Chapter 1481: Killing the Python

The light mirror bought Shang Lu precious time. His attention was drawn by the Python Flag, and he hadn't expected Liu Li to have mastered the Ice Soul Divine Light. Caught off guard, he had no time to dodge. If this artifact hadn't protected its master in time, the outcome would already have been decided, for he was facing not only the Ice Soul Divine Light but also Qin Sang's Golden Sinking Sword, putting him between a rock and a hard place.

"Crackle!" A series of loud cracks emanated from the light mirror in front of Shang Lu. The light mirror quickly became covered in cracks, its surface frosted over. The artifact was frozen and lost its power before it could even unleash its full potential.

The Ice Soul Divine Light surged silently. Liu Li no longer held back; the bone-chilling cold sent shivers down Shang Lu's spine. The Hear-Snow Pavilion's premier divine ability truly lived up to its formidable reputation. Simultaneously, a sword's cry echoed through the sky as a beam of sword light tore through the air, leaving a brilliant rainbow trail against the night. It emanated an aura of extreme sharpness, heading directly for Shang Lu!

Outside the arena, Palace Master Yin and others looked solemn, channeling their spiritual energy, ready to intervene at any moment. In battles between Nascent Soul cultivators, victory or defeat is decided in an instant. Shang Lu had failed to see through the trap and had been caught off guard by his opponent, losing the initiative. His defeat was almost a foregone conclusion unless he had another trick up his sleeve. With the Ice Soul Divine Light in front and the Golden Sinking Sword behind, Shang Lu instantly found himself in an extremely perilous situation.

However, Shang Lu's current level of cultivation was no ordinary feat. He remained calm amidst the danger. Without even glancing at the Golden Sinking Sword behind him, he immediately recalled his Jade Ruler. The Jade Ruler, which had been flying towards Liu Li, abruptly changed course mid-flight. It shot back, bypassing Shang Lu, and transformed into a streak of white light, hurtling towards the Golden Sinking Sword.

"Boom!" The sword and ruler collided. Countless sword qi and white light scattered outwards in streaks, creating a myriad of auspicious colors that resembled a dazzling firework blooming in the night sky – a truly beautiful sight. The Jade Ruler, hastily meeting the attack, was undoubtedly sent flying by a single sword strike. However, the momentum of the sword light was consequently diverted.

The pressure on Shang Lu suddenly decreased. He slapped the storage pouch at his waist, and a snow scarf, about ten feet in length, flew out. As soon as it appeared, the artifact shattered into countless pieces, scattered by the ripples from the sword-ruler collision, vanishing without a trace. It seemed incredibly fragile. Just as everyone watched in wonder, a cloud of white mist inexplicably rose around Shang Lu, enveloping him.

"Crackling..." The Ice Soul Divine Light arrived swiftly, freezing the surface of the white mist into ice. Shang Lu was encased within a sphere of ice, and the Ice Soul Divine Light continued to spread inwards.

Meanwhile, Qin Sang materialized beside her. This was Qin Sang's first time witnessing Liu Li unleash the full power of the Ice Soul Divine Light; no wonder she was so confident facing Shang Lu. If not for that self-protecting artifact, he and Liu Li would have subdued Shang Lu moments ago.

Outside the arena, numerous Nascent Soul cultivators were watching intently, ready to intervene at any moment. Even if they secured a victory, they couldn't severely injure or kill Shang Lu. Shang Lu's defeat was now only a matter of time. Given this, it was better to teach him a lesson. Qin Sang, having made up his mind, disregarded Shang Lu. His figure suddenly appeared above the Python Flag, and he pointed his finger downwards.

"Whoosh!" The Golden Sinking Sword shot down with blinding speed. Under the pressure of the sword qi, the Python Flag swayed precariously. The Python Flag's primary task was to suppress Liu Li, but the situation had shifted in a flash, leaving no time for adjustment. The three snow pythons, still reeling from the impact of the Ice Soul Divine Light, let out terrified roars.

"Swish!" The Python Flag shot up from the ground, crudely gathering the jade-white profound light, and charged towards the Golden Sinking Sword. "Boom!" Due to the hasty maneuver, the bodies of the three snow pythons were instantly shaken out from the flag's surface. Dazed for a moment, their ferocity was instead ignited, and they turned to charge back. Unexpectedly, just as they materialized, the pythons saw a blur as a figure appeared out of thin air: Qin Sang. Their intelligence was far from low; their demonic eyes flashed with malice as they let out sharp roars. Their long bodies writhed furiously, and all three tails simultaneously lashed out at Qin Sang with astonishing force.

If a Nascent Soul cultivator lacked defensive measures, their physical body would sustain severe injuries from such a strike. A demonic gust of wind assailed him.

"How dare you, beasts!" Qin Sang snorted coldly. Focusing on the Buddha Seal in his mind and moving with lotus steps, his figure became like a phantom. He effortlessly bypassed the pythons' tails and suddenly appeared directly above one of the snow python's heads, astonishingly close!

Qin Sang had already fully mastered the first four seals of the "Seven Masters Buddha Seal," including the Demon-Shattering Seal, reaching the profound state of embodying the seals with his mind. He lightly extended a palm and pressed it against the forehead of one of the snow pythons. The snow python had no time to react. "Thud!" Brains splattered, and its skull cracked. Even with "Heavenly Demon Transformation" only at the early fourth level, Qin Sang's physical body was equivalent to a demon king in the early transformation stage. How could a mere demon at the Demon Core stage possibly withstand his Demon-Shattering Seal? The light in the python's eyes quickly faded, and it died on the spot.

The guests' attention had originally been fixed on Liu Li and Shang Lu, but now it was finally drawn to Qin Sang. "Body cultivation?" Murmurs of surprise and uncertainty rippled through the crowd. The groom's spiritual sword was blocked by the Python Flag and the jade-white profound light. He held no artifacts in his hands, and there were no fluctuations of Taoist arts, yet he had instantly killed a demonic beast with his bare hand!

The "Heavenly Demon Refinement" technique's true power was concealed, as his physical body was currently Qin Sang's least significant means, perfectly suited to divert attention. The remaining two snow pythons were completely disheartened and turned to flee. Qin Sang reached out and seized one of the pythons by its long tail. With a powerful tug of his arm, scales flew off, and the python's bones audibly cracked throughout its body. A terrifying force erupted within it, shattering its internal organs.

The last python, however, was more cunning. It coiled around the Python Flag and desperately charged towards its master. "Whoosh!" The Golden Sinking Sword dispersed the jade-white profound light and, with a swift strike, pierced through the snow python's head.

"Crack!" The cultivator named Yue dropped his jade cup and abruptly stood up, the composure vanishing from his face. Qin Sang's movements were too swift: a single palm strike, a grip, and a sword thrust, and all three snow pythons were instantly slain. Those outside the arena had no time to react, watching helplessly as the three valuable snow pythons were slaughtered.

By the time the last snow python died, the body of the first one hadn't even begun to fall. Qin Sang caught the long tails of the three pythons, extracted their demon cores, then with a slight shake of his arm, he tossed the python corpses to Shi Xue, laughing heartily. "I've heard that snow python meat is exquisitely tender and a supreme delicacy," he announced. "Today, all fellow daoists here are in for a treat!"

Shi Xue smilingly caught the snow pythons. Shang Lu had disregarded the proper conduct between fellow sect members by causing trouble at the wedding ceremony. Shi Xue, no longer concerned with preserving Mount Tian's reputation, instead felt Qin Sang had acted appropriately and vented her frustrations. She raised her voice and declared, "Thank you, Head Shang, for this generous gift!"

At the same time, on the other side, Shang Lu finally managed to break free from the Ice Soul Divine Light. "Bang!" The ice sphere exploded. Shang Lu darted out, his face slightly pale, a wry smile appearing. "Junior Sister Liu Li truly is a prodigy, having mastered the Ice Soul Divine Light." Having personally experienced the power of the Ice Soul Divine Light, Shang Lu no longer harbored any doubts. Liu Li did not reply, her deep blue eyes reappearing, ready to strike again. Qin Sang flashed to Liu Li's side, casually toying with the Python Flag in his hand.

"There's no need to continue fighting; I, Shang, concede defeat." Shang Lu was quite self-possessed. He knew that without the Python Flag, he would have an even harder time against Liu Li alone, let alone fighting against two opponents.