tremble slightly.

Upon hearing the howl, the Golden Light Immortal felt his limbs go weak from the shock. His hand, already inside his robe, became momentarily stuck and couldn't be withdrawn.

Suddenly, clear and loud crackling sounds of joints popping erupted from the man's body, growing increasingly rapid. They eventually became a continuous barrage, momentarily even drowning out his own howl.

As the man circled to the dwarf's front once more, his figure halted. The howl and the sounds of popping joints ceased simultaneously.

It was then that those recovering from their daze realized that the man's body had, at some point, swollen by more than a full circle. The muscles on his chest and arms bulged prominently, appearing dark and lustrous as if forged from raw iron. Compared to the dwarf, he now resembled a giant.

The Golden Light Immortal, having gained this moment of respite, finally retrieved a long, rectangular wooden box from within his robe. The box was entirely dark, with a talisman pasted on it, seemingly sealing its contents.

Before the dwarf could tear off the talisman, the colossal man extended his large, fan-like hand and unceremoniously slammed a punch onto the golden shield. The impact caused the golden aura to ripple and deform, making the dwarf's body sway uncontrollably and preventing him from steadily tearing off the talisman.

The Golden Light Immortal felt a surge of alarm. He was well aware of the golden shield's power, and for this man to deform it, an immense amount of strength must be required. His earlier disdain completely vanished, and he quickened his movements to tear off the talisman.

With a 'rip,' the talisman was finally torn off.

Just as a look of joy appeared on the Golden Light Immortal's face, he heard continuous 'bang' after 'bang' from the shield. His body swayed violently with each impact, until he finally lost his footing and landed squarely on the ground.

It was then that he realized the man opposite him was using both hands and feet, launching a furious, rapid assault on the golden shield. The shield on his body was like kneaded dough, continuously indenting, bulging, bending, and deforming with every punch and kick. Under the onslaught, that layer of golden light seemed on the verge of shattering at any moment.

Seeing all this, the Golden Light Immortal's face drastically changed. He could no longer maintain his composure as an Immortal Master and began frantically chanting spells and incantations. Unfortunately, in his panic, he made countless errors, yielding no effect whatsoever; the black box remained completely still.

Jia Tianlong, witnessing all this from behind, was somewhat stunned.

He was, on one hand, speechless at the Golden Light Immortal's foolish actions, and on the other, astonished by the martial prowess of Wang Juechu's martial uncle. Jia Tianlong had personally tested the Golden Light Immortal's golden shield before; it was truly impenetrable by blades and spears, impervious to water and fire, a defense as hard as a Vajra. Yet now, this very shield trembled precariously, kneaded and deformed at will by the man's relentless punches and kicks.

This was truly incredible; the man's skill was unfathomably profound!

The thought of two other equally skilled masters existing on the opposing side. For the first time, Jia Tianlong felt a hint of regret for rashly agreeing to the death match. Only now did he understand why the opponent had so confidently demanded it. With three such monstrous masters to rely on, he realized he, too, would have eagerly demanded a bloody battle.

With this thought, Jia Tianlong looked at the dwarf, who was clearly at a disadvantage. He was already considering whether to send someone to assist this renowned Immortal Master, lest he perish in such a confused manner without even employing his signature flying sword technique.