Chapter 1915: 狂徒

Since the opponent had split into two distinct forms, it was virtually impossible for Xu Yang to invade his soul world. The only viable approach was to force his two phantom bodies to merge back into a single, complete entity.

Once reunited, invading his soul world would become possible. As one sword gleam after another exploded on the surface of his clones, the Dual-Gender being was truly struggling. He had to admit he had underestimated Xu Yang's strength, but he likely remained unaware that this only represented about 30% of Xu Yang's full power.

While the meteor-like sword gleams relentlessly struck his opponent, Xu Yang did not ease up. Instead, he silently released a soul phantom, covertly attempting to approach the two separate bodies. Concurrently, Xu Yang's main body communicated telepathically, applying psychological pressure.

"Don't imagine that reserving your power in this way will allow you to withstand my sword attacks," Xu Yang's voice echoed in the opponent's mind. "If you truly wish to settle this, you had best revert to your true form, or you stand no chance."

While Xu Yang's words were truthful, his underlying motive was to lure his opponent into a trap. Unfortunately for the Dual-Gender being, he was no match for Xu Yang's strategic mind in battle. As predicted, the opponent fell for the bait. Overwhelmed, his two split bodies decisively merged back into a single entity. Xu Yang knew that at the precise moment of this reintegration, there would be a brief, vulnerable period of soul transition. Utilizing his phantom, he accurately pinpointed the exact instant this spiritual vacuum occurred.

"Now!"

The moment the word echoed in Xu Yang's mind, two incredibly transparent beams of soul light erupted from his pupils. As these beams precisely penetrated the Dual-Gender being's soul world, Xu Yang successfully forced open the gateway to her consciousness. He quickly located the incredibly restless evil thought within her mind.

This particular wisp of malevolent thought within the Dual-Gender being's mind was significantly more powerful than those Xu Yang had encountered in previous individuals. It seemed the disciples who had invaded the soul world had anticipated the possibility of the Dual-Gender being breaking free from the evil thought's control during the transition between main body and split forms. To prevent this, they had imposed a much higher level of control over her.

However, such tactics were nothing new to Xu Yang. A higher or lower intensity made no difference to him; it was all just a single move for him to resolve.

"Tell me, you parasites hiding in the shadows, how much longer will you play these childish games?" Xu Yang projected his thoughts. "We're already inside the imperial palace. Why not unleash all your tricks at once? This prolonged delay is truly tedious."

As Xu Yang spoke, the malevolent thought quickly responded with another surge of mental energy.

"There's no rush; we have ample time," the malevolent thought replied. "Your cultivation, Esteemed Xu Yang, is truly world-shaking. How could mere 'parasites' like us possibly withstand you? However, I just want to tell you this: regardless of what happens now, the conflict between the two great empires is unavoidable. Even with your immense power, you are ultimately fighting alone. The Master, whom we, these so-called parasites, serve, has been meticulously planning on this continent of Ancient Martial Divine Dao for hundreds of thousands of years. Therefore, no one can thwart the Master's grand design. Your continued struggle will ultimately be in vain, like drawing water with a bamboo basket – it's not the action of a wise individual."

Xu Yang burst into laughter. "What I set out to do has never failed," he retorted. "Before long, I will crush your so-called supreme Master beneath my heel."

With those words, Xu Yang's soul essence struck once more. In just a single offensive move, the malevolent thought was utterly dissolved by his power.

As Xu Yang's soul returned to his main body, the Dual-Gender being's scarlet eyes returned to normal. With his vision clearing and all forced commands from the malevolent thought vanishing from his mind, he regained full self-awareness.

"You've finally woken up!"

The Old Daoist and others immediately approached. They transmitted a portion of their memories to the Dual-Gender being, finally helping him piece together the fragmented parts of his own. The Dual-Gender being, now fully coherent, looked utterly ashamed. After greeting his companions, he quickly moved to Xu Yang's side. Cupping his fists, he bowed respectfully, on the verge of kneeling, but Xu Yang quickly helped him upright.

"You've regained your consciousness; nothing else matters," Xu Yang said. "You owe me nothing. After all, had I not forcibly abducted Lan Ling'er previously, your Changyun Heavenly Sect's Elder Council would likely not have been drawn into this perilous situation in the imperial capital. Rescuing you is simply what I, Xu Yang, ought to do. This is not the time for pleasantries; our priority is to quickly rescue the remaining two elders and my companions."

"Hahaha! My brothers are all here, this is great! Come play a round with me!"

Suddenly, a burly man burst out from the end of a dark corridor. This individual had a human-head-sized dice perched atop his head. His peculiar appearance immediately drew Xu Yang's keen attention.

"Madman, weren't you controlled by them?" the Dual-Gender being, having just regained consciousness, turned and questioned the laughing figure who was rushing towards the group. The newcomer continued to grin widely and laugh heartily, appearing to be in high spirits.

"Do you truly think I'm as useless as you?" the man retorted, still laughing. "Even if he can control my soul, what does it matter? I possess a total of six souls, and at present, only one of them is under their sway. As long as I enter my 'Berserker State' and don't roll a 'one,' they cannot gain complete control over me. But speaking of which, who is this young man? And why is he with you?"

The Madman quickly stopped before Xu Yang, his gaze filled with open hostility. Xu Yang, though momentarily perplexed, did not immediately attack. Instead, Lan Ling'er instantly projected a mental message into Xu Yang's soul, briefly outlining the Madman's background.

It turned out that this Madman was the last Martial God-level expert to join the Seven Elders Council, having only recently achieved that rank. All of his power was intricately linked to the massive dice atop his head. The dice served as his personal artifact and the sole purpose of his existence. In every battle, he would roll the dice once per round. Each number on the dice corresponded to a unique soul form, and under each distinct form, his combat attributes and corresponding cultivation techniques varied drastically.

However, the Madman possessed a rather eccentric personality. Having been betrayed by his most trusted brother in his youth, he harbored significant hostility towards strangers. Only by earning his trust or demonstrating superior strength to conquer him in battle could one gain his respect.