Chapter 1097: 断镞有变

Crimson Arrowhead.

Thunder rolled across the heavens and earth. A blood-red radiance unfurled like a beautiful scroll across the sky, rippling around Guangchan. The vast desert glowed crimson, weapons and armor lay scattered. Shouts and roars echoed, one after another, drawing the attention of everyone nearby, their gazes fixed.

Above Bai Xiang Valley, where divine abilities intertwined, a vast domain suddenly appeared. It was like a grotto-heaven suspended in mid-air, or perhaps a desert terrace cradled by clouds. Rolling yellow sands, accompanied by a blood-red light, streamed down from the edges of this desert, obscuring all color from the sky. Only an impenetrable, bottomless darkness remained for the earth!

Above this great desert, a man with golden eyes and a black robe, his face cold, slowly drew his long halberd.

Three words resounded simultaneously in everyone's minds: “Li Zhouwei…”

“Mid-stage Purple Mansion!”

Above Bai Xiang Valley, the Thousand-Eyed Maha floated, secretly observing. The Jade True Sword cultivators watched from the side. Tinglan's pale face showed disbelief, but then a sudden flush of color: “Crimson Arrowhead... He isn't healing... He's breaking through...”

Yet, as the True Ones viewed this divine ability, it was like looking at the desert terrace, while Guangchan, who was within it, felt as if he were in a vast grotto-heaven. The figures of the True Ones had already vanished from the sky, leaving only an impenetrable darkness and an immense setting sun that covered most of the horizon.

The setting sun lay prostrate over the great desert. Its enormous head rapidly dissipated under the light, and countless brilliant rays poured down like a waterfall, revealing the monk's human form.

“Crimson Arrowhead.”

Guangchan was, of course, familiar with this divine ability—Li Jieyi was once a Mid-stage Purple Mansion Mingyang cultivator! However... Li Jieyi had sought this ability in vain, and it was only after joining the Buddhist path and mastering the Precious Tooth Golden Land that he gained its mystical prowess!

This brought a complex expression to Guangchan's eyes, but in an instant, he dispelled all emotion: “The Huayang Royal Axe... such a clumsy royal axe, yet it still struck me as it descended from the sky. The White Cicada is wounded, and my Precious Tooth has been shaken...”

The monk's forehead was clear, and his complexion was excellent. His gold-patterned kasaya billowed in the wind, and the brown under-robe swayed. A trickle of golden blood flowed from the corner of his lips, but he paid it no mind, staring intently at the figure suspended between the desert and the sky.

“Li Zhouwei.”

Li Zhouwei's Huayang Royal Axe did not strike Guangchan's main body, but it was more lethal than if it had hit him directly. It severed his foundation, the White Cicada, shaking his connection with the Precious Tooth. However, the monk dared not show any discomfort before his fellow practitioners. Suppressing his injuries, the golden blood trickled from his lips twice and quickly vanished.

“You are Li Zhouwei!”

His only answer was the resplendent golden halberd tip that suddenly gleamed between heaven and earth!

Guangchan solemnly raised his head, his hand forming a grasping motion. A dazzling golden spear of Li Fire also appeared in his palm, his eyes suddenly brightening. He raised the spear, a surging murderous intent radiating from him!

“I, Li Jieyi... am not a Daoist monk like Mingxiang, who only knows spells!”

The Li Fire spear, coalescing crimson flames, pierced through the air and was poised. This treasured spear, which once nearly severed the divine ability of the Biting Qingyuan Profound Cauldron with a single sweep, now appeared somewhat dim amidst the blood-red light. The radiance of the Great Ascent erupted, causing the monk's body to sink, and he immediately retreated a step!

But another ray of halberd light leaped from the weapon, sweeping horizontally towards his neck!

Guangchan's gaze sharpened. He opened his vermilion lips and, with a resounding clang, bit down on the light, revealing his gleaming white teeth, and commanded: “Away!”

Instantly, a fierce gale erupted from his mouth, carrying sand and vivid blood-red streaks, naked and raw. It dispersed the pale golden illusion, transforming it into a coiling, leaping venomous snake, hurtling towards Li Zhouwei's face!

But at this instant, the Li Fire spear in Guangchan's hand suddenly felt lighter. All the blood-red radiance before his eyes vanished simultaneously, leaving only a pinpoint of deep crimson.

An ordinary person might not understand, but Guangchan, having cultivated in Mingyang, naturally knew what this was: The Pure Yin Light of Karma Transformation!

This light appeared when Mingyang shifted, when emperors and crown princes self-reflected. Within divine abilities, it shone when the Crimson Arrowhead dissipated, signifying a shift in the primary position, an emperor in disguise, or the disturbance of another's mind!

“This light... should only appear when the Crimson Arrowhead has reached full perfection—it means he is immensely favored by Mingyang, born with this power!”

Indeed, the crimson serpent struck empty air. The scenery of Bai Xiang Valley reappeared before his eyes, and Li Zhouwei's figure unexpectedly emerged behind him. One hand held the halberd's tail, the other gripped its shaft, and the long halberd thrust forward, stabbing downwards through the air!

Fortunately, Guangchan was prepared. His face abruptly twisted to the back of his head, both mouths wide open, revealing the White Cicada once more!

A tremendous roar echoed through heaven and earth. Li Zhouwei, who was before him, was instantly dismembered into countless wisps of yin qi, scattering like smoke.

It was merely an illusion created by the divine ability, Crimson Arrowhead!

“An emperor in disguise...”

Li Jieyi, in his time, ultimately failed to perfect the Crimson Arrowhead. Even though he had cultivated an immortal foundation and was skilled in this path, he still miscalculated a step, missing this move.

Li Zhouwei himself had already used the dissipation of the Crimson Arrowhead to shift to the outermost edge of the divine ability. The Great Ascent swept across the sky, piercing directly towards Tuoba Ci's back!

None other than Tinglan, who had only endured a few moves under the siege of the three, was already in great distress...

In an instant, Tuoba Ci's expression changed dramatically. The Xuanhuang light shining from his glabella rotated along with his long halberd. Behind him, a seal descended, pressing down towards the Great Ascent!

Tuoba Ci, a scion of the Tuoba family and the current Acting King's nephew, was originally a proud individual. However, he had already sparred with Li Zhouwei in Wanling Heaven and knew the Wei King's capabilities. Now that the opponent's divine abilities had advanced significantly, he showed no carelessness. He immediately abandoned his assault on Tinglan and went all out!

Li Zhouwei had lifted the siege on Tinglan, but Guangchan was left behind. The monk reacted extremely quickly; instead of offering reinforcement, he immediately shifted his gaze to find Li Jiangxia and the others.

If Li Zhouwei could leave, how could Li Jiangxia and the others? Without Li Zhouwei's protection, Guangchan would only need ten breaths of time to instantly sense the Precious Tooth and claim one first!

But as he raised his brows, he was greeted by a luminous Heavenly Gate descending from above. Colorful phoenixes soared, and golden armor was displayed—and seated upon the Heavenly Gate was unmistakably a man in a white-gold Daoist robe.

How could Guangchan not recognize him!

“Li Ximing!”

“He wasn't at Wangyue Lake... No... He was waiting for us to head north, got the news, and then followed us across the river. This was Yang Ruiyi's arrangement from start to finish!”

This made Guangchan laugh, his heart filled with both shock and delight: “Instead of staying comfortably nested by the lake, he dares to venture so deep into this place—there are no concerns here!”

He gritted his teeth and abruptly raised his brows. A burst of light suddenly shone from his glabella, and his mouth opened wide. The half-broken White Cicada incessantly flapped its wings, as if ready to ride the wind out at any moment, causing the heavens and earth to change color, enveloped in dimness.

But the True One standing upon the Heavenly Gate remained composed. He subtly turned to the side, and from the Grand Void, another person emerged.

This person's appearance was not remarkable. He wore simple purple-black robes of the Profound Maintainer, and water and fire continuously surged beside him. However, what truly captured attention was the hand he held level.

In that hand, surprisingly, was a small cauldron!

This cauldron was crafted like black jade, smooth all over, with three legs at the bottom and two tall ears. Dense patterns covered its surface, with subtly flowing golden veins and intricate hidden designs. Inside, it boiled, radiating a dark light!

It was the Gúzhōu Cauldron, the ceremonial vessel from when Yang Yue established his nation, and today, Yang Song's supreme treasure!

The appearance of this treasured cauldron caused Guangchan's expression to change drastically. Not only did he cease his current spell, but he also took a step back, his gaze icy as he swept it towards the black-robed man holding the cauldron.

A single Gúzhōu Cauldron made him hesitate.

“This cauldron was born from Banished Qi, severing spiritual light. My Precious Tooth, already unstable from taking that axe blow for me, how could it easily endure banishment!”

If Guangchan had once considered whether exchanging his Precious Tooth for karmic destiny was worthwhile by the lake, with the Gúzhōu Cauldron now present, there was no consideration left at all!

The appearance of the Gúzhōu Cauldron not only made Guangchan's expression falter, but also caused a tremor in the distance. The thousands of eyes swept over, gazing directly at Yang Ruizao: “Only a Yang imperial descendant could wield this cauldron outside... It must be Yang Ruizao!”

“This isn't right!”

As Kongwu Daoist, Zhelu's considerations ran much deeper than the others.

“Back when Yang Ruiyi schemed against Jiang Toushou, someone held Mingxiang in the Underworld Chariot for him, causing those fools to fall into the trap. Later, the Maha speculated that Yang Ruizao had secretly obtained the Profound Maintainer and was involved...”

But what is the situation now? Since Tinglan and Liu Bai have left, Yang Ruiyi must be stationed at Shanji. So if Yang Ruizao is here, who is behind the Banished Qi transformation at Dayuan Guangyin Mountain?!

“Boom!”

As he pondered, the Jade True light before him grew more intense, abruptly awakening Zhelu. The distant 'Lone Smoke in the Great Desert' had already receded, and the black-robed man stepped out into the air, a buzzing sound reverberating through the heavens!

Guangchan was temporarily held back by Li Ximing and the Gúzhōu Cauldron, allowing Tinglan to regain her footing!

Li Zhouwei's expression was calm. His golden eyes stared directly at Tuoba Ci, and the light between his brows first brightened, then swiftly transformed into an omen of a solar eclipse. Accompanying it was an unyielding, profound darkness rising from the horizon.

The Crimson Arrowhead, spreading at a terrifying speed, not only enveloped Tuoba Ci but also placed Tinglan, who rode the Purple Qi Pavilion, Gao Fangjing, who wielded true fire, and Chang Yun, who controlled golden qi, all within the great desert!

The thick darkness was reflected in the eyes of the True Ones. Tuoba Ci's expression subtly changed, and fierce battle intent arose in his gaze. Chang Yun wore a smile, while only Gao Fangjing stood rooted to the spot for a moment, silent and frozen.

This genius from Boli held his horse-spear tightly and took a deep breath.

Li Zhouwei, however, forcibly endured a strike from Tuoba's Xuanhuang light. He parried the descending treasured seal, his hand web shaking violently, faintly bleeding. Yet, his brows showed pure exhilaration, his eyes bright. Giving them no chance to breathe, the color at his glabella had already solidified: Imperial Qi Light.

The eclipse mark between his brows transformed into the deepest darkness, yet it reflected no flowing light. Instead, the colossal setting sun prostrate on the desert's edge began to tremble, then violently fractured, turning into an overwhelming expanse of black-gold radiance!

The great desert was profound, the blood-light silent, and the sky rained black gold!

“Boom!”

Even though these three True Ones were of no shallow origin, they were forced to retreat a step, each manifesting their spirit artifacts to defend themselves. Yet, within the endless black-gold Qi Light, a white light gleamed. The pale golden film before Tuoba Ci shattered with a pop, his pupils instantly dilated, and he parried upwards with his long halberd, fending off something within the thick darkness!

A sharp golden halberd blade.

It was barely an inch from his pupil.

Only then did the faint wail of the jade bead spirit artifact he had conjured to defend against the flowing light vaguely register in his ears. His hand, gripping the Great Ascent, remained unmoving, yet Tuoba Ci took a step back.

Tuoba Ci, with his high nose and deep-set eyes, possessed a striking appearance. As a dignified imperial descendant of Daliang at the Mid-stage Purple Mansion, how could he swallow this indignity? Rolling Xuanhuang qi immediately climbed up his robes, and amber light flowed from the corners of his eyes. His features seemed to grow even more refined as he exhaled excitedly, muttering: “I come to meet Mingyang!”

Profound Qi's divine ability, Proxied Obstruction.

In an instant, within the surging Xuanhuang qi, dark-white clouds resembling rising beasts suddenly appeared. A white pearl leaped from between his brows, erupting with dazzling white light that descended like countless blades and swords.

It was surprisingly the Light of Jueyin.

This radiance, like drifting feathers, fell in all directions, causing the blood-red illusion to shimmer with changing light and float hazily. Li Zhouwei showed no fear, thrusting his halberd forward, taking another step, and commanded: “Manifest!”

As soon as he spoke, the terrifying setting sun prostrate on the horizon reappeared, shimmering slightly. The handful of Jueyin Light that had scattered before him, upon receiving his command, exploded into countless insects and snakes. They shattered with a rustling sound into a cloud of white smoke within the Mingyang Light.

As the Yin of Mingyang, Crimson Arrowhead not only possessed qualities diametrically opposed to most Mingyang characteristics, allowing him free movement and unpredictable changes, greatly compensating for his weaknesses, but also granted him potent means to counter Jueyin!

It was the Yang Polarity Reversal!

Li Zhouwei had previously used Imperial Qi Light, one of the Yang Polarity Reversal techniques, against Zong Chang with excellent results. As a crucial component of the reversal within Mingyang, Crimson Arrowhead naturally possessed corresponding effects. With Mingyang empowered by Crimson Arrowhead, it could not only be said to be mutually generative and destructive with Jueyin, but also had a significant advantage in breaking through evil Yin!

“If Zong Chang were here, she might not even be able to contend with me using Jueyin. Only because Wei Xuan was here could he use Jueyin divine abilities to break my Crimson Arrowhead. But how much understanding do you, Tuoba Ci, have of Jueyin? ...I just don't know where this Jueyin came from... It doesn't seem like a spirit artifact either.”

His long halberd swept across without obstruction. Upon seeing this, Tuoba Ci merely frowned, subtly rolled up his sleeve, and like Zong Chang in the past, fell into the darkness, reappearing elsewhere, abruptly raising his brows.

The treasured seal had already descended from the sky!

Regardless of their strength, the Tuoba clan disciples' treasured seal, a replica of a magic artifact, always inspired dread. Though cumbersome, its power and mystery were in no way inferior. Even Li Zhouwei had to shift his body to avoid a move.

But as he retreated a step, Tuoba Ci, seeing his chance, leaped into the air. His eyes, now overflowing with amber brown, laughed: “Great Guan Azure Soul Dharma Body!”

Instantly, heaven and earth trembled, and within the descending light of the setting sun, a colossal entity rose from the ground!

This being was as large as a mountain peak, possessing a human torso. However, sharp, curved golden horns adorned its forehead, and its earlobes were exceedingly long, resting on its shoulders. Its face was majestic, and its eyes were round like precious pearls, with concentric circles of black and white patterns scanning all directions within them!

Behind this demonic entity were six arms, all of a grey-bronze color, with greenish nails. The six hands suddenly converged as one, like Mount Tai pressing down, slamming downwards with a crash!

“Boom!”

The pitch-blackness between heaven and earth flashed and vanished. The gales in the great desert grew fiercer, and the six stacked arms remained stationary. The bronze-green demonic creature suddenly stumbled.

Endless dark flames surged upwards.

Equally as massive as a mountain peak, with six arms that also eclipsed the sky, its twin faces were as majestic as flood dragons. Its jaws were sharp, its teeth dense and menacing, and dark-gold Mingyang light dripped from them, fluttering within the blood-red setting sun.

Under the gaze of all, a demonic entity surprisingly emerged from the east, from those six interlocking hands! The Dark Soul Mara Dharma Body!