"The bastards from the Bukong Sect!" Upon seeing Sun Lingtong and Yang Chanyu, Meng Chong immediately stopped his breathing exercises and stood up.
His face was livid with rage, his fighting spirit blazing like fiery flames: "Good, the very thing I was looking forward to was running into you."
"I'm going to take all of you down, especially that Mechanical Monkey."
"Bring it out!"
"I want to dismantle it!"
"Tsk," Sun Lingtong couldn't help but curl his lips upon running into Meng Chong, inwardly remarking on the annoyance.
Now was not a good time to start a fight.
Sun Lingtong, carrying the name "Ning Zhuo," knew that should a battle with Meng Chong result in a victor, it would be reported.
After the report, everyone else would know this piece of information.
A comparison would then reveal the hidden truth between these two names, thus uncovering Ning Zhuo's plans.
Sun Lingtong was worried about Ning Zhuo.
According to the current mechanism of the grand turnabout, the chances were high that Ning Zhuo would encounter others. If he was with others in the same team and suddenly heard the announcement "Ning Zhuo has eliminated Meng Chong," it would be quite embarrassing.
At that moment, those accompanying him would definitely realize that Ning Zhuo had a deeper connection with the Bukong Sect and would inevitably attack Ning Zhuo.
"Considering the relationship between Little Zhuo and Ning Jiufan, the latter would not go so far as to harm Little Zhuo's life."
"Given Zhu Xuanji's temperament, as well as the alliance with the Ning Family, he wouldn't take Little Zhuo's life either."
"But they will definitely eliminate Little Zhuo."
"If Little Zhuo were to lose the qualification to compete for the position of Palace Master of the Lava Fairy Palace, that would be even more painful than death."
Sun Lingtong deeply understood that the Lava Fairy Palace held more significance to Ning Zhuo than his own life, and it was immensely meaningful!
Sometimes, Sun Lingtong couldn't understand—how could someone as cunning and astute as Ning Zhuo be so fixated on the Lava Fairy Palace?
But then, how could Sun Lingtong, Ning Zhuo's brother, abandon him?
Since his brother was so committed to obtaining the Lava Fairy Palace, Sun Lingtong had no choice but to accompany him to the end.
Seeing Meng Chong showing signs of eagerness, with flickers of electricity already appearing on his body, Sun Lingtong quickly extended a hand: "Stop! Meng Chong, you've just been through a great battle and are heavily wounded, not yet fully recovered. I won't fight you; I don't take advantage of others' misfortunes!"
Meng Chong was taken aback and reassessed Sun Lingtong: "I underestimated you. But it doesn't matter, come on and fight."
He patted his chest: "What do these wounds count for? I've been looking forward to this moment for way too long!"
"This guy is nuts; no wonder he's from the Meng Family. Let's leave," Sun Lingtong communicated to Yang Chanyu telepathically.
Meng Chong's pupils constricted.
He might be single-minded, but his combat instincts were extremely sharp.
Merely seeing Sun Lingtong glance at Yang Chanyu, he immediately sensed that the former had no intention to fight and wanted to retreat.
Immortal Talent—Frenzied Rushing Thunder!
Lightning erupted suddenly, reaching them in a flash.
Sun Lingtong, Yang Chanyu: ?!
At that critical moment, both reacted in time to defend themselves.
After the collision, Meng Chong stopped in his place, while Sun Lingtong and Yang Chanyu were both pushed back four or five steps.
Sun Lingtong held a dagger, continuously moving his fingers. He felt a strong numbness.
Yang Chanyu, wearing a set of Mechanical Fists, locked her gaze on Meng Chong, her expression grave: "This strength is no ordinary feat! He's clearly only at the sixth level of Qi Refinement, and although I'm suppressed, I'm at the level of Qi Refining Perfection."
"No wonder Zhou Nongying was eliminated by him!"
Meng Chong, covered in flickering lightning, his eyes fiery, his will to fight burning fervently in his gaze.
He grinned, showing off pearly white teeth: "Come on, make your move!"
"There are other pressing matters; let's postpone this battle," Sun Lingtong still tried to negotiate.
"I won't allow it!" Meng Chong suddenly spoke up.
By the time he said "I," his body had already vanished from the spot.
By saying "won't," he had already fiercely clashed with Sun Lingtong, sending the latter flying away.
While saying "allow," he effortlessly parried Yang Chanyu's counterattack mid-air and easily returned to the point of attack initiation.
"Is this the Immortal Talent Mad Dash Thunder?!"
"Incredibly swift!"
Sun Lingtong and Yang Chanyu were shaken to their cores.
Teleportation Art.
Mind synchronized, the next moment, both employed the trademark technique of the Bukong Sect.
Ripples spread through the air around them, and they stepped into the ripples, passing through space and away.
The next moment, they both appeared in front of a small door.
This door was the farthest from Meng Chong.
However, as they were about to push the door open.
A bolt of lightning tore through the space, yet to be Meng Chong.
Bang, bang, bang...
In a short time, the three clashed nearly ten times!
After a series of lightning-fast exchanges, Meng Chong's figure suddenly appeared ten steps away.
Sun Lingtong was somewhat out of breath.
Yang Chanyu's expression turned thoroughly gloomy.
Meng Chong was more troublesome than they had ever imagined. Although they could temporarily escape Meng Chong through the use of the Teleportation Art,
the space within the Secret Pavilion's room was limited, and Meng Chong's speed was extremely fast. Once he reacted, he was able to immediately pursue and strike.
"Why run? Fight me!" Meng Chong was clearly excited. "Release that ape!"
Throughout the trials, the Golden Blood Battle Ape—Dashing Victory had created many setbacks and obstacles for Meng Chong.
The frustration and anger in Meng Chong's heart had accumulated to an overwhelming extent.
Especially during the second round of the palace trials when he found out that it was all Bukong Sect's doing, it nearly drove him to the edge of rage!
At the time of the palace trials, he was also quite irritable.
Because in the palace trials, cultivators didn't personally take the field, but rather released some spells and controlled mechanical artifacts.
For Meng Chong, this was simply unsatisfactory.
What he loved most was the current state—charging forward personally, dealing blows that struck flesh!
Sun and Yang pushed the door open and left.
Meng Chong followed closely behind.
As the two sides chased one another, after crossing three Secret Pavilions, Yang Chanyu's face was as calm as still water, "I'm getting a little angry!"
"Why don't we just turn around and join forces to deal with this brainless fool."
Sun Lingtong flatly refused, "No, we have to consider Ning Zhuo!"
Yang Chanyu glanced at Sun Lingtong displeasingly, "Hmph, you really do think highly of him."
"Forget it. You protect me while I cast a spell to temporarily seal off the space."
Sun Lingtong's face showed a trace of concern, "That would require at least a spell of the Foundation Establishment level, and you're merely at the Qi Refining Perfection level right now. If you forcibly use it..."
"That's why I need a moment to prepare... Stop dilly-dallying and protect me!" Yang Chanyu interrupted.
Sun Lingtong displayed a serious demeanor, took a step forward, and stood in front of Yang Chanyu.
The next moment, Meng Chong charged at them fiercely!
The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit, watching the battle, was extremely nervous.
"Meng Chong, oh, Meng Chong, you're too reckless!" it complained inwardly, very worried that Sun and Yang would be provoked and, careless of Ning Zhuo's situation, would simply eliminate Meng Chong.
If that happened, the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit's great plan for escape would suffer greatly.
Especially since it knew very well that Ning Zhuo was alone at the moment. If Sun and Yang truly made a move, the cultivators in the Secret Pavilion of Transition would hear the information about "Ning Zhuo and Yang Chanyu eliminating Meng Chong" and would most likely assume Ning Zhuo was once again colluding with Bukong Sect!
After all, it was common knowledge that Ning Zhuo had been controlled by Bukong Sect. Hearing such news, most would likely guess that Ning Zhuo was being manipulated by Bukong Sect again.
The Secret Pavilion of Transition isolated the inside from the outside. Once Meng Chong was eliminated, even though they knew the name Ning Zhuo, the secret indicating Sun Lingtong couldn't be transmitted inside the Secret Pavilion.
"This is actually an opportunity for Ning Zhuo's side."
"Meng Chong's elimination of Zhou Nongying might lead to his own diminished lifespan, giving Ning Zhuo an advantage and creating an opportunity for victory."
"Fortunately, Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo have a great relationship. Sun Lingtong is so concerned for Ning Zhuo, she is hesitating to act and doesn't realize that the opportunity for battle is right in front of her!"
The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit, as the only observer, had a deeper understanding of the situation.
"Run, Meng Chong, you imbecile!" The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit watched with heart in throat, its face full of anxiousness.
It gnashed its teeth and paced on its throne.
"Why, as a Palace Spirit, do I have so many restrictions, controlled at every turn?"
"Alone, I can't even send a message!"
The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit felt bitter and resentful.
All the cultivators participating in the palace trials had Life Hanging Threads planted in them. The Life Hanging Thread was part of the Immortal Palace's restrictions.
If it could send messages through the Life Hanging Thread, the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit could use its observer's advantage to directly guide Meng Chong on the best route.
"If only I could use the Buddha Heart Demon Seal."
Thinking this, the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit shifted its gaze to the peculiar Treasure Seal floating in midair near the throne.
Once offered by Ning Zhuo, the Treasure Seal had been hidden deep within the Immortal Palace.
Once the third round of the palace trials began, the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, the Jade Dragon Mirror, the Golden Phoenix Mirror, and the three commands of Buddha, Dao, and Demon—the most important Magic Treasures—were all moved to the main hall, awaiting the new Palace Master's reception.
Thus, apart from the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, both mirrors and the three tokens were quietly floating around the throne.
"With the Buddha Heart Demon Seal's authority corresponding to the palace trials, based on Ning Zhuo's previous cheating, I only need to harness a sliver of its power to possibly transmit a message out!"
With this thought, the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit bravely attempted.
It extended its Dragon Claw, fiercely reaching for the Buddha Heart Demon Seal.
Suddenly, clouds of mist surged on the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, blocking the Dragon Claw.
The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit didn't touch the Treasure Seal itself, and a dozen conjured Fire Whips lashed it erratically.
"Damn it, Meng Yaoyin, I didn't expect you had this trick up your sleeve!"
"What a mother raises, so grows the child. I'm truly unlucky to have encountered the two of you!"
Boom!!!
Suddenly, the heavens and the earth roared, and the Lava Fairy Palace shook violently, like a giant ship facing a colossal tsunami.
The perpetrator of this strike was the Nascent Soul level Magma Demon Ape!
It slowly closed its mouth, and the white scorching light column it had previously ejected directly pierced through a dozen mechanical buildings and sliced through nearly half of the Immortal Palace's inner ring, eventually hitting the Immortal Palace's Main Hall precisely.
Along the path of the light column, a huge gorge was formed, and the floor tiles at the bottom of the gorge were directly baked into large patches of glaze by the intense heat.
All the cultivators, mechanical artifacts, and arrays along its path were annihilated!