Chapter 279: Eliminating the Remaining Evils of the Divine Sword Sect
The two remnants of the Divine Sword Sect concealed their auras and disguised themselves as Foundation Establishment cultivators flying on swords.
“Heh heh, those cheap maids of Xuanyin Pavilion would never imagine that we would hide right under their territory.”
The middle-aged male cultivator sneered as he spoke. Beside him, the middle-aged female cultivator in the False Core Realm had a gloomy complexion and leaned weakly against his shoulder.
“Madam, hold on. Let’s find a cave abode. I’ll immediately find you a suitable body to seize.”
“Mm.” The gloomy-faced female cultivator weakly nodded.
These past years had truly been difficult for them. After being discovered by Xuanyin Pavilion, they had been fleeing the entire time.
They had been chased without a moment of peace. Later, the two simply hid on Five Dragon Island, only then managing to evade Xuanyin Pavilion’s pursuit.
However, for the past three years they had been extremely cautious, afraid of being discovered.
Only after feeling that the storm had passed did they finally come out to treat their injuries.
Her current body was on the verge of collapse and she could only resort to body seizure. Therefore, she had not gone to seek treatment and instead waited outside to provide support.
“Look ahead. Isn’t there a young and suitable body right there?”
With her body collapsing and her primordial spirit about to leave the body, her perception had become extremely sharp. She immediately noticed a female cultivator flying on a sword in the distance, faintly emitting sword intent.
“That’s quite good. This girl faintly carries sword intent. She must be a good seed of the Sword Path from some sect. But if something happens to her within Xuanyin Pavilion’s territory, it will surely cause Xuanyin Pavilion some trouble.”
Cultivators of Xuanyin Pavilion normally wore distinctive clothing and sect insignia.
The middle-aged Core Formation cultivator of the Divine Sword Sect also looked up and revealed a cruel smile.
If it were in the past, upon discovering such a good seed, the Divine Sword Sect would certainly not let her go.
But now, the Divine Sword Sect no longer existed. The two of them only wished to survive.
Only by living could there still be hope to revive the sect.
The female cultivator flying on a sword in the distance was none other than the Sword Attendant returning after delivering formation flags to Xuanyin Pavilion.
Although the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body was powerful, and she had even broken through to the mid Foundation Establishment stage recently, facing two Core Formation cultivators meant she had absolutely no chance of victory.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an, who had been secretly following behind the entire time, also discovered this scene. Killing intent suddenly appeared in his eyes.
“The Sword Attendant has been targeted.”
The Sword Attendant was the foundation of his path to Dao, and he had nurtured her for many years.
How could he possibly allow others to target her?
……
“Ling’er!”
At that moment, a streak of light appeared in the distance. It was Lin Chang’an flying on a gourd after slight disguise, lowering his aura to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
That shout caused the Sword Attendant’s fair neck to blush slightly. However, her baby-faced yet cold cheeks remained serious as she nodded and turned her flying sword.
“Cousin!”
In truth, the moment Lin Chang’an discovered she was being targeted, he had used a voice-transmission talisman to warn her. That was why this scene followed.
The two remnants of the Divine Sword Sect looked at the pair in the distance and could not help but sneer.
“I didn’t expect these two to be from the Four Seas Merchant Guild.”
When he first saw someone appear, the middle-aged Core Formation cultivator of the Divine Sword Sect hesitated slightly.
Although subduing Foundation Establishment cultivators was easy, if they had strong backgrounds, he did not want to take the risk.
But when he saw the jade token of the Four Seas Merchant Guild hanging at the newcomer’s waist—
Not only did he stop worrying, he instead revealed a cruel smile.
“Capture these two. Xuanyin Pavilion will surely have a headache for a while.”
Both of them looked young. Possessing such cultivation meant their talent was naturally excellent; otherwise they would not have been targeted as body-seizure candidates.
Furthermore, the Four Seas Merchant Guild and Xuanyin Pavilion had engaged in covert conflicts for years. Thus, their background instead became a death sentence.
“Ling’er, we still need to visit Formation Master Lin. Don’t make trouble.”
Lin Chang’an lightly wrapped an arm around the Sword Attendant’s slender waist, appearing affectionate. However, he was secretly transmitting his voice to her.
At the same time, he had already separated another clone carrying formation plates and formation flags to set up an ambush ahead.
“They’re practically rushing to their deaths. I originally planned to contact Xuanyin Pavilion… but perhaps that won’t be necessary.”
Lin Chang’an sneered inwardly. If he had to face the two alone, he naturally would not take such a risk.
But now the situation had changed.
If he could lure them to his ambush point, with a formation in place, he had full confidence.
“Cousin.”
At this moment, the Sword Attendant calmed down and secretly prepared for battle.
Over the years she had changed greatly. After switching to cultivate the Killing Origin Sword Art, her mana aura had changed significantly, so she was not recognized immediately.
Just as the two were preparing to head toward Celestial Spring Peak, a sword gleam suddenly shot from behind.
“Not good!”
Under the terrifying strike of a Core Formation cultivator, a Foundation Establishment cultivator could hardly react. But the light of a top-grade defensive spirit artifact erupted and barely blocked the attack at the critical moment.
“A Core Formation cultivator!”
Lin Chang’an, after disguise, showed a terrified expression. Seeing his top-grade defensive spirit artifact lose most of its spiritual light after just one strike, another hit would clearly destroy it.
“Senior, I am from the Four Seas Merchant Guild… Perhaps there has been some misunderstanding.”
Lin Chang’an decisively fled with the Sword Attendant while shouting a warning.
However, the two remnants of the Divine Sword Sect saw that the opponent’s top-grade spirit artifact had blocked their attack and instead revealed cruel smiles.
“It is the Four Seas Merchant Guild people that our Xuanyin Pavilion kills. Blame your guild for going too far these past years!”
The two of them harbored boundless hatred toward Xuanyin Pavilion.
Back in Yue Country, the Three Major Sects had already harbored deep enmity.
Furthermore, Xuanyin Pavilion had beaten them like drowned dogs, nearly causing their death. How could such hatred be small?
Now that they had the chance, they naturally splashed dirty water onto Xuanyin Pavilion so that Xuanyin Pavilion would be too busy to deal with them.
“Boy, leave your life behind!”
Two streaks of light rapidly chased from behind. Lin Chang’an showed an angry and shocked expression.
“Xuanyin Pavilion, you have gone too far! Aren’t you afraid of starting a war?!”
“Haha, boy, what are you? How dare you speak such big words!”
Relying on a top-grade flying spirit artifact, a Foundation Establishment cultivator could travel extremely fast, yet the Core Formation cultivators behind them continued to close in.
At this moment the Sword Attendant also recognized the pursuer. Her pupils shrank before a bone-deep hatred erupted from her.
“It’s her!”
“Good! Good! Your Xuanyin Pavilion bullies the weak!”
Lin Chang’an roared indignantly and forcibly activated his top-grade spirit artifact, causing their speed to surge again.
But from the moment of the ambush to the escape, everything happened in an instant.
Two sword gleams struck again.
Lin Chang’an smiled inwardly, realizing the plan had succeeded.
Instead of defending, he allowed the sword gleams to destroy his top-grade defensive spirit artifact. The flying gourd beneath his feet was also heavily damaged.
With a loud crash, the two fell from the sky.
Below them was a mountain peak.
“Boy, die!”
Everything happened so quickly that even the Core Formation cultivators did not think too much.
If the two had escaped a little farther, they would have abandoned the chase.
But just as the two remnants of the Divine Sword Sect transformed into streaks of light and descended into the mountain—
A red barrier suddenly rose.
“Not good!”
Their expressions drastically changed.
They were already trapped inside the formation.
From beginning to end, it had been a trap.
“How is this possible?!”
The two were shocked and furious. Their decision today had been made on the spot. How could there be a trap waiting?
In truth, everything relied on Lin Chang’an’s powerful perception.
On Five Dragon Island, within Xuanyin Pavilion’s territory, there was only one third-rank alchemist. If they wished to treat their injuries while hiding here, they could only seek that Alchemist Wen.
Everything had gone smoothly.
But Lin Chang’an’s powerful perception detected the mana aura of the person waiting outside.
It looked like coincidence, but if Lin Chang’an had not become familiar with this person’s mana aura at the trading gathering ten years ago, he would not have recognized her.
If Lin Chang’an had not sold their information to Xuanyin Pavilion earlier, they would not have hidden within Xuanyin Pavilion’s territory to play the trick of hiding under the lamp.
……
Third-rank Mid-grade Grand Formation · Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation
After obtaining the main formation plate of the Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation, Lin Chang’an had worked for years to finally repair it to the mid third rank.
Fortunately the main formation plate itself had originally been of the high third rank; otherwise he would never have had the ability.
“A third-rank formation! Who exactly are you?!”
Once the formation activated, the two remnants of the Divine Sword Sect shouted angrily.
At the same time they immediately took out third-rank restriction-breaking talismans.
These were among the few remaining they possessed.
“Trying to break the formation? You might as well stay here.”
After trapping them, Lin Chang’an sneered.
Outside the formation he might not want to fight them.
But inside the formation, he feared nothing.
To be safe, he had already secretly sent a voice transmission to Xuanyin Pavilion—though the location he gave was not here.
If things went poorly, other Core Formation cultivators from Xuanyin Pavilion could come to surround them.
No matter what, he intended to leave these two here today.
No matter how he calculated it, he would not lose.
Sword gleams flashed, interrupting the activation of the restriction-breaking talismans.
“Two fellow Daoists, it’s time for you to be on your way.”
Inside the formation, three Fire-devouring Demon Spirits emitting terrifying Core Formation auras roared forward, accompanied by over a hundred Foundation Establishment-level Fire-devouring Demon Spirits.
“It’s you! Lin Chang’an!”
The moment the formation revealed itself, they recognized him.
This formation was simply too distinctive.
Lin Chang’an no longer hid his identity and shouted coldly:
“Two fellow Daoists of the Divine Sword Sect. Back in Yue Country you placed a bounty on me. Now you have boldly entered Xuanyin Pavilion’s territory. It is only fitting that you meet your end here.”
Without hesitation, six sword gleams shot out.
Divine Ability · Sword Shadow at Will
Each sword gleam possessed the full-force power of a mid Core Formation cultivator.
Meanwhile the clone was reabsorbed into Lin Chang’an’s body.
This trump card could not be exposed easily.
If either of them escaped or spread the information, the loss would be too great.
Within the scorching formation barrier, the Sword Attendant hid at the formation core. Watching the battle between Core Formation cultivators, helplessness and determination flickered in her eyes.
She cultivated diligently.
One day she would fight alongside her master.
“Fellow Daoist, you are merely a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion. Why risk your life?”
“Haha, you two joke. Your bounties are not small.”
Lin Chang’an laughed loudly. Borrowing the formation’s power, he continually used the Fire-devouring Demon Spirits to hold them back while launching attacks himself.
“You go too far!”
The two Core Formation cultivators of the Divine Sword Sect were furious and aggrieved.
If he were not seriously injured, how could a mere early Core Formation cultivator bully him like this?
Truly, when a tiger falls to the plains, even dogs dare to insult it.
Holding the Blood Fiend Sword magical artifact, Lin Chang’an fought while maneuvering.
Inside the formation he had endless methods to slowly grind them down.
Although the Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation was a killing formation, it also possessed extremely strong concealment.
Otherwise it would not have remained so hidden within the Yunwu Mountain Range before.
Outside the mountain, everything remained peaceful.
Green mountains and clear waters made it seem as though nothing had happened.
Yet if cultivators observed carefully, they would notice an eerie stillness within the mountain.
……
“Lin Chang’an!”
Inside the formation, a furious roar erupted.
After forcibly activating a secret technique, the male cultivator temporarily restored his strength to mid Core Formation.
Lin Chang’an remained fearless. With the formation’s support, the three fearless Fire-devouring Demon Spirits launched continuous attacks.
Sword shadows clashed.
For the first time, Lin Chang’an truly felt the pressure of battling a sword cultivator.
“As expected of the Divine Sword Sect. Their Sword Path truly has some skill.”
The defensive barrier of the Water Spirit Pearl before him already showed cracks, demonstrating just how terrifying the opponent’s sword gleams were.
At the same time, the opponent was equally shocked.
Lin Chang’an’s mastery of the Sword Path was not inferior to that of the Divine Sword Sect.
Battles between sword cultivators had no dazzling spells.
Only pure, brilliant clashes of sword gleams.
Divine Ability · Giant Sword Technique
A divine ability he had not used for a long time was unleashed again.
The Blood Fiend Sword magical artifact erupted with overwhelming baleful energy as Lin Chang’an’s eyes flashed with icy killing intent.
“Haha! Lin Chang’an, I admit your Sword Path talent may not be inferior to the Blood Fiend True Lord of the past.
But you underestimate me!
Today I will show you that the foundation of sect Core Formation cultivators is far beyond what rogue cultivators like you can compare with!”
As time passed, the middle-aged cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood essence.
His face turned pale like gold paper.
But that blood essence and massive mana poured into a golden net-shaped magical artifact.
The golden net’s light surged, directly enveloping the giant sword and the Fire-devouring Demon Spirits.
For a moment, they were completely trapped.
“Sword cultivator—after losing your sword, what else do you have?!”
Taking advantage of the opening, the middle-aged cultivator of the Divine Sword Sect charged toward Lin Chang’an with wild laughter.
A terrifying streak of light rushed forward.
Lin Chang’an’s face showed fear, yet the corner of his mouth curled slightly.
Just as the cultivator prepared to defend—
A phoenix cry suddenly rang out.
At such close range, his mana shield shattered instantly, and his magical artifact was seized by the beak of the Wind-Chirp Bird.
“Not good!”
Before he could retreat, Lin Chang’an’s voice had already reached him.
In the cultivator’s disbelieving eyes, a fist glowing with spiritual light filled his vision.
Boom!
The already cracked mana shield shattered instantly.
At this moment, Lin Chang’an used his actions to answer the question—
What a sword cultivator could still do after losing his sword.
Boom!
Another punch struck.
His chest collapsed, bones shattering loudly. The middle-aged Core Formation cultivator’s eyes bulged from the devastating blow.
“A Foundation Establishment body cultivator! You—”
Before he could finish, another punch struck.
Blood sprayed everywhere as pieces of organs scattered through the air.
The cultivator finally seemed to understand something and glared venomously.
It was intentional!
A rogue cultivator managing to reach Core Formation was already a great fortune.
So how could he still have the strength to cultivate body refinement as well?
Even within their sect, few dared to cultivate both body and magic.
Core Formation cultivators were powerful, but after losing their magical artifact and their protective spiritual light shattered—
Facing Lin Chang’an’s second-rank body refinement fists—
Under repeated terrifying blows, his already injured body was destroyed.
His chest shattered.
The Golden Core in his dantian was grabbed out directly, preventing any chance of self-destruction.
This brutal scene caused the middle-aged female cultivator battling the Fire-devouring Demon Spirits to scream with bloodshot eyes.
“No!”
But in that moment of distraction—
Talisman Treasure · Blood Fiend Sword
A sword gleam pierced straight through her Six Yang Acupoint.
The immense force exploded her skull.
In the distance, the Sword Attendant stood within the formation barrier, breathing heavily.
Before her floated a golden-glowing Talisman Treasure.